Tae Bo: A revolutionary training method

I vividly remember my first encounter with the Tae Bo workout series.

For the record, I do NOT have any business relationship with Billy Blanks or Tae Bo; I am neither an affiliate, nor a promoter of the brand. Whatever I tell you is as a result of my personal experience and is not intended to promote or induce purchase of the product.

Now back to my Story...

It was a Saturday morning, and I had just returned from a grueling 2 mile run that morning; my cousin had borrowed a copy of the workout with the intention of burning off some fat and building strength and endurance. The tape was promptly inserted into the VCR ( those were the days before DVD became the main deal) and my introduction to Tae Bo commenced.

It's time for y'all to put some gas in your tanks," shouts Billy Blanks. He cranks up the volume on the stereo and I'm watching about 15 men and women jumping around like they were on a high sugar diet. 

The session begins with a motivational speech by Billy Blanks, the originator of Tae Bo himself. He states that his Tae Bo workouts can improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and will tone

and define muscles.  Blanks encourages his clients to work on their bodies from the inside out; he claims: "results are imminent from the very first Tae Bo workout, as completing it makes you feel great about yourself." He informs us that an hour long Tae Bo workout will burn 500 to 800 calories compared with the 300 to 400 calories burned with a more conventional aerobics class.

 

The workout began with some dynamic stretches, lunges, squats, and other warm up exercises (no biggie, I was a pro!). Then the session progressed to some punch - jab combinations and kicking moves. My cousin soon dropped out and decided to watch from the couch. Within 10 minutes I was exhausted, every muscle in my body screamed for respite (remember, I had already gone for a run that morning), my arms and shoulders felt like lead, while my feet felt like they were attached to concrete. I then realized that if I was tired, being one who worked out for hours at a time 7 days a week, I was definitely onto something. I was determined to complete the workout; if Billy could do it at his age, I could also do it.

The workout lasted for almost an hour, by which time my body had given up on trying to make me quit and had decided to come along for the ride, little aware of the soreness that would inflame my muscles by the next morning. I succeeded in riding out the effects of the workout, and marveled at the beneficial effects of the workout. Since then, I have incorporated elements of Tae Bo into my workout regime.

The world wide web is full of glowing recommendations from faithful Tae Bo users. Although the workout seems to be most popular with women in their twenties and early thirties, Blanks claims that Tae Bo is a great workout for males and females of all ages. However caution should be exercised when incorporating Tae Bo into your exercise regimen. Tae Bo newcomers often start out too hard and too fast, putting too much stress on their joints and surrounding tissue which can lead to injuries. Experts caution that those who have been sedentary, especially if they're over 30 or overweight, should proceed slowly for at least eight weeks. If done incorrectly, Tae Bo can produce extensive long lasting muscle damage, by proceeding slowly and focusing on technique however, these effects can be minimized and fitness gains maximized.

Tae Bo® Fitness is a program that combines the best of a variety of different exercise disciplines to provide an overall workout. It is the combination of the self-awareness and control of martial arts, the focus and strength of boxing, and the grace and rhythm of dance. Although the martial art undertones are what help make Tae Bo such an effective cardiovascular workout, this leads many people to falsely assume that they are learning a martial art. Nothing could be further from the truth; Tae Bo is not a self-defense course and practitioners should not attempt to use the techniques outside of their workouts.It is meant for solely recreational purposes and any attempt to use the moves in a serious fight without prior martial art training will likely get you badly hurt.

Tae Bo is not something you do every day, it could simply be done on a day when you don't feel like going through your normal training or are feeling like challenging yourself with something new.  As your will is tested, it is also strengthened. When you push your body to the next level, you will gradually build it to the level of ultimate fitness.

 

 Get a copy of the Tae Bo program and push your fitness to a whole new level. Enjoy the video I put up for you.

FRee GivEAwayz

hello, its me again!

Today I have decided to do what I love best; providing value to my supportive audience.

Towards this end, i have searched the net for useful books, podcasts and resources which will help you live a more fulfilled life. enjoy

Click this link for a book to help you find that magic story.  

An immediate worldwide sensation was created after "The Magic Story" first made its appearance in 1900 in Success Magazine. After dozens of reprints, it is finally available in eBook form so you may benefit from its message. 

Setting goals is something that all successful people do, but when it comes down to it, there are effective and ineffective ways of going about the process.

 

This will help your goal setting

Another goal setting aid 

 

For those of us in leadership, this would help build your emotional intelligence
emotional intelligence ebook

For those who desire to go into affiliate marketing, this course could be of help. It was of great help to me when I decided to start my first web business.
Free affiliate marketing course
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Enjoy these gifts I have bestowed upon you, pending my next giveaway

FITNESS CHALLENGE WEEK 2: ARE YOU TOUGH ENUFF!!!!

Do you think you are tough? Then I challenge you to give this workout a try. I can guarantee, unless you are a top notch conditioned athlete, this circuit training routine will give you a run for your money. Get ready! Place your bets!! Go!!!!!

 

This workout was created by Coach Shannon Clark, it is meant to work your body in a way it is not used to and will give it a much needed break from the regular routine.  You won't need a single weight, and even more unbelievable, you won't even need equipment besides a pair of running shoes and most likely lots of water (To drink, of course!)

 

The following exercises are to be performed in a circuit fashion, taking as minimal rest as possible. Progress from one exercise to the next, performing 20 reps of each, and once you have completed the entire list of exercises repeat again for a total of 6 times through (assuming you make it this far). 

If needed, you can take a one to two minute rest period between each circuit of exercises (after all 6 are completed before moving on to repeat the entire thing once again). 

Remember, as with any other exercise, proper form is essential. Just because you're tired, it is still critical that you maintain the correct position throughout the exercise otherwise you will be really doing no good whatsoever and might as well just go lay on the grass.

Exercise 1: Chinnies

To perform this exercise, lay flat on your back on the floor (or on top of a mat). Next, with your arms out and by your ears, simultaneously bring your knees up to your middle with your head and chest coming to meet them. This should look similar to an accordion action. 

If this is too easy for you, the next step would be to move your arms so that they are directly up and above your head and rise to point towards the ceiling when you crunch up. Since they are increasing your lever length, this will be an added challenge to the exercise.

Exercise 2: Push ups

When performing this classic exercise, remember to keep your body as flat as possible (don't let your back arch upward or downward) and try and go as far down to the ground as possible. Also be sure you hands are no more than shoulder width apart so you are effectively targeting your triceps muscle. 

Exercise 3: Squats

To perform this exercise place your hands by your ears once again (as you did in the chinnies exercise) and have your feet shoulder width apart. Then fully (and I mean make sure your bum gets as close to the ground as you can manage) squat down, pause and then slowly squat up. 

 

This is not a speed exercise and should be done in a slowed and controlled manner. Make sure you knees are moving directly in a straight line above your toes or you could risk suffering from knee pain. 

Exercise 4: Jacknives

Jackknives are fairly similar to Chinnies except that you are to have your arms directly up above your head and your legs remain straight. So, laying on your back on the ground, you are going to raise your legs up to the ceiling while also bringing your upper body and arms up as well, so you are making a 'V' shape with your body. 

 

  Jackknives.

This is a very difficult exercise for your core and hip flexors and the important thing to remember is to try and keep your legs as straight as possible. 

Also, try your hardest not to let your legs and arms touch the ground on the way back down. If they do, this is alright, however try and advance to a level where they can remain in the air the entire time. 

Exercise 5: Running A's

This exercise is done by starting in a simple standing position. Then you are going to bring one knee up to your chest as far as possible while bringing the opposite elbow down to meet it (with a slight crunch in the waist).


This exercise is a speed exercise and should be completed as quickly as possible (you will begin to take a 'running' motion as you are doing it).

Exercise 6: Burpees
 

Everyone's favorite!! Start in a standing position and then squat down so that your hands are placed on the floor. Then kick your legs back so they are behind you and you are in the 'up' position of a push up. 

Then once again bring your legs back under you (you will then be in a squat position again) and spring up as high as you can into a full jump, followed by returning once again into your squat position so you are ready to kick your legs back to complete the second rep. Continue these actions in a fluid motion until you have completed all 20 reps.

As with any other exercise, be sure to take a day off between circuits if you are planning on completing this workout a few times per week. It doesn't necessarily have to be done on a regular basis however to reap rewards. 

It could simply be done on a day when you don't feel like going through your normal training or are feeling like challenging yourself with something new. 

One thing this plan will surely teach you though, is that circuit training is definitely not only something for girls with light weights, even the strongest athletes can be put to the test with this one!

 

Are you Bored with your workout: find your vibe

Hi,

Many of us get into a workout routine and stagnate. We start out with enthusiasm, but with the passing of time, we find our enthusiasm lessen as we perform the same exercises repetitiously day in, day out.

We need to rethink our philosophies of exercise; we need to stop thinking of fitness as a necessary evil, and start thinking of it as a series of fun activities designed to enable you express yourself in greater colour.

The problem is, if you get bored with your exercise regime, you will feel less inclined to continue, and gradually, you will drop out. 

Therefore its good to switch up your exercises and workout routines from time to time.  Seek out new exercises which will challenge and interest you. Take responsibility for your body and its fitness; work out your own fitness formula, look for what works for you and allows you to express yourself in unique ways. 

 Exercise need not be boring or difficult, it should be fun. Look for something you naturally enjoy doing, become more adventurous, take a few more risks. At the end, you'll not only find more interesting ways of performing exercises, you will have found more effective ways of expressing yourself. sometimes it's the most simple things that have the most profound effect. Savour your exercise routine, if you are going to commit to keeping fit, you might as well enjoy yourself in the process.

Look for more interesting activities. You don't need to be in the gym all the time, exercise with friends (but don't get distracted from your goals)

 This movement is about making mountains move, its about making the right decisions and living life according to your terms. You have to be consistent, you have to operate at 1000%, you have to make the decision to transform your life. Do not allow the difficulties posed by your environment prevent you from enjoying the benefits provided by life. Do not become imprisoned by old ideas and attitudes which have not been working for us. Life is a series of choices; in the course of making choices, we make mistakes and we learn from them.   

When you make the decision to transform your life, ask yourself the following questions:

1.  What have I been doing with respect to my health and physical fitness?

2.  What has been working for me?

3. What doesn't work for me

Work with what works for you, let go of what doesn't. Make a Choice to live your life to its fullest capacity. Commit to finding the most effective workouts that will make you a better person... inside and out.

 

STEROIDS: THE FULL SCORE

          Hi Guys,

STEROIDS: THE FULL SCORE

I came across this article during the course of my research, and I decided to share it you. Credits:<<<Click Here for more info>>>>>

What’s the score?

Steroids are also known as anabolic steroids, ‘roids, gear, sauce or juice (e.g. ‘on the juice’). They’re made from the male hormone testosterone and help men build muscle - but only if they work out too.

Taking steroids

Steroids come as pills or a liquid that’s injected into a muscle. It must never be injected into a vein as this can kill. Often steroids are taken in ‘cycles’ of weeks on, followed by weeks off, then on again. They are also used for ‘stacking’, which is where you take several types of steroids together to strengthen their effects.

Highs and lows

Steroids can help a man can grow muscles bigger than he could if he trained without them. Big muscles can make him feel more confident and give him a buzz from feeling lusted after, accepted and part of a group of other muscled men.

Nearly all users experience some side effects. These include acne (especially on the back), trouble sleeping, gut problems, permanent hair loss, growth of breast tissue (‘bitch tits’), testicles getting smaller, water retention, high blood pressure (with a risk of stroke), raised cholesterol (fat in the blood), liver and heart damage, and prostate problems.

Users can experience mood changes, irritability and aggression (‘roid rage’). Coming off steroids can lead to depression and for some men possibly thoughts of suicide.

Injecting steroids carries its own health risks, such as skin abscesses or infections, and sharing injecting equipment spreads serious infections like HIV and hepatitis C.

Sex on steroids

Steroids can make someone feel more sexually confident and boost their sex drive and as a result they might be more likely to risk getting or passing on HIV. But steroids can also weaken a man’s sex drive and cause erection problems. The testicles may shrink as the body no longer needs to make its own testosterone. However, penis size isn’t affected.

A long term relationship?

Serious health problems are more likely the longer you take steroids and the bigger the dose.

Using them can feed a body disorder where men see themselves as smaller than they really are and become obsessed about their size. In the short term steroids might seem to help with low self-esteem but long term can make insecurities worse.

Steroids with other drugs

HIV drugs – steroids and some HIV drugs both raise levels of cholesterol (fat in the blood), so if you’re being treated for HIV you should be careful about using muscle-building drugs. A doctor should check your cholesterol levels as taking steroids when on HIV drugs puts extra strain on your liver. If you’re on some HIV meds they can cause raised levels of steroids in the blood, making side effects more likely. Ask your HIV doctor for advice.

 Taking any drug while using steroids puts extra strain on your liver. As steroids can affect your mood it is advisable to avoid other drugs that change your mental state.

Useful to know

·         Illegally sold steroids can be contaminated, diluted, fake, or made for use with animals.

·         Before starting steroids and while you’re on them it’s a good idea to have your heart, liver and kidney function and cholesterol levels monitored.

·         Drinking lots of water (up to three litres a day) is important to clear from the body waste products caused by steroids.

·         Steroids should be avoided if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, mental health problems or anything wrong with your heart.

·         Steroids can stunt growth, so men under 24 are advised not to use them.

Fitness tips

 Below are some podcasts I took the time to compile for your benefit.

Weight loss and the mind gives tips on how to get motivated for fitness
Weight loss and the mind:

If you want to be successful you should surround yourself with people who already have that success.

"Well, the same applies to fitness. If you learn from champion athletes, if you hang around athletes like I’ve been fortunate enough to do, whether you do it physically or metaphorically through the types of programs that I have created, you’re going to just pick up on the lifestyle and through osmosis you’re going to become healthier and you’re going to become fitter."

Below are fitness tips that are designed to help you craft your workout routines and pick the right workout partners.

 <<<<Fitness tips that work>>>>>

 Five ways to a better looking stomach in 5 minutes. This guy really knows what he's talking about. However, take this advise with wisdom, do not push yourself too hard so you don't hurt yourself. he also gives some helpful diet advise.

Five ways to a better stomach and posture in 5 minutes

Bodybuilding as opposed to functional training is dealt with exhaustively in this podcast. It brings out the benefits of functional training vis-a-vis cosmetic bodybuilding training. Functional strength training helps in many ways.

muscleworkxx functional strength training

DYNAMIC TENSION: MUSCLE AGAINST MUSCLE

Hi guys and girls.

I was feeling seriously lazy today, so i decided to lift a workout from the website of Charles Atlas, one of the greatest bodybuilders that ever lived. Using principles derived from his observation of animals in the zoo, young Charlie devised a training which works by pitting one muscle against the other, thereby creating resistance and building strength.

His system is called Dynamic Tension.....

TRY IT TODAY!
ADD ONE FULL INCH OF SOLID MUSCLE TO YOUR CHEST!  

This exercise, as with all others, requires patience and perseverance. Perform it regularly morning and night. Try to do at least 50 a day, in groups of 5 or 10. If you cannot do this amount, DO NOT STRAIN. Do as many as you can and try to build up to doing 50 a day. You can get the chest development you want by making this directed effort daily. THIS IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR OTHER FUTURE EXERCISES. I have named this the "Dipping" Exercise. If performed steadily and faithfully every day, without fail, it can add at least an inch to your chest in THE FIRST 10 DAYS! That's my promise - and the proof is within your grasp! 

---

Perform the movements of this exercise, if possible, in front of a large mirror.

Step 1.
Place two plain chairs facing each other, front to front, about 18 inches apart. Step 2.
Rest a hand on the seat of each chair, starting with arms straight, and your body extended in a sloping position, toes on the floor.

Step 3.
Come up slowly until your arms are straight. Bend the elbows as you go down and bring the arms straight as you come up. Breathe out as you come up, breathe in as you go down.
Step 4.
Keeping body rigid, but bending your elbows, dip down as low as you can between the chairs, letting your chest down as near as possible to the floor.
Step 5.
Continue until slightly tired, then start again. This exercise should be practiced faithfully morning and night.

Starting Position

Ending Position