Why All the Fuss About Zumba Toning Sticks - Why Use Them?

ByAngella Wilson

You have undoubtedly heard of Zumba Fitness, it seems everyone has these days. Zumba is the world-wide fitness phenomenon that is taking America by storm. It seems the Latin dance craze has captured the hearts, and feet, of those looking to get in shape, drop weight, or tone their bodies in a fun and "party-like" way.

Started by accident over ten years ago by Beto Perez in Columbia, Zumba Fitness brags a following of over 12,000,000 class enrollees and millions more at-home followers throughout the world. In short, Zumba is a cross between traditional aerobics and Latin dance. It is fun, entertaining, and a lot of good old-fashioned cardio work.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

As a result of its popularity, Zumba has had to adjust its routines to many different levels of work-out enthusiasts. What started out as one type of routine geared to the physically fit has turned into several different types of routines catering to different ages and fitness levels. It has evolved to challenge the beginner all the way to the very advanced.

One part of Zumba Fitness that has become popular in helping participants reach the next level of fitness includes what are called Zumba Toning Sticks. These are dumbbell-like weights that are filled with a sand-like substance to provide resistance during workouts. They come in 1 pound weights for those just beginning to use toning sticks to 2.5 pounds for the more advanced user. They can be used from beginner to advanced routines to add an increased level of fitness.

When combined with regular routines, Zumba Toning Sticks provide for an enhanced total body workout. They are perfect for use in clinics, gyms, clubs, or even in the home - anywhere a person takes on the Zumba Fitness challenge. The toning sticks, if used regularly, promise to improve muscle tone and definition while at the same time enhancing cardiovascular fitness; they are promoted to help strengthen the entire 3-dimensional muscle structures and connective tissues such as tendons.

You Said Those Sticks Were Good for What?

To follow are some of the benefits of using the Toning Sticks during any kind of exercise:
Enhanced total body workoutImproves the bodies rhythmic perceptionSoftens hardened muscles to help them have more flexibilityIdeal for additional fat-burning resultsGreat for outdoor or indoor useAppropriate for exercising in groups or individual exercise programsRecognized for being therapeuticImproves coordination and therefore running and jogging stylesIncreases body-toning and muscle definitionEnhances body awarenessMore complete workout of the entire upper body while dancing, running, jogging, or walking

Goodbye and Good Luck
Participating in Zumba Fitness has become almost a national pastime; however, if you have become accustomed to your regular routine, challenge yourself to take it to the next level. Grab yourself some Zumba Toning Sticks and see if you can keep up.

Angella Wilson is a writer who specializes in sports and fitness activities. You can check out her latest website at Zumba Gold, where she provides reviews on the Zumba Fitness craze including routines, Zumba Sticks, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Dance Shoes, and more.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

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Tuesday Training (2)

Well, it's time for my monthly training post. The post about training week 1-4 can be found here. For those of you who get bored by these training posts, feel free to check out some posts that are more interesting but little read, due to the fact that I wrote these back when I was but a wee blogger, like a post I wrote about The Latte Factor, or maybe you would prefer one where I ask, "Why Weight?"

Training is still going strong. I have had fun exploring new places as well as getting to run in a coastal city in the summer, which beats running in Missouri in the summer (which is what I did last year)! 

Week 5: May 21 - 28: 41 miles

For week five I ran a couple of fast and flat runs around the lake and then I did the group trail run, where I got to wear test the Brooks Connect. After that, I decided to explore the BA Ridge Trail and ended up doing a 17 mile trail run just for fun. I saw a few snakes, stopped and took dozens of photos, got lost, got rained on and had a great time! I wish all long runs were like that. I experimented with fuel: I tried Nuun (on the uphills) and a mocha Gu, which I took half at 1 hr and half at 2 hrs and they both seemed to settle pretty well.

Week 6: May 29 - June 3: 42 miles

In keeping with my exploration of the BA Ridge trail, for week six, I decided to run on the trail to meet a friend for a walk and I got lost again, so this one became an 11 mile trail run. I really didn't mind, except the next day's 3 mile run was pretty lead legged! I also did some 800s with an average pace of 7:40 for the entire run. My long run (13.1 miles at 7:26 pace)for the week was the See Jane Half Marathon. I did not use any fuel for the race.

Week 7: June 4 - June 10: 45 miles

Week seven was the week of the broken down car, and therefore I was stuck without my Garmin for a few days. I actually enjoyed not knowing what my pace was, although I missed having the data to analyze later. My average pace was around an 8:30 without it. My long run this week (16 miles at 8:52 pace) was in Santa Cruz along the West cliffs. The highlight was a snake eating a mouse. I also experimented with Gu Chomps, which are okay, but not great.

Week 8: June 11 - June 17: 47.5 miles

I was sick for the majority of week 8, which was a bummer. It's hard to run and breathe through your mouth the whole time. It's also a pain to have any extra reason to spit. However, I rested for the first couple of days and then made myself get back outside (it was beautiful in Santa Cruz this week -- weather in the 60s and low 70s) and just do it. I did a quick tempo run in the Kinvaras, which was like running on air. I also did a hill run, which was a 10 mile trail run uphill most of the way (I took the bus back down the hill). My long run (17 miles at 8:51 pace) was on the East Cliffs. I got a little lost but had another beautiful view (albeit a bit foggy).

Aside from the running, I have been walking approximately 2 miles (or more) a day, just to do normal things like walk to the bus stop, the grocery store, or just a leisurely after dinner photo walk. I have not done any strength/cross training, aside from carrying boxes, moving things, gardening and cleaning the house.

Are you training for any races? Do you do any strength training? How do you feel about working out in the summer time? (**Do you like to mess around with Excel?)

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Blogger Resim Galerisi Ekle (Basit Yöntem)

Blogunuza eklediğiniz yazılara ait resimlerden istediğinizi slayt olarak görüntüleme imkanı veren bir eklentiyi sizlerle paylaşıyoruz.Blogunuza ekliyeceğiniz bu resim galerisini isteğinize göre boyutlandırabilir ve istediğiniz yerde

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3 Things To Understand Muscle Building Science

There is a reason why some people get better results than others when building muscles; they understand the muscle building science better. The regiment that will get you the best result is a combination of weight training, the right diet, and muscle building supplements. People who do not do all of those things will have a lot more trouble than others getting the wanted results. You should not let yourself be one of those who work out really hard only to see very little results. Getting muscles is about working out smarter not harder.

Better Exercises

If you are going to make the most out of your muscle building routine then you should look into what is called compound exercises. Those are exercises that allow you to work out more than one area at the time. You may not know what a compound exercise is, but a perfect example would be the bench press. When you look at the muscle building science of the bench press you will realize that your chest is not all that you are working with; your triceps and your shoulders are getting a nice workout as well. The fact that you are working 3 areas with one exercise leaves more time to work on other areas.

Do Not Over Do It

When you are working out you have to push yourself without over doing it. You know how your body works and you know what its limits are, so when you reach those limits you should stop. You should also keep a day of the week without any work outs. Some people will suggest two days a week, and that is fine, but one day is enough for your muscles to recover. Another way to allow for your muscles to get recovery time is to work on different areas from one day to the next.

Speed Up Your Metabolism

Your metabolism is one of those things that you have to understand in order to fully comprehend muscle building science. You have been having 3 full meals every day; a way to speed up your metabolism is to have smaller meals more frequently. Take your meals and muscle building supplements at set times. Try having the same amount of food, but spread it up over your day and you will be in fact getting your metabolism going. Once you do that, you will notice that all your workouts are now more effective.

Sereyvorn Keng is a fitness consultant, enthusiast and a proven health expert. He used to be that skinny-kid before transforming his body and life, through building muscle and getting in the best shape of his life.

Follow his unique journey through by checking out www.build-the-body.com Here you'll learn what it takes to get in great shape and learn everything about building quality muscle.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

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A Beginner's Guide to Resistance Training

So, you have decided that enough is enough, and it's time to get into the gym? - First and foremost, congratulations!!

Now that you've taken that difficult decision to enter the world of 'gym junkies', I can hear you ask yourself, 'What the hell should I do now?!'

The following article is aimed at the masses, who are looking at losing some weight, gaining fitness and perhaps tone up a bit. I'll try to de-mystify some of the fitness terminologies, and give some generalised training principles. If you have any injuries or health concerns, you need to clarify any and all of these points with a fitness professional.

There are two main aspects to exercise at the gym - cardiovascular training (aka 'cardio' - anything that increases your heart-rate); and resistance training (aka 'weight training'). This article will focus on introducing you to resistance training.

Firstly, there are many general benefits to resistance training. These include:

Increased strengthImproved muscle toneImproved metabolismHelps lower body-fatBetter postureIncreased bone densityImproved blood pressureImproved vascularityHelps regulate blood sugar levelsImproves sleepLowers the risk of several diseases, (including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis)

Introductory resistance programs will concentrate more on correct technique, using high repetitions (reps) with comparatively light weights. For example 15-20 repetitions at a weight that you struggle with by the end. This is to assist you in controlling the weight, and 'teach' your muscles what action they are trying to do.

You will also find that a good trainer will begin primarily with pin-loaded machines rather than free weights. This means that the machine will largely dictate what movement should be done; ie 'guide' you through a given technique, rather than you wobbling around with a dumbbell in hand. This teaches your muscles the correct movement pattern, or in other words, helps your body develop 'muscle memory'.

To start with, you will likely do an 'all-over' body workout, ie train all body parts in the one routine. You should only go through your weights routine once to twice per week for the first 4-6 weeks. This will ensure your muscles get plenty of rest between sessions and recover appropriately.

You will find that you will be quite sore after your workout, especially on the second day. This is quite normal, but the soreness will subside as you train more often. It is important to keep moving through this soreness, as it will keep the muscles warmer, preventing them from 'seizing up'.

In regards to technique, it is important to practise a 'full range of movement', ie go all the way up and all the way down. Having said that, it is just as important to not 'lock out' your joint at the top of the movement. If you do lock out a joint, you are loading the joint up with the weight rather than the muscle, which will put unnecessary strain on the joint and give your muscles rest.

Once you have these basics covered, you will find that you will maximise your workout results. It is very important to speak with a fitness professional to regularly update or change your routine. Your body will try to adapt to your training, so changing it often is important!

Good luck!!

Gym Program Online
http://www.gymprogramonline.com
shaun

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BALTIK DENİZİ UFO

2011 yılında isveçli 2 hazine avcısı baltık denizinde eskiden kalma bir şampanya şisesini aramak için okyanusu sonarla taramaya başladılar,tabiki bu şişeyi bulamadılar ama ondan çok daha değerli bir keşfe imza attılar,nemi buldular evet bir ufo,sonar görüntülerini sizine aşağıdaki videoda göreceğiniz üzere şekil olarak sanki star wars filminden çıkmış bir uzay mekiğini andıran bu ufo yaklaşık 18 metre boyunda ve okyanus dibinde yaklaşık olarak 300 metre sürüklenmiş gibi bir de yol çizmiş kendine.İsveçli ekip yeterli maddi kaynağı topladıkları taktirde okyanus dibine bir keşif aracı gönderip bu şeklin aslında ne olduğunu tam olarak öğrenmek niyetinde.Bekleyip hep birlikte görüceğiz

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Body Weight Exercises: For Fat Loss

ByMark L Crews

No exercise equipment, no problem. You do not need expensive gym equipment to get in a great workout to help you lose weight. As a matter of fact all you need is your body. Body weight exercise can get you in great shape. The military has used these exercises for years to get their recruits in great shape.You can lose fat by doing them also.

1. Push Ups: This exercise is a staple of body weight training. The benefits are numerous. When you do push ups you work your whole upper body especially the chest, shoulders and upper arms. By switching your hand position from wide grip to closer together you will hit different parts of the upper body. Because you are exerting yourself so much while doing push ups, it really kick starts your metabolism and gets your fat loss going.

2. Sit Ups: Sit ups go hand in hand with push ups. Both exercises help strengthen the core. The core is pivotal in all areas of your life. Sit ups alone will not give you six pack abs but combined with the other exercises and cardio play a key roll in developing a flat stomach. Be sure to use proper technique, make sure that your knees are bent and that you don't pull yourself up with your hands behind your neck, crossing your arms across your chest works best.

3. Burpee: Caution this exercise will kick your butt. To begin the exercise you will start from the squat position, with your hands flat on the floor.kick your feet back so that you are in the push up position. Quickly return your feet to the squat position then jump as high as possible. This may be the single best body weight exercise that you can do. The burpee will work both your upper and lower body muscles and provide a boost to your metabolism like no other exercise.

4. Dips: You can utilize two chairs to do dips. Position your body between the chairs and put one hand on each chair with your legs out in front. Lower your self down then push back up. Dips work your triceps, shoulders and chest.

For a great weight loss routine do 10 reps of each exercise with no rest in between. Take a 30 second break and repeat. See how many you can do in 10 minutes. I guarantee that you will be spent.

Mark L Crews invites you to learn more about weight loss and receive the free report "Six Pack Abs Revealed" by visiting http://www.workoutover40.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

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It Happened in Brooklyn

My sister and I watched "It Happened in Brooklyn" this weekend. Twice! Starring Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Kathyrn Grayson and Peter Lawford. So many great actors packed into one film! The storyline is very simple and sweet. A returning GI tries to resume life in his hometown of Brooklyn along the way encountering a lovely music teacher, friends old and new, dreams out of reach and lots of songs!

The best part? Jimmy Durante cooking spaghetti wearing an APRON! He then sings "I Believe" still wearing it. The apron is so cute, I wouldn't mind one......

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Choosing The Best Fitness Program For Your Needs Is Easy

ByJamie Casello

There are more exercise trends being talked about in the media than you can shake a stick at. If you are interested in getting physically active, it can be a real puzzle to figure out which exercise program will work perfectly for you. If this is your first foray into exercising, it can be a daunting task to say the least. Many feel that home fitness programs are the best way to get fit for both beginners and experienced exercisers alike. There are several comprehensive exercise programs on DVD that can be done in the comfort of your own home and more importantly, on your schedule.

If you grew up involved in athletic activities, you may have learned something about physical fitness training along the way. However, most individuals do not have the foggiest idea how to get started with an exercise program and would benefit greatly from experienced instruction.

You can find instruction in books about exercise, invest in fitness magazines or read a fitness website for advice. For the newbie, all of the material and varied advice can be mystifying.

One thing you should do is take a self assessment. Look at your personality and your lifestyle to figure out which type of exercise program will be most effective for you. You can enroll in a gym, find a personal trainer, enroll in a boot camp or try one of those CrossFit places which are popping up all over the place. Figuring out which format will work for your life is critical to your success.

If you enroll in a gym membership, and you only manage to get to the facility twice each week you aren't going to get the end result you want. Or, you may make it to the gym often enough but find that you have trouble finding parking or you have to wait for equipment once inside. Gyms can be a serious source of frustration.

If you join a CrossFit club be sure that there are experienced professionals who can provide instruction on proper form. These clubs are notorious for teaching poor form and have been hot beds for injuries. Personal trainers can be great if they know their stuff and you can afford them.

Another option is to purchase a program that solves all of these issues with one comprehensive system. The best home fitness programs leaves nothing for you to figure out. You provide the effort and commit to the program and you will see results. Choose a system with a proven track record. You push play every day and you can change your life.

Want to find out more about P90X, then visit Jamie Casello's site on how to choose the best workout for your needs.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

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Seul Me'den Hediye Var =)

Kore'de eşiyle birlikte yeni bir hayata başlangıç yapan sevgili arkadaşım Seul Me bana bir paket gönderdi. Bir süre postayla göndereceğim diye düşünse de mayıs ayında annesinin Kore'ye gidecek olması sebebiyle paketi annesinin boşalan bavuluyla göndermeyi tercih ettik. Hem posta ücretinden de tasarruf etmiş oldu. 

Bahar'ın annesi Kore'den döneli bir süre oldu ama ben bir fırsat yaratıp bir türlü gidemedim. Halbuki sonradan öğrendim ki gerçekten çok yakın oturuyormuşuz :) Hafta sonu güzel bir ziyarette bulundum Bahar'ın ailesine. Çok cana yakın çok sevecen insanlar. Annesine sordum kore nasıl diye? Cevapları güzeldi. Koreliler soğuk dedi :D Ama sokaklar caddeler her yer tertemizmiş =) O kadar çok şey anlattı ki aklıma gelmiyor hiçbiri şimdi. 

Bahar'cım gönderdiğin harika şeyler için çok çok teşekkür ederim. Kozmetikleri nerelerde nasıl kullanacağımı yazarsan eğer mutlaka hepsini kullanacağım =) 

Eee hediye dedin nerede derseniz eğer işte geliyor bol fotoğraflı bir post ;)

Öncelikle piyasaya ramenleri sürüyorum :) Rameni ne kadar sevdiğim tüm cihan tarafından biliniyor zaten. Bahar koreden ne istersin deyince ben hemen 'ramen' dedim :) Saolsun 2 paket ramen yollamış. Soldaki paketi akşam pişirip yedik ablamla beraber. Bayıldık tadına çok güzeldi valla =) 

Bunlarda minik cüzdanlarım :) bayıldım renklerine ♥

Bunlarda çeşitli şekerlemeler sanırım. Sanırım diyorum çünkü tatlı görünüyorlar :D Sağ alttaki şekerlemeyi akşam yedim. Unlu hafif şekerli bir tadı var. İlk ağzınıza aldığınızda hafif şekerli bir tat yoğun un tadı alıyorsunuz. Yedikçe şeker tadı yoğunlaştı gibi geldi bana :)

Bunlarda telefon süslerim. Sol üstteki kore parası şeklinde, sağ üstteki ise tırnak makası. Elinde yelpaze tutan koreli bir namja var süsü olarak :D Alttaki ise yine bir telefon süsü. Çok şeker ve sevimli :D 

Gong Yoo sevdamı Bahar bile öğrendi hehe Saolsun iki tane çorap göndermiş. İkisi de birbirinden güzel. Hemde benim ayaklarıma oluyor :D Neden derseniz ben minik ayaklıyım 34 numara giyiyorum :D Tam oluyorlar ayağıma hehe

Gong Yoo dedik değil mi =) Bahar bana bir de Gong Yoo'lu bir dosya göndermiş :D İki tarafında da farklı Gong fotoğrafı var :D ♥♥

Bunlarda bayıldığım hep istediğim chopsticklerden. Kılıfı olsun desenleri olsun herbişeyine bayıldım resmen :) Kullanımı ahşap çubuklara göre zahmetli biraz ama olsun kullanması çok keyifli :)

Bahar bana bir sürü kozmetik malzemesi numuneler gönderdi. Eğer bana hangisi ne işe yarıyor ne zaman kullanılacağını yazarsan hepsini deneyip kullanacağım inşallah :D

Bunlar da yüz maskeleri. Hani dizilerde yüze yapıştırdıkları kağıt şeklinde olanlardan hehe

Şimdi gelelim fasulyenin faydalı kısmına. Şimdi yukarıda gördüklerinizin tamamı Bahar'ın kalbinin güzelliğinin eseri. Bazıları görgüsüz, yalaka ve içten pazarlıklı olduğumu düşünebilir. Umrumda değil açıkçası kimin ne düşündüğü. 

Ben Bahar ile yüz yüze hiç görüşmedim. Ama mail yoluyla, twitter aracılığıyla uzun sohbetlerimiz, konuşmalarımız oldu. Ben ona derdimi anlattım o bana derdini anlattı. Sanırım konunun özü olarak söylemek istediğim ben Bahar'ı yüz yüze görüşmeden sevdim diyebilirim. Güzel mevlamın iziyle yakın zamanda tanışma fırsatım da olacak inşallah. Allah hepimizin karşısına bizlere destek olacak insanlar çıkarsın. Kıskanç ve fesat insanları hem yüreğimizden hem kaderimizden uzak tutsun rabbim.

Ve cümlemi bağlarken kapanışa; Sevgili Bahar gönderdiğin herşey için çok çok teşekkür ederim. Basit bir teşekkürden başka birşey gelmez şimdilik elimden ama kısa zaman sonra sana bir süpriz yapmayı planlıyorum :)

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