Joe from Maspeth asks: My new job requires me to sit at a desk for most of the day. As a result I’ve gained weight and my back aches. What can I do?
Long periods of sitting, whether at work or at home on the couch watching television, have long been linked to bigger waist lines, lower metabolism, and discomfort in the back and neck.
The good news is that by making small changes you can lose weight and relieve your aches and pains.
Burn more calories while at work by simply standing up and sitting down 10 times at hourly intervals. This will help you to lose weight and loosen up your back.
Taking brief 10 -20 minute walks before work, during lunch, and after work can add up to losing several pounds over the course of a year. Bringing your own lunch will help you avoid that extra calorie laden meal served by local fast food restaurants (and save money too!).
To reduce back pain and stiffness try slowly turning your head side to side, then chin up, chin down. Shoulder circles and gentle forward bending while seated at your desk can help too!
How much diet, how much exercise?
Karen from Bayside asks: I’ve read many articles with conflicting information about whether proper diet or good exercise is more important when trying to achieve a healthy weight. What do you think?
The truth is that both are important! To quote the great Jack LaLanne: “Exercise is King, Nutrition is Queen. Put them together and you have a Kingdom”. In order to obtain a weight that is healthy, you must increase your lean muscles mass, and decrease your fat mass. By eating fresh wholesome foods in moderate quantities you will decrease your fat mass and have the proper fuel to build muscle. In order to burn fat and increase muscles mass you must balance cardio-vascular exercise with strength training. This is the perfect formula for creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Is snow shoveling good or bad?
John from Kew Gardens asks: Is shoveling snow good exercise? How can I do it without hurting my back?
Shoveling snow is one of the few excellent forms of exercise that can be done outdoors in the winter! You can burn 350 calories per hour if you shovel at a moderate pace. This www.bfitny.com
