January 2015

Welcome to your New Year!

Last month we talked about strategies to reduce the amount of weight we gain over the holidays; what I lovingly refer to as my “holiday food baby”. I am happy to announce that this year I only gained 4 lbs., as compared to 8.5 lbs. last year. More importantly I’ve already lost 1.5lbs!  I continued my walking/ yoga combination, and even though I tried all the wonderful holiday foods; I truly ate everything in moderation. Raspberry Keytones were also the go to supplement; that helps with this process. So I am confident that by my 63^rd birthday in three weeks I will be back to my target weight! Hallah. Enough about me! Feel free to share you inspirational stories in our comments column!

So many of us begin work-out programs in January; so let’s talk some about that. Women over 55 and Men over 45 should always check with their doctors before starting a program. Then find something that you will enjoy. Some people love the idea of a romping Zumba workout; while others may focus more on weight training combined with aerobics. Yoga is popular as well as walking. Yoga if done correctly can not only build flexibility and muscle; but “flow yoga” also raises your heart rate and gives you an aerobic workout! I personally do a brisk 40 minute walk every morning and yoga every afternoon!

To help prevent injury use this formula. WARM UP: Lightly jog or walk in place for 5 minutes. After you have warmed up then STRETCH. Dynamic stretching is usually done from a standing position and involves forward stretches, inverted stretches etc. (for example standing cat camels). You can also do static stretching which can be done from a sitting position; or lying down dependent on the type of exercising you will be doing! Finally always COOL DOWN. After your work out; walk in place until your heart rate returns to normal. Light stretching after your work out will help you to stay flexible.

Although I know much of what I touched on is pretty common knowledge; I did feel it warranted a refresher course as we get into our fitness programs. Please feel free to come in and see our complex line of work out supplements. Safe, natural and effective!  We also have great rubs for sore muscles!

Bye for now, Take Good Care

Barbara