Fitness Friday Fact #63

In looking at the title of this post, I have to admit that it is a tad misleading as it does not specifically discuss a fitness fact or a fitness trend.  What it does focus on is a fitness hack that was inspired by an infomercial that I saw the other morning.

The infomercial was for the "VersaClimber."  Deemed a "total body, non-impact cardio beast," this piece of equipment has grown in popularity among fitness enthusiasts.  With its versatility, its calorie torching potential and its engagement of multiple muscle groups, the claim is not shocking.  What is shocking is the equipment's sticker price!  $2,100 seems steep for results that can be achieved by $0.00 body weight exercises.  

My outrage lead me to compile a shirt list of low impact body weight exercises that mimic that of the VersaClimber.  It is my hope that today's "Fitness Friday Fake" will fake your wallet but make your body better!

1.  Bear Crawl

2.  Mountain Climbers

3.  Outstretched Plank

((Photo Source:  http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/best-cardio-machines-youve-never-seen/slide/6))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #62

Did Dory have it wrong all along?!  Should we not "just keep on swimming" - or running, in this case?!  

According to the report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, long term strenuous endurance exercise can hinder, not help, the heart.  Such findings were not intended to act as an invitation to stop running, but instead suggest that people aim to log 150 hours of exercise each week for optimal heart health.  

As an avid treadmill runner (5 miles / 5x a week), I found my hand hovering over the machine's "STOP" button when I first heard about this report on the morning news.  Unsure whether my workout was "out working" my cardiovascular system, I decided to do some additional research of my own. 

In opposition of the report, I noticed that the study's sample only included 36 "strenuous jogger" participants.  Of the the 36 only 2 had died.  To me, that is TOO SMALL of an amount to base any findings/theories off of.  Also, no outside factors were mentioned and/or considered?  Did those 2 individuals who died have other medical issues that played into their passing?

Score: Running 1 /  Not Running 0

On the other hand, I agree with the report's plea for exercise moderations and modifications since multiple studies have shown that sweat session lengths are inversely proportional to health benefits.  Take for example HIIT training.  High Intensity Interval Training, which has the support of the American Heart Association, alternates quick bursts of vigorous exercise with brief recovery periods.  By upping the intensity, workouts can be performed in half the amount of time that a regular routine would last! 

Score:  Running 2 / Not Running 0

After weighing the pros and cons, I greatly appreciate the findings presented by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and thank them for their suggestion to "get up and move" for 150 hours/week.  I guess we all will "Just Keep (moderately) Swimming!"

((Photo Source:  http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31095384))

Wednesday What Not #62

Which is more important to you, inner or outer beauty?!  

I began contemplating that question the other morning after hearing about a woman who had not smiled for 40 years.  She had made a conscious decision to remain stone faced in moments of pleasure in order to prevent premature aging and wrinkles.  Although the 50 year old does not have a single line on her face today, have her "insides" suffered in her quest for youthfulness?

The non-superficial benefits of smiling include:

1.   The release of endorphins - increased levels of this chemical are linked to heightened happiness and suppressed stress.

2.  The stimulation of homeostasis - laughing expands the lungs which in turn replenishes the cells; similar to that of a brief exercise session.

3.  The invitation for social interaction - smiling is an expression that welcomes others into a conversation and/or social situation.  This can increase the number of healthy relationships that a person has.

Knowing the body benefits, but facing the fluctuations of a personal facade, I have to say that smiling and age are inversely proportional; the more you laugh/smile the younger you will feel - making you "look" ageless to others.

((Photo Source:  http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/7-benefits-smiling-and-laughing.html))

Tasty Tuesday Treat #62

Did you know that Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest day of food consumption in the United States after Thanksgiving?!  Although initially unaware of that stat, I was happy to do my part in making last Sunday a "fully-flatted" food fest at my house! 

From my husband's choice wings to my novice attempt to make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, our snack table was "rip-ROARING to go" before Katy Perry tamed her Transformer Tiger!