Information on Loughborough

Cardiovascular Training

Health Clubs and Fitness Centres

Cardiovascular TrainingBy Lemuel Thomas

Cardiovascular training is a very important fitness component. It develops the heart, lungs, and vascular system. Cardio is also imperative for weight loss. When choosing a cardio activity, be sure to find something that you enjoy doing. If you can't find anything that you want to do, at least find an activity that won't be too challenging. There are many activities to choose from, so find one that is greatest for you. The greatest activity is the one you will actually perform.

Swimming is a great activity because it low impact. It is also great for very heavy individuals or if you have knee problems. If you have an injury to your lower body, you might be able to continue working out in the pool.

Walking is another excellent activity. This is great for beginners. If you have lower back problems, a recumbent bike might be the greatest thing for you. It allows for back support.

Aerobic classes are fun and exciting if you like working out with a crowd.

The elliptical is a very fashionable machine for cardio training. It burns a lot of calories because it works the upper and lower body. It is also low impact.

If you arein pretty decent shape and you want to challenge yourself, spin class will definitely be nothing short of a challenge.Here are a few keys points to remember when performing cardio:

Start out at a comfortable level and gradually progress.

Try different activities.

Be consistent (3-6 times per week).

Stretch before and after.

The greatest activity for you is the one you will actually do.

Get a few cardio buddies to keep you motivated.

LT Thomas, BSSpeaker, Fitness trainer, Competitive Bodybuilderhttp://www.Baltimorefitnesstraining.comL.Thomas@ltpersonaltraining.comhttp://www.myspace.com/ltpersonaltraining

LT is available for speaking engagements and appearances.

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Your Heart is Counting on You

Health Clubs and Fitness Centres

Your Heart is Counting on YouBy Lemuel Thomas

Cardio is the medical term used to reference the heart. This is from the Greek word kardia which means heart. Aerobic means oxygen.

Cardio is used in reference to exercises and/or equipment intended for cardiovascular fitness and endurance training (aerobic exercise). "To do cardio" is a common term which means to engage in Running or other endurance training for a set period of time. Having Cardio equipment at home is a superb way to be sure to get it in.

Types of Cardio: *Riding a bike (any type of bike) - this is a great low impact activity *Dance class - this usually required no equipment however can be challenging for some people *Walking - this cardio activity is very convenient and can be done any where. *Swimming *Use of any type of Aerobic Machine *Water Aerobics - this is probably one of the greatest activities if you have knee problems.

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. Doing Cardio benefits your heart. When you don't engage in aerobic exercises,your heart suffers. Make an effort to do some type of Cardio 3-6 times per week. Even if you only do 15 minutes a day, that is better than nothing at all. Ideally, you want to do 30 minutes a day. It is a process so you must start somewhere. Cardio activity will only enhance your life. The better condition you are in, the better quality of life you will have. So, make it your point to live a healthy life.

Do your Cardio, because your heart is counting on you.

LT Thomas, BS Speaker, Fitness trainer, Competitive Bodybuilder

http://www.Baltimorefitnesstraining.com L.Thomas@ltpersonaltraining.com http://www.myspace.com/ltpersonaltraining

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Keep the Love Handles in Check

Health Clubs and Fitness Centres

Keep the Love Handles in CheckBy Lemuel Thomas

Your abs are made up of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique and transverse abdominis.

Ab Muscle Function

The rectus abdominis is a key postural muscle. It is responsible for flexing the lumbar spine, as when doing a 'sit-up', while the function of the oblique muscles are for spine flexion, rotation, and lateral flexion.

Most people just do crunches. Crunches mainly focus on the rectus abdominal. Therefore, if you are trying to work your love handles, crunches will not do the job. Your oblique muscles (love handles) are targeted when you perform twisting, or reaching movements. Twisting movements are also important for rotation of the spine. In day-to-day activities you rotate the hips countless times when reaching. Therefore, not only does your physique benefit when you work your love handles, however your body function and body mechanics improve. This decreases the risk for injuries.

Working your obliques also improves your strength when performing exercises such as squats and dead lifts.

Dieting and the Love Handles

Eating properly will make a great difference in decreasing the size of your love handles.

If you are trying to loose your love handles, or maintain a fit waist, there are a few key things in your diet to look out for and avoid:

* Hydrogenated oils

* Vegetable oils

* White Bread

* White paste

* Sugars

* Creamy Sauces

During my off-season I may not be as focused on my eating habits. The love handle area is the main place that my body stores fat. I try to be mindful and not go to crazy with the breads and pastas. My favorite breakfast food is pancakes. This definitely adds a few inches to my love handles during the off-season. So, I need to be mindful of this and eat certain foods in moderation only.

Examples of Ways You Use Obliques During the Course of the Day

* Reaching in a cabinet

* Opening doors

*Opening file cabinets

* Carrying groceries

* Shopping in the supermarket - reaching for items on shelves

* Cleaning your car

* Lifting babies and children

Oblique Exercises to Consider

* Seated twist

* Planks

* Bicycle exercise

* Oblique crunches

* Side planks

Cardio to Burn Fat

Along with building strong, lean muscles comes burning fat or adipose tissue - so you can show off your muscles! Cardio exercise should be done 3-6 times a week to burn fat. Be sure to pace yourself. Ideally, you want to do at least 30 minutes of cardio activity. If you can't do 30 minutes at once in one day, then do two sessions of 15 minutes each. Try to perform various cardio activities that you enjoy. You might not always like working out however envision yourself and how you want to look. Stay motivated to get to where you want to be. Rely on a few different friends who know your goals to help keep you on track.

Cardio Exercises to Consider

* Walking

* Jogging

* Swimming

* Stair climbing

* Biking

* Cross-country skiing

* Elliptical trainer

* Aerobics

* Rowing

* Rock Climbing

* Raquetball/Handball

* Dancing

LT Thomas, BS Speaker, Fitness trainer, Competitive Bodybuilder http://www.Baltimorefitnesstraining.com L.Thomas@ltpersonaltraining.com http://www.myspace.com/ltpersonaltraining