How to Start Exercising: 4 Tips for Beginners

How to Start Exercising: 4 Tips for Beginners

Making the decision to start exercising is a huge step, one that will help shape your lifestyle, and your future health.*  It can also be hugely intimidating, leaving you to wonder, where do I begin?

If you’re new to exercising, one of the most important things to know about getting started is that it’s best to start slow. Easing into a regular workout routine can help prevent injury and shock to your body, due to over-exercising. It also sets the foundation for maintaining healthy workout habits right from day one.

How to Start Exercising

zumba1. Research

There are many effective ways to exercise. You can go solo, or join a class, workout from home, or join a gym – you can can even choose to work out on land, or on water!

Before you settle on how you want to exercise, do a little research on the cost and quality of gyms close by, and whether or not there are any local groups that pique your interest. Here’s a sampling of some of the types programs you may find to join:

Here are a few fun and popular exercise programs you may want to learn more about:

  • Zumba: A non-choreographed dance workout, that’s super fun and high-energy.
  • Pilates: A system of exercises done on a mat or using a special machine that focuses on full body strength using your own body weight. There will be a lot of core strengthening.
  • Yoga: A series of exercises that require holding body positions, while focusing on breathing. There are many types of yoga, such as hot, hatha, power, etc.
  • Spin/Cycle: Indoor bike riding on a bike machine. Tends to be a high-intensity, fast-paced workout.
  • HIIT:  A mode of exercise that alternates between  low/moderate intensity levels and high-intensity levels. Generally encompasses movements such as burpees, high-knees, and push-ups.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Exercising is only part of the healthy living equation. A healthy diet is the other. When you combine a healthy, balanced diet with regular exercise, you’re helping your body get the full of benefits of both.

lunge3. Nail the Warm-Up

Doing a warm-up before getting started helps ease your body into the exercise. It also helps prevent muscle injury, get your heart ready, and mentally prepare you.

Dynamic warm up exercises can be done before most workouts. This is referred to as “active stretching” and involves movement versus static stretching (staying in place and stretching a muscle for an extended period of time).

Here are a few examples of dynamic, easy-to-execute, warm-up exercises:

  • Walking lunges
  • Frankensteins
  • Step forward, touch your toes
  • High knees and butt kicks

4. Get Enough Sleep

Maintaining a quality sleep cycle will help ensure that you’re energetic enough to do your workouts. It’s detrimental to try and exercise when you’re tired, and it can also lead to injury. Plan your nights so that you get to bed at a reasonable time.

*If unsure, include your doctor in your decision to help determine which exercise are best for you.

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Snap Pea Shrimp Pasta

Recipe: Snap pea shrimp pasta

Weeknights can be busy, and getting a healthy dinner on the table can sometimes feel like an impossible task. That’s where pasta comes in. It’s quick, easy, and can be prepared in countless ways.  Best of all, there’s a type of pasta out there to suit just about everyone’s dietary needs and preferences!

This super easy and highly delicious Snap Pea Shrimp Pasta can be on the table in less than 20 minutes, and pairs perfectly with any pasta; rice, gluten-free, whole wheat, kamut, spelt, whatever you have on hand will work!

Snap Pea Shrimp Pasta

Snap Pea Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

  • 12 oz cups pasta
  • 1/2 cup uncooked baby shrimp
  • 1 cup fresh snap peas
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
  • 1 large soft-boiled egg
  • 1 1/2 oz of cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Handful of fresh basil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a large pot, boil pasta as per package directions.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shrimp, tomatoes, and lime juice. Set aside.
  3. In a pan, lightly fry snap peas in olive oil.
  4. Combine all ingredients, sprinkle with fresh basil and salt and pepper.
  5. Add soft-boiled egg on top, and enjoy!
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Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Spinach

Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Spinach

Spaghetti squash is a tasty, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Quick and simple to make, it is highly versatile, and can be styled savory or sweet – there are no rules when it comes to this fall favorite!

Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Spinach

This recipe combines the nutty flavor of spaghetti squash, with the smoky and slightly salty taste of bacon. It’s extremely easy to make, and can be on the table in less than 40 minutes!

Ingredients:

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 cup of fresh spinach
  • 6 strips of bacon
  • 1/4 cup of goat cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 °F.
  2. Cover a baking sheet in tinfoil.
  3. Slice the squash in half. Using your hands, slather both sides, front and back, in olive oil. Sprinkle the flesh with salt and pepper, and lay face down on the baking sheet.
  4. Lay a wire cooling rack on top of a baking sheet covered in tinfoil.
  5. Spread out bacon strips on the cooling rack.
  6. Place squash and bacon in the oven.
  7. The bacon should take 20 minutes to cook, the squash 20–25.
  8. Allow squash to cool for 5–10 minutes.
  9. Using a fork, scrape the stringy flesh out of the squash, and place in a dish.
  10. Add sliced bacon, fresh spinach, and goat cheese to the squash, and toss.
  11. Enjoy!
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There’s a Lot to Love About Infused Water

There's a Lot to Love About Infused Water

There’s no doubt water is vital for human life, but many people struggle to get enough. For anyone who dislikes the taste of plain water, or who just wants to add extra nutrition to their day, infused water might be just the ticket.

Water and our BodyWater and Our Body

The human body is made up of 50–75% water, with good old H20 vital for a host of bodily processes. We need water for regulating temperature, and for forming blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration.

Water helps us flush out undesirable chemicals, lubricate joints and mucous membranes, prevent occasional constipation, and keep skin firm and plump. It also helps dissolve minerals so the body can use them properly.*

The Benefits of Infused WaterThe Benefits of Infused Water

Infusing water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs can increase its palatability, encouraging us to drink more. It can also add a few extra nutrients to our diet, without the added calories that come with many store-bought flavored beverages.

Because infused water requires considerably less fruit than fruit or vegetable juice, it can help you cut back on cost, time, energy, and waste. And, infused water made naturally at home is far superior to products made with artificial colours, flavors, and sweeteners.

Depending on what you choose to infuse your water with, the resulting liquid may have an alkalizing effect on your body, which helps support the body’s optimal pH for good health. However, with infused water, you’re not going to get the same fiber as you would from actually eating fruit. Nevertheless, infused water has some added dietary value, and can help you and your family stay hydrated throughout the day.

How to Infuse WaterHow to Infuse Water

To make infused water, add sliced fruits and vegetables to a pitcher of ordinary tap or filtered water. Place the pitcher in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. The phytochemicals will leach from the produce into the water, adding flavor and nutrients, including antioxidants.

Some great options (and a few of my favorite combos) for infusing water include:

  • Cucumber slices and fresh mint
  • Lemon and lime slices
  • Strawberry and orange slices
  • Basil and carrot
  • Watermelon
  • Peach
  • Grapes
  • Blueberry and ginger root

If you have an abundance of any particular fruit, consider freezing it to use as “ice cubes” for a cold, infused water treat!

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

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