HOW CAN I GET MOTIVATED TO EXERCISE?

What is the best motivation to use to exercise when your buddy is not available?

 Mom or Dad, have tou been presented with this question?

Try this approach;

Motivation is the key to maintaining a regular exercise schedule, yes  schedule Or plan.

Exercise can be and should be fun and entertaining. BUT if there is no planned schedule chances are that there will be no success. SO  help them set up a schedule and learn the importance of one.

A schedule in itself is self motivating, because that time every tay is set aside and they won't let themselves down..

Spend some time with them to that will work well for them and a buddy , that is even better.

Next to keeping the appointment  for the workout, the best motivation is having fun. Suggest that they think of the things they enjoy. Remember exercising doesn't have tp be a drag. 

Instead of being a Hamster on a treadmill, it is good to get the heart pumping doing something that is fun, like hip hop dancing .Play tapes or playlists do your best dynamic dancing.

 If all else fails, sign them up for  a class that will motivate everyone.

 AND  try this yourself, it will get rid of stress and you can be your teenagers buddy

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WHICH FOOD WILL GIVE ME ENERGY?

When your high school age athlete asks; 

"Mom, Dad, I'm always tired and worn out on game days; Is there something I can eat pregame to keep me energized?"

First always provide a balanced diet and be sure they are getting enough calories for all the extra activities;

 An excellent pregame meal or snack will have lots of carbs, some protein and very little of any fat and fiber. Fat and Fiber are important elements of a balanced diet , but may lead to bloating and stomach cramps during exercise.

Try a sandwich with lean deli turkey plius a piece of fruit. Carbs will give immediate energy and the protein will give some energy later in the game.

No matter which pregame snack you go with; remember to hydrate before, during and after the gane for peak performance.

Sleep is good too 8.5-9 hours a night is  what to aim for.

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IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXERCISE TOO MUCH?

Here a question that every single Mom and Dad would love to answer;

Is it possible to work out too much and what can I do to vary the routine?

Exercising like many things is great in moderation, But it is definitely possible to push yourself too hard in a gym. Joint or muscle pain may be a sign, or tenderness in a specific spot a symptom of an overuse fracture.

Intense workouts every day may not give your body time to recover, especially when starting.. consider taking a day off in between HARD workouts OR alternating workouts.

 For example; If you run 5 miles on Monday, try walking and doing upper-body lifts on Tuesday.

 A sports trainer can help improve body mechanics and suggest routines to lessen any likelihood of injury. Read More...

HOW CAN I LOSE BODY FAT?

Mary said; "I have some excess fat in my stomach area. I play water polo 5 days a week, have ballet lessons 2 days a week, work 3 days a week, the stomach fat is still there, WHY/"( Mary is a teen ager looking to keep fit)

WOW, sound like a great exercise routine and you should be really proud. Any parent would be proud of this intensity Here are some suggestions.

 The bad news is it is not possible to lose fat in one specific area; the body just doesn't work that way.

 More good news. ; You can tone up your body by incorporating some core exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, and light weight training into what is a great exercise routine.

Now be sure to eat  a healthy balanced diet and talk to your Doctor or the trainer at school about starting ab easy to follow- strength-training program to compliment your other activities. Read More...

ARE THERE HEALTHY FAST FOOD OPTIONS?

When time is short for single parents , the drive thru's and fast food restaurants seem the best answer and no one ever complains, Right?

Luckily, for you Mom and Dad, most fast-food places post nutrition facts on their websites so you can see what's in their food before you go. Look for foods that are low in fat, calories, sugar, and sodium — and high in fiber, vitamins, calcium, and iron.

At some restaurant choices can be confusing health-wise. for example; at the big m the chicken sandwich has more fat and calories than a regular hamburger!

If you don't have the nutrition facts, here's what to do: Choose smaller grilled items over fried foods. Order a side salad instead of fries (go easy on the dressing). Watch out for extras like bacon, cheese, and mayo. And choose water or skim milk to drink. Read More...

SPORTS AND HEALTH FOR TWEENS AND TEENS

Moms and Dads; Do you have a tween or teen interested or active in sports? Great!

All these activities will present some challenges for you bot in time and knowledge to help guide them through these interesting and exciting years..

Being part of a team or teams ,with their peers is key to developing self confidence, leadershop and fair play; and it keeps them off the street and away from the TV.

There will be lots of question you will be asked and more information you will have to rsearch to be certain that their physical and mental health are A1

I was presented with a series of questions from teens and parents and I will pass some of them on to you here with answers, and a list that will be answered on this site.

Now is the time to add your questions , the answers will help every one
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SINGLE DAD STEVE

His story to date;

Steve is a single dad of 3 children, now ages 8-14 years, 2 Boys and a girl.

Steve, as a single Dad was working long hours without a lot of time for his family when suddenly his life changed.

A work accident plus unfortunate care; left him, needing 2 major surgeries and more.

He stepped back and took a re-look at his life and family;

Surgery costs were prohibitive and there was no guarantee he would survive.

For 3 years he has lived with the problem and focused on ways to provide for everyone.

Cooking interesting meals, (on a budget), homework routines and teaching his children the importance of being part of all the activities, have been ongoing challenges for Steve.

Steve is now starting to move forward; plans for the first of the surgeries were in place for June; 2009.

NOTE: Another roadblock. Steve now needs open heart surgery first.

Steve says; I have 'Asked Joan" about so many big and little challenges, I feel she is part of my immediate family.

Joan has walked me through, looking at many ways I can be busy a few hours a day, and provide, a living for us all."

Thank you Joan

We will certainly keep you updated on Steve's progress.

1st update; Steve's progress is slow, He is closer to the heart operation. They are monitoring him every week and as soon as all the tests are in sync, he will be starting the long haul back to health.

Steve says thanks for your interest and prayers.

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