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Latest Articles by callen_fitness http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Understanding Mortgage Rates http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/understanding-mortgage-rates.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/understanding-mortgage-rates.html Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A mortgage rate is the interest rate of a mortgage loan, an interest rate is the cost you pay to borrow money from a lender. If your interest rate is 5% and you borrow $1,000 the interest (cost) you will pay to borrow that money is $50. Mortgage rates increase and decrease with economic circumstances and are highly dependant on the Federal Reserve and the interest rates they set for bonds. When interest rates decrease, consumers are more likely to invest in real estate and housing prices tend to increase, when interest rates increase consumers are less likely to invest in real estate and housing prices tend to decrease.

There are two types of mortgage rates fixed and variable (adjustable):

Fixed -The interest rate stays the same for the entire duration of the loan. If you can get locked in at a low interest rate and you believe interest rates are not likely to decrease any lower than this is a good rate to borrow at.

Variable - The interest rate fluctuate based on the market and economic conditions the rate moves up and down dependant upon the most current interest rates the Federal Reserve has set or the current index. Variable loans are more risky, however they can be beneficial if you enter into a loan at a time when interest rates are high and you expect them to decrease.
Here are examples of some different types of mortgages.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index. Also sometimes known as a renegotiable rate mortgage, variable rate mortgage or Canadian rollover mortgage.

7/23 and 5/25 Mortgages - Mortgages with a one time rate adjustment after seven years and five years respectively.

3/1, 5/1, 7/1 and 10/1 ARMs - Adjustable rate mortgages in which rate is fixed for three year, five year, seven year and 10-year periods, respectively, but may adjust annually after that.

3/1, 5/1, 7/1 and 10/1 ARMs - Adjustable rate mortgages in which rate is fixed for three year, five year, seven year and 10-year periods, respectively, but may adjust annually after that.

Adjustment Date - The date that the interest rate changes on an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM).

Adjustment Interval - On an adjustable rate mortgage, the time between changes in the interest rate and/or monthly payment, typically one, three or five years depending on the index.

Adjustment Period - The period elapsing between adjustment dates for an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM).

Balloon Mortgage - A loan which is amortized for a longer period than the term of the loan. Usually this refers to a thirty year amortization and a five or seven year term. At the end of the term of the loan, the remaining outstanding principal on the loan is due. This final payment is known as a balloon payment.

Biweekly Payment Mortgage - A plan to reduce the debt every two weeks (instead of the standard monthly payment schedule). The 26 (or possibly 27) biweekly payments are each equal to one half of the monthly payment required if the loan were a standard 30-year fixed rate mortgage. The result for the borrower is a substantial savings in interest.

Blanket Mortgage - A mortgage covering at least two pieces of real estate as security for the same mortgage.

Bridge Loan - A second trust that is collateralized by the borrower's present home allowing the proceeds to be used to close on a new house before the present home is sold. Also known as "swing loan."

First Mortgage - The primary lien against a property.

Fixed Rate Mortgage - The mortgage interest rate will remain the same on these mortgages throughout the term of the mortgage for the original borrower.

Fully Amortized ARM - An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) with a monthly payment that is sufficient to amortize the remaining balance, at the interest accrual rate, over the amortization term.

Mortgage Glossary provided by Titan Commercial Loans

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Hudson Homes has been known in Hudson Valley for providing the finest in real estate services to the communities we serve. Home sellers and buyers turn to Hudson Homes because if it's stellar reputation in the Hudson River Community.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> The Good Thing About Rising Interest Rates http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-good-thing-about-rising-interest-rates.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-good-thing-about-rising-interest-rates.html Sat, 28 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Foreclosures occur when home owners owe the bank more than their home is actually worth and they can no longer afford to make payments on their interest and principle. Home owners are left with a net worth that continues to get smaller and smaller as the price of their home depreciates and a home that they have a hard time selling on the market.

Home sales also continue to decrease and the National Association of Realtors announced at the end of July that home sales have decreased 3.8% since June.

Although all this sounds like bad news there is a bright side, housing prices continue to drop and new buyers can take advantage of this opportunity as well as take advantage of foreclosures and buy a home (especially in the New York Real Estate area) that they may have not been able to afford only a year ago. Smart investors will be able to buy at this most opportune time and as we have seen in history housing prices fluctuate and in growing areas and growing economies one could hope to sit back and relax as their home value increases.

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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Your Fitness Plan in Action http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/your-fitness-plan-in-action.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/your-fitness-plan-in-action.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Here's me checking out the latest in balance equipment "the Bean" (also my nickname growing up). Who knew I would have a fitness product named after me?! :) Click here to check out more pics, including one from The Fitness Jeanie Power Lunch.
In the weeks to come, I'll be sharing my findings on maximizing metabolism, fat burning, caloric requirements, nutritional power foods, along with the latest fitness research and trends, so stay tuned.
After attending five days of workshops, I realized how much health and fitness information is out there. However, it doesn't mean anything if you are not motivated to action. Check out my feature article below where I will help you get started NOW.
Also, scroll down to check out one of my favorite exercises for improving posture. It doesn't require any weights and it helps eliminate rounded shoulders and back pain. I do it almost every day!
Tomorrow Avi and I are off to Fargo/Minneapolis/Wisconsin for a wonderful week of visiting friends and family. Look for more pictures in the next ezine.
I hope you enjoyed your fireworks and continue to enjoy a sensational summer! : )

Committed to your health and success,
Jeanie

Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," founder of CallenFitness.com, where you can download a personal trainer. P.S. Watch your inbox next week, because I'm going to share the ultimate way to get in the best shape of your life. Stay tuned for details!

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Master trainer Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," is a premier fitness consultant and owner of Callen Fitness, Inc.

If you liked today's issue, you'll LOVE The Fitness Jeanie's online personal training program designed to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Browse its offerings now and see how you can start achieving your fitness goals today.

The Fitness Jeanie also offers FR*EE articles, coaching and other resources to pr

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Weight Training http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/weight-training.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/weight-training.html Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
But most of them, especially those looking to drop a few pounds, have a tough time seeing how a session with weight can be as beneficial as sweating it out on the elliptical machine or by taking a power walk.

They're right in one sense: one lifting session won't do much good if you want to drop a few sizes.

But, over the long run, weight lifting is one of the most effective ways I know to lose weight. (In addition to having loads of other benefits!)

Here's how it works:
Say you have an hour to dedicate to your fitness program. You could jog for that hour and burn about 600 calories. Or you could weight train for an hour and burn about 300 calories.

Why would you want to burn 300 versus 600 calories?
Because, when you're done with your jog, you've burned those calories-and only those calories. But, during that hour of weight training, you're revving your body to burn calories for that hour-and many hours after.

When you incorporate weight training into your routine consistently, you'll create muscle mass that will burn more calories for you not only when you are working out, but also when you're sitting in front of your computer or the TV or even sleeping.

Plus, if you skip or miss an aerobic workout, and that's all you do, then you miss out on the calories burned during that one session. But if you have weight training built into your plan, your body will still burn more calories, even if you miss a time with the weights.

How much does that extra pound of muscle really burn? Physiologists differ in numbers ranging from 6 to 50 extra calories per day. However, that number isn't important. What is important is that muscle mass is more metabolically active than fat and will increase daily metabolic rate-the perfect foundation for losing fat!

Sound good? It is! But there are two additional qualities you need to reap all the benefits of weight training: consistency and patience. It takes 6-8 weeks of steady weight training (at least two times a week) to make your body a more lean, mean, fat burning machine. : )

Yet, what do you have to lose in that time…except more weight!

P.S. Have a question about weight training? Toss it to me!

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Master trainer Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," is a premier fitness consultant and owner of Callen Fitness, Inc.

The Fitness Jeanie also offers FR*EE articles, coaching and other fitness tips.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Winning Ideas for Staying Fit on the Road http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/winning-ideas-for-staying-fit-on-the-road.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/winning-ideas-for-staying-fit-on-the-road.html Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Your summer travels don't have to mean taking a break from your fitness plan. As you hit the road, follow these winning fitness ideas and enjoy the results.

Bring Your Gear
You've heard the slogan "never leave home without it." That's great to remember when taking your workout gear on the road. Often people will try to save space and don't want to pack bulky workout shoes or an extra outfit. However, what's worse-the extra pounds in your luggage or the extra pounds on you? Also, don't forget to throw in a spare garbage bag for your sweaty stuff.

Test It Out
Rather than arriving at your destination and then looking to design a travel workout , have one that you have tested at home. This familiarity will encourage you to complete the workout on the road. If you aren't sure of the facilities at your destination, plan exercises like pushups and crunches that require no fitness gym or equipment.

Do Your Research
Before you go, research the best place to do your favorite exercise. If you love running, seek out where the best running trails are. If you love your aerobics class, search for gyms in the areas and check out their class work-out schedules. Sometimes you think getting away is the perfect time to try something new. Although variety is great, if you are attempting an exercise you are not familiar with or do not like, you are not as likely to do it. Just pick what you love and enjoy the new setting.

Nosh with CareEating on the roadcan be the biggest challenge, but the good news is that restaurants are offering healthier choices-you just have to make them. Don't be afraid to ask for sauces and dressings on the sides. Order fruit for breakfast and double the vegetables at dinner. If possible, hit the grocery store and purchase healthy snacks. Having these alternatives will encourage you to stay on track. Make a commitment to enjoy the local fare, while forgoing the extras you can live without.

Share the Fun

Whether you are on the road for business or pleasure, inviting others to join you will keep you accountable. Invite your co-worker to join you for a run or trip to the local pool. Take a walk with your family member and catch up on the latest news. Regardless of your travel purpose or destination, sharing your workout experience will keep you on track.

Oh yeah, and remember: the road can be some perfect time for some R and R. Book a massage or pedicure and relax and enjoy. You deserve it!
Enjoy your travels-and your fitness success!

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Master trainer Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," is a premier fitness consultant and owner of Callen Fitness, Inc.

The Fitness Jeanie also offers FR*EE articles, coaching and other health tips.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Jeanie's Secret Plateau Buster http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/jeanies-secret-plateau-buster.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/jeanies-secret-plateau-buster.html Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 When clients who are trying to lose weight hit a plateau, they come to me frustrated, upset and tired. They may be trying a popular weight loss program, only to find it doesn't work for them and they can't stick with it. Or they may be doing the same thing that brought success before, but the scale doesn't budge. Even more distressing is when it ends up at a higher number yet-yikes!

The worst part is when I see so many people give up. They think they might as well "enjoy" life versus go through all this effort just to stay the same weight. But, deep down, they are disappointed they couldn't lose the weight-and gain better health.

Does this sound like you?

Fact is, what you have tried to do in the past might not have been all wrong. Maybe you were just missing a key component to really make it successful.

Say you want to stay in shape, so you start out running a mile a day. You will probably start to notice physical and mental changes that come with the increased exercise. Then the weight loss slows down-a mini plateau. So you go for two miles. The same positive results start to occur-and then another mini-plateau. So bump it up to 3, 4 and even 5 miles.

You continue to feel really, really good as you are doing cardio 45-50 minutes a day. But, then that same plateau starts to happen. What should you do now? If you keep adding miles at this pace, you'll be running a marathon everyday!

Here's the answer: challenge your body and metabolism every time you work out. In fact, you can actually work out less total time while achieving results faster.

Sound too good to be true? It isn't. Incorporating interval training 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a week is the secret weapon to achieving weight loss quickly.

Here's a sample interval workout to get started. I can't stress enough how much IT WORKS! It can be used for any activity such as walking, jogging, riding a stationary bike, using a treadmill, etc.

SAMPLE INTERVAL WORKOUT. Start out warming up for 3 minutes. After completing the warm up, pick up your pace for 45 seconds. Continue increasing your pace every 45 seconds until you are completely out of breath. You should reach that point within five-45 second bursts.

Return to your warm-up pace for 45 seconds and then start increasing your intensity again. Repeat this sequence 4 times. During the last interval, try to maintain your high intensity as long as possible (make it a goal for 1-2 minutes). You know you are pushing hard enough if your body is saying, "STOP, STOP, STOP!" Then cool down for 3 minutes.

So, to summarize:
Warm up: 3 minutes
Pick up the pace for 45 seconds
Increase pace every 45 seconds until completely out of breath
Return to warm-up pace: 45 seconds
Repeat sequence 3 more times (4 total)

During last interval push yourself to the max for 1 minute
Cool down: 3 minutes

When you're done, congratulate yourself for your fantastic efforts and enjoy the extra surge of adrenaline you'll be feeling!

Remember, this is just one of dozens of ways to complete an interval workout.

The true key to achieving results is to push yourself so your breathing rate increases and you feel out of breath. This "out of breath" feeling sends a signal to your body that it doesn't have enough oxygen. The body responds by increasing oxygen delivery and leads to a faster metabolism. BONUS!

Not only will you have kick-started your weight loss, but, by creating a more efficient and effective workout, you will have created more energy, increased your cardio capacity and sped up your metabolism.

Let me know
how it goes! I love hearing about your success!

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Master trainer Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," is a premier fitness consultant and owner of Callen Fitness, Inc.

The Fitness Jeanie also offers FR*EE articles, coaching and other fitness tips.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Doing a Detox? http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/doing-a-detox.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/doing-a-detox.html Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Feeling "blah" and want to kick start your diet and put some pep in your life? A detox (sometimes called a cleansing program) may be just what your body needs. But before you get started on a detox diet, consider this…

TIME
You can find anything from 3- to 30-day detox diet programs. Pick a realistic program that will work with your schedule and willpower. (Hint: sometimes it is best to start with a short one and then work your way up.)

DIET
Just as the time commitment varies, so do dietary requirements. Some diet programs may call for simple changes such as eliminating dairy and sugar. Others are stricter and include a vegetarian diet or even a juice/water fast. Usually all diet programs include supplements or special foods, drinks or teas to accompany your restricted.

GOAL
Identify your personal goal of what you want to accomplish with the program, whether it's to lose weight, have more energy, change your eating habits or all of the above. Keep that goal top-of-mind and you'll stay strong when that dessert or glass of wine lets loose with its siren call.

Whatever you do, do your homework-there are many, many diet programs on the market. Also, while I think detox programs are great, they aren't for everyone. Be sure to check with your doctor before deciding if it's right for you.

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Master trainer Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," is a premier fitness consultant and owner of Callen Fitness, Inc.

The Fitness Jeanie also offers FR*EE articles, coaching and other resources to pr

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>