Posted in Video on May 17, 2012
Video: The main focus of a Bench Press is on your Petoralis Major Muscles but it also has an effect on the surrounding muscles. In this video a fitness professional shows how to properly do a bench press.
The 3 Day Cardiac Diet was supposedly developed by the Birmingham Hospital in Alabama, though the hospital does not admit its role in the origin of the plan. The 3 day cardiac diet has also been attributed to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
The story is that the 3 Day Cardiac Diet was designed for patients who needed to lose up to 10 lbs weight quickly so they could have surgery.
The 3 Day Cardiac Diet has set menu plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days. Each day is limited to about 800 calories. While some claim that there is a special “chemical reaction,” much of the weight loss benefit is likely obtained by the restricted calorie intake. Also, there are very few carbs on the diet which leads to water loss.
You should drink six to eight cups of water a day on the program to speed digestion.
Tuna is the featured protein on the 3 day Cardiac diet. 1/2 cup of tuna is prescribed on the first two days, and on the final day, you will increase that to 1 cup. Variety and nutrition is provided with small to medium sized portions of cheese, eggs, crackers, vegetables, grapefruit, banana, and toast. Coffee, tea, or diet soda can accompany meals but water should be the beverage of choice outside of mealtime.
Some nutritionists express concerns about the restricted levels of calories and lack of a full range of nutritional options. However, considering that the diet lasts only 3 days, these are not dispositive.
People following the 3 day cardiac diet will likely feel hunger pangs and have lower energy levels. This is especially true by the third day. But, keep in mind that the diet is of limited duration and you should be fine unless you have endurance based physical feats to perform.
Your body may start to recognize that only a limited food supply is available when you eat only 3 small meals a day. It may begin to compensate by reducing metabolism and energy levels to conserve fat reserves. This can actually make it harder to lose weight and place the body under additional stress.
The 3 Day Cardiac diet is not suitable for long term dieting. After 3 days you should start on a diet that offers more variety and more calories.
The 3 Day Cardiac Diet provides restricted calories and nutrients for its intended duration. Your body can handle a fast for 3 days, so it certainly can handle a restricted calorie diet. However, the diet is not a long term solution to your weight management concerns.
If you need to lose a few pounds in a short period of time, the 3 day cardiac diet can help to get you there. If you are trying to lose those “last 5 pounds” and nothing else seems to be working, try the 3 day cardiac diet. But follow it up with a sensible eating plan.
Posted in Video on May 15, 2012
Video: A personal trainer shows how to do standing bent over rows which help to strengthen your back.
Posted in Video on May 14, 2012
Video: If you?re doing a leg workout, these exercises are perfect for getting your legs warmed up.
Who said exercise couldn’t be fun? You can literally exercise any time, any place if you just use your imagination a little. Take for example regular household chores, did you know that a 150 pound woman can burn approximately 230 calories in thirty minutes just by performing housework? Who said housework was a chore? Not anymore!
It is very true housework can really burn the calories especially if you put a little more effort into it. So instead of just vacuuming in a kind of lazy way, concentrate on your movements. Push the vacuum a little further away from you and pull it back with more gusto! Now you are burning a few extra calories.
The same applies to cleaning the bath tub or washing the floors. Instead of thinking about how much you dislike the chore. Think instead about applying a bit more pressure to your movements.
When you are cleaning and dusting take longer strides with your legs too. Take a long stride and then hold the position for a few seconds to help stretch your muscles. Then bend at the knees. When picking things up off the floor use your knees to bend down or you can bend straight legged. But just be careful not to over stretch and pull a muscle.
Outside the house you have lots of additional ways to exercise. Gardening, weeding, cutting and raking the lawn are all wonderful workouts. If you don’t normally do these chores offer to do them once a week and take advantage of using a different set of muscles.
The same goes if you have a dog, offer to be the one to take them on a walk. Or give your dog a surprise and take him for two walks a day instead of one, they will be excited and happy to go with you.
Most kids these days have some type of gaming console so why not take advantage of this and get an exercise video game. If you are a little embarrassed about anyone seeing you, get up early in the morning and play the game. Before long your kids will want to exercise along with you.
It really is easy to incorporate exercise into your daily chores. No matter what cleaning chore you are doing there is a way to bend, stretch and just put more effort into it. So go ahead and have fun while cleaning, your body will love you for it.
Posted in Video on May 12, 2012
Video: This exercise targets the glutes, hamstrings, and adductors. A great one for your entire leg.
Posted in Video on May 11, 2012
Video: This exercise targets your oblique muscles.
Posted in Video on May 10, 2012
Video: A trainer demonstrates 4 different exercises that target your back muscles.
Posted in Video on May 9, 2012
Video: A light weight can really increase the intensity of this exercise.
Posted in Recipe on May 8, 2012
Ingredients
4 tablespoons margarine
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
1 quart vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup elbow macaroni
Directions
Melt margarine in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; saute for a few minutes.
Add beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, potato, stock, garlic, parsley, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for approximately 1 hour until vegetables are barely tender.
Add pasta, and simmer for 30 minutes more. Correct seasoning, and serve hot.