Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Health Tips for April 29

Health Tip: Too Much Exercise Isn't Good Either

Getting regular exercise is great for your body and can help relieve stress. But as with any beneficial activity, you can overdo it.

The American Council on Exercise offers these warning signs of over-exercise:
  • Difficulty exercising to your normal level.
  • Feeling uncoordinated.
  • Taking longer than usual to recover.
  • Faster heart rate (in the morning) and blood pressure levels at rest.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Headache and muscle aches.
  • Digestive or stomach problems.
  • More frequent illness, bone injuries or muscular injuries.
  • Problems sleeping.
Health Tip: Jump Rope for Fitness

If you're tired of the gym, going for a run, or home exercise equipment, you may want to opt for jumping rope.

The American Council on Exercise suggests these tips to help you enjoy a safe, fun workout by jumping rope:
  • Keep a firm but gentle grip on the handles at the end of the rope.
  • Tuck your elbows in near your body, and relax your shoulders.
  • Slightly bend your knees, and use your wrist to swing the rope in a smooth arc over your head.
  • Keep your head up and your back straight as you jump. Don't curve your back forward.
  • Don't jump too high, which can adversely affect your ankles and knees.

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