Archive for the ‘Fitness’ Category
Bodybuilding Legends - What is the Future for Bodybuilders? (Part 1)
It is a common fact that Bodybuilders are not immortal and have to die at some stage, but this Bodybuilder was barely 30 years old. Although he was relatively unknown on the world scene as a bodybuilder, he was a U.S state heavyweight champion and one of the best at national level.
He was a big man, 6ft tall, with a contest weight of about 265 lbs. He always looked like a bodybuilder with great potential and, perhaps, one day, he could have achieved that potential. He earned his living from modeling and “escort” work, a life style which would not have had everyone’s approval. But those who knew him said that he was a friendly and helpful guy. Now, it’s all over. Life snuffed out in youth. Why did an apparently fit and healthy man die so young?
It’s been quite a few years now since I have been competing and I have witnessed incredible changes in the standard of competition physiques. We are well aware that a Mr Universe from the 1970’s wouldn’t stand a chance against a modern day novice. Nowadays you can sense the anticipation at contests just to see how much freakier bodybuilders have become. We can be proud of the high standards achieved and can expect to see even greater muscle displays in the future, or can we?
Nobody (except a possible fool) will predict the limits to human endeavor, as they would with no doubt be proven wrong in time. As recently as in 1953 when Mt Everest was climbed for the first time Man achieved the unachievable. Prior to that many had died in their attempt to reach the summit and it was suggested that the height of 29,000 ft [8,838 m] was just basically out of our reach. Well since 1953 the summit has been reached on numerous occasions although others haven’t made it and just because once the mental block has gone you know it can be done.
It’s exactly the same with bodybuilding. In not the too distant past you would have been considered as being a super human if you were 6ft tall with a 50 inch chest, but nowadays you wouldn’t even consider competing unless you had these measurements. The current pro standard stands at around 60 inches plus and those who are training at the moment to reach a competitive level will be looking at surpassing today’s Pros. It’s tough and the majority will fail as they consider the time, the costs and the health risks involved.
The difference between a top bodybuilder and the Joe Public man-in-the-street is far greater now than it has ever been. Standards have risen because of improved training, improved nutrition, improved understanding of physiology, improved pre-contest dieting, improved life-style and drugs. All of these have had important effects but it is the drugs aspect which I want to consider.
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Full Body Workouts Will Reshape Your Body and Your Life
One of the best ways to get in shape is to perform full body workouts. They can provide cardiovascular conditioning, muscular endurance, agility, balance and flexibility all in one workout. You can achieve this by combining exercises and varying intensity of specific exercises. You can reshape your entire body in less time and in just one workout.
Instead of working out just one area or muscle focus on your whole body and you can turn your body into a fat burning and sculpted work of art. Workout 2 to 3 times a week targeting your entire body. This allows you to work the same muscles several times a week. You’ll save time and reach your goals much more quickly than if you were to work only parts of your body in each workout.
You can get an intensive, super-efficient workout in just 30 minutes by choosing one exercise for each body part, Abs, legs and buttocks, shoulders, back and chest. You can also include one exercise for biceps and one for triceps but this is optional since you work those muscles when you workout the back and chest. That’s a total of only 5 to 7 exercises. Add variety by choosing different exercises for each workout instead of repeating the same exercises. Once you’ve mastered the moves you can increase the weights to get even better results. The best way to maximize fat loss is to alternate between heavy weight, high intensity workouts and light weight, moderate intensity workouts.
With so many exercises to choose from it can be overwhelming. Start with choosing the exercises you are most familiar with. Vary the weights to make them easier or harder at first. Then when you’ve mastered a specific exercise choose one that’s more challenging.
Condition your heart muscle throughout the workout by performing the exercises back to back with little or no rest in between. Then repeat the entire sequence to complete additional sets. Rest only between the entire sequence and for no more than 90 seconds. Before you know it, the workout is over and you’re on your way to a more slender, fit body.
Improve your balance without adding any additional exercises. You can perform exercises such as shoulder exercises while balancing on one leg for example. Or perform a single leg squat instead of regular squat. Also don’t forget to stretch those muscles at the end of your workout. You will increase your flexibility and prevent injury. Spend just five minutes to stretch each muscle group and hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Perform your fully body workouts at home or at the gym. Or alternate from home to gym. Gyms are sometimes inefficient because the equipment you need is not in one place which can be inconvenient and time consuming. Most gyms are not designed for full body workouts. Investing in some basic equipment to set up your home gym can make your workouts much more convenient and efficient. You also avoid common gym distractions.
Whether your target is to lose weight, tone your muscles or achieve a slimmer waist, full body workouts will help you attain your goals and you’ll have fun doing it. Reduce your workout time and achieve results more quickly. A focused workout that targets all the major muscle groups can be the most efficient workout ever.
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Become Your Own Boss with Max International
Have you ever wondered why over 13 million people are involved with Network Marketing? Why they love it? How they are making lots of money? Take the tour today
Network Marketers know there are two kinds of people in this world. The kind of people that will spend their whole life building someone else’s business. The kind who spend their life building their own business. Which one would you like to be?
Max International believes life should be lived to the fullest by accomplishing your dreams and spending your time how you choose. With Max you can do just that. You will have the freedom to take control of your future. You become your own boss, you make all the rules, you choose your hours and you make it happen.
Max International’s Steve Scott is well known in the infomercial marketplace as a primary mover of some of the most successful products ever sold on television. Steve co-founded American Telecast and he is personally responsible for over 2.5 billion dollars in revenue. Steve is also known as the owner of the Total Gym television campaign that features legendary Chuck Norris and Christy Brinkley. This campaign has resulted in over 1 billion dollars in sales to date. This same talent is now at the head of Max International.
The world’s most incredible Direct Response TV Media minds are now combining their resources to form what many say will be the next billion dollar home business success story and you have a chance to profit from it. Take the tour today
JACK MOSLEY, two time trainer of the year and father of famous boxer SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY who won his fight against Mayorga on HBO September 27, 2008 with JACK MOSLEY as the ringman, believes so strongly about Max International and MaxGXL that he left his major juice blend business to join us to share this great product with professional atheletes and others.
Our TEAM LEADERS TY TRIBBLE and BO SHORT are two of the most recognized network marketing professionals in the industry. They have authored books and been featured in a recent Entrepeneur Magazine as 2 of the top 50 most influential people on the internet.
Bo Short said “Max International will be the first company in the 60 year history of Network Marketing to effectively merge Television, Direct Sales of Impact Products and the Internet. The results will be record setting”.
Don’t miss this incredible groundfloor opportunity to share with the world Max International. The wellness industry is growing at a rate of $250 million a day, driven by the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Y and is now a $500 Billion industry on it’s way to one trillion dollars.
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Bowflex Ultimate® 2 Home Gym Description
The Bowflex Ultimate® 2 home gym is an excellent investment in your health and fitness. It is a complete gym-quality system that gives you fantastic fitness results, all while in the comfort of your own home. This home gym boasts 95 possible exercises and includes an integrated squat station, a lat tower, leg extension and leg curl station and a preacher curl attachment. It comes standard with 310 pounds or 140 kilograms of Power Rod® Resistance. You have the option of an upgrade to 410 pounds and 186 kilograms of resistance.
Let’s look at some of the features in a bit more detail. The integrated lat tower with the angled lat bar will build your back and shoulder muscles efficiently and quickly. In order to develop strong, muscular legs, a leg extension/leg curl station is included. A Preacher curl attachment will build a strong upper arms. Your glutes, quads, and hamstrings will get a gym-quality workout with the integrated, biomechanical squat station. This squat station facilitates the proper positioning of your feet and knees, so at the same time, your back will be completely supported. Upper body strength is easily attainable with the built-in adjustable pulley system. This system is designed to change your angle of resistance and therefore increases the efficiency of your upper body exercises. The built-in rowing machine runs very smoothly, features a 5-position foot harness and is especially proficient for cardiovascular warm-up and cool-down. A leg press belt is also included in the Bowflex Ultimate® 2 home gym.
Size and storage can be a concern for some people when they are researching home gyms. This system is 6’ 10” H x 7’ 8”L x 3’ 10”W. The workout area needed is 6’ 6” x 9’ 4”. Storage of this home gym is effortless since it folds and also rolls on wheels so you can conveniently use and store it where it works the best for you in your home. For those who might use their Bowflex Ultimate® 2 home gym in the same area each day, a quick-reference workout poster is included with your purchase of this excellent system. A training manual and a DVD with a workout designed specifically for this system is 20 minutes in length and also included with your home gym system.
The Bowflex Ultimate® 2 home gym is accompanied by a generous 12-year limited warranty and a no-time-limit power rod warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
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Bowflex® Accessories
Are you looking for even better results using your Bowflex® home gym? Well, Bowflex® offers several accessories to help you attain ultimate results.
If you like the idea of having your own personal trainer at your disposal, the Bowflex i-Trainer™ is for you! It is interactive software that will show you step by step, how to become stronger, leaner and at the same time, hit your personal fitness goals. Designed by industry professionals, it is the perfect accessory to your Bowflex® 2 home gym. The Bowflex i-Trainer™ workout software is customized to help you: evaluate your level of fitness, determine your personal strength-training goals, track your progress, gives full demonstrations for routines to help you meet your fitness goals, and offers tips to increase your fitness results.
Do you already enjoy Pilates? Incorporate the Pilates secrets into your workout with your new Bowflex® 2 home gym. The Bowflex Pilates ™ Kit will help you obtain not only the sleek look you desire, but coordination and core conditioning as well. The kit contains a one-of-a-kind mat that converts the standard Bowflex® workout bench into a non-skid surface that is supportive throughout the Pilates routine. This kit also comes with a Pilates stability ball which will increase your coordination and tone your muscles. The 45-minute DVD will instruct you on how to utilize the extension cables connected to the rods of your Bowflex® home gym to strengthen your core muscles. The DVD offers both an intermediate and an advanced workout, so it’s like getting two for one!
The Bowflex® Body Building Series Workout DVD Set is fantastic for mixing up your daily routine and achieving excellent results. This is a three-part series meant to target and reshape your body by working one muscle group at a time. On Day 1, you’ll work on abs, chest and shoulders. On Day 2, you’ll focus on trunk, torso and arms. And, on Day 3, you’ll increase your lower body endurance.
The Bowflex® Machine Mat is an excellent accessory to your Bowflex® home gym. It provides added stability when using the aerobic rowing feature and it gives a finished look to your workout space. Place it under your machine and it keeps your Bowflex® from shifting during vigorous exercise and protects your floors and carpets from wear.
The Bowflex® Body Plan Book, Power Rod® Upgrades, Champion Nutritional Programs, the T-Bar and Foot Harness and Bowflex® Apparel are also great accessories to enhance your whole workout experience.
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Buying A Bowflex?
If you are really serious about your weight training, then you will need to train consistently 5-6 days a week. A good workout routine will include a wide range of exercises, and you will rotate through a variety of different equipment. It is critical that to reduce your commute time to your gym so that you can stay on top of your demanding routine.
It is true that there are a lot more gyms around today than there were in the past, and also that they have suited their opening hours to the needs of their customers. This means that they are open early in the morning and late in the evenings so that people with jobs and busy work schedules can still fit in their gym time. However, for many people who do not live near a gym, or need to be at home for some commitment, the only answer is to have some weight training equipment for use, at your home.
There are literally hundreds of weight training and exercise machines available for you. These will include weights, bikes, running and rowing machines and multipurpose machines. However, unless you have a very large basement or some other space to put all these machines, you will most likely want to have a machine that allows you to do all of your exercises, and a complete routine, on the one machine.
The Bowflex is one piece of equipment that is built for this purpose. It is very versatile. You will be able to do the most demanding exercises, without ever having to make that trip down to the gym. It is also worth remembering that gym membership can be very expensive. While bowflex machines do represent a significant investment at the beginning, if you really use it, and get good use out of your bowflex, then it will all be worthwhile as you will save money on gym memberships and other expenses that you would have had to incur anyway. You can shop around for good deals on a bowflex online, and also check out how much they are going for next time you see one on an infomercial.
If you are considering purchasing one then it will be important for you to know that Bowflex has had some safety issues in the past. The company conducted a voluntary recall of 800,000 machines in 2004 and also issued safety instructions and repair kits to customers. Hopefully they have taken care of this in their new machines but if you are buying an old one, it is something you will have to consider.
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Home Gyms - Lose the Excuses, Lose the Weight!
If you’re one of the many people who are hearing from their doctors that they need to: lose weight, lower their cholesterol, and get more active in order to decrease their risk of various diseases, then it’s time to pay attention. There are many ailments that can be largely prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and fitness level.
One way to control weight is to make exercise a habit. This increases the metabolism, which helps burn calories. But with today’s busy and hectic lifestyles, how do you incorporate regular exercise into your busy day? How will you know if the exercise you do is effective enough to be worth it?
The right exercise equipment, provided you are disciplined enough to use it, may help. There are advantages and disadvantages to owning your own machine(s). Exercise equipment that is personally owned and kept indoors removes the excuse of not having enough time to get to the gym, or enough money to keep up with health club membership payments. It also enables you to work out on your own schedule, instead of getting to the gym before they close, or wanting to work out before they open. For those whom it matters to, it’s your equipment, which you don’t have to share with hundreds of other people, or worry about disinfecting before each use (although keeping your equipment reasonably clean is important!).
Possible disadvantages of investing in your own exercise equipment is that because it’s at home with you, you might just get used to it being there, like another piece of furniture. Too often, exercise machines end up being used more as objects to drape air-dry clothes across, or dust-catchers, than instruments of heart disease prevention. Another con may be that you don’t understand how to use the item, and with no instructors or trainers around, like at a health club, you end up injuring yourself or not using the equipment at all because you don’t know how to use it properly.
Another potential disadvantage is lack of variety. At a workout facility, you have the choice of many different kinds of equipment to exercise all your different muscles. Weight bearing, aerobic, anaerobic, land, aquatic, you name it, it’s not necessary to limit yourself. When you buy exercise equipment, each machine will usually only serve limited functions. If you need a different kind of exercise on alternate days, for example, to stick to your prescribed fitness routine, you may have to either buy other equipment or go outside to run or do another sport — and in inclement weather, that may become another excuse not to work out.
A great way to get around the problem of too little variety is to look for machines that will provide a number of exercises to meet your health needs. For example, the bowflex treadclimber combines a treadmill and climber in one. So you get an comprehensive cardiovascular workout with only one machine. If the bowflex climber is outside your price range ($1,500 to $2,200 for the high end models) new, look around for a used machine. Or look at other types of machines.
The most important thing is to give up the excuses. After all, there is no excuse that feels as good as being in shape!
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Check Extra Pounds: Buy Bowflex Gym
Is becoming slim and trim your dream project? Sadly it’s an ever-unfulfilled one. Why? The reasons are simple. You don’t have time to spend in a gym, which is a half-an-hour drive from your home. Next it is not becoming feasible for you to arrange the schedule according to the gym’s routine. Finally you feel that taking enrollment is wastage of money when you can’t do it regularly. On the other hand the flab around your abs make you paranoid and you go around fetching some authentic alternative for weight loss.
Personal gym
Have you ever thought of arranging a personal gym? You can easily avail it in your very own home and carry on with your exercising schedule as your wish and according to your convenience. If it is a matter of personal gym, go for the Bowflex home gym. The Bowflex has been comprehensively devised with multipurpose facilities where every family member can use it in their own way.
Bowflex and weight loss
To have a control on your weight the first thing you must do is to have a control over the calories. Generally fat gathers around your waistline, thighs, abdominal part and chest and arms. Internally there is a rise in the level of cholesterol in the body. The heart and the blood pressure are extremely affected due to this imbalance in the cholesterol level. How does Bowflex help you to keep you fit and in shape both from within and externally?
* The different accessories present with the Bowflex gym are the power rods, lower pulley, lat bars and biking facility with adjustable seats and regulating mode.
* Muscle toning with the help of the power rods can be best achieved through the Bowflex gym. The women can access the 210 pounds power rods and men can even handle power rods up to 410 pounds. This is the range of the power rods available in the Bowflex Xtreme 2 model Home Gym.
* Obesity is a curse in many ways. It not only falls heavy on your body weight but also damages your health in different ways. The body’s metabolic activity is brought to a pause that becomes one of the biggest causes of weight gain.
* Doctors and dieticians have researched over the years and come to the conclusion that muscle activation can keep your weight under control. The more you tone up your muscular parts, the more you keep a check on your extra pounds. So don’t delay to get your personal Bowflex gym ready at your home.
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Bowflex® Faq
You’ve decided to purchase a Bowflex Ultimate® 2 home gym. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers concerning your purchase.
How do I choose the Bowflex® machine that is right for me? There is a Bowflex® machine that will fit your exact needs and meet your fitness goals. Since they come in several configurations and models, there is one that will be perfect for you. The Bowflex Ultimate® 2 features the latest in the top-of-the-line construction, design, and engineering. The Ultimate® 2 offers over 95 exercises, which is more than any other Bowflex® home gym.
How big is the machine and how easy is it to move around? The folded footprint for the Bowflex Ultimate® 2 is 44” x 46”. The dimensions of the machine run 3’ 10” x 7’ 8”. The height of the machine is 6′ 10″. The workout area needed is only 6′ 6″ x 9′ 4″. This model also features wheels on the back so you can conveniently roll it wherever you need it to go.
How do the Power Rod® units work? Do they offer real resistance? The Bowflex® Power Rod® System is a unique system and guarantees resistance from the start to finish of each exercise. Power Rods feel similar to dumbbells or free weights, but the difference is that they are progressive. This means that the more you flex the rods, the more weight you displace as you exercise. Power Rod® technology is the key to the effectiveness of the Bowflex® system.
What accessories come with my machine? The accessories for many of the Bowflex® home gyms include foot harnesses for aerobic rowing, workout manuals and leg press belts.
How long does it take to put my machine together? Using the detailed instruction manual that will accompany your machine, plan on approximately 1 to 3 hours.
How do I contact Bowflex®? There are three ways to reach our company: Send an e-mail to canadacustomerservice@nautilus.com if you have e-mail available. Call the company toll free at 1-800-216-9028. Or, snail mail still works by submitting a written request to: Nautilus Fitness Canada, Inc., 925 Keewatin Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2X 2X4, Canada.
What are my payment options? Bowflex® has their own credit card, or you can use American Express, Visa, MasterCard or mail a check.
What type of warranty do I get with my purchase? Bowflex® machines are automatically warranted to the person who purchases the machine. The home gyms have limited warranties that cover all defects in material or workmanship. Commercial use or misuse is not covered.
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Bowflex® - the Machine and Technology
The technology behind the Bowflex® line of home gyms is designed around the Power Rod® resistance concept. The Power Rod® technology has been patented and has been used by Bowflex® for 15 years. The Power Rods® are made from highly technical composite and then submitted to three different flex-tests prior to being installed on any Bowflex® machine. Bowflex® is so confident in this technology, they stand behind their no-time-limit warranty which states that the Power Rods® can flex over and over again but cannot be worn out. If you do wear them out somehow, it is guaranteed the rods will be replaced at no cost to you.
How does the Power Rod® work? If you want more resistance, you’ll use a rod that is larger in diameter. You have the option to use as little as 5 pounds of resistance or as much as 410 pounds of resistance with your Bowflex® home gym. Each model is a bit different, but Power Rod® upgrades are available.
Bowflex® home gyms are made right here in the United States. Unlike many companies on the market today, Bowflex® guarantees your complete satisfaction! If, after using the machine for six weeks, you decide it isn’t making a difference, return it to the company. You’ll receive a full refund, less your shipping handling, of course. Simply contact the Customer Service Department, obtain return authorization and return the machine within 2 weeks of the time authorization is given.
Bowflex® machines work with a pulley and cable system. They are the exact quality used on commercial aircraft. The cables are certified by independent labs, lubricated and then sealed with a protective nylon jacket.
All of the Bowflex® benches are molded from durable polyurethane. It is then fused to a high grade PVC covering (like the kind used in the car industry). The covering will resist cracking, tearing and even moisture, which ensures longer life for your machine.
The frame, or foundation, of all Bowflex® home gyms is of the highest quality, made from high grade carbon steel. Construction like this is typically found in public gyms.
The hand grips on the Bowflex® home gyms are unique. They are actually a 5-way hand grip or handle that can be used in the traditional manner or you can use the strap to wrap around your hand for additional support. Not only that, the strap can be used around your ankle, foot or it can be used as a shoulder cuff. This unique design is extremely versatile and Bowflex® has it.
All Bowflex® machines offer the handgrips, some style of bench and they all fold up for easy storage. There are resistance upgrades available for all of the machines. Certain accessory upgrades are also available.
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