100 Reasons to Exercise...NOW!

Tweet

As in NOW and NOT tomorrow or the next day. I need this list to inspire me to get back into exercising. I've been procastinating lately and if there are a hundred of reasons to exercise I can also come up with a hundred and one (101) not to or skip it for another time. 

Let me share this article I read in Yahoo, may it inspire us to get back into action.

100 Reasons to Exercise Now

1.    Because it makes you feel confident
2.    Because it helps you get stronger
3.    Because exercise helps combat depression
4.    Because you'll feel proud of yourself
5.    Because you have goals you want to reach
6.    Because you'll feel bad if you don't
7.    Because you want to move forward, not backward
8.    Because it burns more calories than not working out
9.    Because it improves your heart health
10.  Because you want a great butt
11.  Because it prevents diabetes
12.  Because you want to be a good example to your kids
13.  Because you want to feel good in your clothes
14.  Because it reduces your risk of cancer
15.  Because your body was made to move
16.  Because you want to be an athlete
17.  Because you want to look better
18.  Because it lifts your mood
19.  Because you want to stand taller
20.  Because it reduces back pain
21.  Because it feels good
22.  Because it makes you feel accomplished
23.  Because you spend most of your day on your butt
24.  Because swimsuit season is always coming
25.  Because strong is the new skinny
26.  Because dieting only works so much
27.  Because it strengthens your bones, too
28.  Because it helps you lose weight
29.  Because it allows you to eat more food
30.  Because it's the best way to spend "me" time
31.  Because it helps you de-stress
32.  Because it's cheaper than therapy
33.  Because you want a strong core
34.  Because you want to take care for yourself
35.  Because you take pride in your body
36.  Because it strengthens your legs
37.  Because it helps your clothes fit better
38.  Because you want to push yourself
39.  Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
40.  Because moving your body feels good
41.  Because it keeps your mind sharp
42.  Because it helps you beat belly bloat
43.  Because it helps you sleep better at night
44.  Because it gives you energy
45.  Because you want to stay healthy as you age
46.  Because you want to look younger
47.  Because you want toned arms
48.  Because it improves your balance
49.  Because it burns off last night's dessert
50.  Because it boosts your immune system
51.  Because sweat is sexy
52.  Because you want to live longer
53.  Because you want to get better at your game
54.  Because you want to catch someone's eye
55.  Because exercisers earn more money
56.  Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise
57.  Because you want to shave time off your running pace
58.  Because you want to breathe easier
59.  Because you want to see the scale drop
60.  Because exercise improves your sex life
61.  Because you are worth it
62.  Because being fit makes everything in life better
63.  Because you promised yourself that you would
64.  Because you deserve a better life
65.  Because it'll help you drink more water
66.  Because you want to do real push-ups
67.  Because it reduces your health care costs
68.  Because you'll miss fewer days of work
69.  Because you want to create a new future for yourself
70.  Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror
71.  Because it makes clothing shopping more fun
72.  Because you want to look and feel incredible
73.  Because exercising can be fun
74.  Because it'll give your skin a glow
75.  Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends
76.  Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread
77.  Because it reduces your blood pressure
78.  Because you don't want to let yourself go
79.  Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
80.  Because it strengthens your spirit
81.  Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself
82.  Because you'll be able to reward yourself
83.  Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
84.  Because you're tired of being tired
85.  Because not working out is not going to get you very far
86.  Because it's a great way to spend time outside
87.  Because you made a commitment to yourself
88.  Because you're tired of starting over
89.  Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
90.  Because you're not a quitter
91.  Because it improves your cholesterol
92.  Because it boosts your metabolism
93.  Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
94.  Because if you can do this, you can do anything
95.  Because a fit body is a healthy body
96.  Because it beats sitting on the couch
97.  Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
98.  Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
99.  Because not working out isn't working out for you
100.Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip

Fit Foods

Tweet

Fit Foods

be healthier…

be fit…

I am starting an internal meme here at Fit N Fab, but you are most welcome to join anytime. This will be Fit Foods where I’ll feature foods that are healthy and nutritious.

So if we develop this healthy eating habit, eventually it will result a more fit and sexier you (and me!).

---

I am no guru on healthy eating as a matter of fact I fail on my dieting more than I can count of. I usually go for the fad diets and stop after a few days, that’s why I ended up gaining weight instead of losing those stubborn pounds. I suck big time.

And now I am trying again with “healthy eating” mindset and not just dieting. Coupled with exercise I might be able to reach my goals this time.

I blog these so I’ll be motivated and ashamed if I fall into temptation (which I always do). So I try to eat as much healthy foods while I can (weekdays) and still binge from time to time (like weekends).

It's been a month?!...

Tweet

It's been a month?

It's been a month!

It's been a month...

I have 3 emotions for my month-long gym experience.

First, a disbelief because I have actually kept my schedule of 3 to 4x a week work out sessions. I easily get bored and downright lazy so for me to religously do it is something new.

Second, a celebratory mood, yey I've done something to be proud of. I've lost a few pounds and felt my clothes loosen a bit (or is it just my imagination?)

Third, a doubt, am I doing the right thing? is it worth it (my time, energy and membership dues)?

Now, I still intend to continue my newly found pastime (no choice since I signed up for a year) and wait for more visible results. 

Yoga Classes at FF

Tweet

I never knew there are a lot of different styles of Yoga. I always wanted to try Yoga so when I saw that there are Yoga classes at FF, I have to try those. From the list of GX offered in FF (Burjuman Center) I saw Hatha, Power and Flow Yoga classes.

From my research, there are actually more styles of Yoga than those three. Then each style has different methods. Source About.com Yoga

Traditional Styles
These styles of yoga all originated in India. Though now popular worldwide, each of these styles follows a method developed by an Indian guru.

Ashtanga
Integral
Iyengar
Kripalu
Kundalini
Sivananda
Viniyoga

Contemporary Styles
These yoga styles all originated in the United States, although they are all based on traditional methods.

Anusara
Forrest
Hot Yoga/Bikram
Jivamukti
Moksha Yoga
Power Yoga
Restorative Yoga
Yin Yoga
Yoga Nidra

Vinyasa/Flow
These styles all use a flowing style of practice, in which you move from one pose to another in sequence while focusing on the breath.

Vinyasa/Flow
Anusara
Ashtanga
Forrest
Jivamukti
Power Yoga

Alignment Oriented
These styles devote special attention to the precise way the body should be positioned in each yoga pose in order to obtain the maximum benefit from the pose and avoid injury.

Anusara
Iyengar
Viniyoga

Power Yoga
Fast-paced, sweaty yoga styles. These will get your heart pumping and are the most effective yoga styles for weight loss.

Power Yoga
Ashtanga

Prenatal and Family Yoga
Learn how to safely practice yoga during pregnancy and how to introduce yoga to your family.

Introduction to Prenatal Yoga
Postpartum Yoga
Mom and Baby Yoga
Kids Yoga
Yoga Advice for Men
Yoga for Seniors
Yoga for the Whole Family

Adaptive Styles
These styles adapt yoga to fit the needs of specialized populations.

Viniyoga
Chair Yoga
Yoga for Seniors
Plus-Size Yoga
Christian Yoga
Laughter Yoga
Nude Yoga

Yoga Off The Mat
The newest trends in yoga take you off the mat for aerial and aquatic adventures.

AcroYoga
Stand-Up Paddle Yoga
AntiGravity Yoga

I guess I don't need to know all of these, for now I'll concentrate on Hatha, Power and Flow Yoga which I have access to.

Almost Injured

Tweet

They say that too much of anything is bad and so is too little.

I had a sedentary lifestyle 2 weeks before, most of the time in the office I am in front of the PC then at home I’m still in front of PC or TV or both. My only exercise back then was going to malls.

I guess I got carried away and wanted to achieve significant results in little time. I was almost injured or maybe a little injured already from last Saturday’s gym sessions. I had my 1 hr free Personal Trainer session from 8-9am (mostly cardio workout), had a 15 minute ball group exercise (stretching) and another hour of Body Combat (similar to Taebo) from 9:30-10:30am. I was not feeling anything bad during those time, except after sauna and shower. I felt pain on my right foot sole (talampakan). Still I walked for another hour or so on the mall (FF is inside Diera City Center).

The pain increased during my mall tour and the way home. I remembered that you have to roll it on a bottle, and I did. Until evening I had difficulty in walking so I decided to take medicine (Alaxan for body pains) and not to come to work the next day (yey! valid reason). The next day it was bearable but I opted not to do any vigorous movements. I already signed up for 2 hours dance sessions (Zumba and Body Jam) with a non-FF friend (like an open house) but had to cancel.

Lesson learned: Do not rush up things, I want to lose weight badly but if it will kill me then it’s no use.

On the brighter side, I blamed my almost injury to my old rubber shoes so now I’ve decided to buy a new one. I’m thinking of Sketchers Shape-Up series, particularly this one

GX, PT, TP at FF

Tweet

New acronyms on my fit n fab vocabulary

GX - Group eXercise
PT - Personal Trainer
TP - Triple Pack
FF - Fitness First

As mentioned on my last post, I'm regularly hitting the gym now (trying my hardest at 3x a week). Upon paying the membership dues I was given a free Triple Pack.

Pack 1: Assessment and Goals

The PT assigned for my TP called for an appointment. I met with him and discussed what are my goals (why i joined FF) or target areas (what I want to eliminate). I was asked to stand in a machine which measures my weight, height, BMI, body water, muscle mass, fat mass, etc. From the data gathered, we sit and discussed the results, set up a realistic goal for 2 months. I was asked to return for my second session in a few days.

Pack 2: Personalized Program

Mr. PT gave me a run down on the exercises I need to do to achieve my goals set up on Pack 1. I have to do this at least thrice a week or in combination with GX.

Pack 3: 1 hour PT session

I have yet to do this. For Pack 3, I have an option whether to have an hour PT session or GX sampler. I choose the first one because I can always attend GX anytime I want. After this, PT sessions will no longer be free, how much? that I still have to ask.

New Year, New Me

Tweet

This is my second time in the gym this week, this month, this year. 

Yup, I'm starting the year right with healthy living. I'll try to go to the gym thrice a week, less pig outs, less junk foods, less soft drinks, more fruits, more veggies, more lean meat, less rice, less sweets. The list goes on. But I haven't eaten junk foods and drank soft drinks for almost 2 weeks. That's a feat, I tell you. Every time I go to the grocery, my fave junk food Cheetos Extra Spicy kept making eye contact with me. I almost gave in to the temptation but I remember my first gym class and how my muscles ache just to shed some calories. 

My journey to being fit starts here. And I hope it doesn't just end here (with this blog post).

Sassy Water

Tweet

Have you heard of Sassy Water?

Sassy Water is part of the Flat Belly Diet, and I am really curious on what the commotion is all about. Who wouldn't want a flat belly? I came across Sassy Water when I am researching for diet foods but actually it is just a plain water concoction to encourage intake of 2L of water a day. It is used to jumpstart the next 26 or 28 days of 1600 calorie diet.

Here's the recipe of Sassy Water:

2 Liters water (8.5 cups)

1 tsp. freshly grated ginger

1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 medium lemon, thinly sliced

12 small spearmint leaves

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and let flavors blend overnight. Drink the entire pitcher by the end of the each day.

Is it effective? I haven't tried it yet but as any other diet out there you need to watch what you eat, exercise and follow through the plan.

Don't look at me, I was just browsing around.

Healthy and Tasty Yogurt

Tweet

Wanting to be healthy is one, while doing it is another. I try not to complicate things so whenever I have the opportunity, I grab the healthier choice. Like eating yogurt, I know it is healthy but plain yogurt is definitely not on my top list of fave foods. So I get those with flavor but still check the calories and nutrients in it.

 

Activia yogurt is loaded with nutrients and probiotics necessary for healthy digestive system. Try it. 

I am no way paid to advertise this product.

My entry to

Drink your fruits

Tweet

If you're like me who isn't much into fruits, particularly the citrus family, one way to get all the nutrients is to juice it. And if you're also lazy like me, look for fruit juices that are all natural, 100% juice and no sugar added like this Lacnor Orange Juice. No need to juice 7 orange on your own, it is readily available in groceries.

I got into the habit of drinking it everyday.

My entry to Orange Tuesdays.

Excited for DCC Fitness First

Tweet

I was preparing myself for the opening of Fitness First at Diera City Center. My cousin and I got signed up almost 2 months back with the promise that Fitness First will open on Oct 1. I was expecting noise or hype on the last week of September, but none. So I tried to contact their FB Page and got the message that it will open on mid October. And still I doubt those words. It might be postponed again to some later date due to this and that.

Bummer. I already bought my gym clothes. Now I have to wait again and during those waiting period I will excuse myself from exercising and dieting. Should I laugh or cry?

Sugar Overload

Tweet

I had 2 pcs Dunkin’ Donuts, Pepsi in can and 4 wafer sticks of Kitkat. I feel my throat suffer with too much sweetness!

But that’s not just the concern here (tonsillitis), as we age (gracefully) we have to be careful with a lot of things. One of which is our blood sugar, which not only determines your sugar or sweet intakes but also the carbohydrates which is also converted into sugar inside the body.

You should get your blood tested at least twice a year or once a year at the most. Most diabetes cases can be prevented if detected earlier. We don’t have family related diabetes history (thank God!) but there’s always a first time if we are not that careful.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) normal ranges from 70-110

Day Three, Four and Infinity

Tweet

Day Three was a success, I ate mixed of veggies and fruits. I weigh and noticed a one Kg lost.

Day Four and Infinity was an epic failure. I dare not to enumerate the foods I take. I always fail on the last weekday and especially on weekends.

Boohoo! I am starting again next week!

Day One & Two

Tweet

I made it through the rain, or more precisely the day one! This is a big feat already!

Breakfast: Coffee with creamer and sugar (I can’t live without these), 1 white bun (w/o spread)

Lunch, Snacks, Dinner: Fruits, fruits, fruits!

Btw, I am doing the General Motors Diet. And for day one (19 Sept), its eat all you can fresh fruits.

For day two (20 Sept), another eat all you can but this time it’s veggies.

Breakfast: Coffee with creamer and sugar (I really can’t live without these), 1 brown bun (w/o spread)

Lunch, Snacks: Veggie

I still have several hours to say if I will be able to complete Day Two.

Dinner: Hopefully no one would ask me to go out and eat. Goodluck!

Day Zero

Tweet

I usually start my diet with Day Zero. It’s like preparation for the Day One, where I try to cut down on foods and prepare my mind.

Yesterday was my Day Zero, I had coffee and a bun with sandwich spread for breakfast, had grapes for lunch and apple for afternoon snacks. Quite successful, I think so. Then my cousin brought packed foods from a birthday party. Who could resist a good food? Fortunately it’s not that good so I just ate a small portion. Still I wasn’t able to resist the temptation.

Today, I am not sure if it will be Day One or still Day Zero. I still have the full day ahead and we’ll never know what will happen or what temptation I will encounter.

Zumba Craze

Tweet

What Is Zumba?

From About.com

Zumba is a popular fitness program inspired by Latin dance. The word "Zumba" comes from a Colombian word that means to move fast and have fun, which is just how people describe the routine. Using upbeat Latin music together with cardiovascular exercise, Zumba is aerobic dancing that is
lots of fun and easy to learn.

A friend is into Zumba lately, she was having a blast dancing and at the same time sweating it out in the comfort of her home. She said she just follows the youtube video and that’s it.

I was encourage to do the same, but knowing me I just kept on making up excuses or procrastinating. But I plan to try it later, I’ll tell you my first hand experience.

Bloody Test

Tweet

I just came from a fasting blood test, it required me to fast for 12 hours with no food nor liquid intake. Nothing to worry about, it's just a routine test my doctor require me every 2 months.

I at least need to take care of my health, with all the stress, pollution, food tripping, late night outs or sleep deprivation. I know that eventually all these will keep up and maybe it will be too late.

Fortunately, our company provides a great medical package. I just have to pay 50 AED and all the laboratory tests, doctor fees and even prescripted drugs are included. If only they could include diet pills too, maybe I should request my doctor for that.

Welcome to fit n fab!

Tweet

I want. I need. Just lazy!

I want to be fit n fab, that's a given, who wouldn't be?

I need to be fit n fab, mostly for health reasons.

Just lazy. Sums all my failed attempts to be fit n fab.

---

Please welcome my 5 new blogs!


fit n fab
Games Gadgets Galore!
Music and Me
Popcorn, Movies and Me
shop.crazy.me