Get on Your Bike! Why You Need To Include Cycling In Your Exercise Regime

Whether you’re looking to get back into fitness or you’re already a gym buff, cycling is the perfect exercise to add to your routine. It’s an incredible workout which is safe for most people and has some amazing health benefits too. Here are some of the reasons!

Get On Your Bike! — image courtesy of PEXELS

Accessible
Biking might not be as accessible as say walking or running, as all you need for those are a pair of good supportive trainers. But there are stationary bikes at any gym, and they’re the kind of equipment that anyone can use. There’s nothing confusing, and most people are going to be able to hop on and use them right away. Plus, most gyms offer different types of bikes so you can choose what’s most comfortable for you. If the saddle of spin bikes and upright bikes is a little uncomfortable, go with a recumbent bike. Here you’re seated in a far more comfortable position with the pedals out in front of you. Plus, you always have the option of buying an actual bicycle and going outdoors. This would make a great day out with the family and the perfect way to keep everyone fit and healthy.

Builds Strong Muscles
Cycling uses the large muscles in the legs, and repeated cycling builds strong lean muscle. Since your legs are essentially the foundation of your body, strong muscles help to keep you stable. Plus, these larger muscles burn calories at rest meaning working boosts your metabolism as you use more calories before you’ve even got out of bed in the morning! Strong muscles in the legs will improve your performance in other activities too. Its great for beginners so if you’re looking to build a basic level of fitness, starting by biking is the ideal way to go about it.

Builds Strong Joints
In most cases, overuse of a joint leads to weakening and pain. It’s why things like ‘tennis elbow’ and ‘golfer’s elbow’ can occur. However, when it comes to cycling this actually has the opposite effect, and the repetition over time actually strengthens the knees. If you can’t walk or run long distances due to knee or back issues, cycling is a far better choice. It allows you to push yourself,

Builds Strong Bones
Regular exercise is an excellent way to build your bone health. Building strong muscles directly correlates to building strong bones, and while cycling isn’t a weight bearing activity, it’s still an excellent exercise to incorporate into your routine. Strong bones are important because as we age, bone loss starts to accelerate leading to conditions like osteoporosis. We can actively defend against this when we’re young by doing exercise and eating the right foods. A calcium supplement can be helpful too, you could look at AlgaeCal reviews and testimonials if you’re curious about how these can work. Sixty minutes of cycling a week will have numerous health benefits, stronger bones is just one of them.

Great For Cardiovascular Health
Finally, whether you’re an exercise newbie looking to build up some fitness or already an athlete, biking is ideal for cardiovascular health. If you’re using an exercise bike, it’s easy to increase or decrease the resistance so that it’s perfect for you. Find a level that you can bike at for ten minutes without feeling too breathless, and then increase it from there. You will quickly notice yourself getting stronger and faster.

FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.

Happy National Zucchini Day!

Hello Wonderful People!

Happy National Zucchini Day!
Who knew that there is a holiday devoted one of my favorite summer vegetables.
Zucchini is such a versatile veggie. You can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

You can start your day with some zucchini bread. We have tried several different recipes; but our favorite one from my mother. Her recipe tastes so good and your really don’t know you are eating zucchini, maybe that is because she tops it off with sugar or that the zucchini is finely shredded. MMMM … I can taste it now. Whenever we visit my mother, she will usually load us up with a couple of loaves, and some homemade raisin bread and homemade chocolate chip cookies. But we have finished off our last supply from the last visit. I guess it is time for another trip to see momma!

One of the best ways to enjoy zucchini is adding it to a homemade veggie pizza. Frozen pizza and fast-food style pizza taste so processed to me. They are oily, doughy and don’t have must taste. I don’t remember the last time that I had either one. If we don’t make it ourselves, then we don’t eat pizza. To make your own, all you need is some whole-wheat bagels, or everything bagels, or a pre-made crust of your liking; and then add your favorite toppings. We usually will make a veggie pizza with mushrooms, zucchini, squash and tomatoes; and sometimes fresh spinach. Top it off with some provel cheese and you have one tasty pizza that will be beat any fast-food pizza. If you are not familiar with provel cheese, it’s a Saint Louis thing. The Saint Louis style pizza has provel cheese and it is differently our favorite.

Homemade Veggie Pizza with Mushrooms, Zucchini, Squash and Tomatoes!

 

I will add zucchini to almost anything that I am making for dinner. Whether it is fajitas, pasta, stir-frys or chili; zucchini will make it all taste better. I will steam broccoli and carrots; and then add some zucchini to it, and top it off with cheese sauce. It makes a wonderful, but simple side dish. Another option is to fry red potatoes, zucchini, squash and broccoli for a tasty sautéed side dish. No matter what cuisine you are making, zucchini will enhance the taste. The zucchini will add a bit of heartiness to the Italian pastas. It will add a bit of crunchiness to the Chinese stir-frys. And it will add an unexpected punch to the Mexican fajitas. Never underestimate the power of the zucchini.

Italian style veggies with risotto. A perfect side dish or a even a main dish.

 

How do you incorporate zucchini into your meals?
Let us know in the comments below your favorite recipe or if you have a favorite zucchini memory.

Until then, Happy National Zucchini Day!

Break The Stigma And Tackle Your Mental Health

There have been too many stories in the news lately about people that have been pushed so far down by their mental health, that they have committed suicide. Yet still, many people are very ignorant to the fact that because you can’t see mental health that it doesn’t exist. It’s understandable that if you’re lucky enough to have never experienced depression or anxiety that you won’t understand what it feels like to feel that way. Please though, don’t just shrug it off if a loved one tells you they’re struggling. Saying ‘you’re fine’ doesn’t make it go away. It also makes the person suffering feel like they can’t talk about it. In this article, I’m going to give you a few ways on how you can either help yourself, or help someone you know through this awful condition.

Talking

Whether you’re the person talking about your mental health, or the person listening, talking is a great way of letting out bottled up feelings. No matter how small and insignificant your worries or stresses may seem, letting them out with a loved one will make the world of difference to how you feel. If you’re the person listening, provide empathetic questions and comments to what they are saying. Try to put yourself in their position to see how they’re feeling. Sometimes just being a good friend is all they need from you.

The conversation doesn’t just have to be on the subject of the problem either, it could lead onto many other conversations to make each other laugh and generally, cheer each other up. Never underestimate the power of talking.

If you don’t feel like you have anyone to talk to about your mental health, visit your GP who will listen to your problems and can refer you to talk to a therapist.

You Time

We’ve all got hectic lives, between work, school runs and money issues, we barely get any time to wind down and relax. Take some time each day to do something for yourself and you will notice the difference in how you feel. This could be watching your favorite TV show or taking yourself for a relaxing bath.

Another great way of relaxing your mind in the time you take for yourself is through meditation. There are tapes available to download that will take your mind away from it’s worries. Drinking skinny tea at the same time is also a great way of promoting your mental health. Clearing your mind, even for just a short time each day will help you calm down and think more clearly.

Remember, the way that you’re feeling doesn’t make you weak. It is said that even the strongest of minds crumble at times and there is nothing wrong with asking for help. It takes strength to admit that something is wrong, and there is help available. Don’t suffer alone, let’s break the stigma, and tackle your mental health.

FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.

Choosing A Fitness Program: It’s Not As Difficult As You Think

For any beginners looking to get into fitness, or for anyone that wants to bring more structure to their workouts, you should find a fitness program. These are programs designed by professionals that provide you with workouts and a routine to follow. They’re great if you need a sense of direction, but there are a few negatives to them.

Specifically, there are loads of rubbish fitness programs out there that just aren’t worth your money. They won’t work, and you’ll have wasted lots of cash. So, how can you choose a fitness program that’s right for you and will work? It’s simple, follow the advice below:

Understand Your Goals

This is a big thing as your goals will determine the type of program you’re after. Do you want to build muscle or do you want to lose weight? Some people want a combination of these things, so they need a program that combines both.

Different programs will be targeted at different goals. You’ve got programs like P90x that are really targeted at fat loss and lean muscle growth. Then, you have others that are designed specifically to lose fat and nothing else. Your choice depends on your goals, so make sure you know what you want to achieve.

Know Your Level

While there are lots of programs out there, some are aimed at people of different ability and fitness levels. There’s a fairly popular program at the moment called Body Beast. However, if you read the Body Beast reviews here, you’ll see people say it’s not for beginners. A such, if you’re a beginner, you need to find a program that suits your ability level.

Don’t pay for a program that’s too far out of your reach and too complex. It will only lead to you injuring yourself, not seeing results, and wasting loads of your hard earned cash.

Consider The Price

Of course, you need to think about how much you’re willing to spend on a program. This will depend on your own financial situation and how serious and committed you are to getting fit. I also suggest comparing the price of various programs to find the one with the best value for money.For example, one program may cost more than another one but provide you with way more features such as instructional videos, recipes, and a meal plan. As a result, it represents much better value for money.

Read Reviews

I already touched upon reviews earlier, but they deserve their own little section here too. If you want to find a fitness program that’s right for you, you need to see what others think. Do your best to look for honest reviews from people that tried the program. It will help you see if you’re getting ripped off or buying something that works. Take everything into account if you’re looking for a fitness program. Remember, you don’t need to buy one to get fit, that’s not what I’m suggesting. This post is for anyone that needs structure and wants a fitness program. Hopefully, you now know how to choose one.

FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.

Love Will Save The Day!

Hello Beautiful People,

It was 108 degrees this weekend in the Show Me State, but it was only 94 degrees today; so enjoying the coolness inside. Thank God, for air conditioning. When the weather is like this, it is great to wear something comfortable and breathable.

Sheryl Crow has a new line on HSN and her pieces are hip and retro. I liked the new vibes of the rocker-chic style. I purchased the jeans below because it really describes my enjoyment of music and effortless style.
I styled the jeans for a casual Monday at work.

Love Will Save The Day Style Embroidered Jeans by Sheryl Crow

Love Will Save The Day Style Embroidered Jeans by Sheryl Crow

The Missouri History Museum has a Civil Rights exhibition now, so I purchased the T-shirt at the Museum shop; so cool.

Even though I work out hard, I do not always like showing my hips. Word to the wise, body shaming has to stop so here I am in the jeans without the Tommy Hilfiger chambray shirt. On the right pocket is an embroidered star and guitar. These jeans are so unique and out of the box. I think I am singing, I am just looking at my expression. Too funny!

Love Will Save The Day by Sheryl Crow Jeans

On the left pocket of the jeans is , “Love Will Save The Day,” which is a lyric from one of her songs.

Love will save the day lyric on the pocket

Here’s more information about the lyrics

The Song, Love WIll Save The Day by Sheryl Crow.

Here’s an interview she had down earlier this year.

When I wear the jeans, it is not just about a pair of jeans but there’s a meaning behind the clothing. The Sheryl Crow embroidered jeans are on clearance on HSN for $39.95 (Good deal) and please take a look at her collection click here on Sheryl Crow Style.

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