Author:  C. Small

At some point in our lives, 60-80% of all individuals experience lower-back pain (LBP).  The condition is disabling to 1-5% of the population.  Most cases of LBP occur between the ages of 25 and 60 years, but 12-16 % of children and adolescents are LBP suffers.  Males and females are affected equally.

Back in the late nineties, I started having problems with my lower back, and over time the problems increased significantly.  Through my research (I don’t know about you, but I research everything the doctors tell me), I learned from the National Institutes for Health that lower-back pain (LBP) can be acute or short-term low and that it generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks.  Most acute back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis.  Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues.  Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight.  Chronic back pain, which is what I have, is pain that persists for more than 3 months.  It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.  Acute or short-term low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis.  Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues.  Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight.

According to Sharon A. Plowman and Denise L Smith in Exercise Physiology, for Health Fitness, and Performance, there has been and still is great interest in the link between muscular fitness and the absence or occurrence of LBP.  The interest is high enough that some tests of health-related physical fitness have included sit-and-reach, sit-ups, or curl-ups, and trunk extension tests as a means of testing lower-back function.

One of the things that I learned while going through physical therapy is that in order to have a healthy, well-functioning back, one must have flexible lower-back muscles, hamstrings, and hip flexors, and strong, fatigue-resistance abdominal and back extensor muscles.  The goal is to keep the vertebrae aligned properly without excessive disk pressure, allowing a full range of motion is all directions.  In addition the pelvis must freely rotate both towards the front and back of the body.

Per the therapists I’ve had over the years, individuals suffering from LBP show signs of lower levels of strength in both abdominal and back extensors.  EMG (electromyogram) activity is also increased in the back muscles of individuals with LBP.  These differences, however, are believed to be the result of LBP rather than the cause.  Also, studies measuring strength and muscular endurance have identified back extension endurance as the critical variable.  So, how did all of this new found knowledge help me?  Well, it helped me to understand why my physical therapists developed my exercise plan on a total body workout for strength and muscular endurance, with a focus on exercises for the back and abdominals.  Did the plan help?  Initially, yes it did.  I believe the strengthened back and abdominals muscles, along with other treatment measures have kept my pain level at a minimum.

So don’t wait.  Start protecting your back now. Order Life Without Back Pain in 24 Hours today.

About the author: C. Small is the Owner/Manager of CVS Unlimited, LLC and a health and fitness enthusiast with more than 31 years of military training. The Company’s desire is to educate you on the dangers of obesity and help you achieve a healthy lifestyle by combining good nutrition with the right exercises, and using the right equipment for lasting results.

CVS Unlimited, LLC is a paid affiliate of Botanic Choice.

Author: Dr. Lanny Schaffer

Core conditioning is a fitness buzz word these days but few are actually doing it correctly. Many confuse it with abdominal training when in fact the core covers your body from your groin to your shoulders (front, side, back and inside-out). Your core offers stability, balance and flexibility to all your movements. An improperly conditioned core will limit movement capabilities and predispose you to injury whether you are performing every day activities or complex sports movements.

The aim of working the core muscles is primarily one of stabilization and coordination versus strengthening. There are many muscles in the core including the lower back, superficial front and side abdominals, deep abdominals, deep back muscles, and the hip and pelvic muscles. It is the deep muscles that usually get neglected. The ultimate aim of core conditioning is to insure the deep trunk muscles are working correctly to control the lumbar spine during dynamic movements such as lifting a box. The deep muscles act as stabilizers and are isometrically contracted (contraction with no movement). Thus when training your core you should start with the inside and work outwards.

Exercises and products intended to train the core do so by creating resistance and instability so the core muscles must respond to maintain balance. Core exercises often imitate moves we employ in daily life or sports,  reducing the strain we put on our limbs daily. Some popular core exercises come from Pilates which uses both the bodies own resistance as well as balance devices such as foam rollers. The swiss ball provides an unstable platform to perform a variety of core strengthening moves on. Another newer balance and core developing device is the half domed shaped Bosu. Whatever type of exercises and equipment you choose start slowly. Even if you are a finely tuned athlete chances are you do not have a well developed core. Core strength is important for all ages and fitness abilities. Incorporating core training into your exercise routine can reduce muscular fatigue, avoid muscle strain and injury, improve posture and improve strength and mobility.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/getting-to-the-core-of-exercise-85397.html

About the Author: Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy. To find out more cutting edge fitness ideas and information go to aerobic-exercise-coach.com.

Bosu Balance Trainer Home Version

This policy is valid from 12 November 2009.  This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me, C. Small.  For questions about this blog, please contact cvsmall.small@gmail.com. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions.  However, since I am an Affiliate of the advertisers in this blog, if you buy something I will get paid, not much but I’m retired and need whatever I can get. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or post made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.  Even though I receive compensation for the advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those products.  The views and opinions expressed on this blog may not be my own, but I agree with them.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.  This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

Author: Robert Hicks

Whether you are a fitness enthusiast who wants a high-intensity workout or are like most people who just enjoy the benefits of walking, you can obtain even better benefits using Nordic Walking poles and enjoy the added safety to bones and joints by taking the stress off the body. Everyone who can walk, and even many who have a hard time walking, can go Nordic Walking or Trekking with the use these poles and enjoy this great fitness activity.

Nordic Walking is an excellent way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It is a mix between power walking and cross-country skiing and can be enjoyed by all age groups all year. Nordic Walking poles help you accelerate your workout by lengthening your stride and it uses all your muscle groups for a full body workout. Use the poles for speed and stability and get in shape with all your friends.

Nordic Walking increases your heart rate, and your overall walking experience. You will not feel like you are working harder although your level of exertion will increase burning more calories and working your legs, upper body and back muscles. With Nordic Walking, your fitness level increases, posture improves and you will notice your energy level increasing with every walk. Living healthy with activities you enjoy is the key to success.

Nordic Walking is not the same as trekking. Nordic walking is a technique with a steady rhythmic pace. Trekking is a general activity with a varied pace , terrain and usually involves added weight such as a backpack for carrying supplies.

After going on a few walks I have noticed that my walking pace has increased as opposed to just walking. I’ve read plenty of material stating the health benefits and thought I would share them with you. I am using the Lekisport Walker now, so far so good.

On a personal level when I walk for an hour or so my heart does increase, distance of walking has increased and my level of energy while walking has also increased. I must say when I first started walking I was breathing heavier but that soon diminished in a few minutes as I kept going and found a good pace to keep walking. I believe it is important to find your optimal pace when starting out as not to overwork yourself resulting in tiredness and wanting to take breaks.

The impact on my joints and back has lightened immensely. I’m sure as I continue that weight loss will be inevitable and the combined benefits be great to help me enjoy a more active lifestyle.

I am closing in on my early forties now and I want to be in good shape so I can better enjoy a prolonged retirement with my family when the time comes. I’m sure everyone would love to be healthy during the retirement years and Nordic Walking is a step in the right direction.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/walking-to-fitness-using-the-nordic-walking-technique-1252291.html

About the Author:

About Rob Hicks Nordic Walker enthusiast, believer in living an active lifestyle, and cofounder of www.walkingtofitness.com. Resides in northern British Columbia with his wife and two kids and enjoys the great outdoors whether it be walking, fishing or hunting. For Nordic Walking Poles and Walking Poles parts and acceessories, I  recommend www.walkingtofitness.com.

LEKI Nordic Walking Traveller Nordic Pole

CVS Unlimited, LLC is a paid affiliate of Botanic Choice.

This policy is valid from 12 November 2009.  I am C. Small, the administrator for this blog.  For questions about this blog, please contact cvsmall.small@gmail.com. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions.  However, since I am an Affiliate of the advertisers in this blog, if you buy something I will get paid, not much but I’m retired and need whatever I can get. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or post made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.  Even though I receive compensation for the advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those products.  The views and opinions expressed on this blog may not be my own, but I agree with them.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.  This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

Courtesy: National Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences

No one should ever be judged, bullied, or teased about their weight, height, or any other physical characteristic — or for any other reason for that matter! So please let an adult know if that is happening to you or to anyone you know.

But that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to know about the health problems that can be caused by being overweight. Right now, 15% of all children in the United States are overweight. At the rate those numbers are increasing, that will soon include one third of all children. If overweight children then become overweight adults, nearly 50 million Americans could have diabetes by 2050. Now that is a very scary thought!

And there are many other serious health risks that can also be caused by excess weight, such as amputations, blindness, kidney failure, and heart attacks from hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol levels. Plus, recent studies also tell us that new cases of asthma are 1½ to 2 times more likely among overweight children.

But are YOU overweight?

Typically, you are considered to be overweight if you weigh at least 10 percent more than your ideal body weight. Obesity is defined as being 30 pounds or more over your ideal body weight. But remember, many people think they are overweight when they are not! If 15% of children ARE overweight, then 85% are NOT, and that’s important to remember since not eating enough can also cause serious health problems. So don’t just assume that you weigh too much. If you think you may be overweight, talk to your parents and your doctor to find out what your ideal body weight really is and what you should do to get there.

What can YOU do if you need to lose weight or just want to stay “fit”?

Obesity can be caused by a combination of several things including your genes, environment, and behavior. But there are still steps you can take to reduce the problem…and your waistline! How?

So the solution is actually pretty simple. YOU can change your environment and reduce your weight simply by walking an extra mile every day and decreasing your calorie consumption by about five percent! So turn off the television, computer, or video games and have some physical fun instead. Here are some other great ideas to get in shape!

P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program – 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner
P90X Resistance Bands Workout Kit–3 bands: Light, Medium, Heavy
Insanity: The Ultimate Cardio Workout and Fitness DVD Program

This policy is valid from 12 November 2009. I am C. Small, the administrator for this blog. For questions about this blog, please contact cvsmall.small@gmail.com. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, since I am an Affiliate of the advertisers in this blog, if you buy something I will get paid, not much but I’m retired and need whatever I can get. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or post made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. Even though I receive compensation for the advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog may not be my own, but I agree with them. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

Author: Kevin Trent

P90X is a high-intensity workout program that was developed by fitness guru Tony Horton to reshape your body in only 90 days. The program makes a lot of claims about losing weight and toning your entire body. So, just how can P90X and Tony Horton make these claims and stand behind them? Here are the specifics on how the P90X workout exactly works.

Muscle Confusion

The muscle confusion principle is the key to P90X and reshaping your body. Tony Horton developed this workout technique so that your body was always being challenged during every workout. This is effective for losing weight and getting toned because your body never gets used to the exercises and always has to put forth effort to get the workout done. Your muscles are constantly confused, which means that they are going to be burning fat and calories like crazy. This accelerates a person’s results since your body is never going to plateau. You can continue to lose weight and develop muscle throughout the whole 90 days and beyond and not have to worry about your body plateauing and your exercise efforts are never wasted.

Diversity

With the P90X workout, you get 12 different workouts that are done on a set out schedule depending on what level you are starting at. P90X easily gets rid of the boredom of exercising, as you could be doing yoga one day and extreme cardio and plyometrics the next day. Most people who start an exercise program get bored after a few months because it’s all the same exercises and workouts. P90X offers a diverse offering of 12 different workouts that will definitely keep you from being bored during the program.

Efficient

There is no wasted time during your P90X workouts. Every exercise in every one of the 12 workouts that you do are specifically done for fat burning and strength building reasons. With some workouts you may have wasted exercises that may do nothing for your body. With P90X you have different levels of difficulty which means you are always getting an efficient workout no matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. You get at least an hour of constant sweating and fat burning with little rest during the workouts. No one wants to waste time when they are working out. People have busy lives and need a workout that is efficient and will utilize every minute of the workout to losing weight or getting toned. That is exactly what P90X does.

Tony Horton’s P90X is not a miracle cure or anything like that. It is a well-developed workout program that takes effort and time on a person’s behalf to lose weight and get the toned body that they want. P90X will not work if you do not commit fully to the program. The P90X workout uses muscle confusion as well as exercise diversity to help people lose weight and get the toned body they want. A person has to put in the efforts for the program to be a success.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-does-p90x-work-1154348.html

About the Author:  Tiffany Brunskole is a writer for Surfer Body Fitness, an Online retailer who specializes in workout products and supplies from Beachbody fitness such as P90X. P90X can help you burn more calories and achieve weight loss faster.

CVS Unlimited, LLC is a paid affiliate of Botanic Choice.

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This policy is valid from 12 November 2009. I am C. Small, the administrator for this blog. For questions about this blog, please contact cvsmall.small@gmail.com. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, since I am an Affiliate of the advertisers in this blog, if you buy something I will get paid, not much but I’m retired and need whatever I can get. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or post made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. Even though I receive compensation for the advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog may not be my own, but I agree with them. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

Author: C. Small

Want to Eliminate that Tired…Worn Out…Unhealthy Feeling?  Want to look good in clothes that actually fit?  You can do these things and a whole lot more by achieving a healthy lifestyle.  Don’t wait another day!  Learn how to get fit inside and out through good nutrition and exercising the safe way using the right equipment; and get lasting results.

Eating right, using the right supplements and exercising can help you manage your weight, whether you’re over or under weight.  And, getting and staying in shape will help prevent potentially life threatening diseases.

Start With Good Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for you and your family’s overall well-being.  Start making small changes in your diet and before you know it, you’ll be on the road to a healthier family with long lives ahead of you.

Get Your Weight In Check

We can show you how to manage your lifestyle to better manage your weight, reduce your risk for heart attack and other serious diseases or conditions.

Exercise & Fitness

Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, dancing, walking and dozens of other activities can help       your heart and improve your fitness.  Whether it is included in a structured exercise program   or  just part of your daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier you.

A Healthy Lifestyle Begins on Day 1

The American Heart Association is working to raise public awareness about the serious threat posed by childhood obesity.  Learn more about the various ways you can become involved in improving children’s health.  Baby fat may look cute on new borns and toddlers, but it can signal the beginning of lifelong health problems.

REMEMBER you hold the key to a healthier you.  So start today; learn the small life style changes that you can make to help prevent heart disease, obesity, diabetes and stroke….and lead to a healthier, better looking you…a “you” that you will be proud of.  Be the example for your family! Start your journey today with Eating Healthy for Kids or Hungry Girl 1-2-3: The Easiest, Most Delicious, Guilt-Free Recipes on the Planet now.

Physical Fitness: A Way of Life, 6th Edition
Hungry Girl 1-2-3: The Easiest, Most Delicious, Guilt-Free Recipes on the Planet
Total Gym XLS
P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program – 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner
Insanity: The Ultimate Cardio Workout and Fitness DVD Program
P90X Resistance Bands Workout Kit–3 bands: Light, Medium, Heavy

This policy is valid from 12 November 2009.  This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me, C. Small.  For questions about this blog, please contact cvsmall.small@gmail.com. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions.  However, since I am an Affiliate of the advertisers in this blog, if you buy something I will get paid, not much but I’m retired and need whatever I can get. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or post made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.  Even though I receive compensation for the advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those products.  The views and opinions expressed on this blog may not be my own, but I agree with them.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.  This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

Author: David Horne

Strength training is required to help develop a “base” from which an athlete can build upon and become faster. Strength is required before power training and it helps to lay the foundation for overall body conditioning. I have found that strength is the single most dominant factor in predicting and also improving speed. It is not the only factor but it is definitely the main one that can bring about the most significant results.

If you have not performed a regular strength training program before then you need to participate in a general total body program as this will lay the foundation for a more advanced speed program. This article assumes that you have already been involved in a strength training program and are ready to expand into the specifics of training for blazing speed.

There are various types of strength which will help you to understand how to specifically train for your sport of tennis.

Strength-endurance refers to the athlete being able to exert strength over and over many times. If an athlete lacks the ability to continually exert this strength then they will become slower in reacting to a certain situation. The best way to work on strength endurance is by performing circuit training.

Maximum strength refers to being able to exert the maximum force possible in a single contraction or movement. It is this type of strength that plays a significant role in developing that “explosive” component of speed. An athlete can work on this maximum strength by conducting a strength training program.

Elastic strength is a third type which refers to the athlete having the ability to overcome a significant force or resistance with a fast contraction. How does this relate to speed? Well, think about how soccer has become more physical or football with the known amount of sheer strength required to push away from a defender. This can help the athlete to become faster in their response to a situation and get a jump on their opponent. This contributes to an athlete being fast and responsive to a certain situation. An athlete can work on developing elastic strength by working with medicine ball, performing various weight training exercises and a series of plyometric exercises.

Precautions for strength training include conducting a complete “needs analysis” for each individual, avoiding excessive loads on the body, avoiding over training (leads to overuse injuries)and avoiding training errors and using poor technique. Be sure to follow all guidelines and train with a partner if possible (for motivation and for spotting)

Principles of Training include the following: Frequency is how often you workout, intensity is how hard you work out or the effort you put into your work. This is expressed as a percentage of 1RM (maximum repetition). Time is how long you work out for(e.g. 45 minutes).Progression refers to a gradual increase in repetitions, sets, or resistance that allows for adaptational changes. Specificity is about training the body part or system specific to those used in your sport.

If you have access to a gym facility then you can develop a strength training program utilizing the equipment available. For those coaches or athletes who do not have access to a gym, you can design a program using a combination of the exercises included using an athlete’s own body weight for resistance.

Make sure that you include a variety of exercises that cover the lower body, the core and the upper body. Neglecting one area can create imbalances that will likely lead to injury.

How Do We Get Stronger? We get stronger by continually overloading the muscle and forcing it to grow stronger in order to cope with this increased load. When you hear coaches talking about a “maintenance phase” during their competitive season then they are often referring to maintaining the load placed upon the muscles. Whereas as during the pre-season the athletes were constantly striving to increase the loads placed on the muscles.

There are several methods when it comes to basic strength training. These include free weights such as barbells and dumbbells which are common in gyms and homes, using fixed machines such as universal machines, using your own body weight for resistance such as performing push-ups and squats, partner assisted exercises where your partner is the resistance, various forms of circuit training which involves performing a series of pre-defined exercises in rapid succession.

These are methods used for general strength training especially when the athlete lacks the appropriate resources. Our strength training exercises are more specific and cover a variety of methods but all aim to train specifically for the demands of tennis.

Many tennis players have to travel and this is where having the option to perform exercises using your own body weight can come in handy if this is your only option for strength training.

Repetitions – When conducting your initial strength training program for overall body conditioning and preparation for more advanced exercises I want you to work in the 10-12 repetition range. This allows you to develop muscle size and endurance but most of all it doesn’t place too much stress on your body which would likely lead to injury. You should be pushing out that last repetition, if not then increase the weight.

Once you have completed at least six months of a general weight training program then you can move onto the specifics that will really help you to become faster.

To achieve maximal results and adaptations you will want to train in the repetition range of 6-8 repetitions. This will help to achieve maximum strength and muscle growth. Every two to three weeks I want you to include a heavy day in your training which will consist of performing the same exercises but now in the 4-6 repetition range. It is important to perform these fewer repetitions with exercises that you have been doing for a while. This is a gradual progression. These heavy days will really help to overload and stimulate the muscles.

Sets – During your initial general strength training program I want you to perform 3 sets. The goal should be to push out 10-12 repetitions in each of these three sets. Remember that the main goal of a general strength training program is to prepare the body for the more strenuous activities placed upon it in the power and advanced training programs. If you have already been involved in a strength training program then you need to move on to a more intensive strength training program of 3 to 5 sets per exercise (include super sets into your programs)

Rest periods – During your general conditioning phase you will want to only rest for 1-2 minutes between sets.

When you have moved on to the more intensive program you will need to increase your rest periods to at least two to three minutes (due to using heavier weights and performing fewer repetitions). Anything less when maxing out will not allow you to fully recover in order to perform the next set for maximal gains. This increased rest period will allow the muscles to sufficiently replenish their ATP and creatine phosphate stores which will allow you to get better results on your next set.

Many power athletes will require rest periods of greater than 3-5 minutes. This is more specific but I am sure that you will have time restraints with your sessions.

Strength Training Program for Novice Lifters includes using a lighter weight, more repetitions, goal of becoming accustomed to strength training, fewer sets, divide into two sessions (upper body and lower body), conduct each session twice per week = 4 total sessions

Strength Training Program for Advanced and Experienced Lifters includes heavier weight, fewer repetitions, goal is to increase strength, more sets, three distinct sessions allowing for more emphasis on a specific muscle group, minimum of 72 hours rest between same muscles group work out, push out last few repetitions, increase weight if they are too easy!Introduce super sets, complete one heavy training session every three weeks, increase rest period between sets.

With frequency you should try to aim for at least three sessions per week with a minimum of two sessions.

Choice of exercises: To maintain motivation and prevent boredom change the exercises every 4-6 weeks. Refer to the article “Need New Strength Training Exercises to Add Variety to Your Programs?

The choice of exercises may be determined by the equipment available to you. If you have access a gym then they should have all of the required equipment. If not, then choose some of the body-resistance exercises or stability ball exercises.

Include a super-setting program for a 6 week period. Super-setting is where you complete a set with one muscles group and then immediately perform a set with another muscle group. For example: complete one set of dumbbell curls for the biceps and then complete one set of triceps extensions for the opposing triceps.

I strongly believe in keeping the repetition range between 6-8 as anything higher is not “overloading” the muscles. Every 2-3 weeks I want you to include one session of maximum lifting where your repetition range is between 4-6 repetitions. This will help to stimulate the muscles.

Always use a spotter and seek the assistance of a trainer to help you with technique. Remember that this is a general strength training program and change exercises every 4 – 6 weeks for variety and to stimulate muscles. Perform the general program for at least 6 months and allow for 48 to 72 hours rest between workouts. Start with a light weight and then progress to heavier weights and aim for a designated number of repetitions.

Include the following strength and power training exercises in your program for advanced players: BB and DB squats, Snatch Squat, Power Cleans, Bench Press, Hack Squats, Leg Sled.

Characteristics of Strength Training Programs
Hypertrophy involves concentric and eccentric exercises, multiple sets for each muscle group (greater than 3 sets, short rest periods (less than 2 minutes, repetition range of 6-12, include super setting (same or opposing muscle groups), use a variety of exercises per muscle group, focus on muscle being trained and start with the larger muscle groups first.

Power involves multi-joint exercises (power cleans, multiple sets (greater than 4), longer rest periods greater than two minutes (need longer rest periods before next set), repetition range less than 6 per set, very high intensity (maximal effort), choose power exercises specific to the movements used in tennis, perform power exercises early on in a session (work assisting muscle groups second), power is similar to strength but you are adding the time factor, plyo-metrics are exercises where the muscle is contracted eccentrically and then immediately concentrically. Stretch shortening cycle.

Muscular Endurance involves tennis specific exercises, fewer sets (3 or less), moderate rest periods (2-3 minutes between sets), repetition range of 12-18, lower intensity (allows for more repetitions), lighter weights used for more repetitions,

Remember that these are directed towards become a faster athlete. Strength and Power is what is needed for speed. Be aware of your own current fitness status and design a program that suits your needs based on the above principles.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-importance-of-strength-training-and-speed-295204.html

About the AuthorDavid Horne is a former professional tennis player who has created several online sports web sites including Sports eBooks .You can also visit the global web site for Tennis Coaching at Global Sports Coaching

Total Gym 1800 Club
P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program – 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner
Insanity: The Ultimate Cardio Workout and Fitness DVD Program

FINE PRINT
This policy is valid from 12 November 2009. I am C. Small, the administrator for this blog. For questions about this blog, please contact cvsmall.small@gmail.com. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, since I am an Affiliate of the advertisers in this blog, if you buy something I will get paid, not much but I’m retired and need whatever I can get. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or post made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. Even though I receive compensation for the advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog may not be my own, but I agree with them. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

Isn’t it time you did something about the way you look and feel?  Want to Eliminate that Tired…Worn Out…Unhealthy Feeling?  Have you ever thought about doing something to boost your energy-level, mental acuity and self-esteem?  Want to look good in clothes that actually fit?  You can do these things and a whole lot more by achieving a healthy lifestyle.  Don’t wait another day!  Learn how to get fit inside and out through good nutrition and exercising the safe way with the right equipment, for lasting results.  Learn how eating right, using the right supplements and exercising can help you manage your weight, whether you’re over or under weight; and how getting and staying in shape will help prevent potentially life threatening diseases.

Are you ready?  Let’s go.  First, check with your doctor to ensure that you can safely exercise without restrictions.  Once you get the green light, you must make the personal decision to begin an exercise plan and commit to making it a priority in your life.  It’s also important to have a support team especially when you’re just starting a workout program.  Your team can help you stay on track by providing guidance and motivation.  Keep in mind however, that you did not get the way you are overnight.  It’s going to take time to develop new habits, so stay positive.  If you “fall off the wagon” get back up and start again right away.

You might also consider several sessions with a qualified personal trainer to learn what to do to reach your fitness goals.  A personal trainer can help you set your fitness goals and design a workout program specifically for you.  Don’t forget that there is no right or wrong way to stay active.  Just make sure that your goal(s) is/are realistic and measurable in a way that you will see your progress.  For example if your starting point for crunches is 1 on Day 1, you may set a goal to increase your reps to 10 by Day 8.

Now let’s get started.  Find something that works for you whether it’s biking to work, walking after a meal, joining a sports league, exercising while watching TV, or training for a marathon.  Life provides many opportunities to be active – we just have to recognize them.

I know that in trying to balance school, jobs, relationships and all of the other demands of your daily life, physical health is often the last item on your agenda.  However, if you make physical fitness and healthy lifestyle a priority, you will find more energy and enthusiasm for the other areas of your life; and, with more energy you might find that you can do a little bit more each day, such as spending more time with your family or that special someone.

REMEMBER you hold the key to a healthier you.  So start today.  Learn the steps, that is the small life style changes that you can make to help prevent heart disease, obesity, diabetes and stroke….and lead to a healthier, better looking you…a “you” that you will be proud of.

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P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program – 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner
Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar – Extreme Edition
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Insanity: The Ultimate Cardio Workout and Fitness DVD Program

Not everyone is made for high-level exercising. But you can become fit without bouncing around in a leotard, battering your joints. Forget all the huffing, puffing, lugging, lifting, and straining. Movement therapy is a gentle – yet effective – group of sports that include yoga, tai chi, and Pilates. Just don’t be fooled by their mild manner. These activities can whip you into shape without breaking a sweat.

All three have ancient Eastern roots and are merely different interpretations of the same principle: keeping your body and mind in harmony naturally leads to better health.

It wasn’t until recently that modern science confirmed the many physical benefits of yoga, tai chi, and Pilates. With them, you can improve your balance, flexibility, and strength – no matter what your age, weight, or fitness level.

No Pain – but great gain

Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates are gentle enough for anyone to try. If you consider yourself in bad health or disabled in some way, you’re a perfect candidate for these movement therapies. You can ease into the programs slowly and set your own pace. It’s easy to stick with them and you’ll see improvement quickly.

Here are just some of the benefits you will get from these soothing approaches to fitness.

• When you were a child, tripping and falling meant just another minor scrape. But as you get older, taking a tumble can have serious and crippling effects. If your sense of balance is as bad as Humpty Dumpty’s,these are the safest forms of exercise for you.

Just like the trick to growing tomatoes is to keep the main stalk strong, the trick to great balance is to keep your core muscles strong. The bands of muscle in your abdomen, lower back, and buttocks are the center of strength and control for the rest of your body.

All three examples of movement therapy are relatively stationary,but because they strengthen your core muscles, your balance will improve quickly – preventing falls – and you’ll develop greater flexibility and strength. Soon you will be moving with confidence again.

• Tai chi and yoga are especially recommended for people with arthritis.Gentle yoga can improve arthritis in your hands, for example, and tai chi’s precise, flowing movements help keep your joints limber, relieve your pain, and keep you active.

• The dance-like stretches, poses, and maneuvers within each of these movement therapies will gently strengthen and tone your body. Pilates is especially good as a strength-training workout.

• Add yoga or Pilates to your exercise regimen if you need to improve your heart health.

• In today’s hectic world, it may be hard to squeeze an extra 30 minutes of exercise into your schedule – at least without feeling even more stress. The beautiful thing about movement therapy is that it combines stress relief with exercise, so you kill two birds with one stone.

All the activities – tai chi, yoga, and Pilates – are done slowly, with intense focus on proper breathing and posture. They all relax your body and calm your mind.

As you can see, you can boost your overall health with these joyful, health-giving movements.

Things to know before you give it a go

Just to be safe, make sure that you take these precautions before starting any new exercise program.

• Get your doctor’s approval on your fitness plan, especially if you’ve badly injured your back, neck, knees,or shoulders in the past.

• The stretches, poses, and movements of these therapies should not hurt. If you feel pain, stop and check your technique before continuing.

• Pilates is the most intense of the three exercise forms. You may want to try one of the less strenuous programs first if you are out of shape.

• Be forewarned, you might get addicted to these calming sports.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/lowimpact-exercises-are-fun-and-healthy-206348.html

Insanity: The Ultimate Cardio Workout and Fitness DVD Program
P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program – 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner

Most people put off making their first visit to the gym thinking that a  workout routine  is a commitment that would be too difficult to squeeze into their already busy—or lazy—schedule. One thing that many of those people don’t realize is that an exercise routine need not eat up one’s schedule. In fact, a 3day workout routine is all that is needed for one to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And if that still sounds too much, let me ease your troubled mind by saying that ” 3day workout routine ” means only an hour and a half at most per day.

There are as many variations to a 3day workout routine as there are fitness goals and body types and medical histories. You can use the following or tweak it depending on your fitness goal:

Work out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and then take the weekends off. If you’re the type of person who hates being around sweaty people—even when you’re sweating yourself—or would not rather not stand around waiting for available equipment, go for an outdoor activity like swimming, running, or biking. For best results, do a different activity per day, making sure that each targets a different muscle group. This way, you get full-body toning out of your  3day workout routine . I would advise this to people who have trouble sticking to a routine because of boredom or loss of interest.

At the gym, you can work out all muscle groups on each session. Beginners can start with one set of 15 reps for each exercise, then gradually move it up to three sets towards the end of the first month. Start each session with 10 minutes of low-intensity cardio to warm up, followed by your upper, middle, lower body workout routine. For best results, finish off with another 20 to 30 minutes of your favorite cardio. As you already know, all this rounds up to an hour and a half at most.

One other thing that most people don’t realize is that their schedule is not really as busy as they might think–at least not too busy that it’s impossible to squeeze in an hour and a half of exercise three days a week. With the myriad variations of workout routines schedules out there, and with the proper guidance, you should be able to find one that’s right for you. In fact, even daily workout schedules can fit into a busy lifestyle given the proper time management. For an impossibly hectic schedule, one can even find ways to workout at home and save on travel time to the gym. So you see, there is really no excuse for putting off having an exercise routine. After all, a fit and healthy lifestyle means more energy and a longer life with which to do and enjoy all the things you want.

Getting Back in Shape: 32 Workout Programs for Lifelong Fitness