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If you have ever found yourself pondering this question, you are not alone. Millions of freshmen across the nation struggle with weight gain each year as they adjust to college life, and quite often this weight gain comes as an unpleasant surprise as they return home and step on the scale at Thanksgiving or Christmas. So in this time when college weight gain has become almost as inevitable as term end finals how do you, the college student, know if you are gaining the freshman fifteen?
1. Have the contents of your diet changed since entering college?
Calorie laden cafeteria food, greasy fast food, and cheesy pizzas often become staples in the diet of a college student. When you lived at home chances are that your parents served well-balanced, nutritious meals. Once arriving at college, however, your diet can skyrocket in extra fat and calories resulting in weight gain.
2. Have you been eating more since entering college?
Buffet style cafeterias and late night snacks increase the total calories that you eat each day. When you consider the fact that one pound equals 3,500 calories, and extra 500 calories each day will be an extra pound gained each week.
3. Has your activity level decreased since entering college?
Hectic class schedules, part time jobs, and social activities often dominate your days, leaving no time for the gym. You may have played on a sports team in High School or participated in some other organized activity that now has no place in your schedule. This decrease in activity will end up showing around your waistline.
Did you answer yes to one or more of the above questions? If so, then chances are that you are on your way to gaining the Freshman Fifteen. But wait! You don’t have to follow in the footsteps of the millions of college freshmen who gain this unwanted weight each year. By making yourself aware of the causes of this traditional weight gain you have already won half of the battle.
To ensure that you don’t gain extra weight, take control of your eating habits by eating nutritional, well-balanced meals and exercise regularly. For more information on avoiding college weight gain, visit www.AvoidTheFreshman15.com.
About the author:
Diana Keuilian, Certified Personal Trainer, and author of “Avoid The Freshman Fifteen”, has a proven method for avoiding college weight gain. Visit www.AvoidTheFreshman15.comto learn more. She is also the head Fitness Trainer for the nation’s leading online fitness site www.HitechPersonalFitness.comand board member of www.HitechTrainer.comLearn more at www.Keuilian.com
In my time I have been an international competitive swimmer, ranked number 1 in the UK, in the top 20 worldwide, represented England, and won medals at World level. Having been in the environment of top class athletes, and everyday healthy people, I have become very knowledgeable in the area of nutrition and fitness.
Still maintaining regular fitness and excellent nutritional levels, I regularly converse with many people of all types of fitness levels. The majority, at fitness centers, are obese and vastly over weight, constantly looking for ways to lose weight.
Spending years training in public, and seeing bodily changes on a day to day basis, I have become very familiar with Hoodia Gordonii, and have seen rapid improvements, that have in turn had life changing effects on people, and all for the better.
You may be wondering what Hoodia Gordonii is, and may have heard from the newspapers and television.
It is grown in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa, Hoodia Gordonii is an all-natural appetite suppressant, derived from a cactus-like plant with prickly spikes. Scientists have been researching the Hoodia plant for almost a decade, and have found it to be completely free of harmful side effects.
The active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii, the molecule known as P57, imitates the effects that glucose has on your brain, signaling that you are full. Your brain has what is called a Hypothalamus. This part of your brain controls your appetite. When you eat, the glucose levels in your body rise. As these levels go up, the hypothalamus sends off a signal to your cells to stop eating. This is when you start to feel full. Hoodia Gordonii's molecule, P57, tells your brain the same exact thing, even if you haven't eaten a bite. By mimicking the effects of glucose on your brain, the hypothalamus starts to send messages to your cells which in turn, make you feel full.
Paul Callis is extremely knowledgeable in the field of sports and nutrition in the UK . Paul’s passion for swimming in his earlier years, helped him achieve world medals and gain great knowledge and understanding in all aspects of looking after the human body, eating correctly to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and discovering what does and does not help with weight loss.
About the author:
You can visit Paul’s web site, and read his recommendations and advice at http://www.hoodiagordonii1.com
Although the jogging fad of the 1970s has long subsided, many people exercise to stay in shape. Many people work out in public gyms, but an increasing number exercise at home, and the home fitness gym market is growing exponentially. With so many options now available, from universal gyms, to free weights, to Weider Crossbow machines, choosing the right home gym can be a challenging process.
It is important to keep in mind several factors when decided which home fitness gym is right for you. Your fitness goals, the amount of money you are willing to spend, the amount of space you have, and the complexity of the equipment are all factors that will need to be considered. Luckily, the answers to these problems often fit together in a way that simplifies the process of choosing the right home gym for you.
First, you need to figure out what your particular goals are. Do you want to lose weight? Are you looking to build strength or increase your endurance? Will more than one person use the home fitness gym? The answer is vital to deciding which type of home gym is best for you. Some home gyms are made specifically for one type of exercise, while others work on all areas of fitness.
The next item to consider is how much money you are willing to spend. Prices range from around $15 for a small set of free weights to over $2000 for a total home fitness center that can be used by two people at once. To an extent, the price reflects the quality of the system, but you also have to factor in what you will use your home fitness gym for. There is no sense in buying a top of the line total fitness home gym if you just want to lose a few pounds.
The amount of available space is also an area of concern. Some home fitness gyms can be compacted and fit in a closet, while others will take up the majority of a room. Once again, the price and primary purpose of the home gym will influence how much room it will need. For example, a pull-up bar can fit in a doorway and is relatively cheap, but it can only be used for one type of exercise.
Finally, some people have said that some of the more expensive and versatile home fitness gyms are too complicated to use and that they prefer something simpler, such as a set of free weights and a weight bench or a stationary bike.
One thing that becomes clear when taking all of these different factors into account is that they affect each other. To meet very simple and specific fitness goals, an inexpensive, simple, small home gym is the best buy. For more complex goals, or for the goals of an entire household, a larger, expensive, complex machine may be needed.
About the author:
Home Gyms Info provides detailed information on cheap, best, used, discount, free weight, and universal home gyms, plus reviews of best home gym products, and more. Home Gyms Info is the sister site of Whey Protein Web.
A treadmill is a great way to get in shape or stay in shape. While many people go to the gym to use their treadmills, it makes sense to have one at home, too. But if you want a top of the line treadmill, you are going to have to pay top of the line prices for it. Like anything else, with treadmills, you get the quality you pay for, so spending money for a good treadmill is an excellent investment if you plan to use it regularly. One great option for finding an affordable treadmill is to consider purchasing a refurbished treadmill.
A refurbished treadmill is a lot different than a used treadmill. A used treadmill is almost always in used shape, which means a major breakdown could happen at any time. With a used treadmill, often you have no idea what you are getting, and treadmill repairs can be very expensive. The motors alone can cost a small fortune.
On the other hand, a refurbished or re-manufactured treadmill has been returned to the manufacturer, taken apart and totally rebuilt. Any older or worn-out parts have been replaced. It has been re-painted and made to look as good as new. The best part about re-manufactured exercise equipment is that it comes with a warranty, which is usually six months for parts and labor. If it doesn’t come with a warranty, don’t buy it. Any reputable company selling this kind of equipment should offer a warranty of some kind.
For instance, a Precor treadmill can run $4995 for a new one. By searching online at reliable online sites that sell refurbished exercise equipment, there are plenty for sale for between $2550 to $3325. Precor is just one of the brands that makes and distributes quality exercise equipment that is intended for use at fitness centers or for the fitness enthusiast. This is a great way to buy your favorite treadmill at the gym for your own home at a discounted price.
It is nice to know that this type of equipment looks as good as new and is going to provide dependable service while getting it for a sale price. There’s nothing better than that for someone who wants to have a treadmill at home to stay in shape on days when you can’t or don’t want to go out to your local fitness center.
So, when looking for a refurbished treadmill, it makes sense to check that it comes with a warranty, and that it has actually been re-manufactured by the company. Do some comparison shopping, and check online ratings for the best treadmills in this category and reputable places to buy them. You could be running or walking on your own top of the line treadmill in no time.
About the author:
Bob Hett makes it easy to find the treadmill information you are looking for. Get the answers that you are seeking by visiting http://www.treadmillsreview.info
For the best diet results, you need a personalized diet that you can stick to.
People diet for lots of reasons, and with lots of aims in mind. No matter what your aims are, the most effective diet to achieve them is a personalized one. A personalized diet which suits you is what you need, whether you want to improve your health, or just lose weight.
Once you've decided to make a change for the better in your diet the next step is to seek advice from an expert. There are a myriad of fitness and diet plans to suit you available from your local gym or fitness center. There will usually be someone there you can talk to and discover what the best diet for you is. Alternatively you can take join up to one of the many fitness programs offered by the major fitness companies, there is one to suit every taste!
Everyones body is different and so different diets and fitness programs effect you diffently to the way they will effect others. Some people will lose weight and tone up more quickly on certain diets so its important to ensure the diet that you are on is just right for your body.
Most diet programs are designed for people with no specific health problems. If you find you are changing your prescribed diet to suit a health problem you have it is essential to contact your doctor first for advice. They can advise you on what is best to eat or avoid eating with your illness.
Of course your doctor knows as much as anyone about your health. They are in an excellent position to help you decide on the diet that will be most effective for you. They will also be able to spot any potential problems with a diet you are on, or are considering. For example if you are on medication to prevent blood clots then you shouldn't eat green vegetables (spinach in particular). Your doctor will spot issues like this and point them out to you.
The major problem with standard diets (including the fad diets we all here about) is that they are just that - standard. They are designed to suit everyone to some degree but they will probably have an average effect on you. These diets are not designed for you - for your body, build, fitness level, health, or potential health problems. A good diet is one you can make your own - a diet you can tailor and personalize to suit yourself.
Another problem is that depending on where you live, some diets might call for you to eat a particular food that is difficult or even impossible to find. They might also require you to eat foods that are out of season or more expensive to buy in your location than others. If this is the case, you should change your diet to include foods that are easier to come by, but that also work in your diet.
Of course there is little point in beginning your diet with great determination only to find a week later you dont have the ability to stick with it. It is important that you ease yourself into your diet when possible. Phase out your old diet while gradually adopting your new personalised diet.
That way you'll be able to stick with it and get the most out of your new diet.
Avoid a diet that requires you to abruptly change your eating habits, forcing you to stop eating your favourite foods for example. Changes like that will cause temptation and make you cheta on your diet. A diet like this will rarely last long enough to have any meaningful effect on your health or weight.
If your diet has an aim - like losing weight or lowering your blood pressure then you should consider making a progress chart. that way you can look at the chart and see how far you've come and how much closer to your goal you are. that kind of encouragement will give you a much needed boost in your confidence, and your resolve to work along the path of your new diet and achieve your goals.
About the author:
Andrew Banderman is the owner and editor of RC Diet -- a premier source of information on diet. Free newsletter.
For more diet information and articles, go to:
http://www.rcdiet.com
Are you looking for a diet plan that helps you lose weight, then you should look for the help of a diet buddy. A diet buddy is a friend or co worker who your partner with to help each other lose weight. Many fitness experts know that if you have to account for your actions to a friend and yourself you are much more likely to stick to it and successfully lose weight.
Picking a diet buddy isn’t hard but it isn’t easy either. You need to find someone who you can trust and who is honest with you. You need someone who will tell you the two big Macs you had for dinner last night wasn’t a good choice, but won’t tear you apart either. You should find a person who has similar weight loss goals. If you want to lose 15 pounds and your buddy wants to lose 65 you aren’t that compatible. You should avoid choosing someone you live with if possible. The constant interaction and monitoring will make you feel like your every move is being watched. Instead try to choose a co worker or close friend to help you out.
You should also choose a diet buddy who you will see regularly. A really great strategy is to meet at the gym every morning and go for breakfast afterward. This way you can compare and talk about what’s going on and how you are progressing. If breakfast doesn’t work lunch is another good alternative. If you have a regular lunch date it will be much easier for you to say no when the office goes for Buffalo wings and nachos every Friday.
You and your diet buddy should set goals and rewards for each other. When you hit a weight goal go out and celebrate. Celebrate by shopping for a new outfit that shows off your weight loss, not by going out for a cheeseburger and milkshake. Remember you and your buddy are working together to help each other reach your goals you aren’t competing with each other. If you can shop for a new dress size or bathing suit don’t be smug about it to your diet buddy. Be supportive and help them, realize everyone’s body is different and some people take longer to lose weight.
About the author:
This article was written by Allison Preston who is the webmaster of http://www.Fitness-Web.com,a website with diet, health, fitness, and exercise articles and reviews of fitness infomercials. NOTE: You’re welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info)
It’s All About the Abs
Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works
There have been many studies and reports about how our society as a whole has grown heavier and chubbier. The stomach, in particular, has become a trouble spot for many people. This is due in part to the fact that many of us have desk jobs where we rarely use our stomach and abdomen muscles. For others, this is where the excess fat, brought on by the fast food and extra beers, settles in our bodies. Whatever the reason for our big bellies, there has been a host of gadgets and exercises to help do away with stomach flab. Some of these techniques and equipment work better than others. This article will help you sort through the hype.
Before beginning a discussion of abdominal exercises and equipment, it is important to point out that even the best ab machine will not help you loose fat in your stomach area. Abdominal exercise equipment can tone and shape your muscles, but the only way to loose the fat is to consume more calories than you take in. Exercise will help you do this, but it is a total body process, not targeted to certain areas.
It is also important to note, that for many people, a flat stomach is not in their genetics, even if they are in good physical shape. Some stomachs have a small curve, and all the crunches in the world won’t change that. However, the exercises and equipment discussed below will help tone, strengthen and define your abdominal muscles.
Abdominal Exercises & Equipment
There are many different types of ab exercisers and equipment. One of the most effective of these, the Roman Chair, is not strictly an ab machine. It is a common piece of equipment found at the gym but it can be used to perform a very effective ab exercise. The Roman Chair is a somewhat taller machine with two stationary, parallel arms and a straight, padded back. There is nothing to sit on.
When working on abs, the best way to use this piece of equipment is to place your forearms flat on each armrest, with your back firmly against the padding. You should have the Roman Chair set high enough that your legs dangle straight down when you are in position. Then slowly bring your knees toward your chest as far as you can go and hold for a few seconds before extending them to the beginning position. This exercise was number two in a San Diego State University survey that ranked the top abdominal exercises and equipment.
According to the survey, the best ab exercise is the Bicycle maneuver. Many of you are probably familiar with this fun exercise. We’ve been doing it since we were kids in gym class, and it turns out, the bicycle is one of the most effective exercises for working those abdominal muscles. To do the exercise correctly, lie on a mat and press your lower back flat. Put your hands beside your head. Tighten your abdominal muscles and bend your knees toward your chest until they are at about a 45-degree angle. Bring your right elbow in contact with your left knee. Then alternate with the opposite knee and elbow and repeat. You should feel it in your sides and abs.
Leg Crunches are similar to the Bicycle, but with crunches, your torso does most of the movement. Lie on the mat again with your lower back pressed flat. Place your hands at your sides or by your head, whichever is more comfortable. Be sure not to put any pressure on your arms or you will take away from the effectiveness of the exercise.
Lift your legs straight up above your head and bend your knees slightly. Squeeze your abdominal muscles and then lift your torso up off the mat toward your knees. Return to the original position with your back flat on the mat. Relax your abdominal muscles and then repeat. Remember to breathe during the exercise.
Crunches can also be done on an exercise ball and many feel it is more effective than standard crunches. You sit on the ball and place your feet on the floor about a foot apart. Roll back carefully on the ball until you are lying with your back fully extended on the ball. Tighten your abdominal muscles and raise your trunk off the ball to about a 30-degree angle. Return to the extended position and repeat.
Exercise balls are one of the most versatile and effective pieces of fitness equipment relative to their cost. Another low cost equipment alternative is a stretch band. These are just what they sound like, a stretchy band made of lycra, nylon or sometimes rubber. Sometimes called resistance bands, they allow you to work one muscle group while the resistance of the band stabilizes the opposing muscles. It is good for stretching and strengthening muscles and is often used with beginners and those who have experienced an injury.
If you are looking for something a bit more high-tech, there are several pieces of equipment made especially to work the abs. There are the Ab Crunch Machine and the Back and Ab Machine. Both of these pieces of abdominal exercise equipment have been designed to support the lower back and the neck. They also come with adjustable resistance settings.
The Ab Slider, Ab Wheel, and Ab Trainer are other examples of equipment designed to target abdominal muscles. As with most types of fitness equipment, their effectiveness often is dependant upon correct usage and, in some cases, combining them with other abdominal exercises. It is important to fully research the equipment and read instructions before using.
The quest for six-pack abs and flat stomachs has intensified over the past few years. In response, the fitness industry has resurrected some old, faithful exercises, developed new and improved versions, and even created equipment specifically to target abdominal muscles. Combine these top abdominal exercises with an overall exercise routine and a healthy diet, and chances are you will loose the flab and have a stronger, more shapely mid section in a matter of months.
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