Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Competitive Bodybuilding: Historical Landmarks

By Courtney Hayes

"Strong Man Acts" moved to North America in the 1800's and are credited with inspiring what is known today as bodybuilding. In that day, a strongman meant someone who displayed his physical prowess, ordinarily as a circus stunt man. If you wanted to see a strongman performance, including bench pressing, steel bending and breaking iron chains, you would have to go to the circus. In the 19th century you could purchase pictures of many of the well known strongmen of the time, bodybuilding did not exist yet, however it did not stop them from flexing and posing for pictures. Today, the word "strongman" is associated with contestants in various contest of strength. (rock lifting, pulling or towing large trucks etc).

Using a combination of different exercises to develop physique and muscle fiber is what is referred to as bodybuilding. (mainly weight training) as well as diet plan. However, not every bodybuilder is in it for the competition. Points are assigned based on muscle tone, muscle mass and muscle definition as well as appearance by the judges of the spot.

The relatively new sport of competitive bodybuilding are presented below,the principal landmarks in the development of it.

* Even though there were a couple of weightlifting competitions in the very first Olympiad of the modern era in 1896, modern bodybuilding truly started with Eugene Sandow, a Prussian who came up with many of the current bodybuilding techniques in addition to many of the original bodybuilding machines for the public. (tension bands, machined dumbbells etc).

* On September 14, 1901, Sandow organized the first ever bodybuilding competition, the Great Competition, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Sandow's manager was Florenz Ziegfeld, and the 1936 Oscar winning film, The Great Ziegfeld, tells some of the story of the beginning of modern bodybuilding.

* During Sandow's time, the Grecian Ideal was a term used to describe the perfect physique as represented in the classical proportions of ancient Greek and Roman statues. During the early years of competitive bodybuilding, the participants were judged against these proportions to see how closely would they match them, and Sandow worked on his own physique accordingly.

* Sandow's counterpart in North America was a man named Bernarr Macfadden. Macfadden put forth a great deal of effort to increase his strength (he was not healthy during childhood), and began by offering fitness apparatus for sale. He also advocated women's physical fitness (this was considered a great new idea at the time). The first publication of his "Women's Physical Development" magazine arrived in 1900. It was renamed Beauty and Health shortly thereafter. Macfadden set up several healthatoriums (institutes that offered courses in physical fitness) throughout the eastern as well as midwestern parts of America.

* The first bodybuilding competition of this kind was put on by Macfadden on January 16, 1904 in the U.S at Madison Square Garden, New York City. Two of the terms used to describe it were Physique Contest and Physique competition (other than weight competitions, strength exhibitions or athletic feats) this was the main focus point of the show. Al Treloar, who was announced The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World, won. The notable Charles Adams in 1921 and 1922 acquired fame as did other several participants in later Macfadden bodybuilding competitions.

* The initial significant worldwide bodybuilding contest was the Mr. Universe competition, established in 1947, then the Mr. Olympian contest that was in 1965.

Muscle mass was added to the ideal bodybuilder aesthetic, between the years of 1940 and 1970, as well as the criteria of symmetry and definition of the muscles, this lead to this time period being called the Golden Age of Bodybuilding. The Second World War is credited with having influenced the trend toward bigger, stronger and more aggressive attitudes. Arnold Schwarzenegger played a bodybuilder in the 1977 film, Pumping Iron, this helped to bring bodybuilding into the public eye even more.

* Bodybuilding competitions for women began in the 1970s (however a small number of ladies had been participants in previous competitions put together by Macfadden in America)

* The International Olympic Committee granted provisional status to the sport of competitive bodybuilding in 1998 but has not yet approved it.

* With advancements in technology, bodybuilders are more massive today than they have ever been. Many competitors in today's bodybuilding competitions weigh over 250 pounds and have less than 5% body fat. - 17274

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Alternative Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By Michael Byrd

Do you often get tired? If you do, then you may be having a condition that is referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Based on the data provided by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there are more than a million of Americans who are suffering from this debilitating condition and around an estimate of 80% are not aware they have it. Could you be one of them?

Then maybe, you or somebody you know may be diagnosed of having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). If this is so, the best way to get rid of the problem is to use alternative therapies which are highly effective.

You cannot necessarily have CFS just because you get tired often. Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC director, explains that symptoms of profound exhaustion, problems with concentration and sleep can differentiate a simple case of exhaustion from CFS. Symptoms of pain in the joints and muscles, headaches, flu-like symptoms and sore throats and tender lymph nodes are also manifested.

Symptoms of CFS are also similar to other diseases that can cause fatigue, according to Dr. Gerberding. These diseases include Fibromyalgia, neurasthenia, chronic mononucleosis, encephalomyelitis and multiple chemical sensitivities. Poor nutrition can also be a factor for tiredness, as well as poor digestion, food allergies, obesity, tension, depression, sleep problems, drug abuse, alcohol and smoking.

No amount of rest can make a person who has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome feel much better. In fact, it can wear a person physically and mentally that it prevents them from performing their usual day to day activities. But a change in lifestyle and a diet rich in whole food nutrients helps in preventing and even reversing the symptoms of CFS.

Initially, a switch to a diet that is more wholesome, particularly one that includes a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains is advised. As a source of protein, cold water fish that is high in omega-3 oils and lean, free ranging poultry may be used. Adequate amounts of pure and clean water is also needed, while processed, salty and sweet foods need to be avoided. The diet should be restricted of sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea, sodas, and fruit drinks. If you happen to be a smoker, quit now.

Start looking for ways to make your life stress free and make sure you get adequate rest. It can also help if you begin to exercise regularly. Though it may seem to look impossible, but exercise can relieve you of stress and it plays a very important role in your alternative therapy. Take is slow. Do not be too hard on yourself. Gradually move up with patience in obtaining your goal.

There can be times when you have done your best, especially with your diet but you seem to be getting less from it. The CDC then recommends the use of supplements to get optimum dietary results. I highly recommend the use of natural, whole food nutritional supplements, like essential oils for a healthy body.

All this time, I have always witnessed how alternative treatments can work wonders for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia or just plain fatigue. Those who are able to follow the instructions to a T actually get superb results. They just felt so much better and are actually enjoying life more than ever and have said good-bye to chronic fatigue! - 17274

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How to Create the Best Weight Gainer for Your Needs

By Ricardo d Argence

It is known that buying weight gainers can become very expensive. If you are underweight and wanting to amass some weight, you can make your own. It is very important that you have a full understanding of the nutritional information and finding out exactly what you need to know so that you can gain the correct amount of weight.

You can buy weight gainers at nutrition or supplement shops. They usually have a picture of a bodybuilder or an arm full of muscle mass. Weight gainers serve the purpose of letting the person gain weight to achieve a level of muscle mass that is desirable.

Every person is different and should use an appropriate weight gain product. For example, a bodybuilder has the weight they want but they are working for more muscle mass to what they already have. If you are truly slender then you have to add some bulk to your physique first and then muscle definition.

If you want to save a bit of money and make your own weight gainer you can. It is easy to do and most likely best for your body type anyway. One of the most important things to consider is protein, some weight gainers have a higher quality protein than others and you want to get the best you can.

Isolate whey powder typically has the best ranking while plain whey powder ranks lower. Soy is even lower than the two. This is in terms of the quality of the protein. A very high quality protein you might consider adding to your weight gainer is Casein, this product is best for slowly digesting and not for rapid consumption.

You need to pay attention to the carbohydrate breakdown when you are planning your own weight gain regiment. The glycogen storage in your muscles will be best refilled if your carbohydrates primarily come from maltodextrin.

When you're using a weight gainer, you should never use one with a high amount of fructose or any kinds of sugar. It is important that the amount of sugar remains low as it can lead to fatigue and headache with the possiblility of jitters.

The best thing you can do as someone who wants to save money that needs to gain weight quickly is to make a weight gainer at home on your own. This is a really easy process you can do. You will need to mix the best quality protein with maltodextrin. These can be found at your local vitamin or supplement shop and even a grocery store. Raw oats are the best solution to mix with to make a shake, they are effective to provide for slow burning of the carbs so the shake lasts longer and you are adding more calories to the drink.

After working out is a great time to down your weight gaining shake. You can add more calories and have a higher fat intake. Your body will slowly digest the shake, hence you are able to get the nutrients to the muscles over a longer period of time. - 17274

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The Truth About Building Muscle - A Real Review

By Westy

Sean gives you quick and complete lessons in eating for mass gain and he provides you the information on why eating in the way he describes is critical to your goals. The chapter on "Critical Feeding Times" provides crucial lessons of the times when your muscles will require nutrition. It tells you exactly what to eat and when to eat to maximize your muscle growth. The supplement section educates you on those supplements that provide an advantage compared to others. He also states how these supplements can be best utilized to help you in your body building goal.

Rest and Recovery: This aspectis seldom highlighted. Sean has dedicated a whole chapter in his e-book on how to get the best rest, how to prevent and how to deal with injuries.The Truth About Building Muscle.

Sean is so thorough that he has thought of your every hurdle in your endeavor to achieve your body building goal. He has compiled a list of questions- that addresses all the questions that he has ever been asked. The Truth About Building MuscleThese questions will be found in his "Personal Trainer Database". All you need to do is insert your questions and you have your question answered from diet tips to muscle pain. Isn't this amazing? It must have taken him ages!

The main program is contained within the "26-Week Workout plan". It consists of printable log pages from each training day of each of the cycles of the program. Further, included is a full-motion video called "an exercise database" covering the program's suggested exercises. You will see Sean himself demonstrating the best technique for each exercise along with tips to get the biggest results from each of them. To get your motivation going, included is a "3 Month MGT Progress Tracker 6000 Membership". This software helps you many issues including: The Truth About Building Muscle

(1) information on how to track your body composition

(2) meal planning information

(3) your shopping list

(4) workout tracking

(5) tracking to help you to keep the program going

This is only the beginning of the program. You will receive a diet program that is good for twelve weeks of meal plans and will meet all the caloric requirements of anyone who is going through the program. You will be able to find out the correct amount of calories that you should be consuming daily and then use the meal plan that works for you. The inclusion of the lessons on video will also help you to stay focused on every step of the program.

For those who have a very busy schedule, you will get an extra e-book that lets you personalize the program to meet your needs. There are routines and information for those who are doing the exercises and the program in their home without the use of the usual equipment. "The Top 12 Bodybuilding Mistakes Revealed" will give you the chance to understand the mistakes before you make them without realizing it. This is some great advice for those who could potentially cause themselves injury from making these mistakes.

There is also a one hour video where you can view Sean going through a difficult workout. You will also have the ability to upgrade your program and get even more bonuses. Here are what you will receive with an upgraded program.

(1) Three months of personalized training from Sean through your email.

(2) A great cardio workout that will help you to burn fat quickly.

(3) The Bodybuilding Inner Game Ebook, highlighting the psychology that can make a massive difference to your bodybuilding success

(4) The entire program on Mp3 format so that you can take it with you when you are away from home.

(5) It also includes additional meal plans - vegetarian plan (12 weeks), and Low budget meal plans for if you're short on cash

The extra food plans range in calorie count from two thousand to six thousand calories.

There is a very sincere approach to this program that comes through in all of the different aspects of the program. You will see that Sean has a very enthusiastic approach and will offer you the very best of his program. It is very well thought out and organized so that you will be able to understand everything easily and quickly. You will receive all of the information that you need to get started including nutrition, training and how to recover from any injuries. The plan is a complete workout and program to give you everything that you will need. The determination and willingness is all on you. If you can commit to the program and follow the advice that is contained, you will receive the results that you are after. The Truth About Building Muscle will take you as far as you want to go, whether you are just starting out or looking for an intermediate workout. - 17274

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Weight Lifting Exercises For Your Shoulders

By Westy

The shoulder muscles have been known for centuries as being the icon of strength; from ancient Greek wrestlers to bodybuilders today. The shoulders are where you get noticed. There is a common theme amongst bodybuilders today and in Western society that the chest is developed much more than the shoulders. I personally don't think that's a great look. I mean, who want to have big boobs if you're a man anyway!

I know, muscle is muscle, and strength is strength. If you're not concerned with a great Greek god like physique, then stop reading now. I'm interested in a proportioned body, not just a massive strong one.

Increase the amount of exercises that you do for your shoulders to help your look be more proportioned and well balanced. The bench press is one exercise that will work on the shoulders and the chest in the same exercise, but it is primarily a chest exercise and should not be the only exercise that you do for this area. You will have to find exercises that are devoted to the work of the shoulder muscles.

Try the Military Press instead. Sometimes called the behind the neck press. It's the best comprehensive shoulder muscle exercise you will find and if you're looking for size, and strength you've got it all right here. It's similar to any other pressing exercise. You can use either dumbbells or a bar. Even the smith machine, but as stated in previous articles, you do not get the whole range of movement available and therefore do not develop the supporting muscles as easily. This can lead to injury so grab the free weights.

How to do a military press.

1. Take a seat on your favorite bench

2. Put the dumbbells on either side of your shoulders with your elbows in a position that is below the wrists.

3. Push the weight away from your shoulders up, but make sure that you do not lock the elbows.

4. Lower the weight back down to your shoulders and then repeat.

This is a very easy exercise to perform and you can build up the weight to increase your strength. Adding other exercises to your routine will give you a great all over upper body workout. The exercises are simple and will give you tremendous results. Using all encompassing exercises will help you to get muscle gain in all the areas of your upper body.

Use these tips for an even better workout of your shoulders.

You can perform the shoulder press standing up to give yourself some more stability during your workout. Start the workout by lifting the weight off the floor with a clean motion and bring it up to your shoulders. Do your shoulder presses and then bring the weight back to the floor. This is a more intensive version of the exercise and will increase the size of your shoulder muscles quickly. Cycle the exercises in a different way for eight weeks and change the exercises every eight weeks.

When you return to doing the shoulder press first, you will have increased the size of your upper body all over. This will also improve the strength that you will have to perform the exercises with each cycle. - 17274

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