Weight Loss

Whether you are trying to lose 5 pounds or more than 50, the same simple laws of physics determine whether or not you will lose weight and how fast your weight loss will occur. Remembering these simple guidelines and putting them into practice can lead to weight loss without the aid of any special diet plans, books, or medications.

Our weight is determined by the amount of energy that we take in as food and the amount of energy we expend in the activities of our day. Energy is measured in calories. If your weight remains constant, you are probably taking in the same amount of calories you burn each day. If you're slowly gaining weight over time, it is likely that your caloric intake is greater than the number of calories you burn through your daily activities.

Everyone is in control of the amount of food he or she consumes each day, so our intake of calories is something we can control. To a major degree, we can also control our output of energy, or the number of calories we burn each day. The number of calories we burn each day is dependent upon our basal metabolic rate (BMR), the number of calories we burn per hour simply by being alive and maintaining body functions and our level of physical activity.

For some people, due to genetic (inherited) factors or other conditions, the resting metabolic rate (BMR) can be slightly higher or lower than average. Our weight also plays a role in determining how many calories we burn at rest -- more calories are required to maintain your body in its present state, the greater your body weight. A 100-pound person requires less energy (food) to maintain body weight than a person who weighs 200 pounds.

Lifestyle and work habits partially determine how many calories we need each day. Someone whose job involves heavy physical labor will naturally burn more calories in a day than someone who sits at a desk most of the day (a sedentary job). For people who do not have jobs that require intense physical activity, exercise or increased physical activity can increase the number of calories burned.

As a rough estimate, an average woman 31-50 years of age who leads a sedentary lifestyle needs about 1,800 calories per day to maintain a normal weight. A man of the same age requires about 2,200 calories. Participating in a moderate level of physical activity (exercising three to five days per week) requires about 200 additional calories per day.

LOSE WEIGHT

LOSE WEIGHT

So you want to lose weight? Well, the choice is truly yours. To successfully reach your weight loss goals, you must consistently make the right choices to support your goals.

The Power of Good or Bad Choices
Though most people don't consciously make the choice to become or stay overweight, we do certain things to contribute to the problem, either consciously or subconsciously. Eating too many calories, eating the wrong types of foods, putting off exercise and not making our health a priority work against dieting efforts.

Each of the choices we make lead to consequences. Good choices foster positive results. Healthy habits add up over time and allow for weight loss, increased energy, decreased pain and inflammation and better self-image.

Alternatively, bad choices can cause your progress to come to a grinding halt, or worse yet, create a negative result.

Make the Right Choices for Weight Loss
You can make the right choices for your weight loss plan by accepting a positive, can-do attitude. Put a positive spin on everything and look for the silver lining.

Even for small everyday things like overdoing it on the snacks in the afternoon, it can be a lesson to eat a heartier breakfast so you won't get the munchies later in the day. If you look at it in this light, learn from the lesson, forgive yourself and move on, you will be successful. But if you dwell on the mistake and stress yourself you are likely to eat more because you are feeling bad and get into a negative spiral that is hard to break free from.

The same is true for exercise. If you choose to walk everyday and build up over time to include other activities and increase the length and intensity of your workouts, you will succeed at losing weight. You will set yourself on the right track for positive results. But if you let things get in the way or procrastinate you are making a less productive choice and will see little or no change in your weight.

Women Lose Body Fat-Gain Lean Muscle

Women Lose Body Fat-Gain Lean Muscle

Do you remember what it felt like to feel good about how you looked in a swimsuit? This does not need to be a daydream. You can discover how women lose body fat and gain lean muscle.
As you read every word of this article you will understand the secret to burning fat and gaining muscle mass.

Most people think that all exercise is created equal. This just is not true. Low intensity-high volume exercise and cardio routines don’t do any harm and will even help you to feel better. But these types of workouts are near useless for weight loss and muscle gain.

High intensity resistance training will allow you to spend less time working out and is vastly superior for post exercise energy expenditure.

What does that mean for you?
High intensity resistance training will have you burning calories (fat) like mad during the workout and because of the intensity of the workout your body will remain in a "revved up" state and continue to burn calories after the workout is over.
Burn more calories. Lose more weight. Gain more muscle.

Here are a few tips for getting started:
1.Have a social support group. I cannot over state the value of having people around you that you can identify with.
2.If you haven’t done so already, improve your diet. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit. Lean meat at meals.
3.Commit yourself to a consistent exercise program.
4.Always consult with your doctor before you begin a new exercise program or diet.

How much fat can you expect to lose?

Health professionals recommend losing 1-2 pounds per week. Remember, the fat didn’t come on over night and it will not go away that quickly either.

Know About Loose Skin And Weight Loss

Know About Loose Skin And Weight Loss

There are 14 things you should know about loose skin after very large weight losses:

1. Skin is incredibly elastic.Your skin can stretch and expand or tighten and retract to a great degree. Look at what women go through during pregnancy. Some women do experience stretch marks after pregnancy, but obviously skin is remarkably elastic.

2. Elasticity of skin depends on both genetics and environment/lifestyle.Wrinkling and loss of elasticity is partly the consequence of aging (genetic factors) and also a result of environmental factors such as oxidative stress, excessive sun exposure, and nutritional deficiency. The environmental parts you can fix, the genetics and age part, you cannot. Advice: Get moving and change the things you have control over... Be realistic and don't worry about those things you don't have control over.

3. How much your skin returns to its former tautness depends partly on age.The older you get, the more an extremely large weight loss can leave loose skin that will not return to normal.

4. How long you carry extra weight may influence how much the skin will become taut after the weight loss:For example, compare a 9 month pregnancy with 9 years carrying 100 excess pounds.

5. How much weight was carried has a lot to do with how much the skin will resume a tight appearance.Your skin can only be stretched so much and be expected to "snap back" one hundred percent. With extreme obesity, the probability of there still being loose skin after weight loss is higher.

6. How fast the weight was gained also has a lot to do with how much the skin will resume a tight appearance.Your skin can only be stretched so quickly and be expected to "snap back."

7. How fast weight is lost also has a lot to do with how much the skin will tighten up.Rapid weight loss doesn't allow the skin time to slowly resume to normal. (This is yet another reason to lose fat slowly; 1-2 pounds per week, 3 pounds at the most if you have a lot of weight to lose, and even then, only if you are measuring body fat and you're certain it's fat you're losing, not lean tissue).

8. There are exceptions to all of the above;For example, people who gained and then lost incredible amounts of weight quickly at age 50 or 60, and their skin returned 100% to normal.

9. Creams probably don't work.There are many creams advertised as having the ability to restore the tightness of your skin. the late bodybuilding guru Dan duchaine used to recommend topical creams made with pycnogenol, which contain the antioxidant bioflavanoids called proanthocyanidins. But to the best of my knowledge, none of the topical creams are scientifically validated. I haven't even heard much anecdotal evidence that they work -- at least not permanently and measurably -- and especially if you have a lot of loose skin. There are definitely some topicals that will pull water from under your skin, but remeber, that is temporary. Buyer should beware with topical products. (as an aside, Ive also heard anectodal reports that skin brushing was helpful, but again, I am not aware of any scientific evidence proving this is effective).

10. Nutrition has a lot to do with the health of your skin.Essential fatty acids in particular are very valuable for many reasons, and one of them is for the health of your skin. It would be worth taking an EFA supplement such as fish oil, flax oil or an oil blend like Udo's choice. Antioxidants are also very important, so be sure to consume copious amounts of a variety of vegetables and fruits. Also pay very close attention to hydration. Drink approximately a gallon of water a day or a minimum of half your body weight in ounces. (By the way, whey protein is high in a powerful antioxidant called glutathione).

11. Exercise has a lot to do with how your skin appears after you lose body fat.If you use very low calorie diets, you are likely to lose lean body mass, and this is going to exacerbate the loose, hanging skin appearance. On the other hand, if you are exercising regularly and increasing lean body mass with weight training, you will be more likely to minimize the appearance of loose skin.
12. Get second opinions if you are considering surgery.If you're considering surgical skin removal, consult a physician for advice because this is not a minor operation, but keep in mind that your plastic surgeon may be making his BMW payments with your abdominoplasty money. (Surgery might be recommended in situations where it's not 100% necessary). Surgery should be left as the absolute final option in extreme cases.

13. Give your skin time.Your skin will definitely get tighter as your body fat gets lower. I've seen and heard of many cases where the skin gradually tightened up, at least partially, after a one or two year period where the weight loss was maintained and exercise continued.

14. Know your body fat percentage before even thinking about surgery.Loose skin is one thing, but still having a lot of body fat is another. Be honest with yourself and do that by taking your body fat measurement. This can be done with skinfold calipers or a variety of other devices (calipers might not be the best method if you have large folds of loose skin. Look into impedance analysis, underwater weighing, DEXA or Bod Pod).

BATHE AWAY DRY SKIN

BATHE AWAY DRY SKIN

Winter's Chill may make you crave steamy baths, but long soaks can strip away natural Oils, leaving winter-dry skin more dehydrated.

Fortunately, there's an easy way to restore moisture

It starts in the Kitchen

Mix 1/2 cup dry oatmeal and 1/4 cup buttermil into a paste.

Place in four layers of cheesecloth and tie up the ends like a parcel with a baggie tie.

Run the shower and rub the cheesecloth bag over your body for a minute or so to gently

exfoliate your skin.

Weight Lifting Women Athletes

Weight Lifting Women Athletes

While this weight lifting program for women has been adapted slightly, it’s a tough workout that will require you to stay focused through your entire time in the gym. It’s not for the weak of heart or weak-willed. You can find those workouts on the magazine rack in your grocery store.
Make sure you keep your workout pace up, lift efficiently, and do all of the core strengthening work prescribed. If you can, find a like-minded workout partner who’s intrigued by the concept of getting a body that looks like one a top athlete or dancer would have and doesn't mind working hard.

The core strengthening workout is a bonus. Do it correctly and you’ll find you no longer have “chub rub,” but you do have honest-to-goodness buns of steel.

This is a three-day weight lifting workout that should be changed up every three weeks. See this article on periodization for more details. You'll also want to add at least two to three days of cardio work, which also can be done after lifting.

Finally, make sure to warm up properly before weigh lifting and stretch afterward

It’s All About Attitude, Baby
This weight workout should take a solid hour and you’re going to have to work hard at it to get it done. You’ll be sweaty, trembling and – guaranteed – pumped to get back at it.

Your goal is to take from 60-90 seconds between sets, and you can rest longer between different lifts. Do all the sets for a particular exercise before moving to another. Lifting pace should be 1-2-3-1. So, for the bench, take three counts to lower the weight to your chest and one count to raise it. Do all exercises that way.

You'll start seeing strength results in the third week, and you'll want to adjust your weights accordingly.

Testing Day
Find the correct weight to use by testing your one-rep maximum (1RM). Start with the bench press. Warm up and then load the bar with a weight you can press between 2 and 5 reps (you’ll have to experiment a bit at first). If you press, say, 100 pounds one time, that would be your 1RM. But what if you did it three times? Use this chart to calculate your 1RM. In this case, 3 reps at 100 pounds is a 1RM of 108 pounds.

You’ll use 80% of 108 in the bench, or .8 x 108 = 86.4 pounds. Round it to the nearest 5 pounds, or 85 pounds. Once you have your weights set, it’s easy. Do the same for all of your lifts in the workout and you’re ready to get started.

Strength Training

Strength Training

Traditional strength training focuses primarily on strengthening the large power muscles. These muscles are often recruited with high loads. Exercisers get instant feedback from their work, as it is easy to feel the muscles working.

Pilates is a bit different. There is a focus on recruiting stabilizing muscles, which are stimulated at low loads. Form is highly important, and it is never sacrificed in order to increase loads on the power muscles. As a result, participants that are used to working muscles to exhaustion in a traditional gym setting may come away from a session feeling like they did not adequately work their muscles.

Pilates Exercises Focus on Positioning and Stability First
The start position is paramount when performing any Pilates exercise. In fact, it is so important that props may be used to ensure that the exerciser is in the right position before beginning work. This means that a person who cannot sit up straight because of tight hip flexors may sit on a pillow or platform. Someone with a forward head may have a pad under his head to enable him to hold it in a neutral position.

As exercise commences, stability becomes important. The stabilizing muscles must be recruited to ensure that the exerciser can remain in proper positioning while performing the exercise. This takes a great deal of concentration. It also requires strong stabilizing muscles. If the exerciser cannot perform the exercise without correct form, resistance is reduced.

Resistance Training and Pilates
In Pilates, resistance comes in different forms. In mat classes, exercisers use their own body weight as resistance. Props also add resistance: flex bands and fitness circles challenge the muscles further. The reformer, the cadillac, and the stability chair contain springs. The number of springs used varies, depending on both the exercise and the strength of the individual performing the exercise.

While participants will find that they can increase the number or strength of the springs for certain exercises as they get stronger, the point is not to continually add resistance. The focus on stability, muscle control, coordination, and muscle balance is more important.

Focus on Stability and Form Reduces Risks Associated with Strength Training
High intensity strength training carries some risk. Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues are among the largest. For people who have avoided strength training for these reasons, Pilates is a good alternative. The lower loads are easier on the joints, and performing the exercises does not involve the same kind of rise in blood pressure that is often seen in high-intensity resistance training.

Bodyweight Training Will Build A Super Body

Bodyweight Training Will Build A Super Body

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could find a way to strip all of your body fat and get more physically fit then ever?
Bodyweight training and a good eating plan is a great way to a healthy and fit body, this type of training helped me lose over 85 lbs of blubber.
This type of training isn't for everybody but most people could benefit from bodyweight exercises.

Using your own bodyweight as resistance you will burn more fat and get strong at the same time and you don't have leave your house if you don't want to.
The great thing about using your bodyweight as resistance is that the whole body has to work as one and you will activate the use of more muscles and this will produce more fat loss.
Bodyweight training compared to weight training is alot different, we are taught that to get in shape you jog and lift weights- well how many people use this same concept and get no results.

To get the most out of your fitness program in the shortest amount of time would be to train short and intense training sessions.
This is proven over and over again and this will produce fast results that are almost magic.

A short but effective workout will take you only a few minutes and your results over a short time will be amazing.
10-Jumping Jacks.

10-Pushups.

10- Leg Raises.

Do this over until you can't continue, then rest for 1 minute and do it again and try to do this for 15 minutes.

Fitness Diet For Ultimate Health And Wellness

Fitness Diet For Ultimate Health And Wellness

Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand for a healthier lifestyle as well as a better quality of life. Either one, on its own, has many benefits, but if you combine the two together you can look and feel like a perfect physical specimen. If you work out because you are trying to lose fat and sculpt a perfect physique than you need to understand that exercise is only half of the equation. If you really want to bring your health, fitness, and body shape to a different level you need to pay attention to your diet. Diet needs can vary depending on the level of fitness activity. The diet health of a professional body builder would be different than that of a marathon runner. In this newsletter we are going to focus on some general diet health improvements people can make in order to maximize their fitness efforts and get a body they can go to the beach with. Eat Smart

You don't have to be a food Nazi and govern everything you eat, but if you can follow a few rules, most of the time, your health will benefit greatly. For one, drink enough water. Hardly anyone really drinks enough water. Some high quality fitness drinks, (not Gatorade and Powerade) are okay while you are exercising, but the rest of the time drink water. Stay away from all of the energy drinks and other manufactured nonsense your body doesn't really need. Secondly, try to eat as much organic food as possible. Regular food (what is in the aisles at the grocery store) is filled with chemicals and preservatives that do nothing but cause disease, make you fat and make you feel sluggish.

No matter how much you work out you won't achieve a great physique if you eat that junk. Probably the most important factor in achieving and maintaining the level of health and body you desire is to minimize the amount of bread you eat. So many people who work out eat a lot of bread because they think that they need the carbs for energy, or because it just tastes great. Bread is simply not good for you. Why? Bread is loaded with refined sugar and bleached flour and preservatives. So try to eat less bread. I guarantee that in a few weeks you will notice a difference in your physique. In order to get the carbohydrates that you need try to eat more organic fruit, vegetables, and oats. These are great sources of natural carbohydrates that will give your body the proper nutrition it needs. The second most abundant substance in your body besides water is protein. So you want to make sure that you are getting a lot of high quality protein in your diet. You can do this either from eating organic meat, fish, poultry and dairy products or from taking a high quality protein supplement. Usually eating some meat and taking protein supplements is often the best way to get the proper amount of protein.

Consuming too much protein from meat can cause some health complications. Once you exercise regularly getting the body and health you have always wanted is not that difficult. It just takes a little will power and motivation.

Fresh Start Fitness

Fresh Start Fitness

Most people in the mid-Atlantic region, as well as across the remainder of the nation, feel that their fitness is not at its best. Yet many of these same people don't have the time or the know-how to really get started in changing this fact. How many of us have signed up for the gym, only to never go? This is a phenomenon that happens yearly as people make and break their New Year's resolutions. Fortunately for those people living in the Maryland or DC areas, there is a new company called Fresh Start Fitness that caters to those who need a touch of personal training and coaching in their own homes.

Fresh Start Fitness is operated by trainers who are used to providing coaching in the most difficult circumstances possible. This experience allows them to deal with all levels of fitness, and get even the most out of shape person back into shape in the quickest way possible. Simply starting out with a new exercise program can drastically increase energy levels and get a person ready to tackle life head-on with a new sense of purpose. With the training and fitness professionals at Fresh Start Fitness, gaining a feeling of motivation has never been easier.
The professionals at Fresh Start Fitness are willing to work with their clients at whatever comfort level is necessary. For someone wanting a real boot camp experience, that can be provided. Alternately, they recognize that this can be intimidating for some people and offer a slower, more gradual work out plan that will yield steady long-term results. Cardio training combined with strength training to work out individual muscle groups tends to have the best results in overall reduction of fat and an increase in muscle strength. As the program progresses, its followers will see more and more physical results as their shapes are streamlined and whittled away.

If a person is looking for more than just a workout plan, they can also turn to Fresh Start Fitness for diet and nutrition guidance. To achieve weight loss goals, personalized diet plans can be formulated that will cater specifically to a person's target needs and areas. Imagine having the body you've always dreamed of, from the comfort of your own home at an affordable price? With this team, all of these dreams can come true. There is no better fitness organization in the Maryland and DC area, as more and more people are finding out.

Important Habits for a Beautiful Body

Important Habits for a Beautiful Body

A lot of beauty fads and diet crazes have come and gone, but weight and skin problems are still here. Although these trends can help you lose a little weight or attain flawlessly beautiful legs for a year or two, your troubles will most likely come back if you do not make it a habit to take care of your body and skin. If you want to permanently lose weight, maintain an acne-free skin, and banish cellulite, you have to follow these eight habits for long-lasting beauty

1. Get Ample SleepMany people sacrifice sleep in order to watch a movie, spend time with friends, do extra work, or just extend leisure hours. Since sleep is very important not only for maintaining your youth and beauty, but also in preventing a lot of diseases; it is a good habit to consider your priorities when it comes to weighing the reasons why you have to cut your sleep hours. If you just need to wait for your favorite program or extend your videogame playtime, then they are not worth skipping sleep for. If you fail to sleep soundly the night before, you can always take a 20-minute nap during the day to help you get through your day.

2. Drink UpWater is crucial in many bodily functions so it is imperative that you drink not less than 8 glasses a day. Although soups and other beverages are also considered as fluids and can replace water, it is still wiser to choose water over other types of beverages because water does not contain calories, sugar or sodium.

3. Plan Your Meals For The WeekIf you want to minimize eating out or having unhealthy food delivered to your house or place of work, it would be wise to take time in planning your meals for a week in advance. Meals planned ahead usually are healthier because you had time to think about them and consider their impact on your waist or skin.

4. Mind The SugarIf there is one taste that all people from around the world truly love, it is sweet taste. However, most foods that are sweet contain high amounts of sugar, which is dangerous if taken in large amounts. Know that eating food that have high concentration of sugar can trigger obesity, metabolic diseases, diabetes and many other illnesses.

5. Quit SmokingStudies have shown that cigarette smoking can make you look and feel several years older than your real age. Furthermore, dangerous respiratory diseases have also been linked to smoking. If you want to maintain your healthy and beautiful skin, you should stay away from this bad habit for good.

6. Have A Healthy Snack ReadyA lot of people have hunger pangs about two to three hours after eating their main meals, such as lunch or breakfast. In times like these, it is ideal to have a healthy snack ready so that you will not be tempted to grab a chocolate bar from the vending machine or order a burger with fries from a fast food chain. Nuts, apples, celery sticks, light cheese strings are some examples of healthy snacks.

7. Fit In Exercise In Your Busy ScheduleBeing busy and having a tight schedule is not an excuse for skipping exercise. You need exercise to boost circulation and tone your body. If you want to be fit and healthy, you ought to undergo cardiovascular exercises and weight training. Exercise is also important in preventing the formation of cellulite on your thighs, legs, arms and tummy.

8. Moisturize Your SkinAnother important habit that should come naturally to you is putting on moisturizing creams on your face, neck and body. For the face and neck, you have to choose moisturizers that prevent wrinkles and other blemishes. On your hands and feet, find lotions that contain Aloe for smoother skin.

BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

Our skin is the largest organ for the human body.Did you know that?Yet it gets neglected the most!

All our skin products are very concentrated so a very little goes a very long way. So whether you are female or male, please remember that your skin, the largest organ in the human body, requires just as much care as your insides.

This from a close friend with a Science, and also a Beauty background, who researched the Company and 'all' of the Herbalife products 'very' carefully…“I left Lancome a year ago after using Herbalife's Hydrating Dermajetics line for one week and haven't looked back... a year now and everyone comments on how beautiful my skin is.” “I used Lancome for years but made the switch to this wonderful line in not only skin care but hair care, because with Herbalife, I KNOW what goes into their products and my skin proves it.” “Not only that but people usually take me for late 30's… and I just turned 50 the other day. Not bad, hmm? *smile*… I guarantee you will be as delighted as I was.” Leah Jordana

No matter what your age, you can look healthier and younger with good nutrition from the inside out. Research has shown that by taking positive steps toward improving what you eat and how you look and think, you can help your body look younger for a longer period of time.

While wellness begins on the inside by nourishing your cells with the proper balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, it’s also essential on the outside of the body. A glowing, radiant face and silky, smooth skin are all representations of total wellness. That’s why the products you put on the outside of your body should be as nourishing as the ones you take internally.

Body Weight Workouts for a Strong Body

Body Weight Workouts for a Strong Body

Bodyweight workouts are very misunderstood and under-estimated ways of enhancing muscle tone and strength. Many trainers and fitness seekers can't see past traditional bodyweight workouts consisting of push-ups, pull-ups and dips.

Both men and women can follow body weight workouts and get great results that are in line with fitness goals ranging from slimming, shaping and toning to strengthening and lean muscle building.

A big hurdle for most people to get over when considering body weight workouts for fitness is the question of, "How can a body weight workout routine replace one that uses weight training and machines?"

It is easy to see how psychology can be an obstacle in trying to help people understand that properly structured bodyweight workouts can be better than traditional weight-lifting and exercise machine workouts. Traditional workouts offer many variations, almost endless actually. Where as bodyweight workouts rely on creativity mixed with a good understanding of how the body functions and what exercises stimulate healthy and safe fitness progress.

Many fitness pros believe that body-weight workouts offer just a limited amount of exercise options and are very general at best, meaning that there is no ability to target and isolate specific muscle groups during a bodyweight workout. This is a big mis-perception that prevents many fitness success stories from ever becoming a reality.

Here's the reason why. When people get into the 'health club mentality' of only being able to workout with equipment, weights and machines, they set themselves up for many episodes of 'falling off the program' and failing. Bodyweight workouts eliminate this excuse.

Here's an example where bodyweight workouts are a million times more effective than regular old gym workouts. You go on vacation or you go out of town on business, or maybe to visit family for several days. So many times these events become excuses for people not sticking to their fitness plan because they 'couldn't go to a gym'. With a well-rounded, bodyweight workout program this excuse is not valid.

The right body weight workouts can be done anywhere and anytime. They can be done at home, the office, a fiend's house or even on a play-ground. And in terms of effectiveness - I can only say through personal experience with my own bodyweight workouts and those of the people who I have trained that when planned properly and followed consistently, bodyweight workouts can be even more effective than most weight lifting or machine based workout programs.

Body weight workouts offer 'fitness veterans' - a refreshing, eye-opening alternative to the those repetitive weight and machine training programs. Even more importantly, bodyweight workouts offer sedentary fitness beginners a safe, non-intimidating and effective method for starting a home based fitness program with a high probability for success.

Whether you are just beginning or you've been 'pumping the weights' for some time now, give some consideration to the benefits and advantages of properly structured body weight workouts and how they can help you move forward in your fitness and conditioning goals. Open up your mind to the possibility of a bodyweight workout being a part of your overall fitness plan and see what happens. You'll be very pleased and maybe a bit surprised with the results you experience.

HIGH INTENSITY GROUP TRAINING

HIGH INTENSITY GROUP TRAINING

The structure of your training program is vital to building lean muscle tissue, burning more calories, and losing body fat. High intensity group training allows for two very crucial components to be satisfied in your quest for a lean, muscular, fit body.

Building muscle and burning fat! The concept of this is simple in explanation yet very difficult in execution. My H.I.G.T program requires you to stick with some key elements that can not be changed. Two exercises of different muscle groups performed in a super-set fashion to complete one set.

Little to almost zero rest between sets with max rest periods being no more than thirty seconds. You never lift lighter weights, you only strive to lift heavier loads each set. High intensity group training means doing the prescribed exercises as fast and as heavy as you can. Training this way does a host of positive things to your body. One important reaction is the activation of fast twitch muscle fibers that are metabolically less efficient. They use more calories than type 1 fibers because more are recruited to lift heavier loads explosively.

Using minimal rest intervals between sets increases growth hormone and adrenaline levels into the stratosphere. Doing so in return increases the amount of calories burned during each set. Muscle is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body. What all this means is simple, training this way forces you to build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you are burning all day.

Importantly, muscle is denser than fat so your body looks lean and fit.

The Secret To 6 Pack Abs

The Secret To 6 Pack Abs

Everywhere you turn, someone's promising the next secret to getting 6 pack abs. Some of these so called 'secrets' have some degree of accuracy, while others, not so much. Deciphering which are the best methods to getting 6 pack abs is going to be critical to your having success with this goal.

The biggest area you need to focus on when trying to obtain 6 pack abs is going to be on your diet. Like it or not, the old saying that 'abs are made in the kitchen', is probably one of the most truthful statements in the fitness industry. If your diet isn't in line, your stomach is going to show it.

So, what should you be doing with your diet?
First, ensure you are getting enough protein. Not only is protein going to form the key building blocks you need to build muscle tissue, but it's also going to provide you with a better feeling of fullness than eating just carbohydrates alone would for example. Protein is more "expensive" than any other macronutrient meaning that your body will burn more calories breaking down protein compared to carbs and fats.

Next, don't be afraid of dietary fat that comes from primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oils, fish oils, a mix of nuts, natural peanut butter and avocado. While it's true that eating fat will increase your calories fast, as long as you keep it between 20-30% it can be one of the best things to get 6 pack abs fast. The important point here is that dietary fat helps keep your insulin level stable, which, when high enough can actually cause fat gain itself.

Furthermore, dietary fat will keep you feeling the fullest for the longest duration in time; longer than both protein or carbohydrates would. Interestingly, some diets high in fat can get you 6 pack abs fast because your body learn to metabolize fat for energy.

So, while you do need to watch it, be sure you are getting some in your diet.
Finally, when it comes to carbohydrate intake and getting 6 pack abs, you want to focus most of your carbohydrate intake around the post workout period.

Why?
The biggest reason for this is because this is when your body is going to need those carbohydrates the most and will really suck them up into the muscle tissue. When you eat them at this time, it is least likely that they will turn into body fat.

Additionally, consuming carbohydrates during this period will also help to aid with muscle recovery and repair, so that means less down time from the gym for you.

If getting 6 pack abs fast is your goal than each meal you should consist of 1-2 cups of raw vegetables to control insulin levels, improve absorption of your protein and flood your body with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

So, if you are aiming to get 6 pack abs in the coming months, have a good hard look at your diet. That is the big secret that must not be overlooked if you are to succeed.

Full-body fitness

Full-body fitness

MAYBE IT WAS A SINGLE BODYPART that got you into the gym; a football player's shoulders, a basketball player's arms, an actor's abs--could've been any one of them. It's human nature. You see something someone else has, whether it's an impressive physique or a fast car, and you think, I want that. It's the reason we feature the finest athletes in the world in this magazine. They represent the pinnacle of what we're after: Jay Cutler's traps, Ronnie Coleman's lats, Phil Heath's biceps. etc.

That's why we provide training tips and instruction for a many muscle groups as possible ion every issue of MUSCLE & FITNESS. And we realize that while some of you might want the perfect six-pack and others may want thicker quads, ultimately we're all after the vary same thing: a strong, symmetrical physique. To that end, one of the Weider Principles, flushing training, can help get you there.

This particular principle is named after the so-called "flush," or pump, you feel in your muscles after you lift weights. The idea behind it is to train one bodypart with multiple exercises (3-4) before you train another. The "flushing" is your brain sending the maximum amount of blood and muscle-building nutrients to that area of your body to stimulate repair and growth--and growth, after all, is what we're pursuing.

One way to capitalize on this training technique is to check out 2006-07 Figure International champion Mary Elizabeth Lado's back routine on page 198. The workout behind her award-winning back includes a medley of exercises, from the dumbbell row to the T-bar row to the pull-up. Performing these moves back-to-back speaks to the very foundations of flushing training. Likewise, amateur bodybuilder Steve Kuclo's delt workout on page 184 gives you an arsenal of movements to help you develop the shoulders you've always wanted.

As with all the Weider Principles, though, one usually complements another. In this case, one of the most efficient ways to flush your muscles is through a technique called holistic training This strategy incorporates a variety of rep ranges for the exercises you perform. For instance, as you focus on flushing your muscles, instead of doing 6-or reps in every set, try decreasing the weight and doing for 20 reps in some of your sessions. This builds endurance-related muscle fibers and accomplishes the goal of completely flooding the muscle with growth-promoting nutrients. Another option is to change up the speed of each lift (faster positive/concentric movements vs. slower negative/eccentric movements, or vice versa) to truly keep your muscles guessing.
And as you all know, if your muscles are guessing, they're growing. With our help, you'll leave no muscle group behind.

Live to the fullest.

Exercise Groups – Why They Work So Well

Exercise Groups – Why They Work So Well

Exercise groups are an important part of our daily lives. They are essential for maintaining good physical and mental health, but it can get a little boring when you are doing it alone. If you feel that you need a little motivation, or just want some company while you are ìgetting fitî, consider joining an exercise group. Search your local community listings or check with your local gym to see if there are any existing groups in your area. If there are not any existing groups, start one of your own.

If you are faced with the task of starting your own exercise group, start by asking your friends. It is likely that at least a couple of them have exercise goals that they would like to accomplish. If working in a group seems a little intimidating consider teaming up with your spouse. If you are both interested in living a healthy lifestyle and have similar weight loss goals, this can be a great way to stay motivated.

One of the biggest benefits of having a workout partner or group is the accountability factor. Being held accountable for your progress is very motivating when it comes to fitness. Just like any other task, when you know someone will be checking up on you, you are more likely to stay motivated.

Everyone who has experience with exercise knows that there will eventually be slumps in your exercise routine. These are times when you are too busy to exercise, or times when you loose site of your goals. Having a partner or group to communicate with about your feelings can help you overcome your exercise slump. Having this type of support system can even help prevent it from happening all together. Sometimes it is easier to get through a tough period when you know that others have experienced the same feelings, and made it through.

Certain exercise moves are designed for partners. When you can use your partner rather than an exercise machine you get a more customized and personalized routine. Some of the exercises that you can perform with a partner include the assisted press, the back-row leg lift, and the trust squat are all exercise moves designed for partners.

Along with keeping you accountable and motivated, some exercises are safer if done in pairs or groups. Walking and running outdoors are a couple of the exercises that are best if performed by more than one person. Safety in numbers is a saying that is especially true for exercise. Not only does it decrease the chances of someone harming you while you are out, but you also have others there if you were to suffer an injury away from home.

As you can see, there are many benefits to having an exercise partner or group. They can provide you with support, motivation, safety, and advice. If you find that your group is not helping, or even hindering your progress you can always look for another group. The important thing is to stay motivated and continue to make progress towards your exercise and fitness goals.

Golf Fitness Tips

Golf Fitness Tips

Many golfers are only just beginning to take fitness in golf seriously. However, many golfers don’t really know that there are specific exercises which need to be performed to ensure a proper golfer’s physique.

Many golfers just run down to the gym every other day and use the machines for an hour or two; this does not necessarily mean you are exercising the appropriate muscles which are used while golfing. In fact, doing this may even hinder your golf performance rather than help it.Golf Strength Tips to RememberSuppose you want to improve your golf swing.

You will only improve this by doing work outs or exercises which mimic the golf swing. You cannot possibly expect to improve your swing by running on a treadmill or lifting weights. The question you need to be able to answer while in the gym is: ‘When I use this machine, will it imitate any particular movement I will use in my golf game?’

Remember: Gyms are for general body fitness, not body fitness for golfers.When exercising, be sure your speed of motion is controlled, but still of high speed since the golf swing can have the clubhead move at 110mph and above, so you want to make sure you are used to swinging at high speed. Be sure to perform as many golf exercises which involve feet movement/alignment and even in the golf posture if possible. The feet cannot be forgotten about, proper foot position and body weight shift movement is the foundation to a more accurate golf swing tempo. They are also part of keeping the swing consistent so make sure you know what they’re doing.

Golf Stretching TipsThe golf swing is a rotational movement of the body so you will need to stretch muscles doing some kind of rotation of your body such as a mimic swing. Tip: Stretching your backswing muscles, your follow through muscles and the muscles involved with your golf posture like your hamstrings, lower back and glutes will give you your biggest bang for your buck.Most of your stretches will need to be dynamic, meaning you need them to be movement oriented to suit the real golf swing.Golf Fitness Program TipsIt is important to balance your strength and stretching areas of any golf fitness program you want to adhere to in future, or are already practicing.

There are too many golfers out there and many good ones too who sometimes don’t realize that ‘bulking up’ is not just about using your strength. You must be aware that perfecting the swing is also about how much stretching of particular muscles you perform in any single training session. If you strengthen and stretch in the same golfing fitness session you will definitely get the best out of that session and will definitely notice a difference in your swing on the green after a few weeks. Success TipsAs you are aware that perfecting almost everything in life you would like to perfect is all about paying careful attention to detail. You cannot get good results by only putting in minimal effort. But its not just about effort and diligence, it’s about being realistic. By realistic I mean only taking on certain tasks at once and mastering them, don’t take on everything at once and try to cram all those aspects of golfing into the one session.

Remember: Golf is something you may want to do for the rest of your life, so it is a lifetime achievement, don’t forget to be patient. No famous golfer has learned to be as good as they are overnight. It takes time. Make a commitment when learning how to play golf and be persistent in your training and you will enjoy the game.Ease into a golf fitness program. Don't go from zero days to 7 per week. You will be setting yourself up for failure.

Prove to yourself you can do a couple of golf fitness sessions per week. Then slowly move it up to a schedule you can stick with.

Healthy Weight Loss for Women

Healthy Weight Loss for Women

If you are a woman and wish to observe healthy weight loss, then you should know that this does not have to be tough. In fact, you should never consider strenuous or drastic measures just so you could lose weight because there are a number of easy things that you can do to be able to achieve this while maintaining your overall health. Remember that great care should be taken in handling concerns that are linked to your health—and losing weight is one of them.

Normally, women start to gain to weight when they go through menopause or when they get pregnant. However, gaining weight should not be an issue during these times if the right kinds of food are consumed. Adequate and proper exercise can also help in putting a halt on this issue from ever happening. Here are a number of healthy weight loss tips that you can take on even

when you are pregnant, experiencing menopausal symptoms, or simply wanting to shed off some pounds:

1)Eat three apples every day. This may seem like a simple and boring tip that will raise doubts of its effectiveness. However, this could actually work and may help you shed off some two to two and a half pounds in a month for some two to three months, even if you will just observe this tip alone. The best way to follow this tip is to eat these apples as your snacks in between every meal. However, if you want your apple-eating way of losing weight to work faster, then you can eat an apple before every meal. This will lead to the apples’ crowding out some of the calories that you might take in with your meals.

2)Take your breakfast every day and include eggs in it. Most of the women who have gained some weight skip breakfast almost every day. This is because they believe that doing so would help them in their trying to lose some of their excess weight. However, this is not the case as not eating breakfast would make you consume more during lunch because you will be very hungry then. To avoid gorging on heavy meals and snacking during the day, you have to make sure you eat a hearty and healthy breakfast.

One of the best foods that you can include in your breakfast diet is the egg because this is protein-rich and is guaranteed to fill you up.

Eating one can of black beans every day could help in your weight-loss diet. If you are looking for a superfood that should be added to your weight-loss diet, then this should be a can of black beans. This is considered a superfood because it contains 25 grams of fiber that is good for bowel movement and 25 grams of protein that will help in building lean muscle mass.

Eating a can of black beans would already help you in getting the amount of fiber you need every day.

It is best if you will eat half of the black beans during your breakfast and half of it for your lunch.

Weight Loss Methods

As work hours are getting longer and more frequent, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to find the time to fit in a regular gym session or the energy to show up to a competitive game of sport once a week.

However, leading an inactive lifestyle can be detrimental to your health and may lead to complications associated with being overweight such as developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.

There are infinite ways to increase your physical activity and your health without sweating it out on the treadmill or feeling as though you're punishing yourself for that sliver of birthday cake you had at work last week.

Here are just a few ideas to get your blood pumping without you even realising it.
Join a Mixed Social Sport Team
Team sports can be a lot more fun without vicious opponents and poor losers.

If you enjoy the occasional game of netball (minus an elbow to the ribs) you could join a social team, rather than a competitive league. Mixed teams are often a lot of fun because they encourage players to accept one another's differences, adapt to varying levels of skills and to foster new friendships both on and off the court.

Mixed social teams are also a great way to pick up a sport you've never tried before. You may like to consider having a go at soccer, touch football, volleyball, oz tag or indoor cricket.
If you're not sure that you could commit to regular games, or if you're looking for more variety, you could pull together a group of friends for a regular social game and mix it up each week. This allows you to be more flexible with the game time, spend time with friends and change sports as often as you like.

Get Walking or Riding
If team sports aren't your thing, go it solo and explore your neighbourhood by foot or on a bike.
Walking and cycling are both great ways to start the morning or to unwind after a hectic day at work. Take the iPod along and lose yourself to your thoughts as your feet pound the pavement; or round up the dog, housemate or friend and catch up for a good chat.

Spend a Night on the Town
For something a little less exercise-oriented, plan a night out on the town with some fun-loving friends. You'd be amazed by how many muscles you use just by cutting a rug on the dance-floor.
Just be careful not to overdo it on the alcohol or all that dancing will be wasted. Try to stick to drinks that have less sugar and fat, such as tonic or seltzer water-based drinks.

Gardening - Dig it
If you're garden is looking a little neglected, you could spend a Saturday afternoon sprucing it up a bit.
There's a great work-out hiding in a garden make-over. Mowing the lawn will do wonders for your calves, thighs and buttocks and squatting to pull weeds is good for the thighs, biceps and pectoral muscles.

If you'd really like to push yourself in the garden, consider planting something new. A trip to the local nursery offers a range of planting options including flowering plants, fruits and vegetables, herbs and shade trees. The digging and tending will keep your body moving and, if you opt for fruits and vegetables, watching them grow will be sure to encourage healthy eating too.

Do it for Charity

Many people feel guilty for taking time out to exercise because they think they should be spending their spare time more productively by contributing to the community or being a positive role model for their children. But there is a way to do all three.

Many charities hold regular fundraisers that encourage people to walk, run, swim or cycle for a good cause. Getting involved in such events as a family provides the opportunity to enjoy exercising together and will help children to understand that there are ways they can help those who are less fortunate than themselves.

Participating in door-knock appeals, fetes and other events such as bowling or skating days are another way to get active and lend a hand to the community.

Play Interior Decorator
If a cluttered kitchen or bedroom of bedlam is keeping you from hitting the gym, put some effort into the clean up and get your workout at home.
You'll move a huge range of muscles if you dedicate a good day to make-over just one room in the house.

Start by tidying up and purging any rubbish that is laying about, then get vacuuming or mopping, clean the walls, windows and ceiling, hang some new curtains and experiment with the layout of your furniture.
If you're feeling really decorative you may like to give the place a new lick of paint or create a masterpiece to hang on the wall.

There really are endless ways to increase the amount of physical activity you undertake and often it can be as simple as looking at mundane tasks from a different angle.
Exercising with friends and family may help motivate you to continue being active and your body and your personal health will be all the better for it.

Take Charge of Your Health

Take Charge of Your Health

You exercise and eat right, but are you doing everything you should to stay healthy? "We women don't always make time for our health," says Mellanie True Hills, author of A Woman's Guide to Saving Her Own Life: The HEART Program for Health and Longevity. Hills should know. After an EKG in 2003 sent this self-described "road warrior" to the ER with a 95 percent blockage in her coronary artery at age 51, she made her health a priority. But you shouldn't wait until your 50s. With more advances than ever in medical testing and technology, it's easy to be proactive. Here are the must-have tests and checkups, whether you're 25 or 55, that will help ensure you stay healthy.

Your 20s

What's going on? Physically, your body is at its strongest, and what you do now may seem like it doesn't affect your health. Truth is, your choices today will influence your wellbeing for years to come. Tests and Checkups Ensure that your youth sticks around for a while. By always wearing sunscreen, young women have a chance to ward off skin cancer and unattractive sun damage that appears later in life. Schedule a skin cancer screening, and talk to your dermatologist about how often you need an exam. Heart disease can affect women even in their 20s, so it's important to know your cholesterol and blood levels, reports the American Heart Association. Other basic health tests at this age should include Pap tests and screenings for sexually transmitted diseases. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that girls and women ages 11 through 26 get vaccinated for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a precursor to cervical cancer. Women who know that breast cancer runs in their families have more power than ever to detect the disease early. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 10 percent of all breast cancer cases are hereditary, and inherited alterations in the genes--BRCA1 and BRCA2--are present in many cases. Now there's a test to identify these genes, allowing young women at high risk the option to plan more aggressive surveillance or even preventative surgeries.

Your 30s

What's going on? Thirty-something women are usually in the throes of career and life changes. If there's ever a time when we need energy, this is it. "A 35-year-old woman is really the caretaker of the family, so supplements and vitamins are good," says Dr. Steven Lamm, clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University. "Women are also trying to do it all, so getting enough sleep becomes even more important." Tests and Checkups The regular physical exams you started in your 20s need to continue annually in your 30s, as do other basic health measures, such as cholesterol and blood sugar tests. If you’re at a higher than average risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them. Paying attention to your reproductive health is vital. Regular Pap tests ensure uterine health, and ultrasounds can detect any abnormalities--like endometriosis, fibroids or cysts--that lead to infertility. Consuming enough calcium becomes more important to prevent osteoporosis--good sources include dairy products, soybeans, broccoli and spinach. It's also critical if you're pregnant or planning a family.

Your 40s

What's going on? A pivotal decade for a lot of women, your 40s are the time when you start to come into your own. While your self-confidence abounds, you might think that your metabolism has come to a screeching halt. It hasn't, but it's time to pay attention to portion control and to incorporate strength training into your schedule. "There's an accelerated breakdown of tissues as we age, so you have to be more strategic with your workouts," says Wendy Bazilian, R.D. Tests and Checkups Regular mammograms are critical now; women in their 40s need one every year. Continue regular Pap smears, annual eye exams and physicals. Avoid heart disease by maintaining an active lifestyle and choosing vegetables and high-fiber, low-fat foods. And don't neglect your bones. If you haven't already, "now's the time to get your bone density and vitamin D levels checked," says Lamm. Being proactive also means paying closer attention to your weight--if you're gaining or losing at an abnormal rate, you could have thyroid issues. More than half of American women over age 40 have three or more common symptoms of thyroid disorder, but most don't talk about it with their doctor. Also, ovarian cancers are more common in this decade--and usually aren't detected until advanced stages because symptoms aren't acute. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition recommends a transvaginal sonogram/ultrasound and CA-125 blood test for women at high risk.

50s and Beyond

What's going on? It becomes ever more crucial in your 50s and beyond to use the wisdom of experience you've gained to know what's normal for your body--and what isn't. Simply being proactive will go a long way toward continued health. Tests and Checkups In these decades, heart health becomes more important, especially since heart disease is the biggest killer of women over age 35, and the risk of both heart disease and stroke increases with age, according to AHA statistics. The signs of a heart attack are drastically different for women than for men: unusual fatigue, shortness of breath and minor chest discomfort. The AHA advises getting a stress test, EKG and blood tests. Dr. Judith Stanton, who specializes in women's health at the California Healing Institute, recommends getting a colonoscopy at age 50 and then every 10 years thereafter. "Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women," she says, "and it is entirely preventable with routine screening." Menopause usually arrives at this age. Symptoms (called perimenopause) can start as early as your late 30s. It occurs around age 50 for most women, but everyone's different. It's not something women need treatment for unless symptoms (like hot flashes and night sweats) from decreasing hormone levels become severe. Calcium intake is also critical to prevent osteoporosis; take a supplement if you're not getting enough calcium through food. Postmenopausal women older than 50 need 1,500 milligrams per day. As for when you can quit those Pap tests, the American Cancer Society says that, if you're at least 70, have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal results in the last 10 years, you can finally stop putting those feet in the stirrups.

Female Bodybuilding

Female Bodybuilding

1. Front lunge: begin with your feet 6-8 inches apart, torso erect. Take a large step forward. Lower your hips and allow your trailing knee to lower to a point just before it touches the floor. Keep your head up and torso erect. Push off your forward leg to return to start, then repeat for the opposite leg. A complete lunge for the right leg, then the left leg constitutes 1 rep.

2. Reverse Lunge: Begin with your feet 6-8 inches apart, torso erect. Take a slow controlled step backward with one leg, lowering your hips so that your forward thigh becomes parallel with the floor. Your knee should be positioned directly over your ankle and foot. Your front foot should be pointed straight ahead, and you're trailing knee extended to stretch your hip flexor muscles. The exertion phase of the exercise occurs when you push off your rear foot to return to the starting position in one fluid motion.

3. Freestyle Crossover: Begin by crossing your right leg across your left leg so your foot is in a 10:00 position, bending your knees as far as your flexibility allows. Follow the movement of the right leg with your hands or Freestyle poles. Return to the start; repeat for the left leg, crossing the right to the 2:00 position.

4. Inner Thigh Lunge: Begin with your feet nearly shoulder width apart, torso erect. Take a slow, controlled step forward and out to the side with the right leg, pointing your toes slightly outward (as though they were in the two o'clock position on a clock). Your thigh should not drop further than parallel to the floor, with your knee positioned over your ankle and foot. Your trailing knee should be relatively extended to stretch your hip flexor muscles. The exertion phase of the exercise occurs when you push off your front foot and step back to return to the starting position. With a little practice you be able to perform it in one fluid motion. Repeat for the left leg (to ten o'clock position) to complete one repetition.

5. Ballet Squats: Start by standing with your legs apart, feet flat on the floor, slightly wider than your shoulders with your toes pointed out in the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Keeping your head up and your torso as erect as possible, initiate the movement by bending your knees while keeping your torso upright holing your hands to your waist or in front of you. Your knees should travel in lines with your toes, descending as though performing a ballet pliea. Try to lower your as far as your flexibility allows. Using your legs and resisting the temptation to lean forward push out of the bottom position to return to the start.

Holistic Care For Back Pain

Holistic Care For Back Pain

Many of us suffer from back pain and serious health problems associated with back pain, compounded over many years, while others may only deal with limited back pain, with the occasional flair up or strain. Many people still have prolonged back pain, no matter what they seem to do about it. They buy back pillows, ergonomic chairs, change their posture, get massages, even take up yoga, but they still are confronted with back pain. If you are one of these people, then you are not alone, as the true cure for back pain might be finally within our grasp.

Doctors and chiropractors for years have tried to come up with treatments, and cures for back pain, but have had varied success. It has only been recently, in the latter part of the 20 th century, that people started to take more of an interest in holistic medicine to treat their everyday symptoms. This basic premise has led many practitioners to pursue holistic treatment options for patients, especially for back pain, to find a more complete method of treatment. Through these grueling years of study, observation, and trial and error, they have developed a comprehensive treatment for back pain, called Visceral Manipulation Therapy.

Visceral Manipulation Therapy is based on the notion that our organs have inherent movement patterns, basically speaking, that they are not frozen in place. Their theory is, that not only do our organs need the ability to move, but need to be able to glide, slide, rotate or compress, when we are physically moving our bodies or when they’re standing still. When one of our organs becomes either displaced or compressed by one of its neighbors, it can create abnormal scar tissue if it does not function properly, which can result in chronic irritation or pain.

But only in recent years, scientists have proved that organs do have inherent moving patterns, and are connected with ligaments and fascia, which hold our entire bodies together. Visceral Manipulation Therapy allows the restrictions in your body to become free, and with proper treatment in time, it can relieve back pain almost permanently. It will also return the correct mobility patterns to your internal organs, thus enhancing fluid and chemical shifts that may be needed for healing and repair, while improving joint pain as well.

Visceral Manipulation can be a great option of back care if you are seeking an alternative, holistic method of treatment. Remember that traditional medicine only treats the symptoms of the problem, whereas holistic medicine goes after the root of the problem, and takes into account the entire health of the body. By treating conditions holistically, you may have better success, and overall increased health at the same time.