Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Say Goodbye to Stubble and Hello to a Perfect Shave By Linda Garrould

Linda Garrould

Introduction
It’s clear that a quick shave with an electric shaver followed by a splash of aftershave is not going help you look your best for work or leisure or indeed help you to stay looking young for long. To help I’ve put together a procedure that busy men can follow to get a perfect shave everyday. The great thing about this shaving procedure is, its quick and gives great results every time.


Step 1 - Make sure your face is clean before you start to shave.
Firstly, before shaving, your face should be clean so, this means cleansing. Most men prefer to use soap to wash their face. The skincare company’s have responded to this need with facial soap bars that won’t dry out your skin but will clean those pores which will help to prevent infection if you cut yourself while shaving. If you don’t have a separate facial soap then its best to wash your face with a little shaving soap and then rinse this off before you start your shave. Using a gentle exfoliating cream once a week is also a good way to remove dead skin cells and prepare the skin for shaving.


Ideally after cleaning, a face towel should be dampened in warm water, rung out and the applied to your face for 30 seconds before shaving, this will help soften and loosen the hair and skin. In the real World you won’t have time for this. You can save time by showering before you shave because the warm water, heat and steam will help relax your face before you start to shave.


Step 2 - Preparing your badger shaving brush for action.
Before you get into the shower, fill a shaving bowl with hot water and leave your badger shaving brush in the bowl. While you are showing, the badger hair in the brush will soften and absorb the hot water and this will help you get a better lather later.


When you get out of the shower empty the shaving bowl and use a good quality shaving soap to work up a good lather. Add a few drops of hot water from the tap to raise the temperature and loosen the lather if necessary. Use the brush to apply this rich lather to your face. Use the brush to raise the hairs and relax the skin before shaving.


Step 3 - Using you shaving razor.
Make sure that you’ve got a nice sharp razor blade. Men who switch from using quick mass-market shaving foams to using a quality shaving soap and a badger shaving brush often report that they notice that their razor blades stay sharp for longer. When you think about it this makes sense, because the beard is being made softer before shaving so the razor has less work to do.
Always shave in the direction of the beard to prevent soreness of the skin. Use short strokes and don’t apply too much pressure. After each stroke rinse the razor under the hot water tap to keep it fresh and clean.


When choosing a razor, throw out your cheap disposable razors and invest in a weighted razor that is compatible with the razor blades available in Chemists and Supermarkets. This again will provide a smoother shave and the razor itself will last for years. Edwin Jagger of Sheffield England has become the benchmark for quality craftsmanship in shaving razors and accessories, and their Diffusion range of razors Diffusion offer great value.


Step 4 - Shaving mirrors
You need a good mirror when shaving so that you can see what you’re doing. If you are ever lucky enough to be able to design a new bathroom, I highly recommend that you invest in a heater pad for your mirror. Your electrician will be able to stick the heater pad behind the mirror and then wire it so that when the light is on the mirror is warmed just enough that it won’t steam up.


Step 5 - Wash you face when you finish shaving.
Once you have finished shaving rinse you face first with plenty of warm water. This will remove any remaining soap and make sure your face is clean. Then rinse it again with cold water to close your pores – never rinse the soap off with cold water, as it will cause the pores to close quickly, trapping particles of soap.


Step 6 - Keeping you shaving kit in pristine condition.
Don’t forget to rinse your shaving brush, razor and shaving bowl. I recommend that you dry any metal parts on a towel to keep your shaving set in pristine condition. The shaving brush should be left out to dry naturally and preferably you’ll place it in a shaving stand with the bristles pointing downwards, so that water runs away from the handle. Don’t be tempted to skip this step – you need to keep your razor and brush clean to avoid a build up of bacteria that could then cause a skin infection.


Step 7 - Don't forget to use a moisturising lotion
Leave it a little while until you’re getting dressed and then apply a good quality moisturising lotion or cream depending upon your skin type. Do not apply aftershave to your face as the alcohol content will dry your skin and may even burn. You may need to try a few different moisturisers until you find the one that is perfect for your skin.


Step 8 - Staying organised when away from home for work or pleasure.
When travelling away from home overnight, I highly recommend that you obtain a hanging washbag (sometime known as a hanging toiletries bag). You can pack all your shaving kit into one of these bags and then hang it on the back of your hotel rooms bathroom door, to keep everything together and well organised. This will save you a lot of time when you need to pack everything up to checkout of your hotel in the morning.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=387261&ca=Wellness

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Train Like an Athlete By Sandra Prior

Sandra Prior

Use this high-powered workout to carve the lean and muscular body you've always wanted.


Some of the World's best conditioned men use this workout, but it was designed with you in mind. As a strength and conditioning coach, I work with guys of average strength and size every day. My job is to turn them into elite performers.


My workouts have helped hundreds of average athletes become high-performance athletes. By developing explosive speed, strength and power, these men also attain the chiseled look that comes with consistently pushing yourself. Use this plan to redefine your body and raise your game. The training is short, intense and, if you put in the effort, highly effective.


1. Clean Pull


Load a barbell and roll it to your shins. Squat down and grab the bar overhand (palms facing you). In one explosive motion, pull the bar off the floor, straighten your legs, rise onto your toes and shrug your shoulders. Then lower the bar to the floor.


Keep your arms straight as you shrug your shoulders.


2. Front Step-Up


Stand in front of a bench holding a barbell across the front of your shoulders. Place your right foot on the bench and push your body up until you're standing on the bench. Complete your reps on one leg before switching to the other leg and repeating.


Keep your elbows high and upper arms parallel to the floor.


3. Mixed-Grip Pull-Up


Grab a pull-up bar with a mixed grip (one palm facing you, the other facing away). Hang with your arms straight and brace your abs. Pull yourself up until your chin is over the bar. Then slowly lower yourself. Reverse your grips on the next set.


Space your hands about shoulder-width apart.


4. Reverse Grip Bench Press


Lie flat on a bench. Grab the barbell using an underhand grip (palms up) and hold it over your chest with straight arms. Pull your shoulder blades back and down. Lower the bar to the centre of your chest. Then push the bar back up.


Pull your elbows towards your body as you lower the bar.


5. Split Good Morning


Stand holding a barbell across the back of your shoulders. Place one heel on two weight plates just in front of you. With that leg straight and your back leg slightly bent, bend forwards. Return to the starting position. Do all your reps before switching sides.


Bend forwards as far as possible without rounding your back.


6. Push Jerk


Stand holding a barbell in front of your shoulders. Dip slightly and then in one motion straighten your legs and push the weight overhead. When your arms are almost fully extended, widen your base and bend your knees. Return to the starting position.


Hold the bar with an overhand grip (palms forward).


7. One-Arm Horizontal Pull-Up


Lie under a secure waist-high bar with your heels on the floor and grab the bar with one arm extended over the centre of your body. Pull up towards the bar, lower yourself and repeat with the other arm. Too hard? Bend your knees or use two hands.


Reach your free arm up towards the ceiling, as if punching up.


8. Plank with Weight Transfer


Assume the plank position with a light weight to the outside of your right elbow. Pick up the weight with your right hand and pass it to your left hand. Place the weight to your left. Move the weight back.


Brace your abs to keep your torso from rotating as you lift the weight.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=385368&ca=Wellness

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Why Avail of Weight Training Program

There are plenty of weight training routines which are available today. These routines are based on different exercises and techniques which are beneficial for different body types. These routines can be availed through various sources like websites, books, magazines and even personal trainers. One of the best ways to avail these weight training routines for free is through online options. Most of the website routines available here include options for different body types and their different goals. There are various aspects which should be considered before availing any of these routines.

Click to Get Best Effective Muscle Building System
One of the most important things to remember while availing the different types of weight training routines is your body type. Different people have different kinds of shape and structure and hence it is not possible for every individual to receive the same kind of body structure. For example, even men and women have different body types. Women usually have more delicate structures and their hormonal functions also do not permit the body to gain muscles as easily as men.

Men can gain muscles easily due to their body shapes and also due to the hormonal support through internal functions. There are some men who can gain body mass easily and also have good muscle growth. But there are some men who are typically leaner and thinner and for them building muscles and gaining mass is often a difficult process. For this they have to increase their calories intake, change their diet plans and various other supplements are also taken at times. The number of exercises and the kind of exercises done by them are also different.

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Similarly there are women of different shapes and sizes like some are heavier on the bottom and are called pear shaped, while the others are heavier on the top and are known as the apple shaped ones. The women who are pear shaped need to do more exercises like aerobics and cardio so that they can lose weight on their lower bodies while the apple shaped women have to do less of aerobics and more of weight training so that they can tone up their upper bodies.

Based on these factors the right exercise routine or weight training routine should be chosen. For those who are unsure about the advantages of these routines and their implementation, should opt for a personal trainer. The personal trainer is the apt guide for weight training, especially for those who are new to this form of exercise and are more prone to injury.

The right diet needs to be combined with these exercises so that the maximum impact can be gained. There are various tips provided along with these exercises that should be implemented along with these exercises so that the impact of these exercises can also be maximized. No weight training routine should be continued if you suffer from any kind of bodily injury because there are further risks of causing permanent damage on that spot. It is best to try out these workouts for a smaller period of time and then increase the intensity of the same gradually.

Save The Planet With Eco Friendly Yoga Mats

Eco friendly yoga mats are truly good yoga mat and many of us like to practice on it. These green mat standard ones are far better than those stinky, toxic, PVC-laden mats and strongly recommended by many pros.

Always keep four different categories in mind, when going for an ecologically friendly yoga mats : performance, sturdiness, cost, and smell.

Performance: Eco mats should not be soft or hard, greasy or sticky, coarse or smooth, but with medium thickness, medium toughness, and a touch sticky and barely rough. These qualities are great for practices like vinyasa flow and ashtanga.

Sturdiness: They are not as durable as the standard ones because they are made of natural materials. Typical mats are made from business strength plastics, they make them last long. So that's's a little bit of a concern.

Price: Eco-friendly mats are way more dear than typical mats. But they're worth their price, as they're quite good for the environment and for health too. It's not a good idea to respire fumes off plastic mats while exercising on a traditional one.

Odor: Eco mats have strong smell from the natural rubber, so robust at times that it might have an affect on your practice.

1. ( Tie for first place ) Manduka's and Barefoot Yoga Mats: These two are one of the best eco friendly mats. The eKO Mat by Manduka is quite durable and sticky, and firm too. It has all eco-benefits without any signs of smell. This mat incorporates a lifetime guarantee and a certification to back-up their zero-emissions claims.

Whereas, the first Eco Yoga Mat by Barefoot Yoga is made of natural rubber and jute fiber. It has a rough surface, which can be truly good for some people. It does not cause any pain, though. This is also highly sturdy and strong enough for the most active exercises. They are pricey but worth buying. There powerful smell does wear off over a period.

2. Lululemon's Mystical Yoga Mat: it has got a solid grip, and is quite important, heavy and sturdy. This mat is quite thinner too. It gives off flakes within first couple of months.

3. Jade Yoga's Harmony Pro Mat: It's quite sturdy. Only problem being it is an'open-cell' mat, which makes it a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. Sweat gets soaked up in it quite easily and it's actually tough to clean it. It stinks too.

4. Lotus Wear Rubber Mat: This is quite a thin mat made from rubber, which is a renewable resource. It is miles better than synthetic substances like TPE ( Thermal Plastic Elastomer ) or plastic. It's also recyclable and biodegrade over a significant period of time. It's also more durable than TPE ( Thermal Plastic Elastomer ) and lasts longer.

To Lose Stomach Fat

Want to know how to lose fat from your stomach without spending hours doing useless sit ups and crunches? Here I want to share with you some information about losing stomach fat the right and easy way. Actually you won't need more then 4-5 hours a week, maybe even less! So, let's get started.



Aerobic exercises like jogging, swimming or cycling are really fun and all you need is only 30 minutes workout 3-4 times a week. They will help you to burn calories and lose fat from your stomach very fast. It'll take only 2 hours per week - it's less then 20 minutes a day. Don't forget to take your MP3 player with you.

Weight lifting exercises - forget about doing exercises only for your abs. To lose fat from your stomach you need to follow a good training program. The formula is very simple - the more muscles you train, the more fat your body will burn. Don't forget to take very short brakes between the sets - one minute or less. This way the workout will be over in less than an hour.

5 Facts You MUST Understand if You Are Ever Going to Lose Your Belly Fat and Get Six

Diet plan - I just want to make it clear that you can lose fat without dieting, but it's much easier if you watch what you eat. There are probably hundreds of diet programs online but not all of them are effective and healthy. You can add to your nutrition foods which help to burn more calories and you should eat 6 little meals through the day to increase your metabolism.

To lose fat from your stomach you don't have to kill yourself in the gym, run 10 miles a day or starve your self with some 1000 calories diet. It's much easier then you think. I can't promise you hard abs in 3 weeks because I am not aware of your condition, but if you will follow a professional and already proven plan - you will see results very fast and improvement in 3-4 weeks guaranteed!

Fat From Stomach

Are you dreaming of having tight washboard abs? Well, if you think that it is tough to get that dream six-pack abs…you are absolutely right! It will not be an easy goal to achieve, but The Truth About Abs Ebook, also known as The Truth About Six Pack Abs>, has some tips to help you in the right direction.

The Truth About Abs ebook is primarily about simple ways to stay in fit and to get a trim, toned body. The manual highlights the need to find the right balance between training and diet that would push the body optimally. This book not only informs the reader about pitfalls, like emotional eating, but also shows how to lose weight and educates the reader on the different types of body fat, how they benefit the body (yes, fat isn’t all bad!) and the problems they could cause. It then also gives tips on how to achieve that six-pack that many people dream of, men and women alike.

Diet is also discussed at length – questions like what is the ‘right’ kind of food and healthy eating is a major discussion point. According to The Truth About Six Pack Abs manual, no amount of exercise can make a person healthy if this person does not pay attention to his or her diet, and the perfect fit and toned body is only achieved through a combination of right diet and exercise. It is therefore, imperative to consume healthy food; junk food must be avoided at all times. Diet aside, the book also talks about exercises that are especially effective for weight loss and tummy toning.

So what are these ‘truths’ that could help a person get that six-pack?

Firstly, exercises that target the abs build abdominal strength but does nothing to reduce the body or tummy fat. Also, exercising at different intensity levels is more effective for reducing body fat. For example, incline sprinting, or competitive sports like basketball are particularly effective, as evidenced by the superb physical shape such as athletes. Total body exercises that work on the largest muscle group, like lunges and squats are also the most effective. And of course, most importantly, exercise needs to be consistent, varied and challenging. To get the washboard that you’re dreaming of, challenge your body with creative exercise routines.

And last but not least, a good exercise regime needs to be complemented with the right diet. Remember, it is about getting the necessary nutrition and boosting your body metabolism, and not about starving yourself.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

What is the Hospital Stay For Lap Band Patients? By A. Nutt

A. Nutt

With lap band surgery becoming more and more of a standard treatment for obesity, people are starting to consider it as an alternative to failed diet and exercise plans. The procedure itself is far less risky and easier than the previously used gastric bypass surgery, which is still used in extreme cases, and has made it a possibility for many people to lose weight even when they have failed in all other attempts.


What Is Lap Band Surgery?
Basically, in this procedure a small incision is made and the band is inserted and fastened around the top part of the stomach. Later, when the port is healed, the doctor will inflate the band to squeeze off a part of the stomach, creating a little pouch at the top. The amount of food that will fit into this pouch is very little, usually just a few mouthfuls.


The band can be inflated more or deflated to provide just the right amount of pressure on the stomach for optimum weight loss for the patient. The procedure itself takes around an hour to perform and has become a simple process with the latest techniques and technology.


How Long Is the Hospital Stay?
Each patient is different, but the majority of patients will be able to leave the hospital 24 hours after the surgery. This is obviously dependent on whether or not the lap band was the only surgery performed, since some patients prefer to combine this with another surgery, such as a hernia repair. It will also depend on whether or not there are any complications. The most common problem is infection, which is always an issue with any operation. Another issue may be a latex intolerance, in which case the band would need to be removed.


After 24 hours, if the doctor feels that the lap band patient is recovering well, he will be discharged. While you can go home at this point, it`s not recommended that you drive, lift anything heavy or head back to work for at least another four to six days. Most people need to take at least a week off from work to recuperate from the surgery.


Recovery from Lap Band Surgery
For the first few days after your surgery, you`ll only be able to drink clear fluids, like juice or broth. Avoiding solid foods will let your system recover and give your body time to heal. Once you start eating again, it`s a good idea to begin with soft, bland foods to avoid potential irritations. Vomiting is to be avoided at all costs since it can stretch the pouch formed by the band and make the band less effective in the long run.


For anyone who has spent years struggling with their weight and all the health issues that come along with having to carry too many extra pounds, lap band surgery could be the answer. Less invasive than gastric bypass, it`s also a reversible option which appeals to many, and the hospital stay is short and easy as long as there are no complications.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=386677&ca=Wellness

Thursday, October 8, 2009

What is the Hospital Stay For Lap Band Patients? By A. Nutt

A. Nutt

With lap band surgery becoming more and more of a standard treatment for obesity, people are starting to consider it as an alternative to failed diet and exercise plans. The procedure itself is far less risky and easier than the previously used gastric bypass surgery, which is still used in extreme cases, and has made it a possibility for many people to lose weight even when they have failed in all other attempts.


What Is Lap Band Surgery?
Basically, in this procedure a small incision is made and the band is inserted and fastened around the top part of the stomach. Later, when the port is healed, the doctor will inflate the band to squeeze off a part of the stomach, creating a little pouch at the top. The amount of food that will fit into this pouch is very little, usually just a few mouthfuls.


The band can be inflated more or deflated to provide just the right amount of pressure on the stomach for optimum weight loss for the patient. The procedure itself takes around an hour to perform and has become a simple process with the latest techniques and technology.


How Long Is the Hospital Stay?
Each patient is different, but the majority of patients will be able to leave the hospital 24 hours after the surgery. This is obviously dependent on whether or not the lap band was the only surgery performed, since some patients prefer to combine this with another surgery, such as a hernia repair. It will also depend on whether or not there are any complications. The most common problem is infection, which is always an issue with any operation. Another issue may be a latex intolerance, in which case the band would need to be removed.


After 24 hours, if the doctor feels that the lap band patient is recovering well, he will be discharged. While you can go home at this point, it`s not recommended that you drive, lift anything heavy or head back to work for at least another four to six days. Most people need to take at least a week off from work to recuperate from the surgery.


Recovery from Lap Band Surgery
For the first few days after your surgery, you`ll only be able to drink clear fluids, like juice or broth. Avoiding solid foods will let your system recover and give your body time to heal. Once you start eating again, it`s a good idea to begin with soft, bland foods to avoid potential irritations. Vomiting is to be avoided at all costs since it can stretch the pouch formed by the band and make the band less effective in the long run.


For anyone who has spent years struggling with their weight and all the health issues that come along with having to carry too many extra pounds, lap band surgery could be the answer. Less invasive than gastric bypass, it`s also a reversible option which appeals to many, and the hospital stay is short and easy as long as there are no complications.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=386677&ca=Wellness