Hi............Tips for stay healthy... Options

[BruceSmith]

Tip 1. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
After a long nights sleep it is important to refuel. It will help you do better in school. Some ideas for quick, healthy breakfast: Peanut butter on toasted whole-grain bread, Yogurt with fruit, Cheese slices on toast, and Fruit on cereals.
Tip 2. Eat a variety of foods.
Your body needs nutrients and many different vitamins and minerals from a variety of foods. Balancing food choices from the Food Guide Pyramid and checking nutrition labels will help you to get the nutrients you need.
Tip 3. Get moving....Get Jogging And Running
Walk, bike or jog when going somewhere. Climb stairs instead of taking an escalator. Try to do something active for a total of 30 minutes every day.
Tip 4. Participate in activities you enjoy.
Always start with warm-ups to get the muscles going. Do 20 minutes of an aerobic activity followed by activities that will make you stronger like push-ups or sit-ups.
Tip5. Choose healthy snacks.
It is wise to choose snacks from different food groups. Some choices would be: graham crackers, an apple or celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins.
Tip 6. Include whole grains and fiber in your diet.
Try breads such as whole-wheat, bagels and pita. Spaghetti and oatmeal are also good choices.
Tip 7. Participate in physical activities at school or out side.
This would include physical education and sports. It will make you feel good about yourself.
Tip 8. Drink plenty of water.
Your body is 65% water. That shows how important water is to your body. Make sure you drink a total of 8 glasses of water each day. That can inlcude the water from foods such as fruits.
Tip 9. Include others in your activities.
Take a dog for a walk. Walk or workout with a friend.
Tip 10. Having FUN is important.
Try new things, this can be in activities or food. Never be afraid to try....who knows you might just like it. And your body will thank you in the end.

[Mata]

Now Bruce, you really are coming across as a spammer. It looks very much like you tried to link to a shopping site from your sig, and these tips are copied from here: http://library.thinkquest.org/3646/nutrition/good/tips.html (complete with incorrect punctuation).

Could you remove your attempted link from your signature and post something to try and convince me that you're not just a spammer and that you are interested in joining in with this community?

It's funny you should post this today though, I was thinking of posting on this topic earlier. I've joined a new martial arts club! It's Wing Chun kung fu again, my favourite style, and the guys are a lot of fun to spar with. Mostly it's beginners, but the teachers are good so I'm really looking forward to going again.

What have other people been up to for exercise recently?

[Tarantio]

We've started up our Ultimate club again (it died when people hit fourth year and subsequently left Dundee) along with the staff of Realtime Worlds. So I haven't quite made it into the industry on a professional sense, but I am playing for one of their sports teams xD

Also, I took up cycling again over the summer, mostly around the Stirling/Alloa area, but my new flat in Dundee has nowhere to keep my bike so I dunno if I can keep it up

Can we sing the Spam song yet, Mata?

[LoLo]

What have other people been up to for exercise recently?

Up until about a month ago I was doing pilates in combination with this Jillian Michaels work out tape. I find that pilates really help some of my back issues and that Jillian Michaels thing really kicks my butt. I had to stop though because I was spacing out one day and stepped on a pine cone smack dab in the middle of my foot, which caused it to go sideways and re-injure an old injury. Since then it's been, see how far I can roll in my office chair through the house (for the fun of it, not because I can't walk, because I can). I plan on getting back to my workout combo though on Monday.

[Yannick]

An online friend and I have started competing using the NikeRunning program. It's really neat. This sensor that you attach to your shoe sends a wireless signal to your iPod, and calculates how far you run, how long it took you, speed, and calories burnt. Then when you sync your iPod to iTunes, it uploads and puts it online in a graph form. Optional Facebook/Twitter update button. You can join challenges online. It's cool.

..But right now I'm losing because I didn't run all of last week. Attempting to train up now and then make the varsity XC team next year. They online meet about once a week, so it's the only school sport that wouldn't interfere too much with school work.

If he's a spammer, at least it's helpful spam. ;D

[Sir Psycho Sexy]

I keep meaning to start something like this, but finding the space and a house with two unemployed who apparently never go out has been tricky.

...also, I'm lazy.

[Yannick]

^If you need some motivation, we could make it a competition? (First to be able to do 100 good-form push-ups and preferably film it wins.)

[SPEAKERfortheLOS...]

^If you need some motivation, we could make it a competition? (First to be able to do 100 good-form push-ups and preferably film it wins.)

Tried that once... don't wanna talk about it...

[Yannick]

Man.. just thinking about it. We need to get some sort of Matazonian Olympics going. Fasted mile (kilometer?), most push-ups, some swimming thing.. Would anyone be up for something like this? Maybe during the spring, as now's a bit cold where the non-Floridians are.. Meaning people have some time to train. It's for fun and exercise, so no need to be embarrassed if you run a 20 minute mile.

[Daria]

I walk most places. That's about it.

[CrazyFooIAintGet...]

^ this

[Hobbes]

An online friend and I have started competing using the NikeRunning program. It's really neat. This sensor that you attach to your shoe sends a wireless signal to your iPod, and calculates how far you run, how long it took you, speed, and calories burnt. Then when you sync your iPod to iTunes, it uploads and puts it online in a graph form. Optional Facebook/Twitter update button. You can join challenges online. It's cool.

I saw you mentioned the NikeRunning sensor a little while ago in another post, and I took at look at it. It also happened to feature in the latest issue of Wired magazine too. I do like the idea of it. I started using MapMyRun a little while ago, which uses the Google Maps API to let you plot your run - and it calculates the distances for you. To my shame, I haven't been running for quite some time.

However, I've started trying to do regular push ups, so SPS's link above is interesting. As yet, I don't think I've been able to increase the number I can do in a set.

In the last fortnight I have been pretty strict about counting calories and fat content of food. And, really, it has been a bit of a wake-up-call to just how much I HAVE been eating some days in the past. Being awfully anal-retentive about it, I've gone to the extent of using Excel spreadsheets and charts to record my daily intake. It is useful, and I've made quite a few dietary changes as a result.

Still would like to be doing more though...

Having said that, much of my job involves a fair amount of movement and physical activity. So god knows what I'd be like if I was sat behind a desk every day.

[Yannick]

In the last fortnight I have been pretty strict about counting calories and fat content of food. And, really, it has been a bit of a wake-up-call to just how much I HAVE been eating some days in the past. Being awfully anal-retentive about it, I've gone to the extent of using Excel spreadsheets and charts to record my daily intake. It is useful, and I've made quite a few dietary changes as a result.

Not to sound like someone working in the Apple store.. but, you know they make apps. for that, right? LoseIt (I think?) tracks calories consumed and burnt. It already has lists of foods, so you can choose one or manually enter information. It was pretty cool, even though I only used it for about a week because it was too much to keep up with. >_>

Aww, so no one interested in the Matazonian Olympics then?

[Pixelgoth]

I joined the gym in September and started training for a 5k but since then I've been ill on and off for 7 weeks so I haven't been able to exercise at all I'm so fed up with it. It's so ironic that I start exercising to get healthy and within a week I've got a major illness! I'm hoping to feel better next week so I can get down to the gym and try some gentle exercise

[Sir Psycho Sexy]

I'm hoping to feel better next week so I can get down to the gym and try some gentle exercise

Oh my!

[SPEAKERfortheLOS...]

I'm hoping to feel better next week so I can get down to the gym and try some gentle exercise

Oh my!

Maybe you are allergic to exercise?

[Mata]

Lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!

I tend to always try to exercise a bit when I feel ill - it seems to kickstart me feeling better... And then I go and wrap up warm, sit on the sofa, drink whisky, and play a non-taxing computer game

[Pixelgoth]

I'm hoping to feel better next week so I can get down to the gym and try some gentle exercise

Oh my!

Maybe you are allergic to exercise?

Could well be...that's usually my excuse when I can't be arsed to go to the gym I'm hoping this week I'll be able to pop down there, maybe tomorrow, and try some walking/jogging on the treadmill and maybe some time on the bike. We'll see...

Does anything have any suggestions for knowing when you are doing too much and burning yourself out...not at the gym...but in life in general. I never seem to get it right and end up like I am now ill

[Mata]

I tend to try and listen to my body and relax when I think I need to. I usually keep myself busy most of the time, between writing, drawing comics, exercise, and playing computer games I seem to always be doing something.

In terms of exercise, I usually will set myself a time or a specific goal. Recently I've been putting on an episode of something American (Battlestar Galactica is the recent choice, but I suspect Heroes or Supernatural will be following that) then exercise for the duration of the show. I'll do 10 minutes of jogging on the spot to warm me up, then weights, stretches, abs workouts, upper body workouts, yoga, or martial arts forms for the next half hour. I'll usually be nice and warm, and pretty tired after 40-45 minutes, but not exhausted, and that's a good time to stop.

In terms of commitments such as socialising and work - I'm going to be trying harder to go out more now I've got more time to myself, but I've still got a job to do and things I want to achieve in my own time. Working hard on my own projects a few evenings a week can be relaxing because it gives me a sense of personal progression with my life, but too much of it makes me feel like I'm never stopping to enjoy that feeling! Something that helps me balance things is talking with other people about what I've been doing with my time - quite quickly it becomes clear from their expressions when you're doing a weirdly large amount with your time!

[Hobbes]

I'll do martial arts for the next half hour.

I've always been tempted to practice a martial art for several reasons: fitness, self-preservation (should I ever need it), and a greater affinity with my 'shell'. I've also read that people who practice a martial art tend to have less clumsy accidents, because a.) their balance is generally better and b.) they are more in tune with their body's reactions and responses.

If I were to start learning a martial art, I think I would prefer to do it on a one-on-one basis (to begin with at least), rather than as part of a group. I don't think if this is something that is particularly "available" ? I would be also interested to hear any recommendations for which art to begin with?

[Secret Santa]

My suggestions for staying healthy are very simple. Lots of good cookies with milk or hot cocoa! Maybe a little brownie here and there too...

[Hobbes]

I went to the gym today for the first time in a long while. Got up a good sweat, and felt good about it

I wish to return regularly... we shall see if I do or not.

[Mata]

I'll do martial arts for the next half hour.

I've always been tempted to practice a martial art for several reasons: fitness, self-preservation (should I ever need it), and a greater affinity with my 'shell'. I've also read that people who practice a martial art tend to have less clumsy accidents, because a.) their balance is generally better and b.) they are more in tune with their body's reactions and responses.

If I were to start learning a martial art, I think I would prefer to do it on a one-on-one basis (to begin with at least), rather than as part of a group. I don't think if this is something that is particularly "available" ? I would be also interested to hear any recommendations for which art to begin with?

The right choice is a very personal thing, it depends on your personality and what sort of results you're looking for.

So, here are some options, with pros and cons:

Muay Thai (AKA Thai kick boxing)
Pros:
Incredibly intense training that will improve your fitness very quickly
Very practical - if your main goal is to be able to win a fight on the street then this is the one for you
Reasonably quick to learn up to a reasonably practical level

Cons:
Most training happens in gyms (not good if you're looking for personal tuition)
Most people learning Muay Thai are pretty macho
Very punishing training (it works fast, but you'll be very sore)

Tai Chi
Pros:
Excellent for building balance and general physical awareness
Very relaxed, calm training atmosphere
Very slow to become practical, if the teacher will even show you the combat applications
Okay for building muscle tone
Focuses on the inner strength to complement the outer movements

Cons:
It takes about ten years to become practical (although it's superb once you're there)
Useless for weight loss for anyone already at a moderate level of fitness

Karate
Pros:
Depending on what form of karate it ranges between good to excellent fitness training
Builds physical awareness and control
Easy to find classes
Quick to learn the basics
It's a sport more than a martial art, so competitions and group practise are easily available leading to a good social scene

Cons:
Not often available one-to-one
Most classes are fairly macho (but not all)
Builds false levels of confidence in fighting ability against anyone with moderate combat experience - it's not as practical as its teachers think that it is

Kung-fu
Pros:
Lots of forms of kung fu are available, offering a wide variety of styles
Often available one-to-one if you ask the teacher and are prepared to pay for it
Builds physical awareness, control, and inner strength
Often there are elements of mental preparation for combat, making you less likely to need to fight anyone in the first place
Usually there are calmer, more fun lessons than some other martial arts
Usually quite friendly classes from a variety of backgrounds that make a good social scene

Cons:
There are so many forms of kung fu that it is sometimes intimdating trying to choose one
There are many teachers with many styles, some love intense physical training, others ignore that outside the pure training of the movements
Occasionally there are macho classes
Learning to a useful level takes a while - ranging from a year or two up to six or seven, depending on the style.
Kung fu forms can be slightly more expensive to learn, usually because the teachers have had to train longer to be allowed to teach (but you do get a better quailty of teacher at the end, so this isn't really a 'con' unless money is very tight)
Competitions aren't very common because most of the techniques are quite dangerous

Aikido
Pros:
Tactical, intelligent combat style
Good for physical training and body awareness
Often uses small movements to get big results
More likely to be available one-to-one than some other styles
Quite a good competition and social side

Cons:
Classes can be a bit macho, but it depends on the teacher
It is a very violent and destructive martial art, so it's hard to train or expensive to buy protective gear... It can also be a little intimidating possessing the knowledge it gives you!
Takes a while to become practical (but very good when you get there)

Tae Kwon Do (AKA T.K.D or sometimes simple called kick boxing)
Pros:
Easy basics
It's a sport, not a martial art, so there's a strong social and competition scene
Quite easy to find classes
Excellent for building flexibility and srength
Like all kick boxing forms, it gives a very good workout - excellent for weight loss and building muscle tone

Cons:
Not very practical until the user is very proficient with both speed and control - it can give a false sense of security, like other sport-martial-arts
You're going to hurt for quite a while until you level of fitness increases to keep up with the training!

Jujitsu
Pros:
Good for strength and general health
Fairly easy to find classes
Basic techniques can be learnt very fast and are effective quickly
Advanced techniques are very good, but taught later on in your training

Cons:
Limited in its scope - it's excellent at getting opponents onto the floor, but not so good with doing much to them once they're there
It's a very hands-on style, so you might get punched in the face before you can get to grips with the opponent and use the early techniques (though this is improved on considerably later in the forms)

MMA (mixed martial arts)
Pros:
Not dedicated to one style, so they tend to develop very practical fighting skills
Generally available for one-to-one
The practical focus means you can learn basic, effective techniques very fast
Lots of competitions available
Increasingly easy to find classes

Cons:
Usually there's more testosterone than Chuck Norris's jock strap
There's no old-school philosophy driving the style so it tends to attract people who want to fight (any good martial arts teacher usually wants to avoid fighting, but win if they are forced into it)
People get hurt learning it because of the other students' attitudes
Some classes require a basic set of combat skills before they'll let you join.

***

Personally I started with Tai Chi and went on to Wing Chun kung fu. Along the way I've tried two styles of kick boxing, five animals kung fu, wu shu, and jujitsu (and possibly others that I've forgotten). I've trained under two Tai Chi instructors, and five Wing Chun instructors. All the teachers have been different, with different good and bad qualities, so even when you find a form you like you might have to try a few different teachers before you get one that clicks for you. In some respects, the teacher is more important than the form, but both do have to work for you to really get the true benefits.

I've played around in combat with one jujitsu instructor and a few karate students, and I've only had to use my skills once in seventeen years of training.

I've found that Wing Chun suits me - I like the (generally) relaxed atmosphere in the classes (though I have been to some macho ones in my time - I didn't go back to those ones), the simplicity of the form appeals to me due to the economy of the movements, the lack of strength required to overcome opponents appeals, and it seems to just feel right.

My main advice is to try a few different classes. Try to keep separate in your mind 'the martial art' and 'the teacher'. You could love the style but not enjoy the class, which will tell you to go and find somewhere else, or you could dislike the form but enjoy the class because of the teacher - in which case you've ticked one form off your list, but at least you've got a fun class to go along to while you're looking for something more suitable. I cannot emphasise enough how much difference a good teacher makes.

'Hope this helps!

[Hobbes]

^--- Thanks Mata, that's given me a lot to consider. I'll have a scout around and see what's available in my area. Cheers!

[Mata]

One other thing to note is that most kung fu forms feel really weird for a while! They make you use your body in a way that is unfamiliar. It's for the best in the long run, but can be very off-putting to begin with. Trust me, it does pass! A good example is the wing chun style of punching, where you don't put any of your body weight behind it - it feels odd, but you learn to use only a small set of muscle groups, then you see how fast and hard you can punch that way, then you learn to use lots of tiny muscles that connect the joints together, and in the end you've got a very powerful punch that doesn't give your opponent warning or set you off-balance.

Like I say, you get used to this kind of thing, and it's fantastic when something clicks and suddenly it starts to feel so right.

Oh, and knowing your personality a bit, I think that a kung fu form would suit you or perhaps Ju Jitsu (that should narrow things a bit for you!).