finch studios » Health and Fitness

Kettlebell Fitness Comes To A Gym Near You

admin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:31:01 +0000

What was once a “Russian” piece of fitness equipment is now becoming “Americanized”. It’s called a kettlebell and to advocates it is the best thing to hit the fitness world since the dumbbell. Oh it may seem similar except for the shape but unlike the dumbbell the kettlebell is more functional and working out with one will have the sweat poring from your pores and your heart rate up – way up. The kettlebell allows for a fluid flow of motion between exercises. Go from an over head dead weight lift to a bicep curl to a two- handed swing in one continuous motion. The kettlebell has a handle. Some are made with a wider handle to help with two handed lifts. Some weight are covered in vinyl. Prices vary depending on the weight and manufacturer. So if you’re ready to try one out for size make sure to pick up some exercises as well. And like all heavy lifting make sure your back isn’t compromised. Bend the knees and engage your core muscles.

How Exercise Prepares Us For Life’s Stresses

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:38:25 +0000

Been having some bad days lately at work? Been slumping in your chair more? Do you feel more pain in your neck and shoulders? If this sounds like you maybe it’s time to get off your butt and do something about it. Now comes the excuses – I don’t like to exercise – I haven’t exercised in awhile – I can’t imagine how sore I’m going to feel if I begin to exercise. Sounds familiar? Honey, been there done it. Getting motivated to exercise doesn’t come easy. You will feel sore. Why? Because you are out of shape. But you have to start somewhere so maybe to start you go for a walk at lunch time. Maybe you try some simple and easy stretching exercises to ease the tension in your neck and shoulders. Maybe you hire a personal trainer to help you develop stronger muscles that allow you to sit up more in your office chair.

Once you begin to exercise you will handle stress better. Stress it seems will always there. It is just that exercise has a tendency to hold stress at bay. We cope better when we exercise, we sleep better when we exercise, and we become more productive when we exercise.

How “Green Is Your Footwear

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:29:36 +0000

Can a sports shoe company build stylish footwear that is “green”, lightweight and provides good support? Sure and the footwear company New Balance has come up a running shoe that can easily be worn out casually with a pair of jeans. How it is made to take advantage of recycled materials is only part of the attraction. These shoes were designed to cut back on reducing the waste of materials so often is the case during its construction.

Other shoe companies are doing their part to reduce waste and using as much recycled materials as possible without sacrificing style, comfort, and functionality. Newton Running is such a company that has its eye on the big picture. It only makes sense especially with health related products such as running shoes that take the lead in “green” clothing and footwear. Until there is demand for “green products like running shoes become the norm expect to see more footwear companies jumping in to capture a share of this emerging market.

Heart Shaped Chocolate Treats

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:01 +0000

Does the shape of a piece of chocolate make you crave it? Take a heart shape. It seems to appear around Valentine’s Day. Are you more likely to grab the heart shaped piece of chocolate or are you the type that isn’t that particular? Chocolate is chocolate and regardless of its shape that it comes in you know what you are getting. Now there is dark chocolate which seems to be the choice of health enthusiasts these days because of the good antioxidants found in it. Health benefits from eating dark chocolate is the lowering of blood pressure. The bad news is that chocolate does contain a lot of fat. So watch how much you eat. Most of us just settle on the old standard. The chocolate bar. Its shape is a classic. It never goes out of style and is enjoyed regardless of the holiday you may be celebrating.

Is Yoga Part Of Your Fitness Plans For 2010

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:03:34 +0000

If yoga is not part of your fitness plans for 2010 maybe you should reconsider. Getting older up there in age? Is your body breaking down? You can’t roll with your old buddies anymore at the basketball court. Physical problems from years from high-impact sports activities has taken its toll. But you are in luck. Yoga which is a low-impact form of exercise is there for the taking.

What you may have thought about yoga in the past may have new meaning for you now. It’s time to take another look at this exercise and a good place to start might be at your local fitness center. Most likely there are classes there and if not you can probably find a local yoga studio in your area. So grab your skid-less yoga mat and eco yoga mat bag get to one. Your body will be glad you did.