All posts by R.C. Liley

I'm an ex-mutual fund accountant who left the cubicle world to be a stay-at-home dad to my beautiful little girl, Avery, who entered our life on 11/15/13 and handsome little boy, Wes, who joined our family on 11/19/17. Also happily married to my wife, Kelley, as of 8/17/07. Sorry ladies... :) Fitness and nutrition is of the utmost importance in our family and we strive to reflect this in our daily life. I always prepare our meals at home and only go out if it's a special occasion, and even then I tend to not get much. Food should be fun and a joy to eat, not something quickly consumed from a fast food chain or scarf down before the next meeting. I have come from strictly logging high miles to train for the next marathon to keeping exercise varied and focusing more on strength. I still enjoy going for a run when I can, but nothing crazy, and I prefer hill sprints while pushing my daughter, Avery in the stroller. She loves it and I get a great workout! I want to show the world how to appreciate their body and feed it real, wholesome food while moving more throughout the day. In doing so, everyone would be healthier, happier, and we'd all live in a better place as a result. I blog mainly about my life as a stay-at-home dad and frequently include reviews, participate in campaigns, and share my thoughts on fitness and nutrition. If you ever have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out as I'm always open to listening or helping others however possible. That is, when I have free time since Avery is and my wife are the number one priorities!

The Ultimate Self Care Guide For The Modern Man

Self care is often misportrayed in the media, as it’s falsely advertised as a female activity that focuses around face masks and other beauty treatments which men tend to avoid. This couldn’t be further from the real truth, as self care is such a broad topic that every individual no matter who they may be should actively make an effort to include in their daily lifestyle. Self care is so important for men everywhere, as far too many choose to look after others rather than taking care of themselves. Fortunately, this guide contains a variety of simple self care steps that any man can follow to boost their mental and physical health, and it couldn’t be easier to get started today. So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then read on. 

man meditating on yoga mat

Image Source – Pexels 

Eat 3 Balanced Meals 

It might sound glaringly obvious, but eating 3 balanced meals each and every day is a great way to begin your self care journey. It’s so common for men to skip meals or opt for convenience food due to lack of time or energy, but this is no doubt going to lead to a number of issues if you don’t make an effort to change your ways. Both your body and mind need nutritious food to flourish, so there’s no time like the present to make a more active effort to feed yourself properly. Meal prep can be a great option for those lacking time, as you will be able to enjoy fresh homemade meals without having to cook every single day. As long as you can make a conscious effort to consume more fruits and vegetables while ditching damaging unprocessed foods, then you’ll be moving in the right direction toward ultimate well-being. 

Do Something that You Love

Doing something solely for yourself is an essential part of self-care. It can be anything you genuinely enjoy and have been longing to do. Perhaps you’ve been eager to dive into a new book; so curl up and let yourself get lost in its pages. Maybe you would like to spend time gardening, not just as a chore but as a peaceful retreat. You could also head out to watch a movie at your local theater for a change of scenery. Or treat yourself to pure relaxation by visiting an esthetician clinic and indulging in a Swedish Massage in Upper St. Clair, PA, or wherever you are. Even reconnecting with an old school friend for a friendly game of golf, badminton, or any sport you love can rejuvenate your spirit. These small acts of self-care can bring joy and balance to your life.

Don’t Avoid The Doctors Office

A very common issue that many men fall victim to is denial. Denying that you have fallen ill, denying your need to see a doctor and denying medication is far too easy, but it can lead to a much worse situation than you could ever imagine. Continually ignoring your health issues can cause other risks to increase, so a small problem that could have been resolved with basic treatments can easily expand and grow into something that’s irreversible. Avoiding the doctor’s office does not prove that you are strong and courageous – it shows that you do not value yourself and your health as much as you should, and it’s time to make a change if you want to maintain great well-being for years to come. The next time that you fall ill or experience an injury, no matter how small it may be, do not avoid attending the doctors office! 

Taking great care of yourself as a modern man in today’s fast paced society isn’t easy, but it’s more than achievable if you can learn to prioritize your own needs. Eating 3 balanced meals and acknowledging any illness or injury that you fall victim to is the best place to begin your self care journey.

Is Gamma the Best Winter Jacket for Men?

gamma winter jacket, camping outside

Preparing for winter often requires you to update your wardrobe, and the item you should focus on is the jacket. It needs to be warm enough for even the coldest days without hindering your movement with thick layers. It would also help if it had a waterproof exterior in case of unexpected rainfall.

The Gamma jacket ticks all these boxes. Its elegant look is perfect for men, and the garment features several impressive qualities. Let’s check them out.

Reliable Heating

The Gamma jacket is fully equipped to take on winter challenges with its integrated, battery-operated heating elements. You can activate them with a press of a button for an instant boost of warmth.

Once these components turn on, the winter jacket distributes heat throughout the surface. It creates a cozy feeling throughout without annoying cold patches. This means your chest, back, arms, and shoulders will be well-protected from the cold.

The heaters are highly convenient, too. They offer three adjustable settings, allowing you to choose the ideal temperature. Plus, they’re entirely safe to use. Other than the removable power bank, they contain no electronics, meaning you can wash the heated winter jacket like standard garments.

Wind Resistance and Waterproofing

Rain can still fall out of the blue in the winter and leave you drenched, but you can minimize the effects with the Gamma jacket. It boasts a waterproof exterior that prevents moisture from penetrating the barrier and reaching the skin.

Wind protection is just as strong. The garment shields you from 50 mph winds to keep you comfortable on your outdoor adventures.

Gamma’s windproof and waterproof features are enhanced by waist and hood straps. They let you tighten the jacket for additional protection in the winter.

If your hands are cold, just slip them into Gamma’s built-in fingerless gloves. They look great and can warm up your palms quickly.

UV Protection and Breathability

While UV rays aren’t a serious threat during winter, they can still harm your skin. The Gamma jacket mitigates this risk by blocking the radiation.

What is more, the garment is optimally breathable because it’s made of a revolutionary material – graphene. It expels heat while keeping cold air out, eliminating the stickiness winter coats and jackets usually cause.

Machine Washable and Stylish

This rain and winter jacket doesn’t get dirty often, as it’s virtually immune to grime, stains, and germs. But when it’s finally time to clean the garment, you can put it in your washer with other clothes. There should be no shrinkage or harm to the surface of the jacket.

Moreover, the manufacturer blended the functionality of Gamma with an elegant design. Its refined texture resembles activewear, and it features a tapered torso and straight lines to deliver a sleek appearance. Whether you wear it to the store or work, you’ll look amazing.

The Best Waterproof Winter Jacket Has a Lot to Offer

Enduring freezing winter days can be challenging, but not if you’re wearing the Gamma jacket. Its robust thermoregulating properties and built-in heaters can keep you warm even if the temperatures plummet. There’s also a dependable waterproof and wind-resistant surface that performs terrific in the most extreme conditions.

For more details about this high-quality men’s waterproof winter jacket, go to www.weargraphene.com.

Pain After a Workout? Common Medical issues You Might Have

Image Courtesy of Pixabay

On average, only a quarter of people exercise enough. But whether you are a dedicated athlete or an avid walker, you can experience pain after a workout. Even walking can strain muscles, and your lifestyle can exacerbate issues. Nevertheless, strains and inflammation are common, and fortunately, you can relieve most problems with simple care and attention.

Heel and Foot Problems

Feet are designed to take the pressure of your body’s weight. And although they do the job very well, they often succumb to injury as a result. The bones of your feet can become stressed and muscles inflamed. Additionally, you may experience various types of heel pain. But what does heel pain mean? Well, it can mean a number of things, such as:

  • Heel spur syndrome
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Sever’s disease
  • Haglund’s deformity

All of these issues are common, yet they are treatable. For example, if you find you constantly have severe pain in your heel after a workout, there may be more going on than simple strain. Fortunately, you can consult a licensed orthotics expert for guidance, advice, and treatment.

Musculoskeletal Strains

Some of the most painful injuries are those to the musculoskeletal system. They result from sudden jerking movements that damage the nerves in most cases. It results in pain in the ligaments, muscles, bones, and tendons. Generally, the pain is localized to one area that undergoes repeated strain, such as the shoulder when lifting weights. The pain associated with these injuries can be debilitating and take months or even years to heal. Therefore, a gentle exercise regimen such as water aerobics, swimming, and walking is recommended until the pain has completely gone. Also, if these exercises don’t help, it is wise to go for surgery to ease the pain. If you are worried about the procedure or the after-effects, make sure to read on to find more information to make a trusted decision.

Back Damage

Your back will be put under some strain during almost all exercises. The intensity of the strain will depend on what you are doing. In the beginning, you will feel stress in your back if you perform repeated strenuous exercises such as sit-ups and heavy weight lifting. To prevent this, you should wear the necessary back support. Already existing back problems can also worsen. Those with related back pain may benefit from sciatica tape. Nevertheless, you should avoid exerting too much pressure on the area if you suffer from severe back problems.

Inflamed Muscles

Muscle soreness is almost certain to accompany your back pain, and aches and pains are unavoidable with exercise. However, you will soon become accustomed to muscle soreness if you regularly exercise with strenuous routines. Also, after spending most of your life sedentary, you might experience great pain if you start exercising for the first time. But it’s important not to give up when you experience pain. Cold and heat can soothe the aches. Cold decreases swelling and inflammation, while heat loosens tissues and facilitates blood flow.

Lack of Essential Vitamins

Not eating correctly is a significant cause of low energy and concentration. A poor diet will produce deficiencies of vitamins and minerals like A, B, C, and D. However, the human body also isn’t great at absorbing certain nutrients. And people with medical conditions can also have issues absorbing much-needed nutrients. However, insufficient vitamins and minerals can result in pain. For instance, a lack of D vitamins will cause muscle soreness and weakened bones and nerves. Apart from eating a balanced and nutritious diet, you can try multivitamins and supplements to boost your intake.