Friday, May 21, 2010

Looking for Discounts on Life Fitness Treadmills?

Life Fitness offers some of the best treadmills on the market, so it isn't surprising that you might have your heart set on a Life Fitness model. Maybe you've seen the cheap imitations, compared side by side with the Life Fitness models they are trying to imitate. Not falling for it? Good. Here are some tips on how to find discounts on genuine Life Fitness Treadmills.

First of all, don't forget that many people buy treadmills with the best of intentions, only to watch them gather dust and take up space in their living rooms or garages for years. Then what do they do? They sell them!

It is not hard to find Life Fitness Treadmills on sale second-hand in like-new condition. Always ask to try out the unit before you finalize the sale.

Not comfortable with buying a second-hand treadmill? You're not alone. How do you know that the unit will hold up? And also, manufacturer warranties are usually non-transferable, so if it breaks, you're stuck with it.

Search the web for great deals on Life Fitness Treadmills. You can find deals if you look for them! Life Fitness makes superior products that sell well, and often retailers offer discounts because they know they will sell enough Life Fitness products to make up for the reduced price.

Lastly, consider financing. Some places offer no payments for a certain period of time, as well as a same-as-cash time period, as well. Shop around and you are sure to find a good deal on a Life Fitness treadmill in no time.




Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Treadmill-Solutions.com He provides more treadmill reviews, treadmill ratings and treadmill buying information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Elliptical Trainers Versus Treadmills - Shocking Fitness Facts

Many people who are considering a workout regimen often have a tough decision between whether they should use an elliptical trainer or a treadmill. Both machines can be an effective tool for weight loss, improved fitness and overall better health.

Deciding on which machine is best for you can be a daunting task and you can get many different answers depending upon whom you talk to. Certain fitness professionals will recommend that elliptical trainer over a treadmill while other professionals will clearly recommend a treadmill for what they feel is obvious reasons.

Personally I feel an elliptical trainer is the better choice. Elliptical trainers provide more of a well rounded work out, allowing you to do more in less time. Treadmills on the other hand are basically just an indoor running machine, allowing you to mimic running without having to deal with the normal hassles of dodging traffic and weather conditions.

From a pure price standpoint treadmills are more affordable than elliptical trainers. If you are tight on a budget and yet want a piece of equipment which can work out on indoors then a treadmill might be best for you. On the other hand if you want a more well-rounded machine and elliptical trainer is the perfect choice for you.

On a final note, some people prefer going to the gym to work out. The gym offers more of structured regimen where working out at home can get sidetracked by distractions such as family, friends or the telephone.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences, budget, fitness goals and desires. Only you can decide which machine if any at all are best for you. Be sure not to take this lightly as you do not want to waste money on a machine you may not use or a gym membership that she may not take advantage of.




Elliptical Trainers Ratings - Free for your information

Get your elliptical trainer information here: www.onlyellipticalreviews.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Fitness For Kids - Some Examples of Basic Kids Fitness Routines

These days, more and more parents are becoming concerned about the fitness of their kids. This is not surprising given the problems of childhood obesity and the increasing weight and lack of fitness that we are seeing in children. Child obesity and diabetes levels are rising dramatically. There is also the issue that many parents feel, which is that schools are paying less attention and devoting less time to physical education than they used to and that children's activity levels are reduced as a result. All of this comes at a time when there is more television and video game distractions than ever that are tearing children away from the more physical activities that they would have once engaged in.

To combat these trends, there are a number of activities and routines that parents can encourage their children to take part in, and can use to increase the activity levels and fitness of their children.

The most important thing to remember with kids is that you will want to make the fitness routine fun. Trying to use guilt or shame to get over weight kids to be more active is likely to back fire and bring their confidence levels down even lower. The other point to remember is that the kids need not even realise that they are being encouraged to exercise more and you can simply slip the activities into their lives without them even noticing.

One easy way is to get the kids walking more. You may live close enough to their school to walk, or even cycle. This is a very easy way to sneak a little activity into their lives without them even noticing. You can also walk to other places like shops. Another very good idea for younger children is to buy a dog. While this will not be possible for everyone, it is an excellent excuse to have to take a walk every day and it also makes the task a little bit more fun and less mundane.

You can also plan fun activities for the weekend like roller blading, swimming, cycling, hill walking or ice skating. These activities are great fun and can be used to basically bribe kids into exercising. It is also a good idea to let the kids bring their friends to these activities as once they are involved in something with their friends, and they get a routine, they are much more likely to encourage each other and keep it up for longer.




Visit http://www.elliptical-trainers-reviews.com to pick the ideal elliptical trainer for you.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

What is Physical Fitness?

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is reaching the halfway point and many of you may find your self asking, "What exactly is the definition of physical fitness?".  We all have our own idea of what it means to be physically fit.  For some people, fitness is measured by weight, others by strength and still others consider endurance a sign of physical fitness.  To determine how fit you are and find ways to improve your fitness level you must first understand that true fitness is measured by multiple components.

o Body Composition- Many people confuse body composition with body weight or body fat.  In reality your body composition is actually defined as the percentage of fat, bone and muscle in your body.  In relation to physical fitness, the amount of fat compared to bone and muscle is measured to determine body fat percentage and overall health.  Too much body fat increases the chances of illness and disease.  Conversely men and women who have too little body fat risk decreased exercise performance and severe health complications.  The ideal body fat percentage varies by individual based on gender, age, body type and heredity.  Finding the level that is right for you is an important factor in determining overall health and fitness.

o Muscular Strength and Endurance-  Strength and endurance are two separate components both of which contribute to physical fitness.  Your muscular strength is your ability to life or exert maximum force in a single effort.  Increase muscle strength through weight or strength training which increases muscle mass.  This increases your body's capacity to burn calories which aids in weight loss and lowering your body fat ratio.  Muscular endurance on the other hand does not measure how "much" you can lift or move rather how "long" you can perform repetitive actions.  Both strength and endurance are important in maintaining healthy fitness levels.

o Aerobic Endurance- While muscle endurance is needed for your muscles to perform repetitive actions, aerobic (cardiorespiratory) endurance is needed to perform physical activity and sports.  Specifically aerobic endurance is determined by the ability of your heart to move oxygenated blood through your body and to working muscles.  People with little or no aerobic endurance tire quickly when performing simple daily tasks such as climbing a flight of stairs or playing with their children.  Increase you aerobic endurance or stamina through regular exercise.  As your fitness level increases you will have to intensify or vary your workout to gain the maximum benefit.

o Flexibility-  Defined as the ability to move your joints or muscles through their full range of motion.  Your flexibility is determined by a number of factors including joint structure, age, activity level, body composition and strength of opposing muscle groups.  This ability is one of the components of physical fitness and needed to perform day to day activities and enjoy an active lifestyle.

As you can see there are several factors that determine you level of physical fitness.  By eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise you will look and feel better while reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems.




Tisha Kulak Tolar is a writer for Fit4EverYoung.com, where she writes about bodybuilding, exercise, general health and fitness, nutrition and supplements.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Jogging for Fitness

Most runners should train the same way that competitive runners do, even if they jog only for fitness. Here's a program that you can follow even if you do not plan to compete. First get a physical exam to assure that you are healthy. Then start out by running every other day until your legs feel tired or hurt. Gradually work up to the point where you can run for thirty continuous minutes.

Then start your training program. Plan one fast and one long workout a week. The other workouts should be at a slower pace and can be skipped if you feel tired. Your fast run can be on Wednesday and your long run on Sunday. Wednesdays, start out slowly and gradually increase the pace until you start to feel uncomfortable as you breathe hard and your muscles start to hurt. Slow down until you recover and gradually pick up the pace again. Repeat until your legs start to feel heavy.

Each week try to improve by spending more time running fast and less time running slow. Take the next day, Thursday, off because your legs will be sore. On Friday and Saturday, jog slowly a short distance. On Sunday, try to run for 30 minutes, and each week, extend the time running until you can stay out for 60 to 90 minutes or more of brisk running. Take the next day off. Then jog slowly on Tuesday and try to run fast again on Wednesday. The same principles can be applied to any endurance sport you use for fitness, such as cycling, rowing or swimming.




Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties. For more information and hundreds of fitness and health reports, visit http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Sunday, May 16, 2010

Riding The Vision Fitness Elliptical Trainer

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainer comes in five models. Ranging from the low end to the higher end machine, the models are the Vision FitnessX6000 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6100 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6200 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6200HRT Folding, and the Vision Fitness X6600HRT Commercial Grade.

The lower end of the Vision Fitness ellipticals are more compact than the higher end and fold for storage. The handlebars move along with the pedals so that you can get an upper body workout. However this can be difficult and uncomfortable if you are a short person. You should try those machines in the store to see if they are a good fit for you.

All of the Vision Fitness ellipticals are made with the flywheel in the front, which is opposite from the ellipticals at the gym. This makes the motion somewhat different so it may take some getting used to. The brakes are mechanical on the lower end machines and tend to break more often, and need more attention. The higher end Vision Fitness ellipticals use an electro magnetic braking system which works better and is more reliable.

The front flywheel Vision Fitness ellipticals tend to wear out faster and get noisy after a while.

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainers come with a wide range of warranties depending on which one you buy. If you do decide on a Vision Fitness elliptical it is advisable to purchase one of their higher end machines.




Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Elliptical-Trainer-Solutions.com. He provides more elliptical trainer information and elliptical trainer reviews that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Home Fitness Equipment - Options For Busy People

There are a lot of people looking for ways to get fit today. Many people go the route of joining a gym. This often happens right around the time they are making resolutions for the new year and their enthusiasm is at a high point. Often, this ends up with people being frustrated with themselves for not having the time to get to the gym even though they have already handed over their membership fees.

For people with a busy lifestyle, having some type of fitness equipment in their home can be a much better alternative. Folks with kids that need to be tended to or driven from place to place during the evening hours often have a very difficult time finding space in their schedules to even drive to a gym, let alone workout for an hour and then drive home. Being able to simply walk to the game room and start exercising is a much more convenient option.

There are many options available for people who want to add some type of fitness equipment to their homes. One of the easiest and most popular forms of exercise is a treadmill. Uncomplicated and easy to operate, these can be found in designs that allow the user to simply fold the entire machine up and store it away when it is not in use. These are also a nice option for someone interested in a less aggressive approach to exercise.

As long as you are committed to actually using the equipment for more than a coat rack, almost any treadmill can be of some benefit to you. Many bells and whistles can be included on a home treadmill, but there are also very basic options available. Likewise, designs can be found to fit just about any budget.

One of the best ways to acquire quality home fitness equipment at a minimal cost is to check out local classified ads or yard sales. People often get tired of storing machines that no one in their family has chosen to take advantage of after it has been purchased. Many times top quality machines can be found for sale at a fraction of their original cost if you are willing to look around. Just be sure that you actually use the equipment once it is purchased. Home fitness equipment will not do a thing for you if it just sits in the corner collecting dust.




You might also enjoy reading more about home fitness or other home comfort and design options.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Fitness Trainer - Choosing the Right One

Choosing your personal fitness trainer can not only be a difficult decision, but an expensive one as well. Finding a fitness trainer who can provide a professional level of knowledge, as well as demonstrate safe exercise programming is essential. Unfortunately, it's possible to find a fitness trainer who may leave you broke, injured or, even worse, both.

Whenever counseling people on how to best select an appropriate fitness trainer for their needs, I recommend they follow this five step process:

Step 1: Do your research. Are they educated? How much experience do they have? Are they certified? I prefer that all fitness trainers hold a certification through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), because these two certification bases are considered to be the gold standard in training athletes and improving health, respectively.

Step 2: What kind of populations have they worked with in the past? (i.e. age, gender, exercise experience). Make sure that your fitness trainer is sensitive to the needs of your gender, goals, health status, etc.

Step 3: Interact with them. Do you get along? This is very important in determining the belief system you will have with exercise. Remember, you want to position exercise to be as fun as possible, so that you will always look forward to your new, healthy lifestyle.

Step 4: Do they have a plan? Are they ready to sign you up indefinitely, or have they suggested an exact plan that will make you successful with your goals? This is an extremely important factor. Please be sure to verify that this fitness trainer has a plan to make you independent with exercise. Otherwise, your healthy lifestyle may be linked to your fitness trainer's career. That's simply not fair.

Step 5: Can they provide you with testimonials or references? Do you know someone, directly, who has worked with them? I understand that everyone needs to begin somewhere, but this is your health. Fitness trainers have the opportunity to work for large gyms and corporations while developing their skills, under mentorship and guidance. When hiring a private fitness trainer, be sure that they have demonstrated success in the past.

By following this five step process, you will surely improve your chances of hiring an excellent fitness trainer. There is nothing wrong with asking these questions to the person you are interviewing for the position of 'body mechanic.' Successful fitness trainers would be happy to answer all of these questions just to show you how committed they are to your goal achievement.




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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Types of Exercise - Using Fitness Ball

A fitness ball is a ball specifically developed for exercise. This PVC ball is meant  specifically for use in exercises designed and set by medical practitioners and in therapy that involves light physical types of exercise. A typical fitness ball is approximately 35 to 85 cm and is also referred to as a birth ball, body ball, gym ball, or physioball. There are many more names for it in different cultures and communities.

This ball is larger and lighter than a regular medicine ball. The ball for exercising was developed by a plastics manufacturer called Aquilino Cosani, in 1963. This Italian plastics manufacturer had in time, perfected the manufacture of larger and puncture resistant balls made from plastic and he called the then manufactured balls 'Pezzi balls'. The earliest ball for exercising were used in treatment programs designed by the medical fraternity for newborns in Switzerland and later in Basel at a number of Physical Therapy Schools. The popularity and effectiveness of the ball for exercising soon influenced its use in neuro-developmental treatment and within the application of functional kinetics. Today, the fitness ball for exercising is being used to treat adults with a number of orthopedic problems. The use of the ball is usually part of a physical therapy program that is executed within a clinical setting. The fitness ball for exercising is also being used in athletic training and yoga.

The primary benefit of using this ball for exercising is that unlike the traditional method of exercising on a hard and flat surface, the use of the fitness ball not only improves balance and body stability while trying to keep the ball balanced, but also engages more muscles in the attempt than irregular exercises. With the use of the fitness ball for exercising, the core body muscles become stronger and more focused in application. The exercise balls or fitness balls train the body in controlled movements and this in turn also impacts movements that are essential in sports. There are many ways in which you can use the ball for exercising and some of them are listed below:



  • You could sit on tit, instead of on a chair. In this way, the abdominal and back muscles remain active and in turn contribute to correct posture via the balancing act. The toned muscles give you a confidence boost and enable you to earn praise for an erect posture. 



  • You could make the use of a fitness ball or Swiss ball in physical therapy. There are a number of benefits associated with sitting or standing against a wall with the ball in between. Standing enables you to address back problems and the aches and pains connected with just sitting without additional exercises, in sedentary jobs.



  • This ball designed for exercising is also known to be used during labor. It is known to help  to position the fetal head into the pelvis. Sitting on the ball and gently rocking the hips aids in the process of birth and thereafter in post natal body weight maintenance.

The use of a fitness ball for exercising can be done in a typical classroom setting or a home, in privacy and with or without the help of an instructor. It could be used while you sit at the work desk or while you stand. It addresses subtle but life altering issues like correct posture and body toning. It that is designed for exercising can be stacked and carried around very easily and is accessible with a number of online and offline resources. 




Explore plenty of free information on exercise and fitness and different types of exercise to get yourself in excellent shape.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Try the Firm Wave Workout For Fat Blasting Cardio Exercise

For exercising at home,I would say that your best bet with limited space and money is The Firm Wave. This is fairly new on the market, and is produced by The Firm, a U.S. based company with a good reputation for innovative weight loss products and inspirational DVDs.

The Firm Wave Personal Gym is a curved piece of equipment that can be picked up with one hand and is made of a strong plastic. It is shaped like a hump-backed bridge and has holes along the edges that resistance bands can be fitted into. What makes it so innovative is that it can be used either side up, and can be stood on, sat on or laid on to get a full-body, calorie-burning, muscle toning workout in a small space and at a fraction of the cost of other home exercise kits!

Any exercise professional will tell you that, for the most weight loss and the best body shaping, every workout that you do has to include the following:-

Cardiovascular exercise

Sounds complicated, but means only that you move your body in a way that makes you warm and slightly breathless - think brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling. This activity burns calories and strengthens your heart and lungs. Doing cardio exercise indoors can be a challenge, especially in a small space - a treadmill is good, but probably won't fit in your understairs closet!

The Firm Wave allows you to do your cardio exercise in 2 ways; curved side down, you stand on the sides and push through your legs to rock the board - a bit like a seesaw. It also challenges your balance, making you use more muscles and burning more calories. "Surfing" on the Wave will burn as many calories as jogging - and it's fun! Not only that, turn the Wave curve side up and you have a stable platform for "Step" exercises - any gym will tell you how good Step is for weight loss, and it's safer than running up and down stairs.

Resistance Exercises

An essential part of any weight-loss program, resistance exercise means just that - working your muscles against a resistance to make them stronger. Every time you get up out of a chair or lift shopping out of the car, you are building and strengthening your muscles. And the more toned and strong your muscles become, the more calories you burn - even when you are not exercising. Muscles need calories 24/7, so stored fat is used up to maintain them. Which means you lose weight even while you are asleep or watching TV!

This is where the holes built into The Firm Wave come in useful - they are designed so that you can fit elastic resistance bands through, enabling you to perform all sorts of muscle-toning exercises. Resistance bands cost only a few dollars, and most big stores sell them.




Carol J Bartram is a qualified Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor. She has evaluated many different pieces of exercise equipment and has the following to say about the Wave.

The Firm Wave fits into a small space, and can be easily stored in a closet between workouts. It comes with fun, easy to follow DVDs to get you started and best of all, costs less than $100. So if you are ready to start on getting that lean, toned body that you've always desired, follow the link and check out the The Firm Wave Workout today.

Monday, May 10, 2010

How Fitness Could Be Fun

So many people are falling prey to the consumer age and the rat race. For this reason many of them neglect their fitness as it is seen as to time consuming or too much effort. It has unfortunately become far easier to simply flop down on the couch after work and this has very detrimental results so far as our health is concerned.

I believe anyone will make time for something which appears to be fun for them and believe it or not fitness can be fun. By simply approaching your fitness from another angle, there are many ways to stay in shape without it feeling like you are really exercising or following a rigorous training routine.

Here are a couple of ways for you to improve your state of health and fitness which could prove to be fun and easy to do:

  • Dance your way to better health - Most people enjoy dancing and it is a very effective way of getting fit. By simply taking the time to dance a bit more, whether in the club, at a dance school or simply in your own lounge, you will be doing wonders for your state of health.

  • Get outdoors - Taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood is another great way of getting the exercise which you need. Not only are you in the fresh air, but walking is a very effective form of exercise. The nice thing is that if you get out and walk, most of the time it does not feel like exercise to you.

  • Take up gardening - Gardening is a very good way of getting fit, the best part is that while you might be exercising while doing gardening, you also have the enjoyment of seeing the fruits of your labor grow.

  • Take the dive - Swimming is one of the best fun forms of exercise you can get. This does not have to mean that you need to swim laps, so long as you are moving around in the water, you will be getting that much needed exercise.

These are but a few ways of exercising to ensure your fitness which can be fun. I am sure that if you have to take these examples, you will soon think of many other ways that you could benefit your fitness while having fun.

So become an action taker and get off the couch today, remember the better shape you are in, the better all the other areas of your life become. Learn to lead a life of abundance and harmony, by being sure to pay attention to all seven areas of your life.




About The Author

Dr. Hannes Dreyer is a world leader in developing Wealth Creators. As a speaker and author on the subject, he is at the forefront of the personal and professional development industry.

For more articles (or training) on Fitness or to get your FREE Wealth Insights Training go to http://www.HannesDreyer.com.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

How to Test Your Fitness

To test your fitness, you have to do a number of different tests. Here are three of them.

The One Mile Run - This is a simple way to test your speed and lactate threshold. Do this once a month and record your time in your training log. You can then track your progress over time. Progressively lower times mean you are becoming more fit. Progressively increasing times means that you are stagnating or are becoming less fit. This means you have to train harder or change your training program.

Time Test - Once every two or three weeks you want to to test your long term endurance by seeing how long you can run at seventy percent to eighty percent of your max heart rate, or the highest pace that you can run at while holding a conversation. If you are able to add a minute or two with each session without stopping, you are becoming more fit. If you notice decreasing times, you are stagnating or becoming less fit.

Treadmill Test - Once a week, for several weeks, do the same workout with the same parameters. For instance, set your treadmill at a two to three percent incline at an eight minute per mile pace, for thirty minutes. Record your average heart rate. If your average heart rate decreases over the weeks, then that means you are getting more fit. Your heart has to work less to do the same work. If your average heart rate is increasing over the weeks, that means you are stagnating or you are becoming less fit.




Blake M Talvitz has been writing articles for 5 years, covering a number of topics such as health, fitness, home and garden, and business management. Her latest blogs are about name badge ribbons and id badge clips.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Fitness Workout Program-How To Get Motivated To Achieve Your Fitness Goals

Each year, millions of people decide to go on an exercise program. Very few ever manage to even get started. An even smaller percentage ever completes their fitness goals, instead usually giving up with in a few weeks or even days.

It is very common for people to set as their New Year's resolution to get in better shape, but this commitment is rarely followed through on. Why do so many people fail to reach their fitness goals?

There are actually several reasons for their shortcomings, but the main culprit is that they don't know why they are working out. Here's what that means...

First of all, you need to set goals. Sounds obvious, right? However, most people's idea of establishing goals is they either want to lost weight, run faster, etc. What's the problem with these targets? They are way too general.

In order to achieve your goals, you need to have a specific target you are aiming for. For instance, you might want to lose 35 pounds, or you might want to slash your time in the 40 yard dash by 1 second. Whatever your goals may be, you will never achieve them if they aren't specific and well-defined.

Sit down before you even begin your workout and write your goals out on paper. Knowing them in your head is not enough; you need to have them written out and in a place where you can often view them. Also, you need to know why you want to accomplish these goals.

Just knowing you want to lose weight is not much of a motivator; knowing why you want to lose that weight is much more appealing. For instance, you may want to feel better about yourself, get sick less often, have more confidence, etc.

Set both long and short term goals. Try to set a goal of where you'd like to be in a year's time, and a goal you'd like to accomplish within a month or less. For instance, your ultimate goal may be to lose 35 pounds in a year. Your short term goal will likely be to lose about 3 pounds a month.

This breaks your long term goal down into much more manageable chunks. The thought of losing 35 pounds in a year sounds pretty daunting, right? However, when you realize that all you need to do to accomplish this is drop less than 3 pounds a month, it sounds much more manageable.

Also, to make your workouts more enjoyable, try doing them outdoors when the weather permits. Exercising outside can make the workout process very enjoyable, because being out in nature allows you to relax from your daily stresses.

These are just a few simple, yet incredibly overlooked tips that will enable you to accomplish your goals quickly and enjoyably. It's amazing how many people start their workouts without the end in mind!

If your goal is simply to lose weight, you have no well-defined target in mind. Therefore, when it comes time to workout for a particular day, you will lack motivation, because you won't know what you are trying to accomplish.

Remember, the most important part of a

fitness weight loss program
is to have your goals in writing and in a place
where you can view them often. It does you no good to have them buried at the
bottom of a stack of papers.

Tape it to your wall, put it on your pillow, use
it as your screensaver. The point is, set your goals, view them often, remember
why you want those goals-and go accomplish them!




To learn more great tips on finding fitness equipment for your home gym, as well as how to stay in shape for the rest of your life, try checking out http://www.onlinefitnesstips.com. OnlineFitnessTips.com is a popular fitness site that teaches people how to set and achieve their fitness goals quickly and easily.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Golf Fitness Training - How to Train Off-Season to Improve Your Golfing Season

Do you play golf all year round, or do you only play during certain months of the year? Those of you who are forced to give golf a miss, for example during winter, often find that your skills suffer terribly once your golf season resumes. Many golfers who play seasonal golf find that they cannot hit the ball as far, their power goes down, their range of motion is decreased, muscles they did not know existed start aching after just a few hours of play. Every year, they are forced to rebuild their skills.

Did you know that this need not be the case? Surely you know someone who seems to get better and better every year. Unlike you, he does not have to start his golf from scratch every year because of the off season. And no, I do not mean that retired neighbor who spends his winters across the border playing golf where there is no winter.

Honestly, with proper year round golf fitness training, you will find your skills improving steadily, without that sharp drop in the off-season. With the right exercise program in place, you can preserve or even improve the strength of your golf swings. Your best choice is to find a local professional program dedicated to golfers. This may be at your local club, or an associated gym. That means you work with a personal trainer who will help you to keep fit and at the same time build up the muscles you need to swing your club with power and control.

Of course, not everyone has the wherewithal to work with a trainer. If you face this limitation, then you may want to get a video guide or book which teaches you a complete course of golf fitness exercises. With such a guide, you can keep yourself in good fighting trim without stepping foot on the golf course. Most golf fitness training guides will include some strength training workouts and flexibility exercises. Some will even include some form of low-impact aerobics exercises to help maintain your stamina. Where they differ from the more normal fitness programs is their special training exercises for golfers.

One of the typical exercises included in many golf fitness training programs is sometimes called the Russian Twist. This exercise helps to develop the explosive power you need in your swing. Here are the steps:


  1. Get a medicine ball (weight three to six pounds)

  2. Stand with your legs hip-width apart

  3. Keep your stomach drawn in

  4. Lift the ball to your chest level. Keep your elbows bent

  5. Swing the ball explosively around to your right

  6. You will end up facing your right hand side, both feet pointing to the right

  7. Repeat the same steps to the left hand side

Do your golf fitness training two to four times every week, about half-an-hour each session. You will find your handicaps improving without even setting a foot on the golf course. Be the envy of your golf buddies.




Do you have these 3 problems with your golf swing: 1) inconsistency; 2) slice; 3) distance? Click here to find out how to improve your golf swing.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Your Peak Fitness Level - How To Achieve And Maintain It

Most people might define being fit as having rippling muscles, superman strength, and a body-builders build. But in reality, fitness is less sexy and more fundamental. It means having the proper resistance level and stamina to endure sustained physical activity. Peak fitness is that point where you're meeting your body's potential in strength and stamina.

And physical fitness isn't just for young people. All of us should maintain peak fitness - whether we're the busy young parent, the middle-aged professional, or the older retiree. Keeping our bodies in peak condition is fundamental to good health and a long, quality life.

There's more to peak fitness than a good build and having the muscles of a construction worker. It means adhering to healthy habits in what you eat, how much rest you get, and a variety of exercise to develop different muscle groups and maximum stamina. It means giving your body what it needs to perform at your fullest potential.

Giving your body a healthy balance of energy-building foods (and their calories) is essential to a good fitness program. That doesn't have to mean cutting out calorie-rich foods to lose weight. You need calories to have energy. They are the fuel necessary for the most simple task. Fiber is important to a healthy diet and peak fitness. It promotes healthy digestion and waste processing. Fiber-rich foods like unpolished rice, fruits and vegetables, and stone-ground natural wheat fill you up and reduce the temptation to eat too much. Daily intake of green vegetables and fruits gives you the vitamins and minerals that build stamina and help you resist disease. You can't achieve peak fitness without a healthy balanced diet.

Sedentary lifestyles make peak fitness impossible. Movement and exercise keep you active and interesting. Making physical activity and exercise a daily habit builds stamina and strength and promotes healthy living. People who aren't active tend to gain weight from fat, and they're more vulnerable to injury and illness than physically active people. Just ten minutes a day of active exercise will help you maintain peak fitness. That can be as simple as climbing stairs and stretching to working on the treadmill or exercise bike.

One caution: don't abuse your body in your effort to get and maintain peak fitness. You can overdo it. Your body needs a balance of activity and rest to maintain health and peak fitness. Too much or too little physical exertion are equally dangerous.

Sleep is necessary for your body to refresh and renew tissues and organs, particularly your brain. While individual needs vary, you should probably get at least six hours of sleep every night. A good night's sleep helps you recharge and helps your body function at its best. You'll wake refreshed, full of energy and enthusiasm, feeling alive and ready to go. It's a fundamental contributor to peak fitness.

One way to assess your level of health and fitness is to be aware of your body's response to stress. First, peak fitness means you're able to respond quickly to emergencies. Like a well-oiled machine, your joints won't slow you down with creaks and catches when your at your peak fitness level. Motions will be smooth and comfortable. Second, stress produces illness in less-than-fit bodies. If you have colds, flu, headaches, or stomach problems, you probably aren't at peak fitness. Stress lowers immunity, and healthy bodies have healthy immune responses that result in fewer, less serious illnesses. Some scientists believe that peak fitness is a great way to prevent more serious diseases like cancer.

So, if you want to get to and stay at your peak fitness level, be sure to eat a well-balanced healthy diet, get regular exercise, and adopt a positive active lifestyle.




Abhishek is a Health And Fitness expert and he has got some great Fitness Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 111 Page Ebook, "Complete Body Fitness" from his website http://www.Fitness-Magic.com/71/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

How To Develop A Fitness Program

A good fitness program is one that is designed specifically around the person it was made for. These programs are specialized and tailor made for each person. A fitness program is more than just a great workout; it is a healthy way of life. This includes diet as well as a great fitness regime to follow. Combining these into a healthy program will become a way of life and make you feel better all around.

The first thing you should do is finding a great personal trainer that can help you develop a fitness program. They are trained to help you make the important decisions to help you get a good program going. If you don't think you can afford a personal trainer you can also ask your doctor. A doctor is also a great person to get information on a good program for you because of their medical training. They also will know your personal background and better be able to come up with a plan that will work for you. Including what foods are best for you to eat and how often and what kind of exercises you should do. However, if you do use a personal trainer, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any program, just to be safe.

You will probably first discuss your health before deciding on a program that is right for you. Be sure that you are very clear on the goals you want to achieve with the fitness program. Do you want to lose weight, and if so, how much? Do you want to build muscle mass, and if so, how much? Are you just looking to do some toning? You need to be very thorough on what you discuss. This will help them tailor the program specifically for you and your goals. If you do so than you will get the best possible benefits. Not only do the exercises they choose depend on your goals, but also the diet. Certain types of foods are better for other things while some are not. Also they will want to know what your goal is, so they can determine how many calories you should intake. If you are looking to build mass you will want to intake more calories than if you are trying to lose weight.

Also when looking to start a fitness program you will want to know how often you should expect to meet with your personal trainer if that is what you are doing. If you are not using a personal trainer, have your doctor discuss how often you should be working out for your goals. Make sure you discuss any dietary restrictions that they may have with you as well. If possible make a few follow up appointments, at least with a nurse practitioner, in order to see if any progress is being made. These can be great motivators in the end.

When you start a new fitness program it may seem hard at first. But once you get going it will actually become second nature. Once you start you will be very happy with your results if you happen to find the right program for you. As you can see it is very important to find the right program tailor made just for you, this will get you the best results and you will be glad you did.




Check out http://www.1-stop-fitness.com for articles on refurbished precor ellipticals and discount rowing machines.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

What Does 60 Look Like?

When you think about your mother at 60 how do you picture her? Was she old? Did she act decrepit? Was she serious all the time?

How do you picture 60 today? When you hear about people in there 60's do you think of Dolly Parton? Yes, she just turned 60 in January!! I know you are saying that Dolly has had a lot of "work" done, but she certainly doesn't act 60.

Do you remember the old show "Charley's Angels"? Jacquelyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett, & Kate Jackson are all pushing 60! It's totally amazing to me that by exercising on a regular basis these girls have really pushed back time.

Someone asked me the other day how old I was and when I told them that I was 60 their remark was that I didn't look 60! I asked them what 60 looked like. I then said that we are redefining what age looks like.

How does a 60 year old person act? As far as acting old, I believe that you can act old at any age. Some people are way too serious at 35. Some people never seem to have any fun and they appear mad at the world. What a horrible existence.

One saying that I love to use is: "We don't stop playing because we get old; we get old because we stop playing!" How true this saying is and quite sad.

Why give in to "old-age" when you have the fountain of youth at your fingertips!! Yes, exercise, especially weight training, has been proven to be the closest thing to the "Fountain of Youth" that you have.

I see people every day in there late 80's and early 90's that exercise two to three times a week that are defying the aging process!! Exercise not only keeps your physical body young, it keeps your mind active and responsive.

Did you know that as you age you lose muscle tone? As the aging process happens, and it does this naturally, you lose your ability to balance, you seem to be less flexible than in your younger days, and you can't walk or shop as long as you used to without running out of steam.

SURPRISE!! You can do something about all these age related declines.

It's been proven in numerous studies by Tufts University that you can regain your strength, your balance, your flexibility and even your endurance through regular exercise sessions. The operative word here is REGULAR.

Consistency is the one aspect of exercise that can be attributed to reversing the aging process. The dictionary defines consistency as regularity. If you are consistent and regular with anything it becomes a part of you, right? This is what sets the 80 & 90 year old exercisers apart from their sedentary counterparts.

Getting back to defining what 60 looks like, I'd say it would be hard to describe. The 60 year olds that I see & am privileged to be around are people that exercise on a regular basis so I have a distorted view of a 60 year old, I think.

What does this say to you? If you are 60 or beyond wouldn't you like to regain some of that spunk you had when you were a kid of 40? Did things just start slipping away while you weren't looking? What happened between 40 & 60? Were you too busy to see that your body was deteriorating? Now is the time to take a good, honest look at yourself and decide that you want to be a vital contributor to society and to your peers.

If you don't want to be taken care of for the rest of your life then I would suggest you get into an exercise program. I am not just talking to people over 60 either.

I just joined a Jazz Fitness Class and I am so excited about it! I took from this same instructor over 20 years ago. We are having a ball! See, by joining something like this class it can rejuvenate you and can rehab your whole outlook on life.

Can you believe that taking a simple step such as; joining a class, buying and actually doing an exercise tape regularly, or getting on that treadmill that has been gathering dust for 10 years, will improve your overall wellbeing and will retard and reverse some of that aging process? It's true. Prove it to yourself.

Making exercise part of your lifestyle can change your attitude, make you a happier person to be around, and keep you independent. Taking care of yourself is not selfish....it enables you to become more enthusiastic and involved in your activities of daily living.




If you don’t know where to start, then you are in luck. I can help. You can find my biography on my website at http://www.bfitandwell.com just click on “about us”. You can also reach me at 907.646.4076 or email me. I’d love to hear from you.

I would like you to take a moment and think about what fitness means to you. Just tell me the first words that pop into your head and email them to me at bonnie@bfitandwell.com.

If you’d like a copy of my new E-Book, The DES System (Dynamic, Empowered, & Strong) please go to [http://www.bfitandwell.com/e-book.html] and download it. It’s my gift to you for your input about what fitness means to you!! Don’t be afraid to pass this link on to a friend. Thank you so much for your input and your ongoing support.

Monday, May 3, 2010

How to Choose a Fitness Program

The only reason you buy a fitness program is out of promised results but you can make sure of this by looking at a couple of things that indicate the quality of the results ahead of making the payment. Although I am not suggesting that every seller of fitness program is going to sell you junk, all fitness programs are not created equal.

I would give the money-back guarantee pitch a second place after the experience of the author who has written the fitness program. You need to check whether it is someone who has actually trained other people successfully or is it simply a self-proclaimed expert selling you a rip off product. The money back option is imperative because no matter how excellent you may think the program is you will always want the option to get your money back, just in case.

It is a common feeling that fitness programs are meant just for putting up body mass, which is not true in every case. There is a need on your part to understand that whether the program is emphasizing on that very point. Fitness training also plays an equally important role when it comes to weight loss.

Make sure that there is a good customer support system in place before getting ahead with your purchase. If need be, test out the customer service as to check whether someone knowledgebale is available to answer your questions. You would do better to avoid it if you are not satisfied with the answers given by a clueless member of the customer service staff.

Most of the weight training programs dwell on the presumption that your objective with it is to become a professional bodybuilder and in general you are on the look out for a program that helps get a great looking body without having to spend too much of your time. Hence they focus on such exercises and workouts that can be performed even in a home gym in less than 30 minutes everyday.

Make sure that the fitness program is easy to follow. One of the most common reasons for people to stop exercising is that they perceive the exercises as being too difficult to get the results they are searching for so relentlessly. Apparently, you would like your fitness program to be easy to do and get results with.




It is all about precisely knowing what to do, how to avoid mistakes when it comes to fitness programs, no matter at what age you begin. Check out my free step-by-step, pictorial abdominal exercises ebook on your way to new life.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

How to Stop Smoking With Hypnosis

Hypnosis helps you get past the conscious mind to the subconscious mind. If you tell your subconscious mind, the "imagined reality" that you are a non- smoker, the subconscious mind will accept that.

Once your subconscious mind is reprogrammed, it is much easier to alter your behavior.

Hypnosis is a great way to help you stop smoking because the success rates are more than that of nicotine patches and gums. Hypnosis can also be used as an adjunct with other smoking programs.

Using hypnosis, you can stop smoking by self hypnosis or hypnotherapy by a certified hypnotherapist.

1. Self Hypnosis: You can find many self-hypnosis programs online. These programs provide audio and video tapes that help you to smoking by working at a subconscious level. Select a program that offers a money- back guarantee. This technique usually takes more time as it requires practice.

2. Hypnotherapy by a hypnotist: A hypnotist should be certified and he/she should have undergone specific training. It works by suggesting to your subconscious mind that you don't want to smoke and the reasons for doing so.

A recorded program by a professional, which can be used for self-hypnosis, works out to be much cheaper than going to a hypnotherapist. Moreover, it gives you repeatability and flexibility in the program.

Your brain is rewired to dislike cigarettes. You may start hating the smell and sight of cigarettes.

Many studies have shown that hypnosis has helped up to 60% of the people to stop smoking. Hypnosis works the best for people who are motivated to smoking and believe they can do it. Hypnosis reduces stress, which is the main reason why people turn to smoking in the first place.

The main advantage of hypnosis is that it is non-invasive and free of side effects. It removes the desire and the need to smoke. Moreover, you become a permanent non- smoker, unlike other stop smoking treatments in which there is always a risk of relapse.

Try hypnosis to stop smoking and see the results on your own.




Learn most effect ways to stop smoking by downloading Stop Smoking Ebook. It's based on studies over 50,000 people.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost? - Price of Sclerotherapy Treatments

Sclerotherapy is a procedure which lessens or completely removes ungainly varicose veins and spider veins. It is a non-surgical simple, procedure which takes hardly half an hour to an hour. It consists of injecting a solution in the veins using very fine needles which shrink or rupture the offending veins. The procedure can be repeated till these veins totally disappear.

Under an experienced and Board certified surgeon the risks are minimal. They are minor risks like blood clot of at the area where the procedure has taken place or infection. Pigmentation is another risk but all these risks, if they do happen, can be easily corrected. Sclerotherapy is safe, almost risk free and easy. It is also painless and easy procedure.

The price depends on the doctor's fee, the time taken for the procedure, the number of veins treated and the number of times the procedure is repeated. The average price is around $275 to $ 350 per treatment. The cost also depends on who performs the treatment. Sometimes even a qualified technician does the job and the cost would depend on that as well. One has to consider the extent of the problem. Patients will have to pay more if they need multiple treatments or the doctor spends extra time treating them. The patient has to discus with the doctor in detail about the procedure, the risks and the advantages and the cost. Since the overall price can rise quickly under certain circumstances it is important that the price is discussed with the doctor beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings. It is however an affordable procedure compared to other types of cosmetic surgery.

In many cases medical insurance covers the cost of sclerotherapy if it is done for medical reasons like pain reduction. It depends on why the procedure has been done. If a doctor recommends it for medical reasons then insurance companies will cover the cost. But if it is done for cosmetic reasons the insurance may not be paid. Generally the treatments are satisfactory. As sclerotherapy is a non-surgical intervention to improve varicose veins, it is easy and can be repeated if they do not disappear at the first treatment.

The doctor or the patient decides the number of treatments to be done before everyone is fully satisfied. Since the risks are minimal, the advantages are more; the procedure affordable, sclerotherapy is a wise decision for any person who needs the treatment.




Videos, chat room, pictures, shopping and much more. Visit the resources below right now!

Sclerotherapy Consent Form

Spider Vein Sclerotherapy Treatment

Sclerotherapy recovery

Dr. Jim Greene would like to invite you to visit the resources above to learn more about Sclerotherapy and its benefits, risks, cost of sclerotherapy treatments and more.