InexpensiveTools for Health and Weight Loss Success

We all can use some toys, *ahem*, tools to help us in our quest for health and weight loss...but knowing what products are worth it, are safe, give you results can be a challenge...and then there's the cost.

Well...one of my favorite stores, Gaiam, is offering a sale and I wanted to give you a heads up! (Don't you just love a sale???)

If you aren't familiar with Gaiam, here are some of the reasons I love them:

Loads of cool Fitness Products from clothes & shoes to exercise equipment
Oodles of Health Products whether you are looking for pain relief, massage, alternative therapies
Variety of product types--videos, books, hard-to-find products
Environmentally conscious Green Products (recycled or natural elements= low impact on the earth)

Now through next Monday (July 26) Gaiam is having a sale on a variety of items that will help you reach your health and fitness and weight loss success goals...here's some of my favorites:

Yoga kit for beginners...includes a mat, block, strap and workout DVD by yoga guru Rodney Yee. This mat is different because it is marked to help you know where to put your feet and hands during poses...awesome for beginners when you can't have a teacher right there correcting your position! Fitting with the Refuse to Diet theory, these workouts are geared to be 20 minutes in length so ANYONE can fit it in to their schedule. Sale price for the kit is $12.98 (that's about what I paid for my basic yoga years ago!) A small price to pay for a great tool that can help you get in some great exercise and vary your routine...which is one of the best ways to meet your fitness and weight loss goals.

"CorePlus Reformer" this piece of equipment simulates the workout you'd get with a Pilates reformer...developed in conjunction with Pilates pro Mari Winsor (Winsor Pilates anyone?) you get the reformer and instructional DVD...note, they're telling me inventory is limited on this one, so hurry if you want the benefits of a Pilates workout in your own home...for under $30!!! Small and easy to pack you can take this with you on vacation or business trips.

Adjustable Yoga Sandals help stabilize and align your body and also stretch your feet and toes (if you have any toes that touch or cross over this can help but note it may take a little getting used to!) This is another Limited Inventory item and at only $32 I can see why!

Deep Penetrating Light Therapy OK, this is a bit pricier...but if you have health issues like depression, muscle or joint pain this RED and infrared light therapy machine may be the ticket...the light goes deep into the tissue and stimulates endorphins (those feel good chemicals) which helps block pain. The light also stimulates cell regeneration which can reduce wrinkles...less pain AND fewer wrinkles? Sounds good to me. Normally $369 but use the code "JULYSAVINGS" and get $30 off! BTW...this is FDA approved...and can be used on your face, arms, legs...we all want to look as youthful as possible and if aches and pains are keeping you from moving your body (pain is one of my biggest weight loss challenges!) this could be just the ticket.

Wooden Drying Rack I debated whether to include this...after all it really won't help you lose weight...but I love mine and you can save $10 so I thought what the heck...it saves energy and space...I get to dry clothes in a compact space and not have them shrink...AND they don't wear out as fast as when you put them in the drier so I save money that way too. Remember to use the code "JULYSAVINGS" when checking out

Not sure what you want, go to Gaiam and look to see what other deals they have...you'll see my BalanceBall Chair on the cover (among other things) but remember, this sale ends MONDAY!

Did I tell you, be sure to use the code "JULYSAVINGS" at checkout? That way you get the best deal so don't forget...and share the savings by telling a friend...maybe a new workout buddy? Then come back and tell us what you got and how you like it...

Too Much Exercise Can Stop Weight Loss Success

I know this goes against conventional wisdom...but lots of "conventional wisdom" is not wise--as in, not true.

My own personal experience has proven to me that working out more does not necessarily result in weight loss...or even fat loss...but recently that theory has been supported by others so I wanted to share that with you.

I watched The Ellen DeGeneres Show the other day...I Tivo it, so don't ask me what day it actually aired! One of the guests was Jason Bateman. Jason is now 40 and was mentioning that he runs 6 miles a day and still isn't the weight he would like to be.

Hmmm. Is the answer to give up? Is the answer to run more? Is the answer different exercise?

Well, it is definitely not either of the first two! Exercise is great for our bodies and our minds, even when it doesn't appear to be getting us to our weight loss goals. And if you enjoy running, then run by all means. As for me, I don't enjoy running. Well, that is a massive understatement. I don't mind a short trot to the car or mail box...things like that...but actually running??? For exercise? Yuck. Double Yuck.

Whether you like running or not, the answer is NOT to increase the distance or time you are running.

Sometimes you can be getting too much exercise...or at least, too much of a particular type of exercise.

There are (at least) two different schools of thought about what is the best exercise for dropping fat. One group claims that cardio (or aerobic exercise) is the way to go. The other claims that strength training is the best way.

It really isn't an either or situation. Like most things, there is no one perfect answer for each and every body. But in general, a variety of exercise is the best for overall health. Some aerobic and some strengthening as well as stretching is going to be the best solution for long-term health and fitness...including weight loss success!

Brett Blumenthal wrote in her blog on Sept 24 a great article that supports that yes, you can overdo the cardio. I love the title "Ma'am, step away from the treadmill!"

In it, Brett supports my findings..."there is no need to do more than 30 minutes of cardio...when you workout" and she continues "If you are trying to lose weight, yet you aren't seeing results, it may be because of too much cardio."

What happened to me, and happens to a lot of people--especially overweight people who are trying to lose weight fast--is we get injured. This can happen from too much cardio and from not stretching properly before--AND AFTER--your cardio session. Especially if you are extremely overweight you need to be careful about your workouts. You will have faster success if you take it slow and build up your strength and energy rather than getting hurt because you pushed too hard. One injury, even a "minor" sprain can set you back for weeks and really derail your progress.

The other issue most of us run across is getting bored. So, if Jason enjoys running 6 miles a day and it feeds his spirit, awesome! But if you don't like it, or you are bored at the thought of running (or walking) over and over every day be sure to mix it up.

The best exercise for weight loss is a routine you can keep up. That means have FUN! Do something you enjoy. Add some variety to your workout. Yes, get some cardio and by all means get some weight training in...and some stretching.

You don't have to do it all every day. And you don't have to be an expert at it.

Start where YOU are. Do what YOU are capable of. Then increase it a little bit every week. The key is to move your body...be more active...and have fun while you are doing it and you will have weight loss success!

Getting Stronger

What can you do to create more strength...without building huge muscles, without pumping iron and without taking a lot of time?

Here are a couple easy, no cost (or free) tips on building strength...

Take a 2 cans from the pantry...try soup cans at first. If they are too heavy, try cans of tuna. Hold the cans while you are doing some bounce and shake exercises or walking or dancing around the house. Or hold them while you stretch and reach. If cans aren't comfortable try water bottles. You can increase the size of the cans or water bottles as long as you can comfortably hold them in your hands.

Isometric exercises: squeeze the muscle and hold for a count of ten and then release. These are great for post-surgery and beginning to get back into condition. Isometric exercises focus on specific muscles rather than an overall conditioning.

Clench your thighs, calves, butt muscles and even your abdomen while seated at your chair, or on the couch, or lying on the bed. If you don't scrunch up your face you can even do it at work and no one will be the wiser!

Arms require a bit more obvious motion--so reserve them for break time if you are at work. Easy to do while watching television though, take advantage of a commercial break or two--bend your elbows, place your palms together and press them together. Start with them at chest height. Do a couple sets there and then move up to shoulder height, face high, and over the head. Final squeeze is with arms straight squeezing against your head. Repeat the process on the way down.