Cardio is a very important aspect of any work out. There are numerous benefits to a good cardio routine. In the real world, there are many ways to get a good cardio workout. You can jog, play sports and get chased by the police. In the gym cardio usually revolves around a handful of machines. There are the stair climbers or steppers, the elliptical trainers, tread mills, and bicycles. That's about it. A good cardio routine can last anywhere...more
You would have to be a hermit not to know about the dramatic rise of obesity levels in North America. Health issues have been plastered around the media non stop for the better part of the last five years. The problem is that for the most part the message has been falling short of its mark. There are more obese people in 2004 then there were in 2003. The number of diet related health complications is growing and children are ballooning at a...more
I just finished working my quads on a weight machine. My head races and my body hums all in an attempt to lose weight. Only moments ago, my legs worked so hard that they began to fail. They worked so hard that my muscle tissue cried out in pain and began to tear. Now having just finished, my body sweating with the effort, I can rest for a couple of minutes before doing it again. Each day this week I will have targeted a different group of muscles. Each day I will work them, stretch them, and tear them. Each day, I will work so hard that my heart beats a new rhythm into my metabolism. Each day, my body will set to repair the damage I have done in such manner that it does not happen again. Each day doggedly break my body down and force it to improve itself. This is working out, this is getting fit, this is what it takes. As I sit and stretch between sets, my quads still reeling, I scan around the gym. I take in those around me. At this hour, there are few people willing to brave the cold mornings to make the run to the gym. There are two people working with some free weights near by. They are within earshot and while I am resting I listen to them complain about, work,...more
Obesity is a national epidemic. 58 million Americans are overweight and 80% are more than 25 lbs overweight. 70% of heart disease and 80% of all type II diabetes is directly attributed to obesity. 15% of children are obese and 70% between the ages of 6-8 believe that fast food is healthier than home cooked meals. Today's children could be the...more
A recent study found that home workouts may do even more good than workouts at a gym. This is good news for people who are time crunched and find it's too much trouble to make it to a health club.So how do you get the most from your home workouts? Follow these suggestions:1. Have A Plan. Know exactly what it is you want to accomplish and how you...more
Let's face itÂ….Losing weight and feeling great isn't easy.BUT the journey is well worth it!Many people commit to their health and well being via a New Year's resolution. Why not? The New Year is a great time to make a fresh start and commitment to your health.How do you remain motivated however for an entire year?The single most important piece of advice I can offer you is this:Don't give up, and pick yourself back up when you stumble or fall.Everyone slips here and there. Just because you had one cheat day doesn't mean your entire fitness and exercise program needs to be ruined.On the contrary. Everyone slips now and again.The key to sticking with a program is to make the slips MUCH less frequent than the days you are firmly committed to your program.So have that piece of chocolate on occasion and don't beat yourself up for it.Here are some additional great ideas for staying motivated throughout the year:Tip 1Don't make a habit of skipping breakfast.You should never skip breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, and revs your metabolism to burn calories each and every day.When you skip breakfast, you are more likely to overeat and then feel guilty later in the day.Tip...more
Women on diets need more calcium than normal to avoid bone loss, say Rutgers University researchers. Studies showed a weight loss diet of 1.5 pounds a week for 6 weeks cuts absorption of calcium. In 57 postmenopausal dieters it was discovered that...more
'Tis the season alright. Flu bug, cold bug, sniffles, sneezes, stuffy heads, runny noses. Chances are you've already been hit by at least one of these symptoms. If you're like my family, you've been hit with them all.Here's a few essential oils that...more
Aromatherapy is a growing area of interest as North America continues its search for alternative and complimentary applications of natural medicines. The use of herbal supplements in our daily lives is one excellent example of this.Aromatherapy,...more
Home fitness is a huge industry, and most people these days have purchased at least some sort of exercise equipment or fitness video for home use. A lot of it ends up in a closet, in the garage, under the bed, etc. and is never seen again. Reasons...more
You are not hungry most of the time. You are not always hungry when something smells good, looks good, or tastes good, whether or not you think you are. All food is prepared to tempt your taste buds, even though you're not hungry.You are also not...more
What do you look like? How big (or small) are you? How tall (or short)? How much do you weigh?When I ask participants how much they weighed when they were teenagers, I hear this lament: They thought they were very heavy, but when they look at those...more