In the ongoing cell phone debate, there seems to be an absence of any accord on what, precisely, the damaging consequences of cell phone users might be. Regrettably, the alarming truth is that there is no concrete scientific evidence of the full degree of health risk caused by the onslaught of heavy cell phone usage. Many researchers claim the reason is because of the newness of all the latest consumer tech devices, it’s just too early to tell.

In spite of this assumption, there is one consumer group with long cell phone use that is starting to connect the dots. For example, a 35 year old investment banker was diagnosed five years ago with a brain tumor which was coincidentally behind his right ear, where he frequently used his cell phone. In fact, a number his colleagues have also been dealt the same bad news.

Studies Prevail

Of course, health professionals seem to have failed to spot the problem altogether. Ten to thirty years is the time it takes a brain tumor to form from exposure to any type of electromagnetic-radiation, counting cell phone radiation. However, well-known basketball star Lebron James, at the age of 24, had a benign-parotid tumor removed, but the cause is unknown. Even though unidentified, many believe the origin of the tumor was indeterminate radiation, making cell phone usage the likely cause.

In an extensively referred to study in 2008, parotid tumors have been associated with cell phone usage. The report consists of statistics that could frighten even hardcore cell users. For example, those who have used their cell phones frequently for five years have a higher possibility of developing a parotid-tumor by 34%. In fact, the more the cell phone usage, the higher the risk. In spite of this, studies by prestigious firms backed by the cell phone industry are expected to broadcast less chilling statistics. Even though they have been unable to come to an agreement.

Sweden started the ball rolling when they discovered a 420% increased incidence of brain cancer amongst individuals who began using cell or cordless phones as teenagers. Moreover, analog cell phones from the past were discovered to intensify cancer risks by a whopping 700%. Another well known health group has stated “Cancer is not the only side-effect of cell phone usage. DNA damage, perception, and infertility, are all possible outcomes.” In France, it is now illegal to market and design cell phones to under 18 year olds.

What Should You Do?

The debate of cell phone usage and its effects on humans is not over. But what should individuals do in the meantime? Here are a few tips suggested by the IEFC.

. Use cell phones as answering machines and keep them off when not in use
. Do not carry your cell phone close to your body
. Do not use your cell phone inside your vehicle or building due to stronger levels of radiation
. Rely on texting and landline hand-free methods more

Individuals have more technical equipment than NASA these days. Unfortunately, we may be on the verge of an epidemic that will have less to do with outer-space and more to do with lives right here on earth.

If there is anything to admire is his dedication. However, how he managed to get those humungous biceps is up for debate. Some critics claim that Moustafa’s world breaking biceps are nothing but injected Synthol, a combination of oils that was created by a German bodybuilder in the 1960s. Nonetheless, with an exercise regime of six hours per day, a diet consisting of several pounds of meat, several liters of protein shakes, and a few cups of almonds together with a day job pumping gas, Ismail is proof that making dreams come true requires hard work and maybe a bit of duplicity.

Previously, it was customary wisdom that “an individual would work-up an appetite” with an energetic exercise session. However, scientist have “flipped the script” so to speak, and stated that this theory no longer stands, at least not right after exercise. The latest research from BYU indicates that forty-five minutes of average to dynamic exercise during the morning hours essentially decreases an individual’s impetus for food.

Participants, mainly women, were analyzed as they viewed images of food following mornings with and without exercise. Researchers concluded that their attention span to images of food dwindled following an energetic workout. The study supplies proof that “exercise influences not only energy production, but it could also affect how individuals react to food signals,” stated Professor LeCheminant out of Brigham Young University.

Tests were carried out on 35 women separated into two groups, 18 average-weight women and 17 obese women, over a two day period. The first day consisted of women walking briskly on a treadmill for forty-five minutes. They were tested within an hour by having their brain waves calculated. An EEG machine, along with electrodes, was fastened to each participant’s scalp to gauge their neural-activity while they viewed over 200 images.

The exact tests were carried out a week later on the identical day, morning, and time of the week minus exercise. Food consumption and physical activity was recorded on the days of the tests. The outcome revealed that the forty-five minute workout not only resulted in less brain reaction to food metaphors, but in addition, an increase in complete physical activity that day, despite BMI, body mass index. Professor Larson from BYU stated, “The topic of food motivation and diet is multifaceted. There are numerous things that trigger eating, and exercise is only one part of it.”

A person who has the intention of competing in a physique competition will not require the same bodybuilding training programs that someone looking to compete in a triathlon will, for example. Likewise, a 16 year old beginner should not be exposed to the same bodybuilding training programs as a hardcore veteran of 20 years experience.

At Ultimate Muscle and Fitness, our intention is to promote all levels of bodybuilding for everyone – from the 35 year old housewife who just wants to lose a few pounds, to the 25 year old Miss USA contestant who wants to get in the shape of her life. From the MMA fighter looking to add more strength and power for his next bout, to the 65 year old retired business who simply wants to add a few more yards to his golf drive – all can benefit from specific bodybuilding training programs.

Let’s take a look at two extreme examples of bodybuilding training programs. Power-lifting has been an established sport since the 1960′s and although somewhat overshadowed by traditional weightlifting which has long been a featured event in the Olympics, it is nevertheless extreme popular and respected as a sport in itself.

Bodybuilding training programs for powerlifting consist of several warmup sets to protect the joints, and then low-rep, heavy sets, rarely exceeding six repetitions, and often going as low as three. In addition, the lifter will also do single reps at maximum poundage, replicating the lifts they would do in a competition.

Unlike in bodybuilding, powerlifters are not looking necessarily to add muscle bulk. If a powerlifter is competing in a specific weight class, they are not looking to add size, just strength. Therefore, because added strength inevitably equates to added muscle anyway, to maintain weight they will lose a high percentage of body-fat, resulting in an extremely dense, defined, muscular physique.

By comparison, the bodybuilding training programs utilized by a soccer player would be far more complex and specific. Whereas the powerlifter is simply building strength, the soccer player needs a combination of duration and explosive speed, and therefore needs to develop the leg muscles via a whole host of different exercises, combining squats, extensions and leg press with long distance running and sprint training.

As soccer becomes more and more of a physical, contact sport, most top players have similar upper body development to boxers. This is not by accident – soccer players are encouraged to build up their upper bodies using specific bodybuilding training programs that develop lean muscle tissue and strength, without adding too much extra bulk. Excessive weight would inevitably hinder a player’s performance over a grueling 90 minute game.

When one takes into account how weight training can benefit virtually anyone at any age, and how workouts can be tailored to suit specific sports and athletes, the variety of bodybuilding training programs that can be developed becomes endless!

However the reality is nothing could be further from the truth! Bodybuilding is not a new concept, and using weights to develop muscularity has been with us since the time of the ancient Greeks and possibly beyond. Breaking down muscle fibers by lifting heavy weights and then replenishing those fibres with a diet rich in protein and carbohydrates so that they grow back bigger and stronger has been with us long before the advent of protein powder!

Top sports journalist and former boxer and bodybuilder Daniel D Hunter has written a book called Urban Muscle in which he goes into great detail explaining how one can build a tremendous amount of muscle – 100% naturally – without using anabolic steroids or indeed creatine, protein shakes, amino acid tablets or any other supplement on the market.

Hunter explains in an entertaining yet extremely knowledgeable way how combining intense weight training sessions with aerobic activity and a balanced but structured diet will achieve sensational results in terms of physical development and fitness. Hunter’s argument is that unless you are hell-bent on competing on stage as a bodybuilder, there is absolutely no need to bloat your physique out excessively anyway. One can add enough lean muscle bulk by training hard and eating 4-5 nutritious meals per day.

In this day and age where one feels that they need some form of accessory to do just about anything (e.g just walking, WITHOUT the use of a mobile phone or ipod), it is easy to fall into the habit of using some form of supplement at every stage of a workout. One starts to believe that they must have their pre-workout carbohydrate energizer drink. While training we must sip on our isotonic drink. Immediately after working out, it is all important that we consume a large protein shake, for if not, our entire workout will have been a complete waste of time, or so we are led to believe.

However Dan Hunter on the other hand, tells us to embrace bodybuilding without supplements and instead ”be the best that you can be.” His credo is that each and every one of us has a natural physical potential yet virtually none of us reaches it. Just imagine if you could see a snapshot of you at your absolute maximum natural physical best, and it was sensational. How great would it be to know that simply by pushing your body to the max you would achieve your goals, and knowing that all of the muscle that you built from bodybuilding without supplements was 100% yours?

If you have become psychologically tied to your blending machine and feel that you cannot go a day without consuming several protein shakes, why not try to go a full month with nothing more than your workouts and a good diet? You may feel that you need an extra meal per day to make up for your sudden drop in calories, but as the body absorbs more nutrients from breaking down food in the stomach as opposed to taking in liquids, that may be a good thing.

If you have ever experienced bloating or indeed noticed that while you are consuming protein drinks on a regular basis you actually seem to gain a few pounds around the waistline, taking a break from them and trying bodybuilding without supplements for several weeks may be exactly what you need. You never know, you may find it to your liking and feel healthier and more energetic as a result, while losing none of your hard-earned muscle mass!

No. 1: Exercise boosts energy

Worn out by 3pm? Can’t be bothered to go to the gym?  No energy left to even play with the kids?
Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. When you exercise your heart and lungs work more efficiently and in return you will have more energy to get through your day. It’s a case of ‘the more you do the better you feel!’

No. 2:  Exercise Helps to Combat Illnesses & Guard against Health Problems

Exercise, even light exercise, has been proven to help lower high blood pressure, boost levels of HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) and decrease LDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) thus helping to prevent heart disease.
Exercise also helps to keep the blood flowing preventing any dangerous blockages in the arteries and thus decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

No. 3:  Regular Exercise Improves your Sex Life!

Put the spark back into your sex life by taking up a regular exercise routine. If you are feeling out of shape or too tired you may avoid physical intimacy. Regular exercise can leave you feeling more energized, slimmer and toned which has a positive effect on your confidence and thus improving your sex life! Another bonus: Men who exercise regularly are also less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction!

No. 4:   Exercise Lifts your Mood and helps Relieve Depression

Exercise stimulates endorphin production ‘the feel good chemical’ in our brain. One thing is known for certain about endorphins: their ability to make you feel oh-so-good.  When endorphins lock into special receptor cells (called opioid receptors, because opiates also fit them), they block the transmission of pain signals and also produce a euphoric feeling — exactly like opiates. Endorphins act as both a painkiller and also give that euphoric feeling one sometimes gets when exercising. This in return can lift the mood and leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

Next time, when you are feeling stressed, depressed or in need of a lift, you may find that an hour in the gym is just what you need to clear your head and put you back on an even keel!

No. 5:   Exercise Helps to Promote Better Sleep

Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.
Not getting enough sleep has been linked to a huge list of mental and physical health problems, including those that stem from an impaired immune system. Our immune system is designed to protect us from colds, flu, and other ailments, but when it is not functioning properly, it fails to do its job. The consequences can include more sick days.
So it’s very important to get a good night’s sleep. Exercise done on a regular basis helps us to sleep well – Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep!

Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.

After a hard days work in the office a dose more energy will help us get through that evening gym session.

Hardworking mums know what it’s like to feel drained by 12 o’clock!

Teens taking their important exams are usually burning the candle at both ends.

Tiredness can be caused by several factors:

Stressful lifestyle
Poor food choices
Negative emotions
Low-quality food
Lack of sleep
Lack of exercise

So what are the best energy giving foods that we can eat to counteract this tiredness?

No.1 on the list is the Acai Berry.

This humble berry has been used and known for centuries as a strong rejuvenator to native Brazilians in the Amazon region. A handful of these energy giving berries can help boost mental and physical energy
to give you that extra oomph to help you through your workout.

 No. 2:    Salmon

Salmon and other oily fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These provide energy, in addition to promoting heart health.
Try an energy boosting meal with grilled salmon, salad and sweet potato.

No. 3:    Oatmeal

Start your day off with a warm bowl of oatmeal. Top with energy giving blueberries, strawberries or raspberries.
Berries are high in an anti-inflammatory compounds which may help reduce heart disease and diabetes, and improve eyesight and short-term memory. Oatmeal is an ideal breakfast as it doesn’t affect the blood sugar level, which means it won’t contribute to crashes.

No. 4 : Green Tea

More than a decade’s worth of research about green tea’s health benefits – particularly its potential to fight cancer and heart disease- has been more than intriguing, as have several studies about green tea’s role in lowering cholesterol, burning fat, preventing diabetes and stroke, and staving off dementia.

 No. 5: Almonds

Pack some almonds and nuts for a quick and convenient protein snack. In addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects, almonds’ ability to reduce heart disease risk may also be partly due to the antioxidant action of the vitamin E found in the almonds, as well as to the LDL-lowering effect of almonds’ monounsaturated fats.
In addition to healthy fats and vitamin E, a quarter-cup of almonds contains almost 99 mg of magnesium plus 257 mg of potassium.

 Finally, No. 6:  

One of the most overlooked “performance  enhancing” supplements out there is WATER!

Everyone needs at least six to eight glasses of fluid per day to be properly hydrated. If you exercise, you need more.

The common recommendation is that the average, inactive person should consume at least six to eight ounces of water per day. In reality, you should probably be taking in about double that (on top of the water you take in from other foods). Start carrying a 500ml water bottle around with you during the day. Aim to refill it every three to four hours. You’ll be amazed at how much energy you get just from staying adequately hydrated.