The Power of Music for Workouts

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Because music can affect your mood, it also affects the way you workout. Just the same as slow, mellow music can put you to sleep, the fast, upbeat music can get you moving. When you think back to the last time you played music while you cleaned the house, did you listen to Jack Johnson or did you have Beyonce playing? Chances are you had something loud and bumping to keep you motivated to clean. 

Yawning During Workouts

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So I realized I've been yawing a lot during my workouts. And I mean a lot! So much that I felt I needed to do some research on this and find out why. I knew it wasn't from being tired because I would be fine all day with a yawn or two here and there. But as soon as I get into my workout, I would be yawning every 2 minutes it seemed. Have you had this happen to you? Well, here's what I found and I'd like to share it with you because I had no idea this was somewhat normal.

Plyo for Power

Ever heard of plyometrics? If you haven't, then you definitely want to acquaint yourself with it. Plyometrics, plyo for short, is a great workout for both men and women. It just so happens to be one of my favorites. Check out the p90x Plyometrics CD for an awesome workout! 

Originally developed for Olympic competitors, plyo is a training technique designed to increase muscle power and explosiveness. These moves help improve the function of muscle, tendons, and nerves to allow you to run faster, jump higher, and hit harder.

Benefits to Monitoring Your Heart Rate

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It's difficult to get an accurate calorie counter and it's not fun or easy when you need to strap things on you, wrap yourself up, or pinning other bizarre items to your body to get a calorie read. And, tracking the calories you burn plays a key role in successful weight loss plans. Did you know that you lose approximately 1 lb for every 3,500 calories burned in excess of the number of calories required to maintain your current weight. 

Are Raspberry Ketones Really a Miracle Fat Burner?

 

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While Dr. Oz has touted Raspberry Ketones as a "miracle fat burner in a bottle" in February 2012, there have been no human studies that show raspberry ketones burn fat or benefit your weight loss to date. However now, there are interesting studies performed on rats. One study gave male rats raspberry ketones, which resulted in an increased secretion of adiponectin, a protein used by the body to regulate metabolism. As a result, the rat had less fat. Another study fed rats a high-fat diet with varying amounts of raspberry ketones. The rodents that received more raspberry ketones burned more body fat and gained less fat tissue. A third study found that the raspberry ketones stimulated the breakdown of the fat cells after fat cells were exposed to raspberry ketones in a test tube. 

Get Rid of the Arm Jiggle!

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If you're like most women, me included, then you probably struggle with that annoying back arm flab that seems so stubborn to leave your body! Luckily for men, this typically is not a problem area for them. But, there are ways to fight the tidal wave that takes over your arms when you try clapping! 

Cardio...always include cardio in your weekly routine, at least 3 days for 45 minutes. Then, if you're serious about getting rid of the flab and getting some sexy, toned arms, then grab the free weights, a mat, and a chair and let's get to work! Make it a point to train your upper body 3 times per week for best results. 

Which Veggies Pack the Biggest Punch in Nutritional Value

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If you don't like the taste of veggies, then you better learn how to love them because they are healthy little things, full of vitamins and nutrients to help you be successful in whatever your fitness goals may be. However, there are some veggies that pack a bigger and stronger punch than others. That's why knowing which vegetables are more nutritious than others can lead to even greater success! 

It's suggested that you eat 5-9 servings of vegetables on a daily basis. I'm just so thankful that I've always loved veggies and every single one, except carrots, eww! 

Don't Have TIME to Eat Healthy? That's BS!

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Whether it's working full time, shuffling the kids around, making time for the gym, running errands, and the list could go on, we all live busy lives. Managing our ever growing to-do lists can often lead to failed diets from eating out or eating pre-made junk food just to save some time from not cooking. But, you can find healthy alternatives when your time is limited! So, no more excuses! Gone are the days you say you don't have time to cook healthy. I'm here to share some secrets on quick meals that are also healthy. The key is planning your meals ahead and stick to a strict shopping list. 

Why Probiotics are Important to Overall Health

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Most people associate probiotics with colon and digestive health. But what you don't know is that probiotic intake is beneficial for overall physical and mental health. Probiotics come in a variety of forms, powders, capsules, and foods such as yogurt, dairy drinks, infant formulas, cheese, and even snack bars that are supplemented with specific probiotic organisms. Whichever one you pick may be beneficial for a wide range of health concerns.