In a previous blog I discussed just getting out there and moving.  What I mean by that is putting on your walking shoes and going outside or if you want, the treadmill.  I introduced a quick and effective way of doing cardio where you go your fastest for up to 90 seconds and then cool down for up to 2 minutes then go fast again and keep cycling this pattern for up to 20 minutes. But, if you are new to fitness and really don’t know where to go or what to do, how are you going to run or walk on a fun and interesting route? 

 

Try www.mapmyrun.com.  I really like this site because you can see how far your proposed walk will be and any comments from others that have done it.  It isn’t only centered in the US either; there are tons of international mapped walks and runs from Austria to New Zealand. Check it out and see if your country, state and city are listed.  If it isn’t enter your favorite route for others to follow and comment on.

 

And while you are doing your Vital Living Cardio program don’t forget to fuel your body right.  If you are exercising in a hot environment, bring water, and even electrolyte replacement chews if you feel slightly dizzy or depleted.  If you are in a cold environment you will still need water but probably not as much and make sure you are warm enough before, during and after your exercise routine.  

 

Let me know how you do and what new routes you have discovered.

 

Until then keep on Vital Living!

 

Sincerely,

 

Dennis Croll

 

You might wonder what “ancient fitness and health tips” are and you might even laugh at the title but these health practices from “ancient” societies are just as applicable today as they were a millennium ago.  

 

People have been interested in living a fit and healthy life for thousands of years.  When you feel good everything you experience in life is better.  Listed below are some practices and tips that ancient societies used and some are still using today to have healthier, happier, lives.

 

Mongolian strength conditioning – When weight lifting, if you want to focus on increasing strength then perform explosive, power lifts.  If your focus while weight lifting is endurance your best bet it to use low weight and increase repetitions. 

 

Spartans – The key to the Spartan ripped body was to restrict caloric intake and perform functional exercises with primitive tools and methods only.  For instance, the Spartans used their own body weight and the body weight of partners to resist their body against while performing a certain exercise.

 

Italians – Dancing is used extensively for a great cardio workout.  An especially cardio pumping type of dance is Latin dancing.  Italians also drink red wine, cook with a lot of olive oil and eat a lot of tomatoes.