Fire, one of the classical elements, has been a source of life since the two proverbial sticks were rubbed together to ignite the first flame. It was used by ancients civilizations to produce warmth in the winter, to keep animals away from camps at night, and to cook food as far back as 1.9 million years ago. Along with water, air, and earth, life as we know it could not be possible without fire. Using a fire pit allows us to take advantage of this powerful alternative life source to help us get on the right path to good health and fitness, on our own terms.Tai Chi, Yoga, and Reiki are ancient forms of exercise that are still practiced today. They combine the union of the body with the mind. Practicing these alongside a fire pit are said to help balance the chakras, which is believed to be a group of 7 centers of spirituality within the core of the body that interact with the rest of the body and mind. In addition, relaxing by a pit while watching the flames dance and feeling the warmth of its energy promotes deep breathing, which is the ideal breathing pattern for encouraging healing from within. These items are widely used during spiritual and religious ceremonies to represent the cleansing of the soul, the life giving energy of a live flame, and the transcendence and new life of the spirit. In some modern Catholic churches, members have the opportunity to list their sins on paper, present them to the clergy, do the recommended penance, and finally drop their list into the fire and watch as the paper burns, creating a visual representation of absolution of sin. Most cultures around the world believe that being relieved of the burden of guilt gives way to inner healing and personal growth, which leads to better mental health and physical fitness.Some variation of the fire pit has been in existence since the first spark was discovered. This old idea has been reinvented and popularized, allowing anyone with access to the outdoors to enjoy this life giving element in a controlled environment. The large variety of pits on the market offers consumers a vast assortment of shapes, colors, and styles to fit an individuals taste and personality. Their popularity has made them accessible to most budgets, so it’s no surprise that their use has gained popularity among those who seek alternative and traditional paths to health and fitness.
Health and Fitness Vacations For the Whole Family
One of the latest trends in travel is health and fitness vacations. These are definitely a new experience for the whole family if you have never taken one.Vacations run a wide range of intensity. There are health and fitness vacations that are similar to military boot camps, where the activities are fast paced and not for the faint of heart. More common, however, are health and fitness vacations that combine the pampering of a spa with nature, low calorie meals, and exercise classes.For example, you can book health and fitness vacations in the country at a rustic inn or dude ranch. Yoga classes, meditation, and cardiovascular workouts are combined with horseback riding or hiking in the woods. Food is normally first rate, even though the menu is designed to reduce calories in a healthful manner. Activities for the children normally include physical games, swimming, hiking, and nature studies.The exact programs offered by institutions offering Vacations will vary a great deal. Some take a traditional approach and feature cross country hikes and calisthenics, while others focus more on yoga, tai chi, or relaxation techniques. Many will offer a few programs of each type.Some health and fitness vacations are more appropriate for those who are already in good physical condition. These may feature activities such as rock climbing or long distance bicycle tours. Others are designed for those who are beginners in the fitness arena, and there are many health and fitness vacations that offer passive exercise machines and self-paced walks around manicured grounds.If you are taking your children on your healthy vacation you not only want to investigate the youth programs offered but also the availability of child care for younger children should you need the service. There may be classes you would like to take that are not offered at the same time as an activity for your child’s age. Onsite babysitting services would keep you both happy.You should always ask question before booking your vacation. Find out if the staff is qualified to supervise activities such as skin diving lessons or white water rafting. Ask how long they have been offering health and fitness vacations. Determine any restrictions on what you can bring and find out if there are any special items you need to bring.After a hard day of activity, a massage might be just what you need. Many healthy vacations are planned at sites that offer such amenities as massage therapy or full salon services.Plan ahead of time for health and fitness vacations. Make sure you break in new hiking boots, for example, before you go. Look through your closet to locate appropriate clothing well in advance so you can buy what you need. It also doesn’t hurt to increase your walking or other activity level so you have a little training behind you.Whether you want to shoot the rapids or commune with nature, health and fitness vacations offer an alternative to the typical tourist attractions. You can find health and fitness vacations regardless of your level of fitness and regardless of whether you want family time or a romantic weekend.
Health And Fitness Training – Fitting Fitness Into Your Busy Day
When it comes to health and fitness training time is always an issue. Some of us are busy, some of us are very busy, and some of us are so busy we don’t even know which way is up. Sound familiar? If you are the kind of person who is on the go the minute the alarm rings in the morning to the minute your head hits the pillow at night this article is for you. If you have kids who eat up all your time and you dream of a little time to yourself, this article is for you. If you want desperately to get fit but other commitments are making it next to impossible this article is for you.Here’s the good news, getting fit doesn’t take that much time. You need to address two areas in your life; exercise and diet. In fact, if you are stuck for time to workout, the diet portion is going to have more of a drastic effect on your fitness. Think about it, if you don’t have time to burn the calories then you need to cut them from your diet.Wait a minute! You are probably thinking to yourself that food is one of the only sources of pleasure in your busy day. I agree with you, it should be. Eating well better darn well also be delicious. If it isn’t then you are doomed to fail your diet. So understand what I am saying, you will eat well but you must also enjoy your food. I am not talking about a radical starvation diet or diet extremes where you avoid carbs or fats at all costs. Your diet should be well-balanced.Here are a few golden rules for dieting:1. Drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day
2. Avoid processed foods
3. Avoid foods with refined sugarHere’s a last tip, if you are the type who eats a lot of fast food because you are so busy, just make better choices. Order water instead of pop with your meal. Have a salad instead of fries with your burger or sandwich. Have honey instead of sugar in your coffee. All these small choices made day after day will add up in the long run. Think about it, maybe you have been putting on 5 to 10 pounds a year for a few years. Not a lot of weight over the course of a year. This slow addition of fat has been because of all these small choices. So you don’t have to make big changes to reverse this weight gain.As for a fitness routine do one set of the following as you roll out of bed in the morning and just before you go to bed at night:1. Push ups
2. Lunges (Take a long stride of a stance and do 1 set each for side)
3. Crunches (Remember to hold your hands by your ears, not inter-laced behind your head – don’t pull on your neck while you do these)
4. IF YOU ARE FEELING AMBITIOUS – Chin ups ( you can get a chin up bar that installs in a door frame for around $20 from most sports stores)If you follow a simple fitness routine like the one outlined above you will definitely get strong. This will result in a sleek and shapely physique. As you lose weight and shed fat you will reveal this new toned body.Fitness workout programs don’t have to be a one or two hour ordeal. It can be and short and sweet if that is all you have time to do. What is important is that you do something to keep your body strong and performing well. One day at some point in the future you just may have more free time to join a gym or a running club or whatever you like to do. When that day comes you will be ready for it because this little fitness exercise plan and simple diet has kept you fit.Don’t put it off. It doesn’t take much effort. Make a change in your life starting today.