Health Benefits of Yoga and Pilates

If you are thinking of a physical activity you can do at home or in a class, you can choose between two activities that are somewhat similar. Perhaps you are more familiar with one over the other, but these two are both good choices if you want a healthier lifestyle – Yoga and Pilates.

Yoga has been in existence for the last 5,000 years and is more philosophical. Although this non-aerobic activity stretches the muscles, being a yogi also requires balance and strength. This is actually a holistic practice comprising different poses that result to numerous benefits. It is a mind and body exercise which is also good for the heart, thus making it a lifestyle. Yogis attend sessions to clear their minds and at the same time keep themselves fit.

The yogic breath consists of controlled and mindful breathing. By doing so, a yogi increases lung capacity and detoxifies the body. This also stimulates and balances the hormones and flushes the lymphatic system and the organs. Yoga also boosts the immune system and increases the joints’ range of motion, which helps reduce the risk from injury. In a nutshell, this practice balances all the systems in a person’s body.

Related: Sitting For Long Hours: Dangerous Risks to Your Health

Pilates, on the other hand, is more on the physical since it is workout-based. It was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. A person who is into this activity will be able to improve his flexibility, coordination and body tone. Just like yoga, it can be done on a mat but can also be done with the use of the Reformer. This equipment utilizes springs, pulleys and weight resistance, making it more physical and faster than yoga. Also, this is good for a person in need of physical rehabilitation, making it a choice of physical therapists for their recovery programmes. It also results to improved circulation and respiration, making it recommendable for managing arthritis. It is also effective for balance and strengthening the back muscles.

These two are non-aerobic exercises that can give mental and physical wellness. However, it is still in your best interest to complement them with a routine to strengthen your heart. Aerobic activities like swimming and cycling are good choices as well. If you want to start a healthy lifestyle, you can take either of the two combined with proper nutrition and a cardio routine.

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Hair Treatments Tips During Pregnancy - Pregnancy Hair Care

Hair care while pregnancy shouldn't be skipped by future mothers. All physiological processes are changed in a woman's body during pregnancy as new tiny human is growing in her belly. This future baby needs vitamins and useful nutrients for his/her good development. Maybe, it sounds paradoxically, but hair health while pregnancy may become even better than it was before it. Why? It is connected with hormonal changes that take place in a woman's body during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Related: How to Get Healthy, Long and Beautiful Hair Naturally

Hormones make hair grow longer than usual, it means that shedding period is postponed. Hair appears to be thicker, brighter, and fuller. That's why, a woman doesn't see necessity to provide some special hair care while pregnancy. Sometimes, there can be observed other effects that are caused by protein deficit. Because of it, hair becomes drier and brittle. One of the hair care tips while pregnancy is to use deep conditioning after hair care washing. It will provide additional moisture and help avoid unpleasant consequences.

Also Read: How To Manage Dry Hair

Many specialists advise not to dye hair during pregnancy, though there are no theories that confirm that it can provide negative effects on a child's health. It can be justified if there are signs of toxicosis and allergy to chemicals that are used in hair dyes. If a woman wants to change hair color, it is better to use natural stuff that are offered by herbal hair care specialists. They are harmless and the results will raise the spirits of a woman. Hair care while pregnancy recommendation is not to perm hair as nobody knows which effects can be after the child birth when hair moves into resting stage. It is a stage when hair is subjected to excessive shedding and it should be eliminated to minimum.

Hair care while pregnancy won't be redundant for any woman who wants to be beautiful in all periods of her life!

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How To Get A Flat Stomach - Lose Belly Fat - The 3 Essential Keys

If you really think about it, the flat stomach that we all long for is nothing more than a by-product of a more healthy lifestyle. As a society we have adopted a “Super-Size It” mentality when it comes to the portions on our plates, and it has taken its toll on our bathroom scales and waistlines.

Even the food manufacturers have infused the food they package with chemicals that lengthen the shelf-life, but have a drastic affect on our body’s metabolism. It can’t process this food normally and instead, turns it to fat.

The saying “We are what we eat” was never more true than it is today.

1.  Diet
So the first key to getting that flat stomach is to adjust what we eat and the way we think about food. In other words, go back to a time when we ate more fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. You should also eliminate any processed food from your diet. Avoid things such as most all canned food, white bread, bottled fruit juices, etc.

RELATED: BIKINI BODY QUICK FIX

There are many good healthy diet plans and programs available today that will lead you to that flat stomach and a much healthier you. If you do a little research, I’m sure you can find something to suit your particular situation and tastes.

2.  Exercise
The next important step toward that flat stomach is exercise. You can’t avoid it, so you might as well get used to it. Once you get into an exercise routine, it’s not as bad as most think. Heck, some people become almost addicted to the adrenalin rush, and suffer withdrawal-like feelings when their schedules don’t allow them to get their exercise “fix”. That is a little over-exaggerated and maybe hard to imagine, but it’s true.

Just like diet, there is an overwhelming amount of information on when, how, what and where to exercise. Many different opinions and many different methods on this subject as well. Again, a little research is in order to find the right exercise program so you can attain that flat stomach you want.

3.  Commitment
The third and last key to a flat stomach is commitment. This one may be the hardest for some people. But it may be the most important. If you aren’t committed, you’re doomed. I talked before of a lifestyle change, well here it is. You are not going to achieve that flat stomach without a strong and pledged effort.

These are the 3 steps that are extremely critical if you want to achieve your weight loss goals and maintain a long-term healthy weight. The most important aspect is to a find a diet plan that is right for you and easy and fun to follow. Your goal to have a flat stomach will be achieved if you follow this plan.

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