The Health Benefits of Rollerblading

If you live in the northern part of the United States, you must likely have to find your exercise indoors in the winter. Many go to the gym to get on a treadmill or exercise bike, etc. Or you might have purchased some kind of exercise equipment to use in your home. But what about engaging in some exercise outdoors on the sunny days when it still might be cool or in the good old summer days. Why not take up rollerblading (which is another way of saying inline skating). It can be a lot of fun and it is much better for you than being stuck inside trying to exercise. Most cities have nicely paved paths in parks or other appropriate locations near your home. As long as the paths are not covered in snow, you can inline skate any time of year. If you live in a city, please check the roller skating rinks. They many times will allow rollerblading on their rinks. If so, you will be able to skate all year-round regardless of the weather outside!

There are many great benefits from inline skating. It is much safer on the knees and back than jogging because your legs are not taking as much pounding against a hard surface. Compared to cycling, you don't have to travel as far to get maximum benefits. Rollerblading provides you with fantastic lower body workout by strengthening and toning your thighs, calves, and hamstrings. Additionally, you are getting a great cardiovascular workout!

I also would like to recommend that you combine skating with some strength training exercises with weights such as leg extensions, leg presses and calf raises. If you do this, you can be assured that your muscles and bones will remain strong and will help prevent any possible injuries from occurring. This is important not only for rollerblading, but also for any kind of exercise that involves the legs.

There is a debate whether you should engage in some stretching exercise before you begin exercising. I believe you should do what feels best for you. Also, the first few minutes should be done at a slower pace so that your muscles can appropriately warm up!

Rollerblading is very safe once you learn how to do it. Occasionally you will fall, but rarely by yourself. If you do, it is usually the result of something your skates hit on the pavement. It is always very wise to wear some protective equipment while skating. You might want to purchase some elbow, wrist and knee pads along with a good helmet.

I need to warn you that once you get on those skates and experience the joy of rollerblading, you are going to become addicted. My recommendation is not to fight this addiction, but enjoy it! Happy rollerblading!

Pedal Your Way to Health

The bicycle was first introduced in Europe in the 19th century, and introduced to the U.S.A. shortly afterwards.

There are numerous benefits to cycling, the principal one being a health issue, reducing the risk of heart disease. A study of over 10,000 people found that those who cycle 20 miles or more a week, are less likely to have Heart problems. The risk of Heart attack is reduced by 50%. Doctors say that to benefit from exercise, you should maintain your heart rate at an elevated level for at least 20 minutes, this can be achieved by cycling.

Cycling is one of the best exercises to lose weight, and not end up with the dreaded 'flab', often left as a result of other forms of weight loss. The muscles of the whole body are toned evenly. There are studies to show that cycling is one of the few exercises that can help to get rid of cellulite on the thighs ...

There have been some studies showing that moderate exercise, such as cycling may strengthen the immune system and may increase activity against cancer cells.

Cycling helps stimulate the small muscles of the vertebrae, which is normally difficult to do. By using up fat reserves when Biking, blood cholesterol can be stabilized. This is a very important factor, as due to our normally sedentary lifestyle, raised levels appear to be on the increase.

Regular cycle rides can also reduce high blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke. Cycling builds stronger bones, improves digestion, lung function, and joint flexibility. Cycling facilitates blood circulation, it carries oxygen-rich blood to all your muscles, giving greater muscle strength. Due to your regular, heavy breathing when cycling, your intake of oxygen is greatly increased. By regular cycling you are building stamina, and you are more effective in your daily activities.

Due to the pressure of work, Family and Financial worries, we all end up stressful, tense and anxious. Biking really helps. The uniform movement is calming. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, wonderful.

Go cycling, explore the countryside, take time to stop and chat with a farmer, make new friends, stop and watch haymaking in progress, don't be in a rush ...

Cycling can be a solitary activity or a very social one. There are many clubs and groups that usually are happy to welcome new members.

It is good to see that local Communities in most countries are building Biking into Transit plans.

Remember, cycling is not recommended for people with severe joint pains or severe arthritis, swimming is better, it gives total body support ...

What are you waiting for? Get on your bicycle, keep in shape and reduce the risk of Heart Disease.

You Can Quit Soda!

But the truth of the matter is, it has hardly any water and our body is made up of 73% of water and that is why it is important to drink 8 glasses of water a day. I like water, but I have a hard time drinking that much water. So I recommend drinking 100% juice, flavored water such as Propel and try to avoid high calorie drinks like soda and other drinks. Even energy drinks!

When I quit drinking soda, I just went cold turkey. I think its the best way to quit anything. Its not easy at first, but then it gets easier day after day. Find something else you enjoy drinking like mentioned above, I personally really enjoy Propel, and then I have coffee and juice in the morning. Do not keep any soda in your house or else you will be tempted to drink some. I noticed that your new habits can become an influence to your close friends and family. My parents do not drink soda, so that is another reason why I quit drinking soda. I call my dad a non-drinking soda advocate.

The reasons why I quit drinking soda is because I wanted to be healthy and I am trying to lose weight. But when you drink soda it counteracts with your weight loss because of the calories plus it blocks your water and you lose water from your body when you drink soda. I quit soda and lost 4lbs so far in 12 days! I know I will lose more! I know people who have quit drinking it and have lost up to 20lbs! So I know I will continue to lose weight.

Now I have not quit caffeine, it is not good for you but I do enjoy my morning cup of joe. But as a society we are a huge consumer of soda, energy drinks and coffee, which is a billion dollar business. But making little changes can help your pocket book as well as your health.

Speaking of cost soda is very expensive and cost upwards of $6 a case! I was spending that much plus more when I purchased my sodas daily at work. Now that I drink Propel, I get the packets and I just add water.

Like I said above, I never thought I would quit drinking soda, but I did and if I can you can too.