Relationship Tips For Couples To Consider

April 8, 2021 Rebekah Pierce

Helpful Relationship Tips During and After Pandemic

Relationships are hard, but they don't have to be. If you're looking for some relationship tips and tricks to help add more humor, love, and laughter into your life with your significant other then this advice should help you breathe new life into your partnership.

However, if you still feel as though something is missing in your life, consider investing in the help of a therapist. Couples therapists have the skills necessary to help you work through any issues you might be having. Even one visit can help give you a new perspective!

One more tip to consider? Don’t be so obsessed with getting it right each and every time. Relationships are hard work - and you won’t win any medals by being a perfectionist. You’re likely not going to have 100% of your needs met 100% of the time and unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction. Leave some room for imperfection - and your relationship will be a lot healthier as a result.

Of course, if you really want to do some work on your relationship, you can start by following these relationship tips for couples - it’s a great place to start as you work to solidify your relationship with your one and only.

Signs To Watch Out For If You Feel Dehydrated

April 3, 2021 Lisa Czachowski

Not sure if you’re dehydrated - or if it’s something else? There are a few tests you can do to figure it out. Even if you’re not thirsty - which is the telltale sign that you need to guzzle some fluids, and stat - you might still be mildly dehydrated.

First, the skin test. Use two of your fingers to pinch a bit of skin on the back of your hand. Then, let it go. If you’re hydrated, the skin should snap back into position in just a second or two. If it’s any more than a few seconds, you are probably dehydrated.

So how much water do you actually need? The answer can vary depending on your activity level, age, gender, where you live, and other factors. Plus, things like illnesses you might be fighting off or any medications you might be on can also affect the amount of water you need. To check if you are getting enough water, take a look at your urine color. If it’s dark yellow or amber, you need to drink up.

How Safe Are Outdoor Fitness Classes During Pandemic

April 2, 2021 Karen A. Mulvey

So should you take an outdoor fitness class right now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic? Only you can be the judge of that. COVID-19 is known as the novel coronavirus for a reason - it’s still very new and we aren't yet fully aware of all of its risks.

However, there are tangible benefits to getting in exercise that you need to be aware of. Not only can exercising improve your mood and help you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also help improve your immunity so that you have a reduced likelihood of contracting the disease - or of suffering from severe complications as a result.

Therefore, consider your own individual risk factors and your comfort level when it comes to signing up for an outdoor fitness class during the pandemic. Do you have a chronic condition? Do you have to take a group fitness class - or can you sneak in exercise in other ways? This will help you decide if an outdoor fitness class is right for you.

Creative Ways To Spice Up Your Next Run

March 31, 2021 Jessica Lauren

While there aren’t too many people who actually LOVE the act of running, many people set aside their discomfort for a variety of reasons. Maybe you feel like you should run because you want to gain the health benefits that come with it. Or maybe it’s part of a healthier lifestyle. Whatever the case, running workouts can help you reach your goals.

Plus, if you follow the tips above, you won’t get burn out of running. Instead of viewing it as a slog, you’ll find yourself excited to go running not just because of the relaxed state you’re in after the run, but because you’re not falling into the pitfalls of following the same, boring route or pushing yourself too hard during a run. Even if you do miss a day, don’t beat yourself up for it or feel guilty. Feelings of guilt can lead people to dropping the activity or pushing themselves too hard the next day to the point they get injured. Just take each day as it comes and start slowly so that you can work up to longer runs. If there’s no race you’re training for, there’s no need to compare yourself to others so go out there and have fun!

How One Glass Of Wine Affects Your Body

March 30, 2021 Shana Thompson

Over the years, there has been conflicting information on the health benefits of drinking a glass of wine, red or white. One year it’s good for you and then the following year there’s new studies that say it’s bad for you. So which is it? As always the truth tends to be a bit more complicated than you might read or hear on the news.

Are there benefits to drinking red wine? Yes. Are there drawbacks? Also, yes. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks of drinking alcohol. If you do plan on partaking in some wine, it’s best to drink in moderation. That means one glass (150 ml) for women and two glasses (300 ml) for men at most. Drinking this moderate amount can give you the health benefits while potentially decreasing the drawbacks. Still, abstaining from alcohol doesn’t increase your overall risks. More importantly, you should consider your overall diet and health. An unhealthy lifestyle can outweigh the benefits you could gain from drinking a daily glass of wine.

Core Ab Toning Workouts You Can Do In Your Living Room

March 15, 2021 Jessica Lauren

Consider combining both movement-based and stability-based exercises, as described above, as you design your own functional ab core workout. This combination will best replicate the movements you need to make in your day-to-day activities. Remember, your core is constantly at work, whether that’s through dynamic motion or isometrics. Even something as simple as lifting your groceries and loading them into your car requires core strength.

A circuit-style workout that incorporates all of these exercises above, ideally with a 40-seconds-on and 20-seconds-off approach will give your body the workout it needs coupled with the rest it deserves. That way, you can work as hard as possible during those 40 seconds without getting overly fatigued.

You can even couple these exercises with a solid strength training or cardio routine, helping you to torch calories and lose weight while you’re at it!

Easy Ways To Add Stretching To Your Daily Routine

March 4, 2021 Rebekah Pierce

You probably stretch more throughout the day than you actually realize. Involuntary stretching of the muscles is called pandiculation and is a behavior most animals perform to relieve muscle tension. Even though your body will naturally stretch to relieve tension, it’s still a good idea to be proactive and incorporate more stretches into your daily stretching routine.

Not only does stretching feel good, it also provides plenty of benefits. A good stretch can help improve circulation, which allows your muscles to receive more oxygen. It also activates your parasympathetic system, which is responsible for your rest and digestive functions and can also help you feel calm and relaxed. Both of these benefits lead to further health benefits such as improved circulation, stress relief, and, of course, increased flexibility.

While stretching can be a great addition to a healthy lifestyle, if you experience sharp pains or have pre-existing conditions, you should speak to your doctor beforehand. They will be able to refer you to a physical therapist who can provide you with targeted stretches and exercises to suit your needs. Just like exercise, you should make sure to do your stretches every day for best results.

Mental Health Tips For Anyone Feeling Down

February 8, 2021 Rebekah Pierce

Taking care of your mental health is always important, but is especially important after all the events that happened in 2020. People are on edge and the ensuing stress and anxiety have led to serious mental health issues. Remember that it’s okay to take a break and focus on yourself. Of course, you should stay abreast of the news, but don’t fall into the downward spiral where you’re constantly looking for negative posts and stories.

Hopefully, the mental health tips above can help you as you move forward through 2021 and beyond. Like eating healthy, staying mentally healthy requires you to put in the work every day. Even small things can make a difference when you do them daily.

Best Pre-Workout Supplements For An Active Lifestyle

February 6, 2021 Jessica Lauren

Whether you’re looking for a pre-workout supplement, pre-workout energy boost or increased stamina while you exercise, a pre-workout supplement can help. Vitamin-infused, hydrating supplements will give you the energy you need whether you’re headed to hike the trails or go to yoga class.

Benefits Of Resistance Training

January 8, 2021 Rebekah Pierce

Resistance training is one of the most important aspects in leading a healthy lifestyle. Yes, it can be difficult to start at first. If you’ve never lifted weights before or if you haven’t touched a dumbbell since high school, it’s probably a good idea to start off slow. Go find a personal trainer and tell them what your goals are. They will create a schedule that will work with your current fitness levels and goals. While it’s not cheap, you should try to stick with the personal trainer for at least a month. This way, you’ll perfect the forms and get a feel for the various sets and cycles you should do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request different exercises if you feel like the ones they are giving you are too hard or too easy.

As you progress through your weight training, you’ll start to notice progress relatively quickly. Maybe that means you can do heavier weights or perhaps you’re actually noticing some muscle on your body. Whatever the case, take note and enjoy your accomplishments! Of course, even if you don’t hit a goal or maybe have a bad day, don’t take it too hard. Everyone has an off day. The important thing is to keep a routine and stick with it. That’s the surest way to succeed and see all of the benefits of resistance training.