As I was cleaning the kitchen floor today, the old fashioned way-- on my hands and knees, I was thinking about my grandmother. She was very healthy until died at 85. In fact she probably died of old age.
But my thoughts were of how she was always cleaning. She did most of it herself, although my grandfather did help. And it was mostly manual. In fact my Mom and I used to marvel that when I was a child and Passover was held at her house, she did all of the work herself.
Even more amazing was that back then we celebrated two nights so she did everything twice.
I think all of this exercise cleaning helped our grandmothers live healthier lives.
While I can't find any specific research the Mayo Clinic includes housework when it mentions physical activity and then talks about the benefits of exercise.
Maybe there was an emotional aspect as well. Cleaning for company brings a certain satisfaction and even joy.
And joy was what I was feeling today as I thought of my grandmother cleaning on a Friday night just as I'm doing on a Friday night. And don't tell my children, but I hope they too will feel the joy, eventually, of cleaning on a Friday night and remember her.
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday, January 28, 2011
Take Your Cold on a Walk
Sometimes it's great when what you think works, actually does. A few weeks ago I was beginning to get a cold but I went ahead with my plans to go snow shoeing in the hopes I could sweat out the cold.
Well, exercise does really help fight colds. A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that people who logged at least 20 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise—such as jogging, biking, or swimming—on five or more days per week were sick with cold or flu symptoms for just five days, on average, compared to about 8.5 days among people who exercised one day per week or less.
Furthermore regular exercisers tended to have milder symptoms when they were ill.
Why? An article on health.com quotes David Nieman, a professor of health, leisure, and exercise science at Appalachian State University, in Boone, N.C. as saying that "exercise is thought to boost the circulation of the virus-fighting white blood cells known as natural killer cells. Exercise gets these cells out…to deal with the enemy."
Another reason might be due to the endorphins which are released during exercise that in turn cause a spike in immune cells.
Well, exercise does really help fight colds. A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that people who logged at least 20 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise—such as jogging, biking, or swimming—on five or more days per week were sick with cold or flu symptoms for just five days, on average, compared to about 8.5 days among people who exercised one day per week or less.
Furthermore regular exercisers tended to have milder symptoms when they were ill.
Why? An article on health.com quotes David Nieman, a professor of health, leisure, and exercise science at Appalachian State University, in Boone, N.C. as saying that "exercise is thought to boost the circulation of the virus-fighting white blood cells known as natural killer cells. Exercise gets these cells out…to deal with the enemy."
Another reason might be due to the endorphins which are released during exercise that in turn cause a spike in immune cells.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Quick, Get Moving
Of course we all know that too much sitting, or inactivity, isn't good. But who knew it was this bad?
A new study, which appeared in the January 18 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that people who spent at least four hours per day watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer for fun were more than twice as likely as those who kept their recreational "screen time" under two hours to experience a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular problem.
Now here is the scary part -- couch potatoes were also about 50% more likely to die of any cause during the four-year study.
This was reported in an article on health.com that goes into more detail.
So here are exercise ideas you can get started on immediately.
1) Walk your dog. (If you don't have one borrow a neighbor's dog.)
I walk my 3-year-old lab 30 minutes at 6 AM and 45 minutes after dinner. It doesn't seem like exercise but believe me it is. And you can also use this time to focus on the outdoors or just appreciate all of the good things in your life. (You can always walk by yourself or with your iPod.)
2) At lunchtime, walk for 30 min. For those of us lucky enough to work in a city it's easier to find interesting places to walk. If you are in the suburb and near a mall, just walk around there. And I bet there is someone at work who would go with you. That makes it more enjoyable and less like exercise.
3) Yoga, Tai-Chi
Both of these are less strenuous forms of exercise, especially if you are exercising after work. And you don't even have to find a class as there are many good DVDs out there. Peace of mind is the beneficial side effect of this form of exercise.
A new study, which appeared in the January 18 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that people who spent at least four hours per day watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer for fun were more than twice as likely as those who kept their recreational "screen time" under two hours to experience a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular problem.
Now here is the scary part -- couch potatoes were also about 50% more likely to die of any cause during the four-year study.
This was reported in an article on health.com that goes into more detail.
So here are exercise ideas you can get started on immediately.
1) Walk your dog. (If you don't have one borrow a neighbor's dog.)
I walk my 3-year-old lab 30 minutes at 6 AM and 45 minutes after dinner. It doesn't seem like exercise but believe me it is. And you can also use this time to focus on the outdoors or just appreciate all of the good things in your life. (You can always walk by yourself or with your iPod.)
2) At lunchtime, walk for 30 min. For those of us lucky enough to work in a city it's easier to find interesting places to walk. If you are in the suburb and near a mall, just walk around there. And I bet there is someone at work who would go with you. That makes it more enjoyable and less like exercise.
3) Yoga, Tai-Chi
Both of these are less strenuous forms of exercise, especially if you are exercising after work. And you don't even have to find a class as there are many good DVDs out there. Peace of mind is the beneficial side effect of this form of exercise.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Stand Up, You'll Live Longer
I'm sure we all feel badly about how much of the day we spend sitting down. I get so restless sitting at my computer at work that my colleagues aren't surprised to find me dancing in the hallway waiting for an elevator.
But a new study by the American Cancer Society, reported on CNN, shows just how serious this is. They tracked activity levels and death rates in more than 123,000 healthy men and women for 13 years.
Women who sat for six hours a day were 40% more likely to die sooner than women who spend less than three hours sitting.
Men who spend more time sitting have a 20% increased risk of death.
Dr. Gupta explains why this happens. "Prolonged time sitting suppresses your immune system, which may increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. And your blood isn’t circulating as it should when you’re sedentary for long periods of time. When blood doesn’t flow through your veins up to your heart, it could lead to dangerous blood clot. It also has metabolic consequences – increasing your resting blood pressure and cholesterol levels."
I think all employees should ask for the desk that double as a stairmaster.
But a new study by the American Cancer Society, reported on CNN, shows just how serious this is. They tracked activity levels and death rates in more than 123,000 healthy men and women for 13 years.
Women who sat for six hours a day were 40% more likely to die sooner than women who spend less than three hours sitting.
Men who spend more time sitting have a 20% increased risk of death.
Dr. Gupta explains why this happens. "Prolonged time sitting suppresses your immune system, which may increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. And your blood isn’t circulating as it should when you’re sedentary for long periods of time. When blood doesn’t flow through your veins up to your heart, it could lead to dangerous blood clot. It also has metabolic consequences – increasing your resting blood pressure and cholesterol levels."
I think all employees should ask for the desk that double as a stairmaster.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Secret to Health in the Later Years
A few weeks ago a 77-year old man I know ( it's a relative but I want to protect his friends' identities) had a reunion with 15 of his high school friends. While they had a great time he noticed over the week that he was the healthiest one of the bunch. While he maintained his normal weight everyone else was considerably overweight, had a ton of health problems and were all on a variety of medication.
He created his good health to diligent eating patterns, proper weight, an active lifestyle and close relationships with his family.
In a new book Prime-Time Health, Dr. William Sears has compiled 10 years of work and research offering advice on how to live a long and healthy life and it turns out he suggests this same route to health. He calls his plan LEAN -- Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, Nutrition.
He encourages those in their 50s and older to begin investing in an IRAH - an Individual Retirement Account for Health. He suggests that we need to save our bodies, just like we save our money, to better enjoy our later years.
He points out that dangers of not investing in our health is that we will end up with the three Ds -- Disease, Disability and Doctors.
He points out that
*More than 50% of the adults in the U.S take prescription medications for chronic health problems
*3/4 of those 65 and older take medication for chronic illness
*25% over 65 take 5 or more medicines regularly.
His books lays out a detailed plan of what do to and how to do it in a manner that is very easy to adopt.
While many might consider being healthy in our later years an exception to the rule, it doesn't have to be that way. My relative has basically continued to the live the same life he did as a young adult (he did fine tune his eating habits over the years) and is enjoying an active and healthy life as an older adult.
He created his good health to diligent eating patterns, proper weight, an active lifestyle and close relationships with his family.
In a new book Prime-Time Health, Dr. William Sears has compiled 10 years of work and research offering advice on how to live a long and healthy life and it turns out he suggests this same route to health. He calls his plan LEAN -- Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, Nutrition.
He encourages those in their 50s and older to begin investing in an IRAH - an Individual Retirement Account for Health. He suggests that we need to save our bodies, just like we save our money, to better enjoy our later years.
He points out that dangers of not investing in our health is that we will end up with the three Ds -- Disease, Disability and Doctors.
He points out that
*More than 50% of the adults in the U.S take prescription medications for chronic health problems
*3/4 of those 65 and older take medication for chronic illness
*25% over 65 take 5 or more medicines regularly.
His books lays out a detailed plan of what do to and how to do it in a manner that is very easy to adopt.
While many might consider being healthy in our later years an exception to the rule, it doesn't have to be that way. My relative has basically continued to the live the same life he did as a young adult (he did fine tune his eating habits over the years) and is enjoying an active and healthy life as an older adult.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Feel Anxious ? Exercise
While exercise is known to help with many ailments, I doubt many people would think it can help with anxiety and depression.
But it does.
In an article in the Mayo Clinic eNewsletter, the author talks about why exercise is effective.
* Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
* Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
* Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects
Let you think that a rigorous, time-consuming routine must be followed the article points out that even small amounts of activity as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can make a difference.
But it does.
In an article in the Mayo Clinic eNewsletter, the author talks about why exercise is effective.
* Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
* Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
* Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects
Let you think that a rigorous, time-consuming routine must be followed the article points out that even small amounts of activity as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can make a difference.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Get Moving, Live Longer
In our house, as my children will tell you, the solution to any problems is to exercise. If you feel tired it will give you energy. If you are sad it will cheer you up. If your immune system is down it will bring it up. ( Click here for proof of that.)
A new study says that exercise might just save your life. In an article posted on Jan. 11 in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that each daily hour of television viewing was associated with an 18% increase in death from heart disease and an 11% in overall mortality.
The study followed 8,800 adults ages 25 and older for six and a half years.
In the article from the New York Times, the author of the study, David Dunstan of the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Victoria, Australia, made a very interesting comment. “Even if someone has a healthy body weight, sitting for long periods still has an unhealthy influence on blood sugar and blood fats.”
While I think we intuitively know that spending time sitting at work and then coming home and watching TV or sitting by the computer isn't the best for our health, it's quite surprising to see such a large increase in heart disease in deathly arising from our sedentary lifestyles.
A new study says that exercise might just save your life. In an article posted on Jan. 11 in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that each daily hour of television viewing was associated with an 18% increase in death from heart disease and an 11% in overall mortality.
The study followed 8,800 adults ages 25 and older for six and a half years.
In the article from the New York Times, the author of the study, David Dunstan of the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Victoria, Australia, made a very interesting comment. “Even if someone has a healthy body weight, sitting for long periods still has an unhealthy influence on blood sugar and blood fats.”
While I think we intuitively know that spending time sitting at work and then coming home and watching TV or sitting by the computer isn't the best for our health, it's quite surprising to see such a large increase in heart disease in deathly arising from our sedentary lifestyles.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Exercise Can Helps Kids Boost Intelligence
For years I have been telling my children that exercise is the answer to everything -- better health, better attitudes and lower stress.
Now it seems exercise might make them smarter as well. A study published last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that teenage males who were in good cardiovascular shape performed better on various cognitive tests at age 18 than kids who werent' as fit.
It even worked for kids who weren't in that great of shape to start with and improved their level of fitness from ages 15-18.
In an article on MSNBC the author of the study Georg Kuhn, a professor at the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation at the University of Gothenburg said that while he didn't feel this study by itself is conclusive, when it it viewed with other studies "we can assume that better cardiovascular fitness may optimize cognitive performance and academic achievements.”
Now it seems exercise might make them smarter as well. A study published last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that teenage males who were in good cardiovascular shape performed better on various cognitive tests at age 18 than kids who werent' as fit.
It even worked for kids who weren't in that great of shape to start with and improved their level of fitness from ages 15-18.
In an article on MSNBC the author of the study Georg Kuhn, a professor at the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation at the University of Gothenburg said that while he didn't feel this study by itself is conclusive, when it it viewed with other studies "we can assume that better cardiovascular fitness may optimize cognitive performance and academic achievements.”
Friday, November 20, 2009
Exercise Creates Cells That Induce Calmness
A recent article in the New York Times stated that scientists have known for quite a while that exercise stimulates the creation of new brain cells. I didn't know that. Does everyone?
Anyway in experiments with rats who exercised, it turns out that running created a brain that was biochemically and molecularly calm. The rats did not react to stress in the same way that rats who had not exercise did.
It seems that exercise can actually remodel the brain, making it more resistant to stress.
The article quoted Michael Hopkins, a graduate student affiliated with the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Laboratory at Dartmouth, who has been studying how exercise differently affects thinking and emotion as saying: “It looks more and more like the positive stress of exercise prepares cells and structures and pathways within the brain so that they’re more equipped to handle stress in other forms.It’s pretty amazing, really, that you can get this translation from the realm of purely physical stresses to the realm of psychological stressors.”
And interestingly is the cumulative effective of exercise that has the most benefit. In experiments done at the University of Colorado, rats that ran for only three weeks did not show much reduction in stress-induced anxiety, but those that ran for at least six weeks did.
Anyway in experiments with rats who exercised, it turns out that running created a brain that was biochemically and molecularly calm. The rats did not react to stress in the same way that rats who had not exercise did.
It seems that exercise can actually remodel the brain, making it more resistant to stress.
The article quoted Michael Hopkins, a graduate student affiliated with the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Laboratory at Dartmouth, who has been studying how exercise differently affects thinking and emotion as saying: “It looks more and more like the positive stress of exercise prepares cells and structures and pathways within the brain so that they’re more equipped to handle stress in other forms.It’s pretty amazing, really, that you can get this translation from the realm of purely physical stresses to the realm of psychological stressors.”
And interestingly is the cumulative effective of exercise that has the most benefit. In experiments done at the University of Colorado, rats that ran for only three weeks did not show much reduction in stress-induced anxiety, but those that ran for at least six weeks did.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Is the Guy in the Next Cubicle Doing Yoga?
I just love it when the holistic world moves into the workplace.
Many of us have been doing yoga forever but I don't know that we'd pop into the conference room and lunch do a Sun Salutation. (Although I have been caught doing part of it in our office kitchen while waiting for the coffee to brew. I just get polite smiles.)
Well yoga at work is a good thing according to a study in Health Education & Behavior which reports that 20 minutes per day of guided workplace meditation and yoga, combined with six weekly group sessions, can lower feelings of stress by more than 10% in sedentary office employees.
An article on BNET provides more details including some poses you can do at work.
I just love it when the holistic world moves into the workplace.
Many of us have been doing yoga forever but I don't know that we'd pop into the conference room and lunch do a Sun Salutation. (Although I have been caught doing part of it in our office kitchen while waiting for the coffee to brew. I just get polite smiles.)
Well yoga at work is a good thing according to a study in Health Education & Behavior which reports that 20 minutes per day of guided workplace meditation and yoga, combined with six weekly group sessions, can lower feelings of stress by more than 10% in sedentary office employees.
An article on BNET provides more details including some poses you can do at work.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Exercise Can Make You Happy
While it sounds like a gimmick, it's true. And if you don't believe me ask the Mayo Clinic.
In article about how exercise improves your health, the clinic explains why working out puts you in a better mood.
"Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression."
All that for the cost of just moving around.
One of my favorite ways of getting exercise is by offering my many opinions on life to my teenager daughter. She can move very quickly from home to room, upstairs and down to avoid my wisdom and I get a really great workout.
While it sounds like a gimmick, it's true. And if you don't believe me ask the Mayo Clinic.
In article about how exercise improves your health, the clinic explains why working out puts you in a better mood.
"Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression."
All that for the cost of just moving around.
One of my favorite ways of getting exercise is by offering my many opinions on life to my teenager daughter. She can move very quickly from home to room, upstairs and down to avoid my wisdom and I get a really great workout.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Exercise Curbs Appetite
In a recent blog post I commented that an unexpected side benefit of my new exercise program was that I had a significant reduction in my appetite. Turns out this wasn't just my imagination.
In a study done at the University of Chile Clinical Hospital in Santiago, Dr. A. Veronica Araya identified a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the study, as reported by Reuters, BDNF levels were measured in a test group that had exercised using a treadmill and a bicycle.
At the end of the 3-month exercise period, study subjects showed a significant drop in body weight, waist size, and percentage body fat.
They also experienced a fall in blood pressure.
In a recent blog post I commented that an unexpected side benefit of my new exercise program was that I had a significant reduction in my appetite. Turns out this wasn't just my imagination.
In a study done at the University of Chile Clinical Hospital in Santiago, Dr. A. Veronica Araya identified a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the study, as reported by Reuters, BDNF levels were measured in a test group that had exercised using a treadmill and a bicycle.
At the end of the 3-month exercise period, study subjects showed a significant drop in body weight, waist size, and percentage body fat.
They also experienced a fall in blood pressure.
Monday, January 05, 2009
The Joy Of Exercise
I have written many times about studies that show that exercise can help with a variety of health issues. But this time I'm writing about a personal experience.
Over the recent holiday vacation I took advantage of the time I had to start a new, very intensive exercise program. As I have exercised regularly for many more years than I will reveal, I decided it was time to kick it up a notch.
This particular program calls for a 6 day a week, hour long program that works various parts of the body and includes a cardio workout and a yoga workout.
My results have been quite unexpected. The first is that for some reason when I am exercising at this high level I seem to lose my appetite. As I eat less I not only feel better but I have more energy. Instead of falling asleep at my usual 10 PM I can now stay awake for at least another hour, adding 5 more hours to my life. It's been great.
My mood and sense of well-being has improved as well. And I'm only finishing up week 2.
So my point is that even if you exercise regularly find something that can challenge you and that you enjoy and the health benefits will just flow right to you.
I have written many times about studies that show that exercise can help with a variety of health issues. But this time I'm writing about a personal experience.
Over the recent holiday vacation I took advantage of the time I had to start a new, very intensive exercise program. As I have exercised regularly for many more years than I will reveal, I decided it was time to kick it up a notch.
This particular program calls for a 6 day a week, hour long program that works various parts of the body and includes a cardio workout and a yoga workout.
My results have been quite unexpected. The first is that for some reason when I am exercising at this high level I seem to lose my appetite. As I eat less I not only feel better but I have more energy. Instead of falling asleep at my usual 10 PM I can now stay awake for at least another hour, adding 5 more hours to my life. It's been great.
My mood and sense of well-being has improved as well. And I'm only finishing up week 2.
So my point is that even if you exercise regularly find something that can challenge you and that you enjoy and the health benefits will just flow right to you.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Tai Chi Can Reduce Anxiety
Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese form of self-defense, is so popular that even insurance companies' TV commercials show people performing these graceful moves. By now I'm guessing everyone knows that it can reduce stress, especially if done on a regular basis.
But other studies are showing that there are many benefits to incorporating this type of exercise into your daily routine.
Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese form of self-defense, is so popular that even insurance companies' TV commercials show people performing these graceful moves. By now I'm guessing everyone knows that it can reduce stress, especially if done on a regular basis.
But other studies are showing that there are many benefits to incorporating this type of exercise into your daily routine.
In a recent article by Mayo Clinic. com, research has shown that tai chi may offer numerous benefits including:
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Improving balance and coordination
- Reducing the number of falls
- Improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day
- Slowing bone loss in women after menopause
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving cardiovascular fitness
- Relieving chronic pain
- Improving everyday physical functioning
Friday, January 11, 2008
Yoga for Weight Loss?
While I will confess to having bought a CD with this title and am using it, I wasn't sure it would actually lead to weight loss. It makes me more relaxed and I am getting physically stronger but according to an article on Health, depending on the type of yoga I do I will lose weight as well.
The type of yoga the article refers to is ashtanga or power yoga. A 150-pound woman can work off more than 460 calories during a single hour of power yoga (versus around 170 calories for a traditional yoga session).
It's funny that while most of us use yoga as a quiet meditative form of exercise, we can now use this ancient tradition to cure our modern problem of obesity.
While I will confess to having bought a CD with this title and am using it, I wasn't sure it would actually lead to weight loss. It makes me more relaxed and I am getting physically stronger but according to an article on Health, depending on the type of yoga I do I will lose weight as well.
The type of yoga the article refers to is ashtanga or power yoga. A 150-pound woman can work off more than 460 calories during a single hour of power yoga (versus around 170 calories for a traditional yoga session).
It's funny that while most of us use yoga as a quiet meditative form of exercise, we can now use this ancient tradition to cure our modern problem of obesity.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2008 Is The Year To Go Natural!
While that sounds a little racy, what I mean is that this the year that people will be looking at natural ways to improve their healthy and lifestyle.
All of us want to incorporate Mother Nature's healing ways into our lives but sometimes find it hard to organize it into a way that makes sense and is easy-to-use. What has worked for me over the past 15 years is what I call the Selko Method which is a 5 step approach:
1) Nutrition
2) Exercise
3) Stress Reduction
4) Home Remedies
5) Outlook on Life.
For ideas on how to incorporate these five steps into your daily life visit my plan.
I wish everyone a year filled with good health and joy!
Adrienne
While that sounds a little racy, what I mean is that this the year that people will be looking at natural ways to improve their healthy and lifestyle.
All of us want to incorporate Mother Nature's healing ways into our lives but sometimes find it hard to organize it into a way that makes sense and is easy-to-use. What has worked for me over the past 15 years is what I call the Selko Method which is a 5 step approach:
1) Nutrition
2) Exercise
3) Stress Reduction
4) Home Remedies
5) Outlook on Life.
For ideas on how to incorporate these five steps into your daily life visit my plan.
I wish everyone a year filled with good health and joy!
Adrienne
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Small Exercise Goals Work
Figuring that I have one last shot this Fall to take those few extra pounds off, I consulted with a friend who is a personal trainer and he suggested that I take small steps to achieve my goal.
As I exercise constantly and am one of the few who love doing it, he said I could just ratchet it up a little. So I'm adding jogging, every other day to my routine. He said I need to start very slowly, only 15 min every other day and work up in five minute increments weekly.
15 minutes didn't seem so bad until I realized that the last 5 minutes of route in my neighborhood was a hill. First day I didn't make it but I did on the second day. What seemed silly to me was how proud I was of myself for making it up that hill. The next time I jogged I even made it for 20 minutes without stopping.
I lost a little weight and lost some inches and that's all in a week! I was amazed this little goal had such an effect.. not only on my body ... but on my mind.
Figuring that I have one last shot this Fall to take those few extra pounds off, I consulted with a friend who is a personal trainer and he suggested that I take small steps to achieve my goal.
As I exercise constantly and am one of the few who love doing it, he said I could just ratchet it up a little. So I'm adding jogging, every other day to my routine. He said I need to start very slowly, only 15 min every other day and work up in five minute increments weekly.
15 minutes didn't seem so bad until I realized that the last 5 minutes of route in my neighborhood was a hill. First day I didn't make it but I did on the second day. What seemed silly to me was how proud I was of myself for making it up that hill. The next time I jogged I even made it for 20 minutes without stopping.
I lost a little weight and lost some inches and that's all in a week! I was amazed this little goal had such an effect.. not only on my body ... but on my mind.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Exercise More Effective Than Drugs In Fighting Depression
Although there have been reports about how effective exercise is when trying to beat depression, the news out yesterday was pretty strong.
According James A. Blumenthal, a professor of psychology at Duke University regular exercise could help lift the cloud of major depression as effectively as an antidepressant, new research shows. This was the first controlled clinical trial, according to the article in the LA Times.
The reason for the effect is that exercise can increase endorphin or serotonin levels, so-called feel-good brain chemicals.
Those of us who have exercised for years know how much better you emotionally after working out. I'm just so glad that for those people who need scientific proof of things they can now turn to exercise first rather than anti-depressant medications which in the past year have been shown to have very serious side effects -- especially in children.
Although there have been reports about how effective exercise is when trying to beat depression, the news out yesterday was pretty strong.
According James A. Blumenthal, a professor of psychology at Duke University regular exercise could help lift the cloud of major depression as effectively as an antidepressant, new research shows. This was the first controlled clinical trial, according to the article in the LA Times.
The reason for the effect is that exercise can increase endorphin or serotonin levels, so-called feel-good brain chemicals.
Those of us who have exercised for years know how much better you emotionally after working out. I'm just so glad that for those people who need scientific proof of things they can now turn to exercise first rather than anti-depressant medications which in the past year have been shown to have very serious side effects -- especially in children.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Exercise Can Beat Colds
As someone who has exercised her whole life, I can tell you that the many, many, benefits of exercise have yet to be discovered. Yet, we seem to like to study things to make sure they are good before we do them. Amazing how we willingly eat food not good for us before we study that!
Anyway a report today says that moderate daily exercise -- defined as 30 minutes a day -- can prevent colds. This was reported in the November issue of the American Medical Journal.
More specifically, post menopausal women's chances of getting a cold were reduced by 50% in a study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Are women now classified as pre or post menopausal?
Exercise is good for everyone (especially dogs). It lowers our stress, it builds up our immune systems. It can fight depression and lessen the symptoms of allergies. It keeps our systems oiled and our minds clear.
Let's all exercise... not just post menopausal women!
As someone who has exercised her whole life, I can tell you that the many, many, benefits of exercise have yet to be discovered. Yet, we seem to like to study things to make sure they are good before we do them. Amazing how we willingly eat food not good for us before we study that!
Anyway a report today says that moderate daily exercise -- defined as 30 minutes a day -- can prevent colds. This was reported in the November issue of the American Medical Journal.
More specifically, post menopausal women's chances of getting a cold were reduced by 50% in a study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Are women now classified as pre or post menopausal?
Exercise is good for everyone (especially dogs). It lowers our stress, it builds up our immune systems. It can fight depression and lessen the symptoms of allergies. It keeps our systems oiled and our minds clear.
Let's all exercise... not just post menopausal women!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Exercise & Joy
These two words do not generally appear together in the same sentence, let alone the same thought, but it is possible. I am a witness!
This holiday weekend I found myself alone in my house for a few hours -- a rare occurrence.
I knew I should use the time to exercise, which I generally enjoy, but on a holiday weekend it someone didn't seem the thing to do. So instead I grabbed one of my daughter's CD's. She's a teenager so I might have to explain for those of you who don't have teenagers or do and make it a specific point not to listen to the music, that the beat is very fast. And some of the music is really good.
I found myself dancing to this music for about 45 minutes and with the quick beat got quite a workout. And it was FUN!!. I remembered back to the time when I was a teenager and music was the essence of your soul. You could dance with abandoned joy and let the music tune out the world.
Dancing like this I felt 16 again -- the fun part of 16 and had a great time.
I highly recommend this type of exercise. It's good for the body and mind. (But make sure only the dog can see you!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
