Tag: Walking

Total Body Workout

Body pains, muscle cramps, neck stiffness, back pain are all some of the side effects of not working out and exercising your body. Hitting the gym may not be a total solution for the complete workout. Flexibility and stretching exercises must be practiced daily to enhance the body fitness and lessen the body aches.

Cardio Exercises

Exercises for your heart are a must to compensate the sedentary life style. The top cardio exercises that improve the heart rate and health include:

  1. Running
  2. Bicycling
  3. Swimming
  4. Walking
  5. Walking steps

The treadmill and the elliptical also might be good for cardio exercises. Typically, thirty minutes per day cardio is mandated for most of us. Out door sports such as tennis, soccer, base ball, basket ball, volley ball, jump rope and so on provide fun and exercise simultaneously. The cardio exercises reduce the risk for heart and also help in toning. Aerobics help in increasing the heart rate too.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching Exercises play a key role in preventing aches and pains in the body. Simple stretching exercises aiming at the following parts can provide a good balanced workout:

  1. Neck
  2. Back
  3. Shoulders
  4. Calf
  5. Thigh
  6. Waist
  7. Hands
  8. Fingers
  9. Wrist
  10. Upper arm
  11. Ankles

Stretching exercises help in working the muscles of the body and the body pains can be reduced  by practicing them daily for about ten minutes. Yoga is a perfect tool for stretching but must be practiced correctly according to the guidelines.

Whatever workout you chose, be it indoor or outdoor, or yoga or aerobics, make sure you do it regularly and in a proper manner. Note that even skinny people need to exercise to maintain the cardio and flexibility. 🙂

Winter Workout

Snow and rain everywhere make it difficult to get out of the house during winter. Then, what about workout and exercise? Whole winter we tend to add few more pounds and increase belly fat.  Small exercises at home can in deed help in reaching our daily exercise goals.

Doctors do advise one hour of physical exercise per day apart from work and house hold chores. In spring and summer we can get out of the house for walking, but during fall and winter it is risky for outdoor walking or jogging. We can subscribe to a gym if feasible. Else, working out at home itself is the only alternate option.

Wii

The popular video game Wii offers an opportunity to exercise apart from fun. The Wii balance board, Wii Fiit Plus, Wii Sports, and Wii Sports Resort are the basic games available in the package. The games suggest appropriate exercises based on your weight and age. You can customize the games and choose from a range of aerobic and balance sports. If you can couple the exercise routine with your family member, it can be even more fun. 🙂

Yoga

Originated in India, Yoga is a traditional and popular method worldwide for exercises and healthy practices.  You can learn yoga through videos or take a formal training lessons from a learned guru in your local area. Initially, it is better to get yoga training from an expert rather than experimenting. Yoga postures help  improve body and mind and offer a large variety of ‘aasanas’ according to your needs.

Fitness Equipment

Treadmills, home gyms, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, and so on are the different fitness equipment which you can install at your home. You can buy them new or used or check out the craigslist. Once installed, it is suggested to know the equipment thoroughly before using it. The weights and other lifting accessories are good for building muscles. Most equipment have a video guide apart from the user manual.

You can set up a fixed time for the workout routine. It is better to start with small intervals and increase the intensity and time going forward. Do not overdo any thing and strain yourself. Let me know if you have any other winter workout methods and tips and watch your weight before you take any junk food. 🙂

CRY Walk – Naperville, IL

My husband was keen on the walk so we set off last Sunday morning to the CRY Walk. The 5 KM or 3.1 mile walk was a good experience along with the satisfaction of contributing for a social cause and the fun of family walk and nature study. 🙂

CRY

Child Rights and You (CRY) is a non-profit organization driven by its vision of a just world in which all children have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams. The following are the achievements of CRY in 2009-10. 

  • Covered over 13089 villages and slums across India
  • 728,799 children were impacted through our programmes
  • 30427 children were mainstreamed into government schools
  • 14433 government schools retained 100% of the children mainstreamed into the schools
  • 17076 of births were registered
  • 1288 ICDS Centres (anganwadis)/ Primary Health Centres (PHCs) were revived/ retained
  • 351 Panchayat Village Education Committees were activated
  • 315 villages were made 100% child labour free
  • 3254 children’s groups were formed and strengthened

    • You can join the CRY as a member or volunteer and donate or contribute toward the cause.

    Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

    Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville is a natural area that has reaped the rewards of conservation. The conservation teams take care of the natural vegetation and wildlife. The forest area is a perfect place for sightseeing, nature study, jogging, walking and biking. The trails are long and peaceful with beautiful trees around.

    You will not feel the tiredness of the walking or biking as you will be immersed in the beauty of the surroundings.:) Further, the forest has additional facilities such as golfing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, picknicking, fishing, camping and other activities for your recreation.

    While walking is best for your health, it is also better if your family accompanies you. Overall, the CRY walk was fun and am glad we could make it. Further, my seven year old completed the five kilo meter walk that surprises and makes me even more happier. 🙂

    Need motivation to walk? Buy Shape ups from Sketchers

    My husband recently bought me Sketchers Shape ups after he was impressed with my walking results. Just when I am lazy to get out for a walk the new sketchers tempt me and motivate me to start. 🙂 Walking is the best exercise for many. But, most lack motivation to carry out the daily walking routine. The latest footwear from Sketchers may add to your result apart from boosting your motivation and confidence.

    Sketchers

    Sketchers is the popular brand and global leader in lifestyle footwear for children, men and women. They design, produce and market innovative products through out the world. Sketchers has head quarters in California and has retail stores in major cities around the world.

    Shape Ups

    Shape ups is the latest brand from Sketchers that assists in good body posture and toning muscles while you walk. The regular sports shoes or running shoes will give adequate support to your feet, but Shape ups promise improved posture and reduced stress on back and legs.

    Initially, I felt that my walking style has changed and am walking in an unnatural way. But, after couple of days, I noticed that my walking pace has improved and the stress on thighs is increased. The stress on my back is reduced and hope all this will help in improving my posture. In that case its worth the price.

    You may wear the shape ups during your normal office wear or for your walking routine. Any walk, the shoe promises results. The shoes are available in multiple models and colors. It comes with an instructional CD for our tech savvy friends. 🙂

    Buy Sketchers Shape ups from kuulstuff’s amazon eStore to avail an extra four per cent discount and free shipping!

    Why Walking is the Best Medicine for all Ailments

    We have heard many people saying that, “Walking is good for health”, “My doctor has advised to walk thirty minutes a day”, “Walking reduces body weight” and so on. I was always wondering what may be the actual benefits. But, lately I realized that walking is the best medicine for all ailments.

    Benefits

    Here are many benefits of walking apart from weight loss and controlling diabetes and blood pressure:

    • Walking engages us as we prepare and plan ahead to get out on time
    • While walking, you are also observing the nature, which is relaxing and increasing your observation skills.
    • You may encounter different thoughts or plan of actions while you walk.
    • You can discuss many personal or professional topics while walking.
    • Discussing or talking out your mind actually relaxes your mind and the day ahead.
    • You may listen to good and soothing music while walking.

    Tips


    1. It is better and essential to have a walking companion, may be, your spouse, or a friend, or your child, any body, who can accompany you in the daily walking routine.
    2. Start and plan your walking.
    3. Remember to wear good pair of shoes and loose clothes.
    4. Further, you may have light breakfast or tea or coffee before you walk.
    5. Choose a convenient time and set the total walking time comfortable to your body rather than over-doing it.

    One may notice drastic changes initially, but once the change is stabilized, it will be consistent. Therefore, it is suggested to continue the walking at the same time of the day.

    Most of all, the entire excitement lies in getting out of the home and completing the routine. You will feel a sense of satisfaction and success if you complete your walking routine. It is a supplement along with the food, medicine and rest you take daily. So, happy walking and best wishes to achieve your weight loss target. 🙂