Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts

How To Grow Taller Through Exercise

Exercise is a very important and effective technique to add a few extra inches to a short frame. Eating a healthy diet is also important, but it has to be combined with exercise. There are specific exercises that can help you increase your height successfully. They focus on the legs and spine. Doing these exercises regularly can help increase height.

Exercise For The Spinal Column And Ribs
This exercise is performed in the standing position. Place your arms at your sides and place your left foot in front of your right foot. Balance and distribute your weight evenly between the feet. Slowly shift the weight of your body to your left leg. Bend forward and bend your left knee. Raise your heel of your right leg slowly; keep the toes on the ground. Place your hand on your left knee to maintain balance. Stretch your body forward as far as you can go. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds and then return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise with the other leg. The exercise should be repeated 5 times for each leg.

Lumbar Vertebrae Exercise: Knee Joints And Butt
In the standing position, place your legs apart with your hands on your hips. The distance between your feet should not be too much Bend your knees and slowly lower your body into a squatting position. While squatting down, extend your arms and fingers outwards. Hold this position for a few seconds and release. Stand up and repeat the exercise 5 times.

Leg And Butt Exercise
Lie down with your legs together. Make sure that your back is flat on the floor. Place your arms to your side, with the palms placed flat on the floor. Pull the stomach in so that you can lie flat on the floor. Lift your legs up straight and then spread them apart as far as possible to create a V-shape. Cross your legs. Inhale and exhale steadily during the exercise. Repeat this exercise 12 times and then return to the starting position. Rest your legs. Repeat the exercise for another 12 times.

Lumbar Vertebrae And Leg Exercise
Begin the exercise by sitting down on the floor with your legs straight and extended forward. Point your toes forward and place your hands on your hips. Slowly and gently bend your body forward and extend your arms to touch your toes. Hold the stretch and return to the starting position. Keep your knees straight and relax. Repeat this exercise 5 times.

Lumbar Vertebra Exercise: Butt And Thighs
Stand with your hands on the back of a chair or on the edge of a table for support. Place your feet together. Your feet should be about 12 inches away from the chair or table. Slowly extend your right leg backward as far as possible while maintaining a firm hold on the chair or table for balance and support. Bring your leg down slowly and repeat the same procedure with your left leg. Perform the leg lift slowly and stretch your legs as far as possible. Use support if needed. Repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times for each leg.

If any of these exercises cause pain or discomfort, discontinue immediately and consult a doctor or any medical professional.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8527460

5 Tips For Staying Motivated For Your First 5K

Q: I'm training for my very first 5K and I'm having trouble sticking to my training routine. Any suggestions for how I can stay motivated?

A: Congratulations on starting training and welcome to running! Motivation is definitely the key to success and a problem that many new runners face.

Everyone has different reasons for running, so it's important to tap into why you began running in the first place. Why did you want to run a 5K? List your reasons for why you started training and, in addition, also list what you hope to accomplish through running and see what comes up. Something on your list may really speak to you and provide motivation.

When you have made your list, put it in a very prominent place like on the bathroom mirror or on the kitchen refrigerator. Having a daily reminder of our goals by keeping them physically visible helps keep them in the forefront of our mind and may help get you out the door. Trying to change behavior is difficult and it's easy to become distracted and lose focus with all the other demands of life.

Here are some other general tips that may help you stick with your training routine too:

1. Pick an appropriate training schedule. Begin your training where your fitness level is right now. Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, it has to be just right- not too hard and not too easy. If the plan is too hard, you risk getting injured and becoming discouraged, which can set you up for failure. On the other hand, if the plan is too easy, it will not stimulate the necessary training effects. Your workouts should challenge you slightly; some moments may feel hard, but doable. You should feel a sense of accomplishment when done, not total exhaustion.

2. Target a time of day. Exercise first thing in the morning, if possible. Set out your clothes the night before, set the alarm, get up and go before you even have time to think about it. When we exercise at the end of the day, we have all day to talk ourselves out of it! Fatigue, family, or work commitments can often interfere with even the best of intentions. Getting a run in first thing in the morning is a great feeling and an excellent start to the day.

3. Be accountable. Recruit a running partner, join a running group, log your workouts online, or use a journal to track progress. Tracking daily mileage, pace, and/or weekly volume can be helpful. Knowing you are meeting up with a running group or partner can keep you on track too. You can also incorporate rewards. For example, when you meet the weekly mileage, reward yourself with a pedicure, a massage, or some new running clothes.

4. Set a goal. Break your 5K goal down into smaller segments. Focus on running for short time intervals or short distances like a ¼ of a mile first, rather than the entire 3 miles. Increase the distance or time you run in small segments. Register for a race so you have a commitment on the calendar. Also, look ahead to sign up for future races to help keep you training. Target something that interests you or challenges you—like a trail race, a longer distance, or a destination race to keep things interesting!

5. Find objective measurements. Measure your resting heart rate, blood pressure, weight, percent body fat, and/or circumference measurements to help track your transformation along with tracking your mileage. Seeing change can help keep us on track. Your resting heart rate and blood pressure should become lower as your fitness level improves. Monitoring weight, percent body fat, and/or circumference measurements can also provide motivation. In your training journal, note how your clothes fit and how you feel- do you have more energy throughout the day? Are you sleeping better? Note even the most subtle changes!

All the best to you!

http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/5-tips-staying-motivated-your-first-5k

When Is The Best Time For Exercise?

Did you know that the actual time of day that you exercise to reduce unwanted fat is important if you are looking to maximize your health benefits? A regular exercise program helps you to maintain a healthy weight and healthy heart. When you exercise to reduce weight in the morning rather than the evening or the middle of the day, you create a positive health routine that delivers more benefits than just the physical exercise itself.

Research has shown that those who exercise in the morning rather than at the end of the day tend to be more dedicated and consistent. And it's easy to see why when you think about it. At the end of a long and busy day, it is very easy to make excuses about missing your workout session. Whereas in the morning, you are fresh and can get your exercise done before you start your day.

Benefits Of Morning Exercise
You have fewer problems scheduling your workout sessions in the morning than at any other time of the day. Throughout a typical day, you are working at home or at the office and you may also have the kids to sort out. But when you schedule your exercise in the morning, you can avoid any such scheduling conflicts.

The benefits of early morning exercise stays with you throughout your day. Your body continues to burn calories for hours after exercise. That means that during the day, while you are eating healthy meals, your metabolism is boosted. This increases your calorie burn, and decreases your fat and weight retention.

Productivity is increased when you are alert. There is nothing like a good morning exercise program to get you going at the start of your day. And there are significant studies which show that once your endorphins get moving, your mental clarity can increase for anywhere from 4 to 10 hours after your exercise is over.

Why Exercise In The Morning?
Even though it sounds strange, when you exercise in the morning, in contrast to the evening, it actually helps you to sleep better. Studies show that people who exercise in the morning have healthier sleep patterns than those who exercise at the end of the day. This is most likely because exercise is a stimulant. It is harder for your body to relax and for you to fall asleep if you have just finished an evening exercise session.

There are many benefits when you choose to exercise in the morning. You will achieve better long-term results, fewer scheduling conflicts and improved productivity in your day.

The best exercise to lose weight will only do the job if you have a plan on how you are going to do it. Get a plan, know what you have to do, keep to it, and see it through. You don't want to waste time trying to decide when to start or what to do. And if you are not making a note of your exercises to lose weight and your eating habits, then you are not losing as much fat as you probably can.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8465521

6 Tips for Exercising Safely in the Heat

You’ve waited all winter for the sun to be shining and temperatures to rise. But by mid July, sweltering temperatures may wreak havoc on your outdoor workouts. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are potentially serious medical conditions that can be fatal.

Heat exhaustion actually has two categories: water depletion and salt depletion. Water depletion symptoms include excessive thirst, weakness, headache and loss of consciousness. Salt depletion signs include nausea and vomiting, frequent muscle cramps and dizziness. However, neither of these conditions are as serious as heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if proper intervention is not taken. Heat stroke symptoms include all the signs of heat exhaustion but also rapid heartbeat, confusion, fainting and profuse sweating as well. It’s essential to hydrate and cool the body as quickly as possible. If you’re outside, try to find a shady or cool place, or better yet, get indoors to an air-conditioned room. Also drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and alcohol and take a cool shower or bath. If you’re not recovering within 30 minutes of taking these measures, seek medical attention.

Keep in mind that other risk factors besides the heat may lead to these conditions. Age, certain health conditions and even medications may affect your workouts.

If you’re still willing to meet the heat, here are six tips for staying cool while you heat up that calorie burn.

1. Early Late. It’s usually cooler in the early morning and late evening. Temperatures can be 5 to 20 degrees cooler on the average, especially in the Midwest and mountains. If you’re exercising in the dark, be sure to wear reflective clothing to be seen or wear lights if you’re riding a bike.

2. Lighten Up. Dark clothing may be slimming, but wearing dark clothes can raise your body temperature if you’re out in the sun. Wear light-colored clothing to stay cooler and avoid direct sun if possible. Hiking in the woods can be cooler than in the open meadows.

3. Cotton’s Rotten. Although cotton is a great fabric for its softness and strength, wearing cotton on a warm sunny day during your workout may cause blisters. The fabric holds moisture and then stretches as you move, which causes friction to the body. Wearing wicking fibers like anti-microbial wools can keep you cooler and won’t hold the stink. Staying drier will keep you cooler too. Look for DRYFIT, SWIFTWICK and other brands with  moisture-wicking properties. Also keep in mind that it’s not just your feet that sweat.—armpits, thighs and even your underwear can cause heat friction blisters on those areas as well. That’s why it’s best to wear wicking fibers all over your body.

4. Hydra-cise. While you exercise, be sure to hydrate before, during and after—especially in the heat. If you’re exercising for more than 90 minutes in the heat, you’ll want to replace electrolytes as well with formulated products like Gatorade. Coconut water also can help replace many needed electrolytes, but it is missing sodium, which is a key electrolyte that leaves your body when you sweat. Save money and add a pinch of salt to your water and sip every 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Get Wet. It never feels like you’re sweating while you are working out in the pool so choose workouts like swimming, water aerobics classes or running in shallow water. The key is to keep a lower body temperature to avoid heat stroke. But don’t think that because you’re not sweating that you’re not working hard. Unlike your heart rate, sweat is not an indicator of intensity.

6. Top it Off. Wearing a cool vented hat or visor can help reduce the heat’s effects on your outdoor workouts. Choose lightweight fabrics and light colors that reflect the light. Also be sure to keep it tight enough around your head to stay in place, but not so much that it restricts blood flow. Sunglasses are also a great idea, but choose sport-focused styles so that your nose doesn’t pay the price of a wire digging into your face.

Don’t forget that your skin is susceptible to the sun’s harmful heat rays. Wearing sunscreen is essential to exercising in the sun. There are several free apps that can help remind you to reapply protective sunscreen or have suspicious moles evaluated for skin cancer risk.

http://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/4924/6-tips-for-exercising-safely-in-the-heat/

Your Are Never Too Old to Exercise



A lot of people when they get into their middle-aged years if they are out of shape may be inclined to think that getting fit is a lost cause. They imagine in order to get into shape again requires many hours a week on the treadmill or long distance running. Actually, nothing could be farther from the truth. First of all it is never too late for anyone to start a fitness routine. And secondly the most effective training methods shouldn't take a person more than a few minutes a week to complete.

Exercise at a high intensity level interspersed with periods of moderate rest is known as high intensity interval training (HIIT). If you are middle-aged and out of shape you might think that this type of intense activity will be too much for you to handle. Certainly you must take the approach that you can only give your body as much as it can handle, but normally your body will tell you when it's had enough. Letting your doctor know that you are about to undertake an intense training program should put your mind at ease as your body's abilities to handle it.

Test after test have shown that exercise after 40 will provide multiple benefits. Lowering your existing heart rate and maximizing oxygen uptake are only a couple of ways that exercise can help people at middle-age. But the one wonderful benefit I would like to address here is how intense exercise will help naturally boost human growth hormone levels. This is vital for healthy aging and maintaining the vigorous lifestyle well into old age.

And what makes this hormone so important? The growth hormone, also known as Somatotropin is beneficial not only for bodybuilders, as we've heard so much about, but for everyone as they get into their middle years and over. These hormones act as a liaison as they pass messages to various endocrine glands using the blood as a carrier. The signals they send are the main way that new tissue growth is built. As we age, old tissue is constantly lost, and if it is not replaced by new tissue we gradually deteriorate through old age.

Increasing the growth hormone gives other medical benefits. To name a few they lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels, reduce fat tissue, make it possible to increase lean muscle mass and give us more energy to exercise longer. Anything we can do to increase these levels should be a high priority.

The necessity of getting into intense training begins shortly after we start the aging process. We probably aren't aware of this, but when we reach our mid-20s to 30 years old we begin a process called somatopause. This is where our production of human growth hormone begins to decrease quite dramatically, and this is where the aging process begins. Maintaining your HGH levels take on a great importance as it addresses the issues of muscle loss and a trophy. But tests have shown that just because you miss this early window doesn't mean you can't make up for it in your midlife or even elderly years. Never assume that you're too old, as it's been well documented that you're never too old to begin intense exercising.

Endorphins are an important regulator of pain, but also pleasure.  Most people produce them through exercise, but certain foods, especially chocolate can produce a similar effect.  Read more about it on our website.  Rich Carroll is a writer and health advocate now living in Chicago.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8611965

5 Ways to Exercise Your Back Muscles

You have several muscles in the body and keeping them flexible and in good shape is important for your good health. Here are a few ways you can exercise these muscles without having to join a boxing gym or anything that is strenuous.

    Lat Row Pulls

There are large muscles located below your arms that look or act like a set of wings. These are known as lats. To do Lat row pulls, you need to bend 90 degrees forward at the waist, and then slightly bend your knees.

After that, pick some weight and pull it toward your chest. As you do this, you should let your elbow go as far back as possible, all this while, your neck and torso should be straight.

    Lower Back Flies

While lying on your stomach with your palms over your ears, lift your chest high using your lower back as a pivot. You can also try to lift the legs as well spreading your arms like a flying man.

    Tri - Trap Push

You will need a dumbbell that is a bit heavy for you. With your elbows bent, you should hold the dumbbell using two hands behind your head leaving the other end hanging. While opening your arms widely, you should push the dumbbell over your head. Get to your starting position and do it repeatedly. This exercise helps you with your triceps and upper back muscles.

    Pull Ups

This type of exercise has been generally accepted as the most successful and the most difficult upper back exercises. To do this, you need to get a bar that is chin high and grab it. Your palms can either face you or away. Then pull yourself up and let yourself slowly drop. It is good practice to cross your feet over each other during your upward motion to prevent swinging.

    Push Ups

Even though generally considered an exercise for the chest, Push Ups can still help with your back exercise. First, lock your knees and extend your legs. Your hands and shoulders should be spread apart. Care should be taken to make sure that your back is not arched.

Then go down until your chest and chin are as close to the floor as possible. You can make the exercise work better for you by placing weights on your back or having someone not so heavy sit or lie on your back to offer resistance as you come up.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8610279

Fitness And Exercise For Seniors - 3 At Home Chair Exercises

There are many options for fitness and exercise for seniors. Here are 3 different options you can choose to become stronger, leaner, and develop more energy through exercise and fitness.

At Home Chair Exercises.

This is perhaps the simplest and easiest way to employ fitness and exercise for seniors. All exercises are performed sitting in a chair in the comfort of your own home. Now these are NOT just for seniors whose mobility is limited. At home chair exercises can be very effective for anyone seeking to tone muscles and develop greater flexibility in a safe and stable exercise environment.

Seniors who do have mobility issues will of course find chair exercise routines ideal. Those taking certain medications where balance and stability issues may be side effects, will also find chair routines to be ideal.

In any event, chair exercise programs are low impact, convenient to perform and ideal for seniors who want a good workout to improve flexibility, muscle tone, and increased energy.

There are different options for at home chair exercises which you can perform based on what it the most comfortable for you and wheat benefits you seek:

    Chair yoga. This employs stretching and easy to perform seated yoga movements. You can easily perform a variety of yoga poses in a chair and hold them for several seconds at a time, release and perform another pose. If yoga is something you've always wanted to try, yoga in a chair can be an ideal form of senior fitness with benefits of improved flexibility and increased energy.

    Light dumbbells or weighted hand balls. Seated dumbbell exercises are actually some of the most effective weight lifting routines that bodybuilders employ when they are training. So they definitely have huge benefits when it comes to developing muscle tone. You can do curls for your arms, presses for your shoulders, and extension movements to tighten the back of the arms up which are notorious for developing flab.

    Arm and leg movements without weights. You don't need weights to perform effective chair routines. These range from leg lifts to arm raises, as well as movements which are performed repeatedly so as to get a good cardio workout in, as well as muscle tone development. You can actually combine chair yoga, arm curls and other exercises without weights, as well as repeated weight free motions like small circles, straight out punching movements, and repeated toe raises.

Want to see a complete "fitness and exercise for seniors" routine? Check out this Senior Fitness program which combines the best movements and easiest exercises to perform - http://CuresRX.weebly.com/Senior-Fitness.html

This program was developed by a senior who completely transformed his body, eliminating flabby arms while improving his energy levels. Check out the testimonials from others who have benefited from Ron's easy to implement workouts - http://CuresRX.weebly.com/Senior-Fitness.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8606181

Exercise With a Weighted Vest - Benefits and Advice

In today's world of fitness, there are many choices to make your workout more effective. There are traditional workout routines and there are several unconventional training approaches. A weighted vest is one of these unconventional methods. It comes with a great number of excellent benefits. Exercising with a weighted vest is very popular because of its versatility. It allows a broad range of workouts such as walking, running, jumping, core strengthening, and weight training.

Fitness enthusiasts are wearing a weighted vest regularly because of its known benefits such as:

Benefits # 1 - Enhances Resistance

The main benefit is for resistance training. Resistance training is meant to build muscle, and this product provides just the right amount of resistance or even more in addition to your body weight. Since the amount of extra weights that you can put on can vary, the intensity that it can provide in your core training changes too.

Benefits # 2 - Increases Strength and Endurance

Increases in strength, endurance, power, as well as in mass are common effects of resistance training. Carrying extra weight during exercise requires great amount of energy and strength, hence the muscles have to adapt to the accelerated weight and this leads to increase strength. And when the extra weight is removed, endurance has improved.

Benefits # 3 - Increases Intensity

Since the weighted vest can be used in several training approaches, it can help in increasing the intensity of the exercise for a wide-range of muscle groups.

A weighted vest fits onto the entire torso so the focus is on the upper body. The increased intensity works to strengthen abdominals and builds core muscles. Another benefit is that most weight vests allow you to add more weight as strength improves for greater workout intensity.

Benefits # 4 - Weight Loss

Although weight loss is a secondary benefit, still the benefit is enormous. It does increase the rate of weight loss effort because it enhances the calorie-burning effect of your exercises. The added pounds in a weighted vest add resistance and increase intensity tn your workout, forcing your body to work harder and burning huge amount of calories than usual.

This is especially beneficial for cardio workouts, running and walking. A study showed that walking with a weighted vest increased exercise intensity and can burn calories of up to more than 7 percent.

Benefits # 5 - Improves Muscle and Bone Density

It is a fact that weight-bearing exercises improve muscle and bone density. When the muscles strengthen and develop, the bones become denser and stronger to support the heavier musculoskeletal which is a result of carrying extra weight.

Wearing this product can be particularly helpful for senior individuals and menopausal women. It is likewise beneficial for people who are at risk or are suffering from osteoporosis. Weighted vests strengthen and make bone denser, making it less risky to be fractured.

Benefits # 6 - Promotes Better Posture

Wearing a vest encourages proper body mechanics, improved balance, and better body posture. These improved body mechanics can reduce the incidence of some sports-related injuries. It can also provide additional support to the back muscles while performing a physical activity.

Finally, it is true that there are several benefits and these benefits can be achieved even without jumping into the heaviest vest of all on your first try. If you are a newbie to wearing this product, choose one that has adjustable weights so you can gauge your capacity first and make adjustments as you get used to it. In addition, make sure you also wear it properly to limit your risk of injury. If you are unsure of how to properly use a weight vest contact me today.

"Are you sick and tired of seeing no progress in your daily workout? Try a new approach TODAY, please click here!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8591787

Chair Yoga Exercises to Open the Hips and Relieve the Tension

Do you know the damage that sitting is doing to you? It's been said that "sitting is the new smoking," but you're about to discover how to reverse the dangers, open your hip flexors and feel the relief from tight hips caused by prolonged sitting.

In the office, stress levels are high and it's not unusual to hear the whispered words of "this jobs going to be the death of me."

While I wouldn't go as far to say that the dangers are even remotely close to that of smoking, there are lurking side-effects from sitting too long.

That's why chair yoga has its benefits.

It's ideal for those in office work, drivers, and those new to retirement struggling for things to do.

Let's face it, most of the community activities that used to free to use have or are being hit by budget cuts left, right and center.

That's the society we live in though.

What's one to do?

a) Accept it and deal with the consequences

Or

b) Sit up, take notice, and more importantly, take charge of the situation.

I opt for B and I'll about to tell you why

Because chair yoga poses are so simple to do, and they're great for the mind and body.

Relaxing the mind is crucial.

If that's left to run rampant, you're in for a life filled with stress, anxiety, and potentially depression if you let it drag you down.

The breathing techniques used in any type of yoga, (chair, mat, or standing), calms your mind.

That makes stress a matter of choice.

Either you choose to let stress drag you down, or you choose to manage it and practice healthy stress management, because we all know it can't be avoided.

These chair yoga practices let you do that, and that's the instant benefit.

The longer-term benefit for those who do sit for an extended time is that you get to flex your major joints.

The major joints these couple of exercises focus on is your hip flexors.

That's the joints giving you the stiffness when you rise up from the chair.

Any guesses on how you can open your hip flexors to relieve that stiffness?

Would you believe it...

The Hip Opener

Here's how you do it

    Sit at the edge of your seat
    Hands at either side of your chair
    Put both legs out straight in front of you, slightly bent at the knee
    Bring one leg over the other (if you can't manage that, just cross your legs at your ankles)
    Slowly bring your foot that's on the floor to be under your knee
    Slowly bend yourself forward from the hips
    Hold that stretch for ten deep breaths

How about a forward bend

    Sit right back on your seat
    Bend forward between your legs, and let your hands touch the floor
    Again - hold for 10 breaths

If you can't manage that, then at least do it halfway to get some movement in the hips.

Think of the half-forward bend as the "brace" position demonstrated on flight safety demonstrations. If you can't manage that, chances are, you shouldn't be flying.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8611566

Exercise may reduce the risk of epilepsy later in life for men

New research suggests that men who exercise vigorously as young adults may reduce their risk of developing epilepsy later in life. The study is published in the September 4, 2013, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Epilepsy is a brain disease that causes repeated seizures over time.

"There are a host of ways exercise has been shown to benefit the brain and reduce the risk of brain diseases," said study author Elinor Ben-Menachem, PhD, MD, with the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and an associate member of the American Academy of Neurology. "This is the first study in humans to show that exercise may also reduce the risk of epilepsy, which can be disabling and life-threatening."

For the study, 1.17 million Swedish men were given cycle tests that measured cardiovascular fitness when they enlisted for mandatory military service at age 18. The participants were then assessed for epilepsy for an average of 25 years. During follow-up, 6,796 men were diagnosed with epilepsy.

The study found that men who had a high level of fitness were 79 percent less likely to develop epilepsy than those with low fitness levels and 36 percent less likely to develop epilepsy than those with medium fitness levels.

The proportion of men with high fitness who developed epilepsy in the study was 0.48% (2,381 out of 496,973 with high fitness). The proportion of men with medium fitness who developed epilepsy was 0.62 percent (3,913 out of 629,876 with medium fitness). The proportion of men with low fitness who developed epilepsy was 1.09 percent (502 out of 46,230 with low fitness).

The results were lessened only slightly after considering genetic factors and a prior history of traumatic brain injury, stroke or diabetes.

"Exercise may affect epilepsy risk in two ways. It may protect the brain and create stronger brain reserve, or it may simply be that people who are fit early in life tend to also be fit later in life, which in turn affects disease risk," Ben-Menachem said.

Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

An Hour of Exercise Can Make Up for a Day of Sitting Down

It's not just how much exercise you get, but also how much time you spend off your bottom that keeps your heart healthy

Another day, another study that confirms the dispiriting reality that sitting is bad for you. Fortunately, says that same study on heart health published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, it doesn’t take much to offset the harmful effects of sitting.

Because exercise has a more powerful effect in helping the heart than sitting does in harming it, one hour of physical exercise could counteract the effects of sitting for six to seven hours a day, according to researchers led by Dr. Jarett Berry at UT Southwestern Medical Center.


The data Berry and his team reviewed came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, an ongoing series of health studies maintained by the Centers for Disease Control. The 2,223 participants between the ages of 12 and 49 wore accelerometers for seven days (except while showering or swimming) to measure their activity levels and sedentary behavior, and the result showed that sitting, regardless of the total amount of physical activity the people did, was linked to lower heart fitness.

But it also found that men and women who logged less time sitting had better fitness, as measured on a treadmill test, than those who spent more hours in a chair or on the couch. So instead of focusing on working out, those worried about their health might think instead about sitting less. “Even people who exercise regularly spend the vast majority of their time not exercising,” says Berry. “And it appears that what we do when we’re not exercising is relevant to our health. Understanding this has the ability to shift the paradigm of thinking about exercise more dramatically than anything else in the field of exercise.”

In general, Berry says, any movement, from walking to taking the stairs and even fidgeting if you absolutely have to be in a chair, is likely better than sitting relatively motionless. “Much more work needs to be done, to develop small scale trials to test the impact that lifestyle changes have irrespective of volitional physical activity,” he says. “We spend so much of our time sitting and doing non-exercise-related activities that it’s relevant for us to understand that better.”

source:http://time.com/2967417/exercise-sitting-down-nhanes/?xid=rodale

Get a Six Pack with These Ab Exercises for a Flat Stomach

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How Does Exercise Improve Fitness?

Fitness can be broken into two aspects; health related components and skill related components. In order to obtain health benefits from exercise, it is important to develop and maintain the health related components of fitness, which are health related components such as cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, muscular endurance and body composition.

If somebody has developed and maintained a minimum standard of fitness in each of the health related components of fitness, then they could be considered to be physically fit. People with a physical limitation or disability may not be able to develop all of these components of fitness. Athletes need to develop additional skill related components of fitness in order to perform to a high standard in their chosen event. These skills related components are power, balance, agility, speed, reaction time and co-ordination.

To gain a cardiovascular training effect you need to put together at least thirty minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week. Rest is important with one or two minutes rest taken between activities or longer depending on your current level of fitness. A one hundred metre sprint for example will require the athlete to rest after each run, or rest while walking back to the start.

Exercise within your target zone continuously for a minimum of twenty minutes up to a maximum of about one hour. The choice of exercise you choose will be based on a number of factors such as your current fitness level, interests, age, motivation, abilities or isabilities, time and financial status. Do you enjoy running or walking? Perhaps you enjoy a morning workout when you get out of bed? Being fit means that you are able to participate in everyday activities and life, work and recreation without being too fatigued, while still having a bit of energy reserved in our body. Being fit allows you to enjoy a better life style than that of people who are not so fit. Physical fitness takes time to achieve. Regular physical activity is the way a person become physically fit. Walking, running, attending a gym, or attending a dance class are all ways to become physically fit, while some people prefer to exercise at home in privacy.

There are benefits to leading a physically active lifestyle. By being able to pursue your recreational interests you can improve your health and fitness status while improving your social life. You will have a lower risk of contracting a lifestyle disease such as heart disease, alcoholism, obesity and diabetes. Many diseases are acquired from parents, when they are conceived.

Staying healthier for longer and being able to delay these disease onsets in your life is an advantage to you., there are also people who not only delay these onsets in themself, but often the disease does not affect them in their life, even though it did with their parents. If you are physically fit, you are more likely to enjoy socialising. Social interaction is part of our daily life. It gives us an opportunity to make friends and socialize with these people and their friends. Discovering that you and your new acquaintances have similar interests can be exciting and challenging. Lasting friendships are formed and developed while enjoying the company of others, no matter what you are doing.

Physical activity can lead to physical fitness, which is the ability of the heart, lungs and muscles to work well which enables people to perform daily activities without experiencing excessive fatigue. Physical fitness is not a natural attribute. It needs to be worked at if you want to gain the benefits of fitness. Once you have achieved the desired level of fitness you need to maintain this level of being active in as many ways as you can.

Health professionals do recommend regular physical activity to reduce the incidence of many health problems. These days if you do want to participate in a gym class you may be required to fill out a form stating that if you have any of the disease or illnesses you should seek medical assessment before you can participate. If you have not exercised for some time, then it is a good idea to have a medical examination so you can present yourself at a gym confidently. These exercise institutions or organisations take no responsibility when you join them and you usually have to sign a form giving them disclamation.

Research shows that vigorous and regular exercise can prevent heart attacks. It assists in weight control, it gives us a feeling of well-being and enhances your creativity. Medical science has found that exercise assists patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, heart disease, nervous tension, back pain, depression, varicose veins, headaches and menstruation and mental cramps. Exercise can also assist you with the recovery of jet lag, constipation, insomnia and many other conditions.
It does present us with risks though. Joint problems can become worse. If our heart isn't healthy, it can cause heart problems and even death if exercising to an extreme. A lack of hydration can also cause death.

Exercise can make us hot and dehydrated. Our body can lose vital water and minerals and if these are not replaced at the time, signs of body stress can occur. During exercise in the hot and humid weather, our body loses large amounts of fluid through sweating and breathing, in the form of water vapour. This loss of fluid creates an internal imbalance between the amount of fluid surrounding each body cell and the amounts of fluid inside each body cell and the amount of fluids inside each cell.
As a result of this reduction of fluid in the body, the blood volume is reduced and the internal body temperature rises. If this loss of fluid isn't compensated by fluid intake (replacement) the internal body temperature will rise excessively. This will affect your normal cardiac rhythm and a person could collapse, possibly die.

There are many reasons which influence people's choice of fitness activities. A person participates in whatever fitness activity that suits them. The time they go to work, the time they get home and the time of the fitness activity at the gym or fitness centre can influence their chose. Other factors are socio-economic and sociocultural background.

A person may need to lose weight to improve their physical health and they could choose an aerobic exercise that has been recommended for weight loss. If a person has become advised to get fit, or lose those extra kilos then they could choose a group activity or sport which would be enjoyable as it has many social benefits. By exercising regularly you make new friends and expand your social contact, while enjoying the benefits of weight loss.

On the whole the benefits of exercise are varied and aimed at improving your overall health by increasing your physical activity levels. The benefits of this are holistic. By regularly exercising we can produce more social benefits for ourselves and our families and emotional benefit, because new activities in your life can add a new dimension to your life and lifestyle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Moukaddem

Rowing: Great Cross-Training Exercise

What do you do when you want to work out but need a break from your usual cardio? Indoor rowing is an excellent alternative. If you're into power training, rowing is for you. This article covers the basics of starting to row.

Truly, the only indoor rowing machine worth using is the Concept 2 Rowing Ergometer ("erg" for short). Yes, other rowing machines exist, but no one who rows takes them seriously. The Concept 2 is the gold standard. The current models are the D and the E (slightly higher off the floor). The longest-standing model is the C, which was the one-and-only for many, many years. (I have one, love it, and wouldn't trade it for a D for anything!)

If you have access to an erg and are new to rowing, learn correct technique from the start. It's easier to learn it the right way than to unlearn the mistakes that people commonly make when trying to row on their own. If an instructor at your gym really knows rowing, that's ideal because you'll get good instruction and correction. Years of teaching rowing have shown me that correction is essential.

If you don't have either an erg or personal instruction, visit the Concept 2 website. A 5-minute video teaches rowing technique step by step and repeats the steps clearly and slowly.

There's also an "erg finder". Enter your location, the type of facility you want (e.g., health & fitness club), and the distance you're willing to travel. You'll get a list of clubs with addresses and the number of available ergs there. You might want to call to verify the info. (When I looked for ergs in my town, the club I taught at for years was listed as having only 1 erg; that was wrong. Farther down the list, though, the same club was listed again, accurately, with 17.)

Once you've learned to row, you can take advantage of the Workout of the Day. You can choose short (30 minutes), medium (40-45 minutes), or long (60+ minutes). It's available on the website daily - or can even be delivered to your inbox.

A few points to keep in mind:
• Rowing is not an upper-body activity. It's a full-body activity that centers on leg power. Sliding seats were added to rowing shells in the 1870s to optimize the superior power of the lower body. The best advice I've heard on this came from a rowing coach who rowed on the U.S. National team: "The arms are an afterthought."

• Rowing has a definite learning curve. In the beginning, it may feel frustrating not to have sufficient power in your stroke to reach a high heart rate. That will change with practice. Believe me, rowing heart rates can go very high, typically higher than in cycling.

• Because of the learning curve, novices often use a higher damper setting than necessary. The damper opens the drum to let in more air, increasing the resistance. Skilled rowers, however, use a moderate setting and create effort by accelerating quickly at the start of the stroke (the catch).

• The most common mistake is bending the knees too soon after you finish the stroke. (This will make sense once you've watched the video or gotten some instruction.) It's almost instinctive and can be difficult to correct. One effective correction is to stop rowing and hold for 2 seconds after you've extended the arms before letting your knees bend. Repeat with each stroke for a few minutes.

• Rowing should NOT be done with a straight back. Curving the shoulders slightly forward will engage your core and protect your back. A straight back is more likely to be injured.

Holding an even and consistent pace can take time to learn. My coach always said that rowing builds character: With every stroke, the computer tells you you're a failure [i.e., your pace is off], but you have to keep going.

Working on pace feels like moving meditation. Skilled rowers doing sustained efforts even look relaxed and meditative.

So here's to a character-building, meditative, yet exciting alternative to cycling or other cardio. I think you'll like it. You might even find yourself adding it to your training on a regular basis.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8604123

Get a Six Pack with These Ab Exercises for a Flat Stomach

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how to support your breasts during exercise How to Keep Your Boobs From Ruining Your Workout

We all know the typical excuses for missing a workout: that you're too tired, too busy, or not feeling well. But a new study out of the University of Portsmouth in the U.K. finds that one other factor might be contributing to fitness delinquency: boobs.

In the study, published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, researchers surveyed 249 women between the ages of 18 and 65 about their breast health, breast size, and physical activity levels. And whoa: Seventeen percent of those women said that their boobs have kept them from a sweat session for one of five reasons—because they couldn't find a good-fitting sports bra, because they were embarrassed by their breast movement, because they thought their boobs were too big for exercise, because they didn't like the way their breasts looked when they worked out, or because working out caused them breast pain.

Interestingly, the researchers noted that breast size had nothing to do with whether or not women said their boobs kept them from exercising; there was no relationship between the women's bra size and their concerns about any of the five things above, according to study author Emma Burnett, a Ph.D. student at the University of Portsmouth. (Yep, even some women with smaller bra sizes reported feeling that their boobs were too big for them to work out.)

While that 17 percent overall isn't a huge amount, it's still pretty noteworthy. See, the women surveyed ranked their breasts as the number four barrier (out of nine options) keeping them from the gym—behind only energy, time, and health. Say what?!

So what can you do to keep the girls from throwing off your groove at the gym? Check out these simple tips on how to keep them in place, pain-free, and looking good during your workout:

Find The Best Sports Bra
Not to alarm you, but working out without a properly fitting sports bra can wreak havoc on your chest. In fact, Burnett says that the major movement of your boobs during a workout can damage the internal breast tissues, since ligaments and skin are the only things supporting them. Yikes. When looking for a bra that will keep your girls safe, try to find one that has separate cups to help keep them corralled better during side-to-side and up-and-down movements. Other things to look for in your perfect bra include a band that is snug enough that it doesn't slide around as you move but loose enough that it doesn't cut into you, a bottom edge of your bra that fits against your body and doesn't gape away from it, and straps that aren't digging into your shoulders. It's also a good idea to make sure your sports bra suits the kind of activity you're doing. For low impact exercises like yoga, you'll want a bra that stays on your shoulders as you bend and gives you freedom to move. For high impact workouts such as running or kickboxing, you'll want something that's super-supportive and protects against chafing. You can find ones that fit your workout and your cup size here.

How to Design an Exercise Program to Succeed at Wrestling

For those who want to excel at wrestling, intense physical conditioning is a must. Wrestling is an incredibly physically demanding sport that has unique training parameters that differ from most sports. In order to perform your best, building strength and training both the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems is necessary for success.

Compound, Multi-Joint Weight-Lifting Movements

Few factors will have more of an effect on success in the sport of wrestling than raw strength. In order to increase strength as much as possible, weight-lifting is a must. To get the best results in the weight room, compound, multi-joint exercises should be emphasized over single-joint, isolation type exercises. These exercises activate significantly more motor units and are vastly superior at training functional motor patterns, which is essential for those who compete in sports. For most trainees, the only exercises that should be emphasized are variations of the squat, bench press, deadlift, military press, pull-ups, rows, and dips.

Train in the Low Rep Range

In general, most wrestlers tend to see better results when training with relatively heavy weights that can only be completed for 1-5 reps, while avoiding light weight with a large volume of sets and reps. The reason for this is that research in the journal "Sports Medicine" in 2007 has shown that lifting heavy weight for low reps has much more of a neural effect and is better for improving raw strength, while higher volume routines with less weight are better for building muscle (1). Clearly, for a wrestler who wants to build strength but does not want to move up to a heavier weight class, training with heavy weight in the low rep range is the most superior option.

Anaerobic Energy System Training

One aspect of wrestling that makes it relatively unique is that it acts as one of the few sports that place very large demands on both the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. While sports such as cross country tend to be predominantly aerobic, and sports similar to football are typically trained for in only an anaerobic fashion, wrestlers must become proficient in both. In order to train the anaerobic energy systems, interval style workouts that alternate between bouts of high intensity sprints and low intensity jogging should be utilized. Research in the journal "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" in 2007 has shown that this type of training is superior at improving markers of cardiovascular fitness and should act as your primary form of conditioning (2).

Aerobic Energy System

Along with training the anaerobic energy systems, training the aerobic energy system can also be beneficial in order to prepare yourself for those matches that make it all the way to the third period or overtime. In order to train the aerobic energy system, performing long, relatively slow jogs is the most effective method. While this type of training does not have nearly as much of a carryover to wrestling as interval training, it can be effective for helping you prevent fatigue in those matches that go particularly long and should be employed if time allows.

References

1 Wernbom M, et al. The influence of frequency, intensity, volume and mode of strength training on whole muscle cross-sectional area in humans. Sports Medicine. 2007.

2 Helgerud J, et al. Aerobic high-intensity intervals improve v02max more than moderate training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2007.

This article was written by Zach Cooper, a professional strength and conditioning specialist and fitness coach. For more information about Zach Cooper, check out his website or Facebook profile.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zach_C

Is It Possible to Become Addicted to Exercise?

there is such a thing as a good kind of bad habit, exercise addiction might seem like one. The words "exercise" and "addiction" don't often appear in the same sentence, although some scientific research indicates that those who suffer from addictive behaviors, such as drinking and smoking, could be more susceptible to becoming "addicted" to the endorphin rush most gym-goers get after an intense workout. While exercise is sometimes referenced as being a catalyst for overcoming bad habits, too much exercise can have a negative impact on the human psyche. Even though exercise addiction is not considered a legitimate health disorder, it is a derivative of compulsive behavior which could cause dysfunction within a person's life.

Recommendations for Healthy Exercise

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for all classified-healthy individuals, which equates to approximately 30 minutes of continuous exercise at least five times every seven days. This general principle is a solid guideline for those simply trying to stay fit, but a decent percentage of gym-goers strive to do much more than the bare minimum. It's important to understand the difference between being addicted to exercise and being committed to exercise. Exercise addiction occurs when the user, or gym-goer in this particular case, becomes dependent upon the feelings of euphoria that typically result as a product of exercise in order to function.

"Exercise Addiction" is a Maladaptive Behavior

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not currently consider maladaptive behaviors, such as those that cause a person to neglect the body's natural need to rest, as concrete mental disorders. Exercise addiction does not simply cause a person to become rest negligent, though. It has also been associated with eating disorders in rare cases. Addiction to exercise is subjective perception. While maintaining a healthy tendency to exercise, it's sometimes difficult to determine if you have legitimately become addicted to working out. For this reason, most research, including a study cited by CNN, indicates that a small percentage of people actually endure negative side effects of exercise addiction. Negative side effects may include increased susceptibility to injury due to overstimulation of muscle tissue, joints, ligaments and tendons, and constant exhaustion as a result of neglected rest.

Don't Be Afraid to Exercise Often

The concept of "exercise addiction" can be perceived as a slippery slope in that exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Although a small percentage of people who frequently engage in exercise activity may be susceptible to becoming dependent on endorphins in order to function or "feel good" about themselves, the likelihood of you becoming negatively impacted by too much exercise is slim. The natural "high" that most gym-goers experience as the product of a successful workout will not cause you to withdrawal if you do not exercise enough, rather, your dependency on being in the gym all the time could potentially alter personal or work relationships. Exercise is more commonly referred to as a mechanism for overcoming bad habits as opposed to becoming an addiction in itself. Consult a physician if you're truly concerned about working out too often. Otherwise, continue to exercise in an effort to enhance your physical fitness level and overall well-being.

source:http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/is-it-possible-to-become-addicted-to-exercise.html

3 Aspects to Consider When Choosing the Best Vibration Machine for Home

In many areas of our lives, the best products are the most expensive ones, and this rule generally applies to fitness equipment as well. If you want a good fitness machine, whether it's a whole body vibration machine, a treadmill or a bench for abs exercises, you have to pay in order to get a highly qualitative product.

However, finding the best vibration machine for home use involves more than picking the most expensive product on the market. Just like treadmills, vibration platforms come in different models and each of them has different characteristics, pivotal machines being able to provide higher training amplitudes, and platforms equipped with more powerful engines being able to deliver more G-force.

It's therefore necessary to know what to look for in a whole body vibration machine, in order to get the best value for money.

3 tips to choose the best vibration machine for home

1. Identify the room where you'll deposit it

Although a whole body vibration machine is smaller and requires less space than other pieces of fitness equipment for home use, it's very important to make sure you have a room that's large enough for hosting the machine.

Keep in mind that a vibration platform might be noisy so you don't want to deposit the tool in the living room, especially if you frequently have guests - they may want to try it, one by one, and your neighbors probably won't enjoy this.

2. Pick the best vibration machine for your personal goals

Some people want to use WBV platforms for relaxation and massage only, and in this case they don't need to invest in the most expensive or most professional device out there. Platforms that are able to reach higher frequencies and amplitudes and which provide higher values of G-force are usually more expensive, but for massage and relaxation you don't need more than 12 Hz.

On the other hand, if your purpose is to improve your overall health by using this machine for WBV strength exercises, for enhancing your flexibility and mobility and for stimulating your circulation and lymph flow, you might need to invest in a more professional machine, able to provide more G-force.

3.Think performance over appearance

Some platforms out there look really cute and eye-catching, and are equipped with the latest technologies, but the more features a whole body vibration machine has, the pricier it is. So if your budget is limited and you want to get the best value for money, you need to think performance over appearance.

The best vibration machine isn't the one that looks the nicest or has the largest touch-screen, but the one that's able to provide more power and higher peak-to-peak amplitude and frequency. In the end, you'll be using the machine at home and it's most important to achieve results than to have a nice looking piece of equipment that's not able to help you reach your fitness goals.

When looking for the best vibration machine for home use, you might be tempted to choose the more attractive device on the market, but a nice looking machine isn't always the most performant one. To get the most of your whole body vibration machine workouts, you need a powerful platform that can help you reach your health and fitness goals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Jason

6 Breathing Exercises to Relax in 10 Minutes or Less

Over-worked, under-slept, and feeling the pressure like whoa? There are plenty of ways to find calm—without investing in a four-hand spa massage. Turns out all we need is a pair of healthy(ish) lungs, our breath, and 10 minutes or less. Here are six expert-approved ways to relax using breathing techniques borrowed from yoga, meditation, and even the therapist’s chair.

Breathing Basics—The Need-to-Know

Don’t wait ‘til fight or flight kicks in before minding the breath. Controlled breathing not only keeps the mind and body functioning at their best, it can also lower blood pressure, promote feelings of calm and relaxation, and—if we play our lungs right— help us de-stress.

While the effects of breathing techniques on anxiety haven’t yet been studied at length (at least in a controlled clinical setting), many experts encourage using the breath as a means of increasing awareness, mindfulness, or, for the yogis among us, finding that elusive state of Zen. To get the bottom of the breath work, Greatist spoke to breathing expert Dr. Alison McConnell, yoga instructor Rebecca Pacheco, and psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer. But follow closely: Breathing easy isn’t quite as easy as it sounds!

Mind Over Matter—Your Action Plan

From the confines of a bed, a desk, or any place where negativity finds its way, consider these six techniques to help keep calm and carry on.

1. Sama Vritti or “Equal Breathing”

How it’s done: Balance can do a body good, beginning with the breath [3]. To start, inhale for a count of four, then exhale for a count of four (all through the nose, which adds a natural resistance to the breath). Got the basic pranayama down? More advanced yogis can aim for six to eight counts per breath with the same goal in mind: Calm the nervous system, increase focus, and reduce stress, Pacheco says.

When it works best: Anytime, anyplace—but this is one technique that’s especially effective before bed. “Similar to counting sheep, if you’re having trouble falling asleep, this breath can help take your mind off the racing thoughts, or whatever might be distracting you," Pacheco says.

Level of difficulty: Beginner

2. Abdominal Breathing Technique

How it’s done: With one hand on the chest and the other on the belly, take a deep breath in through the nose, ensuring the diaphragm (not the chest) inflates with enough air to create a stretch in the lungs. The goal: Six to 10 deep, slow breaths per minute for 10 minutes each day to experience immediate reductions to heart rate and blood pressure, McConnell says. Keep at it for six to eight weeks, and those benefits might stick around even longer.

When it works best: Before an exam, or any stressful event. But keep in mind, “Those who operate in a stressed state all the time might be a little shocked how hard it is to control the breath,” Pacheco says. To help train the breath, consider biofeedback tools such as McConnell’s Breathe Strong app, which can help users pace their breathing wherever they are.

Level of difficulty: Beginner

6 Breathing Exercises to Relax in 10 Minutes or Less

3. Nadi Shodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”

How it’s done: A yogi’s best friend, this breath is said to bring calm and balance, and unite the right and left sides of the brain. Starting in a comfortable meditative pose, hold the right thumb over the right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. At the peak of inhalation, close off the left nostril with the ring finger, then exhale through the right nostril. Continue the pattern, inhaling through the right nostril, closing it off with the right thumb, and exhaling through the left nostril.

When it works best: Crunch time, or whenever it’s time to focus or energize. Just don’t try this one before bed: Nadi shodhana is said to “clear the channels” and make people feel more awake. “It’s almost like a cup of coffee,” Pacheco says.

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

4. Kapalabhati or “Skull Shining Breath”

How it’s done: Ready to brighten up your day from the inside out? This one begins with a long, slow inhale, followed by a quick, powerful exhale generated from the lower belly. Once comfortable with the contraction, up the pace to one inhale-exhale (all through the nose) every one to two seconds, for a total of 10 breaths.

When it works best: When it’s time to wake up, warm or, or to start looking on the brighter side of things. “It’s pretty abdominal-intensive,” Pacheco says, “but it will warm up the body, shake off stale energy, and wake up the brain.” If alternate nostril breathing is like coffee, consider this a shot of espresso, she says.

Level of difficulty: Advanced

5. Progressive Relaxation

How it’s done: To nix tension from head to toe, close the eyes and focus on tensing and relaxing each muscle group for two to three seconds each [4]. Start with the feet and toes, then move up to the knees, thighs, rear, chest, arms, hands, neck, jaw, and eyes—all while maintaining deep, slow breaths. Having trouble staying on track? Anxiety and panic specialist Dr. Patricia Farrell suggests we breathe in through the nose, hold for a count of five while the muscles tense, then breathe out through the mouth on release.

When it works best: At home, at a desk, or even on the road. One word of caution: Dizziness is never the goal. If holding the breath ever feels uncomfortable, tone it down to just a few seconds at most.

Level of difficulty: Beginner

6. Guided Visualization

How it’s done: Head straight for that “happy place,” no questions asked. With a coach, therapist, or helpful recording as your guide, breathe deeply while focusing on pleasant, positive images to replace any negative thoughts. Psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer explains that while it’s just one means of achieving mindfulness, “Guided visualization helps puts you in the place you want to be, rather than letting your mind go to the internal dialogue that is stressful.”

When it works best: Pretty much any place you can safely close your eyes and let go (e.g. not at the wheel of a car).

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

While stress, frustration, and other daily setbacks will always be there, the good news is, so will our breath.

http://greatist.com/happiness/breathing-exercises-relax