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<title>Latest Articles by dlemanczyk</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<item>
<title>How to Increase Basketball Speed and Power</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Sports/Basketball/how-to-increase-basketball-speed-and-power.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Sports/Basketball/how-to-increase-basketball-speed-and-power.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A strong with the ball player is one that is responsible with the basketball.  At no point in time is that player going to have the ball taken from them, which is the most embarrassing thing that could happen on a basketball court bar none.  I call this particular occurrence, "my ball" and I tally them for every team I coach.  If you coach, maybe you should too!  It opens up a door that is often ignored and will give you the ball for three to five extra possessions a game.  Think about how valuable that is in a close game!
 
Being strong on the feet simply means that a player understands his body awareness, has coordination, and can move strong at will.  A lot of this confidence is developed over a series of years and within specific athletic movement.  
 
Hey, what about clumsy, heavy footed players?  They dont have years of practice because the season is right around the corner?
 
Well, that is an obvious factor that warrants a specific solution.  I know you have read it before but I have to reiterate it; swamp lunges.  This movement builds coordination, joint integrity, muscular endurance, and bodily stability at the same time within anything dangerous getting in the way.  Another huge advantage of this exercise and they way I designed it is that the participant begins by mastering his or her own bodyweight with it.  This means that absolutely no resistance is added until certain prerequisite levels are achieved.
 
These reasons alone will keep dynamic movement training will stay on top of the athletic training world because its safe methods as opposed to the ones you can see inside some popular fitness magazines.  An example would be the Bosu, which is a jelly-like structure that athletes are asked to balance and exercise on.  At some point, things needs to be simplified and people should be able to balance themselves before embarking into advanced challenges.  
 
Now correct if I am wrong but why would anyone ask an athlete to train motor movement using a jelly-like surface that will never be played on?

Why would a trainer ask an athlete to work on a synthetically developed surface where only the high level stable athletes can succeed?
 
I dont have those answers but I believe it may be due to a lack of safer options for the same desired result.  Trust me; I have worked with countless athletes that were heavy footed and needed work on coming strong on the feet.  The last thing I would ever do is put them on a Bosu and it's because it would be a recipe for disaster.  Yes, there are exceptions to every rule but why even take the chance?
 
The best way to develop strength on the feet is to train on the feet.  You need that physiological connection with the ground through specific movement patterns in order to build adequate muscle memory.  That muscle memory demonstrates itself outside of training and during competition in a short period of time when using the swamp lunges and their progressions. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Functional Training that Produces Serious Results</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/functional-training-that-produces-serious-results.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/functional-training-that-produces-serious-results.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Taking traditional exercises and using them with a keg is half the battle of Keg Conditioning.  I have to admit, there are far too many advantages to using a keg over a barbell.  Instead of listing them with a series of bullets, today, I am going to explain how the Hammer Curl is enhanced as a result.
 
As you know, the Hammer Curl is an excellent method of arm flexion.  It is a bit more difficult than the traditional barbell curl due to the neutral grip that must be used.  The neutral grip is a palm facing each other hold and this represents a direct carry over to life.  Many people will skip over Hammer Curls since they can not lift as much weight using that exercise.  Call me crazy but if I wasnt good at something, I would focus on that something...
 
Hammer Curls with a Keg
 
To start this exercise I recommend an empty keg and only an empty keg.  I know you can curl between 30 and 40 pounds but that is not the point.  This movement is not just arm flexion but also radial deviation.  In English, that means the wrist will rotate towards your body at the top of the curl.  It is called radial deviated because that movement of the wrist is going towards the bone in the forearm called the radius.  Pretty ingenious huh?
 
Anyhow, this movement with a keg represents tremendous overall arm strength and durability at the same time.  This means you can do this exercise that is supposed to be for your upper arms, add a keg, and now the movement works the entire arm down to the wrist.
 
As you do this exercise, go through it smoothly, and keep control of your wrist.  As you Hammer Curl the keg upwards, make sure you naturally bring your wrist towards your body.   As with any exercise, make sure you contract the muscles being used at the midpoint of the movement, and then slowly return to the beginning.  
 
This is a part of grip training that is often overlooked.  I believe it is because it requires a little bit of teaching and it could be dangerous if the participants dont heed the instruction.  I know you wont have a problem with this exercise because youre the type of person who can focus and execute.
 
The Hammer Curl with a keg is the best arm flexion movement of all time.  It not only will build your upper arms but allow you to create balance within the entire arm.  You will never be a huge upper arm, tiny lower arm person.  Instead, you will have arms that look like they were cut out of stone.

This is just one exercise that produces functional strength within the upper body.  There are many more! ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Choosing Athletic Skill Drills</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/choosing-athletic-skill-drills.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/choosing-athletic-skill-drills.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Selecting skill drills is a very important decision that might make the difference between your success and failure.  

You see, practicing the wrong motor patterns can spell doom when it comes down to game time.  Everybody that's been in a big game will tell you that the intensity is at a high level and it's all about reactionary movement.
 
Your reactions can also be enhanced by that of natural instincts but that in itself is a completely individual thing.  Natural instincts detecting
movement and intent for movement are paramount in any game where the strategies of invasion is present.  For example, the actual basket is the invasion point in a basketball game.
 
This is why its crucial to select the right drills that prepare you for the movements that occur within the game.  For example, a shooting drill you select must contain movement.  Standing and shooting only 
improves standing and shooting.  

When you have to move to advance and effectively handle momentum shifts with your balance to get a shot off it will be a slightly different story.  I would estimate a person that stands and shoots will make 20% of their shots during competition.  
 
Now, think about the actual position you play during games and the lanes you run in...Think about how available you are to the basketball and your teammates at all times...Could you be more available?...
 
These questions and answers will allow to to get to the grass root of things.  Now, with that, lets move onto another pivotal factor; confidence during
competition.  When you do the right drills with game like intensity and focus, competition flows.  

This is when everything seems effortless and all the shots go in.  If youve never experienced this its due to a lack of the right drills that build confidence to produce in the clutch.
 
Its common to know that a good shooter makes half his shots.  Whats often overlooked is shooting drills and game time shots are two completely different things.  When someone is in your face and theres crowd in the house its different than a drill during an empty practice gym.  

Two completely different environmental factors that give way to tremendous adrenaline and energy potential.  When you have confidence in yourself, you can draw energy from that environment like a continuous force of controlled adrenaline.  Trust me, when you dunk on someone with thousands of fans cheering, you dont get tired.
 
When you select your skill drills look to break down exactly what you really doing.  Break it down like this, hand/eye accuracy, foot/eye accuracy, periphery, etc...Otherwise training for basketball or any other sport seems like it has to be ten thousand drills a day. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Explosive Upper Body Training</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/explosive-upper-body-training.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/explosive-upper-body-training.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There is bodybuilding which is sculpting the body through isolation techniques and then there is applied functional training.  Applied functional training is a method of fitness that highlights individual movement mastery, light resistance training using progressive, overload, frequency, intensity, and adherence to form principles.  I know it might sound like a lot but those principles make up the perfect training routine for every single person.

For example; the bench press itself is a good compound exercise for building upper body development while lying on your back.  At best its a good movement because the functional aspect of it is lacking and there are limitations.  

The limitations of the bench press are that of imposed gravity.  Since the resistance is coming from above you, your shoulder blades are crushed into the bench.  This may even result in uncomfortable positioning that may result in injury not to mention you are working against yourself based on leverage principles.  

If you bench press, ask yourself this one fundamental question?  When is it a good time to be lying on your back in daily life unless you choose to do it in your leisure time?  The answer is hardly ever and in most cases if your on your back, you lost.  If bodybuilding is your own personal passion and hobby, I wish you the best.  If you are always looking for another way to improve yourself quicker, faster, with less chance of injury, read further.  
 
The power press replaces the bench press because it is a movement that you perform standing up.  I began using this movement over three years ago and since that time my upper body strength has taken on a whole new meaning.  

This movement allows you to stand up, use your bodily momentum, and learn to control it with light resistance.  If you can not hold the resistance, it will fly out of your hands.  The beauty of the exercise is that you will never be able to over do it.  Try saying that about the bench press.

Truth be told, the bench press is a good exercise if the person using it understands how to safely implement it.  Based on shear percentages alone, it is a lot safer for trainees to learn how to perform Power Presses and develop the ability to do 100 Push ups in a row. 
 
You should know that I have bench pressed over 400 pounds easily when I was using that exercise, prior to me finding the Power Press.  The last time I officially bench pressed was in the year 2001 and the weight used in my set was 428.5 pounds.  My bodyweight was 218 and I had very good daily cardiovascular fitness.  
 
So why would someone who can bench press that much weight in strict fashion and without supportive equipment ever stop using the exercise?...It's because I figured out that I needed to use exercises that were more functional, sensible, and that could be done more often.  Power presses can be done every two to three days and the results speak for themselves. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Choosing The Perfect Physical Training Program</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/choosing-the-perfect-physical-training-program.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/choosing-the-perfect-physical-training-program.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Selecting a training program is a decision that if made wrong can lead to hazardous consequences. Safety concerns overrule any training program or idea.  If there is ever a doubt that your personal safety will be compromised simply select another option.  Physical training is about human improvement and nothing less than that.

Many times common training programs are put together without the proper exercise execution explained.  I mean, the last time I saw a Winning Routine; it was a list of exercises with a recommended amount of repetitions.  There might have even been a picture or two of an exercise.
 
These Winning Routines usually do not work the way they could since the participants trying them have not achieved a prerequisite level of physical fitness, flexibility, and time in training.  There are an infinite amount of variables that go into selecting what type of training routine to select let alone an exercise recipe.

The first thing that should always be a first priority is that of general health.  This means that you have good blood pressure, cholesterol levels, low resting heart rate, sleeping patterns, adequate nutrition, and mental health.

Blood pressure can be stabilized with cardiovascular exercise on a daily basis.  This cardio should be differentiated weekly so that the individuals body does not adapt to it.  Keep in mind that increasing the intensity differentiates the cardio.  A good goal is to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping.  This exercise strengthens the heart and lungs thus improving your ability to do anything physical.  Every single possible attribute of your physical body improves with the perfect amount of daily cardio.

Adequacy in nutrition is a byproduct of natural versus synthetic food intake.  Learn what your body needs based on what it actually uses.  This simple formula is what you need to feed your growing, maturing, and developing body.  Follow the natural code, replace what you need, and watch your dreams come true.  

Growing refers to the immediate growth that is visually seen as muscles become engorged with blood.  Maturing refers to the everyday visual appearance of muscles that have years of training experience.  The developing body is one that in between the growing and maturing stage.

What will help you more than anything else would be a need for physical independence.  Once you can accept that you want to know more about yourself, you will begin to open up to the things that will help you the most.  Here is a quick list of what you need;
  
1.  A training program that actually works for more than one person in great shape.
2.  Training that can be done anywhere at anytime without a lot of equipment.
3.  Results that come almost immediately without hoping for them.
4.  The ability to heal old injuries and train without worries.
5.  Correct muscular imbalances that lead to injuries.
6.  Increase strength, power, endurance, and mental toughness. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Lifetime Fitness and Wellness at Home</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/lifetime-fitness-and-wellness-at-home.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/lifetime-fitness-and-wellness-at-home.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Every person in the world wants to improve specific qualities about themselves.  This one universal truth that binds all of us no matter what language we speak or culture we derive from.  Self improvement through physical training is a lifestyle that can certainly stand the test of time if you know what you are doing.

The first thing anyone who wants to improve their self needs to do is to properly plan then execute short term goals.  For example, just starting to train is an outstanding way to start.  You know as well as I know, once you start, its not hard to keep going.  It is the actual starting point that is hardest.  

What are other popular short term goals?

1.  Lower blood pressure and LDL Cholesterol levels.
2.  Lower heart rate and improve cardio fitness.
3.  Lose weight and burn fat
4.  Build muscle and tone the entire body
5.  Fit into clothes you want to wear
6.  Look good on the beach or in pictures

Those are outstanding goals that happen to be the most popular among people who want to improve themselves through physical means.  Physical training is for everyone and this includes men, women, and children.  It is the understanding of how to train that confuses most people.  It is because of the lack of general fundamental training information that brings me to you today.

How does someone start a home training program?

You can start anywhere you have space to jog in place.  You see, every workout must begin with a warm up phase.  This serves as injury prevention so that your body is ready for anything sudden and unexpected.  It also serves to lubricate joints and allow muscles to stretch safely without tearing.  

What if I skip warm up exercises?

People that skip warm up exercises in their training are risking serious injury.  Other good warm up exercises are jumping jacks, jogging anywhere, and walking briskly.  A general rule, is to use this warm up for fifteen minutes at the start of every workout; its great for cardio respiratory endurance, fat loss, and burning excess calories.

The warm up is done, now what do I do for training?

People that are new to training should learn to master their own bodyweight through different movements.  These are often the most challenging movements because they require coordination, balance, and a degree of mental toughness.  Prime examples of bodyweight movements are;

1.  Sit-ups or Leg lifts
2.  Push-ups or Modified Push-ups
3.  Pull-ups or Flexed arm hangs
4.  Traveling lunges or bodyweight squats

Your primary concern is to start with one exercise and do it perfectly for as long as you can.  Once you can no longer execute a particular exercise, move on to the next exercise.  This is called circuit training and is an excellent method of lifetime fitness.  You can do workouts like this every single day for the rest of your life.  This portion of the training will take you approximately five to ten minutes.  

After the bodyweight training, then what do I do?

After you finish your four core exercises, it is time to cool your body down.  I advise you take a walk, start briskly, and gradually slow yourself down to a slow walk.  You can do this in place if you need to.  

This process of a cool down will take about ten to fifteen minutes.  In addition to serving as injury prevention, this cool down exercise allows your heart rate to slowly climb down and naturally adjust your body out of exercise.

Where can I do this training?

You can do this training anywhere you want, whenever you want, and in your own space.  Being independent is a key thing in life and in training.  Always make sure to take your time with exercises, keep everything smooth, and stop all movements once the form is no longer perfect.  Remember this is lifetime fitness! ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>How to Lose Weight, Burn Fat, and Keep it Off</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Nutrition/how-to-lose-weight-burn-fat-and-keep-it-off.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Nutrition/how-to-lose-weight-burn-fat-and-keep-it-off.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The gaining weight philosophy of many athletic coaches and trainers is wrong. Too often coaches advise that their players simply need gain weight to improve their performance.  This advice normally leads to the development of vital organ failure, diabetes, and sports injury.  

Often this same advice is given when the sports the athletes participate in are physically agressive.  A good example of this would be American Football.  Once a player hears the firmly offered advice to gain weight, he or she will often times overeat or overtrain to acheive the poorly slected goal.  The coach has the right idea regarding physical improvement but the method is dead wrong.

The perfect approach to maintaining hydration

In order to help an athlete along with his or her bodyweight, a basic understanding of human nutrition is needed.  The first factor coaches and athletes need to understand is adeuqacy in hydration.  Heat stroke, and severe dehydration can be fatal and avoided at all costs.  

The elements of sodium and potassium are made naturally by the human body.  Sodium is commonly known as salt and your body makes enough of it on its own. This means you do not have to add any salt to anything, at any time, for the rest of your life.  When you add more salt, it requires water to work.  When you deplete yourself of the water you need, you are hurting yourself, and possilby placing yourself in danger.  Reach for the pepper if you need a taste burst because it aids in speeding digestion. 

Potassium is different in the way that your body does not make enough of it to be self sufficient.  You need to carefully add this element by natural means to get the desired effect.  A banana is the perfect solution for adding the electrolyte into the mix.  This represents a natural means of electrolyte adding with the addition of fructose.  Fructose is the natural sugar within fruits.

Gatorade is also a solution to the electrolyte depletion situation but it represents a synthetic solution.  Synthetic represents anything made in a laboratory.  These synthetics are broken down slower by the human digestive system due to their chemical make up.

Basic rules for athletes and physical humans

1. Maintain hydration
2. Maintain electrolyte balance
3. Maintain a stable blood sugar level
4. Eat whole foods when hungry
5. Rest your body every day

Obtain and maintan a perfect bodyweight free from fat

All people should aim to achieve an optimal bodyweight for their body type.  Anytime the word optimal is used, it simply means to the finest level for each particular person.  Optimal bodyweight for an athlete is when there is a body dominated by muscle with little bodyfat and can be used for long durations of time.  If you can pinch an inch you can lose some bodyfat.  Bodyfat is necessary for insulation from extreme heat and cold but in small amounts.  

Do I really need bodyfat?

As a general rule, bodyfat is bodyfat and will never change it's composition from bodyfat.  Once you burn off the fat, muscle will become more apparent as a result.  Fat does not become muscleand is a major myth in physical improvement.  You should be able to see your abdominal muscles and your fitness level will be a direct indicator of that.

How can I lose weight and fat at the same time without drugs?

Optimal bodyweights can be achieved by the synergistic combination of daily cardiovascular exercise, physical conditioning, adequate nutrition, hydration, and consistent sleeping patterns.  Keep in mind that an hour of complete rest is equal to that of sleep.

General rules of losing weight and fat.

1. A minimum of 30 minutes cardio exercise daily
2. Regulation of diet meaning eat when hungry
3. Maintain hydration at all times
4. Do not eat sugary foods, drinks, or snack products
5. Eat and live healthy to be healthy ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>How to Increase Speed, Muscular Endurance, and Prevent Injuries with Exercise</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/how-to-increase-speed-muscular-endurance-and-prevent-injuries-with-exercise.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/how-to-increase-speed-muscular-endurance-and-prevent-injuries-with-exercise.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Interval sprinting, calisthenics, and plyometrics all have a place for people that train.  Instead of splitting each discipline up and making things confusing, why not integrate each of them into one drill.  But before I do that, it is important for me to define what each discipline is for you.

* What is interval sprinting and how will it help me improve my body?

Interval sprinting is a method of running that asks you to run at varied paces.  Think of an oval track and imagine running the straight part of the track and then walking/jogging the turns.  This is a perfect example of interval training.  A great workout to try is doing one mile (4 laps around Olympic track) using the interval style (run then walk/jog).

* What are calisthenic exercises and where can I do them?

Calisthenic is another word for bodyweight exercise and this leads to apex fitness.  Mastering bodyweight increases flexibility, awareness, injury prevention, and your potential to have functional strength.  Jogging in place is an outstanding calisthenic exercise that can be done anywhere and at any time.  Do it for more than thirty minutes and you have yourself a great session of cardiovascular exercise by itself.

* I have heard of plyometrics, what are they and what do they do?

Plyometric exercise is a fancy word to describe a stretch shortening and lengthening process that muscles go through during specific movements.  Various drills that include jumping, leaping, bounding, quick foot movement and acceleration are considered to be plyometrics.  This type of training has become popular in recent years but has been given too much credit.  This is only a small piece of a training program and implemented on a need basis.  You do not need any equipment to do plyometrics, you can use your body.

* How can I put all these things together for a great workout without equipment?

It is real simple and I am going to give it to you right now.  To start things off, jog in place until you begin to develop a consistent sweat.  This perspiration is your bodys way of cooling itself down and also lets you know that you are warmed up for exercise.  

Find a straight away and run it for ten seconds hard.  At the end of the ten second run, walk/jog slowly for one minute.  When the one minute ends, kick it into high gear again and sprint for ten seconds hard.  Keep repeating this cycle for four hard sprints.

The last segment of the exercise day is to add the plyometrics.  Pick a spot on the ground and jump over it as quick as you can front to back.  Do this for thirty seconds and as quick as you can.  The height of your jump is not as important as the quickness of your jump.  Try to minimize the time you spend in the air.

Now jump quickly from side to side over the spot on the ground.  Do this for thirty more seconds and concentrate on landing on the balls of your feet and then jumping quickly off of them.

* Can I have a quick list to copy and paste for later?

1. Jog in place
2. Interval sprinting
3. Plyometrics ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Prevent Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome with Grip Training</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/prevent-carpal-and-cubital-tunnel-syndrome-with-grip-training.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/prevent-carpal-and-cubital-tunnel-syndrome-with-grip-training.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The one aspect of training that is forgotten in most training programs is grip development.  The hands are our most important piece of natural human equipment and are extremely delicate.  It is because of this fact that we need to improve our lower arm function immediately using safe methods.  I know you want durable lower arms instead of suffering from crippling conditions such as carpel tunnel or even cubital tunnel syndrome.  There is no reason to suffer when you can prevent it from happening.

* How can using something besides a dumbbell or a barbell increase grip strength?

Contrary to popular belief, there are infinite possibilities for sensible, result producing training.  For example, most people that start this type of program use a medicine ball.  In my professional opinion, the medicine ball is an excellent choice as a training implement.

It took me a while to build powerful hands and I can teach you how without hurting yourself in the process.  First thing is to take away barbells and dumbbells in your training.  Replace them with sandbags, kegs, barrels, and/or medicine balls if you have one.  You'll earn each repetition in each exercise that you do and the focus will always be your grasp on the implement.  

Once again, you should simply replace the bar or dumbbell with an implement a go about your regular routine of exercise.  A medicine ball is the most practical choice for people that train at home or in a commercial gym.  You will feel the difference within your first minute of exercise know that the grip training is working.  The flexor muscles that close the hand will be adequately stressed.

* What are important guidelines to follow in training my hands?

Training with a medicine ball certainly improves the lower arm flexor muscles through consistent grabbing.  Immediately following your last exercise in the training session, you now need to focus on the opposing extensor muscles that open the hands.  Something like a wrist roller which can be easily made or a leverage based tool like the Formulator is perfect for this.  The extensor muscles are the backbones of the lower arms and are the key to eliminating wrist, hand, and lower arm injuries.

* I need a reminder of how to improve my lower arms and prevent injuries?

1.  Use bags of sand, kegs, barrels, and medicine balls instead of barbells and dumbbells.
2.  Train forearm extensor muscles with a wrist roller.
3.  Rest when tired and do not overwork. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Build Core Strength and Correct Muscular Imbalance</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/build-core-strength-and-correct-muscular-imbalance.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/build-core-strength-and-correct-muscular-imbalance.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ No matter how strong your individual parts are, they must be able to work as a whole to be complete.  This is an applied understanding of physical training through function.  Since core strength has become the new catch phrase of the fitness industry, I feel as though it is my job to teach you the truth about it.

* How can I train the body as a unit and why is core strength important?

The human body needs to be conditioned entirely to build balance.  Without balance, there is imbalance, and truthfully that is where most injuries occur.  Prior to any physical training program, you should seek out a professional who can diagnose imbalance within the body.  This serves as tremendous injury prevention and will save you time.  

* What does muscular imbalance look like?

For example, most people that focus their only concentration on what they can see.  The muscles of the back tend to get ignored and replaced with an overindulgence of chest training.  This is primarily because trainees can see their chest muscles in the mirror.  It is however difficult to see the back muscles unless there are multiple mirrors.  

When the chest muscles are imbalanced with that of the back muscles, injury is prone and will occur.  This is when the all too common rotator cuff muscles are injured.  By the way, there are four rotator cuff muscles that all serve to protect the shoulders joints.  As stated previously, this is why the human body must be conditioned as whole.  Any imbalance can create a negative pitfall and truthfully, you do not need that in your life.

Once a trainee understands optimal muscle balance, serious progress occurs.  The muscles and connective tissues of the midsection are the most important for our body function.  They serve to protect our vital organs and allow us to move through unpredictable patterns.  In short, the more core strength you have, the more movement, stability, and mobility you will have.

* What is Core Strength?

Core strength implies that a trainee has an optimal balance of abdominal and back muscular strength.  However, most trainees have abdominal muscles that are much stronger than their back muscles.  This is because most people spend their time performing thousands of repetitions for the abdominals and they neglect the balance to build their back.  This is amazing since our main weakness as a bipedal species is our lower back.  Look at the elderly and the first thing you will see is a lack of posture.  That alone should be enough for you to consider postural training as of this minute.

* How can Core Strength be developed?

While there is an infinite count of exercises for core improvement, I will give you a roadmap to apply to your favorite movements.  The general rule in core strength is to understand that the midsection keeps you upright.  If you want strong posture, you should train your lower back two times before you train your abdominals.  In short, focus on your lower back strength because the average person has neglected it for their entire life. ]]></description>
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