Why Running Is Good for Your Brain

After watching ING New York City Marathon, I'm sure your feet may be itching to run, too. The ultramaraton man Dean Karnazes also finished his Endurance 50 running - 50 marathons, 50 states, 50 consecutive days - in New York City Marathon. There are many inspiring stories in the race. Training and finishing a marathon has been a dream for many people. Although you may be still skeptical about training for a marathon and worried about injuries. There are numerous benefits from running and exercise, both mentally and physically.

There is evidence to link the creative process with exercise. For one's brain to function optimally, he needs a physically fit body. You may have experienced on-the-move insights while you're running. Founder of New York City Marathon, Fred Lebow, revealed that whenever he had a great idea during a run, he'd grab a twig and scratch it in the Central Park dirt. He'd go back later to recover his notes. Research from Washington University (St. Louis) Professor of Education, R. Keith Sawyer showed that creative people tend to schedule idle time to free up their mind to do something totally different such as listening to music or taking a bike ride. It's essentially a means of putting the analytical left brain on hold and giving priority to the sensing, intuitive right brain.

Exercise also increases activity in the frontal lobe, the part of brain involved in complex reasoning and attention. That means exercise actually keeps the brain young, which may be one of the reasons that athletes have lower rates of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. One cannot ignore these long-term health benefits from running and exercise.

Running gives you a chance to relax your body and mind and unplug yourself. It's all great to let your mind wander. Yet I suggest you try something different next time when you're running on the treadmill. Instead of listening to your iPod music or watching TV, you may want to listen to yourself and pay attention to your thoughts. You could have just that A-ha eureka moment during exercise - a great idea, a creative insight or outside-the-box solution to your problem.

Do you remember on some days that your running feels like floating? You're just able to run effortlessly, on and on and on. On some other days though, it's just alas, tough. A few tips here may help you to have that "floating" feeling more often. First, relax. You may argue that I run to relax myself, not the other way around. True. But when you're stressed, your muscles tense up and your mind gets cloudy. You don't breathe as deeply, which increases fatigue and effort of running. You may find ways to gradually de-stress yourself before running.

When you start running, run with easy and short strides slowly. Then progressively pick up speed and intensity as your muscles warm up. You can start by walking for a minute or two, then slow jogging. Gradually lift your knees and lengthen your stride for the first mile. Within 10 to 15 minutes, your body should be ready for longer run. As you run, spend more time close to the ground, not in the air. That means don't lengthen your stride with big gallops but take smaller and quicker steps.

To maintain good, upright running form, one has to have strong core strength. This would ensure biomechanically efficient transfer of power from the core to the legs and upper body. The "core" muscles includes your lower back, abdominal and hip muscles. Try to let your abs and lower back propel you. If you feel tension in the glutes, not your quadriceps or hamstrings, you're doing it right.

Super Circuit Training - More Than Just Reps and Sets!

More About Circuit Training ...

Circuit training involves doing a series of exercises one after the other with little or no rest in between in a circuit fashion. It can be a useful training method when you are strapped for time, have limited weight/machine selections or have small confined workout space during high traffic hours in the gym.

Strength and cardio circuit training can be used a cross training alternative to provide excellent all around fitness, strength and stamina. It can also help reduce risk of overuse injury, keep one interested in the fitness training program or break through training plateau.

Circuit training is a versatile program that can be customized to meet specific needs and requirements: fitness level, strength endurance, cardiovascular stamina, weights & equipment availability, workout space, indoors/outdoors or sports-specific.

Many sample circuit training routines have been demonstrated using bodyweight, strength machine, barbell and dumbbell.

Circuit training is one of the most efficient training systems to tone up muscles, fire up your fat burning furnace, and reveal your six-pack abs.


Circuit Training --- All About Time and Efficiency

Most important of all for circuit training is time and efficiency. The circuit training workout routine should be structured and organized so that you make minimum change in weights/equipment or space. You can move from exercise to exercise efficiently with minimum interruption. You'll be out of the gym in no time to get the maximum results in minimum time.

Circuit training may be exactly what you need to shake up your stymied training program and kick your fitness up a notch.

Maximum Results, Minimum Time!

Sample Super Circuit Training Routines
In the following I design a few sample super circuit training workout routines. Replace each exercise with a similar version depending on the weights/equipment availability or your specific conditions. You can also change the sequence around in the second set or vary the weights/reps/time in the your next workout.

You'll feel different tension on your muscles as you work on them with several exercises from different angles in a range of weights, sets or time.

Although I prefer a total-body circuit training, a specialized program for upper-body only, lower-body only or specific-body-part only workout routine can also be designed.

Another way to structure a balanced circuit training is pair up or superset opposing muscle group exercises as a mini-circuit as part of the whole circuit. There are so many ways that one can structure a circuit training program. It's totally customizable. You won't be bored with workout again.

Ciruit training is more than

just mindless reps and sets!

Sample Bodyweight Timed Circuit Workout Routine
Pushup x an many as you can in 60 seconds
Squat x as many as you can in 60 seconds
Situp x as many as you can in 60 seconds
Lunge x as many as you can in 60 seconds
Pullup x as many as you can in 60 seconds

Sample Strength Machine Timed Circuit Workout Routine
Leg Press x 2 minutes
Chest Press x 2 minutes
Lat Pulldown x 2 minutes
Shoulder Press x 2 minutes
Triceps Pressdown x 1 minute
Biceps Preacher Curl x 1 minute
(water break)
Leg Extension x 1 minute
Leg Curl x 1 minute
Pec Fly x 2 minute
Seated Row x 2 minutes
Abdominal Curl x 1 minute
Back extension x 1 minute

Sample Smith-Machine Circuit Workout RoutineIncline Bench Press x 10 reps
Flat Bench Press x 10 reps
Squat x 10 reps
Bent-over Row x 10 reps
Deadlift x 10 reps
Shrug x 10 reps
Pullup x 6 reps
Shoulder Press x 6 reps
(water break)
Chinup x 8 reps
Shoulder Press x 8 reps
Front Squat x 10 reps
Reverse-grip Bent-over Row x 10 reps
Snatch-grip Deadlift x 10 reps
Calf Raise x 10 reps
Flat Bench Press x 10 reps
Decline Bench Press x 10 reps

Learn more circuit training routines in the following:

>> Strength and Cardio Circuit Training








>> Modified Olympic Weightlifting for Power Circuit Training

>> Spartan "300" Circuit Workout

>> Strength Circuit Training - Upper Body on Cable Pulley Stations

Check out more expert training and workout routines.


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Copyright 2006 www.careyforfitness.com by C. Carey Yang and Beyond Fitness Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Fight Childhood Obesity - Our Kids Need More Play Time and Less Screen Time

According to a research study by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (September 2004), the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years. The obesity rate for children aged 6-11 years has more than tripled over the last three decades. Appromixately nine million children over 6 years of age are considered obese.

The side effects of sedentary modern lifestyle have taken a toll on our children. According to the current alarmingly wide spreading rate, nearly half of kids in North and South America could be overweight by year 2010, up from about one-third in a recent study by International Journal of Pediatric Obesity. It's also spreading to other countries as well. Childhood obesity is like an epidemic and regarded as a national and world-wide priority.

You know that the more you watch TV, the less you exercise. According to another study from the Havard School of Public Health, people who spend more than four hours a day in front of the TV - the national average - are 47% less likelyy to accumulate the recommended 10,000 steps a day. Fitness expert Martica Heaner offers her advices and tips on keeping kids lean.

Our kids need more play time and less screen time!

MyActivity Pyramid is a physical acitivity guide for children ages 6 to 11 developed by health edcuators at the University of Missouri-Columbia Extention. The bottom level is the "Everyday Activies" where children should do as often as possible. The second level is "Active Aerobic and Recreational Activities" that children should do at least 3 to 5 times a week, such as sports, running, roller-blading and playground games. The next level is "Flexibility and Strength" that encompasses stretching, pushups, martial arts, or yoga, etc. Two to three times a week is recommended. The top level, hopefully close-to-nonexisting, is the "Inactivity" that should be cut down to a minimum.

The pyramid chart is downloadable from the University's website. It also has an accompanying activity log to help children chart their own activity, daily, weekly or monthly. It's a useful tool for school teachers and parents to help our children stay healthy and fit.

ING New York City Marathon

The weather was gorgeous, seasonably cool, clear and sunny sky - a perfect day for marathon run. Approximately 37,000 athletes gathered in New York City for the ING New York City Marathon 2006. The final results were:

Top Women 2006 (Finish)
1. Jelena Prokopcuka (LAT) 2:25:05
2. Tatiana Hladyr (UKR) 2:26:05
3. Catherine Ndereba (KEN) 2:26:58

Top Men 2006 (Finish)
1. M. Gomes dos Santos (BRA) 2:09:58
2. Stephen Kiogora (KEN) 2:10:06
3. Paul Tergat (KEN) 2:10:10

Wheelchair Division (Finish)
W: Amanda McGrory (USA) 1:54:17
M: Kurt Fearnley (AUS) 1:29:22 CR

The seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong probably got more attention from media coverage than other finalists. He accomplished his goal of finishing less than three hours - 2 hours, 59 minutes and 36 seconds. He called the race "the hardest physical thing I have even done." When asked if he'll be back, he said "the answer now is no." But he reserves the right to change his mind.

The ultramaraton man Dean Karnazes also finished his Endurance 50 running - 50 marathons, 50 states, 50 consecutive days - in New York City Marathon. He finished his final race with 3 hours and 30 seconds. Visit his blog to read his preparation and journey through the Endurance 50.

Protecting Your Shoulders from Rotator Cuff Injuries

News Headline Nov. 4th, 2006 (Click here for full report):

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - Pedro Martinez is recovering well from an operation on his right shoulder but said Friday he would consider retiring if he does not return to full strength.

"It's getting better and progress is above all what is hoped for," Martinez told The Associated Press. "To go back I have to recover, I have to be healthy. But if God doesn't want that, then I would have to think about giving it all up."

If you go ahead and click on MLB Injuries, you'll find the injury list. It's not surprising to see that the top injured baseball players are the pitchers suffering from arm-related injuries in their shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists or fingers. No doubt shoulder-related injuries are the number one injury for baseball pitchers due to repetitive overuse.

When I talk about how to use cross training to prevent injuries, I happen to use a baseball pitcher as an example. As best conditioned as they are, even professional athletes cannot escape from injuries after all sorts of conditioning workouts from their top trainers. With top-dollar contracts in their pockets, they actually have to perform and are forced perform at the top of their games - fast balls, curve balls, etc. - hundreds and thousands of throwing over the years trying to strike out the batters. The end of the news story is "Martinez, just two strikeouts shy of a career 3,000, has two years left on his contract with the Mets." This could be end of his baseball career. I'm wondering if he has tried Yoga as a cross training and conditioning exercise. Perhaps he should have. Men do yoga, too.

For 9-to-5 working folks and weekend warriors, although you don't have to throw hundreds of balls, you still have to be careful in conditioning your body and shoulders to prevent from weekend warrior syndrome. It's frustrating to hurt your shoulders so painful that you cannot function fully doing normal daily activities or playing your sports. Perhaps you have difficulty reaching behind your back to grab your wallet or raising your arm to reach the seat belt. You may feel pain when trying to scratch the back of your head or even wash your hair. The pain could be such a disturbance to wake you up in the middle of the night. If so, you may be suffering from a rotator cuff injury.

Rotator cuff injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis or tears affect many people nowadays typically due to degeneration, bone spurs, trauma (accidents or sports related), overuse, and reduced strength and flexibility related to the aging process. The rotator cuff group consists of four small muscles and tendons that form a sleeve around the shoulder. They allow us to raise our arms overhead, move arms forward, backward, downward, side way and in circular motion. Working together with scapula (shoulder blades), the shoulder girdle joints and muscles allow us to perform all upper body functions and moves in all three planes and directions.

Shoulder pains can limit your strength and range of motion. Applying cold therapy on the affected area helps reduce inflammation, decrease pain and swelling, and speed up recovery. Rest, anti-inflammatory medication and therapeutic exercises are also helpful to return to pre-injury functional level. It may take as short as 4 to 6 weeks for a mild tendonitis and up to 18 months or longer following a surgery to completely recover, if ever. The nagging chronic soreness and limited range of motion (frozen shoulders) could be lingering around for many years to come. Consult your physician for diagnosis and proper treatment.

The key to preventing rotator cuff injury is to perform conditioning exercises prior to vigorous activities. Many weekend warriors try to pick up softball, baseball, football, you name it; and start to throw repetitively and forcefully without properly warming up. In addition, they are not likely well conditioned before the season like competitive athletes. As you can see, even professoinal athletes are not immune from injuries. This often leads to excessive strain on the rotator cuff and inevitable soreness, particularly with overhead movement or reaching behind the back.

I have some suggestions for you when performing weight training in the gym to prevent rotator cuff problems, particularly if you already have prior injuries:

• When doing shoulder press and lat pulldown, avoid behind-the-neck movements as they put more stress and impingement on the shoulders.
• When doing incline or flat bench press, do not lower the weights so that your upper arms are below parallel for the same reason.
• When doing shoulder lateral raises or upright rows, avoid using too much weight that you have to shrug and swing your body to move the weight upward. In addition, avoid elevating your arms above 90 degrees - just enough to be in parallel with the floor at most.
• Perform specific rotator cuff exercises to strengthen, stretch and stabilize your shoulder and scapular joints. See a post-rehab specialist or trainer for customized conditioning exercises.

Yoga - Benefits & Risks

Yoga of any styles has been gaining more popularity in recent years. As with Tai Chi Chuan, Yoga has been used as an alternative to ease certain medical conditions and improve general health. Yoga can help improve strength, balance and flexibility and may be beneficial for certain bone and joint problems. In addition, deliberate breathing, relaxation and meditation help you calm down and relieve stress from daily chaos. Anyone who has done yoga knows that after a single session, you feel stronger, calmer and more limber. Studios and fitness centers are offering Yoga-for-Kids classes. Even some pro football players and bodybuilders start to do yoga as a cross training to help them improve posture, balance opposing muscles, as well as increase flexibility and range of motion.

Yoga comes in many different styles, forms, demands and level of understanding and practice. Not everyone can do the same poses in a perfectly professional manner. As with any physical exercises, you have to pay attention and listen to your body and know your limits. Yoga may relieve your back pain. If you bend in the wrong way or overstretch youself, it could break your back.

According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, there were more than 3700 yoga-related injuries costing a total of almost $94 million in medical care in 2004. The most common injuries involve repetitive strain, overstretching the neck, shoulders, spine, legs and knees. Serious muscle damage and related injuries can occur if people don't take proper precautions, particularly those with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions.

Injuries tend to be caused by joint over-compression and pushing soft tissues past anatomical limits. People with back problems or lumbar disc injuries should be careful with extreme forward bending. Those with neck pain may want to avoid or modify the cobra pose.

Yoga is a great exercise and an important rehabilitation method. Before you jump right in and get confused with yoga poses (e.g., warrier, half-moon, triangle, downward-facing dog, cobra, eagle, camel, plow, tree, mountain, lotus, corpse, etc.), observe the class. Ask the yoga instructor what style he or she is teaching. Try one class to see if you like it and can perform the basic poses and movements without too much trouble. You want an exercise that's a little challenging for you but not too difficult to perform. Choose one that meets your needs, abilities and fitness level.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons have the following recommendations to minimize yoga-related injuries:

Speak to a physician before participating in yoga if you have any pre-existing injuries or conditions.

Work with a qualified yoga instructor. Inquire about experience and credentials.Warm up well because cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable.

Wear clothing that allows for proper movement.

Start slowly while you learn the basics, such as proper breathing, before you see how far you can stretch.

As questions if you are unsure of a pose or movement.

Know your limits. Do not go beyond your experience or comfort level.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially if participating in Bikram or "hot" yoga.

Listen to your body. Stop or take a break if you experience pain. If pain persists, call a medical professional.

Cross Training for Variety and Injury Prevention

What Is Cross Training? Why Cross Training?

Cross training has been used for years although it's a relatively new training concept. Athletes have used exercises outside their sports for conditioning due to weather, seasonal change, facility and equipment availability, and injuries. Cross training add many benefits to sports training including injury prevention.

Cross training is one type of training methods used to achieve well-rounded overall conditioning. The exercises are normally very different from what an athlete does in a particular sport. It gives a chance for the muscles, tendons, bones, joints and ligaments to take a break from repetitive use from sport-specific activities. In the meantime, cross training provides complementary conditioning to balance an athlete. This concept is also very useful for amateur athletes or recreational weekend warriors.

Another benefit of cross training is to help reduce or reverse muscle imbalances in the body. For example, a baseball pitcher may develop an imbalance laterally between the two sides of the body as well as in the should girdle of the throwing arm. After thousands of high-speed forceful throwing, the throwing arm and muscles become stronger but potentially overused and injured. Rotator cuff injuries are very common. Cross training can help balance the strength on both sides. It helps stabilize muscles and realign the body. In addition, since you're participating in different activities during cross training, it adds variety to your program and reduce chance of burn-out due to boredom.


What Cross Training Isn't For

One caution for cross training is that it doesn't help develop skills for a specific sport. It isn't a skill-specific drill. A football player can lift weights or slow-jog 5 miles a day all summer during off season. But he won't be in great "football shape" when the pre-season starts. By all means, "cross" training should not be used as the sole training program. You still have to start slowly with cross training and increase intensity progressively without getting injured.


Types of Cross Training

There are many ways to apply the concept of cross training to your fitness program, sports or activities all year round. Some examples are listed in the following.

• Aerobic Cross Training I: Use a variety of cardio equipment within one workout session; e.g., ten minutes on the treadmill, ten minutes on the bike, ten minutes on the elliptical machine.
• Aerobic Cross Training II: Use a variety of cardio equipment or modules throughout the week or month; e.g., run 30 minutes on Monday, bike 30 minutes on Wednesday, step class on Friday.
• Mixed Cross Training: Use a variety of activities that emphasizes different body functions and fitness; e.g., total-body weight training on Monday, kickboxing/martial arts on Wednesday, Yoga/Pilates on Friday.
• Cross-Over Training: Use activities that require totally different body functions or energy systems; e.g., A cyclist can do boxing (mainly upper body movements) during off-season so that he can rest his legs (lower body) for a while. Cycling requires more aerobic endurance while boxing demands more anaerobic energy output. Both energy systems are important in overall cardiovascular fitness.
• Seasonal Cross Training: Use or train for different sports or activities over large blocks of time or seasons; e.g., running for Spring, playing golf, tennis or swimming for Summer, outdoor rock-climbing for Fall, skiing or snowboarding for Winter.
• Functional/Complementary Cross Training: Use different activities to train similar function used in the main sport; e.g., Runners may use mountain biking to target the legs from slightly different actions. Cyclists may use cross-country skiing to maintain leg strength and cardiovascular endurance.

Play Your Card Right

Although an advantage of cross training is decreased risk of injury, one still has to start the sports or activities slowly. Don't fall into the same pitfalls in your main sport. Learn the basics. Perform adequate conditioning exercises in advance. Increase the intensity and duration progressively.

Many sports and activities share the same fitness characteristics of strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, balance, and flexibility. But each sport is still different with somewhat shift in performance requirements. A cyclist certainly doesn't want to get injured from downhill skiing. In the same token, A football player would be sorry for sitting out on the bench for the season from motorcycle accident.

Copyright 2006 www.careyforfitness.com by C. Carey Yang.
All rights reserved.

Strength and Cardio Circuit Training

Why Circuit Training? What Is Circuit Training?

To add variety to your fitness training program, you have to vary your workout routine from time to time. Variation, periodization and cross training can help you reduce risk of injury, keep you from being bored, blast through your plateau so that you can keep making progress.

Strength and cardio circuit training is an excellent program to achieve this purpose. Perform these exercises back to back without rest (or with very little rest) until you complete the circuit. Have some water, rest for a few minutes and repeat the same circuit.


How to Do It?

Several sample circuit training routines are listed in the following. You can start with your own bodyweight. Bodyweight circuit training workout routine is useful when you don't have weights at home. You can do it in your hotel room when you're traveling and don't have access to the gym. Do it in the park or in small groups.

Bodyweight workout could be just as gruelling and challenging!

Change the number of repetitions and pace yourself to suit your fitness level. Substitute the exercise with a similar variation. If you work out in the gym, you have more options in equipment to work with. For example, try incline or decline bench press to replace flat bench press.

For strength machine, barbbell and dumbbell exercises, choose proper weights so that you complete the circuit. That means you have to reduce the weight that you can normally do for your 6-rep set. Start at 50% normal weight if you're not sure. Add or reduce weight as needed so that you can complete the circuit feeling somewhat sored and breathless.

You can alternate between workout A and workout B for barbell and dumbbell circuits. Always warm up for at least 5 to 10 minutes before exercise. Cool down and stretch after exercise.


The Good Things about Circuit Training

Strength and cardio circuit training provides you the benefits of both weight training and cardiovascular exercise in a single workout session. Your heart rate is elevated as you keep moving weights with different muscle groups in different angles and positions. Your metabolism is fired up to keep burning fat even for a few hours after you leave the gym.

Strength and cardio circuit training is one of the best and most efficient ways of burning body fat and revealing your six-pack abs.

The circuit training is pushing your body aerobically while still challenging your strength. It allows you to work your aerobic system while simultaneously working on your strength and muscular endurance. You'll improve your overall strength endurance and cardiovascular capacity.


What Is Circuit Training Not For?

However, strength and cardio circuit training is not meant to be a complete balanced total body workout. It does not replace your regular strength, muscle-building or cardiovascular training programs. Even though you move from exericse to exercise very quickly, it does not mean that you're allowed to bounce or jerk the weights up and down. You still have to maintain good forms when lifting weights.


How to Design a Super Great Circuit Training Routine

As you can see, I design the workout routines adhering to my principles in balanced total-body training & prioritiy training:

• Train both upper & lower body and core area
• Train both front & back sides of the muscle groups for balance
• Train both left & right sides of the muscle groups for balance
• Train large muscle groups first & small/assisting muscle groups later
• Train with compound exercises first & isolation exercises later
• Priority-train weak and imbalanced muscle groups
• Priority-train hard-to-see-by-yourself muscle groups

Add or replace with one of these workouts in your training program once a week. It helps you tone up muscles, melt body fat and reveal your six pack abs. Who don't want to have at least firm and flat abs?

To keep stimulating your body and making progress, try different versions of each exercise; e.g., one-hand pushup or clap pushup, jump squat or Bulgarian split squat, stiff-leg deadlift or Romanian deadlift. You'll finish your workout more efficiently and never be bored with workout again. You get maximum results in minimum time.

Sample Bodyweight Circuit Workout Routine
Squat x 30 reps
Standard Pushup x 30 reps
Mountain Climber x 20 reps
Curlup x 20 reps
Superman Backraise x 10 reps
Lunge x 10 reps each leg
Wide-width Pushup x 10 reps
Narrow-width Pushup x 10 reps
Oblique Twist x 30 reps
Opposite Arm and Leg Lift x 10 reps
Down Plank, hold for one minute

Watch Demo Video 1 >>






Watch Demo Video 2 >>




Sample Strength Machine Circuit Workout Routine
Leg Press x 20 reps
Chest Press x 15 reps
Shoulder Press x 10 reps
Seated Row x 15 reps
Leg Extension x 10 reps
Leg Curl x 10 reps
Pec Flye x 10 reps
Triceps Pushdown x 10 reps
Abdominal Curl x 15 reps
Back Extension x 15 reps
(You may have tough time moving from machine to machine without a break in a commercial gym unless you have a reserved personal training session to line up these machines for you.)

Sample Barbbell Circuit Workout Routine A
Back Squat x 15 reps
Military Press x 10 reps
Snatch-grip Deadlift x 10 reps
Bent-over Row x 10 reps
Hang Clean x 6 reps
Good Morning x 10 reps

Sample Barbell Circuit Workout Routine B
Bench Press x 12 reps
Bench Press (close grip) x 8 reps
Upright Row x 8 reps
Triceps Press x 6 reps
Biceps Curl x 6 reps
Wrist Curl x 6 reps

Sample Dumbbell Circuit Workout A
Sumo Wide-stance Squat x 15 reps
Arnold Press x 10 reps
Deadlift x 10 reps
One-arm Row x 10 reps each side
Squat & Push Press x 6 reps
Shrug x 6 reps

Watch Demo Video >>




Sample Dumbbell Circuit Workout B
Bench Press x 12 reps
Incline Bench Press x 8 reps
Lat Pullover x 8 reps
Lateral Raise x 6 reps
Triceps Kickback x 6 reps
Biceps Hammer Curl x 6 reps
Watch Demo Video >>




Check out more fat-burning training and workout routines.


>>> Sign up for FREE monthly e-Newsletter to receive insider training tips, workout routines and check out your FREE bonus e-books to help you build muscles, lose fat and uncover your six pack abs.

Copyright 2006 www.careyforfitness.com by C. Carey Yang and Beyond Fitness Solutions, LLC.
All rights reserved.

Free Download - The Dark Side of Cardio and Sample Fat Burning Workout



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Cardio Exercises - Good or Bad? How to H.I.I.T. to Burn Fat All Day

Do You Need "Cardio Exercises" to Lost Fat and Stay Lean?

Is there "good cardio" and "bad cardio"? Are there any other different kinds of "cardio"? I'm sure you're either shocked or puzzled to hear why I'm even asking these questions.

"Cardio" and "aerobics" have been wrongly used interchangeably, as synonyms for "endurance." "Cardio" should be used for any type of exercise that makes the heart and lungs work harder. "Cardio" describes any exercises that use the following three energy systems: phosphagen system, anaerobic glycolysis and aerobic metabolism. Your body uses a combination of these three energy systems in different ratios in different period of time depending on the type of activities involved.

Look around and ask around in your gym. You'll be surprised or you shouldn't be surprised to find out that some lean and muscular fitness buffs rarely do normal or "traditional cardio" workout. On the other hand, you know some people (perhaps yourself included) who are running on the treadmill one hour a day for six days a week, but cannot seem to lose enough weight to shape up or lose that perpetually stubborn 10 pounds.


The Long, Slow, Boring "Cardio"
In fact, when you're running the same routine day in and day out without changing up, you're prone to joint wear-and-tear and risk of overuse injury. You may actually start muscle wasting by subjecting your body to catabolic conditions. Not only that you don't burn fat efficiently as your body adapts to the same routine, but you may start to lose lean muscle mass. So you may actually get fat. This is absolutely not the ideal scenario for your weight loss effort.


Low Intensity Steady State (L.I.S.S.) Traditional Cardio

It's common for fitness and medical professionals to prescribe low to moderate intensity aerobic (cardio) training to overweight or deconditioned people in order to prevent heart disease or lose weight along the line of continous 30 to 60 minutes of steady pace cardio exercise 3 to 5 times a week maintaining heart rate at a certain level. This type of long and slow continuous training is a good starting point but not the end of it. It's easy to do but not the most effective cardio exercise to lose fat.

Yes, you do burn some calories during the period of time you're running on the treadmill in the L.I.S.S. type aerobic exercise. But as soon as you step off from the machine, your body stops burning calories after a few minutes. You'll need to run longer and longer in order to burn more calories because your body learns to get more efficient in burning calories using aerobic oxygen. Time is your most precious asset. In today's busy work-lifestyle, you'll be running out of time to run very soon!


Marathoners vs. Sprinters

Humans are probably the only creature in nature that attempt to do "endurance" type physical activities. Most competitive sports (except endurance running and cycling) are based on highly variable stop-and-go movements. Weight training naturally incorporates short bursts of exertion followed by recovery periods.

Look at the physiques of marathoners versus sprinters. Most sprinters (including football running backs and wide receivers) are lean, muscular and powerful whereas typical marathoners are thinner with less muscle. As a matter of fact, there are many fat marathoners crossing the finish line. But you rarely see fat sprinters, almost non-existent.


Gym Rat Cardio

Don't get me wrong. I like running as well, mostly outdoors. I'm not anti cardio but I want you to reconsider the so called traditional cardio for a moment. For "traditional" cardio I mean by performing aerobic activities such as running on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike or gliding on an elliptical machine in a low intensity steady state (L.I.S.S.) pace for longer than 30 to 60 minutes.

If you're one of the gym rats who do L.I.S.S. type "cardio" 5 times a week and you're proud to say that you've lost a lot of fat, are happy with your physique and have lean muscular body to show for, you can stop reading now.

What if you've spent so much time in the gym, worn out 5 pairs of running shoes a year, started having knee, shin and ankle aches, and still didn't see the results you've wanted to achieve, I have good news for you. Please read on.


High Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.) Turbulence Cardio

Want to burn fat and get in shape quick? High intensity interval training (H.I.I.T) is a better and more effective training method to lose fat and condition your heart muscles. The concept of H.I.I.T. cardio workout involves repeated bouts of harder work phase interpersed with periods of easier recovery phase.

If you've been cruising at L.I.S.S. on the treadlmill, stationary bike or elliptical machine while reading books, listening to your iPod workout music or watching sports on TV, challenge youself with the following H.I.I.T. treadmill routine.


H.I.I.T. Treadmill Running Routine by Pace

Warm up by fast walk or light jog for 5 minutes.

Run at 8 miles/hr pace for 2 minutes
Walk at 4 miles/hr pace for 3 minutes
Run at 10 miles/hr pace for 2 minutes
Walk at 4 miles/hr pace for 3 minutes

Repeat this cycle 2 to 3 times for a very intense H.I.I.T. "cardio" session followed by cool-down and stretching.

You got the idea? You can also change up the intensity or work-to-recovery ratio by modifying the pace and duration. If you increase the grade or incline level like running uphill, your cardio intensity increases as well.

Most people in the gym have no idea about their running pace. They probably don't care about their running pace in miles per hour or minutes per mile. Having a good sweat and calorie burn is their main cardio concern.


Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Another yardstick to measure the level of cardio intensity is the so called "talk test." It's based on "how you feel" about the level of intensity in a cardio exercise. A revised Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) on the scale of 1 to 10 is used to gauge the level of intensity. Scale "1" means at rest or no movement. Scale "3" is weak, easy and you can carry on a conversation and finish a sentence without problem. Scale "5" is moderate, strong and you're breathing a little harder and cannot complete a sentence without a break. Scale "7" is hard, very strong and you're breathing heavily and unable to speak in complete sentences. Scale "9" is very hard and extremely strong like you're sprinting 100 meters at full speed.

The RPE method takes out the guesswork of your running speed, grade or incline level and your actual physical condition. It can be used for people who are taking medications that are artificially altering their heart rates or blood pressures. It helps these people to "listen to their bodies."

Another advantage with RPE is that it can be applied to cardio programming on elliptical trainers and stationary bikes, both would otherwise have to use "stride per minute" and "resistance level" as the parameters. Here is an example of using RPE to prescribe an H.I.I.T. cardio routine.


H.I.I.T. Cardio Routine by RPE
Time by Minutes vs. RPE (scale 1-10)
0-5 at 1 up to 3 for warm-up
5-8 at 5
8-10 at 7
10-13 at 3
13-15 at 7
15-18 at 3
18-20 at 7
20-23 at 3
23-25 at 7
25-30 at 3 down to 1 for cool-down

This H.I.I.T. routine uses the RPE as the gauge for leve of intensity. It mainly alternates RPE intensity levels between 7 and 3 for a total of four intervals. The work to recovery ratio by time is 2:3; that is, 2 minutes of very strong intensity at scale 7 vs. 3 minutes of moderate intensity at scale 3.

Several training parameters can be varied to get different levels of H.I.I.T. cardio workout: the scale of intensity and duration in each work and recovey period (work-to-recovery ratio), the number of repeats (intervals) and interval programming/pattern.

There is a very distinct advantage of H.I.I.T. cardio over traditional L.I.S.S. aerobic exercise due to its anaerobic effect. You're burning calories during the H.I.I.T cardio exericse. Your body will be still in the calorie-burning mode for a few hours after you finish the H.I.I.T. Your metabolism is elevated to keep burning calories for a few more hours.

One thing to remember is that you should keep H.I.I.T. cardio exercise within 30 minutes. Keep it short but at very high level of intensity. Preferably you perform full H.I.I.T. cardio training sessions on non-strength training days. In this way, you can be more focused and devote your undivided energy to H.I.I.T. cardio.

By all means H.I.I.T cardio is very intense. It's a good training practice by limiting full H.I.I.T. cardio to not more than 3 sessions a week. This is a guideline, not a hard rule. You need good nutrients and rest to recover your body and mind from the high intensity strength and cardio training. Muscle growth and body transformation occur when you rest, repair and recover training stresses.


Maximize Your Strength Training with H.I.I.T. Cardio

One great way to fire up your fat-burning furnace and keep it burning is to do a brief 10- to 15- minute H.I.I.T. cardio at mostly RPE scale of 7 to 8 at the end of your strength training session.

It'll help you melt away unwanted body fat faster than ever. The excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) demand due to high intensity strength training and H.I.I.T. cardio will fire up your metabolism and keep your body in fat-burning mode for good 24 to 48 hours.

You'll save time for separate cardio training sessions by integrating a brief H.I.I.T cadio into your strength training sessions. Not only does it save you time, H.I.I.T. cardio also helps you reap more benefits from your strength training.

The only exception to not doing H.I.I.T. cardio right after strength training is the day you've done "heavy" leg training. Your legs are pretty much fatigued. In this case, you can do low intensity walking or jogging to keep blood pumping. Stretch your quadriceps, hamstrings, related muscle groups and any tight areas. This is the time you need to eat to replenish glycogen, refuel your body and repair muscle tissues.


H.I.I.T. Outdoor Hill Running Routine

Don't be despaired if you've been training and running for long distance races. You don't have to give up your running. Just train differently to reap the benefits.

Try hill running when you like to run outdoors. When you're in a race, the surface is never flat and straight. Think of hill training like a running-specific workout. Hill running is very simple to do.

Pick a hill in your neighborhood or in a park, perhaps 15 degrees grade and 100 yards long. Run uphill at a pace that you feel a RPE intensity level of 7 to 8. Catch your breath at the top of the hill. Walk down the hill to recover. Repeat the "running uphill and walking downhill" cycle a few more times. It is a similar H.I.I.T. routine that use running uphill as the work phase and walking downhill as the recovery phase.

Some treadmills or elliptical trainers have built-in Hill Interval program. Simply select a base resistance level. Adjust the level of intensity by changing the uphill and downhill time intervals. You can have a great indoor hill running.

Hill running is a very taxing cardio workout to your body. It's so hard to catch your breath when you reach the top of the hill. Your heart rate is racing to the roof trying to catch up with oxygen consumption in order to defy the gravity. Do it only once or twice a week as an integrated part of your running program. It will help you pass the speed bump around mile 21 on the Heartbreak hill in Boston Marathon.


H.I.I.T. Speedwork Track Running Routine

Another popular training program for endurance running is speedwork or distance repeat. This is typically done on a well-marked flat trail or a 400-meter track. The following is an example of H.I.I.T. routine on indoor or outdoor track.

After 10 minute light jogging warm-up, you can do one of the following routines followed by a 10-minute cool-down jog:

• 6 to 8 repeats x 400 meter with a two-minute recovery jog
• 3 to 4 repeats x 800 meter with a four-minute recovery jog
• 2 to 3 repeats x 1600 meter with a six-minute recovery jog

You can also do 100-meter or 200-meter repeats with shorter recovery periods. In addition, you can group some of these distances in a given training session.
Here is another example of H.I.I.T. speedwork running routine that mixes different work-to- recovery ratios in one workout session.


H.I.I.T. Routine with Variable Work-to-Recovery Ratios

Run 400 meters
Jog for two minutes
Run 800 meters
Jog for four minutes
Run 1600 meters
Jog for six minutes
Sprint for 200 meters

Finish up with light jog, stretching and rest. Pack up, go home, you're done for the day. No more mindless running on the treadmill, reading newspapers or watching sports on the TV while riding a stationary bike. It will really challenge your cardiovascular system, elevate your metabolism and keep your body in a fat burning mode for a while.


40 Yard Dash - Sprint Interval

Have you ever seen fat, out-of-shape running backs and wide receivers in (American) football?

When the time strikes, they need to rush the last 40 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. They're highly paid athletes and they train hard to deliver the results. They look lean, strong, muscular and agile. They run with incredibly powerful dashing speed.

They don't jog at L.I.S.S. 5 times a week at low intensity of RPE 4 to get in shape, do they?

You don't need to do wind-sprint with a small parachute on your back or run with a weighted sleigh in the field. If you can get to the football field in high school or college, sprint for 40 yards then walk slowly on your way back to the starting line. You probably need to rest a few more minutes. Repeat a few times.

Sprint interval is similar to the H.I.I.T. routine of speedwork or distance repeat. In this case, the distance is 40 yards. The RPE intensity level is at least on the scale of 9 for sprinting speed. The football field is well marked with a white line in very 10 yards with a number. You can't miss it.

The work-to-recovery ratio in 40-yard dash repeat is very low. Even it takes 10 seconds for you to sprint the 40 yards, it may take 5 minutes of rest for your to be able to sprint again. However, the level of intensity is extremely high. The anaerobic effect and after-burn will help you burn fat for a few more hours. Record your sprint time, rest periods and number of repeats.

Just visualize that now you've got the ball. It's 4th quarter, 10 seconds left on the ticking clock. Your team is 14 vs. 21 behind your opponent. You need a touchdown plus a kick to tie for overtime. Sprint as fast as possible, straight through to the end zone for a touchdown. Close your eyes and feel the thrill when tens of thousands of audience are cheering for you!


Stadium Stair Running Interval

If you've been able to do your H.I.I.T. running on the 400-meter track in a high school or college, why not try stair running on the stadium stairs.

It's similar to hill running by running upstairs at RPE intensity level of 7 to 8. Then walk downstairs slowly to recover. Repeat a few times. Your heart rate will be racing all the way up.


Be Creative and Have Fun

Working out is supposed to fun; otherwise you won't stick to it for the long run. Be creative about your cardio training routine. Mix it up by cross training with a variety of cardiovascular exercises in a range of intensity levels. You won't get bored from the same old routine or get injuried from wear-and-tear and overtraining.

When the weather is nice and sunny outside, enjoy running in the park with your family or try dirt-road trail running with your more competitive training buddies.

If you like to run outdoors around your neighborhood, why not mix and match different H.I.I.T. routines on different terrains. Jog or run slowly on curvy or uneven roads. Run fast or sprint on straight, unobstructed sections. Run uphill for your hill training. Walk downhill to recover and catch your breath. Take a break for water and do some light stretching at the cul-de-sac. Turn around to follow the same path or take a different route back home.

Why not "run" your dog next time? Your poodle wouldn't mind running and getting some exercise. In fact, approximately 40 percent of dogs in the U.S. now are considered overweight! People cause pets' obesity.


Too Much Cardio to Burn off Hard Trained Lean Muscle?

What if you're just doing strength or weight training, do you need cardio exercises? Are you worried that too much cardio will catabolize your hard-trained lean muscle? Consider this again, as long as an exercise keeps your heart pumping, and pumping harder, and you're huffing and puffing, you have done a "cardio" exercise to strengthen your cardiovascular system.

You probably have heard about "circuit training" by way of doing 5 to 10 exercises one after each other without rest (or with very little rest) in a circuit fashion. You can perform a strength and cardio circuit training with your own bodyweight, on Cybex strength machines, or with barbells or dumbbells.

You get the rewards from both strength and cardio training by keeping your heart rate up using light to moderate weight or resistance. Do it when you're pressed for time to get out of the gym or use it as a cross training routine to add variety to your workout.


H.I.I.T. Benefits

The potential benefits of high intensity interval training over the traditional slow steady state aerobic training are:

• Improved cardiovascular fitness, particularly anaerobic conditioning.
• Elevated VO2 max and lactate threshold
• Increased anti-oxidant protection
• Reduced risk for joint wear and tear
• Reduced muscle wasting
• Increased work capacity for the heart to handle life's up-and-down stress cycle.

It will kick your fitness level up another notch. You may start to burn the fat more efficiently while preserving your lean muscle mass.

High Intensity Strength Training + H.I.I.T. Cardio

===>

Lean, Strong, High-Performance Body

References:

1. Tremblay A, Simoneau JA, Bouchard C. Impact of exercise intensity on body fatness and skeletal muscle metabolism. Metabolism. 43(7):814-8, July 1994.
2. Tabata et al. Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and [spacing dot above]VO2max, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 28(10):1327-1330, October 1996.
3. Talanian, Galloway et al., Two weeks of High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training increases the capacity for fat oxidation during exercise in women. J Appl Physiol, 102: 1439-1447, 2007.

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Copyright 2006 www.careyforfitness.com by C. Carey Yang and Beyond Fitness Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

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How to Apply Cold Therapy?

Ice is by far the most important element of R.I.C.E. treatment when you're injured. Ice therapy on the injured area is very effective in reducing swelling and pain. Apply ice as soon as possible after an injury.

How do apply cold therapy? Crushed ice in a plastic bag is usually the best. Blocks of ice, commercial cold packs, bags of frozen vegetables will do the same job. Just be careful not to apply ice directly to the skin to prevent ice burns or further skin damage. Wrapping the ice in a damp towel provides the best protection for the skin.

How long and how often? The opinions vary. The most common recommendation is to apply ice for 20 minutes for every two hours for the first 48 to 72 hours. This is just a general guideline. If you (particularly elderly people or children) have lower tolerance to cold, you can reduce the frequency to 5 to 10 minutes for every hour. People with circulatory problems are also more sensitive to ice. You should use your own judgment when applying ice. Twenty minutes could be too much for some people, while some other people can leave the ice on for up to an hour at a time.

One thing is to avoid is applying any form of heat on the injured area for the first 24 to 72 hours, including heat lamps, heat creams, spas, Jacuzzis and saunas. Avoid massaging the injured area. In addition, avoid alcohol consumption. These things will increase bleeding, swelling and pain of your injury.

Cold or Hot?

When you're injured and feel painful, you probably know to put ice around the injured area. The question is do you continue to apply cold or start hot treatment afterward and for how long and how often? Your body begins to repair itself when you're injured. The damaged area received increased blood flow that can result in inflammation. Although inflammation is part of the natural healing process, it can also lead to swelling and pain. That's when cold and hot therapies come to rescue.

The initial treatment that doctors recommend is R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and referral for medical treatment. Cold therapy applied immediately to an injury can reduce inflammation and pain. After applying cold to the injury for a period of time and if the swelling has subsided, you may start to apply heat to increase blood flow and circulation, speed up the healing process, and promote flexibility.

But before you reach for the hot pack, here's some general guideline. Cold therapy is effective in reducing the pain and swelling due to inflammation. It also helps relieve chronic discomfort or soreness as a result of arthritis, back pain, neck pain and other joint and chronic pain. In some cases, it's helpful by alternating cold and hot therapies. e.g., muscular sprains/strains, post-surgical pain, injuries and other acute pain. Hot therapy is used to relieve pain and restore flexibility for specific conditoins such as arthritis, cramps, muscle aches and menstrual cramps. Physical therapists also recommend hot therapy before exercise to increase mobility and then cold therapy after exercise to decrease aggravation.

As always, seek medical professionals or post-rehab specialists/trainers for advices to your specific conditions.

Get Rid of Abdominal Fat, Uncover Your Six Pack Abs

As a personal trainer, I'v got asked all the times as to how to build lean muscles and lose weight. The conversation all ends up revolving around the struggles that most people are having with losing that flabby stomach fat. That stubborn fat just doesn't seem to want to go away no matter what they try.

Just recently I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow fitness professional named Mike Geary of TruthAboutAbs.com. Now Mike is a well-known expert who deals exclusively with the most effective strategies for losing stomach fat so that you can finally uncover those elusive six pack abs that everyone desires.

Some of Mike's strategies deal with nutrition aspects and others deal with training techniques, but I was impressed to see that Mike has put together one of the most comprehensive resources for dealing with all of the aspects necessary to finally get rid of that nasty belly fat for good.

The key is that Mike focuses on the REAL techniques that are going to get you lasting results, and teaches you how to avoid all of these "quick-fix" scams and gimmicks that are all over the infomercials and the internet these days.

Several of the mistakes that Mike see's every day where people are going wrong in their fat loss attempts are:

1. Most people are wasting too much of their time doing hundreds of reps of ineffective crunches, situps, and other "abs pumping" exercises in their attempt at losing stomach fat. Mike has discovered that there are certain highly effective exercises that stimulate your metabolism much better, and increase your fat burning hormone levels much more. These exercises that Mike outlines are the best of the best for getting a lean, chiseled body. Surprisingly to most, the majority of these most effective exercises for stomach fat loss are NOT "abs-specific" exercises. Not only that, but Mike shows you how to combine and sequence them to get the best metabolic and fat loss results possible, changing the shape of your entire body.
2. Most people are wasting way too much time doing hours upon hours of boring monotonous cardio routines. Mike has researched this topic extensively, including an entire course he's taken comparing different modalities of cardiovascular exercise. After all of this research, we've come to the conclusion that the majority of people out there are not doing the right types of cardio exercise. In fact, most people may actually be inadvertantly decreasing their metabolic rate by doing too much of the wrong types of cardio!
3. Most people are failing miserably with fad diets. Mike reveals exactly why most low-carb or low-fat diets are actually working against what your body needs to become lean and ripped and maintain it for life! Mike shows you exactly how to stop falling for the gimmick diets and finally develop a truly healthy eating style that you can actually enjoy for life without being overly restrictive. It's actually easier and more enjoyable than you believe!
   

Go to Mike's Truth about Six Pack Abs site today and discover the exact system that Mike is using to help thousands of his clients from all over the world get leaner than they've ever been before. This system will help you to lose that stubborn stomach fat that has plagued you for years, so you can finally get that sexy six pack that you've always wanted.

Again, here's the link to claim your own six pack abs.

Train smart, stay Lean

Carey Yang, Certified Personal Trainer
Truth about Six Pack Abs

Strengthening Your Shoulders

Shoulder Press: This exercise is also known as military press. It's perfect for strengthening all the muscles (anterior, medial and posterior) around your shoulder. It can be performed in standing or seated position. Grab a pair of dumbbells or a barbell resting on top of your shoulders. Keep your head, neck, back in natural alignment. Press the weights straight upward over your head and extend your arms. Be careful not to over-extend or lock out your elbows. Then slowly lower the weights with control to the top of your shoulders again. Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Lying External Rotation: This exercise is perfect for strengthening your exterior rotator cuff muscle. Lie on your side on the floor. Hold a light weight dumbbell (3 to 10 pounds) in the hand that is not against the floor. Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle and your upper arm pressed against your body. Lower the dumbbell toward the floor in front of you and rotate upward until the back of your hand points to the ceiling. Then lower the weight back down. Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

Dr. Phil, No More Dieting!

So much for the diet pills and promised weight loss!! "Dr. Phil" McGraw has reached a $10.5 million settlement agreement over his now discontinued Shape Up! diet plan.

The diet industry is a multi-billion dolloar business. It is filled with myths, misconceptions, catchy informercials and gimmicks. Top 10 weight-loss myths are debunked. I said it over and over again. Weight loss requires a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, disciplined exercise habit, and balanced diet and nutrition plan. Certain vitamins, minerals and supplements (for example, anti-oxidants and fatty acid oils) may be helpful if you don't take in enough from meals or have medical problems. Always consult your doctor if you have any doubts, particularly if you're under medications. Some crash diets promise to help you for the short term. But it's not healthy for your long-term overall health. Nothing is better than the safe and proven three-prong approach to successful weight loss and management.

American consumers ought to realize that if the advertizing of weight loss diet plan sounds too good to be true, it's probably so, even endorsed by celebrities. Examine the claims and disclaimers. Read the fine prints. Check the research credibility. Use your common sense. Educate youself. Ultimately it's your money and your health.

The Good "Old" Days

Staying healthy and fit is a lifetime commitment. It's not something that you do one day and be done with it for the rest of your life.

Mets player Julio Franco, who just turned 48 and still is able to compete at the highest level of his sport. He is the oldest active player in the major league baseball. He hopes to continue to play until he is 50!

His devotion to a healthy diet and exercise regime earns his reputation. He is disciplined in his eating habits and workouts. Even his 20-something teammates have a hard time keeping up with him in conditioning drills.

It takes a lot work. But he thinks this is the best time of his life. It is about what you put in your body, not about the money.

My salute to a role model.

Crash Dieting?! You're Doomed to Crash.

You probably heard or overheard that some people are on diet all the time. Some look so thin but still try to starve themselves to lose weight (or fat, to be precise). It's always the 5 or 10 pounds from last Holiday or vacation. Some try one type of diet for only one day and another in the next day and complain that they don't work. They never go out of their way to exercise and change their personal lifestyle.

The weight loss industry has grown tremendously in the past ten years. Americans pour in billions of dollars every year in weight loss diet plans, diet pills, supplements and surgery. But Americans just keep getting bigger and bigger. In fact, populations in other countries are also "growing" bigger, too. If all the claims in the advertizements are true, then what goes wrong with American size? Something is missing in the big picture.

The media is brainwashing the consumers with all kinds of diet plans: low-fat, high-fat, high-protein, low-carb, high-carb, Glycemix-index, meal replacements, customized meal plan, group gathering or some of the above. You know people will try to cut corners and create their own version of diet. They'll pick what they like that is not necessarily good or suitable for them. And of course, there are other crash diets that can whack your body out of nutrition balance.

Some diets go in style for a while then some others pick up the fad. They all seem to work in the short term if you can stick to the plan. How many of you know someone that goes on a diet is able to start exercising and commit to lifestyle change for the long term? I bet, not many. Everyone wants a quick fix. I get asked all the time about losing weight. My answers always disappoint many people.

It's one of my training principles not to go on diet. There are better ways to lose fat safely, effectively and permanently. The real secrets to lose fat and build a lean body come from a naturally healthy nutrition plan and a smart, progressive training program as found in Truth about Six Pack Abs Program.

I crossed by an article about crash diets by the diet doctors. The title is very eye-catching and tempting. Yet what in the world does the powerful media want to convey this message to the readers? --- The crash diets and secrets used by the diet doctors work for them so they will work for me, too?? I know the writer talked about disclaimers that not all crash diets are created equal. Juice fasts, cabbage soup plans, and herbal fat-burning pills are still big no-no's --- to which I agree. But the writer still recommended the readers to "consider the less extreme methods used by the nation's top weight loss gurus. Their crash diet and weight maintenance secrets are safe, effective --- and sure to work for you, too." This is all wrong!

Maintain Good Form When Lifting Weight

Walking around in the gym, it's easy to spot people who are huffing, puffing and yelling while jerking off pathetic weight. Many people lift weights that are too much for their training program or workout routine. It's true that one needs to lift heavy to build muscles, but not so heavy as to sacrifice proper form and potentially lead to injuries.

Back injuries are particularly bad with a high relapse rate as they may take a long time to treat and heal. They can even create long-term problems that affect your quality of life if they’re not taken care of correctly. While some exercises for your back are available, it's the proper form to lift weight that you always should be aware of.


So why is it important to maintain good form while lifting weight?

1. Preventing injuries. One of the most important reasons for maintaining proper form is to prevent injuries. If you life a lot of weight, your muscles, joints and tendons are likely to be placed a lot of stress in awkward positions. It could potentially cause strains or tears. It is better to lighten up the weight in order to maintain proper form.

2. Targeting correct muscle. Since many weightlifting exercises are targeted toward specific muscle groups, a lack of good form can cause you to work out a completely different muscle or to strain the muscle you are targeting. Proper form helps target the correct muscle group.

3. Helping maintain proper breathing. Proper breathing is essential in resistance training exercises because it helps you generate more force and reduces the chance of heart problems or severe increases in blood pressure. When you use correct form, you will find it easier to move the air in and out of your lungs, which will also help you focus your attention on the task at hand.

4. Helping lift more weight. In order for you to lift the maximum possible weight, your muscles need to be in the ideal position to generate force. When you begin to move out of alignment, you place your muscles at unnatural angles, decreasing their functional capability. By maintaining proper form, you will be able to lift a larger amount of weight, which will translate into more visible results in a shorter period of time.

5. Reducing unnecessary stabilizing actions. When you use bad form, a number of muscles have to work overtime to stabilize your body and try to prevent an injury from occurring. All these actions eat up available energy and significantly reduce the effectiveness of your exercises. That means more work with less results.


Common Mistakes and Simple Solutions

1. Arching your back during a military press. Think of squeezing your glute muscles while you are lifting the weight over your head. This should help bring your back into alignment and prevent what is commonly called a “sway back” position.

2. Not aligning your feet over your knees during squats. This is a problem that can result in serious knee issues. A good way to prevent this is to always perform your squats in front of a mirror to ensure that you are placing your knees directly over your toes. You must only go down as far as is comfortable for you. If you try to go lower than your joints will allow you, your knees will move out of alignment.

3. Lifting your back off the bench during a bench press. Whenever you lift a large amount of weight, it is a natural action to arch your back, as it feels like it helps you generate more force. While you may feel like you’re stronger, the increased risk of injury is significant. To prevent this from occurring, think of pressing the small of your back against the bench. If you can fit more than the width of your flat hand under your back, you need to lighten the weight. In addition, it is always a good idea to use a spotter for safety precautions during this exercise.

4. Arching your back during bent-over row. Look up a bit while performing the exercise. This will help keep your neck and spine in natural alignment. Also, if you perform it in front of a mirror, you can ensure that a “hump” doesn’t form in your back. Do not "round" your back.

5. Using momentum during biceps curl. This is a very common mistake. Many people try to use the momentum generated by swaying their bodies to help hoist the weights up toward their shoulders. This creates a lot of stress on the shoulder girdle. If the weight is heavy enough, it can even knock you off balance. You will benefit more if you lift a lighter weight and isolate the bicep muscle. To reduce your chances of using momentum, perform the exercise while sitting on a bench or standing with your back against a wall.

If you have been experiencing any unusual pain lately, you might want to take a good look at your form during your weightlifting exercises. There is a good chance that you are falling out of proper alignment.

Resource: Essentials of Exercise Physiology. (2000). McArdle, W., Katch, F. & Katch, V.

Preventive and Strengthening Exercises for Your Back

Back Raise: This exercise will help strengthen all your erector spinae (lower back) muscles. They help support you while you're doing major lifts. Lie down on your stomach with your legs straight and your arms above head. Slowly lift your chest off the floor using your lower-back muscles and hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then lower slowly. Do 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Stiff-legged Deadlift: This great exercise for your back muscles also targets your hamstrings. Place a barbell or a pair of dumbbells in front of your feet. Bend at the waist (hips) and grab the weight with an overhand grip. Keep your back as naturally straight (natural spinal alignment) as possible. Avoid rounding your back by tilting your head and looking up a bit. Then contract your hamstrings and slowly move your upper body straight up to a standing position. Lower again. Do 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps.

Abdominal Crunches/Curl-ups: Doing this exercise on a ball helps strength your core and helps prevent back injuries. Lie on top of an exercise ball (a.k.a. Swiss Ball, Physio Ball) with the small of your back over its center. Keep your hands near your ears and use your abdominal muscles to curl your upper body up to about 45 degrees with a smooth and slow motion by 2 to 4 seconds. Contract your abdominal muscles and hold the position for 1 to 2 seconds. Then return to the starting position slowly with control by 2 to 4 seconds. Avoid stressing your neck by tucking in your chin and looking up a bit. Do 2 to 3 sets of 15 reps.

Click here to see more exercises for your lower back.

The information provided here is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or other health care professionals. Any liabilities are disclaimed for the decisions you make based on this information.

Quick Tips to Stay Fit and Healthy

Strength Training: Try doing 3 sets of 12 reps for each major muscle group one to three times a week. Adding lean muscle mass is the best way to boost your metabolism and melt the fat. Every pound of muscle burns extra calories even if you're just sitting around doing nothing.

Cardio: Mix up your cardiovascular exercises with short/hard, moderate and long/easy sessions with various activities such as walking, jogging, running, swimming, biking, dancing and kickboxing or anything you like. Even house-cleaning and mall-walking count.

Nutrition: Eat 5 to 6 small meals and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eat a balanced proportion of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fats in the three major meals while eating healthy snacks in between.

Rest: Fully rest one to two days each week from your busy workdays and hard workouts. It's not a luxury, but a necessity. We need proper rest for our body to recover and repair from daily wear and tear, mentally and physically.

Win the Holiday Party: Don't skip meals. You can actually snack a bit with protein sources before going to the party so that you feel satisfied and less likely to binge. Also control your alcohol consumption, particularly calorie-loaded beverages.