Tag: fitness

How Aging Affects Magnesium Absorption

October 2, 2024

Magnesium is an essential mineral and an electrolyte that is vital to sustain good health. It is a co-factor for hundreds of enzymes that depend on it for everyday functioning. In addition to its many benefits, we need magnesium to sustain normal nerve and muscle function.

As we age our bodies are less capable of absorbing magnesium. There are certain prescription medications that interfere with magnesium absorption.

Magnesium Absorption Inhibitors

  • Bisphosphonates (Osteoporosis Medications)
  • Antibiotic Medication
  • Diuretic Medication
  • Acid Reflux Medication
  • Peptic Ulcer Medication

How To Determine Low Magnesium

Healthcare practitioners diagnose low magnesium with a blood test. If you suspect that your levels are low, check with your physician to discuss your symptoms.

Reasons For Magnesium Deficiency

  • Insufficient Dietary Intake
  • Inadequate Absorption
  • Loss Through Excretion
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Diseases That Affect Malabsorption
  • Medications That Affect Malabsorption

Early Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Muscle Spasm
  • Nausea
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness

Untreated magnesium deficiency can worsen and may lead to Abnormal Heart Rhythm, Numbness and Tingling, or Seizures.

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Quick Tip: 10 Tips To Avoid Injury At The Gym

April 30, 2013

MACHINE CHEST PRESS

MACHINE CHEST PRESS

WARM-UP

Start your routine with a warm-up.  Spend 10 minutes on a cardio machine, and work up to a light sweat.  

COOL-DOWN: Finish your routine with stretching.  Hold each stretch for 20 seconds.

WEIGHT MACHINES: Most machines have instructions, and illustrations showing proper body alignment.  Read the instructions so that you know how to use each machine.  If you need more help, ask a floor trainer.

LIFTING TECHNIQUE

  • Do not lift more weight than you can handle.  If your face turns beet red, and you can’t breathe, you’re lifting too much weight.  Overexertion leads to injury.
  • Do not swing dumbbells.  When weights are too heavy for your level of strength, you’re going to resort to swinging them instead of lifting.
  • Learn how to control free weights.  Barbells and dumbbells, known as free weights,  are more difficult to use than weight machines, because you have to control the weight while using correct alignment.  An out-of-control barbell is very dangerous to you and the people working around you.
  • If you’re new to lifting, start with machines, not free weights.

SEEK ADVICE

If you need advice, ask a trainer.  Gym members are not a reliable source of information.  Just because they belong to your gym, doesn’t mean they know any more than you do.

GROUP CLASSES

Let your instructor know if you have injuries before the class starts.  Ask their advice on whether the class is suitable for your level.  

PROPER CLOTHING

Always wear athletic footwear when training.  Proper footwear gives your feet support, and protects them from injury.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Correcting Poor Posture with Pilates

April 28, 2013

This is a photograph of two women in their early twenties.  Both have poor posture.  If it’s not corrected, it will get worse.

POOR POSTURE AND BODY LANGUAGE

What does their body language say about them?  Do they appear confident, heathy, fit, lethargic, dull, or happy?  The way you carry your body, tells the world how you feel about yourself.

POSTURAL ASSESSMENT

Both women have an exaggerated curve in their upper back, their shoulders are rounded forward, their chests are caved in, their abdomens protrude, and their heads are forward and upright.

HOW DOES POOR POSTURE HAPPEN?

Postural problems develop from one or more lifestyle habits, such as leaning over a computer terminal,  lack of appropriate exercise, habitual slouching when eating, doing homework, or reading.

CORRECTIVE PILATES EXERCISE

Pilates exercise can improve poor posture.  Both women should begin their Pilates exercise routine with basic, modified exercises.

Strengthen the upper back:  Modified Breast Stroke, Modified Swimming on All Fours, Modified Double Leg Kick.

Strengthen the abdominals: Modified Roll-Up With Pilates Band, Single Leg Stretch and Hundred on the Spine Supporter.

Open the chest and the abdominals: Pilates Chest and Abs Stretch on the Stability Ball.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

 

Stretching 101

August 2, 2012

Stretch Everyday – Consistency Is Key

WHO SHOULD STRETCH. Every adult should stretch.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU STRETCH?  Stretch everyday.  It won’t take you that long. Consistency is key. You’ll see benefits, if you keep up with it.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU HOLD EACH STRETCH? Stretches are held anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds.  If you’re pressed for time, stretch for 10 seconds.  Something is better, than nothing. Continue reading “Stretching 101”