In addition, severe obesity is a serious and increasing problem among children, adolescents, and adults (Flegal et al., 2016; Fryar et al., 2012; Ogden et al., 2016; Skinner & Skelton, 2014). Plus, substantial disparities exist based on demographics (e.g., race-ethnicity, gender), geographic region, and socioeconomic status (SES).
Enjoy a yoga routine for 20 minutes. Pop in your favorite yoga DVD and complete a stretching session for at least 20 minutes. Your body could use the extra stretching and deep breathing exercises, and you'll easily burn off 100 calories in the process. The benefits of yoga are far-reaching for all ages -- it reduces stress, increases flexibility and strengthens bones, which is important as we age.
A flat stomach is considered attractive, so women (and men) tend to hold in their stomach muscles. This interferes with deep breathing and gradually makes shallow chest breathing seem normal, which increases tension and anxiety. Shallow breathing limits the diaphragm's range of motion. The lowest part of the lungs doesn't get a full share of oxygenated air. That can make you feel short of breath and anxious. Deep abdominal breathing encourages full oxygen exchange â that is, the beneficial trade of incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide.