Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Adustable Kettlebell - Should You Buy One?


The popularity explosion of the kettlebell in recent years has led to many people wanting to include them into their home gyms. A great idea in principle as so much variety can be added to your training sessions using these.
Whatever the aim of your training routine the Kettlebell can provide. Whether you want to apply the overload principle to a mass building routine, create a Kettlebell circuit to perfom HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) to burn fat or use a high repetition full body movement such as the Kettlebell Swing for your more traditional cardio - The Kettlebell can be used for all these purposes.
The main disadvantage to the Kettlebell as oppose to the Barbell is that additional weight cannot be added. This was originally a problem for home gyms using dumbbells until the adjustable dumbbell was created. The next logical step was the adjustable kettlebell.
The adjustable kettlebell appeals exactly like the adjustable dumbbell does, the two main reasons being cost and less storage required.
Think of the cost that would be involved in purchasing a set of dumbbells ranging from 2k to 50k. Now think of the significantly lower cost of purchasing to dumbbells and weight plates going up to 100k (meaning you can have a pair of 50k dumbbells).
Think of the cost that would be involved in purchasing a set of Kettlebells ranging from 2k to 50k. Now think of the significantly lower cost of purchasing a pair of adjustable Kettlebells with weights that can be added to continue overloading your body over time.
Both options provide a far more cost effective option and require far less storage - it is very likely a full weight rack would be needed to support a set of Kettlebells or Dumbells ranging from 2k - 50k, not to mention that the rack would need to support a grand total of 1300k! In comparison an adjustable Kettlebell with the capability to construct 2 x 50k Kettlebells is only 100k of weight and can simply be stored in a wardrobe or any other basic household feature.
So far you may be wondering why everyone has not went out and bought an adjustable kettlebell. As with everything in life there exists a downside. With the adjustable kettlebell the major downside it changing weight, the same issue you have with barbells down the gym will exist at home with adjustable kettlebell.
For example, one of the key training principles for building muscle is to keep the intensity of your workout high, the famous adage 'you can train hard or you can train long, you can't do both' springs to mind. If you are forever adjusting the weights the intensity of your training is severely hampered and so will your progress. This is the reason why any gym you walk into has fixed dumbbells and fixed kettlebells so people can get on and train with maximum intensity. People don't always do so and we have all witnessed people having 5 minute interludes between sets, but that discussion is for another day.
Ultimately the choice of buying a full kettlebell set or a couple of adjustable Kettlebells (technically speaking, as most kettlebell exercises can be done with one hand, only one adjustable kettlebell is required for a kettlebell workout) is up to you.

Friday, July 13, 2012

How Humidifiers Have Improved CPAP Machine and Mask Therapy


With a humidifier, the air coming through the tube into the CPAP mask is less drying for patients. Any time there is constant air flow, tissues will begin to dry out. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and the air from the machine is necessary to help keep users throats from closing while they sleep.
What can happen when patients use a CPAP machine without a humidifier? Several things.
  • Over-production of mucus
  • Sneezing
  • Swelling of nasal, mouth and throat tissues
  • Bleeding
  • Congestion
  • Scratchy voice
  • Possible infections
Getting more moist airflow into a CPAP mask is accomplished by both built in humidifiers and stand alone models. A built in humidifier is part of the machine and is non-detachable, although users can take out the water reservoir to clean or replace it.
Machine models with these kinds of humidifiers are more compact and easier to transport because there's one less piece of equipment. Most patients who buy new CPAP machines choose ones with a built in humidifier.
Many older machine models and some newer ones don't have built in humidifiers, so users purchase a stand alone version. These humidifiers are designed to be compatible with the majority of CPAP masks and machines. A short hose attaches them to the machine, and there are a number of different model types available.
Another type of humidifier is called an integrated humidifier, which is designed to be used with a specific machine. It attaches to the machine and does not have a power cord or a second hose.
Regardless of the type of humidifier a sleep apnea patient uses, they will have far more comfortable therapy than were they not to use one. All the top manufactures offer both built in and stand alone units that are high quality and durable.
Humidifiers are very important to people in CPAP therapy, because these patients must continue therapy, and they want to do it as comfortably as possible. The condition sleep apnea causes patients to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. These breathing cessations are called "apneic events" and can happen as often as 30 times per hour. The result is the brain becomes oxygen deprived.
In summary, breathing dry air all night can cause dryness in the mouth, nose and throat along with other related symptoms. But when humid air is coming into the CPAP mask, the user has a much better experience. Humidifiers can be built in to the machine or attached to it, or they can be separate units.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

The Unconventional Twist Workout


We all want to be toned, fit and healthy. Unfortunately, the world's hustle and bustle can interrupt our good intentions in more ways than one. For many of us, most of the hurdles lie in motivation and enjoyment. Getting down on the floor and doing the same old repetitive set of push-ups or crunches sounds more and more undesirable every day. Fortunately, modern technologies combined with intelligent engineering have been able to make great strides in providing exercises that absolutely trump traditional workouts. One of these developments has been shown in the modern twist workout routines available. They combine the heart-pumping exercise provided by cardio workouts with the fun of dance workout routines while tying them into the twist workout to keep you moving and tightening.
The twist workout is often conceived as a one trick pony. This proves to be an antiquated misconception spouted by old marketers and critics. Cardio workouts, when combined with twist workouts, can prove to be an excellent method of combining motion and core-strengthening exercise. The ability to constantly drive heart rate and utilize core muscle groups simultaneously allows users of these techniques to receive a complete, efficient workout in much less time. The ability to use these tactics to fit more exercise in less time is of great help to many people. Office workers with long hours can utilize a couple of short breaks a day to obtain a full body workout. Busy moms can squeeze in a quick workout in the few moments while food is in the oven or the kids are on the way home from school. The opportunity to receive quality exercise is no longer diminished by the long hours and confusing routines often offered by most fitness programs.
Dancing is a true human past time and it would only make sense to incorporate something so fun into something that benefits your health. Modern twist workout programs have utilized these dance workout options in a way that revolutionizes fitness. Why settle for just cardio or just core-strengthening exercises when you can have a well-rounded routine all in one package? Although regular dance workouts have been noted to be hard on the joints, twister dance workouts often provide a low impact exercise which is great for joint health and can be universally suitable for anyone from athletes to the elderly. These exercises combined with the twist workout motion create an overall fitness package that does not need to be overwhelming or convoluted; it just works!
When you're looking for an exercise solution make sure that these new options are part of your consideration. Many products offer instant success but few utilize honest techniques that truly help your entire body. The modern twist workout options provide an honest alternative to antiquated cardio workouts & dance workouts, and provide a low impact exercise for anyone trying to get fit or stay in shape! Combined with the astounding level of efficiency offered by these twist workouts, the amount of time you'll need to stay active, healthy and fit is reduced enough for you to spend more time enjoying life!