by Bob Howard
When you first begin exercising - no matter whether itís weight training or cardio - your muscles immediately begin to use energy to allow them to work. For the first three minutes of activity, your muscles burn glycogen, the form of sugar stored in the muscles for a quick infusion of energy. During this period fat is not burned. This process is called anaerobic metabolism. During the first few minutes of strenuous activity, especially during anaerobic metabolism, you may experience a burning sensation in the muscles of your arms, legs, or back. This is caused by the accumulation of lactic acid, which is the result of burned glycogen. This burning sensation will soon pass and should not disrupt your workout. Anaerobic metabolism is the main form of energy for activities that require short bursts of power such as sprinting, football, and bodybuilding.
As your exercising continues, your body will eventually burn up all the glycogen stored within the muscles. Your muscles will then move into the aerobic metabolism phase. When this occurs, lactic acid production stops. This occurs because the glycogen is now being burned in the presence of oxygen, which is brought to the muscles by the blood stream. Provided you continue to breath correctly, your system will continually bring oxygen to the muscles. These stores of glycogen are expended after about 20 minutes. The body will then start burning its fat stores as an energy source. Thus, the longer you exercise, the more fat your body will burn.
What this means for you
For optimum health and fat burning, your bodybuilding workouts should consist of both anaerobic training and aerobic training. Weight training will strengthen and build the muscles, as well as boost your metabolism so youíll be burning fat even after you leave the gym. Aerobic exercise such as cardio machines or aerobic classes will both stimulate your cardiovascular systems as well as burn body fat while your doing it.
© Bob Howard 5/5/2006
Bob Howard expert on bodybuilding and steroids. Are you looking for more of his bodybuilding articles? http://www.bodybuildinginformation.com
by Fred Waters
Landice has an excellent reputation for building quality treadmills. These are not your mass merchant specials with 90 day parts and labor warranties. In fact, Landice offers a lifetime warranty on their treadmills, which says something about their durability.
Landice has been selling treadmills for a number of years. Their focus is to build sturdy treadmills with the best components available. The result is machines that are built to last and are capable of taking a beating. Of course, that comes at a price. Their least expensive treadmill starts at $3,100, and their commercial grade models top off at $5,000. Letís just say, you donít want these treadmills to end up as clothes racks.
So what do you get for your money?
As mentioned, Landice utilizes the best components available for treadmills. For example, they equip their machines with 3.0 hp continuous duty Baldor motors. These motors are monsters in comparison to most treadmill motors. There are a number of companies that claim their treadmills have 3.0 hp motors, but if you were to compare them to the Baldor motor there would be a noticeable difference in the size. This powerful motor assures that the treadmill will run at even the highest speeds without straining.
Landice uses a 4-ply treadbelt, the majority of competitors use 2-ply. Although costing significantly more, this 4-ply belt provides twice the strength of a 2-ply belt. It also adds additional cushioning to reduce impact.
Another quality component that Landice installs are 2.5î rollers. These are the same rollers used in the best commercial treadmills. The larger the roller diameter the less tension required on the treadbelt, since the roller has more surface area to grab the belt. Decreased tension means decreased friction and longer life on belts, motor, bearings and the rollers themselves.
As you can see these treadmills are built to institutional standards, in fact Landice has over 20,000 treadmills placed in health clubs around the world. And unlike every other fitness manufacturer that builds treadmills, Landice only produces treadmills. They are not also building, elliptical trainers, strength machines and stationary bicycles. Their focus is solely treadmills.
Who should buy a Landice treadmill?
Individuals who are going to abuse a treadmill. Weíre talking serious runners, including competitors and marathon runners. These treadmills are ideal for people who push their equipment to the limit.
Landice Receives ìBest Buyî Recommendations
In the past Landice has received a top pick from one of the most popular consumer rating magazine. Landice has also received a number of ìBest Buyî ratings. Treadmill Doctor states, "An incredibly solid treadmill. Some cheaper treadmills may be better for some people but if you’re serious, this is a serious machine."
Menís Fitness Magazine had these comments on the Landice L7 Executive Trainer: ìIf you want the best - and can afford it - the L7 is the bad boy.î
If you want a treadmill that can withstand strenuous use, then you should consider Landice. They are built to last and may just out last you.
Fred Waters worked in the treadmill industry for a number of years, and is the author of the Treadmill Rating and Review site. Check out all of his Landice Treadmill Reviews, and see how they compare.
by Foras Aje
We live in a sound-byte age where our daily demands leave us with little time for exercise, at least in the mornings when it may perhaps be most efficient.
However, Yoga offers a systematic combination of poses, deep breathing and meditation that you could practice in 5-10 minutes-or less depending on your choice-and will also leave you invigorated and eager to step into the day feeling more energized.
So what is this quick routine I am talking about? It is known as the Sun Salutations.
They are very simple to learn and just about anyone, regardless of their fitness or flexibility levels can learn these simple exercises. In actuality, if you are familiar with ìburpiesî (the calisthenics exercise), they do derive their origin from them.
Besides being an exercise routine, they are quite indispensable as they do the following.
-They alleviate disorders of the skin and waist.
-They mildly exercise the legs and arms at the same time increasing the circulation and restoring flexibility to the limbs.
-They are one of the best ways to burn calories and reduce weight and are often recommended for obesity and depression.
-They are an effective way of loosening up, stretching and massaging all joints and internal organs of the body.
-They stimulate and balance all the systems of the body including the endocrine, circulatory, reproductive and digestive system.
For directions on how to perform them, study, memorize and practice the following:
1. Stand straight with the palms together as in a prayer position.
2. Inhale and stretch the arms above the head.
3. Exhale and bend forward while touching the toes.
4. Inhale and stretch the right leg away from the body in a big backward step and keep the hands and left foot firmly on the ground. Bending the head backward the left knee should be between the hands.
5. Inhale and hold the breath. Move the left leg from the body and, keeping both feet together and the knees of the floor, rest on the hands (arms straight) and keep the body in a straight line from head to foot.
6. Exhale and lower the body to the floor. In this position, only 8 portions of the body come in contact with the floor: the two feet, two knees, two hands, chest and forehead.
7. Inhale and bend back as much as possible bending the spine to the maximum.
8. Exhale and lift the body of the floor. Keep the feet and heels on the floor.
9. Inhale and bring the right foot along the level of the hands; left foot and knee should touch the ground. Look up, bending the spine slightly (same position as #4)
10. Exhale and bring the left leg forward. Keep the knees straight and bring the head down to the knees as in the third position.
11. Raise the arms overhead and bend backward inhaling. As in Position 2.
12. Exhale and drop the arms and relax.
You have now completed one round.
Perform as many rounds as possible in multiples of 3. Ideally you want to aim for 6 rounds minimum and up to a maximum of 30. It only takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your speed and intensity and is best practiced with as little clothing as possible before an open air window first thing in the morning.
So when youíve got little time to spare but need to be energized the way perhaps only physical exercise can, why not try the Sun Salutations. Your body will be glad you did and so will your mind.
Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com For more Yoga tips and information on Yoga for beginners, stop by his website today.
RSS Site FEED
