To run in or out? That is the question.

Chances are if you are reading this blog, you incorporate running into your cardio routine.






Running is the most common and by far the most popular form of general cardiovascular exercise. However,in overcrowded urban areas, many people have substituted outside free or track running with running indoors on a treadmill. Both have their ups and downs, but which one is for you?



Don't know? That's okay. We've broken it down for you.

Treadmill

The Good: Treadmills have much better padding than concrete or asphalt. Any type of running related injury, such as shin splints, is extremely unlikely with a treadmill. A run on a treadmill will likely not leave your knees killing you the next day. Since treadmills have fully adjustable speed and incline, you have many, many options. With a treadmill, you also never have to worry about the weather preventing you from running.

The Bad: Unless you go to a gym, treadmills are expensive to buy and maintain. Treadmills don’t have the psychological benefits of free running outside. Users have reported that treadmill running can be monotonous as well. Lack of exposure to outside running can actually weaken tendons and joints from under-stress, making them more prone to injury should you transition to outside running. Long term treadmill use can actually affect proper running stance, as decreased wind resistance causes treadmill runners to stop leaning forward, and causes an overly bouncy form.

Outside Running
The Good: Outside running is a great way to get outside and get some fresh air. Outside free running is a great stress reliever, and has shown to have numerous psychological benefits. While for some it might be bad, the added stress on the legs in outside running helps condition them, so you can become a better overall runner. If you are training for a race or a marathon, outside running simulates those conditions far more effectively than a treadmill. Also, a treadmill only simulates real running, whereas actually running gives you the full health benefits
The Bad: Injuries, Injuries, and Injuries! Outside running, especially for beginners carries a much higher risk for injury than a treadmill. Especially if you are running on terrain with changing slopes, uphill and downhill, you have a higher risk of developing shin splints or joint pains. Also, running outside under the sun or in hot weather, especially for beginners, leaves you more prone to sunburn or heatstroke unless you take proper precautions to stay covered and hydrated.

What does it come down to? Personal preference.

Consider the benefits and risks of both the track and treadmill and identify your needs: Are you training for a marathon? Or maybe you just want to work out? Do you have financial limitations?


Wanna know more? Read more!
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/treadincline.htm
http://www.treadmill-online.com/home/treadmill-guides/facts/treadmills-advantages-and-disadvantages.htm
http://running.about.com/od/treadmillrunning/f/treadmillrun.htm

Celluwhat?

Alright ladies, it's officially summertime! And since I know so many of you out there are dreading beach season, let's take a minute to talk about Cellulite.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a topographic skin change that is claimed to occur in most post-pubertal females. It presents as a modification of skin topography evident by skin dimpling and modularity that occurs mainly in women on the pelvic region, lower limbs, and abdomen and is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue, leading to a padded or "cottage cheese" like appearance.[wikipedia.com]



Nearly 95% of post-pubescent women are affected by cellulite. It's a condition most commonly found in women due to skin conditions and composition. It relates to aging, fat storage, diet, life's stress and exercise and is all a matter of timing. Any combination of those factors can allow fat to accumulate and fluids to develop, weakening the epidermis. The weakening of the skin causes fat to push to the surface causing the lumpy and "orange peel-like" appearance.

How can I treat it/prevent it?
Daily Exercise

Cellulite exercises, such as resistance training, can reduce as well as eliminate the presence of cellulite on your body. The key? Muscle. For every pound of muscle in your body, you'll burn an extra 50 calories a day. The combination of fat burning and toning exercises is a sure and quick way to get results.

Cardio

Fat burning and metabolism play an important role here. Think fast paced walking, jogging and swimming. The actual ideal cellulite exercises include the cardiovascular cellulite exercise. The more fat you burn, and the more fat you replace with muscle, the less cellulite you'll see. Cardio is also known to improve blood and lymphatic circulation. Plain and simple.

Anaerobic Workout

Instead of just turning into excess fat, this type of exercise will convert fat into actual muscle tissue. It's extremely important for women who have already acquired cellulite and are not actually overweight. Think strength and weight training.

Stay hydrated!


This is one of the simplest and best ways to fight any type of skin issue from acne to cellulite. The more hydrated you are, the plumper your cells will be -- improving the tone, texture and appearance of your skin.

Detox, Detox, Detox

Believe it or not, you can eat your way out of cellulite as well. Since hydration is such a key component, choose foods with lots of water in them like tomatoes to keep skin healthy and supple. Pick vitamin C packed items, such as colorful veggies, as the vitamin C is essential in preventing the breaking down of collagen. Keep your blood sugar stable with whole grains, such as brown rice and wheat bread, to keep those fat-storing insulin spikes to a minimum. Hit up the following foods the next time you're at the local grocery.


Cellulite-fighting foods shopping list

Apples
Brown rice
Celery
Cucumber
Grapes
Kiwifruit
Lettuce
Mangos
Oatmeal
Oranges
Papaya
Popcorn
Quinoa
Red bell peppers
Tomatoes
Watermelon





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