Workout – #Thinkhealth blog

Benefits of HIIT – High Intensity Interval training

HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training is a kind of workout which alternates between a period of intense activity with a period of relatively less intensity workout.

For example, if you are working out on a treadmill, you can run for 1 minute at a high speed, then walk for 2 minutes, and then again run for 1 minute at high speed. This way, in a span of 15 minutes, you will have around 5 minutes of intense activity and 10 minutes of relative calm.

HIIT can be particularly helpful if you are hard pressed for time. So, for instance, if you can spare only 15 minutes for a workout in the morning, you can pack in a HIIT routine in between. Continue reading “Benefits of HIIT – High Intensity Interval training”

Hula Hoops can be a fun workout!

Did you know that you can burn up to 150 calories with 30 minutes of hula hooping. It provides benefits similar to that accrued from low impact aerobic activities such as salsa, belly or swing dancing. Also available now are the weighted hula hoops which can increase the cardio effort while hooping.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. Weighted Hula hoop can be incorporated as a part of the aerobic fitness program to provide a variety as well as break from the usual routine

Pick the right size :

For those wanting to buy a weighted hula hoop, choosing the right size is important. The hoop should reach somewhere between your waist and mid-chest when it’s resting vertically on the ground.

Ironically, smaller and lighter the hoops require more effort to keep it moving while the bigger and heavier ones are easier.

Reference:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/weighted-hula-hoops/faq-20058073?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=housecall

Sports drink during workouts

A sports drink beverage is designed to help athletes rehydrate when fluids are depleted after training or competition.

Electrolyte replacement promotes proper rehydration, which is important in delaying the onset of fatigue during exercise.

As the primary fuel utilized by exercising muscle, carbohydrates are important in maintaining exercise and sport performance.

Desirable Composition of Sports Beverages: Continue reading “Sports drink during workouts”

Are antioxidant supplements necessary for individuals who exercise regularly?

Are antioxidant supplements necessary for individuals who exercise regularly

We do feel extremely exhausted post exercise and there are several reasons for it; but the oxidative stress generated due to exercise is one of the primary causes.Highly reactive chemical species, called free radicals, may increase during exercise

But do not worry, this kind of stress is temporary and is good for health!

The debate now is whether we need to curb this oxidative stress by supplementing with antioxidants or let it continue such that we get maximum benefits from exercise

So , let’s briefly understand what are antioxidants and where are they found. Continue reading “Are antioxidant supplements necessary for individuals who exercise regularly?”

Food you should eat before a workout

Pre workout meals / snacks

As we start to get regular with our exercise regimen, we need to gradually plan snacks/ meals to be consumed before and after exercise

What we eat before the exercise is important since we need to have enough energy to sustain the exercise at the level we intend to achieve. Now one may ask, why eat again while we actually want to mobilize the existing excess food stores. Well, there are 2 caveats to this:

Firstly, it’s not advisable to start exercise on an empty stomach. For example early in the morning because there is a long gap between the last meal and subsequent one post exercise. Prolonged fasting period slows down the metabolism and we surely don’t want that. Continue reading “Food you should eat before a workout”