Wednesday, April 16, 2014

What's your motivation for staying fit this spring?

The myth that people generally stay more in shape during spring and summer weather proves itself true once again. During the past few days, spring weather came our way. Loads of people were outside, enjoying the nice weather and getting rid of their cabin fever that's been building since the beginning of winter. Instead of driving, people are now out walking and biking to their destinations. Groups are hanging out with their friends outside, playing backyard games like badminton and bean bag. Believe it or not, these seemingly minor activities promote physical activity. With shorts and bikini weather coming, being in shape is what many strive for. What will be your motivation for staying fit this spring?

 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Plank Jacks- How To

Target Muscles:

  • Abs
  • Shoulders
  • Hip Flexors
  • Calves

Steps:

1.   Begin in plank position either on your elbows or with straight arms.

 
2.   Using your toes, jump slightly so your legs are spread apart a little wider than shoulder width.
 
3.   Again, using your toes, jump slightly to bring your legs back together.
 
 
4.   Completing steps 1-3 equals one rep. Complete 3 sets of about 10-15 reps for an ample cardio and strength workout. 
 
 

 
 



Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Berries, Almonds, and Cinnamon- What are the benefits?

A few berries a day, particularly blueberries, can boost your health, mood, and overall fitness ability. They're proven to be heart-healthy, stress reducing, and give your figure that boost you've been looking for. How do they do this? Simply because of their color. The rich pigments in these fruits are high in antioxidants which help keep your mood up, keep your heart free of the bad types of cholesterol, and repair muscle tissue, fast, to get you ready for the next training day.

What about Almonds? They're packed with vitamins, protein and antioxidants that aid your body in muscle recovery, and are proven to help burn fat. Because they're packed with protein, they help you feel full longer, making for the perfect snack!

Don't forget about the Cinnamon. A pinch of cinnamon is tasty and adds that sweet kick to otherwise boring foods. But is taste the only thing cinnamon has going for it? It actually lowers and regulates blood sugar levels as well as boosts your metabolism.

So try this healthy snack: mix some blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries with some almonds and a pinch of cinnamon. Yum!


Sunday, February 16, 2014

Welcome guys, I'm Mary!

I'm obsessed with fitness and an overall healthy lifestyle. I like getting and sharing tips on exercises and healthy foods to eat that work with your workouts. For me, getting new creative ideas on say, meal preparation or how to go about a workout helps with motivation. Who likes to do the same boring thing? Not many people! Hopefully Healthy and Fit gives motivation to stay on track, and gives readers tips on what foods are good to eat and the tastiest ways to prepare them.