Author: Staff (Page 21 of 31)

FiveFingers running shoes

November 20, 2011 / Staff

One of the most interesting developments over recent years regarding fitness gear has to be the FiveFingers line of running shoes from the Italian company Vibram. They are basically gloves for your feet and are a part of a movement turning running dogma on its head.

Here’s a summary from Forbes:

Here’s something you need to know about: Could we be seeing the beginning of the end of the modern running shoe? A growing legion of runners and recreational joggers—I am one—backed by a rising number of physiologists, believe that running shoes do more harm than good for millions of people. With their inflexibility, cushioning, and raised heels, they almost force you to crash down on your heel and send the impact of all your weight in every step straight into your knees and hips. That’s not how our bodies were designed to work, and it does terrible harm.

These shoes are not for everyone. You really need to consult your doctor and see whether this new style of running and new gear makes sense for you.

Equipment and Gear

Five Fingers FiveFingers running gear running shoes Vibram

Intense workouts with Georges St-Pierre

November 4, 2011 / Staff

The switch grip explosive pull up demonstrated in this video is just one aspect of an intense training regimen from MMA superstar Georges St-Pierre.

Workouts come and go, but with the emergence of mixed martial arts we’re seeing a whole generation of guys getting motivated to get into shape like these fighters. The result is a lean but sculpted look that is all the rage and is definitely popular with women of all ages. Guys want this look, but the key is you have to be willing to follow an intense work out program like the ones used by MMA fighter like St-Pierre.

We also discuss the need to do something and how to find a workout routine that fits your goals. This program should be considered by people who are motivated to test themselves and push themselves to the limit. If you’re serious, you should get results.

Motivation

Georges St-Pierre

The lowdown on training with nutritional supplements

October 31, 2011 / Staff

Whatever you’re into, whether it’s weightlifting, bodybuilding, athletics of whatever sort or just plain keeping fit, there’s a huge, huge and often pretty bewildering range of sports supplements out there that will complement your training routine. But which ones do you really need? From instant whey proteins to amino acids, nitric oxide (Jack3d being a good example of a popular one) there’s loads of stuff out there. If you want to get a good overview about the essentials, then read on…

Find yourself a nutritionist
Because it can be a bit daunting, many people who want to get serious about their fitness regime – it’s not essential that you do, but can be a bit of a minefield for a newbie.

Protein Powders
Found in food like meat, fish, dairy, and soy, pulse and vegetable products, protein is essential for building muscle. The three principal types used in supplements are:

• Whey
• Casein
• Soy

Found in milk, whey protein is arguably the best and most popular of this trio of proteins, because it’s fast-absorbing has the highest value of providing branched-chain amino acids. In this way, instant whey helps build and maintain muscle mass. And not only this, but whey is also an antioxidant, helping to jack the body’s immune system, helping in the fight against regime-ruining illnesses.

There are three principle types of shake you can get:

• Low carb, low-calorie, low fat: perfect for weight loss while maintaining muscle mass
• High protein, high calorie, low fat: perfect for muscle gain
• Medium carbs, medium calories: perfect for a quick and easy meal replacement

Amino Acid Supplements
The essential building blocks of protein (the stuff your muscles are made of), amino acid supplements provide the combination of essential amino acids the body requires to grow and repair itself – and ones that the body simply doesn’t produce itself, and must therefore get from food sources – or supplements. Found in protein-rich sources such as meat, fish, dairy, soy, vegetable, pulse and grain products, athletes also commonly complement their intake with supplements.

Nitric Oxide
Necessary for intercellular communication, nitric oxide is made by the body and is required for all physiological processes that take place inside the human body, enhancing blood flow to the furthest corners of the body. This is therefore a really important supplement for those who want to build muscle.

N.B.
It’s entirely possible to overdose with NO2 and common side effects can include (but are by no means limited to) weakness, diarrhoea and nausea. You find out your optimum level by “tolerance mapping”, whereby you take a small dosage for one week, recording the associated benefits and side effects, and continue raising the dosage over a number of weeks until the optimum level is reached – which, if course, will have you seeing the most benefits with the least amount of side effects.

Nutrition

Protein

Fall is a good time to get fit

October 6, 2011 / Staff

Many of us fall into the same patterns. With summer on the horizon, we start working out in May with the hope we will look good in our swimsuits. Late in the year, the holidays come around, you eat too much at all the parties, and then you wake up on January 2nd looking and feeling bad again.

It’s time to break that cycle. This year, try to be proactive by committing to working out and eating right during the fall and into the holidays. The gyms will be less crowded, and it’s a great time to develop good habits that will stay with you through the year.

Think about starting some new exercises. If you haven’t been doing weight training, then maybe this is a good time to start.

Also, if you’re going to try something like more weight training, then take a look at protein powder and creatine. These are important supplements if you’re serious about building muscle, but keep in mind that overall nutrition and eating habits are equally important. These items should supplement your diet. Do your research and consult your doctor or a nutritionist, but things like whey protein are very popular with people looking to get in shape and look fit.

It’s also a great time to focus on cardio. Many people lose sight of this as the weather gets bad. They stay inside and get less exercise. Now is the time to be consistent and get your cardio in the gym. Find out what works best for you – the bike, treadmill or other machines.

Good luck, and you’ll feel better after those holiday dinners!

General training, Nutrition, Weight training

get fit Protein working out in fall

6 Ways to Force Fitness into your Life

July 8, 2011 / Staff

When it comes to being healthy, there’s no question that exercise is the key to staying fit. Eating healthy is important, but if it’s not complemented by a fitness routine, then the body has no way to gain the muscle and flexibility it needs to stay healthy. But working exercise into your daily routine can be difficult. Here are 6 ways to force fitness into your life.

1. Exercise with a Partner

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to have someone who will hold you accountable. If you know a friend is waiting for you to arrive so you can go for a run or a walk, you’ll be much more motivated to get ready and go. It also means that you have a firm time for exercise, so you can’t say, “Oh, I’ll go later.” You know you won’t!

2. Pick Something That Motivates You

Decide why you want to work out, and focus on that. Maybe it’s to feel more energetic, healthier, or just to walk up the stairs without breathing heavily. Whatever it is, keep that image in your mind as you exercise. When you don’t want to do it, remember why it is you’re exercising. Maybe you see your grandma who can barely walk, and you’re determined to be in shape when you are her age. Whatever it is, keep that focus.

3. Keep Variety in Your Routine

One surefire way to lose your motivation is to let your exercise routine stagnate. If you do the same thing every day, you’ll get bored, and so will your muscles. If you’re finding yourself dreading your exercise, pick something new. Find a local yoga studio or adult karate class. Attend a Zumba class or swim laps. Just by doing something new, you’ll be re-energized.

4. Get Your Fitness Certificate

One way to really motivate yourself is to earn any number of fitness certificates. This could be a certificate to become a personal trainer or fitness trainer. If you’re looking for a new career, this is a great way to motivate yourself to stay in shape (After all, who would want a flabby personal trainer?) and make some money at the same time.

5. Create a Reward System

Stay motivated by rewarding yourself for exercising. This could be something like letting yourself buy something you’ve been wanting if you exercise for a specific number of days in a row. If you’re trying to lose weight, avoid rewards that involve food.

6. Don’t Pressure Yourself

One thing to avoid is putting too much pressure on yourself. Even if all you can do is go for a 20-minute walk during your lunch hour, that’s still something, so give yourself credit.
A lot of times, exercise is all about your state of mind. Follow these tips, and you will be successful. What is it that helps you force fitness into your life?

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