January 29, 2008
Filed under: Man, Muscle, Women — arlene @ 12:10 am
When working with the arms in front of the body, a pulling motion is easier than a pushing motion.
The pulling motion uses the stronger flexor muscles, while a pushing motion employs the seldom used extensors that are usually weaker. Thus, counterclockwise circular movements are easier for the right hand, and clockwise circular movements easier for the left hand.
Organize work to avoid stooping or unnatural positions. (more…)
Filed under: Muscle — arlene @ 12:07 am
The choice to push or to pull depends upon the nature of the task.
When deciding whether to push or pull, you must consider such factors as desired direction, type of movement, distance to be moved, and friction. If a downward force is desired, pushing would be best. If an upward force is desirable, pulling is probably better. Pushing tends to increase friction because of the downward force, but may offer better control because the object is closer to the person. Pulling decreases friction if there is an upward component to the force.
Pushing and pulling are forms of lifting; therefore, the same mechanical principles may be applied. (more…)
January 28, 2008
Filed under: Man, Muscle, Trainer, Women — arlene @ 11:59 pm
The best method for lifting or carrying a given object depends upon its size, weight, shape, and position in space. However, there are some general principles that are applicable in all situations.
Stand close to the object and assume a wide base. Stand in a forward-backward stride position with the object at the side of the body, or assume a side- stride position with the object between the knees. The purpose of lifting from this position is to allow you to lift straight upward from a stable position, utilizing the most efficient leverage.
Keep the back straight and bend at the hips and knees. Squat, do not bend, regardless of how light the object may be. The back was never meant to be used as a lever for lifting. Orthopedists constantly caution against leaning forward to pick up objects without bending the knees (more…)
January 25, 2008
Filed under: Essays, Magazines, Physical, Programs, Trainer — arlene @ 11:25 pm
All fitness books do not provide scientifically sound, accurate, and reliable information.
Because publishers are motivated by profit and publishing is a highly competitive field, the choice of material to be printed is often selected on the basis of how popular, famous, or attractive the author is, or how sensational or unusual his or her ideas are. Movie stars, models, TV personalties, and even Olympic athletes are rarely experts in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, exercise, and other foundations of physical fitness. Having a good figure/physique, being fit, or having gone through a training program does not, in itself, qualify a person to advise others.
If you have read the facts presented in the previous concepts, you should be able to distinguish between fact and fiction. To assist you further, however, there are ten guidelines listed in question form that might help you evaluate whether or not a book, magazine, or article on exercise and fitness is valid, reliable, and scientifically sound. If the answer to each of the questions is not “yes,” then you should be suspicious of the material. If in doubt, ask one or more experts, or write to the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) or to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). These organizations will refer your question to an appropriate expert.
Filed under: Diet, Drugs, Essays, Programs, equipment — arlene @ 11:18 pm
It is not necessary to join a club, spa, or salon to develop fitness, but if you are considering joining such an establishment, make your choice with care.
The consumer should observe these precautions before becoming a member of a club, spa, or salon.
- Do not expect “miraculous” results as advertised.
- Be prepared to haggle over price and to resist a very hard sell for a long-term contract.
- Choose a no-contract, pay-as-you-go establishment if possible. Otherwise, choose the shortest term contract available. (more…)
Filed under: Drugs, Gym, Muscle, Physical, Programs, Women, equipment — arlene @ 10:59 pm
Passive exercise is not effective in weight reduction, spot reduction, increasing strength, or increasing endurance.
- 1. Rolling machines—These ineffective wooden or metal rollers, operated by an electric motor, roll up and down the body part to which they are applied. They do not remove, break up, or redistribute fat.
- Vibrating belts—These wide canvas or leather beltsmay be designed for the chin, hips, thighs, or abdomen. Driven by an electric motor, they jerk back and forth, causing loose tissue of the body part to shake. They do not have any beneficial effect on fitness, fat, or on the figure, and they are potentially harmful if used on the abdomen (especially if used by women during pregnancy, menstruation, or while an IUD is in place). They might also aggravate a back problem. (more…)
Filed under: Physical — arlene @ 10:54 pm
You can usually tell the difference between an expert and a quack because a quack does not use scientific methods.
Some of the ways to identify quacks, frauds, and ripoffs are to look for these clues:
- They do not use the scientific method of controlled experimentation that can be verified by other scientists.
- To a large extent they use testimonials and anecdotes to support their claims rather than scientific methods.
- They advise you to buy something you would not otherwise have bought.
- They have something to sell.
- They use scare tactics, such as “if you don’t do this, you will die of a heart attack”; or (more…)
Filed under: Essays, Gym, Physical, Programs, equipment — arlene @ 10:50 pm
The consumer who plans to purchase equipment should keep in mind certain guidelines to get the most for the money.
The following suggestions will help you select equipment:
- Unless you are wealthy or just like to collect gadgets, there is no need to buy a lot of exercise equipment. A complete fitness program can be carried out with no equipment. If you learn to depend upon equipment, you may eventually feel like you cannot exercise unless you are at home or at a gym.
- If you do not like jogging or swimming, and you hate calisthenics, then the minimal equipment you may want to consider is a bicycle (regular or stationary), treadmill, or rowing machine for cardiovascular fitness; and a set of weights, pulleys, or isokinetic device for strength and endurance.
- Consult an expert if you want to know the effectiveness of a product. Individuals with college or university degrees in physical education, physical therapy, corrective therapy, and kinesiology shouldbe able to give you good advice.
- Buy from a well-established, reputable company that will not disappear overnight and will back up warranties. Avoid mail-order products. If the product is not available in a retail store where it can be examined, you probably should not buy it.
Filed under: Family — arlene @ 10:46 pm
Saunas, steambaths, whirlpools, and hot tubs are not effective in weight reduction nor in the prevention and cure of colds, arthritis, bursitis, backaches, sprains, and bruises.
Baths do not melt off fat; fat must be metabolized. The heat and humidity from baths may make you perspire, but it is water, not fat oozing from the pores.
The effect of such baths is largely psychological, although some temporary relief from aches and pains may result from the heat. The same relief can be had by sitting in a tub of hot water in your bathroom. (more…)
