August 22nd, 2008
Because the lymph system has no pump, it relies on you to help keep lymph flowing. Exercise has many whole body benefits, and it is the primary way of moving lymph throughout the body. If you are sedentary, your lymph is also sluggish, which contributes to a general feeling of lethargy. When you exercise, the contraction of your muscles and the increase in your rate and depth of breathing stimulates the smooth flow of lymph. Any activity that gets you moving is beneficial, so choose an exercise that you enjoy—you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Walking, dancing, and swimming are all excellent for stimulating lymph flow. (more…)
June 19th, 2008
Just as important as beginning slowly is how you end your run. When muscles have been very active they need help to cool off gradually. This you can accomplish by walking for five or ten minutes after each run. This keeps extra blood flowing through the muscles and helps your body to eliminate the waste products of exercise such as lactic acid, which can otherwise make you stiff or sore.
During the cool-down you can shake your legs occasionally, do some stretching exercises if you like, such as bending over from the hips, or simply shuffle along at a slow walk for a while. You will probably find, when you first start running, that you have a few aches and pains in your legs, hip joints, or ankles because your muscles are not yet in condition. This will soon change, and provided you are not in great discomfort you can ignore them. Muscle ache passes far more quickly than you would think. In a few days you should not have to deal with it anymore. (more…)
June 15th, 2008
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. (more…)
