If you have a partner in your life, you also have a buddy for your workouts! Exercising with your significant other is a great bonding experience. It also makes you a more dynamic and productive pair. If you're the one in the relationship that loves fitness, but your partner does not, you can still workout as a team without pressure or boring the less fitness inclined partner.
Here are Three tips for encouraging your partner to exercise:
1. Don't drag him/her to the gym, find fun activities
The gym is the worst spot to be, if you're not a fan of exercise. Instead of suggesting traditional forms of fitness, suggest activities instead, that promote health and well being. A Saturday morning bike ride, taking martial arts classes together, or even going for a walk are great ways to get someone involved slowly. Without scaring them away with a big, muscle burning lifting session.
2. Compliment, Compliment, Compliment
If you manage to get your partner exercising regularly, help them to enjoy the benefits of their program by pointing out their new muscles, leaner waist line and defined glutes. Making the special person in your life feel good about their body is important regardless of the amount they exercise, but pointing out their progress in a way that makes them feel sexy and accomplished will have them working out more than you, in no time!
3. Don't be pushy, bossy, or a know it all.
If you have been exercising for years, but your partner never has, avoid the urge to run the show. It's acceptable to correct form here and there, or set the pace on a jog but the worst turn off, is having someone that doesn't allow you to experience fitness first hand. If your partner feels like they are slowing you down, or they feel bullied to do things your way, you won't have a workout buddy for long! If anything, ask your partner how your form looks or tell them to suggest a running route they may enjoy. Make your partner feel useful, needed, and equal.
Exercising together is fantastic. It keeps your workouts consistent, and together, any pair exercising will feel better mentally and physically. This will surely improve emotional and physical connections.
Exercise Together!
July 9, 2009
Boyfriend/Girlfriend not in to Exercise like you are?
July 7, 2009
Summer Treats that won't Break the Calorie Bank
Summer is the time of year that we look forward to BBQs, picnics and lounging by the pool. It's also a time for cool desserts and sweet treats. If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, don't worry about missing out on some of the best aspects of summer!
Try these three tips for snacking healthy in the summer:
1. Have your ice cream and eat it too.
Ice cream doesn't have to be a diet disaster. Gelato and sorbet, are low/no fat varieties made from milk instead of full fat cream. Don't want to skip the real ice cream? No problem! Just enjoy in moderation without the toppings. A single scoop in a cup or plain cone (sugar cones have a lot of empty calories)is satisfying and decadent, without being more fat calories than you should consume in a day.
2. Go for sweet, but healthy.
Fruit has a lot of natural sugar but nature's candy also brings anti-oxidants and fibre to the table. Fruit and frozen yogurt, or a low fat shortcake or tart, still gives you the filling, sweet dessert, without the extra exercise the following day.
3. Moderation is Key.
If you find yourself at a party, and you're being served cheesecake, nachos, pudding etc, I recommend not depriving yourself of the foods you love. Fitness and exercise isn't about giving up the food you enjoy, it's about controlling the amount you consume. So take a little of your favourites, and don't fret about your nutritional habits, when you're out having fun. If you've been working your butt off in the gym, you deserve it!
Have a Healthy, delicious summer!
July 6, 2009
Monday Motivation - Hard Work
"I do not know anyone who has gotten to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but it will get you pretty near."
July 4, 2009
Turn Those Flabs in to Abs. How to REALLY Work your Abs
Abdominal workouts can be made quick and effective by following these three guidelines:
July 2, 2009
Red Beans and Couscous
This recipe from Bigoven.com can be served as a main, or side. It's a perfect summer meal with its vibrant colours, and zesty flavour. This is an easy recipe. The whole process takes 20 minutes. Perfect for a busy evening!
June 30, 2009
What's Better, Yoga or Pilates?
Yoga and pilates are two totally different concepts but are regularly grouped together as a wellness or rehabilitation exercise. If you can't decide which discipline is best suited for your needs and goals, read my pro and cons list to help you choose the best option.
Yoga Pros:
-Has existed for 2000 years. It's tried and true!
-Offers many varied disciplines. Hatha is more relaxing while Ashtanga is very hard.
-Requires very little or no equipment.
-Improves flexibility and decreases stress.
-Great for muscle toning, core strength, carido, relaxation and meditation. A total package!
Cons:
-Some types of yoga (specifically Ashtanga and Bikram) are not good for beginners, people with existing injury, heart problems and obese persons.
-Some poses are hard on the joints.
-Inflexibility will be an obstacle for most types of yoga.
-Although yoga can be great for preventing low back pain it is not a rehabilitative exercise.
Pilates Pros:
-Developed as a rehabilitation exercise for World War 1 Veterans.
-Strengthens the core and other muscle groups more gently than strength training.
-Teaches body awareness and correct breathing techniques.
-Variety in classes, equipment and levels.
Cons:
-Most pilates exercises require equipment. This can be as simple as a foam roller to as big as a reformer. If you choose pilates as your main form of fitness, be prepared to invest money or go to classes as your primary method of practicing.
-Not a good cardio workout.
-If you have a background with weight training, you may find pilates too easy.
-Not recommended for advanced exercisers looking to lose weight or build muscle.
With a few pros and cons in each category you can see that yoga is best suited for people that want a hard workout, relaxation and even some spiritual elements incorporated in to their workouts. Pilates is fantastic for the older population, rehabilitation and injury prevention/recovery.
If you are still not sure, try a class of each. Most studios have a drop in rate or will even give you a free class so you can determine if it's right for you. Alternately hire a personal trainer that is certified in both, to show you a few exercises from each, and explain the concepts more thoroughly.
Both Yoga and pilates have their strong points. While they are very different, both offer wellness and better health. Try them out as a supplement to your existing weight and cardio program, or if you have not been exercising due to illness or injury but would like to get in shape.
June 29, 2009
Monday Motivation - Perseverance
"Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over."
