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	<title>Diet Plan &#187; Workout</title>
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		<title>Should You Supplement Your Workout With Caffeine?</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/should-you-supplement-your-workout-with-caffeine/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/should-you-supplement-your-workout-with-caffeine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:22:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caffeine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[should]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Workout]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Should you supplement your workout with caffeine?Many people like to workout with all the help they can get. This help usually comes in the form of common supplements like a whey protein, and some sort of muscle builder. With whey proteins, there isn&#8217;t much variation as far as ingredients goes, but with muscle builders there [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Should you supplement your workout with caffeine?<br />Many people like to workout with all the help they can get. This help usually comes in the form of common supplements like a whey protein, and some sort of muscle builder. With whey proteins, there isn&#8217;t much variation as far as ingredients goes, but with muscle builders there is one very important difference: those which contain caffeine, and those that do not. <br />To begin I would like to talk a bit about caffeine, what it is, and what it does. First off, caffeine is considered a drug on account that it has pharmacological effects on the human body. For this reason caffeine is not classified as a nutrient. Ironically caffeine is found in many &#8220;nutritional supplements&#8221;, as well as in many ordinary soft drinks. For example the caffeine content found in a regular cup of coffee has about 50 to 100 mg in each cup. Popular teas contain anywhere from 35-60 mg per cup. Ordinary soft drinks contain a little more than 50 mg per can, and the extremely popular energy drinks often have more than 100mg per can. <br />Many people often use caffeine to cover the telltale signs of fatigue, as well as increase endurance. The actual amount of performance enhancement depends greatly upon a few factors. A few of these factors includes your body mass, as well as your body&#8217;s metabolism. <br />Basically there are three main areas where caffeine effects an athletes performance. The first of these is that caffeine increases fat burning during exercise while sparing glycogen. This is accomplished by stimulating the production of adrenaline. What this does is increases the rate in which fatty acids are released from fat cells into the blood stream. This process might possibly promote fat loss by helping muscles to use more fat and less glycogen, in turn postponing or even fighting off fatigue.<br />Caffeine also acts as a stimulant which means that it contributes to muscle contraction. This contraction is a result of stimulating the release of calcium from the muscle cells, which enables calcium to stimulate the contraction of the different muscle groups. This is said to increase overall strength as well as power output. <br />Caffeine also is a heavy central nervous system stimulant. Because of this some athletes have reported significant gains at the psychological level, thus helping you to focus, as well as cut the fatigue.<br />So it&#8217;s pretty easy to see that caffeine really does help with certain aspects to playing sports, particularly those who are looking to shed pounds or lift weights. But the real question is at what cost do athletes get these gains? How much is risked or harmed to get some otherwise attainable goals? Excessive amount of caffeine can cause irritability, diarrhea, trembling, restlessness, nervousness, and even some thing more serious like heart palpitations. For this reason we highly suggest that you don&#8217;t take any supplements that have caffeine in them. Caffeine is also a diuretic which means that your body will excrete more fluids than normal, thus requiring you to increase your amount of water intake.<br />The most important thing to consider is that if you are trying to build muscle, then caffeine is the last thing you would want to take. Caffeine constricts blood flow, and blood flow is what muscles need to grow at their best. <br />If you are interested in caffeine free/stimulant free muscle builders please check out mytopform.com</p>
<div style="margin:5px;padding:5px;border:1px solid #c1c1c1;font-size: 10px;">
<div class="author-signature"> <strong>About Author</strong> <br />For more info on <a href="http://www.mytopform.com/creatine-no2-glutamine.html">caffeine free/stimulant free muscle builders</a>, visit <a href="http://www.MyTopForm.com">Top Form Supplements</a></div>
</div>
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		<title>Best 8 Fitness Workout Plans For Fat Loss</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/best-8-fitness-workout-plans-for-fat-loss/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/best-8-fitness-workout-plans-for-fat-loss/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:18:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dieting Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Workout]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Whilst body training alone isn&#8217;t enough to entice continual fat burning, realising which fitness plans you can use alongside with proper dieting program of fruit and vegetables can support a lot. Below we will tell you about the top 8 fitness workouts you should contemplate when beginning to obtain successful fat loss: 1. Resistance Workout [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whilst body training alone isn&#8217;t enough to entice continual fat burning, realising which fitness plans you can use alongside with proper dieting program of fruit and vegetables can support a lot.</p>
<p> Below we will tell you about the top 8 fitness workouts you should contemplate when beginning to obtain successful fat loss:</p>
<p><strong>1. Resistance Workout Plan</strong></p>
<p> Proven to build up muscle mass and increase calorie loss, this fitness training routine applies either weight equipment or heavies. Assisting to drop extra body fat as your muscle mass develop, researches have found that doing a minimum of 20 minutes a day of multi-rep sessions (that push all muscle zones), you can obtain the same amount of fat burning as a 45 minutes cardio session.</p>
<p><strong>2. Elastic Resistance Bands</strong></p>
<p> Utilising resistance bands to strengthen and prompt muscle growth, this fitness workout plan is highly effective as you can impact all parts of your organism at a level that fits you. For the best body weight losing results, order affordable bands that are can be purchased in levels ranging from up to 120 kilos of resistance.</p>
<p><strong>3. Cardio Routines</strong></p>
<p> Witnessed to raise your heart rate during an extended interval of time, cardio session can be helpful to relieve your risks of developing heart diseases and diabetes. To experience maximum results from cardio you will need to perform sessions for a minimum of thirty minutes a day, and charge your sessions intensity until you begin sweating.</p>
<p><strong>4. Walking, Jogging and Running<br /></strong><br /> The average weight struggler can get rid of about a hundred calories per mile carrying out any of the above mentioned training sessions. The goal is to perform these as regularly as possible at a medium speed to fuel your extra fat loss.</p>
<p><strong>5. Weight Trainers<br /></strong><br /> This weight burn machine is beneficial as you can increase your resistance level. The most advised to choose are rowing trainers and pulley systems as you can strengthen your body muscles as your workout is growing in intensivity. Please Be Aware: weight simulators are more beneficial to consumers wanting to gain muscle mass in comparison with consumers wishing to lose body weight.</p>
<p><strong>6. Aerobics Workouts<br /></strong><br /> Witnessed to get rid of eight hundreds calories a hour, step aerobics workout is particularly beneficial as it needs a minute amount of dedications but helps to boost extra weight loss.</p>
<p><strong>7. Riding a Bike</strong></p>
<p> Dropping 5 to 10 hundreds calories a hour, cycling is less damaging on your joints supporting you to last for longer.</p>
<p><strong>8. Free Weight Training<br /></strong><br /> Comprising of 1-2 hand held weights or barbells, this technique has been designed to target an individual&#8217;s chest, arms, legs and abdomen by inducing stable resistance to an individual&#8217;s body zones.</p>
<p> If anyway you are still struggling to lose body weight, even considering the intensity you workout regularly; utilise Proactol weight loss pills as part of a proper dieting program and you can regularly achieve monthly fat losses of 4-8lbs a four weeks period.</p>
<p> Enabling to remove up to 28 percent of your daily fat content, curb your hunger and lower cholesterol, Proactol weight loss supplement can deliver you the slimming help you require and help you to start a healthier, more carefree style of life.</p>
<div style="margin:5px;padding:5px;border:1px solid #c1c1c1;font-size: 10px;">
<div class="author-signature"><img src="http://www.sooperarticles.com/author-photos/thumbs/photo-25593-alex_vic.jpg" alt="Alex Vic Photo" /><strong>About Author</strong> <br /><a href="http://blogweight.com/blog/weight-loss/how-does-proactol-work-for-weight-loss">Does Proactol work</a>? &#8211; see graphical proof explaining how Proactol works to bind fats and ensure successful and healthy slimming. <a href="http://blogweight.com/blog/exercises/personal-fit-trainer">Personal Fitness Trainer</a> &#8211; see where you can choose your online personal fitness trainer from many professional fitness trainers. Photos and videos of trainers available.</div>
</div>
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		<title>Firm Butt Workout</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/firm-butt-workout/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/firm-butt-workout/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:57:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[butt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firm]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Unique workout product targeting women and men looking to get a firm and toned butt. Product consists of high quality training videos and specific nutrition information. No cheesy sales copy. Innovation in design, constant split testing. Firm Butt Workout]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Unique workout product targeting women and men looking to get a firm and toned butt. Product consists of high quality training videos and specific nutrition information. No cheesy sales copy. Innovation in design, constant split testing.<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://gfrench.FIRMBUTT.hop.clickbank.net">Firm Butt Workout</a></p>
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		<title>Workout free for STARS campers</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/workout-free-for-stars-campers/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/workout-free-for-stars-campers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:57:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Workout free for STARS campers The STARS Complex in Fort Myers is offering &#34;Get Fit for the Health of It,&#34; a new program for STARS summer campers. Read more on The News-Press]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Workout free for STARS campers</b><br />
The STARS Complex in Fort Myers is offering &quot;Get Fit for the Health of It,&quot; a new program for STARS summer campers.</p>
<p>Read more on <a href="http://www.news-press.com/article/20100713/HEALTH/7130305/1085/rss0110">The News-Press</a><br/><br/></p>
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		<title>Benefits of Exercise: Tips for a Successful Fitness Plan</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/benefits-of-exercise-tips-for-a-successful-fitness-plan/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/benefits-of-exercise-tips-for-a-successful-fitness-plan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:18:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hunisquared</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lose weight]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planned-diet.com/?p=1868</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Setting your fitness Goals Are you as strong, flexible, and physically fit as you would like to be? If you are, good for you. However, if you want to make some improvements, here&#8217;s one piece of advice: Try to improve a little bit at a time. The only way to walk a mile is to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><span style="color: #39883c;"><strong>Setting your fitness Goals</strong></span></h3>
<p>Are you as strong, flexible, and physically fit as you would like to be? If you are, good for you. However, if you want to make some improvements, here&#8217;s one piece of advice: Try to improve a little bit at a time.</p>
<p>The only way to walk a mile is to take 1 step at a time. The only way to improve your fitness level is to take it 1 step at a time.</p>
<ul>
<li>Pick 1 aspect of fitness (aerobic, strength, flexibility) you want to improve first.</li>
<li>Pick an activity that you enjoy. Your more likely to keep doing something you like.</li>
<li>Set a 1-month goal that you think you can reach. For example, plan to walk for 10 minutes at lunch 3 days a week, or stretch for 5 minutes each morning.</li>
<li>Start today. Keep a record of what you do.</li>
<li>When you reach your first goal, reward yourself! Then set a new one.</li>
</ul>
<p>Consistency brings success. Each success may be a small one, but small successes can quickly add up to physical fitness that will make a big difference in your life.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #39883c;"><strong>How hard should I exercise?</strong></span></h3>
<p>Nice and easy does it. Exercise does not have to be intense to be of value. In fact, if you exercise too hard, you get less benefit than if you go at a moderate pace.</p>
<p>Above all, listen to your body. If the exercise feels too hard, slow down. You will reduce your risk of injury and enjoy the exercise much more.</p>
<p>Try the &#8220;talk-sing test&#8221; to determine your ideal exercise pace:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you can&#8217;t talk and exercise at the same time, you are going too fast.</li>
<li>If you can talk while you exercise, you are doing fine.</li>
<li>If you can sing while you exercise, it would be safe to exercise a little faster.</li>
</ul>
<p>Your exercise is most effective when you can talk, but not sing, while doing it.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #39883c;"><strong>How Often should I Exercise?</strong></span></h3>
<p>Most studies show that exercising for at least 30 minutes a week is what it takes to improve fitness. However, sometimes it&#8217;s easier to make exercise a habit if you do it every day.</p>
<p>With aerobic exercise, harder is not better, but longer is. Although you can get good fitness benefits from as little as 10 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, extending your exercise time will increase your rewards. This is true for up to 1 hour of exercise per day. Beyond that, there may be diminishing health returns and increasing risk of injuries.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #39883c;"><strong>Warm Up and Cool Down</strong></span></h3>
<p>For the first 5 minutes of your exercise routine, start out slowly and easily so your muscles have a chance to warm up.</p>
<p>End your exercise with a little cool-down period. If you&#8217;ve been running or walking quickly, gradually slow your pace, then do a few light stretches to improve flexibility.</p>
<p>Drink some extra water before and after exercising.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #39883c;"><strong>Overcome Barriers to Exercise</strong></span></h3>
<p>There are 6 barriers to exercise are all easy to overcome</p>
<ol>
<li>No time?<br />
Try shorter periods of activity spread out throughout the day, such as three 10-minute walks.</li>
<li>Too tired?<br />
It&#8217;s often lack of exercise that makes you tired. Exercise gives you energy, try it.</li>
<li>Embarrassed?<br />
Many people are, especially at first. Be proud that you&#8217;re taking care of your body.</li>
<li>No partner?<br />
Yes, it&#8217;s more fun to exercise with a friend. If your regular exercise partner quits, find another one. You could also join a fitness club, take a class, or exercise to a video.</li>
<li>Bad weather?<br />
Too hot, too cold, too wet, too windy-it never seems right for exercise. Lots of people exercise come rain or shine. Try a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.</li>
<li>Too costly?<br />
You had to let the fitness club expire. You can&#8217;t afford a mountain bike. You panic at the price of running shoes. It all costs money, but can you afford not to exercise? Try a low-cost option such as walking instead of driving.</li>
</ol>
<h3><span style="color: #39883c;"><strong>Exercise CAUTIONS</strong></span></h3>
<p>Moderate exercise is safe for most people. To be safe, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your exercise. However, if you can answer &#8220;yes&#8221; to any of the following questions, talk with your physician before beginning an exercise program.</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you have heart trouble?</li>
<li>Do you have undiagnosed chest pains?</li>
<li>Do you have high blood pressure?</li>
<li>Do you have arthritis or other bone or joint problems that might be aggravated by improper exercise?</li>
<li>Do you  have diabetes? You may want to talk with your physician about how increased exercise affects your insulin needs.</li>
</ul>
<p>Men over age 40 who have been inactive or who have 2 or more risk factors for heart disease* and who plan to start a vigorous exercise program (running or fast bicycling or swimming) may wish to talk with their physician about any possible risks.</p>
<h6>*Cholesterol over 200 mg/dl, blood pressure over 140/90, smoking, diabetes, or family history of heart disease before age 45</h6>
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		<title>Benefits of Exercise: Your Personal Fitness Plan</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/benefits-of-exercise-your-personal-fitness-plan/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/benefits-of-exercise-your-personal-fitness-plan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:05:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hunisquared</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Building Mass]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planned-diet.com/?p=1818</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Staying fit is not only good for your health, it is good for you. If you want to enjoy life more, the tips here can help. The Benefits of Exercise No amount of exercise can guarantee a long life, however, even moderate amounts of physical activity can improve the likelihood of a healthy life. Along [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Staying fit is not only good for your health, it is good for you. If you want to enjoy life more, the tips here can help.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #893424;"><strong>The Benefits of Exercise</strong></span></h3>
<p>No amount of exercise can guarantee a long life, however, even moderate amounts of physical activity can improve the likelihood of a healthy life. Along with a positive attitude and a healthful diet, your fitness level plays a major role in how well you feel, what illnesses you avoid, and how much you enjoy your life.</p>
<p>Consider the benefits of fitness presented here and find one or more reasons to to commit to your own fitness program:</p>
<ul>
<li>Relives tension and stress</li>
<li>Provides enjoyment and fun</li>
<li>Stimulates the mind</li>
<li>Helps maintain a stable weight</li>
<li>Controls appetite</li>
<li>Boosts self-image</li>
<li>Improves muscle tone and strength</li>
<li>Improves flexibility</li>
<li>Lowers blood pressure</li>
<li>Relives insomnia</li>
<li>Increases &#8220;good&#8221; (HDL) cholesterol</li>
<li>Reduces risk of diabetes</li>
<li>Increases energy and helps decrease fatigue</li>
<li>Reduces anxiety and depression</li>
<li>Improves balance and coordination</li>
<li>Helps prevent constipation</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Are you ready to get Started?<br />
</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Any activity is better than no activity&#8230;and you never have to run a marathon. You can start with a 5-minute walk <strong>today</strong>, and presto! You&#8217;re started!</li>
<li>Then, you can look for ways to liven up every day with a few minutes of walking, gardening, bicycling, dancing, swimming, taking the stairs, playing games, etc&#8230;.</li>
<li>Some people like to write down all of their activity on their calendar. Then they can step back and say,<br />
&#8220;I did it!&#8221;</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #893424;"><strong>Your Personal Fitness Plan</strong></span></h3>
<p>No one can prescribe the perfect fitness plan for you. You have to figure it out based on what you enjoy doing and what you will continue to do.</p>
<p>Consistency is the most important, the most basic, and the most often neglected part of fitness. Consistency in regular exercise or moderate activity delivers all of the fitness benefits.</p>
<p>A good fitness plan has 3 parts: aerobic fitness, muscle strengthening, and flexibility.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #893424;">AEROBIC  FITNESS</span></h3>
<p>Aerobic conditioning strengthens your heart and lungs. Good aerobic exercises include brisk walking, running, stair climbing, biking, swimming aerobic dance, or anything else that raises your heart rate and keeps it up for a while.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #893424;">MUSCLE STRENGTHENING</span></h3>
<p>Strengthening your muscles improves your work and athletic performance and prevents fatigue.<br />
Muscle-strengthening exercises will also improve your posture and help you feel more energetic.</p>
<p>Resistance training, with free weights, weight-training equipment, or inexpensive rubber tubing, can quickly increase your muscle strength.</p>
<p>Other simple, safe, and effective strengthening exercises include bent-knee curl-ups, chin-ups, push-ups, side leg-lifts, and other calisthenics to improve abdominal, neck, arm, shoulder, and leg strength.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #893424;">FLEXIBILITY</span></h3>
<p>Stretching can increase your range of motion and reduce stiffness and pain. Stretching is particularly important during the cool-down phase after exercising when your muscles are warm.</p>
<ul>
<li>Stretch slowly and gradually. Don&#8217;t bounce. Maintain a continuous tension on the muscle.</li>
<li>Relax and hold each stretch for a count of 20.</li>
<li>Exhale as you stretch, to further relax your muscles. If stretching hurts, you have gone too far or you are doing something incorrectly.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Get Fit Tip: Bike Path</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/get-fit-tip-bike-path/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/get-fit-tip-bike-path/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:55:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hunisquared</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planned-diet.com/?p=1770</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cycling is a wonderful way to get and stay fit without injury Across the country, people are tuning up their old bicycles or buying new ones to get around town and run errands. And why not? Bicycling is inexpensive, fun and offers numerous health benefits. Like walking and jogging, bicycling is a form of aerobic [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Cycling is a wonderful way to get and stay fit without injury</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff9900;">Across the country</span>, people are tuning up their old bicycles or buying new ones to get around town and run errands. And why not? Bicycling is inexpensive, fun and offers numerous health benefits.</p>
<p>Like walking and jogging, bicycling is a form of aerobic exercise. Bicycling offers the added benefit of being low impact, which equates to less stress on the joints. Before you start riding, a few cycling precautions will go along way to making your ride more enjoyable. First, invest in a high-quality helmet, pair of gloves and bicycling shorts. Also, a comfortable, gender-specific bicycle seat makes it easier to take long rides. When it comes to more specialized gear such as clip-less pedals, they are recommended only if you are planning to ride more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. As for the bicycle itself, make sure you get a cycle that fits both your leg length and your torso/arm reach. And before a ride, gentle stretching will help prepare your muscles and joints. After the ride, when your muscles are warm, is the time to focus on flexibility and increasing your range of motion. Here are a few handy stretches:</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff9900;">Gluteal Stretch </span></p>
<ol>
<li>Lie on your back with your left foot flat on the floor and right ankle placed on top of the left knee. Reach forward with both hands and hold the back of the left thigh.</li>
<li>Gently bring your left knee toward your chest as far as you can without causing pain. You should feel a stretch in the buttocks area.</li>
<li>Hold for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other leg. Perform the stretch at least 2 times on each side.</li>
</ol>
<p><span style="color: #ff9900;">Quad Stretch</span></p>
<ol>
<li>While standing next to a chair or wall, bend your outside knee and bring your heel toward your buttock.</li>
<li>While holding the ankle of the bent leg, gently extend your hip back and up so that you feel a stretch down the front of your thigh.</li>
<li>Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Perform the stretch at least 2 times on each side.</li>
</ol>
<p><span style="color: #ff9900;">Shoulders, Arms and Back</span></p>
<ol>
<li>With your arms and hands shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and feet directly below your hips, place your hands on your bike or a stable surface in front of you.</li>
<li>With your arms slightly bent, gently move your chest downward between your arms and shoulders until you feel a stretch across your chest and shoulders.</li>
<li>Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat 2 times.</li>
</ol>
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		<title>Examining Tools of the Weight Training Trade</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/examining-tools-of-the-weight-training-trade/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/examining-tools-of-the-weight-training-trade/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:39:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>strengthTrainer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Strength Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weight Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planned-diet.com/?p=1359</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[No question: The most intimidating thing about weight training is the equipment. You can examine a weight machine for half an hour — looking it up and down, walking circles around it, touching it, prodding it, even reading the instructional plaque posted on the frame]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>No question:</strong> The most intimidating thing about weight training is the equipment. You can examine a weight machine for half an hour — looking it up and down, walking circles around it, touching it, prodding it, even reading the instructional plaque posted on the frame — and still have absolutely no clue where to sit, which lever to push, or what possible benefit you derive from using it. Heck, even a simple metal bar sitting on a rack can leave you scratching your head.</p>
<p>Handling the bewildering nature of weight equipment consists of two points.</p>
<ul>
<li>First, relax. With a bit of practice, weight training contraptions are actually<br />
easy to operate.</li>
<li>Second, be happy that you decided to take up weight lifting in the 21st<br />
century. Back in the 1800s, fitness enthusiasts lifted furniture, boulders —<br />
even cows! Although we personally have never tried hoisting farm animals<br />
over our heads, we feel confident that today’s weight training<br />
devices are a major improvement.</li>
</ul>
<p>In this and the next few articles, you will discover the basic strength-building tools found in health clubs and home equipment stores. You will also receive a detailed account of the pros and cons of each equipment category:</p>
<ul>
<li>Free weights (dumbbells and barbells)</li>
<li>Machines</li>
<li>Rubber exercise bands and tubes</li>
</ul>
<p>And, with a little guidance, you decide which type of equipment is right for you.</p>
<ul>
<li>Should beginners stick to machines?</li>
<li>Do barbells build bigger muscles?</li>
<li> Can you get strong without using any equipment at all?</li>
</ul>
<p>Please Check out the rest of this article at the pages below.</p>
<h3><a href="/getting-comfortable-with-free-weights">Getting Comfortable with Free Weights</a><br />
<a href="/using-a-weight-bench">Using a Weight Bench</a><br />
<a href="/don’t-be-afraid-of-weight-machines">Don’t Be Afraid of Weight Machines!</a></h3>
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		<title>Don’t Be Afraid of Weight Machines!</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/don%e2%80%99t-be-afraid-of-weight-machines/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/don%e2%80%99t-be-afraid-of-weight-machines/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:27:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>strengthTrainer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Building Mass]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planned-diet.com/?p=1366</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Attach a few bars onto a large metal frame, add a cable and a pulley or two, weld a seat and a few pads onto your creation, and presto! a weight machine is born. Of course, weight lifting machines are a bit more sophisticated than this definition suggests. Keep reading to find out more.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Attach a few bars onto a large metal frame, add a cable and a pulley or two, weld a seat and a few pads onto your creation, and presto! a weight machine is born. Of course, weight lifting machines are a bit more sophisticated than this definition suggests. Keep reading to find out more.</p>
<h2>Making weight machines work for you</h2>
<p>Like every machine ever invented, from the Cuisinart to the calculator, weight machines provide advantages over the low-tech contraptions that came before. Here are some of the ways that weight machines can top dumbbells and barbells:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Weight machines are safe.</strong> Your movement range is limited and the<br />
intended pattern is preset, so you need less instruction and supervision<br />
than you do with free weights.</li>
<li><strong>Weight machines are easy to use. </strong>Machines don’t require much balance<br />
or coordination, so you can get the hang of an exercise more quickly.<br />
Also, you’re more likely to use proper form because the machine provides<br />
so much guidance.<br />
Machines don’t guarantee good form. You can still butcher an exercise<br />
on a machine, which can lead to injury or at the very least cheat your<br />
muscles out of a good workout.</li>
<li><strong>Weight machines enable you to isolate a muscle group</strong>. In other words,<br />
machines enable you to hone in on one muscle group to the exclusion<br />
of all others. For example, very few free weight exercises isolate your<br />
hamstrings (your rear thigh muscles). Usually, you can’t exclude other<br />
muscles — such as your front thighs, butt, or lower back — from getting<br />
involved.<br />
On the other hand, numerous machines can isolate your hamstrings.<br />
This feature of weight machines is helpful if you have a particular weakness<br />
or are trying to build up one body part.</li>
<li><strong>Weight machines help you move through your workout in minutes</strong>.<br />
You put in the pin, do the exercise, and then move to the next machine.<br />
This process also makes working out with a friend, who is stronger or<br />
weaker, easier — you don’t have to load or unload weight plates off a<br />
bar. But keep in mind that you do need to adjust each machine to fit<br />
your body. In Chapter 5, we explain how to adjust machines.</li>
<li><strong>Weight machines challenge your muscles throughout the entire<br />
motion of an exercise.</strong> Many (although not all) modern-day weight<br />
machines compensate for the fact that your muscles aren’t equally<br />
strong throughout a particular motion. Consider the triceps kickback<br />
exercise, shown in Chapter 14. This exercise is relatively easy at the<br />
start, but by the time your arm is halfway straightened out, your muscle<br />
is being challenged a lot more. By the end, your triceps again have<br />
better leverage, so you finish feeling strong.<br />
Use a kidney-shaped gizmo called a cam to manipulate the resistance at<br />
various points throughout your exercise. When you’re at a weak point<br />
during the exercise, the cam lightens the load. When your muscle has<br />
good mechanical advantage, the cam gives it more work to do. This way,<br />
your muscles are working to their fullest throughout the motion.<br />
Otherwise, you’re limited to a weight you can move only at your weakest<br />
point, as you are with free weights.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Examining specific weight machines</h2>
<p>Countless ways exist to put the various elements of weight machines together. Here’s a look at the varieties of machines.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://planned-diet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/51LiTs6GGfL._SL500_.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1379" title="weight stack training" src="http://planned-diet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/51LiTs6GGfL._SL500_-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Weight-stack machines</strong><br />
Traditional weight machines have a stack of rectangular weight plates, each weighing 5 to 20 pounds. Each plate has a hole in it; to lift 50 pounds, you stick a metal pin in the hole of the weight plate marked 50. When you perform the exercise — by pushing or pulling on a set of handles or levers — the machine picks up the plate marked 50, plus all the plates above it.</p>
<p>Weight-stack machines save time because changing the amount of weight you’re lifting is easier.</p>
<p><strong>Plate-loaded machines</strong><br />
Plate-loaded machines fuse traditional machines and free weights. They have a large frame and protect you from dropping any weight on the floor, but they aren’t attached to a stack of weight plates; instead, you place any number of round weight plates onto large pegs.</p>
<p>Some of these plate-loaded machines are gimmicky. They offer no benefits over traditional machines — unless you happen to enjoy carrying weight plates around the gym. However, we do like the plate-loaded machines that let you work each side of your body separately. We also like the varieties that have “free-floating” levers. Instead of forcing you to move through a fixed pathway, the machines let you move any way you want. These machines mimic the feel of free weights (for the most part) while retaining most of the safety benefits of a weight machine.</p>
<p><strong>Hydraulic and air pressure machines</strong><br />
This machine category doesn’t have a weight stack either. Hydraulic and air pressure machines have a series of pistons that create resistance by pumping oil, gas, or fluid. These machines are fine — some are very well designed — but some exercisers don’t feel motivated when they use them because a<br />
weight stack isn’t moving up and down or steel isn’t clanging. (Some people have quirks about working out.) All you hear is a sound that’s similar to a can of hair spray in action. Gyms that offer 30-minute circuit programs often use these machines.</p>
<p><strong>Electronic machines</strong><br />
These high-tech contraptions may be the future of weight machines. Some varieties have computers built right in. You swipe an ID card into the machine, which automatically sets the resistance based on your last workout. As you do your set, the machine sends you technique tips. Other electronic systems attach to regular weight training machines. You punch in a code and the machine retrieves your personal information.</p>
<p>The advantage of electronic machines is the storing of your information. This feature is great for beginners, who may be too overwhelmed to remember how much they lifted last time. These systems also run a variety of extensive reports so you can analyze your training in depth. For instance, you can compare your progress on the leg press to your progress on the leg extension. Serious athletes may find this information useful.</p>
<p><em>However, what’s new isn’t always better. Electronic machines slow down the pace of the gym and remove some of the human element involved in working out. Instead of interacting with the staff and other members, you interact with a machine.  Also, if the system goes down, the repair process generally takes longer than it does with your basic weight-stack machine. And, the electronic systems aren’t connected with free weights, so computer-dependent lifters may be discouraged from experimenting with dumbbells and barbells.</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://planned-diet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/strength_training_equipment_logo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1378" title="strength_training_equipment" src="http://planned-diet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/strength_training_equipment_logo-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Cable machines: A different breed</strong><br />
Not all machines use a cam. A class of equipment called cable machines uses a typical round pulley. A cable machine is a vertical metal beam, called a tower, with a pulley attached. You can adjust the height of the pulley to move it close to the floor, up over your head, or anywhere in between. Some cable machines<br />
have two towers. Cable machines are more versatile than Nautilus-type machines. Clip a new handle onto the pulley and you instantly create a new exercise.</p>
<p>Consider the triceps pushdown. Pressing down with a rope feels considerably different from pressing down with a V-shaped bar. You may prefer one attachment to the other, or you may want to use both for variety.</p>
<p><strong>Bands and Tubing</strong><br />
Giant rubber bands and rubber tubes provide a muscle resistance workout for just pennies. These inexpensive items can’t make you as strong or measure your progress as precisely as machines and free weights, but bands do challenge your muscles in different and effective ways. For example, because bands don’t rely on weight or gravity for resistance, bands provide a challenge during both the up and down motions of an exercise. With most free weight and weight machine exercises, on the other hand, you typically feel most of the resistance during the lifting portion of the exercise, because gravity assists in the lowering portion.</p>
<p>Rubber bands and tubes are also convenient and portable. (You can’t exactly pack dumbbells in your overnight bag.) If you don’t have access to machines, bands are a great supplement to free weights because they allow you to do exercises that aren’t possible with dumbbells and bars. Chapter 24 shows you ten exercises that you can perform with bands and tubes.</p>
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		<title>Appreciating the Value of Rest and Recovery</title>
		<link>http://planned-diet.com/appreciating-the-value-of-rest-and-recovery/</link>
		<comments>http://planned-diet.com/appreciating-the-value-of-rest-and-recovery/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:09:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>strengthTrainer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Strength Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weight Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rest]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[weight training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Workout]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planned-diet.com/?p=1342</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Weight Training, When it comes to training, like many other aspects of life, more isn’t necessarily better. Moderation and balance, as well as gradual progression, are critical to getting the best possible results and avoiding injury. When you train, you stress or overload your muscles.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to training, like many other aspects of life, more isn’t necessarily better. Moderation and balance, as well as gradual progression, are critical to getting the best possible results and avoiding injury. When you train, you stress or overload your muscles. Microscopic tears occur in the muscle fibers. When you rest, your body repairs these tears and your muscles become stronger. Rest and good nutrition, therefore, are just as important to your training as your workouts.</p>
<h2>Resting a trained muscle at least one day</h2>
<p>Always let a muscle rest at least one day between workouts. This doesn’t preclude you from lifting weights two days in a row; you could work your chest and back one day and then your legs the next. But if you’re doing a full-body routine, don’t lift weights more than three times a week and don’t cram your three workouts into one weekend.</p>
<h2>Avoiding overtraining</h2>
<p>As unbelievable as it may sound to a beginner, many exercisers become overly enthusiastic after they start getting results and think that if a little is good, even more has to be great. Researchers have dedicated a lot of time to studying this topic and the ACSM even has a comment paper on the subject entitled, “Overtraining with Resistance Exercise.”</p>
<p>Overtraining typically occurs in the following scenarios:</p>
<ul>
<li>Training too many times per week</li>
<li>Doing too many exercises per session</li>
<li>Lifting excessive numbers of sets</li>
<li>Lifting too heavy a weight over too long a period of time</li>
</ul>
<p>Avoid overtraining by following a periodized training program. See the last section of this chapter for more information.</p>
<p>Signs and symptoms of overtraining include, but aren’t limited to, the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Loss of strength</li>
<li>Chronic fatigue</li>
<li>Poor sleep or eating habits</li>
<li>Reduced appetite</li>
<li>Excess muscle soreness</li>
<li>Mood changes</li>
<li>Loss of interest in training</li>
<li>Increased frequency of illness combined with slow rate of healing</li>
</ul>
<p>Be sure to avoid overtraining through the following strategies:</p>
<p>Use periodized training.</p>
<ul>
<li>Avoid monotonous training that lacks variety.</li>
<li>Don’t perform every single set of every exercise of every session to absolute failure without variation.</li>
<li>Avoid overusing certain muscles or joints.</li>
<li>Balance your weight training with your other sports activities or cardio-training.</li>
</ul>
<p>Weight training provides so many benefits to your life. While the risk of overtraining isn’t high, it’s important to mention so you can appreciate the importance of variety in your program, of incorporating rest, and of ultimately listening to your body.</p>
<h2>Getting enough sleep</h2>
<p>Regular training improves the quality of your sleep because you’ll be physically tired at night when you go to bed. Current sleep researchers recommend that most people get at least seven to nine hours per night. Individuals vary, so you need to discover what is best for you. Many adults are chronically sleep deprived and are compromising their health and well-being.</p>
<p>Sleep is always important to your health, but even more so when you’re training your body. Because you’re actively stressing your muscles, your cells need time to repair. An important hormone for the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue is human growth hormone. Your body naturally secretes this hormone when you sleep. Studies show that supplementation isn’t beneficial for healthy individuals so don’t go out and buy HGH pills. If you deprive yourself of adequate sleep, you’re limiting your opportunity for your muscle tissue to repair itself optimally. Why spend time training only to undermine your hard work by not getting enough sleep? Take care of all aspects of your health for best results.</p>
<h2>Detraining: When you’re too busy to work out</h2>
<p>Last but not least, while you need to make rest a part of your training program, you need to avoid resting too much. Unfortunately for all of us, we can’t save or store our fitness. Research evidence suggests that detraining occurs slowly. For example, two weeks after training stopped, study subjects maintained most of their strength and power. However, after eight months of no training, study subjects had lost most, but not all, of their training results. Hear the good news: Maintaining a reduced program can significantly slow detraining.</p>
<p>When your schedule is exceptionally busy and you find it difficult to do your full routine, remember that something is always better than nothing. Even training one day a week, especially if performed at a higher intensity, can be very valuable to prevent a loss of strength over time.</p>
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