Friday, September 28, 2007

Exergaming? Making Exercise Fun

With the epidemic in America's child obesity rates, the priority is to get kids involved in activities involving movement. The video game industry is beginning to invest large sums of cash in games that require the player to mimic movements such as golf swings, skiing, bat swings, basketball, etc.

As a personal trainer, I realize that all movement burns calories. And it doesn't matter to your heart if you are running on a treadmill or playing an intense "exergame." These video "exergames" are being made for gyms, homes, arcades and schools.

My preference is to go outside to play games, exercise and move around. Playing outside is also easier on your wallet. But, if "exergaming" is your way to exercise, then it is a good start (but you still need more exercise). Your health and fitness is what matters.

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

A Simple Weight Loss Tool: Eat Your Calories!

It's just that simple. Eat the majority of your calories and try not to drink calories.

Eating quality foods like fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fats and proteins gives you two advantages: 1) they are more nutritious and 2) you feel fuller longer (therefore eating less with fewer calories).

Your calories will skyrocket out of control if you consume too many high-calorie drinks like sodas, juices and alcohol. Try water and low-calorie sweetened drinks instead. Permanent weight loss and fat loss happens by making a series of simple lifestyle changes.

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
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Her Fitness Hut
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Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs

Friday, September 21, 2007

Avoiding "First Year In College" Weight Gain

Everyone's heard of the "Freshman 15!" Here's the good news: you don't have to add on 15 to 20 pounds your first year in college!

Your life and schedule changes, so you just have to reorganize yourself. It doesn't help that the beginning of school coincides with cooler weather, shorter days and holidays. Its easy to be lazy and just have fun.

Well, go ahead and have fun---just don't forget to eat reasonably right and exercise. It's probably smart to schedule your workout time because your classes and other things are scheduled for you. You won't have as much free time as you once did. Anything unscheduled will probably not get done (that's the way I remember college being!)

Some other things you have to manage are sleep, eating too much fast food (or too many unhealthy eating choices like sugary foods) and parties. Drink plenty of water and eat as many healthy snacks, fruits and vegetables as you can. And don't forget to figure in the calories from alcoholic drinks (they add up fast).

The point is this---have a plan for fitness just like you do for everything else! You're more likely to succeed with a fitness plan----even in college.

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
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Her Fitness Hut
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Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs



Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Recovery From Intense Exercise

A study from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia found that recovery times from intense workouts are the same for old and young athletes. This is true even though muscles weaken with aging because of decreased muscle fibers (the remaining muscle fibers work as well as those for a younger athlete).

The tests were performed using two groups of experienced cyclists racing in 30-minute time trials on three consecutive days. The first group had an average age of 24 while the second group's average age was 45.

Both groups maintained their average power, had the same amount of muscle damage and had the same drop in their maximal heart rate during the third time trial.

Loss of muscle fibers may be part of the reason why older athletes must work harder to stay even with younger athletes.

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Exercise and Weight Gain During And After Pregnancy

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

The amount of weight a woman should gain during her pregnancy depends on her weight prior to becoming pregnant. Excess weight gain and failure to lose this weight six months postpartum are predictors of long-term obesity.

Weight Gain Norms during Pregnancy

Normal weight prior to pregnancy: 25-32 lbs.
Overweight prior to pregnancy: 15 lbs.
Underweight prior to pregnancy: 40 lbs.

Exercise Risks For Pregnant Women

Physician approval for exercise is always required for pregnant women. Risks for the mother include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), fatigue, and muscoskeletal injuries. The baby is at risk for hyperthermia (overheating) and decreased uterine blood flow. The mother should stop exercising before fatigue sets in and follow the recommended guidelines for exercise mode, frequency, intensity, and duration. Should any of the following warning signs occur, exercise should be discontinued and the mother should consult her physician.

Exercise Warning Signs during Pregnancy

Vaginal Bleeding
Muscle Weakness
Shortness of breath prior to exercise
Calf pain or swelling
Dizziness
Preterm Labor
Headache
Decreased Fetal Movement
Chest Pain
Amniotic Fluid Leakage

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs



Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Effects Of Exercise On Depression

Research has proven that exercise is an effective, but often underused, treatment for mild to moderate depression. Regular exercise has been proven to:

--Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
--Boost self-esteem
--Improve sleep

It appears that any form of regular exercise (such as walking, swimming, biking) can help relieve depression. Talk to your doctor about combining exercise with any medication you may be taking.

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs