Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Oral Hygiene and You

Three toothbrushesImage via Wikipedia


Simple Trucker Diet

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Oral hygiene is something that can and should be taken care of by both you and your dental professional. Oral hygiene is a health program to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath (halitosis), and other dental disorders. Oral Hygiene is a home dental care kit that guards against plaque without brushing. Oral hygiene is generally poor because tooth brushing is very painful and aggravates the process of erosion.

Teeth whitening tips you can use to make your teeth whiter, cleaner and healthier. Teeth whitening is the number one request from patients according to the American academy of cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening is the number one request from patients between the ages of 20and 50. Teeth look best when they are straight and properly aligned with each other. Teeth bleaching products which contain peroxides, can change your natural tooth color anywhere from five to seven -- but up to twelve -- shades brighter. Teeth Whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten stained, discolored or dull teeth.


Dental cavities can be prevented by a low level of fluoride constantly maintained in the oral cavity. Dental brushing and flossing represent simple, cost-effective approaches to bacterial dental plaque control. Dental floss comes in many varieties (waxed, unwaxed, flavored, tape) and may be chosen on personal preference. Dental care involves taking good care of your teeth, gums and the related structures of the mouth. Dental brushing and flossing should be performed daily under supervision of the professional staff.

Toothpastes are designed to cater to all the different oral health needs of individuals, including taste preferences, age, and cosmetics. Tooth brushing and flossing remove plaque from teeth, and antiseptic mouthwashes kill some of the bacteria that help form plaque. Toothbrushes wear out and should be replaced every three months. Tooth sensitivity can cause improper brushing, which may lead to a progression of problems including plaque build-up.

Plaque is a thin film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is the number one factor in gum disease. Plaque actually consists of food and bacteria, which forms a sticky film on teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless bacterial film that grows on the hard, rough surfaces of teeth. Plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practiced between visits. Plaque remaining on the teeth due to poor hygiene may cause swelling of the gums, cavities, and white scars on the tooth surface. Dentists and dental hygienists can instruct and demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques. Dentists recommend that you brush at least twice a day (morning and night), and if possible, after every meal.

Flossing is also an essential component of oral hygiene. Flossing is critical for cleaning between the teeth and should be done every day. Flossing once a day helps prevent gum disease by removing food particles and plaque at and below the gum line as well as between teeth. Flossing is crucial in order to reach the 35% of the tooth surfaces where brushing can not reach. Flossing is best done from the front.

Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart. Bacterial endocarditis occurs when bacteria (germs) enter the bloodstream and lodge inside the heart, where they multiply and cause infection. Bacterial endocarditis does not occur very often, but when it does, it can cause serious heart damage. Bacteria in this tartar are responsible for the gingivitis and periodontal disease that cause gum recession.

Fluoride strengthens the teeth and removes the acid. Fluoride can be obtained from fluoridated drinking water, salt, milk, mouth rinse or toothpaste, as well as from professionally-applied fluorides. Fluoride does not remove plaque but is important in making tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. Fluoride in toothpaste, drinking water, or dental treatments also helps to protect teeth by binding with enamel to make it stronger. Fluoride is found in toothpaste, some drinking water, and in some dental treatments.

Brush teeth and mucosal surfaces 2 to 3 times a day. Brushing and flossing should be performed thoroughly but not too vigorously. Brushing is basic part of oral hygiene. Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down. Brushing after meals should become part of your daily oral hygiene.

The most common oral diseases are dental cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. Oral hygiene has a significant influence on the formation of cavities. Oral hygiene consists of both personal and professional care. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Dental care includes prevention and treatment of diseases of the gum and teeth, and also the replacement or repair of defective teeth. Careful and frequent brushing with a toothbrush and flossing help to prevent build-up of plaque bacteria that change carbohydrate in our meals or snacks to acid which demineralises tooth eventually leading to tooth decay and toothache if acid episodes are frequent or are not prevented. Careful brushing at least twice a day should be part of every one's routine.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Weight loss workout for Busy People

U.S. Marines count out push-ups.Image via Wikipedia

Weight Loss Workout for Busy People By: Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS Turbulence Training You can get an incredible weight loss workout at home without any equipment. That's right, you can burn fat and lose fat in the comfort of your own home. You don't need fancy machines or expensive mega-gym memberships, and you don't have to deal with line-ups or sweaty, stinky fellow gym-members. Ewww!
Okay, here's the first thing you need. About a 8x8 open area. And your bodyweight. That's it. Don't rest between any of these exercises.
First exercise: Prisoner Squat
Place your hands behind your head, keep your elbows back, and squat down halfway to the ground. Keep your shoulder blades together to work your upper back and push your hips back as you squat to work your back of your legs.
Do that 10-20 times depending on your strength levels.
Second exercise: Push-up Plus
Do a regular pushup, but at the top, add a little extra push to round your upper back and make your shoulder blades move away from one another. Do 4-12 reps depending on your strength.
Third exercise: Plank
Support yourself on your forearms and toes and keep your body in a straight line from ankles to shoulders. You'll be "hovering" just above the ground. Keep your abs braced and hold for 10-60 seconds depending on your endurance.
Fourth exercise: Split squat
Stand with one foot 2 feet in front of your body and the other foot 1 foot behind your body. This is a stationary lunge position. Bend your back knee and drop your hips to the floor. Then push up using the muscles of the lead leg. Use a wall for balance or support if needed. Do 5-12 reps per side depending on strength.
Rest 1 minute then repeat the circuit up to 4 times.
Have fun, and burn fat,
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MSAuthor, Turbulence Training
About the AuthorCraig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit Turbulence Training
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Best Cardio Intervals For Fat Loss: Part 2

A weighloss pyramid, made on the food/weighlos...Image via Wikipedia




The Best Cardio Intervals for Fat Loss: Part 2

By: Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS Turbulence Training


If you don’t have variety in your program, you are more than likely to end up at a fat loss plateau soon rather than later. Variety is one of the keys to keeping that fat loss coming.

So not only should you have variety within your training week (i.e. alternate between two different interval training workouts, rather than just doing the same interval workout each time), but you should also change these workouts every 4 weeks.

So you need to change your training program every 4 weeks. To modify your interval training workouts, you can…

switch exercise methods (and even use bodyweight exercises for intervals)
increase or decrease the length of the interval (while decreasing or increasing the intensity, respectively)
increase or decrease the number of intervals per workout
increase or decrease the rest time between intervals
First, let’s take a look at the interval methods. Here is my list of preferred ways to do your intervals, ranked in order from best to worst, based on my experiences…

Sprinting outdoors (and hills might be the absolute best)
Strongman movements (Farmer’s walks, tire flips, car pushing)
Bodyweight interval circuits
Treadmill running
Stationary cycle (upright preferred)
Stairclimber
Rower
Swimming (only works for competent swimmers)
Elliptical & Crosstrainer machines
Okay, so how long should you do intervals and how the heck do you do bodyweight exercises as interval training?

First, I stand by what I said in Part 1. There does not seem to be a “best” interval training program. But that is good because it allows us to use variety in our approach. (So perhaps the best interval training method is simply the one that changes every 4 weeks.)

Interval recommendations have ranged from 15 seconds (from Muscle Media waaaay back in the late 90’s), to 5 minutes (these are known as aerobic intervals). So let’s take a look at each interval recommendation and all those in between.

15 seconds
The great thing about 15 second intervals is that you’ll be able to work at a very high rate (almost near your maximum power output), as long as you get adequate recovery between work intervals. The downside is that it is very difficult to do 15 second intervals on machines, because it takes a long time to “build up” and “bring down” the machine settings to the correct speed.

If you decide to use these short, high-intensity intervals, you should do so only if you already have an above average level of fitness. Your rest interval should be at least 15 seconds long, and can be as long as 60 seconds. The longer you rest, the harder you will be able to exercise in each interval.

20 seconds on, 10 seconds off
This method is known as the Tabata protocol, after the Japanese scientist that published a study on this routine. It is very demanding (obviously), and while some trainers have suggested this is the best method for interval training, I don’t think there is any proof that you will get better results.

Clearly, the pro’s with this method (as well as the 15 second intervals) is that you’ll get your workout done faster (provided you do the same number of intervals as any other workout). Again, it would be very difficult to perform this type of interval training on a machine, due to the time lag as you increase or decrease the settings. And finally, these too should only be performed by above average fitness levels.

30 seconds
The Turbulence Training workouts tend to use a lot of 30 second intervals. Beginners will rest up to 90 seconds between intervals, while advanced fitness levels will rest 30-60 seconds. The longer (relative) rest allows you to work harder in each successive interval (i.e. you’ll almost be able to match your performance in the first interval with each following interval). Short rest intervals (as in the Tabata protocol) will lead to a dramatic drop-off in performance with each interval. You can easily do the 3-second intervals on any machine.

45 seconds
These intervals are proven for fat loss, in addition to being effective for many team sports (such as hockey, soccer, basketball, and rugby). I have used 45 second intervals extensively in both areas of training. Not only will these tax your muscles, they will also tax your will to complete each interval (if done at the right intensity). Use 45-90 seconds of recovery between intervals. Do 3-6 intervals per workout. Your fitness and fat loss will skyrocket.

60 second intervals
Similar to the 45 second intervals in benefits and toughness. Use 60-120 seconds of recovery between each.

120 second intervals
These are now officially aerobic intervals, and can be used for both fat loss and improving aerobic capacity for sports and running. A great way to achieve two fitness goals at once. Exercise for 2 minutes and then recover for 2 minutes. Repeat 6 times. These workouts take longer (obviously), but can have a role in changing your body and improving your performance.

5 minute intervals
Same strategy as with the two minute intervals. This really increases your workout time, so these are only used with serious endurance athletes.

Beginner vs. Advanced
If you are thinking that these intervals all sound “too intense” for you, please don’t worry. Interval training is all relative. You don’t have to sprint for your life in each type of interval. Instead, just work at a slightly harder than normal pace. By the end of the interval, you should be getting tired, but you shouldn’t be gasping for air. Start conservatively and you will get the hang of it.

For example, if you regularly use level 5 on the stationary bike for 30 minutes continuously, you might try doing a 1 minute interval at level 7. Try that for an interval workout and let me know how it goes.

My favorite intervals for fat loss are between 30-60 seconds. These have been the staple intervals in my Turbulence Training workouts since the first workout was designed back in 2001. But again, I think you will get your best fat loss results if you vary your interval training workouts - just like you must vary your strength training workouts.

Intervals are the secret to success,

CB

P.S. Do you need to lose a post-vacation belly?

“Craig, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been using your Turbulence Training System to whip myself back into shape after a vacation and too much time in front of the computer getting a couple of projects completed and I’ve dropped 10.2 lbs. of bodyfat in the last 28 days. As a fellow fitness professional I can safely say that it’s the best and most efficient approach to improving body composition that I’ve come across.”
Pat Rigsby
President
The Fitness Consulting Group


About the Author

Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit www.TurbulenceTraining.com



Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

How To Avoid Those 5 Awful Words

Hypericum perforatum from http://www.ars.usda....Image via Wikipedia

Subject: "How To Avoid Those 5 Awful Words..."The Five Dreaded WordsAvoid "I'm Not in the Mood" with Some Libido-Lifting Tips Tell me if you can relate to the following experience:A long week of work has finally reached its end. Sure, the week was difficult, but the main reason for its lengthiness was due to anticipation -- anticipation of what the weekend held in store.All weekends are great. But this weekend was billed to be WAY above average. Why? Because you were spending it with your significant other, away from it all, in one of the finest of hotels your city has to offer. And if a little bit of luck was on your side, it would turn out to be one of the more memorable "experiences" of a lifetime -- ahem, if you know what I mean (and I think you do).Turns out, things didn't go as planned. The hotel was great, and the decor was to die for, but The Five Dreaded Words were spoken, the ones that always put the kibosh on a romantic night of lovemaking: "I'm not in the mood."Each one of us have either felt or heard these words spoken before, and whether you're the giver or the receiver, it's never pleasant. Sex is a HUGE part of a relationship, and when opportunities for lovemaking go by the wayside, it frequently diminishes forthcoming opportunities -- whether it's due to fear of the same thing happening again, or the lowering of expectations.The key, of course, is to have that "motivation" within you at all times so those Five Dreaded Words are never spoken. Here's a small helping of ways in which to keep your libido lifted so you can avoid the 5DW :DietSkeptics argue that keeping one's libido lifted through diet is a self-fulfilling prophecy; in other words, if you think almonds or chocolate will lift your libido, odds are good they will. But scientific evidence -- not psychosomatic hogwash -- suggests that certain foods do, indeed, lift one's libido. For example, a study from Southwestern University found that coffee beans lift the libido of females. For men, the love-lifting libation is tea, specifically Damiana tea. Alternative health expert Dr. Sarah Brewer says the ingredient responsible for increasing male libido in this tea is called gonzalitosin. This ingredient sends a tingling sensation to the penis.As a man, all I can say is, "Say no more!"Supplements Supplementing with vitamins and minerals are, hopefully, a normal part of your daily regimen, but specific supplements provide a great boost to your sex drive. Take St. John's Wort as an example. St. John's Wort has a multitude of benefits -- from improving one's mood to improving one's mind -- and those benefits can be found in the bedroom. Because of its mood-improving properties, studies have shown that 60 percent of people formerly uninterested in sex regained their interest after taking St. John's Wort. Care for two more? Try ginseng and gingko biloba on for size (and no, I don't mean that kind of size). Ginseng is one of the earliest herbs to be widely marketed in the United States, and it's taken by millions of people regularly for the natural boost of energy it provides. So for people whose energy levels leave them pooped time comes for whoopee, ginseng is just the thing.As for gingko biloba, this oddly-named herb stimulates blood flow throughout the body and brain (which explains why it's taken by those who have a hard time remembering things). As blood flow improves its flow throughout the body, it serves as the perfect elixir for those who have a hard time getting a, shall we say, "hard on." Research published in the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy found that men who took gingko biloba regularly were able to maintain erections after six months (granted, gingko biloba is not an overnight healer, but the improvement took place, and it took place without the negative side effects that always accompany male impotency drugs).A low libido may feel like something that's out of your hands; something that will come back on its own in its own due course. That may be the case, but more often than not, it can be through our every-day actions and lifestyle. For more information on the "Why?" and "How?" of libido, you may want to check out a great new website I've discovered. At http://www.lowpressuresex.com/aff/porkfree you'll discover some of the hidden reasons why your libido has been slumping for so long, but more importantly, how to get it on the upswing quickly, painlessly, and naturally. I hope you'll take this opportunity and visit http://www.lowpressuresex.com/aff/porkfree today. By the time your next weekend getaway comes around, you'll thank me (and your partner will thank you). I recommend you visit their website immediately, where you'll get a crash course on how this issue has affected me personally; more information on the links between what's 'down there' and hypertension; and most important of all, how you can improve the health of your body and your relationship...all-naturally. http://www.lowpressuresex.com/aff/porkfree/thirdage.com/sex/23-ways-to-lift-your-libido










Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The Best Cardio Intervals for Fat Loss By line: By Craig Ballantyne, CSCS

George W.Image via Wikipedia


Title: The Best Cardio Intervals for Fat Loss: Part 1 By: Craig Ballantyne,



CSCS,MS Turbulence Training-->Is there really a best interval training system for fat loss?
Do intervals really work as well as regular cardio for fat loss?
I'm going to cover these, and many more questions in Part 1 of your lessons on interval training.
But this is not just interval training 101. Today, you're going toleave this email with a graduate degree in interval training forfat loss.
I'll answer both questions upfront before the lesson begins, andI'll give more details on each as we go along:
1) Conservatively, intervals are at least as effective as regularaerobic training for fat loss. Personally, I believe intervals arefar superior. And there is no denying that intervals allow you toget your workouts done a lot faster than slow, boring cardioworkouts.
2) I have to admit, there is no best interval training program forfat loss. But that is a good thing, because there are so many waysv that you can change your interval training to keep your fat loss results coming week in and week out.
By changing your training program every three to four weeks, you are using one of the key principles of Turbulence Training -variety. It is essential to change your workouts this frequently,otherwise you might suffer from a dreaded fat loss plateau.
And if that is the case for you now, I'll show you dozens ofalternative interval training workouts you can use to kick-startyour metabolism and fat loss.
Now what many people don't know, or perhaps just fail to recognize, is that interval training is not just for advanced fitness superstars. No way. In fact, intervals are an effective and perhaps even the most effective method for beginners to get fit and lose fat.
First you have to understand that interval training is based onrelative performance. While my intervals would be much too hard for a beginner, my intervals would be a joke for Lance Armstrong.
So even for those men and women that are just dipping their toeinto the fitness waters for the first time in months, years, ordare I say, decades, they too can do interval training.
If you are a beginner and you can walk at 3.3mph for 20 minutes, then your intervals will start at a walk at 3.6mph for 30 seconds to a minute. That is interval training.
It doesn't have to be high-intensity, sprint-to-the-death activity.
Instead, just increase the intensity slightly more than you cannormally handle, and do so for a short time, and intersperse thatwith periods of easier exercise for twice the duration.
So if you did 1 minute at 3.6mph, drop down to 3.0mph for 2minutes. Do that up to 6 times, and you've had yourself an interval session.
Now for those of you that have been doing only slow, traditionalcardio, switching over to interval training 2-3 times per week isgoing to be the fat loss equivalent of throwing a lit, gasolinesoaked rag on a pile of dry kindling.
Here's why...research has given us a lot of evidence that intervals are superior to traditional cardio. First, a study from Laval University in 1994 compared interval training to aerobic training - straight up - over a 12 week training period. Subjects that used interval training had better results. They lost more fat. You can't argue with that.
And second, interval training causes metabolic turbulence - alsoknown as boost in your metabolism. Due to the high-intensity nature of intervals, there is more "turbulence" applied to the muscle. That means more muscle breakdown and more adaptations in the muscle.
Now I know that sounds very technical, but all you need tounderstand is that when all this extra activity goes on at themuscle level, it requires a lot more energy to return your muscle back to normal (i.e. to get out of turbulence and back to a normal resting state).
And when your body uses more energy, it means, in laymen's terms, that you are burning more calories.
So it's important for men and women not too get hung up on thecalorie counters in the gym. First, because the calorie count ofthe workout is not the only factor in determining fat loss(intervals burn far more calories after the workout - more on that later).
And second, a report on CBS showed that the calorie counters on some machines are often significantly inaccurate.
Doesn't that boil your blood when you think back to all those times you did slow, boring cardio and patiently watched the calorie counter creep up to your goal of 250, 300, or even 400 calories? And who knows if that was even accurate?
With intervals, you can forget about the calories on the machine.Just work hard, do the intervals, then leave the gym and let your muscles continue burning calories on its own while it recovers from exercise.
OK, time is up, so I'm going to leave off here for Part 1.
I apologize, you don't have your Master's of Science Degree inInterval Training yet, but you will after Part 2.
So your homework between now and next week's class is to start incorporating interval training into your fat loss program. For beginners, see the outline above. Make sure to include a 5-minute specific warm-up and cool-down.
And if you truly did just peel yourself off the couch last week and you have not exercised in years, I insist that you see a doctor before you take up any exercise program. Believe me, you'll thank yourself for it.
For more advanced fitness levels, let's start with 60 secondintervals.
Do a 5-minute specific warm-up, then exercise for 60 seconds at a slightly harder than normal cardio pace.
Follow that with 90 seconds of exercise at a very easy pace. (Don't exercise too hard in the recovery period - that is one of the biggest mistakes people make with interval training!). Repeat this sequence for 3 more intervals (let's just do 4 intervals for your first session).
Through trial and error, find an intensity that allows you to work to near fatigue - but not complete fatigue, there should still be some "gas" left in the tank - by the end of the 60 second interval.
In the next newsletter, I'll discuss at least 6 different intervaldurations and when you should use them, as well as the bestinterval training methods - and don't miss when I expose the most ineffective machine in the gym.
Hint - It is also the most common machine these days, yet I've yet to see a single person change their body by using this machine for their cardio and intervals. About the AuthorCraig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit
Turbulence Training-->


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Are Energy Drinks Healthy

Caffeine's principal mode of action is as an a...Image via Wikipedia




Energy drinks are typically attractive to young people. Energy drinks are marketed primarily to people between the ages of 18 and 30 as a stimulant, which is why energy drinks have names that convey strength, power, and speed, and sexuality, examples: Red Bull, Monster, Full Throttle, Amp, XS, Redline, Rock Star, and Spark. Energy drinks are soft drinks advertised as providing energy to improve physical activity of the drinker, as compared to a typical drink. Energy drinks are not necessarily bad for you, but they shouldn't be seen as natural alternatives either. Energy drinks are sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, bars, clubs, and in some areas, even schools. Energy Drinks are definitely not healthy for you. Energy drinks are generally safe, but like most things, you should drink them in moderation. Energy drinks are beverages which contain legal stimulants, vitamins, and minerals, including caffeine, guarana, taurine, various forms of ginseng, maltodextrin, carnitine, creatine, and ginkgo biloba. Energy drinks are not the optimal drinks to quench your thirst as a result of dehydration. Energy drinks are not only popular among athletes: they're also being consumed by young people who want to be more alert.
Energy
Energy Drinks Contain Caffeine. Red Bull, one of the most popular energy drinks, contains nearly 80 mg of caffeine per can, about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee and twice the caffeine as a cup of tea. Energy Drinks Should Not Be Consumed During Exercise. Energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks like Gatorade, which are consumed to help people stay hydrated during exercise. Energy drinks' stimulating properties can boost the heart rate and blood pressure (sometimes to the point of palpitations), dehydrate the body, and, like other stimulants, prevent sleep. Energy drinks claim to provide people with increased energy levels that will keep them active & alert. Energy drinks can be effective aids in maintaining energy and alertness. Energy drinks, however, are loaded with calories from sugar and those that claim they are sugar free have a sugar substitute. Energy drinks should not be used for replenishing fluids at any age. Energy drinks have added caffeine and other ingredients that their manufacturers say increase stamina and boost performance. Energy drinks can have a harmful effect if they're abused.
Caffeine
Caffeine in energy drinks come in many different forms depending on the brand that you choose. Caffeine, the main ingredient in energy drinks, isn't directly toxic to the heart. Caffeine containing drinks and other such temporary stimulants are not safe. Caffeine can increase your blood pressure, and sometimes impair blood flow to your heart. Caffeine, like alcohol, is a diuretic that promotes fluid loss. Caffeine is a drug that is easily accessed by people of any age, especially teens. Caffeine is a known stimulant that can temporarily alleviate a sense of sluggishness. Caffeine affects the levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain's pleasure center. Caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical involved in sleep. Caffeine is a diuretic that causes more urine output and enhances dehydration. Caffeine is also addictive, therefore the athlete may require higher and higher doses to achieve the same caffeine high. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that when consumed, may make the athlete feel more energized.
Sports
Sports drinks and energy beverages often are regarded as one and the same. Sports drinks, like energy drinks, are high in sugars, but they do not contain caffeine. Sports drinks are designed to replenish fluids lost during activity. Sports energy drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are advertised as fluid replacements for athletes. Sports drinks are intended to replenish electrolytes, sugars, water and other nutrients and are usually isotonic (containing the same proportions as found in the human body).
Conclusion
Energy drinks are carbonated beverages that contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar along with other ingredients, such as B vitamins, amino acids such as taurine and herbal stimulants such as guarana and ginseng. Energy drinks are currently enjoying a growth in popularity and marketing presence, and newcomers to the scene seem to be popping up constantly. Energy drinks are non-alcoholic, often lightly carbonated beverages that are designed to give the consumer a burst of energy by the addition of a number of energy enhancing ingredients, most notably caffeine. Energy drinks are everywhere nowadays, tempting us from the refrigerated section with their mega portions of caffeine and natural energy enhancers. Energy drinks are all the rage because they give a boost of energy on the go. Energy Drinks are a $96 Billion a year industry in the USA. Energy drinks are not good for you. Energy drinks make big promises, but once you cut through the hype and look past the flashy packaging, you'll find what you're really getting is a stiff dose of liquid caffeinated candy. Nutritionally speaking, energy drinks are comparable to soda.



Click here to Get Google Ads Free







Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Friday, June 19, 2009

The Trucking Industry Is Vital To Our Nation's Economy

Economy of American SamoaImage via Wikipedia


The trucking industry is vital to the economic structure of our nation, and it is currently experiencing a critical shortage of qualified drivers. The trucking industry is crucial to the American way of life and has been since about World War II when they begin using bigger trucks to ship needed supplies to the war fronts. The Trucking Industry is one of the strongest industry's in the United States, Simply because of the demand for products and resources that trucks provide. The trucking industry is ever-growing and ever-expanding. The trucking industry is one of the fastest growing and largest employment sectors  in today's economy. The trucking industry is experiencing a slowdown due to the current economic climate and most trucking companies have a large supply of drivers and a decrease in driver demand. The trucking industry is facing more challenges than ever. The trucking industry is a diverse and highly competitive industry providing a broad spectrum of services to a variety of agricultural and food operations, markets, and interests worldwide.
Trucking is blue-collar work, the workplace can sometimes be a bit rough and tumble, and the work itself can be demanding. Trucking is the vital transportation link not only for domestic goods, but also international products. Trucking companies are the modern day mules. The trucking industry exclusively serves an outstanding 80 percent of all communities in the United States for the goods they receive, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Trucking is the largest sector of the economy's vast transportation and warehousing industry, beating out transportation modes such as air, rail, water and pipeline. Trucking companies want to hire good, honest truck drivers that have attended an accredited truck driver training school, however, CDL training can be very expensive and time consuming. Trucking companies (and truck drivers) earn money by providing service to customers with many drivers paid entirely on the basis of their productivity. Common sense tells us that a job in trucking will not satisfy everyone. Class 8 trucks drove a total of 114 billion miles according to Martin Labbe Associates.
Drivers are typically permitted to determine their own schedules and routes as long as they can ensure that their load is delivered on time. Drivers are limited driving/working 70 hours in 8 days, with a maximum 14 hour work session before an 10 hour break. Drivers are away from home an average of 1-4 weeks. Driver wages have failed to regain pre-2000 levels when they averaged 6% to 7% higher than construction wages. Driving allows me the freedom to travel, see God's country, and meet God's good people. Commercial truck drivers earn $50,000 annually on average; some, however, earn a salary of well above $100,000 per year.
Companies today need drivers like never before and they're willing to pay the price to find and keep the good ones. Companies are offering benefits such as signing bonuses ranging from $250 to $5000. Companies (and drivers) who fail to provide satisfactory service don't survive for long.
ATA estimates indicate that private trucking firms handle more than five billion tons of cargo every year. ATA, the national trade association for the trucking industry, is a federation of affiliated state trucking associations, conferences and organizations that includes more than 37,000 motor carrier members representing every type and class of motor carrier in the country before Congress, the courts and regulatory agencies. ATA said finding drivers will grow more difficult in coming years as adverse demographic trends limit the size of the pool of workers that traditionally fill truck driving jobs.
The trucking industry is the back bone of the American economy. The trucking industry is a major employer in the United States, providing work for nearly nine million people, more than one-third of whom are truck drivers. The trucking industry is a vital section of the US economy; many States depend on the efforts of our excellent drivers to transport their goods and raw materials. The trucking industry is indisputably the life blood of the American economy and the standard of living we all enjoy. Trucking is one of America's most important industries.
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Sleep Debt And Obesity

Nuclear dazzles - Bagliori nucleariImage by Funky64 (www.lucarossato.com) via Flickr



Sleep debt is a matter for safety concern but I want to show its relation to obesity. These statements are not from a doctor or health professional , but from me and what I decipher from research I have done on the internet.
This is what I found from the CDC (center for disease control) and the "Truck Driver Occupational Safety and Health 2003 Conference Report and Selective Literature Overview".
Sleep debt is associated with or can contribute to ;
Impaired glucose metabolism.
Abnormal cortisol regulation (stress hormone).
Impaired immune function.
Altered autonomic function (elevated sympathovagal balance). Link
OBESITY.
diabetes.
Hypertension.
Long haul drivers who do not have 24 hour work/rest cycles can suffer from disrupted circadian rythyms.
Over 40 hour work weeks can cause helicobacterpylori infection connected to peptic ulcers. This type of work week can also raise the risk for ischemic heart disease(IHD). The longer the work hours the greater risk.
Truck drivers take note; it's ok to stop and get a good sleep in. In fact it could save your life in the long run and keep your loved ones from facing hardship and tragedy.
Thats all for now . Happy trails and keep the shiny side up!
http://www.simpletruckerdiet.com/

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Is Ephedra a Good Weight Loss Alternative

Ephedrine tabletsImage via Wikipedia



Ephedra is one of the most curious herbs used in Chinese and traditional herbal medicine. Ephedra is legal again after a federal judge overturned an FDA ban on the substance. Ephedra is usually taken in the form of a pill and is also sold as a powder for filling into specially chosen gelatin capsules for their size. Ephedra is usually not taken alone, but in conjunction with other herbs, such as cinnamon, apricot seed, green tea, and gypsum. Ephedra is not pure Ephedrine, it is a herbal plant extract that contains some Ephedrine the concentrations of which can vary from 2% to as high as 8% with the higher concentrations being more effective as a stimulant than the lower. Ephedra is used to treat asthma, hay fever, the common cold, and as a weight loss aid. Ephedra is a naturally occurring substance that comes from botanicals and is used to combat obesity and excessive weight in adults. Ephedra is an herbal supplement taken to increase weight loss by burning fat and increasing energy levels. There is some evidence that ephedra is not safe when used in high doses or when used long-term.
Ephedra has a number of side effects and should not be taken by people with certain conditions. Ephedra does effectively help the body to preferentially burn fat for energy. Ephedra may react with what you eat for breakfast, dinner or something you drink. Ephedra and other nutritional supplements are not regulated or required to include risks or side effects on the labels. Ephedra causes heavy sweating, and should be used with extreme caution in deficient conditions or asthma and cough due to possible failure of the kidneys. Ephedra may cause dizziness, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting in some people. Ephedra is the ingredient everyone wants because they know it works. Ephedra has terrific benefits when used properly. Ephedra has been associated with serious health problems, including hypertension, stroke, heart attack, seizure, cardiac arrhythmia, and over 100 deaths. Ephedra is so powerful its safety was questioned,the FDA removed ephedra also known by its chinese name Ma-huang from the market in April 2004, claiming that it was responsible for dozens of deaths. Ephedra acts to increase mental alertness and neurologically provide the surge you need to maximize your training. Effects of cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements may be altered by ephedra, although this has not been proven. Stacked Ephedra helps you get metabolism into gear and start burning that unwanted body fat today.
Caffeine is well known for thousands of years for its wonderful medicinal quality of stimulating the central nervous system which significantly boosts the cerebral awareness in its user’s body. Caffeine by itself can elevate blood pressure and cause heart palpitations. Caffeine by itself keeps lean individuals lean by keeping circulating blood lipid levels higher than normal. Caffeine is most commonly consumed by humans in coffee and tea, as well as various foods and drinks containing products derived from the kola nut, yerba mate, and guarana berries. ECA is an acronym for ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin.
Companies that sell ephedra based products are allowed to resume selling whole herb ephedra products with no more than 10mg of naturally occurring ephedrine alkaloids. Combinations of ephedrine and caffeine have side effects substantially greater than those from the consumption of either compound alone. Common side effects associated with the use of ephedra include increase in blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, and disturbances in heart rhythm. Combining ephedra with a variety of other medications can lead to potentially serious problems. Combined ingestion of caffeine and ephedrine has been observed to increase blood glucose and lactate concentrations. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective.
Ephedra is listed as one of the original 365 herbs from the classical first century. Ephedra is one of the extremely popular basic components of a lot of legal drugs. Ephedra is not considered a food, nor is it considered a drug. Ephedra is often combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide rangeof complaints. Ephedra isn't harmless, but no drug is. Ephedra is one of the products which work used by people who don't do any exercises. Ephedra is believed to increase the risk of heat stroke, because it increases metabolism and impairs the body's ability to lose heat. Ephedra is even on the United States Olympic Committee's list of banned substances. Ephedra is not for everyone and must be used responsibly. Ephedra is therefore not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, heart problems or hyperthyroidism. Ephedra is like many other herbs, drugs, drinks, or food: not everyone is capable of tolerating its effects. Fat burners should never be used as the sole means to achieve fat loss. Taking Ephedra responsibly will get you the weight loss results you have been looking for. Taking ephedra with other stimulants, such as caffeine, is considered dangerous and may increase the risk of serious side effects. Serious adverse effects can occur in susceptible persons with low doses.








Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Get Help For Losing Man Boobs

Silhouettes representing healthy, overweight, ...Image via Wikipedia


Lose Man Boobs Quickly and Naturally

Man boobs are caused by many factors, among them the most common are obesity or being overweight, a side-effect to a medication or Gynecomastia. Man boobs are deposits of excessive fat in the chest area. Man boobs are hard to get rid off without surgery. Man boobs are very stubborn so getting rid of them can seem impossible if you are not eating the right things, and doing the right exercises. Man boobs are triggered not just by fat accumulation but also by an under-secretion of the male hormone testosterone because of which the torso gets a feminine look. Getting man boobs is not only embarrassing and painful; it is also a major cause of loss of self esteem and self confidence in men.
Surgery is one of the ways to eliminate and reduce fat breast tissue on most men. Surgery is the last resort but is a permanent solution to gynecomastia. Surgery is definitely an option but if you ask me it's a risky and expensive one. Plastic surgery is surgery with all its' associated risks so to me it would be a big decision.
Lose Man Boobs Quickly and Naturally


Gynecomastia Surgery is a definite option and in the most extreme man boobs cases is the only solution. Gynecomastia is a condition that many men suffer from and it is very embarrassing because it makes your chest look more feminine than masculine. Gynecomastia is a medical condition that involves a male’s body producing more estrogen (female hormones) and lesser testosterone (male hormones). Gynecomastia (man boobs) is easily one of the most embarrassing condition for a man. Gynecomastia is the abnormal enlargement of breasts in male. Gynecomastia surgery is a plastic surgery in which the chest is reshaped and the excessive fat tissue in the man boobs are removed by liposuction. Gynecomastia surgery costs over 4,000$ and is usually not covered by medical insurance because it is considered a cosmetic condition, not a medical one.
Exercises particularly those that focus on burning fat (such as interval workouts) and those that build up the chest can help, but ultimately you need to get yourself on an exercise routine that is specifically formulated to target man boobs. Exercises like push ups and bench presses are some of the exercises that you can do. Exercise helps burn fat, but different exercises target different areas. Exercises that specially target the chest area will help the fat to burn. Doing cardio vascular exercises, you can say goodbye to embarrassments and become confident about yourself. Actually, sometimes, the solution should not be relied on these options alone. One of the best workout routines is Jon Benson's Fit Over 40. In this workout Jon teaches you how to workout in a way that helps to accomplish maximum testosterone levels in a very natural way.
Start this plan today and lose your man boobs forever. Start the process of getting rid of your man boobs today.
Man boobs are boobs belonging to a man that is overweight. Man boobs are basically composed of excess fat. Man boobs are exactly that, fatty deposits on the chest area that look like boobs on a guy. Man boobs are embarrassing, and we have to fight back. Weight loss in a gradual and well balanced way will reduce and end the problem. Don't wait for a miracle that will never come. Male Breasts , commonly known as man boobs, are a disturbing cosmetic condition which a great part of the male population suffers from. Don't give up without a fight as there are many natural ways to minimize and even remove this problem. Lose Man Boobs Quickly and Naturally








Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Sunday, June 14, 2009

The Best Fat Loss Requires Change

A weighloss pyramid, made on the food/weighlos...Image via Wikipedia


http://www.simpletruckerdiet.com/
The best fat loss is one making a change to overall diet, permanently. The best fat loss is through diet and exercise However, exercise is indeed an important part of losing fat. The best fat loss is one making a change to overall diet, forever. Diet and exercise can be difficult to follow unless you have the willpower to go the full length of the regimen. Diet and exercise must be done together to experience effective weight loss.
Weight loss is one of those goals which can take a long time to see results so it is important to remind yourself what your goal is to gain the willpower to stick to your plan. Weight loss isn't easy, but relatively speaking there are easy ways to lose weight. Weight is not just a simple health problem and an easy weight loss treatment that works 100 percent of the time doesn't exist, but depending on the cause of your condition, good treatments can be prescribed by any doctor.
Eating at regular times is essential in order to lose weight and regulate ones blood sugar levels. Eating more meals with smaller portions results in eating 30% fewer calories. Eating nothing but cantaloupe, or doing some bizarre exercise routine for two hours a day, just isn’t possible long-term. Eating is a complex issue and although we all eat to many foods that have no health benefits, in fact quite the opposite, it is not a good idea to cut out every type of food we enjoy. Plan ahead of time what you will eat and how much.

http://www.simpletruckerdiet.com/

Obesity is more than just a matter of looks. Obesity is a serious problem that should be address properly. Obesity can be inherited or it may be due psychological problems. Obesity is a leading factor in getting diabetes. Obesity has started to overcome America's youth because of poor eating habits.
It’s the one truth that we all know: a lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise are what will help us all lose weight and stay in shape. It’s okay to have a slice of pizza once in awhile. It’s better that you do eat snacks. It’s estimated that for every five years past high school that an individual goes without doing some type of strength training, they’ll lose 3 pounds of muscle.
Don’t be taken in by the vast number of weight loss myths you read about on the internet. Don’t forfeit your long-term weight loss goals for momentary short-term pleasure. Don't be concerned with the sugar, pretty soon you won't miss it. Don’t forget to eat a good diet along with exercise as these two components are vital to getting rid of cellulite. Don’t worry about where your heart rate should be. Don't think it won't take a little work. Rather than enabling you to focus on how much body fat and lean mass you have gained, scales cause you to focus on your body weight.
The best way to measure your progress is to look in yhe mirror instead using a scale. If you like the changes you see that will be much more telling of your progress than a simple number on a piece of machinery.

http://www.simpletruckerdiet.com/


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Trucking and the Risk of Repetitive Motion Injury

Cat stretching from a relaxed positionImage via Wikipedia

In the trucking industry I don't feel that enough attention or consideration is given to the fact that Truck Driving is almost all repetitive motion. When the FMCSA decides to write up and implement their new rules I doubt seriously that this is taken into account or there would be more attention taken into consideration for drivers ability to reduce the stress from this type of motion.
If you drive for a living and are lucky enough to be operating equipment with multiple seat adjustments, a multiple steering wheel adjustment, and arm rests always consider using them with keeping the best spinal alignment for good posture in mind.
Repetitive Motion Injuries are among the most common injuries in the United States. Repetitive motion injuries are wear-and-tear injuries that occur because of repetitive activities that we perform at work and at home. Repetitive motion injuries are caused when the soft tissue structures that are being used during the motion do not have time to repair and eventually become degenerated, torn, or stretched. Repetitive motion injuries are most common in fingers, wrists, elbows, arms and shoulders. Repetitive motion injuries are one of the fastest growing causes of lost time to business and industry, not to mention their impact on worker health and morale. Repetitive motion injuries are caused, not from a one-time event, but from years of repeating the same movement. Repetitive motion injuries are a multi-factorial problem and so are difficult to control there is no universal control measure that eliminates causes of repetitive motion injuries . Repetitive motion injuries are often tough to diagnose and treat.
Safety
Safety problems in work settings range from immediate threats like toxic substances and grievous bodily injuries to subtle, progressive dangers such as repetitive motion injuries, high noise levels, and air quality. Safety newsletters, workshops, posters, incentive programs and articles are key components in communicating effectively.
Trigger
Trigger point therapy isn’t "too good to be true" — it’s just ordinary good. Trigger point therapy is not a miracle cure for chronic pain — but it’s close. Trigger points are not a flaky diagnosis. Trigger points routinely complicate most injuries and often begin to overshadow the original problem. Trigger points have many strange "features" and behaviours, and can easily be confused with many other problems. Trigger points might explain many odd aches and pains.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics deals directly with the problem of work related musculoskeletal disorders, and this type of injury is one of the most prevalent lost time injuries in the country.Ergonomics is the science of matching tools and tasks to the work environment. Ergonomics is used to fit the person into his or her environment in order to prevent repetitive motion injuries . Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design that’s intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Ergonomics, also referred to as Human Factors Engineering, is the study of the interaction between people and their work. Ergonomics is the practice of designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. Ergonomics in the workplace aims to fit the job to the worker in an effort to limit strain on the body and thus reduce the risk for work related injury, especially musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomic injuries, including back and repetitive motion illnesses, account for more than half of all workers compensation claims.
Osha
OSHA, which developed an ergonomics standard that Congress revoked in 2001, has since that time released voluntary ergonomic guidelines for nursing homes and other sectors with high numbers of reported MSDs. OSHA says its rules would be limited to manufacturing and manual operations where workers use their limbs in repetitive motions. OSHA claims that federal ergonomic standards will save businesses money. OSHA's effectiveness in reducing industrial injury and illness has been debated since its earliest years.
Muscle
Muscle tissue is incredibly powerful and complex, and like any finely-tuned machine, it breaks down easily. Muscle tissue, and its problems, simply has not gotten the clinical attention it deserves. Muscle tissue is the largest organ in the body, metabolically active and filled with nerves, the primary target of the wear and tear of daily activities, but it is the bones, joints, bursae and nerves on which physicians usually concentrate their attention. Strained cervical postures (eg, sitting in the drivers seat using you arms and legs in the same repetetive motion ) are common.
Symptoms
Symptoms of repetitive motion injuries develop over time and are subjective with the result that it is difficult to identify the cause and also the solution for the problem. Symptoms that are persistent and don't go away overnight may indicate a more serious problem. Symptoms include chronic aches, stiffness, sore muscles, decreased coordination, tingling or numbness especially upon waking, and trouble sleeping because of the pain. Symptoms that go away overnight are usually a sign of fatigue. Stretching is a good way to help increase your flexibility and reduce some of the physical effects of stress. Stretching the tendons and muscles can help reduce your risk of injury. Stretching is generally over-rated … but it might be good for trigger points. One of the worst problems I have is my lower back from all the sitting all day behind the wheel. This shortens the thigh muscles which helps to aggravate any back pain. If you take a short twenty minute walk to warm the muscles, then do some stretching exercises you will over a short time span begin to feel you back pain less and less.
Conclusion
Repetitive motion injuries are on the increase. Repetitive motion injuries are some of the most common, painful, soft tissue problems in the United States, making up over 50 percent of all athletic-related injuries seen by physicians. Repetitive motion injuries are easier to treat in their early stages. Repetitive motion injuries are the most common type of office injury, followed by back injuries and trips and falls. Repetitive motion injuries are one of the more frequent hazards of the modern workplace. Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive stress injuries, are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again. Repetitive motion injuries can often be healed quickly if promptly reported. Ergonomic techniques have been recommended and successfully used to improve or correct workplaces that cause cumulative trauma disorders.
If you have the time between on duty and off duty shifts take the time to stretch go for a walk and do some basic calisthenics. This will save you from a lifetime of aches and pains, and help you to live a happier healthier life.




Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Thursday, June 11, 2009

7 Fat Loss Strategies For Busy Moms

7 Fat Loss Strategies For Busy Moms
By Holly Rigsby, CPThttp://vur.me/michaelromero63/Fit-mommy-->Would you like to "jump start" your metabolism and lose your ‘mommy belly' once and for all? If so, the following seven tips are exactly what you need to improve your workouts and ignite your metabolism. Try some or all of these tips, but beware, the result may be a number of admiring second glances and the need to pull your ‘skinny jeans' out of the closet.1. The majority of your workouts should be composed of free-weight, bodyweight or cable exercises.Compared to machines, free-weight, bodyweight and cable movements often require more skill, create muscular balance, and have a greater metabolic cost. For example, it is more difficult to balance the weights, and to coordinate muscles when performing free-weight exercises. Although this may sound like a disadvantage, it is actually a benefit. By balancing and stabilizing free-weights or cables you are working more muscles through a greater range of motion resulting in more muscles developed and more calories burned.2. Use exercises that work more than one muscle at a time.When focusing on fat loss, you can't worry about "shaping" exercises, instead you should use exercises that'll get you the biggest bang for your buck and work as many muscles as possible. Isolation exercises can be used at the end of a workout to work on a specific target area, but they just serve to supplement your core movements.Virtually every savvy fitness professional is privy to the fact that compound exercises recruit the most muscle groups for any given body part.If you seek lean, toned muscles and the increase in metabolism that comes with them, you must choose exercises that work as many different muscles as possible. One of the main reasons why squats are superior to leg extensions for improving your body is that they also work your butt, hamstrings and inner thighs in addition to toning your quadriceps while leg extensions focus on just the front of your thigh and don't really offer any other benefit. That same rationale hold true for arm exercises too. That's why dumbell presses and dips will are more valuable for your arms than triceps kickbacks and pushdowns.A good rule of thumb is to use movements that will allow you to use the most weight. These will have a systemic effect on your body that'll help maintain or increase your lean muscle, and in turn ignite your metabolism.3. Pair exercises.Pair your exercises together so that you alternate between upper-body exercises and lower-body exercises or between exercises that target opposing muscle groups (e.g. chest and back).This type of approach will keep your workouts short and efficient by eliminating much of the downtime that comes between sets of a single exercise since you are working on one movement while resting from another. This approach can also yield huge benefits in your mission to burn fat. Since you'll constantly be moving and keeping your heart rate elevated, you'll be burning far more calories than you would during a typical workout.4. Keep your reps between 8 and 12.Through research, it has been determined that the best range for building lean muscle is roughly between 8-12 reps. Since the main focus of your resistance training efforts is to gain lean body mass and stimulate your metabolism, this rep range fills the bill perfectly. "High reps for tone and fat loss" is one of the biggest (and most unproductive) training myths! Somehow the aerobics, yoga and Pilates' community have convinced us that when we perform bodyweight exercises or light resistance training for high reps, our muscles magically take on a beautiful shape without growing or bulging. On the other hand, if you challenge yourself with moderately heavy weights, your body will take on a bulky, unflattering appearance. If you believe this, you probably still believe in the Tooth Fairy!5. Rest only 30 to 60 seconds between sets.When you keep the rest periods under one minute, it's easier to stay focused on the task at hand and keeps your heart rate elevated. In addition, it forces your muscles to recover more quickly between sets, along with keeping your nervous system revved up.If your first movement in an upper/lower body pair is squats, you might want to rest 60 seconds before attempting your second movement. However, if your first exercise is a fairly "easy" exercise, like lat pull downs, you might only wish to wait 30 seconds before doing the second part of the pair.6. Perform total body workouts.You must drop the notion that muscle groups work independently of one another. Muscles work together and should be trained that way. Besides, not only does this approach mean less time in the gym, but by working the whole body three times per week, you'll be maximizing the fat burning effect of your program.7. Cardio is not the cure-all for fat loss.Cardiovascular exercise aids in the creation of a caloric deficit, but the caloric expenditure during cardio is temporary. Strength training addresses the core of the problem by permanently increasing the rate at which the body burns calories by adding muscle. The best programs will include both strength training and cardiovascular training, but the core or the programs effectiveness is resistance training.Take these strategies and incorporate them into your workout routine. Not only will you save a lot of time, but you'll also soon see a leaner and more toned body. Not to mention a few more turned heads and the re-emergence of your skinny jeans.
About the Author
Holly Rigsby is a nationally recognized women’s fitness coach, certified personal trainer (CPT) and the author of the internationally popular e-book – Fit Yummy Mummy - Burn Your Baby Fat & Get Your Body Back. Go to http://vur.me/michaelromero63/Fit-mommy--> to get your FREE copy of her special report: "The Five Ways To Boost Your Metabolism."

Massage Helps Reduce Stress Levels And Pain

Marine of the United States Marine Corps runs ...Image via Wikipedia

Today I really can feel the stress and pain of 14 hour work days and 70 or more hour work weeks. I've just come off three really tough weeks in a row and all I can really think about is how to get relief from all the aches and pains.
Another good point to bring out is that we all know that stress keeps us obese and this is another way to reduce stress levels so we can more easily attain a healthy weight for an over all well being.
http://vur.me/michaelromero63/P -->
Massage therapy is by far one of the oldest therapies known to man. Massage therapy is a type of therapy that can be applied either to certain parts of the body or tothe entire body. Massage therapy is one of the best know means of manipulating the body with the hands and other tools in a manner that relieves tension, exercises muscles and provides therapeutic stimulation to the body. Massage therapy is utilized in a wide variety of ways, both as an adjunct to medical treatment and in the promotion of health and wellness.
Massage
Massage can help people relax, relieve aching muscles, and temporarily lift a person's mood. Massage – massage therapy is one of the most effective therapies for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system. Massage therapy is often a massage plus a metaphysical explanation about some sort of energy or "structure" being balanced, unblocked, transferred, harmonized, tuned up, or aligned. Massage therapy may be done to aid circulation, to stimulate nerves, to relax the muscles, or even to move the joints.
Therapeutic
Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-being and enhance self-esteem, while boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone. Therapeutic massage enhances medical treatment and helps people feel less anxious and stressed, relaxed yet more alert. Therapeutic Massage (also known as Deep Tissue or Sports Massage) is a combination of techniques designed to address deeper muscle tension. Therapeutic massage can be thought of as an extension of Swedish massage, where a massage therapist uses a variety of special techniques to promote rehabilitation, provide pain relief, and improve flexibility and mobility.
Muscle
Muscle tension may be the primary or secondary cause of pain or dysfunction when dealing with joint dysfunction and acute soft tissue problems. Muscle Pain, Tightness and Soreness Various types of muscle pain including back and neck pain, short term muscle tightness and soreness due to strong physical activity can be relieved through massage therapy. Muscle pain brought on by repetitive workplace activities can also be greatly alleviated.
Massage therapy is good medicine, and it's a far more potent healing therapy than most people realize. Massage therapy is an excellent way to relieve stress and improve your overall quality of life. Massage therapy is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of healing procedures and methods and is generally composed of pressing, rubbing and manipulating muscles and soft body tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin and connective tissues. Massage therapy is a good way to invigorate your body, increase blood circulation and a lot of other benefits. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to experience relaxation and therapeutic treatment for your body. Massage therapy is further viewed as a holistic approach that functions to alleviate blood pressure, heart rate and enhance the lymph flow and blood circulation. Massage therapy is a wonderful gift to give yourself.
http://vur.me/michaelromero63/P -->
I am lucky because my daughter is a massage therapist and that gives me easy access. I was a sceptic at one point and was a firm believer in Chiripractic only, but now I can see there is a benefit from both. If you need the added relief I would advocate for both.


target="_blank">Turbulence Training



Reblog this post [with Zemanta]