Five Enjoyable Activities to Help You Lose Weight

Sunday, December 21, 2008

For some, going to the gym to exercise has become an exhausting effort. It is boring and wearying, specifically if you are flying solo. Diet pills and supplements will not suffice either if you're looking to trim weight. You are left with no option but to break a bucket of sweat.

Heading to the gym is not the only way to workout, though. There are tons of activities that are not only fun, but would also help you drop excess weight. You just need some creativity to find the best one for you. Below are some examples to give you a better idea.

Go hiking. Go to the nearest hiking trail with several of your friends. There's a couple of websites that will help you find a trail that would fit you best. While you're at it, take advantage of the clean air and surroundings and camp for the night.

Join a biking club. Aside from improving your heart health, biking can help you develop your strength and coordination. Roughly anyone can learn how to work a bike. If you need assistance, local cycling clubs are always considerate of fresh recruits. Partake in events such as club rides if you feel that you're ready.

Learn how to dance. Dancing will not only help you burn calories, it will also help you refine your social skills. Depending on what variety of dance you are doing, dancing has many health benefits. Ballroom dancing, for example, helps you build stamina and alleviate stress. Dance lectures will cost you, but it sure is better than running on a treadmill.

Pick up a physical sport. Winning, or being skilled at it, is not really the point. What's more important is to get up, get out and get those muscles to work!

Get a dog. Taking your dog for an early walk is a good way to start the day. A medium or big-sized dog would be your best pick.

Helpful Marathon Preparation Tips

Monday, December 1, 2008

It is every runner's dream to run and finish a marathon. Even just for fun, joining a marathon is an undertaking everyone should have a go at least once. Not only will a marathon appraise your grit and health, it also measures your toughness and mental soundness too.

The marathon has a strikingly rich past beginning with its namesake, a Greek soldier named Pheidippides. After the Battle of Marathon, Pheidippides was said to have run a total of 26.2 miles from the town of Marathon to Athens to transport information of the winner. He then collapsed and died after stating the decimation of the Persians.

Despite the fact the marathon is a race, crossing the finish line first is not the foremost purpose of a number of the participants. Recreational participants in particular would be satisfied and ecstatic with just being able to pass over the finish line. Whatever your motivations are for running, it is strongly recommended that you go through the essential training to avert injuries.

The following are just some tips to help you launch your marathon training. Please note that you should consult with your doctor beforehand for your own safety.

  • Do an ample study before you get going with your training. If you know someone who has experienced in a marathon before, ask them for tips and advice. As indicated above, asking your physician should be your first priority.
  • Quality gear is a must. A definite course to draw an injury is to train using decrepit shoes. When shopping for new shoes, ask capable sales agents and do a couple of test-runs.
  • Clothe yourself correctly according to weather and climate. Use sunscreen before you train to protect yourself from too much sun.
  • Rest if you feel like your body needs it. You might not make it to the contest if you train too hard.
  • Maintain a training log to help you track your development. Indicate your injuries and best times for later reference. Organize your next moves in advanced and be sure to follow them.