Fat Loss Warriors: February 2015

Thursday, 26 February 2015

An Introduction to Interval Training

An Introduction To Interval Training

Interval training is the best workout for fat burning, where you need to alternate between a short burst of hard exercise and a short period of easy recovery. For example, after a 3-5 minute warm-up of moderate cardio, you'd do 1 minute at a slightly harder than normal cardio pace and then bring the intensity down to a cool-down pace for 1 minute. Alternate back and forth 6 times and then do a 3 minute cool-down. That is what interval training is all about. It's short, fast, and effective.

Studies have shown that interval training offers higher fat burning and weight loss than normal, slow cardio. In fact, not only does interval training work better for fat burning, but the interval training workouts are much shorter and require far less workout time than normal cardio workouts. However, many are reluctant to switch from ineffective cardio to fat burning intervals as according to exercise machines (which are not even 100% accurate), higher amount of calories is burned with the old way. They are also hung-up on the marathon mentality of always having an elevated heart-rate, which they think is the most important component of a fat burning workout. But that is not true. Instead, the most important workout factor is how much "WORK" is done. If you increase the intensity of the work, as you do in interval training, then you will do more work and put more stress on the muscles. Heart rate goes up and then comes way back down during recovery. By doing so, more fat is burned. What one should know is that the heart rate need not stay constant for 30 minutes for that to happen.

One of the biggest problem many have with interval training is that they do not rest enough during the recovery period. Because they are addicted to an elevated heart rate, they skimp on the recovery, by either exercising too hard or recovering too little. This leads to a decrease in the intensity used in the work interval and that might lead to less total work or total fat burning done in that session.

Therefore, the quality and intensity of the work interval should play important role when doing interval training. This is to say the only time exercising is mainly done during the work interval. On the other hand, during the recovery interval , one should go as slow as possible without stopping. This allows your heart rate to recover and for you to be prepared to work really hard in your next work interval. So an interval training workout is a time of extremes. You should be going at a 8/10 or 9/10 intensity level in the work interval, and dropping down to a 3/10 in the recovery period. To give you a perspective, a normal 30 minute cardio workout would be considered a 6/10 intensity level. Try it out yourself!

To join our FREE NEWSLETTER and get tons of health and fitness tips, tricks and helpful articles, plus get a FREE COPY of the bestselling book "METABOLIC MEGACLASS" visit http://fatlosswarriors_3.gr8.com

SPORTS NUTRITION FOR WOMEN

Women have an entirely different body system compared to males. That is why your, assuming you are a woman with interest in sports, nutritional needs are different too. And like men, women are also capable of involving themselves in sports.

Sports nutrition for women is also different. Women involved in sports and regular exercise have some special nutritional needs. Although the basic principles of sports nutrition for you and men are similar, you, and the other women, involved in regular sports activities do have some increased needs for certain nutrients.

This is because you are prone and at risk of dietary deficiencies. This does not mean to say that men are completely immune, only that since women have ongoing cycles inside their body, it is highly imperative for them to keep nutrients up to be able to prevent disorders.

The key nutritional issues in sports nutrition for women include calcium and iron. Weight control and eating disorders are also concerns of sports nutrition for women. You need these nutrients for their body to perform properly.

There still has been no scientific explanation for this, but it is in truth that women are very conscious of weight. So having a normal weight will give you a healthy psychological system.

Calcium is a mineral that plays an essential role in growth. In sports, muscle and mind coordination is important. It also helps in muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses.

Another area where it is very helpful is in the development and maintenance of strong bones. It will really play a big part in the sports nutrition for women.

Having adequate amounts of calcium during your childhood and adolescence is important for deveoping an optimal peak in bone mass by your mid twenty’s to your early thirty’s. This will then help you reduce your risk of acquiring osteoporosis or the thinning of your bones.

Some women who are into sports are at risk of inadequate calcium intake, while some are at risk of early osteoporosis due to the absence of appropriate amount of calcium, or an irregularity of their menstrual cycle. So conclusively, sports nutrition for women should have higher intakes of calcium.

There is a list of recommended dietary intakes of calcium for sports women according to their ages. For girls with ages twelve to fifteen, they must have at least one thousand milligrams of calcium per day. For teenagers with ages sixteen to eighteen, on the other hand, should have a normal calcium intake per day, which is eight hundred milligrams. For women who are having their menstrual periods, they should also take eight hundred milligrams of calcium a day.

Post menopausal women should have at least one thousand milligrams per day of calcium, while women who are pregnant and who are also breastfeeding should have one thousand two hundred milligrams per day.

And, not to be the least, sportswomen who have an absent or an irregular menstrual cycle, they should have at least one thousand to one thousand five hundred milligrams in a day. It is detrimental for women to meet their required calcium intake for normal functioning.

The mineral iron is used in forming hemoglobin, which is essential in holding the oxygen in the blood as they are being transported to various parts of the body. It is also an essential nutrient for energy production and immunity.

Athletes are more prone to iron deficiencies than anyone else in the world. Women are at a bigger risk because they continually lose blood as they undergo the cyclical process of menstruation. Plus, strenuous exercises contribute to the loss of iron through the destruction of red blood cells. Inadequate iron intake are associated with reduced athletic performance. Sports nutrition for women require iron in big amounts.

Keeping your body’s fat levels low is the aim of many female athletes. Excess fats may be detrimental to performance. However, less fat or no fat at all compromises the energy level of a female athlete. Low energy also affects your performance, so it is really important that you keep the nutrients in your body and follow sports nutrition for women for a performance of a superstar that you have long been searching to experience.

Exercising During Pregnancy - What you should know.

EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many
other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.

Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blooflow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise
on a regular basis should tone down their workoutregimen during pregnancy.

Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant
women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it
isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a
medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.

Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.

1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise
routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.

2.Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health,
making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.

3.Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.

4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also
looking out for your baby as well.

5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches,
swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.

6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.

You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious
diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.

If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes.
Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.

Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.

Calories In - Calories Out - How to calculate the amount of calories you burn in a day....

Everyone who wants to lose weight has probably tried multiple diets, supplements and/or plans. There are hundreds of weight loss methods available to buy. All of them making wild promises.

Here is the hard truth - there are no magical pills, diets or exercise gadgets that will make weight instantly disappear. It comes down to eating right, staying healthy and burning more calories than you take in.

That is where the saying “calories in - calories out” comes from. You want to make sure you burn more calories (out) than you consume (in).

Clearly, this is a simplistic view and a proper diet consists of taking more than calories into consideration. We will look at that in other chapters, but right now we want to talk about creating a calorie deficit.

In order to track this you need some basic information. First off you need to figure out how many calories you burn per day naturally. This comes down to factors such as age and weight.

Calculating Number of Calories You Burn Daily

For Men: 66 + (12.7 x height in inches) + (6.23 x weight in pounds) - (6.8 x age in years).

For women: 655 + (4.7 x height in inches) + ( 4.35 x weight in pounds) - (4.7 x age in years).

This formula will give you the basic calories you burn daily, just by breathing, hearth pumping and etc... These are how many calories you burn if you didn’t move all day (basal metabolic rate).

Once you have that number, you need to start tracking the calories you burn and the calories you consume. This can be tricky because it is a lot of information to keep track of.

There are websites that can help though:

http://caloriecount.about.com/

This is one of the more popular calorie counters out there since it is free. It will help you track what you eat, and what you expend. You just have to enter the foods and activity you had for the day. It will even allow you to input your basal metabolic rate.

It is ideal if you can keep a daily caloric deficit, but that isn’t always possible. Sometimes we slip and sometimes we indulge. If you can get a weekly caloric deficit that will still have you losing weight.

This isn’t about starving yourself, or exercising until you are dead. It is all about being aware what you put in your body, and what you exert. Weight loss can be a struggle, but if you can manage your calories in and calories out - you can overcome!

10 Ingredients in Weight Loss Pills

Looking for help with losing weight? Help that goes beyond the usual lifestyle changes, portion control advice and exercise routines? Weight-loss supplements touting names like "fat burner" and "thermo max" can be enticing. But do they work? And even more important, in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration's recent ban on ephedra, are they safe?

In this article, Environmental Nutrition provides a snapshot of 10 of the most popular ingredients currently in supplements for weight loss.

Chitosan
Made from the shells of lobsters, shrimp and other shellfish, chitosan is an indigestible fiber. It is supposed to help weight loss by binding with the fat you eat, blocking its absorption. However, studies do not support this claim. Side effects include constipation and gas. People with shellfish allergies should beware.

Chromium
Most often present as chromium picolinate, it has been promoted to boost lean mass and decrease body fat. Though study findings have been inconclusive, an analysis of several studies recently concluded that supplementing with 200 to 400 micrograms of chromium picolinate could result in about a 2.5-pound weight loss per week in some people. Other studies have found a loss of body fat and an increase in muscle tissue, with no change in weight. Still others have found no effect at all. Though some laboratory studies have raised safety issues, a large number of human studies suggest it is safe.

Citrus Aurantium (Bitter Orange)
This herbal extract is a natural source of synephrine (a compound similar to ephedrine) and the supplement industry's current answer to the ephedra ban. But there are no published studies to show it is an effective supplement for weight loss. And like ephedra, its side effects include an increase in blood pressure; Environmental Nutrition recommends avoiding it.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Both animal and human research hints at a possible role for CLA in reducing body fat and increasing lean body mass, but it's not quite ready for prime time. None of the human studies have been long-term. CLA is currently being studied in combination with chromium picolinate. CLA is found naturally in dairy foods and beef and is generally considered safe.

Garcinia Cambogia
The extract from Garcinia cambogia fruit rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which supposedly curbs food intake, weight gain and storage of excess calories as fat. However, studies have failed to prove G. cambogia is an effective weight-loss aid. The most common side effects are upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Guarana
Caffeine is the effective ingredient in guarana plant seeds. Guarana may have a mild appetite suppressant effect over the short term. It was often used in combination with ephedra until ephedra was banned. The potential side effects are those of caffeine overdose—insomnia, restlessness, anxiety or panic.

Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB)
HMB is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of the amino acid leucine. HMB supplements are used by body builders in hopes of increasing muscle mass. A few small studies have suggested that HMB increases lean mass and decreases body fat when combined with weight training. However, studies with overweight and obese people are needed.

Plantago Psyllium
Psyllium is a water-soluble fiber from Plantago ovato seeds. Taken before a meal, it may make you feel full, causing you to eat less. While it is proved to aid constipation (that's how Metamucil works), it has not been proved as an effective weight-loss aid.

Pyruvate
Pyruvate formulas boast that they stimulate metabolism and reduce body fat. Pyruvate is found naturally in food and in the body as a result of the breakdown of carbohydrates and protein. Some studies have shown a weight-loss benefit with pyruvate supplements. But the people in the studies also exercised and cut back on calories. Moreover, the dosage used in the studies was high, requiring a handful of tablets each day. Experts say the case for pyruvate to aid weight loss is weak.

Yerba mate
Brewed into a tea, bitter Yerba mate is high in caffeine. Used in combination with other caffeine-containing herbs, like guarana and damiana, it was found in one study to delay stomach emptying time and aid weight loss. The study was short (45 days), so conclusions on keeping the weight off cannot be made.

The Bottom Line

Though all are relatively expensive and none are proved, of these top popular weight-loss contenders, chromium picolinate and CLA are probably the most studied. If you've already made up your mind to go the supplement route, you might want to give them a try. Just don't expect miracles and check with your doctor first.

To join our FREE NEWSLETTER and get tons of health and fitness tips, tricks and helpful articles, plus get a FREE COPY of the bestselling book "METABOLIC MEGACLASS" visit http://fatlosswarriors_3.gr8.com

Stop Falling For Weight Loss Myths Advice To Help You Lose Weight...

Salons and spas have been offering body wraps for years. Now they have become the newest way to lose fat. The truth is, you may lose weight and inches but the loss is temporary. It may last up to a week but the loss is entirely water weight and will be regained. This article will discuss the pros and cons of body wraps.

Exercise can be pretty boring. When trying to lose weight, make sure you have some entertainment during those long cardio sessions. Get a book to read or even an audio book to listen to. Create a music playlist that is fast and high-energy and will keep your body moving.
A vital step in weight loss success is understanding portion sizes. Get in the habit of reading the nutrition label before you eat or drink anything. Although the carbs and calories may look fine at first glance, you will often be surprised to find that there are two, three or more servings in that one bag or bottle.
A great weight loss tip is to pack your lunch. No matter how carefully you make your selections, food choices at restaurants are always going to be higher in fat, calories, carbs and sodium than what you can make yourself. You can still treat yourself to a lunch out on occasion, but make a habit of taking your lunch with you most days.
It may seem hard to find time to exercise when trying to lose weight, but you can burn calories by doing your regular household chores. Vacuuming, washing dishes, and doing laundry are all regular chores that burn fat. Since everyone finds time to do housework, it is easy to do some exercise every day.
A simple way to stay on task when it comes to weight loss is to have someone promise to do these things with you. Having a friend that is also eating healthier and exercising along with you can motivate you to keep going, even if its under the obligation of your promise. Also, this way, not everyone around you is eating the fatty foods you can barely resist.
Adjusting your bedtime ritual can help you be successful on your weight loss journey. Adding an extra hour of sleep time has been shown to help people make better decisions when it comes to the food they eat. Feeling more alert also helps to reduce stress-eating.
Try sucking on an ice cube as a means to curb a craving. This trick works well because the desire to eat is often sated just by having some sort of foodstuff in your mouth.
The benefit of a body wrap is really softer, smoother skin. During the treatment, you will sweat and remove some toxins from the body but, like water weight, the toxins will eventually return. Body wraps are probably best for someone who wants to look a bit slimmer for a special evening or weekend. Regular body wraps are not dangerous as long as you remain hydrated.

To join our FREE NEWSLETTER and get tons of health and fitness tips, tricks and helpful articles, plus get a FREE COPY of the bestselling book "METABOLIC MEGACLASS" visit http://fatlosswarriors_3.gr8.com

Get Rid Of That Extra Weight Dragging You Down

If only, losing weight were as easy as gaining it, or as fun and delicious!

But we all know it is not. Read on for some very valuable information that will help you in reaching your weight loss goals. Make post-it notes for yourself and put them on the fridge or your gym locker. Keep yourself highly motivated and focused and you will achieve your goals!

Drink coffee while you lose weight. Studies have shown numerous health benefits afforded coffee drinkers. Some of those include decreased risk of diabetes, decreased blood lipids, and overall liver health. Next time you need a break from water, drink some black decaf coffee. In addition to the health benefits it will not negatively impact your weight loss efforts.

It may seem hard to find time to exercise when trying to lose weight, but you can burn calories by doing your regular household chores. Vacuuming, washing dishes, and doing laundry are all regular chores that burn fat. Since everyone finds time to do housework, it is easy to do some exercise every day.

A great way to help you lose weight is to choose a day, once a week, where you eat whatever you want and don't follow your diet. When you've been dieting for a while you might notice that you hit a plateau. By eating whatever you want once a week, you actually end up boosting your metabolism.

One simple, yet effective tip for losing weight is to eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are nutrient dense and fill you up quickly while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. Replace some of the breads and sweets in your diet with these items and watch the pounds drop off. Don't just add the fruits and veggies or your diet won't change much and you'll just be adding calories!

Drinking a reasonable amount of caffeine can help with weight loss. Caffeine boosts your heart rate and can improve alertness and increase metabolism slightly. It can give you an edge when taken before exercising and weight training. It is good to drink it in moderation though, since too much can cause sleeping problems and anxiety.

A good way to help you lose weight is to grab a novel or magazine and jump on a recumbent (lying down) bike. Recumbent bikes are great because they are very low impact, and they aren't very strenuous. You can easily do up to forty-five minutes of exercise in one session on the recumbent bike.

Dieting is one of the hardest keys to weight loss, but, unfortunately, it is equally as necessary as exercise. You cannot lose weight by eating unhealthy. If you are trying to lose weight, it's time to start thinking about vegetables and salads. Another wise decision is to avoid fried foods and, instead, eat the baked alternatives.

No matter what, keep up your efforts! Take the advice you have gathered from this article and put it to good use. Hopefully it will help you on the right path to lose weight, look better and feel healthier. Remember the long term objective of weight loss and all that it means to you as an individual. Above all else, believe in yourself and you will get you where you want to be.

To join our FREE NEWSLETTER and get tons of health and fitness tips, tricks and helpful articles, plus get a FREE COPY of the bestselling book "METABOLIC MEGACLASS" visit http://fatlosswarriors_3.gr8.com

Dont Get Caught Up In Fad Diets

Brett Irvine
Fat Loss Warrior

You are tired of the jokes, and the odd looks' people give you. It is embarrassing and you need to address your weight as soon as possible. Read this article and you will find some of the best weight loss tips that exist for somebody living in this day and age.

You may be tempted, when trying to lose weight, to cut fat out entirely. But it's important to remember that fat has a high satiety value in foods, so a little will go a long way. Case in point: baked potato chips may have no fat, but because of that, they don't trigger your satiety level as quickly as regular or even the "fat-free" Olestra chips do. So, you're tempted to eat the whole bag. Better, for example, to eat a small amount of high-quality, high-fat food - let's say, a small high-end dark chocolate bar - then to gorge on large quantities of low- or non-fat foods. You'll be more satisfied without having to say "No" to treats.

Losing weight starts with a plan. Figuring out what changes you need and want to make and sticking to it will help you stay on track. Determine what sort of foods you are going to eat and stock up. Find out where you are going to work out and how often you can fit it in your schedule. Making these and other plans related to your weight loss will be am important key to your success.

If you find yourself hitting a plateau in your weight loss or fitness goals, try mixing up your exercise routine a bit once in a while. Work different muscles and areas of your body and you may be able to burn off more of the fat that your previous routine wasn't targeting.

Whatever weight-loss regimen you assemble, make sure it is one you can stick with. Behind every goal to lose weight there is a second, implicit goal: Keeping the weight off. To do this, you need a routine that can be converted into a life-long process. Avoid extreme programs that will be unsustainable in the long run.

A great way to help you lose weight is to purchase a jump rope. Jumping rope might just sound like a children's game to some, but it's actually one of the most intense exercises you can do. Boxers jump rope to get in peak condition for a fight.

A great way to help you lose weight is to not eat snack foods right out of their container. When you eat snacks right out of their container like a box of cookies, you'll be more likely to eat too many. Instead, put a serving or two on a plate.

In conclusion, you cannot tolerate the laughter and dirty looks you have to deal with. Even if they are not directed at you, you still feel as though they are. This article is your escape to being a more attractive looking and healthier individual. Do not hesitate and get started now!

To join our FREE NEWSLETTER and get tons of health and fitness tips, tricks and helpful articles, plus get a FREE COPY of the bestselling book "METABOLIC MEGACLASS" visit http://fatlosswarriors_3.gr8.com