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WEBE Wellness: Strength Training To Reduce Illness

WEBE Wellness: Strength Training To Reduce Illness

Working out and building muscle isn’t just for show – it could help you live a longer, and healthier, life.

A new study shows that regular muscle-strengthening can lead to a 10 to 20% lower risk of illnesses including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

And the best part is all it takes is 30 to 60 minutes per week! Beyond an hour doesn’t produce any more significant reduction of risk to disease.

But combining the strength training with cardio decreases the risk even further – nearly twice as much. And strength training doesn’t just mean using weights – it can include bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats or using resistance bands. And beyond reducing disease risk, it can help with stamina and improve your mood.

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WEBE Wellness: What To Do After A Long Weekend Overeating

WEBE Wellness: What To Do After A Long Weekend Overeating

Coming off a three-day holiday weekend, you probably felt like you ate way too much – I know I had too many hot dogs – but after you overeat, what should you do? Because, you know it’s going to happen again next holiday.

Nutritionists say don’t immediately change your eating habits or fast – the best thing is to take a breath and move on with your routines. Don’t try to reset your meals or restrict yourself, and don’t stress over it.

Whether it was a big meal, a full day barbecue, or an entire weekend, it’s just a few days and after getting back to a regular, normal, and healthy routine, things will balance out.

You should listen to your body – you may find you want to eat healthier. And that can potentially lead to better habits!

Don’t immediately head into an intense workout – take it easy at first with an activity that you enjoy, like a simple hike.

And don’t beat yourself up over overindulging – thinking back to one too many hamburgers or one too many drinks – the stress isn’t good for your health either. And dwelling on it can have an adverse effect and lead to overeating again.

If at the end of a day of eating right you feel the craving coming on for something that isn’t healthy, you don’t need to deprive yourself of that either – as long as you do it in moderation!

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WEBE Wellness: Staying Healthy At A Holiday Barbecue

WEBE Wellness: Staying Healthy At A Holiday Barbecue

The holiday weekend is nearly here, so there’s a good chance you’ll be going to a barbecue – or two or three!

But how do you stay healthy when you’re tempted by hamburgers and hot dogs?

The best thing to do is come up with a plan first – if you’ve got dietary restrictions, call the party host ahead of time and see if you can bring your own proteins and sides. If not, when you’re there, look for the leaner proteins – chicken kabobs, grilled veggies, or salmon and shrimp.

And what do you wash it all down with? Sugary sodas or alcohol may help pack on the pounds, and if plain water is too boring, look for flavored water without sweeteners, and you’ll avoid extra calories.

Most important of all – have fun and be safe – so that you’ll be able to enjoy more cookouts this summer!

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WEBE Wellness: Taking A Bath Instead Of Exercising?

WEBE Wellness: Taking A Bath Instead Of Exercising?

We know exercise is good to lower our blood pressure, but the motivation to exercise can sometimes be so difficult. So, take a bath instead!

Researchers have found many of the same benefits in a hot bath as low-intensity aerobics. After a few minutes your heart rate will rise, and you’ll feel hot – it’s similar to the effects you get from walking, jogging, or cycling. The study shows similar effects between exercise and a hot bath in blood flow, blood pressure, and glucose levels.

However, after sitting in a hot bath or a sauna, you won’t find that any calories are being burn, which means you won’t find yourself losing fat or building muscle. It also won’t help boost bone density, and it won’t help with endurance, strength, or mobility. So while it mimics aerobic activity, it shouldn’t be used in place of regular exercise.

Researchers recommend hot baths after exercise – it will help reduce inflammation and help muscles recover faster.

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