Archive for April, 2010

Mind Booster Tips

Friday, April 30th, 2010

As we grow old, we begin to fear so many things associated with aging like memory loss.

It is only normal but there is something that we can do to help avoid it while we are still at the prime of our lives. Memory loss is something that we have to take seriously.

One very effective method to help fight memory loss is by engaging in mind boosting activities.

These memory boosters can help sharpen our mind and exercise it to keep it in good working condition. Here are some mind booster tips you may try:reading book

1. Solve puzzles

Puzzles like crosswords, word search, and even Sudoku can boost your thinking power and improve your memory. These fun activities will keep your mind working especially if you are already retired from work.

2. Read a book

Reading your favorite novel, magazine, and even the daily paper can help boost your memory. Through reading, you use your mind to remember facts, organize ideas, and use your imagination.

3. Eat the right food

What you feed yourself also plays a role in having a sharp mind regardless of age. You must include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid eating junk.

You too can keep your mind sharp by applying the tips presented above in your daily life.


Pedal Away With Recumbent Exercise Bikes

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Biking is a very popular and commonly used means of giving your self a whole body workout.

Today, exercise enthusiasts can choose from a wide variety of exercise bikes.

There are stationary bikes, spinning bikes, upright bikes, double action bikes, and recumbent exercise bikes.

However, among them the recumbent exercise bikes are the most recommended.

When you are still a beginner or just starting doing regular workouts, you have to start with using the simplest exercise machines that can give you the same benefits as more complicated equipment can offer.

A recumbent exercise bike can give you the workout your body needs without having to suffer muscle pain and aching joints. It is one of the must-have exercise equipment in the gym or even at home.

What makes it different from other bikes?

The unique features of the recumbent exercise bike make it a popular choice for dieters and exercise fans. It is made of strong material similar to the bikes one uses for transportation.

The only difference is that it allows you to sit back and lower your body to the ground as you pedal. Moreover, it has comfortable bucket seats and can simulate courses from easy or flat to hilly.

Advantages of recumbent exercise bikes

1. Ideal for all levels

Whether you are a first timer or an exercise guru, the recumbent exercise bike is an ideal choice for an exercise machine. It is big and strong enough to carry overweight individuals.

Moreover, you don’t need to be an engineer to set it up or an expert trainer to use it. It has an easy to follow guide and the features are similar to the usual bikes you see or ride on.

If you want to start the easy way, you can adjust the recumbent exercise bike to simulate flat or normal course. On the other hand, you can increase the resistance by setting it to hilly or difficult.

2. Safe to use

You don’t need to worry about putting too much weight on your knees and ankles since recumbent exercise bikes prevent you from putting too much pressure on them.

Since this exercise machine let you sit back, you don’t have to deal with back pains or bad posture at all. The bucket seats are comfortable which help you pedal better and faster.

Recumbent exercise bikes are also safe to use by people with knee and ankle problems or those who are on physical rehab.

3. Provide whole body workout

Many people perform different exercises as a part of their workout regimen. Aside from walking or jogging, they also do crunches, lift weights, jump rope, and many more. This is because they want a whole body workout.

Why do all sorts of exercises when recumbent exercise bikes can give you what you need? Whether you are after a cardiovascular workout or strength training, recumbent exercise bikes can help you out. You can pedal all you want while doing curls or add weights to build stronger arm muscles.


The One Important Tool To Help With Your Fitness Goals

Friday, April 30th, 2010

A recent study found that the difference between success and failure of a person’s weight loss or fitness goals could be something as simple as maintaining a journal.

It was concluded by researchers at the University of Kentucky and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that the techniques used for motivation for a weight loss program are very important.

It is the element of self monitoring that is a very important aspect of motivation according to Kelly H. Webber, an assistant professor since it is this self monitoring that will determine the amount of exercise you do and the diet you eat.

fitness journalKeeping a journal of what and how much you eat and the amount you exercise was reported to be the best way to self monitor.

As against external motivation based on pressure from others and guilt, self motivation is proved to be more successful in helping people achieve their fitness goals.

In particular, those who kept a journal were seen to do better than those who did not maintain such a journal for everything they ate and the amount they exercised.

Other things seen to be helpful for motivation were contact with others trying to achieve the same results and with counselors.

Source: National Post


Fun Ways To Increase Your Activity Levels

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

We all know that we have to exercise to get healthy or remain healthy if we already are. But what is also true is that some of us seem unable to exercise or keep to an exercise routine even if our life depended on it! So what are we to do about this?

Well there are plenty of fun activities that give you a good workout, without feeling as though you are actually working out:

Walk and talk: Do you have some phone calls to make? The kind that will take quite a bit of time? Well make those while walking. You can walk and talk at the same time so that you don’t feel as though you are making any kind of effort for exercise.

You can walk up and down in your yard or just take a walk down your street, walk up to the supermarket or any number of places. There is typically a lot of time we spend on the cell phone each day; make sure that they are spent walking.

And who knows, if the conversation is interesting enough, you may end up getting even more of a workout that you planned!

Go to the mall: Walking up and down all those aisles, window shopping, walking the long mall corridors with loaded bags is a work out, and no mistake. Just remember to steer clear of the food court or you will put back on all that you lost!

Take up an exotic dance: Learn how to belly dance, or pole dance or even learn one of the Latin dances like salsa or the Cha Cha.

You may be amazed at how tired a vigorous dance session may make you feel; dancing is a very real workout; but what a very fun way to burn those calories! The added benefit could be the boost that exotic dancing may give your sex life!

Gardening: Water the plants, weed some flower beds, rake the leaves, and mow the lawn. Gardening or any yard work for that instance could get you a nice old work out. Just don’t forget the sun screen if you are working outdoors in the sun!

Start a new hobby: This could be any new sport such as basketball, ping pong, badminton or anything really. Engaging in a sport increases energy, stamina and gives you a whole body workout in the most enjoyable of ways.

You could also try a new adventure sport that you have been interested to try out but never did. Parasailing, hang gliding, surfing, and any number of things can help get you a work out and offer the added satisfaction that comes from learning something new!


Ways To Go Green As You Workout

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

drinking water in steel canAndrea Metcalf, fitness and lifestyle instructor described on ABC news her ways to go green even when exercising: any workout that connects you to nature is the way to go green she says.

And it is not just walking in the park and communing with nature, there are other ways to go green as you work out:

  • Drinking water for your workout is best carried in eco friendly, recyclable, reusable stainless steel cans.
  • Even if you are using the ubiquitous plastic water bottles, don’t worry about it as long as you recycle. They can be turned into a park bench to the clothing that you wear!
  • You can use fitness clothing that uses recycled plastic as one of the ingredients that goes into making it.
  • You can use clothing to wick away moisture that is made from coconut shells. This is used to line a lot of fitness gear that you wear.  This also keeps the clothes odor free!
  • 100% organic cotton can be an excellent eco friendly option for your fitness clothing as well.
  • Other fitness gear such as yoga mats, exercise ball etc can also be eco friendly: as can be their packaging.

Source: abcNews


The Waist Hip Ratio And How It Is An Indicator Of Your Health

Monday, April 26th, 2010

The fact that BMI is considered by many as an unreliable indicator for good health for some people, it caused experts to come up with an alternative to this calculator and that is the Waist Hip Ratio. This is calculated differently for men and women.

Rather than the BMI calculation, the waist hip ratio is thought to offer a much more realistic parameter of fitness as well as a predictor for obesity related health problems.

Criteria for calculating the waist hip ratio

In a typical waist hip ratio calculator tool, you are required to furnish three details: one whether you are male or female (since there are a different set of determinants or formula for men and women when it comes to the hip waist ratio).

Secondly you put in your waist size and finally your hip size. Based on the details you fill in, you will be told what your waist hip ratio is. Based on the ratio or result of those details, you are assessed on your risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and diabetes.

The Pear Shape and the Apple Shape

The waist hip ratio calculator assesses your body shape; whether you are a pear or an apple. The pear shape is that of a person who has the tendency to accumulate fat around the hips, or the lower body.

The pear shaped person carries less fat on their mid section and more around their hips. On the other hand, the apple shape is that which has more fat accumulated around the waist or the midsection giving a rounder appearance, without a clear hip waist demarcation.

The apple shaped person tends to accumulate more fat in the midsection, and about the waist and abdomen.

How does the hip waist ratio determine propensity for disease?

Those that have a bigger waist when compared to the hip measurement and are seen to accumulate more fat around the waist are more at risk from a number of health problems.

It is seen that apple shaped individuals are more at risk because they carry a lot of fat around their abdomen where all the major organs are situated. This subcutaneous fat impacts the functioning of the organs.

Also when required, the apple shaped individual uses upper body fat into energy for use. This process tends to raise cholesterol and blood pressure. This is how the waist hip ratio calculator can help determine your health risk.


Want To Join The Military? Get Fit

Monday, April 26th, 2010

The world has been saying for a while now that America is a nation of fatties and now military officials are saying something similar. In fact they are saying that the currently ongoing obesity epidemic is actually something of a threat to national security.

It is a staggering statistic that as many as 27% of young people in the US, 17 to 24 year olds, are too overweight to join the military. A nonprofit group of 130 retired admirals, generals and senior military leaders that promotes health and education for American children, called Mission: Readiness, presented a report last week that said as much.

weight liftingEarlier a Pentagon report claimed that in 2005, as many as 48,000 military recruits had failed the test that measures weights standards.

As many as 12,000 recruits are lost before finishing the first term of enlistment each year.

This is because of being unable to keep up standards and this causes more people to be enlisted, and trained in place of those trained and had to leave.

Vasti Cedeno was one military aspirant who had to drop 112 pounds before being able to qualify to join the military. Currently recruiters have to work young people to get them to lose weight before they get a weight appropriate for being recruited.

Source: New Jersey News


How To Make Your Home Stress-Free?

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Studies proved that stress is one of the leading causes of diseases. It is a mental, emotional, or physical stimulus that destroys the balance of the body and overwhelms it.

Stress, if not treated immediately, can lower the body’s immune system and can lead to a more serious ailment.

We spend most of our time at home. In order to prevent stress[Stress Relief Techniques], we have to make sure that our home is also stress-free. Here are some ways on how to make your home stress-free:

1. Keep your home clean

Being in an untidy and dirty surrounding can cause stress. You have to keep your home clean and organized. Do not wait for dirt and dust to accumulate before removing them. Instead, clean the house regularly. Make sure the furniture are arranged accordingly too.

2. Put indoor plants

It pays to have indoor plants in the house. Some greens can make you relax and they also help keep the air fresh and clean.

3. Provide wholesome activities for the whole family

Playing a board game, watching a movie, cooking together, and many other fun activities can make the home stress-free.

Healthy living starts from the home. By making your home stress-free, you and your family are assured of good health.


Workoutbox Review: How a Workout Can Become More Than Just Workout

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

workout BoxWhen looking at the WorkoutBox, the first impression would be that it is basically nothing but “just another” workout plan people are so familiar with.

Still when looking more carefully one will have to consider the multitude of workout plans offered in smartly thought packages all created so they will adjust to specific body characteristics and specific people’s needs.

But what is WorkoutBox? In a few words: the perfect balance between a smart diet and a perfectly designed fitness program created by professionals with the single aim of getting you into shape.

You should know that you have two major choices as your WorkoutBox routine is concerned. Whether you are planning to burn fat and lose weight or get your muscles toned up and build a larger and stronger muscle mass, the Workoutbox will design you the right way to go.

You can join the program you like and after 26 days of the right action plan you will see spectacular results.

For example, if you choose to burn fat there are cutting edge fat burning techniques ready for you. Via Workoutbox, you get specific direction, precise diet plan, professional help, a workout agenda which offers you the warranty you will stick by it.

You will be surprised to find motivation and support and you will be eager to join your fitness team on the quest of getting a perfectly fit body.

The 26 days plan will offer you the opportunity of getting a healthy weight by making your body want it. You will have the chance to work out and adjust to the rhythm and not push your body to the limits. The secret is a plan designed just for your needs.

If you are fit but want an outstanding muscle mass built on nothing but clean and healthy workout, the Workoutbox has just the recipe. You can get a perfect body, strong and sexy muscles and the figure of a professional fitness trainer by simply making the right choices and getting into the 26 weeks plan which will gradually transform your body into the one of a marble sculpture look alike.

You will get more beautiful and stronger muscles but you are going to do it the right way. So smile and get busy.

Why is Workoutbox better than other programs? Perhaps because it is designed for you and it is not just a recipe that will work for anyone. It is also less expensive than a personal trainer and can motivate you to become better than you might consider yourself to be without paying a huge amount of cash.

It offers you motivation, viable choices and a program customization able to break your routine and turn you into a fit, healthier and happier person.

You can sign up to their program at WorkoutBox


Flatten That Tummy With The Right Stomach Exercises

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

If you are wearing something tight, the first thing people will notice is your tummy.

There is no problem if you have flat tummy, but having a bulging and wobbling tummy can pose as a serious threat to your self esteem and outside appearance.

Nothing can be more irritating and embarrassing than having a stomach that will make you look five months on the way. If you are not blessed with a dashboard stomach, your best hope is doing the right stomach exercises.

The idea of having a flat stomach might really be something that you have long desired. However, you also know that this kind of dream can only be turned into a reality when you do all those tiring abs workouts. Don’t sweat.

You can achieve those six-pack tummies with the right stomach exercises, frame of mind and of course, inspiration. Take a look how:

Spot the right stomach exercises

There are a lot of how-to’s featuring stomach exercises that you can find on the Internet and health magazines. Squats, dead lifts and crunches are just some of the most common stomach exercises that you should get accustomed to.

Perform each one according to your body’s capability. Be patient and take things slowly yet surely. Increase the duration of these stomach exercises as you go on with your training.

Take a walk or jog

Although the above-mentioned stomach exercises are the most popular recommendations, do not presume that they are the only exercises you can do to flatten your tummy.

Regular jogging and brisk walking sessions have been known to aid in making the stomach flat and beautiful. These stomach exercises will not only help you achieve fantastic abs since they can also improve your body’s cardiovascular functions. They also improve your stamina, endurance, and agility.

Go biking

Do you live in a scenic community? Make it your inspiration for stomach exercises. Get out of the house and out into the sun by going on a biking trip daily.

Studies have shown that biking also tones down the fats in the stomach area and strengthens leg muscles. It is also a good cardio and balanceexercise. In addition, you get to enjoy the fresh air and the warmth of the early morning sun.

Be sporty

Stomach exercises should be fun. One enjoyable way to have flat stomach is by playing sports. You can play badminton or lawn tennis with a friend.

You may even play a round of basketball or volleyball with your buddies. If you want a more private exercise, take a swim in a pool or go to the beach. These outdoor activities allow you to burn calories and shed off those excess fats.

Watch your diet

All the effort and time you put on doing stomach exercises will just go to waste in a flash if your diet is not right. Munching on sweets, high-cholesterol foods and drinking alcoholic beverages will definitely destroy the would-be effects of stomach exercises. Stock your body with proteins instead which are proven to be good for strenuous exercises.

Further, do not forget to have healthy servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Ensure that you keep your body hydrated after all the stomach exercises you are doing by drinking eight or more glasses of water or fruit juices everyday. You may also consider taking supplements recommended by your physician.

Impose self-discipline

Stomach exercises need to be accompanied with self-discipline. Skipping a day or two can put all the benefits of your stomach exercises drop down to zero. Stick to your schedule and perform regularly in order to have a flat tummy.

http://www.fitnesshealthzone.com/exercises/want-a-flat-stomach-here-are-the-best-stomach-exercises-which-helps-you-to-obtain-flat-stomach/