Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Benefits of Aerobic Activity

The Benefits of Aerobic Activity
Aerobics has been the traditional form of working out for
so many years that now many people are trying to get away
from it because they are either bored of it or think these
fad exercises are more effective. Of course change is very
important in an exercise regime because the moment you get
bored with your exercise routine you have no motivation to
do it and therefore you stop working out eventually. There
are so many different types of aerobic activities today to
choose from that you are bound to find one you like and
even several you can alternate between.

Aerobic activity which is integrated into a workout class
is perhaps one of the best ways to experience aerobics.
When you are in a class with others who are feeling just as
nervous and reluctant as you this can actually increase
your motivation and with an instructor guiding you there is
no time to back out once the class has started. If you find
you get started and then quit after only a few minutes than
taking a class would be great for you.

Some of the benefits aerobic activity can produce for you
include:

Increased heart rate Enhances your body's energy levels and
delivers more oxygen to the muscles Heart beats faster and
increases the blood flow to your muscles and then back to
your lungs

Aerobics literally means "with oxygen" and your body's
aerobic system is you heart, lungs and blood vessels. The
main benefit of aerobic activity is how well your body can
deliver oxygen to your muscles and use it for energy.
Therefore aerobic activity increases your ability to
transport and take in that oxygen to ultimately increase
your cardio abilities.

A good aerobic activity such as a step class or even just
plain cardio can help you live a longer and healthier life.
The key to any aerobic activity is making it fun for
yourself because these benefits are something we all need
to experience in our lives. To get the best results of any
aerobic activity is to participate with moderate to low
intensity levels in short durations are first and then
increase your durations, not your intensity, as you feel
yourself progressing. Keeping a lower workout intensity is
the key way to see the wieght loss results you are looking
for.

The best way to stay motivated during any type of aerobic
activity is to listen to your favorite music, educational
books on tape and try to watch your favorite televisions
shows to keep your mind occupied before it tries to slow
you down. You will find with nothing to distract you, the
longer you work out the easier it will become to want to
quit early but by listening to music or watching television
your mind is focussed on something else.

Aerobics can actually increase your mood, make you feel
more energized, helps you maintain your weight and even
keep your blood sugar low. With so many different benefits
it is hard to understand why people do not want to
participate in aerobics. With so many negative influences
in our society today when all it takes is a short duration
of an aerobic exercise to improve your fitness levels,
maintan your weight and more, why not?

Check out your gym or even the workout DVDs you can buy for
home and find one you think you will enjoy doing on a
regular basis of up to 4 times per week but no less than 3
times a week. Once you have a routine down you will find it
much easier to stick with and even enjoy.


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A Lesser Known Mineral, But Potassium Is Vital For Every Single Cell

A Lesser Known Mineral, But Potassium Is Vital For Every Single Cell
Potassium is one of the most important minerals for human
health, playing an essential role in maintaining the
correct electro-chemical balance in cells and the proper
functioning of cell membranes. This role makes potassium
vital for muscle contraction (including the heart muscle),
the transmission of nerve impulses, the regulation of blood
sugar levels and the synthesis of vital proteins and acids.
The maintenance of proper potassium levels within cells,
particularly in relation to the corresponding levels of
sodium, is consequently crucial for the well-being of the
organism.

Clinical potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) is therefore a
serious and even potentially fatal medical problem.
Fortunately it is hardly ever seen in the generally healthy
population, but has been encountered in alcoholics,
anorexics and bulimics, those taking certain types of
diuretic drug, those suffering from illnesses causing
vomiting or diarrhea, and, believe it or not, those given
to consuming large quantities of licorice.

But although outright hypokalemia is thankfully very rare,
there's evidence that many people obtain insufficient
dietary potassium for optimum health; and that this
insufficiency may expose them to an increased risk of
chronic diseases, including hypertension (high blood
pressure), heart disease, osteoarthritis and even cancer.

Ample evidence of the importance of potassium is provided
by the fact that around a third of the body's at rest
energy expenditure is used in maintaing the potassium/
sodium balance in cells Most people are now familiar with
idea that a high sodium (salt) intake is one of the main
risk factors for the development of high blood pressure, a
serious condition if left untreated, but known as the
"silent killer" because of lack of obvious symptoms. Many
nutritionists now believe, however, that it is not so much
high sodium, but low potassium which may be the real
culprit and a substantial body of research evidence
supports the idea that a diet rich in potassium will indeed
help prevent high blood pressure. The importance of this
should not be underestimated, as high blood pressure is
strongly associated with an increased risk of stroke -
still one of the biggest killers in the West.

It almost goes without saying the that profile of the
modern Western diet is far from helpful in this regard. A
diet high in processed foods is one likely also to be very
high in sodium; and a relatively low consumption of fresh
fruits and vegetables is also likely to mean a relatively
low intake of dietary potassium. It follows, therefore,
that the proportion of sodium to potassium consumed by the
typical modern Westerner is almost certainly far higher
than ever before in human history; and it is not
unreasonable to suppose that that this new imbalance may be
a causative factor in some of the degenerative "diseases of
affluence", sadly so characteristic of modern urban
societies.

By far the best way to ensure an adequate intake of dietary
potassium is to consume a diet rich in fresh fruit and
vegetables; particularly good sources being bananas and
potatoes (in their jackets). Fresh fruit juices, including
tomato and orange, also provide a good supply, as do green
vegetables such as spinach and dried fruits such as
raisins. Soil depletion, however, means that even these
foods are poorer in minerals, potassium included, than they
used to be; and research suggests that most adults eating a
typical Western diet obtain only around 2,000- 3,000 mg of
potassium a day.

This figure needs to be set against the adequate intake
established by the US Institute of Medicine Food and
Nutrition Board of 4,700 mg. And it should also be noted
that for those consuming a typical modern diet, high in
refined and processed foods, the potassium requirement will
be even higher because of the very high sodium content of
such a diet. For athletes, and those undertaking strenuous
physical work, or intensive exercise programmes, the
requirements may be still higher because of greater losses
of potassium from the body during these activities.
Nevertheless, nutritional therapists do not generally
recommend commercially available potassium supplements, as
these normally contain quantities too low to be effective.
But high dose supplements are in any case potentially
dangerous, as they may have profound effects on the body's
biochemical balance, and should therefore not be taken
except under medical supervision. Where the diet is
inadequate in potassium, however, this may be simply
remedied by using as a food seasoning a low sodium/high
potassium salt substitute available from any good
supermarket.

As always, however, the body's holistic functioning means
that potassium works best in the presence of a good supply
of every other vital nutrient and so it is always worth
taking a good quality and comprehensive
multi-vitamin/multi-vitamin preparation.


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Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in
direct marketing and with a particular interest in health
products. Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/In
formation.htm

Nutritional Supplements for Seniors - a unique gift that keeps them fit and healthy!

Nutritional Supplements for Seniors - a unique gift that keeps them fit and healthy!
Are you looking for a unique senior gift for someone that
you dearly love? If so, then consider looking into some
good nutritional supplements for seniors. You'll find that
there are great products that offer vitamins for senior
women as well as senior men, and many of them include some
great pharmaceuticals vitamins agents. While seniors often
have a hard time with pills, there are some great
nutritional supplements that now come in liquid forms, and
they have all the minerals and vitamins that you need,
including the two main vitamins in sweet potatoes and all
the benefits of vitamins from fish as well.

No doubt the personal health and wellness of your senior
loved one is important to you, but you don't want them
choking on vitamins that come in the form of pills. If this
is the problem, then one ounce nutrition in liquid form may
be just the thing that they need, and while it is
definitely no traditional gift, it makes a very unique
senior gift that will show that you care. The right
supplement that comes in liquid form can help provide the
important senior in your life with all the vitamins,
minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and fatty acids that they
need as well. So you can provide your loved one with the
nutrition that they need with the right supplement.

So, you may be wondering why a nutritional supplement is
such a great unique senior gift. Believe it or not, today
there are many people who are suffering from a variety of
different health problems, especially seniors. Many people
in America die from chronic diseases, almost a million
people die of cardiovascular disease every year, and one of
the top disabilities in the US is arthritis. One of the
reasons that researchers believe that this is happening is
because many Americans do not get all the important
nutrients that are needed, especially older people. Even
trying to eat the right foods may not help, since many
foods being raised don't have the minerals that are needed
because of soil depletion. So, since most people are not
getting what they need through food, a nutritional
supplement is needed to give the body the needed vitamins,
minerals, and other nutrients needed.

While studies show that most pill forms of supplements are
not effectively absorbed by the body, with only about
10-20% being absorbed, there are liquid nutritional
supplements that are available that have been proven to be
98% absorbed. This means that you get the nutritional
supplements your body needs best when a liquid supplement
is taken. Not only is this a great reason to consider a
liquid nutritional supplement for the senior in your
family, but it also takes away the difficult of swallowing
a pill that so many older people deal with. So, these
liquid supplements really do make a great unique senior
gift for your loved ones.

Wondering what you can really gain from these liquid
supplements. Well, they contain everything you need,
including the essential minerals and vitamins your body
needs, essential fatty acids, enzymes, and even 21
different amino acids. Even the dietary fiber that is
needed is provided by these supplements. Liquid supplements
are also easy to digest, and within a few minutes of taking
them they are absorbed into the body, which saves a huge
amount of energy on digestion.

Not only will you find that there are great general
nutritional supplements available, but there are special
supplements available that are particularly designed to
help make sure you get the specific nutrients needed to
keep your joints and bones in great health as well. These
supplements are especially helpful to seniors, since they
often tend to deal with bone degeneration and forms of
arthritis. Usually these products contain calcium,
chondroitin, and glucosamine, which all work together to
improve bone and joint health. Other nutrients included in
these supplements include Vitamin K1, magnesium, and
Vitamin D-3. You can also find these supplements in liquid
form for the best absorption as well. As people grow older,
keeping cartilage, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments
health and strong are important, so a supplement that can
keep these parts of the body healthy is quite important.

As you can see, there are many great reasons to purchase
nutritional supplements, especially those that come in
liquid form. They are filled with the nutrients that most
people don't get on a regular basis, and taking them can
help to reduce the risk of serious diseases and other
physical problems. If you have a loved one that is a senior
and you are worried about their health, then consider
giving them these supplements. No doubt it is a unique
senior gift, but it is also a gift that can make a huge
difference in their life. Just an ounce of the right liquid
each day can drastically improve your life and the life of
your loved ones, so if you want to keep your body in great
health, consider a nutritional supplement for seniors and
see what it can do for you.


----------------------------------------------------
Ron Godlewski has written many articles on health,
wellness, and maintaining vitality as we fight the effects
of aging. Check out http://www.pillfreesupplements.com
where you will find more articles and information on how
senior men and women can actually improve their general
health through the gift of nutrition!

6 Ways To Burn Calories Quick?

6 Ways To Burn Calories Quick?
There are a lot of people that are trying to burn calories
quick but they have no idea how to do it. So how can I burn
calories quick is the question that this article is going
to answer for you.

If you want the answer to the question, how can I burn
calories quick then there are five tips that you can follow.

One: You need to build muscle because this is one of the
best ways to lose more calories quickly. The more muscles
you have the more calories you will burn. There are many
exercises that will help you build muscle mass but the best
one is weight lifting.

Two: When you want to burn calories quickly you will need
to eat more than three meals a day. It is recommended that
you eat five or six small healthy meals during the day.
Every time you put food into your body it will start
digesting it and this is when your body will start to burn
calories too.

Three: It is highly recommended that you do high intense
cardio workout exercises if you want to burn calories
quickly. When you do the exercises the right way your body
will burn more calories during the day than it will when
you are actually doing the exercises.

Four: There is no reason to go on any diet. When you go on
a diet you will lose weight for a temporary time but you
will end up putting the weight back on. So eat healthy
meals five or six times a day and exercise because a diet
will not help you burn calories.

Five: Did you know that there are foods that you can eat
that will help you burn the calories fast? Foods such as
foods that are rich in protein, contain vitamin C and foods
that have high fiber. You want to make sure you stay away
from any foods that will turn into fat such as ice cream,
cookies and other goodies.

Six: Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Actually this
can apply to doing anything you can to walk more everyday.
Park in the spot furthest away from the store at the mall.
Walk that couple of blocks to your friends instead of
driving. You get the idea.

This is 6 ways you can answer the question how can I burn
calories quick! Watch what you eat and move around more
still apply here.


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Jeff Schuman invites you to visit his Ideas Directory for
ideas on how to do almost anything. Whether you want ideas
on how to burn calories quick or have a question on
something else you can find your answer here. To see for
yourself please click here now:===> http://www.Ideas-From.us

The Good Food - Bad Food Technique for Healthy Eating

The Good Food - Bad Food Technique for Healthy Eating
The Two Types of Food Nutrition is a hot topic that is
discussed by just about every magazine writer, talk show
host, fitness expert and guru in the industry. It seems
like just about everyone can quote some scientific
research, touting the benefit of eating one certain type of
diet or another, or ramble on about the scientific reasons
why some foods are better for you than others.

In my opinion, all of these scientific intellectual
ramblings may actually be part of the reason why people
still have a hard time eat healthy.

Let's face it, when it comes to understanding what's good
for us and what's not, "science" is confusing the heck out
of us!

Because the science of nutrition seems to involve
flip-flopping your opinions every other day, the best
approach to eating healthy is to look at nutrition with the
most simplified technique possible.

I call this technique the "good food, bad food" technique.
In your mind think about what your current goals are,
whether it is sports performance, weight loss, weight gain
or overall health, identify your goals.

Once you have your goals firmly in your head, think of a
food, any food.

Now ask yourself "Will this food move me closer to my goals
or farther away from my goals?". If you believe it will
help you move closer to your goal, then eat it.

If you believe, it will actually move you away from your
goals, then don't eat it, or at least eat it moderately and
in very small portions.

The key to this technique is that you have to believe that
there are no "neutral" foods. It is either good or bad.

The main reason many people shy away from eating healthy is
that they believe that nutrition is a very complex and
confusing topic.

But when people stop thinking about their nutrition, they
start eating whatever is put in front of them, and when we
eat what is put in front of us, chances are we over eat,
and eat the wrong foods.

However, when we simplify the problem down to "good food,
bad food" it becomes very easy to "think nutrition". It is
not complex or confusing. It simply returns to very
fundamental wisdom that your grandmother probably told you
when you were a child. Gravitate towards fruits and
vegetables and lean protein, and be weary of anything
processed (generally foods that you buy in a bag or in a
box).

So forget all the debates and all the fads. It doesn't
matter whether or not aspartame is good for you. Look at
that diet cola and ask yourself if it will move you closer
to your goals. If the answer is no, then go get a sparkling
water, or green tea or any other drink that you think will
move you towards your goals.

By following this principle, it makes it easier to "think"
nutrition. Every time you put some food in front of you ask
the simple question "good or bad" and then act accordingly.

You will find that by simplifying nutrition down to this
simple equation you can make dramatic improvements in the
way you eat, and avoid a lot of the confusion that is out
there.


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Brad Pilon is a strength training and nutrition
professional and author of Eat Stop Eat. You can learn
about his new book "Eat Stop Eat" that is quickly changing
the way people think about dieting, by visiting
http://www.eatstopeat.com Brad Pilon is an expert
contributor at eFit-Today
http://www.efit-today.com/public/department59.cfm