Friday, November 28, 2008

How to Build Lean Body Mass

Build Lean Body Mass

Step1
Measure your body fat percentage (using a body-fat analyzer or body-fat scale) before making dietary or exercise changes; this way you'll be able to track your progress.
Step2
Strength train to build lean body mass. Work the major muscle groups, including the quadriceps (thighs), hamstrings, glutes (rear end), back, chest, shoulders, arms and abdominals. Look into home gyms that work as many different muscle groups as possible. Home gyms are frequently less expensive than a gym membership and more convenient to use.
Step3
Realize there is no such thing as spot reducing. You can increase the strength of a certain part of your body, but unless you shed the overall excess body fat, you won't be able to see the definition.
Step4
Expend more calories than you consume. Any activity, from mowing the lawn to vacuuming the carpet, burns calories and helps to create a caloric deficit, resulting in fat loss. Losing fat will help reveal your hidden muscles.
Step5
Keep in mind that to lose one pound of fat, you have to create a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories. Reducing calorie consumption or increasing activity by 500 calories each day will result in one pound of fat loss per week. Keep an updated food and exercise journal to track your calorie intake and expiration.
Step6
Include cardiovascular training in your workout. Aerobic exercise will increase the number of calories you burn and enhance your endurance

Tips & Warnings

  • There are many ways to measure body fat, including calipers (skin-fold pinching), underwater (hydrostatic) weighing or bioelectrical impedance.
  • Keep in mind the following body fat percentage standards: For women, 15 to 20 percent is considered lean, 20 to 25 percent is normal, 26 to 32 percent is overfat and 33 percent or higher is obese. For men, 8 to 12 percent is considered lean, 13 to 19 percent is normal, 20 to 24 percent is overfat and 25 percent or higher is obese.
  • Strength training creates an afterburn effect, meaning your metabolism continues to burn calories at a higher rate even after the exercise is over.
  • Consider working with a personal trainer to get yourself started on an exercise regimen.
  • Dieting without strength training can leave you with a high body fat percentage. It's possible to appear thin, but have a high percentage of body fat.
  • If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Build Big Biceps With This Workout

Everybody wants to build big biceps. Rock hard, shirt-ripping guns!

When we think of a bodybuilder, the muscle that usually comes to mind first is the bicep. It is the muscle that primarily singles you out as a person who lifts weights.
Hey, when someone knows you lift weights and asks you to flex a muscle, 9 times out of 10 they’re talking about your biceps.

biceps brachiiBicep Anatomy

The biceps are comprised of 2 heads; the short head or outer biceps, and the long head, or inner biceps. Our workouts should be focused on placing maximum overload on these 2 heads.

The brachialis and brachioradialis also get worked during bicep training. These are the muscles at the side of the arm between the biceps and triceps and get hit indirectly. You therefore don’t worry about isolating them for growth.

So How Do We Exercise Our Biceps Correctly For Optimal Growth?

Building Big Biceps Is Easy!

I said in an article last week that building powerful pecs was easy; it is. Building bulging biceps isn’t rocket science either. Again, it’s all about using proper form and sticking to the principles of progressive overload and the anabolic rep range of 8-12 reps.

All bicep exercises were not created equally however. Some are far-superior than others. The best bicep exercises are the mass-builders; they place stress primarily on the 2 heads of the biceps.

An Awesome Biceps Workout

(Mark performing EZ bar curls - and looking uncharacteristically mean ‘cuz he’s actually a thoroughly nice bloke ;) )

Build Big Biceps

If you really want to focus on your biceps and prioritize them over other body parts, it’s best to work them on a day of their own and complete 9 sets.

The following is a great bicep building workout. I believe this is the best biceps workout around for the natural bodybuilder.

(This shouldn’t take you any longer than 35 minutes maximum)

Set 1 – Alternate Dumbbell Curls

Set 2 – Alternate Dumbbell Curls

Set 3 – Alternate Dumbbell Curls

Set 4 – EZ Bar Curls (or straight bar curls)

Set 5 – EZ bar curls

Set 6 – EZ bar curls

Set 7 – Incline Dumbbell Curls

Set 8 – Incline Dumbbell Curls

Set 9 – Incline Dumbbell Curls

How To Perform This Workout

Alternate dumbbell curls’ means you perform 1 rep on 1 arm while the other hangs stationary by your side. Once you’ve completed that rep, raise the other arm and alternate each rep this way.

You can use either an EZ bar or a barbell, either is fine. I find an EZ bar more comfortable on my wrists and so I avoid using barbells (I was once out of action for about 3 weeks with sore wrists due to using a barbell for curls).

For Incline Dumbbell Curls lie back on an incline bench holding a dumbbell in each hand. You can alternate these reps if you prefer. Allow your arms to fall to their natural position at the end of each rep. Don’t try to keep your arms parallel with your body at the bottom of the movement. Your arms should hang straight while your body lies in an inclined position; this gives the bicep curl a greater range of motion and really stimulates the muscle for growth.

For the Entire Workout:

* Raise the dumbbell/barbell in an explosive motion (1-2 seconds)

* Lower the weight taking 2 seconds to do so

* Take 2 minutes rest between sets

* Perform this workout once a week as recommended in ‘Total Anabolism

When done, go grab your post-workout shake to provide your body with what it needs repair and grow those aching biceps.

(If you have no desire to build any other muscle on your body, just biceps alone, you could perform this routine 2 - 3 times a week)

Attention Girls!

female bicepsI loathe to hear women say how they don’t want lift weights because they’ll get bulky. Here’s the truth:

Women don’t build big muscles unless they take steroids, and even then they’re not that big.

The fact is that building muscle is as beneficial for women as it is for men. Those hard, chiselled biceps also look damn sexy on a woman so please girls, start lifting!

I look forward to hearing your results,

Your Buddy,

Mark McManus

female bicep image credit: amproshoot@ flickr

Thursday, November 27, 2008

9 Week Of Diet

By: James Sadek

Hey how are we all today in the bodybuilding/fitness world???? I am now 9 weeks out from nationals, well, actually 9 weeks and 1 day.

Today was my day off from college and I went and saw a very educated man called Duncan Rankin, he is unreal he will be seeing over and controlling my diet and preparation from here on in and I couldn't be more excited.

Duncan won the 1998 junior Mr. Australia title and has placed very well ever since in the under 80kg category. Duncan looked over my diet and he changed it dramatically, he pretty much turned it upside down and inside out. No joke.

I learnt a lot today, such as the way the body uses the main macronutrients, fats, proteins and carbs. (I will write an article in the future so keep checking back).

This is the exact diet I will be following until I go to see Duncan again in 2 weeks.

5 A.M. 6 egg whites + 1 yolk
6 A.M. Weights, cardio
7:30 A.M. Shake
8:30 A.M. 100g Tuna/Chicken, 1 ½ cups rice, 1 teaspoon olive oil
11:30 A.M. 2 - 3 pieces of fruit
12 P.M. 100g Chicken / tuna, 1 cup of rice
3:30 P.M. 2 - 3 pieces of fruit
4 P.M. 100g Chicken / tuna, ½ cup of rice, veggies (carrot, beans, broccoli)
7:30 P.M. 2 - 3 pieces of fruit
8 P.M. 100g Chicken/tuna, salad (lettuce, spinach, capsicum), 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Protein Shake 500ml skim milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon of wheat germ, kiwi fruit and a banana

That's what it looks like, I have never used this kind of diet before but it looks healthy and Duncan says it will get me coming in at top condition and I trust him.

Training is still the same but I am going to start to use a little bit lower reps not going higher than 10. In my opinion it will keep as much muscle and density as possible.

I am training chest tomorrow followed by traps then on Sunday shoulders and tris, which I am looking forward to because the last shoulders/triceps workout I had, wasn't very good.

Cardio

It is now 30 minutes after I train. I am still doing it on the boring old treadmill but watching the fat ladies keeps me entertained because they are doing everything wrong...that's mean but eh????

I had a cheat meal tonight because I realized I started dieting 13 weeks out instead of 12 and seeing I changed my diet so dramatically I decided tonight would be the perfect night to relax a bit and have some pizza, I only had 4 slices but I felt a bit guilty and stopped but I feel good now ready to go!!

I weigh 86kg which is about 190 pounds.

Keep the emails coming for my Question and Answer Article, which will be posted as soon as I get enough questions.

Until Next Time,


jamessadek@optusnet.com.au




Monday, November 24, 2008

FULL BODY WORKOUT

If you're finding it simply too hard to stick to a workout plan, why not try a full-body workout program? Yes you will still have to work hard but in less time. Curious... then read on right here.

Building muscles is all about spending hours at the gym, right? The only true way to build a chiseled, muscular physique is hours upon hours of slaving away over rusty iron, day after day, year after year.

Well, maybe not.

Yes, hard work is still needed. Like anything in life, you get out of your workouts what you put in. However, you don't have to train on a split system four or more days each week to see gains. The full-body workout can help you progress and is easy to fit into your schedule.

If you're finding it simply too hard to stick to a workout plan, why not try a full-body workout program? The idea of working your whole body in one training session has gotten stereotyped.

Many people picture a lightweight circuit workout designed so that the trainee is hopping from machine to machine, while in between workouts, he's reading up on the latest celebrity gossip.

A real full-body workout performed by an athlete with a goal in mind induces maximal muscle contraction with heavy weights, allows for full recovery so you can grow and still train hard, and prevents the inevitable burnout caused by overtraining.

Let's find out what full-body workouts are all about.


Benefits Of A Full-Body Workout

Saves Time

    Probably the biggest positive about training your entire body at once is that your gym frequency decreases to around two to three times every seven days.

    Plus, you'll only be spending an hour in the gym for each session. Build muscle with only three to four hours of gym time during a week?

    You betcha. It's all about the quality of your sessions, not the quantity.

Boosts Your Cardiovascular System

    Squeezing a solid 2 to 4 sets per body part into a 60-minute workout session gets your cardiovascular system up to speed in a hurry!


Rules For Full-Body Workouts

Train Once Every 2 Or 3 Days

    Easy enough, right?

    The beauty of only training with weights every few days is that the days in between full-body workouts can be used to add a few cardio sessions instead of relying on ineffective cardio tacked on at the end of a workout.

Lift Heavy

    Many athletes who try full-body workouts get trapped into training lighter than they usually would in order to conserve energy for body parts that come later in their routine. The truth is, if you're not training heavy, you're not going to make optimal progress, no matter what program you're on.

    Keep your weights as heavy as you can. The conserving of energy for the body parts you train at the end of your workout is addressed in point number six.


Perform One Exercise Per Muscle Group

    This one is pretty easy to follow, but is still very important.

    Using basic, heavy exercises that enable you to lift the most weight means that you don't have to do more than one exercise per body part. For chest, do the bench press or incline bench press.

    For back, choose bent-over rows or chin-ups. For legs, nothing beats the squat.

    All of these movements allow you to move heavy weights and overload the muscles without performing endless exercises. Once you've chosen your exercises, plan your routines so that you're doing 2 to 4 sets of each exercise for 10 to 12 repetitions.

Keep Your Workout To An Hour Or Less

    When you're planning your workouts, remember that resistance training affects your natural musclebuilding hormones and adjust accordingly.

    Lots of big compound exercises will help boost your natural testosterone levels; however, long workouts also boost levels of the catabolic hormone cortisol.

    Keeping your workouts fairly brief but still intense is ideal for getting the best of both worlds. Sticking to 60 minutes or less is a good rule of thumb.

      Learn More About Natural Testosterone Boosters Here....

Consume A Post-Workout Shake Immediately After Training

    During full-body workouts, large amounts of glycogen are used to fuel your exertions, so it's important that you replenish your glycogen stores as soon as possible after training.

    Replenishing your glycogen right after training jump-starts the recovery process. Conversely, not taking advantage of this crucial time can slow your results significantly. Think of it as filling up the gas tank on your car after a long drive.

    Cell-Tech HardcoreTM is the ideal supplement for this purpose. With precise amounts of creatine, alpha lipoic acid, and dextrose, along with other tested ingredients, Cell-TechTM produces impressive musclebuilding results.

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    Simply mix 2 scoops of Cell-TechTM in a shaker bottle with 12 ounces of water, drink right after you're finished training, and you're good to go.

Change The Order Of Your Workouts

    Training chest first for every full-body workout is doing a disservice to the rest of your physique's symmetry.

    What seems to work better for ensuring your three major body parts get equal attention is alternating between doing chest, back, and legs first in your three workouts a week. Don't always leave abs or calves for last, though!



Exercises

Below is a list of exercises to help get you started. They're split into two sections: one for large body parts, the other for small ones.

The exercises are listed in order of effectiveness for each body part.

Exercises To Start With
Large Body Part
Exercises
Small Body Part
Exercises
Back
  • Bent-over barbell rows
  • Pull-ups
  • Seated cable rows
  • Biceps
  • Standing barbell curls
  • Alternate dumbbell curls
  • Preacher curls
  • Chest
  • Bench presses
  • Incline barbell presses
  • Dumbbell presses
  • Triceps
  • Parallel-bar dips
  • Lying dumbbell Extensions
  • Pushdowns
  • Shoulders
  • Dumbbell presses
  • Behind Neck presses
  • Upright rows
  • Calves
  • Standing calf raises
  • Seated calf raises
  • Donkey calf raises
  • Legs
  • Squats
  • Leg presses
  • Hack squats
  • Abs
  • Hanging leg raises
  • Decline-bench crunches
  • Rope crunches
  • Sample One Week
    Full-Body Workout
    Day 1: Full body (Chest, shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, abs, legs, calves)
    Day 2: Rest
    Day 3: Full body (Legs, calves, back, abs, shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps)
    Day 4: Rest
    Day 5: Full body (Back, chest, legs, triceps, biceps, calves, shoulders, abs)
    Day 6: Rest
    Day 7: Rest

    WORKOUT EXAMPLE:
    Choose 1 exercise per body part. Below is a sample of on Day 1:

    • Bench press
    • DB Press
    • Bent-over barbell rows
    • Standing barbell curls
    • Parallel-bar dips
    • Hanging leg raises
    • Barbell squats
    • Standing calf raises

      Once you've chosen your exercises, plan your routines so that you're doing 2 to 4 sets of each exercise for 10 to 12 repetitions. Create your own printable log here.


    Recommend this article to a friend by e-mail here!

    Tuesday, November 18, 2008

    LIPO6 Vcaps


    Lipo 6 (Ephedra Free) Fat Burner Review: Does Lipo 6 Work?

    lipo-6In the face of the ephedra-ban, Lipo 6 has received a bit of a facelift. This new Lipo 6 is not significantly different than the old version, other than the fact that the ephedra has been removed.

    Interestingly enough, I see two variations of the ephedra-free Lipo 6 for sale online, each one with a slightly different formulation . Since I don't know which version you're getting, I'll cover all the ingredients here. Keep this in mind as you proceed.

    OK, Let's take a closer look at the ephedra free Lipo 6 compilation and evaluate the ingredients...

    i) Synephrine (citrus aurantium extract): Although common to many fat burners, there isn't a heck of a lot of evidence that synephrine -- a chemical "cousin" to ephedra -- is particularly effective for weight loss. There is some evidence showing positive effects, but that was when it was combined with caffeine and St. John's Wort. To emphasize this point, check this extract about Citrus Aurantium (synephrine) from this PubMed abstract...

    "An extensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and the Cochrane Collaboration Database identified only 1 eligible randomized placebo controlled trial, which followed 20 patients for 6 weeks, demonstrated no statistically significant benefit for weight loss, and provided limited information about the safety of the herb."

    This study (Obes Rev. 2006 Feb;7(1):79-88) concludes...

    "While some evidence is promising, we conclude that larger and more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to draw adequate conclusions regarding the safety and efficacy of C. aurantium and synephrine alkaloids for promoting weight loss."

    ii) Caffeine: a mild thermogenic (fat burner) that also promotes mental alertness, caffeine works best when combined with ephedra or, as more recently shown, green tea. Of course, there's no ephedra in this version of Lipo 6. However, preliminary studies indicate it may work synergistically with synephrine to increase its fat burning effect.

    iii) Guggulsterones: the standardized extract of a resin of a tree native to India. This resin has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. A study published in The Journal of Associations of Physicians in India in 1989 showed this substance to have a powerful effect in decreasing blood fats (called triglycerides) AND LDL cholesterol (that's the "bad" cholesterol), while elevating levels of the good cholesterol "HDL."

    Guggulsterones may also stimulate the thyroid gland. This may result in a positive effect upon the body's main thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.

    Your version of Lipo-6 may also contain...

    iv) Coleus Forskohlii: traditionally to treat asthma, overweight, hypothyroidism, and high blood pressure. It has also been shown to help prevent the formation of blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation.May also have a positive effect on increasing cyclic AMP (a cell regulating compound) in the body. Increased levels of cAMP can raise thyroid hormone levels and spur further weight loss.

    While there is some evidence (Journal of Obesity Research August 2005, "Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations Associated With Forskolin Consumption In Overweight and Obese Men") indicating this ingredient may be beneficial for weight loss, the results were not overwhelming.

    v) Bioperine: the patented extract of the black pepper and long pepper berries harvested in India. Bioperine's value is that it has been established to enhance the bioavailibility of certain supplements through increased absorption. In other words, when combined with Bioperine, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids and anti oxidants are more efficiently absorbed and utilized in the body.

    vi) Yohimbe: The standardized extract of the bark of the African Yohimbe tree, this compound is often used as a natural aphrodisiac. It is used to treat impotency, dilate the pupil of the eye, and stimulate fat loss. Because it can cause unpredictable effects on blood pressure, Yohimbe should be approached with caution.


    There's also the issue that the vast majority of commercial yohimbe products are largely devoid of effective levels of the compound. While a few studies bear out Yohimbe's positive effect on impotence, data proving its worth as a fat burner is not as impressive, althought there is some (Isr J Med Sci. 1991 Oct;27(10):550-6).

    And your version may contain...

    vii) Carnitrex: Lipo 6's name for carnitine. Carnitine plays a vital role in escorting fatty acids to the cell's mitochondria (the energy furnace of the cell), and for that reason is included in many fat burners. Unfortunately, most studies do not validate l-carnitine's effectiveness as a fat burner. Furthermore, studies performed with carnitine involved multi-gram doses. The 100 mg in this compilation is little more than window dressing. Nonetheless, carnitine is a pretty good supplement for other reasons. A full review of l-carnitine is available here!

    Bottom line on Lipo 6?

    Even though I'm not a fan of yohimbe, the new ephedra-free Lipo 6 is probably on par with competitive fat burner products. That certainly does not mean you'll find the weight melting off you, should you decide to try this product. And it doesn't mean it's a winner. The end conclusion is almost always the same...

    If you make the appropriate changes to your diet and lifestyle, you may find Lipo 6 helpful. If you're not willing to make those changes, this product will do little for you.

    On another note, Lipo-6 is a product that seems to be very popular with our visitors. Feedback on the product is largely positive, with most people being satisfied with their pruchase, and some even highly recommending it. of course, not all feedback is genuine, but most of this appears to be so. Anyhow, if you're interested in purchasing Lipo 6 I highy recommend you...

    Order now .... call or sms to book your LIPO6 .. ZUL 0125341659



    NEW STOCK..

    Hi,

    Today new stock arrived...

    Nitrotech... chocolate, cookies n cream, vanila...
    Celltech..... Grape,Orange..
    100% Whey ON.... Cookies n cream, chocolate malt, triple chocolate..
    Sytha6..... Cookies n cream..
    Lipo 6..
    NO Xplode..
    Truemass... chocolate..
    Masstech.....chocolate..


    Just call or sms me
    0125341659 ZUL

    Friday, November 14, 2008

    15 rules

    The Fifteen Training Rules

    I adhere to the fifteen training rules, in addition, to following Reverse Pyramid Training. The rules are no exception. They are rules. They must be followed if building muscle or getting fit in the shortest amount of time is your aim, goal or pursuit.

      Rule 1
      Your mind-set determines success or failure!

      Rule 2
      Intensity is measured by the amount of force generated, yielding the greatest number of muscle fibers stimulated at one time!

      Rule 3
      Training without sufficient rest and proper food intake yields zero results!

      Rule 4
      Eat a protein meal one hour before training!

      Rule 5
      Eat simple carbohydrates immediately after training!

      Rule 6
      Eat a protein and carbohydrate meal one hour after training!

      Rule 7
      Eat a healthy amount of fat too for weight gain or loss!

      Rule 8
      Drink plenty of water between meals daily!

      Rule 9
      Optimize your nutrient ratios of protein, carbohydrates and fat for accelerated results!

      Rule 10
      Breathe while lifting to use air for generating energy and force!

      Rule 11
      Isolating a muscle trained yields rapid results!

      Rule 12
      Train smart to avoid injuries: "No brain, no gain!"

      Rule 13
      Rest, Rejuvenate, Supercompensate!

      Rule 14
      Cycle your workout intensity for continued results and training injury free!

    No Limit Gym...


    If you looking place for workout i will suggest No Limit Gym....
    You can find in Damansara Perdana.
    2nd Floor ... in front of Cimb Wealth Advisor.

    You can call Wak Ali ( owner)
    0122778197

    Thursday, November 13, 2008

    10 Fitness & Nutrition Mistakes Made By Women

    Want greater fitness success? Stop making these 10 mistakes - these misconceptions seem more common among women and are perpetuated by media, fads, etc. These mistakes are hard to shake. Below is my response.

    Article Summary:
  • An individual should weigh him/herself at the same time every day.
  • Eat nutrient-dense foods in small, frequent meals.
  • Eat breakfast within 45 minutes of waking up.

  • 10 Fitness & Nutrition Mistakes Made By Women

    While I initially specialized in fitness and nutrition for men, a growing number of female friends, acquaintances, and potential clients have been soliciting my advice and services. Given women's markedly different fitness needs and goals, I began to incorporate my knowledge of nutrition and exercise to build regimens and routines for the fairer sex.

    Through casual conversations and comprehensive discussions with women, I have found that the same misconceptions are reiterated by fitness novices and experts alike.

    While these misconceptions surely exist among men, they seem more common among women. Perpetuated by the media, fads, and fashion magazines that carelessly dispense fitness advice, these mistakes are almost ingrained and therefore hard to shake. Below is my response.


    1. I Need To Lose Weight

      When speaking about fitness and nutrition, this is the most common phrase uttered by women. While it is true that many overweight individuals (both men and women alike) need to lose drastic amounts of weight for health reasons, many who utter this phrase want to lose body fat, not weight. What's the difference?

      If weight goes down, doesn't body fat follow? Not necessarily. For many, an exercise regimen that includes cardiovascular and resistance training increases muscle while eliminating body fat.

    Measurements

    Focus On Body Fat Measurements
    & Mirror Image.
      The overall effect is a tighter, more toned physique, but body weight could stay the same or even increase. Therefore, the obsession with numbers on a scale is unfounded; one can greatly improve appearance, enhance fitness levels, and eliminate unwanted fat all while maintaining a constant weight. Focus instead on a combination of body fat measurements in trouble spots and the image in the mirror.


    2. I Just Gained Two Pounds!

      Again, the numbers on the scale are of little importance in the short run. I hear too many women expressing genuine concern over a fluctuation of two or three pounds in bodyweight.

      There are so many factors, none of which have to do with "getting fatter," that could have caused such a minor gain, so there is no need for panic.

      For example, an individual should weigh him/herself at the same time every day because the difference in weight between stepping on the scale first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and stepping on the scale after dinner can be quite noticeable. This difference, however, is normal and cyclical.


      Water weight can also be a culprit of minor differences, and this too has nothing to do with a permanent weight gain. Therefore, the scale should only be consulted about once a week and the long-run changes are what matter.

    3. I'm Going On The ____ Diet.

      To many women, the word diet implies two things that are notorious saboteurs: deprivation and an end-date. Whether it's the grapefruit diet, Atkins, or some other fad diet in the latest fashion magazine (that's why they're fashion magazines, not health magazines), diets require deprivation. They force the follower to give up enjoyable foods, endure intense hunger or some combination of the two, which usually leads to intense cravings and even more intense binges.


      A second thing that diets imply is an end date, a day when the h#llish deprivation comes to an abrupt end. So after that spring break trip, high school reunion, or wedding day, many women gain back even more weight/fat than they originally carried. This is because they feel entitled to finally eat the foods they love after a prolonged diet, and a week of carefree eating somehow turns into a month, then a year.

      The way to avoid these pitfalls is to develop healthy eating habits instead of relying on crash diets. Eat nutrient-dense foods in small, frequent meals to stay satisfied and embrace portion control so that you can enjoy the foods that you love.

    Food
    Enlarge Click Image To Enlarge.
    Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods
    In Small, Frequent Meals.
      Exercise moderately, incorporating fun and variety to workouts to avoid burnout and boredom. Health and fitness should be lifelong goals, not 4-week tours de force.

    4. I'll Be On The Elliptical If You Need Me.

      The idea behind some people's religious devotion to the elliptical machine lies in the belief that since cardiovascular exercise effectively burns body fat, any form of cardio will suffice.

      First of all, a nutrient-dense diet combined with both cardiovascular and resistance training is shown to trump diet and cardio alone, but that is not even my main gripe.


      Research has consistently shown that the elliptical, although easiest on joints, is worse than the treadmill, stationary bicycle, and rowing machine (not to mention activities such as swimming and intense hiking) when it comes to elevating heart rate and burning body fat. This is due to the fact that movement on these machines relies heavily on momentum and not resistance or the propelling of one's bodyweight. All these months of elliptical training has yielded mediocre results, and now you know why.

    5. I'm Going To Give Diet Pills A Try.

      Do you know what Yohimbe is and how its affects the body? Do you know why there was so much concern around Ephedra? Do you consume too much caffeine? If you are not intimately familiar with these substances, why would you put them in your body day after day?

      Before taking these pills, an individual should consult a physician to assure that he/she is in good health. Diet pills achieve fat reduction and weight loss by stimulating the body's systems (thereby increasing metabolism), which can put extra strain on vital functions and organs such as the heart.


      Also, diet pills are just a tool; effort is still required to make every tool perform. Just because you pop a capsule a few times a day doesn't mean that you can eat junk, skip workouts, and achieve that ideal physique.

      In short, diet pills should be employed after starting and maintaining a regimen as that last resort to break through a plateau. They can be very dangerous if used improperly or abused or use caution.

    6. I'll Have The Salad, Please.

      Salads can be a great source of nutrients while being low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates. The key word is "can." Too many times I see individuals pass up perfectly healthy sandwiches and entrees, opting instead for a salad drenched in dressing, bacon bits, and croutons. These items, loaded with fat and calories while scant on nutrients, will not only sabotage a diet but will often fail to make you full.

      In order to construct a truly healthy salad, focus on nutrient-dense, low-calorie items such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, etc and mix in some lean proteins, beans, nuts, and low fat cheeses for flavor and texture.

    Salad

    Focus On Nutrient-Dense, Low
    Calorie Items For Your Salad.
      The best feature of salads is the variety that can be created, so keep things interesting and flavorful. If you prefer the mixture of dressing, bacon bits, and croutons with some greens mixed in, you might as well have some pizza or burgers to at least fill you up. As you can see, not all salads are created equal.

    7. I Try To Skip Breakfast.

      Study after study confirms that individuals who eat a balanced breakfast complete with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats lose more weight than those who skip this meal. Why?

      After a night of fasting and inactivity (aka sleep), an individual's metabolism is slowed to a crawl. Think of breakfast as the spark that ignites up your body's metabolic fire, setting you up to burn calories for the entire day. More importantly, though, a nutrient-dense, satisfying breakfast prevents overeating later in the day.


      While it is true that skipping breakfast equates to zero calories for that meal, it sets you up to consume many more calories throughout the day, when food choices probably aren't the healthiest.

      So if your goal is to shed body fat or lose unwanted weight, eat within 45 minutes of waking up. Breakfast can be as simple as a low-fat yogurt with a piece of fruit, so the "I don't have time for breakfast" excuse won't work.

    8. I Do Pushups To Get Rid Of My "Batwings."

      Some swear by pushups to rid themselves of that unwanted flab around the triceps, others are devotees of crunches to expunge belly fat, while still others try lunging their way to less cellulite on the backside.

      Whatever the exercise and whatever the body part, this approach is called "spot reduction," whereby an isolation exercise is performed to tone a specific area. It simply doesn't exist.

      You cannot reduce body fat in one spot. While isolation exercises will undoubtedly strengthen the target muscles, the fat surrounding these muscles (and the fat everywhere else on the body) can only be reduced by consistently being in a hypocaloric state (burning more calories than consumed).

    Cardio

    Decreasing Consumption & Increasing
    Cardio Are The Paths To Success.
      This is why anyone with a six pack will tell you that crunches are not the key. So it does not matter if the goal is tighter arms, a small waistline, or a toned backside; decreasing consumption and increasing cardiovascular activity are the paths to success.

    9. I Don't Lift Weights. Lifting Will Make Me Bulky.

      An overwhelming number of women avoid the weight rooms of local gyms and health clubs because they firmly believe that resistance training, whether it is free weights or machine-assisted weights, will result in an undesirably bulky physique.

      This misconception stems from the fact that nearly all men achieve noticeable gains in muscle mass after beginning a weight training regimen. Because it stems from personal observation and is partially true, it is quite difficult to combat.

    Jamie Eason

    You Will Notice Tone, Not Bulk.
      Yes, regular weight training will result in increased muscle mass. However, there is a certain type of training necessary to achieve these gains in size, training that involves heavy resistance and volume. By keeping the weight at about 40 to 50% of maximum effort and increasing repetitions for a cardiovascular effect, you will notice tone, not bulk.

    10. It's Reduced-Fat. I Can Eat As Much As I Want.

      There are two pieces of information I would like to convey here. "Reduced fat" is a relative term and just because an item is labeled such does not mean that it is low in calories.

      For example, if one serving of a certain food contains 60% of the daily recommended fat intake, reducing that amount to 30% is considered "reduced fat," and will probably even be marketed as "half the fat of the original!"

      However, 30% is still a lot of fat for one serving, so considered absolute values like how many grams of fat, carbohydrates, protein, etc. are consumed instead of relative values like "50% less fat." Additionally, reaching fitness goals is largely about calorie intake. More body fat and unwanted weight will be gained by eating 500 calories of a low-fat item than by eating 100 calories of a high-fat item, so keep this in mind.


      If there is a loss of control or guilt when eating diet or low-fat items, it is probably better in the long-run to consume the higher-fat, higher-calorie counterparts in moderation.


    anthony.v.lee@gmail.com

    Tuesday, November 11, 2008

    300 Training

    As soon as the '300' movie came out, the '300' workout came out. Men and women everywhere were eager to learn how King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors got their abs of steel, etc... Here is what they did!

    Article Summary:
  • Trainer Mark Twight created the 300 Workout.
  • The workout is done in a giant-set fashion.
  • This workout should not be used everyday by recreational exercisers.
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    300 Workout
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    As soon as the "300" movie came out, the "300" workout came out. Men and women everywhere, from all walks of life, were eager to learn how King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his Spartan warriors got their abs of steel, boulder shoulders, barn door backs, etc.

    300

    Gerard Butler in "300."
    © 2007 Warner Bros. Pictures.

    The truth is, the training regimen was the brainchild of the mens' trainer, Mark Twight. Because of his workout training plans, many of the men went from being around 40 pounds overweight to being lean, mean, fighting machines in a matter of months. Others just improved their level of fitness and conditioning exponentially.

    The workout is done in a giant-set fashion. That is to say, you go from one exercise, to the next, to the next, with little to no rest in between. However, if you cannot complete the desired number of reps for each exercise, you are permitted to rest/pause, until you complete all reps before moving on to the next station.

    300

    Vincent Regan And Gerard Butler In "300."
    © 2007 Warner Bros. Pictures.

    * It should be noted that this routine was not used everyday by the men in the film, and should not be used everyday by recreational exercisers. Remember, this workout isn't for beginners. The demands on the muscles are high, and you risk injury. So make sure you know what you're doing before you attempt to become a Spartan.

      View The 300 Official Website Here.

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    The 300 Workout
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  • 25 Pullups
  • 50 Deadlifts at 135 pounds
  • 50 Pushups
  • 50 Box jumps with a 24-inch box
  • 50 "Floor wipers" (a core and shoulders exercise at 135 pounds)
  • 50 "Clean and press" at 36 pounds
  • 25 Pullups
  • For a total of 300 reps

    Pullups

    Exercise Data
    Main Muscle Worked: Lats
    Other Muscles Worked: Biceps, Middle Back
    Equipment: BodyOnly
    Mechanics Type: Compound



    Tips: Reach up and grab the bar with a firm overhand grip. Your hands should be roughly twice your shoulder width apart. This helps work more of your lats, rather than your biceps. Straighten your arms and let your body hang from the bar. You can keep your legs straight or bend your knees and cross your feet. Slowly pull your body up to the bar so that the top of your chest nearly touches the bar and your chin is over the bar. Try to keep your body straight without arching or swinging. As you move upwards, focus on pulling your elbows down at an angle toward your rib cage. Once your lats have completely contracted at the top, slowly lower your body to the starting position. A spotter can lift your legs slightly if you need help on the last few reps. You can also add weight by using a special Dip Belt.

    Barbell Deadlift

    Exercise Data
    Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps
    Other Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, Calves, Glutes
    Equipment: Barbell
    Mechanics Type: Compound


    What NOT To Do:


    Tips: Think of a deadlift as a squat, only the bar is in your hands rather than on your back.

    The Stance: Approach the loaded barbell and assume a stance about as wide as your own shoulders while gripping the bar such that the inner aspects of your arms are slightly outside of your thighs. Another way to determine your optimal deadlift foot placement is to jump down from a box which is half your own height and "stick" the landing. Now look at your feet...this will approximate your ideal stance width and degree of foot turn-out.

    Feet and Shin Position: Feet should point straight forward or turned out to a 25 degree angle at most. The best foot angle is one which provides the least amount of hip and knee restriction when you lower the hips in preparation to lift, so don't be afraid to experiment a bit. The shins should be two to three inches from the bar and then when you actually bend down and lower your hips in preparation to lift, the shins will touch the bar. Most of the weight will be on the heels of the feet. This facilitates maximal contribution of the glutes and hamstrings. During the ascent, the bar will travel as close to the leg and shins as possible. Ideally, wear cotton sweat pants or track pants with long socks to protect your shins.

    Hand Position: A "reverse grip" should be used when deadlifting. This means that one hand will be supinated (palm faces you) and the other pronated (palm facing away). This will help keep the bar in your hand. If grip strength is not one of your training targets, feel free to use wrist straps with a conventional grip. Hold the bar high up on the palm to compensate for any roll of the bar when pulling the weight up. Generally, the grip should start with the index finger and the little finger bordering the knurling in the middle of the bar.

    Head Placement and Eye Contact: The entire spine should remain neutral, which means you look neither up nor down, but instead, the head follows the body, almost like you're wearing a cervical cast on your neck. It's OK for the head to be SLIGHTLY up (this tends to improve muscular contraction of the low back muscles) but in all cases, the lift must start with the hips down, the entire spine neutral, and the feet flat on the floor.

    The Ascent: As you stand up with the weight, imagine pushing the earth away from you with your feet. When viewed from the side, your hips and shoulders should ascend together; if the hips rise before the shoulders, it means you're using your back rather than your legs. If this happens, reduce the weight until you can perform the lift correctly and add more specific quad-strengthening exercises to your program.

    The Lockout: Competitive powerlifters are required to demonstrate control over the weight by standing up and then extending the hips forward in an exaggerated manner. If you're NOT a competitive lifter, simply stand up with the weight without this exaggerated maneuver.

    The Descent: Simply return the bar to the floor, under control, by reversing the technique you used to lift the weight.

    Learn More About This Exercise:

    Pushups -

    Exercise Data
    Main Muscle Worked: Chest
    Other Muscles Worked: Triceps, Shoulders
    Equipment: BodyOnly
    Mechanics Type: Compound


    Tips: Kneel down on the floor and place your hands flat on the floor and slightly wider than shoulder width apart. With your shoulders directly over your hands, straighten your arms. Move your feet back, placing your toes on the floor, so that your knees are off the floor and your legs are straight. At this point, your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Your body should remain straight throughout this exercise. Keep your head and neck in line with your body so that your are looking down toward the floor. This is the starting position. In a controlled fashion, lower your body down toward the floor, bending your elbows, until your body is nearly touching the floor. Now, push your body up away from the floor, straightening your arms, until you have returned to the starting position. If you need to reduce the intensity of this exercise you can perform the pushup from your knees.

    Clean And Press

    Exercise Data
    Main Muscle Worked: Shoulders
    Other Muscles Worked: Triceps, Biceps, Lower Back, Traps, Hamstrings, Calves, Abdominals, Shoulders, Glutes
    Equipment: Barbell
    Mechanics Type: Compound



    Tips:

    Beginning Position
    • Assume a shoulder-width stance, knees inside arms.
    • Position feet flat on floor.
    • Grasp bar with a closed, pronated grip.
    • Grip should be slightly wider than shoulder-width.
    • Squat down next to bar, heels on floor.
    • Fully extend arms.
    • Point elbows out to sides.
    • Position bar over the balls of the feet; bar should be close to shins.
    • Position shoulders over or slightly ahead of the bar. Establish a flat back posture.

    Upward Movement Phase: First Pull
    • Begin pull by extending the knees.
    • Move hips forward and raise shoulders at the same rate.
    • Keep the angle of the back constant.
    • Lift bar straight up.
    • Keep bar close to the body, heels on the floor.
    • Keep elbows fully extended.
    • Keep shoulders back and above or slightly in front of the bar.
    • Keep head facing straight forward.
    • Maintain torso position.

    Upward Movement Phase: Transition (Scoop)
    • Thrust hips forward and continue pulling until the knees are under the bar.
    • Keep feet flat.
    • Torso should be nearly vertical and erect.
    • Keep shoulders positioned directly over the bar.
    • Keep elbows fully extended.

    Upward Movement Phase: Second Pull
    • Brush bar against the middle or top of thighs.
    • Keep torso erect and head facing straight or slightly up.
    • Keep elbows straight.
    • Move bar explosively by extending the knee, hip, and ankle joints in a "jumping action."
    • Keep shoulders over the bar as long as possible, and elbows out.
    • Keep bar close to body.
    • At maximum plantar flexion, shrug the shoulders.
    • At maximum shoulder elevation, flex and pull with the arms
    • Keep elbows high during pull; keep them over the wrists.
    • Pull bar as high as possible.

    Catch
    • Rotate elbows around and under the bar.
    • Hyperextend the wrists as the elbows move under the bar.
    • Point elbows forward or slightly up.
    • Rack the bar across the front of the shoulders.
    • Keep torso erect.
    • Flex hips and knees to absorb the weight of the bar.

    Overhead Press
    • Without moving your feet, press the bar overhead.
    • The barbell is to be pressed evenly in a continuous movement to arms length overhead.
    • During the Press, the trunk may be inclined backwards to any extent, but the legs must remain braced and there must be no movement of the feet.

    Downward Movement Phase
    • Lower bar slowly and under control to top of thighs.
    • Flex hips and knees as bar lands on thighs.
    • Squat down toward floor.
    • Maintain erect torso position.
    • Keep bar close to shins.
    • Place bar on the floor.

    Breathing
    • Inhale before the first pull of the first repetition.
    • Hold breath until second pull.
    • Exhale through the sticking point (shrug) of the second pull.
    • Inhale during the downward movement phase of succeeding repetitions.


    source: bodybuilding.com