Exercise Tip of the Week: Live Longer

It has been proven that individuals who are more physically active have a longer life span. People who are active have reduced rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. These life threatening diseases sadly take people we love away from us everyday. While there is no cure for cancer we can only recommend that you keep active and healthy to reduce your risk of suffering from heart disease and other preventable illnesses. 

Start small; walk to the shops instead of taking the car. Get off the bus one stop earlier if you're not in a hurry. Choose a healthier option at lunchtime. Enjoy a game of 5 a side with your friends instead of a few pints for a change. Life is for living and those who are healthy tend to live longer so making healthy choices now will certainly affect what you get out of life. 

Activity of the Week: Rowing

Thanks to the rowing machines we see in all good gyms you probably already know that rowing is great cardiovascular exercise and helps you burn calories. You can burn about 400-500 calories per hour on a rowing machine at the gym and then there are the addded benefits of outdoor exercise such as fresh air and stress relief. As with all water sports we advise that you take a class or join a group to try out rowing and see if it's for you. If so you can get accredited, take your water safety exam and enjoy rowing safely whenever you like. Irelands waterways are beautiful and plentiful and rowing is a sport which takes full advantage of this. You can find a local group or class by logging onto the Rowing Ireland website www.irau.ie 

Get Out More: Sperrins Walking Festival

The Sperrins Walking Festival takes place this weekend in the area of Plumbridge and Newtownstewart, in Co. Tyrone. This breathtaking landscape offers inspirational views, calming quiet, fresh air and plenty of fun for walkers of all ages and abilities. 
The weekend will bring family walks and activities as well as advanced walks for the more experienced and for the first time the Sperrins Golden Trail; an overnight adventure for those looking to try something new. There will be music, good food and plenty of relaxation opportunities. For more information check out www.sperrinswalkingfestival.com

Weight Loss Improves When Using Online Tools

A study just released by Science Daily online and performed by the National Institute of Health in the US suggests that those who frequently use an online weight management website or tool are better able to maintain weight loss. During the study it was found that those who logged on at least once per month to record their weight ended up keeping the weight off more successfully than other participants. The study praises the ease of use and inexpensive availability of such tools in helping people lose weight and in keeping it off - which can be a lot harder than losing it to begin with.


Fitfone allows you to keep track of your weight loss and to maintain your goal weight easily through simple daily exercise. Visit www.fitfone.eu for more or buy it in the iTunes App Store today!

Activity of the Week: Speed Walking

Without a doubt, walking is good exercise. Speed walking increases your calorie burn rate and burns approx 440 calories per hour. Simply put, speed walking - sometimes called fitness walking, health walking, exercise walking or striding - is walking very fast without breaking into a jog or run. 

Arms swing in pace with the stride, and one foot is on the ground at all times. Your stride is slightly longer and considerably quicker than in a leisurely stroll. Speed walkers generally walk at a pace of 3.5 to 5.5 miles per hour.  You don't need any special equipment or training to enjoy speed walking but classes are available if you would like an introduction to the sport; try StarFitness.ie. Of course you can use Fitfone to estimate your speed and calorie burn without paying for a class! Don't forget to stretch out all those muscles before you start. 

Get Out More: Music Festivals for the Bank Holiday

Summer in Ireland ususally means plenty of live music and this Bank Holiday is no exception with Castle Palooza taking place (www.castlepalooza.com). But what if you're looking for something with a more local vibe? 

You could try the Westport Music Festival taking place next weekend from Thursday the 5th to Sunday the 8th of August. Featured acts include Mundy, Sharon Shannon, Declan Nerney and the hugely popular Rattle and Hum (www.westportmusicfestival.com). Those who love all things western can head to Letterkenny for CountryFest 2010 featuring Gene Watson, Philomena Begley, Curtis Magee and many many more (www.jwpromos.com). 

Health News: Teens are Stupid!

Before you get upset with us please note that the title is not ours! Teens are Stupid is the latest campaign from the Irish Cancer Society. Aimed at teenagers who smoke, the campaign addresses the dangers of smoking and how easy it is to begin smoking as a teenager. Take a look at their very clever video: Corporate Tobacco Man and pass the link onto any smoker or teen you know. http://www.teensarestupid.ie/