“Joe didn’t just inspire my earliest dreams; he made them come true the day he invited me to move to America to pursue my bodybuilding career,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “I will never forget his generosity.”

“Today, I lost a dear friend and mentor, and the world lost one its strongest advocates of living a healthy lifestyle. Joe Weider was a titan in the fitness industry and one of the kindest men I have ever met.” Said Schwarzenegger

Joe Weider, who made millions from a fitness empire and mentored a young Austrian bodybuilder who went on to become a governor of California, has died.

Weider died of heart failure on the morning of March 23, 2013 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 92. The multimillion-dollar publishing empire he built included Muscle and Fitness, Flex, Shape, and Men’s Fitness magazines.

A weight training pioneer, fitness crusader, and magazine publisher, Joe Weider overcame the challenges of childhood poverty and lack of education to create a sports movement that changed modern culture’s conception of physical beauty and the way athletes and everyman exercises and diets. Through the magazines he published, the sports federation (International Federation of Bodybuilders) he created, the bodybuilding contests he promoted, and his groundbreaking advocacy of fitness for women, Joe Weider created a sports legacy that has a worldwide reach and affected the lives of millions of people.

Twelve years ago Joe was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a heart condition with which he was expected to survive about three years. Doctors credit his amazing fitness and nutrition ethic–until recently he trained every morning and made frequent public appearances–for allowing him to survive an additional nine years.

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Wikipedia

Marketwatch

latimes.com

1. You can’t lose weight without exercise.

This myth hurts the process of learning how to build a perfect body for many who get stuck with this idea. I’m here to tell you that you can lose weight without doing exercise ten out of ten times. The only scientifically proven way of losing weight is calories in vs. calories out, meaning you have to consume fewer calories than the amount you burn. The easiest way to achieve this is through dietary restriction. The problem with trying to exercise your way to weight loss is that it comes with other variables that can hinder your caloric deficit efforts: eating more because you’re tired after exercise, overestimating the calories you burned during exercise and therefore assuming you can eat more, resting more throughout the day, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t exercise, I’m just saying that it is not accurate to state that a person who doesn’t exercise will not lose weight.

2. Increased metabolism is required for weight loss.

The word “metabolism” gets thrown around a lot in the health and fitness industry. Pay close attention to what I am about to tell you because this fact alone will save you a lot of time and money: there is nothing you can really do to increase your metabolism. Your metabolic rate is pretty much set by your internal organs (they make up about 85% of your metabolism). Some would claim that this statement isn’t true because you can supposedly increase your metabolism by adding muscle. The truth is that this would account for only a few calories burned per pound of extra muscle mass per DAY; a negligible amount. If you wanted to see a significant increase in the amount of calories you burn, you would have to add an unrealistic amount of muscle mass, which defeats the purpose of your quest on learning how to build a perfect body, doesn’t it? Therefore, if you see a product that claims to “increase” your metabolism, be cautious. Save yourself money by disregarding these claims.

3. Losing body fat and increasing muscle mass will get you to your ideal body shape.

This one is only partly accurate. These two factors are required in order to build a perfect body, but they cannot be done indiscriminately. If this were a correct statement, then where would the limit be? Where would the cutoff be before your fat loss and muscle gain would be considered too much and unattractive? The key here is gaining muscle and losing fat in the right places and in the right amounts. You have to be more specific when it comes to having the shape that you want.

So there you have it! If you remember these simple facts, you will save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress as you work towards your ideal shape.

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Reports released by the Food and Drug Administration in the US suggest that those who consume energy drinks could be consuming unsafe levels of caffeine. In the past four years, the agency has received 90 reports including 13 deaths with energy drinks being a possible cause.

The reports to the agency are not scientific proof that the drinks caused the deaths. But the FDA has documented multiple links between ethe drinks and deaths.

Side Effects

They have been associated with 30 incidents in 2009 that saw serious injuries like convulsions, heart attacks and one possible spontaneous abortion.

To put the numbers into perspective, in 2010 there were 17 reported deaths possible linked to a dietary supplement or weight loss product. These two categories contain over 50,000 products. This is a far lower percentage than the energy drinks being blamed.

2009 reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicate there were more than 13,000 emergency room visits directly caused by the drinks.

These drinks are the fastest growing beverage market in America partly due to their popularity with high school and college students. Sales are expected to hit over $9 billion. Most are classified as a dietary supplement and as such, are not required to report to the FDA or to label their containers with the amount of caffeine they contain. Nutrition labels are now required in Canada with the FDA now considering the practice as well.

Caffeine Content

Since caffeine levels are not required to be disclosed, many choose not to. Even worse, some have falsely marketed the amount to downplay how much caffeine is being consumed. Of the top 27 drinks in sales, 11 do not report the amount of caffeine. Of the 16 that do have labels, five of them had amounts that were completely inaccurate. They contained far more than advertised.

The FDA does not have enough scientific evidence to make a change to its regulations over the industry. This has not stopped two states and a Canadian Province from seeking approval in legislature to require a minimum age to purchase them in their jurisdiction. The Toronto Board of Health recently has asked Health Canada to consider adding a warning on the drinks that tells consumers not to drink them during or as a post workout beverage.

These drinks have been under considerable scrutiny and rightfully so. Being educated on their use is important so health risks can be limited.
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Most people go on a diet because they want to look better. A quick look in the mirror reveals some unsightly bulges in the wrong places.

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The green tea is obtained from the same evergreen shrub that the black tea is derived from, however, its light processing method enables the presence of polyphenols like proanthocynadin and cathechin, which are powerful antioxidants. It is not fermented which gives it the opportunity to contain more effective antioxidants than black tea, consequently, the numerous health benefits of green tea can never be exaggerated.

Green tea is potent in preventing cancer due to the presence of antioxidants like the EGCG which reduce cell damage that can result in cancer. In addition, the tea enhances the body’s antioxidant enzymes like glutathione which can be very valuable in treating arthritis. Glutathione has the potency of reducing inflammation and breakdown of cartilage. Its regular intake can protect the body against a lot of diseases that are brought about by free radicals.

Furthermore, the risk of developing cancer of the digestive system, cervical cancer and prostrate cancer is lowered due to the antioxidant effects of the tea. The risk of heart diseases is also reduced because the tea can significantly reduce the cholesterol levels of the blood which would prevent arthrosclerosis and blood clot. Women in their menopause can also benefit a lot from this tea. It helps in balancing their estrogen levels thereby alleviating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Certain types of breast cancer can also be prevented by regularly drinking this tea. However, pregnant women should seek for proper counsel from their physicians before taking green tea because of the risks involved in doing so.

It is also useful in preventing tooth decay, enhancing air flow in the lungs of asthma patients, strengthening mental alertness, suppressing appetite in weight loss, among other benefits. It has also been established that the tea is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 20 times more potent than Vitamin E as an antioxidant. Antioxidants play major roles in the body as they sustain health, prevent diseases and enhance longevity.

Moreover, the benefits of green tea cannot be completed without mentioning its ability to regulate glucose which is the body’s major energizer. It eliminates unused glucose which is stored by the body as fat, consequently, losing weight can be greatly achieved by regularly taking this tea. The tea is available in various forms like tea bags, pure green extract supplements and so on. It can be found at supermarkets and health food stores everywhere but make sure that you are purchasing from a reliable vendor.
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In this video we are going to talk about drop sets and an easy way to do them at home. Now most of you know what drop sets are but for those that dont, its an advanced techinque where you do as many reps as you can, then lower the weight, and without any rest, continue to do as many as you can.

Its a great technique for breaking thru a plateau when your strength gains have stagnated.

Drop sets are a way of going beyond failure but whats interesting is that many of you are using drop sets without even realizing it. What many people naturally do is when they cant do any more reps, they end up doing cheat reps where they use momentum or other tricks to do a few more reps. When you think about it, this is exactly the same as a drop set – just not as safe. Its using tricks to reduce the load on the muscle being worked out, just like lowering the weight does.

Another way you might be doing drop sets without thinking about it is by using a spotter. If the spotter is helping you do a few more reps when you cant do any more, thats exactly the same thing as a drop set – they are making the last reps easier for you by removing some of the weight.

To the muscle being worked out, all three of these techniques are the same. The difference is that drop sets are safer, more controlled,and dont require a spotter. How much to drop the weight? Try to drop the weight so that you can do another 4-6 good reps, for most people thats about a 30%-40% drop in weight.

Now here is a quick tip for doing drop sets at home. Most of us home workout folks only have one set of dumbbell handles and by the time you futz with the spin locks, take plates off, and get the spin locks back on, its too late. For drop sets to be effective you cant have any rest, so heres a trick that can help you do quick drop sets at home when you have limited equipment. Do as many as you can, drop the weight, then pick up one dumbbell jointly with both hands and continue.

Its not optimal because normally you would drop the weight by about 40% and not 50% but you cant beat the speed and convience of this drop set technique.

Now if you are using a barbell, heres what to do. Set up the bar with your drop weight and put the spinlocks on, then just slide the rest of the weight on the end. Do as many as you can, then slide off the extra weight. You need to be a little careful with this to keep the weights from sliding off, but because the unsecured portion of the weight is small compared to the secured weight, there is not a big risk of losing your balance.

Just a final reminder, this is an advanced technique and its not for beginners.

You could easily pull a muscle if you use this technique too early in your career. Its also a brutal technique and is not to be overused, I would suggest just one week a month.

How it builds muscle: Even with the aura of estrogen surrounding it, “yogurt is an ideal combination of protein and carbohydrates for exercise recovery and muscle growth,” says Doug Kalman, R.D., director of nutrition at Miami Research Associates. 
Buy regular—not sugar-free—with fruit buried at the bottom. The extra carbohydrates from the fruit will boost your blood levels of insulin, one of the keys to reducing postexercise protein breakdown.

How it keeps you healthy: Three letters: CLA. “Yogurt is one of the few foods that contain conjugated linoleic acid, a special type of fat shown in some studies to reduce body fat,” says Volek.

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It is noted that Omega-3 have key health properties. These vital fatty acids offer an exceptional effect on the human body, such as the heart, joints, eyes, brain just to name a few. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties found in omega-3, this oil has been associated with treatment and prevention of most ailments, and even ease symptoms of allergy.

Sources Of Omega-3

As much as these omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential, the body cannot produce them, for that reason, you have to get them through supplements and foods that are rich with fatty acids. These oils can be found from eating sea food or even by having supplements. Fish rich in the omega-3 fatty acids are tuna, mackerel, mullet, sardines, trout, salmon and bluefish.

Benefits of Fish oil

This oil is suitable for a variety of ailments. Mostly, it is used for circumstances associated with the blood system and the heart. Most people use fish oil to help reduce fats associated with cholesterol or lower blood pressure. Scientific research suggests that omega-3 does indeed reduce high triglycerides, and furthermore appears to help prevent stroke and even cardiovascular diseases, when consumed in the recommended quantities. However, consuming an excessive amount of this oil might raise the chances of heart stroke.

Fish oil is oftentimes used to stop kidney damage and hypertension after a heart transplant operation, which could be the result of the surgery or even by medications used to lower the likelihood that the body could reject the new heart. It is also used to prevent the blood vessel which has been rerouted from shutting up after coronary artery bypass procedure.

Omega-3 can also be used for kidney diseases, movement disorders, dyslexia, asthma, obesity, certain ailments associated with inflammation and pain, such as psoriasis. It can also protect against weight reduction triggered by certain cancer medicines.

In some cases, people use it for, glaucoma, dry eyes, and even for, age-related muscular degeneration (AMD), an extremely widespread problem in the elderly which can cause severe eyesight problems. Women sometimes take this supplement to prevent breast pain, agonizing periods, and even issues linked with pregnancy such as miscarriage, early delivery, and high blood pressure late in pregnancy.

Conclusion: Besides the excellent benefits offered by Omega-3 fish oil, you also need to have a perfect exercise plan and a proper diet, thus you can lead a healthy life. Consult your healthcare professional before using this supplement.

In an effort to achieve their health and fitness goals, many men are turning to dietary and other supplements to give their bodies a boost. A quick internet search turns up list after list of supplements aimed at helping men to become leaner, fitter and stronger. What is hard to find, however, is a list of supplements men should avoid.

In a world of fast marketing and disinformation, it’s easy to be confused about what supplements may actually end up doing more harm than good. Luckily, for health conscious men everywhere, there is still helpful information out there. Here is a list of five supplements every man should avoid.

5. Selenium Found naturally in foods such as seafood, poultry and wheat, selenium has been recommended to prevent heart disease and prostate cancer. However, new research indicates that elevated levels of selenium caused by selenium supplements may actually have the opposite intended effect and increase the likelihood of prostate cancer.

4. Kava

First available more than a decade ago, kava based supplements, made from the extract of the kava plant, were a popular alternative to pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications. Studies even backed up the claims of proponents. However, new research has called into question the safety of kava supplements. Reports of liver toxicity resulting in death and liver transplant have caused health professionals to reexamine kava supplements. For now, it’s best to avoid them.

3. Ginko Biloba
A staple of traditional Chinese medicine, ginko biloba supposedly increases circulation, protects the heart and boosts mental functions. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. To make things worse, due to a lack of industry regulations, many ginko biloba supplements have been found tainted with lead and other dangerous heavy metals.

2. Folic Acid
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin that naturally occurs in a variety of foods. It is necessary in the production of red blood cells, and a folic acid deficiency is responsible for some types of anemia. For years, folic acid supplements have been praised for helping to treat depression. Unfortunately, new research indicates that taking as little as a one milligram daily supplement increases the risk of prostate cancer by threefold.

1. Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids, usually just called steroids, are a group of controlled synthetic drugs that mimic male testosterone. Normally associated with body building, anabolic steroids are abused by athletes of all varieties. Steroids, like most drugs, come with side effects most men would like to avoid. These include shrinking of the testicles, baldness, breast development, fertility problems, acne and liver damage. Don’t forget, steroids are a controlled substance that can get a person in legal trouble too.

Author Bio

Jennie is an anti-drug advocate hailing from sunny Florida. She recommends Gulf Coast Treatment Center in Florida for those struggling with drug addiction.