Habits of Highly Healthy Eaters

Seven Habits of Highly Healthy Eaters
By Bill Scibetta

“What exercises can I do to …? As fitness professional I hear these words often. It doesn’t matter if the sentence ends with, “get bigger muscles”, “firm up my butt” or “flatten my stomach”. My initial response is always the same. “Well, what are you eating? In terms of physical fitness exercise is only part of the equation. Proper nutrition is vital regardless of the specific fitness goal.

If you want to maintain energy levels, achieve or maintain optimal weight and lower risk of disease, a healthy diet is imperative. It doesn’t matter if your goal is fat loss, body shaping, mass building, improved athletic performance or just maintaining a healthy lifestyle; the following tips will help build healthy habits that will allow you to get the most out of the you get the most out of diet.

1. Eat 5 - 6 Smaller Meals a Day.

This practice will allow your body to utilize the food you eat more efficiently. More of your food will be used for providing energy, building muscle and maintaining healthy tissue, while less will be stored as fat. If your goal is weight loss, this is a great way to reduce calories without loosing energy or feeling hungry.

If you are looking to gain lean muscle mass, eating more frequent meals will allow you to take in an increased number of calories without feeling stuffed. This will also insure that the vital muscle building nutrients will be available when your body needs them. Regardless of your fitness goal, eating 5 - 6 smaller meals a day will get your metabolism firing on all cylinders and give you the energy needed to reach your goals.

2. Do Not Skip Meals.

Skipping meals often leads to extreme hunger which can lead to “binge” type eating. The body can only process and utilize so much food at a time. It doesn’t matter if you’re only eating one or two meals a day. If you eat too much at any given meal, much of what the body doesn’t use will be stored as fat. Here’s another important reason not to skip meals. Depriving the body of vital nutrients often leaves one feeling tired and unmotivated (a real workout killer.)

3. Eat Real Food.

Our bodies are designed to metabolize food! Unfortunately the food industry has turned our bodies into chemical processing plants. Grocery store shelves are littered with food products containing non-food additives that are used to color, sweeten, stabilize, emulsify, bleach, flavor and preserve the food. The FDA lists approximately 2800 international food additives and about 3,000 chemicals, which are added to our food.

Avoid foods that claim to be “enriched.” The only reason processed foods are enriched in the first place is because their process has stripped them of virtually all their vital nutrients. Stick with whole foods including a good variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.

4. Read Food Labels.

To be sure you’re making good food choices, read food labels. Look at the ingredients, the main ingredients are listed first. If the first few ingredient listed on the label is a sugar processed sugar (i.e. high-fructose corn syrup.) or saturated or trans–fatty acids (coconut oil, palm kernel oil, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil, vegetable shortening), you may do well to make another food choice.

5. Pay Attention to Serving Sizes.

Pay attention to serving sizes, it’s easy to over load. Weighing and measuring food is a good way to assure you are taking in the proper amount of calories and nutrients. This is especially important if you are on a weight loss or a weight gain program.

6. Eat Slowly and Chew Food Thoroughly.

Chewing food thoroughly aids in digestion, thus reducing the time it takes for vital nutrients to become available for use by your body. Eating slowly gives the stomach time it needs to tell the brain it’s full. Taking your time to eat your meal is especially helpful if you are on a reduced calorie diet. It will allow you to eat less, yet still feel satiated.

7. Keep a Food Journal.

Write down everything you eat and drink. Initially include serving sizes along with the number of calories, as well as the amount of macronutrients (fats, proteins and carbohydrates). This will make you conscious of everything you eat while you become educated on the components of a healthy diet. If you are not making satisfactory progress towards your goals, your food journal can provide valuable information needed to make necessary adjustments.

Bill Scibetta, RN, NSCA-CPT

Bill is the founder and President of Precision Fitness – Personal Training Centers in the Charlotte, NC area and co-author of the book Play Better Longer! – Peak Performance and Injury Prevention for Golf. Bill is a licensed Registered Nurse as well as a National Strength and Conditioning Association – Certified Personal Trainer. After spending years practicing in the specialty of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Bill has dedicated his career to helping individuals identify and overcome obstacles that stand in the way of optimal wellness and peak physical performance.

For more information visit http://www.lakenormanfitness.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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The Power Of Positive Habits
"Imagine how your life would change if you could put it on AUTOPILOT and reach all of your goals automatically!"

Now you can with "The Power of Positive Habits," the new book that #1 NY Times best-selling authors Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, John Gray Ph.D. are all raving about!

Read this book and discover:
. How you can "Improve Your Health" Automatically!
. How you can "Achieve Greater Success" Automatically!
. How you can "Lose Weight" Automatically!
. How you can "Lower your Cholesterol" Automatically!
. How you can "Reduce your Cancer risks" Automatically
and much, much more!

Order this program now. Start plotting the auto pilot course to your dreams! 100% Money Back, Satisfaction Guaranteed As Usual

The Power Of Positive Habits

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

19 Reasons People Fail . . .

19 Reasons People Fail to Achieve Their Fitness Goals
By Brad Nelson

Reason #1: You don’t make a decision to start. You can have hundreds of excuses, but it comes down to how big is your want to? If you want results you have to start. Why wait ‘til tomorrow what you can start today?? DECIDE!

Reason #2: You don’t know what you want. Where are you on a scale of 1-10, 10 being as serious as a heart attack, about reaching your fitness goals? If your number is anything but a 9 or a 10, I will not work with you. Why, because you are not COMMITTED to doing whatever it takes to reach your goals.

If you say you are a 1-8 that means you get it right eighty percent or less of the time. That means that you will eat when and what you want and not stick to a program. That is like a rocket scientist at NASA being sixty percent sure the left engine works on the spaceship we are sending to the moon. COMMIT!

Reason #3: You don’t make it a priority. Everyone’s biggest excuse is TIME. My question to you is what do you value? Do you value your health? Do you value productive energy when spending time with your family and/or kids? I would say that you cannot afford not to make time.

By making exercise a priority in your daily planner you will not only have a sense of accomplishment by sticking to a regular routine, but feel more energized and less stressed when dealing with the daily ebb and flow of life. SCHEDULE!

Reason #4: You have no one hold you accountable. When beginning an exercise program, I highly recommend working out with a friend or considering a personal trainer because on the days you do not feel like going that person will encourage you to remember why you’re doing this. Having a training partner also keeps your workouts fresh and fun. ACCOUNTABILITY!

Reason #5: You focus more on the scale (weight) instead of the tape measure (inches). Muscle is more dense than fat. Therefore, focus on the inches. Some of the fittest people look like they way twenty pounds less than they actually do because muscle can be deceiving. Also, you will probably gain one or two pounds when you begin to exercise because strength training promotes this.

If the only thing you did was add one pound of muscle, you will ultimately lose five pounds of body fat within six months because muscle burns calories (fat) at rest and fat does not. FOCUS ON INCHES!

Reason #6: You start exercising but you don’t change your eating habits. Eating and nutrition comprise about 70% of the results you will obtain when it comes to changing the shape of your body. What you eat and when you eat it are equally important. American culture in general would have you believing that this is a difficult concept when in reality it is not difficult at all. CHANGE EATING HABITS!

Reason #7: You follow the newest, latest, greatest technique due to media hype. Almost everything you see on TV is a waste of your time, money, and effort. If it sounds too good to be true…it probably is. If a supermodel is advertising the product, you will NOT look like him or her by “just using this product 8 minutes a day”!!! DON’T GET SUCKED INTO INFOMERCIALS!

Reason #8: You quit right before you are going to see results. In order to see measurable results, you need to stick with your new found exercise routine for 90-120 days if you want to truly make LIFESTYLE changes and maintain your results for more than a couple of months. The human body completely regenerates itself about every 90-120 days. COMMIT TO A 90-DAY PLAN!

Reason #9: You don’t eat breakfast. You’ve heard it since you were old enough to listen: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In fact, a study done at the University of Massachusetts with 500 participants concluded startling statistics. You are 150% more likely to be obese by eating breakfast away from home, and you are an astonishing 450% more likely to be obese by not eating breakfast at all. Breakfast is a simple thing that can dramatically improve your fitness results and your lifestyle. EAT BREAKFAST!

Reason #10: You don’t drink water or you don’t drink enough water. Water has many benefits. Your muscle tissue is about 75% water based. If you are dehydrated (and most people are), you will have more aches and pains than you really should have. When most people feel hungry, their body is usually telling them they are thirsty. Water also fights off hunger pains or will not allow you to eat as much food if you are drinking it diligently. DRINK WATER!

Reason #11: You set your expectations too high. Let’s face it, society places a major emphasis on results. However, what you just did to your body for the last 5, 10, maybe 20 years can’t be corrected within 24 hours, a week or a month. Lifestyle changes take time to progress and become habits in your life. Be patient through the process and know that you are only going to have to go through the process once because you won’t be on the latest roller-coaster diet. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS!

Reason #12: You don’t switch your routine enough. Your body will hit a plateau because it will adapt to what you are doing. Therefore you will need to switch your routine around in order to continue to get the results you are looking for. This doesn’t mean that you will always have to do MORE but rather work smarter so you are in control of your results. CHANGE UP YOUR ROUTINE!

Reason #13: You’ve read too many ‘diet’ books and are misled on the topic of nutrition. “Dieting” is the most misused word when it comes to the world of exercise, fitness and health. With the United States leading the charge in the category of most ‘unhealthy’ nation, we are bombarded with the latest ‘do it in the next 24 hours fad diet that will help you lose 25 lbs in the next 2 days’ program.

Don’t overcomplicate what “they” would like you to think it really takes in order to change some habits. Using the word “diet” truly means “what you are going to eat” vs. ‘what you are going to avoid.’ AVOID THE NEWEST “DIET”!

Reason #14: You consume yourself with your program and you forget to have fun. Some of you get so wrapped in keeping an exercise journal, a food journal, and buying new workout clothes that you forget to be realistic about your approach to your new found “self.” Just remember that if you become too fanatical too quick you will more likely be on to the next best thing sooner than you think. You do not want your exercise routine to become a ‘chore’. HAVE FUN!

Reason #15: You overcomplicate your routine. You have so many goals that you want to accomplish that you do too many things and spread yourself so thin that you don’t see any concrete results. New found lifestyle habits are found through simple routines…something that you can implement and stick to without too much deviation from your current flow of life. SIMPLIFY ROUTINE!

Reason #16: You don’t believe you can reach your ‘ideal’ goals. Believe you can get there. Write out EXACTLY what you want and the key…WHEN you want it. Then break down your goals in weekly training goals and check them with a professional to see if they are realistic. You can get back to the shape you were in prior to kids, back as a high school athlete, or back as a high school cheerleader if you set your mind to it. Wherever the mind goes, the body will follow. BELIEVE!

Reason #17: You don’t seek guidance. Your new-found journey can be very intimidating. Set yourself up to win by talking to a professional that can help you set realistic goals but probably more importantly help you stay accountable. If you are not ready to be held accountable then you are probably not ready to truly go after your goals. SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE!

Reason #18: You rely on some piece of equipment or a trainer to get you results. It is up to you and ONLY YOU to be responsible and accountable for achieving the results you are looking for. The equipment or trainers that help are there to guide, direct, and encourage you through the process. You are the only person who knows deep down if you are ready for this journey. ONLY YOU CAN ACHIEVE THE RESULTS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!

Reason #19: You don’t do any strength training, just cardio. You will not get the results you are looking for if you leave out any components of a successful fitness plan. Strength training has many benefits including burning fat. If all you did was add ONE pound of lean muscle you would burn FIVE pounds of fat over the next 6 months without changing anything else.

Strength training will also boost your immune system, strengthen bones, and increase your self-confidence. STRENGTH TRAINING IS THE TICKET!

Brad Nelson is a Minneapolis/St. Paul based certified Level II kettlebell instructor and strength and conditioning coach (CSCS). Brad is unwavering about getting you results through private or team training and workshops.

For additional information or to witness a demonstration on how and why kettlebells are the single most effective tool for increasing strength, burning fat, general conditioning and teaching movement visit http://www.mtxeconditioning.com or contact brad@mtxeconditioning.com.

© Copyright 2005 Brad Nelson -- http://www.mtxeconditioning.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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The Power Of Positive Habits
"Imagine how your life would change if you could put it on AUTOPILOT and reach all of your goals automatically!"

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. How you can "Improve Your Health" Automatically!
. How you can "Achieve Greater Success" Automatically!
. How you can "Lose Weight" Automatically!
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. How you can "Reduce your Cancer risks" Automatically
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Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Health, The Forgotten Friend

Health, The Forgotten Friend
by Raquel Hunter

How many times have you heard someone say, "If I could do it all over again, I'd take better care of my health"? Or have you heard people say, "If I get rid of this disease, I'll eat right and exercise more frequently"? Unfortunately, most people don't receive that second chance.

Most people do not appreciate the importance of their health until it is failing. Cookies, candy, chips, ice cream, french fries, alcohol we run to them for comfort and solace. We think these foods make us feel better, but that is an illusion. These foods, and many others like them, are slowly killing us. Every time you "indulge" in a pint of ice cream or an order of super-size fries, you are putting your health at risk.

So, does this mean stop eating french fries and ice cream? Maybe. Would you live longer if you stopped eating cookies, candy, chips, ice cream, French fries? Probably. If you lower your intake of the foods that rapidly increase your blood sugar, kill your brain cells, increase your cholesterol level and blood pressure, you will probably have a healthier and longer life.

So how do you lower your intake of these foods when they are frequently on sale in bright seductive packaging at the grocery store and readily available on almost every street corner? Here are a few suggestions:

* Stash healthy snacks in your car so you won't be tempted to order fast food on your way home from work.

* Exercise. It will give you a natural energy boost and deter you from eating more calories that you can burn off.

* Drink more water. The more water you drink, the less hungry you will feel.

* Don't stop eating these foods 'cold turkey'. Gradually reduce your intake. If you currently eat french fries five times a week, start by reducing to four times a week. Try this for a couple of weeks and then reduce your intake to three times a week.

* Set a specific goal. Goals will let you see your progress and can be a source of inspiration.

Be strong when you crave food that is not good for you. You will thank yourself later. Remember, health is important. Take care of your health while you still have the chance.

About The Author: Raquel is a writer for MamasHealth.com. MamasHealth.com is a website aimed at providing clear, simple, easy to understand information about health.

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The Power Of Positive Habits
"Imagine how your life would change if you could put it on AUTOPILOT and reach all of your goals automatically!"

Now you can with "The Power of Positive Habits," the new book that #1 NY Times best-selling authors Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, John Gray Ph.D. are all raving about!

Read this book and discover:
. How you can "Improve Your Health" Automatically!
. How you can "Achieve Greater Success" Automatically!
. How you can "Lose Weight" Automatically!
. How you can "Lower your Cholesterol" Automatically!
. How you can "Reduce your Cancer risks" Automatically
and much, much more!

Order this program now. Start plotting the auto pilot course to your dreams! 100% Money Back, Satisfaction Guaranteed As Usual

The Power Of Positive Habits

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Goal Setting in Fitness

Goal Setting in Fitness & Nutrition
by Brian Johnston

A goal is the result or achievement toward which effort is directed. Without setting goals in exercise or nutrition, there is far less value and purposeful direction; and they need to be measurable and realistic.

For example, a thin teenager weighing 120 pounds wishing to weight 220-pounds of muscle is both specific and measurable. However, he cannot hope to achieve such a physique, especially not soon and probably not without growth-enhancing drugs. Therefore, in this instance, the goal to gain 100 pounds of muscle is specific, it is measurable, but it is unrealistic.

Non-measurable goals, such as "I want to lose fat and get lean," will never be realized since the term "lean" is subjective with no objective measurement.

What is lean to one person may not be lean to another... or perhaps it is "too lean". Once the individual obtains a supposed state of leanness, will that person know that he has achieved that goal or will his perception of what he thinks is "lean" change because of higher standards and greater expectations? On the other hand, if a trainee indicated that he wants to reduce body fat to a level of ten percent, then he has a measurable goal – one that can be quantified.

Next, to achieve goals better, trainees must provide a measurement and do so in the smallest amount necessary and within reason relative to past accomplishments. Don't aim for something greater than you could ever have achieved in the past.

Moreover, the more distant the goal, and the smaller the increments, the more likely the success of obtaining the goal. But it should be noted that a goal must require some degree of effort and challenge. If the goal is too small or easy to obtain, there is little incentive or sense of accomplishment or pride.

Goals can be measured in terms of outcome and performance. An outcome goal refers to that which a person is aiming to achieve, such as lifting five pounds more in the bench press next workout or a far greater weight over the course of several months. There is little flexibility in this type of goal – either it is achieved or it is not. Performance goals refer to the process through which a person achieves those goals, including both the short- and long-term. Performance goals are much more flexible, and allows a person to reorganize a strategy from day to day in order to meet the outcome goal(s).

Performance goals are associated with less anxiety, since there is flexibility and, as a result, should be emphasized in an exercise and nutrition program. It can be upsetting not to achieve an outcome goal, but if all the steps leading up to the outcome were done to the best of your ability, it is easy to maintain motivation in preparing for the next outcome goal.

When determining a long-term goal, a strategy of immediate, short-term goals (performance goals) must be considered. For example, if you desire a ten-pound increase on the best bench press, how will you get there? This is accomplished by creating a workout schedule, a long-term plan of increasing "x" pounds/ounces to the bar each workout until you achieve the extra ten pounds.

The plan may need to be reevaluated then re-designed – particularly if you fail to increase the weight by "x" pounds/ounces during one of the workouts, and falling short in the end. It could be further stated that creating a goal strategy in exercise is very similar to a marketing or business plan in that goals may be established, but they may also need reformulating on a regular basis to reflect current facts of finance, the economy, sales, customer satisfaction, etc.

GOAL SETTING PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGY

Set Specific Goals.
The goal must be measurable, such as "bench press 275 pounds" by a certain date rather than "increase the bench press" and without a concrete date in mind.

Set Difficult and Realistic Goals.
The goal must be within reach, yet challenging in order to increase mental arousal and motivation. Easy goals will not be motivating, yet goals that are nearly impossible will hinder motivation for future workouts. Goals must reflect your genetic ability accurately; as strength and size increases, the ability to match past goals will diminish.

Establish Short-term Goals.
Each main goal must consist of sub-goals or short term goals. Before a person can increase chest measurement by an inch, or bench press an additional 50 pounds, he must progress in smaller amounts.

Being able to see patterns in those amounts (your results over a particular period of time), or lack thereof, provides valuable data and feedback in your ability to achieve long term goals during a specific time frame. Not being able to achieve short-term goals provides further information as to what is not working and the need for a new plan of short-term goals in order to achieve the long-term goal.

Develop Goal-Achievement Strategies.
A trainee cannot achieve short- or long-term goals without knowing how he or she eventually will get there. In order to lose an inch off the waist, you must first lose a quarter-inch, then a half-inch, etc., and each step requires a certain amount of exercise and a proper eating plan. These aspects determine your daily or immediate goals.

Create Backup Plans of Action.
What happens if a short-term goal is not reached? If something goes wrong, is it probable that the long-term goal will be reached? It will be difficult to get back on track if a backup plan of action is not established to correct any minor setbacks. If the goal is to lose a quarter-inch off the waist during the first month, and the trainee only lost one-eighth inch, the chances of losing a quarter-inch during the next phase of the strategy is highly unlikely (unless exercise is increased and eating is decreased).

It will be necessary to rethink the strategy and decide what must be done in order to get back on track. But rather than waiting for the possibility of failure, strategize ahead of time and anticipate failure or what could go wrong.

Individual Personality Considerations.
Prior to establishing goals, personality must be considered.

Is the person a high-achiever or a low-achiever? Does the person have the commitment and can he or she maintain that commitment? Can the person sustain the motivation to reach a difficult goal that may be a year away while paying attention to diet and intense exercise during that time on a daily/weekly basis? Does the person have the maturity and intellect to work through any problems leading to each goal?

How does the individual accept failure – as a learning experience or another "nail in the coffin" of defeat?

Provide for Goal Evaluation.
At the end of each short- and long-term goal, evaluate performance, dedication, motivation, and well you did to achieve (or surpass) your goals.

From this information it will be easier to establish future goals, and to make goals easier or more challenging, by learning from mistakes, failures, and successes. Also, evaluate the backup plans of action and if any of those steps needed to be implemented, your problem-solving skills, what went right, what went wrong, and any factors that were not considered.

Provide Goal Support.
Share goals with others, such as a loved one, friends, a mentor, or associates on the Internet. Telling people about what you intend to achieve increases support and keeps you on the path to prove your ability rather than experiencing humiliation or embarrassment from backing down when the going gets tough. Regular updates on a long-term goal, and how each short-term goal is proceeding will keep you in check and sustain motivation.

Brian D. Johnston is the Director of Education and President of the I.A.R.T. fitness certification and education institute. He has written over 12 books and is a contributing author to the Merck Medical Manual. An international lecturer, Mr. Johnston wears many hats in the fitness and health industries, and can be reached at info@ExerciseCertification.com.

Visit his site at www.ExerciseCertification.com for more free articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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Powerful Sleep Secrets
Could you use MORE Sleep? If the way you spend your days is similar to the general population, you will probably answer a resounding 'Yes!'. Many people go to work every day without a 'good night's' rest, always short of sleep.

What if I could show you a way to get better sleep during those 'too short' nights? What if you could get less sleep, but get a much more powerful sleep period? How much more could you get done? A sleep researcher has discovered such a method. He is sharing his discoveries in the Powerful Sleep System.

Download your copy of the first 2 chapters FR*EE and see for yourself the difference owning this book can make in your life. Imagine how you will feel when you are totally rested and able to seize each day's opportunities. Read more about Powerful Sleep here, and get your two free chapters.

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Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Strength Training Facts

7 Must Know Facts to Build Your Strength Training Routine
By Lynn VanDyke

Building a strength training routine can be one of the trickiest parts of a fitness program. Ask 10 personal trainers what the best strength training routine is and you will get 10 different answers.

Below are 7 must-know guidelines to use when building a strength training program. Each guideline provides the basic foundation that all strength training programs abide by. Learning the proper way to use free weights will greatly improve your strength, fitness, and health levels.

1) We cannot strength train a muscle today and tomorrow. We have to allow at least 24-36 hours of rest. Lifting on consecutive days leads to overtraining, muscle fatigue, and possible injury. All of our strength gains are made during the rest time!

2) We cannot spot reduce. This means if we want to lose weight in our stomach, doing 100 crunches a day will not make our stomach flab disappear. To reduce stomach fat, we need an overall reduction in body fat. Reducing overall body fat results from eating well, regular exercise, and proper rest.

3) We can spot tone. If we want bigger biceps, we can strength train for hypertrophy (fancy word for muscle growth). It is possible for us to focus on one specific muscle group. This is sometimes called targeted training. Studies have shown that machines isolate a muscle better than free weights.

4) Our strength training routines must be regular and consistent for results to take place. It took us years to put on the weight. We shouldn't expect it to all fall off in three weeks. The best outcome from your fitness and strength training program should be a lifestyle change. Replace bad habits with healthy ones and reap the rewards.

5) Realize that our strength training routine must be changed every 4-6 weeks. This will prevent our body from hitting a plateau and it will keep things interesting. We can change our method, our exercise or our intensity level. Not changing our routine on a regular basis will eventually stop producing results. We will continually grow stronger as we progress with our fitness program. Be sure your body is challenged on every workout.

6) Our strength training routines must be built according to our specific goals. Specific goals may be: fat loss, hypertrophy, maintaining weight or adding bulk. Each goal will have a different method that is best suited for optimal results. Someone who is interested in losing body fat will strength train differently than someone looking to increase muscle bulk. Knowing what your specific goals are will aid in creating the best strength training program possible.

7) Our strength training routines must work all of the major muscle groups in our body 1-3 times per week. This includes our biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, back, abs, quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves. Leaving out muscle groups will create an imbalance.

By using these 7 guidelines, anyone should be able to build a decent and effective program. The idea is to develop a safe strength training routine that provides us with major health and fitness benefits. Strength training has certainly increased in popularity over the past few years. Knowing how to build a strength training routine for our specific goals will move us one step closer to a fit body.

Copyright 2005, Strength-Training-Woman.com

Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of http://strength-training-woman.com You may receive your free strength training log and routines by visiting her site. Her newest ebook has been voted the #1 fitness ebook on the net. Learn more about it by visiting http://strength-training-woman.com/31-no-holds-barred-answers.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Guide To Six Pak Abs

The How To Guide for Six Pack Abs
By Ryan Cote

First off I want to mention that, for most people, getting six pack abs is not an easy task. It requires serious dedication, but it is possible! If you were blessed with naturally low body fat and good muscle definition, enjoy it! Otherwise, below is a general 2-step guide that, if followed religiously for 3 months, will produce results.

Step 1: Nutrition

This is the single most important part of the puzzle, hands down. You can have the most impressive set of abs, but if they're covered with a layer of fat, you won't see them! Break up your day with 5 or 6 mini-meals because this jump starts your metabolism. And stop eating the food that is preventing results: white bread, loads of pasta, soda, candy, fast food, hydrogenated oils, sugars and fructose corn syrup.

Instead, replace them with foods that will help you reach your goal: oatmeal, olive oil, whole grain breads, fruits, vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, chicken, fish, protein and water. Be realistic- you'll slip here and there, but make a conscious effort to radically improve your eating habits because getting a six pack will be impossible if you don't.

Step 2: Exercise

You need to concern yourself with 3 different exercises: cardio, weightlifting and ab exercises. And aim to workout no less than 4 times a week.

The cardio you do can be anything: walking, running, biking, swimming .... whichever cardio you don't mind doing so that you'll stick with it. Aim for 30-45 minutes, a minimum of 2 times a week.

Weightlifting is important because 3 pounds of added muscle burns as many calories as a 1 mile jog...and this is while you're just sitting around! Aim for 30-45 minutes, a minimum of 2 times a week. If you're confused as to what exercises to do for each body part, check out out the following website. It features professional bodybuilders, but the information is great and can be used by anyone.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.htm.

The last exercise you need to incorporate into your workout is ab exercises. Aim to work your abs a minimum of 3 times a week. There are a ton of different ab exercises you can do so try to find 3 or so that you enjoy doing so you can mix it up. A good database of different ab exercises is:

www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exername.php?MainMuscle=Abdominals

Well, there you have it. Follow the above for 3 months religiously, and while results will vary from person to person, you will experience improvement. It will take serious dedication on your part, but imagine the feeling you'll get when you look in the mirror and like what you see.

Ryan Cote is the owner of www.4DaysToBetterHealth.com, a free health e-course that shows the average person how to live a healthy lifestyle. Only 4 emails over 4 days and you'll have the basic knowledge to better your health.

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Powerful Sleep Secrets
Could you use MORE Sleep? If the way you spend your days is similar to the general population, you will probably answer a resounding 'Yes!'. Many people go to work every day without a 'good night's' rest, always short of sleep.

What if I could show you a way to get better sleep during those 'too short' nights? What if you could get less sleep, but get a much more powerful sleep period? How much more could you get done? A sleep researcher has discovered such a method. He is sharing his discoveries in the Powerful Sleep System.

Download your copy of the first 2 chapters FR*EE and see for yourself the difference owning this book can make in your life. Imagine how you will feel when you are totally rested and able to seize each day's opportunities. Read more about Powerful Sleep here, and get your two free chapters.

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Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Why Should You Exercise?

Exercise: Why You Should Do It
Aaron Potts

Hundreds of Thousands of Americans spend millions of dollars each year on diet pills, "magical" exercise devices, and misrepresented health and fitness products, when in all actuality a good set of dumbbells and a brisk walk may be all you need to get in better shape than you've ever been in.

What can you do with nothing but a set of dumbbells, you ask? Provide resistance to your body's movements - also known as weight lifting. That's all weight lifting is - resistance. The terms "weight lifting" and "resistance training" have become one in the same because they are describing the same activity - moving your body under more resistance than it normally has to handle.

In fact, you've just stumbled upon the basic secret of exercise in general! Whether you are talking about resistance training, Pilates, Yoga, cardiovascular activities, or any other form of exercise, all of these programs have one thing in common - performing more activity than you would get sitting on the couch. WHY should you exercise, though?

How about defying the aging process for starters? Do you know that the primary reason why elderly people end up in nursing homes is because they lose the ability to think and move on their own? Do you also know that the entire process of thinking and moving on our own happens because we do it every day? Until we retire, that is. Once we don't have to go to work anymore, or deal with scheduling and lifestyle issues, suddenly the only thing that we have to think about is whether to watch game shows or soap operas all day long, and the only exercise we get is deftly flying our fingers over the remote control.

Mush. That's what our brains and bodies turn into when we stop using them. Think you are still sharp as a tack, and at the height of your game? Try to say the alphabet backwards in 30 seconds or less.

Yes . . . sharp indeed.

What about physically? Think that you can still hold your own even though you don't really exercise much? Stop reading this article and drop down on the floor for some correct-form push-ups. Did you do at least 30 if you are female, or at least 40 if you are male? No? How about 20 or 25? 15? Unless you pulled off 30 or 40, you are probably at less than the 50 percentile mark for your gender - health conditions notwithstanding.

Okay, so you've determined that you aren't exactly Olympic athlete material. So what? You don't even like sports, let alone being very good at them. That's fine, and there is nothing wrong with that. So what about fat? Do you like bodyfat? Do you find it physically appealing? Do you think it's healthy? If so, we're done speaking. Go on about your business, and thanks for reading this far.

For everyone else, here is a newsflash: In America today - the year 2004 - obesity related health conditions account for more deaths in the United States each year than all known forms of cancer COMBINED. Heart Disease alone is the number one killer of American adults, and it is a PREVENTABLE CONDITION!

How about self-esteem? 64% of Americans are overweight. That is almost two-thirds of the population. If you think that a figure like that and the skyrocketing sales of prescription anti-depressants aren't related, you now have a second opportunity to stop reading this article and continue on with your day.

Here is the bottom line, folks: Exercise and a reasonable nutrition program are necessary for ALL people, for their ENTIRE lives.

Note, however, that I said "exercise", and that I also said "reasonable nutrition program". At no point did I say anything about spending 2 hours per day at the gym, or about eating nothing but carrots and celery for the rest of your life. Why? Those practices are just as ineffective at long-term weight loss as diet pills and late night infomercial products. Here is what DOES work:

1) Weight/Resistance Training - Weight training for both men and women has the same effect - it makes your muscles more metabolically active. In simpler terms, it means your muscles will burn more calories - even when you are sleeping. Muscle is the only site on your body where bodyfat is broken down. Weak muscles = weak metabolism. Weak metabolism = slow calorie burning.

2) Cardiovascular Training - Contrary to popular belief, this type of training is meant to help your cardio-respiratory system function more effectively, and ultimately to last longer. Does it burn a lot of calories? Sure it does. However, if you don't combine it with resistance training and supportive nutrition, you'll likely just burn off water weight and the muscle tissue that you worked so hard for up in step number 1.

3) Reasonable Nutrition Program - Quality sources of complex and fibrous carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and lean sources of protein. Eat those nutrients in reasonable proportions frequently throughout your day, and your metabolism (refer again to #1) will crank up to high, and you'll be burning more calories on a day to day basis than you ever have before in your life.

So far we have seen that not only can exercise keep us out of a nursing home, but it can also keep off excess levels of bodyfat which will - literally - keep us alive. We haven't even touched on sports performance, recreational activities, improved energy levels, ability to focus, or many of the other benefits of a regular exercise program.

Personally, I'd be happy with just staying out of a nursing home, and staying alive long enough to look good in a bathing suit. What about you?

About The Author: Aaron Potts is the owner and creator of Fitness Destinations. Aaron's experience in the health and fitness industry includes one on one personal training in many different environments, maintenance of several health-related websites, and authoring of many fitness-related products for consumers and fitness professionals.
http://www.fitnessdestinations.com/journal.html

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*NEW!* -- Audio Motivation

Join Audio Motivation and hear exclusive interviews from the greatest names in personal development. Leap onto the fast track to success with dynamic, exciting audio motivation messages with AudioMotivation.com. Listen to Audios with Success Teachers and today's movers and shakers and keep yourself at the top of your Game. Find out more today.

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Amazing Benefits Of Sleep

The Amazing Benefits Of Sleep
By Terry Weber

As Americans, we live in a supercharged society where energetic activity always seems to take precedence over the simple common sense awareness of our basic need to get enough sleep. In fact, our active lives can be so enticing, so interesting that we get to the point where we actually begrudge the need to slow down and simply - get enough sleep.

Consider for a moment some of the negative results of a constant habit or way of life where you never get enough sleep: there is a malfunctioning of the brain; reaction time slows down; ability to focus attention is impaired; your memory lapses and your ability to think creatively suffers; you feel drowsy and you lack good judgement in both minor and critical situations.

Studies have shown that most adults require six to eight hours sleep in every twenty-four hour day. That is about one-third of our entire lives. It has also been demonstrated that people who get enough sleep are more productive and happier than those who do not get enough sleep.

In short, the people who decide to be well-rested by getting enough sleep, are the people who become more productive as well as much better companions with family, friends and business associates.

Therefore, when you stop, or pause long enough to think about sleep, and it’s many benefits, you’ll soon realize sleep is just as important to your overall health as exercise, prayer and eating the right food.

Let me give you a personal example: As a creative person, I find myself in the role of one who is constantly thinking about, coming up with and generating brand new ideas. Because my waking hours are so interesting and exciting I used to think sleep was a waste of time. There was a time when I almost hated to go to bed.

The result of my lack of sleep was that my work suffered, and my good ideas became fewer and fewer. Then, very gradually, by trial and error I must admit, I became aware of the many benefits of proper sleep habits.

Now, I find that some of my most creative thoughts come to me while I am – you guessed it - sleeping. When I am asleep, I’m relaxed. That is when my creative subconscious thoughts can intertwine and mingle with my conscious thoughts with no effort on my part. Amazing!

Thinking is always hard work but when I am fresh and rested, after a good night’s sleep my thoughts are usually clear and right on target.

So, if you want to live a more productive, happier life you need to pay attention to the many benefits that can be yours during the hours you invest in getting the right amount of sleep. It is a fact that rather than being a waste of time, time spent sleeping can be some of the most productive hours of your whole life.

If you have trouble turning off the cares of the world and getting to sleep, you might want to consider some of the sleep aids offered to help you on this website: www.webermaskman.com

Terry Weber is a retired advertising/direct mail sales letter copywriter and inentor of several useful items. Terry and his wife Doris are Habitat For Humanity, RV Care-A- Vanners who, for the past eight years have volunteered to help build more than 36 houses all over the USA. They travel to and from the 2- week long builds in their RV. The money they make on their Crafty-Ones website helps them pay their expenses to and from those volunteer Habitat builds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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Powerful Sleep Secrets
Could you use MORE Sleep? If the way you spend your days is similar to the general population, you will probably answer a resounding 'Yes!'. Many people go to work every day without a 'good night's' rest, always short of sleep.

What if I could show you a way to get better sleep during those 'too short' nights? What if you could get less sleep, but get a much more powerful sleep period? How much more could you get done? A sleep researcher has discovered such a method. He is sharing his discoveries in the Powerful Sleep System.

Download your copy of the first 2 chapters FR*EE and see for yourself the difference owning this book can make in your life. Imagine how you will feel when you are totally rested and able to seize each day's opportunities. Read more about Powerful Sleep here, and get your two free chapters.

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Building A Better Body

Before we get to today's article, have a look at Jeremy Likness' (from Natural Physiques) blog post regarding how your Attitudes affect you during Exercise. It's called Positive Thoughts And Long Runs. I do believe you will enjoy it! Now to today's offering from Tom Venuto.

Building A Better Body One Brick At A Time
By Tom Venuto

The quest to develop a stunningly fit, lean and attractive body is a long, slow journey. It's not something you achieve overnight by popping a few pills or strapping an electric gizmo to your belly.

Which reminds me, did you know that by the time the FTC finally blew the whistle on the electronic ab belt scam, the makers of those "ab zappers" had swindled over $100 million dollars from unsuspecting consumers? Fortunately, some of those companies had to pay it back, and then some! The FTC charged three companies - Fast Abs, Ab Tronic and Ab Energizer - with false advertising and deceptive warranty practices for these "ABSurd" gimmcks.

But I digress… back to what I was saying about the journey to a better body...

Last week I looked out my window, and where there was once nothing but a dirt-filled empty lot, there stood a sprawling six story brick condo complex. If someone looked at this massive completed structure for the first time, they might not be impressed. However, since I observed the entire construction process unfold from my living room window, I was impressed - amazed even - at what goes into erecting this kind of structure.

I remember watching the crew humming around diligently every day like busy bees, laying one brick after another. From one day to the next, it didn't seem like much changed. But slowly, over a period of a year and a half, I watched the building gradually morph into the finished product.

When you look at someone with an incredible body as a finished product, you often tend to dismiss the long, arduous journey and hard work it took to build that body. Unless you were side by side with that person in the gym (and in the kitchen), observing the work involved, it's easy to attribute such a chiseled physique to genetics or give credit to a supplement (they just took product XYZ and voila - overnight abs). What you don't see or appreciate are all the months and years of sweat and hard work.

Getting in shape is a lot like a construction project. First, there must be a picture in the mind. Then the vision goes onto paper as a blueprint. It takes months just to lay the foundation. More months of work will follow. On a daily basis, it doesn't seem like much is happening.

You look in the mirror and appear, for the most part, the same as you did yesterday. But sure enough, the small improvements are slowly accumulating like compounding interest in the bank. One day, you look in the mirror and "suddenly," your blueprint has become reality.

The body of a fitness model, figure competitor or bodybuilder is no more likely to be built overnight than a high rise is to be built overnight. It's not physically possible. Accepting the idea that any type of pill, powder, drug, supplement or machine of any kind will make it happen sooner than nature intended (without negative consqeuences or side effects) is pure folly. You can't force it.

Growth and development of any kind always requires a gestation period. For a baby, it's nine months. For corn, I believe it's about three months. If you were an expectant mother, would you want to hurry the process? Could any new development in nutrition or medical science speed up this wonderful miracle even one iota? If you were a farmer, would you try to harvest your crop before it was ripe? Would you dig up your seeds to see if anything was growing down there?

The answers are obvious. If only we would adopt the same patient, nurturing "mother's" or "farmer's mindset" towards getting in shape, then no one would waste their money on "fast abs" or "exercise in a bottle" or any such silliness ever again. We would understand that one must sow first, then reap the harvest, but that you can't sow and reap in the same season.

If you ever get frustrated with the rate of progress in your fitness or weight loss program (and who doesn't), just remember; success is always guaranteed to the persistent. Nothing in the world can stop someone who knows what they want and is willing to continue paying the price until they get it. It just takes time.

Become the architect and builder of your own dream body. You WILL build the body you want eventually if you're patient enough and you refuse to quit. And set your goals HIGH! Create a fantastic blueprint.

Michelangelo said, “the greatest danger is not that we set our goals too high and miss them, the greatest danger is that we set our goals too low and we reach them.”

Envision a castle - a veritable Taj Mahal of a body! There's nothing wrong with building castles in the sky, as long as you patiently work at putting the foundations underneath them. There are very few unrealistic goals; only goals with unrealistic deadlines.

So keep laying those "bricks" - every day - one at a time - and sure enough, eventually, you'll build yourself a palace.

Copyright 2005 Tom Venuto

Tom Venuto is a certified personal trainer, natural bodybuilder and author of the #1 best selling diet e-book, "Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle. You can get info on Tom's e-book at www.burnthefat.com. To get Tom's free monthly e-zine, visit www.fitren.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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Powerful Sleep Secrets
Could you use MORE Sleep? If the way you spend your days is similar to the general population, you will probably answer a resounding 'Yes!'. Many people go to work every day without a 'good night's' rest, always short of sleep.

What if I could show you a way to get better sleep during those 'too short' nights? What if you could get less sleep, but get a much more powerful sleep period? How much more could you get done? A sleep researcher has discovered such a method. He is sharing his discoveries in the Powerful Sleep System.

Download your copy of the first 2 chapters FR*EE and see for yourself the difference owning this book can make in your life. Imagine how you will feel when you are totally rested and able to seize each day's opportunities. Read more about Powerful Sleep here, and get your two free chapters.

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Strategic Weight Loss

Strategic Weight Loss
by Kirsten Hawkins

One of the first things that you'll do when you decide to lose weight is to set a goal weight. For most, that goal will be their 'ideal weight', but for many, that 'ideal weight' may be exactly the wrong weight for them to be aiming for.

Years of dieting or being overweight have the physiological effect of moving the body's concept of the 'ideal weight' from what is truly considered ideal. The 'set point' is the weight at which your body naturally feels most comfortable.

If you've been overweight for a very long time, or if you've consistently 'yo-yoed', your body may respond to your initial weight loss by lowering its metabolism because it believes that you are starving to death. This slowing leads to discouraging plateaus that often knock people off their diets entirely, and lead to regaining all or part of the lost weight.

Instead of aiming for an 'ideal weight' that calls for you to lose weight steadily for months or even years, many experts recommend aiming for shorter-term attainable goals. Since the bulk of diet research shows that most dieters lose weight steadily for about 12 weeks, then hit a plateau, that's the number that they suggest you aim for. The strategy that many have found works best for them is one of alternating periods of weight loss and maintenance, each lasting 8-12 weeks.

Choose a realistic amount of weight that you can lose in 8-12 weeks. Figuring that the most reasonable and healthiest weight loss rate is 1-2 pounds per week, 30 pounds in three months is not unreasonable. Diet until you reach that goal, or for 12 weeks, whichever comes first, and then switch to a maintenance diet.

Why switch to a maintenance diet at that point? In part, you're giving yourself a 'breather', a break from more restrictive eating. The other part, though, is that you're re-educating your body and letting it establish a new 'set point'.

Once you've maintained your new weight for 8-12 weeks, set another weight loss goal, and move back into weight loss mode. By giving your body a break from 'starvation', you'll have overcome its resistance to losing more weight, and be back to dieting for 'the first two weeks' - the weeks that most people lose weight more rapidly.

You'll also be giving yourself a chance to 'practice' maintaining your new, healthier weight. Researchers have found that more than half of the dieters who take off significant amounts of weight do not maintain that weight loss once they go 'off' their diet. By practicing weight maintenance in stages, you'll be proving to yourself that you CAN do it, and removing a powerful negative psychological block.

This will work with any long-term weight loss diet, no matter the focus. You'll find it much easier to do if you choose a diet that has concrete 'phases', like the South Beach or the Atkins, since the weight loss and maintenance phases are clearly laid out for you to follow.

Regardless of the diet you choose, though, by alternating between weight loss phases and maintenance phases, you'll teach yourself and your body how to maintain a healthy weight.

About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/ for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on popular diets.

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*NEW!* -- Audio Motivation

Join Audio Motivation and hear exclusive interviews from the greatest names in personal development. Leap onto the fast track to success with dynamic, exciting audio motivation messages with AudioMotivation.com. Listen to Audios with Success Teachers and today's movers and shakers and keep yourself at the top of your Game. Find out more today.

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------

Goal Setting is Stopping You

Your Goal Setting is Stopping You From Being In Shape
By Kevin Gianni

The most prevalent cause of fitness failure may not be what you think it is. It has nothing to do with heredity, gender, attitude, laziness, motivation or the always-prevalent gimmick, quick-fix diet market. Many strong-willed and positive thinking individuals have let their workout programs and health falter for long periods of time—gaining extra pounds, loosing muscle strength and sending their systems way out of balance.

Take a deep breath... this does not mean you are a failure! It only means you haven't used a system of goal setting that guarantees results every time you do it.

It doesn’t matter how motivated, energetic or gung-ho about an exercise or fitness program you are. If you neglect putting your goals on paper you will NEVER achieve success to the level that you deserve. Actually, let me reword that—if you neglect putting your goals EVERYWHERE—the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror, your dashboard—you will NEVER achieve the rewarding success of being healthy and fit for life.

When you have set an unwritten fitness goal, as many of us have in the past, generally what happens is a newly found energy and drive leads you through the first couple of weeks of energetic workouts and solid gains. This is a tremendous feeling and we embrace it with excitement.

This energy is a powerful motivator during that time—it can make you get up off the couch when you are feeling lazy or convince you to get up an hour or so earlier for yoga or a run.

Unfortunately, as strong as that energy comes on, it drops off just as quickly. For most people, when that energy fades so does the frequency of workouts. This not only leads to failure to complete your unwritten goals, it also leads to self-doubt. After not living up to a commitment, people tend to be harder on themselves and give up making similar goals all together. I call this the New Year’s Resolution Syndrome. What’s the point in making a New Year’s Resolution if they never last until February?!

Posting your goals is an action that will serve as a reminder of the energy you had when you initially made them. When you are two months into a new fitness and health program and you feel too tired to go out and ride a bike, you can look at your goals and be reminded of how important those goals were to you then and how they are just as important now. Remembering why you posted them and bringing back that positive unstoppable energy is essential to your lasting fitness success.

I've practiced posting goals for a while now and demand that all my clients do the same. The results are staggering. People reach their goals and then they continue to use the system to keep succeeding. I'll tell you what, there is nothing like reaching a goal way before you thought you could do it. It is a fantastic feeling and gives you a positive energy that bursts out of your seams.

So think about writing down your goals and putting them in places where you can see them all the time. It will work. I promise you. Next article will be about addressing your past successes and how you can apply that success to your fitness goals!

To Your Success,

Kevin Gianni

Kevin Gianni is a certified personal trainer and co-founder of Lifestyle Fitness, a holistic program that gives you the tools to radically change your views on health and fitness for the rest of your life.

Be sure to sign up for our free email newsletter that has the fitness and health tips other "gurus" are charging big bucks for.

http://www.yourlifestylefitness.com
kevin@yourlifestylefitness.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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Powerful Sleep Secrets
Could you use MORE Sleep? If the way you spend your days is similar to the general population, you will probably answer a resounding 'Yes!'. Many people go to work every day without a 'good night's' rest, always short of sleep.

What if I could show you a way to get better sleep during those 'too short' nights? What if you could get less sleep, but get a much more powerful sleep period? How much more could you get done? A sleep researcher has discovered such a method. He is sharing his discoveries in the Powerful Sleep System.

Download your copy of the first 2 chapters FR*EE and see for yourself the difference owning this book can make in your life. Imagine how you will feel when you are totally rested and able to seize each day's opportunities. Read more about Powerful Sleep here, and get your two free chapters.

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Chronicle
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
From The Realgoalgetter Group of Companies;
dedicated to helping you live a long, passionate, joyful life.
--------------------