Friday, April 25, 2014

Fitness Friday - Pump Up the V

Walking, running, doing yoga or working out while listening to music is a great way to get into a groove. Don't feel like you have to download Lady Gaga because her tunes are supposed to pump you up—go with any music that you find uplifting.




CLICK HERE to see a list of work out tunes compiled by Women's Health Magazine.


Numerous studies and experiments have found that music not only increases a person’s motivation during a workout, but also helps to enhance strength, endurance, and motor coordination. On days where you’re just not feeling it, the right tunes can help carry you to the finish line with their ability to distract you from fatigue while simultaneously charging your heart and other muscles. 

An Ohio State University study found that those who listened to music while walking did four more miles on average than subjects going tune-free. The distraction music provides allows people to focus on things other than the arduous physical task they’re performing. In London, an annual half-marathon called “Race to the Beat” takes this message to heart by playing invigorating music throughout the route to motivate runners to go the distance.

It’s undeniable that the benefits of music are powerful, but are some types of songs more advantageous than others when it comes to working out? Movie star Hugh Jackman thinks so, and he credits the music of Metallica and Godsmack for helping him to pack on muscle for his Wolverine character in X-Men. On contactmusic.com, Jackman admits he cranks up his favorite heavy metal tunes to give him that extra adrenaline rush for a “bitch of a workout.”

Okay...who wants to be Hugh's workout partner?
I'd like to see a raise of hands please.



Thursday, April 24, 2014

Thirsty Thursday - Porch Crawler

Spring is the time for yard work. Spending time outside works up a thirst. When it's time to sit on your porch to admire a day's worth of chores, try this tasty punch-like adult beverage.


PORCH CRAWLER
Ingredients
·         5 cherries, pitted
·         1 cherry, for garnish
·         3 leaves mint
·         1 sprig(s) mint, for garnish
·         1 hot chile, such as serrano, halved and seeded
·         Ice
·         2 ounce(s) white rum
·         1 ounce(s) fresh lemon juice
·         1 ounce(s) Basic Simple Syrup
·         2 ounce(s) chilled club soda

Basic Simple Syrup Directions
Simple syrup is used to make lemonade, various cocktails and for other liquids that need sweetening.
  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the 5 pitted cherries, mint leaves, and chile. Add ice and the rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup; shake well. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, stir in the club soda, and garnish with a cherry and a mint sprig.
Ingredients
·         1 cup(s) sugar
·         1 cup(s) water

Directions
  1. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil; simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

Tips & Techniques
Make Ahead: The syrup can be refrigerated in a glass jar for up to 1 month.



Wednesday, April 23, 2014

HumpDay Hottie

I need some coffee to get  me going in the morning. How about you?