The Journey for Life & Health Coaches Mary and Dennis Duke bring you personal experiences and articles on changing your fitness, lifestyle and attitude with instruction and products. This Life, Health and Fitness website is for all ages and for those who want to change their lives, maintain their health and become physically fit.
What makes a leader in this industry? First off, my last name is DUKE...in English it means "Leader". However, just having that last name alone doesn't qualify me for that status. The determination is to "be the example". Sometimes a Leader is a loner; the front of the pack if you will. A Leader is one who wakes up at the sound of the alarm clock, puts his feet on the floor, stands up, and is ready to take charge of their … [Read more...]
“Do your best, forget the rest.” Of all of Tony Horton’s ridiculously cheesy lines in P90X, that one has got to be my favorite. (For anyone who has experienced P90X, Tony’s full of great lines — the videos are worth it just for that. Because really, how true is that of anything in life? We can’t all be (or necesssarily even want to be) corporate big-wigs, world-renown physicians, acclaimed lawyers, globe-trotting humanitatians … [Read more...]
By Denis Faye "How do I get past this plateau?" "Why do I have to do yoga?" "How on earth can the sweet, orangey goodness of P90X® Results and Recovery Formula be good for you?" As an Advice Staff member on the Beachbody Message Boards, these are the kinds of questions I've fielded almost every day for the last 6 years. In that time, I've answered over 23,000 posts on the Nutrition or Fitness forums. There's no … [Read more...]
Looking for something to nosh on? Sure, you're drawn to Slim Jims and candy bars, but resist. There's another option available anywhere from the most basic gas station shop to the most upscale health food market—nuts—specifically, unsalted or better yet unsalted raw nuts. They've gotten a bad rap in the past because of their fat content, but more and more studies are discovering that even their fat can be good for you. How can fat … [Read more...]
By Steve Edwards We've all heard about superfoods—consumables with mystical powers to cure whatever it is that ails you that will help you live forever. This list will be different. Today, we'll look at some common items that should be on your menu, even though you probably haven't heard them touted as the next great miracle cure. In fact, some of these you probably thought were bad for you. I begin this list with a caveat; we're all … [Read more...]
Carbohydrates are the body’s ideal fuel for most bodily functions. They supply the body with the energy needed for the muscles, brain, and central nervous system to function properly. The brain actually relies exclusively on carbohydrates to function. Which is precisely why I cringe when people say they are going ‘low/no carb.’ Carbs are found in fruits, veggies, beans, dairy, foods made from grain, and sugar and come in 3 … [Read more...]
Physical activity after a first heart attack reduces the chances of a recurrence, according to a recent survey conducted by the University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center. More than 400 Texans, aged 25 to 74, who survived at least four weeks after a first heart attack, were interviewed. Half were Mexican American, half were non-Hispanic white, and about one third were women. Those who increased their activity after their first heart … [Read more...]
Water is the number one most important thing to address when it comes to losing weight, because water actually increases your body's ability to metabolize fat. Here's how: Your liver is the organ that deals with metabolizing fat, and your kidneys deal with straining the toxins out of the water you drink. However, if you do not have enough water in your system already, your kidneys will not be able to do their job. In this case, your body shifts … [Read more...]
When it comes to creating incredible abs, even the most effective workout programs can only bring you so far. That's because you can't get a flat, hard midsection without losing body fat. Here's how to eat your way to great abs. And no matter how much effort you put into creating a six-pack, no one's going to see it if it's covered by a layer of flab. (The good news? While it's impossible to "spot-reduce," abdominal fat is … [Read more...]
When dining out, ask for foods like brown rice, bread made from whole grain, conscous, and whole wheat wraps, even if you don't see them on the menu. You might find whole grain options that aren't readily apparent. If your whole grain options are limited, let the place you are eating know you're disappointed. … [Read more...]
