Dry Brushing

So I was surfing the Internet and came across dry brushing?! Well its supposed to be good for you although I have never heard of it. Definitely not in any health class. Brushing the skin helps unplug the pores, increase its ability to absorb nutrients, increase circulation to the skin cells. Healthy skin needs to ‘breathe’. Rid it regularly of dry skin cells and the body will react by producing new skin cells. Your skin will immediately feel silkier and on the long term will look healthier, loosing that dry appearance. Also, fat deposits are better distributed, the nervous system is rejuvenated, and nerve endings are stimulated.

What is the right way to dry brush your skin:

Start off with a natural bristle brush or loofah. Synthetic brushes or exfoliation cloths are harsh and create tiny scratches on your skin which may result in drier, irritated skin. Those with eczema, acne or other skin problems should consult with a health practitioner first. Most articles give this order:
 Never ‘scrub’ your skin using hard pressure. Use firm but gentle pressure. It should feel good!
 Always work in the direction of the heart. Start with the right foot, working in a circular motion first on the outside upwards then the inside. Repeat on the left also up to the top of the leg.
 Stomach area: in a clockwise, circular motion from the navel outwards.
 Right buttocks then the left: large circular motion, ending with strokes upwards.
 Right hand, arm: as described for the legs – outer first then the inner area working upwards. Repeat on left.
 Breast area: gently in a figure eight several times avoiding the sensitive nipple area.
 Ribs: brush from the top down to the waist
 Back: from the neck area downward horizontally (or circular if this is difficult).
All of the above will only add 5 minutes more to your morning routine.

Rinse off under a warm shower. There is no need to use soap or shower gel on the brushed areas of the body as it is now immaculately clean. I also read that you can alternate between warm and cool water to really boost circulation.

Lightly pat the skin with a towel. Massage oils such as almond, jojoba, or a good body lotion. A fine layer of nourishing oil will help the skin retain its natural moisture.

Don't Dread the Tred..

Wear the right gear!!

Health and Fitness online "Gym" for Muslim Women

10 min pilates flex-full

Possible Causes for Those Love Handles

Before you begin Jihad with your belly fat and toning your abs, you need to understand a bit more about how your body works. You might discover why you are having such a difficult time winning the war against your bulge.
A lot of Americans believe that it stems from improper eating or lack of exercise. While this may be the most common case, there can also be other reasons:

Genetics
There are two common body types:
apple and pear. It sounds delicious but true, so I have read. If you gain and store fat in lower parts of your body then you would be considered pear-shaped.
If you’re the kind of person that stores more fat in your stomach and middle section than anywhere else then you would be considered apple-shaped. Look at your own family if you notice that a lot of them are heavier around the middle area then it’s quite possible that you have the genes that make you genetically apple-shaped when you put on excess weight.
Stress
This is a big one. When you are under stress, your body releases the hormone cortisol.
In turn, this hormone causes your liver to make excess sugar that your body doesn’t really need. As a result, you begin to feel hungrier and begin to eat more.
Improper Digestion
Improper digestion due to stress may cause several kinds of gastrointestinal problems leaving you gassy and bloated. Many people who complain about persistent belly fat often times have gas which causes the bloating effect.
Slow Metabolism
As we get older, our metabolism tends to slow down. That means you don’t burn calories as fast or as easily as you did when you were younger. A slower metabolism can also result in extra storage.
Poor Posture
Your posture can make a huge difference in how your stomach looks.
Eating Late at Night
You should never eat within three hours of your bedtime.
Determine Your Cause
Consult your doctor if you have serious concerns.
Menopause
After menopause occurs in women fat begins storing itself.

10 Easy Steps to a Flatter Stomach

Here's a quick guide you can follow to help flatten your stomach. You may want to print this out and post it somewhere you'll see it.

1. Walk or jog for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week to improve your metabolism in order to melt away fat.
2. Eat a small handful of almonds every morning. Almonds are one of the healthiest snacks you can eat and the protein is good for burning fat.
3. You can download a Pilates video from the internet. Pilates works on toning your entire body and will improve your flexibility.
4. Add fiber to your diet and lower your intake of the bad carbohydrates. Foods such as white bread, pastas, potatoes, and white rice should be limited. Eat brown rice and whole wheat bread instead. To get that needed fiber, increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Drink skim milk instead of whole milk. Dairy products often cause bloating and gas.
6. Perform proper crunches at least 3 times a week to train your abs. Avoid sit-ups because they really do very little to firm your stomach.
7. Drink plenty of water. You should be drinking 6 to 8 glasses per day. Not only will it help fill you up so you eat less, but it aids in digestion.
8. Stop eating within 3 hours of bedtime. Not eating late can make a huge difference.
9. Eat smaller meals more often instead of 2-3 big meals per day to keep from having that bloated look and feeling.
10. Moderation

Just remember that there's no such thing as losing your stomach fast. You have to work at it daily and remain consistent with your diet and exercise.