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Don’t Mix Alcohol and Muscle Building

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:57:02 +0000

Believe it or not, there are those who wonder if alcohol has an effect on their muscle building activities. The answer is a resounding yes alcohol will adversely affect your work out.

Protein shakes are the first drink that serious muscle builder will reach for, and for good reason. Protein is critical when muscle building, and its absorption should not be interfered with. When alcohol is consumed, the synthesis of protein is impaired.

The process that joins amino acids together to form complete proteins is called protein synthesis. When a person drinks alcohol the process is slowed by 20%.

Another factor in muscle building is the level of testosterone in the body. Ave you ever noticed that women do not build the same amount of muscle mass as men? This is because of low levels of testosterone; women have 15-20 times less testosterone than men do.

You may wonder what testosterone has to do with alcohol. Alcohol will decrease the levels of testosterone while increasing levels of estrogen in the body.

Hydration is also affected when you consume alcohol. In order to process the alcohol, the kidneys have to produce a massive amount of water. When this occurs, it is easy for the body to become dehydrated.

Nerves are controlled by the muscles. Nerves produce the stimuli that contract muscles using electrolyte minerals that dissolve in water. Water also lubricates the joints and protects them against injury while working out.

Drinking alcohol robs your body of key vitamins. Vitamins like B, C and A, plus calcium and phosphorous are all depleted through the use of alcohol. When you consider that the most important vitamins to healthy muscle development are vitamins B and C, you can see this is just one more reason that drinking alcohol while muscle building is such a big deal.

When you are body building, the idea is to deplete the stores of fat while increasing your muscle mass. Nutritionists agree that alcohol contains no nutritional value at all; it is nothing more than empty calories. Additionally, it contains twice the carbs and calories than protein does.

It is important to note that the calories that are taken in as the result of alcohol consumption are the first calories that will be burned for energy. What this means is that the fat that is stored will remain stored until all of the alcohol calories have been burned for energy. This isn’t really an optimal situation for somebody that wants to lose fat and build muscle.

We have examined most of the major points on alcohol and bodybuilding; however, you have to consider the other affects of alcohol on the body. Prolonged use can lead to liver damage, diabetes and a host of other medically related problems. It will be increasingly difficult to build muscle if you suffer any one of these. At the end of the day, is it really worth the cost?

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Do You Back Down From the Muscle Building Fight?

admin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:05:01 +0000

When you go to the gym to lift weights and workout, how do you approach that workout?

Do you prepare for that workout?

Do you take a log book to the gym with you?

Do you know how much weight you need to lift or how many reps you need to do to improve?

Surely, you have a plan to improve on the previous workout. If you want to build muscle, you better plan on getting better and making progress each and every workout. If you don’t give your body a reason to build muscle, it’s just not going to happen…

With that said, I’m going to tell you right now that you need a certain mindset when you enter those gym doors. If you want to build muscle, you’re going to have to develop this mindset.

If you don’t think this is important, you are crazy. You can continue going to the gym and wasting your efforts, your hard-earned money, and your precious time. Keep sweating and working your butt off for nothing.

If you really want to make progress, you need to listen to what I have to say. I went years wasting my time, money, and effort so I know how it feels.

You’ve got to develop the warrior mentality. A switch must turn on inside you when you step into the gym. When that switch comes on, the warrior inside you comes alive. You then know that when you leave that gym, you will be victorious. You know you did everything in your power to build muscle.

When you step into the gym and those gym doors shut behind you, you have now entered the battle arena. It’s time to turn the no BS switch on. It’s time to get your log book out. And it’s time to beat your previous numbers.

Sure, weight lifting is tough. It’s even tougher when you battle the weights each and every workout trying to lift heavier or do more reps. But, you have to prove to your body that it needs more muscle to survive the next workout. Do that, and you will build muscle!

There will come a time during each set in which your mind will warn you to stop. Your mind is trying to protect your body in its current state. And your mind is doing its job. But, your body can do more. And when you do more, you get rewarded. You get lean muscle mass! You win the battle. Would a warrior ever quit?

Hell no… A warrior will never quit. A warrior will press on when the going gets tough. A warrior will fight hard and love every second of that fight. A warrior will laugh in the face of defeat and will never accept a loss. No matter what, a warrior will win.

You know what? You have a warrior inside of you just dying to get out! I guarantee you find him/her very soon. Remember this article as your walking through the gym doors. As those doors close, BAM!!! The warrior inside of you has just emerged. Now go win that battle!

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Gym Workouts, how to Achieve a Sexier and Firmer Butt

admin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:13:02 +0000

Almost everybody wants to have a firm and sexy butt. In order to have that highly desirable and perfectly toned gluteus, you need to know the secret to rear-end success. You must eat a healthy diet and follow a good exercise routine. People are very busy these days, but it must be understood that a little bit of work will be involved with getting a perfect body with head turning results.

If you are serious about wanting to have perfectly toned gluteus that will surely be the envy of every one of your friends, look no further for help. This article provides some very effective solutions. There are some perfect exercises shown that will have you on your way to a sexy, round, and firm rear end without leaving your house.

Quadrupled hip extensions allow you to effectively contract the gluteus muscles. Quadrupled hip extensions work very well since they target the gluteus maximus. You can use ankle weights if you want to increase the intensity.

Lunges work very well, but there are several types of lunges so you will need to look for one that you like to do. A basic lunge is the drop-knee version, which also happens to be one of the most difficult ones. You can use hand weights in this exercise if you feel you need more intensity.

Step ups work on the hamstrings and gluteus, but some people wonder if they work or not. In order to get any benefit from this exercise, you need to make sure that you are stepping on a platform that is high enough, preferably 15 inches to activate the muscle fibers. To add intensity to the exercise, you can hold dumbbells.

Squats are a great exercise that works the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. Squats are also good for the hips and the thighs. If you want back support, you can make use of a ball that can help get into that perfect position without hurting your knees.

Multi-hip extension: this exercise targets the gluteus maximus and medius along with the hamstrings. The machine can be a little tricky; therefore, it would be wise to get a professional to help you with the necessary adjustments.

One legged squats: these squats help activate the gluteus maximus and medius. Similar to lunges, there are several ways in which you can perform one-legged squats. So go for one that you can tolerate if not like. If you need more intensity, choose a version that gives a higher range of motion and is more challenging.

Each of the exercises mentioned will help you get that fantastic head turning rear that you have always desired. Start slow and increase the intensity over a period of time. Plan your exercise routine with your fitness capabilities and goals in mind. If you work out every day for about half an hour, you will no doubt have a round and sexy butt in no time.

Apart from this, eat right and work out regularly and that’s all there is to it. Go put your sneakers on and start working out to get that perfect round, toned butt that only Michael Angelo’s David could match.

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Why People Prefer Using The Kinesio Tape

admin — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:28:01 +0000

Sore muscles and sore joints are normal complaints of people from all walks of life. This is because at one point or another, we do activities that strain our muscles, causing them to over-extend and to over-contract. This happens when we lift an excessive amount of weight, especially if we are usually frequenting gyms and other forms of workout areas. Laborers who are constantly exposed to lifting heavy objects and to doing routinary tasks are also prone to constant muscle and joint pains.

Relieving muscle pains is all that he had in mind when Dr. Kenzo Kase of Japan developed the kinesio tape in Japan in 1973. He has been trying to find a new treatment to assist healing traumatized tissues, but he dismally found that the existing taping techniques, although they provide muscle support, greatly reduces the range of motion of athletes and in many cases, inhibits the healing process of the injured tissues. He deemed it a need to develop a new approach to the matter, and so he developed the kinesion tape.

The kinesio (short for kinesiology, meaning the science of human movement) tape is developed to ensure that the injured tissues are not inhibited in their healing process and, at the same time, provide all the benefits that standard taping procedure does. Here are the qualities of the kinesio tape that aids in the speedy healing of muscle pains:

1. It is made of 100% cotton and is latex free.

2. It is elastic, expanding to about 30-40 percent of its actual size.

3. It is heat sensitive and acrylic adhesive.

4. It is medical grade.

5. Its thickness and weight is almost the same as the normal human skin.

6. It does not prohibit or restrict movement unlike the conventional tapes.

7. Its elastic nature reduces muscular fatigue.

8. It improves lymphatic flow which, in turn, reduces the pain and the swelling of the affected tissues.

9. It can be worn for days (around 3-5 days) without changing it.

10. It is very cost-effective since a standard roll of it can last until about 6-10 applications depending on the extent of the injury.

The kinesio tape has been proven to treat a wide variety of muscular illnesses relating to pain. It reduces inflammation of the affected tissues, relaxes the muscles and the joints, and makes the healing process faster. Having the kinesio tape is like an assurance to all athletes and other people who are constantly experiencing muscle and joint pains all around the globe.

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Review Of Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle Fat Loss Program

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle is a “fat loss” and fitness program designed to help you lose fat and keep it off for good – without pills, drugs, magic potions or supplements.

Touted as “The Fat Loss Bible”, Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle is being claimed to be the #1 best selling fitness e-book in the history of the internet.

Who Should Use Burn The Fat Program?

- Male or female, bodybuilders or aspiring bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts

- Anyone who is overweight or want to lose excess fat

- Those who have tried several programs but still continued to struggle losing weight

- Those who are stuck on a fitness “plateau” or those who had been trying hard to lose the last 10 to 20 lbs of stubborn fat

Tom Venuto’s Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle E-book: The Pros

1. Tom Venuto exposes the lies and scams by the weight loss and diet industries being used to manipulate us into buying their products that are often ineffective.

3. Because Tom Venuto believes in bodybuilding without drugs or harmful potions, he wouldn’t try manipulate you to buy supplements or similar products. With Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle, you only get the raw truth, no B.S!

3. The number of testimonials and success stories coming from people of all background are inspiring and motivating.

4. Burn The Fat is probably the most comprehensive guide about Fat loss that I’ve ever read (and I’ve read LOADS).

5. It doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. It honors your individuality and shows you how to find the optimal diet and exercise routine that works for YOU. You’ll analyze your body type, measure your Basal Metabolic Rate, determine if you’re carbohydrate tolerant or intolerant, and learn what the best protein, carbohydrates and fat ratio is optimal for your body.

(This approach works because no two individuals are exactly alike, and so what works for others may not necessarily work for you.)

6. Burn The Fat also addresses a fundamental aspect of your self-improvement process: your mental training. You’ll learn all about it in Chapter 1 – “How To Set Powerful, Compelling Goals That Will Propel You Forward and Charge You Up with Unstoppable Motivation!”

Here are just some of the essential concepts you’ll gain from the program:

* 8 powerful strategies for fat loss sans diets or deprivation

* Determine your muscle and fat percentage inexpensively

* How to get the best with what you’ve got

* The law of calorie balance and the mathematics of losing body fat

* Boost your metabolism and turn your body into a lean mean fat-burning machine!

* Find out the optimal combination of protein, carbohydrates and fats that works best for you

* How to speed up fat loss, boost muscle growth, and increase energy

* How much Protein do you really need? Are carbs your friends or foes?

* How to get as lean as a bodybuilder or fitness model using a new twist on the old low carb diet

* Why water is essential for fat loss, how much you need, and what else you should (and shouldn’t) drink

* How to design your own effective and result producing meals and menus.

* What the supplement companies hope you never find out

* Cardio training secrets for maximum fat loss

* Why diet and cardio are not enough

Burn The Fat Feed the Muscle: The Cons

As with any information product, Burn The Fat could make you feel overwhelmed with too much information. My tip: apply ONE principle at a time and aim for a steady and sustained improvement.

To make this work, you will need to really study the book, plan, work hard, make changes in your lifestyle, and stick to making intelligent decisions.

Again, as with any effective long-term solution, this ain’t no quick fix that promises you your dream body without requiring any effort from you. So if you’re looking for an easy way out of your problems, this isn’t for you.

Aesthetics-wise, the e-book itself looks plain (not much pictures to look at) so it’s a bit difficult to read from your computer. It’s best printed off and read on paper.

My Verdict:

I give Burn The Fat 10 stars out of 10 stars.

If you think about the amount of success its users have had, the confidence you’ll gain from transforming your body effectively, the time and money you’ll save, and the no-questions-asked guarantee, to pay $39.95 for the whole package makes Burn the Fat a steal.

But be warned again: Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle is NOT for everyone. Ensure you fit the profile before buying this product.

Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle is suited for those who are now ready to step up and put in the necessary effort to achieve the beautiful body they have always wanted. It’s not for those who are still wishing they can just pop a pill and all their fat melts away with no side effects.

If you’re now ready to make the necessary lifestyle and behavioral changes to transform your body, and if you are prepared to work hard with discipline and commitment, then Burn the Fat is the solution you’re looking for. Thousands of men and women have had tremendous success putting this program to gain self-confidence and self-fulfillment. Will you be next?

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Cure For Hemroids

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:09:00 +0000

They are an annoying and painful affliction suffered by about half of the population by age fifty. They itch, make it painful to sit, and oftentimes bleed. Though rarely deadly, some cases have been reported wherein the patient bled profusely and died. In this article, we will discuss the different causes and cure for hemorrhoids.

By definition, these nuisances are small masses of swollen veins near the anal sphincter. They are brought on by undo pressure to the anal region, such as pregnancy, chronic constipation, or pushing too hard for too long while defecating. About fifty percent of men and women have them, but oftentimes they remain inside the body (though they do still bleed somewhat). When they protrude out of the anus, however, they become irritated and can bleed more steadily. In some severe cases, this requires surgery, but there are several ways to treat them so as to avoid those cases.

Eating a healthy diet that includes fiber will produce looser bowels, which means there will be less strain on the anus when it comes time to defecate. Exercise will also help, as it facilitates blood flow to the digestive tract, making the passing of stool much easier. Avoidance of too much strain while defecating will also relieve many of these aforementioned symptoms. Remember: A good diet means softer stool, which causes less strain on the anus. It also means an all-around better lifestyle.

Another method to control the affliction is the Sitz bath, wherein the patient takes a warm, ten-minute bath several times a day. During the bath, the patient will splash water through the anal/rectal area to flush any harmful microorganisms and to sooth the swollen veins engorged with blood. If this is done systematically, pain can drop significantly.

Finally, if they are not too debilitating, a simple suppository or cream can be a greatly soothing. These are manually applied to the anus and the surrounding area. They can be found at any local pharmacy, but some homeopathic creams can be made at home if ingredients can be found. These include Aloe Vera (to soothe the itching), Witch Hazel, and Butchers Broom (a shrub). It is recommended that a person with this irritating affliction see a doctor before making a home remedy.

Ultimately, if your situation causes acute pain, a doctor’s help should be sought. In many cases, surgery is the only option left, as the pain becomes too intense. In these scenarios, the surgeon has a variety of methods at his or her disposal, including freezing the affliction, tying it off, or even using laser surgery.

But the above tried-and-true methods will help reduce the pain. In some cases, the problem may disappear entirely. But if no treatment occurs, symptoms could escalate dramatically. A person with any anal bleeding should see their doctor about a cure for hemorrhoids.

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Weight Lifting Exercises For Your Chest – How to Develop a Thick Chest Using Dips and Bench Press

admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:17:57 +0000

Go to your local gym and you’ll see blokes working out the Bench Press almost to exclusion of every other exercise for their upper body. There’s good reason for this.

The bench press is one of the best weight lifting exercises for your upper body and especially for your chest. It’s not the only one however.

Others include:

Inlcine Bench Press
Flat Bench Flyes
Incline Flyes
Cable Crossovers
Dips

I tend to think that most times the chest workout should start with focus on either the bench, or dips.

The reason being that they are great comprehensive exercises, and if you’re looking to gain mainly size and strength, there’s no need to do focus exercises for any particular body part.

And plus, why workout harder or longer than you need to!

Bench Press

So how does it work?

1. Lie on the bench with the bar above your line of site
2. If you’re lifting heavy, get a spotter to help you grab the bar at arms length, and settle it above your chest (in line with your nipples is best)
3. Breath in as you lower the bar slowly with control
4. Breath out as you push that weight as hard as you can toward the sky!
5. Repeat until muscular failure

This exercise is great for working out the total chest and shoulder area. You’ll feel it in your triceps (especially if you use a narrow grip) and in your lats too.

Take care to do a good workout using lower weights to warm up the area before lifting. You’ll be able to tell the difference in your workout if you “prime” the muscles using a warmup that builds to the desired weight like this.

Say your max weight is about 220lbs (totally random figure used for example only!)

You’d start with a warmup of about 90lbs and do 15 reps, then 140lbs for 8 reps, then 170lbs for 4 reps, then 200lbs for 1 rep.

This ensures you’re not only warm, but ready to handle the weight without wearing out the area.

You’re “primed” for doing the real work where you work the muscle to total failure. This is where you’ll achieve maximum muscle growth potential. Go 100%!

Dips: Dips are great because unlike pushups, they use your entire body weight. They will also develop your triceps as well as your chest. They’re also great if you’ve had a shoulder injury, working similar muscles, but less intense on the shoulders.

You can do dips on a chair/bench, or using dip bars.

Read full article: Weight Lifting Exercises For Your Chest

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