Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Stretch anywhere anytime Fifth Avenue Stretch


Stretch anywhere anytime

On a recent trip to the Big Apple, I was conversing with my taxi cab driver. A student working his way through school, I asked him if he had any back pain since he was sitting for so long each day between driving and the classroom. As he described his discomfort, I felt obliged to show him a few exercises to help stretch his lower body and ease the tension in his low back. So we pulled over on Fifth Avenue near Central Park.
(Stretches should be held for 10-30 seconds to improve circulation and release tight connective tissue 3-4 times each day if possible or as traffic allows. Repeat each stretch on both sides)

Lunge Triangle Stretch
This exercise releases the back of the thighs and rotator muscles of the core. Start with one foot on the bumper with knee slightly bent. Stretch forward and then rotate the waist and reach toward the sky with one arm.

Stretch anywhere anytime Fifth Avenue Stretch


Stretch anywhere anytime

On a recent trip to the Big Apple, I was conversing with my taxi cab driver. A student working his way through school, I asked him if he had any back pain since he was sitting for so long each day between driving and the classroom. As he described his discomfort, I felt obliged to show him a few exercises to help stretch his lower body and ease the tension in his low back. So we pulled over on Fifth Avenue near Central Park.
(Stretches should be held for 10-30 seconds to improve circulation and release tight connective tissue 3-4 times each day if possible or as traffic allows. Repeat each stretch on both sides. )

Low back lunge stretch
This exercise releases tension on the lower back by opening up the muscles in the front of the thighs. Place one foot on the bumper and bend front knee. Press hips forward to feel the stretch in the front of the thighs and lower back.

Stretch anywhere anytime Fifth Avenue Stretch


Stretch anywhere anytime

On a recent trip to the Big Apple, I was conversing with my taxi cab driver. A student working his way through school, I asked him if he had any back pain since he was sitting for so long each day between driving and the classroom. As he described his discomfort, I felt obliged to show him a few exercises to help stretch his lower body and ease the tension in his low back. So we pulled over on Fifth Avenue near Central Park.
(Stretches should be held for 10-30 seconds to improve circulation and release tight connective tissue 3-4 times each day if possible or as traffic allows. Repeat each stretch on both sides. )

Bumper Cross Leg stretch
This exercise eases tension in the hips which can pull on the lower back.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Get healthy! Get in Shape-ups! Get Naked!

Strip away your excuses and audition for NBC Fitness team member, Andrea Metcalf’s Naked Fitness Challenge on May 3rd, 3-8pm NBC Tower, 454 N Columbus Drive, Chicago!

We will select 30 lucky participants to participate in this FREE four week lifestyle change program sponsored by SKECHERS Shape-ups. Shape-ups help you get more out of each step with their unique rocker bottom and kinetic wedge that cushion and comfort yet provide an unstable feeling that engages muscles -- creating toned and firmed calves, thighs, buttocks and abs. After wearing them for just a few short weeks, your posture will improve, you will feel firmer and your jeans may be looser. Participants will be expected to walk two hours each day.

Participants will compete for a Nordic Trak Treadmill from Sears based on the most body weight percentage lost; tie breaker to anthropemetric measurements in case of a tie.
All 30 participants will receive a pair of SKECHERS Shape-ups shoes to help improve their walking, posture and overall tone. The Shape-ups will make activities, regardless of how big or small, more challenging.

The program is designed to get you moving, get into your best posture alignment and help you eat the right foods to have a new outlook on you! Participants must be
at least 30 pounds overweight
in general good health*
willing to follow the program guidelines to the best of their ability
willing to appear on the web, on air, and on site for promotional appearances
write a short follow up essay on program and sponsor items as requested
able to attend all four weekly meetings: Thursdays May 6, 13, 30, and 27th at 7:30 - 8:30pm and be at the NBC Health U Expo on both June 5th and 6th from noon -3pm.

*if selected participants will need to provide proof of doctor’s medical consent.

“Shape-ups really work.” says Fitness expert Andrea Metcalf. “They feature a rocker bottom to promote core stability. They have a dual density midsole which mimics the muscles that work while walking in sand engaging more lower body calorie burn and have a higher step clearance to work the back side hip extension to full range of motion.” In other words, they will help you shave inches off your waistline when used with the Naked Fitness healthy lifestyle program.

The Public is invited to view and listen to the amazing results of the participants in this group at Navy Pier for the NBC Healthy U Challenge on June 5th and 6th. Winner will be announced on June 6th at 2pm.


THE NAKED FITNESS CHALLENGE, SPONSORED BY SKECHERS SHAPE UPS.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Exhale Spa is offering promotions for eath day!

Exhale Spa is offering promotions for eath day!

Posted using ShareThis

Re-wearable workout gear inspires global reach


In honor of Earth Day, I have been looking for interesting products that inspire ‘GREEN” exercise. Green Exercise connects people to nature in their local areas and is one of the most cost-effective ways of improving the nation's physical and mental well-being. Exercise clothing made from 100% natural fibers like cotton or wool are a wonderful way to Green your routine! Wool, although thought of as scratchy or itchy couldn’t be farther from the truth with ICEBREAKER workout apparel. ( link to website www.icebreaker.com )
From eco friendly packaging, eliminating plastic wrappers and opting for recycled cardboard and paper, wool offers an odor free, high performance product base. A structural framework of 3% LYCRA® enables Icebreaker to use exceptionally fine merino yarn to create a fabric ideally suited for running, cycling and other high-aerobic sports. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which have a rigid fibre structure, Icebreaker GT base layers are light, fluid, and mold to the body while it’s in action.
The finer yarns keep athletes cool and dry while they’re performing at their peak.

Merino is light, breathable, odor resistant, soft and non-itch, and keeps the body at an even temperature, while LYCRA® provides shape retention and stretch. The combination of fine merino fibres and LYCRA® has created a base layer that fits like a second skin.

Equally impressive is their BAA code system whereby you can track the evolution of the wool worn right next to your skin from the New Zealand farm and family that brought it to your door. This BAA code allows the consumer engagement globally with the people, places and animals bringing us all a little closer together.

Andrea Metcalf encourages people to live a healthy, green lifestyle. For more information check out her Green Your Routine workout tips on www.andreametcalf.com

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Q & A on cardio before or after weight training


QUESTION:
Andrea,

I received your email that stated if you have a health or fitness question
to email this address. So, I have a fitness question. I am working on
burning fat and building muscle. Usually I alternate every other day
between aerobic and weight lifting. For example, on Monday I run on the
treadmill, on Tuesday I workout chest and biceps/triceps, on Wednesday I run
on the treadmill, on Thursday I workout my legs with weights, Friday I run
on the treadmill, and Saturday I may lift weights to work on shoulders and
back. This is my plan, but I do miss days here and there. My question is
that if I want to change things up and get an aerobic workout and a muscle
building workout on the same day, is it better to run on the treadmill first
then lift weights, or to lift weights first then run on the treadmill? Any
advice would be appreciated.

DW

ANSWER FROM FITNESS EXPERT, ANDREA METCALF:
Good for you DAVE that you have a game plan... That's the first step. If you want to do cardio and weights on the same day, unless you are a body builder, it will not matter very much which you do first. Weight training will deplete muscle glycogen and then move onto the fat stores for fuel, so weight training first for a body builder is a better option. But if you cannot get into the gym that often, it's better to interval train--- meaning alternate your weight training with cardio... You'll burn more calories in less time and get benefits from both cardio & strength.

Sparkling wine with a twist!


Who would have thought of serving up sparkling wine by Chandon with bloody Mary mix or lime juice. This morning I met with Chandon vineyards from Napa Valley to see their updated version of adding a kittle sparkle to the morning. although this is surely an indulgence, adding these simple recipes to your next brunch or girlfriend get together is a nice low calorie treat.

Recipes:
Bellini
Chandon Blanc Classic and Peach purée
Chandon Sunrise
Chandon Rose, Vanilla Agave nectar, and splash of orange juice

Checkout www.chandon.com for more recipes and inspiration