Do you drink enough water? Do you drink tap? Bottled? Do you get the recommended amount each day? Most of us don't. But if we did, we could experience headache reduction, an increase in energy, healthier skin, decreased risk in heart attacks/cancer and weight loss. All you have to do is replace your high caloric beverages with some water.
So about 10 months ago, my darling granny (who lives down stairs from me) purchased a Kangen Water machine. They say it's supposed to make you experience all those great things I mentioned earlier and MORE. For instance, if you're hurt, your body could heal itself faster. What this machine does is turn our nasty, acidic tap water into alkaline water. It's also said to contain living ions that will give you more energy, as the water is then "living". This sounds interesting enough, because our bodies are made up mostly of water. Every chemical process that goes on in our bodies happens because water is the universal solvent that can allow them to take place. So wouldn't you want the best possible water in your cells?
The real question on my mind is: IS this the best possible water? Is it really capable of aiding our bodies faster than regular water?
Well, I'd like to find out. For the next two weeks, I am replacing every beverage I usually drink with water. And to really figure out if the Kangen water is better, my assistant (mom) is filling a pitcher of water and not telling me which type it is. The next week, she will switch. I will see if I feel any differences.
It's not really the most scientific experiment; I don't have a designated amount that I'm drinking. Also, two weeks is a pretty short time. But I go on vacation Sept 4th and this is an awesome way to keep my mind off of the anticipation of getting away. PLUS it definitely won't hurt in my quest to look stellar in my dress, so I win anyway. And if I'm ONLY drinking water, surely I will be able to tell if there is a real difference.
So far, I've felt differences in my body from all the water-intake. 1) Severe depression from quitting coffee cold-turkey 2) I've found it easier to run. Definitely increased energy there. 3) I pee a LOT more. (as this experiment unfolds, I promise I won't keep you posted on my peeing frequency.)
Anyway, I am off to the movies. Time to stash a bottle of mystery water into an oversized purse like a delinquent.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Run For Your Life
Only four more weeks until my grand vacation to California/Las Vegas! I can hardly wait. To prepare, I've been running anywhere from one to ten miles everyday... depending on what I did for resistance training that day.
Do you like to run? There is much to love about it, even though it's hard and it's hot out. First, there's the endorphin rush. What an awesome feeling! Then there's the fact that it is a free activity. I put my favorite feel-good tracks on my ipod and BOOM it's a cardio party! It's all I can do not to fist pump in public.
Here are some tips for you runners/aspiring runners out there:
*If you're going to run in the day time, WEAR SUNSCREEN. On your nose. Under your eyes. On your knees and shoulders.
*Night time running is awesome too. Unless you're at a very well-lit track, wear bright colors. Your favorite black running outfit may make you look super duper cool and athletic, but oncoming cars won't see that and you won't look so awesome as road kill. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and get a reflective vest and/or a flashlight (don't shine it at the driver's eyes, just click it on and off a few times for their attention).
*STAY HYDRATED. Get a big 'ol water bottle and keep it cold. There are all kinds of temperature regulating bottles out there, camel backs, ice cube trays that make tiny ice cubes for water bottles... so many ways to avoid dehydration.
*Invest in a good pair of running shoes. My personal favorites are ADIDAS. The best idea is to go to a sneaker store (or a running store specifically) and talk to someone who works there. They will talk to you about your running goals, check out your foot shape and point you in the right direction for the shoes of your dreams. Yes, they will probably be on the expensive side, but it's worth it for the amount of time they'll hold up and injury prevention!
*A good friend of mine hates running, but he just signed up for a 5K. He bought a new pair of sneakers and a rad new watch that keeps track of his times. He has the right idea- if you have a goal and you want to stick to it, invest some money into it. Buy things that you will be excited about, even if it's just a cute workout outfit to match your new running shoes or sporty sunglasses. I have a heart-rate monitor that I use for every workout. It tells me how many calories I burned and how to stay in my weight-loss zone and encourages me to work harder every time.
*Write out your goals and running game-plan the night before the work out, or on Sunday write out your plan for the week. Somehow I always feel like I have to stick to a plan that I took the time to think up and write down.
*Watch the Olympic track events. If that doesn't get you up off your butt, I don't know what will!
*Join a running club or reach out to runners in your area that you know on facebook. Having people around for encouragement is never a bad thing. If you don't like to talk during your runs (I certainly don't), maybe tell them that ahead of time.
*Make a kick ass playlist of songs that make you feel happy! My current favorites to run to are "Gotta Get Thru This" by Daniel Bedingfield and "Cherry Cola" by Savage Garden.
*Don't pound on the pavement. Think about your knees.
*Think positive thoughts during your run! If it gets hard, think about the fact that you're doing something GOOD for your body! Think about your goals!
*If you see a sprinkler, run through it! If you think the homeowner will chase you off their lawn, whatevs, you're running anyway! (Don't blame me if they catch you, though.)
Happy trails, you animals!
Do you like to run? There is much to love about it, even though it's hard and it's hot out. First, there's the endorphin rush. What an awesome feeling! Then there's the fact that it is a free activity. I put my favorite feel-good tracks on my ipod and BOOM it's a cardio party! It's all I can do not to fist pump in public.
Here are some tips for you runners/aspiring runners out there:
*If you're going to run in the day time, WEAR SUNSCREEN. On your nose. Under your eyes. On your knees and shoulders.
*Night time running is awesome too. Unless you're at a very well-lit track, wear bright colors. Your favorite black running outfit may make you look super duper cool and athletic, but oncoming cars won't see that and you won't look so awesome as road kill. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and get a reflective vest and/or a flashlight (don't shine it at the driver's eyes, just click it on and off a few times for their attention).
*STAY HYDRATED. Get a big 'ol water bottle and keep it cold. There are all kinds of temperature regulating bottles out there, camel backs, ice cube trays that make tiny ice cubes for water bottles... so many ways to avoid dehydration.
*Invest in a good pair of running shoes. My personal favorites are ADIDAS. The best idea is to go to a sneaker store (or a running store specifically) and talk to someone who works there. They will talk to you about your running goals, check out your foot shape and point you in the right direction for the shoes of your dreams. Yes, they will probably be on the expensive side, but it's worth it for the amount of time they'll hold up and injury prevention!
*A good friend of mine hates running, but he just signed up for a 5K. He bought a new pair of sneakers and a rad new watch that keeps track of his times. He has the right idea- if you have a goal and you want to stick to it, invest some money into it. Buy things that you will be excited about, even if it's just a cute workout outfit to match your new running shoes or sporty sunglasses. I have a heart-rate monitor that I use for every workout. It tells me how many calories I burned and how to stay in my weight-loss zone and encourages me to work harder every time.
*Write out your goals and running game-plan the night before the work out, or on Sunday write out your plan for the week. Somehow I always feel like I have to stick to a plan that I took the time to think up and write down.
*Watch the Olympic track events. If that doesn't get you up off your butt, I don't know what will!
*Join a running club or reach out to runners in your area that you know on facebook. Having people around for encouragement is never a bad thing. If you don't like to talk during your runs (I certainly don't), maybe tell them that ahead of time.
*Make a kick ass playlist of songs that make you feel happy! My current favorites to run to are "Gotta Get Thru This" by Daniel Bedingfield and "Cherry Cola" by Savage Garden.
*Don't pound on the pavement. Think about your knees.
*Think positive thoughts during your run! If it gets hard, think about the fact that you're doing something GOOD for your body! Think about your goals!
*If you see a sprinkler, run through it! If you think the homeowner will chase you off their lawn, whatevs, you're running anyway! (Don't blame me if they catch you, though.)
Happy trails, you animals!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Free Weights Vs Machines
Hello readers! I don't know about you, but I have a case of Weiber Fever!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxjCrfZUyDY
I'm coming at you from my post at the country club today. I've already trained a few of my radtastic clients and now I have a few hours to kill before I have to give a massage. I have to say, I have muscle envy for my upcoming client! I have a knot in my shoulder blade that is SO mad at me today.
Today's workout plan is my favorite. I have yoga at 5:30, a big walk for an hour and then Zumba! I am obsessed with Zumba. If you love to dance, you need to try it out. Even if you don't, I guarantee you'll have a great time trying!
So a lot of times I am asked, "Nicole, which is better: free weights or machines?"
First of all, every single person on this planet is different. What works for some simply won't work for others.
When you work with a machine, you can add more weight than you would with a free weight because the machine is holding it up for you. In other words, you don't have to rely on your stability and core to maintain the right form. Can you still have bad form on a machine? Totally. But it's less likely you'll fall over. They are also less intimidating. When I'm working at the gym, I tend to see more people gravitate toward the machines than the free weights because it's less of a risk. No one will look at you and wonder what you're doing if you're doing what it says to do on the machine's diagram. My advice to you is to go at a moderately slow pace. Use your breath to your advantage: when you're working the muscle, breathe out and tighten your core. As you bring the weight back to the starting position, fill those lungs with air!
Free weights can be a bit trickier because they require more stability. Using free weights adds the challenge of balance. Free weight exercises while keeping your core engaged will improve your core strength while working whichever muscle you're focusing on. Another benefit of working with a free weight is that you can incorporate more natural movements. Do you have trouble lifting a heavy pitcher of lemonade in your home? Simulating that motion with a dumbbell can help you strengthen up for your daily activities. It really isn't too hard to learn to use a free weight. They may seem scary and you may fear people judging you...but ya know what? No one is worrying about what you're doing in the gym. Watch a YouTube tutorial. Make notes. Bring them to the gym. Or hire a trainer OR simply ask a trainer for help! Any trainer who is hoping to score your business will have no problem giving you a few pointers. Besides, a lot of gyms offer comp sessions.
So to conclude, do what feels right for you. Push yourself. Work is work whether you do it on a machine or with free weights. If you keep up with resistance training and cardio, as well as watching your diet, you WILL see changes in your body.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxjCrfZUyDY
I'm coming at you from my post at the country club today. I've already trained a few of my radtastic clients and now I have a few hours to kill before I have to give a massage. I have to say, I have muscle envy for my upcoming client! I have a knot in my shoulder blade that is SO mad at me today.
Today's workout plan is my favorite. I have yoga at 5:30, a big walk for an hour and then Zumba! I am obsessed with Zumba. If you love to dance, you need to try it out. Even if you don't, I guarantee you'll have a great time trying!
So a lot of times I am asked, "Nicole, which is better: free weights or machines?"
First of all, every single person on this planet is different. What works for some simply won't work for others.
When you work with a machine, you can add more weight than you would with a free weight because the machine is holding it up for you. In other words, you don't have to rely on your stability and core to maintain the right form. Can you still have bad form on a machine? Totally. But it's less likely you'll fall over. They are also less intimidating. When I'm working at the gym, I tend to see more people gravitate toward the machines than the free weights because it's less of a risk. No one will look at you and wonder what you're doing if you're doing what it says to do on the machine's diagram. My advice to you is to go at a moderately slow pace. Use your breath to your advantage: when you're working the muscle, breathe out and tighten your core. As you bring the weight back to the starting position, fill those lungs with air!
Free weights can be a bit trickier because they require more stability. Using free weights adds the challenge of balance. Free weight exercises while keeping your core engaged will improve your core strength while working whichever muscle you're focusing on. Another benefit of working with a free weight is that you can incorporate more natural movements. Do you have trouble lifting a heavy pitcher of lemonade in your home? Simulating that motion with a dumbbell can help you strengthen up for your daily activities. It really isn't too hard to learn to use a free weight. They may seem scary and you may fear people judging you...but ya know what? No one is worrying about what you're doing in the gym. Watch a YouTube tutorial. Make notes. Bring them to the gym. Or hire a trainer OR simply ask a trainer for help! Any trainer who is hoping to score your business will have no problem giving you a few pointers. Besides, a lot of gyms offer comp sessions.
So to conclude, do what feels right for you. Push yourself. Work is work whether you do it on a machine or with free weights. If you keep up with resistance training and cardio, as well as watching your diet, you WILL see changes in your body.
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