Wednesday, April 30, 2008

U.S. Olympic Hopefuls Make Time to be Green, Play Video Games, Design Clothing Lines and Volunteer as XXIX Beijing Olympic Games Approach

(Health & Fitness),Today marks the official 100-day countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games. Over the next three months the eyes of the world will be on America's best athletes as they prepare to represent Team USA on the world stage. Many of these athletes have trained their entire lives in the hopes of competing for the United States at the Olympic Games. But despite long days of training, hectic international travel schedules and intense competition pressure many of these Olympians and Olympic hopefuls have managed to lead incredibly normal, interesting lives.

Aaron Piersol (Austin, Texas), a three-time Olympic gold medalist in Athens, is dedicated to protecting the water he loves so much. A diehard surfer from Oceanside, Calif., Aaron has teamed up with Oceana - an environmental advocacy group that protects the world's oceans. He has even started his own non-profit - Race for the Oceans - and fans can support it by sponsoring Aaron for every mile he swims during his Olympic training. He's also in the process of building his own "green" vacation house in Costa Rica.

Reese Hoffa (Athens, Ga.), a 285-pound shot-putter is not your "typical" athlete. For starters, he has no gall bladder. But the thing that truly makes him unique is the challenges he has overcome. He was given up for adoption at age three, but later, as an adult, he embarked upon an emotional quest and was reconnected with his birth mother. He carries his fierce competitive spirit into playing video games - his favorite way to relax after a meet.

Breaux Greer (Scottsdale, Ariz.) is a javelin thrower you won't forget. The spike-haired, barrel-chested Greer has an impressive collection of tattoos - and he wears only black when he competes. A former lead singer of a hard rock band, Greer hails from a tough neighborhood in Monroe, La.. His edgy personality is occasionally controversial but always entertaining.

Jeremy Wariner (Arlington, Texas) is a two-time gold medal winner in the 400m sprint - who picked up running as a sophomore year in high school. Besides his blazing speed, Wariner is best known for two things: his obsession with video games (he plays between one to three hours every day); and his fashion sense on the track - he always races wearing diamond earrings and sunglasses (even at night).

Shawn Johnson (Des Moines, Iowa), the reigning all-around champion at the 2007 FIG World Championships who spends over 10 hours each day in training, loves to steal away to bask in the fresh air and explore the outdoors. She spends what little free time she has mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. She is also an animal lover and volunteers at the Animal Rescue League.

Donny Robinson (Napa, Calif.), will compete in BMX Racing as the sport makes its Olympic Games debut this summer in Beijing. He is one of the favorites to win gold, even though he is the smallest competitor by six inches and 50 pounds. He has dreams of performing on Broadway, and loves to choreograph dance routines.

Allyson Felix (Los Angeles, CA), the 200-meter silver medalist in Athens and 2007 world champion, doesn't just look good sprinting across the finish line - this fashionista looks good every time she steps out of the house. When she's not sporting her track shoes, she is always looking for a chance to wear her red Christian Louboutins. But don't let her obsession with shoes fool you, Felix is firmly grounded by her faith in God, and her strong family relationships.

Sanya Richards (Austin, TX), deemed, "The World's Fastest Woman," has found precious medals both on and off the field. She was engaged to New York Giants cornerback (and Super Bowl champion) Aaron Ross in December 2007. The proposal was an unexpected surprise in the middle of a New York Giants-Washington Redskins Sunday Night Football game. An NBC camera, filling for its Olympics coverage, caught Ross asking Richards to marry him. She, of course, offered a resounding, "Yes." The couple has yet to announce a wedding date but revealed that the ceremony would take place in her hometown of Austin, TX. Between training and wedding planning, Richards also finds the time to volunteer for the American Behcet's Disease Association.

Dwight Phillips (Snellville, GA), a long jumper, recovered from two badly broken legs at the age of 14 to go on to win a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. In his spare time, he experiments with photography and has stepped into a completely new role as manager of an emerging hip-hop band.

Bryan Clay (Glendora, CA), was once a rebellious teenager, but his success in sports and acceptance of the Christian faith has led him to an incomparable work ethic, commitment to excellence and unwavering integrity. He has established the Bryan Clay Foundation which provides student-athletes with academic and athletic scholarships, and is providing high school physical education departments with equipment and improved facilities.

The Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games in Beijing will be held on 8.8.08.

For comprehensive Olympic athlete coverage and a full broadcast schedule,

visit NBC Olympics

Popular Kids Exercise Video Motivating Kids To Fitness With Fun Dance Exercise Moves

(Health & Fitness), Children from all around the country are working out to new 'DanceX for Kids', a fun dance exercise video for Kids with fun workout moves.

During a rainy day in Carey North Carolina, you will catch the kindergarten students in Mrs. Summer's class doing the 'washing machine' or the 'light bulb', These are a few of the fun and creative dance moves in the children's exercise video 'DanceX for Kids'. "The kids absolutely love the video and it's a great workout when they cannot go outside for recess", says Mrs. Summers.

Kids from Evergreen Elementary, who were Washington State Champions for the Governors Challenge for fitness and mileage, have greatly benefited from the 'DanceX For Kids' workout DVD. Tom Davis, a physical education coordinator, tested grades K - 6th grades and he affirms that the test results are astounding. Davis states that after practicing with the fun dance and fitness moves from the kids DanceX DVD, the students are performing much better and blowing away the test standards.

This children's exercise DVD is the creation of Washington, D.C.-based fitness expert, Kenn Kihiu. His new fitness DVD for kids is fun for of all ages and features some of the best music tracks from around the world (Disco, Latin, 50's, Bhangra, Africa, Brazilian Samba, Irish Dance, Classical and Soul) and has dance fitness moves kids will enjoy such as the Hand Jive, Cowboy, John Travolta Point, Disco Rolls, Hug Me/Hold Me, Irish Kicks, the Twist and many others.

According to the enthusiastic and motivating Kenn Kihiu, this kid's exercise DVD is about simple but 'slamming' athletic dance moves accompanied by some of the hottest music from around the world! Kenn is well known for his high energy, sense of humor and passion for health and says that his kid's video is such a great exercise routine that kids have so much fun they want to do it over and over! "I have gotten emails from Mothers who tell me that they have organized their kids 'fitness sleepovers' that revolve around working out to the DanceX 4 Kids fitness video", says Kenn.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Take the Ride of Your Life: The American Diabetes Association Holds Annual Tour de Cure

(Health & Fitness), The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is challenging riders to take part in the annual Tour de Cure, a cycling event to raise money for diabetes -- the nation's fifth-leading cause of death by disease. Tour de Cure is a ride, not a race, with 84 cities in 40 states participating this year. Tour de Cure raises funds to support ADA's mission -- to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.




Individuals and teams composed of co-workers, family and friends, who want to make a difference in the lives of the nearly 75 million people with or at-risk of diabetes, are welcomed to participate. Tour de Cure is designed for anyone from the novice cyclist to the experienced, with routes from 15-mile family rides to 100-mile century rides. The route will feature rest stops along the route with food to fuel the journey and fans to cheer riders on.

WHY WE RIDE

Tour de Cure is a ride for any individual or team who wants to enjoy a great day of cycling for a worthy cause--to find a cure for diabetes. Courtney Benefiel, an ADA advocate and frequent participant in Tour de Cure recently said "Everyone comes together for a common goal -- to cure diabetes." Her goal is to ride in every Tour throughout the country in the next several years. "Ultimately, I hope a cure will be found before I finish my last ride," she said.

With diabetes growing to near-epidemic proportions, close to 34,000 people have pledged to ride to find a cure. For more information about ADA's Tour de Cure, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-888-DIABETES (342-2383) or online at www.diabetes.org/tour.

National sponsors for Tour de Cure include Gold's Gym, Performance Bicycles, and Discovery Health Channel. National Teams include AT&T, Gold's Gym, Dignity Memorial, Valero, and Johnson & Johnson.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association is a community-based organization that provides services in every region of the country.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Spring Clean Your Way to NaturalChemical-Free Skin Care Products for Your Family

(Beauty), Its spring time and time for spring cleaning! This year, during this seasonal ritual, Stuff for Sprouts advises homeowners to be sure to go through bathroom cabinets and replace old, chemical-filled skin care products with natural alternatives.

According to Consumer Reports, only 11 percent of ingredients in personal care products are tested for safety in the United States. So how do you know which products contain chemicals or additives? When you look at the ingredients and you can't pronounce them? That's a really strong indication that you don't want to put it on your skin.

During Oprah's recent Earth Day special, green expert and author Sofie Uliano highlighted that healthy and natural skin care products are both paraben- and phthalate-free.

The entire Stuff for Sprouts line is formulated without using parabens, nut oils, animal products, soy, artificial colors, or chemical fillers. The company offers parents phthalate-free product choices. Stuff for Sprouts does not do any animal testing and always promises to produce products with "Nothing weird. Nothing gross. Just good stuff for dry skin."

"As a mother of two, I concern myself with ingredients that may be potentially harmful to my children," said Kristen Bassick creator and founder of Stuff for Sprouts. "I created Stuff for Sprouts to provide my own children with a healthy skin care alternative to what was being offered by my local drugstore."

Stuff for Sprouts Products

Cream for Extra Crunchy Kids is the powerhouse formula of the line with high concentrations of no less than 7 natural oils and butters chosen specifically for their ability to help sensitive, dry skin.

Lotion for Crunchy Kids is a lighter recipe appropriate for normal to dry skin. With healing Aloe Butter and Evening Primrose oil, it packs plenty of natural moisture-enhancing power.

Lip Stuff for Crispy Kissers, a generously sized balm with a handy oval shape, is perfect for one-swipe application to even the most resistant "Sprout". The Olive Butter intensive formula is smooth, long-lasting, and, most importantly, super-effective in wiping out winter-chapped lips.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

To Lose Weight, Take a Breakfast Break

(Diet & Weight Loss)/(ARA) It is often difficult to prepare a nutritious breakfast when your mornings are already short on time. But you may want to think twice before skipping the meal altogether.There's ample evidence to show that eating a nutritious, balanced breakfast is a must if you're trying to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Starting your day with a healthy meal not only improves your stamina and memory during those busy first hours, it also jumpstarts your metabolism for the day, says Bob Greene, an exercise physiologist, personal trainer to Oprah Winfrey and author of "The Best Life Diet." In fact, several studies have found that breakfast eaters consume fewer calories throughout the course of the day than breakfast skippers.

"People often pass on breakfast thinking that it will help cut calories," Greene says. "Instead, they make up for those calories later on, often in the evening, as they raid the cupboards for chips, cookies and other high-calorie foods. And, if people skip both breakfast and lunch, their metabolism may start slowing down. That's the last thing you need if you're trying to shed pounds. If you're short on time, try a protein smoothie. It provides a refreshing, on-the-go pick-me-up to keep you energized until lunch."

Smoothies are one of the easiest things to whip up at home with a blender and a little creativity. When you begin with a lean protein base like egg whites (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per smoothie), you'll have a beverage that will help keep you full and satisfied. Egg whites are an all-natural protein source that is fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories, making them ideal for a power breakfast.

Because they've been pasteurized and packaged in ready-to-pour cartons, AllWhites offer a safer and more convenient alternative to cracking and separating eggs. Look for AllWhites 100 percent all-natural egg whites in the dairy case of your local supermarket.

With your protein base in place, you can get creative with your favorite fruit and juices. The following recipe has just 282 calories, and is packed with 7 grams of fiber and antioxidants from green tea, raspberries and grapefruit juice to support healthy cells. Pair it with a whole grain cracker spread with a little peanut butter, or a couple of tablespoons of nuts, and you'll have a complete breakfast to enjoy either at home or on the way to work.



Raspberry Green Tea Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white grapefruit juice

1/3 cup ready-to-drink green tea

1/2 cup raspberries (frozen or fresh)

3/4 cup (6 ounces) fat-free vanilla yogurt

1/3 cup AllWhites 100 percent liquid whites

Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

1 serving (16 ounces)

For additional great tasting smoothie recipes and other healthy breakfast ideas visit www.betterneggs.com or www.thebestlife.com.

Odds Against Making Significant Life Changes 9 to 1 Against You

(Health & Fitness), Based on the principles of Cognitive Neuroscience, Mind Imaging Technology (www.brainwindow.com) provides the tool that allows users to map the building blocks of their mind: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It gives users the ability to see what is controlling their lives and the power to change it.

Based on the integration of 30 different fields of science, including Neuroscience, Physics, and Systems science, Mind Imaging offers reliable, measurable, lasting painless techniques that are 100% effective in people committed to the process.

The effectiveness of the changes can be measured with a stop watch as the barriers to time, space, language, force, and access are approached through the conscious mind, and reliable, measurable and lasting changes are achieved.

Users can quickly gain freedom from prescription drugs, depression, overeating, and addictions. People worldwide report dramatic changes in health, money, and relationships.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Beat Your Wedding Weight Loss Blues with Great Weight Loss Tips

(Diet & Weight Loss), According to recent research, women are more likely to want to lose weight for their wedding day than any other time in their lives. Most brides questioned by Proactol.com want to lose up to 20 lbs before their wedding. This usually accounts for a 10-15 percent decrease in their total body weight.


It is often the custom nowadays for women to buy a wedding dress which is one or two sizes smaller than their current size to make their weight loss more pressurized, thus more important and time sensitive to them.

Proactol.com has launched a new campaign to help women lose weight for their wedding day. They are offering tips on healthy and natural weight loss in response to this, as they are concerned about the extreme measures that young women undertake, such as skipping meals and taking weight loss pills which are from bogus companies out there.

"We are concerned that women are not approaching their wedding weight loss plans in the right way, so have decided to release some of the best weight loss tips specifically for brides. It's important that women realize that natural weight loss and healthy exercise should be part of the whole weight loss process" suggests Katie Downing-Howitt, Marketing and Product Manager at Proactol.com

Clinically proven, non-surgical weight loss is possible

Proactol™ is a clinically proven fat binder, which is well established as being able to bind up to 28% of your dietary fat, reduce calorie intake and help reduce food cravings.

With no known side effects, Proactol™ is a medically backed fat binder which is naturally organic and taken in tablet form.

As Dr Joerg Gruenwald, a widely respected medical professional within world class medical research, has asserted: "Proactol™ offers a healthy way of making it easier to take charge of your weight and eating habits. It is also addressing issues beyond weight management, such as lowering cholesterol and balancing blood glucose fluctuations."

Friday, April 25, 2008

Unique Weight Loss Program Unveiled in Time for Summer

(Diet & Weight Loss), The weight loss program, At The Heart of Success for Weight Loss, www.attheheartofsuccess.com/weightloss/ uses the latest discoveries to promote weight loss without the use of willpower. Success Coach, Teri Rose has masterfully combined success techniques with the latest discoveries about the mind, memories and quantum physics in a simple, easy coaching program that anyone can follow from the comfort of their home.

In order to illustrate the power of the subconscious mind, Rose shares her own story about the weight management problem that had plagued her since childhood. She says "As a child, I was only allowed to eat fruit as an after school snack while my friends ate cookies. Once I was out on my own, I always chose junk food as a snack. Years later I uncovered and removed an unrealistic subconscious belief that eating fruit was punishment and that I wasn't loved. I was amazed by the difference that made! Without even realizing it, I began choosing snacks like a beautiful red delicious apple over junk food. It happened naturally without any negative feelings. There was no longer an internal battle going on. That was the beginning of a new approach that was the end to my life of dieting. I changed on the inside and my weight changed on the outside."

Teri Rose works with clients in a way that takes advantage of the power of the mind. She uses new discoveries and techniques to help clients remove destructive subconscious thoughts that unknowingly control their behavior. And it's not only for weight loss. The process works for everything in life www.attheheartofsuccess.com, and Rose is a master at teaching people how to use it correctly.

To be successful with weight loss or anything else, the negative emotions coming from wrong beliefs must be removed. That requires getting out the toolbox. Teri Rose's coaching fits the client with the tools to find and remove the root cause of weight gain.

Changing the underlying beliefs makes a dramatic difference in the outcome.

Rose explains, "I was constantly being told how eating such and such was going to make me fat. Without realizing it, I was being programmed to see food only as something that would make me gain weight. Subconsciously, I struggled with every thought I had about food. It was the perfect formula for a lifelong weight problem."

What Teri Rose's clients appreciate the most about her programs is that she has overcome the very problems they are facing. She shares her vast experiences (www.terirose.com) that make her a walking testimonial. That experience makes her value as a coach skyrocket.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

12 Minute Makeover Saves Time and Works to Prevent Stroke

(Diet & Weight Loss), Maximized Living has launched the 12 Minute Makeover, a program that promises better overall health and maximum fitness at a commitment level of only 12 minutes per week! New research shows that being moderately fit can reduce the risk of stroke altogether in both men and women and although the majority of people can obtain a moderate level of fitness by committing to 30 minute power walks, 5 days per week, most don't have that amount of time to spare. The 12 Minute Makeover allows the body to reach beyond moderate, elevating you to your peak fitness level in only 12 minutes per week - in the comfort of your home!



Designed by Dr. Ben Lerner, The Maximized Living 12 Minute Makeover is more effective than long-duration exercises, such as an hour a day on a treadmill, due to the maximum effort in minimal time. Not only can the 12 Minute Makeover program greatly reduce your risk of stroke, but it can also eliminate toxins, melt away fat and even work to prevent - and control - diabetes.

Dr. Lerner says, "The 12 Minute Makeover workout has a positive effect on your hormone levels by allowing your body to work itself into a state of continued muscle-building and fat-burning that lasts even after the twelve minutes are over. Exercise also helps to keep the central nervous system, which acts as headquarters for your body, functional and in proper working order."

Please visit 12MinuteMakeover.com to learn how you can improve your health and fitness in only 12 minutes per week.

The Maximized Living Makeover is on a mission to change millions of lives! For more info, please visit: MaximizedLivingMakeover.com

Is Exercise Making Your Belly Fat?

(Diet & Weight Loss), n Dr. Eric Berg's new book
"The 7 Principles of Fat Burning," (www.DrBerg.com) he shows how the wrong type of exercise can actually cause a significant number of people to become fatter in the belly.
To effectively lose belly fat, he cautions, a person should first determine what type of body deficiency they have - adrenal, ovary, thyroid or liver. Then they should follow a specific dietary and exercise plan that addresses all the health issues associated with that body type.

"The body can't and won't release fat until it is at a certain level of health," Berg says. "It shouldn't surprise you to learn why your body is holding on so dearly to fat if you understand the purpose of fat. It is a survival mechanism, and the body will not let go of fat until the source of stress or the threat to survival is gone -- in other words, until the body is healthy."

The outside of the body gives us clues as to what's going on inside, he asserts in his book. In the case of the adrenal glands, the body when under stress will store energy (as fat) around the vital organs -- in the abdomen. If there is an ovary problem, you'll see excess fat accumulate around the hips and thighs with a lower stomach bulge just under the bellybutton. When there is a weakness in the thyroid gland, because thyroid hormones are directed into all cells of the body, an overall appearance of weight gain will occur rather than in just one location. And when the liver is weak, fluid can leak into the sac around the abdomen, giving a "potbelly" appearance.

With this in mind, he has found that many people are wasting a tremendous amount of energy exercising for nothing; some even gain weight. He says that different bodies, especially the Adrenal body type, need a very specific type of plan. The Adrenal type should not be exercising intensely, because this added stress worsens the problem. Exercise of any high intensity (over a pulse rate of 125) is contraindicated for the Adrenal body shape (midsection fat). The more the adrenal stress hormone (cortisol) gets triggered by exercise, the more fat is directed to the midsection. These types just don't experience any reduction of belly fat from intense exercise even after years in the gym.

Interestingly, exercise does not melt or burn fat, he adds; it merely triggers fat-burning hormones which do their work 24-48 hours later during deep sleep if, and only if, certain conditions are present. A person does not burn fat in any significant amounts, but rather at night during the recovery period (non-exercise period; downtime).

In his book he also shoots down a commonly held misconception that people should lose weight to become healthier. Health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and stroke all result from the same cause - an unhealthy body.

Dr. Berg says, "You need to be healthy first before you can actually lose weight." People have misassigned obesity as a primary cause or a disease, when in reality it is an effect or result of something else."

To watch Dr. Berg's Body Types video go to www.DrBerg.com

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

How to Safely Lose Up to 9 Pounds Every 11 Days

(Diet & Weight Loss), Fat Loss 4 Idiots is the new best selling weight loss diet available online that shows ordinary people how to safely lose up to 9 pounds every 11 days with their unique dieting methods and without any needing to use or buy fancy exercise equipment or expensive diet pills.

Fat Loss 4 Idiots has quickly become the number 1 rated weight loss product on the Clickbank marketplace that currently has over 10,000 popular digital downloadable products. Fat Loss 4 Idiots is also the perfect program for people wanting to get a six pack or get into great shape for summer.

Fat Loss 4 Idiots is a special diet plan that was created to speed up your metabolism and burn fat at an increased rate by not allowing your body to adjust to a certain amount of calories each day. This technique is also known as Calorie Shifting.

One user of Fat Loss 4 Idiots is quoted as saying, "I have to admit I was really worried this wouldn't work but so far I am very pleased. Today is day 9 and I am down 7 lbs. I've been recommending this to everyone (they are probably all sick of me by now) " - Jayde, USA

And another quoted, "Hi, I'm on day 8 and this diet works! I wasn't going to weigh myself till after the first 11 days but I couldn't wait. I'm down 7 pounds already. It feels great! I thought my pants were looser but didn't think I had lost that much. hope it keeps up!" - Suzanne, USA

One of the benefits of using the Fat Loss 4 Idiots weight loss diet is that you are not required to follow a low calorie or low carbohydrate plan that have become popular in recent times and have been shown to be too strict and too hard to follow for most dieters.

The main difference between the Fat Loss 4 Idiots program and others such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig is that the latter usually involve slower dieting progress over a longer period of time and generally achieve only 2-3 pounds of weight loss per week while FL4I focuses on faster weight loss without the need for costly pre-prepared meals.

For more information on how this diet and weight loss plan works visit: http://www.fatloss4idiats.com

Free Coronary Heart Disease Risk Assessment Calculator

(Health and Fitness), Private MD Lab Services, Atlanta, announced a new, free service to help Americans assess their risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. The Coronary Heart Disease 10-year Risk Assessment Calculator does exactly what its name suggests: By visiting the company's website and entering a few bits of information about themselves and their health, individuals can instantly know their risk of contracting coronary heart disease within the next 10 years.

According to the National Institutes of Health's National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) - which provided the underlying data used by the Calculator - major risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease include:

  • Cigarette smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Low HDL (or "good") cholesterol
  • Family history of coronary heart disease
  • Age (men 45 or older, women 55 or older)

But having one or more of the risk factors doesn't mean a person is doomed: there's hope. The NCEP lists a number of therapeutic lifestyle changes that can decrease one's chances of contracting coronary heart disease, including:
  • Reducing saturated fats and cholesterol consumed
  • Losing weight
  • Increasing physical activity
  • Considering drug therapy (over-the-counter or prescription cholesterol-lowering drugs)
By visiting the company's website, http://www.privatemdlabs.com/heart_disease_assessment.php, and entering a few bits of information about themselves and their health, individuals can instantly know their risk of contracting coronary heart disease within the next 10 years.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

1 in 5 Couples Admit to Espionage in the Home


(Dating & Singles), Oxford University has uncovered that at least 1 in 5 people in relationships are involved with reading their partners, text message, emails and 1 in 10 are checking up on their browsing history to check their partner is not cheating.

When experts at datingshoes.com read the report from the Oxford University they had a bigger question.

"Why is there such little trust between partners?"

Relationship coach and founder of datingshoes.com Steve Hedger, reveals that

"Secretly, most couples struggle to trust their partners."

So where does this lack of trust come from? Easy access to others via the internet and texting is one factor but what is really happening?

Every day we are being given a message that the lack of trust is everywhere. In the media, soaps that create affairs as entertainment.

Even in our circle of friends and work colleagues. Affairs and splits are a reality of life today. Therefore, the possibility of our partners finding someone better, slimmer, or more exciting is in the minds of many through these constant reminders. The result is affairs and splits have become more acceptable, until it happens to you.

What we have experienced through years of relationship coaching, is when two people decide to get together most do not understand why they have chosen that person to be with. They choose partners that make them feel good at that moment in time. Then over time find that their choice of partner does not fulfil their long-term needs. They start to feel bad and then look for ways to feel good. Many times that choice could be an affair or a split. The cost is huge.

"The reality is, people cannot trust themselves to pick the right person."

Datingshoes relationship experts have found the individuals who understood how their values worked, experienced a massive difference in their choices and actions. As a result, they experienced happier lives.

"If you do not understand values, then prepare yourself for pain."

"Many people do not understand values or even understand what a value is" say's Steve. "DatingShoes mission is to change this at a grass roots level. Where relationships start at the dating stage, where people are making decisions to be with others. They will understand how important there values are and what impact not understanding them will have on their lives." say's Steve.

For more information on choosing a life partner, and what critical values you need to have for you to be happy, go to www.datingshoes.com today.


Monday, April 21, 2008

Sugar-free Foods and Beverages Can Help With Spring and Summer Weight Loss Efforts


(Diet & Weight Loss), With the flowers finally in bloom and America's favorite baseball teams back at bat, spring has officially begun. And that means swimsuit season is just around the corner.

To prepare for the return to a skimpier wardrobe, some people may turn to weight loss pills and the drastic elimination of certain foods and beverages to quickly cure their weight woes. This spring, however, instead of eyeing the latest fad diet, try a more sensible approach by utilizing sugar-free foods and beverages.

Products sweetened with sucralose allow consumers to enjoy their favorite meals without worrying about the additional calories. For example, drinking a diet soda can save 150 calories. Over the course of a year, that daily calorie savings could result in a 15-pound weight loss.

"By making simple diet substitutions, consumers are able to slim down without sacrificing their favorite foods and beverages," says Beth Hubrich, a registered dietitian with the Calorie Control Council. "Sucralose and other low-calorie sweeteners can aid in weight loss efforts. Of course, portion control and regular exercise are also crucial to a healthy lifestyle."

According to a 2007 national survey conducted by the Calorie Control Council, 194 million U.S. adults enjoy low-calorie foods and beverages. The top reasons cited for the light product use include maintaining better overall health, calorie reduction and eating or drinking healthier foods and beverages.

This year, don't let swimsuit season be your worst nightmare. Start incorporating sucralose into your favorite recipes now in order to flaunt a healthier new you by summer.

Here are two recipes utilizing the low-calorie sweetener Splenda. For additional information or recipes, check out www.sucralose.org or www.splenda.com.

Blackberry Twist Lemonade

(Serves 7)

2 cups fresh blackberries, or unsweetened frozen blackberries, thawed

1 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

4 cups cold water

Combine blackberries, lemon juice, and SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener in a blender; process until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Press mixture through a sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Stir in water. Serve over ice.

Calories: 30

Total Fat: 0g

Total Protein: 0g

Carbohydrates: 8g

Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Poppy Seed Dressing

(Serves 6)

Dressing:

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard

2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Salad:

8 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 avocado, slightly ripe and slightly firm to the touch

1 cup coarsely chopped jicama

4 ounces sliced turkey breast

1 turkey bacon, cooked

2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

1/3 cup frozen yellow corn kernels, thawed

Prepare Dressing. Pour half of the buttermilk into a small saucepan. Add the cornstarch and stir well, using a wire whisk. Stir until the cornstarch is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbling (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat. Pour buttermilk mixture into a medium bowl. Add remaining buttermilk, SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener, Dijon Style Mustard, reduced-fat mayonnaise and salt. Stir well. Add poppy seeds and stir well. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour or until ready to use.

Prepare salad just before serving. Place romaine in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Slice avocado in half. Remove pit. Peel avocado or scoop avocado out of the skin with a large spoon. Chop avocado into approximately 1/2 inch chunks. Place in the bowl with the romaine lettuce. Add chopped jicama and toss. Refrigerate romaine salad blend until ready to use. Set aside.

Cut the sliced turkey breast into small strips. Toss with about 2 Tbsp. of the chilled dressing and refrigerate until ready to use.

Chop the red pepper into thin, one-inch long strips. Set aside.

Chop the cooked bacon into short crosswise strips. Set aside.

Assemble salad. Toss 2/3 cup dressing with the romaine salad blend. Place on a serving platter. Place turkey in the center of the salad. Sprinkle over the entire salad the strips of bacon, blue cheese, corn and red pepper strips. Serve immediately. Serve any remaining dressing on the side.

Calories: 160

Total Fat: 10g

Total Protein: 8g

Carbohydrates: 14g

The Calorie Control Council, established in 1966, is an international non-profit association representing the low-calorie and reduced-fat food and beverage industry. Today it represents 60 manufacturers and suppliers of low-calorie, low-fat and light foods and beverages, including the manufacturers and suppliers of more than a dozen different dietary sweeteners, fat replacers and other low-calorie ingredients.


Friday, April 18, 2008

Bounderball Revolutionizes Exercise and Core Conditioning


(Fitness Gear) Bounderball, a patented form of dynamic exercise equipment, proudly announces its debut as a safe, proven and professionally certified means of enhancing core strength, agility and other training regimens for fitness enthusiasts of all interests, from beginners to acclaimed athletes. This three-handle harness system, made with complex nylon webbing and thick neoprene covers, transforms a standard exercise ball into an incredibly versatile conditioning tool.

The product, available for purchase online at www.bounderball.com/store.html, is the brainchild of Dr. Steven Roberts, a personal healthcare expert and wellness consultant. Video demonstrations of Bounderball are also available at http://bounderball.com/fitnessVideo.html.

"Bounderball reflects my lifelong commitment to intelligent medicine and sound fitness, a philosophy that empowers individuals to incorporate these principles into a wide variety of physical activities.

This revolutionary form of training - the harness straps work intuitively, like a belt - makes a stability ball a conditioning powerhouse for people of all ages. These benefits apply to daily living, enabling users to improve their 'fast twitch' (or torso rotation speed) in sports as diverse as golf, tennis, baseball, soccer, and track and field," states Dr. Steven Roberts, CEO and Founder of Bounderball. "Bounderball also economizes precious floor space: hook it, hang it, transport it, store it - and grab it when you want. The age of cumbersome, expensive exercise equipment is over."


Rhimba Fitness - Dance Exercise DVD Released


(Diet & Weight Loss) Rhimba, Inc. is a new fitness company that has combined dance, fitness and music from around the world. Rhimba has just recently launched their new website www.rhimba.com. Their dance exercise DVD is approximately 54 minutes long total of which the workout is approximately 40 minutes long. The workout consists of a warm up section, Latin, African, Belly Dance, European Folk, Reggaeton and a stretch & tone section which is also the cool down. The DVD also has a 10 minute learning section at the beginning in which the instructors explain how to do the harder steps.

To promote their company and to better connect with people, Rhimba Fitness will be at the following events: Orlando, Florida, April 18th to the 20th 2008 - at the Hispanic Business Expo and in Miami, Florida, April 26th & 27th 2008 - at the Health & Fitness Expo. They will have live performances on stage to introduce their new fitness workout. Expo attendees are welcome and encouraged to participate in the dance exercise to experience it first hand. The Rhimba team will be giving away free DVD's to anyone who joins in the dance workout on stage.

Real life success story, Miriam Morales, says, "Rhimba is absolutely wonderful! I suggest you all go out and get it. Whatever you want to lose, you name it, you got it and you'll lose it!"

The company was originally started by 3 business professionals who are also fitness enthusiasts. They saw the need for a new fitness workout that would be fun, challenging and different from the rest. The original three, Peter Nagy, Sr., Dwayne Alers and Peter Nagy, Jr. were joined by two professional dancers Katie Leavitt and Amal Kronvold. Together they created a synergy of dance and fitness fused with "flavors" from around the world to shape up your body and shake up your life.


Thursday, April 17, 2008

The Top 5 Reasons Why It's Hard for Women & Men to Burn Body Fat


(Diet & Weight Loss) Men and women struggle with fat loss for different reasons, but does one sex have an easier time with weight loss?

Here are 5 reasons men and women struggle with weight, and the 3 essential techniques everyone must follow in order to burn fat and boost their metabolism.

#1) The number one reason men and women have a hard time losing weight is because of poor nutrition.

Advantage: Women

Most women are better educated on food choices, but men continue to eat as if they were still playing college football. As a result, men will have a harder time losing weight because no matter how much they exercise, they are still eating too many calories. You can't "out-train a bad diet".

#2) The second reason men and women struggle with weight loss is because their metabolism decreases over time due to muscle loss and reduced activity.

Advantage: Men

Most men have more muscle mass and get more exercise than women. Plus, more men do strength training while women neglect this key element of the fat burning equation. In fact, a recent study showed that both men and women can lose fat and gain muscle at the same time with strength training - even at age 60!

Without strenght training and interval training, women will continue to burn fewer calories per day with each passing year and will have a harder and harder time with fat loss.

#3) Men and women will struggle with weight loss if they only rely on slow, boring cardio.

Advantage: Men

More men do interval training, and that is better than slow cardio for fat loss.

In a recent study, men and women on a year-long cardio program lost only 6-8 pounds, even though they exercised 6 days per week. In another study, a group of women did not lose weight after 15 weeks of cardio (3x's per week). In contrast, a group of women in the same study that did interval training were able to lose belly fat.

#4) Men and women have a hard time with weight loss if they don't have social support.

Advantage: Women

Most men try to do everything on their own, but weight loss is easier if you have social support. On the other hand, most women are more willing to recruit help from friends and family when on a weight loss program. Men and women can get social support from friends at work, from their family, from people at the gym, or even in an online fat loss forum.

#5) Men and women struggle with weight loss because of poor execise choices.

Advantage: Tie.

Most guys and gals just show up at the gym without a plan - or they just go for a jog and do some crunches. But without a professional plan, both men and women will not lose weight, but only waste time.

To lose the most amount of fat in the least amount of time, both men and women should follow a program containing the following three essential elements...

A) A reduced-calorie diet of whole, natural foods.

No one needs an extreme eating plan. Just focus on eating 10-20% fewer calories than you need, focusing on vegetables, fruits, nuts, and sources of protein and healthy fats. Stay away from anything in a bag or a box.

B) Resistance training (Strength training)

Resistance training, using dumbells, bodyweight exercises, or barbells help men and women burn fat and build muscle.

C) Interval training

Short bursts of exercise, as done in interval training, work better than slow, boring cardio, and get results in half the time.

In a recent transformation contest, both men and women using a fat loss program of resistance training and interval training were able to lose up to 33 pounds of fat in only 12 weeks. The top 8 transformations have been posted and anyone can vote for free to pick the winner.

There are 4 women and 4 men, and each have made amazing changes, but has one gender lost more body fat than the other?

Find out and cast your free vote in the Turbulence Training Transformation Contest, visit:
http://www.TransformationContest.com


Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Lowering High Blood Pressure With Lifestyle Changes: The Latest Findings


(Diet & Weight Loss) High blood pressure is more treatable than ever before, thanks to a wide variety of lifestyle measures and medications, according to a new study led by Johns Hopkins professor Dr. Lawrence Appel.

These lifestyle measures can not only lower blood pressure, but also reduce the risk of complications from hypertension: stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease.

What this new high blood pressure study has shown:

The research shows that the effects of lifestyle changes for treating high blood pressure are additive. Thus, the more you adopt, the greater the benefits.

In a study led by Dr. Lawrence Appel (co-author of the 2008 Johns Hopkins Hypertension and Stroke White Paper), people with pre-hypertension or mild hypertension who lost weight, followed the DASH diet, reduced salt and alcohol intake, and exercised regularly, lowered their systolic blood pressure by an extra 4 mm Hg over a six-month period, compared with people who only received advice on these lifestyle changes.

By making lifestyle adjustments, you'll also improve the effectiveness of your blood pressure-lowering medication and lower your risk of hypertension complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Many people can keep up the diet and other lifestyle changes that help control hypertension and ward off disease, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (Volume 144, page 485).

How the high blood pressure study was conducted:

In a study of 810 adults with pre-hypertension or mild hypertension, researchers found that those who underwent a lifestyle overhaul were generally able to maintain the changes during the 18-month study. However, it did take some effort.

Participants had regular counseling sessions on how to incorporate lifestyle changes into their daily routines -- which included eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products; cutting down on saturated fat and sodium; getting at least three hours of exercise a week; and, if overweight, trying to shed 15 pounds.

Some participants received only advice on making these lifestyle changes, and they served as the control group. Compared with the advice-only group, those in the counseling group were about one-fifth less likely to have hypertension at the study's end.

These findings show that with some help, small lifestyle changes can add up to effective results in lowering high blood pressure.

For a copy of the free special report The Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Guide to High Blood Pressure

The Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Guide to High Blood Pressure


Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Missing Link between Belly Fat and an Increased Death Risk


(Health and Fitness LifeStyles)/PRWEB - Women who carry excess fat around their waists are at greater risk of dying early from cancer or heart disease than were women with smaller waistlines, according to a new study just released from the National Institute of Health.

C.W. Randolph, Jr. M.D, R.Ph. internationally recognized medical expert in the field of bio-identical hormone replacement and co-author of FROM BELLY FAT TO BELLY FLAT, believes "The results of this study validate my clinical experience in treating thousands of overweight patients for more than a decade. What is surprising is that this study fails to identify the underlying medical condition that predisposes women with belly fat to suffer from potentially lethal chronic diseases. The medical condition termed "estrogen dominance" is the missing link here."



Researchers followed more than 44,000 women over the course of 16 years to track their medical history and lifestyle. The majority of the women who took part in the study were white, the researchers do not know if their findings pertain to other groups of women or to men. All the women included in the study were registered nurses. At the beginning of the study the women were asked to measure their waists and hips. Every two years, the women completed questionnaires about their health, providing information about their age, activity level, smoking status, diet, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The researchers examined the cause of death for all women who died over the course of the study. In total, 3,507 deaths occurred---of these, 1,748 were due to cancer and 751 were due to heart disease.

The researchers discovered that women with greater waist circumferences were more likely to die prematurely, particularly from heart disease, when compared to women with smaller waists. For example, women with waist size equal to or greater than 35 inches were approximately twice as likely to die of heart disease as were women with a waist size less than 28 inches, regardless of their body mass index. Similarly, women with a waist size equal to or greater than 35 inches also were twice as likely to die of cancer as were women with a waist size less than 28 inches.

According to Dr. Randolph, "Medical research shows that the average woman will gain one to two pounds around her middle between the ages of 35 and 55. The reason is that age causes a shift in hormonal production resulting in the body becoming 'estrogen dominant' at a cellular level. This condition of estrogen dominance predisposes women over 30 to pack those pounds around their waist. Also, belly fat actually produces even more estrogen therein compounding the problem."

"The good news," says Randolph, "is that women do not need to accept that it is inevitable that as they age they will gain weight, get sick and die early. In my book FROM BELLY FAT TO BELLY FLAT I outline a 3 Step Program to safely and naturally eliminate estrogen dominance via bio-identical hormone replacement, a nutritional program of specific foods and supplements that eliminate extra estrogen through the bowel and life style recommendations to keep stress and sleeplessness from sabotaging hormone balance. "

Dr. Randolph says "More research in this field is definitely warranted. My question to the NIH is why the links between estrogen dominance, weight gain, chronic disease and death risk have not been investigated before now?"

Friday, April 11, 2008

Secrets to Weight Loss


(Weight Loss) National cardio free diet expert, strength training consultant, personal trainer and author, Jim Karas is scheduled to discuss the benefits of a cardio free diet in a free 70-minute live teleseminar which will be held at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on Thursday, April 17, 2008. Karas will reveal secrets of the link between the cardio free diet and weight loss success designed for people who want to spring into action and create lasting results in their fitness and diet programs.

Participants in this informative teleseminar will hear firsthand, from Karas, why running and aerobics may not be as effective as people think. They will explore how the heart and body respond to stress and the relationship between interval training, building lean muscle and burning calories.

Jim Karas is the Fitness Contributor on ABC's "Good Morning America" show and author of New York Times bestseller "The Business Plan for the Body" and "Flip the Switch". He is the creator of the Cardio Free Diet exercise programs and is a regular featured expert contributor on nationally syndicated news and entertainment shows including CNN, Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood.

Karas has worked with over 500 celebrity and personal training clients to produce results and individual success stories. This feat is crowned with the fact that Allure magazine named Jim Karas as one of the top personal trainers in the country and his work has been featured in Vogue, "O" The Oprah Magazine, Time, People, Men's Health and Elle.

The Cardio Free Diet, incorporated in a healthy lifestyle, coaches people on how to lower cholesterol, minimize blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, lessen joint related pains, as well as improve posture and counteract stress. Karas will also answer important questions about cardio free exercise and personal fitness results.

The Cardio Free Diet is part of an ongoing Ask-the-Expert teleseminar series hosted by Eddie Miller. Miller, America's Ultimate Potential Coach and is the founder of the Ultimate Health Group, LLC.

Visit www.askjimkaras.com or www.ultimatehealthliving.com for more information about the benefits of interval strength training.




It's Not Easy Being Beautiful ... But it Can Be with Some Help from the Experts

(Skin Care) Does your makeup bag need a spring makeover? If your answer is yes, then it's time to do something about it. But how do you find out what products work best for your hair, skin, and face ... without spending a fortune testing every product out there?



In Style's 13th annual Best Beauty Buys issue is here to help. For months, a team of editors from the magazine grilled almost 200 experts including dermatologists, celebrity hairstylists, and makeup artists to determine the best products in makeup, skincare, hair care, body, sun care and nail treatment. They tested hundreds of products at a range of price points for every budget, skin type and tone. Their top picks are sure to make any woman go from drab to fab with little effort.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Safe, Simple and Scientific Secrets to Successful Weight Loss


(Weight Loss)/(ARA) - "Sustainability" is the current favorite buzz word of the environmental movement. But what if you applied the concept of sustainability to your weight-loss and health-improvement efforts?



The results would be life altering, says Joe Dillon. And Joe should know. He has coached 22 Olympic Gold Medal Winning athletes. Since 1979, Joe has coached literally thousands of one-on-one clients from athletes to doctors to CEO's of Fortune 500 companies. An inspirational speaker, Joe has spoken to millions of people including national sales meetings, all the major dental meetings, medical schools and was Speaker of the Year for Vistage, the world's largest organization of CEO's. Born in 1944, Joe is 7 percent body fat with a resting heart rate of 40. Dillon clearly walks his talk.

"Health and fitness are attainable at any age, no matter how busy you are," says Sandy Terrien, Dillon's business partner and a nationally recognized speaker and certified personal trainer and fitness consultant. Born in 1957, Sandy is 10 percent body fat with a resting heart rate of 42.

"Improving our health - and in direct correlation, our lives - is a prime objective for many of us," Dillon says. "Occasional diets and sporadic exercise, fads or ignoring the problem, won't get the job done. What's needed is a fully-aware, whole-life approach."



If you're considering taking steps to alter your health and change your life, evaluate any fitness plan on the following points, Dillon advises:

Sustainability

"There's no quick fix," Dillon says. Optimal health is a way of life. "We live and teach a practical, sustainable lifestyle. Our program works at home, at the office, on business trips and even on vacations." Joe travels over 300,000 miles a year. Whatever you do counts. "Our program is about progress, not perfection," says Joe. "It has to work for you and in your life."

Safety

"Our number one rule is: 'First do no harm,' " Dillon notes. "Our program is safe and optimal for pregnant women, lactating women, new born infants, as well as both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. "

Scientific

Is your new plan based on consensus science and the most current research available? Programs like The Joe Dillon Difference, that are based on empirical research and proven science, provide maximum opportunity for success and also allow flexibility to evolve as new information becomes available. Apply empirical principles to your own progress, as well self measurement, annual blood tests and physicals to measure and substantiate your results. "Listen to your body is what we teach," says Dillon. "We encourage you to pay attention to the feedback your body gives you and we teach you how to tailor our program to exactly meet your body's needs - all based on empirical scientific evidence."

Simplicity

"We all have busy lives," Terrien says. "We believe a healthy lifestyle should be simple and practical enough to work in the real world." Complicated systems and unrealistic goals make it harder to achieve life-changing results. "We will teach you 4 simple principles that are safe, scientific, effective, and life changing."

Self-Responsibility

"There is only one person who cares about your health. You. If you don't care, no one cares," Dillon says. "Your health is your choice. Actions, like the food you put in your mouth, have consequences. All change is internal. We will teach you how to transform your life. And always remember: You are worth it"

To learn more about Joe Dillon and his empowering weight-loss and health-improvement principles and techniques, visit www.thejoedillondifference.com.

On Dillon's Web site, you'll find a wealth of information on how to successfully take control of your health, your weight and your life, as well as an online store of supplements and tools. Members also have access to Dillon's acclaimed video coaching series through the Web site.

Winning at Weight Loss Takes Team Effort


(Weight Loss)/(ARA) - Many overweight individuals try to lose those extra pounds on their own, instead of finding help that can teach them how to get and stay healthy. Interestingly, recent studies show that not only does the likelihood of being overweight increase among friends and family members, but also the opposite holds true.

When people joined a group based weight-loss program with friends and family, they lost more weight and kept it off better than those who joined the same program alone, according to research published in the Journal of Consulting Clinical Psychology.


"Obesity isn't a problem that occurs in a vacuum," says Karen Miller-Kovach, chief scientific officer of Weight Watchers International. "It should be no surprise, then, that the solution also doesn't occur in one either."

Whether simply working to lose weight and exercising with a friend, or attending group meetings through an organized weight loss program, people find better success with support, studies show. Witness the Weight Watchers phenomenon: those who attend meetings lose, on average, three times more weight than those who try to lose weight on their own, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Still not convinced that group support will work for you? Consider these tips when evaluating a weight loss support group.

* Look for a group that offers nonjudgmental support. "Few of us respond well to pressure and embarrassment," says Liz Josefsberg, Weight Watchers Leader. Find a group, like Weight Watchers, where your progress is praised but not necessarily shared - unless you want it to be. "No one shouts out your weight or shares it with anyone but you," Josefsberg says. "And if you don't want to know it, we won't tell you either. We'll note it in the computer for later so you can track your progress."

* Seek a setting where the emphasis is on total health and how your progress makes you feel, rather than on the numbers. Most of us have enough stressful goals to achieve at work and home; a weight loss goal should be something that makes you feel positive, not stressed. A gathering where you are able - but not required - to speak up and share will create a supportive, positive and stress-free experience.

* Both sexes need - and succeed with - support. Weight isn't just a woman's issue; both sexes struggle with obesity and the health ramifications of excess weight. Cardiovascular disease, which includes weight-related problems like heart disease, hypertension and stroke, is the number one killer of women, according to the American Heart Association. Losing 10 percent of your body weight is not only the first big step toward your ultimate goal weight, but it can also reduce your risk for many diseases and increase your self-esteem.

* Programs that advocate a specific quick-fix diet may be successful for some people for a period of time, but are difficult to sustain in the long run. Seek a weight loss program that emphasizes healthful variety and portion control, rather than a restrictive diet that may make you feel deprived. This allows you to fit your weight loss program into real life, including special occasions like birthdays, weddings and get-togethers.

* Meetings should be dynamic, diverse and fun. For example, Weight Watchers meetings not only include weigh-ins, but information on a weekly weight-loss topic, as well as support, tips, strategies from others sharing your weight loss journey.

* It is helpful if group leaders have gone through the program themselves and successfully lost weight as a result. "You wouldn't take your car to a mechanic who'd never driven one," says Josefsberg. "You'll benefit more practically and emotionally from guidance delivered by someone who's successfully lost weight following the same program you're following."

* Look for a weight loss program incorporating support that fits conveniently into your life. Most of us find weight loss challenging enough without compounding the difficulty. Programs like Weight Watchers now offer many meeting sites and online tools to help you stay on track between meetings.

You can find a Weight Watchers meeting by logging on to www.weightwatchers.com, or by calling (800) 651-6000.

Men's Health Expert Reveals How to Lose Lower Belly Fat and Flatten Lower Abs


(Weight Loss)/

Men's Health expert fitness trainer Craig Ballantyne believes that men and women can lose their belly fat and get flat lower abs with fast fat loss workouts. He even believes you can "spot reduce" and lose your tummy fat with a specific type of exercise -- and no, it's not ab crunches. Plus, he knows specific abdominal exercises that can flatten your lower abs.

"The classic ab crunch is generally a waste of time because the ab crunch doesn't work the entire main ab muscle (rectus abdominis). There are other better, unique ab exercises that men and women can do to flatten their lower abs," Ballantyne advises.

"And if you want to lose belly fat, forget about doing long, slow boring cardio for fat loss," Ballantyne insists. "You'll get more results in less time in your fat burning workouts by using interval training for fat loss. This was proven by a research study from Australia, who found that only interval training helped women lose belly fat, while doing cardio for twice as long did not!"

Some of Ballantyne's favorite abdominal exercises can be done with just your bodyweight or need only a common exercise ball. Here's a list of just a few of his favorite total body ab exercises that will help you get a flat stomach (provided you combine these exercises with interval training for fat loss):

* Exercise Ball Ab Rollouts
* Exercise Ball Ab Jackknives
* Hanging Leg Raises
* Side Planks
* and Plank with Your Arms on the Ball


Plus, if you have access to a commercial gym, his favorite resistance exercises for your abs -- to help you build a set of 6-pack abs -- include:

* Cable Chops
* Kneeling Cable Ab Crunches
* Standing Cable Ab Crunches


Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and fat loss expert who writes for Men's Health and Oxygen magazines. To learn more about strength training for fat loss and the pitfalls of cardio, get your Free Report: The Dark Side of Cardio at http://www.TurbulenceTraining.com


Fitness Seekers On Notice: Outdoor Boot Camp Season Has Arrived

(Weight Loss)/Fitness boot camp is moving out of the gym and into the great outdoors. Andrea "Dre" Everett, owner of D3 Boot Camp in Chicago, says it is time to rejuvenate your fitness regimen and get ready to have room to move. Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp is now enlisting!

What makes outdoor boot camp special? "We have more options," says Everett. "For example, we can run long distance sprints, which really change the dynamics of the workout." The Boot Camp Diva says that while indoor boot camp is a great way to keep fit in the winter months, moving outdoors energizes her clients because they take advantage of the warm weather and fresh air.

Cardiovascular endurance is an area where outdoor boot camp classes can really make a difference. Everett says that with a combination of cardio and muscle workout, outdoor boot campers "really get a full body blast." She says her indoor boot camps are challenging, but once outdoor season starts, "the workouts are really super charged."

Special considerations must be taken before starting outdoor boot camp. "I tell my members to bring a sweatshirt, mat, water, weights and mosquito spray once we go outside," Everett says. "Also, they need to wear good running shoes."

Additionally, Everett notes that outdoor boot campers face a greater risk of dehydration. "Members need to pace themselves and to bring plenty of water. Adequate hydration is the key to getting through these workouts."

But even beginners can benefit from outdoor boot camp. "Everything can be modified to the individual. We make sure everyone is working at their own personal max," the Boot Camp Diva says. The same class can have one person running multiple sprints while another walks briskly.

D3 holds BootCamp Divas for women only, BootCampCo-Eds for men and women, and coming soon BootKamp Kids for children 8-17.

D3 presently serves over 160 members in Chicago, and with the addition of outdoor boot camp classes Everett expects to nearly double her membership. Whether outdoor or indoor, D3 is one of the fastest growing fitness programs in Chicago. Everett has spent years perfecting her boot camp fitness program. Her experience has shown her, those who start a fitness program with a made up mind are the ones who get fit and stay there. D3's motto is -- "Made up minds get results."

Find out more at:

D3 Fitness Boot Camp South Loop Chicago www.d3bootcamp.com

Online Nutrition Service Features Diet and Weight Loss Tips That Work

(Weight Loss)/Leading workout website offers Online Nutrition Programs with real diet and weight loss results (http://www.hyperstrike.com/pages/Nutrition/). HyperStrike.com's meal plans are customized for each user based on fitness plan and personal goals.

"Our entrée based Online Nutrition Program includes a very health focused meal plan for each user based on their personal fitness schedule, diet plans (http://www.hyperstrike.com/pages/Nutrition/) and weight loss goals," explains Michael Greeves, CEO of HyperStrike.

The HyperStrike Online Nutrition Program starts with a nutritional assessment to determine the recommended daily caloric intake for each member. This number is based on each individual profile and daily fitness plan as well as weight loss (http://www.hyperstrike.com/pages/Nutrition/) and diet goals.

Next, a custom meal plan is created based on each member's nutritional assessment results. Members are able to:

* Choose the number of meals eaten each day

* Add dietary restrictions and food preferences or dislikes

* Access a database of thousands of ingredients for hundreds of thousands of meal combinations

* Include favorite foods by entering custom nutritional information

Finally the Online Nutrition Program provides weight tracking resources to calculate members' goal weights and to track weight loss or weight gain throughout the program.

"We also offer specialized meal plans for dietary needs such as diets for hypertension, high fiber, pregnancy, endurance athlete, strength athlete, vegan, ovo-lacto vegan, heart healthy, gluten free and more," says Greeves. "Our Nutrition Program is great for anyone who is looking to start a healthy diet, boost their current diet plan or create a meal plan based off their fitness routine."

HyperStrike's offers the perfect combination of fitness plans with an Online Nutrition Program to keep members eating healthy and moving towards weight loss goals.

To learn more about HyperStrike Online Nutrition, visit HyperStrike.com/Nutrition (http://www.hyperstrike.com/pages/Nutrition/).

Spa Week is Back

Spa Week is back, offering $50 spa treatments in over 515 spas across the Country. Life is tough. Stress is omnipresent. Our Health is Our Greatest Wealth but in today's hurry-up world it's usually the last thing we think about. Americans have a "Plan" for just about everything, except their health. We spend more time developing a secure financial future than we do planning for a healthy future. The average American eats too much, smokes too much and doesn't get enough sleep. The perfect recipe for poor health.

Unfortunately, the only health plan that most Americans have is not to get sick. Over 47 million of us don't have health insurance and businesses lose tens of billions of dollars every year to lost productivity. Spa Week believes the old axiom: "Healthy, Wealthy and Wise" is more important today than ever before.

Wellness...at Spa Week, it's more than a slogan; it's a way of life. Spa Week believes that therapeutic spa treatments can play an important role in just about every person's overall wellness plan. Since its inception, Spa Week has delivered affordable spa treatments to hundreds of thousands of people in North America. Spa Week's time is now, to make a significant impact on the lives of the average consumer and show them how their financial and physical worlds can and need to co-exist. Who wants to be rich and sick or healthy and broke -- the answer is no one!

It's all about balance. Balance of the body, mind and soul. Combining these elements can create the perfect storm for a long, rewarding, healthy life. This is the message that Spa Week is championing. The spa industry is now positioned to impact everyone and anyone. Through its signature $50 spa treatments, Spa Week affords the average consumer the ability to enjoy all the benefits of the spa lifestyle.

The Spring Event will bring $50 spa treatments to consumers at over 515 spas across the United States and Canada. As always, the goal is to introduce a new generation of consumers to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and to open up the spa industry to the masses. Spa Week's goal is to make "wellness" more than just a word -- we intend to make it a reality. By educating consumers to the health benefits of the "spa lifestyle," Spa Week is taking a leadership position in the campaign to change the unhealthy course the country is navigating.

The Spring Event is slated for April 14-20, 2008 and will take place in 29 markets across the United States and Canada such as: New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Virginia, Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Oregon, Denver, Minnesota, Seattle, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Toronto. A list of participating spas will be posted on www.spaweek.org

The Biggest Loser Boot Camp Challenge "Comes to Calgary, Alberta - 30 teams will compete for $5000 in Cash and prizes!

"If I have to pay people thousands of dollars to get in shape I will." Sound dramatic? Well, there's no drama here. What Mr. Fine is speaking of comes from the Centers for Disease Control which states that "poor nutrition and physical inactivity account for some 300,000 premature deaths in the United States each year." If that doesn't constitute a serial killer, Mr. Fine wants to know what does.

"I'm hunting these killers down in the form of prevention and education, boot camp style!" Mr. Fine sees the consequence of poor nutrition and physical inactivity every day, in the form of emergency 911 calls such as strokes, heart attacks, diabetic emergencies and the like...he's now combating such killers with his outdoor fitness program known as Calgary Adventure Boot Camp.

"Our Contestants are in for a hell of a ride," says Allan H. Fine of Alberta Boot Camp. Starting April 21st 2008 we will be picking 30 teams of 2 from the hundreds who apply to compete for $5000 in Cash and Prizes.
No other fitness orginization in Calgary has ever put anything on like this. They will not only lose weight and get in great shape , but also compete head to head.

News Image
Just Like the TV Show contestants are going to lose weight and get in the best shape of their lives in 12 weeks. We have 3 trainers and 30 teams of 2 says Fine.

Allan H. Fine has been a fitness trainer for 18 years and a certified life coach for 3 years. He is the brains behind the Biggest Loser Boot Camp fitness challenge.

" We are seeing chronic rates of obesity in our society and the death and disease that goes along with it. Calgary in the fastest growing and wealthiest city in Canada right now."

Now is the time for Calgarians and Canadians in general to wake up and realize that no one is going to do it for them. People have to be proactive in their own fitness and wellness programs.

If even 50% of the population in Alberta exercised regularly, we would solve the health care crisis in our province.

Contestants will work out 5 days a week, for 1 hour a day and be provided with nutritional counseling and life coaching. On average most people will lose 30 - 40 lbs of body fat in this challenge.

" Even if they don't win the $5000 in cash and prizes , everyone will come out a winner." says Fine.

As far as workout times for contestants we have 2, 5:30 am time slots, a 12 noon time slot and a 5:30 pm time slot. Contestants can apply on line at http://www.albertabootcamp.com/biggestloser.htm

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Physical Activity Is Natural Pain Reliever for Arthritis

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when suffering with joint pain, but physical activity is actually a natural pain reliever for most people suffering from arthritis. A recent study published in Arthritis Care and Research concluded that regular exercise, specifically the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, is an effective course in significantly improving and managing arthritis pain. This is good news for the aging population of U.S. baby boomers who want to get back to basics with a natural remedy for pain. In fact, arthritis is projected to increase by 40 percent, affecting 67 million Americans, in the next two decades.

The in-depth study looked at the effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, developed in 1987 to reduce pain and stiffness by keeping joints flexible and muscles strong. Key findings of the study include participants reporting a decrease in pain and fatigue, an increase in upper and lower extremity function, and an increase in strength after participating in the basic, eight-week exercise program. Also, participants who continued the exercise program independently, beyond eight weeks, sustained improvement in reduced stiffness.

"The study showed that the exercise program is suitable for every fitness level, even inactive older individuals," said author of the study Leigh Callahan, Ph.D., Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Many people believe the myth that exercise exacerbates their symptoms. The truth revealed in the study is that symptoms improved with exercise."

Exercising for joint health is different than exercising for cardio health. People living with arthritis don't have to sweat to achieve success. The basic eight-week Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program consists of low-impact routines with gentle range-of-motion movements that can be done while sitting or standing.

"Even minor lifestyle changes like taking a 10-minute walk three times a day can reduce the impact of arthritis on a person's daily activities and help to prevent developing more painful arthritis," explains Patience White, M.D., chief public health officer of the Arthritis Foundation. "Physical activity can actually reduce pain naturally and decrease dependence on pain medications."