women’s fitness

Effectiveness of Toning Clothing: Fact or Fiction

by Integrated Fitness on October 7, 2011

First, came the toning shoe craze. Work your legs and buttocks with every step you take. The grocery store, cleaning the house and going shopping could now give you a workout with you even thinking that you were working out. Following the toning shoes, many manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon with toning clothes.

Toning Clothing 

Toning clothes claim to make your muscles work harder so that you burn more calories while working out or engaging in daily activities. The fabric that toning clothes are made of add a built-in resistance that forces your body to work harder with each move you make. Some toning clothing claim to help improve spinal alignment and posture while others increase mobility, muscular balance, stability and energy. There are also toning clothes available that help to improve the function of your respiratory system and increase oxygen flow to your muscles and brain. Some toning clothes even claim to help your muscles recover more quickly from a workout.

Is it true or is it hype

The reviews on toning clothes are mixed. Some individuals have reporter success. Success includes toned thighs and a decrease in back fat. Many women have reported losing the bulge that is often created when wearing a bra.

Maybe more hype than not

While fitness and medical professionals agree that resistance is require to make muscles work, not all in the field is convinced of the effectiveness of these clothing. Many professionals indicate that these clothing may make you look or feel thinner, but in reality when you take them off there are not going to be any differences. Others are still waiting on research to back or disprove the effectiveness of toning clothing.

It may all be in your head

Many health and fitness professionals agree that these toning pieces may give wearers a psychological advantage. When you wear these outfits, if you feel good you may be more apt to work harder during physical activity.

While the jury is still out on whether these items are worth the cost (the often high cost) remember one thing: toning clothing are not going to do squats, lunges, sit-ups or lift weights for you. You need to use them. You cannot sit on the couch, you’ll need to work-out or at least do some household chores.

 

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At home exercises for a great butt

by Integrated Fitness on October 3, 2011

Ladies, this workout is specifically designed for you, to make your butt look great. Here are 4 easy exercises you can do at home to get that awesome butt you have been wanting.

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Dangers of Weight Loss Injections:

by Integrated Fitness on October 1, 2011


Health professionals began giving weight loss injections in the 1960s, using human chorionic gonadotrop to curb the appetite of dieters. Human chorionic gonadotropin — or HCG — is a hormone that is found in pregnant women, which allows women to metabolize nutrients. HCG is commonly used as a weight loss injection because it allows women to eat a low-calorie diet and drop pounds quickly. In order to obtain HCG, you must consult your doctor. In the United States, HCG injections are not available without a prescription from a licensed medical professional.

History. Dr. Albert T. Simeons first proposed the use of HCG injection for weight loss in the 1960s. He believed HCG would curb the appetite of dieters and allow women to eat an extremely low-calorie diet. In 1975, the FDA ruled that HCG products must contain a label indicating that the product is not a proven drug for weight loss. HCG use decreased and made a comeback in 2007. However, HCG injections are not approved by the FDA as of 2010 as a weight loss drug.

Injections. Injections are the most popular means for receiving HCG. They can be administered as intramuscular injections in the upper thigh or in the buttocks. They can also be administered as subcutaneous injections, meaning they are injected into stomach fat. HCG injections can be given in 26- or 43-day programs. Program length depends on how long you are planning to stay on the HCG diet.

Function. HCG enforces a rapid weight loss plan. The injections increase the body’s metabolism to allow it to burn fat at an extremely fast rate. The HCG hormone targets stored fat and tricks the body into releasing the fat. Fat around the mid-section tends to be lost first with HCG. Weight loss injections allow dieters to eat a maximum of 500 calories per day. Dr. Simeons argues that the HCG injections provide a safe means for drastically decreasing your caloric intake. This is largely because of the fat mobilization that occurs. It is important to remember that in addition to the lack of an FDA approval, the American College of Sports Medicine indicates that a woman’s caloric intake should not fall below 1,200 calories per day for safe weight loss. The appetite suppressing properties of HCG prevent dieters from experiencing intense hunger pains. Your appetite becomes suppressed once the stored fat enters the blood stream. It gives you the appearance you are full. Your food choices are very limited. You can eat lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates, sugars and fats are not allowed while on the HCG injection plan. You are able to have small quantities of coffee and tea. On this plan, dieters lose an average of one to two pounds each day.

Pregnancy Considerations. Women who are using weight loss injections and plan to become pregnant must be very cautious. HCG injections increase your chances of multiple-birth pregnancies, which can put the mother and babies at risk for complications. HCG can also cause birth defects. If you were to become pregnant while on HCG, you must discontinue your weight loss injections.

Life Threatening Complications. Weight loss injections may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This condition is rare but life-threatening. Symptoms include severe pain in the pelvis and abdomen, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling of the hands and legs, weight gain and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms while on weight loss injections, you need to seek emergency medical help immediately.

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How to Fight Cellulite:

by Integrated Fitness on October 1, 2011

Most women have cellulite somewhere on their bodies. In fact, the thighs and buttocks are the most common place women experience cellulite. Cellulite is a lumpy collection of fat that occurs in a centralized area of your body that pushes against the connective tissues of your skin. These fat lumps often cause your skin to dimple, which creates an appearance similar to cottage cheese. Cellulite is most likely to occur when fat levels in a particular of your body become too high. As a result, one of the most effective ways to fight cellulite is to lose body fat.

Watch what you eat. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A healthy, well-balanced diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. The United States Department of Agriculture indicates that active adults should consume 2,200 calories per day to maintain healthy amounts of energy. Your daily caloric intake should be divided up into five to six small, healthy meals per day. Aim to consume five to six servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise. Running, brisk walking, aerobics, dancing, riding a stationary bike or playing a sport are all form of cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can help burn calories and build up your endurance.  If you are trying to lose weight, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity, five days per week. To help maintain your weight, participate in 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, five days per week.

Strengthen Your Leg Muscles.  Engage in a strength training program twice a week to help build muscles in your legs since your legs are more likely to develop cellulite than any other region of your body. Remember to allow at least one day in between strength training sessions to allow for muscle recovery. Squats, leg extensions, lunges, leg presses and hamstring curls can help to tone and sculpt your leg muscles.

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Fall Fitness Fashion: Dos and Don’ts

by Integrated Fitness on September 30, 2011


Fall is upon us. As the weather becomes cooler and the leaves begin to change, now may be a great time to begin that fitness program you put off all summer do to the heat. If you are high-fashion and maybe need a little motivation to get yourself to a gym or to work out at home, there are plenty of fall fitness fashions that may just make you want to get up, get dressed and keep moving.

Fall Fitness Fashion Dos:

  • Add some color to your workout. Opt for bright, bold colors with graphics that provide dimension. Go for bold and layers. This way if you get warm, you’ll still have a fashionable fitness shirt underneath.
  • Opt for slim-fitting clothing. Slim-fit clothing can provide you with full mobility and little distractions as you work out.
  • Look for climate control fabrics that have mesh ventilation and breathable materials.  These materials are perfect for warm and cool days as it is hard to predict what the fall weather may have in store. Work-out clothing that are quick-fry or moisture-wicking can help keep you comfortable in all weather ailments.
  • Make use of your shorts. Wear your favorite pairs of workout shorts from the spring or summer over longer tights or leggings. Just opt for lightweight to avoid overheating.
  • Look for details to help make your workout more comfortable. Look for built-in features that will allow you to hold your keys, a smartphone or your MP3 player. If you are looking to keep your hands warm or a secure fit, look for long-sleeved workout tops with thumb holes.

Fall Fitness Fashion Don’ts:

  • Wear baggy, lounge wear or your husband or boyfriend’s t-shirts. Baggy t-shirts and sweats can get in the way of your workout.
  • Wear clothes you are uncomfortable in. If you seem to experience friction while working out, opt for compression gear. However, do not wear compression gear if it makes you uncomfortable. Opt for fitted-garments, which can be flattering, provide you with more coverage and make your workout more comfortable.
  • Don’t forget about your sports bra. Just because you may be covered in layers, do not forget about this essential piece of workout gear. A sports bra can keep you ventilated and provide you with adequate support, which can help reduce instances of pain. Additionally, wearing a sports bra for workouts can help prevent you from ruining your regular bras prematurely.

 

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I forgot my Gym Gear- Women

by Integrated Fitness on September 30, 2011

I Forgot My Gym Gear….

You show up at your local gym after working. As you are getting ready for your workout, you realize you have forgotten one or more of your gym essentials (perhaps socks, a sports bra or even your shoes. Before your use this as an excuse to throw your work clothes back on and head home, try modifying your workout based on what you do have.

I forgot my sports bra…

We were sports bras at the gym for a reason. A lack of proper support can cause pain, stretch marks and elasticity loss, not to mention a sometimes unsightly seen for those around you. If you are going to work-out wearing your everyday, regular bra, opt for low-impact activities. Go for a walk on the treadmill, try Pilates or a yoga class or lift some weights. Avoid activities that are going to require a lot of bouncing around (like running or aerobics class).

I have no socks….

If you regularly bring moisture-wicking socks in your gym bag, you may feel lost without them. If you showed up wearing a pair of trouser socks or other socks that fit your business casual entire, just wear them. You may turn some heads while running on the treadmill or dancing in hip-hop class. If you made it to the gym wearing sandals with no socks or panty hose, avoid the high-intensity workouts for the day.  No socks, sneakers and a high intensity workout can leave you with blisters on your feet and sneakers that smell less-than-fresh. Do some light strength training or look for a Pilates or yoga class.

All I have is a pair of high heels…

If you have no sneakers, you may have a problem. Athletic shoes provide you with adequate foot and ankle support, which can help protect you from overuse or traumatic injuries while working out. Unless you are an avid barefoot runner, try to stay clear of treadmills. Sneakers also offer protection during strength training. Take this opportunity to try out Pilates or yoga. Chances are you won’t be the only barefoot gym-goer in one of these classes.

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4 myths of weightlifting for women

by Integrated Fitness on September 29, 2011

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Women and Weight Lifting: Exercise Myths Debunked:

Perhaps one of the biggest myths, misconceptions or fallacies surrounding women and weight lifting is the myth that women should not lift weights at all. Here are some of the most common myths regarding women and weight lifting, followed by the truth.

Myth #1: Weight training will make women masculine and bulky.

Forget the image of a professional female bodybuilder that comes to mind when you think of women and weightlifting. Many of these women spend hours upon hours at the gym lifting very heavy weights and unfortunately, many of them may use anabolic (synthetic testosterone) steroids. Women do not and cannot naturally produce the testosterone (a hormone that plays a large role in increasing the size of muscles) as males do. As a result, it is impossible for women to gain big, bulky muscles by engaging in weight lifting or strength training. Women who participate in weightlifting without steroids can build a firm, fit and cellulite free body.

Myth #2: Toning and sculpting my body is different from building muscles.

Many women speak (or think) of wanting a tone and sculpted body but do not want to lift weights. In reality, there is no difference between toning your muscles and building up muscles. When it comes to muscles, wanting to tone and sculpt your muscles means you want to build muscles. When you hear magazines (especially magazines for women) referring to arm toning, leg toning or thigh toning, they are referring to strength training.  Think of the words tone, sculpt and muscle building as interchangeable.

Myth #3: If you stop weight training, your muscles will turn to fat.

Fat and muscles are two completely different types of tissues. When women (or any individual for that matter) discontinue a weight training program, they start to lose muscle as the result or inactivity or leading a more sedentary lifestyle. Think “use it or lose it.” If you discontinue working out and begin to eat a poorer diet, your bad eating habits combined with low physical activity levels can cause your metabolism to become lower. As a result, instead of your body burning fat, you are losing muscle mass and fat is being stored throughout your body.

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The Truth About Air Brushing

by Integrated Fitness on September 24, 2011

The Truth about Airbrushing:

If you flip through any magazine, you are likely to notice that virtually all of the models, actresses, actors and other celebrities look virtually flawless. With perfect skin, teeth, hair and shapes, magazines and advertisers are selling an unrealistic view of what beauty is and what an ideal body shape should be. With a few clicks of a mouse, anyone with computer skills can transform models, celebrities and even everyday people into living Barbie dolls.

A Living Barbie Doll:

Being a real-life Barbie may not be as glamorous as it sounds. When college student (who had previously battled an eating disorder) tried to make an actual life-size Barbie, the results were astonishing.  If Barbie were a life-sized woman, she would be 5’9” tall with a bust line of 39”, an 18’’ waist, 33” hips and wear a size three shoe. This version of Barbie would be too out of portion to walk, sit up straight and menstruate. Researchers estimate that Barbie would weight about 110 pounds.

Airbrushing Controversies:

Airbrushing controversies have been a problem for nearly two decades. One of the most controversial uses of airbrushing actually has nothing to do with body image and painting a picture of the perfect body. In 1994, OJ Simpson and numerous magazines became the center of controversy when different mug shot images of Simpson were released. It turns out that different magazines were using airbrushing to create a more menacing image of Simpson.

Photoshop issues also became controversial in the cosmetics industry. Cosmetic gaints (such as L’Oreal) were using airbrushing and Photoshop techniques to make products more appealing. Advertisers were advertising mascara that claimed to “make lashes up to 60 percent longer.” However, the lashes on television and print advertisements were fake as well as digitally enhanced.

How Prevalent is Airbrushing?

Airbrushing is unbelievably common. Retouching is the most commonly used creative practice in the entertainment industry. In fact, airbrushing is used on almost all photos in magazines. Airbrushing is so common that when 2004 Miss Universe and model, Jennifer Hawkins agreed to pose nude and un-airbrushed in the February 2010 issue of the Australian Marie Claire, heads turned. Noticeable flaws in this picture included dimpled thighs, uneven skin tone and a creased waist. Later that year, Australian magazines were forced to carry an airbrushed photo warning to alert readers that photos have been altered. Research indicates that airbrushing techniques have caused a decrease in self-esteem in women. Most women would like magazines to be honest about using airbrushing and steer away from airbrushing.

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How to choose the Right Jeans for your Body Type

by Integrated Fitness on September 23, 2011

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Pick a Pair: Choosing the Right Jeans for Your Body Type:

Fall is here! Now that fall has arrived it is time to put away the shorts and summer dresses and turn to the denim. Denim can be dressy or casual. Finding the right pair of jeans can help flatter your shape and even hide minor body imperfections. It is important to remember that jeans styles are not one-size fits all. There are a variety of different jeans out there for a variety of different body types.

Hourglass Figure:

If you have a slender waistline with hips that are slightly prominent, look for wide-leg trouser jeans with a mid-rise and a flat front. Trouser jeans can help to keep you looking slim in the hips while still showing off your curves. With an hourglass figure, you can also opt for a pair of skinny jeans to help show off your curves.

Pear-shaped Figure:

Girls with a pear-shaped figure tend to have hips that are curvier, thighs and sometimes a larger butt. As a result, you should stay clear of any pair of denim that is super-tapered. Opt for trouser jeans or low-rise flared denim. These can help balance out your figure; leaving you looking slimmer and more streamlined – especially in the hips. For pear-shaped girls who are looking for a straight-legged or skinny jean, opt for a high-waist jean for a slimmer look.

Full-Figure:

If you are a full-figured or big boned girl, the best color jeans for you are dark-rinse denim. The darker the rinse of your denim, the thinner you will appear. For the most slimming styles of jeans, opt for a wide-legged trouser jean or a straight leg pair of denim.

Tall and Thin:

Finding denim when you are tall and thin can be a challenge – especially when it comes to length. When possible, shop at stores that offer a long-length to make your denim shopping all the more enjoyable. While length can sometimes be an issue, tall girls can rock a unique variety of jeans. You can opt for a classic pair of straight leg jeans. If you are feeling more daring, opt for a retro-look with a pair of flared, 1970s inspired denim.

Boy-ish Figure:

If your body is slender and lacking curves, you are considered to have a boy-figure. With the right pair of jeans, you can bring more curves to your figure. Go for a boot-cut or flared jean with a mid-rise to create more curves and shape throughout your entire lower body.

Short and Petite:

When possible, shop at a store that offers short and petite sizes if length is an issue. To show off your figure, opt for cropped skinny jeans, boot cut jeans or any pair of jeans that comes in a slim-cut.

 

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Jessica Alba: Fitness Tips For New Moms

by Integrated Fitness on September 22, 2011

Jessica Alba: Fitness Tips for New Moms:

Pregnancy can lead to a lot of changes in your body and celebrities are not immune to these changes. Last month (August 2011), Jessica Alba gave birth to her second daughter.. Alba, who has previously graced the covers of numerous magazines for her sexy body, noticed that her body just wasn’t what it used to be. Even with two small children, Jessica Alba manages to make time for fitness. She has even managed to make time to share her fitness and nutrition tips with new moms (and anyone who is interested) via Twitter.

Twitter Fitness Tips:

Just two and a half weeks after giving birth, Alba was back at it (with the permission of her doctor, of course).  Shortly after her first workout, she tweeted “I’ve brought my first day workout behind me, since I have the baby. Only cardio for 40 minutes- It’s a start Who’s coming?’ Other recent fitness tweets of Alba’s include: “My doc told me I could start after 2 weeks –im going light, stationary bike and elliptical. And “start with walking and throw in 3 seets of lunges 20 per leg. U could do it while strolling ur baby.”

Jessica’s post-baby workout centers around cardiovascular exercise and light strength training. She even opts for to use a jogging stroller to bring her new born along with a workout session. Alba admits she was a little weak after returning to exercise, but is gradually building her endurance back up.

Pre-Pregnancy Workout:

For those who are not pregnant or a new mom, you be interested in hearing about Jessica Alba’s pre-baby workout routine. It is reported that Jessica has worked with a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute for 12 years. During this time, Alba engaged in an intense workout that featured three, 10-minute cardiovascular segments, two strength training circuits and one core training circuit.

Nutrition Tips:

Exercise is not the only way Alba is working towards regaining her pre-baby body. Nutrition plays a vital role in getting her shape back. Jessica Alba aims to eat healthy six days per week, then treats herself to less-than-healthy foods on the seventh day.  Healthy foods include lean meats, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products and whole grains.

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