Shape Magazine, and many others, have weighed in on the benefits and limitations of doing, say, 15 push-ups a day. Go online and read up. Talk to you doctor and all that. Expecting miracles? Don’t. But chest, arms and core will all benefit from spending a minute a day groveling on the floor.
– Jet Cannon
We’ve often shared what we’ve read about the health benefits of getting those steps in. Walking works. And if you can walk outdoors, it’s even better. Prevention Magazine sums it up.
“Being outdoors is a natural antidote to stress,” says Richard Taylor, Ph.D., the head of the physics department at the University of Oregon, who studies how nature’s patterns affect mental health. His research shows that stress levels plummet by 60% when we view patterns like those found in nature. “Humans evolved for thousands of years outdoors, and our physiology is designed around it,” he says. “But then we built these boxes to live in, and there has been a growing move to be inside more. Our stress levels keep growing because of that too.”
Indeed, study after study over the past two decades has confirmed that green spaces, water, and sunlight confer health benefits that range from improved healing rates after surgery and strengthened immunity to decreased chronic pain. But the impact on mental health might be most dramatic of all.”
– Jet Cannon
Add one more thing to the many benefits of walking for exercise. It can tone and build muscle. USA Today says it’s true. Read about it here.
– Jet Cannon
When Fortune magazine joins the “how-much-water-should-we-drink” chorus, we listen. Why? Because we’re aspiring to be a Captain Of Industry someday. So how much water? Lots. Except it depends. Find your ounces here.
– Jet Water-Cannon
Sleeping too much or too little is bad for our health. But moderate exercise can counteract the bad stuff. “The new research builds upon a large body of work showing just how critical both sleep and fitness are for overall health. Various studies show that healthy amounts of each individually are linked to increased longevity. And at least one suggested that sleep problems tended to increase the chances a subject would die during the follow-up period but that regular exercise helped eliminate that risk.” Read all about it in this New York Times article.
– Jet Cannon
This Prevention.com article details all the muscles used when we do push-ups. It’s pretty impressive given that push-ups don’t require a gym or equipment. The article also explains how to do them propertly.
Meanwhile, a drunk staggers into a bar demanding a beer. The bartender informs him that he is not allowed to serve alcohol to drunken patrons. After a few harsh words, the bartender suggested that the drunk prove he isn’t drunk by doing twenty push-ups on the floor.
As he was doing the push-ups, another drunk staggers into the bar and sees this guy on the floor doing push-ups.
He looks at him for a minute and then nudges him in the ribs saying, “Hey, Pal, I think your girl friend has gone home.”
– Jet Cannon
The good news per VegNews is, “a plant-forward diet could improve men’s health to prevent and manage conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia , erectile dysfunction, and prostate cancer, according to a recent study published in the medical journal Urology.”
The bad news is… this requires a plant-forward diet.
– Jet Cannon
We might be overdoing it but blueberries just keep getting better and better for our health. Besides helping heart health, bone strength, skin health, blood pressure, diabetes management, cancer prevention, and mental health a new study says they may keep low energy at bay. Oh, and they appear to help burn more fat when combined with exercise. Pass the Glitter Bomb Blueberry Liquor!
– Jet Cannon
Finally! Thankfully! Pickleball now has an official recovery drink. DINK.
Per reporting in Vine Pair, DINK is a “first-of-its-kind” sports drink created with electrolytes and minerals to specifically support pickleball players, according to a March 29 press release. The new brand will be available at pickleball courts nationwide, as it recently launched a three-year partnership with the official USA Pickleball.
Since DINK does not contain alcohol, your Buzz will need to come from your stellar play.
– Jet Cannon
A great philosopher once said, “Everything you know is wrong.” Or maybe it was Firesign Theater. Regardless, once again what we what thought was true may not be. Like eggs and butter being scary bad. So now a study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons finds that running may not increase arthritis risk. Other factors may have a larger impact like family history and BMI. Read about it here in Mind Body Green.
– Jet Cannon
In a perfect world, we would lose weight while gaining lean muscle mass. But says Livestrong.com it’s best not to focus on weight. Rather, focus on body composition.
“It is possible to lose weight while strength training in a calorie deficit and even increase your lean muscle mass. However, aiming for fat loss, rather than total weight, is a better indicator of your progress and overall health. Improving your body composition with consistent, progressive strength training and protein-focused eating habits can help you feel better in and out of the gym.”
– Jet Cannon
Eager to join yet another weight loss fad, we checked the InterWeb for help with intermittent fasting. One article compared nine different fasting plans. NINE. Some 30,000 studies later… whether fasting works or which method is best… all depends. Thanks.
There does seem to be some evidence that, besides possibly prompting weight loss, intermittent fasting may reduce risks for diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, and heart disease. Of course the benefits come with warnings for individuals with other health issues. So nothing is certain or easy. Anyone who says weight management is fun or easy is selling something. Here’s a pretty good article from U.S. News. Good luck!
– Jet Cannon
Heading back to the gym post-Covid? Things may look a little different. CNN says folks are doing more strength training so you may see more dumbbells and fewer treadmills.
Remember Jack LaLanne? “People thought I was a charlatan and a nut.” The founder of the modern fitness movement, who first opened a club in Oakland, California, in 1938 and later hosted a popular TV exercise show. “The doctors were against me — they said that working out with weights would give people everything from heart attacks to hemorrhoids.”
We going to have a hard time getting that thought out of our head when we pump the iron.
– Jet Cannon
Click here for more on these Well + Good dietician-recommended ideas for boosting energy and mood. Best read while enjoying your morning cup of coffee. Ha. The crib note version includes hydrating, getting outside for a bit, finding an enjoyable exercise, and reaching for healthy snacks.
We feel better already!
– Jet Cannon