Tag Archives: Exercise

Culture

How Weight Loss Classes Can Benefit Your Holistic Wellness

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Canadians are still bouncing back from the health impacts of years of isolation. A recent survey of over 1,000 citizens shows that almost one-third of them don’t exercise at all, despite the country’s health officials’ recommendation of at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity. After all, finding the motivation to go to the gym or do that morning run can be difficult when you only have yourself to be accountable for. This is why more people are opting to attend weight loss classes, helping them to stay consistent with their routine. But the effects of weight loss classes transcend merely the physical. Here are a few ways they can benefit your overall health:

Physical wellness

Weight loss workshops are as crucial as meal plans and gym sessions because they provide holistic guidance and tips to keep you on the right track, from changing your relationship with food, sharing stories about your unique challenges, and sourcing motivation to keep exercising, among other benefits. By searching “weight loss classes near me” online, you can evaluate which features work for you. In-person classes allow you to meet with coaches and like-minded peers. If those don’t fit your schedule, a bevy of virtual workshops can connect you to a coach who will help you work on your wellness goals with science-backed strategies and inspiration, even at a distance. Peer group virtual workshops can help you get out of a fitness rut by providing support and accountability. These build the foundation for a consistent fitness routine that ultimately benefits your body.

Mental wellness

Group workouts offer a unique balm to your mental health that working out alone may not. A group setting facilitates a more engaging and energizing environment that encourages you to have fun and even engage in some healthy competition. If you’ve had a difficult day, it can help you get “out of your head” instead of stewing in negative thoughts. In a previous post, we talked about how yoga can calm the mind, relieve stress, and reduce anxiety. These effects are further emphasized in group yoga, where shared energy and cohesiveness can bring a comforting sense of community, encouraging dynamic balance and mental clarity. In a study, 64 women with severe anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were asked to participate in a weekly 1-hour yoga class for ten weeks. By the end, 52% of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD.

Social wellness

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are inextricably tied to loneliness, which is why it’s concerning that over 40% of Canadians report feeling lonely some or all of the time. Excess weight may be another interconnected factor; among obese Canadian adults, 11% report being depressed or having a mood disorder compared to only 6.9% of normal-weight adults. For those who live alone or work from home, social interactions may not be as seamlessly integrated into their schedules, which is where group weight loss classes come in. They can help target the sedentary lifestyle commonly associated with loneliness, as well as provide a sense of belonging for people who need it. Participants often arrange social gatherings before or after classes, such as sharing meals or grocery shopping, to build camaraderie and keep one another on a healthy path for weight loss.

While weight loss may manifest most noticeably in your physical appearance, the team spirit offered by group weight loss classes carries mental and social benefits that can help you keep the weight off long-term. Having supportive figures you can lean on for advice and encouragement enables you to perceive weight management in a healthier, more positive light – and not something you must go through alone.

Culture

The Many Physical, Physiological and Spiritual Benefits from Yoga

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(May 12, 2023) Scientific evidence shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep. This is according to the National Institutes of Health. On this edition of the Beth Linder-Moss Podcast, Beth specifically describes all those benefits and how to get started with Yoga.

Yoga is not just a form of exercise but a holistic approach to wellness that works on the mind, body, and spirit. From reducing stress and anxiety to building strength and flexibility, yoga offers numerous benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels.

@bethmoss2

Standing poses #thinkhealthybehealthy #healthylifestylechange #healthytips #fitnesstipsforwomen #fitnesstipsforwomen #yougotthis #workout #fitness #yoga #fitnessmotivation #yogaflow #yogabeginner #workoutfromhome

♬ Cool Kids (our sped up version) – Echosmith

Mind Benefits of Yoga

According to Beth, yoga helps to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. The practice of breathing exercises and meditation during yoga helps to quiet the mind, relax the body, and reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is associated with higher stress levels. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can also alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even PTSD.

Yoga can also help to improve focus, memory, and concentration. “Yoga helps to improve cognitive function, which leads to better decision-making, improved memory and concentration,” says Beth Linder-Moss.

Body Benefits of Yoga

The physical benefits of yoga are well known. Yoga helps to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Practicing yoga regularly can help to tone muscles and improve overall body composition. Yoga also helps to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

According to Beth, yoga is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy, especially as we age. “Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. The practice helps to maintain mobility and flexibility in the body, which is essential as we grow older.”

Spiritual Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is not just a physical practice but a spiritual one too. It helps to connect the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga philosophy talks about the interconnectedness of all things and encourages participants to live a life of compassion and kindness.

Beth believes practicing yoga can help to connect with our inner selves and find inner peace. “Yoga helps to inculcate a deep sense of awareness, concentration, and mindfulness. It helps to cultivate a sense of gratitude, compassion, and contentment,” she says.

Finally Beth says, “yoga is a practice that nourishes and sustains us, helping us to live better, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.”

@bethmoss2

YOGA!! Great workout!! #thinkhealthybehealthy #healthylifestylechange #healthytips #fitnesstipsforwomen #yougotthis #workout #workoutfromhome #fitness #fitness #fitnessmotivation #yoga #yogaflow #yogabeginner

♬ –
Sci-Tech

Canada Space Agency -How Space Affects Our Body

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Living in space has significant effects on the human body. As we prepare for journeys to more distant destinations like Mars, humankind must tackle these risks to ensure safe travel for our astronauts.

Have a look at this nifty infographic from the CSA.

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Canada Space Agency PSA space info

Culture

Myths Surrounding The Scourge Of Excessive Sweating

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As people go about their daily lives, there’s a common but hidden scourge: excessive sweating.  In fact, a national survey conducted by the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS)—the scholars of sweat—shows multiple millions suffer from extreme, uncomfortable, embarrassing, debilitating, and emotionally-devastating sweating. This type of sweating is a serious medical condition known as hyperhidrosis and nearly 367 million people of all ages struggle with it on their hands, feet, face, underarms, or body.

Hyperhidrosis can be particularly devastating. While many attempt to hide their sweating problems and suffer in silence, the impacts are often hard to cover up. Dramatic sweating in the presence of peers at work, or in extracurricular or social environments, can cause severe embarrassment, stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Even when people are alone, away from potential judgements, hyperhidrosis often takes a heavy toll—adversely impacting one’s productivity in a myriad of ways.

Those with hyperhidrosis struggle with disproportionate and random sweating that may drench clothing, ruin papers, damage technology tools, make playing sports and musical instruments impossible, promote hiding and isolation behaviors, degrade self-esteem, and prompt bullying at any age—among kids and adults. The holistic effect on life—workplace, marital, social and otherwise—is thus profound. In fact, research published in Archives of Dermatological Research indicates that the majority of those with excessive sweating confirm the condition has negative impacts on their social life, well-being, and emotional as well as mental health.

Lisa J Pieretti, Executive Director of IHhS, notes, “Excessive sweating is a dermatological disorder that can cause an otherwise healthy person to produce up to five times more sweat than is normal or necessary. The pressures of dealing with a ‘sweating problem’ around peers can be catastrophic to self-esteem and more. Too often, people become anxious about attending work or school, socializing with friends, or being out in public in general. But when those with hyperhidrosis receive support, understanding, and appropriate treatment, their lives can be dramatically changed.”

To that point, IHhS co-founder Dr. David Pariser urges that, while hyperhidrosis is the number one dermatological disease in terms of negatively affecting a person’s quality-of-life, it’s also number one in having the most positive impact when treated. “When hyperhidrosis is caught early, a person’s life can be transformed for the better in a multitude of ways,” he says.

With that in mind, the first step toward providing solutions for those who sweat excessively is to bust some common myths and misconceptions with facts from the experts at the IHhS, including these:

Myth: Sweaty people are out-of-shape, nervous or have hygiene issues.

Truth: The average person has 2 to 4 million sweat glands. Sweat is essential to human survival and serves as the body’s coolant, protecting it from overheating. Many athletes actually sweat more than other people because their bodies have become very efficient at keeping cool. Meanwhile, people with hyperhidrosis (which causes overactive sweat glands) sweat excessively regardless of mood, weather, or activity level—often producing 4 or 5 times more sweat than is considered “normal”.

Myth: Those with hyperhidrosis don’t suffer with workplace-specific activities.

Truth: In a recent 2017 study, 63% of those with hyperhidrosis reported interference in the performance of tasks at work or school due to their condition.

Myth: To have hyperhidrosis, one must be dripping and saturated with sweat.

Truth: Excess sweating can range from severe dripping to moderate moisture. Symptoms of hyperhidrosis can manifest differently and personally. But, what is consistent is the impact on life depending on areas affected. This can include damaged clothing, paperwork and shoes; obvious, embarrassing sweat marks on clothing; unappealing cold wet hands; discomfort due to dripping sweat or constant dampness; and skin slipperiness that gets in the way of sports, music, and day-to-day tasks. Excess sweating of the armpits, hands, feet, face, chest, back, or groin can result in substantial impairment, including limitations at work, in social and physical activities, and during hobbies. Emotional and psychological distress is also common.

Myth: People will grow out of hyperhidrosis.

Truth: Contrary to popular belief, research shows that hyperhidrosis does not go away or decrease with age. In fact, in one recent IHhS study, 88% of respondents said their excessive sweating had gotten worse or stayed the same over time. This was consistent across all the different age groups, from youngsters to older adults.

image: wyldraven-deviantart.com

Myth: Hyperhidrosis is “just” a summer thing, or it’s at least worse during the hot summer months.
Truth: Research from the IHhS also shows that profuse sweating is not simply dictated by the time of year. The majority of patients in one survey indicated that their sweating bothers them equally, no matter the season.

Myth: Kids and young adults are “resilient” and can deal with sweating a lot.
Truth: Medical journal citations substantiate that young people are known to be significantly impacted by emotional sequelae accompanying dermatologic disease and that psychiatric issues inherently accompany dermatologic disease in children and adolescents. Studies further show that most patients with hyperhidrosis—characterized  by excessive, spontaneous sweating beyond physiologic, thermal, or stress-reaction body requirements—describe their lives as “bad” or “very bad” due to the disorder.

Myth: Antiperspirants are for underarms only.
Truth: Think outside the pits! You can glide, stick, spray, and roll-on nearly anywhere that sweating is a problem (think hands, feet, face, back, chest, and even groin.)  Be smart and talk to your dermatologist first before applying an antiperspirant to sensitive areas and test new products on small areas of skin first.

Myth: Like caffeine, antiperspirants are best used in the morning.
Truth: Pick a p.m. perk! Skip the bedtime espresso but do use your antiperspirant in the evening as well as in the morning. Sweat production is at its lowest at night, giving the active ingredients in antiperspirants a better chance to get into your pores and block perspiration when the sun comes up and you really get moving.

Myth: Excessive sweating is less debilitating than other skin conditions people have to deal with.
Truth: According to Dr. Pariser, hyperhidrosis has the greatest impact of any dermatological disease. In fact, various investigations show the impact of hyperhidrosis on quality-of-life is equal or greater than that of in-patient psoriasis, severe acne, Darier disease, Hailey-Hailey disease, vitiligo, and chronic pruritus.

The extreme level of sweat production experienced with hyperhidrosis can disrupt all aspects of a person’s life, from academic performance, recreational activities and relationships, to self-image and overall emotional well-being. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are helpful resources available to help people with hyperhidrosis to not just “know sweat,” but to also achieve a more comfortable and happier life.  For the Silo, Merilee Kern.

Branding and consumer product trends pundit Merilee Kern, MBA is a wellness industry veteran, health advocate and influential media voice. Her ground-breaking, award-winning “Kids Making Healthy Choices” Smartphone APP for children, parents/caregivers and educators (iTunes) is based on her award-winning, illustrated fictional children’s book, “Making Healthy Choices – A Story to Inspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids” (Amazon). She may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

Culture

Aging, Muscular Neurosurgeon Says Building Muscle Best Protection Against Aging

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If you want good health, a long life and to feel your best  well into old age, the No. 1 most important thing you can do is  strength-training, says Dr. Brett Osborn, author of “Get Serious, A  Neurosurgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness,”

Build Muscle, Stay Young | IMPACT Magazine

“Our ability to fight off disease resides in our muscles,”  Dr. Osborn says. “The greatest thing you can do for your body is to build  muscle.”

He cites a large, long-term study of nearly 9,000 men  ages 20 to 80. After nearly 19 years, the men still living were those with the  most muscular strength. (BMJ, formerly British Medical Journal, 2008).

Muscle is all protein – “nothing but good for you,” Dr.  Osborn says.

According to ask.com- Popeye is a comic star and an actor in cartoon films and shows. He is 34 years old, born in California and is popularly known as Popeye the Sailor.

Fat, however, is an endocrine organ, meaning it releases  hormones and other chemicals. When a person has excess fat, he or she also has a
disrupted flow of excess biochemicals, which can increase insulin resistance and  boost risk factors for stroke and high blood pressure, among other problems.

“Increased cytokines, an immune system chemical, for  example, are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease,” Dr.  Osborn says. “You’re only as old as your arteries!” Strength-training has health benefits for everyone, he adds, no matter their size. “Some fat is visceral fat – it’s stored around the organs  and it’s even more dangerous than the fat you can see,” he says. “People who look thin may actually be carrying around a lot of visceral fat.”

So, what’s the workout Dr. Osborn recommends?

“Back to basics,” he says. “These five exercises are the  pillars of a solid training regime.”

•  The squat is a full-body exercise; it’s the basic movement around which all training should be centered. Heavy squats generate a robust hormonal response as numerous muscular structures are traumatized during the movement (even your biceps). Standing erect with a heavy load on your back and then repeatedly squatting down will stress your body inordinately – in a good way — forcing it to grow more muscle.

•  The overhead press primarily activates the shoulders, arm extenders and chest. Lower body musculature is also activated as it counters the downward force of the dumbbell supported by the trainee. From the planted feet into the hands, force is transmitted through the skeletal system, stabilized by numerous muscular structures, most importantly the lower back.

•  The deadlift centers on the hamstrings, buttocks, lumbar extensors and quadriceps, essentially the large muscles of your backside and the front of your thighs. As power is transferred from the lower body into the bar through the upper body conduit, upper back muscles are also stressed, contrasting with the squat, which is supported by the hands. Deadlifts are considered by some to be the most complete training  exercise.

•  The bench press mostly targets the chest, shoulders and triceps; it’s the most popular among weightlifters, and it’s very simple – trainees push the barbell off the lower chest until the arms are straight. This motion stresses not only the entire upper body, but also the lower body, which serves a stabilizing function. This provides a big hormonal response and plenty of bang for your buck.

•  The pull-up / chin-up stress upper body musculature into the body. A pull-up is done when hands gripping over the bar; a chin-up is where hands are gripping under the bar. Nine out of 10 people cannot do this exercise because most simply haven’t put in the effort. It’s also been called a “man’s exercise, which is nonsense,” he says. There are no gender-specific exercises. Women, too, should aspire to enjoy the health benefits entailed with this pillar.

“There are no secrets to a strong and healthier body; hard work is required for the body that will remain vital and strong at any age,” Osborn says. “Always practice proper form and safety. Otherwise, the result will be the opposite of your goal, an injury.”

Gaming

Gaming And Exercise Reduced Pandemic Stress In These Countries

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  • Nearly six out of 10 adults have suffered mental health problems during the pandemic
  • Stress and anxiety are the biggest concerns, international research shows

Taking more exercise and online gaming are the two main ways people globally are tackling mental health issues driven by the pandemic, new international research* from the leading digital board game publisher Marmalade Game Studio shows.

Its study across the US, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore found nearly two out of five people (38%) have turned to exercise to address mental health concerns while 30% are using online gaming to relieve stress and anxiety.

Marmalade Game Studio’s research found mental health issues have soared across all countries during the pandemic with nearly six out of 10 (57%) saying they have developed mental health concerns during the pandemic and the same number say they are currently suffering from a range of issues. People in Singapore (65%) and Hong Kong (64%) are the worst affected followed by France (57%), Germany (56%) and the US (52%).

The biggest issues internationally are stress and anxiety with 38% saying they are currently affected by stress while 30% say they are suffering from anxiety.

However more than one in five (22%) say they are depressed and 4% say they have suicidal thoughts.

Marmalade Game Studio has recently introduced a new feature on its games in response to demand from customers for more ways to stay connected with family and friends – its Bubble in-game video chat allows gamers to add friends and family to group chats, start games from these, and video chat whilst playing.

Cristina Mereuta, co-CEO at Marmalade Game Studio, said: “The pandemic has had a huge effect on mental health globally and millions have at points suffered from a range of conditions caused by worries about their own and others physical health as well as financial worries.

“Many people are clearly taking action with increased exercise and online gaming appearing to be the most popular ways of relieving stress and anxiety.

“It is important however that people seek professional help where appropriate and it’s worrying to see that some people are doing nothing.”

The mental health impact has not all been negative – around 7% of French people say their mental health has improved during the pandemic followed by 6% of Americans, 5% of people in Hong Kong, 4% of Germans and 2% of people in Singapore.

The table below shows the ways people across all countries are addressing mental health issues.

ACTION TAKEN?PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WHO HAVE TAKEN THESE STEPS
Doing more exercise38%
Playing online games30%
Trying to see friends and family more29%
Getting help from my doctor27%
 Talking to loved ones26%
Getting help from mental health professionals25%
 Talking to close friends19%
 Doing nothing14%

Digital gaming has proved to be important for mental health – 16%** of European Union gamers say being able to play games online and connect with others particularly families helped during lockdowns and 42% say playing multiplayer games during lockdown made them happier.

* Marmalade Game Studio commissioned independent research company PureProfile to interview 1,000 adults aged 18-plus across the US, France, Germany, Singapore, and Hong Kong in November 2021 using an online methodology. 

**  https://www.statista.com/topics/8016/covid-19-impact-on-the-gaming-industry-worldwide/#dossierKeyfigures

Culture

Fight Holiday Tables Loaded With Unhealthy Food With Green Smoothie

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Chef Shelley Alexander. A big fan of "start your day off with a green smoothie". We like that idea.
Chef Shelley Alexander. A big fan of “start your day off with a green smoothie”. We like that idea.

For many people, the holidays involve indulging in buffet tables loaded with lots of fattening, processed foods and sugary sweets.

For those of us who strive the rest of the year to eat a healthy diet while leading busy lives, it can be a challenging time. Not only are we busier than ever, we know that all those foods we usually try to avoid are going to give us indigestion, sap our energy, and pile on the pounds.

“It really isn’t hard to give yourself, your family and friends the gift of delicious, nutrient-rich meals over the holidays,” says holistic chef and certified healing foods specialist Shelley Alexander, author of “Deliciously Holistic,” (www.aharmonyhealing.com), a new, full-color cookbook featuring more than 154 of her favorite healing foods recipes and 50 pages of holistic lifestyle tips to increase energy and immunity.

“Instead of heading to the local supermarket, visit a farmers’ market, where you can buy fresh, local, seasonal and organic produce, along with other nutritious foods created by farmers and local food artisans,” she says. “You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience in addition to stocking up on all the ingredients you need to have handy. You can also find excellent choices at natural and health food stores.”

Nutrient-rich, whole foods that don’t have unnatural fillers and other additives, including seasonal, organic vegetables and fruits, wild-caught
seafood, and pasture-raised, organic chicken and meats that come from well-fed, unadulterated, healthy animals, will completely nourish your body, make you feel better and ramp up your energy, she says. And you’ll find you won’t overeat, so it’s much easier to maintain your weight without counting calories.

We were disappointed to find out that the Tuna Torpedo was unavailable at our local rural Ontario Quizno's- not so anymore. Unbelievable calorie count!
Unbelievable calorie count!

Alexander offers six tips for quick and convenient healthy eating during the holidays.

1• When shopping, check labels and avoid foods with a long list of ingredients. The best whole foods have one or just a few unprocessed or minimally processed, easily recognized ingredients, Alexander says. Among ingredients to avoid: chemicals, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, nitrates, MSG, genetically modified ingredients and preservatives (indicated by the initials BHT, BHA, EDTA and
THBQ.)

2• Set aside a few hours each week to prep foods to eat in the days ahead. Cut up produce and store it in airtight containers. Lightly wash produce before using with natural vegetable wash or use one part white vinegar to three parts water. Make several homemade vinaigrettes or dressings to last all week so you can make leafy greens and vegetable salads in minutes. Clean and marinate enough meat or poultry for dinners over the next few days.

3• Start your day with a green smoothie. Cut and freeze organic fresh fruit to use in green smoothies. You can also buy frozen fruit that’s already cut up. Add organic kale or spinach, coconut water or nut and seed milks plus natural sweeteners such as dates or stevia for an energy-boosting beverage.

4• For your holiday dinners, plan on making at least three to four dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Good examples are pasture-raised, wild turkey with sage and garlic, baked wild salmon with lemon and herbs, steamed greens, roasted heirloom root vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze, pureed winter squash soups, and desserts made with seasonal fruits, spices, and healthy sweeteners like coconut sugar or raw honey.

5• Invest in a dehydrator. Dehydrate fruits and vegetables and raw nuts or seeds that have been soaked in unrefined sea salt water (which removes anti-nutrients, kick-starts the germination process, and increases key vitamins), and you’ll have plenty of on-the-go snacks with a long shelf life. Dehydrators are convenient and easy to use; Alexander recommends Excalibur branded products.

6• Make batches of fermented vegetables twice a month. Alexander recommends eating fermented vegetables every day to keep your digestive system healthy. They’re loaded with probiotics – the good bacteria your intestines need. Mix a variety of organic vegetables such as carrots and celery into brine with warm filtered water, unrefined sea salt, and cultured vegetable starter or liquid whey, and mix with shredded cabbage heads. Pack the mixture into sterilized glass jars and allow the vegetables to ferment for five to seven days. Once done fermenting, store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

“Stick to whole, healthy foods this holiday season, and you’ll feel so good, you won’t want to go near the buffet table at your office party,” Alexander says.

Shelley Alexander, CHFS: Shelley Alexander has enjoyed a lifelong love of delicious, locally grown, seasonal foods. She received her formal chef’s training at The Los Angeles Culinary Institute. Alexander is a holistic chef, certified healing foods specialist, cookbook author, and owner of the holistic health company, A Harmony Healing, in Los Angeles.

Culture

Eight Ways To Make Time For Important Things

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Dr. Alok Trividi

One of the most common lines that people love to use: “I wish I had more time.” Maybe it’s more time to spend with family or friends; more time to exercise and eat healthy; or more time to go back to school. Whatever it is, how do you make more time for those truly important things in your life?

Dr. Alok Trivedi, author of Chasing Success, says the reality is we all have the same 24 hours. The difference is some people know how to better manage it than others.  When it comes to making time for the important things, Dr. Trivedi recommends:

1. Minimize, minimize and minimize some more. There was a reason Marie Kondo’s novel about tidying up your space to become happy was so successful. There is truth in her message of eliminating the unnecessary and finding what you love in the process. Get rid of what does not bring you joy. This can be old items or even toxic relationships that no longer serve you. Less is really more.

2. Being busy does not bring you value. In North American culture, it can be all too easy to be running around completing task after task. Many people view this form of productivity as determining their worth in society. It’s wise to assess what in your life is bringing you value and maximize that rather than trying to do things that just don’t feel right and make you feel unworthy on the inside. Business is an excuse and distraction to overlook the things in which you may be afraid to focus your energy on.

3. Differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness. Your time is precious and needs to be allocated to the most important things. Utilize your time to be both effective and efficient. Being only effective can be a time-consuming action. While complementary, being only efficient can lead to sloppy results. When you are doing any task, approach it within a concept of both maximum efficiency and total effectiveness to reap the best results. In your personal life, this is achieved through being present and genuine in your interactions.

4. Single task and hold your focus. Many people find themselves casually checking a single email, and before long they snap into full-fledged work mode. Develop a schedule and follow it religiously. It may be hard to find your groove initially, but if you stick to it, little by little it will become a habit.

gif by- cami5x5 deviantart.com

5. Know what you hold important. It is a challenge to know how to dedicate your free time if you haven’t discovered what you love. Find the activities where your creativity flows and your heart sings. Only in these states are you going to find yourself in the states of joy that make you feel life is worth living.

6. Address problems at the root. When you have the time to dedicate to the important things, you don’t want work problems to keep popping up. If there is a problem at work, address it from the start. Don’t keep putting it off, because it will fester at inopportune times. This goes both ways. If you have a personal dilemma with a family member, don’t run from it by adopting workaholic ways. Confront your problems head on to solve them with best results. Shying away will only allow the problem to become worse in the shadows.

7. Getting and staying organized. When it is time to be with friends and family the last thing you want to do is housework. Dedicate an initial cleaning and mass organization of your space. After this initial step, take a little time each day to clear your space and organize everything into its given area. The clarity of your physical space lends to clarity of mind. Then, there is mental space to focus on what matters, and not be distracted by the mess around you.

8. Block out time just for you. You must become your top priority. Declare certain times of the day and week that are just for you. This time can be for you to indulge in your favorite pastimes, meditate, or even to do nothing. This time is yours to center yourself and think about what you are presently encountering in life.

Live in every moment, and focus on the present. For the Silo, Alex Smith.

Culture

How to Have Much Better Digestive Health

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Everyone experiences sporadic digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, gas, diarrhea, or dreaded constipation. Symptoms often go away on their own; however, they can cause major disruptions to your life when they occur frequently.

Fortunately, lifestyle and diet changes can have a positive influence on your gut health and some simple home remedies may ease discomfort.

In this article, we discuss a few ways that can help you to have better digestive health. Enjoy reading!

Stress management tips from an occupational therapy expert | HSC News

Relax (Manage Stress)

Anxiety and stress can affect the digestive system. Many people have a nervous stomach before a big event or important occasion, but sustained stress can affect the connection between the brain and the gut, causing continuing problems. There is a bond between physical and mental health, and reducing stress can positively impact both.

When you’re having a busy day, it can be tempting to rush your meals, but that can cause indigestion and stomach discomfort. Make the time to relax, especially before and after eating.

In addition, reducing stress by seeking support and making lifestyle changes may improve problems with digestion. It is well known that meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and yoga have improved digestive symptoms.

Include Fermented Foods in Your Diet

Fermented foods are partially or wholly broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria. These microorganisms work to preserve food, and they can also benefit your gut health.

Kimchi-  Lactic acid produced by bacteria during fermentation creates a tangy, pungent flavor similar to that of sauerkraut.

Bacteria occur naturally in the gut. There are good bacteria that help digest food, but there are bad ones that can cause problems with digestion if there are too many in the body. Furthermore, fermented foods contain good bacteria (probiotics) that may help you maintain a healthy digestive system. You can easily increase your probiotic intake by incorporating these fermented foods into your diet: probiotic yogurt, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kefir, or miso.

Probiotic yogurt is particularly known as a good choice in a fight with gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, it’s an easy way to meet your daily probiotics goal, and it contributes to healthy gut flora.

15 benefits of drinking water and other water facts

Stay Hydrated

Low fluid consumption is a frequent cause of constipation. Experts recommend drinking 50–66 oz. (1.5–2 liters) of non-caffeinated drinks per day to prevent constipation.

An additional way to help fulfill your daily fluid intake needs is to include vegetables and fruits high in water, such as cucumber, zucchini, peaches, tomatoes, melons, celery, strawberries, and grapefruit.

The simplest way to digestive bliss: chew your food properly! | Alliance For Natural Health

Chew Your Food

We all know digestion starts in your mouth. Your teeth break down the food into smaller pieces, and that way, they support the enzymes in your digestive system to also break it down better.

So keep this in mind next time you eat. Remember to chew your food slowly and make it ready for digestion!

To sum up, simple diet and lifestyle changes may help improve your digestion if you experience occasional, frequent, or even chronic digestive symptoms. In order to relieve some of these symptoms, try our suggestions from above. You will be surprised by the results!

Culture

4 Aspects Of Your Life You Can Improve By Listening To Jazz

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Music is known to have a strong effect on most people. It can compel its listeners to move along its rhythm and dance. It can also provide stimulation to the brain, which can improve a person’s bodily performance.

This positive impact can double for the person performing the music. Can you image the impact that the more varied and dynamic genres of music, such as jazz, can have on you? 

Jazz is not only a pleasure to listen to, but consuming it can bring about numerous improvements to your health and lifestyle. Whether you listen to this type of music in the background while working to attending dedicated worldwide jazz festivals, jazz can help improve your well being. Continue reading to learn more about how jazz can improve many aspects of your life.  

Energy and Creativity

Completing daily tasks can sometimes get difficult. It can be easy for you to become bored and lose motivation or have your energy depleted due to repetition and tedium. Jazz can help you regain that focus and energy, making activities such as daily work and exercise feel easier than they are.

The unique, diverse rhythm provided by the music causes your brain to produce and release the appropriate chemicals. This is the brain attempting to match the music’s beats, and due to jazz’s improvisational nature, it keeps the brain’s stimulation high, making it easier to keep up with rigorous activities. Additionally, active, but ambient, noise increases processing difficulty, which encourages abstract thinking and creativity. More creative thinking can help you find work solutions and keep you engaged in the task at hand. 

Blood Pressure 

Is high blood pressure a recurring problem with you? Then music rich with rhythm, especially jazz, can help you out. Music has a dynamic relationship with people’s cardiovascular system that several researchers have investigated before. Jazz can help you decrease your blood pressure by impacting your blood vessels. Rhythmic, lively music like jazz can open your blood vessels to around 30% more than normal, reducing your pressure.

Further studies conducted by the Osaka University in Japan show that people who listen to music after three months have their blood pressure reduced by 6 mmHg. You can equate this decrease to people who have taken their blood pressure medication, lost 10 pounds, or adopted a low-sodium diet. This change can ultimately improve your overall health, as it decreases your chances of suffering from heart disease or a stroke. 

Immune System

One of the most important systems in your body is the immune system. It is mainly composed of organs and white blood cells and it is your body’s ultimate line of defense against germs, infections, and diseases. While there are many healthy habits you can embrace to boost your immunity, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can also add listening to jazz to the list.

Psychologist Carl Charnetski discovered in a study that people who listened to jazz for at least 30 minutes produced a higher level of immunoglobulin A (IgA) than other subjects. This chemical is one of the many antibodies created by the immune systems that manifests alongside the mucous linings of the body. Arrange for jazz listening sessions to keep a strong level of IgA going. 

Stress Management 

While it can be a cliché to say that jazz’s primary audience is “cool” people, there is some truth to that statement. According to the University of Nevada, music that goes up to 60 beats per minute can cause your brain to release alpha brainwaves. These waves are related to sleep and relaxation, calming your nerves and ironically making you more alert. Certain types of noise, such as smoother jazz, stringed instruments, and even rainfall, are more effective than others in winding you down after a busy day at work. 

Jazz is not only one of the most dynamic music genres out there, but it can also make a positive impact on your health. From improving the body through the immune and cardiovascular systems to decreasing stress and encouraging energy, focus, and creativity, listening to jazz can bring noticeable changes to your well being. Consider these benefits the next time you choose the concerts to attend or the type of background music you will play while you work. 

Culture

The Healthy Body Needs Shocking

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Jenn Zerling author of Breaking the Chains of Obesity
Jenn Zerling author of Breaking the Chains of Obesity

Fitness plateaus – we’ve all hit them before and they are nearly impossible to break. Did you know that health journals may help you get past a plateau or move back toward unhealthy habits?

Logging food intake and exercising seems tedious; however, Jenn Zerling http://jzfitness.com , MS, CPT, the author of Breaking the Chains of Obesity, 107 Tools shares the importance of a health journal:

Make it simple.

Food diaries and activity points allow you to see common threads of repetition, which causes the body to become stagnant in weight loss. The body needs to be SHOCKED; therefore, switching up healthy foods and exercise programs will end stagnancy and help you get to your goal.

The lost ages: August – January

Don’t lose sight of fitness goals after the summer. Most North Americans gain between 5 to 15 pounds during fall and winter.  These are the most dreaded pounds to lose as they are more “vanity” weight.  Get into the same game of New Year, New You all year-round by logging food intake and activity points.

Demolishing the need to attempt weight loss from February through May: keep good track of the optimal behaviors needed during the “lost ages” time frame and you won’t worry about meeting your weight goals. Focus on common plateau causes including: Healthy hydration, Fiber: simple vs. complex carbs, Sedentary lifestyles: 9 to 5 work days should = three 10-minute bursts of fitness, Lifestyle and stress. For the Silo, Kelly Taylor.

Culture

How To Setup A Low Budget Home Gym

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Back in college, I used to be very fit.

I swam three times a week, ran a few miles every other day and on weekends, I would bike with friends. There was not an ounce of fat in my body. But as years passed, I became too busy with work and eventually with raising a family that exercise became less important and I didn’t bother going to the gym. It came to a point when I saw myself in the mirror and hardly recognized my own body. In a span of 14 years, I gained over a hundred pounds. Plus Minus 100 Pounds Man ExampleI realized I needed to do something about it and fast. So I browsed the best online shopping sites looking for affordable gym equipment that I could just set up at home. I can’t go to a gym because, well…… Covid duh! Plus  I can only workout in the wee hours of the morning when everyone else in my home is still fast asleep.

Start Cheap

Many of my friends made the mistake of investing in equipment that cost over a thousand dollars and ended up not using them anyway. The truth of the matter is that it’s very possible to create a home gym for very little money. In doing so, you won’t be wasting money in case you find yourself not using your home gym and if you do decide to fully commit yourself to a healthy and active lifestyle then you can always upgrade your equipment and machines in the future.

The following are the most essential things you’ll need:

1. Private Space

It’s difficult to work out when you have screaming kids running around you. Ideally, pick a room with a door so that you can exercise uninterrupted.

2. Full-Length Mirror

Being able to see yourself working out is a great motivator and it’s also a good way to check your form and technique. You can buy a full-length mirror for around $20 – $30.

3. Weights

Every home gym should have a set of dumbbells. For women, start with 5, 10 and 15 lbs. Men should use heavier weights. Or you can get an adjustable dumbbell that will enable you to add or swap weights easily.

Okay some old school equip has seen it's day but don't dismiss all vintage gym gear!
Okay some old school equip has seen it’s day but don’t dismiss all vintage gym gear!

4. Stability Ball

Old school trainers would never recommend the use of a stability ball but it’s actually very popular among fitness experts today. With a stability ball, you can improve your core strength and balance. Besides, there are many exercises you can do with this ball – body bridges, squats, crunches, hamstring curls, and others.

5. Resistance Bands

These bands are very versatile despite looking plain and simple. You can strap it to a door, bench or table to do squats, chest presses, and lat pull-downs, to name a few.

6. Cardio

You can get a skipping rope so that you can do cardio exercises in your home gym. Or you can just go outside to run, jog or walk. Cardio exercises are essential to help your body burn fat faster. For the Silo, Dimitry Karloff.

Supplemental– Looking for some examples of cool home gyms on a budget?

Culture

Simple Lifestyle Changes Trigger Improvements At Cellular Level

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Dr. James L. Hardeman - known for busting health and diet myths.
Dr. James L. Hardeman – known for busting health and diet myths.

Dr. James L. Hardeman has seen firsthand the consequences of unhealthy lifestyle habits during his 30 years as a practicing physician, and he says they’re just not worth it.

“There are very clear, biological reasons why we are compelled to eat sugary, fatty foods; but if there was ever a case of ‘too much of a good thing,’ it’s a sedentary lifestyle coupled with delicious, readily available food,” says Dr. Hardeman, author of “Appears Younger than Stated Age,” (www.jameslhardeman.com ), a pragmatic guide to looking younger.

As we evolved, sugar, salt and fat were rare yet necessary commodities, and that’s why we enjoy them so much, he says. But there are devastating consequences associated with too much rest, sugar and fat – including heart disease, obesity, diabetes and sleep apnea, he says.

“The ‘easy life’ isn’t so easy in the long term,” he says.

Multiple studies indicate the multidimensional nature of healthy habits, including one recently published by the Lund University Diabetes Centre in Sweden. The study tracked significant improvements in men who changed their lifestyle from inactive to active, and the results were impressive.

Waist circumference and blood pressure drastically improved after six months. But the study also showed that health also improved at the microscopic level, such as the functioning of genes and how they express proteins. Other studies indicate that gene improvement can occur after just one workout.

OneRuleOneBody

“Our bodies want to be healthy, and it’s just a matter of getting and staying motivated,” says Dr. Hardeman, who offers tips:

• Don’t fall into the “I don’t have time” trap. Time is arguably the most precious commodity any individual has – and that means life span. Don’t have time to chop veggies before dinner or work out after work? Then make time! You will almost certainly live longer by following a healthier lifestyle. Need more incentive than a vague sense of health? How about avoiding the lifestyle restrictions imposed by diabetes, or the medical interventions necessitated by a heart attack?

• Keep in mind the intake/output principle. Miracle diets don’t exist. While some people can burn calories more easily than others, it ultimately comes down to what you put  into your body and what you do with that energy. If you want to lose or maintain weight, think of a 360-calorie muffin as a loan you have to pay back with 35 to 40 minutes worth of jogging, or a 55-minute walk.

• Keep doing fun things! Remember what it was like to be a little kid? Back then, simply running around during a game of tag was a blast! It’s never too late to turn exercise into play. Try snowboarding, dancing at a club, hiking a beautiful landscape or taking a bicycle ride with the family.

• Find the motivator that works for you. Many people find a partner helps them stay motivated to exercise. If you’re not inclined to walk in the morning, but you don’t want to let down your walking partner, then you’re more likely to walk anyway. Same goes for a dog that needs to be walked.

However, the most dependable person to keep you motivated is you. If your routine is getting a dull, mix it up with an mp3 player. Whether it’s Metallica, Manilow or Mozart, you can program a personal adrenalin soundtrack to keep yourself fully amped.

About Dr. James L. Hardeman

Dr. James L. Hardeman has been a physician for 30 years. Triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, and Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Hardeman works both in a hospital and at his own busy office practice. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of California at Irvine, he attended Baylor College of Medicine where he graduated with honors.

Postgraduate training in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine took place at USC and UCI.

Supplemental- Dr. Hardeman’s article: Everything you think about losing weight is wrong – New York Post http://nypost.com/2013/08/04/everything-you-think-about-losing-weight-is-wrong/

Politics

Why A College Of Kinesiology For Ontario?

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FYI exercise is medicine image: www.hungry-runner.com

Toronto, Ontario  – The numbers are well-known – regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease by 40 per cent, lower the risk of stroke by 27 per cent, decrease the incidence of high blood pressure and diabetes by 50 per cent and lower the risk of colon cancer by 60 per cent.  Exercise has also been noted to reduce mortality and the risk of recurrent cancer by 50 per cent and to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by a third.

It is clear that the role of exercise and the profession of Kinesiology, as human movement professionals, will continue to grow.

“The creation of  the College of Kinesiology of Ontario set the stage for a significantly increased focus on the role of physical activity in both the prevention and a treatment of illness and chronic disease,” said Janice Ray, President of the Ontario Kinesiology Association.

But instead of being concerned with the single hour that clients and patients spend in the gym or rehab facility, many Kinesiologists are focusing on ways to help promote optimal health during the other 23 hours of the day as well.

Dr. Chris Ardern, a Kinesiology Professor at York University, and a Research Scientist at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Toronto, has spent his career focusing on obesity and physical activity and how they affect a number of other precursors to chronic disease.  Dr. Ardern has published or co-authored almost three dozen papers on obesity and physical activity.

Beyond the standard focus on leisure-time activity, says Dr. Ardern, more attention needs to be paid to curbing the sedentary time people spend at work or commuting. A focus on  daily routine from a more holistic point of view is required instead of just how much time is spent being “moderate-to-vigorously active” if we are to make a more significant impact on preventing obesity, chronic disease and other illnesses.

Like obesity, physical inactivity is now understood as a serious problem, says Dr. Ardern. He suggests that aggressive promotion of physical activity is vital to offseting the impact of obesity and chronic disease. For Kinesiologists who see the consequences of our current lifestyles every day, there is a sense of urgency to counter-act the relentless marketing surrounding foods high in fat and sugar, and the inactvie lifestyles that come from sitting in front of some kind of screen for hours on end.

“Every little bit helps,” says Ray, referring to every opportunity, nor matter how small, to get moving throughout the day.  “Modern lifestyles often don’t leave much time for dedicated physical activity, and too many if us aren’t even programmed to think about the little opportunities that can really make a difference.”

Here are some simple ideas to get you started:

·      Avoid elevators and escalators – take the stairs whenever possible (at least take them down if up is too much) ·      Park in the back corner of the shopping mall or workplace parking lot (spots are easier to find too) ·      Walk to the corner store (remember walking is a real mode of transportation) ·      You don’t have to be a smoker to get outside on your break, (go ahead, enjoy a breath of fresh air and move around) ·      Share a walk with your kids, spouse, significant other, sibblings, parents, friends etc. (it’s a great way to talk without having to look at each other, or just as good – not talk)

The important role of physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic disease are well documented.  Large and small efforts all combine to reduce the risks of many chronic diseases, and when combined with the benefits physical activity brings to the treatment and management of chronic disease and illness and the it becomes clear the Provincial Government should be including a greater focus on physical activity to improve outcomes for patients and improve the quality of life for the people of Ontario.

About Kinesiology
As authorities on movement and exercise, Kinesiologists are committed to enhancing quality of life through the promotion of physical activity and workplace safety, the prevention and management of injury and chronic disease, and the improvement of health and performance.

About the Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA)
The Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA) is the voice for Kinesiologists in Ontario. Actively working on behalf of its members, the OKA is dedicated to promoting Kinesiology as an integral part of Ontario’s healthcare team and raising the profile of the profession across the province. For the Silo, John Armstrong

Culture

Artificial Stimulants In Energy Drinks Hurt Kids

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Monster Energy Drink 666 Hebrew Numbers

Why Your Kid Shouldn’t Be Guzzling ‘Energy’ Drinks
Vitamins & Minerals are Safer and More Effective than
Artificial Stimulants, Says Food Science Expert

Anxiety, hypertension, elevated heart rates, interrupted sleep patterns and headaches are just some of the side effects commonly associated with energy drinks, and those problems are more pronounced in children, according to a recent University of Miami study.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. These drinks have also been linked to heart palpitations, strokes and sudden death.

The term “energy” drink is an unfortunate misnomer, says food science expert Budge Collinson. They don’t give your body energy; they stimulate you with brief jolts of caffeine and unregulated herbal stimulants, he says.

“Soccer moms and dads buy these ‘stimulant’ drinks for their kids before matches because both kids and parents want that competitive advantage,” says Collinson, founder of Infusion Sciences and creator of Youth Infusion, (www.drinkyouthinfusion.com), an effervescent, natural multivitamin beverage that helps people maintain consistent and healthy higher energy levels. 

“For a few moments, you’ll get that spike, but it’s a short-term experience with a heavy long-term toll.”

So, what are some ways kids can get a healthy energy boost? Collinson offers the following tips.

•  Go for a speedy bike ride together, take a brisk walk or hold foot-races in the yard. Numerous studies demonstrate the power of vigorous exercise in boosting energy. Exercise pumps more oxygen – pure, healthy fuel — into the bloodstream and to the brain and muscles for a short-term energy boost. Exercising regularly will increase lung capacity, so the body will gets more oxygen on a sustained level for the long term. Exercise also releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemical, which makes us feel happy. And happy people are energized people.

•  Seek nutrition from a variety of sources. As humans, we need more than 40 different vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies functioning optimally. Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important for children and adults to eat a variety, including as many different vegetables and fruits as possible. Adding a daily multivitamin supplement with essentials such as CoQ10, arginine, theanine, resveratrol and magnesium can help ensure bodies young and old are running at top speed.

•  Drink plenty of water – the natural energy drink. Even mild dehydration can leave children (and adults) feeling listless, so encourage children to make a habit of drinking plenty of water. Kids need more water than adults because they expend more energy, and they may not recognize when they’re slightly thirsty. Parents, too, often don’t recognize the signs of dehydration; a national survey of more than 800 parents of kids ages of one month to 10 years found that more than half feel they don’t know enough about dehydration. A quick, light pinch of the skin on the child’s hand or arm is an easy check. If the skin is slow to resume a smooth appearance, the child is likely at least mildly dehydrated.

About Budge Collinson

Budge Collinson was the beneficiary of his mother’s natural health formula as a sick baby, which led to a deep interest in health and wellness at a young age. After years of research and seeing the growing demand for natural products with clinical support, he founded Infusion Sciences, www.infusionsciences.com. Collinson earned a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics from the University of Florida and certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Recently, he became a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and consistently attends the Natural Products Expo, where he learns the latest science and news about nutritious ingredients. Collinson is also a go-to source for media outlets across the country for healthy lifestyle and food source discussions.

Click to view on I-tunes
Click to view on I-tunes

Culture

Take This Quiz And Find The Right Exercise Type For You

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It can be hard to choose the right exercise regime for you. On top of the time constraints of modern life, the sheer number of options is enough to confuse most of us.

Whether you’re a lone wolf, a team player or looking to become truly zen – this will set you on the right course to fulfilling your fitness needs.

Our friends at gapmedics.com have put together a quiz which identifies which style of exercise matches your personality.


Culture

Carnivores Anonymous Doctor Says Plant Based Diet Fuels Athletic Success

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Vegan Cardiologist Heather Shenkman hosts free Carnivores Anonymous 12-Step programs (the next one held on January 22 in Woodland Hills , Los Angeles) to achieve optimum health and tackle food addiction through plant-based eating. While Dr. Shenkman performs complex angioplasties to open up clogged coronary arteries, she prefers to help her patients reduce their risk of heart disease through a healthy lifestyle, including a plant-based diet and regular exercise, in addition to medication when appropriate.

Dr. Heather Shenkman“I am a strong believer in a plant-based diet for heart health,” said Dr. Shenkman. “Join me at Carnivores Anonymous  to learn how a plant-based diet has fueled my athletic success, and why I recommend it for all my patients.”

Dr. Shenkman has followed a plant-based diet for thirteen years. She is also an avid athlete, having completed over a hundred events of various distances, from sprint triathlons to Ironman distance triathlons, marathons and ultra-marathons, and several hundred-mile century cycling events.

Carnivores Anonymous meetings brings together a fellowship of like-minded people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to recover from eating animal products including meat, dairy, fish, and eggs. The only requirement for membership is a desire to move toward a vegan diet.

“Carnivores Anonymous is a safe and supportive space that enables you to achieve your goals,” said Carnivores Anonymous Director, Marilyn Kroplick M.D. “We encourage everyone to come down to our meeting in Woodland Hills.”

Whether you are a carnivore, vegan, or somewhere in-between, join Carnivores Anonymous and explore food in a whole new way. For the Silo, Alyson Burton.  Featured image- Carnivores Anonymous group meeting. photo by Fleur Dawes. 

Carnivores Anonymous Logo

Culture

SWOLEMATE Is New Exercise Trend Bringing Couples Together

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You may have seen this hashtag trending on social media as millennials run to the gym in droves to exercise, tone up and sweat it out with their #swolemates.

 

According to fitness experts Danny and Denise Locsin, spending quality exercise-time with a sweetheart has more benefits than one may realize.

 

Working out together builds self esteem, improves sex drive, and some scientists are even predicting it will increase longevity! It’s not only physically beneficial (studies show you actually build more muscle when sweating with your sweetheart,) it tones your relationship in a way nothing else can.

 

In one study, couples reported feeling more satisfied with their relationships and more in love with their partner after jointly participating in an exciting physical challenge or activity, (Aron, Norman, Aron, & Heyman, 2000).

 

“The same endorphins that give a ‘runners high’ also bring a sense of euphoria and wellbeing to your relationship,” says Danny. “Couples bond deeper which makes them exercise more frequently.”

Danny and Denise Locsin are living proof that it pays to sweat together. The husband and wife team built their own relationship at the gym and since then, they have dedicated their lives to teaching people how to improve personal connections through exercise. Danny, a kinesiologists, and Denise, a personal trainer, believe romantic relationships are just the beginning.

Couples use their workouts as a time to bond and share, we also do that when working out with our family, says Denise, who has a program specifically designed to bring families together through exercise.

 

What’s the next hashtag to trend on social media? The mother of four predicts  #FitFam will dominate instagram this summer. For the Silo, Arden Izzo.

 

 ABOUT DANNY & DENISE LOCSIN:
Spotlight

Husband and wife team Danny and Denise Locsin are fitness experts that specialize in relationship and family exercise. They are the creators of the Yokebar, which has been described as the ultimate family exercise program. As a busy mother of four, Denise wanted something that was high intensity, but also safe and easy to set up. Finding a system that could adapt to a variety of fitness needs and ability levels was challenging. The requirements became even broader when Danny injured himself and was forced to give up his usual exercise routine.

After much scientific research and testing, Yokebar was born. Today, Danny and Denise train people in the Yoke Training System and also are the founders of Hi5 Produce, a leading corporate produce delivery service located in the Silicon Valley.

 

*Featured image courtesy of gympaws.com