Author: Irene Pastore

Hello! I am a Personal Trainer, Yoga and Pilates Instructor who specializes in fitness after 50. My service is Live Streaming. Connect with me from anywhere in the world. I look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

How To Do An Elastic Band Standing Bicep Curl

February 16, 2022

Portable Elastic Fitness Bands Come In Handy For On-The Go Fitness

INSTRUCTIONS: Stand hip width apart, with back straight. Secure the band by placing it under your sneakers. Grab the band with a supinated grip (palms facing up) and slowly pull the band toward you as shown in the video, and then release it. Maintain spinal stability throughout the exercise. Target muscles are the biceps and core.

The thicker the band, the greater the resistance. Bands provide a lightweight, portable alternative to heavy equipment. Take it on vacation, business travel, or outdoor workouts. To see more resistance band exercises click this link: Downloadable Resistance Band Exercise Guide.

EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider

Virtual Fitness: How To Do Buddy Jumping Jacks

February 16, 2022

Jumping Jacks Get Your Heart Pumping And Your Muscles Warmed Up
Buddy Jumping Jacks can be done side-by-side as shown in the video or facing one another in a mirror image. Set either a slow, medium or quick tempo. Stay within your Target Heart Rate Range.
Buddy Jumping Jacks are used either as a warm-up, or part of your workout. It builds shoulder and cardiovascular strength.

EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider

Banana Pineapple Nut Bread Recipe

February 8, 2022
INGREDIENTS
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups ripe, thoroughly mashed bananas
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 8-oz. can crushed unsweetened pineapple, drained
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir together. Add walnuts.
  • In a separate bowl combine eggs, oil, bananas, and pineapple. Mix well.
  • Add moist ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until blended.
  • Prepare 2 loaf pans by either oiling bottom and sides, or lining
    the pans with baking paper.
  • Spoon batter into each pan equally. Bake 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Makes 2 loaves. Allow bread to cool before slicing.

Vegan Lentil Barley Soup Recipe

February 8, 2022
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup rinsed lentils
  • 1/3 cup barley
  • 6 cups water or vegetable stock
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 pressed or crushed garlic cloves
  • 2 sliced carrots
  • 2 sliced celery stalks
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Place all ingredients except salt into a large pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the barley is soft, and lentils are tender (about 1 hour).
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Serves 8

Fitness News February 2022

February 7, 2022

  • 80 % of Americans don’t get enough exercise LINK
  • Covid-19 is making Americans even more sedentary LINK
  • Study: Americans want to be fit, but don’t put in the work LINK
  • Hate working out? 1 in 4 would rather text or watch Netflix LINK
  • Experts say don’t hibernate, exercise, treat yourself LINK
  • Why the majority of Americans don’t have time for self-care LINK
  • 1.4 billion people aren’t exercising LINK
  • How exercise benefits brain health LINK
  • Is walking a good enough form of exercise? LINK