How The Right Vitamins Keep Your Teeth Healthy!

A sweet tooth is likely to be full of fillings. This is one point in the relationship of diet to oral beauty on which researchers generally agree.

Beyond that, except for admission that minerals and vitamins are essential to sound teeth, there is wide difference of opinion on the proper feeding and care of bicuspids.

A few significant diet factors, however, give promise of persuading your molars to linger longer in their sockets.

As an adult you are probably beyond the stage where vitamins make much difference to your teeth. True, if you develop scurvy from lack of Vitamin C your teeth will drop out, but that is largely because of breakdown of surrounding tissue. Matters arc different with children. Young animals deprived of Vitamin A grow teeth without any covering of enamel. Dental enamel is the hardest substance in your body and when it isn't present in teeth, soon the teeth aren't present either. Shortages of Vitamin A in childhood can cause teeth to develop with thin, broken, or misshapen enamel coats that pave the way for early decay.

Oversize servings of orange juice have helped to prevent tooth cavities in children, since Vitamin C is essential to the formation of dentine, the hard stuff between the enamel and pulp of the tooth. Vitamin D is necessary too to regulate the distribution of calcium and phosphorus out of which teeth are principally made.

Once you've grown up, however, the mechanisms that make for tooth decay are multiple and complex. Meat-eating animals and carnivorous humans, such as Eskimos, are relatively immune to dental decay and it is evident that the oral decomposition of protein is offensive only in the sense that your best friends won't tell you. Carbohydrate appears to be the big tooth enemy.

A widely accepted theory holds that the decomposition of carbohydrate particles (particularly when packed into the fissures of the teeth, where decay most often begins) results in conditions favorable to the growth of lacto-bacillus acidophilus, a sour little bacillus that is charged with gnawing away at enamel and preparing you for the dental bur.

This ties in with the observation that sugar, of all foods, is the most efficient tooth dissolver.

Persons who suck lozenges and cough drops-a favorite habit of some cigarette smokers, to cool off the mouth between fags-or who crunch hard candies frequently have very bad teeth. The old Scandinavian custom of holding a sugar cube between the teeth and sipping coffee through it also is a joy to dentists looking for steady customers. Sugar in solution bathes the teeth with fluids that, for whatever reason, appear notably effective in dissolving the tooth structure. The obvious moral, if you simply can't cut down on sweets, is to choose candies that you can get to the glottis swiftly.

Low sugar and high fat diets-the type customarily prescribed for diabetics-have proved surprisingly effective in holding tooth decay to a minimum. Brushing the teeth is esthetically advisable, but "dirty" teeth often show less decay than "clean" ones. The protective film that covers the teeth (it requires acid to dissolve it, and is not necessarily visible to the eye) appears to prevent withdrawal of calcium from teeth, perhaps by preventing direct contact with bacteria. Even when bacteria are present in the mouth, a well-balanced diet goes far to render them harmless.

One of the new discoveries in nutrition is that some types of pyorrhea can be prevented or benefited by increase of Vitamin C. Bleeding gums-the popularly terrifying cause of "pink toothbrush"-often need Vitamin C more than they do vigorous scrubbing or the gnawing of bones.


Make it a great day!


Chris Walker

Kitchener's Weight Loss expert!

Chris Walker has helped thousands obtain " permanent weight loss, quick and easy everytime!" To download a free copy of "Why Can't I Lose Weight? How to lose 10 pounds in 30 days visit http://www.chriswalkersfitness.com/

Sleeping, getting older and weight loss!

As we grow older, we need to stay active to keep our bodies and system in shape. The older a person gets the less our bodies want to function so keeping it in shape is very important for all of us, even the younger people.

Sleeping is very important to all of us as we are aging. Aging brings on a different sleep pattern and we need to learn how to control it so when it is time to sleep we sleep well. It is normal as we age that it becomes harder to get a good nights sleep and feel rested when we wake up. Sleeping is as important as our diet and activities.

Did you know that it is hard for woman to sleep more so than men in their aging years? Women have more tendencies to feel stressed out more and they sometimes are just too busy to get themselves into an exercising routine. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it will reduce your alertness during the day because you’re tired. Long periods of sleepless nights can cause high blood pressure and isn’t good for the heart either.

There are many reasons why some people can’t achieve a restful nights sleep. Sometimes you might sleep but it is a light sleep and we need to have a deep restful REM sleep. Sometimes you may awaken during the night from pain perhaps caused from arthritis. Sometimes you may experience heartburn, which causes you to get less sleep. Snoring or feeling depressed sometimes can also cause you to loose sleep. You may have a stressful day followed by the lack of sleep. Muscles spasms can also cause a person to loose sleep.

How you can reduce the problems that cause you to loose sleep:
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can cause us to lose sleep. Try not to drink liquids before going to bed, and stop smoking. Smoking not only harmful to your body but it can cause you to lose sleep. Excessive noise in the house, the TV or radio in the bedroom and snoring are some more reasons that can keep us from sleeping. Don’t try to go to bed and watch TV or listen to the radio; this will only keep you awake longer. You can learn to enjoy exercises to reduce muscles spasms and/or arthritic symptoms. You can also reduce eating unhealthy foods that cause heartburn, or drinking caffeine-based substances before you go to bed to improve your sleeping pattern.

Do you have a pet that sleeps with you? Even though you think they are giving you comfort it could cause you to lose that precious sleep you need. You may not realize it but everytime your pet moves, maybe snores; you can hear this while sleeping. Maybe you might have to get your pet a bed and let him sleep on the floor next to you. If you have allergies, your pet may be the cause, which can make you loose sleep as well.

Napping is not good if you take one during the day for more than 25 minutes. I realize that maybe your not getting enough sleep during the night and you get tired in the afternoon. However, when you lie down during the day and sleep for a long time, when it is time to go to bed, you’ve had just enough sleep that you’re not as tired.

Before you lie down to rest, you should also consider drinking a warm glass of milk. Studies have shown that warm milk helps a person to relax.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker

Kitchener's Weight Loss expert!

Chris Walker has helped thousands obtain " permanent weight loss, quick and easy everytime!" To download a free copy of "Why Can't I Lose Weight? How to lose 10 pounds in 30 days visit http://www.chriswalkersfitness.com/

Boot Camp Express!

Hey, Chris Walker! Hope you're having a great day! I just wanted to brief you on the New Boot Camp Express because I've been getting alot of questions about it.

Boot Camp Express is a new 30 minute boot camp routine I've created coupled with an Express weightloss program to get you in shape fast and in minimum time.

It's ideal for someone who wants a short intense workout and doesn't have alot of time. In addition, the Express meal plan takes all the guess work out of your nutrition all you literally have to do is follow your meal plan, show up for your workouts and see results.

I've created a short video for you to take a peak at the Express Weightloss program.

Click on the link below to watch it now:

www.chriswalkerfitnessmaniac.com/Expresssvideo.html

Current boot camp members can also take advantage of the Express Weight Loss program to speed up their results wether you want to tone up fast, build muscle or lose a ton of weight.

Click on the link below to watch it now:

www.chriswalkerfitnessmaniac.com/Expresssvideo.html

The first Express Boot Camp class will be Thursday February the 19th and will take place every thursday thereafter at 4:30PM-5:00PM.


The cost of the Express Boot Camp class will be $10 pay as you go.

To view the pricing options for the Express Weight Loss Program click on the link below:

www.chriswalkerfitnessmaniac.com/Expresssignup.html

You can actually print off our calendar and check it regularly online for all the latest updates regarding boot camps and anything else that I'm up to.

Click on the link below to view our online calendar for the latest updates:

www.chriswalkersfitness.mhsoftware.com/

That's all for now!


Enjoy the rest of your day!

Chris

P.S. Look out for my Valentine special!



Chris Walker

The why can't I lose weight expert!

Chris Walker has helped thousands obtain " permanent weight loss, quick and easy everytime!" To download a free copy of "Why Can't I Lose Weight? How to lose 10 pounds in 30 days visit www.chriswalkersfitness.com

Give yourself a pat on the back!

A quick search on the internet brings up the following definitions of the word reward:

Payment made in return for a service rendered
An act performed to strengthen approved behavior
Recompense in recognition of someone's behavior or actions

Do you reward yourself for your achievements?

Many people lack motivation when working for themselves or striving towards their goals because they do not realise the importance of rewarding themselves. When we are in full time employment, we are rewarded with a salary for work done. If our work is exceptional we sometimes receive bonuses, another reward.

There are many types of reward given by employers, such as:

Pay increase
Monthly/Annual bonus
Shares
Commission
Extra holiday
Gifts, ie bottle of wine/champagne/flowers
Certificate of merit
Extra training
Promotion
Recognition

Employers know that rewards are a great tool for motivating employees. An employee who receives a reward often feels good about themselves and realises that it is their efforts which are being rewarded, they are also more likely to want to put in more effort in future. A reward often acts as a reminder that your hard work has paid off.

When you are working for yourself or towards a goal, it is essential to reward your own hard work and achievements. It is important to reward yourself when you reach any goal because:

It feels good
It will motivate you further
It shows you are making progress
It is a reminder that working hard pays off
It celebrates the achievement of a goal
It helps you to measure your progress

You should reward ALL your achievements, whether it is a long term or short term goal. If you have a long term goal you should break it down into smaller, more achievable short term goals and reward yourself for achieving each of them. The reward does not necessarily have to be financial, it could simply be a long hot bath, as long as it is something which will make you feel good about your achievement.

Let's say for example that you are training to run a marathon. The long term goal would be to finish the marathon. In order to achieve the long term goal you would need to increase your fitness and stamina, therefore it is essential to set specific short term goals which will help you do so. Perhaps you could target yourself to run a mile twice a week, increasing the distance by half a mile each week. Many people stop here when setting goals, not realising the benefits of rewarding their achievements. It is easy to say "I'll skip it tonight" or "I'll do two miles next time." Many people fall into this trap because the achievement of the goal is not an incentive for all the hard work put into achieving it.

A reward acts as an incentive, if your goal is to run a mile, maybe you could reward yourself with a new pair of training shoes. Once you are running five miles you may buy an MP3 player so you can listen to music while you run. As your fitness increases you will be able to run longer distances, reward each milestone to stay motivated. You must also set an appropriate reward for your long term goal. For finishing the marathon you could book a weekend away with your partner in a nice hotel.

We all want to achieve our goals, however, we sometimes need a push in the right direction. By rewarding yourself for each goal reached, you will stay motivated and increase your chances of success.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Sports Nutrition and Quick Food Fixes

Athletes are busy people. They try to balance training with work, school, family and other activities. With all these responsibilities, athletes consume a lot of energy each day. Food preparation can become a challenge but it is a challenge that athletes need to face since good sports nutrition help to adequately fuel work-outs and improve performance and recovery.

Eating well should be a part of an athlete’s overall training plan. But buying well is a requirement for eating well.

Nutritious meals begin at the grocery store. If you purchase the right ingredients, it’s a cinch to whip up a nutritious and flavorful meal. Stocking up with healthy staples is critical to good sports nutrition and will give you many options when you get home from a workout. Here are some foods busy athletes must be armed with.

Freeze Health

• Frozen foods are time-savers. Many prepackaged frozen items let you use the exact amount you need thus cutting cleaning up time. Leftovers are also instant meals on a busy night.

• Freezing is an important method of preserving most nutrients. Frozen vegetables are a lot of help because they require no washing, chopping, or peeling. Serve vegetables as a side dish, or incorporate into soups, sauces, or pasta dishes.

• Frozen fruit has longer shelf-life and are easily available if supply of fresh ones is low. Frozen blueberries, mixed berries, and mangoes can be blended into a smoothie with fruit juice and milk or yogurt or used as cereal topping.

• Chicken breasts or fish fillets that are frozen in individual packing are a good protein source for your meals. Frozen meatballs provide variation and can be easily mixed with pasta.

Pantry Staples

Canned products don’t compromise nutrition. Upon being harvested fruits and vegetables are processed to keep nutrients locked in.

• Beans that are canned are nutrient dense, and will load you with the important fuel for maximum growth and sports performance.

• Canned tuna and salmon are rich in protein and omega-3 fats, which have been shown to help conditions of cancer, heart disease, arthritis and mental health. Pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches can be given another character by including these in the recipe.

Peanut Butter is a good source of calories, and for busy athletes, an easy fill. Use this as sandwich spread and top with a banana or enjoy with carrot strips. Peanut butter is packed with healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E.

Popular among athletes is the use of tomato sauce. Processed tomatoes are concentrated with protective compounds. One half-cup of tomato sauce, for instance, contains six times more of the antioxidant lycopene than a medium fresh tomato.

Tomato sauce is usually cooked with pasta which is a staple of many athletes’ sports nutrition diet. If available, use the whole grain variety because refined pasta has been stripped off of its vitamins, fiber and other nutrients. Frozen bell peppers and tuna can boost protein content of meals with tomato sauce.

A wide variety of whole grains must be explored, examples of which are brown rice and red rice. Whole grains take a little longer to cook so cook in medium batches just enough to have leftovers for the next day.

In the Fridge

Fridge wonders include prewashed and ready-to-eat salad greens and carrots, cheese, eggs, milk, and yogurt.

Soup: A mélange of quick-fix ingredients

Soups combine the textures and flavors of the different ingredients mentioned previously. Soups are not only satisfying but can contain the wide range of nutrients available in its ingredients. Soups are easy to concoct and make great leftovers.

Nutritious soups do not need endless chopping or toiling over a hot oven. Canned or frozen vegetables can make up your soup and they can be fixed on a microwave or stovetop.

To make minestrone in minutes, combine canned crushed tomatoes with chicken or vegetables broth, canned beans, and frozen vegetables. Let simmer and enjoy.

To make gazpacho, in a blender or food processor, mix vegetable juice, canned tomatoes, minced garlic, red onion, cucumber chunks, bell pepper chunks, splash of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Vitamin C and other important nutrients load this combination. Gazpacho can even help decrease inflammation and oxidative stress.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Activities Promoting Healthy Aging!

Lack of activities can prevent you from living healthy. When you do not enjoy activities, you may feel fatigue or find it difficult to sleep at night. When you awake in the morning, you may feel tired until you finally fall asleep. As we, age our body change and we have to make changes to accommodate our lives.

Having a good night sleep makes the mind think more clearly. A good night sleep also boosts your energy while controlling your weight. You can also make decisions with less stress. Sleeping well at night makes our immune system stronger to keep us healthier. Researchers have proved that a good nights sleep is necessary for our health. Researchers have found that lack of sleep reduces the growth hormones in our bodies, since it changes muscles to fat. Sleep overall is most important, yet it stands behind activities. To improve your health, try walking each day.

Walking will help to loosen our muscles, reduces stress and depression along with anxiety. By reliving these things, it will help us to sleep for a longer and deeper period. So, when we wake up in the morning we feel happier and more rested.

When you exercise, you get a good night sleep, which promotes metabolism. Without the right amount of sleep, our bodies crave energy. Our body will release insulin or glucose into the bloodstream, which slows down metabolism. This action causes the body to gain weight, rather than control weight.

When a person feels exhausted, they will feel weak and repressed from enjoying activities. This leads to additional problems. Sleeping right balances out our bodies giving us, more energy leading to more activities that will satisfy our sleep needs.

What to avoid:
To rest proper and feel active you must reduce your intake of caffeine, nicotine, harmful chemicals, such as over-the-counter meds that keep you awake, alcohol and so on. The chemicals and substances will keep you awake. Try to avoid drinking anything after 8 p.m. in the evening. Nicotine should be avoid if possible, yet if you must smoke try to avoid smoking after 8 p.m.

Start a walking program in the morning to help wake you up, while boosting your energy. You will feel better since the joints will feel flexible enough to move freely. In addition, walking will help you burn fat and calories. You’ll notice a big change in how you feel the rest of the day. Start out walking at a slow steady pace for as far as your comfortable. Each day pick up the pace a bit and walk further. Just remember when walking that you want to work up to a steady brisk walk to make you sweat but not out of breath. Take a short walk before and after meals to calm your nerves, and burn calories too, it will give you energy, relieve that stress from the long day and help you sleep.

If you start a walking program for yourself, it is a lot more fun if you have someone to go with you. Talk to that neighbor you don’t know and maybe they’ll walk with you. Just think about it; you’ll be acquainted with someone new, talk about new things will relieve stress and get in you exercise as well. This might help that neighbor too who maybe hasn’t seen or talked to anyone in a couple of days and than they can sleep better at night.

After walking that brisk walk your doing be sure to cool down. When walking at a vigorous pace your heart rate will go up and it needs to be back to normal. Just walk a bit slow and relaxing until you’ve cooled down.

If you can’t go to sleep at night instead of getting up and turning on the TV try pacing around the house. Do some stretching and shake your arms and legs. Even walking around the house can relax you especially when everyone else is in bed and you can relax more.


Make it a great day!


Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

How Amino Acids Help All Dieters!

A protein molecule is a giant made up of various combinations of amino acids-and don't let that word "acids" scare you. It is amino acids, in considerable degree, that make you what you are today. These remarkable substances are the basic building stuff of your tissues and they enter importantly into the manufacture of glamorous gland hormones and enzymes, or catalysts, that enable you to carry out complex chemical processes at body temperature instead of the blast furnace heat that would otherwise be required.

There are twenty-three known amino acids and at least half a dozen other suspected ones, An amino acid is not all acid; part of it is a nitrogen-containing group of atoms called an amine group. When you consider that the possible combinations between twenty different amino acids reach the staggering figure of 100 million million
million million-each combination being a different protein-you can see the possibilities.

In purified form you could mistake some of the amino acids for the crystals you use to soften your bath water, but if you actually dropped them in the tub the water would likely smell like meat broth. They have such plebeian uses as flavoring soups, but their main value is in medicine and in nutritional research. Certain amino acids sell for more than $1,000 a pound, so difficult are they to isolate, but you can get every amino acid known, at considerably more modest figure, by eating a whole egg or drinking a glass of milk.

It is only within very recent months that enough amino acids have been isolated to make nutrition experiments possible, and it is entirely probable that in due time we will hear as much about them as we have about vitamins.

Before looking into some of the astonishing things that have already been learned about amino acids, let's see what you do with them as a matter of daily routine. You eat a succulent beef steak and its proteins are broken down in the intestinal tract into the individual amino acids composing them. These are transported by the body's fluid carrier system and you proceed with an astonishing bit of architecture.

One lonely body cell, for instance, may snatch a brick of some particular amino acid out of the passing stream and use it to plug a hole in its structure. In the thyroid gland, some distance away, a brick of a different amino acid may be abstracted to manufacture the thyroid hormone. Thus the original protein molecule from the beef
steak becomes engaged in widely different activities.

Throughout the body billions of amino acids from protein molecules are incessantly active in constructive processes.

If the cells have all the amino acids they need, the nitrogen-containing fraction may be knocked off and excreted and the balance used like carbohydrates.

The reason why "biologically complete" proteins from animal foods are stressed is that they provide all 23 amino acids. Cereal and vegetable foods are relatively deficient in important ones. At least 10 essential amino acids cannot be synthesized in the body and they must, like vitamins, be provided in food.
As heartening proof of what future study of the amino acids can be expected to reveal, there are already a number of significant experiments.

Arthritis (and other degenerative diseases, under which classification comes cancer) appears to be benefited by increased intake of the sulfur-containing amino acid, cystine. Arthritis patients show abnormally low cystine content of the nails and sulfur therapy has succeeded in increasing this content. Of course it is not, as yet, a cure for the disease.

Lack of valine, another amino acid, causes laboratory animals to become extremely sensitive to touch and to stagger drunkenly from loss of muscular coordination. One such animal walked stiffly on three legs and held up the other in a Hitler salute.
Shock resulting from wounds and burns is minimized, according to reports by Dr. Gustav J. Martin of the Waner Institute for Therapeutic Research, by three amino acids-cystine, glycine and glucuronic acid-in combination with Vitamin C and a member of the Vitamin B complex called choline. The effect is to minimize the reactions of toxins in the body and it is possible that a new way of building up immunity to certain diseases is indicated.

One of the same amino acids, cystine, in combination with choline, has also proved effective in preventing liver cancer in rats.

Lack of still another amino acid, tryptophane, has in animal experiments caused loss of weight, hardening of the skin, and shedding of hair.

Perhaps doctors will some day find amino acids as powerful in the treatment of disease as vitamins and the new sulfonamide drugs have already proved to be. In the meantime one's best assurance of eating enough acids is to include in the diet a reasonable quantity of animal protein foods.

Protein appears to be important in preventing ulcers, probably because it furnishes materials for tissue reconstruction. Stomach ulcers can be produced in rats by rigidly restricting protein. New Guinea natives who live on diets high in carbohydrate and low in protein and vitamins are highly susceptible to tropical ulcers, while similar natives who live in fishing villages and consume diets containing from 60 to 70 per cent protein are relatively immune to ulcers.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Isometric Exercises – Do They Work?

Before bodybuilding became popular, a different muscle building routine, called isometric exercises, were all the rage. These exercises are static, meaning you apply pressure and the hold it. For instance, you could push your arms up against the wall and hold it. While these exercises aren’t as popular as they used to be, they do provide some benefits:

* It works. It is great at building the specific sections of muscle groups that it works, it actually provides more muscle contraction that weight lifting and strength training that involves movement.

* It’s cheap. Traditional isometric exercises require no gym membership and no expensive machines. They use walls and body parts to provide adequate resistance.

* It’s fast and easy. Isometric exercises can be done in your spare time almost anywhere. If you can’t fit in a full workout, you can take a couple minutes out of your day to do a few exercises and still benefit.

This type of exercise used to be so popular, so why don’t we hear much about it anymore? One big reason is that it was replaced by traditional body building. That is because there are a few drawbacks to this type of workout.

* Raises blood pressure. During isometric exercises, people tend to hold their breath. This causes a jump in blood pressure that could cause serious problems. If you perform these exercises, make sure to monitor your breathing.

* Too specific. While bodybuilding works your muscles through the entire range of motion, isometric exercises only work a specific part of the muscle group at one time. To achieve the effects of weight lifting, you need to perform the exercises at many different angles and positions.

Despite these drawbacks, isometrics are still being used and can be beneficial when incorporated properly into your workout instead of simply replacing it. Here are a few ways to add isometric exercises into your workout routine.

* Do them at work. Don’t have time to go to the gym and lift weights? There are many simple isometric exercises you can do while at work using the wall, your desk, or your own body as resistance. Why not skip getting an extra cup of coffee in the afternoon and do a quick workout instead?

* Add modern equipment. Isometric exercise was the precursor to traditional body building, so it didn’t have the benefits of all the equipment we have available now. Modern isometric workouts include training tools like free weights and resistance bands. Isometric exercise simply uses them while staying still instead of with motion

* Mix it up. Instead of doing an extra workout to add in isometric exercises, add them to your current routine. For instance, if you lift weights, hold the weight in a steady position after you’re done with your reps.

While you shouldn’t use it as your only bodybuilding routine, isometric exercise can be a great addition to improve any body.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

5 Tips for Preventing Osteoporosis

When bones get old, they tend to become less dense, weakening their structure. These weak bones begin to get tiny fractures. Because of their size, one of these fractures isn’t really a problem; however, if your bones are fragile enough for you to have osteoporosis, you will have many of these tiny fractures. In the end, they add up to a big problem.

The thing to know is that most osteoporosis cases are preventable. By following a few tips, you can keep your bones strong and dense, keeping you healthy for a long time.

* Get plenty of calcium. Calcium is the building block of bones. If we’re short on calcium, then we can’t make our bones as dense and strong. You can get calcium through milk and yogurt, but also from green leafy vegetables and various soy products. If need be, you can also take a calcium supplement.

* Get other essential nutrients. Calcium is actually no good if you don’t have Vitamin D, which allows you to absorb the calcium. During the summer, the best source of Vitamin D is the sun. During the winter you can try tanning beds, or try fortified products like Vitamin D milk and certain breakfast cereals. Other nutrients that are essential to keeping your bones strong are: Vitamin K, phosphorous, Vitamin C, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, iron, boron, and , protein. Unless you eat the world’s healthiest diet, it’s best to start taking a daily multivitamin.

* Perform weight bearing exercise. You don’t need to start a weight training regimen at the gym. In fact, most women can get the appropriate amount of exercise simply by walking (you’re “bearing” your body weight). Getting up and moving for a few minutes every day is important for keeping bones strong. If you can exercise more, you should do so. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight, another good way to keep osteoporosis away. Just remember, losing too much weight is a good way to lose bone mass as well.

* Drop bad habits. While having the occasional drink has actually been shown to improve the condition of your bones, you start to cause damage if you drink alcohol excessively. Smoking can also cause an increased fracture risk. Plus, quitting smoking is a good healthy choice all around.

* Start Early. Most women wait until the first signs of menopause to start worrying about osteoporosis prevention. While menopause is when bones start to deteriorate faster, if you have weak bones to begin with, adding preventative measure may not do a whole lot of good. You should take the steps above as early as possible, and pass them on to your daughters too.

The best part about taking these smalls steps is that they’ll also help prevent other conditions besides osteoporosis. In no time, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier life.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Ensuring You Get Essential Vitamins with a Vegan Diet!

You may be considering switching to a vegan or vegetarian diet, but are concerned about getting everything you need to stay healthy. While there are a lot of essential vitamins and minerals in animal products, these vital nutrients are available in vegan diets as well. There’s no need to take extra supplements everyday; simply eat the right foods to provide you will a healthy, well rounded diet. Here are some of the major nutrients a vegan diet might be missing and non-animal sources for them.

* Iron. It is especially important to get iron in your diet if you are a menstruating woman, because it is often lost during your period. There are many options for getting iron including sea vegetables, legumes, soy, raisins, figs, and broccoli. You may also consider eating a fortified breakfast cereal; these have extra iron added. You should also be sure to get adequate vitamin C so the iron is absorbed.

* Calcium. Contrary to what the dairy industry wants you to believe, you do not have to drink milk to get enough calcium in your diet. Many green leafy vegetables are great sources of calcium. Soy products, such as fortified soy milk and tofu, are good calcium sources as well. You can also find orange juice on the market that has added calcium.

* Protein. While meat and eggs are the best way to get protein, you can still build strong muscles by finding protein in other foods. Soy products, nuts and nut butter, seeds, beans, grains, and vegetables all contain protein. You should eat a variety of these foods for optimum health.

* Vitamin D. This nutrient is essential for proper absorption of calcium. The best way to get it without drinking milk is from good old sunshine. You don’t need to go tanning, just take a daily walk or do some reading outdoors. If you don’t want to go to a tanning salon during the winter, you can try some fortified soy milk or breakfast cereals.

* Vitamin B12. This is one of the harder nutrients to get in a vegan diet because there are no non-animal natural sources. Fortified soy milk and cereals have added B12, but you may still need a daily supplement.
* Zinc. This nutrient is usually found in milk products, but is also available from soy products, dried beans, and nuts. You can also find zinc in fortified breakfast cereals.

Remember, while you can get nutrients from supplements, fortified cereals, and other unnatural sources; the best way to get nutrients is naturally. Try to incorporate as many natural nutrient sources as you can into your diet for a healthy animal product free life.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Reduce Back Pain with Pilates!

Do you suffer from chronic back pain? Are you afraid to see s specialist because you don’t want to just pop a few pills every time there’s a problem? Have you tried other exercises, but the pain just keeps coming back? Well, Pilates might just be the answer to your problems.

Pilates is an exercise program based on improving the core muscles; however it stresses movements instead of holding positions. By staying in poses and moving your arms around requires you to work your stabilizing muscles. This gives you a full body workout while paying particular attention to your abs and lower back. Pilates is not only a fantastic way to get in shape; it can help stretch and strengthen key muscles which will allow you to function with less back pain.

A majority of back pain is caused by improper posture. Sitting incorrectly at a desk all day can put undue stress on our backs, causing pain. Pilates is a great way to promote proper posture. Not only do all the exercises require correct posture and align the spine when done correctly, but the also help you maintain that posture even when you’re not working out. Pilates strengthens the “core” muscles of the abdomen and back that support your body and keep it in a proper position. When these muscles are toned, you’re more likely to maintain a good posture and reduce the amount of back pain you experience.

Along with promoting good posture, Pilates also helps work the muscles and improve flexibility. If your back pain is due to a muscle injury, improved flexibility can relieve some pain you may experience. Even more so, it can prevent you from injuring the area in the future. Simply by working the muscle, you will improve blood flow to the muscle and relieve even more pain.

If you are looking for relief from minor back pain, you can find appropriate exercises from a book or video tape to help. If you are suffering from more severe pain, you should consider taking a class, getting a private lesson from a personal trainer, or using Pilates machines. By having help, you will be sure you’re performing the exercises correctly and getting maximum benefit from them. If you have a personal trainer, you will know that the exercises you’re performing are designed to help with your specific problems.

While Pilates can be helpful for relieving back pain for many people, you should talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

3 Herbal Teas and How they Benefit Your Health!

While herbal remedies have been used in some cultures for centuries, other societies have just begun to accept their benefits. Even now, some people still rely on modern medicine for problems that can be treated effectively with an herbal remedy because they are leery about them. A great way to get the benefits of herbs without taking supplements is to brew them into a tea. You then get the benefits along with a great tasting drink. Here are three great herbal teas and what they can do to help you.

Valerian Tea

Valerian has been used for centuries to help with a whole host of medical problems. Most recently it has been used to calm nerves and even soothe severe anxiety and restlessness. It is a great tea to enjoy at the end of the day when you want to unwind and relax. Because it acts as a sedative, Valerian is often used to cure insomnia and get a restful night’s sleep. It is commonly used to help with cramps and digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.

You should also be wary of continued use because it can become addictive and produce withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it.

When making Valerian tea, do not use boiling water. You can decrease its potency; just use hot water.

Echinacea

Want to be able to strengthen your immune system and better fight off viruses like that flu? Or course you do. That’s why you should try to drink Echinacea tea regularly. This tea stimulates your t cells and helps boost interferon production; both essential parts of immune functioning

A few people may be allergic to Echinacea, so if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or an asthma attack, see a doctor immediately.

Hawthorn

If you’re looking for a natural, effective way to help improve your heart function and circulation, you should try hawthorn tea. This herb has been known to help the heart, relieve blood pressure problems, lower cholesterol, and improve circulation. It’s also an antioxidant which means it helps prevent cancer and improves overall health.

Before drinking herbal teas, taking herbal supplements, or taking any medications, you should talk to your doctor. Herbs can have side effects, complications, and drug interactions; just like prescription meds. You doctor will be able to tell you if it’s safe for you to use certain herbs or not.

If used properly, herbal teas can be a great way to naturally improve your health and help you live a happier life. If you benefit from these teas, there are many other options that you can try to maintain good health.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Healthy Meals at School!

We all want our children to be safe and healthy, even when we can’t watch them 24/7. One way to keep them healthy is to make sure they eat right, but if we don’t prepare all their meals ourselves, that’s hard to do. Schools are taking steps towards making school lunches healthier, but you still may need to step in to make sure your child is being given healthy options.

There are programs in place that require certain nutritional standards to be met. Within these standards, there are a lot of menu options schools can choose so that children can be given a variety of foods while staying nutritious and within the school’s means. There are a few problems with this plan. First, the dietary guidelines set out for school may not comply with what you think it healthy for your child. Second, schools receive funding for following guidelines, but they are still not required to abide by them.

To allow for variations in what you and your child think is healthy, some schools are allowing students not to take one or more menu options. While this generally only happens in high schools, more middle and elementary schools are allowing it. For this to work, you must teach your child to make healthy choices.

If you question the nutritional value of your child’s lunch, you can either request menus be sent to you, or if possible, go have lunch with them a few times and see what they’re eating. If you don’t feel the menu meets high enough standards, make that known. Talk to the principal, the PTA, the school board, or the person in charge of menu planning. Find other parents who agree with you and take a stand.

It seems the most logical option to ensure your child is eating right at school is just to give them a sack lunch. The problem is, there’s no guarantee your child is eating their lunch and not someone else’s. There are only so many teachers that can monitor lunch time, and unless your child has strict dietary restrictions, they really can’t ensure there isn’t lunch trading going on. Again, it is your responsibility to teach your child healthy eating habits.

While you may feel that schools should be required to serve healthy lunches, that doesn’t mean they do. Many steps are being taken in the right direction, but you may need to help give those nutritional programs a nudge. Just remember that not all people view healthy food the same and you may need to make concessions depending on how strict your think your child’s diet should be.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

7 Reasons Water Should Be Your Drink of Choice

We know water is good for us, but with soda, juice, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other drinks so readily available, it’s hard to make the decision to choose water. Here are 7 great reasons to drink more water.

* Keeps skin looking great. If your skin looks tired and unhealthy, so do you. Staying properly hydrated removes all the toxins that build up in you skin, and helps prevent it from drying out. If you have the opposite problem; puffy bloated skin, lack of water is likely your problem too. When skin doesn’t get water, it retains what it already had, leaving your skin cells full, puffy, and not too attractive. If you want to look beautiful, you should keep yourself hydrated

* It’s cheaper. Sure, if you buy bottled water, it’s about as expensive as soda, juice, and coffee. However, studies have shown that tap water is usually as clean and safe as bottled water, and costs a whole lot less. If you have a problem with the taste of your tap water, buy a filter pitcher or one that attaches to the faucet. It still costs a lot less.

* A healthy heart. When you’re properly hydrated, your blood is thinner and easier to pump. This means your heart has to do less work and ultimately lasts longer.
Studies have shown that people who drink plenty of water have fewer heart problems.

* Toxic build-up. Sure, it sound’s like something from a bathroom cleaner commercial, but you have toxins in your cells too. Some come from the environment and others you produce yourself. Either way, they’re in your body and you need to get rid of them. Just like you use water to flush your toilet; your body uses water to flush out toxins. Getting rid of this waste helps you function more effectively and feel better.

* No sugar added. While fruit juices may contain many nutrients, they also contain a whole lot of sugar. This is especially true for many bottled juices from the grocery store. This sudden burst of sugar triggers your insulin response and makes you tired and sluggish. It also helps to convert that sugar to fats faster. Sugary sodas will produce the same reaction and they usually contain no nutrients at all

* Caffeine is a diuretic. So why water? Why not drink diet soda or coffee all day? These drinks contain caffeine, which actually causes you to lose water throughout the day. You retain some of the water content of the beverages, but not as much as when you drink pure water. You can try decaffeinated beverages, but the best way to use the water you drink is to get it pure and clean, with no chemicals added.

* Energy Boost. Think you can’t get through the day without your morning caffeine boost? Well water can give you energy as well. Your body is made up mostly of water. It loses it throughout the day, so you have to replace it for your body to work efficiently; particularly the heart and digestive tract. As mentioned earlier, water helps your body work better by getting rid of excess waste. The more efficiently your whole body is works, the better you’ll feel and the more energy you’ll have. Maybe enough energy to skip that cup of coffee.
So go ahead, skip the vending machine, go to the faucet, and get yourself a nice, refreshing glass of water.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Find Your Motivation to Exercise & Keep It!

We’ve all started an exercise program, gotten all excited about it, but then gave up on it a week or two later. While we start out super motivated, that excitement fades quickly. They key to sticking to an exercise program is finding a way to keep that original motivation. Here are a few tips for getting for getting and staying motivated.

Find a role model. Many women get motivated to diet and work out by taping up pictures of models or actresses. This is actually a great way to remind yourself what your goals are and keep a visual of them fresh in your mind. Just be sure to pick an appropriate role model and not someone with unhealthy eating and exercise habits or an unachievable image.

Set small goals. If you start out setting tough goals, you probably won’t achieve them and will then become discouraged. The key is to set smaller, easy to achieve goals and work your way up. Start with “I will work out three days this week”. Once you get yourself into a routine, get yourself to work out harder and do more during each session.

Reward yourself. Setting goals is good way to get yourself into a workout program. If you have trouble keeping yourself going, try rewarding yourself when you reach a goal. Don’t go with big rewards, just small rewards for reaching small goals. For example, I can go to that movie if I work out three times this week. If you’re working out to lose weight, don’t reward yourself with food.

Get a buddy. Having someone to workout with can help keep your mind off the work and keep you entertained. That means you’re more likely to want to go work out. Having a buddy also makes it harder for you to skip your workout because you’ll be letting someone else down and they’ll be there to talk you into going even if you don’t feel like it. If you can’t find a buddy to go with you, you can always hire a personal trainer to keep you going.

Make it fun. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring a repetitive. If you don’t like your exercise routine, change it. Keep looking until you find something you enjoy doing. This way, you’ll end up looking forward to exercise instead of dreading it.

Mix it up. Even the most exciting workout can get boring if you do it over and over every day. Find several exercises you like to do and alternate. Try swimming Mondays, dance class Wednesdays, and a Pilates tape on Saturday. Any time you find yourself getting bored with a workout, replace it in your rotation for a while and start it again in a few months.

Don’t take it too seriously. If you start acting like exercise is hard work, it will become hard work. Make your exercise a light, fun, activity rather than a chore you have to do. This will keep you from getting a bad attitude and make you less likely to give up.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

6 Herbal Remedies you should know!

Herbs have been used for tens of thousands of years to cure all kinds of aches, pains and ailments. Just like people did a long time ago, you can safely treat a wide variety of things with herbs or herbal extracts you can find in your backyard, at health food stores or online. Here is a list of common herbs used to remedy everything from burns to headaches.

Aloe vera

Aloe Vera is perhaps best known for being an excellent sunburn treatment with superb skin revitalizing properties. Some of its lesser-known uses include aiding the digestive system and maintaining energy levels. It is also commonly taken as a vitamin and mineral supplement because it is chock full of great vitamins that you need. Aloe is typical sold in gel form for use on skin and sunburns and in a drinkable form for use as a dietary supplement.

Hawthorn berries

Hawthorn berry is well known for the positive effects it has on the circulatory system and heart. This berry is packed with vitamin C and vitamin B and is typically taken over a lengthy period to reap all of the great benefits it has to offer. Most health food stores offer it in liquid and capsule form though the body much more easily absorbs the liquid form.

Milk thistle

Milk Thistle is a powerful antioxidant that aids the liver and has been proven by many studies to help all liver related problems including alcohol related liver disease. The important compound in milk thistle, silymarin, can be hard for the body to absorb and is most effective when taken in the strongest form available.

Suma

Suma is also known as a form of ginseng from Brazil and has been used traditionally for a variety of reasons including: fighting fatigue, supporting the immune system and helping to stay stress free. Suma is often consumed as a tea, but is also readily available as a supplemental pill.

Ginger

Ginger is an excellent remedy for upset stomachs and has long been used as a remedy for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness or nausea. It is also commonly used to treat inflammation and arthritis pain. Ginger is often consumed as a tea or other beverage to treat nausea. However, it has been used in cuisines around the world as a flavor additive.

Black cohosh

Black cohosh has been the subject of many successful studies proving that it helps menopausal women reduce the severity of their symptoms including reducing the effect of hot flashes. Its healthy chemicals help regulate and balance a woman’s hormones so she does not experience the normal intensity of menopausal symptoms. Typically, black cohosh is taken as a supplemental pill that is available at most health food stores.



Make it a great day!


Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Losing Weight Rapidly!

Wanting a slimmer and sexier body is no lofty ambition. Many people have succeeded in sculpting their physiques to make them look healthy and desirable. However, this end is not attained in just a snap or skipping one night's dinner. For some people though, patience is not a virtue. They seem not to be able to afford so much attention, time and money to get the body they have always wanted. As a result, these people result to rapid weight loss practices and programs which may not be as effective as these people are led to believe they are.

Fast-track diets are one of these rapid weight loss practices which may not be very inviting as they seem according to research. Fast-track diet programs, as scientific research shows, are only good while they last. Rapid weight loss often results ironically, to rapid weight gain. people who undergo low carbohydrate or low calorie diets normally revert back to old eating habits simply because human beings can not actually live on with this type of diet scheme for the rest of their lives.

Now there is also scientific research showing that rapid weight loss does not imply an individual is losing unwanted excess fat; it is commonly water that is lost with following rapid weight loss practices. This could cause certain alarm but actually, water lost is regained very quickly. So there is actually zero net weight lost after all. So one should not be foolish enough to be so gullible with the advertising of certain diet pills out there in the market; especially those which claim to aid lose a whopping amount of fat in a short time. They will only dehydrate the body. And just so it is clear, the body can only lose two pounds of fat per week, one could be exceptionally lucky if he can lose three, but normally, it's just two.

Another rapid weight loss product out in the market is the slimming soap. Claiming that these soaps are made from a unique concoction of rare chinese herbs and seaweed, they assert to help people using them to shed off body fats by emulsifying them upon application while taking a bath. Some are even specialized like those which promise to give the user "beautiful thighs". The ingredients may prove to improve the quality of the skin but no research has ever come up yet which aids to prove the efficacy of these ingredients in emulsifying excess body fats.

One more rapid weight loss product out there in the market promises to suppress hunger and at the same time help increase the body's metabolic rate. It also claims to be able to accelerate the healing process and reduce certain body pains, all these plus its being a very chic fashion accent. Well they are actually called magnetic weight loss earrings.

The secret of this set of earrings is in the magnet, so it says. Wearing them near the ears balances the magnetism in the body therefore one will experience all the above mentioned effects. Though press releases say that there are actually "studies" to back these assertions up, nothing yet is found in medical journals. Though buying a set may not kill a person, it's probably not a wise investment. One might as well wear a horse shoe earring for a more exquisite fashion statement.

Bottom line is "no pain, no gain". If one wants a beautiful body, one must sweat it out. And as for those rapid weight loss products coming out on the market, if they are too good to be true, they probably are not.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

The Quick Weight Loss Diet!

If you wear a size 14 and you blow a bundle on designer size 8 dresses as motivation, you will probably end up feeling guilty, frustrated, and angry if you are not slinking around in it a month later.

In reality, you will do much better setting smaller, achievable targets for yourself. If you must try the new-clothes strategy, go down a size at a time, and do not buy anything you have to take out a second mortgage to pay for.

Because, if you continue to remorse on losing weight fast, you will end up incorporating fad diets or those that offer quick weight loss.

For most people who are not aware of this fact, there are no such things as quick weight loss diets and there is no nippy weight loss for people who want to be slimmer than what their body can provide.

The problem with most people is that they tend to opt for nippy fixes wherein fact these things are not effective at all.

What Does Not Work

Today, there are plenty of weight-loss strategies that are guaranteed to backfire. This is because these nippy fixes instilled on certain diet plans are, in reality, not efficient because it does not employ the right principle and the right attitude in losing weight.

These quick weight loss diet plans are known as fad diets because that is exactly what they are, just a fad. In time, when fashion is over and popularity wanes down, people will realize that the diet they have depended on is not reliable at all.

To know more about these fad diets that are selling like hotcakes in the market today, here is a list of some telltale signs that would tell you not to try it even once.

Here they are:

1. Skipping meals

Does your diet plan require you to skip meals? If it does, then, it is a fad diet.

Abstain from food completely is not a healthy habit. It may even cause some serious complications or problems especially for people who are sick with diabetes.

Skipping meals will only cause a hypoglycemia, or the condition wherein your blood sugar is really low, and will probably only be effective in making you eat twice as much at the next meal.

2. Dieting without exercise, or vice versa

Exercise is crucial to the human body. It is important in the proper blood circulation and other activities of the human body system.

Therefore, diet plans that do not require you to exercise are nuisances. People are born to move.

But then again, exercise alone is not sufficient. Hence, it would be better if diet and exercise will go hand-in-hand.

3. Continuous dawdling

There is no better time to start losing weight. If you want to really lose those excess fats, you have to lose weight now.

Delaying tactics will not get you anywhere and will only make the problem worse. So, if your diet plan suggests a certain timeframe for you start losing weight, chances are, you are following the trend of fad diets.

Boiled down, it is best to rely more on the way you feel than the tale of the tape. This means that if the weighing scale tells you that you are losing weight even if it is slower than you would like, but you are feeling energetic and positive about your weight-loss efforts, then, you are just doing fine.

As mentioned and is worth mentioning all over again, weight loss is not a quick process.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.

Supplements, health and weight loss!

A lot of people these days are trying to make their health better. No matter where you turn, from TV to newspapers, you’ll see stories about people and how bad their health actually is. Even though there are many different companies out there that offer vitamins and supplements and claim that they will change your healthy, you’ll need to research what they offer and sure that you aren’t just wasting your money.

If you are looking to improve your health, you’ll need to at many different vitamin supplements to find which ones are the best for you. You should look at everything available, and not just try a few to see what happens. Dieting is the ideal place to start, as it can make the most improvements on your health. Dieting can change your body, and make you feel a lot better as well.

These days, a lot of people eat way too much sweets and sugar, choosing refined products over healthy food. Even though it isn’t a bad thing to enjoy sweets and chocolate, you should never make a habit out of it. You can still enjoy your favorite foods as well, although you should be looking at the healthy benefits of food as well and think of everything as a whole.

If you include healthy foods such as salads, vegetables, and fruit into your diet, you’ll be eating healthy. Protein is also beneficial to your health, as it promotes the growth of your muscle. Those of you, who are serious about eating healthy but are unsure where to start, should contact a nutritionist. They will be able to tell you where to start, and how to achieve a healthy diet that will chance your life.

Even though you may be eating healthy or trying to eat healthy, you’ll probably find yourself wondering about vitamins and supplements and how much of an impact they have on your diet. Dieticians are ideal to consult with these types of questions, as they can answer any questions relating to vitamins that you have. They can also tell you which supplements are ideal to your health, and which ones you should include in your diet.

Different people will have different needs and requirements, making it essential to get advice from a qualified professional. If you get the advice from a professional, you’ll know what you can add to your diet. If you try to do it all yourself without the advice of a professional, you can end up not getting enough in your diet, or you could end up taking something that you shouldn’t be taken.

Exercise is also important to your diet and your health. Although supplements and vitamins will go a long way, exercise will do a lot for your body. If you exercise on a regular basis, and take the right supplements and vitamins with your diet, you’ll notice that you have more energy and you feel better than you ever have in your life.

Before you start with your new diet or rush out and buy your new vitamin supplements, you should always check with your doctor first to see if he has any recommendations. You should also tell him what type of exercise you are planning on doing, and see if there are any complications with your health. Getting a healthy lifestyle is always a great thing, although you should always consult with your doctor. This way, you’ll know the best way to start and how to go about getting in the best shape of your life.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.