Tuesday, October 31, 2006

20 tips to lose weight FAST!


20 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT

1. Take it one step at a time

Start by paying attention to what you eat. Cut back on fat and sweets and add more fruit and vegetables. After you have that under control, add exercise. If you hate to exercise try it for only 15 minutes a day at first, then a 1/2-hour. Keep in mind that while you are exercising you are burning calories and not eating. Also, it will be easier if you chose an activity that you enjoy.

2. Find a friend

It is always good to have support when you are trying to lose weight. Find a friend who wants to lose weight and compare notes, weigh-in together and maybe even have a contest.

3. Use weights

Working out weights will build muscle and raise your metabolism so you will burn more calories. Also, muscle takes up less space than fat so you will be smaller ( but probably weigh more).

4. Eat fewer carbs

Don't eat as much bread and pasta and you will see a difference.

5. Set a goal

Set a deadline to lose the weight and write it down. For example, ' By Dec 14/04 I will weigh 150 lbs or less'. Put it somewhere you will see it daily.

6. Give up soda

If you drink a soda or 2 a day you are adding empty calories. If you find it hard to stop completely, cut back at first and drink water instead.

7. Grill or boil

Avoid fried meat, grill and use lots of spices. You will get used to it and probably enjoy it more.

8. Don't buy junk food

When you go shopping, don't go on an empty stomach and you will be less likely to buy junk food. Keep your home 'junk food free' so you won't be tempted to indulge.

9. Eat breakfast

Consume most of your calories early in the day and always eat breakfast. Don't eat after 8pm and not only will you avoid those added calories but you will sleep better.

10. Give yourself a treat

When you tell yourself that you can't have something you want it more. Give yourself a treat once a day ( ie. half a cookie) and you won't feel you are missing out.

11. Use smaller plates

Trick yourself into believing that you are eating more by using a smaller plate.

12. Drink lots of water

Drink water when you are feeling hungry and you will get that 'full' feeling.

13. Don't eat everything on your plate

Many times we eat just because it's there. Pay attention to when you have had enough.

14. Eat five or six meals a day

Eating more frequently will keep you from getting too hungry.

15. Plan your workout sessions

Write your workout sessions in your journal or planner.

16. Stay away from fad diets

Fad diets don't work. If you lose weight fast chances are that you will gain it back ( and more) just as fast. It takes time to put it on and time to take it off.

17. Do several workouts a day

While you are watching TV do crunches and leg lifts.

18. Measure your food

If you decide to have junk food for a snack - be sure to measure and control what you eat.

19. Keep pre-cut vegetables

...and ward off those cravings.

20. Create Good Habits

It is a known fact that when we do something twenty-one times it becomes a habit. Create good eating habits.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Working out? Getting bored?


There are many reasons that get us to the gym every day. However, it only takes one reason to keep us out of the gym.

The way to look great is of course through exercise. While dieting is a major part of weight loss, exercise is what gives us our shape and helps us keep your youthful appearance. Even though you have your own weights, treadmills and exercise bikes to shape your muscles, people still get bored of exercising and wind up quitting.


Here are some exercise tips and little products people overlook that can really play a huge part in keeping you on a persistent exercise schedule.

One accessory you should not be without while exercising is your journal. You should use your journal to plan your work out routines and document how you feel. Having your own journal helps you in many aspects.

First, planning your exercise routine by writing it down in your journal can act as a written commitment to yourself to work out. While this may sound silly to you, think about your every day life in the business world. Don't you prefer things in writing?

Your planned work out should of course have all the order of exercises, weight and repetitions included and the date and approximate time you plan the work out. Having this information makes it very simple for you to get to the gym, because you have the date and time blocked out and a list of things to do all ready.

A work out journal provides motivation because you can review your results. We are a results driven society. A work out journal is unique in providing results because you are reviewing your physical accomplishments. It should serve as a wonderful reminder to yourself to that you can accomplish the challenges you set for yourself.

If you really want to challenge yourself, consider buying a chin up bar for your home gym or incorporate chin ups and pull ups into your workout. While chin up bars are an excellent way to build your back and upper body muscles, they also provide a challenge that is second to none.

Chin ups are considered a respectable measure of strength by many people. If you work out at home, a chin up bar is easy to install. In fact, you can install a chin up bar right in a door frame.

If you need help focusing on your work out, you may want to consider purchasing an MP3 player. MP3 players are excellent for carrying yourself through a work out. The biggest reason is that you choose the music you want to listen to while you work out (a big motivator). They also allow you to block out the outside world for a little bit. Also, they have come down in price in the last 2 years or so.

So if you're working out and you find yourself getting bored, try to incorporate the above ideas into your fitness routine. You may find that it may breathe new life into your fitness lifestyle.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Thai Massage





What is Thai Massage
Thai massage is a traditional form of massage therapy that has been used in Thailand for centuries. In Thailand, it is called "Nuad Phaen Boran" which means 'ancient massage'. It is based on the Indian medical system of Ayurveda and incorporates many ancient Indian Yogic techniques.
How does Thai Massage work
Thai massage combines elements of Shiatsu, Yoga, and acupressure. It aims to clear blockages in the energy meridians of the body by applying a healing touch to the affected pressure points. Once these blockages are removed, energy flows freely throughout the body and this leads to relief from ailments and overall improved physical and mental health. The technique of soft touching and stretching also frees the tension in the limbs and muscles and brings about pain relief and improves flexibility.
A typical massage session lasts for about two hours. The massage is administered on mat or firm mattress kept on the floor. The patient changes into his or her pajamas and lies down on this mat. The practitioner will then follow a pre-determined sequence of massage steps that involve the use of hands, elbows and feet. The massage follows the flow of the energy meridians on the patient's body. A number of techniques such as soft pressure, pulling fingers and toes, walking on the patient's back and gentle stretching are used to free the blockages in these meridians. Oil is normally not applied during the therapy session. At the end of the massage session, both the receiver and the therapist feel relaxed and energized.
Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage is a holistic massage therapy that focuses on the body as a whole. By recognizing the inter-dependence of all the systems of the body, it aims to cure ailments by bringing all these various elements into harmony with each other. By removing blockages in the energy meridians, it promotes an increase in the energy levels of the patient. This soothing massage therapy also helps to calm the mind and remove stress from the body and mind of the patient. The soft physical pressure and stretching techniques bring about pain relief, relieve muscular tension, and increase the flexibility of the muscles and limbs. It also helps in harmonizing imbalances in the nervous system. Thai massage also improves blood and lymph circulation. The holistic approach used ensures that the patient enters a state of deep relaxation and refreshes the spirit.

The Minimal Demands of Yoga That Brings Maximum Effects


by Callie Armstrong

What makes yoga a hit exercise and a way of life for many is the degree of preparation needed for a session. The yogi would need minimal preparations especially when it comes with the equipment. Of course the diet and mental preparation needs utmost dedication, but considering the advantages that yoga brings to the body and mind everything pays every after session. Here are a few things to keep in mind to increase yoga's level of efficiency and comfort.

Yoga clothing: Regarding the type of clothes that one has to wear while performing yoga exercises, there is no strict rules for it. Wear the most comfortable, loose and breathable clothes for they will be convenient in carrying out this routine. Sweat suits, shorts, pajamas and t-shirts are the outfits people mostly wear. As for certain exercises from a regular yoga routine your head comes below your knees, you might want to put on a t-shirt that is tight to your body.

Shoes: Yoga exercises are performed in bare feet. Most of the times, shoes are left near the entrance. To prevent discomforts caused by the cold sensations, you can put on light cotton socks.

Mats: These are the most important equipments needed in practicing yoga. In a yoga room or studio, a large number of mats are available each for a different practitioner. These mats are used for various reasons. First of all, they delimitate the personal space dedicated to each person. Hence, every practitioner can try to reach the state of harmony between the mind and the body, within the space allocated to him, space that he can control and dominate. Another relevant reason for using mats is related to the level of comfort. If you sweat your hands might get slippery and you might loose your stability. For that reason, a mat could help you stay focus on the routine. Especially if you are a beginner in yoga training, you have to deeply consider purchasing a mat, as the hard floor might be a serious cause of discomfort to you. Most yoga studios offer yoga mats for rent, for a dollar or two. However, most people like to purchase their own mats, from the specialized stores.

Blankets: It is common for yoga studios to have enormous piles of blankets. Do not hesitate to grab one or two, as they can turn out to be handy during classes. They can either be used as props, while performing exercises in uncomfortable positions, or you can use them to cover yourself, during relaxation at the end of the class, in case you get chilly.

There are other elements such as blocks and straps, for example, which people use to improve their efficiency and level of comfort, while carrying out the yoga exercises.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

It Pays To Be Fit by Jonathon Hardcastle

Are you fit, fat or just a little flabby on the side? Are you short of breath after climbing a flight of stairs? Does a day spent shopping at the mall wear you out and leave you aching all over? You don't have to be a medical expert to determine if you are fit or not! and this is where this blog will help you!

It pays to be fit. In general, physical fitness refers simply to a general state of being in good physical health. It is the result of regular physical activity, proper nutrition and enough rest for the body to allow full physical recovery.

Fit persons are able to deal with the daily stresses of life better than the rest of us, both on a physical and emotional level. Stress is a well-known killer that takes its toll on people after prolonged periods of time. Some widely-practiced stress busters include regular exercise, physical therapy, massage and activities that can relax and sooth our nerves such as luxuriating in a nice, hot bath. Generally speaking, the more fit you are, the better equipped you are to handle stress.

A person's overall physical fitness level takes into account his flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, agility, balance and speed.

It takes a certain amount of time and sacrifice to be physically fit, but the rewards far out-weigh the difficulties. Physically fit people are seldom overweight and often have impressive physiques that others envy. In addition, exercise lessens our urge to eat and increases our fluid intake. It also helps the circulation of our blood.

Mentally, being physically fit also has its rewards such as peace of mind and a general self-assurance and readiness to face the physical, emotional and mental challenges of everyday life.

The hardest part of going on a fitness regimen is getting started. But once you've hit the weight room or started on your aerobics program, you will see exactly how your body benefits in a few short weeks and will therefore be encouraged to stick to your regimen. Remember that in matters of exercise, you get exactly what you put in, so the harder you exercise, the more you benefit.

Walking is an effective and simple fitness activity that is a good starting point for your regimen. Other effective fitness activities include running, swimming, aerobics, water aerobics, aero boxing, cycling, strength programs (weights), martial arts and a host of hybrid gym aerobic programs.

Welcome to Ace Health


yeah, I know... kinda corny name.. anyway, here it is!

This is a blog dedicated to helping those who need to lose weight. A weight loss blog. And right about now, the one person I know who needs to lose weight is ME.

Keep your eyes peeled for tons of info and resources from this blog, everything from - weight loss diets, weight loss tips and tricks and to try and well, get a good fast weight loss program running!

Feel free to post comments and make use of the resources that you see around.

Happy Fat burning!! (yuck!)

PS. NO I DON'T LOOK LIKE THAT AND NEITHER WILL YOU. YOU'LL JUST LOSE FAT, SO BE HAPPY

Cheers

Disclaimer : THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR OR A DIETICIAN. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE GOING AHEAD WITH THIS. ACE HEALTH AND ITS OWNER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING OUT OF THIS.