Thursday, October 16, 2008

Exercise to Lose Weight

The only person who probably wouldn't really benefit from walking would be someone who was already very fit. Thirty minutes walking a day, every weekday is considerate moderate exercise and will help to increase overall fitness plus being excellent for the health of the heart. Walking fast can be quite tiring though so it is a good idea to take a break or slow down every so often to relax the muscles and joints.

If you plan to do this then you will need a regular change of view to make it more interesting. There are a number of exercises which can be performed using a static machine including rowing, walking, running, stepping, cycling, skiing and even cross training.

If you are someone looking to shed a few pounds then there really isn't a better alternative than walking as it can be done at almost anytime and anywhere. Some other sports where walking is involved also have the added advantage of having a second exercise function like carrying a weight as in hiking where the rucksack performs the weight action.

Two other benefits of walking are the cost, if you don't have a great budget (but do get a good set of walking boots or similar,) and the fact that it is considered a low impact activity do should not damage the joints. You don't even have to start with the thirty minutes straight away but build up to it gradually so that within a few weeks you will be up to the 30 minutes a day.

The number of health benefits related to the simple act of walking are enormous and it is easy for anyone to do and if you have time why not join a club which should make it more interesting. If you have a budget to work with though, you may want to consider a home treadmill which can really speed up your fitness regime.

Treadmills are still the most popular exercise machine out there, but not everyone can use a treadmill safely, especially when it is to be used for running because of the often high impact exercise that is required. A treadmill consists of an endless belt on which a person can walk or jog with or without changing pace and using a treadmill will speed up your metabolic rate and allow your body to absorb and utilize greater quantities of the nutrients that you consume.

If you are buying a treadmill, don't skimp if it is something that is going to be used regularly and make sure it has a good range of functions, especially an adjustable ramp. The treadmill works for a lot of people who like to work out in the privacy of their own home.

You can snatch a few minutes here and there on the treadmill while dinner's cooking.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a popular form of cosmetic surgery which helps sculpt the human body by eliminating unwanted fat from certain areas (typically the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks), that cannot be treated by other means. The fat that's removed can sometimes reoccur, annoyingly in a completely different area to where it was taken from.

Tumescent and Ultrasonic are the two most commonly used methods although there are other lesser known techniques. The most popular of these two methods, Tumescent, is performed routinely now in the USA as a treatment for unwanted fat.

The tube used is much smaller and this also helps lessen the bruising which normally means a longer recovery period. Tumescent liposuction eliminates bleeding and because the residual anesthetic solution drains out so quickly, there is less inflammation so the healing process is significantly accelerated.

Some of the most awkward areas to remove fat from are the thighs, hips, back and upper stomach region but Ultrasonic liposuction makes this possible.

It is possible, even though rare, for internal injury to occur owing to the fact the surgeon cannot adequately see where the probe is once it's inside the body when performing the traditional technique of removing fat. The best advice when considering this course of treatment is to consult with the surgeon about the best and safest technique.

The liposuction procedure although relatively safe does carry some risk of side-effects but fortunately fatalities are very rare. In order to minimize the danger, patients will have a medical to ensure their health is good so the chances of complications are reduced. With any medical procedure there is the risk of infection so surgeons have to ensure all wounds are kept clean and prescribe a course of antibiotics to patients having this cosmetic treatment. Fortunately though, in the past few years much progress has been made in the field of cosmetic surgery in respect to this procedure.

By using a number of tiny injections, Lipo Dissolve, another process akin to liposuction, removes the fat from cellulite and related skin complaint sufferers. One other benefit of Lipo Dissolve is that it does not require any form of anesthesia and patients feel almost no pain whatsoever.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Easy Weight Loss

Weight is not just a simple health problem and an easy weight loss treatment that works 100 percent of the time doesn't exist; losing those unwanted pounds is a good way to reduce those health risks associated with being overweight. There is more harm caused to an overweight person than just pride as many serious medical conditions are as a result of obesity. Whilst many easy weight loss programs are effective, we each have one that works well on an individual basis and most of these are easy to research on the Internet. Before you decide on how you intend to lose weight you need to decide if it is for your benefit; i.e. to remain healthy, or is it because someone else wants you to lose weight.

Many factors affect how well your weight loss program will go including how much physical activity you have during a normal day, the type of food you eat, how many meals you have and when those meals are eaten. Many people have unrealistic expectations about how much weight they should lose every month but weight loss should not be rapid which can have a serious impact on your health. To keep it simple, consider that a pound in weight is generally believed to be 3,500 calories and then it's easy to break down into daily reductions of 500 calories, meaning you can lose a pound in weight each week. Although most people eat far too much junk food, there is nothing wrong with a little now and then, and no-one should have to give up every type of food they enjoy although some thought should be given to how much is consumed.

How we feel is also a determining factor as people who are depressed or are not happy about their lives usually consume too much. Bad eating habits are a real issue that can cause diabetes, cancer, various heart problems and high blood pressure. A good, easy weight loss method includes psychological aspects as well as those surrounding healthy eating and exercise because this is a complex subject that has to be treated as a whole.

The success of a weight loss program also relies on the mental attitude of the person involved so if they stay happy and do not get stressed they will more likely lose the weight they desire. The one thing that has shown to be true no matter what you do in life is that being positive about something is more likely to make it happen. Most people that loss those extra pounds claim they have more energy and are able to do things that their weight had stopped them from enjoying previously. Easy weight loss programs are all about a person's ability to adapt to some demanding living conditions and once you embark upon it, it usually gets easier and easier.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Fitness Training

It is a well known fact that before any type of fitness training it is necessary to carry out some simple warm up moves so there is less chance of injury. There are some other points to remember as well that can ensure a safe and enjoyable workout. Firstly, stretching should be carried out because it improves the flexibility of muscles and joints prior to and after a workout. It has been shown that by maintaining this regime after physical activity has finished that fewer injuries occur and muscle flexibility increases.

Hold your stretching position for more than 60 seconds to increase flexibility, because although holding your position for 20 seconds is enough for warm ups; holding each position for at least 60 seconds will develop the body's flexibility. When carrying out these warm-up stretches, perform them slowly and gently, returning to the starting position in the same way as this will provide the greatest benefit. Ideally the stretch should last a few seconds then a slow return because it is easy to damage joints or even pull muscles when this is not done correctly. As warm up exercises can be measured in terms of difficulty, it is always a good idea to commence with the easiest first and make sure all the muscle are stretched before moving on to any training.

Injuries to the neck can be common because most people neglect warming it up; the easiest way to carry this out is by using the palm of your hand, alternate placing pressure from on the forehead to the back of the head and then the sides. Stretch regularly before fitness training to continually increase your range of movements and your level of flexibility and strength. Never try to compete with the abilities of others as this is a sure way to injure yourself; even if not at the time, you will almost certainly feel it later when you body has cooled down. Do not expect your body to be able to carry out the same exercises and level of training every time you go to the gym because some days you will have a better workout than others; this is perfectly normal and to be expected.

Going to the gym every other day for fitness training is the best way as you can rest all your muscles at the same time and give them a chance to recover and grow before you return for another workout. Do aerobic exercises to strengthen your heart; aerobic exercises are those physical activities that require more oxygen for fuel; these include cardiovascular exercises such as skipping rope, running or swimming. Music may help you when you want to train for longer periods or to increase your intensity and the latest lightweight portable mp3 players are ideal for this. Apart from preventing injuries and increasing your limit, it is also said that stretching is good for a tired body and also for a stressed mind and spirit. Stretching is good for you even if you are not performing it before exercise and many people use it for relaxation purposes prior to sleep.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Tips when looking for a Fitness Club

It is not uncommon for people thinking about joining a fitness club to be a little confused by the choices available. However, until you know what your goal is it will be difficult, you need to work out what you hope to achieve by joining a club.

This may all sound trivial but the number of people that join clubs and then leave because it doesn't meet with their needs, usually within a matter of months, is enormous. The location is the primary thing that you should consider when finding a club because if the club is far from your home, you will find excuses not to work out so it is best to be either near your home or your place of work.

A good instructor can make or break a club because he is the motivator and that is the most important aspect for users. Always inform your physical trainer if you require any special attention or have any limitations they need to know about in advance.

You need to talk to the staff about their facilities and training programs, this will give you a good idea about the customer service level they provide. Increasing numbers of fitness clubs have specialists who work certain days or are resident such as physiotherapists and nutritionists for instance.

You also need to know that their opening times are extensive as if they are short you may find the club becomes very busy or it might be difficult for you to fit in with their schedule. For people with specific needs like aerobic classes for example, see if the fitness club offers a free trial lesson for new members.

Check if there is enough equipment for all the members otherwise, you will waste time waiting for your turn instead of working out. The more modern fitness facilities available these days are world apart from training equipment a few years ago; machines are much safer and easier to use but look out for damaged or broken machines as these should really be fixed within a week.

You may be invited to one of the clubs events to enable you to meet current member, this is well wroth the effort on your part as you may make a few friends before you actually join. You will also need to know what the membership fees are, whether they increase a great deal every year and if there are charges not mentioned in the literature.

Try to locate other fitness clubs in the area for a comparison as they might be less expensive or offer additional facilities for the membership. Take your time and don't let the club rush you into joining because a club that wants you as a member will put your needs first if they are looking to keep you happy.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Health Suppliments

Most people eat unhealthily, these days, (especially those who cannot say no to food), even those who are calorie counters because they do not always eat the correct foods anyway. For instance, do you eat anything and everything even if it is out of date? You can't help it, your favorite desert is in front of you in the kitchen and you just must have it. Yes, tons of us do this, it's called instant gratification; many of us do not even know what a health supplement is.

If that sounds like you I would warn against such behavior that can have such a detrimental effect on your long term health. Perhaps it's time you started thinking about looking after yourself with some health supplements. This really isn't a bad idea, as their nutritional value is often quite ideal. I often get told by individuals that they just cannot stomach the stuff even though they have never taken them.

So how come they are so sure they won't like them then, it's not as if they are being asked to eat a locust or a fly larva is it? Besides, the ones I'm referring to are the very pleasant health supplements that are flavored with chocolate, vanilla and banana for instance. For me there are two that I just must take and one of those is a multivitamin which I have been taking this for a very long time and highly recommend. I see no reason why everyone shouldn't take some form of vitamin supplement each day as they don't take up any of your time but give a great deal in return.

I also use another great health supplement called whey protein shakes but I only started drinking those only fairly recently. It's great the way this new shake offers so much protein in such a small portion. I prefer to drink it in the morning but you can have it anytime of the day. Another benefit apart from its convenience is that you get to add about 30 grams of protein which is good for your muscles.

These days, the types of health supplements on offer have been designed to give you all the good and none of the bad. You can be sure that the dreaded four of salt, sugar, saturated fats and cholesterol aren't there because our diets contain too much of these already. So take a look on the internet and do a little checking because I can guarantee you will feel better for taking health supplements, in fact they could give you a whole new lease of life!

Friday, May 9, 2008

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the condition where the skin appears to have that orange peel affect in certain areas; most areas of the body can experience its effects but sufferers mainly have it below the abdomen. It would be unfair to say this is a condition exclusive to overweight women because that couldn't be further from the truth; women who are naturally slim can also suffer with this unsightly problem.

Fat beneath the surface of the skin pushes against connective tissue causing it to give that dimpled look commonly known as cellulite. After many years of research, scientists still cannot determine the exact reason for its formation or why some are affected more than others but there may be some connection between toxins that enter the body and how certain fat cells store them.

This problem usually comes naturally with aging and similar to wrinkles that form in the face, it is actually the result of lower levels of collagen and elastin in the skin. The condition is almost exclusive to women and has been attributed to hormonal changes that take place as a woman gets older as the fat in the thighs and buttocks of men is the same as fat found in other parts of their bodies.

Even women who do not appear to have cellulite may have them and sometimes this is visible when the skin is compressed as in the case of squatting or when it is pinched between the thumb and forefinger; however as most women suffer with at some stage it seems to be a perfectly normal condition. There are several factors that contribute to the build-up; genetics probably, gender, the amount of excess fats in your body, age is a major factor and the thickness of the skin are all instrumental to its presence and just how visible it is, even at a distance.

One thing for sure is that technology has not as yet devised a miracle potion or treatment that can eradicate it completely. Where cellulite removal massage is offered at a clinic, all that is done is deep tissue massage which just masks the affect so it cannot be seen as readily.

Liposuction has now started to be used to try and remove the fat cells and even by injecting drugs directly into the affected sacks directly. Only temporary relief can be gained from both these procedures and liposuction despite its success at removing deep fat from large areas of the body, is not designed for the fats close to the surface as in the case of cellulite.

There isn't one single therapy or treatment that can rid someone of these fat deposits and even special burning creams provide dubious results; however the most recent creams available seem to just hide the effects or offer a temporary fix. So far the best method is back to basics combining a healthy diet with exercise that gradually burns off the fat but not the connective tissue where it is found.

In addition, increasing the intake of water will help cleanse the system and flush out damaging toxins plus smokers should stop smoking or at least reduce it which will also be beneficial as smoking impacts negatively on the capillaries in the skin and reducing stress will help reduce the amount of cellulite.