Thursday, January 2, 2014

Don’t Go to the Gym – Do a Detox Program First!



(Excerpts from “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Becoming Healthier Over the Next 30 Days”) Series 3
Did you know that many people will start the New Year off by joining a gym and by the month of March (some by Valentine's Day) they will already be out of there?

 Why You Should Engage in a Detox Program?

If you are apparently overweight with very low energy, then don’t go to the gym but instead engage in a detox program first.  This process will take anywhere from 1 to 2 to 3 weeks depending on the type of detoxification program you choose from a health food store. 

 Remember your health begins in your colon so a colon cleanse (detox) should be a priority while you work your way up to a liver and kidney detox.

Detoxification (detox for short) is a natural healing process needed more than ever in today’s toxic world. Just as the outer environments in which we live can become polluted with trash, violated with industrial chemicals, our inner environments (our bodies) can become filled with toxic garbage as well.

Many of these toxins come from our diets, drug use, and environmental exposure.  By engaging in a detoxification program we are actively assisting and supporting the body in its own natural cleansing actions to help in ridding the body of substances that may be detrimental to our health.

 Learn how to find all the health food stores in your neighborhood and the type of detoxes you should purchase by reading the article at the end of this article or the health book.

Couch Potato Lifestyle

It’s estimated by many experts that this will be the first generation that WILL NOT outlive their parents.  The main reason is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) found in 90% of foods in grocery stores which have no nutritional value and leading a sedentary (sitting posture) lifestyle.

A sedentary lifestyle or “the couch potato lifestyle” has contributed to over 200,000 PREVENTABLE deaths a year.  The leading causes of death for people with heart disease, cancer, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes are most strongly influenced by lifestyle.

What to Do Before Starting an Exercise Program

Before starting any type of regular exercise program see your doctor first to make sure your body can take working out.  Remember to always start off slow (start off walking) then work yourself up over the next few weeks and months to a more intense form of working out, if and only if, you are in shape for that type of workout.

If you have been sedentary for some time, try exercising in water.  Water aerobics are excellent for those who are overweight or who find walking or running difficult.

 Some easy ways to add physical activity to your daily routine include:

  • Park the car farther away from your destination.
  • Get on or off the bus several blocks away.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
  • Take fitness breaks instead of cigarette or coffee breaks. Walk, stretch or do some office exercises.
  • Perform gardening, yard work, heavy house cleaning, or home-repair activities.
  • Exercise while watching TV.  For example, use hand weights, a stationary bike or treadmill, stretch, or perform body-weight exercises such as crunches, push-ups and squats.
  • Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office. You’ll be ready for activity wherever you go.
  • Walk while doing errands.

Know the Dangers of Working Out in a Gym

Many people will start the New Year off by joining a gym and by the month of March they will already be out of there.  Why?  Because they should have engaged in a detox program first so they could gain the long-term energy they will need to pace themselves.

Did you know you can freeze your membership at most gyms if you don’t plan on attending for a while?  Fitness gyms have memberships for $20 or $30 a month and you don’t have to sign a contract (LA Fitness, Gold's Gym, YMCAs, etc.).  But be careful when working out in a gym.

Some of the dangers of working out in a gym include:
  • Underqualified staff or physical trainers (untrained staff members pretending to know what they are doing)
  • Bacteria on equipment (including exercise mats so bring your own or clean off mats) and in showers (always wear shoes)
  • Faulty equipment (many persons have been paralyzed from using faulty equipment at gyms so pay attention and don’t exercise when you are sleepy or too tired).

Wear the Right Equipment to Work Out

It’s very motivational to have on the right equipment when you are working out especially your shoes.  If you plan on starting a walking program then invest in walking shoes.  

 Sports Authority has a great selection of workout clothes and tennis shoes for under $60.  If you have a foot injury then chances are you will stop working out altogether so invest in expensive socks so your feet can feel comfortable.   

 If you plan on starting an aerobic program then buy cross-trainer shoes.  If you plan on running everyday then invest in running shoes.  

 Don’t forget that water bottle so you can sip water throughout your workout.  Wearing the right equipment will help you feel good about yourself and will help you get results even sooner. 

Warm It Up

Make sure you warm up before exercising. Your warm-up is just as important as your workout, however, with busy schedules, people forget to stretch and heat up their bodies. Many just settle for a few toe-touches which can leave them in pain or injured.

A good warm-up will provide increased flexibility and will activate the necessary muscles for training and competition. It also speeds up your blood flow and causes your core temperature to rise, which will prepare you to train at your highest levels. Good preparation makes for a great workout.

Preventing Soreness When Exercising

Getting sore after exercising will not only keep you from continuing to exercise, it might make you stop all together.  Therefore, to prevent soreness remember to use natural remedies for soreness versus the over-the-counter creams that can leak into your blood system and cause your body to become toxic.

For instance, always keep Epsom salt by your bathtub to use when you go home from the gym and for muscle cramps rub pure, unprocessed olive or flaxseed oil into your muscles before and after strenuous exercise.

The Right Way to Lose Weight

In order to lose weight, you must exercise.  When you look at the people that are successful at losing weight and keeping it off, they are active, plain and simple. 

 Being overweight is caused most often by overeating and under-exercising.  Excessive weight can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, diabetes, and gallstones.

Get Some Type of Cardiovascular Exercise

The more fit you are, the longer you are likely to live.  Being fit usually means you engage in some type of “cardio” or “cardiovascular” exercise.  Cardiovascular exercises are any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up and keep it up for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

Everyone should be engaged in some type of cardiovascular exercise (fast or power walking, running, aerobics, swimming, bicycling/spinning, etc.) at least 3, 4 or 5 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes.

Learn more by reading my health book “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Becoming Healthier Over the Next 30 Days” (available as an e-book or paperback book at www.AngelsPress.com) or read the e-article below.

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