fitness0206

A: Sounds like the first thing you need to do is adjust the ergonomics of your computer set-up. Good posture can minimize those aches and pains.

·Place your monitor at eye level.
·Find your sit bones (those bones under each hip) and rock sideways to locate them. Balance your torso by sitting on top of those bones.
·Position your hips and knees at 90 degrees, feet shoulder width apart.
·If your legs are crossed, uncross them; crossed legs can cause a curvature of the spine.

·Imagine your head is a helium balloon, lifting your whole spine

Here's one to
help you keep
that New Year's
resolution to eat healthier. Recently,
I visited the Cabot Creamery in Northern Vermont and they're not kidding! These people really love making cheese.

Cabot 50% cheddar is delicious with half the fat and calories of regular cheddar. It's my personal favorite lite cheese. It's lactose free and high in protein and calcium (great for your bones). It comes in three flavors: regular cheddar, pepper jack, and garlic & herb. You can also buy a snack pack with individually wrapped ¾ ounce, 50-calorie servings. Available at your local supermarket or online at www.cabotcheese.com

When You Feel Like
Quitting
by Janice Elizabeth Small

As the saying goes "Quitters never win and winners never quit!" but sometimes it's hard to keep going when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and you know there's a long road ahead.

If you're wavering in your latest weight loss goal, ask yourself these questions before you throw in the towel. If you are able to step back and understand what is going on, it will help you to adapt your approach a little, and then get back on track with renewed enthusiasm.

So ask yourself:

- Why do I want to lose weight? What will achieving my aims give me?
- How will I feel if I quit?
- Am I always quitting before I reach my goal? Why?
- How will I feel if I succeed?
- What is making this so hard?
- What have I been doing (or not doing) to make this more difficult or less successful?
- What's working ok?
- What do I need to change?
- What do I need to learn?
- What strategies could I use to get back on track?
- How can I adapt this to make it work for me?
- How could I get more support?
- What will help me keep going?
- What will I achieve by quitting?
- What would I do then?

The fact is you can achieve anything you want if you keep going. So if you want to lose weight, just don't quit - adapt whatever you're doing, try a new plan, just don't quit and you'll get there. You can do this! You really can!

About the Author
Janice Elizabeth is a weight loss coach and author of "The Diet Exit Plan". Get her FREE 15 page report "How to lose weight without dieting - 7 secrets the diet industry doesn't want you to know" at www.SimplySlimming.com TODAY!

Q: I spend a lot of time on the computer. But after a couple of hours my back starts to hurt, my shoulder and mouse arm aches and I feel tension in my neck. Are there any exercises I can do to relieve this problem?

upwards.
·Avoid bending your wrist. Keep it in a neutral position.
Even with proper posture, sitting in the same position for hours at a time is bound to cause some stiffness and muscle soreness.
Here are three stretches that should give you some relief.

Neck Exercise:
Side to side,
·Place right hand on top of head. Gently pull head
sideways, stretching neck towards the right
shoulder. Repeat on other side. Hold for 10-20
seconds.

Back Extension:
Lower Back
·Stand with feet slightly apart.
·Take hands and make two fists and place them
on the lower back.
·Slowly arch backwards, keeping abdominals
contracted.
·Hold for 10-20 counts.

About the Author
Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness industry, and public health activist who specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for women. Her Moving Free? approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work. For more information www.movingfree.com Send your questions or comments to Mirabai at exercise@movingfree.com .