Tag Archives: gym

Gym Bunny Update

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Gym Bunny Update

Howdy!! In November of 2024, I began making weekly visits to the gym with my brother. It was the first time I stepped foot in a gym since I was a teenager and, I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous. However, my brother wanted to improve his health and I wanted to support him so we became gym buddies. We have been going every week since our first visit and I am crushing one of my New Year’s Resolutions of maintaining that. I look forward to our work out every week and I am so happy that my big bro and I are committed to branching out of our comfort zone together.

My goal for going to the gym isn’t about getting jacked but toned, instead. I can most definitely feel the difference, especially in my upper body. Prior to working out, I had no upper body strength whatsoever and using the machines that targeted those areas felt like torture. But guess what? It got easier every single time. In fact, I have increased my reps to twenty-five on each machine I use and it was so exciting to have that undeniable evidence that I was making progress. The shoulder press still gives me a lot of grief, but I felt really proud of the fact that my reps on the other machines that I used to dread were completed with ease during my last visit.

I never had any interest or desire to go to the gym prior to making this change with my brother and it truly has become a source of fun. We love to see the familiar faces as we make our rounds and it’s encouraging to be in a place where everyone is there to improve themselves. If you are considering going to a gym or if you would rather chop your arm off than step foot in one – just give it a try! If you don’t like it, you don’t like it but it never hurts to try something new. I certainly fell under the “would rather chop my arm off” category and I ended up surprising myself.

As an extremely goal oriented person, the gym has turned into something incredibly appealing to me. I have found that the goals I have been setting are achievable and it feels great to meet and surpass them. The jury is still out on when I will try to increase the amount of weight on the machines. So, my focus remains on steadily upping my reps. My next number I’d like to get to is thirty-five and I know, without a doubt, that I can do it. And that is a beautiful thing!

As soon as the weather warms up in Ohio, we will begin incorporating some laps in the pool into our work out routine. I simply cannot wait but the first order of business will be finding an excellent swim cap to protect my colored hair!

Do you like to go to the gym? How are your New Year’s Resolutions going? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Gym Vibes

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Gym Vibes

Hello!! I am one of those people who never really understood the appeal of going to the gym. I was a competitive figure skater back in the day, which is very much a solo sport. And, in my adulthood, I love the solitude provided by hikes and walks. With that in mind, you can see why being in a roomful of other people working out might not be something I would enjoy very much. However, my sentiments have changed entirely. This past month, I started working out with my brother at the Natatorium in Cuyahoga Falls and I have been freaking LOVING it!

My brother has been working really hard to improve his health and we have been visiting the gym at least once a week after he had a tutorial on learning the machines. I wouldn’t say I was chomping at the bit to join him at first, but I was happy to be supportive and the weather has been crap so it’s not like we could hike or walk outdoors anyways. I have to admit, I was extremely intimidated during our first visit. Everyone looked like they knew what they were doing and I so didn’t lol.

As I made my way to the machines I wanted to work on, I felt like I was sticking out like a sore thumb. But, hey, if I was in a gym then I might as well make the most of it. I floundered my way through several machines and some very nice exercise enthusiasts showed me how to use the ones I was struggling with. Internally, I was kind of frazzled but it ended up being the perfect way to break the ice. After that initial self consciousness was gone, I was ready to rock!

At this point, I am pleased to report that both my brother and I are 1) Accurately using each machine and 2) Enjoying it. We start each work out session by power walking a mile on the track. Afterwards, we complete our machine circuit which gives a fantastic, full body work out. Thanks to my extensive tenure as a figure skater, my legs have always been really muscular. The arm and torso exercises are the real killer because I literally have no upper body strength lol. Although that portion of the work out is difficult for me and I’m screaming profanities in my head the whole time, I love knowing that it will get easier eventually. And, when that happens, you are all invited to the gun show! 😀

My brother and I aren’t the only ones who have been going to the gym because Johnny is too! He has been going to the one at his work every morning so look out because we’re all going to be super buff soon!

What is your favorite kind of exercise? Do you like going to the gym? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Busy Person’s Guide To Fitness

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A Busy Person’s Guide To Fitness

Are you always on the go, finding it hard to sneak in a workout session? Do you feel like there are not enough hours in a day? If you answered yes to both, then you’re not alone. With busy schedules and endless responsibilities, prioritizing fitness can become tedious. However, staying active and healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple fitness tips for the time-constrained individual:

Plan ahead:

The key to staying on top of your fitness routine while having a busy day is to plan ahead. Schedule a workout session into your daily schedule so you allocate a specific time slot to exercise. Knowing what workouts you need to do and when can help you stay focused and hold yourself accountable. You can also keep track of your progress by writing a fitness journal outlining the workouts you have done and what goals you would like to achieve.

Optimize time:

If you’re limited on time or can’t get to the gym, optimize your schedule to fit in some sweat time. You can combine your workout with tasks or activities you’re already doing. For instance, do some lunges or squats while brushing your teeth. Try using public transportation or bike to work instead of driving. You can also opt for an active lifestyle, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

Incorporate HIIT:

High-Intensity Intervals Training (HIIT) is an exercise that combines short, intense periods of activity with less intense rest periods. HIIT workouts are perfect for busy people because they are quick, efficient, and can be done anywhere. You can choose from HIIT workouts like burpees, jumping jacks, and sprints.

Make it a group activity:

Working out in a group can be motivating and enjoyable. It’s also an opportunity to multitask while spending time with friends or family. Schedule cohesive workout sessions with your buddies or family members and test out different classes until you find one you love. This could be a danceathon Zumba session, yoga, pilates, or even boxing! You can also join a boot camp or group fitness classes at the gym.

Eat well:

Getting fit isn’t just about exercise; it’s also essential to eat well. Eating nutrient-rich foods and taking supplements such as those produced by STEEL can help you to feel energized and improve your overall health. Some of the foods you should include in your diet are:

Whole grains:

Whole grains such as whole wheat, oats, and quinoa are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide energy to power your day-to-day activities.

Lean proteins:

Lean proteins like chicken breasts, eggs, and legumes are an excellent source of protein that helps build muscle strength. Protein also keeps you full for a more extended period of time.

Fruits and vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating them regularly helps keep your body fueled throughout the day while improving overall health.

Healthy fats:

Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil provide essential nutrients to your diet. It’s important to include healthy fat sources in your meals for optimal health.

You should also avoid foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. These foods can slow you down and interfere with your fitness goals.

Employ the help of professionals:

Sometimes, it can be daunting to create an effective fitness plan all by yourself. If you don’t have the time or knowledge, consider employing the help of professionals who can put you on a weight loss program that works for you. An option that might be recommended is the fat mobilization system, which is a clinically proven weight loss program that is designed to help you reach your health and fitness goals. This program effectively minimizes excess fat by utilizing the process of thermogenesis. By naturally stimulating the body to generate heat energy, it facilitates the burning of calories. With a program tailored to your fitness goals, you can be sure that you are in good hands.

Remember, fitness isn’t a destination but a way of life. Embrace the journey and enjoy every step towards a healthier, fitter you. With these tips, you can surely make fitness a part of your lifestyle, no matter how busy you are. Keep going, stay motivated, and never give up on your fitness goals!

How To Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals Sooner

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How To Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals Sooner

Weight loss is not easy for everyone. Some people can find it difficult to commit to lifestyle changes while others find it challenging to adapt to a new food routine. If you are on a mission to supercharge your weight loss goals, look no further. These tips will help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals sooner, which will help you feel like your best self again:

Use medical support:

Although you might want to pursue and achieve your weight loss goals on your own, sometimes seeking medical support can be the best way for you to achieve your goal sooner. Using medical weight loss solutions can be the answer to increasing your weight loss. Yes, you must still maintain a healthy lifestyle. Yet, with another extra push, you can meet your goals and feel happier within your skin. There are an endless array of tools to help in your journey to better health like weight loss injectables, supplements, and surgeries. When used in tandem with lifestyle and diet changes, the difference it could make will be significant.

As you work towards a healthier weight, it is important to listen to the advice of the doctor who is helping you. Weight loss is a process that needs to be done right and you should seek counsel before you add anything new to your regimen. As such, run it by your doctor if you should buy GLP-1 (or any other supplements) to further assist in your weight loss or if the new exercises you are thinking of adding to your fitness routine are appropriate for you and your goals. This will ensure that you are doing everything in the safest, most healthy way possible.

Choose to eat low-fat foods:

Eating the right foods will guarantee to contribute to faster weight loss. Eating low-fat foods that are also high in fiber will help you feel fuller for longer while helping you consume less fat. If you want to achieve your weight loss goals, then you must eat the right foods in order to contribute to a healthier diet that is lower in calories and saturated fat. Changing your diet can be a really difficult thing and a lifestyle overhaul might feel overwhelming. This is normal and is something that should be discussed with a doctor or therapist, especially if you are having a hard time with cravings. Your doctor will be able to provide other recommendations to assist you like tirzepatide weight loss to help reduce your appetite.

Move more:

One of the most simple ways to achieve your weight loss goal sooner is to move more. If you are currently not doing much physical activity, how do you expect to achieve your weight loss goals in your desired amount of time? Whether you wish to join the gym or pursue workouts from home, maintaining a regular fitness routine will assist with speeding up your weight loss journey. It is a good idea to find an exercise that you enjoy, otherwise, you might slack off and not maintain your routine. This can come with trial and error so try out different exercise routines to find one that you can maintain.

Supplements to assist in weight loss can also give you a boost in energy to further increase your movement. You might notice this increase when you buy tesofensine pills to help with your weight loss journey.

Don’t forget about the high-calorie drinks:

If you enjoy drinking milky coffees, milkshakes, or sugary energy drinks, it is not a good idea to consume many of these if possible when you are committed to a weight loss journey. High-calorie drinks will contribute to your daily calorie intake, which can act as invisible calories, yet be the cause of you experiencing a slow weight loss journey. The best thing to do is to stick to low-calorie drinks and ensure that you keep as hydrated as possible to maintain your quick and healthy weight loss journey.

Using these tips, your weight loss journey will be as healthy and seamless as possible. Having an easy weight loss journey might seem impossible, however, using these tips is more achievable than you think!

Featured Image By: Ketut Subiyanto

Tone Up With These Exercises

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Tone Up With These Exercises

If you’re ready to take control of your life, becoming active is the greatest place to start. It means getting up, breaking out of your old pattern, and creating a new one that will improve your life. Here are the best exercises for working up a sweat and toning up your muscles:

Boxing:

Boxing is fantastic if you want to work on your core muscles while still getting a solid workout for the rest of your body. It also enhances your balance, mobility, and coordination while simultaneously working your muscles, all of which may be applied in your daily life.

If you’ve never boxed before, it’s a good idea to practice alongside someone who understands what they’re doing, such as a trainer or a buddy. That way, you can be sure that you’re doing everything correctly and that you’re not injuring yourself.

Swimming:

Swimming could be the exercise for you if you have aches and pains because water relieves all of the strain on your body and allows you to focus on moving around freely. This is why many physiotherapists recommend swimming. Not only that, but it works every muscle in your body, which means you not only burn calories but also tone up. That being said, if you are struggling with joint pain such as in your knees or shoulders, it’s always best to consult a knee or shoulder specialist before starting any physical activity.

The beauty of swimming is that it truly is a form of exercise that you can do your entire life. From fast paced laps to water aerobics, there are aquatic workouts for people of all ages. If you are serious about swimming as your main form of exercise, you might want to search for a Swimming pool contractor in Rockwall, TX (or your local area). With a pool in your backyard, your whole family can experience the benefits of swimming.

Cycling:

Cycling is a favorite go-to workout because you can do it both indoors and out. You can get in shape in front of the television if you have an exercise bike! Just thirty minutes of riding each day can significantly increase your physical power and stamina and the more you sweat, the more fat you’re literally melting away.

Circuit training:

If you prefer to push yourself to your limits, circuit training is the ideal cardio workout for you. High-intensity workouts with minimal recovery time make for a difficult session, but one that is well worth it once done. It’s a fast-paced workout, so make sure you’re hydrated and eat something before you start; otherwise, you won’t have the energy you need. Make sure you have a bottle of water within reach for when you have a little rest period. You’ll see why.

Whatever you choose to do, give it a fair chance before deciding whether or not you like it. Not everyone is the same and just because your friends say running is the best thing for them doesn’t imply it will be the case for you. This is when trial and error comes into play. Don’t give up on getting healthier if you don’t like something; simply keep going until you find something you truly appreciate.

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What’s Holding You Back At The Gym?

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What’s Holding You Back At The Gym?

If you are someone who prides themselves on staying fit and healthy, then you probably have a gym membership and go to the gym on regular occasions. This is definitely one of the best things you can do for yourself in general, but it is also the kind of habit that you can often find yourself holding back on for one reason or another. As it happens, there are many reasons why you might be struggling to achieve what you want to at the gym, and in this article we are going to take a look at a few of the most common:

Lack Of Confidence:

Everyone has had the experience of feeling a little shy when stepping into a gym. This often happens the first time you try out a new gym or if you are feeling self conscious that day. Working on improving your confidence more generally is a great way to go, as is ensures that you are being easy on yourself when you are at the gym itself. With a little more confidence, you will approach your workouts in a better way and get more out of them.

The Wrong Shoes:

It’s amazing what a difference wearing the wrong shoes can make. Whether you are on the treadmill, rowing, or doing weights, you need to have the appropriate footwear. This will help you to keep your balance, avoid injuries, and feel comfortable during your workout. If you are unsure about what footwear you might need to wear for a particular activity at the gym, check out Whichfootwear.com for all the advice you’ll need on that subject. With the right shoes, working out will be much easier on your body.

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Too Rigorous Of A Routine:

If you are following a workout regime of some kind or another, you will need to make sure that it is not too rigorous. If it is, then that is a sure sign that you are going to struggle to do it right and you’ll find that you end up performing worse than you would have done otherwise. You’ll get a lot more done by being a little gentler on yourself, relaxing your schedule, and not trying to achieve too much in one go. Remember: you are not competing against anyone but yourself.

Going Alone:

There is plenty of research to suggest that going to the gym with a friend helps make so much more of the experience. When there are two of you and you are both equally dedicated, it provides encouragement and accountability. Find yourself a good gym buddy and you’ll find that each workout becomes more effective and easier to do. It’s amazing what a difference a friend can make.

Ready, set, hit the gym with the advice above!

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Natural Ways For A Man To Keep Fit

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Natural Ways For A Man To Keep Fit

For natural ways to keep fit, there is nothing like a run in the country. However, the weather is not always that kind to us, neither is the time that we have when we have busy working lives that involve earning a living to support ourselves. So, we look to ways that are less time consuming to keep fit. In other words, exercises that can be done that do not take us too far away from home.

This could mean attending a local gym or making our home the gym. The exercises in a gym are still natural because they involve the natural movements of the body. All we are doing is recreating the same movements as if we were running, using an oar, or climbing a rock face. Then, to assist further in these activities, some people like to use a natural testosterone booster to enhance their workouts. These are healthy supplements which you can take that complement and improve our performance with activities.

This article will consider some of these gym exercises that we can do in conjunction with taking natural boosters to decide how they relate to actual activities:

Treadmill:

The treadmill is a popular piece of gym equipment because it replicates the action of running. Also, it can replicate, by changing its angle, the gradient, so it recreates the exertion required to run up a mountainside. Apart from being a cardio workout machine, the treadmill will also help you to lose weight. So, perfect for a healthy heart and profile. For more information on running machines, click here.

Rowing:

A rowing machine will provide the same activity as if rowing in a boat down the river. It is an exercise that will increase both stamina and fitness. Rowing machines can benefit a range of muscle groups, keeping them well balanced and strong. Regular rowing will also strengthen the shoulders, back muscles, and the arms. In addition, rowing will be good for your hamstrings and glutes. It is a muscle strengthening activity as much as it will tone core muscles.

As a very physical activity, rowing is also good for pumping the blood around the body and, therefore, promoting a healthy heart. Exercise is only of benefit when it involves much exertion and rowing can certainly be said to achieve that. Another great thing about rowing machines is that they are compact and can easily fit in your home. If you are not interested in buying a machine outright, you can search for “concept2 rower hire” to rent one. This will help you get the hang of rowing and decide if you want to fully invest in a machine for yourself.

Dumbbells:

Lifting weights can be the same as doing a physical job that involves carrying heavy weights. Repetitions of the same activity, that is lifting the dumbbells, will strengthen and tone the muscles in the arms. The advantage of dumbbells is that you can have different weights and build up from light to heavy. In fact, this is recommended. Another benefit of dumbbells is that they are more portable than other pieces of gym equipment and would not take up so much room in your house.

In summary, there are three types of gym equipment that can keep our body functioning to its peak and help with muscle development and strengthening. In addition, there are health supplements that can be taken to aid these activities and muscle development. For instance, boron will develop and strengthen the muscles that we need for these activities in the first place, and then assist our body in carrying them out, while something like this Gummy for immunities will ensure your body and health are resilient in the face of infections and sickness, as well as ready to take on whatever you throw at it. Sports nutrition is a growing industry and anyone from any walk of life can obtain products to help with fitness and improve their body’s performance and health. 

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Embracing Your Inner Gym Bunny

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Embracing Your Inner Gym Bunny

While in lockdown, you may have been hankering for your work out sessions at your fitness gym and you now have to make do with some at-home exercise. This will suffice for now, but what about when you can go back to the gym? Times will have changed, and there will be a new normal that you have to adjust to. You will have to remain socially distant, classes may only involve a handful of people, you may need to buy your own equipment, and hand sanitizer will become your best friend. Take a look at why you should *safely* embrace your inner gym bunny when lockdown ends:

The Range Of Exercise:

If you are used to doing twenty minutes on the cross trainer, a 5k run on the treadmill, and pumping some iron in the weights area, then an aerobics class as seen at YouTube.com at home simply isn’t going to cut it. Being able to work a wider range of muscle groups and having the equipment to tailor your workout so that it is bespoke to you is only available at a gym. While you might not be paying your full subscription fee each month at the moment, you will relish having the chance to when you can get back to a spin class and enjoy your HIIT workout once again.

While you are indoors a little more, take the chance to hone a new workout plan for when you do head back to the gym. If you are keen to lose the weight in your arms or you want to strengthen your core, construct a workout plan specifically for these areas using the many free guides available on the Internet.

Gear:

If you are looking to head back to the gym, make sure that you look the part. You want to be turning heads for all of the right reasons, so go to a site like curvesncombatboots.com and check out their achingly cool leggings and awesome tops so that you look amazing when you venture to do some exercise for the first time in ages. Pair your clothing with some new running shoes. While you might not fancy heading to the high street or the mall, there are plenty of online retailers with some excellent discounts at the moment. Take advantage of them while they are trying to encourage more shoppers back to their stores.

Classes:

While classes may be smaller, having an instructor in front of you yelling at you to go faster can actually be inspiring and make you work harder. Finding your mojo at home when watching a YouTube session or when trying to go for a jog outside can be tough. Sometimes, you need that expert to encourage you. Classes range from Zumba to box-fit and from spin to circuits. Each of these classes will help you to shift the pounds and tone up. You will also find that your dopamine levels increase negating the cortisone levels in your bloodstream. This can make you feel more positive, content, and happier in these uncertain times.

Venturing to the gym was something that we used to take for granted. Follow this guide, and enjoy embracing your inner gym bunny in the post-pandemic world.

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Combating Aging With Exercise

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Combating Aging With Exercise

When we assess how our health is doing, more often than not we might find that we are lacking in more ways than one. It’s not easy keeping on top of our health and fitness levels, and sometimes the hectic nature of our schedules prevents us from fully applying ourselves to a disciplined gym routine. The job, the children, the spouse, alongside maintaining our houses and planning exactly how we want our future to pan out – these are all considerations that would love to take all of our time if they could.

Part of being an adult is figuring out how to prioritize each one. Over time, our stagnating ability to divert time to our fitness, health, or flexibility might mean that all of these categories gets worse over age. Part of aging is that you continually learn how your body is the opposite of how it was when you were in your early roaring 20’s.

Luckily, you can regain your fitness, health, and flexibility easily. It’s never too late to live a life that counteracts your age and allows you to live at your peak every day.

But how do you do so? Let’s discuss!

Standing Desks: Standing desks are gaining popularity among the health conscious for their ability to reduce the damage of sitting – by not sitting down at all. As humans, we were designed to be on our feet for most of the day; we are bipedal creatures who used to hunt our food by persistently running after it until it became exhausted.

Utilize this nature, and keep on your feet and ‘active’ while you work. There’s some discussion that standing helps you stay alert during the day. This is perfect to help avoid those 4 PM blues that most people face at the end of the working 9-5 day, where nothing gets done and everyone wants to go home. This might even help you secure that promotion that you’ve been after for some time.

Foam Rolling: Foam rolling is the most popular new method to help relieve the tension from your hip flexers. Are you experiencing hip pain? Try these exercises. These will demonstrate the best ways for you to alleviate that pain without having to go to a doctor or subscribing to some holistic therapy that you’re not sure will work in the first place. Foam rolling is suitable for anyone, even though it is mostly used by athletes and those who attend the gym regularly.

Yoga: If you’re really looking for a great stretching workout, what could be better than yoga? Yoga is the most intense and spiritual form of stretching that there is. Finding a good instructor in your town or city is the first step. Then, you will begin progressing down a path of meditative practice, which will help you stretch muscles that you never knew you possessed.

These tips can help anyone become a more mobile, flexible person, and as your age increases so does the necessity to do it. Take care of your bodily health, and it will look after you in kind.

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