RealMuscle, Author at Body Building and Fitness News Blog

Stress And Exercise: What You Need To Know

Stress is a part of the human condition. We constantly feel stress as it is a natural response to pressure. We might have pressures in our home life, relationships, work life and other aspects of our lives which can result in stress. The two biggest elements, according to research published by the NHS (NHS, 2011b), found that money worries and work-related pressures formed the two biggest stress factors in the majority of UK cases. Stress can affect the human body

Goal Setting: How To Make Sure Your Goals Are Achievable

Using your metabolism to help weight loss

Do you want to set a goal but you’re unsure which shape that goal setting should encompass? This article will explore what pro athletes and veteran amateur athletes do to set goals. We will explore outcomes, planning, mentalities and more importantly thinking clearly. Goal setting is perceived as boring and this can be a realistic description. However, the effectiveness of setting a goal, monitoring that goal and achieving that goal has a psychological effect that helps athletes or amateurs continue

Carbs, Fats And Protein: What You Really Need To Know

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are macronutrients. Macronutrients are nutrients which supply energy to the body and are required for growth, metabolism and biomechanical bodily functions. Remember the term ‘macro’ means large, so macronutrients are needed in large amounts. The big three macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates and fat. The usual make-up of macronutrients is between 4-9 calories per gram which helps fuel your body’s system. Your body needs these three elements, so omitting one from your diet or regime could have

Five A Day: The Truth Behind The Slogan

We have been educated by the Government, health professionals and exercise professionals for many years now of the benefits of eating five-a-day. However, many people don’t understand why you need to eat five pieces of fruit or vegetables every day? This article will focus on the truth behind the slogan. We will explore the nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetables and what portion size is acceptable. We will look at the benefits of a five-a-day diet on the

Off-road Running: Five Amazing Ways To Improve Your Fitness

Off-Road running or Trail Running is very different to running on a road or a treadmill. It is all about variance, terrain and elevation. Off-road running can help by developing more muscles, helping to increase a runners speed and ability and introduce people to the great outdoors. Off-road running requires more ability and endurance than the average run. So, if you are a complete newbie – apart from seeking medical advice – perhaps start with road or treadmill jogging. To

Repetition: Your Biggest Workout Enemy

Human beings are predominantly psychological creatures of habit. We learn through routine. Just think back to how you learned the alphabet, the multiplication tables or playing sports at school. During our informative years we are taught by routine, this route becomes a life-long habit. This mentality permeates throughout your life – the way you brush your teeth, the way you hold your knife and fork even the way you behave in the workplace. This mentality has also affected your gym

To Gym Or Not To Gym?…That Is The Question

Do you have to go to the gym to become a bodybuilder? Is there a greater drive or mental focus if one works out at home, in the great outdoors or in a gym? This article will look at different aspects of bodybuilding in relation to public and private activities and their responses to successful bodybuilding results. The traditional image of a bodybuilder is that of the pumped-up man looking at himself in the mirror whilst pumping iron. It might

The Importance Of Your State-Of-Mind When Losing Weight/Building Muscle

Your state-of-mind is probably the single most important factor in any weight-loss, body-building or dieting regime. You can eat healthy, run or workout but if your mind isn’t in it then you won’t get the full benefit out of your active healthy endeavours. The importance of a balanced diet, making sure you are exercising correctly and taking breaks and keeping yourself hydrated are basic elements. However, sometimes people find their motivation lacking. It happens to everyone but there are actions

The Gym Ball: Six Effective Ways to Lose Weight

The eponymous gym ball or Swiss ball as our European brethren call them is an often-ridiculed piece of gym equipment that has become incredibly undervalued in today’s gym environment. The popular myth is why bother using the ball when you can do the entire workout by yourself? There is a point here that sit-ups, press-ups and other body workouts can be done without any aides. However, the gym ball is an intriguing device designed by the Swiss army, the same

6 Great Ways to Improve Your Running Style

A poor or incorrect running style or technique can result in unnecessary injury and even risks of long-term health damage. There are a great many part-time or recreational joggers, runners or fun-runners who put undue strain on their bodies by using the wrong style or technique whilst running. There isn’t one style to fit all but there are common mistakes that, if avoided, can result in a healthier style which will increase speed and make your run more enjoyable.