Firm & Tone Your Legs for Strength, Stability & Balance

Every woman wants to have firm, tone sexy legs, while every man wants to have muscular, strong legs.  Our legs are the base support, which hold up the rest of the body. They provide stability, balance, strength, and functionality. Strong leg muscles allow for daily activity such as walking, stepping, lifting, running and sports. We take these simple abilities for granted until we are unable to do them. Therefore by keeping your leg muscles strong, you can support the weight of the body in a functional capacity. Additionally, symmetrical muscle strength in both legs is necessary for healthy neuromuscular activity. Daily leg activity and exercise will keep your legs strong and muscles tone. Read more..

The Best Calf Exercises For Strength & Balance

1. Ankle Circles- Ankle circles can be done sitting or standing. Lift one foot 6 inches off the ground and rotate ankle clockwise, keeping the rest of the leg stationary. Circle 10 times. Then switch and circle counter clockwise for 10 times.
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Learn the Rules of Good Nutrition

Nutrition has evolved over the years just like many other aspects of our lives. Through technology we have been able to discover how nutrition can prevent and even alleviate common health conditions. With all the advancements in technology, the competition to differentiate ones nutritional expertise from the pack have caused the common person to become confused. Conflicting diet plans, nutritional assessments and food choices have led us to become a nation with adult obesity rates of more than 25%, and ever more increasing nutritional related illnesses. Part of the problem is the lack of knowledge about nutrition or too much information, and the other problem is people don’t use the knowledge they have. Most of one’s basic knowledge about nutrition is learned from our parents as we grow up, however this is also how we sometimes learn bad nutritional habits. Understanding the most basic good nutritional rules and implementing them are two different steps. First you must learn the rules to good nutrition and then secondly you can start to slowly implement them into your daily routine. Read more...

Do You Have Weak Ankles?

The ankle is the part of the body that is normally completed neglected when it comes to exercise. Although there are no major muscle groups associated with the ankle, the ligaments and tendons that hold ankle in place need to be kept strong and flexible. The foot and the ankle form the foundation on which the entire body is held up. Therefore it is vital that the muscles, ligaments and tendons within the ankle be kept strong to avoid injury. Read more...

Fill Your Diet With Fat Burning Foods

Dieting and weight loss go hand in hand. Everyone wants to lose weight, however conventional diet and weight loss can be difficult and time consuming. Most people become bored or lose the motivation to stick with their weight loss plans. However, there are ways to augment your weight loss. The object of weight loss is to burn the excess fat off your body. To speed up your weight loss goals you need to target the fat, by including fat burning foods within your diet. Foods that burn fat have a thermogenic effect on the body causing an increased metabolic rate. All foods have a thermic effect on the body because it requires energy to digest it however, not all foods have the same thermic effect. Consume foods with higher thermic effects to boost your metabolism and burn more calories and fat throughout your day. Here you can find a list of fat burning foods to include in your diet. Read more...

What is Detoxification & When Should You Detox

There has been a lot of talk about detoxification, detox diets and whether they are necessary, healthy, or appropriate for the body. Doctors are split over the controversial issue. Alternative medical professionals recommend a detoxification at least once a year especially with the increased concern over toxicity in our food, water, air, medicine and environment.  Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine and herbalism have been using detoxification for thousands of years. However, traditional medical practitioners dispute the reasons for the use of detoxification. They question the scientific basis or benefit behind detoxification because the body is an extraordinary healer with its own system of elimination. Read more...

Top 10 Natural Detox Methods

Detoxification is the elimination of toxic substances from the body. Alternative medicinesAyurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine have used herbs, diet, exercise and supplements for detoxification for over 3,000 years. Although, there are several detox programs, diets and products available on the market today, there are natural ways to detox the body. Herbs, certain foods, and lifestyle can help to naturally detoxify the body on a daily basis. Natural detoxification enhances the bodies own elimination systems to revitalize health, energy, and vigor. So the next time you are feeling bloated, constipated, or fatigued make some of these simple lifestyle and dietary changes to naturally detoxify your body. Read more...

Foods to Detox the Body

As toxicity has become a growing concern within our society the need for detox has grown greater. With newer, stronger chemicals in the air, water, drugs, medications and foods the risk for exposure is much greater than it was in the past. Other factors such as lifestyle also lead to the risk of exposure to pollutants, irritants and toxins. Food plays a major role in the body’s ability to eliminate toxins and chemicals. The body requires essential nutrients through food, supplements or vitamins to maintain metabolic balance. However, a poor diet that consists of foods with additives, flavor enhancers, food coloring, artificial preservatives, and refined and processed foods can compromise the body’s ability to eliminate unnecessary chemicals. Fresh and organically grown foods help to cleanse and detoxify the body. Food that is rich in fiber, high in water content and full of vitamins and minerals all help to eliminate impurities. Detoxifying foods stimulate excretion of toxic chemicals and replace them with nutrients that the body needs to restore health. When you have digestive problems, constipation, a distended stomach or sluggish elimination, look at your diet and replace fast food, soda and empty calorie snacks with these detoxifying foods. Read more...

The Difference Between Herbs and Spices For Detoxing

Naturopathic medicine has been using detoxification for over 3000 years. Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native Americans, and folk medicine all use herbs and spices for medicinal and detoxification purposes. Herbs and spices are the primary detox supplements used to cleanse the body of toxins. During detoxification herbs and spices aid the bodies natural elimination systems. The bodies natural elimination system includes the liver, urinary system, digestive system, skin and lungs. Herbs and spices can be classified by the organ or system for which it works upon once it enters the body. There are a variety of ways that herbs and spices can be consumed to help cleanse the body of toxins. The difference between herbs and spices is that herbs are the leafy, green part of plants and spices come from the dried seeds, fruit, root, bark and vegetative substance. All spices are herbs however not all herbs are spices. Both herbs and spices can be added to foods, consumed alone, made into a tea or concoction or applied with oil. When used in detoxing the body, herbs and spices have different properties such as nutritive, rejuvenative, alterative, demulcent, antioxidant, antifungal, laxative, diuretic, antiseptic, expectorants, diaphoretic and cholagogue. Here you can find a list of herbs and how they act upon the bodies systems. Read more...

The Signs & Symptoms of An Asthma Attack

Asthma is an incurable disease that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breath. The muscles within the bronchi spasm, causing tightening around the airways. As the airway narrows it makes it difficult to breathe especially breathe out. Asthma can affect all ages, from kids all the way to adulthood. There are two types of asthma, which ultimately determines the cause of it. Asthma attacks can occur at anytime, any place and for any reason without any precursor. An asthma attack begins by three changes within the lungs, bronchospasms, inflammation and mucus production. These changes stimulate a chain reaction, which bring about the symptoms of an asthma attack. Everyone who experiences or has experienced an asthma attack have different frequency and severity of their symptoms. Read more...

What You Should Know About the Medications For Asthma

When someone is diagnosed with asthma it is customary for the doctor and patient to put an action plan into place to eliminate triggers, prescribe treatment and ultimately control asthma symptoms. Being able to control asthma will prevent chronic symptoms of asthma such as coughing and wheezing, reduce the occurrence and frequency of attacks and maintain normal activity levels in daily life. Because there is no cure for asthma and in some instances of asthma there is no identified cause, medication is necessary to treat, prevent and control the symptoms of the disease. The type of medication is determined upon the patient’s age, symptoms, triggers, and what makes the asthma better. Not all medications work on every individual especially since more than a quarter of people who suffer with asthma are children. Therefore determining the right type of prescription will be a task that both the doctor and patient will have to develop together. Read more...

Herbs to Reduce Asthma Symptoms

Asthma causes symptoms of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Due to the fact that asthma is incurable, treatment will be needed throughout life. Modern treatment includes long-term control medication as well as rescue treatments such as inhalers. However, for thousands of years herbs have been used in Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine  and by the Native Americans to reduce inflammation, open the airways, decrease congestion and relieve the symptoms of asthma. Since

stress can be a trigger for an asthma attack, many of the herbs that treat stress  will also help to treat asthma and vice versa. These herbs relax the body, which reduces airway constriction and also decreases the incidence of asthma attacks. In addition to the herbs listed below lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, passionflower, oats, ginseng, gotu kola, angelica, cocoa, coffee, ginger, licorice root, parsley, elderberry, and eucalyptus have had beneficial effects on the respiratory system for treating asthma. Read more...

Spices to Cleanse & Detoxify the Body

Spices were originally developed in the Middle East and herbs later on in East Asia. Early uses of spices and herbs included magic, medicine, religion, tradition, and preservation. Spices were originally used by the upper class and nobles, however, it wasn’t long before spices became part of the barter system and used as currency. This is how spices moved around from country to country and eventually made it to Europe and the America’s.  Read more...

Botox, the Temporary Quick Fix for Wrinkles

Botox is one of the newer forms of cosmetic surgery, which is practiced in today’s society. Cosmetic botox is relatively new compared to other facial cosmetic surgeries such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, chin surgery, nasal reconstruction and lip enhancement. Unlike these procedures, botox is minimally invasive and non-surgical. Cosmetic botox is a relatively short procedure with no recovery time. More and more people are turning to botox because it has quick results, which last a decent amount of time. So what is botox and why has it become the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure preformed by plastic surgeons? Read more...

The True Benefits of Pilates

Pilates is a form of physical fitness that has had a resurgence over the past decade. Joseph Pilates of Germany originally developed Pilates in the early 20th century. Described as ‘contrology’, Pilates is similar to corrective exercise or medical gymnastics where the mind controls muscle movement. Pilates is a great form of exercise for a wide range of people. That is why Pilates has quickly become one of the most popular exercise programs in the country. Read more...

10 Acne Free Skin Tips For Everyday Life

Acne is one of those pesky little problems that shows up especially when you don’t want it to. Most people spend a lot of time and money to keep pimples from popping up but it doesn’t always stop them.  Because acne has several causes and not everyone experiences the same type of acne, it makes it difficult to completely eliminate acne from occurring. The acne industry is continually growing due to its frequent occurrence. Acne products and treatments are widely available and used. However, what if there was another way to keep your skin clear of acne. Diet, lifestyle, habit, and skin care all contribute to acne free skin. Follow these tips to reduce your acne outbursts and keep your skin looking young and beautiful.  Read more...

The Fundamentals of Pilates Warm ups

 As a beginner to Pilates it is necessary to learn the basic fundamental movements that form the basis for classic Pilates exercises. Understanding each position is necessary for your safety and precision to be able to progress to more advanced Pilates exercises. These are the basic movements, which develop core strength and flexibility. From these basic positions you establish torso stability, pelvic stability, engaging the abdominals, proper alignment of the spine, and an increased range of motion. Pilates is functional fitness, which allows for better posture and movement in your daily life.  All of these fundamental Pilates movements start from a neutral position of the spine where you are lying with your back on a mat. During the fundamentals of Pilates you begin to develop a sequential breathing, which allows you to flow through each exercise. The breathing rhythm is vital to the precision of each exercise and to get an overall benefit from each movement. These fundamental exercises can be used as a warm up for more advanced Pilates or other types of exercise programs as well. Read more...

Relieve Neck Pain

   Neck and back pain can have a debilitating effect on someone’s life. No one likes to experience pain however when it occurs the main goal is to make it stop as soon as possible. According to the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) neck pain is the 3^rd most common type of pain experienced in the US today. Almost 2/3 of the population will experience some form of neck pain in their lifetime. Read more...

What is Constipation?

Constipation is one of those problems that most people experience at some point in their life but rarely talk about.  It is most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States. Most often than not constipation affects women and the elderly, however everyone is susceptible to have constipation. Constipation is a symptom of disorder of bowel function, which makes bowel movements infrequent and difficult. Most often constipation is a temporary problem however there is a small percentage of cases where constipation can lead to more serious problems. Read more...

Prevent Constipation in Everyday Life

Constipation can be an awkward, embarrassing problem, even though most of the population will experience it at one point throughout their life. Most cases of constipation are not serious and can be prevented and alleviated through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. In more serious cases constipation persists, so it is necessary to consult your doctor to evaluate your condition. Read more...

Motivate Yourself to Start Exercising with These Reasons to Run

Running is one of those activities that you either love or hate. However even if you don’t like to run, it should be part of your daily exercise regiment. Running is one of the top cardiovascular exercises. It is great for your body, mind and spirit. Here are the reasons you need to get motivated to start running. Read more...

Don't Be Intimidated By Working Out

Losing weight is a difficult process. It requires motivation, determination and the will power. Starting an exercise routine can be intimidating, especially for people who have never worked out or are overweight or obese. When first starting to exercise you may be encompassed by feelings of fear, lack of confidence, hopelessness or negativity. Being afraid of looking stupid while exercising is a very common feeling. Additionally, mot people who are obese have negative self-images of themselves, which causes a lack of confidence and feelings of despair when trying to lose weight.  These feelings can lead to a fear of trying something new, especially in regards to exercise, working out and sports. Read more...

Feed Your Skin to Nourish From the Inside Out

Want fabulous looking skin? Of course you do, who doesn’t. The best way to do it is to nourish the skin from the inside out. The beauty industry has told us to apply skin products onto the skin, nourishing from the outside in. Although some nutrients soak into the skin, with different environmental and lifestyle factors the skin care products become ineffective.  That’s why it’s important to put foods for healthy skin on your plate everyday. Everything you eat becomes a part of your body. The healthier the food you consume, the better your body and your skin will look. By eating a balanced diet you can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, prevent acne, improve your skin texture and complexion and have beautiful, glowing youthful skin. Feed your skin these foods to have clearer, smoother, younger looking skin. Read more...

Herbal Laxatives to Treat Constipation

Constipation is a gastrointestinal problem that affects almost everyone at some point in his or her life. Constipation causes painful or difficult bowel movements. When you experience constipation, initially reducing pain and eliminating hardened or dried stool from the bowels is the first objective. Laxatives, stool softeners, and colon cleanses are widely available for possible treatment of constipation. However, the use of these products can have severe side effects as well as a risk of colon dependency. Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years for all different types of diseases, conditions and symptoms. Herbal remedies are available to relieve constipation. There are three types of herbal laxatives used to treat constipation- a bulking agent, mild laxative, and purgative or stimulant. Read more...

Are You Battling Fatigue?

Do you work too much? Are you stressed out and don’t have any time for yourself? Or maybe you have late nights studying and cramming for exams? Maybe you are bored or depressed by life because you are under stimulated. All of these situations are a normal result of fatigue. Everyone experiences fatigue at some point in his or her lifetime. However, fatigue is one of the leading symptoms expressed in today’s medical settings. Fatigue is increasingly becoming more common due to the fast paced, high stress environments that we live in. Couple that with an unhealthy diet of high fat foods and limited amounts of exercise and fatigue will creep up on you rather quickly. Read more...

Why Are You Fatigued?

Fatigue is a common symptom that everyone experiences at some point in his or her life. About 20% of Americans experience fatigue daily that interferes with their daily life. More and more people are presenting in the hospitals, at their doctors office and in walk in clinics with fatigue as their main symptom. There are so many causes of fatigue that pinpointing the exact cause can sometime be long and scrutinizing. In addition to aspects of daily life, prescription medications and diseases, conditions, and disorders both physical and psychological can cause symptoms of fatigue. General fatigue can be treated with home remedies, rest and relaxation, however if your symptoms do not get better within a week its best to consult a doctor to determine if there is an underlying reason that may be causing your fatigue. Here is a list of the most common causes of fatigue and recommendations on how you should proceed. Read more...

Foods To Relieve Constipation

If you have ever experienced constipation, which most people have at some point in their life, you know that it can be painful, embarrassing and uncomfortable. What most people don’t realize is that an unhealthy diet that lacks water and fiber can cause the slow, sluggish elimination that causes constipation. Therefore a healthy balanced diet can actually relieve and prevent constipation from occurring. Read more...

Home Remedies For The Treatment Of Fatigue

Whatever is causing your fatigue the number one best way to cure your symptoms is to rest. Physical and mental fatigue can be relieved through physical rest and relaxation. This gives your body and mind time to recuperate from the strain, tiredness, weariness, and exhaustion that it is going through. Although, resting is your first choice for treating and curing fatigue, the time is not always available, especially in today’s busy lifestyle. Therefore, there are some additional home remedies that are quick, inexpensive and you are able to do them at home to relieve your fatigue. Read more...

Nutraceuticals- Nutritional Supplements for the 21st Century

Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine.” Over the past several decades, nutritional supplementation has developed as a new and exciting part of the health industry. Even though modern nutraceuticals began to develop in the 1980’s, nutraceuticals have been around for thousands of years. Such cultures as Indian, Egyptian, Chinese, Sumerian and Ayurvedic suggest that foods can be used as medicine to prevent and treat disease.  Nutraceuticals have been become an $86 billion industry that is constantly growing. About 2/3 of Americans take at least 1 type of nutraceutical. With the increase in our populations focus on health and wellness, the focus has shifted from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals. Americans actually prefer nutraceuticals because they are effective without the extensive side effects that pharmaceutical drugs provide. Read more...

Look No Further For A Natural Asthma Treatment

Asthma is an airway condition that has rapidly increased in prevalence over the last couple of decades. This may be due to the increase in pollution, toxins and triggers in our environment. However, with the increase in prevalence there is an increased motivation to find treatments to relieve and cure asthma. Presently asthma is incurable and treated by medications and pharmaceuticals that are required for the rest of the patient’s life. Conventional medicine although effective at reducing inflammation and temporarily dilating the airways, has a potential risk for side effects. Additionally, there is no long-term solution with bronchodilators and asthma inhalers.  In the search to cure asthma, natural and alternative approaches are being broached to relieve and eliminate symptoms, frequency and progression of this disorder. Some of the alternative treatments that are showing benefits include breathing exercises, diet, exercise, homeopathy, vitamin and herbal supplementation, acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, and biofeedback. Read more...

Understanding How to Exercise Your Calves

 

The calf makes up the lower half of the leg below the knee and above the ankle. The calf is made up of two large muscles in the back of the leg called the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The front of the lower leg encompasses the tibialis anterior muscle. Without knowledge of the calf anatomy it can be difficult to exercise the lower leg and achieve your desired outcome. When the calf is weak it can cause difficulty with balancing which can lead to instability and increased risk of injury to the ankle. Additionally weakened calves lead to eventual immobility. Read more...