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5 Ways To Make Your Golf Fitness Program More "Functional"
Author: Susan Hill

Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on the tour today takes much more than a great game of golf. The field is far too competitive to leave any of the key contributing elements to chance. Preparing their bodies for play is a critical component to a golfer's success under the most competitive conditions.

How you structure your golf fitness program is essential to your overall performance on and off the course. Here are some ways you can ensure you are getting the most out of training program while utilizing the strength of your core as a building block for success.

Specific to golf – Get rid of the traditional gym machines which focus on isolating specific muscle groups and require no stabilization work by additional muscle groups. Integrate some old and new fitness tools which allow you to move your body in a more functional setting. These include cable machines, fitness balls, medicine balls, balance disks, traditional dumbbells and don't forget about the power of using your own bodyweight.

Increase Core Stability – More efficient movement creates more efficient power. Golfers maintain an athletic posture over long periods of time and require both trunk and core stabilization and endurance. By increasing your strength and endurance in the core region of your body, you provide both a solid base of support for rotation in addition to the proper transfer of power throughout the body.

Vary your Planes of Motion - A golf fitness program will have varying planes of motion as part of your weekly strength routine. Planes of movement include front to back motions, left to right and rotational exercises. Some good examples include multi-directional lunges and medicine ball wood chops.

Integrate Multiple Elements into Each Exercise – Each weekly workout should address all of the important elements for golf including flexibility, core development, balance, strength and power. Integrated training techniques will develop your skills in each of these areas and produce a whole new level of play. Examples of integration include a 5 minute dynamic warm up, roughly 30 minute strength routine, followed by 10 to 15 minutes of stretches. Each workout can be broken down into strength development for several weeks, core stabilization for several weeks, and power development as you move into peak season.

Progress from Simple to Complex - Begin your exercise program by mastering the simplest forms of exercises first. Progress your golf training design to increase in complexity as your body grows and develops and as you learn proper stabilization of your core region. An example of progression for the legs may be to perform two leg ball squats prior to performing the one leg version.

Before any golfer, pro or otherwise, picks up a club, they look at the capability of their body versus the requirements of the swing. Utilize these 5 tips to create a golf specific program that brings out the best in you and the best in your golf game. Make this golf season your most productive yet!

Susan Hill is a fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For golf specific exercises and stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com " http://www.fitnessforgolf.com

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Friday Night Fitness Dates
Author: Nathan Boyd

Close your eyes and imagine this romantic setting: an intimate picnic on the beach, you and your mate enjoying strawberries from a fresh fruit salad, and both of you enjoying the ocean breeze as plans are being made for your next date. All of this, of course, after you jogged with your sweetie on the beach at sunset. That's right, "jogged"!

While many couple's idea of a romantic date will still include a walk on the beach at sunset, other couples are increasingly opting for inclusion of a healthful fitness activity instead. Around the country, these "fitness dates" have become more and more popular as people are searching for a different, if not healthier, option to the customary "dinner-and-a-movie" routine. These fitness dates can include everything from an actual workout together at the gym, to a nighttime game of tennis, to even a canoe-by-moonlight excursion. What's important is that an activity is found that both of you like to do and then use it as a platform to have some fun and enjoy each other's companionship. Granted, it may require a different mindset to appreciate a date at a gym, lake, or track as a dating alternative, but it does reap an extraordinary amount of benefits and it can genuinely be a lot of fun as well.

To begin with, these fitness dates do allow for some actual quality time together for the both of you to bond. This time together is yours to share and the exercise itself does release hormones in the body that helps promote a general feeling of relaxation and well-being. Bottom line is that you'll both feel better about yourself and will enjoy each other's company even more. Besides, workout sessions are always more fun when your partner is along and that's part of the point in even inviting a partner with you in the first place.

Fitness dates also encourages the practice of healthy behaviors between the both of you. Just like the saying, "birds of a feather, flock together", it is a well-proven fact that the health practices of one partner will greatly influence the condition of the other. Chances are that if you and your date routinely include a fitness date into your calendar, then both of you are also more likely to be maintaining a healthier lifestyle during the week as well.

Additionally, these fitness dates tend to do amazing wonders for stimulating a couple's intimacy with one another. Research has confirmed that regular exercise does result in greater levels of desire, frequency, and increased confidence. The increased blood flow to all body parts also enhances your ability to be aroused. Needless to say, the visual appeal of your mate working up a sweat probably won't dampen the attraction either.

As for arranging Friday nights for your fitness dates, just remember that this could also be a great, healthy way to wind down at the end of your work week. Looking forward to meeting your date will only add to the motivation. However, if your schedule doesn't necessarily allow a Friday night for the both of you to meet in a gym or attend a spinning or yoga class, then the truth is that any day or time of the week will work as an ideal time for a fitness date. Just remember to enjoy the moment and time together with your significant other and have some fun!

About The Author

Nathan Boyd is author of the highly rated ebook, "The Fitness Lifestyle" and the current Director of Pro Fitness of Texas. Nathan encourages everyone in their pursuit of becoming physically fit and maintaining it for a lifetime. All questions and comments are always welcomed!

http://www.weightloss-cookies.com/page4.html

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How to Maximize Your Fitness Results
Author: Craig LePage

What I am about to reveal to you can make a drastic change in the out come of your fitness results. Many of us are willing to dedicate a decent number of hours each and every week to our workout plan. But quite often we do not always see the results we had hoped for. Looking at the big picture, the average fitness enthusiast only has about 3 to 6 hour per week to dedicate to their workouts. In a 168 hour week 3 to 6 hours is not really a large number of hours. We can drastically increase the number of hour we are exercising by practicing what is called multitasking. In the fitness industry combining exercise with your daily tasks is referred to as Accidental Exercise.

This type of exercise is great for those people who are very limited with their time. How many times have you waited for an elevator when you could have taken the stairs, or drove around a parking lot searching for the closest spot to the door so you would not have to walk very far? I think you get the point. Implementing more accidental exercise into your daily routine can make drastic changes in your fitness results.

Here are some other accidental exercise ideas that you can implement into your day:

? Shovel snow

? Mow the lawn – Push Mower

? Rake leaves

? Talk the long way – walking

? Take the stairs

? Park your car far from the door

? Walk to don't drive

? Stand don't sit

? Walk the dog

? Chop & stack wood

The accidental exercises listed above will help you burn a tremendous amount of additional calories throughout the course of a day. In this day and age technology is a major burden on our ability to burn additional calories through accidental exercise. If you were to think back when we didn't have garage door openers, TV remote controls, microwave ovens and leaf blowers, we had do perform all of these activities manually. These accidental exercise activities that were a part of everyone's daily lives helped us burn hundreds of extra calories each day.

Not only is accidental exercising a great way to help reduce body fat but in many cases it will improve areas such as muscle strength (including heart strength), lung strength, joint mobility, blood flow, injury prevention, brain function and self esteem.

In conclusion we now know that we can make some small changes in our daily routines that can result in some big changes in our health. It is recommended that everyone involve themselves in some type of exercise program coupled with accidental exercise activities. Accidental exercise is most beneficial when performed in addition to a planned weekly exercise program

For additional information about this article and articles similar to this please visit http://www.lakenormanfitness.com " www.lakenormanfitness.com Or you can e-mail me at craiglepage@yahoo.com

Craig LePage CSCS, NASM-CPT

Craig is a well-known Fitness Professional in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, where he resides with his wife Nicole. He has been helping people reach their fitness and wellness goals for more than 10 years. His credentials include a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Bridgeport Connecticut, CSCS credentials from the NSCA and a Personal Training Certification from the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). Craig has written for Charlotte, NC area Newspapers, authored his own fitness & nutrition program and is a frequent guest on a Charlotte area radio show that focus' on health and wellness. He is currently co-authoring a golf specific exercise book (Play Better, Longer – Golf) and is also working on a book of his own that should be available sometime next year.

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Unique Gift Ideas -- The Gift Of Fitness
Author: Lynn Bode

Well, it's almost that time of year again – the holiday shopping season is just around the corner. Have you thought about what you are going to give those people on your "hard to shop for" list? Instead of another tie for your dad or music CD for your sister, why don't you give them a truly unique and invaluable gift? I'm talking about the gift of fitness.

The gift of fitness is something that you can give to just about everybody on your shopping list, from your parents, to your spouse, a friend, your siblings, an employee or co-worker, even your children. And it's a gift that is invaluable to everyone. After all who doesn't want to look better, feel better, and be healthier?

And, it's a gift that you can truly feel proud to give. When you give someone the gift of fitness, you are helping him open a door to better health (both physically and mentally). I can't think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits.

Of course, we all know that exercise can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves self-esteem, increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.

I bet a lot of people on your shopping list would find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. If the people on your list are like most of us, they've probably even mentioned how they want to drop a few pounds of just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide them with motivation (which is one of the biggest obstacles in getting fit). They may feel more motivated to actually get fit because they don't want to feel guilty for ignoring such a thoughtful gift (personal training gift certificates and gym memberships are especially good for helping with motivation).

While fitness gifts are incredibly valuable, they don't have to be expensive. Gifts can cost as little as $5 or range into the $100s of dollars. Here are a few suggestions in the various price ranges:

Under $15:

• Resistance Band (also makes a great stocking stuffer)

• Dumbbells

• Jump Rope (also makes a great stocking stuffer)

• Exercise Mat

$15 - $35

• Fitness Ball

• Online Personal Training Program gift certificate (Workouts For You offers custom designed programs for only $20)

• Home Exercise Video (also makes a great stocking stuffer)

• Heart Rate Monitor

Over $35

• Full dumbbell and barbell set

• Treadmill

• Bicycle

• Yoga Kit

Giving something that supports health and wellness will be appreciated for years to come and may even turn someone's life around. The gift of fitness will make the recipient feel special – they'll know that someone cared enough to give them the opportunity to improve their health. And, giving a gift that will help someone lead a healthier life is also one of the most rewarding gifts you can give. So why spend another holiday season searching for the perfect gift only to end up with the same old things like gift certificates or socks or books? Surprise everyone this year and give the gift that comes from the heart and truly keeps on giving throughout the New Year and beyond. And don't forget yourself – you deserve the gift of fitness too!

About The Author

Lynn Bode is owner of http://www.workoutsforyou.com " http://www.workoutsforyou.com an Online Personal Fitness Training company. Workouts For You offers online exercise programs for weight loss, strength training, nutritional planning and race training. Personalized programs can be designed for all fitness levels.

The programs are customized to meet your individual needs and lifestyle (based on the extensive profile you provide when enrolling) and include a motivational accountability system and a huge library of exercise technique demos. You receive all the trainer benefits without the expensive price, and you can workout wherever and whenever you want.

To receive a FREE, no-obligation fitness evaluation, visit us at http://www.workoutsforyou.com " www.workoutsforyou.com . Need a quick gift --we provide gift certificate delivery within 24 hours of purchase.

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How to Avoid Becoming a Fitness Failure
Author: Rick DeToma
You have permission to publish this article electronically, without changes of any kind, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included, and remain working hyperlinks. Please send a copy of the URL where you have posted this article.

How to Avoid Becoming a Fitness Failure
©Rick DeToma

When it comes to fitness, no one likes being a failure, yet more than half of new exercisers quit their program within the first six months. With a little help you can ensure you're not one of them. Give these ideas a try as you begin your exercise program for the new year.

Set goals
If you don't know where you are going, how will you know when you get there? Setting short-term and long-term goals may increase your chance of success. Your goals must give a clear picture of the end-point to work towards. Use the SMART model, your goal should be Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Without these you'll never know if you have achieved the goal. You can't just say "lose weight or gain energy." Instead say, "I will lose 10 pounds in 12 weeks by doing strength training 3 times a week and cardio 3 times a week."

Go for variety
Whether you do a home workout or belong to a gym, build your routine on cross-training to keep things fresh and interesting, and keep yourself from developing an injury. Frequently vary the order of your exercises and mix in dumbbells, barbells, resistance tubing, machine or body weight exercises. Don't be afraid to take a class.

Track your progress
Write down your measurements and weight at the beginning of your program. Keep a workout log and use it. Seeing results is a great motivator. At least once a month, re-measure and review your log to see advances in your aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and body composition.

Seek out support
A workout partner with similar goals and a positive attitude can make your workout more fun. knowing you are accountable to another person can be a great motivator too. So can working with a certified personal trainer.

Devise a backup plan
Time and access are the largest obstacles to fitness, and even devoted exercisers experience lapses. Don't use these as excuses to avoid exercise. Having some portable home workout gear like a stability ball, resistance tubing, jump rope, and dumbbells, will allow you to work out while traveling, at home or even at work. With limited time, focus on compound movements for the largest muscle groups and superset 2 for opposing muscle groups. A brief but intense workout can be accomplished in a few minutes.

Just do it
While pumping iron may not be right for everyone, the idea being active is. Find something you enjoy doing that elevates your heart rate and challenges you most days of the week. Also pay attention to how you feel. If you are like most people in as little as three weeks you will find yourself sleeping better and feeling more rested.

The information contained in this article is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are sedentary or over 40 please get clearance from a doctor before starting an exercise program.

About the Author

Rick DeToma is a fitness coach, and trainer
who specializes in home workouts. Contact Rick for a no
obligation telephone fitness assessment at:
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/contact.html

Get more tips like these by subscribing to Tailored Fitness News
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/newsletter.html

...

fitnessprograms-22

Fitness
Back To Snippet
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How to Avoid Becoming a Fitness Failure
Author: Rick DeToma
You have permission to publish this article electronically, without changes of any kind, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included, and remain working hyperlinks. Please send a copy of the URL where you have posted this article.

How to Avoid Becoming a Fitness Failure
©Rick DeToma

When it comes to fitness, no one likes being a failure, yet more than half of new exercisers quit their program within the first six months. With a little help you can ensure you're not one of them. Give these ideas a try as you begin your exercise program for the new year.

Set goals
If you don't know where you are going, how will you know when you get there? Setting short-term and long-term goals may increase your chance of success. Your goals must give a clear picture of the end-point to work towards. Use the SMART model, your goal should be Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Without these you'll never know if you have achieved the goal. You can't just say "lose weight or gain energy." Instead say, "I will lose 10 pounds in 12 weeks by doing strength training 3 times a week and cardio 3 times a week."

Go for variety
Whether you do a home workout or belong to a gym, build your routine on cross-training to keep things fresh and interesting, and keep yourself from developing an injury. Frequently vary the order of your exercises and mix in dumbbells, barbells, resistance tubing, machine or body weight exercises. Don't be afraid to take a class.

Track your progress
Write down your measurements and weight at the beginning of your program. Keep a workout log and use it. Seeing results is a great motivator. At least once a month, re-measure and review your log to see advances in your aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and body composition.

Seek out support
A workout partner with similar goals and a positive attitude can make your workout more fun. knowing you are accountable to another person can be a great motivator too. So can working with a certified personal trainer.

Devise a backup plan
Time and access are the largest obstacles to fitness, and even devoted exercisers experience lapses. Don't use these as excuses to avoid exercise. Having some portable home workout gear like a stability ball, resistance tubing, jump rope, and dumbbells, will allow you to work out while traveling, at home or even at work. With limited time, focus on compound movements for the largest muscle groups and superset 2 for opposing muscle groups. A brief but intense workout can be accomplished in a few minutes.

Just do it
While pumping iron may not be right for everyone, the idea being active is. Find something you enjoy doing that elevates your heart rate and challenges you most days of the week. Also pay attention to how you feel. If you are like most people in as little as three weeks you will find yourself sleeping better and feeling more rested.

The information contained in this article is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are sedentary or over 40 please get clearance from a doctor before starting an exercise program.

About the Author

Rick DeToma is a fitness coach, and trainer
who specializes in home workouts. Contact Rick for a no
obligation telephone fitness assessment at:
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/contact.html

Get more tips like these by subscribing to Tailored Fitness News
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/newsletter.html

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