Fitness4- Page

by: Aaron M. Potts, ISSA CFT Why does the title of this article mention Housewives and Athletes? Brace yourself for the answer: Because the training protocols for both are exactly the same! "How can that be?" you ask. "Is the author of this article on drugs?" "How can an athlete and a housewife train the same way?" Here is your answer: Because each of them works diligently towards their respective goals using the same time-proven training techniques that you are about to learn. The goals of an athlete may be different than those of a housewife, but the science behind the training program is exactly the same. EXERCISES If your goal was to bench press the heaviest weight in history would it help you to take ballet classes? If your goal was to have a trim, toned body with a low level of bodyfat, would you get a lot out of Power Lifting classes with a squad of 350 lb athletes at 'Bruno's Iron Body Weightlifting Dungeon'? The point is that you have to train for what you want out of your exercise program! Don't choose exercises out of a magazine just because they worked for the author of a particular article. Don't do the "classic" exercises at the gym just because everyone else is doing them. Determine what your goal is, decide which exercises and which training programs will get you to your goal, and then just follow your program. This is pretty basic information, but you may be surprised by how many people just follow the crowd, which will get you exactly nowhere. FORM Once you have your training program ready to go, you have to do it right! If your program calls for eight 30-second wind sprints in 5 minutes, guess what you have to do? If your program calls for picture-perfect free weight squats, bench presses, or lunges, how should you do your free weight squats, bench presses, and lunges? You have to get your trai2024 program from a reputable, trustworthy source, such a personal trainer, or a friend or family member who is in very good physical condition. Once you have determined that your source is qualified to tell you how many wind sprints to do, or the proper way to do lunges, then you need to do exactly that. Too many people get "distracted" during their training sessions and just end up going through the motions. During each and every exercise or activity, your form should be perfect, your concentration should be fierce, and your effort should be maximal. Safeguard your health as well as your fitness goals by doing things the right way. You'll achieve maximum results, with minimal risk or wasted time. SETS How many sets of each exercise should you do? No doubt your favorite fitness magazine has instructed you at some point to do 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions. That is good advice in some instances, but not in ALL instances. Who came up with that number, anyway? The proper number of sets to perform of each activity depends on the activity itself, what your training goals are, and where you are at in your training program. 3 sets may be perfect in the beginning, but later on down the road, you may need more or less than that. Don't do the "traditional" number of sets, or the traditional number of exercises. Think outside of the box! This will keep your mind and your body from getting bored or over-stressed by any given exercise program. PROTEIN Here is a newsflash: You need protein at every meal, regardless of your fitness goals. It doesn't matter if you are a bodybuilder or a glass blower - your body needs protein several times per day, every single day of your life. Don't think that just because you aren't trying to put on muscle mass that you don't need to consume protein. Your body uses the amino acids in protein to repair damage that happens naturally to your body everyday, even if you don't exercise. If you are involved in an intense exercise program, then your need for protein is amplified by a large percentage. Do you need the latest protein supplement? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on your present training program and nutritional intake. Decide if you are getting at least 20% of your calories from protein everyday, and as much as 40% for some competitive athletes. If not, then you may need to take a protein supplement, or at least increase the amount of lean protein in your daily diet. CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING Cardiovascular training is just good for burning off calories, right? Wrong! Cardio does burn a lot of calories, but let's break down the word "cardiovascular". Cardio: Having to do with the cardiac muscle - your heart. Vascular: Having to do with your circulatory system - your veins and arteries. When put together into the term "cardiovascular", can you determine the primary reason for doing cardio? To improve the strength and efficiency of your heart and circulatory system! Yes, improving the strength and efficiency of your heart and circulatory system burns a lot of calories. Yes, cardiovascular training is part of any good health and fitness program. However, if you don't do it right, you won't get much out of it. There are various formulas for determining the intensity of your cardiovascular workouts, and they include the Target Heart Rate Zone and the "Talk Test". Whichever method you choose, you must always put forth a true moderate to intense effort, and you must also practice different activities, and different amounts of time spent doing cardio. If you always do the treadmill at 3.5 mph for exactly 30 minutes, your body will quickly adapt to that, and your progress will cease. Change the activity that you engage in, change the intensity, and change the amount of time you spend doing it. Keep your body guessing, and it will reward you by literally "throwing your fat into the fire" to fuel the workout! About the author: Aaron Potts is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Success Coach whose customers include consumers as well as other fitness professionals. Sign up for his free Fitness Journal at http://www.fitnessdestinations.comor visit his coaching site at http://www.ptsuccesscoach.com

by: Tracie Johanson Okay, so we already know that exercise is good for us. We try to work out on a regular basis, reminding ourselves that the payoff is well worth the effort.2024 Still, we all have times when we 'fall off the wagon' and somehow miss those exercise sessions. We get sick, there's a big deadline at work, relatives come for a visit, or the kids are out of school.....there's no end to the reasons why we take a break from exercising. But did you know that CONSISTENCY is the key to success in health and fitness? It takes only about two weeks to start losing your level of cardiovascular fitness when you stop exercising. After about three to four weeks without exercise, you'll start losing muscle (losing muscle is the WORST thing we can do when trying to lose fat!). Source: Shape magazine; June 2005. We agree, it just doesn't seem fair that fat 'goes on' faster than it comes off and now we learn that we can get 'out of shape' in just a few short weeks! Hey, we don't write these rules, we just report them! So what's the take-home advice? Stay consistent in your workouts. Get into the gym at least three times each week. Can't make it three times? Two is better than none! For that matter, one exercise session is better than none! We only really backtrack in our fitness levels when we quit exercising completely. Consistency is the key, so let's all take whatever steps we need to take to make sure we're getting to the gym regularly. Maybe we need to set an appointment to work out with a friend. Maybe we need to go to the gym early, before the day gets crazy. Maybe we need to go to the gym late, after dinner is done and the day is winding down. Whatever we need to do, let's do it today. Let's be consistent with our exercise. We'll see you at the gym.....consistently! About the author: Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit http://www.letspickupthepace.com/for more information.

by: Jim O'Connor By: Jim O'Connor - The Fitness Promoter August 21, 2024 (c) Jim O'Connor / Wellness Word, LLC - All Rights Reserved Back pain, one of the most common physical, and debilitating ailments today, affects 70% - 80% of us at one time or another in our lives. However, as a result of the obesity epidemic, that number continues to climb. So if you are suffering or have suffered from back pain, you are not alone! Back pain suffers, resulting from wear and tear and the aging process, generally are over 40 years of age; but it is not uncommon for individuals in the 30's to experience back challenges. The complex spine changes during aging at varying rates from individual to individual as determined by genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and prior injuries. Just remember, the odds are in your favor that you will experience some sort of back pain in the future. So what do you do when that happens, and how do you prevent it from happening again? There lies two, seventy two million dollar questions. First off, don't panic! Over 95% of back pain does not require surgery, and will subside on its own anywhere from a couple of days to months. With the back, it is rather tricky to predict how quickly it will heal. Be patient, and keep positive! Please be aware that some2024onic back conditions such as spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and osteoarthritis may never completely heal without a physicians care. Symptoms generally come and go, and then come and go again, where the recipient learns to manage the condition with medication, exercise, physical therapy, spinal blocks, and/or surgical intervention. Treatment all depends on the severity of the condition as determined by the physician's interpretation of the X-Ray, and/or MRI. Recovery Tips- 1. Avoid motions that irritate it, but don't stay in bed for days on end which will weaken you 2. Ice for the first 48 hours, then apply a heating pad thereafter. 15-20 minutes at a time 3. See your doctor if pain persists longer than 1 week. 4. Follow pain medication recommendations (such as NSAIDS) 5. Light massage, and pain free range of motion stretching 6. Light walking (no hills) can help 7. Physical Therapy- massage, electric muscle stimulation, ice, heat, exercise, stretching 8. Pool therapy 9. Don't panic! Be patient! Most cases will get better over time. 10. KEEP MOVING (pain free movement) is the KEY! Now that you are managing your back pain, let's focus on preventing it from occurring again. Depending upon the severity of your specific back condition, you can decrease the chance of returning pain, manage ongoing pain, or possibly prevent a reoccurrance. But HOW? "The Secret Answer" - EXERCISE CORE MUSCLES in synergy with your particular condition. Your goal should be to safely strengthen your core muscles to the max. The core muscles keep you upright, balanced, and able to maintain your spine in a stable position. The muscles that need to be worked are the back, legs, abdominals, and hips. By keeping these muscles strong, and flexible, it will provide a more secure base adding protection for a vulnerable spine. Warning: if you don't strengthen your core, the older you get, the weaker your muscles become, and the more vulnerable you will be to pain. When I mention exercise the core, I am referring to doing the proper exercises for specific conditions. It is impossible for me to tailor this prevention protocol for everyone, since each person needs their own specific program with medical team input. However, I will give you a few basic back strengthening tips. In correlation with your specific condition, you must clear specific exercises with your health care team. Prevention Tips- 1. Stay active - use back smart exercises on a regular basis **I will be listing specific back smart exercises in future editions of the multimedia Wellness WORD Newsletter. To reserve your complimentary multimedia subscription, simply go, right now, to http://www.WellnessWord.com . 2. While walking and exercising, maintain proper spinal alignment (good posture) 3. Keep your weight under control 4. Don't smoke 5. Strengthen your core muscles 6. Keep the muscles limber and stretched 7. Do cardiovascular exercise ( ex. walk) on a regular basis. 8. Lift with proper form (use legs); proper spinal alignment 9. Contract abdominals throughout the day to protect spine as well as strengthen supporting muscles 10. Avoid the following: Straight leg sit-ups Bent leg sit-ups during acute pain Leg lifts (lifting both legs while lying on your back) Walking at a high incline Lifting heavy weights above your waist (shoulder press, standing bicep curl) Any stretches done while sitting with your legs in a V position Toe touches while standing Running or repetitive stair climbing Excessive spine twisting, and bending My intention for writing this article is to inform you there is hope. You can get over back pain, and do certain things to prevent it from returning, or returning with more intense symptoms. Note: Please consult a physician for clearance prior to starting an exercise program. __________________________________________________ To receive your Multimedia Wellness WORD Newsletter for NO CHARGE, simply visit http://www.WellnessWord.com to get the final WORD on health, fitness, and nutrition in America today. Discover all the tips, tricks, and truth in multimedia (video, audio, and text). ___________________________________________________ ***** Attention: Ezine Editors / Website Owners ***** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your eZine, Blog, Autoresponder, or on your website as long as the links, text, and resource box are not altered in any way. Jim O'Connor- Exercise Physiologist / The Fitness Promoter Copyright (c) - Wellness WORD, LLC 9461 Charleville Blvd. #312 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 1-866-935-5967 http://www.HomeGymShoppingSecrets.com http://www.WellnessWord.com http://www.HomeGymResources.com About the author: Jim O'Connor, Beverly Hills celebrity fitness consultant, has conducted thousands of personal fitness consultations with celebrites, business executives, and highly motivated individuals throughout Los Angeles. He is the Chief Exercise Physiologist for Wellness WORD, LLC, a health, fitness, and nutrition promotion company. Jim is the author of a well known, world wide multimedia newsletter called Wellness WORD, published online every other week promoting the health and fitness truth. He also is the author of a popular ebook called Home Gym Shopping Secrets. http://www.WellnessWord.com/

by: Aaron M. Potts, ISSA CFT The question of how to find a good personal trainer is as old as the industry itself. In fact, it usually gets transformed into an even bigger question - should you even HIRE a personal trainer? Conveniently enough, the answer to one of those questions will dictate the answer to the other one - every time! The short and simple truth of the matter is that you should only hire a personal trainer if you can find an effective one that is right for you. Here are several things to consider before you decide! Professionalism The term professionalism should cover our prospective trainer's skills, as well as his/her ability to act in a professional manner. Both are critical to the training process, and if a trainer is lacking in either department, it will spell doom for your program eventually, either in the short term, or later on down the road. The days of personal trainers just being jocks with a certification are (thankfully!) coming to a close. Today's personal trainer needs to be a consummate professional with regard to his/her actual skills, as well as ability to treat their clients in a professional and business-like manner. For now let's just agree that if your trainer doesn't have a clue about how to get you in shape, you probably don't want to hire that trainer! What about their level of professionalism? A good personal trainer will always maintain their professional bearing. They don't need to be some stick in the mud with no personality, but there are several things that a trainer should NOT be doing during a training session. These include things like staring at themselves in the mirror, daydreaming, excessively talking to other people, talking on their cell phone, checking out members of the opposite sex, and just generally not focusing on you during the workout. Your trainer should look professional as well. Although the actual clothing standards vary widely, some things that you should not see are excessive body jewelry, the latest fashions such as arm bands, beanie caps, combat boots, etc., or any clothing or accessories that are worn simply as decoration or because the style is in. The latest styles have absolutely nothing to do with your training program! Credentials Which level of personal training certification is the best has been and continues to be a matter of extreme debate. This article will not propagate that debate with further discussion of the details. However, what you should take home is the fact that regardless of your fitness goals, your trainer should be qualified to train YOU. For general health and fi2024s, any of the top 10 nationwide certification agencies offer acceptable programs. A brief list includes - but is not limited to - the International Sports Sciences Association, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. There are others, and your trainer should be more than happy to point you to the website that governs his or certification, so that you can learn more on your own. For more specific considerations like training for a sport or athletic competition, your trainer will need a higher degree of expertise. The American College of Sports Medicine has a great program and is one of the most recognized certifications for sport specific training. You should ask very specific questions about how a potential trainer is going to tackle the particular issues that you want covered during your training program. Facility Regardless of your potential trainer's credentials and professionalism, you need to know where you are going to train. The industry standard of only working out at a gym is being challenged more and more these days. It is possible now to find a trainer who will come right to your house and train you, or possibly meet you outside, or in your housing area community fitness center. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you have to go to the gym if you want a personal trainer! Schedule One of the biggest issues for trainers and clients alike is scheduling. After all, you both have to be in the same place at the same time for a minimum of 30 minutes, and possibly as long as 90 minutes. A good trainer will try to find a way to fit you into their schedule. It won't always be possible, especially with a highly sought after trainer, but if the trainer truly wants to help you, they will do their best to fit you in. Rapport Having a good rapport with your personal trainer is crucial! If you and your trainer don't get along, it's a waste of time for both of you. You will likely end up more frustrated than ever, thinking that even a professional couldn't help you! Working with a personal trainer that you like is necessary, and on the flip side, the trainer should like you as well. You don't necessarily need to pick out curtains together, but you should at least be able to carry on a comfortable dialogue while you exercise. Most good trainers are good communicators as well, but if the two of you aren't very comfortable with each other, then it will cause tension and increase the risk of your program meeting with failure. A good personal trainer will agree to meet with you face to face before you actually sign up for a training program. Some trainers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation, and that is the perfect time to size up your trainer to make sure they fit your needs! You should take home the fact that the definition of a good personal trainer is someone who is not only a professional, but is also appropriate for your specific personality, needs, goals, and desires. You may be working with this person for awhile, so choose wisely! About the author: Aaron Potts is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Success Coach whose customers include consumers as well as other fitness professionals. Sign up for a free edition of his Workout of the Month Club or his value-packed Fitness Journal at http://www.fitnessdestinations.com,or visit his coaching site at http://www.ptsuccesscoach.com

by: Mike Singh Elliptical trainers are the hottest of the hot in fitness equipment. They are easy to use, and provide a great workout. Using an elliptical machine will give you a great cardio workout, similar to that of running, and will tone your lower body as well. And, because the impact is less than that of walking, even those of us with not so great knees can use an elliptical trainer without pain. Many people are finding the elliptical trainer to be such a great workout that they aren't interested in doing anything else. However, no one machine can give the perfect workout. So, how does the elliptical machine stack up against other ways of working out? Well, if you take a closer look, you'll find that elliptical training has distinct advantages, but a few disadvantages too. One of the great benefits of elliptical trainers is that it provides an aerobic workout through a weight bearing exercise. Running does this, of course, but working out on an elliptical trainer provides an impact to your joints comparable to walking. In addition, many people report that working out on an elliptical trainer feels like less work than working out on a treadmill. Plus, if you use the upper poles on the elliptical machine, you are working your upper body as well. With a treadmill, you get no upper body workout. Serious Runners Take Note But, what if you are training for a marathon? Here's where a treadmill has a real advantage over the elliptical. If you are training to be a runner, you need to run. The gliding motion of the elliptical machine won't provide you training comparable to running in terms of preparation for a race. Another issue you should consider is your need to build muscle. If you are looking to build bulk, you will still need to lift weights. Elliptical trainers provide great cardio workouts, and are great for toning your legs and arms, but they won't build bulk. For a complete training regimen, it is best to alternate using the elliptical trainer with weight machines and free weights a few days a week. Impact Is Not All Bad One final issue about elliptical trainers - the very thing that makes them great also has its own disadvantage. Elliptical trainers are so popular because they provide a low impact workout. But impact has its advantages, especially if you don't have knee problems. Your body responds to the shock of the impact of exercise by building new bone cells, thereby increasing your bone density. So, if your knees are healthy enough to withstand the impact, running will protect your bone health in the long run. The most important issue when it comes to any exercise is longevity. You need to find an exercise that you can stick with. If you have joint or knee problems, an elliptical trainer can allow you to workout more easily than other weight bearing exercises. But, if you love to run, and are healthy enough to do so, the elliptical trainer might not be for you. It is beneficial to try out both machines, and, if you're buying a machine, be sure to check out elliptical trainer reviews as well as those on treadmills. Be assured that both can help you improve your cardiovascular health, lose weight, and gain overall fitness. About the author: Mike Singh is a fitness instructor and writer, who provides unbiased reviews of fitness products for consumers looking for quality information. Checkout the largest collection of brand-name elliptical trainer reviews online at http://www.elliptical-trainers-reviews.com,the latest news on fitness products at http://www.1-stop-fitness.comand low-carb diet recipes at http://www.low-carb-diet-recipe.info

by: Paul M. Jerard Jr. Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the fitness professionals industry had an amazing 85% job satisfaction rate according to an Idea Health & Fitness survey. Job Satisfaction In the same survey, 98% of those interviewed felt that "My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment." Lack of personal satisfaction is the most frequent reason why people leave a job. These statistics make it obvious that this is an extremely harmonious atmosphere to work in. For many of us who worked in the corporate world and shifted into the health and fitness industry, the energy felt in a health club, ashram, or wellness center is similar to being on vacation. There's always something to do, but the job itself is very gratifying. Rewards of Helping Family, Friends, Students, and Co-workers Your self esteem improves as you find solutions for the pain management of others, ailments, fitness, stress management, positive thinking, etc. The list goes on, as you continue your own journey of self improvement, but the feeling of gratification you get from helping someone find the right path, is beyond words. You will always remember: That student who reaches their ideal body weight, the physically impaired student who finds that they, too, can live a better quality life, and the student who leaves your class without the headache or backache they came in with. Your Own Health As a practitioner of Yoga2024u have become more aware of your daily ups and downs. You monitor your breath, posture, moods, diet, and exercise on a daily basis. As a Yoga teacher, you are setting an example to your students and teaching them to live a quality life. This path will enable you to live longer and live better. There is no Shortage of Work When the working world is in the "9 to 5" mode, you have many opportunities with Corporate Accounts, The Fitness Industry, Senior Centers, Medical Centers, Referrals, etc. This is when you to teach them, with any free time you have. Once I became totally self-employed, there were more daytime off-site Yoga teaching opportunities than I had time for in a geographic area that has many active Yoga teachers and studios. One of my best students, who became a Yoga teacher through our on-site program, inherited an area that I could no longer service due to time restraints. The object is to contact them. This is where your post cards come in handy, if you don't have a personal referral. Continuing Education Yes, learning new things keeps your mind stimulated and healthy. You will never tire of subjects to study, explore, and investigate. There are so many facets of Yoga, that one life span, is just not enough time to learn it all. It's not a race, but it is a journey. You will find friends, colleagues, and students who are on the same path. This makes giving, receiving, and sharing a wonderful thing along the way. Time You will have time to stop, think, breathe, relax, or meditate. You can always fill your plate beyond its limits, but you no longer have to. You can determine whether or not you will be stuck in traffic during rush hour. You decide what hours you will work and what days you have off. You will come to the realization that your time is your own. Independence Everyone wants control of their own life, but very few achieve it. Being in business for yourself, can help you control your own destiny and that of your family. Sure there are limits to what one person can accomplish, but it is better to try than to have never tried. Success No matter what you want, if you write down your short-term and long-term goals, you will make great progress toward them. You should keep these goals in a place where you can see them daily and visualize yourself accomplishing your goals. You should be specific about time frames and ethical methods used to meet them. You can even use them in meditation. Review your long-term goals at least once every season and every year. Review your short-term goals daily. You will see yourself make rapid success in this way. Lastly, goals do not have to be material at all. For example: You may want to start teaching Yoga in a year, and the following year, get a part-time Yoga teaching position. This type of goal setting is realistic and beneficial to mankind. That is the key If you choose a goal that will benefit others, you will surely achieve it. About the author: Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in North Providence RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher.

by: Andrew Banderman For the best diet results, you need a personalized diet that you can stick to. People diet for lots of reasons, and with lots of aims in mind. No matter what your aims are, the most effective diet to achieve them is a personalized one. A personalized diet which suits you is what you need, whether you want to improve your health, or just lose weight. Once you've decided to make a change for the better in your diet the next step is to seek advice from an expert. There are a myriad of fitness and diet plans to suit you available from your local gym or fitness center. There will usually be someone there you can talk to and discover what the best diet for you is. Alternatively you can take join up to one of the many fitness programs offered by the major fitness companies, there is one to suit every taste! Everyones body is different and so different diets and fitness programs effect you diffently to the way they will effect others. Some people will lose weight and tone up more quickly on certain diets so its important to ensure the diet that you are on is just right for your body. Most diet programs are designed for people with no specific health problems. If you find you are changing your prescribed diet to suit a health problem you have it is essential to contact your doctor first for advice. They can advise you on what is best to eat or avoid eating with your illness. Of course your doctor knows as much as anyone about your health. They are in an excellent position to help you decide on the diet that will be most effective for you. They will also be able to spot any potential problems with a diet you are on, or are considering. For example if you are on medication to prevent blood clots then you shouldn't eat green vegetables (spinach in particular). Your doctor will spot issues like this and point them out to you. The major problem with standard diets (including the fad diets we all here about) is that they are just that - standard. They are designed to suit everyone to some degree but they will probably have an average effect on you. These diets are not designed for you - for your body, build, fitness level, health, or potential health problems. A good diet is one you can make your own - a diet you can tailor and personalize to suit yourself. Another problem is that depending on where you live, some diets might call for you to eat a particular food that is difficult or even impossible to find. They might also require you to eat foods that are out of season or more expensive to buy in your location than others. If this is the case, you should change your diet to include foods that are easier to come by, but that also work in your diet. Of course there is little point in beginning your diet with great determination only to find a week later you dont have the ability to stick with it. It is important that you ease yourself into your diet when possible. Phase out your old diet while gradually adopting your new personalised diet. That way you'll be able to stick with it and get the most out of your new diet. Avoid a diet that requires you to abruptly change your eating habits, forcing you to stop eating your favourite foods for example. Changes like that will cause temptation and make you cheta on your diet. A diet like this will rarely last long enough to have any meaningful effect on your health or weight. 2024 If your diet has an aim - like losing weight or lowering your blood pressure then you should consider making a progress chart. that way you can look at the chart and see how far you've come and how much closer to your goal you are. that kind of encouragement will give you a much needed boost in your confidence, and your resolve to work along the path of your new diet and achieve your goals. About the author: Andrew Banderman is the owner and editor of RC Diet -- a premier source of information on diet. Free newsletter. For more diet information and articles, go to: http://www.rcdiet.com

by: Aaron M. Potts, ISSA CFT What would you consider is your most valuable tool for staying in shape? Is it your treadmill? What about your weight set? Is it your arsenal of low-fat cookbooks, and low-carb diet snacks? What about your collection of workout videos? Would you consider it a revelation that your most lethal weapon in the battle of the bulge is your Attitude? Think about it. What good is your treadmill if you don't have the energy to get on it, or can't get up the motivation to crank up the speed, or the elevation? How useful are your dumbbells if you can't push yourself to use them in the most effective manner? How good is a nutrition program that you can't stick to? How much fat loss will you get out of your workout videos if you just can't seem to get as motivated as that bouncy cheerleader who is urging you to jump higher, or that buff macho man who keeps saying, "C'mon, just one more rep!"? No, none of those tools is going to get you very far unless your HEAD is in the right place. As you read this article, you have probably already been exposed to more nutrition and exercise information than you could possibly ever need to actually stay in shape. You've probably read, listened to, or watched the answers to your fitness issues enough times to win the next Mr. or Mrs. Neighborhood fitness competition a dozen times over! Yet, you are still not where you want to be. Why? Attitude. Seeing Your Goal Do you have a clear vision in your head of where you want to be, or what you want to accomplish when you are at a peak level of fitness? I don't mean just some vague idea - I'm talking about an actual burning mental image of a six-pack set of abs, or a nice set of curves, or a clear picture of you crossing the finish line in first place, or taking home that trophy. If you don't have that, you are already just spinning your wheels. How can you expect to get somewhere if you don't know where that "somewhere" is? Many people start out very motivated to get in shape, or to compete for that prize, but their motivation lacks focus - laser-targeted precision that will guide them down the right path. The term "as the crow flies" comes to mind. If you could leave your house and drive in an exact straight line to your destination, don't you think that you would get there a lot faster? What if you could just fly through stop lights and intersections, disregard all posted speed limits, and go exactly in a straight line to every destination? You sure would get there a lot faster! Exercise, physical fitness, and nutrition are no different. If you don't have a clearly mapped out and measurable road map to your success, then you will stray, and that will cost you time at the very least - and at the most, it will cost you precious amounts of self-confidence! Take some time to think about WHERE you want to be, HOW you are going to get there, and most importantly, WHY you want to be there. Take the time to do that, and I think you'll see that your previous path may have been road blocked by a few too many trips to Starbucks for a Caramel Frappuccino. Not that anyone writing a fitness article such as this would know anything about that... Believing In Your Ability Okay, so you've got yours2024a good mental picture. You have your road map in front of you, your path is straight and true, and you are ready to get started. What comes next? Belief. Do you believe it is possible to wave a magic wand and have all of your excess bodyfat gone, and all of your fitness goals realized in the blink of an eye? Of course not. If you do, and you know the secret, please contact us - I'm sure we could make some money on that secret! For everyone else, I'll ask a different question. Do you believe that you could sit on your couch, suck down some ice cream, and put on some more bodyfat? The answer is, unfortunately, yes. What is the difference between those two questions? Very simple - one is possible, and one is not. What does that have to do with your fitness goals? Well, it may come as a surprise, but you have been dealing in the IMPOSSIBLE for quite sometime now. You have been striving for a goal, yet not really believing that it was within your power to reach it. Oh sure, you may have joined a gym, or bought a new Litmus 3000 Super-Decker top of the line treadmill/clothes hanger, but did you really believe that you were going to do it this time? If you are reading this and you are in perfect physical condition, then congratulations - you did it! For the rest of you, are you seeing the point? You didn't truly believe it, because otherwise it would have happened. Each of us shelters hidden either very deeply or sometimes NOT so deeply a seed of doubt that we will really succeed. When that seed is there - whether it is planted deeply or not - your subconscious waters it and feeds it. The next thing you know, it is has grown into an entire field of self-limiting beliefs, and you have neither the time nor the desire to get out there in the field and destroy that evil crop! What are you to do, then? BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Why? The answer to that is simple - because you are the only one who truly can. Others may support you, and they may even show you the path, but it is YOU who has to walk it. Taking Action We have covered the need for you to clearly see your goal, and for you to use the power of belief to start walking down the path, but what's next? The next step is the same for you as it is for an aspiring business owner, or a college freshman, or an artist staring at a blank canvas - you have to TAKE ACTION. You can read the top 2 sections of this article all day long, but doing so won't burn off any bodyfat, or pack any muscle tissue onto your body. Only appropriately carried out action can do that. Think of all the self-help books that you have read, or programs that you have watched on TV, or listened to on the radio. Did any of them do you any good whatsoever if you didn't take action on what you had learned? What about what you have read so far in this article? Has it been helpful? Most likely. Will it do you any good if you don't Take Action? Nope. Negative. No way. Nada. You get the picture. You can read, listen, and watch your way right into a bodyfat level that would make a sumo wrestler jealous, or consider your options until your muscles have diminished so much that you can't even lift a toast to your dearly departed dreams, but none of that will mean squat if you don't GET UP and make it happen! Why are you still sitting here? Get out there and Take Action! About the author: Aaron Potts is the owner and creator of Fitness Destinations, a content-filled health and fitness website for consumers as well as professionals in the fitness industry. Aaron's experience in the health and fitness industry includes one on one personal training in many different environments, maintenance of several health-related websites, and authoring of many fitness articles and fitness-related products for consumers and fitness professionals. http://www.fitnessdestinations.com

by: PT Cheng When it comes to health, you go for a medical checkup to see if you're physically fit. The medical report will tell everything about your health. But when it comes to wealth, it's as important that you do a regular checkup for your financial health. You need to know where you are financially before you decide what you want to achieve financially. What do you do to ascertain your level of financial fitness? You can use financial statements to determine your financial fitness. They are income statements and balance sheets. It sounded boring and alien to me when I first prepared my income statement and balance sheet. The process is tedious as you need to dig out things and get them organized in a proper format. But I can tell you once you've done this checkup, you'll have a clear picture where you stand financially and you can take the necessary measures to achieve financial freedom. Besides that you'll be more in control of your money and know how to spend your money wisely. Let's get started to determine your financial fitness. ---------------- Income Statement ---------------- First, you can prepare an income statement. An income statement is also called profit and loss statement. An income statement consists of two sections: monthly income and expenses. Your income would probably comprise salary, rent from real estate, dividends from stocks and bonds, interests from savings accounts, and royalties. Your expenses would be food, clothing, utilities, car loan payments, credit card payments, home mortgage payments, medical expenses, entertainment, insurance payments, charity, taxes, and education. List down your income and expenses into each section accordingly. Then calculate your total income and expenses. Once you've done that, it's time to calculate your net income. Net income is the difference between your gross income and expenses: net income = gross income - expenses If you have a negative net income, it tells you that you spend more money than you make. You'll have to have plans to reduce your spending or increase your income. ------------- Balance Sheet ------------- Next step is to prepare a Balance Sheet. Like income statements, balance sheets also have two sections: assets and liabilities. Assets are your cash, real estate, car, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, and businesses. Liabilities include mortgages, credit card loans, car loans, personal loans, education loans, and taxes. Prepare your own balance sheet by listing down your assets and liabilities. Calculate your total assets and total liabilities. The following step is to calculate your net worth. Net worth is the difference between total assets and total liabilities: net worth = assets - liabilities Net worth is usually used to determine whether a person is wealthy. You deserve a pat on your shoulder if you've come so far with me. By doing this simple exercise, you are one step ahead of many people. You'd have known the level of your financial fitness by now. So, are you financially fit? To help you with this exercise, you can use our free money worksheet at http://www.financiallyrich.com/wealth-calculator.asp

by: Jenny Crolson INTRODUCTION The term Anti Aging means different things to different people and also depends on your age and to some degree is governed by fashion and culture. To a 50 year old woman it may mean "I want to reduce my wrinkles". To a 21 year old girl it may mean "How can I keep my skin like this for the next 15 years?" To a 30 year old man it may mean "How can I keep my current fitness for the next 30 years?"2024 This article is aimed at a particular group of people you are interested in anti aging, mainly 20 to 30 year olds. If you are in another group or have some other interest in anti aging you may like to visit my web site http://www.informationaboutantiaging.com CAUSES OF AGING The signs of aging can be caused by many things. Some of the top reasons are listed below. Genetic Sunlight: To much sun bathing will cause wrinkles. Makeup. Chemicals in cosmetics: Use organic. Cigarette smoke. Alcohol. 2024 PREVENTING THE SIGNS OF AGING It's a fact that we are going to grow old, and with that we will being to show our age. But there are certain things that we can do to slow and reduce the signs of aging. There are four main categories that can help prevent the signs of aging. FOOD Being on a good healthy diet goes a long way to slow down the aging process. You need to limit your calorie intake. Your Doctor or Physician will be able to tell you what your proper intake should be for your particular age and health. As part of your diet you should ensure that it is balanced and consists of the following. Fresh fruits including berries. Vegetables, contain antioxidants. Beans. Seafood. Cereals. Cut down on fast foods. FITNESS Your fitness level will also determine how the natural aging process affects you. Make sure that you include some of the following in your weekly schedule. Exercise. Fitness training. Stretching the body. Yoga. SUPPLEMENTS There are many vitamins that you can take to supplement your normal diet. But, as always you must consult with your Doctor before starting to take any supplement, this is due to the fact that everyone s health state is different and you may get ill if you suddenly start taking supplements. Here is a list of vitamins that you might like to consider: Vitamin A Helps to reduce wrinkles. Vitamin C Helps produce collagen. Vitamin E This strengthens your immune system. Conzyme Q10 This is an antioxidant which helps protect the skin. CREAMS Creams can be used as an anti-aging technique. Ensure that you follow a regular skin care routine. Make sure than you are cleansing your face effectively. Make use of herbal creams Disclaimer Please note: I am not a Doctor or Physician. This article is for informational purposes only. No anti-aging technique can be guaranteed to stop the signs of aging. You must consult with your Doctor or Physician before altering your diet or taking supplements. About the author: Copyright Jenny Crolson 2005 Please visit http://www.informationaboutantiaging.comfor further information on anti aging techniques.