Yoga is good for you. You hear it all the time but may still wonder what the health benefits of yoga are.

Many people are not familiar with this tradition ritual for physical and mental discipline. Originally from India, yoga is now popular everywhere in the world as one of the best activities to promote mental and physical relaxation.

More than 11 million Americans enjoy the health benefits of yoga on a regular basis. Yoga promotes flexibility, posture and strength and is safe and affordable. Some yoga classes are designed purely for relaxation. However, class style may vary depending on the instructor.

A traditional yoga class is one of the greatest ways to develop flexibility. By safely stretching muscles, the body releases the lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and is generally the cause of stiffness, tension, fatigue and pain. Yoga also stretches the soft tissues of the body, including ligaments and tendons, and is perfect to prevent injuries.

Power yoga is a different style of yoga. It’s normally more intense with focus on improving muscle tone. It’s a great exercise to develop body strength, particularly for hamstrings, quadriceps and abdominal muscles.

Furthermore, yoga promotes better posture. Most standing and sitting poses develop core strength because the body relies on deep abdominals to support and maintain each pose.

So, what do you need to buy if you are interested in starting yoga? Not much. A yoga mat is basically all you need but music for relaxation may add a nice touch. Instructional videos for yoga are helpful if you do not want to join a class and prefer to do it on your own.

 1 Comment, latest by quogger

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A recent report raises the question about the efficiency of sport creams for pain relief.

The article claims topical analgesics do not work.

The conclusion for such a powerful statement is based on the fact that studies have found only limited evidence that topical analgesics are helpful for any type of pain.

The research on pain creams is so minimal and inconclusive that there is no science to support the effectiveness.

Athletes have been using pain relief creams for many years. In general, the majority of people find it to be effective. Let’s be honest: if these products would not be effective, or at least help to minimize pain from sport injuries, how would they be able to stay in the market for so long?

The report says research is minimal. Perhaps that’s the reason we cannot see more positive results. A higher number of studies would prove that most creams actually work and many people may benefit from using a safe and natural product.

The same old saying can be used for sports creams: people are different and react differently to products. Some people may get incredible benefits from using pain relief gels or creams and some other people may only get minimal results.

In addition, a few more factors should be considered. First, how often you apply the cream to the injured area. Second, people should know how to apply to ensure superior skin penetration. Lastly, what are the expectations for the product? Some injuries will not improve from using sports creams.

Sport topical analgesics work best in minor injuries such as bruises, minor cuts, strains, sprains and scrapes. Most products can relieve muscle and joint pain from over-exercising or sports injuries.

 1 Comment, latest by Eric

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Lucky Vitamin knows the importance of a fitness program. A good workout starts with the right tools. That’s the reason Lucky offers top quality exercise and training equipment to help you get the most out of your workout.

Gym memberships and monthly fees have significantly increased in recent years. We are fighting to save money with the economy struggling these days. Unfortunately, some of us needed to cut some expenses to keep up with our necessities and obligations.

You don’t need to stop working out just because you had to cancel your gym membership. Walking, running and biking are a few options for a “free workout”.

In addition, you can buy some affordable accessories to keep your fitness program running. Jump ropes, exercise mats, exercise balls and strength-training equipment can keep you exercising without spending hundreds of dollars. Push up and pull up bars can also be purchased to keep your workout rolling.

How about if you are not sure how to exercise properly? Don’t worry. Lucky has the answer for this question too.

DVD and exercises guides are available at affordable prices. Personal trainers are very expensive these days but you may not need one if you find the prefect guide.

Need to check your results? Heart rate monitors, pedometers, scales, body fat analyzers are available to provide a complete fitness experience.

You can find most of what you need for your workout at Lucky’s Exercise and Fitness department. It may be cheaper than a monthly fee for any gym.

So, what are you waiting for? Save money and stay in shape!

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Staying healthy is one of the most difficult obstacles in any fitness program. Whether you are trying to lose a few pounds or attempting to reach a professional fitness level, injuries and setbacks are often faced when trying to reach your fitness goals.

Minor injures are most common when people do not exercise regularly but it can also happen to anyone working out on a regular basis.

Muscles cramps often occur during and after workout but there are several ways to control it. First, let’s have a better understanding of the reasons for this problem, and then, we can focus on preventing and treating muscle cramping.

Muscle cramps are a natural reaction of the human body normally caused by the lack of nutrients. A well-balanced diet is necessary to everyone on a fitness program to ensure a strong and healthy body. Drink plenty of water and make sure to stretch your muscles before and after exercising.

Muscle cramping generally happens when your muscles are in need of nutrients, especially minerals. Everyone knows potassium is a very important mineral to prevent cramping but calcium and magnesium also play an important role on nourishing your muscles.

Replenishing the minerals levels is essential to maintain healthy muscles and to prevent cramps and muscle fatigue. Mineral imbalance can easily be prevented with a diet rich in minerals and regular intake of non-carbonated sports-drinks. Supplements can help to maintain the minimum levels required by your body.

Multi-minerals can fortify your muscles providing high levels of calcium and magnesium. Studies have showed that magnesium citrate is the most recommended form to support strong and healthy muscles.

Staying healthy is vital if you want to get in shape or stay fit without any setbacks.

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Exercising is a great New Year resolution. Perhaps 2009 is the year you spend more time sweating and less time on the couch watching television.

LuckyVitamin is helping you to make 2009 a healthy year.

Let’s get going, running, biking, swimming, playing sports, jogging, walking, dancing; whatever your favorite activity is, it’s time to sweat.

Many people kickoff the New Year in high gear. It’s time to burn off all the calories from holiday overeating right? But it’s also an opportunity to establish a solid workout plan and perhaps finally get rid of a few extra pounds.

Fitness is extremely important for a healthy life. Exercising isn’t only about “looking good”. Fit people are less likely to have many health issues because the human system works better when regularly active.

Nutrition is one of the most important factors in any exercise program. Many products may aid you in fulfilling all of your diet, energy and athletic needs.

Several people really want to exercise and get into the workout routine. The lack of nutrients, however, may cause fatigue and that’s why you feel tired and start skipping days and avoiding the gym.

Most people do not get enough nutrients from their diet. Supplementation may be necessary if you are looking to get in shape or add muscle mass. Protein, vitamins and minerals are essential for a successful workout program.

LuckyVitamin has a diverse selection of products to help you get in shape. We hope you can start the New Year fresh, moving towards a better and healthier life.

 1 Comment, latest by jason kenny

Exercising is wonderful. It feels great when you are able to accomplish a great workout, followed by a nice shower and a delicious meal.

Many people have this very enjoyable time at least three times a week.

However, if you are regularly doing physical activity, you are completely aware of a very common problem: muscle pain.

Muscular pain is part of life and it will happen to you no matter how much you try to prevent it.

People have sore muscles from time to time, even if they are doing the exact same activity every week, stretching all muscles prior and after exercise, taking supplements, etc.

It’s just normal. We are all humans and our muscles have the “right” to feel “tired”. Yes, there are many ways to prevent muscle pain, but sometimes it just happens to you. Plus, we are always aging too, and so are your muscles. Many people cannot continue to do the same activity they used to do a few years ago.

Knowing your limits is an essential part of a successful workout.

When this time comes to you, look for natural supplements to treat muscle discomfort, particularly arnica. Several people have experienced significant and quick results after using muscle pain relief products.

Companies are making supplements in various types, ointments, gels and lotions for use externally, as well as tablets and liquid form for internal use.

If in pain, don’t hesitate. Look for a pain relief and continue to enjoy the great experience of physical exercise.

 2 Comments, latest by sylvie

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Most people remember to warm up before exercising. Stretching is a very important part of any workout and is normally quickly done. Five minutes should be enough time to stretch most muscles for physical activity.

However, cooling off is just as important as warming up is but, for some reason, many people normally skip this significant part of the workout.

Muscles normally need to cool down after exercise, maximizing results and preventing injuries. Some people feel lazy to stretch after high intense workout. Some other people think cooling off isn’t really important. Big mistake.

Studies have showed that nearly half of the muscle related injuries could have been prevented with proper post workout stretch.

Muscle recovery is key to maximize results and cooling down is an essential part of the process. Everyone is different and has different muscles but most people will have better and quicker results with consistent and proper pre and post workout stretch.

Post workout supplements may help with muscle recovery. Nevertheless, do not rely on these products to do all the work for you. Stretching at the end of the workout is still the most important part and cannot be compensate by any supplement.

Arms and legs should be the main target of your cool down stretch but don’t forget your lower back muscles as well as neck, chest and shoulders.

Don’t be lazy. Cooling off every time you workout will keep you healthy and ready to exercise again.

Photo credit: www.soccerclinics.com

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Just keep moving. A new report by the Department of Health and Human Services states that Americans should get about 150 minutes of moderately intense activity per week.

The message has an interesting emphasis on the variety of activities, promoting different workouts and maximizing the health benefits of exercising.

We can easily understand the point and most of us will definitely agree: America needs to “get moving”. However, it’s a lot easier said than done.

Most people cannot find time to exercise and commit to regular physical activity. Several factors may be the obstacle for a consistent workout. Family, work, financial struggles are just a few of the common reasons people do not “keep moving”.

Once again, tips on how to exercise are all over the place these days: the Internet, magazines, even cereal boxes. But the biggest problem is time.

You have to make time even when you don’t have any time. Changing your daily schedule is normally the easiest way to fix this problem. Can’t do it?

Well, try to combine a couple things into one. For example, you want to spend time with your kids at the park. Go for a walk when they bike or play some sports with them, exercising when you are having “family time”.

At work, take the stairs to go up one or two floors, not the elevator. Walk two blocks to get lunch, instead of driving. Need an energy booster? Take a multivitamin to get things started. Energy generates energy, the more you exercise the more energy you will have.

Look out for alternatives to get your life physically going. Taking notes of these easy tips may be the start of a healthier “moving” life.

 1 Comment, latest by mark

Exercising is great. It feels good to be in shape. Regular physical activity brings several health benefits but you should be careful: overtraining can be dangerous.

People trying to lose weight have a hard time getting into a workout routine. The secret is to start slowly, remember if you are not fit, you body isn’t ready for a tough workout, so take your time.

Motivation is essential to establish a good exercise program. A lot of people try too hard to get results in the first couple weeks, burning out and eventually quitting. Long term workout programs are more efficient and healthier for you. A few important steps are key to get significant results. Planning is as important as getting the workout done.

First, your diet is vital for a solid workout. Make sure you are getting enough vitamins, minerals and protein from food sources. Carbohydrates are really important too, even when you are trying to lose weight. “No carb” diets do not work. A low-carb diet may not be ideal if you are exercising daily because carbs are the fuel for your system. No fuel, no energy.

Second, drink a lot of water. Dehydration is normally one of the reasons people stop working out. Feeling thirsty is a sign you need to stop or take a break. Cramps, sore muscles and overall fatigue could be the result of lack of water in your system.

Finally, a really important factor overlooked by several personal trainers: get enough sleep. Relaxation is as important as eating. Lack of sleep may be responsible for sore muscles and body fatigue. If you feel tired, don’t workout. Taking a 20-30 minute nap prior exercising may bring back the energy you need.

Overdoing your workout will not get results faster. A quick formula to succeed: plan your exercise program, get enough sleep and eat well. Oh, and don’t push too hard, knowing your limits is essential to accomplish results.

 2 Comments, latest by jackson rain

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We often get home from work and feel too tired to workout. A lot of people even avoid going home because they know that could result in skipping a workout day. But what can we really do to keep our workout program running?

We have to decide what time of the day we should get our workout done. It is always amazing to see the number of people at gyms in the early hours, 5am, 6am and we may have to wait for a treadmill. Most people have lots of energy early in the morning. Exercising is a great way to start out your day.

Mid day workout can be a great alternative, schedule permitting. Late morning workouts, followed by lunch, can be one of the best ways to have enough energy for the rest of the day and minimize the problem of overeating at lunchtime.

However, the majority of people workout after work, when the gyms are packed and your energy levels are definitely lower than the early hours.

Taking a nap can help you generate enough energy for a solid workout. Twenty to thirty minutes could be enough to “restart” your day. It’s a lot better to rest first and then workout, than going to the gym and be dragging, not getting the most out of your workout. However, everyone is different and napping may make some people really lazy.

Energy drinks can help too. People feel fatigue because of the lack of fluids and minerals, so refuel before exercising. Another alternative is taking a pre workout booster, kicking up your energy levels, fortifying your system and muscles, and preventing injuries.

Workout planning is extremely important and finding a partner is always helpful. No matter what time you do, get your workout going and stay healthy!

 1 Comment, latest by Natalie

It’s hard enough to find time during the day to squeeze in a workout.  Unless you’re un-employed, under-employed or a student many Americans simply don’t have time to go to the gym.  When they do make time they’re either exhausted from a full day’s work or groggy from waking up early to hit the gym before they hit the office.   Regardless of what the reason may be, we could all use a pick-me-up to help get us going no matter the time of day, and our options are numerous.  There are many products out there, here’s a list of the pros and cons of some of the more popular options:

Coffee.  Now I love coffee as much as Juan Valdez, but there is something inherently wrong with drinking coffee in-between bench press sets.  It may give you energy or a boost, but it’s also causes headaches and jitteriness.

Energy drinks such as Redbull and Rockstar have similar effects, but typically they’re loaded with sugar and thus unhealthy.  After all, you wouldn’t go on a 10K run to Burger King now would you?

More sensible options are drinks such as green tea.  Green tea is loaded with antioxidants as well as a modest amount of caffeine for energy however not nearly as much caffeine as coffee. Other products such as N.O.-Xplode by BSN are also very effective and geared towards weight training.  N.O.-Xplode is a powder which is mixed with water; it contains creatine, caffeine, and a plethora of other muscle stimulating ingredients.  You won’t feel jittery or shaky as if you were drinking coffee and you’ll find that you’re acute, focused and energized.  Products such as N.O.-Xplode are very effective.  These products are designed specifically for training use and are tailored to someone who works out on a regular basis.

Whether it is coffee, Redbull, N.O.-Xplode or eating pounds of chocolate (also not recommended), it is important to find something to keep your senses acute and your energy high. After all you wouldn’t run a marathon in hiking boots and jeans.  Sure you might be able to finish the race but you certainly wouldn’t win, so why should your weight training regimen suffer by low energy and a lack of focus.

 1 Comment, latest by edith archie

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You don’t need to be a professional athlete to have a strong workout. Some people love the challenge of “going the distance”: running marathons, bike races, competitive sports, or body building; all activities done just for the pleasure of exercising.

Intense workout can be an excellent way of improving your cardiovascular system, releasing stress, taking “life related” problems out your mind, and most important, having fun!

However, you often find yourself pushing it to the limit, and once you reach this limit, you tend to create a new limit and that’s when you body needs some help. Training will improve your endurance and sport performance, but natural enhancing products could be the boost you’ve been looking for to take your workout to the next level.

Endurance enhancing products usually have a well balanced blend of minerals, vitamins, amino-acids and carbohydrates, yes, carbs, lots of it. The number one enemy of people trying to lose weight is also one of the most important ingredients for the weekend warriors. Carbs, proteins and fats are the most common sources of energy for the body. A high carbohydrate diet is essential for better endurance performance because you can store more glycogen in muscles prior exercise activity.

You do need a solid diet if you are doing any type of resistance training, including pasta, potatoes, cereals, meats and fruits. But you should not forget taking supplemental electrolytes, as dehydration is a common problem during aerobic and anaerobic exercise for relatively long periods of time.

Keep in mind there is not “the best product” to improve endurance. You can find several good products for slightly different forms of endurance exercising. Check your diet and type of activity, then you can find out what you most need in order to find the product that is best for you.

 2 Comments, latest by Robinson

We often feel muscle pain after exercising. It normally happens when we decide to go for an extra ten minutes of running, a little more intense workout, an extra cardio class or a second recreational game. The first step out of your bed can be nightmare and also a sign of a long and painful day ahead.

Pain comes from overuse or over-stretching of a muscle or group of muscles. Even when it is a case of minor pain, yes, it’s still annoying and it can be embarrassing at times (limping around the office???). However, people have a difficult time dealing with muscle pain and minor injuries. When do you need to see a doctor? When can I use a pain relief product? When can I exercise again? Every case is unique, but here’s a quick guideline to prevent, treat and improve minor muscle pain.

Prevention: stretch, stretch and stretch. We all know we need stretching before exercising. But we should also stretch after activity is done, and in some cases, even during your workout. Look for a good stretch guide and make sure you warm up before you stretch (you should not attempt to stretch before your muscles are warm).

Treatment: several products can help you minimizing muscle pain. Arnica, Tiger Balm, and Traumeel can temporarily get you the relief you need for minor problems. Allow yourself some time before returning to exercise, about a week would be ideal, and restart slowly and carefully. If you still feel pain after continue use or products or a few days after injury first occurred, then it’s time to see a doctor.

Improvement: if you have a muscle that seems to be always the problem, (your hamstring for ex.), look for specific exercise to improve and fortify that muscle. A simple once a week workout can get you better muscle strength and prevent future injuries.

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Almost every athlete experiences one. He’s running, biking, swimming or relaxing after having just finished one of the former when his muscle contracts, balls up into a painful knot that won’t relax, and he is momentarily paralyzed. The cramp, for that’s what it is, takes hold of his leg stubbornly refusing him relief.

If you’ve experienced one, you know how painful and debilitating it can be, particularly if you are in the middle of an activity. And you’ve more than likely tried a number of different ways to prevent having another. Perhaps you’ve started taking multivitamins with zinc and magnesium or you’ve taken to massaging your legs for hours a day or you now stretch yourself into a pretzel before every workout. But has it worked? Have you truly ended the cramps or have you simply, until the next time you find yourself lying on the floor gritting your teeth in pain, fooled yourself into believing that you’ve discovered a cure?

I’m willing to bet that it’s the latter, for, you see, no one understands cramps. Theorized causes range from dehydration to an imbalance of nerve signals and thus there is a wide range of cures. However, none of them work for sure, so what are you to do? How are you to prevent a cramp?

You aren’t, at least not until a team of researchers stumbles upon their exact cause. What you want to do is make sure that the rest of your body is strong enough to handle the cramp and that your seized calf muscle is your only affliction - not dehydration, not overuse fatigue and not tense limbs. Before you exercise, drink lots of water. Make sure there is enough liquid in your body to last you through your workout. Also ensure that your body has enough fuel or energy. Man does not run on water alone. Eat something. Then, about five minutes into your workout, stretch. Prepare all of your muscles for what’s to come, which shouldn’t be too excessive in length or intensity. You want to be healthy and fit not unconscious and exhausted. After your workout, have something with electrolytes - Gatorade or a similar sports drink - and, once again, stretch. And should that cramp hit you, well, you’ll probably spend a few minutes writhing in pain, but you’ll be able to get back up afterwards.

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If you’re anything like me, the thought of a chain fitness club incites nothing but negativity. Every time I drive past L.A. Fitness (the one national gym I devoted months to as a member), I am traumatized by the large, glass windows and the ease with which I can gaze through them. I am reminded of the sales people who haunted me for the first few weeks, untiringly offering me pamphlets, opportunities for personal training, a fitness assessment and dinner interruptions via evening telephone calls. I recall the angst, impatience and strangers’ sweat that accompanied my membership, and that were all more present than my workout motivation during that trying trial. I shudder with each drive-by, pressing my foot to the accelerator until that massive fitness center and every other chain around is no more than a memory. But once I’ve escaped the chains, where does that leave my workout?

Despite what the national clubs may imply, choosing not to join one doesn’t take away the opportunity to exercise. There are still plenty of options; the first of which is your home. With the right equipment and motivation you can turn your living room, basement or spare bedroom into a fitness Mecca. Make sure you have what you need both for strength training and aerobic exercise. If you can’t afford to get the best of the best or anything at all, use what you have around you. Soup cans and your own body can help with lifting, adding weight and resistance to your routine. The outdoors is the best treadmill around but your stairs (when run up and down) aren’t bad either. The television can help you distract yourself or focus yourself, depending on whether you’re looking for a sitcom or teacher. And the other members of your family can enable you to work workouts into your daily schedule. But if you find you need to leave your neighborhood to obtain the proper motivation, don’t fret. There are still more possibilities. Continue Reading >>

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