Learning to Breath

Stress gets us all from time to time. It manifest in many ways; whether it’s bills piling up, a big deadline at work, or drama in our personal lives. How we deal with that stress is important. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just remember to breath.

It sounds so simple, but thoughtful breathing can actually help calm you down and regulate your heart rate. So if you’re getting really stressed or angry or upset just breathing consciously can really help.

Sitting back and taking a few deep breaths can really make a difference when the stress gets overwhelming. I know it is something that really helps me. I have slowly learned to breathe through the stress. I think it’s one of those things I’ve done subconsciously (taking that deep breath at the beginning of a final exam or an interview to help get myself prepared) for years.

Breathing away stress is something yogis have been promoting for years. Is it something you do?

Tricking Myself into Running

I am simply not one of those people who enjoy running or spending time at the gym. I honestly only make it to the gym about once a month. Which is not even close to how often I mean to visit the gym, or how often I’m ‘suppose to’ exercise. So I have been trying to come up with way’s to really motivate myself to hit the gym, regularly. I finally did!

My motivation, I’m just sure will work, is the promise of a spa day getaway. Yep, my best friend and I have agreed to put aside a dollar for every mile towards a spa day. Not only will it get us to meet at the Autumn Chase fitness center three days a week, but it will encourage us to build up our mileage.

Now, assuming we can push ourselves to really hit the gym regularly and up our mileage we should be headed to the spa in a few months. Since this isn’t a regular indulgence, it’s a pretty strong motivator!

Guys, what would be your motivator? Do you just like going to the gym?

Who Would You Be?

What would you say to your 8-year-old self if you had the chance or, perhaps more importantly, what would he or she say to you? I started thinking about that this morning and I came to a conclusion: I think she would like me and, pretty obviously, I think I would encourage her not to give up on her dreams because she might just get there one day.

How do you think your own conversation would go? If you feel so inclined, you can take out a picture of yourself from back in the day and speak to the person staring back at you.  You know, just for fun.  You never know what you might find (besides the possibility that someone might sneak up on you and rib you for doing this exercise!).

What are your thoughts on this?

The Dental Dilemma

I have a confession: I hate the dentist… I mean scared to death, always leave with a pounding head ache, hate the dentist. If possible I would never ever sit in another dentist chair in my life. Unfortunately, I was not blessed with great teeth. This unfortunate reality has brought me to a very odd conclusion, given my clear dislike of the dentist office: if I go to the dentist every 6 months as suggested, it’s not as terrible.

Now you may be wondering how going to this place that always leaves me headachy, twice a year, sounds like a good solution. But the truth of the matter is the worst problems I’ve had with my teeth are always when I’ve skipped my dental cleanings for a few years. When I go regularly I’m better about taking care of my teeth between visits. So by subjecting myself to dentist visits twice a year, I am saving myself longer and more painful sessions in that chair!

Are you good about going to your regular dental cleanings? Do you have a dentist you really like here in Carrollton?

Are You a Runner?

National Running Day is tomorrow, June 2nd, and there are a number of great ways to celebrate! If you are a runner or aspiring runner you might want to head over Katy Trail tomorrow evening at 6:30 pm. Briefing fitness is hosting a national running day celebration and run. The great fitness team from Briefing will be on hand to lead a free run/walk on Katy Trail.

Along with the run, there will be complimentary massages from Koala, free drinks from Muscle Milk and Powerade, samples from Jack Black Performance Remedy and drawings for some great gifts!

Grab your running buddies, be they human or canine, and come out for this fun run tomorrow!

Tell Us About Your Cardio Workout

Cardio is a vital part of a good workout routine. Getting your heart rate up is essential to an effective workout. But what is average? I know I tend to do 30 to 35 minutes max when I’m on a treadmill in the gym. However, if I’m outside I can really increase the time I spend jogging or walking.  How long does your cardio workout typically last?

Go vote in our blog poll to let us know, or tell us what your typical routine involves in the comments section!

Do You Watch Your Sodium Intake?

Everyone has heard by now that sodium can lead to health problems and that consuming too much salt can have its consequences. What is that magic number, how much is too much when it comes to salt? Dietary guidelines suggest that we consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt a day. Excessive sodium consumption is strongly linked to high blood pressure, which is a significant factor for heart disease. The bottom line with salt consumption less is more.

It is hard to avoid salt, but here are a few place’s to watch out for it:

• Be aware of high sodium items when eating out such as soy sauce and ham.
• Check the labels on processed foods you by, look for products labeled low sodium.

Simply being aware of the sodium in your food and working to cut back on your sodium intake make a big difference. Cooking Light has a wonderful article about salt consumption.

Springtime in Texas

Warm weather is beginning to take hold and it is really starting to feel like spring! With flowers opening to show their bright faces and the birds singing, I just want to get outside and enjoy it! What better way to enjoy the spring weather than spending time in the great parks in the area? If you want to get out and do some walking or biking the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a great place to go. They have over 4 miles of trails, both paved trails and natural trails. If you want to have a picnic and look at the water Hidden Cove Park is a great spot with covered picnic tables right on the Lewisville Lake.

Where would you suggest for getting outside and enjoying the spring weather? Do you have a favorite park?

What Do You Do to Slim Down?

Swimsuit season is right around the corner and it is about time to start thinking about getting back into “summer” shape. If you are anything like me than you had good intentions at new years which quickly dissolved into reality. Now it’s time to face said reality and the fact that bikini season is just around the corner. My plan is to be more careful about what I eat and make it to the gym at least 3 times a week. I find if I am serious about eating healthy and hitting the gym I can get in reasonably good shape. Do you worry about summer and beach season? How do you get ready for donning the dreaded swimsuit? Go vote in our blog poll or tell us in the comments!

Life Changes That Stick

I don’t know about you, but I have tried many times to make changes to stay healthy. I have tried to cut down on my sugar and work out on a regular basis, but the one change that stuck was switching to water. I cut sodas out of my daily diet and switched to water, and that was over three years ago! I’m not entirely sure why this change caught, but it sure has. I generally drink between 6 to 10 cups of water and it has made me feel healthier.

Have you made a change that stuck? What was it and how did you stay with it?

Next Page »