Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A Gruelling Cardio Workout for Best Results


Want a more creative way to perform your cardio activity rather than on a stationary bike? Try spinning! This could be one of the most grueling cardio classes that you can take if trying to lose stomach fat.

The class usually takes place in the cardio room of your favorite gym. Some have been clever enough to even hold the classes outdoors to incorporate a sense of city and trail riding. The bikes you will ride are specially designed to simulate an outdoor biking adventure by having easily changeable tension controls to simulate hill riding. Though you will be stationary, spinning burns up to 450 calories in 45 minutes! And what makes 45 minutes go faster but upbeat music and constant encouragement from your instructor.

The whole idea is to pretend you are riding outdoors, dealing with the normal challenges of hill riding without the danger of falling or being hit by a road-raged motorist. Not only does spinning burn lots of calories, it also tones the quadriceps muscles and the muscles of the hips as well. One major drawback of riding a bike outdoors is the tremendous amount of balance and coordination that is required. Not in a spinning class! Since the bike is stationary, all you have to do is concentrate on following the course described to you by your instructor. Increasing the tension knob simulates hills.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Don't Skip Breakfast to Reduce Caloric Intake

There is a myth which continues to circulate among those seeking to shed unwanted belly fat. The theory is that by skipping breakfast, you are reducing overall caloric intake and thus forcing your body to lose the fat. In theory this sounds great, but here are some important facts:

# The body is fasting overnight. Skipping breakfast deprives the body of essential nutrients which it needs to kick-starts your metabolism, and gets your digestive system moving for the day ahead.

# Skipping breakfast has been shown to increase the likelihood of bad food choices later on in the day - high saturated fat/sugar, high calorie - as these are usually the most convenient and tempting choices to satisfy your hunger. Excess consumption of these foods can lead to further weight gain, and often long-term health issues.

# The body requires a certain amount of calories every day just to keep its basic operations in check - organ function, breathing etc. Missing out on breakfast doesn't remove the fact that your body needs a certain amount of calories to function, so you may end up cramming large amounts of food into one or two meals later on to make up for missing breakfast. This slows your digestive and metabolic rate, thus reducing your potential for weight loss (fat burning).

Important to remember: Never exercise on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. For those attempting to lose stomach fat, this is counter-productive - more lean muscle mass equals more fat burning potential (quicker metabolism)!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Follow the Four Basics for Sexy Abs


In today’s world, nothing says “fit” like well-defined six pack abs. Combined with pecs and biceps, these three muscle groups—sometimes known as “vanity muscles”—are seen as the pinnacle of male fitness. For women, a flat, chiseled stomach gives her a great figure that flatters anything she wears.

Unfortunately, the abdominal area seems to be the hardest area to develop. “How long will it take before I can see my abs?” and “When will my stomach get smaller?” are the most common questions asked.

Here are four ways to flatten your stomach.

Cardio: Try to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise daily. Burning calories equals fat loss and fat loss equals visible abs. Find something to enjoy, as it is easier to remain consistent when you are doing something you like.

Keep Your Diet in Check: To lose belly fat, you must burn more calories than you consume. This means eating the right foods and in the right amounts. No more super-sizing. Get rid of the soft drinks—they’re liquid calories. Add plenty of fruits and veggies to your diet.

Lift Weights: Muscle is more dense than fat, so it takes more calories to sustain muscle. Consequently, you burn more calories throughout the day (even at rest) when your frame contains more muscle. Women, don’t let this frighten you—Don’t believe the hype—muscle trims your figure, defines your arms, legs and buttocks, and supports joint health as you age

Work Those Abs: Of course, you have to do abdominal exercises as well. But there’s no need to buy any of the fancy contraptions seen on television. Your body is all you need.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Fat Loss Tea to Boost Weight Loss


The concept of losing unwanted stomach fat revolves around different types of foods and exercises. There are people who try different diet plans and pair it with special exercises to get better results. But, there are few people who always know how to add something extra to their weight loss efforts. These are the fortunate few who always incorporate special things in their diet plan to get quick results. And, fat loss tea is one such thing.

Fat loss teas are now available in the market and they claim to offer incredible results. But, it is important to find the right tea to include in your fat loss program. Here are a few things that should be kept in mind when finding a tea.

• Always keep in mind that a good fat loss tea will always offer quick results. There will be some change in your weight in not more than two, three days of using a tea. If you don't get any results in the beginning, it is better to look for something else.

• In order to find the best tea, you can try few of the most popular ones to see their effects on your body. If your weight responds to a special tea, just stick with it.

• Make sure you opt for a tea that has an impact on your metabolism. It can be judged by frequent urination or perspiration.

These are the most important things to check, but there are others as well. For instance, you should pay attention to taste and some other characteristics. So, check all these things and they include a fat loss tea in your daily routine to get incredible results.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Home Exercises to Lose Belly Fat


If you are looking for home exercises to lose stomach fat, you definitely don't need a gym membership in order to shed the extra fat. In fact, there are numerous routines that don’t need personal trainers and exercise equipment to execute.

Ideally, home exercises to lose belly fat should be regular and as intensive as possible. The more you workout, the more calories are burned. But remember that regularity is key here: you probably know it by now, how easy the excess fat tends to find its way back in no time.

Pushups - the humble pushup remains the easiest and the best weight-loss workout. It trains your chest, shoulders, triceps, abdominals and lower back. As you build more muscles, lots of calories are burned in the process and this is what makes you lose weight. No need of a gym.

Bodyweight Squats - This is a two-step workout. It's an effective way to quickly burn fat and tighten muscles.

Rope jumping - The jump rope routine has an interesting version: the invisible jump rope. All remains the same, except that you are jumping an imaginary rope.

In order to be effective, home exercises to lose a jelly-belly must be combined with a healthy diet. The principle is simple: reducing your daily calories and fat intake while eliminating the extra that's already found its way in your body.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Easy Fixes for Lasting Weight Loss


The next time you’re out shopping for food, you might want to re-think tossing those greasy chips into your grocery cart. Chances are, you’re being watched. That’s right. Some of the top nutrition experts admitted to a guilty indulgence of their own: spying on the rest of us at the grocery store! And not only are they snooping at the checkout line, they’re also busy making a list of all the things we do wrong.

Here are their top five:

Good Fats vs. Bad Fats:- Most people still don’t get that some fats are actually good for you. You want to avoid saturated and trans fats, but you need more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Good sources are fish, nuts, avocados, and soybean and canola oils.”

Supersize Meals:- In order to get the most for our dollar, we often supersize our meals-regardless of the health consequences. Remember, it’s not a money saver or health bargain if it has way too many calories. Be sure to pick one protein, one starch, one veggie and one fruit based serving.

Liquid = 0 Calories:- Think before you sip. We tend to consume a large amount of sugared soda and juice. These sugared drinks can swell your calorie intake and push out more nutritious foods. Swap your Cola for a cup of tea. This calorie-free beverage not only boats more flavors than soda, but it also offers up a number of health benefits as well.

Addicted to the Microwave:- You’re tired, you’re hungry, and the last thing you want to do is cook an entire meal so you turn to the microwave for a solution. Eating too many heavily processed foods can leave you short on fiber and antioxidants such as Vitamin C. So add a green salad, a 100 percent whole wheat roll and some fruit for desert. That way, you can get the best of both fast and healthy foods.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Non-Gym Exercises


Let’s face it: the gym isn’t for everybody. For some it’s the cost that hinders its appeal, and for others it’s the atmosphere. But the good news is that you don’t need a health club membership to lose unwanted belly fat or simple to get in shape. There are lots of exercises you can do around your house or in your neighborhood that don't require a gym.

Some specific recommendations involve:

• At least 2 1/2 hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic workouts, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic workouts like running or jogging

• For even better results, about 5 hours a week of moderate workouts or 2 1/2 hours of vigorous workouts

• On top of these aerobic activities, strength-training workouts at least twice a week that involve all major muscle groups

You don't need a gym to do any of these activities:

• Get up and move. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can be as simple as marching in place while you watch television. You also can take a long, quick-paced walk through your neighborhood.

• Jumping jacks. People ready to pursue a high-intensity aerobic workout can get more advanced. Biking or swimming are also good activities. You'll see better benefits if you mix up your aerobic exercises, as different workouts target different muscle groups.

• Do some squats: Lunges and squats can give your lower body a solid strength-training workout by using your own weight as the resistance.

• Makeshift weights: Use water bottles, cans of soup, or heavier items as resistance for bicep curls and straight-arm raises that work your shoulders.

• The old basic-training standby: Push-ups will work your chest muscles, biceps, triceps and back muscles.

These simple steps will keep you in shape.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Enhance Your Work-Out With Aerobics


It’s generally accepted that aerobic exercises are unlimited and at your disposal. There are so many choices when it comes to picking a good fitness workout. You could run around your house each day for 20 minutes and achieve your goal. But, you will more likely have success with a variety of exercises that you enjoy.

Find a "Go To" Exercise: Try to find something you can use as a motivator to your fitness routine. This can become your "go to" exercise. Many times, just starting is the biggest hurdle to overcome.

Keep Challenging Yourself: In the beginning, your body is challenged, but eventually it’s conditioned to handle the stress. The body needs to be continuously challenged to see results. Slowly put a little more stress on the body, burn a few more calories, and develop more lean muscle tissue.

Raise Your Heart Rate: Most experts recommend elevating your heart rate to 60-85% of your maximum heart rate, but remember, it’s only a recommendation and there is room for personal adjustment.

Start Small: Try starting out with 10 minutes, 2-3 days a week. It’s okay if you finish thinking it wasn't hard and that you could have done more – that’s what the next day is for. It becomes a challenge.

Try Circuit Training: A circuit usually consists of 6-15 exercises, in which you move from one exercise to the next with little or no rest. This allows your heart rate to stay elevated, and helps you enjoy a variety of different exercises while getting a full body workout and the benefits of aerobic effort.

Stay Loose: It’s important to warm up and stretch before exercising. You'll be able to perform better during the workout, and your body will have a faster recovery once you're done.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Lose the Carbs, Keep the Taste

Many of the foods that we love to eat and find so comforting can cause blood sugar to soar. So, it is important to find alternatives that give us the same flavor and texture to satisfy the hunger for those foods we crave. By satisfying the hunger, we can avoid moments of weakness, which can lead to that jelly-belly. Here are a few favorites and some easy alternatives to satisfy your mind, body, and soul.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Try mashed turnips instead. Prepare these the same way that you would potatoes. Boil them until tender and then mash. Having 1 cup of mashed turnips or cauliflower will save almost 30 grams of carbohydrates.

2. Macaroni and Cheese: Reduce the amount of pasta normally used by half and add boiled, chopped cauliflower. Since cauliflower is the same color as pasta and has a similar texture when boiled, it is a great way to reduce the carbohydrates without changing the flavors. This trick saves more than 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

3. Succotash: Lima beans are usually the basis of this delicious side dish, but they are typically high in carbohydrates. Instead, try using soybeans, commonly known as edamame. One cup of edamame contains about ½ of the carbohydrates and more fiber than the same amount of lima beans.

4. Pie: The piecrust can be one of the main sources of carbohydrates, so changing the way it is made can cut out some carbs. Using finely ground nuts, along with a sugar substitute, and a small amount of margarine can create a delicious crispy, carbohydrate-free crust.

Be creative. There are many great ways to change the foods we love to give us more nutrition and help manage blood sugar.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Trim the Fat Without Blowing Your Budget

Sometimes joining a gym, getting a trainer or entertaining a new fad diet can be expensive and serve as a deterrent to people who are on a tight budget. However, getting fit and staying healthy is good for our overall well-being. Here are ten fiscally refined fitness tips that you can incorporate into your everyday life that will keep you motivated and trim without blowing your budget.

1. Instead of hiring a personal trainer or joining expensive group classes, check out exercise videos from your local library. Check out a different exercise DVD each week.

2. Take Steps Instead of the Elevator. This is a very effective exercise that can be incorporated into almost anyone’s life.

3. Cleaning your house shouldn’t be work; it can be an enjoyable exercise. The pay off: burn calories and then lay back and enjoy a clean home.

4. Walk it Out! It’s the simplest way to lose stomach fat. Most experts say you should walk 1-2 miles per day at a brisk pace to stay healthy.

5. Buy Used Equipment. Don’t buy retail. Check with friends and family who probably have unused or stored exercise equipment they don’t want anymore.

6. Avoid Junk Food. Eating junk food while you’re busy or traveling is a serious culprit. With a little planning you can transform your diet to include mostly healthy foods; plan out your meals for the week.

7. Take advantage of local parks and community recreation programs. Check with your local center to find out what programs they have to offer.

8. Use the Internet to help find fitness clubs or groups in your local area that are free or little cost.

9. Just Dance. Grab your ipod, favorite CD or turn on a TV music channel and get your body in motion. Dancing is great exercise – and it doesn't cost a dime.

10. Got kids? Put them in the stroller and take them for a walk. If it is raining and cold, walk indoors.

Use the above tips to jump start your road to better health, wealth and happiness.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Time to Get Rid of Your Belly Fat


Losing weight does not have to be a chore as many people take it to be. If you can get a weight loss program that is fun, you will enjoy yourself while losing weight in the process. This will also give you the drive not to give up but rather to stay focus on your goal. You see, the mistake people make is to start a program and quit half way through. This is the worst thing you could ever do. Imagine several months down the line you are looking back and questioning your lack of success. That can be very depressing, since you may have reached your goal had you not quit.

The aim here is not to discourage you, but rather to give you some weight loss tips and advice that you can apply to your lifestyle to get an amazing body. Below are a few tips to help get rid of that unwanted belly fat.

Tip #1- Don't eat late at nights- Try to avoid eating a heavy meal late in the evenings. You want your food to be almost digested when you are going to bed. Otherwise you undigested food can be easily converted to fat and stored around your organs.

Tip #2- Do some cardiovascular exercises on a regular basis. This does not have to be strenuous exercises, but you need a workout that will get your heart pumping fast to speed up your metabolism so you can burn fat faster.

Tip #3- Do abdominal exercises- While dieting is good to lose weight, you will need to do targeted abdominal exercises to tighten your abs so you can have a flat stomach.

Tip #4- Stay focus on your goal and think about it as fun. Make it something you love and you will find that it is not as hard as you think.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Lose the Fat Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle

Mother Nature really does provide us with an abundance of good food, and it will always be to your advantage to learn as much about food as you possibly can. Understanding what you eat is always going to be far better than being told what to eat.

You will find that there are lots of tasty foods out there that is also good for a healthy lifestyle. That jelly-belly can be a thing of the past. Here are three examples of foods that can work wonders.

• Let's begin with the morning. Before you do anything else, slice a piece of lemon and put it in a glass of warm water. When you have finished wait for twenty minutes then eat some fruit, start with an apple, apples have lots of fiber and very few calories. Secondly eat fruits like pears, bananas, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, and kiwis. Of course you can eat whatever fruit you want.

• Oatmeal: This can fill you up and satisfy you for a significant period of the day. What you really want to eat is whole grains, such as rolled oats, then rather than sugar try honey and without any dairy.

• For lunch and dinner: Fresh salads, fresh veggies, whole grains, brown rice. Brown rice with steam veggies is great. Before you eat anything in the afternoon try and have a fresh avocado. Slice it in two and eat one half and use the other half in a sandwich. When it comes to meat, lean white meat and fish work great.

Of course this is really basic but more than anything else you should be motivated to learn more about food. Additionally, you need to get adequate sleep and be sure to get in some exercise daily.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Lose Belly Fat in Just a Few Days With a Colon Cleanse


Did you know that there are millions of Americans dying each year due to colon cancer? This is alarming not only among Americans but also among everyone in the entire world. Consequently, people are now on the lookout for a colon cleanse secret in order to avoid being the next victims of this killer disease. It’s been proven that a colon cleanse diet can help you lose belly fat in just a few days.

They say that once you have a healthy large intestine, you will also have a healthy body and mind. Internal cleansing of our body is extremely important, especially at this time where there are so many sources of toxins from our environment. These toxins include the harmful chemicals and additives in the food we eat. The colon cleanse process will help you lose stomach fat in just a few days. This may sound too good to be true, but it is actually supported by various medical studies. If you look for large intestine detoxifying agents, you can see numerous products online and even in your local health stores, so you have to be smart in choosing the right product that works.

You can only experience the Colon Cleanse success you desire, with the right product and process. If you can do this, you will experience great health benefits such as:

1. With detoxification, you can eliminate toxins and parasites from inside your body. Your digestive system will therefore function better.

2. There will be an increase in your metabolic rate, leading to fat loss. A person with high metabolism is able to lose belly fat faster and more effectively.

3. You look younger and fresher because of its good effect on your skin.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Cool Tips to Lose Belly Fat


Losing unwanted belly fat has always been a constant struggle for many people, but if you find the right plan that fits your needs then you can lose the desired weight. However, one of the hardest places to lose weight is around your middle because this part of the body retains more weight than other parts do. You want to first choose a meal plan that works well for you and the way you live. For example if you are on the go a lot and do not have time to spend in the kitchen preparing meals, then you want to use a diet plan that the meals are already prepared for you.

It may be important for you to have a lot of support and there are diets plans that offer you a person whom you can lean on in times of need. It is always a good idea to combine a great diet with an exercise plan because both of these together will help you to become more successful. The exercise plan should be something that you are comfortable with, especially in the beginning, one not too difficult. It is important that you can stay on your diet and exercise plan over a period of time since this is the key to losing stomach fat and keeping it off.

Remember that losing belly fat is not hard for you to do but you need to find a meal and exercise plan that fits your needs. If you stick with your plan you will lose the extra weight and feel much better.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Melt Away Calories in Less Than an Hour

It’s easy to want to count the calories when beginning a workout program, especially if it’s to lose belly fat. But, you don’t need to run 10 miles each day to effectively burn calories! It is good to consistently engage in physical activity each and every week. This will create a solid base from which you can build a successful exercise program. These simple exercises can be included as a part of that program.

The number of calories burned during an activity depends on both the weight of the person, as well as the intensity. The following are estimates for the number of calories burned for an average 150 pound person during an hour of activity.

• If you are walking briskly, expect to burn about 300 calories.

• Basketball is a great way to spend calories. We have all seen how the pro players sweat! You can burn well over 450 calories like this.

• If you have to clean your house, why not do it with optimism? Light cleaning consumes about 240 calories an hour.

• Do you have a green thumb? Well, your love might have some unexpected positive side effects. Gardening uses about 324 calories!

• Golfing on the weekends is a favorite pastime of many. 385 calories are burned if you carry your clubs! Fore!

• Put a stationary bike in front of the television. You’ll be burning 380 calories an hour while you catch up on the latest news.

• Are you a fan of the aerobics class at the local gym? You should be, because this activity uses 405 calories for just an hour of sweating.

• Also, that elliptical trainer can burn an amazing 630 an hour!!

• Even ping-pong has healthy benefits! This activity uses up 280 per hour.

• Any person with children knows that chasing after these little ones can burn calories. The number probably depends on just how wild that kid is, but that can certainly count.

• Hey, if nothing else, even sleeping burns calories. You’ll be using up 45 for just an hour! But that’s not an excuse to take a nap!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Alcohol vs. Weight Loss: Who Comes Out on Top?


Alcohol is metabolized differently than other foods and beverages, and this can sabotage your weight loss plans. Under normal conditions, your body gets its energy from the calories in carbohydrates, fats and proteins that need to be slowly digested in the stomach—but not when alcohol is present. When alcohol is consumed, it gets special privileges and needs no digestion. The alcohol molecules diffuse through the stomach wall as soon as they arrive and can reach the brain and liver in minutes. This reaction is slightly slowed when there is also food in your system, but as soon as the mixed contents enter the small intestine, the alcohol grabs first place and is absorbed quickly. The alcohol then arrives at the liver for processing. The liver places all of its attention on the alcohol. Therefore, the carbohydrates (glucose) and dietary fats are just changed into body fat, waiting to be carried away for permanent fat storage in the body.

Alcohol causes water loss and dehydration. Along with this water loss you lose important minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc. These minerals are vital to the maintenance of fluid balance, chemical reactions, and muscle contraction and relaxation.

Alcohol affects your body in other negative ways. Drinking might help induce sleep, but the sleep you get isn't very deep. Ultimately, as a result, you get less rest. Alcohol can also increase the amount of acid that your stomach produces, causing your stomach lining to become inflamed. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to serious health problems, including stomach ulcers, liver disease, and heart troubles.

Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, which is detrimental to your diet plans. Alcohol actually stimulates your appetite. While you might be full from a comparable amount of calories from food, several drinks might not fill you up. On top of that, research shows that if you drink before or during a meal, both your inhibitions and willpower are reduced. In this state, you are more likely to overeat—especially greasy or fried foods—which can add to your waistline. To avoid this, wait to order that drink until you're done with your meal.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Take Your Abs From Flab to Fab


Who says Ciara and Beyonce should be the only ones allowed to bare their midriffs? Summer is coming to an end, but it is never too early to start working on your bikini six pack abs for next summer. These exercises can help you be prepared for the sand and waves by January. They'll strengthen and tone the rectus abdominis, the muscle that stretches from your ribs to your hips, and the obliques, the muscles that run down the sides of your torso. Do two sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, with a 1-minute break in between. Aim for two or three workouts a week, resting a day between sessions, and you'll stand taller and look slimmer.

Hip Lift:- Lie on your back with your arms by your sides, palms facing up. Raise your legs so they are straight up toward the ceiling and perpendicular to your torso.

Pull your navel toward your spine and lift your hips a few inches off the floor, keeping your legs pointed straight up. Then slowly lower your hips back to the floor.

Torso Twist:- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat, about hip-width apart. Extend your arms straight in front of you, and lace your fingers. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lean back about 45 degrees toward the floor.

With your abs taut, rotate your torso toward the right as far as comfortably possible. Be sure to move your upper body (head, shoulders, arms, chest, and abs) in unison; don't lead with your arms. You should be looking in the same direction your hands are pointing throughout the move. Hold, then return to center and twist to the opposite side. That's one rep.

Continue at your own pace.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Get Rid of Your Tummy Fat Now


Fat around the tummy area is a big problem with both men and women equally. But men seem to suffer more because of the fact that they get to sit around doing nothing more than women, thus the problem. Now, more and more scientific evidence shows that belly fat is the most dangerous forms of fat, as it can seriously kill you with all the diseases that it causes.

There is subcutaneous fat just under your skin and then there is visceral fat which causes your stomach to swell. This is the sort of fat which is the most dangerous of them all. The possibility of developing heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, some types of cancer and several other degenerative diseases such as arthritis and spondylosis can develop due to this layer of fat. So, getting rid of that unwanted stomach fat is critical to maintaining a healthy life.

Now for exercise; it is extremely crucial for you to start with an exercise that is well suited for the purpose of tummy fat reduction only, as this area needs some customized exercises. Many people make use of the exercises that are not specifically related to stomach. So they end up getting hurt not to mention they do not have any weight loss in the specific area at all.

Get up and get going, for men it is a great confidence downer but even for women, a round belly means that they can’t wear certain types of clothes as their belly would not be suited to that. So do whatever you can to get rid of your tummy fat now. Good luck.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

How to Start Burning Fat Again After a Plateau


If you ask people in the gym, 10 out of 10 have hit a fitness plateau at least once. You know, when you have been seeing incredible results (losing belly fat, dropping inches from your waist, and gaining strength) and then all of a sudden it seems as if you are going in reverse and no matter what you do you can't drop another pound of fat.

More times than not the reason you have hit that plateau, is your fault. Your body is so smart that it is able to adapt to your habits. Every 6-10 weeks you must switch your fitness routine. This means no more doing 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

Rather than your typical workout of doing all the sets of one exercise before going on to the next, you can do circuits. Basically you can do one set of each exercise (or group your exercises in pairs of 2 or 3) and then rest for a minute or two and do the 2nd set of each of those exercises, etc.

Intensity- How fast and how long you train for (rest, speed of reps, amount of resistance.)

Volume of Work- It's all about the math: sets x reps x distance moved = total volume worked

More or Less- Add or take some exercises out, as well as increase or decrease the amount of sets/reps.

Stability- seated on a ball, standing on one leg, are a few ways to change your base of stability.

Exercise Type- single or multi joint exercises, free-weight or fitness machines

Order of Exercises- If you normally do lat pull downs 3rd in your routine try doing them 2nd or 5th.

Exercise Angle- incline, flat, upright, bent over, etc

Right now you may be thinking that just these 7 variables seem to be too many to comprehend. This is why it is good to have an experienced personal trainer to draw out a program to help you regain the success you had.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Slow Down for Fast Fitness Results

Instead of using modern technology to do your daily chores the fast way, try doing things the fit way and lose unwanted fat at the same time. By shunning modern conveniences in favor of the old-fashioned methods, you’ll find endless calorie-burning potential! While the fast way may seem more efficient, think of the fit way as a way to combine your goals. In essence, you'll be getting more things done at once, so you'll check off that to-do list with ease. If you’re so used to the fast way that you’ve forgotten that there IS another way, start with these alternatives:

*Fast Way: Drive through the car wash.

Fit Way: Wash your car with a sponge and a bucket of suds.

*Fast Way: Drive to the supermarket, cleaners, or video store.

Fit Way: Walk, jog, or ride your bike to your destination.

*Fast Way: Pick up dinner at the local carry-out.

Fit Way: Cook dinner yourself.

*Fast Way: Load the dishwasher and push start.

Fit Way: Wash your dishes by hand.

*Fast Way: Drop the kids off at the mall so you can go to the gym.

Fit Way: Go for a hike together.

*Fast Way: Use a leaf blower (or hire a lawn service to rake those leaves).

Fit Way: Jump into your self-raked leaf pile.

*Fast Way: Dry your clothes in the dryer.

Fit Way: Hang your laundry out to dry.

These are just some ideas to get you started. “Thinking fit” will burn more calories, save you money, and may even improve your relationships. Chances are, you might even have fun with these fit alternatives, or at the very least, gain an appreciation for how easy you really have it. Think fit, not fast!