Saturday, July 4, 2009

Starting an Exercise Program for Better Health

Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Kevin Kielty



We are all well aware of the importance of exercise. Studies constantly come out showing that exercise can reverse many serious health problems and increase our longevity. Americans spend more on health and exercise equipment than any other country. Yet few of us follow through on an exercise regime. The main reason for this is time. It can be hard to find time in a busy schedule to include an hour or more at the gym. By starting with a manageable schedule and choosing something you enjoy, you can begin an exercise program and stick with it.

Be sure to see your doctor before you begin your new exercise program, especially if you have not been active in a long time.

Start Small

Begin your exercise regime slowly. Jumping in too fast can lead to injury which will definitely decrease your desire to stick with it. Do not expect too much too fast. Start out with small goals that you can measure.

Choose a small amount of time each day such as 10 minutes and schedule it into your daily routine. Do not let exercise to be the thing that gets cut out of your schedule when you get busier. Think of it as a regular part of your daily duties such as brushing your hair or flossing your teeth.

Before you begin, remember to do some warm-up exercises. Warming up prepares your muscles for the exercise and helps to prevent injury. Do about 5 to 10 minutes of jumping jacks or a slow jog. If at any time during your exercise you begin to feel pain, just stop. If you keep going it could lead to injury. Drink plenty of water before you start and have an extra glass if it's a hot day. Don't exercise on an empty stomach especially if you do your routine first thing in the morning.

Make It Enjoyable

The most important thing you can do when starting an exercise regime is to choose something that you enjoy. If you have always wanted to learn to dance, sign up for dance lessons. Take a beginner aerobics course at a gym or join a tennis league. Aim for about 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

One of the best exercises for the beginner is walking. You can easily adjust the intensity and length of your workout, and increase both as you become more fit. It can be done at any time that best fits into your day. Studies have shown that walking can combat health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Exercising can be especially valuable for women in combating bone loss which comes with age. As women get older they begin to lose about 1% of their bone mass per year. Following menopause it increases to 3% per year. Weight bearing exercise stimulates the bone to make new bone cells.

To enjoy the health benefits of exercise you have to make it part of your daily routine. Start by doing something you enjoy or even began with walking. Schedule exercise into your daily routine and do a little each day. Before you know it you will be healthier than ever before!


About the Author:
Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) at: http://www.ncinsuranceplan.com/


Read more Articles written by Kevin Kielty.

Nike Air Force One - More of a Lifestyle Than a Fashion Trend

Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Jose Nevarez



With all the popularity of luxury handbags, shoes and other classy items a lot of people fail to realize the growing culture that revolves around a love for sneakers. From the urban streets of Boston, Massachusetts to the bright neon lights of Tokyo, Japan sneakers and the relating trends are increasingly evident. You can now see people wearing brands such as Nike Air Force ones all across the globe.

People young and old, active and inactive, hipsters and computer geeks alike are all participating in this obsession with running shoes. Even with this increased popularity many people fail to realize the growing culture and how highly regarded sneakers have become in mainstream society. From full time students working part time jobs to afford a $300 dollar pair of kicks to the adults that keep a fresh pair purchased and ready for that special occasion, sneakers have become a lifestyle. You even have a number of die-hards that will sleep outside of stores for the weekend just waiting to get there hands on a hot new limited edition. In fact there have been increasing instances of riots when not enough of the new, coolest pairs are available in stores. People know what they want and are after it more than ever before. Apparently, Nike seems to have the goods that everybody wants. They are the shoes experts that no one seems to be able to beat.

Shoes have become more than just an item that people invest in to wear until they turn ratty. Millions of people around the world are collecting shoes, trading them, analyzing and even worshipping them. It has become a hobby as much as a style of attire. We now have TV shows, radio programs, books and complete online forums dedicated to discussing the new buzz, involving footwear. Just a few years ago Nike Air Force Ones could usually only be seen in the downtown areas of major cities. This has quickly changed as they are seen in magazines, newspapers and on the streets of even the most rural of cities. There really are no borders or boundaries anymore when it comes to their popularity. It is not uncommon to see a middle-aged mother of three rocking the freshest kicks on the market. Sneakers just simply are not for the hip-hop teenagers anymore. Their comfort, appeal and overall style are sought after by people of all ages from all parts of the world.

While there are a number of popular shoe companies and styles including K. Swiss, Adidas and Puma just to name a few, Nike Air Force Ones are commonly referred to as the footwear that first broke into the mainstream. While first appearing in major rap videos and in the heart of urban streets, they have now become as mainstream, as a baseball cap or designer jeans. There seems to be no end in sight for this trend and who knows, maybe one day, fresh new sneakers will be accepted at high class, black tie affairs. One can only dream, right?




About the Author:
Article written by: Jose Nevarez. Visit Sneaker Alley for the latest styles of brand name shoes: http://www.sneakeralley.com/


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Thursday, July 2, 2009

How To Say No!

Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Carol Chanel



"I meant to say NO." We've all have had the experience where we meant to say no to someone. We knew it was going to be difficult but we were determined this time. Then next thing you know, we're saying yes. How did that happen? Why did that happen?

Do you notice that the very people you mean to say no to, are the ones who seem to draw the life energy out of you?

It reminds me of buying a car. You know how much the car costs, how much you can spend, and the next thing you know the salesman has worn you down and your energy is totally spent and you'll say yes to anything just to get out of the dealership.

I don't mean to pick on car salesmen, there are great ones out there who are very helpful and have your best interests at heart.

There are people who are trained to get their way. They will be persistent and determined to get you to say yes.

I take my car to a local car wash and the man who writes up your ticket is a master at getting people to buy the full works. You know the $35 hand wash, hand wax, air freshner, etc. I actually can't stand going there because I know each time I'll have to be really strong and almost harsh to get him to back down. I just want a regular wash and wax. Do you want the $8, the $4 or the $2 wax? Just put the wax on the car and let me out of here!!!

These people are what I call energy suckers and you're the energy lollipop. What actually goes on?

How Do People Get Your Energy?

People learn, from a young age, how to control other people to get their way. Here are some of the techniques they'll use:

  • Manipulation

  • Acting aloof by puling away in an attempt to have you chase them

  • Money or gifts

  • Bullying techniques - verbal, emotional or physical

  • Hostility

  • Persistence

  • Crying or drama of some sort

  • Acting intellectually superior

  • How Do They Control You?

    Whatever they do to control you, there's only one reason why it happens.

    You allow it.

    You allow it because you tell yourself you need something from these particular people. Like love, validation, acceptance, approval, a job, a home, or something as simple as your car washed.

    Or you allow it because you don't want to be seen a certain way - like harsh, uncooperative, unkind, not nice!

    Remember, as women we were raised to be good girls, to be sweet and helpful, not to be assertive, not to compete with each other and at all costs not to create conflict.

    How To Be Released From Their Control?

    So whatever your reason, it will keep you from being firm. So next time you need to say no, look to see what might keep you from no. Then once you understand that reason, instead of trying to get it from an outside source, give yourself the love, validation or acceptance. Or let go of needing to be seen a certain way.

    When you give yourself what you need, you take your energy back. Then you will release yourself from their control.

    When you connect to an all-loving God (Divine Source) you will be filled with love, light and joy. God is THE energy source.

    Everything comes from God (Divine Source.) If you think that your mother, brother, boyfriend, father, boss, teacher, or husband is the source then you can be controlled. If you realize you receive everything you need and want when you connect to God, then you can freely have what you want. No cost. Yes to God, no to human control.

    Saying NO to others who want you to do something you don't want to do, is saying YES to yourself.

    The Cost of Not Saying No!

    The impact of not saying no to others can be costly to your health, relationships and your spirit.

    So the next time your boss asks you to stay late when you have dinner plans, choose yourself and go to dinner. The next time a friend wants you to listen to her sob story, for the 10th time, and it's your workout night, choose yourself and go workout. The next time your boyfriend or spouse wants you to stay at home and watch TV when you have plans to go to the movies with your girlfriends, choose yourself and go to the movies.

    You'll be training people how to treat you. You'll be taking care of yourself. You'll be maintaining balance in your life. You'll be building strong relationships.

    Remember people are not your Source. Of anything. They may look like it, but they're not. If you get fired for not working late, then you'll get another job right away. If your friend gets mad and doesn't want to talk to you, well sounds like you'll be saving yourself from lots of drama. And if your boyfriend doesn't like you going to the movies with your girlfriends, get another boyfriend. There are plenty where he came from. God or Divine Source will send you anything you need. Just ask and be open to receiving it.

    Choose to take care of yourself. Choose to be firm. Choose to say NO to others. Choose to say YES to yourself. Choose the basic $15 car wash.

    Imagine the possibilities....

    (c) Carol C. Chanel




    About the Author:
    Carol Chanel is a Certified Life Coach who works with people to create new, meaningful and FUN lives. You can learn more about how to create loving and healthy relationships, draw boundaries, not take things personally, be happy to be who you are, and make time for fun by going to her free ezine archive.
    http://www.carolchanel.com/rockin_relationships.html


    Read more of Carol Chanel's articles.