Eat Christmas Cookies and Lose Weight this Holiday Season

Create a Beauty Schedule to compliment your Training schedule

You've done thousands of push-ups, lifted hundreds of pounds and drank more Protein Shakes than online retailers can ship to your door! You schedule time for weight training, time for cardio and time for routine practice. Have you scheduled time to develop your personal beauty, as well? Beauty is a key component to judge's scoring for many fitness shows. Follow this simple schedule (see chart below) to help groom you for the beauty segment of your next fitness competition.

Skin

Create a beauty routine for your face and body. Like weight training, consistency is the key to clean, healthy skin! Your Face Routine should consist of two basic practices - Cleansing and Moisturizing. Cleanse daily (meaning EVERY DAY) once in the AM when you wake up and once in the PM before you go to bed. Wash with a cleanser formulated for your skin - for dry skin, try a creamy cleanser and for oily skin, try a foam cleanser. If your skin is prone to blemishes (acne, whiteheads, blackheads, etc.) try a cleanser containing salicylic acid. Moisturize daily after you cleanse - in the AM, try a lighter weight moisturizer and in the PM, try a nighttime formula for extra moisture. Once a week, schedule time to complete a facial mask or peel to draw imbedded impurities to the surface for clearer skin, faster!

Your Body

Routine should be complimentary to your skin routine - cleanse and moisturize daily. Once a week, schedule time for exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing dry skin cells from the surface of your skin. The result is fresh glowing skin! A good body scrub with small granules and oil-free ingredients will work wonders to slough off dead skin and give your skin a healthy glow on stage!

Teeth a bright, beautiful smile radiates confidence and exhibits beauty to any judge! Brush teeth daily 2-3 times a day - when you wake up, after lunch and before you go to bed. Use toothpaste with fluoride and whitening ingredients and brush for at least 1-2 minutes. Try timing yourself when you brush to get an idea of how long to brush. Floss 1x everyday after brushing. Flossing removes plaque buildup and keeps gums healthy. To remove plaque and bacteria from hard to reach areas around your teeth, finish your brushing and flossing routine with a mouth rinse. 2-4 weeks out before a competition, schedule in teeth whitening every other evening using teeth whitening strips to whiten and brighten your smile for the judges.

Hair dull, dried-out hair stands out on stage and makes even the best fitness competitors look unhealthy and unattractive. On a daily basis, wash and condition hair with a formula that is made for your hair type. Limit the use of heat-styling tools. For example, blow dry hair on high heat only until hair is damp then switch to a cooler setting. Or substitute Velcro rollers for hot rollers and curling irons. On a weekly basis, use a deep conditioner, wrap hair in plastic wrap and leave on for a minimum of 15 minutes for extra moisture and shine. Schedule a haircut every 6-8 weeks to keep hair neat and shapely. By booking haircuts in advance, you are more likely to stay on schedule and maintain a consistent, healthy head of hair!

To recap, a well-planned beauty schedule carried out consistently while training is essential to preparing for any fitness show. While many of these beauty concepts may seem basic or second nature to many people, they are often the first areas to suffer when time is short or runs out. As a show approaches, it becomes even more difficult to find time to finalize preparations. By maintaining a consistent beauty schedule, you will find yourself with one less judging criteria to worry about when it comes time for the show!

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Heart Rate Training Optimizes Your 5k Training Program

Are you looking for a 5k training program? When you start looking you see many program offering beginner programs and advanced programs. What is interesting is that most beginner programs are too many miles for the average beginner. The key to effective 5k cardio plans is for every person to have their own heart rate profile. With optimal heart rate training every workout will be optimized for the greatest impact for your results. Heart rate training is for advanced and beginners; the difference is the heart rate profile not using a heart rate monitor.

The most effective cardio workout for running faster races and burning fat is interval training. Interval training is short durations of high intensity followed by short durations of low intensity and then repeated. Most programs only offer interval training for advanced programs though effective programming is good for all levels. The key is a person's heart rate profile. The most advanced you are the higher heart rate you want to train at for your interval.

Each person has a different level of fitness associated by their heart rate. As you run the energy required needs a certain consistent heart rate produce the energy. The more fit you are the lower your heart rate is for a given speed. This is why heart rate training is so effective. By finding a person's targeted heart rate profile you can make sure each workout is training in the right zone to optimally improve your performance. Often, people's lack of results comes from not training hard enough, or very common with cardio runners is overtraining by running with too high of a heart rate on every workout.

What is important for your metabolism and race speed is the rate at which you burn calories not how many calories you burn. This is why walkers and people who run mile after mile seem to never achieve their results. The more calories you burn the more calories you need to eat to restore energy back to your muscles cells. It is challenging your muscles to burn more energy by going harder relative to your fitness level forces your metabolism to improve and than makes you fun faster and burn more fat. People after completing an interval workout burn more fat 24 hours after their workout than any other form of cardio or strength exercise.

Though the interval workout is important it isn't the only workout that makes an effective 5k running program. Two other key workouts is a threshold workout and a long day. The threshold workout is a medium intensity workout that almost no person does. The reason why is people can always go harder and there is this myth that you have to push yourself in every work to your max. The other reason is people go on their slow steady pace never picking up the pace for a shorter run. An optimal threshold workout is between 15-30 min. If you can last longer than 30 min. you should run faster. When you run at your threshold level you are at the max at what your aerobic metabolism can burn for energy. When you go harder your anaerobic metabolism is kicked in to produce the needed extra energy. A threshold workout trains your body to burn energy the most effectively utilizing oxygen. It is the best workout for creating a good race pace.

The long day is the last workout you need every week in your 5k training program. Having running session that go for slower speeds and longer durations trains your body to burn fat and increases effectiveness of burning energy while running. You only need to do one long day a week and spending hours doing cardio during every workout may be a key reason why you are no longer seeing results.

To truly see your results you want a program that creates a personal heart rate profile. The charts on most treadmills are not accurate and the doctors who came up with the charts admit they made them up as a best guess for insurance companies and were never supposed to use as training heart rates. The other major key as you continue to run is a 5k program that uses specific and multiple threshold and interval workouts. The workout that worked for the first month won't work for the second as your body needs a new stimulus. With proper heart rate profiles you will be running your first or fastest 5k in no time.

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How Do I Know If My Product is Organic

What is organic food? The term is becoming more popular. In the United States for a product to claim that it is 100% organic is has to produced following legally regulated guidelines and be subject to strict testing. Typically to because of the detail involve to get the ultra healthy organic food it costs more than the fertilizer and pesticide rich alternatives.

The term organic means that the food was produced without the use of conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or sewage, and that no artificial additives to included in the process. When the term organic relates to animals like beef, the animals are free of antibiotics and growth hormones given typically to make the animals bigger.

In the beginning the only place to get organic food was from your local farmers market. Not any more. Now, family run farms are being over taken by commercial operations that produce still 100% organic food faster and meet the new demand for the products. The United States has grown by 17-20% in organic food sales in the last few years. You can now get organic products from online retailers to Wal-Mart.

In the United States, companies have to pass tough testing and regulations to call their products organic. The term certified organic means that the USDA has certified that the product in question is actually 100% organic. A farmer commercial or family run must apply for their certification. Not all organic food is certified. Food products can be organic and just not have gone through the approval process to be certified.

With the every increasing demand for organic products, more and more products are finding their way into becoming organic. Now, coffee, ice cream, and ketchup can all be found with organic labels and ingredients. There is now an overwhelming change from the overly processed foods that line our grocery stores to more all natural products.

The term all natural is not govern, so the only way to know a product is organic is to get it from a trusted source or grown it yourself. The ladder probably isn't going to happen for most of us. All natural products are not necessarily bad. They are just not going through the certification process to be considered 100% organic.

Looks for the organic label from your trusted places you buy your products. You will have to make the decision on the products that might be 70% or 35% organic. For some products that is as good as it gets for the time being. With the demand high more and more products will start becoming organic. They have to.

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How does fitness really help weight loss

We want you to think the next time you're tempted to diet your way out of so that unwanted weight gain, to stop and consider your fitness-based alternatives. One thing to always keep in mind as it relates to fitness and weight loss is that if you are unable to do it for life than it probably won't work. Here are the biggest reasons a comprehensive fitness approach is a more effective and sustainable weight-loss solution:

Fitness revs your cellular engines. Your cells' mitochondria are the calorie burning powerhouses in your body. Mitochondria need oxygen, so the more oxygen you consume per minute (VO2 max), the more efficient your cells become, and the more calories you burn.

Fitness balances your hormones. Over time, fit people experience positive hormonal changes that help keep them fit. Lower stress hormone (reduces inflammation), higher growth hormone (builds muscle) and lower insulin (controls cravings) are just a few of the hormonal benefits fitness brings.

Fitness grows on you. Unlike dieting, which few people can tolerate for long, fitness quickly becomes a way of life. The more fit you become, the more you're inclined to move. So for most fit people, seeking daily activity becomes an almost instinctive habit.

Fitness gives you a metabolic advantage. Fit people have more lean muscle mass and a higher metabolism, which helps them weather setbacks such as holiday binges that can pack on excess pounds.

Fitness is fun. People often overlook the emotional and spiritual benefits of exercise. A fitness lifestyle involves regularly participating in activities for the sheer enjoyment of them. It's more fun, it relieves stress, and it's easier to sustain.

One aspect of fitness that is often overlooked is that when you are working out you are not indulging in an activity that adds to you gaining weight. As you look at your day, there are countless activities that are not supporting your weight loss goals. Every time you workout even for 15 minutes it is 15 minutes that you are building a habit that promotes the results your want and takes you away from activities like eating while watching television that does noting to promote healthy living.

It is this last point that we strive day in and day out to pound home, that it is getting to the point that fitness for its own enjoyment is what we are after. One a person likes to work out because they like it, they will exercise forever.

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Basics to Protein Powder Supplementing

You may have heard a lot about protein powder, but you may not know exactly what it is or the benefits that it has on your body. Protein powder is one of the best sources of healthy, lean protein that you can find and it can help in your weight loss efforts. A lot of athletes use it to help bulk up for competitions or events and some use it as a substitute for eating a lot of higher fat and higher calorie foods. Using protein particles is a way to help guarantee an adequate amount of protein to take in.

Protein concentrate is a way of making sure that your body has the raw resources that it needs to be able to function properly and build lean muscle. Most protein powder is virtually tasteless and flavorless and several people like to blend it with other foods or beverages in order to be able to ingest it. Protein powder can be easily mixed with milk or soy milk to make powerful protein shakes and can come in different flavors to help you enjoy the taste better and still be able to get all of the benefits of protein powder.

You may have not been aware that protein powder comes in different kinds and forms and they are all not alike. It is up to you to decide which one is best for your body, which one tastes the best and which one is the easiest for your body to digest. Protein powder is one of the most popular supplements for weight trainers and body builders. A lot of athletes and body builders choose whey protein powder as their favorite source for protein. Whey protein powder is generally one of the easiest to digest of the supplements and is agreeable with most people who try it. Other types of protein powder are casein, soy, salmon, help, egg white and also a cranberry protein powder.

If you are looking for a protein powder that includes a couple different kinds of proteins in it, there are some available that combine different sources such as whey and casein and are very popular because of the way the body digests the protein that is in them and for the taste and texture. If you are prone to having food allergies to certain food like lactose or aspartame, there are soy protein powders and egg white protein powder that are much easier to digest and will not be likely to upset your stomach as ones that have cow milk or lactose as an ingredient.

You may need to try different kinds of protein powder until you find the one that is best suited for you. You may want to try mixing the protein powder with different beverages or making a smoothie with it if you have problems handling the taste. They are available in most health food stores and a lot of grocery stores that carry sport nutrition products. They can range in price greatly, and depending on your individual needs for the protein powder, some may be more affordable than other.

It also depends on what reason you are taking the protein powder and how much you are consuming every day. If you are taking a protein powder supplement because you are only trying to increase your protein intake without having to consume a lot of protein food, you may want to buy a smaller container of protein powder to ensure that it stays fresh. If you are doing weight training, or preparing for a competition or body building you may want to buy the protein powder in bulk to help you save some money. Most stores carry a variety of sizes and brands of protein powder, and it is advisable to try a small container of one kind first to make sure that it works for you and that you are able to properly digest it. If you are looking for one of the most widely used and available sources of protein powder, whey protein powder is usually available almost everywhere where nutritional supplements are sold, and you are likely to find the most variety with whey protein. It is one of the best sources of protein and comes in different brands and is one of the best ways to directly deliver powerful protein right to the source and help you to build lean muscles without giving you the high fat intake or high calories and cholesterol that you can get from eating other kinds of protein rich foods.

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Zero Stim Stimulant Free Supplement Review

-This powerful concentrate is also known as OEA. Users of OEA quickly note a decrease in hunger. When you eat, OEA levels increase and this fat lipid works to decrease your appetite by informing the sensory nerves, which provide feedback to your brain telling you that you are full. By consuming extra OEA as in Zero-Stim™, you are essentially tricking your body into thinking that you have already eaten. This in turn will activate PPAR alpha, which will decrease appetite, support fat burning and help block unwanted fat storage. The really cool thing about OEA is it’s non-stimulant effects!

• Punica Granatum Flower Concentrate

-Punica Granatum Flower Concentrate has shown positive influence on activators, which are widely used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes with a major focus on improving the sensitivity of insulin receptors. The major active compound in Punica Granatum Flower is gallic acid. Research shows the support of gallic acid, which inhibits fat cells from feeding on glucose and the right extraction, has been shown in mammal studies to induce muscle cell insulin sensitivity. When fat is starved and muscle is fed, you will have a favorable change in body composition.

*NOTE: Insulin Sensitivity and Fat:
-One reason that we accumulate fat is due to insulin. Insulin is one of the most anabolic substances on the planet, but unfortunately it can be anabolic to fat cells as well. The reason is because of partitioning meaning that insulin can store calories in fat or muscle. As we gain fat, muscle cells tend to become less sensitive to insulin and fat cells tend to become ever so accommodating. This then results in the fat getting the lion’s share of consumed calories. When you diet or cut caloric intake, the muscle starts to shrink and the fat cells have the upper hand in the fight for calories, which is why most lose more muscle than fat when dieting. Therefore, the goal is to stimulate muscle cell insulin sensitivity and decrease fat cell feeding frenzies. This repartitioning effect is of paramount importance in favorably altering your body composition.

• Clary Sage Concentrate

-Clary Sage Extract has a really cool effect due to its cAMP stimulating value. There is a significant similarity between compounds in this interesting herb and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). As most are aware, increased TSH means fat burning anabolism, thereby promoting T-3 production.
The TSH-like effect that clary sage extract stimulates, triggers an enzyme called adenylate cyclase in the thyroid. This results in an increase in cAMP activity and subsequently extra T-3 production. This is important because it is done naturally, which means there is no suppression of your existing T-3 levels. Furthermore, since there is an increase in cAMP, there is an accompanying increase in nitrogen retention.

• Beta AET ECPE

-This DHEA metabolite specifically formulated by ALR Industries promotes fat loss and lean mass retention. We have all heard and in many cases experienced, the positive effects of DHEA and its even better metabolites. More specifically, Beta-AET ECPE inhibits the 11b-HSD-1 enzyme both locally and systemically. This means that there is less conversion of cortisone to cortisol in muscle as a result of training and everywhere else due to stress like dieting. Based upon the studies, it appears that in mediating this pathway, Beta-AET ECPE increases immune function and aids in the recovery of cells as well. It also has a stimulatory affect upon the thyroid gland to support natural thyroid hormone production. Therefore, you end up with less cortisol, a higher metabolic rate, inhibition of that nasty negative thyroid hormone production feedback loop, less fat, more lean muscle and positive support to your health.

*IN CONCLUSION:
Zero-Stim™ is the ultimate stimulant-free stand alone or stackable synergistic supplement for any serious fat loss system! It provides inhibition of fat, burning of fat, appetite suppression, thyroid support, lean mass retention and improved immune function-all-in-one!

ZERO-STIM™ Q & A’s:

Q: Why was the product’s name Special Tactics™ changed to Zero-Stim™?

A: We could give you a few “marketing” answers to address this question, but lets just say it for what it is. Special Tactics™ was a silly name for a great product. Most likely if you are reading this you are well aware of the exceptional results achieved when using Hyperdrive 3.0 +™. Zero-Stim™, which is also part of our fat loss series, is stimulant-free. It burns fat, suppresses appetite, improves blood sugar control and suppresses cortisol.

Q: I am an older woman looking for that perfect weight loss product. My friends love your supplement line, but my husband & I hate feeling all jittery and moody from fat burners. Can you help me?

A: Zero-Stim™ was made just for you! It is our stimulant –free fat burner/appetite suppressant. We have had so much positive feedback from this amazing product. We actually have a motto for Zero-Stim™ - “No Jiggles, No Jitters, No Problem!” Once you try it, you will be sold on its science and results. Get yours today and see for yourself. Please send us a testimonial once you have achieved your desired results from Zero-Stim™. We love seeing people enjoy a happy, healthy life well into their golden years and we might even put it in our magazine- ALR or here on our website.

Q: Will Zero-Stim™ effect or disturb my sleep at all?

A: No, Zero-Stim™ has no CNS stimulants in it. If you are looking for that perfect stimulant-free fat burner, which is as effective as Hyperdrive 3.0+™ then Zero-Stim™ is your answer!

Q: What is the optimal time to take Zero-Stim™?

A: Typically, you want to take Zero-Stim™about 15 minutes before major meals throughout the day. This will allow your body to take advantage of the nutrient portioning effects as well as the heightened insulin sensitivity that comes from use of Zero-Stim™.

Q: Can I take Hyperdrive 3.0+™ with Zero-Stim™?

A: Zero-Stim™ was designed to be a great stand alone product for those who do not like the stimulant effects, but want the results like seen with Hyperdrive 3.0+™. However, the synergy of Zero-Stim™ in conjunction with Hyperdrive 3.0+™ produces an even stronger overall effect. Also, for those of you who use Hyperdrive 3.0+™ in the morning and who want to keep the effects rolling all day long without the over use of stimulants, Zero-Stim™ is the answer.

What are Healthy Bacteria Probiotics?

Probiotics have become increasingly popular especially as people are living longer and the stress that Americans put on their bodies. Probiotics are living healthy bacteria that are essential microorganisms found in your digestive system. Probiotics have been labeled "good bacteria" or "friendly bacteria" as not to confuse with most people's idea that all bacteria are harmful to your health. You many not know that probiotics are found in the food we eat.

There are many reasons why probiotics are paramount for healthy living. First, probiotics support the prevention of illness that attacks many American's immune systems. Second, probiotics restore the healthy bacteria (flora) back into your gut for optimal digestive functioning. Also, probiotics have bring the body back into balance from stress, poor diet choices, and physical activity.

Probiotics by definition are "live microorganisms, which, administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." When looking at probiotics, it is important to understand that there are many different strains of probiotics needed for optimal health. Some of the top products on the market have over 16 active stains of different probiotics in their supplement formulations. Each strain plays an active role in your digestive and overall health.

Probiotics are not prebiotics which are non-digestible food substances that enhance the functioning of healthy microorganisms already found in your colon. Probiotics and prebiotics work together in your digestive system in a synergistic relationship.

One of the more common ways for people to get all the different strains of probiotics that they need is through high quality supplements. Probiotics can also be found in yogurt, certain milk products, miso, soy milk products, and tempeh. New, products have probiotics fortified during the preparation period when not found originally with the product.

Probiotics are made up of the good bacteria in your gut. Most probiotics come from two different groups of probiotics called Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. One of the most common probiotics is Lactobacillus acidophilus which is one of many different strains of probiotics. Some other probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii are yeasts and not bacteria.

Stress, poor diet choices, physical activity, and the medications we take all reduce the number of healthy bacteria or probiotics in our digestive system. Your body is at risk for illness, digestive functioning issues, and reduced effectiveness of your immune system when probiotic levels are low in your gut. This is the main reason why probiotics have become popular in reason years, as almost all Americans found into at least one category for why probiotic levels can be low.

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Periodization Training: A Body Building Perspective

If you divide your yearly training into phases or cycles, you'll maintain a better mental outlook, more motivation and your body will also respond better physiologically.

The first phase of training is the one that builds muscle size and pre-orients your muscles to be geared up (condition-wise) to go for strength and power which will theoretically allow you to even add more muscle size. Plus, you will condition your tendons and joints to handle the stresses of heavier weights to come.

It is recommended that you do 6-15 reps per set for size with the great majority of reps falling somewhere from 8-12 reps. Try 3-4 heavier "work" sets after a systemic warm-up plus 2-3 warm-up weight sets per exercise. As you might note, so far this sounds pretty much like a standard common sense bodybuilding workout.

The strength and power phases are next. This will be another 8-week cycle. To develop strength and power, the greatest athletes in the world generally work with 2-6 reps. Since we are geared to bodybuilders we adjust this slightly and in this phase, we advocate 4 - 5 sets of 5 - 7 reps. Here is how this cycle works. We'll use our previous example for the Bench Press where you ended Phase 1 at 235 for 10 reps. Do an active system warm-up, then with weights 95 x 10 and 155 for 10. On your final warm up set do 205 for 6.

Then go to your "target weight" which is actually only 10-lbs. above the weight you ended up at sets of 10 in your first phase. So, start at 245-lbs. x 3 sets of 5-6 reps. You are leaving yourself some extra so you continue to gain positively all the way through the cycle.

In physics, work is a measure of force and distance. (w = f x d). Power means doing a specified amount of work per unit time. If you can move mass M over distance D in 10 seconds and then (after training) move the same mass M the same distance D, but do it in 5 seconds, you are twice as powerful!

Our experience has been to spend a maximum of four weeks in the power phase and to use 2 -3 reps in benches and deadlifts, 3 - 4 reps in the squats and bent-over rows, and 5 - 6 reps for all other exercises. Again, follow your 2-3 warm-ups, and 3 power work sets and then do a down set of 10 reps with about 70% of your target weight, just as you did in the strength phase.

Phase 4 is the rest cycle, a must for great results and essential for building strength and lean mass. Be sure to add about a week of rest into your online workout program, about 1 week every 12. You'll love the way you feel afterwards!

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Creatine : Still the best Workout Supplement for strength, power, size and recovery

In the past decade, the sports and fitness world has seen many performance enhancing supplements arrive on the scene as the quest for maximum possible performance from the human body continues. Since I became a personal trainer 17 years ago I have personally seen and used dozens of different supplements, as much out of curiosity as to "what's new" as a desire to improve my performance and physique. From energy drinks to prohormones to protein supplements to nighttime recovery, I have experimented with many, and found a lot that I have chosen to keep using. Above all of them, however, the one constant that has ALWAYS been present since the very first time that I used it is creatine. It has proven to be one of the effective and safe supplements available when used properly. I always feel stronger and recover quicker using creatine when I participate in any kind of training that requires strength or quick bursts of anaerobic power. Any workout I do in the weight room or when rock climbing feels incredibly enhanced when I supplement with creatine, and I have no problem as an online personal trainer recommending this product to healthy individuals who can safely take the recommended dosages supplied by the manufacturers. I always say to people, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are a healthy individual who is cleared medically to participate in the high intensity training made possible by safe and proper creatine supplementation.

I remember the first time I took creatine back in 1995, and I did a leg press exercise as my first set of the workout. I easily lifted 10% more weight that I had been lifting before that day, and found I could do over 20% more repetitions per set with weights that I had been using. WOW! It was a very strange feeling to have that effect only minutes after taking the product. It was like a wonder pill, in some ways. As someone who loves lifting weights and being strong, it was a huge psychological boost to feel that different so quickly. Creatine has literally been a part of my training regimen ever since that day.

What was going on was that the main ingredient in the creatine supplement, creatine monohydrate, was enhancing my muscles' ability to produce effort before fatiguing. The monohydrate component of creatine monohydrate combines with the most immediate metabolic byproducts of intense muscular effort during exercise, which turns a large percentage of the byproducts right back into usable muscular energy. The muscle is able to lift more weight and fatigues later than without the supplement being present. My experienced increase in performance of 10-20% was right in line with what is the usual benefit.

The initial advantage to being able to lift more weight and do more repetitions is obvious: the body gets a better workout and a better stimulation to improve its performance levels. In addition to this first benefit, creatine also serves to pull more body water volume into the muscle cells, creating a fuller feeling of firmness in the muscle belly, which looks and feels good to the person using it. Muscle recovery is enhanced as well, so not only are the workouts better, the recovery from these workouts is quicker. Performance and cosmetic results are greatly enhanced.

Creatine supplements are always evolving coming onto the market in forms that manufacturers claim improve their results. They are now frequently combined with other performance enhancing ingredients in a single supplement to create amazing feelings of "pump" during a workout. And these latest versions of creatine supplementation are very effective and I have tried most of them. In the end, the actual way the creatine itself is acting upon the body and its effectiveness are largely unchanged from when I used it for the first time. It is a very effective and safe supplement when the manufacturer guidelines for use are followed or it is used in conjunction with a certified personal trainer.

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SciFit Products 20% Off for the Next 48 Hours

SciFit Products 20% Off for the Next 48 Hours

Now, for just the next two days receive 20% off all Scifit products when you use coupon code 2002. Plus, if you order today all orders over $75 will receive a free bottle of Once Daily Multivitamin.

SciFit has long been one of leaders on the cutting edge of sports and health nutrition. Sci-Fit offers over 600 products to fit every athlete, no matter what the sport or level of competition.

Featured Products: Kre-Alkalyn 1500, Beta Alanine 2000, Hunger Strike, Kreation, & SER 5

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EcdySterone 300 Clinically Outperformed Steriods with No Side Effects Sci Fit’s EcdySterone 300 is a product that finally offers the necessary dose of 20-Beta-Hydroxyecdysterone (a.k.a. ecdysterone) to achieve the numerous benefits uncovered through years of scientific testing. Sci Fit is one of the first companies to utilize advances in standardization techniques now available that enable production of a high dosed product that costs less than the steroids it clinically outperformed!

Ephedra Free Weight Loss Sci-Fit’s Thermal Cuts (Ephedra Free) is a natural formulation which may enhance energy levels, improve mental alertness, and increase fat utilization. If you are looking to use a safer ephedra free fat burner, Sci-Fit’s Thermal Cuts (Ephedra Free) is the product for you.

New Sci-Fit Supplement ReviewSci-Fit Nutrition has been a leader in the sport and nutrition science industry for years. Scifit recently released new products on the cutting edge designed to support athletes, fitness enthusiast, and people needing to lose weight the competitive advantage they need to be successful. Sci Fit understands what the weekend warrior to the stay at home mom need to achieve their health and fitness goals. Listed below is a review of new products by Sci-Fit.

Thermal Cuts

Scifit has released an all natural blend of herbs designed to increase energy, enhance the focus of the mind, and increase your ability to utilize and burn more fat. Thermal Cuts was formulated to offer a safe and effective weight loss solution that is ephedra free. What makes Thermal Cuts so effective is 8 optimized fat loss and energy boosting herbal ingredients. With Sci-Fit’s Thermal Cuts you will feel your body’s increase in energy as you burn away fat from your body.

Training Paks

With Sci Fit Training Pak you get the exact right blend of essential nutrition your body needs for optimal performance. Training Pack is the perfect nutritional starter for any male or female athlete. The more physical activity you do the more your body craves vital nutrients to rebuild and perform. Training Pak delivers in each pack a complete vitamin and mineral profile, creatine monohydrate, glutamine, and essential whey protein to rebuild muscle tissue. The best part of Training Pak is that you can get the nutrients you need in a simple and easy to take serving once a day. »MORE

The Differences Between Synthetic and Natural Nutritional Supplements

As online dieticians, we always establish the first things first: whole foods. The majority of your nutrition should come from sources of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, followed by lean protein and healthy fats. Then, to compensate for the deficiencies in our diet, or damage caused by toxins and free radicals in our body, we need to add multivitamins and anti-oxidants. Some supplements may help ensure that you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients or help promote optimal health and performance if you do not consume a variety of foods in proper amounts. Dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure disease. In some cases, dietary supplements may even have unwanted effects. Then there is this question: Which are better, "synthetic" or food-based "natural" dietary supplements? The proper nutritional program is essential to an effective online diet plan.

As with most research, both sides are supported and rebutted. Currently, the definition of "natural" in foods and dietary supplements has not been established by the government. Therefore, the interpretation can vary greatly. There is a common misconception that "natural" vitamins and minerals are extracted from plants in their pure form and as such are superior to "synthetic" vitamins and minerals, which are made in a laboratory. This can be misleading because it is not possible to extract pure vitamins from plants without considerable amounts of chemical processing. Also, the biological activity of a compound has nothing to do with its source, but is determined by its chemical structure. So really, whether the chemical originates from a leafy plant or a test tube, it is the same compound.

Some vitamin and antioxidant compounds can be efficiently synthesized in factories to produce products that are identical in chemical form to those found in nature and that are pure and fully safe. Some synthetic vitamins are preferentially absorbed over food sources and vice versa.

Folic Acid, for example, is preferentially absorbed and utilized over natural food folates that must go through several conversion processes to be utilized as folic acid.

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, which is the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Alpha-tocopherol is the name of the most active from of vitamin E in humans. It is also a powerful biological antioxidant. Vitamin E in supplements is usually sold as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form that protects its ability to function as an antioxidant, and is sometimes derived from soy. The synthetic form is labeled "D, L" while the natural from is labeled "D." The synthetic form is only half as active as the natural form.

There are no known differences in the biological activity of natural and synthetic L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). As reported by the Linus Pauling Institute, a study in 68 male nonsmokers found that ascorbic acid consumed as cooked broccoli, orange juice, orange slices, and synthetic ascorbic acid tablets are equally bioavailable, as measured by plasma ascorbic acid.

Most important: since the FDA doesn't regulate nutritional supplements, look for ones that offer purity, safety, effectiveness, bioavailability, and whether natural or synthetic, ones that are best absorbed and utilized by the body. Such standards may be upheld when a product has a GMP (good manufacturing practice) seal on it, is potency guaranteed and may also be reviewed by the following organizations:

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Benefits of Online Personal Trainer

Having an online personal trainer is fast becoming the preferred way to hire a personal trainer. LIVE was designed to offer everything that a person can get at a gym, online. An online personal trainer allows more flexibility with our busy and every changing lifestyles.

Online personal training allows for fitness to be performed on your time while still receiving the professional support and instruction that allows for successful weight loss and fitness performance.

Affordable Price

LIVE offers their online personal trainer programs for less than a gym membership. For only $9.95 you can have your own personal trainer. With the Live Lean program you can interact daily with your own personal trainer for less than one hour with a trainer. The best part, is that all LIVE plans include a dietician as well. You actually get a personal trainer and a dietician at this great value.

Workout from Anywhere

LIVE's online fitness plans can be performed anywhere. They are designed with manual equipment for you to workout at home or take your workouts to the gym. Also, because the workouts are online you can access them when traveling and still get your workout in. The exercises could even be performed in a hotel room!

Descriptive Instruction

People need to know how to do the exercises. Every exercise includes 3-5 photos of a real person performing the exercise, comprehensive description, and real person video with audio. No computer graphics, real people showing you how to perform every exercise. The best part is that the exercises can be downloaded to an IPOD or PDA and be taken with you.

Targeted heart rate training allows for every workout to burn optimal amounts of fat and calories. Never train and work hard with no results. With a specific heart rate zone each workout has a specific goal which challenges your metabolism to improve in the most effective way possible.

Personal Support

The most overlooked aspect of success results is support. Even Tiger Woods, the best golfer in the world, has a coach. So often having a professional coach is too expensive for most people. With online personal training you can have the support necessary to achieve your results at a price you can afford. No one is successful on their own.

When looking for an online personal trainer, important to find a program that offers a complete health, strength, cardio, and nutrition plan. A synergistic blend of the proper health aspects maximizes your ability to achieve your results in the fastest way possible.

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Zone Training for beginners to maximize workouts

Like Training programs that are based upon maximum heart rate, Anaerobic threshold (AT)-based training zones are relative to varying levels of intensity, each of which serves different training objectives. Each of these zones develops essential physiological functions that contribute to good health and improved fitness, especially the possibility of weight loss. So you should never limit your training to a single metabolic zone, although you may exercise predominantly in one zone for a given time in order to reach specific training objectives.

Except for rank beginners or people with health related limitations, all levels of intensity are appropriate to ensure maximum cardiovascular development and results. How much and how often you work in each zone will depend on your athletic goals and your current level of fitness (continue reading for a more detailed description of the zones and their primary applications).

Let's look at the volume of the different zones that should be performed weekly. As a rule of thumb, 60 to 65 percent of your total workout time should focus on Zones 1 and 2; 30 to 35 percent on Zones 3 and 4; and about 5 percent on Zone 5. But you need not incorporate all zones into a single workout. In fact, you'll get better results from designing a range of different workouts throughout the week - including long, easy ones in Zones 1 and 2, and shorter, tougher ones that occupy more time in Zones 3, 4 and 5.

ZONE 1: Warm-up Heart-rate range: 60 to 70 percent of AT.

Training objectives: Encourage blood flow and burn fat.

What's happening: This is almost a pure aerobic state, which you can maintain almost indefinitely without experiencing any rise in blood lactate.

Feeling: Comfortable to talk and breathe through your nose.

How long: 10-minute warm-up progressing to higher intensity zones for 45 minutes or longer. Depending on your fitness level, you may need to start with a shorter workout and build up to 45 minutes, or do several shorter workouts throughout the day.

Zone 1 basics: This is a good place to launch your fitness program if you are a beginner or returning to exercise after taking off several months or more. It develops basic exercise technique, endurance and an aerobic base. Ideally, if you are new to exercise, or returning to training after a long break, you should stay in Zone 1 for about six weeks before moving up in zones. Zone 1 is also a good place to recover from tougher workouts.

ZONE 2: Aerobic Development

Heart-rate range: 70 to 90 percent of AT.

Training objectives: Build aerobic efficiency and maximize fat burning at a higher caloric rate.

What's happening: A small rise in blood lactate occurs, yet the body can process it without buildup.

Feeling: You can still converse and may have the urge to go faster. Breathing deepens a bit.

How long: 30 minutes (beginner); 90 minutes or longer (advanced).

Zone 2 basics: Before developing your lactate tolerance or increasing your AT, you should fully develop your "aerobic base," and this is a great zone for moving that effort forward. Noticeable improvement in this zone generally takes about six weeks of consistent training. But don't worry: As you become more efficient and fit, you'll be able to work out faster in every zone. For fit people, Zone 2 is also a good place for active recovery.

ZONE 3: Aerobic Endurance Heart-rate range: 90 to 100 percent of AT.

Training objectives: Increase endurance. Here, you push your AT up to higher intensity by training your body to tolerate more lactate in the blood.

What's happening: As intensity increases, not all lactate produced in the cells can be shuttled back into the metabolic cycle. Lactate levels in the blood begin to rise and, with time, fatigue sets in.

Feeling: Breathing becomes noticeable, but not too difficult; conversation is restricted to short sentences.

How long: 20 minutes (beginner); one hour or more (advanced).

Zone 3 basics: Building endurance at your AT through long intervals (four to 10 minutes) at threshold range will help raise your AT and slowly develop your body's tolerance of lactate. This training adaptation also allows your body to burn fat more efficiently. The idea here is to rest between intervals with your heart rate recovering in your aerobic zone and then increase intensity again up to your threshold.

ZONE 4: Anaerobic Endurance Heart-rate range: 100 to 110 percent of AT.

Training objectives: Increase athletic ability by improving lactate tolerance. Here you're pushing AT and VO2 max (your body's highest ability to utilize oxygen), challenging the heart to work longer, and increasing cardiac output (more blood is being pumped with each stroke, thus requiring fewer strokes per minute).

What's happening: Your body switches into primarily using glycogen or carbohydrate to fuel its need for energy, and your blood-lactate levels dramatically increase.

Feeling: Breathing becomes heavy, difficult and uncomfortable. You may also experience "muscle burn" because of lactate buildup.

How long: Five minutes (beginner); 30 minutes (advanced).

Zone 4 basics: Run at an aerobic pace, then speed up or increase resistance until your heart beats at 110 percent of your AT range. Maintain this level for one to four minutes. Reduce the pace until your heart returns slightly below AT, but not completely back to the aerobic zone. Then repeat the interval.

ZONE 5: Speed and Power Heart-rate range: 110 percent of AT to MHR.

Training objectives: Increase athletic ability by improving neurological response, exercise mechanics, speed and muscle power.

What's happening: Your body is burning the last remaining fuel (glycogen) in your muscles and cannot sustain this maximum effort for more than a few seconds without succumbing to exhaustion.

Feeling: Extremely difficult and uncomfortable. You'll feel breathless and may hear pounding in your chest. You'll feel an intense desire to slow or stop.

How long: Typically several seconds.

Zone 5 basics: Your work here consists of sprints and very intense, short intervals (up to one minute). Although you can come in and out of Zone 5 several times during the course of a single workout, spending more than 10 percent of your total workout time in this zone increases your risk of injury. If you've done a significant amount of Zone 5 work, be sure to add recovery time (meaning a day or two of rest or working in Zones 1 and 2) before returning to Zones 4 and 5.

Progress Makes Perfect By using your AT as a marker for aerobic exercise, you can base your training on a highly individualized fitness parameter, without having to guess about percentages of MHR. This lets you take advantage of every exercise session, knowing you are making the most of your time and energy. And as your fitness improves, so will your AT - one of the best indicators of cardiovascular health, fitness and overall vitality.

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