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Posts Tagged ‘losing weight’

Stuck in a rut?

Treading Stuck in a rut?Never fear – interval training is here! 

A true fat-burning exercise, interval training involves both high intensity intervals and lower intensity recovery periods. 

Not only will you finally bust through that stubborn plateau – but will only spend half the time doing so.

Take a look at all of the benefits of interval training:

You’ll torch more calories.  The more intense your workout is – the more calories burned – even if it is for short periods of time.

-  You’ll become more aerobically fit.  As your cardiovascular fitness improves, you will be able to go longer and harder.

-  You’ll add variety to your routine – beating the boredom.  Not only will you spice up your routine – but switching it up also keeps your muscles guessing.

-  You don’t need any special machines.  You can do interval workouts indoors or even outdoors – alternating speed between mailboxes, driveways or other landmarks.

Now – how to get started… 

You don’t have to be a super-star athlete to reap the benefits of interval training.  Here is an example of interval training using a treadmill and varying the incline:

 

H3’s Famous Treading Routine

Warm-up for 5 minutes at a comfortable speed – increase speed by 0.2mph for minutes 3 and 4

Interval Set #1 – Each minute, increase the incline to the following:

Min        Incline

6              3

7              4

8              5

9              6

10           7

11           6

12           5

 

 Interval Set #2

 Min                       Incline

13 – 14                    3

15 – 16                    5

17 – 18                    7

19 – 20                    9

21 – 22                    7

23 – 24                    5

23 – 25                    3

 

Interval Set #3

Min        Incline

26                           2

27                           3

28                           4

29                           5

30                           6

31                           7

32                           6

33                           5

34                           4

35                           3

36                           5

37                           7

38                           5

39                           3

40                           1

Begin 5 minute cool-down, decreasing speed in increments of 0.3-0.5mph.

 

HAPPY TREADING!  Check out Friday’s playlist to really get you moving!

 

Building a Better [Stronger] Body

Last week, a study announced that strength training shows benefits in breast cancer survivors.  Not only does it help these already powerful women, but also provides MANY benefits for the Average Joe.

Weight training can help tone your muscles, increase metabolism, improve your appearance and prevent age-related muscle loss.

Why Strength Train?

Not only will you feel STRONG but here are a few other benefits from pumpin’ iron…

-  Reduces body fat — who doesn’t want that???

-  Develops strong bones, which decreases the risk of osteoporosis.

-  Good for your HEART!  Helps prevent cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

-  Increase energy levels…no more 3pm slump!

-  STRESS reliever.

-  Improves mood and overall well-being.

-  You’ll sleep like a baby.

-  Increases stamina and endurance — you’ll keep going and going and going…

-  Helps prevent injury.

-  Improves balance and flexibility.

I know all of this talk [ladies] has you thinking you will turn into the Incredible Hulk.  However, women are not equipped with the proper hormones (aka testosterone) to make this happen.  Still don’t believe me…click here.

Now that you’re convinced…

Learn the proper technique.  If you aren’t sure of the technique – enlist the help of a personal trainer or another fitness specialist.

Start slowly. If you just beginning, you may find you are only able to lift a few pounds.  Start with a weight you can lift 12-15 repetitions until fatigue.  After a few weeks, try increasing your sets to 2 or 3.

Take time to rest.  To give your muscles time to recover, rest one full day between exercising each specific muscle group. You might choose to work the major muscle groups at a single session two or three times a week — or plan daily sessions for specific muscle groups. For example, on Monday work your arms and shoulders, on Tuesday work your legs, and back to your arms and shoulders on Wednesday.

Alright, now that you’re armed and ready to get lifting…where to start?

Check out our library of videos with step by step instruction from our Fitness Director Adam Martin.

 

Exercise in Uproar

H3 Treading Class

Recently, an article in a major media outlet has raised an important health question: Is exercise really an effective means for weight loss? 

Jessica Lynn, H3 Director of Program Development has addressed this question with the following letter.

 

As a member and certified Health Fitness Specialist of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a health and exercise professional, I can affirm that the answer is a resounding yes! A vast amount of research has definitively proven that exercise, when combined with a healthy diet, results in both weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight. ACSM just released an updated, evidence-based scientific position stand in early 2009 that proves these exact points.

Further, there is little evidence to the claim that exercising produces hunger so uncontrollable that it leads to weight gain. In fact, a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh proved just the opposite: overweight and obese women didn’t eat any more food after 40 minutes of exercise than they normally would when sedentary.

Exercise does require effort, and it does require self-control. But when these are combined to form a healthy lifestyle, the rewards are beyond substantial. Economically, expenditures are reduced (the recent Weight of the Nation conference reported that obesity accounts for some $147 billion in health care costs per year); and people lead more enjoyable, more energetic and happier lives.

Even for the non-overweight, exercise provides benefits that no single pill or prescription ever could. It treats and prevents numerous chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and even depression.

Exercise is a health tool we all need, regardless of our weight, and it is my sincere hope that the public takes its importance seriously. Further, advice about weight loss should come courtesy of a qualified health or fitness professional, instead of irresponsible articles that may not showcase the full realm of scientific facts surrounding the issue.

Sincerely,

Jessica Lynn

Director of Program Development, Hilton Head Health

Member/Certified Health Fitness Specialist, American College of Sports Medicine

 

Read the article here.  Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions about this topic!

 

I Like to Move It, Move It

It’s a proven fact that music gets you moving!  Not only does it help you move faster, but longer too. 

A recent study showed that when listening to music, the subjects exercised 15 percent longer than when exercising in silence – shoot for 30 minutes and chances are you will go for 10 minutes more! 

Download these songs from iTunes and GET MOVING!

DANCE, DANCE Playlist 

  1. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
  2. Just Dance – Lady Gaga
  3. SOS – Rihanna
  4. Ring the Alarm – Beyonce
  5. Right Round – Flo Rida
  6. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
  7. Crazy – Gnarls Barkley
  8. Heartbreaker – Pat Benetar
  9. Rock That Body – Black Eyed Peas
  10. Fergalicious – Fergie
  11. I Know You Want Me – Pit Bull
  12. This is How a Heart Breaks – Rob Thomas
  13. With Love – Hillary Duff
  14. Beautiful – Akon
  15. Fire Burning – Sean Kingston
  16. So What – Pink
  17. Survivor – Destiny’s Child
  18. Sweet Dream – Beyonce
  19. Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
  20. I Hate This Part – The Pussycat Dolls

 

SMART CART

SMART CART

 

The first grocery trip after returning home from H3 may seem daunting.  However, appropriate planning and preparation will see you through to success.  Here at Hilton Head Health, we make sure to prep you for your return through our SMART CART trip.

Our Nutrition experts take you on a trip to the local grocery.  Not only will you gain great ideas for quick and healthy meals, but you will be able to compare and contrast the options in the ‘unwise, better, best’ categories.  You will practice developing a healthy shopping list, experience optimal food selection and learn how to manage the tempting aisles of your favorite store.

Here are a few expert tips on how to get through the grocery store without anything ‘sneaking’ in your cart!

1. Plan ahead.  Make a list before going to the store of everything you need for the week.  Click here for the H3 Shopping list – just print, check the boxes, and you’re off! 

2. Don’t shop when you are hungry or in a hurry – shopping at these times, you are more likely to make ‘impulse’ buys.

3. Shop the perimeter of the store.  This is where you will find the healthiest options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and lean meats.

4. Spend the majority of your time in the produce aisle – make sure to buy fruits and veggies from all colors of the rainbow.

5. Fresh fruits and vegetables are best, but if you are worried about waste, frozen are a great alternative.

6. Stay AWAY from the snack food aisle.  Notice how the chips, cookies and sugary sodas are all together in one place!  (Better to avoid this aisle all together.)

7. Convenience is worth the extra cost.  Individual baggies of pre-cut fruits and vegetables are perfect for packed lunches, snacks and quick salad toppers.

8. Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey breast, ground chicken breast or even soy crumbles.

9. Choose 100% whole wheat pasta and bread.  The first ingredient should read whole wheat flour.

10. Learn how to read nutrition labels.  Keep an eye on fat (trans and saturated), calories, sugars and sodium content.  (Check back next week for a more detailed guidelines on how to choose ‘unwise, better, best’.)

These are just a few tactics to make your shopping trip a success.  Do you have any grocery store strategies?

 

Rain Rain Go Away

Coastal living has its ups and downs.  Looking at the upside, I am able to enjoy sunrise beach walks, weekend boat rides and fresh seafood…need I say more?  However, in the summer I can’t stand the constant RAIN!  It is really putting a damper (no pun intended) on my fitness routine.  The afternoon showers are forcing my evening runs, walks and bike rides indoors – which for the past three weeks has me skipping all together.  Something about spending 30 (monotonous) minutes on indoor cardio machines has really killed my motivation. 

So this leaves me thinking…what are some activities I can enjoy indoors and stay on track? 

I think I will try…

1. Group Fitness Class.  Classes like Spinning, Kickboxing, or Step Aerobics can burn between 350 – 400 calories!  A great way to try a new activity and build variety to your current fitness routine. 

2. An Exercise Video.  Another great way to add variety, you can choose a video ranging from Yoga/Pilates to Hip Hop Dance.  I think I’m going to try So You Think You Can Dance: Cardio Funk - a new release complete with Hip Hop, Disco, and Contemporary dance moves!  (Not only will I burn calories breaking a sweat, but I’m sure a laugh or two!)

3. Jumping Rope.  A quick interval workout can blast calories in 10 minutes or less.  Check out this routine from Sparkpeople.com.  An added plus – you can purchase for under $15!

4. EA Sports Active.  Compatible for Nintendo Wii, Active is a customizable fitness program.  (Yes – in a video game!)  Not only will this program track your progress, you can enjoy activities like dancing, in-line skating, tennis and volleyball in the comfort of your living room!  There is an Active 30 Day Challenge – motivating you to try a new exercise each day.  (Check out the Wii Fit for more of a balance/strength training program.)

5. Window Shopping (aka Mall Walking).  A less intense form of aerobic exercise, but sure to cover a lot of ground.  Wear a pedometer to track your steps and be sure to take the stairs!

6. Interval Routine.  If I must be stationed to the treadmill or elliptical, I will try to break the boredom by changing it up.  Similar to the Treading Class at H3, switching the speed, incline or resistance will keep you (and your muscles) guessing.  Warm up at a slow pace for 5 minutes, then alternate 1-2 minutes of high intensity between 1-2 minutes of recovery.  Repeat for a total of 20 minutes.  Make sure to cool down and stretch!

 

Dining Out Guide: Mexican Cuisine

Guacamole

When dining out ‘South of the Border’ style, portion control is KEY! With the temptation of mouth watering nachos and cheesy goodness, Mexican dining can be tough. However, not every Mexican fiesta is off limits, especially if you are ready to ‘translate’ the menu.

Ask your server not to bring out the never-ending Chip Basket. (Out of sight, out of mind) If you choose to have a guacamole or salsa dip – ask for corn tortillas.

Stay away from the Combination Plates, order off the A La Carte menu. Not only will you save a few $ – you can customize your own dinner.

Remember, you are the customer, so don’t be shy about asking to have your chicken grilled or sauces on the side.

Unwise

- Refried Beans

- Hard Tacos (These shells are deep fried!)

- Ground Beef

- Chile Rellenos (Fried cheese and meat stuffed peppers)

- Chimichangas (Deep fried burrito)

- Chalupas (Deep fried dough filled with chicken or meat)

- Nachos

- Cheese Quesadillas

- Churros

- Items topped in queso, sour cream

- Margarita (Can have anywhere between 300 – 700 calories!)

Better/Best

- Soft Tacos with Grilled Chicken or Fish

- Salsa

- Tamales

- Grilled Chicken Fajitas

- Black Bean and Veggie Burrito

- Shrimp Salad

- Brown Rice

- Pinto Beans

- Guacamole (Limit your portion to about 2 Tbsp.)

Are you surprised by where your favorite dish fell?

 

Breaking the Routine

Everyone has fallen victim to a routine. It’s easy to find something that works and continue to do it over and over again. The problem though is that you get bored and so do your muscles. After boredom sets in, motivation begins to drop. Not to mention your workouts become less effective. The key is to keep your muscles and your mind guessing. We encourage you to try new things and keep that dreaded word “routine” out of your vocabulary.

With this month’s Trainer’s Palette we begin a new video series that does just that. With each video, a new group of muscles will be worked using a variety of equipment. Changing equipment is a great way to add variety to any strength training program. This month’s video will focus on the Back and Biceps. We will show you different ways to train these muscle groups using dumbbells, a resistance band and a Fitball.

This is just the beginning of the Breaking the Routine video series. Join Adam Martin, H3 Fitness Director, as he takes you step-by-step through each move. So let’s fight boredom and try some new exercises!

*The Trainer’s Palette is a feature in our monthly e-newsletter, Living the Healthy Lifestyle. You can sign up to receive these emails here.

 

Back to the Bike

IMG 3829 1024x768 Back to the Bike

 

After a 10 year hiatus, I have rediscovered my love for biking. However, I must admit, it was a scary, heart-pounding journey. Several weeks ago, my fellow intern, Maggie, asked if I wanted to bike down to the beach with her during our break. I agreed thinking ‘it can’t be that hard to pick back up.’ After all, I biked every single day with my brother around the neighborhood…back in the day.

Boy was I wrong. I could have crawled at a faster pace than my biking speed. Maggie was practically biking in circles around me! My body head to toe was sweating, my heart was bursting out of my chest, and my forearms were stiff from grasping onto the handles for dear life.

Since that day, I have biked several times each week—to the beach, to the grocery store, around Shipyard Plantation. I still can’t believe it took me so much time to get back on a bike, but I’m sure glad I did.

If you are thinking of getting back on a bike for fitness, environmental and/or recreational reasons, here are some things that helped me get back to the bike:

1)    The steering took some time to get used to, but it came back to me after a couple bike rides. Having to bike on the twisty paths in Shipyard on my first try was quite an experience! 

2)    Making sure my seat was adjusted to the right height. For the first couple of weeks I had been biking with my seat too low and my legs had been pedaling an awkward motion.  See http://www.bicycletutor.com/adjust-seat for tips.

3)    Biking with a friend that knew where the paths started/ended, could watch the stop lights while my heart pounded away, and watched for oncoming traffic (!!). Plus, biking with another person encouraged me to keep pedaling along rather than turning around and giving up.

4)     Practice, practice, practice. After that first day, I thought I’d never get back on a bike again. That was enough stress to last several weeks! But I didn’t let my horrible biking skills keep me away. It was challenging for me but I figured it would be an excellent way to cross train, enjoy the warm weather/outdoors, relieve stress, and exercise on the beach.

So, if you have been meaning to get back on your bike, I encourage you to go get it out of your garage/storage room and get pedaling! If anything, it’ll  help you save some [expensive] gas!

 

TAV: Try-A-Veggie

Vegetables

 

It is so clear in my mind the day when my PE teacher in 7th grade said “I just LOVE vegetables.” I remember thinking to myself “HA! She must be crazy. Who, who, WHO?! likes vegetables. Let’s get real.” Somewhere down the line, I absolutely fell in love with vegetables. Every type, every color, prepared cold, prepared hot, you name it. 


Don’t get me wrong, I lived most of my life loathing veggies. They were the 3 B’s: bitter, bland, and just BAD (tasting, not bad for you!). But when I finally realized just how nutritiously valuable they were, I started eating them more. The more I ate, the more I liked! And we lived happily ever after.

 

Think about it, there is not ONE negative thing anyone can say regarding a veggie in terms of health and nutrition. I have yet to hear anything along the lines of “Live longer by cutting back on spinach.” Or “Don’t eat too many carrots; you’ll spoil your appetite!”

 

I will write a TAV posting every couple of weeks to give you the low down on a certain veggie. The next time you are in the supermarket, pick it up. You never know, you just might like it. You have to try it first though!


Check back Monday for the first TAV posting!