No Time To Exercise?

Most of us these days are overworked and multi-tasking to the max, who the heck has time to exercise?  However, who doesn’t have 5 – 10 minutes, 2-4 times a day to “sneak” in a quick workout?  If you, for instance,  have 5 minutes in the morning,  10 minute break during the day and 5 minutes in the evening, you can sneak in some quality exercise to your busy schedule and still reap the benefits of a solid 20 minute workout.  Here’s how:

If You Have 5 or10 Minutes:

-Take a brisk walk

-Go up and down stairs

-Jump rope

-Do squats and lunges

-Do plank, side planks and/or push-ups

-Jog in place

-High knees in place

Anything that gets you moving, breathing and working muscles will do the trick – JUST DO IT!

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Best Time to Shop for Groceries

Who Knew?  If you hate crowds when shopping for your groceries, apparently Wednesdays, after 9 pm is the least busy time of the week to shop for groceries. According to Progressive Grocer,  just 11% of shoppers go to the store on a Wednesday, and only 4% go after 9 pm! Well, I don’t know about you, but 9 pm is too late for me, however, I am certainly going to shop more often on a Wednesday!

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Stay Away From Smoke!

Yet another reason to stay as far away from smokers as possible: According to a study done by the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, women who only occasionally inhaled secondhand smoke were 70 % (yes! 70%) more likely to have an abnormal Pap smear, risk factor for cervical cancer, than those women who rarely were exposed.  The researchers speculate that the carcinogens in tobacco smoke cause DNA damage that lead to changes in  cervical cells.  So next time a friend or family member lights up, whip out this fact, offer them some gum instead and let them know your health is at risk too!

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Mango Mania!

Our very own Martha Stewart, Terese Miller, had a great article this month in her newsletter about mangos, healthy, tasty and versatile! Below is a great recipe she got from Martha Rose Schulman, YUM!!
SHRIMP AND MANGO TACOS – SERVES 4
By Martha Rose Shulman

Photo by Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

“This sweet and pungent combination of mango, shrimp, chilies and cumin is as quick to put together as a stir-fry. Indeed, if you don’t have corn tortillas on hand, serve the shrimp with rice.” (3)

2-tablespoons canola oil
1-pound medium of small shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves, sliced
2-teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
2 Serrano or bird chilies, or 1 large jalapeno, minced
1 large mango, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 –cup chopped cilantro [I used Italian parsley.]
4 to 5-tablespoons limejuice
8 corn tortillas

“Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, and add the canola oil. When oil is hot, add the shrimp, salt to taste and the garlic. Sauté, stirring or shaking the pan, until the shrimp begins to color, about two minutes. Add the cumin, and continue to cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque, about three minutes.” (3)

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Jack LaLane, My Hero!

Jack Lalane, the father of fitness passed away last weekend at the age of 96 – he was my first intro to exercise and my hero! Here is an interesting article about the man, his life and legacy, (“jumping jack” was named after him!)
Click here for storyJack Lalane, My Hero!

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Zumba Dance for Health!

The YWCA now has Zumba Gold classes Mondays and Wednesdays, open to the community! Fun, calorie-burning way to exercise and dance your way to good health! Check out more by clicking here.Zumba Dance for Good Health!

Childhood Obesity: A Call To Action

Earlier this month I attended a Childhood Obesity Conference at USC, something near and dear to my heart as a fitness professional.  Did you know that childhood obesity has MORE than tripled over the past few decades?  This conference focused on mainly children from low-income families, but childhood obesity is really across the board now with the increase in fast food/processed food consumption and decrease of physical activity (too much tv/games/computer time!)  We as adults must set the example for our children by living healthy and active lives and getting rid of all the junk!  We also need to educate ourselves on decent nutrition and pass that on to our kids, everything is sacrificed for the sake of “saving time” yet we seem to find time to check out hundreds of emails and other nonsense each day.  Sorry – I’m way up on my high horse but it is time, people, to take charge of our bodies, our lives, our children and our future!

There are LOTS of information and resources out there, take advantage of them!  Check out these sites: webmd.com,  reversechildhoodobesity.org, acefitness.org, Dr. Oz, etc.

And … get out and move with your family or come to the YWCA for some great fitness classes and girls sports!

Sharon

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Grilled Chicken and Polenta with Nectarine Blackberry Salsa

Just the name of this healthy summer dish gets my mouth watering! Check out the recipe by clicking here.Grilled Chicken and Polenta with Nectarine and Blackberry Salsa

National Childhood Anti-Obesity Month!

September 2010 will be the first ever U.S. “National Childhood Anti-Obesity Month!” Click here for this very informative and important website.National Childhood Anti-Obesity Month

Summer Heat, Hydration and Exercise

Get some great tips (meant for trainers but available to you) on exercising in the heat and proper hydration from the experts at IDEA, click here for articleExercising in the Heat

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