Stress and anxiety have become common issues in our fast-paced lives. This has led to a rise in stress-related health conditions and negatively impacts mental and physical health. Stress and anxiety can be attributed to a lack of sleep, increasing lifestyle commitments, and work pressures.
How (and Why) to Use Less Plastic in 2020
Not so long ago, it was common practice to use plastic plates, cutlery, and straws when hosting a party, and throw them all away afterward to reduce clean-up. Bottled water was in vogue, and everyone had a huge stash of grocery bags stuffed in the cupboard below the sink. Tupperware, saran wrap and Ziploc bags were the go-to kitchen conveniences, and washing and reusing a red Solo cup was simply unthinkable.
What is Glutathione and How Can I Make More of It
Glutathione is an intriguing antioxidant that has gained a lot of attention for its anti-aging properties, ability to increase fat metabolism, and treat everything from autism to Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, without it, you become vulnerable to age-related diseases like dementia, heart disease, and cancer. Unfortunately, as you age, your body stops producing enough of it. The good news is, there are things you can do to boost levels naturally. But what exactly is glutathione? How does it affect the body, and how can you make more of it?
Why You Should Ditch Your Gym Membership…For Good
Getting in shape used to mean getting a gym membership. But with the recent pandemic reshaping the world as we know it, if may be time to rethink this monthly service. Here are some reasons why you should seriously think about ditching your gym membership, and what you can do instead.
Memberships are pricey
You’re probably spending about $800 per year on your gym membership. But realistically, you’re wasting half or more of your fees by simply not showing up. 67 percent of gym members don’t go to the gym, according to Statistic Brain. Even more people don’t use their memberships regularly.
According to the 2005 study, the average gym attendance is lower than 4.8 times per month. And, guess what? Your “no-show” is greatly appreciated. Commercial gyms create their business model around people who don’t attend regular workout sessions. That’s because, according to Planet Money, commercial health clubs need 10 times as many members as they can actually fit in their gym to make money. Low-cost gyms are the biggest example of this.
Let’s take Planet Fitness. They average about 6,500 members per gym. Yet, the average gym only holds about 300 people. In fact, it’s for this reason that most gyms target people who they believe won’t show up. Just think about that next time you’re tempted to sign on the dotted line.
It’s almost impossible to cancel
The two most dreaded contracts to break are phone contracts and, of course, health club contracts. And anyone who’s ever tried to get out of gym membership knows all too well how painful that experience is. According to CNBC, there’s an obvious trend between when people stop going to the gym and when they cancel. That’s because gym cancellation procedures generally require you to jump through hoops to cancel, like having you show up in person and supplying a certified letter. Even then, there’s no guarantee the automatic withdrawals won’t continue to leak from your bank account or credit cards.
Germaphobes beware
Okay, so there may be more hanging out at the gym than you, and that creepy gym stalker. A study on gym cleanliness found that free weights actually had 362 times more germs than the average toilet seat. Germs are everywhere, but fitness facilities, in particular, can be hotspots for bacteria to flourish. Every time you pick up a weight or grab an exercise bike handle, you’re at risk of catching an illness or infection, according to the study.
Another study published in the journal MDPI found several potential disease-causing bacteria. Thanks to the poor hygiene of gym membership or poor cleaning practices, bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (often found in skin infections), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (which can cause urinary tract infections) and salmonella (a common cause food poisoning) were found. In these trying times, with a pandemic still ravging the world, the thought of infection is even more concerning.
The gym can be a little boring
Let’s face it, most people don’t find walking on a treadmill much fun. The gym can be very boring. If it wasn’t, we’d all be standing in lines to get in as if it was the hottest nightclub in town. Enough said.
Going to the gym takes a huge chunk out of your day
The average number of times a gym membership owner goes to the gym is twice a week, according to Statistic Brain. One probable reason: it takes a huge chunk out of the day! I’m not saying that exercising isn’t worth your time — it is. Yet, between the drive to and from, exercising for at least one hour, not to mention the showering and blow drying, “gym time” uses up a lot of your time.
So, what can you do instead?
We all need exercise. Without it, we would have a hard time maintaining our weight and combatting conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. But while it may seem like working out at the gym is the only way to get in shape, it’s not the only option. Here’s what you can do instead:
Build your own home gym
You can build a home gym for less money than you might think. But just remember, it may be hard to commit to working out at home when your kids are screaming for dinner. So, set aside time each day for exercising in a space that’s your own. Preferably, you want a dedicated room with a door that you can close so your workout isn’t interrupted. You can add a stereo to block out distractions, a few floor mats and least one full-length mirror so you can see yourself from head to toe. And, don’t forget, you can wear whatever you like.
With a home gym, you have no more excuses, like “I don’t have time,” “It’s too cold to go to the gym,” “It’s too hot to go to the gym” or “I don’t have anything to wear.” When you have a home gym, none of these excuses apply.
Take it outdoors
No home gym, no worries. Exercise is always better with fresh air. Working outdoors is a great mood lifter. According to Science Daily, exercises like nature walks are linked to significantly lower depression, less stress and enhanced mental health and well-being. And with all that resistance to the wind and uneven ground, you’re sure to burn more calories.
Check out YouTube
YouTube is a great resource for hundreds of free video tutorials for everything from yoga to strength training, to so much more. You can even search “exercise tutorial” on Pinterest, and you’ll find hundreds of easy-to-follow exercise routines. Search “fitness” on Instagram and you’ll find even more videos and image tutorials.
Workout apps galore
There are hundreds of smartphone apps available that can also help you get in shape at home — without ever having to set foot in a gym. Why waste your money on a gym membership? For some people, joining a gym may not even fit into their budget. Either way, you can always exercise at home, indoors or outdoors, for less money and fewer germs, when the mood strikes. And that means your workout sessions will be a lot more fun!
-Susan Patterson
Why You Should Always Wash Your Avocados
Have you ever spent a long Friday at work getting excited about kicking back with a bowl of nacho chips and freshly made guacamole…only to find that your avocados are still green and inedible?
Is All That Extra Screen Time Aging Your Face?
Between working from home, zoom-calling friends, and catching up on your latest Netflix addiction, chances are you’ve been getting a lot of screen time lately. If you’ve looked in the mirror and noticed a few extra lines and wrinkles, it may be more than the stress of these challenging times catching up with you. Could all those hours spent staring at devices be affecting your skin health?
10 Reasons Why You Need More Protein in Your Diet and How to Get It
Do you want to lose weight, gain muscle mass and strength, or improve your metabolic health? Then make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet. Protein is a vital macronutrient needed for every part of your body. It’s used to build and repair tissues, make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. In fact, if you’re not getting enough protein, you likely have flabby muscles, are generally weak, and have brittle bones — among other issues. Here are the reasons you need more protein in your diet.
These Daily Habits Could Help You Live Longer
If you’re like many people, you may believe that longevity is largely determined by genetics. But here’s the thing…While genes do play somewhat of a role, lifestyle factors and diet are more important. Therefore, a few changes to your daily habits could add years to your life. Here’s how changing your ways could help you live longer.
How Sea Air is Good for Your Brain and Body
For hundreds of years, people have been flocking to the shore in the summer months. To enjoy the sand and waves, yes. But for many, there is a more complicated reason behind their desire to spend time on the beach. It has long been believed that the sea air has incredible therapeutic health benefits that can help balance your body, reduce chronic pain, and improve your overall sense of wellbeing. So are these health-seeking beachgoers right? Can the sea air really benefit your brain and body? Read on as we delve into the science behind the natural healing powers of fresh wind and ocean waves.
13 Ways to Make an Extra $1000-2000/Month Now
What could an extra $1000 a month do for you? To start, it could pay your rent, allow you to leave a job, and stay at home with kids, pay off your debt faster, and help you save and invest more. No matter where you are in life, there are many opportunities to make an extra $1000-2000 a month.
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