Archive for December, 2006



The Importance Of Time Keeping And How It Began

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 2:09 pm

Although many may deny it, keeping track of the time is one of the primary considerations a person has. With so many things that must be accomplished in one day, it is necessary to constantly watch the time to make sure that everything is done on schedule. People have to make it to work on time and make sure the children make it to school on time. There are other things to schedule in the day such as after school classes and sports, making it to the dry cleaners before they close and getting dinner on the table at an acceptable hour.

The consideration of time continues as people have certain television programs that they watch on a regular basis so they need to be in front of the television at a certain time to watch them. Cooking meals involves keeping an eye on the time so that they will be cooked properly and even doing laundry has a strong time factor. Setting the drying time for each load may vary according to the type of fabric and the size of the load. With so many time consideration factors, many may wonder how people managed before the advent of watches.

Prior to the invention of modern watches, a watch that was similar to a sundial was invented in 1524. The same way that a sundial reflects the hour, these watches only had one hand so it would also only reflect the hour. Still, it was such an innovation that it was extremely expensive and likened to precious stones. Because of that, it was not available to the general public for years.

One of the most famous regions known for producing watches is Switzerland. They became famous for their watches over 500 years ago and continue to be a leader in the watch business today. Although 500 years ago, their watches left a lot to be desired in accuracy, today they are nearly unrivaled in their reputation for timekeeping precision.

In the 1600s, Swiss watch makers found a way to use springs in their timepieces to help improve their accuracy. Back then, men wore watches that were worn around the neck. Pocket watches that were attached to a chain took over in 1675. Today, they are still popular and come in cases that have a variety of themes, such as fishing, golf, hunting and trains. Many men love to receive this type of timepiece as a gift because since it is not worn on the wrist it is less subject to being damaged by being bumped around throughout the day. Instead, it remains safely in the pocket where little harm can come to it.

In 1893, the Wenger Company was founded and began to produce quality watches that are still regarded as classic timepieces. Despite the fact that management of the company has changed throughout the years, the quality of the watches were never compromised and their watches are still as coveted today as they were over a century ago.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as quality watches at http://www.designerwatchsuperstore.com

watches, quality watches, fine watches, accurate time keeping

Technorati Tags: , , ,




Aromatherapy As an Relaxing and Energizing Treatment

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 2:09 pm

Aromatherapy has been alive for centuries. It is known as a therapeutic natural practice that is commonly performed to energize, relax, and advance the beauty, health, as well as a sense of ease. It is highly considered as an energizing and relaxing treatment as it generally works to unite or balance the body, the mind, and the spirit of those who are taking it, leaving the person calm and active.

The aromatherapy as an energizing and relaxing treatment is in the first place a healing practice that involves the use of pure essential oils with a number of ways that include bathing, inhalation, and massage. Its nature is actually derived two words: Aroma, which means scent and Therapy, means treatment. Aromatherapy as an energizing and relaxing treatment is said to have evolved over the centuries and is practiced across every continent.

Furthermore, the aromatherapy as an energizing and relaxing treatment primarily works in harmony with your body, as mentioned above. This is for the fact that after an aromatherapy session, your body then becomes stronger as it was fed by with complex nutrients of purity from essential oils. It is worth noting that the essential oils are not something synthesized in a laboratory and deprived of all its components, making it potent for soothing the person’s feeling.

In the true spirit of aromatherapy as an energizing and relaxing treatment, certain ideas regarding the absorption of essential oils are highly maintained. It is commonly held that the essential oils generally have a relatively simple, small as well as lipid-soluble molecular structure that allows them to pass easily through the skin. Once the diluted essential oils are applied directly to the skin, it is then completely absorbed and penetrates deeply into the tissues, interstitial fluid and bloodstream.

It is through this process that aromatherapy as an energizing and relaxing treatment is highly deemed as a powerful health option. This claim is even supported by the notion that the aromatherapy as an energizing and relaxing treatment works with essential oils that are natural rejuvenating agents that facilitate the elimination of waste matter, including dead cells. And, the aromatherapy as an energizing and relaxing treatment works with the essential oils that promote the regeneration of new and healthy cells.

Given those facts, the aromatherapy as an relaxing and energizing treatment is now commonly practiced in the form of massage as the essential oils are greatly carried by the specific organs and systems of the body where they enhance the natural functions of the body organs.

John Hilair provides information about http://www.wholesalearomatherapycandless.com/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-ebook.php and http://www.wholesalearomatherapycandless.com/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-fountain.php with comprehensive information about http://www.wholesalearomatherapycandless.com/.

bath, fragrance, natural, treatment, beauty, aroma therapy

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,




Caring for Pearls. How to Keep them in Perfect Condition

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 9:37 am

If you want a stylish and elegant accessory for any outfit, then you can’t pass up pearls. They’re beautiful and glow with their own luster, and as they’re reasonably neutral in color they can be worn with almost anything. Unlike most other gems, pearls are very soft, so you need to handle them with care and clean them on a regular basis. If you want to keep your pearls looking their best, here are a few hints to help you do it without damaging your pearls.

Cleaning Your Pearls is important, Firstly, the best way to keep your pearls shining with their natural luster is to clean them with a soft cloth. You should moisten the cloth with water, but never use any type of detergent when cleaning pearls. Pearls are very quick to absorb things like dirt, perfume, and skin oils because they’re so soft. It’s a good idea to clean your pearls after you’ve worn them to stop the pearls from absorbing any dirt or grime.

How To Store Pearls. Pearls prefer being stored at moderate temperatures, and can be damaged or lose their sheen if exposed regularly to extreme temperatures. So the glove box of the car is definitely not a place for your pearls on a hot day! Don’t store them in a place that might get cold or damp, either, like an attic.

Being so soft, pearls scratch very easily, so store them in a box lined with something soft. Or at least wrap them in a soft cloth before you put them away. Most other gemstones, like diamonds, are much harder than pearls, and can give them a nasty scratch if they’re jostled together. If you have to put them in the same box, the pearls must be wrapped up to protect them.

Keep chemicals away from pearls, or they will get damaged. Chemicals can erode the pearl’s lustrous surface, leaving them dull. So avoid any alcohol based cleaning fluids, or anything with vinegar. It’s a good idea to put your pearls on just before you leave, so that you don’t accidentally get any makeup or hairspray on them. Both of these can stain or damage your pearls.

As an extra precaution, it might be worth getting your pearl jewelry restrung every year or two. Pearls are often strung on silk thread, and this weakens over time. If you wear your pearls a lot, the constant movement of the pearls can also damage the silk. Although pearls require some care to keep them at their best, it’s definitely worth the effort.

Steve Dolan loves jewelry and pearls in particular. You can find more tips, ticiks and article about pearls at http://www.pearlswebsite.com and jewelry at http://www.hotjewelryweb.com

jewelry,pearls.pearl necklace,pearl earrings,pearl bracelet

Technorati Tags: , , ,




The Luminox Watch, Not Just For The Military

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 9:09 am

During the day, it’s easy to glance at your watch and see what time it is. At night or when encased in darkness, seeing the time becomes a lot more challenging. Today’s watches may have a button to press that will make the face light up so that the time can be seen but not all of them do. This means you have to find a light source to that will enable you to view the time.

A watch company that specializes in the manufacturing of watches that can be seen no matter what the light level is the Lumonox Company. Originally, this Swiss maker of watches was known as RMBG and they took watch innovation to a new level.

Many people find themselves in the dark while wearing a watch that does not have a light option. It is extremely annoying to try to view the time this way, leaving people literally in the dark about the time. The Luminox Company took that lighting factor into consideration and came up with technology that allows the time to be viewed at any level of lighting without having to press any buttons or make any type of adjustments.

The technology that allows this is represented by the name of the company itself. The way the luminous technology in the watches work is by employing the use of micro-gas lights throughout the various components of the watch face and surrounding the face as well. Because these lights are constantly glowing, the time can easily be read on them no matter what type of lighting the wearer is subject to.

This technology is so effective that the Navy Seals have adopted the watches to use in their missions. Many military missions are carried out at night and with all of the equipment and weapons that the military has to carry, the last thing they want to do is to have to adjust their load to press a button on their watch to see what time it is. Since these missions are usually run on a precisely timed schedule, this makes these watches even more valuable to the military.

Naturally, when the military sings the praises of an item, civilians will vie to own it. When the Seals began donning Luminox watches, they rose in civilian popularity as well and the demand for them increased. To fill the demand, the company began producing watches that had plastic bands that were designed to be worn by anyone who wanted a Luminox watch.

The various military groups are often competitive with each other. You might hear an Army soldier declaring their skills to be superior to those of Navy personnel and vice versa. After the Navy adopted the Luminox watch, the Air force demanded its own version so a new generation of these watches was born. It is probably just a matter of time before other watch manufacturers come up with their own version of watches that will be effective despite low lighting as the call for such watches will continue to increase.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as fine wrist watches at http://www.designerwatchsuperstore.com

watches, quality watches, fine watches, accurate time keeping

Technorati Tags: , , ,




Some Very Interesting Facts You Probably Don’t Know About Mechanical Watches

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 9:05 am

Today’s watches come with so much technology that they bear little resemblance to the ones that were worn by our ancestors. They not only tell the time of local regions, but can also reflect the time in regions all over the world. Unlike the original watches, they not only tell the hour and the minute but can pinpoint the time down to the second. They reflect the date and often come with built in alarm clocks so that you never have to worry about waking up late or forgetting an important appointment. There are even watches that have technology that light up the components for easy viewing despite varying light levels or that can withstand water pressure so that they can be worn while deep sea diving. Because these types of watches rule today’s society, little thought is given about the original ones that were worn by the previous generations.

Before analog watches were the quartz watches and before them was the mechanical watch. These watches use springs that need to be wound by the wearer. Many of the older generation probably remember receiving this type of watch as the first one that they ever wore. If they forgot to wind the watch on a regular basis, the accuracy of the watch would slow down as it lost power until it finally stopped. There are new watches on the market that no longer require the wearer to remember to wind it. A mere shake of the wrist will do the job and since people move their wrists around on a regular basis throughout the day, this will usually take care of the job for them.

When you look at the face of a mechanical watch, all you see are the numbers on the face and the hands that revolve around them. This gives the watch a look of simplicity, but behind that small face is a virtual time factory. A lot goes into keeping the watch running such as a myriad of screws and wheels and even jewels. This intricate system is belied by the steel and face that encases it but an examination of the inner workings will dissolve that illusion.

Rubies are a highly coveted gemstone that many wish to own. What might be surprising is that if you own a mechanical watch you are already the owner of rubies. Its rubies that keep the watch running on a smooth basis. Before you take your watch a part to seek these gemstones and hopefully turn them into a necklace or bracelet, you should know that they are not the type that are worthy of such adornments. Today’s watch makers no longer use actual rubies but use man made synthetic ones instead.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as fine watches at http://www.designerwatchsuperstore.com

watches, quality watches, fine watches

Technorati Tags: , ,




The Wrist Watch, Another Military Innovation That Entered Mainstream Society

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 6:09 am

As technology grows so does the methods of timekeeping. Most people own cell phones which are not only communication devices but also contain clocks as well. Blackberries also have clocks inside of them as do many of the other electronic gadgets that people carry around on a regular basis. Still with all of the different ways that the latest gadgets enable a person to tell the time, you will still see many with a wristwatch adorning their arms.

Wristwatches are not just timepieces but are actually considered to be pieces of jewelry. This means that no matter how many other ways a person can glance at the time, they will still proudly display a wristwatch whether they actually use it for the intent it was designed for.

Wristwatches come in various models and have become a way for a person to express their individuality and sense of style. The band of the watch itself comes in various materials such as leather or metal, vinyl and cloth. The colors and patterns that are available are too numerous to mention but there is not a person on earth that would be unable to find one that they feel defines what they are all about. The faces of wristwatches also come in all manners of shapes, sizes and colors. You can get one that is studded with diamonds or other gemstones, or opt for a plain round face without jeweled adornments. You can get faces that display a digital readout or one with old fashioned hands that depict the time. Many have built in alarm options so that you can be reminded of appointments that you need to keep.

Although wristwatches are worn by both men and women, it may interest you to know that they were originally designed for women alone. In times past, men would wear pocketwatches that were attached to a chain and literally kept in their pockets. Considering that the ladies back then did not wear any type of pants, this type of timepiece was not something that they could wear. Instead, they were given watches that could be worn on the wrist. These were called wristlets and were made popular after Queen Elizabeth began to wear one.

Oddly, wristlets were not expected to outlast the fashion trends of the time. It would surprise our ancestors to know that they are not only still in fashion but worn by men as well. These types of watches became popular with men in the military. If you consider that military personnel have to carry guns and other equipment, having to pull a pocketwatch out to check the time is not feasible. This is especially true when a mission needs to be carried out with synchronized timing from everyone. Wearing a wristwatch alleviated the need to pull out the pocket watch and a mere glance at it would ensure that all aspects of the missions were carried out on time. Busy people today wear watches for the reason of convenience.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as fine watches at http://www.designerwatchsuperstore.com

watches, quality watches, fine watches, accurate time keeping

Technorati Tags: , , ,




Citizen Watches, Always An Innovator And More Popular Than Ever

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 12:56 am

The measurement of time has been a consideration since the beginning of time itself. Its importance is not just confined to man but animals and even insects. Birds watch to know when its time to migrate to warmer areas, caterpillars undergo changes inside their cocoons while waiting for the time to emerge. Ants scurry about in the spring and summer, busily gathering and storing provisions to stave off hunger during the winter months and bears eat as much as they can before going into hibernation and sleeping until the spring arrives.

From the earliest beginnings of man, time has also been an important consideration. It started by watching the sun and the lengthening of shadows in order to calculate when night was about to fall. Watching the days grow shorter harkened the beginning of winter and the need to don animal skins to keep warm. Eventually the sundial was invented to make it a bit easier. Never satisfied, man came up with mechanical timepieces to further be able to break down hours into minutes and then into seconds. These timepieces were named watches.

One can only assume that the word watch is symbolic of how important it has become to watch the time. There are so many things to do in one day that it’s important to be able to create an effective schedule that only time management will be able to achieve.

As watches have become more popular, the fashion industry has hopped on the timekeeping bandwagon and decided that if one is to wear a watch it should be in line with current fashion trends or be classic enough to pass down through generations without the latest wearer having to worry about it being out of style. Now, instead of just a timepiece with a plain band, you can get watches that are studded in diamonds, rubies or other types of jewels or bands made of metal, leather and even plastic.

Citizen’s watches have been one of the leaders in the timepiece industries, creating fashionable watches with ever evolving mechanical accuracy. Established in 1924, they have continued to come up with ways to make watches even more effective, yet stylish enough to attract those with even the most discriminating tastes.

They were the first to create thin watches which were preferable to the large bulky ones, they then made shock resistant watches which lessened the need for watches to be constantly repairs. Their most recent achievement is the analog quartz watch which gathers its energy from the sun which makes it environmentally friendly. It is also cost effective because the need to replace the battery has been eradicated.

For 80 years, Citizens watches have graced the wrist of many men and women. They have constantly found a way to revolutionize the watch industry and will probably continue to do so for years to come.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as designer watches at http://www.designerwatchsuperstore.com

watches, quality watches, fine watches

Technorati Tags: , ,




Are You Truly Ready To Lose Weight?

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 12:13 am

I know, I know. What a crazy question!

Considering that we’ve all tried so many diets until we can give calorie counts in our sleep - where do I get off asking a question like that?

But bear with me please. This may actually get you closer to your weight loss goals than you think!

We’ve heard it a million times but it’s true:

Losing weight permanently is not just a quick fix.

It’s not taking a magic pill and waking up the next morning with a body fat count of 10%. It’s not reading the latest diet-book-of-the-week and ‘poof!’ you’re a size 6. It’s not getting into ‘the zone’ for half a day and all your weight troubles disappear.

But you know that right? We all know that!

But if we know that why do we jump from diet to diet to diet? From weight loss plan to weight loss plan?

Why do we keep trying the latest way to lose weight? Why do we get discouraged so easily? Why do we give up and think it’s just not possible?

Here’s the truth: Losing weight is a life change, plain and simple.

Funny how we cut ourselves some slack with other life changes like moving or getting married or having a baby, but not with losing weight! Why not?

Are all those infomercials promising fast, easy weight loss getting to us? Are the constant images of thin models and size 0 actresses making us think it’s easy? That’s not the truth people - that’s called marketing!

The key to success with weight loss is simple: you first have to ask yourself if you’re really ready for that kind of life change.

Are you ready to change your eating and exercise habits for good? Are you willing to move permanently towards a healthier way of life?

You also have to realize that letting go of extra weight requires letting go of other things as well. Like the way you might do things, or the way you think about food and eating. It requires you to be open to change, to be ready to see what works and what doesn’t.

So before you choose a method of losing weight, you should decide if you’re truly READY to lose weight or not.

Key point: It’s ok, if you’re not!

For one reason or another you might not be ready yet for a change in your lifestyle - that’s ok. Accept yourself and wait until you are truly ready.

BUT if you are ready, if you are determined to lose weight WHATEVER it takes, if you’re open to the kind of life changes losing weight will require-then look out baby. Here you come!

Because when you decide that - yes - you’re truly ready to lose weight, nothing will stop you!

Kathryn O’Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews (http://www.Freetobethin.com )

For more free weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit
http://www.freetobethin.com

diet,weight loss,lose weight,diets,dieting,health,fitness,losing weight,weight lose,best diet

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,




Is A Home Treadmill The Best Exercise Equipment For You?

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 12:10 am

The #1 fear people have when buying a treadmill is that they won’t use it. (That’s the #1 fear when buying any piece of exercise equipment).

They know that a treadmill can help them lose weight, get fit, burn extra calories and reach their fitness goals.

But that’s only if you use it. A treadmill is a large investment to make and you want to be sure that it is the right piece of exercise equipment for your needs.

How do you know if a treadmill is the best piece of exercise equipment for you? How do you know if it’s suitable for the kind of exercise that fits your lifestyle?

If you’re thinking about buying a treadmill, here are 3 ways to tell if a treadmill is the right piece of exercise equipment for you:

#1 Do you prefer to exercise alone or in groups?

Walking on a treadmill is not a group activity (it could be - but that’s a little dangerous). If you prefer to exercise with other people, say for example in a group sports situation, a treadmill might not be the best choice for you.

Of course a treadmill can add another side to your exercise options if you do get most of your exercise from social or group sports. But if you absolutely hate exercising by yourself, don’t buy a treadmill.

On the other hand, some people enjoy exercising on their own - it’s a sort of getaway from the constant social buzz surrounding them every day. A treadmill would be great for someone looking for this kind of exercise ‘retreat’.

#2) Do you prefer to exercise outdoors or indoors?

Some people prefer to exercise outdoors. They take hikes to enjoy the beauty of nature or rollerblade down the sidewalks to take in the fresh air. If you prefer to be outdoors to exercise then a treadmill probably isn’t for you.

And if you live in all-year-round sunny, warm weather, you may not need a treadmill (then again, you may prefer an air-conditioned workout.)

However, if you happen to live in seasonal climates where it rains, snows or both, a treadmill can be a handy tool to maintain your fitness regimen during the bleak weather months. A treadmill can help you fight winter weight gain and even stave off those nasty winter blues.

#3 Do you enjoy walking, jogging or running?

Walking is an exercise that everybody can do. It’s simple, doesn’t require heightened coordination, and can be a great way to clear your head and deal with stress. Anyone can do it, regardless of fitness level - from absolute beginner to elite athlete.

There are also people who enjoy the rhythm and routine of jogging or running. Running or jogging is also one of the best all-round ways to burn fat. Again, it’s fairly simple to do and doesn’t require complex coordination.

While the benefits to walking, jogging and running are numerous, some people just don’t like to exercise this way. They like the challenge of a box-aerobics class or mastering a complicated martial art. If you fall into this category, a treadmill will not meet your exercise preferences and it probably isn’t the right machine for you.

If you do like walking but still want a challenge or even a distraction, there are easy ways to do this, of course.

Treadmills are growing more sophisticated all the time offering numerous built-in workout programs, upper-body workout arms and even built-in stereo systems for you to plug-in your favorite CD’s.

There’s also the magazine rack so you can read your latest Time or People magazine. And of course, the most popular method: setting your treadmill up in front of the television (or buying a mini-television to mount above your treadmill).

You can always make your workout more interesting with your home treadmill - but if you don’t enjoy walking, jogging or running, you might want to steer clear of the treadmill.

So those are 3 ways to tell if a treadmill is right for you. With our busy lifestyles and lack of time, the home treadmill also offers several other unique benefits, which you might want to consider before buying:

#1) Exercise Convenience

With a home treadmill you can jump on it at any time day or night. You don’t have to waste time driving to the gym. You don’t have to work around your gym’s hours or schedule your workout around those ‘peak times’. You don’t have to rush to sign up for a treadmill at the gym. It’s all yours. Workout whenever you want - and for however long you want.

With our jam-packed schedules these days, time is at a premium. While you may not have a long period of time to carve out for exercise, experts tell us that ‘mini-workouts’ give us the same benefits as long workouts. So instead of doing 30 minutes straight, with your own treadmill you can do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night.

There’s a third convenience to having a home treadmill - you can wear what you want. No worrying about if your hair is staying under your baseball cap. No rushing to find the right T-shirt for the gym. While this may seem trivial - it can actually make a difference in how much you exercise!

#2) Exercise Comfort

With a home treadmill, you can exercise in the comfort of your own home. No worrying about the rain, snow or sleet that’s pouring down outside. You can jump on your treadmill with your favorite sports drink, turn on your favorite show and burn away those calories.

No worrying about winter weight gain or holiday pounds - because you have the tools at your disposal to easily work off any extra calories.

#3) More Calories Burned, More Weight Lost = Better Body Achieved

Because you can exercise when you want, for how long you want, regardless of weather or even busy schedules, you’ll use your treadmill much more. And when you exercise more, you burn more calories, lose more weight and achieve a better body. This is always a benefit!

Home treadmills continue to be the most popular exercise machines with buyers today. They offer convenience, comfort and more opportunities to enjoy getting in shape.

If you decide that a treadmill is right for you, know that you’ll be investing both in a great exercise machine and a better, healthier body!

Kathryn O’Neill is chief editor for Treadmill Review (http://www.TreadmillReview.net ), a consumer oriented website focusing on the home treadmill market.

For the latest buying tips, treadmill brand reviews, and best buys, visit Treadmill Review at:

http://www.TreadmillReview.net

treadmill,treadmills,home,exercise,equipment,machine,machines,best,buy,buying,purchase,discount

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,




Exercise Nutrition: How To Eat For Energy When Working Out

Sunday 31 December 2006 @ 12:08 am

How many times has this happened to you?

- You psych yourself up mentally (you are GOING to do it!)

- You don the outfit (you can practically feel the energy flowing through your veins!)

- You lace up the running shoes (Nike: Just Do It - that’s you.)

- You grab your towel (because ANYONE SERIOUS needs a towel).

Then it’s time.

It’s time to sweat. It’s time to burn the evil fat from your body. You face the treadmill (or stair climber, or rowing machine, or exercise video with the perky aerobics instructor on it).

And you start.

You warm up, and start moving faster and faster. The sweat starts to pour. The blood is pumping. Man, you are burning! That size 2 exercise instructor is going to look like a whale compared to you when you get through!

The adrenaline hits your blood and you feel GREAT! You could exercise forever! In fact maybe you will exercise forever!

Your time winds down. Ok, maybe you’d better slow down, no sense in going TOO crazy here. The cool down sure feels good. You turn off the treadmill, or the exercise video and head to the shower.

Then it hits you.

EXERCISE REPERCUSSION.

You feel like you want to die, or at least sleep for about 12 hours. You go through the day craving anything you can easily grab: anything edible or, depending on how good it looks, anything at all. Nutritional value? Who cares!

But nothing seems to satisfy you and you could swear that you’ve just eaten all the calories you burned during exercise PLUS more!

What was the point in exercising at all if you go through your day tired and eating everything in sight? It was just a waste of your time and a stress on your body for nothing right?

Well, not necessarily, not if you can learn from it. Here’s how to avoid the above experience when exercising:

1) Check Your Hydration Levels

(I know not really exciting-but it will do wonders!!)

The average adult loses 10-12 cups of water a day (that’s not including water we lose from exercise, caffeine, etc).

It’s estimated that approx 75% of North Americans are chronically dehydrated. And even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 3%.

And here’s the key, all you exercisers: Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue!!!! Unfortunately this fatigue often gets mistaken for hunger and we eat more than we need in a desperate effort to get that water back into our bodies.

What can you do?

Before your workout: drink 1-2 glasses of water

During your workout: Have about ?-1 cup of water for every 20 minutes of exercise

After your workout: Have at least 3 cups of water in the hour after you exercise.

2) Check Your Pre-workout Nutrition

Since you want energy over the long haul, your best bet is to try having some complex carbs before you exercise (like oatmeal, whole wheat toast, or whole wheat crackers).

Some people prefer to get their carbohydrate from fruit also, it depends on what works for you.

Try to combine this with a little bit of protein (like peanut butter on your whole wheat toast, or a couple slices of cheese with your apple). Try different combos and see what gives you the most energy.

3) During your workout:

If your workout is under an hour: Make sure you keep drinking that water and continue to listen to your body.

If you want to go more than an hour you should try eating 25 to 30 grams of carbohydrate every half hour (i.e. From sports bars, fruits or whole grains).

If you are exercising for more than 3 hours you should consider sipping a sports drink to replace lost electrolytes. Both sports drinks and energy bars help to maintain your blood sugar levels and prevent muscle glycogen (energy) depletion

4) After exercise:

Keep drinking that water! (See above) You also want to refuel with carbohydrates as soon as you can after exercise (toast, bagel, fruits, oatmeal, etc.)

Your body not only needs to refuel but it also needs to rebuild with some protein since intense exercise involves the breakdown of muscle tissue.

Some possible snacks are: Peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat toast, cottage cheese mixed with fruit, scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast.

The most important thing is to pay attention to your body and feel what works for you as you exercise. If you feel light-headed or dizzy or in pain at any time during exercise stop! Respect your body and what it tells you.

Hopefully the next time you decide to face the treadmill (or the exercise video) you’ll be able to feel great both during AND after you exercise.

You’ll be able to feel as if you’ve made your body better and stronger, by feeding it and exercising it and keeping that energy up!

Kathryn O’Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews (http://www.Freetobethin.com )

For more free weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit
http://www.freetobethin.com

exercise,fitness,nutrition,energy,workout,exercising,working out,what to eat,pre-workout,healthy

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,




«« Previous Posts