7 best exercises that will make you look and feel like a man

Walk into any commercial gym today and you’ll see the same thing over and over… overweight guy walks on the treadmill for 5 minutes, then hits the fly machine for a few sets, then he grabs the curl bar, stares into the mirror, and cranks out 3 sets of bicep curls. When he’s done with that, he grabs a squishy mat and does crunches for 10 minutes (all while checking out the cute chick on the elliptical). If this sounds like you, you’re in for a rude awakening…
Let’s think about this logically for a second. Hundreds of years ago we got exercise from sprinting through the woods and tracking down big game with a spear; now we’re sitting on a chromed out machine doing flys and calling it a workout? It’s time to ditch the BS and focus on compound muscle exercises that will jack your testosterone, help you look great, and make you feel like a real man.
Here are the 7 best exercises that will make you look and feel like a man:

Deadlifts

What’s more manly than grabbing a bar with as much weight on it as you can possibly lift and ripping it off of the ground? The deadlift requires true max effort, demanding all of your focus and strength. Not only that, but the deadlift is the surest path to a powerful and strong appearance. This results from its emphasis on the glutes, legs, and back while being the best overall body developer in your fitness arsenal. Learn how to deadlift!

Squat

As men, we sometimes feel as if the weight of the world is on our shoulders. Well, get used to bearing some weight by stepping under the squat bar! The squat will give you legs that are pillars of strength and a torso that is rock solid. So make like Atlas and squat big! If you avoid squats because you’re an “upperbody only” type guy, then it’s time to reevaluate your workout and make a serious change. Squatting heavy and deep will make you look and feel like a warrior.

Push Press/Shoulder Press

If pulling as much weight as possible off of the ground with the deadlift is the exercise that makes you feel most manly, then pushing as much weight as you can overhead is a close second. The bench press is given far too much credit. I struggle to think of a scenario in life where we are we caught with our back braced to the floor and a heavy weight extended towards the ceiling. However, the functionality of pushing weight overhead from a standing position is undeniable. Need to put that heavy box in your attic? Or help lift your buddy over a high fence when it’s time to escape and evade? The push press will help you move heavy objects to high places and give you the round, broad shoulders that make women swoon.

Sled Drag

With a rope, chain, or nylon strap, hook yourself up to a shoulder harness or belt connected to a heavy object like a tire or weighted sled. Now lean forward, start stepping, and pull! Not only will your legs be pushed to the maximum, your heart and lungs will crank at top speed. Enjoy the heart pounding sensation and know that you are training like a real man.

Sledge Hammer Drills

Manual labor is well, manly. And in modern society’s sea of white collars and cubicles, it pays to create some physical work when your paycheck doesn’t require it. Repeatedly slam the sledge hammer with all of your might into an old tire or some soft earth. Your back, shoulders, midsection, and forearms will benefit and sledge hammer drills are great for stress relief.

Sandbag Clean

Another throw back to manual labor, the sandbag clean is a great exercise for overall physical development a well as grip strength. If your sandbag has handles, don’t use them. Just grip the bag by the cloth and work on developing some man-hands. Strong grip = Strong man.

Weighted Pull-Ups

I’d love it if the common gym question of “How much can you bench?” was replaced by “How many pull-ups can you do?” The problem is that most guys cheat the pull-up by failing to fully extend their arms at the bottom or get their chin above the bar at the top. If you can knock out 10 honest pull ups, try adding some weight. You can use a weight belt and hang some plates from it, pinch a dumbbell between your ankles, wear a weighted vest or back back, or put your wife or girlfriend on your back if you’re (and they’re) up to it. Adding weight to the pull-up will help add width to the back and give you the tapered V-shaped look.

Take a look at this great muscle building program.

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How to get thinner thighs

The Figure Method For Thinner Thighs Oh, those exclusive thin thighs! What we all wouldn't do to have them! Cindy Sites, founder of The Figure Method and owner of Go Figure Fitness Studios, says it’s time to put away the Spanx and put her six best thigh-thinning moves into practice. Yes, you can have enviable ballerina legs – no equipment required. Here’s how. Go Figure Cindy Sites has heard request after request from her clients looking for long, lean dancer's legs. The classically trained ballerina and former Lotte Berk instructor founded Go Figure and The Figure Method 10 years ago to give clients an effective and fun workout that doesn't require heavy weights or equipment. The Figure Method is a unique hybrid of yoga, Pilates, isometric exercises and classical ballet that tones, strengthens, tightens and lifts. The secret to thinner thighs Get off the abductor and adductor machines and use your own body weight to achieve leaner legs. The secret to thinner thighs, according to Sites, is a three-dimensional approach to your lower body movements. "I view thighs from three directions: front (quadriceps), rear (hamstrings) and outer (gluteus minimus -- that pretty little hollow in the outer seat area)," says the fitness expert. "In order to develop beautifully toned thighs in 3D, I recommend the five leg exercises below, ending with a luxurious stretch to elongate the muscles you've just worked and say hello to beautiful, lengthened thighs!" 6 Moves to thinner thighs Forward leg lift This move, a variation on the ballet battement, tones quadriceps (front of the upper leg) and adductors, which make up the inner thigh area and are one of the weakest muscle groups in a woman's body. The forward leg lift creates muscles that are toned and lengthened, not big and bulky. Start position: Stand with your back against the ballet barre or chair, stairway bannister, kitchen counter -- basically anywhere you can find balance. Movement: Extend one leg and lift and lower in a challenging range of motion, toes pointed, 20 times. Flex the foot and do 20 more reps. Switch to the opposite leg and repeat. Reverse leg lift (also known as ballet arabesque) The reverse leg lift uses the same principle as the forward leg lift, but works the glutes and hamstrings (the back of the upper leg). While doing this exercise, you should feel a contraction in the entire back of the leg, from the glute to the ankle. Start position: Stand next to the ballet barre, chair or other point of balance, holding lightly with your right hand. Movement: Bend your left knee slightly and raise the right leg in a challenging range of motion, toes pointed, 20 times. Flex the foot, and do 20 more reps. Switch sides and repeat with the left leg. Ballet first position (also called plié) The plié is arguably the most famous ballet position for a reason: it's a fantastic workout for the entire leg, targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings and glute muscles. Start position: Squat, heels lifted and touching, knees spread to create a diamond shape between your heels and your pelvis. Movement: Lift up and down one inch, never moving your rear below your knees. Repeat 20 times. Break for a moment and repeat. Note: Those with knee sensitivity should opt out of first position and proceed to second position. Ballet second position (also a plié) This variation on the plié is a very effective total leg workout. Make sure your heels are lifted (ballet term: relevé) the entire time to feel the full effect. Start position: Squat with knees facing out, facing your barre or point of balance. Lift your heels and adjust your position until you feel that your leg muscles are fully engaged. Movement: Hold the position for 60 seconds; or lift yourself up one inch, down one inch, never moving your rear below your knees. Repeat 20 times. Break for a moment and repeat. Hamstring press (called a ballet attitude position) This move is excellent for toning and strengthening the back of the thighs (hamstrings). Start position: Stand with arms lifted in front of you, one knee slightly bent and the other leg behind you at a 90 degree angle. Movement: With your toes pointed, lower the leg so that your toe touches the floor, then come back to the 90 degree angle. Repeat 20 times. Break momentarily and repeat 20 more times, with your foot flexed. Then repeat on the opposite leg. Runner's lunge After contracting the thigh muscles with the above exercises, it's important to give yourself a great stretch to lengthen the muscle. This position stretches out the back of the leg and thigh and is a perfect way to end a rigorous workout. Stretch: With your right leg at a 90 degree angle and right foot firmly planted, extend the left leg behind you, being sure to keep your left heel lifted. Fold your arms into a prayer position and hold. Repeat on the opposite leg. Click here for more information on how to get thinner thighs   Source

How to reduce breast size naturally

Your body is very precious and you need to take care of it. Every men and women needs to be careful about their body weight and health as a whole. Especially women who have bad proportion breast size.

 These women are wondering on how to reduce breast size naturally. It is better if it is done naturally and not take some reducing pills.

There are various ways on how to reduce breast size naturally so that a woman may have great breasts. Here are two of them and you need to follow these to have wonderful breast:
 

The first step on how to reduce breast size naturally is by eating the right kind of food. Eat more fruits and vegetables for these have the natural substances that will take away fats in our bodies. Eating them regularly will surely help in keeping the right size of a woman’s breast and body too. Drink lots of fruits juices for this will keep your body fit and healthy. Eating more vegetables will also keep your body healthy. This is because fruits and vegetables are alkaline foods that are great for your body and mind too.

The second step is to exercise daily. The best exercise for reducing fats in your breast, arms and forearms is by putting your arms out and back for an hour or so. Another exercise is by putting your arms up and down too for another hour. This will certainly keep your veins alive and burn the fats in your breast as well in your arms. Running and walking daily in the morning for an hour will surely burn fats all around your body. This will burn fats in your breast also. It will help in reducing your breast size to the normal level.

For more information on how to reduce breast size naturally click here
 

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The perfect golf swing

How To Achieve A Perfect Golf Swing

Getting that perfect golf swing is a dream for many golf players, whether you aspire to be a professional player or just beat your friends and lower your score. But, getting that swing takes a lot of practice. While you could keep swinging away on the golf course for hours and hours, that really isn’t effective. You have to know how to hold the club, where to practice and how to make the proper stance. These may all seem basic, but it’s the basics that really lead to better swings.
The Perfect Grip
For the perfect golf swing you need the perfect grip. When you hold the golf club, or any other stick-like apparatus, it only seems natural to hold it in your palm. The palm is able to absorb shock when you hit the ball, and it tends to give you more stability. However, this is not the proper grip. Holding the golf club in your palm actually slows down your swing, thus slowing down the ball.
Instead, grip the club in your fingers. Try to use the palm as little as possible. This will take some practice, especially if you are really inclined to hold the club in your palm. You also need a firm grip, because you might let the club swing out of your fingers. Be sure to spend some time on the course getting the grip right.
The Perfect Stance
Getting the stance right is just as important as getting the grip right. If you are standing at an angle or if your feet are not properly positioned, then you are going to swing improperly. Most golf players naturally have their feet parallel, and this is actually what you want to do. But, most players don’t know how to perfect this stance.
First, make sure you are comfortable. If your feet are too wide or narrow, then you are going to mess up the shot. Also make sure that your body is completely lined up with where you want the ball to go. Take a few practice swings and see if your body is lined up with the angle you want the ball to go. If not, then line yourself up until everything feels perfect.
The Perfect Swing
Many players put too much effort in the back swing, using up energy and actually messing up their stance. The back swing should be both comfortable and slow. Think of placing the cub behind your back, not swinging it backwards. Also make sure that when you swing, you swing only your upper body, as this gives you power.
When you go for the downswing, make sure you really tense your muscles and explode on the ball. This will give you that perfect swing you have been looking for.
Getting the perfect golf swing can be really tough, especially if you have been taught all the wrong techniques. Try these simple steps out and you should see your golf swing improve dramatically. It still takes some time and practice, but doing the right things will really help your score.

The Basics of Teeing Off…
Early Beginnings:
Golf is a game that employs the use of both the mental and physical capacity of an individual. Origins of the sport have been believed to have started as early as the first century BC from the Roman game of paganica. Most historians would argue though that modern golf has however been more prevalent around the fifteenth century in Scotland. There are many obvious debates as to the exact origins of the sport but nonetheless it is still widely enjoyed by many people. In the sport of golf equipment may be essential but having the proper skills is integral. Learning golf swing basics can help beginners easily improve their game.
Grip:
There are three basic types of grips used by golfers. The first one being the overlapping grip, the second is the ten finger grip and the last is known as the interlocking grip. While it is important to determine your grip it is not what makes or breaks a swing and lands you a hole in one. In general finding the right grip is necessary because the right one is what allows for a more comfortable swing of the golf club. The more comfortable a player is with their grip the likely it will result to a better swing.
Stance:
Posture , though common on a day to day basis varies from person to person. There is proper posture and improper posture. In the sport of golf posture is more relatively known as stance. A golfer’s stance contributes highly to the perfect swing and is essentially one of the golf swing basics that needs to be mastered. There are various golf clubs that can be used throughout the game of golf. Each one has its own specific purpose and with each club there are as well certain stances that must be understood in order to get the ball to the distance needed.
Backswing:
In order for a golfer to build power in their swing, one must masterfully learn the golf swing basics of a backswing. Aside from aiding the force in a golf player’s swing, the backswing is an important skill because having command of this knowledge increases the capability to control the club with each swing. Backswings require a smooth fluid motion. Even distribution of body weight is major factor in perfecting a backswing.
Downswing:
The combination of a player’s grip, stance and backswing brings about the downswing. Mastering all prior golf swing basics will result to downswing and thus will hopefully lead into a ball which is hit accurately and with the right amount of power. This power does not come from the force of the swing but should come from hitting the ball at the right spot. Accuracy is what leads to a powerful swing.
Follow-through:
Although not considered by most players of utmost importance , the follow-through is infact a good method of determining any needed swing improvements or adjustments. Unbalance or a rough swing is indicative that some golf swing basics need to be revisited.
Over time the mastery of each basic skill will eventually lead a golfer to develop his or her own golfing style. The key to any successful game is always practice.

Get the guide for The Simple Golf Swing here, great for beginners


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Lose weight on a budget

Budget living is on everyone's mind these days. The good news is, losing weight doesn't have to mean spending more money. In fact, as you make your waistline shrink, you may make your wallet fatter! Here are some easy ways to lose weight on a budget:

1. Eat at home more.

   The typical American spends hundreds of dollars a month eating out. You will do your budget and your waistline a big favor by eating at home more often. By the time you eat out a few times in a week, you will have spent enough money to buy the ingredients for multiple meals.
   What's that got to do with losing weight? When you prepare your own food, you are in complete control of preparation method, added fats, extra calories, and portion size. Plus, you won't try to "get your money's worth" by eating a too-large portion or making another trip to a buffet... not to mention that you can't be tempted by a dessert menu at home!  
   

2. Clip coupons.

   The best way to save money on groceries? Coupons! Been thinking of trying a new diet-friendly product? Manufacturers often give coupons to generate interest in them. Coupon-clipping for your everyday purchases can really add up, especially if you locate a store that doubles or triples coupons.
   I have started coupon-clipping almost religiously; in fact, I rarely buy anything that I don't have a coupon for unless it's a staple (e.g. produce, dairy, etc.). On a recent triple coupon day, I purchased $75 of items for less than $30!
   

3. Consider canned.

   Canned vegetables are just as nutritious as frozen ones and can be much more budget-friendly. Case in point: I recently found I could buy a large can of store brand whole kernel corn and get the same number of servings I'd been getting in my frozen single-serving multipack. The price difference? The can was on sale for 39 cents and the frozen multipack was $2.98. The flavor was a little different, but since I often use it in recipes, it is just fine.
    
   

4. Buy store brands.

   This may require a little trial and error; the quality of store brand products varies greatly. I have had the best luck with store brands of canned goods, frozen vegetables, and pasta. Store brand crackers and cookies have usually left me disappointed.
   Trying a food for the first time? Invest as little as possible by buying the smallest size instead of those tempting warehouse-size packages -- they aren't a better value if they sit in the pantry uneaten. Another lesson I've learned? Never buy multiples of a new product until you've tried it!

5. Try exercise videos for free at the library.

   I find new exercise videos and DVDs and diet books on almost every visit to the library. You can even request or reserve specific videos you're interested in. If you find you check out the same video several times, you know purchasing your own copy would be a wise investment.
    
   

6. Walk more!

   It's a great time to start walking. If you live close enough to walk to stores or errands, consider how much money you'll save on gas! Start out by walking about 10 minutes at a time (e.g., the nearest store and back) before trying an hour-long trek across the neighborhood!
   

7. Bulk up with beans.

   Beans are a cost-effective, low-fat, and nutritous way of adding additional protein and fiber to your meals, both of which will help you feel fuller longer to prevent overeating. Look for dishes that use beans as a main ingredient or add them to foods you already enjoy.

8. Snack smarter.

   Fight the afternoon munchies by taking your own snacks from home rather than hitting the vending machine. It's much more expensive to buy individual snacks from the machines than to portion out servings from full-size packages into zipper bags. And you can buy a six-pack of diet soda by the time you purchase two or three from the machine.
    

9. Tap into tap water.

   Invest in a water filter for your tap or refrigerator. Then, swear off those little bottles of water; when you're really penny-pinching, buying water is an added cost that is easy to trim.
   Buy a safe, reusable water container that you can fill up at home to take with you to work, or when you're exercising or running errands. You'll be doing right by your budget and you won't add more used plastic bottles to the earth. 
   

10. Prepare for portion control.

    Sure, those cute little "100 calorie packages" are handy and provide instant portion control. But if you're just as concerned about your bottom line as, well, the size of your bottom, they just aren't worth it!
    Instead, buy the full size of your favorite smart snacks when they're on sale. Then, read the food label to find out what a serving size is, and create your own instant-will-power packages by putting servings in reusable containers. You'll get many more servings for the price as compared to pre-packaged individual servings.

For a great diet solution CLICK HERE.

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Skinny Guy Muscle Building Tips

So you’re one of those people. I’m sure your metabolism is the envy for anyone reading this that is trying to lose some weight. You probably won’t get much sympathy here. But there are a few things that you should know!
First, nutrition is still important. Even though you can eat whatever you want without increasing your waistline, it doesn’t mean that unhealthy food options are any better for your body. I remember reading about autopsies being done on young American soldiers who had died in Iraq. Their veins looked like they belonged in 60-year-old cardiac arrest patients. In other words, nourish your body with healthy choices.
Second, it’s important to be realistic. If your nickname is “String Bean,” or “Tommy the Twink,” then you probably don’t have the genes to look like the Hulk. All of us are given different body types, and so it’s important to create expectations within the boundaries of what is possible. Instead of comparing ourselves to other people at the gym (who have a totally different set of genes) compare yourself to… yourself. You certainly can add bulk, but it will be to a different degree. It will be bulky for you, and that’s what matters.
Beyond paying special attention to your nutrition and being realistic, the recommendations for building bulk are the same for you as anyone else. You’ll need to:

1. Lift weights. If you want to get creative, try P90X for a serious workout.
2. Target a low number of repetitions (4-8 or 10 at most).
3. Be fully fatigued on your last rep.
4. Keep pushing yourself to progress to heavier levels of resistance or weights.
5. Fuel your body with enough calories.
6. Consume the right amount of protein.
7. Don’t overtrain – get rest!
8. Continue with moderate cardio. Don’t worry, it won’t burn off your muscle.

So the truth is, with a little effort and dedication, you’ll certainly be able to add some muscle to your frame. You might not look like Popeye, but you will see some fantastic results.
Hope that helps!

For more muscle gaining secrets CLICK HERE.

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