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Archive for the ‘Exercise’ Category

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Motion-Sensor Gaming and Fitness

Getting to the gym regularly can be a struggle for many people, but now you can get some activity while playing video games. Motion-sensor gaming is creating new fitness options for a variety of people.

First off, people should not substitute Xbox Kinect, Nintendo Wii, or Playstation Move for regular workouts. They can, however, be a nice supplement to a traditional exercise schedule or an alternative for days you can’t make it to the gym.

Motion-sensor gaming is a term applied to all video games in which players use live movements to control characters or objects in the game. The concept began with the Nintendo Wii which enabled players to control the game with its motion-sensitive nun chuck controllers. The PlayStation Move followed offering wands, complete with light up ping pong ball on its end, for users. Finally, Xbox Kinect was released featuring its revolutionary camera. It is the first system that captures individuals’ movements completely without the use of a controller. (more…)

Category: Exercise, Health Benefits, Weight Loss

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Friday, May 13, 2011

Our 6 Favorite Fitness Apps for the iPhone

Nike TrainingClub

Nike TrainingClub

The advent of mobile technology has made it easier than ever to get healthy. With reminders in your pocket and advice at your fingertips, these mobile apps will help you set fitness goals – and keep them.

1. Nike Training Club (Free): This app is not for the faint of heart. Billing itself as a “personal trainer,” it offers more than 60 full-body workouts with step-by-step instructions. You can choose a 30 or 45 minute workout, or target specific areas for 15 minutes each. It encourages you to set goals and track your progress, and gives you “rewards” when you reach milestones.
2. Lose It! (Free): In order to succeed in a well-rounded fitness program, eating right and counting calories is a necessary evil. Lose It makes it easy and even (dare I say it?) fun to track meals, calories, exercise and more. You can also connect with your friends for added support in keeping your goals.
3. Hundred Pushups ($1.99): Hundred Pushups is pretty much what it sounds like; a training program to help you achieve 100 consecutive pushups. Pushups are one of the best exercises out there because they work so much of your body – arms, abs, lower back and core. Reaching the end of this program is a huge accomplishment. Now drop and give me 100!
4. Munch 5-A-Day (Free): One of the most important aspects of weight loss is eating right. While there are plenty of apps available to help you track calories or tell you what not to eat, we prefer this one, which helps you get in the habit of having your recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
5. C25K ($2.99): Similar to Hundred Pushups, this app (which stands for Couch to 5k) will take you from couch potato to 5k runner in 9 weeks. Designed for non-runners, it alternates between running and walking and keeps workout sessions to a manageable 30-40 minutes, 3 days a week.
6. RunKeeper (Free): If you’re already a runner, this app’s for you. Using finely tuned GPS technology, it tracks your entire run, including length, time, pace, right down to the precise route you took. A cool feature is that you can opt to turn on a “coach” that will let you know when you fall behind your goals. RunKeeper made our list because it’s free, but another great running app is Nike+ GPS, which is similar but has the added bonus of connecting with Facebook so your friends can cheer you on during your run.

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Category: Exercise, Nutrition, Weight Loss

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Shaping Up at Home

While everyone wishes they had the time and money to have a daily personal trainer whipping their body into shape, the reality is that most people are too busy to log long hours in a gym. Fortunately, there are many easy exercises that can be done at home to work and tone muscles when you need to get in a quick workout. While getting sufficient exercise is the foundation of basic fitness, combining frequent workouts with good eating habits and an overall healthy lifestyle is the only way to ensure your body’s optimum performance. Not all exercise has to be as intense as bench presses and weighted lifts, though. Even doing a few bicep curls with an extra can of beans while you cook can promote health in the long run. Add one or two of these simple moves to your normal routine to burn a few extra calories, or combine them all for a full-body workout.

Exercising at home has great benefits

Exercising at home has great benefits

Heel Walk

At home or the office, take advantage of your rolling desk chair. Sit in the rolling chair with your abs tucked and shoulders back. Move yourself forward by digging your heels into the floor. Roll yourself down the hallway and back for two minutes at a time to work lower abdominals.
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Category: Exercise, Weight Loss

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