Representing over 5,000 years old of posing in seemingly impossible positions, yoga isn’t just fun to look at — it’s good for you, too.
Yoga can improve your flexibility, strength, and posture, and the breathing methods can actually increase lung capacity. The activity is also associated with better heart health (it reduces blood pressure and slows your heart rate), in addition to combating a number of different conditions, including asthma, back pain, and multiple sclerosis. Plus, yoga has been shown to boost concentration and instill a sense of calm.
Hey fitness fans! If you’re looking for luscious rock hard abs, or just to reduce back pain with a stronger core, it doesn’t get any better (or faster) than 8 Minute Abs. You can watch this classic video right on YouTube (or even here on Healthize). So go ahead and get crunchin’!
Back pain is the worst. It can interfere with sports, driving, or even sitting comfortably at a desk. Here are some tips for preventing back pain:
Get a firm mattress. Choose a box spring and mattress firm enough to allow your spine to be properly aligned as you sleep, so that your ears, shoulders, and hip joints form a straight line on either side of your body.
Lift with your legs. Lifting heavy objects is one of the most common causes of back pain and injury. If you have to lift something, bend your knees and take most of the strain in your legs and abdominals. Or better yet, ask a friend for help!
Don’t sit for too long. Sitting for an extended period of time compresses your spinal disks, which can cause back pain and posture problems. If you have a desk job, try to get up and walk around every once in a while, even if it’s just to the coffee machine.
Drink water. This one’s easy! Drinking six to eight cups of water a day increases the height of your spinal disks, allowing them to act as natural shock absorbers.
When it comes to healthy living, some people think it’s all or nothing.
You’re either training for a triathlon or you never get off the couch. You either methodically steam all of your vegetables or you live off of potato chips and ramen. And you’re either loaded with supplements and protein drinks, or else you haven’t been near a health pill since your Flintstones vitamins years.
What’s a person to do?
When we hold ourselves to impossible standards, it’s easy to fall short. At Healthize, we encourage realistic, healthy goals to help you look and feel a little better every day.
Changing your life doesn’t have to be difficult – so go ahead and get started!
