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Posts Tagged ‘cardio’

When I was a little girl, I loved to jump rope.  I never really thought about the impact it had on my cardiovascular system.  I was wanted to be able to jump rope.  I also did not know at the time and did not really care about the benefits it would have on my bones either.  Wow, jump roping is really a great over all exercise.

Now that I am over 40 I still can jump rope, but I can not however jump rope in long increments.  HA!  I find that some people can not jump rope, but used to be able to when they were little.  Funny how we seem to loose alot of coordination the older we get and not continue to do the activities.  People we have to keep moving in order for our muslces to keep working and our bones don’t deteriate.

Jumping rope is unlikely to lead to knee damage since the impact of each jump or step is absorbed by both legs. Jumping rope also helps strengthen the arms and shoulders. This combination of an aerobic workout and coordination-building footwork has made jumping rope a popular form of exercise for athletes, especially boxers and wrestlers. Individuals or groups can participate in the exercise, and learning proper jump rope technique is simple compared to many other athletic activities. The exercise is also appropriate for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Jumping rope is particularly effective in an aerobic routine combined with other activities, such as walking, biking, or running. 

Here are some other benefits to Jump Roping:

EFFECTIVE
Jumping rope can burn up to 1000 calories per hour, making it one of the most efficient workouts possible. It tones muscles in the entire body, developing long, lean muscles in all major muscle groups, both upper and lower. Jumping rope optimizes cardiovascular conditioning and maximizes athletic skills combining agility, coordination, timing, endurance.

EASY TO LEARN
RopeSport’s innovative training techniques and constant emphasis on “go at your own pace” allows people of different fitness levels and athletic abilities to enjoy the learning process and achieve their own level of success in an environment where they are relaxed and comfortable. Whether people want to simply swing the jump rope from side to side or they want to do double jumps on one leg, they are free to learn.

FUN
Due to the variety of jumps and movements that are taught, even at the beginning level, FreeStyle Jump Roping is fun. It encourages creativity and spontaneity, and gives people flexibility in their workouts.

INEXPENSIVE
Compared to many other popular fitness products flooding the market, Jumping rope is very inexpensive, making it accessible to everyone. (See Products for prices and product descriptions.)

PORTABLE
All you need is a 3’ x 4’ area to jump rope. A living room, backyard, office, or gym are all ideal places to jump rope. Just throw a jump rope in a suitcase, briefcase, backpack, or purse, and you have the “greatest portable workout in existence.” Jumping rope is the perfect exercise for travelers.

GREAT FOR KIDS
There has never been a generic exercise that has gained widespread acceptance among children, but FreeStyle Jump Roping is changing that. FreeStyle Jump Roping is “MTV with a jump rope” and children absolutely love it! With recent studies concluding that children in the United States are far too sedentary, FreeStyle Jump Roping is making a major contribution toward fixing this problem. Not just for the gifted or athletic child, FreeStyle Jump Roping can be learned by all, helping them to increase self-esteem and fitness levels. It’s a great activity that the whole family can do together and get fit!

Take a look at this, I did not know the different techniques to jump roping:

Some of the techniques that can be used when jumping rope are:

Basic jump

This is where both feet are slightly apart and jump at the same time over the rope. Beginners should master this technique first before moving onto more advanced techniques.

Alternate foot jump (speed step)

This style consists of using alternate feet to jump off the ground. This technique can be used to effectively double the number of skips per minute as compared to the above technique.

Criss-cross

This method is similar to the basic jump with the only difference being that while jumping, the left hand goes to the right part of the body and vice versa for the right hand.

Double under

To perform a double under, the participant needs to jump up a bit higher than usual while swinging the rope twice under his feet. It is possible to have the rope swing three times under the feet (triple under). In fact, in competitive jump rope, triples, quadruples (”quads”), and quintuples (”quins”) are not uncommon.

Combination jumps

There are many more difficult jump roping tricks that combine two or more of these techniques to make a single trick. These combinations can also be used in Chinese Wheel, Double Dutch, and Long Rope.

Toad

The toad is a complicated trick where the jumper performs the “Cross” manoeuvre with their leg intersecting the arms.

 Finally, there is competition for jump roping.  Now I have seen some of this competition and it is truly amazing what these kids can do with a jump rope.  Check out these websitesfor more information http://www.usajumprope.org/

http://www.kangarookids.org/competition.html

Do you remember doing the Double Dutch Jump Rope?  So much fun, especially learning how to jump in and jump out without getting whipped by the jump ropes.  HA.

There is also Jump Rope for Heart Organization that the kids do for the school to raise money to help support lifesaving heart and stroke research.  http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2360

I would encourage your kids to get involved with this.  It is a fun way to get them moving and involved in their health.  They will thank you later in life.

Try something different.  Pick up that jump rope and see if you can still do this exercise, it is fun.

“A year from now you’ll wish you had started today.”

refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_rope

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2360

http://www.usajumprope.org/

I mentioned back in a previous posts that a variety workout helps with plateau.

I have been doing Turbo Kick for awhile as a matter of fact I like the workout so much that I got certified as an instructor.  I think I mentioned that I get bored really easy.  It is time for a change.

Yesterday, I decided to go take an “Indoor Cycling” class.  Now, I used to teach this class also, but since I do not have any bikes at my studio and there are not any bikes at the colleges, I had to go take the class on base.

It is so hard to get out to the base.

I worked harder in the class than I wanted to because she kept pushing me to work harder.  So, I did.  yep.  Did you ever get to working out by yourself and just easily give up?  I know I do anymore.  I need that extra motivation and someone telling me I can do it.  Never give up.  So glad I went.

Let me tell you a little something about indoor cycling.  It is a great exercise of people who have bad knees, don’t like to run but need a kick in the butt cardio exercise.  Great for training for events (cross trainer) and just for people who like to ride bikes for fun and can’t go outside due to weather.

If you don’t know what indoor cycling is, it is an organized activity, is a form of high-intensity exercise that involves using a stationary exercise bicycle in a classroom setting.

Not only does this type of activity builds strength and endurance, it can burn mega calories.  Anywhere from 400 to 600 depending how intense you are working maybe even up to 1000.

The intensity lies with the fly wheel in this class. Turning the knob for more resistance to simulate climbing a hill, and letting off just a tad to simulate going down hill.  Changing up the resistance and doing a variety of exercises to simulate the outdoors with some awesome keeps this rider going.

If you do not want to take a class you can buy what is known as a trainer to get the training or workout that you like.

Which ever you decide make sure you have a towel and some water to hydrate.  Drink the H20 is key.

Be sure to properly set the bike up right and have fun riding.

Remember “A year from now you’ll wish you had started today.”  -Karen Lamb  I love this quote.

Yes, people, i finally got my Lean Program from Beachbody.  Chalean Extreme is going to get me lean.  This workout is going to get me PHYSIQUALICIOUS.

Well, I was so excited when the box was at my front door.  It took a whole week.  I felt like it was Christmas.  I ripped open the box and I had to take my oldest daughter some dinner.  I let my youngest drive so I could watch the first DVD in the truck on my way down to the hospital. 

I did the first DVD last night.  It was great and I felt great.  I think I could have done more weight, but since it was the first time, I wanted to take it easy to see where I could increase.  Next time I do this Circuit 1, which is next week on Monday I know I will add more weight.  I added some extra cardio with some of Tony Horton’s cardio moves in between the exercises.  This got the heart rate up.  I loved it.

Now, today which is Tuesday, the program takes a day off.  I have to teach Turbo Kick later so that will be my cardio.  No way around that.  I have to work on my diet.  I really have to quit cheating.    Eat cleaner.

So, let me ask you, what are you doing to stay healthier?  What are you doing to be active?  What are you eating?

Drink you H2O

Just remember that “A year from now you’ll wish you had started today.”

http://www.teambeachbody.com/pkayfit02

Sign up for free and workout at home.  Earn cash and great prizes.

I just received my new DVD from Tony.  It is called Super Cardio.  I am so totally stoked on what he has in store for us. 

Tony is one crazy individual but I do love his workouts.  I did a cardio combo last night and I incorporated all the jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts and then a touch of Turbos (Chalene Johnson) in there to raise the heart rate.

I love getting the heart rate up and working on the heart muscle.  If you want your performance to improve you need to work that muscle too.

I will get back with you on the Cardio thing.  I can’t wait to use it on my college students.  They are going to die.

if you want to get in on Tony Horton’s one-on-one direct mail, sign-up to join the club.

www.teambeachbody.com/pkayfit02

Beach body has some awsome products too and they work!

American Heart Walk!

For those of you who really have a passion for fitness, I think the American Heart Walk Association is a great organization to be a part of.  Today is the day for our event.  I am so excited.  They have choosen me to lead the warm-ups.  Okay, so it is just a little task, but a chance to really get my name out there.  My time to show how much I care about people and the way they chose to life their lives and hope that because they are participating in this walk to keep going.  Don’t just do the walk and then that is it.  This could be a start of a new person to take up exercising to help fight heart disease.  The number one killer in America.

I chose to help live my life longer.  I do all that I can to help others. 

I shall return with pictures.

Yes, it is here everyone.  I am stoked about this new DVD from Tony Horton.  The next DVD installment from his new One-on-One series.  I have not had a chance to review it, since it just came yesterday. 

The Olympics only comes every four years, so I have been glued to the TV watching Michael Phelps take charge and sweeping the world with his gold medals.  You go Michael.  I am thinking about adding swimming to my routine.

I finally realized why I don’t like to run.  I have been on the treadmill twice this week.  I have squeezed in 3 cardio sessions in so far.  Yeah me!  But, yesterday I realized that my little toes get all bruised up.  I hate that and they are so sore.  After my class yesterday, I had to take my shoes off to let my toes breathe.  That is why I think I will go swimming.  Give my little toes a break.

Remember change is good and a variety of cardio exercises is great.  You need to mix it up people.

I will get back with you on how it went with Tony.  Can’t wait.

This last week, I was able to get at least 3 cardio session in.  Yes, with finals of summer session two and having to sub 4 additional classes.  I was exciting to get my run in on Monday and two Turbo Kick classes into my schedule. 

Still sticking to the nutrition plan which I have placed on the fridge, which really helps me stay accountable.  If you have a way to track your progress you will stay with it longer.  I haven’t craved any sweets at all for the past two weeks.  I have been drinking my water and my protein shake, which is awesome by the way.  I have been trying to eat the foods that rev up my metabolism, which I am writing an article about that. 

I have reached my 2 inches of inches lost.  Yes, it is really starting to come together.  I only have a couple more week, but I think I can get there.  Of course, I will not stop there.  I will keep going until my body fat gets to where I want it to be.

By the way, I am excited to receive Tony Horton’s new One-on-One DVD.  I have the Plyo Legs already and I am excited to see what is next.  I have had so much going on this past week, that I did not get any sessions in for myself.  I think I ended up taking a weight lifting break.  I will get back on track next week.  I was really trying to focus on burning the calories in the Cardio part of my routine.  It is really hard to juggle several things at once.  Next week should be better because I won’t have the summer school to teach.  It cuts into my morning.  So, now I can focus more on the workout part of the routine.  It is a juggling game.  I should see more results next week.

By the way, I filmed my yoga video yesterday. It was awesome.  This will be my first video ever.  I am really excited about it.  Now, just have to edit it and put it together.  It will be available on my website www.myphysiqueinc.com shortly.  I will keep you posted.  The video is easy stretching, very basic yoga, and I have two 30 minute segments on the dvd. 

Keep up the good work people, and keep encouraging others to workout and get healthy.  It all starts with you and setting the example.

www.myphysiqueinc.blogspot.com

Anyone seen “The Celebrity Fit Club” featuring Dustin Diamond?  Ha!  The first time around he thought he could do all the exercises and stick to his own diet plan.  The truth be told he ended up coming back on the show and actually started listening to Harvey. 

Someone told me the other day and really stuck in my head.  You know how you tell your kids something and they just seem to ignore you?  Then, like the next day or so your kid comes running in the house and says that somebody told them something and it happened to be the same thing you said the day before only since it came from someone else it made better sense? 

That is kind of what happened to me the other day.  Thank You Fit Girl.  I know in my heart what it is I am suppose to do. I have read all the literature and heck I even went to college for this stuff.  Nutrition people.  It is all about Nutrition. 

I found my Power 90x Nutrition Booklet.  yeah Me!  I made copies of my Fat Shredder Phase 1.  I will paste one up on the fridge  at the beginning of each week and mark off the little blocks on what it is I can eat and how many servings he told me I could have.  According to my level or activity and on my other stuff, I can only eat 1800 calories.  So, I started this today.

Why did I start today?  Thought I better start now.  So, as you can see I can have like 5 things of protein and only 1 fruit.  I still need my vegetables for today, I don’t think that is going to happen.  It is about 6:30 p.m. and I am freakin starving.  I went up to the burger joint to get everyone else something to eat, but I myself passed.  I am so proud of myself.  Yes, I know that nutrition is the name of the game.  I always start good and then I keep exercising, I will not give that up, and then like every normal human being I just eat what I want.  I do have a heart monitor so in each of my workouts and classes  I have been keeping track of my calories burned but I need to be able to jot those down too.  You don’t have a heart monitor where you can actually see what you are burning and some cool ones have to where you can store the information up to a month.  That is cool. Cause, people, if you intake the same amount of calories burned or you don’t burn more calories than you intake then what is the point.  You will see yourself as a failure and then the worst happens the big britches come out and you start eating the carbs.  The bad ones.

I did my cardio 3 times this week in which I ran twice and did a TurboKick class at the studio.  The other workouts were tough this week also.  Felt a little tired on Friday.

So, I still have my deadline and really have to get serious.  If you want to see results, you not only have to bring it to every workout but you have to focus on what the heck you are putting into your gas tank (body)

So keep it real people.

Oh, by the way I am working on a Light Yoga video.  I am so excited.  I will of course let you know when you can stop by www.myphysiquinc.com to purchase one.  You can read about that one next week on my other blog www.myphysiqueinc.blogspot.com

No Excuses this time.  Just do it for yourself.