Just last month I was suggesting to coworkers that a treadmill/ computer desk would really help me shed some unwanted body fat. Well, little did I know that this is an actual reality.
While surfing the morning news via the web, I found this article which gives a snippet of what it would be like to work and walk at the same time.
Check it out here: Globe and Mail - Burning and Earning
Although the woman in the video says that walking and analytics were not her strong point, she did feel like she was benefiting from walking during work. She also notes that coworkers were making fun of her, but I would rather jokes about looking dorky exercising at work than jokes about my jiggly behind!
It's an interesting concept and one that would, most likely, cost companies more than they are willing to shell out on their employees well being. I guess if nothing else maybe I should get one of those exercise balls to sit on at work!
1.23.2008
Iron Yoga - New Exercise Alert!!
Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise. It tones and lengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and is know to relieve massive amounts of stress. Regular yoga is fantastic for its low-impact quality, but what about those of us who want a little more oomph?
Well, that's where Iron Yoga comes in. It's a hybrid of yoga and strength training, so you get the best of both worlds. Here's how it works - when you are in a yoga pose you pick up a couple of dumbbells so you can challenge your upper body to build strength. Which is a really good idea if you already do yoga but need a little more work in your upper body and arms. I'm thinking Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox Arquette!
It's a good way to save time and tone your arms, while still reaping the awesome benefits of yoga.
(don't forget to ALWAYS consult a fitness professional before trying a new workout)
Well, that's where Iron Yoga comes in. It's a hybrid of yoga and strength training, so you get the best of both worlds. Here's how it works - when you are in a yoga pose you pick up a couple of dumbbells so you can challenge your upper body to build strength. Which is a really good idea if you already do yoga but need a little more work in your upper body and arms. I'm thinking Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox Arquette!
It's a good way to save time and tone your arms, while still reaping the awesome benefits of yoga.
(don't forget to ALWAYS consult a fitness professional before trying a new workout)
1.14.2008
Eat More, Gain Muscle, Burn More Calories - My New Approach
As I explained last week, my calorie deduction diet was only helping me lose fat (and muscle) not gain muscle. My reason for dieting was so I could look healthy and fit - not skinny! The current Hollywood trend is definitely not an appealing one to me.
My new plan is to increase my caloric intake, and start a rigorous fitness plan. My diet will include the best of the best foods like:
-Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, bananas, avocados
-Veggies: broccoli, asparagus, carrots, spinach
-Meat: chicken, fish, shrimp
-Etc: natural peanut butter, wheat bread, pasta and rice, oatmeal, green tea
Eating "clean" like this will ensure more energy. My workouts will compose of warming up, weight training, and cardio. Here is the workout program my boyfriend put me on this weekend:
Warm-up
-walk on treadmill for 5 minutes
Weight Training:
-step-ups with dumbbells, on flat bench
Example: http://www.shapefit.com/quadriceps-exercises-dumbbell-step-ups.html
-stationary lunges with one foot on bench
-squats
-stiff leg deadlifts with dumbbells
Example: (similar, no barbell) http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displayarticle.php?aid=116
Cardio
-interval treadmill walking: start with 5 incline, at a swift pace for 5 minutes; increase speed, drop incline to 0 for five minutes; reduce speed, increase incline to 10 for five minutes; back to zero with increased speed for 5 minutes; up to 15 incline, reduce speed for 5 minutes.
Of course, my boyfriend is a trainer and understands my health and fitness needs, so make sure you always consult a health professional before undertaking any exercises.
My new plan is to increase my caloric intake, and start a rigorous fitness plan. My diet will include the best of the best foods like:
-Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, bananas, avocados
-Veggies: broccoli, asparagus, carrots, spinach
-Meat: chicken, fish, shrimp
-Etc: natural peanut butter, wheat bread, pasta and rice, oatmeal, green tea
Eating "clean" like this will ensure more energy. My workouts will compose of warming up, weight training, and cardio. Here is the workout program my boyfriend put me on this weekend:
Warm-up
-walk on treadmill for 5 minutes
Weight Training:
-step-ups with dumbbells, on flat bench
Example: http://www.shapefit.com/quadriceps-exercises-dumbbell-step-ups.html
-stationary lunges with one foot on bench
-squats
-stiff leg deadlifts with dumbbells
Example: (similar, no barbell) http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displayarticle.php?aid=116
Cardio
-interval treadmill walking: start with 5 incline, at a swift pace for 5 minutes; increase speed, drop incline to 0 for five minutes; reduce speed, increase incline to 10 for five minutes; back to zero with increased speed for 5 minutes; up to 15 incline, reduce speed for 5 minutes.
Of course, my boyfriend is a trainer and understands my health and fitness needs, so make sure you always consult a health professional before undertaking any exercises.
1.11.2008
Get the Toned Body You Want - Start Eating More Calories!
Wow! I was amazed to find out that my current diet will not allow me to gain muscle mass. The only thing that is happening by my calorie reduction is a loss in both fat AND muscle.
Apparently, you need to eat more calories in order to build muscle mass. You cannot lose fat and build muscle at the same time, as stated in this GoAskAlice@Columbia.EDU article. So to transform you body into a more Jessica Biel-ish figure, knowing the biology behind our bodies and how eating and working out effects them is imperative.
By the way, I consulted with my boyfriend on this (by the way, I put up a new pic of us...isn't he so cute!) and he said he has been telling me this all along - oops! Now I have to decide what approach I want to take and how I am going to get my celebrity figure.
I will let you know...
Apparently, you need to eat more calories in order to build muscle mass. You cannot lose fat and build muscle at the same time, as stated in this GoAskAlice@Columbia.EDU article. So to transform you body into a more Jessica Biel-ish figure, knowing the biology behind our bodies and how eating and working out effects them is imperative.
By the way, I consulted with my boyfriend on this (by the way, I put up a new pic of us...isn't he so cute!) and he said he has been telling me this all along - oops! Now I have to decide what approach I want to take and how I am going to get my celebrity figure.
I will let you know...
1.07.2008
Eat Fast Food Without the Guilt!
Most of you, like me, do not have time to make lunch everyday. Luckily, fast food joints have realized that it is important to have healthy choices available. Below I have listed some healthier choices when eating out.
McDonalds - Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap w/ Honey Mustard: 320 Calories
Quizno's - Chopped Salad w/ Low Fat Ranch (ditch the flatbread): 400 Calories
Chinese - Moo Goo Gai Pan w/ Steamed Rice (split meal in half): ~460 Calories
Jimmy Johns - Turkey Tom w/ Avocado Spread or Honey Mustard (no mayo): 345 Calories
Steak & Shake - Turkey Club w/ reduced fat mayo (no bacon): 352 Calories
Arby's - Regular Roast Beef (1 Arby's sauce packet): 335 Calories
Pizza Hut - 1 Slice Cheese or Veggie Pizza & Side Salad w/ Low Cal Italian: ~300 Calories
*When ordering sides, opt for the salad w/ low cal dressing, broth soup, fruits or veggies.
**Calories and recommendations are estimated by using Calorie King or restaurant nutrition calculator guides:
-www.calorieking.com
-www.pizzahut.com
-www.steakandshake.com
-www.arbys.com
-www.mcdonalds.com
-www.quiznos.com
-www.jimmyjohns.com
McDonalds - Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap w/ Honey Mustard: 320 Calories
Quizno's - Chopped Salad w/ Low Fat Ranch (ditch the flatbread): 400 Calories
Chinese - Moo Goo Gai Pan w/ Steamed Rice (split meal in half): ~460 Calories
Jimmy Johns - Turkey Tom w/ Avocado Spread or Honey Mustard (no mayo): 345 Calories
Steak & Shake - Turkey Club w/ reduced fat mayo (no bacon): 352 Calories
Arby's - Regular Roast Beef (1 Arby's sauce packet): 335 Calories
Pizza Hut - 1 Slice Cheese or Veggie Pizza & Side Salad w/ Low Cal Italian: ~300 Calories
*When ordering sides, opt for the salad w/ low cal dressing, broth soup, fruits or veggies.
**Calories and recommendations are estimated by using Calorie King or restaurant nutrition calculator guides:
-www.calorieking.com
-www.pizzahut.com
-www.steakandshake.com
-www.arbys.com
-www.mcdonalds.com
-www.quiznos.com
-www.jimmyjohns.com
1.03.2008
Diet Tip for Desk Workers
I work behind a computer all day long, so when I saw the article on msn.com about Workouts for Desk Jockeys I was excited!
Sitting at a desk all day can cause you to gain weight and lose muscle. Unfortunately our bodies are still designed for our less civilized days. Constant movement and periods without food is what our bodies still understand, not desk jobs and readily available snacks.
Here are a few helpful tips:
-Take brisk walks on breaks and lunch
-Use the stairs instead of the elevator
-Stretch throughout the day
-Walk memos over to people, don't just email
-Start an exercise regimen before work, during lunch, or after work
My eating tips:
-Avoid the vending machine - nothing tastes THAT good in there anyway
-Bring fruit and veggies to snack on
-Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration
-Make your lunch the night before
-Avoid pastries, donuts, fried foods
Sitting at a desk all day can cause you to gain weight and lose muscle. Unfortunately our bodies are still designed for our less civilized days. Constant movement and periods without food is what our bodies still understand, not desk jobs and readily available snacks.
Here are a few helpful tips:
-Take brisk walks on breaks and lunch
-Use the stairs instead of the elevator
-Stretch throughout the day
-Walk memos over to people, don't just email
-Start an exercise regimen before work, during lunch, or after work
My eating tips:
-Avoid the vending machine - nothing tastes THAT good in there anyway
-Bring fruit and veggies to snack on
-Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration
-Make your lunch the night before
-Avoid pastries, donuts, fried foods
Diet Hiatus
Sorry I have been gone so long! Getting sick along with family visits has turned my diet upside down. I have to admit, for New Years Eve I was anything but motivated. But it's time to get back on the diet saddle!
Next post to come shortly!
Next post to come shortly!
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