How Many Crunches Should You Do to Lose Belly Fat

No particular exercise helps you lose belly fat more than another. Even crunches, situps or other abdominal exercises fail to spot reduce the waistline. It's impossible to target weight loss. Your genetics is the only factor that has any real influence over where you lose fat. Instead of launching into thousands of crunches in hopes of shrinking your waistline, turn your attention to reducing your total body fat percentage, which is the only effective method known to rid the body of belly fat.

Crunches won't make you lose belly fat. Crunches work the abdominal muscles and therefore help develop (grow) the abs. Furthermore there is no thing as spot removal (removing only belly fat) you can remove body fat and eventually fat will come off your belly. To remove fat you must reduce your caloric intake and do cardiovascular exercise

If you want to scream any time you see an ad for some ab exercise contraption that’ll “guarantee a flat stomach! we feel you. Does anyone still believe crunches help burn belly fat?

Wouldn’t it be an absolutely fantastic piece of news to receive on a Friday or to get so close to the New Year (with all those lovely new resolutions to be made)? Lose Weight Wouldn’t it be absolutely fantastic to be told that if you should do 42 crunches to lose belly fat.You probably can see where this is going

There is no way to truthfully answer how many crunches should you do to lose belly fat because crunches are meant to strengthen the stomach muscles and do absolutely nothing for burning belly fat. So rather than figuring out how many crunches should you do to lose belly fat, you need to remember three things to lose belly fat.

Caloric deficit
To reduce your total body fat percentage, you must reach what's often referred to as a caloric deficit. It takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose 1 lb. of fat. Exercises can help you hit this shortfall, but changing your diet is also beneficial. If you're able to cut enough calories from your diet --- or burn enough calories through exercise, for that matter --- to reach a deficit of 500 calories a day,

Crunches
Though crunches can't target belly fat, they do burn calories. Like any type of physical activity, the number of calories burned is influenced by your body size. Someone weighing 155 lbs., for example, burns approximately five calories per minute when doing crunches at a moderate pace. If you're able to maintain this pace for 30 minutes, you're looking at almost 160 calories burned per session.

Exercise
This level of calories burned is equivalent to walking at a pace of 4 mph, according to the Harvard Medical School. Walking at 4 mph is a relatively leisurely pace. Plus, you're more likely to reach 30 minutes walking than doing crunches. Other activities that meet or exceed this level of calories burned include kayaking, softball, hiking, skateboarding, water skiing, ice skating, tennis, racquetball and even fencing, to name only a few.

Diet
Besides increasing your level of physical activity, try to limit what you're eating. This can help reduce your caloric intake and lead to the caloric deficit needed to lose the weight. Eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can also prove beneficial. These foods are low in fat and calories, yet still filling. Like limiting your portions, this can help reduce your caloric intake and promote weight loss.

Best Tips on Starting Skateboarding

Welcome to skateboarding! Being a new skateboarder can be tough - it can be hard to find the help you need, to find out what tricks you should be learning, what gear you should buy (and avoid!), and more. This New Skateboarders Guide should give you some help, and if you don't find something you need                                                                      

                             
For anyone over 20 years of age, starting a new sport can be scary. Especially scary if the sport in question is often described with adjectives like "gnarly,awesome,and the always-frightening extreme."

But for those looking to break out of a rut and try a new activity,something extreme might be just the ticket. And few extreme sports are as accessible and inexpensive as trick-style skateboarding.

But skateboarding also can be an easy way to hurt yourself,particularly if you skate in the wrong place or don't wear protective gear. Starting Scrapes and bruises are almost a fact of skateboarding life, but broken bones and sprains are also common. To keep it safe while skateboarding, stick to the rules wherever you skate,and follow these safety tips.

Even though skateboarding is a very individual sport, or art, if you're an absolute beginner and you've never set foot on a skateboard before then there is probably a certain way you should go about doing things, and that is not to think ollying is what you have to learn first.Instead, over the coming weeks I will be writing a series of 'lessons' starting today with the most basic thing you can do ride your skateboard.If you follow these steps, you should be in pretty good shape.

This is probably the biggest mistake the kids in my road make trying to run before they can walk, so to speak. Skateboarding Games You've got no chance of being able to ollie until you are completely and utterly comfortable with riding around on your skateboard.

Get your skateboard sorted out. If you don't know what the different bits of your skateboard are called then start here and read from there.I would not recommend buying an expensive skateboard at first. Firstly, good skateboards are surprisingly expensive, and if you end up not wanting to skateboard buying one is going to be a waste of money. Secondly, they are a lot faster which makes them harder to ride and less forgiving.

When it comes to human-powered transportation, you can't beat a skateboard for cool points. The first time you try careening around on a board, keep these tips in mind to help you ride solid and avoid unnecessary wipeouts.

Get Beach Body Ready With These Five Great Yoga Moves

With bathing suit season around the corner you may be eager to tone up and get in shape. These five yoga moves will help you target typical problem areas such as the abdominals, thighs, buttocks and arms. Even better- put all of these five yoga moves together and you’ll have a fun and simple total body toning routine


1.Chair Squats  to firm your buttocks and thighs.Stand at the front of you mat with your feet hip width apart, toes facing forward.  Place your hands at your heart center in prayer position. Inhale,sit back like you’re sitting in a chair (keep the weight in your heels), exhale come back to stand. As you get stronger bring your arms over head shoulder width a part with your palms facing each other. Work up to two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

2.Chaturanga Push-ups  for toned arms. Begin in a push-up position on your mat with your shoulders directly over your wrists (you may bring your knees to the mat to modify). Inhale then as you exhale, bring your elbows back and close to your sides as you lower your belly to the floor. Inhale then as you exhale press back to a push-up position. As you get stronger hold your chest and belly a few inches from the floor before you press back up. Work up to two sets of 8 to 10 repetitions.

3.Plank Crunches  to flatten your abs. Begin in a push-up position on your mat with your shoulders directly over your wrists and your head in line with your shoulders (you may bring your knees to the mat to modify). Inhale and as you exhale bring one knee towards your chest.swim suite ready body Repeat alternating on knee towards your chest. As you get stronger work on keeping your body flat as a board, with your bottom down, and hold your knee towards your chest for one breath. Work up to two sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

4.Yoga Lunges to firm your thighs. Begin at the back of your mat. Take a large step forward with your right leg. Try to cover as much of your mat as possible. Bring your hands in prayer at your heart center. Keep your hips forward, inhale and bend your right knee (make sure your knee stays in line with your heel, and keep your back straight with your head up). Your left knee will also bend and be a foot away from the floor, exhale come back up. Repeat the yoga lunge on the right side for 10 to 15 reps then switch to your left leg. As you get stronger bring your arms overhead, shoulder width apart with your palms in towards each other. Work up to two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

5.Cat and Cow Crunches  to firm your abdominals. Begin on all fours on your mat. Make sure your knees are below your hips and your wrists are below your shoulders. Bring your right knee towards your chest and look towards your knee. Hold for two breaths then extend your right leg straight out so it’s parallel to the floor. Repeat on your right leg for 10 to 15 reps then switch to your left leg. Work up to two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

Upper Arm Exercises With Light Weights For Women

The upper arms can be a trouble spot for women  especially the flab on the back of the arm that seems to flop in the wind when you wave. While you cannot spot-lose fat on the upper arms, you can engage in regular toning exercises that help to firm up the upper arm. These exercises don't involve heavy weights. To tone the upper arms, you can lift light weights and increase the repetitions. Start by grabbing a pair of 2- to 5-pound hand weights and get ready to tone.                                      

                                                                 
We all want those upper arms exercises that don't flap in the wind when we're waving hello, right? If you've got time and a couple of two-pound weights, I've got five exercises that will get your limbs looking svelte and sexy. Don't worry if you don't have weights you can even do them without for some excellent toning.

The exercises to lose weight in the arms are the same as the exercises to lose weight everywhere else. The body cannot be told to lose weight in just one place. By eating fewer calories than one uses each day, he or she will lose weight from all parts of the body (with some parts of the body holding on to body fat more so than other parts).

Most women focus on single-joint exercises, like biceps curls, which work primarily one muscle, says Davis. "Doing complex moves recruits more muscle fibers and works your upper body to total fatigue." That means you'll burn more calories and shed arm fat faster, Upper Back Exercises your arms, shoulders, and upper back will be sleek in time for their big reveal.

Biceps Curl
Your biceps are the front part of the upper arm that make for a flattering figure when you are wearing a tank or halter top. To perform, take a weight in each hand and turn your palms toward the wall in front of you. Contract your biceps muscles to lift the weights, palms in, toward your chest. Slowly control your weights as you lower them to your starting position. Repeat the exercise 15 times. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat for two additional sets.

pullover 
The pullover exercise tones your shoulders and triceps to eliminate underarm jiggle. To perform, lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor. Take a dumbbell in each hand and put your weights together with your palms facing each other. Control the weights as you keep the arms straight and lower the weights to the ground behind you. The weights should slightly touch the ground, then slowly lift the arms to return to your starting position. Repeat the exercise 10 to 15 times. Rest for 30 seconds and perform one to two additional sets.

arm press
The arm press exercise is a functional exercise, meaning it simulates real-life motions to help you tone the upper arms. Regularly performing this exercise means you can raise your arm without feeling apprehensive. Start by taking one dumbbell in each hand. Bend your arms at your elbows and take your hands to your right shoulders. Push up with the weights to lift the dumbbells overhead. Your arms should be extended and your palms facing each other. Slowly lower to your starting position and repeat 10 times on the right side. Switch over to your right side for 10 repetitions. Rest for 30 seconds and then repeat for one to two sets.

Hive Snowshoes Climb The Slopes And Ski Down

Snowshoeing has long been the poor stepchild of winter sports. It's actually a really fun way of getting out in the snow to exercise and enjoy nature, but it's just not quite as exhilarating as skiing or snowboarding and, in many places, has a secondary status in the grand scheme of winter sports.

One German company believes it's time for snowshoeing to step out of the shadows and share that same sense of visceral fun that skiing and snowboarding imbue. Hive (Hike + Drive) has designed a unique pair of snowshoes that double as a sort of short ski or glider Continue Reading Hive Snowshoes climb the slopes and ski down

Mountain climbing is one sport that's all about the gear, and with a set of Hive's transforming snow shoes strapped to your feet, you'll be ready to beat a hasty retreat should your climb be cut short by an avalanche.

Like any old pair of hive snowshoes, the Hives spread your weight across a larger surface so the risk of you disappearing into a deep snow drift are lessened. And a set of spikes on the underside coupled with a fanged metal crampon provide the traction you'll need whether in deep powder or slick ice.

And while safety is of course important, that's not what makes the Hive snowshoes stand out. When you reach the peak, the bindings can be locked down which retracts the toe crampon. While the spikes on the underside are attached to a plate which folds up, creating a smooth planing surface allowing you to quickly swoosh your way back down a mountain.

Most snowshoes have no chance at gliding for several reasons. They have rigid metal crampons on the bottom that would completely inhibit any type of gliding motion. They also have pliable decking material with cutouts that would simply bend and sink under your weight. Traditional snowshoes have no go.

The company says that the snowshoes are ideal for short descents, so I don't anticipate Hives becoming the new downhill mode of choice in the backcountry. But for those that snowshoe up hills and would like to save a little energy on the way home,

The Benefits Of Using Aloe Vera For Skin Care And More

Aloe vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality.” Since then, its uses have become more targeted and medicinal, and it's one of the leading therapies for sunburns.Aloe vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries.                                            

                                                             
Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe vera plant and it was found out that aloe vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems to many more.

Aloe vera plants, particularly aloe barbadensis miller plants, have been used for centuries to help burns, cuts, and other skin ailments. Perhaps your grandparents always had one of these unique, cactus-like plants nearby, just in case of an emergency. If someone got a cut or burn, they would break an aloe leaf apart to extract gel from inside the leaf. The aloe gel inside the leaf is used as a natural healing salve.

Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe vera plant and it was found out that aloe vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, cosmetic ailments, Aloe Vera Juice Benefit hair and scalp problems, and many more. It is also said to be useful in treating wounds and burns, minor skin infections, cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans.

Sometimes dubbed as the “First Aid” plant because of the soothing gel inside the thick, succulent leaves, aloe vera has incredible, natural, skin care properties. Aloe vera is commonly used on sunburns, cuts, or even consumed.

Lots of people are already familiar with the many benefits of using Aloe Vera on the skin for rashes, cuts, bruises, sunburn and so on. But not so many people know about the health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.irstly, aloe vera juice is completely safe and it’s very versatile. It’s actually called an “adaptogen” because it literally adapts to the body’s needs. Many of the benefits of drinking aloe vera juice stem from the fact that it naturally contains so many different nutrients: vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other trace elements.

Aloe Vera is the species of the succulent plant and has thick fleshy stems with spiny leaves. The fleshy stem contains the Aloe Vera juice which is used for various purposes since the beginning of the first century as an excellent home remedy. The juice and the gel are used in every medicinal, cosmetic, heath treatment and also in your regular diet.

Some Kayak Fishing Tips For Those Just Getting Started in The Sport

While working as a kayak fishing guide over the past sixteen years, I’ve seen people make just about every mistake possible. And so this week, I’m going to give you some tips that will help you avoid those embarrassing moments when you’re learning to kayak fish.                                                                          

                                             
Some kayak fishing tips or do's and don'ts. Over the course of the years I have participated in this great sport, I've learned a thing or two. Some the easy way, and some the hard way. Below is a list to help you learn the "easy way". Kayak fishing tips can help reduce the learning curve.

we are surrounded by water. Whether it's oceans, lakes, rivers or ponds we are fortunate to have plenty of opportunities for fishing. But, have you ever wanted to try fishing from a kayak? Are you a newbie to the sport? There are a few tips to keep in mind before you drop a line in the water. First and foremost, check with the state's Fish and Wildlife Commission to determine whether you will need a license

giving you my best tips for rigging your kayak, be it sit-on-top, or closed cockpit kayak, for fishing. I don't claim to have everything completely worked out, but six long, hard, often frustrating years of kayak fishing have provided me with a little in-site into what works and what does not.Fishing Games I'm also providing links to several on-line fishing resources to help you guys narrow down those long and confusing trips to the tackle shop.

In a broad sense, Mankind has always found a way to wet a line, so in that regard, fishing from a kayak is the same as fishing from any watercraft. However, the challenges associated with a particular craft, is what adds a touch of adventure to this sacred outdoor ritual.

Kayak fishing is one of the most popular kayaking activities. However, kayak fishing also presents one of the greatest kayaking challenges. There's no other type of still water kayaking that will test your balance and multi-tasking skills more than kayak fishing.

In addition to requiring specialized fishing skills, kayak fishing also requires specialized equipment. You'll have to be able to store your fishing rods and fishing tackle when you're kayak fishing. You also need a live well to keep your catch or bait. Some kayak fishing anglers will also equip their boats with fish finding equipment,