Month: July 2011

Adjustable Dumbbell Sets: Not Your Ordinary Dumbbells

When people are looking to improve upon their physique or just maintain an already refined physique, it is always best to have Adjustable dumbbell sets. There are many different brands of adjustable dumbbell sets from the bowflex selecttech 552 dumbbells to powerbock dumbbells, that will each provide their own benefits and variable amounts of weight. While there has been tons of great advances in exercise equipments over the years, the adjustable dumbbell sets could be one of the most important.

The first sets of adjustable dumbbells to take a look at are actually square in shape, they are the Powerblock Classic 50lb. set. These sets of Powerblock Classic Dumbbells can replace up to nine different pairs of dumbbells. The set uses weights that begin at a basic 5 lbs. and move all the way up to 50lbs., in five pound increments. Each adjustable weight comes color coded, which makes it easy to set the weight of the dumbbells for optimal usage.

One of the more popular names in exercise equipment today is Bowflex, which brings to us the Bowflex Select Tech 52.5lb. Dumbbell’s. This sets of dumbbells comes in weight increments of 2.5lbs., starting at 5lbs. and ending at 52.5 lbs. of weight. This set of dumbbells can replace up to fifteen sets of dumbbells, but unlike the Powerblock Classic dumbbells, they are not color coded.

For those looking for a good set of dumbbells at an affordable rate, take a look at the Cap Barbell 40lb. Dumbbell Set. This set of dumbbells easily resembles the old school or classic look of past dumbbells, while being tough and durable for everyday usage. This set of dumbbells also comes packed with a rack system, for easy storage when the dumbbells are not being used.

As you can see about, there are many adjustable dumbbell sets for one to take advantage of, with the selection being practically unlimited.

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How to Burn Unwanted Body Fat the Right Way

Doesn’t it feel great when you are able to reduce extra weight, or rather that extra fat to obtain a healthy weight? Many people, men and women, both young and old have had trouble in getting rid of that unwanted body fat that they have tried so many ways that have been claimed to work fast and effectively. But the results? Yes, that unwanted extra fat has been reduced, but at the risk of their health. So in the end, it all comes to, how we can reduce that extra fat without risking our health.

The question still remains to be as to how to burn stomach fat without having to spend so much money, effort and at the risk of our health. The answer is simple. With the commitment and determination we can effectively work our way into achieving results we wanted and being healthy and fit. Firstly, we cannot simply focus on one certain body part, to burn fat. It is an overall effect on our body, unlike muscles that can be built on certain areas by working out. Stomach crunches are not an exercise that can burn that extra fat on your tummy with great results, but it can strengthen your tummy muscles. What you need is to work out with aerobic exercises such as brisk walking or jogging 3 to 4 times a week, for about 30 minutes each. Then you have to consider your nutrition. Even if you take up these exercises, and you eat the wrong food, then it is hopeless. It is best to avoid junk food, take out food, sweet drinks and sodas. Drink plenty of water; eat plenty of vegetables and unprocessed foods.

Body fat is essential to our body, but too much is unhealthy. Follow natural methods on how to burn stomach fat and see results you have wanted. Becoming slim is not worth it, if you are not healthy inside.

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How Much Protein Is Needed In A High Protein Diet Plan?

Significant numbers of people decide to join a gym each year. For some, their aim is simply to improve fitness levels, but many others wish to increase their lean body mass, and to look and feel better. However, of all the people who start an exercise plan with the best of intentions, only a fraction continue for very long. For some people, the main reason for discontinuing their exercise regime is that they do not see progress fast enough; and the primary reason for this is that they fail to recognize the importance that a protein diet plan has on progress. A high protein diet plan is an essential ingredient in increasing lean body mass and improving one’s physique.

When trying to gain weight, the amount of protein that needs to be consumed is much more than some people imagine. In fact, it is often recommended that a person needs to consume between 1 and 1.5 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass every day.

To calculate your lean body mass, you must first know your total weight and your body fat percentage. You can find both by purchasing a set of scales that also calculates body fat. These types of scales work by passing a very small (and safe) electric current through the body – because fat resists electricity at a different rate than muscle / bone etc., the scales can determine the amount of body fat by the current that is returned.

When you know your total weight and body fat percentage simply multiply your total weight by BF% and then minus the result from your total weight.

As an example, if a man weighs 170 pounds and has 15% body fat: We multiply 170 by 0.15 to get 25.5. We would then minus 25.5 from 170 to get a total lean body mass of 144.5 pounds.

This means that to consume enough protein for high protein diet plans, our hypothetical man would need to consume between 144.5 and 216.75 grams of protein each day.

Whatever your reasons for working out, do not discount the importance of a high protein diet plan. This is how the body repairs and grows muscle tissue, and without an adequate supply, you will not make the gains that you could.

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Health Foods: Simple Ways to Eat more Fruits and Vegetables

Everyone is told to eat fruits and vegetables, beginning at a young age.  The up to date dietary guidelines recommend Americans to get at least  five cups of fruits and veggies today.  Many people are surprised by this because an astonishing amount of them don’t even get half of that.  Because of today’s fast and processed foods, they usually take priority over health foods in some households.  It can be hard to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet if you’ve never done it before.  There are plenty of ways you can “sneak” them into your diet and after getting used to it, you won’t ever crave processed foods again!

Fruits and vegetables are essential for our bodies to function.  They provide us with fiber, keeping our digestive tract healthy and preventing digestive illnesses.  They are anti-oxidant rich and will possibly prevent cancer and other chronic diseases such as heart disease.  Fruits and veggies are filled with vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function.  If you eat them regularly along with other healthy foods, you are likely to maintain your weight throughout your lifetime.  All of these are great reasons to learn to incorporate them into your diet.

At breakfast, you can add fruit to your regular piece of toast, or eat it separately.  Add berries to your oatmeal or cereal.  Chopping vegetables and adding them to scrambled eggs is a great way to get an early morning energy burst.  Make a fresh smoothie with your own ingredients such as: fresh fruit, skim milk or yogurt.  You can even add vegetables to the mix by blending them along with the fruit.  Limit juice but if you must have it, make sure it’s 100% instead of sugary.

Incorporate a handful of fruits and veggies to what you eat for lunch.  If you’re a sandwich eater, load it with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, sprouts, onions or peppers.  If you crave unhealthy, crunchy snack foods this is a great way to get rid of that habit.  Salads are already a healthy, veggie filled lunch food (if you eat it without croutons and tons of fattening dressing) but you can make it even healthier by adding fresh fruits.  Fresh fruits that go well with salad include: grapes, apples, oranges or pears.

Make ½ of your plate full of fruits and veggies at dinner.  Add them to recipes by chopping or slicing them.  Experiment with different ways of cooking vegetables like steaming, roasting or stir-frying.  Add side salads to your dinners.  Eat veggie pizza instead of plain cheese pizza.  Mashed potatoes, rice and other dishes taste great with vegetables mixed in.  Instead of eating dessert after dinner, make it a priority to eat a piece of fruit.

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, water and several nutrients.  Because of their make-up, they keep us full for a longer time.  You will become accustomed to eating healthy and will eventually not crave unhealthy food as often.  If you substitute fruit for sugary snacks, it is likely that your sugar cravings will subside.  Try the ideas listed above to integrate fruits and vegetables into your diet and decide which ones you like best.  If you enjoy the healthy food you eat, you will stick to it.

Brianna Elliott is a third year dietetics student.  She had grown a passion for nutrition in her years of studying.  She loves fruits and vegetables and thinks the amount of people who don’t get enough of them is devastating because of the good they do for your body.  Brianna also writes blog for PSCLife.com – a health & nutrition e-commerce store which carries Tyme Zyme enzyme supplement and Nutamax’s Cosamin ASU for sore joints and achey muscles.

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Diet to Lose Weight Quickly – What should you look for?

There are many diets out there that make the promise that you will be able to lose weight quickly, but the results are not always in line with the promise that is made. If you are serious about wanting to lose weight, and you are looking for a diet to help you quickly lose weight, then there are some things you should look to. As always, you have to realize that nothing works if you overeat, do not expect miracles here. You must know what to eat to lose weight.

Whenever you are looking for a diet to lose weight fast, then you must make sure that you do not let your emotions get the better of you. Of course, you want to be able to look in the mirror and be happy with what you see, but you should also make sure that the diet is healthy and safe for you as well.

Here are some tips on what to look for in a diet plan to lose weight fast:

  1. You must be sure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. There are fad diets where results seem to give short-term promise, but they usually also do is prevent you from getting all the nutrients your body needs. Losing weight is a priority, but you must also ensure that you stay healthy at the same time.

  2. You must ensure that the diet is affordable. Let’s be realistic and say simply that most people can not afford some diet plans that are there. If you’re on a budget, and we always want to be healthy and lose weight, then you must make sure that you will not go bankrupt over the diet plan. There are alternatives to high cost plans right now, and you can start for only a few dollars.

  3. The creator actually look like they have a healthy physical. You have to admit that if the creator of the product looks like they need to go to the gym or at risk of losing some books themselves, it might not be the best decision to use this particular plan. It’s one of those moments where it will pay for you to appeal a decision based on what they look like.

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