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Science Explains What Happens to Your Body When You Do Planks Every Day

Planks have been called “The Perfect Exercise” to change your mind, attitude, and mood.

Alternative exercises are highly undervalued. It has gotten to the point where some people think they must dole out hundred-plus dollar gym memberships to get fit. That is all nonsense, of course.

There is plenty of value to be found in so-called minimalist exercises. Planks are one variety of exercises that are both old-fashioned and highly effective. This writing focuses on (a) the importance of core strength, (b) why planks are a helpful core exercise, and (c) how to perform the “classic plank.”

Let’s get to it!

Where Is Your “Core”?

First, let’s discuss what comprises your core muscles. The core consists of the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles are broken down into primary and secondary muscles.

For fitness and science buffs, the primary core muscles are the: pelvic floor muscles, transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, and the diaphragm.

The secondary core muscles are the gluteus maximus, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius.

exercise

Why Is The Core Important?

The core has many vital functions. The core muscles are involved in just about every imaginable thing that you do, including:

– Back support: Lower-back pain affects eighty percent of all Americans at some point in life. Chronic lower back pain can be painful to the point of being debilitating. Core muscles play the primary role in ensuring a healthy back.

– Posture: Strong core muscles are vital to good posture, which “trims your silhouette and projects confidence.” Most importantly, good posture limits the wear and tear that inevitably takes its toll as we age.

– Routine movements: Any movement that involves the manipulation of your torso requires the core muscles to execute. This includes bending, sitting, rotating, and standing.

– Stability and balance: Your core essentially “connects” the upper and lower body parts. As such, good balance and stability require a well-conditioned core.

Regarding core health, it’s neither a good idea to overwork nor underwork these muscles. Overworking or overtraining abdominal muscles increases the risk of long-term injury, while underworking or undertraining the core can leave the area weak, not to mention flabby!

Why “Planking” Is Effective (and Its Benefits)

planks

The plank (which gets its name from a stiff board; you’ll find out why!) is a simple, anytime, anywhere core exercise that can produce some fantastic benefits for the entire body. Yes – the whole body, not just the core muscles.

The classic plank activates the abdomen muscles, biceps, shoulders, buttocks, quadriceps, and shins! Moreover, according to the American Council on Exercise, performing the classic plank regularly reduces the risk of lower and upper back pain.

Some other benefits of planking include:

  • A metabolism boost: Planks burn more calories than crunches or sit-ups.
  • Improving core definition: Planking engages all major core muscle groups.
  • Better posture: Planks help keep your bones and joints in alignment, which encourages good posture.
  • More flexibility: Planks stretch all the posterior muscle groups – shoulders, shoulder blades, collarbone, hamstrings, foot arches, and toes.
  • Mood benefits: While this benefit may seem farfetched, consider that planking stretches the muscles most prone to tension (read: stress). Planking stretches your legs, thighs, back, and shoulders, eases tension and stress and helps calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response.

Performing The Classic Plank

Here are a couple of pointers before we list the steps. First, remember to keep the abdominal muscles engaged and keep your back straight. Second, remember to inhale slowly and deeply and exhale stably.

While you can perform a plank without stretching, you should limber up first, mainly if you haven’t worked out.

Alright, let’s do this thing! Here’s how to perform the classic plank:

1. Lie face down on the floor in a “pre-pushup” position.

2. Keeping your upper and lower body straight and rigid, lift yourself using your forearms. (The upper arms and forearms should form a near-perfect 90-degree angle.)

3. Supporting your entire body with your forearms and toes, keep your body as straight as possible from head to toe.

4. Engage your abdominal muscles by sucking your belly towards your spine.

While performing the plank, remember that technique is far more critical than time. It does no good to hold a 30-second plank position if your belly is sagging down toward the floor. If you must, start with a 10-second hold and steadily increase the time as your core becomes stronger!

side planks

Final Thoughts on Doing Planks Every Day to Engage and Strengthen Your Entire Body

The plank, while a simple exercise, is far from easy. Do not become discouraged! Give it all you’ve got for as long as you can. And remember that technique comes first! You will achieve the myriad benefits of the plank exercise if you give your full effort and remember the basics!

5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is “the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries that carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body.”

‘About 75 million American adults have high blood pressure – that’s 1 in every 3 adults.’ ~ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Blood pressure (‘BP’) tends to fluctuate throughout the day. When you first awake, your BP is likely to be lower than average; contrast this with the annoyingly chatty coworker, when it rises rather considerably.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, affects 1 in every 3 adults. Another 1 in 3 is in a state of prehypertension – when BP is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be labeled “high blood pressure.” Simple math: 2 of every 3 adults are experiencing some form of potentially dangerous high blood pressure.

There are plenty of statistics to demonstrate the dangers that hypertension poses, but the following tells the whole story: “Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United States,” according to CDC. Only about 50 percent of people who suffer from hypertension report actively caring for and monitoring their condition.

The CDC estimates that hypertension claims the lives of over 1,100 people every single day.

care for your body

Naturally Treating High Blood Pressure

(Please note that this advice is not intended to serve as a replacement for that of your primary care physician. Before beginning or ending any medication or supplementation regimen, please consult with a board-certified physician, specialist, or other health professional.)

A class of drug called beta-blockers is typically prescribed to individuals with hypertension. Though relatively cost-effective, beta-blockers can create a slew of unwanted side effects, including cold hands and feet, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes, mouth, and skin, fatigue, headache, upset stomach, and weakness.

People wishing to bypass the possible side effects of beta-blockers and go ‘au naturel’ are not lacking in options.

Here are five ways to naturally treat high blood pressure, according to medical experts:

1. Lose weight

Dr. John Day, a cardiologist and electrophysiologist at the Intermountain Medical Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, says “I can’t tell you how many patients I have seen where getting to a healthy weight dramatically dropped their blood pressure.”

Day goes on to cite his own weight-loss experience, where he lost 20 pounds; achieving a 30-point reduction in his systolic blood pressure. He says that losing 20 pounds if you’re obese is the best action you can take to lower your blood pressure.

2. Limit (or avoid) alcohol and drugs

Abusing alcohol or drugs damages both the kidneys and the liver. Kidney or liver damage create a sort of “liquid depository” where fluids accumulate in the body. This depository increases both heart rate and BP.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen cause the body to retain sodium. Sodium retention creates additional stress on the heart. Stimulants (e.g., coffee, soda) have similar effects – causing the heart to beat faster and raising BP.

3. Meditation

Research concludes that practicing transcendental meditation for 20 minutes, twice daily, triggers an enzymatic response that, in effect, lowers BP. Still another study found that meditation can reduce brain aging; another found that mindfulness meditation reduces pain – the list goes on and on.

Should one require further proof that meditation and mindfulness is a highly effective antidote to stress and anxiety (therefore blood pressure), consider that both Harvard University Medical School and Johns Hopkins University have centers devoted to the mental health benefits of both.

4. Exercise

Per the Mayo Clinic, thirty minutes of exercise most days of the week can significantly lower your BP. However, the Clinic notes that consistency is important: “because if you stop exercising, your blood pressure can rise again.”

For those with prehypertension, moderate exercise can prevent full-scale hypertension. For individuals diagnosed with hypertension, exercise can get your BP down to a safer level.

The easiest way to stay consistent with exercise is to do something that you enjoy. There are a ton of ways to both break a sweat and have fun! Here are a few ideas: badminton, basketball, bicycling, climbing stairs with music, dancing, flag football, frisbee, hiking, racquetball, and so on.

5. Get Your Fiber

A meta-study focusing on the effects of fiber while dieting demonstrates that a high-fiber diet “was associated with a significant reduction in blood pressure levels among people with high blood pressure or hypertension,” according to WebMD.

Concerning fiber intake, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber a day. Unsurprisingly, most Americans fall far short – averaging about 15 grams. Some of the best sources of fiber include beans, brown rice, bran cereal, berries, popcorn (unbuttered), nuts, oats, and whole grains.

Psychology Explains Why People Cheat In A Relationship

Cheating in relationships is incredibly common. John Howard, a therapist and behavioral scientist, claims that as many as 50 percent of people in a relationship cheat on their spouse. Perhaps not so coincidentally, the divorce rate also hovers around 50 percent. Many experts cite it as the number one reason for it.

So, why do people cheat (and divorce) in the first place? Many social scientists and relationship experts believe that monogamy – committing to one person – goes against the evolutionary grain. Here’s Franklin Porter, a couples’ therapist based in New York City:

“I don’t feel like it’s natural to be in a monogamous relationship. From an evolutionary standpoint, men are wired to impregnate multiple women to further the species.” Mr. Porter goes on to explain that humans began cohabitating and procreating despite the innate desire to “explore” – a longing that, Porter says, continues today.

Evolution aside, scientists dug a bit more into the “Why?” behind cheating in a recent study published in The Journal of Sex Research.

“When people cheat in any arena, they diminish themselves—they threaten their own self-esteem and their relationships with others by undermining the trust they have in their ability to succeed and in their ability to be true.” ~ Cheryl Hughes, Author

According to the research team, here are four commonly cited reasons why people cheat in a relationship:love

1. Lack of Love (“I had fallen out of love with my partner.”)

Unsurprisingly, a fair number of cheaters say that they’ve fallen out of love with their partner. While the statement “I just fell out of love” may seem straightforward, it may also be used as an excuse. Furthermore, likely, some other cause – lack of communication, boredom, non-attraction – may also be at play.

2. Low Commitment (“I wasn’t very committed to my primary partner.”)

The truth is that some people enter into a relationship with a lackadaisical attitude. To them, the word “relationship” implies something more open-ended. The problem, of course, is when the other person doesn’t share this apathetic outlook.

It goes without saying that commitment levels tend to coincide with relationship happiness. Commitment is the close cousin of intimacy – and a lack of either can spell doom for a partnership.

3. Esteem Reasons (“I wanted to enhance my image.”)

Sexual conquests may also serve to boost the ole’ self-esteem. Men and women who cheat for esteem reasons think (often incorrectly) that a roll in the hay with some stranger may bring them some confidence.

Other people will engage in cheating to enhance their social credibility. Cheating to elicit favorable social opinion is more common among younger adults, though it also occurs in older groups.

4. Situational Factors (“I was drunk and not thinking clearly.”)

Then there are situational “factors” – the wrong place at the wrong time while quite possibly doing the wrong thing. Alcohol and certain drugs lower inhibition and impair judgment; predictably, the odds of one making a poor choice and cheating on their partner are much higher under such conditions.

The Effects of Cheating

Regarding the effects of cheating, the psychological – and, many times, physical – toll inflicted doesn’t invite much opposition. Put, cheating can be devastating to one or both individuals.

In a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, M. Rosie Shrout of the University of Nevada at Reno, found “a connection between (both) mental health and health-compromising behaviors.” Concerning the former, victims of cheating were at a much higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Also, Ms. Shrout says, “As we expected, people who experienced more emotional and psychological distress after being cheated on engaged in more risky behaviors. They were more likely to eat less or not eat at all, use alcohol or marijuana more often, have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or overexercise. Being cheated on seems to have not only mental health consequences, but also increases risky behaviors.”

Rediscovering Commitment

As mentioned, many scientists and other experts believe that humans are not naturally monogamous. Before the widespread adoption of religion, humans regularly engaged in polygamy to ensure the survival of our species. Additionally, the brain seeks what is exotic and novel. Left unchecked (or under the influence!), the brain is likelier to act on the desire for lust.

cheating

Final Thoughts: Why stay committed?

The simple answer is emotional bonding. A life partner is one with whom you can share life’s delightful memories, someone you can rely on, someone who will be there and love you unconditionally when all is said and done.

Beauty fades. Hormones die down. We get old. Those who choose love and commitment will reap the most handsome of rewards.

Researchers Reveal 5 Deficiencies That Keep People Up At Night

Combined, vitamins and minerals – also known as essential nutrients – are responsible for hundreds of functions in the body. They are absolutely critical to good health – and are often the reason for not-so-good health. In fact, long-term vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to the development of potentially life-threatening diseases and illnesses.

Though vitamins and minerals are often grouped together, there are some significant differences between the two:

– Minerals are non-organic and maintain their chemical structure. They come from soil and water. Thus, thus we ingest them through the animals, fish, fluids, and plants that we eat.

– Vitamins are organic, and are broken down by air, acid, and heat. Since vitamins are so fragile, they are more difficult to absorb.

Why is this distinction important? Because both internal and external influences (body, environment, stress, insomnia, etc.) can lead to malnutrition; mainly through a shortage of vitamins within the body, but also through a lack of minerals. Further, the chemical makeup of vitamins necessitates additional dosing under certain conditions, such as those mentioned above.

Vitamins, Nutrients, and Sleep

bed sleep

“Sleep is important.” We’ve heard these three words – or some variation of them – over and over again. Yet, despite the mass of knowledge available explaining the essential nature of sleep, many of us shrug it off.

When we see a doctor about our sleep troubles, they are all-too-eager to prescribe a “knock-me-out pill.” (See: “Valium, Xanax, usage.”) It’s more time-consuming to evaluate things like diet and exercise and how they may be affecting our shut-eye.

It goes without saying that both diet and exercise profoundly influence sleep quality. Relatedly, both have various effects on the absorption and activity of vitamins and minerals.

Very quickly, here is a list of vital tasks that both minerals and vitamins perform – most of which directly affect sleep:

Minerals

– Ensure balance of water in the body
– Help build and maintain bone health
– Carry oxygen throughout the body
– Promote oral health
– Assist with the metabolism of vitamins
– Encourage cell formation and health

Vitamins

– Build bones (Vitamins A, D, and K.)
– Protect the immune system (Vitamins C, E, and others.)
– Help store other vitamins and minerals (Vitamin E.)
– Release energy into the body (B-vitamins.)
– Permit energy production (Biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and thiamine.)
– Build cells and proteins (Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid.)
– Produce collagen (Vitamins C & D)

Now that we’ve gotten our “review” out of the way, let’s talk about a few specific vitamins and minerals needed to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Here are 5 nutrient deficiencies that can cause poor sleep:

1. Magnesium Deficiencies

Magnesium is sometimes referred to as “nature’s chill pill,” and for a good reason. ‘Mg’ relaxes both the brain and heart through regulation of blood flow. More specifically, Mg chemically activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) – the automatic response that counters the fight-or-flight mode.

Mg also regulates the sleep hormone, melatonin. Melatonin controls the sleep-wake cycle of the body, also known as the circadian rhythm.

2. Potassium Deficiencies

Potassium, like magnesium, is a natural relaxant. While Mg helps get you to sleep, ‘K’ helps keep you asleep. (Unrelated question: can some chemistry major explain why the letter ‘K’ was chosen for potassium on the periodic table?)

Anywho, potassium supplementation may improve sleep quality and duration in healthy adults. Lack of potassium correlates with both heart irregularities and muscle spasms – the two most common causes of disturbed sleep!

potassium deficiency

3. B-vitamin Deficiencies

Numerous studies demonstrate that B-vitamins impact the quality of sleep and lack thereof. A deficiency of vitamin B-9 (folic acid) connects to the onset of insomnia. Meanwhile, vitamin B-12 is said to ease the symptoms of insomnia.

Consuming B-5 (pantothenic acid) is said to relieve anxiety and stress, which may help promote sleep.

4. Iron Deficiencies

The results from a study published in African Health Sciences found that iron deficiency anemia (IDA) – a condition wherein the blood lacks healthy red blood cells – contributes to poor sleep quality. (A relationship also exists between iron deficiency and the presence of anxiety and depression.)

Other research shows that low iron levels cause problems such as shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Iron deficiency is also linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and restless leg syndrome (RLS).

5. Calcium Deficiencies

Per Medical News Today, calcium is directly related to sleep cycles. In a study published in the European Neurology Journal, scientists discovered that calcium levels are highest during REM sleep – the deepest phase. Thus, we can attribute some sleep disturbances to calcium deficiencies.

Besides magnesium, calcium may be the most important mineral for good sleep. This may help to explain why dairy products, which are rich in calcium, are the most widely-consumed products of the sleep-deprived.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-and-sleep
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals.htm
https://www.livescience.com/38401-nutrients-linked-better-sleep.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/163169.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480468/

When Should You Get Married, According to Your Zodiac Sign?

Your fate is not set in stone, but according to astrologers, each sun sign of the zodiac has an age they should ideally get married at. Researchers looked at beliefs about chance or fate and found that ‘The practice of astrology can be traced in most if not all human societies, in most time periods. Astrology has prehistoric origins and flourishes in the modern world, where it may be understood as astronomy practiced by the people.’

Read on to find out when, if ever, your zodiac sign says is the best age that you should plan to take the plunge and stand at the altar at your wedding.

Here’s when you should get married based on your sign:

ARIES MARCH 21 – APRIL 19

Aries as a group like to have a companion throughout their life. On the other hand, they also like to think they are very independent. Aries is likely to marry early in their 20’s and be blissfully partnered.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Home stability is a preference for Taurus. Love, marriage, and a happy partner at home is a goal that Taurus will likely achieve early in life near their mid 20’s.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 21

Gemini is a zodiac sign that hopes for love that will exceed their romantic dreams. The Gemini will seek their romantic twin early on in life bumarryt will wait to marry until mid-30’s.

CANCER JUNE 22 – JULY 22

Cancer is lovable, not crabby, and their romantic marriage partner will find them irresistible around their early 30’s.

 

LEO JULY 23 – AUGUST 22

Lions love to pursue their love interests, but the one they marry will take a while to hunt down. Leo will wait until later in their 30’s to be sure that all their hunting for a mate is over.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEPT 22

Virgo seeks a homey happiness and will look to marry early in life, in their mid to early 20’s. The Virgo will find an easy happiness in domestic life.

LIBRA SEPT 23 – OCT 22

Libras are in love with love, and so many people are worthy of their love, but this zodiac sign will be happy to marry early in life around age 20. Libras love to read their astrology, and, like other signs, often feel that they closely relate to what is written about them.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 21

Toughing it out and being fiercely independent until late in life is likely for the zodiac sign of Scorpio. However, the passion that this sign can feel for a mate may make them marry early. Either in their mid 20’s or late 30’s is when Scorpio could marry.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 – DEC 21

Do not try to trap Sagittarius romantically if you might hope to marry them in the future. Sagittarius wants to stay free, so a looser commitment than marriage may be what is needed. If they marry, Sagittarius could see themselves marrying at age 30.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

Capricorn is a zodiac sign that wants to feel comfortable and secure with a partner before deciding on marriage. The Capricorn mate wants to feel you out and make sure that you can handle them at their worst, before they let you have their best. Getting married at age 25-30 is just about enough time for this zodiac sign to find the right spouse.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18

Aquarians have high levels of energy, enthusiasm, and vitality. This zodiac sign should wait to get married until they’ve aged and matured a bit, but they will likely rush into things in their early 20’s. Being overwhelmed with passion isn’t a bad thing when you’re young or old.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 20

Intense relationships can be scary to Pisces, so getting married is usually delayed until they feel more confident about the lasting power of the relationship. Pisces will look to wait to marry until well into their 30’s.

Researchers say of astrology ‘The Western tradition, which originated in Mesopotamia and was developed in the Greek world, has been most studied by academics. However, India is also home to a tradition, which has survived in a continuous lineage for 2,000 years. Complex systems of astrology also developed in China and Mesoamerica, while all other human societies appear to seek social and religious meaning in the stars.’

The zodiac signs will find the love they are meant to have in due time. The wheel of fortune may bring you someone whom you desire, but what age you get married at, or if you decide to get married, is something that only you get to determine.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Researchers Reveal Why It’s Good to Pee In The Shower

It’s people like Debs Torr and Chris Dobson who make the world a better place. Mr.’s Torr and Dobson are students at the University of East Anglia (UEA) – a world-renowned research institution in Norwich, England. According to them, their plan will save about 720 million liters (187 gallons) of water every year. Their radical idea? Pee in the shower.

“We’ve done the math,” says Dobson, “and this project stands to have a phenomenal impact. With 15,000 students at UEA, over a year we would save enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool 26 times over.”

The name of their movement? ‘Go with the Flow.’ Something that many people appear to be doing: according to a survey by Angie’s List, about 80 percent of us tinkle in the tub.

It’s understandable as to why 20 percent of us are reluctant. Peeing where you rinse and repeat doesn’t sound very hygienic (it is!). Others worry about urine staining their shower space.

An article published in Business Insider explains why it’s “a-ok” to let it flow (albeit, in the ocean):

“Human urine is 95 percent water. It also contains sodium (Na) and chloride ions – these are the same components that make up regular table salt (NaCl).”

(Note: According to the American Chemical Society, urinating in an enclosed area, e.g., a pool, is potentially dangerous. This is due to a chemical reaction that takes place between urine and pool cleaning liquids. Also, people with urinary tract infection [UTI] should refrain as well.)

Now that we know peeing in the shower helps the planet, let’s talk about some other benefits.

Here are 7 other reasons why you should pee in the shower:

1. Cleanliness

It’s cleaner – or at least as clean – to pee in the shower as it is the toilet. While a communal shower may be considered off-limits for many, your own shower serves as a hygienic second option. When it comes right down to it, your pee is going to backsplash anyways – might as well do it where you can rinse it off.

2. Saves Money

If you’re like most of us, you pay a water bill. While probably not the most expensive utility, you’ll probably save a few bucks by going in the shower going a while.

Most manufactured toilets use between 1.5 to 3 gallons of water with every flush. Older toilets are even worse, using 5 to 7 gallons every time. Thus, you save water.

3. Hygiene

Women have to use toilet paper every time they hit the john. By taking a tinkle in the shower, you don’t have to wipe, only rinse. Besides saving time and money, it’s more hygienic for females.

4. It prevents and kills fungus

The United States Army instructs soldiers to urinate on their feet when out in the field. Why? Because urine is a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal treatment. Urine is also a good antiseptic – and urinating on a wound can help disinfect it; a practice that goes back to ancient times.

5. It’s a time saver

Okay, so you’re probably not gonna save a whole lot of time – but in the morning, every minute counts. Not much else to say except you’ll be killing two birds with one stone. Who knows, maybe you’ll have enough time to down another cup of java (would that be defeating the purpose? Hmm … meh.)

6. It feels good

Oh, and peeing in the shower feels good. The warm water from the shower relaxes your bowels and urinary tract enough to make the experience pleasurable.

7. Because you can

Yeah! It’s your shower, after all (we hope.) Give that inner rebel of yours a reason to get fired up by doing something that “society” considers “unclean.” You can gain an extra bit of satisfaction knowing that the traitors who rail against shower pee are probably doing it too.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
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