Tuesday, September 30, 2008

How To Squeeze Fitness Into Your Busy Life

Many adults find it to be extremely difficult to maintain a toned body and a healthy lifestyle while running their own hectic lives. Whether you're the mom with three children trying to keep a house in order, or the marketing executive who has four projects due at the end of the week, time management is always an issue.

There's also the issue of trying to find the right activity or regiment that will actually end up helping in the long run with the little chunk of time that you dug out of your schedule. It's also a hassle to keep up with good nutrition that will keep all of the hard work from being lost. Here are some suggestions on how you can integrate good health and well-being into your life.

1. Sneak in sleep! For the average person, sometimes four to six hours of sleep is all you can afford. My suggestion is this: When you wake up first thing in the morning, don't roll over and go back for a few extra minutes of sleep. Your body knows that this is the best time for it to wake up and a few extra minutes might end up making you cranky.

2. Move! Try to take advantage of this block of time to get some aerobic exercises in to get the blood pumping to wake up more refreshed and alert. Unless time really is crunched badly for you, take the stairs to and from your floor at work, and take the kids out for a walk to the park with you. Break up and space out the little bits of time that you have when grouping it all together is impossible. It will help carry you through the day better than nothing at all.

3. Do what's fun. A proper regiment is one that should best suit the needs of the individual involved. If you're looking for weight training, contact a fitness trainer at the gym who would know what tools and reps you will need to achieve your goals. Looking for flexibility and aerobics? Try basketball. It's a sport that promotes a good cardiovascular workout while helping to stretch and stimulate muscles into better coordination. It also promotes stress relief as you develop new friends to vent to while playing.

4. Eat well. Eating right plays a big part in maintaining your health, as some foods actually block weight loss or gaining better musculature, despite being wholesome. Talk to your doctor about what foods are best for your fitness goals before altering your current diet. Packing your own lunch for work is a good option, because it keeps temptation away from vendor snacks and ordering take-out while being more cost efficient.

Despite the current myth that whey or soy protein shakes(without creatine) make you bulk up, they actually supply you with almost all of the amino acids that your body will need to build up healthier muscle. It helps quite a bit when you can't always get the vegetables and proper protein needed for better body development.

There will always be an opportunity, even a small one, to find better health in your day to day life. Even when your responsibilities seem to get in the way, make them work so that you are improving your health while accomplishing tasks. Find a group of like-minded individuals to play a few hoops to lighten your day. Always plan your meals in advance and bring along a backup in case of schedule failure or hunger issues. Hopefully these suggestions will benefit you and make your life a bit more wholesome.



An excellent resource to find out best hoop and goal. The website also provides great info related to goals and where to get the best adjustable goal from.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Nordic Track Systems For Exercise And Fitness

Many types of exercise and fitness treadmills are available from Nordic Track, and these systems are known for being reliable and requiring minimal maintenance, making them excellent additions to your workout program.

Nordic Track systems are known for their reliability, being built by ICON, one o the best manufacturers of exercise equipment in the world. Despite this, most Nordic Track systems cost less than systems by other manufacturers. A basic Nordic Track treadmill costs less than a thousand dollars, although more advanced, more expensive systems are also available.

The more technologically advanced Nordic Track systems feature iFit compatibility. iFit is a personal training program that allows users to keep track of their workouts and develop personalized training programs. The program can be installed on your computer, whereupon you will receive weight training program online. Your Nordic Track exercise and fitness machine will also keep records of statistics from your workouts, which you can then send to your computer in order to receive weekly progress reports on the effectiveness of your workout regimen. A nutrition planner will also be sent to you that will aid you in losing those extra pounds.

The Nordic Track system also features the CoolAire fan, which helps keep you cool while you Exercise on the machine. The fan operates while you are using the machine, and is sturdier than most of the fans found on other exercise equipment.

Nordic Track systems also allow you to create a customized workout regimen. You can either choose to use one of the preset training programs included with the machine, or adjust the options to your liking. Your personal health information can also be downloaded into the computer of the Nordic Track system, allowing it to generate a personalized workout to suit your needs and workout objectives. These machines also include a carbohydrate counter that will monitor the number of carbohydrates you have burned during your workout and how many more you must burn in order to meet your weight-loss goals.

You can also use a deck and mat with your Nordic Track system. A mat will be used on the belt of the system, serving to cushion the impact of your feet on the belt, thus minimizing the degree of strain placed on your feet. Not all exercise and fitness systems from Nordic Track are compatible with mats, however, so you should ensure that the system you are considering has this feature if it appeals to you.

The final advantage of getting a Nordic Track system lies in the warranty. A Nordic Track system warranty will generally cover the motor for three years and other parts, for two years. Also, any labor fees for maintenance on your system are waived for the first year. In some cases, certain systems even include a lifetime warranty covering the motor.

Nordic Track systems are excellent exercise and fitness treadmills to have in your home, allowing you to have a great and effective workout in the comfort of your own house. To purchase one, contact you local Nordic Track dealer or visit www.nordictrack.com.



Dave Tupniak
www.theexerciseden.com
Dave is a Kinesiologist and former Personal Trainer

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Physical Fitness Over 40

An individual who is above 40 years and wants to live a long term healthy life has to be physically fit. Once we start aging our body also starts aging at the cellular level. Our skin getting darker, development of cellulite and sagging of our skin are all signs of aging. This is the time when we need to be physically fit so that we can carry on our daily tasks easily. We will be able to keep off arthritis also by being physically fit. Exercise helps in building our muscle strength which deteriorates with age.

The gains from physical fitness are many. Our bodies are contrived for movement. Absence of such movement will make us suffer from stress linked illness, and age associated conditions.

Losing unwanted pounds is also another advantage of exercising. When you exercise you burn calories and in turn you lose your weight. Exercise also helps in reduction of blood pressure. When you exercise you lose some chemicals from your body which helps to reduce the risk of developing blood pressure.

An associated malady with high blood pressure is heart sickness. Normally people who have high blood pressure will also have some degree of heart disease also. Physical exercise helps you to decreases the chances of death due to heart attack. Also physical exercise will help you to keep away from risk of high cholesterol. Reduction in cholesterol will aid you to protect yourself from diabetes, stroke and other related diseases.

Physical exercise for people beyond 40 will help them to be free from mental distress and also stress linked sickness. If you exercise daily on a regular basis the chances of depression and anxiety is reduced. That means you do not have to spend on anti depressants. Physical fitness will help improve psychological well being and you will be able to work peacefully. Your performance level will increase in your area of work or sports.

Aerobic exercise is different from physical fitness exercise. Aerobic exercise helps us to improve our ability to use and transfer oxygen in our body. The blood supply to the muscles is increased. This helps us in improving our flexibility, balance and coordination of the different parts of the body will improve.

Exercising for those who are above the age of 40 years also has its advantages on bones and joints. It assists to keep at bay Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a disease related to the weakening of leg muscles. People affected with this disease can do three types of physical fitness exercise. They are range of motion, aerobic exercises and strengthening. To strengthen your joints and without stressing too much you can do 'push and pull against static resistance' exercises. Cycling and walking is also beneficial. People suffering from arthritis should take up short and frequent exercise sessions and under the guidance of a physical therapist.

Exercise is also important to slow down the growth of osteoporosis. This disease in particular attacks women once they enter their menopause stage. During this period bone mass strength reduces and to increase it physical exercise has to be undertaken. Moderate exercise, that is as little as one hour a week will help strengthening the bones.

Exercise helps to keep your bones and joints strong. The benefits derived from exercising are not superficial. Exercising also strengthens your cardiovascular system. Your heart becomes healthy with exercise and you will have a healthy lifestyle even beyond your age. Follow regular exercise with healthy diet. You will surely live a longer, better and happier life. You can have a normal and better life style by doing light exercises also. So pave your way to a better and healthier life through exercises even if you are above 40 years.



Christopher William M. is professional personal trainer in Southern California. Chris owns fitness business Positively Fit Inc. which services personal training to So Cal residents. Chris helps locals as Westminster Personal Trainer . Learn more by visiting http://www.socalworkout.com/

Monday, September 15, 2008

Exercise And Fitness On A Treadmill

The treadmill is a piece of exercise and fitness equipment commonly found in gyms and health clubs worldwide. When you discover the many benefits that can be gained from exercising on a treadmill, you will better understand why it presents one of the best workout options available today.

First, and foremost, the exercise and fitness treadmill is simple and easy to operate and use. There are no weights to lift and adjustments to be made. You simply have to get on the treadmill, start the belt, and begin running or walking on it. Both and speed and incline of the treadmill can be adjusted to your liking at any time during your workout, making it easy to adjust the machine so that it is comfortable for you to use.

Another advantage of using a treadmill over other exercise and fitness equipment is that absolutely everyone can use it. Even pregnant women, who have to avoid most forms of exercise in order to avoid injuring their babies, are able to use a treadmill for their workouts. People who suffer from osteoporosis and hypertension can safely use a treadmill in their workouts. Exercising on a treadmill helps to strengthen the heart and improve the range of movement in the joints, and this form of exercise can be done by anyone and everyone.

Using a treadmill helps you burn more calories than you would while using any other form of exercise equipment. It is stated in the Journal of the American Medical Association that an hour of exercise on a treadmill at medium intensity burns seven hundred calories. This is more than the amount of calories burned while exercising for an hour on another machine such as an exercise bike or skiing machine.

When exercising on a treadmill, you are able to set your own pace, thus the pace of your workout will always be comfortable and within your limits. Since treadmills are usually located indoors, you do not have to worry about inclement weather. Also, the incline of the treadmill can be changed, helping to simulate the terrain under real world conditions. The belt of the treadmill also provides a smooth surface for you to walk or run on, minimizing the risk that you might trip and fall. You can even engage in other activities while using a treadmill such as listening to music or watching television.

A treadmill will fit easily into a home, and some models of treadmill even fold up for easy storage when not in use. Before you purchase a treadmill, you should ensure that it will fit in your home and that it folds up to a size that you can comfortably store.

There are a few factors that you should consider when purchasing a treadmill for exercise and fitness. The first is that an ideal treadmill will have a powerful and durable motor. Continuous duty motors tend to last longer than peak duty motors do so you should look for a treadmill with a continuous duty motor. Also, the larger the motor in the treadmill, the more expensive the treadmill will be.

A treadmill should be well-built and durable, and should not fall apart easily. You should only purchase a treadmill that comes with a warranty. This way, if your treadmill becomes spoilt or worn, then you do not have to pay to get it repaired. Safety features are also an important factor, and a good treadmill should have an automatic shut-off feature.

With the right treadmill and a good exercise and fitness program, you will be able to stay fit and healthy. If you wish to purchase a treadmill, you should contact your local treadmill dealer.



Dave Tupniak
www.theexerciseden.com
Dave is a Kinesiologist and former Personal Trainer

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Top Archaic Fitness Travel

Enjoy peace and calmness at some of the most exotic spa retreats in the world. From world-class cuisine to the crucial indulgence spa comfort, the body, mind and soul will be nurtured. It should come as no surprise that fitness spa vacations are among the most dreamed of by everybody. The most exotic fitness spa resort has variety of spa packages that offers different treatments. Travelers can come across massive amounts of revitalizing spa therapy. The services are prepared with treatment rooms for therapeutic bodywork, massages, conditioning body scrubs, cocoons and facials. Massage options consist of lymphatic, reflexology, aromatherapy, Shiatsu, sports, Thai and Swedish. Couples can also arrange side-by-side massages. Facials include skin care treatments, such as aromatherapy facial, aqua-lift replenishing facial and men's fitness facial. There is also a precise skin treatment, facial, body waxing as well as self-tanning treatment. For total-body therapy, travelers can choose between grape seed scrub, deluxe conditioning body scrub and mineral salt scrub. Alternatives to the body scrubs include a 100-minute full-body treatment; a 50-minute body conditioning therapy, Euphoria, Aroma Boosters and Cocoon; 50-minute therapy that encourages physical and emotional well-being, which also includes Anti-Aging, Detoxify Body, Regeneration and Travel Exhaustion.

Knowing the benefits you can get from heat and water, fitness spas include exclusive water features all throughout the service. The Aqua Therapy features a 30-by-15-foot co-ed therapy pool with airbed loungers, a torrent cascade, neck fountains and an air tub with body rub jet counter. A portion of the pool area also has a wide thermal suite and whirlpool featuring herbal and sensory showers, Finnish saunas, reflexology sinks, ice fountain and aromatic steam room. Some fitness spa resorts also offer the exotic ceremony and signature treatments. The steam therapy and therapeutic much therapy take place in an elaborately cemented steam hall, which are modern-day versions of an ancient Middle Eastern cleansing ritual. fitness spa resorts are loaded with the premium facilities, including the world's original planetarium at sea, a theater, first-class dining amenities, a casino, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, children-friendly facilities, boutiques as well as the largest ballrooms, wine collections and libraries.

Whistler, British Columbia, has been widely recognized as one of the most popular downhill ski fitness resorts in North America. The last several years, however, it has turned out to be a true constant destination. And, for wellness-minded travelers, downhill skiing acquires a backseat to the riches of wellness type activities presented in this attractive and stunning mountain-based community. Fitness travel to wellness recently remained focused on walking, hiking, and of course, spa hopping.

Some exotic full-service spas are located right in the middle of villages. These spas are often small and have several treatment rooms. They also have relaxation corners, and manicure and pedicure area. Despite their size, they are well-presented, homey and comfortable. The only thing lacking owing to space restraint is a hydrotherapy area. Hotel gyms are just outside the door. They also give signature treatments offered with a sense of place by incorporating products such as mud and seaweed that hand harvested. They are said to be simultaneously calming and revitalizing.

Others fitness spa resorts provide a peaceful, relaxing and beautiful environment for the weary guest by the beauty of extensive English gardens and classical music concerts held once per month in the acoustically-designed place. New innovations that are constantly added to these resorts turn them into a popular choice for getaways, especially for honeymooners. These relaxing resorts include saunas, steam rooms, a meditation room, showers and relaxation area.

Fitness spa resorts offer a wellness and health program with an astonishing Thermal Suite and Hydrotherapy Pool. These are provided to give the guests the vital spa experience they want and need. Inspired by stress-relieving, relaxing and holistic treatments drawn from disciplines around the world, they recommend the most exotic and luxurious treatments available in any spa resort. For fitness enthusiasts, the health centers offer a complete wellness approach to keeping fit including acupuncture, nutrition consultations, six-branded exercise programs and a meditation program. The centers also include a nail spa and style spa for an all-inclusive hair and beauty treatments. Travels are able to acquire inspiring journeys with treatments inspired by exotic traditions. Travelers also have the opportunity to take pleasure in a multi-dimensional lifestyle-wellness approach during a full pre-arranged fitness program. Travelers wish to live healthier lives. They try to practice good life-changing habits in the way of some of the world's most diversely skilled fitness practitioners. They have truly established the precise balance between pure pleasure and a unique program of lifestyle pampering and fitness.

Relaxing, soothing, intimate, extravagant, sophisticated and exciting. They are the initial impressions on fitness tours. These tours offer a wide variety of alluring services with style. Deluxe product lines and careful, expert-serviced treatments reward and spares no detail in providing a proven regime for total body health. Pro trainers instruct and supervise private workouts, complemented by the world's most compounds cardiovascular, free-weight equipment, instructions in dance, aerobics and yoga-. Leisure and stress-management methods as well as individual help with diet guidelines from a registered dietitian, sports conditioning, age and exercise and exercise physiology are provided in the included wellness education seminars.



Fitness vacations are all about a friendly and relaxing workout experience for people of all ages, types and sizes. Visit us at http://www.fitnesstouring.com/

Saturday, September 6, 2008

4-Minute Rapid Fat Loss Cardio Interval Workouts at Home!

Everybody's Got At Least 4 Minutes To Workout!

In the real world, there will be days when we simply do not have enough time to perform the ideal full-length 20-minute interval cardio workouts (not including a highly recommended 5-minute warm-up and cool-down).

In most instances, the typical approach we take is to just skip the workout altogether. The flawed assumption here is that no significant results can occur in less than 30 minutes anyways. However, this could not be further from the truth! Both our clients and we have discovered just how much can happen in 4 minutes with the right approach to training. So basically, there is no room for excuses as we all have at least 4 minutes on any given day to workout ;)

It's not about time... IT'S ALL ABOUT INTENSITY!

The key to these cardio interval workouts is INTENSITY. In both scientific research and real world studies, time and time again one thing is clear: Intensity is truly the only thing that makes your body change! Intensity is the key to ripping off ugly, unwanted body fat and gaining lean, sexy muscle.

As much as we'd love to claim we've reinvented the wheel here, this intensity principle is nothing new in the fitness world. Even as far back as 1994 in the Metabolism Journal researchers discovered the following: each calorie you expend during high-intensity exercise burns 9 times more fat than the same calorie expended during steady state aerobic exercise! Don't believe this? Well, trust us when we say that you definitely will become a believer in intensity after performing your first interval workout. It's really the coolest thing in the world. It's like you just flip the switch to building the body of your dreams. See below to learn more about why this happens:

The Role of HIGH-Intensity Exercise

- Embraces the Carb-Burning Zone: High-Intensity exercise rapidly reducing muscle glycogen (stored sugar) during training which promotes enhanced total body fat-burning at all other times of day.

- Burns a TON of Calories Both During AND After Exercise: This phenomenon is due to the post-workout "AFTERBURN" know as EPOC which describes the number of calories your body expends in the recovery of your metabolism back to pre-exercise levels from high-intensity training. The best part about EPOC is that you control it, meaning that the harder you work during training the more calories your body will burn BOTH during your workout AND for up to 24-48 hours after completing your workout!

- Creates the Optimal Hormonal Environment for Fat Loss: High-Intensity exercise puts your body in a "fight or flight" mode that forces your body to CHANGE as a means of survival. More specifically, your body releases catecholamines (primarily adrenaline) in response to interval training that directly mobilizes stored body fat so that it can be burnt off as energy during activity.

The 4-Minute Rapid Fat Loss Cardio Program

How to Get 4-Minute Equipment-Free Fat Loss in Your Living Room!

This Workout Muse Cardio EXPRESS features the breakthrough Tabata Protocol that Japanese scientists used to compare the effects of only 4 minutes of high-intensity interval training to a slow, long 60-minute steady-state aerobic alternative. They found GREATER FAT LOSS and GREATER IMPROVEMENTS IN FITNESS with the following 4-minute interval routine versus the full hour of aerobics!

Each workout takes only 4 minutes, not including the highly recommended warm-up. In all, you will be in the shower 10 short minutes after breaking your first bead of sweat ;)

Cardio EXPRESS

Are You Ready For TABATAS?

- 5-minute warm-up (optional, but highly recommended)

- Select the appropriate Tabatas Variation for your current fitness level:

Level I- Beginners- Modified Tabatas: 10 s on, 20 s off

- 10 s on (sprint), 20 s off (recover)- 1:2 work to rest ratio - Repeat this 30 s round 8x for 4 total minutes

Level II- Intermediate- Modified Tabatas: 15 s on, 15 s off

- 15 s on (sprint), 15 s off (recover)- 1:1 work to rest ratio - Repeat this 30 s round 8x for 4 total minutes

Level III- Advanced- Original Tabatas: 20 s on, 10 s off

- 20 s on (sprint), 10 s off (recover)- 2:1 work to rest ratio - Repeat this 30 s round 8x for 4 total minutes

The Top 6 Body Weight Cardio Exercises

Choose either one exercise below and perform it for the full duration of your workout OR feel free to switch to different exercises from round to round to mix things up and get a little more variety:

1.) Stationary Running

2.) Jumping Claps (Modified Jumping Jack)

3.) Cross-Country Skier

4.) Mountain Climber

5.) Burpee Variation

6.) Shadow Boxing or Kickboxing

Perform These Cardio Workouts Only On Days:

- When you truly have NO TIME for the prescribed full-length 20-minute interval workouts (e.g. travel days)

- For an extra metabolic boost during the day to accelerate fat loss (immediately in the morning or 4-6 hours before/after your main workout of the day)

- Before a "free meal" to serve as a bit of damage control so that your body is primed to use the extra carbs and calories from this meal for muscle growth and recovery while minimizing fat-storage (don't push this too far - this is not an excuse to go hog-wild!)

IMPORTANT NOTE-

Feel free to perform this protocol with any mode of cardio exercise (e.g. outdoor/treadmill running, cycling, etc.). We have simply provided the best equipment-free cardio exercises for the utmost simplicity and convenience.

You can even employ body weight resistance training exercises (squats, push-ups, lunges, etc.) or other resistance training exercises using dumbbells, bands, sandbags, etc. to perform these express workouts. Use your imagination to explore the infinite possibilities for endless variety and to keep your workouts exciting, fun, and fresh!



BJ Gaddour, CSCS, is a nationally recognized fitness boot camp instructor and real world fat loss expert. His Get Sexy Boot Camps are Milwaukee's premier fitness boot camps for men and women (http://www.GetSexyBootCamps.com). He is also the co-creator of Workout Muse (http://www.WorkoutMuse.com): The World's FIRST and # Audio Interval Trainer!

Friday, September 5, 2008

How To Get A Muscle and Fitness Magazine Body - Without Spending All Day In The Gym

Before I made fitness a priority in my life, I would look at the muscle and fitness magazine covers and think, it would be great to look like that, but I just don't have the time to count calories and spend all day in the gym.

The truth is, you don't have to spend all your time counting calories and working out to get a muscle and fitness magazine look. By following a few simple diet rules and maximizing the time you spend in the gym, you'll be on your way to a muscle and fitness magazine body in no time.

First a word of caution. Before you start any diet and exercise program always check with your physician.

Slow Down Your Diet

We're going to use a variation of a slow carbohydrate diet as used by Dean Karnazes, a world class marathon runner. I found it on the blog of author Tim Ferris, where he used it to lose 20lbs of fat in 30 days. Don't worry, there's no calorie counting, just follow these rules:

1.Drink lots of water, tea, or your favorite diet soda. 2.Eat lots of protein like egg whites, chicken and lean red meats. 3.Avoid white carbohydrates. Don't eat bread, rice, cereal, potatoes, pasta or fried food. Remember if it's white don't eat it.. 4.Eat lots of legumes and fresh vegetables. Remember vegetables are not calorie dense, so make sure you're eating legumes to keep your energy levels up. 5.Break your meals into 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day. 6.Have one day where you eat whatever you want.

As for meal planning you want to keep it simple. Find a few meals you like and eat those over and over again. I know it doesn't sound exciting but it will keep you on track when your busy.

HIT The Gym And Gain Muscle And Lose Fat By Working Out Less

To pack on the muscle we're going to apply the principles of HIT (High Intensity Training). Arthur Jones, creator of nautilus gym equipment proved the value of HIT training with his Colorado experiment. In that test, Casey Viator gained 63.21 pounds of muscle in 28 days. I'm not saying you're going to get those results, but I'm guessing you'd be happy with even a fraction of that kind of gain. Do the following workout:

1.leg curl 2.leg extension 3.leg press 4.lateral raise 5.pullover 6.bench press 7.biceps curl 8.triceps extension 9.trunk curl

Workout Rules 1.Do one set of each of the above exercises, but do that set to complete muscle failure. 2.Rest 2-3 minutes between sets 3.Work out 3 times a week, but on one of the workout days don't go all the way to muscle failure. For example work out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Wednesday you would stop short of muscle failure on each set. 4.Drink a protein shake 45 minutes before you work out and one 45 minutes after you workout. 5.Get a lot of sleep (that's when your muscles really grow).

That's it. I know it sounds simple, but if you follow the above plan you'll look like you just stepped off the pages of a muscle and fitness magazine.


Tom Gaddis is the publisher of the blog http://MuscleandFitnessGuru.com

Where he provides tips and techniques for building a better you.