The Context Machine

It does not appear that the number of home foreclosure listings will decrease any time soon. In fact, real estate experts expect the number to continue to increase as the adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) blooms. The homeowner’s mortgage payment will nearly double, creating a serious budget crisis for this person. Food and fuel prices have skyrocketed and if a person can barely make their mortgage payment now, what will he or she do when the payment increases? Chances are, they will loose their home, unless they are able to get out of the ARM and into a fixed rate mortgage.

A lot of the nation’s politicians are looking for ways to reduce the number of home foreclosure listings in their respective states. The foreclosure rate has become a national crisis, where homes in Florida, California, Georgia and many other states are being added each month. It is not unreasonable or surprising that politicians would get involved. Many voters are also homeowners who will not re-elect someone who sits idly by and has no concern for their plight. The foreclosure crisis not only affects the homeowner facing the threat of loosing their home, but also other homeowners who watch their property value decrease as a result.

An eight week fitness plan would be great right now. Well Spring is here in Calgary and the weather is getting better by the day so I thought it would be a nice day to give a little primer on how to start getting ready for Summer fun, fitness and other activities.

First of all I hope that you were spending time throughout the Winter getting or staying in shape although for many people there was no chance of that as there are still some roadblocks for many. As you probably already know I ride a bike almost year round and am fortunate enough to have an elliptical trainer and stationary bike at home for when the temperatures drop really really low. I have a set of weights at home but did not lift them more than a couple of times through the winter.

OK, so let’s say you are now in crappy shape, then you will truly need an eight week fitness plan. There is a light at the end of the next few weeks and we should all be aware that you can get out there and improve your fitness in just a few weeks if you plan it properly. The first step is to plan what you want over the next eight weeks. there is a sample slimming plan at bodybuilding.com but I would like to just look at an eight week fitness plan of better cardio instead that will make you feel better in the shorter term. I found this list from Runners World:

Week 1: Run one min, walk 90 seconds. Repeat eight times. Do three times a week.

Week 2: Run two mins, walk one min. Repeat seven times. Do three times a week.

Week 3: Run three mins walk one mins. Repeat six times. Do three times a week.

Week 4: Run five mins, walk two mins. Repeat four times. Do three times a week.

Week 5: Run eight mins, walk two mins. Repeat three times. Do three times a week.

Week 6: Run 12 mins, walk one min. Repeat three times. Do three times a week.

Week 7: Run 15 mins, walk one min, Run fifteen mins. Do three times a week

Week 8: Run 30 mins continuously.

In the past I have always puched myself too hard and this is something that you should be very aware of. Our brains are hard wired to think that our bodies are hardier than they really are. In starting this running schedule you should be aware of your bodies limitations and healing needs. Try to stretch really well after you are warmed up or after your workout and then make sure that a few hours after your workout that you slowly stretch to try and get rid of that lactic acid buildup and loosen up you recovering muscles.

I never run often myself because my knees seem to go after just a few weeks, not sure if this is caused by pushing to hard to fast or if it just from bad knees in the first place.

I try to make sure that my favored method of exercise, biking is always recommended as well. Here is a plan for that. All you have to do is follow the above plan by thinking about the intensity that you are riding. Casual riding can be thought of as 10% of your max and riding hard uphil could be thought of as 100% intensity. Always be aware of your intensity for a biking training session and also look at how the different gearing as well as road / path / dirt conditions will affect your ride.

After this eight week fitness plan you will feel like you are indeed in great shape and will then probably want to get started with some more sports or activities. Start to day and by the middle of May you will be good for anything that summer throws at you.

Bill Nadraszky is a fitness fanatic and runs several websites. For more fitness tips you can visit his fitness tips weblog.

For most of us non-professional body builders the Weider Home Gyms can be a great addition to our exercising needs. Driving times, busy and active schedules makes this product a must have tool in the convenience of your own home. The Weider Home Gyms are not cheap but still priced much more aggressively than many of its counterparts. It may not be the best (not sure what that would require) but for most of us it provides all the features we need. Never has a exercise routine and regime been easier to maintain.

Features:

1.) High Pulley–Allows for fine tuning of your lats and back.

2.) Seat Material: 4-Position, Adjustable, Ergonomic–Perform a variety of different exercises with this adjustable bench, complete with an ergonomic, comfort-padded design.

3.) Adjustable Back–Allows you to adjust the back for increased support.

4.) Number of Stations: 3 Stations

5.) Length: 80 Inches

Product Description:

As Seen On TV. The Weider® Cross Bar Gym showcases a revolutionary CRS resistance system that delivers a full range of motion, for maximum strength training results. The Compound Resistance System provides a full 240 lbs of resistance (upgrades to 440 lbs) to accommodate any user. Enjoy the perfect weight distribution for any workout with the included bars, and add aerobic exercise to your workout with the built-in rowing seat.

Most equipment can be found on the internet and can be purchased as new or used. You needn’t fear your choice as most all the fine folks that sell these products do a nice job in preparing the weider home gyms for your satisfaction. So enjoy your purchase and have fun along the way.

For more in depth home gym and exercise equipment information

Rebounding: Health and Fitness Benefits

As quoted by NASA, rebounding is “the most efficient and effective exercise yet devised by man”. It is an excellent, non-impact, aerobic excercise gained by bouncing on a mini-trampoline.

The benefits of rebounding are astonishing and have been promoted significantly within the last decade.

It is a unique excercise in which a weightless state is achieved at the top of each jump and then land with twice the force of gravity on each bounce. This shift in gravity benefits every muscle and cell of the body and provides huge benefits to the lymph system.

On studying the benefits of rebounding, NASA found that a 150-pound individual spending one-hour on a rebounder will burn more calories than the same person jogging for an hour!

Benefits of Rebounding

- 68% more efficient than jogging (N.A.S.A., Journal of Applied Physiology 49(5): 881-887)

- Fights fatigue by strengthening the glandular system to increase the capabilities of the thyroid gland, the pituitary gland and the adrenals.

- Rebounding has a natural analgesic effect on the body which helps to relieve joints and pain in the neck, back, and head through the increase of circulation and oxygen flow.

- Conditions and stregthens the heart which allows the resting heart to beat less often. This in turn sends a stronger surge of blood through the veins.

- It provides an extremely effective ‘no impact’ excercise - especially imporant for those with less mobility or undergoing rehabilitation.

- Rebounding has been found to lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

- It increases metabolism which assists the body in burning more calories.

- One of the primary causes of aging is the declining performance of the heart and circulatory system. Rebounding is incredibly effective in increasing the performance of both the heart and the circulatory system and thus slows the aging process.

- Rebounding specifically stimulates the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. The change in gravitational forces allows for greater blood flow and this increases the amount of waste and toxins flushed from the body. Rebounding can increase lymph flow by up to 15%!

- Rebounding has also been found to enhance digestion, relaxation, sleep patterns, nerve impulses and muscle fiber.

- Blood pressure can be significantly reduced by rebounding. This is achieved by boosting the muscle tone of the middle arterial muscles and the improvements to the circulatory system.

Rebounding seems too good to be true, however, this is definitely not a gimmick! There is no way that NASA would put their name to it if they did not think that it was effective!!!

Personally, discovering rebounding has helped me no end. It takes away any excuse for not exercising every single day. I love running, but there are some days when I just cannot make it into my running shoes and out of the door - I am sure that I am not alone either!

Rebounding is also excellent for the ‘day after’ or on your day off when you are aching and recovering as it gently stretches the muscles and warms them, but with no impact.

This is a truly unique form of exercise and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Everyone who has tried rebounding loves it, from kids to grandparents and from the sedentary to the super-active!

Energise For Life are currently offering the Pro-Bounce Folding Trampoline for only £96.99 with FREE shipping. For other alkaline diet and optimum nutrition resources and guides visit Energise for Life!