May
30
Malibu Pilates Chair Guide
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The Malibu Pilates Chair is one of the newest models of Pilates machines. Like most other pieces of exercise equipment, the MPC is being marketed chiefly to the weight loss crowd. And with good reason. While most people think about technology as a way to do less and get more done, it has also brought us things like this excellent Pilates machine. And this is a good thing because losing weight isn’t just about hard work, it is also about using a particular strategy to get what you need to do done.
If you compare this device to the Pilates Reformer, the king of the exercise machine universe, you’ll find the Malibu Pilates Chair is so compact and easy to use. It’s lightweight and folds right up when not in use. And like the Reformer it gives you a whole body workout but at a fraction of the cost. Book this one at about three hundred and fifty clams, it is very cost effective. A PR is going to set you back 2-3 thousand dollars. The savings are obvious.
If you are looking for an entry point into the Pilates machine world, the Chair is a great one. As a novice, start out a little slower. Don’t worry you’ll soon be sweating with the best of them. And like I mentioned, it won’t take up too much room.
The thing about using a device like the Malibu chair is that you are the one doing the work that the chair makes so easy for you. It’s designed to offer you ease of use and before long you will see the pounds of fat literally melting off your body before your very eyes.
I still remember my fat guy days. These Pilates machines were not so readily available to the common person. I had to spend hour upon grueling hour in the health club with all the gym rats and muscle heads. If I had one of these babies I could have been able to lose 20 pounds in 30 days…no problem.
So as not to sounds too rosy about it let me just say that it does have minor drawbacks. Even though it comes with a 20 minute workout on the free DVD (I prefer the Total Dream Body Sculpting workout for a full hour, but that’s just me. It’s also included on the DVD), and a free wall chart and custom diet plan. It doesn’t offer the complete range of motion that a studio model offers. But hey, that’s why the price is so low.
May
29
Massage Treatments for Increasing Your Health and Wellbeing
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If you ask most people about their health being a priority, then will definitely say yes. However, if you observe their behavior, then you notice that their actions do not always match up to their words. It is kind of like New Year’s resolutions. We make them and break them in a few days within the New Year. I think we like to think that we are in control, but then we must somehow lack the discipline to sustain the necessary action. We know that we are under more stress, yet we are not finding ways to relieve this stress. One very effective means is getting massage therapy from your own massage chair.
The stress we encounter at home or at work causes a build up of chemical reactions in our body and we need a consistent method to counteract this affect. Massage therapy in general is very effective and massage chair specifically can give you consistent access to this health treatment.
Most people think a massage being delivered by a masseuse, but massage chairs are an effective means to receive a full body massage. They can massage you from your head to your toes. They are very effective in helping to release out the build up of toxins in the body.
There are a whole range of benefits from receiving massage therapy. There are numerous studies that show massage therapy to improve your range of motion of joints, relax your muscles, remove toxins from the muscle tissue, increases blood and lymph flow and increase awareness. The one caveat is that massage therapy must be received on a periodic basis. Just like diet and exercise, you need to perform this with a regular frequency to really get the benefits.
Massage chairs bring you unprecedented convenience and time savings. For massage therapy to be effectively, you must get massages on some regular basis. People simply do not take the time, even though they should. A massage chair provide in home convenience and 24/7 access. It also massages the body in parallel which saves you time. You can receive a whole body massage in a matter of minutes rather then a full hour with a masseuse.
We will be the first to admit that getting a massage from human hands is definitely the best method. There is just something special about the touch of a human that has no comparison. But then again, getting this on a regular basis is where the real benefit is obtained.
A massage chair is an excellent time saver. You get a massage in parallel with a massage chair. A masseuse works your body over one part at a time. The massage chair can massage your back while it massages your legs, buttocks, feet and calves. All the parts of the chair are working and the total time is significantly reduced.
The second biggest obstacle to receiving regular massage therapy is the expense. Seeing a massage therapist on a regular basis is not cheap. In fact, in time it is expensive. A one hour session runs about $50 per hour plus tip. A massage chair on the other hand is much cheaper over time. A $3,000 massage chair has a minimum of 1,000 hours of life and many have 2,000 hours. If we use the 1,000 hours, then an hour of massage therapy is $3 per hour. No tip required. This is a huge economic advantage.
So is our health a priority? Do not just pay it lip service. It is your life. Are you just making another New Year’s resolution that lasts for a few days or are you going to take care of yourself. Take a first step and get a routine of massage therapy going. How hard could it be to come home, take a seat and get a nice, soothing massage? You are probably already to start to relax just thinking about it. Take the next step and check out some massage chair recliners and start to counterbalance your stress.
May
29
Massage has been applied to relieve aching joints and muscles since ancient times. Massage therapy is a natural treatment to restore flexibility and reduce stiffness in the body. In fact, different parts of the world have developed distinct massage therapies with proprietary techniques. Many of these massage techniques have been effectively replicated in massage chairs. Massage chairs are able to deliver a variety of massage techniques and therapies.
Performance boost: Athletes have been using massage therapy to help them perform at their peak. Pre-event massages are performed to help augment flexibility and increase awareness. Massage therapy helps to increase the blood circulation and also lower blood pressure. Athletes are better able to concentrate as massage helps them to focus and improves their awareness. It also provides a healing therapy for the body from a focus on dieting and exercise.
Relief of tension and stress: When the body is under stress, the body becomes tense. The body’s natural reaction is to protect itself. Many times adrenaline is released into the body preparing it for action. The body requires a release of this energy. Massage therapy can help with reducing the stiffness of the muscles. Massage is important to relax the mind so the body is also relaxed. Stress and tension are more frequent occurrences in our lives these days. It is important to get periodic treatment to release these tensions.
Injury prevention: Preventing injuries is a tricky business. Sometimes, things just. However, the body can be better prepared to minimize the occurrence of injuries. Many injuries occur because the joint or soft tissues are not sufficiently flexible. If the muscles are overly stiff then they become more brittle and susceptible to tears. Massage helps to restore the elasticity of the muscles and soft tissues. It also helps to flush toxins out of the body. Keeping your body in the best shape is your best bet to minimize injuries.
Body health: Massage therapy touches across many of the body’s systems. The circulatory system is enhanced with greater blood flow. As massage is received, and/or friends are released in to the body which are its natural pain killers. This helps to relax the muscle groups in the body. The breathing rate when receiving a massage decreases which helps to kick in the healing process. The massage systematically penetrates through the muscle tissue reducing stiffness and increasing elasticity. The frequent massages helps to maintain the vitality of the body.
Psychological: The psychological benefits are the relief of tension, anxiety, stress and pain. The mind is free to relax which allows the body to also relax. Massage has been known to increase confidence levels by improving the overall well-being of the individual. The reduction of stress helps get the mind and body back and harmony. A positive outlook is usually the result of a good massage therapy session.
Massage chairs have many different massage treatment options. They provide many distinct and therapeutic massage programs. Massage chairs are great for focusing on particular trouble spots like the lower back or shoulders. New technologies are always being integrated. Massage recliners come with heating elements and even traction systems. They can provide a number of treatments simultaneously. However, best of all, you don’t need an appointment and it is always available for you.
May
28
Health professionals are always telling us that we need to maintain physical activity in order to remain healthy. For many people, activities like walking and jogging are not considered a fun way to keep fit. For these individuals, engaging in sport activities is a much more enjoyable way to exercise. Outdoor sports activities have always been a popular and healthy way of keeping fit. However, there are now many indoor sport activities that are not only fun, but help people achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Participating in sports activities can help promote a healthy body and mind. The exercise attained from these sport activities will promote healthy blood sugar levels, increase bone density, strengthen the heart and lungs, improve circulation, and much more. During bad weather days, many people choose not play sports because of the outdoor conditions. Now people can keep up with their recreational activities by playing indoor sports. All they have to do is pick the sport that they find the most appealing.
Various indoor sports include: Indoor Tennis and Racquetball: Many recreational facilities offer racquet ball and tennis. If this is your game, you know the value of a quality racquet. Playing indoors allows you to keep up with your game all year long.
Soccer and Volleyball: You can play these sports in your back yard or on a field, but there are indoor recreational facilities that provide these sports all year long.
Badminton: This sport can often be seen being played on beaches. Now you can play indoors during the winter season or on days when it seems like the rain will never end. All that you need is a racquet, shuttlecock, badminton net, and a person to play with you. To play badminton indoors, you will need sneakers with white soles so you don’t scuff up the floor.
Indoor Golf Range: Thanks to technology, there are now facilities that offer indoor golf. You just bring your clubs and golf balls to the facility. There is a screen displaying a golf range where you can simulate golfing on a real range.
Indoor Pools: Grab your swim trunks, goggles, and nose plug, and head to an indoor recreational pool. It is a fun way to get some exercise.
Bowling: Bowling is a fun sport for the entire family. There are also bowling teams one can join. The prices are very affordable. Some people do not like renting bowling shoes, but for the avid bowler, there are many appealing styles available for purchase.
Basketball: Almost every recreational facility has a basketball court. It is a great activity for friends who want to get together and have fun.
Darts: Darts can be played at home, at a recreational hall, or in a pub. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family. There are also dart competitions for the real dart enthusiast. All that you need is a dartboard and darts.
Hockey: You can chase your winter blues away by playing indoor hockey. There are many athletic shops that will supply you with all of the essential gear such as hockey sticks, helmets, skates and much more.
You don’t have to let stormy or cold days keep you from taking part in your favourite sport activities. There are many facilities that offer a variety of sports to keep you healthy. Combined with a healthy diet, playing both indoor and outdoor sports is a great way to get fit, socialize, reduce stress, and have fun.
May
27
How Nike Shoes Began
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Nike shoes come in a wide variety of styles and colors. They are worn by professional athletes as well as everyday folks who just want to make a fashion statement. You can find Nike sneakers at just about store that sells shoes. The famous Nike swoosh logo is probably one of the most recognized company logos of all time and is seen displayed around the world.
The famous Nike logo was created by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student studying at Portland State University in 1971. Nike co-founder, Phil Knight, wasn’t excited about the swoosh but nevertheless paid Davidson $35 for her creation. His reaction: “I don’t love it, but it will grow on me.” Apparently it did grow on Knight as well as the rest of the world. The Nike swoosh is probably one of the most recognized logos on the globe. In 1983 after Davidson retired from the company, some sources claim that Knight gave her a diamond ring engraved with the swoosh as well as an undisclosed amount of Nike stock.
Nike currently employs more than 30,000 people around the world and makes other sports apparel and equipment besides shoes. Recently the company has been under some scrutiny because of concerns associated with human rights and poor working conditions. It’s estimated that in 2008 the company made a net income of around $1.9 billion dollars.
The name Nike comes from the Greek goddess of victory, and like many other successful companies, had a humble beginning. Philip Knight was a track athlete at the University of Oregon and joined up with his coach, Bill Bowerman, in 1964 to sell shoes out of their cars at track meets. At that time they called themselves Blue Ribbon Sports.
Originally, the duo sold shoes developed by a Japanese manufacturer but ended their relationship with the company in 1971. In 1971 they developed their own line of footwear made especially for football and decided to call it Nike. Soon they introduced more lines of shoes. In 1978, they dropped the Blue Ribbon Sports name and by 1980, 50% of shoes sold in the United States carried the Nike brand.
The Nike company still has headquarters in Oregon and currently owns several subsidiaries including Umbro and Converse. At one time, Nike also owned Bauer Hockey and Starter.
Even though Nike has received a lot of bad press recently you can’t argue with the fact that the co-founders certainly put a lot of hard work into making the company the huge success that it is today. They certainly are entitled to every bit of the $1.9 billion dollars they earned last year. Nike continues to be a favorite among professional athletes, sport fans, and everybody else in between.
May
27
If you’ve been doing Pilates for any length of time, you’ve probably come across a couple of Pilates machines. There are a number of these pieces of equipment available on the market today. A Pilates machine, such as the Pilates Reformer, is an all in one, self contained Pilates workout.
Whether you are doing Winsor Pilates, Stott Pilates, Malibu Pilates or one of the many variations of these three similar systems, chances are that you have been introduced to one or even several of these excellent pieces of home exercise equipment. If you have ever thought about purchasing any of these Pilates machines, or even which to use at your local Pilates studio, read on.
Alright, let’s get down to it. Here is my review of the three best Pilates machines available on the internet today. I am going to review, for your benefit, the Pilates Reformer, the Malibu Pilates Chair, and the ever popular Pilates Power Gym.
So here is the first review…the Pilates Reformer, the big dog of Pilates machines.
Pilates Reformer
This legendary (alright I’m being a little facetious with this term) Pilates Reformer is the top of the line Pilates machine out there. It is the equipment of choice among most of the worlds Pilates teaching elite. Although the name certainly does sound like some ancient torture device straight out of the Spanish Inquisition (which, if you remember your Monty Python, no one expects), it is actually a state of the art and up to date exercise equipment model.
As most people know Pilates is a modern form of core strengthening exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early part of the last century. Mr. Pilates was a prisoner in an internment camp when he realized he needed to keep active in order to survive his outer conditions. At the heart of Joes system is the concept that the health of the whole of the body could be greatly improved by strengthening the core inner abdominal and postural muscles.
The Pilates Reformer allows you to sit in its carriage on a padded seat and pull and push yourself along the track using the patented pulley and spring system. This way you can build yourself up with a steady and progressive pace, increasing your workload with time.
The Pilates Power Gym
The Pilates Power Gym is a beautiful piece of Pilates equipment. Able to carry a person up to about 225 pounds it has comfortable foot straps and padded handles, just like the Reformer. Like other Pilates machines it allows you to adjust your gym to your own fitness level for core strength training. As well, it is only half the size of a normal Pilates machine and very lightweight so can be moved around with great ease and convenience. It is made with a sturdy carbon-steel frame that helps firm, tone, and sculpt calves, thighs, hips, abs, shoulders, arms, and back for a whole new you. Just think of what it will be like to look in the mirror and absolutely LOVE what you see!
Malibu Pilates Chair Review
As possibly the smallest, most compact (and at under $350, the most affordable) Pilates machine, the Malibu Pilates chair is the new guy on the market. Like every other piece of Pilates equipment it must actually be used to make it effective for your weight loss program. But the Malibu Pilates chair makes it easy for you to lose weight with the free wall chart and diet plan that is included with the initial purchase price. While it may be hard to believe that you can actually get a great workout while sitting on your butt, Im here to tell you that this thing offers you an unparalleled work out in only half the space youd normally use.
It doesn’t matter which of these superior machines you purchase, you’re going to feel great about losing all that weight and building up greater lean muscle mass.
May
25
The typical idea of a massage is spending the afternoon taking a good soak in a mud bath, feeling the sauna, and rejuvenating your skin with fresh peels and wraps. This definately sounds relaxing, but what can one do for sports activity? For sports enthusiasts and athletes there is a sports therapy massage. Athletes know how important it is to stretch and warm up muscles. Sports massages are used to help warm up and stretch out muscles and joints before physical sports activity. Don’t have time for a masseuse? How about a massage chair? Shiatsu massage chairs are can do a vast array of massage therapies for a variety of needs.
Athletes know the benefits of massage. Many athletes obtain sports massages to prepare their bodies for more strenuous exertion. These massages are more than just feeling good after the match. Today’s massage chair manufacturers are have many massage features specifically for both amateur and professional athletes.
Doctors have learned that a sports therapy massage for athletes before, during and after a game or match can limit injury and contribute to faster recovery when injuries do occur. This is because sports therapy massages loosen muscles increasing their flexibility while increasing circulation allowing them to metabolize fuel to enhance performance. This cuts down on sports-related injuries such as a pulled muscle, sprains and fractures. Other benefits for athletes are improved range of motion, increased bodily fluid flow, scar tissue break-down and endorphin releases.
Sports therapy massage for athletes is like nourishment for muscles. It increases circulation, cuts down on pain, and allows for quicker rehabilitation after an injury. Many of the high end massage chairs from Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo are incorporating more features aimed at helping athletes. These shiatsu massage chairs have many massage therapies ranging from Swedish, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Acupressure and Deep Tissue massage.
Is your passion tennis, golf, basketball, or softball? Then you know it is important to warm up and stretch your muscles prior to playing. Although professional athletes have trainers and masseuses available to them, what is available for a Weekend Warrior? How about a shiatsu massage chair? Need to warm up, try the Omega Montage Premier. The Montage Premier massage chair has a lower body traction function. Omega uses an air system to hold the feet in the footrest. The footrest then raises to a horizontal position. The footrest is then lowered to 3 positions. As the footrest lowers to each position, it stretches out and elongates your muscles from the hips down. Proper warm up and stretching can help increase performance and also reduce the chances of injury.
Sport Massage Therapy combines both the Swedish and Shiatsu techniques. Swedish techniques use long, flowing strokes which enhances circulation and the flow of blood. Shiatsu stimulates the acupressure points while applying a gentle squeezing action to particular areas of the body. Shiatsu relaxes the muscles and relieves tension. Massage chair recliners use these techniques for the upper body and use an air compression system for the lower body. The air compression system gently squeezes, holds and releases the muscles of the lower body. These shiatsu chairs contain many strategically placed airbags. The Panasonic EP-3222 massage recliner uses an incredible 33 airbags built into both the seat and footrest to perform lower body massages.
If you are looking for a great way to get ready before your strenuous activity, these chairs can be a very practical alternative to getting a professional masseuse. Even sports like golf, which do not seem too strenuous, actually put significant stress on the body. In golf, for example, one swings using the muscles on one side of the body in a singular direction. This causes you to over-utilize some muscle groups and under-utilize other muscle groups. How many golfers complain about bad backs? Too many to count! That simple swinging motion done repetitively can cause muscle and tendon damage if you do not warm up and warm down properly. An invigorating shiatsu massage before and after golf will make you feel better and might even take a couple strokes off your game.
A shiatsu massage chair provides a thorough sports massage therapy. Getting a proper warm up for your muscles increases their flexibility, relieves tension and increases blood flow. A massage chair can be an integral part of your warm up. However, massage chairs are certainly not cheap, but then again, neither is being injured. A proper warm up can help to avoid injury. Is all this warming up really worth it because shiatsu massage chairs are not cheap. How much is that worth? If a massage chair can help reduce the risk of injury and enhancing your performance, then its invaluable. Whether you are a Weekend Warrior or a Professional Athlete, your most valuable player must just be your shiatsu massage chair recliner.
May
24
Many people don’t realize the many health benefits of walking. They believe in order to get a good workout you have to run, go jogging, lift weights, or spend all day at the gym. However, studies have shown that walking provides many health benefits to any person wanting to get into better shape.
Unlike weightlifting and a lot of other sports, you don’t need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment to reap the health benefits associated with walking. A nice pair of walking shoes is all you really need. You could invest in a cheap treadmill if you don’t want to walk outside but this would be completely optional. Walking is good exercise for anyone wanting to get in shape, even if you need to lose 10 pounds or 100.
While managing your weight, going for daily walks can also lower your blood pressure and raise the level of good cholesterol in your blood. Physical activity makes the heart stronger so it can work more effectively. When the heart is strong it can pump more blood with less work. This puts less pressure on the arteries.
Walking is a good form of physical activity which helps to lower the amount of low-density lipoproteins in the bloodstream. This in turn increases the levels of good cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps to keep plaque buildup at bay which is a major cause of heart attacks in people of all ages. Walking could be the most powerful form of medication available and you don’t even need a prescription to take it.
Treadmills can offer a lot of convenience if you’re interested in starting a walking routine. You don’t have to leave the house and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive gym memberships. While they can take up a lot of space, treadmills make it a lot easier to commit to a schedule and stick with it.
Treadmills can also be more comfortable on your joints than walking or running on a hard concrete surface. In the long run this can make a big difference on your hips, knees, muscles, and feet. Walking is also easier on your body than running but even if you decide to take up running you can still use your treadmill. Simply adjust the settings to your new level of workout.
May
24
Fitness is on everyone’s mind today, especially with such components as the record numbers of adult-onset diabetes, record-breaking numbers of childhood and adolescent obesity, and an increased tendency toward a sedentary lifestyle; as a people, we need our exercise more than ever.
First of all, an exercise treadmill plan should include some fun, so you shouldn’t forget to keep it amusing. Some people read a magazine during their warm-up and cool-down periods, but have to focus on their physical action during the main part of their treadmill exercise plan. Magazines are one option, while television or music is another.
In spite of this fierce competition the treadmill exercise machine continues to hold sway and more so, especially in regards to climates that are extremely cold or bitter.
Treadmill exercise fitness is based on many benefits from basic treadmill exercise, and includes such components as a cardiovascular workout, muscle work and toning, and an overall workout of the body as whole in order to fight against the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. While some forms of exercise fitness address only one or two of these aspects, treadmill exercise fitness helps to address them all.
Exercising on a treadmill is a form of cardiovascular exercise, which means that the heart is getting a great workout while it works hard to pump oxygen to the muscles in order for them to work.
The monitor on the treadmill exercise machine also helps by keeping the user abreast with their heart rates, speed, and distance covered, as well as informing them of the calories they have burned and it thus forms an integral part of the treadmill exercise machine.
In the a expensive treadmill exercise machine, there may have functions that keep the user in sync with their heart rates and thus help them to avoid over exercising. Along with the standard treadmill exercise machine comes a host of accessories that make exercising and working out on them more of a pleasurable experience.
Another benefit of exercising on a treadmill is that it tones your muscles. Notice the phrase is not build muscles, but tone them. Exercisers who are looking to bulk up on muscle mass should not hope to achieve top-notch results from running on a treadmill.
A different effect comes from going from a sprint pace to a slow jog than the effect of going from a slow run to a hard jog. Again, each has its own benefits, and different people prefer different things, and as well will benefit differently from different types of exercise.
When making your official treadmill exercise plan, remember to make it interesting for you. Remember also to make it modifiable, but preferably only in an upwards direction.
For example, when the endorphins kick in, a moderate run can be replaced by a sprint, but a sprint can not be replaced by a moderate run. Challenge yourself and make it fun; these two combined will get you results and get you excited to get back on the treadmill on your next training day.
May
22
Some Benefits of Exercising on a Treadmill
Filed Under Running | Leave a Comment
There are two basic possibilities for exercising on a treadmill, which are to walk on it or to run or jog on it. Some will say that it is only truly beneficial if one runs or jogs on the treadmill, but this is simply not true, as in regards to what the benefit of treadmill exercise is, the answer is many things, and this refers to both running and walking on the treadmill.
A treadmill, as most people know, is a device that allows you to walk, jog, or run in place. Many people read a book while they walk, or place their treadmill in front of the television set and catch up on the news or their favorite soaps. Exercise on a treadmill almost feels like a guilty pleasure. How could something so easy actually be good for you?
Space-saving - this is the first and most obvious advantage that is offered by the folding treadmill, as since it can be folded into a smaller version, it is able to be stored in the closet, under the bed, or even behind the door for instance, and hence you will be able to conserve space in your home, as well as have the piece of machine out of sight while you are not using it.
The findings actually weren’t that much of a surprise, as fitness experts have been saying for years that walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Almost anyone can do it, too, from the most extreme twenty-something fitness junky to the sixty years plus homemaker. Even people who have health conditions that contradict other forms of exercise can usually walk at least for a few minutes a day.
Walking is considered to be excellent exercise as well, especially when done for a sustained period of time and when done regularly. Therefore, anybody can reap a benefit of treadmill exercise by setting it on a slow to moderate walk, even older people with limited mobility and pregnant women who are trying to keep healthy in a safe way.
If you have trouble with your joints, you can even purchase a treadmill with a thick deck to cushion them, so that there are no more worries about walking on hard or uneven surfaces.
If people have any complaint about exercise on a treadmill, it’s usually that they find it boring. This doesn’t have to be the case, however. You can customize your workout with special challenges. Some people lift dumbbells while they’re walking to strengthen both the upper and lower body, while others challenge themselves by increasing the speed or incline for a few minutes.
These measures of current activity and progress throughout ones session are incredibly beneficial, especially for those exercisers who want to know throughout their workout how hard they are working out and how much of a difference they are making to their bodies.