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Archive for November, 2010

Is it better to use free weights or machines?

November 30th, 2010

As a Personal Trainer in St. Louis, there are certain questions that are regularly asked.  One of the more common ones is whether resistance training with free weights is better than with machines.  The quick answer is a resounding yes.  Not only are the strength gains greater, but the functionality of movement with free weights add to an overall improved physique and performance level.  Here is an overview of the differences of both.

Free Weights

Pros- Strength gains tend to be greater.  Free weights require more balance and coordination.  They recruit more muscle groups than resistance machines, which tend to only isolate specific muscles.  Joint stabilization is emphasized more with free weight activity. 

Cons- A spotter is needed.  Machines tend to have less risk of injury. 

 

Machines and resistance bands

Pros- Machines can be safer for beginners when they do not know the proper way to do the free weights. They are good for rehabilitating athletes because they provide a more smooth and controlled movement.  

Cons- Machines usually provide slower strength gains than free weights.

*An ideal training program may integrate alternating days of machines and free weight training.  A combination of both styles can ensure that the proper amount of strength gains and joint stability are maximized. 

There are three categories of exercise equipment…

-Constant resistance

-accommodative resistance

-Variable resistance

Many in the fitness industry use the term “constant resistance” when referring to free weight training.  As we push or pull, the muscles are changing length, the relationship of the resistance to the axis of motion is changing and of course acceleration, inertia, momentum.  (free weights, resistance cables, machines with a weight stack attached to a cable.)

Accommodating resistance is designed to exert force through a speed-controlled range of motion. Iso-kinetic resistance equipment is accommodating. Some Saint Louis Personal Trainer might argue that aquatics, hydraulics and pneumatics are undefined because they fall into both accommodating and variable resistance categories. (leg press.)

Variable resistance is meant to have varying loads throughout the range of motion for the particular exercise. Most of the equipment we use in the gym falls under this category. (bicep curl, triceps press, leg abduction and leg adduction.)

In summary, free weights provide much more complete overall health and fitness benefits than machines.  With this said, there still is a place for machines.  Beginners and those in rehabilitation can benefit immensely from using machines.  They may be in a situation where free weights would not be recommended.

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Maqui Berry Detox Also has Power Antioxidants

November 30th, 2010

The Health Benefits of a Maqui Berry Detox

If you’ve struggled with weight gain, feeling tired or continually seem to catch colds, there may be a way to restore your health that no one has informed you about before. Maqui Berry is starting to be one of the most talked about nutritional components for helping people cope with these kinds of health circumstances. This effective food is crammed with antioxidants and can enable people to get off of the roller coaster ride of bad health.

Potent Antioxidants

As you almost certainly know, our bodies produce, and come in contact with, a wide variety of toxins every single day. There are poisons in the foods that we eat, the water that we drink, and even in the air that we breathe. In addition to external toxins from these sources, our bodies also generate toxins every day. Whenever you breathe or exert any kind of energy, your body generates poisons as byproducts the identical way that a car generates exhaust fumes when it runs. To filter out these poisons, your body demands the assistance of antioxidants. You can get these antioxidants from a broad variety of foods, but one food in particular – Maqui Berry – has such high levels of antioxidants, that simply adding it to your diet plan can result in some amazing health benefits.

What are the Advantages of a Maqui Berry Detox?

Frequently consuming Maqui Berry leads to a state known as a Maqui Berry Detox. What this indicates is that your body is getting such high levels of antioxidants that it is finally equipped to rid itself of extreme levels of poisons that might have been plaguing your health for years. Consider the air quality in a home when the furnace filter has not been changed for 20 years. You in all probability wouldn’t breathe too easy in that house. A Maqui Berry detox is like transforming your body’s internal filter, and the outcomes are astounding.

Here are some of the typical side effects of a Maqui Berry detox:

  • Noticeable weight loss. When your body is occupied fighting off excessive levels of toxins, it’s very common to experience excessive weight gain. Once you add Maqui Berry to your diet regime, your body reacts by burning fat. This issue alone can lead to a complete host of additional health benefits.
  • elevated energy levels. Many people barely make it  through each day, due to feeling tired and run down. Many times this lethargy is directly caused by very excessive levels of poisons. Once Maqui Berry starts to work in your body, you may feel a burst of healthy energy that you have never experienced before.

 

Losing weight and escalating energy are two of the most helpful side effects to a Maqui Berry detox. Once your body is totally free from the burden of higher toxicity levels, it is free to operate at higher levels than you have ever experienced before. Adding Maqui Berry to your diet regime is one of the greatest ways to equip your body with the antioxidants that are certainly crucial for looking and feeling much better and living a longer, healthier life.

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Treating Fibromyalgia With Light Therapy

November 29th, 2010

People encounter aches and pains daily.  They deal with back and neck pain, hip and knee pain, headaches and sore joints, to name a few.  But for most, these pains typically resolve.  For those who have the condition, known as fibromyalgia, these pains become quite constant and are long lasting.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is not well known.  There are a variety of theories as to the cause of fibromyalgia.   Some believe it is a disorder of the muscles while others believe it starts in the brain and neurological system.

This condition  causes ache throughout the entire body, in both the upper and lower body areas.  The discomfort is muscular in nature and causes a deep, aching and chronic pain.  The pain can be debilitating for some and can virtually ruin a persons’ life.  Those with fibromyalgia often complain of overall fatigue in addition to the pain that they feel.

There are a variety of treatments for the condition. One treatment option is to take medications to control the pain.  Other treatments take a more active approach.  This is often a series of therapy acitivities, such as stretching and exercise.  Also, some attempt to remedy the symptoms with a nutritional approach.  This encompasses the use of good nutrition in addition to nutritional supplementation.

A new, more progressive approach is through the use of phototherapy.  By using cold laser therapy over the areas of disomfort, some are finding significant benefit.  Cold laser therapy  is an approach that uses the tissue repair and pain control properties of light.  Recently, portable low level laser devices have been made available for use at home for ongoing treatments.

Fibromyalgia is adifficult condition to reverse, however, the right treatment can make all the difference in the world.  New technologies are being developed to help those with this painful disorder.

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Diseases in which a Drop Foot Brace can help

November 29th, 2010

There are various medical illnesses where a drop foot brace can aid someone with different ankle-foot injuries or ailments. Drop foot is a medical condition either short-term or long term, by which nerve or muscle dysfunction causes it to be difficult or impossible for an individual to lift his or her foot off the ground when walking.

Besides people troubled with drop foot, drop foot braces may be used for some other diseases. Such as for cerebrovascular accident patients, who often require these braces whenever getting into rehab programs to aid gain mobility in ankle, joints and muscles or for neuron degenerative ailments of the brain that can cause muscular conditions, conditions just like cerebral palsy. These types of patients can be fitted for drop foot braces to support the afflicted limb. A number of other conditions like multiple sclerosis, polio, which is a motor neuron disorder and even Lou Gehrig’s disease patients can find themselves needing a drop foot brace. In addition, folks who are troubled with disorders just like muscular dystrophy or myositis are candidates for a drop foot brace.

Drop foot braces can help several individuals to be healed or otherwise treated of the pain connected to the scraping of their toes on the floor. Individuals who suffer from a condition known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth can find that they have trouble with drop foot. Patients struggling with these conditions actually do suffer, so the relief drop foot brace brings is welcomed.

Drop foot may affect just one leg however in several instances, it can be within both. Some folks with types of spinal muscular atrophy have been diagnosed with drop foot and need a brace to relief the pressure. Other conditions in which a drop foot brace may be beneficial include patients battling with diabetes, nerve damage, muscle damage as well as illnesses of medication toxicity may require a drop foot brace. Also, a drop foot brace can help an individual battling with drop foot to one day be able to walk with a normal gait, using a Orthopedic custom fitted brace from a professional podiatrist is a secret weapon to success.

Drop foot braces, or ankle foot orthosis (AFO) as they are likewise identified, are available in a lot of different kinds according to the situation. Just as all feet won’t be the same, all conditions of drop foot are not the same. Thus, several patients may require a special customized brace which functions in a special way. A drop foot brace can play a vital role in dealing with drop foot. There are other treatment options which might sound painful such as stimulation of afflicted nerves, however even this isn’t sure to cure or relive pain and damage. A person might end up needing to utilize a brace anyhow.

Drop foot braces are not simply for drop foot, soft braces wrap around the ankle like an ace bandage and can be utilized for arthritis, sprained, and fractured ankles, feet, and toes, they can likewise be utilized for added support right after healing from a sprain, fracture or broken bone. Another use for a drop foot brace is for bone spurs. Those nasty shape bone fragments that frequently grow on the heel bone can ultimately have some pressure relief from a more conventional drop foot brace. Additionally, a drop foot brace can be utilized in the management of flat foot and Posterior Tibial tendon dysfunction

There are plenty of advantages which an AFO offers to those who are battling with ankle and foot maladies. Modern treatments, coupled with revolutionary technology with a little plastic and metal has relieved the sufferings of countless individuals. If you’re somebody which you know may need more facts on a Looking to find the best deal on Ankle-Foot Orthosis, then visit www.bracemasters.com to find the best advice on AFO for you. Visit our websiteto know more about AFO ;and find out what’s available for you. , you should communicate with Bracemasters for more info on the AFOs and on the Looking to find the best deal on Ankle-Foot Orthosis, then visit www.bracemasters.com to find the best advice on Ankle-Foot Orthosis for you. Check out our webpageto know more about leg braces ;and find out what’s in store for you. . Their webpage is bracemasters.com or you can reach them toll free at 888-790-6880, email at Info@bracemasters.com.

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Sore Back? Fix it Now!

November 28th, 2010

1. Lower Back Pain – Understand Why

First  understand why you have lower back pain. Unless you have been in an accident, you are in pain because you eat too much,  never exercise or don’t move properly. Issues such as posture, movement and strain all contribute to lower back pain.

2. Sleeping Properly = Less Back Pain

Ok, so this is quite  self-explanatory , but when you sleep you lie in one spot for extended  periods of time. When a muscle is strained for extended periods, it ends up becoming  inflamed   and painful . Recurring  problems   like this can lead to permanent muscle damage. You normally never have any control over it as you toss and turn while you sleep, but  thankfully   there are some things you can do.

3. Use Pillows to reduce your Lower Back Pain

Use your  usual   pillow for your head and neck support, but use another one for the lower half  of your body.  Attempt   sleeping with a pillow between  your legs, under your back or stomach. Try a few different variations  until you feel that your lower back is supported .

4.  Maintain   a good posture

Since we have just covered the sleeping part, its now time to  shift the focus to   the moments when  your eyes are open  . Minimising the  strain   and  load   upon your muscles will really reduce the level  of lower back pain.  You can attempt   this by having a chair and pillow (if necessary) that  gives support to   your lower back. Also, make sure that your computer screen is  at the same level   with your eyes. This forces  you maintain a good posture. Put a few  books under your laptop computer and you’re sorted.

5. Stretch your Lower Back

This applies in particular to those who work behind  a desk   all day. Stretch at least once every couple of hours. Standard lower back stretches can be found online, so go look them up and get stretching.

6. Heat fixes Lower Back Pain

Go to the chemist and get yourself one of those  wheat    heating   pads. Stick it in the microwave for a few minutes and apply to your lower back. The smell of the heat pad is  not that great  , but the  short-term   alleviation is awesome . You can also take a hot bath with Epsom salts. Epsom salts are  really good   for relieving muscle pain.

And there you have it, 6 really easy steps to a painless lower back. If none of these work go see a chiropractor or try this!

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Could What You Eat Not Only Help You Lose Weight But Also Affect Your Arthritis?

November 28th, 2010

There are some who believe that the reason for joint pain as well as arthritis including the highly debilitating rheumatoid arthritis has to do with what we put in our bodies . And while many people will scoff at the notion that somehow diet is the culprit between alleviating arthritis pain or having to take medication to prevent the pain, the reality is that what we eat, in fact, could factor in to how arthritis affects us .   The paleo diet could relieve arthritic pain…

The paleo diet is simply a diet that asserts that our bodies haven’t evolved to the diets we are currently eating. It asserts that things such as grains, milk, pasta and breads were never meant to eat.   Paleolithic dieters insist that modern foods aren’t fit to eat, our bodies aren’t evolved to eat them and as a result, our bodies don’t know what to do with them. 

The belief that this form of diet could do many things for the body is now being supported by some in the scientific community .  A number of studies have shown that lectins (a substance commonly found in breads, grains and dairy) could be a source of aggrevation when it comes rheumatoid arthritis.  The reason for this is because lectins can breach the intestinal walls and enter the blood  .   From there, the substance can get into soft tissue and cause inflammation in the joints, causing arthritis  .

Because the paleo diet is so focused on so called clean foods, this diet is richer in nutrients that could in turn help the body fight off inflammation; a common factor with arthritis .

Is Arthritis naturally treatable?

The jury is still out.    Some scientists aren’t so convinced though. Some say that natural selection plays a vital role in primitive cultures and those most likely to have arthritis don’t live long enough to pass the gene on.  Still, the advocates believe that the paleo diet will help reverse some modern day chronic conditions simply by omitting the ‘bad’ food from your diet.

Be forewarned…if you want to go on a paleolithic diet, it will be harder than most diets   Most people who are on the paleo diet restrict themselves to only animal protein, fresh fruits and vegetables.  A modified version of this diet (for athletes), will have the person eating a mostly paleo diet and gassing up only before and after a race.  Sugar and processed foods are all off the table .  This restriction could easily make someone, quite literally, clean out their refrigerator and start afresh .

Since most arthritic conditions are only worsened by weight, the paleo diet is perfect for losing excess pounds . The best news is that there is not another diet that you can do that will drop as much weight quickly and do so in a healthy fashion.   And the best part is that not only will you feel better, you could help alleviate arthritis pain and lose weight in the process.

 

“Joint pain is greatly diminished…”

“I am a Personal Trainer with more then 15 years of training experience. I am currently certified through the Cooper Inst. All of the nutritional guide lines I have been certified to communicate to clients are based on AHA guidelines. A good friend who had great weight loss and increased health success with the Paleo diet gave me a copy of your book. Having been an Anthro minor in college and a nationally ranked athlete I read it with a great deal of interest. I have now been following the level 2 plan for 2 months with modifications for food likes (grew up in Asia as a Navy brat, I hate fish). I have found the joint pain I’ve had from 20+ years of power-lifting and 14 years of stunt work have greatly diminished and much to my surprise even I have lost body fat and increased lean muscle mass. To quote my teenager I am jazzed about the diet and would like to give my clients information on the Paleo diet but am concerned about liability if I stray from AHA guide lines. Do you have a Paleo Nutrition course directed toward Personal Trainer/Nutritional Counselors?”

 

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Buy Fioricet for Pain Medication and Relaxant In One

November 27th, 2010

As the demand of daily work and personal life has considerably increased, you need something to back you up with these activities. Active and busy people must take care of their body well. But sometimes, in spite of your effort, you end up feeling pain especially in the muscles.

Good thing you can buy Fioricet, the most recommended pain medicament and relaxant all in one. Buy Fioricet for pain relief. This non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and migraine. Foricet is a barbiturate sedative mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication and caffeine.

When you buy Fioricet, it comes in a capsule and or tablet form to be taken orally. Recommended dosage is 2 tablets every 4 hours. But the total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets. Regular use of this medicine is not advisable as this may lead to medicine dependence.

If you buy Fioricet and take it , it may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know your response to this drug. Use this drug with cautiousness if you are elderly or in a weakened condition, if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you have severe abdominal trouble. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your physician immediately. Fioricet can affect a developing baby. It also appears in breast milk.

Regular intake of Fioricet is important that is why if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose just to catch up. When you buy Fioricet, side effects are expected . If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. An overdose of Fioricet, or combining this medication with alcohol or other central nervous system depressant, may lead to unconsciousness or perhaps death.

When you have active lifestyle, always expect for pain. But you can wipe out the pain when buy Fioricet. When you have Fioricet , you do not need to struggle with pain. So buy Fioricet now! And for convenient way of buying, buy Fioricet online at BuyFioricets.com where Fioricet is available without prescription needed.

For more information on how to buy Fioricet, visit http://buyfioricets.com/.

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