Hi i am thinking of joining the army, and would like to start army style training to see if i could cope? can you give me a rough outline of what the training includes? and fitness requirements to join up?

thanks x

Speed and agility are crucial if you're a soccer player, plus stamina or staying power. Soccer drills and training exercises that work on all three skills are good. Fitness tips should also include drinking water to stay hydrated and getting enough sleep! This is a soccer fitness drill designed to work on speed and ball control skills.

Soccer warm-up drill combining bursts of speed and ball control

This warm-up soccer drill is a good fitness test to get players practising short bursts of speed while keeping the ball under control. It also tests the accuracy of their pass or shot.

Soccer drills such as this one are excellent for fitness tests with a competition at the end. To make this drill competitive, players who miss the target balls must sit out. To make the drill easier or harder, use more or less balls in the target zone.

Drill set up

Arrange your players into two teams.

You and a helper act as ball collectors in the drill.

The two teams must compete against each other and try to be the first team to knock the balls off the cones.

The players dribble at top speed into the shooting box, then try to hit the cones with a pass.

The next player goes when the previous player has sprinted back to the group.

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Physical Fitness Standards | Mark’s Daily Apple

How do you measure up? – Physical Fitness Standards in Firefighting, Military Services, Professional Sports and Law Enforcement. … What do you folks think? Are there fitness absolutes? Is it enough to perform basic activities without struggling with your own body, or should Primal fitness standards reach for something more? Additional resources: Mark Rippetoe's barbell strength standards – a very helpful guide for charting your progress on the major barbell lifts. …

Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide – Asiaing.com: Free eBooks, Free …

Download free eBook: Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide. This is one amazing informational guide. Written by some of the most knowledgeable fitness specialists, medical doctors and physiologists around, this guide covers anything and …

Do not drink with green tea and Chinese wolfberry | Health Guide

In order to prevent conflict, it is recommended such an arrangement: the morning of drinking green tea, can be appetizers; afternoon drink wolfberry can improve physical fitness, sleep. Leave a comment | Trackback …

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Physical Fitness Standards | Mark’s Daily Apple

How do you measure up? – Physical Fitness Standards in Firefighting, Military Services, Professional Sports and Law Enforcement. … No wonder fire fighters look the way they do, that is such a strenuous test! I think cross-fit is a great example of what should be considered primal fitness standards, because it involves varied workouts that use the entire body in concise workouts. My sister-in-law is a cross-fit trainer, and my brother is in the army…they're both buff …

Air Force might eliminate mandatory PT | Stars and Stripes

Even as the Air Force prepares to toughen physical fitness standards for airmen, it's proposing to do away with mandatory physical training. … The Navy doesn't mandate unit PT, but recommends that commanders give sailors at least three 60 -minute workout sessions during duty hours each week, Navy spokeswoman Katie Suich said in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes. In the Marine Corps, commanders must ensure their troops perform at least five 30-minute "combat conditioning …

the last twenty.: Welcome! (and workouts)

For anyone who's so new that they can't tell, I'm a fitness FREAK. This is all about fitness for me and I truly believe that exercise and physical health should be at the forefront of any weight loss effort. …

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Physical Fitness Standards | Mark’s Daily Apple

How do you measure up? – Physical Fitness Standards in Firefighting, Military Services, Professional Sports and Law Enforcement.

‘Total Fitness’ Seeks Unit, Troop Effectiveness :: Elites TV

Family, community, emotional strength and stamina are just as important as physical fitness, Yosik said. He said he encourages troops to be open and communicate with their families and units, rather than bottling up their stress.

The new physical fitness test in this report – Partytow

This post was mentioned on Twitter by Elliptical Lady and Daniel Clementine, stephen r. stephen r said: The new physical fitness test in this report – Partytow: Can a free online fitness test, performed at home, …

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diet tips – Fat Burning Furnace – Very Simple Diet with 1 Rule to …

Learn How to Lose 26 Pounds in 7 Weeks! Very Simple Diet with 1 Rule to Live By! Are you trying to lose weight body fat but feel overwhelmed with all of the.

A Review of The Fat Burning Furnace System | Repairs Tips Blog

The Fat Burning Furnace System is a diet and exercise program created by Rob Poulos that is currently all over the Internet. But, does the Fat Burning Furnace.

Fat Drop workouts- Fat Burning Furnace | Repairs Tips Blog

Actually there are two main elements in this train: workouts and diet. Fat Burning Furnace promotes weight loss through high-intensity resistance training which when performed correctly can have the same effects as extensive …

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Once an individual finds the right healthy weight loss plan that he or she is comfortable living with, it is time to add an exercise plan. Sure, food modifications alone can provide an individual with the weight loss they seek, however, for optimal health and fitness, and to help tone up “stretched out” skin as weight loss is occurring, doctors and nutritionists alike recommend sticking to an exercise program. There are a few tried and true exercise options that can be incorporated into various weight loss programs. The following are a few fitness favorites. As always, check with your physician before beginning any exercise.

- Walking is the easiest fitness choice for beginners. Walking for approximately thirty minutes each day is a great way to ease into better health and fitness. Brisk, sustained, walking, which elevates the heart rate is a great way to get some cardiovascular care while burning some calories as well. Walking is easy on the joints, great for the heart, relaxing, and just plain fun. Walking is the economical choice too, as no gym membership or home workout machines are needed. Although, some people do choose to use a treadmill for cold weather walking or for convenience, many find it unnecessary.

- Jogging is a popular choice for those looking to tone up and get fit. All the same benefits of walking can be found in jogging, however, the jogger often will “speed up the process” seeing results sooner. Jogging or long distance running can be difficult on the joints in particular so be careful to ease into it to avoid discomfort or injury.

- Cycling is a great option for someone looking to get involved in an exercise program. Cycling can be a hobby as much as it is a sport. Cyclists are often very enthusiastic about what they do and have a real love for this form of exercise. Cycling is a wonderful cardiovascular activity and the benefits to the lower body muscles are incredible. Upper body conditioning is present too. Indoor cycling can take several forms. Many exercisers choose to purchase stationary bikes in either upright or recumbent style. Cycling is a great outdoor or indoor workout.

- Maintaining a weight program is a great way to get fit. Often with the help of a trainer, people are finding it possible to maintain a weight lifting program to tone and strengthen muscles. People attempting to lose weight and stay healthy are finding themselves able to shave inches off their waist line, thus increasing heart health. While lifting weights was once thought to be nothing more than a body building technique, the benefits of weights for building lean muscle mass are now widely known .

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Swansea, MA, October 30, 2009 — Total Fitness Clubs today announced they will be expanding their local network of health clubs and opening a new location in Seekonk, MA. “Seekonk Total Fitness,” a new, full-service athletic club located in Namco Plaza, is slated to open this December.

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Toms River fitness studio to offer kinesis

Health calendar

‘NÄ HOA MÄLAMA,” annual fundraising event for Hospice Hawaii, with wine tasting, silent auction, and tribute to artist Peggy Chun; musical legend, Genoa Keawe, and Charles Cooke Spalding, philanthropist and founder of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii; 6-10 p.m. Nov. 7, Waialae Country Club; dress, “elegant Hawaiian” or cocktail; tickets, $100/sponsorships available ; information, 924-9255.

This Week in the Valley

The Black Mountain Tailgate Market continues its food drive to support MANNA Food Bank’s “Packs for Kids Program” in collaboration with the Black Mountain Library through October 31. The MANNA program works with schools to provide food to kids who potentially have nothing to eat over the weekend.

The ultimate gardening workout

(ARA) – With all the bending, lifting and stretching involved, gardening can be a fun and effective workout – if you know how to make the most of it.

HOPEWELL VALLEY: Study shows strong interest in new senior center

Among the findings of a recently completed telephone survey of more than 400 senior citizen households in Hopewell Valley is there is “a strong interest among seniors for a new Hopewell Valley senior center.”

Inside Our Schools: Getting fit in mind and body

Physical education is a far cry from dodgeball and calisthenics at Charlotte Wood Middle School

Stretching: No sports panacea

If you stretch before or after exercising because you think you might prevent an injury, you should reconsider. Stretching can cause injuries and reduce muscle effectiveness, studies show.

Cybex International Launches ‘Sweet Spot’ Fitness Program for Golf and Country Clubs

MEDWAY, MA — Cybex International, Inc. , a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment for the commercial and consumer markets, announced today the “Sweet Spot” program, a fitness solution created specifically for the golf and country club market.

StreetStrider to be Featured on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”

StreetStrider, the fun mobile elliptical activity that combines jogging, cycling and skiing motions will soon be featured on NBC’s hit reality show “The Biggest Loser.”

Super Fitness Model Jennifer Nicole Lee Makes History Gracing Cover of Oldest Fitness Publication, December Issue of …

Fitness Sensation Jennifer Nicole Lee, and author of the www.FitnessModelProgram.com , is the December cover model of the longest running fitness magazine to date, Iron Man magazine. This legendary production was all caught on film, and can be viewed here http://www.youtube.com/user/TheJenniferNicoleLee and directly here http …

Local Students Practice Thinking On Their Feet

After a quick group workout, students at Louise Cabaniss Elementary School in Grand Prairie get ready to jump, kick and calculate. It’s a special activity that combines study skills with physical fitness. Physical education and health teacher Leeann Wenkman explained, “Each of the rooms have 22 stations in them that require the kids to complete an academic task while performing exercise.”

On-the-job exercise good for employee and employer

Programs in the workplace designed to get people to exercise can improve fitness, cut cholesterol levels, reduce job stress and even improve attendance, a new analysis of the medical literature shows.

Air Force might eliminate mandatory PT

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Even as the Air Force prepares to toughen physical fitness standards for airmen, it’s proposing to do away with mandatory physical training.

Kentwood Elementary Receives Special Appearance from Laila Ali and the Live Like a Champion Tour to Knock Out …

World Champion athlete Laila Ali joined the Live Like a Champion Tour at Kentwood Elementary to combat the growing epidemic of childhood obesity by teaching children the importance of eating healthy and staying active in a fun, interactive way.

Active lifestyle requires active approach to eye health

(ARA) – You stretch before your workout, stay hydrated throughout and follow safe cool-down steps afterward. But while you’re enjoying your active lifestyle, are you doing enough to take care of two of your most valuable physical assets – your eyes?

Local Students Practice Thinking On Their FeetMajestic Athletics Has Fans In ‘Uniform’No Gym RequiredNFL Blitzed on Brain SafetyFor Big Athletes, Possible Future Risk: Heightened Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Professional Football LinemenFitness Levels Decline With Age, Especially After 45Exercise Keeps Dangerous Visceral Fat Away A Year After Weight Loss, Study FindsSmoking Gun: Just One Cigarette Has Harmful Effect On Arteries Of Young Healthy AdultsLiving for Candy, and Sugar-Coated GoblinsPeople with sun allergies aren’t actually restless creatures of the night. But some rare cases of photosensitivy are actually known as “the vampire disease.”Dangerous liaisons: Why we find vampires sexyNational Chocolate Day: Enjoy It Guilt-Free

It is Wendell’s first time with the 5th Way team at their gym. Let’s see what happens through Wendell’s eyes.

Addison: “Wendell, since this is your first time here I would like for you to just go around the gym observing what everyone is doing, then come to me last.”

Wendell: “Okay, Addison.”

Addison: “Alright, everyone have a great workout and I will see you in the dining area for refreshments afterwards.”

Wendell: Boy, this is so exciting. I can’t wait to see this! Hhhhmmmm… I think I will start with Zhi and work my way from there. There he is. Wow, Zhi is doing some kind of Tai Chi form. He is so graceful, so captivating to watch. I could sit here all day just watching him.

Splash!

Ah, someone must be in the pool swimming. I will check it out. Oh my goodness, Waneta is naked in the pool!!! How embarrassing. (His face is turning red) I better get out of here before she catches me looking at her. I have to say she does seem to be in very good shape for her age though. Whew!

“Ooooosh…. Eeeyiii!!!”

What was that? Oh, Naruto and Catharsis are doing some kind of martial art. Wow, they are great…I can see why Naruto is in charge of security for the team. (laughing) Even when he is doing martial arts, Catharsis is a character! Well, I better move on and see what Kailoken is up to.

Hhhhmmmm…why Kailoken is just sitting there looking at the weights. “Sorry to disturb you Kailoken but are you not working out today?”

Kailoken: “Good timing on your part there. Would you please remove 20 pounds of weight off that bar for me?”

Wendell: “Why sure I will. Are you doing bench presses?”

Kailoken: “Actually, I am lifting the weight with my mind. It seemed a little heavy so I asked you to remove the extra weight.”

Wendell: (rolling his eyes) “Well, I will let you get back to your workout there. Talk with you later.” That Kailoken is a real nutcase. You never know what he is going to do. Okay, well, that leaves Addison… I better get on over there.

Addison: “Wendell, I see you have made the rounds already. As you can see I am in the middle of my aerobic workout. This Nordic Track gives a great workout. Why don’t you take about 25 minutes, get a good workout on your own and meet up with the rest of us later?”

Wendell: “Will do, Addison.”

— The team is forming up in the dining area—

Wendell: “Hello, everyone.” “Greetings” “Namaste” “Welcome” “As salaam alikum” “Aho”

Catharsis: “Did you get yourself a good workout there, Wendell?”

Wendell: “Yes, I did some yoga…it was quite peaceful and relaxing.”

Addison: “That is great; I highly recommend many forms of yoga. Go ahead and grab yourself some refreshment and join us around the table here… Now that Wendell is settled let’s see what you have observed today. Feel free to comment on and question everyone at the table on what he or she was doing for a workout. Everyone feel free to join in at any time.”

Wendell: “Since I started watching Zhi first, I would like to ask what form of Tai Chi you were doing? I mean, it looked so fluid whatever it was.”

Zhi: “Ah, very good. I was doing The Eight Treasures. It is a very ancient form of energy enhancement exercise, and is said to be at least six thousand years old. With this exercise I tone, strengthen, and stretch to maintain my good health and prevent disease.”

Wendell: “Can anyone do it? It looked so easy the way you were going through the motions.”

Catharsis: “Don’t let your perceptions fool you kid, Zhi has been doing those forms since he was a child. I would not be surprised if his parents started him off doing the moves while he was still in the womb! Heck, he probably even helped his mom do the flying dragon by lifting her off the ground a few inches with his movement from within.”

Zhi: “Ah, that’s a very interesting idea. The great thing about The Eight Treasures is that anyone at any fitness level can do them.”

Wendell: “I would like to learn that if you would teach me. And I would like to learn what Naruto was doing too. What kind of martial arts were you and Catharsis doing?”

Naruto: “It is called Ju Jutsu. I began learning this as a child in my homeland of Japan. With this form not only do you get a great workout, you can properly defend yourself and others.”

Addison: “I suggest that you start with one discipline and work at it until you have a solid grounding and then move on to another with the consultation of your instructors. Zhi would you be willing to take Wendell on as a student?”

Zhi: “I would be much honored to have new student. Wendell and I can talk about it later.”

Catharsis: “You know what’s scary to many people when they think of physical fitness? They think they will get hurt doing it. ‘I am not going to go running, what if I step on a rusty nail, what if a rabid chipmunk gets a hold of me?!’”

Addison: “Yes, people have fears about practically everything in life. Some people fear they will hurt themselves just getting out of bed in the morning. However, there are people that do hurt themselves while performing various types of physical exercise. These injuries are usually due to overdoing something or using a wrong technique.”

Catharsis: “Or, they beat each other to a pulp ‘playing’ rugby, football, etc.”

Naruto: “If people pay attention and have good instructor, then no problem. Staying physically fit is very important. Even the blessed Buddha say so.”

Waneta: “While many of my people have followed the white man into gluttony and physical laziness, physical fitness has been important to us for centuries. We like to run, swim, dance and play outdoor games.” Wendell’s face starts to turn red.

Catharsis: “Is something the matter there kid? You didn’t happen to catch Waneta swimming in the buff did you?” (laughing)

Wendell: “I, uh, yes. I am sorry Waneta for seeing you like that, I mean for invading your privacy.”

Waneta: “Boy, being naked is a natural thing and I am not ashamed of it. Just wait until you see me swimming in the moonlight!” Wendell’s face turns even redder and he looks down and away.

Addison: “Try not to let it bother you Wendell, we are all one happy family here. Many things you have been taught by society do not hold up as being true here. What did you observe Kailoken doing?”

Wendell: “Well, I did not observe him doing anything but sitting there. He did say he was lifting weights with his mind though.”

Catharsis: “That is great, how much did you manage to lift this time?”

Kailoken: “I managed to lift 200 pounds. I was taking it easy so as not to strain my mind.”

Addison: “What do you make of that Wendell?”

Wendell: “Well, uh…. I am not sure.”

Addison: “As is typical of my wonderful associate here, Kailoken was making a point that one can actually run through exercises using one’s mind alone. And, as most of us here know, when it is real to the mind, it affects the body as well. Many athletes actually use this technique to help perfect their performance. This is something that people who are bed-ridden and otherwise not able to do physical fitness that well can utilize to get some physical benefit. Those that are really out of shape can perhaps start imagining that they are doing the actual exercise within their minds and then move on to the real thing from there.”

Wendell: “That is very very interesting. I never thought of that before.”

Catharsis: “You know what I find weird about physical fitness? People who need it the most are the most resistant to doing it. It is like they fall into some black hole of atrophy and cannot break free. ‘Help me! Help me! Get me out of here, somebody!’”

Addison: “Yes, many people just do not seem to be able to break that inertia to begin getting started to a healthier state of being. That is why I suggest just gentle movement to start with. Walking, mental exercise, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Hatha Yoga, and swimming can all be good forms of gentle movement for most people at any age. 1.5 miles of walking has been shown to be as good as 1 mile of running, for instance.” “Okay, Zhi and Wendell can talk about Tai Chi instruction. May you all have a spiritually productive day. Love and Light to you.”

“Namaste” “Later, Addison” “Peace to you my friend” “I will catch up with you later, Addison”…

Copyright 2009 – Balance Integration Group. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Addison C. Arthur is a Spiritual Humorist. As such you will often find him combining spiritual insight with witty humor. He often engages his associates in discussions on a variety of topics to help bring a different viewpoint to his readers and listeners. Feel free to stop by the website to read more articles, sign up for a free monthly newsletter, and to listen to a future podcast: http://www.the5thway.com/

Technorati Tags: exercise and fitness, kids physical fitness

I'm really having a hard time looking for these on the internet. My PEH teacher gave us a report and we really need this badly cause we have no reference books to base on. Please answer briefly. Thank you very much!

There are so many reasons why one should always combine exercise with their diet. You will have built a great habit that will help keep the weight off when you finish dieting, you will keep your metabolism up which will help you lose all the weight you are hoping for as well as give you lean muscle mass that will make you stronger and burn fat.

There are definitely challenges to working out. You have to expend a lot of energy, get motivated and be willing to work hard. However it will only help speed up the process of losing weight and looking great. You will be shocked at how much energy you will gain from working out. It also boosts your metabolism which will help your body work overtime when burning calories. When working out you gain a great thing called muscle. Not only will your muscle have already replaced some fat but muscle continues burning fat!

When losing weight, statistics show that it is about 80% diet and 20% exercise. However the flip side is that keeping the weight off is 20% diet and 80% exercise which is probably why a lot of people gain back the weight that they just worked so hard to lose. It is great to get into a good habit of exercise along with eating healthy and in the end you will not only look fabulous but keep those pesky pounds off as well as improve the parts of your body you can not see.

Let’s face it eating is fun! A lot of social activities revolve around food, soda, coffee, desert… when you work out, you may not have to count every single calorie. Your body will be working with you and you may find that you do not have to go on a severe diet to lose weight.

When you start to diet your body is signaled that it is quite possibly starving. In turn, your metabolism will slow down and try to hold onto fat just in case it may not receive food in a while. This is why it is so important to at least engage in some light workouts while dieting. It can be as simple as walking. Take a nice walk once a day and see the difference it makes.

I find it amazing that when I work out I want to eat better. If I am wearing my comfy sweats and a sweatshirt I just might want to get cozy and eat some ice cream. However if I just was in some shorts and a tank top that I wish was not so tight and worked really hard for 45 minutes some water and an apple might sound more refreshing. Listen to your body. It knows what it needs. Remember, a lot of times hunger pains is actually your body saying it is thirsty. Drink a lot of water as it will rehydrate you after a workout as well as cause your body to only eat what it needs.

Technorati Tags: diet and exercise, health and physical fitness

How to keep the New Year’s Resolution to exercise
 by: Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A.

New Year’s Resolutions motivate many to make commitments to exercise. Fitness centers will be flooded with great intentions during the first week of January. Sadly, within a few short weeks after New Year’s Day, fitness center visits begin to decline.

Want an easy way to stay off the fitness commitment dropout rolls? Here’s a simple tip that could double your workouts this year.

Fitness Strategy for the Long-Haul

The key to long-term fitness training is to be aware that motivation levels come and go.

The one day that you decide to miss could be the last workout for a year. Long-term training is not a physical issue, it is a mental one.

I have a mental practice that I use to help me through the tough days when I do not feel like training. It’s simple – I don’t make the decision to miss a workout until I first change into my training clothes.

If I decide to miss a workout, that’s okay (sometimes it’s unavoidable), but I always make the effort to change clothes first.

Most of the time, just changing into training clothes is enough to get me started. Once started, this typically becomes the best workout of the week!

Why People Stop Exercising

Never have I met anyone who made a conscious decision to stop exercising. Everyone who has stopped exercising began by “missing once.”

That one miss led to another, then another.

The key to long-term training is to understand the mental risk associated with missing “one workout.”

I can’t overemphasize the importance of mentally making an issue of missing “one workout.”

Missing one workout will not hurt you physically. Mentally, however, missing a workout permanently breaks the habit of training – until you make the next workout.

The Take Home

When deciding to miss a workout, make a mental note that you just decided to “stop training permanently”. . . until you have completed the next workout.

Have a great day!

Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A.,

Author of Ready, Set, GO! Synergy Fitness

About The Author

Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A.,

If you’ve seen a fitness magazine lately like Physical Magazine, Muscle Mag, On Fitness, MS Fitness, or Brian Mackenzie’s Successful Coaching, you may have seen an article or a quote by masters athlete and author Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A., Age 51. You may have seen him on the cover of Personal Fitness Professional, or heard him speak during a Health & Fitness Expo or during Greta Blackburn’s Malibu Fit Camp. You may own a piece of award winning Vision Fitness cardio equipment programmed with his Sprint 8 Workout or know a professional athlete who has attended his Speed Camp. His words will inspire you. If you’ve not read his book, Ready Set Go Synergy Fitness visit www.readysetgofitness.com for more information.

info@readysetgofitness.com

Technorati Tags: exercise fitness workout, fat burning exercise

Orkin Physicals » Blog Archive » High Fiber Diet Plan Obesity …

The fundamental basis of any weight loss plan that promotes long term weight loss is by providing you a healthy eating plan and fitness plan. Essentially the weight loss plan you chose should teach you skills that enable you to live a …

Orkin Physicals » Blog Archive » The Truth about Diet and Weight …

Never have there been so numerous weight loss remedies and appetite suppressants available and these tablets are employed for the short-term management of weight collectively with suitable diet and physical exercise. Even so, to maximize the impact they could have, … Tags: easy, exercise, fitness, free, how to lose weight, loss, personal, plan, Quick, routine, strength, trainer, training, video, week, weight loss exercise, weight loss tips, woman, workout, yt:crop=16:9 …

How to Lose Weight after Pregnancy – How to Get Rid of Pregnancy …

To lose weight after pregnancy will require discipline in your diet and physical activities. You should take time to schedule a regular exercise program, to work out on the abdominal area as well as the chest area. …. Fitness. alt text Increase Your Upper Body Mass. To have a balanced look for your body you must work all the muscle groups throughout the body. Men tend… alt text How to Gain Weight Properly. Weight training is no easy feat. It requires strength and at …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

I want to lose as much weight as I can before my 26th birthday in January. I lose weight quickly but I also put it on quickly. Should I cut out carbs or just monitor everything and count all my calories and exercise 45 min five days a week?

Technorati Tags: diet and physical fitness, exercise and weight loss

Unsung Benefits of Breastfeeding
 by: Philip J. Goscienski, M.D.

From the Stone Age until just a few generations ago, human infants’ only sustenance was mother’s milk, but modern infant formula seems to be an adequate substitute. After all, infant mortality in Western societies is at historic lows and growth patterns are normal. But is that all there is to it? Could there be other advantages to breastfeeding, both to the mother and to the infant?

Post-delivery stress discomfort. All those hours of labor may be natural, but they are exhausting and stressful for mom. It’s not so easy on baby, either! First, that cushion of fluid suddenly vanishes in a big gush as labor begins. Then comes the big squeeze as the infant is mashed against the opening of the uterus, and through a birth canal that is so narrow that the baby’s skull elongates just to fit through. It takes a day or so before a newborn’s head gets its normal rounded shape back.

Enter endorphins, morphine-like hormones that the body produces, and that relieve pain and stress. Beta endorphin appears in the early milk (colostrum) of mothers who deliver naturally, but there is much less in the breastmilk of mothers who undergo Caesarian section, and who bypass a stressful labor. Even higher levels appear in the colostrum of those mothers who deliver prematurely, and whose infants might have undergone even more stress before and during delivery. Nature thus helps to make the transition from the cozy, quiet womb to the outside world a little easier.

Baby’s suckling helps healing. After a successful delivery, the new mother feels the continued contractions of her uterus as it begins to return to normal size. That shrinking is critical in reducing blood loss after separation of the placenta. The baby that is put to the breast during the first hour or two gets nothing but a few drops of colostrum for its effort, but sucking on the empty breast increases the contraction of the now-empty uterus. That helps to limit the mother’s blood loss, and it could have been a critical factor in primitive humans.

A breast has to grow up. A woman that has never been pregnant may think that her normal-appearing breasts are fully mature, but from a biological point of view, they are not. The normal cycle of breast development begins with adolescent budding, but it does not end until the breast secretes at least some milk. During that interval, especially during the adolescent years, breast tissue is susceptible to toxic agents. That might explain two observations about breast cancer. First, women who smoke during their teen years have a greater risk of breast cancer than those that do not. Second, women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer, at least in their premenopausal years, as well as ovarian cancer.

Infant formula: how boring! The can of infant formula that Dad plucks off the supermarket shelf on the day of baby’s birth contains exactly the same ingredients as the formula that the infant will receive 2 weeks, 2 months or 12 months later (unless Dad switches brands). That’s not so for breastmilk. Colostrum contains antibodies and live cells that will protect the newborn from infection and help to develop its immune system. Day by day the mother will notice that her breastmilk becomes thinner and more bluish, until by 6 weeks it becomes consistently the same in appearance. Actually, the composition of breastmilk changes every single day until weaning occurs. That’s because the baby’s developing body, especially the brain, has different requirements every day. There are hundreds of components of breastmilk that vary according to the growing infant’s needs, in a sequence that was laid down by Nature hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Thanks, Mom. That was delicious! You won’t find mint-flavored infant formula at the local market, or any with a distinctive flavor. That would never get past the folks at Quality Control. But mother’s milk reflects mother’s diet. In years past, pediatricians advised breastfeeding mothers to avoid onions, garlic or spicy, highly flavored foods. That was the wrong advice, and I was guilty of it. Babies that are exposed to a variety of flavors that come through mothers’ milk take more readily to solid foods than formula-fed infants, for whom every food flavor is new and strange. Think of all the mealtime fussiness that would avoid!

And it will make you feel better. During the first year following delivery, mothers who breastfeed are only half as likely to suffer from depression as those who do not nurse their infants. That is not a minor issue, because approximately 10 percent of women become depressed within the first 6 weeks of delivery. This mental boost may be due to a hormone called oxytocin, which is released during nursing and also causes those contractions of the uterus that I mentioned earlier.

There were no feeding options back in the Stone Age, but the decision to not breastfeed may be unavoidable for some mothers. For those who are ambivalent, these benefits may provide a little incentive.

About The Author

Philip J. Goscienski, M.D. is a pediatric infectious diseases specialist with a 45-year career in clinical and academic medicine. Dr. Goscienski has written for the Saturday Evening Post and Currents, the national newsletter of the American Heart Association and is a featured writer for North San Diego County Magazine. He has drawn on his interests in biology, anthropology, paleopathology and physical fitness to develop Better Life Seminars, a series of presentations in which he explains how our most distant ancestors lived, and how we can apply this knowledge to extend our healthspan and avoid the major chronic diseases of our age. His book, Health Secrets of the Stone Age is based on his seminars, and on the most recent findings in medical and anthropological research. It is scheduled for a January 2005 release date. You can visit his web site at www.stoneagedoc.com.

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