The Natural High: Finding Your Inner Fitness Fanatic
January 1, 2009 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Edit
By Tracey Fuller
Finding a workout to match your needs and lifestyle is daunting. Each month a new fitness craze promises maximum results via an “easy” routine. But when the luster wears off and you’re still cursing the scale, it’s time for yet another change. While simple, the following weight loss routines do exactly what they promise – work-you-out!
Pilates
Basics
Developed in Germany by Joseph Pilates, this system of stretching is designed to strengthen the core. Breathing, precision and concentration are key components.
Long, deep breaths access the abdominal muscles and stabilize the body. Additionally, Pilates breathing promotes increased range of motion and helps expel toxins from the body.
Pilates consists of precise movements, so concentration is essential. For example, some movements require you to lay naturally on your back with a “neutral” spine, while others are done with the spine pressed or “imprinted” on the floor. Concentration enhances body awareness and yields maximum results.
Benefits
When practiced regularly, Pilates improves range of motion, flexibility, circulation, posture and abdominal strength. Pilates burns calories and sheds pounds, especially at advanced levels.
Where to Practice
Hardcore Pilates
3701 Kirby, Ste. 436
Houston, TX 77098
(832) 338-8091
Sculpt
2808 Virginia
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 528-724
Third Coast Pilates
1415 Harold
Houston TX 77006
(713) 529-1533
Yoga
Basics
Dating back to ancient India, Yoga harmonizes mind and body through a series of postures done in a meditative state. The practice has been lauded for centuries for its ability to naturally heal the body.
Hatha, Vinyasa and Bikram are among the most popular styles. Hatha describes a slow-paced practice that incorporates basic yoga poses. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, is slightly more vigorous. Bikram is a set of 26 poses practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, allowing muscles to loosen and prompting profuse sweating.
Benefits
Yoga improves flexibility, tones muscles and helps detoxify the body. It’s often recommended for injury rehabilitation and can help ease back pain, arthritis, allergies and diseases. Many people battling anxiety and depression credit Yoga with helping them overcome personal troubles. More than an exercise, Yoga is a lifestyle.
Where to Practice
Bikram’s Yoga College of India
1854 Fountainview
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 781-5333
Yoga One
3030 Travis
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 443-6466
Your Body Center
1415 California
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 874-0800
Running
Basics
The fastest way to improve cardiovascular fitness and burn calories is to hit the ground running. Starting a program is easy. It doesn’t require equipment or instruction, just determination and a good pair of running shoes.
Researchers and health professionals suggest running three to five days per week to sustain optimal health. When running, it’s good to keep your head towards the horizon with your shoulders loose and relaxed. Arms should remain close to your body, moving back and forth, while the torso is tall and upright.
Benefits
Pounding your feet on the ground or a treadmill is a weight-bearing activity, proven to burn more calories than seated exercise. Additionally, running helps your heart pump stronger and more efficiently, lowering your chances of developing coronary heart disease. Individuals who run regularly have increased levels of HDL cholesterol (the good fat) and decreased unhealthy body fat.
While running on a treadmill is an excellent form of exercise, you burn slightly more calories when making a run for it outside. Fresh air adds resistance to your run and hard ground is more intense than a treadmill. Researchers say you can match the outdoor experience by setting a treadmill at one percent elevation.
Running Clubs
Houston Striders
(713) 797-8601
The Kenyan Way
4304 Floyd
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 864-8872
Power In Motion
It’s a good idea to consult your physicians or a qualified personal trainer before starting any fitness routine. Setting ambitious, feasible goals is key to achieving ideal results. Turn the channel on late-night infomercials peddling fitness fads and give these tried and true workouts a go.
