The Hollow Rock Exercise

To perform this useful and rare exercise you should lay face up on the ground with your arms stretched overhead and legs out straight. Raise your arms and legs about one foot off of the floor and attempt to assume the shape of a rocker on a rocking chair, then softly and slowly, teeter back and forth.

The critical part of this movement is to pull the lumbar arch from the back so that the entire back is rounded from shoulders to butt. This exercise is a perfect measure of both a weakness in and inability to innervate the lower abs.

The role of the hip flexors is fairly insignificant in the hollow rock but the role of the lower rectus (lower abs) is crucial.

For many people the hollow rock is so hard that no matter how hard they try they crash on each rocking as they come to level and the flat spot caused by insufficient lumbar flexion smacks the floor. This crashing is an ideal measure of ones lack of lower ab recruitment.

Lower ab recruitment is the toughest part of ab training and is never well developed by most athletes. Activation, full recruitment, and development of the lower abs require massive concentration and focus over months or even years. The hollow rock is a near perfect tool to both test and develop low ab capacity.
hollow rock should be practiced even if it gives you colossal difficulties. Start by trying to rock continuously for two minutes regardless of the quality of the movement. Avoid raising the hands and feet to maintain the rocking motion as best you can.

When mastered, the body is dished out flat, the hands and feet are low, and the impetus for the rocking is almost undetectable. When you can do this smoothly – no flat spot – for two minutes you’ll have absolutely great abs.

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Bodybuilding and Common Cold Disease

Bodybuilding during common cold is not a very good idea. It has been observed that in the period of disease, the recovery period is significantly delayed.

The most important thing you need to know in the period of the disease is that the muscle anabolic processes stop and the body triggers the secretion of cortisol, which is responsible for muscle breakdown, thereby performing even simple exercises may lead to an additional secretion of cortisol.

We can conclude that exercise during illness is prohibited and you not only will you destroy the muscles, but also cause substantial damage to your health. If you come after a long-lasting cold condition, after the full recovery you should refrain from training for two to three days, otherwise the training won’t be very useful.

Right after the cure you should keep a warm atmosphere around you, no matter where you are.
There a several tips for quick recovery after the Cold:

• Take high doses of vitamin C, it has been proven that in the period of disease the body needs increased amounts of the vitamin.
• Also, do not forget about taking vitamin and mineral complexes.
• Try to drink lots of water along to get rid of toxins. To speed up the recovery you require 2-3 liters of water.
• Garlic and onion are crucial in a period of illness, they contain volatile, which help the body to destroy the viral bacteria.
• You need rest during illness, stay in bed, avoid physical exercise and get plenty of sleep.

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Why do we need magnesium?

Over half of the less than two ounces of magnesium in a 130- pound person is in the bones. Magnesium is critical to the operation of hundreds of enzymes and directly affects the metabolism of potassium, calcium, and vitamin D. It plays an integral role in nearly three hundred body functions. It aids in bone growth, basic metabolic functions, and the functioning of nerves and muscles, including the regulation of normal heart rhythm. Low intake has been linked to high blood pressure, heart-rhythm abnormalities, and heart attack.

The food sources of Magnesium are mainly Nuts, legumes, whole grains, wheat bran, dark green vegetables, bananas, apricots, etc.

People whose drinking water has a high magnesium content experience a lower incidence of sudden death from heart attack. Magnesium is easily washed and peeled away from foods during processing, so fresh or slightly processed foods are your best choices.

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Anabolic Steroids Side Effects: Hair Loss

The use of highly androgenic steroids can negatively act on the growth of scalp hair. Actually, the most common form of male pattern hair loss is directly connected to the level of androgens in such tissues, most specifically the stronger DHT metabolite of testosterone. The technical term for this type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which refers to the interplay of both the male androgenic hormones and a genetic tendency in bringing about this condition. Those who suffer from this disorder are shown to have finer hair follicles and higher levels of DHT in comparison to a normal, hairy scalp. But since there is a genetic factor involved, many individuals will not ever see signs of this side-effect, even with intense steroid use. Clearly those individuals who are suffering from hair loss or have a familial predisposition for this should be very careful when using the stronger drugs like testosterone, Anadrol, Halotestin or Dianabol.

After this problem occur the renewal of lost hair can be very difficult and avoiding this side-effect before it occurs is the best advice. For those who need to worry, the decision should probably be made to either stick with milder substances like Deca-Durabolin, or use the ancillary drug Propecia/Proscar (finasteride) when taking testosterone, methyltestosterone or Halotestin. Propecia is a very helpful hair loss medication, which inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme particularly in the hair follicles and prostate. However, it offers us little benefit with drugs that are highly androgenic without 5alpha reduction.

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Getting Rid of Man Boobs

Getting rid of the man boobs doesn't come easy. It requires lots of hard work and an ample special training regime. Forget about doing hundreds of press-ups, bench presses or crossovers. They're virtually useless when it comes to shifting the fat from your chest. And a few short cardio sessions each week isn't going to be enough, either. A full-body training program that includes both cardiovascular and resistance exercises will deliver better and quicker results.

To lose the man boobs, eating right and exercising frequently needs to become a life habit. f your schedule does not have any holes, make some. Get out of bed earlier and better turn off the TV. Stop wasting time on internet social networks. Train hard, be consistent and the results will come. To the loss, aim for 40-45 minutes of high-intensity cardio at least three times a week and combine this with two or three bouts of resistance exercise, such as weight training or a body-weight circuit.

Although exercises such as the bar-bell bench press, weighted press-up and dumb-bell single-arm bench press should form part of your training routine, it's essential not to get carried away with too many chest exercises. Working the muscles in your back is also important and if you ignore them you'll create a muscular imbalance that will inevitably lead to injury. Make sure you do just as many pulling movements. Follow these simple rules and stick to a good diet and you'll have the pectorals you always wished for. 

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Classify Your Workout Movements

Compound/Major Movements

Squat, Safety Squat, Leg Press

Deadlift, Trap Bar Deadlift, Sumo Deadlift, Stiff Leg Deadlift

Bench Press, Incline Press, Parallel bar Dip, Close Grip bench Press

Pullup/Chinup, Pull-Down, Bent Row, Dumbbell Row, Cable Row

Seated/Military Press, Dumbbell Press 

  Accessory Movements

Barbell Curl, Dumbbell Curl

Triceps Pushdowns, Skull Crushers

Calf Raises

Neck Work (Machine or Manual)

Grip Work (various)

Crunch Sit-up, Hanging Leg Raise, Pulley Crunch)

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Simple Steps For Healthy Eating

Instead of giving you a complicated menu that takes forward planning to follow, we've come up with an easy-to-use meal generator that lets you eat foods you actually like while still staying healthy. We've provided a range of foods to choose from: for each meal you eat pick two or three, making sure you include at least one source of protein and one piece of fruit or vegetables with each meal or snack. We've also highlighted foods you should avoid, which may not always be the ones you expect Eat little and often because six small meals spread throughout the day is better for fat loss than a couple of huge ones. Don’t worry about counting calories or grams of macronutrients. This isn't a diet -it's just a better way to think about eating.

Focus on protein
Protein will make you feel fuller for longer, so you'll be less tempted by snacks, and it'll also provide the nutrients needed to prepare damaged muscles. Protein actually takes the body more calories to digest than carbs, so it'll give your system a helpful fat-burning nudge.

Don't avoid fat
Ditch the idea that eating fat makes you fat- it simply isn't true. You need plenty of healthy monounsaturated fats, the kind you'll find in avocados and most nuts - in your diet. Saturated fats aren't as good for you but there's no need to avoid them entirely. The ones to skip are trans fats-but you'll only find these in processed foods, which the meal generator avoids.

Go heavy on veg
Feel free to pile your plate high with green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach or leafy greens-it's almost impossible to eat too many and they're full of important nutrients.

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Grapefruits: An Important Source Of Energy

Eat one grapefruit a day for two weeks and you could see significant improvements in your appearance and vitality, according to a trial published in The Grocer. After two weeks eating the fruit, 80 per cent of the women involved said their concentration had improved, 67 per cent rated their energy levels as “excellent” or “Very good” and 81 per cent said their skin looked better. Grapefruit can also help lower cholesterol, protect and repair cell damage and aid weight loss. It can interfere with some medications, though, so check with your GP first if you're taking any.

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Female Health: Keep Your Joints Young

Shed Excess Weight
Carrying extra pounds puts your joints under pressure and can wear down the cushioning cartilage that protects them. Research shows our load-bearing joints - our ankles and knees - are very vulnerable to excess weight, and our hips and backs are also sensitive. In the long-term, this can leave you at risk of developing osteoarthritis - studies have shown that people who are obese are 14 times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than people who maintain a healthy weight.

Stay Active
Regular exercise not only helps with weight management, it also directly benefits your joints. Exercising frequently and through your whole range of movement boosts circulation, so joints are flushed with oxygen and nutrients while waste products are siphoned away. Loading your joints also strengthens the supportive network of muscles around them. Any exercise is good, but walking, cycling and swimming in useful in particular. Avoid throwing yourself into exercise in a hurry. Just as being immobile is not a good thing, overdoing it can trigger stresses and strains.

Avoid Work Issues
A deskbound lifestyle can make your joints lazy and vulnerable, so watch your posture and crowbar some activity into your day-to-day life. Avoid slouching to guard your neck, shoulder and hip joints, and take regular breaks, Instead of picking up the phone, walk to your colleague's desk and have meeting while standing up. Check your workspace isn't putting your joints under added stress.

A dress for Success
Wearing high heels can contribute to joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis, according to research from Iowa State University. Adjust your heel height to what you're doing and wear trainers to and from work, for example. And remember, flip-flops and ballet flats can also be unsupportive. Downsize your handbag too - according to studies, the average women's bag weighs 51b (2.25kg). And also If you don't want a wear a rucksack, carry two bags to balance yourself.

Feed your Joints
Eat plenty of vividly colored fresh fruit and vegetables, as high levels of antioxidants can help mop up free radicals, which contribute to joint inflammation. Make sure you get enough calcium, too. Leafy greens, tinned fish and dairy products are good sources. And eat plenty of oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, as studies show omega 3 fatty acids can also help to reduce joint inflammation. There's no solid evidence supplements can prevent chronic issues, but celadrin, chondroitin and glucosamine are the most common types for joint health. In addition to your joint-friendly eating habits, a daily dose of daylight will help you get your quota of joint and bone-boosting vitamin D.

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Useful Snacks For A Sharper Mind

Increase your brain power with useful snacks

Eggs
Eggs are packed with choline, a nutrient that has been found to increase the size of neurons in the brain, meaning they can fire electrical signals more quickly and efficiently.


Strawberries
Full of antioxidants that prevent age-related neurological decline, strawberries also contain compounds that improve the lines of communication between brain cells.


Almonds
The riboflavin in almonds helps improve memory and recall power, while their phenylalanine stimulates the brain to produce mood-boosting neurotransmitters to help you stay positive.

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Healthy Recepies for Female Athletes (Part 4)

DINNER

Veggie Pasta


Amount of calories: 150 calories per serving

Contains:
2 pounds spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 red onion, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
3 tomatoes, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1⁄2 red pepper, diced
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup freshly grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese

Method of Preparation
Place the spaghetti squash halves, cut sides down, in a glass baking dish. Add 1⁄4 cup water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high 10 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook over medium heat 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and yellow squash and cook 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer 10 more minutes. Using a fork, scrape the spaghetti squash strands into a bowl. Toss with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Spoon the spaghetti squash into the center of 4 pasta bowls. Pour the vegetable mixture over the top. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with low-fat Parmesan cheese as desired.

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The Beauty of Power: A Creative Photogallery

Check out this creative and beautiful photo gallery and acknowledge the glamour of strength!

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Choose Correctly Your Carbs

You probably already know that refined carbs - such as the ones found in cakes, white bread and white flour- are bad for you but you'll notice that this plan also avoids starchy carbs in the form of potatoes, rice and pasta. That's because all of the above will create an insulin spike, drive up your blood sugar levels and - in all likelihood - be stored as fat.

You're going to avoid this by getting your carbs from vegetables, which will give you plenty of energy for your workouts while keeping you full and leaving your blood sugar stable. Some diets - such as the increasingly popular paleo diet - go even further and suggest that you should limit your intake of sweet potatoes but we're not going to give you too much to worry about. Focus on avoiding the really bad stuff for now and you can always make further tweaks later.

It may sound like a difficult task to avoid these foods, but if you stick to what's in the plan you'll find you don't go hungry over the three weeks. In fact, if you did nothing but cut out carbs, you'd almost certainly lose weight, so this is arguably the most important thing you can do.

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Free Yourself From Fat

There are several main advantages for an athlete or for every human being of getting rid of fat:

Longer life
Want to live for years to come? You could steal a donkey and bravely head off in search of the life-extending Holy Grail -or just shed some fat. A study in The New England Journal Of Medicine showed subjects with a body mass index (BMI) over 27.5 had a greater risk of death from cardiovascular disease or cancer. Work your BMI out by dividing your weight in kilos by your height in meters squared.

More happiness
Losing some chub can make the world brighter. In a study from the University of Pennsylvania, subjects with depression who lost eight per cent of their body weight over six months reported an improvement in their symptoms.

Less injury
Piling on the fat makes you more vulnerable to injury because it puts pressure on your muscles, tendons and joints. Being overweight makes you more than twice as likely to be injured in exercise, a British Journal Of Sports Medicine study revealed.

Improved brainpower
Being slimmer can make you smarter. US researchers conducted a memory test of 150 people, all of whom weighed more than 136kg. Three months later the tests were done again. Subjects who lost 23kg over the period were more attentive and had increased cognitive ability, while those patients who remained obese showed a loss of memory.

Lower blood pressure
Modern life is stressful enough - don't let flab make things worse. People who reduced their weight by 4.5kg over a 30-month period decreased their risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), according to a study in the Annals Of Internal Medicine.

Fewer aches and pains
Everyone wants a long and healthy life, so lose weight now and you won't spend your twilight years feeling as if you've gone 12 rounds with David Haye. An American study showed those with a BMI of under 18.5 were 8.9 per cent less likely to suffer knee pain and 3.6 per cent less susceptible to a dodgy hip.

Less chance off illness
Being fat isn't a disease but excess weight could increase your risk of contracting one. Men who lost weight over five years had a much lower risk of diabetes, according to a study of nearly 7,000 men in the Journal Of Epidemiology & Community Health.

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Seaweed: Replace Your Salt

Substitute salt for seaweed granules and you could avoid a number of health problems. Seaweed is a loose colloquial term encompassing macroscopic, multicellular, benthic marine algae.The term includes some members of the red, brown and green algae. Seaweeds can also be classified by use (as food, medicine, fertilizer, industrial, etc.). Seaweed granules have low sodium content - just 3.5 per cent compared with 40 per cent in regular salt - and it's almost impossible to taste the difference, according to a study by the Government-funded Food Innovation Project. It also contains a vast array of vital micronutrients, while consumption is said to make consumers feel full, which means it could be useful in reducing obesity levels. Seaweed could theoretically provide a valuable new food source for a world struggling to feed rising populations.

Lowering the nation's salt intake could help reduce the number of heart attacks and strokes every year in the UK, which currently stands at 70,000. Seaweed also contains a vast array of vital micronutrients, which are said to keep you fuller for longer.

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Healthy Thinking Increase Strength

Get your head right and the muscles will follow – Charles Poliquin

There is a series of persons that find it very difficult to focus on their training and gain muscles.The primary reason these individuals have such a difficult time making gains is they believe they are hardgainers, so they are never in a positive frame of mind. Thinking they can't put on muscle, they become frustrated and constantly change their workouts, so they never improve at anything.


The people who get the most impressive results are those who train hard consistently and then tweak certain variables - exercise selection, tempo, body position - to elicit further growth. Even more importantly, they have a confident, positive outlook on what they want to achieve. This gives them the clarity to approach each session in the most effective and efficient manner. There are no excuses, just hard work and impressive results.

Weight issues are also very important in this sense. Another type of attitude adjustment that needs fixing is that of the "self- delusional achievers”. They are convinced they're training and recovering perfectly, and are seemingly oblivious to the very real evidence that they are not. That's why their skinny arms hang like hosepipes from their skin-tight sleeveless T-shirt, which vacuum-wraps their bulging potbellies.These people are 'skinny-fat', which means they have very poor muscular development yet high levels of fat storage. So not only do they get mistaken for a beached whale when they sunbathe on holiday but their appearance is also one of the biggest indicators for a large number of serious health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. They need to take serious action to restore the muscle-fat balance, or else they are looking at a later life full of ill health.


Among the worst self-delusional achievers are those with a debilitating condition. Although most of them are unaware they are carriers, it is an unpleasant and embarrassing ailment that the rest of us have to deal with. I'm talking about Imaginary Lat Spread (ILS).We've all seen this condition in the gym. The sufferer struts around the weights room hunched over because too much chest work and not enough back work have rotated his shoulders forward, resulting in this unbalanced posture. And his arms are so far out to the sides it looks as though he is carrying two giant, invisible watermelons. In actual fact he is hoping to give you and me the impression that the musculature of his back is so big and strong and wide that he physically can't get his arms any closer to his body.

So when it comes to building a bigger and stronger physique, everything must begin in your brain. If you believe you can't put on muscle, then you won't, no matter how hard you train. And kidding yourself that you are a modern-day Amie by wearing skin-tight tees or walking around like a gorilla with a stick up its ass means you'll never get the body you want. And this is because you're spending too much time thinking about what you look like when you should be spending that time changing what you look like. Get your mind right and the muscle will quickly follow.

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