This Article Will Focus Your Mind to Help You Acieve Your Health and Fitness Goals!

June 11th, 2009
Health, Fitness and Confidence

If you are trying to lose weight and have been doing so repeatedly for years and years, just yo-yoing from losing to gaining again just as fast, I have the answer!!

The problem is probably due to the fact that your goal  of losing weight, living a healthier life style ,doing more exercise was not specific enough or powerful enough to make your brain wake up and stop those old patterns of behaviour and replace them with something that is going to give you what you want.

If we specifically know that we want to be a size 12, weigh 10 stone and be able to fit into that black dress, and also envisage the benefits of being all that. i.e. looking great, feeling full of energy, feeling proud that we are in charge and not the biscuit tin!! - this becomes incredibly powerful and attractive for our brains to want and to move towards.

We have to know what we want very specifically.” I want to be thinner, fitter, etc” does not work.

If you said “I want to be richer! And I gave you £1, technically you would be, but it would not make any long lasting changes in your life and I doubt that you would see any benefits of that money!

However, if you said “I want to earn £30,000/year, you have something very specific to aim at. To look for, to work towards. From that amount you will also see the need for a rigid plan that will help you on the road to earning your £30,000.

Can you see the difference?

Let’s try it with eating healthily and exercising………

If we think of this in terms of a “what?” and “why?” thing, the “what” is what do we want, vividly, in detail…

Try closing your eyes and seeing your desired “what” happening in front of you, as if you are a film star. What is going on?

Have a look around and see what you look like, what are the sounds around you? Can you hear laughter and all the admiring comments from everyone as they see how good you look?

What can you feel in your body, the pleasing fit of your clothes, rather than bursting out of them as usual! The joy of pleasurably exercising and the fun you have. Imagine the delicious food which nurtures and feeds your precious body, and how you enjoy the benefits of this food as you eat in a controlled and responsible way.

You are solely thinking of the great benefits of changing your life style, the “what” and how I will like it!

Next we need to really examine “Why?” must we change, maybe our eating habits mean that we are totally out of control and that our health is at risk in a big way ie.diabetes and a host of other problems due to over eating and under exercising.

We need to look in to the future, 5years, 10 years and vividly look for the consequences of the behaviour we imagine we are continuing to have. We really, really need to feel the pain now of behaving in this way!!!!

So many people go back to old habits after good intentions for this very reason-they have not looked down the road of gloom …….

If we own up to what we are leading to we get massive motivation to replace this old behaviour which leads to a very different place.

The old habits must be shoved out of the way with compelling new habits that lead us to happiness and where we wish to be.

For example, over eating and inactivity can be replaced with a passion for healthy and fantastic food and having exercise as part of your daily life.

This is a choice, which once you are aware that you have a choice becomes so attractive and desirable.

So, what is the happier route?

To stay stuck in a situation which makes you unhappy? Or to do something about it, with someone to support you and keep you on the path that you have now chosen?

Contact Suzanne to discuss what would make you really happy and to start this journey with a caring professional.



www.cheshirelifecoaching.co.uk





Suzanne is a Master coach who works with women with Families who are ready to find some new direction in their lives.



By: suzanne Jenkin

About the Author:

Suzanne is a Master coach who works with Women to get new direction, fulfillment and confidence in their lives.visit www.cheshirelifecoaching.co.uk to see details of her coaching packages.



health and fitness

Boxing to Improve Lifestyle as well as Fitness

June 11th, 2009
In recent times boxing has become a very popular form of fitness training. Many health club style gyms across Australia and the world operate boxing fitness classes (commonly termed boxfit) for the general public. These classes are boxing, but with the important exception of no contact, therefore utilising most of the fitness benefits that boxing provides. This popularity has turned to a stimulated interest in competitive boxing.

No sport can provide the showmanship, action, drama and physical entertainment that boxing can. In Australia this has been shown in recent years by Anthony Mundine and Danny Green, and across the world by the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones Jr.

Boxing as a form of fitness training is certainly nothing new, in fact it could be said that it is the original form of fitness training, with the sport dating back many hundreds of years. I like to classify boxing fitness as an underground style of training, as it is an original form of fitness training. Fitness training with a purpose.

I have had the opportunity to view world champion boxers such as Mundine and Kostya Tszyu sweating it out in the gym. Both trained with pure purpose, they did not care what they were wearing or who was there for a chat. Just good old fashioned hard work.

The fitness benefits of boxing are aplenty, with aerobic capacity, anaerobic threshold, speed, power, strength, reaction time, flexibility and agility just some of the qualities of fitness that are worked on.

But, if taken beyond the level of just boxing for fitness, there is so much more that can be gained from boxing. Boxing is the toughest sport. There is nothing like being in a ring with a person standing opposite you looking to strike you in the most primal form of all, with the fist.

All of you fears and insecurities are laid out right in front of you.

Do you back your self physically? Can you overcome any physical limitations with a strong mind, not worrying about possible outcomes? Can you look past hurdles, such as copping a blow and move forward with an eye on the ultimate prize? Are you not concerned about what people are thinking?

These are all questions that are asked when you step into the ring, whether it be for a sparring session or competitive bout.

These are the questions we face in everyday life.

Champions and successful people answer these questions.

There is no where to hide in the ring. You are back to how the cavemen lived, how we developed as humans. It is fight or flight.

When competitive boxers are ridiculed by media and public for various reasons such as not showing enough courage or not fighting solid enough competition, very rarely would these critics have experienced what it is like to be in combat in the squared circle.

Boxers which are labelled taxi drivers, or even bums would dispose of such critics without much effort, if any at all.

Whist many will never decide to take the opportunity to spar or even have a competitive fight, it would be of great benefit to do so. After you have experienced the caldron of the boxing ring during battle not much else in life seems to difficult. It would be of exceptional benefit for individuals suffering from stress related illness, and especially athletes and even sports enthusiasts to step into the ring.

Whilst mental toughness can not be defined, time in the boxing ring will certainly make you feel although you have it, and are ready to take on whatever life throws at you, whether it is work or play.

Of course there are issues to consider, such as physical limitations and insurance. But if these areas are appropriately covered, then the opportunity should be seized.

So next time you are watching a bout which is considered a mismatch, just think what it would be like in the ring. Whatever it is that you think it would be like you can multiply it tenfold.

Take the challenge; you will be a better person for it.



By: Gavin Stone

About the Author:

Gavin Stone is a leading Personal Trainer, fitness expert and publisher of iseekactive.com. His training methods and philosophies are unique and aimed at producing results for his clients. Gavin’s articles cane be found at: iseekactive.com



The Fitness Routine Secret That Delivers Results

June 10th, 2009
The best way to achieve outstanding workout results is to design a fitness routine that delivers workout results right away. Most exercise workout participants don’t understand the word patience as they demand results right away.

It is not the results, so to speak, they want, but the benefits that workout results deliver. When you are starting a fitness routine you have such goals as decreasing body fat, increasing muscle tissue, improving self esteem, as well as possibly increasing longevity, and living an overall healthy life. These are a few of the more common benefits associated with exercise workout results.

The disappointing aspect of a fitness routine is most people begin the program only to be frustrated by lack of exercise workout results.  Their big aspirations of enjoying the benefits of fitness results unfortunately quickly slip away.

Why is this?  This is because fitness health driven participants simply do the wrong fitness routine in the gym, complain about the lack of exercise plan time, or just are not motivated enough to succeed.

What do you think is the number one fitness workout program results killer? Believe it or not, it is your brain. Yes, I repeat, your brain! The way you think determines exactly how successful your fitness workout results will be.

The way you think control your emotions, which in turn controls your actions, which, ultimately, controls your results. Therefore, your physical fitness routine results first start in the brain, also known as your secret workout results weapon.

If you don’t possess a fitness program success mindset, then you will never enjoy the benefits of exercise results!

So how do you develop a proper fitness workout results mindset that will settle for nothing less than success?

First off, you set, write, visualize, and recite fitness workout goals on a daily basis. Focus on where you are going, not where you are right at this moment.

One of the keys to fitness workout results is to live in the positive. If you are a normal human being you will experience some negative self talk from time to time. From now on, you must shield yourself from negative thinking, and turn those crippling thoughts into positives. Your workout results will quickly skyrocket.

The next big exercise program success mindset tip to incorporate is you must stress the desire to accomplish mini-goals as part of your overall physical fitness routine strategy.

When starting a fitness workout program it is important to swing the bat, no matter what, until you reach your ultimate goal. Never give up. You are close to accomplishing whatever goal you set out for!

When starting a fitness program I always recommend replacing “I can’t” with I can, and the “I won’t” with I will.  This type of thinking will help you avoid that negative self talk, and propel you towards your ultimate fitness workout goals.

Finally, if you desire outstanding workout results, it is important to stop complaining. Complaining will change the way you think by introducing negative emotions into your fitness program mindset. It will most definitely sabotage your fitness routine. Therefore, stop the complaining!

The key to fitness routine success all begins in your brain with the way you think. All you have to do is follow the mindset tips presented in this article, and watch your fitness workout results soar.



By: Joe Garnett

About the Author:

My name is Joe Garnett. I am an exercise physiologist who has dedicated his life toward helping people improve their fitness, health, and quality of life.



fitness workouts

Need to get a gift for my brother’s girlfriend-I know she’s in her early 30s, into physical fitness.

June 10th, 2009
MARYN B asked:


I only met her once, seems nice, they’ve been dating about 6 months (I think!) and all I know about her is that she teaches yoga and aerobics, and competes in fitness competitions. We draw names for Christmas, and my husband got her. I asked my brother for suggestions-no help there. Ideas?

aerobics fitness

Finding A Fitness Trainer

June 9th, 2009
The decision to get fit is a great goal to set for yourself, but it can be hard knowing where to start. A Fitness Trainer can assist you by discussing what you want to accomplish from your efforts. Some people want to lose weight, some what to tone their body, and others want to build their muscles. There are specific exercise programs that a Fitness Trainer can recommend to help you in the area you choose to work on. They can also show you the correct way to do each of the exercises so that you get the maximum benefit from your workout.

Finding the right Fitness Trainer for you is easier than you think. If you belong to a gym or fitness center, ask about a personal Fitness Trainer program. For those of you who want to work out on your own or who don’t have a gym in your area, you will have to search a little bit harder for a Fitness Trainer. Ask your doctor, friends, and family members if they can recommend anyone to you. The internet is a great place to locate any in your area as well as give you some basic information on what a Fitness Trainer can do for you.

Fitness trainers are going to vary in their methods. You will want to talk openly with a Fitness Trainer regarding their philosophy, training, and consulting methods. You will also want to discuss their educational background and certification as a Fitness Trainer. Of course, the cost of their service is going to be an important factor to discuss as well.

Ask them why they became a Fitness Trainer. Ask for references who you can contact regarding their experiences with the Fitness Trainer. Since you are going to be exercising in your free time, you are going to have to discuss a schedule that works well for both of you. Make sure you share your fitness fears with the personal trainer and see how they react. They should also be made aware of your fitness level and any health concerns that are going to need to be considered while getting fit.

After talking, you should feel comfortable with the Fitness Trainer. If you don’t feel like you are compatible then keep looking. You need the time and money you spend with a Fitness Trainer to be well spent, not stressful. Trust your instincts when it comes to being around this particular individual. It is a good idea to talk with at least three potential Fitness Trainers before you make a final decision based on what each has to offer you.

Getting fit is easier when you have the expertise of a Fitness Trainer behind you. They are great for motivating you as well as giving you personal attention to meet your fitness goals. Make sure the Fitness Trainer you choose to work with has your best interests in mind as you work together to devise a challenging yet rewarding fitness program that are going to give you the results you having been hoping for.



By: Ramone Stevenson

About the Author:
Get all the latest information about Fitness from the only true source at http://www.topfitnessinformation.com Be sure to check out our Fitness Trainer pages.



fitness trainer

Cholesterol Levels and Fitness

June 9th, 2009
 

Cholesterol is an essential nutrient for human health that saves lives. It helps to protect against infectious disease and repairs damaged tissue. Cholesterol is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. Cholesterol is required in the membrane of mammalian cells for normal cellular function, and is either synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, or derived from the diet, in which case it is delivered by the bloodstream in low-density lipoproteins. Cholesterol can also be converted to vitamin D in our body and used for the calcification of bones and teeth.

The precise causes of a high level of blood cholesterol are very complex, with many genetic factors playing important roles. The causes which are now seen as contributing to higher-than-normal cholesterol levels are: hereditary factors, which are the most important; then high blood pressure; followed by stress, smoking, obesity and dietary cholesterol. Unfortunately, some individuals have very high cholesterol levels, and the cause is hereditary; about 25 people in 10,000 carry this trait. Some drugs that are known to increase cholesterol levels include anabolic steroids, beta blockers, epinephrine, oral contraceptives, and vitamin D.

Some studies have shown that fish oil supplementation may increase the level of LDL-cholesterol (the “bad” kind), but that the ratio of HDL-cholesterol (the “good” kind) to LDL remains unchanged. Another study found an average reduction of 38% in triglyceride levels and an increase of HDL levels of 24% in both men and women consuming fish on a daily basis. Healthy lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight and exercising regularly can help lower triglyceride levels.

Physical fitness is to the human body what fine tuning is to an engine. Physical fitness is the capacity of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles to function at optimum efficiency. In previous years, fitness was defined as the capacity to carry out the day’s activities without undue fatigue. Physical fitness is now defined as the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist hypokinetic diseases, and to meet emergency situations. Whether exercise is aerobic or anaerobic, exercise, health, and physical fitness go together for life. Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans.

The decision to carry out a physical fitness program cannot be taken lightly. Unless you are convinced of the benefits of fitness and the risks of unfitness, you will not succeed. As you undertake your fitness program, it’s important to remember that fitness is an individual quality that varies from person to person. Your goals, your present fitness level, age, health, skills, interest and convenience are among the factors you should consider. Exercise that doesn’t raise your heart rate to a certain level and keep it there for 20 minutes won’t contribute significantly to cardiovascular fitness. The best-laid plans of many a fitness program have been ruined by too much enthusiasm on the first day andsore muscles on the second.

An aerobic exercise program can burn fat and increase the metabolic rate. Popular aerobic conditioning activities include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, rope-jumping, rowing, cross-country skiing, and some continuous action games like racquetball and handball. It is generally recommended that aerobic exercises be done three to five days per week, from twenty to sixty minutes of continuous activity at a time, such that the heart rate increases from 50 to 90 percent, depending on the intensity of the workout. Heart rate is widely accepted as a good method for measuring intensity during running, swimming, cycling and other aerobic activities.

In a nation of couch potatoes, suggesting that people find whatever kind of exercise works for them is sound health advice. Weight training exercise is essential for enhancing muscular strength and endurance, helping to prevent the decline of muscle mass (and metabolic rate) that accompanies aging, and promoting bone health.

 



By: Paul Rodgers

About the Author:

The precise causes of a high level of blood cholesterol are very complex, with many genetic factors playing important roles. The causes which are now seen as contributing to higher-than-normal cholesterol levels are: hereditary factors, which are the most important; then high blood pressure; followed by stress, smoking, obesity and dietary cholesterol. Find out more about Cholesterol Levels and Fitness

Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products



Finding the Best Elliptical Trainer for Your Own Fitness Workouts

June 9th, 2009
Elliptical trainers are the new kids on the block as far as fitness equipment is concerned. But they are also the rising stars of the fitness industry. The latest figures show that their sales are increasing at a very rapid rate, no doubt because people are starting to realize how beneficial elliptical trainers can be if included in their home fitness workouts. Here are some of the features that you should look for when shopping for your own elliptical trainer:

First of all, look for a solid and sturdy machine. There are already several elliptical trainer models on the market, but not all of them are quality machines. If you read several of the online elliptical trainer reviews you’ll see that they often mention the fact that the lower-priced elliptical trainer models that they tested were definitely inferior in quality to the higher-priced ones. In fact, it appears that $2000 seems to be the price range where you can begin to expect to get a really solid quality machine.

With that information in mind, look for machines that have exercise programs built into it that can vary the workout and help prevent boredom while you’re exercising. Some of these will allow you to manually adjust your workout as you go, and others will allow you to program the machine before you begin, and then automatically adjust your workout as you go. A feature like this is good to have because workout machines are often considered boring, and anything you can do to make the workout more interesting and enjoyable will be a good investment.

As is the case with most exercise machines, it’s a good idea to have a heart rate monitor that is included with the machine to help keep watch on your pulse rate as you exercise. That kind of regular feedback can help you make sure that you stay in the optimum exercise zone as you work out.

It’s always a good idea to actually physically use an exercise machine before you buy it too. And when you try out elliptical trainer models you want to be looking for one that seems to fit you well and is comfortable for you to use. Pay particular attention to the handles as some seem to be better designed than others in this area. You want to make sure that the handles are comfortable and spaced far enough apart so that they are easy for you to use and grasp.

Safety is also an issue with any exercise machine especially since they are run by motors and could be a safety hazard for small children. With that in mind, it’s good to have a safety pin on your elliptical trainer that will not allow the machine to be used by anyone who is not an adult. If you have small children in the household, this can be a very important feature to have and look for.

As you shop for your new exercise equipment, be sure to use the suggestions given above as you make your selection. And if you do, most likely you’ll be able to find the best elliptical trainer for your personal fitness workouts.



By: Jim Johnson

About the Author:
You can find the best elliptical trainer and best elliptical machine by visiting our Home Fitness website.



fitness workouts

Arm-pump-aholic Anonymous Compares Stick With Weight to Gripstik for Wrist Exercise

June 8th, 2009
Fast By Design Product Review: Canadian Motocross Company

‘Welcome to Fast by Design’s first AA meeting (Armpumpaholic Anonymous). My name is Smitty and I am an Armpumpaholic. They say the first step to rehabilitation is admitting you have the problem. Well since I am the only one here I will now stand up and say “I GET ARM PUMP”.

Whew! Now with that over, lets diagnose the scenario. If you are like me and have a daytime gig, you probably practice around twice a week and race on the weekends. Although you do everything you can during your motos, breath steady and avoid “Death Grip”, you still have the Arm Pump monkey on your back. Well friends I have great news! The FbD test department received an interesting little package about a month ago from Gripstik. Inside was a curious looking apparatus that resembled two motocross grips glued together at their ends. I know what you are thinking, “Another wonder product that will fall short of what I need to help me kick the arm pump habit”.

The first step to dropping arm pump is to ride as much as possible. If you don’t put in some track time during the week, arm pump is inevitable. If you don’t get it you are: A) not pushing hard enough. or B) a freak of nature. Once you are able to ride at least twice a week you will probably notice a reduction in arm pump. The next step is to work on the forearms during the other days.

Freddie Spencer, a multi-time road racing champion and dirt bike rider, suggests a broomstick handle, a piece of string and a 5 pound weight. You attach the weight to one end of the string and the broomstick to the other. Holding the broomstick you wind the string up raising and lowering the weight. This technique works great and from personal experience I found it helped reduce arm pump more than any other single exercise. Gripstik has taken the winding with resistance motion but removed the string and weight. Thus creating the unit we described earlier, the two grips actually twist against each other with variable force. The resistance can be adjusted by simply rotating one grip closer to or farther away from the other grip.

The Gripstik unit is very compact, in fact small enough to fit in the glove compartment of you vehicle, where mine is most commonly found. The reason for this is I usually use mine a couple times through the day. When driving to work in the morning I hit allot of stop lights, so instead of just sitting at the light staring ahead at the car in font of me, I do a one minute moto in my van. With about ten sets of lights on my daily commute I get a pretty good forearm work out. The second use is before I practice. After getting into my gear I like to stretch a bit before jumping on the bike. Between stretches I will do about 50 reps of the Gripstik to warm up the forearms.

I can honestly say that I have gotten the arm pump problem down to a manageable level. Between weekly riding and the daily use of the Gripstik I can run a 20 min moto flat out at most of my local tracks, something that was just a pipe dream last year.’

Here is a list of some satisfied customers who use the Gripstik Wrist Exerciser:

-Bill Collins: 5 time World Arm Wrestling Champion and Captain of TEAM USA Arm Wrestling

Read up on Bill’s tips to Arm Wrestling Training at http://www.gripstik.com/arm-wrestling.html.

-Brandi Profitt: Nationally Ranked Professional Rock Climber

Read Brandi’s review of Gripstik at http://www.gripstik.com/rock-climbing.html

- Larry Eastman: MN State Racquetball champion in Singles and Doubles

Read Larry’s Top 10 Racquetball Training Tips at http://www.gripstik.com/racquetball-equipment.html

-Joe Day and Curtis Brown: NHL Players

Read Frank Burggraf’s (Burggraf Skating and Skills On and Off Ice Training Centers) Article on Training for Hockey Success at http://www.gripstik.com/ice-hockey-training-equipment.html

- Joe Stansberry: USGA Champion and PGA Champions Tour Player

Read Joe’s review on how the gripstik helped him when he was ailing from carpal tunnel syndrome at http://www.gripstik.com/therapy-carpal-tunnel.html

For more reviews and testimonials go to http://www.gripstik.com/Strength_Training_Home_Exercise_Equipment_testimonials.html



By: Wrist Exercise

About the Author:

aryan@resonancetech.net



exercise fitness

Becoming A Fitness Trainer

June 8th, 2009
If your are fitness buff that drives everyone around them crazy with there endless chatter about fitness then now would be a good time to consider becoming a fitness trainer. Here’s how to do just that.

1. Do you have what it takes? As a fitness trainer there are plenty of skills you need besides enthusiasm. You need to be able analyze situations, be patient, be persistent but nurturing, be organized, be a good listener, and be a good motivator. You need to love to work with people of all ages and all backgrounds that share the common goal of wanting to become fit. And of course you should practice what you preach and be fully involved in fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

2. Get Certified - There are all kinds of fitness certification programs that you can branch into. It also depends where you want to work. The common fitness trainer certifications are ISSA, NEPT, NCSF, ACSM, and ACE. Length of program for each certification varies.

3. Specialize - There is no requirement for to specialize however when you do you open up other employment opportunities. You can also charge more when you have specialized. You can decide to take it right away when you get certified as a fitness trainer or you can go back and get it later.

4. Work It At The Club - Grab your telephone book and have a look at clubs that are listed in the area you are willing to work. Then contact them to see if they are looking for a fitness trainer. If they indicate they might be then it’ a good idea to go drop off a resume.

5. Open Up Your Own Fitness Trainer Service - When you run your own business you get back what you put into it. You’ll need to check with your local area to see what type of licensing you require.

6. Sell Yourself - Once you get your business set up and running then it’s time to get out there and market your business and in order to market your business you need to first sell yourself. If you aren’t sure how to do this have a look online about marketing your business.

7. Continuing Education - Leaves you with refreshed with new skills and very smart accomplishments that will certainly help you keep the job you have or get a new one.

Become Indispensable - When you finally land that job make sure that you become indispensable to the person who has hired you. Be better than the rest. When your client feels they can’t live without your help you’ve got yourself a long term client.

Being a fitness trainer will be very rewarding. You’ve got all thee excellent skills that you can use to help others become fit, loose weight, tone up, and just become more comfortable with their body’s.

As a fitness trainer you have the training and knowledge to help someone rethink their position on fitness. You can give them the fitness bug with all your enthusiasm. If you have special interests in fitness why not share it with others?



By: Steve Johnson

About the Author:
Get all the latest information about Fitness from the only true source at http://www.topfitnessinformation.com Be sure to check out our fitness trainer pages.



fitness trainer

What is the best way to begin getting fit?

June 8th, 2009
ctsmith28 asked:


My best friend and I would like to begin an active fitness routine including sports, aerobics, etc… We would like to become more active people and would like details on how to begin this new chapter. We are both healthy eaters but do not work out on a regular basis.

aerobics fitness