Perfect Pushup
Although pushups are incredibly beneficial, the fact remains that thousands of people do them wrong every single day. This leads to many injuries and it may not be possible to get the best results when you are not doing this exercise properly.
The Perfect Pushup is a tool that was designed to help fix this problem and provide everyone with the right form for doing a pushup, automatically.
The Perfect Pushup was designed by Alden Mills. He is a former Navy Seal who got the idea for this product when faced with the realization that so many people just don’t know how to do a proper pushup. Interestingly enough, Mills also includes a helpful little exercise plan with the product to help you get started on your fitness goals. For those that want to increase their arm and back strength, but are a little stuck on the right pushup form, this product is actually pretty useful.
It is unimpressive at first site, being basically two small discs with handles attached to them. You place the discs on the floor, grab them and proceed to do your pushup. The way that the discs are positioned really does help you get into the right form, even without realizing it. The product also includes example cards of the many different kinds of pushups that you can do for those that are brand new to this type of exercise. This allows you to change up your workout a little bit and the discs will help you get positioned perfectly each time.
While they are incredibly useful, especially for those with hand and wrist injuries, the Perfect Pushup is probably not the best product for those that are already experienced with strength training. This is definitely a product that is geared towards the entry-level consumer and overall the quality could be a little better. The discs are nice, but they are made of pretty cheap plastic and you end up wondering just how much stress they can actually go through.
This is a terrific product for the absolute beginner that is looking for a little assistance with pushups. It’s hard to recommend them beyond that, and when you look at the overall cost for the item, it’s a little tough to justify since it can really only help you do one thing. However, given that improper pushups can lead to injury, if you are concerned about hurting yourself, this product will help you improve your form.
It’s definitely not for pros, unless, as I mentioned above, your wrists and hands have seen better days. The main problem with the product is that it is just so limited, despite the extra cards and the little fitness plan. While pushups can be great exercises, there are other exercises out there. It does serve its limited purpose well however, and I can see why so many people have purchased it. You just have to wonder how many Perfect Pushups ended up stored under the bed, never to be used again.
Photo Credit: K·FREE
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Posted by Lazy Man on October 31, 2008
in Exercise.
Snowmen need exercise too
If you have ever visited a gym you may have noticed that there are exercise machines that will mimic many of the activities that people do because they love them. The logical explanation for this is that many sports including snowboarding, hiking and skiing are excellent ways to exercise the upper body. If you’re most loved sport is swimming or playing tennis then you will usually not find those machines at the gym. There there are two good explanations for that: 1) snowboarding and skiing exercise your body in a way that other sports don’t and 2) a tennis machine might look weird unless it’s
Wii Tennis.
Skiers usually have massive upper body strength because when people ski, it works so heavily on that part of the body fully utilizing the arm and chest muscles. Skiing also works the legs quite a bit with all of the balance and leaning that is required to ski successfully, the legs get a massive workout as well. Even though it is hard to compare a day at the gym with a day on the slopes it will keep you in shape and give you something to look forward to.
There is a lot of lower body action going on with skiing as well which is why most skiers should always engage in other activities that are meant to make the lower body stronger. Any exercise that strengthens the lower half is acceptable. Squats, lunges and side lunges work especially well because they can mimic many of the skiing moves enforcing lateral movement. Downhill skiing entails a lot more than it might look like it does. It requires a lot of practice, being physically fit, and of course, the proper equipment is very helpful too.
The first day on the slopes is going to result in using muscles that haven’t been used in a while which is naturally going to result in muscle soreness. This is true for even the most seasoned skiers. The calves, hamstrings, and the quadriceps have been resting all summer and they are now being put back to work vigorously, this is good! Never just put your skis on before warming up with a few exercises so that you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the muscles such as tears and strains. Consider investing in an elliptical machine and doing some running in the short off season from skiing because these mock skiing. Lastly, you should look to avoid skiing knee injuries. If snowboarding I recommend reading Snowboarding Safety 101.
While such sports as downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing can only be enjoyed during the winter, they are physically challenging and give the body a great workout, and they are also very beneficial physically. Drastic improvements in muscle tone are developed from downhill skiing that benefit the entire body and are also great for endurance and balance. Because of the arm movement involved with cross country skiing this is a great cardiovascular exercise as it keeps the heart pumping rapidly. Muscle tone in the entire lower body is increased from snowboarding. Sure, often these sports take some time to master and can often be expensive as well they are very beneficial to the body.
Remember that you can’t learn skiing and snowboarding overnight (but here’s a shortcut: A Dummy’s Guide to Snowboarding). These top resorts (and others) offer lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all types.
Photo Credit: caseywest
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Posted by Lazy Man on October 30, 2008
in Exercise.
About two months ago, I got busy… really busy. My friend and I decided to start a company. We didn’t really expect all the clients we’d get right away. Well maybe my friend did, but I didn’t. At the same time, I was preparing to spend a month in Hawaii, Australia, and Thailand. So there was the natural, “I have to get ahead of my blogging – write and schedule a bunch of stuff.” That’s not only for this blog, but exponentially more popular, and more time-consuming, Lazy Man and Money. Of course there was the month away where I only got limited work done, which lead to another month of catch up upon my return. Sometimes I wonder if vacation is worth it, when you have to work twice as hard before and after you leave.
So with all this time gone, my gym routine was cut short. Instead of swimming every day like I had in the past, I worked. Now the weather is too cold for swimming even if I wanted to. Last week, I decided that enough was enough, and it was time to get to some exercising again. I didn’t do anything amazing, nothing that strenuous. I basically just wanted to put in some gym time to get back in the rhythm again.
I don’t know if I was there for ten minutes. However, I raced through everything quickly. I’d do a chest exercise, followed immediately by a thigh one. I follow that up with an arm or back exercise and then a calf exercise. Each body part was resting while the next was working. I found this a tremendous way to get a lot of exercise in quickly. Again, this kind of circuit training is nothing revolutionary, but it really worked to get me back in the habit again. I have been doing the same thing – though going longer each time – every other day last week. I think I’ll add 30 minutes of running at my fastest pace on the off-days. We’ll see how that goes.
This post deals with:
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Posted by Lazy Man on October 29, 2008
in Exercise.
Breast Cancer month is no excuse to eat too many cookies
As you know may or may not know each October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s shamefully poor that October is almost over and I haven’t written about it. Anyway, the purpose it to help to raise funds to fight breast cancer. The bulk of the funds raised goes towards pharmaceutical cures rather than prevention itself. The primary causes of breast cancer seem to be nutritional deficiencies, exposure to environmental toxicity, dominating estrogen and the breakdown in genetic integrity and immunity. Billions of dollars are raised and offered towards a cure for breast cancer each year. While that’s definitely one step, I’ve read that the turmeric plant, cabbage, and other things that are available without a prescription may be huge factors that aid in actual prevention of breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 200,000 reported cases of breast cancer this year. The number of reported cases is rising every year (as you might exact since our population is expanding each year). However, for some reason, there are also many people who do not take this disease seriously. There are some women who have gone years without an examination, which is just asking for trouble. If they develop breast cancer in the meantime, it will clearly not qualify as an “early detection” and it could be fatal for them. Women should become aware of the typical symptoms of breast cancer and be sure to see your doctor if any of those symptoms occur. For women, a checkup should be planned at least once every 2 years, and over age 40, at least every year. You may want to have exams more often if there is a history of breast cancer in your family, although studies to date are inconclusive as to whether or not breast cancer can be termed hereditary. There’s really no excuse for skipping an exam. I used to offer them for free, but since I got married, my wife hasn’t exactly supported that practice. Then again, I’m not exactly qualified to give a proper exam 
.
Breast cancer can be said to be one of the oldest known types of cancer in humans. Breast cancer affects women of all ages. That is why it is important to know about breast cancer signs and what action should be taken if you experience any of them. While you may experience symptoms of breast cancer, only a doctor can make the diagnosis that for sure. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. A lump, one which does not feel like the surrounding tissue, is often the first of several breast cancer signs.
Because early detection is so important, you may want to do regular self exams. If you pay attention to breast cancer signs, you can have any symptoms checked early on, and the sooner you are diagnosed, the more likely you are to beat it. Besides a lump, some of the other breast cancer signs to look out for include changes in the sizes or shape of the breast, dimpling of the skin on the breast, or a nipple that is inverted or that has discharge coming out of it. Your doctor should be made aware of any such signs and changes as soon as possible. What you need to do is to see your doctor, give him the chance to evaluate your symptoms, find out exactly what is causing your symptoms. All you have to do is get yourself checked out.
Photo Credit: DawnsRecipes
This post deals with:
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Posted by Lazy Man on October 28, 2008
in Sickness Prevention.
Cancer fighting foods
Cancer has been one of the leading causes of death among adults for decades, and there seem to be no signs of reversal in this trend. The rate of cancer deaths today has been higher than ever, and there is a suspicious link between cancer and human progress.
Our diet plays a major role in maintaining our health. There is a long list of foods that contributes to the development of, and also the prevention of cancer. Cancer is basically a physiological state where the there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal tissues in the body. In severe cases, cancer growth causes organ failure and a host of other diseases and illnesses.
So what causes cancer? Research has shown that the exposure of body cells to chemicals and unnatural substances can lead to cell mutation. Other causes of cancer include viruses, bacteria, genetic tendencies and an unhealthy lifestyle. A study has also shown that cancer cells thrive in acidic environments and high sugar levels.
Generally, when it comes to our diet, the less free-radicals we consume the better. Fried and grilled foods have high levels of free-radicals, which when accumulated in high levels in our body, can cause cancer. Examples of such foods are French fries and barbequed or grilled meat. Steam and baked dishes make far healthier choices. The rule of thumb is the less processed the food, the better. Pickled, smoked and cured foods are extremely unhealthy as they promote abnormal cell growth. The consumption of alcohol and smoking also dramatically increases your risk of developing cancer.
Fortunately, there is also a wide array of cancer-fighting foods that you can stock up to stay healthy.
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables that you can consume because besides preventing cancer, it also helps you loose weight and helps develop a healthy complexion. Broccoli is high in chemicals such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that interferes the development of cancer cells. These chemicals are excellent in guarding against most forms of cancer.
The consumption of garlic is also extremely potent in preventing cancer. Garlic has always been a wonderful addition to anything we cook as they add delicious aromas and flavors to the dish. Nevertheless, there is a way to cook garlic to maximize the benefits of its anti-cancer compounds. Before we cook garlic, it is best to chop it up and leave it to air for about ten to fifteen minutes. Dunking garlic straight to the frying pan without the airing process destroys the cancer fighting agents.
Antioxidants, which are found in most fruits and vegetables, prevent the build-up of free radicals in the body (which eventually leads to cancer). Green teas and berries are two examples of sources with high levels of antioxidants. Green tea is packed with antimutagenic compounds that prevents and stop the growth of tumors in the body. Green teas are excellent alternatives to coffee as they are very low in caffeine that will also help improve your sleeping patterns.
Berries, such as strawberries and blueberries are also high in antioxidants. Research at Harvard has shown that people who love and consume lots of strawberries decreases their risk of developing cancer by 70%.
Tomatoes are another popular anti-cancer food. Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, is very potent in getting rid of free radicals and is also effective in fighting prostate and breast cancer. It is recommended that you consume tomato purees as one tablespoon of tomato puree is made from twenty tomatoes. When consuming tomatoes, cook them with a little olive oil to increase the absorption of lycopene compounds.
Photo Credit: mccun934
This post deals with:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Lazy Man on October 28, 2008
in Nutrition.
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