Kickstart Your Posture Into Gear

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Ahhh the importance of posture.  How many of us growing up were reminded to stand or sit up straight?  We were told time and again sit with good posture; back straight, feet planted on the floor, and arms relaxed on your lap.  No slouching!  I imagine we all heard these words or similar words growing up.

But what are the reasons behind good posture?  In her book “Posture, Getting it Straight”  Janice Novak states that good posture can add up to ten years to your life.

Breathe Easier

Standing upright expands your lungs and slouching causes restricted breathing. Poor posture restricts the rise and fall of the breathing diaphragm. We also know from chiropractors and the study of the sushumna in pranayama that an overly bent or imbalanced spine restricts vital life force. Nerve force energy restrictions in the spine mean less life force into all the major organs fed by the spinal nerves and celiac ganglia, including your heart, lungs and brain. So now we have lessened nerve force in addition to reduced ease and depth of natural oxygenation and nervous system balance stemming from restricted or unbalanced breathing.

Look Younger

From Health Magazine, many of us spend our days hunched in front of a computer, “it’s very important for us to be able to stretch and open up and improve our range of motion,” says Jonathan F. Bean, MD, MS, MPH, an assistant professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

To stay limber, try to get up for a couple minutes every half hour and stretch, walk, or stand.Try this exercise: Every morning and night, lie down on the floor and make slow “snow angels” with your arms for two or three minutes.

For an extra challenge, roll up a towel and put it on the floor underneath your spine. Many gyms have half foam rollers—a tube cut in half lengthwise—that you can use for even more of a stretch. But do these stretches slowly and stop if you feel anything worse than mild discomfort or pain, says Dr. Bean. “You want to work up to that, you want to make sure that you first get the flexibility.”

Convey Leadership and Confidence

Your Posture is important and coveys a message.

  • Good, straight Posture indicates leadership and confidence.
  • It conveys the message that you have confidence in your competence.
  • Leaning slightly forward shows the audience you care.
  • Slouching to one side delivers the opposite message.  It shows  disinterest.
  • Hunched shoulders indicate lack of confidence and possibly low self-esteem.

Here are 3 Tips To Maintain Good Posture

1. Keep the body in alignment while sitting in an office chair and while standing. Distribute body weight evenly to the front, back, and sides of the feet while standing. While sitting in an office chair, take advantage of the chair’s features. Sit up straight and align the ears, shoulders, and hips in one vertical line. Any single position, even a good one, will be tiring. Leaning forward with a straight back can alternate with sitting back, using the back support of the office chair to ease the work of back muscles. Also be aware of and avoid unbalanced postures such as crossing legs unevenly while sitting, leaning to one side, hunching the shoulders forward or tilting the head.

2. Get up and move. As muscles tire, slouching, slumping, and other poor postures become more likely; this in turn puts extra pressure on the neck and back. In order to maintain a relaxed yet supported posture, change positions frequently. One way is to take a break from sitting in an office chair every half hour for two minutes in order to stretch, stand, or walk.

3. Increase awareness of posture and ergonomics in everyday settings. Being aware of posture and ergonomics at work, at home, and at play is a vital step towards instilling good posture and ergonomic techniques. This includes making conscious connections between episodes of back pain and specific situations where poor posture or ergonomics may be the root cause of the pain.

One of the many benefits of the Insta Slim shirt is that those who wear it noticed an immediate improvement in their posture.  The compression shirt provides lower back support.  Insta Slim has monthly specials and you can get yours by visiting http://www.instaslim.com  and be on your way to better posture.

 

 

 

 

Relax and Stay Slim

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We all deal with stress on a daily basis and stress manifests in different forms.  Stress also causes people to gain weight.

Some experts think that as we encounter stress in our lives, a hormone called cortisol is released to help us deal with the stress. But when the hormone is released into the body, it can cause overeating. People think this is what causes the weight gain.

But it’s not just about the overeating. Even if the release of cortisol is the catalyst.

This is the process that really happens:

1. We start to experience stress and cortisol is released.

2. As we overeat, we start to feel badly about not eating well and keep eating badly.

3. Even though we know we should exercise, we decide that it’s pointless.

4. The cycle continues as we become an emotional eater who deals with stress by eating.

Here top signs that tell you it’s time to combat that stress:

Cravings While stress causes some people to lose their appetite,  others crave chocolate or junk foods. Marion Tyler says the most common substances craved under stress are refined  carbohydrates such as junk foods and fizzy drinks, caffeine, nicotine and  alcohol, which `give you a ten-minute lift but have a 20-minute dumping  effect’.

Cuts and bruises Have you ever discovered marks on your body and  couldn’t remember injuring yourself? Well, the chances are it happened when you  were stressed. Marion Tyler says: `The body is equipped with a survival  mechanism that works to ensure we don’t collapse under pressure. `The blood  supply is redirected away from the skin to essential organs where it is needed  most to combat stress. `The blood also thickens so that we don’t bleed to death  in a crisis.’ As a result, you can cut yourself and bleed very little. Stress  also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, so  that an occasional bump can go unnoticed.

Research has also shown that wounds may not heal as quickly when you’re under  pressure. An American study showed that the wounds of women who were caring for  chronically-ill relatives took 24 per cent longer to heal than those of a  control group.

Hair Loss Dr. Daniel K Hall-Flavin, M.D. says that stress and hair loss can be related.

Three types of hair loss that can be associated with high stress levels are:

  • Alopecia areata. A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata, possibly including severe stress. With alopecia areata, white blood cells attack the hair follicle, stopping hair growth and making hair fall out.
  • Telogen effluvium. In this condition, emotional or physical stress pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase. Within a few months, the affected hairs may fall out suddenly when simply combing or washing your hair.
  • Trichotillomania. Trichotillomania (trik-oh-til-oh-MAY-nee-uh) is an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body. Hair pulling can be a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, tension, loneliness, fatigue or frustration.

Rashes and itchy skin According to dermatologist Dr Robin Russell-Jones: `A lot of common skin conditions like eczema become worse under  stress. Hence, when people are on holiday, their skin improves. `And sometimes  people itch and scratch for no obvious reason when under stress.’ Scratch an itch for long and hard enough and you end up with a nasty eczema-like rash.

Stress can also trigger the release of histamine, the chemical implicated in  causing allergic reactions.

Stressed out skin The skin is the largest and most visible organ in the body so it tends to register stress fairly quickly. If your skin tends to be dry, stress makes it drier and if you are inclined to spots, stress will bring  them out. For instance, under stress the body produces adrenaline, a hormone  that can upset the balance of other hormones in the body, making acne worse and also causing flushes.

How to combat stress If any of these symptoms apply to you, you could  be heading for overload. Therapist Marion Tyler suggests you start by accepting  that some stress is inevitable and then put into practice the following  techniques.

* Recognise your individual peak performance level, the point at which  you cannot give any more.

* Act on your early warning signs either by relaxing or injecting some  activity into your life, like exercise, yoga or aromatherapy.

* Recognise what winds you up and, if it’s not possible to eliminate  it, learn new ways of dealing with it. Think positively about the person or  problem that bothers you and refuse to be annoyed by negative comments.

* Delegate and prioritise or make a list of things to do in order of  urgency and strike them off as you do them. Accept help and support.

* Learn to say no. Be more assertive and don’t be afraid of letting  people down – sometimes you have to put yourself first. And don’t take work home  with you. You’ll be more efficient in the office if you take time off to  relax.

* Work Out Rev up those endorphins slip on the Inst Slim Muscle Tank, head to the gym and knock out stress.  You’ll be glad you did.

Visit www.instaslim.com to get your workout gear.  Looking and feeling your best has never been easier.

References:

Stress Management Mayo Clinic

Shelia Livery Author of The Ten Secret Signs of Stress

 

Why Compression Gear?

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What are Compression Garments?

Compression garments have benefits that help your health and shape your physique.  They are a type of garment that you can use to show your physique and hide any fat storage.  As the name suggests, the garments provide the effect or illusion of weight loss.  The garments will conform to your body and compress it so you will look slimmer.  Any fat or excess skin will be restrained so your physique will be accentuated.  The garments are usually made of spandex and Lycra, which are stretchable yet follow your body contour nicely.  When you wear one, the fabric will stretch out and follow your body contour, while at the same time containing any parts of the body that need a little extra support.

Are Compression Garments for Weight Loss Real?

Have you heard about the compression garments for weight loss? There are several ads and promotional banners concerning this type of garments, which are claimed to be able to help you to do quick weight loss program. It is certainly nice to know that by simply wear a special clothes or garments can help you shed off extra pounds easily and quickly. You don’t have to struggle with the fuss and the hassle of managing your daily diet menu, you don’t have to exercise strenuously, you don’t have to struggle with hunger or anything, and you don’t have to do anything! But does such garment can really help you improve your look and help you lose weight? How does it work?

Compression garments can give the illusion of weight loss. Borrowing from the whalebone corsets of old, they shape your body into a thinner shape by restraining your fat. A compression garment, as the name implies, exerts pressure on your bodyto give it a different form. They are made from stretch fabrics such as Lycra and Spandex. When you put on one, the stretch fabric squeezes the body it surrounds. According to women’s’ health clearinghouse Mama’s Health, different cuts of compression garments shape the body differently. This gives you the shape you want.

Athletic Support

One way in which compression garments can help with weight loss. Compression garments built for athletes, rather than as a cosmetic garment, can improve athletic performance. They do this by improving circulation and giving muscles additional support. Better athletic performance can motivate you to exercise more and more exercise is a proven method for losing weight.

The main benefits of compression sportswear is that it keeps the muscles warm to prevent muscle strain and fatigue, and wick sweat away from the body to prevent chafing and rashes. In addition, there is some evidence that compression shorts may enhance athletic performance.  There are many types of compression garments that serve a similar function, such as compression t-shirts, ankle sleeves, sleeves, and shorts.

Insta Slim’s compression garments are made in the USA with you in mind.  The unsurpassable quality of our garments have gained quite a following so much so that we recently introduced Instantfigure for Her!  Visit Our web site for new gear and accessories.

Super Foods for a New You!

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2012 has been quite a year for many of us!  We’ve taken feedback from you and Insta Slim is adding a new line of compression wear that will help our customers in their everyday life!

One of the challenges many face is maintaining a balance with family, work and health.   As we wrap up 2012 and move forward in 2013 our blog posts will incorporate lifestyle tips for both men and women.  We’ll end the year with some tips on how to eat healthier.  Maintaining a good nutritional balance without adding extra calories is a big concern for both men and women.  Calcium is one of the minerals many are concerned with.

Calcium not only helps strengthen bones, it also assists in nerve and muscle function and blood clotting.   The Recommended Daily Allowance for adults is 1000 mg for people 18-50 years old, slightly more for lactating women.   Vitamin D is an important co-factor in the intestinal absorption of calcium, as it increases the number of calcium binding proteins, involved in calcium absorption.  It also promotes re-absorption of calcium in the kidneys.   Most people meet at least some of their vitamin D needs through exposure to sunlight, but we can also get vitamin D in mushrooms.

We’ve uncovered some foods rich in calcium to help you in 2013 and the years ahead.   We focus on the right kind of super foods rich in calcium that won’t add cholesterol or fat.

Here are our Top 5 Foods rich in Calcium

1) Collard Greens – a whopping 357 mg per serving!

  • Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
  • Increased Immune Function
  • Reduced Cancer Risk
  • Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
  • Protection Against Heart Disease
  • Slowing Aging

2)  Kale – There is a reson for people to say All Hail Kale – it’s the new Super Food! 137 mg per serving

  • Osteoporosis Protection
  • Stroke Prevention
  • Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
  • Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
  • Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Antioxidant Protection
  • Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
  • Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)

The antioxidants and phytonutrients in kale help to fight and  prevent cancer.

3) Turnip Greens – 105 mg

4) Garlic – 5 mg per clove

  • Increased Immune Function
  • Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
  • Protection Against Heart Disease
  • Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
  • Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • Promoted Eye Health

5) Okra – 177 mg per serving!

  • Stroke Prevention
  • Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
  • Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
  • Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Antioxidant Protection
  • Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
  • Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in  Okra: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B6 (Folate, Folic Acid), Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnesum, Phosphorus, Manganese, Iron, Potassium

Maintaining good overall health takes a little knowledge and planning, and the payback is exponential!

Be sure to visit Insta Slim’s Health and Wellness section for a better you in 2013!

 

* 1 Serving = 1 Cup

 

Insta Slim Tips Its Hat to Stylish Looks this Holiday Season

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Looking and feeling your best begins with the right attitude…and the right hat.

A hat does all sorts of things.  A hat protects us from the elements, hides a bad hair day and adds a dash of debonair to any wardrobe.

Why we wear a hat is not a complicated as choosing a style.  At Insta Slim we’re all about style and we’re here to help.  Whether it’s a beanie, a fedora, a cowboy hat or a top hat when choosing a hat style is your wardrobe, the occasion and yes, the weather.

While technically not a hat, the beanie is a versatile stayple of any wardrobe during the winter.  The beanie has come off the ski slopes and onto the urban runway.  Beanies are an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe.

Fedora hats are probably the most versatile hats ever invented. First designed for men in the 19th century, now fedoras are unisex and can be worn with everything.  Who can forget Indiana Jones as he kept his hat on?

Next up is the cowboy hat.  Today’s cowboy hat has remained basically unchanged in construction and design since the first one was created in 1865.  The versatility of this style is casual to wearing the hat to a formal dinner occasion.

It may sound surprising but top hats are now the rage for the Fall/ Winter 2012/ 2013 fashion season. The hats, which in previous decades were worn only as accessories for drama costumes, have made their way to modern fashion and can be seen both on the runway and in streets.

Whatever style you chose , there’s no reason to give up style for comfort.  That’s why we designed Insta Slim shirts to fit into your everyday wardrobe.  Visit www.instaslim.com for great savings and explore our newe web site with the new line of Insta Slim designed to keep you looking your best.