Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Ab Workouts and the Correct Way to Burn Excess Stomach Fat

Have you ever seen that guy in the gym who spends 15-20 minutes just doing stomach crunchs or situps? One of the common misconceptions is that by doing a lot of ab exercises such as situps, will help you burn stomach fat. While ab workouts will help define your abs, if you have excess belly fat you still won't be able to see them. Simply doing a bunch of crunches will not burn the belly fat that is covering your abdominals.

The problem is that most people are searching for the wrong exercises and workout types to lose stubborn belly fat. Most people are searching for some miraculous combination of abs exercises combined into the best ab workout ever invented that will burn off their belly fat faster than you can read this article.

Unfortunately, abdominal workouts will only tone and strengthen the underlying abdominal muscles, not help shed the belly fat lying on top of them. What you really need to focus on is a full body strategic workout that will cause a much greater metabolic rate increase and fat-burning hormonal response from your training program as a whole. What is actually going to help burn the fat are exercises that challenge the rest of your body and force it to burn fat for needed energy.

One of the other misconceptions is that simply doing a lot of cardiovascular exercises will burn off that embarassing stomach fat... not true. What you really need is a much more rounded training program that focuses on training the entire body with resistance training and multi-joint exercises in a higher intensity fashion.

Short, high intensity workouts combined with a well balanced diet program is the real key secret to losing the extra stomach fat that covers up the abs. Ab workouts are definitely a part of this equation, but simply doing them on their own will not yield the results that you are looking for.

A true professional trainer will give you this same advice, but yet too many people are willing to follow programs that talk about quick results and fast weight loss. Most of these articles and programs are really written by people trying to cash in on one of the most searchd topics on the internet.. weight loss.

There is no doubt that ab workouts such as situps and push ups do have a relavence in all workout programs, but not in the way that most people associate them with. Ab exercises will help you strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles and are useful for other purposes such as a healthy back and posture when done correctly. But the fact remains that ab exercises are not necessary for fat loss.

Most full body workouts will actually target the abdominal muscles at the same time they are working other parts of the body. This indirect focus on the abs is the most beneficial since it is the primary muscles of the body that are going to help promote fat burning and weight loss. If you are looking for a six pack abs or fat burning program that will help you achieve your goals, get honest, unbiased reviews of all the top abs workout programs at

Be Careful When You Use Diet Pills

While your regular diet pill may claim to provide the easy solution to trimming down and avoiding obesity, these can be dangerous when taken indiscriminately and without the supervision of a competent medical professional. It is often that we hear of individuals who suffer from diet pill overdose, having taken them without first consulting the doctor for possible effects on existing physical conditions such as an existing heart ailment, diabetes, hypertension or even pregnancy.

A diet pill overdose can and will kill. Those suffering from the overdose are candidates for cardiac arrhythmia, or worse a heart attack. They may exhibit shallow breathing, start convulsing and experience a variety of hallucinations.

Other symptoms of the overdose may include irregular heartbeats, extremely high or low blood pressure, fatigue, chest pains and seizures, vision impairment, stomach cramps and hair loss. It can likewise cause changes in one's behavior as it may lead to depression. anxiety and insomnia.

There are likewise plenty of dangerous side effects when taking the pills.

Most of them have the objective of making you feel full when in fact you aren't. There are pills that make you feel thirsty in order to compel more water intake to make you feel full. As a result you may not be taking in the much needed nutrients that you body needs. This could in turn result to a weakened immune system which will make you vulnerable to several illnesses.

Other diet pills claim to speed up the process of metabolism or the process with which we burn fat. They often contain high doses of caffeine and could trigger heart conditions if not taken properly.

Losing weight need not be dangerous. Experts agree that nothing is as good as the tried and tested formula of diet and exercise as the sure fire way of losing weight.

Gradually lessen your intake of sugar and carbohydrates while increasing the fiber in your diet. Change that roast beef sandwich into one of cucumber and cheese, with high fiber wheat bread. Incorporate lots of vegetables, fruits and juices. Avoid that high calorie chocolate cake! This will allow your body to gradually adjust to the type and amount of food that you take, thus avoiding the shock that usually comes with taking those pills and consequently avoiding those dreaded side effects and overdose symptoms.

Combine with exercise regimen and you're good to go. Park your car a few blocks further than usual and give yourself more walking time. When going a mere two or three floors up, take the stairs instead of the elevator. The exact same formula applies for going down the building. Have some serious, rigorous, outdoor playtime with your kids, at least once a week, if not your nephews and nieces. Run, jog and play catch. Allow yourself to sweat it out once in a while.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Exercises to Help Develop Your Trapezius Muscles

The trapezius muscles are the most superficial muscles of the posterior neck and the upper trunk. When seen together, they form a diamond-or kite-shaped muscle mass. The trapezius muscles extend the head. They also cause the elevation, depression, abduction and the stabilization of the scapula.

Here are some exercises to help develop your trapezius muscles.

1.Barbell Shrug. You hold a barbell with your both hands; place it in front of your body, with your hands apart in a shoulder width distance or a little wider. As you stand, you keep your feet on the ground in a shoulder width distance apart with the bar hanging in front of your body at the length of your arms. To start, you try drooping your shoulders as low as possible. Then you raise your shoulders up as far as you can do so. You can try rotating your shoulders as you go up in a semicircular motion, in a front to back motion. You can go on as much as you comfortably could and then you return to your position as the start.

2.Behind the Back Barbell Shrug. You hold a barbell with your both hands; place it at your back, with your hands apart in shoulder width distance or a little wider. You try to shrug your shoulder going up as high as you can go and then you squeeze it for some seconds. You then bring the bar down all the way as far as you can do. Make sure that you do this as slowly as possible to avoid a sudden strain on your neck and your shoulders. If you want to position the barbell to its original position, you can have it placed in a bench or a rack and you can start all the way with the exercise as you pick the barbell from there.

3.Incline Shoulder Raised with Dumbbells. You have yourself seated on an inclined chair or bench that will hold your back properly and rest your body on your lower thigh with dumbbells on both hands. You bring the weights on your shoulders and then you lean back. You position the dumbbells just above your shoulders and allow your shoulders to extend. As you raise your arms, you do it as high as you could. And as you lower it down, bring it to the level of your shoulders and then you repeat for 16 counts.

4.Dumbbell Shrug. You hold the dumbbells with your both arms. As you stand, you keep your feet on the ground in a shoulder width distance apart with the dumbbells hanging at the side of your body at the length of your arms. To start, you try drooping your shoulders as low as possible. Then you raise your shoulders up as far as you can do so. You can try rotating your shoulders as you go up in a semicircular motion, in a front to back motion. You can go on as much as you comfortably could and then you return to your position as the start.

These exercises require you to take on heavy objects. Make sure that you have a good check with your doctor before starting this program.

An Affordable Diet Product to Help You Lose Weight

The weight loss battle is one that many have fought, and it often seems, only the lucky win. This isn't entirely true. No matter what kind of fight, or journey, you're facing, the key to finding and enjoying success is ensuring you have the right tools. For weight loss, those tools include:
- The right mind-set
- An interest in making important changes in your lifestyle
- A plan
- An appropriate diet program or aid that's suitable to your needs

Which program or diet product is right for you? That's a personal decision, and one you should likely discuss with your doctor. It needs to fit your health, goals and lifestyle. Not all products are created the same.

One popular approach for weight loss is the use of diet pills and/or supplements. They can be an ideal jumping-off point to help you get started, or, can help you navigate weight loss plateaus or finish off those last few pounds to meet your goal. They come in all shapes, sizes, ingredients lists, promises and guarantees and of course price.

Hydrox-Slim is one diet aid worth your consideration. It mirrors the national brand, but sells for a fraction of the cost. That's money you can keep right in your pocket- and possibly pay for a gym membership, healthier food, or even new clothes when you reach your goal weight.

Hydrox-Slim is ephedrine-free, an herbal supplement that was commonly found in diet pills, but now banned by the FDA because of the health risks. And unlike a lot of its competitors, you'll recognize almost all of the ingredients found in Hydrox-Slim. Vitamin B6, Guarana extract, white willow bark and green tea make up this effective diet pill formula. Taking Hydrox-Slim, it promises to:
- Increase your metabolism and burn body fat through thermogenesis
- Suppresses the appetite, leaving you feeling full and not giving in to cravings
- May help to reduce instances of high blood pressure
- Clinical support for its ability to regulate insulin
- Reduces your body's retention of water

Best of all, these promises are similar to that of the national brand, and you're not paying for the fancy name.

Some of the biggest take-aways are that Hydrox-Slim supports thermogenesis, reduction of water retention and regulating blood sugar, or insulin. Thermogenesis is the increase of your metabolism, your body generating more heat, and there by burning unhealthy fat. By reducing water retention, you won't hold on to unnecessary water, and you won't see a number on the scale skewed by water weight. One of the ingredients in Hydrox-Slim is called Gymnema Sylvestre, an herb from India, that has the nickname "sugar killer." This herb naturally contorls blood sugar by blocking the body's absorption of sugar- helping you reduce cravings and lose unwanted weight.

It all comes down to your personal preference, choice and deciding which tools you want in your fight to lose weight. Hydrox-Slim is a diet pill that can aid your efforts with its natural abilities to burn fat, control blood sugar and reduce appetite.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Is Weight Loss Surgery an Option For You?



Weight loss surgery is an excellent option if you possess the correct criteria to have the procedure done.
Undoubtedly, it will do what it is designed to do. That is, help you to lose weight. It will also help you to avoid the problems associated with obesity.
This article will specifically consider Gastric Bypass as a weight loss surgery option.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Surgeons prefer Gastric Bypass for its safety record and its lack of complications. In this procedure, the top section of your stomach is stapled.

A pouch is situated at the top of your stomach and is connected to your small intestine. It can only hold about an ounce and a half of food.

Your food actually bypasses the majority of your stomach by way of this pouch. It is then directed to a small section of your stomach. Going this route, severely curtails the absorption of calories, resulting in quick weight loss.

You will experience reactions as your weight rapidly disappears. You will feel tired, listless and cold. You may even experience hair loss.

Lifestyle Changes

This surgery is an excellent vehicle for providing long term weight loss. However, disciplined lifestyle changes must be instituted. It cannot be business as usual. Gastric Bypass Surgery helps you to lose weight; it's not a cure for obesity.

The seriousness of disciplined lifestyle changes is a critical component of your weight loss and its management. You have to be committed to making certain integral lifestyle changes.

Coupled with that, it is important to note, this form of weight loss surgery is not for everyone. Your doctor should always be closely consulted when this type of surgery is under consideration.
Weight loss surgery is another avenue that many are seriously considering in tackling their overweight challenges. Check out this brand new weight loss community: http://www.your-metabolism.com/

How You Can Increase Your Endurance


One way to help improve your endurance is to change your exercise routines. Doing the same thing over and over each day levels your progress off after a certain amount of time. Your body gets use to that same old routine so it continues to grow and develop at that same old rate. You want to shock your body and muscles with some different things such as adding more exercises, increasing your sets or repetition, increase your intensity. The main thing is to switch things up and you will definitely improve your endurance at a much faster rate.

Another way to help improve your endurance is to try to exercise an extra 10 to 20 minutes if you can squeeze out that time. Increasing you workout times will help you to progress your endurance gradually over time. As weeks start to go by you will feel that you can go over 20 minutes. If you can do it and have that extra time I don't see why you should not go that extra mile. You will gain from your exercise workouts whatever you put into it. Just try to set an extra 10 to 20 minute benchmark and you won't go wrong.

Proper breathing is also a very important key to building your endurance over time. In any exercise you do be sure to pay attention to make sure you are breathing properly. If you need to make some sort of a breathing rhythm that you can hear yourself that is perfectly fine. Proper breathing helps support enough oxygen to your lungs which increase your endurance in the exercise you are performing.

Eating a well balanced diet can also play a major role for you to be able to increase you endurance. It will also help improve your strength and the ability for your body to recover more quickly from a hard workout.

Food should be your fuel to help you burn those calories and give you the energy to go that extra mile. It should not have you sluggish, lazy, and making you finish your workouts before you want to. Take advantage of those fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein. Use them to give you that extra boost making your goal to lose weight that much easier. Cut back on those oily, greasy, and fatty foods that just only slow you down in the long run. Remember to stick to your original plan. If you happen to start making the wrong turn getting off course make sure to find your way back to the right road and continue to work hard at achieving your goals.

For complete diet and exercise information, tips, and products please visit BurnFatQuickly which will be key part to give you that extra boost on your quest to losing those pounds. You will not regret it one bit by checking out this site so you can get a head start over the pack with all your health needs met. I wish you the best of luck always and be sure to stay positive and focused on achieving your goals.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Rapid Weight Loss in 10 Simple Steps



Are you looking for rapid weight loss? If you are looking for an easy way to lose 5 or 10 pounds then just follow these easy diet tips. You should always pay attention to what you eat. Fresh and healthy food is not only good tasting, but it is also good for you. Make snacks out of vegetables, and have fruit on hand to satisfy a sweet tooth.

You shouldn't have to sacrifice in order to lose a few pounds, just follow some simple balanced but flexible diet guidelines to lose that 10 pounds, or to give your normal diet a boost if it seems to be staggering behind.

A simple log of what you ingest will bring more awareness to your eating habits, which will help you plan out more healthy meals for your rapid weight loss.

Cut your intake of saturated fats in half. This list will include butter, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressings and cooking oil.

Limit your intake of sweets to three times or less per week. It may be hard not to splurge, but limit yourself on candy, cakes and ice cream.

Choose a low fat source of protein as the main course in most of your meals. Choose chicken, turkey or fish rather than red meat or eggs.

Have at least one vegetarian meal each week.

You can increase fiber intake and reduce fat by planning a meal around whole grains, vegetables and beans while leaving out the meat.

Choose low fat dairy products. You can reduce your fat intake by choosing low fat milk, cottage cheese and yogurt.

Have two servings of fruit daily. This can be for desserts or for snacks. Fresh is better, but if you buy frozen or canned fruit, get the kind with no sugar added in order to help with your rapid weight loss.

Do without sodas, juice or alcohol.
Drink plenty of water instead. You can squeeze a slice of lemon or lime for a little flavor if you want.

Make sure to have at least two servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner. If you are still hungry, eat more vegetables, not meat.

Slow down when you eat. If you race through your meal, you could over-do it and eat too much before your body registers that your stomach is full. These rapid weight loss tips are sound healthy eating tips that can be used anytime and for as long as you want to use them.

A revolutionary weight loss program has recently been released. It is not a fad diet but a customizable healthy plan in which 98% of users lost weight in 12 days during its study. Learn about it here http://www.effectiveweightlossguide.com/art.html

5 Easy Stretching Techniques to Prevent Injury and Improve Flexibility





If you're going to be using a treadmill to burn fat and lose weight, then you'll want to make sure that you stretch your muscles before you begin. Stretching is important because it prevents injuries that could impede your performance.

It is best to fully stretch both before and after you begin walking on your treadmill. By stretching before your exercise you will help to warm your muscles allowing yourself extra flexibility, and by stretching afterwards you will help to prevent your muscles stiffening up.

Here are some excellent ways to ensure that your muscles are not injured while using your treadmill:

1. Never stretch until it hurts! The majority of people think that there's 'no gain without pain'. This is never the case - you should only ever stretch to a position that is comfortable for you, and then hold this position for about 20-30 seconds.

2. Breathe through your stretches. Some people hold their breath during their stretch routines, but when you practice deep breathing exercises, it helps you perform a deeper stretch for your muscles.

3. Many people see the stretching as a warm up, but it's really important that your muscles are actually warmed up before you stretch, so always walk or jog for a few minutes to get blood flowing to your muscles.

4. After your workout, you can stretch after you take a warm bath or shower. The hot water will help relax your muscles, and the after workout stretch will feel good.

5. Never bounce while you are stretching. You may have seen athletes on TV do this, but it is very dangerous because instead of stopping injuries you could actually cause yourself serious harm.

The most important muscles that you need to stretch are not always your leg muscles. Of course, it is important to stretch your calf muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings, but you also need to stretch her shoulders, abs, neck, and back. Believe it or not, walking on a treadmill provides a full body workout.

Try to be a bit more creative than just bending over and trying to touch your toes. Add in some other stretching exercises such as the splits and lunges. You can even work in some calf stretches by standing on a step and then dropping your heels - be sure to stop before it becomes uncomfortable though.

Whenever you stretch, make your movements slow and precise for the best results. You want to keep some tension on the muscles to help them stretch, but never stretch to the point where you're in pain.

Treadmill walking to lose weight is a fantastic first step (no pun intended) after you get those muscles stretched! Get treadmill workout tips and strategies as well as detailed reviews of the best treadmills here.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Exercise With a Baby



Having a baby changes everything. Your life is literally turned upside down. The freedom that you once had, to do anything you want, whenever you want, and wherever you want, is now largely restricted to what is expedient for your baby's needs.

Exercise is one of those things that seems to go out the window when a baby comes. Quite frankly, you are already physically exhausted by the end of the day, having to run after and keep up with a baby all day (and oftentimes) all night long. Double that if you have two kids!

Especially if you are a stay-at-home mom and you don't have the resources to drop your baby off at a babysitter or a daycare facility in order for you to spend a couple of hours a day at the gym, then finding the time to exercise can be extremely challenging, if not seemingly impossible. If you can't have someone watch your baby for you while you exercise, then what the heck, why not have the baby become part of your exercise routine?

What could be better than bonding with your baby while getting a good workout out of it at the same time? You’ll be killing two birds with one stone.

Not only that, but your exercise routine will be fun. Imagine integrating push-ups, situps, and lunges into a game that you and your baby can play together. Jennifer Nicole Lee, a mom-turned-fitness-model and a personal trainer, was featured on Oprah Winfrey, demonstrating some of the exercise routines that involved her and her baby.

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What if I told you that you could have the body of a fitness model? It's way easier than you think!

The Right Way to Lose Weight on Medifast



I've lost over 75 pounds on Medifast and I make no secret of it. My coworkers, friends, and colleagues all know about it and many have asked me how I did it. I've found that a lot of people assume that I've gone on some extreme diet, have starved myself, or gone on some gruesome exercise program. They figure that dramatic results must require dramatic measures. The truth is, I haven't done any of these things nor have I taken this diet to the extreme. This article will discuss the sensible (and right) way that I lost a lot of weight on Medifast.

First, I Understood And Trusted That Medifast Is Not Always A Liquid Diet And Is Already Designed To Work: I spend a lot of time on weight loss forums and I've run across many people who use Medifast as a liquid only diet. They consume only the shakes and the soups and assume that they will have better results.

The truth is, this isn't necessary. All of the foods (and there are over 70 choices) are designed to be very low in calories and carbs and high in protein. Even if you partake in plenty of the safe solid foods (eggs, oatmeal, stew, chili, etc.), you're still going to be consuming an extremely low amount of calories. I've always included all of the solid foods in the 5 plus 1 plan. I've never restricted myself to liquids and I've lost a large amount of steady weight with no problems.
This is actually a high protein diet that works to trick your body into burning it's own fat (called ketosis). This is the same way that Atkins and other low carb diets work. This is dramatically effective for most. So there is really no reason to get extreme and cut out more foods or calories than is necessary.

I Do Add Exercise To What I am Already Doing, But I Don't Take This To The Extreme: I am going to admit up front that I've always hated exercise with a passion. I've never found one thing enjoyable about sweating or struggling to do something my body isn't used to doing. I hate gyms. I hate the thought of people staring at me when I work out. But, as the weight started to come off, my self consciousness started to fade. I knew that I was eating in a much healthier manner. My cholesterol and blood sugar came way down and my doctor was incredibly impressed. These things motivated me to want to do more as I didn't feel I was making huge sacrifices as it was.
I knew though that I wasn't able to go to a gym and I would never be an athlete or jock, so I decided to just bump up what I was already doing. When I went for my daily walk with my daughter, I walked a bit faster at first and once I worked up a little stamina and momentum, I eventually added ankle weights.

I began wearing a weight vest when gardening or cleaning the house. Eventually, I brought some exercise bands and I use those to build a bit of muscle. Just these tiny efforts have made a huge difference in my muscle tone and the lean lines of my body. Losing weight is a great thing, but toning up is the icing on the cake and what will really change your body.

The thing is, you don't have to go to extremes or take drastic measures to achieve this. You can just take baby steps as you are comfortable and these small efforts will gradually change your life. This diet is designed to work and it does. You can trust in that and make small changes when you're ready. This, rather than drastic measures, is the really right way to lose weight on Medifast.

Lindsey Price is the author of the free ebook "Getting The Most Out Of Medifast," which includes a complete food list, tips, how tos, recipes and coupons (including two weeks free) and specials. To get a free copy (immediate download / no information required), click here.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Tips For Good Sleep Hygiene



Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to sleep. Poor sleep habits/hygiene are among the most common problems encountered in our society. Trouble sleeping and daytime sleepiness can be indications of poor sleep hygiene.

Sleep hygiene is one of the often used term in sleep medicine today. It refers to the environmental and lifestyle factors that can affect sleep. Good sleep hygiene practices can prevent the development of sleep problems and disorders.

What are some examples of good sleep hygiene?
1. Do not have television in the bedroom.
2. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine and tobacco especially at night.
3. Try to avoid exciting activities when too close to bedtime.
4. Block out light with heavy curtain.
5. Block out noise with ear-plugs or install double layer window glass.
6. Try not to read in bed.
7. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time.
8. Do not eat heavy meal late at night.
9. Avoid rich, spicy and fatty foods.
10. Make sure you have a comfortable bed with a good mattress and pillow.
11. Make sure the room temperature is reasonably cool.
12. Take a warm bath before go to bed.
13. Avoid napping at the day time. If you really need a nap, limited your nap time to 30-45 minutes only.
14. Do regular exercise but not before bedtime.
15. Practice relaxation techniques before bed such as yoga, deep breathing, etc.
16. Don't take your worries to bed. Leave all of your worries about job, life, daily, school, behind when you go to bed.
17. Sleep when only you feel sleepy.

More Tips For Losing Weight With Fat Loss 4 Idiots Diet


You may have already heard about Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet which is in the market to help us in losing weight quickly. According to this diet plan, you have to follow their generated diet program for the first 11 days and then eat whatever you like 4 the next 3 days.

I came to know about Fat loss 4 Idiots diet through one of my close friend who successful in losing 9 pounds in 11 days time with Fat loss 4 Idiots diet. After witnessing his success with this diet program, I himself adopted this amazing fat loss method. And to my surprise, I was also able to lose the same amount of weight in the same interval of time with this diet program.

And most importantly, it is very economical. We people are able to lose tons of extra weight with Fat loss 4 Idiots diet and at a fast pace. So I would recommend all obese guys tom go for Fat loss 4 Idiots diet plan if they are serious about losing weight at a fast pace.

Here are some tips that will help you in losing maximum weight with Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet:
You should never think of skipping a meal. According to Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet program, you are supposed to take 4 meals a day and you should abide by that.

Give some time to exerting daily. You should aim at 30 minutes of exercising including walking to get maximum of Fat loss 4 Idiots diet.
And don't weigh your self many times in a day or everyday. You should weigh yourself only at the end of 11 day cycle. Only then you will be ale to see how much weight you are actually able to lose with Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet.

Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet plan is very simple and you have to follow the instructions given to you. You should relax and eat your favorite stuff for the next 3 days once you have completed your 11 day cycle with Fat loss 4 Idiots diet.

Following these tips will help you in getting great success with Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet.
Lose 9 pounds in 11 days with Fat loss for idiots diet

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

50 Cent Workout Routine - Without Spending Thousands of Dollars




When you look at 50 Cent you know without a doubt that the guy is physically fit. People have shoveled out thousands of dollars for gym memberships to get his body. But in truth some of the best workouts are free. There are many exercises that can be done at home without any expensive equipment. If you want to look great, have lots of energy and sleep well at night then try these exercise routines.

Here are two types that are fairly simple.

Abdominals

Abdominals are perhaps the easiest muscles to work without any sort of equipment. All you really need is the floor and your body. There are the obvious crunches and sit-ups, but these only work the upper abs. It is also important to strengthen the lower abs and obliques.
For lower abs, leg lifts are an easy thing to do. Just lay on the floor with your legs in the air perpendicular to your body, with your hands under your buttocks for stability. Slowly lower your legs as close to the ground as you can without touching it, then bring them back up to the perpendicular position.

This is also a great leg workout if you keep them straight the whole time, which forces you to flex your quadriceps. To work your obliques sit up and bring your knees into your chest, with your calves parallel to the floor. Now twist back and forth, touching both hands to the floor on the side that you are twisting toward each time. Leaning back and bringing your knees farther away from your body will make this exercise more difficult.

Arms and Legs

Arms are fairly simple to strengthen at home, because doing a variety of pushups will work different muscles in your arms. Beyond the basic pushup, there is the diamond pushup, which is more difficult than a regular one.

To do this, in the basic pushup position, bring your index fingers and thumbs together, forming the shape of a diamond. This will put more of your weight on a smaller area, forcing your muscles to work harder. To work your triceps more than your biceps, a crab pushup is ideal.

Remember the crabwalk from elementary school? Get into that position. Just in case you don't, it is basically squatting then putting your hands behind you and your heels down, so that your arms are supporting your weight. Do the normal push up motion in this position, and soon the back of your arms will be burning. For a total arm workout that gets your shoulders too, do arm circles. You may feel silly at first but do it long enough and you will be very sore the next day.

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Top Ten Fad Diets - Are They Healthy? Are They Fast and Do Any of Them Really Work?



1. The Beck Diet Solution
The Beck Diet Solution is more about how you think about eating and food as opposed to diets that focus on the foods, calories, etc. It uses Cognitive Therapy methods to solve most diet failure causes. You know, overeating, cheating, etc. While an interesting theory, good thoughts combined with bad foods can still make you fat.

2. The South Beach Diet Supercharged

This has been a very popular diet for a while. I only listed the most recent Super charged version as it is their "latest and greatest". In addition to their "good carbs, good fats, etc. this diet integrates a workout program, which I believe is a good compliment to any weight loss plan.

3. The New Cabbage Soup Diet

In my opinion, this is the faddist of all the diets. So while many people have lost weight on it, I can't imagine most dieters not gaining most if not all of the weight back. You can't just keep eating cabbage soup forever.

4. The Abs Diet for Women

In a way, this diet sounds somewhat like the South Beach Diet in that it seems complicated and may frustrate many women. On the positive side, it takes into account women's body chemistry (hormones, menopause, sexual function, even joint pain).

5. Diet Pills

Now I know you're thinking. "Diet Pills aren't a fad diet." Maybe, maybe not but they certainly are a part of many people's attempt to lose weight. I therefore felt they needed to be included. This type weight loss approach is in my opinion dangerous. An acquaintance of mine suffered permanent heart damage from diet pills. Too risky for me.

6. The Ultimate Tea Diet

According to Amazon, "The Ultimate Tea Diet harnesses tea's incredible weight-loss potential in a straightforward plan for losing weight in a safe and healthy way. Simply find a tea you love, drink it all day, follow an easy food plan, and see the pounds fall off." Now I will admit, tea has a lot of good benefits but I seriously doubt tea alone, with a little change in our eating habits will produce significant weight loss.

7. The Fat Smash Diet

This diet claims to not be a diet but rather a program for a permanent lifestyle change. Dr. Smith combines an eating plan with an exercise plan. It also says that there is no counting of calories but a "slow, progressive change of eating habits and lifestyle." Sounds like a good diet, although many people want fast weight loss.

8. The Eat-Clean Diet, Expanded Edition

According to Amazon, "With The Eat-Clean Diet, the diet that fitness professionals rely on, readers will transform themselves from sluggish, exhausted and overweight to energetic, lean and fabulous! Just like the author and cover girl According to the author, Tosca Reno the secret is all about "eating clean" and often and revving up your metabolism." While very difficult even if you cook from scratch (who would guess most flour contains Aluminum!), I like this idea.

9. The Best Life Diet

The Best Life Diet is from the diet guru who helped Oprah loose weight so it has what I call "star power". As to staying power, who knows? According to the product description on Amazon "Bob's plan, easily tailored to an array of tastes, lifestyles, and activity levels, acts as your personal trainer and private nutritionist."

10. The Ultra Simple Diet

This diet claims to be an accelerated plan for quick, safe, and healthy weight loss--as much as 10 pounds in one week. It has detailed (the author calls it "simple") if not rigid daily regimens to follow, which might be tough for many people's hectic daily life. The key to this plan is revving up your metabolism, which is critical for weight loss.

*Based primarily on Amazon Book rankings. Some of you may be asking, "Where are Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and NutriSystem? While many call them diets, I really consider them more in the way of meal plans. But that's just my opinion.

Georgette is a Lifestyle Specialists. One of her specialties is food and nutrition, including evaluating diet plans. Most of her top ten fad diet plans have some good elements to them. Her personal favorite however is not on the list as it is not available at Amazon, used as a rating source. One reason I favor a diet other than the above top ten diet plans is its ability to help you loose significant weight very quickly and safely and keep it off. You can find out more about this great program at http://www.9-lbs-11-days.com/

Monday, September 29, 2008

Exercise to Look Good and Feel Better

Besides reducing body weight and showing off the natural contours of the body, doing exercise also releases endorphins that make the person feel happy inside.
Exercise has been proven to show positive mental effects for the brain. Such with the case of endorphins. Endorphins are like the natural pain relievers of the body. Exercise also boosts brain activities specifically in the frontal lobes and hippocampus. These results to an elevated mood thus making the person happier. In this way, exercise can actually do worried-ridden and depressed people a lot of good!

Brain cells also live longer due to exercise. Thus risk for memory loss is shortened. People with dementia and Alzheimer's have more reason to be physically active.
Obviously, with exercise, obesity is eliminated. The risk of getting chronic conditions like high cholesterol and blood pressure can be reduced. Good cholesterol is raised while bad cholesterol is lowered. Diabetes and heart disease and osteoporosis can be prevented too. And besides, if one is not obese, the clothes definitely fit better!

Back pain is also gone after daily exercise. Our body is like a machine. The creaks due to inactivity can disappear after exercise.
The muscles become firmer and the bones more flexible. For women especially, say goodbye to flabby arms and monster hips and thighs! Both men and women can look forward to a flatter stomach and maybe, with enough discipline, welcome a new set of 6-pack abs.
The body grows to be stronger. And basically, the happy feeling that comes after exercise is due to the sense that one's body is at its prime level of performance.

For those sleep-deprived, exercise can help in promoting good sleeping patterns. Exercise and regular sleep is like a one-two-punch. Studies have shown that sleep can help in reducing excess weight too! So why not start exercising now to have a fitful sleep later at night (and then control your weight at the same time)?

Do you need more reasons to exercise every day?
Well, here's one more to boost you. Exercise is a great social activity. What better way to bond with family and friends through a jog in the park or some light badminton game?
Take note that exercise is not limited to the traditional sports or time in the gym. Ballroom or street dancing can be fun too! What about flag football or a nice game of hide and seek with the kids?

With all these benefits, there is no reason not to exercise! In the end, exercise will help you look good and feel good about your body and inner self.
One will feel more confident and excited to face each new day ahead.
Stress and anxieties can be better coped with exercise too!

Looking to get in shape and feel great? About Exercise has a plethora of tips for how to get more active and feeling great. For example, find out specific exercise tips for women to find out specific tips for women who want to feel happier and healthier through exercise.

Detox Diets - Not All Good





The idea of detox diets seems, on the surface, to make sense. Toxins are, after all, toxic, and no one in his or her right mind deliberately seeks them out. Yet all of us live in a world in which the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we use to drink and bathe in are all sources of toxic chemicals. So finding ways to remove the toxins from our bodies before they can do much harm is, most people would agree, a good idea.

And detox diets are also touted for their high amounts of fresh, natural fruits and vegetables, purified water, and beneficial herbs. You know that substance abusers who want to recover are first put through a detoxification process to cleanse their bodies of any traces of their alcohol or drug use. So what's not to like, when you considered all the possible upside, about a detox diet?

Like all diet fads, detox diets have their drawbacks, and for some people the negatives will outweigh the positives by a wide margin. Detox diets can be especially dangerous for adolescents. Why?

The Addictive Side Of Detox Diets

A detox diet, in some instances, can become just another addiction. Many detox diets require people to begin with three days of water fasting, during which they will consume nothing but purified water as they flush all accumulated toxins from their bodies. As hard as it is to believe that anyone could become addicted to purified water, one of the effects of going without food for that length of time is that the body begins to feel like it can survive without food altogether.
If you're someone who already has food issues, that can bet he greatest feeling it nth world, but if you become addicted to water fasting, you will eventually kill yourself. And even if you don't have eating issues, you can have a very unpleasant reaction when you reintroduce solid food into your system after three days without it. You shouldn't attempt a sudden reintroduction of solid food without medical supervision.

Why Would A Detox Diet Need Laxative Help?

Some detox diets include the regular use of laxatives to speed up the elimination of toxins. But laxatives can cause dehydration, mineral loss, and digestive disorders, and they can also be addictive. If you are considering a detox diet, be advised that any good one will contain plenty of natural soluble and insoluble fiber in the forum of fruits and vegetables, and using artificial laxatives would be completely unnecessary.

Weight Loss: What Are You Losing?

Of course you, and anyone, will lose weight on three day water fast. But what you are losing isn't fat; it's water weight and if you continue the water fast, it will be muscle mass. What about that sounds like a healthy way to diet?

There are good detox diet, and there are bad detox diets, and it is up to you to sort through them and find the ones which respect your body's natural cleansing systems. When you think you have found one, check it out with your doctor before beginning and make sure it will provide all the nutrients you need during your detoxification.

You can also find more info on best detox diet. Detoxbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about Diet.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Sensa Sprinkle Diet - Does it Work?

Do you want to eat all you can and lose weight at the same time? In today's news, there's a new diet called "Sensa Sprinkle Diet". It is developed by Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. In a recent research by Dr Hirsch, 1500 people were put on this diet without changing their lifestyle. After 6 months, each of them has lost 35.5 pounds in average. The question is: does Sensa Sprinkle Diet really works?

Firstly, you have to understand the concept behind this diet. In this diet, you will need Sensa shaker which consists of salt-like sprinkles. There are two flavors available: sweet and salty. All you have to do is sprinkles the Sensa on foods that you eat. These sprinkles send signals to your brain that you have eaten more than you have. In other words, the sprinkles work as natural appetite suppressant like Hoodia. As a result, you will be eating a lot less and result in weight loss.

The major advantage for Sensa Sprinkle diet is convenience. You do not have to worry about the amount of calories and carbohydrates that you consume. In theory, you do not need to change your lifestyle. However, it is recommended that you use Sensa Sprinkle in conjunction with healthy meals and exercise regime.

Before you rush to get buy the Sensa product, consider the cost: it is $210 for six months supply. It is rather pricey for weight loss products. While the concept of Sensa Sprinkle Diet sound intriguing, you can't help but wonder if you will gain all the weight back if you stop using Sensa sprinkles. In addition, Dr. Hirsch said that the long term effects and safety of Sensa diet haven't been study yet.

Discover how I lost 10 pounds in 1 week, click here CY Lai is guest writer for Sensa Sprinkle Diet

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Oprah Diet - She Rates Acai As the Number 1 Superfood




Before we actually dive into the amazing world of health related breakthroughs and diets, we must first define what a super food really is. In a nutshell, a superfood is the type of food that is able to provide all or most of the nutrients and minerals that our bodies need in order to function properly and maintain a healthy metabolism, in other words, a superfood will always deliver the maximum nutritional punch in comparison with the rest of the foods which need to be complemented in order to provide the nutritional value found in super foods.

Expert studies

Dr. Nicholas Perricone (MD), a professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine has conducted several studies in order to determine which the foods and natural products are able to deliver maximum benefits to our skin, Dr. Perricone is a dermatologist who has taken upon himself the difficult but rewarding task of finding natural products that will do more than just keeping our skin healthy.

Dr. Perricone has been the author of several books but, one of his most recent publications has caught the attention of the media mainly because it provides a very useful list of foods which are able to deliver the maximum nutritional value our bodies need and at the same time promote good overall health, that publication is called the Perricone Promise.

Oprah Winfrey and Media Coverage

Because of the intense research and useful information found in the Perricone Promise Oprah Winfrey featured Perricone's book on her show which gave it national syndication, amongst the many super foods that Dr. Perricone mentions in his book, the one that caught everyone's attention was the super food mentioned as the number one, Acai berry.

Acai is a berry which grows at the top of certain palm trees which can only be found at the Amazonian basin, this fruit has been categorized as the top superfood because it delivers many of the nutrients and compounds that our body means in order to maintain a healthy metabolic process and to a certain level slow down the aging process, this fruit was referred to as a natural product which should be used in order to achieve and maintain age defying beauty.

Not only did Opera Winfrey covered the many benefits that Acai provides, NBC reported that "the Anomabi" Indians have believed for centuries that this fruit helps women recuperate after birth and it is also able to deliver a great deal of energy to anyone who drinks of its juice; the Vogue magazine calls it the next big workout cocktail and the London Times said that Acai is able to deliver such a high nutritional value that makes other fruits blush with inadequacy, a statement which is well put.

The bottom line when it comes to this Brazilian berry is that it contains extremely high levels of antioxidants, omega-9, omega-9 and several other nutrients which have age slowing properties, can help lose weight and in recent laboratory studies an Acai extract triggered a self-destructive sequence amongst leukemia cells, this last finding may prove that Acai can do a lot more than just beautify your skin.

Acaiberrytablets.com offers comprehensive information about the Acai cleanse and how the amazing Acai fruit can help you lose weight and regulate your metabolism in a more natural manner, visit our website to learn more!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Fitness Made Fun - 7 Exercise Gadgets & Equipment Technology Breakthroughs

Hear How You Run

Two of the most recognizable and successful brands in America, Nike and Apple have collaborated to develop a cutting edge fitness innovation.

The Nike + iPod Sport Kit monitors your running experience by transmitting data through a wireless connection between your Nike shoe and your iPod nano. The microchip tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned while real-time spoken feedback announces milestones throughout your workout . The PowerSongs option integrates your favorite iTunes selections. The kit works with the iPod nano 1G, 2G and 3G and any Nike+ shoe.

  • Futuristic Factor: *****
  • Fun Factor: ****
  • Fitness Factor:****

Virtual Reality Enhanced Cycling Systems

Although The Expresso Upright Stationary Bike is designed for commercial fitness clubs (you can't afford it), the cool factor merits a mention. This futuristic system engages not just the muscles but also the mind by fusing exertainment with web-based personalization. Imagine playing a visually stunning video game, but instead of planted on the sofa with a game pad, you're actually riding a top-of-the-line recumbent or upright stationary bike. The handlebars move for realistic steering as you pedal and compete on an interactive course, creating the immersive illusion of being on the open road. The web based high-res screen delivers personalized, real time fitness information. You can set goals, track progress and log data online, taking your workout places it's never been.

  • Futuristic Factor: *****
  • Fun Factor: *****
  • Fitness Factor: *****

A Personal Trainer in Your Pocket

Easily bored by your exercise routine? Get personalized guidance form Hollywood fitness trainers on your iPod or MP3 player. ITRAIN Personal Trainer downloadable programs include customized audio routines for running, walking, cycling, rowing, climbing, sculpting, stretching, swimming, boxing, pilates and yoga. Celebrity endorsements include Courtney Cox, Sarah Silverman and Olympic Gold medal swimmer Natalie Coughlin. If you're apathetic about your current exercise routine, iTRAIN's ever-changing menu of workouts will keep things new and fresh.

  • Futuristic Factor: ***
  • Fun Factor: ****
  • Fitness Factor: *****

Transform Exercise Into "Gamercise"

Some fitness-themed games can only keep your attention for a short time before becoming boring and routine. What sets this system apart is the ability to plug in to any of your favorite games or systems. Gamercize interacts with your Xbox360, PSP3 or Wii, letting you play normally while exercising - but when you pause the game pauses with you. Adjust the exercise level to maximize enjoyment of the game and provide the greatest fitness benefit. The system records your statistics and you'll be amazed at how much workout time you've logged when the game is over. The Gamercize system is available as a cycle or stepper, the best choices to leave your hands free to operate the controller.

  • Futuristic Factor: ***
  • Fun Factor: *****
  • Fitness Factor: ****


Monitor Body Fat with a Bioelectrical Impedance Algorithm

The Omron Body Fat Monitor and Scale uses full body sensing technology to accurately measure weight, body fat, visceral fat, skeletal muscle and resting metabolism. Knowing you're losing actual body fat, not just water weight will keep you motivated, and the additional indicators help determine your ideal exercise levels and calorie intake. How does it work? Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) is an accurate and safe method of screening body fat. Muscles, blood vessels and bones have a high water content that conducts electricity easily. Body fat has little electric conductivity. The monitor transmits a harmless electrical current (you won't feel it) through your entire body. It then calculates the amount of fat tissue using a formula that factors in electric resistance, height, weight, age and gender.

  • Futuristic Factor: *****
  • Fun Factor: ***
  • Fitness Factor: ****

Track Cardio & Weight Lifting Progress on Your Wrist

For the gadget loving exercise enthusiast the Polar F55 Heart Rate Monitor for Fitness and Weight Lifting takes fitness monitoring to a new level. This multi-purpose device tracks three essential components of good health - cardiovascular, strength training & relaxation.

  • Cardiovascular: Wireless ECG Heart Rate Monitor
  • Strength Training: Body Workout Program (counts sets, reps and recommends weight)
  • Relaxation: OwnRelax Program (checks the body's state of relaxation and helps you "listen" to your body)

The Polar F55 prescribes the best total body program for your fitness level, and all training data can be uploaded and tracked on the Polar Personal Trainer website. After 3 weeks of following the initial exercise program the unit will ask you to re-test your fitness level and then recalculate the next three-week program. This ongoing cycle of monitoring and testing is a great motivator.
  • Futuristic Factor: *****
  • Fun Factor: ***
  • Fitness Factor: *****

Globally Position Your Workout

Take your ride to the next level with the Garmin Edge 305HR+ GPS Navigator. With this Bicycle Computer, Heart Rate Monitor and Cadence Sensoron board you'll always know where you're going and how far you've gone. The easy-to-install and highly sensitive device measures pedaling cadence, heart rate, speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent. The "Virtual Partner" makes your training more fun by matching you against a virtual competitor. The training timer auto pauses when you drop below a specified speed and resumes when you speed up again. Auto Lap automatically triggers a lap every time you pass a specified location or travel a preset distance. From competitive road racing to mountain biking, the cyclist-friendly, lightweight Edge will keep you engaged on the path to achieving your personal best.

  • Futuristic Factor: *****
  • Fun Factor: ****
  • Fitness Factor: ****

Have you tried out any of these new fitness gadgets or machines? Have a favorite? Don't agree with our choices or know of some others? Let us know what you think at ObsessionFitness.com

This article was written by Stephen Hans Erickson, an accomplished author on exercise equipment and fitness products.

Read more of his reviews right now at ObsessionFitness.com.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

3 Keys to Treadmill Walking to Lose Weight

Before I get into the three specifics on how to lose weight with treadmill walking, let's take a step back. The science behind weight loss is very simple: you have to burn more calories than you consume. In addition, the more intense your workouts are the more calories you will burn.

With these principles in mind, let's now turn to the three critical things you need to know to reach your weight loss goals by walking on the treadmill. They are...drum roll please...frequency, consistency, and intensity. Let's take a closer look at all three:

Frequency
I hate to tell you this, but an occasional walk on the treadmill is going to do very little for you. It takes considerably more effort to lose weight by walking than other treadmill exercises such as jogging or running. The good news about treadmill walking, however, is that it has the least stress on your knees and joints. Unlike jogging and running where off days are important, you can walk everyday if you want. You should aim to walk at least 5 days per week. Anything less and you will find it very difficult to reach your weight loss goals (assuming you aren't doing any other exercises or strength training).

Consistency
You need to be consistent when it comes to treadmill walking to lose weight. Taking days off or cutting your exercise sessions short will hurt your weight loss efforts. As I've mentioned, walking is the least intense treadmill exercise. If walking is going to be your primary method to lose weight, your workouts need to be consistent day-to-day.

Intensity
If you are obese or just plain out of shape and just beginning an exercise program, then your treadmill walking workouts should not be that intense when starting out. Start your program slowly. Eventually, however, you'll need to increase the intensity of your treadmill walking workouts for maximum weight loss results. This shouldn't be a problem because the more you walk, the more fit you'll become. The more intense your workouts are the more calories you'll burn and the shorter your sessions will have to be.

What is an intense workout? It will vary depending on how fit you are, but generally speaking you should aim to walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes or more during each session. You should also try to keep your heart rate at a minimum of 70% of your maximum heart rate during each session. Again, these guidelines will vary and these are aimed specifically for effective weight loss results. Your sessions can be shorter and your heart rate can be kept in a lower range, but if you do this, it can take longer to reach your goals and you may never reach them if your sessions aren't intense enough.

Treadmill walking to lose weight is definitely possible but it takes frequency, consistency, and intensity. If walking is going to be your primary treadmill exercise for weight loss, keep these three keys in mind. Otherwise, you'll just be wasting your time and effort!

Lose weight with these fun and simple treadmill walking workouts! You'll also find indepth reviews and recomendations of the best treadmills here.

Cactus Diet Plan


Who wants to eat a cactus? Just about everyone in the world wants this particular cactus. You may not have heard about the Cactus diet but most people have heard about Hoodia.

The basis of the Cactus diet is a substance called Hoodia. Several diet pills on the market claim to contain the substance. Hoodia is the name of a rather ugly cactus that grows in the Kalahari region of Africa. The Bushmen that live there use the Hoodia cactus, specifically Hoodia Gordonii, to keep them from getting hungry on long hunting trips.

The native tribes eat the plant and can survive for days on little or nothing to eat while they search for food. The Hoodia cactus suppresses their desire to eat. It fools the brain into thinking that they are already full.

The discovery of this plant sent pharmaceutical companies after the secret to stopping the obesity epidemic. Taking Hoodia is supposed to suppress the appetite and therefore lead to weight loss. When hunger does start to kick in, Hoodia users can eat healthier foods to fuel the body.

Taking Hoodia and following an exercise plan leads to weight loss according to those who swear by the substance. Natural Hoodia has no side effects and can affect the appetite after the first pieces are eaten. Pharmaceutical companies are trying to synthesize Hoodia for market to the rest of the world.

The cactus diet plan is still not perfected. The Cactus diet involves taking supplements that contain Hoodia. There are many types of Hoodia and you may be buying a pill that claims to suppress the appetite but may not. The amount of Hoodia may not be enough to cause the same effects that the Bushmen experience from eating the actual plant. Since this plant has not been found outside of this desert-like region of Africa, to follow the Cactus diet plan, people have to rely on commercial pills that make boastful claims about their product having the same effects as the original Hoodia plant.

According to the Hoodia tale, the substance is hard to reproduce with the same efficiency. Those who buy products that contain Hoodia should beware. We all know what they say about something that seems too good to be true. Until further notice, watch what you eat and exercise regularly to lose weight. Set aside the gimmicks.

Todd Wesley is helping men and women shed the extra pounds by introducing them to the TRUTH behind weight loss. Lose Weight Now!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Bodylastics Home Gym - Discover the Secrets of Building Muscle With Bodylastics Home Gym




Today everyone wants a leaner, fit and healthy body.

Most of us just want to look good to attract the opposite sex or to be able to take care of ourselves in those dangerous situations that sometimes happen.

Some want to be able to keep up with their kids... who seem to have an endless amount of vitality and energy. Others are more interested in preventing diseases. Whatever your reasons are for getting in shape... they are all great reasons!

A lot of my friends and relatives told me that the best way to get a sexy and firm body was to go to the gym, but gyms are not cheap. In my area they run almost $1000 bucks a year!

If you want to get a complete body workout for a fraction of the cost of overpriced exercises machines or gym memberships... then you need to check out the Bodylastics Home Gym.

This revolutionary... power packed "home gym in a bag" has been getting RAVE reviews from many folks who have finally found a low cost solution to having a healthier and sexy body. It comes with a complete set of resistance bands with easy to use workout attachments.

The bands come in different colors so it's easy to know what amount of resistance each one offers.

This Home Gym is so convenient and versatile that you can tone any area of your body just by changing your position and the way you pull on the resistance bands. The resistance bands are made of a high quality latex and other elastic materials, which create tension and resistance as you pull on them.

This allows your muscles to be worked out... similar to the effect of using health club cables or weight lifting equipment.

Bodylastics Home Gym is simple to use and the workouts are quick, easy and fun!

You also get a complete step-by-step instructional guide that offers a huge variety of different exercises to keep your workouts interesting and fun. It also allow you to utilize the "muscle confusion" principle so that you never plateau!

You can easily tone your arms, abs, thighs, chest, back, and buttocks with different workouts you can do in the comfort of your home, office or anywhere.

Final Thoughts:

Make sure that the resistance bands you use are from a good quality manufacturer. Bands that are of poor quality... similar to plain old "rubber bands" lose their elasticity over time.

To see pictures and get free workout programs of the best resistance bands exercises and find quality resistance bands manufacturers. Click to http://www.Build-Muscle-Guide.com for complete information, reviews, tips and more. Do this and I guarantee your success.

5 Factor Diet



The 5 Factor diet is the newest diet/weight loss craze in Hollywood. Celebrities are swearing by this plan, which was created by Harley Pasternak. With the number five as the basis, the plan centers around five meals a day and five workout sessions containing five exercises each.

Participants eat five meals each day. They need to be low in fat and calories. Protein is included in each meal in the form of lean cuts of meat. Any carbohydrates in the meal need to rank low on the glycemic index scale. Lower glycemic numbers add up to a more stable blood sugar level.

Fiber is also a component of each meal. There are two types: soluble and insoluble. The insoluble fiber will wash out of your system but it will also take a bit of the fat from the meal along with it. That's a great bonus. Drinking water before a meal helps you consume less food. Water flushes out the body. Think of it as giving yourself an internal shower.

Each meal takes five minutes to prepare and has no more than five ingredients. Sounds impossible, doesn't it? Most people probably don't actually time the preparation of their foods and preparing the meals may take longer. The most important thing to remember is to prepare your food with care in order to be sure it turns out correctly. Another tip for cutting back on the time it takes to put a meal together is to prepare the foods ahead of time.

With this diet plan, meals should not be skipped. Going for a long period of time between meals causes the body to store fat instead of burn it. Starvation mode kicks in and the body will fight you for those fat deposits that you want to get rid of. Eating several times a day, like the 5 Factor Diet advises, increases metabolism and fat loss.

The 5 Factor diet has a built-in "cheat day". One day a week participants can eat favorite foods that they have eliminated from their diet due to the plan's requirements. Although the diet allows for this exception, the principle of five meals a day and the components of each meal should still be enforced.

The exercise portion of the 5 Factor diet includes activity five days a week for twenty-five minutes a day. Dieters can visit the 5 Factor diet website for exercise plans and suggestions. The plan was developed for celebrities that need to get in shape in a hurry for appearances and movie roles, but has been passed on to the rest of us.

The website contains sample meal plans, menus, dining guides, customized eating and exercise plans, journals, and much more. Dieters are not left to their own devices with this with this particular diet plan. There will be a learning curve, as with just about any diet plan, as you get started but that is no reason to quit.

A few drawbacks, but definitely not reasons to avoid the 5 Factor diet include:

  • Those of us who are not celebrities probably won't have access to a personal chef, but meal planning ahead of time will aid in helping find the time to prepare 5 meals a day.
  • Most people also don't have access to a personal trainer and can't visit Harley for a personal training session.

The plan lasts for you guessed it, five weeks. After that time, participants have a grasp of the principles of the plan and hopefully have lost their cravings for high calorie and high fat and sugar content foods. The cheat day helps dieters to stay committed to the plan during the five week period.

Todd Wesley is helping men and women shed the extra pounds by introducing them to the TRUTH behind weight loss. Lose Weight Now!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Treadmill Parts - Learning Your Way Around Them


Treadmill Parts: The Deck

Your treadmill's deck is what houses all the other treadmill parts, and is the least troublesome of all your treadmill's components. But you'll still have to know how to remove the deck's hood if you want to clean, lubricate, or fix anything else.

Treadmill Parts: The Motor

Your treadmill, if it isn't manual, will have a motor of up to three horsepower, but even the most powerful motor won't mean much if the overall design of the treadmill is inferior. Before you purchase a treadmill, make sure you study the warranty backing its motor, because the motor is the most expensive of your treadmill parts to replace. Your motor will let you know that it's having problems by the strange noises it starts to make during your workouts.

Treadmill Parts: The Belt

Your treadmill's belt will be the part most likely to break, but fortunately it is also one of the treadmill parts you can replace on your own. All you need to do is go over the instruction in your owner's manual before you start disassembling your machine.

Keeping your treadmill belt clean is one of the best ways to ensure that your treadmill will operate smoothly, and you can find both belt lubricant and cleaning cloths at the any fitness equipment store. As soon as you notice that your treadmill is losing steam, check the belt and see if it's time to lubricate.

Should you have to replace your treadmill's belt, you need to find one compatible with your model of machine. You can do that by getting yours from your treadmill's manufacturer.

Treadmill Parts: Rollers

Sooner of later you will probably have to replace your treadmill's rollers, which keep its belt aligned and operating smoothly. If your treadmill has poorly fitted rollers, they will cause your belt to wear more rapidly. So before you choose a treadmill,, make sure its rollers are both solid and large, and you will be happy with your treadmill's performance. You'll also spare yourself frequent belt and roller changes, and changing treadmill rollers is not fun.

Treadmill Parts: Electronics

There is an enormous range of electronic features available on treadmills, but one of the most common is an electronic display. Treadmill electronics are fragile, however, and are the treadmill parts which can be the most hassle to fix or replace. So make certain that any treadmill you buy offers a good warranty on its electronics.

We've looked at the most important treadmill parts, which are components on all standard treadmills. But treadmills also have options like cushioning, hand grips, and even sound and media systems. So before you start working out on your new treadmill, get a handle on its different parts. The more you know about them, the better prepared you'll be to handle any malfunctions.

You can also find more info on Elliptical. Aerobicsmachine.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about aerobics machine.

Stay Healthy and Always in Shape Using the Very Efficient Scarsdale Diet System


Despite being designed and developed during the nineteen seventies, the Scarsdale Diet continuous to be one of the most popular and highly efficient diet programs until today. For more than 30 years, many people continue to experience the benefits and advantages of this very nice diet plan. Under the system, people must eat foods that are low in calories and carbohydrates, before they can achieve better shape and a healthier life.

Unlike all the other diet plans and programs out there, the Scarsdale Diet system is basically comprised of two main stages. The first part covers 14 days of highly structured meals, before moving on with another 14 days of less structured food selections. One of the integral parts of this diet system is the grapefruit, which must be served during breakfasts that can help people burn calories. Additionally, sugar is highly discouraged under this system, while the use of artificial sweeteners is greatly encouraged to replace its sweet taste.

Under the Scarsdale Diet system, the level of calorie-intake is significantly reduced, as this diet plan concentrates more on proteins and carbohydrates. Generally, this diet plan allows people to consume 22.5 percent of fats, 34.5 percent of carbohydrates, and 43 percent of proteins. After a couple of weeks, they can reduce their weight for about seven to 15 pounds. In order to achieve maximum results, people need to follow the strict diet plan completely. However, failure to do so can completely compromise the results of the diet program.

Because it is a very healthy weight-reducing program, the Scarsdale Diet system strictly prohibits the intake of alcoholic beverages of whatever kind and nature. Simultaneously, people cannot eat snacks except if they are vegetable broth, celery, and carrots. In terms of beverages, they can only consume diet soda, tea, or coffee. Of course, they can also consume drinks that are free from sugar. In order to replenish the lost water and minerals from their bodies, water is always an excellent option under the Scarsdale Diet system.

For those who want to follow the Scarsdale Diet system, they may eat salads only with the allowed dressings, which exclude vinegars and lemon. In the meantime, they are not allowed to eat vegetables that use fats, margarine, or butter. For breakfast, people can have coffee, one slice of high-protein bread, and grapefruit. For lunch, they can eat tuna fish salad, tomatoes, as well as cold cuts. On the other hand, dinner may include high-protein bread, salad, and roast lamb. For better results, they can also use appetite suppressants and artificial sweeteners.

John Grant is a the author for a diet fads site where he is writing articles about Scarsdale Diet.