Protect Yourself From The Side Effects Of Creatine

By Christian James

Creatine is a chemical substance that a lot of people know very little about. It is for this reason that people suffer from various debilitating illnesses because they know very little about the creatine in supplements and the side effects of creatine. Therefore it is important to shed a bit of light on this potentially harmful substance.

To the layman creatine is a substance that the body produces and stores in the muscles. In actual fact it is a building block of protein, an amino acid that helps to build muscle tissue and body mass. It is produced by the kidneys and the liver in a natural form but it can be taken as a supplement that is manufactured in the lab.

When you take creatine supplements carelessly you can pollute your body with creatine. Now when creatine is in the body it has a natural ability to absorb water. So when you have too much creatine in your system the absorption of water from different parts of the body can lead to muscle cramps owing to dehydration.

On the same footing the absorption of water by creatine eventually leads to the gaining of weight in areas of the body with excessive creatine. The body mass of a person taking creatine supplements can thus switch from muscular to obese if caution isn't taken.

Here is where you have to pay attention to detail. When people take creatine supplements they take glycemic sugars as well. Glycemic sugars actually make it easier for the body to absorb creatine. But these sugars increase the blood sugar levels in the body to the point where natural body insulin is not enough to break them down. So when these sugars build up in the body diabetes can be prompted or aggravated.

In addition to this a person can experience damage to their kidneys; liver; blood vessels and nerves because of diabetes and the body's resistance to insulin. Apart from these kidney stones and heat exhaustion are well known side effects of creatine. - 31525

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Understand How To Make The Best Use Of Creatine To Develop Your Muscle Mass

By Christian James

Today you can find many sportspeople and athletes who take fitness supplements on a regular basis, and for good reason. Studies have proven that supplements which contain creatine can increase energy levels, boost muscle mass, and enhance stamina. To ensure the desired outcome it is good to know how to make the best use of creatine.

Some supplements get a lot of bad press but creatine is safe to use. The only issue will be just how big you want your physique to get. Creatine actually occurs naturally within our bodies, by consuming a supplement we will only be adding to the effect.

If you want to achieve your best potential through taking creatine then there are different methods you could try. Many people choose to take creatine twice daily; once just before working out and again afterwards. Positive results have also been achieved by taking a higher dosage for the first week and then a low dosage for another three or four weeks.

It will help you in the digestion of creatine if you drink around one gallon of water each day and increase your intake of carbohydrate rich food. This is because your body will then be able to absorb the supplement quicker and more effectively.

The results of creatine use will be seen almost immediately. If you are going to take fitness supplements on a regular basis then it is also important to keep up your workouts as only then will the best results be achieved; you will need to turn the extra energy in actual muscle tissue.

By using creatine you may end up with a physique that you never thought possible, if you have always wanted a good looking body then now is your chance. Your muscles will impress any man or woman. - 31525

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Mind Over Muscle, Utilize Your Thoughts to Create Muscle

By Klint Newton

Everyone has heard of the placebo effect, but most people haven't thought about putting their mind over muscle, or using their mind to help build muscle. The truth is most people experience the placebo effect with their supplement usage. The placebo effect is basically when someone is in need of medicine and they are given a substance other than medicine, but told it is medicine. That substance then puts their pain at ease, but how can a sugar pill kill pain?

The explanation of this lies in the patient's belief that the substances was really medicine and would really help. It didn't matter what was really given to the person, because the person's belief that it would work was so strong that their brain took it as instructions and made it work. The patient's belief healed him. Jesus Christ even said that when you believe in something with all your heart, you can tell a mountain to move from here to there. Peter, one of his disciples even walked on water due to his faith.

Mind over Muscle, The Placebo Effect What does the placebo effect have to do with building muscle? It has more to do than you might think! Every function of the body first has to get the brain's approval, and we can control our brain by thinking. It goes like this:

Our thoughts directly, or indirectly, control our brains, and our brain directly controls your body, your body gains muscle, if the brain lets it.

Just as someone believes that a sugar pill can heal them, they are right, it can and usually does. Also, just as they believe that supplements can help them build muscle, it can and usually does, but more often it's not the supplement that's really building the muscle. It's their mind communicating to their brain, "This supplement works. I AM going to gain muscle with this stuff, the science proves it."

When you believe something without doubt, you are giving your brain instructions, and your brain will do all it can to carry them out. Remember, your brain is in charge of building muscle, if it wants you to, you will build muscle.

Use It For Your Advantage To gain muscle, you don't have to drink a tub load of chalky, expensive, gross tasting powder, but you must believe in yourself. The supplement placebo effect usually works when you think you are getting a real medicine and that it's going to work.

The underlying principal is that you KNEW it was going to work. You had total faith that it would do what it said. Imagine what you would be capable of if you KNEW that you could gain build muscle anytime you wanted. I want you to know that you can, and it's easy and actually very relaxing. Take a look at the following guidelines to help maximize your mind over muscle ability:

1. Pre Workout- KNOW that your workout WILL add another layer of strong, ripped muscle 2. During Workout - KNOW that with each rep and set you are forcing tons of muscle stimulation and that you will get huge 3. Post Workout - Feel great about the workout and KNOW that you just sparked tons of muscle growth, and look forward to the next training session knowing that you will be building even more muscle.

Think about how much muscle you actually want to build and see it in your mind. With everything you do, keep that mental picture in mind. With every bite of food, think about how it's building muscle, with every minute of extra sleep think about how much more your body is recovered. Never doubt yourself, and never think that what you are doing isn't working.

Gaining muscle mass is undoubtedly a physical thing, but everything that is a physical thing starts as a mental thing. Your brain takes instructions from you through your thoughts, it does what you tell it to do, through your mind, whether you know it or not. You have to constantly be giving it good instructions and make it known that the things you are doing WILL help you build huge amounts of muscle. Take the credit and placebo effect from supplements and master the mind over muscle. - 31525

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Discover What You Want To Know About Creatine Side Effects

By Christian James

Whilst it may remain legal as part of an athlete's training regime, the use of creatine is still controversial. And whilst the damage caused is certainly far less than those experienced with anabolic steroids, there are definite creatine side effects.

Creatine use has risen exponentially in recent years, helped by a number of high profile celebrities extolling its benefits. Widely thought to increase muscle bulk, stamina and performance by anything up to ten percent, it is also little surprise.

Essentially, creatine is the building material for muscle tissue naturally, and so taking this in synthetic form helps with recovery speeds and damage repair. It is rapidly broken down in the body, and hence feeds the muscles quickly.

However, these "forced" muscles are more prone to damage, as the energy supply to them will run out quicker. Such creatine side effects from this process result in quite severe cramping; which is painful and in many cases leads to injury.

Other creatine side effects can also be expected; most notably stomach cramps and diarrhea. Caused by a reaction through the intestine, such complaints are less common but potentially more critical.

This is most certainly the issue with the onset of diarrhea which, if frequently occurring, can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. As a minimum this will render any benefits of creatine to be offset, but could lead to hospitalization.

If any such complaints are experienced; it is certainly advisable to reduce dosage. Should the issue continue, use should be stopped immediately and consultation with medical staff is highly recommended.

Reports of creatine side effects are increasing; but so is use of the product. If you are worried, it is likely that getting help from a sports nutritionist, and arranging a personalized training program would provide just as much benefit as the product can give. - 31525

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Discover The Fitness Benefits Of Using Creatine

By Christian James

Many have question as to the safety and benefits of using creatine as a fitness supplement. You may be surprised to know that it is actually a substance that is found naturally in the foods we eat such as meats. Creatine is actually an amino acid that is made in our bodies by the liver and kidneys. Medical researchers have found that creatine is stored in our body's muscle tissue until it is needed for high-energy training or tasks. People who are highly active or involved in strength training use more creatine than others. The fitness benefits of using creatine can be enormously helpful.

Many are worried about the risks associated with taking this supplement. While it is always good to be aware of any negative side effects, of all the studies conducted on this supplement, none have come back with any negative feedback. As of yet, there are no known risks associated with creatine.

For those athletes working out for a special event or competition, creatine can be a major benefit. One reason for this is that it will help fuel your body with energy to help you maximize workout time and stretch it to the longest possible time frame. This gives the body an extra boost of energy to allow you to train for longer periods of time. If you are planning on trying to increase your endurance and muscle mass, this may be a good route for your to consider.

Guys everywhere are searching for the miracle supplement to help them have huge muscles with the least possible training. Creatine will help the body in storing glycogen, which is needed as you are recovering from each workout session. This increases the muscle growing process, allowing you to get bigger quicker.

Most fitness gurus eat extremely healthy and work hard at getting the right nutrition into their bodies. Many are vegetarians, and they find other ways to get protein in their diet, but still need a creatine supplement.

As with all supplements or medicines, you should take care whenever you are putting something into your body. Read the label and instructions carefully and ensure that you are taking no more than the recommended dosage levels. Use common sense and you will be happy to benefit from this natural supplement. - 31525

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Use Muscle Might To Get Huge Arms

By Janet Thornton

Muscle Might is getting people ripped faster and they are able to pack on the muscle mass as well. Muscle Might is a new product in the weight lifting community and it is taking the industry by storm.

When it comes to finding out which supplements are worth the time and money that you spend on them, it can often be a drain on the bank account. How do you decide which muscle supplements are with the money you're spending? We are here to help you make a good decision about your muscle building supplements.

If you're looking to improve your physique and add some inches to your arms, then Muscle Might will be a great start to your muscle gaining campaign. You can get Muscle Might without having to spend huge amounts of money, it's a supplement that really works.

Muscle Might is for people of all body building levels. If you're and experienced lifter or the average Joe just staying in shape, Muscle Might, along with the proper diet and workout plan can begin to show rapid increases in muscle mass. It has shown to improve the muscle mass in the follow areas: abs, chest, arms/shoulders, and your legs.

Not only will muscle might help you pack on the muscle, but it can help you get rid of the extra pounds of fat that you've been carrying around that you can't seem to get rid of. With a healthy diet and a regular workout plan, which can be found at MenMuscleBuilding.com, muscle might can help you add inches to your arms in a short period of time.

There are many muscle building supplements available on the market, but Muscle Might is being highly recommended by bodybuilders and lifting enthusiasts in the industry. It can be a great start for your muscle building program! - 31525

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What Can You Get From Strength Training

By Ivan Girevoy

Strength training is an important element of fitness and exercise. If you are trying to lose weight then it is essential that you incorporate some strength training activities into your routine. Losing weight is about burning calories. It is about burning fat and one way to do that is to build your muscles. Basically the more muscle you develop the more energy you burn, resulting in greater weight loss.

Strength training does not have to be a daily grind. There are many classes or exercise programs you can follow that will help with building your muscles. Most gyms have classes like total body fitness or group power lifting. Typically these types of classes use many types of weight training equipment including barbells, hand weights,resistance bands and my favorite....Kettlebells. The typical class lasts for about an hour.

Over all it seems to be women seem to enjoy these types of strength training classes more than men. Men typically enjoy working out the muscle groups by adding bulk. Strength training classes help to shape and tone your muscles into lean mass without the bulk. In addition, since the instructor pushes you along during the class at a very rapid pace, there is a bit of cardiovascular benefit as well. A final note about going to an instructor lead strength training class: they can ensure that you are doing the exercises with the correct form to help you avoid injury.

Lets say you do not care for classes there are many exercises that you can do from home using just simple hand weights will do just fine, and there are many strength exercises that require no equipment like the simple pushup. Find a DVD to follow along to help you with your exercise. A good program to follow will help keep you on track, motivated and more likely to do the exercises correctly without injuring yourself.

Many people go to the gym to lift weights. Typical regimens include alternating days of upper body work with lower body work. For example, on Monday and Thursday you might work your upper body, while on Tuesday and Friday you might work your lower body. This gives the muscles time to repair and grow between workouts. The days off are critical in the time your body needs for muscle recovery. During this recovery period is when your muscle structure develops and grows...its your body's way of saying "Hey I need to be read for the next time that physical event happens. - 31525

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The Potential Negative Side Effects Of Creatine And Glutamine In The Physique

By Christian James

There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your physique. Today many sportsmen and body builders turn to supplements to improve their performance in as quick a time as possible. Studies have shown that energy levels can be enhanced and stamina increased. If you are thinking of trying supplements then it wise to know about the potential negative side effects of creatine and glutamine, which are both commonly used as ingredients.

Today one of the most widely used fitness supplements is creatine. This is known to have an effect of increasing body mass and muscle size. Another useful property is that it can often shorten the time needed to recover from a workout. As with any supplement there will be side effects.

It can cause the muscles to retain water which can lead to dehydration. The mass the body puts on will not just be muscle, you will feel a lot bulkier even after a week. Other negative consequences may include diarrhoea, bloating, and gas.

If you are a regular visitor to a gym you may have heard about glutamine. This is an amino acid; it occurs in your muscles naturally and also helps to maintain the body's immune system. People who enjoy intense and frequent workouts may have found use for glutamine. If you lead a busy life you may not have time to consume the correct diet. Glutamine can help to keep your body healthy and increase your stamina.

When taking glutamine and working out it is important to ensure that you maintain the correct water intake. Your body may require a greater amount of hydration than normal.

Body building supplements are best used over the short term. As with any medication prolonged use can lead to dependency and harm. - 31525

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Mind and Muscle, Do Supplements Build Muscle or Does Your Mind?

By Klint Newton

Mind and Muscle and the Supplement Placebo Effect Back during World War II, the medics and hospitals would often run out of painkillers and would give their patients the latest and greatest painkiller, peace of mind.

Sometimes they would inject the soldiers with what they were told to be morphine, but was actually a healthy dose of saline solution, or saltwater. The good news is that, when injected with the "morphine," most of the soldiers' pain would vanish, at least temporarily.

Why Does It Work? The medics weren't being deceiving, they were doing what they had to do, and it worked. They were taking advantage of the Placebo Effect. The Placebo Effect works because it activates the brain, changing it's psychological or physiological functioning. The soldiers thought they were receiving a pain killer, which they knew killed pain on contact, but they were actually shot with saltwater. The effect was the same, it killed the pain, at least on a short term basis. The basic reason this works is because your brain controls your body, and your mind and thoughts can control your brain.

Building Muscle With The Placebo Effect The placebo effect is used generously in the supplement industry. The fact is, most supplements don't really have any real active ingredients, or don't have very much, that would help you build muscle. Some supplements are like the soldiers' "morphine," it's just a shot of something else that gets carried straight out of the body. Some supplements actually contain some active ingredient, but not enough to really take credit for your muscle growth.

Most muscle gaining hopefuls don't simply walk into a store and purchase any flashy tub of powder they see. They usually make "informed" decisions based upon what they've read in magazines or heard from others. In most cases, when someone starts taking a dietary supplement for the first time, it's a leap of faith. They are using the supplement for one simple reason, because they believe it will work.

The belief that it will work is the main factor here. When someone really believes in something, with no doubt, amazing things can occur, even in the body. By thinking and believing that a supplement will build muscle, it just might. The brain takes your thoughts as instructions and because of your strong belief, it goes about making what you believe happen. It has to.

The belief that the supplement will build muscle, with all else staying the same, is enough to spark muscle growth, but the thing is, how many people get on a supplement and do the same things? Stay with me here, the answer is, not very many. Most folks drink "Miracle 2000" and kick their training up a clicks. Most people will improve their training and their nutrition and recovery.

Time To Take Credit Think about this, if you didn't take the supplement, but ramped up the training, would you gain muscle? Yes you would, so supplements aren't necessary for building muscle. Too many people give all of the credit to the supplement, its time to take the credit. The supplement didn't lift the weight, you did. The chances are high that the supplement didn't really do anything, except for the placebo effect. Some supplements are worth taking, but if you don't have the proper foundation, they won't do you any good.

These are a few examples of what you can do to start easing off of the supplements:

1. Slowly stop using whatever you want to quit and see your results not slip, but actually believe that they will improve. Use the placebo effect for your advantage.

2. Remember that you are lifting the weight and doing the work, not the supplement. You need to take the credit.

3. Believe in yourself and your muscle building abilities. A belief in your supplements to build muscle does it, believing in yourself will work even better.

Now you can use the placebo effect to your advantage and use your mind and muscle connection to build muscle. - 31525

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How To Do A Bench Press

By Klint Newton

The bench press is the squat of the pectoralis, or pecs, muscle group. Squats are considered by most bodybuilding authorities to be the best exercise for building the thighs or quadriceps. The bench press is considered by most authorities to be the best exercise for building up the chest, or pecs. This article will explain to you how to perform a proper and safe bench press.

Preparing:

I'm going to assume that your equipment is in proper condition and working properly. Lay on the bench with the end with the bar at your head. Place your upper back and butt flat on the bench. When lowering the bar to your chest, make sure you are positioned so that it won't hit the supports.

First grasp the bar shoulder width apart. If your grip is wider then you will place more demand on your pecs, but you will also place more demand on your shoulder joints. The narrower your grip your triceps will be worked more. You will need to practice a few times to find out the right positioning on the bar for you. Now without using any weight I want you to slowly lower the bar to your chest. Now very controlled, raise the bar until a near full extension. Now practice this a few times to feel the correct motion.

Execution:

Load some weight on the bar, and make sure to keep it even. If you put a 10lb plate on one side, put the same amount on the other side. Just as practiced, grab the bar above you with a grip that is most natural to you. This grip will be at least 12inches apart, but no more than 6 inches greater than shoulder width apart. Now with the help of your spotter, slowly lift the bar to the starting position. Make sure to have the weight steady and still before lowering. Now slowly lower the bar to your chest, taking about four seconds to lower the weight. Let the bar slightly touch your chest. Once it does, press the bar back up to the starting position, taking about 2 seconds to lift the bar. Repeat this lift for the desired amount of reps.

The bench press is a fundamental exercise that all bodybuilders and weight trainees should be familiar with. Keep up the great work and great form, and with practice, you will notice your weight increasing month after month. - 31525

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The Most Effective Muscle Building Routine

By Pat Summers

Many people who begin working out at the gym simply don't know what they're supposed to do. I've seen so many people jumping from machine to machine, without any real inclination as to which muscles are being worked out in the process. A solid plan will make a world of a difference though.

While my tips will definitely set you off in the right direction, this in and of itself won't be enough to make a difference. The real results will come from your consistent dedication when it comes to working these muscles.

However, following a steady workout plan can go a very long way toward building your body proportionally in a way that brings great results. Let's look at the muscle groups that you'll need to work out.

I always like to start my workout rotation with one that focuses on the chest. Exercises like bench press and push-ups both benefit the chest, and you'll see some great results as far as your overall build is concerned.

Many people enjoy building their chest muscles, and they already see the value in doing so. The back muscles are neglected more often though, and they shouldn't be. These are just as important as the chest muscles.

Don't forget about working out your shoulders either. While some back and chest exercises may incorporate your shoulder muscles, you'll want to have a workout that's dedicated to your shoulders.

Did you know that there are two major muscle groups in your upper arms? There are the biceps on the front of your arm, and the triceps in the back. Don't forget about either one of these.

Many people neglect the legs, but they're absolutely critical if you're looking for the maximum results. Not only do they help the rest of your body to grow more easily, but you'll look funny if you simply work your upper body.

Some people also want to sculpt their abdominal muscles, and end up doing sit-ups and crunches regularly. Feel free to do this if a flat stomach is on your list of priorities. - 31525

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Best Strategy for Buying Home Fitness Equipments

By Ethan O. Tanner

There are a hundred lots of home fitness equipment nowadays that are sold in the market. Do not make the mistake in buying something and then regretting why you bought it after a day or two. Home fitness equipments vary and you should always have one good reason to buy it. Don't believe on everything commercials tell you about the equipment. Some equipment may seem easy to use on television but n fact will not really work for you

The equipment should suit your interests and needs. The activities that you will do with that equipment should be challenging and something to enjoy on. Buying equipment is never a guarantee that you will use it especially if it is something new that makes it harder to use. Make sure that you already know the equipment and that it is something that you already tried in a fitness club. Start from buying small equipments that are aligned to your interests.

Do not be fooled away with the thought that you'll be forced to use something because you spent immoderate money for it. Pricey equipments are never an assurance that you'll use them or that they're efficient for you. Always consider how much you are willing to pay for certain equipment. Likewise ask yourself whenever it is worth it. Always assure on the quality before you buy equipment. The price may be too cheap but consider that the quality can also be low. Or it may be unaffordable but then the quality isn't that good. You'll be able to try choosing on cheaper alternatives but not sacrificing the quality of the equipment.

You may as well would like to check over few used equipments. Most of the time, these are the place where you find a better deal. You are able to even retrieve equipments that don't seem to have been in use at a very low rate. Or you'll be able to find the equipment 3 months old but the price is almost half the original. Places to seek the used equipment like the Craig's list or local yard sale.

Having enough space is often what buyers forget to consider. Try to consider first where to place a treadmill before buying it. Before you buy something, make sure you know where you will place it. Your place may not accommodate the equipment. Plan ahead and make sure that the equipment can be placed in your home without causing any hassle.

Your wellness is an important consideration. If you've existing conditions, make certain to check with your doctor to make a point that the equipment will be safe for you. A few equipment may be painful to use and might cause harm to your body. So make sure to try it first be fore you buy it.

It also suggested that you first consider if a gymnasium near you already has that equipment. You are able to save money by just registering to that gym and use that equipment compared the price you'll spend if you will buy that product.

Buying fitness equipments should be bought with prudence and deliberation. Conduct your time to do your research and you'll arrive at a sound decision. Do not bargain by impulse. Always ask the thought of a professional gym instructor before you buy something. - 31525

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Treat Your Body Well - Get A Personal Trainer

By Martin Hill

Our generation has become increasingly prone to a deficiency of physical activity and its negative effects. Pollution has joined a number of other problems like busy lifestyles and cut-throat competition to pose a health menace around the globe.

On top of this, increasing competition in the corporate world demands that you stay healthy and fit at all times. Thus people of all ages and walks of life are increasingly feeling the urge to incorporate fitness training in their lives.

But fitness programmes are highly specialized and starting one without a professional's guidance and supervision might be counter-productive. Hence it is always recommended to engage a personal trainer who through his qualifications and experience can give the right help and direction.

Personal training can provide the inspiration and pressure that will help in sticking to your exercise and diet plan. Going to the gym is often neglected by people after a tiresome day at office. In times like these, a personal trainer can be very useful. Furthermore, he will have the required talent to chalk out the proper health program for you as per your particular requirements and fitness targets.

Personal trainers are taught to conduct tests and evaluate the exact requirements of every client. Therefore, they can always instruct you and tell you about the areas that you should work on. No two bodies are exactly alike as far as fitness and health are concerned, and no one comprehends this better than a personal training instructor. An average person will not have this knowledge, and trying these things yourself can easily go wrong culminating into injuries. A step-wise progress is essential for a healthy physique, and a personal trainer can assist you figure out these steps.

You don't have to allot time from your busy schedule to go to the gym if you have a personal trainer for yourself. A personal trainer can even come to your place for training if you already have exercise equipment installed at your home.

You can experience a radical difference in your personal and social life after experiencing a fitness programme under the able supervision of a qualified trainer who is determined, focused and patient with you at the same time. One might even go so far as to say that the correct personal trainer holds the key to healthy living in this new age of stress and physical inactiveness. - 31525

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What Does A Personal Trainer Can Offer You?

By Daniel Scarborough

In this generation of sedentary jobs and knowledge based economy, physical activity has taken a backseat, which is not at all a good sign. The rush and competitiveness of modern day living, coupled with the menace of pollution, are causing health standards to rapidly deteriorate.

To add to this, increasing competition in the corporate world demands that you stay healthy and fit at all times. Thus people of all ages and walks of life are increasingly feeling the need to incorporate fitness training in their lives.

However, the field of target oriented fitness routines is a specialized one requiring professional care and expertise. A qualified personal trainer with extensive qualification and knowledge can give the correct instructions in these matters, and hence his services must be availed.

Before personal trainers establish a fitness program, they will conduct a fitness assessment considering your health, medical, and fitness record. They will demand infos about disease record of your family and your personal medical record such as surgical procedures, injuries, or any medication. They will also want to recognize your lifestyle information including your experiences with exercise, your current workout program, and how many hours per day you sleep and sit as well as any concerns you have.

Personal training can motivate and even force a person to scrupulously follow a fitness plan without any breaks. Very often a long day in the office saps all your energy to the extent that you don't feel the urge to go to the gym for a work out. At such times, a personal trainer can be very useful. In addition, he will know precisely what health schedule would fit you best, keeping your fitness needs and expectations in mind.

Personal trainers are taught to conduct tests and assess the precise requirements of every customer. Hence they can provide you with the right guidance and focus on the specific areas you need to work upon. Personal training is all about recognising the individual requirements of the body and customizing the program accordingly. A normal person might exercise out of unawareness and this might result in tiredness or even serious physical problems. A step by step progress is essential in any fitness programme, and personal training can help you identify these phases.

Another advantage of having a personal trainer, particularly if you are a professional who has a tight schedule to maintain, is that you can even do away with having to go to the gym. A personal trainer can even set up time with you and happily visit your place if you have the essential exercise machines at your home.

A qualified trainer possessing the right mindset and ready to help you with focus, politeness and dedication can drastically change both your private and public life. Actually, it will not be an overstatement to say that in today's age, the secret to healthy living is simply finding the correct personal trainer. - 31525

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Can Adjustable Dumbbells Replace a Room Full of Equipment?

By Hanif Furqan

The Bowflex Selecttech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells have been engineered to solve an issue that the majority of home fitness junkies believed was unsolvable. The majority of folks who exercise at home have tied up a lot of storage space and cash towards piles of weighted discs and bars. These clunky pieces of equipment won't be especially appealing, nor will they be simple to reposition or store. Weights aren't too useful if you just have one size, though. So what other alternatives are there?

Bowflex has developed a type of adjustable dumbbells made to take care of the storage challenge. Imagine a specially made stand which stores a collection of heavy discs in a certain arrangement. Then imagine a creatively devised housing which resembles a dumbbell and will fit on top of the discs. The housing incorporates a dial at an end of it that works like a combination lock. An individual measurement on this dial matches a certain group of the aforementioned weighted discs. As an illustration, if you turn the dial to 20 lbs, the housing will lock in the needed set of discs which, when combined, weigh a perfectly balanced 20 lbs. The unneeded discs are released by the housing. When you lift the housing from the stand, the remaining discs remain in the stand, so you just lift a 20lb dumbbell. What you have been reading about is Bowflex's adjustable dumbbell.

Bowflex Selecttech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells can adjust between 10lb and 90lb, which is the reason that they handily take the place of 17 separate pairs of dumbbells. Now then, how much of the floor would they clear off in your spare room? Once you understand the kind of space these ingeniously made dumbbells can save, you will probably ask the next obvious question: it storage space their lone benefit? The simple answer is; they have a few more benefits.

Since SelectTech adjustable dumbbells are abel to be adjusted with one quick motion, you can switch from pectoral raises to shrugs without having to pick up different weights or break down and re-stack discs. You simply replace the dumbbell in a specialized stand, move the dial to your preferred weight, and pick up the dumbbell again. Bowflex's adjustable dumbbells enable you to increase or decrease the weight in 5lb increments, so you can gradually step up the weight as your physical conditioning advances.

An additional selling point is the housing containing the individual discs and thwarts them from slipping or slapping together as the dumbbells are being moved. Yes, those compact and easy to use adjustable dumbbells are even quiet to exercise with.

Bowflex has designed the first adjustable dumbbells that are compact, convenient, and quiet. Do you need another motive to go find some? Fine, then, here it is; these SelectTech adjustable dumbbells are less expensive than the full range of dumbbells they replace. Normally, products which incorporate the top of the line fitness technology will be high-priced. However, seeing as SelectTech dumbbells need a smaller amount of materials than the number of weights they take the place of, the Bowflex Selecttech 552 could probably sell for less than a normal set of weights.

If you are serious about working out, freeing up space, saving time, and keeping your money, the only sensible action to take is to identify your neighborhood Bowflex outlet and ask them about these adjustable dumbbells. - 31525

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Build Muscle Fast with the Right Amount of Reps

By Klint Newton

How Many Reps Should I Do? Many people ask this question, and there are as many answers to this question as there are people asking it. One expert will tell you one rep scheme will produce mass gains, and that no other scheme will work. The next expert will tell you that you need to do a completely different amount of reps to gain mass, and that any other amount of reps will not produce favorable results.

With so many ideas how do you know what's right? I'll give you the scientific facts, and you can decide for yourself.

Different rep schemes concentrate on different parts within the muscle structure, and different muscle types. To keep it simple, let's say there are basically two different types of muscle fibers, fast and slow twitch. We will also say there are three different types of rep schemes.

1. Low reps (3-5), very heavy weight (88-93% of 1RM)

2. Medium reps (6-8), moderate weight (84-88% of 1RM)

3. Many Reps (15-25), light weight (60-70% of 1RM)

#1 is for gaining power. It should be noted that doing this type of rep scheme is intended to build strength, not size. This is how a person can be small but much stronger than someone who has 50 pounds more muscle mass. Generally a muscle needs at least 36 seconds of continuous tension to stimulate the need for growth. Since the weight is so heavy, these reps should be done quickly and explosively without losing form, although the move will actually be quite slow.

The middle scheme is for recruiting fast twitch fiber growth which builds muscle mass as well as strength. This kind of set should be performed slower than the first set. You will lower the weight in four seconds while lifting in two. This combination of time and lifting weight within 84 and 88 percent of your 1 rep max will stimulate muscle growth.

The last example uses slow twitch fibers, it will increase endurance and aerobic fitness and is much easier to recover from. The reason for an increase in endurance is because of a lactic acid build up in your muscles, which usually fatigues your cardiovascular system before your working muscles.

Now the question would be, What's best? Well, they are all beneficial. The truth is that muscle groups are comprised of Type I and Type II, Slow and Fast twitch muscle. So just as you need to vary your diet, you need to vary your training. When thinking about training, just keep in mind that your fast twitch muscles have the more capability for growth than slow twitch, but your body adapts to heavy, fast twitch fiber stimulating exercise. When your body adapts to your training, it's called a plateau. If you hit a plateau, you need to change your rep scheme and even your exercises for three to four weeks. Also, always strive to use proper form when you lift. Whenever you are unable to lift the weight one more time, with correct form, the set is over.

One of the fundamentals for muscle building success is to have a plan from the start with different rep schemes so that you will be targeting fast and slow twitch muscles how and when you should be. - 31525

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Build Muscle Fast: The Secret to Knowing How Many Reps to Do

By Klint Newton

How Many Reps Should I Do? Many people ask this question, and there are as many answers to this question as there are people asking it. One expert will tell you one rep scheme will produce mass gains, and that no other scheme will work. The next expert will tell you that you need to do a completely different amount of reps to gain mass, and that any other amount of reps will not produce favorable results.

With so many ideas how do you know what's right? I'll give you the scientific facts, and you can decide for yourself.

Basically, different programs target different muscle types as well as different parts of the muscle. Just to keep it simple, let's say there are two types of muscle fibers, fast and slow twitch. Let's also say there are three types of rep schemes.

1. Low reps (3-5), very heavy weight (88-93% of 1RM)

2. Medium reps (6-8), moderate weight (84-88% or 1RM)

3. Many Reps (15-25), light weight (60-70% of 1RM)

The first scheme is designed to gain power. These reps should be done one after the other and explosively through the complete range of motion, without losing your form. This rep scheme will increase power with the heavy weight, low reps, and explosiveness of the lift. It's likely that you will gain strength, but not size with this rep scheme. A muscle needs a minimum of 36 seconds of continuous tension to signal the need for muscle growth. The 3-5 explosive rep scheme does not meet this requirement. This is why you can have a smaller person being able to lift much more, for only a few reps, than someone who is 50 lbs heavier. This type of lift recruits the maximum amount of fast twitch fibers.

The next program is best for building mass along with strength. The weight should be lifted slightly slower than the first example, lowering the weight in four seconds and lifting in two, which passes the 36 second test. If you are using between 84 and 88 percent of your 1 rep max you will be stimulating muscle growth for fast twitch fibers.

The last example uses slow twitch fibers, it will increase endurance and aerobic fitness and is much easier to recover from. The reason for an increase in endurance is because of a lactic acid build up in your muscles, which usually fatigues your cardiovascular system before your working muscles.

So What's the best way? They all have their place. Muscles groups are made up of both fast and slow twitch muscle fiber. Just with almost everything dealing with exercise, you need to mix it up. Your fast twitch fibers have the most potential for growth, but the body becomes used to your intensity of trying to develop fast twitch muscle. If you hit a plateau, I would suggest you go for a few weeks of rep scheme three. One other thing, make sure to use strict, correct form in your movements. Always maintain correct form. When you can't lift another rep with correct form, it's time to end the set.

One of the fundamentals for muscle building success is to have a plan from the start with different rep schemes so that you will be targeting fast and slow twitch muscles how and when you should be. - 31525

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Build Muscle Fast with the Right Amount of Reps

By Klint Newton

How Many Reps Should I Do? Many people ask this question, and there are as many answers to this question as there are people asking it. One expert will tell you one rep scheme will produce mass gains, and that no other scheme will work. The next expert will tell you that you need to do a completely different amount of reps to gain mass, and that any other amount of reps will not produce favorable results.

So who is right? Many are right, and many are wrong. I will lay out the scientific facts, and you can decide for yourself.

Different rep schemes concentrate on different parts within the muscle structure, and different muscle types. To keep it simple, let's say there are basically two different types of muscle fibers, fast and slow twitch. We will also say there are three different types of rep schemes.

1. Low reps (3-5), very heavy weight (88-93% of 1RM)

2. Medium reps (6-8), moderate weight (84-88% or 1RM)

3. Many Reps (15-25), light weight (60-70% of 1RM)

The first scheme is designed to gain power. These reps should be done one after the other and explosively through the complete range of motion, without losing your form. This rep scheme will increase power with the heavy weight, low reps, and explosiveness of the lift. It's likely that you will gain strength, but not size with this rep scheme. A muscle needs a minimum of 36 seconds of continuous tension to signal the need for muscle growth. The 3-5 explosive rep scheme does not meet this requirement. This is why you can have a smaller person being able to lift much more, for only a few reps, than someone who is 50 lbs heavier. This type of lift recruits the maximum amount of fast twitch fibers.

The next program is best for building mass along with strength. The weight should be lifted slightly slower than the first example, lowering the weight in four seconds and lifting in two, which passes the 36 second test. If you are using between 84 and 88 percent of your 1 rep max you will be stimulating muscle growth for fast twitch fibers.

The high rep, low weight program is meant for building endurance and burning fat and primarily targets slow twitch fibers. Your cardiovascular system actually gets tired before your muscles do because of a lactic acid build up in the muscle, this is how you burn fat instead of building muscle mass.

What's best? It depends on what you want. There are two types of muscle fiber, Type I and Type II. They are also referred to as Slow Twitch and Fast Twitch. These muscle fibers usually are found in the bigger muscles like the pecs, biceps, and quads and are made for quick power. Most people focus all of their attention on the fast twitch muscles, as they have more potential for growth than slow twitch fibers. Just remember, your body adapts to your workouts in two to four weeks, so you need to change your rep scheme every few weeks to keep introducing new stimuli to your body. Also, changing up your workouts will eliminate any change of a plateau. Also, be sure to use proper form, and when you can't lift the weight for one more rep, the set is over.

One of the fundamentals for muscle building success is to have a plan from the start with different rep schemes so that you will be targeting fast and slow twitch muscles how and when you should be. - 31525

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What Goes Into An Ergonomically Functional Weight Bench

By Braden Luckas

Knowing the characteristics of a good weight bench will be important when the decision has been made to start weight training with free weights. In fact, studies released recently show a direct link between the lifting of weight and the ability of the body to avoid developing Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, it makes sense to start and also to use quality weight training equipment whenever possible.

Besides a set of barbells, the single most important piece of weight equipment for the home gym -- or for any gym -- is the weight bench. On the marketplace currently there are literally hundreds of these kinds of benches and their quality ranges from very poor to outstanding. Certainly, many benches advertised as good are not even close to being good. In fact, they're very poor.

What should be looked for when it comes to this kind of bench is the quality of its build, its adjustability, how ergonomically functional it is, how durable it is and what its price is. Keep those qualities in mind when shopping for any bench whether on the Internet or at a fitness store or the like. More people have been disappointed by their benches than with any other piece of equipment.

This is why it is never a good idea to go for the most inexpensive weight bench one can find, generally speaking. Consider that one will be laying on it and possibly lifting a lot of weight one day. Risking injury from a weight bench that may collapse isn't very smart. This is why it may make more sense to spend a bit more on a high-quality and very durable bench.

When looking for one, it may be that a very sturdy unit made with a frame made up of steel that can support a great deal of weight is the best way to go. Some of these models can support well over 600 pounds and they don't actually cost much more money than something that is less expensive but cannot come close to supporting that kind of weight. The sturdier a bench is the better.

For those people who are just getting started in weightlifting, it is better to go for a basic bench that can be raised and lowered rather than some sort of specialty bench that promises a lot of other positions but really isn't needed at this time. With a bench that raises and lowers, a wider range of weightlifting positions can be taken. Along with barbells, it's usually about all that's needed.

Just about every exercise expert and weightlifting enthusiast recommends obtaining a bench that is incline-adjustable. Having a bench that isn't able to be adjusted in such a manner is probably a waste of money. With the incline adjustability, there are far more exercises that can be performed then with a bench that is completely flat and cannot be raised or lowered.

For those who are more ambitious, they may want to select a weight bench that has leg extension and leg curl features or that provide them as an accessory that can be attached to the bench. Along with a complete free weight set, the bench and the weights together can provide a powerful, fitness-inducing and muscle building experience that can quickly deliver a wide array of results. - 31525

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