Mental Health

Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 69

by

Joseph

 

I had a very good deadlift workout. Here are the results:

 

Tuesday, September 13, 2019
 
320 lb x 3 reps x 3 sets
320 lb x 1 x 2
 
no warm-up set
 
I increased the number of reps per set and added 6 extra pounds to the bar. After I finished 3 sets, I wanted to do more, so I completed two more sets. Deadlifting is fun.
 
When I return to the gym, I'll increase them again.
 
I'll keep you posted.
 
 
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14
 
I'm living fit, healthy and happy(SM). Are you?
 
 
 
"Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 69" copyright © 2019 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 65

by 

Joseph

Last week was a good week for exercise. Here are the results of the workout:

 

Tuesday, August 15, 2019
 
deadlifts 
 
135 lb x 4 reps x 1 set
325 lb x 6 x 1
 
I had about 40 minutes available to exercise, so I devoted the entire workout to deadlifts. It seems like a continuation of my deadlifts challenge from years ago, but what I'm focusing on now is heavy lifting for the sake of heavy lifting. I'm enjoying every minute of it. The thrill of lifting heavy weights off the floor and setting them back down again. Working against gravity is an amazing feeling; I know that my bones and muscles are strengthening and my metabolism is speeding up again. My body is burning more fat when I do heavy lifting and I like the way the weight feels. 
 
Deadlifting 325 pounds is nowhere near my 1 rep max of 425 pounds; for now, I want to lift and hold for 15 seconds before setting the weight down. I'm doing this force myself to remain in good form while holding several hundred pounds in my hands; my right hand continues to have better grip strength than my left; this exercise will improve my left hand grip strength.
 
When I return to the gym, I'm going to deadlift 365 pounds.
 
I'll keep you posted. 
 
 
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14
 
 
"Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 65" copyright © 2019 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 64

by

Joseph

I had a very good workout last week. I devoted the entire workout to deadlifts and this is what happened:

Tuesday, August 6, 2019
 
deadlifts
 
135 lb x 10 reps x 1 set
205 lb x 5 x 1
265 x 4 x 1
310 lb x 1 x 5 + hold 15 secs

Last week I wrote that I would be adding deadlifts to my routine; at the time I planned to start with 175 pounds and gradually increase the amount over the course of a few weeks. But when I got to the gym, I decided not to limit myself to light weight deadlifts. Between lifts I looked at a photo of myself lifting 355 pounds and used it to psyche myself up and it worked. It felt good to be exercising with heavy weights; muscle memory kicked in and enabled me to do what needed to be done. I now know that I can bench press at 225 pounds and higher; my body can do it, I had to overcome a mental hurdle, and the deadlift did that.

When I return to the gym, I'll be deadlifting at 320 pounds and I'll also devote time to rack lockouts at higher weights. Deadlifting will also boost my metabolism by drawing upon stored calories. 

I'm going to exceed all of my personal records (PRs) in deadlifting, benching, rows and overhead presses. I'll keep you posted.

 

I'll keep you posted.

 

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14

 

"Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 64" copyright © 2019 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy(SM). All Rights Reserved.

 

 

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Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 61

by

Joseph

 

When I went to the gym last Tuesday, I decided to do things a bit differently. Here are the results of the workout:

 
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
 
standing barbell overhead press with Olympic bar
 
135 lb x 0 x 1 <---- floor to forehead but that's it
115 lb x 1 x 40s
135 x 1 x 0 <------ floor to forehead only
 
barbell flat bench press (w/o smith machine)
 
115 lb x7x5
135 lb x5x3
135 lb x3x2
 
Even though I was finally able to get an Olympic bar, I just didn't feel like doing overhead presses. Mentally I did not want to do them. So I put the bar back on the flat bench rack and started doing bench presses. This is the first time in many years that I've used a flat bench; not since the days of my old gym have I done this particular exercise. This series was started to record my flat bench progress, largely because I did not feel comfortable using a smith machine to flat bench. 
 
When I joined this new gym, I went through a light set with just the Olympic bar and I did not do very well, my balance was way off, so I set about doing other exercises. Now I'm going to get my flat bench numbers back up to where they're supposed to be. Back at my old gym I did the flat bench at 260 pounds unassisted; I will surpass that amount at this gym.
 
Later I'll do overhead presses again; this happened from time to time all those years ago at my old gym.  When I get back to the gym this week, I'll be lifting heavy.
 
I'll keep you posted.
 
 
 
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14
 
 
 
"Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 61" copyright © 2019 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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Type 2 Diabetes - Simple Tips to Help You Control Your Blood Sugar

Type 2 Diabetes - Simple Tips to Help You Control Your Blood Sugar
By Beverleigh H Piepers

Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can lead to anxiety, fear, and a lot of confusion about what types of foods you should be eating. It also usually comes with the harsh reality you may be faced with taking medication for the rest of your life. However, the good news is there are steps you can implement in your diet and lifestyle that can help improve your overall health, and potentially even reverse you Type 2 diabetes.

Let us look at the top four tips on living healthy with diabetes...

1. Eliminate Processed Sugar. A huge part of controlling your blood sugar is watching your diet. A big way to improve your health is to swap out processed sugar for natural sweeteners such as stevia, or high-fiber fruits like raspberries. The less sugar you eat, the better you will be able to balance your blood sugar levels.

2. Combat Stress. During times of difficulty, your blood sugar levels increase, so here is one more reason to make sure you are managing your overall stress levels. Knowing how to handle stress best is essential when you are feeling completely overwhelmed, as this type of pressure can interfere with your overall health. Try to implement a handful of stress-management techniques into your day whether this is...

  • a yoga class,
  • deep breathing, or just
  • taking a few minutes to meditate before you start your day.

Making time for just a small about of stress reduction can make a huge difference in how you feel, and how well you balance your blood sugar levels.

3. Check in with Your Doctor. After you are diagnosed with high and unstable blood sugar, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, and you may forget to follow-up with your routine doctor's appointment. Following up with your doctor can help with your diabetes management plan. Your doctor can run blood tests to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to monitor your blood sugar.

4. Exercise. Exercise is vital for overall health and can help you better manage your Type 2 diabetes. Being physically active can help lower your blood sugar and also help you maintain a healthy weight. Do whatever form of exercise you love, so you know you will stick with it!

While being diagnosed with diabetes of any form can come with a lot of confusion, it does not mean you cannot live a healthy lifestyle. Making healthy changes can help you better control your diabetes by getting your blood sugar levels in check, and may even help you reverse your Type 2 diabetes over time.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Simple-Tips-to-Help-You-Control-Your-Blood-Sugar&id=10099053


Type 2 Diabetes - The Risk for Diabetes Increases With Extra Inches Around Your Waist

Type 2 Diabetes - The Risk for Diabetes Increases With Extra Inches Around Your Waist
By Beverleigh H Piepers

Your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes soar when you carry extra weight around your stomach. The question is how much weight around our middle is "extra" and is it possible to lose inches from our waist?

Many people with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes feel they are not able to lose the weight they carry around their midline. However, this is not true. Anyone can take steps to reduce their waist measurement, and in this article, we will explore why and how losing inches from your waist measurement can help you to lower your blood sugar and reduce your chances of developing Type s diabetes.

Why your waist measurement is so important for your health and wellbeing, even if you are not overweight and your BMI is under 25, your waist measurement can offer critical insights into your risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. The fact is extra weight - specifically around your waistline is an indicator of ill-health.

The slim waist people flaunt in magazines and media is attractive for a reason - it indicates good health. While we all cannot have a 26-inch waist like a supermodel, we can ensure our waist measurement is within a healthy range.

When extra weight is carried around the abdominal area, it can cause inflammation and the build-up of fat around our vital organs. The fat build-up can starve our organs of oxygen and cause the onset of many chronic health conditions including high and unstable blood sugar. Insulin resistance builds up with too many fat stores, and this causes our blood sugar to rise significantly and indicates an increased risk of developing diabetes.

How to lose weight around your waistline. Firstly it is essential to know just how many inches you need to lose from around your abdominal area. Below is an indication of a healthy weight measurement. What is a healthy waist size? To increase overall health and reduce the risk of having raised blood sugar levels you need to aim to have a waist measurement...

  • under 88 cm (35 inches) for women, and
  • under 102 cm (40 inches) for men.

Tips on losing inches from around your waist. There are four pillars when it comes to losing weight on any part of your body, especially your abdominal area. It will not happen overnight; however, by adjusting these lifestyle factors, you will reduce your waist to a healthy size. The four pillars are...

  • sleep,
  • stress reduction,
  • exercise, and
  • healthy eating.

Where to start. Start with creating a plan. It helps to do this with a health professional, a friend or a health coach. Set clear and reasonable goals that suit your circumstances and stick with it.

Choosing to make healthier lifestyle options is the first step to reversing your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes now and in the future!

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---The-Risk-for-Diabetes-Increases-With-Extra-Inches-Around-Your-Waist&id=10090284


Exercises and Workouts - Three Ways Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health

Exercises and Workouts - Three Ways Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health
By Beverleigh H Piepers

If you are planning on becoming healthier and improve your overall well-being, it should come as no surprise to know exercise is one of the most critical factors for your success.

However, what many people do not realize is exercise also boosts brain health. It is going to do so much more for you than help ensure you can keep your weight in a healthy range and protect your heart. It will also keep your mind sound as well.

So, how can exercise improve your psychological well-being? Let us look at some of the ways it helps you achieve this...

1. Reduced Stress. Like many other risk factors that may contribute to Type 2 diabetes or heart disease, we are now exposed to far more stressors than earlier generations have been. Stress is naturally something that can get you down, leading to burnout, feelings of depression, and anxiety. If not controlled, it could also lead to weight gain because you are not keeping your cortisol levels in check which can promote fat storage around the abdominal region.

Lowering your stress level is easy when you exercise. You will get the release of positive "feel-good" endorphins, which will help give you a boost and ensure you are feeling calmer and more in control of your situation.

2. Greater Self-Confidence. When you exercise regularly, you can also notice improvements in your self-confidence levels as well. You will see what you can achieve with a little time and effort, and this can help you move one step forward on your pathway to success. When you are gaining confidence in your abilities to exercise, you will also gain confidence in other areas of your life. To achieve this, it is vital to employ an exercise program that helps ensure you are progressively challenging your body so you can see continual improvement taking place as well.

3. Improved Memory. Exercise will also help to boost your mental health and enhance your memory abilities: this is one factor many people do not realize. When you exercise, your hippocampus begins to grow, and this is the area associated with improved memory.

If you are finding yourself a little forgetful lately, adding a little more exercise to your plan may be just the thing you need to resolve this.

Hopefully, now you can see how many benefits exercise will bring to the table. It 's well worth putting some extra time and attention to carving out a spot for training in your week. Your health depends on it.

Although managing Type 2 diabetes can be very challenging, it is not a condition you must just live with. Make simple changes to your daily routine - include exercise to help lower both your blood sugar levels and your weight.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142
http://EzineArticles.com/?Exercises-and-Workouts---Three-Ways-Exercise-Benefits-Your-Mental-Health&id=10080043


Cycling 101: How to Conquer That Fear

Cycling 101: How to Conquer That Fear
By Joan Bishop Denizot

It seems that the advances in science and technology have made life easy for people: transportation that takes us wherever we want to go, machines, appliances, and gadgets that make work easy. Particularly, with the coming of the internet, almost everything can be done online: read, study, online banking, and even shopping. The easiness of life however, has made more people live a sedentary lifestyle.

Living a sedentary lifestyle create health problems for people such as obesity, cardio respiratory diseases, stress, and diabetes among others. Realizing the need for a more active lifestyle, more people are now getting into health and fitness programs to improve their health conditions and to keep themselves fit.

People who exercise regularly attest that they function much better at work. They are often found to have a better disposition in life. Perhaps it is because of the fact that when people exercise, they do not only sweat off all the toxins and burn all those calories in their body, but they also release all the stresses they experience at home, school, or at work. Through a good cardiovascular workout, the force of oxygen in the brain somehow clears the head, improves blood circulation and thus releasing a lot of those tension in the muscles. One good cardiovascular exercise that you might want to try is outdoor cycling or bike riding.

Cycling is a low impact exercise that does not strain or puts too much pressure on the joints unlike in running, walking, and weight training. This means that with cycling, you can have a longer exercise time which translates to more calories burned than with running or jogging.

However, some people are afraid to try out cycling as exercise. Among their fears include:

� There might not be a bike that can hold me.

� I might look awkward since I am not good in riding a bike.

� I am scared getting on the road.

These issues are not real problems, really. There are bicycles for big riders and bike shops can help you with the bicycle that fits you. When afraid of looking awkward or falling, you can practice riding your bike right within your yard till you get the confidence to ride farther from your house. You may practice at your nearby park where there is less traffic. As you keep on practicing you will find yourself being more confident to ride your bicycle. What's fun is, you can ride along with your friends and family

Whether you are an average sized rider or a heavier one who wanted to try biking for recreational purposes, commuting, or losing weight, check out Zize Bikes for a line-up of custom made, extra sturdy bicycles for everybody that can support ALL riders of ALL sizes (up to 550 pounds).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joan_Bishop_Denizot/2223664
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cycling-101:-How-to-Conquer-That-Fear&id=9580227


How to Cycle Safely on a Busy Road

How to Cycle Safely on a Busy Road
By Joan Bishop Denizot

The road to fitness is from the road itself.

Bicycling or bike-riding is steadily increasing in popularity as a mode of transportation when going to school, office or work and as a means of recreation. It also opened for many opportunities for sports enthusiasts to showcase their strength and stamina in cycling competitions or bike races.

Many of the conducted studies on the benefits of cycling show that a regular routine of riding the bicycle helps reduce various health risks and problems due to our unhealthy lifestyle. First, it reduces our risk from cardiovascular diseases that include hypertension and heart attack among others. Second, it decreases the feeling of anxiety and depression that could be fatal if unattended. Lastly, it is also one of the important alternatives to lose weight. It burns our excess fats accumulated in our bodies then turns these heavy baggage to become muscles. In losing weight, it would be beneficial if the exercise is accompanied with a healthy diet like eating organic and nutritious food. It would help plenty! But how to cycle safely on a busy road? Here are some friendly suggestions for your own safety.

Keep on track. There is nothing to worry about if we follow traffic rules and regulations. Staying on a particular bicycle lane secures safety from accidents or among other incidents that might happen. Focus and spread your eyes at some of the debris, humps, parked cars and among others.

Give a hint. The importance of signals while cycling reduces incidents including crashes, bumping, and other accidents. With the proper and right hand signals, it is also advisable to wear vibrant colors to maintain visibility.

Make the best out of it. Of course, it will never be complete if you don't combine your journey with fun and enjoyment. Feel the wind and be mesmerized with the beauty of nature. There is no room for pains and aches unless we think that fitness with joy ride are best partners to be successful.

Cycling has run through many miles and it has already helped many people from various race, culture, size and shape. It has changed the way we perceive on managing our life to make it better every day. Therefore, it is not too late to include cycling as one of your daily routines. One pedal at a time and the finish line of the road to fitness is just right ahead.

Whether you are an average sized rider or a heavier one who wanted to try biking for recreational purposes, commuting, or losing weight, check out Zize Bikes company for a line-up of custom made, extra sturdy bicycles for everybody that can support ALL riders of ALL sizes (up to 550 pounds).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joan_Bishop_Denizot/2223664
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Cycle-Safely-on-a-Busy-Road&id=9637323


Healthy Living - Are You Obsessed With Your Health?

Healthy Living - Are You Obsessed With Your Health?
By Beverleigh H Piepers

When it comes to health, most of us are merely trying to do the very best we can. We take note of how we are currently feeling and are striving to one-up how we feel as time goes on. We exercise, make changes to our diet plan, and look after our sleep needs. So, one should think we are on track to optimal success.

However, could you be too concerned about your health? For some people, this is a genuine concern: call it health OCD if you want, or call it anxiety. If you spend too much time looking at and researching your state of health and how you should feel, you may have a problem on your hands as incidents of acute stress affects your body and in a measurable way...

1. How To Spot Trouble. First, let us talk about how to spot trouble when it may be starting. The thing about being overly health conscious is usually you do not even realize you have a problem until it is too late and you have a full-blown anxiety disorder.

Some of the signs you may be becoming obsessed with your health include...

  • you are always feeling stressed about your health and wondering why you are not feeling better.
  • you visit the doctor complaining of symptoms that fail to exist.
  • people around you often tell you not to worry so much.
  • when the doctor advises you there is no health issue, it does not ease your anxiety.
  • when you hear of a disorder in someone else, you begin researching it and may eventually come to believe you have it as well.
  • you have trouble resting easy after tests have been taken, and you cannot focus on your usual life until you know the results.

If you are experiencing even a few of these symptoms, this is not something to take lightly.

2. What To Do About Your Anxiety. What do you do if you do spot yourself in some of the above points?

  • first, talk to a friend. Ask them if they have noticed you becoming overly concerned with having different diseases. If they have, then there could be an issue at hand.
  • next, consider consulting a psychological counselor. Talk to someone trained in dealing with this type of problem. You may need professional help to get past it.
  • finally, practice stress controlling tactics. Stress-busting techniques often work for combating anxiety too, so the two can go hand in hand. The selection of methods to relieve pressure is somewhat personal.

Common health concerns when you are genuinely ill is nothing to stress over as there is a built-in level of stress when recovering from an illness. It is when you become consumed with negative thoughts about your health you could find you have a significant problem.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142
http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthy-Living---Are-You-Obsessed-With-Your-Health?&id=10034954