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Emma Sanford is The Founder and Wellness Consultant of Good Health - Good Scents, a Distributorship of Edible Wellness Products, Located in Atlanta Ga.
Ms. Sanford publishes a FREE weekly ezine ‘ Good Health -Good Scents Wellness Tools.’ Sign up for a FREE copy. Visit, http://www.ultimatewellness.blogspot.com
January 24, 2008
If you love to practice aromatherapy, then you should consider purchasing an aromatherapy accessory or two. The types of accessories you can get vary just as greatly as the forms of aromatherapy available on the market. Even if you consider yourself to be a casual practitioner of aromatherapy, accessorizing may be a great way for you to get more out of your aromatherapy. Here is your roadmap to determining which types of accessories you should purchase to compliment your aromatherapy products.
Containers
Having containers for your aromatherapy products are the most convenient way to transport your supplies. One popular accessory is a small glass vial and dropper. You can take this in to your next massage or reflexology appointment and put your favorite essential oils directly into your massage oils.
Another popular container is a scent proof holder for your aromatherapy products. This will allow you to store your bath oil or body oils without discomforting those around you. Finally, you could also get a glass jar which can be used to mix different plant oils. This will allow you to try a variety of combinations for yourself without damaging the oils in your original container (to save you from potentially contaminating an entire bottle of oil).
Devices
There are also many popular aromatherapy devices that will aid you in using aromatherapy. One is an aromatherapy inhaler which allows you an easy and convenient way to use aromatherapy wherever you go. These are especially nice because they do not bother the people around you (important, especially if your loved ones are sensitive to certain scents).
Another great device is an electronic oil burner. These machines will regulate the amount of oil you burn, saving you from over or under using plant oils in a burner. Finally, you can get devices for aromatherapy spray that will automatically regulate the amount of spray in the air.
Other Accessory Ideas and Tips
It could be of great help to you to purchase an incense burner if you use these for aromatherapy. This will allow you to collect all of the ashes as they are created and prevent potential fires from incense falling onto flammable materials.
If you practice herbal aromatherapy, it might be a good idea for you to get some products that you can use to extract your own essential oils. These products range in both price and type, but are a great way to ensure that the oils you are using are 100% fresh and natural.
Another great accessory you could get is a spray bottle. With one of these, you can use any choice of essential oils as a perfume, air freshener, or even a natural deodorant.
Finally, you should also consider purchasing texts or charts related to aromatherapy to help you ensure that you are getting the best value from the aromatherapy products that you buy. Finding a good aromatherapy guide is relatively easy and can save you great amounts of money in the long run.
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Aromatherapy is a great, natural way of de-stressing, feeling invigorated and staying healthy! Don?t continue to miss out on this health boom: http://www.aromatherapyguideonline.com/
January 8, 2008
Why would you want to buy jewellery that is not just attractive but also magnetic?
That question has been the focus of numerous academic studies and by those who are just plain sceptical of the claimed beneficial effects.
Some of the studies seem to suggest that just maybe there could be some advantage from wearing magnets close to the skin. However, you will probably find the words ‘placebo effect’ somewhere in the article.
Yes, you do see manufacturers claiming pain relief for arthritis, back, wrist, shoulder etc. It is these claims that those writing the research papers find difficult to support and perhaps they never will.
There was a time when the medical profession had difficulty with the effectiveness of osteopathy. Now many doctors refer their patients to an osteopath or similar. Maybe you cannot compare the two practices but you have to put yourself in the position of a person in distress who has tried the standard medical treatments. If these treatments are not proving effective should the sufferer just sit back and accept the hurt or try to improve their standard of life? Those who in the past have put their hand in their pockets to be treated by an osteopath, food allergy expert etc. know the answer to that question.
I know of one person who wore a small magnetic wrap above her knee to try to relieve the terrible pain she felt in her leg when walking. Did the pain ease? No, in fact, it became worse and she had to stop wearing it. It transpired that the lady had a blocked vein and it was that circulatory problem that was causing the discomfort. Did the discomfort increase because the magnets were attempting to boost the blood flow where there was a blockage?
Another lady bought a magnetic bracelet, put it on her right wrist and started to feel unwell. She transferred it to her left wrist and the problem ceased. Later she tried to wear it on her right wrist but again she felt unwell.
In both the cases were the magnets having an effect on the body? They were not part of any controlled clinical trials and so we will never know. It is doubtful whether clinical trials would prove beyond question that they were. All that can be said is that the magnets did appear to be having some effect.
What can we conclude from the above? If you have a problem and think magnetic therapy might help, why not give it a try? If you are a pregnant lady or if you have a pacemaker then definitely do not use magnetic products. As ever, if you have any doubts, firstly consult your doctor.
There is some beautiful magnetic jewellery for sale. Even if you are a doubter, why not just get pleasure from the bracelet or whatever for what it is - a pleasant and striking piece of jewellery.
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Rodger Cresswell is Managing Director of Avondale Consultancy Limited and Consultant to JC Regali
January 6, 2008
Can you imagine a flower that is a source of all purpose essential oils for skin care, pain relief, wound healing, relief for burns and skin diseases, plus so much more?
These are just some of the attributes of the attractive pleasant smelling purple colored flower known as lavender. The name Lavender is derived from the Latin word lavera meaning to wash, and has gained the reputation as possibly the greatest multipurpose source of natural essential oils ever found.
Think for a moment that this is not some chemically produced substance, but a natural product that can be acquired without prescription and the cost is considered quite economical.
lavender essential oils are also used as a deodorant, fungicide, antiseptic, insect repellent, and anti inflammatory.
lavender is also highly regarded for treating many skin complaints including acne, itchy or cracked skin, acne, blisters, warts, abscesses, boils, and eczema,
It is also prized for its nerve calming properties, and is known to restrict swelling and inflammation and speed up healing of minor burns.
Originally from England, Lavandula angustifolia is the most common strain of lavender and often referred to as true lavender. True lavender has the botanical name of Clavandula as the prefix.
Around fifty distinct species of lavender grow throughout the world, including lavandula vera and lavandula officinalis.
lavandula angustifolia is the most sought after variety because of the low concentration of camphor retained after distillation. This gives the essential oils derived from it a strong floral aroma, and also makes it perfectly effectual in aromatherapy where it is highly regarded for quickening the healing of minor burns.
Lavandin (lavandula intermedia) is a hybrid variety which is produced mainly in France by crossing true lavender with spike lavender (lavender latifolia) lavandin is generally larger than true lavender and easily identified by its woody stems. Its flowers range in color from blue like true lavender to grey.
Spike Lavender, or lavandula latifolia is often referred to as Spanish lavender, as it is common there, and also prolific in the Mediterranean countries.
The essential oils from this plant are found to retain a higher percentage of camphor than that found in true lavender
The first recorded cultivation of Lavender was found to be by ancient Egyptians who held it in high regard, using it to produce soothing and healing ointments and perfume.
It was also used by the Egyptians as a balm for mummification and the perfume has been found in tombs, including that of Tutankhamen.
Lavender has certainly stood the test of time, and is used commonly in perfume for women and after shave for men.
The uses and benefits of lavender do not stop with fragrances however.
Lavender essential oils are recommended for relieving the pain of minor burns and cuts, and are perfect for treating sunburn and insect bites. Even headaches can be treated by massaging lavender oil on the neck and temples.
Lavender and relaxation are words that are synonymous, and its benefits and uses in aromatherapy are enough to fill a book. Unlike many essential oils, lavender can be used undiluted, as allergic reactions to it are rare.
If you are just beginning your journey with this amazing flower, a wealth of experiences await you.
Whether you use it for a relaxing addition to a soothing bath, or as a soothing, rejuvenating skin treatment, be prepared to be amazed by this versatile plant
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Antony Wilton was so impressed with the powers of lavender, that he devoted a website to it
http://www.lavenderessentialoils.com
November 26, 2007
Acupuncture originates from the Latin words for Needle (acus) and Prick (pungere) or Zhen jiu (Standard Mandarin) and is the technique of inserting and manipulating needles into the various acupuncture points found on our bodies. According to the teachings of acupuncture the use of these techniques will help to restore a person?s health and well being as well as particularly very good for treating pain.
It is thought that acupuncture originates from China and it is certainly most commonly associated in today?s society with Traditional Chinese medicine. However there are other forms of acupuncture such as Japanese, Korean as well as the classical Chinese Acupuncture which are taught and practiced around the globe.
Whether the use of acupuncture is an effective remedy or that patients think it is effective seems to be subject to scientific research. However scientists who have already conducted reviews according to the rules of evidence based medicine on clinical trials already carried out have that it has some benefits in treating headaches, lower back pain and nausea, but in respect of most other conditions they feel that there is insufficient evidence to say whether it is effective or not. You will also find not only the World Health Organisation (WHO), American Medical Association (AMA), National Institute of Health (NIH) as well as various governments have commented on the use of acupuncture but that further research is required. However, the one that all can seem to agree on is that the use of acupuncture is safe as long as it is administered by a well trained and qualified practitioner.
When looking back on the history of acupuncture it can be traced back in China as far back as the 1st Millennium BC and there is archaeological evidence where it was used during the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220AD). There have also been forms of it described in Korean literature called Chimsul and is also an important part of the traditional medicine system in Japan and is called Kampo.
During the recent examination of a 5,000 year old mummy (Otzi) found in the Alps it was discovered that the mummy had over 50 tattoos on its body and some of these were located on various acupuncture points that would now days be used to treat certain ailments that Otzi seemed to suffer from. Some scientists even believe that this provides us with evidence that practices were carried out similar to acupuncture elsewhere in Eurasia during the Bronze Age period. But unfortunately there is no evidence to prove that the tattoos on Otzi?s body were used as acupuncture points or they were just a decoration.
It is uncertain that acupuncture originates in China as the earliest medical texts found (68BC) do not have any mention of this form of treatment. The first real Chinese medical text to mention acupuncture comes from the Yellow Emperor?s ?Classic of Internal Medicine (History of Acupuncture)? which compiled around the period 305-204BC. There has also been the discovery of hieroglyphics dating back to around 1,000BC which may indicate the use of acupuncture also.
Another thing which seems to suggest that the Chinese were not the first to use acupuncture is the discovery of sharp pointed stones (Bian stones) in ruins which were used to treat diseases in ancient times. Some people (scholars) believe that the use of these stones for bloodletting was a precursor to certain acupuncture techniques.
In fact in a book written by R C Crozier (Traditional Medicine in Modern China) it says that the early Chinese Communist Party had expressed considerable aversion towards many classical forms of Chinese medicine, deriding it as mumbo jumbo, irrational and backwards and that it conflicted with the Party?s reliance on science as a way of progress. Acupuncture was certainly included in the Party?s criticism of all such practices. But later on the Communist Party Chairman Mao then reversed what the party had been saying by saying that ?Chinese medicine and pharmacology are the greatest treasure house and efforts should be made to explore them and raise them to a higher level?. Following this reversal representatives were sent out across China from the party to collect information on the theories and practices of Chinese medicine, thus the TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) system of Chinese medicine was created and includes the use of Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na and other forms. However, after the Cultural Revolution the instruction of TCM was incorporated in to the University medical curricula throughout China under the ?Three Roads? policy. This is where TCM, biomedicine and a synthesis of the two would be encouraged and development permitted. But unfortunately after this time some forms of classical Chinese medicine other than TCM where outlawed and because of this a number of practitioners of these methods left China.
It is thought that the first forms of acupuncture to reach the USA were brought into the country by non-TCM practitioners and many employed styles of acupuncture that they had been handed down through the family or from master to apprentice, and is collectively known as Classical Chinese Acupuncture.
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Kerris Samson a work from home mum now residing in Spain and who has spent a vast amount of researching the different ways in which acupuncture can help in place of conventional western medicine when treating various forms of illness and ailments and also for use to relieve pain. Please visit http://www.oneohone.info/acupuncture if you would like to learn more.
November 13, 2007
Natural health care is an ancient idea. It is the first kind of health care system known to humankind. Primitive people had no doctors until they began to form social systems. From there, medicine men and medicine women, steeped in mythological lore, used herbs, foods, water, mud and other natural substances as the basis of their healing modalities. They also infused this practice with dance, music and a lot of ritual as a means of wholistic healing by bridging the mind-body gap. As we all know, primitive forms of healing, along with the evolution of mankind and scientific discovery, eventually evolved into what we have today as the most widely accepted and politically preferred standard of healing, known as allopathic medicine.Certainly, the idea of natural health care, even when allopathic medicine was at its zenith, never disappeared. There have always been natural healers, whether we’re talking about naturopaths and nutritionists or grandma and her chicken soup. However, allopathic medicine has failed us as a society. Driven by excessive greed, power, and beset with a close-minded attitude and never-ending side effects and complications, we’ve come to realize that modern medicine is not a panacea. Instead of being the first choice in health care, it should be the option when other, more sensible, options have been exhausted.
Millions of people, and maybe you are among the enlightened numbers, have realized that natural health care works; there are far fewer risks, very few side effects and most of all, the power to heal is in your own hands (and in your own body). There is also a realization that, as smart as scientists are, they just cannot recreate life or duplicate or improve upon Nature. It has long been said, ‘Only God can make a tree.’ Regardless of whether you take this as literal or figurative, the bottom line is that the power of healing, as a force of nature, is no match for the limited mind and machines of man. One of the biggest impediments to getting well, if you’re unfortunate enough to be sick or suffering from a health problem, is the mindset that you do not have the power to bring about your own healing. Westernized society has become brainwashed, in a way, into thinking that the response to any health problem should be a rush to the nearest medical doctor. How could we not become brainwashed, when everywhere we turn we’re faced with the command ‘consult your doctor’? And we are told thousands of times throughout the course of our lives that drugs are used for health problems. A lie has become truth to most everyone. That is best revealed when individuals cannot even understand the possibility that something cannot be correct. As common citizens, we can’t get drugs without a doctor. So it seems that healing is out of your hands. But it’s not.
We can return to Nature for healing. Even though we are told otherwise by drug companies and doctors, natural health care worked when mankind lived in caves and discovered fire, and it still works today. It works even better today because, thanks to the advances of science which gives us an understanding of HOW nature heals, and which natural substances, foods and herbs are most effective due to their properties and constituents.Now, to answer the basic question: Can you be your own doctor? The answer is yes, to a degree. In fact, you already are. Each time you recognize that you are ill, you’ve made a diagnosis. Each time you sleep because you’re tired, you’ve prescribed for yourself a remedy. And like any other doctor, if your problem is beyond your expertise you can go to another doctor. But the first stages of healing begin with you; and many times they can end with you. The more you learn about the healing power of foods and the benefits of eating a whole, pure foods diet, the more power you will have over your own state of health. Perhaps the most important aspect of natural health care is the notion of prevention. What you do today in terms of taking care of your body will result in fewer health problems in the future. There is nothing modern medicine can offer you in this regard. Modern medicine is reactive, coming into play when illness is already affecting your state of health. Prevention is a proactive practice, a means of taking responsibility for your health today so that tomorrow you will be healthy; prevention is an insurance policy of your own device. The foundation of all good health is basic: real, pure food, clean water and air, a peaceful mind and exercise. If you can maintain these basics, then you are your own best doctor.
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Dr Shayne is a foremost authority in the area of whole food nutrition. He has found a direct connection between health and nutrition and has studied the effects of extracts and isolates, typically labeled vitamins and minerals. He is Chief Scientific Advisor and Lead Consultant for Nutritional-Life and developer of a full line of whole food nutrition (NutriPlex Formulas). In addition, Dr Shayne has published over 5 books and is working on another book at this time.
November 8, 2007
There are several alternative treatment options available to the parents of children correctly diagnosed with ADHD or ADD. Attention Deficit Disorder or that with Hyperactive tendencies are a set of mental illnesses that are routinely mis diagnosed.
This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms of ADHD and ADD are considered by many normal characteristics in growing kids. The challenge to develop any treatment options therefore is to accurately determine the degree of hyperactivity that pushes someone over the edge of normalcy and into the realm of a mental disorder.
One thing that you should be aware of is that the medical community is not in full agreement about ADHD in general or the use of some treatment options. There are those that believe that mediation used to treat this disorder have unacceptable risks. Another important factoid is that the treatment of all but the most pronounced mental disorders and diseases is a relatively new frontier.
Not in the sense of age as we’ve been working to find treatment options for all mental disorders for decades. But it’s more a frontier in the sense of understanding the causation and our ability to measure the severity of the problem. This is why jumping to an aggressive treatment option may not be in the best interest of the child that’s been diagnosed with ADHD or the family involved
If you have a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short, there are another of options open for treatment. The most common ADHD treatments usually involve as their biggest part the use of drugs like Ritalin or Dexedrine. On the street, these are known as Speed or methanphetamines.
Other treatment options for ADHD involve therapy and counseling for not only the one identified as having the ADD problem but also the whole family and especially the parents. Counseling can be used to help better identify emotional disturbances, and can assist with teaching the kid some study skills and organizational skills.
Note that teaching study skills etc. is normal stuff that should be done by parents. For many children however, because of the lack of parenting skills, the kid is diagnosed as having the problem.
The problem is that many ADHD treatments address the physiological part of the condition and ignore every other part. This is a problem, because ADHD children have trouble forming strategies to organize their lives and so they need, in addition to the drugs, some coaching in study skills that other students may be able to learn on their own. It is not enough just to medicate as an ADHD treatment option alone.
There are a number of other options that should also be considered. The most popular one at the moment is to have your child tested for allergies. Food allergies have been known to cause many problems for growing children and could be a root cause of ADHD as well.
Another option is to explore the use of natural remedies. vitamins and minerals may help keep your child off the pharmaceutical industries profitable drugs. Understand if needed, fine, but so many times, there are alternative options that work without the use of expensive drug solutions.
Other people recommend meditation techniques as ADHD treatment options. They say that the best way to treat ADHD is to take advantage of the mind’s natural flexibility and to rework the way it runs through self programming. Through daily meditation, focus, relaxation, and an end to the anxiety that is so common with ADHD sufferers.
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Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and education. For More information on ADHD and Attention Deficit Disorder visit the site at http://www.anxietyhelpcenter.info/adhd-treatment-options.html and http://www.anxietyhelpcenter.info/adhd-treatments-and-alternatives.html
October 31, 2007
Detox diets and regimes can be incredibly hard to stick to if you lack the will to succeed however if you can manage to go the distance and complete the detox programme then you will, more often than not, quickly see and feel the benefits.
Our bodies are bombarded with numerous toxins each and every day through bad diet, air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol and caffeine. These are just the ingested toxins; it is thought that feelings of stress and depression can cause chemical reactions to occur within the body which naturally release toxins as a by-product. Thus it is no wonder that over time these harmful toxins begin to accumulate in many of the systems throughout the body.
The act of detoxing benefits not only the physical body but the mind as well. By taking the time to clean out the body?s systems you achieve a sense of inner purity i.e. you can imagine your insides being as clean as your outsides. This helps many people to stick to the diet and resist the pull of their favourite foods.
On a physical level, the kidneys and the liver naturally detoxify the systems of the body but by embarking on a detox regime you can give an added boost to the process. In today?s society there are many more toxins than the body can naturally excrete and so any help you can give it is always an added bonus.
Detoxing has ben reported to improve the functioning of many body systems including the digestive system (stomach and intestines), the renal system (kidneys and bladder), the circulatory system (lungs and blood vessels) and the lymphatic system.
By improving the efficiency of these systems you will almost certainly notice that you sleep better, you have more energy, you?re more mentally alert, your skin looks better and the dark circles around your eyes disappear. You may even notice that you suffer less with colds and minor infections because of an improvement in your immune system.
Other potential benefits include the suppression of headaches, joint pain, cramps, indigestion and other digestive conditions i.e. bloating and excessive gas.
So, even though adhering to a detox diet or programme can be difficult it is well worth doing. After all, a week or two of detox could mean years of feeling happy and healthy.
Learn more about Benefits of Detox
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Copyright 2006, Leroy Fong and Detox-Guide.com
Reprinting this article is allowed provided all references and acknowledgement to the author, the website, and the URL remain intact.
Leroy Fong
Detox Guide | Liver Detox | Colon Cleanse
October 30, 2007
Imagine a drug that is common, inexpensive and can help with a whole host of illnesses from Alzheimer disease to making you feel happier.
This drug has been used for centuries by hundreds of millions of people and yet few people actually realize its potential health benefits.
So, what is this wonder of nature? Read on and find out!
?There’s a cheap, common, and mostly safe drug, in daily use for centuries by hundreds of millions of people, that only lately has been investigated for its therapeutic potential for a long list of common ills.
The list includes Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, depression and anxiety, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and even pain and obesity.
Why has interest in this potential cure-all been slow to develop? One reason: in its current forms the drug offers pharmaceutical companies no possibility of substantial profit.
Another, perhaps more important: the drug is reviled as the world’s most addictive. The drug, of course, is nicotine?
Quote Source: ?Nicotine as Therapy? by Tabitha M. Powledge. Located at website: biology.plosjournals.org
How on earth can Nicotine be good for you, it?s contained in cigarette smoking that is one of the biggest killers in the world?
Well, keep in mind the following:
Nicotine is just one of around 4,000 chemicals that are consumed when smoking cigarettes.
It is actually some of these other chemicals such as arsenic, ammonia and carbon monoxide to name just a few, that are the killers and NOT nicotine.
Fact is nicotine in pure form (and consumed on its own) is safe and non toxic.
Many people who don?t smoke actually consume nicotine everyday, as is a naturally occurring compound found in the food chain.
For example, nicotine is present in such common foods as:
Potatoes, tomatoes and cauliflower, as well as other vegetables and is also found in some teas.
Nicotine however has a bad reputation and suffers from its association with cigarette smoking.
The potential health benefits of nicotine (when consumed on its own in pure form) are potentially enormous and considerable research has and is, still being carried out into its health giving properties.
The fact is, nicotine does not cause cancer and the potential for Nicotine to treat a number of conditions is now getting more widespread coverage and hopefully soon people will see the potential that nicotine can offer them.
Look at the facts on Nicotine and its benefits in more detail and you may be glad you did.
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ORGANIC NICOTINE DRINK
Niclite is an organic nicotine in a refreshing lemon flavor drink, without the addition of any other chemicals. To read more about the benefits of nicotine and to see this unique product visit: http://www.smokefreechoice.com.
October 22, 2007
I think the longest I ever had a gym membership was for 6 months, and that was only because I did the aerobics classes, I never actually did any weights!
So, you don?t like going to the gym, but you want to exercise, but what do you do? What can you do that will give you the same, consistent results you get from the gym? Great question and one I asked myself when I stopped going to the gym!
Here is a list of the top 7 things you can do to exercise that doesn?t involve putting on tight clothing and strutting your stuff in front of everyone else!
- Enroll in a dance class ? any sort of dancing will get the blood pumping and your heart racing. Plus, you get to meet new people! This is my top exercise choice, I dance competitively as well, so on top of ?social? dancing, and I also train 3-4 times a week. It is a great way to keep fit and lots of fun. Check your local newspaper for upcoming classes.
- Walking ? this one is often overlooked. You pretty much walk somewhere everyday, why not make a more concerted effort and get your arms pumping. I try to walk at least twice a week in between my dancing just so I can get outside and enjoy the sun! If you can walk at least 4-5km?s 3-4 times a week, you will feel much better for it, and best of all, it?s free! You can wear whatever clothing you like, take your ipod with you or walk with a friend, either way, walking is right up there on my list!
- Mow the lawn ? this is not my favorite exercise to do, but I know that there are lots of people that get a great sense of satisfaction from mowing the lawns and what you may not know is that when you are pushing the lawn mower, you are giving your biceps and triceps a great work out, plus all the walking you do burns up those calories. Obviously, if you have a ride-on mower, you are defeating the purpose, but if you use a hand held mower, you are well on your way to improving your muscles and cardio fitness.
- Shovel snow ? great one for cardio and for your biceps and triceps and also a great way to keep warm! Look at these figures: Loading a shovel with 16 pounds of snow, 12 times per minute, converts to lifting almost 2,000 pounds in a 10 minute period. Do you think that you might just feel the burn doing this?! Most definitely! It is also a great workout for your back, buttocks and thighs. But be warned, this is not a job for the faint hearted. You will need to make sure that you have fuelled up plenty before tackling this job!
- Play with your dog ? this is great exercise. Aside from taking the dog for a walk, you can run around your backyard chasing the dog, the dog will take a long time to tire, so a fantastic workout and some good quality time spent with your favorite pet! You could also take your dog down to the local park for some games of ?fetch? or take the dog hiking? there are so many things you can do with your dog and not only will you be increasing your fitness, but you will also be keeping your dog fit and healthy, ensuring he/she lives a long time!
- Pilate?s ? there are some fantastic videos and DVD?s on Pilate?s and I would recommend Marie Windsor?s videos, they are fantastic. Pilate?s is excellent if you have any condition that stops you from doing cardio exercises as the majority of Pilate?s is completed lying on your back! Using your ?powerhouse? you build up your resistance and use your muscles to move parts of your body in a series of moves. You can do this for just 20 minutes a day 4-5 times a week and notice some fantastic results within 2-3 weeks. I do this twice a week just to keep my tummy muscles nice and strong, which I need for my dancing also.
- Use an exercise ball ? this is great, especially if you sit at a computer all day. Try replacing your normal chair with the exercise ball and you will find that by the end of the day, your muscles will be aching from keeping yourself balanced on the ball while working! What a great way to multi-task! Aside from this, you can use the exercise ball at home and do various exercises like sit ups, push ups and squats to name a few. These are also pretty cheap and most come with an instructional video for use at home.
So, there you have it, my top 7 non-gym exercises that you can do. The majority of which are free! So, no more excuses. There are so many more things you can do, but these are the ones that I find I consistently stick with and see results from.
Possibly another one that could be put in with walking is running? but that is pretty hard on your knees and I prefer to preserve my body then injure it, but if you want to see fast results, running is definitely right up there, just make sure you invest in some very good shoes!
Happy exercising!
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