Alva Springs

Weight Lifting and Genetics – is strength and muscle mass predetermined?

There’s no question we can do a lot to reshape our bodies with diet and exercise. But there’s also no question that genes determine a lot of how we look: our builds, how easily we gain or lose muscle and fat, and and whether we tend to build short, compact or long, lean muscles. The real question is: just how much do our genes predetermine? ...

Easy Meditation Techniques

Meditation sounds intimidating to many people. What they’ve seen of it is people twisting themselves into contortionist positions while burning incense and talking about spiritual concepts that don’t interest everyone. But meditation doesn’t have to be like that at all. You can make it what you want. The basics Meditation is simple, and it can be done as simply or elaborately as you want. There ...

Using Caffeine to Your Benefit

Caffeine has a bad reputation, for good reason. Too much of it – and most people consume too much – can definitely create health issues. On the other hand, if you’re conscious of your caffeine consumption and aware of its potential benefits in small quantities, you can use caffeine to your benefit without risking health problems. (Please note: some people are extremely sensitive to caffeine ...

The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is very important in many Eastern religions and philosophies. It first gained mainstream popularity in the west in the 1960s as a form of psychological exploration, spirituality and consciousness alteration. Only later did we begin to comprehend the health benefits of meditation. Stress relief and meditation Studies show that even fifteen minutes of meditation can significantly de-stress you. Not only does meditation make you ...

Where To Find Free Exercises To Flatten Stomach

Everywhere you look, you see images of flat stomachs – many of them as part of advertisements promising you can have the same thing, and they’ll show you how. They want to sell you something, and they’re not above making you feel bad about yourself to do it. It’s an ugly racket based on a silly arbitrary standard for how we all ought to look. ...

Weightlifting and Definition

The term “definition” is often used incorrectly in fitness terms. Not only by average people, but by experts writing for magazines and trainers at gyms. People often use the term to refer to the opposite of bulk: a slim, lean muscular physique rather than a bulky shape. “Definition” actually refers to visible muscle. Bulky bodybuilders typically have excellent definition, with the shape of many muscles ...

Safety Tips for Weight Lifting

As you read about weightlifting and all its benefits, you’ll probably notice a lot of admonitions to lift weights “correctly” and “safely” and “consult a professional” if you have any doubts about your physical capabilities. A lot of articles cover some of the basic issues that can lead to injury when you lift weights incorrectly. I’m going to go more in depth on the topic ...

Weightlifting for Bulk

We’ve talked a lot about how you don’t have to get bulky from weightlifting, and therefore weightlifting should be part of everyone’s routine. But what if you want to bulk up? Is that still a healthy and viable way to get health benefits from weightlifting? The answer is: sure, if you do it right. First, you should be aware that some people have a very ...

Dancing for Fun

Dancing is a great way to get exercise, learn self-discipline, learn teamwork and improve your social life. But it’s also tremendous fun, and that’s an aspect of it that needs to be discussed because fun is essential to health. Enjoyment reduces stress, promotes a better sense of well-being and can even help address health issues such as depression, fatigue and psychological burdens. The thing about ...

Post Exercise Considerations

We’ve talked before about the importance of prepping for an athletic event so you’ll perform your best with the least chance of injury. We’ve talked about the how much protein athletes need, about preventing hyponatrmia and the right eating habits before a competition. But what about after the event? Once it’s over, there are certain things you need to do to let your body recover ...

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