high protein intake and kidney

high protein intake and kidney

High Protein Intake Does Not Effect Kidney Function



Many nutritional researchers have reevaluated the protein requirements of active people. The recommended dietary intake for protein is 0.8 grams per kilo gram bodyweight per day, but some experts think that it should be as high as 1.5 grams to 2.0 grams per kilogram per day for people who exercise vigorously. Kidney toxicity could be a side effect of increased protein intake. 


Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that high protein intakes had no effects on kidney function in old or young people (25 to 40 years old versus 55 to 70 years old). They compared the effects of a low-protein diet (0.5 grams of protein per kilogram per day) versus a high-protein diet (2.0 grams of protein per kilogram per day) and found no changes in measures of kidney function. People developed more acid urine when consuming a high-protein diet, but all urinary measure ments were within the normal range

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Back Exercise: Lat Pull Down Machine

The lat pull down machine is a great machine primarily used to work the latissimus dorsi muscle or better known as the "lats". Lats are a pair of large fan-shaped muscles that run across your middle and lower back, attaching your arms to your spine.

Many variations can be performed using the lat pull down machine by simply adjusting your grip on the handle bar or changing the handle bar. This move focuses on the traditional lat pull down movement.

To perform this move:

• Stand, facing the machine, using both hands, grip the handle bar. The position of your hands should be slightly more than shoulder width apart.
• Pulling the handle bar downwards, extend all the way down until you are seated, arms stretched out above you holding onto the bar.
• Ensure that your legs are positioned underneath the leg pads, feet flat on the floor. The leg pads should be against your upper thigh; if they do not touch, adjust them.
• DOWNWARD MOVEMENT: To begin the movement inhale and pull the bar down to your chest. Make sure that your back is straight and does not arch unnecessarily. Expand your chest and pull your elbows backward.
• UPWARD MOVEMENT: Exhale and allow your arms to straighten out to the starting position before going for another repetition.

VARIATION: Close Grip Lat Pull Downs
These are performed using a triangular shaped bar instead of a straight bar, and your palms face each other. This move focuses on the teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles of the back together with the biceps brachii and brachialis of the upper arm and brachioradialis of the forearm.

Bodybuilding Diet - 10 Fast Weeks To Maximizing Your Diet For That Ripped Physique

You will find that there are some bodybuilders that have the capability to make extreme changes in a short period of time and integrate in their bodybuilding diet program in an immediate way. However, for most people involved in bodybuilding the road to getting on the right diet will be undertaken in much smaller incremental changes that will, over a period of time, provide the best results.

This, for most people, is typically a recommended path to take as making a change to their bodybuilding diet should be one that intends on taking numerous small steps so that they can reach the bigger and final goal.

Specifying New Objectives Every Two Weeks

In order that the body becomes accustomed to the changes from a bodybuilding diet, making the changes slowly will help ensure this process, so that each goal will be building on the success of the prior step. This entire process will necessitate a certain amount of perseverance and dedication which the bodybuilder will need so that they can achieve their pursuit for the perfect body that they are working for.

Consistent loss of fat in addition to muscle gain is what can be achieved with a bodybuilding diet that has varying goals every two weeks, and the first two weeks should be utilized for the cutting of fat. This means lowering the intake of fat and may mean boiling as well as steaming food that otherwise would have been fried, replacing the higher fat content of salad dressings with the low fat or non-fat style dressings, as well as replacing higher fat meats with their lower fat alternatives.

Sugar and Water Consumption

The next two weeks of the bodybuilding diet alterations might need to limit many types of the consumption of refined sugars. This will have the individual drink diet sodas in place of regular sodas that have a lot of sugar within them. In addition, the elimination of table sugar would also be required as well as no consumption of any other kinds of sweets.

For weeks five to six of the bodybuilding diet plan would necessitate the bodybuilder to increase and make water the primary drink of their diet. What this calls for is drinking of much higher amounts of water than was previously consumed, in addition it requires the the bodybuilder to replace all other forms of drinks, including fruit juices as well as diet sodas, for water.

Satisfying thirst must only be accomplished only through the use of the consumption of water, in addition the bodybuilder should always attempt to intake at least eight ounces of water with each meal they eat and to consume a minimum of sixteen ounces of water while working out.

Caloric Intake

During weeks seven and eight will have the bodybuilder monitor and limit caloric intake in addition to multiple feedings. Because of the significant change in lifestyle as well as normal human cravings these weeks will likely be the most challenging of the total bodybuilding diet plan to adhere to, and needs a lot of determination to succeed.

This is the time when the most extraordinary results appear, and this calls for determining an individuals lean body mass which can then be multiplied by a factor of twelve so that you can obtain the base caloric intake on a daily basis. This same quantity should be divided by five or six for males, and by four or five for females, to furnish the amount of calories that needs to be ingested per meal.

Even if this calls for writing down the amount of caloric intake, the bodybuilder would be wise to do so and utilize it to keep close watch that the assigned calories are not surpassed.

Weeks nine and ten will bring the bodybuilder closer to their ideal bodybuilding diet. By adopting these primary bodybuilding diet steps should make certain that there are quantifiable in addition to desired results in merely two months time or thereabouts.

Learning The Secrets To Natural Bodybuilding

What is natural bodybuilding? Natural bodybuilding is building your body without the use of harmful and illegal substances such as HGH and steroids. 

Many bodybuilders that you see with huge muscles have, in fact, used HGH, or human growth hormone, and steroids in order to build their massive physiques. However, these individuals are harming their bodies and likely shortening their life spans. 

It is possible to build your body without the use of these harmful chemicals and that's what natural bodybuilding is all about. You need to learn the secrets of natural bodybuilding. If you hope to build a massive physique the natural way, you're going to have to learn the tips and tricks of the natural bodybuilding pros. 

These secrets to natural bodybuilding can be found on the internet, they can be found in books and they can even be learned by asking natural bodybuilders that you meet in the gym. Natural bodybuilding is definitely the way to go, as who wants to cheat in order to achieve their goals? Not cheating makes reaching those goals that much sweeter.

Supplements

Let's be clear here. The secrets to natural bodybuilding involve bodybuilding without the use of illegal or banned supplements. This does not include supplements. 

There are many natural supplements that you can use to give yourself an edge over the competition. In fact, in order to build your body, you are going to have to consume lots of protein and this protein can be found in many supplements, such as whey protein powder. If you ask natural bodybuilders, you'll learn that the secrets to natural bodybuilding involve the use of many of these natural supplements. So don't be afraid to stock up on these supplements so that you can encourage your muscles to grow to the size you'd prefer them to be.

The Internet

The internet is loaded with secrets to natural bodybuilding. There are many natural bodybuilders who just love to post their secrets online. Be wary, however, of any sites that require you to pay for the information. 

There's lots of free information regarding secrets to natural bodybuilding so don't fall for any scams that tell you that you'll achieve the physique you want in record times. Bodybuilding of any type takes time and dedication and nothing can be achieved overnight, let alone bodybuilding.

Books

Some secrets to natural bodybuilding can be found in books. These books will teach you what to eat, how to eat, what exercises to do and many will have illustrations showing you proper form. Proper form is important so these books with illustrations are perfect for showing you exactly what to do.

The Gym

Finally, the gym is a great place to find secrets to natural bodybuilding. After all, if you can watch a fellow gym member show you what to do, that's a better teacher than an internet page or book would ever be. So good luck with your secrets to natural bodybuilding and with building the physique you want without the use of illegal and banned substances.

Bodybuilding Workout Tips For Beginners

Good bodybuilding workouts can be hard to find, and most beginning bodybuilders are anxious to find programs that will build muscle fast.  They want to train hard in order to surpass other athletes in their field.  Often, this initial enthusiasm leads them to establish rigorous bodybuilding workout programs that call for a lot of training and not enough rest.  What they don't realize is that without rest, their muscles won't grow.  Additionally, many bodybuilders who begin their training plans at such an unforgivable pace end up injured or burned out before they have the chance to reap the benefits of their hard work.  It is imperative for beginners in the sport to establish a balanced bodybuilding workout that allows for variation in exercise methods, as well as adequate rest.  Bodybuilding is a term that refers to a lifestyle, not a workout.  Actually, the training portion of the bodybuilding workout plan only comprises about 20% of the total effort that goes into building muscle quickly and efficiently.  The remaining time is spent focused on proper bodybuilding nutrition and adequate rest. 

To keep your body fit, you have to consume the right amount of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.  You also have to understand how essential bodybuilding supplements can play a vital role in optimizing the effects of your bodybuilding workouts.  Bodybuilders need to consume greater amounts of protein than other people because protein is a building block of muscle and it is needed to repair muscles that are broken down during intense workouts.  They need enough carbohydrates to fuel their bodybuilding workouts without having a lot left over, which can convert to fat.  Healthy fats are also essential in a bodybuilder's diet to ensure the proper functioning of their vital organs.  All of these "ingredients" have to be eaten in five to seven small meals per day; ideally, eaten at three hour intervals.  This keeps the metabolism working at an optimal rate and it will ensure adequate fuel for intense bodybuilding workouts.  Because of the strict nature of a bodybuilding nutrition plan, it is important to discuss your eating regiment with a doctor or a dietician before beginning your program to ensure you are getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals you'll need for good health.   

Once you have established your nutritional plan to support you bodybuilding workout program, it is time to consider how you can most effectively train your body without overtraining.  If you've never lifted for mass before, it is important that you talk to a certified trainer or an experienced bodybuilder to get advice on effective methods for getting big without risking injury or burnout.  Once you are comfortable with your knowledge about various exercises and training methods and techniques, begin to branch out on your own.  Build some of your own bodybuilding workouts and record your results, then adjust your routines accordingly to achieve a training plan that is ideal for your body and ability level.

The final component of the bodybuilding workout program is rest.  Rest is essential to rebuild muscle fibers that are torn during intense bodybuilding workouts.  If you don't allow adequate time for your muscles to heal in between workouts, you will continue to tear muscle fibers, but they will not rebuild as they should.  This will leave you feeling sore and weak, and you won't see the results in appearance that you had hoped for.  As a rule, try to allow each muscle group to rest for at least 48 hours in between hard workouts.  This will lead to increased strength, energy and overall muscle size.   

As a beginner in the sport, you have a lot to learn about everything from bodybuilding workout methods to nutritional requirements.  Take the time to educate yourself in the beginning to save yourself from a lot of unnecessary pain and frustration in the end.  Adhering to a bodybuilding workout plan takes discipline and dedication, but the results of proper training, nutrition and rest are well worth it. 

Stop Wasting Your Time and Money: Get A Bodybuilding Routine That Actually Works!

If you've decided to get into bodybuilding, it's important to remember that the right bodybuilding routine is crucial for best results. Just like the bodybuilders who design them, bodybuilding routines are also equally different in many ways. The best bodybuilding routine is ideally the one that achieves the maximum result in the minimum amount of time. 

It's a common mistake for rookie bodybuilders to think that they can attain a physique like that of a certain Mr. Schwarzenegger by simply renting a copy of "Pumping Iron" and imitating Arnold move for move. 
Now, borrowing bodybuilding techniques from a world-class bodybuilder is fine, however, expecting those same techniques to give you a sculpted body within ten months is really just building castles in the air.

Here are three fundamentals of bodybuilding routines that work which you should keep in mind when choosing a workout routine for yourself.

Fundamental #1 of Bodybuilding Routines That Work: No such thing as One Routine Fits All

When it comes to bodybuilding, what works for one individual doesn't ever work for the other. You can see this by spending sometime observing builders at your local gym and you will realize that each one of them is performing separate exercises for different rep counts and with different weights in order to tone, sculpt or build different body parts. Experienced bodybuilders have all found their routines through a basic trial and error process and so shall you if you proceed diligently.

Fundamental #2 of Bodybuilding Routines That Work: Different Strokes for Different Muscle Folks

In order to choose a bodybuilding routine that actually works for you, make sure to pick one that suits your body type. There are three basic body types as far as gaining muscle mass is concerned. These are Endomorphs, Ectomorphs and Mesomorphs: 

Those with the Endomorph body type are able to easily build muscle mass but are also prone to putting on weight. This type has to watch their diet carefully and need some amount of cardio in their workout routine as well. 

Ectomorphs on the other hand are of the tall, thin and lean body type with long, slim limbs. Ectomorphs don't put on weight or muscle mass easily and need to eat the right kind of food to increase their calorie and protein intake. They must also weight train to a great extent instead of cardio in order to sculpt a good body. 

The final body type is Mesomorphs and those with this kind of body type are extremely lucky since they don't put on weight easily and are also able to gain muscle mass fast. If you fall in this category, do not change the amount of food you eat, only eat healthier and start bodybuilding immediately. 

Fundamental #3 of Bodybuilding Routines That Work: Change is the Name of The Bodybuilding Game

Finally, if you do find a bodybuilding routine that works amazingly well for more than three months, then chances are that you will probably have to add some variations as you go along, doing what's necessary to get the desired results as well as adding or removing exercises to build different muscle groups and parts of your body. 

To conclude, no bodybuilding routine that works is complete without the right kind of nutrition. And also no bodybuilding routine includes workout sessions longer than 75 minutes or more than 5 sessions per week. If you push your body beyond its limit, you must be ready to face the consequences such as injury and long recuperation periods. This is why it's especially important to choose and follow a bodybuilding routine under the watchful eye of a professional natural body builder or trainer. 

Apart from that, keep the above-mentioned bodybuilding fundamentals in mind to find the perfect bodybuilding routine that works for you and before long you will be well on your way to attaining that dream body you've always wanted.

Why Am I Not Getting Bigger?

Why am I not getting bigger? is one of the most common question from bodybuilders around the world. After all you are training hard, following a good muscle building diet, yet your gains are still minimal. The sense of frustration after all of the months of effort is tremendous and can be really demotivating. So what is the answer? Well, there are a few likely causes, see if any of these ring a bell with you:

1) Are you eating enough? For some hard gainers you may just as well insert the words 'under eaters'. As this really is a massive cause of lack of muscle mass. In bodybuilding the key to weight gain is eating, lots and often! Eating every two hours is a good guideline and will enable you to take on board as many calories as possible. Make sure you snack lots on food such as: dried fruit and nuts, yoghurt, cottage cheese,  cereal and milk, protein bars, fresh fruit, and protein shakes, etc

2) Are you getting enough protein? To build maximum muscle mass you should aim for 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. Great sources of protein include: chicken, fish, turkey as well as dairy products. Eat everything don't worry so much about eating low fat products, that will make it harder to get all the calories you need in order to bulk up. Sure you need quality calories but make your life easier and eat everything, remember you can go through a cutting up stage in a few months time. Taking whey protein shakes  is another great way to get on board quality protein, purchase the big 5 pound tubs to get the most for your money.

3) Have your routines gone stale? If you can reel off your routine from the top of your head then that probably means you have been doing the same for thing for quite a while now. If you are not provoking your body to grow in new and different ways then it simply is not going to grow. How about mixing things up with, super sets, drop sets, partials, 21s, aided lifts and negatives. You can even just reverse the order of your routine and see what difference that makes, how about 10 sets of 10 reps to failure on just one major exercise such as the bench press (get ready to be sore!) or just give yourself a week off from training to allow your body to fully recover. As you can see there are endless variations, make sure you use them.

4) Are you resting enough? When was the last time you saw someone go into the gym pump iron and then walk out half a stone heavier? Never. So, clearly your muscles don't grow when your pumping iron, they grow when you are resting. If you do not get enough rest than you are limiting the time available for your muscles to grow. If anything you want to give yourself extra time to grow not less. Try dropping to working a muscle group just once a week. Also reducing the number of sets per body part, how about a maximum of 3-5 really intense sets per body part per workout. Think that is not enough, try it and watch the results!

5) Are you drinking enough water? If you are skimping on the water then you really are limiting your progress. Your muscles need copious amounts of water in order to grow. Carry a bottle with you in the car and never stop drinking from it.

So the original question: 'Why am I not getting bigger?' as you can see, has more than one answer. Answer the above questions honestly and make the necessary adjustments. If you are not satisfying just one of the above criteria then you have found the reason why you are not growing. If there are more than one of these points that your bodybuilding lifestyle does not meet then urgent change is required. Of course there are heaps of other reasons why you might not be growing but the above are the usual culprits. Now go hit the gym and gain some weight!

The Latest Upcoming Trend Is Teen Bodybuilding

Following their role models in movies and sports teenage people also start showing interest in bodybuilding activities. Toady bodybuilding is a separate category that constitutes the young teenagers who show interest in bodybuilding. To encourage these people bodybuilding organisations have started to conduct separate competitions for teen bodybuilders. The present celebrity bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Priest and Jay Cutler started participating in bodybuilding completions while they were in their teenage. 

The work out of the teen bodybuilders consists of weight exercises such as pull ups, chin ups, push ups, dips and hyperextensions. To start with the bodybuilding exercise, a teenager should first make sure whether his body is strong enough to endure the strong and rigorous weight exercises involved in the bodybuilding process. 

If you are a teenager who is interested in bodybuilding, as the first step try to understand the four basic concepts involved in the bodybuilding process. Nutrition, bodybuilding supplementation, the effectiveness of lifting the weight and the overall recovery are the four basic concepts of a teen bodybuilding just like that of an adult bodybuilder. 

The process of teen bodybuilding consists of two stages. The first stage that is known as bulk up stage is meant to increase the muscle mass and body fat of the person undergoing the weight exercise or bodybuilding.

The second phase of a teen bodybuilding is known as contest preparation. At contest preparation more attention will be given to maintain as much muscle as is possible. To increase muscle definition the excess fat in the body should be reduced by following a proper diet suitable for body development. 

A teenager undergoing teen bodybuilding should be extra cautious about what he is eating every day. The food that he takes should compliment the muscle development of the body. The bulk up stage of teen bodybuilding may require five to six meals per day to build more muscle mass in the body. At the same time he should be careful to avoid foods that are too fatty from his daily diet.

Increasing the level of protein intake can be suggested as a best method to increase the muscle growth for a teen bodybuilder. Experts suggest taking one gram of protein per pound of the body weight a teen bodybuilder like to reach. 

He can also take bodybuilding supplements to enhance the muscle growth. Every one who wants to be a bodybuilder should follow an effective weight exercise to tone up the developed muscles in his body. For that he could seek the assistance of an expert trainer.

How To Build Build Muscle Safely With Natural Bodybuilding

Natural Bodybuilding simply refers to a special type of bodybuilding regimen. It's one of the many different approaches that an individual can take when competing in the sport of bodybuilding. Natural Bodybuilding is the most commonly used term when performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids, human growth hormones or other restricted drugs, are not used to aid in the building of muscles by a bodybuilder. Prohormone and diuretics are also substances that are illegal in the sport of Natural Bodybuilding.

There are governing bodies that regulate and compose the rules on Natural Bodybuilding. Such organizations include NANBF (North American Bodybuilding Federation and NPA (Natural Physique Association). On the professional front, organizations such as the WBNF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation), INBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders) look over and govern the sport. These organizations state that the natural bodybuilding method is more centered on competition and healthy lifestyle.

Drug testing bodies also work hand in hand with Natural Bodybuilding organizations. All of the different local and national drug/anti-doping bodies are organized under the jurisdiction of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The agency includes such anti-doping agencies as Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) and New Zealand Sports Drug Agency (NZSDA). These anti-doping organizations work closely with the different Natural Bodybuilding organizations. They help each other implement and test the rules to keep different competitions safe, legitimate, and within the bounds and rules of Natural Bodybuilding.

Natural Bodybuilders are just as strong and big as bodybuilders who take performance-enhancing drugs. They might even be healthier than their 'unnatural' counterparts since they do not take in any damaging chemicals in the process of training. Some studies have shown that bodybuilders who have admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs grow older more quickly and their internal organs, such as the heart, kidney, and liver, tend to show signs of premature aging or damage. This is a heavy price to pay for taking a shortcut to a good physique! 

Natural bodybuilders tend to be less bulky than bodybuilders who use performance-enhancing drugs. This is because the natural size or development of the body is not overextended or overexerted.

Natural Bodybuilding takes time, passion and discipline to achieve. There is no shortcut to achieving this, nor should there be. Consistency is the key in achieving the desired strength, size and physique. Natural Bodybuilding involves a well-balanced diet, enough sleep, and regular and vigorous exercise. Some people tend to build muscles quickly while others need a little more time and effort to see or notice any results at all. While results may vary from case to case, virtually everyone agrees that Natural Bodybuilding is the only way to go to achieve muscle gain.

Discover YOUR Most Effective Bodybuilding Workout!

Finding the right bodybuilding workout can be a real headache, especially since there are dozens of bodybuilding routines and programs out there to choose from. 

How do you know that the bodybuilding routines stated in any type of program really works? And how do you choose the most effective bodybuilding workout? 

This article is a simple guide for you to choose the bodybuilding workout that suits you best.

The topmost standard in choosing the right bodybuilding routine for you is to see whether or not the program has been tested. A good and well thought out bodybuilding routine discusses all of the following key factors: Goals, training loads, progress monitoring, and recovery periods.

In a bodybuilding routine, the "just do it and see" attitude will not likely drive any major results. What a bodybuilding workout needs is a program that allows progressive training. 

Guidance on changing your workout loads and periodic progress monitoring is essential to know if the bodybuilding routine you have is working. Now often, in bodybuilding routines, recovery periods are frequently overlooked. 

Keep in mind that it is just as important as working out and performing your bodybuilding routine exercises. Your bodybuilding routine plan should cover rest on a regular basis and across the training phases.

A good bodybuilding routine is one that specifies its target population, age, training level, and effective duration.

Different people have specific needs in a bodybuilding routine. Some bodybuilding routines might be too taxing for teenagers who have smaller and less developed muscles.

The same thing applies in the training level of a bodybuilding routine. You do not want to train under a bodybuilding routine for novices when you're a bodybuilding veteran of 10 yrs.

So if you are serious about achieving your ultimate bodybuilding potential, the guide above should give you a better idea in what to look for in bodybuilding routines. 

The first logical step to take for any bodybuilding fitness beginner is goal-setting. A high percentage of bodybuilding fitness programs are successful mainly because its participants are looking to improve themselves. 

You can also keep a bodybuilding fitness logbook to record your progress and the goals you have set and achieved during the program. Below are a few more bodybuilding fitness tips to get you going:

To ensure success in your bodybuilding fitness plan, make a commitment to yourself and make the effort to change your habits.

As a matter of fact, the best bodybuilding fitness plans continue on indefinitely.

Bodybuilding fitness means going to the gym on a regular basis, adapting strenuous exercise routines, and tearing up muscles here and there as a result. But all that pain and discomfort is what makes bodybuilding fitness work for you.

Change your diet is one of the most important keys to success. Drink more water to optimize muscle volume. Limit your salt intake. Sleep. Never ever forget your goal in taking up bodybuilding fitness in the first place. 

Get that ideal muscled body you've always wanted and remember to do a body full workout.

Bodybuilding And The Olympics: An Ongoing Controversy

The debate on whether bodybuilding should be an Olympic sport has been raging for years amongst the bodybuilding community and those interested in the Olympics. Ardent fans argue that weightlifting has been an Olympic sport for years, so why not bodybuilding? To diehard fans, bodybuilding and the Olympics seems to be a perfect fit, and questions like "Why is bodybuilding not already an Olympic sport?" are routinely aired.

Perhaps the more telling questions to ask are "Should bodybuilding be an Olympic sport?", and "Would making bodybuilding an Olympic sport help the Olympics?"

Bodybuilding And The Olympics: Why It Is Not Already An Olympic Sport

The current Olympic program consists of 35 sports, 53 disciplines and more than 400 events, ranging from archery through to weightlifting and wrestling. The bodybuilding fan base, competitors, and sponsors are all ready and willing to take the step to Olympic level. The stumbling block is the International Olympic Committee and the OPC, who state simply that according to their criteria, bodybuilding is not a sport and there has no place in the Olympics.

This stand begs the question, "what determines a sport in the first place?". A simple definition by the Australian Sports Foundation says that sport is "a human activity capable of achieving a result requiring physical exertion and/or physical skill, which, by its nature and organization, is competitive and is generally accepted as being a sport."

Arguably, bodybuilding fits within this definition, and one would think this should be enough for the IOC. However, the primary problem the IOC has with allowing bodybuilding into the Olympics concerns drug abuse. They claim that the widespread use of performance enhancing drugs by bodybuilders would prevent bodybuilding from complying with Olympic drug policies. There are harsh and vigilant doping rules for Olympic competitors, which would certainly exclude many professional bodybuilders.

However, the natural bodybuilding fraternity does not use performance enhancing drugs. The Olympics could uphold their drug policies, allowing only natural bodybuilders to compete at the Olympics. This also aligns with the tradition of the Olympics being a competition for sporting amateurs, not professionals.

Another reason stated by the IOC for excluding bodybuilding from the Olympics was that the judging in competitive bodybuilding was far too subjective for an Olympic judge to critique. Given the controversy surrounding the subjective judging of sports such as ice skating, diving, and gymnastics this argument hardly seems to hold water. In fact, bodybuilding would seem to be a perfect fit!

How Bodybuilding Could Help The Olympics

As competitive bodybuilding has never been a mainstream sport, including it as an Olympic Sport would allow the sport to be better known and recognized. It would also make the sport more accessible, allowing people to learn more about bodybuilding, and possibly participate themselves.

Bodybuilding would also help the Olympics by widening the scope of sports on display. By showcasing bodybuilding, the Olympics would be encouraging people of all ages to eat good food, work out, become fit, and look after their health. These are important messages in a world where so many people are overweight.
A look back into history reveals that the Olympics were first introduced by the Greeks, who idolized and revered well toned, aesthetic bodies with healthy strong physiques.

Bodybuilding And The Olympics: The Main Argument Against

Besides the drug doping issue, perhaps the most prominent argument against including bodybuilding in the Olympics is the subjectivity of judges and the fact that there is often no clear winner. Even though other Olympic sports like ice skating are also in this category, the majority of Olympic sporting events feature clear winners, either by time, distance, height or lifting weight. No one can argue that judging mistakes have been made when a competitor clearly wins an event.

Although the jury is still out on bodybuilding and Olympics, it seems for the time being at least, that the Olympic Committee has no intention of including bodybuilding as an Olympic sport. Despite the fact that the bodybuilding fraternity is ready and willing to take the step to Olympic level, it looks like they will be waiting for some time yet.

Living Green is Healthy

I think it's time that we draw a parallel between living a "healthy" life and living a "green life." The fact of the matter is that the two kind of go hand-in-hand. Making greener choices in your everyday life has some positive health benefits, which I'd like to discuss here.

First, let's look at one of the more common eco-friendly products: the reusable shopping bag. How could using reusable bags possible benefit our personal health? Believe it or not, it can. The more reusable bags that we use, the fewer plastic bags that we will need to manufacture. The manufacture of plastic and paper bags produces a number of toxins that work their ways in to our bodies as "free radicals." Free radicals can build up in our bodies and can contribute to the onset of some serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and a weakened immune system. So, the more reusable bags we use, the fewer free radicals that are produced and, as a result, work their way in to our bodies.

Plastic bags also have a negative impact on marine ecosystems, which can then impact other ecosystems, such as ours. Further, trees that could be used to produce oxygen and absorb greenhouse gasses are cut down to make paper bags instead.

Moving on, consider another popular green item: organic foods and products. Simply put, organic foods are much, much healthier for us to eat. Organically grown foods have been proven to contain more minerals and nutrients that our bodies need than conventionally grown foods. Non-organic foods are grown with pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, and other chemicals that we then ingest when we eat the foods. These chemicals are not good for us. Further, the constant use of these chemicals on the soil breaks the soil down over time, rendering it useless after several years of farming.

A growing number of people are beginning to use eco-friendly household cleaners because of their environmental appeal. However, consider that these cleaners are also much better for your health - harsh chemicals commonly used contain free radicals that harm our bodies. These free radicals can be so harmful to our bodies that studies have proven that women who stay at home instead of work have a lower life expectancy.

One of the more obvious healthy-living and eco-friendly things that we can all begin doing is to rike our bike or walk instead of driving all the time. Although this is much more difficult for those of us that drive 40 miles a day, if you're one of the many that works a mile or two from your house, you should consider walking a few days a week, at least.

The sedentary lives that most of us live contributes to the growing obesity problem in America. Walking or biking to school and/or work will go a long way in improving your personal health and breaking the sedentary lifestyle cycle. Additionally, it will reduce the amount of pollution that you generate, helping our planet at the same time.

So, you can see that green living and healthy living are not necessarily two different things. These facts and ideas only add to the allure of adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle (or a healthier lifestyle, or both) as we can now see that you can kill many birds with one stone by making some simple changes in your life.

Health Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables

Eating more vegetables certainly adds to good health and nutrition, but growing your own vegetables has even more health benefits.  You’ll not only have the freshest vegetables right in your own backyard, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in physical activity outdoors while you tend your garden.

With more fresh vegetables at home, you’ll be likely to increase the number of servings of vegetables you eat per day.  The USDA and National Institute of Health guidelines recommend at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Vegetables are rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, iron, and potassium.  They also contain flavonoids, which act as antioxidants that fight disease and help build our immune systems.  By growing even a small variety of vegetables in your garden, you can boost your vitamin and mineral intake significantly.

Vegetables are naturally low in calories.  The fiber and water in vegetables make them filling, so if you substitute vegetables for foods higher in calories and fat, you have the potential to lose weight.

Studies have shown that vegetables are effective in reducing your risk of many different diseases.  According to a report by Iowa State University, five studies reported that a high intake of vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 25 percent.  Eating more vegetables can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, certain cancers, cataracts, birth defects and diabetes.

When you grow your own vegetables, you have control over chemicals like pesticides and herbicides that are used.  You can limit your exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals by growing your own vegetables naturally.

Yes, you will eat a healthier diet if you have your own garden, but what about some of the other health benefits?  Gardening is a fantastic outdoor activity.  Your garden will need regular tending, and each session you spend in the garden can be turned into a healthy workout.

You can combine lifting, bending, and stretching to work most of the major muscle groups while you garden.  Alternate strenuous movements like vigorous digging and raking with less strenuous planting or weeding movements as you work in the garden. Switch using your left and right sides in various movements to challenge and balance your muscles.

Being outdoors exposes us to fresh air and sunlight, which helps produce the recommended amount of vitamin D.  Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium, which is essential to forming and maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as fighting osteoporosis.

Many people find that gardening is a rewarding and relaxing activity that can help reduce stress. So not only will gardening provide a physical workout, but it can improve your mood as well.

When you stop to think about it, the benefits of growing your own vegetables are pretty amazing.  Not only can you benefit from eating a healthier diet, losing weight and fighting disease, but you’ll have a creative new way to exercise and a healthier mental outlook on life.

Work Your Muscles with Gardening

We all know that gardening is a satisfying hobby.  It’s a chance to spend time outdoors and grow a variety of fresh and healthy foods. But have you ever thought about the fact that gardening is a great workout?

Any workout should start with a thorough warm up.  So before you get dirty, do ten minutes of aerobic activity to get the blood flowing.  A brisk walk works, or you can gather all of your tools and supplies from around the garage and yard.  Once you’ve warmed up a little, it’s important to stretch to avoid post-gardening muscles soreness.  Follow these tips from Scott’s Miracle Gro to prepare your muscles for your gardening activity:

Lower back stretch:  Begin by sitting in a chair.  Put your hands underneath one knee and pull it in towards your chest. Then switch to the other knee.  Finish by pulling both knees in toward your chest.

Chest stretch:  Stand and clasp your hands behind your back with palms facing in.  Keep your chest and shoulders open as you gently lift your arms.

Shoulder and Neck stretch:  Stand and place your right arm straight across your chest.  Bring the left hand underneath and gently pull your right arm across the body while keeping your shoulders square.  Add a neck stretch by aiming your right ear toward your right shoulder. Switch sides.

1. Use your legs rather than your back when lifting or pushing a wheelbarrow.

While raking or cultivating, alternate your stance from right-handed to left-handed to work your muscles in balance.  You may have to practice a little to build strength and coordination on the side you don’t usually use.  You will use a wide range of muscle groups while varying your activities.  Raking and hoeing use large muscles in your upper body, while digging works your gluteus maximus and quadriceps.

Gardening incorporates both resistance movements and aerobic activity.  It can improve your strength, flexibility and endurance.  Depending on your level of activity, you can burn up to 400 calories per hour, while accomplishing a lot at the same time!

To avoid muscle soreness and stiffness, be sure to cool down and do some additional stretching after your gardening session.  You may find that you have used muscles you don’t ordinarily use, so take care to stretch and go easy on certain movements during your next session.

How to Lose Weight through Gardening

Losing weight can be tough, but have you ever considered that having your own garden could be the answer?  Gardeners benefit from getting outdoor exercise that burns calories and trims their waistlines. They also add a variety of their own homegrown produce to their diets, which can help promote weight loss.

If you’re tired of boring treadmill sessions or being cooped up inside with some free weights, consider the exercise benefits of gardening.  Depending on your activity level, you can burn up to 400 calories per hour in the garden.  The movements of raking, hoeing, digging, and weeding engage the major muscle groups.  Spread your gardening out over at least three 30 to 60 minute gardening sessions per week, and don’t forget to warm up and cool down to avoid muscle soreness.

If you’re looking to burn more calories, get out in your garden every day and work consistently.  You may have to work up to frequent sessions, because you may use muscles you didn’t even know you had!  Get into some simple stretching sessions for a few weeks before starting your gardening exercise routine.

One of the most satisfying aspects of gardening is being able to harvest and eat the produce you have grown.  So gather up an armful of fresh vegetables and a basket of ripe fruits to add low calorie impact to your meals.

Garden vegetables are not only low in calories, but have a high content of water and fiber, which make them a more filling food choice.  Filling up on these low calorie foods will provide you with a great source of vitamins and other nutrients as well.

Vegetables are tasty substitutions for foods higher in calories and fat.  Fresh vegetables should make up the major portion of your meal, along with small portions of lean protein and whole grains.

Add a fresh salad to your supper to satisfy your appetite without adding calories and fat. Make a veggie wrap or a steamed vegetable plate for a fresh and healthy lunch.  And don’t give in to the empty calories of vending machine snacks when you can bring some ripe berries or melon balls from your garden to snack on at work.

Look at the low calorie counts for one cup of these vegetables and fruits:

• Blueberries – 85
• Strawberries – 49
• Carrots – 45
• Broccoli – 30
• Bell Peppers – 30
• Green beans – 44

And that’s only a few of the tasty options you’ll have to choose from when planning your garden.

You can see how gardening can help you shed those extra pounds by allowing you to get out and be active, and add low calorie, nutritious foods to your daily meals.  You’ll feel great about your accomplishments when you can kick off your gardening shoes and slip into that new dress.

Methods For Achieving Faster Weight Loss

If your intention is to lose weight before the summer then this article will help you achieve your goal. If you want to fit into that bikini and look hot for the summer then do not lose hope your dream can still come true. And for those guys who want to reduce there pot bellies and develop a pair of six packs and transform there body physique to look like a male model then you can still realize your dream. We all want to improve our physical appearance in one way or another and do not think that everyone was born having a wonderful body physique. If you do a background check of some of the models you see on those commercials or walking the run way you will be surprised to find out that some of them were either too skinny or too fat before they managed to transform there body physique.

If you want to lose weight you need to come up with a clear plan which is going to help you achieve your goal. Your plan should not include the use of steroids. The reason I am saying this is because steroids could lead to the following side effects; enlargement of the clitoris, irregularity of themenstrual cycle, growth of facial hair in women, shrinking of testicles in men, low sperm count, decrease in libido, baldness, kidney problems, liver conditions, heart ailments, insomnia, increase in aggression, and depression. Due to the following side effects an effective weight loss program should not incorporate the use of anabolic steroids.

Your plan to lose weight should also not focus on reducing your calorie intake drastically as most fad diets recommend. If you have ever tried going on a fad diet then you will attest to the fact that such diets only increase your food cravings and you end up eating twice the amount of food you used to eat prior to going on a fad diet. As a result of the increase in food cravings you end up increasing your body weight. The other reason why you gain weight as a result of going on a fad diet is that they make your body go into starvation mode. When the body is in starvation mode it will start to preserve energy by burning muscles instead of body fat. You will therefore experience an overall decrease in the number of lean body muscles and a corresponding increase in the number of body fat. Your body metabolism will also slow down as a result of the depletion of body muscles and therefore your body will not be able to burn a lot of calories. When your body metabolism slows down your body weight will increase since you will be burning fewer calories.

A proper plan which will help you lose weight involves aerobic exercises, weight training exercises as well as eating a proper diet. The reason why you should eat a balanced meal is to prevent the body from going into starvation mode. Aerobic exercises and weight training exercises will increase your body metabolism which is very important if you wan to lose weight.

The Number 1 Way For Obese People To Lose The Fat

By: Lynn VanDyke

The number one way for obese people to lose fat is the exact same for those that are only 20 pounds overweight. Strength training is the best way to cut through fat and burn through calories. There's no difference between strength training for the obese and strength training for everyone else.

When we strength train, we add lean muscle mass to our body. This lean muscle mass burns through 35-50 calories per pound of muscle every single day. Let's take a look at that number from a different point of view. If we have 5 pounds of lean muscle, that muscle will burn about 250 calories a day. Here comes the fun part. If we have 10 pounds of lean muscle mass, then our muscles burn about 500 calories a day. Hopefully you can see why adding lean muscle is the best way to lose fat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that we are obese if we have a BMI (body mass index) of 30.0 or greater. Being obese is not healthy. It leads to a host of diseases and illnesses. I'm almost positive you already knew that.

Obese and over weight people can use functional exercises to begin changing their health. Exercises like squats and bicep curls will help strengthen the muscles we use in everyday movements. Often these movements are difficult for obese people. Keep up your workout routine and you'll notice that getting in and out of the car, walking to the mailbox, going upstairs and simply lifting heavy boxes will all become less of a hassle.

Strength training for the obese is the same as strength training for slender people. The difference comes in the starting point. It's so important to talk with your doctor, get the go ahead to workout, and then create a routine that you feel suits you best. Take one step at a time and before you know it, you will have taken 5,000 steps.

How Can Looking at Photographs of Tummy Tucks Help You?

By: Hanif Khaki

What you're about to read is a 'labor of love'. It didn't happen easily. 

Hours and hours of learning and research went into gaining this experience and compiling it in a form you can benefit from. This article was meant to be a useful, educational and instructive resource for anyone interested in this topic.

Enjoy it - and do let us know what you think. 

A tummy tuck, scientifically known as an abdominoplasty, helps people who have loose skin as a result of pregnancy or weight loss to regain a more youthful appearance. Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure in which a surgeon cuts loose skin away, sews together separated abdominal muscles, then sews existing skin back. 

When considering abdominoplasty, it helps to look at photographs of tummy tucks. Before and after tummy tuck photographs can help you determine what you can expect in terms of results. The results of an abdominoplasty vary between patients, and a lot has to do with the way the individual body heals and responds to surgery. photographs of tummy tucks can also help you to see what to expect in terms of the actual procedure. Most people have a deep-rooted fear of the unknown. It can help to look at tummy tuck photographs to see what you will go through, if you have the stomach for it.

Now, pay attention closely. What you're about to read will help you save hours of frustrating, wasted hunting, and let you hone in on some of the best material on this subject!

When you consult with a surgeon, you will find their office will be filled with photographs of tummy tucks. Because you'll be going through a lot of waiting while in the doctor's office, it is a good opportunity to have a look at tummy tuck photographs. Based on what you see, you may speak with the surgeon about any concerns you have about the procedure, the recovery, and the expectations. You might even find that abdominoplasty is not a good option for you after looking at the above photographs of unsuccessful operations.

There is also a procedure called a mini tummy tuck that might be a better option for many people. You might find that a full tummy tuck is overkill. You might also find that a full tummy tuck is too expensive or is too invasive on your body. In this case, a mini tummy tuck may be your answer, as it uses a smaller incision. In a regular abdominoplasty your navel or belly button might be repositioned. A mini tummy tuck usually won't need the removal of tissue around the belly button and is usually left alone. It is usually done in the lower area of the abdomen and usually requires less skin removal and muscle repair. It is a one or two hour procedure, whereas a standard abdominoplasty can be up to six hours long.

Once your procedure is complete, you should be prepared for a prolonged recovery process. Recovery from abdominoplasty takes longer than many other cosmetic surgery procedures. In some cases, an overnight stay after the surgery is not required. However, in other cases, a hospital stay of one to two days might be required. You should be able to return to work after two to three weeks, but you'll be discouraged from doing any strenuous activity for at least three to five weeks.

As Always, please consult with your physician for additional information on this subject and be sure to check out the wealth of insight and knowledge on this topic online.