The Atkins Diet

By Cliff Pape

There are many different diet plans that have emerged of time but few have been as popular as The Atkins Diet. During the 1990s, The Atkins Diet exploded as a major diet fad, but calling it a fad would be a very poor classification. Whether or not the diet is popular is irrelevant, what is important is whether or not the diet plan will work. And this diet can definitely work and deliver great results.

Contrary to what some assume, The Atkins Diet did not first emerge in the 1990s. It first appeared in the 1970s and was popular for a short while until its re-emergence in the 1990s. This diet derived from the discoveries of Dr. Robert Atkins. Atkins was a physician who was himself suffering from obesity.

Based on his research, Atkins felt that one of the most common causes of obesity was not the concept of eating high fat or calorie diets. Instead, it was the presence of excess carbs in the diet that was the culprit for obesity. In, 1972, he wrote the bestseller, The Atkins Diet Revolutions, but the revolution was short lived until it came back in the 1990s. Perhaps it was the lack of publicity that led to its demise in the 1970s. Thankfully, it returned and many have been strongly using it.

How do carbs cause weight gain? Carbs are one of the three main components that make the food we eat, the other two being fat and protein. The prime purpose of carbs is to provide your body with energy. When you do not have carbs when you expend energy, your body turns to stored fat as the source. This means when you cut out carbs, your body will burn fat effectively.

Also, carbohydrates lead to the body raising its insulin levels. Insulin will promote the storage of body fat and when you have lower insulin levels, it becomes a lot less difficult to maintain excess body fat. So, when you are on The Atkins Diet, the potential to shed excess weight is greatly enhanced.

Beginning The Atkins Diet, you enter into the induction stage. This is when you eliminate the body of all carbs completely. You pretty much eat no carbs other than a tiny amount derived from veggies or fruits for several days to weeks to allow the body to metabolize your stored fat. Once your weight goal is reached, you can increase your carb intake to the point where it maintains your current weight.

What if you start to gain weight? You simply return to the induction stage and cut out your carbs in order to expand your ability to shed weight again.

Yes, The Atkins Diet involves a relatively simple concept but it is an extremely effective one. That is why it is so popular and will remain so for quite some time. Consider it one of the very best diets available to those looking to lose stubborn weight. - 31828

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Myths Revolving Muscle Building

By Rowena Antonio

1 - If you stick to a low fat diet, you can eat as much as you want without getting fat.

If you surpass your energy needs, you will still get fat. However, consuming a diet high in fat will add the weight faster. Fat has nine calories per gram compared to carbohydrates or proteins, which have 4 calories per gram. It also takes fewer calories to absorb the energy in fat than it does to absorb a similar quantity of carbohydrates by weight. Therefore, fat calories get stored more readily than calories from carbohydrates. However, carbohydrates and proteins have calories too. Hence, taking in too much of these will also get you fat.

2 - For you to get big, you will need to eat a lot of calories.

There is no doubt that you will pack on the pounds if your diet is loaded with calories. However, you will just deposit the excess calories in the form of fat, unless you are that rare individual with super high metabolism. Research proves that sixty five percent of the new tissue you gain through high calorie diets is mostly fatty tissue. Fifteen percent is intracellular liquid, whereas, the other twenty percent comes from lean muscle growth.

Therefore, if your desire is to get large, lean-muscles, then very-high-calorie meals are not for you.

Making sure that protein does not break down seems to be the most applicable element in determining muscle growth. Research has found that build-up of fatty tissue through over-eating may actually stimulate muscle breakdown. Moreover, additional fat has a drastic affect on your hormonal balance. For instance, insulin, which regulates the separation of the protein components into amino acids in the human body, is unable to function properly when overeating is continuously practiced.

3 - You do not need steroids to get as huge as the models and professionals in bodybuilding magazines.

Companies that sell bodybuilding supplements support many magazines. Therefore, they have to imply that you can get big without taking steroids. However, all professional bodybuilders use steroids or steroids in combination with other growth-enhancing drugs. It is not likely to get that scale of muscularity and the paper-thin skin without manipulating hormones.

Do not use this as an excuse to give up on your bodybuilding goal. Some key aspects to keep in mind when trying to change your figure are plenty of rest, eating properly and training correctly.

One thing to remember about bodybuilding at the competitive level is that steroids are almost always a necessity. However, it is entirely possible to get the type of physique that will bring respect and admiration from both sexes.

4 - You will build muscle faster if you workout more.

Ninety five percent of pros will recount that the largest bodybuilding blunder they made was to over-train. Your muscles need to rest in order for them to heal. Therefore, when you workout your muscles too frequently that they do not have time to heal, the end-result is zero growth or muscle loss. When you are using the appropriate measure of intensity, training everyday will lead to flagrant over straining. Any body part worked to total, muscular failure may take 5-10 days to regenerate.

You can also over train, even if you are working a different part of the body each day. You will actually inhibit your muscle growth progress if, for example, you work your quadriceps to failure one-day and then try to do some heavy bench presses the next day. Your entire body fails to regenerate from the blow that it has experienced.

The body cannot be counted upon to regenerate from an equally fierce workout the following day, unless you are ingesting some drugs to help deal with the catabolic operations going on in your body. Accept rest as a priceless part of your exercise program.

5 - Workout longer with more sets to get better results.

Research has shown that it is possible to thoroughly fatigue a muscle in just one set, granted that the set consolidates innumerable muscle fibers and carries them to ischemic rigor (rather than relax and contract, the muscle fibers harden) and more contraction produces microscopic tearing. Hypertrophy is just one adaptation to this class of stress.

It is possible to attain this intensity level with breakdown or drop sets. Do all your reps, lessen the weight and then keep going for as long as you can. Another way is to get the maximum number of repetitions, then do 10 more reps to failure. Lock out the weight-bearing joint but do not lay down the weight. This is one way to take a short rest. Conclusion: completely exceed your energy and discomfort thresholds.

There is very little benefit to repeating another set if you work your muscles with the intensity described above. An exception to this rule is to work on large parts of the body that have distinct geographical areas, such as the chest, legs or back. - 31828

How Personal Trainers Can Benefit You

By Mark Walters

Few people exercise enough, even though they are fully aware that it is a necessary part of living a healthy lifestyle. There are various reasons, excuses if you like, for this this, but they can all be overcome if you are really serious about improving your health, fitness and / or body shape.

If you are someone who has tried and failed in the past to stick to your exercise targets, then maybe now is the time to seek assistance in the form of a personal trainer. These exercise professionals will look at why you have not succeeded in the past, and will come up with a fitness regime that will help you achieve what you want to achieve.

If any of the following apply to you, then hiring a personal trainer is a step that you should seriously consider...

- You lack motivation to exercise 5 days a week.

- You are bored of doing the same exercises over and over again.

- You feel uncomfortable exercising in the presence of others at gyms.

- You do not know how to use exercise equipment.

- You are recovering from illness or injury, and are not sure what exercise you can safely do, or at what intensity.

- You are training for a specific event, such as a marathon, triathlon, or even a fun run.

If you are still unconvinced that you need a personal trainer, maybe that is because you are unsure what exactly it is that they do. There is a common misconception that a personal trainer is just like a gym teacher, who will shout at you and make you do hundreds of press-ups. However, this is not what personal trainers do at all.

See a personal trainer as an exercise buddy, someone who will be there to give you moral support when the going gets tough. Of course, they give you more than just that, but that is essentially what they are, a friend, not a teacher. In addition to moral support, you can also expect them to do the following...

- Set achievable goals for you to achieve within a set period of time.

- Create a fitness plan based upon your experience, abilities and potential.

- Teach you exercises, and show you how to use equipment, that you are not yet aware of.

- Give you feedback on how to improve your technique for the exercises that do you do already know.

- Ensure that you are pushing your body at a level that is safe for you.

You now know why you need a personal trainer, and what you can expect them to do for you, so all that remains is to find out how to choose the right one for you. There are plenty around to choose from, even in relatively small towns but, as with every service, some are considerably better than others. To ensure that you find a good one, ask the following questions...

- What are your qualifications and certifications, and who are they accredited by?

- How long have you been working as a personal trainer for, and can you provide references from your past clients?

- How busy is your schedule, and are you free at times that suit me? - 31828

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How to Build Leg Muscles

By Cliff Pape

Building your leg muscles is very important whether you are body building or just regular daily exercise. Your legs are what helps to support your body weight and allows for you to have balance. While most people focus on the upper body and aim to be more attractive, they often neglect the lower body muscles. An in proportioned muscle mass is to very attractive for anyone to look at. The best way for you to gain this leg muscle is by doing good old fashion exercises. There are also a number of different ways for you to get the muscle mass that you desire.

It is important to know what muscles are in your legs that need to be developed. These muscles are the hamstrings, gluteus, calves and quadriceps. These muscles are important because they actually have control over the different movement actions with your legs and joints.

One of the firsts things you need to remember in muscle gain is eating healthy, well-balanced meals several times daily. This doesn't mean to pig out, but to eat fresh, natural foods. You also want to include high protein foods as well as avoiding any types of junk food, alcohol, and skipping meals.

Walking and running are probably two of the easiest and best ways to build leg muscle. These are exercises that need to be done for at least 30 minutes or more. Doing this is not something that is hard to do and can be done at anytime during the day, preferably more than once a day. If you think that you do not have time for an extended period for a walking or running session, then try walking to the corner store instead of driving or park further back in the parking lot of your local grocery store. Participating in high energy sports like soccer or football will also help in your goal.

One of the most popular exercises to gain leg muscle is doing squats. The for this is because you can do large amounts of weight while working out three of the four muscles in your legs. These muscles being your hamstrings, quadriceps, and buttocks.

Other exercises that focus on leg muscle development are leg extensions, leg presses, calf raises and leg curls. When doing these exercises, make sure that you do not over do it and cause any injury to your legs or joints. Doing small repetitions at different timed intervals will be very rewarding towards your efforts. If you are going to be doing the squat exercises, always be cautious and have a spotter close by in case the weight load gets to much to bear or help you with any other issues that you may have. - 31828

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Tips On How To Loose Weight The Right Way

By Mariah Price

Meticulous planning, patience and sticking to a prescribed schedule are all needed to get that slim figure, which is free of extra body fat. You cannot think of shortcuts when you decide upon slimming, so you have to proceed with earnest effort towards a clear target, and under appropriate guidance.

Weight loss programs are mostly simple in nature, but a daily exercise schedule has to be complemented with a healthy and well-balanced diet. Listing foods to be avoided, foods to be consumed mostly, and foods to be consumed in limited quantities can be an excellent way to properly begin a diet program. The purpose here is to adopt controlled eating, with only as much intake as is essential for healthy sustenance.

The perfect diet must focus heavily on protein-rich foods, green vegetables, and home-made preparations. However, eating foods with lots of sugar or saturated fats must be always avoided. Labels mentioning constituents and nutritional value are pasted to most food products sold in the supermarket these days. Never fail to read these labels prior to buying food articles. Moreover, there are some food items that are notorious for very high calorie content and negligible nutrition, such as junk food, and these must be avoided.

It is also very important to workout daily to enhance muscle mass and burn more fat. Outdoor activities like cycling, basketball, and tennis can always be indulged in, as they offer exercise for the complete body. To make sure that your motivation does not diminish you must pick a partner who is on a similar schedule as yours and can take part with you in all these sports activities.

Each person's body structure is different, which implies that a weight management program must be specifically tailored. Hiring a personal instructor is usually useful as he will be able to prepare a suitable program for you and help you follow your program. A personal instructor is very much needed if you have not found a companion for the program.

Weight management programs may not yield instant results bodily, but are very effective right from the start, as they help in creating a sense of good health and in lowering levels of stress and worries. Although after some time you will start noticing that it is helping you to fulfil your dream of attaining an ideal and shapely figure. If you abide by a balanced program, the advantages that you get will not go away, if you stick to your schedule without long breaks. - 31828

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Yoga For Beginners Yoga Classes

By Adriana Noton

One of the best things you can do for your body and mind is start practicing yoga. Perhaps you have heard about its many benefits. Yoga has many physical and psychological benefits that you will begin to notice right away. If you have never tried it, it is easy to get started. Search your local yellow pages and newspapers for yoga for beginners yoga classes. Classes are taught at many gyms, recreation centers and spas among other places. People you know may teach them at their homes.

Joining a yoga class is a first step toward better health and mental well-being. The things yoga can do for you are seemingly endless. It truly does affect your entire body, from head to toe.

Yoga builds muscles and keeps them strong and toned. It improves posture, balance and flexibility. Breathing is easier and more efficient. This leads to increased productivity of the body's inner goings-on. This includes important functions like those of the immune system and digestive system. Blood circulation is improved which minimizes health issues like high cholesterol and high blood sugar. Stress is cleared away which of course has an overall positive effect on the entire body.

The stress relief will aid back, neck and shoulder pain. It will reduce muscle soreness and stiffness. Without this extra tension, your mind and body are more relaxed. The brain is able to work more quickly and efficiently. Concentration will improve.

The first thing you will learn form yoga is that the body is one complete unit. Every part of it is connected to every other part. One thing cannot function without affecting all the other parts. If you experience stress in one finger, it will have a negative impact on the whole hand. When that stress is relieved, the hand will feel that relief.

Relieving stress and tension is one of the basics taught in yoga classes. This will start with correcting the breathing. Proper breathing leads to better utilization of oxygen and will have an immediate effect on your entire body. Just after a few breathing exercises, you will feel better than before.

In addition to breathing, you will learn the fundamentals of stretching and balance. Every single muscle in your body can and should be stretched. This not only increases flexibility, but it also builds muscles and makes them prime to getting stronger. When muscles are stronger, balance is better. With correct balance, breathing is optimized and muscles get more toned. This is all a circle and demonstrates just how connected every part of the body is! As one thing improves, everything improves.

When the body is working properly, the state of mental well-being is higher. Saying good-bye to stress and tension improves circulation. The heart and lungs are bigger and stronger and so is the brain. The mind is sharper and more alert.

This is just a glimpse at what there is to gain from yoga. You will find yourself more in tune with your body and at a higher state of self-awareness. Don't be shy about joining yoga for beginners yoga classes. People will usually be open and and supportive and make you feel welcome. - 31828

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An Easy Way To Follow a Low Fat Diet

By Cliff Pape

So many people start diets and then end up failing on them for various reasons. One of the worst things you can do for yourself is to lie to yourself or to set too high of expectations. When you try to convince yourself that dieting will be easy, you will most likely find yourself giving up quickly because changing the diet that you are used to is hard. You also want to realize that in order to maintain a healthy balanced life, you want to continue with your low fat diet for the rest of your life. Basically, this is not a "diet" but rather a lifetime change.

You also want to make sure that you are not trying to convince yourself that you are going to suddenly drop fifty pounds in a couple of weeks and that you are going to look like a super model. When you have extremely high and unrealistic expectations, you will find yourself sorely disappointed when you realize that nothing is coming together the way you had hoped.

Once you begin your low fat diet, you want to go through your house and toss any and all foods that are bad for you. This is a change that the entire family should embrace. After all, it is not just your health that is important. In addition, it can be difficult to stick to a low fat diet if you have sugary foods sitting all around you. Another thing you will want to do is to make sure that you are closely watching your portion sizes. Many people have slowly increased their portion sizes and even the restaurants have followed suit. Just because someone serves you a serving that is equal to three servings, even though they call it one serving, does not mean that you have to eat it.

You will also want to get a support group together. Having someone in your life that you can lean on for support is vital. This could be friends or family, it could also be a group of people from an online community who are trying to lose weight or eat healthy. Who ever your support group is, they need to understand what you are going through and be there to support you.

Also make sure that you are drinking a lot of water. The water will help curb your cravings for sweets and it will help control your hunger urges. Since the water is also good for flushing toxins out of your body and clearing your skin, it is something that you will not want to do without. - 31828

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