InDenialHealth.com » Blog Archive » In Denial Health Show #003

In Denial Health Show

Sally Lakeman and James Williams work through the practicalities of using some of your TV viewing time to get in some exercise (and still watch TV!). In this show we also take a look at the role Salt plays in your diet, and reveal some things you may not know about salt and how it can harm your health. Discover some of the psychology behind motivation and some practical things you can do to help you get off the couch, moving and eating better. You’ll find more great hints and tips on the website at www.indenialhealth.com. If you’re enjoying the show, please send us a message at feedback@indenialhealth.com.

In today’s show

In this show we look at some exercises you can do while watching TV. We talk about the importance of making the decision to commit to a healthy lifestyle and sticking to it and discuss the role salt plays in your diet and long term health.

There is loads of useful information in this episode to get you motivated, off the couch and making healthy choices!

Exercises you can do while watching TV

The idea of exercising while watching TV is really quite enticing to people when you first suggest it. But be warned, like with most things to do with fitness and health there are some hidden motivational dangers that can sabotage your TV workouts.

The key to success, like with everything else is to stick with it. The moment you make the decision not to get up off the couch is more than likely the same exact moment you decided to give your workout a miss.

Okay, so lets look at some exercises we can do while watching TV. For me, I like to do a quick routine during ad breaks. Depending on the show you are watching, the amount you do is going to vary.

Click on the links for detailed instructions on particular routines.

Weights and Resistance Bands

If you have the room, consider keeping a set of weights and a resistance band near by, this makes it easier for you to jump right into it and also one less excuse not the exercise.

Stretching

stretching, wonderful to sit on the floor and do some stretches.

Upper Arm Toning

arm workouts using weights – Bicep Curls, Tricep Kick Backs, Bent Over Row, Overhead Tricep

Couch Dips

Couch Dips – This is an exercise for your tricep. Position your hands shoulder width apart on a secured bench. Move your feet out as far out in front of you as possible. Straighten out your arms and keep a little bend in your elbows in order to always keep tension on your triceps and off your elbow joints. Slowly lower your upper body down towards the floor and keep your elbows tucked into your sides. Once you reach the bottom of the movement, slowly press off with your hands and push yourself back up to the starting position with your triceps.

Situps and Pushups

Lunges

Lunges (for thighs, hamstrings, and buttocks)

Exercise Ball

Exercise ball. Rather than sit on the couch, alternate with your exercise ball.

Squat Curl Press

Squat, Curl Press is one of my favourite exercises to do during ad breaks. Click here to see instructions

Note to those starting out:

We recommend you seek medical advice before starting any exercise program.

Applications that will remind you when to exercise (iphone, mac and pc)

Working for long hours on a computer can be really bad for your health. Taking regular breaks is an important element in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The problem is we often get so caught up in our work that we forget to take breaks. Here are some handy little applications (listed in no particular order) that will remind you to take those breaks.

Eyes Relax - PC
Workrave – PC
SCIROCCO Take A Break 2.7 – PC
Time Out – 1.5.4 – Mac
AntiRSI – Mac
RemindMe – Mac and iPhone

Different types of sodium names – what are the things we need to be looking for?

Salt or Sodium is found in many products and in terms of labeling, may not necessarily be listed as salt or sodium, here is a short list for reference.

Ingredients that contain salt (sodium) include:

Baking powder
Booster
Celery salt
Garlic salt
Sodium
Meat or yeast extract
Onion salt
Monosodium glutamate (msg)
Rock salt
Sea salt
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium metabisulphate
Sodium nitrate/nitrite and stock cubes

Great substitute herbs and spices for food.

Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Garlic
Lemon Juice
Paprika
Saffron
Basil
Chilies
Cloves
Dill
Chives
Coriander

Take away tasks:

This week we have two tasks for you:

1. During one of your regular TV shows, pick a couple of exercises and commit to doing them during the ad breaks. Remember to stretch first!

2. Stop adding salt to your meal when you are cooking and avoid putting on your meal afterwards- Do this for 1 week and keep going, food will taste so much better!