WEBE Wellness: The Body Part You Forget To Exercise

WEBE Wellness: The Body Part You Forget To Exercise

You go to the gym and you work out your arms, your legs, your back – you do lots of stretching and cardio – you’ve got your whole body covered.

Except there’s one part of your body that you use all the time that you’re probably neglecting in a workout – your feet! There are 26 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles that all get used day in and day out that never get the attention they need!

For those of us who like to run and walk, paying attention to our feet is especially necessary. The first thing is to make sure you’ve got the proper footwear. Different shoes for short or long runs, or road or trail running should all be taken into consideration.

You can even do simple foot exercises – sit in a chair with your legs bent 90 degrees and pull a towel towards the top of your foot by scrunching your toes. Or sit barefoot in a chair and pick marbles off the floor with your toes. The increase in flexibility will go far.

You can also try barefoot running – don’t do it on the pavement, but if you can make it to the beach or on grass. And also, when you do your regular exercises like squats or lunges, if you use an unstable surface, it’ll help with your feet as well as overall balance.

Lots of options to strength your feet – and the rest of your body will thank you for it!

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WEBE Wellness: Nutrition Myths

WEBE Wellness: Nutrition Myths

You try your best to eat nutritiously…but are there some things you’re doing that aren’t helpful at all?

Health experts have put together a list of nutrition myths – and top of the list is that fresh fruit is healthier than frozen. Sometimes canned stuff has added sugar – but whether it’s frozen or dried, it has the same nutrients.

Another myth is that plant milk is healthier than from a cow. Plant milk has fewer calories and fat, but cow’s milk as twice the protein. So, one isn’t necessarily healthier than the other.

Also, some people think that being a vegetarian means it’s hard to get proper protein, but it’s easier than people think – if you eat a good mix, including nuts, grains and beans that are backed with it.

Finally, sometimes you hear that nutritional advice is always changing with new fads, but since the 1950s, it’s been constant and simple – don’t overeat, and try to eat more greens than meats overall.

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WEBE Wellness: Wearing Antiperspirant While You Sleep?

WEBE Wellness: Wearing Antiperspirant While You Sleep?

Sweating – it’s something that we all do. But apparently, simply wearing antiperspirant isn’t enough – it’s when you apply it. And while you probably do it in the morning before you get dressed, come to find out that’s wrong!

It should be at night before bed!

Antiperspirant does just that – it prevents you from sweating. And because your body temperature drops at night while you’re sleeping, you’ll sweat less than during the day. And applying it at night gives your skin more time to absorb the active ingredient, usually aluminum.

Most are designed to work for 24 to 48 hours, so you should still be good for the next day.

And if you’re worried about showering in the morning, you still can – because you’ve absorbed it, it won’t wash off.

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WEBE Wellness: Strength Training To Reduce Illness

WEBE Wellness: Strength Training To Reduce Illness

Working out and building muscle isn’t just for show – it could help you live a longer, and healthier, life.

A new study shows that regular muscle-strengthening can lead to a 10 to 20% lower risk of illnesses including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

And the best part is all it takes is 30 to 60 minutes per week! Beyond an hour doesn’t produce any more significant reduction of risk to disease.

But combining the strength training with cardio decreases the risk even further – nearly twice as much. And strength training doesn’t just mean using weights – it can include bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats or using resistance bands. And beyond reducing disease risk, it can help with stamina and improve your mood.

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WEBE Wellness: What To Do After A Long Weekend Overeating

WEBE Wellness: What To Do After A Long Weekend Overeating

Coming off a three-day holiday weekend, you probably felt like you ate way too much – I know I had too many hot dogs – but after you overeat, what should you do? Because, you know it’s going to happen again next holiday.

Nutritionists say don’t immediately change your eating habits or fast – the best thing is to take a breath and move on with your routines. Don’t try to reset your meals or restrict yourself, and don’t stress over it.

Whether it was a big meal, a full day barbecue, or an entire weekend, it’s just a few days and after getting back to a regular, normal, and healthy routine, things will balance out.

You should listen to your body – you may find you want to eat healthier. And that can potentially lead to better habits!

Don’t immediately head into an intense workout – take it easy at first with an activity that you enjoy, like a simple hike.

And don’t beat yourself up over overindulging – thinking back to one too many hamburgers or one too many drinks – the stress isn’t good for your health either. And dwelling on it can have an adverse effect and lead to overeating again.

If at the end of a day of eating right you feel the craving coming on for something that isn’t healthy, you don’t need to deprive yourself of that either – as long as you do it in moderation!

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