The key to a great workout is efficiency. I compare those people at the gym who are endlessly on the treadmill to those co-workers who always stay late at the office but never seem to get anything done. You know the type. When I am not doing my 20-minute interval workout, because, well, some days I just don’t feel like running, I start pumping up that incline button. Here’s why:
Cranking the incline helps you burn more calories than if you keep the machine set to a zero grade. After a 30-minute workout at a 10-minute-per-mile pace, you’ll burn 270 calories with no incline, 363 with a five percent incline, 420 with a 10 percent incline, and 482 with a 15 percent incline (crazy steep, I know, but totally possible). Not only will you burn an extra 100 calories or more, but the steep slope also helps tone your butt, thighs, and calves, problem areas for many of us mamas. It’ll also build strength and endurance, and won’t put unnecessary stress on your joints. So, the next time you’re hitting the treadmill, add a little (or a lot) of uphill action to your workout. If you are not a fan of the gym then opt for hills outside or go hiking.
Click Here For a 20-minute Incline Workout
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Lea Barlow
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Without fail, the suffocating humidity that personifies Florida weather always takes me by unwelcome surprise. You would think that after 25 summers here that I would remember. Nope. This year was no different. I had a massive makeup meltdown the other night while sitting bayside at an outdoor cafe. I, of course, was not the fool that picked this location but I was stuck. Unfortunately for my makeup, it wasn’t. I knew it was bad by the horrified look my babysitter gave me at nights end. Needless to say, I don’t think she will be getting that extra 5 spot again. Gooey lip gloss and cakey foundation is just not going to cut it in this heat. Here are 5 products that will:
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Lea Barlow
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There are two drinks that I consume too much of: 1. wine 2. Crystal Light. We aren’t going to discuss my issue with wine right now…or ever. Besides, in moderation it can be good for you. The more pressing issue lies with that pink poison currently sitting in my fridge. My Crystal Light habit is putting a real crimp in my quest for an all-natural kitchen. So, in an attempt to rid myself of this demon, I went searching for alternatives to naturally sweeten my water. Plain old lemon water just doesn’t do it for me. I’m going to give these three recipes a try. If this doesn’t work, I will be calling Dr. Drew.
Cucumber-Mint Water
Ingredients: Plenty of ice cubes 1 gallon chilled water (purified water preferred) 1 medium cucumber
10 fresh mint leaves, rinsed
Directions:
1. Thin slice cucumber 2. Place cucumber slices in pitcher, punch bowl, or beverage jar 3. Slightly muddle or cut mint leaves to release flavor and place in serving container of choice 4. Add water and ice cubes 5. Stir mixture and let sit in refrigerator for a few hours to allow flavors to infuse into water 6. Mixture will last up to three days. Discard mixture once cucumber slices or mint starts to look slimy.
Strawberry Delight
Ingredients: Plenty of ice cubes 1 gallon chilled water (purified water preferred) 12 strawberries Packets of Stevia
Directions:
1. Thin slice or crush strawberries 2. Place in pitcher, punch bowl, or beverage jar 3. Add water and ice cubes 4. Stir mixture and let sit in refrigerator for a few hours to allow flavors to infuse into water 5. To sweeten your drink, Add the all natural sweetener, stevia to taste
Watermelon & Basil Water
2 cups of seedless watermelon, cubed. Ten to 12 basil leaves. One half gallon of water.
Pour water over melon and basil. Refrigerate for two hours and then serve over ice, garnished with a sprig of basil or watermelon slice.
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Lea Barlow
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Name: Akemi Sue Williams
Kids: Kira, 15 months
Occupation: Sales Representative for John Wiley and Sons. I sell college textbooks!
Hometown: Lake Wales, Florida
Read Full Interview with Akemi Here
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Lea Barlow
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The key to a great workout is efficiency. I compare those people at the gym who are endlessly on the treadmill to those co-workers who always stay late at the office but never seem to get anything done. You know the type. When I am not doing my 20-minute interval workout, because, well, some days I just don’t feel like running, I start pumping up that incline button. Here’s why:
