HEALTH AND FITNESS

Forks Over Knives

Posted in DAILY INSPIRATIONS, FOOD AND WINE, HEALTH AND FITNESS on November 27th, 2010 by Lisa – 1 Comment

I love that this important health information is becoming more and more mainstream.  How connected are diet and disease?

What has happened to us? Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure.

Two out of every three of us are overweight. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug. Major medical operations have become routine, helping to drive health care costs to astronomical levels. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country’s three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to “battle” these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases.

Could it be there’s a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive but so utterly straightforward, that it’s mind-boggling that more of us haven’t taken it seriously?

FORKS OVER KNIVES – In Theaters March 11, 2011

Please visit the official website:

http://forksoverknives.com/

Workout of the Week – HILL CLIMBING!

Posted in HEALTH AND FITNESS on April 19th, 2010 by Lisa – Be the first to comment

Give it your ALL!

Hill Climbing!

Find your nearest large hill – think where you go tobogganing or hiking. Use this hill to run… and I mean RUN! First begin with your favourite warm up. And begin:

• Run up the hill – Full out sprints UP – yes, I said UP the hill!

• Walk or jog back down.

• Side squat your way up leading with your right foot.

• Walk or jog back down.

• Side squat up again, leading with your left foot this time.

• Walk or jog back down.

step squat, step squat - all the way up!

REST – drink some water and rest for 30 seconds.

REPEAT SEQUENCE x 3

This will quickly improve your cardiovascular abilities as well as remarkably tone your buns, thighs and abs also!!

This is easier if you have a buddy to race up the hills with!

HOO-HA!

Enjoy!

How to Clean a Yoga Mat

Posted in DAILY INSPIRATIONS, HEALTH AND FITNESS on April 11th, 2010 by Lisa – Be the first to comment

Did you know…

YOU CAN CLEAN YOUR YOGA MAT IN THE WASHER AND DRYER?!

Outrageous? I thought so, but it truly works!

My friend, the “yoga-girl”, said so.

Wash in gentle cycle in cold water. Follow with low, cool tumble-dry in dryer. Heat will break down the mat, so ensure it’s not hot.

Cool huh?

10 minutes to GREAT abs!

Posted in HEALTH AND FITNESS on March 30th, 2010 by Lisa – Be the first to comment

Okay, busy moms, this week we are focusing on those tired, but much needed ABS!

Complete each of these exercises for 30 seconds – one after the other without rest. Once you’ve completed all four, rest for 30 seconds and repeat set. Complete all 4 exercises 4 times. Should only take 10 minutes. Repeat a 5th time if you have the time ;o)

Exercise ball crunch:

ball crunch


Sit on the ball and slowly walk your feet forward until the ball rests comfortably under your lower back. Place your hands behind your head and crunch forward. Contract your abs, pull your navel into your spine and keep your eyes forward. Remember to keep your chin off your chest. As your curl up, keep the ball stable – no rolling. Lower back down. Repeat.

Bicycle Crunches:

Bicycle crunch


Lie face up on the floor and place your hands behind your head. Bring your knees up towards the chest and lift the shoulder blades off the ground (do not pull on your neck. Straighten your left leg while at the same time, turn your upper body to the right, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee. Switch sides, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee. Continue alternating sides in a smooth ‘pedaling’ motion.

Low Plank:

Low Plank


Lie on your stomach and prop yourself up with your forearms. Ensure your shoulders line up with your elbows. Curl your toes under, tighten or engage your abs and lift your body off the ground. Hold – keep your body in a straight line. BREATH! If you want more of a challenge, raise up onto your hands, aligning your wrists and shoulders.

Low Side Plank:

Low Side Plank


Lie on your side and prop yourself up on your right elbow. Stack your feet, so one foot is on top of the other. Raise your hip off the floor so you are in a straight line from head to toes. Tighten your abs, relax your neck. BREATH! Hold for 30 seconds, change sides. If you want more of a challenge, raise up onto your hand, aligning your wrist with your shoulder.

That’s it! These are a only a few of my favorites. Feel free to add or change to your own. Have fun!