Monday, April 25, 2011
Exercising Vigorously
Exercising vigorously may boost calorie burn for hours afterward. The calorie-burning benefits of exercise do not stop after the treadmill does. A study finds that after exercising vigorously, a substantial calorie burn may follow.
The small study involved 10 healthy men, age 22 to 33, of various body mass indexes and aerobic fitness levels. Their calorie expenditure was measured after they exercised vigorously for 45 minutes, as well as on a rest day. Activity, rest, plus eating meals and snacks were all done under carefully controlled conditions so researchers could get an accurate assessment of calories taken in and burned.
The 45-minute exercise session (done on a cycle ergo meter) burned an average 519 calories -- not bad for a workout. But the big news is what came afterward. In 14.2 hours following the exercise bout, calorie expenditure was elevated, resulting in about 190 extra calories burned.
While that may not seem like much, think of it as being able to eat about three Pepperidge Farms Milano cookies with no consequences, or getting the calorie burn of a 30-minute walk at 4 mph for free.
The authors wrote that the calorie burn could be substantial if two or three of those high-intensity bouts of exercise are done a week, and eating is kept under control.
The study appears online in the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
The small study involved 10 healthy men, age 22 to 33, of various body mass indexes and aerobic fitness levels. Their calorie expenditure was measured after they exercised vigorously for 45 minutes, as well as on a rest day. Activity, rest, plus eating meals and snacks were all done under carefully controlled conditions so researchers could get an accurate assessment of calories taken in and burned.
The 45-minute exercise session (done on a cycle ergo meter) burned an average 519 calories -- not bad for a workout. But the big news is what came afterward. In 14.2 hours following the exercise bout, calorie expenditure was elevated, resulting in about 190 extra calories burned.
While that may not seem like much, think of it as being able to eat about three Pepperidge Farms Milano cookies with no consequences, or getting the calorie burn of a 30-minute walk at 4 mph for free.
The authors wrote that the calorie burn could be substantial if two or three of those high-intensity bouts of exercise are done a week, and eating is kept under control.
The study appears online in the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Strength Training for Osteoporosis Prevention
Some middle-aged women can lose up to 20-30% of their peak bone mass during their menopausal years. Especially if they are inactive, not taking calcium or utilizing hormone replacement therapy. This can increase their risk of fracture by 40% over their lifespan. The best program (Bone, Estrogen, and Strength Training study) began in 1995 to see how strength training may affect bone density.
While weight-bearing exercises are said to have the best value for bone density, strength training is often overlooked. The best program's main objective was to explore a high load, low repetition approach to strength training. Over 260 women ranging in age from 45-65 who were postmenopausal for 3-10 years were used in the study. These women completed 2 sets of 6-8 repetitions at 70% of 1 RM, two days per week or 80% 1 day per week.
The study found that women who lifted weights 2 or more times per week had greater bone density effects. It is important to remember that this program was designed to prevent osteoporosis, not to treat it, since the best treatment is prevention. Therefore, strength training is extremely important for those women who have a family history or medical condition that could lead to osteoporosis in order to decrease the loss of bone density. Not to say, that, if you do have osteoporosis, there is no need to strength train. Lifting weights and walking should help to keep the condition from worsening.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Less Stress, Better Sleep
If you're looking to lose those extra pounds, you should probably add reducing stress and getting the right amount of sleep to the list, say researchers from Kaiser Permanente's Center for Health Research in Portland.
In fact, although diet and exercise are the usual prescription for dropping pounds, high stress and too little sleep (or too much of it) can hinder weight loss even when people are on a diet, the researchers report.
It was found that people who got more than six but less than eight hours of sleep, and who reported the lowest levels of stress, had the most success in a weight-loss program.
Dr. Elder, who studied this, speculates if you are sleeping less or more than recommended and if your stress levels are high, you will not be able to focus on making behavioral changes.
These factors may also have a biological impact, he added.
"If you want to lose weight, things that will help you include reducing stress and getting the right amount of sleep," Elder said.
The report, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is published in the March 29 online edition of the International Journal of Obesity
In fact, although diet and exercise are the usual prescription for dropping pounds, high stress and too little sleep (or too much of it) can hinder weight loss even when people are on a diet, the researchers report.
It was found that people who got more than six but less than eight hours of sleep, and who reported the lowest levels of stress, had the most success in a weight-loss program.
Dr. Elder, who studied this, speculates if you are sleeping less or more than recommended and if your stress levels are high, you will not be able to focus on making behavioral changes.
These factors may also have a biological impact, he added.
"If you want to lose weight, things that will help you include reducing stress and getting the right amount of sleep," Elder said.
The report, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is published in the March 29 online edition of the International Journal of Obesity
Saturday, April 2, 2011
How to lose 1 pound of fat.
To lose one pound of fat, you need to create a 3500 calorie deficit. You can cut 500 calories per day for a week to lose it. You can combine it with exercise or with more activity, too. Some people think you need to consume less than 1000 calories per day to lose weight. Keeping your intake to only 1000 calories per day is not a healthy amount of calories to consume, especially when one is exercising. Some people think that eating a little amount of carbs would help. Most of the carbs consumed should come from complex carbs, such as grains, fruits and veggies. 25% carbs is barely enough to keep your body functioning properly. Eat closer to 60-65%. Protein helps build muscle. Excess protein is stored as fat. The body uses carbs to function, digest and burn first. You dont want to put the body into Ketosis with excess protein. Also, by severely cutting your calories to 1000 or under, it puts the body into starvation mode, and actually slows down the metabolism. In reality, it is not a sustainable way to function. Usually, that triggers more of an appetite and therefore, you will tend to eat much more. Eating in moderation and an increase in activity will help you sustain a healthy lifestyle for life!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Insulin Resistance
What is insulin resistance? It’s when insulin is not able to lower blood glucose as it should primarily because the receptors in the muscle and fat cells for insulin are no longer sensitive to the insulin. This can lead to metabolic syndrome which is categorized as having triglycerides above 150 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol below 40 mg/dL, blood pressure above 130 mm Hg for systolic or 85 mm Hg for diastolic, a fasting glucose greater than 100 mg/dL and BMI greater than 30. Therefore, it's not just about glucose.
Many studies have shown that exercise is the key to preventing or controlling Type 2 diabetes, but that can be challenging to squeeze that in during the day or night for some people. Strong evidence has also found that "unplanned" activity is also very helpful, especially for those who have sedentary jobs. This type of activity can be taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, or park your car further away from the store. One study done on a university hospital setting found employees who took the stairs, increased maximal aerobic capacity by 9% while lowering their LDL cholesterol (the healthy kind), BMI, and blood pressure. A little exercise really can go a long way.
If you have any questions, or if you are interested in setting up a customized exercise program with your time frame in mind, please email: etrainer1@hotmail.
Many studies have shown that exercise is the key to preventing or controlling Type 2 diabetes, but that can be challenging to squeeze that in during the day or night for some people. Strong evidence has also found that "unplanned" activity is also very helpful, especially for those who have sedentary jobs. This type of activity can be taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, or park your car further away from the store. One study done on a university hospital setting found employees who took the stairs, increased maximal aerobic capacity by 9% while lowering their LDL cholesterol (the healthy kind), BMI, and blood pressure. A little exercise really can go a long way.
If you have any questions, or if you are interested in setting up a customized exercise program with your time frame in mind, please email: etrainer1@hotmail.
Friday, March 4, 2011
12 Foods That Lower Cholesterol Naturally
1. Oats
If you're looking to lower your cholesterol, the key may be simply changing your morning meal. Switching up your breakfast to contain two servings of oats can lower LDL cholesterol by 5.3% in only 6 weeks. The key to this cholesterol buster is beta-glucan, a substance in oats that absorbs LDL, which your body then excretes.
2. Red Wine
It turns out that high-fiber Tempranillo red grapes, used to make red wine like Rioja, may actually have a significant effect on cholesterol levels. A study conducted by the department of metabolism and nutrition at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain found that when individuals consumed the same grape supplement found in red wine, their LDL levels decreased by 9%. In addition, those who had high cholesterol going into the study saw a 12% drop in LDL.
3. Salmon & Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fats, such as salmon, sardines, and herring, are one of the natural health wonders of the world and have been shown to ward off heart disease, dementia, and many other diseases. Now these fatty acids can add yet another health benefit to their repertoire: lowering cholesterol.
4. Nuts
In a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who noshed on 1.5 ounces of whole walnuts 6 days a week for 1 month lowered their total cholesterol by 5.4% and LDL cholesterol by 9.3%. Almonds and cashews are other good options. However, while nuts are heart healthy, they're also high in calories, so practice portion control.
5. Beans
Researchers at Arizona State University Polytechnic found that adding ½ cup of beans to soup lowers total cholesterol, including LDL, by up to 8%. The key to this heart-healthy food is its abundance of fiber, which has been shown to slow the rate and amount of absorption of cholesterol in certain foods. Try black, kidney, or pinto beans; each supplies about one-third of your day's fiber needs.
6. Tea
While tea has become well known for its cancer-fighting antioxidants, it is also a great defense against LDL cholesterol levels. According to research conducted with the USDA, black tea has been shown to reduce blood lipids by up to 10% in only 3 weeks.
7. Chocolate
This powerful antioxidant helps build HDL cholesterol levels. In a 2007 study published in AJCN, participants who were given cocoa powder had a 24% increase in HDL levels over 12 weeks, compared with a 5% increase in the control group. Remember to choose the dark or bittersweet kind.
8. Margarine
Switch to a margarine with plant sterols, such as Promise activ or Benecol, to help lower cholesterol. Plant sterols are compounds that reduce cholesterol absorption. In April 2008, AJCN published a study that found that women who had a higher plant sterol–based diet were able to lower total cholesterol by 3.5%.
9. Spinach
This popular green contains lots of lutein, the sunshine-yellow pigment found in dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolks. Now research suggests that just ½ cup of a lutein-rich food daily also guards against heart attacks. Look for bags of baby spinach leaves that you can use for salads or pop in the microwave for a quick side dish.
10. Avocado
Avocados are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, a type of fat that may actually help raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL.
11. Garlic
Garlic has been found to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure, and protect against infections.
12. Olive Oil
Olive oil is full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which lower LDL cholesterol—and have the welcome side effect of trimming belly fat! Use it to make your own salad dressings, marinate chicken and fish, or roast vegetables.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Target Abs with a Stability Ball
The stability ball is designed to improve balance while targeting specific muscle groups. It has grown in popularity since its mainstream introduction in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The stability ball can be adapted for many uses, including developing core strength, improving posture and facilitating stretching, among others. Its application is particularly widespread in the physical therapy industry, where it was first put to use in the 1960s.
Running and cycling, focuses on the lower body. Not much attention is paid to the trunk, or core, of the body. It is the muscles of the core—the abdomen, chest and back—that stabilize the rest of the body.
It is important when you are strengthening the core that you create balance between the muscles of the abdomen and the back. Many people will naturally have an imbalance between the strength of their abdominal muscles and the lower-back muscles. Exercising with stability balls helps to develop and strengthen those muscles.
Besides providing balance training, stability balls work the trunk in almost every exercise that is performed. By concentrating on the abdominal section, your posture will improve and you will find that you are generally more balanced and aware of your body movements. Your core will be more prepared to support the rest of your body in whatever activity you choose to do.
It is important to buy the right size ball and maintain the proper air pressure. The firmer the ball, the more difficult the exercise will be. The softer the ball, the less difficult the exercise will be.
If you are just beginning to exercise, are overweight, or you are generally deconditioned, you may want to consider using a larger, softer ball. When sitting on the ball, your knees and hips should align at a 90-degree angle.
Stop by the gym, and I can show you the exercises that can be performed on the stability ball.
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