http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/best-elliptical-machine%3A-5-must-have-features-when-shopping.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/best-elliptical-machine%3A-5-must-have-features-when-shopping.html Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600
But with all of the different elliptical brands out there, how do you choose the best one? Here are 5 key features to look for when shopping to help you find the very best elliptical machine.


1) Forward and Reverse motions

The ability to move in a forward or reverse motion adds variety and challenge to your workout. It works different sets of muscles and results in more calories burned overall.

This also reduces your risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most ellipticals have this option but it's always a good idea to make sure.


2) Adjustable resistance

Quality elliptical machines will have a range of resistance levels. Increasing the resistance increases the calories burned. It also helps you continue to challenge your body as your fitness level improves.

Look for an elliptical machine that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) so that interval training sessions can be easily incorporated into your workout


3) Upper body workout arms

While you really don't need these for an effective workout, many people prefer them. They do help to provide resistance training for your upper body - and again, result in more calories burned.

However make sure you don't have to lean over while using them which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models).


4) Quiet operation

Look for an elliptical machine that is specifically designed to stay quiet. A truly well designed elliptical machine should be fairly quiet at all intensity levels.

Also - cheaper ellipticals can develop a squeak after a few months of heavy use so be careful to buy a quality brand of elliptical machine and steer clear of the cheap department store models.


5) Elliptical Incline

It used to be that only high end, commercial elliptical trainers like Precor offered this option however lately more affordable models like Proform and Nordic Track are offering incline on several of their machines.

Incline is not the same as resistance. It changes the incline of the elliptical motion and helps to work different sets of muscles for increased fat burning and toning.


So those are 5 key features that make up a quality elliptical machine. By looking for most of these 5 key features, you'll be assured of finding the very best elliptical machine for your needs.

For more Elliptical Best Buys visit:

http://www.EllipticalTrainerReview.com/Best_Elliptical_Buys.html

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Kathryn O'Neill is the chief editor for Elliptical Trainer Reviews, a consumer oriented website focusing on the home elliptical trainer market. For the latest elliptical reviews and best buys visit http://www.EllipticalTrainerReview.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/a-better-body-5-easy-steps-that-anyone-can-take.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/a-better-body-5-easy-steps-that-anyone-can-take.html Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600

Although this isn't a better body boot camp, we can offer you 5 practical steps to a better body.


Following these steps at your own pace will help you lose weight, get healthier and be ready for spring when those jackets come off!


Step#1: Drink Up!


You've heard it before: we should all be drinking at least 8-10 cups a day. But are you doing it?


Are you spacing your water out through the day?


Water will keep you filled up, energized and running efficiently. Lack of water can slow the metabolism and make you confuse thirst for hunger. If there's one step that's easy to make on the road to weight loss, it's to drink more water.



Step #2: Move, Move, Move


We all know we should probably log more minutes on the treadmill or elliptical machine. But what about building more exercise into your daily life?


What about taking the stairs at work or at the mall? Or taking five minutes to dance to your favorite song? Every little bit helps with weight loss so get out there and move!



Step #3: Eat Dessert


We love dessert. In fact, dessert is usually our favorite part of the meal. It's logical and natural to want something sweet to balance off that extra cheese lasagna or that chicken and broccoli casserole.


But what about having a bowl of sweet red strawberries instead of those brownies? What about sliced apples with cinnamon instead of chocolate chip cookies?


Look for ways to build in fruit for dessert instead of sugary snacks and you'll save a load of calories without feeling deprived of that sweet taste.



Step #4: Cut Down Where You Can


Ok, so you don't want to deny yourself the cheesecake or your favorite burger. You have to eat that birthday cake or sample your Aunt Mathilda's famous chicken pot pie.


But do you really need to finish it?


Start cutting back on portion sizes now, not denying yourself, but doing what you can - and you'll find it makes a big difference calorie-wise in the long run.



Step #5: Challenge Yourself


There are some days where the universe is with you. You can go without that chocolate bar, you can drinks lots of water and you actually want that salad for lunch.


Recognize these days for what they are - a chance to leap ahead in your weight loss goals and make up for the times you feel you've blown it.


Run with it for as long as you can. Challenge yourself to make the healthiest choices possible and soon you'll be feeling so good about these choices, you'll want to make more.


So there they are: 5 Steps Towards a Better Body. While you may not lose ten pounds in one week following these steps (on the other hand, you might...), they'll definitely get you started on the road to weight loss, without feeling deprived or hungry.

--
Kathryn O'Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews. For the latest weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit http://www.freetobethin.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/exercise-nutrition%3A-how-to-keep-that-energy-up.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/exercise-nutrition%3A-how-to-keep-that-energy-up.html Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600

>> You psych yourself up mentally (you are GOING to do it!)


>> You don the outfit (you can practically feel the energy flowing through your veins!)


>> You lace up the running shoes (Nike: Just Do It - that’s you.)


>> You grab your towel (because ANYONE SERIOUS needs a towel).


Then it’s time.


It’s time to sweat. It’s time to burn the evil fat from your body. You face the treadmill (or stair climber, or rowing machine, or exercise video with the perky aerobics instructor on it).


And you start.


You warm up, and start moving faster and faster. The sweat starts to pour. The blood is pumping. Man, you are burning! That size 2 exercise instructor is going to look like a whale compared to you when you get through!


The adrenaline hits your blood and you feel GREAT! You could exercise forever! In fact maybe you will exercise forever!


Your time winds down. Ok, maybe you’d better slow down, no sense in going TOO crazy here. The cool down sure feels good. You turn off the treadmill, or the exercise video and head to the shower.


Then it hits you.


EXERCISE REPERCUSSION.


You feel like you want to die, or at least sleep for about 12 hours. You go through the day craving anything you can easily grab: anything edible or, depending on how good it looks, anything at all. Nutritional value? Who cares!


But nothing seems to satisfy you and you could swear that you’ve just eaten all the calories you burned during exercise PLUS more!


What was the point in exercising at all if you go through your day tired and eating everything in sight? It was just a waste of your time and a stress on your body for nothing right?


Well, not necessarily, not if you can learn from it. Here's how to avoid the above experience when exercising:


1) Check Your Hydration Levels


(I know not really exciting—but it will do wonders!!)


The average adult loses 10-12 cups of water a day (that’s not including water we lose from exercise, caffeine, etc).


It’s estimated that approx 75% of North Americans are chronically dehydrated. And even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 3%.


And here’s the key, all you exercisers: Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue!!!! Unfortunately this fatigue often gets mistaken for hunger and we eat more than we need in a desperate effort to get that water back into our bodies.


What can you do?


Before your workout: drink 1-2 glasses of water


During your workout: Have about ½-1 cup of water for every 20 minutes of exercise


After your workout: Have at least 3 cups of water in the hour after you exercise.


2) Check Your Pre-workout Nutrition


Since you want energy over the long haul, your best bet is to try having some complex carbs before you exercise (like oatmeal, whole wheat toast, or whole wheat crackers).


Some people prefer to get their carbohydrate from fruit also, it depends on what works for you.


Try to combine this with a little bit of protein (like peanut butter on your whole wheat toast, or a couple slices of cheese with your apple). Try different combos and see what gives you the most energy.


3) During your workout:


If your workout is under an hour: Make sure you keep drinking that water and continue to listen to your body.


If you want to go more than an hour you should try eating 25 to 30 grams of carbohydrate every half hour (i.e. From sports bars, fruits or whole grains).


If you are exercising for more than 3 hours you should consider sipping a sports drink to replace lost electrolytes. Both sports drinks and energy bars help to maintain your blood sugar levels and prevent muscle glycogen (energy) depletion


4) After exercise:


Keep drinking that water! (See above) You also want to refuel with carbohydrates as soon as you can after exercise (toast, bagel, fruits, oatmeal, etc.)


Your body not only needs to refuel but it also needs to rebuild with some protein since intense exercise involves the breakdown of muscle tissue.


Some possible snacks are: Peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat toast, cottage cheese mixed with fruit, scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast.


The most important thing is to pay attention to your body and feel what works for you as you exercise. If you feel light-headed or dizzy or in pain at any time during exercise stop! Respect your body and what it tells you.


Hopefully the next time you decide to face the treadmill (or the exercise video) you’ll be able to feel great both during AND after you exercise.


You’ll be able to feel as if you’ve made your body better and stronger, by feeding it and exercising it and keeping that energy up!


--
Kathryn O'Neill is a contributing writer for Diet and Weight Loss Reviews . For more weight loss tips and free diet reviews, visit http://www.freetobethin.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/hoodia-gordonii-review.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/hoodia-gordonii-review.html Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 Hoodia Gordonii.

But what exactly is Hoodia, what does it do, and will it help you lose weight?

Here is a review of Hoodia Gordonii as well as what you need to know before you buy Hoodia.


What is Hoodia?

Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus of the "succulent" cactus family, which has grown for thousands of years in the Kalahari Desert region. Hoodia has been used by the indigenous Bushmen as a natural appetite suppressant and thirst quencher during their long hunting trips for generations.


How Does Hoodia work?

Scientists believe that the reason for Hoodia's appetite suppressing abilities is a molecule called "P57". Normally, when you eat the glucose in your body rises and eventually signals to your brain (the hypothalamus) that you are full. It is believed that "P57" molecule in Hoodia mimics the effect that glucose has on your brain, telling part of your brain (the Hypothalamus) that you feel full. Consequently, you have no desire to eat.

It has actually been shown that pure Hoodia is 100,000 times more powerful than glucose in telling your brain to stop eating.


Does Hoodia Help People Lose Weight?

One of the first studies of Hoodia Gordonii was done in the UK on obese patients. Half of the volunteers were given Hoodia Gordonii, the other half were given a placebo. The subjects were allowed to read, watch television and eat.

After 15 days it was found that those taking Hoodia had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 calories a day. Despite having unlimited access to food, the Hoodia subjects lost weight.


Is Hoodia Safe?

Since Hoodia is a plant (versus a man-made chemical), it is completely natural and experts say it is safe to eat. Scientists have been studying Hoodia for almost 10 years and have not found any side effects. (Not to mention the San Tribesman who have been eating Hoodia for years with seemingly no ill effects).


The Downside

Even as public interest in Hoodia skyrockets, there is a downside: Not all Hoodia is created equal.

Because of the incredible surge in interest for Hoodia, many South African suppliers were simply unprepared for the demand (It takes 5 to 7 years for the Hoodia Gordonii plant to even reach maturity).

As a result the market has been flooded with 'Hoodia Gordonii' pills that are not as effective as real Hoodia. There have been reports of companies not putting the stated amount of Hoodia in their pills, using a 'Hoodia plant substitute' (not the real thing) or even filling their pills with silica, leaves, sawdust and other filler products that have none of the powerful Hoodia ingredients in them.


What Can You Do?

One way to tell if a Hoodia pill is real is to look for a document called the C.I.T.E.S. Certificate (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Since the Hoodia plant is a protected plant species it can only be sold to an exporter who has this certificate.

Another way to tell if the Hoodia is pure is to look for a company that displays a current Alchemists Lab report which runs HPLS, TLC and Micropscopy tests that prove whether the Hoodia is genuine or not.

Confused? It can be confusing to do all the research yourself (even if you want to save yourself 1000 calories a day!). If you're interested in 2 brands of Hoodia that fulfill the above requirements, you are welcome to check out Hoodia reviews at: http://www.freetobethin.com/article_Hoodia_Gordonii_Review.html.

Bottom Line? Hoodia looks like it offers something many other diet pills cannot: all natural, safe effective weight loss - without feeling deprived.

--
Vienna Miller is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews. For the latest weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit http://www.FreeToBeThin.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/treadmill-reviews-top-3-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-reading-treadmill-reviews.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/treadmill-reviews-top-3-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-reading-treadmill-reviews.html Tue, 13 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600

Rain, snow, sleet or hail, it doesn't matter because you'll be able to workout anyway!


But wait a minute - there's so many treadmill brands to choose from!


And why are there so many differences of opinion?


If you've read many treadmill reviews in your search for the best treadmill you may have ended up a little confused:


One person swears by their Proform treadmill; another says it's a piece of junk. One expert loves Nordic Track; another expert wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.


How are you supposed to make a smart decision with so many conflicting opinions?


To help you out, here are the top 3 things to keep in mind when reading treadmill reviews:


#1) Consider this: It's just ONE PERSON'S opinion.


People have different opinions on everything from movies to ice cream to cars to cities. Someone prefers Honda to General Motors. Another person prefers Dell over IBM.


That doesn't mean that one thing is necessarily better than another, it just means somebody has a preference for it.


So just because you really want to buy a Landice and one person may not agree with you doesn't make it a bad buy for you.


Keeping an open mind is always a good thing and listening to other's peoples' reasoning behind their decision can help you with your purchase.


But in the end it's your choice and it's YOUR opinion that matters.


Just because somebody doesn't like what you like, that doesn't mean you are going to make a bad decision. If your treadmill has everything YOU need, then that's what's important.


#2) Consider this: Who's writing the review?


I've read so many 'user reviews' on treadmill websites that are clearly NOT written by a normal treadmill buyer.


The lingo smacks of a treadmill salesperson. And while I'm not making any accusations here, when a treadmill buyer writes something like:


"Let's look at the features of the ABC treadmill and see what they mean to you..."

or

"The XYZ treadmill offers an Optical Speed Sensor used in combination with the PWM motor controller to produce the smoothest speed changes. The optical eye actually counts the revolutions of the motor directly at the axle..."

I get just a little bit suspicious.


If the review sounds a little too much like a treadmill brochure, take it with a grain of salt.


(That doesn't mean that the quality of the treadmill is bad or good, mind you. Just make sure you don't base your decision on those reviews alone.)


#3) Consider this: Flukes DO happen.


Even the BEST treadmill manufacturers sometimes make a dud. Nobody has a 100% customer satisfaction rate ALL the time.


And unfortunately, it's usually those people that have had BAD experiences that leave nasty reviews of their treadmills.


They have every right to do this of course. Hopefully the treadmill manufacturers read these reviews and do something about them.


But keep in mind that one bad review doesn't prove it's a low quality brand just as one stellar review doesn't prove it's a high quality brand.


The Bottom Line:

Trust your own decision.


If you've taken the time to research treadmills, chances are you know what makes a quality treadmill.


Don't let one person's opinion ruin the fun of getting in shape with YOUR choice of home treadmill. Good luck and have fun!


--
Treadmill Reviews is a consumer oriented website focusing on the home treadmill market. For weekly best buys, brand reviews, and money-saving links go to http://www.TreadmillReview.net.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/avoid-holiday-weight-gain-5-easy-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/avoid-holiday-weight-gain-5-easy-tips.html Mon, 12 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600
The average North American gains 7 to 12 pounds over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Follow these simple holiday diet tips and tricks and you'll avoid the holiday weight gain that afflicts so many other people:


#1 Drink Water - and Lots of It.

Boring I know - but the reason this tip stays around year after year is because it works. Adequate water intake keeps your metabolism humming along at a maximum rate and staves off hunger cravings as well.

In fact many people mistake thirst for hunger and end up eating to quench their thirst. This results in more calories than you body needs and - you guessed it - excess pounds.

Models and celebrities all know about the powerful slimming effects of drinking water which is why you often see them holding a bottle of water in their hands as they dash through airports or stand around at fashion shows.


#2 Increase Your Exercise A Little Bit Every Day

Everyone deserves to indulge in holiday treats. Part of the fun of the holiday season is the amazing treats that are only around at Christmas and/or Thanksgiving.

Accept the fact that you're going to indulge a bit - and then enjoy it! But make sure you make up for it elsewhere by increasing your exercise.

You don't have to double your exercise time or sweat till you fall off your treadmill. Just increase your exercise time a bit every day, maybe ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there. It all adds up.

You'll burn off those holiday treats and easily avoid extra weight gain. I have several girlfriends who have been doing this trick for years and they never gain a pound over the holidays (in fact they often lose a few!).


#3 Cut Back Where You Can At Other Meals

Did you know that the average number of calories consumed by one person during a typical Thanksgiving dinner is 7,100! That's about 2 pounds strictly in terms of calories alone.

But not to worry. All you have to do is make small calorie cutbacks at other meals the week before and you'll easily make up for the extra calories.

For example, instead a huge slice of pecan pie (which normally will run you about 500 calories) for desert, why not try some blueberries mixed with low fat yogurt? Instead of the bag of potato chips you usually indulge in for the big game, why not munch on air-popped, low fat popcorn?

You can save as much as 500 calories and you're still having a salty, satisfying snack.

Bottom line: cut back where you can in little ways. You won't miss the little sacrifices and you can then enjoy your holiday meals - guilt free!


#4 Eat What You Like - But Only A Few Bites

If you absolutely cannot imagine giving up any of your favorite treats this holiday season, give yourself permission to have a bite of everything - but only a bite!

I read somewhere that Jessica Simpson never denies herself any of her favorite foods - but she only allows herself one or two bites. And let's face it the first couple of bites are the best tasting anyways!


#5 Don't Eat After 7:00 pm

Experts tell us that the earlier in the day food is eaten, the more likely it is to be burned off. However when you eat late at night, this food is more likely to be stored as fat.

Celebrities like Oprah use this knowledge to their advantage and refuse to eat after a certain time like 7:00 p.m.

So if you know you absolutely must have a sweet indulgence during the day, try to have it before noon. Then towards the end of the day, snack on healthy, lower carb foods like salads, vegetable broth, fruits or lean protein.

This keeps your metabolism elevated but won't pack on the pounds. I've personally used this trick before every holiday Christmas party for 5 years running and it certainly helps for getting into those slinky Christmas party dresses!


So those are 5 diet tips to avoid holiday weight gain this year. Follow them and you're guaranteed to save yourself the stress of unwanted weight gain. Heck, you'll probably even lose a few pounds, all in time for New Year's Eve!

--
Vienna Miller is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews. For the latest weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit http://www.FreeToBeThin.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/best-home-treadmill%3A-4-key-features-you-must-have.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/best-home-treadmill%3A-4-key-features-you-must-have.html Mon, 12 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 best home treadmill can be confusing as you sift through all of the options, new models, and brand name ‘deals’. Too often, people get caught up in all the 'Goodies' a treadmill offers them that they miss the fact that the treadmill doesn't have the basic essentials of a quality unit.

By knowing the 4 basic essentials of a quality home treadmill, you'll be able to quickly sift through the treadmill deals and choose the best home treadmill for you.

The 4 basic essentials to a quality treadmill are:


#1 - High Powered, Well Built Motor

Since the motor is the most expensive part of the treadmill to fix, a good motor is essential to your treadmill. Try to find at least a motor power of 2.0 HP, preferably higher.

Remember that a 1.5 HP motor has to work twice as hard as a 3.0 HP motor - so it will burn out long before the 3.0 HP motor.

Also, not all motors are built with the same quality parts. Look for a good brand name and a long motor warranty to give you clues as to the quality of the motor.


#2 - Excellent Cushioning

There's not enough said about cushioning and it is so important in a home treadmill. A good cushioning system protects your joints, ligaments and back. A poor cushioning system can result in injury and pain.

I know of one woman who bought a cheaper brand of treadmill and then ran on it. Within 6 months, she had damaged her hips so badly that it hurt her to even walk on the treadmill. You definitely don't want that!

Make sure your treadmill offers an excellent cushioning system - especially if you'll be running!


#3 - Extensive Warranty

You want to protect your investment so a solid treadmill warranty is a must. A good treadmill warranty will cover the frame for at least 30 years, the motor for at least 5 years and other parts and labor for about 1 year. Anything above that and you've got an excellent warranty.

But a warranty isn't just to protect your investment – a good warranty lets you know about the quality of the treadmill parts.

Treadmill companies do not include warranties because they think they'll have to fix the treadmill within that time frame. They know that they WON'T have to fix them within that time frame because the quality of parts used are high. So if you find a treadmill with a 10 year motor warranty, you KNOW it's a quality built motor. If the motor warranty is only 90 days however...that tells you something.


#4 - Quality Brand Name

Certain brand names have a reputation for building a high quality home treadmill. Other brand names may be well-known but they don't necessarily have a good reputation.

Choose a treadmill that has a solid, trusted brand name. Not sure which brands are good? Check out expert ratings and 'Best Buys' on various treadmill review sites and/or magazines. You'll start to see a trend where certain brand names come up frequently. These brands are the quality treadmill manufacturers.


So those are 4 basic essentials of a good home treadmill:

- High Powered, Well Built Motor
- Excellent Cushioning
- Extensive Warranty
- Quality Brand Name

Knowing these, you can sift through the treadmills available and easily locate the best treadmill for your home.

For more treadmill reviews and best home treadmill buys, visit:

http://www.TreadmillReview.net



--
Kathryn O'Neill is chief editor for Treadmill Reviews, a consumer oriented website focusing on home treadmills. For buying tips, brand reviews, and best buys, visit Treadmill Review at: http://www.treadmillreview.net.

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