Healthy Kids

In this day in age, it is extremely important that our kids get plenty of exercise. It is becoming more and more common to let fitness slide because parents do not have time to dedicate to take their children to practice or simply because it is too expensive to get involved in.  It doesn't have to be this way though.  There are plenty of ways to benefit your relationship with your child by providing the tools he or she needs to learn the vital skills we learn through competition at a young age.  Studies show that children who become active at a young age are less likely to be overweight in the future.

Not only does it have an effect on psysical attributes.  Children who are active have a better outlook on life.  They are known to be optimistics. They can face problems as temporary and face day to day challenges with a better understanding that one issue does not define them.  Strength, endurance, and flexibility should be encouraged by all parents.  living in a friendly community may enable children to have other young friends in the neighborhood in which they can invlove themselves in activity.  I know she I was younger I would play outside everyday for hours rather than joining a sports team.

The percentage of obese children has doubled in the past thirty years.  Make sure you are setting your child apart from being merely a statistic.  Stay away from television and enjoy the weather whenever it is nice out.  Make sure you are being a role model and endorsing healthy habits.  Try to maintain a routine for your child to stay on.  Most importantly, make sure your kids enjoy your psysical exercise push so they don't become turned away from it.

Summer Weather Friendly Workouts

The weather has drastically changed these past couple days.  With cloudless skies and 80 degree weather, we have to accommodate our workouts around it.  Not taking special care of your body can result in serious illness. The body is sweating more due to the heat and the working out.  There are some precautions we have to take to make sure we do not compromise our health.  Not tending to what your body needs could lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and heat cramps.

To avoid getting hurt it is better to be safe than sorry. Your best bet in weather like we are seeing is staying inside or working out in the morning or at night.  Avoid working out 12-4 pm when the sun is at its peak.  Also, be sure to apply sunscreen every couple hours and always carry water with you. (Mayo Clinic)

The second article I read mentioned wearing light-colored clothing.  Make sure it is also light-weight and does not cling to your body.  Even though you should make sure you are drinking plenty of water, avoid drinking too much. A good indicator of whether or not you are drinking too much water is the color of your urine. (6 tips) It should almost be clear but not entirely.

Most importantly, know how to tell yourself you are done working out.  If you feel lightheaded or hurting at all, it is important to drink water and call it quits.  Working out in hot weather is beneficial to your health, but it can be extremely damaging at the same time.  So set goals, do what it takes, and know your limits!






Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Heat and Exercise: Keeping Cool in Hot Weather." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 June 2011. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

"6 Tips For Exercising Safely In Hot Weather." 6 Tips For Exercising Safely In Hot Weather. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

What Time Is It?

Most of us don't desire dedicating a substantial amount of time working out or preparing healthy foods. With summer approaching, we are encouraged to spend more time worrying about our psychical appearance and having to bare more skin.  I read some interesting articles on simple ways to get ready for summer while not breaking the bank or wasting time on things that aren't benefitting us as much as we would like to think.

First, I want to address the constant myth that exercise is more important than eating healthy.  According to an article, studies show that calorie and fat intake is more responsible for losing weight than working off and burning calories.  Why is this?  It could be mainly because it is much easier to control calorie intake than it is to control how many you burn and to dedicate the time to do so.  It is kind of like making a mess.  It is much easier to make a mess than it is to clean it up again.  Food is a huge constant in our lives and something we can't function without.  Therefore, it only makes sense to fuel our bodies with the food that it deserves.  Studies show that the difference between being healthy and obese does not derive from laziness as much as calorie intake. [1]

Simply, the best ways to gain a better health and lose some weight is to stick to lean meats,  eat smaller, more frequent meals, stay hydrated, and try to eat bright colored, whole foods.

Above all advice, keeping a routine will be the most beneficial to your success!   Gradually repeat more reps and run more miles.  Start small and work your way up to the top.  In my attempts to get fit,  I have noticed that I only continue workouts and diets that I actually like. [2] I have learned that I like mixing up workouts that I do, but at the same time, it's comforting to have a fall-back workout like running to the elementary school and back.  this workout ensures that I will have results and I am used to it.  The weather is slowly becoming more appealing for exercise and summer fruits.  Try and make a habit of getting some kind of physical activity in.  Big or small, something is better than nothing!

1. Shy, Leta "Is Losing Weight More About Diet Than Exercise? New Study Says Yes"

2. Ragland, Matt "Seven Tips for Making Nutrition and Fitness Greater Priorities"