You buy bags of miniatures of your favorite candy bar because you’re convinced that since they’re smaller you won’t be eating quite as much sugar.

You don’t count stuff like mints or chewing gum as sweets when you’re dieting, thus allowing yourself to continue enjoying healthy quantities of them.

You go to the fair and eat one corn dog and three elephant ears.

Anything less than three chunks of bubble gum at once just won’t do.

You hide a half gallon of Breyer’s Butter Pecan ice cream way back in the corner of your freezer, then eat it all at one sitting just as soon as your wife leaves the house for a couple of hours. And you feel really great about having done so, like you’ve really slipped something pretty dang (a historic first, I have never used the word “dang” in any of my writing before) major by her.

Your favorite “all you can eat” places turn out to be the ones that have the best soft serve ice cream machines.

If you go out to eat at a fancy restaurant and don’t have dessert for some reason you feel like you’ve really had nothing to eat at all.

You can name off all the new sweets crazes without a thought, like the liquified doughnuts over at Krispy Kreme, in fact, nine out of ten times you’ve already tried them out for yourself.

You put sugar on frosted flakes.

You nod in firm agreement when a dietary expert on TV says that people must avoid sweets, wondering why other people can’t control their cravings the way you do.

The cheapest candy imaginable beats none at all.

At the fair you buy a candied apple, eat it, then eat every little fleck of candy off the stick when no one is looking.

You walk by the unoccupied office of someone who keeps a candy dish on their desk, go in, and swipe a few pieces. Then you hide the candy in your pockets when you leave so that no one will know that you got any.

A woman who’s just been in the kitchen preparing pancakes smells sexier than one who uses the most popular perfume available.

You can accurately discuss the differences in size and ingredients regarding a Butterfinger bar

made twenty years ago and today.

You would love to try an egg cream, and would if you could just find someone who makes them (is there anyplace in Georgia that does)?

You know that you could live out your life without taking another drink of alcohol or smoking another cigarette, but life without Snickers bars would be a whole different thing….

You find yourself longing to buy a big bag of M&Ms, take them home, and then eat them all at one sitting while watching something good on TV.

You give your wife/girlfriend chocolates for Valentine’s Day, and feel a sense of loss when you hand over the box.

You try to find out how to make things like candied apples and elephant ears at home.

You really wish that they had bigger containers for lime and orange flavored Tic Tacs.

If the words “Hershey’s,” “Reeses,” “Sweet Tarts,”"Bazooka Joe,”"Goo-Goo Cluster,” or “Stuckeys” are mentioned in conversation you break out into a smile without even realizing it.

You look at a guy that likes low fat ice cream as being a little less than masculine. Okay, you look at him as being a whole lot less than masculine. You also look at someone who tells you that they take care of their cravings for sweets by eating fruit as being as big a liar as politicians or used car salesmen are. Finally, you see sugar free popsicles as being abominations, something against nature that shouldn’t even be allowed to be sold at all.

You’d rather kiss a mule directly on the fanny than drink a diet soft drink.

You never buy anything but the largest sized ICEE, whether you happen to be thirsty or not.

You read this column, and immediately start craving an RC Cola and a MoonPie……

About The Author

Ed’s latest book, “Rough As A Cob,” can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He’s also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-know-youre-craving-sweets-too-much-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-know-youre-craving-sweets-a-bit-too-much-when-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-know-youre-craving-sweets-a-bit-too-much-when-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:15:00 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-know-youre-craving-sweets-a-bit-too-much-when-2/ You know that you’re craving sweets a bit too much when….

You buy bags of miniatures of your favorite candy bar because you’re convinced that since they’re smaller you won’t be eating quite as much sugar.

You don’t count stuff like mints or chewing gum as sweets when you’re dieting, thus allowing yourself to continue enjoying healthy quantities of them.

You go to the fair and eat one corn dog and three elephant ears.

Anything less than three chunks of bubble gum at once just won’t do.

You hide a half gallon of Breyer’s Butter Pecan ice cream way back in the corner of your freezer, then eat it all at one sitting just as soon as your wife leaves the house for a couple of hours. And you feel really great about having done so, like you’ve really slipped something pretty dang (a historic first, I have never used the word “dang” in any of my writing before) major by her.

Your favorite “all you can eat” places turn out to be the ones that have the best soft serve ice cream machines.

If you go out to eat at a fancy restaurant and don’t have dessert for some reason you feel like you’ve really had nothing to eat at all.

You can name off all the new sweets crazes without a thought, like the liquified doughnuts over at Krispy Kreme, in fact, nine out of ten times you’ve already tried them out for yourself.

You put sugar on frosted flakes.

You nod in firm agreement when a dietary expert on TV says that people must avoid sweets, wondering why other people can’t control their cravings the way you do.

The cheapest candy imaginable beats none at all.

At the fair you buy a candied apple, eat it, then eat every little fleck of candy off the stick when no one is looking.

You walk by the unoccupied office of someone who keeps a candy dish on their desk, go in, and swipe a few pieces. Then you hide the candy in your pockets when you leave so that no one will know that you got any.

A woman who’s just been in the kitchen preparing pancakes smells sexier than one who uses the most popular perfume available.

You can accurately discuss the differences in size and ingredients regarding a Butterfinger bar

made twenty years ago and today.

You would love to try an egg cream, and would if you could just find someone who makes them (is there anyplace in Georgia that does)?

You know that you could live out your life without taking another drink of alcohol or smoking another cigarette, but life without Snickers bars would be a whole different thing….

You find yourself longing to buy a big bag of M&Ms, take them home, and then eat them all at one sitting while watching something good on TV.

You give your wife/girlfriend chocolates for Valentine’s Day, and feel a sense of loss when you hand over the box.

You try to find out how to make things like candied apples and elephant ears at home.

You really wish that they had bigger containers for lime and orange flavored Tic Tacs.

If the words “Hershey’s,” “Reeses,” “Sweet Tarts,”"Bazooka Joe,”"Goo-Goo Cluster,” or “Stuckeys” are mentioned in conversation you break out into a smile without even realizing it.

You look at a guy that likes low fat ice cream as being a little less than masculine. Okay, you look at him as being a whole lot less than masculine. You also look at someone who tells you that they take care of their cravings for sweets by eating fruit as being as big a liar as politicians or used car salesmen are. Finally, you see sugar free popsicles as being abominations, something against nature that shouldn’t even be allowed to be sold at all.

You’d rather kiss a mule directly on the fanny than drink a diet soft drink.

You never buy anything but the largest sized ICEE, whether you happen to be thirsty or not.

You read this column, and immediately start craving an RC Cola and a MoonPie……

About The Author

Ed’s latest book, “Rough As A Cob,” can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He’s also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-know-youre-craving-sweets-a-bit-too-much-when-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-can-be-thin-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-can-be-thin-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:00:01 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-can-be-thin-2/ Yes, the holidays are coming. But that doesnt mean you have togain weight. Here are 10 tips to help you stay slim over theholidays.

1. Just because it Christmas doesnt mean you have to give upyour normal routine. If you normally have tea and an egg-whiteomelet for breakfast, then keep doing that over the holidays.Dont forget to go to the gym, also. But long brisk walks arejust as good. Note: exercise reduces stress.

2. If you are running around all-day and are feeling veryhungry, dont reach for the donuts. Instead, try some fruit. Anapple, or a banana and a cup of green tea. As soothing cup ofhot chocolate will also make you feel less hungry.

3. If you know youll over do the sweets after a wonderfulChristmas dinner, then skip one of the side dishes.

4. Dont overeat. We all like to try every dish in front of us,but you dont have to eat large portions. This was you wont bemad at yourself later.

5. If you dont want to eat continuously, take a break and dosomething else. Play with the children. Go for a walk.

6. If youre full, stop eating. Eating more and more and morewill only cause you to put off stopping. Only eat 2 pieces ofcake and then offer to help in

the kitchen.

7. If youre out shopping all day, eat something. Dont starveyourself until dinner and then overeat. Get a snack that is highprotein, low fat.

8. If youre going to a holiday party, dont fast all day. Ifyou are that hungry you will eat a lot and quickly. So eat anormal meal during the day before you go to the party. At theparty, eat small portions, and try not to eat seconds.

9. If you always eat a lot of the cookies you bake , trysomething else. Bake other treats that you dont care for.

10. If you travel during the holidays, pack drinks and snacks.Fruit, trail mix, power bars.

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]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/you-can-be-thin-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/your-health-is-important-get-fit-for-life-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/your-health-is-important-get-fit-for-life-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:15:03 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/your-health-is-important-get-fit-for-life-2/ Choosing fitness equipment for your personal use can be a rather daunting task. You can’t turn on the TV without seeing ads that promise or imply that if you buy their exercise product and use it for 10-20 minutes a day you will have a slimmer trimmer body. We all want to look better but be wary, check around, and see if you can find any test results on this product.

Before embarking on a fitness or exercise program check with your physician to be sure the program or equipment you are considering, is safe for you. Find out what the makers of a particular piece of fitness equipment claims it can do and check it out. There are web sites where you can find the results of testing, often these tests use several brands of say stationary bikes, for durability ease of use, and performance. Ask other users, a personal trainer or a coach at your local gym.

When you go out shopping for fitness equipment, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Be sure to ” take a test drive’ on any piece of equipment that you are considering. Any retailer that refuses to let you try out a piece of equipment that you may want to buy, is not one you want to do business with.

There are questions you need to ask before purchasing any exercise equipment, Find out about warranty and return policies, and the cost and frequency of repairs. Also ask if there is a trial period, after which you can return the item for full store credit or refund. Reputable dealers of exercise and fitness equipment are generally willing to do this.

If you work long hours and you don’t want the expense of a gym membership, you may be thinking about setting up a home gym. This can be confusing, which bike, treadmill or weight bench should you get? Do you have the space, What equipment will fit your budget? The American Council on Exercise suggests the following steps to help you make the right choice.

Identify Your Fitness Needs: Make sure that the activities you choose are enjoyable, or you are not likely to stick with it. Try to get equipment that increases resistance as you get stronger.

Determine your budget: The $99.00 treadmill from the discount store that falls apart in less than a year, is not a bargain. Shop around and compare prices, The cost range for a particular exercise device can span a wide price range, from store to store or web site to web site. Another possibility is to buy used equipment, but be cautious, only buy from authorized resale dealers. And get any warranty in writing.

Determine how much space is available: A treadmill requires at least 30sq. ft. A stationary bike, about10, and a Multi-station gym approximately 50-200 sq.ft. Examine the product: features, design, manufacture, safety, and serviceability. Make sure that while using the equipment, your body moves in a safe and correct manner.

Examine the product, make sure that features, design, manufacture and serviceability, Make sure that while using the equipment, your body moves in a safe and correct way, the equipment is comfortable, fits your size, and is not to difficult to learn.

Assess “bang for the buck” Is the equipment safe? Can you afford it? Is it adjustable? Durable? Does it fit the space you have allotted to it? Is there a warranty? And can you get

parts. Does the company offer a service plan?

If money is really a problem, buy one good quality-training piece, like a treadmill then add inexpensive strength training equipment. Such as tubing, and bar bells, you can always add to your home gym later. Treadmills are very popular despite all the new equipment, with all the bells and whistles. They are great for a good cardiovascular workout.

Some reasons why you should at least consider a treadmill is: They can be used by people of all ages, they have handrails that can be used by those who have problems with balance, and you can choose to have either a low or high impact session. Most treadmills adjust for incline, which allows you to increase the intensity of your workout without increasing speed. No special training is needed if you can walk, you can use a treadmill.

Once you have decided to get a treadmill, there are some things you need to check, before handing over your credit card. First check the frame, it should be sturdy with no wobble. High alloy steel is better than aluminum, but is heavier and needs to be coated against rust; A welded frame is sturdier than a bolted one. And don’t even consider one with a plastic frame. The handrails can be either on the sides or in front like handlebars. Just be sure they don’t wobble or interfere with your arm swings. Check whether AC or DC powers the machine you are looking. Most homes use DC and AC will require a separate power line.

Speed ranges are important, and you definitely want one that can adjust to your comfort pace, either running or walking. The belt needs to be at least as long as your longest stride, and about 16 inches wide. Be sure that the incline adjustment is easy enough for you to do on your own. The more fancy bells and whistles on the control panel, the higher the cost, don’t buy what you won’t use. A well made quality treadmill will run you about $1,000 or more .Try to get a least a 2 year written guarantee on moving parts and 2 years on the frame.

There are all kinds of exercise and fitness equipment available besides treadmills, Stair climbers, stationary bikes, ski machines and free weights are just a few. Check consumer information Talk to people who use the equipment you are interested in, and research the benefits and drawbacks of items you want to purchase, You can also get good information from personal trainers and fitness coaches.

Used equipment can save you big bucks, but be cautious, only buy from reputable resale dealers, who will probably offer you a limited warranty. These dealers usually have all used equipment serviced and reconditioned, when possible.

The only way to get fit and stay that way is through, a program of proper nutrition and exercise. A fitness routine is like a marriage, if you aren’t committed it won’t work.

About The Author

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Fitness Equipment which includes Home Gyms, Exercise Bikes, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. Visit http://www.1st-4-fitness-equipment.com.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/your-health-is-important-get-fit-for-life-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wvu-mens-basketball-season-preview-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wvu-mens-basketball-season-preview-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:45:00 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wvu-mens-basketball-season-preview-2/ There is positive talk of post-season tournaments for West Virginia University.

Surprisingly, that talk has nothing to do with the football team.

While the boys on the gridiron have already accepted an invitation to the 2005 Toyota Gator Bowl, the 2004 WVU men’s basketball team is looking towards making a storybook run at the NCAA Tournament. Reaching college basketball’s elite tournament is something the team hasn’t accomplished since 1998. That year, they were one of the tourney’s Cinderella stories, making it all the way to the Sweet 16.

Getting to the tourney will not be an easy task. WVU plays in the Big East conference, considered by many to be one of the toughest in all of Division I. The Mountaineers’ out of conference schedule is no pushover, either: they play Louisiana State at Baton Rouge, and have a huge showdown against ACC powerhouse North Carolina State in Raleigh.

“We don’t want to be sitting there on bubble night saying, I wish we had played a tougher schedule,” said Mountaineer coach John Beilein. “We might not get to the bubble, but we won’t know unless we try.”

If Beilein’s coaching history is any indicator, then a tournament trip would seem likely. Beilein’s previous three coaching stops (Division II Lemoyne, Canisius, and Richmond), all made the NCAA tournament by the end of his fourth year as coach.

Finding positive things to say about West Virginia’s basketball program was once a struggle.

That was, before Beilein arrived.

The Mountaineers did not have a memorable 2001 campaign. They started the season strong, going 7-2, but finished the year with only eight wins. Their lone conference victory was unhappily sandwiched between two nine-game losing streaks.

According to Bruce Feldman of ESPN the Magazine, players lost respect for the coaching staff that year, led by Gale Catlett, a 2004 WVU Sports Hall of Fame Inductee. Things got especially bad after players saw several assistant coaches at local bars.

“How do you look at [coaches] the next day if you just saw them doing shots and hitting on some 20-year-old,” one player asked in Feldman’s article, Moving Mountains. Catlett resigned after that season. His replacement, Dan Dakich, was supposed to bring boot camp-like discipline to the ball team.

He bailed after only eight days.

Enter John Beilein.

“His game plans are innovative, and he instills fundamental play in all of his teams,” ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said of Beilein in 1998. “When you hired Beilein, you didn’t land some nightclub comic to get boffo ratings on his TV show; you got a hell of a coach.”

The Mountaineer basketball program Beilein inherited in April 2002 was a train wreck. They had no upperclassmen in the starting lineup, and only seven players on scholarship.

With the odds stacked higher than Spruce Knob, the team found a glimmer of success, finishing 14-15 and earning a spot in the Big East Tournament.

Year two under Beilein was rocky off the court. Forward Drew Schifino, a 2003 third-team All-Big East member, was suspended from the team in midseason after comments he made in the press. After skipping practice while on suspension, Schifino was subsequently dismissed. At the time, he was the team’s primary scoring threat, their only player with over 1000 career points.

Facing another considerable challenge, Beilein and his players survived the mid-season shakeup. With a regular season record of 15-11, the Mountaineers again qualified for the Big East Tournament, also earning an invitation to the post-season National Invitational Tournament (NIT).

In the NIT, the Mountaineers made some noise, defeating Kent State and Rhode Island before losing a close contest to Rutgers in the third round.

The season was a great improvement over Beilein’s first campaign. Junior center D’or Fischer demolished the school record for blocks in season with 124, and sophomore forward Pat Beilein, the coach’s son, set a school record with 32 consecutive free throws made.

Despite the successes of the

2003 campaign, the Mountaineers encountered another bump in the off-season. Freshmen Tyler Relph and Jerrah Young – two bench players who saw significant minutes during the season – transferred out of the program.

“Our basketball staff appreciated their efforts this past season and their honesty in wanting to transfer,” Beilein said in March. “While I am disappointed at their decision, I understand that it is a part of college basketball today.”

With their 10 remaining players, the Mountaineers made a trip to Europe in the summer of 2004. The European tour gave the Mountaineers a chance to play national teams from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Holland. On the tour, they welcomed the debuts of redshirted forward Brad Byerson and forward Mike Gansey, who was finally eligible to dress after transferring in 2003

“The team took another stride toward being a bigger and better family,” said Beilein. “We have pretty good sense of chemistry on this team and a strong sense of commitment to each other.”

Gansey was the biggest surprise of the trip, leading the team in scoring with an average of 15.6 points.

“The scoring surprised me because I didn’t know what to expect,” said Gansey. “I didn’t know how much I’d play or how much they’d let me do. To play that well really boosted my confidence.”

Four other players also averaged over 10 points per game, including junior guard Johannes Herber. In 2003, Herber accumulated a 4.0 GPA, earning him Academic All-American recognition. Herber spent the majority of his summer playing for the German National Team, and will play a key role in WVU’s ‘04 success.

“He can now play four positions,” said Beilein. “I love having a kid that can do that.”

In addition to upgrading Byerson and Gansey to active players, the 2004 Mountaineers also brought in freshmen Luke Bonner and Darrius Nicholls.

Bonner, a 7-foot, two time Gatorade High School Player of the Year in New Hampshire, averaged 14 points and 15 rebounds per game his senior season. He is one of three players on WVU’s roster that towers at higher than 6-feet 11-inches, including starting center D’or Fischer and junior Kevin Pittsnogle.

“We’re tall, we’re long, and we block shots,” said Rob Summer, another 7-footer who is ineligible to play this season after transferring from Penn State. “It’s a great asset to have three guys at that size who can shoot the lights out.”

Nicholls, a point guard, averaged almost 25 points per game his senior season and was named All Timesland Player of the Year by the Roanoke Times.

On paper, this Mountaineer team looks to be one of the best in Morgantown’s memory. A team that two years ago was one of the youngest in all of college basketball now has an abundance of veteran leadership

“Everybody is going to be more involved this year,” said Pittsnogle. “I think the scoring is going to be more spread out. We have a lot of people that can score and are looking to score.”

The Mountaineers feature a deadeye perimeter shooting attack, which finished fourth in the Big East in 2003. In addition to their height under the basket, the Mountaineers are going to be a difficult team to shut down offensively.

“It’s a huge asset to have shooters on the perimeter,” said Bonner. “With shooters out there, I feel very comfortable moving the ball around. Who are teams going to leave?”

Beilein seems to have his system in place, and the Mountaineers hope to be the surprise team in the Big East in 2004.

“If anybody said that after two years we’d be over .500 with a couple of postseason wins, I’d say they were absolutely crazy,” said Beilein.

Insanity is in style these days, isn’t it?

About The Author

Jonathan Bentz, Marketing Intern
Advanced Internet (http://www.advancedtele.com)
Public Relations Major at West Virginia University (http://www.wvu.edu)
jonbmx3@yahoo.com

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wvu-mens-basketball-season-preview-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wrapping-up-the-cigar-boom-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wrapping-up-the-cigar-boom-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:15:13 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wrapping-up-the-cigar-boom-2/ At age 98, the infamous cigar aficionado George Burns said, “If I had taken my doctors advice and quit smoking when he advised me to, I wouldnt have lived to go to his funeral.” While its tempting for us to use Mr. Burns as the poster-child for the anti-anti-smoking movement which is gaining little ground against anti-smoking legislation in the United States, we would be hard-pressed to answer why the honor shouldnt go to Mark Twain, Peter Falk, Sigmund Freud (“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar”) or Rudy Giuliani. As more and more restaurants find themselves under regulation to prohibit smoking and many of the cigar bars from the last decade close their doors, it seems that todays cigar smoker is a bit lonely.

The cigar boom that swept the nation in the late 1990s has befallen the same fate as every other boom in history: it died and left a cynical, unhappy populace in its wake. In todays climate, it seems, not only is George Burns doctor getting involved, but also neighbors, TV personalities and children.

However, those of us that have been in the cigar industry for years are not fretting. If you take a step back and observe the true nature of a boom, you realize its simply a population getting excited about a new idea. The internet boom, the coffee boom, and the current wine boom are no exceptions. In a new age of information and technology where cultures and traditions all over the world are accessible with the click of a mouse, theres a lot of territory to discover. The culture of cigars had its turn, but it doesnt mean the boom is bust, it means the boom has allowed cigars to enter the cultural psyche of Americans and it will remain there even after the dust settles.

A perfect example of this phenomenon is the coffee bar. In the 1990s, a coffee bar was launched on every corner as the country realized Seattle not only had cool grunge but also iced coffee. There were actually two on every block if you include Starbucks. Low and behold, the hipsters got tired of coffee and moved onto cigar bars. Many of the

nascent coffee shops were forced to close as the boom lost momentum, but I dont think anyone will argue that the coffee business is on its way out, its just settled down. Today, coffee bars are part of our cultural psyche. They will continue to be frequented and enjoyed, if at a lower vibration than they were when they first hit the scene. The result is that today, its easier to find better coffee.

The same is true for the cigar boom. As cigar culture entered the American mind, particularly the young American mind, there was a proliferation of cigar bars and internet businesses. Today, many of those have closed their doors, but the same great cigar bar that was there twenty years ago is most likely still around. Take a look at the police force of any major city. Detectives from New York to Denver surly didnt get the memo if cigar culture was dead. Indeed, business for your local cigar shop is probably better than ever. The boom is over, but cigars in America have entered a renaissance as a result. There are more high-quality, handmade cigars available at a cheaper price than ever before.

Of course, there is no telling how far the current climate of cigar taxation and smoking-bans will go. The momentum certainly hasnt waned, and the cigar industry will have to survive the onslaught before it can finally enjoy the new popularity it has discovered in the twenty-first century.

In the meantime, its important for all of us to take a trip down to our local cigar shop and try something new. Only by continuing to invoke that feeling of spontaneity and discovery will cigar culture in the United States persist in growing and be recognized for its class, style and grace.

About The Author

Tynan Szvetecz is an editor for http://www.whatsknottolove.com, an online cigar boutique that is helping bring the feel of your local cigar shop to the internet. It features a unique cigar collection as well as cigar tips, cigar culture advice and cigar accessories.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/wrapping-up-the-cigar-boom-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/workout-without-a-gym-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/workout-without-a-gym-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:45:13 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/workout-without-a-gym-2/ We know that using free weights and machines is the fastest and most efficient way there is to improve your metabolism and strength, but for many reasons these may not be convenient or readily accessible to you.

You may also have no access to a commercial gym, home gym or are on business trip, but there can be a solution, a strength-training workout without the need of expensive machines.

As with any exercise, whether you are using your own body weight, machines or free weights, if the resistance doesnt increase, your muscles wont be worked to their maximum capacity and the stimulus these fibres need to grow will be missing.

Exercises done correctly will build the lean muscle and increase your metabolism in the same way as performing exercises at a gymnasium, but without the time constraints and associated costs.

These exercises can be easily done in a bedroom, hotel room, a park, school yard, ceiling rafters in a garage or in a doorway and all you have to do is use your imagination. There will always be a way to add more resistance to your workouts.

Please remember: It doesnt matter where you are working out – at home, a hotel, or a park – always warm up properly before beginning your session, and cool down and stretch when you are finished.

Leg Exercises

Squats -

They build muscle in the thighs, shape the buttocks and improve endurance. Position your feet about 13 to 17 inches apart or at shoulder width, keeping the back straight and your head up. If you want you can use something that will give you some support, i.e. a desk, bookcase, sink etc.

Now squat down to where the tops of the thighs are parallel to the floor, hold for a second and then stand up, but don’t bounce at the bottom of the movement, use a nice fluid motion. Always exhale your breath as you stand up.

Lunges -

Stand straight in correct posture; now stand with one leg forward and one leg back. Keeping your abdominal muscles tight and chest up, lower your upper body down, bending your leg (dont step out too far).

You should have about one to two feet between your feet at this stage, the further forward you step, and the more your gluteus and hamstring muscles will have to work.

Do not allow your knee to go forward beyond your toes as you come down and stop where your feel comfortable (try not to let your back come forward) then push directly back up. Do all your reps on one leg then switch legs and do all your reps on the other leg.

Back Exercises

Chin-ups -

Chin-ups are a great upper body workout, particularly targeting your biceps, deltoid and lat muscles. Use a doorway chin-up bar, ceiling rafters in a garage or grab the moulding of your door frame, position your hands with an under hand grip and hang down stretching the lats, slowly raise your body until your chin reaches the bar level.

Pause a moment before slowly lowering yourself back to the starting position. Don’t swing or use momentum to get your body to the top, just use the target muscles. Doorway chinning bars remove from the doorway when you are not using them and can be put up and taken down in seconds.

Bent Over Row -

Take up a position with your right hand and right knee braced on a sturdy bed or some other flat surface that will provide a good support. Now pick up a dumbbell or something heavy that you can hold onto with your left hand.

Visualize your arms as hooks and slowly bring the dumbbell or object up to the side of your chest, keeping your back straight, then lower the weight back down to arms length, no lower, on extremes, safe form only please. Concentrate on your back muscles. Reverse the whole procedure and do the exercise now with your right arm.

Chest

Exercises

Push-Up -

The push up is used for building chest, shoulders and arms. Lie face down on the floor with your hands about shoulder width apart and keeping your palms turned slightly inward. Now push-up until your arms are straight, lower and repeat for repetitions.

To make it more difficult elevate your feet. Try placing the toes of your feet on a stable, elevated surface such as a bench, chair or a stair. Straightening your body, position your hands on the floor at shoulder width, lower your body until your chest touches the floor at the bottom, and then return to the starting position in a nice fluid motion.

Dips -

This exercise can be done between two sturdy chairs or other surfaces that provide stability. The dip is another great upper body exercise. It’s a compound movement as well and involves working all the muscles that the push up works.

Keep your head up and body as vertical as possible. For the beginning of the movement, start at the top (arms fully extended) and lower yourself until your upper arms are parallel to the seat of the chairs, hold and then push up to the top of the movement until your arms are fully extended again. Keep looking straight ahead and don’t bounce at the bottom of the movement.

Adding Weight

Although the simple weight of your own body is enough resistance to provide an effective workout we need progressive overload (added resistance) to become stronger.

So all we need to do is add some weight wherever we can find some. Because there are no metal plates and fancy machines to use it doesn’t matter because the body doesn’t care where it is as long as its receiving resistance of some kind.

You can use heavy books clasped in your hands. You can buy some cheap weighted dumbbells or ankle weights. A weighted vest will also allow you to add resistance for both chin-ups and push-ups. Try to buy one that will let you remove and add weight as you see fit. Also a backpack filled with books can be perfect for most of the exercises and is a cheap alternative.

How about a couple of buckets and fill them with a certain level of water? As you get stronger fill them with more water. This is perfect because depending on the exercise, all you need to do is to increase or decrease the amount of water in the buckets for the required amount of resistance.

To wrap things up.

We know that using free weights and machines are the fastest and most efficient way there is to gain lean muscle and strength, but by performing the exercises in this article you’ll find that they will provide you with the same benefits as going to a gymnasium but without the ongoing costs and time constraints.

Gary Matthews has been a gym instructor for over twenty years. He has trained people from athletes to bodybuilders. His professional career began in the Royal Australian Air Force where he was employed as a Fitness Instructor. His duties consisted of training recruits in various disciplines including strength training and conditioning techniques.

This trainer from “down under” believes in using scientific principles for training. Gary says that “as in life, in training: the simplest is always the best.” He believes in strength training programs that are short and simple, but with maximum intensity.

Gary is the author of several ebooks, including “Maximum Weight Loss in Ten Weeks” – the complete ebook and time-saving solution for burning away unwanted fat, and “Maximum Weight Gain in Ten Weeks” – easy-to-use and follow techniques that serve as a guide to muscle growth without having to “live in the gym”.

Visit Gary’s website at http://www.maximumfitness.com/

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/workout-without-a-gym-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/working-out-on-the-reebok-elliptical-trainer-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/working-out-on-the-reebok-elliptical-trainer-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:00:33 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/working-out-on-the-reebok-elliptical-trainer-2/ The Reebok elliptical trainer is a large machine with mostly self contained parts. This makes it difficult for the owner to do repairs and maintenance himself. There is very little problem with the Reebok elliptical, except that after some regular use it does become very noisy.

Most people seem to really enjoy the Reebok elliptical because it has such a smooth ride. The handlebars move with the pedals and help to give you an upper body workout. If you dont want to use them, and many people dont, you can leave them off when putting the Reebok elliptical together. If you elect to leave them on the machine and dont want to use them, there is another bar on top in the center that you can use to just hold on to for balance. Be careful because the handlebars
will still swing back and forth.

This machine has the wheel in the back like the trainers you might find in the gym, which accounts for the smoother

ride.

The pedals themselves do not have movement which also actually helps keep the ride smooth, and even when riding the Reebok Elliptical at high speeds the machine is very stable with no wobbly movement at all.

The stride is at a very comfortable measurement so that you dont have extreme movements. The Reebok elliptical offers a very vigorous workout with low impact on your joints. People that own the Reebok elliptical highly recommend it and are generally pleased with their choice. The machine preferred is the Reebok elliptical trainer REL8, and comes with a limited warranty.

About the Author

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Elliptical-Trainer-Solutions.com. He provides more elliptical trainer ratings, rankings and elliptical trainer reviews that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/working-out-on-the-reebok-elliptical-trainer-2/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/winter-weather-workouts-2/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/winter-weather-workouts-2/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:45:15 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/08/10/winter-weather-workouts-2/ Arctic-like temperatures and hazard winter conditions scourged the U.S and North America this week. Let’s face it, it’s big news when winter storm warnings and wind chill advisories manage to trump the Michael Jackson and Martha Stewart trials in national headlines.

These reports demand special attention of outdoor fitness enthusiasts.

Injuries due to overexposure in cold temperature have risen in recent years due to increased participation in outdoor winter activities such as ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and in all-season walking, jogging, and cycling. Short of relocating to Hawaii and taking up surfing, knowledge of potential hazards and prevention during cold weather is the key to keeping us safe during our outdoor fitness activities.

Cold-Weather Risks
The biggest dangers in cold weather include frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is a cold-related injury characterized by the actual freezing of tissue. The hands and feet are affected most frequently, although cheeks, nose, ears and even corneas may be involved. Greatest at risk are those over-exposed in cold environments, including solders, the homeless, and yes…winter and high-altitude fitness enthusiasts. Early warning signs include tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes or burning sensations in the nose and ears. Frostbite is no picnic; damaged tissue needs to be surgically removed and often does not regenerate.

Hypothermia is the decrease in core body temperature to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired. Typically occurring in temperatures below freezing, hypothermia can be present even in 60-degree weather for some populations. Conditions leading to hypothermia include improper clothing and equipment, wetness, dehydration and fatigue.

Signs and symptoms are numerous. In mild to moderate hypothermia these may include involuntary shivering, inability to complete complex motor functions (like walking or talking) slurred speech, or irrational behavior. Severe hypothermia is immediately life-threatening and indicated when core temperature falls to 92 degrees. Pulse rate decreases, pupils dilate and muscle rigidity develops due to reduced peripheral blood flow.

Dressing To Prevent Cold-Injury
Heat conservation is the major goal when exercising in cold climates. Prevent heat loss by wearing appropriate clothing. The key to protection is to wear clothing that is layered, lightweight and waterproof or water-resistant.

Insulation is provided by the air trapped between clothing fibers and the skin, which becomes warm and provides a barrier to heat loss. The more layers between the skin and the air, the more insulation. Several layers of lighter provide better protection than a single bulky layer.

For the innermost layer against the skin, choose a lightweight synthetic such as polypropylene. This wicks moisture away from the body’s surface and dries quickly. Cotton or natural fibers tend to become saturated and stay wet. Clothing that becomes wet through sweating or external moisture loses almost 90% of its insulating properties. Since water conducts heat 25 times faster than air, wearing wet clothing will quickly facilitate heat loss.

Lighter sweaters and long-sleeve shirts made with natural materials work best as inner layers, providing insulation without

restricting movement.

Cover these layers with a zipped or easy to open jacket. Choose one that is both waterproof and lightweight, since it will be your protection from snow, rain and wind, and will be the layer you shed if you heat up too quickly.

Since 30 to 40% of body heat dissipates through our heads, top off your ensemble with a hat, or helmet, depending on your sport. Make sure to cover your ears. Since hands/fingers are highly susceptible to frostbite, wear mittens or gloves.

Don’t forget the wind-chill.
Used by the National Weather Service since 1973 as a public health tool to reduce cold injuries, the wind-chill index represents the cooling effect of the wind on bare skin for different temperatures and wind velocities. Higher winds increase the cooling effect of cold temperatures, further emphasizing the need to cover skin in cold weather.

Interestingly, the wind-chill effect will vary not only depending on wind velocity, but on the speed of the exerciser in relation to wind velocity. For example, jogging 8 mph into a 10-mph headwind creates the equivalent of 18-mph wind speed. Conversely, jogging 8-mph with a 10-mph at one’s back reduces the relative wind speed to only 2-mph. Even more reason to be aware of the day’s index and plan accordingly.

Revised in 2001, a “wind-chill calculator” can be found at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/newwindchill.htm.

Other considerations
Terrain can become problematic during cold weather. Ice can make surfaces particularly hazardous and snow can block visibility. Be knowledgeable of the terrain; stick to commonly run jogging paths. Ski or snowboard on hills on which you have experience.

Streets or sidewalks that have not been cleared can easily hide potholes, debris or slick patches of ice that can cause a twisted ankle or knee. Best to train where snow cover is minimal. If the weather conditions are extremely cold, windy and snowy, go to the gym or work out at home.

Hydration and Nutrition
Due to the dry environment usually present in cold weather, hydration is extremely important. Significant body fluid can be lost and since sweat may evaporate more quickly than in a hot environment, you may not have a clear indication of how much fluid you are actually losing. Always begin your workout properly hydrated and continue drinking 15 to 20 ounces of water per hour.

For long workout sessions, keep high-energy snack foods available. Energy bars and packaged fruit/nut mixes are easy to carry and make for high carbohydrate snacks. Fill a thermos with hot foods like soups or chili and you prevent straying off your eating schedule.

The recent rash of severe winter weather across North America may be uncomfortable, but if you’re a winter workout warrior, it shouldn’t interfere with your outdoor workouts. Use common sense and preparation to keep your winter workouts both safe and effective.

Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a personal fitness trainer and instructor in Chicago specializing in in-home and in-office fitness training. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted through his website at http://www.jongestl.com

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