Use Wobble Boards As Part Of Your Daily Exercise Routine

Wobble boards, also known as balance boards, are often used to improve balance and muscle tone.  Most people would not be familiar with the term, unless they are fitness conscious, or have undergone some kind of physical rehabilitation. So what exactly is a wobble board?

A wobble board generally consists of a rounded plate, with a saucer-shaped section underneath.  The person using it would step onto the plate, and would have to have to balance him or herself while trying to stay on top of the board.  Any shift in weight on the plate would cause the board to wobble, hence the name.  A board such as this could also be used to strengthen the leg, abdominal, and arm muscles, since the act of balancing on the board can provide a fairly intense workout for all those muscle groups.

The main benefit of using balance boards would be that of increased core strength and improved balance.  It also forces the muscles to strain in both directions, because of the constant shifting motion.  Another interesting use for a wobble board is that it can be used during yoga sessions.  Some of the poses included in most yoga sessions can be fairly difficult, but when a wobble board is used, it creates an even greater challenge. 

Using wobble boards as part of a workout routine can yield even better results, because the board increases the difficulty level and helps to provide extra toning.  All muscle groups can benefit from the use of wobble boards, even the abdominal muscles.  When someone wants to tone their abdominal muscles, they would use just the abdominal muscles to balance themselves, while allowing the legs and arms to relax.

Wobble boards can make up a significant part of a workout routine but the average session is broken up into smaller segments of up to two minutes.  If someone is a complete novice, he or she may start out with shorter sessions, or sessions consisting of shorter segments.  Segments of up to two minutes may sound really short, but the muscle toning can be quite intense so shorter segments are just as effective.  Even extremely fit individuals may find it hard to complete longer segments.

It is easy to see how the use of a balance board can intensify a workout, and it is for exactly this reason that most fitness fanatics use it to enhance their efforts.  It is a great way to achieve greater toning in a shorter space of time, and can help work out the entire body rather than just one muscle group at a time.

Wobble boards are also used for rehabilitation and a great example of this would be to strengthen the ankles.  Using a wobble board is a good way to strengthen the tendons, and to get the ankle used to the 'rolling' motion in order to prevent future injuries or sprains.  It is something to consider if someone needs to strengthen certain tendons, while avoiding potential injury due to the impact associated with other forms of exercise.

In short, wobble boards are not only fun, but efficient.  It is a great choice for anyone who wants to add a little spice to their workout routine, or even for those who would like to tone up different muscle groups.

Tim Orick enjoys the outdoors and wants everyone to experience the same. From an early age he has been fascinated with solar energy, wind power and hydro power. Recycling, water conservation and environmental awareness has recently gained attention on a global scale and if we all do our part, there are enough resources for many generations. I invite you to visit http://www.delta5fitness.com/ for a vast selection of wobble boards and balance boards available for use in your exercise routine.

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A Fitness Model Routine

Given the choice, would more people find a bodybuilder or an fitness model more physically appealing? In my opinion, the bulk of those questioned would answer that the fitness model is far and away the more attractive of the two. So it can make you wonder, why are people wasting their time doing workouts designed to give that bodybuilder appearance? Wouldn't it be better to emulate a fitness models workout routine to develop lean, defined muscles? So the next thing to consider is what would an fitness model workout look like?

There are two critical components to any fitness routine: diet and exercise. Each one plays a role in achieving the fitness model look. While diet is best for reducing fat, exercise is the most reliable way to gain lean muscle. You should effectively combine both of these important elements into a multi-phase routine in order to create that sculpted fitness model look.

Step 1: Lose Fat, Gain Lean Muscle

In my opinion, the defining features of an fitness model are six pack abs and lean, dense muscles. I think it's best to focus on getting six pack abs before working on increasing the size of your muscles. Achieving six pack abs requires a blend of a fat blasting, tough workout regimen with a stringent diet. Such a workout should include low volume repetitions of strength training through the use of heavy weights. It's best to shoot for 4-5 sets of 3-5 reps without training to failure. Always stop one rep short of fatigue.

Here are some exercises I recommend:

Chest: Bench Press, Incline Press

Back: One Arm Row, Weighted Pullups

Shoulders: Standing Shoulder Press, Seated Shoulder Press

Biceps: Straight Barbell Curls, Sitting Dumbbell Curls

Triceps: Closed Grip Bench Press, Weighted Dips

Abs: Planks, Renegade Rows

You can split these exercises into a 2 day routine that you perform twice weekly for a total of 4 workouts per week. While your muscles may appear smaller in size, they will be tighter, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing; they won't look soft like a bodybuilder's. You'll notice that I did not include any direct leg training above. Remember - you don't want to get those big, thick legs that you see in bodybuilders - fitness models just don't have them. It is my firm belief that your legs will become sufficiently lean through workouts incorporating high intensity interval training (HIIT).

It is important during this initial phase to include HIIT. A HIIT regimen done correctly will cause rapid fat loss.

Finally, do not underestimate the importance of diet. There are only so many hours in a day to workout at such a level of intensity. Incorporating a diet plan in addition to exercise is what will truly cause quick fat loss. Use whatever works for you - daily weight monitoring, calorie tracking or even intermittent fasting - be sure you are consuming a calorie deficit.

Step 2: Gain Muscle Without Gaining Fat

Once you have completed the first steps and have realized fat loss sufficient to create defined abdominal muscles, the next phase may begin. The objectives you have set in a broader sense will determine how you should approach the next phase. If you simply want to quickly increase the size of your muscles, you can perform a weight lifting routine to "shrink wrap" your muscles while maintaining the same calorie restrictive diet. If you want to add a lot of muscle mass, then you can gradually begin eating more calories. Be careful not to eat too much though as you can only really add so much muscle without gaining fat.

Anyone attempting to add muscle mass will need to undergo a workout plan that forces you to push yourself to exhaustion. Perform high repetition sets and ensure that you completely fatigue your muscles on each exercise, instead of performing low repetition sets. Someone hoping to gain a large amount of muscle mass over an extended period will need to slowly transition from pushing to the point of exhaustion, and then back to simple strength training all over again. You will be stuck with that puffy, soft bodybuilder look if you continue to train your muscles to fatigue. At that point, you need to revert back to low rep, heavy weight strength training to get lean, defined muscles.

The Fitness Model Physique

The above information indicates that a fitness models workout must constantly work on achieving and maintaining fat loss while also gaining muscle size and tone. A prototypical fitness model routine is likely to incorporate high intensity interval training as a fat loss tool, along with strength work to achieve denser, more toned muscles. Such a plan will result in a lithe, sporty appearance. Once you have reached this goal, your workout could then switch to a program that will help you bulk up with some muscle gain, or work to tighten the muscular appearance with a "shrink wrap" routine. Anyone who trains to the point of muscle exhaustion for an extended period of time will at some point need to return to the low repetition, heavier load type of strength program in order to prevent development of the undesirable, softer look often seen in bodybuilders. Overall, I'd encourage you to set aside the bodybuilding approach and embrace a fitness models workout routine.

About the Author: Dave provides no-nonsense "best of the best" diet and exercise tips to lose fat and build lean, defined muscle without spending hours in the gym. These are Not Your Average Fitness Tips. Read more about a fitness models workout and download a FREE copy of Dave's Fitness in a Flash report to help get a lean, athletic look in no time. http://www.notyouraveragefitnesstips.com

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Hints For Sticking With Your Workout Routine

There are many reasons that people search out and develop a workout routine.  You may have recently visited a doctor and been told that your health problems could be  greatly relieved with minimal physical activity.  Or you may have just gotten sick of looking the way you look or feeling the way that you feel.  Whatever the motivation was to get started, developing a good workout routine is a life altering experience, that will open the doors for a higher quality of life. 

After you have made this monumental decision initially your motivation will be relatively easy.  Finding the intrinsic motivation to stick with your workout plan will eventually become a challenge we'll face.  Continually driving yourself to go to the gym, hit the pavement for a run or doing a video workout course will become harder as time goes on.  there are some simple tricks you can apply to your workout that will make the motivation flow to you. Have discipline in the frequency in which you follow your workout routine. 

After the initial physical rewards of your workouts, your mind will start to play bargaining games and search for excuses not to work out.  Do not give in to this.  One way that I have fought this is to pack my workout gear in my bag at night.  Then all of the things that I need, clothes, sneakers, Ipod, are all with me and ready to go when the opportunity to work out presents itself.  Also I have found keeping a chart on the calendar of when I worked out and for how long, has helped me present physical proof to myself that I am  being disciplined in following my workout routine.  If I look at it and see three blank days in a row, I can't convince myself that I can skip my workout. This leads to being accountable.  A Big part of discipline is being accountable to yourself.  If you have trouble with this a workout partner can give you motivation to continue and prosper in your workout routine.  You will never feel like you are in it alone if there is someone who is "counting on" you to perform whatever activity your workout routine entails.  If you go to a gym, you can almost always find someone who has similar goals and interests to workout with.  They do not have to do the same exact routine as you, their mere company will bring added motivation to your physical activity.  This works particularly well with walking and running workout routines as well.  Any activity is more enjoyable when you share it with someone else.

Changing things up will help you avoid burning out and becoming bored with your workout.  That doesn't mean you have to trash everything you do, although you could.  I enjoy weight training, I don't want to stop lifting and start training for a marathon. I love my workout routine!  However, at times it can become a little stale.  For me, all I have to do is add a new exercise to the routine I am doing that day, and the workout seems as fresh as day one.  Also I vary the weight and repetitions I perform in a routine.  I may max out, and do low reps for several weeks, and then go to lighter weights and more repetitions for a few weeks.  I have found this not only beneficial to my mental approach to lifting, but physically my body feels and looks better, because your muscles are getting a different burn.  Trying something new can also fight off the burn out.  Try that exercise you saw someone else doing at the gym that looked neat.  Or if you are feeling really crazy, try a whole new form of exercise altogether.  Whatever you do, switch things up in some way from time to time and your workout routine will never seem dull or boring and will be more fun and your body will show the results. Goal setting is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your motivation in your workout routine. 

Setting a reachable target that you can shoot for is an important aspect in any phase of your life.  Make them reachable and measurable.  This just means, don't set unrealistic, broad and general goals that can't be measured.   If you are trying to increase your strength, shoot for a realistic bench press goal.  If you are a beginner at weight training, benching three hundred pounds, may be reachable in the long term, but benching one hundred and fifty pounds may be a more realistic short term goal.  It is also measurable.  Once you achieve that shoot for one hundred and sixty pounds, and so on.  If you are a runner, try to better your time and distance. Again, easily measurable.  Once you reach a goal, I think it is important to recognize that in someway.  Reward yourself somehow.  Do something you like that is special.  Your accomplishment is important, and it will help with the motivation in sticking with your workout routine.  You probably don't want to involve food in this reward, since it can be detrimental to your overall health goals.

Working out at a consistent time of day can be a simple thing that helps you stay motivated.  I am not a morning person so I consistently work out in the afternoon after work.  I like having the hour or so to turn my mind off and get my body moving and let the stresses of life flow out of me.  I know many people who love to work out first thing in the morning. They feel that being physical to start the day gives them extra energy to tackle whatever the day brings.  Everybody has a different body clock, follow yours.  It doesn't make any difference when you follow your workout routine, it only matters that you do follow it consistently.

Lastly, I would say that no matter what workout routine you follow make sure that you HAVE FUN!  It should be an activity that you enjoy.  In today's world, it seems that having fun is the last factor we think of before we participate in an activity.  I look back to when I was a kid growing up in rural Maine.  Fun was the number one factor in dictating our activities.  If it wasn't fun, I certainly wouldn't have chosen to do it.  As adults, it seems that we lose a lot of that in the whirlpool of responsibility that our lives possess.  So whatever form of workout routine you choose to follow, find the kid inside of you and let them guide you.  You will be far more motivated to keep up with your exercises when it is fun, and having fun is an important aspect of any persons mental health and development. In conclusion, I hope that all of you will choose to begin a workout routine today!  Good Luck and have fun.

Jonathan Hilton
If you are busy and want to be healthy, come visit The Busy Fitness Pro!
http://www.busyfitnesspro.com

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Best Workout Routine - Dominate In The Gym

What Is The Best Workout Routine?

Before I begin let me define, "Best Workout Routine," to me that would be any workout that gets the average person in optimal shape and physical attractiveness as quickly and safely as possible. Depending on your goals the guidelines may differ. People can argue about the specifics but I believe there a few key ingredients that would be in the best workout routine.

Heavy Resistance

Now some people are more guilty of breaking this rule than others, I'm looking at you ladies, but it's not chemistry. To build muscle you need to go heavy or go home. If you lift moderate amounts of weight at high reps you will not only waste more time in the gym but won't force it to evolve.

High rep workouts will not make you toned. Having a low body fat will make you toned. Focus on results.

Understandably many women have trouble following this because they fear they will get bulky which is almost an insult. It took me a long time to get real results in the gym, and I'm man that ate like a pig. Ladies you don't have the testosterone to pack on the size like men unless you're a freak. By lifting heavy you will get results much faster. By packing on some muscle you will increase your daily caloric intake which ultimately means you will burn fat in your sleep.

Use Very Controlled Form

The next thing you need to be careful with, especially with heavy weights is to leave your ego at the mirror. Heavy is a relative word, what's heavy for me might be light for you. Instead I see guys in the gym trying to impress everyone by stacking on huge amounts of weight and doing terrible form.

Not only will you drastically increase your risk of injury but your results will stagnate. After all what your ultimately trying to do is put your body under strain and pressure to grow, it doesn't care what weight you use to do it.

Instead start with lighter weights but do extremely slow reps with good form. This will tax your body infinitely more than doing arm curls and throwing your back into it, ultimately looking like a guerilla buffoon. I lift my weights for five seconds on the up motion and drop the weight back down over five seconds. Yes doing that with even some of the lightest weights will be torture but it will get results.

Only Focus On Compound Lifts

Another mistake I see is people trying to spot train, aka they try to build beefy arms or focus only on abs. There are many reason this won't work. The number one reason is the lifts these people do to isolate those specific muscle groups will not tax you nearly enough to make sweeping transformations in your physique.

Sticking to big lifts like squats, deadlifts, incline press, dumbbell press, and rows will hit multiple muscle groups, allow you to tax your body much more heavily and will result in less gym time.

In fact I've heard that it is possible to pack on serious muscle by just squatting. I'm not just talking about lower body strength either. Think about it, could you even imagine someone squatting 500 pounds and having a tiny upper body. Squats require your entire body to support heavy amounts of weight.

Not only that but it's been proven that lifting stimulates testosterone production but lifts such as arm curls have such a minimal effect on your body that it might as well be ignored. Big lifts like squats, because they put so much stress on your body, stimulate real growth.

Use Free Weights

Every year the fitness industry comes out with more gimmick workout equipment and gyms are littered with machines. Ignore it all. The best work out routines require simplicity. Use free weights whenever possible because they give you the greatest range of motion and tax your muscles more because you have to balance them.

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Workout Websites - Choose A Workout Routine

First of all you should know that the prime rule from which the best workout routines are based is that the workout routine itself should not be aimed to lose weight, but rather to lose fat. The "beginner" and "intermediate" workout routines are pretty decent (although, like other reviewers, I am a bit skeptical about the 6 day workout schedule and its potential for burnout). Pilates workout routines are different in that they are exercises that promote strength and sculpture of the body without over stressing the joints.

If your problem is trying to decide which workout routine is right for you and you cannot navigate the website jungle, then read on !

How Long Do Workout Routines Last ?

For better results train 2 times per day, because all workout routines are approximately 20 minutes long this is sufficient when you want just to tone your body. Benefits from home workout routines :- Train when you want. For example, it's not wise to weight train everyday, unless you're trying to build muscle and following split bodypart workout routines. The optimal workout routines include a combination of weight training and cardio.

What About Weight Training?

Weight training improves the performance of our muscles. Weight training covers exercises that work on muscular strength and muscular endurance. Weight training is not just for the body builders, it is important for all of us. Weight training is a very effective way to lose fat, but, when combined with cardio, it becomes a LOT more effective. One rule when making weightlifting workout programs is to make sure to split it so that you aren't overtraining.

What About Cardio Workouts?

Cardio workouts are becoming important for those who want to enjoy life even until their twilight years. While everyone has their own preference of workouts, the best cardio workouts are the ones you enjoy because they are the workouts you will actually complete. If you are looking for the one piece of fitness equipment that gives you the best cardio workouts, elliptical cross trainers are an ideal choice. If you are ready to get on the road to the best cardio workouts, choose a workout you actually enjoy and you'll be on your way to a much healthier life.

What About Losing Fat ?

When you were born, your parents did not get to choose your size. Many athletes and regular exercisers would love to lose body fat and improve their overall body composition. The most you should weight train as part of a fat-loss strategy is 3 times a week. During a fat-loss plan, each weight training workout routine should be limited to 20-30 minutes, in order to maximize the calorie burning effect. While your diet and nutrition plan is important, exercise gets your metabolism revved up and into an optimal fat-burning state. Too much exercise might also cause burn out and fatigue.

Choose The Right Workout Routine

Home workout routines are the best opportunity if you are short in time and want to stay at home with your children. You need very little equipment to practice home workout routines. Home gym workout routines are convenient, easy and reduce the hassles of driving and spending time away from home. With the advent of modern technology like the Internet, these workout routines are now available online.

Look at the link below for a selective range of workout routines.

Robert Locke is an Internet Marketer specializing in Health, Wellness and Fitness. For Breaking News on the Wellness Front, visit his blog on :- http://thewellnessbible.blogspot.com

Workout Websites - Choose A Workout Routine http://www.usfreeads.com/800539-cls.html

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Lower Ab Exercises - Establishing A Routine That Works Well

Types Of Exercises For Abs

Doing Lower Ab Exercises to acquire six-pack abs does not have to be torture. Finding and then beginning to employ a highly effective fitness routine with commitment, will get you that hard body you have been looking for quickly. Exercising is a vital requirement that will get your whole body in amazing condition, and looking its best.

Assuming you would like to change the way you look, and improve your image, you will first need to take action. Keeping your-self in the game of a healthy life requires that you eat right, and perform a physical exercise program consistently. A spotty workout performance will get you no where. If you want to feel and perform in life a great deal better than you ever have, you must be consistent with your efforts. Only then are you going to make heads turn and stick out amongst all of the rest.

First, you should never attempt to get into shape over-night! You can't do it. If you over-do-it at first, all that will occur is you will end up with pulled muscles or tendons. You can't force it. If you make your muscles sore through over-work, you will have to work out with less effort, thereby producing less results.

Naturally, you should exercise all of your body groups to keep your body looking superb, so that you don't neglect the big picture of how you look and feel. This article is about emphasizing the Abdominal's to get yourself a ripped set of six-pack abs. By far the most difficult to get, should you do it the wrong way.

I believe that the easiest way to make it happen, is to use the Ab Circle Pro, with a few specific core exercises and a good diet. The Abdominal muscle groups can be the most difficult to successfully exercise. To get your abs to really show, your routine should include: The Ab Circle Pro, abdominal anaerobic exercises, stretching, and jogging. Getting your washboard abs to show makes it necessary that you reduce your body weight overall. It is not going to happen if you try and spot reduce your abdominal area.

Four Workouts For Abs

The four primary exercise categories for this specific routine are: Abdominal treadmill; Anaerobic exercises; Stretching; Cardio-vascular.

Abdominal Treadmill

The Ab Circle Pro treadmill, will get you off the floor. It has two knee socket cups, so you can swing from side to side. It does a fantastic job of targeting your whole abdominal core, buttocks, and thighs in a circular movement. It will help workout your upper, middle, lower abs and obliques.

Best Ab Exercises To Build Muscles

These exercises are known as Abdominal Anaerobic. They will accelerate the process of getting six-pack abs. They consist of a series of ab crunches, leg raises, scissor and bicycle simulations.

Best Ab Exercises For Increased Flexibility

Developing first-rate flexibility of the body is important. To achieve it, you must add a stretching out routine just before and after your workout. Having good flexibility enables you to complete exercises in a more pure form, giving you greater gains.

Aerobic Exercises

The last exercise is one which has been widely used for some time -- Jogging. In order for your abdominal's to show, it is important to reduce weight over all of your body, not try to spot reduce. Jogging is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. It is a great cardiovascular exercise for your heart, and also builds your endurance for more intense workouts.

Conclusion

Remember, 1200-1500 calories per day is a diet -- period! Search Google, in order to find one that you can manage. Make sure you include Green Tea. Rotate the Abdominal Anaerobic exercises, so that they match your fitness level, and do not grow to be tedious. Finally, use music, it truly improves your workout intensity, and motivation.

This is doable folks -- you can do this. If you would like people to drop their jaws, when you raise your shirt, why not begin today? You are going to enjoy the way you look and feel.

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TRX Workout Routine - Benefits Of Suspension Training Exercises

Have you heard about the TRX workout routine?

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using suspension training exercises to achieve your bodybuilding goals.

The way I found out about the TRX suspension trainer was at my local New York sports club. They were holding a group exercise class using the suspension straps. I was not able to participate in class because you had to sign up ahead of time. However, I stood there mesmerized as I watched personal trainer walk the class participants through the core exercises.

Later on when the class was over, I grabbed the personal trainer and asked if he would be so kind as to show me one particular exercise that seems very interesting to me. Well I never would have believed it but the few minutes that he spent show me what to do in that TRX workout routine had me convinced.

The very next day I went ahead and ordered the suspension trainer Pro edition.

The essence of the exercise program is that it utilizes bodyweight movements however; unlike traditional bodyweight exercises, this workout completely targets the core muscles and stabilizers.

It is no wonder that so many men and women have purchased suspension straps systems for their at home workouts.

In case you are not familiar with suspension training, as mentioned earlier, it utilizes the weight of your body as its only source of "resistance." However, because your body is "suspended" it forces your core and stabilizer muscles to work even harder than any free weight, or bodyweight exercise ever could.

The only thing that could come close to this type of exercise movement would be working out on a stabilizer ball, using a cable machine, or utilizing resistance bands.

The company that promotes the suspension training system Is called "Fitness Anywhere."

Because of their successful marketing and the fact that the product works many physical therapists, martial artists, golf professionals, and personal trainers are using and promoting the TRX workout routine.

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