Home Training Versus The Gym
When considering the convenience of a home gym versus the variety of going to a commercial gym, there are many factors to weigh in this decision. For some, this is an easy and clear-cut choice. There are those of us that would never set foot in a “big-box” gym and who prefer the solitude of a home gym. Others thrive on the assortment of machines and crave the interaction of a fitness center and could never see themselves training at home.
For others, the decision is not as clear. If we look at the pros and cons of each type of training, we can make an informed decision as to which type of training best suits our lifestyle and needs.
Training at home requires quite a bit of self-motivation. If you are interested in committing yourself to working out in the solitude of your own palace, then lets take a look at the advantages first: · No waiting to use equipment. This is a big one – you can get your workout done much more timely if your not standing around waiting for Brutus to finish off “His Pecs”. · Your own atmosphere. You can blast whatever music you want as loud as you want – within reason, you don’t want the cops showing up at your door when you are still in spandex. · Workout whenever! You can train anytime, day or night. · Your perfect gym. You select the equipment that best suits your tastes and preferences. · Save the drive time. You can get a great workout in the time it takes to drive back and forth to the gym.
Now for the drawbacks: · Motivation – No one to inspire you, other than you. · Lack of variety – unless you can afford to stock your gym with all the machines the gym has, you won’t have the same selection. Although, for some people this is fine. · Weather – If you train in the garage it can be very hot during the summer and quite cold during the winter.
Training at a commercial gym takes plenty of patience due to the fact that you are “sharing” the facility with anyone who decides to join. Most gyms don’t have a limit as to the number of memberships they sell. Lets look at both sides of the gym debate, first the positives: · Endless selection of equipment – there is always something to do. · Most are open enough hours of the day to suit you. · No cleaning up. Just workout and leave. · Get away from it all. If you need to get out of the house for a while each day this is the perfect stress reliever. · Motivation. Being around others who are in shape typically motivates us to workout harder.
Now let’s look at the flip side: · Crowds - Gyms are known for being as crowded as the subway. · Prices - Most gyms that are worthwhile are not cheap. · Atmosphere – There is nothing more defeating then having to listen to music we hate while training.
These are just a few of the freedoms and obstacles that you will encounter either training at home or in a gym. For the sake of this article, we will say that money and space constraints are not an issue and that you will be able to stock your home gym with whatever equipment you want. If you are still unsure after reading the above pros and cons, go out and buy a pair of adjustable dumbbells and try working out at home for a few weeks. If it is not your thing, you can always use the dumbbells occasionally when you are running late and can’t find the time to get to the gym.
Please remember to keep it simple and always stay positive in reaching your goals.
Make sure to always consult a licensed physician before taking on any new fitness endeavor.
Lets Stay Fit Forever…
Jeff Olah - #1 Online Fitness Professional From Southern California Fit Dealz
by JEFF OLAH
Home Training Versus The Gym
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Is There a No Calorie Sweetener That Actually Tastes Like Sugar?
Is There a No Calorie Sweetener That Actually Tastes Like Sugar?
Possibly. Splenda®, the brand name for a sugar-like substance called sucralose might just fit the bill.
If you are like me, you have probably tried Sweet N’ Low® and Equal® and had mixed feelings. They taste nothing like sugar, but with only one calorie, are they worth getting used to? Some say yes, some say no.
Then along comes Splenda, and people start raving about it. They swear it tastes just like sugar! Is this possible? Are the people who are the promoters of Splenda users of Sweet N’ Low® and Equal® and find that it’s just slightly better tasting? What about people who would NEVER EVER use artificial sweetener in their coffee, or drink a diet soda because they think artificial sweeteners tastes absolutely horrible? What do they say? Does Splenda actually taste like sugar? I tried Splenda by itself and also in my coffee (which I am very particular about- I use only raw sugar) it tasted like…….sugar! Wow, I would have not have thought it was possible even though everyone at Starbucks swears it does. It does look kind of weird, not really like sugar. More like very small, very white round particles of Styrofoam (regular table sugar is much more granular and not nearly as white). My next thought was ok, it tastes great but is it going to cause cancer? Apparently not, says the FDA. “More than 100 scientific studies on sucralose conducted over a 20-year period have demonstrated the safety of SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener. The data from these comprehensive studies were independently evaluated by the FDA and international experts in a variety of scientific disciplines. The safety of sucralose has also been confirmed by years of both domestic and international use.”
The FDA has not required any warning or special information statements to be placed on the labels of products sweetened with SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener. Based on the findings from more than 100 scientific studies, sucralose has been found by leading health authorities to be a safe and an essentially inert ingredient. It has no known side effects, no effect on carbohydrate metabolism (meaning no carbs!) and no effect on short- or long-term glucose control or on serum insulin levels. Which means it’s safe for diabetics.
So it tastes like sugar, has no calories, no carbs, no cancer, virtually no side effects… I might just have to rethink that raw sugar in my coffee!
by STEVE VEENER
Is There a No Calorie Sweetener That Actually Tastes Like Sugar?
Possibly. Splenda®, the brand name for a sugar-like substance called sucralose might just fit the bill.
If you are like me, you have probably tried Sweet N’ Low® and Equal® and had mixed feelings. They taste nothing like sugar, but with only one calorie, are they worth getting used to? Some say yes, some say no.
Then along comes Splenda, and people start raving about it. They swear it tastes just like sugar! Is this possible? Are the people who are the promoters of Splenda users of Sweet N’ Low® and Equal® and find that it’s just slightly better tasting? What about people who would NEVER EVER use artificial sweetener in their coffee, or drink a diet soda because they think artificial sweeteners tastes absolutely horrible? What do they say? Does Splenda actually taste like sugar? I tried Splenda by itself and also in my coffee (which I am very particular about- I use only raw sugar) it tasted like…….sugar! Wow, I would have not have thought it was possible even though everyone at Starbucks swears it does. It does look kind of weird, not really like sugar. More like very small, very white round particles of Styrofoam (regular table sugar is much more granular and not nearly as white). My next thought was ok, it tastes great but is it going to cause cancer? Apparently not, says the FDA. “More than 100 scientific studies on sucralose conducted over a 20-year period have demonstrated the safety of SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener. The data from these comprehensive studies were independently evaluated by the FDA and international experts in a variety of scientific disciplines. The safety of sucralose has also been confirmed by years of both domestic and international use.”
The FDA has not required any warning or special information statements to be placed on the labels of products sweetened with SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener. Based on the findings from more than 100 scientific studies, sucralose has been found by leading health authorities to be a safe and an essentially inert ingredient. It has no known side effects, no effect on carbohydrate metabolism (meaning no carbs!) and no effect on short- or long-term glucose control or on serum insulin levels. Which means it’s safe for diabetics.
So it tastes like sugar, has no calories, no carbs, no cancer, virtually no side effects… I might just have to rethink that raw sugar in my coffee!
by STEVE VEENER
Is There a No Calorie Sweetener That Actually Tastes Like Sugar?
Friday, 20 April 2007
Building Muscle: How is it really done?
Most people believe that in order to build noticeable muscle size, they have to devote many hours in the gym, 5 or 6 days a week for many years. This is untrue, yes, hard work is required, but to devote that much time is unnecessary.
Substantial muscle growth can be achieved with 40-minute sessions 3 days a week, sometimes much less if done correctly. Muscles will only grow in size when they have fully recovered from the gym workout, then, and only then will muscle growth happen. If your goal is to achieve maximum muscle growth in the shortest possible time then there needs to be more rest days than actual workout days.
It's difficult for some people to believe that substantial muscle growth can be induced with only 2 or 3 days a week at 40 minutes a session, or less. It can be done and it is being done by many, however, there is a catch:
These "few and far between" gym sessions will have to be short and extremely intensive. More intense than ever, you have to justify your days off. You have to give your body a very good reason to grow bigger muscles. The sessions will be about what you thought you could not do, but somehow managed to do.
Eg: if you're lifting a certain weight and you know you can only get 8 reps, you will push yourself further than ever before and squeeze out another 2 reps of that weight, with the help of your training partner or someone else of course. You will need help with the last 2 reps but the idea is to execute a greater effort than you are used to doing, this creates the environment for greater muscle growth (all other things being equal).
Below is an example of an 8 Week "every other day" muscle building routine. It's an example of how short the training sessions should be. It can also be done taking 2 days rest in between training sessions. I am assuming that you have weight training experience behind you, and also that you are familiar with the jargon. If not, then I would not recommend that you push yourself too far until you have built up your strength and fitness level. You should always get the go-ahead from your GP or health professional before starting or changing any physical exercise program. Warm ups are not included in the below.
Day 1: Chest - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Biceps - 2 sets 8 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 2: REST.
Day 3: Thighs - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Hamstrings - 2 sets 8 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Calves - 2 sets 12 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 4: REST.
Day 5: Shoulders - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Triceps - 2 sets 8 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 6: REST.
Day 7: Back - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Abdominals - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 8: REST.
Day 9: Start again.
Notes: You will need someone to help you for the last 2 or 3 reps of every set. So if you're doing a set of 10 reps, the weight should be heavy enough to allow only 8 reps on your own, and you will need help to get the other 2 reps to make it 10. If you're doing a set of 8 reps, it's really only 5 or 6 reps that you can get on your own; help will be needed to complete the 8 reps. Increase the weight every week, even if it's only 5lbs in total. Safety takes priority over ego. On the 4th week reduce the rep range by 2 for all sets and continue.
The idea is to put forth a much greater intensive effort than you imagine you can. The reward for these infrequent efforts is, shorter training sessions and more rest days away from it and of course much Greater Muscle Growth. Many people are now achieving greater results through smarter training methods, spending less time in the gym with more free time to enjoy other activities. Excessive hours and days in the gym is, at last! No longer the way to go.
by DARREN O CONNELL
Substantial muscle growth can be achieved with 40-minute sessions 3 days a week, sometimes much less if done correctly. Muscles will only grow in size when they have fully recovered from the gym workout, then, and only then will muscle growth happen. If your goal is to achieve maximum muscle growth in the shortest possible time then there needs to be more rest days than actual workout days.
It's difficult for some people to believe that substantial muscle growth can be induced with only 2 or 3 days a week at 40 minutes a session, or less. It can be done and it is being done by many, however, there is a catch:
These "few and far between" gym sessions will have to be short and extremely intensive. More intense than ever, you have to justify your days off. You have to give your body a very good reason to grow bigger muscles. The sessions will be about what you thought you could not do, but somehow managed to do.
Eg: if you're lifting a certain weight and you know you can only get 8 reps, you will push yourself further than ever before and squeeze out another 2 reps of that weight, with the help of your training partner or someone else of course. You will need help with the last 2 reps but the idea is to execute a greater effort than you are used to doing, this creates the environment for greater muscle growth (all other things being equal).
Below is an example of an 8 Week "every other day" muscle building routine. It's an example of how short the training sessions should be. It can also be done taking 2 days rest in between training sessions. I am assuming that you have weight training experience behind you, and also that you are familiar with the jargon. If not, then I would not recommend that you push yourself too far until you have built up your strength and fitness level. You should always get the go-ahead from your GP or health professional before starting or changing any physical exercise program. Warm ups are not included in the below.
Day 1: Chest - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Biceps - 2 sets 8 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 2: REST.
Day 3: Thighs - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Hamstrings - 2 sets 8 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Calves - 2 sets 12 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 4: REST.
Day 5: Shoulders - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Triceps - 2 sets 8 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 6: REST.
Day 7: Back - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set. Abdominals - 2 sets 10 reps 1 exercise. Use the same weight for your 2nd set.
Day 8: REST.
Day 9: Start again.
Notes: You will need someone to help you for the last 2 or 3 reps of every set. So if you're doing a set of 10 reps, the weight should be heavy enough to allow only 8 reps on your own, and you will need help to get the other 2 reps to make it 10. If you're doing a set of 8 reps, it's really only 5 or 6 reps that you can get on your own; help will be needed to complete the 8 reps. Increase the weight every week, even if it's only 5lbs in total. Safety takes priority over ego. On the 4th week reduce the rep range by 2 for all sets and continue.
The idea is to put forth a much greater intensive effort than you imagine you can. The reward for these infrequent efforts is, shorter training sessions and more rest days away from it and of course much Greater Muscle Growth. Many people are now achieving greater results through smarter training methods, spending less time in the gym with more free time to enjoy other activities. Excessive hours and days in the gym is, at last! No longer the way to go.
by DARREN O CONNELL
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