Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Legend of Lou Ferigno

If there ever was a true legend in the sport of body building it would be the legendary Lou Ferigno. In the 1970’s, Ferigno was a true rags to riches story as he came from humble origins to worldwide fame as a bodybuilder and then to even greater fame in his endearing portrayal of the titular green monster in the classic television program THE INCREDIBLE HULK. While some may be familiar with Lou and his work, they may not be all that familiar with his background which may prove to be quite interesting even to those who do not follow the sport.

Body Building: The Early Years

Lou Ferigno was born in Brooklyn New York in the 1950’s and had the handicap of being deaf. Since attitudes towards the hearing impaired were not exactly progressive during this time period, Lou became somewhat withdrawn and isolated. While in his teens he would discover a new hobby in the form of weightlifting. Lou became enamored with this new hobby to the point of obsession. He would work out everyday and watch his diet religiously. In time, he would set his sights on competing in amateur body building competitions. He entered them and did well enough that he caught the eye of body building mogul Joe Weider who brought Lou into the fold of professional body building competition. Lou did extremely well in this new profession although he alternated his time between competing and working in construction as construction paid far more than professional body building! Lou would then become featured in the classic documentary PUMPING IRON, a documentary that would bring him to the attention of a number of Hollywood producers.

The Incredible Hulk

When former James Bond villain Richard “Jaws” Kiel bombed as the Hulk during the first few days of shooting the pilot for the TV series, Ferigno got the call to play the green goliath. While few believed this series would be a hit, it turned out to be a colossal hit lasting many years on network TV and decades in syndication. Ferigno was now a bona fide worldwide star!

Ferigno no longer competes in body building these days as he is well into his retirement years. He does, however, appear at numerous competitions as a special guest and as a judge. He also signs autographs at comic conventions and meets with all his fans who have followed his career through the years. In terms of pop culture history, Lou Ferigno is a true icon and definitely one of a kind!

Get up off that couch and join the fitness revolution. Make exercise and a healthy diet part of your daily  routine, you will be surprised at the difference it will have on your life.
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Sunday, September 28, 2008

For big arms try the preacher curl

One of the best arm exercises to achieve excellent gains in arm size is the preacher curl. We show how to do the preacher curl correctly in order to work the upper biceps muscle to the max.

Many people ask me What are the best arm exercises? Well do not miss out the preacher curl for for big arms.

If you wish to dramatically increase the size of your upper biceps muscle, well look no further than the preacher curl. The preacher curl is one of the best arm exercises and also one of the easiest to perform. This exercise get its name due to the body position adopted whilst carrying out the movement relating to a preacher leaning over a pulpit. The preacher curl predominantly works the upper biceps muscle, with some secondary resistance on the forearm flexors. It is important that when performing this exercise that your arms are positioned in front of your body and that you are leaning forward slightly. Always ensure that your elbows are in full contact with the bench throughout the movement and concentrate the feeling directly onto your biceps.

Execution of the preacher curl

Select a preacher bar and load it with a moderately heavy weight one in which you are capable of performing 10 to 12 good quality repetitions. Sit on the preacher bench, leaning over the angled arm pad with your elbows pinned against the pad. Assume the starting position, which is with the preacher bar level with the top of the chest and the biceps tensed. Slowly lower the barb resisting strongly as you do so until your biceps muscle is fully extended and then raise the bar tensing your biceps as you do so to the starting position. This constitutes one full repetition, you need to perform 10 to 12 reps and a total of four sets. On each consecutive set increase the weight incrementally

Great emphasis should be put on the lowering phase of the exercise. This really is one of the best arm exercises and you can expect rapid gains in arm muscle.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Performance Sports Drinks Are Produced With Athletes In Mind

There is no question that there are plenty of reasons for you to make sure you keep you body well-hydrated during a workout session, especially if you plan to be pushing and testing your limits. While there is quite a variety of electrolyte sports drink brands from which to choose, you should be aware that the Performance sports drink brand is one that really stands out from the crowd because it is targeted to the specific needs of athletes.

Energy sports drinks have been specifically engineered for athletes and those who are serious about their workouts and also serious about protecting their bodies and their health. Every serious athlete knows how important it is to put the right things in their body, especially the sports beverage they choose to consume while they are pushing their body to the limits.

The maker of the Performance sports drink is the PowerBar company, which has a long-standing reputation for quality products. The company states that there are five different power-promoting characteristics that set their performance drink apart from the rest of the field.

  • It has a unique combination of TQ3 as well as carbohydrates that are designed for the long-lasting needs for energy of a sportsmen or sportswomen. This sports beverage is said to be easy to digest because of the carefully selected combination of carbs.
  • The proper quantity of both Vitamin E as well as Vitamin C give your body the protection from free radicals. It also has in it Vitamin B which helps to metabolize carbohydrates as well as guaranteeing top performance.
  • It provides the right balance of the amino acids of isoleucine, leucine and valine, which also provides long-lasting energy throughout the workout, not just during times of extreme endurance performance. These amino acids also promote muscle regeneration and help to protect against the possibility of muscle atrophy.
  • It provides a very specific isotonic mix of minerals and carbohydrates that is geared precisely for the needs of sportsmen and sportswomen and that very effectively compensates for the loss of electrolytes and fluid during exertion.
  • At any point in time that the body is put under extreme exertion, the immune system has the ability to be weakened. It includes glutamine, another amino acid that helps keep the immune system strong and helps muscles recover more quickly after exertion.


The Performance sports beverage can be consumed at any time; either before your workout, during exertion or after exercise as a recovery sports drink. It is a complete endurance sports drink because it provides the needed fluids to keep your system hydrated while also supplying carbohydrates. At the same time, it compensates for loss of electrolytes and supports rapid regeneration.

Taking along a half liter of the Performance sports drink will get you through most workout sessions of up to about an hour. A half liter will provide you with approximately 32 grams of carbs and that gives this energy sports drink just the right carbohydrate concentration at a level of 6.5%. The Performance brand also comes in a number of flavors that are pleasant, not too sweet, palatable and very refreshing.

Are you looking to add weight to your slender frame? Or perhaps are you looking to shed a few pounds and streamline your figure while adding muscle? Then perhaps you need to take a look into the world of nutritional sports drinks as a way to accomplish your goals in this area. These types of drinks can have a dramtic effect on your physique if you go by the included directions as well as follow the diet that is recommended as well as the exercise schedule. These type of drinks are loaded with proteins, nutrients and vitamins. They are mainly designed to function in assisting your body to be the best that is possibly can be. For added educational learning, click here: Bodybuilding Routine For Building Mass and at Bodybuilding Routine also Womens Bodybuilding Suits

Things To Do To Prepare Yourself For A Fitness Center

fitness center equipment

Upon first sight, a fitness center may be an intimidating place. Unfamiliar machines and hard-bodies everywhere you turn can deflate the resolve of even the most gung-ho workout enthusiast. It doesn't have to be that way. Set aside your self-consciousness for a day and think about the benefits of maintaining a long term fitness plan. You can gain more energy and improve your cardiovascular health by implementing a fitness routine. Here's what you need to do even before you open the door to your local gym and what happens after you step inside.

At the outset consider what your main reasons are for joining a gym. Do you want to lose weight, tone your body or conquer the treadmills and elliptical machines one at a time? Write down your goals. Visualize yourself in 30 days, 90 days, six months and then a year. How do you want to transform yourself in those time periods? By writing down your goals and then visualizing them, you will be well on your way to the first step of walking inside your gym and making those thoughts a reality.

Very important, yet mostly overlooked is clothing. Wear something comfortable and flattering to your shape. There is no reason to primp before you go to the fitness center, but remember to wear something that makes you feel confident and secure about yourself. Don't forget to wear a great fitting pair of tennis shoes. Aching feet may mean you cut your routine and fitness short.

Ok, now you have your wardrobe squared away. Now you need something that will occupy your mind while you're tearing up the treadmills or gliding on the elliptical machines. Most gyms provide television monitors, radios and magazines to help keep occupied. Take alonf your own MP3 player that has many songs which will motivate you. it has the effect of making time go by faster as well as keeping you pumped up.

Now you're ready to walk through those doors. You push them open and suddenly all the resolve you had a few minutes ago disappears into the wind. Don't fear. Fitness trainers are there to help you. All the way from giving you the right instructions on ways to use the equipment the right way, to orienting a fitness routine who's goal is to assist you in reaching your goals in a way that is healthy, trainers are more than enthusiastic when it comes to creating an experience that is as inspirational as possible.

Working out at a fitness center tones your body, improves posture, increases cardiovascular function and gives you an opportunity to meet new people. Overcoming fears and misconceptions is difficult yet not insurmountable. Think about how you want to look. Set some goals for yourself. Wear something that is comfortable but also makes you feel confident and secure. Speak with a fitness trainer about what you want out of the experience. You can do it!

Walking is the number one exercise performed by people daily. If you are a walker then you know how important a role the weather plays in your exercise schedule. Stop being a slave to the weather. Treadmills are the ideal way to stay in shape. You do not have to worry about walking in inclement weather and you can exercise in the comfort of your own home. This will help influence you into exercising more and getting into the best shape possible. Stop using the weather or time as an excuse. Get on that treadmill and start walking to a healthier new you. Click here for more information: Cardiovascular Fitness also Fitness  Clubs and at Fitness  Models

Friday, September 26, 2008

Forget just flat bench presses for chest muscle

How to build the chest muscles

 

One of the many questions I get asked on my travels is “Can you tell me how to build the chest”?. There is no greater sign of power than a huge chest and the good news is that the chest muscles are one of the easiest muscles to build. In order to build the chest muscles to the maximum you need to incorporate a system of dumbbell chest building exercises and the flat bench. So here are two of the best chest exercises to help you build the chest you desire.

  How to build the chest:-   Exercise 1       Dumbbell Incline Press

      Lay on an incline bench, the angle of which should be around 30 degrees and no greater or else the workload is shifted to the shoulders and off the chest. Start with a pair of weighted dumbells that you can handle. Start with the dumbbells at arm length above the chest then lower slowly in a controlled fashion to a position as low as possible (below the chest) to give that full stretch. Then press the dumbbells back above your chest but do not lock out your arms. Repeat for 8 to 10 reps and 5 sets increasing the weight each tine.


 How to build the chest:-  Exercise 2       Pre exhaust Fly's and Flat Bench  

This is the combination of exercises that will build you a solid striated chest, do these regularly and you will be astounded by the results. The exercises are very taxing. You will need a flat bench, dumbbells and a barbell.

 Start with a pair dumbbells that will enable you to perform 8 reps with maximum effort. Lay on a bench and hold the dumbbells together pressed above your chest. Now lower the dumbbells in an arc as low as possible (below chest level) then press back in the same arc to the starting position, repeat for 8 reps. When the last repetition is finished drop the dumbbells then without rest, press the barbell off the support to full arm extension above your chest. Slowly lower the barbell till it touches nipple level then under control hold for a short one count, breathe out and press back to the starting position. Repeat at least 8 times. The composition of these 2 exercises constitutes 1 set, 3 sets need to be performed.  

With over 30 years of bodybuilding experience, we can show you how to build muscle and burn fat guaranteed


   

Supplements For Building Muscle

If you were to walk into your local health and nutrition store looking for supplements that build muscle, you’ll probably find yourself confused and amazed at just how many products there are to choose from. With so many supplements available, it can be a little on the tricky side to decide which ones will help you with your goals. There are a lot of supplements out there to help you build muscle, although some may not be ideal for your goals.

The first thing to keep in mind, is the fact that you don’t always need muscle building supplements to build muscle, although will help you speed up the process. These types of supplements can help you increase muscular development, providing you work out. They can aid you in both muscle growth and the recovery of your muscles. Among the many products available, the most popular are protein, creatine, and multi-vitamins.

Protein is a preferred supplement among bodybuilders and those who exercise. It contains many amino acids which help you to build muscle. No matter what type of diet you are or on or supplement you select, you should always pick one that contains a lot of protein. The ideal way to take protein, is 2 grams per pound of body weight. You can get protein in pill form, powder, or even bars. When you select your protein supplement, you should also make sure that the supplement contains whey, soy, and eggs. Whey protein is the ideal supplement, as it contains everything you need to start building muscle.

Creatine is another beneficial supplement, as it will help you increase your muscle mass and improve the recovery time for your muscles. Creatine also helps you to increase your muscle pumps as well, allowing you to do more repetitions with more weight. Normally, you will need to go through a loading period of creatine, which is usually a week. Once you have loaded it, you should use in cycles, a few weeks using it and a few weeks off. To get the most from creatine, you should always follow the instructions the manufacturer has provided on the label.

Micro-vitamins are another great supplement, as they work great for those who aren’t getting enough minerals and vitamins with their normal diet. Although you may have the best of intentions, a busy or hectic schedule can make it very hard to get a healthy meal. If you use vitamin supplements in your diet, you can get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you are looking to build muscle, you should always take the proper supplements, and use protein bars and shakes if you aren’t able to eat a healthy meal.

Building muscle is something we would all like to do. Even though it requires a lot of exercise and commitment on your behalf, you should also have the necessary supplements as well. If you use the right supplements, you’ll notice the muscle growth in a matter of weeks. Supplements will help you to build muscle, by speeding up the process.

There are a lot of brands and manufacturers to choose from, including Weider and MuscleTech. You can find these supplements locally or online, giving you plenty of great deals to take advantage of. If you exercise and are looking to add more muscle mass to your body, you should give muscle building supplements a try. They work extremely well, they taste great, and they will greatly assist you in your quest to build muscle and live a healthier life.