Saturday, April 2, 2011

Tips for Better Health - Keep it Simple!

      What is the secret to better health? How do you improve your health and your life - without spending a small fortune on expensive medical solutions? Do you really need to shell out 50 bucks every month at  that slick looking health and fitness club to enjoy life more?

    Long before the advent of modern medical marvels and fancy fitness centers people around the globe enjoyed slimmer, trimmer body shapes than many of us do today. They worked hard and ate simple. They consumed more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods. The American fast food industry had yet to serve up a single hamburger.

    Eating healthy foods does not have to cost you a fortune every month. You can possibly even save some of your hard earned money by preparing your own meals more often. All the while using simple, natural ingredients. Who doesn't love a good steak or lobster? And Pizza is about as close to what they simply must serve in heaven. Along with an ice cold beer!

     Please don't take my advice on heaven. Or what kind of delights may be in store for those of us who end up there!

    While we're here - hopefully enjoying life on Earth - doesn't it make sense to give yourself every possible advantage when it comes to your own health?

    Try these classic, time honored exercises to help keep your body in tip top shape - 

   The Good, old fashioned squat.  Great for your core area.  Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your back straight. Bend your knees and lower your rear as if you are about to sit down in a chair. Try to keep your knees over your ankles. Shoot for at least 2 sets of ten.

    And how about the classic lunge?  This simple exercise works all the major muscles of the lower body. Lunges can also improve your balance.  Take a big step forward, keeping your spine straight. Bend your front knee to approximately 90 degrees. Keep weight on your back toes and drop the back knee toward the floor.  ( And try to keep your knee from touching the floor. )

   Finally, the most effective way to sculpt sexy looking arms - the good old fashioned push-up! Push-ups strengthen your chest, shoulders, triceps, and even your core muscles!

    Get down on the floor with your face-down. Keep your hands just slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Place toes or knees on the floor, creating a smooth line with your body, from shoulders to knees or feet. Keeping rear-end muscles and abdominals tight, push your body up. Then lower and lift your body by bending and straightening your elbows, keeping your body in a straight line throughout the movement.

    Feel that in your tummy? Are your harms hurting a little?  Then your building muscles in all the right places!!

  Want a tighter tummy? Maybe a slimmer looking belly? How about some simple crunches to the rescue! 

    Start by lying flat on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your hands behind your head. Press your low back down. Contract abdominals and raise first your head (tucking your chin slightly), then your neck, shoulders, and upper back off the floor. For the best results always do your crunches with your feet off the floor and knees bent.And focus on keeping your back straight. Try to maintain a straight line from your neck all the way down your spine. Avoid sticking your chin out. Never hold your breath. Try to keep your elbows extended and out of your line of vision.


    Losing weight and building a slimmer, more muscular body doesn't have to cost you a  bundle! Keep it simple. Enjoy eating healthy foods and getting some kind of exercise every day. Even just walking is a great way to get started! You really can eat healthy, exercise daily and lose weight!  Want to enjoy life more and look great doing it? Start getting in shape - fast!

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