Showing posts with label Health & Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health & Fitness. Show all posts

       Started my weight loss journey in 2012 after making a New Year's resolution to shed some weight

          Unfortunately, times are such that our society isn't safe anymore; more so for women. A few years ago, women could go out on the streets at night without the fear of getting assaulted. But these days, criminal activities are such on the rise that every woman has embraced the fact that they need to learn to defend themselves in precarious situations.

Women deserve respect and protection

         Women do not cause, welcome, or should be ambushed. Every individual once in a while exercise misguided thinking about security conduct, yet that does not make them in charge of the assault. Assailants are in charge of their assaults and their utilization of savagery to overwhelm, control, and manhandle another human being. Whatever a women's choice in a given circumstance, whatever activity she does or does not take, it's not their fault. Their choice to survive in the most ideal way they can must be regarded.
These classes ought not to be utilized as a judgment against a casualty/survivor. Good programs don't "tell" an individual what she "ought to" or "ought not" do. A project ought to offer choices and methods to deal with tricky circumstances. A system may bring up what usually works best, as a rule; however every circumstance is one of a kind and a definite conclusion rests with the individual.

What constitutes self-defence for women?

         These kinds of training; be it for a man or woman isn't that different. It's all about enhancing certain skills like awareness, confrontation, physical techniques and several others. These skills help individuals escape, counter or resist any attacks. It's not just about physical training.

Does it work?

        Well, of course, it does! These kinds of programs help individuals ascertain the danger ahead, re-evaluate and take security measures.

Does it provide guaranteed protection?

       No, there aren't any guarantees in life. These trainings won't guarantee that your safety but it will train you to be more prepared to deal with any precarious situations.

Is there any standard for these kinds of trainings?

      No, every training is different from the other. There are several formats and methods involved which depends on the capacity of individuals learning it.

Which is good? Is it male or female instructors?

     This depends on whom you are comfortable with. If you are a woman, you will feel more comfortable training under a female trainer as you can look up to her as a role model. On the other hand, men will be more comfortable under male instructors.

Will it take years to learn these courses? 

         No. There are several kinds of courses, both short and long. It's not martial arts that you have to master for years. A few classes will be just enough to train you to defend yourself.

How to choose a class?

        Anyone can use marketing gimmicks by advertising their training institute as "best" or "guaranteed success" but you should refrain from falling into such false presumptions. Research enough to ensure that you find a training institute that is genuinely good.

Is it necessary to be physically for to take these classes?

      You don't have to be physically fit or be an athlete to take these courses. A good course should be apt for all ages irrespective of their physical structure.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9402155

          Proteins are long chains of amino acids that can be found in a wide range of foods. They are stored within our body by a multitude of peptide bonds. If you don't have enough protein in your diet, you will have to deal with a deficiency of various amino acids. The results are unfortunately very bad, because you will face a low concentration, memory loss, mood swings, a low energy level, a low muscle mass, an unstable blood sugar level and at the same time it will be hard for you to lose weight as well.
         There are 20 types of amino acids out there and some of them are more useful than others for the human body. It all comes down to finding the right protein category for your body, but usually having one with lean meat can help. When it comes to the benefits of protein, there are quite a lot of them, as follows:

* You get to improve your muscle mass, because proteins are helping your ligaments, tendons and other body tissues build up and work properly. If you lack amino acids in your diet you will not have strength and energy, however once you add proteins into the mix the result is a lot better.

* You can easily manage your weight. Thankfully proteins are known to help address one of the many issues that most modern people have, and that's fat accumulation. As long as you keep yourself within the recommended amounts, you will have no problem enjoying their benefits and lose weight!

* They also help stabilize the blood sugar levels, which does make it easier to cope with diabetes. It can also help prevent diabetes as well which is a major plus.

* Numerous proteins are required in order to naturally balance hormones. They give a much better mood and that's very helpful especially when you are stressed for example.

* On top of that, proteins are required in order to maintain a healthy brain functioning and it can also boost learning as well. They help create hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes that are very important for proper cognitive functioning.

* Better bone strength is another protein benefit. Thankfully with help from proteins you have the ability to prevent fractures, bone weakness and in many situations it can also help you deal with osteoporosis in a more efficient manner.

* Regular protein intake will allow you to promote a better heart health. This is mostly caused by the fact that they help lower the blood pressure levels.

* Proteins also promote longevity and slow down aging. They help your body to synthesize glutathione and at the same time it also helps with detoxing your body as well.
If you really want to harness the power of proteins and access all the aforementioned benefits, you need to add in protein-rich food into your daily diet. Remember, men need 56 grams per day and women only 46 grams, so it's not a huge requirement, but a mandatory one that can really change your life. Add in protein to your diet and the results will be amazing in the long run!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9386753

      Working out at the gym or at home can be a lot of fun for some, but for others, working out can be the equivalent of pulling teeth without the benefit of Novocain. Unfortunately, sweating, jogging, running and working out is not for everyone and in some cases, getting that time at the gym can be a huge challenge.

      However, we are all keenly aware of the huge benefits associated with exercise and, therefore, choose to "grin and bear it" as we make a point of working out a few times a week (whether we like it or not!).

     There are a few handy tips that can help you get the most out of your workout time and by simply following these simple guidelines, you will get the most "bang" for your money.

• Find an exercise or sport that you enjoy. This way, you can fully enjoy the experience and your body and mind will both benefit. Some great suggestions include yoga, pilates, ballroom dancing (think Dancing with the Stars) or consider activities such as bowling. Whatever gets you moving is great;

• Carve time into your schedule for "me". This is the part of the day where you do something healthy for you - regardless of work, children and spouses. It can be as little as 45 minutes - but when you are working out - focus on your present moment. Try to keep your mind from wandering and stay "in tune" with your body and how you are feeling;

• Understand the relationship between the mind and the body. The ideal situation is when both are working together - it is truly amazing what you can accomplish when both your mind and body are in the "now". You will want to find things, outside of your work out, that will continue to nourish you - such as meditation or journaling - they work extremely well, in tandem, with a healthy workout schedule;

• Try to "up" your workout. If you are not feeling challenged or are starting to feel bored with your current training plan - change it and dare to be different. Consider adding components such as speed training or balance training - both are extremely effective and will work both your stamina and your resistance;

• Get the facts. Gaining a better understanding of what it truly means to be healthy is an ongoing learning process. It will give you a clearer picture of why you are actually working out and can serve as great a motivator.

      Working out does not have to be difficult and boring - it all depends on what you make of it. So, do it right and your body will definitely benefit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4194550

       Ladder workouts are one of the best ways to ramp up your fitness level, send your metabolic rate soaring, and help improve your cardiovascular conditioning all at once.

       Like circuit training, they typically have you moving from one exercise to the next, taking a microscopic time to rest in between. The difference between ladder sessions and circuit training, however, is how the workouts are laid out.

     With ladder exercises, with each round of the protocol you do, you will up the ante, so to speak, aiming to do more than you did last time. Check out the following three ladder workouts for a taste of what these have to offer...

1. Ascending Ladder Workout.
     The ascending ladder workout is one that will have you working through a variety of rep ranges. What you will do is perform each exercise in the circuit below, taking just 30 seconds of rest between each round.
Start out performing just 1 rep of each move, then next round, move to two reps. Follow that with three reps, then four reps, all the way until you hit the ten rep mark.
Once you're there, congratulate yourself as you've just finished the ladder...
  • Burpees
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Jumping Jacks
  • Walking Lunges.
2. 10-20-30 Ladder Intervals.
     The 10-20-30 ladder is the next ladder to consider adding to your regime when you feel your workout needs a boost. For this one, you'll go for time rather than reps. Perform each exercise for 10 seconds, resting 10 seconds between. Next round, aim for 20 seconds, resting 20 seconds between. The final round, hit 30 seconds, adjusting your rest time to match.
Include...
  • Jumping Jacks
  • Bodyweight Squats
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Push-Ups
  • Plank Hold
  • Burpees
  • Running Knee Highs
  • Walking Lunges
  • Plank Hold.
3. Repeats Ladder.
     Finally, the last ladder has you adding exercises as you go. You'll complete multiple rounds of each ladder, starting with just doing the first exercise for 30 seconds. Once the first task is completed, rest for 30 seconds. Next, add in the second exercise for 30 seconds as well (still performing the first for the 30 seconds prior). After resting 30 seconds after that round, do exercises one, two, and three for 30 seconds each. Rest for 20 and then continue adding the fourth exercise in there. Keep going until all activities are completed...
  • Burpees
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Jumping Jacks
  • Push-Ups
  • Prisoner Squats
  • Planks
      Give any one of these ladders a try during your next workout and you'll be combating boredom while sending your fitness level soaring.
     Although managing Type 2 diabetes can be very challenging, it is not a condition you must just live with. Make simple changes to your daily routine - include exercise to help lower both your blood sugar levels and your weight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9390248

          Why many of us don't join a gym despite knowing its obvious advantages? Or, why some of us shudder at the mere mention of a fitness centre in a way as if it were a prison? Well, to start with, gyms can be quite an expensive affair, which keeps many people away from it.
         Most of them charge a hefty membership fee, get a complex contract signed and try to spin money in cases where there is none due. Then next, gyms get overcrowded after 5 P. M. in the evening making it doubly difficult for you to be there.

         Being an office-goer, you don't have time to visit a gym either in the morning or any time prior to the peak hours of 5 to 8 in the evening. By the time the office shut and you reached the gym, it would be teeming with so many people that you just can't feel good. One more reason of our not joining gym could be the lack of quality fitness equipment and lack of proper management there. These are some of reasons which keep us away from gyms. But then, benefits exceed all those 'excuses' we trot out for not being at a gym.

         There are a huge number of benefits that we get from out regular visit to a gym. We gain fitness and we get health; we become able to enjoy all the riches of life and we feel inspired. Our body becomes supple and we feel like being filled with energy and positive vibes for all the time. We don't get tired that easily as our stamina and endurance reach to a new level. Within few days of joining a gym, we feel like a gymnast or athlete who can do every trick the body could not earlier. In a sense, we gain a lot.

        Apart from these obvious advantages, gyms give us a chance to get trained or do workouts under the supervision of expert trainers. We get valuable advice from health experts; we get to know a proper dietary plan to stay fit forever. Based on our specific requirements, we get a tailor-made fitness schedule to follow where trainers keep an eye on us and try to help out where we go wrong. We also get to train at the best of fitness equipment which we would otherwise never get to use at home. We will get a variety of cardiovascular and weight lifting machines to feel motivated.

        In addition, some of gyms now have started giving more focus to the mind together with dedicating appropriate time to the body. They arrange a variety of classes including yoga, tabata, Pilates and Zumba so that we can reach the target of total health. What's more, gyms today have understood the importance of delivering fun and stimulating environment to its members and in this way, you can feel great while being there. In a nutshell, you should not think twice before joining a gym to stay fit and healthy forever.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Alex_Sharma/2160935


       When it comes to fitness, there are certain rules which seem to be carved in stone, like commandments, so to speak. It's best to know these commandments to help make sure you won't have trouble reaching your fitness goals.

1. Thou shall eat right before and after

      The right diet is as important as the fitness routine itself, maybe even more. Whether you want to lose weight, maintain it or bulk up, you have to eat right. If you're going to eat a heavy meal, do it two hours before an activity. The blood flow is concentrated in the digestive tract after eating, so your body will be busy with other things if you immediately work out after eating. You also run the risk of getting an upset stomach. If you don't have time, a light snack of fruits, nuts and oatmeal or veggies and oatmeal 30 minutes before an activity will do.

     Choose carbohydrate-rich foods as a pre-activity meal. Complex carbohydrates to be exact. Carbs fuel your body, but the complex ones stay in your system longer, providing a steady supply of energy. The extra fiber and nutrients from complex carbs is also an added bonus.
     It's important to eat within 40 minutes post-activity. Why? Because your body, particularly your muscles, will be starving for fuel. So you have to feed it right. High-protein foods are the best choice since muscles need them for repair. Fish, lean meats like chicken and turkey, as well as beans work best. If you like a quick meal, try a shake with a 4:1 carb and protein ratio. The added carbs are for giving you an energy boost.
    Whatever you do, don't binge. While it's true that your body continuously burns calories after an activity because of the increased metabolism, it can't burn a truckload of calories.

2. Thou shall drink water regularly

     Water, for all its simplicity and blandness, offers so much benefits. It refreshes your body and flushes the impurities. So remember to always hydrate. Don't get to the point when you are so thirsty since this means you're already dehydrated.
     Here's another reason you should drink more water. Recent research showed that drinking seven glasses of water a day can decrease your daily calorie intake. In the study, participants drank an average of 4.2 glasses of water a day. When their water intake was increased by between one to three glasses, their calorie intake was cut by a maximum of 205 calories. It also had a bonus. Their salt, saturated fat and sugar consumption considerably went down.

3. Thou shall warm up and cool down

        Cold muscles are not very flexible, increasing the risk of injury when you work out or play a sport. That's why you need to warm up. Do a warm up for 10 minutes, or even more, if your workout is going to be intense. On the other hand, you'll need to cool down post-activity. This will help you gradually lower your heart rate and let your muscles transition to a resting state.

4. Thou shall wear the right stuff

       Gone are the days when you just wear anything you want when you work out or play sports. Now, if you really want to be comfortable and perform better, you really have to wear the right stuff. First on the list is technical clothing. The specialized clothes, like Diadora apparel, which also includes compression garments, besides being surprisingly durable despite being lightweight, has features like sweat-wicking and anti-microbial properties. Also, wear shoes which are workout related, like Diadora shoes, and sport-specific. Choose shoes which are also particular to your gait.

5. Thou shall observe the right form

      Incorrect form can lessen the effectiveness of an exercise. Worse, it puts undue pressure on certain muscles or body parts increasing the possibility of injury. Learn the right form when doing each exercise. Even when playing sports, do the correct way or technique on how to perform certain movements.

6. Thou shall keep the rest days holy

      No matter how hard you train, you will still need sufficient rest to see gains. Your body isn't a machine. It needs to rebuild itself to make it stronger. And it can't do that if you constantly put your body under pressure without letting it heal properly. Get at least two to three days of rest, more if you undergo intense training.
Now that you know all the commands, go forth and get fit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9390506


        When you're starting to lose weight anything that'll make things easier on yourself is worth trying.

        Why many of us don't join a gym despite knowing its obvious advantages? Or, why some of us shudder at the mere mention of a fitness centre in a way as if it were a prison?
      
       There is absolutely no rocket-science involved in selecting the best gym. It's easier than you would think, provided you followed some tips.

       While it's true that knowing how to properly control your diet can help you get rid of unwanted inches around your belly, it's also true that you will only ever achieve a super-slim waist if you compliment that diet with a selection of beneficial exercises.
      Being a Health and Fitness Professional, it is my job to understand terms and definitions which are commonplace to this industry, as well to keep abreast of evolving trends.
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