The Bayou Fitness DLX Total Trainer series is routinely praised for its superior upper and lower body work. While this aspect of Total Trainers is widely known, what often goes unheralded is the highly effective core work made possible by the sit-up cuff strap attachment. The addition of ab work to the Total Trainer’s offerings only makes it an even more valuable home gym component, melding with its penchant for saving space by consolidating some of the best fitness regimens into a single piece of equipment.  Its ergonomic construction lets users place emphasis on smooth and precise movements, engendering targeted workouts even better than those which would occur on individual machines designed for that sole purpose. This convenience makes the DLX Total Trainer a prime investment for those seeking to tone an array of muscles through a diverse exercise selection. The inclusion of attachments like the sit-up cuff strap only enhances the formidable fitness horizons that the Total Trainer places within the grasp of each of its users.

Utilizing this sit-up attachment ensures your midsection gets in on the action, letting it participate in the overwhelming improvement experienced by the rest of the body courtesy of this equipment’s sterling functionality. No longer will you need a standalone ab bench: the DLX Total Trainer’s glide board acts as a more than capable substitute as sit-ups are churned out at angle of your choosing. Challenging or a breeze, a steep incline or an ever so slight angle: the difficulty or ease of ab work can be fashioned as you see fit.

This ability to adjust the difficulty level is one of the equipment’s most attractive attributes, making for greater personalization potential while doing sit-ups with the cuff strap properly attached. The option is yours to make the exercises tougher by adjusting the glide board’s angle if sit-ups on the Total Trainer are requiring only a minimal expenditure of effort.

Sit-ups are performed while the back rests on the glide board and feet are fastened  with the Velcro sit-up cuff strap. It wraps around the ankles and tightens to hold them in place, allowing the upper body to be bent so you can go about sculpting abs into their finest shape to date. You will be facing the opposite direction that positioning for squats requires. The glide board provides welcome support for the back as a sit-up routine is navigated through, rendering arcane the worry about aches which naturally stem from doing sit ups on a mercilessly hard gym floor.

No longer will a sore back and lingering stiffness greet you with the conclusion of each round of ab work; these are avoidable and not a necessary side effect of sit up repetitions. They are merely the natural outcomes of doing crunches on the floor and, though those unfamiliar with the Total Trainer or sit-up cuff strap might find it a stretch to believe, are not prerequisites to acquiring washboard abs. Quality ab work can if fact be done on a surface that keeps the back comfortable. This attachment will let you consistently churn out sits-ups on the same glide board that makes possible so many of the other gravity resistance exercises enjoyed by Total Trainer users. Core work is a linchpin of Total Trainers that needs to be taken advantage of in order to unleash the maximum potential of these machines.

“Good mornings.” The name of these workouts conjures up images of an exercise done to get the juices flowing as we wipe the sleep from our eyes immediately after stepping out of bed. Though it is true they may be done during this inaugural portion of the day, their name is derived from the distinct motion required to properly complete them.

Good morning exercises are done while a barbell rests on your shoulders. You will bend at the hips during this exercise, and you need to keep the back a slight arch in the back, being careful to keep your head facing forward and looking straight ahead during this exercise’s entirety. Bring the upper body back to the beginning position once your torso is parallel to the floor. If unable to bend this far, just lean forward as far as you can go; don’t worry, some additional hamstring work will help your flexibility. The lower back is worked as you lean forward, and your technique should consist of controlled movements without excessive bending at the knees.

The posture of your body during the initial phase of this workout will resemble the beginning of a squat workout: barbell resting on your upper back next to the shoulders, head up and facing forward, feet spaced shoulder width apart. If lifting it from the floor proves a hassle or strain on the back, you may even use a squat rack to assist in mounting the barbell onto the back. As with squats, start out with a lower weight until you have mastered the correct form for good mornings.

This exercise is designed to strengthen several muscles, with much of the work falling on the hamstrings; an increase in the strength and flexibility of hamstrings is a hallmark of good morning exercises. Good mornings recruit the Erector Spinae as a stabilizer, making this unconventional exercise a great option for those looking to strengthen the back. It is noted for providing a solid workout of the body’s posterior chain. Glutes and abs will also receive added toned courtesy of Good Morning workouts.

Interestingly, the name of this exercise actually stems from the resemblance it bears to acknowledging someone’s presence, essentially bowing to them as a way of wishing them “good morning.” If you would like to vary them up, seated good mornings may be done while sitting on a weight bench. It may also be performed using a Smith machine by leaning forward at the hips instead of squatting down; this could be beneficial while you work on perfecting form and learning this valuable exercise.

Those concerned with sustaining an injury from the constant pounding of feet on concrete or a treadmill track will often opt for an elliptical trainer. They have considerable appeal to seniors who seek to avoid the stress on joints caused by jogging and running, while those with arthritis will discover that the unbroken connection with the pedals goes easier on joints. Ellipticals are also beneficial to those still recovering from ankle or leg injuries who still want some form of cardio training.

Equipped with handlebars that allow users to engage both upper and lower bodies in their workouts, ellipticals allow for a great integration of exercises not readily available from other machines. Standing upright, feet are placed on foot pads that mimic the movements involved in walking or cross country skiing. Not having to take your feetoff the pedals during the course of exercise allows for a very smooth range of motion, letting you complete pulse-quickening exercise while not feeling as if your workouts are unduly rigorous. They enable superb cardio and aerobic exercise while simultaneously allowing for  heart rate tracking and the number of calories shed. You can programthe difficulty level of your workout to provide an option between easier or more intense sessions, and the machine will cease moving as you do; this merely magnifies the safe nature of their usage. Beginners need to build up their endurance level before going full bore into a strenuous regimen as it can take quite a bit out of you.

Those who want bulkier and larger muscles cannot rely on elliptical machines to reach this end goal. While they can do wonders for targeting flabby arms, it needs to be noted that this equipment’s objective is not to increase muscle thickness. Strength training was never intended to be the end of goal of elliptical training. Weight loss? Yes. Whittling away unwanted body fat? Sure. Shapelier calves and thighs? Definitely. The emergence of bulging muscles? Mmm…Not so much. They are certainly not the motivating factor for engaging in exercises with an elliptical.

Elliptical machines, occasionally referenced as “cross trainers”, come in three different designs; rear drive ellipticals, front drive ellipticals, and the newcomers to this workout mini-revolution known as center drive ellipticals. The difference between these designs is the location of their axel; the center of your weight will be focused on the rear, center, or front depending on the type of machine employed. Rear drive ellipticals have more in common with walking motions, while those that are front drive geared will more resemble a Stair climber routine. It is interesting to note that these variations had their origination in a patent dispute; consideration of the practicality of these machines were actually not the motivating factor behind their creation.

This form of workout appears to be continuing its respectable growth as more people realize just how much of a boost is provided for cardio and muscle toning exercise regimens. A low impact substitute for treadmills is pulling some in the direction of Elliptical training.

As piddling as Apps like “Paper Toss” seem to the average person, some actually supply their users with the means to actively engage their brains and others promote genuine healthy living. This productive development during the growth stage of Apps has allowed them to become compatible with workout routines, giving a clear example of the extent to which entertainment and fitness have become blended. Using certain applications with the I Phone allow you to track everything from how many steps you have taken on your jog to the number of calories burned. Nearly 4,000 apps exist in the fitness arena alone, giving people tremendous flexibility in choosing one that fits their exercise and diet tastes.

Applications like the “Restaurant Nutrition App” and “Calorie Counter” exist solely for the benefit of those who want to keep a laser like focus on the content of what they are ingesting during meals. These applications make it easier for you to track how many calories you are taking in daily; if you are dining at a restaurant that does not display the nutritional content of its food, then the applications allow you to calculate the caloric impact of each meal. The “Calorie Counter” application gives you the ability to balance the calories you are burning during exercise against what you are taking in during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Losing weight will become an easier task to undertake with this simpler method of keeping precise track of calories. It also gives an incentive for you to hold yourself accountable to your weight loss objectives; excuses no longer exist for ignorance when it comes to what comprises the food you are consuming. You can even keep a journal with this App, making sure all the T’s are crossed and I’s dotted in your attempts to reform or at least restrain you eating habits.

One application that has gained a niche following with the market segment that enjoys walking, jogging, or running on a consistent basis is the “Run Star” app. It is available for the Droid and is a godsend anyone who avidly follows their cardio routine, allowing you to keep detailed track of the progression toward your cardio goals. While it is in the same business as the “Calorie Counter” when it comes to shedding unwanted poundage, this application contributes to the other side of the ledger, letting you accurately follow what you are expending as opposed to taking in. Each step is cataloged during your brisk walks or full sprints through the neighborhood; while treadmills perform a similar task, this lets you possess the same ability to keep relevant data on the exact distance you are covering without being confined to one piece of equipment for an extended period of time. Your day to day accomplishments are placed in an easy to read chart format so you track your improvement in running times to the millisecond.

The “Cardio Trainer” app is a close cousin of “Run Star.” It allows you to race against your former times and keep a close watch on the distance you are covering during your runs. The line of applications offered that chart workout progress is continuing to increase alongside the robust expansion of health Apps as a whole. Certainly the continual growth in popularity of Apps such as “Cardio Trainer” and “Run Star” bodes positively for the future, demonstrating that there is still a market for productive workout regimens.

Enroll In The Barry Method Certification Program Today!

Maximize Yoga Benefits with Innovative Techniques

With obesity and related healthcare costs skyrocketing, there is a strong need in the marketplace to help others lose weight and become fit. The Barry Method™ Instructor Certification Program (link) provides you with an opportunity to combine your interest in fitness with an innovative program that allows you to make money and help others live healthier lives.

The Barry Method uses yoga, Pilates, and Muscle Memory Contact™ (a process of repairing and restoring the neurological connections—mind to the muscle—to enhance physical functioning) and the Total Trainer® gravity system to isolate and heal troubled muscles.  As an outcome, you and your client are guaranteed to experience a more powerful isometric conditioning, deeper stretching, accurate alignment, and healthier muscle tone in every session.  You’ve never tried anything like this before!

This revolutionary fitness program can be used with children, adolescents and adults as a powerful fitness regimen, or as an effective therapy.  Results can be seen in as few as one or two sessions.

“I truly enjoy teaching the Barry Method with the Total Trainer.  The flexibility of the Barry Method to adapt to many different client needs makes it especially rewarding.  Watching as a client develops muscle memory in an area that was very weak is an amazing experience.  The client is excited and I am too!”

~ Jody, Certified Barry Method Instructor.

Benefits Participants In The Certification Program

To be certified, all you need is the passion to feel great and a desire to help others feel the same!  If you are a fitness or rehab specialist, we can help you acquire new and innovative skills that can render more successful results in your practice, providing an excellent source of new revenue for you and your business.

For those who are new to fitness training, we can help you develop your own business with a wealth of opportunity to help others, along with the personal satisfaction helping others brings.

We are with you every step of the way!  We have a team of qualified teachers that are waiting to train and help you live your dream as a fitness or rehab trainer.

Learn from the experts, owners and founders of the Barry Method, Dr. Philip E. Barry and Colette Barry M.T., ERYT, and our group of Certified Physical Therapists and experienced Certified Barry Method Instructors.

Accreditation

The value of this program has been acknowledged and accredited by the following organizations: The Aerobics Fitness Association of America and The National Academy of Sports Medicine.  We also provide CEU credits for both online and local classes.

“Class was amazing! Everyone had so much fun and signed up for more! My Sunday and the rest of this month is full!  Time to add another class. Thank you for everything. I’m so overly happy” -Brie, Barry Method Instructor

How to Become Certified

Virtual Online and/or local classes are available. Check our website for details on our schedule and locations. If The Barry Method isn’t in your city yet, it’ll be coming soon! Be the first to teach it. Take Advantage of this unique and beneficial opportunity now!

LIMITED TIME OFFER: (EXPIRES 12/31/2011) — Register Now!

For a limited time, the Bayou Fitness Total Trainer system is available at a reduced price to all who enroll before the deadline date.  The Total Trainer system is excellent for use with the Barry Method, granting one-of-a-kind, healing and phenomenal gravity resistance support.

The regular Barry Method Instructor Certification Class rate will be reduced for all who enroll six weeks prior to beginning training. Class size is limited for both virtual and local training, so Sign up now!

Certification Includes:

• One Total Trainer Pro Model Gravity System (shipping included).
• “Wall Yoga the Art of Centering” by Colette Barry, Co-founder of the Barry Method and owner of Yoga Trends.
• 70 page Barry Method Training Manual
• Bayou Fitness, Barry Method DVD
• Over 100 minutes of video clips demonstrating all the various moves of the Barry Method.
• 10 hours of clinical training with our Barry Method Instructors.
• 20 page manual on how to successfully run a Barry Method practice, written by our yoga, Barry Method, and Chiropractic Physicians—experts who have been in the practice for over 30 years combined!
• Interactive Power Point Presentation.
• Over 30 hours of assistance and support, both offline and online, to help you develop your skills and to help you establish a solid training foundation.

The Barry Method Certification provides an invaluable opportunity to help take your interest in fitness to the next level. Help others become healthier and stronger while simultaneously strengthening your business muscles. Be the first to bring this revolutionary program to your city. Sign up today!

The mineral known as cobalt is present in this vitamin; B12 is alternatively referred to as “cobalamin.” Because it is supplied through the diet primarily by consumption of meat, vegetarians need to be careful that they receive it by other means to ward off deficiency. Interestingly, though provided via animal-derived foods, B12 is actually produced by the microorganisms found in these foods. It is a water soluble vitamin, though unique from other vitamins in this department as well. Since the body is capable of storing several years’ worth of it, it is distinguished from other water soluble vitamins that need constant replenishment due to their inability to be kept in storage. Because of this, the full effects of B12 deficiency take longer to manifest than inadequate intake of other water soluble vitamins. Deficiency in this vitamin is more likely to crop up among the elderly population and those who have had some forms of stomach surgery.

It binds to protein, and the vitamin must first combine with a substance known as intrinsic factor in the stomach before its positive impact on the body can be felt. Intrinsic factor is crucial due to its partnership with B12, as absorption of Vitamin B12 is going to be adversely effected if the body fails to sufficiently produce it. We can gorge on all the B12 rich foods we want, but it will all be for naught if our bodies lack the means to properly utilize it. Pernicious anemia results when levels of this vitamin fall to low levels. Some of pernicious anemia’s symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite, but treatment of this condition is available by administration of Vitamin B12 injections.

Protecting us against the onslaught of anemia is one of the leading contributions made to our health by Vitamin B12. Receiving enough B12 through supplementation or diet (alongside proper intake of folic acid) keeps our homocysteine levels in check, which is a plus for cardio health. Additionally, metabolizing of proteins and fats is helped by B12.

B12 is great for maintaining our nerves’ optimal health, and it is able to do so by keeping the myelin sheath surrounding them strong. It assists in synthesizing DNA and RNA and is also good for raising energy levels, reducing the fatigue that can make everyday tasks a challenge. Pregnant mothers need to take the steps necessary to get enough of this vitamin.

Vitamin B12 helps red blood cells form in the body while contributing to a stronger nervous system. Neurological health is aided tremendously by the sufficient presence of Vitamin B12 in our system; it combats stress to give a boost to our mood. The mind’s capacity to recall information and ability to focus are enhanced when we emphasize getting the right amount of B12. The impairment of memory that can occur with long term neglect of B12 consumption mirrors the conditions seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

Cyanocobalamin is the B12 form that is most commonly found in supplements. The RDA of this vitamin for adults over the age of 14 is 2.4 mcg.  Clams (shellfish are a great source), beef, liver, and eggs are several foods that are able to provide this vital vitamin to the body.

Low in calories due to the large content of water that comprises it, watermelons are a great source of magnesium and potassium. Each of these play a role in keeping blood pressure in check, and having the presence of both in watermelon only makes the case for why we should never turn down an offer to indulge in a few slices.

You will also be digesting the antioxidant and carotenoid known as lycopene, which is responsible for the red coloring displayed by many of the fruits that supply it. Lycopene has anti-cancer potential and heart disease fighting properties when consumed in satisfactory amounts. It will guard against the free radicals in the body can have deleterious effects on long term health. Beta carotene is introduced to your system while these taste bud pleasing melons are eaten, helping int protect against macular degeneration’s onset.

Dicing up a watermelon and eating a cup full will give you an array of vitamins: vitamins B1, B6, A and C are all found in one (154 gram) serving of watermelon. In fact, a single serving will give you nearly 25% of the daily Vitamin C recommendation.

Watermelons have the opposite effect of many of the diuretic drinks so many of us routinely gulp down, helping those who consume it to stay sufficiently hydrated. Its ability to satiate our thirst and tack on minimal calories comes as no surprise when you consider that over 90% of it is made up of water. It contains an almost undetectable amount of sodium, which should be welcome news for anyone having bouts with high blood pressure.

A cup of watermelons contain 50 calories and zero grams of fat, signifying how the effects of this nutrient-filled snack can be repeatedly provided without the ensuing concern of weight gain. Unfortunately, there is only a minimal amount of fiber contained in watermelon; they also have roughly 9.5 grams of sugar in each serving. Although this is by no means an excessive amount of natural sugar, just be aware of this content if you keep a sharp on its presence in your diet. Calcium is also present, albeit in a limited amount.

Watermelons are in season during the summer months, which is also the time of the year these colorful fruits are most closely associated with.

Rest assured that watermelons are a fantastic choice then next time you are seeking an all around nourishing treat that will have excellent effects on the state of your health.

Ensuring proper hydration before engaging in any physical activity is a must. Drinking Gatorade can provide carbohydrates and electrolytes that are extremely useful during demanding work out routines, and of course water has no substitutes when it comes to properly hydrating one’s body. Maintaining proper fluids in our body is critical to getting the most out of your physical fitness endeavors.  It is ideal to drink anywhere between 16 to 20 ounces of water in the hour or two prior to the work out.  Continuing to drink during exercise is beneficial and will keep thirst quenched. It is a smart move to avoid gorging water right before the work out is underway; the feeling of hastily downed water sloshing around while on a bike ride is quite the unpleasant sensation.

Exercising on an empty stomach is unwise and should be avoided as a rule of thumb. The feelings of weakness that occur as a result of going too long without eating make an effective workout much more difficult to achieve.  However, it also bears keeping in mind that eating too soon before hitting the gym can cause stomach cramps and other deleterious side effects. It is ideal to eat snacks high in carbohydrates two hours before hitting the weights or treadmill. Having unsettled food in the stomach while on a jog is even less desirable than the aforementioned sloshing water.

Carbs provide your body with an excellent source of energy that proves highly beneficial by making work outs more productive. Examples of foods that provide sufficient carbohydrate intake are baked potatoes, oatmeal, rice, blueberry muffins, and white bread; 40 to 100 grams of these carbs are an ideal number to aim for.  Pastas are also a crucial component of a pre work out diet, providing a consistent source of carbs for a boost during repetitions or laps on the track. Energy gels and fresh fruits can be consumed within an hour before beginning the work out, but these are some of the few exceptions to eating within sixty minutes of undertaking strenuous activities.

Maintaining proper blood sugar levels during exercise is undermined by eating candy bars or other sugars prior to the work out. This is not beneficial despite appearing to be an ideal way to gain a quick rush of energy; lower blood sugar levels occur as a result of doing this. In addition to candy bars, fatty foods are not recommended eating before engaging in a work out.

Keeping a discerning eye on what is digested before a work out is an important aspect of maintaining maximum performance. Making sure that the food’s intake is well timed will ensure that boosts of energy kick in at just that right time. Consuming the correct foods and simultaneously avoiding eating too much is vital to getting the most out of time at the gym.  Finding the right balance can result in excellent outcomes for those who want to be in the best shape of their lives.

Though the sub-two hour marathon time has yet to materialize (at least as far as officially recorded times are concerned), there are some dazzling performances that have surpassed what the conventional wisdom had considered for decades as an improbability. The most recent marathon record to fall occurred in September 2008 with a dazzling performance on the part of Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie. He completed the 26.2 mile romp in 2 hours 3 minutes and 59 seconds, beating out his previous time of 2 hrs 4 minutes 26 seconds set the previous year. Quite an amazing time, made even all the more impressive when one considers that he kept a pace of 12.6 miles an hour over the course of the run.

The 2007 record set by Gebrselassie came in a race in which he surpassed the previous mark set by Kenyan Paul Tergat by 29 seconds. Kibet and Kwambia came within a whisker of breaking Gebrselassie’s record finish the year before while running the 2009 Rotterdam Marathon, coming up just 29 seconds short. Gebrselassie’s breaking of his own record came at the 2008 Berlin Marathon, and featured him maintaining a difficult to fathom 4 minute 44 second mile while blowing through the entirety of the race.

Currently, nine of the top ten marathon times by an individual not named Haile Gebrselassie were accomplished by Kenyans, with the lone exception being the Ethiopian Gebrselassie. Only ten runners, all of them men, have ever been recorded finishing a marathon in under 2 hours and 5 minutes., meaning the top ten finishers are all separated by less than one minute. The fastest finish by a U.S. citizen is 2:05:38, set by Moroccan born runner Khannouchi Khalid at the April 2002 London race. As of November 19, 2010, his time stands as the 25th best marathon time.

Interestingly, each of the top 20 times was accomplished by a a resident of either Kenya or Ethiopia. The top men’s time on American soil was Samuel Wanjiru’s 2:05:41, who hit this mark in Chicago on October 11, 2009. A testament to the improving marathon training methods appears to be reflected in the fact that 93 of the top 100 men’s times have been set since the year 2000, and all of the top 20 times have been set since 2003.

In the female category, the record was set in April 2003 by United Kingdom resident Paula Radcliffe, who completed 26.2 miles in a brisk 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds. Okay, brisk is certainly an understatement and is not the proper adjective to describe this feat; this falls more into the category of blazing than merely “brisk.”

Stunningly, Mrs. Radcliffe holds 4 of the top 10 finish times for females, including each of the top three times (2:15:25, 2:17:18, and 2:17:42, respectively.) The 36 year old Great Britain native holds the distinction of having the record female time for a marathon held in the United States, finishing the 2002 Chicago Marathon in 2:17:18 (her second best overall time and, by default, the second fastest finish in world history.) Kenyan Catherine N’dereba currently holds the 4th overall time at 2:18:47, giving her the second best finish after Radcliffe’s top three times. She accomplished this at the 2001 Chicago Marathon only to see it surpassed three times by Mrs. Radcliffe.

In contrast to the male’s times, only 2 of the top 10 female marathon times have been achieved by Kenyan nationals, with both of these belonging to N’dereba. Deena Kastor has the leading time among American females as well as the distinction of being the lone American woman to rank in the top ten all time finishes. She accomplished this during the London Marathon on April 23, 2006 in 2:19:36, which was good for the 9th best finish.

There is a bigger gap between the first and tenth place finishers in women’s times than there is with the men’s: 4 minutes and 39 seconds separate Radcliffe’s record time from the tenth place finisher. Each of the top ten women’s times have been set since 2001.

We will have to wait and see if the 2 hour barrier can be broken, but the steady increase in the time marathons have been completed in would indicate that we could be moving toward this watershed moment. Though it will certainly be a tall task, the quality of runners that have been setting impressive marks of late make it a thought that is at least plausible. One thing is for sure: if Haile Gebrselassie’s record time is beaten by four minutes, there will be no shortage of coverage trumpeting the fall of the 2 hour marathon finish.

What are some of the most important elements that help us complete a run spanning more than a few minutes? Excellent stamina and the ability to keep our wind while in motion seem to be the first that come to mind. Being able to breathe properly and supply sufficient oxygen to the lungs, while critical parts of a running regimen, just so happen to be the aspects of health most adversely impacted by smoking cigarettes. The most extreme examples of what smoking can do to the respiratory system materialize in the form of lung cancer and emphysema, but its penchant for lowering lung capacity is noteworthy with regard to cardio.

One would not have to stretch the imagination’s boundaries in order to picture how inhaling 4,000 plus chemicals into their windpipe might cause blow back in the form of health drawbacks. Heart health is already adversely impacted by smoking, and this will be made all the more costly if you are forced to roll back your running routine on account of smoking.

Buildup of tar from the cigarettes makes breathing a more challenging venture, often causing you to expend more energy to take in enough oxygen even while at rest. Cilia, whose raison d’être is to guard our lungs from impurities, are harmed by smoking, making us more prone to infections and issues with breathing. The damage done to these tiny hairs is one of the numerous ways smoking tears down our body’s firewalls against reoccurring respiratory issues. Falling ill to emphysema and chronic bronchitis often has smoking as its instigator; your running production will be severely reduced while battling these respiratory conditions. Better to kick the cigarette addiction to the curb  in order to restore lung capacity and discard the array of illnesses we are prone to when their ability to ward off sicknesses is rolled back. Chronic obstruction pulmonary diseases (COPD) caused by smoking are one of the greatest enemies of a successful running routine, not to mention the general condition of overall health.

Smokers will miss out on an entire decade plus (!) worth of life on account of their habit: that is ten years of running and enjoying life being kicked to the wayside.The carbon monoxide introduced by cigarette smoking acts to decrease the amount of oxygen present in our blood. When present in the body in excessive amounts, carbon monoxidereadily replaces oxygen in the hemoglobin that constitutes our blood. This reduction in oxygen availability in blood will rear its head when it needs to be resupplied during the course of a run.

Aside from the relation this has to lung health, the overall lowering of energy levels caused by running will be a major inhibitor of reaching your full running potential. From cardio health to lung function to energy levels, the fact of the matter is that running and smoking serve as all but antonyms to one another. The choice is yours as to which one you value more. You can make today the day you pick up a good pastime like running and wean yourself off an unproductive one such as smoking.