Body

Body Language

Lisa Body , , , , , 1 Comment
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The body is especially important to me as I have studied it for many years for my career. I believe it really is the greatest piece of art and science ever.

As a Personal Trainer, I am always interested in learning more about the human body; form, function and movement.

We were meant to move and when we choose not to the body starts to react subtly in negative ways. Injuries happen easier with a tight body, illnesses start to develop more often and  certain diseases set into the cells of a body that has been bombarded by  stress, poor eating and sleeping habits and  just plain disregard for all of the wonderful and magical things that it does for you each and every minute of your life. If you looked at any single body part and paid attention to its form and function, you would truly be in awe and would appreciate all that it does for you.

It is constantly giving you messages but if you’re not listening then you will surely miss out on what it is trying to tell you. We have all heard the following expressions- “I have a gut feeling” or “What does your heart tell you?”

It is constantly communicating with you. It tells you when it has hunger, thirst, has to get rid of waste, needs to move or just needs to rest. It is always reacting to the outside world as well as to others positive or negative energy.

Happiness, fear, excitement and sadness will bring forth some sort of physical response and chemical reaction to the body; a raised eyebrow, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, a tear, a smile or a deep belly laugh.

 To become in tune with your body, all you have to do is raise your awareness, take a breath, listen to it and let yourself feel what you need to feel from your most trusted source. It will guide you if you let it.

I love the fact that I get to make a living from helping others keep their most prized possessions happy and healthy.  I always say that your body is really the only thing that you own and will be the only thing that travels with you throughout your lifetime. Friends, family and others may pop in and out of your life and material possessions may get lost or stolen, ruined or given away.

Your body is the only thing guaranteed to be with you from your first heartbeat to your last so take care of it and it will take care of you.

 

The Cold Truth-Can You Get A Cold From Just Being Cold?

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 achoo

Did you know?You use 67 muscles to cough. That’s 10% of all of your muscles.The fastest sneeze recorded was 166.7 km/h. Now you know!

Can you catch a cold from just being cold?

When you talk to people about why they have a cold you get the same old answers “It must be the change in temperature. One day it’s warm, the next it’s cold.” Is that why we seem to get more colds in the winter months then in the summer months? You would think so, right? WRONG.

Despite what mothers have been saying for generations, you’re not going to get a cold from not dressing properly for the elements. Sorry mom.

The reason why we seem to get more colds floating around is because in cold weather and with the air being drier, a virus can spread easier and live longer. Add to that the fact that you’re inside more often and therefore are more exposed to each other.

If you get a cold, get plenty of rest. Now is not the time to exercise. Your body needs its energy to recuperate; not to expend on a treadmill or lifting weights.

A natural cure for nasal congestion would be a saline nasal spray and sore throats can be relieved with lozenges or a salt water gargle. The hype about Echinacea is just that, hype. Recent studies have proven that it is not effective in preventing colds or lessening the duration of them.

Nothing CURES a cold but what has been proven to help is good old fashioned chicken soup. There’s something special in it that helps plus the steam helps to clear the nasal passages. It’s true. FEED A COLD. Along with rest, your body has to be well nourished to help it recover.

Most importantly try to prevent getting a cold in the first place by washing your hands with soap and water and by keeping your immune system strong. Try to keep fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth as these are the entrances for the virus.

If all else fails and you end up with a cold, look after yourself or better yet, have someone look after you.

Human See, Monkey Do.

Lisa Body , , , , , , 1 Comment
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Did you know that we eat bananas the wrong way? Monkeys peel and eat them with the stem down. They are less messy and apparently there may be more nutrients at that end as well as sweetness. Try it!

Here are some more facts about our favorite fruit.

Over 100 billion bananas are consumed annually around the world.

The average person eats 28 lbs. of bananas per year (more than apples and oranges combined) and ounce for ounce bananas are one of the healthiest natural food sources in the world.

They are the only fruit to contain the amino acid tryptophan plus Vitamin B6 which together help the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical that alleviates mental depression.

Bananas contain almost no fat, are low in calories (approx. 106 calories each), high in Vitamin B6, fibre and potassium.

Bananas contain good levels of phosphorous ,magnesium ,calcium ,iron, selenium, zinc ,copper, Vitamins  A,B1,2,C,E,K,Niacin,and pantothenic acid.

The FDA has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet may cut the risk of death by strokes.

Athletes regularly consume bananas before, during and post workout due to the easy digestibility factor and the quick energy source. Research has shown that just eating 2 bananas will provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout.

What other reasons do you need to GO BANANAS?

The Dog Days Of Summer

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Lucy_lying downDog days of summer?  I and apparently my dog as well never really understood what “The Dog Days of Summer” were or how many days were given to man’s best friend? A couple? A week? 10? Who knows? It’s one of the great mysteries of life, I guess.

I know my dog thinks that there can never be enough days dedicated to dogs. Apparently she thinks everyday is about her and lucky for her she gets to spend a lot of time outside walking or running around with me.

As you know there is an obesity epidemic in North America and many other countries and unfortunately it’s not just humans who are battling the bulge; it is  also our pets. I don’t know of any dog who has pockets to carry money in so that they can go to the store or fast food restaurant and buy their own food so it must be the humans who are helping them to pack on the pounds. Obesity has the same effects on your pets as it does on you so please don’t feed them human food, give them too many treats and  do make sure to portion their food correctly. They can’t love you the way they want to if they’re not around.

Working out with your favorite furry friend is not only good for you but for them as well. Dogs NEED to play EVERYDAY- just like kids.

Taking the pounds off of your dog will also take the pounds off of you and walking 30- 60 minutes a day with your dog will  not only reduce stress for both of you,  but will also improve your sleep and general well being in so many ways.

So grab your shoes, the leash and  lots of  water for both of you and go play. Your doggy will thank you.