finch studios

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.

Logo Branding At The 2010 Olympics

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:30:20 +0000

This year’s Olympics is getting my attention. So much so that I get to bed later at night which makes me a complete zombie in the morning. It seems I can’t get enough of these super athletes flying down a hill at break neck speed or soaring and flipping and twisting every which way on the half pike. And you have to love the commentators. They know the lingo which an average fan can’t tell the difference in some of the aerial dynamics, but who cares – it’s fun and extremely awesome what these kids do.

And how about the stylish clothing. I like the snowboarder’s outfit the best. Pants that look like worn washed out pseudo jeans and the very cool Americana plaid look of their parkas. Sports equipment companies that pay huge endorsement deals to the athletes are getting their fair share of branding. You can’t help miss the name on the bottom or top of snowboards and skis. It all makes for a pretty good show.

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.

More Choices In Yoga Mat Bags

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:55:24 +0000

Shopping for a yoga mat bag these days may not be as difficult as it was years ago. Today yoga mat bags have come a long way in regards to style and functionality. Bags that look like totes, bags that appeal to the backpack style crowd, bags that look retro and bags that not just carry your mat but places it in its own separated compartment. If all this is starting to get you confused, well you are not alone. It all comes down to a personal preference, color, size and shape. Messenger bags popular with urban hipsters can now carry a yoga mat snug neatly strapped to the bottom of their bags. And if you ever dreamed of keeping your personal items separate from your sweaty mat, well there is a bag for you too. Yoga mat bags may not be on the top of every one’s must have shopping list, but it’s becoming the must have yoga accessory to be seen with. Today there are more choices in yoga mat bags that are making a fashion statement.

Where Have You Gone Subway Token

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:21:35 +0000

I remember the days when you waited in line to purchase the New York City subway token. You know the one with cut out “Y” in the center. I have fond memories of the glassed-in transit employees counting out the tokens and then sliding them forward in the metal tray toward me. I remember how the tokens sounded when you dropped one into the turnstile. But mostly I remember how much I liked to jingle these small coins in my pocket made. Today we use a card and we swipe it. It all seems so impersonal. Progress is suppose to change your life. Replacing the token with a thin credit card shape plastic is the future for now. Yet I still find it sad. I miss the token.

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.

Gadgets Come And Gadgets Go

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:55:23 +0000

Gadgets come and gadgets go and this decade surely saw its share of techie toys. When was the last time you used a fax machine? When was the last time you used a phone that had a cord attached to it? During this past holiday I saw more people inside the Apple store than I did in the entire mall. Not really, but it just seemed that way. The latest Apple computer is faster easier to use and well you just feel you need to upgrade. Well maybe every two years.

That’s what the cell phone giants want you to do. Notice how their plans are for two years. Notice the competition in their ad campaigns. Notice all the various style cell phones you can now own. Phones are faster, have more bells and whistles, and once you get hooked on text messaging you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Today’s hot tech gadget is tomorrow’s old news. Look what happen to film cameras. Does anyone still have that thick Yellow Page book stuff in a drawer at home. Doubtful. Why buy a CD when you can download a song. What new surprises are in store for 2010? It will be fun to watch.

Pilates Ring – Simplicity In Function And Shape

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:50:39 +0000

One of the most popular Pilates exercise pieces of equipment in the marketplace today is called a Pilates Ring or sometimes called a Magic Circle, fitness circle, or exercise ring. Simply designed these flexible rings offer different levels of resistance when working on those heard to reach areas of the inner and outer thighs.

Rings range in price from under $25.00 and up and are so versatile you can easily take them with you on business or vacation trips. Soft padded handles make using the rings more comfortable. Rings help you increase strength and muscle tone. Exercising with the rings offer the best in upper body workouts. Look for a certified Pilates in your area and take a one-on-one lesson or join a group class. If one is not offered in your town look for Pilates DVDs that will give you informative and safe workouts.

Cool Balance Boards For Seniors

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:35:13 +0000

Balance boards are load of fun for the youthful set but is it too far of a stretch to think a member of the senior set is can’t enjoy the fun of it too? Balance boards need some getting used to so it is very possible a senior can make balance boards part of their fitness workout. Balance training for seniors is especially important to allow them to gain strength on the lower part of the body. Developing strong leg and ankle muscles help seniors gain more coordination and may result in less injuries due to falls.

These days the baby boomers can choose from me unique looking balance boards that show off colorful graphics. Boards are well made and come in a variety of sizes. Seniors may want to have help with a personal trainer to get started or hold onto a stationary object until they develop better coordination. Once the ageless senior masters technique you may find them taking to the streets on skateboards for at the beach enjoying themselves on surf boards. One is never too to make fitness part of better health. So go ahead Daddy-o, give balance boards a try. You’re only as old as you want to be.