Beginners Walking Plan

I wrote a article the beginning of this year about New Years Resolutions for 2010. One of the resolutions was exercising. I started an exercise program myself, but slacked off due to technical problems. Well, actually, I started off to fast. I over exerted myself. Came out thinking I was still young and vibrant. Wrong!

I did find a article in Family Circle that was right up my alley. This article provided me with a plan, a beginner's plan. What I needed in the first place. So if your like me, please take a couple of these tips before you jump off into a exercise program.

Look what a simple brisk walk around your neighborhood can do for you:

1.lose weight
2.reduce stress
3.fight osteoporosis
4.nourish your joints
5.strengthen your heart and lungs
6.prevent cancer
7.decrease pain associated with arthritis and other chronic conditions

Grab those sneakers and do this five step walking plan three to five days a week. This plan was developed by the Arthritis Foundation.

Step 1 Warm up (3 to 5 minutes)
Walk at a slow pace or march in place.

Step 2 Stretch (4 to 5 minutes)
Prevent pain and sore muscles with a few simple stretches after warming up. Target your calf muscles, iliotibial bands, quads and hamstrings for 30 seconds.

Step 3 Walk (5 to 30 minutes)
Move like you going somewhere, but don't overexert yourself. I your're huffing and puffing, your pace is to fast. Each week you walk, add 5 minutes to your walking time. By being a beginner, you should start off by walking only 10 minutes.

Step 4 Cool down (3 to 5 minutes)
Don't skip this step, it is important to let your body downshift from high gear to low gear of everyday movement. It prevents blood from going settling in your legs,which can cause light-headedness and fainting.

Step 5 Stretch again ( 8 to 9 minutes)
Repeat the stretches you did in step 2. But this time hold them for about 1 minute each. Don't bounce and remember to breathe.

Please share with me your accomplishments and how this article has helped you.

Contractors Needed

The spring is coming and it's time for Home Improvements. Quality Smith is a free online service that offers tens of thousands of contractors waiting to bid on your project. Have fun and enjoy your new Improvement to your Home.

NO PHONE ZONE

NO PHONE ZONE

AAA estimates that 50% of all teenage drivers are texting while they drive. CBS did a report on teenagers driving while texting, but come on people, we all are doing it. I am guilty as charged. I text at red lights or any chance I get while I am driving. But am I alone, I don’t think so. Every day I pull up next to another grown person texting or talking on their cell. Truly, you know we’re not paying attention to the road. And this lack of attention is deadly.

We use to have to worry about drunk drivers, now we have to worry about people who talk and text on their phones. This is a bad habit that we need to get out of. So instead of complaining, what am I going to do about it? Actually, I am going to stop using my cell phone all together while in my van. I don’t drive that much as it is. If feel if I need to take a call that is so important, I should be able to pull over. If I miss a call, I know I will live another day to return that missed call. How can you make a difference? Let me know some of your ideas. I know a lot of you drive more than others. Would a Bluetooth speaker be just as distracting? If you use your Bluetooth handset already, my hat goes off to you.

Funny thing, Holly Robinson Peete was on Oprah with her daughter. Holly texts from her phone at red lights too. Anyway, Holly and her daughter made bumper stickers that read “Honk if you love Jesus, Text if you want to Join Him”. I thought that was cute. With that being said, Oprah has a place on her site where you can pledge not to talk or text on your phone. How about it Face Booker’s? Can we do this? I already made my pledge to make a difference and to tell others to do the same. Join me at http://oprah.com/nophonezone

Love and Be Loved!

Teen Domestic Violence

Last night I was watching Cops on TV. And I still can't get over domestic violence especially when it involves our young people. This young lady, about 19 was fighting with her boyfriend. The thing that got me was, she stated to her mother "You know how I am, I had to hit him back plus I am on my period." Her mother told her that wasn't an excuse, she could have walked away.

Everybody knows the recent domestic violence in the news concerning our young people, Rhianna and Chris, this couple was 19 and 20 years old when it happened. What about our teens that are 12 and up that are in a violent relationship?

So I ask you this should our young lady’s walk away from violence or should they hit back? And please, tell me why you feel that way?