Forest bathing

Forest bathing
"The Japanese term Shinrin-yoku may literally mean "forest bathing," but it doesn't involve soaking in a tub among the trees. Rather it refers to spending time in the woods for its therapeutic (or bathing) effect. Most of us have felt tension slip away in the midst of trees and nature’s beauty. But science now confirms its healing influence on the body. When you spend a few hours on a woodland hike or camping by a lake you breathe in phytoncides, active substances released by plants to protect them against insects and from rotting, which appear to lower blood pressure and stress and boost your immune system." ~Mother Nature Network

TOPFIT says:  And this is just part of the healing and rejuvenating effects that nature can have on your mind and body!

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Pullups & Chinups and Heavy Bag
I got the day's activities started with a workout of weighted chinups, suspension single arm pullups, bodyweight pullups, and hanging scapular depression/retraction.  A bit later I headed back out to my gym for a 30 minute heavy bag workout.

~Feelin' Alive!~

Energy drinks linked to mental health and substance abuse problems among teens

Energy drinks linked to mental health and substance abuse problems among teens
Want an extra dose of depression with your caffeine?
Red Bull claims to give you wings. But along with all other energy drinks, Red Bull also might facilitate substance use and depression among teenagers, at least according to a new study.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Lower Table Rock Run and Bench Press
After a few hours of holding poses (some of them rather strenuous), I took advantage of the sunny day and headed out to Lower Table Rock for a run.  The wind was really howling on the plateau and nearly blew me off the trail a few times.....I was hesitant to get too close to the edge.  Later I spent about 30 mins doing BB and DB bench presses.

~Feelin' Alive!~

Here's A Horrifying Picture Of What Sleep Loss Will Do To You

Here's A Horrifying Picture Of What Sleep Loss Will Do To You
If you don't snooze, you lose. Skimping on sleep can wreak havoc from head to toe. In fact, one study published last year showed that just one week of sleeping fewer than six hours a night resulted in changes to more than 700 genes. That's alarming news, considering nearly half of Americans don't bank the recommended seven or more hours of shut-eye a night, according to a recent survey. Read on for the nightmare-inducing truth about what could be happening to your body when you don't get enough sleep, starting the very first night.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Upper Table Rock Run and Heavy Bag
It was windy and a little chilly, but it made for a fantastic run on Upper Table Rock this afternoon.  Later, in the evening, I spent 30 mins on the heavy bag.

~Feelin' Alive!~

TOPFIT Daily Activities Review

It's definitely been a lighter week of activity.  I kind of needed a break from the higher volume and intensity, and it worked out well since I had a busy week of business and personal appointments, chores, errands and projects to take care of.  But, I still made time for:

2 Table Rock runs
1 long exploratory Lower Table Rock hike
2 heavy bag workouts
1 chest workout

What did you do this past week to maintain or improve your fitness?

~No Challenge, No Change~

Is microwaving food safe? 7 nutrition myths debunked

Is microwaving food safe? 7 nutrition myths debunked
Do you need to drink one glass of water for every caffeinated beverage you drink? Are “white foods” like onions less nutritious than broccoli? Is dark chocolate really rich in antioxidants? Read on to learn the truth about seven common nutrition myths.  read more

TOPFIT says:  Like most things from Fox "News", take a lot of this advice with a grain of salt.
If you want to know what really works and what doesn't, contact me now and take the first step to a healthier lifestyle.

TOPFIT Personal Training & Fitness Education

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Another Rest Day
Other than some active time with grandkids, I took another break today and concentrated on getting some much needed projects and chores done.

~Feelin' Alive!~

Can you consume only 5% of calories from sugar?

Can you consume only 5% of calories from sugar?
Put down your soda. Skip sweetened breakfast cereal, and forget adding sugar to your coffee or tea.
Added sugar intake should be less than 10% of your total calories a day, and consuming less than 5% of total calories from added sugars provides additional health benefits, according to new draft guidelines from the World Health Organization.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Lower Table Rock Hike
Today I got out for a few hours with a friend for a Lower Table Rock hike.  We had a great time exploring the western rim of the main plateau.

This crevice was ~15 ft deep, ~40 ft long, and the pic really doesn't do it justice.

It was very peaceful down in the bottom and there was a spring gurgling at the top of the far end.

 

~Feelin' Alive!~

8 ways to celebrate National Nutrition Month

8 ways to celebrate National Nutrition Month
It’s March, National Nutrition Month, when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spotlights the important role of healthful eating and physical activity to control weight and prevent chronic disease.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Rest Day
It's a good thing I planned on taking a break today.  I had a long list of chores, projects and errands today and they all took longer than planned......so it would have been difficult to make time for exercise anyway.

~Feelin' Alive!~