When it comes to building muscles, the combination of eating the right food, engaging in appropriate exercises and recovering in between these sessions just may be the reason why some men find it hard to bulk. In the search for building bigger muscles, it often leads some men into finding shortcuts by using unnatural methods which can affect their overall health. Adding mass naturally is a slow and gradual process. If you are consistent, you will surely get the results you desire. However, for those seeking a quick fix, many will become frustrated for lack of progress.

Eat to Bulk:

Eat foods with the right mass building equation. The normal body’s building ratio is 10-35% proteins, 45-55% of carbohydrates, and 20-30% fats according to the USDA. This is typically okay for normal weight men; however, this ratio is not suitable for men who want to increase their muscle mass. There aren’t enough calories to increase weight here; this percentage is just sufficient to maintain your current weight.

Fat contains 9 calories per gram as compared to protein and carbohydrates which have 4 calories per gram each. For men who wish to enhance their muscle, consume lots of carbs stemming from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. About 3/4 of your meals consumed should contain carbs to provide you with the energy needed to push harder in your workouts. About 1/4 of your meal should contain protein to help build muscle. The remainder of your plate should contain fats… I mean healthy fats y’all. You will need plenty of fat storage in order for the body to build muscle. Consuming a fixed percentage based on your body weight may not be accurate for everyone because every “body” does not utilize protein or carbs in the same manner. Aim for whole wheat pasta, brown rice and potatoes in your meals.

Do not be confused by the dogma of “dirty bulking”. For those people who are not familiar with this term, it simply means eating everything in sight. This is an unhealthy way of eating since it does not adhere to the nutrition guidelines. However, it is evident that if you want to increase mass, increasing your caloric intake is key — altogether the appetite must be incorporated with various exercises to yield satisfactory results.

Exercise:

Going to the gym every day to lift weights for the sake of it won’t get you anywhere. Scrutinized and progressive training are both important necessities towards productive strength training and muscle building. Some guys can train more often than others, but for an average person with a busy and stressful day, it’s good to set aside 20 to 30 minutes of your time two to three days every week to workout.

Strenuous weight lifting can be taxing on the body, but when you warm up with back squats, bench press or cardiovascular exercises like the stationary bike, a short elliptical workout or a quick walk on the treadmill, your muscles relax. These exercises also increase heart’s ability to pump blood while increasing oxygen intake into the cells.

When you get to the main course, start by lifting lighter weights and progress gradually each week. To achieve bulkiness, remember that you must lift heavier weights, train the muscles from different angles, focus on an eccentric portion of the lift and stretch your muscles while they are still activated.

When an aerobic program is added on top of a muscle growth program, there is an interference effect since cardio workouts burn fat and cuts calories. Restrict the amount of cardio performed to save the calories and fat needed for muscle growth. You should not completely eliminate aerobic workouts altogether. These workouts can help control or limit the amount of body fat gained during the bulking phase. The key is cutting your cardio sessions to around 20- 30 minutes post-workout. High-intensity interval training is another great option. Research has shown that HIIT cardio preserves muscle better than steady-state. Or you can choose to perform cardio on ‘no-weight’ training days.

Rest and Relax:

Getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep are essential as you keep stress and anxiety at bay. Real progress lies on your recovery. Always allow a 48-hour window or more for your muscles to recover while the body gets time to produce testosterone, repair the worn out muscles and pack on the few pounds you have acquired. During the day, you can take around ten minutes to stretch your muscles to prevent them from becoming stiff or sore.

It is sad to see that many men give up before they really begin. Muscle building is a game of perseverance. Remember that slow and steady wins the race!

Be on the lookout for our future article, “Does Genetics Really Play a Part in Growing Muscles?” Stay tuned!

 

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Why should you refrain from locking out during strength training? This is a gym rule that I am sure you have heard before, even if you have been training for a short time. “Locking out” refers to stretching your arms or legs as far as they will go and then locking your knees or elbows in place.The biggest reason that you should refrain from doing this is because it can cause joint injury. This, in turn, can prevent you from participating in your training routine for weeks or even months at a time. If you are participating in strength training for increasing your overall level of fitness, (toning the body or for bulking), t

The biggest reason that you should refrain from doing this is because it can cause joint injury. This  can prevent you from participating in your training routine for weeks or even months at a time. If you are participating in strength training for increasing your overall level of fitness, (toning the body or for bulking), try and keep your elbows or knees with a slight bend in it. (See above pic.)

Strength training is an excellent form of exercise for many reasons, but it has to be done correctly. When you do this type of exercise the right way, almost anyone can do it safely. This is true even for beginners who may have minor issues with their joints. People with arthritis can participate in weight training by using machines and resistance bands versus dumbbells or bench weights.  Before starting any program, always consult with a physician who knows your health and physical condition to help keep you safe and on track.

When you participate in a strength training routine, your overall level of flexibility increases. If you have problems with being limber, the fact that you are building muscle can often reduce or even eliminate this. If you get in the habit of locking out while you are exercising, the tension is not directed towards the muscles you are working. All of the tension is resting on your joints. You are doing yourself a disservice because it requires more reps and more routines in order to achieve the same results you would get if the proper form was used the first time.

Ideally, you should do your strength training exercises enough times that you start to feel burning in the muscle. In addition, you should be using just enough weight that feels challenging, yet not so much that you feel pain while lifting. Also using too much weight compromises on proper technique.

By working out in this fashion, you can enjoy the full benefits that are available to you through strength training. It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy your workout as opposed to dreading it. Ultimately, exercising with the proper technique ensures that you will be able to continue enjoying it indefinitely.

Drew

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Morning or evening – when is the best time to work out? Some people believe that a 5 or 6 am workout gets their hearts racing and gets them geared up for the day. Other people would never even consider breaking a sweat before noon, while others prefer an evening workout. The question here remains, is any one time of the day the best time to exercise?

After much expert debate, it is clear that there is no reliable evidence that suggests calories burns more efficiently at 5 am than at 5 pm. However, the time of the day greatly influences how you feel when working out. Experts recommend that you choose a time of day you are able to stick with and make it a habit.

“The best time of the day to workout is when you will do it most consistently. This is because the benefits of physical activity are directly linked to the amount you do on a consistent basis,” says Aldana, a Professor of Lifestyle Medicine in the Department of Exercise Sciences at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. “This is more important than the time of day.”

To figure out your best time, there are a few key factors to consider:

 

1. Location – If you plan to workout at the gym, you need to consider if one is located close to your workplace where you are able to pop in before or after work. Or is there a location closer to your home?

2. Time of day – Due to our ever rotating lifestyles, what time is best for you?

Morning people prefer working out before diving into their busy schedules. AM workouts jump-start the body’s energy for the day. It helps to aid in getting a better night’s rest.

Another added benefit is that morning workouts mentally prepare you to want a more healthy breakfast. In addition, these people tend to also drink more water throughout the morning.

 

 

Evening and night people prefer to exercise, leaving the stress of the day behind them. PM workouts produce higher power moves. Having the day to fuel up with food prepares the body ready for a harder, more intense workout.

Because your body has been in movement throughout the day making your joints less stiff, you may be less prone to getting injured. Enrolling in a workout class, gym or popping in an exercise DVD at the end of the day helps to release stress for PM people.

 

3. Type of physical activity — Whatever type of cardio exercises you are doing, be its steady state, interval training, aerobics, or what form, such as cycling, jogging, etc, choose a time of day that is convenient and sustainable to you. According to the American Heart Association, we should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity (2 ½ hours), or 75 minutes (1 ¼ hours) a week of vigorous-intensity.

If you do not have the time, get creative and break up your activity into manageable time increments. Try to get in at least a 30-minute workout per day. It can be performed throughout the day, for example, have a 10-minute walk in the morning, have a quick 10 minutes walk during lunch time, and a 10-minute walk in the evening. And right there you have a 30-minute workout. More is always better. Keep in mind though that exercise is defined as any kind of physical activity that gets your heart rate up for approximately 10 minutes at a time

 

4. Social setting – Different people have different preferences with regard to how they respond to exercises in different settings. If you are more likely to work out consistently with a partner, then look for a counterpart who shares the same passion that will accommodate you regardless of the time of day. Some people prefer the gym setting while others do not. There are many programs being held for those who love the great outdoors, while some are just as comfortable with staying indoors working out with a DVD or streaming their programs on demand.

There are other factors to consider, but it is clear that the best time for a workout is whenever it is best for you and what fits best in your schedule. Whenever that time is for you, then that’s when you should do it. If you try to force yourself to exercise at times that are inconvenient, you will eventually lose interest and quit.

Val

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How It Works

You can probably remember those wonderful memories of your childhood when you jumped, skipped, and hopped around the park without any care or worry. There is an exercise that is practiced in many gyms which replicate those energetic movements of your childhood.

Often shortened as “plyo”, plyometrics are formerly known as “jump training”. It is a strength training workout that is essential when you’re training for sports and other activities which require quick movement of the body. You will need to perform a succession of hops and jumps, for instance, squats or hopping on one or both legs. You could jump up and land on a bench or box, or do a series of jumps over cones. However, some movements will certainly be faster and quicker than others.

Whenever you land after jumping, your muscles are stretched and contracted. You will build up more strength over time. Plyometrics is not an exercise to do every day. Your muscles will need time to recover. If you’re just starting for the first time, it is best to start working on your basic fitness first. Then later, have a certified instructor show you how to do the moves so you don’t risk getting injured. You can also Include some plyo movements into your normal routine. This strength training workout can be used as an alternative to enhance your balance, agility, and strength.

What Should I Know?

Intensity Level: High

This power workout uses all the body’s strength to build up those muscles.This is a high impact exercise which involves a lot of hopping and jumping. The movements are swift and explosive; hence you should be ready to expend more energy than that required in a normal strength training exercise.

The Most Targeted Areas:

Legs and Glutes. Your legs will definitely be in good shape because of the frequent hopping and jumping involved. Movements such as jump squats strengthen your glutes making them stouter and firmer. While the whole body is involved, your back, core and arm muscles are not the primary target of the workout.

Flexibility:

This exercise is solely based on a combination of stretching and contracting your muscles, which is very important for flexibility.

Aerobic:

Plyo is not considered an aerobic exercise. However, if you jump continuously for a minimum of 30-60 seconds per time, you will definitely experience an increased heart rate.

Strength:

Plyometric exercises are all about enhancing the body’s muscle power.

Good for Beginners?

It is not ideal for beginners. It is best to get involved in a combined aerobic and strength training program first because of the possibility of sustaining serious injuries from the movements.

Outdoors?

A definite yes! It can be quite exciting to do this outdoors. Just make sure you have a soft landing surface such as grass.

At Home?

Yes! You only need to make use of your gym mat with a good grip. It is a much softer and safer landing pad, far better than landing on the cold hard floor.

Equipment Required?

You don’t need any equipment. If you wish, you can make use of foam barriers or cones to jump. Take it slowly, one move at a time.

Is It Good for Me if I Have a Health Condition?

If you have not been physically active or have an existing health condition, consult with your doctor before getting involved in a plyometrics program. Your doctor will let you know which exercise is safe for you.

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease, your doctor will probably suggest that you go for exercises of lower intensity.

If you are diabetic with nerve damage, it is not advisable to participate in a plyometric workout program as it can cause further injuries.

If you have arthritis, joint or bone problems, plyometrics may not be a good choice. There are alternative strength training programs out there that can make your muscles stronger without causing added stress to your joints. And last but not least, if you don’t fancy sweating, plyometrics is not the exercise for you.

If you do have a challenge with other physical problems, then go for other safer body strengthening exercises.

Val

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Even though it seems much easier for men to achieve their fitness goals in quicker time than it is for women, men are far from perfect when it comes to performing in the gym. Below is a list of some common errors men make that stop them from reaching their fullest potential in their fitness goals.

 

1. Trying to do too much

Take your time in the gym. One of the challenges men face in the gym is the pressure to appear tough. You don’t need to prove that you are macho guys. Don’t push yourself too hard or far because that just leaves you burned out and possibly injured. Stay steady with your workouts and work your way up for those long-term results.

2. Cardio overload

Fat burning cardio is the way to, well you know, burn fat. But never neglect the weight room. Building muscle is a great way to burn fat also. You should save the cardio for when you need it. If you do too much cardio at first, then you won’t have the time to add more cardio once you reach your weight loss plateau and need to shatter it. Yes, you need aerobic activity to burn calories, keep your heart healthy and maintain endurance, but you need to set the pace your treadmill workouts at a higher incline with shorter time span if your goal is to build muscle. Just 20 minutes tops is all the time you need unless you are training for a race.  If this is the case, you can set your time for longer workouts at a lower incline. Otherwise, keeping your cardio machine at one level all the time actually results in more cortisol production which, as bad as it is, makes weight loss even harder.

3. Lifting too much weight

Some men do the opposite, which is packing too much weight into their strength training routine. Weight training is definitely a case of everything in moderation. Going super heavy is rarely better. Correct posture and form are far more important when it comes to achieving good results. Choose free or bench weights over the machine whenever possible.

4. Not getting assessed

If you are anticipating adding a fitness regimen into your lifestyle, never neglect to take a trip to your physician for evaluation. Likewise, if you’ve had an accident or are limited physically, allow a professional trainer to do a functional assessment. This lets them give you a good training plan and show you the areas you need to improve and what you should avoid due to your range of motion. Skipping this step can leave you doing workouts that do not help you, risking injury.

5. Avoiding compound exercises

If you only train one muscle group at a time, you’re making a great mistake. You should do more compound exercises that use more than one muscle group at a time. These exercises are more efficient and they help to keep the heart rate up, (and with it more calorie burning) than target exercises. Basic compound exercises like squats, bench lifting, dead-lifts, and rows should be part of any workout program.

6. Underestimating nutrition

We all know someone who gives it their all at the gym but ruins everything by not getting enough of wholesome foods the body needs. Another mistake is replacing healthy foods by taking too many supplements, shakes, and powders. They have their place in your regimen, but to get lean you need as many nutritious foods as possible. Whole foods fill you up with their fiber content. Exercise combined with healthy nutrition will help you achieve the results you are looking for.

 

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There was a time not too long ago when a snack was something kids ate when they got home from school. They would have some cookies and milk to keep them going until dinner. Now times have really changed.

Snacks are so prevalent today that around 90% of adults eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet. This, in part, can be caused by keeping up with a busy lifestyle. It has gotten to the point that some people choose to eat snacks over a full course meal. The major advantage to this is that they enjoy the instant gratification of eating without the prep nor the wait.

There is nothing too bad with snacking at mealtimes as long as your snacks are healthy. Unfortunately, snacking on desserts, candy, chips or soda isn’t very healthy. There is no real nutritional value in them. They do not fill you up nor leave you satisfied. It will just lead to more snacking later on. Here are six great snacking choices that are nutritious and will keep you satisfied:

 

1. Eating Healthier Chips

If you like to eat potato chips, stick with the healthier choices such as vegan, whole grain or baked chips. Use a hummus dip to make them more filling without packing on too many calories. You can also create your own dip by mixing a small amount of dry onion soup mix combined with some plain Greek yogurt.

 2. Eat Some Raw Vegetables

 

Or you can ditch the potato chips entirely and replace them with raw vegetables instead. Combine plain Greek yogurt with some dry vegetable seasoning mix for a homemade dip. Vegetables are way crunchier than chips and are packed with nutrients and fiber!

 

 

3. Make Smart Choices with Energy Bars

Energy bars are a very popular “to go” snack on a busy day. The downside is that some of them don’t fuel you up in the long term. You have to read the ingredients to make the best choice. You need to choose a bar that has at least 20 grams of protein according to Moore & Colleagues research. They should consist of healthy fats that doesn’t come from trans-fats. Carbohydrates should come from whole grain and fruits rather than from sugars.

It also helps to have a cup of low-fat or skim milk to make the bar more rewarding and fueling.

4. Spice up Your Yogurt

 

Yogurt is a super smart choice for snacks. Having a Greek yogurt is even healthier. Greek yogurts have twice as much protein as regular yogurt. So you can see why it’s a smart choice.

You can spice up your yogurt by mixing in some fruit or nuts. It improves the taste, makes the yogurt more satisfying and packs in more nutrients.

 

5. Mix Up a Great Smoothie

You can buy a premade smoothie from the store for a nice jolt of vitamins. But the downside is that they are packed full of sugars. Spiking your blood sugar means that your insulin levels will drop suddenly, causing fatigue. Pass over store bought and mix up your own using fresh apples, bananas or pears. Throw in some green vegetables, low-fat milk or a bit of Greek yogurt. Homemade smoothies contain fewer calories and a lot less sugar.

6. Stock Up on Nut Butters

 

Swap out dairy butter with a nut butter like almond or walnuts. You can pair up your nut butter with crunchy apples or whole grain crackers to have a bigger snack. These butters are packed full of fiber, proteins, and healthy fats. This keeps hunger away for longer and leaves you more satisfied!

 

References:

http://www.fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/

Moore DR, Robinson MJ, Fry JL, et al. Ingested protein dose response of muscle and albumin protein synthesis after resistance exercise in young men. Am J Clin Nutr. Jan 2009;89(1):161-168.

 

 

 

 

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Sit-ups and push-ups have been around for centuries. We have relied on these exercises throughout the years to build core strength and definition. I often associate these workouts with being performed in gym classes at school or in the military. Sure, plenty of people do them, but these people came by their physical fitness by combining these with other methods of exercises.

The Push-up

I must confess that push-ups are not my favorite workout to do. It is an exercise that requires mental discipline and the right form. Proper technique is important, as with any exercise, to minimize the risk of back or shoulder injury and maximizing its effectiveness. Many people end up distributing their weight on their back or shoulder muscles instead, putting a great deal of strain on them in the process. The key is using the arm muscles, (the triceps and biceps), to lift and lower the body along with clenching the ab muscles. This can be sometimes difficult to achieve in a full body push-up. There is a simpler variation which is done by shifting your weight on your knees instead of the balls of your feet. Perform the  push-up as normal.

The Sit-up

As for a basic sit-up, you are only targeting certain abdominal muscles. Even for people who are able to do them well on a sufficiently regular basis, they would only be targeting mostly their upper ab muscles. If done improperly, the lower back and hip flexors are strained because the abs are not engaged in the lift. Upper abs are only one component when it comes to achieving core strength. There are different variations of the sit-up which target the obliques and lower abs. The side crunch and the elbow to knee crunch, (alternating sides), are some examples of exercises to add that will target the obliques. Lying leg raises and the bicycle crunch are other examples of exercises which target the lower abs. Combine them all together and you are sure to achieve core definition and strength as a result.

The Plank

People can now opt for the “all in one” core exercise instead. The plank is an isometric exercise which helps build endurance in your entire core – the rectus abdominis, obliques, lower back, and stabilizing muscles. When done correctly, you are resting with your elbows and forearms on the floor. The tops of your feet can either be flat on the floor or curled. This angle automatically encourages you to clench your abdominal muscles and brace the spine versus bending it when doing sit-ups.

You will need to use all your abdominal muscles just in order to maintain the plank. This workout can get challenging but it is doable with practice and time. Your ab muscles are used for balance, just as you do with exercises that require you to stand on one foot along with similar balancing exercises. Never push yourself beyond what you feel comfortable doing. The longer you plank, gravity will begin to pull your midsection towards the ground and your lower back will start to sag. Pressure is placed on the ribs and into the shoulders rather than on the abdomen. Do not sacrifice form at this point in order to maintain the plank. You can change up the exercise  or stop altogether.

Val

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If you’ve never jog before or you’ve had a long break from jogging, it can feel challenging getting out there to start. If you are looking to begin a jogging regimen, the following tips will help you get the best results.

The fact is that with any program, you have to start with baby steps. It takes mastering how to walk for fitness before you start jogging. Never give up in frustration. Of course, it helps a lot if you really enjoy the challenge of exercising. Those that enjoy the exercise that they select are prone to continue with the program long term.

Getting Started                                             

Step One – Always get medical clearance from your physician before starting any exercise program.

Step Two – Wear some comfortable clothing and a good pair of running shoes that cushions and support the bottom of your feet, especially the arches.

Step Three – Design a course of action. Select the area that you are going to jog. Make sure that it is an area that you could easily move for 30 minutes. Beginners might like to try an area around their block, backyard, or even walking in place. It is your choice. Jogging for beginners is easy when following this approach.

Step Four – Don’t forget to warm up your body before you start. Never start cold. Starting cold might lead to muscle injuries and strains.

Step Five – Start out walking at a relaxed pace. Gradually increase the pace until you are walking briskly. This will give you a really good workout. Walk for 5 or 6 minutes and then try jogging for 60 seconds. Go back to walking 5 to 6 minutes and jog for 60 seconds. Repeat this pattern until you reach the 30-minute mark. Do this every day for a week or two until your body build up its endurance level.

The next step is to gradually increase the amount of time spent jogging and decrease the time spent walking until you reach the 30-minute mark. This may take several weeks or months before you are able to jog for longer periods without stopping to catch your breath.

Step Six – In future workouts, you might want to start incorporating running in your regimen. Remember, the aim is to start out slow, and gradually increase the amount of exercise and energy that is expended. Follow the same routine outlined above. Start out jogging for 5 or 6 minutes and running for 60 seconds. For each week, gradually increase the amount of time running while decreasing the amount of time jogging. Do this until you are able to run for longer periods without stopping.

It is also important to remember to cool down afterward. This is a very important part of the exercise. Gradually slow your pace until you are walking slowly and then stop. Perform a few stretches to relax the muscles.

Val

(photo: courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org)

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Studies have now made us more aware of the risk factors for certain diseases. These studies help us slow the effects of aging, diseases, and even cancer.

Researchers have discovered changes in DNA that can predict cancer 10 years in advance. These changes doctors look for are the shortening of telomeres within the blood cells. Telomeres are part of the cell that affects how they age. The key factor is that they stay the same length for as long as possible since they protect genetic material from being damaged.

Researchers from Harvard and Northwestern Medicine are able to predict when the telomeres shorten but stay the same length for a period of time before the cancer becomes widespread in the body. Scientists did have trouble understanding how the telomeres in the blood cells were able to change in a person that has cancer.

Researchers looked at the telomeres length in 792 people over a 13 year period. Out of this number, 135 people developed cancer. The telomeres were short enough to appear to be 15 years older in the cancer patients then the people that did not develop cancer. Once the telomeres shortened, they stayed the same length for a period of three to four years before the cancer was diagnosed and took over the telomeres.

Lifang Hou, who is a Professor of Preventative Medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL., states that understanding the telomere growth may be the clue to preventing cancer. She also stated that there is a strong relationship between the telomeres and many cancers. Testing these telomeres can lead to early detection.

As we age, our cells are divided multiple times. This causes the telomeres to become shorter. Researchers believe this shortening with age could lead to cancer. Cancer is able to overtake the short telomere cells so that it can expand and divide. The cells are then shortened so the cancer reproduce clones of itself.

For healthier telomeres, it is important to take active measures as soon as possible. Dr. Isaac Eliaz, an integrative medical doctor, founder and director of the Amitabha Medical Clinic in Santa Rosa, CA., states that you should increase your intake of raw fruits and vegetables to help the telomeres stay larger for a longer period of time. Increasing your intake of Vitamin C along with getting regular exercise will also help. This can decrease the shortening of the telomeres by 62%. Adding in more vitamin B12 and B9 will help aid in keeping the DNA protected.

Val

For more information visit:

http://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2015/04/Hou-telomere-cancer/

http://easyhealthoptions.com/telomeres-the-new-key-to-anti-aging/

(photo: en.wikipedia.org)

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Using a computer and smart phones to log on to the internet for fitness advice and coaching has changed not only for workouts, but also on how people feel about working out. Easier access to fitness programs has made it harder for people who do not want to exercise to find excuses not to. There are plenty of exercise videos and applications for different workouts to choose from. These can be viewed on the computer or smartphone for free, while other applications charge a fee. Exercises include aerobics, strength training, and stretching exercises. Workout selections are based on fitness levels ranging from the rank beginner, the intermediate exercise addict, and the advanced triathlete.                                                                                                   (image courtesy of en.wikipedia.org )

For example, anyone with an internet connection can look up what an Eva Foam Roller is and what it does.There are instructional articles and videos on how to use one.

If gym machines are not your forte, exercise apps can be ideal for working out without the use of equipment. For runners, there are smartphone tracking applications which use the phone’s GPS to record distance activities. It tracks the pace, distance, total exercise time, and calories burned. Some apps have a feature to snap pictures while on the go. For anyone whose aim is to take their  workouts to the next level, a tracking app is a great tool to have!

Food apps are used to measure nutrition and calories.These apps run in the range from incredibly useful to blank slates that allow the user to fill in all of the details. Some apps have the technology in them to recognize every food there is, fill in nutrition information, and give a complete picture of foods eaten. Others just track calories and leave the rest up to the user. In either case, it is a lot easier for users to keep track of their progress when they know exactly how many calories they eat or burn. In addition to computerized gym equipment, there are other technical fitness gadgets available, including pedometers and heart monitors.These tools have made it effortless for individuals who wish to start a workout plan.

In addition to computerized gym equipment, there are other fitness gadgets available, including pedometers and heart monitors.These tools have made it effortless for individuals who wish to start a workout plan.

One of the challenges with computer-controlled workouts is figuring out if the user is truly getting a complete body workout. When hopping on an electrical treadmill, elliptical, or any electronic device, the movement is performed partially by the user and other by the machine. Manual equipment may seem pretty dinky because it works only when the legs or arms move it. By giving it some momentum and a steady rhythm going, it gets much easier. By moving the parts using manual force, more calories are being burned by the body alone.

Another challenge is that the fact still remains that users need the motivation to work out. Until that translates into how they see themselves when they stand in the mirror, that monitor might not be enough. No machine, app, or gadget can replace the human drive. In some cases, all of that tracking and monitoring could be annoying to some people which cause them to become disillusioned. They can misinterpret reading the data or track the wrong things.

It is no surprise that the fitness world is hopping aboard and benefiting from the growth of technology. It can either be an excuse for not being active or an aid in helping at becoming more active. Love or loathe it, the future of technology is here.

Val

 

 

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