Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms

Posted by afitman040506 on December 31, 2008 under Nutrition | Be the First to Comment

If you’re like me, you love mushrooms.  Shiitake mushrooms are especially great and I love including them in any stir fry.  Luckily, shiitake mushrooms have plenty of health benefits to go along with their great taste.  Here are a few benefits shiitake mushrooms can provide you:

1. Increase immune function and infection fighting capabilities

2. Anti-cancer properties

3. Contains powerful anti-oxidants

4. Lowers cholesterol levels

Vary Your Ab Routine

Posted by Chad Anderson CSCS on December 9, 2008 under Core Training, General Fitness, Weight Loss | Be the First to Comment

ab training on swiss ballAbdominal training is the focus of a lot of attention these days. The belly is the number one problem area for most people and often is the area worked the most (usually on a daily basis) during an exercise routine. However, the abdominals are a muscle group just like any other and they need to recover as well. Therefore, for those who insist on working the abdominals frequently, I recommend taking the following approach.

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10 Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress

Posted by Chad Anderson CSCS on December 4, 2008 under Weight Loss, Wellness | Read the First Comment

Holiday StressThe holiday season is upon us and for many that spells good times, good food, and good-bye waistline! Although some (ok, most!) of the weight gained during this time of year can be attributed to overeating, the abnormally high level of stress everyone is under lends its helping hand to the problem. Therefore, here are 10 things you can do to help alleviate the holiday stress: Read more of this article »

Variety Is The Spice Of Weight Loss

Posted by Chad Anderson CSCS on December 2, 2008 under Weight Loss | Be the First to Comment

If you’re having trouble dropping the pounds, you may just need more variety in your exercise routine. From my experiences, most people stay on a given exercise routine way too long and don’t do enough different exercises. They usually find what’s comfortable and stick to it. Unfortunately, this is not an effective strategy. Read more of this article »

Quick Note On Breathing During Resistance Training

Posted by Chad Anderson CSCS on December 1, 2008 under General Fitness, Strength Training | Be the First to Comment

There still seems to be some confusion regarding this topic, so I just wanted to post a quick blurb about breathing technique during resistance training. Your breathing pattern should look like this:

  • Breathe In: During the eccentric phase. The eccentric phase is when the muscle in lengthening. For example, during the bench press you would breathe in as you are lowering the bar.
  • Breathe Out: During the concentric phase. The concentric phase is when the muscle is shortening. For example, during the bench press you would breathe out as you are pressing the bar off the chest to the starting position.
  • Avoid: Holding the breath during a full repetition or multiple repetitions.

To simplify the above, just remember this: Breathe out during the hard part of the movement; breathe in during the easy part of the movement. Under some circumstances, advanced breathing techniques may be used. However, this is all most people will need to remember.