Fashion

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Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts

Sunday, May 22, 2011

how to Reduce Belly

If you are looking for ways on how to reduce belly fat How To Reduce Belly Fat and those sit-ups you have been doing are not working, you will receive the benefits of reading my article. With so many methods available online and all of the false information out there, you may be confused on what to look for and who to get your information from, but rest assured, the article that I have written for you may answer many of the problems you are currently experiencing.

If you did not know, excessive fat in your stomach area may be caused from cardiovascular problems, an over-indulgence in alcohols, a poor diet, slothfulness (procrastination), as well as other things that cause a buildup in the fat cells in your body. The only way to effectively kill your belly fat is to make a complete change in the way you live your life, which includes the way you eat, think, drink, and exercise:

1. A good way of knowing how to reduce belly fat is to eat a diet that cuts down on the calorie intake of your body. When you consume products that are low in saturated fats, as well as meats that are very lean, you will increase the chances of your belly fat disappearing from your stomach.

A big mistake that many people make is in thinking that not eating will solve their weight problems. However, if you do not put food in your system, you will never have the energy to do anything, including exercise, which will make you even fatter than you previously were (i.e. laziness). The human body doesn't function right without a good amount of nutrients, so if your body is insufficient in foods, your metabolism will slow down exceedingly to create a balance for the lack of food in your diet, which will create more weight problems for you once you try to eat again (if you starved yourself).

2. Another way to eliminate stomach fat is to reduce the servings of food that you consume each day, and like I said above, be sure to exercise daily (or 3-4 times a week, at least). With small portions, you can still satisfy your bodily hunger but at the same time, you will keep your metabolism at an all-time high which will make it easier for your body to burn fat.

By the way, another way of knowing how to reduce belly fat is to stop eating Doritos and potato chips and replace that junk food with carrots, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, and even nuts.

3. As you know, having fat deposits in your stomach will make you less attractive, this may kill your confidence and make you feel very ugly, bloated, and maybe even disgusting. Instead of always driving everywhere, it may be a good thing for you to take a walk (or run) to the store as long as it's not too far from your house, as this will teach you to exercise and be more mobile (bodily, that is).

4. Also, it is good to do sit-ups, but sit-ups and crunches alone will not solve your problem if you don't balance the exercise with a proper diet. Sit-ups will make your stomach muscles more toned, and they can also be used to help you lose fat in your waist area as well. The experts often say that weight loss is 50% diet and 50% exercise, so I would recommend that you put an equal amount of time in both areas if you want sufficient results.

5. Be sure to leave out products that are high in sugar, as sugar is one of the main causes in fat not only in the belly and waist region, but also in all areas of fat in the body as well. Be sure to replace the soda that you may be drinking with at least 6-8 glasses of water daily, or possibly eliminate soda altogether from your diet. Also, replace the sugar with protein and fiber-rich foods, and you will be well on your way to a slim stomach.

6. Engaging in cardio and abdominal exercises (besides sit-ups) is another way you can learn how to reduce belly fat, as this combination will also improve your muscle mass when you're getting enough protein in your system. By the way, aerobics is an excellent way to cut down on the calorie intake of your body.

7. Last but not least, be sure to exercise greater control of your thoughts and emotions, as high levels of stress hormones can increase the fat that your stomach stores. When you experience chronic stress, your body pumps these kinds of hormones into your system which causes the fat in your waist area (or midsection) to have a major increase after while. Meditation, soothing music, and taking deep breaths all contribute to eliminating belly fat when used in conjunction with the tips listed above.

8. Try to stay away from salty foods, as salt is known for absorbing water. Only consume products that are either low or free of salt contents, as your body will hold less water and give you a leaner body frame when it does not have all that salt in it.

9. Last but not least: If you have the discipline, I'd recommend that you switch to a diet that is completely composed of fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and anything organic. Avoid products that are from dairy, meat, many types of fish, and once again, junk foods!

However, you can eat the recommended foods (above) however much you want without gaining "bad" weight, which is good for those who want a sexier body.

Want to learn How to Reduce Belly Fat in record-timing? If so, you have found the right resource, so don't wait until tomorrow, eliminate your stomach fat today!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

What is Calisthenics

Calisthenics are a form of dynamic exercise consisting of a variety of simple, often rhythmical, movements, generally using minimal equipment or apparatus. They are intended to increase body strength and flexibility with movements such as bending, jumping, swinging, twisting or kicking, using only one's body weight for resistance. They are usually conducted in concert with stretches. Calisthenics when performed vigorously and with variety can benefit both muscular and cardiovascular fitness, in addition to improving psychomotor skills such as balance, agility and coordination. it is also a very effective way of toning the hips, thighs and waist.

Groups such as sports teams and military units often perform leader-directed group calisthenics as a form of synchronized physical training (often including a customized "call and response" routine), in order to increase group cohesion and discipline. Calisthenics are also popular as a component of physical education in primary and secondary schools over much of the globe.

History

The history of calisthenics is linked to Greco-Roman gymnastics. Calisthenics originated in ancient Greece, where it was mentioned in a Persian scout report on Spartan warriors before the Battle of Thermopylae, with the Persians interpreting the odd synchronized movements as a form of dance, and thus a sign of weakness[citation needed].

Disciples of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn brought their version of gymnastics to the United States, while Catherine Beecher and Dio Lewis set up physical education programs for women in the 19th Century.[3] Organized systems of calisthenics in America took a back seat to competitive sports after the Battle of the Systems, when the states mandated physical education systems[citation needed].

[edit] Common exercises

A standard chin-up, palms facing chest, using open grip

In addition to the various stretches, some of the more common calisthenic exercises include:

  • Lunges
Performed by bringing one leg forward and almost kneeling on the back leg. Once the front leg creates a perfect 90 degree angle you stand up and alternate legs. Keeping your back straight and chest out is important for proper form. There are many variations for lunges.
  • Jumping jacks
Performed by jumping to a position with the legs spread wide and the hands touching overhead and then returning to a position with the feet together and the arms at the sides.
  • Sit-ups
Performed by lying down with the back on the floor, knees bent, and bottoms of feet against the floor. The shoulders are then lifted off the floor by tightening abdominal muscles and bringing the chest closer to the knees. The final movement is to lower the back to the floor with a smooth movement. This trains the abdominal muscles.
Picture of a US Marine performing a pull-up.
A US Marine performs a pull-up, a common calisthenic exercise.
  • Crunches
Like the sit-up, except instead of bringing the whole torso area closer to the knees, only a concentrated but shorter movement of the abdominals is performed. Shoulder blades are lifted off the floor, and abdominals tightened.
  • Push-ups
Performed face down on the floor, palms against floor under the shoulders, toes curled upwards against the floor. The arms are used to lift the body while maintaining a straight line from head to heel. The arms of the subject should go from fully extended in the high position to nearly fully flexed in the low position, while the subject makes sure to avoid resting on the floor. Resting is only done in the high position of the exercise. Chest, shoulders, and triceps are trained with this exercise.
  • Pull-ups
An overhead bar (sometimes called a chin-up bar) is grasped using a shoulder-width overhand (palms facing forward) grip. The subject lifts their body up, chin level with the bar, and keeping the back straight throughout. The bar remains in front of the subject at all times. The subject then slowly returns to starting position in a slow controlled manner. This primarily trains the lats or upper back muscles, as well as the forearms. An underhand grip variation or chin-up trains both the back and biceps.
  • Squats
Standing with feet shoulder width apart, the subject squats down as far as possible, bringing the arms forward parallel to the floor. The subject then returns to standing position. Squats train the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and gluteals.
  • Calf-raises
Standing on a platform with an edge where the heels can hang (e.g. a curb), lift the body on the balls of the feet. The subject then slowly returns to starting position. This trains the gastrocnemius. A seated calf-raise trains the soleus.
Animation of a full push-up
  • Dips
Done between parallel bars or facing either direction of trapezoid bars found in some gyms. Feet are crossed with either foot in front and the body is lowered until the elbows are in line with the shoulders. The subject then pushes up until the arms are fully extended, but without locking the elbows. Dips focus primarily on the chest, triceps, and deltoids.
  • Flutter kick
Lying on your back, hands in fists under buttocks, move feet up and down near the ground


Sunday, May 8, 2011

What is Yoga

Are you looking for a workout program that's easy to learn, requires little or no equipment, and soothes your soul while toning your body? If strengthening your cardiovascular system, toning and stretching your muscles, and improving your mental fitness are on your to-do list, keep reading to learn more about the basics of yoga.

What Is Yoga?

It seems like a hot new trend, but yoga actually began more than 3,000 years ago in India. The word yoga is Sanskrit (one of the ancient languages of the East). It means to "yoke," or unite, the mind, body, and spirit.

Although yoga includes physical exercise, it is also a lifestyle practice for which exercise is just one component. Training your mind, body, and breath, as well as connecting with your spirituality, are the main goals of the yoga lifestyle.

The physical part of the yoga lifestyle is called hatha yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on asanas, or poses. A person who practices yoga goes through a series of specific poses while controlling his or her breathing. Some types of yoga also involve meditation and chanting.

There are many different types of hatha yoga, including:

  • Ashtanga yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous, fast-paced form of yoga that helps to build flexibility, strength, concentration, and stamina. When doing Ashtanga yoga, a person moves quickly through a set of predetermined poses while remaining focused on deep breathing.
  • Bikram yoga: Bikram yoga is also known as "hot yoga." It is practiced in rooms that may be heated to more than 100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius) and focuses on stamina and purification.
  • Gentle yoga: Gentle yoga focuses on slow stretches, flexibility, and deep breathing.
  • Kundalini yoga: Kundalini yoga uses different poses, breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation to awaken life energy.
  • Iyengar yoga: This type of yoga focuses on precise alignment of the poses. Participants use "props" like blankets, straps, mats, blocks, and chairs.
  • Restorative yoga: This practice allows the body to fully relax by holding simple postures passively for extended periods of time.
  • Vinyasa/power yoga: Similar to Ashtanga yoga, these are also very active forms of yoga that improve strength, flexibility, and stamina. This type of yoga is popular in the United States.

Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. In addition, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress, improves mental clarity, and even helps them sleep better.

T_yoga-benefits

Getting Started

Many gyms, community centers, and YMCAs offer yoga classes. Your neighborhood may also have a specialized yoga studio. Some yoga instructors offer private or semi-private classes for students who want more personalized training.

Before taking a class, check whether the instructor is registered with the Yoga Alliance, a certification that requires at least 200 hours of training in yoga techniques and teaching. You may also want to sit in and observe the class that interests you.

You could also try using a yoga DVD. Websites, DVDs, and books can't compare to learning yoga poses from a teacher, but they can help you find out more. They can be especially helpful if you have already taken yoga classes and want to practice at home.

Dress comfortably for your first yoga session in clothing that allows you to move your body fully. Stretchy shorts or pants and a T-shirt or tank top are best. Yoga is practiced barefoot, so you don't have to worry about special shoes.

If you're doing your yoga workout on a carpeted floor, you probably don't need any equipment, although many people like to use a yoga mat or "sticky" mat. This special type of mat provides cushioning and grip while you do your poses. You can buy yoga mats in sporting goods stores or often at the yoga class location.

What can you expect at a yoga class or when you watch a yoga video? To begin the class, the instructor may lead you through a series of poses like Sun Salutations to warm up your arms, legs, and spine. After that, you'll concentrate on specific poses that work different areas of your body. Most yoga sessions end with some type of relaxation exercise.

Before you begin any type of exercise program, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor, especially if you have a health problem. Be sure to let your instructor know about any orthopedic problems or special needs you may have before the class begins. A good instructor will be able to provide modified poses for students who are just beginning or who have special needs.

Staying on Track

Your schedule's already packed — so how are you supposed to fit in time for yoga? Here are a few tips:

  • Break it down. If you can't do a half hour of yoga in one sitting, try doing it in chunks. How about 15 minutes after you get up and 15 minutes before bed? Or try three 10-minute workouts to break up a long study session.
  • Do what works for you. Some people have more success working out in the morning before the day's activities sidetrack them; others find that an after-school workout is the perfect way to unwind. Experiment with working out at different times of the day and find the time that fits your schedule and energy level best.
  • Find a workout buddy. Doing your yoga routines with a friend is a great way to stay motivated. You'll be less likely to miss your workout if you have an appointment with a friend. You and your buddy can compare tips on healthy eating and exercise habits, evaluate each other's poses for form, and keep each other on track.
  • Consistency is key. If you want to reap the benefits that yoga provides, you'll have to do it consistently. A once-a-month yoga workout may relieve some stress, but for benefits like increased flexibility and stamina, you should aim to practice yoga three or four times a week. It generally takes about 4 to 6 weeks of regular exercise at least 3 days a week for your body to begin to release the endorphins that make exercise such an uplifting experience.
  • Set some goals. The same routine every week may become monotonous, so set some goals to help you stay focused. Perhaps you'd like to incorporate power yoga into your routine so you get a better cardiovascular workout. Maybe you've always gone to yoga class and your goal is to start practicing on your own at home. Whatever you choose as your goal, make sure you reward yourself when you accomplish it!

The great thing about yoga is it can be as vigorous or as gentle as you want it to be. That makes it a good choice for anybody.