If you have experienced a massage session, you already know the wonders that a great massage can have on your mind and body. You know the complete feeling of health and relaxation that pervades your entire being. You know the calm that pervades the entire therapy room. And you know the subtle healing music that gently eases your tension.
With the holidays fast approaching, many of us will start thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. Without a doubt, ‘lose weight’ and ‘become a healthier and happier person’ will top the list. Unfortunately, many of us will never take that first step toward our goals. We just don’t have the general knowledge about health and fitness. We know what we want, to lose 5 pounds, learn to laugh more, etc., but we don’t know the best and safest way to achieve those goals.
What if we had 5 simple ideas that would get us on the path to a healthier life? Would we use those tools? We are smart enough to realize that there is no magic pill or secret weapon against disease, but are we practical enough to realize what will solve many of our health problems?
Below are 5 tools you can use to take the first step toward a healthier and happier holiday season. While they may not reveal much of a secret, they do provide the complete foundation of health.
Tool 1- Strength training
Each pound of muscle burns 35 to 50 calories per day. Adding lean muscle mass is the best way to jump-start your metabolism, fight osteoporosis, and maintain fat reduction.
Tool 2- Cardio
Cardio strengthens our heart and lungs. Anything that gets your heart pumping will do: walking, jogging, running, dancing, swimming, biking, or cleaning the house. Cardio should be done at different levels of intensity and time.
Tool 3- Nutrition
Nutrition is often the hardest part of becoming a healthier you. We just forget how to eat well in our culture. We need to eat protein, carbohydrates, and fat to maintain our way of life. Cut one of the three outs and imbalances will occur.
Tool 4- Rest
Rest is not a luxury. it is a necessity. We must eat well every day and we must exercise 5-6 times a week. The remaining 1-2 days are to rest. Our muscles need time to rebuild and repair themselves.
Tool 5- Massage
Massage is extremely beneficial. Massage can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and partially compensate for lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It can also speed up and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.
Engaging in a positive program of strength training, cardio, nutrition, rest, and massage will result in a tremendous increase in health. There is no magic bullet. Just simple and effective tools to create the life we want. Make a promise to yourself right now. Try to use the above tools consistently and to the best of your ability for 4 weeks. You will look great and feel amazing.
Copyright 2005 strength-training-woman.com