One of the things I love about yoga is the tradition of setting an intention for each practice. An intention is something that you revisit whenever your mind starts wandering away from the present, and this is a great thing to include in your everyday workouts to stay focused.
If you've ever missed an interval during a cardio session because of a wandering mind, than you know that staying in the moment helps to get the most out of your workouts. Intentions allow us to maximize the time we have to ourselves — after all, the time we spend working out is often the only time we have for ourselves during the day.
My intentions vary by mood. If I'm feeling like I really want to push myself, I'll set an intention that has to do with strength, and if I've had a particularly rough day, I might realign my intention to focus on inner strength. Do you set intentions for your workouts? Tell me about them in the comments section below.
You're a smart cookie. You know that oatmeal is healthier than a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats, and veggie pizza is better for you than a slice of pepperoni. Some foods that we consider to be healthy, though, are still full of calories. You may not realize that these supposedly good-for-you foods are packed with hundreds of calories, so day after day, you may be eating more than you thought, which could cause gradual weight gain. Here are some foods to watch out for:
Veggie lo mein: Veggies are healthy on their own, but if you order veggie lo mein from a classic Chinese restaurant, you're looking at veggies and noodles that are fried in oil. One dinner from P.F. Chang's contains 1,340 calories. It is healthier than the chicken lo mein, which contains 1,610 calories, but not much. Go for steamed veggies and rice instead.
Banana Bran Muffin: Bananas are full of potassium and have a fair amount of fiber, and bran is a healthy carb that keeps you regular. Two great things, right? Well, when you bake them with eggs and sugar, the outcome is not so nutritious. A Starbucks Banana Bran Muffin will run you 410 calories. You're better off eating a bowl of bran cereal with sliced banana.
If you're like me, a good hamstring stretch is always needed. Stretching on your own is great, but if you do it with a friend, you'll both benefit from deeper, more intense stretches. Here are some of my favorites that target the backs of your legs. If you want descriptions on how to do the pose, then click on the orange-colored link.
Exercise does the body good, but it is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. We all have our favorite way to work out, be it kick-boxing or t'ai chi. While we are rounding out our research on your favorites, I want to know how you prefer to work out.
There might be at least 10 surprising health benefits of sex, but unfortunately stress can dampen any woman's mood to get it on. And the holidays are a stressful time. With the economy on a roller coaster, I would say the stress ante has been upped. Scientists have found that stress causes hormonal changes that deplete testosterone levels, the sex-drive hormone (think teenage boy), and the libido plummets like the stock market on a sour day. This is more than unfortunate because sex is a great stress reliever — it lowers blood pressure as well as releases calming hormones. Now, most folks I know, men and women alike, are not at liberty to get it on every time they feel stressed. The good news is that even G-rated intimacy like holding hands with your honey has been found to reduce stress.
I think it is safe to assume that we all touch our cellphones and laptops far more frequently than we touch our partners. So next time you are looking for something to do with your nervous fingers, reach out and hold someone's hand. It will do you both a world of good.
If you have a tennis-lovin' lady in your family or circle of friends, she'll appreciate a tennis-related gift for the holidays. Not only are these functional, but they're also fun.
Whak Sak Mocha Tennis Bag: Fashionable yet practical, this tennis bag has a place for two rackets, your cellphone, wallet, snacks, and even a detachable insulated cooler to keep your water cold.
Adidas Women's Response Court Skort: I love the stylish pleated design, but the shorts underneath make it sporty. Comes in white or glacier (shown).
Penn Pink Championship Extra Duty Tennis Balls: Twelve balls for $12. What a deal. Not only is the pink color fun and a change of pace from the usual yellow balls, but they also benefit the American Cancer Society.
Balmain
Too Faced
Guerlain