Why Men Should Try Yoga For A Change

Yoga enhances physical flexibility by promoting the use of muscles in new ways, especially in men. Common physical activity involve the feet for running and walking, hands for playing ball, among others. But with yoga, the movements involve muscles moving in new patterns and ways that would enhance flexibility in movement and form.

Here are some of the reasons why yoga guys should do yoga

But what if this is your first session? Worry not, as here are some practical ‘first-timer” tips;

Know what you are getting into. It may seem a bit tasking in taking the time to know what your class is all about or what you are planning to do. With yoga, you may want to do a little research to get to know some terms and history of yoga.

Prepare a headband. Although yoga may be involved mostly on body movements, it would be helpful to have a headband handy to wear during the yoga sessions as these involve a lot of perspiration that could sometime distract, especially when sweat gets into your eyes. Having a headband prevents this from happening.

Bring your own exercise mat. For hygiene and sanitary purposes, it’s better to have yours, rather than blame yoga for catching a skin disease due to common-use or unsanitary workout mats.

Focus on the workouts. This is one of the most popular workouts today and admit it, the one working out next to you could be your epitome of an ideal date that could cause you some untoward distractions and let you lose sight of your goals for the day. Clear your mind and focus on the work ahead.

Come in fully rested. Yoga is mostly done through body stretches and limbering exercises that sometimes could stress the muscles, joints and extremities. A stressed body could more likely be hurting instead of conditioning.

Don’t be overzealous. These workouts may be exciting, but it does not mean that you have to extend more effort to do extra repetitions than what is prescribed, especially since yoga is more isometric, rather than eccentric or concentric. Extra reps may even be more useless instead of benefitting from it.

Patience is a virtue. This does not give you that ‘get fit quick’ routines, in fact, it is most effective when done gradually and consistently. Determination and discipline is key, so make sure to arm yourself with the expectation that there is no quick way to master yoga.

Appreciate the results. Once you start feeling the impacts of yoga, make sure to embrace it as you see your efforts and toil paying off.

Indeed, yoga may show you some humbling experiences that you may never expect from your usual strength and endurance workouts in the gym.

More importantly, preparation is key and tugging along your gym clothes, gear and yoga mat need not be a hassle with the Fitmark Namaste Tote – your all purpose gym bag to get you all packed up and ready to do your yoga workouts.

Made with high grade ballistic nylon exterior and fully lined antimicrobial nylon interior, it has separate compartments for your fresh change of clothes after your workout and comes with a separate laundry bag where you could stash away your used outfit and placed in a separate compartment.

It has an oversized strap-in top buckle to secure your mat and other gym accessories for ease of carry and properly organized gear wherever you go.

The post Why Men Should Try Yoga For A Change appeared first on .

Yoga enhances physical flexibility by promoting the use of muscles in new ways, especially in men. Common physical activity involve the feet for running and walking, hands for playing ball, among others. But with yoga, the movements involve muscles moving in new patterns and ways that would enhance flexibility in movement and form.

Here are some of the reasons why yoga guys should do yoga

But what if this is your first session? Worry not, as here are some practical ‘first-timer” tips;

Know what you are getting into. It may seem a bit tasking in taking the time to know what your class is all about or what you are planning to do. With yoga, you may want to do a little research to get to know some terms and history of yoga.

Prepare a headband. Although yoga may be involved mostly on body movements, it would be helpful to have a headband handy to wear during the yoga sessions as these involve a lot of perspiration that could sometime distract, especially when sweat gets into your eyes. Having a headband prevents this from happening.

Bring your own exercise mat. For hygiene and sanitary purposes, it’s better to have yours, rather than blame yoga for catching a skin disease due to common-use or unsanitary workout mats.

Focus on the workouts. This is one of the most popular workouts today and admit it, the one working out next to you could be your epitome of an ideal date that could cause you some untoward distractions and let you lose sight of your goals for the day. Clear your mind and focus on the work ahead.

Come in fully rested. Yoga is mostly done through body stretches and limbering exercises that sometimes could stress the muscles, joints and extremities. A stressed body could more likely be hurting instead of conditioning.

Don’t be overzealous. These workouts may be exciting, but it does not mean that you have to extend more effort to do extra repetitions than what is prescribed, especially since yoga is more isometric, rather than eccentric or concentric. Extra reps may even be more useless instead of benefitting from it.

Patience is a virtue. This does not give you that ‘get fit quick’ routines, in fact, it is most effective when done gradually and consistently. Determination and discipline is key, so make sure to arm yourself with the expectation that there is no quick way to master yoga.

Appreciate the results. Once you start feeling the impacts of yoga, make sure to embrace it as you see your efforts and toil paying off.

Indeed, yoga may show you some humbling experiences that you may never expect from your usual strength and endurance workouts in the gym.

More importantly, preparation is key and tugging along your gym clothes, gear and yoga mat need not be a hassle with the Fitmark Namaste Tote – your all purpose gym bag to get you all packed up and ready to do your yoga workouts.

Made with high grade ballistic nylon exterior and fully lined antimicrobial nylon interior, it has separate compartments for your fresh change of clothes after your workout and comes with a separate laundry bag where you could stash away your used outfit and placed in a separate compartment.

It has an oversized strap-in top buckle to secure your mat and other gym accessories for ease of carry and properly organized gear wherever you go.

The post Why Men Should Try Yoga For A Change appeared first on .

from Fitness Bags Canada https://fitnessbags.ca/blog/guys-yoga/

Martial Arts Can Help You Burn Fat

Other than to give you that gung-ho attitude and sense of security, martial arts can truly help you lose weight, as well as improve your sense of balance, body awareness, hand-eye coordination and agility, among  many others.

You get that mental leverage of being able to acquire a good sense of focus and concentration, which are few of the many disciplines that you get out of martial arts  whether it be tae kwon do, jiu jitsu, muay thai and judo, just to name a few’

Martial arts exercises are often composed of high intensity physical activities that’s good for the heart and helps you burn those unwanted body fat, especially during sparring sessions that adds more punch with additional boosts of adrenaline to keep your heart pumping and gives you that extra strength for conditioning.

Martial Arts Exercises: Burn Unwanted Fat

 

Martial Fusion Power Push Up

To help develop strength, agility and power, this push up routine also provides lower-body benefits.

Stand with the feet spread apart slightly wider than your shoulders with toes pointed 45 degrees outwards, then go down into a deep squat position with the elbows lightly touching the thighs. Reach down the floor palms down and do a round of push-ups then reverse the routine to return to the standing position. Do 10 repetitions.

Grappling Reach Back

Lie on the floor with knees bent and legs spread apart at level with the shoulders. Twist your upper torso with your left hand reaching to the right and lift your buttocks off the floor. Return to the rest position then try the same twisting motion to the left. Repeat the process 10 times for each side.

Horse Stance To Side Kick

Go to a squat position, spine straight with legs spread apart and both your elbow bent upwards with your fists at chin level Look to the right then kick upwards with your right leg while bringing your left leg up to balance the body. Bring your kicking leg down and assume the original position as you turn to the left. Do the same movement to the left. Do this ten times.

Bear Crawl

Position yourself on all fours with hands under the shoulders, then lift the hips and rise up on your feet, keeping the knees bent and body weight evenly distributed. Then step forward with the right hand and foot, then do the same with the left. Take four steps forward using alternating steps then four steps backward. Repeat this 4 times.

Ginga Front Leg Extension

Stand with the feet wide apart at shoulder level with both elbows bent upward and fists  at chin level. Then kick with your right foot upward then return to a standing position this time assuming a fighting stance position with your left foot behind your right foot. Then with the right foot step back and swing your upper torso with your right elbow lunged upward at chin level. Then return to your original position. Repeat the same steps with the other side. Do this movement four times.

What better way to start doing your martial arts workout at the gym with your trusty Championship Round Transition Pack from Fitmark Bags that helps you carry all your gym essentials, along with your other important gear and gadgets.

You’d feel confident having your things properly secured and always keep you ready to go. It’s trademark durable webbing material makes it your durable carry-all companion and is lined with an antimicrobial lining to let you stay worry –free after changing your soaked gym clothes.

The post Martial Arts Can Help You Burn Fat appeared first on .

Other than to give you that gung-ho attitude and sense of security, martial arts can truly help you lose weight, as well as improve your sense of balance, body awareness, hand-eye coordination and agility, among  many others.

You get that mental leverage of being able to acquire a good sense of focus and concentration, which are few of the many disciplines that you get out of martial arts  whether it be tae kwon do, jiu jitsu, muay thai and judo, just to name a few’

Martial arts exercises are often composed of high intensity physical activities that’s good for the heart and helps you burn those unwanted body fat, especially during sparring sessions that adds more punch with additional boosts of adrenaline to keep your heart pumping and gives you that extra strength for conditioning.

Martial Arts Exercises: Burn Unwanted Fat

 

Martial Fusion Power Push Up

To help develop strength, agility and power, this push up routine also provides lower-body benefits.

Stand with the feet spread apart slightly wider than your shoulders with toes pointed 45 degrees outwards, then go down into a deep squat position with the elbows lightly touching the thighs. Reach down the floor palms down and do a round of push-ups then reverse the routine to return to the standing position. Do 10 repetitions.

Grappling Reach Back

Lie on the floor with knees bent and legs spread apart at level with the shoulders. Twist your upper torso with your left hand reaching to the right and lift your buttocks off the floor. Return to the rest position then try the same twisting motion to the left. Repeat the process 10 times for each side.

Horse Stance To Side Kick

Go to a squat position, spine straight with legs spread apart and both your elbow bent upwards with your fists at chin level Look to the right then kick upwards with your right leg while bringing your left leg up to balance the body. Bring your kicking leg down and assume the original position as you turn to the left. Do the same movement to the left. Do this ten times.

Bear Crawl

Position yourself on all fours with hands under the shoulders, then lift the hips and rise up on your feet, keeping the knees bent and body weight evenly distributed. Then step forward with the right hand and foot, then do the same with the left. Take four steps forward using alternating steps then four steps backward. Repeat this 4 times.

Ginga Front Leg Extension

Stand with the feet wide apart at shoulder level with both elbows bent upward and fists  at chin level. Then kick with your right foot upward then return to a standing position this time assuming a fighting stance position with your left foot behind your right foot. Then with the right foot step back and swing your upper torso with your right elbow lunged upward at chin level. Then return to your original position. Repeat the same steps with the other side. Do this movement four times.

What better way to start doing your martial arts workout at the gym with your trusty Championship Round Transition Pack from Fitmark Bags that helps you carry all your gym essentials, along with your other important gear and gadgets.

You’d feel confident having your things properly secured and always keep you ready to go. It’s trademark durable webbing material makes it your durable carry-all companion and is lined with an antimicrobial lining to let you stay worry –free after changing your soaked gym clothes.

The post Martial Arts Can Help You Burn Fat appeared first on .

from Fitness Bags Canada https://fitnessbags.ca/blog/martial-arts-exercises/

Advantages Of The Occasional Cheat Meal

Of course, cheating does you no good in relationships, but do know that it can be good for something else – like your occasional cheat meals to add some spice into your diet routine and somewhat keep you sane in your quest for physical fitness.

In today’s fitness-crazed, diet-conscious world, many people often take that big step in moving towards a nutritionally-dense diet free of those cholesterol-laden, calorie-rich pleasures like steaks, ice cream, pizza and burgers, just to name a few.

At first you get to condition your mind to stay away from it, but as time passes, you start to crave for those well-loved gastronomic treats and find yourself gulping down half a gallon of your favourite ice cream brand or your plate meat lover’s pizza.

Experts agree that in order to go into a food remission, occasional cheating on your well-loved foods can be beneficial for you and here’s how.

Keeps you Motivated

Your mind can be your powerful enemy when it comes to your strict calorie-deprived diet, as it can tempt your body to crave for the tastes of food that you once loved. By occasionally treating yourself with moderate amounts of foods you love, you reward yourself and your brain produces your “reward” hormones that can even help you stay motivated in your regular workouts and diet.

Prevents Disordered Eating

A recent finding on studies where one is more prone to depression is a disorder called orthorexia, which is characterized by too much restriction on ‘unhealthy’ foods. It can even deprive the body of essential nutrients as the disorder dictates the mind to steer clear of any food that is deemed unhealthy. So go figure.

Improves Your Social Life

Once in a while, feel the need to be human again. Surveys have shown that fitness- targeted activities are sometimes too daunting for others that it keeps them away from you, especially if you focus too much on working out and staying fit, which could result to lowering the self-esteem of your friends who are not into fitness. Rekindling those relationships with a few slices of pizza or a bowl of mac and cheese during a Friday night out can do wonders.

Just make sure to keep track of those cheat instances so you are reminded that cheat meals should not put you back to your old eating habits.

Plan ahead. Know when you can fit in those cheat meals as you count your calories and do your workouts

Think about your meals, not your cheat days. Having too much of your cheat meals could result to a remission, so make sure to include it in your meal plans. 

Always stay conscious of your goals. You do not have to have your cheat meals all the time, just make sure stay focused and at the same time consider treating yourself to your pizza craving once in a while.

Managing your meals need not be difficult with your own set of Fitmark Box LG – a meal management bag from Fitmark Bags that will help you manage your diet and cheat meals better.

A durable bag made of durable ballistic nylon and polyester material, it comes with 4 tightly-sealed meal containers that helps you organize your meals and keep you focused on when you can eat your regular meals and indulge in your cheat meal option.

Better yet, it helps you control the amount of your cheat foods once you have consumed it.

So if you have a hard time controlling yourself from giving in to your cravings, your Fitmark Box LG can do you wonders to help you stay healthy and on course.

The post Advantages Of The Occasional Cheat Meal appeared first on .

Of course, cheating does you no good in relationships, but do know that it can be good for something else – like your occasional cheat meals to add some spice into your diet routine and somewhat keep you sane in your quest for physical fitness.

In today’s fitness-crazed, diet-conscious world, many people often take that big step in moving towards a nutritionally-dense diet free of those cholesterol-laden, calorie-rich pleasures like steaks, ice cream, pizza and burgers, just to name a few.

At first you get to condition your mind to stay away from it, but as time passes, you start to crave for those well-loved gastronomic treats and find yourself gulping down half a gallon of your favourite ice cream brand or your plate meat lover’s pizza.

Experts agree that in order to go into a food remission, occasional cheating on your well-loved foods can be beneficial for you and here’s how.

Keeps you Motivated

Your mind can be your powerful enemy when it comes to your strict calorie-deprived diet, as it can tempt your body to crave for the tastes of food that you once loved. By occasionally treating yourself with moderate amounts of foods you love, you reward yourself and your brain produces your “reward” hormones that can even help you stay motivated in your regular workouts and diet.

Prevents Disordered Eating

A recent finding on studies where one is more prone to depression is a disorder called orthorexia, which is characterized by too much restriction on ‘unhealthy’ foods. It can even deprive the body of essential nutrients as the disorder dictates the mind to steer clear of any food that is deemed unhealthy. So go figure.

Improves Your Social Life

Once in a while, feel the need to be human again. Surveys have shown that fitness- targeted activities are sometimes too daunting for others that it keeps them away from you, especially if you focus too much on working out and staying fit, which could result to lowering the self-esteem of your friends who are not into fitness. Rekindling those relationships with a few slices of pizza or a bowl of mac and cheese during a Friday night out can do wonders.

Just make sure to keep track of those cheat instances so you are reminded that cheat meals should not put you back to your old eating habits.

Plan ahead. Know when you can fit in those cheat meals as you count your calories and do your workouts

Think about your meals, not your cheat days. Having too much of your cheat meals could result to a remission, so make sure to include it in your meal plans. 

Always stay conscious of your goals. You do not have to have your cheat meals all the time, just make sure stay focused and at the same time consider treating yourself to your pizza craving once in a while.

Managing your meals need not be difficult with your own set of Fitmark Box LG – a meal management bag from Fitmark Bags that will help you manage your diet and cheat meals better.

A durable bag made of durable ballistic nylon and polyester material, it comes with 4 tightly-sealed meal containers that helps you organize your meals and keep you focused on when you can eat your regular meals and indulge in your cheat meal option.

Better yet, it helps you control the amount of your cheat foods once you have consumed it.

So if you have a hard time controlling yourself from giving in to your cravings, your Fitmark Box LG can do you wonders to help you stay healthy and on course.

The post Advantages Of The Occasional Cheat Meal appeared first on .

from Fitness Bags Canada https://fitnessbags.ca/blog/how-you-can-benefit-from-cheat-meals/