Get Fast Results with Ring Training
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Most people like to maximize fitness results by doing efficient exercises. Either you don’t have much time to train, or you’re not patient enough to doing long, drawn out workout routines. If this sounds like you, try ring training.
There are few other workouts that can give you efficiency that ring training can. Each exercise performed with rings requires muscles that wouldn’t be hit otherwise. Even common exercises like dips, pull ups, and push ups become much more difficult, and therefore, more efficient.
Rings are produced by a variety of companies, I prefer to use Elite Rings created by RingTraining.com. They’re simple to setup; just hang them from a pull up bar or any piece of stationary equipment, then get to work! No matter where you are in terms of fitness, you can use rings to increase your workout efficiency.
When you start ring training, you’ll realize that in order to do any exercise, you have to keep your entire body tight. This ends up working your major muscles, stabilizer muscles, and your core. Definitely an effective workout. What’s also great is how portable and versatile rings are.
What’s that? You’re a bodybuilder who is focused on gaining mass? No problem. Throw ring pushups or flys at the end of your chest workout to achieve an awesome pump. If you’re simply looking for some strength and conditioning, tie it into a full-body workout with rows, push ups, dips, flys, squats, and pull ups.
You can hit nearly every angle of you body with rings. Portability is huge. Take them to your gym, the park, anywhere where you can hang them and you have yourself a workout. And they weigh nothing so if you’re traveling, you don’t have to worry about lugging your kettlebell around for a workout on the road!
One of the best ring systems on the market are from RingTraining.com, who offers their Elite Rings product. RingTraining.com offers a fantastic system that is lightweight, portable, adjustable, and more. Ring training proved effective for the guys from the movie 300 and the results speak for themselves. You will get stronger in your major working muscle and throughout your entire body, and depending on how you train with them you will add muscle or achieve a nice lean body. Either way, you’d be missing out on something good by not adding them into your training regimen. Not convinced? Find anyone who has a pair and see if they’ve enjoyed using them or not. Below is a sample full-body workout using rings:
Full-body Ring Training Workout
Notes: Perform 8-12 reps in a circuit. Rest 30 seconds to one minute between exercises and 1-3 minutes between circuits
A: Ring Push Ups
B: Ring Pull Up
C: Rings Dips
D: Ring Standing Curl
E: Ring Tricep Extension
F: Single Leg Squat (holding rings)
G: Rings Flys
How To Get Strong, Build Muscle and Lose Fat With Only A Barbell
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I had a subscriber ask this question:
“Is it possible to build muscle, nuke fat, achieve peak condition and get maximum hard-body results if I don’t have a power rack and I only have access to a barbell? Not even an Olympic barbell, but one of those old crappy cement filled barbell sets”
I know exactly the weights this guy is talking about. I think most of us grew up with them right? They were basically cement weights covered in plastic, and over time the plastic busted up and the cement started to get busted underneath remember?
I guess I’m showing my age 
Anyways
YES! You can build strength and power with archaic equipment!
You just need someone to show you how. Luckily you met me. And luckily I just read most of Dan John’s awesome “From the Ground Up”.
In this outstanding little ebook Dan John explains the “Rapid Ascent Program”, which contains three workouts:
1. Pull Move
2. Press Move
3. Squat Move
And here’s how you did the program (from his book):
“The program was very simple. First, groups of four boys were given a bar. The bars were weighted from very lightmaybe 25 poundsup to perhaps close to 100 pounds. Each cohort of boys would lift one at a time, put the bar down, then the next boy would lift. The four would constantly move from lifter to watcherthe bar never stopped. The three sets (explained in just a moment) would not take very longin fact, sometimes it was hard to catch your breath in time for your next set.
The repetitions were incredibly simple
* Set Number 1 — 8 repetitions
* Set Number 2 — 6 repetitions
* Third set: 4 repetitions
The goal was simple: once you got all 18 reps (8+6+4), you added weight. If you started with a bar that was excessively light, the succeeding workout, you would be bumped up to the next weight and a stronger group. (Needless to say, actual variations could include making a whole new group with more weight, tooor whatever necessary to make the group work together).”
Sounds simple doesn’t it?
That’s the upside of this program!
You don’t need lots of equipment to build a hard body with muscles of steel… all while increasing your cardiovascular fitness and knocking out fat.
What you DO need is a little “do or die” perspective. You must make your mind up you surely WANT to reach your fitness goals, then you’ll find a way to utilize whatever equipment you have available to make it happen.
I like this program because it keeps up with the DoubleYourGains’ philosophy of training movement patterns instead of a bunch of exercises. The Rapid Ascent program has a press move (military press), a pull move (power clean), a squat move (front squat) and an explosive/hamstring move (power clean).
How to perform the “Rapid Ascent” program for cardio and fat loss:
Coach Dan points out that you could also get a great cardio workout and burn some fat:
“To “hurry up” the trainingas if it was required, there were times when Mr. Freeman advised bringing together the Power Clean and Military Pressesone clean and one press, repeated for a total of eight reps. This was completed with a lighter weight. One could also execute the Front Squats after the clean and presses, too. I have only done this onceand it was an incredible cardiovascular exercise.”
So if you believe you don’t have enough equipment to get into your best shape and reach your fitness goals you are incorrect. You are incorrect. You are incorrect.
As a matter of fact, you don’t even need a barbell. You can be on your way with the DoubleYourGains’ bodyweight program. You can do pullups on your door frame (for extra strong fingers) or just grab the top of a door and go to town (or a tree limb, anything you can hang from, and all that) Believe me, if THAT workout gets easy for you - you will be a certified STUD.
After that, as soon as you get hold of good Olympic barbell set you can start the DoubleYourGains’ 3-5 Program.
Find The Best Wrinkle Cream For You
December 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
We don’t want to age. Of course we want to get older, the other option is not good, but we don’t particularly want to look older. There are products out there which will help you in retaining a more youthful appearance.
Wrinkle creams are one such a product. These creams are very much in demand and naturally there are many on the market. Some are more effective than others and finding the best one for you can be difficult. With a little effort on your part however, you can find something to help you smooth out those crows feet.
You can either buy wrinkle cream over the counter or purchase a prescription cream. The difference between the two is generally that the prescription cream has a much higher concentration of active ingredients. More does not always mean better however.
So, do your research. One thing to look for in a product is how long it’s been on the market and what kinds of testing has it undergone. Knowing these things puts you on track to finding a product most likely to be effective as well as safe upon application. Don’t use advertisements as the basis for your choice.
You also need to consider cost. Do not for one second think that since you are buying the most expensive name brand cream that you are getting the best wrinkle cream. There is often the same result shown for products that cost very differently.
You’ve come home with your selection and are ready to make the magic work. Just bear in mind that you’re probably going to have to use the cream each day, every day, for as long as you want to keep the wrinkles at bay. So you’ll need to discipline yourself to do just that. Once you stop, the wrinkles start their reappearing act.
Lastly, there are often undesirable side effects. It is important to find the best wrinkle cream that doesnat give you harsh allergic reactions or rashes. This can be a major concern for some whose bodies and immune systems are already deteriorating.
So, do your research and find what’s the best product for you. You may have to try more than one cream, but with a little time and effort you’ll eventually get it right. You may not look like you’re in your twenties again but you still may look much better
About the Huge Health Trend toward Vitamins and Supplements
December 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
There has been a massive trend of people moving toward natural remedies and taking herbal supplements and vitamin supplements to maintain and improve their health. Whether you want to lose weight, prevent signs of aging, or improve health by taking vitamins and antioxidants, there is sure to be a product on the market with a sales pitch that will make it appear to be just what you need to buy today.
Studies have been conducted on the benefits of using various herbs and herbal extracts. Research has shown that adding herbal supplements to a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial. Many natural health supplements are used to treat medical conditions as well as promote good health.
There are many places on the internet to find out about the hundreds of different herbal supplements and what they can do for you. Some are very mild and do very little; others are highly concentrated and they can interact adversely with prescription drugs and over the counter medications that you may be taking now. People are often sold by the benefits claimed by the supplement; they say “Oh, it’s safe; it’s just an herbal supplement!”
Like natural, herbal supplements, many medications and even illegal street drugs are derived from nature. Tobacco comes from a plant, but that does not mean that cigarettes are a natural, healthy product. Illegal street drugs are made from the beautiful poppy flower.
You might be surprised to learn that many herbal supplements are not regulated in the United States. The manufacturers do no have to prove their effectiveness or guarantee their safety. Many dietary supplements might not even contain the herbs they claim to.
Herbal supplements can be quite expensive, especially if you find yourself constantly adding more to your daily regimen. Some people just start out with two or three supplements, and then they read about others. Soon you many find yourself taking 15-20, or more, per day, while spending a small fortune. You could be doing yourself more harm than good as some of these herbal products can work against each other, cancelling out their benefits or causing new problems. On the other hand, some of them might be totally ineffective, which is just a waste of money.
A specialized multi-purpose supplement that is proportionately formulated would be a great solution. A well-balanced multi-purpose formula will provide the benefits you need while saving a great deal of money. There are many different supplemental programs available to meet different individual needs.
It is important that you do plenty of research before beginning a supplemental health program. Look into the different companies, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have had complaints reported against them, see how long they’ve been in business, find out who their customers are and talk to your primary care physician. Though most medical doctors have scoffed at the idea, many are beginning to open up to the use of herbal supplements for improving health. It is possible that your doctor will be able to recommend a good source for learning about and obtaining herbal supplements.
No matter what supplements you decide to add to your daily health regimen, remember, they are just a supplement, and you must continue to live a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of exercise and eat right. An herbal supplement that claims to prevent cancer is not going to protect you if you are still smoking 3 packs of cigarettes per day. A weight loss formula will not help if you are eating fast food every day or if you are constantly snacking in front of the TV all evening. A muscle building drink does nothing for you if you do not work out with weights.
Even when taking supplements, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of exercise and proper nutrition. As with any prescription or non-prescription medication, please consult your physician or other qualified health care professional before beginning any supplementation program.
Dieting Is All About Lifestyle Changes
December 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you consider dieting as difficult you are correct dieting is absolutely difficult. Because our busy lifestyles dictate that we always look for the easy way out. We look for easier alternatives.
It’s not that we are inclined to give up when the going gets tough; it is because there are generally easier alternatives these days due to the advances that have been made over the years and in particular with weight loss there have been many advances in both nutrition and fitness training.
The failure rate on dieting is so high because diets are too difficult to maintain for any length of time.
To get the desired results from dieting, particularly when there are two options for you to lose weight you should look towards the easier option.
Looking at it as a diet will almost guarantee your failure.
When you say the word diet it strikes fear in your mind because previous diets have yielded limited success.
Making small adjustments to your lifestyle is a far better alternative than to think of it as you are dieting.
For many people ‘dieting’ is rejected in their minds eye as being something unpleasant that is hard to endure. Improving your nutrition and fitness is not nearly as difficult to maintain as ‘dieting’
In order not to feel like you are giving up something you enjoy which is food. Focus on lifestyle changes rather than a reduction in food.