perks « Blue Sky Living

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 derriÃ¨re 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......

Your weight loss plan in three simple steps

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......

Two, fun, medicine ball exercises for your core

[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 coreâ�¦ 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......

Reader question: Why do you love running so much?

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 ......

Why are you working out?

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. ......

Mar

Reader question: Why do you love running so much?

Posted by Admin on uncategorized

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 minute as running. Check it out…

Table:

110 lb woman, 3 miles, 215 calories

130 lb woman, 3 miles, 255 calories

150 lb woman, 3 miles, 294 calories

170 lb woman, 3 miles, 333 calories

True, other cardiovascular activities come close to these stats, but in my opinion, they aren’t nearly as much fun. I can spend 40 minutes running through the woods and enjoy nature, or I can spend 40 minutes on an elliptical machine smelling the garlic spew from the pores of the sweaty guy next to me. And by the way, rec center staff, ESPN is not enjoyable to women, even when displayed on a fancy flat screen TV. Naw, it is outdoor running that I like – even when it involves chasing turkey vultures out of my way as I go. Now back to the topic of calories…

Tip: Want to find out how many calories you burn running? Look it up on Run the Planet. Enter your weight, gender and distance or speed and the handy calculator does the thinking for you!

Running has many perks

Running is appropriate for a variety of fitness levels, and virtually any age can participate. Leave from your doorstep, cruise a scenic trail, or wind your way through Chicago’s historic neighborhoods. There is no shortage of places to run, and no telling what you’ll see along the way.
Running is easy to learn. While running for sport and competition does require good form and some knowledge of proper training progression, the skill required is low compared with other sports, such as tennis or golf. Regardless of your size, age, speed, or experience level, whether your goal is fitness, weight loss, or competition — nearly anyone can run.
Running is portable. How many activities can you think of where you can wear your equipment, and that is all that is required to begin your workout?
You can take it with you when you travel. There is nothing better than sightseeing on foot, and if you are a runner, you can see it all a bit faster. Quaint cafes, one-of-a-kind boutiques, off-the-beaten-path art galleries, and unique neighborhoods are among the many hidden treasures and well-kept secrets that would be easily missed when traveling by car.
With enough practice, running can become a competitive endeavor for your. From 5K to ultra-marathons, there is a challenge ripe for the picking, no matter what your level of fitness may be. This may possibly be what I like most about running – the dangling carrot.

So there you have it. I’m hip on running – other people, not so much, and that is fine. The important thing is to find an activity (preferably a physical activity that you enjoy, and will stick with, for the long haul. I won’t hold it against you if you hate running too.

If you’d like to give running another shot, you might like to read, “Run/Walk/Jog: Footprints toward fitness,” to learn about getting started, even if you have no experience. Also, “Running Resources” is chock full of, well, running resources, from trail and map information, to running groups for women.

Have a favorite activity other than running? Let’s hear it…