Compare and Contrast Blog - Strength training vs. Cardiovascular

When it comes to exercise, strength training vs. cardiovascular, it can be a very big debate whether which type of exercise is better for you to lose weight. Many people usually jump into conclusion and either go with just cardio or weight training right away and don’t actually think about what are the correct exercise to jump into.

Cardiovascular exercise is pretty much anything that gets your heart rate up and makes you feels sweaty, and gets more oxygen pumping through your blood. You are increasing your body’s endurance and efficiency. In addition, cardio burns more calories. According to Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., director of research at the south shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, “ You’ll burn 8 to 10 calories hoisting weights, compared to cardio with 10 to 12 calories running or cycling”.

            Strength training is any exercise that helps the different muscles in your body become stronger and more powerful.  It helps preserve body mass and at the same time it assists in long-term fat loss. Some strength training such as squats, pushups and using weights doesn’t necessary shed off pounds, but instead it sheds off fat.  A person’s body is consisting of muscles and fats, and when you are eliminating fats, you will look leaner, toned, and streamlined even if you don’t lose any pound.

            In my opinion, cardio is more effective if you want to lose weight.  I believe that you should diet and start off with cardio to shed off the pounds. Once the pounds are off then start with strength training so that you can begin to tone and build muscle with your body.   Both type of exercises are effective if you do it right.

Process Analysis - How to be motivated in exercise?

When it comes to exercise, it’s so hard to stay motivated. What can we do to stay motivated? It can be tough to discipline yourself to exercise, especially when you have little or no interest in it other then wanting to look good or needing it to stay healthy. You don’t have to do it all the time or make it overly obstinately but by walking or doing a certain activity 30 minute a day will do the trick.

The first thing to do in order for you to be more motivated to exercise is to change your mindset. You will need to mentally prepare yourself by acknowledging that you want to exercise. It is a good idea to repeatedly say to yourself that “I want to excise.” Mental commitment is very important.  Next, you probably will want to invest in an IPod or MP3 player. It is a great device for exercising. It’s an entertainment that will keep you focused by blocking out distractions in the outside world. Following, you will need to plan a routine. Somewhere in your day, you will have to plan at least 30 minute to spare so you can do your walk. I usually do my walk during my 15 minutes breaks because I’m not doing anything during that time, why not walk. My two 15 minute breaks equals out to 30 minute. 

Lastly, put yourself in a position where you can walk, either by going to work, school, or home. It doesn’t necessary have to be by walking; you can very well bike too. Park your car further from school, work, or home. The more often you do this the more easier it will become as you get used to it. These are just some of my thoughts of how to become more motivated, there are so many more that can be mention but if you follow these easy steps I’m sure it will help you. 

Illustrative Blog - Should all workplace have a fitness facility?

“It is health, that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” Quoted by Mahatma Gandhi. Health is number one when it comes to taking care of ourselves. So if this is the reason, why don’t workplaces offer a fitness gym? I often question this because I currently work at a work environment that offers a gym facility, and my employer actually pay us three hours addition each week for just using the gym. This is definitely a big benefactor because I notice that a lot of people whom surrounds me are really healthy and fit.

America is known as one of the biggest obese country in the world and the reason for that is because of our rich and delicious fast food restaurants. I believe that if every work place in America offers a gym facility it will be a great benefit for everyone. How many people have an hour lunch and don’t have anywhere to go but sit around the lunchroom or in your car? I know I do that sometimes. The gym is such a great value as it helps me be in shape and it gives me motivation to be healthier.

In conclusion, every workplace should have a gym because it’s a great advantage for our body, mind, and soul. Having the gym is a place for me to release my stress. It is especially great for the wintertime. When people are healthier, less people call in sick. If all workplaces have gym facility available to their employees, I’m sure everyone will feel and look a lot healthier.

Descriptive Blog - Hike through Hixon Forest

Yer Vue

Instructor Kirsten Moffler-Daykin

Descriptive Essay

10/8/13

As I make my way up the trail I can hear the woodchip cracking beneath my feet. The branches are creaking, my feet are shuffling through the soil and woodchip, squirrels chattering, leaves rustling, and the birds singing. It’s been a long 4 years since I’ve gone hiking. I’m determined to reach the top of the forest and return back in 45 minutes.

I push and push and make my way up to the half-way point at the top of the forest. I rest to listen and observe what surrounds me. I can hear the wind whistling and the insects humming. I lifted my face open to the sun and it beams down on me, letting the light and shadow dance across my skin. I can smell the odor of my sweat and taste my salty lips. As I look to the right I can see that a spider has woven her home around a patch of fern to the right of me. I can see a big satellite dish and what seems to be a radio station about 50 yards from me. I see twigs and branches lying on the ground, and I make sure I step over them so I don’t fall. I reach the end of the trail that leads me back down to the beginning.

         As I start to jog down the trail, I can see rocks beneath my feet.  I lift my feet high enough so that I don’t trip. As I make my way down, I breathe in and out slowly, saving my breath so I can make it all the way down. I notice that the light was fading, creating new shadows and dark patches around me. I was getting intimidated, so I began to fun faster and faster. I can hear the wind softly disappearing and the crickets chirping. My heart pounds harder and I just want to go home. Then suddenly see the clear pathway, and I know I’ve made it back. I slow down, looked at my watch, and realize that I did it. I beat my goal. I was overjoy and pleased. I let out a little laugh. It paid off with all the trainings that I’ve been doing.  I did my hike in 40 minutes. Next time, I am determined to do it in 35 minutes.