Anthony F. Clement

Elliptical Trainer Buying Guide

Uncategorized

An elliptical trainer is a machine commonly used in the gym. In recent years it is regarded as the fastest growing fitness category. It offers low-impact cardio-workout aimed at stimulating running, but the machine works by decreasing the impact. It is made up of a combination of cross country, running, stair climbing, and skiing in the low impact workout category.

The elliptical trainer is made in a manner that the motion coming from it helps to protect your joints from damage, including the hip joint, knee joint, and other lower body damages. The machine makes workouts exciting and fun hence making it the best choice for the gym. Precor first introduced the device in the year 1995 alongside Elliptical Fitness Cross trainer. 

Purchasing a gym elliptical trainer can be challenging, given that multiple options are available. The machines range from the simple version, which is used for an aerobic workout, to the beefy models that can be used to provide high-intensity exercise. Therefore, before buying an elliptical trainer, you need to research the available options to find the one that meets your needs and expectations. 

Factors to Consider when Purchasing Your Elliptical Machine

1. Budget

Money is the determinant factor of which elliptic trainer you can buy. The prices differ depending on the category of the machine and its features. Prices usually range between $200 to $5000. You can find a cheap elliptic trainer in the stores, but it won’t last for long. Always prefer buying long-lasting and quality models even if they are expensive. 

Additionally, you need to consider your specific workout needs and body type. If you have a small body, you can purchase a short elliptic trainer, as it can be sufficient for you. Contrary if you have a big body then you will need to purchase a large machine. 

2. Ergonomics

The trainer is different from a treadmill that allows you to move freely, and it guides all your movements. You must consider how comfortable you will be when using the elliptical machine you will purchase. It should allow you to maintain an upright posture when you are holding its handles. Further, it should enable you to move the handgrips quickly. 

Also, it should allow you to move the elliptical path with ease. You should also consider the distance between the pedals. Ensure that the frame parts do not constrain the movement of your shoulders, arms, or knees. 

3. Workout Space

An elliptical trainer can take some space in your gym, so when buying, ensure that you have enough space for the machine. The machine can be between four and seven feet by length. In addition to that, you will need some extra space to move the pedals. Further, consider the height of your ceiling if you will put the machine in the basement. Ensure that the height allows you to exercise freely without hitting your head. 

4. Programs

Having a fixed and regular exercise program makes your workout varied and exciting, thereby getting to the machine more frequently. Ensure that the elliptical you purchase enables you to do your favorite workouts. The programs can be manual, hill climb, random, target heart rate, and long slow distance. You should ensure that the machine will allow you to set and install custom programs.

5. Technological Features 

Technological advancements are changing every phase of tools and equipment used by human beings. Gym equipment is becoming more connected to the internet like cloud computing aimed at tracking your workouts and access the library of your exercise programs. Consider purchasing a product that is technologically advanced, having features like browsers and wireless connectivity. This will help you monitor your exercise program easily.

6. Intensity of Exercise

Elliptical trainers have variable resistance. Ensure that the elliptical you purchase allows you to set the lowest resistance, like 75 percent of the highest setting. Through this feature, the elliptical trainer will give you room to grow and change resistance whenever you notice any incremental change. Check whether it has an adjustable incliner. 

7. Size

On average, the elliptical trainer should be 2.5 feet wide and 6 feet long , and the length should be between 50 and 84 inches. You should always take note that during operation, the pedals usually extend beyond the machine’s length. Your body also becomes elevated; therefore, make your space high. If you don’t have enough space for a full size machine, take a look at some folding options here: https://www.bodyscienceusa.com/best-folding-elliptical-trainer/

8. Delivery

Most stores offer after-sales-service, which includes free delivery. Most elliptical trainers are big and heavy and need to be delivered to your house. Before buying, ask whether delivery is part of the offer and that the service cost is not free. If you buy your elliptical trainer online, be sure to inquire about shipping and return fees. You should buy your elliptical from a company that offers delivery services. 

9. Warranty

Always when purchasing any type of electronic appliance, ask about the warranty. When buying an elliptical machine, ensure that it has a warranty of about three to seven years.

10. Return Policy

When buying an elliptical machine, inquire about the return policy to determine the amount charged to return the machine if it did not meet your needs. 

Elliptical Trainer Designs

There are three styles, and they include the following:

1. Rear-Drive Elliptical Machine

In this design, the small wheel housing is situated behind the pedals making this the most extended style. The machine has its pedals on track-and-roller, which allows the machine to incline easily. This design allows you to use a suspended arm system, and it offers the smoothest workout because of its comfortable design. 

2. Front-Drive Elliptical Machine

The design has a large wheel housing located at the front of the machine. This style of elliptical machines tends to be cheap; however, they can be noisy when in operation. It is easy and convenient to use. 

3. Center-Drive Elliptical Trainer

This design resembles the treadmill but has its pedals located at its track. The style allows for gentle workouts. Further, it is regarded as the most compact style; however, it is tedious to reach the pedal when using the machine.

Essential Features of Elliptical Machine

1. Adjustable Incline

This feature allows you to adjust the ramps of the machine, aiming to add exercise intensity. Some elliptical machines have manual while others have automatic adjustments of the incliner.

2. Natural Movement  

Before purchasing one, take your time to try multiple machines if they have natural movement. Take your time to exercise on it before buying it. The machine should allow you to move quickly without stress, and it should allow you to exercise in a neutral position. 

3. Adjustable Resistance

At least all elliptical machines provide adjustable resistance alongside other benefits to you. The adjustable resistance should be comfortable at the lowest setting, 75%, and allow noticeable changes at every level of adjustment. This feature will allow you to go as far as you endure. When buying the machine, take around 20 minutes to try out multiple devices and the reliability of their adjustable resistance.

4. Elliptical Motion

You should always consider if the machine allows for smooth elliptical motion. This motion offers a reasonable simulation to running and walking without any impact. The essential thing to check out is to feel the action. Buy a machine that allows you to exercise easily with significant elliptical movement in all directions. 

5. Length of Strides

Many machines have a varied range for strides. Others offer up to 14 inches, which would be short for you. In this case, consider buying an elliptic machine with a long stride, for instance, 21 inches. You can also choose to purchase a machine with adjustable strides as it will be easy for you to adjust to your preferred stride length. 

6. Motions

These trainers have to allow you to move forward and backward with ease. They have the ability also to move forward and back to challenge the workout. Ensure that a machine you buy allows for both forward and reverse motions to reduce injuries during your exercise time. 

7. The motion of the Upper Body

Other ellipticals are equipped with upper body levers that allow for upper body workouts. If you need to strengthen your upper body, buy a machine with upper body levers. However, when you such a machine, you must ensure that both upper and lower body motions are intuitive and comfortable. 

8. Electronic Features

Most machines are equipped with extra features to attract customers to buy. Such features include interactivity and display of calories burned over a specified period when buying an elliptical trainer ensure that you have the skills to use such feature. 

9. Quiet Use and Operation

When buying an elliptical machine, consider how smooth does it operate. Purchasing a cheap machine might lead to you buying a noisy machine. Always consider buying a smooth and quiet machine. 

Anthony F. Clement

The health dangers of office work.

Uncategorized, Wellness

There are several dangers of working in an office as compared to working in other areas. Working in an office seems like a straightforward task, but it is not. Many people do not know the dangers of working in an office. Most of the youth and adults prefer working in an office than working in other areas that involve frequent walking to different places. Many people choose office jobs because they think they are comfortable as they seem. Therefore in this article, we are going to look at the health dangers of office work. Some of those dangers are such as:

Toxic air causes clogging of your lungs

Research indicates that the air found in an open office is 100 times dirtier as compared to the air outside that office. Therefore this creates dangerous health effects due to inhaling dirty air around. As comparing the air that a person working in an open field breath and the air for a person in an open office. Due to the presence of several people in the same room, the air inside gets dirt faster due to limited air in the office. Also, the air conditioner installed in these offices can still supply dirty air in the room. That causes clogging of the lungs.

Too much sitting in one place can reduce years of your life.

In an office job, an employee spends most of his time seated. Sitting in a particular place for a long time can minimize the number of days one lives in this world. Thus it is essential to ensure you avoid sitting for several hours in an office to avoid things like muscular skeletal disorder, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and more. There are very high chances of getting diseases such as obesity because one is always sited in one place and hence no time for exercises to help in burning calories. Therefore always ensure you do not sit for very long hours in an office to avoid such diseases.

Leads your body to constant stressful states.

Since most of the office jobs require one to report early and leave in the evening, most of the people working in offices find them skipping several breakfasts to rush in their jobs before getting late. The skipping of the breakfasts frequently makes you forget the essential morning meals. By doing this for a more extended period, your body will be subjected to stressful state all the time due to disruption in the body’s metabolism. Research indicates that people who always skip their breakfast have high chances of getting some diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and many more. Therefore always ensure you wake up early enough to have a quiet time having your breakfast before leaving for the job.

Fast food is not suitable for your health.

Most of the people who eat fast foods in hotels and restaurant for lunch are the people working in offices. That happens because the time for eating lunch is limited to about two hours and therefore one does not have enough time to go and prepare another meal. Most of the office workers, therefore, prefer eating fast foods to save time. Most of these fast foods have adverse effects on our bodies, and hence, they make one prone to heart diseases due to a high content of oxidized fat. Therefore it is crucial to ensure you avoid fast foods.

Some office equipment leads to lung cancer.

Research has shown that some equipment such as photocopiers and printers are hazardous to health because they can cause lung cancer. When this equipment is overused, they can have very adverse effects on body health. The laser printers are known to produce /release some toxic particles that get directs to the bloodstream and lungs. Therefore ensure you always avoid using such office equipment to avoid their effects.

Using a computer for a long time is harmful to your vision.

Most of the office jobs have computers that make work easier. Apart from making the work easier, the computers are known to harm one’s vision when one stares at the computer for a long time. That causes your vision to develop problems due to excess light from the monitor. Therefore it is recommended to ensure you reduce the screen brightness when working with computers to avoid the effect on eyes.
Therefore by considering the above-discussed health dangers of office work, it is clear that one need s to know some of the discussed dangers before choosing an office job. By knowing those facts, you will be able to know the best things to do when working in an office.
Thank you.

Anthony F. Clement

What is Functional Medicine?

Funtional Medicine, Uncategorized

Before we may jump into the real concept here, what comes to your mind when you hear about Functional medicine? Does the term make you feel as if it is the only working kind of medical practice or how exactly do you understand it? Well, what we know is that you must be having lots of questions which is why we’ve come up with this kind of analysis. First of all, we’re going to answer the main question which is, “what is functional medicine?” Thereafter, we shall give you an in-depth explanation of the main difference between functional and conventional medicine.

So, What Really Does Functional Medicine Entail?

Functional medicine is the type of treatment which focuses mainly on the fundamental causes of a particular disease rather than its symptoms. In this case, the medical practitioner works in close association with the patient so that he or she may single out the root causes of the infection and then design a specific treatment plan for the individual. Some of the key factors that are considered in functional medicine include the environmental interactions, genetic makeup, endocrine, lifestyle and one’s immune system among others.

Simple Understanding Functional Medicine

The best example we have always used in explaining the meaning of functional medicine is by using plants. Most fruits, for example, suffer from a disease known as Blossom end rot – which usually results in the premature falling of the fruits. Blossom-end-rot results from insufficient amounts of calcium in the soil.

Therefore, if functional medicine were to be applied in this case, then it would have considered examining the soil and never the actual fruits nor even the blossoms. Yes, there could be a remedy to strengthen the blossoms so that the fruits don’t fall, but unfortunately – this kind of treatment would just be a temporary one.

Another very simple example would be spraying insect-infested farmland with pesticides without finding out where the pests had come from. Functional medicine would look into the matter really so differently – perhaps, by starting to clear the bushes adjacent to the garden plus considering some other relevant factors. We hope these two examples make it a bit straightforward to understand.

Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine

• The first main difference between the two is that conventional medicine uses symptoms to diagnose a disease after which the relevant treatment is recommended. On the other hand, functional medicine gets down to the root cause of given diseases and launches a more comprehensive approach towards designing a treatment plan.

• In conventional medicine, the treatment for a particular infection is the same for all individuals while for conventional, each treatment plan is individual specific even for the same diseases.

• In conventional medicine, the entire treatment process is fully controlled by the practitioner while for functional medicine – the practitioner in charge works in association with the patient in determining the causes and, thereafter, suggesting the best treatment plan.


What Kind of Patients should go for Functional Medicine?

i. Those with skin diseases

ii. People who are suffering from hormonal imbalances

iii. People with digestion related problems

iv. Individuals suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and heart-related complications.

You can find a more in-depth comparison in our article functional medicine vs traditional medicine

Are there Any Advantages of Functional Medicine?

Yes, there are! For instance, because it predicts a treatment plan based on the root causes of a given disease, functional medicine produces long term remedies for various health problems. Another notable benefit of this kind of medicine is the fact that it encourages the patients to work even much harder in ensuring that their wellbeing is achieved. This is always possible since the patients work together with medical practitioners.

Are there any drawbacks.

Well, despite having named some of the good things about functional medicine, we would also like to take you through a few of its disadvantages. Let’s have a quick look!

• It may not work so well in some cases as it involves a change in some behavioral activities. For example, most people would prefer taking a pill instead of having to let go of their daily diet – and this could easily result in laziness to follow their treatment plans.

• Its high level of complexity and the fact that the treatment takes a little longer period just turns off most patients.

However, no matter how great the benefits could seem, you need to note that what works well for your friend must not necessarily do wonders for you. Always take time to understand your body and yourself as a whole and you’ll never regret any move.

Anthony F. Clement

Top 10 Health Conditions Triggered By Excessive Stress

Uncategorized, Wellness

Many individuals especially the females suffer from stress in their daily lives primarily because of the hectic lifestyle led by them. Stress can be responsible for disabling the immune system of your bodies which can make us more vulnerable to the harmful bacteria and viruses in the environment. This can make us suffer from different types of illnesses over time. In this article, we will talk about some of the most significant stress-related health problems that we face nowadays.

1. Anxiety and Depression

Stress can lead to depressive disorders as well as anxiety. Recent studies have revealed the fact that stressful situations in the workplaces can increase the risk of developing depression by as much as 70-80%.

2. Insomnia

People become anxious and worried regarding their future, and this does not allow them to slumber properly at night. Many things in life like family problems, unemployment, and health conditions can rob individuals of their inner peace of mind and this can lead to insomnia if left unmanaged over time. It will be prudent to stay away from caffeinated beverages and consume a glass of milk prior to retiring to bed. Also, make it a point not to exercise at least 4 hours before sleeping and try to keep your bedroom free from any external sound distractions whatsoever.

3. Cardiac problems

Chronic stress can lead to the increment of triglycerides and cholesterol in our bloodstream although the exact reasons for this are not yet known. This can result in the development of heart problems in the long run, and in some cases, individuals have also suffered cardiac arrests. It is imperative for folks having heart ailments to avoid stressful situations at any cost.

4. Panic attacks

People struggling with stress also tend to suffer from panic attacks and anxiety. Any stressful condition can make them feel nervous and this is typically manifested in the form of panic attacks. In case one is experiencing these types of attacks from time to time, it will be a smart idea to consult an experienced medical practitioner.

5. Eating disorders

People tend to go for sugary items or any tasty snack whenever they suffer from anxiety. This eating pattern has been observed in numerous men out there and you are probably no exception to that as well. Although your blood glucose levels will increase rapidly, it will drop soon afterward making you feel uneasy and uncomfortable. If you are not able to avoid munching during a stressful condition, make sure to ingest stuff like light butter popcorn or crisp veggies. Fiber will help you to feel full and will keep you healthy as well. Never try to eat any sugary candy or anything similar to that. A balanced diet will aid in keeping you calm at all times including even stressful situations.

6. Circulatory issues

While experiencing stress, there might be a reduction in the circulation of blood within our system due to the fact that the veins and arteries might get tightened up during the process. This can result in issues such as blood clots and, on some occasions, even stroke. Although you will get better outcomes by consulting a physician, a warm bath or any type of mental relaxation therapy will give you short-term relief as well.

7. Diabetes

Diabetics often suffer from uncontrolled elevation in blood sugar levels due to stressful conditions. It is imperative for people having high blood sugar to keep their blood glucose within a certain limit. However, excessive stress can be responsible for the blood sugar levels to soar up beyond limit. As a result, it is important for those folks suffering from diabetes to check their blood sugar levels on a regular basis especially if they are experiencing stress.

8. Gastrointestinal problems

People struggling with GI issues might suffer from digestive problems and this can become aggravated in the course of time. Conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are quite common in such cases. It has been revealed by research that avoiding stress can aid in controlling these chronic issues to a great extent.

9. Asthma

Stress can cause asthma as well and people suffering from stress tend to develop this condition at a quicker rate as compared to those who aren’t.

10. Aging at a faster rate

It has been found by studies that stress can accelerate the aging process significantly. In one study, the DNAs of some women who were looking after chronically ill children and subjected to stressful conditions were tested. Tests revealed the fact that signs of rapid aging were demonstrated by a specific area of the chromosomes of those women. As a matter of fact, aging can be accelerated by as many as 9 to 16 years because of excessive stress.

If you learn about the best way to deal with these issues, please check our article on functional medicine

Anthony F. Clement

Traditional Medicine vs Functional Medicine

Funtional Medicine, Uncategorized

The dichotomy between common medicine and functional medicine will give a better picture of what each of them does. The analysis would help to choose the better one notwithstanding their objective is to make people feel better in a health condition. We’ll discuss here briefly the comparison common medicine vs Functional medicine.

Traditional or Modern Medicine

Traditional medicine encompasses medical doctors psychologists, physical therapists, nurses, and other health care professionals. Common medical care is also known as standard medical care.

In this approach, the treatment is done using drugs, and radiation. The modern allopathic medicine comprises mainstream medicine, biomedicine, and western medicine. The approaches used in common medicine are nothing but the conventional methods developed over the last couple of hundred years.

Functional medicine

In Functional medicine system of healthcare, there is a singular focus on the underlying cause of the ailment. According to the system, each of the symptoms diagnosed may have several contributing factors that cause illness in individuals.

This approach focuses on an overall approach to total wellness. Under the system may find multiple causes for a health condition. The underlying concept of functional medicine is that each of the causes symptoms and conditions is an overall impact of many causative factors including lifestyle, genes, and environment.

Comparing Traditional medicine to Functional medicine

1. The approach followed by Functional medicine involves an investigation into the causative factors. It takes into account the symptoms and analyses the underlying causes of the problem. This leads to clarity and the right remedial approach could be adopted.

On the other hand, symptoms, and factors that play in their investigation a significant role in common medicine. It does not, however, address the root cause of the symptoms.

2. Functional medicine takes a comprehensive approach to the problem and recognizes the importance of the relationship between health and disease.

The traditional medicine system visualizes the body as a bundle of distinct parts for which there is a different set of people medicine specialists, pediatrician, urologists, cardiologists, and so forth.

3. When it comes to safety, Functional medicine causes little or no side effect. The side effects, if any, are mild and subside soon.

In traditional medicine, symptoms are likely to cause side effects and complication that need separate treatment.

4. In Functional medicine, all the attention is on the patient. It makes the patient feel good and not the disease. Treatment for each patient is unique according to the individual patient’s need.

In Common medicine approach, the disease is made to leave the patient.

In Common medicine system, the disease is driven away by the approach at the cost of the ease for the patient. If there are two or more patients with the same disease, they’re given the same treatment without taking account the needs, and consequence of the treatment done.

5. Traditional medicine approach ignores the apprehensions, opinion, and the patient is allowed to play little role in the treatment approach.

Functional medicine approach takes into account the sensibilities of the patient. The patient is given the due liberty for their opinion and encourages them to get educated and informed. This encourages the patient to play an active role in the healing process.

6. Common medicine system bases its treatment approach solely on medications, surgery even though they are proven not safe.

Functional medicine involves a combination of the best methods of modern and traditional approaches. It emphasizes the diet and lifestyle of the patient.

7. common medicine system makes a palliative approach of treatment for the condition. All the tests, treatments aim to save the patient from death and serious illness without addressing the causative factors.

Functional medicine approaches an illness with tests such that it results in the normal healthy function of the body and improves life quality.

8. The common Medicine system focusing on the disease once it reaches an irreversible state.

On the other hand, Functional medicine adopts a preventive approach.

10. Traditional medicine is based on the pharmaceutical and insurance companies that are motivated by profits.

Functional medicine takes into consideration the research and breakthrough and follows them in true letter and spirit. It does not get influenced by business or political interest groups. All this is good in the interest of the patient and all others

Conclusion

As the comparison Common medicine vs Functional medicine, goes on, Functional medicine goes with a realistic approach. It takes into account the uniqueness of each patient and modifies the treatment accordingly. Further, it also advises for the right quality diet along with different methodology as required. This only helps in accelerating the healing process reverse the disease ultimately.

Anthony F. Clement

Do Workout Clothes Matter?

Uncategorized

I used to believe that workout clothes were for people who just wanted to look like they are working out. Not for people that actually work out, because those are too busy getting strong.

Well, I have to readjust my ideas on that.

It seems that work-out clothes can actually be helpful. I recently tried a set of compression pants, and that turned into my best set ever. What seems like just a little bit of pressure on the legs, actually improves performance by a massive margin.

But does it make sense to use something to make training lighter?

I have always tried to make my exercises as hard as I possibly can. Every time I found myself making it lighter, I would readjust and go for the best form, slowest and deepest reps. And wearing performance enhancing clothes doesn’t really fit with that.

But another training philosophy says; you need to train at the level that you want to perform.

And then it actually makes sense to use them.

So the verdict is still not out. But we are testing it.