Good Morning

We all know exercise is important but it is sometimes good to be reminded of how beneficial it can be. One of our clients commented that her husband was like a different person after working out, which led me to think about how exercise affects our mood.

I found this article entitled “The Exercise Effect” which you may find interesting; it talks about exercise being a mood enhancer and its ability to treat and even prevent anxiety. It is suspected that exercise may increase our serotonin levels thereby impacting our mood. It also impacts how we sleep, I definitely sleep longer and more deeply after a good workout.

 

To read more follow this link: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise.aspx

If you enjoyed this topic please share it with a friend or colleague.

Good Morning

I just read an article in the March edition of Shape Magazine titled "You are stronger than you think", that I thought I would share with you.

According to a research study done at Edinburgh University you may be underestimating what you are capable of at the gym. They had participants perform four sessions each consisting of 10 six second cycle sprints, resting for a self selected length of time between each. During the fifth recovery period the rest was reduced by 10 percent, unbeknownst to the sprinters- and they were able to push just as hard. " People often do not voluntarily push themselves to the limits of what they are physically able to do."says study author Shaun Phillips, Ph.D

The article suggests that you follow the 10 percent rule during your next workout. Push yourself 10 percent harder than you think is possible (be sure to pull back if your form suffers or if you feel pain!) suggests sports psychologist Barbara Walker Ph.D.

For example add 10 percent more  resistance on the bike, lift 10 percent heavier weights, or run 10 percent farther than your self perceived limit.

I hope you find this article interesting. I thought I would finish off this Tuesday Tidbit with a recipe I found in the same edition of Shape. It is titled the "It Smoothie" and was created by Ron Russell, chef and owner of LA's awards winning SunCafe.

Blueberry Antioxidant Shake

1/2 cup blueberries
1 banana
1 1/4  tablespoon raw cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon goji berries
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons agave

small pinch sea salt- this is the secret ingredient that opens the salivary glands

1/3 cup water

2 1/2 cups ice

Blend all the ingredients except the ice until smooth. Add ice and re-blend for approximately 15 seconds for a thick shake.  

Good Morning

I hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather. I don't know about you, but I find that at different times my motivation to work out changes and I wanted to address how to stay motivated more of the time.

The thing that motivates me the most is accountability, but we may all have different motivators. Here are a few suggestions to help you keep exercising: find a workout partner (one of the best motivators!), logging your exercise, reading magazines, books and websites, and rewarding yourself. I like the idea of rewarding yourself after a particularly tough workout or week. Going out and buying a new item of clothing that looks good on you and makes you feel good, is a great reward and reinforces your motivation to keep going. 

One of our members recently told me that she keeps coming because she feels good about the routine she is in and by missing a workout she runs the risk falling out of the habit that she has created. She also reminds herself how much better she feels after her workout.

The link gives you 31 ways to stay motivated and keep exercising http://zenhabits.net/31-ways-to-motivate-yourself-to-exercise/   

Good Morning

This weeks Tuesday Tidbit is about why it is so difficult to change our eating habits. This great article in the Huffington post states "We are emotional beings with the ability to rationalize -- not rational beings with emotions. If we are stressed, depressed or addicted, no matter how good the advice we are given, chances are that we will not be able to act on it. The more primitive, emotional brain generally has precedence over the newer, more rational brain."

This does not mean that we need to give up responsibility for our health and fitness, but rather we need to be aware of these factors and look to the strategies of people who have been successful.

Here are 5 tips to help you loose weight 

1) Focus on a change of heart, not a change of mind.

2) Practice self-discipline.

3) Eliminate or reduce sugary fat-laden foods.

4) Make history your teacher not your jailer.

5) Surround yourself with friends, family and colleagues who will support your efforts.

Follow this link for more http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carole-carson/weight-loss-psychology_b_881706.html 

NEW Spring Special!

Our Group Fitness Sessions have begun and I have been at both sessions, what a great workout! I can‘t wait to see my fitness levels and strength improve, I will be ready and in shape when swim suit season rolls around, will you?

There are still some open spots and we are offering a FREE SESSION for you to come and try out the class. If you bring a friend, co-worker or family member we will give you a FREE WEEK OF CLASS. See our attached flyer for session times.

Email us at info@absolutefitnessnc.com to confirm.

Good Afternoon

 I hope everyone is staying safe warm through the wintery weather. This weeks tidbit is some inspiration to help you eat more healthily. It is very easy in today’s busy world to grab food on the go, but with a little planning and preparation you can make the food healthy and delicious. Here is a recipe for salad in a jar, this is a novel way to prepare several meals in advance and have them ready and waiting in your fridge next time you need a meal. This is just one recipe but you can follow this link http://letslassothemoon.com/2014/12/20/mason-jar-recipes/  for more recipes and ideas. The key to making these salads in a jar stay fresh is to always finish off with the greens, have fun with this and let me know if you come up with any recipes of your own.

Yours in Health

Thurl

Today is the launch of our new blog, we will be posting events, tidbits and ideas to keep keep you motivated and excited about your training.

Here is our latest offering, our first class begins today March 2nd at 7.00pm. This is great and inexpensive way to get started with a fitness program and get in shape. Call 336 292-4226 or email us at thurl@absolutefitnessnc.com to reserve a spot today, don’t delay.