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.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 14, 2009
Anytime you are considering a workout program, it is a good idea to check out consumer reviews. People who have already started or even completed a fitness program are often the best resource to assist you in knowing what to expect. Reviews on P90X Plus are no different, offering you a glimpse into what the extreme program is all about.
Reviews on P90X Plus can be found on personal blogs and in online community forums. People who have used the product and dedicated themselves to the program most often have very positive things to say in their reviews. P90X Plus is an extreme workout system intended to give people major results.
When looking at reviews on P90X Plus it is important to remember that the program is created to be a step up from P90X. This means that the people using P90X Plus should be P90X graduates and already fairly fit. Negative reviews can result if someone simply isn’t ready for the challenging system. It is a tough workout program but the level of dedication you put into it will definitely be seen in the results you get from it.
P90X Plus is a serious workout system. This program is not for the faint of heart or for people who aren’t completely dedicated. Reviews on P90X Plus will likely reveal just how difficult the program is but they will also show that the results can be amazing.
People who are finishing up the P90X program should begin looking at review on P90X Plus soon so that they are prepared for the system when it comes time to transition.
Moving from P90X to P90X Plus is another exciting jump in your fitness level and one that should be made with enthusiasm. Reviews on P90X Plus will help you find that enthusiasm.
Posted by Elizabeth Renter on
June 12, 2009
In an effort to outfit your home with proper workout equipment, you may have considered a pull up bar. There are a few different choices including the high quality P90X chin up bar we carry here as well as tension mounted pull up bars and free standing pull up stations. How you choose which one is best for you should be done through thorough research. Not all home pull up bars are created equally and although we are slightly biased, we truly think ours is the best.
Free standing chin up stations are great home gym tools. However, if I had room for a free standing tower, I would also want a treadmill, weight machine, and fancy ab bench. Catch my drift? Towers take up a ton of room! Considering you are just looking for something to get your pull ups done on it hardly makes sense to buy a large bulky piece of equipment unless you are living like Daddy Warbucks.
Tension mounted pull up bars seem to be another common option. People like these because they seem easy enough to put up and they are typically pretty cheap. The thing is, with home pull up bars, you get what you pay for. You want something that is going to withstand your body weight repeatedly, day after day. A glorified tension rod simply doesn’t get my vote.
Tension mounted pull up bars are known to apply so much pressure to the door frame that they actually crack the wood. While this might not be a problem if you live in a castle and your door frames are stone, the majority of us might take issue with splitting our wood door frames.
Take a look around on the internet and see how many people complain that their tension bar simply let them down. Literally. A tension mounted pull up bar simply doesn’t seem to be as safe as one that is mounted with good old fashioned hardware. The last thing you want when trying to get fit is an injury to sideline your workouts.
In your search for a home pull up bar, do your own research. You will find that many people determine a tension mounted pull up bar to be a waste of time. Instead they wish they would have gone with a higher quality piece of equipment like the P90X chin up bar here at ExtremeBody Workout.
|