Look At That Kid Jumping Rope

At the gym, we always see the kid jumping rope, and we think, why wouldn’t you just run on the treadmill, ride the bike, lift weights etc.  Well believe it or not, Jumping Rope, a form of cross training, is one of the most efficient cardio workouts out there. It is also very affordable, I mean you only need one thing.  However, the one downside to jump roping is how difficult it is to begin with.  Once you get better, it gets harder and will burn calories, and feelings like no other, I highly encourage it.

What is Aqua Zumba

In my last post I discussed how effective “Zumba” is as a stress reliever, and a workout.  This lead me to address a common mistake some make.  There is always “the easy way out”.  People came out with this idea of “aqua zumba” which I have witnessed many times at work.  Aqua Zumba is simply, water aerobics.  Lets be honest, they make you think you are burning so many calories moving around with the resistance of the water, but in reality you are not.  I have been around these classes for years, and have never seen anyone get positive results, I see it as a way to just get in the pool.  If you want to do a workout in the pool, SWIM! I mean common, look at Michael Phelps.

Barbells

Ok, do recall me discussing how dumbbells are some of the most versatile weights in exercise technology. However, I left out the part about the dumbbells cousin: The Barbell.  Barbells are very useful for a plethora of exercises,  and allow you to engage both arms while holding them.  Because there are so many different exercises to do with barbells, they give killer workouts, and allow you to pump all the emotions right out of you.  Rep after rep the burn gets even better.  In terms of barbells, they are all pretty standard, so the kind you get is not too important.  I encourage you to try workouts to relieve your stress with barbells, they are quite helpful.  Also, be sure to check out Mark Vermeer’s  blog on dumbbells vs. barbells, its a great read—>http://markvermeer.com/dumbells-vs-barbells/

I Wouldn’t Leave You Hanging

So I come to you with this idea, to workout to relieve stress, and you have really only heard my voice.  Also, you may hate running, you may be reading my posts and say “this is a joke”, but like I said, I wouldn’t leave you hanging.  There are plenty of ways besides running to relieve your stress.  My mom has  tried running, she hates it, she has tried walking, and doesn’t like it that much either, she was ready to give up.  With 2 high school students, 4 animals, a part time job, she was losing her mind day in and day out,  Despite this, she found a way to fix it. 

1.  What made you choose to start doing yoga?  

            I have a good friend who had become a certified instructor.  While I had taken yoga previously, none of my

     instructors were as qualified as her.   It was her influence that got me started; however, her particular style of

             teaching is what made me begin to truly enjoy it.

2.  Is  yoga an activity you would continue to do in the future?

    Yes definitely, but only under the instruction of a well trained teacher.

3.  How does yoga make you feel?

  After an hour of yoga,  I feel like I’ve had a very good workout.  But I also feel calmer and more centered.

       4.  What is your favorite aspect of yoga itself?

The relaxation derived from doing it.

      5.  Would you recommend yoga for anyone?  If so why?

Yes,  there are so many benefits of yoga. A lot of people who have not practiced it, think it’s easy.

        That is definitely not true.   It is an excellent exercise to strengthen your core, as well as all

muscle groups, to increase flexibility, increase balance and to relax.  I would highly recommend it.

Look at question three, she says “I feel calmer, and more centered”.  She feels better and relieved.  She told me that even the feel of her  Valeo Yoga Mat just relaxes her.  This is also done by that music that she listens to while she does yoga, the Namiste CD.  There may not be classes around you, but there are plenty of DVDs as well, such as the Yoga For Beginners video, by Michael Wohl.  This is good, especially if you have never done it.  They say mama knows best, don’t they? There is something for everyone, and Yoga may be just the things, especially if you don’t like running.  I want to relieve your stress, not leave you hanging!