Friday, August 18, 2006

Why Can’t I Get the Abs That I Crave?

Are you one of the many of people that desire the body that you have always wanted? You’re filled with enthusiasm, being committed to making the life changes and sticking to the exercise regimes to achieve your goal.

But let’s fast forward six weeks and suddenly all the enthusiasm has all but dissipated and you’re overwhelmed with guilt because you have not stuck to your plan – does this sound like you?

If yes, then the first thing that you have to realize is that old habits really do die hard!!!! One can, however, make changes that last.


1. Accept that you will have set backs, for example, you will wake up in the morning after having a late night and not feel like doing your abdominal crunches. When you feel that way, affirm the following to yourself:-

“I enjoy doing my exercise routines in the morning and by doing them, I am assured of having the body that I desire which will in turn boost my confidence”.

But now your back on track with your exercise routines, another problem arises – You are still not eating healthily. You’re at work and under pressure to me deadlines, so you ask your colleague to buy your favourite hamburger meal from McDonald’s. In addition to this - you work such long hours that at home you tend to live on ready made meals from the local supermarket. STOP DOING THAT!!!!!!

Why not prepare your lunch the night before, and make sure that you incorporate healthy items such as wholemeal bread with your sandwiches. Be sure to include some fruit and vegetables to snack on for when you feel peckish during the day. Whatever happens, Please cut out the fizzy drinks- Remember Fizzy drinks make you put on weight, rot your teeth and one can end up developing diabetes.

Always try to prepare an evening meal rather than living on ready meals that are high in fat, salt, calories. There is no point putting your body through that exercise routine everyday only to undo it by not watching what you put into your body. Remember your goal is that you’re body is something that you will be proud to show off - Not to hide in overgrown T-shirts and jogging pants.

Remember to drink lots of water during the day to keep your body hydrated and if you can get around with out using your car than please do. The fact is that in this modern age, people are not active enough.

If the above thoughts do not motivate you enough to make those life changes permanent, then consider this, obesity is linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. If you are developing a ‘pot belly’, then you are mortgaging your future health as you get older. Take control of your life and stay in control.

Before you know it, you will have the abs that you desire, and the big bonus is that you will also become more attractive to the opposite sex – That must be a reason to stick to your exercise and life changing regimes don’t you agree?

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Get Motivated to Exercise!

Why exercise? Most of us do it because we want to reap the benefits that tag along such as weight management, muscle tone, fat-loss, strength gain, etc. Nothing compares to exercise and everyone should be doing it. This is where a motive must come in. It may be health related or it may include a big event such as a wedding, reunion, or even a friendly competition. Whatever your motive is, think about it long and hard, and think about the feeling you will have once you achieve whatever it is you want to accomplish.

Set Goals

It is hard to hit a goal when you do not know where the target is! That is why goal setting is crucial in achieving victory. You want to set short term and long term goals. Setting a long term goal by itself is not smart. This is like driving to a foreign destination with no map or guidelines to help you along the way. Try setting a short term goal to be reached every three to six weeks. By doing so, you are allowing necessary adjustments to be made if needed. This will keep you on the track to success. The long term goal is your motive that you have already visualized, it is your climax, it is not however the end. Once you have achieved it you will re-evaluate and set new goals.

How Do We Get There?

Which way is fast and most efficient? This is the most important question we ask ourselves in the beginning, however this question should be asked each time a short term goal is reached to prepare for the next. We all have different goals, physical capabilities and lifestyles. There is no "one size fits all" workout program!

Once we manage to begin an exercise program, we must then keep in mind that our bodies will adapt to that program within four to six weeks time. When this happens our bodies will then become stagnant in producing results. It is extremely important that we cover many avenues in fitness so that hitting plateaus can be prevented. This includes changing the number of sets, repetitions, the amount of intensity (resistance), the amount of rest time among sets and workouts. Changing the types of exercises performed must also be done over time.

This is not only the most productive way of exercising but, it also helps to keep things fresh so that boredom is not a problem. Remember, workout time is supposed to be fun, which can make reaching goals very exciting!

Learning About Body Core Conditioning

You rely on your body to get get out of bed, to lift your children, to perform your job and to take you places everyday. If you appreciate what your body does for you, you will provide it with nutritious food, hydrate with water and be sure to add some activity into your day.

While our limbs provide mobility, reach and strength it is our body core that provides the basis of each movement. Sedentary lives can cause our body core muscles to weaken and become subject to strain or injury. Even if you workout or participate in sports you may not be working the body core muscles you rely on to perform.

WHAT IS MY BODY 'CORE'?

Your body core is the midsection of your body, from your groin to your shoulders. The core includes the pelvis, abs, back and chest muscles. It is this core that offers stability, balance and flexibility. Every movement you make originates in the core - whether you are reaching for your toothbrush or running a marathon. If the core is not properly conditioned it will limit your physical abilities.

Working the muscles in your body core will improve the effectiveness of movements in your limbs. Most exercise routines focus on building muscle. By creating a stable, strong base for those muscles you can optimize the strength and flexibility of each limb.

HOW DO I STRENGTHEN MY BODY CORE?

There are many exercise routines and products that work the muscles of the body core. Professional trainers create customized routines to enhance an athlete's abilities by developing the proper core muscles. However, there are also many programs developed for individuals who wish to incorporate it into their fitness routine or to begin one.

The exercises and products developed to strengthen your body core do so by creating resistance or instability so that the core muscles must respond to maintain balance. The exercises are gentle on the body but are intense and beginners will quickly 'feel' the muscles being used. Proper alignment is key so having a trainer to check your position will help identify the safest and most effective way to perform an exercise.

Body core exercises often imitate moves that we employ in daily life or sports and thus train the body to rely on the core and reduce the strain we put on our limbs. Two popular forms of exercise that develop core body strength are Pilates and the Swiss ball.

Pilates uses the body as its own form of resistance. Learning to breath properly and perform slow, controlled movements allows a person to isolate and strengthen core muscles.

The Swiss ball (also known as a Fitness ball) is an easy and fun way to strengthen the body core. While there are many exercises that can be performed with the Swiss ball, simply sitting on it will create the instability needed to engage the core muscles to maintain balance.

Good core strength is important at every age and fitness level. Whatever your goals, find a way to incorporate body core conditioning into your routine to reduce fatigue, avoid muscle strain and improve your strength and mobility.

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