Mind and Body Relaxation

Yoga is widely known to reduce stress. Did you know that stress is a big contributor to weight gain? By relaxing your mind and body, you are ensuring that you will be free from stress. Another thing that being stress-free can do is to help you stop emotional eating, which is the reason why a lot of people are overweight. During the stretching exercises in yoga, you can relax both your mind and your body.

Body Detoxification

When you are overweight, it also means that your body is high in toxicity. How does yoga help you lose weight? Yoga detoxifies your body through breathing exercises, which are important in detoxification. Also, yoga twists are specific yoga poses that help in detoxification.

Yoga also tones the inner organs, making them work better. Inner organs involved in detoxification, such as the kidneys and the liver, will work better if they are in good shape. Practicing yoga will even help you become lean.

Emotional Relief

While doing yoga, you can help yourself release emotional tension. By simply relaxing, you can overcome the emotions involved in being overweight, such as emotional eating and low self-esteem. A lot of people fall into the trap of overeating and emotional eating. This is not due to the fact that they are hungry, but due to the boredom and loneliness they are feeling. More often than not, people use food to relieve emotional stress. When bored or feeling bad, a lot of people resort to eating to overcome their emotions. Yoga reduces this by making you feel more confident about yourself and helping you release your emotions.

Looking For a Personal Trainer?

TalkLocal can help you locate a professional near you. Give us a call today, and let us help you achieve the body that you have been dreaming of.

It seems like the newest, best exercise regimen comes out every other day. It can be daunting to sift through all of the ads and information spamming, so we at Seva Call are here to give you some useful information about active isolated stretching, an increasingly popular training regimen.

About Active Isolated Stretching

Aaron Mattes, a certified member of the American Kinesiotherapy Association, developed the active isolated stretching program to assist people in preventing injuries, and to reprogram the brain.

Active isolated stretching training is not your average stretching program. The normal stretch is held for 10 to 30 seconds. Active isolated stretching has you hold the stretch with a cord or rope to pull your limps beyond their normal range of motion. This reprograms the brain into thinking that you are more flexible than you are. Using the rope allows you to increase your range of motion six to 10 degrees, and your brain begins to think that is normal. This added range of motion really reduces your chances of muscle pain and injury during athletic events.

Active isolated stretching training can be performed every day. Your brain has been programmed to think that your body is only so flexible, and you reinforce that idea with your everyday experiences. You should ideally practice AIS when your hamstrings are feeling particularly tight. Tight muscles can lead to cramps, muscles, aches, and even injury. Perhaps you did a bunch of physical labor recently and your muscles are tight and achy. Use active isolated stretching to reduce the risk of injury to your muscles.

Want to Find An Expert?

If you would like to try active isolated stretching but are not sure where to begin, find your local expert with TalkLocal. We’re the experts at finding experts. Just tell us what you need, where you are located, and your availability, and we will connect you with up to three professionals in your area who have what you need, and are ready to help.

Relaxation and exercise play a key role in living a healthy life. One way to work your body and loosen up at the same time is by trying Dr. Trager’s kind of massage and body therapy, called the Trager Approach. Mentastics, which stands for Mental Gymnastics, are part of this approach that was developed in the 1920s.

What Is the Trager Approach?

Dr. Trager’s approach consists of two interconnected parts: tablework and Mentastics. The former is passive and the latter is active. More exactly, during tablework the practitioner performs bodywork exercises on the participant, which induce relaxation. The practitioner uses mental techniques to attain a state called “hookup”, which facilitates an energetic flow between the practitioner and the participant. The second component of the Trager approach is Mentastics, which is based on active participation.

What Are Mentastics, more exactly?

Mentastics are a series of exercises that allow you to release stress and tension in an easy and playful way. Practitioners show the participants how to attain a state of comfort by moving freely and relaxing both their body and mind. Mentastics exercises can be performed under the guidance of a trainer, in groups, or on your own.

Natural Movement and Relaxation

The key element in Mentastics is moving naturally. All movements are simple and gentle; they are meant to enhance flexibility and free your body and mind. Mentastics are suitable for all ages and ability levels due to the moderate effort required when performing this kind of exercise. In Mentastics, movements flow naturally. The purpose is to regain the freedom you had as child, when the way you moved was completely free and unhindered. The techniques used in Mentastics are based on visualization, which are followed by graceful body movements with the purpose of achieving a state of relaxation.

Need Some Guidance?

If you want to give Mentastics a try, TalkLocal can put you in touch with an experienced practitioner who can guide your steps. Our service is free, and it gets you started immediately on the way to a healthier lifestyle.

If you’ve been watching any sports recently, you’ve undoubtedly seen the colorful tapes that have become the rage as of late with elite athletes.  And if you’ve continued to do more research, you’ve most likely found that they’re using kinesio tape, a new modern taping technique pioneered by the chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase.  It’s becoming so popular that many personal trainers around the world are picking it up as well to try out this recent taping craze.  Fortunately, if you want to know where to buy kinesio tape to try out this technique yourself, there are multiple locations and sites which sell this useful training tool.

Online Retailers

The easiest place to find kinesio tape is undoubtedly online.  Many online drug stores and medical supply stores will have the tape in stock and easily available to ship to your home.  Furthermore, many of the larger retailers such as Amazon will most likely stock the kinesiology tape.  Simply search for it online and you’ll undoubtedly find a retailer that works for you!

Sporting Good Stores

You may not have the time to wait for shipping and the long process of online shopping.  Fortunately, most sporting good stores, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or the Sport’s Authority, now have started carrying kinesio tape.  If you can’t find it in-store, be sure to ask the customer service representative about the tape, and they most likely will be able to find kinesiology tape for you locally.

From your personal trainer

While you should always tape with the consent of your personal trainer, you may be able to purchase kinesiology tape from your personal trainer if you ask them.  This is the least preferred method since it will most likely be the most expensive route you can take, but it may be the most convenient method of acquiring kinesiology tape for yourself.

Find Someone Who Knows How To Use Kinesio Tape

Once you acquire the kinesiology tape, make sure that you apply the tape correctly and under the supervision of a certified kinesiology taping expert so that you can get the greatest benefit possible.  TalkLocal can connect you with a high-quality, local personal trainer trained in kinesiology taping in just minutes!

Based on personal beliefs and convictions, many men and women will alter their diets. You have probably heard of a vegetarian. Some of you might have heard of a vegan. Still, you might be wondering: What does vegan mean?

Here is some information that might help.

The Vegan Diet

The term “vegan” refers to a man or woman who lives a lifestyle free of relying on products that were produced from an animal. This is most apparent in that individual’s diet.

Like vegetarians, vegans do not eat any sort of meat. They further this notion by cutting out eggs, dairy, and anything else that comes from an animal. The general idea behind this practice is to avoid contributing to animal cruelty.

What does that leave a vegan left with? They still eat fruits, vegetables, grains, and also the vegan version of other popular foods (bean burgers, anyone?).

Other Things A Vegan Avoids

This lifestyle does not stop at an individual’s diet, either. Vegans will avoid using products that were derived from animals. These materials include leather, fur, and similar products.

The Vegan Lifestyle And Exercise

Just because a person maintains a vegan lifestyle does not mean they are exempt from working out or exercising. Sure, the vegan diet is considered ultra healthy, but you can still gain weight if you do not maintain an active lifestyle.

Both cardiovascular and strength training (push-ups, crunches, etc.) are required if you want to tone up and achieve the body you’re hoping for.

How To Become A Vegan

You might now know the answer to the question: What does vegan mean? But, instantly becoming a vegan can be difficult. This diet will no doubt be a drastic change from your current one, so you might want to ease into it. Maybe try becoming a vegetarian first before you ween yourself off of other foods, like diary and eggs.

Get Professional Help When Working Out

A qualified personal trainer can help pair your diet with your workout. To find a personal trainer, visit TalkLocal first. We will connect you with local trainers, and you can decide which one will be best. You don’t have to waste hours looking for help.

Chest pains are nothing to ignore, and if you’re having them you may be wondering if you are having a heart attack or if it is something less serious like heartburn. In order to know whether you require a quick trip to the ER of a simple heartburn reducing tablet, you need to know the answer to the question: What does heartburn feel like? You’ll also want to be aware of the signs of a heart attack.

Heartburn

Caused by the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), heartburn occurs when stomach acid is pushed into the esophagus. The LES is supposed to prevent acid from entering the esophagus, but certain factors can cause a malfunction.

Symptoms include pressure, tightness, burning, and pain behind the sternum (breastbone) that can radiate up into the neck. When chronic, it can cause inflammation in the esophagus and damage the lining. Treatment for isolated heartburn includes antacid tablets or liquid. Chronic heartburn generally requires diet changes and prescription medication. Consistent physical activity can also reduce heartburn and make you an overall healthier individual.

Heart Attack

Unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack is also the main symptom of heartburn — chest pain, tightness, and pressure. If you are unsure at all whether your pain is heartburn (if you have never had heartburn before) you should seek medical attention immediately. You should especially seek medical attention if your symptoms are accompanied by numbness in your left arm, nausea, fatigue, weakness, and an upset in sleep pattern.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t take any chances if you don’t know the answer to the question: What does heartburn feel like?

Exercise Is One Way To Get Rid Of The Problem

If you truly believe your pain is heartburn, it may be caused in part by physical problems such as being overweight. Personal trainers can help you lose weight to stop chronic heart burn. TalkLocal can find a professional personal trainer near you quickly. Our service is free and incredibly easy, and we let you choose the right professional for you. After all, you know what you need better than we do.

In the world of health and fitness, you may have heard the term “lean” being thrown around, but what does lean mean?

It really depends on the context. You may hear someone talk about wanting to only eat lean meats or foods, or you may hear someone say that they want lean muscle mass rather than to bulk up.

Trying to build lots of muscle and trying to trim down fat don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, and it is important that you know the context and to consult a personal trainer prior to following anyone else’s regimen.

Meats

In terms of eating lean meats, this generally means little to no red meat, as red meat (such as beef) usually has more fat. Venison (deer) and other wild game meats are considered lean. Eating lean meat will provide a person with the same (or more) protein as fattier meat without all of the bad fat. Typically, those eating lean eat this way in order to feel full and lose weight.

Exercise

There are often two types of people at the gym: those who want to lose fat and be small, and those who want to lose fat and gain lots of muscle. Although both are technically “lean” (not having much fat), the term is generally associated with the former.

To garner a lean build, most men and women emphasize cardiovascular (running, aerobics, etc.) workouts in addition to some strength training. On the other side of the coin, if you were looking to bulk up and really build a lot of muscle, you would focus more on weight lifting and less on cardiovascular work.

Still Lost? Find A Local Resource

If you still don’t fully understand the answer to the question: What does lean mean? then that’s okay. There are professionals available to help with all your diet and fitness needs. It is important to consult these professionals because, while you may be dropping weight, you could be losing both fat and muscle depending on your diet.

Only a professional can tell you if you are eating properly and exercising correctly in order to reach your goal. TalkLocal can find a personal trainer in your area at no cost to you. Our service is very easy, and you will be speaking with a professional in minutes.

Getting into the gym and making good choices in the kitchen are two incredibly difficult lifestyle changes that require a great deal of self-discipline. Sometimes, even if you have that self-discipline, not knowing how to do what you need to do can stop you from being successful.

This is one of the most popular reasons for hiring a personal trainer. Although everyone has his or her own reasons, hiring a personal trainer can be beneficial for your health and lifestyle.

Check out some of the beneficial reasons for hiring a personal trainer listed below.

You’re Simply Uninformed

As mentioned above, even if you have the discipline and will power, if you don’t know what to do, you won’t see results. A personal trainer is knowledgeable about how the body works and can apply that knowledge to your needs and your situation. They know what you need to know and can share that knowledge with you first hand.

You Want To Stay Safe

No matter what shape you’re in, you don’t want to overwork yourself. You also don’t want to misuse a machine or weight set and injure yourself. Having a personal trainer on hand to tell you what machines to use, what exercises to practice and how to do them properly can help you avoid those injuries (as well as possible embarrassment!).

You Need Motivation

Keeping up an exercise routine is challenging as it is. A personal trainer will not only see the results you don’t see, but he or she will be able to keep pushing you when you feel like giving up. Knowing you’ve got that appointment set can motivate you to keep working out. When the workout gets tough, having your trainer there to tell you not to give up and encourage you can really make a world of a difference.

You Need To Be Healthy

Hands down, if you’re one of the millions of people who struggle every day to get healthy on your own, you might just need some assistance. Look at it this way: If you were trying to learn a new language and struggling, you wouldn’t hesitate to hire a tutor, right? Changing to a healthy lifestyle is like learning a new language — it’s foreign and it’s tough. A personal trainer can translate for you.

Now Go Find One!

To connect with a personal trainer or health professional in your area, use TalkLocal. We’ll find the people you need to help you walk the path to a healthier lifestyle today.

Getting that upper arm strength and toning is one of the most popular reasons why people choose push ups when exercising. However, a personal trainer would likely point out that push ups actually offer a lot more benefits than just toning your “guns.”

They work your back, abs, and endurance levels, as well. They can be tough, but incredibly rewarding if you work at them. Regardless, you can’t reap the benefits if you don’t know how to correctly perform a push up. This guide will help make sure you don’t hurt yourself while working out with push ups.

Step-by-step, how to correctly perform a push up:

Hands: Depending on your experience and endurance level with push ups, your hands will be placed differently. You want them facing forward, with your fingertips pointing away from you. You can turn your hands a little bit inward if it helps your wrists. Make sure they’re aligned with your shoulders in a way that feels comfortable. If they’re too far out, you won’t be able to push yourself up. If they’re too close, you may lose your balance.

Feet: Your feet should be close together behind you, but not necessarily right next to each other. You want some space in between them. Space them out in a way that feels comfortable for you, but keep less than 12 inches between them. You don’t want your feet fanned out or in a “V”.

Keep your body level: You don’t want your back arched or your butt in the air, and you don’t want anything drooping low. Keep your body straight. You’ll feel your abs working by keeping this posture.

Your head should not be straight down: Instead of looking at the floor, try to look towards the wall in front of you. This helps keep your back straight and your body aligned properly.

At the top, once you have pushed up, your arms should be straight as they support your weight. You want to lower yourself down by bending your arms at the elbow and get as close to the floor as you can.

Ideally, your chin should be touching the floor. If you can’t do that right away, don’t worry. You’ll get there.

Looking To Get In Shape?

Proper form when exercising is crucial, but it isn’t always easy to achieve on your own. You may consider hiring a personal trainer to help if you. TalkLocal can also help by connecting you to the health and fitness professionals in your area.

If you are ready to get into shape and start exercising, you may want to hire a personal trainer. A personal trainer will give you one-on-one attention and design a fitness workout that is perfect for you. Here are some tips for finding a personal trainer so you can get in the gym and start getting in shape.

Check The Gym

If you are a member of a local gym, check the bulletin board or ask around to see if there are any personal trainers who are employed at the gym or offer their services there. You may find a personal trainer working with someone else while you are working out or you may be able to find advertisements or flyers that offer contact information for a personal trainer in your city.

Online Reviews

Personal trainers can be expensive, so before you hire and pay for one, you should find out if they are reputable. If you know the name of a trainer or service, search online for reviews from other clients. This will let you know if the trainer is good or bad and can help you make a decision when deciding between two or more trainers. Plus, websites that offer this information are more prevalent now than ever, and most of them are free.

Social Networks

Many personal trainers run their business from a small gym that they own themselves or even out of their home gym. Sometimes they do not advertise like larger gyms and personal training companies. If you have a profile on a social network such as Facebook or Twitter, the personal trainer may have his or her own personal profile or one for his or her services. You can also ask your friends and followers on these networks if they have any tips for finding a personal trainer that they are willing to share.

A personal trainer can motivate you and help get you in shape quickly. Once you have found the right personal trainer, you will be amazed at how fast you start dropping pounds and gaining muscle.

The Easiest Way To Find A Personal Trainer

Simply visit TalkLocal and conduct a search. While the methods above will require significant time and energy, we will have you talking to a personal trainer in your area in a matter of minutes.