When Fitness Becomes Iffy, Try Some New Moves
By Sandy Schroeder
Sometimes you know exactly when your fitness routine loses its punch and your fitness starts to lag. Other times, the loss of power is not really noticeable until it just drops off of the schedule. If this sounds all too familiar, you may be ready for some new ways to stay super fit from shape.com.
Try Some New Warmups
Whenever you are ready to run or bike, warm up to boost your heart rate and blood flow and prime your muscles. Stand up and pull one knee up, switching legs back and forth. Then kick your legs one at a time increasing length and speed to improve range of motion. While you are at it, stretch your arms out and twist from side to side.
Learn to Fidget
Researchers say even people who exercise daily often sit way too long too, but there is a way to fight back. Learn to fidget wherever you are. According to fitness researchers, you can burn 350 calories per day or drop 30 pound a year just by standing, pacing, tapping your toes and stretching your body. You might keep some props on hand when you are sitting. Small weights and resistance bands are great reminders to stay active.
Just Eat Better
Instead of focusing on calories, make sure you are eating healthy foods. Eliminate processed, boxed foods with all of their chemicals, hormones and pesticides. Head for your farmers market and load up with fresh fruits and vegetables. Add fish, poultry and lean meats, along with nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy. Skip saturated and trans-fats and use olive oil. As you skip pizza, burgers, fries, chips, cookies and pastries, you may be amazed at the pounds that just disappear.
Make Two out of Three Meals Vegan
New York Times writer and cookbook author Mark Bittman suggests keeping two meals per day totally vegan. Bittman tried this approach for four months and lost 35 pounds, eliminated sleep apnea, and normalized cholesterol and blood sugar.
Put Kettlebells to Work
The kettlebell makes stabilizer muscles work harder because the weight is not evenly distributed. You could burn as much as 300 calories in 20 minutes. In adjustable kettlebells the weight can adjust from 2 to 20 pounds.
Do a Little Yoga Wherever You Are
Mini yoga workouts can spring up wherever you are. Before breakfast, during an afternoon break at work, or in the evening as you wind down before bedtime, 15 minutes of yoga will help to keep you in the game.
If these tips work for you, hang onto them and keep looking for more ways to hang onto your fitness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chicago, Ill.