Great Place to Start

Taking a walk is a great way to get started on an exercise routine. All it requires is a place to walk and a good pair of shoes. You can start at your own pace and increase as you feel stronger and fit. A good speed to aim for is 3 miles per hour. Once you have achieved this you can continue to increase your speed or increase your distance.

When starting out always start at a slower pace for 5 minutes to warm-up the muscles. To increase your heart rate for more cardiovascular benefits, try to swing your arms as you walk. Be sure and stretch at the end of all your workouts. It will reduce muscle soreness and help bring them back to their relaxed length.

Some of the other things you can practice while walking is pull the belly button in to improve posture and support the spine. Keep the chest up and shoulders back and practice looking about 10 feet ahead of you.

Now just enjoy!

Diet Myths

All fat is bad…

Fat is an essential nutrient for good health. It helps insulate the body, protects vital organs, is an essential energy source, and it is vital for absorption of certain vitamins. What is important is to maintain the right balance between fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Also to limit saturated and trans fat to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Carbohydrates cause you to gain weight…

A diet rich in carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential to the function and health of our body. Our body uses carbohydrates first as a fuel source. It is vital to our neurological system.

Without adequate carbohydrates:

Muscle tissue breakdown will occur

Fatigue will set in

Brain power will diminish

The body will go into ketosis and if weight loss does occur, it will come from primarily water and lean tissue.