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The Benefits of a Cardio Workout

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When it comes to staying healthy and fit, most people think of lifting weights and doing strength training. While strength training is definitely important, another key element of a well-rounded workout routine is cardio. This blog post will discuss the many benefits of a cardio workout.


Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

1) Cardio strengthens the heart and lungs

When you do cardio exercise, your heart rate and breathing rate increase, this helps to strengthen the muscles in your heart and lungs, making them more efficient at pumping blood and oxygenating our cells. A strong cardiovascular system reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Additionally, regular cardio workouts can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels in the blood. This further reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

2) Cardio helps to burn calories and lose weight

Cardio workouts are great for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. When you do cardio, you burn calories both during and after the workout. Of course, the number of calories burned depends on the intensity of the workout, but even moderate-intensity cardio can help to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.

HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is a type of cardio that alternates between periods of intense activity and periods of rest. HIIT workouts are very effective at burning calories and have been shown to be more effective than traditional aerobic exercise at promoting fat loss.

3) Cardio improves mental health

Regular cardio exercise can help to improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Cardio also helps to increase energy levels and enhance the quality of sleep. All of these factors can lead to improved mental well-being.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health and fitness, consider going to a premium online bike store and adding some cardio to your workout routine. There are many different types of cardio exercises that you can do, so there’s sure to be something that fits your preferences and needs. And, best of all, you’ll reap the many benefits that come with a regular cardio workout!

4) Cardio increases energy levels

In addition to improving mental health, regular cardio exercise can also lead to increased energy levels. This is due to the improved cardiovascular function and increased endorphin production that comes with exercise. So if you’re feeling sluggish and low on energy, a quick workout may be just what you need to get your energy levels up.

There are many different ways to incorporate cardio into your workout routine. Some people prefer to do steady-state cardio, such as walking or jogging, while others prefer HIIT workouts or other types of interval training. No matter what type of cardio you choose, you’ll be sure to reap the many benefits that come with it!

So next time you’re planning your workout routine, don’t forget to include some cardio. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it!

 

7 Ways to Make your Bedroom Look like a Luxury Hotel Suite

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Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Don’t we all miss our stays at hotels once we’re back home? No matter how well you’ve designed your home, you definitely miss the comfort and luxury you experience during hotel room stays. The grandeur and luxe is un-matchable but we can always give it a try. How about a few simple tricks that can help you renovate your bedroom into a lavish hotel room?

1. Walls

Probably one of the biggest change in your bedroom can be brought about by working on the walls. One idea is to select one and design it as the feature wall. You can hang paintings or other pieces of artwork to distinguish it from other walls. The trick is to keep the other walls neutral by selecting a very natural tone, either whites, beiges and creams.

If you don’t like the idea of a feature wall and think its too outdated, you can always go for a simplistic appearance. Elegance is timeless and never goes out of fashion. Lighter tones make your room look more spacious, allow for more vibrant room and bedding accessories and one can never go wrong with them.

2. Go for a TV wall

You might feel that the room is too small and not suitable for a TV wall, but if you’re into hoteling frequently, chances are that you’ve stayed at a small hotel room too. No hotel room is complete without a TV and if you plan on giving your room a complete hotel room appearance, we recommend you get a TV for the wall facing the bed. A grand LED only adds to the splendor of the room and is definitely your best source of entertainment.

3. Get Super Comfy Bedding

The first thing that you’ll do when you enter a hotel room is jump on the bed to see how cozy the sheets are. Invest in comforters and cozy pillows. Depending on your budget, you can either go for duck or goose down comforters, or down alternative comforters and pillows if you’re allergic to dust. Hotel bedding is the primary feature that makes the experience worth the money.

4. Invest in Bedroom Accessories

As important as it is in investing in classy furniture, small bedroom accessories make a huge difference. If you’re going with nude palettes, go for blingy and vibrant coloured accessories. Be it table lamps, decoration pieces, frames or even bed cushions, you need to declutter your room and invest in some contemporary bedroom accessories. It is however important, that these accessories comply with the theme and don’t look out of place.

5. Utilize Every Corner

Hotel rooms do not leave any space unoccupied. Whether its a nightstand or a shelf, or just another beautiful lamp, the corners are occupied smartly. You can place a plant, a curved sofa, or a small table with a photo frame on it. If you like reading, you can get a few bookshelves fixed and make it a reading corner. The key to a lavish room is not leaving any corners unattended.

6. Lighten up the Room

A brighter room is a happier room. Other than making your room appear wider, lighting plays a huge role in the vibe that your bedroom gives. Different lighting patterns are needed at different corners of the room. While you would want grazing lights over paintings and wall frames, a trendy chandelier definitely adds to the grandeur of your room. Hotel rooms are designed on the maximum lights mantra.

7. Use Mirrors

Its time you let go of the Feng Shui myth of not placing a mirror in your bedroom and get your hands on one. Why, you ask? Mirrors reflect back light making a smaller room look wider and a bigger room, even more, ultimately adding to the grandeur that you were looking for in the first place. While a tall mirror will reflect the light coming from the window,  a dresser mirror will reflect the ceiling and give an expansive look to your room.

Following these small tips can make a huge difference and definitely make your own bedroom more like a hotel room. The key is to keep it simple. Do not indulge in buying too much furniture or bedroom accessories that will only clutter your room. Simplicity is elegance. And that is probably what you miss most when you get back home from a hotel stay.

Happy Renovating!

Renting the Right Car for Your Honeymoon

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Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay

Your wedding and your honeymoon are the two times in your life when you will want every detail to be perfect. You already planned to have the hottest music, the tastiest cake, and the most beautiful gown during the ceremony, so likewise you shouldn’t neglect the small luxuries that you deserve during your first special time together as man and wife.

For example, you shouldn’t take a cab or an Uber around your honeymoon destination when you can rent a car and see the sites on your own terms. But, how do you go about getting the perfect rental car for honeymoon travel? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Always Reserve Your Car Ahead

You may wonder how far ahead of your honeymoon trip that you should reserve your chosen rental vehicle. The truth is that you should make a reservation as soon as you get the dates of trip finalized. Like airline tickets, vehicle rental prices tend to increase as you approach the date of usage. That is why it is never a good idea to rent your car on the day that you need it.

Popular Places and Dates

You should also consider the popularity of your honeymoon destination. Will you be in the area during its peak tourist season? If so, it may be harder to find your first choice car. You should look at the websites of all the car rental services in the area and compare their inventory, if the information is available that far in advance (it usually isn’t, see below). Also, if you get married on a holiday weekend, such as Memorial Day, Independence day, or Labor Day, you may find yourself competing for rental vehicles with more than the average amount of vacationers, so a little preparedness goes along way.

Decide Which Type of Car You Want (or Need)

You only get to honeymoon once (hopefully), so why not do it in style? You can choose the car of your dreams to taxi between sites and start your marriage feeling like royalty. Do you want a sweet convertible sports car to ride around an island paradise, or do you want a luxury and exotic car for rental to cruise Vegas just like the high rollers? Or, maybe cargo room for your skis is a concern for you. If that’s the case, rent a van or an SUV that’ll have enough room for all your gear. The choice is yours, and just like you wouldn’t skimp on the honeymoon suite, you shouldn’t skimp on your ride, either

Inventory Changes

Remember, a rental lot cannot absolutely guarantee that a particular car will be available at a given time. Inventory constantly changes since cars can be picked up and dropped off anywhere. This is why while planning a bit ahead is important, you shouldn’t worry about car type too far in advance. Usually, rental companies will only give you the option to choose a specific vehicle 1 to 2 days beforehand.

Some Things You Need to be Aware of

If you are under the age of 25, there are laws in many states and nations that may restrict you from renting a vehicle, even if you are married and have a credit card. If both spouses fall into this category, it is imperative that you check the laws of the area where you plan to honeymoon ahead of time before making any plans or reservations.

Conversely, there are areas where renting is permitted to those under the age of 25, but you may be restricted to a “standard” sized sedan, such as a Toyota Camry. It should go without saying that just as with your own vehicle at home, the insurance will cost more until you reach the age of 25. This means less cargo room and a higher budget, so plan accordingly.

Avoid Extra Fees

Be sure to read the fine print in your contract. You may be saddled with a tracking device that can prove that you were going over the posted speed limit, mileage limits, or left the designated area. These “offences” can result in exorbitant fees.

Speaking of fees, remember to fill the gas tank before returning the car. When the rental company refills a partially empty tank, they may charge you for a full tank of gas, and many rental companies do so at a higher rate than the average gas station.

Take a Quick Inventory

Go through a quick checklist in your mind before leaving the lot. Do you have a key to open the trunk, or the gas cap, if necessary? Do you have a spare tire or doughnut, lug wrench, and jack included in the trunk? Check for essentials before driving off.

Be Sure to Include Insurance

Always look over your documentation to ensure that your package includes insurance. If you are not sure whether it comes as part of the agreement, discuss your situation with the person at the rental counter and pay for extra insurance if you are not sure the coverage is adequate. It is always best to overpay on insurance rather than end up in a crash with a car that is not yours and end up losing your shirt.

Just remember to first read over each of the options and be sure that you choose one that is comparable to the type of car that you are renting. Some packages can charge as much as $40 per day, and this is almost like doubling the rental price. Another option may be to purchase rental car insurance from a third party. There are many companies available that charge less than rental agencies and cover just as thoroughly.

Enjoy your Honeymoon!

So, why would you want to be at the whim of cab drivers, train schedules, and bus routes when you can spend your time your way and travel to each attraction at ease? Renting a car on your honeymoon is a smart way to get the most out of your vacation and your precious time together. So take the time to look over your options and reserve a car today for your special trip.

Donate to help those in Fort McMurray #YYMFire #FortMacFire @redcrosscanada

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Aberta Fires Appeal

Please help those affected by the evacuation of Fort McMurray due to the out of control fire.

Follow @redcrosscanada on twitter
and Facebook – Canadian Red Cross

Flash #giveaway — McFarland Advanced Screening on February 18th!

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McFarland Screening Giveaway @ mapsgirl.ca

McFarland races into theatres on February 20th!

Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.

Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. 

Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.

See McFarland on Wednesday, February 18th!

Enter to see this beautiful, heart-warming movie!

Open to Canadians who can get to Varsity Theatres  in Toronto, Ontario on Wednesday, February 18th, 2015 at 7:00pm!

Ends Monday, February 16th!