It is the newest phenomenon to hit the fitness industry. These unassuming funny-shaped weights are leading people to greater weight loss than ever before.

Kettlebells are a tool that were used in the former Soviet Union to train athletes. They look odd, sort of like a bowling ball with a handle. There are purses made that way.

Despite the way that they look, they are quite effective for burning fat and also building muscle. Kettlebells can be used one at a time. Isolating each limb leads to more focused training and better results. Just one 45-minute workout can have you feeling the difference from other conventional workout routines.

Here are a few reasons to choose kettlebells:

* They are convenient – It might be difficult to get to the gym for a workout, especially if you are busy or it is too cold outside. With kettlebells, you can pull them out and use them anywhere. Keep one at your desk in the office and work out after the end of the day.

* They are inexpensive overall – The cost of a treadmill or climbing machine is a few thousand dollars. Buying an entire weight range of kettlebells may be a few hundred dollars and will pay for themselves in a short time.

* They work muscles where it’s needed – Performing kettlebell swings will work the shoulders, lower back and hip flexors. The last is important for proper balance. Sometimes knee pain is due to weaknesses in the hips. Working with this equipment, those muscles can be strengthened. They also increase coordination and strength in other weakened areas.

* They increase endurance and flexibility – People underestimate the kettlebell. They don’t realize what a workout they can get only in a few minutes time. With increased oxygen capacity, you can improve performance in other sports and exercises that you choose to do. Flexibility is important for contact sports and other team sports.

* It is two workouts in one – With the weight of the bells, you are performing workouts that increase cardiovascular health and strength training all in one motion. By moving the ball in a swinging motion while you perform your moves, you are constantly adjusting for balance, which works the abdominal area. Because your arms are constantly moving above your heart, you are raising your heart rate.

* They work the joints through the whole range of motion – Many machines in the gym have a limited range of motion. As a result, some don’t use free weights due to poor technique. Kettlebells help you to maintain proper form while working the entire area on which you are focusing.

If you want a great workout in less time, and a way to keep working out without the boredom that some workouts bring, try using kettlebells. You can find free workout routines online.

Just like all of us, teens want to look their best. To that end, some have also gotten into fitness sports in order to also feel their best, and teen bodybuilding has become quite popular. Teens compete in competitions that can help raise their self-esteem and get them on the track to a healthier lifestyle overall.

Bodybuilding is the activity that builds muscles to larger sizes. While it has been proven that muscle weighs more than fat, it also burns more calories, even at rest. Fat doesn’t do that. Building more lean muscle mass is one way to turn one’s body into a lean fat-burning machine.

However, there are positive and negative aspects to bodybuilding in teens.

Cons

Teenagers are still growing. Some parents worry about the growth of their children being stunted. Bodybuilding can do that if the teen is lifting too much weight, which can stem from unrealistic expectations.

Teens can be short-sighted in their bodybuilding goals. After one month of lifting weights, they won’t look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Teens lifting more weight than their bodies can handle safely can damage their long bones and stop the process of growth at the growth plate. A rule of thumb for anyone weightlifting is to only lift what they can comfortably lift for 10-15 repetitions. If their technique gets sloppy or they experience pain, then they are doing something wrong.

We all know that there are bodybuilders that use performance-enhancing drugs to gain an edge over the competition. Teens are not immune to that. While they may not have the money that adults have, they could be getting inferior products that can do even more harm than the best anabolic steroids. Steroids have been linked to changes in behavior and fluctuations in testosterone levels in men. They may gain huge muscles, but at a price.

Another important con to teen bodybuilding is misinformation. Teens who go into it without the proper information can be disappointed with the lack of results or hurt themselves. This includes working out too much, eating the wrong foods, not getting enough sleep and ignoring signs from their bodies that they are fatigued.

Pros

The teen years are critical and often the most difficult. Teens are searching for a place to fit in. Bodybuilding can give them that and so much more. Not only can they improve their body image, but they also learn about proper nutrition and find mentors in the older bodybuilding community.

Self-esteem is vital to a teenager. With a body that turns heads and with renewed health, they can feel as though they can accomplish anything. It won’t make their teen years easier to understand, but it will give them hope and self-confidence.

Is your teen considering bodybuilding? Ask them to weight the options before making a decision.

Have you noticed that there are certain times of the year when gym memberships spike? At the start of the year, at the start of summer and going into fall, gyms run ads to try to encourage people to sign up. For many of us, we start out with the best of intentions and then taper off. The membership just ends up being a waste of money.

For others, a gym membership is a luxury they just can’t afford. Here are some ideas to help you get and stay fit without the help of an expensive gym membership.

Do It Yourself Body

The body is the best tool for getting in shape. Even without equipment, you could lose weight and slim down in no time with some discipline and effort. Here are some handy ideas for those who need help but don’t want the hassle or expense of a gym membership.

* Walking – Walking is the best overall exercise. When you walk, you work every muscle group of your body and your heart and lungs. Pumping your arms gets the heart rate and breathing up so that you begin to move from an aerobic phase to a fat-burning phase. As you feel more confident, you can speed up your program for added benefit. Walk with a friend to keep you both accountable and working harder.

* Running – This is a step up from walking. Running works the same muscle groups, only harder. Those who have run for a time say that they experience the runner’s high. It is the release of endorphins that spur you on to good feeling and a faster pace. Running clubs are everywhere and for a small fee, you can run in various places on different terrains with others and also enter races.

* Dumbbells – These are free weights that can be used to build muscle in your home. Tons of exercise videos on the market can walk you through the proper form of different exercises such as military presses, squats, lunges and deltoid lifts. For women who want to get toned, higher repetitions and smaller weights will help you achieve your goal. The heavier the weight, the more bulky the muscles you will form.

* Exercise videos – With DVDs and videos you can learn to master everything from Pilates to yoga to kickboxing, all in the privacy of your home. They pay for themselves in no time and can be used no matter what the weather. You don’t have to leave the house, so all you have to worry about is your self-motivation. If you want to try a lot of different ones inexpensively, sign up for Netflix, try the workouts you like, and buy the ones you like best.

*Yoga -Yoga uses very little special equipment and mainly uses the body to stay slim, with long lean muscles. some varieties of yoga also emphasise breathing, such as Kundalini yoga. You can start at home with programs on the TV or DVD courses.

* FitTV – This popular cable TV channel runs fitness programs ranging from low to high impact and from yoga to belly dancing. They also have great health and cooking programs. Tape a few of the workouts and change up your workouts so you won’t get bored.

Are you looking for a way to get started keeping fit but don’t want to join a gym–or can’t afford to? Hopefully these ideas will get you started on the right track for little cost.

Here is a handy article on how to stay fit for less:

Twelve Tips to Keep Fit for Less Money

If you are interested in Pilates, but are not sure where to start, why not consider the Stott Pilates DVD series.

This great series has full workouts, and ones which concentrate specifically on problem areas, like your core.

They are clear and easy to follow at home, and don’t require a ton of equipment to get the most of your workout.
To see a selection of top selling Stott Pilates DVDs, click here:
Stott Pilates DVDs

Pilates is becoming more and more popular with people of all ages to gain fitness. It is a great way to tone and strengthen muscles, improve posture flexibility, strengthen the spine and improve general well-being.

The Pilates Core Challenge DVD has a 60 minute running time. All you need is a Pilates mat, which is not included in the purchase, and you can enjoy the benefits of the program. The exercises on the DVD target your core muscles such as lower back, buttocks, hips and abs. Doing these exercises on a regular basis, makes your body become firmer and stronger.

Ana Caban is the instructor on the DVD. She gives easy to follow instructions to guide you through the program and teaches you how to breathe properly through the Pilates exercises.

The exercises include single leg stretches, double leg stretches, scissors, roll-ups and more. Pilates is being used as additional training by many athletes or dancers.

The DVD’s audio can be played in Spanish and English.
Pilates Core Challenge with Ana Caban

You might also like:
STOTT PILATES – Pilates Matwork DVDs

Pilates Core Challenge DVD with Ball By Dlfit

Every runner or biker appreciates the dangers of running or biking in the dark winter evenings or early mornings. The Brooks Nightlife Magnetic LED is a way of adding instant visibility for extra safety. It can be attached to your clothing and remains in place for as long as you need it.

The Brooks Nightlife Magnetic LED comes with flashing LED lights and 3M Scotchlite reflective details. It is light weight and has a soft brushed tricot polyester back. It easily attaches magnetically to any piece of clothing or even a bag.

Use this piece of equipment for your safety if you are out and about during those dark winter evenings. It enhances your visibility and keeps you safe.

Go to www.paragonsports.com for more information.

I’m like, So Fat was written by Dr Neumark-Sztainer, a Professor at the University of Minnesota. Her specific research interests are in the field of adolescent health and nutrition and how to prevent obesity and eating disorders. Her book offers in depth information on teenagers’ weight and health issues backed up with strong research.

The book covers chapters on weight-related problems in susceptible teens, causes and contributory factors. Other topics include how and why parents matter, exploring the importance of friends, fads and fashion on a teenager’s health, physical activity, the four cornerstones of healthy weight and body image. Dr Neumark-Sztainer talks about her own experience raising teenagers as well as showing research and case studies. The book also includes helpful advice and strategies for parents.

Furthermore, you can read up on teenage nutrition, teaching teens to pay attention of portion control and calories without obsessing, vegetarianism, how to make a difference at home, how to spot the signs of an eating disorder and what to do about it.

In today’s fast-food and media-obsessed world, teenagers are bombarded with different messages that pushes fat but promotes the opposite. Teenager’s self-image suffers and this creates fundamental health problems in our society. I’m like, So Fat offers excellent advice for all worried parents on how to deal with health issues in their teenagers and how to promote their well-being.

At some point while you’re running during the winter weather, you may get wet. Do your best to change your clothes and get warm as soon as possible. This will allow you to avoid hypothermia and possible frostbite.

When running later and into the darker hours of the day, it’s important for others to be able to see you clearly, especially if you are crossing the street or jogging on a road.

Wear a safety vest or reflective strips on your clothing and shoes. Oncoming traffic will see you from a distance which will keep you from being injured. Wearing bright colors will allow you to be visible at night, and also against snowy landscapes.

You can also avoid injury caused by frostbite by paying attention to your ears, nose, fingers, and toes. Make sure you wear appropriate socks and footwear and gloves. Some people will wear both gloves and mittens over them to protect their extremities. Earmuffs as well as a hat can also help.

Watch for patches of hard, cold, pale skin which could indicate frostbite. If you do notice this happening, get out of the cold as quickly as possible and slowly warm any areas affected with warm but not hot water or compresses. Do not rub. You will want to seek medical help if the numbness continues.

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Even though it’s cold outside, you’re still getting hot and sweaty as you exercise, and so need to replenish your fluids. Dehydration may also occur because the cold air has a drying effect. To combat dehydration, be sure to drink sports drinks or water before you begin, during your run, and after your run or exercise session outdoors has ended.

Be careful to pace yourself when exercising in colder weather. You may find it difficult to run as the temperatures fall, so try to run during the warmer hours of the day rather than running early in the morning or later in the evening. Pay attention to both the temperatures and the wind chill to be able to enjoy your run as much as possible.

If you feel a tightness in your chest or difficulty breathing, make sure to take it easy and cover your mouth and nose with your gloved hand to help warm the air you are taking in.

Following these simple steps, dressing properly and using common sense in the cold, can help keep you outdoors keeping fit this winter.

Just because the weather is turning colder, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your outside exercise routine. The temperatures may be lower, but following these cold weather jogging and walking tips may make the activities during the winter months something you can continue to do and enjoy.

When you go out to run in cold weather, it’s important that you remain warm and dry. This means you’ll want to start with dry clothing in layers. The layers, made of different fabrics, will allow the sweat and moisture to be wicked away from the skin which will help keep you dry and warmer.

Start with a thin synthetic material like polypropylene rather than wearing cotton, as cotton actually holds the moisture next to the skin.

Polar fleece can be added next to help keep you warm with an additional insulation layer, and is also lightweight.

Finally, use a breathable nylon material for the outer layer. This will protect you against wind and precipitation, but will let out sweat and heat so you don’t become overheated.

Of course, even though you want to remain warm, you don’t want to over-dress. It’s better to be a little cool when you begin your run than to feel warm and toasty to begin with and end up being overheated in the end. Most running experts recommend dressing as if it is at least 20 degrees warmer outside than what the thermometer shows.

Don’t forget to wear a hat to keep your head warm. Since up to 70% of your body’s heat is lost through the head, it’s important to wear something to trap that heat. This also means your circulatory system won’t have to work as hard to keep the rest of the body warmer, since it won’t have to warm the blood from the head before pushing it through.

Wearing a face mask or scarf can help you warm the air going into your body, and keeps your face protected in bitterly cold temperatures. It will also protect against windchill and frostbite. Obviously, use common sense by listening to the weather report before you go out to exercise.