Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Weightless Workout - Strength Training Without Equipment

Weightless Workout - Strength Training Without Equipment
 by: David McCormick

If you haven't already, it would benefit you to read the previous article, "Weight Training for Weight Loss?" at http://www.weightlessproducts.com/free-weight-loss-articles/weighttrain.html
Resistance training, also known as strength training, does not require a gym membership. It does not even require an expensive home gym. In this article, you will discover the secret of isometric training and its effectiveness for muscle growth.
Weightless Strength Training: Still requires a warm-up, with stretching afterwards. Still requires protein to increase musculature. Can be more effective than lifting weights, because you can "max out" Is safer than lifting weights, and can be done without equipment of any kind. Requires just a bit of experimentation to determine proper position. Consult your physician regarding chronic problems before starting.
Before and After
Just like lifting weights, you should always warm up before isometrics. This means a light jog or other low-impact activity that will raise your heart rate and raise your core temperature by a few degrees. This should last at least 5 minutes, preferably 10 or more. After this, you should do joint rotations. This is not a stretch, it is preparing the joint for work by encouraging blood flow. Then, do the resistance training. At the end, stretch all of the joints you have worked that day. Studies have shown that stretching before strength training actually reduces the muscle's capacity, and does not prevent injury as was previously thought. Stretching after the work out will protect the joint and prevent cramping.
Maximum Overload
Anyone who has done a little research into muscle growth knows that what triggers muscle growth and strength gains is overload of the muscle. If you can do 20 reps with 20 lbs, you're exhausting the muscle, not overloading it. If you pile on 100 lbs, and can only do 3 reps, this is ideal for lifting weights in a gym. But it is still not the maximum overload possible. Your goal for the most efficient workout is to flex with all your might during a partial rep (the range of motion where you can exert the most power).
You can't really accomplish maximum overload at all using conventional weights. For one thing, you'd need a spotter to hand you the weights when you're in the optimum range, and you'd have to instantly get a perfect grip on them. Furthermore, what weight do you use? You can't be sure how much stronger you've gotten since your last workout, if you put too little, you're not maxing out, and if you put too much you'll drop it and risk muscle injury.
The answer is easier than you think. Get into the optimal range, then press (or push or pull) on something immovable. You can exert your absolute maximum force, and there's no danger. That's Isometrics: Intense muscle contraction at an ideal muscle length without moving - because the muscle is acting against an equal force. About 10 seconds of maximum force is the most that anyone can sustain, so try to aim for 3 sets of 10 seconds for each exercise.
Ideal Length
Your muscles aren't made to exert the same amount of force throughout their range of motion. You have a weak range and a strong range. The ideal length for isometric exercises is at the muscle length where you can exert the most force. It is different for each muscle, and varies a bit person to person. For this reason, you may have to experiment a bit by varying the positions I recommend below until you feel the most force.
How do I perform weightless exercises?
Let's start with the chest muscles, called the pectoralis (major and minor). Using standard equipment in the gym, you would normally use a barbell bench press or a dumbell flies. To convert this into an isometric exercise, you may think that you can just do the same action against a wall, since the wall is immovable. But that's not true, because it's really your legs that are pressing your hands into the wall, not your chest. (Try it!) This would only work if you were in a narrow hallway, with one wall against your back, and your palms flat against the opposite wall. That way you'd be pressing with your chest. However, unless you're 9 feet tall, most hallways will be too wide for you. There are two practical ways to do the isometric chest exercise: sqeezing an object (one that won't be easily crushed) between your palms, or pressing your palms together (since one side of your chest should be about the same strength as the other, each arm should provide exactly the right amou!
nt of resistance for the other arm).
For most people, the ideal muscle length for the pectoralis is nearly fully contracted. If you were doing a standard dumbell flye or a bench-press, that's the top of the action, with the weight almost fully pressed away above your chest. So, when trying to crush a wooden box between your palms, or pressing your palms together, your arms should be nearly fully extended. You should have a small bend in the elbows, and your wrists, elbows and shoulders should be level. Do not drop your elbows, or you won't be able to exert yourself as much, and you risk hurting your elbow joint. Concentrate on flexing your chest as much as possible for 10 seconds, exhaling slowly as you do. Then relax, and move on to your upper arms.
Once you understand the chest exercise, the biceps and triceps should be pretty obvious. With palms together, press your writs together as in the chest exercise, but this time with one hand facing up and the other down. The hand facing up will be flexing the biceps, attempting to pull towards your chest. The palm facing down will attempt to push away, flexing the triceps. Apply as much pressure as you can for 10 seconds, wrist to wrist (not into your palm or fingers, because that relies on your wrist strength, which will limit the development of your biceps and triceps). Then switch hands, and work the complementary muscle on the other arm.
The ideal length for the biceps is just more than half-way flexed. Make a "L" with your arm, then flex it a little more. For the triceps, the ideal length with the arm at almost full extension. This means that, for me, when I work my left biceps, my right arm has to cross my chest. Unlike the chest exercise, both elbows should be pointing towards the floor.
What about the shoulders or deltoids? For this one you will need a doorway, and if you're short, you'll also need a stool. Simply stand with spine straight and legs flexed, and press your palms into the top of the door frame for 10 seconds.
The biggest back muscle is the latissimus darsi, otherwise known as the "lats". Still standing in the doorway with your hands above your head from the previous exercise, press your elbows into the sides of the door frame. The ideal length of the lats is almost a full extension, so technically, the narrower the door the better. A linen closet usually has a smaller door, so if you have one, use it.
If you've tried these exercises and feel the principles, you should be able to make up weightless exercises for any muscle in your body. I personally cannot figure out an isometric ab exercise without using special equipment, so if you can invent one, please write me to tell me about it. Email: info@weightlessproducts.com
Caution
The best part about the Weightless Workout is that it is so safe. If you ever feel pain or discomfort you can stop immediately and not risk dropping a heavy weight on yourself. You can just stop, and you should. Even the weakest elderly people can do isometric exercises because your own muscles define how much work you do. However, as with any other activity, there is a risk of injury, so consult your physician, especially if you suspect that your muscles are stronger than your joints or bones. Persons with osteoporosis can actually cause bone fractures because their muscles exert more force than their brittle bones can take.

About The Author

David McCormick is the founder of Weightless Products and the originator of its mascot, "Mr. Weightless". His motto is "Wait Less for Weight Loss". For natural, rapid weight loss tips, visit http://www.weightlessproducts.com.

info@weightlessproducts.com

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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Whirlpool Baths The Way To Good Health

Whirlpool Baths The Way To Good Health
 by: Mark Cooper

For hundreds of years, mankind has recognised the soothing, remedial effects of bathing. Several decades ago the medical profession acknowledged the benefits of hydrotherapy and began to prescribe the use of whirlpool baths as an effective treatment of many common physical ailments, a course of action that is now often used in clinics and hospitals around the world.
Hydro massage relieves the effects of stress, balances your bodies negative reaction to tension, relaxes muscles, lowers your heart rate and helps blood pressure and circulation return to normal.
Like a tightly compressed sponge, a tense muscle retains less fluid than one that is relaxed. This lessens the circulation of blood and increases the pressure placed on your heart. It can leave you feeling tired and aching, reducing your precious energy levels and making you feel irritable and lethargic.
Whirlpool hydro massage eases tense muscles and increases circulation, allowing the bodies cells to receive much-needed oxygen and energy-producing nutrients. Metabolic waste products are removed and your blood count increases, resulting in even better oxygen distribution.
Relaxing in a whirlpool bath will help dissolve the tensions that build up in every day life, your heart rate will settle, warm circulating water will help ease the nervous system and slow the natural rhythm of your body resulting in deeper breathing and a peaceful revitalising nights sleep.
Remember that your body has to last the whole of your life, so relax, lie back and let the soothing sensation of whirlpool hydrotherapy help you to look after your most precious possession.

About The Author

Mark Cooper is part of the web promotion team at www.clickbathrooms.co.uk

markcooper @clickbathrooms.co.uk

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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Weight Loss - Make a Significant and Lasting Lifestyle Change

Weight Loss - Make a Significant and Lasting Lifestyle Change
 by: Angie Kocsi

Losing weight can make a significant and life altering change in how we live our everyday life. After losing weight many people experience better sleep patterns, increased energy levels, improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
There is renewed vitality and self-confidence after weight loss that improves life in general and health in particular that cannot be overlooked.
However, statistics show that 90% of people who undergo a weight loss program regain the weight within two years. Why? One reason is that most diets are unrealistic and simply cannot be maintained in the long term. They almost always set you up for failure because they do not take into account real life – stress, eating out, a hectic job, cooking for the whole family or the many other temptations that are all around us every day. We constantly feel like we are fighting a losing battle!
The second major reason that most diets don’t work is that they don’t really address the emotional and spiritual elements. Food that is meant to nourish and strengthen the body becomes something we fear and leaves us feeling deprived.
Or it can become a poor coping mechanism for stress, tiredness, anxiety, sadness, boredom or other emotions and feelings. Don’t despair; there are sensible and practical solutions available to help us cope with the weight loss dilemma.
Have you noticed how active people seem to be more satisfied with their physical appearance and weight? A few simple activities added to your daily routine can
have a positive impact on overall health, fitness and quality of life:
1. Begin a 5 minute stretching routine each morning
2. Take a 10 – 15 minute brisk walk each day
3. Walk whenever possible - instead of using the elevator, car, bus or train
Exercising on a regular basis speeds up metabolism, burns calories and distributes the weight loss evenly throughout the body. Muscle and join pain will be less severe and your mobility and flexibility will be greatly enhanced.
In order to stay motivated and keep on-track working with a fitness and nutrition professional, who understands that weight loss is a journey towards health and wellness for each individual will help. They can design a balanced program that offers the right combination of diet and exercise to suit your particular requirements and help you to succeed in your goals and inspire you towards a life full of vitality.
So stay focused and most of all look for improvement long term not overnight!
Canadian wellness and heath spas lead the way in wellness and weight loss programs. For more information on where to find health and wellness spas in Canada go to www.spasincanada.ca or contact Angie at 1-888-688-8338
Spas in Canada ©2005

About The Author

Angie Kocsi is co-founder of www.spasincanada.ca.

After many years enjoying spas in Europe and drawing upon her knowledge of the corporate world along with an successful career in Public Relations and International Marketing Angie created www.spasincaanda.ca.

Spas in Canada provides a place where premier spas and industry professionals can offer useful information for all spa lovers everywhere.

spas@spasincanada.ca

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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How To Build A $100 Home Gym That Delivers Results

How To Build A $100 Home Gym That Delivers Results
 by: Jim O'Connor

So you want to save valuable time traveling to the gym by building your own home gym. Do to the long hours worked, and strenuous commutes, more and more people are opting to squeeze there workouts in by exercising in the comfort of their own homes.
There are many advantages to creating your very own home gym. It is shown that people who have home gym equipment in their homes tend to exercise more often. Let's also not forget about saving valuable time, and money on monthly health club dues. It seems like all the new estates being built in Los Angeles plan for a room to be used for their own, personal home gym.
The only drawbacks to owning a home gym are its overwhelming cost, and space limitations. But wait, maybe not! Sure you can purchase individual station machines, a treadmill, a bike, and dozens of free weights. However, is that really needed to get outstanding results? Do you have to spend $10,000 plus to get yourself a home gym that really delivers results? The answer is absolutely not!
Yes, you can treat yourself to state of the art equipment, but will you get better results than a gym which costs less than $100? The answer is no!
Being an Exercise Physiologist in Beverly Hills, California, and author of Home Gym Shopping Secrets, I have proved you can achieve outstanding results using a home gym which costs less than $100. I see that proof each and every day while consulting with motivated clients throughout Los Angeles, California.
What I see daily is people not having the space for many pieces of home gym equipment, or not willing to make a big investment.
Listed below is one of many home gym solutions I mention in Home Gym Shopping Secrets. http://www.HomeGymShoppingSecrets.com/
The $100 Home Gym Solution
Dave, an Oscar winning screenwriter whom I consult with, uses his $100 home gym twice per week, and gets amazing results. As a matter of fact, he pays me much more each week for my services than he did for his complete home gym. His strength and endurance has tripled over the past year, all while losing 6% body fat. This has all been accomplished using his $100, cost effective, space saving home gym. As a matter of fact, we exercise outside, year round, in his driveway! His home gym is comprised of the following equipment which I have listed below. If your goals and medical history are compatible with this type of program, you too can do something similar. Please refer to Home Gym Shopping Secrets and Wellness WORD Multimedia Newsletter for additional fitness programming information.
**LIST OF EQUIPMENT** 1 Large Swiss Ball Stretching Mat Pair of 15 pound dumbells Pair of 20 pound dumbells 1 Heavy Black Ther-A-Band 1 Resistance Band With Handles 10 Pound Medicine Ball
That is it; simple as that! Now what you do with all this equipment is specific to your medical history, and personal, primary goals. For more information on individual fitness programming, please visit Wellness Word Newsletter, and Home Gym Shopping Secrets.
The program Dave uses is more of a core strengthening regimen using various functional movements. We even have him doing in the neighborhood of 250 pushups throughout his circuit training routine. Just remember, programs are created on an individual basis, and are not so called canned as one routine fits all. The two resources I have mentioned above will help you get started on creating the your proper program.
So the next time you think you can't afford a home gym, think again. YOU CAN!
(c) Jim O'Connor/Wellness Word, LLC - All Rights Reserved

To receive your complimentary subscription to Wellness Word Newsletter (multimedia), visit http://www.WellnessWord.com right now!
Discover all the tips, tricks, and truth in multimedia video, audio, and text.

About The Author

Jim O'Connor, Beverly Hills Celebrity fitness consultant, has conducted thousands of personal fitness consultations with celebrities, business executives, and highly motivated professionals throughout Los Angeles. He is the Chief Exercise Physiologist for Wellness Word, LLC, a health, fitness, and nutrition promotion company. Jim is the author of a well known, world wide, multimedia newsletter called Wellness WORD, which is published online every other week promoting the health and fitness truth. He is also the author of Home Gym Shopping Secrets.

*** Attention: Ezine Editors/ Website Owners ***

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your eZine, Blog, Autoresponder, or on your website as long as the links, text, and resource box are not altered in any way.

Jim O'Connor - Exercise Physiologist/The Fitness Promoter

Copyright (c) - Wellness Word, LLC
9461 Charleville Blvd. #312
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
1-866-935-5967
http://www.HomeGymShoppingSecrets.com
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Jim@WellnessWord.com

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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ED Drugs For Recreational Use? It.s Risky!

ED Drugs For Recreational Use? It's Risky!
 by: Jacob Samual

Don't attempt it without a doctor's consent. Erectile dysfunction drugs are meant to treat men who suffer from erection problems. Those are not pills which you can consume for more vigor or excitement. With little knowledge, without a doctor's approval if you attempt to use ED drugs, then be ready to face its serious consequences.
Recreational use of drugs causes STD's?
Often when you are on an ED drug without an erection problem, you forget to take precautions. No use of condoms while enjoying uninterrupted sex can land you in trouble with many sexually transmitted diseases which refuses to leave you once the damage is done. Remember, you can also be a victim of HIV virus.
If you are totally ignorant about the ED pill you are consuming, then watch out for side effects and some times more sever conditions if you are taking nitrate pills. Doctors don't allow men to take Erectile Dysfunction drugs if they are on nitrates.
There is also a tendency to get addicted by these pills. Once taken for fun, you will use it again because of the pill's influence in your sexual performance levels.
Your doctor is your guide
Never underestimate the doctor's vital role in your healthy life. Even if your health problem is minor one, don't avoid a doctor's visit out of laziness. In case of ED drugs usage, you shouldn't take a pill without your doctor's permission. Meet with your doctor, do a check up if he advices and take instructions from him before using the pill. This will certainly keep you out of any health danger.
People also have a habit of buying drugs online without prescriptions. You should discourage your partner or family members from doing so. It only causes harm if you use a drug without learning about it and concluding whether it suits you or not.
3 Cheers to you and your health
Don't use ED drugs for recreational purposes
Never take an ED pill without consulting a doctor
Erectile dysfunction is not a severe disorder. Now there are pills like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra available worldwide which treats erectile dysfunction
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About The Author

Jacob Samual
email: jacobsamual@gmail.com
http://www.pillstand.com
Working as an Internet Researcher from Last 3 Years.

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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Weight Loss: The Two Words That Guarantee Success

Weight Loss: The Two Words That Guarantee Success
 by: Mark Idzik

Did you know that being successful with losing weight starts with just two words?
Two words will either guarantee you'll lose weight, or guarantee the you WON'T lose weight. You see, words are very powerful. Especially the words that we say to ourselves... our self-talk.
Whatever we say to ourselves goes directly to our subconscious and is accepted as complete truth.
Did you catch that?
Whatever you say to yourself or others is accepted as a complete truth to your subconscious mind.
How do you describe yourself?
Do you see yourself as healthy, slim and energetic? Or do you see yourself as heavy and overweight? Do you tell yourself (or complain to others) that "you can't" lose weight?
If you say to yourself....
"I am fat" ... your mind says OK, you're fat and gets to work in the background on taking actions that make (and keep) you fat.
or
"I am healthy and slim"... your mind says, OK, and gets to work in the background on taking actions that make (and keep) you healthy and slim.
[Note: You literally can't lose weight if you see yourself as overweight... your mind won't let you. This is one reason so many struggle with losing weight... and keeping it off. ]
Your subconscious doesn't argue with you, or reason with your statement. It just goes to work following your instructions.
This one, small lifestyle change can make a difference between being successful in reaching your weight loss goals, and continual struggle to lose weight.
It's simple, just replace your current thoughts and words with ones that support your "new" you starting with those two most important words, "I am":
"I am healthy"
"I am slim"
"I am fit"
"I am healthy and trim"
"I am at my goal weight of (your goal) pounds"
Saying "I am" gives your mind a statement and command in the affirmative... as if it were already true.
Do this regularly, every day, and watch your thoughts and self talk closely. If you catch yourself slipping, immediately stop your negative thoughts and replace them with those above, or your own "I am" statements.
Before you know it, your actions and results will start taking shape (literally :) ). It's a proven fact, your mind acts on what you tell it, just tell it what you want!
You CAN do it!

About The Author

Mark Idzik reports on natural and alternative health and is an author and health coach helping his clients lose weight and make better health choices. Receive his 37 free weight loss tips by visiting: http://www.Everyday-Weight-Loss.com.

mark@soundsleeptips.com

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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Milk- It Can Do A Body Good!

Milk- It Can Do A Body Good!
 by: Heather Hawthorne

Milk is one of the newest trends in body care these days, and it is showing up all over the place. Milk is in the media, hair salons, wellness centers, day spas, department stores, and health food stores, only to name a few. There is cow milk, goat milk, soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and milk you may not care to know the origin. Why the sudden popularity? Read on and find out.
Milk has been used for beauty treatments for quite some time, and there is evidence that Cleopatra soaked in baths of donkey or goat milk for hours at a time to beautify her skin. Asian cultures have relied on the benefits of rice milk for centuries to nourish and soothe skin, while cultures in tropical climates have found that coconut milk has numerous skin soothing properties.
Milk comes from the mammary glands of female mammals, so it makes perfect sense that it would be loaded with nutrients. In addition, milk is abundant in many plant species and is commonly derived from nuts, seeds and fruits. Today, milk of both plant and animal origin can be found in all sorts of body care products.
For some, milk brings to mind thoughts of wholesomeness, simplicity, or purity, and this easily draws people to try body treatments and products that contain any form of it. Who wouldn't want to soak in a creamy, milky-white bath of cinnamon scented oat milk or have their body covered in a warm elixir made with milk, honey and orange zest? The possibilities are endless: peaches and cream, almond milk and roses, chocolate-mint cream, or coconut milk and lime. Many spas around the world offer some type of treatment that utilizes milk, while body care product lines have introduced it into shampoos, soaps, lotions and nail care.
Milk contains lactic acid, which actually dissolves the glue that binds dead skin cells to our skin's surface. Consequently, the milk is sloughing off dead skin cells and acting as an exfoliant. When we exfoliate our skin, it automatically feels softer, but when exfoliation is combined with the skin smoothing and hydrating effects of milk, it may no longer feel like your own. Milk contains proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants, all incredibly valuable for our skin. The milk proteins are skin-enhancing since they promote smoothness and help to strengthen skin structure. The milk enzymes and amino acids are responsible for stimulating the skin's natural moisture barrier, which makes way for intense hydration and skin cell regeneration. Finally, milk's antioxidants are great for combating environmental damage and provide future protection from further damage.
Now, you have a better understanding of milk's sudden popularity in the body care industry. Not only do the combinations of milk and other elements sound delicious, but they also provide nutrition for the skin, often times are all-natural, and can be just plain fun! Next time you are near body care products, take a look, and I'm sure you'll find some milk around.
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About The Author

Heather Hawthorne has been a practicing licensed esthetician for 4 years, and is part of a team of licensed therapists at The Lane Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Becoming an esthetician was the result of a lifelong pursuit to help people feel better about themselves. She is dedicated to providing the best answer with a naturalistic approach. Heather and The Lane Spa team, combined, has over 80 years of experience. If you need to ask any of our specialists skin care questions, they are at youradvisor@spalook.com. We are dedicated, educated and extremely devoted to you.

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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How to Co-Wash Natural Black Hair

How to Co-Wash Natural Black Hair
 by: Elle Paris

If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with co-washing, or washing their hair with conditioner only. Conditioner washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be done as often as you'd like, even several times a day (this is a plus for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).
Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.
* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type. Search online for keywords "hair types" and narrow your hair type down to one or two close categories. You may be a combo 3c and 4a. This will help you better understand which type of conditioner to purchase among the many available.
* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid. Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found at http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/ingredients.html.
* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair and are often well worth the investment.
* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it initially stings your back, it's too hot). Cleansing results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.
* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.
(1) Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is covered.
(2) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl. With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you'd like. This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be more dilute.
(3) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray your hair and rinse out after bathing.
* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it's longest point, thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no snags then work your way to the roots. It's ok if you cannot comb from root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and distribute the conditioner evenly.
* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar scrub while your hair is being conditioned.
* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers through each section while the water flows through to remove any remaining conditioner.
* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step -- while your hair is dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s) can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping wet.
* It's time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several ways to dry your hair.
(1) Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and squeeze excess water into the towel.
(2) Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders (lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman's cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised, shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right (like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a towel can remove products you've just applied, even helping to separate your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.
(3) Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the hair bone dry -- just dry enough to style and go out.
In summary, with the above methods you'll find shampooing your hair by co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will benefit greatly from it.

About The Author

Elle Paris is the owner of My Natural which provides no-nonsense user reviews for hundreds of products for natural hair care.

mynatural.com

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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Can Cognitive Fitness Be a Workout for Your Brain?

Can Cognitive Fitness Be a Workout for Your Brain?
 by: Ken Savage

There is growing interest to exercise your brain using something called "cognitive fitness."
It's a known fact that exercise and meditation reduce anxiety, ease depression, and give you a general feeling of wellness. Can ideas about the brain be discovered from these practices to help create an emotional fitness tools?
Can biofeedback games like Wild Divine help beginner brains look more like enlightened brains without a lifetime of dedication?
Numerous articles published by the Mayo Clinic Foundation for Education and Research, the New England Journal of Medicine and other resources, cite the importance of regular "brain work-outs" in helping individuals maintain a vital and healthy lifestyle. Solving crossword puzzles, playing card and board games, and participating in other mentally challenging tasks, are specifically mentioned as activities that can delay the onset of age-related cognitive problems. A great site for this is Acuity Games.
Engaging in mental exercises for the purpose of increasing cognitive fitness is gaining popularity for Baby Boomers and their parents. The research is not definitive regarding the prevention of brain deterioration by rigorous mental exercise, but psychologists, neurologists, and other educators are designing cutting-edge programs for the public's desire to stay mentally sharp.
Elkhonon Goldberg, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist in Manhattan, has offered programs since 1999 for patients who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. "I have been increasingly impressed by a growing body of relevant research literature, both animal studies on the positive effects of species-appropriate stimulation on the brain and more recently the human literature that demonstrates positive effects of structured cognitive stimulation on mental functions in aging," said Goldberg, who reviews this work in his new book, The Wisdom Paradox.
A private grant underwrites the foundation of Goldberg's "mental gym" that offers computer-based cognitive exercises that the client can practice in his center two or more times a week under the direction of a private cognitive fitness trainer. Following a neuropsychological evaluation, the client follows an individualized protocol of brain workout exercises that focuses on verbal and visual memory, divided attention, language, or spatial and verbal problem-solving. In addition Goldberg and his staff hold discussions about cognitive changes to allay anxiety triggered by mental slippage and to increase a sense of empowerment.
"Our program is geared toward patients with mild cognitive impairment because this is where evidence is the strongest, the need is most obvious, and the likelihood of success is the greatest." He said that in principle, the programs will work for healthy older adults, but "my impetus has been to help those truly in need, rather than to offer the program as an amenity."
In Hartford, Conn., the non-profit New England Cognitive Center (NECC) offers programs for healthy older adults as well as those with early onset dementia. "People are becoming aware that fitness does not stop at the shoulders and neck," said the Director of the NECC, Patti Said, M.A., health educator. Their most requested program is a series of a four-, six-, or eight-session "memory tune-up" workshops consisting of psychoeducation and memory strategies provided in senior centers and other community agencies. According to Said, because some older adults feel uncomfortable around computers the NECC offers a series of 24 paper-and-pencil memory exercise sessions in addition to individualized computer based cognitive training.

About The Author

Ken Savage is a Webmaster employee who writes about what is going on in the Tech industry usually days before it breaks to the rest of the world. He can be found at http://www.kensavage.com.

This article was posted on August 09, 2005

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