Category : Article
Posted in Article on February 22, 2012
Obesity is defined as having too much body fat. The body consists of water, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. When there is too much fat, you are at higher risks for health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
When you are obese, you magnify your risk for heart disease. When there is excess body fat it raises your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It raises your blood pressure and can lead to diabetes. In some cases for people with diabetes, they have doubled their risks for a major heart attack or stroke.
Obesity is caused by having more calories consumed, than are burned with physical activity, whether from daily activity or exercise. When there is a great deal of calories consumed, with too much saturated fat and cholesterol, the levels of cholesterol in the blood rises. This increases the risks for heart disease.
Determine If You Are Obese:
Body fat is measured by waist circumference and by body mass index. The high-risk waistline is more than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men.
The body mass index assesses the body weight in comparison to the height. It is a method to measure the body’s composition in correlation to the body fat. It is calculated by taking the body weight in pounds divided by the height in inches squared then multiplying it by 703.
The National Center for Health Statistics has the following levels for mass body index calculations:
18.5 is considered underweight.
18.5 – 24.9 is considered healthy.
25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight. This is generally 10over the ideal body weight.
30.0 or greater is considered obese.
Extreme obesity is defined as a body mass index of 40 or greater.
Here are some suggestions to reduce or prevent obesity:
1. Add physical activity to your daily routine. Adults need to have at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three or four times a week. Children need to have at least 60 minutes the same amount of times a week.
2. Reduce time watching television or sedentary activities including time on the computer or playing video games.
3. Create opportunities for physical activity at work as well as home.
4. Promote healthier choices of food serving five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables every day.
5. Reduce the portions of the food consumed. Avoid “supersized” meals and value meals with larger portions.
Taking steps to avoid or reduce the chances of obesity has many benefits for everyone. The fact of living a healthy longer life is incentive to work on the weight issues leading to heart disease and other health related issues. Americans have the highest rate in the world for heart disease based on the amounts of people that are overweight.
Posted in Article on February 20, 2012
The lower back extensions are going to help strengthen your lower back. You will feel the complete isolation in your lower back when you are done working out. This exercise is also great for your glutes and hamstring muscles. This is why they are one of the best exercises for your lower back.
When doing the lower back extensions, you will need a hyperextension bench. Lay the upper part of your body face down on the bench while slightly bending at the waist. Now place your ankles right under the footpads. Make sure your feet are flat on the pads. You want to be able to bend freely at the waist while your thighs are resting comfortably on the wide pad. There is a possibility the machine will need to be adjusted so you are positioned correctly on it.
Lift your upper torso up so it is straight and cross your arms across your upper chest. The palms of your hands will be resting on your upper arms. If you would like a little more resistance place a weight plate under your crossed arms and hold it in place. Do not grab the heaviest weight you find. A light weight of 20-25 pounds will do the job just fine. You are now in the starting position for the lower back extensions.
Inhale and start slowly bending at the waist and going forward. The object is to keep your back flat and not letting the back round. If you feel your back rounding then you have gone too far down and you need to lift back up some. Since your feet are locked in place and you are bending forward there will be some tucking on the hamstrings. Hold the position for a few seconds and let the muscles be stretched.
Start inhaling and lifting your body back up into the starting position. Do not lift to far up. You want your back to stay straight and not arched in. If you start swinging your torso around then you are running a high risk of hurting your back.
Once you do not feel like you are getting the resistance you are looking for anymore then you could do the good morning exercise.
This exercise also concentrates on your lower back, but it’s done with a barbell instead of using a hyperextension bench. During the workout you will be standing. You will have a barbell with weights across your back as you bend forward and come back up. This exercise has the same objectives of keeping your back straight at all times. It will also give your glutes and hamstrings an excellent workout. Your will need someone to spot you when you are doing the good morning exercise.
You have got your muscles in your shoulders, traps and back stretched completely out and they are feeling like they are on fire. Remember if your muscles are burning then you are burning the fat. Get ready to push your muscles even farther with the one arm dumbbell rows. This will work another area of your back.
Posted in Article on February 19, 2012
Finding the right exercise tips on losing weight is a lot more confusing than you might think. Everywhere you look there is a new diet and exercise plan that is guaranteed to give you good results. There are some things that you should consider before you choose a diet or an exercise routine for weight loss.
Consider the source of your exercise tips on losing weight. If you are looking at diets, make sure that the source is a reputable one and that the diet that is recommended uses common sense. Any diet that focuses on quick weight loss is not healthy and will only result in your gaining the weight back in the long run. There are a number of diets on the market that focus on eating one type of food, but it is better to eat a well balanced diet that includes a wide variety of food types.
A visit to your local bookstore will provide you with a number of books that have been written about exercise tips for losing weight. You will find cookbooks and exercise books that will show you the safe and effective way to eat a healthy diet and include exercise in your routine to lose weight and feel great at the same time. Don’t sacrifice your health for weight loss.
Videos are another resource that you can use for exercise tips on losing weight. There are a number of programs that are designed for beginners that will start you off slow and build you up at a good pace. Choose the type of program that you would enjoy to make sure that you use your video with consistency.
Joining a gym is a good way to get some exercise tips on losing weight. There are many trainers who work in the gyms that can steer you in the right direction for the exercises that will help you to burn calories and lose weight. Your new routine should help you to maximize your calories burned and help you to achieve the results that you want.
You can also take all of this advice and design your own exercise plan. Choose some aerobic activity that you will enjoy like walking, biking, running or swimming to increase your metabolism and lose weight. There are many activities that you can include in your exercise routine that are not typically thought of as exercise such as dance. Anything that you can maintain for twenty minutes at an accelerated heart rate will help you to increase your metabolism and lose weight.
Make your exercise plan personal by including things that you love to do. Exercise should be enjoyable and there is no reason that it has to be something to dread. It will improve your mood and help you to feel good immediately. Once you begin including exercise in your daily schedule, you will wonder why you hadn’t started sooner. There are some wonderful health benefits that will come with your new healthy exercise routine. All you have to do is get started.
Posted in Article on February 16, 2012
Do you want to know the natural way to lose belly fat? Do you dream of washboard abs or a flat stomach but don’t want to take pills, potions, or shakes? Do you long for an exercise program that doesn’t depend on complicated abdominal crunches that take an athlete to actually pull off?
Well I have a solution for you. There is a natural way to lose belly fat. It’s called a proper diet and exercise.
First of all, you want to have a balanced low calorie diet. One suggestion is to “eat around the outside of the supermarket.” That is, don’t go into the isles where all the processed food is. Instead, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a moderate amount of lean meat and low fat dairy products. Bulk up with natural foods like whole grains and legumes.
Be aware that there are food choices that you can make to save calories. For instance, swapping 2 cups of air popped popcorn for 1 cup of potato chips saves you 95 calories. And, instead of eating the prepackaged fruit on the bottom strawberry yogurt, eat 1 cup of sliced strawberries with 1 cup of fat free vanilla yogurt and save 105 calories.
Then, start to ramp up a cardio routine. You should be doing heart healthy exercises at least 5 times a week. One study showed that dieters who also walked for 50 minutes 3 times a week lost nearly twice as much belly fat as those who only reduced their calories.
You should aim for 45 minutes of strenuous exercise as a natural way to lose belly fat. This exercise can include moderate to fast walking, jogging, cycling, or using any cardio machine at your gym.
One popular routine that can burn up to 500 calories in a single session has you warming up for 3 minutes, picking up the intensity for 3 minutes, pushing yourself as hard as you can for two minutes, then slowing down for 3 minutes followed by pushing yourself for another 2 minutes. Repeat this for a total of 45 minutes before doing a 2 minute cool down period.
You should be doing strength training on top of your cardio as well. Working your muscles is key to finding the natural way to lose belly fat.
Buy a belly ball and work out with this large 22 inch stability ball. They cost about $30 in sporting goods stores, and if you are serious about finding a natural way to lose belly fat, you’ll get one. Lie on your back and hold the ball in the air between your legs for one minute. It’s easier to get the hang of than a traditional crunch and will strengthen your muscles just as well. The book that comes with the stability ball will explain more exercises.
Diet and proper exercise including both cardio and strength training routines are key to the natural way to lose belly fat.
Posted in Article on February 12, 2012
By now you might have known though it is hard to get a perfect body shape, it isn?t impossible either. Following a proper exercise regimen will help you attain what you aim for. Now after the shoulder exercises, let?s get onto working on upper back muscles. The rows exercise as they call it, is an exercise performed with a rowing machine. It could be down with the dumbbells, bars or t-bars rows with special equipments, in any case, though it might look like an arm exercise, it really helps in strengthening the upper body muscle.
Bent over t-bar rows exercise:
As usual before starting any weight lifting exercise it is advisable to do warm up exercises to make your muscles flexible. So start with some light aerobics exercises and continue it for a time span of 15-25 minutes.
Once you are done with warm up exercises, load your t-bar with the weight you intend to work on. But remember if you are a beginner or if you are doing this exercise for the first time then start with just 25-45 pounds of weight. If you are an advanced weight lifter then you can go up to 100 pounds of weight. However do not go beyond your comfort level, as it may worsen the condition than helping you out.
Face the ground and grasp the handles. Depending on the part of the back you want to emphasize you can either use a palms up, palms down or palms in position.
Now grasp the handle of your t-bar with your overhand grip. While you are lifting the weight make sure that you are standing with your feet placed shoulder width apart and your arms extended in front of you. Your knees also should be bent slightly. This will be your starting position.
While you lift the t-bar see to it that you keep your body flat and bend your waist a little bit till your upper body is at 45 degrees from the vertical. The bar should be at arm?s length straight below your shoulders.
As you exhale slowly squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift the t-bar as close as you can to your lower chest. One tip to be followed here is, while lifting the bar keep your upper arm as close to your chest as possible, as this will lay proper emphasis on the back muscle.
Hold this position for a second or two, as per your convenience and then slowly inhale and place the bar back on the ground. Come back to the starting position.
Repeat this exercise as per your fitness expert?s recommendation.
As mentioned before take proper position before starting this exercise, as an improper position may wrench your back out of whack instead of helping you out. As this exercise involves intense weight lifting to be done, it is wise to perform it under the supervision of an expert than doing it by yourself. So stay fit and enjoy your life.
Posted in Article on February 10, 2012
More and more teens are presenting as overweight and obese. It is becoming an epidemic that is putting a strain on the medical resources and the life expectancy of many young people. All of which, given the state of the average teenager’s diet, is no surprise. Therefore, finding a free weight loss for teens program has become a regular quest.
With this in mind, it is important that any program of weight loss that is going to work has to be one that does not exploit or offer unrealistic goals. Instead a weight loss program that takes into account the growing and changing body and mind of the teenager should always the preferred option.
Without a doubt, any free weight loss for teens program should start with the basics. A close look should be taken at what the teenager is eating on a regular basis and also, how much physical activity the teenager is taking.
As already stated, some teenagers do not have the healthiest of diets. Many of them exist on nothing more than junk food. If this is the case, then the first thing that has to go is that junk food diet. The more junk food that can be cut out of the diet, the more weight is likely to be lost.
Instead a diet made up of fresh fruits and vegetables is what is needed. This might not sound as interesting as a diet of pizza, fries and hamburgers, but the more fruit and vegetables that are eaten, the better the all round weight management and health. Does that mean no more pizza ever? Well no, it just means that pizza, and other considered junk foods, should be eaten sparingly and not eaten as the norm.
The next step towards finding a free weight loss for teens program, is to make sure that there is plenty of regular exercise being taken. That means getting the heart and lungs pumping and working at least three or four times per week for at least twenty minutes at a time. It doesn’t mean that any teen who is not gym orientated or who does not enjoy jogging has to start doing those particular activities. No, any sport or activity that is not preferred, should not be undertaken. Going for a vigorous walk a few times a week is considered adequate exercise. Whatever the exercise taken, it should be done so willingly, only then is it more likely to be continued.
Above all, a free weight loss for teens plan should be realistic and not set the teenager up for failure. Repeated failures are demoralizing and will only result in weight gain. Small, steady progress is always the way to go to see long lasting weight loss.
Posted in Article on February 8, 2012
The following fitness tips can be applied to all low impact exercises. It is important to follow these tips as they will help reduce your chances of injuring your body especially if you have not exercised in a while.
If you have not exercised in a long time check with your doctor before beginning a new program.
While exercising if you feel dizzy or experience pain stop exercising immediately.
Work out at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Never exercise if you are sick and have a fever.
Perform exercises which incorporate both stretching and have a cardiovascular component.
Drink plenty of water, around 70of your body is water which you lose during sweat, so it is important to replace this each day.
A protein bar or banana make a good pre-workout snack.
Make sure you have all the correct equipment so you can work out effectively.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Good shoes are crucial for exercising without getting sore feet.
Choose running shoes which are cushioned and which support your arches.
Performing a warm up will enhance your exercise.
Stretching after exercising helps to reduce the severity of aches and pains the next day.
Eat a high energy snack after you have completed your exercise.
Don?t eat a large meal for at least an hour after your workout.
Incorporate exercise into your life gradually.
If you are new to exercise start off with 10 minutes segments a couple of times each day.
Getting 8 hours of straight sleep will help improve your exercise performance.
Eating sensibly goes hand in hand with leading a healthy lifestyle.
No one is ever too old to work out, start slowly and seek medical advice if you have an ongoing medical condition.
Try to choose a low impact exercise that helps to target any trouble areas. For example bending and stretching will help tone and tighten your legs and buttocks. Performing crunches will help tighten your abdominal muscles. Exercises like walking, swimming and cycling will provide you with a whole body workout and help to increase your stamina and energy levels.
Just remember that eating a healthy diet is very important. You can make small changes like cutting back on the amount of soda you drink each day. Small steps really do make a huge difference when it comes to improving your lifestyle.
Posted in Article on February 7, 2012
Who said exercise couldn’t be fun? You can literally exercise any time, any place if you just use your imagination a little. Take for example regular household chores, did you know that a 150 pound woman can burn approximately 230 calories in thirty minutes just by performing housework? Who said housework was a chore? Not anymore!
It is very true housework can really burn the calories especially if you put a little more effort into it. So instead of just vacuuming in a kind of lazy way, concentrate on your movements. Push the vacuum a little further away from you and pull it back with more gusto! Now you are burning a few extra calories.
The same applies to cleaning the bath tub or washing the floors. Instead of thinking about how much you dislike the chore. Think instead about applying a bit more pressure to your movements.
When you are cleaning and dusting take longer strides with your legs too. Take a long stride and then hold the position for a few seconds to help stretch your muscles. Then bend at the knees. When picking things up off the floor use your knees to bend down or you can bend straight legged. But just be careful not to over stretch and pull a muscle.
Outside the house you have lots of additional ways to exercise. Gardening, weeding, cutting and raking the lawn are all wonderful workouts. If you don’t normally do these chores offer to do them once a week and take advantage of using a different set of muscles.
The same goes if you have a dog, offer to be the one to take them on a walk. Or give your dog a surprise and take him for two walks a day instead of one, they will be excited and happy to go with you.
Most kids these days have some type of gaming console so why not take advantage of this and get an exercise video game. If you are a little embarrassed about anyone seeing you, get up early in the morning and play the game. Before long your kids will want to exercise along with you.
It really is easy to incorporate exercise into your daily chores. No matter what cleaning chore you are doing there is a way to bend, stretch and just put more effort into it. So go ahead and have fun while cleaning, your body will love you for it.
Posted in Article on February 6, 2012
You hear all the time about the benefits of exercise, but many people don’t understand the specific benefits that can be enjoyed with a good exercise plan. There are more benefits than you might think that come along with a good exercise routine. Not only will you get all of the health benefits including a toned and well muscled body, but you will also restore your confidence and self esteem in the process.
Self esteem is one of the best benefits of exercise that you don’t always hear about. When you begin to get in shape and lose weight with your exercise routine, you will automatically feel better about yourself and work even harder on your healthy routine. For many people, this is the beginning of a whole new way of living. Even if you don’t begin with a healthy diet, the restoration of your self esteem and the boost to your self confidence will inspire you to start watching what you eat as well.
Confidence is one of the most attractive qualities that a person can have. This is another of those benefits of exercise that is not listed often enough. People who are confident hold themselves taller and are not afraid to try new things. This can make you more attractive than the smaller size and weight loss that you will experience from your exercise routine.
Of course, there are a great many health benefits of exercise that should not be ignored. Obesity is responsible for more health problems than almost any other issue. When you begin to include exercise in your daily routine and begin burning calories at a much faster rate, you will begin to lose weight. Add in a healthy diet and the weight will come off even faster. A weight loss can result in a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. These are no small benefits and they are ones that will help you to live a longer and healthier life.
All of these benefits can be use by including exercise in your daily schedule. Even if you have not exercised for a long period of time, you can start off with a brisk walk to get started on your road to good health. Wake up a little earlier in the morning and start off your day with a quick walk around the block. Over time, you can add to your walk and before you know it, you will be racking up the miles every day. Go at your own pace and learn to listen to your body while you are just starting out.
Always start with a good warm up and end your exercise with a cool down. This is the best way to care for your muscles before you begin your harder exercises and it will prevent injury. The benefits of exercise can be yours if you include exercises that you enjoy in your daily routine. Dance, if that is what you enjoy. Go for a swim or just take a walk around the block. It is all up to you.
Posted in Article on February 4, 2012
While there’s a lot to be said about homemade cooking and how it helps you lose weight and save money, the fact of the matter is that it’s likely you’ll want to go out to eat once in a while. Whether you’re going out with friends or there’s a certain place that makes guacamole like nowhere else, there’s absolutely no reason why you should deny yourself the pleasures of restaurant dining every so often, even if you’re on a budget and trying to live healthily.
Just like with anything else in life, there’s a positive, intelligent way to go about eating out on a budget and there’s the not-so-good way. Here are some times to avoid the not-so-good-way.
First, try going out for lunch rather than dinner. Most restaurants are cheaper at lunch and the food is just as good. Many restaurants even offer special business lunches, which have multiple courses and are usually steals. Even better, lunch food has a tendency to be lighter than dinner courses, so eating out at lunch may offer you healthier choices than the dinner menu will.
If the place you love to go has large portions, try dining out with another health conscious friend and split the plate. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of restaurants have enormous portions, and digging in to that chili dog meal alone is an excellent way to blow your calorie count out of the water for the rest of the day. Alternatively, ask for a doggie bag and take half your meal home to eat later – after a spot of exercise, perhaps!
Order vegetarian. Many restaurants these days offer vegetarian options ” or will at least listen if you tell them to hold the meat. This depends highly on what kind of restaurant you are at, as you’re likely to be unable to ask the guy making you a burger to “hold the meat” However, if there is a vegetarian option available, it’s likely to be lower in calories and just as delicious as its meat-laden counterpart.
Last, make it a point to skip dessert. Now, one of the cardinal rules of dieting is not to be overly cruel to yourself, but the fact of the matter is that a giant sundae is likely to have more calories than the rest of your meal combined and will definitely add some dollars to your bill. Enjoy eating out, of course, but don’t go overboard!
