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	<title>Ezine Plus Articles &#187; Fitness</title>
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	<link>http://www.ezineplus.com</link>
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	<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:09:12 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Play a Family Game Outdoors for Health and Happiness</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/play-a-family-game-outdoors-for-health-and-happiness/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/play-a-family-game-outdoors-for-health-and-happiness/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:53:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Mecham</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/play-a-family-game-outdoors-for-health-and-happiness/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to the experts there are two things which are a problem in our society.  First is that we're not getting enough exercise.  We spend too much time sitting around.  We sit on the couch, we sit in front of the TV, we sit in the car, we sit behind our desks.  We just do too much sitting.  Of course sometimes we just have to sit, but we need to do less of it.  Maybe we wouldn't all be so fat if we moved around a little more.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></p><div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Craig Mecham</div>
<p>According to the experts there are two things which are a problem in our society.  First is that we&#8217;re not getting enough exercise.  We spend too much time sitting around.  We sit on the couch, we sit in front of the TV, we sit in the car, we sit behind our desks.  We just do too much sitting.  Of course sometimes we just have to sit, but we need to do less of it.  Maybe we wouldn&#8217;t all be so fat if we moved around a little more.</p>
<p><span id="more-28451"></span></p>
<p>It seems that in our modern world, we just don&#8217;t move around like we used to.  We should spend more time running, jogging or even walking.  We should be taking more stairs and less escalators.  The American Cancer Society reported recently that people who don&#8217;t exercise are endangering their health just as much as people who smoke!  Not only that, but people who don&#8217;t exercise&#8211;even a small amount&#8211;are twice as likely to get heart disease as people who exercise.</p>
<p>Back in the early 60&#8217;s there were large numbers of people walking or jogging.  It was quite a fad to see how far you could walk in a day.  People would walk as much as 20, 25 or 30 miles in a day.  And the newspapers would write articles about it!  Even back then, our country was worried that we were sitting around and getting flabby.  No one expects us to walk 30 miles today, but it we be good if we did something simple like play an outdoor family game together.</p>
<p>The experts say that just a small amount of exercise is still helpful for our bodies.  Many people are taking advantage of outdoor family games to add some exercise to their routines.  The popularity of backyard games has increased dramatically over the past year or two.  There are many different types from which to choose and they&#8217;re an inexpensive way to have fun while exercising.</p>
<p>BlongoBall is one game that is becoming increasingly popular all across the nation.  It&#8217;s easy to set up and fun to play.  You don&#8217;t need any particular athletic ability so it&#8217;s suitable for all ages from grade schoolers to Grandpa and Grandma.</p>
<p>BlongoBall is played by tossing a bolo made from two golf balls at either end of a length of rope in such a way that it will wrap around the horizontal rungs of a &#8220;ladder&#8221; type goal.  It&#8217;s easy and fun and anyone can play.</p>
<p>There are many BlongoBall imitators in the &#8220;toss it, wrap it, score&#8221; game category.  BlongoBall is the original and our favorite.  We&#8217;ve tested most all of these types of games and our preference is for BlongoBall because it is the only one we think is built to last.  Some of the cheap imitations broke almost immediately, so be careful when buying a game if this type.</p>
<p>The second thing the experts are telling us is that we don&#8217;t spend enough time together as families.  Of course this is probably not going to make you lose weight, unless being with your family puts you off your dinner.  But an essential part of healthy psychology and parenting is to spend time together not just working and handling the chores involved with running a family, but doing fun things.</p>
<p>Outdoor family games are perfect answers to the question of what to do for family fun time.  Most families will enjoy a game like BlongoBall which is easy to learn and fun to play.  Parents of teenagers enjoy BlongoBall because it is interesting and exciting enough to entice the teenagers to participate without being so difficult that younger or even older family members will be discouraged.</p>
<p>One of the things that makes BlongoBall one of our favorite outdoor family games is that not only can you play it in groups, but you can talk and interact with each other while you&#8217;re playing.  Intense concentration is not required for effective play, but the game is still challenging enough to capture the interest of players of all ages and abilities.  And-the soft rubber ball sets are ideal for playing indoors.  This makes BlongoBall a year round favorite at many houses.</p>
<p>All in all, outdoor family games are a great idea not only for staying in shape physically, but for keeping your family in shape and emotionally healthy.</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>Craig Mecham is a marketing consultant during the work day and a father of six the rest of the time.  The Mecham family is an ideal test market for <a href='http://www.blongoball.com'>outdoor family games</a>.  Nothing is allowed to interfere with their <a href='http://www.blongoball.com'>BlongoBall</a> time!</div>
</div>
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		<title>Body Piercing Places And Body Art</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/body-piercing-places-and-body-art/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/body-piercing-places-and-body-art/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:29:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Steven McCarthy</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/body-piercing-places-and-body-art/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Body piercing places or springing up all over the place due to the acceptance of society of this ancient form of body art. Numerous people once they have been pierced are almost addicted to body art, and are always searching for a truly unique piece of body jewelry to display in a new part of their body.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Steven McCarthy</div>
<p>Body piercing places or springing up all over the place due to the acceptance of society of this ancient form of body art. Numerous people once they have been pierced are almost addicted to body art, and are always searching for a truly unique piece of body jewelry to display in a new part of their body.</p>
<p><span id="more-28383"></span></p>
<p>While some people are addicted to getting the biggest and best jewelry, some body art lovers become addicted to exotic body piercing. In reality, they are not much different, with the exception that if you remove your body piercing jewelry, you will need to replace it quickly in order to keep any holes from closing.</p>
<p>The next step, for the piercer is to distinctly mark the needle entry point and exit points of the piercing to be sure of a straight piercing. It is also important for correct placement. you don&#8217;t want someone trying to just eyeball it and get it in the area of where you wanted it.</p>
<p>A piercer might also engage the use of a pair of forceps to help pull the skin out and  maintain the accuracy of the piercing. This will also make sure that a sufficient amount of skin is grasped before a piercing is applied to the skin.  using forceps is a much more professional way to go when doing facial piercing&#8217;s.</p>
<p>Improper care of your exotic body piercing could cause infection, bleeding, and even potential nerve damage. A discussion with your professional body piercer will help you to understand how to clean your exotic body piercing to prevent this from happening.</p>
<p>Make sure that you choose your piercing specialist wisely. You can ask for references as well as look at the better business bureau in your area to know if these people are professional and legitimate.</p>
<p>After your piercer has created the hole in your skin, the forceps are detached and only the cannula remains in place. A piece of jewelry of implant grade quality or higher is fit into the instrument,and then slid through the opening while the cannula needle is withdrawn.</p>
<p>for many centuries Exotic body piercing has been around and has long been considered a real art form. When you are getting your own exotic body piercing you should enjoy it and have fun with it, as you are truly decorating your body with art. For more info on body piercing go to www.treatingskinproblems.com</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>Steven McCarthy has been studying body piercing&#8217;s for numerous years. If you want more information go to <a href="http://www.treatingskinproblems.com">www.treatingskinproblems.com</a> or subscribe to our RSS feed at <a href="http://www.treatingskinproblems.com/feed">body piercing&#8217;s</a></div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Diet and Fitness Software Pilates for Weight Loss</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/diet-and-fitness-software-pilates-for-weight-loss/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/diet-and-fitness-software-pilates-for-weight-loss/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:41:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lindelwa Maseko</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/diet-and-fitness-software-pilates-for-weight-loss/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many people nowadays are very much conscious about their own health and fitness. In addition to that, these people, and many others as well, are now having that desire to sculpt their bodies to achieve that magazine-cover look. As a result, gyms, health spas and other fitness centers have proliferated all over to cater to the needs of the fitness buffs and aficionados.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Lindelwa Maseko</div>
<p>Many people nowadays are very much conscious about their own health and fitness. In addition to that, these people, and many others as well, are now having that desire to sculpt their bodies to achieve that magazine-cover look. As a result, gyms, health spas and other fitness centers have proliferated all over to cater to the needs of the fitness buffs and aficionados.</p>
<p><span id="more-27811"></span></p>
<p>But then diet fitness is not all about losing fat, one must also consider his diet in order to keep fat away. Research shows that sustainable loss of weight can only be achieved on a diet which suits the individual food preferences, lifestyle, medical profile and satiety signals.</p>
<p>Low fat high curbs, high curbs low fat; the question is not which diet program will work out but which is it that will work for you. Striving for a sexy and healthy body does not have to burden an individual; diet fitness does not have to mean sticking to the same kind of food for life. One may even try to be adventurous and try out new foods out there. Who knows? one may even discover spinach interesting.</p>
<p>The Health Pointers for the Fitness Babes</p>
<p>Exercise is an essential in life. Most people will certainly nod their heads to this. Exercise is not only perfect for losing weight, it is also good for keeping a reasonable body weight, for giving a boost on the metabolic rate and also for burning those unwanted excess calories. Exercise also revs up the heart and the lungs&#8217; machinery making them more efficient in doing their natural functions.</p>
<p>It is best to focus on doing what one knows she can do than to reproach herself for having not done enough. She can start from this point and then progress on afterwards. This should make her feel successful for having kept her commitment to herself.</p>
<p>Have some sort of fitness social support. Being in a fitness community maybe the important element lacking in your training program. A social support can do amazing wonders and therefore should not be underestimated. It would be helpful to work out in a gym once in while if one customarily does her work outs at home. One can also try classes in activities that have always been interesting such as yoga, pilates or sailing perhaps. One can also join clubs such as a walking club or a running club for instance.</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'><a href="http://www.access-more-information.com/home-health-care-products.html">Health Fitness Industry Club</a> offers more reviews, check out this link: <a href="http://www.access-more-information.com/home-health-care-products.html">Home Health Care Products</a>.</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Improving Sports Recovery With Aromatherapy</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/improving-sports-recovery-with-aromatherapy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/improving-sports-recovery-with-aromatherapy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:45:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Teresa Hatcher</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/improving-sports-recovery-with-aromatherapy/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Essential oils have long played a roll in the health and fitness of athletes around the world - perhaps without them even knowing it! Sports massage for enhanced performance and recovery almost always includes massage blends including Eucalyptus, Wintergreen and Rosemary - essential oils that enhance circulation to the muscles and enhance recovery by clearing post-exercise lactic acid and other waste products. 'Tiger Balm' - a popular remedy for muscular aches and pains contains camphor, menthol (found in Peppermint), cajeput, mint and clove oils. Other blends can greatly speed healing time of injuries, getting one 'back in the game' as fast as possible. Here we'll have a look at some of the most popular means of enhancing the sporting life with the magic of essential oils.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Linda Stevens</div>
<p>Essential oils have long played a roll in the health and fitness of athletes around the world - perhaps without them even knowing it! Sports massage for enhanced performance and recovery almost always includes massage blends including Eucalyptus, Wintergreen and Rosemary - essential oils that enhance circulation to the muscles and enhance recovery by clearing post-exercise lactic acid and other waste products. &#8216;Tiger Balm&#8217; - a popular remedy for muscular aches and pains contains camphor, menthol (found in Peppermint), cajeput, mint and clove oils. Other blends can greatly speed healing time of injuries, getting one &#8216;back in the game&#8217; as fast as possible. Here we&#8217;ll have a look at some of the most popular means of enhancing the sporting life with the magic of essential oils.</p>
<p><span id="more-27553"></span></p>
<p>Essential oils can promote the health and fitness of athletes in many ways, the most common being the pre- and post- exercise (or competition) massage. Long used by top athletes around the world, sports massage with essential oils plays an important part in warming up the muscles before exertion and removing lactic acid (thereby speeding recovery) after a hard effort. Massage formulas often these essential oils - Eucalyptus, for invigoration, circulation and opening airways; Lavender, with anti-inflammatory effects, relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and brings mental calm without sedation; Rosemary relieves pain, stimulates the mind and body, and has a warming effect on the muscles; Juniper Berry, used in the post-exercise formula, detoxifies and helps eliminate lactic acid from muscles; and Sweet Marjoram which helps relieve cramping in over-exerted muscles.</p>
<p>For a pre-sports rub to loosen-up and warm the muscles, add 8 drops of Rosemary, 4 drops lavender and 4 drops Eucalyptus essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil (Grapeseed and/or Sweet Almond oils work well). Rub either just the legs or the entire body to help get you off to your best start. Post-exercise, use 8 drops Lavender, 4 drops Juniper Berry and 4 drops Sweet Marjoram. For an alternate post exercise rub for over-exerted muscles, use 8 drops Eucalyptus, 8 drops Peppermint and 8 drops Ginger essential oil for your blend. Recovery from competition or workouts can be greatly enhanced by the post-sport rub: the elimination of metabolic waste products and enhancing circulation (thereby bringing important electrolytes and other nutrients to the muscles faster) will have a noticeable effect on your ability to bounce back to top form. In all these blends, you may adjust the concentrations of essential oils to your liking - remembering that it is often the case that smaller amounts of oils will provide more relaxing effects, larger ones more stimulating.</p>
<p>Aromatherapy oils can be used during pre and post exercise baths and showers as well, using the same oils and blends mentioned above. Be sure to add any oils to the bathwater after the bath is drawn so they do not evaporate before you get in. Before showers, essential oils can be applied undiluted to the body; this is particularly advised post-exertion to support the elimination of metabolic wastes. One drop each of Rosemary, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Peppermint essential oils can be ideal for this purpose. After a shower or bath is an excellent time to apply a massage blend to the entire body - the pores are open and the skin is clean, enhancing absorption. Choose a stimulating or relaxing blend depending on your condition.</p>
<p>Sometimes the going gets a little more rough for all athletes; injuries such as sprains, strains and bruises are common in many sports. The most important prescription for any injury is rest, but most athletes, eager to maintain their hard-earned level of fitness, rarely heed this suggestion. Enter the healing support of essential oils. Many essential oils are powerful healers of skin, muscle and connective tissue. Several well-known oils have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and contain safe varieties of &#8216;ketones&#8217; which signal the regeneration of tissue. On top of that, there&#8217;s the stress-relieving &#8216;aromatherapy&#8217; aspect, which can further enhance the healing process in nearly all cases.</p>
<p>For treating common bruises, strains and sprains, the most important and effective essential oil is Helichrysum. This essential oil has an incredible synergy of properties for healing of injuries accompanied by inflammation - the molecules in its makeup are pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative. It has been noted by one author as &#8220;practically a wonder cure&#8221; when used for injuries so often incurred by athletes. Further, it is an excellent choice for overall health, wellness and fitness, as there are no known side effects which can occur with pharmaceutical preparations for pain and inflammation. To use Helichrysum, simply place a small amount of the oil on the bruised area, either undiluted, or for larger areas or frequent applications, dilute to 10 or 20% in a carrier oil such as Jojoba. Relief is often quick, and injuries that may have otherwise taken many days to heal have been significantly improved in only a day or two. A blend of Helichrysum and Jojoba can also be used for chronic injuries such as tendonitis - simply massage a small amount into the affected area a few times a day.</p>
<p>Athletes of all ages playing hard will often incur minor cuts and scrapes. Essential oils have a broad range of antibiotic effects, and can prevent infection while speeding wound healing. Tea Tree oil, an essential oil distilled from a plant long used by native Australians for its healing properties, is highly effective antimicrobial properties. Lavender essential oil, distilled from the plant&#8217;s flowering tops, is anti-inflammatory and regenerative. Together, they make a wonderful topical treatment for athletes of all ages. Blend the two oils together in equal parts and apply directly to cuts and scrapes after the wound has been properly cleansed. - if this is too strong a blend, simply apply a drop or two to the gauze portion of a band-aid and cover the wound for the same effect. The blend can be applied again whenever the dressing is changed. These essential oils are widely available in health food stores.</p>
<p>Beyond the obvious direct applications, the overall health and fitness of any athlete can be supported using essential oils. Athletes can be particularly susceptible to illness during hard periods of training and competition. Diffusing Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree and/or Lemon in the air can reduce the chance of illness. Niaouli is an excellent oil for supporting the immune system in general, and should be applied neat to the chest and neck after showers for best absorption and effect (use 10-20 drops). A strong immune system will always go a long way to keeping an athlete happy!</p>
<p>This is a brief overview of many common applications of aromatherapy for supporting the health, fitness and performance of any athlete. There are a great many essential oils available with similar properties that may work better for some individuals. Such is the nature of aromatherapy - if a particular aroma or oil is appealing, it will probably be helpful at that time; if the aroma is too intense or offensive, it may be over stimulating or otherwise incompatible with the body chemistry at that time. With a little research and experimentation, one can certainly find a place for the natural healing powers of essential oils in their sports and fitness program!</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using <a href="http://www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils/clary-sage-essential-oil.html">Clary Sage oil </a> and other <a href="http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html">organic essential oils</a>.</div>
</div>
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		<title>The Sole F85 Treadmill: A Folding Treadmill Rated a Best Buy</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/the-sole-f85-treadmill-a-folding-treadmill-rated-a-best-buy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/the-sole-f85-treadmill-a-folding-treadmill-rated-a-best-buy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:15:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Torri Tompson</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/the-sole-f85-treadmill-a-folding-treadmill-rated-a-best-buy/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been reading everywhere about the Sole F85. People love it and it is the number one selling machine at Sole Fitness. I had to check the treadmill out and find out what all the fuss was about.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Torri Tompson</div>
<p>I have been reading everywhere about the Sole F85. People love it and it is the number one selling machine at Sole Fitness. I had to check the treadmill out and find out what all the fuss was about.</p>
<p><span id="more-27368"></span></p>
<p>The first thing that I noticed about the Sole F85 was how it was constructed. It is a very unique and sturdy design. So sturdy that it will probably last years, if not a person&#8217;s lifetime. The unique construction of the treadmill enabled it to have some really cool bells and whistles added to it, too.</p>
<p>The large running area is one thing that really stands out about the Sole F85. It is ideal for people of any size. It will even accommodate people who weigh up to 400 pounds, tall people, or people who are really intense on a machine-like runners. The motor is a quiet, ultra smooth, powerful 3.5 continuous duty horsepower motor that can handle even the most intense pressure.</p>
<p>The shock absorption deck on the Sole F85 is really nice. The treadmill has a Cushion Flex deck that will let people walk or run longer because it takes the pressure off of the knees and joints. According to many consumer reviews, the deck absorbs the shock better than most treadmills they have used.</p>
<p>You can&#8217;t beat the stability of the Sole F85. It is a very sturdy treadmill and the frame alone weighs 280 pounds. Yet, most people report they can fold the machine with only one hand because of the treadmill&#8217;s easy assist folding feature.</p>
<p>Sole Fitness is always looking for ways to make their exercise equipment consumer friendly. The Sole F85 comes equipped with two cooling fans, along with speakers for your iPod or MP3 player. This machine makes treadmills that are only a few years old look and feel like antiques.</p>
<p>The Sole F85 treadmill has other features consumers will like too such as speed and incline controls on the arm rests, a lifetime warranty on the motor, deck and frame, and a five year warranty on parts. If you are in the market for a new folding treadmill, make sure the Sole F85 is at the top of your list.</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>Read the detailed review of the <a href="http://besttreadmillsonline.com/sole-treadmills/solef85treadmill/">sole f85 treadmill</a> here. You&#8217;ll also find full reviews and recommendations of the <a href="http://besttreadmillsonline.com/">best treadmills</a> available today to help you get fit and in shape without going broke!</div>
</div>
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		<title>Essential Oils for Athletic Recovery and Performance</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/essential-oils-for-athletic-recovery-and-performance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/essential-oils-for-athletic-recovery-and-performance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:17:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dale Meldon</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/essential-oils-for-athletic-recovery-and-performance/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Essential oils have long been used by athletic trainers and sports massage therapists to support the health and performance of their athletes. Aromatherapy massage is used both pre-and post workout and competition, to improve performance, speed recovery, and lessen chance of injury. Many ointments and lotions for sore muscles include essential oils and essential oil extracts (e.g. 'Tiger Balm', 'Ben Gay', etc). Modern medical aromatherapy literature describes the use of oils to even speed the healing of both chronic and acute injuries commonly seen in sport. Here is an overview of the many ways to use essential oils to keep any athlete interested in natural health and fitness performing their best.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Diane Reese</div>
<p>Essential oils have long been used by athletic trainers and sports massage therapists to support the health and performance of their athletes. Aromatherapy massage is used both pre-and post workout and competition, to improve performance, speed recovery, and lessen chance of injury. Many ointments and lotions for sore muscles include essential oils and essential oil extracts (e.g. &#8216;Tiger Balm&#8217;, &#8216;Ben Gay&#8217;, etc). Modern medical aromatherapy literature describes the use of oils to even speed the healing of both chronic and acute injuries commonly seen in sport. Here is an overview of the many ways to use essential oils to keep any athlete interested in natural health and fitness performing their best.</p>
<p><span id="more-27319"></span></p>
<p>Essential oils can promote the health and fitness of athletes in many ways, the most common being the pre- and post- exercise (or competition) massage. Long used by top athletes around the world, sports massage with essential oils plays an important part in warming up the muscles before exertion and removing lactic acid (thereby speeding recovery) after a hard effort. Massage formulas often these essential oils - Eucalyptus, for invigoration, circulation and opening airways; Lavender, with anti-inflammatory effects, relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and brings mental calm without sedation; Rosemary relieves pain, stimulates the mind and body, and has a warming effect on the muscles; Juniper Berry, used in the post-exercise formula, detoxifies and helps eliminate lactic acid from muscles; and Sweet Marjoram which helps relieve cramping in over-exerted muscles.</p>
<p>Example massage blends for pre- and post-exercise: For before exercise and competition, give a gentle rub to the entire body (or just the critical appendages, if so desired) with a blend containing eight drops of Rosemary, four drops Lavender and four drops of Eucalyptus oil  in each ounce of &#8216;base&#8217; oil (Sweet Almond oil is the most common of all oils used in massage). The massage should be vigorous enough to get the blood flowing but not so deep as to provoke pain in any way - generally, quick, light strokes are used. For the post-exercise rub, try a blend including eight drops of Lavender, four drops of Juniper Berry and four drops of Marjoram per ounce of base oil. Stronger, longer strokes are used, moving toward the heart or center of the body. The post-exercise rub can certainly be deeper, but care should be taken not to cause further inflammation in very sore or tight areas - work on these more deeply when the body has had a day or two to recover. Also, you can adjust the concentration of oils to suit your particular tastes and body&#8217;s response; in general, higher concentrations of essential oils will be stimulating, and lower ones will be relaxing.</p>
<p>Aromatherapy oils can be used during pre and post exercise baths and showers as well, using the same oils and blends mentioned above. Oils can be added directly to bathwater (after the bath is filled) where they will be well-absorbed over the entire body. Before showers, essential oils can be applied undiluted to the body; this is particularly advised post-exertion to support the elimination of metabolic wastes. Try one drop each of Rosemary, Lemon and Eucalyptus. A massage oil blend as described earlier should be used after a shower or bath when the pores are open. Choose a stimulating or relaxing mix depending on your needs.</p>
<p>Sometimes the going gets a little more rough for all athletes; injuries such as sprains, strains and bruises are common in many sports. The most important prescription for any injury is rest, but most athletes, eager to maintain their hard-earned level of fitness, rarely heed this suggestion. Enter the healing support of essential oils. Many essential oils are powerful healers of skin, muscle and connective tissue. Several well-known oils have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and contain safe varieties of &#8216;ketones&#8217; which signal the regeneration of tissue. On top of that, there&#8217;s the stress-relieving &#8216;aromatherapy&#8217; aspect, which can further enhance the healing process in nearly all cases.</p>
<p>To treat bruises and strains, there is no match for the synergistic molecules making up Helichrysum Italicum essential oil. Helichrysum Italicum (also known as Everlasting oil), as noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in &#8216;Advanced Aromatherapy&#8217; is &#8220;certainly one of the most astounding essential oils. Its very unique chemical composition along with the oil&#8217;s general ability to penetrate into tissue ad the circulatory system permit some spectacular treatments. Used for bruises, sprains, and twisted ankles - usually accompanied by swelling and subsequent hemorrhages - this oil proves to be practically a wonder cure.&#8221; The oil can be used &#8216;neat&#8217; (undiluted) when immediate relief is needed, and can be diluted for subsequent, repeated applications. The oil is rare, and somewhat expensive, though there is no substitute for its healing properties. Diluting the oil in a carrier such as jojoba to a 10% concentration will not reducing its healing effects, and may even extend the oil a bit with less of it evaporating into the air. Apply the oil or mixture frequently to the affected area, alternating with short applications of ice in the early stages if necessary.</p>
<p>Active athletes and fitness buffs will often incur minor cuts and abrasions. Essential oils are an excellent choice for caring for such wounds due to their antiseptic and soothing effects. A 50/50 blend of Tea Tree and Lavender is a wonderful, all-around skin healer. The Tea Tree prevents infection while the Lavender sooths the area. Apply directly to cuts and scrapes after the wound has been properly cleansed. If this is too strong a blend for the younger ones, simply apply a drop or two to the gauze portion of a band-aid and cover the wound for the same effect.  The ratio of Lavender to Tea Tree can also be increased for an even more soothing result.</p>
<p>Beyond the obvious direct applications, the overall health and fitness of any athlete can be supported using essential oils. Athletes can be particularly susceptible to illness during hard periods of training and competition. Diffusing Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree and/or Lemon in the air can reduce the chance of illness. Niaouli is an excellent oil for supporting the immune system in general, and should be applied neat to the chest and neck after showers for best absorption and effect (use 10-20 drops). A strong immune system will always go a long way to keeping an athlete happy!</p>
<p>These are just a few suggestions for incorporating essential oils into the life of the athlete to improve their health, fitness, and performance. There are many variations of the essential oils suggested - if one oil is found offensive, too stimulating, etc., try another, as this is usually the body&#8217;s natural way saying the timing of a particular oil is not right, or the oil is not compatible with the individual&#8217;s chemistry at the moment. Experimenting with essential oils can be extremely rewarding, and finding the right combination for support of sports performance can add a whole new dimension to one&#8217;s athletic endeavors.</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>The author is a natural health practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. She is a regular user of <a href="http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html">therapeutic aromatherapy</a> and consultant to aromatherapy creations at <a href="http://www.anandaapothecary.com">The Ananda Apothecary</a>.</div>
</div>
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		<title>Practical Aromatherapy: Learning Essential Oil Chemistry</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/practical-aromatherapy-learning-essential-oil-chemistry/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/practical-aromatherapy-learning-essential-oil-chemistry/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:59:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bethany Roberts</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/practical-aromatherapy-learning-essential-oil-chemistry/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chemistry?!? Are your eyes glazed over yet? It happens...yet if you're interested at all in the therapeutic use of essential oils, a little primer on their chemistry can be very useful. Not only will you better understand how and why essential oils work, but the great importance of using natural, high-quality oils - oils that are pure, properly distilled, AND smell nice - will be made clear. It's not just an aromatherapy sales pitch; essential oils with exceptional bouquets have different chemical make-ups than flat or otherwise uninteresting oils. The differences can significantly affect the healing potency of therapeutic applications for you, your family and/or your clients. Much of the time, you can discern the difference of therapeutic value between two oils just by their aroma - one needn't always have the proof of fancy, expensive machines to make an educated choice.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Gail Melon</div>
<p>Chemistry?!? Are your eyes glazed over yet? It happens&#8230;yet if you&#8217;re interested at all in the therapeutic use of essential oils, a little primer on their chemistry can be very useful. Not only will you better understand how and why essential oils work, but the great importance of using natural, high-quality oils - oils that are pure, properly distilled, AND smell nice - will be made clear. It&#8217;s not just an aromatherapy sales pitch; essential oils with exceptional bouquets have different chemical make-ups than flat or otherwise uninteresting oils. The differences can significantly affect the healing potency of therapeutic applications for you, your family and/or your clients. Much of the time, you can discern the difference of therapeutic value between two oils just by their aroma - one needn&#8217;t always have the proof of fancy, expensive machines to make an educated choice. </p>
<p><span id="more-27168"></span></p>
<p> So what is it that makes an essential oil different than every other oil we&#8217;re familiar with? They don&#8217;t feel the same, they don&#8217;t act the same, and they certainly don&#8217;t smell the same. Essential oils and the so-called &#8216;fixed&#8217; oils (you may also know them as carrier or base oils - like Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Evening Primrose, etc) are distinctly different in their molecular structure. While both essential and fixed oils share common basic atomic elements of Carbon and Hydrogen, that&#8217;s really where the similarity ends. Fixed oils are made of triglyceride structures - three long chains of carbon atoms, with hydrogens bonded at various places. The length of the chains and the position and number of hydrogens define the nature of the oil; if hydrogens are bonded to every available location, the oil is &#8217;saturated&#8217;, for example. One missing hydrogen is &#8216;mono-unsaturated&#8217;, more than one is &#8216;poly-unsaturated&#8217;. The long chains and relative consistency of the molecular structures makes fixed oils &#8216;oily&#8217;, and does not allow them to evaporate quickly. </p>
<p> Volatile oils are another matter - volatile oils do easily evaporate, due in-part to their smaller, more complex structures. Essential oils are a sub-category of volatile oils, essential oils being specifically those volatile oils that have been distilled directly from plants (rather than laboratory made, or from another otherwise &#8216;inorganic&#8217; source). Essential oils still have a core structure of linked carbon and hydrogen atoms, but they come in a great variety of shapes including short chains, rings and multiple-rings hooked together. Each of these core structures will have what is known as a &#8216;functional group&#8217; attached - a sort of &#8216;molecular sub-unit&#8217;. Despite their seeming complexity, though, essential oils are still very compatible with mammalian biology - their atomic structure allows them to penetrate into the deepest regions of our bodies, and even to the centers of our cells. </p>
<p> The therapeutic action of an essential oil is primarily determined by the functional groups found in the molecules that make up that oil (here, many folks might be responding with &#8220;Say what?!?&#8221;).  An essential oil is actually made up of many liquid chemicals; sometimes more than one hundred distinct chemicals are found in one pure essential oil. Each of these chemicals is formed of a carbon-hydrogen structure with a functional group attached - it is the combination of the base structure AND the attached functional group that makes a single, unique molecule. And MANY of these unique molecules combine to form ONE essential oil. </p>
<p> The extremely complex nature of essential oils becomes apparent from this description. There are an almost infinite number of molecular combinations that can be formed from the building blocks of chains, rings and functional groups. And any SINGLE essential oil is made of many, sometimes even hundreds of these molecular combinations. Yet while this may sound complex, you needn&#8217;t know ALL the chemical details to use oils therapeutically. It IS helpful to know that each oil is made of many molecular forms, that all the molecules within each oil exert some biologic effect, and that it is the SYNERGY of ALL these molecules together that create the sum total of an oil&#8217;s therapeutic action AND its aroma. Nearly every laboratory study comparing complete, pure essential oils to one singled-out molecule that was thought the &#8216;active ingredient&#8217; shows the essential oil to be more active. </p>
<p> The best natural, undiluted, properly distilled essential oils with all the major and minor chemical constituents will have the finest aromas AND the most potent therapeutic action. Many factors in an essential oil&#8217;s production affect the total number and relative amounts of individual chemicals found in the final product. These include where the plant was grown, soil and climate conditions, time of harvest, distillation equipment, plus the time, temperature and pressure of distillation. This can give you an idea as to why two varieties of the same oil can smell so different: The full, beautiful bouquet of a fine essential oil will contain a myriad of notes, telling you that all natural components are present and in balanced amounts. </p>
<p> As an example, let&#8217;s look at Lavender, the most commonly used of all essential oils. More than 50 individual molecules are present in a high-quality Lavender. As noted earlier, all of these chemicals work together to produce a therapeutic effect. For example, &#8216;linalool&#8217; is antiviral and antibacterial; &#8216;linalyl acetate&#8217; is also emotionally calming; other constituents including cineol, limonene, alpha-pinene and others are all noted for specific biologic and aromatic activity. It is the combined, balanced action of these chemicals that make lavender such a useful healing agent - no one chemical can be singled out and used to give the same profound results. </p>
<p> What does this mean to the lay-practitioner? That it&#8217;s important to find a nice smelling lavender oil! Each of the individual chemicals has a distinct smell, talked about in terms of &#8216;notes&#8217; within the overall lavender aroma. Some of these are sweet, some citrusy, some are herbaceous, and some can be camphorous. A precise amount of each will create a certain lavender aroma. Some lavenders are more sweet (and therefore more relaxing), others are more herbaceous (and more anti-microbial). Three important points should be noted regarding selecting by aroma: First, there can be significantly different aromas from the same species of plant, even when the essential oils are of the highest quality. You can often use your intuition to select the best variety for your needs (as between the sweeter more relaxing, or the herbaceous more &#8216;medicinal&#8217; lavenders). Sedond, some plants (e.g. Rosemary and Thyme) have chemotypes - this specifies a predominant chemical in the essential oil - each being used for a certain therapeutic application. Know which chemotype is best suited to your needs before making a selection. Finally, it is most often the essential oil that smells the most &#8216;true&#8217; to you that will be the most beneficial. Your senses can naturally detect what is good for you and what is not, if you&#8217;re willing to listen to them impartially. </p>
<p> All essential oils are subject to similar variations in production methods or the manipulation of their molecular make-ups through the addition of synthetic chemicals. For the most therapeutic benefit, it is always best to use true, carefully-made essential oils. To do this, find a source that is dedicated to supplying only the highest grades of oils. Examine their product&#8217;s aromatic quality and business practices and so that you are comfortable with their dedication to your health, not just their bottom line. Listen to your intuition and your own nose; they won&#8217;t lie to you! With experience, your ability to discern between subtly different grades of oils will become more astute. With even more education and skill, you&#8217;ll start to recognize individual chemicals within an oils aroma, and make the best decisions as to which oils will have the most profound therapeutic affects for you, your family, or in your professional practice.</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>For more resources on <a href="http://www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy.html">how to use essential oils</a> and <a href="http://www.anandaapothecary.com/bach-flower-essence-remedy.html">flower essencestherapeutically</a>, visit the Ananda Apothecary.</div>
</div>
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		<title>What Are The Best Types Of Abdominal Muscle Exercises?</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/what-are-the-best-types-of-abdominal-muscle-exercises/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/what-are-the-best-types-of-abdominal-muscle-exercises/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:28:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Allison Thompson</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/what-are-the-best-types-of-abdominal-muscle-exercises/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to somebody what to improve the condition of their ab muscles then they need to do more than just carry out a few exercises which have been designed to work on them.  A person needs to take a closer look at their genetic structure as well as their age and their gender as all these factors will actually determine the type of abdomen shape a person has.  But having said this if you do incorporate the right exercises into your fitness regime you will find that they help towards improving the condition of your ab muscles a lot.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Allison Thompson</div>
<p>When it comes to somebody what to improve the condition of their ab muscles then they need to do more than just carry out a few exercises which have been designed to work on them.  A person needs to take a closer look at their genetic structure as well as their age and their gender as all these factors will actually determine the type of abdomen shape a person has.  But having said this if you do incorporate the right exercises into your fitness regime you will find that they help towards improving the condition of your ab muscles a lot.</p>
<p><span id="more-26853"></span></p>
<p>The best types of exercises to use for improving the condition of your abdominal muscles are those that involve resistance training in them.  Just like the other major muscle groups to be found in your arms, legs and back those in the abdomen will react much better when resistance training is used.</p>
<p>Also choose those exercises which are actually going to make your muscles feel tired even though you may only have done 20 repetitions.  Using these kinds of exercises will ensure that you are actually utilizing the muscles more effectively and the results that will be achieved are far better as well.</p>
<p>Some of the more effective exercises you should be using in order to improve the condition of your abdominal muscles are the standard and combination crunch or the reverse curl.  But as well as these exercises you also need to make adjustments to your diet.  What&#8217;s the point of doing these exercises if you are going to carry on eating the same foods that caused you initially to put the weight on?  Below we take a closer look at the exercises we have mentioned above and how to do them.</p>
<p>With the standard crunch you will first need to get yourself in to a prone position on your back on the floor.   It might be wise to put a mat or blanket underneath you especially if you are laying on a wooden floor. Then slowly raise your legs up until your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are bent.  As soon as you are in this position comfortably you should start to raise your shoulders up off the floor and make your ribs move towards your hips.  But you need to actually prevent your should from raising up above your shoulder level and the easiest way to do this is by pretending that you are holding on to a piece of fruit which has been placed under your chin.  When first using this exercise and to avoid putting too much strain on your body you should place your hands on your chest.  Then as your muscles begin to grow stronger then you can choose to place your hands either at the side or above your head.</p>
<p>When it comes to the reverse curl this exercise has been specifically designed to work on the fibrous matter to be found in the lower and side ab muscle in your body.  Once more you need to lay on the floor (with some sort of protection underneath you) and then bend your knees up towards your chest in to a position that is not uncomfortable.  However you must make sure that as you raise your knees towards your chest your hips remain touching the floor.  Once you have got yourself into the correct position you need to start raising your hips off the floor.  But rather than just pulling your knees closer to your chest you need to contract your abs muscles and this will help to bring your knees towards your chest.  Also whilst doing this exercise in order for it to be really effective you must make sure that your legs do not swing to either side.</p>
<p>After a while you may discover that doing the reverse curl or standard crunch becomes much easier as your muscles begin to become stronger.  Therefore if you want to challenge yourself further and help to get your muscles much stronger and more condition then start to include the combination crunch in your abs workout.  This particular exercise is much more difficult as it requires you to carry out the reverse curl and standard crunch together.</p>
<p>But when it comes to improving the condition of your abdominal muscles no matter if you are a man or a woman you need to find a workout routine which suits your needs and your body type perfectly.  So take your time and try a few different ones out before and this will help you to decide which ones are ideally suited for you and will help you to achieve your goal of improving the condition of your abs.</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>It is crucial that before you start exercising to improve the condition of your abdominal muscles it is crucial that you learn their advantages and disadvantages. On our site <a href="http://revealyourabs.com/">Reveal Your Abs</a> you will find everything you need to know about how to tone and improve the condition of your abs.</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Abdominal Muscle Exercises - Which Ones Should You Use?</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/abdominal-muscle-exercises-which-ones-should-you-use/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/abdominal-muscle-exercises-which-ones-should-you-use/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:25:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Allison Thompson</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/abdominal-muscle-exercises-which-ones-should-you-use/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to improving the condition of your abdominal muscles just by carrying out specific exercises that are designed to work on this group of muscles will not help you to achieve your ultimate goal.  You also need to look at your genetic structure, how old you are as this ultimately determines the shape of abdomen you have whether you are a man or a woman.  But having said this if you do use the right kinds of exercises then you will help to improve and strengthen your abdominal muscles.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Allison Thompson</div>
<p>When it comes to improving the condition of your abdominal muscles just by carrying out specific exercises that are designed to work on this group of muscles will not help you to achieve your ultimate goal.  You also need to look at your genetic structure, how old you are as this ultimately determines the shape of abdomen you have whether you are a man or a woman.  But having said this if you do use the right kinds of exercises then you will help to improve and strengthen your abdominal muscles.</p>
<p><span id="more-26026"></span></p>
<p>When it comes to finding the right kinds of exercises to use in order to improve the strength and tone of your ab muscles use ones which involve resistance training.  As you will soon discover when you use resistance training for helping to improve the condition of your body these types of exercises are much more effective.  They work well not only a person&#8217;s ab muscles but also those found in their arms, legs and back.</p>
<p>The most effective kinds of exercise you should consider using are those which make the muscles feel fatigued after you have carried out 20 repetitions or less.  Not only are these exercises ensuring that you are working the muscles correctly but the results you achieve are much better.</p>
<p>When you want to improve the shape of your abdominal muscles the best types of exercises you should be using are the standard and combination crunch ones as well as the reverse curl.  However along with exercising you should also be looking closely at your diet as well.  You will not be able to achieve your ultimate goal of having a great looking stomach if you find yourself still eating the same types of food which caused you to put on the weight in the first place.  Below we take a look at the exercises mentioned and the ways in which they should be carried out.</p>
<p>With the standard crunch you will first need to get yourself in to a prone position on your back on the floor.   It might be wise to put a mat or blanket underneath you especially if you are laying on a wooden floor. Then slowly raise your legs up until your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are bent.  As soon as you are in this position comfortably you should start to raise your shoulders up off the floor and make your ribs move towards your hips.  But you need to actually prevent your should from raising up above your shoulder level and the easiest way to do this is by pretending that you are holding on to a piece of fruit which has been placed under your chin.  When first using this exercise and to avoid putting too much strain on your body you should place your hands on your chest.  Then as your muscles begin to grow stronger then you can choose to place your hands either at the side or above your head.</p>
<p>The reverse curl exercise which many people use to improve the condition of their abdominal muscles is specifically designed to help improve the condition of the fibrous material that surrounds the lower and side abdominal muscles.  As with the standard crunch you first need to lay down on the floor.  Then you need to bring your knees up towards your chest and your feet at this type should also be completely off the floor.  So really you should almost be in the fetal position, but at the same time your hips should remain touching the floor.  Once you have got into a position that you are comfortable with you now need to start raising your hips off the floor, but to do this you will need to contract your ab muscles, plus do not assist in anyway by pulling on your knees.  As your ab muscles contract so you will feel your knees even closer to your chest.  Also it is important that whilst carrying out this particular because of the position you are in you may find that your legs want to swing to one side or the other so you need to concentrate closely to prevent this from happening.</p>
<p>After a while you may discover that doing the reverse curl or standard crunch becomes much easier as your muscles begin to become stronger.  Therefore if you want to challenge yourself further and help to get your muscles much stronger and more condition then start to include the combination crunch in your abs workout.  This particular exercise is much more difficult as it requires you to carry out the reverse curl and standard crunch together.</p>
<p>No matter if you are a man or a woman when it comes to improving the condition of your abdominal muscles you need to be aware that not all the exercises people use will work for everyone.  Therefore it is important that you yourself spend some time looking at the ones that others are using and may be try a few of them out.  It is only through trying them out are you likely to find the exercises which are ideally suited to you and your body shape.  Also by doing this you will find that in the long run being able to achieve your goal of having great looking abs will be much more easily achieved.</p>
<div class='ezineplusresource'>
<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusabout'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='ezinepluslinks'>Before you start exercising to improve the condition of your abdominal muscles it is crucial that you learn about their pros and cons. On our site <a href="http://revealyourabs.com/">Reveal Your Abs</a> you will find everything you need to know about how to tone and improve the condition of your abs.</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Little Known Ways To Use Green Tea For Weight Loss</title>
		<link>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/little-known-ways-to-use-green-tea-for-weight-loss/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/little-known-ways-to-use-green-tea-for-weight-loss/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:35:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Olio</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ezineplus.com/fitness/little-known-ways-to-use-green-tea-for-weight-loss/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you need something to help you to achieve the weight loss that you are striving for? If your answer is yes, you should try using green tea for weight loss. There are several choices of green teas to help you lose weight. In addition to helping shave off the pounds, green tea is also beneficial for your overall health.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='italic;' class='ezineplusbyline'>by Jim Olio</div>
<p>Do you need something to help you to achieve the weight loss that you are striving for? If your answer is yes, you should try using green tea for weight loss. There are several choices of green teas to help you lose weight. In addition to helping shave off the pounds, green tea is also beneficial for your overall health.</p>
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<p>Prior to drying, the leaves of green tea are not fermented. That means that the active antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties are more concentrated than they are in other types of tea. With its rich flavor and easy preparation, green tea for weight loss offers a host of other health benefits that can&#8217;t be beat.</p>
<p>As shown in several studies, people who drink one bottle of green tea daily for three months have lost more body fat than people who do not. Catechin, a substance found in green tea, is a weight loss trigger that accounts for this difference. Catechins help your body to burn calories faster, decrease body fat, and act to suppress your appetite.</p>
<p>Of all the teas that come from the Camellia Sinesis plant, green tea has the most fat fighting properties. For people who dislike the taste of green tea weight loss pills are available without the taste. The pills offer similar benefits as actually drinking green tea for weight loss purposes, and can be found in many health food stores.</p>
<p>At each meal, you will usually take 1-2 green tea pills. Taking the pills instead of drinking green tea for weight loss throughout the day does not have an increased effect on weight loss. The main difference in taking the pills is that the green tea remains in your body for a longer period of time.</p>
<p>There is yet another option for those of you who do not care for the taste of green tea or prefer not to take pills. The green tea patch is a new option to use the benefits of green tea for weight loss without having to brew up a pot of tea. The patch is used as a weight loss aid that sticks to your skin all day. Remember that if you have any allergies, especially adhesive allergies, to consider what is used in making the patch stick.</p>
<p>You have a several choices when it comes to green tea for weight loss. But before starting any program to lose weight, consult with your physician to decide what is the best way for you to reach your health goals.</p>
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