If you’re like me who has been practising Pilates for quite some time now, there comes a point when you begin asking yourself how else you can improve on the various moves that this exercise and fitness system has to offer. You’d be glad to know that there are now platforms that can substantially improve the way we reap the many benefits of Pilates. Known as reformer machines, these contraptions can amplify the benefits we obtain from our classic Pilates moves. But, just how can a reformer machine help you?

Great for Strength Training

Not many people realise that Pilates can be a great regimen for strength training. But you can only achieve this if you use the right Pilates reformer machine. In selecting a Pilates reformer machine for such a purpose, you’d definitely want to get a machine that has resistance components. These can come in the form of resistance bands, tension cables or springs, and even weights.

The thing to understand about Pilates reformer machines is that they come with a movable platform which can be connected to a number of resistance mechanisms. While lying on the platform you can push with your feet to move the platform relative to a footboard. The springs or tension cables connecting the platform to the frame of the machine will try to prevent you from moving. As such, you will have to exert with all your might. Other systems also come with weights or even resistance bands for you to pull with your arms.

In both systems, you are strengthening the muscles of your legs and arms. And if you observe the principles of Pilates moves, you can also easily strengthen your core muscles. You can do these with a conventional Pilates mat or other contraptions, but the addition of resistance systems in a reformer machine enhances it.

Improves Range of Motion

One of the obvious benefits of Pilates is an improvement in joint range of motion which can easily translate to increased flexibility. When a Pilates reformer machine is used, the flexibility of the joints is further increased because of the addition of resistance systems.

It’s like the machine is inviting, encouraging you to work not only your muscles but also your joints. With the unique placement of the various reformer components, your limbs can be extended and maintained in a given position for a much longer time. If you use conventional Pilates equipment or devices, you may not be able to maintain the near-perfect alignment of the various tissues.

Stabilises the Core Muscles

The fundamental aim of Pilates exercises is the stabilisation and strengthening of the core muscles. I didn’t get this the first time I was practising Pilates, but now I understand. And when you use a reformer machine, the stabilisation of the core muscles can be further enhanced.

Again, the trick here is in the addition of resistance systems. You might think that putting the resistance at the lowest possible setting will be a lot friendlier to the core muscles. I found out that it does the opposite. Instead of your core muscles relaxing because of the lower levels of resistance where these muscles have to work against, the machine will try to disturb your balance. This effectively makes you want to control your balance by engaging more of your core muscles.

Believe me, it’s not easy trying to balance your body when something is trying to disrupt such a delicate balance.

Pilates reformer machines are ideal for those who want to up the ante of their Pilates moves. It stabilises the core, strengthens the muscles, and improves flexibility far better than conventional Pilates equipment.

Life can really be complicated and difficult. With the pressures of career and city living, you just get to a point when everything feels like it’s too much. Even when I strove for balance by going out with friends and having some alone time, I felt like it was not enough. 

A friend invited me to join her for a relaxing meditation class in Melbourne western suburbs. Curious, I decided to come and see how it can help me with my stress levels. I wanted a solution that not just dealt with the physical manifestations of the pressures of life, but at the same time, give me peace of mind. 

My purpose was not just to really quiet me from inside, and hopefully, that will help me better cope with what life throws our way. After all, there is really no way to completely run away from reality and hide from anything that can cause stress.

It has now been many weeks since my first meditation class, and I have really found the solution I had been desperate for. Taking the time to be quiet and still, clearing my mind of all thoughts, has really helped me find a balance. In three simple stages, I get to really detach from the stress of life and find a peaceful place. 

The first important stage of meditation is proper breathing. The key is to do it slowly and as quietly as possible. Once you have mastered this, it can help develop the power of concentration.

Concentration is the second stage. Especially in this day and age, it is difficult to really detach yourself from pressures of work, negative thoughts and emotions. But when you learn to concentrate, you are able to ignore these. You can focus your attention on one thing without being distracted.

The last stage is meditation, where you are completely at peace, silent and able to really pull yourself away from external things. This is the end goal of meditating for relaxation.

Although it might seem vague now, imagine being able to really separate yourself from stress. After all, most of the day you are bombarded by e-mails, deadlines, bosses, clients, sad news and all other things that actually weigh you down and affect your emotions. After mastering meditation, you will realize how much stiller and more tranquil you feel deep down inside.

If you are looking to try it, here are some tips for beginners:

1. Participate in Group Meditation First

In the beginning, you will need the support of a guide. Joining a group can also help you get inspired and connect with other individuals on the same journey. It can eventually support your individual meditation when you eventually try it out yourself. In my experience, it helped me understand the main principles of meditation when I connected with other people. 

2. Use Some Incense

The smell of incense will purify the air that you will be breathing in. At the same time, it creates an inspiring atmosphere that allows the body and mind to stay calm and still.

3. Keep Your Spine Straight

When meditating, keep your spine straight and your body relaxed. Most importantly, try to be comfortable. However, do not lie down because you might fall asleep.

4. Do Some Exercise Beforehand

If you feel a little restless before meditation, you can do some yoga exercises to help you relax and calm down. Or, you can also perform some breathing and stretching exercises.

5. Try to Keep Your Eyes Open

If you are having trouble in the beginning, do not meditate with your eyes closed. You can choose an inanimate object to concentrate on the entire time. This way, you can improve your focus as well.

6. Meditate Early in the Morning

This is the best time to do it, to be able to start your day right. For a beginner, try meditating for 15 to 20 minutes. Later on, you can do it for as long as you can concentrate.

7. Choose the Right Music

The right kind will elevate your consciousness and create a positive environment for meditation. This can also help you tune out external noises that might distract you.

8. Eat Afterwards

Meditating is easiest when you do it on an empty stomach, or at least two hours after your last meal. 

Meditation for relaxation has been key for me to survive the pressures of life, especially if you are in a demanding job. Being able to find balance has helped me become happier and even healthier. I could sleep better and felt less tension, this is why I decided to incorporate it into my weekly routine. So if you are feeling overwhelmed with life like I was, then go and sign up for a class right now!

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by the body’s failure to effectively utilize glucose for a variety of physiologic processes. For some individuals, they may have an inherently defective insulin mechanism where the body is simply not producing enough insulin to move glucose molecules from the blood and into the cells. In many other individuals, especially those towards their middle ages, diabetes is more a condition whereby the body’s insulin may be affected by other factors that severely undermines its ability to move glucose. For example, if the body produces sufficient amounts of insulin but has lost its ability to use insulin effectively, then the body is said to be in a state of insulin resistance. And this is what causes glucose to build up in the blood leading to a pre-diabetic state.

The relationship between diabetes and exercise is based on the physiology of glucose utilization. Cells need glucose primarily for energy. Studies show that sedentary lifestyle and faulty eating habits lead to obesity which is a major determinant in the development of insulin resistance. It is for this reason that, while hypoglycaemic medications can help reduce blood glucose, getting regular exercise and eating sensibly remain the cornerstone of diabetic management.

Physical exercise help burn fat to reduce the impact of insulin resistance. The more body fat that is lost, the better it is for insulin to perform its function. Furthermore, exercise can help reduce the stress which many diabetics have because of their condition. Cortisol, a major stress hormone, effectively blocks the production of insulin in an attempt to force the body to use glucose as fuel necessary for the fight or flight response during stress. Cortisol also has a constricting effect on blood vessels restricting the more efficient flow of blood. Diabetics who are in extreme stress are therefore, more vulnerable to the damaging effects of chronic hyperglycaemia. It is for this reason that exercise is needed to help bring about a more balanced sense of wellbeing and to mitigate the effects of stress.

One does not need to hit the gym in order to perform exercises. Any activity that can make you feel good about yourself and help you burn calories and lose weight are considered good for a diabetic. This means that you don’t have to really restrict your physical activity to those exercises in the gym. Here are some physical activities and exercises that are considered safe and effective even for diabetics who are already in their 40s and beyond.

• Walking or jogging – Definitely one of the most practical ways to stay fit, keep your heart rate slightly elevated, and burn calories. Just make sure that you wear the correct shoes to mitigate the impact to your feet. One of the major issues of diabetics is the occurrence of problems in the feet. You need to make sure that you are not putting too much pressure on your feet.

• Swimming – For diabetic individuals who may have serious weight issues, swimming is an excellent choice. The buoyant force of the water effectively minimizes the effect of gravity on body weight. Since the body is suspended in water, moving the different limbs can eliminate the impact on joints as well as the feet.

• Water aerobics – For a more vigorous swimming activity, water aerobics will be a great way to stay really focused in burning those calories in a very efficient way. Aerobics in the water provides additional resistance training as the body attempts to move against the volume of water. This is something that is missing in an aerobic exercise in the gym.

• Cycling – Whether it is a bicycle or a stationary or exercise bike, cycling is a fun way to help manage your diabetes. While the focus is on the leg muscles, it nevertheless helps in speeding the heart rate to develop cardiovascular endurance as well as improved muscle tone. Improving muscle tone can help in the more efficient burning of calories to help you regain control of your insulin functioning.

• Tai Chi – While this may not really be considered a physical exercise in the strictest form, it does provide you an opportunity to be mindful of body movements. The goal is for you to manage your stresses, feel more relaxed and calm, and be able to mitigate the negative effects of cortisol on insulin functioning.

• Dancing – You don’t have to dance the Zumba to gain control over your diabetes. Any moderate to high intensity dance can help you burn those calories while at the same time having fun. You are addressing both the stress component of your diabetes and the insulin resistance of your body.

There are other exercises that you can do if you are diabetic. The important thing to remember is to combine physical activity and good diet and you should do well in your diabetes management.

Diabetes is among the deadliest diseases in the world and more people are developing this condition yearly. The increasing number of cases is only a part of the disturbing facts about diabetes. A lot of the youth are having diabetes and this is very alarming. This shows that the disease does not choose what age, race, and gender of a person is before it attacks.

Food and Diabetes

It is a fact that the basic cause of diabetes is choosing the wrong kinds of foods in the diet. The simplest way, therefore, in combating diabetes is by making changes in what you feed your body.

The American Diabetes Association identified several food groups that give the most health benefits and this includes prevention of diabetes.

1. Fiber- Rich Foods. A high fiber diet means inclusion of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and seeds. Not only do they make you feel full faster, they will also take those nasty oils and fats that accumulate in the bloodstream and eliminate them from the body. Fibrous foods can improve blood sugar control, lower the chances of having all sorts of heart diseases, plus make you lose weight by helping you not to overeat.

2. Leafy Greens. Vegetables that come in a bright green hues means only one thing. They are laden with so many nutrients that are important in lowering the risk of getting diabetes. Experts have reported on the significance of green vegetables in the diet as they are associated with lowering HbA1c levels, one of the parameters used in determining diabetes.

3. Non- Green Vegetables. Aside from the leafy greens, there are also vegetables that are full of nutrients despite being multi- colored. These are those non- starchy vegetables that are also proven good for diabetes prevention. Mushroom, eggplant, garlic, peppers, and onions are just some examples.

4. Fresh Fruits. A good dose of fiber and nutrients won’t hurt, especially with those who want to avoid diabetes. Fruits are better alternative to sweet desserts so the risk is reduced further. There are even fruits like orange, melon, kiwi, and berries that have less sugar than others so glycemic effects will be minimized.

5. Sprinkling some spice on your favorite food could help deter diabetes. Spices and herbs are rich with anti- oxidants that prevent some conditions that are associated with diabetes. Cloves and cinnamon will add more flavors, but will not increase blood sugar.

6. Beans as Carbohydrates. Foods that are rich with carbohydrates are equal to consuming large amounts of sugar. With beans, carbohydrate is balanced with moderate protein and a lot of fiber. This means that the calorie content is reduced and less sugar is added on the blood. Diabetes can be avoided, but beans also serve as a great protection against colon cancer.

7. Seeds and Nuts. For people who struggle with losing weight, a healthy serving of nuts and seeds may help. Seeds from pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower, plus macadamias, hazelnuts, pecans, and almonds are better choices than chips and other unhealthy snacks. They will also lower the chance of having insulin resistance which is a predisposing factor of diabetes.

8. Healthy Protein. Most protein- rich meat in the market is laden with bad fat. There are healthy kinds of protein like salmon, sardines, and other kinds of fish that are rich with Omega- 3. Prawns and scallops too have this kind of healthy oil. For poultry, those that are organic or were fed with grass instead of feeds are the best.

9. Green tea. Diabetics can drink coffee (no sugar). Although green tea has some amounts of caffeine, it can be tolerated and it has both detoxifying and antioxidant properties which are good for cleansing the body of everything bad including excess sugar.

10. Some people love to munch on dried seaweed snacks. This is pretty good considering that seaweeds like nori, kombu, and wakami all contain minerals, protein, as well as healing compounds.

Once you are inflicted with diabetes, you suffer for the rest of your life. A lot of those who have it often regret their food choices prior to the condition. They relied on meat and unhealthy carbohydrate as their main source of energy. They got weak in the process and got diabetes in return. Worst is that diabetes is only the start. Pretty soon complications like heart ailments and kidney disease follow and managing the aftermath is made even harder.

This is why it is important to have some precautions that will lessen your chance of having it. Controlling what you eat can do wonders to your body, especially with maintaining a normal blood sugar. Giving your body superior nutrition is better than taking diabetes medication. Life expectancy will be improved, and a high quality of health is assured when you choose the right foods that defy diabetes.