Steam Room Benefits

Lately I have been going to the steam room after every workout for 15-20 minutes. I love the way it has been making me feel. Here are some of the benefits:

Benefits of steam bathing is that it has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. The pulse rate increases from 75 beats per minute (average) to between 100 - 150 beats per minute during a 15 - 20 minute session. This increases blood circulation but not blood pressure, since the heat causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to expand, accommodating the increased blood flow.
Steam bathing and thus steam inhalation is an effective treatment in respiratory conditions and is highly recommended for the treatment of the common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies and asthma.
 
1. Steam relieves inflammation and congestion of the upper respiratory membranes.
2. Steam relieves throat irritation by moistening the air.
3. Steam relieves spasmodic breathing (asthma, croup).
4. Steam loosens secretions and stimulates discharges of mucous from the throat and lungs.
5. Steam relaxes muscles and relieves coughing.
6. Steam keeps the mucous membranes from excessive drying.

I Love the Sauna After A Workout

My favorite thing to do, is the end a workout with the steam room or the sauna. i always leave feeling to relaxed. Here is a little info i found on the benefits of the sauna


Lose Weight in the Sauna!
Another one of the lesser known health benefits of saunas is that you can use this relaxing, stress-relieving time to lose weight! We all know that stress is one of the causes of overeating and studies have shown that by bathing for longer sessions (30 minutes or more), you can burn up to 500 calories, which is about what you would burn on a 3-mile run.

Saunas flush toxins.
Deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemical - which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments.

Saunas relax muscles and soothe aches/pains in both muscles and joints.
Under the high heat provided by a sauna, the body releases endorphins. Endorphins can have a mild, enjoyable "tranquilizing effect" and the ability to minimize the pain of arthritis and muscle soreness other from, say, an intense physical workout.

Saunas relieve stress.
Sauna bathers most frequently cite stress reduction as the number one benefit of sauna use

Sauna cleanses the skin.
Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use.

Saunas improve cardiovascular performance
With regular sauna useage, we not only train our heart muscles and improve the heart rate/cardiac output, but we also help the body's regulatory system.

Saunas can help fight illness.
German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam (in the case of traditional saunas), it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses.In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from from colds or allergies - especially when used with steam (tip: add eucalyptus to the water for added benefit and overall enjoyment). The steam vapor action helps to clear up unwanted congestion and is a wonderful aspect of the Finnish sauna experience.

My Relaxed Hair, You Asked

 

I remember thinking my hair was healthy and that i was taking good care of it. These were my curls when i was relaxed..OMG. I would see other ladies with BIG CURLY hair and wish for that.. Who would have known that i was hiding that same hair.. I also remember having tons of breakage on my white shirts.lol.  My friends would always ask if i just cut my hair..hahaha That was my hair growing and breaking off. The worst of all......is the way i would straighten my hair..... I would wash, Blow Dry, Press, and Flat Iron... Now just thinking of it makes me wanna cry....

Sharing Its Thursday

Curly Girl Meet Ups

I have been to 2 Curly Girl Meet Ups in the last few weeks... The amount of fun we had was NOT captured in these photos.. But here they go anyways...

My 2 Strand Twist

One Of My Loves..Spinning Class!

So one of my favorite things to do in the gym is a 60 Min Spin/Cycling Class. Why? Because i see results quickly.. And summer is around the corner and I need to drop 10 pounds. I do find it hard to get friends and family to join me...

Spinning is an indoor cycling class held in group fitness centers and health clubs all over the world. Spinning is not only a popular aerobic exercise, but also a great way to lose weight and improve your health. Benefits of spinning include decreased body fat, increased cardiovascular and muscle tone, and decreased levels of stress.

 Muscle Endurance

Muscle endurance is characterized by doing consecutive muscle contractions for a long period of time. When you use a spin bike at a moderate intensity, you can increase the muscle endurance in your legs.

Strength

Working out on a spin bike utilizes a lot of muscles. The glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves and even abs are all targeted. Working out on the bike can help tone and strengthen these areas, especially if you turn the resistance up high so you have to stand to pedal.

Non-impact

People who have joint issues should not place too much downward force on their legs, because it can exacerbate their condition. Spin bikes are used in a seated position with no force coming down on the joints, making it a safe, non-impact exercise

Posture

Having bad posture can lead to muscle imbalances and slouching. When you work out on the spin bike, you need to engage muscles in the hips, trunk and shoulders to stabilize your body. This will improve your posture and your balance at the same time.

A Complete Workout
A 30-minute class can burn as many as 500 calories, according to My Fit. It also helps build your stamina, improve overall strength and increase endurance. Because spinning bikes can be adjusted to provide more or less resistance, you can choose a level with which you’re comfortable. Heavier resistance also means you will be providing your lower body and even your abdominal region with an effective workout. My Fit says spinning classes help you lose inches, shape your body, tone muscles and burn fat.

It's More Fun

Working in a group makes you accountable for your progress, as chances are you don’t want to be the one who falls behind week after week. Having an instructor makes it easier to follow a program, keeps you motivated and forces you to maintain a steady pace. A spinning class is also a lot more fun than sitting on a stationary bike, as you have music, the encouragement of your instructor and a variety of pacing and exercise to keep you interested.


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/396247-spinning-class-and-weight-loss/#ixzz1GXVTHKQM

Steam Room "Detoxifying The Body"

Lately I have been going to the steam room after every workout for 15-20 minutes.  I love the way it has been making me feel. Here are some of the benefits:
Benefits of steam bathing is that it has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. The pulse rate increases from 75 beats per minute (average) to between 100 - 150 beats per minute during a 15 - 20 minute session. This increases blood circulation but not blood pressure, since the heat causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to expand, accommodating the increased blood flow.
Steam bathing and thus steam inhalation is an effective treatment in respiratory conditions and is highly recommended for the treatment of the common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies and asthma.

1. Steam relieves inflammation and congestion of the upper respiratory membranes.
2. Steam relieves throat irritation by moistening the air.
3. Steam relieves spasmodic breathing (asthma, croup).
4. Steam loosens secretions and stimulates discharges of mucous from the throat and lungs.
5. Steam relaxes muscles and relieves coughing.
6. Steam keeps the mucous membranes from excessive drying.

If you are like me and dont have a hair Steamer.....The steam room in the gym will do... I add conditioner to my hair and just sit...hahaha

My Hair Wish List

 I have a list of things i cant wait to get my hands on....... Here is my hair Wish List.. 

Huetiful Hair Steamer

Maxiglide Flat Iron

Soft Bonnet Hood Hair Dryer

 

 

 

Microwavable Thermal Conditioning Heat Cap

 

 

 

Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries

 

 

 

Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment

 

 

 

The Loc Soc



The Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

I make a smoothie every morning for my breakfast, which includes: Orange Juice, Fresh Spinach, Carrots, Frozen Pineapples, Mango's, Banana and Strawberries... which Grounded flax seeds. I am normally full for the next few hours, then I have breakfast.

                                            

 

Some of the potential health benefits of flax seeds that have been reported:

 

Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.

Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75- 800 times more lignans than other plant foods

Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types

• Lowered blood cholesterol levels
• Lowered high blood pressure
• Increased energy, vitality, and stamina
• Increased sense of calmness under stress
• Reduced threat of blood clots
• Protection against cancers, particularly hormone sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate
• Better regulation of blood sugar levels
• Eases inflammatory tissue conditions, including arthritis
• Alleviation of dry skin, eczema and psoriasis
• Enhanced immune system
• Increased metabolic rate with a positive impact on weight management
• Helps with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Natural laxative
• And the list goes on

Brittany's Transitioning Story

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My Off Day

So I'm not a Mother yet, but I am a PROUD God Mother of my little Cousins.... These kids are my world and they get almost whatever they want....lol.  We spend the day at the Library and doing a little shopping...

This is how i started the day after the gym

 This is how the day ended.