Healthy » Weight Loss

7 Steps to a Lean Body

Poonam Advani — Fri, 27 May 2011 03:48:44 +0000

To get that lean look you’ve always fantasized about, all you need to do is go to the gym and workout! But we all know that it is easier said than done. Some people follow their workout schedule diligently while the others leave it half way. And most often than not, people do not get what they desire. However, in order to get that body you have always drooled over, you need to put in a lot of dedication and hard work. Only working out in the gym may not yield results. Diet is also an essential component that can help you get the body you have always wanted.

The following seven steps will guide you to reach your goal of having a lean body:

Regular Gym Workout: Being irregular with the gym is a problem that most people face. One needs to have a dedicated mind to keep up with the schedule. Having an erratic workout can hamper your goal. So try new things at the gym, make use of the machines and keep yourself interested in what you are doing.

Play a Sport: Working out in the gym is scheduled, but you cannot guarantee a full body workout daily. Though cardio-strength training helps, playing a sport daily will give you a whole body workout which will eventually lead to a leaner body. Sports like squash, tennis, swimming and cricket involve flexing each muscle. In fact, great amounts of calories are burnt and stamina is shown to increase if one plays a sport consistently.

Drink more water: People who exercise lose a lot of water by sweating. Water is an essential component of the body and it has to be replaced. Water is also necessary to throw out waste; it also helps circulate all the bodily fluids which in turn help burn body fat. Thus, to keep your body in good shape, always ensure you replenish your system with its lost nutrients.

Food intake every two hours: We all try and stick to the usual 3 meal time-table. But sometimes it isn’t possible to eat at regular intervals. Sometimes, we also tend to eat a lot in one meal, like at lunch and then skip dinner. This is a bad eating habit. Most dieticians are of the opinion that one should consume small meals every two hours. Meals do not mean a whole nutritional diet. It can include a fruit after the breakfast and then a small lunch.

Avoid protein shakes and pills, follow balanced diet: Never believe in pills and protein shakes to lose flesh. It has short term gain and a lot of side effects. Instead, plan proper weekly diet which is balanced and includes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in small amounts.

Kick smoking and reduce alcohol: ‘Smoking leads to weight loss’ is a myth. Smoking reduces stamina and the lung capacity which is unhealthy in the long run. Drinking beer regularly will not help either.

Be happy with the results: Even though you do not lose much weight in spite of regular exercise, don’t be unhappy. Happiness allows you to keep moving towards your goal since it keeps you motivated to achieve results.

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5 Ways to Stay Motivated for a Workout

Poonam Advani — Wed, 25 May 2011 03:43:08 +0000

You have been going to the gym everyday now to lose that extra flab but it is just not showing the results you want to see! You are naturally frustrated with your workout and tired of running on the treadmill because you are not getting what you desire out of your regime. Giving up is not an option. So, what you need is motivation to maintain the regularity of your workout!

The most common reason to give up exercise is not losing weight or not getting the desired results. This leads to laziness and erratic workout schedules. You need to find the best way to keep yourself motivated to run that extra mile so that you can be regular for your daily workout. Here are five ways you can use to keep yourself pumped up and not avoid your gym schedule:

Set Realistic Goals: Set weekly goals, but realistic ones. If you are working out just once a week, make it a point to go twice this week and then thrice the next week and so on. Try and mark your days on the calendar so that you know when you went last and when you have to go next. This way, you can reach your target quite easily without adding unwarranted frustration to your life.

Reward yourself: Once you fulfill you weekly goals, make sure you gift yourself something you like. For instance, a healthy dinner at your favorite place down the wharf should do the trick. Another good way of keeping yourself motivated is, buying new workout clothes, like the t-shirt that never fit you last year. In this way, you would know that your workouts are working.

Change your Workout: Once you have regularized your workout, don’t get stuck up with the same exercise regime. Change is always good. Challenge you body by changing your cardio days with running outdoors along the beach. Try some variations by doing Pilates or yoga or even aerobics.

Get an exercise buddy: The thought of getting out of the house to go and sweat in the gym ‘alone’ is very distressing. Rope in a friend from your neighbourhood or a colleague for your workout. Also, if one of you is lazy to get up for your workout, the other one easily motivates the other to get up and run to the gym. Make sure you don’t get work to the workout; the workout can get very stressful then!

Get out of the gym, go Outdoors! If you feel that the gym is the only place you can lose weight, then you are totally wrong. After a point you may not be motivated to go and just run on the treadmill for 20 minutes. At such a point in your exercise life, go outside your workout place. Even an hour of sports like tennis, daily, gives enough cardio and strength workout. Trekking on weekends is a great getaway and a great workout!

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What is the Dukan Diet?

Health Guru — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 01:02:37 +0000

The Dukan Diet was developed 10 years ago by the French Nutritionist DR. Pierre Dukan. The diet is based on eliminating foods rich in carbohydrates and eating as many protein foods as possible. The Dukan Diet was not only designed to successfully lose weight but also to effectively maintain your ideal physique.

The body compensates from the elimination of carbohydrates in the diet by utilizing fats as the primary source of energy. This compensation mechanism occurs during the first few days of using the diet. In this process, the end result is the production of ketones which can cause dry mouth, fruity breath, weakness, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness and nausea. Constipation can also occur if all carbohydrate sources are removed in the diet. The short-term side effects of the Dukan diet may seem harmless.

Remedies are readily available to manage the side-effects. But on the long run, nutritional deficiencies can happen with the use of this diet. Later in life, it might cause serious health problems. Deficiencies in the intake of whole grains and fruits and vegetables may lead to a lack of antioxidants. Problems of heart diseases, cancer, cataract formation and premature aging may occur later on. Although the deficiencies can be managed with multivitamin intake, still the nutrients we get from food are of better quality and quantity than what we receive from these pills.

The Dukan diet may appear the ideal diet of all. But if one takes a closer look at it, you will see its flaws. Ultimately, the diet can be considered as unbalanced. Therefore, it’s not the best diet plan for every person to follow. Always consult your physician and nutritionist for an individualized diet program to prevent any major health threats in the future.

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Top 5 Zumba Classes in Sydney

Health Guru — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:02:24 +0000

Depending on your location in Sydney, you can almost find a Zumba class held nearby. Enthusiasts of Zumba in Sydney have formed different groups to provide Zumba trainings to individuals who love to get toned while dancing. Contact them and they will organize Zumba classes at their designated areas in Sydney.

Here is a list of centers that offer top-rated Zumba Classes in Sydney:

1. Zumba Fitness- This center was founded by Diana last April 2010. Their headquarters is located at New South Wales. But wherever you may be in Sydney, whether in the North, East or West, there are packages that you can avail of depending on your requirements and budget. You can inquire about their services online at www.zumba4u.com.au.

2. Zumba Alegria- Also located at New South Wales, is managed by a licensed member of the Zumba Instructor Network. There are different class schedules that you can choose from. You need to book your classes in advance to control the number of students in each session. Contact the instructor via email at greer@zumbaalegria.com.

3. Natalie Anne Beck- She’s not only a professional dance instructor but a good Zumba teacher as well! She and her team offer Zumba classes held at Wetherill Park or Castle Hill Dance Studio. A single class costs $15. But if you avail of the 10 pack classes, you’ll only pay for $100. Book your lessons now and sway your way to fitness and health.

4. Sydney Zumba Fitness- classes are held weekly at Fitness First Gyms in Boni Junction, Darlinghurst, King Cross, Neutral Bay and Sydney CBD. The program is conducted by qualified Zumba Instructors and utilizes salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton and other international rhythms that truly make the exercise exciting and fun-filled. Contact them to arrange a Zumba fitness class at your local gym. Personal training sessions are also offered regularly by Kib Fitness, sponsor of Sydney Zumba Fitness.

5. V-club- the perfect gym for the best workouts for an affordable price. Aside from Zumba classes, it also offers other fun fitness programs like Exotic dance, Hot Yoga, Pilates, Contemporary dance, cardio circuit and many more!

Top 5 Zumba Classes in Melbourne

Health Guru — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:59:15 +0000

Party while shedding off some excess calories and fats in your body using the latest aerobic dance craze, the Zumba! Accompanied by lively soundtracks, this routine work-out is infused with a combination of Latin and hip-hop dance moves. It’s a timeless exercise that young and old alike will surely enjoy.

Here are our top 5 Zumba classes in Melbourne:

1. DANZFIT- Claims to be the home of Melbourne Zumba, this fitness club is the largest Zumba business in Melbourne. The company has focused on specializing the Zumba Fitness and now caters Zumba students from areas in Bundoora, Abbotsford, Essendon, Prahran, East Doncaster and Wantirna.

2. ZUMBA UNITED- Party towards fitness with their professional and entertaining instructors for an additional $10 per class. Their schedule provides you with 24 classes that you can choose from. They also provide Zumba classes for children and private events. Check their website at http://www.zumbaunited.com.au/ for more details regarding their services and promos.

3. FERNWOOD FITNESS- There are 22 Fernwood gyms that you can find in Melbourne and each has its own pumped up versions of the Zumba dance. Come on board with the other gym-goers and experience a new and exciting way to stay in shape.

4. ZUMBA WITH KEREN- For just $10, you can avail of 24 Zumba classes in a week with Keren. There are no commitments and you need not reserve your slots in advance. With the skills combination of an Aerobic Instructor and Personal Trainer, Keren will surely get you hooked with her effective and safe workout.

5. CURVES- Curves is a gym and health haven for women. With its high-end work-out facilities and effective weight loss programs, Zumba is an additional member of their powerful line-up of fitness services.

Top 5 Zumba Classes in Brisbane

Health Guru — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:55:53 +0000

There are many teams of certified Zumba Instructors that you can find in Brisbane. They offer Zumba classes for beginners through to experienced dancers. You need not be familiar with the Latin Dance to join their program. Your skill and knowledge in this fitness routine will naturally be enhanced once you regularly attend Zumba classes.

Here are some top-rating teams that provide quality Zumba classes in Brisbane:

1. VIDA LATINA DANCE CO. – One of the well-renowned Zumba dance fitness provider in Brisbane. The company offers 35 Zumba classes in 15 different locations in Brisbane. Anyone who wants to burn up to 1000 calories can attend their Zumba sessions for as low as $9.

2. JILL’S JIVE- Coupled with good company and great facilities, this fitness club will surely give you the most out of your money, time and effort. Jill’s Jive started as a family last 1997. It is located at the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane near the Melton Rd. in between the Nundah and Northgate train stations. They offer Zumba lessons every Mondays and Wednesday at a rate of $12 per session or $100 for 10 sessions.

3. GROOVE DANCE ACADEMY- Add some twist into your dates by availing a Zumba class from one of the well known one-stop shop partner dancing studio in Brisbane. Indeed, this is a unique and romantic way to stay healthy and fit for you and your loved one!

4. RIO RHYTMICS (LATIN DANCE ACADEMY) – The largest and most comprehensive latin dance school in Australia is found at the West End of Brisbane is providing their students with Zumba dance courses. Their certified and passionate Zumba instructors will get your heart pumping and dance fitness improving when you enroll in their 45-minute classes. This routine is good for dancers and non-dancers alike.

5. DANCEVOLUTION- Is composed of instructors who not only love to dance but most of all love to teach others how to dance. They offer group and private lessons on Zumba fitness classes and other Latin American and contemporary styles of dance sports. They conduct sessions at Perry’s Dance Academy and St. Paul’s Uniting church. Check their website for details: http://www.dancevolution.com.au

Why is Zumba so popular?

Health Guru — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:36:29 +0000

What makes this new trend of fitness so popular among health enthusiasts? How effective is this exercise in keeping your body in shape and healthy? Zumba turns the usual exercise routine into an exciting and dynamic fitness program with the fusion of dancing in the tunes of international and Latin rhythms. The steps are very easy to learn that even non-dancers will effortlessly sway into the music and routine. It is one of the easiest ways to tone your body and sustain that perfect shape. That is why Zumba DVDs and programs are very popular in the fitness business nowadays.

An hour of calorie burning and heart pumping moves provide followers of this workout long-term health benefits that will keep you hooked and coming back for more. The entire body is toned with the use of interval and resistance training. The abs, arms, gluts, legs and heart are the areas to which this exercise is focused on. Aside from its physical effects, it is also a new way of relaxing the mind and soul.

Zumba fitness is an exercise routine that suits all ages. Kids, adults and senior citizens alike will surely find it an exhilarating way to be healthy and stay healthy. People are often afraid to try Zumba because of the thought that it is a fast paced exercise. But there are different levels of Zumba that will be tailor fitted to go with your needs. For starters, you can take it slow with Zumba gold. For the moderate level is the Zumba Basic while an intense workout is classified to the Zumba toning.

The dance steps introduced to Zumba followers vary from instructor to instructor. But basically, simple steps from Latin dances of cha-cha, meringue, flamenco, mambo and salsa accompanied by International dance moves of belly dancing and hip-hop comprise every routine of this work-out. Once you start doing the Zumba fitness program, you’ll not notice how much you have moved and exercised your body since you’ll get hooked on the fun and enjoyment you feel while exercising and learning how to dance.

Try out Zumba fitness at your local gym or DVDs and zoom your way to health and happiness!

Weight Loss Tips

JBric — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:32:54 +0000

Summer is just around the corner for the southern hemisphere people and what better time than now to start thinking about your weight.

While not everyone is, or needs to be on a diet, it is still smart to think about what you put into your mouth and what affect it will have not only on your appearance, but also your health.

Here are some tips for managing your weight over the next few months:

Whatever changes you make in your diet, they have to be lifestyle changes that are embraced. There is no help in hoping to achieve something you really don’t want, or something that doesn’t fit in with you current lifestyle.

For long-term effects and changes you must ‘want’ to change your eating lifestyle.

Having a support system around you is also just as vital. People like friends and family need to be aware of what you are trying to achieve and they will be able to help you along the way and encourage you to reach your goals.

Flexibility and moderation should as also be practiced in making healthy choices. And don’t forget any kinds of food can be eaten with moderation.

If you consume more than what is advised, lessening food portions or doing more calorie-burning activities like running or boxing the next day will help you balance it out.

Don’t forget, diet is all about what goes in your mouth, and what you burn. If you burn more than you digest than you will lose weight. If it is the other way around than you will be having an uphill battle.

And, of course, to succeed in weight loss one has to be educated on food. The more you know about what you eat, the more easier it will be for you to make the right choices and achieve your weight loss goals.

Lemon Detox Diet

JBric — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:07:54 +0000

Weight loss can be achieved in many ways, with many theories and in many practices.

While some work, others do not, and we have to remember to keep an open mind when trying to achieve results.

Dieting is usually the key to all theories of weight loss, and the simple idea of burning more calories than you eat can never be overlooked.

But one diet that is often overlooked for its weight loss success is the detox diet.

Detox diets are usually undertaken by someone who wants to cleanse themselves from the many unwanted toxins and bacteria they have digested recently.

A detox diet works on the principal of limiting the amount of foods that enter your body, and ensuring only those that can be digested very quick be consumed.

Generally speaking, detox diets consist of a type of soup, so in effect they are usually based on a liquid diet so that there is no pressure on out vital organs for at least a few days.

With the amount of chemicals we digest every day, we often feel lethargic, tired and lacking energy. A detox diet is supposed to eliminate these feelings by ridding you of any unwanted drugs inside your body that work to our detriment.

So, what can I have during a detox diet??

One o the most popular detox’s, is the Lemon Detox Diet.
?AS the name suggests, it is highly based around the consumption of lemon and similar related foods.

During this diet, a detox drink is made, consisting of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, ginger, salt, herbal tea, and natural syrup.

All these ingredients are combined together to give you a liquid form that will keep you replenished with nutrients and give you enough energy to cope with every day life.

As far as weight loss goes, detox diets are one of the most successful and popular for the public.

The Atkins Diet

JBric — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:51:14 +0000

The Atkins Diet is one of the world’s most popular diets going around.

The basic principal is to eat as much protein as you like, but completely rule out any carbohydrates from what you put into your body.

Slimming World, Weight Watchers and many other diet businesses employ the Atkins diet as their basis for losing fat and trimming down.

All the high protein diets you see advertised in the market today generally stem from this famous way of eating.

Across the world, many people have combated and overcome obesity thanks to the diet that has been around since 1972.

In short, the diet is a system that enables your body to lose weight in a natural way by motivating and creating change in our eating habits and metabolism.

The one interesting thing about the Atkins diet is that it not only promises that you will lose weight without being hungry, but it also guarantees countless health benefits along the way.

Increased heart health and improved memory functioning are some for the common benefits that stem from taking on the diet.

So, what foods can you, and can’t you eat in the Atkins diet??

Well, for starters, anything high in protein is acceptable. Food like eggs, meat, chicken, tuna, fish and tofu are all encouraged.

Foods high in carbohydrates, on the other hand, are not allowed. So pastas, bread and cereals are off limits.

Fruits, and other fast burning carbohydrates can often be allowed, as too nuts and legumes which are high in unsaturated fats.

So in sort, the Atkins diet is all about protein and very little else.

Now, when you body has such high protein, it feeds your muscles but also burns fat, so it is perfect for losing weight.

But there are many other reasons why people take up the Atkins diet.

As well as the many health benefits it has, including lowering cholesterol and helping diabetes, it also is proved to make people feel more energetic after just one week of being on the diet.