Aretia's Tribe

Fitness Noodle
My eating habits have been awful lately…anyone assess my diet and help me onto a healthier road?

Well I am a 21 year old mother (of a vibrant 21 month old), a vegetarian, and normally a bit of a fitness junky. But lately I’ve been trapped inside (bad weather, I’m in norther Michigan) with very very little money for health food, and so my daily diet has been as follows;

blahh i have the same problem.

try this
BREAKFAST
a peice of fruit (like a banana, apple, berries, orange etc )with
whole wheat toast with peanut butter OR
whole grain cereal with minimal sugar
OR
oatmeal with chopped nuts and berries
Or low fat yogurt with granola and fruit

LUNCH
a sandwich on (again) whole wheat bread with veggies (like tomato, lettuce cucumber etc)
and a piece of cheese for your dairy product
OR
omlette- veggies and cheese

Snack
pick a few of these
a handfull of nuts, some dried fruit, a fruit smoothie, a 100 calories snack pac, 1 granola bar, rasins, corn chips and salsa, granola, popcorn, pretzels, appke and chedder cheese.

Dinner
stir fry- veggies like broccoli, peas, peppers, carrots, or try a frozen mixed veg pac, with rice or whole grain noodles and tofu
OR
a salad- lettuce tomato cheddar olives, pretty much whatever you like but keep it healthy!

Here’s What you Need to Know About Exercise Equipment for Seniors

Everyone knows how important it is for senior citizens to stay in shape and get plenty of exercise. But how do you choose the best exercise equipment for seniors with the wide selection of fitness gadgets and gear available today?

Local department stores, sporting goods stores, and specialty fitness stores are all great places to find exercise equipment for seniors. Think about what type of exercise or fitness program you will most often be participating in to help decide which fitness equipment is best for you. The same equipment used for similar activities by other ages will most likely be suitable for seniors as well.

The most used piece of exercise equipment for seniors is a pair of quality walking shoes that fit comfortably. You need a shoe that properly supports your feet and also provides support for your back. Proper support reduces the risk of soreness and injury during workouts. If you plan to participate in aerobics or a walking program, you may need a set of light hand or wrist weights. Some hand weights weigh a pound or less. Very light hand or wrist weights can increase the benefits of most any exercise program.

Exercise equipment for seniors who are strength training can vary greatly. Traditional equipment with weights is often too strenuous for a senior’s joints and can sometimes result in muscle inflammation or other injuries. Look for an exercise machine that uses air or a hydraulic system to move the weights because these are easier on the joints. Hydraulic weight machines and air exercise equipment is becoming more common in gyms and fitness centers, so you may consider a membership to one of these facilities rather than purchasing your own machine for home. Seniors who suffer from joint conditions, like arthritis, can use

these types of machines and enjoy the great benefits of strength training.

There are a number of other types of exercise equipment for seniors. Those who participate in yoga or other programs that involve stretching and floor exercises will need a floor mat. If you have back trouble or problems sitting or lying on hard surfaces, you should look for a thicker floor mat that will minimize discomfort. Balance balls are another inexpensive piece of exercise equipment for seniors. Balance balls are available in many sizes and styles, and are designed to be used by a person of a certain height.

If you plan to take part in a more specialized type of fitness program, you may need more specific gear and equipment. For example, water aerobics participants can use swimming noodles or foam weights to increase muscle strength. Those who join an aerobics program may need an aerobic step. A step that is relatively low to the ground typically provides the

most benefit to senior workouts. Machines like elliptical trainers, treadmills, and step machines can also provide a number of benefits to seniors. Look for machines that offer low speed settings and gentle movement to protect joints.

Before deciding to buy any piece of exercise equipment, it is best to test out the product in the store using a demonstration model. If that is not possible, research a few similar products and read reviews on each one to see what others think of the machine. Take care to examine any new exercise equipment closely to be sure it will meet your needs and not

pose any sort of danger. Ask a sales clerk in a sporting goods store for suggestions and discuss the equipment with your doctor as well.

About the Author

Nick Hurd writes about aging and baby boomer generation and how to not only cope with the changes, but live a very healthy and active life. More informatioin is available at www.youreover50.com… Fitness for seniors copyright 2007 Nicholas Hurd all rights reserved