If you're looking for a unique way to increase flexibility in your spine, then you'll want to try Locust. The full pose is rather Cirque du Soleil-ish, with both feet extended in the air. It's extremely challenging since it requires both flexibility in the back and upper body strength, so let's ease into Locust with a relaxing prep pose.
Sanskrit Name: Viparita Salabhasana English Translation: Inverted Locust Also Called: Locust Prep
They say the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but I must add that it generally isn't the healthiest. Here are a few things I think will help you stay happy, fit, and healthy in December.
I have been a vitamin skeptic for years, having experimented with different types of supplements off and on over the years. I took folic acid when I decided I wanted to get pregnant, and I encourage my mother to take calcium since the supplements have been shown to help women over 65 maintain healthy bone density. The more I read about vitamins, the more nutritionist and dietitians say to eat your vitamins and that the body processes micronutrients and antioxidants better from food. Additionally, vitamin deficiencies are not really a problem here in the US rendering supplements unnecessary.
A compilation of studies on the benefits of vitamins A, C, and E indicate that they don't prevent cancer or heart disease. Some studies have even found that taking vitamins may shorten your life. Ahhh . . . the bitter ironies.
I know we are all trying to be as healthy as we can be and I am wondering your stance on nutritional supplements. So tell me . . .
Very inexpensive, relatively easy, and extremely effective, jump roping is one of the best pieces of fitness equipment to have on hand. It takes up no room in your travel bag, and because it gets your heart rate up in no time, it's great for those times when you can only squeeze in a quick workout.
Men's Health shares my love for the jump rope and counted the ways in which it's awesome, although the magazine didn't include one of my favorite parts of jumping rope — it's so much fun! Here are five reasons why the guy's mag is a fan of jumping rope (I bet they think it's a blast, too).
Cost: A mere $15 or so will get you a jump rope that lasts for years. Compared to other cardio equipment, there's no contest in which gets the most bang-for-your-buck.
Portability: Inside, outside, on a flat roof, in your hotel room, on the backyard deck — you can jump rope anywhere that has high enough ceilings.
To see three more reasons jump roping is great, read more
Genetics, diet, and stress can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), but a recent study shows there's a way to lower it naturally. Drink three cups of hibiscus tea a day. Look for this tea at your health food store, either solely hibiscus, or ones that are blended with this herb. The ability to lower blood pressure has to do with the actual plant and also the relaxing effects of sipping tea. Although your blood pressure may not decrease dramatically, even a small drop can benefit the body and lower your risk of the health problems associated with hypertension. Most people — 50 percent — are unaware that they even have high blood pressure, so if you haven't had yours checked in a while, see a doctor, or use one of those machines at your pharmacy. If it's on the high side, while you're out, pick up some hibiscus tea.
For those lovely ladies in your life who you lovingly call heath nuts, I've found a few gifts that will make those gals go, well, nuts. As a health nut myself, I would be psyched to find any of these items packed in pretty recycled paper for the holidays.
MixMyGranola: Choose your health nut's favorite mix-ins to create a personalized granola mix, or buy one of the pre-mixed options. The granola is organic and many of the mix-ins are organic, too. Throw in some extra love by giving a gift certificate along with the bag you gave, so they'll have a refill to look forward to after they've gobbled up their first mix. Perfect for the health nut who already has everything.
Dial-A-Slice Apple Divider: This handy tool makes snacking on crunchy apples a cinch and produces either 16 thin slices or eight thick ones.
Omron HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer: This cool gadget differs from some of the other pedometers out there because it doesn't have to be clipped to a belt, and can be conveniently placed into a bag or pocket. It measures steps, aerobic steps and minutes, calories, and distance, and saves the data for seven days.
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