Sunday, February 8, 2009

Five Excercises You Might Like

One of the hardest things about fitness and exercise is establishing a routine and sticking to it. Part of the problem is because people simply don't like the exercise program they've selected. While exercising should present a challenge, it should also be fun.
Below, I list 5 exercises that can be fun and present a bit of a challenge.

Tennis or Paddleball

Tennis and paddleball can be played all year round, and you can find courts that are open to the public for free. Check out courts located at public schools: some of them are open round the clock, and you can get in evening time when it's cooler. When looking for a racket, make sure to find one that has the proper balance and weight that you like. You can get them at any Kmart or Wal-Mart for a reasonable price.

Proform Ab Coremaster

This thing is a lot of fun, I'm surprised to say. There are all kinds of fitness products out there today that are designed to work your abdominal area. They don't all work. The Coremaster exercises are challenging, but you don't get the strain on your neck and back than you would with getting on the floor and doing situps and crunches (which I hate!)

Bike Riding

As a kid, I lived on my bike, and rode it everywhere I was allowed. I still like to bike ride, although I don't get to do it as much as I used to, I do the stationary bike thing more. Bike riding will give you a good cardio workout, and depending on how rough the terrain in your area, will help shape your legs.

Tae Bo

Billy Blanks Tae Bo combines martial arts and boxing techniques in an intense fat burning workout. And I do mean intense. Billy Blanks developed this program to lose weight and build muscle. I suggest starting with the kid's workout, especially if you're not in shape. You'll stay motivated all through the videos, and you'll evolve as the routines become more innovative - you'll challenge your body and your mind. Great for women, men and even kids.

Dancing

Consider taking some dance lessons. It's never too late to start dancing, even if you were never a dancer as a young put. Dance classes can be fun, they can help you to lose weight and change your shape. Consider Latin dance lessons. Latin dancing is fast paced: you'll work up a sweat, increase your endorphins, which will create a feeling of euphoria. Try to convince a partner to go along with you - while you can take dancing lessons alone, it's more fun with someone else.
If you've never done any of the above exercises, you can be sure you'll be sore for a while until you get used to doing it on a regular basis. Consider trying them all to see what works for you. Once you've find an activity you love, you will find that it is easier to stick with it.

Elizabeth Ramer has been on a diet since 2nd grade, and is following the You on a Diet weight management program. Stop by and read my blog,and subscribe to my feed.
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Experience the Fun of Fitness Classes

When some people think of exercise they automatically think of something negative--usually pain and boredom. But working out doesn't have to be a bad experience. With so many different fitness classes in every gym across the nation, you can for sure find something that you enjoy--or at least something you can tolerate. It seems that new, innovative classes are coming to light every day. These are great ways to get the exercise you need with the fun you want. And to make it to your fitness goals even quicker, pair the classes with an Akavar weight loss pill--so you can jump start your system. Here are just a few of the newer classes that are receiving fantastic and positive reviews:

Zumba: Inspired by Latin dance, Zumba is Columbian slang for "fast". It was created by two Miami-based dancers. This is a great way to get your cardio and tone up at the same time. It encompasses the mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso, meringue, salsa, and a few more. And if you aren't so quick on your feet, no worries. They don't dance to fast music the whole time. Many Latin dances are done to slow, rhythmic music.

Turbo Jam: I've tried this one personally, and it is absolutely amazing. Chalene Johnson created this program because she was tired of the boring workouts. This high-energy program combines kick boxing and dance while helping your to shrink in inches and tone your entire body. And if you are prone to losing your motivation halfway through your workouts, you won̢۪t with Turbo Jam. Chalene is incredibly energetic; I've never seen someone with so much energy before. It is infectious and makes for a great workout.

Winsor Pilates: There are many different types of Pilates, but this version is my favorite. Mari Winsor takes you through step by step instructions so you can reach your fitness goals through Pilates. Pilates is perfect for those who want long, lean muscles rather than bulky muscles. With a focus on the core the entire time, you will have amazing abs in no time.

Tae Bo: This is one of those workouts that has something for everyone. For each workout, there are different levels of difficulty that will accommodate all levels of fitness. Billy Blanks is the creator of Tae Bo--full of kick boxing and body sculpting. And if you want to switch it up, Billy Blanks has so many different workouts, you will never get bored.

Yoga Booty Ballet: It seems that some of the best workouts combine several different styles. And Yoga Booty Ballet is no different. With a combination of Yoga, dance, and body sculpting, you are sure to forget that you are actually working out. This program was designed by two fitness experts: Teigh McDonough and Gillian Marloth.

About the Author
Italie enjoys working out and finding new ways to get her daily cardio workout.

To Gym Or Not To Gym For Muscle Gain and Fat Loss?

Many who pursue muscle building or weight loss feel that joining a gym is a prerequisite, and so, following a rather calorie friendly December, thousands crowd the lobbies of local gyms, signing up for a 3+ year membership, believing that they've just taken the first step towards a bodybuilding or weight loss transformation. But if we analyze the number of people who actually continue attending the gym following their contractual commitment, we find that the excited patrons who were fueled with desire for physical fitness suddenly fail to walk through the gym's front door as February approaches.

Most assume that sloth is the natural enemy that prevents most from pursuing a pattern of consistency, and never analyze whether in fact the gym environment itself may be offering an insurmountable obstacle for many, eventually causing most to quit the pursuit of muscle building or fat loss completely.

But why? How could the gym actually reduce motivation to train, when in fact the environment should be conducive towards achieving results? The answer will be found within the first few workouts, and clearly becomes one of the main reasons why most lose their fondness for gym attendance before they produce any noticeable changes.

Imagine you are prepared for an intense workout, and you encounter one or more friends who decide to train at the same time as you. What will likely happen next? Will the group experience the best weight training and aerobic workout of the year, or will the next hour focus upon discussing last night's episode of the Biggest Loser? Let's say you visit the gym and happen not to find any acquaintances, but as you scan the territory, immediately sense that every machine you are planning to use is occupied, with a 10+ minute wait for each. Do you think this will contribute towards a productive workout session, or encourage a trip to the local fast food drive thru to try and munch the mounting frustration away?

Oh, and let's not forget the most convenient excuses to skip the gym for a day, such as weather (two feet of snow might make navigating the highway difficult), car breakdown (a flat tire always interferes with melting a spare tire!), and traffic (wouldn't want to be late for dinner!). Some may say that these inconveniences cannot occur on a regular basis, but once momentum is ruined, and a workout is missed, the mind becomes far more accepting of another skipped session, and this attitude will eventually lead to a new habit, one which is much more enjoyable - couch warming, without the distraction of a daily gym visit.

So, what is the alternative? I not only perform my bodybuilding training at home, but built over 60 pounds of muscle mass and lost 50 pounds of fat in the process, proving that neither muscle building nor fat loss requires waiting in line for machines or paying expensive bodybuilding gym dues. In fact, my bodybuilding success was achieved in my basement, with basic weight training equipment, and I was able to produce far more consistency with my workout regimen than most who must contend with the inconvenient gym environment, specifically because I am in control of my environment, and can remove distractions that interfere with my ability to train.


This is not to say that achieving a bodybuilding physique or producing consistent weight loss is impossible through gym training, as many with such memberships produce excellent results, but for those who have the option to purchase some basic equipment and train at home, I believe doing so is far more convenient, offers no distractions, and is significantly less expensive over a several year period than joining a local gym. Achieving success in muscle building or fat loss is in great part due to mental focus, a factor which suffers greatly when subjected to an unpredictable set of circumstances, and this is why I have always opted for training at home, and produced very impressive muscle building and fat loss results specifically because I have always been able to proceed with my workouts in a methodical, controlled fashion.

Don't frown upon training at home until you've experienced the frustrations of attending a gym, and do yourself a favor; if you join a local gym facility, make sure not to sign a long term deal until you have consistently trained for three months and have proven to yourself that the distractions and obstacles will not interfere with remaining faithful to your routine.


About the Author
Francesco Castano owns IncrediBody, a physical fitness company dedicated to helping others gain muscle mass and lose weight without supplements or drugs. Visit him at www.MuscleNOW.com, www.FatVanish.com, and www.IncrediBody.com where you will learn more about his products.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Getting The Help Of An Online Weight Loss Tracker

Keeping track of your weight loss is crucial. This allows you to see whether you are achieving your weight loss goals or not, so you can come up with more effective weight loss programs. Several websites are offering free download of an online weight loss tracker. You can use this to your advantage and avail of an online weight loss tracker over the internet.

How it works

A website that has an online weight loss tracker usually asks you to input the following:

1. Your current weight

2. Your weight before you entered into a diet program

3. Your weight goal

An online weight loss tracker will then compute these data and produce a data that shows how much weight you have lost from your past weight.

Advantages

The benefits of getting a weight loss tracker are abundant. Not only will you see concrete results on how much weight you have lost, but it can also serve as a motivational factor that can push you to lose weight once you see that there are positive results.

It is important, though, that you put in the correct information in an online weight loss tracker. After all, you do not want to deceive yourselves about your weight loss progress.

Is it accurate?

The question remains, however, if these weight loss trackers are accurate or not. It takes a leap of faith when it comes to trusting this weight loss tool. In the end, it is still better to consult a professional to know your accurate weight loss progress. They have the right tools to compute and they can also give you sound advice to further improve your weight loss progress.

Dieting

The best way for you to lose weight and achieve your weight loss goals is to undergo diet and exercise. By employing these techniques you will be able to achieve your desired weight in no time.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see
http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

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Setting Realistic Goals For Your Weight Loss Goal Worksheet

Weight loss is not supposed to be a blind man's journey. It is not about waking up one day and wanting to lose weight. Rather, weight loss is a long term process of losing weight through healthy means and keeping the weight off with a healthy lifestyle. To kick start your weight loss journey, it is best to have a weight loss goal worksheet at hand so you can realistically set your goals and plans.

What it is

A weight loss goal worksheet can help keep track of your weight loss journey so you can monitor how much you have achieved in a specific amount of time. Ideally, your weight loss goal worksheet should be checked and consulted regularly by a doctor, so he can guide you on your journey, just in case you've lost your way.

What it contains

Your weight loss goal worksheet contains the basic information including your height and weight at the start of your weight loss program, your body mass index (BMI), and your weight loss goals. There are many weight loss worksheets available on the internet. You can also make your own weight loss goal worksheet or you can consult with an expert to come up with a personalized and realistic worksheet.

The path to weight loss

In your weight loss journey, you might be tempted to find a shortcut so you can easily achieve your weight loss goal. But do not cheat your way to weight loss! It is important to undergo a healthy diet and exercise regime that will help promote healthy weight loss. The advantage of having a weight loss worksheet is you can set real goals and once you have achieved that goal, you can now start maintaining the weight you have lost.

One essential - yet difficult - part of weight loss is weight loss management. A weight loss worksheet can help you in weight loss management with ease.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see
http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_England

Fitness Training Programs

Physical fitness is the state of the human body when it is in perfect health. Being fit is very important to stay alert both physically and mentally and also to ward off certain diseases that attack as the body ages. Fitness programs are schedules that allow a person to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. There may be many reasons for taking up a fitness program: to gain strength, to lose weight, to lose body fat, to fight certain disabilities, or just to become more fit.

Fitness training is for making the body stronger and fitter. There are many kinds of fitness training programs: cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility training, nutrition, and weight management. All these can be incorporated into a single fitness program for having a healthy body weight, improved level of strength, improved co-ordination and a resilient body. Each of these depends on the kind of body we have and it’s potential. There is no ideal fitness training program. They are normally custom designed as per individual requirements and capabilities.

Fitness training increases metabolism, strength, flexibility and muscle tone, as well as decreasing stress levels in the body. There are also sports-specific fitness training programs like soccer fitness training, football fitness training, swimming fitness training, golf fitness training and so on.
There are also fitness training programs for kids.

A fitness trainer should be able to design the right kind of fitness program. It should cover all relevant aspects like: strength, flexibility, aerobic and anaerobic endurance, agility, and speed. These days, there are many professional fitness training centers that have sophisticated equipment to suit all kinds of people and their fitness needs. These centers have professional and medical specialists who would be able to offer advice about the best kind of fitness program. They provide customized workout routines, nutrition plans, personal trainers, and expert guidance to make the results last.


Fitness Programs provides detailed information on Fitness Programs, Fitness Training Programs, Golf Fitness Programs, Kid Fitness Programs and more. Fitness Programs is affiliated with Gym Equipment.


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10 Ways to Get Fit

If you're looking to get fit then why not start today? You might not have exercised for many years, or may have become unfit due to illness or injury. Whatever your reasons, it's not to late to get fitter and healthier.

1. Walk more - By walking more you will start to lose weight and feel fitter. As little as 20 minutes a day can help. You'll soon begin to enjoy your time alone, and it can help you to unwind from a stressful day, or prepare you for the day ahead.

2. Eat more healthily - Eating healthily ensures that your body gets the nutrition it needs to keep you going. We all know what happens when you put the wrong fuel in your car, and your body is no different. From feeling bright raring to go in the morning, to sleeping better at night, food and nutrition plays a big part in being healthy.

3. Reduce the amount you eat - Cutting down on the amount you eat will reduce your calorie intake, and can help you to lose weight. If you must snack, eat something healthy like fruit, rather than sweets or crisps.

4. Take more exercise - why not take the dog for a long walk, or just walk round the block? You could walk to colleagues' desks rather than use the phone or email. You could get off the bus sooner and walk the rest of the way to and from work. You could even get the whole family involved and go to the park or swimming more often.

5. Join a gym - Joining a gym is quite a significant step, and you will want to make sure that you stick at it in order for it to be a worthwhile investment. If you know that you are unlikely to stick to an exercise plan, can't spare a lot of time, or the gym is far from home, are you likely to go to the gym as often as you want to?

6. Start swimming - Swimming is a great exercise, and is probably the best all round exercise as it builds strength and is a great cardio vascular work out too. As it is low impact, it is ideal for those who are recovering from illness or injury, or haven't done any exercise for years.

7. Set yourself goals - as you get fitter, you will want to get even stronger, faster, or improve your endurance. Setting yourself challenges and rewards will help you to achieve your goals.

8. Try an exercise class - if you haven't got the motivation and dedication to go running, and don't like swimming, why not find an exercise class? As well as aerobics, you might find pilates, yoga, boxercise, martial arts and much more nearby. Or you could even hire your own personal trainer to make sure you stay motivated.

9. Get on your bike - Cycling is another good all round exercise, that will help to improve your health and fitness. You don't need an expensive bike, and you could even cycle to work, and avoid the congestion.

10. Get fitter with friends - Exercising with friends is a good way to ensure that you stick with it, and telling others of your aims means that you are much more likely to achieve them.
Now you know how easy it is to get fitter and eat healthier, you've got no excuses. Why not start exercising today?

For an easy way to get fit in Dublin, why not consider Dublin Swimming Lessons or joining a Dublin Health Club? With branches in Malahide, Castleknock and Sandyford, simply choose your nearest Health Club and join today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_James