Thursday 10 December 2020

Could Rollerblading Help You Meet Your Fitness Goals?

Motivation is the number one barrier that stands in the way of your fitness goals. So many people start out with good intentions but after a month or two, they struggle to keep up with their exercise routine.
 
There are a few simple things you can do to motivate yourself, but the best way to achieve long term fitness goals is to find a form of exercise that you love. If you force yourself to go running everyday even though you hate it, your fitness routine quickly becomes a chore. But if you find something that you enjoy, exercise is a hobby rather than something you force yourself to do. 
 
If you are looking for fun exercise options, have you considered inline skates? Rollerblading might seem a bit retro, but it’s actually a brilliant way to look after your health. These are some of the great reasons to get into rollerblading if you want to stay fit.
 

Image From Pixabay CCO License



It’s Great Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise is so important if you want to burn calories and lose weight. If you hate running, rollerblading is a brilliant alternative. If you read this guide on how to buy the perfect pair of inline skates and get a high performance pair, you can build up a good amount of speed. You'll burn plenty of calories and work up a sweat and it’s way more fun than running. In fact, a lot of people use inline skates as a way to get around instead of cycling or walking. 

On average, you will burn around 250 calories from half an hour of skating, so if you do 4 short sessions a week, you can burn 1000 calories, which makes a significant difference if you are also managing your diet well.


It’s Brilliant For Toning Muscle
 
Most people start a fitness routine because they want to lose weight and tone muscle. The good news is, rollerblading is great for both. As you would expect, rollerblading requires a lot of work from your legs, so you will tone your thighs, calves, and glutes. But you also have to engage your core to balance yourself, and engage your arms when turning. After a month or two, you will notice a huge improvement in your muscle tone all over your body.

It’s Safer Than Running

 
You might assume that rollerblading is far more dangerous than running because you are way more likely to fall. That is true and when you first start out, your risk of injury is greater than it is when you run. But you have to remember that you can still fall while you’re running and once you get used to rollerblading, it is actually a lot safer. Running is a very high impact exercise and many people experience knee and ankle injuries

Rollerblading might seem like a bit of a strange way to stay in shape, but it’s so effective, so why not give it a try?



Monday 7 December 2020

5 General Life Goals We Should All Set Ourselves

It’s important to have goals in life, and everybody will have different goals depending on the things they value most. For example, some people have very specific career goals, while others prefer to pursue goals outside of work. However, there are certain aspirations that we should all have because they help to improve our lives and make it easier to meet our own specific goals. 

 
We are approaching the end of the year, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about your goals for the future. These are some of the most important life goals that everybody should work towards. 
 
 
Improving Mental and Physical Health

Image From Pixabay CCO License


Looking after your health is one of the most important goals for all of us. As you get older and your risk of illness and injury increases, you have to work harder to stay healthy. If you start getting into good habits now, it will be much easier to sustain this in later life and you will live a much longer and happier life as a result.

But looking after your health isn’t just about avoiding illness, it’s about giving yourself the energy and drive to achieve your other goals. Staying fit and healthy can completely transform your life because you are more driven and your mindset is much more positive. When you are physically healthy, you will have far more motivation, making you more likely to reach your personal goals in life.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and looking after yourself mentally requires work, but we don’t always realize this. If you want to stay in shape, you have to eat well and exercise regularly, and the same amount of work needs to go into your mental health. It’s important to set aside time to relax and reduce stress and make sure that you are aware of your mental health. Feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem can hold you back in life and prevent you from reaching your full potential, which is why everybody should aim to improve their mental health as much as possible.

Pain management is also crucial, and when you suffer from debilitating diseases such as fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis, herbal remedies can help alleviate pain alongside medicine. CBD and THC (both derived from cannabis) can be very effective for multiple sclerosis sufferers especially, and is legal when taken in certain forms. You can buy THC edibles and CBD oil - just be sure these compounds won't affect your existing medication.


Achieving Financial Freedom

Image From Pixabay CCO License

 

Everybody has different opinions about money. Some people are very financially driven and their goals revolve around moving up the career ladder so they can earn as much as possible. Other people are less concerned about getting rich and their career goals are focused on enjoyment and fulfillment instead. However, even if you are not worried about earning loads of money, you should still aspire to achieve financial freedom.

 
When you are living paycheck to paycheck and you don’t have any savings in the bank, it is much harder to reach your other goals in life. You won’t be able to buy property or travel the world, for example. If you decide that you want to change careers and you need to retrain, that’s a lot harder to do if you don’t have the finances to take a break from working.
 
Being in a bad financial position can have a huge impact on your mental health as well, especially if you have a lot of debts. Achieving financial freedom will have a very positive impact on your stress levels, and it will open up a lot of doors for you. So, start thinking about savings and investments for the future as soon as possible because the earlier you get started, the easier it will be to manage your finances properly, especially when you eventually retire. 
 

Finding Hobbies

Image From Pixabay CCO License

 

As an adult, it’s easy to spend all of your time thinking about work and family responsibilities, which is why finding new hobbies is a great life goal for all of us. When your entire life revolves around your responsibilities, you never have any time for yourself and it’s likely that you will burn yourself out. If you want to live a full, rounded life, it’s important that you have things that are just for you. Hobbies are a great way to blow off steam and reduce stress, and they bring meaning to your life outside of work.
 
If you don’t have any hobbies, start by thinking about the things you used to enjoy before life got in the way. Many people have hobbies as a teenager or young adult, and then they go out of the window when work gets busy or they start a family. Why not try picking up those old hobbies and see if you still enjoy them? Alternatively, think about things you have always wanted to do but always put off because you didn’t have time. It doesn’t matter what your hobbies are, but you should aim to find some new interests to bring more balance to your life. 
 
 
Family Relationships

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Family relationships are another thing that often gets neglected when life gets busy. So many people regret not spending time with their family when they had the chance, which is why prioritizing your family relationships is a great goal for all of us. Make an effort to reach out to family members that you don’t speak to very often, and try to improve your work-life balance so you have more time to spend with family.
 
Settling family disputes is so important as well. Arguments that started over something relatively small can cause rifts that last for years to come, even though everybody involved has forgotten about what they were arguing about in the first place. If there are disputes in your family and certain family members aren’t talking to each other, make an attempt to patch things up sooner rather than later. In most cases, people come to regret all of the lost time, so don’t wait around. If you are involved in an argument with family, don’t let pride get in the way of apologizing and patching things up because you will regret it further down the line.
 
When people set life goals, they often think about specific things, like their career. However, these general life goals are important for all of us because they will help to unlock your full potential and achieve your own specific goals.
 
 
Easing Out of Bad Habits

 Aim to remove yourself from bad habits - slowly and steadily. Cold turkey approaches work for some people, but for most, it's a long, slow road, especially when addiction gets involved. Consider replacing some of your beers with non-alcoholic alternatives, such as Budels, which are becoming increasingly popular and easy to find, and gradually replace more of them. Replace smoking with vaping, again until you're able to fully quit, with brands such as Area 52. Try meal-prepping ahead of time to avoid turning to fast food too often. Put sweets in a cupboard and fruit on display - 'out of sight, out of mind' is a genuine phenomenon even with something so simple.



Wednesday 23 September 2020

Guide to Birthstones

 
   A lot of people believe that wearing their birthstone will give them good luck and protect them. Ancient civilisations even thought that these stones have magical powers. Although at first gems were associated with zodiac signs, in time they became associated with calendar months. Today people wear all types of stones, regardless of their month of birth. If you wish to find out what your birthstone is and what powers it supposedly has, read the following list.

January - Garnet
   If you are a January baby, garnet is your birthstone. This gem comes in every colour except blue, so you can find a green, pink, and orange garnet amongst others. It reportedly gives its wearer protection from nightmares and cures snake bites and food poisoning.

February - Amethyst
   This variety of quartz comes in pale lilac to deep purple hues. It is also a durable stone and comes in all shapes and sizes. It is believed that amethyst prevents intoxication and is a symbol of peace, protection and tranquillity. Since royals have always loved the colour purple, this gem was often worn by ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and can even be found in the British Crown Jewels.

March - Aquamarine
   Due to its sea blue color it is said that this stone protects sailors, which makes it an ideal gift for someone who often goes on cruises. Wearing aquamarine should bring you love and affection and it is a symbol of youth, hope, and health.

April - Diamond
   It is not a coincidence that engagement rings usually contain diamonds. This stone has been the traditional symbol of love since ancient Greece. Most people are familiar with colourless diamonds, but there are also coloured ones that come in green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber hues. They are more expensive than regular ones.

May - Emerald
   The famous green stone supposedly cures poor eyesight and infertility and even helps the wearer to predict the future. If you wish to own this gem, make sure you properly protect it from scratches, sharp blows, and household chemicals.

June - Pearl
   This gorgeous product of oyster's defence mechanism over bacteria (not a grain of sand!) comes in a wide range of colours. It is a symbol of modesty, chastity and purity.

July - Ruby
   Beautiful red stone is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and it is said that it protects its wearer from all kinds of misfortune. You can find more information on this gem on https://moonmagic.com/blogs/news/july-birthstone

August - Peridot
   People born in August should wear peridot as an amulet against all evil. It has a lively lime green colour and is available in larger sizes.

September - Sapphire
   Although blue sapphire is very popular, this gem comes in other colours such as pink, green, orange, and golden yellow. Interesting fact – Princess Diana’s engagement ring was with a blue sapphire. In the past it was believed that this gem refused to shine when worn by the wicked.

October - Opal
   While white opal has a white body colour with flashes of various colours black opal has a dark body with vivid flashes of colour. It is a symbol of hope, innocence, and purity and medieval writers believed this gem could make its wearer invisible when needed. One gem to rule them all!

November - Topaz
   The most popular topaz is a golden yellow gemstone, but it also comes in other colours, such as red, light green, blue, and pink. The Greeks believed that this stone restored sanity, cured asthma, gave strength and relieved insomnia.

December - Turquoise
   When it comes to turquoise, colours range from sky blue to blue-green and apple green. This gem was used in the 16th century as currency by the Southwest Indians who believed that it could bring winnings to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness to everyone.


Would you wear your birthstone?
I certainly would - but I adore garnets, anyway!



Tuesday 22 September 2020

How to Adopt a Calmer Way of Life

   Is it time for you to start living life a little differently? If you’re someone who’s overwhelmed by life and want to take a step back, there are plenty of ways in which you can change your mindset. It’s not about just taking time to relax but also about living life in a different way and adopting a calmer way of operating. Here are some great examples of how you can do exactly that.

Trust Yourself
   Sometimes, you just need to trust yourself and your own instincts. There are right and wrong ways to treat yourself in life and if you’re too harsh and you’re constantly doubting your decision-making for no good reason, you’re only likely to cause yourself unnecessary stress and that’s never a good thing. It’s a shift in mindset that more of us should adopt.

Rely More on Those Around You
   Relying on those around you and not trying to do absolutely everything yourself is not something that should be seen as a sign of weakness. For your own wellbeing, you should reach out when you need help and rely on those around you when necessary. That applies to your colleagues at work and your friends and family in your personal life as well.

Change Your Outlook
   Changing your general outlook and how you look at life is one of the major challenges you’ll face as you start trying to lead a calmer lifestyle. Knowing when it’s alright to feel insecure and when you need to stop fretting and stressing out about things will give you a much more healthy way of dealing with the new challenges you face each day.


Try Essential Oils and Other Options
   There are lots of ways to relax and there are some products that make it easier for you. Essential oils are great for helping to relax your mind, and you might also want to try other options. If it’s available in your area, you could make use of CBD oil - to find out how much to use, this guide to CBD oil dosage will give you the information you need. Alternatively, if you like to try things in different flavours, there are gummys and other edibles that you can find in any flavour you fancy.

Take One Thing at a Time
   If you’re the kind of person who tends to multitask, it’s best to curb that instinct and instead focus on one thing at a time. By instead taking one thing at a time, you’ll be able to ensure you get things done properly and don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to juggle a range of different tasks at the same time because that only leads to stress and burnout in the end.

   There’s a lot to be gained from leading a calmer life and cutting out as much day to day stress as you possibly can. By following the advice above, you’ll be able to go about adopting a calmer and more laid back way of life and hopefully stop stressing over things that don’t warrant it.




Tuesday 23 June 2020

Moving Towards A Whole New You - Transform Yourself Through Movement

   There are so many benefits to moving your body! Of course, many people tend to focus on weight loss first, and I'm not saying that it isn't a worthwhile path to walk, if that is what you want. However, there are numerous other advantages to getting your body moving than just seeing the numbers on the scale decrease. In fact, you can read all about the most important ones in my detailed post below.



Mental Wellbeing

   Whatever activity moving your body means to you, one of the biggest things you can benefit from is the boost in mental wellbeing that it can provide. Yes, that's right whether it's going to the gym, or dancing around your living room, movement is one of the best things you can do for your mental wellbeing.

   That right moving your body can actually make you feel happier because exercise releases happy hormones known as endorphins. In fact, as you can see from the meta analysis at psychiatryonline.org many studies by scientific types have been done on this topic. With most of them demonstrating that regular aerobic exercise such as running, aerobic DVDs, or a dance class can be just as effective in raising and imitating mood as some medications.
   Therefore the next time you feel a little down, and you like to be able to transform your mood, why not try hitting the gym? It may just be the quickest way to feel like a whole new you.


Mindfulness

   Another excellent benefit of mindfulness is that it can promote bodily awareness. After all, even if you are moving fast, you'll need to be aware of what your body is doing and how it is feeling to prevent injuries and collisions.
    Of course, you don't have to move super fast all the time to get the benefits of mindfulness from movement. In fact, many people find it much easier to get in touch with their body when they are exercising and moving it more slowly. That is why there are so many forms of moving meditations like yoga, tai chi, Qigong and the like.

   In particular, as the post at theyogaspace.co.uk confirms, yoga can be an excellent choice for combining movement and mindfulness. This is because it is an activity that is made up of many different poses or asanas designed to allow the body to stretch, twist and unwind.
    In fact, while many people think that the aim of yoga is to force themselves into the positions and contort the body as much as possible, its real purpose is to become more aware of your own physical limits and slowly and with awareness expand these over a period of time. Something that can really help to promote a more positive and understanding relationship between the person practising it and their body.


Fitness

   It's pretty obvious, but moving your body more regularly is also going to improve your fitness. In fact, even a little exercise every day can work wonders here. However, if you want to fast track your route to being the fitness individual possible, there are some ways to optimize your experience.
    One of these is to find a site like expertpt.co.uk and work with the professional personal trainer you will find there. The advantage of this being that they can create bespoke training and nutrition plans that will help you reach your goals much quicker.


   The real kicker is that you can do all of this online and from home. Therefore even if you aren't a fan of the gym, you can be sure of effective and fast results.


Confidence

   Another way that movement can transform you if you let it is by fostering a much higher sense of conviction. I'm not talking about the confidence that sometimes comes along with losing weight or building big old biceps either. Although they can feel pretty good too.
    Instead, the type of confidence that I am talking about is that sense of surety that comes with knowing you can set a goal for yourself and follow through and achieve it. That is you know you have the courage and commitment to persevere, even when things get tough.

Picture located at Pixabay - Licence CC0

   In fact, as the post at 366daysofrunning.com suggests, exercise has a beautiful way of showing up our limits and that with time and application, we can push through these. With many long term exercisers finding that while the mind may be screaming for you to stop it is still possible to carry on. Something that demonstrates mental strength and endurance and can be carried into other areas of our lives.


Balance

   Finally, when it comes to transformation, exercise can do one more wonderful thing for us - improve our balance. After all, many activities require not only strength and effort but also agility as well.
For example, you may experience balance training in movements that work your core and legs. This being something that can have a knock-on effect on improving posture, breathing, stability, and gait.

Image sourced at Pixabay - Licence CC0

   It's also an excellent idea to work on your balance because it can really make a big difference to how well any of your other workouts go. That is, if you have a strong core and good bodily awareness, you can complete the other movement activities you do in the safest way possible.


Final thoughts

   Many posts on movement and exercise will claim that by engaging in fitness activities, you can transform and be a whole new you. However, they often focus only on the physical weight transformations involved and neglect to discuss all the other benefits there are to include more movement into your regime.
   Benefits such as developing confidence in your own abilities and resolution, and refining your sense of balance. Then there is the increase in bodily mindfulness you can benefit from when exercising regularly. Not to mention the boost in mental health that is well proven in the scientific literature.
   Finally, while weight loss can be crucial to many, increasing your level of fitness and mastery can also be hugely beneficial as well. So what are you waiting for? With so many incredible benefits, we can all improve our lives and make significant transformations by fitting in even a little more movement today!



Friday 12 June 2020

Health & Fitness: An All Over Body Guide

   When it comes to our bodies health, sometimes we overlook the most essential parts. We all know we should be looking after our hearts and taking regular exercise, but there are other parts of our bodies that we need to look after as we get older. From your head down to your toes, are you taking care of yourself?


   Eye health is essential. We only have one pair of eyes, and loss of vision in either of them is life-changing. Many of us spend hours on a computer, and this can be stressful for your eyes and damage them. It can lead to issues with sight and trouble focusing.
   Our diet is essential when it comes to keeping our eyes healthy. Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day will help your body to keep your eyesight healthy. Eating a diet of sugary and processed foods can lead to diabetes which can lead to blurred vision and even blindness. You also need to stay hydrated. When we are dehydrated our body can’t rebuild the cells, we need to keep everything working. A dehydrated body will channel all its efforts into keeping your heart beating and other essential body parts working; this means your eyes, skin, hair and nails will all suffer. Drinking eight glasses of water a day will help this and reduce your risk of any eye issues.
   There are also exercises that you can do to help keep your vision sharp. They will keep your eye muscles in top condition and help you to focus too. You should make regular visits to your optician and make sure your prescription is up to date. Wearing the wrong glasses can put a considerable strain on your eyes, so make sure that you immediately see your optician if anything changes. As we grow old, it can become common to need progressive lenses to help regulate our eyesight. Visit your optician at least once a year for an all-over eye health review.

   Our gums and teeth are also essential. Cosmetically, it can be extremely upsetting if your teeth become rotten or you develop gum disease. To keep on top of your gum health, you need to have regular visits to the dentist. They can advise you of any issues that you have and help you to fix them.
   You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth isn’t as simple as giving them a quick scrub in the morning. You need a good quality toothpaste and to clean your teeth with small circular movements for at least two minutes. Then you should floss between them to remove any small bits of food that have built up during the day. This will protect your gums and help reduce the risk of gum disease. Invest in a good quality mouthwash, your dentist will advise you of the best one. This will also help to protect your enamel and keep your teeth looking whiter, and healthier for longer.

   Our joints and bones become fatigued, especially if we are sitting still for long periods, or we have a high impact sport such as running. Joint health is one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to body health, yet it can be one of the most debilitating problems we experience in later life.
   Increasing the strength of your muscles can reduce the stress on your joints, so including a weight training regime into your exercise plan can help ensure you stay supple and healthy. You should also eat a diet with plenty of protein and calcium. Try sticking to a whole-food diet with lots of leafy green vegetables and plant proteins. If you can’t drink dairy, then there are lots of other ways to get calcium such as eating broccoli or cabbage and even small fish such as sardines or pilchards.
   You should look at exercises that keep your joints moving too—everything from making small circles with your ankles to wiggling your toes at night. If you notice any strange noises or feel any grinding in your joints then get to a medical centre straight away, the sooner you deal with joint issues, the better your outlook is. 

   Our gut health also really matters. It can be affected by many things, including diet and exercise. If we aren’t eating the right foods, then our body will have a hard time breaking down foods or maybe breaking them down too quickly. This can lead to issues such as diarrhoea or stomach cramps. Irritable bowel syndrome is becoming more common and can cause problems in our day to day life leaving us to feel depressed and lacking in energy.
   A whole-food diet with plenty of fibre is essential for good gut health, but you also need to ensure you have plenty of good bacteria in your stomach too. You can help aid your body to produce these by taking a good probiotic. Either in a natural live yoghurt or a supplement. This will help ensure that your stomach is working efficiently and can keep your digestion in peak condition. Fibre gives our stomach something to break down and helps to move the waste products through our system efficiently. This will ensure that we are regular with bowel movements and help keep us feeling healthier, lighter and more active.
   If you have any issues with your digestion, it’s worth seeing a dietitian who can help to discover if you have any food intolerances. Unlike a food allergy, an intolerance doesn’t cause you to have distinct extreme reactions. It could leave you feeling lethargic, cause a breakout on your skin or give you a constantly running nose. Intolerances can give you severe stomach cramps and could be the cause of any irritable bowel syndrome symptoms too.

   Our skin covers our whole body and protects our vital organs from the outside. Many of us focus on looking after our faces to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, overlooking the rest of our skin. However, our arms, legs and back are all exposed to threats on a daily bases, so keeping all-over skin health is essential.
   The sun is one of the most significant issues for our skin. Although we should be absorbing the sun's rays to help us get vital vitamins and to improve our overall wellbeing, going out without skin protection on can lead to cancer and premature ageing. Make sure you use an all-over body moisturiser with a high SPF factor to keep your skin healthier for longer. You should also exfoliate your skin once a week, using a salt scrub or similar. This will help to keep it soft and will stimulate the cells. It will also remove any dead cells and support your body in regeneration. It is an excellent time to look over your skin and see if you notice any lumps and bumps or moles that are increasing in size or are new. Then make sure you speak to a doctor straight away if you see anything different.

   Health and fitness is more than just getting outside and taking regular exercise. You need to look after every element of your body to ensure you get longevity. Sleep and hydration are two of the best areas to start, so if you can’t make immediate changes to your lifestyle, try to ensure you are getting enough rest and water every day. Your body will thank you for it!



Monday 8 June 2020

Should You Try Pre-Workout Supplements? Here are the Pros and Cons to Consider

   Whether you’re at the beginning on your fitness journey or you regularly workout each day, you might have moments when you’re lacking the energy levels required for an intense session. And when this happens, you might start looking for a way to improve it.
   As part of this, you may come across pre-workout supplements. Offered by a range of different companies (take muscle rage for example), these supplements feature a selection of different ingredients that are designed to improve athletic performance and boost energy. You can find pre-workout supplements in a variety of forms, such as tablets to powders to ready-to-drink cans, and anything from caffeine to cbd workout supplements, taken around 1 hour before your workout. 

   If you’re considering these, it’s important, however, to identify the key pros and cons that come with using them so that you’re always in the know. It’s your body after all, so you don’t want to put anything in it that won’t benefit you in the long term.
   So to help guide you, here are some of the top advantages and potential downsides to pay attention to:



The Pros

A Performance Boost

   One of the biggest advantages that many people claim is that pre-workout supplements help to improve stamina and performance. So if you’re lacking motivation in the gym or on your daily run, then it might be worth taking a pre-workout supplement to give you a much-needed boost.
   Many articles and studies throughout the years have showcased this improvement, indicating that they can make workouts last longer.


Increases Alertness

   Alongside a boost in performance, pre-workout supplements are said to increase alertness. Similar to caffeine, by improving focus you’ll be able to have a better workout.
   Motivation and alertness are vital, no matter what exercise you’re doing. So if you’re feeling like you need a helping hand with this, then it might be time to invest in some pre-workout supplements. Just make sure that you follow the guidelines on the bottle, and fully research into the ingredients before taking them – as people can react differently to them.


It’s More than Caffeine

   Although they are similar to caffeine in the sense that they will allow you to focus better, supplements are so much more than the energy-boosting drink. Containing a combination of various nutrients and vitamins, they work with your body to deliver exceptional athletic performance.
   Of course, every supplement is different. So it’s a good idea to look into what each of the ingredients can do for you before purchasing them.

The Cons


They Can Dehydrate You

   Unfortunately, although they can contain many beneficial vitamins and nutrients that help the body, they can also act as a diuretic. This means that they increase the chance of dehydration, as they’ll make you go to the toilet more regularly.
   Giving you a performance boost for a while, before easing you back into how you were feeling beforehand, they aren’t a great solution if you’re looking for long-term results.


You May Become Immune To Them

   Following on from the above, after some time of using them you may find that you become immune to their ‘powers’. Becoming less effective, your body will automatically get used to them, leading you to try and find another way of improving your alertness and performance.
   This is why it’s usually recommended that you only use supplements when you really need them – not every day when you try and workout.


Should You Try Them?

   Like most things, pre-workout supplements won’t work for everyone. And if you’re frequently finding it difficult to workout, it might not be the best solution.
   Before trying supplements, you should therefore try and ensure that you’re maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep every day and fully hydrating yourself. However, with the numerous studies that back up their potential, it’s fair to say that they can be a worthy solution in some circumstances.
   As everyone is different, it’s important to identify what works for you and you alone. Every fitness journey is unique – from the amount of exercise you do each day to your diet. So by laying out what your goals are at the start of the process you’ll be in a much better position.


Final Thoughts

   So, there you go! Those are some of the pros and cons that you should consider when looking at pre-workout supplements. At the end of the day, it’s your choice as to whether you try them or not. But as long as you’re well-informed and don’t get too reliant on them, then there’s no reason why they can’t work.


Thursday 4 June 2020

3 Tips to Stay Fit Forever (Even When Life is Busy)

   Improving your fitness is always a worthy goal but maintaining your fitness levels could be even more important. People regularly set new goals and embark on rigorous exercise regimes to help them achieve them. No matter how successful you are though, you’ll need a long-term strategy if you want to maximise the benefits of your hard work. 

   When life is hectic and you’ve got endless obligations to meet, prioritising your fitness can be tricky. If you aren’t training for a particular event or striving for a specific goal, finding the time to maintain your fitness levels can be even harder. However, your physical and mental health depends on you preserving your fitness. If you want to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits that exercise brings for a long time to come, take a look at these tips and learn how to stay fit forever…



1. Make fitness part of your lifestyle

   If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you’ll know just how useful it is to have a clear incentive. When you want to look svelte at an upcoming party or feel confident on the beach in the summer, for example, it becomes easier to stick to a healthy eating plan. Similarly, pounding the pavements in running shoes or hitting the gym is easier when you have a specific fitness goal in mind.
   Of course, once you’ve reached your target, it’s easy to let things slide. Instead of focusing on a specific event or a particular goal, try to make exercise an everyday part of your life. We become accustomed to new routines surprisingly quickly, so it won’t take long for you to adjust to your new regime.
   Furthermore, once exercise is an established part of your day, it’s much easier to find time for it, so you’ll be less likely to skip workouts or give training a miss.

2. Make lifestyle changes

   Whatever your fitness aims are, exercise is only one of the changes you need to embrace. While it can be difficult to give up the things you love, it’s much easier to make long-term changes if you’re realistic about your aims. For example, you may want to eat more vegetables instead of cutting out a particular food group or try vapes instead of giving up smoking right away. These changes will offer major benefits and they won’t be too difficult either. When you choose realistic lifestyle changes, you won’t just find them easier to keep to; you’ll enjoy the journey so much more.
   Another important lifestyle goal to embrace if you want to stay fit forever is getting a decent amount of sleep. Many people ignore the benefits of rest but knowing when to give your body a break is as important as knowing when to push yourself a little bit harder. Factoring rest breaks into your exercise schedule and improving the quality of your sleep will give your body the time it needs to recover and rebuilt, which is critical if you want to take good care of yourself.

3. Change your routines

   As we get older, the way our bodies operate changes. It’s harder to maintain muscle mass when you’re over 30, for example, and your metabolism is likely to slow down too, which can make it more difficult to lose excess weight. However, these changes won’t prevent you from staying fit, providing you learn to adapt your fitness regime to your own unique needs.
   With plenty of information available online and access to medical personnel, personal trainers and nutritional experts, you can find out exactly what type of fitness plans will work for you – and which ones won’t.
   There’s nothing more disheartening than working out for weeks on end and not feeling like you’re making any headway. With the right exercise plan, however, you can work smarter, rather than harder, and maintain your fitness for years to come.

Enjoy Maintaining Your Fitness Levels

   Although some people naturally enjoy exercise, this isn’t the case for everyone. If dragging yourself to the gym feels like a real effort or you dread going for your daily run, don’t! You’re going to be engaging in some form of exercise almost every day, so make sure it’s something you enjoy.
   Whether it’s dance, yoga, mountain climbing or free running, activities you genuinely enjoy can be the best form of exercise. When you’re eager to take part, you’ve already got the motivation you need to get going. What’s more, you’ll be so focused on having fun that you won’t be watching the clock or counting down the miles. When you do something you love, you’ll stay fit forever.


Monday 1 June 2020

4 Ways To Get Fit You Probably Didn't Think Of

   Once upon a time, you would mention working out and, for most people, conjure images of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his friends lifting heavy weights in the gym. These days, that's not quite the case - but a surprising number still recoil from the idea with that very image, or because they thing the only other options outside of the gym are running or cycling.
   Not true. For many people - many fit people - this way of working out is simply not fun and doesn’t match up with their individual goals.
   Some people prefer much more team orientated or varied in order to keep themselves motivated to return time and time again. If this is you, then we will explore a few alternatives to the gym that you can get stuck into.


Dance classes

   Dance is a great way to find your rhythm and get fit. And with so many styles and types out there then you are spoilt for choice. depending on your location at least. Plus some dance schools are focussed towards entering competitions in the long term, thus providing some who wish for it a competitive goal to work towards. You get to meet new people and in many schools travel for competitions, so a dance school can really open the doors to a whole new world for you. Why not get in touch with a local or national dance school and see what they have to offer. For those looking for something organised and group-centric, dance is a great way to workout.

Trampolining

   Somewhat different and at times hard to come across, trampolining is still a unique and fun way to keep fit and work up a sweat. From gymnastic size trampolines to individual-sized bounce classes.tampolining will absolutely blat your core while toning your legs and tummy. If you want to try but are shy about meeting new people, why not get yourself an individual trampoline for the spare room and follow along with a Youtube video?


Gymnastics

   While a bit difficult to find adult classes depending on where you live, gymnastic exercises and workouts, when performed correctly and safely, will give you the strength and powerful look of a Greek statue. If watching the Olympics every few has given you the itch to try your hand at the pommel horse then get in touch with a nearby gym or gymnastics coach. Some of the equipment requires skill to learn safely and effectively, however, once the core knowledge is learned, performing the exercises at home in a safe manner can be achieved quite quickly.

Martial arts

   Certainly not for everyone, but the benefits of martial arts classes go well beyond the physical aspect. Knowing how to look after yourself should the need ever to is a great psychological boost and the physical transformations that come along with it are a great motivator as well. Due to the massive popularity of martial arts classes, it can be hard to find the right one and that is a whole other article in of itself. A good place to start would be local boxing, kickboxing, or Jiu-Jitsu gyms and go from there. Thankfully the online community of martial artists is massive so getting a second opinion about a school before you pay for lessons is a good idea.



Thursday 7 May 2020

Hlífrún Book Release Schedule


Remember that project I was working on back in Camp NaNo last year?
I'm publishing it next month.



These reveals will be made over social media:
as well as static posts on my author website 
so keep your eyes peeled!

Patreon will get access to more (especially art week)
and it'll come earlier than the rest of the world, too.



Saturday 2 May 2020

The ABCs Of Taking Your Fitness Game To New Levels



   There's nothing worse than dedicating your life to fitness only to see minor results. While you're already in OK shape, prolonged stagnation has caused a great deal of frustration. Sadly, if you follow the same routines, you will be destined to see the same results.
   Thankfully, building a new and improved fitness regime needn't become the struggle you fear. Focus on the three simple factors below, and success will follow.

Ambition

   The harsh reality is that your stagnation may be due to a lack of ambition. When you fall into the trap of simply “going through the motions”, your progress will remain limited. Simply wanting to get fitter isn't enough. You must sit down and write out your defined goals and time frames.
   Setting minor targets along the way can work wonders for your motivation. Each goal you pass will provide a boost of positivity. Crucially, the heightened focus will allow you to maintain a winning routine. Even when you're on holiday, it's necessary to stay active. Otherwise, you will regress in super quick times. It's the last thing anybody wants or needs.
   Your progress is all that truly matters. However, adding a competitive element by bidding to outperform a friend, relative, or colleague can be very useful. Any tool or technique that changes your mindset for the better must be openly embraced.

Betterment

   If you want to gain better results, you need to perform better. It is that simple. This may take several forms. Perhaps the easiest approach is to improve your nutritional habits so that your body is fuelled in the right way. This means staying hydrated while also consuming healthy whole foods. Measuring the macros does require a little extra effort, but it'll help you gain far better results.
   Improved sleep patterns will also prepare your body for better workouts. You should also take the time to test out different schedules. Changing the time of day or the cycle of which exercises are followed can change everything. Crucially, whether it's increasing the intensity or the duration, you must find ways to push your body harder. When you do, the response will be telling.

Core

   When wanting to take your fitness game to a new level, your goals may focus on your physique. Or they may focus on your personal best in an athletic event, as well as your ability on the court or pitch. Whatever the incentives might be, though, an improved core will provide a serious boost.
   Learn to transform your body with yoga to unlock benefits in daily life and sporting activities. Upgrade your strength, flexibility, and balance. Results can be seen in a matter of weeks while it should lead to greater success in the gym and other places. A number of professional athletes swear by yoga. Do not let their advice go unnoticed.
   A stronger core can be supported by exercises geared towards your preferred sport or targets in the gym. When you find the winning combination, there's no doubt that your future fitness will look better than ever. A lot of hard work is needed, but the process could not be simpler.



Thursday 12 March 2020

How To Combat Stress - Exercising Through a Hard Time

   Life, by definition, is dynamic, both biologically and figuratively. We can be thrown all kinds of curve-balls in life, like losing a job or getting a promotion, having a child or discovering you can't, losing a loved one or getting married. But stress, in all its forms, is the single reliable factor in all of the above, and while that isn't in our power to control, learning how to deal with that stress, on a physiological level, is.
   Cortisol is 'the' stress hormone. It induces fight or flight, but in this world we've made for ourselves, we face it for the silliest (biologically speaking) of reasons we neither have to fight against or flee from. And it's getting our bodies trained up in a way that we can better handle it that will reduce the impact of its effects on us - especially when we face it far more than we ought to, for far less than good reason.
   How?
   Move.
   Exercise is key in a healthy body, and a healthy body can handle hormonal shifts far more easily than an unhealthy one. It also helps to relieve stress with the release of endorphins. And, with the added benefit of putting your body through controlled stress, like exercise and especially strength training - something difficult that you choose to face and will be able to overcome with flying colours - your body will become better adapted to handle more unexpected stress later down the road.
   This article from F. Joe covers some of the easiest ways to combat stress during difficult times.

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   Life is rarely easy, and it’s hardly ever predictable. Sometimes when we feel like things are going well, suddenly, the rug is pulled right out from underneath us, and everything changes. Our finely balanced routines are lost, our mood suffers, and we feel stressed out and emotional. It can be hard just to go on as though nothing has happened. 

   Unfortunately, bad things happen. We lose jobs, a marriage breakdown hits us, we face large, unexpected expenses, or someone that we love becomes ill. There’s not always anything that we can do to prevent these things from happening. But we can do our best to cope with them. 

   One thing that could get you through these kinds of hard times is exercise. Regular exercise doesn’t just keep your body fit and healthy, it can also improve your mood and mental health, boost your confidence, help you to sleep, give you a fresh perspective, and just give you a sense that you are doing something for yourself. Exercise can also give your social life something new, and help you to work through your confused thoughts. It can be a powerful tool when you’ve got a lot going on. Here are some things that you could try.

Workout Early in the Day 


   When your mood is low or you are going through a tough time, it’s easy to start putting things off. You might cancel social engagements or even avoid going to work. Exercise is very easy to put off. But, you are more likely to go through with it if you get it out of the way early in the day. Go for an early morning run, practice yoga, or even head to the gym first thing in the morning. Then, it’s done, and you’ll feel better about yourself all day, enjoying the residual adrenaline rush.


Practice Yoga Before Bed

   Sleep is often one of the first things to be affected when we are struggling with something. We lie awake at night worrying, thinking about possible situations, and what we need to do. We struggle to turn off, and then everything is worse the next day because we’re tired.
   Practicing yoga before bed can help to relieve tension and relax your mind. This could help you to fall asleep more easily.


Join a Group or Class

   Exercise can also have a social benefit. It can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Even if you only say hello or smile at people, it can give you a boost. It also gives you an event each week to look forward to, which helps time to pass. Joining a fitness class, sports team, or group can be an excellent idea.


Join an Online Community

   If you find the idea of joining a group intimidating, or it’s otherwise not possible, you can still become part of an online community. Join fitness forums, find health and fitness blogs to follow, and look for accounts on Instagram. Reaching out to people online can be a big help when you are in need of a friend.
[ABE's note: some of my favourite Instagram fitness people - qualified people, not 'influencers' - share science rather than fads and gimmicks, reliable workouts, and the honest truth that a bar of chocolate absolutely will not de-rail you are Ben Carpenter, Katie Crewe and Sohee]