Wellness Page Vision

Our vision is to provide quality support to both staff and clients in their personal and professional development of healthier lifestyles.
Showing posts with label exercise ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise ideas. Show all posts

Sunday, June 2, 2013

5 Minute Blast Workout

No excuses!!
Get up and get at this 5 minute workout.

30 seconds of work followed by 30 seconds of rest. Push straight through and really push yourself to get out as many repetitions as possible (with good form) in the 30 seconds.

*Jumping Jacks
*Push-Ups (modified, off of a stable desk or table, or off of the wall)
*Jumping Jacks
*Centered Squats (Sit back in it and try to not let your knees pass your toes)
*Jumping Jacks

DONE!!! Now, go reward yourself with a delicious and healthy smoothie. (see recipe below)

Friday, May 17, 2013

Motivation: Michelle Obama's Arms

Regardless of your personal opinions and feelings about the President and what he is or isn't doing, one thing is for sure....his wife has great arms!! Lol.The number of upper arm plastic surgery operations has increased over 4,000% since Michelle bared her arms. Instead of spending lots of money on surgery and days, if not weeks, in recovery, opt for a brief daily workout that will give you those lean strong arms. There is a winning combination: strength building exercises and cardio to burn fat. Strength building can be as easy as doing push-ups off of your wall and cardio can include a brisk walk or climbing stairs. If you are into something with more intensity, include jumping jacks, crab kicks or jump roping, and push ups off the floor.

Here is a basic 9 minute workout to get you started. Read < > for intense level.
You have 9 minutes!!
So, stretch and set your timer to 9 minutes.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Minute 1: SOLIDER WALK: Walk in place like a solider, lifting your knees as high as you can.

Minute 2: PUSH-UPS: Find a wall and stand far enough away that your fingers barely touch it. Keep your back flat and lean forward, without moving your feet, towards the wall so your hands are finally laying on the wall. Do as many push-ups as possible during the time. Pause if necessary but try to continue right after. If you need to stop, then stop, after you add 1-2 more.

Minute 3: SOLIDER WALK: Repeat walking with high knees.

Minute 4: CRUNCHES: Lay on the floor, lift your chin off of your chest and keep the space of an apple or orange between your chin and chest. Your hands should be flat at your sides near your hips. Lift your shoulder blades off the floor and try to reach for your knees. Lower. Do as many crunches as possible during the time. Pause if necessary but try to continue right after. If you need to stop, then stop, after you add 1-2 more.

Minute 5: SOLIDER WALK: Repeat walking with high knees.

Minute 6: CHAIR SQUATS: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart in front of a sturdy chair. If necessary, place the chair up against the wall for added support. Extend your arms out in front of you for balance. Sit back into the chair and as soon as your buttock touches the chair, stand back up! Clench your glutes muscles as you rise to get maximum muscle effort. Do as many chair squats as possible during the time. Pause if necessary but try to continue right after. If you need to stop, then stop, after you add 1-2 more.
Minute 7: SOLIDER WALK: Repeat walking with high knees.

Minute 8: CALF RAISES: Stand with legs shoulder width apart. Rise onto your toes, using your chair or wall for balance. Lower back to flat feet. Repeat and try to get as high as possible. Do as many calf raises as possible during the time. Pause if necessary but try to continue right after. If you need to stop, then stop, after you add 1-2 more.

Minute 9: SOLIDER WALK: Repeat walking with high knees.

GOOD JOB!!!
 That was a 9 minute full body workout with strength building and cardio!
Beginners repeat 2-3x/wk, Intermediates: 3-5x/wk & Advanced: Daily. 

REMEMBER: You can't workout and then feed your body junk. It needs the right foods and drinks to maintain, change and get stronger and healthier. Increase your vegetable and fruit intake, increase your water intake and decrease your intake of sugary or white starchy foods.
(BONUS: Put on music and get the kids involved. Nine minutes to a healthier you and them.)

Friday, May 3, 2013

Why Walk?

Top 10 REASONS to walk...

*Decrease the risk of heart attack/ type 2 diabetes.
*Control weight and burns body fat
*Improve muscle tone and bone density
*Reduces Stress
*Increases energy, stamina and metabolism
*Lowers high blood pressure and LDL (bad cholesterol)
*Improves efficiency of your heart and lungs
*Reduce symptoms of PMS, back pain and arthritus
*Can improve wellness, fitness, and happiness
*Increase plasma in body and decreasing chances of blood

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

10 Ways to Increase Your Metabolism



1. Eat breakfast. Every. Single. Day. Skipping breakfast sends your body into starvation mode and slows down your metabolism. So, eat something, even if its light every day and jump start your metabolism.
2. DRINK WATER! Studies have found that people who drink 8-12 8oz cups of water per day, have a highter metabolic rate.
3. Sneak protein into every meal. That protein helps build and maintain lean muscle mass. And, muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest. 
4. Have a cup of green tea. The brew has a plant compound in it called ECGC, which  promotes fat burning and is known as the closest thing to a metabolism potion.
5. Lift iron and eat iron. Including some form of weight training into your workouts 2-3x week creates tiny tears in your muscles. The body rushes to repair those tears by attacking the fat in your body and  thereby increasing your metabolism.Then, have something green and leafy, like spinach, bok choy and broccoli. Replacing lost iron in the blood boosts your metabolism by adding oxygen to your blood and your muscles. The more that your body works the more fat you are burning.
6. Get spicy! Adding spices (like chili peppers or chili powder) to your food will increase your body's temperature and when your sympathetic nervous system starts to work in overtime to regulate your temperature, your metabolic rate increases.
7. Fishy fishy. Eating salmon will not only increase your intake of Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which keeps you fuller longer.
8. Skip the second drink. The liver starts to use the alcohol for energy instead of the fat that already exists in the body.
9. Hit the sack early! Adults who get 7.5-9 hours of sleep per night will increase their metabolism by allowing the body the proper amount of time to digest and repair. The harder the body works, the more calories it is burning.
10. Don't stress over your slips. Stress increases the body's cortisol and cortisol holds onto fat. If you ate that double banana sundae with all the toppings, don't beat yourself up about it. Enjoy it and consider it a treat. Then, move on. Consider that to be your treat for the day or a few days or week and go forward.

Monday, April 22, 2013

National Walk at Lunch Day: This Wednesday, April 24, 2013


 NATIONAL WALK AT LUNCH DAY!!

Join us at Fitchburg CHC this Wednesday, April 24 from 12-12:30p for National Walk at Lunch. If you cannot make it here, please get together a group of co-workers, grab your sneakers and head out for some fresh air and great physical, mental and emotional benefits.

Meet us in the Fitchburg CHC lobby at 11:55a.
First 10 participants get a pedometer.
Fresh fruit at display table following the walk.
Hope to see you there.



Monday, March 25, 2013

Fun, Food, Bike, Walk, Talk, Stuff....

*Mass in Motion Family Fun Hour
Mass in Motion family Fun Hour at Reingold Elementary School Thursday March 28, 2013 from 6-7p. Come by for story time, coloring, light refreshments, craft, activity, and each child leaves with a FREE book. Flyer attached.


*Cooking With Kids Family Night: Pizza Party and Game Night!
Also on Friday March 29th we still have spots for your 3-8 year olds for a pizza making/eating and game night at the Arc of  Opportunity on Main St. at 5:30 (siblings welcome) must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Please RSVP to JIm at 978-343-6662 ext.125. Kids will design and bake their own creations for themselves and their family and enjoy game night.  Flyer attached


*Massachusetts SRTS and Saris Bike Poster Contest! Entries due April 1st!
The Bikes Make Life  Poster Contest is national competition for 5th grade students and supports Mass in Motion’s and Safe Routes to School’s goals to encourage kids to ride their bikes more frequently, increase their physical activity and enjoy getting exercise outdoors! Participating schools will submit entries to the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program by April 1.  A first place winner will be selected to represent the Commonwealth in the national contest and receive a new bike provided by Saris Cycling Group. Second and Third Place winners will receive gear to make their bike ride safer and fun. The Massachusetts first place winner will then compete for the national prize - a chance to attend the 2014 National Bike Summit in Washington DC and an exclusive bicycle parking and tracking system known as The Hub for their school! Contest rules, promotional posters, and entry forms are attached. Please contact Lauren Robinson at the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program for more information – lauren.a.robinson@state.ma.us. Poster is attached.

*HIV Awareness Walk
Flyer attached. PLEASE JOIN US FOR A  RALLY. Refreshments, Give Aways, Speakers Fitchburg State University 353 North Street Weston Auditorium 4:00p.m.– 6:00p.m.   


*Make Your Voice Heard In Turning the Vacant Lots of Fitchburg into Something the City Can Use!
If you’re interested in turning Fitchburg’s vacant lots from neighborhood problems into neighborhood assets, please participate in this IMPORTANT Heath Impact Assessment!  The Health Impact Assessment (HIA) will help us learn how the strategies we are considering will impact our community’s health.  Please see the flyer attached and invite a friend! WHEN: THURSDAY APRIL 4 * 5-8 pm WHERE:  Madonna of the Holy Rosary 118 Theresa St, Fitchburg  A light dinner will be available!  RSVP by March 29th to Eric R. Smith, AICP, Principal Planner at esmith@mrpc.org or (978)345-7376 ext. 319. Flyer attached.

*OTHER---
*Sign your child(ren) up at www.KidsSkateFree.com  and www.KidsBowlFree.com for FREE passes to  skating and bowling for some great fitness fun!
*Fitchburg YMCA is ONLY $1 per day for students of Fitchburg. Also, BRING A BUDDY FREE on Thursdays. Call for more info (978) 343-4847.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Next Wednesday, Be There!



Mass In Motion Kids Health Fair
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
5:30-7:30p
Fitchburg State University
Main Lounge, Hammond Building
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Click on MiM Kids Health Fair to see participating businesses.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Cheap Zumba Classes


 
Zumba Fitness Classes
Current Schedule

TUESDAYS: March 5-April 30 * 6:30p-7:30p

(NO CLASSES 3/12, 4/2, 4/9) 

$8 per class or pre-register for $35 of all classes

SATURDAYS: March 16-April 20 * 9a-10a & 10:30a-11:30a 
(NO CLASS 3/20)

$8 per class or pre-register for $25 of all classes
___________________________________________

*All classes start promptly. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before class schedule start time.
*Free child care available for children 5 & under for Pre-Registrations ONLY.
*All fitness levels welcome. Ages 18+.
*8 participants needed to hold class.
*Aerobics, flexibility & strength training.
*Need a water bottle, mat & towel.
*Pay be cash or check.
*Must complete Instructor/ Hope Center liability forms.
__________________________________
Need more info?
Contact Aretha Taggart at
978.302.4697
a.taggart21@gmail.com
__________________________________
The Hope Center
112 River St, Fitchburg
 (978) 342-1829 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

FIGHTER!!

We can all take away something from this song.
I don't know about you but this motivates me when I have a long list of excuses of why I deserve to sit on the couch. It starts my workout every time.
Get up! You are a FIGHTER!!


Thursday’s QUICK TIP:  For great arms, Try doing push-ups off of your desk and/or dips from a stationary chair while waiting for the bathroom, your food to heat up or your tea to boil. It’s a great way to increase energy, burn a few calories, build muscle and stay warm. Keep a running tab on a stickie on your desk of how many you do daily. Try and add 1-2 to your tally per day or week.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Great Links For A Healthier Family

Ways to get your kids to try their veggies....check out this article:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/03/04/173275456/selling-kids-on-veggies-when-rules-like-clean-your-plate-fail


Great website for fun activities in and out of the house to get your young children moving:


Fun and silly kids yoga you can do at home:

Great workouts for teens and adults who are not afraid to push themselves:

For others looking for something quick to do and get in a 10 minute workout, try this:
* Squats 10 (Simplified: use a chair, Advanced: add a jump)
* Plank Hold 30 seconds (Simplified: go to your knees when necessary, Advanced: hold for 1 minute)
* Jumping Jacks 20 (Simplified: do only 10, Advanced: place hands behind head and stay in low squat)
* Crunches 15 (Simplified: do 10, Advanced: Do 20 and pull knees in and touch heels while crunching.)


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

CHC Walking Club

Walking is one of the simplest and safest aerobic exercises you can do. It will help you strengthen your bones, control your weight, and condition your heart and lungs.



· Decrease the risk of heart attack/ type 2 diabetes
· Control weight/ burns body fat
· Improve muscle tone
· Reduce Stress
· Increases energy
· Lowers high blood pressure
· improves efficiency of your heart and lungs


Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
12:05-12:30p
(begins March 4, 2013)
Meet in front lobby with sneakers on.

Let’s get healthier together!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Mass in Motion Kids Health Fair



Mass In Motion Kids Health Fair
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
5:30-7:30p
Fitchburg State University
Main Lounge, Hammond Building
160 Pearl Street

Friday, February 22, 2013

CHC Walking Club

CHC Walking Club

Walking is one of the simplest and safest aerobic exercises you can do. It will help you strengthen your bones, control your weight, and condition your heart and lungs.



· Decrease the risk of heart attack/ type 2 diabetes
· Control weight/ burns body fat
· Improve muscle tone
· Reduce Stress
· Increases energy
· Lowers high blood pressure
· improves efficiency of your heart and lungs


Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
12:05-12:30p
(begins March 4, 2013)
Meet in front lobby with sneakers on. (weather pending)

Let’s get healthier together!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

CHC Walking Club

CHC Walking Club

Walking is one of the simplest and safest aerobic exercises you can do. It will help you strengthen your bones, control your weight, and condition your heart and lungs.



· Decrease the risk of heart attack/ type 2 diabetes
· Control weight/ burns body fat
· Improve muscle tone
· Reduce Stress
· Increases energy
· Lowers high blood pressure
· improves efficiency of your heart and lungs


Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
12:05-12:30p
(begins March 4, 2013)
Meet in front lobby with sneakers on. (weather pending)

Let’s get healthier together!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

TRY YOGA!!


Intense workouts not your thing? Try yoga. Or try yoga anyways.

We all know Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser and this yoga workout made me feel longer, stronger and more relaxed. The video has a modified, intermediate and advanced levels so anyone can do it:


If you don't have 35 minutes, here is a fast version, only 5 minutes, that you can do in the morning to jump start your day or end it:


For all the pregnant women out there, here is a link for a prenatal yoga class on YouTube:


Future mamas, you can purchase a yoga DVD from Walmart and do it in the comfort of your own home.  Here is a link to some of those inexpensive and valuable pregnancy yoga videos.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Lobby Project

A BIG Thank You to all of you in the CHC Community who stopped by our table and learned more about ways to get the kid's off the TV, computer and video games by replacing that with other FUN activities.
We had a hoola hoop there and some staff took part of the fun and got a little core workout as well....you know who you are...THANK YOU!!!





See you all next week!!

Don't Have Time To Work Out

If you don't think you have any time to workout consider this 8 minute workout from Women's Health Magazine. As with any workout the goal is to do as many repetitions as you can in the time allowed but with good form. Doing an exercise the wrong way can not have as effective an effect on your muscles and can even cause injury. For proper techniques, take the time to look up any of the moves below on youtube so that you can have a visual guide as to what to do and more importantly, what not to do.
So, try these 8 exercises for 50 seconds each. Give yourself a quick 10 second rest and move onto the next one. The goal is to push yourself, challenge and confuse your muscles, and get it done in a shorter amount of time. It's only 8 minutes and when it is done, you will be glad that you did it!
Pick a date and a time and make it happen.

1- Power Squat aka Squat Jumps




2-Bucking Hop aka Plank Jumps

3-T-Rotation aka Plank Twist
4- Hip Extensions

5-Judo Pushup aka Dive Bomber

6- Duck Walk

7- Plank Walkups

8-Speed Skater Hops


For more details of each workout click here: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/body-weight-power-squat?workout=36119


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

FREE EXERCISE LECTURE

FREE Start off the New Year with a Safe Exercise Routine


Wednesday, January 23th, 2013 at
6pm

HealthAlliance Hospital • Leominster Campus
Guild Conference Room, Entrance F
60 Hospital Road, Leominster, Ma 01453

Light refreshments will be served
This is a FREE event, but registration is required.
To register or for more information, call 978-466-2191.
At this lecture you will learn:
Community Health & Education is sponsored by:
• Essentials to beginning an exercise program; aerobic and weight training
• Alternatives and modifications to accommodate individual limitations and health issues
www.healthalliance.com