Saturday, June 30, 2007

The Truth About Buying Treadmills

The great attraction of a home treadmill is being able to exercise whenever you want to, regardless of the weather. Treadmills are designed to enhance the most popular form of exercise - walking, jogging and running. The home treadmill has experienced substantial growth over the past few years. A treadmill consists of a wide belt that's stretched over a bed and around two or more rollers. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy. With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight.Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap on to the chest. Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill.The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout. Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame that are gripped by the hands, but this can only be done if you're walking not running. The more expensive treadmill models will also offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines. Folding treadmills collapse to allow for easy storage and are ideal for people without enough room for a bulky exercise machine. Before buying, make sure the deck area provides enough space for you to exercise in comfort and the belt should work smoothly without slipping or sticking. Keep in mind that what feels right to you may not accommodate others around you as comfortably. Consider bringing your water bottle and towel to the treadmill store and try out their treadmills.Once you've decided on the treadmill that you think is right for you, make sure to compare prices online. It's best to get a treadmill that has a warranty that lasts for at least a year. Treadmills are a very important investment, regardless of the price; if it's not right for you, you don't want to find this out after you've set the treadmill up at home.If you're looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money. To make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn't operate noisily, step on it and test it out before you buy. Make sure to check out the warranty, this is very important.Consider the cost of maintaining your treadmill as well. You'll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that's strong enough to support the heaviest runner who'll be using it. The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. The first thing to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is the kind of use you need it for. Better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles, hips and lower backs. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation. Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward fitness. Make sure to see your doctor or naturopathic doctor before you start any new fitness or exercise program. A treadmill is a good investment for anyone who has decided to make a conscious effort to become healthy and fit. Choosing the best treadmill is easier than ever. Purchasing a treadmill can be overwhelming but with help from treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews you should be able to make an informed decision.For more information on saving money on treadmills and best buy shopping for treadmills online and offline, go to Helen Hecker R.N.'s http://www.Best-Treadmill-Tips.com specializing in treadmill tips, advice, and resources, including information on treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews

Friday, June 22, 2007

Baloney And The Fountain Of Youth

By: Tracie Johanson Lately I've been receiving a lot of spam emails. It's amazing how many of them are promising quick weight loss without any effort! One of them even promised that their new 'super tonic' was the new Fountain of Youth.....just take their product and watch the years fade away. If you'll excuse the expression, that's all just a bunch of baloney. The radio advertisements promise "weight loss without diet or exercise" and the infomercials brag about the newest and greatest pill that will magically make the fat melt away.....baloney!I'd like to ask those advertisers just a few questions: If your "magic-weight-loss-potion-miracle-in-a-bottle" is the real deal, then why hasn't the media picked up on the story? If your product is indeed the Fountain of Youth, why didn't my doctor recommend it? Why isn't it being featured on CNN and all the major news networks?The reason why the media, and the entire world, isn't going ga-ga over these new 'miracle' cures is that they're not real miracle cures.However, I do have some BIG NEWS for you! Against all odds, after careful research and years of painstaking effort, WE HAVE DISCOVERED THE REAL FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!!!The only real Fountain of Youth (at least, the closest thing we've found) is EXERCISE! There, now you're in on the secret too! It turns out that our doctor was right, the Surgeon General was right, the American Medical Association was right, and your old coach was right too.....the best way to help keep the body young and healthy is through regular exercise!The human body can fail in a staggering number of ways. Yet most problems develop gradually over months, years or decades. That leaves plenty of time for action. Doctors can help, but studies show that at least 70 percent of healthy aging depends on decisions each person makes about diet, exercise, smoking and other lifestyle choices (Source: St. Petersburg physician Timothy Carlson).Did you catch that? Let's read it again: At least 70 percent of healthy aging depends on decisions each person makes about diet, exercise, smoking and other lifestyle choices! Now that's what I call the Fountain of Youth!Unfortunately, the vast majority of people make poor decisions. "Only 18% of patients are at goal," meaning that their body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and so on are normal (Source: St. Petersburg physician Timothy Carlson).Guess what? Regular exercise improves body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and so much more! People who engage in regular exercise are much more likely to be in the 18% group.....the 18% who are at their goal.So what are we waiting for? Let's go exercise!Until next time, we'll see you at the Fountain of Youth.....oops, I mean we'll see you at the gym!Article Source: http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/articlesTracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit www.letspickupthepace.com/ for more information.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Some Helpful Information About Dry Skin

Xeroderma (dry skin) occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs. Xeroderma literally means "dry skin". It's easy to treat dry skin cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home.Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body.The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis. Xeroderma can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications. Dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea or psoriasis may cause the skin to be dry too. Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin. Dry skin happens more often in the winter when cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity.Apply moisturizers just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp. Drink plenty of water every day. Thick, oily-type moisturizers work bestFor an easy fiber boost, mix in 2 tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds in raw applesauce, from 2-3 apples, made in your food processor. Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. You want to work from the inside out too. The two most common, sluggish, digestion culprits that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber. Drink freshly juiced carrot juice every day. Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, at least daily. Apply coconut oil to heal and soothe your skin. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and massage it deep into the skin. It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. The skin is subject to constant attack from without, so can be affected by numerous conditions, diseases and ailments. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it is dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections. If your dry skin lasts for a long time and is itchy or feels hot when you touch it, see your doctor. With this information your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery. If you're still worried, or the problems persist, go and see your doctor.For more information on coconut oil treatment for dry skin & dry skin care treatments, see Helen Hecker R.N.'s http://www.Best-Skin-Care-Tips.com specializing in care for skin conditions with tips, advice and resources for women, men, teens, babies, including information on best natural products