Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 29, 2009
Anytime a new product comes out claiming to offer an alternative to high calorie, fattening, or high sugar foods, there are dissenters. Splenda is no different. While the manufacturer of the product states it is safe for consumption, one doesn’t have to look far for critics on the Internet. If you use a sugar substitute like Splenda, you are right to wonder, is Splenda healthy.
When questioning is Slenda healthy one must look at the alternative. While sugar in moderation isn’t bad, the majority of Americans don’t get it in moderation, they get it in excess. Sodas and sweets wreak havoc on the body and can upset the metabolic balance, making it harder to lose weight. Many people turn to alternatives like Splenda to sweeten foods when they are trying to watch their sugar intake.
The official website for Splenda offers a page discussing the question “is Splenda healthy.” According to them, the sites that criticize their product are wrought with bad science and unsubstantiated claims. They point out that because they are a food product, they must be safe for consumption as regulated by the FDA. They argue that the active ingredient Sucralose has been safely used in foods for 15 years.
According to Wikipedia, who addresses the is splenda healthy question, a person can take in quite a large quantity of Splenda daily before showing any negative effects. They say the average person can eat 75 packets of the sweetener on a daily basis without adverse effects.
One thing I want you to consider when researching “is Splenda healthy” is why you need it. If you are using it to bake in moderation it may be acceptable. But, if you are using to substitute a sugar addiction, perhaps dealing with those cravings should take priority over finding a good sugar substitute.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 29, 2009
When you purchase the P90X system, you get several things to ensure your success. One of the most sought after and crucial tools is the simple P90X calendar. Tracking your workouts and progress is an important part of sticking with a fitness program and the P90X calendar helps you do this. It’s a simple tool but one that can prove to be invaluable in your journey to fitness and a better looking body!
Keeping track of your progress and workouts is a great way to stay motivated. Whether you are doing P90X or not, tools like the P90X calendar are great to utilize when you have any fitness goals in mind. Something about having your fitness goals and workouts right in front of you brings about a sense of achievement that really propels your forward.
You can keep your P90X calendar anywhere really. But, if at all possible, consider hanging it somewhere you will see it throughout the day. Perhaps the back of your bathroom or bedroom door is a good option. This allows you to constantly be reminded of your goals and your progress with the P90X system.
The P90X calendar will help you through the next 90 days. And when you have completed the system it will be a great reminder of your achievement. When you begin the program you may doubt your ability to pull off 90 days of these intense workouts. Once you get going, however, your abilities will grow and your progress will show.
Looking back from week 4 to week 1 you will see amazing differences in your workouts and your body shape. Your muscles will begin to take shape as you burn off the fat that was covering them. You will find that you can continue to push yourself to get even more dramatic results using the P90X calendar to help motivate you and keep you on target with your goals.
If you have lost your P90X calendar or any of the guidebooks and are seeking our assistance in getting a replacement, read this post for directions.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 29, 2009
When working out with the P90X program you are likely to encounter the term “muscle confusion” quite frequently. This concept can be credited with much of the success of P90X. P90X works and works well largely due to the inclusion of muscle confusion. Trainer Tony Horton knew what he was doing when he designed the program and purposefully used muscle confusion as the cornerstone of the P90X system.
So, what is muscle confusion?
Muscle confusion is actually quite simple. To the point, it is keeping your muscles alert and consistently responding to physical activity by varying workouts and routines. If you were to do the same workout day in and day out, your body would eventually stop progressing. This is because it would become accustomed to those moves and it would cease to e as effective as it was in the beginning.
The P90X program utilizes muscle confusion by varying the order and frequency of the 12 workouts included in the program. Because there are so many different workouts with P90X, shaking things up isn’t that hard.
By changing the frequency of certain routines or changing the order from week to week, your body doesn’t quite know what to expect. It doesn’t anticipate the workouts or become accustomed to the same old thing day after day.
If you have ever started a fitness plan with gusto and motivation, you likely saw some results if you stuck with it for any significant amount of time. As time went on, however, your results probably slowed down and may have even stopped. This is called a plateau in the fitness world, and nothing can be more frustrating. P90X’s utilization of muscle confusion prevents plateaus and ensures continual progression.
If you work the P90X program, p90X will work for you. Truly giving each workout your all and dedicating yourself to the process of muscle confusion will ensure you get maximum results.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 27, 2009
P90X includes 12 unique workouts designed to help you create the body you have always dreamed of. The P90X workout videos were created with major results in mind. Using the technology of muscle confusion, P90X makes the most of each workout, ensuring your body does not get accustomed to the moves and continually progresses.
The P90X workout videos are a combination of cardio routines and strength building. There is also a X Stretch DVD to keep the body limber. Each routine pushes you to your limits, in order to ensure you get maximum benefits.
With the program, each of these P90X workout videos is designed to build muscle: Chest & Back, Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X, Core Synergistics, Legs & Back, Back & Biceps, and Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps. These muscle building P90X workout videos will tone and define your muscles, working to increase your metabolism and subsequently burn fat as well.
These are the P90X workout videos for cardio fitness: Cardio X, Plyometrics, Yoga X, and Kenpo X. working your heart and lungs is important in your overall health. These cardio workouts will improve your endurance and also burn calories. In addition, each of these workouts requires some strength building activity, working the muscles to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Many of these P90X workout videos pull double duty. Yoga X for example isn’t the calm stretching break people might think it will be. Instead you will be sweating and your heart will be racing as you push your body to hold poses for an extended period. The heart racing shows you it is giving your cardiovascular system a good workout while the poses force you to build strength and flexibility.
The P90X workouts are designed to work together. They are most effective when used in conjunction with the P90X workout calendar you received with your program. When used as recommended, you will be amazed at your results.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 25, 2009
Slim In 6 is one of the great Beachbody products we carry here at Extreme Body Workout. If you want to get slim in six weeks, this is the program for you. Using cardio workouts paired with light strength training, the Slim In Six program ensures you get the long and lean look you are after. This program is great for women who want to burn fat and sculpt their body. It is a fun solution and a great option to have in your home workout library.
Trainer Debbie Siebers hosts this workout program that has proven successful for so many people. She has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years but always been an athlete. At a young age she was active with gymnastics and cheerleading. Being able to eat whatever she wanted caught up with her when her activity level changed. Her decision to join a gym started the journey that led her into the fitness field and eventually to working with Beachbody in the creation of Slim in Six.
With three special workouts and a host of other benefits, the Slim In Six program is a great collection of fitness. The program includes Start It Up, a 25 minute routines designed to introduce you to the Slim Training moves and system. The Ramp It Up 48 minute workout maximizes your calorie burning and also builds lean muscle to improve your metabolism. The third workout, Burn It Up reshapes your body completely with this 60 minute Slim In Six workout.
In addition to the three main DVD’s, people who purchase the Slim In Six program get bonuses like a nutritional guide, motivational calendar, and online support. Lastly, you receive two bonus workouts and a diet plan to truly maximize your body transformation.
Slim In Six is a fast paced fitness system created to give people real progress through real effort. The result is a longer, leaner you, complete with subtle muscle definition, not bulk.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 24, 2009
Many people involved in fitness and training use heart rate monitors to ensure they are working at an appropriate level. You commonly see runners using the gadgets and you also see them used in some of the more strenuous workout programs like P90X. But how do heart rate monitors work?
Technically, the answer to “how do heart rate monitors work” involves electrical impulses that occur when the heart beats. These impulses are picked up by the small electronic monitors which turn the beats into a readable text.
Some heart rate monitors do far more than tell you your heart rate. For those that have advanced functions, the question, how do heart rate monitors work is far more complex. Without giving you complex mathematical equations, we can just say the heart rate monitors can use complicated equations to determine things like how many calories you are burning during a specific time period.
How do heart rate monitors work is a common question among curious fitness folk. While the features may vary from monitor to monitor, they all work off of the same basic principle. A small computer within the monitor is responsible for processing the electric impulses and translating them into something we can understand on the display.
Learning how do heart rate monitors work can help clue you in to their usefulness in a workout program. Your heart rate during exercise effects how many calories and how much fat you burn off. You will see Tony Horton, for example, continuously checking his heart rate monitor to ensure he is in a good fat burning zone during cardio routines.
Heart rate monitors are a great tool when interested in getting the most out of your workouts. They can help ensure you are working hard enough to get maximum results without overdoing it. For additional information about how do heart rate monitors work, be sure to click the “heart rate monitors” tag at the top of this article.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 23, 2009
One of the hardest things for many people attempting a fitness program is developing that program into a habit. It is extremely easy to put off your workouts until the day is over and you are too tired to workout. By setting up your daily workout schedules in advance, you may find it easier to stick with the program and make the maximum changes to your body.
Daily workout schedules should be base on several things. You need to look at the length of your workouts, how many times per week you want to work out, and of course, the time of day that works best for you.
Most workout programs suggest you workout 3-6 days per week. I personally err on the maximum with this, tending to workout 5-6 days per week. That way if something should come up, I still have plenty of workouts throughout the week to make up for it. Pick the number of workouts you want in your daily workout schedules and then decide which days you want off. This may seem backwards, but establishing in advance which day(s) you want to rest will give you something to look forward to.
Once you have determined which days you are working out, it’s time to establish the times for your daily workout schedules. Some of us are fine with waking up and working out. For others, it take enough energy to roll out of the bed. Morning workouts can be a great way to start a day, but they certainly aren’t for everyone. However, even some people who aren’t at their best in the morning, prefer a workout then just to get it out of the way.
For the first week or so you may have to play around with your daily workout schedules. Once you find a time that works best for you, stick with it. Make this fitness program a habit not a fluke. By maintaining strict dedication you will soon come to depend on your daily workout schedules to satisfy your daily anti stress and health needs.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 22, 2009
Kettlebells are all the rage right now. People are going out and buying these weighted balls like gangbusters. The unique looking fitness tools are not a new phenomenon, only new to the western world of exercise. In fact, kettlebells have been used for decades in weightlifting competitions and training around the world.
In the United States, common kettlebells are made with a soft plastic exterior, while traditional kettlebells maintain the classic iron cannon like appearance. The reason they are in demand is because people are convinced they work more muscles than traditional strength training. While lifting and moving with the kettlebells, everything from the arms and shoulders, through the core muscles are engaged.
Another reason kettlebells are appealing: they are relatively new to home fitness and mainstream training programs. The fitness world is plagued with gimmicks and fads. Kettlebells are likely very effective when used in a regular fitness program. They offer a new route to strength training and this unique approach is appealing.
Although kettlebells are unique and quite popular, we contend that resistance bands offer many of the same benefits in a more convenient package. As you would see from the P90X workouts or the Turbo Jam routines, resistance bands provide adjustable levels of resistance training that, like kettlebells, require you to engage muscles throughout the entire range of motion.
The major difference between kettlebells and resistance bands, however, is convenience. Similar to dumbbells, kettlebells take up a lot of room and are quite costly. While you may be able to get away with only owning a few pairs initially, as your strength grows so must your collection of equipment, causing you to continually spend in order to consistently make improvements.
Like dumbbells, kettllebells are far from portable. If you move to a new apartment, of course, moving your kettlebells isn’t a big deal, relatively. However, if you are going on vacation or want to take your workouts on your next business trip, nothing beats the portability of resistance bands. Resistance bands easily fit in a suitcase and stash away in your home when not in use.
There is no question that kettlebells provide a good strength training workout. Weighing your options and the benefits of each type of resistance training requires that you not get caught up in the hype. Resistance bands can also give you an excellent workout at a fraction of the price and with much more convenience.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 20, 2009
Have you ever had a workout buddy or had a friend who liked getting fit? The camaraderie is strong among people with similar goals. When you talk about something you are excited about with other people, it gets you more motivated and focused. Online communities are able to deliver the same sort of support. A P90X forum unites people with similar goals to share their experiences with the P90X workout system.
Although there is no P90X forum here at ExtremeBody Workout we do offer a highly informative blog where staff and users can contribute. We know what that kind of support can do for your resolve. Comparing notes and experiences encourages excitement and motivation. Sharing your personal struggles with the system also invites words on encouragement from other community members.
Most online communities, including a P90X forum are created when someone wants to bring together people of common interests. All the people in a P90X forum have joined because they are currently doing the program, have completed the program, or want more information about the program. These community members are interested in communicating with other P90Xers.
When using a P90X forum, however, remember that most of the people are regular people like you. They may have completed the P90X program and have great information about what worked and didn’t work for them. But, the majority of them aren’t trainers or fitness experts. Use the community as a place to share ideas but don’t seek out professional advice there.
A good P90X forum should offer a before and after thread letting people post photos and stats of their progress. These threads are extremely motivating, even if you aren’t doing the P90X program. The P90X system is extreme and will deliver extreme results to those who follow it correctly.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 20, 2009
You have come to the right place. The abdominal muscles are a symbol of health and pure sexiness. Despite the preoccupation the world has with six pack abs, many of us dread the typical ab workouts. There are only so many variations on the crunch that you can do before you lose your mind and your motivation. Ab workout dancing offers a new way to get an ab session in without crunches. Save your backache for another day, ab workout dancing is here.
Hip Hop Abs is ab workout dancing at its best. Hip music and great choreography allow you to burn fat and tone up your midsection without the boredom of crunches. You don’t have to lay down for this ab workout. As a matter of fact Hip Hop Abs won’t have you on the floor at all.
Music and dance are two things that can really make a workout fun. Ab workout dancing is as fun as it is physically rewarding. Shaun T knows a thing or two about ripped abs and dancing. He combines his knowledge to ensure you get a fun and fat burning workout at the same time.
Absolute Engagement is what Shaun T calls the simultaneous contraction of the abdominal muscles while doing the ab workout dancing moves. By contracting the ab muscles while tilting the pelvis, you get a great flex that engages the entire core.
The bottom line is that Hip Hop Abs is fun and effective. Not many workout programs manage to pair both of these characteristics with great music and additional weight loss tools. Hip Hop Abs offers ab workout dancing in a simple and fun method.
Not a dancer? Don’t worry. Shaun T can easily get you doing these easy moves and having a blast. Plus, that’s why we work out at home: So no one can see us! Don’t be self conscious; just do your best and relish in the results.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 18, 2009
Things get misplaced, they get borrowed and never returned, they get thrown away, and sometimes things (like socks) vanish into thin air. We know that many people have the P90X system but are missing their P90X Nutrition Guide or P90X Fitness Guide. While we can’t help everyone who has this problem, we may be able to help you. Read on…
If you have lost your P90X materials, whether your P90X workout sheets, P90X calendar, P90X Nutrition Guide, or P90X Fitness guide, you are missing out on a big part of the P90X plan. These materials are what make the plan work exceptionally well. Of course, you can do the workouts and see results. But, when you have the tools that come with the program you will see the best and most extreme results.
If you ordered your P90X from us here at ExtremeBody Workout, we can help.
You will need your transaction id OR order number in order to get replacement materials. Once you locate this number please contact customer service.
We know that we aren’t the only place selling the P90X program. Unfortunately, if you are missing any of the materials but didn’t purchase your product here, we cannot help you. Our advice would be to get in touch with Beachbody or the affiliate you purchased the product from.
We know it must be frustrating to have the P90X workouts but not the P90X Fitness Guide or P90X calendar. Get your order number together and contact customer service so that we can make arrangements. The P90X Nutrition Guide and related materials are crucial in ensuring you get maximum results.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 17, 2009
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fats. They are found in fish, walnuts, flax seeds, and in smaller amounts in some vegetables. Most often, people are finding they get the easiest Omega 3’s in supplement form. There are high quality Omega 3 supplements on the market but consumers are smart to question if these supplements have any Omega 3 side effects to be concerned about.
Supplements are not tightly regulated. This means that dieters and nutritionally conscious people should inform themselves and investigate their supplements thoroughly. Most supplements have side effects just like prescription drugs. Luckily, the majority of them are rare and quite minor. Omega 3 side effects fall into this category. Either they are very rare or not that serious.
One of the most common Omega 3 side effects comes from taking fish oil supplements. This side effect is one of the few which is somewhat common though not very bad. Occasionally with some fish oil supplements you will experience a fishy aftertaste or have belches with a fishy flavor. Sounds gross right? Luckily you can find Omega 3 supplements with minimal fish flavor.
This article from WebMD outlines some of the Omega 3 side effects. It states Omega 3 side effects can include fishy taste, upset stomach, loose stools, and nausea.
Higher doses of Omega 3 supplements can result in more serious effects like an increase in bleeding. This far more scientific paper from the American Academy of Family Physicians on Omega 3 fatty acids details states that there are no documented cases of increased bleeding with the use of fish oil supplements, however.
Omega 3 side effects are typically a minor concern. For this reason, if you have any questions about the effects a supplement you should discuss those concerns with your physician. Becoming informed about side effects and indications of supplements is a healthy practice and one that more consumers should embrace.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 17, 2009
When you first take a look at the variety in P 90X routines, it may seem a bit overwhelming. You may question your ability to do all of them, your resolve to stick with the program, and your body’s strength to stand up to what you are asking of it. I am here to tell you, be confident. The P90X system is one that was created to push you, yes, but it was also created to do it safely.
With the P 90X routines you will find that Tony Horton gives you the workout you need to see serious progress. 90X is an intense workout system. For the results you see in the before and after photos of the program’s success stories, you will have to work hard. Big rewards come to those willing to put forth the effort though.
The P 90X routines will surprise you. Whether you are an old pro when it comes to fitness or a brand new beginner, you will find workout moves and techniques you have never seen before. Trying Kenpo, Yoga, and Plyometrics offer three unique and very different approaches that not many people have tried. P 90X routines challenge your body to push past what it is used to and exercise it has grown accustomed to.
With the P 90X routines you will find yourself working hard consistently, day after day. Your body will not have a chance to recover as you move from muscle group to muscle group. While your arms and shoulders are resting, you will be working your back and legs. While they are attempting a break you may be doing Core Synergistics. The key with the P 90X routines is to keep your body on its toes, alert and constantly responding to something new. This concept is called muscle confusion and part of the reason that P90X is so successful.
Don’t be discouraged the first time you do each of the P 90X routines. Remember, these workouts are hard for a reason. It will take time but you will actually learn to enjoy these workouts as you become stronger and begin to see major changes in your body.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 16, 2009
Why is eating healthy important? Sounds like a ridiculous question huh? You would be absolutely astounded at how many people search the Internet for an answer to this question on a daily basis. More than likely the people who are looking for the answer know on some level that eating healthy keeps them fit, it keeps their body running efficiently and it helps them live longer. They may be looking for a scientific answer or simply a reinforcement of what they already know.
When people ask a question like why is eating healthy important, they are likely looking for more than a textbook answer. Many times when we dance between trying to be healthy and slipping back into unhealthy habits, we look for justification. We play games with our minds and hope maybe we will discover that we don’t have to eat healthy or maybe we will find a recent scientific study stating that pizza is the new superfood.
Newsflash: it’s not going to happen. Eating healthy is important for weight management, disease prevention, and long life. In order to look good and feel good, we have to give our bodies the right fuel. So, why is eating healthy important?
It’s important for all of the reasons you have ever learned it is. You have to eat healthy to grow big and strong! You have to eat healthy to fight off disease and infection. You have got to give your body good fuel if you expect good performance from it. Eating healthy is important if you want to fit in your clothes, look good in a bathing suit, and simply feel comfortable in your own skin.
If someone were to ask me “why is eating healthy important?” my first reaction would be to wonder what their true motivations were. You don’t need to be a doctor to realize that eating healthy feels better. You don’t have to be a fitness whiz to know that it is important for a multitude of reasons and if you are searching the web for “why is eating healthy important?” just know that your mother was right and please eat your vegetables.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 14, 2009
Using meal replacement shakes for weight loss is nothing new. In the 80s there was a boom in shake diet popularity as everyone was drinking their calories rather than chewing. Meal replacement diets have changed and so have the way they are being used. No longer are meal replacement dieters having to struggle between “meals” and spending their entire weight loss journey in a state of extreme hunger.
Now, using meal replacement shakes is quite simple and convenient. They make a dependable weight loss option for people with busy schedules or people who simply don’t care to cook.
Meal replacement shakes can be used flexibly. If breakfast is hard for you to eat in the morning, drink a shake instead. Have a snack in the mid morning and follow that with a lunch of fruit and a shake. Don’t be afraid to eat if you are hungry between shakes as starving yourself will certainly backfire. Using meal replacement shakes for weight loss doesn’t have to involve starvation.
Using meal replacement shakes for weight loss is the optimal solution for busy people. A shake on the morning commute provides a start to your day, getting your metabolism up and running. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and no one said you have to chew to make it work.
Don’t make the mistake of eating too little when using meal replacement shakes for weight loss. Healthy snacks and additions to your shakes will make the diet sustainable. Adding a piece of fruit or a half of a sandwich will ensure that your lunch lasts you until a mid-afternoon snack is in order.
The P90X meal replacement shakes offer a great way to lose weight whether you are using the P90X system or not. They provide a good source of nutrition in two great tasting varieties. Gone are the days of shake-starvation diets. Now you can successfully lose weight with meal replacement shakes and feel good doing it.
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