Trying to Stay Fit? Try These Tricks!

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By no means am I the queen of health and fitness! But like everyone else, I do take pride in my appearance and my physical well being. Getting fit is certainly one of the most important tasks that we should all be looking to achieve it. Nevertheless, I’ll be the first to admit that it isn’t always easy.

 

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Get To Work

Our lives are dominated by work, and every other aspect has to fit around that schedule. So why not try to embrace your career as a way of getting fit.

I’m not telling you to give up your office job and become a P.E teacher. What I am saying, is that you can change routines for the better. If it's possible, start cycling to work, and you’ll be amazed at the results you see. It’s cheaper, it’s easier, and it will leave you feeling fitter. Just be sure that your bike is protected. Compare cycle insurance before taking it out for a ride. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Aside from anything else, the early morning exercise will set you up nicely for the day ahead.

 

Team Up With A Friend

After finishing a day of work, gaining the motivation to exercise can be difficult. I’m all too familiar with seeing the gym lose out to a night of Netflix. However, you can beat those problems by gaining an extra incentive. Try making exercise social.

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Teaming up with a buddy is a great way to find regular support throughout your exercise plans. Meanwhile, you can also sign up for classes to meet new people too. Let’s face it, recreation time is already short enough without losing out to solo time on the treadmill. Maintain the sociability, and it’ll be like killing two birds with one stone. Furthermore, your continued support can drive each other on to gain better results than you ever thought imaginable.

 

Don’t Take A Break

I bet most of you have started a routine in the past in great style only to stop once the pattern is broken. Unfortunately, maintaining good health and fitness is a never-ending challenge. It shouldn’t overtake your life. On the other hand, falling in and out of plans isn’t healthy.

One of the most common sources of those activities ending is going on holiday. Of course, the bid for fitness shouldn’t stop you from taking those vacations. However, maintaining a sense of fitness while away will be very beneficial. It’s not just a case of staying fit at this time. More importantly, it will prevent the loss of motivation upon your return.

Besides, a morning jog through new territory can be a great way to explore the destination too.

What are some ways you try to stay fit?

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4 Ideas To Boost Your Endurance and Stamina

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Everyone wants to be as fit and healthy as possible. It is human nature to look in the mirror and think ‘I want to be fitter.' It is also human nature to want to make it happen, but not to take the necessary steps to make it possible. For those of you that are sick and tired of saying you will change, here are some basics that will transform your fitness. 

 

Make It Enjoyable

The one thing that most people complain about when it comes to exercising is the lack of enjoyment. And, to be fair, they are right because exercising can be boring. If you are just running on a treadmill for one hour a night, you are not going to stick to your goal. But, if you can’t wait to get out and to hit the gym, you are going to succeed. The trick is to take part in activities that you like. For example, if you don’t like the gym, don’t go to the gym. Instead, try going for a jog or taking up a hobby like yoga or Pilates.

 

Mix Weights And Cardio

Although your fitness centers on your cardiovascular system, you also need to concentrate on weights. Training your cardiovascular system is a good start, but it is only one area that you can improve. Lifting weights will hone your body, and that will improve your entire fitness levels. Remember that your muscles are essential to your fitness. So, the healthier they are, the healthier you will become. Alternatively, you can perform muscle-building exercises if you don’t want to lift. Sit ups and press ups are just as effective as any other exercises.

 

Quit Smoking

This is only for the smokers among you because not everyone is partial to a cigarette. But, the people that are need to stop as soon as possible. The chemicals like the tar and the smoke from the fags fill your lungs and your respiratory system. When you exercise, you need oxygen to perform at a high level. These chemicals, however, prevent your vital organs from transferring oxygen efficiently. On a basic level, they produce less and the red blood cells have less to carry to the muscles. Quitting might not be an option, so cut down instead. Smoking pipe tobacco or roll ups is a good way to cut down and wean your body off smoking full stop. 

 

Change Your Diet

Think of the food you eat as the energy your body needs to function. If you don’t have that energy when you are working out, you won’t hit your maximum fitness levels. Your diet may be making it harder to work out, so look at what you eat. Try and replace junk food with anything healthy like vegetables. Also, drink more water. Water is the fluid that will transform you into a health machine.

 

Finally, you need to rest. If you work too hard, your body won’t have time to recover or progress.

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Let's Talk About SEX......ual Issues We Hate

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You know I’m all about staying fit and healthy. I hit the gym on a regular basis and I’ve released hundreds of articles on how you can keep fit. Whether that’s the proper way to exercise or the correct way to diet, but one subject I haven’t really talked about is sexual health. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a single post on my blog that mentions it. But I’m not the only one. It seems that as a society, we shy away from this topic as much as we can. Sure it will pop in the news occasionally and we all remember sex ed from high school. But for the most part it’s forgotten, and that’s dangerous. There are a few sexual health issues you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about, no matter how uncomfortable they make you feel. 

 

Impotence

 

Impotence is perhaps the biggest taboo in sexual health. Don’t talk about it, don’t bring it up and certainly don’t bring the topic up with your partner, right? The same is true for a low sex drive and sexual dysfunction. But these are all medical conditions and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. In fact when you look at statistics they are all shockingly common. Hollywood might want you to think that every guy is ready to go as soon as he sees a girl naked. But it’s just not the case. The good news is that if you talk about it, you can fix it. There are treatments for all the issues that I’ve just mentioned. After seeing a healthcare professional, you can get a cialis discount card to get the medication that you may need. Once you have that, you can get on the track to healthy relationships in the bedroom. Don’t forget that problems like this can be symptoms of a more serious issue. Particularly if they occurred suddenly and that’s why they should always be checked out. 

 

Infertility

It’s weird how our minds work. When we’re young we have sex and pray to whoever it is we pray to that the pitter patter of tiny feet don’t arrive in nine months. But once you’re in a committed relationship, and you’re settling down the gears might switch. You start to focus on trying for a baby and it can be devastating when you don’t find you’re not pregnant. Even after one try, you’ll start to think that it’s not going to work. You might search online and find the pill in some cases has stopped women conceiving even after they have stopped taking it. But you have to remember a shocking statistic- your chances of getting pregnant each time you have sex without any contraception is on average five percent. That means ninety-five percent of the time it won’t work. It’s a frightening thought but it should also be reassuring. If it doesn’t work one time you should not automatically assume you have a problem. But once you go to your Physician, you can find out what you can do to improve your chances. 

 

I hope you see now there should be no taboo when talking about sexual health. If you can talk about it, you can tackle it head on.

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3 Small Lifestyle Changes For A Healthier You

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The sun is finally peeking out from behind the clouds; winter is starting to pack its bags!! That can only mean it’s time to come out of hibernation! Having a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean a complete overhaul, though. Try these three small changes for big rewards.

 

Invest In A Sun Light

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Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is now a recognized disorder that many people suffer with. It is thought that this is partially as a result of a change in how most people spend their days. In years gone by, many people were engaged in labor and jobs outside. However now, many of us work indoors. 

Sun Lights are a fantastic investment if you spend a lot of time inside, whether that be through work or another reason. As more and more versions hit the market, they also become more affordable.

SAD is an organization dedicated to supporting those with the disorder. They have some great advice for selecting the best Sun Light for you here. They are also known as SAD Lights. If you want some more information on the disorder, you can find more information here. A standard box light is a great starting point, but you can also buy ones that double-up as alarm clocks. These slowly fill the room with natural light in the morning. These are especially useful for the dark winter months.

 

Get Yourself A Little Motivation

Image from Flickr

 

Okay, we all know how important drinking water is. We’re told over and over again about it. But it is still not easy. However, help might be at hand. These motivational water bottles feature an inspiring quote on one side and a measuring chart on the back. Not just any measuring chart, though! This one features encouragements like ‘Don’t Stop’ and ‘Almost There’ to help you along the way. Plus you can pick the type of bottle top you prefer.

 

These bottles can also be used for smoothies and other cold, healthy drinks. For example, once a day you could fill the bottle with green tea instead of water. Green tea is well known for its many benefits. These range from helping improve your memory to burning fat. Adding a slice of lemon will help it retain antioxidants once it has cooled.

 

Don’t Aim To Be A Gym Bunny!

 Image from Jonathan Rolande

 

Seeing gym fanatics plastered all over our social media feeds can be both irritating and depressing. These people seem to be working out so often they must never sleep!

The trick is not to think you have to match their level of fitness. While exercising lots is great, the National Health Service recommends a minimum of 150 minutes a week. Although this sounds like a lot, it is only 30 minutes a day with two days off a week! This should be a mix of moderate aerobic and vigorous activity. Again, don’t be scared off! Moderate aerobic activities can include simple things like fast walking, bike riding or even mowing the lawn. Vigorous activity can be had through things like skipping ropes or a half an hour run. Once you get started, it will come naturally to up your hours and intensity.

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Make Your Mind Happier and Healthier With These Tips

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When someone asks you about your health, what do you immediately think of? Your body and physical health, of course, but that shouldn’t be the case. Yes, most of us link the term ‘health’ to our physical health. But as well as referring to the condition of our body, it also links to our mind, and it’s important to remember that.

 

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To keep our bodies in good shape, we eat the right foods and hit the gym regularly, but what are we doing for our minds? The truth is that most of us are doing very little to keep our minds healthy, which has meant an increase in mental health problems over the past few years. Want to make your mind healthier and happier? Here're a few things that you can do to help to boost your mental health.

 

Learn to be more positive

We’ve all heard how important being positive is to our minds, but how many of us would actually call ourselves positive people? The truth is, very few of us have mastered the art of positivity, most of us, sadly, are pessimists, not optimists. The good news is that it’s never too late to change your mindset to make yourself more positive.

Of course, thanks to our star sign, some of us are more negative than others. Depending on when we are born, we each have a star sign that affects many aspects of our lives, including how negative or positive we are. The levels of positivity and negativity that we feel, also tend to go up and down throughout the year, depending on how the planets are aligned. To find out how your star sign will affect you this month, you can check out your pisces monthly horoscope online.

While your star sign does affect your positivity, no matter how much of a negative person you are, you can still change that. It might take more hard work, but it is possible. The most important things that you can do is tackle every issue or problem in a positive way. For instance, say you lose your job. Don’t think of it as a bag thing, see it as a chance to spread your wings and gain new experience. Being positive is about changing your perception of situations.

 

Make meditation part of your life

When it comes to keeping our minds healthy, one of the best ways to go about it is by meditating every day. You may not be keen on the idea of meditation, but if you want a happier mind, it’s something that you must, at least, try.

It may take some getting used to, but meditation has some fantastic effects on the mind. From calming and soothing it to making it easier for you to concentrate and get to sleep, meditation has some fantastic benefits. The great thing about meditation is that there are so many different forms to try, from yoga to tai chi. So if one type of meditation doesn’t work for you, give another a go.

 

Surround yourself with the right people

Don’t spend time with dpeople who don’t make you feel good, as this will cause damage to your mental health. Use your time wisely and don’t waste it on people who aren’t worth it. Surround yourself with people who help you to grow, boost your confidence and make you more positive.

 

So there you have it, everything that you need to know about making your mind healthier and happier.

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Positive Lifestyle Changes You Can Start Today!

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Having a healthy lifestyle may seem challenging to some, but it doesn’t have to be. Changing for the better doesn’t have to mean you overhaul your life like almost EVERYBODY does with these sudden New Years Resolutions. Even the most minor lifestyle changes can have a positive and dramatic impact on your life. It’s all about routine, commitment and staying focused. Here is a list of possible changes you can make to ensure you’re living the healthiest lifestyle possible.


Have regular check-ups
Start to schedule regular appointments with medical professionals. These could include doctors, opticians, dentists and nutritionists. Each of these experts can help you stay on top of your health and treat any current issues you may be facing. Regular check-ups can also highlight possible medical symptoms before they get worse and advise you on how to care for yourself properly. You can also use these sessions to air your concerns about your family’s medical history or to ask for weight loss guidance. Always visit a reliable Doctor and Dentist to keep all aspects of your body in tip top condition.


Improve your sleeping habits
If you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning and spend your days feeling drained, you need to improve your sleep habits. Start getting up at the same time every day including weekends (I know, I know). This can be difficult but after a few weeks, your body will adapt and get used to the change. It is a self-regulating system, so if you don’t get enough sleep one night, your body will get tired sooner the next day. Therefore making you want to go to bed earlier. Knowing what time you need to get up will also give you the opportunity to plan what time you go to bed to ensure you get enough rest. This can brighten your mood and make your body feel more active. It will also give your body a chance to rejuvenate and prepare itself for the day ahead.

A casual walk on a nature trail.


Making time for exercise
Many people will put off exercise because they don’t have time for it. Everyday life can be hectic and squeezing long gym sessions into your schedule can be difficult. But shorter workouts can be just as efficient and are easier to fit around your work and home life. Research high-intensity short workouts and make an effort to do them every day. Also, try to keep your body moving by walking more and taking the stairs. You could also try jogging on the spot during commercials or joining an evening and weekend sports team. Any additional movement you can give your body will keep your weight down and your fitness levels up.


Make an effort to try at least two of the items on this list and you could be reaping the benefits in no time. Small changes are still valid and give you the opportunity to grow, so don’t disregard them. They may be small, but they could change your life completely. Take your health seriously today and you’ll be more likely to live a long and happy life!

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The Secrets Of Good Health

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Lots of us work hard to achieve that natural, healthy glow look. We spend hundreds on makeup and hair products to help create the illusion of vitality and youth. But naturally healthy skin and hair are signs that we have been looking after our bodies well. We know it’s a great look to have, so how can we have it naturally?

Good health doesn’t just offer us good looking skin and hair. Healthy eyes shine brightly, making them more attractive too and good health gives our immune system a boost. This can mean fewer days being ill because nobody looks good with a cold! Another sign of good health is an abundance of energy. We have focus and drive. We can leap out of bed in the morning feeling good about the world.

Good health is easy to achieve in theory, but the discipline and commitment you need to maintain it can be quite a challenge. This time of year makes it particularly tough to do because of all the parties and festive meals. However, everything in moderation is a good motto to have. Don’t deny yourself that glass of wine, just don’t do it every day and enjoy the flavor of the foods you love without filling up on them. 

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5demayo is the source of this pic

 

We all know a good diet is essential to good health. But not many of us know what goes into a good diet. Generally speaking, a variety of fruit and vegetables each day is a good start. You also need protein from lean meat or beans. Calcium is essential for good teeth and bones. Contrary to some beliefs, you need certain fats in your diet. Fats from some fish and nuts are very good for you and we all need a healthy amount of carbohydrates.

Sometimes it’s hard to get everything we need from a regular diet. Vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements can help. You can find a wide range of options with Tiens products online to help give you an idea of what you might be lacking. We’re all different, and we all have different diets and different needs. You can always speak to a health care professional or nutritionist to give you advice about your specific requirements.

Regular physical activity is essential to good health. It keeps the circulation going and encourages our natural bodily processes. Sitting for long periods can be very detrimental to our health. We just weren’t built for it. Keep your body moving as much as you can. Even a short walk every hour or so can be beneficial and always rehydrate with plenty of water. 

The final key to good health is good quality sleep. You don’t need lots of it, but seven to eight hours every night is beneficial. The body renews itself, and the mind carefully files away all your sensory input and memories efficiently. This aids concentration, memory, and good mental health. It can also help you maintain good emotional health, as good sleep promotes calm and balance.

Cheers to staying healthy and well all year round!!

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6 Important Things You Need to Know to Strip Fat

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Do you wish you could get rid of that areas on your body that annoy you? There are some important things you need to know if you’re going to strip that fat. Read on to learn how to do it properly:

 

1. Fat is Not the Same as Weight

Fat is not the same as weight, so you need to get that out of your head if you’re going to strip it properly. It isn’t about weighing yourself and watching the number go down on the scales. It’s about watching your body get smaller, even if your weight stays the same. And that can easily happen when you’re losing fat and not weight! Losing fat makes for a leaner appearance, but losing weight might not make any difference at all.

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2. You Need to Work Smarter

It’s all about working smarter when you want to strip fat, not harder. You need to do a mix of exercises to get it off as best as you can. HIIT, steady state cardio, lifting, and plyometrics are all brilliant exercises for getting that fat off. That means you can’t hop on the treadmill for 3 hours and think you’ve had a great workout.

 

3. Consistency is Key

You need to be consistent if you want to get rid of that fat for good. You can’t do 2 gym sessions a week and expect it to come off. You can’t get upset about the results you didn’t get with the effort that you didn’t put in! Make sure you stick to your plan to a T to get the results you want.

 

 

4. Measure Your Results Away from the Scales

Do not step on the scales when you’re trying to strip fat. As mentioned before, weight and fat are two different things, so measure yourself instead. If you’re getting smaller, you’re stripping fat. If you’re not, something needs to change for you to break out of your plateau.

 

5. Your Diet is So Important

Your diet is more important than the exercise when it comes to stripping fat. Don’t just pick up low calorie foods or ‘low fat’ foods or anything like that. Foods that are marketed as diet foods are a big no no. You want natural foods. Foods that fill you up, make you feel good and make you look great. Lots of vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Keep the carbs lower when you’re trying to strip fat, but don’t cut them out completely. You don’t want to end up having a binge! Supplements can help too like if you  buy garcinia cambogia or something else that can help.

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6. Water is a Must

Drinking lots of water is a must. Gradually build your intake up if you’re not used to it. Start by having 2 liters, then work your way up to 3. You can probably have around 4 liters safely when you’re exercising too, but make sure you feel ok. You don’t want to dilute your body too much and have an overdose of water in your system... not good!

 

Sound Off: Share some of your fat burning tips below.

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My Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Love Being Healthy

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I am one of these people who loves being healthy. As I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of medicine, so I always like to ensure that my body is as healthy as possible. I exercise regularly, eat the right foods, and always try to be the healthiest that I can be.

 

We are lucky to live in a time where being healthy is easy. Almost all grocery stores and supermarkets stock healthy foods, and thanks to YouTube, we can exercise for free in the comfort of our own homes. So when it comes to being unhealthy, we don’t really have an excuse, do we? 

For me, being healthy is a way of life, and it should be for you too. Still not convinced? Then make sure to keep reading, below:

A balanced and healthy lunch. 

A balanced and healthy lunch. 

You’ll be less likely to contract infections

Winter is on the way, and with it comes all those pesky colds and nasty winter vomiting bugs. If you want to protect yourself from them, all you need to do is start putting the right things into your body.

Did you know the foods that you eat have a direct link to how happy and healthy your body is? The more vitamins and nutrients you get each day, the stronger your body will be when it comes to fighting off infections.

 

You’ll lose weight

If you are few pounds heavier than you should be, by swapping to a healthier diet, you’ll lose weight. Don’t get me wrong here, no matter what shape or size your body is that’s fine, but if you want to be healthy, getting rid of excess fat is crucial.

That doesn’t mean being super skinny - we’re all meant to have a small amount of fat on our bodies. Simply by swapping from snacking on junk food to fruit, you could lose up to two pounds a week. That means that in a month, you could lose a massive eight pounds.

 

Cheaper health insurance

Did you know that by being healthier, your health insurance premium could be lower? That’s because, when you take out health insurance, the cost is worked out based on how much of a risk you are considered to be.

People who are deemed "unhealthier" are more prone to health conditions, like diabetes, meaning that insurance is more expensive. That’s why, when it comes to your insurance, the healthier your body is, the better. Plus, by getting a better insurance policy, you will have access to better medical care, such as at one of the Urgent Care facilities.

 

You’ll get a better night’s sleep

Many people don’t realize it, but by being healthy, you will sleep better. If you eat the right foods and exercise regularly, you will find getting a good night’s sleep much easier. Often, the sugars in junk food can lead to insomnia, as they leave you feeling hyper from all the sugar.

 

Sound Off: What are some reasons that keep you motivated to stay healthy OR to start a healthy regimen?

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5 signs it's time for an Eye Exam

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Booking an eye exam probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. But, it should be! The health of your eyes is every bit as important as your skin, your teeth and the rest of your body. As we grow older, our eyes suffer damage, and wear down. It often happens very gradually, and you may not even notice it. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re squinting and squeezing your eyes to see the TV! If that sounds familiar, it’s time to book your next eye appointment and get things checked out. Nowadays, it’s no big deal either. You can discreetly wear contact lenses and no-one will ever know. On the other hand, you can make a super-cool pair of glasses work for you. If you haven’t had one in a while, here are the major signs you need an eye exam.

You’re straining or squinting - Often we find ourselves squinting to see things in the near distance. You may even have passed this off as normal behaviour. But don’t; it means your eyes aren’t functioning as they should. You’re trying to limit the amount of light into your eye in order to focus correctly. Next time you catch yourself doing it, book an eye exam!

You get headaches - Headaches are often linked to poor eyesight. As your vision changes, your brain has to work harder to make sense of the images. The strain puts additional pressure on your mind and presents itself as a headache. If you’ve been suffering from more headaches recently, it could be a sure sign of vision problems. 

Eye fatigue - Do you ever get that feeling of heavy eyes? You wake up in the morning, and your eyes feel tired and exhausted. If you do, it means they’re working too hard. They’re straining to see simple things, and you’re suffering the pain for it! Keep going and it’s going to have an effect on your overall energy levels and health. 

Your everyday lifestyle wears down your eyes - There are certain things we do every day that are bad for our eyes. From staring at computer screens to reading to smoking, it all wears our eyes down. It causes them to work harder and puts additional strain on the cells and muscles. As they’re such simple, everyday things, you won’t notice the damage. Only when you get an eye exam will you appreciate the problem.

You haven’t had one in a while - Experts suggest you should take a test every two years. It’s easier and cheaper than you think too. For example, the average eye exam cost without insurance can be as little as $30. Budget solutions are out there if you look for them and you’ll thank yourself. So, if you haven’t had one in the last 24 months, schedule an appointment now. 

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If you’ve read anything in this post that you can relate to, you need to see a specialist. Ignoring eye problems will only exacerbate the problem, and lead to further vision loss. Take care of your eyes, they are special!