Exercise Boosts Brainpower

Not only does exercise improve your body, it helps your mental function, says certified trainer David Atkinson.

"Exercise increases energy levels and increases serotonin in the brain, which leads to improved mental clarity," says Atkinson, director of program development for Cooper Ventures, a division of the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas.

All that makes for a more productive day.

"It is clear that those who are active and who exercise are much more productive at work," says Todd A. Astorino, assistant professor of kinesiology at California State University-San Marcos.

Improved productivity not only makes you a better worker, it makes things better for everyone in the workplace. Companies with less wasted work hours and less sick time end up with lower health care costs -- and an improved bottom line, Astorino says.

Exercise Gives You Energy

You might be surprised at how, say, popping in a workout tape for 30 minutes in the morning can change your whole day. When endorphins are released into your bloodstream during exercise, says Astorino, "you feel much more energized the rest of the day."

And when you improve your strength and stamina, it's easier to accomplish everyday tasks like carrying groceries and climbing stairs. This also helps you feel more energetic over the course of the day.

A common excuse among Atkinson's clients is that they're too tired to exercise, he says. While exercise may make you feel more tired at first, he says, that won't last long.

The physical tiredness you feel after working out isn't the same as everyday fatigue, he says. Besides, once your body adjusts to exercise, you'll have more energy than ever.

Movement Melts Away Stress

As much as it may stress you out just to think about exercising, once you actually start working out, you'll experience less stress in every part of your life.

"Exercise produces a relaxation response that serves as a positive distraction," says Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. He says it also helps elevate your mood and keep depression at bay.

You're not the only person who will benefit from more happiness and less stress in your life. When you're less stressed, you're less irritable, Atkinson says -- and that could improve relationships with your partner, kids, and co-workers.

Causes of lower back pain

Causes of low back pain: Low back pain is usually triggered by a combination of overuse, injury or strain to the muscle ligaments and or discs that support a person’s spine. Other causes of lower back pain could be caused by pressure to nerve roots, herniated disc, osteoarthritis, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, fractures, scoliosis, osteoporosis or compression fractures. Less common causes of lower back pain could be ankylosing spondylitis, bacterial infection, spinal tumors, paget’s disease and Scheuermann’s disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease, aortic aneurysm, peptic ulcers, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, urinary tract infection, kidney stones and prostate disease can also cause lower back pain. Please seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms: back pain with chest pain, pain or a feeling of squeezing or heavy weight on the chest, you have had a recent severe injury to your back and now you have loss of bowel or bladder control, weekness in the legs, tingling or numbness in the leg, buttocks, or genital area and if you have moderate to severe pain in you back immediately following an injury seek medical attention right away.

Increase Jumping Abilities!

Increase jumping ability: If you want improved body control, muscle strength and overall fitness level increase then you want to increase jumping abilities. Along with your usual workout you will want to add a plyometric exercise program, these are workout exercises to help you train, tone and increase your ability to jump and give your body an overall better sports conditioning workout. Plyometric exercise works your entire body including nerves, muscles and tendons. This type of exercise will benefit you whole body, improve your speed, power and agility. Plyometric exercises also benefit the neurological components in your body, which is great for overall health, stamina and strength. These types of exercise can increase risk of injury, so please ensure you have the physical strength and flexibility that is needed to complete this exercise regimen. Technique is very important, so you may want to consider a trainer to help you ensure that you are physically prepared for this level of sports/athletic training as well as making sure your techniques are within safe a proper range to help keep you from injury.

Tips to Avoid Obesity

Tips to Avoid Obesity

• Limit meat intake to once every day. Prefer to eat poultry and fish over other meat items.
• Limit the intake of fried foods which are rich in fat. Instead, broil or bake your food.
• Reduce the consumption of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and salt.
• Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods which help bowel movements and prevent constipation.
• Do not consume more than four eggs a week as these are high in cholesterol.
• Limit intake of desserts and similar high-calorie items which are low in nutrition.
• Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
• Eat enough portions from all major good groups to ensure your diet is rich in nutrition.
• Do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day to stay in tip-top shape and prevent obesity.