Tag: Fitness

Abdominal Belt: Are They Effective for Weight Loss?

Post author By admin
Post date July 18, 2011
No Comments on Abdominal Belt: Are They Effective for Weight Loss?

Abdominal fat is a problem for many people, prompting them to find ways and means to get rid of belly fat fast. Unfortunately, fat in the abdominal area is often difficult to lose. Even with exercise and diet, belly fat sometimes refuses to go away. In their quest for a trim physique, some people wear abdominal belts in the hope that it will help to flatten their tummy.

Abdominal belts for weight loss are advertised on TV infomercials and the internet with promises that these devices hold the secret to rock-hard abs without the need for sit ups, crunches, or a low-calorie diet. Let’s find out more about the abdominal belt and see if it is effective for weight loss.

What Is an Abdominal Belt?

An abdominal belt is a special electronic device that you can wear around your waist at all times of the day. Manufacturers of abdominal belts claim that this device will help develop your abdominal muscles without the need for exercise. The belt electrically stimulates the abdominal muscles while you sit or relax. You can also exercise while wearing the belt to enhance the development of your abdominal muscles.

How Does an Abdominal Belt Work?

Abdominal weight loss belts are equipped with small pads that the user attaches to the bare skin. The pads contain electrodes that send a series of electrical pulses to different areas on your stomach. The pulses stimulate the muscles, allowing them to contract and relax. This simulates the effects of exercise.

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Requires FDA Clearance

Abdominal belts that use electrical muscle stimulation are classified as medical devices, according to the FDA or Food and Drug Administration. The sale of abdominal belts to consumers must be pre-approved. Currently, only the Slendertone Flex abdominal EMS belt has FDA clearance for toning the abdominal muscles.

Results of Research Studies

A small study conducted at the University of Wisconsin measured the effects of abdominal EMS belts on test subjects. The test subjects wore the belts for 20 to 40 minutes every day, five days a week. At the end of the study, the test subjects reported losing an average of 1.38 inches around their waist. Abdominal strength increased by an average of 58%. The control group reported no significant changes in these measurements. Neither group experienced significant weight loss.

The study was funded by a former distributor of Slendertone Flex belts.

Are Abdominal Belts Effective?

Abdominal belt manufacturers claim that aerobic exercise can benefit belt wearers. The stretching and constant movement during aerobic exercise along with electric impulses from the belt is said to stimulate the abdominal muscles more intensely. The Federal Trade Commission, however, says abdominal belts have questionable value to consumers. The FDA also warns that these devices have caused minor and serious injuries including pain, irritation, bruises and burns. There are no magic pills or devices for losing weight. The only proven combination is a good diet and exercise.

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Weight Loss Exercise

The Ultimate Weight Loss Plan ? Natural Cleanse

Post author By admin
Post date July 18, 2011
No Comments on The Ultimate Weight Loss Plan ? Natural Cleanse

Using the natural cleanse method to rid the body of dangerous bacteria and toxins is the ultimate weight loss plan that you can easily follow for the rest of your life. When you follow a natural cleansing program for your body, it restores the digestive tract, immune system and even your mind to the healthy state it should maintain for keeping weight off and living a healthy lifestyle.

So many maladies plague us as a result of how we live our lives today. Unwanted pounds and obesity are only two of the problems ? others include sluggish dietary and immune systems that lead to health problems that could ruin our lives and the lives of those we care about. Most of these difficulties result from the way we live, but merely changing our habits won’t do the job. Periodically cleansing your body can prepare it for ultimate weight loss and ultimate health ? and isn’t that what we all wish for?

A true body cleanse isn’t merely taking a laxative to clean out your colon. Here are some steps you have to take if you want to thoroughly cleanse your body of toxins and achieve the ultimate weight loss and health potential:

· Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re natural cleansers for the body — high in fiber and they contain no toxins that tend to contaminate the body.

· Stay away from foods that contain artificial ingredients. These ingredients act as toxins to clog the body. Almost every non-natural food contains artificial elements, so stick to natural foods during your detoxification plan.

· Drink plenty of water. Water will help to flush dangerous toxins from your system and revitalize the body in a way that nothing else can.

· Eat low fat and low carbohydrate foods after the complete body cleanse. These types of foods will help your body to remain relatively free of toxins.

The natural cleanse program to lose weight will also benefit your body in ways other than ridding it of toxins. Extra benefits include:

· Lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Detoxification can help lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure, thus preventing future heart attacks or strokes.

· Dry skin or acne will improve. If you suffer from chronic dry skin or acne, you’ll see definite improvements in these conditions when you detoxify your body using the natural cleanse program.

· Aging. All of us want to age as slowly as we can. When you eradicate the toxins in your body, the natural aging process will slow down and your body will be rejuvenated.

A natural cleanse program is simple to follow and you’ll see and feel positive results immediately.

Weight Loss Exercise

Pilates Abdominal Device

Pilates exercises focus a lot on developing core strength, balance, flexibility, and posture. Exercises that build the abdominal muscles and back help strengthen your core. While many Pilates exercises are done on the mat, there are some exercises that make use of Pilates devices to intensify the workout. Some of the most popular Pilates abdominal devices are the Swiss ball, Pilates Ring, and the Reformer.

Using a Pilates Ring for Abdominal Exercises

A Pilates Ring is an inexpensive device that can enhance your abdominal workout. Pilates rings are lightweight and flexible. They come in different sizes and provide varying degrees of resistance.

This Pilates device can be used in some abdominal exercises. To tone your stomach muscles and buttocks, lie on the floor flat on your back. Bend your knees and keep your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Place the Pilates ring between the knees. Position your arms on the floor slightly away from your sides with the palm facing down. Squeeze the Pilates ring between your thighs. Exhale as you squeeze and inhale as you release. Repeat 10 times. This exercise engages your abs and buttocks.

Pilates Abdominal Exercises with a Swiss Ball

A Swiss ball is another inexpensive device that can be used with a Pilates abdominal exercise. It increases the challenge of your Pilates workout.

To perform the Swiss Ball Saw with Hamstring Stretch, start by sitting up straight on a Swiss ball. Both feet should be flat on the fall, knees bent and in line with the ankles.

Hold your arms straight to your sides at shoulder level, palms facing forward. Rotate your upper body to the right. Straighten your right leg and reach your left arm towards your right foot. Bend forward from the waist. Sit back slowly, one vertebra at a time. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. This exercise targets the muscles on the abdomen, obliques and lower back. It also stretches your hamstrings.

The Swiss Ball Pyramid is another Pilates abdominal exercise that uses a simple device to provide a challenging workout. In this exercise, your body moves from a plank to a pyramid position. The ball challenges your balance and core strength because your lower body is being supported by this movable surface.

To begin, lie face down on the ball. Walk your hands forward until the ball is under your shins. At this point, your body should be straight from head to toe. Keep your arms perpendicular to the floor. Raise your hips toward the ceiling. The ball will roll slightly forward. Your body will now form a pyramid, with your hips as the top of the pyramid. Lower your hips back to the plank position to complete the routine.

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