The Joy of Exercise

The basic shape of your body, or your somatotype, can be categorized in one of three basic ways.

The ectomorph is characterized by a long, thin neck, small bust, slender arms, and flat stomach. The hips tend to be bony, and the legs are long and thin.

The mesomorph has well-developed, firm muscles in the arms and legs, flat stomach, narrow hips, and wide shoulders.

The endomorph has a decidedly round, feminine body, typically with a full bust and legs and small hands and feet.

Endo, ecto, meso—each body type has its own special appeal, and no one of them is “better” than any other. The trouble comes in trying to be what you’re not and feeling unhappy about it the ectomorph who wants the full, womanly proportions of the endomorph; the solid mesomorph who longs for the grace and slenderness of the ectomorph.

Do try to make your body—whatever its type—as fit as you can, and learn to wear clothes that flatter your figure and your proportions. You’ll feel much better by developing your own unique charm than by vainly pining for something you can never be.

Even though you’re young and healthy, your body is still growing and needs proper rest if you’re to recharge and feel ready for every busy and exciting day ahead. Skimping on sleep is a beauty no-no; you’ll be pale, hollow-eyed, and have no energy for school, friends, and fun. Follow these tips provided by the Better Sleep Council for a sound night’s rest:

• Exercising during the day will help you sleep better at night. But don’t engage in any vigorous activity before bedtime; it will raise your heart rate and interfere with relaxation.

• If you have trouble sleeping at night, don’t nap during the day.

• Give yourself at least a half hour to relax and unwind before bed. Try reading or watching television to get into a nighttime frame of mind.
• Take a warm (not hot; it’s too stimulating) bath before bed. Warm water draws blood from the brain, sends it to the skin’s surface, causing you to feel drowsy. So add some bubbles or bath oil and sweet dreams!
• Snack on food containing tryptophan, a sleep-inducing amino acid, before bed. Good choices: milk, cheese, eggs, cashew nuts, turkey.
• Try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends. The consistent routine will help you sleep better.

The following sleep-related questions and answers give you more fast facts on the best rest in town:

Q. Why does my complexion look pale and lifeless when I haven’t had enough sleep?

A. Staying awake when tired diverts blood from the face to the muscles and organs. Result: a drawn, wan look. What’s more, pale skin makes undereye circles more noticeable. Solution: More sleep will put you back in the pink fast! Also try a revitalizing facial mask to get that rosy glow. Dark circles can be hidden with concealer.

Q. Can lack of sleep cause skin problems?

A. Yes! Exhaustion causes stress, which in turn can trigger acne breakouts. Or, being overtired can slow the skin’s oil production, leaving you with dry, flaky skin. More rest will help fight both excessive oiliness and dryness.

Q. Why are my eyes puffy in the morning?

A. When you lie down for any length of time, fluids accumulate where skin is thin—on lids, under eyes. The swelling will go down once you’re up, but to speed the process, place cold compresses on closed lids for a few seconds to constrict blood vessels, help disperse fluids.

Q. I wash my face well at night; why does it feel greasy in the morning?

A. Your skin cleanses itself while you sleep, leaving a slight residue of oil, salt, and dead cells. Before bed, use a nonoily mois‑

turizer that won’t clog pores; wash face with a mild cleanser in the morning.

You and Your Doctor

As a budding young woman, your professional health care may be limited to a periodic routine physical, with occasional treatment for various ailments. Your family doctor may check your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, listen to your heartbeat and your breathing, measure your weight and height, take your blood pressure, and test your reflexes. Sometimes the family doctor may be a gynecologist and perform a routine pelvic examination as well.

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Category: Exercise, Fitness, Workout

Tags: beauty, bed, better, blood, body, energy, family, food, friends, health, me, night, reading, rest, skin, television