Friday, March 30, 2007

Fitness And Nutrition For Health

In the age which we live there is an unprecedented focus on getting and staying healthy. As more and more research points to the effect of fitness and nutrition on our overall health, the findings become more difficult to ignore. There is no doubt that the food that we eat and the physical activity that we perform significantly impact our weight and our body's overall health and longevity.

When you look at fitness and nutrition and the consequences of ignoring their importance, it is not difficult to see how large a role they play in our health. First and foremost, it is important to understand how powerfully diet can affect us. Natural, whole foods – such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins – give our bodies the vitamins that it needs to function effectively. We have energy when we eat right. And when we have energy we burn fat. Eating properly allows us to maintain a healthy weight and keep undue stress off of our hearts; it also allows us to keep our blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the healthy range. Most importantly, good nutrition keeps our bodies stocked with antioxidants that fight off a range of illnesses including cancer.

But nutrition does go it alone; fitness and nutrition go hand in hand for achieving good health. When we keep our bodies active through a consistent exercise program, we are adding to our body's ability to metabolize food and keep weight down. Further, good fitness means strong and limber muscles and a strong cardiovascular system. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and reduces stress levels.

Learning how to pair fitness and nutrition for optimum health means a commitment to a particular lifestyle. It is essential that you revamp your diet to eliminate fatty, high-sodium, and processed food and replace it with fresh, natural – and even organic – choices. But remember, fitness and nutrition work best as a team. Implement a consistent regime of physical activity into your daily schedule including cardiovascular work, stretching, weight training, and even yoga or Pilates.

When you truly understand the importance of fitness and nutrition in your life, you will understand how crucial these lifestyle changes are in order to live a long and healthy life.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

So You Don't Want To Exercise? Some Suggestions That Won't overwhelm you.

Life in the past was definitely much slower and simpler. It was certainly not any easier as the need to survival was the focus point of a person's days. Let's not go too far: think of your great grandparents or their parents. It is only three generations ago.

What did they do? Did they have a job where they were sitting most of the day? How did they use transportation? Did they walk much? Did they take care of the house without the help of any tool or appliance? Did they work in the fields?

Did they plow, scrub, wash, churn, beat (rugs), cook, chop wood, carry water? Most of them definitely used their bodies much more than we do in the present.

The comparison is lame. When we think about the amount of exercise that they did and that we do, we lose big time.

Now did they need to exercise the way we do today? Absolutely not! Their very lives were a form of exercise. Today we are so enmeshed in our small environment that, if we don't move, it is not really our fault. People sit in front of the computer or desk; take the car to go any distance; dread going outside to get the mail. If you are not moving, blame modern life.

Yes, body was made to move and it is imperative that you act in order to preserve your health and your life. However, not everyone is too keen to move. There are many reasons for not exercising and it really doesn't make a difference which they are as they are simply excuses. True, good excuses, most of the times, but excuses nonetheless.

So, if you are one of the millions who say: "Every time I feel like exercising I sit down and wait for the feeling to pass," these suggestions are for you.

1. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Walk. No need to go around the block for apparent no purpose. If you need a reason to walk, find one. If you live in the city, you can go to the store or to the post office, or to buy the newspaper, etc. If you live in the suburbs where the convenience of a sidewalk is inexistent, do so while you go to work. Or perhaps you can walk your children to school, if it is nearby. Or go check your neighbor's yard. It is ok to be nosey for health purposes.

2. Move in your workplace. You have heard this a zillion times, so here it is once more: Forget the elevator and climb the stairs. Ok. If you work on the 10th floor, go up one flight of stairs. Then two; then three. Park your car farther from your building and walk to your office. Wait for the bus in the next bus stop.

3. Do the sun salutation. This is a great set of movements from yoga that does wonders to your body. Start with one set, then progress to two, and so on.

4. Dance while you clean the house.

5. Do gardening and or other hobbies that you love.

6. Play with your children.

7. Play sports and games that you love.

8. Join an exercise class that makes you smile, that is fun for you.

The important thing is not to get overwhelmed or start with such intensity that you give it up the second day. Don't even think about doing something you really don't care for. You need to feel good; to have a smile on your face. Start slowly. Climb the stairs twice a week. Walk to town on Fridays. Dance while you do the dishes on Thursdays. You get the idea.

This is just so your body begins to get the interest, the desire to move. Once you get to this point, you need not worry; you will have the urge to move more and more and when you least expect, not only you have lost those 20 lbs and can eat that piece of chocolate cake without guilt, but are you now in great shape.

Now, that is fun!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Hot Lower Body Exercises for Men and Women

The best lower body exercises are the ones that can be done anywhere with little or no equipment. Being single with no kids may allow for wasted time in the gym doing twelve sets per lower body part, but once in the real world of spouse, kids and job, those two hour gym visits are history. The good news is this should be a welcome change because the old-school bodybuilder, weights and machine type workout routines can do more damage in the long run as compared to a smart, properly structured lower body exercise routine.

Exercise machines and weights will always have their place in fitness - but they are not the only way to achieve a strong, well toned lower body. The right selection of lower body exercises can produce a sufficient training stimulus to bring about desired changes, continuous progress and visible results. As health clubs and fitness centers are filled with an endless amount of exercise machines and weight training gear, it is in their best interest to promote weight and machine type workout programs. Naturally, members develop a dependency on these types of workouts because they don't learn any alternative exercise methods. Some fitness experts argue that workouts with machines and weights are the only path to true lower body improvements. The reality is, nothing can be further from the truth.

The problems with this mind-set range from the 'more is better' syndrome to the 'I got out of my routine' excuse. To develop a strong, fit and defined lower body your choice of exercises must be realistic for long term adherence and they must consist of exercises that can be done at home or while on the road if you are traveling. As a career personal trainer and fitness consultant I've had the opportunity to work with many people at various stages of life. The people who maintain long term fitness success are the ones who structure their lower body exercise routines so that they are 'portable' - meaning if they don't have a gym available to them - it's not going to prevent them from getting their lower body exercise session in. This ties into one of the essential elements of fitness success - consistency. Staying on a regular exercise schedule will yield the best long term results. Starting and stopping a routine that is unrealistic will yield harmful results - this is a fact.

Lower body workouts consisting of body weight leg exercises produce an incredible amount of natural strength while providing gender specific improvements in muscular development and appearance. While women seek more of a toning and firming effect, men seek more of a lean muscle building effect with muscle group definition. An old fitness myth exists that has people believing that a woman will develop muscles like a man if she follows the same type of lower body exercise program. The exercise program does not dictate this result. It's the gender/genetic differences of the male and female DNA that dictate the specific results that men and women derive from well rounded, and properly structured lower body exercises. Not the type or intensity of the workout routine itself.

Yes, we sometimes see women who look like male bodybuilders or power-lifters - but these abnormal looks can almost always be traced back to some method of pharmaceutical enhancement. For example, taking anabolic steroids or growth hormone to develop as much muscle mass as possible is one way for a woman to lose the fit, sexy and feminine look. Nothing against them - but they do not represent the definition of fitness - especially for women.

No matter if you are male or female, the benefits of properly structured lower body exercises that do not rely on the confines of a gym or fitness center can give you all the results you could ever want, in a program that can easily be followed for life. After all, isn't that what true fitness is about?

Don't get rid of your health club membership - especially if you enjoy doing some of your lower body workouts there. But it would be wise for you to develop a body-weight leg exercise routine for you to follow at home or while you are 'on the road' - so you don't develop over-training injuries or find yourself missing several weeks of exercise sessions because you were traveling or just 'didn't have time to get to the gym'.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Mr Bar-B-Q 02077P 5 Piece Platinum Prestige Tool Set

List Price:$169.95
You Save: $120
Final Price:$49.95
Description :
IOGEAR's Stereo Headphone Kit with Bluetooth wireless technology designed for iPod and iPod Mini eliminates headphone cords by incorporating the latest Bluetooth technology. Enjoy music or other audio up to 66 feet from your iPod, in beautifully crisp mp3-quality stereo sound. The Kit includes both the headphones and an adapter with Bluetooth wireless technology, providing a great duo for use with your iPod or iPod Mini.


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Saturday, March 24, 2007

Floral Leaf 7 Piece Jacquard Comforter Set, Burgundy (Queen or King)

List Price:$249.95
You Save: $230
Final Price:$19.95
Description :
IOGEAR's HDMI cable presents highest and crispest image quality using uncompressed digital data transfer. It supports various formats such as current (720P, 1080i, and 1080p/60) Also capable of supporting other unique formats such as 480p, NTSC and PAL. IOGEAR's HDMI Cable is also capable of transferring both standard audio and multi-channel surround sound. Designed to carry 8-channels of uncompressed harmony, the extra bandwidth can accommodate future upgrades and additional requirements.


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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Hunter Quietflo Three Speed HEPA Air Purifier 30119

List Price:$34.99
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Description :
Clear2O removes 5 times more contaminants than the leading pitcher filter; Quick-connect hose fills 9 glasses of water in 34 seconds; Sleek 72-ounce pitcher fits most refrigerator doors; Intelligent filter measures flow to indicate when new filter is needed; Removes 99 percent of lead and 54 other harmful substances, resulting in purer drinking water;


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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Just Like Home: My Mini Iron Board 7 Piece Set

List Price:$19.99
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Final Price:$9.99
Description :
Color: silver, Single 1W high intensity LED, Extensive lifetime of LED(100,000 hours), Much brighter than the standard LED, Low power consumption, Adjustable head strap with forehead cushion for a comfortable fit, Adjustable inclination, Waterproof, Flashing Function, Power: 3 x AAA batteries (not included).
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Saturday, March 17, 2007

Wilson Pudge Equipment Bag with Mini Sports Bag (Black)

List Price:$69.95
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Final Price:$30.39
Description :
Powerful 140 MPH max. blow speed easily clears surfaces; Adjustable shoulder strap reduces weight; Large switch for easy on/off; Cord retention with pigtail prevents blower from coming unplugged; Low noise design;


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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Sharif Studded Leather Wallet

List Price:$99.99
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Final Price:$69.99
Description :
Love your iPod or MP3 player, but hate the cords? With Logitech's FreePulse Wireless headphone you can enjoy your music without being tied down or tangled up. The Bass Boost mode let you take control of your music, while advanced Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate wireless technology ensures clear, interference-free audio. The high carbon spring-steel headband is lightweight yet rugged, and the soft-touch comfort rings provide a secure fit.


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Monday, March 12, 2007

SanDisk SDSDH-2048-901 2 GB Ultra II Secure Digital Memory Card (Retail Package)

List Price:$49
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Final Price:$24.17
Description :
Adds sophisticated touch to any living room, kitchen, or family room, Set of three hex-shaped metal cans, Red/brown painted finish with gold accent detail, Ball feet, Decorative ring pulls.


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Friday, March 09, 2007

Pentax Optio E10 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

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Description :
GPS receiver for use with your laptop. Software sold separately. This plug-n-Play USB GPS works with NMEA 0831 compliant GPS software is water resistant features a high sensitivity antenna with magnetic base and is capable of receiving 12 parallel channels with WAAS capability. You can use this in your Vehicle for marine and aviation navigation as a tracking system for fleet and logistic management for geographic surveying and for personal navigation. Just add the appropriate software for a complete solution.


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Friday, March 02, 2007

Factory-Reconditioned DeWalt DW926K-2R 9.6-Volt Compact 3/8" Adjustable Clutch Drill/Driver Kit

List Price:$49.99
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Final Price:$25.49
Description :
Cook up family-sized meals with Culinary Pro's indoor grill! It takes just minutes to grill steaks, chicken, burgers, sausage, fish, or veggies with this electric grill. Cooks from both sides so that even the thickest steaks arrive at the table fast, hot and grilled to perfection. Grease is channeled into an attached 2-cup tray for healthier meals. Non-stick cooking grids; wipe clean. 10"W x 13"D x 6"H. 900W.
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