Fitness Fun & Facts: The Importance of Optimal Breathing

Every breath you take

Your breathing patterns affect numerous functions in your body. At the same time, how your body functions can also affect your breathing patterns.

Several studies have been done to demonstrate how dysfunctional breathing patterns can affect postural stabilization, increased exhalation of CO2 which can elevate the body’s blood pH, as well as lead to various muscle imbalances. They can also cause muscle tension, reduced motor control, muscle spasms, and increased pain sensitization.  Additionally, quick breathing affects body chemistry such as changes in magnesium, calcium, and potassium which can affect motor control mechanisms involved with core (muscles between the shoulders and the hips) function. 

Continue reading

Nutri-Know: A quick, delicious wrap!

Nutritional Knowledge You Can Use

As you may know from previous posts, I enjoy attempting to recreate meals that I’ve tried at restaurants that I’ve visited.  I think you will enjoy this quick, easy, and very nutritious meal inspired by a choice called The Hot and Healthy Bachelor offered at  Life Alive in Lowell, MA.  Prep time was about 20 minutes the first time I made it, but it’s quicker now that I know what to expect!

Continue reading

Fitness Fun & Facts: Why am I so sore and tired?

Female & male chemistry can have an effect on how you are feeling after a workout!

According to common sense and science, physical activity is good for you.  With so many studies and opinions about the best type of exercise, it can be confusing.  The bottom line is you have to pick what works for you. 

It is a common fallacy that soreness after a workout means that you have had a good workout. Some soreness is expected, especially if you haven’t used muscles in a while. But, if you are overly sore and tired after working out, you might need to take it down a notch or even choose a different mode of exercise.

Continue reading