“In Case of Emergency!”

hp6February is celebrated as the month of love. Many of us have celebrated with gifts and have shown love in different ways. This is wonderful, but why do we find it easier to love someone else rather than take care of ourselves? It  should not be considered selfish as this would allow us to love others even better. I find myself often thinking of the airlines example in case of emergency we are to put the “oxygen mask” on ourselves FIRST so we can better care for others. While it may not be an emergency now, we can better help our self by protecting against one of the number killers of both men AND women, HEART DISEASE. What was once considered a man’s disease is now an equal opportunity killer. Sadly, heart disease is taking lives at a much younger age than in years past. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn of the Cleveland Clinic has done considerable research in the prevention of cardiac conditions. He has radiographic evidence that shows this prevalent disease can be prevented and even reversed. As we focus on prevention this month, do not let “genetics” be your excuse. Review these startlingly statistics on heart disease from the Heart Foundation to better motivate you:

  • Heart disease claims 1 million lives annually.
  • Every 33 seconds someone dies of cardiovascular disease, which is like a 9/11 like tragedy repeating itself every 24 hours, 365 days a year.
  • Coronary heart disease alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year.
  • More people die of heart disease than that of AIDS and all cancers combined.

There are many things you can do to protect yourself from the deadly effects of this disease; namely, consistent weight control, regular weekly exercise, healthy eating habits, quit smoking and reduce cholesterol. Get started today by helping yourself first so you can better help others!

Angel King, Certified Health Coach

Zucchini Honey Bread

b1With Thanksgiving upon us many will be hitting the grocery store to pick up items for very traditional, but very unhealthy recipes.  In this edition of the Transformation blog, we wanted to give you a healthy recipe that is sure to be an instant hit at your Thanksgiving Day Celebration.

 

ZUCCHINI HONEY BREAD

1 cup of olive oil

3 eggs

1 cup of honey

2 cups of zucchini pulp

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons sea salt

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 1/2 cup oat flour

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mixture 1: Beat eggs, add oil and honey, beat until thick, and mix in zucchini pulp. Mixture 2: add flour, wheat germ, baking soda, baking powder and walnuts. Add mixtures 1 & 2 together. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans and bake for approximately 1 hour.

The 4 Principles of Functional Training- Principle #4 Multi- vs. Limited Movement

 

 

Finish- Overhead Kettlebell Lunge

Overhead Kettlebell Lunge

Overhead Kettlebell Lunge

 

 

 

 

Your body performs along forward, backward, rotational and diagonal planes of movement everyday. A lack of balanced strength along these planes will result in injury-such as a twinge in your back when picking up a suitcase or indulging in your first golf game of the season.

To be fair, machines do have a place in rehab and training, when muscle isolation, or the ability to control movement, speed, direction and intensity is desired. Machines are also useful for novice exercisers who may need a very structured program of movement to build some very basic strength. Machines can also have a role in “bulking” up the body with muscle for unspecified strength. Obviously, body builders will want as much muscle as possible, and aren’t as concerned with how that muscle performs precise, athlete movements. But functional training should be the core of a fitness program for anyone who wants to develop an athletic body along with strength, skill, agility and balance for sports (and life) outside the gym.