Daily Diet Blog

June 18, 2008

Turbo Jam for Weight Loss

Filed under: Weight Loss, Exercise Equipment — EatingToLive @ 8:16 pm

After seeing an infomercial on television for Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson, I had to look it up and find out more about it.  According to the infomercial, you could burn up to 700  calories in 45 minutes.
The Turbo Jam program is set to some of the latest dance music and is a combination of kickboxing and body sculpting.  The DVD’s offered include the Learn and Burn instructional video with the introduction to the “Elite 11″ moves and this one is 30 minutes long.
Another DVD is called the Turbo Sculpt which emphasizes toning and firming for reshaping and working on problem areas of your physique.   There’s a video that is shorter called the 20 Minute Workout so you can fit it into a busy schedule.
The Cardio Party is a dance style workout that lasts 45 minutes.  The Ab Jam is, of course, directed to tone and firm your abdomen muscles.  Also included in the weight loss and muscle toning program is a set of flash cards with Chalene’s “Elite 11″ moves.  Online support is available for diet support and live chats.  A book is included in the program with meal plans for weight loss, a workout calendar and tips for dining out while watching caloric intake.
Other tools provided to help you succeed in achieving weight loss and inches lost are turbo sculpting gloves with a video called Punch, Kick and Jam designed for use with the gloves that lasts for 50 minutes.  The Turbo Slim rapid results program is a meal plan and measuring guides to assist you further to attain your goals.
The Turbo Jam Maximum Results package is available online for 3 monthly payments of $19.95 plus shipping and handling charges of $12.95.  The program states that it has a money back guarantee if not satisfied within 30 days.
As with any exercise program, there is a recommendation to consult with your physician about your level of fitness before beginning this program.   Workout reviews, both positive and negative, are plentiful and available online to read to assess this program for possible use.

January 31, 2008

Horizon Ellipticals Killing the Competition?

Filed under: Exercise Equipment — EatingToLive @ 8:34 am

I wouldn’t doubt it.  I love my Horizon elliptical machine.  Not only is it a smooth ride with no maintenance, but it feels extremely sturdy and professional to get on it.  It’s also quiet, and has just the right amount of features on it to not be too confusing, but also to be extremely efficient at getting the workout you want out of about a thirty minute session.

It’s funny, because a friend of mine was just telling me that she likes the treadmill better because the elliptical machine seems to hard for her.  I told her that I used to think an elliptical was one of the toughest cardio workouts I had ever had, and now I can whiz through a half hour on the thing with no thoughts.  Don’t get me wrong, some days it’s not “easy”, but it’s also not backbreakingly hard like it was when I first started. 

It just goes to show that an elliptical provides a superior workout to the treadmill, because it’s easy on the joints, but it provides an excellent workout and burns tons of calories because you are in constant motion.  It also is great for women who don’t want to bulk up, but instead want that “dancer’s body” look.  That’s why I use my Horizon elliptical, because when I use other exercise equipment, it tends to bulk my legs up since I have a lot of muscle in my legs to begin with, and want to keep the feminine look. 

April 20, 2007

Exercising at Home

Filed under: Exercise Equipment — EatingToLive @ 10:23 pm

Most of us promise ourselves we’ll start exercising and get fit. The hard part is following through, starting a fitness routine, doing it regularly and then staying with it persistently. While joining a gym is a wonderful idea, many of us don’t have the time or finances to exercise in this fashion.One way to avoid the list of excuses to sidestep exercising is to keep it simple. Perhaps you don’t have the money for expensive equipment or you feel self concious exercising in front of other people at a gym.

Exercise routines can be done easily at home. Timewise, it makes sense to purchase an inexpensive tape or DVD suited to your personal level of fitness. Many calisthenic, yoga or cardio workouts are available as DVD’s to follow as a guide.

This saves time as you don’t have to travel to get started. It also saves on gas and can be done just about any time of day or evening as your schedule allows.

Part of your fitness routine can be as simple as walking. You can build at your own pace on your chosen mode of exercising. There is also some excellent home exercise equipment that emulates almost perfectly the gym quality of the treadmills, ellipticals and recumbent bikes that you would find at your local fitness facility. 

If you are certain you are motivated, exercise equipment can be purchased to enhance your workout that is very inexpensive. Ankle weights may be purchased for very little money and will potentiate your workout for thigh and calf toning. Dumbbells are another inexpensive add on for about 50 cents a pound. Resistance bands may be purchased for as low as $7.00.

So, no more excuses about no time or money. Just get started exercising and you’ll feel better for it.

 

April 7, 2007

I Love My New Elliptical

Filed under: Exercise Equipment — EatingToLive @ 11:07 am

My boyfriend and I recently purchased a house together, and one of the first orders of business was to buy an elliptical trainer - more specifically, a Horizon elliptical machine because they’re reviewed so well, for our basement, especially since we no longer have a gym right across the street from us as we did in the complex where our old town house used to be.  We did go a few weeks without working out (yes we both feel like crap, and we’re never doing that again), because of the busy-ness of the move, and that’s also why I haven’t posted in like 3 weeks (sorry). 

We went to Dicks Sporting Goods, and ended up buying a Horizon elliptical trainer, which I believe to be the highest quality elliptical out there right now.  We went with a higher end model too, simply because I really didn’t like how the cheaper models did not give enough room for your foot on the pedals and also seemed to move a lot when you got on them and started working out.  We tested them out extensively, and ended up buying the Horizon E54.

We also bought a few rubber mats to go below the elliptical, which is a must, especially since all exercise equipment could potentially emit black dust and ruin your floor.  Not only that, rubber mats supply a firm surface for your elliptical, and they make for a smoother, more stable surface for the elliptical, making your ride smoother and less “wobbly”. 

The ride is great on this thing.  I had read that about Horizons in a lot of the home elliptical reviews, and it really is true.  It also has several programs, including the manual, which is my personal favorite so I can just tailor my workout to however I’m feeling that day.  It is very stable, and does not wobble.  I did notice a bit of a squeaking noise at first, but realized that was our fault, and we had to just jimmy a part in the workings of the machine and it was fine. 

It does start off a little tough, because if you think about it, the resistance is a little higher at first because the machine isn’t yet warn in, so you usually need to start off on your elliptical with a light setting, so you don’t kill yourself on the resistance being so tight for the first few months until you wear it in a little and it becomes a tad easier to ride. 

All in all, the Horizon elliptical was a great buy, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, long lasting elliptical machine. 

March 29, 2007

Exercising to Help Quit Smoking

Filed under: Exercise Equipment, Health & Fitness Tips — EatingToLive @ 7:56 am

There are so many reasons to start exercising to benefit your overall health. Exercise promotes cardiovascular health, increases metabolism thus helping us control our weight as it tones our muscles. We look and feel better when we exercise.

Now, one more reason has been added to the rationale to exercise more. For smokers who are trying to break their addiction to nicotene, as little as five minutes of exercise curbs their craving for nicotene. A recent review of a dozen studies done on the subject found that even moderate exercise such as walking signifigantly reduced withdrawal symptoms.

At the University of Exeter in London, Dr. Adrian Taylor studied the decreasing effects of nicotene withdrawal as you increase physical exertion and exercise. The strength of the effect of exercise in reducing cravings was astonishing even to those conducting the study.

Researchers did say that the immediate effect of exercise was profound for craving reduction but were uncertain how long that effect would last. The theory as to what is physically occurring to produce this effect is that, during exercise, the mood elevating hormone, dopamine is increased in production.

For smoking cessation programs, this is a wonderful addition. Exercise whether your are working out on elliptical reviews or running around outside, together with other behavior modifications, can help you kick the habit for good. Also, the frequent concern of weight gain often associated with quitting smoking is addressed by exercising more.

March 11, 2007

Dance Dance Revolution : Play and Burn Calories Too

Filed under: Exercise Equipment — EatingToLive @ 11:45 am

I’ve been hearing about this video game where you learn dance moves and burn calories at the same time, and I was dying to try it out, and I finally got my wish recently at some friend’s house this past weekend, where I danced the night away, at least cyberly speaking.

I was literally dripping with sweat by the time my turns were over, and I was more than a little frustrated that I couldn’t seem to get good scores (yes, I have two left feet, and yes I was playing with highly competitive people and also more coordinated people). This might be the best piece of horizon elliptical reviews you could buy, and it doesn’t even take up space…

Here’s how it works. You see a character on the screen, and above them you see arrows flashing on the screen, then going off into the top of the TV set.

You can do it two ways, you can get a better score by staying ahead of the characters moves by following the arrows moving to the side, up and back, or you can follow the character, which isn’t recommended because then your score will be lousy.

This game could definitely be addicting, and games like this are aiming to get kids off the couch and in action in an effort to curb the childhoos obesity rate. It is the pioneer in video games that strive to make kids move, and more than just their thumbs.

It also might be good for increasing coordination and endurance, which are two things I obviously need to work on!

February 21, 2007

Water Exercise

Filed under: Exercise Equipment, Health & Fitness Tips — EatingToLive @ 10:32 am

One of the biggest advantages of water exercise as part of a fitness program is that it’s not harsh on our bodies or joints. Workouts are easier and less painful while in the water than the same exercises done on land.

Water exercise is excellent for muscular imbalances or postural problems. The qualities of water that make it therapeutic are buoyancy, decreased compressive forces, and even hydrostatic pressure. Buoyancy allows our bodies to move more easily due to the upward pressure created by fluid.

Decreased compressive forces on the spine and all joints while in the water enhances the therapeutic value of water exercise. Even hydrostatic pressure means there is equal pressure on the body submerged in water. This in turn helps circulation and swelling in joints. As either part of a cross training program or for rehabilitation after surgery or injury, water exercises are excellent.

Flexibility is improved since there are less gravitational forces in water. Range of motion is increased as a person can push their joints further when submerged in water. Strength is enhanced as you work against resistance of the water.

For therapeutic rehabilitation, the safety of water exercise is of great importance. Also, for our aging population, less risk of injuries to joints or strains to muscles make water exercise a wise choice for fitness in addition to home exercise equipment that is soft on the joints and capitalizes on a fluid like movement to get the heart rate up.

February 14, 2007

Exercising Without Injuries

Filed under: Exercise Equipment, Health & Fitness Tips — EatingToLive @ 6:18 pm

Exercise is one of the foremost more important things we can do in our lives which helps to keep us healthy, happy, and trim.  Exercise injuries and fear of them can keep us from practicing a good exercise regimen.  Getting an ample amount of exercise is an important part of achieving and maintaining our health.

However, when the boomers, myself included, take up an exercise program, we must keep
in mind some restraint due to our age. Do not go to extremes and try to do too much too fast, even if you are using home exercise equipment (be sure to see our reviews), you can still be injured if you practice incorrectly. 

Apparently, in our enthusiasm to attain or maintain the body of our youth, some of us boomers are overdoing it. Sports related injuries among boomers are the second
most common reason for visits to the doctors.These injuries have increased 33 percent between 1991 and 1998 for this age group. 

There are ways to take on and maintain an exercise regime without injuring ourselves. If you have not been exercising, take on your routine slowly and gradually increase your workout.  Warm up with stretching exercises before your workout and cool down after your workout the same way. 

There is a lot of denial that our bodies have changed and that we are in our fifties. I know,
in my mind, I think my body can do the same activity level as when I was 21. Realize that you should not exercise to the point of pain.

The adage of “no pain, no gain” no longer holds true.  Cross training, in which you do a variety of activities for your exercise routine or on your home exercise equipment, is the smartest way to stay fit and minimize the risk of injuries.

If you are a boomer and like to lift weights for exercise, just lift a lighter load and do more reps.  If we use common sense, we (the boomers), can stay as fit and active as possible for as long as possible while minimizing sprains, strains and other injuries.

December 30, 2006

Why I Love Elliptical Machines

Filed under: Exercise Equipment — EatingToLive @ 11:29 am

Elliptical machines are one of the best workout machines that I think has ever been invented. Why? Well, because the elliptical machine is perfect for people who have a hard time exercising because they have tender joints or tend to get trauma-type injuries when working out at high impact for their cardio workout. The elliptical gives you a “high impact” workout as far as it goes for the cardio aspect, and yet it is gentle on the joints, and creates a fluid motion which feels good and is good for the muscle tone and the body in general.

Not only that, as a woman I really appreciate the elliptical’s ability to create a nice muscle tone without creating too much bulk like running or sitting on a bike, which can bulk up your quadricepts very quickly. See home exercise equipment reviews for links to reviews on elliptical machines and other popular exercise equipment.

Ellipticals were essentially the brainchild of fitness experts who recognized a need for a machine that would provide an aerobically high impact workout without being rough on the body, and while also simultaneously sculpting muscle tone. The first elliptical-like machine I guess would be the Nordictrack, which I personally always found a little clumsy to operate (I’m not the most graceful person, but still!).

The Noridctrack was a cross county ski emulating machine which also had arm handles to get a nice arm workout in while doing a cross country ski-like motion. They were a little hard to get going as I recall, but they basically worked on the same premise as an elliptical machine. For reviews see elliptical machine reviews

December 14, 2006

Ab Work with a Medicine Ball?

Filed under: Exercise Equipment, Health & Fitness Tips — EatingToLive @ 1:34 pm

I was working out in the gym where I work the other day, and a fitness instructor that had just finished up a class in the room I was doing my floor work in showed me a new method to help sculpt my abs.  It didn’t involve any fitness equipment like a big ol’ treadmill, besides a small ball, so it would not take up a lot of space if you chose to buy one or try it out.   

I think I like it too, because unlike my fairly routine way of doing crunches and modified crunches (you can only do so much with the belly after they all become some kind of crunch), I actually felt this one the next day.

She said to grab one of the robber covered medicine balls in the basket, and put it between my knees when I was doing crunches. I thought, how different could this be? But when I did it, I actually felt a lot of resistance in my lower ab area, an area that I often find very hard to isolate in my ab workouts.

I did about twenty crunches with the medicine ball between my knees and boy did I feel them in my lower abs! I would recommend this one, it’s a simple twist on the traditional ab crunch, but it really made my belly feel the burn. I would imagine you could also use an ordinary rubber ball - the size of a soccer ball - to accomplish the same effect on the isolation.

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