20 Interesting Health Magazine Stats

Hello, hello!

Hope that you had a great weekend. Mine was a nice & low-key few workless days in SoCal, which was just what I needed. My hubby had Marine Corps training, so I had a lot of “me” time: hiking with Harley, recipe testing, running errands and cleaning, and hanging by my pool enjoying yesterday’s perfect weather.

First thing’s first: I’m sending out my first health coaching newsletter tomorrow, so if you haven’t subscribed yet and you’d like to receive my monthly e-blast, sign up below! It’s going to include workout and recipe ideas, healthy living tidbits, health coaching discounts and more.

Onto today’s topic, since I’ve been traveling a lot lately, I’ve been doing a lot of magazine reading. I used to be a member with a readership company that sent me tons and tons of magazines, some of which I still haven’t read, and when I travel, it’s my chance to catch up on some health & fitness media reading.

Since I find a lot of interesting tidbits in magazines like Fitness, Islands, Self & Women’s Health, I thought it’d be fun to share some of the stats I’ve read lately. Without further adieu, here are 20 intriguing health facts!

#1 – British researchers have found that people who did yoga just once a week for six weeks reported significantly more energy – as well we clear-mindedness, composure and confidence – than non posers. One theory is that by decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, yoga helps reduce fatigue and elevate mood. (Fitness, January ’15)

Just more reason to get your Om on!

#2 – 

 #3 – There are 2,780 CALORIES in the Cheesecake Factory’s Bruleed French Toast, one of the nine unhealthiest menu items in America. (Fitness, January ’15)

Can you say GROSS?!!

#4 – According to research by Jamba Juice, 28% of people are scared of green juice. (Fitness, June ’14)

I totally get it, green juice can be intimidating. I used to be scared of them too, but now I’m a regular green juice drinker! I dare you to try out my pear, apple & cinnamon cleansing green juice or pineapple sunrise green monster. 🙂

#5 – 

#6 – Once thought to lessen soreness and prevent injury, research now shows that static stretching before exercise can actually decreases performance and make your muscles feel sluggish. (Self, October ’14)

Instead of doing static stretching pre-workout, aim for an active warmup, then do static stretches for your post-workout cool down.

#7 – In the exercise face-off between squats and lunges, lunges win. According to an American Council on Exercise study, while both exercises target the gluteus maximum, lunges make your hamstrings and gluteus medius work more. (Fitness, June ’14)  

#8-12 –

All the more reason why I love vino! 

#13 – A recent study found that organic milk has 62% more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and 25% less omega-6, which, in excess, is linked to increased risk for heart disease and cancer. (Self, May ’14)

#14 – According to a Men’s Health study (don’t ask why I was reading that!), 1 in 4 husbands say that they married out of their league. Kind of cute, right? (March ’14 issue)

#15 – Have your muscles been feeling super sore post-workout? If so, are you stressed out? The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that raised stress-hormone levels may impair muscle recovering, leaving you achy and low-energy for up to 96 hours. (Self, May ’14)

#16 – Speaking of muscle recovery…

#17 –  More than 800,000 women will be diagnosed with cancer this year. (Self, October ’14)

#18 – Okay, I had to throw one travel stat in this list: Via Islands, my favorite magazine to read when I’m having a serious case of wanderlust… The Channel Islands, located off the coast of Santa Barbara, is home to thousands of northern elephant seals, sea lions and northern fur seals. (May ’14 issue)

The magazine listed the Channel Islands as 1 of 25 exotic escapes that are closer than you might realize, and as you can see below, it looks pretty gorgeous… and now I want to hop on the ferry over to those islands ASAP!

(source)

#19 – A new study from California State University in Fullerton found that you’ll get a better workout if you do strength training before cardio because when you strength train your legs after an aerobic workout, your muscles suffer from what’s called peripheral fatigue – your body can’t supply energy to the contracting muscles as readily. (Self, September ’14)

#20 – Laughter is believed to actually protect against heart disease. Your blood vessels can widen 50% more when you’re laughing, compared to when you’re stressed. (Self, October ’14)

Readers… Thoughts? Surprised by any of these stats?