Endure The Pain with an Eye on the Gold

endure-the-pain

Why do Olympic athletes choose to endure the pain of their sports? Vicki looks at how they can inspire us. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). The summer Olympic trials caused me to wonder: Why would the athletes willingly inflict pain on their own bodies during grueling training? What motivates them to endure the pain? Imagine them reading the following sign when they were young: Wanted—People Who Are Willing To: • Subject their body to strenuous exercises … [Read more...]

Resources and Gadgets to Improve Your Health When You are Chronically Ill

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By Lisa Copen It is the time of year when many people are setting fresh goals regarding their health. For one who is chronically ill, however, it can be discouraging and you can feel a bit helpless at the lack of options you have available. Well, due to technology, there may just be some new possibilities for you! Here are a few we have found below. Many people do not want or cannot afford an ipad or an iphone to be able to use the apps in many new technological health advances. If these are something you are interested in, you may want to invest in an iTouch for less than $200. It has the ability to do everything an iphone does but make calls, and there is no monthly fee. You can only connect to wi-fi in a "hot spot" (like your home, … [Read more...]

Would You Go to a “Park” if it Had Equipment for Adults?

Here in the United States more people of the senior generation are starting to exercise by using the popular Wii video game platform. But over in London they are currently designing a special outdoor "playground" for those who wish to burn some calories, but also get some fresh air--& who are over 60 years old. You read that right -- 60, not 6. According to reports, the park will offer exercise equipment that is considered low impact that generally helps older people (we'll let you define "older") improve their flexibility & balance. It also can increase their muscle tone, something that for many seniors has not been a part of their life for many years. Madeline Elsdon was quoted by the Associated Press, as the spokesperson for the … [Read more...]

Even Minimal Activity Decreases Depression

If you are stuck in a rut right now & feeling the blues of winter you likely have heard how exercise can boost your mood & decrease levels of depression. However, when your body is sore & you are feeling depressed, who actually feels like exercising? Personally, we'd much rather grab a bowl of macaroni & cheese & watch a Lifetime movie. The good news is that although lots of studies may have shown that exercise can decrease depression, a new health survey done in Britain with 20,000 people, has revealed that it actually takes very little physical activity to lift your spirits. Just 1-3 twenty-minute sessions a week of activity reduced people’s suffering of depression. In fact, they found that the biggest impact on one's mood, came … [Read more...]

What Exercise Can I Do While Stuck in Bed?

Got any good ideas for workouts for when you are bed-bound once in a while? Cynthia Jean The most effective exercises to do while bedfast, are called isometrics. These exercises do not involve movement, yet they challenge the muscle tissues. Isometric exercises can be used on every muscle in the body. An example of an isometric exercise is to tighten your stomach. Do this by pulling the belly button towards the spine. It’s the same feeling as if you were trying to squeeze into a tight pair of pants. Hold this contraction for a count of two, then release & tighten again. Repeat for eight to ten repetitions. To strengthen the glutes, while lying on your back, tighten the muscles in your behind as if you were trying to lift your … [Read more...]

Trash the Mirror When Exercising

One study found that when women rode an exercise bike in front of a mirror, they wound up feeling worse than they did when they did not look at themselves. "Mirrored rides" left women feeling less calm & more fatigued. The participants originally had high body-image scores, but they felt worse after exercising in front of a mirror. (McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario) … [Read more...]

Trying to Find a Beginner Tai Chi DVD

I am trying to find a Beginner Tai Chi DVD that is specifically designed for those with chronic illness. Do you have any recommendations? Amy Tai chi is an effective exercise that tailors to a variety of fitness levels & needs. It is commonly recommended for the elderly & people with chronic illness. It focuses on improving balance, strength & concentration. Because of its slow paced & gentle nature, you don't need to do tai chi specifically designed for chronic illness. I recommend choosing a beginners DVD but know that as with any exercise, it's important to listen to your body & do only what you are physically capable of. Naomi Kingery has been a certified yoga therapist since the age of thirteen, & fitness coach since sixteen. … [Read more...]