The Body and Mind in Healthy Aging

As we all grow older, we notice many changes going on in our minds and with the body.

At this time, the body and mind is saying you need to take charge and keep yourself active and in shape. Our health in very important and needs work everyday to keep it in control.

Getting older is something we cannot control so taking charge now is very important. It is always best to start youthfully. Our diets change as we grow older, which the body starts to loose nutrients it requires to stay healthy. As we grow older, the body loses vitamins it needs to stay strong. You might want to think about taking a supplement to increase your daily vitamins, which you are no longer getting from your meals. Aside from meals, you also need activities to keep you strong.

Activities play an exceedingly important role in keeping our bodies and mind in shape. As we age, we have a tendency to slow down. The slowness causes the bones stiffen and the brain starts to slow down as well. Our brains and body need as much activities as they can get to keep them from loosing the ability to function, as they should.

Our bodies need exercise everyday or as much as possible. Get yourself into an exercise program to keep the movement going and it will help the brain at the same time. An exercise program can be done with a group making it more fun and you’ll enjoy doing it with others and at the same time as you meet new people. Keep the body moving all the time so it doesn’t get lazy and want to stop. Exercising will help you lose weight, tone up, keeps you from getting stiff and will give you something to look forward to each day. If you get bored doing the same thing each day, try walking every other day for 30 minutes and on the off days enjoy your curriculum with your new friends.

When starting a new exercise program take it slow and easy so you don’t get sore. When you start something new, such as workouts you are using muscles and parts of the body that where out of use. The muscles are tight, so you want to take it slow at the start. Begin with stretches always and end your excise with stretches as well. Don’t stop once you’ve started a program; keep going and you’ll notice a big difference? It takes time to see growth but it will benefit you in the end.

If you’re feeling sick, don’t always take it into your own hands. Some things have to be taken care of with medications, so if you’re feeling sick especially for more than a couple of days you need to consult your doctor. See your doctor on a regular schedule for a check up, he can sometimes catch something that you can’t before it starts to develop.

Your diet plays a vital part in maintaining your health. Being overweight is common and it should be evaluated regularly by your doctor. If you’re overweight, it can cause many things to go wrong with your system.

Diabetes has become increasingly in young and old alike. Diabetes if caught in time can be controlled by medications and diet. Be sure to get the right amount of carbs, fats, and protein in your diet each day to help keep the doctor away. A well balanced diet slows down the aging process and makes a healthier you. The best choice for keeping healthy, as you grow older is to exercise first, diet next, visit your doctor often, and take control of your mind and body.

How to get rid of Headaches naturally

Headaches are one of the most common health problems but because they vary so much, it can be difficult to find the right cure. It is important to identify what triggers your headache.

Keep a headache diary

To identify what triggers your headaches, keep a detailed diary noting down your emotions during the day, the weather, your menstrual cycle, what you ate and when/how you slept. If the same situation or emotions appear before each headache you know what to try and avoid in the future. It is common knowledge that chocolate, cheese and red wine can trigger a migraine but it is better to note down all foods you have eaten in the 48 hours before an attack to see if the same foods are causing the problem.

Types of headaches

1. Cluster headaches – this type usually strikes with little warning. The pain usually affects just one side of the face, centring on the eye. It typically lasts for between 15 minutes and 3 hours and may return up to 10 times a day for 6 to 10 weeks (the cluster period) before disappearing for months or years.

The cause – doctors are not sure of the exact cause but it is thought that some sort of irritation to the facial nerves may be to blame. Cluster headaches are more common in men especially those who smoke or drink.

2. Tension headaches – this is the most common type and is characterized by a dull, steady pain on both sides of the head. The sufferer often feels as if a tight band, or heavy weight, were pressing down on them.

The cause – these headaches are usually a direct result of stress, which causes the muscles of the neck and scalp to knot up. It can also be brought on by bad posture, sitting in a draught, bright light, too much noise or sitting in an awkward position.

3. Migraines – these can be divided into two main categories. Classic migraines are usually preceded by a visual disturbance such as flashing light, zig-zag patterns and general blurring. With common migraines there is little or no warning. The pain develops slowly into a throbbing ache, often aggravated by movement or noise. Nausea and vomiting are common with both types.

The cause – the Migraine Association claim that migraines are the result of changes in neurotransmitters and blood vessels in the brain. What causes these changes however is unknown. Triggers include: stress; foods such as cheese, chocolate and alcohol; irregular meals or lack of food; fatigue or hormonal factors such as periods. 10% of female migraine sufferers suffer from menstrual migraines which are thought to relate to the drop in oestrogen at this time of the month.

4. Chronic daily headaches – for a headache to be termed “chronic”, the pain has to occur on more than 15 days every month.

The cause – this could be due to a neck or head injury such as whiplash or the over-use of painkillers. If you take painkillers every day a vicious circle can develop. As the painkillers wear off there is a rebound headache so you take more painkillers and the painkillers start to fuel the headache and so on and so on.

Feverfew

The City of London Migraine Clinic carried out a trial which showed that in 70% of cases the herb Feverfew either prevented or lessened the severity of the headaches of the people taking part. It also lessened the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. You can buy Feverfew tablets from health shops; take them as directed on the packet.


How complimentary therapies can help

Stress has been identified as a significant migraine trigger so any therapy that encourages relaxation can help. Manipulation therapies can encourage blood flow to the brain and help to relieve any postural or musculo-skeletal problems that could be at the root of the headache. Eastern therapies, based on the belief that blocked energy causes headaches aim to restore the smooth flow of energy in the body. Here are some therapies which can be particularly helpful for the relief of headaches and migraines.

Acupressure

Acupressure works on the principle that headaches are due to blocked energy in the invisible energy channels (known as meridians) that run through our body. To relieve pain, gentle pressure is applied to certain points, and this stimulates the body’s own healing powers. Acupuncture is based on the same concept but uses needles instead of finger massage.

Acupressure is particularly useful as it is something you can do yourself. Try the following when you next get a headache - find the acupoint in the web between your forefinger and thumb then press firmly on the point with the ball of your thumb or tips of your fingers for a couple of minutes, gradually increasing the pressure.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor can manipulate the spine to try and correct any displacement of the vertebrae, as this is believed to disturb the electrical impulses carried by the nerves, leading to headaches and migraines. This type of therapy is especially good if the migraine is related to spinal problems.

Cranial osteopathy

Cranial osteopaths say they can sense the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (this fluid protects and nourishes the membranes around the brain) by placing their hands around a patient’s head. Any imbalance in the flow is said to indicate pressure on the cranial bones, or tension/trauma elsewhere in the body caused by injury, illness or emotional stress. They believe these pressures or trauma can manifest as headaches which may be eased by gently manipulating the cranial /spinal bones to regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Homeopathy

It is advisable to consult a practitioner who will prescribe remedies according to your symptoms and individual circumstances.

Indian head massage

Because this treatment concentrates on the upper part of the body, in particular the upper back, shoulders, neck and scalp it is very effective in treating people who suffer regularly with headaches. It is very relaxing and excellent for getting rid of tension.

Massage

Massage is good for releasing muscle tension and encouraging the blood to flow normally to the blood vessels in the head, face and scalp. You can either go to a fully qualified therapist or give yourself a massage. Massaging around your temples in circular movements using a blend containing lavender and peppermint essential oil is a good way to help relieve tension headaches (add 2 drops lavender and 1 drop peppermint to 5ml of carrier oil)

Reflexology

Reflexology works on the principle that every part of the body is reflected in points on the hands or feet. By pressing on these points, reflexologists say they can relieve tension in the corresponding parts of the body.
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How Do I Get a Flat Stomach?

There certainly is no shortage of advice on how to get a flat stomach but unfortunately, much of the advice that you're going to get is going to be off base. Don't get too upset with the people that are telling you this, especially if you know them personally. The reason why many of these individuals are giving you this misinformation is because they were misinformed themselves at one time. The fact of the matter is, there are ways that you can get a flat stomach but you need to make sure that you are exercising in the proper way and eating the proper way as well.

First of all, let's talk a little bit about the eating program that is going to help you to get a flat stomach. Far too many individuals are told that it is necessary for them to eat diet foods that are chock full of artificial ingredients and sweeteners in order to make them palatable. Yes, they may be low on fats and calories but what you probably don't realize is that many of the chemicals that go into these products actually make you fat of the long run. It's the dirty little secret of the dieting community, foods that are supposed to make you thin actually make you addicted and fat.

That is why it is necessary for you to go with a basic diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and they need the proper types of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve involved here but the simple fact of the matter is, once you get used to eating this way you will feel so good and be burning so much fat that you will never want to go back. Simply eat a balanced diet and don't deprive yourself of carbohydrates or fats in an effort to lose weight, it does not work for the long term.

Exercise is where many of us stumble as far as weight loss is concerned. If you're asking yourself, how do I get a flat stomach, you probably have heard that you need to do an inordinate amount of abdominal exercises. Unfortunately, this is never going to help you to have a flat stomach that you want because it is always going to be covered up with a layer of fat. In order for you to truly achieve a flat midsection, you need to burn the fat with the right kind of exercise and that does not include abdominal exercises.

Concentrate on the larger muscles of your body, such as your legs, chest and back. Do multi-joint exercises that are designed to add lean muscle mass to these areas of your body and you will see the fat disappear very quickly from your stomach. It's really just a matter of building these areas of your body up so that you can have your metabolism running at top speed. This is the only way for you to truly have a flat stomach and to lose the fat that you may be carrying around.

Check out LoseBellyFatFaster.com for more of the latest tips, techniques and exercises on how to get flat abs.

Home Remedies for Wrinkles

Having wrinkles on your face or on your body is a normal fact of life. You can accept it for what it is or do something about it. Instead of buying expensive creams and moisturizers, perhaps you can try some home remedies that have proven to be effective against wrinkles.

You can apply egg whites under the eyes. For those that want to prevent wrinkles, you may also use odor free castor oil and put this to the skin, under the eyes or the throat.

Those who want to make their own cleansers can do so by emptying the contents of 3 Vitamin E capsules into a small bowl and then mixing this with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, half a tablespoon of honey as well as half a tablespoon of lemon juice. When this is mixed together, you get a cotton ball and rub this on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse.

Another mixture may come from a quarter cup of comfrey infusion, a quarter cup of witch hazel and 10 drops of patchouli essential oil. What is nice about it is that you can store the excess in a clean bottle so you can use it again later on.

You may also mix 1 teaspoon of raspberry juice with one teaspoon of orange juice, a teaspoon of olive oil, whipped egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of grind oatmeal. After mixing everything, you wait 20 minutes and smear this on the face. Once it dries, you wash this off with warm water.

If you happen to have coconut oil around, apply this in skin pore areas nightly before going to bed. For those that pineapple at home, you can cut this open and then rub the core of the fruit on your face for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.

You can also use green Thompson seedless grapes. Once you cut this in half, you gently crush this on your face so the juice will be absorbed by the skin. Make sure to leave it there for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water and then let it dry with natural air.

A paste of turmeric made with sugarcane juice can also be used as it has proven to be effective in getting rid of wrinkles and slow skin aging.

No matter what you use, be sure to have regular facials as this is very effective in controlling wrinkles. You should also give yourself a facial massage as this helps increase blood circulation which results in the tightening of the muscles which reduces the fleshiness of the skin and restores your youthful look.

When you do this, make sure you always start from the neck upwards and then end at the forehead. A faster way of doing this will require using all your fingers and massaging rapidly in a circular motion. If there are wrinkles on the jaw, pinch the skin between your thumb and fingers.

Before you apply any of the home remedies for wrinkles on the face, make sure you clean the area first with wet cotton so you are able to remove make up and be able to open the pores on the skin. If you need to go outdoors, the only thing you can do to protect yourself from the sun is to use a pair of sunglasses and wear a hat which helps delay the onset of wrinkles on the sides of the eyes strangely referred to as crow’s feet.

1000 Crunches per Day Won't Get You a Six Pack

I can remember when I was a child that my mother was doing a series of crunches on a daily basis in order to get a lean and flat stomach. She read this in a woman's health magazine and believe it or not, she was doing 700 or more crunches on a daily basis every day for several weeks. Unfortunately, she ended up getting discouraged as a result of these exercises because they were not producing the results that she desired. The fact of the matter is, 1000 crunches per day won't get you a six pack and typically, it will just leave you feeling as if nothing you're going to do is going to work.

The reason why this is the case is because it is impossible for you to target specific areas of fat on your body by exercising those regions of your body. Although it never hurts for you to do crunches and to make sure that you have a strong core, the simple fact of the matter is that you're not going to get a six pack unless you get rid of the layer of fat that is covering it up. Even if you have the most awesome stomach muscles on the planet, it is going to do little good if they are covered up by a layer of belly fat.

In order for you to overcome this problem, you need to have a combination of the proper diet and a proper series of exercises. The first thing that you need to do is to clear your mind of all of the things that you have ever learned in the past because unfortunately, many of them were false. Typically, we get our information through commercial means and because they are trying to sell us a product, they usually make that product out to be the best thing possible. Forget everything you know, here is how to get those six pack abs to show through.

The first thing that you need to do is eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water on a daily basis. I'm not talking about cutting out all of the carbohydrates or fats out from your diet, that is not healthy at all. Eat a balanced diet that contains as much raw fruits and vegetables as possible. It is also a good idea for you to eat a protein and a legume every time you sit down at a meal as this will help to build muscle in your body and to stabilize your blood sugar levels.

Exercise is also a great idea and you need to make sure that you are doing multi-joint exercises that are targeting the largest muscles in your body. Putting lean muscle mass on your body in your legs, back and chest is going to melt the fat off of your body and allow that six pack abs that you have been working on to finally show through.

Check out cbmall.com/to/flatabs for more of the latest tips, techniques and exercises on how to get flat abs.

Setting Your Personal Fitness Goals

Many people make the mistake of setting their fitness goals too high when they embark on an exercise program. This leads them to abandon their plans out of frustration and impatience. Setting manageable goals is key to maintaining a fitness program over time.

If you have been completely sedentary you need to start out your fitness regimen by working towards small and realistic goals. These can be as simple as walking around the block once a day for a week, and adding another block each subsequent week until they reach the 30 minutes recommended by health professionals. A few sessions with a personal trainer can help you set reasonable goals for weight-bearing exercise like weight training. In the beginning focus on overall conditioning rather than building muscle. Check with staff at your gym or fitness center for recommendations about what exercise classes are right for your current fitness level.

When you're just starting out, it's easy to make rash promises like exercising every day. It's hard for even people in top condition to make time each and every day for training. Start off three or four days a week and build up from there. If you're taking up a new sport like swimming, skiing or golf, consider taking lessons with a professional so that you develop good habits from the beginning.

If you've been getting moderate exercise your goals can be a little more ambitious. If you're walking the recommended 30 minutes per day, why not add hand weights to your routine? This might also be the time to consider adding more weight to your lifting or taking an intermediate fitness course. You may also be ready to speak to a personal trainer about beginning to work on building specific muscle groups.

Once you've attained a high level of fitness, then it's time for some serious goal setting. Plan to run a marathon or participate in a 5K walking event. There are many of these events run to benefit charity, giving a double benefit of both funds raised and health benefits to participants. When preparing for an event of this nature, return to your early habit of setting small, realistic goals. Add miles to your run on a weekly basis until you are able to complete the full distance. Speak with your trainer to establish a regular schedule of weight-bearing exercise that will help improve your stamina and flexibility.

Low Calorie Snacks

A common belief amongst dieters is that eating snacks will destroy your diet. Research is supporting the understanding instead that snacks may actually help you stick to your diet as long as you make healthy choices and don’t overeat. Snacking can be beneficial to any weight-loss diet. It will help to prevent binging. By having a small nutritious snack you will prevent overeating at your next meal. You can get much-needed extra energy and nutrients by a nutritious snack during the day.

In order to have healthy and easy snacks available, plan ahead. Do your grocery shopping with healthy snacks in mind and don’t shop while you’re hungry. If you make a list and stick to it and spend the least possible amount of time in the store, you are more likely to come home with good choices. Once you get the foods home, prepare or at least package them in handy serving size bags so they are readily available to you instead of grabbing something harmful to your diet.

Whole grain snacks are easy and healthy snacking options. They are rich in fiber and carbohydrates so they give you energy that lasts. Try low fat whole grain crackers, whole grain crisp breads, and whole grain pretzels.

Fruits and vegetables are simple snacking alternatives. They will provide you with a feeling of fullness that will help you make it until the next meal. They are fat free and have very few calories. In addition, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients. Try raw carrots, celery sticks, apples or bananas.

Nuts and seeds are clever snacks that are easy to incorporate into any weight loss diet plan. They provide protein, which helps you feel fuller longer. In addition, they possess mostly monounsaturated fat, which is the healthy kind. Nuts do however contain a lot of calories so do not eat them in large quantities. Soy nuts are a great choice.

Low fat diary products are another healthy snacking solution. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are rich in protein and calcium. They are also vital sources of other minerals and vitamins. It is important to choose low fat or light dairy products to limit your caloric intake. Try fat free pudding or light yogurt.

Remember, the key things to remember are that the snacks should be low calorie, you should not allow yourself to over eat them, and nutrition is vital. Source: Ravishing Global Community.

Finding Time For R & R

The definition of "rest and relaxation" depends
on you. Vacationing may be relaxing for you, or
it could be stressful, depending on your likes
and dislikes. Working in your garden could be
invigorating or a waste of time. If you can't
picture yourself stopping or slowing down at all,
spend the first month scheduling time to make R & R
happen and then take that time.

Soon it will become a habit and you'll do it
naturally. This is your rest and your relaxation,
but here are some suggestions:

1. Take 30 minutes a day just for you. Swing in
a hammock, read a book or take a nap. Enjoy them!

2. Escape to Fantasy Island. Picture yourself
being fanned and served by your favorite "fantasy"
person. (I know who I'd choose!!) That should
bring a smile.

3. Breathe deeply. It calms you down, allows you
to refocus and lessens anxiety.

4. Make your surroundings comfortable. I always
enjoy reading in bed or even figuring out my new
ideas there. You do what works for you.

5. Tie your recreation to your goals. For
fitness, take a walk. To learn a new language,
carry a language CD.

6. Use travel time in your car for education.
Use your errand or running time to learn
something new or listen to music, humor or books
on CD.

7. Do your changes gradually. Put yourself in
circumstances that encourage rather than
discourage.

8. Take mini-vacations. Stop looking for "
glumps" of time. You'll see and do more and still
have memories to talk about.

9. Have a grab bag of things to do. (I love this
one!). Put slips of paper with a wish on them in
a bag and draw one out each time you have time.

10. Keep your emotional bank account full.
Remember, it takes five positive deposits to
counteract one negative.

11. Be your own catalyst. Recharge and renew
yourself so you're always raring to go.

Just remember, there is not just one way to do
something. You can travel many paths to reach
your goal. What's most important is that it's
your path and your goal. I've learned there are
many people who've lived someone else's dream and
not their own. We don't want your life to end
with that dream still in you.

Gayle Carson is a 69 year old, three time cancer survivor who's an internet entrepreneur and a kickboxing S.O.B. Visit her website at http://www.SpunkyOldBroad.com and join her free newsletter 9 Secrets To a Total S.O. B Makeover for Mature Women at http://www.SpunkyOldBroads.com

Personal Trainer

At urban recreational facilities, suburbia's fancy-health clubs, and at local YW/YMCAs, the trend toward working out with the various types of sophisticated muscle-building equipment, performing aerobics or calisthenics and stretching exercises has risen in the last few years.

From these occurrences it appears as if many out-of-shape people recognize the need for regular exercise and sensible eating habits as they gain an acceptance of a pleasingly contoured physique that exudes vitality, strength, coordination and muscularity.

Because of widespread media coverage, a now national preoccupation with being in shape and staying trim has incited additional would-be fitness enthusiasts to join recreational facilities.

However, scores of these new enthusiasts shell out hundreds of dollars for memberships, then immediately start to invent some imaginative but rather unconvincing excuses to avoid ever again setting foot in what more than a handful of them collectively call "sweat producing chambers."

Their intentions usually are good, and, some, even praiseworthy. (For example, one woman said that she wished to reduce her body's subcutaneous fat and redistribute her weight so that she would feel healthier and look more attractive in her clothes, while a man said that he wished to increase blood circulation and improve his body's immunity to germs and infections.) Yet, when left to their own devices, a lot of them do not seem to be able to summon up the willpower required to undergo the muscle trembling agony of vigorous exercise on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, recent studies show that well over half of the people who begin some kind of exercise activity quit it within six months.

They start to abandon their facilities for varied reasons such as: He 1: "I really hate the large crowds and deafening noises;" or, She: "I am just too bashful to exercise with a bunch of strangers around me;" or, He 2: "More often than not, I find that all the machines I need for my workout are in use when I get to the club. Consequently, I have to sit around wasting my valuable time until the machines are available."

Besides those above, there are other reasons why getting into and staying in shape tends to be a hassle for a host of people who wish to do so. One is that, after a tough eight-hour workday, most employees' primary desire is to go home and unwind. They have to really push themselves not only to follow through with their earlier plan to work out but also to "fight all that dreadful, rush-hour traffic" to travel "all that way" to their recreational facility, making an already difficult day seem considerably longer and even more exhausting. At this juncture, the work out that should be mentally and physically gratifying, and ultimately relaxing, becomes another inconvenient task for them to perform.

As an alternative to the frenzied gym scene, a fair percentage of turned-off exercisers, as well as those engaged in serious athletic training, seek the services of a professional personal trainer to help them get started, or to keep them from becoming bored with working out by suggesting new routines, or overcoming a sticking point. And many of these exercisers find a personal trainer to be what they needed to assist them in putting an end to those and some of the other multifarious problems they encountered through the physical conditioning process.

For the purpose of clarification, a personal trainer is a qualified, competent, conditioning instructor conversant in such subjects as exercise physiology, kinesiology, behavior modification, health assessment, nutrition, and weight management. These days, many elite trainers across the country have either a college degree or are certified by a nationally recognized accredited organization like the American College of Sports Medicine or the American Council of Exercise (other organizations can be found at noca.org).

A personal trainer, after evaluating their clients present physical condition and helping to spell out their goals, works with them to devise and implement exercise and nutrition programs that embody what their clients need to achieve their respective health and fitness objectives. With the trainer as motivator, guide and coach, clients perform a wider variety and a larger number of exercises during their workout sessions than most of them would do on their own. And they are able to do this at a reduced risk of being subjected to musculo-skeletal injuries to their bodies.

These no-nonsense exercises enable clients to develop their bodies faster and with a higher degree of effectiveness than many of them could achieve working out by themselves. Additionally, customized, one-on-one instruction gives clients the opportunity to talk with their personal trainer at each workout session regarding the exercise program.

A committed trainer never forsakes a client. When leaving a client on his or her own, a committed trainer takes the initiative to call to ensure the client is carrying on with the exercise program and to answer any questions the client may have. A committed trainer is also continually on the lookout for safe, innovative ways to help a client get in top physical condition. What's more, a committed trainer always has high regard for a client and when the occasion warrants mails thank-you, birthday, and anniversary cards.

Currently, personal trainers are one of the most highly sought after groups of exercise specialists in the fitness industry. In the health care arena, their services are used by patients recovering from many types of physical impairments, who with their physician's permission, exercise to become healthy, strong and ambulatory once again.

However, personal trainers are mostly hired by actors, models, competitive athletes and fast-track corporate executives, whose livelihoods depend on them being fit, functioning at peak ability while on the job and looking youthful. These active, successful people know that individuals who are well-conditioned possess and readily display energy and strength. Plus, they usually have much improved mental capabilities and more creativity as well.

They know, too, that physical fitness in the healthy individual promotes a feeling of being "on top of it all." Perhaps most important, they are aware of the medical data showing that frequent exercise is one of the best ways to manage the pressures which commonly occur in the life of a hard-working professional.

Furthermore, today's high-powered men and women at the top, and those moving in that direction, operate under stringent deadlines. With daily calendars full of appointments, their days are hectic, tedious and long. They have precious few, if any, spare minutes. While on the job, every second represents substantial dollars to them and their companies. Therefore, they are very conscious of the ever-ticking clock and find it almost impossible to set aside time for anything other than work.

For this reason, the majority of clients prefer having a trainer who is able to meet with them at a prearranged, mutually convenient time and location. The time could be before the client starts work, at noontime, or at the close of the workday. The location could be privately in the client's home, the client's place of business, a recreational facility, or some other place that offers convenience, provides security, and anything else the client and trainer desire to facilitate them in having not only an excellent workout session but also allowing them to arrive and leave in comfort and safety.

But adding the services of a personal trainer to one's life is not cheap. Actually, it's quite expensive. Personal trainers charge clients from $25 to $100 an hour. Although, on average, a workout session costs $30 to $35.

So along with finding a trainer who complements your personality, you had better be sure that you are devoted to working out and attaining your preconceived fitness goals when you retain a trainer. Try hard to make your body-conditioning experience one that ends up with you getting positive results by not letting yourself become a fitness dropout. In the final analysis, the benefits you reap from your workouts will only be commensurate with the time and effort you put into them. Visit web site http://hometown.aol.com/buffalofox/joggingandrunning.html.

La Rue Briggs

Apparel And Equipment In Sports, Fitness And Recreation

These days there are many big brands that cater to sports, fitness and recreation enthusiasts. Nike catapulted to number one when they hired basketball legend Michael Jordan to endorse for them because at the height of that advertising campaign everyone indeed wanted to be like Mike. They continued their reign and reinforced their being number one when they chose golf’s amazing newest star then Tiger Woods as another endorser.

Adidas is also another leading brand whose latest campaign celebrate originality showcased their collaborations some of the best designers in the world. These brands not only battle in coming up with innovative products, getting the more popular image model or launching award winning advertising campaigns but they even have their presence felt in the movie industry.

In 2000, the movie What Women Want starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt was a big hit. The story is about an advertising executive who one day woke up being able to read women’s minds. True, the actors and the plot make for a good movie but Nike gained so much from this movie.

There is no better way to present a new way of thinking in terms of women’s shoes that are great in all areas- sports, fitness and recreation. The movie explained the whole process that Nike had to go through to come up with one product. Just in case you are wondering, the Nike ad representatives in the movie were not actors they were really from Nike and that now Nike has an entire line for women simply called Nike Women.

Adidas, on the other hand, had Goal. Goal is the success story of this small town boy who made it big in the soccerlandia. While more subtle than Nike, the movie stressed that Adidas is number one in football. Nike can claim their throne in the world of basketball but soccer or football will always have Adidas as its number one shoes.

Sports equipments are more easygoing on their Ads, not much brouhaha, it is simply all about the quality of the equipment. Players sporting them are almost usually number one in their fields but they are not required to be as marketable as their apparel endorsers’ counterpart. The point being the best players in their respective fields uses us so if you decide to use as then you can end up number one as well. They are more scientific in their approach owing to details more than just the overall impact.

Low Jeremy maintains http://Sports-Apparel.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Your Diet and a Isagenix Body Cleansing Detoxification

If you are considering undergoing a body cleansing detoxification, you should consider changing your diet after you complete the process. Each day we put into our bodies a mega load of chemicals and toxins just from the air we breath. Then, we sit down and eat our breakfast, lunch, and dinner and unknowingly fill out bodies with even more toxins. By changing the way you eat, you can make certain your body is working to capacity to rid your body of toxins.

One of the most important things you can do is to fill your diet with foods that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants actually help to destroy the toxins, also called free radicals, that build up in the body. When you increase your intake of antioxidants, you will be ridding your body of harmful substances and overall, you will feel much healthier.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are your first line of defense as they are a good source of antioxidants. The body can not store vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, so it is vital that you make certain that you are getting enough. Citrus fruits, green peppers, green leafy veggies, and broccoli are a great source of vitamin C, so you should make sure you are getting the proper amount each day. Those with the highest amount of antioxidants include the small red bean, wild blueberry, and red kidney bean.

Another powerful antioxidant is vitamin E. While your body has the ability to store it, it seems as though you can never get enough. To make certain you are getting enough after your body cleansing detoxification, make sure you are adding wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and whole grains into your diet. Research has proven that vitamin E can help delay the aging process and help to heal your skin from damage by the sun. Beta-carotene is another powerful antioxidant that can help your body to rid itself of free radicals. To increase the amount of beta-carotene you're getting after your detoxification, add carrots, squash, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and peaches into your diet.

After your body cleansing detoxification, you'll also want to make certain that you are not eating foods that are only going to cause the toxins to build up. Most obvious, you'll want to stay clear from sugar, as much as possible. Try to avoid those items with large amounts of refined sugar, as well as sucrose and dextrose, as well as those with artificial sweeteners and a high-fat content. Avoiding dairy products as much as possible will also help you to stay healthier and make certain to stay away from drinks that are high in caffeine. While you may love your coffee, it is much better to substitute green tea.

The fact is once you've gone through a body cleansing detoxification, you'll notice almost immediately that you feel healthier, more energetic, and you have more stamina. This is due to your body getting rid of built up toxins. If, however, you do not watch what you eat and you continue to add more toxins, soon you'll have that same old lack of energy back.

Copyright (c) 2006 Stacey Zimmerman

Stace Zimmerman is an Independent Isagenix Associate http://freeinfo.isagenix.com who owns & maintains his health & wellness website http://www.burnfatbycleansing.com . He is the author of numerous articles on health, nutrition & weight loss. Check out his site for lots more information on healthy weight loss through natural body cleansing.

Don’t Skip Potatoes for the Holidays

Here come the holidays!

We’re fast approaching that ‘time of year’ – you know the one I’m talking about – the holiday season! For many people, it’s a bittersweet time. People get excited about the enjoyment of it all, but also sadly anticipate putting on a few pounds of weight with all the parties and goodies that abound.

And, unfortunately, with the holidays approaching quickly, all those crazy diets and nutrition misinformation will be floating around, confusing everyone.

Don’t follow the masses. Don’t accept weight gain expectations. Do something about your concerns this season by educating yourself on how to eat well during the holidays. Learn what should be avoided, and know what is essential and important to eat. And don’t fall prey to the popular low-carb diets. Carbohydrates are important to our health and nutrition and should not be avoided.

The role of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for the human body. Although both protein and fat can also be utilized as fuel, carbohydrates are the macronutrients that supply the majority of glucose to the body. The brain cannot survive without glucose. The minimum amount of carbohydrate needed to ensure available glucose for the brain to function normally is 130g/day for adults and children. Most of us eat between 200-300 grams per day. If the body does not receive, through diet, enough carbohydrate to supply the brain with adequate glucose, the body will then break down its own protein stores (muscle) to supply the brain with its primary fuel.

Carbohydrates are also necessary to help burn fat, in the form of fatty acids, for energy. There is a saying that ‘fat burns in the flame of carbohydrates’. Again, if there is not enough carbohydrate to supply this need, then the body looks to its protein stores to serve this energy need. The conversion of protein into glucose happens in the liver, where protein, in the form of amino acids, is stripped of nitrogen and the carbon skeleton is converted into glucose. The downside of this, though, is that body fat then is not burnt during this conversion: Therefore, in order to burn the most amount of fat there has to be enough carbohydrates eaten.

Potatoes during the holidays

As an enjoyable holiday staple, it’s unfortunate that potatoes have been getting a bad rap, coinciding with people still afraid of eating carbohydrates. Nutritionally, eating potatoes is as good as it gets! Just one medium-sized potato is only second to broccoli in overall antioxidant activity, which may help protect against cancer. Potatoes are higher in potassium than a banana! Potassium, along with a low sodium diet, may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. A potato is almost a non-fat food and only provides 100 calories. It also provides, with the skin on, three grams of fiber. Preliminary studies show that fiber is beneficial for a healthy digestive system and may help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease. And, just when you thought the potato had it all, potatoes are actually one of the leading sources of vitamin C in the American diet! Vitamin C is another potent antioxidant and also produces the collagen that helps hold bone tissue together.

Now that you know it’s not the potato that is harmful – keep in mind that what folks will sometimes add to the potato is: The butter, the sour cream, the gravy. Eliminate these on your potato or in your mashed potatoes, and use skim milk, or seasonings instead.

Here is a great recipe for healthy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Fat free garlic mashed potatoes

Ingredients:
1 garlic bulb, unpeeled
splash of olive oil
4 large potatoes (Idaho or russet)
1 cup low-sodium canned chicken broth
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

Cooking instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Place the garlic cloves in an ovenproof dish and drizzle with olive oil. Place the dish, uncovered, in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the garlic is golden brown and soft.

3. Remove from the oven and let cool.

4. Peel and cut the potatoes. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pricked with a fork, about 30 minutes. Drain.

5. Simmer the chicken broth.

6. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves to release each clove of garlic from the skins. Throw away the skins. Mash the garlic with a fork.

7. Mash the potatoes. Add the roasted garlic. Slowly add the stock until the desired consistency is reached.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Size: about 1/2 cup

Number of Servings: 6

Nutrition per serving: 106 calories, 26 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 0 fat and saturated fat, 5 grams protein.

More holiday tips

Eating and enjoying potatoes at the holidays is just one step forward in the right direction. Here are some other tips for eating healthy during the holidays:

· Pay attention to portion sizes. Have one serving of each food at the meal and avoid going back for seconds. Chances are good that one plate of food provides enough calories for your needs. One half of a cup of mashed potatoes equals one serving.

· Eat slowly. This can be particularly hard if you have starved yourself all day, in preparation for the evening’s event. It takes about 15 minutes to feel the effect of food, so it’s important to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Then you can really taste and savor your food and allow your body time to feel full.

· Don’t go to an event famished. Make sure to eat lightly during the day and have a light meal 1—2 hours before you head out for that holiday gathering. Saving up the calories for later can result in total sabotage to your good intentions. Most holiday parties offer a large number of high-fat, high-calorie foods that will look much more appealing when you’re starving than if you feel satisfied. Sure, these foods may still look enticing and you can sample them, but at least hunger won’t be the driving force toward these cravings!

· Cut the fat. There are many ways to cut down the total amount of calories we consume during this period. Here are just a few examples:
- Use skim milk when making mashed potatoes instead of whole milk or cream, and use seasonings instead of margarine or butter.
- Choose white meat turkey instead of dark meat.
- Skim fat from juices when making gravy. Use gravy in moderation.
- Use chicken broth instead of water and eliminate margarine or butter from stuffing recipe.
- Omit margarine and use pineapple and apple juice when making ‘candied’ yams.
- When making pies, use skim evaporated milk in place of regular evaporated milk.

· Include exercise in your holiday schedule. Above all else, make sure you don’t let your fitness routine fall into the recesses of your muscle memory! It’s harder to pick it back up after the New Year if you’ve stopped altogether rather than just slowed down. It’s common that your usual routine may fall short, but try to include some aspect of physical activity every day, and if you do exercise on a regular basis, get at least one or two days of your usual routine in each week. Not only will this help slow down any possible weight gain, but will also help keep stress levels to a minimum.

You can enjoy the holiday season! Just by keeping these few tips in mind, and remember to eat carbs instead of avoid them, you can indulge in the yuletide treats, feel healthy and energetic, and avoid any weight gain.

Marjorie Geiser is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, life coach, and MBA student. Marjorie has been the owner of a successful small business, MEG Fitness, since 1996, helping busy professionals incorporate healthy living and fitness into their lives. She also now offers coaching and consulting services other health professionals who want to start or grow their own small business. To learn more about the services Margie offers, go to her website at http://www.marjoriegeiser.com or http://www.megfit.com or email her at margie@megfit.com.

Need to Lose Weight? Then Increase Your Metabolism…

If you need to lose weight, one great way to start melting pounds away is to increase your metabolism. By increasing your metabolism, you'll be able to process food faster and therefore will store less fat in the body. In fact, with a better metabolism, you're body will even begin burning away existing fat in order to get the energy it needs to support itself.

How Metabolism Works

Your metabolism can either work for you or against you. The main way we all get energy is from glucose, commonly known as our blood sugar.

When our blood sugar runs low, our metabolism burns the fat in our bodies in order to make more energy. However, when our blood sugar runs high, our metabolism stores fat in our bodies to use later.

So now let's look at how you can get your metabolism to work for you.

Go Ahead and Eat

Many people believe that the key to losing weight is to stop eating. Well, that will actually have a negative effect on your metabolism. Eating less will cause your metabolism to slow down because it will sense that you don't have enough food.

So when you finally eat, your blood sugar will jump through the roof and your metabolism will store the extra glucose as fat.

Instead of starving yourself, eat many smaller, healthy meals that are low in calories and fat. Also, consume plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables.

By eating smaller portions you'll not only curb your appetite, but you'll also trick your body into thinking that it's getting plenty of food. Therefore, your metabolism will kick into a higher gear. Then when it doesn't get the glucose it needs for energy (because you're eating healthy) then it will begin to take that glucose from the stores of fat that are already in your body.

Get Yourself Moving

Exercise is a guaranteed way to increase your metabolism. Always check with your doctor for what is the best exercise regime for you. Most of the time, walking as little as twenty minutes a day, will help increase your metabolism.

Exercise actually helps you lose weight in two ways:

First, exercise builds muscle and muscle burns calories on its own.

Secondly, when you exercise your body is forced to come up with enough energy to support your activity. So, it begins burning fat in order to give the energy you need.

Don't be put off when I say exercise - there is no need to be pounding away furiously on a treadmill for hours a day.

A simple yet effective mini routine is all that is needed to give your metabolism a boost.

Some Final Words about Losing Weight

If you need to lose weight, you're certainly not alone. Millions of people are in the same boat. However, most people don't realize what it takes to first lose the weight and then to keep the weight off.

If you increase your metabolism, you'll see that over time, your fat will melt off your body and your weight will gradually drop. The two best ways to increase your metabolism are to eat smaller meals more often and to exercise regularly.

Matt Falconer's latest guide helps you shift pounds, boost metabolism and burn fat without spending hours in the gym sweating away on the treadmill.

Hypnotherapy for Asthma

Being a former asthma sufferer myself, I can completely empathise with those who live in dread the suffocating symptoms of an asthma attack.

My asthma was induced by dust and aggravated by intense exercise, however for others, they causes are less easy to avoid. Pollen, pollution, stress, colds, and cigarette smoke are just some of the factors that can aggravate asthma. Although there are many pharmaceutical treatments for asthma, the very young and very old can be particularly debilitated by the symptoms of asthma.

When an attack is on its way, it's important to keep calm, but when you feel physically unable to get sufficient oxygen into your body (this is because the airways are constricting), calm is generally the last thing you are feeling, and no matter how many times you consciously remind yourself to keep calm, will power alone is not enough.

The good news is that most asthma suffers have some idea of when they are going to have an asthma attack, there may not be a lot of prior warning, but there will be some.

Using hypnosis, an asthma sufferer can be given suggestions such as remaining calm when they suspect that an attack is going to happen, visualising the tubes of their airways as being relaxed and wide, becoming disassociated from one's self so that they are able to look at themselves and how they look at this time just before the attack comes on. Or notice how a simple change in their own physiology can release discomfort or what it is that they are focusing on at that time… are they focusing on how tight and uncomfortable they feel, or how their socks feel on their feet? Wherever your attention is, you can expect to notice more intensely.

Imagining the lungs in a healthy normal state can encourage them to return to normal function, in fact as well visualising the self and how actual changes can be made to the body and it's parts, more covert techniques can be employed. A rubber band letting go offers suggestions of something taut becoming loose and limp (such as the airway), a stiff door that is oiled to that it can swing open easily can also make similar positive suggestions, or a slide window that allows a breeze to blow through. Simply the auditory suggestion of a slowing metronome can encourage a panicked racing heartbeat to slow down.

Hypnosis is one of the most effective ways to achieve a natural relaxed state. In this state the mind is more open to suggestion and the state of relaxation alone can ease the anxiety and stress that can cause an attack. This means that using auto suggestion, it may be possible for a person to abort the asthma attack before it begins.

Get Fit, Not Hurt

How many of you have had this experience? There’s been no time to get to the gym in the last month or so. So finally when there is time, you (consciously or subcounsciously) “make up” for lost time. The next day…OUCH, you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck!

This is a common scenario for most of us. New exercisers often “overdo” at first because they are unaware of the impact of sudden and intense activity on the body and its need for adjustment.

Regular and experienced exercisers often forget that fitness slowly declines when stopped for more than a couple of weeks. The body needs to readjust to the demands placed on it. For me, it’s just plain old ego…I don’t want to admit to myself that I have lost any of my fitness!

“Overdoing” is just one of the many ways that we can hurt ourselves when we are using our bodies vigorously. Aside from the obvious twisted ankle (acute injury), there are many injuries that happen insidiously (tendonitis, arthritis etc.). Now before I scare you away from exercise, its worth mentioning that most of these injuries happen just as often in sedentary people because of lack of exercise.

So, the real point of this article is to give you some guidelines to help you avoid exercise/sports injuries whether you are a newbie or an experienced exerciser/sports participant:

• Wear proper shoes for the particular sport or activity.

• Always were protective gear for the sports you are involved in. Helmets are not just for kids!

• Comfortable clothes that you can move in are always good, but special outfits for the sport are not usually required unless you like them or for a team.

• Start out slowly if you are new to the sport or exercise OR you haven’t done it in more than 2 weeks.

• Warm up BEFORE stretching. This is important. Muscles are tight when cold and stretching them can injure them. What is a good warm up? A slower version of the activity you are going to do is good. For example, walk for 5 minutes before you begin running. If you are going to throw a ball, gentle arm circles and other movements for several minutes will warm up the shoulder and elbow joints.

• Stretch often. Stretching can be performed after warm-up, but I find it to be the most efficient when I am finished with the activity or when there’s a break in the activity. The muscles are warm and most receptive. Always be careful not to overstretch.

• Take lessons or training if you are new to the activity. This ensures that you are moving in such a way to not only perform well (win!) but also not injure yourself. I have personal experience with this: I decided to run a marathon. I trained myself but just couldn’t accomplish the distances I needed to get there. Then, I had coaching for my running style which I was told was a speed style, not distance style. I thought running was something we all do naturally and all that’s needed to run was to run! Since that coaching, I have completed many marathons.

• Add new activities or exercises carefully. The body needs time to adapt.

• Drink LOTS of fluid (water is usually best) before during and after your activity, especially in hot weather. A good guide for this is 500ml of liquid every 15 minutes during the activity. It’s not nearly as good for the body to drink only before and after, drink during as well. You will find your performance to be much better!

• Apply the 10% rule. This is a great rule of thumb. Increase your time OR intensity level by a maximum of 10% per week. If you are running, increase either distance by 10% per week or speed by 10% per week – but not both in the same week. If you are weight lifting, increase the number of times you lift the weight (repetitions) by 10% maximum or the amount of weight by 10% maximum per week.

• If you are already working with injuries, talk to your physical therapist or personal trainer about what to do that works and doesn’t work with your body and situation.

Listen to your body! If you are tired, rest! If you have pain beyond muscle soreness or swelling, see a doctor.

The Debate Between Modern Medicine And Herbal Remedies

Around the world people are continuously relying on the power of medicine. We all want to make sure our loved ones are healthy, and refuse to believe that modern medicine could actually harm them. For years, modern medicine has ruled Western culture. It has become part of our customs as we continuously acquire medicine on a daily basis. From a simple dose of aspirin to more intense treatments like chemotherapy and daily medical visits, we cannot help but feel drawn to such assistance. After all, medicine has the ability to heal, fix, and alleviate problems that afflict billions of people each year. So why not jump on the bandwagon and hand over your life to modern medicine?

It is a known fact that we live in a fast paced world where immediate results are craved. If we are sick, we want to have a prescription within hours and medicine to cure us in a day or so. Due to the fact that the safety of medicine has always been around for us, it becomes a common theme to rely on such safe treatments. Since we know that there are medicines out there, we want the situation to be alleviated as soon as possible.

While there are those who are against modern medicine, it is clear that this type of medical treatment has come a long way. With hundreds of medicines dedicated to incurable illnesses, it is a miracle for some. We now finally have the opportunity to feel better, and know that there are things being done to help the sick. But with opportunity, comes a bitter battle. Due to the fact that the media is one of the largest outlets for the world, advertising has taken over modern medicine and has turned it into a dangerous spectacle.

We all see the commercials for sleeping pills, testimonials for cancer drugs, the suggestions for dieting. We become drawn into these safe treatments, because we are in desperate need for a cure. Unfortunately, this desperation often turns into blindness. We immediately run to our local pharmacy and pick up these pills, without taking a glance at the label or the warnings. The media has allowed us to believe every word they say, and in return, trust the FDA, the doctors who prescribe such medications, and the advertisements. After all, who would actually want to lie to us? Why would any loyal physician and medical companies do such a thing?

Astonishingly, our trust is feeding into the lies and helping such modern medicine suppliers become prosperous. Thousands of people die each year, just because the medicine they were taking was not as safe as people claimed. There are always problems with certain prescriptions on the markets, but many of these companies do not want to say anything. They write it off, pretend to not know the truth, and ship it out, because soon they will have enough money to forget. Due to their selfishness, modern medicine has become quite faulty in some aspects. It has forced us to question what medicines we are taking, and what effects they could actually have on us. Just because they are FDA approved, does not mean that they are 100% safe.

Although modern medicine is one of the largest industries in the world, it is not the only option. Herbal remedies and traditional medicine are also rising steadily, as it is more focused on herbs, safe nutrients and minerals that will not have hazardous effects on the body. With the ability to extract such benefits from plants, it is surprising that the majority of people do not want to stick to such safe routes. Unfortunately while herbal medicine can cure painful ailments, it may not be as effective for serious illnesses. Nevertheless, it is an alternative that people should seek out, if the illness is not life threatening. For many, it is more affordable, nicer to the body, and actually reduces the amount of side effects.

Have you ever been sick from a cold? The majority of people rush to the doctor’s office, in hopes that they will get an anti-biotic or another type of cold medicine. Even if this is safe, it is unnecessary to immediately seek professional guidance. Surprisingly, natural remedies can cure your cold more effectively, if not make you feel better in a shorter amount of time. It also provides greater benefits for your body. One of the most popular natural products on the market today is Noni Juice. Derived from the Pacific Islands, this natural fruit has been causing quite a stir. It not only boosts the immune system, but it also allows you to alleviate joint pain, common cold symptoms, and dozens of other ailments. By taking a safe and natural product like Noni Juice, you will see many more benefits, rather than a plethora of side effects that just are not worth it.

Looking for a diet plan? Natural green tea not only boosts the immune system, but it speeds up metabolism and actually allows you to lose weight. Instead of finding a strong prescription drug that may help shed the pounds, it is recommended that you try something more natural. When consumers rush to their nearest drugstore just to pick up a fat shedding drug, they rarely realize how dangerous and life threatening it could be to their health.

Regardless of how many alternatives there are to modern medicine, the majority of consumers still seem to run towards modern medicine. In many cases, it is due to the fact that this is all they have ever known. When we grow up with modern medicine by our side, it is hard to see anything else that is effective. We want immediate results, and herbal remedies tend to have a negative stigma. It is hard to risk your life on an herbal supplement, when you know that you could just go to the hospital and get a treatment that is more popular. It truly comes down to the severity of the illness, and how much modern medicine has been drilled into your brain. Unfortunately, advertising and physicians make it known that modern medicine is the only way.

There is no correct answer to this debate. It is normal to want to feel safe, healthy, and informed. On the other hand, it is also important to not be blindsided by the greedy and uninformed side of modern medicine. In order to live a healthy and happy live, one has to pick what is best for them. While modern medicine may be popular, herbal supplements like Noni Juice may work more effectively. Nevertheless, the debate between modern and traditional medicine will continue to enter our households. Perhaps one day there will be a winner.

Pascal Erdmann is the owner of Natures Products Ltd a manufacturer and distributor of natural remedies like Noni juice. Website at http://www.noninz.com.

Treadmill. The Right Sort Of Exercise Machine.

Treadmill. The Right Sort Of Exercise Machine.

In this first of two articles that I have written I will explain why it is important to consider a number of essential facts prior to making a purchase of a treadmill as a piece of home exercise equipment. One of the biggest fears that many people have when thinking about buying a treadmill is whether they will actually use it. In fact you could say that this is the biggest fear any one will have when buying any sort of exercise or fitness equipment.

But as many know people know a treadmill is not only great for helping them to lose weight, get fit and burn off those extra calories. But this will only occur if it is used.

Certainly you will find that a treadmill is a very large investment for anybody to make and you must be certain that it is the right sort of exercise equipment for your particular needs.

But how do you tell if a treadmill is right for you, and whether it is suitable for the kind of exercise that you want to carry out and will fit in to the lifestyle that you lead.

However, if you are seriously thinking about purchasing a treadmill, then there are 3 things that should be considered to make sure that it is the right exercise equipment for you.

Firstly, do you prefer to exercise alone or with people? As using a treadmill is not a group activity and if you prefer to exercise with other people then a treadmill may not be the right machine for you. However, if you are finding that you are already getting most of exercise from social or sports groups then use of a treadmill can provide you with an additional exercise option. Do not buy a treadmill if you don’t like exercising on your own.

But many people actually do prefer to exercise on their own, because it’s a way of getting away from the constant stresses and strains of every day life and this type of exercise equipment is ideal for this sort of person.

Secondly, do you like to exercise indoors or outdoors? If you are one of these people who prefers to take their exercise outdoors then may be better off taking up hiking (and enjoying the beauty of nature around you) or just rollerblading. Certainly a treadmill will not be the ideal exercise equipment for you, especially if you live somewhere where the weather is always kind, then you may not even need a treadmill (but if you want to exercise somewhere with air conditioning), then this may be your preferred option.

Unfortunately many people live where the climate changes and where it rains, snows or does both, then a treadmill would be ideal for maintaining a fitness regime during the long bleak winter months. Not only can it help fight against the winter weight gain that many people experience, but it will also help to keep those nasty winter blues at bay.

Thirdly, are you someone who enjoys either walking, jogging or running? If you have answered yes to this question then a treadmill may be the best piece of exercise equipment you could ever invest in. Not only is walking an exercise that everybody can do, it is simple and does not require any particular complex movements to carry it out. Also many people find that going for a walk not only a great form of exercise, but always a great way of dealing with any stress or problems that they are dealing with at the time. But above all any one can do it and it does not matter how fit you are it can be done by a beginner through to the elite athletes we see competing at the Olympics.

Some people find that they enjoy the rhythm and routine that jogging and running offer and certainly these types of exercise are one of the best all round ways of burning off that excess fat that they have. As with walking it is fairly simple to do and does not require the need for any complex co-ordination by the person doing it.

There are numerous benefits to taking up walking, jogging and running, but some people just do not like to carry out their exercise in this way. These kinds of people like a challenge such as those provided by box aerobics classes or by taking up some form of martial arts. If you do fall in this category of fitness fanatic then purchasing a treadmill is not an option as it will not meet your exercise requirements.

However, if you do like walking, but are still looking for a challenge or even a distraction then you may find that a treadmill can offer these to you. Not only are they growing more sophisticated as time passes, but many now come with built in work out programs, upper body work outs for the arms, a built in stereo system or somewhere where you can plug in your favourite CD’s. There are even some treadmills which can be directly connected to your computer at home and offer you a site where you can download work out programs as well. You could even read a magazine (many come equipped with a magazine or book rack) or watch T.V. whilst you are doing it (how about buying a small T.V. mounted above your treadmill).

Certainly the 3 points above will hopefully help you to decide whether a treadmill is the right piece of exercise equipment for you to help improve your health.

In the next article I will explain why a treadmill is ideal for those people who lead busy life’s and have a lack of time to spend exercising and which should be considered prior to purchasing a treadmill.

Kerris Samson a work from home who has been looking at ways of staying fit over the years. If you would like to learn more about ways of keeping your body healthy then please visit http://www.gym.avonmay.info.

What You Didn't Know About Keeping Fit And Keeping Your Man!

I constantly receive interesting feedback from readers of my ebooks and articles on the different topics I write about. Once in awhile I receive mails I feel, I need to share their content with others because of the interesting information contained in them. I recently received one of such mails from a reader in Auckland, New Zealand. Her letter touched on one of the reasons why people lose their fitness.

The reason I found this mail quite interesting, is because of the way it connects the subject of fitness to stability in relationships. I will write more about this later in this article. I hope you will be able to benefit from the information contained in this short piece. Below are excerpts from her e-mail:

"I have always tried to keep a normal weight and fitness level, but I had neglected my body for a while. I got so comfortable in my relationship, that I started neglecting my body. I used to be a very active individual, exercise on a weekly basis to keep my body fit. Why did I start neglecting my regular fitness routine?

I started neglecting my fitness because of emotional issues that developed in my marriage. Sometime ago, I started noticing a coldness from my husband. He suddenly became so distant from me. I decided to overlook things, but this was a wrong move because we stopped communicating as well as we used to. He became very unromantic and I in response to this stayed away from him as much as I could. We started quarreling over little things.

There was serious tension in our relationship for months as things deteriorated. I knew we couldn't continue like this, so I asked him why he's feelings towards me had changed. First he didn't want to talk, but after much pressure and harsh exchange of words between us, he revealed that our relationship had become boring and so predictable. This really shook me, because he was right, things had actually become predictable.

The worst part of all this was that I noticed he stayed out late at night and started receiving nightly calls from some lady. He refused to talk about it when I confronted him. This went on and created more tension between us. I knew our relationship was heading for the rocks, but I didn't know what to do to prevent this fom happening.

Our relationship continued in this manner for months. During this period, I felt really low, slowed down on my daily activities and ignored my normal fitness training. Of course , I started adding the extra pounds. I gained a lot of extra weight.

To cut a long story short, a few weeks back while going through my daily email, I saw a letter in my mailbox informing me that a friend of my was recommending a website to me to visit. I was your website. I read the Free information you provided through your infidelity prevention series. I also read your book on infidelity prevention.

I followed just a few of the tips you gave in strengthening my relationship. I especially enjoyed the romance enhancement tips, such as; complimenting him in public for things he did at home. I bought a domain name "www.his-name.com" and had a website designed in his honor, praising him for all his love and support.

I would send him romantic messages on his mobile phone thanking and commending him for working so hard in providing for our family. I also decided to start feeling good about myself, started my exercise routine again and thus started losing weight. I got some new exciting clothes too, which he noticed. I did some other things you wrote about too.

I immediately started noticing more love and attention from him. He even apologized to me for his behavior the last couple of months. Things have greatly improved in our relationship. Just felt you would like to know that I got him back on track by doing some simple romantic things and by feeling good about myself and getting fit again through my daily exercise routine.

My advice to women is don't ignore yourself. Take good care of your body, get infidelity prevention information and stay fit. This way, your romance will blossom too."

Now, what interested me about her mail was the way her weight and fitness issues was strongly connected the issue of infidelity. The tension at home and the risk of losing her man to another woman created a bad situation that made her neglect her passion for staying fit and healthy.

The fear of infidelity can badly affect your health, but the great news is that infidelity can be prevented in relationships. You only need to get the necessary information to avoid its sometimes devastating effect on the family. Wishing you all the best in your fitness and infidelity prevention efforts.

Nelson B. Babs is the author of the bestselling e-book "How To Keep Other Women Away From Your Man". Get a FREE copy today at: http://www.keep-other-women-away-from-your-man.com/recommend.htm Visit to also receive the Totally Free, complete article series on infidelity prevention and other gifts.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and the Stress Spiral

Stress and anxiety are an unfortunate, but sometimes necessary and inevitable feature of modern life.

As with diet, obesity, alcohol and smoking I am afraid that the news is simple. They have to be addressed.

Learning to deal with stress is something that can be consciously learned and practiced and new techniques have proven very effective.

A higher than average percentage of patients undergoing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue treatment are, or were, engaged in high stress environments.

This may be or have been at home, as carers of relatives or young children. It may have been in work detail or during a divorce or home move.

Whatever the cause a significant increase in stress is frequently cited at the time of onset of the sufferers Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms.

As well as being implicated pre-onset, stress reactions are involved in the maintenance and exacerbation of the Syndrome post-onset.

Blood pressure, heart rate, the entire endocrine system which controls hormone production are all implicated and involved during stress reactions.

Unfortunately, the system that directly controls all these systems, the Autonomic Nervous System, in particular the Sympathetic Nervous System or "day nerve" remains malfunctional post-onset.

The result, unfortunately, will be an exacerbated negative reaction of your Fatigue and Fibromyalgia symptoms to stress and anxiety producing situations.

To make matters worse there is evidence that once activated the stress reaction lasts abnormally longer in patients afflicted with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Is CFS more common in stressed people?

Let me first give a very broad outline of how general medical advice is presented to Healthcare providers in diagnosing Fibromyalgia and CFS patients:

"frequently seen characteristics of CFS and Fibromyalgia patients

* People who through their own personal attitudes and anxieties tend to make their own lives mores stressful.

* People who are highly ambitious, they appear to be always active physically and mentally.

* People whose lives are fully absorbed coping with the needs and requirements of others.

* People who avoid taking the time they need for themselves to rest, relax and recuperate and build supportive relationships that are entirely their own.

*People who have difficulty finding others to confide in, so bottling up years of emotions and pain at times of bereavement or loss. "

In itself this is not an inaccurate description of frequently seen characteristics of Fibromyalgia and CFS sufferers. However it is so broad that it can describe patients with a multitude of other conditions.

As I have said many times the human body is a remarkably resilient organism, able to accommodate fantastic pressures and stresses, but as with all machines and organisms there comes a breaking point.

Stress appears to be a very large facilitating factor for people who become the unfortunate ones to develop CFS and Fibromyalgia post "trigger" infection or trauma.

A lesser, but still analogous example of stress related conditions is frequently referred to as "burnout", or simply "stress" and I quote.

"A series of personal life circumstances combine to create a "breaking point", for example; death of a close family member, chronic pain, moving house, bullying at work, divorce, separation, financial loss or redundancy have all been linked to detrimental changes in health "

How stress can become a causal factor in Fibromyalgia and CFS

The initial trauma that was the notable "trigger" of your CFS or Fibromyalgia is usually cited as a bacterial/viral or chemically invasive attack of some kind, but it has been noted that in some sufferers extreme acute stress, such as bereavement, divorce, bullying, extremes of overwork may also be a trigger for CFS symptoms in the absence of a notable infection or exposure.

This makes sense in that scientific evidence has shown conclusively that stress lowers our immune defenses against infection as witnessed by white blood cell and lymphocyte counts.

Also, stress has been shown to directly affect the body in the short to medium term causing extreme fatigue and more disabling problems such as migraine, impairment of concentration and memory and interrupted sleep patterns.

Fortunately, as a society we have been woken up to the negative effects of stress.

As is often the case it has taken the negative economic implications of stress to spur employers and healthcare providers into action.

Sufferers no longer have to fight against the labeling that was common with previous generations which took the basic premise that "stress, depression and anxiety are all in the mind and are a sign of weakness"

How stress can maintain and exacerbate CFS and Fibromyalgia

Stress, depression and anxiety are known to slow down and in severe cases prevent recovery from infectious illnesses, and this is partly where the confusion and malpractice surrounding the CFS/depression arena was instigated and fed by general practice and psychologists over the last few decades.

The dividing line between the two conditions can appear very close to the untrained eye, but on closer inspection CFS and Fibromyalgia do in fact have a totally unique subset of features when compared to depression of any type.

To further muddy the waters both CFS and depression cause physical symptoms which can be similar to each other on initial presentation and also there is crossover with the symptoms of various infectious illnesses of the rheumatic and auto-immune spectrum.

As I have mentioned several times in my text, establishment apathy and nonchalance about the true nature of CFS and Fibromyalgia have lead to it being sidelined as a subdivision of psychology and particularly depression.

Historically, when help is sought, sufferers are left feeling isolated and misunderstood to the extent that they will begin to hide their symptoms, live in denial worried about other peoples reactions, and press on regardless while understating their illness.

Unfortunately, these typical reactions only serve to heighten overall stress levels which is precisely the opposite of the reaction needed for recuperation and so leads to a further exacerbation and worsening of symptoms.

A lot of sufferers understandably avoid further professional help.

Some work very hard to find a cure and convince people that CFS/ME/Fibromyalgia is a real illness. This leads to sufferers experiencing a desperate urgency to recover which is met and fed by a cynical and irresponsible health industry full of fake cures, miracle pills and treatments.

All this while sufferers are feeling threatened, scared, angry, stigmatized and generally ill.

The stress cycle goes even higher, and the result, sufferers sink even lower.

There are times in a person life when it may become particularly difficult to actually be ill at all.

For example as a carer of an ill relative, or a baby or young children, during a period of house renovation or construction, the demands of work as primary source of income.

In the absence of people that can help practically and emotionally in these life scenarios it can be very difficult to actually say "STOP".

Traditional medicine understood the importance of recuperation, rest, relaxation and contemplation as an important therapeutical facet of overcoming serious illnesses and infections.

In the presence of a frightening array of diseases which are now largely purged from modern society, and the absence of powerful antibiotics and antivirals, painkillers and analgesics, the body was largely left to its own devices.

In Traditional medicine patients were often treated with herbal tonics and natural cures, a lot of these were incidentally quite effective but have now been largely forgotten, dismissed or dismantled and reproduced in synthetic form to provide the basis of 75% of modern pharmaceuticals.

However the primary strategy of the era involved long periods of rest and recuperation.

By contrast, modern medicine and society place more importance on masking the symptoms, " keeping a stiff upper lip", "knocking it on the head" and "getting back on the job" as quickly as possible.

A "get well quick" protocol which unfortunately is completely at odds with a recuperative strategy for illnesses such as CFS and fibromyalgia.

Learning to control and reduce stress is an important and essential adjunct to any CFS and Fibromyalgia recovery strategy.

You will need to learn how to recognize stress and how to short circuit the sequence of events that leads to a "stress spiral".

Techniques of physical and psychological relaxation are essential and very effective.

Learning when to say NO is essential and avoiding all events and activities that place you under unnecessary stress or anxiety are essential in the short to medium term.

In my next article on this subject I will be talking about techniques that can be used effectively to short circuit and alleviate stress and anxiety at home, in the car and at the workplace.

Mark J Shaw - Mark is the author of a new digital book and training manual “Beat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" http://www.BeatFibroAndFatigue.com. Mark also publishes in a regular blog at: http://www.BeatFibroAndFatigue.blogspot.com.

Once A Year Body Detox & Cleanse To Boost Your Health

The longer you live the more chances you will accumulate toxins in the body. It is not uncommon to accumulate toxins from the environment you live in. A yearly cleanse is something everybody should consider to help keep the body’s functioning properly and healthy.

Our bodies consistently detoxify itself every day and the primary organs that do this detox are the liver and kidneys. The body’s own natural functions can cause toxins while trying to detox itself and these toxins can impair the body’s ability to function efficiently, which can lead to debilitating disease and physical problems if left unchecked.

If you think you may have a toxic buildup in the body, there are some ways to know if the body needs to be detoxified. Some signs of toxic overload are fatigue, illness, constipation, gas, skin problems, nausea, PMS, depression, and poor circulation.

There are ways to rid the body of toxins naturally such as a cleansing or detox diet. Detoxification involves changes in diet along with an increase in fluid consumption specifically clean water. With a good dietary change, herbs can be used to help the detox process along.

We will first look at the liver. The liver is extremely important in ridding the body of toxins. The liver cleanses the blood and helps aid in digestion of the foods we eat. Everything we eat, breath, and absorb through the skin is processed by the liver; over time the liver can become over worked. When the liver becomes over worked it can not process and detox all the toxins entering the body, so the body will store these toxins and after years and years of storage, these toxins will cause disease.

The liver uses enzymes to break down toxins into water and fat soluble substances so that the kidneys and colon can eliminate them. The liver manufactures these enzymes upon demand. The more demand there is in the body, the more the liver is stressed and over time, damage can occur. There is hope from herbs like milk thistle, turmeric, licorice, and schizandra.

Milk thistle has a compound called Silymarin, shown in many studies to protect the liver. Milk thistle contains silybin, amines, thyramine, and histamine, known to fight toxins and help stimulate the production and flow of bile. Studies have shown that milk thistle can benefit severe liver disorders such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as a general liver restoration and strengthening herb.

Turmeric is a spice used in Asian dishes but recent studies have found it to also be liver protective. Turmeric has similar properties to glycyrrhizin found in licorice. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and studies have shown turmeric to increase enzymes in the liver that prevents inflammation. Like milk thistle, turmeric can increase the bile output in the liver. Turmeric can also breakdown carcinogens and toxins so that these harmful chemicals can be eliminated from the body without doing the body any harm.

As mentioned above, licorice contains glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid which stimulates interferon production in the body. Interferons protect the immune system. Licorice contains liver protective properties preventing damage due to toxic exposure. Studies have shown that glycyrrhizin can help prevent cellular damage in the liver. Glycyrrhizin has been used to treat hepatitis B and has been shown to improve liver function as well as reduce the enzyme levels used to measure liver damage.

Schizandra in some studies have shown to protect the liver from toxic build up. This herb can also boost the immune system by helping the liver eliminate the toxins that have been building up in the body. Excess amounts of toxins in the body can lead to immune system disorders. Schizandra has also shown in studies to protect against the effects of alcohol in mice and other studies have shown this herb to have regenerative properties in the liver. The Chinese have used Schizandra for infectious hepatitis and also as a liver protecting herb it can encourage liver regeneration after injury or disease. Other herbs that are considered beneficial for the liver are dandelion, burdock, and barberry.

The kidneys are the second most important organ next to the liver for cleansing the body. All the blood in your body will pass through the kidneys many times each day. Your kidneys will filter out toxins into urine and help maintain a healthy electrolyte balance as well as manufacture regulatory hormones for blood pressure. The kidneys control the rate calcium is metabolized and aids in the production of red blood cells. Keeping the kidneys healthy is very important; there are some herbs available that can help stimulate kidney function such as, parsley, yarrow, dandelion, and kelp.

For many years, herbalists have known about parley and its properties. Parsley is a powerful diuretic often recommended for those with kidney problems. This herb has been shown to inhibit the re-absorption of salt into the body tissues which increases the herbs activity as a diuretic. Parsley helps to improve and increase urination allowing toxins to be eliminated more readily by the kidneys. One component found in parsley seed has been used in drugs to treat urinary and bladder infections.

Yarrow has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient that gives yarrow this ability is called azulene. With urinary problem comes inflammation and herbs that can relieve inflammation can improve urination and alleviate and ease urination problems. Yarrow can also help regulate liver function.

Dandelion found in almost every yard in America is a great diuretic similar to parsley. Dandelion is high in potassium, when you are on diuretics potassium is eliminated from the body and needs to be replenished. Dandelion can be used to relieve water retention as well as help increase urine flow without causing an imbalance in potassium or the electrolytes in the body. Dandelion is a wonderful herb, in human studies have shown to increase bile flow which is beneficial to the liver, gallstones, jaundice, and the bile ducts. Dandelion is considered a bitter herb and its bitter properties have been shown to improve the release of toxins from the body.

The longer we live the more toxins our body will store, kelp is a wonderful herb found in the sea. Kelp has been shown to protect the body from absorption of toxic chemicals. One active component in kelp called sodium alginate which has been found to protect the body from radiation exposure and help the body remove heavy metals.

If you have never detoxified the body before, it is never too late to start today. Whether you choose to change your diet or purchase herbs for detox, cleansing the body will help fight disease, help your organs work better, and boost over all health. Herbs to detox the liver and kidneys can be found at your friendly online vitamin store.

Fitness Is Only A Short Walk Away

The scientific experts all seem to be saying the same thing when it comes to health and fitness:

1 Obesity, overweight and physical inactivity are at record levels and soaring

2 These problems lead to increased risks from heart disease, strokes, diabetes and many other chronic illnesses

3 Most of us can reduce the risks of these illnesses by taking up a balanced diet and moderate exercise.

Advice on diet is beyond the scope of this article but, when it comes to exercise, one of the easiest ways to do more is to adopt an activity we all do instinctively but never think about seriously ... walking.

Walking is something you've been able to do since you were just a few months old, but have you ever considered taking it up as a serious fitness activity?

Well if you haven't you should!

The health benefits of walking are more compelling than for any other physical activity, simply because walking is so easy to do and you don't have to work up a sweat!

In the UK, The Chief Medical Officer recommends 30 minutes of 'moderately intensive' physical activity on five or more days a week.

So if you're out of shape but the thought of exercising fills you with horror, why not just start walking more often on a regular basis? You don't need any special equipment, you can do it anywhere and at anytime. And it's FREE!

Here are just some of the health reasons for taking up a walking routine:

* reduce your risks of heart disease, strokes and diabetes
* reduce your risks of high blood pressure
* reduce your risks of minor illnesses
* start to bring your weight under control
* get the stress in your life under control
* improve your sleep
* improve your posture

And for maximum health benefits, start your walking activities by getting out into the open air.

Walk in your local park, your local garden center, down by your local river or canal. Get out into the countryside and breathe a little of that rarefied air only to be found in the great outdoors!

You'll find it'll help you get life's problems into a more manageable perspective.

You don't have to go hill walking for miles. After all, you're only walking for 30 minutes, so short walks are all that's required.

And once you've done it, you'll want to do it again. This is guaranteed!

Not only that, once you've walked in the countryside for even a little while, you'll want to walk further. And the best rewards are usually to be found at the top of the hill. Of course, this will mean you'll have to work a bit harder, but the greatest benefit of all is getting to the top of a hill to see the view.

This on its own is enough to challenge the most stressful lifestyle and enable you to breathe far more easily.

For example, after reaching the top of Mam Tor in the Peak District (the UK's most popular National Park) and surveying the amazing views of Hope Valley and the Vale of Edale, your troubles will vanish into the ether and your heart will start pounding, not because you're about to have a heart attack, but out of awe and inspiration!

All this can be achieved with just one short walk!

Don't believe me? Well, try it and see for yourself.

Tony Dunne is a regular walker in The Peak District, the United Kingdom's most popular National Park. He is also web master of short-walks.com, a web site dedicated to short walks in The Peak District and the Cheshire Plain, areas of outstanding natural beauty, with countless opportunities for short walks.