BAN THE NEW YEAR SLUGGISHNESS WITH ENERGY-BOOSTING EXERCISES

The New Year is upon us and the holiday season will be over! Even if you are one of those people who can’t get enough of the festivities and celebrations, you are probably feeling tired by now. Let’s face it: all this holidaying can be pretty exhausting. What do you do if you feel worn out and dragged out? Do you reach for that extra cup of coffee, an energy drink, or - even worse- a candy bar?
       
All you probably want to do is curl up and sleep. But here is what scientific studies and anecdotal evidence tell us: Exercise, not hibernation, is the best fatigue-busting and energy-boosting technique. Research has found that people who participate in physical activity decrease their tiredness level by as much as 60 percent and increase their energy by 20 percent. Exercise energizes and recharges not only your body, but also your mind. There is no better way to invigorate you from head to toe.
       
What are the best pick-me-up exercises? Virtually anything that keeps you moving at a brisk pace and increases your heart rate will be effective. Walking, biking, jogging, swimming, doing jumping jacks, even dancing and rope-skipping, will rev you up. Fitness Boot Camps, Martial Arts Fitness Programs, TRX Training and Metabolic Conditioning based exercise programs are excellent energy boosters because they combine a variety of cardiovascular, strength, endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility workouts.
       
Whatever exercises you choose, you should schedule your workout first thing in the morning. Exercising any time during the day is beneficial, but if you tire easily, you may not feel motivated to exercise later in the day. But if you start early, you will create energy that lasts all day. And, as an added bonus, a morning workout will raise your metabolism that will burn calories throughout the day.
       
Another energy-bolstering tip is eating a healthy breakfast. You probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and it’s true. It is extremely beneficial if your breakfast includes a serving of whole grains, low-fat protein and dairy, as well as fruit.
       
Skipping breakfast may make you binge later in the day, when hunger pangs strike. Not only will you feel tired, but also probably end up eating something that you can quickly grab on the go – like junk food. And it’s no secret that eating too much junk food, which is full of saturated fats, as well as sugar or salt, will leave you feeling sluggish and fatigued – exactly the opposite of what you want to accomplish.

You definitely want to find a program that fits your lifestyle and helps you achieve improved physical fitness and health. JMB Fitness offers a variety of programs to fit into your life and our programs focus on you!

Spread Holiday Cheer with useful Exercise Gear

‘Tis the season of gift giving and receiving, but many of us are stumped when it comes to buying just the right present for those special people in our lives.

However, if that “special someone” is a fitness buff, finding a perfect gift he or she will enjoy for months is a snap.

Money is tight for a lot of people, but fortunately there are so many great exercise-related items on the market that will fit any budget without overstretching it.

When it comes to buying exercise gear, opt for practical and useful items rather than “eye candy” gadgets that may look nice but will not be of much benefit to the recipient.

“As a general rule, anything that makes workouts more efficient and fun will be a hit,” she points out.

Another thing to consider while gift shopping, is the recipient’s fitness level. “Is that person an experienced exerciser with a regular routine, a beginner, or a fence sitter who needs inspiration, motivation and guidance to start exercising? Take all these factors into account when choosing a gift.”

For example, someone who is not sure what workout to opt for might benefit from a subscription to a fitness and health magazine - a good starting point to a regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle.

Some of the other “you-can’t-go-wrong” gift ideas are:

• Athletic shoes and / or workout apparel: “Avid exercisers wear out their shoes after a few months, so a gift certificate for a new pair would certainly be appreciated. The same goes for clothes – not everyone likes to work out in old sweats!” I recommend going to an actual running store and get a gift certificate. Running stores have knowledgeable staff and will actually suggest sneakers that are right for the individuals feet.

• Equipment. “Here, the possibilities are endless. It could be something as simple and inexpensive as a heart rate monitor, hand weights, mats, towels, a lightweight water bottle, or sunglasses and sunscreen for outdoor fitness enthusiasts.”

• Quality athletic socks “that will reduce friction, provide good cushioning, and keep the feet dry, preventing the formation of painful blisters and athlete’s foot.”

• Fitness diary / journal where the exerciser can keep track of his or her progress - whether logging caloric intake, weight loss, or weekly workouts.

• A gift certificate for an exercise program in the recipient’s local community – “preferably one that offers a variety of workouts such as cardio, resistance, flexibility and interval training.” 

Happy Holidays!