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Should I walk instead of Driving? Comparing costs

should i walk instead of driving

Are you looking for creative ways to get exercise? There are plenty of great reasons why you should walk instead of driving as this is a much better form of transportation.

Gas is very expensive right now. Walking to places which you would normally drive to is a great way to save money and get exercise at the same time.

Walking 30 Minutes A Day Burns Calories

Walking for just 30 minutes at a regular 3.5 mile per hour pace can help you burn 133 calories. If you can increase the speed you walk at, the amount of calories that you burn will also increase. This calorie burn number also varies with weight, and increases in people with higher weights.

The True Costs of Driving

If you drive the same distance in an average car which burns 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $0.35.

This may sound affordable, but the reality is that shorter trips tend to burn more gas by stopping and starting your engine. You’re also adding to carbon emissions by not walking as your vehicle will put out additional CO2. Last but not least, you’re damaging your health each time you choose a sedentary activity.

Last but not least, walking is great for your mood. It gives you an opportunity to spend time outdoors in nature. You’ll feel the sun’s light, see the green grass and blue skies on a nice day. You’ll notice things that you would not normally see if you were driving your vehicle. Walking is also fairly meditative, so you will also gain access to higher levels of creativity while doing so.

Travelling from place to place also won’t be as stressful as you will not have to deal with traffic. Walking can be good for the planet, your pocketbook and you at the same time. If you are considering if you should walk instead of driving, just walk.

June 16, 2022 by Cardio Health Tips 0

Is Drinking Water Before Exercise Good?

is drinking water before exercise good

Is drinking water before exercise a good idea is always going to be true for anyone. While drinking a heavy amount of water can make you feel very uncomfortable, your body still needs it.

Remember that 70% of your body is water. It’s easy to see the benefits of staying properly hydrated. Hydration affects your overall energy level and state of mind. Exercise makes you lose water through sweat. This means your body has less water to stay healthy.

Being dehydrated can make you feel very tired. If you routinely feel very tired throughout the day, not being properly hydrated can be the reason. Dehydration also has many other negative effects such as headaches and lower blood pressure.

Why Is Drinking Water Before Exercise Good?

The recommendation of the American Council on Exercise is that you drink 17 to 20 ounces of water 2 hours before you begin. A typical water bottle holds 16.9 ounces, so to approximate you should drink the equivalent of a single water bottle 2 hours before you begin. Drinking water before exercise gives your body enough time to absorb the water before you begin your routine

Sports Drinks – Not OK

The ads for sports drinks make these very appealing. However, it’s a much better idea to drink water instead of these sugary substitutes. Water does not include the added sugars that sports drinks include. Water also is easier for your stomach to handle.

Better hydration results in easier workouts. You’ll be more empowered to focus on your exercise routine over feeling exhausted. When you get the right amount of water, you’ll feel more energized and motivated to get exercise the next time you go to the gym instead of feeling sluggish immediately afterward.

Drinking water throughout the day also improves your overall hydration level. This can have a huge impact on your mood and overall well-being. With more water consumption, you might find more success in other areas of life because of the added health benefits.

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June 13, 2022 by Health Tips 0

No Motivation to Exercise Anymore – Top 5 reasons

no motivation to exercise anymore

Feel like you have no motivation to exercise anymore? This is never fun, especially when you have ambitious fitness goals in mind. Here are some reasons why you don’t feel like exercising, and some strategies that you can use to overcome this feeling.

1. Setting goals which are too ambitious is the #1 reason why you may have no motivation to exercise anymore

Sometimes, we bite off more than we chew in life. Exercise and fitness are no exception to this rule. You have two options if you feel your goals are too ambitious. Therefore, Try stretching out the amount of time that you have to achieve your existing goals. If you feel that your goals are simply unattainable, scale your goals down.

2. You Are Depressed

Depression is a drain on your energy. If you feel no energy to exercise, then you may want to evaluate your emotional state. Consider working with a therapist or counselor who can help you work through these feelings if they are long-term. If you are feeling depressed for a day or so, take the day off to recover.

3. Surrounded By Negativity

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a very negative atmosphere. If most of the people around you are feeling very negative, then you might want to change your environment. Find a community of supportive people who are also motivated to help you achieve your goals.

4. You Don’t Believe In Yourself

If you don’t believe in your ability to achieve your goals, then you will lose sight of your ability to achieve them. When you feel like your efforts don’t matter, then you will not feel motivated to put in any effort. You will feel that constant feeling of self-defeat which is destructive to your goals and self-esteem.

5. You Don’t Have Any Goals

It’s easier to work toward a goal than to put in effort aimlessly. You will find that you won’t be inspired to exercise when you don’t have any reason to do so. Try setting a goal first, and you will feel encouraged when you achieve the goal that you set for yourself.

If you are lacking in motivation, be a little bit introspective and try to pinpoint a reason why you aren’t feeling motivated. Find a way to connect exercise to where you want to be in life, and make sure that your goals are attainable.

June 7, 2022 by Health Tips 0

Can I Reset My Gut Microbiome by Fasting?

can i reset my gut microbiome with intermittent fasting

Can you reset your gut microbiome by fasting? Luckily, there is research on the impact of fasting upon the gut microbiome. 

One study in mice looked at restructuring the intestinal microbiome through fasting as well as prevention of age-related diseases.

The study tested gut bacteria in the mice. It compared a group of mice eating a regular diet with another group of mice which fasted for a full day every other day for 7 months.

There are trillions of bacteria in your body’s intestines, meaning there are way more bacteria in your gut than there are people on the earth! These bacteria play a very important role in your health, because they impact how your body is able to digest food. 

The researchers observed that the mice which were intermittent fasting reset their gut’s microbiome. This diet boosted their metabolism and repaired age-related oxidative damage to their bodies. With less oxidative damage, your body will be able to repair age-related damage easier.

The study of intermittent fasting also examined the blood hemoglobin levels. This was through comparing these levels between the fasting and non-fasting mice. In comparing the two groups, the researchers discovered that the fasting mice had higher hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is a major controller of blood sugar levels.

It’s also important to remember that there are plenty of tests available on the market which are designed to give you a better indication of the health of your gut microbiome. These are easy to do and can be completed in-home. They will tell you the types of intestinal bacteria that you have and the health of these bacteria.

To improve your gut health, give intermittent fasting a try!

June 4, 2022 by Health Tips 0

My Body Mass Index Is 19.1. Is That Good?

My body mass index is 19.1. Is that good?

Your body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. A BMI of 19.1 falls within the “healthy” range — between 18.5 and 24.9 — meaning that you have a healthy amount of body fat.

However, keep in mind that BMI is not a perfect measure of health, as it does not take into account factors such as muscle mass or bone density.

If you are concerned about your health, talk to your doctor about other ways to assess your fitness level. Other measures of body fat, such as waist circumference, can give you a more accurate picture of your health. Having a BMI of 19.1 means that you have a healthy amount of body fat.

Remember, BMI is just one tool to help you assess your overall health. It’s not the be-all and end-all. If you have any concerns about your health, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what steps you need to take to stay healthy and fit.

How Do You Calculate BMI?

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

To calculate BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. You can also use our BMI calculator.

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 is considered healthy, 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and 30 or greater is considered obese.

BMI does not directly measure body fat but research has shown that it is a good indicator of body fatness for most people. However, there are some limitations to using BMI:

  • It may overestimate body fat in people who have a lot of muscle (such as athletes) or who are pregnant.
  • It may underestimate body fat in older adults and people who have lost muscle mass (such as those with a wasting disease).

How Do I Know If I Am Overweight Or Obese?

Your health care provider can measure your body fat directly, but this is usually done only in research settings.

More often, health care providers use BMI to estimate whether someone is overweight or obese. You can also calculate your own BMI using our BMI calculator.

  • Adults with a BMI of 30 or greater are considered obese.
  • Adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight.
  • Adults with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 are considered a healthy weight.

Children and teens have different definitions of overweight and obesity because they are growing and developing at different rates.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a BMI calculator for children and teens that takes into account their age and gender.

What Are The Health Risks Of Being Overweight Or Obese?

Overweight and obesity increase your risk for many health conditions, including:

  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Stroke.
  • Gallbladder disease.
  • Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint).
  • Sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep) and respiratory problems.

Being overweight or obese also increases your risk of some cancers, including endometrial, breast, colon, gallbladder, kidney, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer.

What Is A Healthy BMI Score?

A healthy BMI score is between 20 and 25. A score below 20 indicates that you may be underweight; a score above 25 indicates that you may be overweight.

If your BMI is:

  • Below 18.5, you are considered underweight.
  • Between 18.5 and 24.9, you are considered a healthy weight.
  • Between 25 and 29.9, you are considered overweight.
  • Above 30, you are considered obese.
  • Above 40, you are considered morbidly obese.

If you are considered overweight or obese, it is important to speak to your GP about losing weight in a healthy way. They may be able to refer you to a dietitian or other healthcare professional for further help.

How Can I Maintain A Healthy Weight?

There are many factors that contribute to a person’s weight. Genetics, age, gender, metabolism, and lifestyle all play a role in how much a person weighs.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and well-being. Being overweight or obese increases the risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

There are several things you can do to maintain a healthy weight:

1. Eat a healthy diet. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats.

2. Get regular exercise. Exercise not only helps you lose weight, but it also helps to keep your weight down. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

3. Avoid tobacco use. Tobacco products are not only harmful to your health, but they can also lead to weight gain. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.

4. Control stress levels. Stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating or excessive drinking. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or time with friends and family.

5. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain by affecting hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and well-being. There are several things you can do to maintain a healthy weight, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding tobacco use, controlling stress levels, and getting enough sleep. By taking these steps, you can improve your health and reduce your risk for chronic diseases.

Conclusion

While BMI is not the only indicator of health, it can be a helpful tool in assessing whether you may be at risk for health problems associated with being overweight or obese.

If your BMI falls into the “overweight” or “obese” categories, don’t panic, there are many things you can do to improve your health and maintain a healthy weight.

Start by making small changes to your diet and physical activity habits, and consult your doctor for advice on how to create an individualized plan that works best for you.

May 28, 2022 by Exercise Tips Health Tips obesity 0

Home Exercise Burnout – What To Do When You are Too Emotionally Drained

Home Exercise Burnout

At some point in our lives, most of us feel burned out on what we do daily. That feeling of home exercise burnout comes because they have lost interest in their home exercise routine.

If you have this feeling about exercise, then you aren’t alone. But, the good news is that there are steps you can take to overcome these feelings and feel re-energized.

  1. Do It With A Friend

Exercise is dull when we are doing it alone. With a friend, it can become more interesting as the two of you are “in it together.” You’ll have someone to motivate you, and someone to talk to.

2. Do it Differently

Boredom results when you are doing things repetitively. If you vary the types of exercises that you do, then you’ll find your routine to be more interesting if you are changing things up regularly.

3. Challenge yourself

Part of keeping yourself motivated is that you should set goals which inspire you to work hard and set goals. Aim to do better on the next day than you did the day before and you’ll find yourself excited to exercise.

4. Take time off

Feeling completely emotionally drained means that you will need to find some time for yourself in order to recover from stress. If you take time to yourself to emotionally recover, then you will find that you can perform better in your exercise routine going forward. Stress accumulates over time and harms our emotional and mental health.

5. Visualize

Visualize the vitality and health that you will have if you are consistently sticking to an exercise routine. The mental clarity, sense of drive and purpose, and better physical appearance. Use this as a motivating tool to keep yourself inspired through the emotional challenges and roadblocks that you are facing right now.

As long as you’re willing to push through, it’s easy to get past those feelings of home exercise burnout and have a successful routine.

May 19, 2022 by Exercise Tips Motivation 0

US Obesity Epidemic – Why Is Obesity So Commonplace

Most likely, you are aware that obesity is a major problem in the US and even globally.

Obesity is a result of excess body fat. It leads to other serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease and more.

Unfortunately, we often live sedentary lifestyles. This is also combined with high levels of stress that we encounter in our careers and day-to-day lives. The combination of these two factors lead us to consume too much food while getting not enough exercise.

Higher levels of stress trigger eating as a coping mechanism as this provides a quick release of feel good chemicals in the brain. With each dopamine release, a person is more likely to become addicted to this sensation caused by eating.

This is coupled with the fact that the unhealthiest foods are often the most affordable. Fast food restaurants can feed an entire family for very cheaply, while a healthier alternative is more or less not unaffordable.

The solution to avoiding obesity is simple:

  1. Get regular exercise that will help you burn fat
  2. Eat a balanced diet with a reasonable amount of calories
  3. Avoid cheap, low-quality foods

It’s really simple and easy to avoid the challenges of obesity! By taking a few basic measures, you’re able to overcome many of the common risks.

May 11, 2022 by Health Tips obesity 0

Muscles Burn When I’m Exercising – Why?

Lactic acid burn during exercise

Have you ever gone for a quick run, to only get that “burning” feeling in your legs after a few minutes? Do you begin to worry about your health when you feel like your “muscles burn while i’m exercising.”

It’s never a fun experience when this happens. You’re constantly asking yourself why do my muscles burn when I’m exercising? You also feel like you’re the only one who this happens to and begin to question your level of physical fitness. You may even worry that you have a medical problem.

Intense cardio exercise creates that feel of the “burn” in your muscles because your body isn’t getting less oxygen from what you are breathing in.

Normally, your body gets the energy it needs from a process called respiration that converts oxygen and sugar to energy. Because your body is getting less oxygen while you are exercising, it has to switch to glycolysis. The problem with glycolysis is that it makes energy with lactic acid as one of its byproducts. The acid that it produces is the reason behind the burn.

1. Reason #1 For “My muscles burn while i’m exercising” – You Need To Drink A Lot of Water

Dehydration alone is enough to cause the lactic acid buildup in the muscles. Water can help to move some of these acid byproducts out of your body. Try to drink a good amount of water before you plan to exercise, so that you are prepared in advance of your physical activity.

2. Breathe More

Don’t hyperventilate, but try to breathe a bit more while you are exercising. If you get more air in your lungs, your body will have more oxygen to use in order to convert sugar to ATP.

3. Take Breaks

Lactic acid production stops immediately when you stop physical activity. If you take breaks during your exercise sessions, your body will have time to catch up and consume a regular amount of oxygen. Allow your breathing rate to catch back up to normal, and you’ll find that your soreness goes away.

When you take some basic steps to avoid soreness, you’ll find that the sore sensation goes away. When you don’t feel as sore, you’re more likely to enjoy your workouts. Furthermore, you’ll be more willing to get exercise the next day instead of being tempted to skip a day because you’re too sore to exercise. Hopefully, you won’t have to wonder why your muscles burn while I’m exercising again.

May 4, 2022 by Health Tips 0

How does stretching make the body more loose and flexible over time?

how does stretching work

Stretching has major benefits for your body’s overall flexibility.

However, it takes time for you to see the results of the effort that you are putting in.

You’ll be surprised to realize that even a little bit of stretching goes a long way to improving your muscle flexibility. Researchers indicated that over an 8-week period, even 15 to 30 seconds per day of stretching a single muscle can improve its range of motion.

Stretching has a huge payoff for the small amount of time required. This is great to remember if you’re ever busy, or you just don’t have enough time to get exercise in the day. If you do a little bit of stretching each day, at a minimum you are able to do something which will improve your flexibility.

Stretching repeatedly (over time) extends a muscle outward. Not only does that help to strengthen the muscle that you’re stretching, you’re helping to expand the muscle.

There are two ways to stretch. The first way is to extend the muscle fully out and hold for the desired period of time. The second is to repeatedly extend the muscle out and pull it back in.

In case you haven’t thought about it, give stretching a try!

March 31, 2022 by Stretching 0

What Are Some Good Exercises to Reduce Both Belly Fat And Lower Back Pain?

Got belly fat and lower back pain? Here are some exercises which can help you burn calories while reducing that lower back pain.

1. Crunches

Crunches are a great way to target both the stomach and the lower back. To do a crunch, lie down on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.

Place your hands behind your head and slowly lift your shoulders off the ground, contracting your abs as you do. Return to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

2. Pilates

Pilates is a great way to strengthen the core muscles, which can help reduce belly fat and lower back pain.

To do Pilates, you will need a mat or other soft surface to practice on. Start in a tabletop position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees directly below your hips.

Tuck your chin and curl your back, bringing your shoulder blades off the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

3. Yoga

There are many different types of exercise that can help reduce belly fat and lower back pain, but one of the most effective is yoga.

Yoga combines stretching and strength training with deep breathing, which helps to improve flexibility, circulation, and overall strength. It also helps to calm the mind and relieve stress, which can aggravate both belly fat and lower back pain.

There are a variety of yoga poses that can help reduce belly fat and lower back pain, but some of the most effective include the following:

Camel Pose:

This pose helps to stretch the abdominal muscles and improve flexibility in the spine.

Child’s Pose:

This pose also stretches the abdominal muscles, and helps to release tension in the lower back.

Puppy Pose:

This pose helps to stretch the hips, thighs, and ankles, as well as relieve tension in the lower back.

Bridge Pose:

This pose strengthens the glutes and hamstrings, while also stretching the chest and spine. It can help to relieve tension in the lower back.

Fish Pose:

This pose stretches the entire back body, and helps to open the chest. It can be especially beneficial for relieving lower back pain.

To get the most out of yoga for reducing belly fat and lower back pain, it is important to find a class or instructor that is suited to your level of fitness and experience.

It is also important to practice regularly and to focus on breath work and proper alignment in each pose. With regular practice, you will see a reduction in both belly fat and lower back pain.

This exercise routine can help you achieve better posture, get rid of back pain, improve flexibility, and tone your body all at the same time.

4. Walking

Walking is a great form of low-impact cardio that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Just 30 minutes of walking each day can help you burn calories and fat, while also improving your cardiovascular health.

If you are looking to target both your belly fat and lower back pain, consider adding a brisk walk to your daily routine.

5. Swimming

Swimming is another great form of cardio that provides a low-impact workout for your joints and muscles.

When swimming, you are working all of the major muscle groups in your body, which helps to tone your entire physique.

In addition, the resistance of the water helps to build strength and endurance. If you are looking for a pool-based exercise to help reduce your belly fat and lower back pain, consider swimming laps for 30 minutes each day.

6. Cycling

One of the best exercises for reducing both belly fat and lower back pain is cycling. This low-impact cardiovascular exercise helps to burn calories and tone the muscles in your abdomen and lower back, making it an ideal choice for those looking to slim down and reduce pain.

Additionally, cycling is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. If you’re looking for a way to reduce your risk of back pain, cycling is definitely a good choice.

7. Stationary Bike

Stationary bikes are a great way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories, without putting too much strain on your back.

If you have access to a recumbent bike (the kind where you sit in a chair-like seat), that may be even better for your back, as it takes some of the pressure off.

Just make sure to adjust the seat height and distance from the handlebars so that you’re in a comfortable position.

8. Elliptical Trainer

The elliptical trainer is a great choice for a low-impact workout that will help reduce both belly fat and lower back pain.

This type of trainer provides a smooth, circular motion that is easy on the joints, making it a good option for those with arthritis or other joint issues.

In addition, the elliptical trainer can be adjusted to provide a challenging workout or an easy ride, so it is perfect for people of all fitness levels.

9. Jogging

Jogging is often recommended as a good exercise for reducing both belly fat and lower back pain. While the benefits of jogging for back pain are often overstated, the fact remains that this form of aerobic exercise can be helpful in improving overall fitness and reducing body fat.

Jogging provides a low-impact form of cardio that can help to reduce back pain by strengthening the muscles that support the spine and improving flexibility.

In addition, jogging can help to burn calories and body fat, which can lead to overall weight loss and a reduction in belly fat.

For best results, jog at a moderate pace for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week. If you are new to jogging, start slowly and build up your endurance over time. Always be sure to stretch properly before and after each jog to help reduce the risk of injury.

10. Strength Training

Exercising is a great way to reduce belly fat as well as lower back pain. However, not all exercises are created equal. Some exercises are better than others for reducing both belly fat and lower back pain.

One of the best exercises for reducing both belly fat and lower back pain is strength training. Strength training involves using weights or resistance to work your muscles. It is a great way to build muscle and burn calories.

Studies have shown that strength training can help reduce belly fat and lower back pain. One study found that women who did strength training for 16 weeks had a significant decrease in belly fat.

Another study found that people who did strength training for eight weeks had a significant decrease in back pain.

Strength training is a great exercise for reducing both belly fat and lower back pain because it works for multiple muscle groups. It also helps to improve your posture. Good posture can help reduce the amount of strain on your back.

There are many different ways to do strength training. You can lift weights, use resistance bands, or do bodyweight exercises. You can also do strength training at the gym or at home.

If you are new to strength training, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of weight or resistance.

It is also important to use proper form to avoid injury. If you have any pain, stop the exercise and consult a doctor.

When choosing exercises to reduce belly fat and lower back pain, it is important to consider what works best for you.

If you are not sure which exercises are right for you, consult a fitness professional. They can help you create a routine that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Conclusion

There are many good exercises for reducing both belly fat and lower back pain. The best exercise routine for you will depend on your specific goals and needs.

However, some of the most effective exercises for reducing belly fat and lower back pain include walking, jogging or running, swimming, strength training, pilates or yoga, cycling, stationary bike, and elliptical trainer. If you are not sure which exercises are right for you, consult a fitness professional. They can help you create a routine that is tailored to your specific goals and

March 25, 2022 by Endurance Exercise Tips 0