- Aerobics Cardio

Give The New Cardio Boot Camp Series A Try

Instructional books and DVDs are a great way to learn exercise techniques from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re the type of person who works different shifts and can’t make it to the gym on time, or you would rather exercise in your own surroundings without worrying about having people staring at you — instructional videos like cardio boot camp give you a home-based option.

The newest exercise trends revolve around circuit training routines, with multiple exercises, performed at varying levels of intensity. The ever-popular -300 Workout- for example focuses on extreme high intensity circuit training to get a body like the characters from the popular movie.

Not everyone has the heart for the almost terrifying -300 Workout- though. Cardio boot camp is a workout designed to whip you into shape using a variety of popular methods. One of the first things that’s addressed is proper stretching and flexibility technique, through the use of Pilates, Yoga and ball stretching exercises. There’s also exercises like obstacle course style training, power walking, running, army boot-camp exercises and martial arts techniques derived from karate, kick-boxing and boxing.

When the creators decided to call it cardio boot camp, they really meant what they were saying. The beauty of getting a DVD and doing it yourself at home is that you can work into things gradually, without fear of being embarrassed at an aerobics studio, by more experienced participants. There are workout centers all over Canada and spreading to the United States for people who want more of a social setting though.

What was the old saying? -There’s no time like the present.- This is a great quote for anyone contemplating getting their body into tip-top shape for the beach, bedroom, or better overall health. Get started today and enjoy all the benefits tomorrow.

Learn more about cardio boot camp at our fitness tips website.

- Weight Loss

Weight loss in Los Angeles

Before you look for common programs that are assisting patients with weight loss in Los Angeles, strive to find a healthy balanced diet, refrain from eating in excess, and exercise frequently to maintain your weight; a stitch in time saves nine.

Many people all over the world have been trying many weight loss methods, some working better than others and some that do not work at all. This is no different from weight loss in Los Angeles. Some of the methods that have been proven successful include counting calories which is an old, tried and tested method whereby one counts the number of calories that taken per day.

Weight loss in Los Angeles also includes a nutri-system where you pay for balanced meals which will be delivered to your doorstep; they are costly, but are very successful if followed promptly. Another method of weight loss which is effective is behavior therapy. Remember that for you to keep off weight permanently a significant change in eating habits and lifestyle is necessary. Patients are taught how to avoid unhealthy habits and these behaviors are reinforced to help achieve long term weight loss.

In the event that one is morbidly obese, laparoscopic surgery is one of the most effective methods. A surgeon performs this surgery using a camera to avoid making a major incision, manipulates the camera to view the internal body structure, and then performs precise incisions while performing gastric bypass. Trauma to the body is minimized thus making postoperation pain and recovery time very minimal. This is a very advanced and effective surgery for treating obesity. It has further made weight loss in Los Angeles easier to handle due to the minimal side effects.

Another method is the revised surgery for failed bariatric surgery. Although surgeries offer 100% guarantee of weight loss for patients, some patients do not respond well to such surgery and in such cases, the revised surgery procedure is carried out. The procedure converts gastric banding to gastric bypass or vice versa, with a new procedure that requires no incision. These advanced surgical procedures reduce post surgical complications and help patients to focus on their weight and health goals.

Weight loss in the city of Los Angeles has become easier with the many weight loss centers offering remarkable support for the different weight loss programs offered. Choose one tailored-made to suit your goals and to help avoid frustrations.

- Yoga

Quick Ways To Relax In Stressful Situations

The body follows what the mind conceives. The condition of the mind often affects how the body performs, which explains why people who are stressed often suffer from accelerated aging and health problems. Follow these top 10 ways to relax and give your mind and body a good break.

1. Learn to breathe.

Breathing comes unconsciously, which sometimes encourages us to take it for granted. Several times a day, when you feel stress coming on or you feel tired and unenthusiastic, do a few deep breathing exercises. Here’s how:

Sit or stand with your spine straight and stretched slightly. Then slowly take a breath at a slow count of 3 and exhale just as slowly. Allow your lungs to expand as you take in the air and empty it as you breathe out. If it helps to close your eyes, then do so. Fresh oxygen helps enliven your blood and the slow breathing encourages you to sit or stand still for a moment.

2. Stretch.

Another way to relax is slow stretching. Whether you’re standing or seated, always keep your spine straight and allow both of your arms to dangle loosely at your side. Feet should be flat on the floor and relaxed.

Slowly raise your arms high, as if you’re reaching for the ceiling and slowly raise yourself on the ball of your feet. Follow the movement of your hands with your eyes so that your head can tilt back. Hold this position for a count of 10 and then slowly bring down your arms.

3. Increase your physical activities.

Or at least get yourself one if you haven’t got any up until now. Contrary to what other people think, exercising actually helps you relax afterwards. It cleanses your body of toxins by inducing sweat, increases your blood flow and the flow of oxygen to the brain and it works up your muscles.

Start slowly and gradually build up until you are able to maintain a regular schedule.

4. Watch your diet.

What you eat affects your mood. Another great way to relax is to maintain a diet that is rich in nutrients, such as antioxidants, folate and omega-3 fatty acids. Eat more fruits and vegetables and when you’re thirsty, grab a bottle of water and keep away from sodas and flavored drinks.

5. Get enough sound sleep.

Sleep is about quality and not just quantity but in times of stress, it’s best to get as much sleep as you can. About 6 to 8 hours should get you the rest you need.

Getting enough sleep is an excellent way to relax. It allows your body to regroup and recover and it eases your mind of other concerns.

6. Use music.

If music works for you, use it. Stick to soft tunes and don’t whip out that Metallica CD just yet. Rock music tends to use heavy bass lines, hard percussions and strong lyrics. If you want to relax, turn to soft and easy listening and save those faster tunes for some other time.

7. Turn away from the modern trappings of your life.

Often, the most relaxing things are also the ones that are the most basic. Once a week or at least more, turn off the TV, unplug it and keep the remote out of easy reach. Turn off the computer as well.

These two are common sources of distractions. Due to the rapidly changing images and the overflow of information, they can sometimes overload the mind and hinder relaxation. Keep things simple and don’t sweat the small, insignificant stuff.

8. Have time to yourself.

A good way to relax is to set aside time for some peace and quiet. What better way to do this than to schedule short vacations for yourself? You don’t have to pack your bags or even leave the house – simply close the door, find a nice, quiet place to sit and enjoy your own company.

9. Try yoga or meditation.

Yoga and meditation helps you attain a good body and mind connection. As a result, you’re more likely to feel relaxed and refreshed. Try simple yoga steps or learn to meditate a few minutes each day. Do these regularly and you’ll find that it will get easier and easier to relax and manage stress when you really need to.

10. Laugh.

Find your sense of humor again. Be with family and friends you can be yourself with. Laughter is one of the best ways to relax and it doesn’t have to cost a thing. It also helps you build connections with people in your life who really matter.

Copyright (c) 2008 Konstantin Koss

- Gym

My Review Of Running Twister Why Im No Longer A Couch Potato

Despite all of the documented benefits of exercise, Ive always been the type of person who didnt make time for fitness in my daily schedule. Going to the gym was out of the question — its expensive and takes too long to get there. The bright lights at the gym are annoying, too. Running on the treadmill at home is convenient, but after a while, its boring.

I knew that I had to try to shake things up somehow. If you have an office job like I do, you know that you cant keep your midsection toned if youre sitting all day in the same position. Even if you take the stairs instead of the elevator at work, its just not enough to shape and sculpt your body. I count calories, but exercise is the only way to boost your mood. I knew that it was time for a change, so I decided to give Running Twister a chance.

Because the price isnt exorbitant, this was just the kind of fitness machine that I was willing to try out. I didnt have one thousand dollars to throw at equipment, but I could afford this model. And because its compact enough to store, I didnt have to worry about it ruining the aesthetics and decor of my living room. It fits in the hallway closet.

Rather than making exercise a chore on my to-do list, I decided to make it something that I would do while enjoying TV. That way, I could fulfill my need for watching television while moving at the same time. I could ramp up my intensity during commercials because advertisements dont require my total focus the way that some spellbinding movies and shows do.

Running Twister helped me get off the couch because it makes working out more palatable. Its a lot of fun to twist around, and I could feel it working my abs. Sometimes Id bounce while using the resistance bands, but other times Id do more creative moves with the equipment.

I found that the exercises help sculpt and tone my arms, middle, and rear without straining my muscles and joints. Most workouts stress my knees, back, and neck, but Running Twister isnt jarring like springting or jumping is. It is advertised as a low-impact form of exercise, and it definitely is. You can bump up the intensity as you wish. I think its the right kind of equipment for anyone who has trouble finding the motivation and time to exercise.

- Gym

Picking The Perfect Gym Gear

Starting you own home gym can be an expensive venture. Even more so, purchasing equipment for a gym at your local health centre or spa can be even more expensive. Gym equipment is not cheap. When it comes to your health and the health of others, you want to make sure that you have the best and safest equipment that you can get. That is all you can purchase from Gym Direct. The equipment they sell is safe, reliable and high quality. That way, you know you are getting your money’s worth. Here are a few key points that anyone looking to purchase some gym equipment should know. Multi-Functional Weight sets Several different pieces are considered multi-functional because you can use the weight bench to pump some iron and work on those triceps, then walk to the other side of the equipment and work out your gluts. If you are looking to purchase gym equipment for an apartment complex or other small area, this is a good piece to start with because you can get an entire workout on one machine. A multi-functional weight set such as this is often cheaper than purchasing several smaller set ups as well. Space Space is a big factor in choosing equipment. You want to have at least a two-foot walkway between each piece of equipment that you purchase so that people can move about on the machine and get on and off when it comes time. Accounting for the size of the equipment itself when it is at its longest, widest or tallest plus this two-foot space all around, this could limit the type of equipment you purchase as well. Safety Equipment The safety equipment that goes along with any type of gym equipment is just as important to have. As a gym facility, you are required to have all safety equipment available for use. Whether a person chooses to use it is up to them. If someone were ever to get hurt while using your gym equipment because you did not have the proper safety equipment, you could be legally responsible. If it is because they chose not to use the equipment you provided, then it is their fault. If you are not certain what type of safety equipment you need, it is a good bet to always have some kind of sanitation spray to avoid germs as well as weight lifting belts. Variety You have to assume that there will be a variety of people frequenting your gym. Because each person’s needs and exercise goals are different, purchasing a variety of equipment is important. Even the most regular patron of your gym will eventually want to switch it up and try something new. Even if you are only able to purchase a few new items a month, it is better than nothing new at all. Sometimes, adding little things like medicine balls, new weights and exercise mats can make all the difference in a good gym and one that people do not like to frequent.

http://www.wellfit-direct.co.uk/cardio.html a>

- Yoga

Islamic Namaz and Ancient Yoga A Compartive Study

Yoga is not a religion. Rather, it is a set of techniques and skills that enhance the practice of any religion. A French author named Jean Dchanet discovered this in regard to his Catholic faith and wrote the book Christian Yoga (New York: Harper, 1960). Islamic yoga is a reality. It is possible to employ the skills of yoga to worship Allah better and to be a better Muslim.

Yoga arose from the matrix of the Hindu world, although according to Mircea Eliade it is of pre-Hindu origin and can be traced back to prehistoric shamanism. Like India’s other gifts to world civilization, for example the system of place notation on which all mathematics depends, yoga is not tied to the Hindu religion but has a universal applicability. It helps one to follow one’s own religion better whatever that may be. It has certain specific affinities with Islam that make for an interesting study.

1. Metaphysical doctrine.

Since the metaphysic of Advaita Vedanta is in agreement with the tawhd (doctrine of oneness) of Islam, there is perfect compatibility between Islam and yoga on the highest level. All traditional esoterisms agree that everything in manifestation has its origin in the Supernal. The manifestations on the material plane are derived from the ideational realm of archetypes (known as al-a-yn al-thbitah in the metaphysics of Ibn al–Arab). This world, limited as it is, is just an expression of the ultimate Reality, and will ultimately be reabsorbed in its supernal Origin. Advaita Vedanta and Islamic esoteric metaphysics are agreed that God is the only absolutely real, eternal Reality; all else is contingent and therefore transitory. The unitary view of reality in Advaita Vedanta accords well with the tawhd (divine oneness) of Islam, and the Oneness of Being in the Sufi doctrine of Ibn al–Arab.

2. Salt and sanas.

One of the most obvious correspondences between Islam and hatha yoga is the resemblance of salt to the physical exercises of yoga sanas. An Indian Muslim author, Ashraf F. Nizami, noted this in his book Namaz, the Yoga of Islam (Bombay: D.B. Taraporevala, 1977). The root meaning of the word salt is ‘to bend the lower back’, as in hatha yoga; the Persians translated this concept with the word namz, from a verbal root meaning ‘to bow’, etymologically related to the Sanskrit word namaste. The thousands of postures and variations known to hatha yoga can be classified into a few basic types, including standing postures, spinal stretches, inverted postures, seated postures, and spinal twists. The genius of Islamic salt is to incorporate all of these in rudimentary form into a compact, flowing sequence, ensuring a thorough, all-round course of exercises for good health that is easy for everyone to practice.

a) Standing. The Mountain Pose (TDsana) is the foundation for all standing sanas. One always begins from this and returns to it at the completion of the standing sequence. In this it very closely resembles not only the standing posture of qiym in salt, but also the “Return to Mountain” of T-ai Chi Ch-uan. Standing in Mountain Pose or qiym is a quiescent exercise for the whole body: feet, legs, and spine working together. With one’s feet planted squarely on Earth and one’s head reaching toward Heaven, this pose is of the finest metaphysical significance to the sacredness of the human state, for verticality is the essence of religion.

b) Spinal stretching. As the yogis say, one is as young as one’s spine. Hatha yoga concentrates much careful attention on deep, thorough stretches of the spine, bringing the head forward to rest on the knees. Since all the nerves of the body are channeled from the spinal cord out between the vertebrae, a healthy spine is of central importance for the well-being of the whole human body and mind. It takes much patient, persistent practice to make and keep the spine ideally flexible, and only the most dedicated yogis succeed in this. Since Islam is a path for everyone, the Islamic spinal stretch is kept easy and within everyone’s reach: the bowing position called ruk- only requires that you bend forward enough to place your hands on your knees. Nonetheless, even this minimal stretch helps keep the spine in good condition. Then I returned to yoga after praying salt for several years, I found that making ruk- seventeen times a day had beautifully prepared my spine for deeper forward stretches.

c) Inverted poses. The heart does its best to circulate blood all through the veins and arteries, but it’s a demanding job, and exercise is needed to help the circulation go at maximum efficiency. In particular, raising fresh blood to the brain through the carotid artery, and lifting it from the feet back up to the heart, is always going against the pull of gravity. This is why two of the most important and beneficial sanas are the Shoulderstand (sarvangsana, the ‘whole body pose’) and the Headstand (sirSsana). Islamic prayer has taken the most essential aspect of these inverted poses: lowering the head below the heart. The position called sujd is easy for everyone to accomplish and helps to bathe the brain in fresh oxygenated blood to keep it healthy and alert. Ashraf F. Nizami writes: “This may be termed similar to – HALF SIRSHASANA. It helps full-fledged pumping of blood into the brain and upper half of the body including eyes, ears, nose and lungs.”

d) Seated postures. The word sana means ‘seat’ and the basic postures for meditation are seated ones, especially the Lotus. The Diamond Pose (vajrsana) is practically identical with the seated position of salt called jalsah. This has, of course, not escaped the notice of both yogis and Muslims in India. Nizami writes: “This is a HARDY POSE or is like VAJRASANA.” Swami Sivananda in his book Yoga Asanas writes: “This Asana resembles more or less the Namaz pose in which the Muslims sit for prayer.” Furthermore, both vajrsana and jalsah are the same as the zazen posture of Japan. Having practiced a little yoga when young, it became easier for me to sit on the floor in mosques for long stretches of time. In turn, accustomed to this in Islam over the years, it was then much easier to learn seated yoga postures like the Lotus, since my leg and hip joints were accustomed to the floor.

When sitting in the Lotus, a yoga mudra that accompanies meditation is made by forming the index finger and thumb into a circle. The Islamic mudra, made while sitting in jalsah, is to extend the index finger in a straight line (to attest to the Oneness of God), while forming the thumb and middle finger into a circle. The figure 1 and the figure 0 can convey a Tantric symbolism, and also are curiously similar to the binary 1 and 0 of computer science.

e) Spinal twists. A session of yoga practice normally concludes, just before final relaxation, with a thorough twist of the whole spine (ardha matsyendrsana) to the right and to the left. It helps to even out the spine from the other poses it has done and keep everything balanced. In much the same way, salt concludes with the prayer of peace (salm) said while turning the head to the right and then to the left. This works only the cervical and maybe a few of the thoracic vertebrae, but it is useful for keeping the neck flexible and is consistent with the pattern in salt of presenting reduced versions of the yoga sanas.

3. Breathing.

In yoga, the science and art of breathing is paramount. The relaxation and exertion of all the members of the body, the stilling and concentration of the mind, the energizing of the whole being, and the access to the spiritual dimension all depend on breathing. In most languages of the world, the words for ‘breathing’ and ‘spirit’ are the same or closely related. The Arabic word for ‘spirit’ is rh, coming from a root with several interconnected meanings: ‘to relax’, ‘to breathe’, and ‘to set out moving’. The full range of these meanings, taken together, summarizes all the functions of the breath in Yoga. The Sanskrit word corresponding to rh is tman, which also comes from an Indo-European root meaning ‘breath’ (compare the High German word Atem, ‘breath’). The spiritual importance of breath is a part of Islam’s teachings. Hazrat Inayat Khan writes on the subject of Islamic purification: “Man’s health and inspiration both depend on purity of breath, and to preserve this purity the nostrils and all the tubes of the breath must be kept clear. They can be kept clear by proper breathing and proper ablutions. If one cleanses the nostrils twice or oftener it is not too much, for a Moslem is taught to make this ablution five times, before each prayer.” According to Hakim G. M. Chishti in The Book of Sufi Healing, “Life, from its beginning to end, is one continuous set of breathing practices. The Holy Qur’an, in addition to all else it may be, is a set of breathing practices.”

4. Meditation and worship.

In part 23 of the Yoga Sutra, Patajali teaches the attainment of supreme spiritual realization through devotion to God (svara pranidhana). The sutra is a very succinct, condensed type of literature, so a single brief mention suffices. Because Patajali did not elaborate upon it, some commentators have assumed that his God is a mere figurehead or abstraction and therefore not so important in yoga practice.

Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact, the one feature that distinguishes the metaphysic of the Yoga darsana from that of the Sankhya darsana of Kapila (a non-theistic analysis of the elements in the cosmos and consciousness) is the presence of God in Yoga. This makes all the difference, and allows the consonance of Yoga with religion.

Patajali wisely chose to refer to God as svara, which in Sanskrit simply means ‘God, the Supreme Being’ and does not name any deity of any particular religion. This universality frees Yoga from conflict with any religious doctrine, so that its techniques can be applied by a believer of any faith. In India, Yoga has been applied to a vast variety of different religious perspectives, and it works just as well for other religions including Islam. There is nothing specifically Hindu or Islamic about its techniques, but it will assist the devotee in any kind of worship. Yoga means to concentrate and still the mind; when this concentration is directed upon God, the yogi is reaching toward the heart of his religion.

As for meditation, trTaka is a yogic technique to focus the attention and attain one-pointedness. It consists of fixing the gaze on a single point. (It assists balance, too.) While standing in Islamic prayer, we practice traTaka by fixing the gaze on a spot on the ground where the forehead rests in sujd. During ruk-, the trTaka is directed at the point between the big toes. The purpose is to focus the attention on the prayer and keep it from wandering. In this way it helps lead to a meditative state. An important part of Sufi spiritual practice is to invoke the Divine Name Allh and meditate upon it.

Once I had learned through yoga how to still the mind and focus the attention, I discovered that the same technique greatly sharpened and clarified my meditation on the Divine Name. It was like a nearsighted person putting on glasses and suddenly seeing clearly and sharply. Some Sufi orders practice meditation and invocation focused within certain centers (lat’if) in the subtle body; this is the same technique as the yogic meditation upon the cakras.

5. Purification.

It goes without saying that both Islam and yoga require basic physical and moral cleanliness and purity (tahrah, sauca) before performing their practices. The two differ in several respects, but one feature that is common to both is using water to rinse the breathing passages: a yoga kriya (cleansing practice) called jala neti consists of pouring water into one nostril so that it flows through the sinuses and out the other nostril. The Muslim when making wud’ takes water up the nose and blows it out; this is called istinsh’. Again, the Islamic version does not go as deep, being simplified to make it easily accessible to everyone.

6. Food.

The Ayurvedic principles of yogic diet and the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are agreed that milk and ghee are beneficial, and that beef is detrimental to health. Likewise, both discourage eating onions and garlic. Ginger (Arabic zanjabl, from Sanskrit srngivera, from Proto-Dravidian cicivr) is mentioned in the Qur’n (76:17) as a spice of Paradise. Ayurveda regards ginger as sttvika, a quality helpful to spiritual life. Both Ayurveda and the Qur’n tell of the spiritual qualities of the basil plant, the sacred basil (Ocimum sanctum) called tulasi in Sanskrit and the sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) called rayhn in the Qur’n (while the Italians value it only for its culinary qualities!). Tulasi basil is used to uplift, clear, and invigorate the mind, assisting the consciousness to focus on spiritual thoughts; rayhn is mentioned in the Qur’n (55:12) as a plant of Paradise, and the Prophet recommended it to his Companions for its refreshing aromatherapy. The Arabic word rayhn is derived from the same root as rh ‘spirit’.

Historical interaction.

In historical time, Muslims did consciously borrow from yoga and acknowledged the source. The traveling scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (11th century) translated the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali into Arabic. Shah Muhammad Ghaus of Gwalior (16th century), a leader of the Shattryah order of Sufis, incorporated yoga practices into his teaching, based on the yogic text AmrtakuNDa. Yoga even reached as far as North Africa, where al-Sanusi (19th century) wrote of the yoga sanas (jalsah); he referred to yoga in Arabic as “al-Jjyah”. However, the congruences between yoga and Islam that I noted above are not historical borrowings, but derive from the primordial beginnings of the traditions. A large international yoga organization, 3HO, has adopted the sujd from Islamic prayer, calling it “Easy Yoga.”

Conclusion.

It can be valid and beneficial for Muslims to learn yoga, not as their spiritual path per se, but as a valuable adjunct to the spiritual path of Islam. Islam is a complete, integral spiritual path, so yoga is no substitute for any Islamic requirement. The Prophet said that wisdom is the believer’s stray camel: wherever he finds it he will recognize it (and claim his right to it).

How to explain the many points of correspondence between yoga and Islam? Did these ancient teachings travel from India to Arabia? No-there is no need to assume such a horizontal transfer; the sacred truths are revealed vertically from Heaven to all peoples. There are close similarities between Islam and yoga not because of borrowing or cultural diffusion, but because of both originating in the Primordial Tradition, santana dharma, al-dn al-hanf, which all the prophets of Allah have brought and reaffirmed throughout the ages, among all nations, revealed directly from the Creator. source : http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=83688.0#ixzz1qfUrLcA0 More health articles Medimiss.Org

- Fitness

How Protein Builds Muscle

How Protein Builds Muscle

The process of building muscle starts with amino acids that are internally produced by the body. Ingesting protein is what actually activates the release of the amino acids themselves, which are what actually build the muscle itself. We often think about protein as simply being animal flesh like beef, chicken, or fish, however there is a substantial amount of protein present in vegetables like peas or beans.

There are protein supplements that can help in the muscle building process

With a plethora of protein shakes and powders on the market, everyone wants to know which protein builds muscle most effectively. Usually the best ones are the supplements that contain a plethora of vitamins, various sources protein, and a wide variety of amino acids. The muscle building process itself essentially starts with an effective workout and should be immediately followed by a cool-down rest period. A healthy meal filled with various proteins such as beef, chicken, or fish, should be consumed shortly after one’s exercise cycle. Most importantly consistently getting good night’s sleep is imperative. The body releases more natural nutrients during sleep. A minimum of seven hours is recommended on a per night basis.

Too much Protein can cause problems

Ingesting too much protein, from natural food or synthetic sources, can cause protein dehydration. This is caused when there is a build up of a nitrogenous crystalline substance (also known as urea) in your system. Urea is generally excreted through the urinary tract, however dehydration can shut this process down.

Protein alone doesn’t build muscle – it is a formula of exercise, nutrition, nature, and focus

For muscles to increase in size they must be worked, rested, nourished, repaired, and re-worked (starting the cycle over again each day). The best body builders may disagree on some small things, but for the most part they all have a strong consistent regimen of exercise, which usually consists of doing numerous repetitions with various amounts of weights. Technically speaking, this is a destructive process because it breaks down muscle fibers in the body as lifters spend several hours completing hundreds of repetitions. Many body builders emphasize the cool down process, which can be vital in helping to heal the swollen muscle fibers from an intense workout. A protein shake rich in vitamins will replenish the lifter by putting the necessary vitamins and nutrients back in his or her system. These drinks and shakes by themselves do not grow the muscle tissue, however they help facilitate the process.

A high caloric intake of food can help protein build muscle tissue

Eating a high calorie diet of 4000-5000 calories per day may be necessary when you are exercising vigorously. Excess calories can be turned into muscle with the proper amount of dedicated training and commitment. The normal amount of protein consumed by an active athlete or weightlifter should be somewhere between .7 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of the individual’s body weight. It is also important to remember that vitamins and antioxidants are just as important when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet.

- Diet

Fastest way to lose weight Diet will help you achieve that goal

Tips For Fast Weight Loss

Check out our 10 tips for fast weight loss if you want to lose a few pounds quickly. There’s no need to starve yourself or go hungry. Simply be more aware of what you eat, reduce your intake of fat and sugar, and fill up with vegetables and fruit. Here’s how:

1. Write down everything that you eat or drink that contains calories, even if it’s just a splash of milk in your coffee. You don’t need to count the calories. Simply writing everything down will help you to see when those sneaky high calorie foods are creeping in and sabotaging your fast weight loss.

2. Make your own meals instead of relying on TV dinners and other packaged foods. Food manufacturers add salt and sugar to almost everything to make us want more and more.

3. Include at least two servings of vegetables in every main meal (not counting potatoes), or add a large salad with low fat dressing. Aim to eat more green, leafy vegetables. Fresh vegetables will help you to feel full and satisfy your body’s need for vitamins and minerals, reducing cravings.

4. Cut your fat intake in half. Since you’re not eating packaged foods any more, it’s easy to do this. Measure the oil that you use for cooking and only use half as much. Spread butter very thinly. Switch to low fat milk. Cut visible fat off meat before cooking, and don’t eat the skin.

5. Have sweet treats containing sugar no more than three times a week. If you are a sugar addict you may find this difficult at first but you will soon have much more appreciation for the sweetness in fruits and vegetables, and fast weight loss may be your reward.

6. Indulge yourself with plenty of fresh fruit. Grapes, cherries, berries, apples, mangoes and bananas are delicious replacements for the unhealthy desserts that most of us eat. Try them chopped into low fat sugar-free yogurt.

7. Try grated carrot for a snack. Mix in a chopped apple if you want. Grated carrot takes longer to eat than a whole carrot and because of this, it’s way more satisfying.

8. Choose food that you can chew, and eat it slowly, putting down your fork between bites. Go for brown rice instead of white, whole fruit instead of juice, chunks of whole foods in your soup. The added fiber will fill you up and help the body to eliminate waste, and the act of chewing will make you feel more satisfied with your meal.

9. Plan your meals and your shopping. Think ahead and make a list of what you will need, then stick to it. To make this easier, never go to the grocery store when you are hungry. Or order your shopping online for delivery.

10. When you eat, just eat. Sit at the table, even if it’s just for a snack. Don’t eat while doing something else at the same time (watching TV, driving, reading, checking email). If you eat with others, of course you may talk, but try to avoid bringing up heavy or contentious subjects at meals. Arguments are not good for anybody’s digestion and won’t help your fast weight loss.

- Aerobics Cardio

Aerobics – How To Succeed

Background

Aerobics refers to the type of physical exercise that involves aerobic routines, which refers to exercise that involves or improves oxygen consumption by the body, by the application of rhythmical movements. In particular, it defines the concepts of: Flexibility, which is the amount of movement in a joint or muscle that is attainable with the help of a partner or the use of a certain piece of equipment.

Aerobics are usually performed to a background of music and is normally enacted in a group setting led by an instructor, who leads and guides the group to ensure continuity. However, it can also be undertaken as a solo exercise, and without musical accompaniment, although it is argued that this is not as beneficial as in the group setting.

The benefits of aerobics are not only the development of physical fitness, but also the ability to either prevent, or at the very least, reduce the incidence of certain illnesses.

The prescribed actions involve the participants performing a series of different dance-like exercises. In order to achieve the best results from the participants, aerobics classes are normally performed at different levels of intensity and complexity depending on the abilities and physical fitness of the performers.

Many gyms offer the facility of aerobic classes. Each class is designed to accommodate a certain level of experience of the performers and is taught by a certified instructor with experience related to their particular class.

Aerobic Gymnastics

Aerobic gymnastics, also known as sport aerobics or competitive aerobics, refers to performing complicated and high activity movements to music, which originate from traditional aerobics, with a high level of perfectly executed movements which are defined as difficult.

It combines aerobics, sports aerobics, coordinating gymnastics with music, dance movements and choreography of the entire performance.

In order to introduce fairness, the performances are structured under various categories according to the age, gender and composition of the group, whether individual, mixed pairs or trios.

The judging is based on the following movements: strength exhibited whilst stationery and in motion, jumps and leaps, kicks, balance and flexibility. There are three compulsory exercises: four successive high leg kicks, four successive push-ups, and a programme which begins with four jumping jacks, and leads into 32 elements of standing movements and patterns. Performers are allowed to choose up to ten techniques from following selection: push-ups, supports and balances, kicks and splits, jumps and leaps. However, the following maneuvers may not be included in the routines: handstands, tumbling, back flips, handsprings, or aerial somersaults.

The performances are judged on the basis of the quality of the artistic content, the creativity exhibited, how well the performance was executed, and the extent of the difficulty of the routines presented.

Sport aerobics is represented in competitions at state, national, and international levels, but is not established as an Olympic sport.

- Nutrition

Calories Vs. Nutrition

There are many different opinions about what is more important in an emergency: calories or nutritional value. Ideally, you want to consider both in your food storage plan. Quite a few storage kits ignore proper nutrition and emphasize calories to sustain life. Sugars, that are made up of empty calories should be kept to a minimum. A great many of these products give you mostly powdered fruit drinks, potatoes and other sugars. Just like in your daily diet, you should have a balanced food storage diet that includes: vegetables, fruits, protein and carbohydrates. Make sure you know how to use your food storage. A bucket of wheat might make you feel good, but if you don’t know how to use it, it most likely will not be used.

Nutrition is the science of foods and the nutrients they contain. Nutrition includes the study of the actions of the nutrients within the body, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport, metabolism and excretion. There are seven major types of nutrients which are: carbohydrates, fats, fiber, minerals, protein, vitamins, and water. Fats, carbohydrates, and proteins provide energy but minerals, fiber, vitamins, and water do not. However they are vital for other reasons that promote health.

A calorie gives us an indication of the energy that a food possesses. 1 gram of fat = 9 calories and 1 gram of protein = 4 calories. The amount of calories an individual needs to stay healthy changes according to weight, gender, age, genes, and activity level.

The types of food storage that would be best to sustain ones self or family in an emergency situation, even though having been stored for an extended period of time, should provide the highest amount nutrients possible. The amount of fuel provided is important, but if the bulk of the calories lack protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables youre just taking in empty calories which are not easily digested and dont provide your body with nutrients. In addition, most emergency situations sanitation decreases in a big way. When an individual is under high stress, exerting more than usual physical activity, and getting less sleep, they will need nutritious meals to provide their bodies with the energy needed to continue through the circumstances they face.

Your diet, for food storage and everyday life should be based on food quality not quantity. You should store nutritious, quality meals. You can always add extra calories if needed. One way is by adding high calorie emergency food bars. They are compact, lightweight, require no cooking and are easy to use and eat. They are designed for high intensity, survival situations and are non-thirst provoking. You may want to consider adding a few of these food bars to your food storage if you feel more calories are necessary.

The bottom line is that you need to balance your calories with nutrition. Food Storage doesn’t just have to be there to help you survive, but also to maintain your health in stressful emergency situations.