Interval Training

 Interval training is a type of physical training that involves bursts of high intensity work. This high intensity work is alternated with periods of rest or low activity, the eponymous intervals.
The term can refer to any cardiovascular workout (e.g. cycling, running, rowing, etc.) that involves brief bouts at near-maximum exertion interspersed with periods of lower-intensity activity.
Interval training is often practiced by long distance runners (800 meters and above). Sprinters and footballers have also been known to use this type of training.
No matter what mode of exercise you choose (treadmill, outdoor walking or running, swimming, elliptical, cycling), every workout can be different and the variety within each session keeps things fresh and fun. If you are sick of walking on the treadmill for an hour each day, adding intervals can jumpstart your body out of its low-intensity cardio rut.High-intensity interval training has also been shown to improve athletic performance. For already well-trained athletes, improvements in performance become difficult to attain and increases in training volume can potentially yield no improvements. Previous research would suggest that, for athletes who are already trained, improvements in endurance performance can be achieved through high-intensity interval training

High-intensity interval training High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or sprint interval training is an exercise strategy that is intended to improve performance with short training sessions. HIIT is a form of cardio which is beneficial to burning fat in a short and intense workout. Usual HIIT sessions may vary from 9–20 minutes. The original protocol set a 2:1 ratio for work to recovery periods. For example, a runner would alternate 15-20 seconds of hard sprinting with 10 seconds of jogging or walking The premise of interval training is simple: When you vary your effort by mixing periods of high and low intensities during your workout, your fitness will improve faster and more dramatically—and your workouts will be less boring. During your session, you’ll alternate between shorter, high-intensity intervals and longer, lower-intensity recovery periods. The high-intensity intervals can be "anaerobic" (where you are working as hard as you can, and your heart rate is usually over 85% of your estimated maximum), or simply more intense, like in the 75-85% range, which is still “aerobic.”

  You'll know when you’ve reach an anaerobic intensity because you'll start feeling a burn in your working muscles. Adding some anaerobic intervals to your workouts will usually give you better results. But since they are more demanding, anaerobic intervals should be shorter and accompanied by longer recovery intervals. As your fitness level improves, both the length of the high-intensity intervals, and the amount of work you can handle during them, will increase.
 During a complete workout, you go through five to ten cycles of high and low intensity. Depending on your fitness needs, you can vary the length of each interval, number of intervals, distance, and speed
 .

Try these interval workout ideas!
(Always remember to warm up for a few minutes before you start, and don’t forget the cool down at the end.)

• Cycle or run at high intensity (determined by your fitness level and/or your heart rate monitor) for one minute. Follow this with three minutes of lighter cycling or running. Repeat this cycle ten times for a 40-minute workout.
• If you are walking outside, walk as fast as you can for one block, then an easier pace for two blocks.
• If you are on the elliptical machine, increase your speed and/or incline for the first minute of a song, and slow down on a flatter grade for the remainder of the song.
• If you are up for the challenge, utilize a one-to-one ratio, with three minutes at high intensity followed by three minutes at lower intensity.

 Remember, the point is to push yourself just beyond your comfort level, but not to the point of complete exhaustion or injury. Tailor the timing to what you want to accomplish. If you are a beginner jogger, interval training (alternating between jogging and walking) can be a good way to get started without having to run for 30 minutes straight.

1. Efficient

Super-efficient HIIT is the ideal workout for a busy schedule—whether you want to squeeze in a workout during your lunch break or to get in shape for a fast-approaching event. Research shows you can achieve more progress in a mere 15 minutes of interval training (done three times a week) than the girl jogging on the treadmill for an hour. And according to a 2011 study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, just 2 weeks of high-intensity intervals improves your aerobic capacity as much as 6 to 8 weeks of endurance training.

2. Burn More Fat

Not only do you burn more calories during HIIT workouts, but the effect of all that intense exertion kicks your body's repair cycle into hyperdrive. That means you burn more fat and calories in the 24 hours after a HIIT workout than you do after

3. Healthier Heart

Most people aren't used to pushing into the anaerobic zone (that lovely place where you can't breathe and you feel like your heart is trying to jump out of your chest). But in this case, extreme training produces extreme results.  that after 8 weeks of doing HIIT workouts.

4. No Equipment Necessary

Running, biking, jump roping, and rowing all work great for HIIT, but you don't need any equipment to get it done. High knees, fast feet, or anything plyometric like jumping lunges work just as well to get your heart rate up fast. In fact, some equipment like dumbbells can make HIIT less effective because you want the focus to be on pushing your heart to its max, not your biceps.

 

5. Lose Weight, Not Muscle

Anyone who has been on a diet knows that it's hard to not lose muscle mass along with fat. While steady state cardio seems to encourage muscle loss, studies show that both weight training and HIIT workouts allow dieters to preserve their hard-earned muscles while ensuring most of the weight lost comes from fat stores. Win/win!!!!

 

6. Increase Metabolism

In addition to increased fat burning and more muscle preserved, HIIT stimulates production of your human growth hormone (HGH) by up to 450 percent during the 24 hours after you finish your workout. This is great news since HGH is not only responsible for increased caloric burn but also slows down the aging process, making you younger both inside and out!

 

7. Do It Anywhere

You can do it in a boat, you can do it with a goat. You can do it here or there, you can do it anywhere! Dr. Seuss would have loved HIIT. Since it's such a simple concept—go at maximum effort for a short period of time followed by a recovery period and repeat—you can adapt it to whatever time and space constraints you have.

 

8. Challenging

This is not a workout you can do while reading a magazine or chatting with your friend. Because it's so short, you will be working hard the whole time. The trade-off is this format offers seasoned exercisers a new challenge and new exercisers a quick way to see results. You may be in pain, you may be sucking wind, but you definitely won't be bored!

 

 

 

Foods that Can Ruin Your Workout

20 Foods that Can Ruin Your Workout

 

Flaxseeds

While they are great for your body (and weight loss), flaxseeds are full of fiber, which could impede your workout efforts by causing gas and/or bloating.
You definitely want to limit the amount of fiber you take in 2 hours before and after exercising. In addition to flaxseeds, stay away from fiber supplements, bran, and high-fiber breads and opt for a mixture of protein and carbohydrates instead right before your workout.

 

  

Gel Packs

Think that energy gel is a great way to prep for your workout? Think again! "Unless you are very athletic (engaging in over 90 minutes of cardiovascular training per day), chances are you don't need those gel packs, Taking in all that sugar will disrupt insulin levels and lead you to a dietary-binge later on in the day.

  

Hummus

Don't get us wrong, we love healthy hummus just as much as you do, but you may want to stay away from it right before a workout."Bean-based foods (such as hummus) are high in indigestible carbohydrates that may cause uncomfortable gas and bloating.

 

Dairy

While low-fat dairy may be part of a healthy diet, consuming it before a workout could slow you down. "Most athletes I work with have issues consuming dairy 2 hours before and after exercise,

  

Flavored Water

Even though most flavored waters are touted as great 'fitness' drinks, many are full of sugar, or worse, artificial sweeteners that could hinder your workout."I would not recommend drinking artificially sweetened beverages prior to working out. I'm against artificially sweetened anything. Artificial sweeteners have been shown to disrupt beneficial bacteria in your gut, and optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients begins in a healthy gut.

  

Green Bananas

While bananas are a great pre-workout snack, make sure you grab a ripe one! Unripe fruit isn't a good idea before you work out, as it could cause uncomfortable gas and bloating, Hartley says. Choose a banana that's completely free of any green at the stem. Brown spots on the skin indicate it’s in the ripe stage. At this stage the sugar content will be absorbed easily, otherwise, the unripe banana is in the starch stage and more difficult to digest.

 

Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of lean protein, but they don't provide carbohydrates for energy. Plus, their protein stays in the stomach and takes a long time to digest, which could weigh you down at the gym, 

  

Protein Bars

Don't be fooled. Many protein bars on the market are no better for you than a candy bar! If your bar has more than 200 calories and too little protein, it could be weighing down your workout,a certified nutritionist and eating strategist.

 

Coffee Drinks

Need an afternoon pick me up? Skip the whipped coffee drink if its within a few hours of your workout time. While caffeine can improve your workout, the excess sugar and calories won't."They pack on the calories, but they won't keep you full. And many [coffee drinks] can contain the equivalent of 20 packs of sugar.

 

Coffee Drinks

Need an afternoon pick me up? Skip the whipped coffee drink if its within a few hours of your workout time. While caffeine can improve your workout, the excess sugar and calories won't."They pack on the calories, but they won't keep you full. And many [coffee drinks] can contain the equivalent of 20 packs of sugar,But think high-antioxidant green tea or black tea or even a nonfat latte (you get some protein in) which can provide an energy boost. Pair it with the right protein bar for the perfect balance.

 

Store-Bought Smoothies

While the right smoothie can be a great pre-workout snack or meal, if you buy one on the go, chances are you may get weighed down by extra sugar and fat. Blending your own fruit smoothie (use real fruit, not juice) with a scoop of protein powder is your best option

  

Fruit Juice

Gulping a glass of OJ might seem like a good idea before your morning sweat session, but you'll question your decision halfway through spin class, when climbing that hill seems impossible. What gives? You are better off eating the orange instead,Juice (even 100-percent fresh-squeezed) has a lot of sugar, and no fiber. While it still offers some vitamins, it will go right through your system, causing a blood sugar crash later.

 

Protein Shakes

Bodybuilders swear by them, so they must be good for workouts, right? Wrong! Not all, but most pre-made protein shakes contain a lot of processed ingredients, excess sugar (or sweeteners), and dairy products that can cause bloating, gas, and fatigue. Not exactly what we'd call a fitness trifecta. 

 

Rice Cakes

Sure, they may be low-cal, but besides containing some sugar and salt, rice cakes offer zero nutrition or protein to help you stay full or power through your workout routine.

 

Trail Mix

While it seems like the perfect portable pre-workout snack, trail mix can take a long time to digest and can be gassy for certain people,

 

Avocados

Steer clear of foods high in fat (even the good kind of monounsaturated fat) like avocados just before exercise. "Fats are very important and should be consumed at other intervals in the day, just try to limit your fat intake two hours before and after exercise

Are GMOs Making You Fat?

It’s no secret that Americans are getting fatter. And sure, the usual suspects—more processed food being packed into our diets and too-frequent fast food fixes—clearly play a part, but now there’s another theory: genetically modified (GM) crops, according to new research.

As part of a long-term project studying the health effects of GM foods—crops that have had their DNA modified to resist pesticides and drought—researchers from Norway fed food containing GM corn to one group of rats and food containing non-GM corn to another group. Over the course of 90 days, the rats on the GM-corn diet grew fatter and ate more food than the rats on the non-GM diet. The researchers also noticed that rats got fatter when they ate fish that had been raised on GM corn.
 If the same effect applies to humans, how would it impact people eating this type of corn over a number of years, or even eating meat from animals feeding on this corn?. 
Then there’s the nutrient issue. Research from the nonprofit Organic Center has found that nutrient levels in modern crops are anywhere from 10 to 25% lower than they were 50 years ago, likely because the crops are bred for higher yields, as many GM crops are. As nutrient levels go down, we have to eat more to get the recommended levels of nutrients we need, which may explain why GM crops led to overeating rodents

 Chemical companies often say GE crops will reduce the use of pesticides, but the opposite is actually true. "The concern is that, just like Monsanto's genetically engineered corn that is resistant to RoundUp (glyphosate) herbicide, the approval of a cultivar resistant to 2,4-D will cause an exponential increase in the use of this toxic agrichemical,"

100% Natural' Foods—Exposed

 

Natural Foods That Aren't

Unless you have a green thumb, lots of outdoor space, and the time to grow your own grub, sticking to a diet free of processed ingredients can be challenging. (If you are that person, can we come over for dinner?) Otherwise, you do your best, eating whole foods whenever possible, and opting for the most unadulterated, natural options you can find when you buy from the box or the bag. Or so you think.

Without getting so much as a wrist slap, so-called “natural” foods can still contain a wide range of processed sweeteners, lab-produced “natural” flavors and colors, additives and preservatives.

The problem is, labels can be misleading. You’d need several pairs of hands to count the number of “100% Natural” claims you see in just one aisle of the supermarket. Lately, though, some brands’ health halos have been showing some tarnish.But those are just two examples—unfortunately, there are many others. Here, we take a look at the ingredients in some of your favorite “natural” foods, so you can decide for yourself what's real and what's not.

1. Granola bars

What could be more natural than granola, you ask? Well, unless you're baking it yourself with whole ingredients, plenty. While many granola-bar brands have removed high-fructose corn syrup from their products in response to consumer concern, a laundry list of other less-than-natural ingredients remain, including processed sweeteners such as corn syrup, fructose, and invert sugar, and the vague "natural flavors"—an umbrella term for flavors derived from natural sources, but which are often processed in a lab like artificial flavors.

2. Yogurt

The ultimate health food, right? Not always. Natural and artificial flavors and processed sweeteners abound in many packaged yogurts, so don't assume that blueberry flavor (not to mention the purplish hue) is coming only from real blueberries. As always, scrutinize the label, and buy organic if you want to avoid dairy from cows given artificial growth hormones.

3. Non-dairy and soy cheeses

Not surprisingly, "natural" cheese substitutes often contain added colors and flavors to make them more, well, cheese-like. One common ingredient? Carrageenan, a processed carbohydrate that may upset some people's stomachs.Additionally, soy is one of the most commonly genetically modified crops around—roughly 94% of the soy grown,so if you're wary of frankenfoods, make sure you're buying organic.

4. Bottled iced tea

Beverage companies love to tout their tea drinks as a healthy alternative to soda—and what could be bad here? After all, black and green teas are loaded with antioxidants, and herbal brews can help digestion, an upset stomach—even rattled nerves. But if you check the ingredients list of your "all-natural" bottled iced tea, you may discover a few surprise ingredients in addition to leaves and water. Some sweetened teas rely on high-fructose corn syrup instead of real sugar. And if you're sipping a fruit-flavored tea, you likely won't find real lemons, raspberries, or peaches in there, but instead "natural flavors."

5. Salad dressing

"All natural" shows up on lots of salad dressing labels, but take a look at the extra-long ingredients lists on many of the big brands and it's hard not to feel skeptical. High-fructose corn syrup and "natural flavors" abound (not to mention the fact that bottled dressings are often heavy on other kinds of sweeteners and saturated fat, making them total diet disasters). If you don't want to spoil the healthfulness of your salad, try mixing your own dressing at home with a little extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.

6. Honey

Bad news: Nature's perfect sweetener isn't always 100% natural. The jarred honeys you'll find in an average grocery store have all undergone various levels of processing, and it's hard to know how much just from looking at the labels. In fact, according to research by Food Safety News, most store-bought honey isn't technically honey at all, because virtually all of the natural pollen has been filtered out. For truly natural honey—and all the immune-boosting and allergy-fighting benefits that come with it—head to a farmer's market, where you can buy it raw from local beekeepers.

7. Ice Cream

Many so-called "all natural" ice creams contain way more than milk, eggs, and sugar—such as "natural flavors," highly processed sweeteners like corn syrup, modified starches (additives processed from naturally occurring food starches that are often used as thickening agents), and juice concentrates (used as flavors and sweeteners). Not exactly how you'd churn it at home, right? If you're picking up a pint at the grocery store, look for one made with a short list of whole ingredients.

8. Breakfast Cereal

Stroll the aisles of your local grocery and you’ll find countless cereal brands that bill themselves as “all natural” and "good sources of fiber and whole grains" but are full of sugar and artificial colors. (Some of the 10 worst kids' breakfast cereals come to mind.) But even brands we think of as healthy don't always live up to their reputation. Kashi came under fire on social media sites this year for calling its cereals "natural" despite being made with GMO soy.

9. Flavored Waters and Sports Drinks

Does this sound like a healthy way to top off your workout? A bottled beverage "naturally sweetened" with barely pronounceable ingredients like erythretrol and crystalline fructose. We'll take a glass of tap with a splash of lemon, thank you very much.

Pls be awake!

Face with your self...Take the control for your body!!

 One day I was going through different blogs that had only reasons to be thin. I always saw people talk about how those aren't the reasons you should strive to be thin because some of them were completely unrealistic.
  I just thought I would make a site for people who are focused on just becoming fit with more realistic things to strive for [than just being thin].
 You may think you train hard when you hit the gym solo, but are you truly working to your full potential? Or maybe you do push yourself hard—too hard, which can lead to weight gain and a weakened immune system due to overtraining,
  Showing up to the gym for a workout after a late night of drinking and very little sleep isn’t exactly a recipe for success. When you're dehydrated (which can leave you feeling run down, anxious, and foggy) and tired, your body is at a major disadvantage from the start, and you won’t be able to perform as well.f you're really serious about seeing results, drink in moderation (we love these skinny cocktail ideas) and get plenty of sleep so you can make the most of your sweat sessions.

If you're really serious about seeing results, drink in moderation (we love these skinny cocktail ideas) and get plenty of sleep so you can make the most of your sweat sessions.

 Clients blame personal trainers too much for the failure of their goals, You may spend an hour at the gym, but the remaining 23 hours may be filled with weight-loss stalling habits like overeating, lack of sleep, and stress. “Weight loss does not just happen in the gym. It is 80 percent diet, sleep, stress, and lastly, exercise,

Instead of looking for someone (or something) to blame, take a look at your overall lifestyle. Start implementing small changes on a daily basis that can help you improve overall health, boost energy levels, and lose weight.

  Only dieting and not exercising.
This may be one of the most common reasons your weight loss is stalling. Yes, you can lose weight through diet alone, but it will be a lot harder. You can only cut so many calories without feeling overly hungry, lethargic or miserable. Yet by exercising along with making dietary changes, you can eat more (and feel more satisfied) and still lose weight. Plus, you'll get all the amazing physical and mental benefits that come from exercising, including improved appearance, better muscle tone and a healthier body overall.

  Add exercise to your weight-loss plan. It doesn't have to be boring, strenuous, or time-consuming either. Even 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your results. For tons of fun, easy and effective workout ideas. You're sure to find something that you enjoy!  

 Trying to eat as little as possible.
If cutting calories is good for weight loss, then eating as little as possible is better, right? Wrong (especially if you're also trying to fuel your body for regular workouts). You need to eat a certain calorie level to function optimally and get all its essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Eating much less than that can cause serious problems in the long term and damage your metabolism, making weight loss even harder.
 

  Don't just guess how many calories you need, and don't eat what someone else eats either. Your calorie range that is personalized for you and your goals. Eating within that range (even at the very top of it) will help you reach your weight loss goal. There is no reason to go below it. Remember: You have to eat to lose!

Giving up too easily.  
No person who ever lost weight successfully reached that goal because they were perfect all the time. Setbacks happen to everyone, even the most successful people. We've all had days where we made a poor food decision during a meal—or even for an entire day. We've all missed workouts, forgot the lunch we packed, or been too busy to cook a diet-friendly meal at home. But those who continue dropping the pounds pick themselves up, forgive themselves from their mistakes, learn from their slipups, and just keep right on going.

Remember that perfection has no place in a weight loss plan. When you do make a mistake or feel like you're not making enough progress, don't give up. Change requires time and old habits die hard. When you feel yourself ready to give up, reach out for some support, and don't wait until next week or next month to get back on the wagon.

 

Confusing "healthy" with "low-calorie."
Research shows that when shoppers see "healthy" buzz words or claims on food packages (think: gluten-free, organic, all-natural, sugar-free, low-fat, etc.), they automatically assume the food is low in calories. This couldn't be further from the truth. Food manufacturers will plaster all sorts of enticing lingo onto their packages, knowing that you'll think exactly that. But none of these words really tell you much about the healthfulness of a product; and none of them actually have any affect on a food's calories.
 Read front-of-package labels with a discerning eye, and always turn over the package and look at the nutrition facts (and ingredients) to get a full picture of what a food is really like. This goes for restaurant menus, too. Don't let healthy-sounding words make you think a food is actually low in calories. Know your menu watch words or look up nutrition facts before you place your order.

 Unrealistic expectations.
These days with news stories, weight-loss advertisements and reality shows alike touting fast and extreme weight loss as the norm, it can be easy to think that you are capable of those kinds of results, too. But in truth, these are extreme and abnormal results that most people cannot expect to replicate. If you're expecting to drop a lot of weight fast—and to do so consistently—these unrealistic expectations could be setting you up for failure. There's nothing worse than expecting to lose 10 pounds in your first week, but to only lose one.
 

Intuitive Eating

What is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive Eating (IE) is a style of non-dieting that teaches people to trust their body's signals--the opposite of what most diets do. Rather than trying to "suppress your appetite" or "stoke your metabolism," you focus on eating what your body tells you it needs and wants and stopping when you are full. Therein lies the best part of Intuitive Eating: you eat what you truly want, when you want it. It's also the hardest part: you eat whatever you truly want, only when you truly want it.

A common misconception with IE is that it's a no-holds-barred food fest where you eat anything and everything without limits. While that may sound like diet heaven at first, it would not make your body feel good in the end. And eating what makes your body feel its best is exactly what you are trying to do. You discover pretty quickly--once you start paying attention--that eating bags of jelly beans every day makes you feel tired and sick, while filling up on a salad with protein, veggies, and homemade dressing is energizing (and delicious). It's that slight change of perspective--it's not that the jelly beans are "bad" or "off limits" but rather that you don't feel good when you eat a lot of them--that makes all the difference.

 

   How to Start Eating Intuitively
The first step is making these two little changes:

1. Eat un-distracted. Sit down with no books, no TV, no computers, and (at first) no serious conversation to distract you. Without making judgments about it, you want to pay attention to everything you eat. Note how it tastes, how it smells, how you feel when you eat it.

2. Eat only when you are hungry and stop when you are full. I thought that years of stifling, ignoring, or masking my body's hunger cues would make this impossible for me, but our bodies are smart. As I learned to trust mine, I learned that it would, in fact, tell me when it needed food and when it didn't.

It's hard to eat this way in a world with TV screens in restaurant tables and unlimited appetizers. Pushing away your plate when everyone else is still digging into their food is hard. Eating a piece of rich dark chocolate when everyone else is giving up sugar is hard. But none of it is as hard as fighting your body for the rest of your life. Doing these two things will make a huge difference in how you think about food. Food is not a punishment or forbidden fruit or even a decadent excess; it's a life-sustaining gift.

Breathing Mistakes to Avoid When Working Out !!!

   Proper form is a must whether doing cardio, strength training, or flexibility training, but how you breathe is also really important. Here are some common breathing categories people fall into when exercising — sound familiar?
Which one are you??:)
 

• I'm the Big Bad Wolf: When doing sprinting intervals or pushing yourself really hard, huffing and puffing comes with the territory. There's a level of intensity though that you shouldn't surpass, so if your labored breathing is causing you to feel dizzy or light-headed, take it down a notch or take a rest to get your breathing back to normal.
• I'm underwater: Lifting heavy weights, or doing challenging strength training or balancing yoga moves can be so strenuous and require so much attention that you don't even realize you're holding your breath. Aside from your muscles needing oxygen in order to perform their best, holding your breath can cause major headaches or nausea, so try to focus on inhaling and exhaling evenly, without pausing. You can even watch yourself in a mirror to help you remember.
• I'm in labor: If you're not a breath holder, you may pucker your lips and be a short quick breather instead. While this does do the job of bringing oxygen in and releasing carbon dioxide out, avoiding full, deep breaths can also lead to dizziness and headaches.
• I'm a bunny: This refers to people who only breathe through their noses. While this is great for allergy sufferers (your nose hairs can help filter out allergens), if you're doing intense cardio, it's tough to get in big gulps of oxygen through your two tiny nostrils. It also makes it hard to release carbon dioxide quickly. When kicking up the intensity, don't forget to breathe through your mouth.
•  

  5 Workout Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

     When you stick to a routine, it's easy to become, well, stuck. If you're not trimming down, toning up, or feeling any fitter, it's likely due to one of the following exercise errors. 
   Mistake #1: You Rely on Cardio to Peel Off Pounds
  
  For most women, sweaty aerobic exercise alone isn't enough. "Research shows that weight loss is minimal if it isn't accompanied by dieting,"  "We may compensate for the extra energy we're burning during physical activity by doing less the rest of the day, or more commonly, we feel famished after working out, so we eat more." 
  
     The Solution: Keep your diet in check. To drop a pound, which is 3,500 calories, in one week, aim to eat 300 fewer calories every day (300 x 7 = 2,100) while burning 300 calories from exercise five times a week (300 x 5 = 1,500)."You plan for exercise. You need to plan what you're going to eat afterward,Drinking lots of water helps too. 
  
  
    Mistake #2: You Race Through Your Reps
  
  Two things could be going on here: Either your weights are too light, which is often the case for women, or they're too heavy, and you're letting momentum or gravity take over. Either way, your muscles aren't being sufficiently challenged, which is why they're not getting more toned. 
  The Solution: If you don't believe you've done just about all you can do by the end of a set, pick a heavier weight. "You want there to be a bit of strain on the second-to-last and last repsReach for a lighter dumbbell when you aren't moving the weight with steady control as you lift and lower
  
  
   Mistake# 3:You Overcrunch Your Abs
  
  If you're doing more than three sets of 15, you're wasting your time. "Extra crunches aren't going to cinch your waistline,"  "You're working the rectus abdominus, which is only one of four muscles in the abdominal wall. But it's the other three deeper muscles [internal obliques, external obliques, transverse abdominis] that give you a leaner look by helping you with your posture."
  
  The Solution: Take a temporary break from your usual crunches and try these Pilates-based moves: (1) the plank (balance on floor on forearms and toes and hold for 30 seconds), (2) double-leg stretch (lie on your back, knees bent 90 degrees with feet in air and shins parallel to the floor, shoulders off the floor with arms loosely hugging knees; extend your legs and arms out in a wide V, then return to start), (3) the side plank (lie on the floor on your right side, propped up on right elbow, feet stacked; lift your hips up, using your left hand on floor in front of you for support. Hold for 5 counts, then lower. Do 10 reps; switch sides and repeat). Do 10 reps of each move, three or four times a week.
    Mistake #4: You Aim to Stay in the Fat-Burning Zone
  
  It's no wonder you think you need to do this to lose weight: Many cardio machines tell you when you're above and below the zone. But this reason for sticking to low-intensity exercise has been completely debunked. "Because fat takes longer than carbs to be converted to energy, you burn a higher percentage of it when you're sitting or walking than when you're running. So the old thinking was that with low-intensity exercise you could torch body fat and lose weight,"
   The Solution: There's nothing wrong with low-intensity exercise, particularly if you have joint problems. "But to lose weight, you'll probably need to do it for longer than half an hour. Just for general health, the recommendation is 30 minutes five days a week,"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   Mistake #5: You Skip the Warm Up
  
  You may think you're saving time, but you're actually just compromising the first 5 to 10 minutes of your workout. "Your body literally needs to warm up so that blood flow increases, the nervous system wakes up, and the body starts to use energy and oxygen more efficiently
  

  

    The Solution:best warm-up is to do your chosen exercise at a low intensity. Runners, for example, should walk, then jog. Keep at it until you break a sweat,"Alternately, you can try "dynamic" stretches, which are moves that take your body through the range of motions you're about to do. For a runner, that can mean high knees, butt kicks, and forward, reverse, and side lunges. "Avoid static stretching, where you're holding poses for several counts. That actually calms the system down and can impair performance!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  

SWimming Helpt to Get Fit Too!!!!

Non-swimmers

If you’re a non-swimmer it’s never too late to learn, and most pools offer adult-only lessons.
And if you haven't swum in years, it’s worth taking a few lessons to ensure you develop an efficient technique.!!
 swimming exercises all the major muscle groups of the body as well as the heart and lungs, making it a great activity for overall fitness. It builds lung capacity, endurance and strength.
Swimming is a non-impact activity so it's a good alternative to high-impact exercise like running and aerobics. It’s kinder to the joints so a good choice for those with achy knees and ankles. It’s also good exercise in pregnancy.
If you're fed up of doing the same stroke lap after lap, use this six-week workout to shake up your routine. You'll need a float (kickboard) for the drills, which aim to improve your technique over the two main strokes: breaststroke and front crawl.

  

     

Front crawl catch up drill

This helps to develop a long stroke so you travel the furthest distance with the minimum of effort.

• Keep one arm extended forward and stationary on a float.
• Perform a full stroke with the other arm.
• As you take your arm out of the water and extend it again, bring it down on the kickboard.
• Switch hands on the kickboard and repeat with the other arm.
•  

  Front crawl breathing drill

  
  

  Once you've mastered the catch up drill, you can use this drill to practice your front crawl breathing technique.
  

  • Start with both hands on the float.
  • As you let go of the board with one arm and perform a stroke, turn your head to the side, keeping your ear in the water, and take a breath.
  • When your fingers reach your armpit and your elbow is high, your hand returns to the board and your face returns to the water.
  • Blow bubbles in the water to expel the air you have breathed in.
  • Repeat on the other side.
  • When you are confident with your face in the water, try breathing on every third stroke.
  •  

    Front crawl legs only drill

    
    

    This drill helps you practice your front crawl leg technique.
    

    • Hold a kickboard out in front of you with your fingers over the end. Rest your forearms on the board for support.
    • Concentrate on kicking with the legs.
    • Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed.
    • You should make a small splash with your feet.
    Many people do breaststroke without putting their heads under the water, which limits speed and places extra strain on your back. These drills will improve your technique.
    
    

    Breaststroke arms drill

    
    

    This drill will help you master the breathing needed when immersing your head under the water. Use a pool buoy or float between your legs.
    

    • Start with your arms out in front of you and your face in the water.
    • Turn the palms outwards and downwards at 45°.
    • Keeping your fingers together, pull your hands down through the water, which will pull you forward.
    • Bring your elbows into your sides and your hands toward your chest.
    • As your arms come back, bring your head out of the water and breathe.
    • Push your arms out in front of you (ideally with palms turned in and touching) and put your face back in the water, ready for the next pull.

    • Breaststroke legs only drill

      
      

      To improve your breaststroke technique, practice legs only with a kickboard.
      

      • Hold a kickboard out in front of you with your fingers over the end. Rest your forearms on the board for support.
      • Bring your knees up towards your chest.
      • Turn your feet out ensuring your knees stay together.
      • Kick round in a circular movement until your feet come together again.
      •  
        Front crawl is the most energy efficient stroke to use, allowing you to swim for longer periods, burn optimum calories and improve your fitness.
        Use these drills to perfect your crawl technique.
        

        Swimming Basics

        If you don't know how to swim, take swimming lessons and learn the basic strokes. Treading water and dog paddling are the simplest. More advanced strokes, such as the crawl, develop controlled breathing and movements. During your initial workouts, practice your swimming strokes so that you perform them correctly. Avoid bad habits, such as holding your breath while swimming, which will quickly lead to fatigue. Ask a swimming coach to help you develop proper breathing techniques and controlled, efficient movements.

        Improving Endurance

        If you're a beginner, you might find it difficult to swim many laps without tiring. Use a kickboard or other flotation device to help you finish your workout. For example, start off your workout by performing as many full laps as you can. Once you tire, complete your workout with a kickboard. If possible, finish your workout by performing one more lap without any assistance. Don't worry if it takes a long time for you to develop the muscle endurance necessary to swim multiple laps. If you swim regularly, your endurance and strength will increase.

        Considerations

        Swimming is a suitable cardiovascular exercise for people who have difficulty participating in such high-impact aerobic activities as jogging or aerobic exercise classes. When you are in the water, you are buoyant, which effectively reduces your weight by 90 percent. For that reason, swimming is less stressful on your joints while still providing a vigorous, calorie-burning exercise!
      Swimming is a cardio exercise because it raises your heart rate, which increases the circulation of oxygen throughout your body. Like other cardio exercises, swimming regularly will strengthen your lungs and heart, tone your muscles, improve your mood, burn calories and lead to fitness. The key is to swim vigorously at a pace you can maintain for a long period of time.
      
      Swimming is an effective cardiovascular exercise because it incorporates full body movement for long periods of time. Swimming also burns many calories. For example, a 125-lb. person who swims laps vigorously for 30 minutes burns 300 calories.
      

      If you weigh more, you'll burn more calories because your body must work harder to keep you moving. A person who weighs 185 lbs., for example, burns 444 calories by swimming laps vigorously for 30 minutes.
       

How to loose weight after pregnancy???

Probably a week after you’ve given birth, when you and your baby have settled comfortably at home, you may start to wonder how you can get your old body back. Perhaps the thought will visit you as you fix the clothes in your closet and you come across an old pair of skinny jeans that you used to love so much. You’ll probably think about it again when you pass by your bedroom mirror. It’s going to be a painful but not impossible mission.

 

1) Face and accept the facts: you’ve grown bigger.

While it is possible to lose weight, you have to accept the fact that you’ve already grown bigger and you may never go back to having a 24-inch waist. Yes, it is going to be hard, but it is not going to be impossible. Yes, you can lose weight, but don’t expect to get back your “model” body unless you are one. Be realistic.

(2) Be patient.

There are many ways on how to lose weight after pregnancy. You can try yoga, Pilates, or dieting (although this isn’t advisable if you are breastfeeding your baby). If you have the money and the time, you may try out the methods done by celebrities to slim down after giving birth. Just remember that their methods may not work for you. We have different types of bodies, and we respond differently to exercise and dieting because of our metabolism. Some may lose weight easily, but it could be harder for some to drop off the excess pounds. Be patient with yourself and with your body. Don’t push yourself too hard or you may end up in the hospital.
 

3) Don’t starve yourself. Instead, eat right.

You’ll never find “starve yourself” in any list featuring ways on how to lose weight after pregnancy. Doctors and dieticians alike will tell you to eat adequately to support your energy needs as a mother especially if you are breastfeeding your child. Eat enough to keep you satisfied and to support your body’s production of milk for your baby.

(4) Don’t forget to hydrate yourself.

This is a standard weight loss tip, and when you want to know how to lose weight after pregnancy, this is one of the top things that doctors and dieticians will tell you to do. Drink water every time you feel thirsty. It is not necessary to consume eight glasses of water in a day, but you should at least satisfy your thirst every time. Do you know that when you do not drink water when you feel thirsty, you can cause yourself to be bloated? Lack of water intake actually encourages water retention. This is one of the reasons why you should drink water aside from its many health benefits. When you want to lose weight, you want a flat tummy, not a bloated one.

 

5) Move around.

Physical activity is another answer to the question “how to lose weight after pregnancy.” However, be gentle with yourself a few weeks after you have given birth. You can start with simple stretching exercises or short walks. You can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise routine, but just to be sure, consult your gynecologist regarding your intended physical activity especially if you had a Caesarean section. Your wound needs to heal properly, and you should be able to fully recuperate, otherwise you might fall into a relapse.

Toning Your Tummy: Four Ways to Tackle Belly Fat After Pregnancy

Chances are, your stomach is still sporting a post-pregnancy pooch, even if you've lost the bulk of your baby weight. Try these tummy exercises after pregnancy to firm up that stubborn midsection. 

   

 Now's the time to get those muscles taut and toned by integrating a targeted tummy routine into your exercise plan. Not only will strengthening your abs help your profile, it'll improve circulation and reduce your risk of back problems (including postpartum back pain), varicose veins, leg cramps, ankle and foot swelling, and more.!!!!!!!!!!

ip 1: Keep It Simple

There are lots of tummy exercises after pregnancy that will help you flatten the flab. Basic crunches may be the most, well, basic, but they work. If you haven't done them before (or in the past nine months or so), start slowly and don't push yourself too hard. Begin with pelvic tilts and simple ab contractions: Lie down on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor. Slowly tighten your abs and tilt your pelvis toward your head. Tighten the pelvic floor as you do this (what a great time for some Kegel exercises!).

Tip 2: The Real Deal

Ready for real crunches? With your back on the floor, put your feet on the floor, knees bent, and place your hands behind your neck to support your head. Press your lower back into the floor, then lift your head and shoulders off the ground. Repeat 10–15 times. As you get stronger, add difficulty (lift your feet off the floor during reps, for example) and variations (like tilting your legs to the side and reaching for the opposite knee as you come up to tone the oblique muscles on the sides of your torso). Working different muscles is essential for losing that belly fat after pregnancy.

Tip 3: Recruit an Exercise Buddy

 If you like, you can get your baby into the act, too! Blast your baby fat after pregnancy with a baby bench press: Lie down with legs bent and feet flat on the floor, holding your baby so he's resting on your belly. Inhale and lift your baby skyward, pulling in and contracting your abs at the same time; then exhale and lower your baby. Do as many reps as you can. (Get more tips for exercising with baby).

Tip 4: Stay on the Ball

An exercise ball is another great tool for tummy exercises after pregnancy. Ball crunches work like regular crunches, but you'll be adding the element of balance, which makes your moves a bit more challenging. If crunches just aren't your thing or you want more of an overall workout, try yoga or Pilates, both of which place an emphasis on a strong core. Oh, and don't forget — a sensible diet (like the Postpartum Diet) and regular cardio exercise will help you burn belly fat after pregnancy (and overall fat, too).
  

 

Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding is not only good for your baby, but it is one of the easiest ways to lose the weight after a pregnancy. Producing milk requires that you take in extra calories, but it also burns those extra calories and then some. Essentially, you have to do nothing more than feed your newborn in order to benefit and lose some of that baby weight.