Fitness America

Flash back to the images from the Great Depression and to the stories told by elder relatives that survived those challenging years. It was a time that marked America's lowest economic condition and biggest success in overcoming adversity. That is, until recently.

A Not-So-Distant Memory

Today the United States is facing an economic crisis that often brings references to the Great Depression. One of the biggest hardships citizens are facing today is homelessness. Just as in the years following Black Tuesday, tent cities consisting of a multitude of tents or makeshift shelters in specified areas or just outside city limits are again springing up across the country. Within these 'cities' are dozens if not hundreds of families struggling to survive.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the recession will force an estimated 1.5 million more people into homelessness over the next two years. The causes will vary but the majority will be due to:

* Increased job layoffs
* Small business failures
* Increased healthcare costs
* Housing costs
* Low wages for non-skilled workers
* Unavailability of employment

Approximately one-third of the nation's homeless population consists of families with children. With the rapid decline of the economy, this number is continuing to rise. At the end of 2007 roughly 37.3 million U.S. households reported having severe housing cost burdens. Now, two years later, the burdens have grown and many families are falling victim to the home foreclosure crisis as well as the layoffs that have been sweeping the country.

Lasting Effects

A 2009 study by the National Center on Family Homelessness found that 1 out of 50 American children become homeless each year. The impact this increase is having on the younger generations is nothing less than tragic.

The study estimates that some 83 percent of homeless children will have been exposed to at least one serious violent event before they reach 12 years of age. Of those, nearly 25 percent will have witnessed acts of violence within their own families (i.e. physical abuse). Homeless children have three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems of non-homeless children. They are also four times more likely to experience delayed educational development.

How to Help

Now more than ever is a crucial time to get involved. Organizations across the country are banding together to aid those in need and greatly welcome any support offered. Some of the diverse opportunities available include:

* Volunteering with a local organization working to end family homelessness
* Supporting local, state, and national programs that help families rebuild
* Donating to organizations such as HomeAid and others that are working to end homelessness in our country
* Educating others about the extent and causes of homelessness in America and what they can do to help

These organizations are putting forth a great effort but always need more help. Even the smallest contribution can make a lasting impression on someone who truly needs and appreciates it. By working together Americans can fight back against homelessness and give this country another triumph over adversity.

Labels: america fitness, Fitness, team fitness america

All fitness gyms are not created equal and so how do you decide which one to join? Only a quality fitness gym can give you what you need to stay with a life long exercise program. Here's the checklist to decide which fitness gym is right for you.

The Fitness Gyms:

* Before joining any gym make an appointment to tour the facilities.
*
* Visit the gym during the hours you will be using it and check to see if there are long waiting lines for the equipment you will want to use.
*
* Check the facility for proper ventilation, cleanliness, and maintenance. Notice the atmosphere what the comfort level is.
* Notice the staff and other member. Does it seem like a friendly group?
*
* Is the gym a member of the IHRSA which is the world's leading trade association for gyms and health clubs?
The Staff At The Fitness Gyms
* Is the staff motivated competent, and service-oriented and knowledgeable?
*
* Do they have college degrees in physical education, kinesiology, or exercise physiology?
*
* Do they have trained professionals on staff in the activities in which you wish to participate?
*
* Are they certified? This gives you a great deal of assurance. Some of the most respected certification comes from the Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (NACSM). American Council on Exercise(ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Institute for Aerobics Research, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and the Northland Regional, or the International Dance Exercise Association (IDEA).
*
* Is there an orientation on how to use equipment properly and safely before you start working out?
*
* Is there a trainer on staff to help you set up your program in the beginning?
Different Agreements At Different Fitness Gyms
* Examine the contract very carefully and make sure all agreements are in writing including verbal agreements.
*
* Understand the length of the term. Is it an annual membership, or a month-to-month membership?
*
* It is standard policy to offer a "cooling off" period which is usually the three days after signing up for a membership, during which you may cancel the agreement without penalty.
*
* Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the club.
Why Does Quality Make The Difference in Fitness Gyms?
IHRSA members - consider it their mission to enhance the quality of human life through physical fitness and sports. They provide first-rate facilities, programs and instruction. They also subscribe to IHRSA's Code of Conduct, pledging to:
* Open their membership to persons of all creeds, races, and places of national origin.
*
* Treat each member as though the success of their club depends on that individual alone.
*
* Are the facilities and programs done with the safety of the members in mind?
*
* Do they do their part to expand awareness of the benefits of regular exercise?
*
* Agree to conduct their business in a manner that commands the respect of the public for their industry and the goals they seek to achieve.
Make sure you know what each of the fitness gyms has to offer before you make your final decision.

Labels: america fitness, Fitness, team fitness america

The epidemic of child obesity in America seems to have never been more prevalent than it is today. Even with all of the media attention on the increase in weight and the decline of activity of children all across our country, not enough seems to be happening to make the differences that the next generation needs to see. What is even more frightening is that we don't need the television or obesity statistics to know that the problem isn't going away; we can see it in our neighborhoods and sometimes in our own households.

There is hope. Education is key; education for parents, teachers, and the community, but also education for the kids. The more we all know, the easier it will be to create a change.

In working with men, women, and children as a Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Youth Sports Instructor over the past decade, I have seen the highs and the lows of fitness in America. Having been witness to some of those lows, I can still see a light at the end of the tunnel, but what's more important is that the children see that light.

Know what? They do.

So, what can we do as individuals to start making a difference in the lives of children that may be suffering from childhood obesity?

Here are 4 Helpful Hints for Fighting Child Obesity in America

Be Supportive: When we least expect it, children are listening. Whether they seem mesmerized or distracted by the television, their iPods, or their cell phones our words, both positive and negative, stick. They will begin to model or try to become what they think you think of them.

If your consistent message is "you are overweight and all you do is sit in front of the TV all day", then that is what they will eventually emulate. Positive reinforcement like, "You looked so fast running from the school bus to the front door today. I bet that's why you're doing so well in soccer," is a great way to stimulate the activity you would like to see more of.

Lead by Example: My parents have always been my greatest heroes. Some of my favorite childhood memories were of playing baseball and soccer in the front yard, basketball in the driveway, or just racing my Mom and Dad up and down the street. It didn't occur to me until years later how much of an impact that had on me growing up and is probably part of the reason that I'm writing this today. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Talk about It: Kids and adults browse through magazines, read newspapers, and watch the television daily. Look for your coaching opportunities. If a news clip comes on that focuses on child obesity in America, ask your kids for their thoughts. You may be surprised to find that their knowledge of the subject matter is more detailed than you originally thought. What's even better? They may have some great ideas on stopping childhood obesity.

Never Stop Learning: If you have found this site, then you are already on the right track and it is obvious that you care about making a difference. The more you can learn about obesity for yourself, your friends, and your family, the more you can do to help stop it. Whether you are looking for new physical activities or games to play outside with the family, if it's trying some new, healthy recipes, or getting involved in community education, the more knowledge you have, the more you will be able to share.

About the Author:
David Bohmiller is the founder of My Personal Trainer School an online resource dedicated to Personal Training for fitness enthusiasts of all levels and a top reference for those who want to become personal trainers.

Labels: america fitness, child obesity, Fitness, team fitness america

You're chugging up hills. You're blasting through mountains. You're skimming through waterfalls.
You change speeds just as you and your comrades prepare to take on the next mission at hand. You're ready to take America by storm. And just think, it all takes place in the comfort of your aerobics room.

Spinning is just the newest fad for fitness fanatics, a bizarre blend of cardiovascular activity and wild imagination geared at packing the fun into your everyday workout. Just one glance into the aerobics room during a spinning class will convince you of its electrifying appeal. They're all set up in neat, little circle - a row of specialized stationary cycles - as the participants of this class whirl through the session like the cast of "American Flyers".

Originating in Los Angeles in the early '90's, spinning has since been a growing beneficiary from the fitness boom, racing through fitness clubs throughout the United States. Spinning has caught fire particularly in East Coast cities like New York and Boston, while a number of spinning studios are also being built in southern Florida. There are currently over 4,000 gyms throughout the world featuring spinning classes, nearly half of them inside the U.S.

Much of the appeal of a particular spinning classes lies with the effectiveness of the instructor. A fun, highly motivating instructor with a colorful imagination can provide the participants with the most riveting of sessions. Another perk to spinning, particularly for newcomers, is that it is not a difficult activity to jump into. Unlike the step classes, you do not need to learn any specialized moves for this class. You just plop down on a cycle and start chugging away. Also, because the activity is virtually stress-free on your joints, it is appealing to athletes and trainers who are injury-prone.

Meanwhile, spinning can give you a great full-body workout, especially throughout the muscles in your legs and buttocks. But keep in mind, spinning classes are not for everyone. While spinning is generally regarded as a low-impact form of cardiovascular activity, it can also be quite rigorous, especially for newcomers who are not accustomed to such a workout. However, because spinning does not require tremendous athletic coordination, it is starting to catch on with a wider variety of workout fanatics. But unlike many aerobics classes, spinning does require a small fee to participate.

About the Author

You can see our extensive article library at http://www.hsfvitamins.com and find interesting health products at our sister site, http://www.hsfenergy.com

http://www.articlecircle.com/fitness/spinning-spinning-is-taking-america-by-storm.html

Labels: aerobics, america fitness, exercise, Fitness

Hi,

Today I have a new resource to tell you about that will stop you
from making the common start-up mistake that KILLS many new
websites...

It's called the "Ebusiness Start-Up Handbook," and it's a
must-read for anyone who wants to build a profitable long-term
ebusiness on a solid foundation.

Download it, and you'll avoid wasting massive amounts of time and
money getting your new business started.

What I like most about this Handbook is that it uses simple
language and lots of examples and graphics to clearly explain the
step-by-step process you need to follow to find a lucrative
online market with minimal competition.

Start your website *without* doing this critical groundwork first,
and prepare for a long and costly battle...

You'll struggle to attract visitors, to get ranked in the search
engines, and to convert the few visitors you do get into buyers.

Worse, you could find yourself going head to head with the
Internet's toughest -- and most well-funded -- competitors, like
Amazon.com and eBay.

The "Ebusiness Start-Up Handbook" was produced by the experts at
the Internet Marketing Center, who have generated over $100
million in sales online, so you know you can trust their advice.

I highly recommend you take the first step toward financial
independence by downloading this Handbook right away. You'll be
giving your new website its best chance of success.

Download it now at: Ebusiness Start-Up Handbook

Labels: e commerce, e commerce start up, earn extra money, earn money, earn money at home, earn money online, ebusiness, ebusiness ecommerce, ebusiness solution, ebusiness solutions, ebusiness strategies

Having a tight and tone lower half for most women seems unthinkable. Many women desire to have a round, lifted butt that looks great in jeans, shorts and even a bikini. Throughout this article Debbie McFarlen, a top personal trainer for Team Fitness America, will uncover six basic exercises to help reach a perfected ballerina bottom.

Some women spend countless hours at the gym on the stair stepper, hoping for that nice round physique of stars like Jennifer Lopez, but soon find themselves giving up to believe that it must be her genetics. Genetics does play a part in what your physique looks like, but you do not have to accept the body the way it is because change is possible. For years, ballerinas have been performing the lifts and squats that create that nice, round, and tight lower half. Most women forget the tush is a muscle and since we cannot see it ourselves, it is often overlooked but still envied.

Here are six secrets that ballerinas and dancers have used for years to lift, tone, and tuck the lower half of their body. Take note of squeezing your butt muscles and pointing your toe on each exercise, as both of are extremely important for sure success.

1. Squat and Squeeze - Standing at your kitchen counter for balance, squat towards the ground. Make sure your knees are directly above your ankles and never over your toes. Squat and squeeze, exhale on the way up, and stand up on your toes. Pause and inhale, squat almost to floor, exhale and lift, again to your toes. Pause at the top of the exercise and at the bottom for one second. Repeat these 20 times, then rest and repeat again. If you own a stability ball, then you can make a great variation of this exercise. Place the ball on the middle of your back against a wall, then squat down letting the ball roll itself down until your knees reach a 90-degree angle. Remember to keep your knees directly aligned with your ankles and never over the toes.

2. The Ballerina Lift - Hold onto the kitchen counter or something sturdy such as a railing. Squeeze butt muscles and lift your leg as high as you can behind you. Keep your leg straight and toe pointed. Exhale while you lift and inhale as you lower your leg. The key to this exercise is to keep your back straight, face the counter, and focus on lifting your leg as straight as possible with your toe pointed and butt squeezed together. Do 20 of these, rest, then repeat.

3. Romanian Dead Lift - Keeping your left leg straight, foot firmly on the ground, exhale and bend forward so your right leg goes straight out behind you. Point your right toe, straighten your right leg and bring your hands to the floor. You can hold on to a 5lb dumbbell if you like with both hands to add resistance. This exercise will target your butt while increase your level of balance. The first few times you try it, have a person or a sturdy piece of furniture nearby for balance. Once you have enough balance to bend forward and lift your leg straight up behind you, you can move away from the furniture and get the full benefit of the exercise. Remember to squeeze your butt together, keep the extended leg straight, and your toe pointed. Repeat 10 times and switch legs then repeat 10 more times.

4. Bend and Lift - Again holding on to a counter or a sturdy piece of furniture, turn your right foot out, then bend your right knee and lift your left leg to the side as high as you can while inhaling. If you can reach the counter or any surface that is waist high then rest your foot there for one second. Point your toe, then exhale and place foot on the ground. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Switch legs, turning out the left foot, bending your left knee and lifting your right leg to the side on your inhale. Rest your pointed toe on the counter for one second and release to floor. Repeat 10 times.

5. Step N’ Lift - Grab a chair (or take two steps at a time going up the stairs) and step up while keeping your knee in line with your ankle. Exhale at the top, squeeze your butt muscles together, and point your toe of your lifted leg then return to the floor. Repeat 10 times and switch legs. Remember to go slow, squeeze your butt and point your toe.

6. The All-American Lunge - Choose from the walking lunge, reverse lunge or standing lunge. The purpose here is that your front leg works your hamstring and glutes so keep your knee aligned with your ankle while you lower your back leg as far as possible without touching the floor or before you feel any pain. Exhale on your way down and inhale on your way up. The stand and walking lunge is simple and only requires you to step forward while the reverse lunge requires you to simply step back. Make sure you squeeze your butt and breathe as required.

Obviously, ballerinas dance daily and for extended periods, so you may need a few weeks to see results. Based upon additional exercises and diet, you may see the results more quickly. The trick is to stay focused and keep your workouts interesting. The use of an in home personal trainer will help add variety to your workout program while giving you assured results.

By : Debbie McFarlen
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/six-secrets-to-a-team-fitness-america-ballerina-bottom-1050019.html

Labels: ballerina bottom, butt, dance, Diet, Exercises, Fitness, Personal Trainer, team fitness america, tone