Do Interval Training

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To tap into a new, higher level of fitness and fat burning, try an interval workout. The combination of aerobic and anaerobic training will give a real boost to your health and make the rest of your workouts seem easier.

Steps:

  1. Begin with 5 to 7 minutes of low-intensity work in your exercise mode. For example, walk or jog lightly to start.
  2. Stretch the major muscle groups, paying particular attention to the lower body.
  3. Exercise at a higher intensity for 10 minutes. Let your body continue to warm up and get ready for the workout to come.
  4. Start cycle 1: Exercise for 3 minutes at a pace you could maintain for the entire workout. Then for 1 minute push yourself hard, with a short burst of activity that you couldn’t do for longer than a minute.
  5. Recover for 30 seconds or longer, but keep moving, and let your breath return to a normal workout level.
  6. Understand that the cycle is 3 minutes aerobic/recovery and 1 minute anaerobic (3-to-1).
  7. Complete eight cycles, the first four becoming progressively harder, with the hardest cycles being four and five, then decrease the intensity with cycles six, seven and eight.
  8. Keep moving for another 3 to 4 minutes or until you feel your heart rate coming down.
  9. Stretch the major muscles again, this time more deeply and for 20 to 30 seconds.

Tips:
Always use the first 30 seconds of the aerobic portion to recover and literally catch your breath.
Think of the cycles as going up and down a mountain – as they ascend, it’s hard and there’s not much oxygen at the top, then the descent gets easier.
Note that 1 minute may be too long for a beginner, so try shortening the anaerobic (without oxygen) cycles – even 10 seconds is an effective way to start.
Notice that your heart rate is going way up and then way down; it should peak and valley quite a bit during interval training.
Plan to interval train only once or twice a week.
Allow for 48 hours of recovery between each session. It’s OK to exercise during the 48 hours, but avoid strenuous exercise and anything high-impact.
Drink lots of water.

Choose High-Quality Aquamarine

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As blue as the Caribbean, aquamarine is said to be a favorite of mermaids and a protection against evil, depression, grief and marital discord. Aquamarine is also the traditional birthstone for March.

Steps:

  1. Shop only with a reputable and trustworthy jeweler who is familiar with gemstones in general and aquamarine in particular.
  2. Ask if the stone has been treated in any way. Some common treatments to enhance gems include irradiation, heat treatment, dyeing and coating. Not all of these treatments will devalue the stone, but always ask so you know what you’re getting.
  3. Look at the color of the stone. Darker blue colors are the most valuable, but color ranges from a very light turquoise blue to a bluish green. Stones with green in them are less valuable – and therefore cheaper – than others.
  4. Check the clarity of the stone. Because aquamarine has a light pastel color, it is important that it be free of flaws or inclusions.
  5. Examine the cut of the stone. Be sure the light reflects evenly off the surface of the gem and that there are no scratches. Look at the stone from several different angles to be sure.
  6. Compare several aquamarines side by side. Look at the color, cut and clarity and choose the stone you like the best.

Tips:If you cannot afford a true aquamarine, a treated blue topaz may give you the color you prefer at a lower price.
Aquamarine is in the same family as the emerald, but emeralds are more brittle than aquamarines.

Warnings:If you’re shopping online, investigate the site’s return policy, and make sure you buy from a reputable online jeweler.