Archive for September, 2008
September 29th, 2008 -- Posted in Story |
Many gym goers looking to get a ‘beach body’ or similar cliche will leave out training for their legs to their own detriment. Bodybuilders and athletes know however that the legs are just as important as the arms, even if the main purpose of your training is to get toned and pull girls.
The reasons for this are myriad. Firstly, training your legs will help you burn calories as your body uses energy to maintain the extra muscle. Secondly compound movements such as the squat will trigger the release of growth hormone and other useful chemicals. Last but by no means least, a great hulking body on top of skinny little legs isn’t attractive by anyone’s standards, and firm glutes are just as important as ripped abs when it comes to looking good for the ladies. Mine’s so rock hard you can crack eggs on it (although I still tend to use a cup).
That said, even bodybuilders have been known to nelect their legs.Schwarzenegger famously resorted to cutting the ends off his trousers to expose his legs thereby forcing himself into action. That’s a waste of trousers though so put down the scissors and the chinos and let’s get to the route of the problem. One of the reasons that leg training is avoided like the plague is that it requires a certain amount of equipment not necessary for upper body work. My own training improved in spades when I realised how many cool ways there were to train the legs with just bodyweight or a pair of dumbbells. Whack all these into a workout and you’re legs will be screaming for mercy.
The ‘Sissy Squat’
‘Sissy squats’ have to be the biggest misnomer in the history of the English language. I think there’s an ironic turn to them like calling little guys ‘Big Earl’. That is to say that they’re not at all easy and are in fact quite the opposite and they’ll do wonders for your leg development.
Basically grab hold of something with one hand for support then go up on your tip-toes. Now lean back and at the same time bend at the knees so that your arse nearly touches your heals like you’re Neo dodging bullets in The Matrix. Then return to the upright position – that’s one sissy squat.
Calf Raises
Calf raises can be performed either with both legs while holding weights with the balls of your feet on either a step or a thick book (I recommend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, that thing’s a beast), or on just one foot with one palm against a wall on flat ground or a raised surface.
Lunges
Lunges are one of the great underrated exercises and can work well either while holding dumbbells or with your back foot up on a chair or sofa. To add interest you can walk around the room lunging. It passes the time.
Box Jumps
Jumping on and off of a box is a great exercise for explosive power in the legs.
One Legged Squat
It’s like it sounds and it’ll take a great amount of leg strength to pull off even one of these bad boys. Keep your free leg extended straight in front of you and go all the way down so that you are actually sitting on your own heal at the lowest point.
Squats
These work fine with dumbbells, and even without if you go ATG (ass-to-grass).
Horse Stance
For those who aren’t familiar with the torturous training methods used in Tai Chi and Kung Fu, ‘Horse Stance’ is basically the same as your stance during the lowest point of a squat. Try that as an isometric hold for three minutes. Someone really needs to show the Chinese a horse.
Plungers
Plungers are of my own design so when you’re screaming in agony it’s my name you should be cursing. They involve standing one legged on a chair or bench (I actually use the side of the bath), then lowering your other leg so that your knee touches the ground (touch with your toes first – don’t just crash your knee into the ground obviously). Then back up.
Press Ups
Press Ups are the God of exercises and as well as pecs, deltoids, triceps, abs and traps they’ll also work your legs. If they were a woman I’d marry them.
Squat Thrusts
You know what these are and they’re great. They are also more tragically overlooked than midgets.
Seated Calf Raises
Sit with your toes on the floor in front of you and take the weight of a dumbbell on one leg, then go up on your toes. Repeat until your calves stop working.
So there you go, that’s at least 11 exercises you can be doing at home and there are variations in there too. I you still don’t have any luck then it’s time to go to town on those trousers.
Get more fitness training advice from http://www.AdamSinicki.com or read information on bodybuilding, parkour, martial arts and more at http://www.the-Biomatrix.net
September 26th, 2008 -- Posted in Story |
Marshal John Kruger acted by Arnold Schwarzenegger (who else) in the film “Eraser” protects a female employee in the defence industry who has exposed corruption and treason to the FBI.
He rebukes one of his colleagues who calls the people he protects ‘scum’. His colleague is miffed: “Who does this guy think he is?”
John’s ‘friend’ Marshal Deguerin acted by James Caan answers:
“He thinks he is the best guy in the game. I think he is too. Try not to piss him off.”
John Kruger never gives up. A huge nail goes through his hand and nails it to a table. He just pulls his hand free and keeps going.
One of my black belts dislocated his finger at his grading. I straightened it out for him and he kept going without batting an eyelid.
There are John Krugers in real life as well as in the films.
At one point John jumps out of a jet plane in search of a parachute and catches up with it.
Later the parachute wraps around him. He unwraps it. This is what heroes and heroines in the films do. They keep going until they think of a solution. So do some people in real life.
At one point he kicks away a crocodile and then shoots him. He can even crack a crocodile joke under stress. “You’re luggage!”
I was once chased by a bear cub when I was 8 years old. It was roughly the same size as me. Possibly he just wanted to play but I didn’t feel like finding out. I couldn’t think of anything funny to say at the time but I did get away!
We may not be John Krugers but at the very least we can keep trying and looking for solutions. We can also try to crack a few jokes along the way.
I remember my Granddad still cracking jokes in his old age. The tears ran down his face as he laughed at his own jokes. I thought they were pretty funny too. One of his favourites was to cut away a small piece of pie and put the rest of it on his own plate. He probably found the look of shock on everyone’s face amusing.
Anyone who can face the problems of old age and still keep laughing is a hero in my view.
We need to keep laughing by cheerfully accepting challenges till the day we die. There is something about a good challenge that makes us laugh and there is no bigger challenge than the challenge of getting old.
Billy Connolly, the Scottish comedian who now lives in the USA, met an ageing funny man of 65 in California. The man gave him some advice about what to do when he reached 60.
Many men over 60 will find this advice both realistic and funny and one of the best ways to handle some of the disadvantages of getting old. I have edited his words slightly to avoid giving offence to some.
“There was a guy in a cigar store in Los Angeles – this big guy who is older than me by five years.”
He said: “Oh you’re sixty. I’ll give you some advice on turning sixty. Three things you must always remember.”
I said “Right”
“Never turn down a chance to have a pee”
“Right”
“Never trust a fart.”
“Make the most of any signs of sexual life before they
disappear”.
There are some medical experts who reckon they can solve these three problems. But if they can’t or you can’t afford them, you might as well have a laugh like the man in the cigar store.
About the author
John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams. They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.
The title of the first book is “36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! – Acronyms, Stories, And Pictures…Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles”
The book can be found at this URL http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php
The book uses acronyms, stories and pictures to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.
You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine or on your website so long as you do not alter it and keep in the words about the author and the 36 Laws.
September 19th, 2008 -- Posted in Story |
People love the design of the hummer. It started out as a military vehicle but now General Motors is making them for the general public. Thanks to the ever growing popularity of alternative fuels they are now also selling hummer that runs on these fuels.
Environmentalists have been criticising the hummer because these vehicles have very poor gas mileage and use a lot of gasoline. Because of this the alternative fuel hummer is a great idea as it is a lot better for the environment and cheaper as well.
An environmentalist called Tom Holm, who works with the organization Eco-Trek,
Has designed his own hummers that run on alternative fuels. Holm is now selling these vehicles and they are very popular especially with young people who look for an eco-friendly car which also looks great. These hummers are fuelled by bio-diesel extracted from soybeans and corn. They do not require any gasoline at all. Many celebrities , like governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, own these alternative fuel hummers.
Those who like the design of the hummer but also want an environmentally friendly car have two choices. They can either buy an especially built alternative fuel hummer or have their regular one converted to run on these fuels. It may be quite expensive but if you really care about the environment this will not matter to you.
Alternative fuel hummers offer a great combination of cool design and environmental friendliness. These unique vehicles are an excellent choice for those who can afford them. The planet will be very grateful.
To learn more about alternative fuel vehicles and get your free alternative fuels ebook visit The Alternative Fuel Guide at http://www.thealternativefuelguide.com
September 16th, 2008 -- Posted in Story |
It is so easy to be caught up in the moment and overwhelmed with what we deal with on a daily basis. Many in society have made self-absorption its own art form. Yet we are lucky enough to have a few selfless, future-minded individuals who have their eyes on the ball. They realize that we aren’t nurturing the most important resource for when we are finally ready to throw in the towel and leave the daily grind of the workforce behind. Our future lies in the hands of today’s youth. These people understand that youth entrepreneurship can change the future for many who wouldn’t have considered success an option without that chance.
Years ago, there used to be kids on the side of the road running their own lemonade stand. Sure, they got their supplies from mom, but they put the stand together, waited for and served their customers. They had a natural drive to earn their own money. The natural drive didn’t always end there, either. Teens used to be able to earn a decent amount of spending money simply by knocking on their neighbor’s doors and offering to mow the lawn for a modest fee. The desire and drive to earn and succeed is born into every child.
The lemonade stand on the side of the road is much more difficult to find these days and teens don’t have either the drive or the opportunity to earn extra cash from some good old fashioned yard work. Most families have two working parents and aren’t at home, mom and dad find it easier to just give kids what they need or the opportunity just isn’t present. Our young people are in desperate need of youth entrepreneurships in order to be able to become well-rounded individuals prepared to succeed and appreciate success as adults.
Existing youth entrepreneurship programs already recognize the values offered by such a program including being able to understand taking the initiative, being an individual and the importance of community. With good mentors and programs, every child can learn how to find their own way to success and prosperity.
Any individual or business that opens up their workplace to young people in order to provide education and guidance is making a positive impact on the young people of their community and an investment in the future. Young people are able to understand and develop their own interest in business, learn new skills, develop ideas and how to become a leader. The benefits of a youth entrepreneurship program can be beneficial for both the business owner and participants in the program.
Our communities need to recognize that a link between education, the community and the workplace exists and it is a valuable one. Mentors are the key to showing young people how everything works together in order to successfully reach a single common goal. Youth entrepreneurship programs are able to show young people this link and the positive impact it can have on not just today, but the future as well.
Justin Sachs, author of Your Mailbox Is Full- Motivating Today’s Teens works with youth to develop a positive outlook on life, create a life plan, develop motivating goals, living a healthy lifestyle and more. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California State Superintendent Jack O’Connell, and many others have recognized him for his success in motivating and inspiring today’s youth and for developing the next generation of leaders. His book and youth empowerment coaching services are available on his website at http://www.motivatingtodaysteens.com
Justin Sachs is the author of Your Mailbox Is Full~ Motivating Today’s Teens. A youth development book focused on transforming today’s teens into tomorrow’s leaders.
Justin has been recognized by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Senator Bill Morrow, California State Superintendant Jack O’Connell, and many more for his outstanding level of service and contribution to the community.
His Company, Justin Sachs International was formed with the mission of empowering teens to take their lives to the next level through instilling life-skills and leadership development principles within today’s youth. JSI believes with the right motivation, inspiration and determination, every youth can accomplish anything they desire, and JSI is here to guide them through that process, and to hold them accountable along the way.
September 8th, 2008 -- Posted in Story |
To many people, the image of Hollywood, and of LA in general, is either a place that’s full of glitz and glamour, and positively swarming with celebrities – or as devoid of celebrities, with them hiding out in their mansions or at exclusive, elitist clubs where only celebrities themselves are allowed to go.
The reality is that neither of these extremes is correct. If you’re visiting LA, the chances are that you won’t see a celebrity. But equally, if you live in Hollywood, celebrity spotting is just another perk of living in glamorous surroundings.
Another nugget of truth that can be sifted out of the rumours of Hollywood is that there are specific places where celebrities go to do the things that everyday people enjoy – there are shops, restaurants, nightspots, even video stores that are favourites of the stars. But the fact is, everyone is welcome – not just celebrities!
Some of the stars’ favourite restaurants include seafood specialist Crustacean, where the key is to dress and act like a movie-star; Spago, famous chef Wolfgang Puck’s own restaurant, which many argue sets the standard for eating in Hollywood (which, when you consider some of the richest people in the world live here, is certainly saying something!); Patrick’s Roadhouse, a favourite spot for a celebrity breakfast (where now-governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger had a permanent table!); and of course The Ivy, favourite of Demi Moore and Kiefer Sutherland, which itself has made several movie appearances, notably in John Travolta and Danny DeVito’s ‘Get Shorty’ and 1992 smash-hit ‘The Bodyguard’.
The top nightspots where the stars choose to shine include music venues The Viper Room, which, although small and intimate, has seen stars of sizeable magnitude, including Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, The Counting Crows and Lenny Kravitz; The Roxy, which was once a second home to rockers Guns ‘n Roses; and The Troubadour, which has seen the likes of Elton John and Tom Waits performing. Favourite nightclubs include world-famous Whisky a Go Go (which itself has a impressive musical history), El Floradita and The Sky Bar.
And finally, if you feel you need to take something with you from the land of the stars, the shops that are best-loved by celebrities include Di Fabrizio Shoes, shoemaker to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Robert De Niro and Liza Minnelli; Book Soup, a book store that often has star-signings as well; Illume Candles, candle makers that keep the stars’ homes glowing; and every celebrities’ favourite fashion store, Fred Segal, which is mentioned in fashion-obsessed films like ‘Clueless’ and ‘Legally Blonde’, and has a reputation for trend-setting and essential fashion.
LA has two Fred Segal stores, one in Hollywood and one in nearby Santa Monica, an area that is popular with celebs because of its beautiful beaches and relaxed way of life. It is home to Patrick’s Roadhouse, and as well as being the home of some of the best eateries and fashion stores and hotels in LA, is also home to many major stars, such as Bob Dylan, Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci and Tobey Maguire.
There are also a great deal of top-quality hotels in Santa Monica, so if you feel like living like an LA star, this is the place to be!
September 3rd, 2008 -- Posted in Story |
Is it ok to legalize abortion? This is a question that provokes a lot of debate. Abortion and homosexuality are relationship moral issues that have caused a lot of collision between the church leaders, human rights activists and medical practitioners. What is right in public eye is sometimes hard to tell but there are some laws that govern such moral issues. In January 22 in the year 1973, the supreme courts released its vital decision to legalize abortion. But this should not happen without some supporting rules. Young girls are supposed to ask for parental consent before they engage in abortion. The same court insisted that under the parenthood laws that a woman should not seek a spouse’s consent before carrying out an abortion. It is a dangerous procedure and it exposes the victims to some health risks and that is why in November 5 in 2003 president of USA signed a partial birth abortion ban act. It was meant to ban a late-pregnancy abortion.
Same sex marriage is another subject which has turned out to be among great relationship moral issues. Where is it in the legal stand point? President Bill Clinton signed a defense of marriage act which was to ban same sex marriage. It defined marriage as a legal association between a man and a woman. That concerns marriage for homosexuals but in 2004, Massachusetts Supreme court ruled that a ban on homosexual marriage was not according to the constitution of USA. This pushed president Bush to support amendment on the constitution that was banning same sex marriage. Vermont supreme court made a ruling that homosexuals should be given the same rights as heterosexuals. This saw the first same sex marriage performed in Massachusetts in may 17, 2004.
However legalizing same-sex marriage has never been a smooth process. In September 30 in 2004 the house voted against amendment of a ban on homosexual marriages. Three months later, the house voted and passed constitutional amendments that defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. To try and push for homosexuality acceptance, the governor for California Arnold Schwarzenegger voted for legalization of same-sex marriage. Alabama was among the first state to pass an amendment banning same-sex marriage. It is evident that the legalization of same-sex marriage was among great relationship moral issues that it kept going in and out of the kitchen.
The house kept on rejecting and passing amendments on the constitution banning same-sex marriage. Some of the relationship moral issues such as abortion and homosexuality will remain as debates as long as the world exists. They are all subject to personal opinion. People can never be the same and they have different opinions. The problem is, in a society there must be some rules and regulation that govern how people behave. The legal standpoint of homosexuality and abortion is a difficult conclusive sweeping statement to come up with. Each and every individual has a different statement concerning these moral issues. If something is done to contribute to general positive wellbeing of a human being then it is worth if looked at it in any angle.
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