Why Is Exercising In The Morning The Best Time?

There are several benefits when exercising in the morning in contrast to other times of the day. If this sounds surprising consider the time factor. We are getting more done and performance in general is better in the morning than at other times of the day. Getting the most benefits from an effective exercise program it has to become a pattern or routine, and the best time is in the morning. If you schedule your exercise later in the day, invariable, there will be something competing for that time, and you will miss out on that exercise.

Set aside those half n hour to 60 minutes for whatever exercise you may do in the morning. It will become such a routine that you can hardly do without it once it is in your system; even your breakfast will taste better afterwards. Another disadvantage of exercising late in the day or at night is it tends to rev up your system when its time for your body to relax, winding down and preparing for bed and a good night's sleep. This question often gets asked: What type of exercise is best? This can vary; it depends on what your objectives are. For sport purpose you would choose a different exercise than anyone who wants to improve his overall fitness or to overcome some health issues.

The best exercise and equipment!

When people are looking which exercise machine to buy, the best one is with four legs: A dog! A dog will remind and even force you to walk it every day which makes two positives: The dog is happy and pays you back with affection, and "You" will become fit and healthy. For a gradual exercise program to build a stronger body and overcome some health problems there is no better than walking. With 30 to 60 minutes brisk walking early in the morning you get better results than at any other time during the day. For some staying motivated is difficult. It can help to do this together with a friend or in a group where you feel more committed, this way it's not as easy to make excuses and to say no. Some other crucial element in exercising is enjoyment; having to force you into this exercise every time will soon lead to abandonment. Make sure to wear the appropriate footwear as walking can put pressure on your feet which can cause pain and become uncomfortable. Most cities have walking paths to keep away from traffic, or choose walking through park land or grass areas. Walking on grass if possible is better; it cushions and absorbs the impact on your joints and ligaments, this especially applies when you are jogging.

Long extended exercise is not always better for your health!

Long cardio sessions of exercise may not benefit your health; it could have just the opposite effect. By having or staying on for long periods such as marathons can pose a significant risk and damage to your heart. Long distance running can cause acute overload and stress to your body, but the heart is usually the most affected and sudden cardiac arrest is possible. According to research a more effective and safer exercise is high intensity interval training, in a time frame from 30 to 40 minutes, which consists of short bursts of intense exertion. Give your body a rest period after intense training and between workouts. It is also recommended a diet high in nutrients and a good amount of fluid intake, the best is water. Good exercise should consist of a balanced program. Just jumping on to a treadmill or exercise bike at a gym will not give you this level of fitness or health benefits.

It will make all the difference in your life being fit, flexible, no pain and feeling strong. With regular exercise you will be reaping the rewards and feel better than you ever did before. For a mere few hours a week of putting in some effort you get the benefits of regaining the energy you need, being able to do anything in life you want to do. In the morning combine the two most crucial strategies together: Exercise and a good breakfast. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Having these two in that order, exercise and a healthy, protein-rich breakfast is the best start for the day and for taking control of your health.



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A Heart-Healthy Valentine's Day

Legends abound about the origins of this most romantic of occasions, dating all the way back to a priest named Valentine who lived during the reign of Roman emperor Claudius II, 268 to 270 A.D., and was put to death for disobeying the law by secretly marrying young couples. Meanwhile, ancient cultures believed that the heart is the home of the human soul and the source of all our emotions, with red being the color of romance.

Couple all that with the fact that, during the Middle Ages in France and England, February 14th was the beginning of birds' mating season, and you get the idea...

For starters, some up-to-date Valentine's Day facts:

• About one billion cards are exchanged every year; only Christmas beats that number.

• Women purchase 85% of all cards.

• Teachers receive the most cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then sweethearts.

• Venus, the goddess of love, favored roses, and since red symbolizes strong feelings, red roses are considered to be the flower of love.

• Worldwide, more than 50 million roses are given on this day annually.

• Men buy 73% of Valentine's Day flowers.

• About 8 billion candy hearts will be produced this year.

• Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentine's Day candy box in 1868.

• More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates will be sold this time around.

And speaking of chocolate, most of us know it's a heart-healthy treat-dark chocolate, that is. But there's also not-so-good news, as reported by KYW Newsradio 1060's Dr. Brian McDonough: "The amount of chocolate you should have each day is the amount in a Hershey's kiss. That's right, one Hershey kiss." Uh oh!!

But let's worry about that later; we're talking about Valentine's Day, after all.

Along with hearts and flowers, consider putting Macy's on your list, as it's a national sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign celebrating women's "energy, passion, and power" to wipe out heart disease.

From now until the 14th, a certain percentage of in-store sales of such items as an August Silk red cardigan and specially designed Donatella charm will go to Go Red for Women. In addition, for every Valentine sent through Macy's Facebook page, the company will donate $1 to the campaign, up to $250,000.

Is it important? You bet. Women are not immune from what was once considered a man's disease. As the American Heart Association reports:

• 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death of women 20 and older, killing one woman every minute.

So definitely go shopping, but also make time for some crafting with the kids, such as making a simple Valentine's bookmark. All you need to do is...

1. Cut a piece of pink or red card stock into a 7" x 2-1/2" rectangle.

2. Punch a hole near the top and thread with a pretty ribbon.

3. Decorate the bookmark with holiday-related pictures and/or stickers.

Then take a page from numerous elementary schools where children are celebrating this loving season by recognizing Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 14th to the 20th, and then continuing to pay it forward. You can't go wrong following suit.

And all the while you're out there crafting, shopping, and exchanging Valentine's gifts with loved ones, take heart with the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7:

1. Get active.

2. Control cholesterol.

3. Eat better.

4. Manage blood pressure.

5. Lose weight.

6. Reduce blood sugar.

7. Stop smoking.

Keep laughing too, as it's good for both heart and soul. At the same time, heed the warning signs of a "broken" heart, and call 911 immediately if you experience:

• Chest discomfort;

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body;

• Shortness of breath;

• And can include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

In other words, make this a happy but also heart-healthy Valentine's Day--chocolates and all. No regrets.


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