Weight loss can be tough for anyone. Many of us have a pesky 10 or 20 pounds to lose, but what if your weight loss goals are bigger – much, much bigger? It takes time, determination and a plan to lose 100 pounds or more, but it can be done….
Variety is important to weight training because muscles are forced to adapt to changes. Simple tweaks are all it takes to keep your muscles guessing. There are many easy ways to mix things up in the weight room. One way is to add more weight and decrease the number of…
Many people live and diet by the number on the scale, but does a weight-loss program really have to be dictated by a number? When that number becomes the be-all, end-all of your success and ultimately your self-esteem, then its value starts to dwindle. If one or two “bad” weigh-ins…
September is National Menopause Awareness Month, and many women find themselves packing on the pounds at the onset of menopause symptoms. Lifelong “skinny people” might find themselves gaining weight, seemingly unable to keep the pounds off. But there are ways to control the so-called middle-age spread. Women’s bodies do change…
Don’t go nuts for nuts. Although many variations of nuts are rich in good fats — monounsaturated fats – and protein, they can still pack on the pounds when consumed in excess. It’s important to observe proper portion control. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overindulge on these high-fat treats. A reasonable…
‘Tis the season to get outside and enjoy a football game, but for many, the main event is really the tailgate party that happens before kickoff. But high-fat meats that are smoked, fried or grilled can derail anyone’s diet efforts and make you sluggish before halftime. Other diet no-nos that…
You may not know it, but May is actually Better Sleep Month. It’s not just a good excuse to go out and get a new pillow – it’s also an opportunity to take an eye-opening look at your sleep habits. Sleep is an important component of good health. According to…
Make stretching a mandatory part of every workout. When muscles perform any exercise, they tighten and shorten as a result. Stretching can help maximize your range of motion. A simple warm-up walk while moving your arms in a circular motion is sufficient. When doing strength training, you could stretch each…
Some of us are early birds, and some of us want to shoot the early birds for being so chipper in the morning. When it comes to exercising, it’s important to be aware of your body’s natural clock. Pick the time when you feel the strongest and most energized to…
If you’ve made the resolution to snuff out smoking this year, then one of your best allies in the fight can be exercise. It’s great if you’re already committed to a workout plan – after you quit, you’ll see even better results because smoking and exercise have opposite effects on…