Easy Home Workouts with HomeBody DVD

HomeBody is a new DVD created by Fitness Instructor Jillian Hessel. It is a great beginner workout that can be done at home without purchasing expensive equipment or requiring a lot of space! This is a “no-excuses” workout because all you need are the things that are easily found around the house to serve as your workout equipment.

The workout is a hybrid of Dance, Pilates, and Yoga, it’s designed to get you moving, stretching, toning, strengthening your core, and improving your posture. The workout cleverly uses common household items like food cans and water bottles to serve as hand weights. A straight-back chair is also needed for the seated exercises.

Initially, I thought some of the seated exercises were too easy, but for folks who sit at a desk all day, they are great for working the upper body and easy to incorporate into a work day to keep your upper body both strong and flexible. The neck and shoulder relaxation section is WONDERFUL. It’s like giving yourself a mini-massage.

Jillian says, ”I created HomeBody because I want to inspire folks to get up off the couch and start moving, dancing, and toning in the comfort and security of their own homes. Homebody is for everyone who likes to move to music, but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money or time getting into shape.”

The HomeBody workout is divided into four main parts (plus bonus tutorial!) that can be performed separately or in their entirety, depending on your time schedule. Special navigation buttons allow certain sections to be repeated if you want to concentrate on a particular exercise or sequence. Here is the workout summary:

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Is this an Insane Workout? Pure Cardio Review

After my initial post about INSANITY. I’ve been meaning to post some reviews about the individual workouts. Here is my review for the Pure Cardio workout.

As a reminder, the INSANITY workout system is not for beginners. It is 60 days of intense cardio conditioning. The Pure Cardio workout is 38 minutes in length. At first I thought, “Really? Only 38 minutes?” but toward the end of this workout, I was thankful for the cool down and stretch.

The Pure Cardio workout begins with a warm up, but this is no ordinary warm up. By the time you finish the warm up, you’re already sweating quite a bit, or at least I was. The warm up is 3 rounds of about 3 minutes and 30 seconds each. There is no break between the rounds. Each round is slightly faster than the last, and the last round is
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Fitness Magazine Helps Brides Get Fit

I am working with Fitness Magazine to tell my readers about an exciting new fitness program, dubbed the bridal boot camp. For many women, their wedding day is one of the of the most important events in their life. To help with this momentous occasion FitnessMagazine.com has developed a six-week fitness boot camp perfectly timed for spring and early summer brides.

The highlights of the program are:

Bridal boot camp workout videos – everything from specific toning exercises, such as the balance arm curl, to nutrition tips. Most of them about one minute in length

Extra moves for specific dress types - targeted workouts for brides with strapless, backless, form-fitting, or short styles.

Finally, because brides tend to be extremely busy, Fitnessmagazine.com has created a 20-minute circuit workout for buff brides. Between dealing with caterers, booking the florist and attending dress fittings, now any bride will be able to fit in cardio, strength training, and interval training in just over two hours a week.

Brides-to-be may want to sign up for the bridal boot camp newsletter that includes workout routines, nutrition tips, weight-loss plans and more.

Popularity: 1%
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Great List of 100 Calorie Snacks

Many people find snack time the most challenging part of their day. Here is a great list of snack ideas for around 100 calories each. A great idea is to prepackage your snacks so that they are ready to grab and go. Go for the whole food options whenever possible, but there are some additional ideas on this list as well. Have other snack ideas? Post a comment and let us know.

Peanut Butter Celery Stalk — One stalk of celery dabbed with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter (the kind without added hydrogenated oils) equals about 100 calories of protein-rich deliciousness.

Dry-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds — A quarter cup of this mineral-rich snack comes out to about 75 calories. Chocolate Treat — For a quick and easy chocolate fix, take about six tablespoons of any brand of light whipped cream or light whipped cream substitute, and fold in a teaspoon of a powdered cocoa mix. Blend it thoroughly. Only about 50 calories.

Half-Cup of Sherbet or Sorbet — A good ice cream substitute, and under 100 calories.

Watermelon — Two cups of watermelon cubes are fairly filling and equal only about 85 calories.

Corn on the Cob — One medium-sized ear with a dash of seasoning will set you back only 80 calories.

Puffed Wheat Cereal — Grab two-thirds of a cup of puffed wheat. Add a half cup of skim milk and a teaspoon of sugar or sugar substitute. About 100 calories.

Blueberries — They’re delicious fresh from a farmer’s market. A cup equals only 90 calories.

Vegetarian Baked Beans — Doesn’t taste much different from the kind with pork in it. One third cup is only about 75 calories.

Teddy Grahams Crackers — The chocolate ones are particularly yummy. Fifteen clock in at 82 calories.

Plums – Three on the small side add up to around 90 calories.

Bagel Bites – Found in the freezer section of your grocery store. Two of these little pizza treats equal 100 calories.

Turkey Sandwich – Make a half-sandwich using a slice of whole-wheat bread and about two ounces of low-fat turkey breast. Add mustard and/or lettuce or a thin slice of tomato if you like. You’re looking at about 100 calories.

Seven-Ounce Bottle of Dannon Lite ‘n’ Fit Carb Control Smoothie — Good source of protein and calcium. Only 70 calories.

Campbell’s Soup-at-Hand — A convenient microwavable soup that you sip right from the container. The chicken noodle flavor is only 80 calories.

Fruit and Whipped Cream – Take a half cup of your favorite kind of berries — raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, etc. — and place them in a bowl. Top with two tablespoons of a low-fat whipped cream or whipped cream substitute. About 100 calories.

Craisins — Dried cranberries make a nice change of pace from raisins. Four tablespoons come to around 90 calories.

Grapes — Ever try them frozen? A great treat! Thirty are under 100 calories.

Half a Bagel — A half a bagel with a very light sprinkling of low-fat butter substitute will be around 100 calories.

Breadsticks – The kind with sesame seeds — two of ‘em add up to about 85 calories.

Reduced-Fat Triscuits — Six of these crunchy whole-grain crackers tote up to under 100 calories. The fiber content will help fill your stomach.

Strawberry Newtons — Nabisco sells a two-cookie snack pack of these. Each cookie is 100 calories. Eat one and give the other to a friend.

Cheese Stick with Marinara Sauce — Put a low-fat mozzarella cheese stick into a bowl along with a quarter cup of marinara sauce. Heat briefly in the microwave (be careful not to overheat or you’ll end up with soup). About 100 calories.

Have more great low-cal snack ideas? Leave a comment and let us know.

Popularity: 1%
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Door Pull Up Bar – Convenient Way to Do Pull-Ups

Trying Fitness Fitness BlogAboutTerms of UseContactSitemapFitness InterviewsSubscribeTrying Fitness

Because you've tried everything else

Door Pull Up Bar – Convenient Way to Do Pull-Ups
ADVERTISEMENTS

January 13, 2010

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Benefits of Full-Body Workouts

The typical forms of exercise usually focus on specific body parts per day. This is great if that is your goal and you don't mind breaking up your routine that way. However, for most of us, we are always battling a time crunch and want to get the most out of workout in the least amount of time. This is where full-body workouts come into play.

Time Saver

If you are already finding it difficult to hit the gym on a daily basis, then you will be happy to know that doing full-body workouts can cut your gym time down to 2 or 3 times per week. Since you will be working out with more intensity, you are getting in a high quality workout. You can spend the other days doing other activities like cardio workouts.

Strength Training and Cardio in One Shot

Whether you are using weights or your own body weight as resistance, spending time on every body part within one hour will get your heart pumping. The best routines are interval routines that combine sets of upper body workouts with lower body workouts. For example, shoulder press with dumbbells and combining with dumbbell squats.

Workout in Less Time

Most full-body workouts can be done in 45 minutes and working out this way shouldn't take more than an hour. If you are doing interval training, you will probably be exhausted before you even reach an hour. Going any longer isn't really necessary which is great because you aren't spending hours at a time in the gym.

Unlimited Routines

You don't have to do the same exercises every time you workout. There are tons of routines you can do to work each major body part. If you run out of ideas, check out YouTube and type in 10 minute workouts or 12 minute workouts. Even search for interval routines - you will have more than enough to start out with.

Less Equipment

Most workouts don't require anything more than dumbbells, stability ball or bench, and your own body weight. This means you don't even need to hit the gym unless you like to use various machines there. Most workouts can be done right at home in a small space.

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Functional Strength Training to Make Life Easier

There are various reasons why someone may start lifting weights. Some people start to improve their physique, others to become bodybuilders, and still others who just want to burn fat. Lifting weights always reminds me of bodybuilders first because that is how they spend a majority of their time working out. Training is about building bigger muscles and looking good in a competition. For the most part, it isn't about becoming a better athlete in terms of strength, speed, or endurance.

Functional training helps a person become better at doing their daily activities. You become stronger so that lifting heavy loads isn't such a burden. You train so that you can lift your groceries or your children with ease. This type of training focuses a lot on your core muscles because those are the muscles used most in our daily routine.

Get Off the Weight Machines

If you want to start performing functional training, it's best to stay off of the weight machines. Weight machines limit your range of motion. Free weights are a better choice. The movements mimic ones that you would actually do during your day. Dumbbells are a great choice for weights. Use them in combination with compound exercises like squats, lunges, shoulder presses, etc.

Develop that Core

Core muscles are often neglected in working out but they are essential for everything we do. They are stabilizer muscles which help keep you upright (improved posture) and improve balance. They allow you to use your other muscles more effectively in your arms and legs. The core consists of your back and abdominal muscles and there are others that are deeper such as the tranverse abdominis.

Do you use functional strength training in your routines?

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Exercise Alternatives to Running

There are many benefits that come from running as well as some risks. I won't go into them here but if you do a quick search, you will find plenty of articles listing the good and bad of running. However, for the most part, I think running's benefits outweigh the downsides. Yet, there are some people who loathe it and others who love it but can't do it anymore or as often due to injuries. Where ever you stand on the subject, it is still good to know what some can include.

If you want to continue to get in a good cardio workout, consider the list below for some cool running alternatives:

Brisk walkingSkating (roller blading)Elliptical machineSwimmingRowing machineHikingSpin classesStationary bikeBike ridingTreadmill (high incline at a slow pace)Jumping ropeCircuit training

How about you? What are your alternatives to running?

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Fill Your Calendar with Fitness and Never Worry About Working Out Again

There are plenty of people out there that dislike exercise because they don't feel it is fun to do. Since it isn't viewed as something fun to do, it is difficult to make time for it. The solution for people like this is to put the fun into exercise, that way it doesn't feel like you're working out at all. There are plenty of ways to do this and some methods will cost money and others will not.

However, if you add in a little of both (paid and free) activities, you could be exercising 5 to 6 days a week and not even feel like it. Below are some ideas to fill your calendar with fun things to do that also keep you working out on a regular basis.

1. Use a calendar: I like to use Google calendar because it's web based and I can access it easily. Plus it can send out email reminders of upcoming appointments. Whichever calendar you choose, the goal is to fill it with as many fitness activities as you can for the entire month.

2. Make a list: Are there things you have always wanted to try but never get around to? Make a list of activities that will get you physically active. Indoor rock climbing, martial arts classes, dancing, boxing classes, zumba, etc.

3. Sign up: Decide which classes or activities you like most. Find out what you can afford and search for free and low-cost sources as well. When you find what you like, schedule some classes. Now you can start filling in your calendar with fun stuff.

4. Map out trails: If you like to run, walk, or even ride a bike, map out some trails that you can use. You can find trails in your area for biking and/or walking or running. Add them to your calendar.

5. Exercise for a cause: There are plenty of causes that you can participate in by doing 3k's, 5k's, etc. You can walk or run. Find some in your area that you can do and plug them into your schedule.

6. Contests: Local gyms and fitness groups often hold competitions that you can train for. Stay on the lookout and find what you like. You never know, you could be winning trophies too!

Continue to be on the lookout for activities that will keep you moving. Your calendar can stay consistently full and have you doing fun things that won't feel like exercise at all. If you never thought of yourself as an active person, this is a great way to start and to meet other active people to keep you motivated.

Do you stay active? What are some of your tips?

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Lose a Pound of Fat and Get Motivated

Losing one pound of fat isn't that impressive to some people but knowing how to do so can make a world of difference for someone else. Losing just one pound means that you can lose two, three, and continue until you reach your goal.

There are a lot of ways to go about losing pounds but nothing will take the place of healthy eating and physical activity. Yet, eating healthy and exercising can be often neglected due to busy lifestyles. It can be hard for most people to fit in fitness.

Below are some tips that may help you get on the right track of losing a pound and staying motivated to meet your weight loss goal.

1. Keep food simple - Fitting in healthy eating means keeping food simple in terms of the food you choose to eat. Simple doesn't mean ordering through a drive-thru. It means eating food that isn't full of ingredients you can't pronounce or have no clue to what they are. The more natural your food the better. Think of lean meats, seafood, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and good fats.

2. Make the most of your workouts - If your biggest excuse is not having time to workout then you will need to make the most of each workout that you do. Burning fat should be the goal and a great way to do this is by building muscle. Good fat burning exercises are strength training, calisthenics, and interval training.

3. Don't weigh yourself daily - Our weight can fluctuate from day to day so if you weigh yourself everyday you may freak out wondering why you are a pound heavier than the day before. Keep in mind that there is water weight to consider as well as gaining muscle that puts on weight. This happens over time so it is probably better to do weekly weigh-ins.

4. Make small goals - Let's say you have 20 pounds or more to lose. Setting a huge goal can make it seem unachievable. Set a realistic goal of losing one pound per week. When you see that you can lose a pound a week, it gets you motivated. It's nicer to reach small goals and feel good along the way. The small goals add up to your much larger one.

If you can lose one pound, you can lose the rest that are keeping you overweight. It is all about baby steps, seeing progress, and staying motivated.

Have you reached your weight loss goal or working towards it? What are some of your tips?

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

10 Ways to Get Motivated to Exercise

One of the hardest parts of working out is getting started. I remember working 8 or more hours a day and commuting for one hour in rush-hour traffic. The last thing I felt like doing after a long day was exercising. Yet, when I didn't exercise, I was always sluggish and I gained a lot of weight in the process. You are probably finding yourself in a similar situation. How do we get motivated enough to exercise?

Well, like most things we do in our lives, if it is something fun and something that we look forward to we will have no problem doing it. Therefore, we need to find ways to make exercise fun and ways to keep our motivation levels up. Below are 10 ideas that you may find helpful and inspire you to try fitness.

1. Get fitness minded - Even if you are out of shape, it doesn't mean you can't be into health and fitness. Begin acting as if you are fitness fanatic. The more you get enthused about fitness, the more you will want to do it.

2. Subscribe to top fitness magazines - You need to surround your home with fitness material. When you have health related magazines around that you can read in your spare time, not only will you learn a thing or two, you may even become inspired by the people featured in the magazines.

3. Join communities online - There are so many different fitness communities online from bodybuilders to runners, there is a forum that will match your interests. Participate and communicate with other fitness-minded people.

4. Find a cause - There are many good causes that you can participate in throughout the year. Many are fitness related such as walking or running for 3k's or 5k's. Train and participate. You'll be motivated to help out.

5. Start a group - Do you know others who are struggling with motivation? Start a walking, running, biking or other fitness related club. Schedule meet-ups and workout together to help motivate each other.

6. Buy workout clothes - Clothes can change our moods and when you put on workout clothes, it can get you in the mood to workout even if it's for a short walk.

7. Set small goals - Set simple goals such as working out 3 times per week. When you meet that goal, reward yourself with something cool like going to a movie or a new pair of shoes.

8. Blog it - Many people find tons of motivation from starting a blog about their fitness. It helps keep you accountable and you meet other people who are in the same situation.

9. Create playlists - Nothing gets me pumped up to exercise like good music. I make various playlists and upload to my mp3 player. Music can be a great motivator.

10. Hire a trainer - If you can budget it, personal trainers are excellent in terms of motivation. They keep you accountable and teach you different methods of exercise.

Motivation can come from everywhere, however, some of the best motivation comes from communicating with others who have fitness goals they are working towards as well.

I recommend opening a FREE account in the Team Beachbody Club. You will have have access to the support, motivation, and tools you need to reach your fitness goals. Sign up for free by visiting: http://whole9fitness.com/beachbody-club/

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

How to Get a Free Gym Membership

Gym memberships can be quite expensive, especially if you are on a budget. When you are searching for options about joining one you quickly find out that there are fees to pay just to join. You may have to put money down and then pay monthly or yearly. If you end up not using your membership as often as you expected, then you end up wasting your money.

Below are some ideas that you may consider in order to land yourself a free gym membership.

1. Work part-time at a gym - A lot of gyms offer free memberships to their employees. If you don't mind working part-time, you can earn some extra money as well as workout for free.

2. Job benefit - Some companies offer gym memberships as a benefit. Ask around and maybe you can land a job that will pay for your gym fees.

3. Trial offers - If you live in an area that has an abundance of gyms you could find out about any free trials. Many may offer trials from one week to an entire month. Join various gyms at various times and you could manage to get several months of free memberships.

4. Volunteer - This may work with the privately owned gyms more so than the larger franchised gyms. You could ask about volunteering in exchange for a free membership.

The best free gym (in my opinion) is the one you have right at home. You don't need fancy equipment or a lot of space. If you have a television and a dvd player or a laptop that plays dvd's then you have all the gym you need. There are some excellent in-home fitness programs available on dvd that you can use to workout at home.

Most of these programs require nothing more than dumbbells and a yoga mat. If you invest in several programs, you create a fitness library that you can alternate any time you want. It is like having a personal trainer on-call. You can workout anytime you want without worry of gym fees, driving to and from a gym, germs from the sweaty equipment, overcrowding, sweaty gym members, and waiting to use machines.

P90X® is a prime example of what a home-fitness program can do. That program has become quite a success and many people have lost weight and got into great shape by working out at home in their spare time. Consider a low-budget home gym for yourself. It is one of the best gym memberships you already have free access to.

Join me in the gym! Sign up for your FREE account at the Team Beachbody Club and get access to the tools, support, and motivation you need to reach your fitness goals.

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

Gymboss Interval Timer and Stop Watch

Recently I was contacted by the company Gymboss.com to try out their Gymboss interval timer. I have always liked interval training although I don't do it as my primary method of working out, I do use intervals when I want a good full-body workout in a short amount of time. When I was contacted about reviewing the Gymboss, I was happy to do so because it was something I would buy myself if I had ever come across it.

If you have ever done intervals or other timed exercise like tabata, then you know how it is to have to time yourself. You either have to have someone time you or you keep track yourself with the number of reps that you do. This is where Gymboss comes in. You can set an alarm for your timed intervals and it will beep, vibrate, or both when the time has been reached.

For example, I did an interval workout consisting of squats, push-ups, jumping jacks, lunges, and mountain climbers. I wanted to spend 30 seconds on each exercise to complete a set. I set my Gymboss for 30 second intervals. When the alarm went off every 30 seconds, I switched to a new exercise. It definitely made it easier to keep track of when to change exercises.

Other Gymboss Interval Timer Features

One or two different time intervals from 2 seconds to 100 minutesAuto keeps repeating through intervalsManual acts as a countdown timerAlarm by beep, vibration, or bothAlarm duration of 1, 5, or 10 secondsBelt clipWater and shock resistant1 year warranty

Types of training it is good for:

Boxing/Martial ArtsInterval TrainingWeightliftingRunning/SprintingCardioCrossfitTabataKettlebells

If you are into timed workouts then the Gymboss is a good timer to consider. It is really easy to use, small, easy to take anywhere, it can be clipped onto clothing or other item, and only requires one AAA battery.

Get full details at the web site: Gymboss.com

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article

How Do You Stay Accountable for Getting Fit?

Accountability is one of the most helpful ways to reach a goal. It really helps when you are trying to lose weight and get into shape. There are so many different ways to be accountable for reaching your fitness goals. When you know that you have to answer to someone, a part of you doesn't want to let that person down because it would be more embarrassing to be known as a flake or unreliable. Below are some ideas for staying accountable for getting into shape:

1. Tell someone who means a lot to you - You could share your fitness goals with someone whose opinion means a lot to you. This could be your parents, a role model you know, or a good friend. Make it clear to them what you want to accomplish and how you are going to do it. Follow up with them daily, once a week, or once a month so that you stay on track because you know they will be wanting to hear about your progress.

2. Start a blog - This is the easiest way to stay accountable and holds a lot of benefits. One big benefit is that a lot more people will end up reading your blog. You will also get support from others who are doing the same thing. There is also something therapeutic about keeping a journal on your fitness progress. On the days where you feel really down, it helps to get it out in the open. Others may know exactly what you're going through.

3. Twitter your progress - If you're not into writing long blog posts, Twitter is a great option for chatting with other fitness-minded people. Tweets are really short and you can update as often as you want. Tweet about what exercises you plan to do for the day or healthy meals you plan on making. Search keywords like "fitness, exercise, health" etc., and follow people that are trying to improve their health as well.

4. Facebook - Reaching out to your Facebook friends is another great way to stay accountable. Your friends will more than likely motivate you and push you to keep it up. You may even motivate others who are wanting to get in shape but are in a slump.

5. Join a club - There are a lot of fitness clubs to join both online and offline. Find one that interests you and stay very active by participating. If you are a P90X® or Insanity™ user, sign up to the Team Beachbody Club for free. There are a lot of great forums, tools, and a great workout calendar you can use to track progress.

6. Tell your co-workers - Letting people at your work know that you are wanting to get into shape may help because you see your co-workers every day. They are probably the individuals most likely to check up on you and ask how you're doing with your goals.

However you choose to be accountable, be sure it is something that will force you to give updates on your progress. Do you use any type of accountability to keep up with your fitness?

--
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

View the Original article