Free Workout Podcasts

Can't be bothered going to the gym or joining a gym, or going to the gym you already joined? Then this might be for you.

Now you can have a "virtual" personal trainer and do a workout at home or on the road. I've found two workout podcast sites that offer free video downloads.

YOGAamazing brings the class to you. Download the sessions and watch them on your computer or video MP3 player. Each 15 - 20 minute workout has a specific focus, like relaxation, balancing, poses for the shoulders etc.

Podcastgo offers both yoga and strengthening and toning workouts.

Finding excuses not to exercise are getting harder and harder. Now...... if only motivation could be downloaded!

Lunch Project

The cows were all having a siesta, the sheep were suspicious and uncooperative and the swans were swanning around on the very far side of the pond. Therefore my photos are all of inanimate objects this time. I'll have to stalk the animals on a daily basis to shoot them at their best.

In the absence of the big boys I found myself looking elsewhere for inspiration. Such as noticing the snail on a creeper and the ladybird on the dry grass. Things I would normally pass by without seeing.

There's a saying which says "don't sweat the small stuff", which is a truism, however in nature, the small stuff counts!

Cow licks and lunch time pics

I was out walking around around Woughton Park in Milton Keynes today and a gorgeous, black cow came up to the fence and licked my hand. Cows are possibly my favourite animals in the world and this lovely, gentle creature inspired me to think about how fortunate I am to be able to commune with nature on daily basis. Aaaah - this is what I moved out of stinky, smelly London for. No more jostling with hordes of tourists around Piccadilly Circus every lunch time. Bliss!

Today I made a promise to myself to take a proper lunch break EVERY DAY - no matter what I'm doing, how busy I am or how tired I feel.

Here's what I propose to do. This coming week I'm going to take my camera out walking with me and take pictures of what I see. Be prepared for cows, sheep, swans, herons and wild flowers. My very own Milton Keynes springwatch.

I encourage everyone to literally "stop and smell the roses" during your lunch break. Do whatever it takes to drag yourself away from your desk and go for a walk. Engage with the world instead of focussing all your attention on a computer screen. Get the blood moving around your body. Absorb the natural light. You will also be a more focussed and productive worker for the rest of the afternoon.

The physical and mental benefits of making this small change will be both subtle and powerful.

I encourage readers to let me know what they did at lunch time today and even better send in a picture. I'll post them for all to see.

Why have a massage at home?

You are able to relax in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of your own home

Your appointment time is exactly that, your time. You won't lose time travelling to and from a clinic or waiting around so it's the most efficient use of your time

You don't have the stress of having to drive through traffic to get to an appointment or drive home afterwards

You don't have to worry about parking (or parking fees)

You don't have the stress of cancelled trains, delayed buses or traffic jams

It saves you money on petrol and car running costs

You don't have to worry about trying to find someone to look after the kids

You get the full benefit of your massage by being able to relax straight after your treatment, you remain in a perfectly relaxed state without the inconvenience of travelling back home

The most common comment I hear after finishing a massage is "I'm so glad I don't have to go anywhere".