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4 Lunchtime Workout Complaints — and 4 Solutions

Updated 03/01/12 4:09 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Early-morning workouts aren't possible because you're far from a morning person, and evening workouts just seem too late. That leaves the good old noon workout, but that too can have its drawbacks. Here are four things that make midday workouts hard to swallow, and how to fix them.

I've Got Food on the Brain
Noontime is lunchtime, and many of us have been programmed to eat at 12 p.m. ever since elementary school. In order to prevent hunger pains from ruining your workout, plan ahead and eat a healthy snack around 11 a.m. Focus on a mix of protein and carbs and keep your snack to under 200 calories. If you forget to eat, here's what you can nosh on 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. You'll have the energy to exercise at noon, and once your workout is complete, you'll have a satisfying meal to look forward to.

The Crowds at the Gym
Noon is a popular time to sweat it out since most people find it easier to make a break for the gym with schedules loaded with calorie-busting group classes. If your schedule allows for it, try shifting your workout 30 or 60 minutes earlier to beat the rush.

If that's not a possibility, choose less-popular ways to exercise. If most people are on the treadmill, hit the indoor track. If the indoor cycling class is consistently packed, hop on a stationary bike and do this interval workout. If the crowded gyms really annoy you, take a workout or two away from the gym: hit up a local yoga studio, meet a friend for a run in the park, or bring a fitness DVD to work and exercise in your office.

Keep reading for two more noon workout gripes and two solutions.

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Yoga

No Mat Needed: Relaxing Yoga Poses You Can Do in Bed

Updated 03/01/12 12:50 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Yoga is a natural way to settle your mind and body, while reducing stress and muscular tension, all of which inspire a more restful night's sleep. So leave your mat rolled up in your yoga bag and hop in bed instead! Follow this 10-pose sequence from start to finish, or pick and choose the poses your body needs.

Be sure to move pillows and bulky comforters out of the way so you have a flat, safe, and comfy surface to stretch on. Then in the morning when you open your eyes all refreshed and full of energy, repeat this sequence before hopping out of bed, to warm up your muscles and gently wake up your mind.

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The Couch Potato's Upper-Body Workout The everyday afterwork dilemma: collapse on couch or fit in a workout? With Self magazine's couch potato upper-body workout, you can do both. Click on the link to learn the workout!

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healthy dose

Healthy Dose Link Time: Baked Onion Rings Recipe

Updated 03/01/12 12:17 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

healthy recipes

Get Cooking With the Other White Meat: 5 Healthy Pork Recipes

Updated 03/01/12 4:50 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Pork gets a bad rap. Many people are afraid to eat pork unless it's cooked to death, but that only leaves the meat dry and tasteless. In addition, it's often thought of as a fatty meat, but it's so much more than bacon — it is "the other white meat" after all! Cuts like ham or the loin are both lean and full of protein, but they're also damned good (and pink pork is OK). The next time you're at your local butcher shop, pick up some pork loin and cook up one of these healthy recipes!

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