Showing posts with label Fitness Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fitness Goals. Show all posts

Friday, September 2, 2016

Cellulite affects more than 85 percent of women, representing all shapes and sizes. It is most common in the thighs, but it can also be present on the legs, buttocks or stomach.
Cellulite is made up of free-floating fat cells that are deposited just beneath the skin. It has a distinct appearance, like the dimpled surface of an orange peel or cottage cheese. Hormones, genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle are the top causes of cellulite.
You need to get rid of cellulite as soon as it appears because it tends to get worse with age. Many effective techniques can slow the occurrence and minimize the appearance of cellulite in the thighs. To manage cellulite, try some of these simple and easy home remedies.
Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of cellulite in the thighs.

1. Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is one of the simplest ways to get rid of cellulite in your thighs. Although several people attest to its effectiveness, it is not backed by scientific evidence.
The process of dry brushing improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, and removes the build-up of toxins from body.
Plus, it is believed that the improved blood flow to the skin makes it appear plump, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite.
  1. Before beginning, make sure your skin and the brush are both dry.
  2. Gently brush from your feet up to your shoulders, focusing more on areas with the most cellulite. Remember to brush from left to right side of the body and keep the brushing movements concentrated toward the heart to encourage blood circulation.
  3. Do this dry brushing for about five minutes.
  4. Finally, shower to wash away the dead skin cells and impurities.
  5. Do this once daily before taking a shower for a few months or until you notice improvement in your skin texture.
Note: Be sure to use a body brush made with natural fibers.

2. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a fat-burning food. It has the ability to naturally heat up the body, increase blood circulation and boost metabolism. Plus, it helps get rid of bad skin cells and replace them with strong healthy cells.
In addition, regular consumption of cayenne pepper can help eliminate toxins from the body and reduce the appearance of cellulite in the thighs.
  1. Add one or two teaspoons of cayenne pepper powder, one teaspoon of grated ginger and fresh-squeezed juice from one lemon to a glass of warm water and mix it well.
  2. Drink the cellulite detox drink once or twice daily for one or two months.

3. Coffee Grounds

Coarse coffee grounds can be used as an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and regenerate new, healthy cells. Plus, drinking coffee will help increase blood circulation.
  • Mix together one-fourth cup of coffee grounds, three tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of melted coconut oil to form a paste. Take a little bit of this paste and massage the affected skin with it for several minutes using firm pressure. Finally, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy two or three times a week until you get the desired results. You can store the excess in a glass jar for future use.
  • Alternatively, you can prepare a wrap with coffee and olive oil. Heat one-half cup of coffee grounds and a little extra-virgin olive oil in the microwave for 20 seconds. Spread the warm mixture on the cellulite and cover it with plastic wrap. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Do this twice a week until you see improvement.

4. Juniper Oil

Juniper oil has detoxifying properties and can help reduce fluid retention, thus effectively reducing cellulite.
  1. Mix 10 to 15 drops of juniper oil in one-fourth cup of olive oil.
  2. Massage the mixture on the affected area for 10 minutes.
  3. Do this twice daily. After a month, you will notice your skin is softer and firmer.

5. Seaweed

A natural exfoliating agent, seaweed stimulates blood circulation, improves skin texture and flushes harmful toxins from the body. This in turn helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.
  • Mix together three tablespoons of ground seaweed (easily available at health stores), one-fourth cup each of sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil, and a few drops of any kind of essential oil.Massage a little bit of this mixture on the affected area for 10 minutes before taking a shower. After showering, apply moisturizer. Follow this remedy once daily for several weeks. You can store excess mixture in a mason jar for future use.
  • Alternatively, you can take seaweed baths to reduce cellulite. Add four sheets of seaweed to your bath tub filled with lukewarm water. Soak in it for 20 minutes. Do this twice a week for the maximum benefit.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help get rid of cellulite due to the presence of minerals, potassium, magnesium and calcium in it. All these elements play a key role in flushing out toxins and water retention around the thighs and stomach.
This in turn reduces bloating and cellulite. Plus, apple cider vinegar also helps you lose weight and less fat means fewer cellulite pockets.
  • Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. If you like, add a bit of honey. Rub the solution on the affected areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Follow this treatment twice daily until you get the desired results.
  • Alternatively, mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts, and rub it on the affected area. Then wrap the area with plastic wrap and put a warm towel over it for one hour. Finally, remove the wrap and rinse the area with lukewarm water. Do this once daily until you get rid of your cellulite completely.
  • You can also mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey, and drink it two times a day on a regular basis.

7. Green Clay

Green clay has ability to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, remove dead skin cells, absorb impurities and fats, and repair and strengthen connective tissues. Due to all these properties, green clay is considered highly effective for reducing the appearance of cellulite.
  1. Mix together one-half cup each of green clay and seaweed, one-quarter cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, three tablespoons of hot water, and one tablespoon of organic honey to form a thick and smooth paste.
  2. Rub the mixture onto the affected area using circular motions, and then cover it with plastic wrap.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
  4. Follow this treatment on a weekly basis until you get the desired result.

8. Salmon

Salmon is rich in antioxidants, which break down fat cells in cellulite. Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids present in salmon are required by the body for smooth skin and tissue.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce appetite and low-level inflammation as well as repair and strengthen skin tissues. This in turn decreases the build-up of harmful toxins in blood vessels and improves circulation.
Try to eat four or five servings of salmon each week. To promote cellulite reduction, opt for baked or roasted salmon dishes and avoid the deep-fried versions.

9. Tangerine Oil

Tangerine oil helps improve blood circulation and break down fat pockets and cellulite. This essential oil also plays a key role in detoxifying the body.
  • Add five drops of tangerine oil to one tablespoon of olive oil. Rub this mixture on the affected area and massage with it for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid sun exposure for at least one hour after using this oil. Repeat twice daily for many weeks to reduce cellulite.
  • Alternatively, you can consume this oil orally to reduce cellulite as well as boost your metabolism. Add two or three drops of tangerine essential oil to a glass of warm water. Drink it once daily until you notice improvement.

10. Drink Water

Cellulite pockets are full of toxins that accumulate in your body over the years. Drinking water is the best way to remove toxins from your body. It will also keep your body well hydrated, which in turn will give your skin a healthy glow and texture.
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to make sure your system is getting all the water it needs. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, before you have your morning coffee or tea.
If you do not like drinking plain water, you can add a little lemon juice or honey. Plus, try to eat foods with higher water content like melons, cucumbers, and leafy green vegetables.
With these tips and remedies, you can easily get rid of cellulite in your thighs and show off your well-toned legs in swimsuits, skirts and shorts.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface, with an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts.
Sometimes stretch marks can cover large areas of the body. While pregnancy is the main cause behind stretch marks, other reasons can be sudden gain or loss in weight, rapid growth, heredity factors,stress and changes in physical conditions.
The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer), Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of the skin when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the power of its flexibility due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.
As skin is stretched, the collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged. This ultimately results in fine scars under the top layer of the skin. Initially the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is born.
Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly, or puts on weight quickly.
Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

1. Castor Oil

Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines and pimples, can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.
Apply Castor Oil to Remove Stretch Marks
  1. Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at least a half an hour.
  3. Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.
Aloe Vera Home Remedy to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
  • You can directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
  • Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.

3. Egg Whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins.
  1. Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush.
  2. Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water.
  3. Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.
  4. Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.

4. Lemon Juice

Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne, and other scars.
  • Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
  • Another option is to mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.

5. Sugar

Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar toexfoliate your skin.
  1. Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas.
  2. Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few minutes every day before taking a shower.
  3. Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

6. Potato Juice

Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.
  1. Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
  2. Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the potato covers the affected area.
  3. Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

7. Alfalfa

Alfalfa leaves contain eight essential amino acids which are good for overall health of the skin. They are also rich in protein and vitamins E and K, which help nourish the skin.
  1. Mix some alfalfa power with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste.
  2. Massage the paste into the affected area two to three times a day.
  3. Repeat this daily for a few weeks and you will notice great improvement.

8. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is also very beneficial in treating stretch marks. Being an excellent natural moisturizer, it helps nourish your skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
  • You must apply cocoa butter over the affected area at least two times a day for a few months.
  • Another option is to make a mixture using half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax and one teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and vitamin E oil. Heat this mixture until the beeswax melts. You can store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply it to your stretch marks two to three times a day. This mixture will make your skin more hydrated and smooth.

9. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks.
  1. Massage slightly warm extra-virgin olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent.
  2. Leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.
You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water and use it as a night cream. This will keep your skin stay moisturized and also exfoliate the skin.

10. Water

Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the skin from many kinds of problems and also aids in detoxification. It also helps keep the skin supple and restores elasticity.
Try to drink one to two glasses of water several times during a day. Experts say drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is the best way to keep the body hydrated.
It will also make your skin soft and help maintain its elasticity. It is advisable to avoid coffee, tea or soda though.
These natural remedies can help stretch marks fade, but they may not completely remove them. You can always see your doctor if you are greatly concerned about the appearance of stretch marks on your skin.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Getting fit seems to be the craze right now, and for all the good reasons. Not only is it a great way to improve your health, but also to stay happy and lead an active lifestyle. However, it is equally important to go about it the right way.

Below are some of the key points to keep in mind before you embark on your fitness journey.

1. Get a Medical Clearance 

Before you start any fitness regime, it is important to find out how your body is from within, and if there are any underlying conditions that you need to be aware of. Get a basic check-up from a doctor, who will most likely ask you for blood tests to make sure everything is ok for you to start a structured training regime. Don't neglect it.

2. Invest in a Good Trainer

A good trainer can really help you achieve your goals faster and in a safer way as well. When you are hiring a trainer, there are few things to keep in mind. Make sure the trainer you hire is qualified from a reputed institute and ideally has a few years' experience.

3. Join a Gym 

Joining a gym increases the chances of your success. It has many advantages, from having access to a greater variety of equipment to sprucing up your confidence and motivation level. You get to socialise, make friends and be a part of fitness communities as well. Here the chances of you sticking to your fitness goals and achieving them becomes easier as you are training along with a group of people rather than training is isolation.


4. Set Realistic Goals 

When you start on a new fitness regime, it's very easy to get influenced by others around you. Whilst it's good to use others for motivation, it's extremely important to not get sucked into setting unrealistic expectations of yourself. Setting a goal and not achieving it, especially when you have given your all can be extremely demoralising. Ensure that you set achievable goals and make subtle progress rather than push yourself to meet great expectations.

5. Get the Support of Your Loved Ones

Support is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. Having a strong family support can make all the difference, and once they are part of your journey, they will encourage you to achieve your goals, and help you push through tough times.


6. Supplements Are Not Bad

Not all supplements are bad, especially your vitamins and minerals. These will give you all the necessary nutrients during the times of stress, especially when you are on a low-cal diet. Consult your doctor before taking supplements. Always remember, multi-vitamins and others are just to give your daily diet a boost, it should not be seen as a meal replacement option.

7. Don't Obsess Over Scales

This is lot more relevant to people who are trying to lose weight. Your goal should always be to lose body fat, and not just weight. Focus on losing centimeters and not your weight. Access your stamina, ask yourself if you are able to run faster and longer, hold a plank or lift harder. Sometimes you can lose a few centimeters but the scale won't reflect it. So, don't let the weighing scale rule your life.


8. Embrace Weight Training

This one is lot more relevant for the ladies. Please note that lifting weights will not make you bulky. It's going to help you get that toned body you have always desired. So, embrace the weights and pump some iron.

9. Manage Stress

This one is often under rated, but is extremely important. Stress can impact your fitness goals negatively. Learn to have fun in your life, and try to add some structured activities in your schedule, so that you have something to look forward to each week. Sleep is a very powerful tool in managing stress; make sure you get adequate sleep every night.


10. Build a Healthy Relationship with Food

There are no good food or bad food. Every food has its place in your diet. You just have to pick the right time and right quantities. If you are actively looking to lose few kilos, then you have to watch the intake of your junk food or sugary treats. You can still enjoy your cakes and pastries, but keep a track of how often and in what quantities you are consuming these food items. If you have been really good the entire week with your choices, then going out on the weekend with your family for a meal is fine lest you know when to stop or say no.

11. Take it Easy, Have Fun

Last but certainly not the least, don't forget to have fun in your life and enjoy the journey. This might sound an overly simplistic advice, but it's extremely important to enjoy your journey of fitness because it's something you want to do for the rest of your life. Learn to enjoy your fitness routine and aim to make it a part of your daily lifestyle rather than a one-off thing.


So, there you have it. Keep going, be at it, and just don't give up. Best of luck!



Source by : http://food.ndtv.com/health/11-important-tips-to-achieve-your-fitness-goals-1450214