Avoid These Top 5 Workout Myths
August 28, 2008
Do you know the health and fitness industry is plagued by an over abundance of workout myths? A myth is a fiction or half truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology. Rob tells Jen about a new fitness program that is suppose to deliver amazing results; Jen tells Ted, and Ted then tells Pam, but only half of what Rob said. Confused? Just image how confusing Rob’s “cutting edge” theory has become. And the funny thing is, Rob made this up by telling people they will lose 3 inches from their bellies, and hips by holding their breath for 30 seconds. Rob, without any scientific backing, dreamed this all up.
The sad thing is most people believe what they hear from so-called uninformed myth spreaders. After consulting with thousands of people, I have heard every possible workout myth known to man, and continue to de-bunk myths daily. Listed below are my all time 5 favorite workout myths. Always look for the science and logic behind what people claim. Don’t automatically assume it is true unless studies back it, or specific quantitative results are shown.
After reading my 5 workout myths, you will be able to finally protect your own workout results, and share the fitness truth with others.
Myth 1 - Doing crunches, or abdominal work will decrease fat in the stomach area (If you do thousands of crunches, then you will have a flat stomach.)
This is what some infomercials preach. They state you can obtain a flat, beautiful, stomach by using their simple ab machine. All you need to do is exercise 2 minutes per day, and voila!
Please note, dear reader, you can’t SPOT REDUCE! By doing a specific exercise for a certain muscle does not make fat suddenly vanish. Fat is lost over time by burning more calories than the body consumes on a regular basis. Fat will then disappear throughout your entire body, and you don’t have control of where it comes off. Doing a certain exercise for a specific muscle will only guarantee a stronger, more fit muscle.
The SECRET keys to fat loss are decreasing caloric intake, increasing activity for an extended period of time, and incorporating a workout of strength, cardio, and flexibility.
Myth 2 - Lifting heavy weight for 8-12 reps will build big muscles (especially women.) You should lift very light weights and do a lot of reps, 20 +.
This is one that NEVER seems to go away. It keeps coming back to haunt me again, and again, and again. Ladies, doing heavier weights WILL NOT suddenly turn you into the Incredible Hulk. Your objective should be to maintain, or slightly increase your fat burning lean tissue. In order to do this you must increase the intensity of the exercise by elevating weight, number of reps, or decreasing rest time between sets.
If you increase intensity regularly, you will see good results. If you do not, you will get the same results you have been getting. Increase the intensity until you are happy with the progress you have made, and then maintain the same intensity level.
Women, generally, don’t have the physiological make-up to develop big muscles unless they use steroids, and train with gut busting intensity. Most men workout a lifetime, and won’t build big muscles. Ladies, please don’t worry; challenge yourself in the gym.
Here is a valuable free resource to help you stay informed of the health, and fitness trends by letting you know what works, and what doesn’t.
Visit Wellness WORD Newsletter in Multimedia at http://www.WellnessWord.com
Myth 3 - For resistance training, you need to do 3 sets of 10-15 reps, 3 exercises per body part, and a frequency of 3 days per week.
Where the heck did 3 come from? 3 X 3 X 3? I think someone, many years ago, decided 3 was a good number to use, and people started to believe in this myth.
How many sets are really needed? According to scientific studies, the exact number of sets needed to stimulate lean tissue development is one, if preformed at 100% momentary muscle failure. A single all out set is the ideal stimulus to trigger lean tissue development. All other sets only hinder the recovery process when lean tissue develops.
Rest- people generally don’t get enough rest between workouts. Please be aware that the higher the intensity, the more rest is required between workouts to allow lean tissue development. If you workout (strength train) too soon, before you are fully recovered, you will short circuit your results.
It is better to wait longer between workouts, then to workout not fully recovered.You WON’T lose your muscle tissue if you don’t workout for 2 weeks.
Ideal rest times (depending upon intensity) are anywhere from 3 - 10 + days between strength training workouts.
You will need to track your progress to determine when your gains cease. When progress stops, increase your rest time even further.
If your strength keeps increasing during each workout, you are assured of getting optimal rest between sessions.
Myth 4 - All I need to do is cardiovascular training to be in shape.
Wrong! Please don’t make this mistake! Cardiovascular exercise is only one piece of the workout puzzle. To design an optimal fitness program, incorporate cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility into an efficient, results producing program.
Cardiovascular exercise will do very little to increase your flexibility, and maintain or increase your lean tissue. If you avoid any of these three components, you are decreasing your results by one third.
As a result of the aging process, on average, 5-7 pounds of muscle is lost each decade, that is, if you don’t strength train.
Myth 5 - All fitness equipment is good if you use it.
All fitness equipment is not created equal, especially home fitness equipment advertised in infomercials. Some pieces of fitness equipment are not well built, and can cause injury to specific individuals resulting from medical limitations.
My advice is to clear your exercise program with a physician prior to exercising or buying home gym equipment.
Home Gym Shopping Secrets is a great consumer awareness guide to rely on prior to purchasing home gym equipment. This guide will take you by the hand and show you what to buy, what to avoid, and why.
Home Gym Shopping Secrets http://www.HomeGymShoppingSecrets.com
Another tip I recommend is never plan an exercise program without input from an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Personal Trainer, or Physical Therapist.
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For additional health and fitness tips visit Wellness Word “Multimedia” Newsletter at http://www.WellnessWord.com ___________________________________________________________
*** Attention: Ezine Editors / Website Owners *** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, Blog, Autoresponder, or on your website as long as the links, and resource box are not altered in any way.
Jim O’Connor - Exercise Physiologist / The Fitness Promoter
Copyright (c) - Wellness Word, LLC
Jim O’Connor, Beverly Hills celebrity fitness consultant, has conducted thousands of personal fitness consultations with celebrites, business executives, and highly motivated individuals throughout Los Angeles. He is the Chief Exercise Physiologist for Wellness WORD, LLC, a health, fitness, and nutrition promotion company. Jim is the author of a well known, world wide multimedia newsletter called Wellness WORD, published online every other week promoting the health and fitness truth. He also is the author of a popular ebook called Home Gym Shopping Secrets. http://www.WellnessWord.com/
http://www.HomeGymShoppingSecrets.com
The New Discovery That Makes It Possible To Get An Effective Workout In Less Time
August 22, 2008
The Art of Multifunctional Training
People often complain about how they just do not have enough time to spend working out in a gym. It seems every year the lives of many Americans become more hectic and they have less time to devote to bettering their health. As a certified personal trainer I often hear people stating that they just have to spend too much time working out to get the results they desire. They tell me how they have to rush to the gym before or after working out, in some cases change into workout clothes or work clothes, then they have to workout, shower and then rush to work or home to tend to their families. Working out can defiantly be a time consuming process.
However it does not have to be. When a prospective client approaches me and asks how I can help them get a great workout with results, but without the time commitment; I just smile and introduce them to Multifunctional Training. Multifunctional Training, which also consists of many core training components, is the concept of working multiple muscle groups in a single exercise. Multifunctional Training is a great way to work multiple groups, which allows for a shorter workout time, because time is no longer spent working one muscle group at a time. While, single muscle isolation is great for body builders or those who are trying to build or shape a particular muscle most people do not need to spend time isolating a muscle with multiple exercises. With Multifunctional Training you can hit multiple muscle groups in a just a few exercises.
Multifunctional Training is also a great way to build balance and coordination, an especially important aspect of training for athletes. Athletes can gain explosiveness using multifunctional training, increasing the weight as they become more comfortable. Many multifunctional exercises replicate the movements used in a game by many sports. Equipment such as the bosu, stability ball, balance bar, dumbbells, and medicine balls can all be used during multifunctional training. Because a person is performing exercises that target more than one muscle, the core area (abdominal and lower back muscles) are often engaged as well, during multifunctional training. If a person adds an unstable surface such as a bosu, stability ball or foam roller, stabilizer muscles are also engaged which replicates performance in sports by athletes.
An example of a multifunctional workout would be dumbbell flies performed on a stability ball with a crunch motion. In this exercise the chest and deltoid muscles are engaged with the dumbbell flies, as well as the abdominal muscles when performing the crunch. Another example is a squat with an over head press using a medicine ball or dumbbells. Holding the chosen weight close to the chest a squat is performed, then at the top of the motion and overhead is done using the selected weight. This exercise will work all the major leg muscles, the core, as well as the anterior deltoids.
With Multifunctional Training a strength training workout time of normally one to one and a half hour can be reduced to about forty five to thirty minutes. If you wish to learn how to transform your workout into a more effective fat burning and muscle training process with out the time consumption, let a professional help design you a program you can do on your own.
Copyright 2005 William Mackie
William Mackie CPT
Visit http://www.upstarttrain.com for more information on how we can design an Online Multifunctional Training program for you. Sign up for our Fitness Newsletter.
3 Exercises for Good Posture and a Six-Pack
August 17, 2008
These days many people spend a significant part of their day slaving away over a hot computer and as a result, their posture is not what it should be. Bad posture can result in short-term discomfort such as neck stiffness and headaches and also lead to more serious problems in later life. It is therefore worth spending some time to counteract the damage we may be doing to ourselves every day. But how about this - did you know that some of the same exercises that you can do to maintain good posture are the very same exercises, which if done regularly, can help you to achieve a six-pack? I am totally serious ? this is something I discovered recently while looking at different exercise routines because I wanted to do something about my own bad posture. As well as sitting and standing up straight, you will also look good on the beach next summer. Kill two birds with one stone!
The following exercises should be done a minimum of three times per week and although you will not see and feel significant results for approximately 6-8 weeks, you will start to feel the developing muscles encouraging you to sit and stand straighter, almost immediately.
Pelvic tilt ? Lie on the floor with your knees bent. Your feet should be parallel and arms to the side. Tighten your lower abdominal muscles, pulling your navel and lower back towards the floor. You should do this without using your buttocks or leg muscles to help you. Do this five times, holding for five seconds each time.
Trunk Curls ? Lie on your back on the floor, with knees bent. Place your hands lightly behind your head. Using your upper abdominal muscles, raise your trunk off the floor to about 20 degrees and hold for 5 seconds. Then lie down again slowly. Do not put any strain on the neck or lead with your head. Try to imagine touching the ceiling with your chest. Repeat five times.
Arm / Leg raises ? Lie face-down on the floor, keeping your neck straight, with your legs extended and arms straight overhead. Then slowly raise your left arm and right leg about six inches off the ground. Hold for five seconds and lower. Repeat with the right arm and left leg. Repeat five times on each side.
As you should before starting all types of exercise, consult your doctor if you have a history of health problems.
Emmanuel Mendonca moved from London to Athens in 2004 and is getting to grips with life in Greece. Emmanuel publishes Greece travel and living articles at http://www.athensroom.com/greece_travel_guide.html
Muscle Cramps and Exercise
August 11, 2008
Quite often runners and exercisers experience painful muscle cramping either during or immediately following a strenuous exercise bout and as a result, these types of cramps have become known as Exercise Associated Muscle Cramps or EAMCs. Much confusion surrounds the causes of EAMCs including dehydration to electrolyte imbalances. This article aims to explain the latest model for describing EAMCs, how to prevent them and how to deal with them once they occur.
What is a muscle cramp?
A muscle cramp is defined as a painful, involuntary, spasmodic contraction of a muscle. The muscle remains contracted and may last for a few seconds to several minutes. The muscles most prone to EAMCs are those that cross two joints ? for example the calf muscle called the gastocnemius (crosses the ankle and knee joint) and the hamstrings (cross the knee and hip joint).
What causes an EAMC?
There are many theories surrounding the cause of muscle cramps. Some proposed causes are fluid loss and dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, magnesium), heat and congenital/inherited conditions. Recent evidence collected by Professor Martin Scwellnus at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa indicates no strong relationship between these causes and exercise cramps. After completing several studies and studying the results of other experiments using electromyography or EMG (measures muscle nerve electric activity), Schwellnus has proposed a novel model of the cause of EAMCs.
What is the new model for identifying the cause of EAMC’s?
Dr. Scwellnus identifies two possible factors that may affect nerve activity ? causing excessive muscle stimulation to contract and resulting in a cramp. The first suspected factor is fatigue; since motor nerve firing patterns have been demonstrated to be irregular during conditions of fatigue. The second factor is proposed as resulting from the muscle working too much on its "inner range" or "on slack". To explain this concept it must first be understood that a muscle cannot work efficiently if it is not at its optimal length ? a muscle works progressively less efficiently when overly stretched or overly loose/on slack. The protein filaments (actin and myosin) that make up muscle fibers require an optimal "overlap" to be able to generate force. The position of the body’s joints determine muscle length, so it follows that muscles that cross two joints like the gastroc and hamstrings might be more likely to operate in the slackened position and experience a cramp. For example, consider a free-style, swimmer who performs flutter kicks at the ankle with a slight knee bend. The flutter kick involves the ankle flexing and extending in a small range very near the plantarflexed (toes pointed) position. Couple this with a slight knee bend, and it makes the gastrocnemius muscle even more "passively insufficient".
Recall from our article Plyometrics and the Stretch Shortening Cycle we discussed the role and significance of the small cellular bodies of the muscle spindle and the Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO). The muscle spindle is a tiny cellular structure usually located in the middle portion of each muscle fiber. Very basically its role is to "switch on" a muscle and determine the amount of activation and the strength and speed of the contraction. The GTO is a small structure located in the tendon that joins the muscle to a bone. This structure senses muscle tension and performs the opposite role of "switching off " the muscle in order to protect it from generating so much force as to rip right off the bone.
Dr. Schwellnus suggests that when a muscle works within its inner range and/or when fatigued, muscle nerve activity shifts progressively toward muscle spindle activity (contraction) and less toward GTO activity (relaxation). More specifically, the nerves that control the muscle spindle (Type IA and type II nerves) becomes overly active while the nerves that controls the GTO (Type Ib nerves) become under active or inhibited. The result of this nerve activity imbalance is an uncontrolled, painful cramp.
What do I do if I experience an EAMC?
If you should experience an EAMC, the best solution is to perform a gentle, passive stretch of the affected muscle. Do not attempt to walk or run it off. Slow, passive stretching will act to restore nerve balance to the muscle by increasing the activity of the GTO, while simultaneously minimizing that of the muscle spindle. Stretching increases tension in the tendon, which is sensed by the GTO. The result is a relaxation of the contracted muscle and a breaking of the muscle cramp. For example, in the case of the swimmer mentioned earlier, to stretch the gastrocnemius he or she may perform a standard calf stretch while pushing against a wall or use a stretching strap or cord to pull the foot up toward the shin. To accentuate the stretch, it is important that the knee remain straight, since as mentioned this muscle crosses the knee joint.
How do I prevent EAMC’s?
The best way to control and prevent EAMC’s is to begin a regimented stretching routine. It may be beneficial to perform dynamic stretches after a brief warmup at the beginning of the exercise session or workout. Dynamic stretches involve using functional movements such as lunging, squatting and reaching and can be used to simultaneously train balance and core stability while sensitizing the muscles in preparation for exercise. In fact, dynamic stretches if performed correctly, may actually serve as a warm-up in themselves. Static stretching may be more effective at the end of the exercise session as part of the cool down, as the muscles will be warm and more pliable. The best long-term solution to control EAMC’s however is to restore muscle balance throughout the body by combining stretching with a well-designed functional strength training routine -concentrating specifically on core stability.
In conclusion, muscle cramping is a complex condition and this article has hopefully provided the reader with a new perspective on the scientific relationship between exercise and muscle cramping. The fact that cramps occur most often in the situations described make this model a very plausible and practical one. It is hoped that this information will assist the casual exerciser and professional athlete alike in understanding and dealing with exercise related muscle cramps.
David Petersen is an Exercise Physiologist/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and the owner and founder of B.O.S.S. Fitness Inc. based in Oldsmar, Florida. More articles and information can be found at http://www.bossfitness.com
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What the Philosophy of Tai Chi Can Do For You
August 6, 2008
Taoist Philosophy
To understand the purpose of the form it is important to understand its basis and roots.
The origins of Tai Chi go back over 5,000 years and are based in Taoist philosophy developed and refined by the great Taoist thinkers such as, Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu.
The core concept of Taoism and Taoist philosophy is that everything in the universe is subject to change and when dealing with this change we should act not to fight it but work with it and avoid conflict.
The core Of Taoism is that action should always be effortless and come from spontaneous creativity, but this should not require mental or physical effort.
According to Taoist philosophy change is constant but, by understanding change and acting in accordance with the laws that govern it, we can work effortlessly to achieve our aims.
Taoism is about working within the laws of change, not struggling to oppose them, this is seen as futile and a waste of energy.
In Tai Chi this manifests itself in that a posture will always be difficult and a struggle, unless there is union of mind and body, to make the move an effortless interaction.
Yin and Yang
Another concept in Chinese philosophy related to change is yin and yang.
These two opposing, yet complimentary forces are constantly at work in the universe and in our lives.
Yin and yang are the basis of change but they also come together in harmony to create a balanced whole.
The simplest example of this is breathing. We breathe in and we breathe out - an opposing action that comes together to create balance and harmony. Change and harmony, is the basis of yin and yang and of Tai Chi.
The principles of yin and yang are reflected in the form the sequence of movements that make up the Tai Chi discipline.
The form is actually a sequence of movements that flow continuously representing both change and harmony.
A movement begins, grows completes and empties then another begins until the sequence is completed.
The Tai Chi Philosophy
The aim of the Tai Chi form is to create streams of energy to flow through the body.
In the philosophy of Tai Chi, it is said Chi (life energy) follows the mind; each posture and movement creates a different energy flow, which, has a beneficial overall affect on overall well-being.
Tai Chi stimulates circulation, aligns the skeleton and joints correctly, stimulates the organs of the body and helps digestion.
It increases muscle tone, strength, improves balance and co ordination and improves breathing.
Tai Chi does not just provide physical benefits; by raising energy levels, it also affects the mind and the spirit.
Tai Chi focuses thought, so that mind and body energy works together as one.
Tai Chi reflects both Taoism in terms of effortless interaction and yin and yang in terms of reconciling two opposing forces, to create harmony and equilibrium. This combination is the very essence of the Tai Chi philosophy.
Re Vitalise offer a warm welcome to both novice and experienced pupils. In addition to offering, regular Tai Chi tuition there are several weekend breaks available. To learn more about our services go to:
http://www.re-vitalise.co.uk
Why You Should Learn Tai Chi
August 1, 2008
Learning Tai Chi
Tai Chi combines movement, meditation and breathing, to enhance the flow of vital energy in the body, to increase both physical and mental well-being.
Tai Chi is one of the most broadly applicable systems of self-care in the world and is suitable for both young and old alike.
In China, it is estimated that 300 million people alone practice Tai Chi.
Tai Chi however is not just practised in China, in the 20th century it spread throughout the world and as we enter the 21st century, it is more popular than ever.
Tai Chi - The Form
There are several styles of movement and approaches to Tai Chi, some of them historic and some developed in recent years.
Each has its own individual charteristics and carries the name of the clan or family who developed it i.e. Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun etc.
All the principles of Tai Chi are put into practice in a non stop sequence of moves called the form.
Each Tai Chi style has its own distinctive way of presenting the form in terms of: The postures included, the order in which they appear, the way they are performed and finally, how long the form actually takes to complete.
Although the different styles of Tai Chi present the form in different ways, the purpose and the philosophy behind them is the same.
Tai Chi & Health
When Tai Chi is practised, the movement creates streams of energy to flow through the body.
In the philosophy of Tai Chi, it is said Chi (life energy) follows the mind, each posture and movement creates a different energy flow that, has a benifital overall affect on overall well-being.
Tai Chi stimulates circulation, aligns the skeleton and joints correctly, stimulates the organs of the body and helps digestion.
It increases muscle tone, strength, improves balance and co ordination and improves breathing.
Tai Chi does not just provide physical benefits; by raising energy levels, it also affects the mind and the spirit.
Tai Chi focuses thought, so that mind and body energy works together as one. When practising Tai Chi, people find that they are not just physically fitter but, happier, more alert, have greater mental focus and are more creative.
It is this harnessing of mental and physical energy that makes Tai Chi not just a form of exercise; it makes it a life enhancing experience.
Learning Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an exercise for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.
The movements of Tai Chi are non-strenuous, relaxed, slow moving, soft, and flowing.
It has often been described as moving meditation, as it relieves stress and improves concentration.
It is the gentleness and slowness of Tai Chi that makes it so applicable to everyone as a form of exercise.
When you watch Tai Chi being performed, it looks effortless but this comes from a considerable amount of practice.
When taking up Tai Chi it is best to pick an experienced teacher, who can guide motivate and encourage you. Simply, go with someone you are comfortable with.
The style of Tai Chi you pick Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun or any other form, is down to personal preference; the benefits described however apply to all styles.
Re Vitalise offer a warm welcome to both novice and experienced Tai Chi pupils. In addition to offering regular tuition there are several weekend breaks available.
To learn more about our services go to:
http://www.re-vitalise.co.uk
