Competitive Bodybuilding: Historical Landmarks

By Courtney Hayes

"Strong Man Acts" moved to North America in the 1800's and are credited with inspiring what is known today as bodybuilding. Usually a circus performer who displayed his strengths was known as a strongman. Strongmen displaying their strength by bench presses, steel bending, breaking heavy iron chains and such were watch by audiences attending the circus. Although bodybuilding did not yet exist, many 19th century strongmen had well-built bodies and even sold photographs of themselves flexing and posing. In present days, when we use the term 'strongman', it mostly refers to participants competing in varied strength competitions. (besides making your muscles big enough to entertain the thought of lifting rocks, trucks or rolling massive tires around).

Using a combination of different exercises to develop physique and muscle fiber is what is referred to as bodybuilding. (mainly weight training) as well as diet plan. However, not every bodybuilder is in it for the competition. Points are assigned based on muscle tone, muscle mass and muscle definition as well as appearance by the judges of the spot.

Relatively new sport of competitive bodybuilding are presented below,the principal landmarks in the development of it.

* Although two weightlifting events were included in the first modern Olympics of 1896, contemporary bodybuilding really began with a Prussian by the name of Eugene Sandow who invented many present day bodybuilding techniques as well as many of the first exercise equipment for the masses (tension bands, machined dumbbells etc).

* Sandow put together the very first bodybuilding contest called the Great Competition in September of 1901, staged at London's Royal Albert Hall. The Great Ziegfeld, tells some of the story of the beginning of modern bodybuilding and the 1936 Oscar winning film, Sandow's manager was Florenz Ziegfeld.

* During Sandow's time, the Grecian Ideal was a term used to describe the perfect physique as represented in the classical proportions of ancient Greek and Roman statues. During the early years of competitive bodybuilding, the participants were judged against these proportions to see how closely would they match them, and Sandow worked on his own physique accordingly.

* Sandow's counterpart in North America was a man named Bernarr Macfadden. Macfadden put forth a great deal of effort to increase his strength (he was not healthy during childhood), and began by offering fitness apparatus for sale. He also advocated women's physical fitness (this was considered a great new idea at the time). The first publication of his "Women's Physical Development" magazine arrived in 1900. It was renamed Beauty and Health shortly thereafter. Macfadden set up several healthatoriums (institutes that offered courses in physical fitness) throughout the eastern as well as midwestern parts of America.

* The first bodybuilding competition in America happened on January 16, 1904 and was sponsored by Macfadden.S at Madison Square Garden, New York City. Two of the terms used to describe it were Physique Contest and Physique competition (other than weight competitions, strength exhibitions or athletic feats) was the focus of the show. The winner, Al Treloar, was declared The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World. Charles Adams is one of the well known competitors who achieved bodybuilding fame, he did so in the years of 1921 and 1922.

* The first major international bodybuilding competition was the Mr. Universe contest, founded in 1947, followed by the Mr. Olympia contest in 1965.

The period between 1940 and 1970 is known as the Golden Age of bodybuilding because this is when the criterion of more muscle mass was added to the ideal bodybuilder aesthetic, along with the existing criteria of muscular symmetry and definition. World War II is often sited as the chief reason towards the growth of larger, powerful, boldly assertive attitudes. The 1977 film, Pumping Iron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger also gave bodybuilding added publicity.

* Women's bodybuilding competition began in the 1970s (although a few women had participated in earlier contests organized by Macfadden in the U.S.)

* The International Olympic Committee granted provisional status to the sport of competitive bodybuilding in 1998 but has not yet approved it.

* With advancements in technology, bodybuilders are more massive today than they have ever been. Many competitors in today's bodybuilding competitions weigh over 250 pounds and have less than 5% body fat. - 17269

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Strengthen Your Neck With Weight Lifting Exercises

By Westy

A common difference between a bodybuilder who's been at it for a while, and a bodybuilder who's getting big, but not THAT big, is that the neck is much more developed. Growing a thick and strong neck can help prevent injuries when lifting heavier weights during the major comprehensive exercises like behind the neck press and bench press.

The shrug is the most common exercise that you can use to improve the muscles in your neck. There are variations on the shrug that you can use to help give the exercise a little more intensity, but it is a very simple exercise to perform.

It is possible to do the shrug using dumbbells or a barbell. You might be surprised at how much weight you can actually lift with the shrug. The exercise has a very short range of motion and can be done very simply. Just hold the weight near to your waist and shrug your shoulders. One of the important factors in this exercise is the amount of control that you use to complete the exercise. Make sure that you shrug slowly up and down.

You might be surprised at the amount of strength you can acquire from doing this type of exercise. You should find your ideal repetition between five and seven. You should always warm up before you do any type of exercise. You don't want to injure the neck muscles. Start off with a lesser amount of weight until you determine what your best repetition and weight is.

There's another exercise you could try if you've been developing your neck for a while and you want more strength and definition.

One of these exercises is called the neck flexion.

1. Wrap up your weight in a towel.

2. Lay back on your weight bench with your head off of the bench.

3. Place the plate on the forehead and support it with your hands.

4. Lift your body as though you are doing a situp and touch your chin to the chest.

5. lower your body slowly till you are fully extended again

6. Continue until you are done.

You can do this exercise in reverse from your stomach.

There are other exercises that can be used to improve the strength of your neck. Put your hands on one side of your head and push your head in the other direction. You will be using your own body to perform the exercise and not risking injury with weights. This is the ideal way to start the exercises for your neck. It is important that you do not do neck exercises like the neck bridge unless you have been working out for some time and already have a strong neck. This type of exercise is most often done by those that are into wrestling.

The neck is a small part of your upper body workout and should be strengthened along with your chest, back and shoulders. Make sure that you are working on the muscles in your neck to gain the strength that will benefit you in other parts of your workout routine. - 17269

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Westy's Workouts provides you with the most effective natural body building and weight training advice on the internet. Find Building Muscle Secrets for growing strong FAST at Building Muscle Tips. Your SIZE depends on it!

What are the Alternative Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

By Michael Byrd

Have you ever experienced a feeling of being so tired all the time? You could be having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There are more than a million Americans who have this debilitating disease and around 80% of them are not even aware that they have such condition, according to a study conducted by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Do you think you are one of them?

Or maybe you or somebody close to you may have already been diagnosed with this condition. If you have it, then the best thing that you must do in order to overcome such problem is to make use of effective alternative therapies.

You cannot necessarily have CFS just because you get tired often. Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC director, explains that symptoms of profound exhaustion, problems with concentration and sleep can differentiate a simple case of exhaustion from CFS. Symptoms of pain in the joints and muscles, headaches, flu-like symptoms and sore throats and tender lymph nodes are also manifested.

The symptoms felt by a person with CFS can be similar to diseases that also make a person experience fatigue, like Fibromyalgia, chronic mononucleosis, neurasthenia, encephalomyelitis and multiple chemical sensitivities, according to Dr. Gerberding. Poor nutrition can of course be one main reason for fatigue, but some other health problems may contribute to it, like improper digestion, allergies to food, obesity, tension, depression, insomnia, alcoholism, drug addiction and smoking.

The feeling of physical and mental fatigue brought about by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be very difficult to the extent that it prevents a person from doing things that they normally do from day to day. No amount of rest can be sufficient to make them feel better. However, some basic lifestyle changes and a diet consisting of whole food nutrients may be implemented to help prevent and even reverse CFS symptoms.

Primarily, a change to a more wholesome diet that must include lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help. For a source of protein, use cold water fish that is high in omega-3 oils and lean, free ranging poultry. Take in a lot of pure and clean water and try to avoid processed, salty and sweet foods. As much as you can, try to avoid sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea, sodas and fruit drinks. If you are a smoker, quit it.

Start looking for ways to make your life stress free and make sure you get adequate rest. It can also help if you begin to exercise regularly. Though it may seem to look impossible, but exercise can relieve you of stress and it plays a very important role in your alternative therapy. Take is slow. Do not be too hard on yourself. Gradually move up with patience in obtaining your goal.

Even if you do all of the things that you must do, you may seem to fall short of the nutrients that you get from the food that you eat. The CDC recommends that you include supplements in your diet. I would recommend the use of natural, whole food supplements which includes essential oils that is important for a healthy body.

All this time, I have always witnessed how alternative treatments can work wonders for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia or just plain fatigue. Those who are able to follow the instructions to a T actually get superb results. They just felt so much better and are actually enjoying life more than ever and have said good-bye to chronic fatigue! - 17269

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When it comes to fish oil, getting the right information can be a daunting task. That's why we put together this

The Advantages of Using Fish Oil on Women

By Michael Byrd

Are there advantages of using fish oil on women exclusive to the fairer sex?

Nevertheless, women are said to be smarter than men and definitely have stronger endurance and emotions. Not to mention, they smell a lot better too!

But both men and women suffer from the same health problems like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression. But when it comes to PMS, men suffer more than women. (My wife told me it was OK given the fact that I say it affectionately.)

The way we handle these health issues is up to us.

There are two ways, to wait until you have some degenerative disease then get treatment (list what most men usually do), or you could do something before you get that problem.

If you prefer to do the second option, then you can get specific health benefits of fish oil for women ? meaning lesser PMS and menopause symptoms and of course a reduced risk for breast cancer.

Each of the top causes of death for women has two things in common, degenerative and preventable.

We won't be pedantic over rankings here. Regardless if you have the most leading cause or not, because after all it is one and the same - degenerative. Certainly not a thing we can be too proud of.

However, there is a dietary ornament that you will want to include in your nutritional attire, and this is the most remarkable form of prevention for women ? the omega 3 fatty acids from fish.

Every day, research has been continuously confirming the strength of these simple, natural nutrients.

Reviews tell us that boosting your omega 3 intake helps in the prevention of heart diseases, strokes, cancer, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer's, PMS, memory loss, dry skin and a lot more.

One of the major reasons why fish oil fatty acids is very beneficial is it helps in decreasing and regulating inflammation in the body ? whether you see it or not.

The current study show how degenerative diseases can occur as a body's inflammatory cycle is disturbed. This often happens as a person lacks specific omega 3 fatty acids.

This is referred to by scientists as an "inverse relationship". It is actually really simple. Take in more omega 3 fish oil so that you get lesser chances of developing degenerative diseases.

And if men think they are an exemption, they better think twice because the same thing applies for men. The lesser omega 3s they get, the higher risk of premature death due to a preventable disease.

It's that easy.

Omega 3 fatty acids are derived from cold water fish, like salmon, tuna, anchovies, sardines, herring and mackerel.

So to get as many health benefits from fish oil for women (and men), add more omega 3 fish oil in your diet plan and get a daily supplement of pure fish oil capsules from a reputable source.

Yes you ladies will certainly have to show to guys that you are smarter by making sure you get more fish oil on a daily basis. - 17269

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Information about omega 3 has never been this easy to understand! Get more free information by going to this website on fish oil.

How To Achieve A More "Toned" Body

By Caleb Lee

If you want to look more toned, more beefy and have a radically ripped abs for life then read this article.

People (women mostly) say they want to be more "toned". Meaning they don't necessarily want to build more muscle mass, but they want the muscle that already have to look more in shape, toned, and defined.

How most people screw up trying to get "toned"

Most people totally screw this up. They try to get toned by "going for the burn" when working out. They do this because

1. Someone told them heavy weights make you big

2. Their muscles feel and look toned as soon as they "Feel the burn" when training with high reps.

Here's why you shouldn't "go for the burn" when working out if you want to get toned

The Burn is Lactic Acid.

The reason you feel hard during and after the 'burn' is the same reason a corpse is stiff. Your muscle fibers are like mouse traps-they go off by themselves, but need energy to be reset to contract again. A dead body is out of ATP, the energy compound that relaxes the muscles, that's why their muscles are permanently contracted.

An elevated rep training wears out ATP in your muscle and leads to a momentary stiffness extremely similar to what happens to a dead body. But you probably don't want to be dead, and in spite of that you still want to be toned. The solution?

Real Muscle Tone - Tension

To get lasting tone, you need to exercise your nervous system to keep your muscles half flexed when you are calm. This is what muscle tone is-residual tension in a relaxed muscle! The kind of tension that comes from neurological activity, and not energy fatigue.

Increased muscle tone is not a physical change of your muscle. It is the result of the nervous system being more on the ball. It keeps the muscles somewhat contracted the whole time.

Strength / Tension / Tone

Strength and tone training is the same thing. If you learn to produce tension to achieve strength, instead of building more muscle, then the stronger you are, the harder you will be. This means you need to concentrate on strength training to get that the body of your dreams. Max tension - max strength.

For Women

* Want buns of steel? Extreme, high-tension deadlifts work your butt WAY more than butt squeezes, 'fire hydrants', or similar silly moves popular in 'muscle sculpting' classes

* Sculpt abs of steel? Intense, high-tension deadlifts, squats, overhead presses, ab wheel routines, planks, and the like force your abs to produce high tension

* Want toned, sleek, sexy hips and thighs? Deadlifts, squats, and other full body movements done with high tension, heavy weights are the ticket.

For guys:

* Want a Thick Chest and Broad Shoulders? Extreme, High Tension Overhead Presses and Bench Presses will get you there

* Want a barnyard back? Weight Pullups and Bent over Rows to build those lats

* Lean chiseled abs? Squats, Deads, Overhead Squats, Overhead presses, Ab Wheels and planks like the ladies

* Heavy presses and other overhead work are great if you want sculpt massive arms.

You Can Go Into Strength Training Without Getting "Huge"

Here's how you strength train without getting bigger: keep the volume low. And you will get stronger, harder, and more toned without getting any bigger. Keep the total number of reps low per workout. A general rule is 10 reps or less. So two heavy sets of 5 would work with the major exercises.

If you want to get big, and build muscle: Lift more volume during your workout. Keep the reps low though so you're still able to lift with maximal tension and build more strength. 5 sets x 5 reps as an example for each major exercise.

So there you go. If you want to get maximum hard-body results and a lean chiseled abs, then you have to build strength. - 17269

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If you're looking for the best chest fat burner see the expert's website for more ultimate gynemax reviews.

Is There Such a Thing as Burpless Fish Oil Pills?

By Michael Byrd

Yaiks! Who would want to take burpless fish oil capsules?

For fish eaters, a tuna sandwich or a fancy trout for dinner is absolutely appetizing, but they would not like the taste of concentrated fish oil pills that would cause them a smelly fish burp.

The taste of raw fish that people get from these pills makes them refuse to take such pills, and it is such a shame!

But there is a very simple solution to this problem.

But in reality, it has nothing to do with the capsules, but you. So you should not worry because the only solution is to fix yourself.

You may find burpless fish oil pills but you may not be sure if they provide the same content of fatty acid that you need. There is also a tendency that citrus flavors are used to mask the taste of fish.

Be aware that low-grade omega 3 products can use this as their sales pitch.

Something may be wrong in your digestive system if after taking in fish oil capsules you will have the feeling of consistently belching the taste of fish.

Should this happen, try to eat a whole food diet (this can provide you with more enzymes), eat your meals regularly, and try to cut down on coffee. Also try to drink sodas for a better digestion.

Quiet a number of people burp fish simply because they do not have enough intake of fish.

The human body can really be complex. The moment you stop eating fish regularly, your body also ceases the production of enzymes essential in fish digestion.

The moment you start consuming fish again on a regular basis or just take in fish oil capsules, the body produces those enzymes and you eliminate the burps in no time.

A period of 3 to 4 days is you need to begin noticing changes. This is the stage where you have to "get over it and take it anyway".

Unfortunately there are some people who have a pre-existing condition that would not allow them to produce the said enzymes. Nothing to fear as it is not something that is life-threatening, just inconvenient for them though.

Fortunately, the future is bright for these people, with the use of the "freezer" method. The method is very easy and works well for anybody who tried it.

Freeze the capsule and take it before sleeping. Place the bottle in a place where you will be reminded to take your pill so you will remember it.

You have the option to continuously look for burpless fish oil fish, but be warned that you will not be assured to get great fish oil benefits, and as you keep searching, your health suffers.

Outstanding health benefits but burpless may be an impossible combination. You can use mints to relieve you of the after-taste as you start drinking good quality fish oil capsules. There is no need to worry though.

In just a couple of days, you will be burpless and feeling great! - 17269

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Information about omega 3 has never been this easy to understand! Get more free information by going to this website on fish oil.

Get Sexy Fast With No Nonsense Muscle Building

By Westy

No Nonsense Muscle Building will help you to turn your skinny body into a sexy well muscled body in no time at all. The principles that are shown in this program by Vince Delmonte, will work toward helping you reach your goals if you follow the guidelines exactly. There will be no question in your mind about where Vince stands on excuses. From the very first page you will find out that the only obstacle that has prevented you from having the body that you want is you.

He believes in doing away with negativity and following reality, by this he means that you can follow a strict routine and shape up your body. If you can follow his program and execute it meticulously, you will surely succeed. Vince has a clear perspective of a "fitness model physique", he abhors the "body builder types", in fact, and Vince happens to be a competitor of fitness model physique and is highly successful. He indulges in certain training programs like flexibility, endurance and also muscular balance, which are completely overlooked in other similar training programs.

One thing you need to remember is the focus of the program lies on adding muscles to those skeletal-like bodies. Vince brings to you the best approach to develop great muscles; he emphasizes on it and says "The Skinny Guy's Secrets to Insane Muscle Gain." Vince would love to see you free from excuses and heading for some great work. Once he is convinced, he'll put you through his work out methods based on the 9 principles of growth. Every trainer has to abide by these basic rules, missing out on one will not produce the best results.

When the goal of your program is a massive amount of gain, you will have to follow the methods and techniques that are presented in the program. Explanations will help you to understand why you are using the techniques and methods. This is important if you are to fully understand the program. It is written very clearly so that you will have no problem understanding the information that is contained.

Vince has dedicated two chapters of the book to recovery and hormones. He says that proper rest is very essential for the body to build up your strength. Hormones play a major role in developing muscle mass, Vince has made it an important element, and his diets and trainings are aimed at increasing the hormones that help in muscle building. Life isn't that easy with Vince as your trainer, he just won't settle down for a gym session. He prefers cyclic periodization program, followed by a change in sets and the reps that can avoid adaptation and trigger the muscle fibers.

You might find the program to be a little complicated in the beginning. When you get past this part of the program it becomes easier and easier. The members part of the program will help you to get past this part of the program. It will answer all of the questions that you might have in the beginning. A calendar is included so that you can schedule your workouts and make sure that you stay on track. The exercises are completely described and animated so that you have a very clear picture of how to use the exercises properly.

This enables you to have a clear picture of what you need to do and what are you goals. The training program demands a gym session for 3 weeks including extreme workouts for the full-body, quick and intense. Programs are individualized and that allows you to understand your performance and the need for an improvement. Vince also emphasizes on the methods of training being used for an individual; whether it suits the person or not, whether a lighter exercise would be better for the person, such issues are taken care of.

Flexibility training (stretching done to increase your body's flexibility from the very first day), lessening muscle imbalances (maintaining an even balance between the strong and the weak parts of your body) and specialty workouts are a part of Vince is training section. You start with the weight training and proceed towards some of the modern techniques of maintaining your body.

Vince teaches you how to listen to your body and follow the program that will work for your bodybuilding workout. The trainer must learn how to use the methods that will work for your body. When methods are used that will work for your particular needs you will have a much better physique in the end. - 17269

About the Author:

Westy's Workouts provides you with the best natural bodybuilding and weight lifting advice on the internet. Find Building Muscle Program to GET BIG FAST at WestysWorkouts.com. Your SIZE depends on it!

Natural Cures For Thyroid Problems

By Michael Novack

Thyroid health is a concern for nearly 11,000,000 Americans. When the thyroid is healthy, then your overall body is likely healthy as the thyroid is responsible for maintaining your metabolism, weight, and cholesterol levels. It does this by producing thyroid hormone which regulates the various needs of your body. Many people fail to realize the thyroid's major role in maintaining their overall health and how easily this can be accomplished with natural cures for thyroid problems.

What is a thyroid? The thyroid is a gland that's part of the endocrine system. It is responsible for regulating several body functions such as heart rate (pulse), blood pressure, body temperature (basal temperture), and converting food into energy (metabolism). Hormones produced by the thyroid are essential for the function of every cell in the body. These hormones are responsible for the regulation of growth and metabolism in the body. Thyroid hormones also help children grow and develop.

Natural cures for thyroid problems are often taken as supplements. These thyroid supplements are available in two forms: whole-natural or synthetic. For most thyroid sufferers, it is better to use whole-natural cures for thyroid problems for several reasons.

First, synthetic (also known as man-made) supplements typically only have one of the necessary thyroid hormones (typically T3 or T4). In contrast, whole-natural supplements will have a broader range of hormones (as much as T1, T2, T3, and T4).

Secondly, synthetic supplements have inconsistencies in their dosage whereas natural supplements are consistent because they're made by nature herself.

And third, when costs involving synthetic supplements are factored in (the doctor visit, insurance co-pay, prescription costs, etc), natural cures for thyroid problems just cost less.

So three great perks for natural cures for thyroid problems:

* Natural supplements have a broader range of necessary hormones.

* Natural supplements are more consistent in their dosages.

* Natural supplements have a lower cost. - 17269

About the Author:

Thyroid problems should not exist. You can learn more about thyroid health topics such as natural cures for thyroid problems at The Pure Cure. You can also find information other thyroid-related issues including Bipolar thyroid disease.