Benefits of Working the Backside

Have you always thought exercises for the glutes were simply to look good?  Many people think taking a few minutes a day to strengthen and tone the buttock is for nothing more than fitting into the jeans.  You’ll be surprised to learn the glutes actually have more of a purpose than for sitting.

We all sit on our backside every day, using it as cushioning while sitting in traffic or at the office.  However did you know that your glutes help prevent back injuries, especially after the age of 30?  Maintaining strong glutes also prevents hip and knee injuries from running, hiking or falls.  Sarah Fit, a personal trainer in Boston, has a lot of wonderful motivational workouts that only takes minutes a day.   She explains how easy it is to do this routine at the fitness center or in your spacious apartment while watching TV.

Watch this one of her top 3 exercises for stronger glutes.

The Fun Benefits of Dancing

We’ve all watched the changes celebrities have gone through on the show “Dancing with the Stars”.  I know I’ve watched and thought about taking classes, just so I could get those toned legs and abs.   Plus despite the challenges it looks fun!  Fortunately, we can all get the benefits of dancing without overworking ourselves.

Did you know when you practice Latin or hip hop dancing you’re doing squats and lunges without even realizing it?  You’re also doing a great cardio workout, boosting your heart and lungs.  Dancing is a fun, overall workout but it’s something we can all do throughout our entire life.  Unlike certain exercises that are tougher on the joints, dancing can strengthen your hips and knees.

If you’re interested in getting into a class, consider a visit Columbus Dance Centre in Gahanna.  It’s about a 20 minute drive from Polaris Crossing Apartments, making it an easy commute for a life long workout!  To learn more about the benefits of dance, read the full article at Jersey App.

Get Motivated and Run With the Club

I know it’s hard to sometimes get up and get motivated to start running.  I remember how it felt when I decided to start running again; something I hadn’t done in years.  I was so excited about how fit and healthy I’d be again.  In fact, I was so motivated, I purchased new running shoes and clothes.  After all I wanted to be comfortable and look the part.

Well, few weeks into it I hit a motivation wall, forcing myself to continue running.  I’d be fine after I hit my first mile but every time I’d feel I was dragging myself out there kicking and screaming.  Then I came across some motivational tips from Couch to 5K that seemed to help.    Here are a couple of them:

1. Keep a log and set goals for yourself.  It helps to see how you’ve progressed, even in one week.

2. Reward yourself for your accomplishments.  Treating yourself once a week or once a month is a great motivator.

Another thing I found that was helpful was joining a running/jogging club.  The social aspect of it helps keep you excited and motivated to get out and meet your goals.  Luckily there are several in the Westerville area.  The closest one is Club Run Wild.  They meet every Saturday at Sharon Woods Park in the Maple Grove Picnic Area, 8am.    Another good one is the Columbus Running Company which meets every Sunday morning, 8am, outside their Westerville store.   They participate in races throughout the year in the Columbus area.   Good luck and let me know what motivates you to keep running!

Hit the Road (Apple) Jack(s)!

Cereal isn’t just for kids. I love Kellogg’s Apple Jacks and the rest of my roommates do too! We argue all the time about who’s going to eat the last little bit of cereal. And I usually win.. But now after hearing of a Voluntary Kellogg’s Cereal Recall, no one’s going to be fighting over the last of the cereal. Actually, no one is going to be fighting over any cereal for a while.

Kellogg’s is voluntary recalling several of its top cereal brands including my beloved Apple Jacks, due to a, “off-flavor and smell coming from the liner in the package.” The other products include Kellogg’s® Corn Pops, Kellogg’s® Froot Loops®, Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks®.

You can take all of the above mentioned cereal back to the local stores nearest Westerville Polaris Crossing where it was purchased at and return it. Who else in Polaris Crossing loves Apple jacks or one of the cereals as much as I do and will miss them dearly?

Create a New Run Route

Runners are known for choosing a route and sticking to it.  I know because I like my route; it’s comfortable to know the terrain and environment.  I can put my earbuds on and go.   Are you set on your route or do you change it up daily, weekly or monthly?

Now I’m reconsidering things after discovering the app, MapMyRun.  It integrates with iPhone, Blackberry, twitter and Facebook.   I plugged in Columbus, OH and 150 user routes came up.  You can create your own route, print out and try someone else’s map and even connect with other runners for motivation.  One local map suggest doing 1.5 miles through Sharon Woods Metropolitan Park.

Visit MapMyRun and let me know what you think.  Is it something you would utilize to enhance your workout?

Help Yourself to Concentrate with the Right Foods

It has been a long week for me, and it’s getting harder and harder to concentrate. I need something to help me concentrate. If you felt the same, we are in the same boat then.

WebMD has just the right answers to solve this problem. The key is to eat the right foods for our brain.

• Breakfast. I rarely had breakfast. I always thought that breakfast is a waste of time. I usually preferred to sleep longer than to eat breakfast in the morning. Apparently, I have been missing out. The study says that breakfast is really effective to bring you that morning brain fuel. It is especially good when you mix your breakfast with high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits.
• Fish. It is rich with Omega 3 fatty acids, which is really good for your brain to lower dementia and stroke risks. This might be why the Japanese are so smart and came up with these crazy inventions.
• Nuts and chocolate. They are good sources of antioxidant that will prevent cognitive decline. Consume them moderately though, only 1 ounce a day, to prevent excess calories, fat, or sugar.

As you can see, you can help yourself to concentrate just by eating the right foods for your brain. The only problem is that I might eat nuts and chocolate more than I should, but I’m sure you don’t have that problem, right?

Photo courtesy of longtrekhome.

The Worst Places to Keep Your Stuff

“Wash you hands!” “Don’t touch that!” “Ooooh, that’s nasty!” These are all things I have said to my children when out and about outside of the home. I suppose I feel like my home is devoid of all germ-ridden creatures, but I really know that’s not true. It now appears researchers have been looking into our individual environments and how it effects our health.Our health can be compromised simply by where we store our medicine to which stall we pick in a public bathroom.

Oddly enough, some of these potential germ factories don’t surprise me, but a few caught me off guard and I will change things up at my house immediately.

Let’s see what the answers are to the question: “What’s the worst place…”

1.  To set your handbag. Answer: The kitchen counter
Think about it. If you are anything like me, you probably will set you purse down just about anywhere. I know I have had to put it down on the floor of a public bathroom, for example, and that has to be gross. If the bottom were swabbed and tested for bacteria, it would show up to be about 10,000 per square inch! The next time you need to put your handbag down, find a chair or drawer. Just don’t put it on your kitchen counter!

2. To keep your toothbrush. Answer: The bathroom sink
The sink is actually not the problem, the toilet is. Usually, sinks are located within a close proximity of the toilet and everytime you flush the potty, it can spray some of the 3.2 billion germs that reside there as far as 6 feet! It would be a better idea to put your toothbrush in a drawer or cabinet.

Want to know where the worst place is to store your sneakers and flip flops? How about cooling leftovers? Where is the worst place to sit on an airplane? Which stall should you pick in a public bathroom? The answers to these questions and more are available if you follow me to Today at MSNBC.com.

Photo courtesy of (nutmeg)

Isn’t That Just for Those Hollywood Celebs?

Unfortunately, most of us wish that were true, then we wouldn’t have to look ourselves in the mirror and realize there was yet another way we could get rid of that double chin!  Pilates is growning across Europe and the United States at a supersonic rate. It is a method of body conditioning which will promote harmony and balance within us, as well as tone our muscles. Pilates also improves strength and flexibility. Would you like to have more energy? How about being sharper and more efficient at work? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then try pilates! Check out the video below and begin your quest for fitness!

Claddagh Irish Pubs Going For World Record While Supporting Breast Cancer!

If you have never been to an authentic Irish pub, then I recommend you pay a visit to Claddagh Irish Pub.  There are fifteen locations, five of which are located in Ohio.  I love when the community comes together to fight for a good cause and on Sunday, April 18th, Claddagh Irish Pub is sponsoring  “Take a Shot for Breast Cancer.”  Of course, the Irish are famous for their drinking, but for this event you don’t have to be Irish!

The objective for this event is to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most consecutive shots drank in one night. There will be official representatives from Guinness at the pubs to ensure continuity. All fifteen locations will participate with exact times listed below. The cost is $7 to participate and this will include a shot of Jameson in a commemorative shot glass which will be given to the first 150 to register. All proceeds will go to local Breast Cancer Awareness organizations.

So be sure to put Sunday, April 18th on your calendar and join us for some great Irish fun at a great Irish pub while supporting a worthy cause!  While you’re there, say “Hi” to Stefan for me!

For more information on Claddagh Irish Pub, visit their website at CladdaghIrishPubs.com.

SEE BELOW FOR LOCATIONS AND TIMES!

Photo courtesy of  Dr. Who

Take a Shot for Breast Cancer at Claddagh’s Irish Pub

Contact your local pub or send an email to party@claddaghirishpubs.com to find out how to register!

Approximate Start Times for Claddagh Locations:

*** Times are subject to variation based on the nature of this event. Please contact your local pub for more specific information. We will be asking participants to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to event start to ensure everything is in order. ***

Columbus (Polaris), OH – 7:45 EST   ♦   Toledo, OH – 8:30 EST   ♦    Downtown Columbus, OH – 7:30 EST
Mason, OH – 7:00 EST  ♦   Lyndhurst, OH – 8:15 EST  ♦   Middleton, WI – 5:45 EST/4:45 CST�
Geneva, IL – 6:00 EST/5:00 CST  ♦  Plainfield, IN – 6:15 EST  ♦   North Indianapolis, IN – 6:30 EST
Downtown Indianapolis, IN – 6:45 EST  ♦   Newport, KY – 7:15 EST  ♦   Pittsburgh, PA – 8:00 EST
Livonia, MI – 8:45 EST   ♦   Lansing, MI – 9:00 EST  ♦   Maple Grove, MN – 5:30 EST/4:30 CST

Poster reused with permission from Claddagh Irish Pubs.