Aerobic Exercise Improves Mood ©2013

Aerobic Exercise Improves Mood Now that the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, I find myself as you may too, for no apparent reason, feeling a little blue. So I dust off my sneakers and get ready to move because I know aerobic exercise improves mood.

I make sure I’m exercising aerobically most days of the week, at least for 30-60 minutes. I not only feel my spirits lift while I’m exercising but for many hours afterwards.

Research shows that aerobic exercise improves mood because it increases levels of serotonin and endorphins in the brain. These are important neurochemical transmitters, which help to elevate and stabilize your mood.

In fact one of the known causes of depression is a lowered level of serotonin. Aerobic exercise can be as effective as medication for relieving mild to moderate depression in many cases.

More Reasons Why Aerobic Exercise Improves Mood

There is more to aerobic exercise than serotonin and endorphins. It helps lower adrenaline, a chemical associated with stress to help promote relaxation. And as you become more fit you feel better about how you look and feel. This can give you a positive outlook in general. Try some easy aerobics. You may just cardio dance your troubles away.

Are You Depressed?
The standard symptoms for depression are:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or “emptiness”
  • Sense of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt
  • Inability to enjoy ordinary pleasurable activities, including sex
  • Noticeable change of appetite, possibly accompanied by significant weight loss or weight gain
  • Shifts in sleeping patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Difficulty concentrating, persistent irritability, excessive crying
  • Preoccupation with thoughts of death or suicide
  • Decreased energy, fatigue
  • Persistent aches and pains

Many things can cause depression. They range from some medications to low levels of light during the winter months. Alcohol and a poor diet, as well as inherited predisposition, can lead to the condition as well. Before you decide on asking your doctor for an anti-depressant prescription, adopt the healthy lifestyle habits of a nutritious diet, regular exercise and enough sleep. If things don’t improve, of course, seek medical help.

So try my take on the old Arlen & Koehler song lyric that Judy Garland sang, “forget your troubles, come on get happy” you can exercise your blues away.

For more info on women health and fitness and at home exercise programs for women visit www.mirabaiholland.com

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Fashion Flash Women Over 40 Blog

Fashion FlashOur Fashion Flash host for this Labor Day 2013, is Kari from Faboverforty.com
Kari’s leading the way to nature beauty for women over 40. Her research and insights give you a fab alternative to more radical options.  The rest of us Fashion Flash Bloggers have the end of summer skinny including diet, exercise, clothing style and color and skin care. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us. All of us at Fashion Flash would  love to hear from you!

While toning up for my walking workout this September I remembered making this short outdoor no equipment necessary workout video. It’s just right addition to the walking workout. It will turn your walking workout into a full body exercise program just perfect for us 40 plus Women looking to stay Fabulous Forever!

Stop at a wall, a tree or a fence, and do these five exercises: two for your upper body and three for your lower. Standing Push-ups:

Stand facing a surface, with legs hip width apart and place hands shoulder width apart. Keeping your body straight, lower yourself down to the surface and then push back upright again.  Muscles Worked: Chest, Triceps, and Shoulders

Calf Raises:
Face surface and hold on for balance. With feet together pointing straight ahead, slowly lift your body up on to your toes, while tightening calf, abs and buttocks muscles. Then slowly lower yourself back down again.  Muscles worked: calves, abs, and buttocks.
Squats:
Face surface, legs hip with apart. Hold on for balance. Shift weight back into heels. Keeping back straight, abs pulled in; gently bend at the knees and squat to about a 90-degree angle. Hold for a moment, then, using just your leg muscles, return to an upright position.  Muscles worked: Front of thigh (Quads), Back of thigh, (Hamstrings) Buttocks, Abs
Wall Sit:
Stand against surface for back support. Holding on as needed for balance, slide down to a sitting position against wall, knees at about a 90-degree angle. Pull your abs in and hold for 10 to 30 seconds.  Muscles worked: Thighs and Abs
Upper Back Squeeze:
Stand with your back to the surface, feet shoulder width apart. Place hands behind you on surface. Straighten your arms behind you and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds.  Muscles worked: Back, Shoulders, Back of arms (Triceps)

 

For more info women’s fitness and wellness info please visit www.mirabaiholland.com

 

 

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It’s Fashion Flash Monday, June 10th by Mirabai Holland ©2013

Our Fashion Flash host is Shawna Kaminski from femalefatlossoverforty  fitness expert who helps women over 40 lose weight and shape up. Her products are now available for download.

This week our brilliant Fashion Flashers have a terrific mix of essential information for you. Tune in and stay in touch!

Water jogging is one of my favorite summertime exercises to do. Easy on the joints as well as an effective aerobic program to build stamina and lose weight! Take a look.

For more info on Mirabai Holland Videos visit www.mirabaiholland.com

 

 

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Easy Exercises To Do Outdoors By Mirabai Holland, MFA © 2013

I love to get out and walk outdoors. Even if you haven’t done much over the winter, the green smell of plants and flowers in the air and switching on to daylight savings time are great motivators.

Start with a duration you’re comfortable with and work your way up. I do some standing pushups and a couple of stretches at the end of my walk to round out the workout. No equipment necessary, just your favorite tree. Here is what I do:

 

 

Standing Pushups: Stand facing your tree and stretch arms in from of you, chest level and place hands on the tree a few inches apart. Keeping your body straight, slowly bend elbows until your chest is close to the tree and push back with a single thrust.

 

Work up to 20 reps. Works chest, and arms.

 

 

Back Extention: Stand facing your tree and stretch arms in front of you slightly below chest level.

Place hands on the tree a few inches apart. Keep arms stretched as you bend back lifting your head chin up while contracting your abs. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Stretches back.

 

 

Front Thigh Stretch: Stand facing your tree and hold on with your left hand. Grab your right ankle and gently pull heel towards buttocks. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Then switch legs.  Stretches the front thigh muscles.

 

 

 

 

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Invest in Your Fitness Without Breaking The Bank by Mirabai Holland, MFA 2012

Often the first thing to go in tough times is money spent on fitness.

Here are a few ways to keep your exercise resolution without having to ask for a government bailout.

The outdoors belong to everyone. So, getting your daily dose of aerobic exercise in the form of a ½ hour plus brisk walk is a solid zero dollars option. Walking to your favorite music ads Rocky-like inspiration.

  • Walking to work
  • Walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator
  • Walking your dog
  • Walking in place while you watch your favorite television show

These all count too. You don’t have to do a ½ hour all at once.

Every exercise minute counts.

Get a pedometer, (you can get one for under 10 bucks) and count your steps throughout the day. It’s a great incentive to keep walking, and those steps really add up.

On the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are exercise DVDs. Not free, but affordable, I suggest you get at least one DVD for each of the major components of fitness, aerobic/cardio, strength training, and stretching/flexibility. There are literally thousands to choose from and you can buy conveniently online.

Make sure your instructor is certified by a nationally recognized certifying body like ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), ACE (American Council on Exercise), or AFAA, (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America)

Try to find an instructor that shares your approach to fitness.

Many websites offer free clips so you can get an idea of what you’re getting before you buy.

Often the best deals are 3 or 4 packs. So shop around.

Local health clubs and community centers are offering great specials these days. Check out monthly, seasonal and yearly memberships.

Or, you might want to sign up for a class or two a week.

If nothing else, exercise will lift your spirits in between looking at your finances.

Besides, your body is a good investment. It will pay you back in quality of life.

 

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