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<channel>
	<title>24-7 Fitness</title>
	<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk</link>
	<description>Health and Fitness Information</description>
	<pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:59:17 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3</generator>
	<language>en</language>
			<item>
		<title>Give Your Body a Break: Overtraining Syndrome and Solutions</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/12/give-your-body-a-break-overtraining-syndrome-and-solutions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/12/give-your-body-a-break-overtraining-syndrome-and-solutions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:59:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Men's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/12/give-your-body-a-break-overtraining-syndrome-and-solutions/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every male wants to get the packed abs, the strong arms and the physique of a god.  While this is a great goal to reach, there are more important things to take into consideration.  These are linked directly to the idea of moving into this physique with ease.  If you want to make sure that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Every male wants to get the packed abs, the strong arms and the physique of a god.  While this is a great goal to reach, there are more important things to take into consideration.  These are linked directly to the idea of moving into this physique with ease.  If you want to make sure that you are reaching your best with your body, make sure that you don&#039;t overwork your body&#039;s potential.</p>
<p>One of the major problems that many men run into at the gym is that they work too hard.  This is known as overtraining syndrome.  Men will tend to focus on reaching their goal during one day at the gym.  This idea becomes &#039;addictive,&#039; causing longer workouts, less effectiveness, and a body that is fatigued instead of healthy.  If you find yourself spending too much time at the gym, you might have overtraining syndrome.  A solution for this is important to find as soon as you can.</p>
<p>The main solution to overtraining syndrome is to monitor what you do. You are in charge of how much you workout and when you decide to do it.  Overtraining syndromes main solution is to know how much time you are spending at the gym and with each area in the gym.  It is recommended that each training week should also consist of time away from the gym.  This means that you should take a break at least once a week and possibly twice.</p>
<p>While you are at the gym, you should also watch your time.  This is one of the easiest solutions to overtraining syndrome.  Make sure that you don&#039;t stay at the gym for more than two hours, average.  It is expected that staying longer than this will begin to fatigue your body, especially if you are working some of the same muscles repetitiously.  You will want to make sure that you know when to stop after you have gone through a series of your workout.</p>
<p>After you begin to monitor these two aspects of your workout, you can move into the finer details of what you are doing.  One of the best overtraining syndrome solutions is to make sure that every movement you make is weighted.  This means that you shouldn&#039;t lift weights or do cardiovascular exercise monotonously.  It should be working your body to its full capacity in a short amount of time.  This is enough to get your muscles in shape and to keep your body feeling good.</p>
<p>One of the most important things to keep in mind with the details of your weight lifting and cardiovascular exercise is that you want to avoid doing too much.  In the world of exercise, less is more.  For example, if you do long reps of one activity, your muscles will become fatigued and will start to do the exercise wrong.  The result is that there will be no result.  Your muscles won&#039;t continue to work like you want after the workout.  The intensity, instead of focusing on one area, will cause exhaustion.  If you can&#039;t do the work out in a short amount of time, it is expected that it won&#039;t work in a longer period of time either.</p>
<p>The best rule of the weight room is to take it easy.  Overtraining syndrome, despite possible solutions, is becoming a common problem among males.  You don&#039;t want to join the others around you that may be trying to out lift each other and show off what they have.  Instead, you want to show that you can work smarter, not harder, with every workout.  By monitoring yourself and gaining knowledge on what is best to do with each area of your body, you can have a fulfilling workout each time you go to the gym.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Sit-ups using a Gym Ball</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/12/sit-ups-using-a-gym-ball/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/12/sit-ups-using-a-gym-ball/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:55:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Women's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/12/sit-ups-using-a-gym-ball/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Researchers, scientists, physical trainers and even amateur exercise buffs all have an opinion on how you should do the perfect sit-up. The benefit of these opinions to you is that it has led to using tools and equipment to help with sit-up routines. If you are one of the many that wants to work into [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Researchers, scientists, physical trainers and even amateur exercise buffs all have an opinion on how you should do the perfect sit-up. The benefit of these opinions to you is that it has led to using tools and equipment to help with sit-up routines. If you are one of the many that wants to work into your summer bikini, then you can take advantage of the research that has been done. Developing a routine of sit-up exercises on an exercise ball can lead you to the lean look you&#039;ve been waiting for.</p>
<p>The major advantage of performing sit-up exercises on an exercise ball is that you don&#039;t have to worry about your form. The major problem that many have without an exercise ball is that they do the sit-ups wrong. The result is that there is no result, unless it is pain or an injury. By using an exercise ball, you eliminate this problem, giving you the ability to get better results in a shorter amount of time.</p>
<p>Before you begin your exercises, you will want to make sure that you get the right exercise ball for your needs. Usually, the balls will come in a variety of sizes. These are made like this in order to work best for your height. If you are between the height of 4&#039;8&#034; and 5&#039;3&#034;, you will want to get a ball that is 21 inches. If you are between 5&#039;3&#034; and 6&#039;0&#034;, the ball should be 25 inches. 6&#039;0&#034; and above should have a corresponding exercise ball of 29 inches. This will ensure that all of the exercises you do are comfortable and effective.</p>
<p>The most well known set of sit-up exercises on an exercise ball are the crunches that you can do. You will begin by sitting on the ball with your feet at hip width apart. You will then move the ball so that it slides to your lower back, then you will move back up to a seated position. Not only will this get you a good position to doing crunches, but will offer you the support that you need in order to work towards flat abs.</p>
<p>Reverse crunches can also be done in order to work the other half of your abs. You will begin by putting the ball up towards the head of your body. You will then tuck your knees up towards your face. You can then rotate back and forth for a different set of crunches and sit-ups on the exercise ball. With either types of these crunches and sit-ups, you can work other sides of your abs by simply twisting while you move back and forth on the exercise ball. This will help to work every side of your stomach.</p>
<p>If you want to try sit-ups from a different position, then there are also options with the exercise ball that can help. One is to lie on your back on the floor. You will put the exercise ball on your stomach. Make sure that your knees are bent. You will rotate the ball forward, then towards your knees, helping you to keep your form while you work on your sit-ups.</p>
<p>If you want to advance this particular sit-up movement, you can lift your legs so that they are parallel to the wall in front of you. You will lift your hands above your head with the exercise ball in place. As you sit-up, you will push the ball from in between your hands to being in between your legs. You will move back down, then as you go back up you will switch the ball back to being in between your hands. This is similar to the accordion sit-ups that you would do without the exercise ball.</p>
<p>Working towards flat abs, no matter what the desired result, is easy to do with the right equipment. By knowing some basic sit-up movements and being consistent in your workout, you will have the ability to begin sitting-up to the looks that you want from your abs.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Men&#039;s Workout Clothing and Gear</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/10/mens-workout-clothing-and-gear/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/10/mens-workout-clothing-and-gear/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:17:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Men's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/10/mens-workout-clothing-and-gear/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Looking good shouldn&#039;t just be the after effects of a great workout.  It should also be included in what you use to work out.  If you want to make sure that you are wearing something both practical and trendy, then you should be aware of what is available for men&#039;s workout apparel and gear.  This [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Looking good shouldn&#039;t just be the after effects of a great workout.  It should also be included in what you use to work out.  If you want to make sure that you are wearing something both practical and trendy, then you should be aware of what is available for men&#039;s workout apparel and gear.  This will help you to find something that makes your workout much easier.</p>
<p>With all men&#039;s workout apparel and gear, you want to make sure that you get something that will benefit you practically during the workout.  This means that you will be comfortable while you are working out first.  It also means that your clothing won&#039;t be getting in the way while you are lifting weights, or even playing a game of basketball.  No matter what type of workout you are doing, or where it is taking place, you want to make sure that you aren&#039;t worried about what you are wearing.</p>
<p>The first part of men&#039;s workout apparel and gear you want to make sure fits just right is with the shoes.  At the least, you will want to get shoes that offer support as well as stability.  Most good quality exercise shoes will come with some type of cushioning for your feet, making it easier for you to run or lift weights.  Without getting the best in shoes, you can run into problems during or after your workout.  Anything from a hurting back to a twisted ankle can be a part of not getting the proper workout shoes.</p>
<p>The next on the list for good men&#039;s workout gear is with the pants or shorts that you wear.  While baggy is the style, you will want to make sure that your pants are not too loose to get in the way of your movements or what you are doing.  Not only can you find shorts or pants that are comfortable, but you can also find ones that will help to keep you cool while you are working out.  Finding the right gear with micro fiber fabric and mesh will help to keep sweat out of your way while you are working out.</p>
<p>Most likely, you will want to get a shirt that carries the same practicality for you as the rest of your gear.  There is one of three varieties that you can use, all which will add to your level of comfort.  Regular t-shirts are always a popular way to enter your workout session.  You can also find tank tops or sleeveless T-s in order to provide you with the best comfort.  If you want any of these to keep you cool as well, you will want to find ones that have lycra form.  This means that they will be more fitted, and will have cloth that soaks out the sweat in order to keep you cooler.</p>
<p>After finding the basics for your men&#039;s workout apparel and gear, you can move into getting your gear right for the seasons.  If you are an outdoor type, for example, you might want to find fleeces and layers of these types of clothing.  This will make your outdoor activities much more comfortable.  If you simply stick to the gym, then finding regular apparel that will keep you cool throughout the year might be the best option.</p>
<p>If you want to keep it cool, make sure that you begin by finding the best of men&#039;s workout apparel and gear.  Dressing up to keep the clothes out of the way will make your exercise routine much more comfortable and practical.  From top to bottom, you want to make sure that your men&#039;s workout apparel and gear is the best fit.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Exercises Using a Gym Ball</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/10/exercises-using-a-gym-ball/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/10/exercises-using-a-gym-ball/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:16:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Women's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/10/exercises-using-a-gym-ball/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are looking for a simple and supportive way to enhance all of your workouts, finding the right tools is the key. If you are working towards new techniques and tools that will assist you in this, then a Gym ball may make a great addition to your workout routine. Knowing what types of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are looking for a simple and supportive way to enhance all of your workouts, finding the right tools is the key. If you are working towards new techniques and tools that will assist you in this, then a Gym ball may make a great addition to your workout routine. Knowing what types of exercises you can do with a Gym ball can be effective with every workout.</p>
<p>Exercises using a Gym ball are focused on working your core area. The core area is one of the most important places of your body to work. It helps to control your back, keep your balance, and keep you moving forward. The core body mainly focuses on the abdominal area as well as the back muscles. Not only does this help you to gain strength in these areas, but can also help to increase balance and stability as well as the ability to control the muscles that are in your core area.</p>
<p>No matter what level of core training you are at, you can begin an exercise routine with your Gym ball to help you improve. Each exercise done will isolate various parts of your core, helping to build your overall functioning from your back and forward.</p>
<p>The first exercise that is done with Gym balls is known as pelvic isolation. To begin this, you will simply sit on the ball with your feet hip width apart and your arms either on your hips or your side. You will then slowly move forward with your hips. Make sure to keep your back straight. You can then move back to center and to the back. You can do this same movement by moving from side to side, or by going in complete circles.</p>
<p>After you have isolated your pelvis area, you can move to working on your spine and back. While you are still sitting on the ball, move your feet forward while you begin to lean back on the ball. Make sure that you use the Gym ball in this exercise as your main support for your back. You can stop when your ball is at the upper part of your back. You can then raise your arms over your head and straighten your knees. You can hold this position for ten seconds before rolling back up.</p>
<p>You can also work on the upper part of your spine with the Gym ball. You will want to change your position so that you are kneeling with the ball in front of you. You can then place your chest to rest on the exercise ball. You will roll forward with the ball on your chest, while your knees straighten. Like the other stretches, you can hold this for ten seconds, than roll back to the kneeling position.</p>
<p>From these stretching positions, you can move into more complex exercises with the Gym ball. If you want to work your abs, you can find Gym ball exercises that will isolate every area. You can begin this workout with full or half crunches. With this, you will sit on the exercise ball first. For a half crunch, you will lean back half way without moving your feet. You will do this back and forth. For full crunches, you will simply change this to leaning back all the way.</p>
<p>If you want to improve your core strength, you can continue with more exercises with the Gym ball. One is known as the walk-out. You can do this for both your front area, by kneeling and placing the ball in front of you, or for your back area, by sitting on the ball. With both of these walk-outs, you will place the ball closer to your buttocks area. If you are sitting on the ball, you will walk your feet forward until the ball is at your shoulder or neck area. You will then walk back to sitting position. If you are working the front area, you will do this same thing, beginning with the ball on your chest, and walking your hands until the ball is at your feet.</p>
<p>By doing this simple routine, and beginning to add in other options with exercising with the Gym ball, you will have the ability to build your core area. Whether you want a stronger back or flatter abs, using the Gym ball is a recommended way to get there quickly and with comfort. In no time at all, you will find that your exercise routine is rolling you into a better look.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Yoga Positions for a Beginner</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/09/yoga-positions-for-a-beginner/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/09/yoga-positions-for-a-beginner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:38:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Men's Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Women's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/09/yoga-positions-for-a-beginner/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are like some, you have probably seen the Yoga gurus twisting in awkward forms. This begins with putting their feet over their head, twisting it back around their shoulder on both sides, and standing on their hands. To conclude, they smile like it doesn&#039;t hurt. Yoga doesn&#039;t necessarily mean that you have to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are like some, you have probably seen the Yoga gurus twisting in awkward forms. This begins with putting their feet over their head, twisting it back around their shoulder on both sides, and standing on their hands. To conclude, they smile like it doesn&#039;t hurt. Yoga doesn&#039;t necessarily mean that you have to twist yourself until you are inside out and backwards. There are several Yoga positions that beginners can use in order to benefit from the practice.</p>
<p>If you are beginning with Yoga positions, you don&#039;t have to make it complex. Before anything, Yoga is about learning to relax your body and take away the daily stresses. This is a great thing to concentrate on when you are just beginning. There are several relaxation poses that you can easily do daily to help with relaxation and concentration on what your body really needs.</p>
<p>The first relaxation move is used to prepare for other exercises. This is known as the Mountain Pose. When doing this pose, you will simply stand straight. Your arms should be at your side with your palms facing forward or at your side. When you are in this pose, you want to concentrate on taking deep breaths in and out of your nose.</p>
<p>Another relaxation pose is the corpse pose, and is usually done at the end of the routine. At this point, you will lie on your back on your Yoga mat. Your body should be straight, with your legs somewhat apart and your arms at your side. Like Mountain Pose, make sure that you concentrate on your breath. You can move from this pose to a seated position. Your legs should be crossed, and your back straight. This pose is often used to begin part of the Yoga meditation after a complete workout has been done.</p>
<p>If you want to build a basic routine with Yoga as a beginner, than the positions you want to know are from the sun salutation. This part of Yoga is used to build strength and heat in the body. The sun salutation will take anywhere from five to twenty minutes of an exercise routine, depending on how fast or slow you decide to move.</p>
<p>You begin the sun salutation in mountain pose. From mountain pose you will move into the standing forward bend. You will want your feet to be together. You will hinge your hips forward and reach your hands down to the floor, as far as you can go. Your head and neck should be relaxed, and your legs and back should be straight.</p>
<p>From the standing forward bend, you will move your hands to the mat to support your body. You can bend your knees if needed. You can then move your feet back, one at a time. Your hips should be extended towards the ceiling. This is known as the downward facing dog and is common to use as a transition point between moves. It is good to stretch the hamstrings and build strength in your upper body.</p>
<p>After holding and breathing here, you can move to forward plank. This is done by pushing your hips forward. It should look like you are in a push-up position, with your body parallel to the floor. After this, you will move into the Four Limbed Staff Pose, or Chaturanga. You will do this by moving your body down, so it is parallel with the floor and will move your elbows in. They should be bent and next to the chest of your body. Your toes should be rounded under.</p>
<p>From here, you will move into upward facing dog. Your upper body will move forward from the Chaturanga so that it is parallel with the wall in front of you. Make sure that you are looking towards the ceiling. Your hips should drop closer to the floor, but shouldn&#039;t touch. If this pose is hard to hold, you can drop your knees. Make sure that your shoulders stay parallel with your hands.</p>
<p>You can then move back to downward facing dog, the forward bend and back to mountain pose. By doing these few moves, you will have a complete routine to help begin circulation for the day and to help you to build the heat that you need for other exercises.</p>
<p>Building Yoga positions for beginners does not need to take a lot of twisting, turning or work. You can use simple moves that will give you a kick-start for other routines. If you are interested in using Yoga as a way to help your body improve in a variety of areas, than you will want to begin by finding a combination of movements that start your journey towards better health.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Losing Weight with Yoga</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/08/losing-weight-with-yoga/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/08/losing-weight-with-yoga/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:41:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Women's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/08/losing-weight-with-yoga/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once again, you see that there is a specific diet that is known to solve all your problems. Of course, it comes from a new state, has a new name, and works by eliminating all of those things you don&#039;t need to stay healthy. You&#039;ve heard it before, and you know that you will hear [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Once again, you see that there is a specific diet that is known to solve all your problems. Of course, it comes from a new state, has a new name, and works by eliminating all of those things you don&#039;t need to stay healthy. You&#039;ve heard it before, and you know that you will hear it again.</p>
<p>If you are not interested in knowing about the latest fad diet, why not turn to a program that has been used for centuries? Yoga for weight loss is a method that has been used to repair your body into a natural state and help to develop every area of your body. If you want to find a relaxing way to loose weight, as well as help with the overall health of your body, than understanding how Yoga works is a great place to begin.</p>
<p>When looking at Yoga as an exercise, one will be able to see that it is built for an overall increase in better body functioning. This doesn&#039;t stop with weight loss. It also includes strength training, flexibility, balance and help with internal health. Whether you are beginning new workout routines, or are a triathlon, Yoga is a recommended form of exercise to continue to push your body to new levels of balance and health.</p>
<p>Several of the exercises that are used for Yoga are designed to increase blood flow. As this circulation begins to change, it also begins to affect internal organs. There are a variety of inversion moves that are used in Yoga that specifically target on increasing circulation and working with internal organs. These all cause the digestive system to relax and shift. Many who use Yoga will refer to this as a massaging of the organs. Your body will begin to respond by detoxifying, or getting rid of the extra things that are in this part of your body. Over time, you will begin to feel the difference in your energy level, and notice the difference from the size of your clothing.</p>
<p>Not only will the blood flow begin to change to help with a cleansing of your internal organs, but there will also be a shift in cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fat that is used for energy and is necessary for functioning. If there is too much stored in your system, it can cause weight gain. Yoga poses will allow the blood and oxygen to move around the areas in the internal system that has extra cholesterol. Over time, it will remove the extra cholesterol that you don&#039;t need; part of the detoxification process. If you have high cholesterol and practice Yoga daily, you will begin to see the improvements.</p>
<p>Moving beyond these direct affects for the body and weight loss in Yoga, are the other parts of the practice that can help to change the functioning of your body. Often times, weight gain is related to stressful factors in daily functioning and emotional overhauls that occur. Yoga begins with the breath first, and most of the poses are to be done at a slow pace. While you are twisting, you will also learn to relax. Combined with the physical effects of the movements, the mental charge behind this can help to support weight loss.</p>
<p>If you want to find the perfect exercise routine and not become involved in another diet fad, Yoga is a perfect solution. Among all of the other benefits that come with doing Yoga is the ability for it to pose your body into the shape that you want. No matter what your size, Yoga for weight loss can become a perfect fit.</p>
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		<title>Keeping it Balanced:  High Protein Foods for Muscle Recovery</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/08/keeping-it-balanced-high-protein-foods-for-muscle-recovery/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/08/keeping-it-balanced-high-protein-foods-for-muscle-recovery/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:06:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Men's Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Women's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/08/keeping-it-balanced-high-protein-foods-for-muscle-recovery/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your body is built to work for you so that you can have a good build, strength and speed.  If you want to make sure that it continues to work for you, then adding high protein foods into your diet is important.  Not only will this help to give you the energy that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your body is built to work for you so that you can have a good build, strength and speed.  If you want to make sure that it continues to work for you, then adding high protein foods into your diet is important.  Not only will this help to give you the energy that you need, but will assist when you are strength building and working out.</p>
<p>High protein foods for muscle recovery are one of the most important reasons why you should always have them available.  Protein is one of the main sources that give your body energy.  If you are working with strength, your muscles need extra energy.  The more protein they have during or after a good workout, the more abilities they will have to gain strength.  This is because they will use the energy of the proteins to rebuild, especially right after you have worked them out in a gym.</p>
<p>When you are lifting weights at a gym, you are putting extra pressure on your muscles.  As a result, the muscle tissue will begin to break down in the areas that you have focused on.  The idea is for the muscle tissue to then begin to rebuild.  When it rebuilds, it will grow stronger, giving you more muscle.  However, it can not begin this rebuilding unless it has the energy from protein to do it.</p>
<p>On average, it is expected that one who is weight training in this way, needs to have a large amount of protein.  Typically, you should have one gram of protein for each pound that you weigh.  For example, if you weight 180 pounds, you will want to have 180 grams of protein to match this.  This will give you the exact amount of energy that your muscles need in order to begin rebuilding.</p>
<p>If you want to keep your high protein foods for muscle recovery simple, then you can stock up on some to go food.  This will be an easy way to ensure that you are getting the most for your workout.  One of the easiest types of food that you can use is beef jerky.  This, as well as any other type of meat is known to be effective with adding in the extra energy and protein that you need.</p>
<p>If you want to grab and go, you can also get protein bars or <a href="http://www.weightlossguide.com/protein-shakes.htm">protein shakes</a>.  These are an easy and effective way to add in more high protein foods for muscle recovery to your diet.  If you don&#039;t feel like cooking an entire meal, then using protein bars right after a work out is the next best answer.  This will give your muscles the energy that they need to recover and to keep building.</p>
<p>If you don&#039;t like the above options for high protein foods for muscle recovery, then you can look at other options.  Anything from eggs to oatmeal to peanuts are known for their high protein amounts, all which can help you during your weight training.  Depending on your tastes for the day, you can find a large variety of options to give you the energy boost that you need.</p>
<p>Of course, weight training doesn&#039;t stop with adding in extra protein.  It is also recommended that with this option is also the need to add in extra amounts of other types of nutrients in order to balance out your body.  This means that you should have higher amounts of vegetables available as well as more fiber to help digest the protein in your body.  Staying balanced with your diet, even during weight training is important to consider.</p>
<p>If you are working on weight training, you want to make sure that your experience is well rounded.  Having high protein foods for muscle recovery during your weight training is one of the things that should be kept on the list.  By doing this, you will be making certain that you are taking the proper steps towards a stronger lifestyle.</p>
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		<title>Breathing During Strength Training</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/05/breathing-during-strength-training/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/05/breathing-during-strength-training/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2007 14:58:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Men's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/05/breathing-during-strength-training/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many of us have had the experience of going to the gym and watching others workout on the weight machines.  They begin by taking a deep breath in, then lifting the weights as fast as they can.  Maybe you have watched their face turn red, then blue, while they continue to move as [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many of us have had the experience of going to the gym and watching others workout on the weight machines.  They begin by taking a deep breath in, then lifting the weights as fast as they can.  Maybe you have watched their face turn red, then blue, while they continue to move as fast as they can.  Even though they may be doing something, they are actually not exercising effectively.</p>
<p>If you are beginning any type of exercise, there are general rules to follow.  One of these is breathing during strength training.  Not only will this keep the oxygen flowing through your body and not cause your face to turn blue, but it will also help you to reach your goal quicker and without as much pain.  Not only is breathing effective in supporting your workout, but it can also prevent complications and injury.</p>
<p>The main reason why breathing is enforced for strength training is because it allows you to stay relaxed.  In return, your muscles will have the ability to work properly, which maximizes your exercise abilities.  When you hold or force your breath, it increases the pressure in your internal system.  Your abdomen and thorax will be the first to feel this increase pressure.  This then moves to increasing your blood pressure quickly.</p>
<p>If you don&#039;t catch your breath soon enough it can lead to severe problems during or after your workout.  You may begin by feeling dizzy or faint while you are working out.  If you begin to feel this, make sure that you stop lifting and give your body time to catch its breath again.  If you continue to hold your breath during strength training, it may cause pain, headaches, and can even lead to a stroke.</p>
<p>If you don&#039;t want to have any health problems from a workout, you will want to begin by learning how to breathe properly.  It is best if you breathe while you are exercising like you would normally.  This means that you should stay relaxed and keep a natural flow of your breath.  If you don&#039;t, it will cause the pressure of the air to continue to aggravate your body.</p>
<p>From here, you will want to breathe through your nose and out through your mouth.  The main reason for this is that your mouth will allow all of the air to move out of your system.  If you breathe through your nose, it can still cause the pressure of the air to remain internal.  Along with this proper breathing during strength training, it is also recommended that no extra noises are made.  Things such as grunting, moaning or groaning can add pressure back into your internal system.</p>
<p>One of the known benefits of breathing properly during your training is that it allows the weights to do the job that they are supposed to.  Your body won&#039;t have to focus on trying to find extra internal oxygen.  Instead, it can focus on building your muscles while it is relaxed.  Beginning with the proper breathing will help your body to not have to work as hard with the training that you are doing.</p>
<p>If you do feel yourself holding your breath or forcing your breath, you will want to reverse the process while you are strength training.  Over breathing is preferred from not breathing enough.  You may feel some dizziness from this; however, it will not result in the same complications that would occur if you were not breathing at all.</p>
<p>The main rule to follow when you are strength training is to simply not hold your breath.  Even though you may be testing the limits of your body and your muscles, it is not a breath taking event.  Staying relaxed while you strength train will allow your body to focus on increasing muscle strength, instead of pressuring other areas of your body.  No matter how much weight you can carry, remember to do it without holding your breath.</p>
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		<title>Strength Training For Women</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/05/strength-training-for-women/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/05/strength-training-for-women/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2007 14:56:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Women's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/05/strength-training-for-women/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For many women, it has been dictated to them through cultural and social standards, that it is best to be skinny and small. Larger muscles and strength training has historically been for men who want the opposite of what women are supposed to be in body shape. However, science has led belief in a different [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For many women, it has been dictated to them through cultural and social standards, that it is best to be skinny and small. Larger muscles and strength training has historically been for men who want the opposite of what women are supposed to be in body shape. However, science has led belief in a different direction. It is now just as important for women to focus on strength and resistance training in their daily routine. If you want total strength training as a woman, you can focus on establishing several things.</p>
<p>Generally, you can divide total strength training for a woman into two categories; upper body and lower body routines. For women, most of the strength that you will naturally get will come from your legs and lower body because more muscle mass stays in this area. However, there is still between 40-60% muscle mass in your upper body. This means that you need to work both out at least two to three times a week in order to have your total strength training begin.</p>
<p>Not only is total strength training for a woman important to build muscle mass, but it also affects other parts of your body. Weight training or resistance training affects your internal make-up into a healthier form. This begins with your skeletal system. The more you work with strength training, the stronger your bones will become. Your joints will also be able to function at a higher level. The tissues in your muscles will begin to break down and build back up, making them stronger as well. Your metabolism, as a result, will begin to increase, and the strength training that you do will have an after effect of helping you to look leaner with more body mass instead of fat.</p>
<p>There are two ways that you can begin to develop a total strength training program as a woman. The first is by doing circuit training. This is a popular form of exercise for women at gyms. Most of the weights that are on the circuits will focus on one muscle in a particular area of your body. The idea is to do an entire circuit of these machines, all which will help to enhance your overall body form. If you decide to do these, make sure that you do at least three sets that include repetitions between five and eight.</p>
<p>The second total strength training program you can build is with free weights. This is recommended if you want to use higher intensity with your program. Dumbbells, weights, and presses are recommended for women as much as they are for men. If you are using free-weights, you will want to find specific exercises that will work your lower body as well as your upper body. Good lower body exercises may include lunges, squats and step-ups. Your upper body can also use bench presses and incline presses to get the complete effect.</p>
<p>If you are using circuit training or free-weights, you will want to make sure that you exercise all of the muscles in your upper body one day and your lower body the next. When you are adjusting to this, you will also want to make sure you have the right level of resistance. Before this, make sure you have developed the proper form. From here, make sure that it feels like your muscles are tensing and working; however, don&#039;t try to do too much. It is better to work up to heavier weights than to begin with too much.</p>
<p>Over time, you will find the exercises that you enjoy while you are building your total strength training as a woman. Despite what you have been told, resistance, weights and other forms of this type of exercise are important for your overall health. In order to ensure that you are getting the best out of every trip to the gym, make sure that you are including the weight of your muscles in the routine.</p>
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		<title>Improving Agility</title>
		<link>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/04/improving-agility/</link>
		<comments>http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/04/improving-agility/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:22:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Men's Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.247fitness.co.uk/2007/04/improving-agility/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have ever watched a good basketball or football game, you know that the heroes of the game don&#039;t come from the defense.  These are simply players there to help the ones that are agile.  The touchdowns and the baskets will generally come from the ones that are quicker, can move with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have ever watched a good <a href="http://www.stubhub.com/nba-tickets/">basketball</a> or football game, you know that the heroes of the game don&#039;t come from the defense.  These are simply players there to help the ones that are agile.  The touchdowns and the baskets will generally come from the ones that are quicker, can move with speed, and who can twist their way around the other players.  Whether you are working towards becoming a better athlete, or simply want to improve your health, you can begin by doing types of exercises that improve agility.</p>
<p>The main purpose of doing exercise to improve agility is to get your body balanced and working correctly in a different way.  The more flexible, balanced and stretched you are, the easier it will be for you to move in the ways that you want to, no matter what type of field that you are on.  Following are some simple exercises you can do to increase your speed and movement.</p>
<ol>
<li>Preparing your joints.
<ul>
<li>Stand straight up by a <a href="http://www.beyond-bedding.com/camo-baby-bedding.html">wall</a> or fence.</li>
<li>Place one hand on the wall or fence for balance.</li>
<li>Take the leg furthest away from the wall and swing back and forth.</li>
<li>Repeat on the other leg.</li>
</ul>
<p>You can also do this by moving your leg to the sides and you can work with other joints in order to help &#039;lubricate&#039; them before an activity.</p>
<p>Of course, this exercise will help to get your hips more flexible.  Getting your hips ready to go is one of the most important parts of beginning to work towards better agility.</li>
<li>Ladder training.  Of course, because you are working on speed, you will want to make sure that your feet can keep up with the way that your hips move.  Ladder training is an effective way to do this.
<ul>
<li>Place a &#039;ladder&#039; or progressive set of squares on the ground.</li>
<li>Move each foot through one square, like you are running through the ladder.</li>
<li>Move through the squares quickly without tripping over any of the lines.</li>
<li>Repeat with squatting between the squares</li>
<li>Rotate between squats and steps in order to help with better movement.</li>
<li>Repeat like you are playing hop scotch.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are ladder training with squats, make sure that you work towards staying in lower positions during the squats.  The lower you are able to get, and the faster you are able to move up in between the squats, the more you will be building easier movement you&#039;re your hips.  You can also add in a variety of forms on the ground as you are moving through the ladder as well as different shapes, such as rings. The more variety you are able to add into the workout, the more agile you will become.</li>
<li>Obstacle Courses.  This can be done with cones, or simply by drawing out different diagrams and maps.  The idea will be to get your hips and feet working together, while keeping balance and moving with a faster speed.  One example diagram that can be used is to draw figures, such as a figure eight.  You will then have to go around an obstacle course as fast as you can in order to complete this figure.  Many sports groups will use this type of training to help with agility.</li>
</ol>
<p>If you want speed to be a part of your exercise routine, then finding exercises for agility is an effective way to begin.  Over time, you will be able to move your body quicker and with more ease.  No matter what you are beginning to practice building up your speed for, you know that you will have a touch down by adding in some new exercises to your routine.</p>
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