http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/pilates-improves-overall-well-being.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/pilates-improves-overall-well-being.html Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
At one point Pilates removed bedsprings from beneath the beds and attached them to the walls at or above bed level. These springs were used to excercise. His contraption later inspired the Reformer, a popular Pilates exercise machine utilizing springs, straps, and a box to perform a variety of exercises.

Those who performed Pilates exercises developed a strong immune system and managed to escape a deadly plague that killed many at the time. Not one of Pilates students died from the influenza epidemic of this time which he claimed was due to the result of his work. None of Pilates' followers succumbed even though the camps, where many were located were the hardest hit.

Becoming involved in a Pilates program will change the way you think about your body, exercise, and ultimately your total well-being.

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Rob Daniels is a long term practioner of Yoga and Pilates additional articles available at Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net and Yoga Store http://www.yoga-store.net

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/safety-tips-for-archery.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/safety-tips-for-archery.html Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
1. Aim
Always shoot arrows at the target. Arrows can be dangerous weapons and should never to be aimed at anything other than the target.

2. Inspect
Arrows must be carefully inspected before each shot to see that they have not been damaged. If the arrow shaft is damage it could cause the arrow to snap and injure the archer. A cracked arrow could also go off course and harm a spectator. The bottom line is damaged arrows are unpredictable and not safe to shoot.

Damaged nocks may result in arrow leaving bow unpredictably or result in a misdirected arrow. So always inspect arrows prior to shooting them.

3. Safety
Only when everyone has finished shooting should the signal be given, to move forward to collect the arrows. One person at a time should withdraw their arrows from the target. When withdrawing arrows from the target, make sure no-one is standing in front of the target or in the way of the withdrawn arrows.

4. Load
Never pull back and release a bow string without an arrow attached. This could damage the bow or injure the archer. Additionally, a bow should not be loaded with an arrow unless standing on the "Shooting Line" and the signal to start shooting has been given.

5. Placement
Targets should be set up to insure that no one can be accidentally hit by a stray arrow. All competitors must wait for the command to shoot and retrieve.

Archery is a fun sport, but one must not forget it can also be a dangerous sport. By following basic guidelines you are more apt to enjoy shooting.



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Rob Daniels writes educational material for http://www.archery-target.com and http://www.kayak-escape.com two of his favorite lifelong sports.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/horseback-equitation.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/horseback-equitation.html Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Equitation divisions range from beginner walk-trot through open equitation. In the flat equitation competition, riders are judged on how well they handle riding skills, such as walking, trotting, and cantering. Riders should be able to show precise handling of their horse at the walk, trot, and canter while maintaining proper equitation and control.

A knowledgeable equitation rider establishes a straight line from his/her elbow, through forearms and reins to the horses mouth. Shoulders are another common area for equitation faults. Some equitation judges will ask riders to answer questions on anatomy, tack, and equitation.

There are three types of equitation saddle seat, hunter seat, and stock seat. In hunt seat equitation, riders compete over fences and in separate classes, and at the walk, trot and canter on the flat.

Unlike the more common hunter classes, hunt seat equitation judges the rider rather than the horse. Riders will receive penalties if their horse refuses a jump. Certain fundamentals of equitation are rigidly observed in judging. In general in a hunter equitation class as long as the horse clears the fences in a jumper competition it does not matter what it looked like. Saddle seat equitation may include a pattern to be ridden, often at different gaits with several changes in direction. Stock seat equitation is a western discipline.

Jackets are required in all equitation classes, with the exception of hunter equitation classes where jackets are preferred but not required. The rider must remain on the same mount throughout all phases of an equitation class until the judge requests a change.

In equitation classes, only the rider is being judged therefore no penalty should be assessed because of the horse's conformation, color or movement. Many riders compete in specific divisions where they earn points in Equitation classes, the points count for class year end awards.



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Rob Daniels has been an equestrian rider for 25 years. He has studied various disciplines additional articles are available at: Riding Stable - http://www.riding-stable.com and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/the-practice-of-hatha-yoga.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/the-practice-of-hatha-yoga.html Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Whatever the historical details, Krishnamacharya has become the undisputed father of modern-day hatha yoga. Krishnamacharya's first lessons in yoga were from his father and his grandmother and passed on through generations of practice.

Hatha Yoga follows in that vein and thus successfully transcends being particularly grounded in any one religion. This exploration of these physical and spiritual connections and body centered practices led to the creation of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga has been included in the life style of these traditions. Hatha Yoga classes tend, among other things, to emphasize physical mastery.

Hatha also means a force or determined effort, and yoga, of course, translates as yoke or joining together. The very name hatha yoga, a combination of "ha," meaning sun, and "tha," meaning moon, denotes the union of opposites. Through the practice of yoga an individual can gain information about physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being.

Hatha Yoga represents opposing energies: hot and cold, fire and water following the theme of ying and yang, male and female, positive and negative. Hatha yoga attempts to balance the mind and body. The balancing of the mind and body is brought about via physical exercises (also known as asanas), controlled breathing (pranayama) and relaxation or meditiation.

Pranayama refers to breath control in yoga. In this yoga is defined as a means of binding or controlling the breath and the mind using the syllable Om. In this case yoga has extremes, practices of fasting, breath control, and postures to transcend the body, and not cultivate it. Asana body postures that are contemplative in nature and are designed to align the body and bring about the optimum situation for relaxation.

Traditional yoga is a holistic yogic path and is becoming wildly popular.



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Rob Daniels is a long term practitioner of Yoga and Pilates additional articles available at Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net and Yoga Store http://www.yoga-store.net


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/all-about-box-lacrosse.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/all-about-box-lacrosse.html Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Box Lacrosse is predominantly played in Canada during the summer months. Box Lacrosse started in the 1930's as a means to bring revenue to hockey rinks in the off season. Additionally it kept players fit during the summer months.

In Canada box lacrosse is more popular than field lacrosse from which it was derived. The rules of box lacrosse and field lacrosse are very different and of course the surface of play is very different. Box lacrosse is played indoors, in hockey arenas (without the ice) or on indoor soccer fields.

The goal in box lacrosse is smaller than the goal in field lacrosse and the attacking team must take a shot on goal within 30 seconds of gaining possession of the ball. Play in box lacrosse is significantly rougher than in a field lacrosse game. The rules of box lax encourage passing and running which improves a players overall lacrosse skills and athletic ability.

Box lacrosse should not be confused with indoor lacrosse which is a newer version of the indoor game. Indoor lacrosse was intended to be less violent than the other indoor version of the game, box lacrosse, on which it is based. Indoor lacrosse is also played in regions where box lacrosse is not played. Indoor lacrosse was designed to combine the most exciting elements of box and field lacrosse. Box lacrosse is a summer game, while indoor lacrosse is played in the winter.

Professional indoor lacrosse combines the physical play of hockey with the high scoring, fast pace and play-making style of basketball. Indoor lacrosse is played with six men per side, a rougher and faster derivative of the outdoor game. There are more scoring opportunities, and far more big hits, making indoor lacrosse an intense experience for players as well as fans.

The two indoor games have become increasingly similar in recent years with the primary difference being the equipment used in game play. Indoor lacrosse allows only sticks with hollow shafts, while box lacrosse allows solid wooden sticks. Also indoor lacrosse games consist of four quarters of fifteen minutes each, while box lacrosse games consist of three periods of twenty minutes in length.

The age of indoor lacrosse is evident when discussions relating to the first World Indoor Lacrosse Championships arise. The first Championships were held in 2003.



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Rob Daniels is a professional writer representing http://www.lacrosse-shop.com and http://www.hockey-games.net some of his favorite sports.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/body-sculpting-workouts.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/body-sculpting-workouts.html Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Body sculpting movements are generally easy to follow dance steps that will insure you have fun, while getting the results you want. Targeted bodysculpting will smooth out any remaining problem areas and add definition.Even the most dedicated body sculpting enthusiast may find the deeply buried abdominal muscles hard to train. Body sculpting classes may consist of boxing, circuits, sports drills, cycling, body sculpting, treadmill work, Pilates, FreeMotion and/or anything else the instructor can think of. Often classes will alternate simple one minute intervals of cardio combined with one minute intervals of body sculpting.

Supplementing workouts with sculpting bands will also help encourage definition. Lightweight body sculpting bands provide the right amount of resistance to help to shape long, lean muscles. Heavyweight body sculpting bands provide additional resistance as you start to build your strength and can help to accelerate results. The small group weight training and body sculpting sessions are designed to improve strength and tone muscles. You willl shape and strengthen all the muscles of your body while holding positions that improve your flexibility and balance while sculpting great abs.

Many Class stress body sculpting with light weights to tone and trim the total body without aerobics. Often body sculpting classes are a mix of cardiovascular routines combined with a great body sculpting workout using weights, bands, tubes and Stability Balls. Experience a challenging and dynamic body sculpting workout using dumbbells, exertubes and dynabands as resistance tools. Power sculpting is an intense total body sculpting workout that includes exercises to increase strength and flexibility. Power sculpting is not generally recommended for beginners.

Try to relax your mind while toning, strengthening and sculpting your entire body. A mentally fit mind and physically fit body is ideal.


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Rob Daniels is a long term practioner of Yoga and Pilates additional articles available at Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net and Yoga Store http://www.yoga-store.net

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/common-aromatherapy-uses.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/common-aromatherapy-uses.html Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Aromatherapy can be used to relax and soothe the mind and body, to energize or even to arouse. Aromatherapy derived from the use of essential oils to solicit specific emotions. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their health supporting properties. The powerful aromas of essential oils affect your moods and feelings through your sense of smell.

By selecting a particular scent, you can encourage a state of relaxation, romance, healing or comfort. Essential oils can be used in Aromatherapy, to scent potpourri, lotions, cosmetics, perfumes, food flavorings and medicinally.

Additionally oils can be used in creating sachets, potpourri, reviving potpourri, and for light bulb scenting. Essential oils can also be used via the bath, diffusion, massage, or compress. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use.

Essential oils can be mixed in a cream essential oil combinations are applied directly to the skin for beauty care or treatment of sores or irritations. By using different essential oils, you can control the nature of those benefits.

A unique property of plants is that many contain natural fragrance or perfume-like scents known as essential oils. Essential oils come from plants while fragrance oils are artificially created and often contain synthetic chemicals.

Essential oils are taken from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The yield of essential oil differs with individual plant species-ranging in most cases from about 0.2 to 2.0%. That's why literally tons of plant material are required for just a few hundred pounds of oil.

In some cases different organs of a single plant may contain essential oils of different chemical composition. In the end, even the smallest bottle of essential oil can create a lot of powerful solution. It is important to note that the benefits of aromatherapy do depend on the unique nature of each person's response to an aromatic stimulus.



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Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Aromatherapy Blends http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net leading portals for organic products and essential oils.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/organic-products-and-production.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/organic-products-and-production.html Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Organic produce refers to vegetables that are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Only naturally occurring fertilizer, like manure can be used to grow organic produce. While it is still better to eat non-organic vegetables than no vegetables at all, consumers are starting see the value in organic products.

The natural and organic skin care product sector has seen a growth of thirty nine percent over the last year. The product formulations rely entirely on natural or naturally-derived ingredients. These products do not use any artificial preservatives.

The FDA does not regulate skin care manufacturers, questionable ingredients often make their way into their formulas. Some of these products may claim to be all-natural, while still containing a slew of chemicals and toxins. As a consumer if a skin care product contains an ingredient that you are unsure about, write down it's name and do a little research. If a product claims to be all natural, its ingredients should be easily recognizable as natural components.

Scrutinize the first several listings in the product to be sure that they are the natural ingredients you are looking for. Dirt, dust, pollutants, and other environmental pollutants enter the body through the skin, providing a more significant gateway to your system, so it is important to be aware of what products contain. In response to a growing demand on the part of consumers, more and more organic foods and products are flooding the market. Even in mainstream supermarkets, certified organic foods and organic skin care products are available.

Demand for organic production is increasing by at least 40 per cent each year. And while in some cases the price for organic raw materials may be 3 to 4 times more expensive than conventional. If consumer demand increases, prices should continue to drop.



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Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for organic products and natural excercise.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/the-art-of-japanese-bonsai.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/the-art-of-japanese-bonsai.html Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500 The major aspects of Japanese bonsai, has not changed significantly over time.

Bonsai initially originated in Egypt thousands of years ago and moved to China. From China bonsai moved to Japan. Where the Japanese perfected the art of bonsai.

Japanese use azaleas to create magnificent bonsai following years of pruning, wiring and careful attention. The Japanese art of bonsai, and its precursor, the Chinese art of penjing, are rooted in the traditions of Asian culture.

The art of raising bonsai dwarfed potted trees has enabled the Japanese to admire nature in an indoor setting. The art of bonsai, as developed in America, is much freer in concept and style than Japanese bonsai.

The quality of a bonsai tree is measured on how well it portrays nature in miniature form. A bonsai should have a well tapered trunk and have branches all around the tree to give the bonsai visual depth. The art of bonsai involves the bringing together of tree and pot in visual harmony. "Bonsai" simply means "potted tree." But many of the really fine specimens have been pruned for more than 100 years.

Requiring many years of devoted attention and care to produce, the bonsai extends beauty and expresses the significance of life. The care involved in creating and shaping a bonsai is considered a form of meditation in and of itself.

Over time, bonsai began to take on different styles, each which varied immensely from one another. Today, hardy as well as tropical indoor bonsai are trained in classic styles, including windswept, slanted trunk, rock clinging, and forest.

Bonsai are highly regarded as a symbol of Japanese culture and ideals. Contrary to popular belief, bonsai are not tortured trees. A bonsai may have areas of dead wood to give an impression of age. There are several techniques available to the bonsai grower to increase the apparent age.

No longer exclusively an oriental art form, today bonsai is practiced by thousands of people around the world, on every continent. The art of bonsai is the art of imitating the spirit of nature. A bonsai industry of considerable size exists in certain sections of Japan.



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Francesca Black works in marketing at Bonsai Garden http://www.bonsai-garden.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for bonsai gardening and natural exercise.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/tips-for-taking-great-photos.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/tips-for-taking-great-photos.html Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500 In order to successfully take a good photo, it is important you use a tripod. Tripods will result in sharp, clear pictures. Photographers who do not use a tripod will often experience blurred images.

Prepare:
Take plenty of batteries and film for your camera. Don't rely on finding stores, it might be difficult to locate supplies on location. Even worse, you may loose precious time or keep others waiting while looking for supplies.

Shoot:
Take multiple shots, so you can guarantee the outcome of your pictures. Experiment: Adjust your camera settings, different lighting, different camera angles. Try to find what works for you.

Groups:
If you are taking a picture of a group indoors, and conditions are fairly dark, there is danger that the people near you will be overexposed and the people further away will be a little in the dark. If you can arrange the group so that they are all equidistant from the camera. That way there will be an even spread of light.

Lighting:
Avoid direct sunlight, as this can alter natural coloring. A bright but overcast day is perfect. Get up early and shoot the sunrise in the best location. Scout the area the day before or during the dead time during the high noon sun. During midday if you have to shoot, try using a polarized on the lens. Use the filter only at a 90 degree angle from the sun. You must open up approximately 1 to 1 1/2 stops or more sometimes in order to compensate for the diminished light coming through the filter. Meter a gray card and open up from that reading.

Also use the polarized lens at sunset for some great effects on landscapes. The best time to take the majority of night shots is shortly after the sun has set. This allows a small amount of natural light to work with. Set your camera's resolution at or near its highest setting (largest file size). The last thing you want is a grainy photo. In the majority of instances it is usually best to have the sun behind you when you take a picture. But watch out for shadows your own and the subjects.

Framing:
Look for ways of naturally framing a shot. Framing accentuates the main subject. Fill your frame!

Closeups:
Move in close. When first starting out you will be surprised at the difference moving closer to the subject will make. Handheld close-ups are often blurry or overexposed. A tripod is essential for taking good close-up shots, especially smaller items. An image stabilizer in the lens is a huge bonus because it means you can handhold the camera in lower light conditions and not have blurring occur in the final picture.


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Francesca Black enjoys photography as a hobby and manages content at Future Photo http://www.future-photo.com and Digital Photo Tips http://www.digital-photo-tips.com


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