Summer Exercise Tips

It is essential to take the necessary precautions while exercising during the summer months. The average person can take from one to two weeks to adapt to warmer, more humid temperatures. Here are some helpful safety tips to follow while exercising during the summer:

Rehydrate your body. While exercising in hot weather you can easily lose up to a quart of water an hour. Drink water before, during and after exercising. Since your body can only absorb 8 ounces of cold water every 20 minutes, continue to drink fluids even after you no longer feel thirsty. Sports drinks may be popular among intense exercisers, but they are not necessary and may actually absorb more slowly than plain water. If you prefer the taste of these drinks, try diluting them with water before consumption for easier rehydration.

Avoid working out during peak hours. Very hot and humid weather hampers perspiration's ability to cool your body. Try exercising in the morning or evening to avoid the most intense heat as well as the times when smog and pollution levels are highest. Or consider exercising indoors at the local Community Center, health club or shopping mall.

Try walking. Walking is considered the most popular exercise among people. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes with a flexible sole, and good heel and arch support. It may be the only equipment you'll need. Gently stretch for five minutes before starting your walk. When you are finished walking, cool down for five minutes by gently walking and stretching for another five minutes to prevent soreness.

Be open to new ideas. Try a new exercise or activity every two weeks, such as hiking, canoeing, rollerblading or biking. These activities will allow you easy access to water or rest.

Cool off in the water. Swimming is an excellent way to exercise during the summer months. There is no need to be a good swimmer to benefit from water exercise. Performing strokes such as the backstroke or doggie paddle at the shallow or deep end of the pool still counts as aerobic exercise.

Don't forget your sunscreen. Apply SPF 15 sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exercising outdoors. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block the sun's UV rays. Exposure to direct and indirect sunlight over many years increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Watch out for the symptoms of heat stroke. When the body can't rid itself of excess heat, there can be a sudden rise in body temperature. Look for very hot and dry skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. Remember, these symptoms can appear rapidly. If these conditions exist, move the person to a cool area or immerse him or her in a cool bath to lower the body temperature as quickly as possible. You can also pour cool water over the person. Seek medical attention immediately; heatstroke can be fatal.

Choose the appropriate clothing. Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow circulation of air between your skin and the environment. Also, light-colored clothing will reflect sunlight, while darker clothing will absorb the heat. Cotton and linen are natural fabrics that may absorb moisture (sweat). However, synthetic fabrics that have a mesh-like weave will allow moisture to be whisked away from your skin.

Right Way to Motherhood

Right Way to Motherhood

Exercise and Eat Sensibly during Pregnancy and you will enjoy the experience.

Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride for any women. While there is joyous excitement in anticipation of the new arrival, a women's body undergoes dramatic changes. Coping with these transformations is a big challenge and staying fit during pregnancy is crucial for both child and mother.

One of the major causes of health complications in pregnancy is excessive weight gain. Increased appetite due to hormonal changes, and reduced physical activity can contribute to this. A woman with a normal body-Mass Index (BMI) should gain around 12-14 kgs in the nine-month gestation period.

Dr. Sarita Kapoor, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Getwell Medical Center, Bur Dubai, says the main problems associated with excessive weight gain are pregnancy induced hypertension, which compromises blood supply to the foetus, and gestational diabetes, which can cause obese babies. The risk of life-threatening Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is also high in overweight pregnant women.

The idea diet for a mum-to-be should be high in protein and low in fat. In most cases, you just need to add 300 to 400 calories to your normal diet -- it is important to debunk the myth that a pregnant woman should eat for two, says Dr. Sarita Kapoor.

Normal Exercise

Pregnant Women can continue with their usual gym regime unless there are any complications. Not only does a workout make you feel better by releasing endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals in your brain), appropriate exercise can relieve backaches and improve your posture by strengthening and toning muscles in your back, buttocks and thighs. Cardio Exercises can also reduce constipation by accelerating movement in the intestines. It can prevent wear and tear of your joints, which become loosened during pregnancy due to normal hormonal changes, by activating the lubricating fluid in them. Exercise also increases the blood flow to your skin, giving you a healthy glow.

Article Published on Good Life with Lulu, Issue 8.

Benefits of Walking

20 Benefits of Walking

1. Help with Weight Management
2. It's accessible to everyone
3. Doesn't require special equipment
4. One of the easiest ways to get more active
5. Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
6. It's a low impact exercise
7. Lowers Low-density Lipo-protein (LDL) Cholesterol (the "Bad" Cholesterol)
8. Raises High-density Lipo-protein (HDL) Cholesterol (the "Good" Cholesterol)
9. Lowers blood pressure
10. Reduces the risk of some cancers
11. Helps reduce risk and aids with the management of type-2 diabetes
12. Improves mood
13. Help maintain strong bones
14. Reduces the risk of heart attack
15. Less likely to lead to injuries
16. Reduces stress
17. Reduces risk of heart disease
18. You don't have to pay for it
19. Builds aerobic fitness
20. Helps maintain lean muscle tissue