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What Are The Best Foods To Boost Your Metabolism?

What Are The Best Foods To Boost Your Metabolism?

Published by on May 25, 2023 | Leave a response

If you’ve been part of our community at Team Worx in Alexandria, VA, you know that exercise is just one of the many things that can boost your metabolism. Food can also put your calorie-burning fires in high gear, just as other lifestyle changes can help. Eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise should be at the top of your list for changes if you’re having problems losing weight or just want to make the process faster and keep the weight off permanently.

How does increasing your metabolism help with weight loss?

Your metabolism has to do with your body breaking down food for energy. If your metabolism is high, you’ll burn more calories than someone whose metabolism is functioning in low gear. If you have a slow metabolism, gaining weight is easy, but losing it seems almost impossible. An increased metabolism, based on resting metabolic rate, affects the calories burned 24/7. It’s a measure of the calories burned just to perform basic bodily functions, such as brain activity and pumping blood.

Aim for a high-protein meal with lots of fiber if you want to increase your metabolism.

Protein is necessary for tissue growth, tissue repair, and keeping your metabolism higher. Unlike sugary products and other simple carbs that digest quickly, protein takes far longer to digest, so means your body has to work harder. Consider both animal and plant proteins like lean meat or legumes. Don’t set aside all carbs. They can also boost your metabolism, especially those high in fiber. Fiber can help reduce inflammation, which slows metabolism. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are high in fiber content.

Don’t skip fat!

Some fat is unhealthy. Trans fats, for instance, can cause damage to your body. That shouldn’t stop you from eating fat. Your body needs fat, but it needs healthy fat, like that from avocados, fatty fish, and nuts. It not only uses fat to create many hormones, but healthy fat also helps burn fat, and increases the metabolic rate. Too often people fall for the low-fat, no-fat options in food, but those are often unhealthy. Since fat provides both taste and texture, removing it affects both. To combat the bad flavor, manufacturers often add sugar, which causes inflammation that slows metabolism.

  • Add some spice to your life and indulge your taste buds with cinnamon, ginger, or hot peppers. While other spices also raise body temperature and increase metabolism, these are leaders of the pack.
  • You don’t have to eat a special meal to increase your metabolism. Staying hydrated can keep you moving at peak performance, flush out toxins, and increase metabolism.
  • Exercising regularly can also boost your metabolism, especially HIIT workouts. It builds muscle tissue and muscle tissue requires more calories to maintain than fat tissue does, so the more you have, the higher your metabolism.
  • Have a cup of green tea or coffee. Both contain caffeine and speed up your metabolic rate. Green tea contains catechin that helps break down fat while increasing metabolic rate.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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Signs Your Body Is Too Acidic

Signs Your Body Is Too Acidic

Published by on May 10, 2023 | Leave a response

Acidosis is a condition where the body fluids are too acidic. There are consequences when this occurs that can dramatically affect health or simply lead to weight gain. The body’s normal pH is between 5.35 and 7.45 That’s when it’s in balance. If it drops to 7.34 or lower, it’s one of the signs the body is too acidic. Acidosis can come from an underlying condition that is either metabolic or respiratory.

Metabolic, respiratory and lactic acidosis have different symptoms and causes.

The three types of acidosis have some similar symptoms but different causes. Metabolic acidosis occurs for a variety of reasons. It can occur due to diabetes, liver or kidney disease, dehydration, prolonged lack of oxygen, seizures, and poisoning. Fatigue, confusion, rapid breathing, and shock are symptoms of metabolic acidosis. Addressing the underlying condition or making changes to avoid the problem can prevent your body from becoming too acidic.

Respiratory acidosis occurs because of breathing issues.

Pulmonary problems, such as COPD, asthma, obesity, and sleep apnea, can cause respiratory acidosis. Fatigue, confusion, anxiety, sleepiness, tremors, warm flushed skin and sweating, shock, and shortness of breath are symptoms of respiratory acidosis. A third type of acidosis is lactic acidosis. It’s caused by lactic acid build-up that occurs due to cancer, liver failure, and several other medical conditions, including alcohol poisoning.

You can avoid many problems by identifying too much acid early.

Medical tests can identify whether your body is too acidic or alkaline. Identifying it early can help you control underlying issues and take affirmative action to solve the problem before it gets worse. Unexplained weight gain is one sign. Acid is stored in fat cells, which causes inflammation, leading to even more weight gain. It’s difficult to lose weight no matter how hard you try. The weight gain can also lead to reducing your pH level further, making acidosis worse.

  • One common complaint from people with an acidic body is joint pain. Acid can build up, causing inflammation of the joints. If you already have arthritis or joint issues, it exacerbates them further.
  • Sleep disturbances like insomnia can occur if your body is too acidic. It is one reason lethargy and exhaustion are such prevalent symptoms of too much acidity.
  • Acid reflux, bloating, and heartburn are often initial symptoms that your body is overly acidic. A higher-than-normal level of acidity can cause inflammation and irritate the lining of the esophagus. It creates digestive issues and nutrient absorption.
  • Cutting out processed foods, dairy, foods with added sugar, coffee, and white flour can help bring your body back to normal acidity. Exercising regularly and drinking more water can also help.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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Benefits Of Strength Training For Older Women

Benefits Of Strength Training For Older Women

Published by on April 25, 2023 | Leave a response

Although it’s happening less frequently, some women in Alexandria, VA, don’t understand the benefits of strength training for older women. The beliefs of society have changed dramatically, and there’s no longer a stigma attached to women lifting weights. Some women worry they’ll get bulky muscles and resemble the Incredible Hulk. That’s almost impossible with the majority of strength-building workouts. Others think strength training is dangerous for seniors. Both those beliefs are also misconceptions.

The body starts losing muscle mass mid-thirties.

Unless you take action and workout regularly, muscle mass starts decreasing at approximately 35. The loss of muscle is between 3 to 5% per decade. Leading an active lifestyle can slow muscle loss, but strength-building workouts ensure it won’t happen. Hormones diminish as people age, making it harder to build muscle. Muscles tug on the bones and cause the bones to uptake calcium. If you don’t have muscle mass, or do weight-bearing exercises, that doesn’t occur and can lead to osteoporosis. Women are protected from bone loss by estrogen but lose that protection during menopause. That’s when exercise is vital.

While you won’t bulk up like the Hulk, you will build muscle mass.

If you live a sedentary lifestyle, by the time you reach 80, about 40% of your muscle mass is gone. That loss of muscle mass does more than lead to osteoporosis. It can make a difference whether or not you live independently. Lack of muscle mass can prevent you from doing the activities of daily living, like toileting, bathing, or dressing. Not only will building muscle mass protect your bones from breaking if you fall, but it will also help prevent falling.

Strength-bearing exercises can improve chronic conditions or prevent them.

Building muscles helps reduce the risk of obesity. Obesity can lead to many serious conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. If you already have those conditions, it can reverse them. It can also relieve back pain, arthritis, and chronic depression. People who suffer from insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, can benefit from strength training. It improves insulin sensitivity, aiding the cells to uptake glucose for energy.

  • It’s more difficult to achieve a deep sleep as you age and strength training workouts can help you do it. A good night’s sleep plays an important role in heart health.
  • Strength training helps boost metabolism which tends to slow as people age. A slow metabolism can lead to several serious conditions, including obesity. You’ll not only look better, but you’ll also feel better.
  • When you work on building muscles, you’ll also be giving your brain a boost. Strength training can improve cognitive thinking, plus burn off the hormones of stress that cloud clear thinking and lead to anger or depression.
  • It’s never too late to start working out or doing strength-building exercises. It can start with something as simple as walking or using light weights. Strength-building can improve neuromuscular efficiency, which helps improve agility, balance, and coordination.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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How To Get Your Kids To Exercise

How To Get Your Kids To Exercise

Published by on April 10, 2023 | Leave a response

Every parent wants a healthy child, but unfortunately, modern childhood doesn’t promote it. Instead of running outside playing, kids spend hours in front of a computer screen, watching videos or playing games. Kids need to move to develop muscles and build strong bodies. Teaching kids to be active at an early age can be the groundwork for a healthier life. There are ways to get kids to exercise that are fun and every parent can do.

Kids learn what they live.

Are you a good role model for your kids or are you also a couch potato that’s addicted to streaming videos or social media? Do you drive the kids to school when it’s just a few blocks to walk them? You set the pace and determine many of the options for activity. Do things that increase activity levels for both you and your children. Put away your phone or close your computer and make it time for active play. Start an exercise program and invite the kids to join you. Make it fun, so they’ll want to do it.

Start early and build on it.

You don’t have to wait until kids are ready for school to encourage them to be more active. If you’re working out, get your toddler involved. Toddlers can do some simple moves like walking lunges and deep knee bends. You need to focus on your form, but don’t worry about theirs. Just make it fun and give your child attention. Keep your child’s attention by changing exercises frequently and doing circuits. When the child is older, make exercise time part of every day.

Have fun while you’re staying active.

Forced exercise is a big turn-off. Make an active lifestyle fun. Ride bikes together, go for walks, or play a game of basketball. Get the neighborhood families involved with a hula-hoop competition or just have one for your family. An old favorite, jumping rope, can find renewed life when kids realize how much fun it can be. Take the kids to the playground and supervise their play, joining them occasionally by pushing the merry-go-round or swinging.

  • When purchasing gifts, make the gift lead to an active lifestyle. Get a bike instead of a PlayStation. Give a treat for the whole family, with bikes or a trampoline, or an active vacation.
  • Make your active lifestyle educational. Spending a whole day walking in a museum or through a botanical garden provides both. Take the kids rock hunting or looking for shells on the beach.
  • Eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and hydrating regularly are also healthy habits to develop. Make sure the hydration is water or infused water, not a sugary drink. Even fruit juice can spike sugar levels.
  • Change your habits and it will rub off on the kids. Park further from the store and walk or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Spend less time on the computer or watching TV.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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Is Yoga Good For New Moms?

Is Yoga Good For New Moms?

Published by on March 25, 2023 | Leave a response

I hear new moms in Alexandria, VA, bemoan the fact they can’t get their shape back overnight. Having been a new mom, I understand the frustration. However, pushing your body too hard or expecting immediate results can set you back. Your body needs healing time. It also took nine months for the change, so you won’t see it change back overnight. How do you protect your body, waiting at least six weeks or longer for health reasons, and still start the process of getting back into shape? You can start with walking or pelvic floor exercises, and then move to gentle exercises like yoga.

Yoga can help reduce the potential for postpartum depression.

Yoga can be strenuous or gentle, but either way, you’re getting exercise, and exercise can help prevent depression. It helps quiet the mind, allowing it to clear and provide deep relaxation. When the session ends, people find they’re calmer and have more clarity. Yoga provides the mother with time for herself to nurture her body back to fitness. If it’s group yoga, it provides the new mother with social interaction and time to share with other mothers. The deep breathing and meditative state of yoga brings calm at a time when many new moms feel out of control.

Yoga gets the body back to normal more quickly.

Yoga builds muscles. It doesn’t build the type of muscles on a bodybuilder, but strong, lean muscle tissue that builds the strength to get through all the tasks of a new Mother’s Day. It improves energy levels so moms get more done in less time. That’s a real blessing with all that new mothers have to do. It also helps posture to improve.

Not all poses are beneficial initially.

Right after childbirth, the body is subject to diastasis recti—abdominal muscle separation. It leaves women with a Buddha belly or mummy tummy that makes them look like they’re still pregnant. To avoid that, postpone doing exercises like crunches that put pressure on the abs or stretch them, like twisting exercises. Exercises with the belly facing down can also cause a gravitational tug on the loose muscles and stretch the midsection. Save yoga poses like the plank, cat, or cow exercises for later.

  • A child pose is an excellent yoga pose to reduce chest, neck, or head pain. It also strengthens the pelvic floor. Combine it with Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.
  • Is back pain a problem/ Try the bridge pose. It’s the same in yoga as it is in traditional workouts. Lay on your back, knees bent and arms to the sides. Lift your buttocks off the floor until the body forms a straight line.
  • Another yoga pose that can be done as soon as exercising is allowed is the cow face pose. The cow face pose stretches the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles. It also stretches the hips and reduces tension all over your body.
  • No matter what type of postpartum exercise program you do, take it easy at first and always follow the recommendations of your health care professional.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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Ways To Keep Mentally Fit

Ways To Keep Mentally Fit

Published by on March 10, 2023 | Leave a response

It’s just as important to be mentally fit as it is to be physically fit. If you’re not mentally fit, attaining physical fitness is almost impossible. The two are interlinked. When you improve your body, it helps your mind and the reverse is true. Exercise helps burn off the hormones of stress and sends oxygen and nutrient-laden blood throughout the body. It causes the body to release endorphins that make you feel good. Depression and anxiety can reduce your energy and even cause you to be bedridden. That’s not good for physical or mental fitness. When both the mind and the body are healthy, both function better.

Take it to the gym or dance your night away.

It doesn’t matter what physical activity you do, staying physically active helps your brain. If it’s a social physical activity, like a team sport or a visit to the gym, it promotes social interaction, which is both mentally and physically beneficial. Studies show that people with rich social lives live longer, healthier and happier lives.

Take a mental vacation, and get more sleep.

If you’re under stress and feel ready to explode, take a mental vacation for your mental health. Walk away from what you’re doing if possible and divert your attention. If it’s a project that has a deadline, getting away from it for a half hour can refresh your brain and make you more efficient. Getting adequate sleep is another way to help maintain good mental health. When you sleep, the brain reorganizes, repairs and gets rid of the waste accumulated during the day. You’ll have more energy when you have adequate sleep and can accomplish more.

Learn something new.

Getting out of your comfort zone and trying something different can be exciting. It can be as simple as going to a new restaurant or eating food you’ve never tasted. Making changes keeps the brain connections strong while stimulating the creation of new brain cells. Expanding your knowledge and trying new things can help keep you mentally and physically younger.

  • Laugh more. Scientists found that laughter can help trigger the immune system, and some groups even use laughter as an adjunct therapy. It helps reduce stress, increases oxygen intake, and improves your immune system. Laughter is an excellent coping mechanism for those with chronic disease.
  • Fake it until you make it. It doesn’t matter if you break out in a belly laugh or a chuckle. It will initially feel silly, but the more you practice laughing, the realer it will become.
  • Be more positive. Handle the things you can control and accept those you can’t. Know you can handle anything, regardless of the outcome. Working toward an outcome helps you reach that outcome, worrying about an outcome just stresses you.
  • Look on the bright side and be grateful. When you look for the bad things in life, you find them. The same is true when you look for all the blessings you have. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way in boosting your mental fitness.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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Sneaky Ways To Lose Weight

Sneaky Ways To Lose Weight

Published by on February 25, 2023 | Leave a response

There are some sneaky ways to help you lose weight that you’ll love. While they won’t replace your hard work at Team Worx in Alexandria, VA, they can boost your results. By simply changing a few things in your daily routine, you can burn a few extra calories. For instance, did you know that drinking ice water, instead of regular water, can burn a few extra calories? That’s because it makes your insides cold and it takes extra calories to warm the body.

You don’t have to change your habits with this one, just change your dishware.

Several studies found that putting food on a smaller plate can deceive the eye into thinking you’re eating more! Some restaurants use this trick to make their entree look bigger. In a world where supersizing everything has led to supersizing the population, smaller plates might be one answer to the obesity epidemic. Smaller plates mean smaller serving sizes. If you’re using smaller plates, go for presentation to make that plate look full and attractive. Use larger servings and a variety of colors of vegetables to add eye appeal.

Chew more.

This is one of the easiest ways to help cut the calories you consume. Just chew your food longer. Digestion starts in the mouth, so the longer you chew your food, the easier it is on your digestive system. While you’re chewing, use mindful eating techniques by savoring the flavor, texture and how pleasurable the food is. If you’re just wolfing down food, you’re missing half the reason for eating, the sensual pleasures. All the extra chewing and savoring takes extra time, which gives your stomach a chance to signal the brain that it’s full, so you don’t overeat.

Start meal planning.

When you plan meals ahead, you have individual serving sizes already created and there’s no second guessing. You also make sure you create healthy meals. Plan your meals one day, shop the next and spend the weekend preparing all the meals for the week, you’ll not only save money and time, but you’ll also eat less. Don’t forget to include healthy snacks as part of your plan. Meal planning makes getting dinner during the week quicker than sitting in a drive-through line.

  • If you want to burn calories, plan ways to do it. Take the stairs one or two flights instead of using the elevator. Park further from the store. Get up and walk in place during commercials when watching TV.
  • Drink more water. Carry a bottle of water with you and sip on it frequently. Often people eat because they think they’re hungry when in reality they’re thirsty. Drinking water before a meal can make you feel fuller sooner.
  • Stick with whole foods and avoid processed food. Check labels and instead of dieting, just cut out processed food and food with added sugar. Combined with a program of exercise, it can make weight loss easier.
  • Pile your plate full of salad, or fruit and vegetables, then eat those first. When you eat a higher volume of vegetables, you’ll eat less of higher-calorie items. If you’re eating in a restaurant with big servings, split your order with a friend or eat half and take the other half home for another meal.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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Commit To Drinking More Water This Year

Commit To Drinking More Water This Year

Published by on February 10, 2023 | Leave a response

It’s never too late to start a new good habit or to make a resolution. If you find that you seldom drink water, maybe it’s time to include more water in your future. Severe dehydration has dire effects, but even mild dehydration can take its toll. Your energy level drops, you might get a headache or even search through your refrigerator for something to eat, since the body often mistakes thirst for hunger.

Instead of getting ibuprofen for achy joints, drink a glass of water sans the pill.

If your joints are aching, it might come from dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, it can cause inflammation which settles in the joints. Dehydration also causes other problems that can create that ache, like low lubrication. When you have adequate hydration, your body functions at its best. It has the appropriate blood volume and good circulation that sends oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, including the joints. To avoid aching joints, stay hydrated throughout the day by sipping on water frequently.

Drinking more water can help you lose weight.

The extra energy water provides can help you move more and burn more calories. The water also fills you up without adding extra calories. Ironically, drinking more water can help you lose water weight. Your body retains water when your sodium level is higher. When you drink more water, you help flush your system, lowering that sodium level. When the sodium level is lowered, your body ceases retaining water. Drinking more water can also boost your metabolism by up to 30%. One study showed that consuming two liters of water a day caused an extra 96 calories to be burned.

Keep your teeth white and your brain and digestive system functioning properly.

You need ample water to create saliva and moisten the eyes, mouth and nose. That saliva not only helps remineralize teeth and clean them, but it also prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Flush your mouth with water after you eat acidic foods or sweets, instead of brushing immediately. The acid in the food softens the teeth, making it easier for the toothbrush to cause abrasion. The water also helps keep your breath fresh.

  • You can lose focus and concentration if you aren’t adequately hydrated. Water not only cushions the brain, but it also helps create neurotransmitters and hormones. It’s necessary for brain functioning.
  • To increase your water intake, have bottles of water ready in the refrigerator. You’ll be more likely to drink it when it’s cold and easy to access. If you don’t like plain water, try infused water.
  • Dehydration can cause either high blood pressure or low blood pressure, depending on the individual. It causes lower blood volume, which makes the heart work harder.
  • Instead of grabbing a soft drink, drink a glass of water. It saves calories. Teach your children healthy habits by giving them water instead of juice or soft drinks.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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How Do You Lose Weight During Menopause?

How Do You Lose Weight During Menopause?

Published by on January 25, 2023 | Leave a response

You might feel like it’s an impossible task to lose weight when you’re going through menopause, but it’s not. Even if you’re doing everything right, it’s still a bit harder than it was when you were in your twenties. During menopause, sex hormones are out of balance and HGH is lower. Muscle mass is also dwindling, making weight loss even more difficult. The hormonal changes can also affect how weight is distributed.

Start simple.

A few things can help that take very little effort. Eating more fiber is one of those. Fiber fills you up and helps you eliminate it easier. Drinking more water is another important part of weight loss, like fiber, it can fill you up so you eat less. Your body also dehydrates faster, so you’ll rehydrate, boosting your energy, while making your skin more youthful. Getting adequate sleep is important. When you don’t get enough sleep, it interferes with the balance of the hunger/satiety hormones, while reducing the potential for insulin resistance.

Choose a low carb or keto diet to help maintain blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance.

Choose foods higher in protein, which also helps keep you feeling full, while aiding in building muscle mass. If you’re still having problems with weight loss, give up all foods with added sugar or restrict consumption or try intermittent fasting, where you reduce the window where you consume food. You start by eating later, say starting at 11:00 a.m. and don’t eat after 7:00 p.m., narrowing your food intake to an eight hour window.

Exercise, exercise, exercise!

Your body needs all types of exercise. You need flexibility training, endurance, balance and strength training. Strength training is particularly important for preventing bone loss. The more muscles you have, the more they tug at the bone and the more calcium the bone uptakes to maintain strength. HIIT—high intensity interval training—is also exceptional for weight loss.

  • Try yoga and meditation. The simple stretching of yoga can also build strength. The breathing exercises and meditation can help reduce stress, which can cause weight gain by increasing insulin resistance.
  • Cut out the alcohol and switch to water. Alcohol is notorious for weight gain. It’s digested first and eliminated from the body, leaving the other calories to go to fat. Get rid of processed snack foods and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Switch out foods that are inflammatory, such as highly processed foods or foods with added sugar. Inflammation can lead to oxidative stress, insulin resistance and weight gain.
  • Find active pastimes you enjoy and do them. Getting exercise isn’t all done at the gym. Just walking more can be a big benefit to your body. Find ways to add steps to your days.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness

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