Fitness Secrets

Weight Loss: Little Steps Can Produce Big Results by Cathy Barela

2025-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Weight Loss; Little Steps Can Bring Big Results

If you are struggling with weight loss, you probably are feeling overwhelmed by how to get back to your desired weight. By taking little steps towards your goal, you may achieve results much faster than you think. Most people give up and continue their sedentary lifestyles and eating the wrong types of foods because they feel it is impossible to get back in shape. Just as we have to learn how to walk before we can run, the same is true with weight loss. By staring t with little or baby steps and you might surprise yourself at what a difference it can make in losing weight.

In order to lose weight, the body needs to speed up its metabolism. There are easy ways to do that without strenuous exercise. One thing that speeds up the metabolism is by getting oxygen to the brain and getting your circulation flowing. A simple way to start an exercise program that doesn't take too much effort or time at all is by stretching. Take five or ten minutes in the morning and do simple stretches. Breath out all of the air you have inside you and hold your breath for 3-5 seconds, if you can. While you are doing this, stretch one arm. Then let the air out. Do the same with your other arm, your back, and legs and any other area of your body you feel like. It is an incredible feeling. You will feel great! You will be stretching muscles that you didn't even know you have! This gets oxygen to the brain very quickly and you will feel the circulation in your entire body.

It is important, of course, to drink lots of water if you are planning on losing weight. If you're not used to drinking water, start with 4 glasses a day. You may be surprised how quickly you get used to the taste and want even more. It is recommended that we drink 64 oz. a day but it might take some time to work up to that. By keeping a big jug in the fridge it may remind you to drink it. If you start small you can work yourself up to more as you see fit.

Eating the right kinds of foods is vital to weight loss. By eating the right kinds of foods at certain intervals during the day, your food will become fuel that burns, instead of becoming stored up fat. When you alternate certain foods during the day, you may see a remarkable improvement of weight loss. It is so easy and the results are truly amazing You will never be staring yourself as you watch the pounds melt off your body

These are very simple, little weight loss tricks that can bring incredible results. The important thing is to do something each day, no matter how insignificant it may seem. By following these steps, you will have so much more energy and notice a tremendous change in your overall health and well being.

About the Author
Cathy lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves the mountains, sports, outdoors, music, writing and helping people achieve their goals.

A Healthy And Successful Weight Loss Diet by Carl DiNello

2007-03-12T00:24:00.001-07:00

If you are like most people who are concerned about their weight, chances are you place far too much importance on watching out for the foods you shouldn't be eating, and not enough importance on the foods you should be eating. Daily nutritional allowances for vitamins and minerals are recommended for good reason. Without meeting these daily allowances, your body can't function properly.

To start, forget about any fad weight loss diet that promises instant weight loss, and requires you to eat one specific category of food for extended periods of time. There's no single type of food in existence that can provide you with the variety of necessary vitamins and minerals you need for healthy body function. Not only that, chances are you won't be able to stick to a fad diet for very long. Diets that require you to eat only one kind of food soon become so boring that you'll be back to your old eating habits in no time.

There's only one kind of weight loss diet that health professionals recommend for safe weight loss. It doesn't involve eating obscure foods, or only one type of food for an extended period of time. It's the same diet you have been hearing about all your life. The only diet for proper weight loss is a nutritionally balanced diet.

A nutritionally balanced diet will contain enough vitamins and minerals to help your body function well, and enough carbohydrates, protein, and fat to meet your energy requirements. This diet is high in healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

The best part of eating a balanced diet for weight loss is the added benefit these foods offer by making you feel full without adding significantly to your calorie intake. Fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals are all low in calories. They are also high in vitamins and minerals

So when trying to lose weight, be sure you don't cut these healthy foods out of your diet. Just eat smaller portions of everything. To safely lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you will need to reduce your total daily calorie intake by 500 to 1,000 calories. It is important to distribute the remaining calories into carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Your body needs all three!

Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy, and are found in a wide range of foods that include whole grain breads, pasta, rice, and sweets. However, as far as the sweets go, they are high in calories but offer little, or no nutritional benefit. Leave them out of any weight loss diet. Be sure to meet your body's carbohydrate requirements with foods that are nutritious.

Protein provides us with the necessary material for tissue repair, and growth. Protein can also be a source of energy for the body, but only as a last resort. Some foods that are high in protein would be meat, fish, legumes, and whole grains. Remember, that when it comes to meat, red meat is high in fat. Unless you enjoy extremely lean cuts, it might be best to minimize your intake of red meat while on a diet. You will be far better off sticking to fish, legumes, and whole grains.

Fat intake should be as little as possible when trying to lose weight, even though it is true that your body needs a certain amount of fat to function properly. Fat is available in a wide range of foods, but you should stick with the healthiest sources which will come from fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

A solid weight loss diet will include foods from the different food groups that provide you with the highest amount of vitamins and minerals. To maximize the success of your weight loss diet you must add regular physical activity. If you follow a proper balance of diet and exercise, you'll be well on your way to successful weight loss.

About the Author
Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internets most popular topics.

To read more on this topic, please visit Weight Loss Solutions!

Green Tea And Weight Loss by Kathryn O'Neill

2007-03-12T00:18:00.001-07:00

There's recently been a LOT in the weight loss news concerning green tea.

Green tea's weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew.

But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight.

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:

1) Green tea revs up your metabolism

A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism 'boost').

The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).

2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation

Experts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.

3) Green tea may help reduce appetite

Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.

4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.

We are a nation hooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha, dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.

If you want to save mega-calories in the morning but still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream. You'll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks.

So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects?

Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 - 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year. Pretty good for not exercising or cutting calories, right?

However, 3 - 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, green tea pills or a green tea patch.

Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss:

#1) Green tea is not a magic bullet

While some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, I think the keyword here is balance. You're not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away - it just isn't going to happen. A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off.

#2) Be cautious of the caffeine if you have health problems

For some people that have heart troubles, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea. If you're worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking green tea extract. Most green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine.

If you think the caffeine may be a problem, make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss. Also make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bottom Line: Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something else besides that high calorie, high sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning. While it's not the magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in weight loss and in your overall health!

About the Author
Kathryn O'Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews: http://www.FreeToBeThin.com For more free weight loss tips and articles, visit: http://www.FreeToBeThin.com/Articles.html Reprint Rights: All Links MUST BE CLICKABLE. Copyright Kathryn O'Neill

Let's kill obesity-let's find alternatives to diet pills by Chris Read

2007-03-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

The medical world created quite a stir when the magic of diet pills intervened and successfully reported 5 to 10% of body weight loss! These pills though considered phenomenal in the weight reduction program yet they are meant only for short term usage and are used in conjunction with diet restriction and exercise. In all, prescription diet pills are not stand alones in weight loss management and to understand their basic nature we will have to study the basic nature of anorectic drugs.

Let's take the case of Bontril as popularly known!

What is Bontril?

* Bontril is a sympathomimetic amine class of drugs much like amphetamines. It is also known as "anorectic" or "anorexigenic" drugn stimulating the central nervous system (nerves and the brain) which increases the blood pressure and heart rate, thereby, causing a decrease in the appetite.

* Bontril diet pills are used only for short term and are recommended or prescribed by a doctor along with balanced food and exercise.

* Bontril cannot be taken by people with certain health conditions. They are:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Arteriosclerosis
Glaucoma
Thyroid problems
Diabetes
Anxiety disorders
Seizures or epilepsy
Pregnant women
Breast-feeding mothers
Drug or alcohol abuse
* This medicine is also not suited for people taking certain medicines like monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) group of medicines like isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days.
* The side effects of Bontril diet pills may vary from normal to severe, depending on the effect of the medicine on the body and follow-up with the doctor to check the progress of the pill on the body and weight loss. Tolerance to this medicine must be avoided at all costs as this might trigger the severe health risks to the body. The side effects could be:

Dizziness
Restlessness
Blurred vision
Chest pains
Gastrointestinal troubles etc.
Precautionary measures
Bontril or phendimetrazine tablets are taken only if the doctor has given a clear certificate on the health check up. Usually health risks that are associated with this class of drugs can be avoided if the following precautions are followed.

Always consult your doctor before taking weight loss pills. Ask about health risks. Follow instructions, do not overdose. The health risks of overdosing on weight loss pills can be severe. While taking the pills, maintain contact with your doctor. Describe any side-effects. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take any weight loss pills for longer than a few weeks. The health risks of weight loss pills increase with length of use. When buying over-the-counter weight loss medications, check with your pharmacist that the pills do not clash with other medications. Since certain diet pills contain similar active ingredients to (e.g. decongestants, cough medicine), combining certain medications with weight loss pills carries health risks of accidental overdosing.

Conclusion

Drug therapy in weight loss program is always used along with exercise regimen and diet control. It is an ongoing struggle and therefore used only in extreme cases of obesity with a BMI over 30. There is no magic in reaching ideal or dream weight and these exist only in utopian fantasy! The only way of dealing with obesity is having a strong support system to help one fight the battle with patience and sincerity.

About the Author
"Chris Read" is an associate editor to the website http://www.hateweight.com. It is committed to provide visitors with complete information on weight loss, diet pills, obesity and phentermine. We also provide articles on health related topics. Your feedback & comments will be highly appreciated at email editor@hateweight.com

5 Quick and Easy Fun Ways to Get in Shape By: Emily Clark

2007-03-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

Getting and staying in shape doesn’t have to be dull and boring!
Try some of these fun fitness activities to make your workout
time more enjoyable.

MUSICAL EXERCIES – Put on your favorite music and do some yoga!
No need for slow, elevator music. Move to your favorite beat. Or
pop on the headphones or earphones and grab your MP3 or cassette
player or handheld PC and bike to a nearby park. Too cold or
rainy? Then head to a mall or other enclosed area where you can
walk. Caution: make sure you are alert while listening to music
with headphones or earphones.

FUN IN THE SUN – Check out the latest tanning solutions and try
fun, scented versions with funky, multi-colored sunglasses. Grab
your cassette player or MP3 player and favorite tunes. And pack
some flavored water, new flavored health bar that you’ve been
dying to try and some frozen berries in your carryall for breaks
and have a “sense”-ational time.

FITNESS CLASSES – Try out a new fitness class for fun. Enjoy a
full water aerobics workout with less stress on your joints. Grab
some colorful water gear and swim to the beat. Or try a dance or
Jazzercise routine. No need to commit long-term, just ask about
popping in for a class or two to check it out and enjoy. Meet new
friends and get fit all at once.

VCR / DVD – Head to the library or local rental store and grab a
fun fitness video or DVD. Crank up the sound when your favorite
tunes come on and join the taped workout participants in the
privacy of your own home.

GYM / FITNESS CENTER – Dig out those coupons you’ve been
receiving in envelop mailers and those money saving coupon
magazines. Again, no need to commit long-term. Just head on over
and use the free or low-cost trial / invitational period and
enjoy!

JOURNALING – Spice up your logging routine with an inexpensive
new journal from a discount or dollar store nearby. Crate snazzy
charts with colored markers. Add bright colored stickers for each
workout. Paste or tape clipped pictures of your goals throughout
the covers and inside sections. For example, paste pictures of
that vacation spot you want to travel to with your new, healthy
YOU wearing a new swimsuit.

So add some fun in with your fitness activities. Wake up your
senses with new taste, smells, sights, touches and sounds. Forget
that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” stuff. Workouts
plus play make Jack a fun, fit boy!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

About The Author...
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Where You Live Affects Your Fitness by Tony Robinson

2007-03-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

During the course of your growing up years, you lived wherever your parents chose to live. You didn't give any thought to the health implications of the location your parents chose, or if they had chosen a place that was conducive to your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Chances are your parents didn't give it much thought either. Not until recently, has there ever been given any thought to the fact that where you live affects your level of fitness. But it does, and it's a piece of information that is sure to influence many generations to come.

So how is this information compiled, and what can we learn from it? The information is compiled based on statistical information from areas such as smog levels, pollution levels, water quality, government based fitness incentives, and recreational and fitness facilities available. Generally, one of the major magazines published in the United States, will compile all this statistical data, and publish an article as a recreational guide to healthy cities.

What do we learn from all this published information? That where we live really does affect our health and well-being, and sometimes, there's very little we can do about changing that fact. Unless, of course, you want to move. Often, the greatest contributor to our health and fitness, via our outside environment, is the level of pollution we're forced to live with on a daily basis. How do we absorb pollutants in our outside environment? The most common way is through the air we breathe. It is not the only way, however.

The water we drink, the homes we live in, and the cars we drive, all have the potential for unhealthy contaminants. Our work environment at one time was a contributor to the pollutants we were exposed to, but thanks to greater Environmental Protection regulation, most of those dangers have been eradicated.

Past the pollutants contribution, the availability of health facilities, the amount of government support for health and fitness, and the availability of medical faculties also affects our health and wellness from a location standpoint. If you live in a rural area with no direct access to health facilities, and there is no medical facility, your level of fitness and health will not compare to that of a person who lives in a more populated area that can offer those things. The down side to the more populated area, of course, is a greater risk of air pollution.

Some areas of this country are just fitness conducive. Places where the air is still free from pollutants, there is an availability of hiking, biking, and walking trails, and the medical and fitness facilities are numerous. The problem with most of those places, however is that they are mostly of a recreational base, not manufacturing or otherwise industrialized, and jobs are not that numerous. What can you do about your own fitness concerns, based on where you live? Make the most of where you are. Educate yourself about the greatest fitness problems in your area, and do what you can to make corrections for your own fitness benefit.

About the Author
Tony Robinson is a CEO and Webmaster. He has a young family and a keen interest in health and fitness. Visit his site at http://www.be-well-and-fit.com

Health and Fitness for Life by Andrew Constantine

2007-03-05T04:25:00.001-08:00

Health
Health is a funny thing. It is given to us as a child and we enjoy it without any appreciation for having the ability to do what we want to physically. We run, jump, skip and just have a ball with the energy and fitness we have without having to work for it.

Life
As we grow into our early twenties, most of us slow down from our most active years and don't get as much 'natural' exercise. We walk less, definitely run less and for the most part, 'settle in' to a more comfortable life of going to work and, eating on the run, then getting home in time to watch TV all night. (not too much exercise in that, except for the thumb - changing channels)

Fitness
As we approach and enter our thirties, we tend to gain a bit of weight, lose some muscle composition, and begin to notice that climbing a couple of flights of stairs leaves us 'catching our breath'. This is the beginning of a long, downward spiral of loss of health and fitness that slowly sneaks up in us - the next thing we know we are in our early forties and some of our friends are talking about the best blood pressure pills or anxiety reducing medications over lunch. What has happened?

Simple Daily Strategies
The best way to stop the plight of health decline is to begin with some simple daily strategies. One of the biggest reasons that health improvement products are everywhere is that humans have a tendency to look for the 'quick fix' and avoid having to commit to any long term fitness activity. We begin a diet or fitness program that lasts for twelve weeks and three days into it we rationalize that the timeframe of the program doesn't justify the commitment - so we quit and forget about our health until the next reminder shows up.

The solution is to create a short list of simple daily strategies that will keep us involved with making healthy choices, without causing us to give in and give up. Some examples of this strategy are to take the stairs instead of the elevator, park a block from work and walk the extra five minutes, throw a couple of apples in your bag to take to work so you stay away from the vending machine.

Some other ideas are:
- Do a little yard work instead of sitting down on the couch after work.
- Walk the golf course instead of renting a cart.
- Put a set of hand weights on the floor at the base of your couch so you can do a few simple reps while watching TV.
- Don't by sweets, cookies or ice cream when grocery shopping. The easier it is to get that less than healthy snack, the more often you will indulge.
- Create a list of 'healthy alternatives' for your grocery list. Apples instead of cookies. Bottles water instead of soda. Wheat bread instead of white bread. Margarine instead of butter. Yogurt instead of ice cream.

These small, simple changes can do a lot to improve your overall health quickly and are more likely to stick with you once you develop the habit of eating better and looking for quick ways to get in ten minutes of walking here and there. Its a lot easier to walk a little further to work that it is to commit to getting to a health club three times a week. You'll stick to it longer if you don't feel the pressure of the commitment.

Exercise Tips
For building overall fitness, you will want to create a simple exercise program. No, not one of those 3 page, 20 different machine workouts that confuse you into quitting. Get a set of hand weights, a simple weight bench and if money allows, some type of aerobic machine like a treadmill or elliptical machine for the cardio workouts. If you have the tools in your home and nearby, you will be more likely to spend fifteen to twenty minutes working toward a better body.

Long Term Effects
A leaner, healthier body will function better and more efficiently. Health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are much less likely. Overall attitude and outlook will change when your body functions better.

Short Term Effects
You will have a clearer view of your day if you spend twenty minutes working out. You will lose weight and tone up in a short period of time. You will notice that you have more energy at the end of the day when you workout.

Creating and Living Your Plan
Sit down and write out a list of exercises that you like. (if you say you don't like any - write the ones you dislike the least.)

Find a way to do those exercises 3-5 times a week for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Do it - you'll be better for it.

About the Author

Andrew Constantine is the editor for several informational fitness sites.

A good many men and women are paying out good money -- sometimes thousands of pounds -- to purchase home fitness and personal gym equipment.. They've

2007-03-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

A good many men and women are paying out good money -- sometimes thousands of pounds -- to purchase home fitness and personal gym equipment.. They've abandoned public health clubs and gyms in favor of working out in the privacy of their own homes.

People who do purchase home fitness equipment tend to take one of three courses after their workout or gym purchases. In reality, only one of the three courses many of these people take actually will end up producing results when it comes to improving health and fitness.

One group of people who purchase home fitness equipment take off and begin using the gym equipment with a passion -- for a few days. In little time, the luster of the gym equipment wears off. In short speed, these men and women lose interest in their home gym equipment. These people end up working out sporadically, if at all. In the end, the home fitness and gym equipment gathers dust and the owners of these workout tools end up gaining weight.

The second group of people who purchase home fitness equipment develop a reasonable exercise plan. This group of men and women continue to use their home fitness equipment over time, working out at scheduled times throughout the week.

But, this second group of people does nothing in regard to altering their diets. They eat -- a lot -- and work out at the same time. These people do enjoy some of the benefits of the exercise program that they've embarked upon after buying their home gym equipment. But, in the long run, their health and fitness does not improve as much as it should given the amount of time they spend working out. Their poor diets are holding them back.

Finally, there is a group of people who buy home fitness equipment that combine the use of the personal gym with a responsible diet. These men and women understand that in order for them to enjoy the full benefits of working out, for them to achieve the optimum benefits from their home fitness equipment, they need to responsibly regulate their diets as well.

These people who understand the important of exercise and diet will have the most dramatic results when it comes to their health and fitness. These people will have the most long lasting and beneficial results from their use of home fitness equipment. Diet and exercise, together, is the key to good health.

About the Author
Ian Wide writes for health and fitness sites such as home fitness equipment and uk rowing machines.

Fitness Programs by John Mac by John Mac

2007-03-03T06:40:00.001-08:00

There are many fitness programs available these days all promising to be one of the best available & the ideal one for you. There is no fitness program available that is the best for all. You are an individual with different needs, wants & lifestyle so there cannot be a fitness program that is ideal for all.

Every fitness program has its pro's & con's & it's up to you to decide which one is best for you, after all you need a fitness program that you know you are going to enjoy, that way you will stick to it & reap the full benefits.

So which fitness program is for you ? Will you choose one of the well known ones such as Pilates, Step, or Aerobics (in one form or another) or will you go for one of the many celebrity fitness programs. The choice of fitness program is yours & yours alone make sure you pick the one for you. To help you here is a quick overview of some of the fitness programs available.

Pilates Fitness Program Developed by Joseph Hubertis Pilates as far back as the early 1900's, Pilates is based upon developing & improving body posture & flexibility of movement originally using the resistance of springs. Pilates can be practised using specially designed equipment or performing exercises based on the Pilates system simply on a mat. Pilates has spawned many different versions which are available today. Pilates fitness programs are available on video or DVD to use with or without equipment, for you to follow at home or you could try your local gym to see if they run classes there.

Step Fitness Program Step is basically a form of aerobic exercise involving stepping on & off a step quite often to music. You can follow this fitness program from a video or DVD at home using a simple piece of equipment or in a group at your local gym or recreation centre.

Aerobics Fitness Program Aerobics is a fitness program in numerous different formats but basically involves lots of movement such as arm raises, leg raises, kicks, stretching, lunging, bending etc to music. The type & frequency of movements should depend upon your current level of fitness. The fitness program can again be followed at home using a video or DVD or at classes in your local gym or recreation centre.

(c) John Mac 2006

About the Author
John Mac is Author & Owner of http://www.fitnessdiethealth.com a wesite designed to help people improve their fitness, diet & health.

Information on Fitness by Tony Robinson

2007-03-03T06:36:00.002-08:00

What is fitness and where do we go to learn about fitness? Fitness is our ability to function with alertness and energy over the course of our daily activities. We have so many places to turn for fitness information, that it would be impossible to cover all the possibilities in one article. However, we'll cover the most common places to look, and let the reader take it from there.

The major sources of fitness information are available to everyone, everywhere. Libraries, the internet, your physical fitness instructor, and your health teachers are all viable avenues of information sources. The library contains more information about health and fitness than you could possibly read in a year's time. There are magazines, periodicals, medical journals, and all sorts of books written on ways to become fit, to maintain fitness, or to participate in fitness activities.

There are sources of information that explain the benefits of being fit, the physical benefits, the mental benefits, the social benefits, and the self-esteem and emotional benefits. The library will also usually have video and audio information available on almost any topic covered by the reading material. They may even have fitness tapes available for viewing. Often, the library provides the opportunity for the low-income to access materials that otherwise would not be available. Video and audio tapes are examples of this opportunity.

The internet opens more windows on fitness than the library, since the internet is a compilation of many libraries, news articles, newspapers, and individual input. You have only to type in the word fitness using one of the available search engines, and suddenly you've got more sources of information than you can research. The search engines often return information in the order of actual relevance to your search words. So bear that in mind as you search. The first couple of pages will contain the most relevant information on fitness. You can locate information about fitness, local fitness center locations, and instructors who specialize in one-on-one fitness plans.

Your local school physical education instructor and health teachers are invaluable sources of fitness information, in that they have an education in fitness. They are privy to the most sought after reliable sources of real fitness benefits. Many of the articles you will find, and much of the information you read, is not 100% accurate, ask a teacher, or instructor actually involved in the fitness process, you are going to receive much more accurate feedback Your federal government publishes massive quantities of information about the fitness in this country, from many different perspectives. The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for determining our daily recommended allowances, and as such, accumulates much information about fitness alternatives, the state of fitness in the United States, and how well we participate in fitness programs.

Past these sources, check out your local fitness center. Quite often they have random information posted, current magazines, and periodicals that address current fitness issues and often offer interested persons the chance to observe fitness in action.

About the Author
Tony Robinson is a CEO and Webmaster. He has a young family and a keen interest in health and fitness. Visit his site at http://www.be-well-and-fit.com

Fitness Information Everywhere by Arnel Ricafranca - Fitness VIP

2007-03-03T06:36:00.001-08:00

What is fitness and where do we go to learn about fitness? Fitness is our ability to function with alertness and energy over the course of our daily activities. We have so many places to turn for fitness information, that it would be impossible to cover all the possibilities in one article. However, we'll cover the most common places to look, and let the reader take it from there.

The major sources of fitness information are available to everyone, everywhere. Libraries, the internet, your physical fitness instructor, and your health teachers are all viable avenues of information sources. The library contains more information about health and fitness than you could possibly read in a year's time. There are magazines, periodicals, medical journals, and all sorts of books written on ways to become fit, to maintain fitness, or to participate in fitness activities. There are sources of information that explain the benefits of being fit, the physical benefits, the mental benefits, the social benefits, and the self-esteem and emotional benefits. The library will also usually have video and audio information available on almost any topic covered by the reading material. They may even have fitness tapes available for viewing. Often, the library provides the opportunity for the low-income to access materials that otherwise would not be available. Video and audio tapes are examples of this opportunity.

The internet opens more windows on fitness than the library, since the internet is a compilation of many libraries, news articles, newspapers, and individual input. You have only to type in the word fitness using one of the available search engines, and suddenly you've got more sources of information than you can research. The search engines often return information in the order of actual relevance to your search words. So bear that in mind as you search. The first couple of pages will contain the most relevant information on fitness. You can locate information about fitness, local fitness center locations, and instructors who specialize in one-on-one fitness plans.

Your local school physical education instructor and health teachers are invaluable sources of fitness information, in that they have an education in fitness. They are privy to the most sought after reliable sources of real fitness benefits. Many of the articles you will find, and much of the information you read, is not 100% accurate, ask a teacher, or instructor actually involved in the fitness process, you are going to receive much more accurate feedback

Your federal government publishes massive quantities of information about the fitness in this country, from many different perspectives. The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for determining our daily recommended allowances, and as such, accumulates much information about fitness alternatives, the state of fitness in the United States, and how well we participate in fitness programs.

Past these sources, check out your local fitness center. Quite often they have random information posted, current magazines, and periodicals that address current fitness issues and often offer interested persons the chance to observe fitness in action.

About the Author
Arnel Ricafranca is the President and Founder of Fitness VIP.

Life Fitness Equipment For Every Type Of Workout by Andrew Alford

2007-03-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

Life Fitness equipment is among the best in the world. Life Fitness is a global company specializing in superior fitness equipment that is designed to provide you with a complete body workout and give you quality construction that is unsurpassed in the fitness industry. Professional athletes, military personnel, health clubs, and Olympic medalists can all attest to the superb design and effectiveness of Life Fitness equipment.

Life Fitness offers equipment for every type of workout you can possibly imagine. Life Fitness equipment is in the higher price range as fitness equipment goes, but the quality and sleek design are superior to most other brands. If you are searching for fitness equipment for your home or business, Life Fitness can provide you with every imaginable type of exercise equipment and you will receive the most durable, rugged machines in existence today.

Life Fitness manufactures equipment for the casual user at home to serious professional that require vigorous workouts on professional equipment. Life Fitness is a world renowned manufacturer of top quality fitness equipment and you can be assured that in purchasing from Life Fitness you will be receiving the most durable, effective fitness equipment available today.

The Life Fitness company started in 1968 with a modest line of equipment and products. Since that time Life Fitness has grown into a global force in fitness and exercise equipment. The Life Fitness company is dedicated to helping people achieve their fitness goals and providing the public with top quality equipment that is made to last. Life Fitness can be purchased online, through various retailers, and there are great deals available on used Life Fitness equipment.

About the Author

Andrew Alford

The Real Secrets Of Golf

2007-03-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

Secrets of golf! Most golfers will do absolutely anything to improve their golf game and this is the reason why most are constantly in search of golf secrets to improve their game.

However this search, more often that not ends up in total failure. It all usually starts with lots of excitement when they discover some new aspect or tip they did not know before and they quickly practice and implement it into their game. Sadly the desired effect does not result and their game hardly improves. Still they continue with their desperate search of more golf secrets to improve their games.

The reason why they fail is simply the fact that they fail to appreciate the real secret of golf. The secret, which is guaranteed to revolutionize any golfer’s game, virtually overnight.

The real secret of golf, like most secrets of success, is so simple that it is easy to miss or even discard when you hear about it or read even read about it.

Here it is.

The real secret of golf capable of having a dramatic effect on any game is preparing and conditioning your body and muscles to take the punishment and strain that golf inflicts on it. That’s it.

Playing golf is not like walking, it does not come naturally. Even kicking a soccer ball comes much more naturally than a golf swing. The result is that the body resists the correct movements required to execute a perfect golf swing.

The most effective way of dealing with this resistance in the body is for you to condition and strengthen the muscles that are stretched and put under strain by the act of the golf swing.

If you do that successfully, the golf swing will come much more naturally and it will show in your game. Do not be cheated, there is no other more valuable secret of the golf game.

About The Author...
Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his new golf fitness site at www.performbettergolf.com

At Last, Home Gym Industry Secrets Are Revealed in a Much Needed Consumer Awareness Guide for the Home Gym Equipment ShopperEfforts

2007-03-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

A much needed Home Gym Consumer Awareness Guide is released educating consumers with the inside secrets to purchasing the proper home gym equipment. Home Gym Shopping Secrets, a downloadable ebook, takes the consumer by the hand protecting, educating, and showing them how to make the correct home gym equipment investment they will actually use to achieve excellent results.

Beverly Hills, California (PRWEB) July 22, 2005 -- Lets face it, most home gym equipment buyers get angry about their appearance, run out and buy a piece of equipment, only to end up using it to hang their wet clothes on to dry. Something had to be done to help stop consumers from wasting hard earned money on home gym equipment they won’t use, and educate them on making intelligent equipment investments they will actually use to improve their health, and body shape.

Today, the home gym consumer scored a victory with the release of Home Gym Shopping Secrets, a consumer awareness guide educating, protecting, and empowering home gym shoppers.

Author, Jim O’Connor, a celebrity Exercise Physiologist in Beverly Hills, California, became sick and tired of seeing individuals taken advantage of while purchasing home gym equipment. Mr. O’Connor gets asked the same question over and over, almost daily, of what equipment should be purchased, and is disappointed in the fact that there are very few resources to help consumers make sound, educated home gym buying decisions.

Home Gym Shopping Secrets, a downloadable ebook, covers a step by step blueprint on how to buy your "perfect piece" of home gym equipment. Hundreds of tips, resources, and strategies are provided empowering the reader with valuable insider secrets for a successful buying experience.

This valuable resource also shows what you need to look for while shopping for treadmills, elliptical trainers, bikes, multi-gyms, and stairclimbers. Dozens of shopping resource links are available making is simple, and convenient for readers to access the shopping information they desire.

Home Gym Shopping Secrets is not just an ebook, but a complete consumer guide that can be utilized prior to as well as during the home gym equipment shopping experience.

Mr. O’Connor’s main goal is to empower individuals with knowledge while sharing secrets to help them feel confident, and secure when answering the famous question of "what to buy." He wants consumers to shop with a clear advantage, the educated way, making an equipment investment they will actually use to help improve their health, fitness, and quality of life.

For additional information on how to get your copy of Home Gym Shopping Secrets, visit the website at www.HomeGymShoppingSecrets.com .

About Wellness Word, LLC and Jim O’Connor:

Jim O’Connor, Beverly Hills celebrity fitness consultant, has conducted thousands of personal fitness consultations with celebrities, business executives, and motivated professionals throughout Los Angeles. He is the Chief Exercise Physiologist for Wellness Word, LLC, a health, fitness, and nutrition promotion company. Jim is the author of a well known, world wide multimedia newsletter called Wellness Word, published online every other week promoting the health and fitness truth.

The Time You Exercise Can Make or Break Your Weight Loss Efforts

2007-03-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

In order to burn off stubborn fat stores, and lose weight, exercise must be specifically scheduled.

Tom Venuto, world renown fitness and body building buff has developed a weight loss system that combines the best of both worlds. His system is full of fat blasting secrets until now have been known only by models and bodybuilders. Venuto, however, is ready to leak these secrets to the public in his very popular weight loss book, "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle."

Visit Site Here: http://hop.clickbank.net/?salesmania/burnthefat

One such factor concerns the time of day in which exercise occurs. The time of day can either turn the body into a fat burning, weight loss machine or a break-even mechanism at best. In order to effectively burn off stubborn fat stores, it is absolutely best to do aerobic exercise in the morning before one has eaten or either 2 hours before or after eating.

It has been said that losing weight is simple, just not easy. While lowering caloric intake and increasing exercise and physical output is a simple formula. It is not an easy one to commit to. A recent CNN report relays that 59 million Americans are over weight. That is exactly why individuals need bullet proof ways to attack weight gain and fat. These are secrets that until now have only been known by top level fitness trainers. These secrets are now being made to the general pubic. Now any individual can learn the weight loss secrets of top fitness trainers, models and body builders. This is just one of many secrets and cutting edge weight loss methods that can be accessed at:

http://hop.clickbank.net/?overcomers/burnthefat

More effective diet and fitness plans and products can be accessed at the popular website, http://MeltThePounds.com

20 Ways to Lose Weight

2007-02-24T06:12:00.000-08:00

1. Take it one step at a time

Start by paying attention to what you eat. Cut back on fat and sweets and add more fruit and vegetables. After you have that under control, add exercise. If you hate to exercise try it for only 15 minutes a day at first, then a 1/2-hour. Keep in mind that while you are exercising you are burning calories and not eating. Also, it will be easier if you chose an activity that you enjoy.

2. Find a friend

It is always good to have support when you are trying to lose weight. Find a friend who wants to lose weight and compare notes, weigh-in together and maybe even have a contest.

3. Use weights

Working out weights will build muscle and raise your metabolism so you will burn more calories. Also, muscle takes up less space than fat so you will be smaller ( but probably weigh more).

4. Eat fewer carbs

Don't eat as much bread and pasta and you will see a difference.

5. Set a goal

Set a deadline to lose the weight and write it down. For example, ' By Dec 14/04 I will weigh 150 lbs or less'. Put it somewhere you will see it daily.

6. Give up soda

If you drink a soda or 2 a day you are adding empty calories. If you find it hard to stop completely, cut back at first and drink water instead.

7. Grill or boil

Avoid fried meat, grill and use lots of spices. You will get used to it and probably enjoy it more.

8. Don't buy junk food

When you go shopping, don't go on an empty stomach and you will be less likely to buy junk food. Keep your home 'junk food free' so you won't be tempted to indulge.

9. Eat breakfast

Consume most of your calories early in the day and always eat breakfast. Don't eat after 8pm and not only will you avoid those added calories but you will sleep better.

10. Give yourself a treat

When you tell yourself that you can't have something you want it more. Give yourself a treat once a day ( ie. half a cookie) and you won't feel you are missing out.

11. Use smaller plates

Trick yourself into believing that you are eating more by using a smaller plate.

12. Drink lots of water

Drink water when you are feeling hungry and you will get that 'full' feeling.

13. Don't eat everything on your plate

Many times we eat just because it's there. Pay attention to when you have had enough.

14. Eat five or six meals a day

Eating more frequently will keep you from getting too hungry.

15. Plan your workout sessions

Write your workout sessions in your journal or planner.

16. Stay away from fad diets

Fad diets don't work. If you lose weight fast chances are that you will gain it back ( and more) just as fast. It takes time to put it on and time to take it off.

17. Do several workouts a day

While you are watching TV do crunches and leg lifts.

18. Measure your food

If you decide to have junk food for a snack - be sure to measure and control what you eat.

19. Keep pre-cut vegetables

...and ward off those cravings.

20. Create Good Habits

It is a known fact that when we do something twenty-one times it becomes a habit. Create good eating habits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Visualization For Weight Loss Success

2007-02-24T06:10:00.001-08:00

The mental process behind dieting and weight loss is as important, if not more important, than the actual eating and dieting part of the process. The reason being that everything comes from your thoughts and without the right thoughts, the right action and results can never manifest.

Visualization is a very powerful tool in creating the correct mindset for permanent weight loss, but one that is rarely used by dieters to help their weight loss. In fact, most dieters DO use visualization, but they use it to visualize themselves struggling and failing at their diet whilst being miserable.

And guess what … these dieters are miserable and unhappy on their diets because they have made the whole weight loss process painful and more difficult than it really needs to be.

Your mind is an incredibly powerful device that scientists are still learning about and understanding. Currently there is a lot of research into the power of the mind and visualization, particularly in relation to enhancing sports and business performance.

Visualization is, in its simplest form, where you imagine in your mind yourself doing something. It can also be called Mental Rehearsal, and is used by sales professionals and speakers before they perform.

Applying this technique to weight loss is very simple. Imagine yourself at your ideal weight and size. See the picture of yourself in your mind, but don’t see it as if you are watching someone else, see it as if you were seeing it from your own eyes, e.g. see yourself in a mirror.

As well as seeing yourself, feel the feelings of being your idea weight and size. Feel how good it is, how much you enjoy it and how great it is to be this ideal weight. Maybe feel and see yourself fitting into new clothing, receiving admiring looks or whatever it takes to help you feel fantastic about being your ideal weight.

Whilst visualizing, feel how easy and effortless it was to achieve your ideal weight. Doing this will take you away from that painful dieting mindset, which does you no good at all.

By visualizing yourself at your ideal weight in an associated (i.e. through your own eyes) state you are programming yourself to be that weight. You will find that unconsciously you begin to eat less, exercise more and look after yourself just from visualizing yourself at your ideal weight.

Visualization is an incredibly powerful tool that will help you with your weight loss program. Use it to help you effortlessly lose weight and enjoy life at your ideal size.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

You'll Need Total Will Power To Undergo Weight Loss

2007-02-24T05:59:00.000-08:00

How much will power does it take in order to go through the torment of weight loss? Though the answer to weight loss varies from each individual, all it takes is the correct attitude, admitting to yourself that you do have the desire of letting lose the unwanted pounds.

For years, people all over may have experienced the defeat from their own lack of self-will, thinking that weight loss is not worth the pain. But does weight loss entirely has to be something mentally agonizing? It's almost like giving up on the concept of eating, but not to the extreme like ending up being a bulimic. Just because you have to sacrifice yourself to the task does not mean there should not be a compromise.

Food comes with all degrees of nutrition and calories, whether it would be whole wheat or white, non-fat to skim, dark meat or white meat, fried or boiled or even raw, food is indiscriminate to everyone on this planet. The ideal foods necessary for weight loss depends entirely on how much you can stuff yourself with. Soup and crackers are often the ideal foodstuff for a successful personal weight loss program, but if you happen to be food crazy could you stay a month eating savory hot water and dry bread? You do not have to punish your taste buds just because weight loss is all about sacrifice. Stories of even a five-hundred-pound plus man lost two-thirds of his body weight after having a diet of Subway sandwiches for months have inspired lots of people in the United States.

To start off, know what sort of food that makes you weak in the knees. Most men likes anything fried or off the grill or spit so start off by taking in less of those foods. Women tend to go after anything savory or even exotic so the rules apply to them as well. Junk foods like burgers, fries, and pizza are often labeled as weight loss program destroyers. They are addictive and loaded with sodium, fats, and cholesterol. Just because they are labeled as the 'bad guys' it does not mean that we have to deprave ourselves from indulging with such foods. Every time you take a nibble out of a French fry, just go for a little positive thinking and tell yourself, "a little bit is all I need to get going".

Weight loss is all about the discipline of self will, whether it is all about food intake or the hours of exercise you can dish out. Life is good enough to give us the bounties of food so weight loss should not put a damper in our taste buds. We should make an effort to place the word 'enjoyment' in weight loss because we know what we like to eat, only not too much.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Charlene J. Nuble 2005.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Weight Loss: Customize, Personalize, Spice up!

2007-02-24T05:56:00.000-08:00

You know you have weighted, err, waited more than enough. So you decide to get yourself started on some weight loss programs and regimens. In all likelihood you would draft yourself with the ones that promise you sure-hit quick weight loss tips.

So you sweat and strain with your chosen weight loss program, perhaps ecstatically so at the start. Sure your body gets all aching with all your joints and knuckles cracking in epic proportions like ungreased door hinges of horror movies.

Looking at yourself in the mirror, you cringe at the sight of this blob staring back miserably at you still with the extra flabs flapping around somewhere there. You sigh in exasperation. Whatever happened to the weight loss program that promised to sculpt your body to whistle-bait shape? You scream in desperation. You know you have just been weigh-layed, err again, way-laid by some pseudo weight loss masters.

Truth is, we tend to pattern our weight loss mindset after the mentality of that of some backyard gym instructors. We torture ourselves with the age-old dictum “No pain, no gain.” Let’s face it, while it did miracles for Rocky, it sure did get him crippled (or, killed) in the final picture.

We are no Rocky. We are ordinary human beings with not-so-ordinary day-to-day affairs. Some are multi-tasked like the housewife who has to master doing diapers in one hand, pitching copies in the other, while applying tantric massage on her hubby with her feet. All throughout she is troubled between going for weight loss surgery and taking weight loss pills.

“No pain, no gain” is foolishly macho and downright false. Of course, there’s bound to be some discomfort when you’re just getting started with your own weight loss program, and later when you start to reach out for new weight loss goals.

But there’s an important difference between discomfort and pain. Learn it. Listen to your body say, “Moderation in all things.” Pain means injury. Pain makes you quit the weight loss program.

If you don’t like your chosen program of weight loss exercises, you won’t stick with it. It will become a chore, you’ll slack off and finally give up the entire weight loss program. Tailor your weight loss exercise to yourself, not to what others do or to some false image generated from within or without. Of course when you’re just getting started, weight loss may seem like a chore. But appearances are not always reality. Realize that your body and mind would always prefer being a couch potato, and will rebel at the thought of exertion in the weight loss program, so you’ve got to give any form of exercise a chance to grow on you before you start analyzing whether it’s for you or not! The key is to turn weight loss exercise into play, then you’ll succeed and persist. Lack of joy makes you quit.

So spice up your own program of weight loss exercises by customizing it according to your our own weight loss needs. Variety is still the spice of weight loss. You should’nt be satisfied just with pounding the pavement or sweating in a gym. Variety makes you learn how much you’re capable of. Play around, pick and choose, experiment with your own customized personal weight loss program.

Whatever weight loss exercises you choose from the following, try to get your heart rate up to about 70 percent of your safe maximum. You can do that by using this formula: 220 minus your age equals your Maximum Safe Heart Rate. Keep it at this rate for a solid half-hour. Don’t go over the 85 percent rate for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Of course, heart rate doesn’t figure into strength builders such as weigh lifting.

Note : The calories-burned figures that follow are for a 110-pounder. A 154-pounder should add on another 28 percent to that number, while a 198-pounder should add 55 percent.

Walking : Calories burned at 2 mph is 145 per hour; 3 mph is 235 per hour; at 5 mph is 435 per hour.

Jogging : Calories burned at 5mph is 530 per hour which is roughly about a 12-minute mile.

Jumping Rope : Calories burned is 600 calories per hour.

Swimming : At 30 yards per minute (about one lap of an Olympic-size pool), calories burned is 330 per hour.

Water-walking : Calories burned is 360 per hour in a fast game.

Bicycling : Calories burned at 10 mph is 390 per hour.

Aerobic Dancing : For low impact, calories burned is 240 per hour and for moderate impact, 350 per hour.

Square Dancing : Calories burned is 350 and up – way up! – per hour.

Table Tennis : Calories burned is 450 hour.

Rowing : Calories burned is 600 per hour.

Cross-country skiing : Calories burned at 10 mph is 600 per hour.

Weight Lifting : Calories burned is 250 per hour.

Martial Arts : Calories burned is 620 per hour.

You really won’t know what you like unless you try it. And if you haven’t tried it don’t knock it. Try mixing gardening with walking, housework with rowing, bicycling with weight lifting, dancing with martial arts, table-tennis with cross-country skiing, outdoors with indoors, team sports with solitary sports. Without variety, humans get bored and stale. They stop reaching. Boredom makes human beings quit.

©Charlene J. Nuble 2005.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

5 Weight Loss Tips To Keep You Slim And Fit

2007-02-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

Being overweight brings about lots obesity related health problems. In most cases, people who are obese suffer from type II diabetes and hypertension. If you are one of those people who have tipping the scale more than you should, start making a difference in your life today. Here are five weight loss tips that could help you get into shape and make you look really fit and attractive.

Eating a balanced diet

Losing weight starts with a balanced diet. More often than not, people who are overweight tends to eat more fatty foods and less on the fiber. According to experts, having a high fiber diet will help you lose weight because fiber helps speed up the metabolism. Unlike fatty foods that are often slower to digest, fiber would facilitate digestion. What is more interesting about a high fiber diet is that you feel full for longer period of time. Since you don't get hungry easily when you are on a high fiber diet, you will tend to eat less between meals.

Drinking plenty of liquids

Drinking plenty of liquids is one of the best weight loss tips that you will ever get. The good thing about drinking plenty of liquids is that it is very easy to follow. You just simply put a water bottle on top of your table at the office and you will always be reminded to drink up!

Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Aside from drinking water, drink plenty of fruit juices. If you have blender, blend at least five types of fruit juices, which you can drink throughout the day. The more types of fruits you mix in your juice, the more nutrients you will get.

Climb stairs

One of the best ways to burn those extra calories is to climb stairs. If you happen to work on the 10th floor of an office building, make it a point to use the stairs at least three times a week to help you exercise. According to experts, climbing stairs is equivalent to running or walking a few miles so go ahead a climb stairs.

Walk around while taking phone calls

If you think that you can't do enough exercise while in the office, think again. There are plenty of ways to exercising while you are working in the office. One of the best ways for you to exercise is to stand up and walk around the room while taking phone calls. Stretch those legs and flex those muscles while talking on the phone.

Do household chores

One of the most practical weight loss tips that experts recommend these days is to do household chores. According to a recent study, doing household chores would help you flex those muscles and those joints. Cleaning around the house and moving furniture on the process could definitely give you a good work out. Besides, doing household chores will not only help you tone those muscles and loss weight, you can save a lot of money on housekeeping fees as well.

Featuring weight loss tips, HowToGainMuscleMass provides weight management information. To find out how to lose body fat permanently, even in your mushiest spots, without drugs, without supplements and without screwing up your metabolism, visit http://www.howtogainmusclemass.com for Free Underground Weight Loss Tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Jefferson

The Facts About Losing Fat Gaining Muscle

2007-02-23T09:39:00.001-08:00

Losing fat gaining muscle is something most people should be concern. Having excess fat and being overweight is dangerous to your health and to your life. There are consequences that people with excess fat must face. People who are obese are more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney trouble, gastro intestinal disease, gallbladder disease and pancreatitis. Overweight people are more vulnerable to life threatening diseases than those who are not.

Apart from health issues brought by obesity, self confidence and self-esteem are greatly affected by obesity. Overweight people often lose self confidence and suffer from low self-esteem affecting how they interact with others. Good self-esteem is important because it makes you feel proud of yourself and worthy to be loved and accepted by others. It gives you the power to believe in yourself, respect yourself and the courage to try new things. Weight issue does not only affect your health but it also affects your whole life.

Fat is essential in our body but in limited quantities. Excess fat is dangerous when deposited in our body leading to various diseases. Decreasing or burning body fat leading to weight loss extend human longevity. Losing fat gaining muscle is a big decision that most obese people should consider. People with weight problem may find it hard to embrace and put into action the concept of losing fat gaining muscle but to achieve something in life you have to work hard to attain it. Losing fat gaining muscle will not only benefit your health but it will boost your self-esteem.

If you have weight problem and tried almost everything and nothing happened do not despair as weight problem is something that can be worked on if you found the right way how to lose weight. Losing fat gaining muscle is possible, you can lose fat permanently and you can do it without wrecking your metabolism. Losing fat gaining muscle will fire up your metabolic engine and help you lose excess fat. Some people may lose fat spending huge amount of money on supplements and drugs, sometimes it work but the result is just temporary and there are consequences of side effects.

If you are confused and frustrated by all the weight loss programs and strategies you tried before, Burn The Fat Feed the Muscles is the system that will end all your confusions and doubts. It will teach you the right way to lose fat and gain muscle effectively.

Losing fat gaining muscle is your ticket to lose weight and bring back your self confidence visit

Forgotten Health And Nutrition Secrets by Jeannie Crabtree

2007-02-23T09:31:00.001-08:00

Now days so many people live in a fast paced existence that leaves them reaching for a fast meal from convenience stores and fast food restaurants. Unhappily, these kind of foods, many of which incorporate chemicals and food coloring, are harmful to health.

To cut out the chemicals and preservatives for continued good health, means going back to food in their natural state. Skip the pre-packaged and pre-prepared foods as often as possible.

These fast foods are not whole food giving the vitamins, minerals and enzymes needed by your body. Sometimes what is eaten is not even real foods and provide little nutrition to build or restore health.

You need to take a look at what you eat and whether you are getting your health and nutrition needs met. One health and nutrition secret is to use the first-rate foods, grown organically if possible.

Eating a balanced diet is genuinely the best way to ensure that you have good health and good nutrition. Nutrition experts suggest that the daily diet include so many servings from the five food groups of breads and cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat/protein such as poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Fats would be included, but used sparingly.

People living 50 to 100 years ago usually ate that way all the time, gaining nutrition from whole grain foods, vegetables and fruits grown and eaten fresh from the garden, or sold locally. They generally ate smaller amounts of meat or chose meals with beans, peas and other legumes.

Are you one of the people that consider that if you don t eat well, you can just pop a vitamin pill and make up for it? Here is an additional health and nutrition secret: your body absorbs vitamins and minerals found in foods more readily than those found in vitamin pills.

Make vegetables, specially leafy green vegetables very dominant in your diet for a natural source of the vitamins and minerals that you must have for good health. Without this good source of nutrition, it is very hard to have good health. Choose genuine food over vitamins, then fill in if you think you are lacking with a super food powder.

Put this health and nutrition secret to work in your daily life and you will find over time that you are taking your health to a new level, rather than sacrificing your health because of poor or empty nutrition.

About the Author
Article written by Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. Learn more about how to improve your health naurally. Be sure to grab your free "Health Tips Newsletter" by visiting the health and nutrition website http://www.healthrepaircenter.com

Health, Fitness, Weight Training, Smoking And Drinking by Darren O'Connell

2007-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

Weight training makes a person healthy, fit and strong. It is not just for people who want to build muscle, but for everyone who likes to stay fit and keep the excess weight off.

If you want to get in shape or stay in shape you can walk, run or cycle every morning, play sports with friends, but if you want to have muscles and look lean, then lifting some weights either at the gym or at home is your best bet.

People go to the gym for many reasons. eg:

To lose a few pounds if they are overweight. To gain a few pounds (of muscle) if they are underweight. To get fit and Healthy. To get strong.

The most effective exercise plan for most should have some cardiovascular work and mostly weight training exercises. This helps burn calories and increase the muscle to fat ratio better than cardiovascular work alone.

Some Benefits of Weight training;

1. It is the best way to maintain and improve ones health from a variety of diseases and premature death.

2. It makes a person feel better and increases ones self confidence, prevents depression, anxiety and gloom.

3. A weight training lifestyle helps a person live longer than an inactive person.

4. It instils discipline into a person, making other things in life easy.

5. It makes one stronger physically and mentally.

To start: one should consult a physician to get the go ahead and then get into it gradually. Getting stronger, fitter, healthier Week by week building up more endurance will be of great benefit to you.

Aim for 3 or 4 days a week working out, this is sufficient no matter what your goals are. Maintain a reasonable diet.

You could consult with a professional to get an excellent eating plan to match your goals and gym activities.They will evaluate you based on your needs, and recommend a diet plan.

A good diet should have nutrients from all the food groups.

This is made up by 3 basic groups.

The first is carbohydrates. The energy source. The food that a person consumes should have vitamins, minerals and some fiber. A lot of this comes from oats, rice, potatoes, cereals and breads, and also from vegetables and fruits since these have phytochemicals, enzymes and micronutrients that are essential for a healthy diet.

The Second is Protein. The building blocks of muscle and essential organs. This comes from fish, chicken, red meat and dairy. Protein is broken down in the body to form amino acids for repair and growth of new cells.

The third is fat. The body's enemy, according to most. There are 4 types of fat: Saturated (the bad) from animals, the more animal fat you consume the higher your blood cholesterol will rise, increasing the risk of a malfuntion in the body. Should be taken in small quantities. Sources are: Beef, dairy, coconut oil.

Polyunsaturated (the good) Comes from plants, reduces blood cholesterol. Sources are: nuts, fish, safflower oil, seeds, corn oil and sunflower oil.

Monounsaturated (the best) also comes from plants, raises the good cholesterol. Sources are: Avocado, olive oil, olives, nuts, canola oil and peanut butter.

Trans fats (the ugly) This is relatively new, the effects are unknown, it is believed that they behave like saturated fat (the bad) causing blood cholesterol levels to rise.

The consumption of fats (the good fats) is important for our health. They are used in the production of hormones and other activities.We do need some fat, but do limit the bad.

A great way to help your efforts in the gym is to give up some detrimental habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking damages the lungs and dramatically increases the risk of lung cancer along with other diseases. Excessive drinking has also been shown to causes major diseases. These two habits are definitely not worth having around.

The best thing one can do for themselves is to quit any destructive habits they have and get into that gym, start pumping some iron and look forward to greater Health and Fitness.

For more information on Weight training, Health, Fitness and Nutrition visit: http://www.explosivemusclegrowth.com/Health-and-Fitness.html

About the Author
Darren O'Connell - has over 20 years experience in Muscle Growth, Health, Fitness, Fatloss and Nutrition - http://www.explosivemusclegrowth.com/explosive-muscle.html

Using Tea To Reduce Your Cholesterol by Marcus Stout

2007-02-23T09:23:00.001-08:00

High cholesterol is a health concern for many Americans. High levels of LDL cholesterol are a leading contributor to heart disease. LDL cholesterol is what contributes to clogged arteries. Arteries become clogged and narrowed when LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood becomes oxidizes and hardens into plaque. The more LDL cholesterol you have circulating in your blood, the more plaque you'll develop.

A second type of cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol is what we refer to as "good cholesterol". This form of cholesterol carries away LDL cholesterol to the liver, where it can pass out of the body. This is why we should have high levels of HDL cholesterol. However, when our levels of LDL cholesterol are high, our HDL levels are typically low.

If you're trying to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and raise your HDL cholesterol levels there are several things you can do.

The first is watching your diet. Avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol like butter, eggs and red meat can help you lower those LDL cholesterol levels. In addition, you can help raise your HDL levels by replacing those saturated fats in your diet with healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil, avocados and nuts. These fats raise our HDL levels and keep us healthy.

Secondly, to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, it's important to exercise. Walking is a great way to help reduce your cholesterol levels, and it will help lower your blood pressure, as well.

If you're overweight, losing weight will help you reduce cholesterol levels, as well. Making the dietary changes mentioned above and beginning to exercise should make dropping a few pounds easier. If you're a smoker, you should stop. Smoking significantly increases your risk for heart disease.

Your cholesterol level is also affected by your heredity. Some people are prone to high cholesterol even if they exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. If you fall into this category, you may require medication in addition to lifestyle changes in order to get your cholesterol under control.

Another way to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels is to drink tea. Green tea has been shown in many studies to help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and turning into plaque. These studies have suggested that even if your LDL cholesterol level is high, drinking tea may prevent it from causing a problem.

However, it appears that drinking tea may actually have the power to lower your blood cholesterol levels, too. A study conducted by the University of Hong Kong studied various types of Chinese tea and their effect on cholesterol in rats. The rats were all fed a high cholesterol diet for a week before beginning the study. Then, the rats were divided into several groups. Each group was fed a different type of tea while continuing the high cholesterol diet for another eight weeks. A control group of rats received water instead of the tea.

The types of tea used for evaluation including Jasmine, Iron Buddha, Pu-erh, oolong and green tea. The reason that multiple types of tea were used was to evaluate whether fermented teas are as effective at reducing cholesterol as those that are not fermented. Green tea is completely unfermented, Jasmine tea is mildly fermented, and oolong and Iron Buddha are semi-fermented. Pu-erh is a fully fermented tea.

In addition to measuring the cholesterol levels in the mice participating in the study, the weight and fattiness of the liver was also measured.

This study concluded that the teas that had been minimally fermented (Jasmine and green tea) had a significant effect on both the serum and liver levels of cholesterol. In addition, these teas reduced the weight and fat of the liver. These teas were able to significantly lower the cholesterol levels, while the fermented teas and the water did not. The levels of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were not significantly different among the groups.

So, it appears that green tea may be a powerful way to help reduce your cholesterol level, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. If you combine the results of this study with those of past studies, you can come to the conclusion that consuming tea, particularly green tea may be able to help reduce the actual level of LDL cholesterol circulating in your blood and may also be able to prevent the cholesterol that is there from oxidizing and turning into plaque.

If you're struggling to get your cholesterol level under control, green tea is definitely worth a try. It has no side effects, and is well tolerated by nearly everyone - even those who are sensitive to caffeine. And, in addition to helping you lower your cholesterol, green tea may have other added benefits.

Green tea may be able to help you lose weight and may prevent heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Green tea just might be the one supplement to your diet that can help with many of the health problems plaguing Americans today.

About the Author
Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and wu long tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

Easy Stretching Exercises For Fitness Flexibility by Joey Atlas

2007-02-23T07:11:00.001-08:00

Millions of people suffer from muscle tightness, lower back ache and general stiffness. A series of simple, full body, stretching exercises can cure a tight lower back, relieve physical and mental stress, loosen up stiff legs and improve full body flexibility.

Lower back stiffness and pain, tightness in the neck and shoulders, general muscle aches and tight leg muscles are conditions that affect millions of people, from sedentary couch potatoes to elite athletes. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 14% of new patient visits to physician offices (approximately 13 million annually) are for complaints of low back pain and lower body stiffness. In fact, an estimated 18% of the population has debilitating back pain at any given time. Lack of a proper stretching exercise program is a primary factor in most of these cases

"When we estimate the number of people that don't bother to go to the doctor or seek traditional treatment, such as physical therapy, the number is probably double and most likely higher. The amazing thing is most of these can be fixed with a series of simple stretching exercises for the whole body." claims Exercise Physiologist, Joey Atlas.

Avoidance of stretching exercises, lack of knowledge regarding specific stretches and limited flexibility are three causes of the lower back pain epidemic and overall body stiffness and muscle tightness. The biggest complaint from many sufferers is the challenge of waking up to morning stiffness and backache on a daily basis, with some days being worse than others depending on previous day's activities and overnight sleeping position. Improving range of motion with a well defined stretch program can go a long way in relieving most of these symptoms.

"Flexibility is the most underestimated and misunderstood element of health and fitness. The right stretches, done three times per week would literally wipe out the vast majority of lower back aches. It's no surprise that so many people are clueless about this, most personal trainers don't even know." said Joey Atlas. "You don't have to become a yoga nut or a Pilates addict. You can do your stretching while watching TV."

These six stretching exercise strategies will help you get and stay flexible:

Ease into a stretching program whether you've been exercising regularly or not. Don't force the stretches - stay in a comfortable range of motion.

Stay consistent. Three to five stretching exercise sessions per week is ideal. Every day is fine also - and you don't always have to do the same stretch program

If you feel pain, stop! Slight discomfort is fine, but pain is not. Don't do a stretch if it hurts. Consult with your physician if you are uncertain as to whether or not a certain stretch is appropriate for you.

The best stretching exercises do not require expensive equipment or elaborate devices. You can increase your flexibility with stretches that can de done on a mat with the assistance of a towel a belt of a piece of rope.

If you don't know how to stretch, hire a fitness professional who is trained in flexibility conditioning or invest in a few good stretching exercise videos. You are investing in your health and fitness, don't short-change your self.

Do your stretching exercises first thing in the morning and just before bed if you can - these seem to be the times that yield best results for people who need flexibility the most

Lack of full body flexibility can result in chronic symptoms, and even injury, for people in any age range. A safe stretching exercise program can be performed daily in as little as ten minutes or in an hour, if you have the time. The most effective and simple stretching exercises can be done by children as young as 3 and 4 years old - and the same flexibility exercises can also be safely performed by people in their seventies.

Have you done your stretches today?

About the Author
Joey Atlas, M.S. - Exercise Physiology, is a fitness consultant, personal trainer and fitness writer in Jacksonville, Florida. He is the creator of 'Optimum Flexibility', a home & travel program of Effective Fitness Flexibility Stretching Exercises.

See http://www.optimumflexibility.com for more free stretch exercise tips & information.

How to Excel as a Life Coach by Sharon Pearson by Sharon Pearson

2007-02-23T06:37:00.001-08:00

Excellence in life and executive coaching is the same as excellence in anything - you must make a decision to learn your craft. Learning is not just reading and studying a manual; it's actually doing the thing you wish to master. Life coaching is not a spectator sport, it is a full participation, let's-learn-how-this-works endeavour that can be extremely rewarding.

Great life coaches not only learn through doing their craft, they are interested in and happy for someone else's success. They are comfortable celebrating achievement, rather than critiquing it or looking for flaws.

Successful life coaches are willing to receive feedback about how they can improve their craft. They keep the loop of learning open, knowing that what they think they know is just the tip of the iceberg, and there is so much more to be savoured. This means they receive feedback from mentors and other coaches as well as their clients about how they can improve their craft.

Life coaches who excel have an interest in personal development. They value the journey of self-improvement and they're willing to learn more about how and why people choose to do what they do. They are curious about what motivates us and see value in learning more about how to get results.

Great life coaches are excellent communicators. They may have friends come to them asking their advice, and people may find them attractive to talk with. And they're happy to chat and lend an ear. When they start out in their professional life coach training they may need to learn the skills of coaching communication, and then they apply themselves to learning even more about how to effectively communicate with their clients to assist them to get their desired results.

Great life coaches are persistent and know that it isn't what you do some of the time that gets results, but what you are prepared to do consistently. They understand that persistence pays, and even when they experience some disappointment, they know that this is part of the natural cycle of life and keep going.

Excellence in a coach is an attitude of 'possibilities'. Cynics need not apply, as cynicism is simply a fear of being disappointed. Coaches know that because disappointment is inevitable if we have goals, they must stay open to the possibilities of how to turn the situation around.

Life coaches who excel are willing to experience success. They are willing to get over self-sabotage, the fear of failure, the fear of success and every other fear and just have a go at achieving personal excellence. They recognise that extraordinary feats are accomplished by ordinary people making ordinary decisions. Their goal is to be their personal best, and through the journey of achieving this they learn compassion, tolerance, patience, forgiveness - as well as focus, commitment, dedication and passion.

Life coaches who are willing to continue their professional training and seek more knowledge about how to best assist their clients will know that their success is bound to increase. Accredited, professional life and executive coaches are committed to mastery of their craft. They don't settle for shortcuts in their coaching training, but are willing to apply themselves and learn all they can about human behaviour, personal development, Neuro-linguistic Programming and life coaching.

Excellence in life coaching and executive coaching is achieved not through knowing all the answers but through being willing to find out the answers. The decision to become a life coach is a first step towards the achievement of this. Let the journey begin.

Sharon Pearson is a professional, accredited life, executive and business coach. She is the founder and CEO of The Coaching Institute, Australia's leading accredited life coach training school, is a published author and an in-demand public speaker and trainer. You can visit The Coaching Institute at www.thecoachinginstitute.com.au

Copyright Notice This article is free for reproduction but must be reproduced in its entirety, including live links & this copyright statement must be included. Copyright © 2007 The Coaching Institute Pty Ltd

About the Author
Sharon Pearson is a professional, accredited life, executive and business coach. She is the founder and CEO of The Coaching Institute, Australia's leading accredited life coach training school, is a published author and an in-demand public speaker and trainer. You can visit The Coaching Institute at www.thecoachinginstitute.com.au

How To Keep Your Brain Healthy And Your Mind As Sharp As A Tack - Whatever Your Age by Michael Coleman

2007-02-23T06:34:00.001-08:00

Brain health shouldn't be something you first start thinking about in middle- or old-age. Just as you need to exercise your body throughout life to keep it healthy so too does your brain require a daily workout to keep it vital and alert.

It is common for people to experience a gradual decline in their mental abilities as they age. We are told that this is normal and is the result of age-related structural changes in the brain - and that such changes are inevitable.

But you know what... there's a lot of evidence coming from the latest research into brain health that brain aging is only 'normal and inevitable' if you do nothing to prevent it. This means that it doesn't have to happen to you - that you can keep your brain healthy and in 'tip-top' shape, enjoy being creative and improve your memory with just a little bit of effort... whatever your age.

The question is how...?

Research findings point to three main ways to support your brain: healthy diet, mental activity and getting physical with the brain. The first two have been promoted for many years. However, the third - getting physical with the brain - is not widely known yet may well prove to be the most powerful factor in maintaining brain health.

What does 'getting physical' with your brain mean? To make the explanation simple I'll define getting physical as anything that is clearly not diet related nor a mental activity such as puzzles, number sequence exercises, memory games, practicing musical instruments and so on.

So what can you do to get physical with your brain? Plenty! In fact, as you'll discover shortly, there are many powerful 'hands-on' ways of using physical activity to boost your brain-power and keep you as sharp as a tack regardless of your age.

And, because they are based solely on natural health principles, they help your brain to help itself without having to resort to popping pills, taking supplements, mood enhancers or anything like that.

What's more, you're likely to find getting physical with your brain so easy and enjoyable that you can readily picture yourself doing it for life.

Here are some of the factors you should consider when developing a strategy to keep your brain healthy, alert and vital:

Physical exercise:

Physical exercise can encourage a healthy brain to function optimally in ways that are not widely known or their value appreciated. For example, exercise can help the brain by promoting the production of new neurons (brain cells) and strengthening the connections between neurons.

Reduce stress levels:

Stress plays havoc with the functioning of the brain and the body systems it controls. In particular, the sustained presence of stress hormones in the bloodstream can damage brain cells.

Encourage the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain:

Increasing blood flow and oxygen can help support the survival of new neurons and foster neuron 'firing'. In simple terms, 'firing' means a neuron connecting with its neighbours - which is how messages are transmitted to and from the brain.

Sexual Energy:

Promote the generation and circulation of sexual energy around the body can play a key part in supporting mental health as it fosters, for example, the movement of chemicals called neurotransmitters between neurons. These play a critical role in the communication of information between nerve cells. As an illustration, the neurotransmitter serotonin associated with sexual behaviour and arousal is involved in a number of functions including influencing mood and alertness.

Control the breathing rate:

Another important factor in optimising brain health is the practice of slowing down the breathing rate as that can enhance the activity of the hypothalamus and the pituitary and pineal glands, the optimum performance of which is central to the maintenance of both physical and mental health.

Challenge the brain:

Challenge the brain with a variety of 'new' experiences - walking backwards is a simple example. By experiencing such unusual patterns of behaviour the brain is stimulated and there is some evidence that the brain can actually increase in size.

Stimulate the senses:

The bottom line here is that you should take every opportunity to engage your eyes and smell sensors by continually sampling your surroundings - consciously keep your eyes moving so you present your brain with new information to analyse and process while you 'sniff' the environment in search of smells and odours for your brain to identify.

In conclusion it is fair to say that all the above elements can have a marked positive influence on brain health in their own right. However, it is the synergistic impact of using them in combination that is likely to provide the most powerful benefits.

About the Author
Michael Coleman holds graduate qualifications in mathematics, science and education and certificates in metaphysics and Reiki. For more information on keeping your brain vital and alert for life without spending a single cent his latest book "How To keep Your Brain Healthy" is available at http://www.knowledge-download.com/brain/

Water Aerobic Exercise by Rex Truman

2007-02-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

Get in the water - find an easy way to improve health

Water aerobic exercise could be the answer for you - it is easy and does not strain the joints. It shows that you don't need to pound the streets or do complicated dance routines to burn calories and improve the health of you heart and arteries.

Instead, try water aerobic exercise, which is not the same as swimming. Swimming IS excellent aerobic exercise, but requires skill and dedication. Water aerobic exercise is done in water either to your waist or your chest, and starts off with just striding through the water briskly - not as easy as it sounds.

Water aerobic exercise is good exercise because the water presents a lot of resistance to your movement - remember trying to run through the waves on a beach to get into deeper water? So, just walking through water is good exercise.

Water supports a lot of your weight

The second reason that water aerobics is good is that when standing in water, the water actually supports a lot of your weight. Did you know that if you stand in the water up to your waist, the water supports 40-50 per cent of your weight?

If the water comes up to your chest, the water supports 80-90 per cent of your weight. This means that your joints don't have to do much work, and even if you have knee problems you may find water aerobic exercise helpful - but do consult your physician first.

water aerobics can be simple walking - lunging really as you launch yourself forward on each step while moving the arms through the water at the same time.

Or, you can join a class, where you will do more complex movements resembling a slow aerobic dance. These classes, taken by an instructor, usually last about 45 minutes.

Do it in warm water

A word of warning: don't do water aerobics in cold water! It's not fun, and you will soon give up. Ideally, the water should be over 80 deg F (26 deg C), and nor more than about 90 deg F (32 deg C). So if you live outside the tropics you won't be able to do these exercises in the sea often. However. because the sea contains salt, it gives even more buoyancy than fresh water, making it easier on your joints, and provides more resistance, so if the sea is warm enough it is a good place to start. It is nicer being in the sea than in a pool, too.

Finally, one of the good things about water aerobic exercise is that because most of your body is under water you will not feel embarrassed if you are a touch overweight.

Are there any disadvantages?

Yes, the main one is that you have to use a pool which increases the cost. If you are already a member of a leisure club or gym that has a pool, well you are set up already. For the rest of us, it is a case of finding if there are any classes locally - entry to the pool may be cheaper if you do join a class - or finding the best combination of cost and quality at a pool.

Water aerobic aids

You do not need much to start water aerobic exercise - a swimming costume, a big towel and maybe goggles will get you started. Goggles are not really needed to start with. The other aids are intended to increase resistance. These are things like foam rings to wear round your wrists, foam barbells, and flotation belts. These are all inexpensive, and are needed only when you have improved your strength and stamina without them.

Do not forget that although water aerobic exercise can be fun, you need to do it regularly to strengthen your heart and other muscles - this way you will enjoy life more, and become healthier and fitter, and will burn up some of those excess calories. Another important point: if you want to lose weight, you will find that exercise alone does not - you need to improve your diet as well. But why not start by trying water aerobic exercise?

John Hartley is a business writer who has always enjoyed sports and exercise. He cycles regularly wherever his business takes him, and runs the web site, http://www.best-aerobic-exercise.com, where you can find plenty of information about aerobic exercise.

About the Author
aerobic exercise

The Benefit Of Drinking Water by Michelle Bery

2007-02-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

Throughout the years, no matter what crazy diet fad has hit the market - or healthy eating trend, for that matter - the one piece of advice that has remained constant is that of drinking water as part of a healthy regime. The benefit of drinking water has been proven time and again, as researchers continue to discover positive ways in which water affects our bodies.

As our bodies mostly consist of water, we react naturally to it; our systems work best when we are properly hydrated. Unfortunately, most people think that simply not being thirsty means that they are hydrated. The truth is thirst is the last thing to happen when our bodies are dehydrated. The benefit of drinking water throughout the day - experts suggest at least eight glasses a day - is that it enables our bodies to stay ahead of dehydration; water is like oil in a machine - keeping our kidneys and other internal organs functioning smoothly and our blood flowing. Further, with our busy schedules, many of us turn to caffeine to keep us going throughout the day. The benefit of drinking water is that it helps offset the caffeine, allowing our bodies to flush the dehydrating effects of coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

Another benefit of drinking water is that it allows our bodies to flush any illness that may have taken up residence inside of us; it's why we're always told to drink plenty of fluids when we're sick. Plenty of water helps ward off dehydration and helps us to feel better faster.

Additionally, an added benefit of drinking water is the promotion of weight loss. Water fills up our stomachs, giving us the feeling of being satiated and helping us to eat less.

The benefit of drinking water lends to our outward appearance as well, as adequate water will keep skin clear and glowing, hair shiny, and nails healthy.

It's not surprising that water is so essential to our overall health and physical function; it's only surprising how many people still do not drink enough of it. Consider water to be one of your most important tools to staying healthy and get drinking!

About the Author
For easy to understand, in depth information about the benefits of drinking water visit our ezGuide 2 Drinking Water.

Effective Golf Stretching Exercises for Your Game by Joey Atlas

2007-02-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

The singlemost important golf fitness factor for your golf performance is flexibility. The less golf fitness stretching exercises you do, the less flexibility you have, the worse your game. It's that simple. Ignorance of the proper golf stretches and lack of flexibility are responsible for keeping the games of many players from ever reaching their full potential - on all levels.

No equipment breakthroughs, no magical flying golf balls, no $300 lessons and no 'electrically charged' bracelets will ever take the place of what a proper golf fitness stretching exercise program can do for your game.

With the right golf stretching exercises, the easier and further your body can turn, the better, more powerful, your swing is. Period.

Moving the club head over a greater distance allows for the generation of more club head speed, hence more distance on the ball - WITH LESS EFFORT.

So, What Does The Ideal Golf Stretching Exercise Program Consist Of?

1) It must include several key compound stretches - stretches that elongate several joint areas at the same time - mimicking natural movement patterns. Allowing the golfer to be more accurate through enhanced fitness flexibility, body awareness & control.

2) It must include a series of single or double joint golf stretching exercises. The effects of these stretches increase exponentially when the specific body movement requires several of these joints to move in coordination with each other (ie - the golf swing).

3) It must follow a symetrical protocol - the true key to maintaining optimal muscle/tendon/joint balance on both sides of the body. This allows for enhanced golf swing power without a large increase in swing effort. And this is also very important to chronic and acute injury prevention - and hence fitness and playing longevity.

4) It must offer several golf fitness program variations. A long version for regular training days and a short version for Pre-Round Stretching. A few variations with the large exercise ball should also be included (extremely important for the golfer) along with a couple of club stretches to do just before tee-off & between holes if necessary.

5) It must be realistic & easy to do for golfers at any fitness level with no equipment except for a stretching floor mat (and an exercise ball for certain stretches).

6) It should be thorough - addressing the head and neck all, the way down to the feet. Remember, the golf swing is a full body movement.

7) It should feel good - especially afterward. This type of stretch routine should make you feel as if your posture is immediately better & you should feel stronger - just because your body moves so much easier & more fluidly. You should almost feel like you could rip the cover off a ball if you were to hit one right after your golf fitness stretch routine.

8) It should cause some of your golf buddies to become 'hateful enemies'. Once you start bombing your drives & ripping your iron shots 'the boys' are not going to be very happy with your new-found golf fitness abilities - they will be 'green' with envy.

9) Multi-plane, rotational floor stretches are a must. Glute, piriformis & IT band stretches are a must. Heel (Achilles) and calve stretches are a must. Hip flexor, quad, and groin (adductor) stretches are a must and have to be included in any golf fitness flexibility program.

10) Neck, trapezius & shoulder girdle stretches must be included. Chest, arm, abdominal and oblique stretching exercises must be included. Upper, middle & lower back stretches must be included.

11) A complete golf flexibility exercise session should take you no longer than 45 minutes on a long program and no longer than 14 minutes on a 'quick golf stretch'.

The starting point of your optimum golf fitness exercise program should place priority on the flexibility component. A carefully crafted stretching program, consisting of the right golf exercises, should be the foundation for which the rest of your golf performance conditioning program is built upon.

About the Author
Joey Atlas, Exercise Physiologist, is the mastermind behind The Best Golf Stretching Exercises.

Go to http://www.OptimumFlexibilityForGolf.com for more tips, helpful advice & information.

Exhance Your Yoga Experience With The Latest Gear by David Silva

2007-02-23T05:46:00.000-08:00

One of the great advantages of persuing yoga is that it doesn't require much in the way of gear. In fact, most folks can get by with nothing more than a comfortable pair of sweats and a litte open floor space. But if you're ready to get more serious about your yoga, there are some items that you might want to add to your routines. Here are just a few for your consideration:

Mats

Sticky yoga mats can provide a safe and comfortable non-slip surface for your yoga routine. Believe it or not, there are mats that are specifically designed for yoga, as opposed to Pilates mats or other exercise mats. A good yoga mat will tend to be thinner and easy to roll up to place in your gym bag for easy transportation and storage. By the way, most places selling yoga equipment can offer you a variety of mat styles and colors, so you'll be able to express your individuality in the gear you choose.

Yoga Straps

Yoga straps are less common that some of the other forms of gear listed here. In fact, if you've been doing yoga for awhile, you still may not be familiar with them. A yoga strap is a simple nylon strap with a plastic or metal buckle. Usually light-weight, you can find them in a number of different colors. How are they used? Most commonly the yoga strap is used as an aid for those people who just can't quite reach a specific goal in a pose. For example, they can help you with such challenging poses as the Seated Forward Bend (or Paschimottanasana) where you sit with both legs in front of you and attempt to lay your torso flat over your thighs. If your hamstrings are particularly tight, a yoga strap can be looped around your feet to pull your torso gently forward until you feel that distinctive sensation where you know you want to be.

Blocks

Yoga blocks and bricks are used by many yogis to modify poses in their workouts. These blocks can help you to deepen your stretches, reduce the strain on a particular muscle group when you're beginning to learn a new pose, and provide a better foundation for proper body alignment. Most yoga stores will sell a variety of blocks in sizes that can help you with both simple and advanced poses.

Videos

Not technically gear, yoga workouts on DVD and video have become incredibly popular today, particularly for those who are too busy to attend a regular class, or who no longer feel the need for the guidance of a yoga instructor. You can find DVD yoga workouts for all levels, from beginner to master, including titles such as Crunch - The Perfect Yoga Workout, The Total Body Yoga Workout DVD, QuickFix - Power Yoga Workout, and ZenMama Prenatal Yoga Workout DVD. There's something for everyone interested in yoga on DVD.

If you have a yoga store near you (or if you poke around the Interent a bit), you'll also find that there are a variety of yoga "kits" available as well. These packages typically include all the basic yoga gear: one or two blocks, straps, a mat and sometimes even a video or flash cards of different poses. Yoga kits are a wonderful starting point for the yoga enthusiast, especially if you aren't quite sure where to begin.

About the Author
David Silva is the webmaster for Alternative Medicine First, where you can discover many of today's alternative medicine approaches, such as holistic medicine, biofeedback, Chinese medicine, meditation, homeopathic medicine, hypnosis, yoga, and more

Steps To Exercise Fitness by Ramone Stevenson

2007-02-21T05:01:00.000-08:00

Exercise fitness is a wonderful way to start getting your body back into shape. It is also a way to reduce the amount of stress you have and feel better mentally. Studies show those who participant in exercise fitness are healthier, happier, and sleep better. Those all sound like wonderful reasons to get involved in an exercise fitness program right? Exercise fitness involves a combination of cardio and stretching exercises to improve your overall health. You can find out about various exercises online and in magazines. Both will even explain the results you can expect from the exercise and the proper way to do it.

The great thing about it is you get to choose the exercises you participate it. Choose from sports, swimming, bicycling, walking, aerobics, yoga, and many more. The possibilities are endless. The goal is to find a variety of activities that you enjoy doing and implement an exercise fitness plan with them. Make sure you consult with your doctor first before you start a new exercise fitness program. You need to make sure you are physically able to do the exercises you choose. It is also important that you know how to do them properly. Aerobics and weight lifting are both effective parts of exercise fitness, but they can do more damage than good for your body if you don't do the activities correctly.

Regardless of your current activity level and fitness level, you can come up with an exercise fitness plan that will improve your health. Don't expect it to be easy and don't expect to see results overnight. Implement small changes and continue to add to them. If you enjoy walking then set a goal to walk 15 minutes each night. Increase your walking time by 5 minutes each night until you reach 30 minutes. Next try walking at a faster pace. Still walking 30 minutes each night, try to walk further in that amount of time.

For the best results have a variety of activities in your exercise fitness plan so you won't get bored. This will also help you accommodate the weather. Have a variety of exercises you can participate in both indoors and outdoors. For some people going to the gym is a great motivator and the only way the will participate in exercise fitness. This is perfectly acceptable as long as you go to the gym faithfully and get some exercising time in.

In the United States, obesity is a huge problem affecting millions of individuals of all ages. It all stems from a sedentary lifestyle and not eating properly. The time is right to start an exercise fitness program for yourself. Take advantage of the opportunity you have now while you are still healthy enough. The choices you make today in regards to your exercise fitness program will determine your overall wellness and physical health in the future. With heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol being the price most of us will pay for not getting fit, it seems like implementing an exercise fitness program is the safest choice available.