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If you have ever suffered from sciatica, or lower lumbar problems, you understand the excruciating, sometimes immobilizing pain associated with flare-ups. Often recognizable by an acute pain in your derrière that also radiates down into the lower leg, sciatica can cause muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, and of course, wicked pain. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, more than 65 million Americans that suffer from lower-back pain, such as sciatica, will have a recurrence of the pain within one year. (American Assoc. of Neurological Surgeons, 2000.) Therefore, see......
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Kind of reads like a magazine cover, doesn't it? In all seriousness though, there really are some simple steps that will help you achieve a weight loss goal...but you can't do just one and kinda do the other two, or only kinda do all three. Do all three, keep you eye on the ball, and you'll hit a home run. Ready? Here we go... Your Plan 1. Record your food intake daily. Include in your diet a variety of fruits and vegetables at 6-9 servings daily; 2-3 servings of lean protein; 3 servings of dairy; and quality oils. Why? Keeping track of what you eat for a few weeks (I'm not talking forever peo......
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[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="179" caption="these are "soft" weighted fitness balls"] [/caption] Some recent research shows that crunches, the old standby for ab exercises, only targets 3 of the abdominal muscles. Yet there are muscles that surround the entire core, acting as a girdle to support your spine, increase power and speed, improve stability, and oh yes, give you that six-pack look. Six-pack abs aside, you need a strong core… A strong core is your center of power. Powerhouse. Like a rocket ready to take off on a moments notice. Okay, you get the idea. When your c......
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Actually, the question went more like this: "I hate to run. It is hard. Did I already say that I hate it? Yet, you talk about running so much. Why?" There was more, but for the sake of this post, let's just say that this reader's negative feelings about running ran deep (no pun intended). Why am I so hip on running? Well, for one thing, it is hard. I like things that are hard to do. Second, it is "me" time, and often the only time I have for finishing a thought. Four kids...enough said. And finally, (and let's face it, this is important stuff) few physical activities burn as many calories per ......
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Maybe you've been on a workout train for some time, diligently going to the gym and happily taking your dose of cardio and weight training, maybe even a few classes too just to challenge yourself. Perhaps you've been on this train, per se, for years, then all of a sudden, you're okay with missing a workout, then two. The idea of going to the gym or out the door for a jog becomes a chore, when it was once something you enjoyed. Have you been there? Are you there now? If so, read on... I think I can help. True, I am a trainer, but at heart, I'm really a fitness buff and have been since college. ......
Dec

26

Did you overindulge on figgy pudding, sweet potato pie, and stuffing? I did, and then some. So up at 6:30am I was – to work it all off. Ugh. If you are finding yourself in the same boat, but also short on time (as I was), try this circuit training “emergency workout.”

1. Warm up at 50% of your max heart rate for 5 mins.

2. Cycle, run, jog, do jumping jacks, or jump rope for 3-5 minutes at 85% of your max heart rate (you will be winded).

3. Using elastic tubing or hand weights, do one set, 8-10 reps each, of squats, bicep curls, lunges, overhead presses, bent over rows, tricep extensions, push-ups, and bicycle crunches. Be sure to use resistance that adequately fatigues the muscle being exercised in the requisite number of repetitions.

4. Do another 3-5 minutes of high-intensity cardio (remember, this should be challenging!), followed by another set of the exercises in #3.

5. Repeat this cycle at least 3 times, preferably 4.

6. Be sure to include a 5 min (or longer) cool down when you’re done.

7. Stretch well!

* Note: Blue Sky Gym and the author disclaim any liability for any injury, physical or emotional, suffered during or as a result of exercise or activities recommended. As always, you should use common sense and consult your health professional before beginning any exercise routine or program.



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  1. A really useful quick-burst workout Diane, thanks. Exactly what’s needed to get us off the sofa and back into exercising.

    • Diane says:

      Sometimes a “short” workout is just what the doctor ordered. There have been many days when, short on time, it would have been easy to just do nothing at all and hope to make up the difference @ the next workout. But doing even a 20-30 minute (intense) workout helps. Over time, I know those short workouts payed off.

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