Z is for Zumba

I did this topic my first year taking part in the A to Z challenge but I think I'm going to re-talk about it here on this blog because it fits better now that I have added fitness to the topic. It's a fun form of exercise and I recommend most give it a try at least.

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I don't do Zumba right now, haven't for a couple of years. I did it when I was living in my parent's house in Wyoming and now I live on my own in Oregon. If I had a little more money I wouldn't mind going to a place that had Zumba as an option. I am all for fun when it comes to exercise and this was a fun class. I didn't even feel that self conscious about how dorky I am with dancing (as I don't dance usually) but I was in a class where the average age was liked 30 years older than me. We all had fun with the different dances.

What is Zumba?
Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Alberto "Beto" Perez in the 1990s. It involves dance and aerobic elements choreographed to a variety of music that includes hip-hop, samba, salsa and bollywood with some athletic moves included. Zumba Fitness sells videos along with some really colorful creative merchandise and many fitness locations now include Zumba classes.

Check these out if you are interested.
Sources:
 http://www.zumba.com/
http://www.zumba.com/en-US/instructors/search/
 http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/05/health/zumba-weight-loss-irpt


Have you ever tried Zumba?
Do you like it?

Y is for Yes

Back on day N I posted about No and how we need to be able to say No at times. However, today is the day for Yes.

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While at times we need to learn to limit ourselves, to know what we are capable of and not put undue stress on our lives. The sames goes for the opposite. Sometimes we need to make the leap forward, to say yes, to commit to something and claim we shall do it.

I have to admit. I liked the movie Yes, Man. It was funny. The guy who always said no getting convinced that he had to say yes. While some funny things fell down on him he also learned a lot by saying yes instead of no. He got to enjoy life more instead of just sit by the side while others had fun.

There is a balance needed like many things in life. We can't say yes all the time, but at the same time we don't want to become a No person either. We need both.


Did you say Yes to anything recently?
What do you think about becoming a Yes person?

X Marks the Spot

X topic is a hard one and I struggled to find something else to write so this one is going to be on the short side. X marks the spot is a reference to a treasure hunt and is a good way to exercise, because there is a way to go on adventures now and find that X. It's also known as geocaching.

Geocaching

What is it?
Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

Sites with more information:
http://www.geocaching.com/
http://www.geocaching.com/guide/
http://www.opencaching.us/


Ever heard of geocaching?
Have you tried it yet?

W is for Water

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Water is a good step when on the road to healthier living. One of the first suggestions people make when asked about steps towards losing weight or general health, often times that one suggestion is to drink more water.

Benefits of Water:
1. maintain body fluid levels - since our bodies are about 60% water. The liquid/molecules are used in many different processes such as digestion, circulation, nutrient transportation, and many more.
2. calorie control - replacing calorie filled drinks with a glass of water is an easy way to cut back on a daily intake.
3. energizes muscles - without liquid balance the cells in the muscle start to shrivel and leads to muscle fatigue. Drinking water when active, during and after exercising in particular, is recommended.
There are other benefits too. Check out this source for more information: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water

How much to drink per day:
These numbers are still debated even though there are some general recommendations. The numbers also vary based on the individual, along with different factors like location, humidity, gender and such. I still remember the 8 glasses with each one that is 8 oz per day. Other recommendations include 9 to 13.5 glasses of water a day.
http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm


I try to drink water but some days I don't get enough. But I'm going to try again in May to get enough per day.

Do you drink water?
How much do you drink on average?

V is for Visitor

Visitor (aka Guest) Post by Melanie Bowen

http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/ 

 Social Interaction and Exercise Helps Cancer Patients

The U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Health Institutes reviews how a person is physically and emotionally affected by cancer, both during treatment stages and during remission stages.  In an online publication, the organization addresses the benefits exercise can have on people who are facing side effects of the disease and treatments for the disease.  Some of the most beneficial results exercise provides to people going through treatments for cancer include increased muscle use, stronger bones, healthier circulation, more energy and decreases in pain and inflammation.

Does Exercise Really Help Cancer Patients?

Because exercise can seem like such a simple solution to bring about so many positive health results for cancer patients, many people are skeptical if it really works.  Numerous universities and cancer research centers have found time and time again that physical activity does indeed play a significant role in helping to alleviate pain and improve a cancer patient’s health in a variety of ways.  The amount of results that are experienced will be greatly dependent on the stage and type of cancer a person has, the person’s current physical shape, how often the individual is able to exercise, and how rigorous the cancer treatments the person is going through.  

One thing that has been proven repeatedly in people who have cancer and who have chosen to adapt to a physical activity lifestyle is many of these people have experienced positive results almost right from the start.  The benefits of exercising while a person has cancer include being able to sleep better at night because the oxygen if flowing better in the blood stream due to exercise and higher energy levels.  When more energy is gained, fatigue is reduced and the person is able to gain enough physical strengthen to continue with important treatments that are vital in defeating the disease.

Combine Exercise and Socialization for Maximum Benefits

Socializing while exercising also provides intense emotional relief from mental and physical stress a person may experience when going through cancer treatment stages.  Socializing with family members or friends while visiting a park, playing badminton, or going for a walk on the beach, helps fight against depressed mood swings that numerous cancer patient’s experience.  Mingling with friends while getting exercise is also valuable to the person so he can unwind and connect with loved ones while having fun. So whether the battle is with breast cancer or mesothelioma, exercise is an essential part of the process and should be started as soon as possible.

- Thank you Melanie Bowen for the information. I appreciate the guest post.

U is for Unique

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T is for Time Off

Sometimes it's necessary to take time off. It's always great when a day off from work is coming. Even the people who like where they work comment about how they are happy when they have a day off from work. But it's not just work that we need time off from in life.

And while we may feel guilty for taking the time off, every now and then that it is okay to take time away.

With writing, sometimes I need a little break. Even with editing. I made some great progress but then needed a little break as I had a number of commitments this month. But I won't just not go back and that's the important thing to remember when taking time off from something like editing, writing or even exercise. It shouldn't be forever.

Take a little time off then get back to the task.


Do you take time off?
Do you feel bad when you do?