fitness

How to Run with your Dog

/ realmofvibes / 12 Comments

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. This commission helps sustain running Realm of Vibes. 

I love running with my dog, Bailey. Some people would classify my “running” as a light jog or brisk walk, but we have a lot of fun exercising with one another while getting our Whistle and FitBit activity minutes. Whether you are just starting out with walking or are an avid runner, here are some of my tips for running safely and easily with your canine companion.

1.Get doctor and veterinarian clearance.

It is important to make sure you can physically handle exercise. Schedule a physical and consult your doctor about starting a walking/running program. Bring Fido in for a check-up and get clearance as to how many miles you can walk/run with your dog. Bailey is cleared to run up to 10 miles with me. When I was training for a half marathon, we ran up to 8-9 miles. It’s imperative that you start slow; make sure you do an adequate warm-up for both you and your dog.

2. Know your dog and plan your route.

I prefer running early in the morning, or 60-90 minutes before sunset at a park. I like a clear trail, opposed to running on the street. Some streets in my development don’t have sidewalks, so running with Bailey (or foster) can be dangerous. She also likes to run ahead of me, so that’s why I typically avoid street running. Depending on the season, you want to make sure your dog can handle the temperature. I like to run early or late in the day, especially during the hot summer months.

3. Get your gear!

I don’t know what I would do without my Tuff Mutt – Hands Free Dog Leash. The leash clips around my waist, has a bungee cord with a carbineer that clips to Bailey’s collar or harness. It has a short and large handle so I always have control over her movements. It is also reflective, so we are noticed by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles on our path.

Tuff Mutt – Hands Free Dog Leash

Hydration is super important, whether you are going on a short or long run. I have a few different tactics for handling both of our water. First, I wear a Hydration Belt. around my waist. I usually fill one with water, and one with a sports drink. If I go on a short run, I bring a Collapsible Dog Bowl for Bailey’s water. Sometimes, I bring a Gulpy Water Dispenser which is a water dispenser. I clip it to my waist with a carabiner or I carry it for added resistance. Whatever you do, make sure you have enough water for both you and your dog and that you take plenty of water breaks!

Hydration Belt

Collapsible Dog Bowl

Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax is my go-to product before a run. It is easy to apply the hypoallergenic, nontoxic wax to Bailey’s paws, which gives a nice protective coating to prevent accidents on the trail. You know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
4. Add some extras!

I love my Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband. I have been using a FitBit since it came on the market and helps keep me accountable regarding exercise. I like the FitBit Charge 2 because it has a relaxation setting where it prompts you to do 2 minutes of breathing exercises. I also like knowing which heart rate range in which I am exercising.

FitBit Charge 2

Bailey has a Whistle Activity Monitor. This shows how active she is throughout the day. We try to give her at least 60 minutes of daily exercise. It clips around her collar. When we had a pet sitter, we could see how long she was taking her on walks, and I could look at her stats from work to see if she is destroying my home. I think the Whistle is well worth the investment.

Whistle Activity Monitor

Final Thoughts

Running with your dog can be a great form of exercise! I know that after our runs, we both feel great, and get a better night’s sleep. How do you exercise with your dog? Leave a comment to let me know!

Namaste.

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6 Yoga Poses for Better Sex

/ realmofvibes / 8 Comments

written by Bex

We all know that yoga is good for our health, and part of that health includes those intimate moments that occur behind closed doors when the sun goes down. Or in the middle of the day on the kitchen counter. I’m not here to judge! Yoga has been shown to improve your libido, and strengthen the intensity of your orgasm, by increasing the circulation and blood flow to your pelvic region. To get you moving and ready for your next rendezvous, here are six yoga poses for better sex.

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#1: Happy Baby Pose

Begin by lying on your back on the floor, bringing your knees to your armpits while holding your feet. When properly held this pose will stretch your hamstrings and release the tension in your lower back. This pose is also known for reducing stress and opening up your pelvis, thus increasing the flexibility and movement in your hips.

#2: Downward Dog Pose

Begin on your hands and knees. Stretch your elbows as you lift your knees off the floor. Just the view that your partner will have of you in this position will be beneficial for improving your sex life! Showing off your assets aside, this pose is helpful in improving upper body strength and releasing tension throughout your entire back.

#3: Bridge Pose

For this pose you will begin on your back with your knees bent. Lift your pelvis off the floor and bring your thighs up parallel to the floor, forming a bridge shape with your body. This pose focuses on the muscles in your pelvis. This can help you gain better control over your orgasms and increase their intensity.

#4: Legs Up The Wall Pose

You can perform this pose with or without the wall, depending on your strength. Just lie on your back with your legs straight in the air above your shoulders. Be aware that you are bracing your weight on your shoulders, not on your neck. Shoulder stand poses, such as this one, are helpful in calming your mind and stimulating hormone production.

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#5: Lotus Pose

For this pose you will sit cross-legged on the floor. With your hands pull both feet up and rest them on the top of the opposite thigh. Lotus pose is good for relieving stress and clearing your mind. It is also very good at increasing the range of motion in your hips, allowing your legs to open more freely.

#6: Seated Wide-Legged Forward Bend

While in a seated position, bring your legs apart as wide as you can. While keeping your spine straight, and feet flexed up, fold forward towards the floor. The deep groin stretch from this pose increases circulation to the pelvic region. This will help increase your libido as well as your hip and groin flexibility.

These yoga poses, and their benefits, are not just for the ladies either. Yoga can help improve sex for both men and women. So the next time you “Netflix and Chill” you might want to consider putting on a yoga workout instead!

bexABOUT BEX:

I’m passionate about helping people live happily.  With an education in nutrition, personal training, and leadership, I believe in finding a healthy balance when it comes to helping people. I believe in living a full and healthy life, and laughing as often as you can.

Visit Bex’s website.

Follow Bex on Facebook , Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

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Thank you, Bex, for being Realm of Vibes’ first guest blogger. If you are interested in being featured, please e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com

Namaste.

Vision Words GIVEAWAY!

/ realmofvibes / 25 Comments

I am a self-proclaimed sticky-a-holic. I leave honey-do lists for my husband and use them at work to remind myself to complete progress notes or write doctor’s orders. If my coworkers are having a bad day, I leave love notes on their computer. I came across Vision Words, which are sticky notes with affirmations, mantras, motivational quotes, and scriptures.

Vision Words sticky note packs include:

  • Be Happy
  • Believe In Yourself
  • Fitness
  • Gratitude
  • Love
  • Scriptures of Faith
  • Scriptures of Encouragement
  • Success

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Martha Banks Hall, the creator of Vision Words, sent me Success and Gratitude sticky-note packs. They couldn’t have come at a better time. As I expressed to Martha, life has given my husband and me many successes and reasons to be grateful. My husband, who is a law enforcement officer, is leaving a department he served for 10+ years to advance his career with a county office. I am so proud of his successes and accomplishments.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with amazing companies, interact with incredible people, and have my blog as a creative outlet to showcase my passion, writing. I wake up blessed and have gratitude for all of my wonderful opportunities.

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I used a Vision Words sticky on the coffee maker, where my husband always ventures first thing in the morning. I put another one on his after-shave. He texted me and reported, “Thanks for the sticky notes, babe!” My small acts of kindness show my husband that I love and care about him. I am happy when he is happy.

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Martha and I live the same truth. We both feel that the power of positive words can transform and reshape your life. Sometimes, the littlest thing, like a Vision Words sticky note can make you stop, think, reflect, and have a new outlook on life.

The sticky notes are great to put in places where people would least expect them – a parking meter, in a library book, on a subway wall, windshield of a car, your neighbor’s mailbox, or a locker at the gym. You could also put them where people would expect them, like a steering wheel, microwave, on a coffee mug, or cell phone.

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Some examples in the Success and Gratitude packs include:

  • Take Action
  • Take Advantage of Each and Every Opportunity
  • Get Out There and Be a Success
  • Grateful Before the Blessings Arrive
  • Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

Each pack has fifty, 3 x 3 inch sheets and retails for $6.95 USD. (If you purchase the collection, the price is discounted.)

Get excited, readers! Realm of Vibes is hosting its first giveaway! Enter below to win a Vision Words sticky note pack. Contest begins on February 13, 2017 at 6:00 AM and ends February 27, 2017 at 12:00 AM.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

Visit Vision Words on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

Disclosure: I received a sample pack from Vision Words in return for a featured post on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. All opinions and views within are authentic. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started.