LiveWell Vermont

Don't let the cold weather and snow be an excuse not to workout! Try these awesome indoor workouts this year. 1.) Spin it Out While riding a bike outside in the winter may not sound ideal, spin classes are a great way to get your cardio workout indoors! 2.) Lap it Up Swimming laps is a great way to boost your cardio this winter! This is a fantastic low-impact exercise that's easy on the joints, but great at building strong muscles! 3.) Lace Up Ice skating at a moderate pace for an hour can burn up to 500 calories! Ice skating also helps your stabilizing muscles. 4.) Climb Rock climbing can provide a great non-traditional cardio workout! Not only will you get your heart rate up, but you will also be building arm, shoulder, back and leg muscles! 5.) Martial Arts Martial arts can not only provide a great cardio workout, but also improve your balance and coordination. Additionally, many martial arts are a great way to relieve stress and practice mindfulness! Try ...

Did you know that some of the most effective strength training moves are the simplest ones? Check out these beginner exercises to help you build strength! The Squat A basic squat exercises should be included in your routine as it builds strength in your lower body (calves, quads, glutes, and hamstrings). Please note that improper form while doing a squat exercise can lead to knee pain or other discomfort. Place your feet shoulder width apart or slightly wider. Hold your hands at chest level for balance. Bend at your knees and hips, imagine that you're sitting into a chair. Keep your chest lifted and your spine neutral. Do not let your lower back round as you squat.  Lower down so your thighs are parallel to the floor and keep your knees over your ankles. Keep your core engaged as you press into your heels to return to starting position.  A good starting place is 2-3 sets of 15 squats. The Lunge Lunges are a great move to work on your lower body, core, ...

Are you finding working out to be a struggle? Check out these great reasons to fit that workout into your day! 1.) It will make you happier. Many studies have proven the connection between exercise and release of feel-good hormones in the body. Make time during your day to workout. Morning walks, lunch time jogs, hitting the gym or an evening bike ride are some of the many possibilities to get exercise in your day. 2.) It will make your life easier! When you're stronger and have endurance, you feel better doing everyday tasks. Training increases your capabilities. Every workout makes your body stronger and faster. 3.) Because you care about yourself, your family and friends! You want to be healthy so you can do the activities you love, right? These are great motivators to keep yourself in shape! 4.) Do it for you! Exercise can often be seen as a chore. Try changing your mindset with this. Exercise because you can, not because you have to.

Do you know that one of the most effective, inexpensive and pain-free ways to look and feel younger is to exercise and perform daily stretches that ward off kyphosis (rounding of the thoracic spine, resulting in a hunched shape); that keep the spine mobile; that lengthen the quadriceps to help sustain a tall, lifted posture; and that maintain a healthy range of motion in the hips? Shift your focus from “anti-aging” to “pro-aging” with these stretches that support an active body over a lifetime.  Stability Ball Chest Opener Sit on stability ball of appropriate size, feet planted on floor a little wider than hip width apart. Slowly roll down onto back while walking feet forward. (If you lack core strength, anchor your feet, toes touching wall.) Ball fully supports spine. Open arms straight out to sides, palms up. Allow back of head to rest on ball, and draw chin up slightly toward ceiling. Drop hips, allowing low back to round naturally against ball, or keep legs and glutes eng...

Have you started a running routine this year or are looking for some advice on starting running? Check out these great tips to get you started. 1.) Invest in the right shoes/gear . If your feet and knees are hurting or you running shirt is uncomfortable, it won't make running much fun for you. You don't need to have a lot of gear, just a few things that make running comfortable! 2.) Don't start out trying to go for a fast pace/time. Go for distance at first and don't worry about your pace. Once you have a solid base for mileage, then start adding speed work into your routine if it's your goal to get faster. 3.) Join a running group. Running solo has it's benefits too, but a running group can be very motivating especially on days when you're struggling to get out of the house. 4.) Make running a habit. Even if this means going out for just a few minutes a day - make sure that you get in a routine. 5.) Build mileage gradually. Too much too soo...

Don't have time to fit a workout in? Think again! Here are some everyday activities you may already be doing that can count as exercise!   1.) Shopping. From buying groceries at the grocery store to picking out a new pair of shoes, shopping means you're probably walking. Add some more walking in by parking far away from the store and walking. 2.) Cleaning. Vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and many cleaning tasks burn calories! Make it more of a workout by adding calf raises, squats, lunges, or torso twists while cleaning up! 3.) Cooking. From chopping veggies, washing dishes, to whisking and stirring things by hand, you can get some exercise just from making dinner! 4.) Washing Your Car. If you wash your car by hand then you can get a quality workout in doing so! 5.) Shoveling Snow. Let's hope we don't see snow for awhile, but during the winter months shoveling snow is a great workout. Make sure you're using proper form so you don't hurt your should...

Having a strong core isn't just for athletes, strong abdominal and back muscles are essential for completing every day tasks. Try adding these exercises into your strength training routine for a stronger core! 1.) Abdominal crunch: Lie on your back and place your feet on the wall so your knees and hips are bent at a 90 degree angle. Raise your head and shoulders off the floor (to reduce strain on your neck, cross your arms across your chest instead of behind your head). Return to start position and then repeat.   2.) Bridge. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position and your abdominal muscles tight. Raise your hips off the until they are aligned with your knees and shoulders. Hold for 3 deep breaths and then return to start. Repeat. 3.) Segmental Rotation. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position and your abdominal muscles tight. Keeping your shoulders on the floor, let your knees fall slightly to t...