Archive for ◊ March, 2009 ◊

Author: admin
Friday, March 27th, 2009

Many people are enticed into buying expensive home gyms by images of very fit men, along with fit and sexy women working out on these machines. The message clearly is that you too can look like the men and women in the commercial if you will just buy one of their home gyms, or their particular piece of exercise equipment.

According to fitness equipment industry records, last year alone saw over 3 billion dollars being spent on fitness and exercise equipment of which 1 billion was spent on treadmills, (it is unknown how much of this exercise equipment was for the home.) These numbers are only for the U.S., not the rest of the world.

Now that was just last year. How much has been spent each year for the last 25 or 30 years. I will save those statistics for a different day, but you and I both know it must be many billions of dollars. Remember, this is just on fitness and exercise equipment, not diet food, diet pills, or other weight loss programs.

So why is it that with billions of dollars spent on exercise equipment every year in the U.S., obesity rates have continued to climb each and every year, (according to the CDC there are signs that the obesity rate may finally be starting to level off.) Obesity is still the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

Certainly we know that there is no single reason for why nearly 97 million Americans are overweight, but what is happening with the billions of dollars of exercise and fitness equipment being sold every year in this country?

Well I would venture to guess that almost every single person reading this article can think of at least one friend or relatives home that currently has some type of home gym, treadmill, or other piece of fitness equipment setting unused in the corner, the garage, or back patio gathering dust.

You know it is not being used because it has stuff stacked all around it or on top of it. In many cases it was you who bought the home gym or exercise equipment only to use it a mere handful of times before it became idle. Hey I am not perfect, I did this repeatedly over a period of 10 to 15 years! And I’ve been to the homes of friends and family, with the home gyms and treadmills rusting away in the corner.

It is not my intent or the intent of this article to persuade anyone from purchasing any piece of exercise equipment. But understand this. There is one thing that does not come with your home gym. There is one thing that the exercise and fitness equipment manufacturers cannot sell you. In fact they cannot even give it to you, and that is an exercise or workout habit! Buying a home gym will have no effect on your workout habit. Would you like me to prove it to you?

The floor under your feet is absolutely free. Have you dropped down to the floor today and knocked out 25 pushups? Have you done this 4 times today, 4 times yesterday, and every day for the past 30 days? Have you worked the largest muscle group in your body (legs) by knocking out 25 to 30 squats, using only your body weight,? Have you done this 2-3 times a day every day for the past 30 days? If the answer is no, yet you are about to purchase a home gym or other piece of fitness equipment, then the exercise equipment manufacturers have been successfully convinced you that buying their exercise equipment is going to cause you to lose weight and get in shape without much effort.

Sorry for the brutal honesty, but this is why exercise equipment is stacked up all over the planet gathering dust. If you are not using what is free, and available to you now, to work your body, what makes you think you will use a piece of expensive exercise equipment?

If you are going to spend your hard earned money on a home gym or piece of fitness equipment, please do yourself a favor and develop a workout habit. It is the workout habit that will make the difference in whether you ever reach your weight loss and fitness goals, not a piece of equipment. You can have the body that you want, you are just going to have to work for it. Awesome!

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Author: admin
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Somewhere near 20% of all those who have back problems and undergo surgery will have no relief and the remaining 80% will continue to have problems ranging from mild to severe. Inversion tables don’t offer some magical cure but, they can help you in remedying the pain you are in now if you will commit to building up a stronger spine and better posture. These tables in particular have been used since around 400 B.C., when Hippocrates, the father of medicine, first observed a patient have his knees bound and ankles tied to a ladder to be lifted upside down for a dose of what’s come to be known as spinal traction. Of course the Grecian theories still live on today but there is a much simpler way of going about all of this and it still will have the same effect which allow you to relieve your back pain! By utilizing these inversion tables you are applying a sort of medicinal process called Inversion Therapy and it can be one of the most natural and efficient ways to getting a better back and a better body.

I know it sounds a little strange but there really is proven test studies behind the inversion tables and Inversion Therapy. For example, did you know that by inverting yourself to as little as 25degrees for even just a few minutes that it can actually help relax your muscular tissue and speed the flow of lymphatic fluids which flush out the body’s wastes and carry them to the blood stream? Amazing! The faster this waste is cleared, and stimulating supplies of oxygen are introduced, the faster rigor and pain in the muscles can disappear. An actual study imparted by physiotherapist L.J. Nosse established that EMG (electromyographic) activity, an indicator of muscle pain, declined over 35% within ten seconds of assuming the inverted positioning!

For those of you who don’t really know about this product or know which ones work and which ones don,t, I have named off a few that I have heard about currently that DO work and DO work well! Check them out!

EP-550 Inversion Table -
This takes inversion therapy to the next level with a host of new and advanced features, including the new flex technology bed. This bed design is a dramatic advancement from the Teeter F5000 Inversion Table which the EP-550 replaced. The unparalleled conception of the Teeter EP550 allows the flex technology bed to adjust to your back. This assures the ultimate in comfortable inversion!

DEX II Decompression and Extension Machine -
This machine prevents over-stressing of your ankles and knee joints while getting the health benefits of inversion therapy. There is really no burden on your ankles or knees when you use this machine. The innovative design including unique traction handles and maximizes effectiveness of spinal decompression, leading to a healthier back.

EZ-Up Inversion System Gravity Boots and Inversion Rack -
Any standard wood door frame can be your substance for inversion with the EZ-Up Inversion System, which comes complete with the Inversion Rack and Gravity Boots. Either component of the system may be bought individually. Relief from back pain has been the experience of thousands of individuals who invert regularly. Not only that, the restoring effects of inversion on the entire body provides health benefits far beyond the relief of back pain. Inversion can be utilized as a hands-on approach to help maintain overall health. Hanging upside down can help to elongate and relax muscles, reduce stress and tension, and supply healthy motion for ligaments.

Power II Inversion Table -
The Teeter Hang Ups Power II Inversion Table push-button control makes it the most simple inversion table on the market. Unlike all other motor-powered inversion tables, the Power II requires no modifications for users height or weight. Likewise, because of Teeter’s trademarked interlocking motor gears, this inversion table may be stopped at any angle desired for exercise or stretching without bed movement!

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Author: admin
Monday, March 23rd, 2009

It seems like many people have similar goals about their bodies - lose weight, build some muscle or tone up, but fewer and fewer people are opting to join gyms to try and reach their goals. Some people don’t live close enough to a gym to make that option feasible and some people just simply can’t afford the monthly dues. If you have a goal of getting in better shape, but for one reason or another can’t or won’t join a gym there are several viable options you can have at home to help you achieve all of your fitness goals.

Treadmills

There are few activities that burn calories as well as running, if you’ve got some extra weight that you want to lose or if you just want to get into the best cardio vascular condition that you possibly can - than running is an obvious choice to get you to your goal. Running (or walking for that matter) is an activity that almost anyone can do without a gym or fancy equipment. The problem with outdoor running is that weather conditions can ruin your workout.

A treadmill can be an inexpensive way to be able to do your running/walking workout without having to worry about the weather forecast. Rain or shine; wind or cold - it makes no difference, with a treadmill you’ll be able to get a great workout without leaving your home.

Ellipticals

Elliptical machines offer a cardio workout that can rival that of a good run or walk. Elliptical machines can cost a bit more than a lower end treadmill but they do offer one unique advantage - next to no impact. If you’ve had a history of joint pain or problems that preclude you from high impact exercises like running than an elliptical machine may be just the thing you need to get a great cardio workout.

Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are another great low-impact alternative to running for cardio workouts. Biking is an excellent activity to burn calories and build overall health, but it’s wise to “try before you buy” if at all possible. All exercise bikes may not be comfortable to all people and the last thing you want when trying to get a good workout is to be stuck atop an uncomfortable apparatus. If the store has a display model, give it a quick spin and make sure that there are several adjustments to accommodate people of different heights and sizes.

Home Gyms

If part of your goal is to build a bit of muscle, then a home gym might be the right piece of equipment for you. There are literally dozens of different brands and models to choose from, each with different accessories and attachments to accommodate even the most complex workout routines in a limited amount of space. It’s a good idea to read some customer reviews before buy to try and gauge the ease of use of each home gym.
Some system come with resistance bands, weight stacks or resistance wheels - you want something that will be user friendly so completing your workout is a pleasure rather than a hassle.

Spinners

Spinners are like a newer, more advanced version of an exercise bike. Some models offer wide ranges of adjustable resistance and tons of extra added amenities that you wouldn’t normally find on a run of the mill indoor cycle. Spinners are designed to give you the feel that you are actually out cycling and riders can get ride along DVD’s that virtually put you in different locations and situations while working out. If you think that traditional indoor cycling is too boring to hold your attention, than a spinner might be a better choice.

Whatever your workout or fitness goal is, with the types and varieties of equipment available - you certainly don’t need to spend the money or waste the time traveling to a gym - you can get an excellent and tremendously effective workout right in the comfort of your own home.

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Author: admin
Saturday, March 21st, 2009

As more and more alternative medicine is becoming popular, it’s not surprising that people would shy away from drugs to ease their pain and look for something that isn’t as likely to have side effects. The TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine is one of the more popular methods for easing pain and can now be found easily on the market.

While TENS can aid with all types of pain relief, it is particularly popular among those who suffer from chronic pain and who are usually becoming resistant to pharmaceutical painkillers. Using stronger and stronger drugs in order to make it through the day doesn’t mesh with everyone’s philosophy and that’s why they start looking for alternatives like TENS.

How It Works
Essentially, TENS machines work by shooting electrical pulses through electrodes that are attached to the skin. These pulses interrupt the electrical signals that are sent to the brain to let it know that your body is hurting. By interrupting them, the pain is eased or even eliminated.

There are two ways the TENS machine is thought to work:

Low Frequency: The lower frequencies, 2-5 Hz, are believed to cause the body to react. The reaction creates natural painkillers, or endorphins. The endorphins block the pain naturally and while popular, this isn’t the usual method of using TENS.

High Frequency: For more intense pain, higher frequencies, 90-130 Hz, work to actually interrupt those pain signals being sent to the brain. This is the most common use for the machine and while you start slow, it’s not uncommon to need to up the frequency to find the best block.

How to Use It
Your machine should come with detailed instructions, which should be followed. However, there are some general use instructions that we can list here. Make sure the machine is off before applying the electrodes. You can test to ensure that it’s working by turning it on while holding the pads in your fingers. If it tingles, it’s working.

When putting the electrode pads on, be sure to avoid any sensitive or irritated areas and only apply to clean skin on either side of the pain. Electrodes need to be covered in conductive gel and must be placed at least an inch apart, preferably a little further. Tape them down if you plan to be moving around much. Turn the machine on at its lowest setting and gradually turn it up until you can feel the tingle.

You will need to feel a fairly strong sensation, but not painful. If the current causes muscles to contract, turn it down. The length of the session is up to you. It will need to be at least 45-60 min. but you can safely use the machine for up to 12 hours. At the end of the session, turn it off and remove the pads.

Who Can Use TENS
This technology isn’t best for everyone. Some people get more of a benefit than others and some won’t notice much of a difference in pain levels at all when using TENS. Also, if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, epilepsy or a heart disease, you should stay away from this type of treatment. In some cases, TENS is used during labor, but in this case, you would need to consult a doctor.

As an alternative pain treatment, you’ll find that this works best on muscle pains, or those in the joints or caused by nerves. The electrical pulses are far less effective on things like headaches, chest pains or stomachaches and intestinal issues. That being said, there aren’t any real side effects from the use of this machine, so you can certainly experiment to find out whether or not it works for you. TENS can be a useful alternative to drugs. It’s worth trying if you suffer from chronic pain.

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Author: admin
Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Exercise treadmills have been the biggest selling type of cardio products for more than two decades. Smooth Fitness is a volume seller of quality home exercise treadmills and has been accredited with being the #1 retailer of domestic treadmills online for over a decade. So what makes Smooth Fitness #1 in home treadmill equipment?

Well with over 20 yrs in the exercise equipment industry they are able to offer factory direct pricing together with next day shipping. Additionally all of their products are backed with a 30-day money back guarantee which removes most of the risk of buying equipment online. Couple this with extended service support and some of the best warranties in the business and it is clear to see why they are the market leader.

Looking at customer reviews of Smooth Fitness treadmills features the adjectives that are frequently used to describe them are: Stability, solidity, quietness and durability. Smoothfitness build treadmills that are virtually maintenance free and designed to last the course.

But why are Smooth Fitness treadmills so durable? They achieve this by constructing their treadmills from quality components and materials that have been carefully engineered for their intended task.

At the heart of any treadmill lies the motor. A treadmill of any quality should have at least a 2.5 HP continuous duty motor. The phrase”continuous duty” refers to the fact that the motor is able to deliver the stated horsepower continuously without overheating rather than just for a brief period. Smooth treadmills have as a minimum a 2.5 HP continuous duty motor on all treadmills across their range and back them up with a lifetime warranty.

Any serious treadmill should have a 20 inch wide tread belt so that you have sufficient space in order to walk or run without your natural gait being restricted. All smooth Fitness treadmills across their range are fitted with 20″ wide tread belts.

A component of the treadmill which is very often overlooked is the flywheel. The flywheel acts to smooth out the power supplied from the motor to the tread belt and contributes greatly to the smooth running of a treadmill. The flywheels on Smooth treadmills are carefully balanced by being spun at high speed and checked to make sure they are running true. By taking care to ensure the flywheel is balanced allows the motor to run efficiently and results in treadmill that is silky smooth in operation.

Another important component of the treadmill is the tread belt. This should be of two-ply construction with a polyurethane top layer and base layer constructed from nylon polyester weave. The belt is formed from a single strip of material which has to be joined together in order to form the endless loop of the tread belt. This can be joined as a simple lap joint but the preferred method is to use a diagonal join. Smooth Fitness use this method in their belts which not only results in a stronger join but helps reduce noise.

The component that under pins the tread belt and is responsible for the feel of the treadmill is the “deck”. A good quality treadmill such as the ones made by Smooth Fitness use solid wooden decks of appx. 1″ thickness. The deck is typically supported by rubber grommets and helps to absorb the pounding the deck takes when the treadmill is being used.

In order to move the tread belt has to run over rollers. This is another component that most potential buyers of treadmills are unaware of but which are important to the smooth running of the treadmill. Ideally these should be 2″- 3″ in diameter but the type and quality of the roller bearing is a more important consideration. Top end treadmills are usually fitted with crowned rollers and Smooth Fitness fit these even to their entry level (5.45) machine.

The control systems that regulate the treadmill and facilitate such features such as heart rate control, custom programs, and user profiles require some fairly complicated electronics. Unfortunately the some what hostile environment that these electronic circuit boards reside in means that they are more likely to fail than other components. The electronics in Smooth Fitness treadmills are covered by a 3 yrs warranty against failure. This is the standard of cover you should expect to see in other treadmills but unfortunately not all manufacturers offer this sort of cover.

By using quality components, and over engineering their products to meet the needs of the most demanding users, Smooth Fitness continue to meet consumer’s demand for a reliable, high quality, home treadmill.

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Author: admin
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Quite a few people attempt to build a home gym at home so they may achieve great full body workouts. Whether you’re in search of workouts for women or workouts for men, a excellent full body workout can be performed without ever joining a big name gym. In fact, it can be argued, for many reasons, that you can get even better full body workouts as part of your home workout routines.

There are many reasons to not go to big gyms and build a home gym instead. Price, time and intimidation are usually the main ones. As a certified trainer, previous owner of and former frequent gym goer, I have a atypical perspective on typical “big gyms”. This point of view has let me see all facets of the “big gym” versus home gym debate.

What Are the Benefits of a Home Gym?

Every Minute Counts
One of the biggest payoffs of creating a home gym and performing a workout from home is a terrific time savings. You need to consider time to get to and from a big commercial gym.Then you have the time you throw awaywaiting on line for equipment. Finally, wayward conversations at the gym waste your time.

The allure of creating a home gym is that you can get more done in much less time at home, and you can workout whenever you want and anytime that you want. This advantage, as well as the others listed below, are true for both workouts for men and workouts for women.

Saving Money
Let’s face it, going to a commercial gym is not inexpensive. There are several expenditures associated with joining a commercial gym.

First you have the gym membership itself. Ofttimes it is either a excessive annual fee up front ranging from $400/year to thousands of dollars a year or you pay an up front registration fee, followed by a $30 to $200 a month recurring fee. It is absolutely no low-cost.

Besides the membership fee, you must also pay to travel to the gym. The cost of fuel going to and returning from the gym needs to be considered when figuring out the price of a gym membership genuinely costs you.

You must also allow for the wear and tear on your vehicle. Though not an immediate cost, the accumulation of miles racked up driving to and back from the gym absolutely build up.

Lastly, and the one thing almost no one considers, is the cost of your time. Many do not consider time to have a cost, but the fact is that time is the most scarce and priceless asset we have. Unlike money or any other resource, once a minute, hour or day is gone, it’s gone for forever and you simply can’t produce anymore. So this must be treated as your most precious asset.

You should constantly put a cost to your time, always. Consider what is the maximum you earn in one hour while working. Additionally, think about what other activities you could be doing during that 30 minutes to and from the gym. If you could be doing work that is going to make you money during that time, that makes it even more beneficial.

The Factor of Intimidation
For large numbers of people big name commercial gyms are frightening. When I had the chance to open my own gym, I determined that instead of opening a “big gym”, I would hone in on one-on-one personal training with private suites because so many people found commercial facilities terrifying and I felt that they were the LEAST adequate way of getting people the kind of results they are looking for. They would join a gym to lose weight and they would never go because they found them menacing or not effective.

I have found that many women found happiness in their own private training suites because there was no one staring at them (which is what you typically get in a big commercial gym). This is an extremely costly option at $60 to $150 per training session.

Even many men, myself included, dislike commercial gyms. Depending on the gym, you might find a considerable bodybuilding group that can also be very aggressive.

Furthermore, you’ll often find impolite and unthinking members who might stay on one machine for prolonged periods of time or even worse, don’t clean apparatus after they work on it.

A great alternative to big gyms, is performing a home workout using a system that utilizes exercise combinations that can be done anywhere (not only at home) with no equipment necessary.

Distractions
Additionally, a commercial facility is ripe with distractions. Oftentimes it’s as simple as the music. Quite a lot of members don’t own an MP3 player or don’t want to have an mp3 player fastened to their bodies when they exercise. Which means they are subject to whatever music the gym has on. It’s not fun when you’re trying to focus on your exercise and you’re not enjoying the heavy metal that’s playing or the volume it’s playing at.

Numerous gyms are also thought of as “meat markets”. In other words, people join the gym for the sole purpose of finding a date. For many, that’s a bonus. However, if you’re serious about losing weight, you can’t be disturbed by looking for your next wife or husband at the gym.

With a good understanding of some of the advantages of a home gym, let’s talk about exactly how to create an effective gym at home, without spending a lot of money.

What Does it Take to Build a Home Gym to Perform Full Body Workouts?

When constructing a home gym to add full body workouts to your home workout routine, the truth is that to lose weight and build muscle, equipment isn’t even required. In effect, you ARE the gym! Many will find it hard to understand, but the reality is that almost anyone can get by with a very small 10×10space somewhere in their home performing body weight only home workout routines.

However when most hear the term “home gym”they automatically think of those gigantic, mammoth multi-exercise contraptions that use a large amount of space.

Not only do those colossal multi-function home gyms occupy considerable space, but they are quite often high-priced.

There is categorically no cause for one of those obsolete machines. While a large amount of people have the false belief that they need a large, complex piece of equipment to get a good total body workout, it’s definitely untrue.

How do you build a home gym so that you can do full body workouts without going to the gym? It’s much simpler than you might think.

1)Dumbbells: Dumbbells are a key piece of equipment for people who need to add weight to their workouts for extra resistance. In fact, a set of dumbbells is the centerpiece of your home gym, especially if you do not have a lot of money to spend. You can get great full body workouts with just a single pair of dumbbells. If you’re going to buy dumbbells, I highly recommend buying a pair of adjustable dumbbells which will save you space.

2)Stability/Exercise ball: There is a good reason this piece of equipment has become very popular. They are great for ab work because they provide good support of the spine and isolate your abdominal muscles. For many exercises, the ball may even take the place of a bench. I would recommend one to anyone looking to integrate full body workouts into their home workout routines.

The following equipment isn’t necessary, but add good variety to your home workout routines:

1)Pull-up / Chin-up bar: This is a fantastic, inexpensive piece of equipment. It is ideal for helping build the upper body, arms and abdominals.

For many, particularly beginners, pullups and chinups are too difficult to perform.

2)The Lebert Equalizer: A versatile piece of equipment that fits three criteria you should look for in building a home gym:It’s versatile, it’s inexpensive and it can be stored away easily and doesn’t take up much space. The Equalizer can work the back, chest, legs, arms and core muscles.

Again, you don’t need any equipment to build muscle and lose fat. Utilizing equipment lets you change your workouts with ease since you’ll have more options. Changing your workouts regularly (every four weeks), is a must if you want to maximize results.

Look for a proven and experienced source of information to get the home workout routines you will need to perform full body workouts. I recommend systems which allow you to skip the cost of expensive gyms and give you all the information you need to get an effective home workout. Your goal should be to perform time efficient, full body workouts that will help you lose fat and build muscle by providing you with a new home workout routine every four weeks.

Building a home gym can help you end the frustrations you experience when joining a big gym. It is also a proven method to save both time and money. If you’re looking to lose fat with full body workouts, a home workout routine can provide you with many benefits.

Remember, the key to an effective home workout routine, whether it’s workouts for men or workouts for women, is to perform full body workouts. It’s not necessary, by any means to go to a commercial gym to get the best full body workout that you can. In fact, I would recommend sticking with a home workout for all the reasons stated above.

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Author: admin
Friday, March 06th, 2009

People will give you every excuse why they don’t exercise but the one I hear most is always about not having any time in their busy schedule to workout.

Deadlines, kids, pets, meetings, reports-everything for everyone else. Without work we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the good things in life…right? You’re probably thinking, “I already know my life is busy. I don’t need it spelled out for me.”

Yes, all of these things are important, but need to be put into perspective. You are the main ingredient in the recipe of life. Without you, there wouldn’t be all that money coming in, all those deadlines being met, all those reports being written and all those meetings attended. And on the family side, who would be there to go to the soccer games and spelling bees, cook dinners or organize yet another Girl Scout Jamboree?

Well, ladies and gentlemen of the work force, you too can have a better busy life if you would just take the time to exercise. That’s right, maybe entertain the thought of being a little selfish. Do something for yourself for a change-something that will benefit both your work and family life. With a proper exercise program, your quality of life changes dramatically. That’s right! Your stress-handling capabilities are strengthened and you sleep better, resulting in better quality time with your family.

Here we go back to that statement again: “I have absolutely no time to exercise.” This time with an added reply: “What, are you hard of hearing?”

Contrary to popular belief, no one needs to spend countless hours in a health club or gym to get in shape and feel healthy. If you have 15 minutes, you have enough time to exercise. Don’t even try to say that you don’t have 15 minutes. You can pull 15 minutes out of nowhere whenever emergencies arise. It’s time to consider your health and well being as one of those “emergency situations.” Take 15 minutes, three times a week-that’s 45 minutes a week for those of you who are too busy to do the math-and perform a combination of resistance and aerobic training.

Most of us think of resistance training as going to the gym and lifting endless pounds of iron, aerobic training and running forever on a treadmill. How can you do all of this in 15 minutes, you ask? The truth is, you can’t. What you can do, however, is train only your major muscle groups with exercises referred to as “multi-joint exercises.” As the name implies these muscles require more than one group of muscles to be included in a movement. A pushup is a great example of a multi-joint movement. Performing a pushup requires you to use your chest, shoulders and triceps to complete the exercise. Another example of a multi-joint movement is a chin-up that requires your upper back, shoulders and biceps to do the exercise.

Here it comes, like the shot heard ’round the world: “Are you crazy? I’m so out of shape that I can’t even do one push up, let alone do a set of them!”

When the dust settles from that excuse, you’ll find that there is more than one way to exercise a certain muscle group. A beginner should try to lower themselves down instead of pushing or pulling your self up. Fitness professionals use the term “negatives” for this type of training. It is easier for you to lower weight than to lift it. Lower yourself, if your not strong enough to lift. It provides the same benefits.

Those two exercises cover all of the major muscles in your upper body-and it took a little more than two and a half minutes: 80 seconds of work is 80 seconds of work. If you perform 20 Military push ups with a four second count (2 up 2 down) or 20 negative push ups with a four second count (down in 4 seconds)it still all work. A set of 20 chin-ups using the same count is another 80 seconds. That’s 160 seconds of activity-or about 2.67 minutes. Sorry, there is no rest period. You’re too busy to rest!

It’s important to exercise your lower body as well, since these are the parts of your anatomy that provide mobility and help you accomplish all of your busy chores. The largest groups of muscles are those that move the hip and knee joints, more specifically, your buttocks and thighs. These muscles can be exercised with a multi-joint exercise known as a split squat. Stand facing a wall. Lock your elbows and position your hands on the wall. Place one toe against the wall and the other toe back far enough so that it feels comfortable. Now, squat down so that you touch the floor with your back knee and rise back up to the starting position. Perform 25 repetitions and then switch legs.

The midsection is just as important, but often the most neglected. To exercise this area adequately, you will need to exercise your lower back muscles and your abdomen. My favorite, if done correctly, is the “windmill.” Some of you former athletes may remember these from high school sports. Stand up straight with your legs a little wider than shoulder width apart. Raise your arms up to to shoulder height. Touch your right hand to your left food (or as close as you can get). Slowly return to a straight posture. Now, touch your left hand to your right foot.

Simon says, “let’s go on to the next exercise.” In all likelihood, everyone has done-or tried to do-a crunch at one time or another. This is one of those times. To perform a proper crunch, begin by lying on your back with your heels touching a wall so that your body forms an “L.” Next, raise your arms up so that your body resembles a “U.” Hey, not only do you learn to exercise, but you learn the alphabet, too.

Now that you resemble a “U,” try to touch your toes with your hands. If you have trouble raising yourself up, grab your legs and pull your upper body off the ground. Then, slowly lower your upper body to the floor. Repeat this 20-25 times.

By now you’ve worked all of the major muscle groups in your body and are wondering, where is the aerobic training? Do you remember in physical education class, the one exercise everyone thought was easy? That’s right, jumping jacks! Well, my now-exhausted executives, the jumping jack-when executed properly-is one of the best all-around cardiovascular exercises. It also exercises the shoulders, postural muscles (middle back) and calves.

How about we all do 25 jumping jacks right now? Keep your arms perfectly straight and bring them completely over your head. Ready? Begin. Much more difficult than you remember, huh? A set of 25 repetitions of this very simple exercise needs to be inserted at the beginning of your workout and in between every set of resistance exercises. This will keep your heart rate up throughout the entire workout.

This workout-when done consistently and properly-will yield a much better quality of life for you and the people who depend on you.

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Author: admin
Wednesday, March 04th, 2009

With our busy schedules, we now turn to home fitness equipment to keep our bodies in shape. Time will no longer be an issue and you would no longer have to drive all the way across town just to get a decent work out.

If you are serious in getting in shape at home, a machine that you may want to consider is the Nordictrack Cx 925 Elliptical machine. First of all, an elliptical trainer machine is an exercise equipment that you can walk on, like a treadmill, buy has a lower impact on your body as it has flowing, elliptical moves.

Here are some details about the Nordictrack Cx 925 Elliptical machine that can help you decide if you will buy this item or not.

It is a great elliptical trainer as it has 10 levels you can choose from. If you have absolutely no exercise experience, you can place the Nordictrack Cx 925 Elliptical on level one and you can increase your levels as you increase stamina. For the more experienced trainers, the 10th level will give you a good work out. Also, there is a feature called Quick Resistance that will allow you to immediately change your resistance without breaking your stride.

For heart rate monitoring, it uses the conventional pulse sensors to check your heart rate as you press on the grips with your hands. This is a good way to estimate your heart rate, but a wireless telemetric heart rate reader is better. Although you would have to pay a significantly higher price for this feature.

In terms of stride, the Nordictrack Cx 925 Elliptical machine has an 18 inch long stride that is decent compared to other cheap machines. It may not be as free flowing as the other expensive machines with 20 inches of stride but it will still allow for decent and comfortable movement.

For the tech-heads out there, you may want to situate your Nordictrack Cx 925 Elliptical near your computer area as it is compatible to iFit.com. So you can download some programs with smashing background music to boost. On its own, the machine has 8 present programs that you can use as soon as you bought the machine.

The machine has a great LCD monitor that tracks your progress and give you a details reporting of your body such as the calories you’ve burned, your heart rate, the speed you are going at, the distance you have traveled and how long you have been on the machine. There is also a book holder on the machine so you can read that magazine or that book while you get your sweat on. There is a cooling system as well and 2 drink holders for your convenience.

These are just some of the features of the Nordictrack Cx 925 Elliptical the only downside is that it is a tad bit difficult to assemble this elliptical fitness machine but with patience, you will surely get it right. Also, due to this, it is imperative that you leave it assembled once complete as you would not want to go through reassembling again.

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Author: admin
Wednesday, March 04th, 2009

Most sports have an element of running in them so you’ll be instantly improving your sporting stamina if you start to exercise on the treadmill or run round the block at least a few times each week. Running has been recognized for a long time as pretty much THE way to get fit effectively. All kinds of running are out there for you to try, e.g. road races, marathons, fun runs, fell running and cross-country. The overwhelming majority of runners simply run because they enjoy it and they remain fit and healthy.

Running and jogging are basically the same endeavor, jogging sometimes used by people referring to a slower pace of running. Which ever you decide on, the super thing about going for a run is that all you really need is a good pair of shoes and some enthusiasm.

Your lungs and heart are improved through running, no matter what sort you are doing i.e. a slow jog or short fast sprinting. Long distance runs involve aerobic muscle respiration (using oxygen) which needs a lot of muscular endurance. Sprinting requires a high level of muscle power and is classed as anaerobic exercise (doesn’t use oxygen).

Due to the large amount of impact associated with running your bones density will be maintained at the very least, more often than not density is increased so as to strengthen the bone helping to reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis in later life. What must be taken into account is that increased impact can detrimentally affect the joints of some people. Lower impact activities like cycling or walking can be useful for easing the stress on people’s joints.

Running is an activity that anyone can do. Providing you are healthy to begin with, and begin slowly, easing your body into the new activity, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to increase your speed and endurance over time. It is best to see a doctor if you have any health issues, e.g. asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, are pregnant or have just had surgery.

Warming up before a run is very important. Initially walk at a fast pace vigorously swinging your arms, then start to transfer into a slow jog.

The speed of your run should be that at which you are still able to hold a conversation with someone. If you find that you are too breathless to talk properly then simply slow down a little, or walk until you’ve caught your breath back. When starting out aim to run/ walk for 10 minutes in total. Try to run every 2-3 days, all the time reducing the amount of time you spend walking. Soon you should be running the whole 10 minutes.

Next you should look at increasing the duration of your run by 1-2 minutes every second or third running session. Try to reach three 30 minute runs each week. Even if you feel very healthy and alert it is best not to increase your running workout in excess of 10% per week.

Towards the end of each run you should warm down with a gradual slowing of pace to a mellow jog or walk. When you’ve caught your breath back have a few stretches whilst your body is still warm and flexible.

Many people come across problems with motivation, particularly in the beginning stages. Create realistic weekly aims, make running a habit that is always part of your daily routine. Record your progress and where possible try to get help from others, i.e. try and run with friends at leas once a week.

In terms of clothing and equipment your shoes should fit well and be comfortable, seamless sports socks are ideal. Clothing that is comfortable and not movement restrictive is important. During the summer shorts and a t-shirt work well. Winter typically involves a tracksuit and a lightweight windproof/ waterproof top. Thermal undergarments and a beanie or gloves can be beneficial for those extra cold days. Vaseline is useful for any regions of the body that have excessive rubbing. Women should wear a sports bra.

Safety wise, it is best to run with other people at night, sticking to well lit routes and informing people of your whereabouts. Bright/ reflective clothes should be worn at night or in poor visibility weather.

If you have an illness e.g. bacterial or viral infection only begin running when you get 100% better.

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Author: admin
Monday, March 02nd, 2009

Specialty fitness dealers are always your best and safest way to shop for home exercise equipment regardless of how big or small the item or purchase may be. This article will provide you with on how to purchase fitness equipment from Arizona specialty fitness dealers. Whether you’re just looking for something simple or the next big thing, the following information will be beneficial to you.

A specialty fitness dealer sells high quality exercise equipment and nothing else. Not sporting goods, shoes, tools, bikes or anything for that matter other than quality exercise equipment unlike the big box / department stores that are selling items based on a low price and an impulse purchase. Furthermore, they must sell equipment that will not only work right the first time, but also last a long time as well - otherwise, they wouldn’t remain in business!

Specialty fitness dealers offer a wide variety of different types of quality exercise equipment for all types, shapes and sizes of people. Unlike big box / department stores that have maybe 2-3 choices of equipment in each category, specialty fitness equipment dealers stake their business reputation on providing the consumer with the products that not only meet their fitness requirements, but also will work for them both short and long term. Keep in mind that good quality fitness equipment also comes with longer term warranties than you’ll find with equipment found at big-box stores. And, if you choose an extended warranty for equipment purchased at the big box stores (which, given the quality of the product, you should probably do), you’ve already brought the price for that equipment much closer to what you’d get from a specialty equipment store - minus the quality.

Rather than trying to get help from a big-box store employee that may not have much knowledge of what works bests for your fitness goals, when you deal with a specialty fitness equipment dealer, you’ll receive assistance from a professionally trained and experienced fitness consultant. When it comes to investing in home exercise equipment, you should work with someone who will not only be able to provide you will a plethora of knowledge about exercise and fitness but also point you into the right products that will be most effective in helping you to achieve your specific fitness goals. So, avoid the kids who work in the big box stores that are moved from one department to another on a daily basis, and choose a professional, experienced and knowledgeable fitness consultant.

Rest assured when making a purchase from a specialty fitness dealer, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that your purchase is a long term investment in high quality equipment that will last you for many enjoyable years to come. Rather than spend your money on disposable products of the type you’ll find in the big box stores, it is actually less expensive to invest your money in fitness equipment that will help you successfully achieve your fitness goals. * Side note: More often than not, it seems that the people who purchase products from big box stores, have bought themselves a reason NOT to exercise. Buyer Beware!!!!

Although the cost of purchase may be higher, one other potential advantage (depending on the specialty equipment dealer you purchase from) - may offer financing programs that are much more cost effective than you’ll find at a big-box store. For example, Fitness 4 Home Superstore offers 0% financing on your purchases - which not only brings your monthly payment down to a rate that might approach what your family would pay for a monthly health club membership, but also saves you money over what you’d pay in interest on a big box store credit program - or what you’d pay on your credit card for interest.

Although there is a certain convenience factor when it comes to buying from the big-box stores, in the end, this is outweighed by the advantages you’ll find in the professionalism, dedication, commitment, and quality you’ll find both in the specialty store fitness consultants you’ll talk to, and the equipment they recommend, at a specialty fitness equipment dealer. And, when you do the math, the cost savings at the big box stores…may not really be what it seems!

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