Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash
We all know that we are meant to exercise, but whatever the reason, we often find ourselves either unable to find the motivation or just tired of the same old routine. So, maybe you need a change of scenery—or at least a change of equipment.
The best thing about gyms is they have a variety of options for you to try, from different workout equipment to classes and even personal trainers (you can often see the certifications to become a cycling instructor and a personal trainer on your local gym's website) that can help you reach your fitness goal. But, how do you choose the best exercise for you? Here are a few popular machines and how they can work for you.
Walking Machine
Walking machines are one of the best exercise machines to use because they can be used in a variety of different ways. These types of exercise machines are a great way to get in shape but can also help you improve your balance, coordination, and endurance. These benefits make walking machines a great option for people of all ages.
Walking machines are also very affordable compared to other pieces of exercise equipment. This makes them accessible for people who may not have much money or space available for other types of exercise equipment.
Rowing Machine
Rowing machines are one of the best exercise machines because they provide an intense, full-body workout.
Unlike many other machines, rowing machines simultaneously work your entire body—especially your legs, core, and back—. This means you can get a great workout in less time and with less equipment than other forms of exercise.
Rowing machines also help you develop the kind of lean muscle mass that helps you burn calories more efficiently throughout the day, even when you're not working out. This means that even if you don't work out on your rowing machine daily, it can still help improve your fitness level over time.
Stepper
Steppers are one of the best exercise machines because they allow you to get a full-body workout in just a few minutes. Steppers are designed to mimic the movements of walking and running, which means they work your ankles, knees, hips, and pelvis. They also engage your core muscles, so you'll strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. Steppers also improve your balance, coordination, and agility.
Stationary Cycling Bike
Stationary cycling bikes are one of the best exercise machines to use because they are a low-impact activity. Unlike running, which can cause stress to joints and bones, stationary cycling is considered a low-impact exercise. This makes it suitable for people with joint pain or other musculoskeletal issues.
Another benefit of using a stationary bicycle is that it provides an efficient workout for all muscle groups. Because you have to maintain balance while pedaling, the muscles in your legs, glutes, and core will be activated as well as those in your arms and back.
Treadmill
The treadmill is a great way to exercise at home. It can be used for walking, running, or jogging. Treadmills are great because they allow you to burn calories while working on your cardiovascular health and building muscle.
There are many different types of treadmills, so it's important to find one that fits your needs best. Consider purchasing a folding or collapsible model if you have limited space in your home or apartment. This type of treadmill is easier to store when not in use but may cost more than other models due to its special design features.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great way to get a full-body workout. They are cheap, easy to use, and can be used anywhere. Resistance bands are flexible bands made from natural latex rubber or synthetic materials such as Nylon or Polyurethane.
Resistance band exercises have been proven effective at building strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. They are portable and can be used at home or in the gym, making them perfect for an effective workout anywhere.
Both our physical and emotional health can suffer a great deal as a direct result of stress. It is of the utmost importance that we discover methods that enable us to experience a sense of calm and relaxation. Could it be that you are interested in incorporating a fresh strategy for relieving stress into your daily life? If that is the case, you should put some of these easy suggestions into action.
1. Yoga
One of the most effective forms of physical activity for reducing stress and enhancing feelings of relaxation is yoga. Yoga has several benefits, some of which include boosting your core strength, increasing your flexibility, toning your body, and improving your balance. If you practice yoga, you will reap these benefits and more.
2. Mindfulness
Instead of preoccupying oneself with thoughts of the past or the future, practicing mindfulness is bringing one's attention squarely and intently to the here and now. Even though it is not an overly complicated concept, putting it into practice can be trickier than you would expect. There is overlap between the practices of meditation and the art of awareness. When we silence our thoughts, we give ourselves permission to be fully present and involved in the moment.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has a long history of being lauded as an excellent method for achieving a state of relaxation. The purpose of this project is to make use of numerous essential oils for their beneficial effects on health. You have the option of diffusing essential oils into the air, massaging them into your skin, or taking a bath with them.
4. Gratitude Journaling
A number of studies have found a correlation between practicing thankfulness and reporting higher levels of happiness. Beginning a thankfulness diary is a fantastic idea if you want to feel less stressed out and are seeking for ways to do so. The process of keeping a gratitude journal entails doing nothing more complicated than simply noting down, on a daily basis, the things for which one is grateful. Even if you are only able to come up with one idea per day, after some time you will become accustomed to the exercise and have additional thoughts. There is no such thing as an insignificant reason to express thankfulness.
5. Herbal Remedies
There are times when we might use a little assistance in winding down, and fortunately, there are a lot of wonderful herbal medicines that may help us out. It is well known that ashwagandha can reduce the amount of the stress hormone that is present in our systems, making it an excellent herb for relieving stress. In addition to this, certain medicinal plants, such as St. John's Wort and Rhodiola, are excellent for reducing the signs and symptoms of anxiety. If you prefer to smoke, you could try a CBD vape pen.
When everything else fails, go back to the fundamentals of the situation. Simple things like exercising regularly and increasing the amount of sleep you get can do wonders for reducing stress.
*This is a collaborative post*
Recently, we were invited to experience an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast at the new hotel, 'Ty Milford Waterfront' which is located in Milford Haven. It's the latest addition to the impressive Celtic collection hotels.
The hotel is perfectly situated on Milford Waterfront so it is surrounded by water, a beautiful marina and an array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It's ideally located for a mini getaway in Wales, placing you not far from top family attractions such as Folly Farm.
The hotel was easy to find and it has a car park across the road. We were allocated one of their family rooms on the first floor. The room was very large, even with 2 extra single pull out beds in it. There was plenty of the room for the kids to run around.
The bathroom was also a good size which consisted of a bath with an overhead shower.
During the afternoon, we explored the local area, taking in the picturesque surroundings and browsing the shops.
We then headed to the hotel's restaurant, 'Dulse'. We were seated at a table by the window which overlooked the water. The hotel champions local produce which is highlighted in all of their courses.
The restaurant was our favourite part of the stay. It was absolutely delicious and the service was wonderful. Every course was bursting with flavour and the seafood was fresh.
The girls also enjoyed their dishes and there was plenty of choice for them.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and we will definitely be returning to this beautiful area. The hotel seems great value for money in a perfect location.
*We were provided with an overnight stay in exchange for an honest review*.
I don't know about you but the dreaded virus has once again made me quite disorganised for Christmas this year, between isolating and restrictions I am desperately trying to catch up before the big day. Over the next few days there will be quite a few gift guides coming to my blog so keep your eyes peeled for ideas. This post will focus on last minute gifts for mums:
Non-fiction books*
There are so many good non-fiction books out at the moment. Fans of 'This Morning' will enjoy Holly Willoughby's new book, 'Reflections'. In this book Holly shares how she deals with moments guilt, anger, self-doubt and detachments. It's full of helpful advice and tips on how to be more centred.
Another book that would make the perfect Christmas present is 'Big Panda, Tiny Dragon' by James Norbury. It's a mindful journey involving 2 friends and is ideal for anyone struggling with life at the moment. The story is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality and contains beautiful illustrations. It's a book that can be enjoyed time and time again.
Both books are available from all good book retailers.
Sleep Masks
Most mums I've met really value their sleep. One product I love to use to switch off before bed are Spacemasks. They currently have 3 different scents available, Jasmine, Rose and Chamomile. They come in a box of 5 and can be purchased here, SpaceMasks. At the time of writing this post, they were priced at £15.
Fiction books*
2021 has been a great year for fiction. There's been so many amazing books released that it's quite overwhelming trying to decide which ones to read.
'The Night She Disappeared' by Lisa Jewell is one I would recommend. Even though I haven't read it yet, she is one of my favourite authors always producing fantastic reads. I am aiming to read this book by the end of this year so you'll have to pop over to my book Instagram account to keep an eye out for the review. Here is the blurb for the story:
Coffee*
A mum can never have enough caffeine, it's literally an essential item for us, the stronger the better. Black Insomnia make insanely strong coffee that actually tastes nice. They have a big range including ground, beans, bags, pods and more. I am loving their ground coffee and it has certainly helped to keep me awake and alive whilst work has been ridiculously busy.
Calendar*
A calendar is a must for a busy mum. The Calendar Club has a massive range of calendars including family and couple planners. I love the planners that come with stickers to mark out special events such as birthdays. National Geographic have a stunning range of calendars ranging from animals to countries. The pictures are so beautiful that they could be used as prints afterwards.
What gifts are you hoping to receive this year?
This time of year there is nothing better than curling up under a blanket with a hot chocolate or a mulled wine, reading a festive story with the twinkling lights from the Christmas tree in the background.
There are so many wonderful Christmas reads on the shelves this year so I've picked a selection of the best festive reads to help you decided what to pick.
The Postbox at the North Pole - Jaimie Adams*
I adored this book. it's everything you'd expect from a festive story and more. It certainly put me in a Christmassy mood and I felt wrapped up in magic.
The story is about Sasha who finds herself heading to the North Pole Forest to help her dad after hearing he had a heart attack. Sasha and her dad have a strained relationship. He is usually travelling the world and avoiding ever going home, especially at Christmas time. At the airport she is greeted by Tav (a handsome man who works for her dad) who strongly believes in Christmas magic and spirit. One of his many jobs is to care for all the reindeer in the forest. Sasha can be described as a bit of a grinch when it comes to Christmas but could all that change when she spends time with her Dad, Tav and from responding to Santa letters at the post office?
This is such a heart-warming novel. The characters are perfectly written, flawed but relatable. There is fantastic chemistry between Sasha and Tav. The backdrop of this wonderful story is amazing. I literally want to stay in Candy Cane Lodge. I was able to conjure up the most serene images of the North Pole Forest. I felt the cold, I saw the snow and I smelt the cinnamon. This may be my first Adams novel but it won't be my last. 4.5/5
The Christmas Bookshop - Jenny Colgan
Carmen works for her local department store but is made redundant. Her mother coerces her perfect, can't do anything wrong, very successful sister Sofia to allow her to live with her in Edinburgh. There, Sofia finds Carmen a job at a run down bookshop that needs saving before the end of the year. Can she use her design skills to save the shop and save its owner Mr McCredie from bankruptcy. It's a story of love, family and hope. It also has the most gorgeous cover.
 |
Baby it's Cold Outside - Emily Bell*
Norah Jones is known for two things; she shares her name with a famous musician and she us always single. Facing another Christmas alone she remembers a promise that her and Andrew (someone she previously fell for) made to each other 10 years earlier which was that if they were both still single on Christmas Eve 2019 they'll wait under the clock at Bewley's Cafe on Grafton Street in Dublin. If fate is on their side and it's meant to be then they'll meet each other there. Her best friend Joe is there to support her every step of the way. Will Andrew be at the clock? Will there be a few Christmas surprises along the way?
Underneath the Christmas Tree - Heidi Swain
Wynter Trees is the home of Christmas but for Lyza Wynter, it's a millstone around her neck. The Christmas tree farm was her father's pride and joy but now he's gone, she can't have anything to do with it. Her father's business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned. When Liz arrives she discovers the business is flourishes under Ned's stewardship and she's happy to help him for the Christmas season but then she has other plans. Will the place where she grew up make her change her mind?
The Arctic Curry Club*
Maya has to uproot her life and accompany her boyfriend Ryan to the Arctic. She soon realises it's not all busy rides and northern lights. She's in sub-zero temperatures, 24 hour darkness and has a distant boyfriend. In her loneliest moment she opens her late mother's recipe book and cooks Indian food for the first time. Soon her confidence grows, she makes friends and gains a job as a chef. Life suddenly seems to be looking up. However, the aromatic cuisine reminds her of her enigmatic mother and memories of her childhood in Bangalore. Can Maya face the past and accept a future in the Arctic? With a demand for a curry club and her being the one to run it, will she stay?
A Winter Wonderland - Isla Gordon
Myla might be the world's least festive person because everything bad happens to her around Christmas time. She ends up losing a bet and finds herself committed to a seasonal job in Lapland. The job entails 10 weeks in below zero temperatures and lots of Christmas spirit. Even though she's cynical she soon realises that Lapland has more to offer than Santa Claus including a very good looking elf. Will a little love under the northern lights be enough to change Myla's mind about Christmas?
You can find all of these books at all good book retailers.
I am currently making my way through reading all of these books. To read my reviews once they are published, make sure you are following my book instagram account by clicking here, Kerry Louise Norris Reads