PETER'S PRINCIPLES - March 24-28, 2008
Jack from Westland e-mails for weight loss tips to lower his blood pressure.
Jack, you may not have to lose as much weight as you think, depending on your body weight! We've known for years that high blood pressure is closely tied to excess body weight. But research recently unveiled at the university of boston seems to show that if you're moderately overweight losing just a pound a year can lower your blood pressure.. And keep it down the rate of loss should be a pound a year four years straight. You should then maintain that weight loss for five years. By doing this, researchers say you can lower your risk of high blood pressure for decades! This weight loss plan isn't for everyone.. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any kind of diet!
Jill from Rochester Hills has been thinking about a yoga workout and emails for more information.
Jill, over the last forty years yoga has gone from a fringe fad to a fitness technique accepted and practiced by millions! Yoga first came to america back in the late 60's. Now its so widespread you can find it right at many neighborhood ymca's! In fact fifteen million americans practice yoga and 35 million plan to take it up at some point. The physical end of yoga consists of stretching and strengthening routines. Some make you sweat-others are focused on mind and spirit. Studies show yoga relieves stress, lowers blood pressure and even helps you sleep. Costs can vary. Many studios charge from ten to twenty dollars for a one hour session. Costs are much more reasonable at the ymca. Check to make sure the teacher is qualified and that mats and other equipment are provided in order to keep costs down. And if you have jojnt problems be sure to check with your doctor before starting a yoga workout program!
Bill from Southfield e-mails that he works out every day, but never seems to have any energy.
Bill, chances are good that you're over training! Over training occurs when you can't recover after a workout. The fallout can be severe and includes lower performance, injury, depressed immunity and depression. Researchers aren't sure what triggers the problem, but possible causes include amino acid depletion, viral infection, liver and muscle glycogen depletion, and hormone imbalance. There's a fine line between improving fitness and over training. Your program should be intense enough to improve fitness and skill, but should also provide enough recovery time! You can prevent over training by moderating your workouts between hard and easy days. Other prevention techniques include getting enough sleep and a well balanced diet! Recovery techniques like massage, ice, hot tubs and vitamin supplements can also help keep you on the right track!
Hank from Sterling Heights has been taking zinc to cut his chances of prostate cancer. Recently he heard disturbing reports about its effectiveness.
Hank, new research may make you want to re-think your cancer prevention strategy! Scientists examined four hundred and seventy thousand men taking zinc. They found the men were increasing the likelihood of prostate cancer! In fact, men taking one hundred mrlugrams of zinc a day have more than twice the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer as non-users and that may not be the only problem associated with high zinc intake. High doses can also supress the immune system and impair formation of red blood cells. It may also supress levels of hdl good cholesterol!
Abbey emails asking for a workout that gives maximum cardio benefits in a minimum amount of time!
Abbey, you may want to walk the eliptical path to better heart health! Nothing burns fat like an intense cardiovascular workout. A long run or bike ride is ideal but most of us try to get our total workout at the gym because were short of time. If this sounds like you, an eliptical trainer could be just what the doctor ordered! It's non impact so your joints don't get the wear and tear of a long jogging program. Eliptical trainers also work upper and lower body at the same time maximizing calorie burn in a single session. You can connect the machine to a heart monitor to adjust intensity. And if you hit it hard enough you can burn as much as a thousand calories in an hour!
