Thursday, January 10, 2008

My Own Bowflex Treadclimber - is it Exercise Equipment or an Excuse Eliminator?

Eliminating excuses is the first step on the path to physical fitness. This may be easier said than done...oops, that is also an excuse! We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and the body we were born with. Yet, people vary greatly in terms of fitness level. Why is that? Because the physically fit don't let lame excuses interfere with their commitment to their health.

Don't let the usual excuses keep you from starting, and sticking with, a reasonable exercise regimen:

1. "The gym is too far away/there isn't gas in the car/my cute workout clothes are dirty...{blah, blah, blah}"

Having your own exercise equipment, in your own domain, removes this line of reasoning. Forget commuting and work out at home. Not being willing or able to go somewhere doesn't have to get in your way.

2. "I don't have time to work out."

Working out will increase your energy, which will actually give you more time in your day, not less. And if you choose your exercises to give the most efficient workout, then 30 minutes, 3 times a week should be quite beneficial. That is possible by choosing fitness equipment that offers a variety of exercises, like the Bowflex Treadclimber, or a home gym that has multiple stations.

If you can't spare 30 minutes, 3 times a week for your own health, what on earth do you have time for?

3. "It hurts."

exercise should never hurt -- ever. Instead of giving up on exercise altogether, do low-impact activities. One way to ease stress on your knees and feet, for example, is to work out in water. Also, some exercise machines provide a similar effect. The Bowflex climber has "dual-treadles" that come up to meet your feet, which some say feels like walking in water.

It is important to always consult with a health care professional before starting any exercise routine, to ensure the activities you choose are appropriate. after all, the point is to get healthier, not injure yourself.

4. "Working out is boring."

No one said you had to do the same exercise over and over, until you're bored. Change it up a bit. Vary your routine to include your exercise machine three times a week, a brisk walk or jog twice a week, and swimming or yoga another once or twice a week. Your exercise equipment can also keep you from getting bored by enabling numerous different exercises (see #2).

5. "I'm too old to get in shape."

This might be the conclusion you draw if your exercise equipment doesn't offer you adjustable settings, to match the intensity to your current fitness level. That can lead to feelings of discouragement and keep you from wanting to continue. The Bowflex Treadclimber has adjustable settings and speeds, to customize your workout. after about six weeks, you'll probably feel younger, not older!

6. "It's not possible to look that good {as in before/after pictures or the bodies featured in commercials}."

No one can guarantee how you will look, at a higher level of fitness. But if you're getting healthier and have a good chance of looking a lot better, isn't it worth doing it anyway? Optimum health is the goal, better looks are a pleasant side effect. Think of it that way, and you won't feel so down when a six-pack doesn't appear in a week.

7. "But I don't need to lose any weight."

weight loss is only one element to getting in better shape. There's also: getting stronger, increasing energy and stamina, better posture, staving off "old age", and reducing your risk of certain illnesses. Also, your weight may be redistributed in a more attractive way. Then there's the best reason to work out: fun! If you enjoy your workout, you'll do it more often, and will get more and more fit.

Excuses can be a way of postponing things you know you need to do. So eliminate them, one at a time!

Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/bowflex and other sites around the internet.

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Tips To Get Rid Of Extra Weight

Are you sick and tired of carrying around that extra weight? Only you can make the changes necessary to shed those pounds. And its really not that hard! With a little dedication and some simple lifestyle changes, you will find yourself lighter and happier in no time! Heres how to get started today...

- Eat more psyllium fiber and feel fuller. Like other forms of fiber, Psyllium fiber will make you feel fuller. take a capsule or two with a large glass of water shortly before you eat.

- Consider resistance training. resistance training, such as using a stair climber, is an excellent way to have a cardiovascular workout while training muscle groups at the same time. When your workout time is limited, this type of workout may work well for you. Just remember that you will be training specific muscles and that you should include other weight training to ensure all over muscle development.

- Keep your blood sugar level even. To avoid feeling hungry, you need to maintain an even blood sugar level throughout the day. The easiest way to do this is to eat small meals frequently. Break your larger meals into smaller portions and vary the types of food that you are eating throughout the day.

- Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Many doctors and nutritionists will hand you a chart that specifies your weight goal according to your height alone. What these charts do not take into consideration is that muscle weighs a lot more than fat. While your doctor may think that you should lose 50 pounds to meet his goal you may actually only need to lose 10 pounds. Never risk losing muscle to attain a specific weight.

- Set realistic goals. Anyone who has ever set an unrealistic weight loss goal will tell you that not meeting your own expectations is the fastest way to fail at weight loss. You should plan to lose no more than 1-2 pounds per week. In general, people who set realistic goals will exceed it during at least the first few weeks. Exceeding your weight loss goals will give you something to get excited about, and keep the weight loss process positive.

- Join a program. weight loss groups like Weight watchers are popular for more than just their diet plans. They help people to form a community with other people who have the same goals. This extended support network is great for making weight loss more exciting having someone with whom you can share your excitement. It is also a great way to talk through some of the issues that you might be experiencing with your weight loss program. support is crucial when you are attempting to make major lifestyle changes.

Now that youve read some of todays most popular weight loss tips, you are probably asking yourself if these things could possible work for you. Well, the answer is they can! You can lose the weight, and now you have a good place to start.

Ben Euporian makes it easy to learn from today's weight loss experts. For details, visit this site now: Best Weight Loss Information

Ben Euporian provides information on a wide range of topics.

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