The Importance of Vacation

[picture by BRONSON]
I have been on vacation for almost a week now. It's been restorative in so many ways. The peaceful solitude that comes from a true "break from routine" is unparalleled. I highly recommend a vacation if you are interested in combatting stress and anxiety. Even a weekend road trip can do the "trick."

Will "sex-ercise" shed those extra pounds?

Found this during a recent search... (Believe it or not...this is actually a question I am often asked frequently as a trainer. So, I hope the answer proves helpful and fruitful to those of you who wonder).

"Dear Alice. You know how you often see that, for example, a 30-minute jog burns such and such number of calories. Well, I was wondering if there are any figures for sex. Thanks, Curious"

"Dear Curious: according to recent studies, the average 175-pound person can expect to use somewhere in the neighborhood of 150-200 calories during 30-45 minutes of sexual intercourse. Of course, this estimate will vary by amount of movement and vigor, as well as by type of sex (i.e., oral and anal sex) being had. Another source, Leslee Welch's "A Handbook for the Carnally Curious," states that 100 calories are burned during intercourse. It seems that you will not utilize as many calories as you would on the treadmill.

These caloric expenditure figures are probably in the ballpark range, since the energy used during sex differs from person to person and from session to session. Duration, intensity, effort, frequency, and position probably influence the number of calories expended during sex, as well as during any other physical activity. This may not answer your question adequately, but it does point out the difficulty of measuring an activity that cannot be standardized easily."

Do chores, burn calories

It's not only the gym that can help you exercise. Try putting ordinary weekend activities to the test, such as household chores or yard work, to help you burn some extra calories.

5-Minute Yoga

WALKING is one of the most beneficial forms of "daily activity" amd type of exercise that we can do which carries the least risk of injury. Today, no matter where you are, take five minutes and walk around the block, focusing on all of your five senses. Inhale and exhale deeply. Make this walk your "mini yoga" for the day.

Ahh...Spring!

Spring's arrived across much of the United States, making it the perfect time to exercise. Thanks to the effects of daylight on our minds and metabolism, we can make the fastest progress now.

Take advantage of what the season offers -- whether it's surfing, cycling, mountain climbing, trail running, or hiking. Spend time outdoors and enjoy the sunshine (which holds dramatic antidepressant benefits).