Category Archives: Move it

Get busy outside

Spring household cleaning projects might not sound like your favorite way to “celebrate spring”, but you will be accomplishing both the task and burning some calories as well.  There really is a reason for the name house work or yard work since you will be “working” many different muscles groups. Do some sweeping to build a […]
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Get busing inside

Does cleaning really burn calories? Well watching my mom spring clean when I was growing up certainly indicated it does, especially when she chose me to get involved!  She told me I was her “best bathroom cleaner” in order to charm me into doing the work willingly.   It appears that spring is definitely here so […]
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Walking for aerobic fitness

Walking can be competitive as in racewalking, the Olympic sport, or a perfect exercise that is available to everyone. There are studies that show that when walking at a pace greater than five miles per hour you will burn twice as many calories as runners traveling at the same pace. As you begin your regular […]
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Martial Arts-Tai Chi

I watched both of my sons participating in a little Karate, but I myself have never tried any martial arts. The martial arts align with the Okinawan commitment to daily physical activity for the health benefits and as a means to attain higher goals.  Some of the following forms are practiced in Okinawa, some elsewhere: […]
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Practicing the Okinawa Program

In your thirties, if you have been more of a weekend warrior you may start to notice changes such as being stiff after physical pursuits other than normal daily activities.  It is never too late to start moving more. To increase fitness levels, include anaerobic, aerobic and flexibility activities.  Start the day with some stretching. […]
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A secret to longevity

Okinawans are the oldest living people in the world. Physical activity is part of the “natural rhythm of life” and  most older Okinawans are active in ways that keep them physically fit  along with connecting their physical selves with their psychological and spiritual selves. This is what helps them to feel whole.  In North America, […]
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Fit and lean

What an amazing weather weekend! Perfect for getting outside to work and play.  I spent the weekend outside walking, biking and cleaning my deck.  Find out this week how the people of Okinawa stay lean and fit. Get outside to work and play.

Daily stretching prevents injuries

Short, tight muscles can increase a risk of soft tissue injuries. The lying down quadriceps stretch. (stretches from betterdailyhabits.com) Brad Walker’s stretching tip #5 Be aware of your posture while stretching. Incorrect technique and poor posture can cause muscle imbalances which can lead to injury. Stretching according to Brad Walker

Daily stretching improves posture

Posture is how your body is positioned when sitting, standing and lying down. Poor posture can lead to discomfort and injury. The hipflexor stretch for working on tight hip flexors. (stretches from betterdailyhabits.com)   Brad Walker’s stretching tip #4 Stretch all major muscles and their opposing muscle groups. Pay attention to all the major muscle groups in […]
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Daily stretching promotes circulation and energy

Stretching, along with cardio and resistance training, can work to increase your body’s blood circulation. Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your muscles and organs, including your heart, through your blood.   A strong circulation system supports a healthy body. Some daily static hamstring stretches I use are the gentle knee to chest hamstring stretch […]
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