Think You Know The Six Types of Pushups??

Build Chest Muscles and Upper Body Strength With Six Types of Pushups

Author: Rob Ferrall

Many individuals under-estimate the power that push ups wield in building upper body strength and chest muscles. On the surface, pushups are plain and almost boring: up down, up down, up down -- that's it. However, most people, outside of physical fitness enthusiasts, only know about the military-style push ups that they endured in their Phys Ed class back in high school. Just as there is more than one way to climb a mountain and more than one way to skin a cat -- there is more than one way to do a pushup.

Here are six types of pushups that you can do from home -- routines that will help you to build upper body strength and target your chest muscles.

• "Wide" pushups - Traditionally, pushups are performed with your hands being placed at shoulder width. Wide push ups, sometimes called "wide-stance pushups", require you to extend your hands beyond the width of your shoulders. Wide-stance pushups work your chest muscles more heavily than military-style pushups, so if chest definition is what you are looking for -- wide pushups are one exercise that will help you meet your goals.




• "Diamond" pushups - Diamond pushups, sometimes called "pyramid" pushups, require you to place your index fingers and thumbs together in the shape of a diamond during your push up workout. While diamond push ups tend to work your triceps more than your chest muscles, the benefits of modifying your hand placement during pushups, even if only a tiny bit, are undeniable.




• "Fist" pushups - Sometimes referred to as "knuckle" pushups, require the use of your fists, instead of the palms of your hands, to bear your body weight during the pushup. Fist pushups are beneficial because they target different areas of your body than traditional pushups, and may actually increase the effectiveness of your workout.




• Decline pushups - Instead of placing your feet on the floor, or using your knees, place your feet on a platform so that your head is lower than your feet. You can use a chair, a stepstool, or a bench -- pretty much anything that will allow you to raise your feet up so that they are higher than your head. These types of pushups work your upper chest muscles.




• Incline pushups - Incline pushups are the exact opposite of decline pushups -- instead of placing your feet higher than your head, your head should be higher than your feet for this exercise. Any sturdy surface that will allow you to perform the pushups unencumbered can be used. Incline pushups work your lower pectoral muscles. "Off the floor" pushups - If you are working out at home, you can perform raised pushups with the help of three sturdy chairs. By placing each of your hands on an opposite chair, and your feet on the third chair, you can increase the depth of your pushup and thereby increase the effectiveness of your workout routine.

Tips to increase the effectiveness of your push up workouts:

• Add weight during your pushups - If you are already strong, you can add weight to your back to work on increasing your muscle mass. However, this tip is only recommended for individuals who are already physically strong and can bear it.




• Mix and match hand positions - Using the incline, decline, off-the-floor, or fist pushup positions, you can reposition your arms to target different chest and upper body muscles.

Push ups are a great way to strengthen your upper body and build chest muscle at the same time. By mixing up your hand positions, and trying a few different styles of pushups -- you can increase the effectiveness of your at-home exercising and add a little bit of variation to your workout routine as well.

About the Author:

Find out how to build muscle up and learn about muscle weight gain at http://www.buildmuscleupfast.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/muscle-building-articles/build-chest-muscles-and-upper-body-strength-with-six-types-of-pushups-627832.html

Choosing the Best Protein Powder

Author: Vince Delmonte

Before deciding which protein powder is the best or necessary for your goals, here is a short protein primer to help you make sense of the thousands of different protein powders from which to choose:





· Whey protein isolate





· whey protein concentrate





· Hydrolyzed whey





· Calcium caseinate





· Egg white





· Whole egg





· Micellar casein





· Etc, etc, etc…





What are the benefits of all these different forms of protein?





Whey protein makes up 20% of total milk protein. Whey is recognized for its excellent amino acid profile, high cysteine content, rapid digestion, and interesting variety of peptides.





Casein protein makes up 80% of total milk protein. Casein is recognized for its excellent amino acid profile, slow digestion and interesting variety of peptides. Since casein is slowly digested into your bloodstream, don't use it during workouts or after workouts – you need a fast absorbing protein at these times.





Soy protein is the most controversial of all protein types. While the soy groupies have gone to great lengths to label soy as a super food with magical effects, there is also a good amount of research that suggests soy protein may be contraindicated in many situations. Because of all the confusion, I suggest avoiding soy protein altogether and sticking to the other types listed.





Protein Blends are generally a combination of several types of protein blends such as whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, egg protein, casein protein, and soy protein. Why would you want a blend anyway? You will receive the full spectrum of proteins and you will receive varying rates of absorption from the different types of protein.





Whey hydrolysates (also known as hydrolyzed whey protein, and are also called peptides), are powerful proteins that are more quickly absorbed; more so than any other form, since your body prefers peptides to whole proteins. Hydrolysates are produced through very low heat, low acid and mild enzymatic filtration processes, (those highest in the essential and the branched chain amino acids) and are potentially the most anabolic for short-term protein synthesis such as 15 minutes prior to a workout, during a workout and immediately after a workout.





Whey Protein Versus Whey Isolate:





Most whey protein powders that stock the supplement shelves are made up of whey concentrate and mixed in with a small portion of whey isolate. Comparing the two, whey protein isolate is more expensive than whey protein concentrate because it has a higher quality (more pure) and a higher BV (biological value). Whey protein isolate contains more protein and less fat and lactose per serving. Most whey protein isolates contain 90-98% protein while whey concentrates contain 70-85% protein.





Whey protein isolate is the highest yield of protein currently available that comes from milk. Because of its chemical properties it is the easiest to absorb into your system. Obviously with its high concentration, it appears that an isolate protein would be the obvious choice instead of a concentrate. However, this is an individual decision because the isolate is more expensive, and just because it is purer does not guarantee that it will help build bigger muscles. Its extra concentration may not justify its extra cost.





How can we use these different forms to our advantage?





Whey Protein:





Since it is very quickly digested the best time to consume it is within six hours after a workout, prior to a workout or breakfast.





Casein Protein:





Since it is slowly digested the best time to consume it is anytime of the day except breakfast and within six hours after a workout when your body requires a more immediate source.





Soy Protein:





As mentioned I would avoid this one altogether.





Blend Proteins:





Using a blend will create an anabolic environment from the whey and an anti-catabolic environment from the casein – use this kind at periods outside of the six hour post workout window.





Whey Hydrolysates:





Use a hydrolysate protein for your pre, during and post workout nutrition because this will enter your blood stream quicker than any other form.





Money aside, which form of protein do you believe is most beneficial? Why?





Dollar for dollar, protein powders and meal replacement drinks tend to be more cost effective than whole food. Don't get me wrong, though. Protein powders are still supplements in my book. Supplement means an addition to the diet. I emphasize this because the focus of any diet should be food. Whole food is often preferable to powders because it can offer a whole spectrum of nutrients that powders cannot.





Most of your dietary protein should come from meat, fish, poultry and eggs. However getting all your protein from whole food is not always practical or convenient, especially if you have to eat 6 or more times a day to get your required intake. I will stress to you, for optimal muscle gains, that you should limit yourself to a maximum of three per day or 40 % of your meals.





The bottom line is that both are necessary to achieve a complete nutritional balance as well as the desired level of protein intake, especially if you're not a big fan of cooking. Do not make the fatal mistake of thinking protein powders can take the place of a solid training and nutrition program.





So what is the bottom line? What is the best protein powder?





For the pre, during and post workout phase, as long as whey hydrolysate is the first or second ingredient on the supplement label then there is probably not enough in the product to influence protein synthesis to reap the optimal benefits. As stated, whey isolates are also a very extremely high quality whey and for maximal anabolism isolates should be combined with whey hydrolysates for only the pre, during and post workout phases of your program. The inclusion of small amounts of whey concentrates will not harm you but this should not be the first ingredient on the tub of protein powder.





If you are looking for the strongest protein powder to exploit your full growth potential during all other times of the day then use a blend. You will receive the full spectrum of proteins and you will receive varying rates of absorption from the different types of protein. Using a blend will create an anabolic environment from the whey and an anti-catabolic environment from the casein

About the Author:

Vince DelMonte is the author of No Nonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secrets To Insane Muscle Gain found at http://BuildMuscleEasy.com/ .



He specializes in teaching skinny guys how to build muscle and gain weight quickly

without drugs, supplements and training less than before.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/muscle-building-articles/choosing-the-best-protein-powder-377344.html

2009 Designer Handbag Trends

Author: asheng

The trend for designer handbags in 2009 seems to be “the bigger, the better”. Today’s on the go woman needs a handbag that can handle everything from makeup to cell phones and every other electronic device she needs to keep her in the know and in touch while looking fashionable and irresistible.

Classic styles never lose their appeal and the hottest three designer handbags for 2009 represent some of the most classic lines from the past. For 2009, the fashionable woman needs more than just pretty looks – she needs a stylish handbag that looks great and provides the most in functionality.

Topping the list for the “in” designer bags of 2009 are classic names such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes Birkin, and of course, the fabulous classic design by Coco Chanel. These designer handbags are designed to perform. Long gone is the trend of cute little handbags with barely enough room for a lipstick. Whether making a scene in the corporate world or out for a day of shopping, today’s women demand style and performance – and the most popular designer handbags for 2009 deliver both.

In a variety of colors from the classic black or white bags to more fashionable blues and reds, the designer handbags trends are leaning toward functionality, comfort in carrying, while still looking smart and trendy. The Louis Vuitton Speedy 35, a marvelous interpretation of the Louis Vuitton Keepall offers a classic satchel shape with a roomy interior and is one of the top choices for the city girl on the move. The spacious Hermes Birkin offers a rich, classic look with space for everything your need complete with a lock and key to keep your valuables safe from harm. The Chanel 2.55, first introduced in 1955, is making a classical comeback. It is being reissued in white, silver, and black. This quilted designer handbag offers the comfort and functionality of a shoulder bag in a look that never goes out of style.

Are you looking for a bag that provides plenty of room for the essentials that today’s woman needs while offering the exciting and classic look that keeps you looking stylish and ready to take on the world? The “in” designer handbags for 2009 offer today’s woman the most functional handbags in the most classic and always stylish lines. Make your mark on the world with a designer handbag that keeps the essentials of everyday life right at your fingertips.

Replica Handbags From Colapin-bag.com, you best replica handbags suplier from China.

About the Author:

Colapin-bag.com is one of the most professional replica leather products suppliers in China. We have built a good relationship with the famous replica handbags manufacturers that is why we can get the best price and stable replicas resource for a long term. Welcome to join us and make money together!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/2009-designer-handbag-trends-605867.html

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How to Recognize Fake Ugg Boots?

Author: Clara Havisham

A huge problem faced by many ugg lovers is to identify the perfect and best pair of uggs. Many small brands are imitating the real uggs because of their increasing popularity. Also many unauthorized brands are set to manufacture the fake uggs designed with cowhide or pig skin that may harm your skin. Therefore, you have to be careful while shopping for sheepskin boots. This article will help to save your dollars from shopping fake ugg boots.





Quality or real Ugg boots are designed with double-faced sheepskin that will ease your feet with comfort. Double faced sheepskin is a single layer of sheepskin maintaining its thermostatic nature with the inner as skin (plain) and the outer as fleece that keeps your feet warm in winter and cool in summer.





In order to lessen the price of uggs, some manufacturers are using single-faced material / pigskin instead of double-faced sheepskins. This will ultimately reduce the quality of ugg boots. But by looking closer you can find some tiny holes on the boot which states the boots are made of pig skin.





Be Careful while buying uggs:


• Usually, the stitching quality and the finishing design of the fake uggs is very meager when compared to the real ones. You can identify counterfeit boots by looking at the soles and logos. Soles of fake uggs are extremely rigid while the soles of the real ones are highly flexible.


• Genuine ugg boots are featured with much sheepskin fur inside the boots for fluffy appearance and warmth. Where as utility of ‘fur’ is quite less in fake ones and sometimes the fur seems to be slightly dull grey in color.


• The heel portion is much narrower in replicas than the genuine sheepskin boots.


• The shape of the front portion of the counterfeits is bit shorter while the front part of the real sheepskin boots has a rounder and longer finish.


• One can find UGG label on the back of the real ugg boots. The printing styles of letters on the label may differ or may have some gap in between the letters. In authentic boots, the letters will slightly overlap each other.


• Real ugg will have few Registered trademark symbols ® on its outsole whereas imitates lack this.


• If your elite choice is ugg classic tall / classic short, you should look at the bottom of the boot that contains the symbol ‘UGG’


• Authentic ugg boxes are strong and sturdy. Usually, the words “UGG Australia” are printed in the middle of the lid (top portion of box). Recent 2007 ugg’s boxes come in a flip top box.


• You can easily identify the replicas knowing its price. The cost of real boots is at least £140 (approx.). The price of ‘UGGS short’ and tall is at least £70 and £85 respectively.

About the Author:

Clara Havisham pens fashion articles for Shoecapital.com on all about shoes from the wide variety of models to latest trends to what to wear with them. Read more on Shopping Guide for Ugg Boots.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/how-to-recognize-fake-ugg-boots-267681.html

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Cool Guy Gifts Secret Revealed

Author: Brian Connors

The shopping days for Christmas are now in full-swing and many of us still have work to do in regards to this challenge. There most certainly exists an anxiety for many as to what to get someone of the male gender before symptoms of a panic attack become evident. Relax, my friends, there is a variety of “Guy” Gift Baskets that could ease your burden in mere minutes.





The question of what guys like must first be answered. After hours of pondering the answer to this very deep mystery a two-word thought occurred to me. The startling revelation of the words “guy stuff” were given to me by the unseen powers of the universe having the wisdom that humans cannot possibly possess. I humbly beseeched this energy to shed more of its miraculous light on this matter. I was then led along a path of enlightenment toward the ultimate in masculine gift-giving. What did I see?





There were gift baskets that had individual themes all within the magical realm of guydom. There was bound to be one that fit the characteristics of any member of the male species. I was utterly astounded by the choices that were before my very eyes. I saw Guy Gift Baskets pertaining to golf, NASCAR, handyman, cigars, motorcycles, Dad’s, trucks, coffee, movies and more. I then saw a shining light coming closer to reveal yet another theme having absolute virile and manlike characteristics. What was behind this amazing spectacle?





There were gift baskets of food….glorious, wonderful food! Some of these baskets with edible treasures contained sweet, luscious candy and snacks. Some were packed with traditional Italian food. Others were chock full of gourmet food that would satisfy the manliest of men in a most manly way. What guy doesn’t like food? What guy doesn’t love gourmet food? Herein was yet another insight towards the power of knowing what to get for all of the menfolk out there.





Then the fantasy that seemed so real suddenly dissipated. A message, however, was indelibly chiseled into my consciousness. I realized that guys like guy stuff and Guy Gift Baskets are guy stuff and that any guy would love to have Guy Gift Baskets in order to experience a new dimension of what being a guy is all about. How simple is that?





One of the eternal mysteries involving the world of gift-giving was granted to me and today I share this truth with you out of nothing but sheer love for my brothers and sisters around the world. Don’t suppress your urge now to weep with me in pure joy! Just let it go….yes….yes, my friends. Let your tears be shed in the state of bliss that I unabashedly can share with you at this very moment.





Now take the advice of aGiftBasketParadise.com and go to a worthy online gift basket provider and shop for the shining Guy Gift Basket that will help some fellow find a oneness within this world of chaos and disconnecting confusion. Make your choice and type in the necessary shipping, billing and credit card info to make it all happen. You will then have taken the high road in life and can be satisfied knowing that you have fulfilled your role within the whole cosmic scheme of things.

About the Author:

Brian is the owner of Gift Basket Paradise and wishes to enlighten everyone regarding the essential truths of finding the right gift for the guys in their life. Begin your quest by journeying to http://www.agiftbasketparadise.com/guy_gift_baskets.html and searching the website for other manly and virile alternatives.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/cool-guy-gifts-secret-revealed-279005.html

How to Shop Like a Man, and Actually be Good at it

Author: Benedict Yossarian

Of course you’re busy to go shopping, or maybe you just simply hate it. But even if you are a man, you can still learn how to be smart in stores in order to buy the best stuff and to save a buck.

Have you ever walked into a Louis Vuitton store? If you can recall, the first things that you will see are usually luggage – carryalls, suitcases, and trunks of infinite variety will be around you.

But if you walk past those luggage, you will discover a few interesting things made by the same designer that you might not know about (like razor-sharp suits made to cut you a mean silhouette). This is what good shopping means – moving beyond what’s obvious and then learning all your options.

Why It Matters

Most men are fraught with uncertainty, harried, and hurried when it comes to shopping. Most likely it ranks between having a colonoscopy and dental cleaning when it comes to the list of things that you would rather not do.

However, when you learn to do it the right way, you will know what you are looking for and you will be able to stretch your money to go an extra mile. It also becomes more like an opportunity rather than an obligation. So for better savings and better stuff, here is something that will set you apart from the rest.

Shopping Guide

Here is a basic shopping guide for you, compiled by a well-respected men’s magazine called Esquire:

• When buying a suit, check the inside and look for the seams. If they are hand-sewn, you will see a single thread that is running in wavy patterns; but if they are machine-sewn, you will see two threads that are joined together in chainlike patterns. Generally, hand-sewn stitches are more resilient.
• For your overcoat, make sure that you buy only cashmere or wool (a blend of these two is alright). Also, choose a waterproof piece if possible.
• If you are buying button-fly trousers, you need to count the buttons. If the number is two or less, you’re looking for trouble. Also, have it tailored (one-inch break only) so that just a little cloth would be seen draping over your shoes.
• Before buying shoes, bend it to simulate walking. When the shoe has returned to its flat position and yet it’s still wrinkled, it’s a sign that it’s made of shoddy leather. In addition, never buy your shoes in the afternoon – this is because your feet expand all throughout the day.
• For shirts, look for harder and shinier buttons. It’s much better if it’s made from mother-of-pearl. And when you find ripples around the buttons upon fitting the shirt, it means that it’s too small for you.
• Good leather jackets look supple and soft, while cheap ones look coated and shiny. Also check the lining if it’s good. Cotton lining is the best, but synthetic ones like rayon works too.
• Shopping for boots is also easy. First, make sure that they’re lined and as much as possible, waterproof. Try them on over your thick wool socks in order to mimic the conditions during the actual wear.

About the Author:

The author of this article is Benedict Yossarian. Benedict recommends Costume Finder for all your fancy dress needs or perhaps Queens Leather for some stylish leather laptop cases?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/how-to-shop-like-a-man-and-actually-be-good-at-it-739175.html

How to Tell if a Guy Likes You

How to Tell if a Guy Likes you - Five Signs He's Interested

Author: Tonja Weimer

How can you tell if a guy likes you or is interested? You noticed him when you were standing and talking with a friend. You think he noticed you, but maybe it was your imagination or just wishful thinking. He looked at you at about the same time you saw him. Your eyes met for just a few seconds, and then you looked away. When you looked back up, he was talking with some other people. Was he watching you as you mingled? Or were you making that up? How can you tell if a guy likes you? Why are guys so hard to read?





Here are five signs that he is interested in you too. If any of the following happens, he is probably trying to get close enough to ask you out:





1. He tells someone





Is he interested? He likes you if he tells a mutual friend that he wants to know more about you, or he asks other people who you are and where you're from. He is trying to act like he's "just asking" but his questions indicate more than a casual interest. And when he tells someone that he finds you attractive, he probably knows that it will get back to you. He's hoping it does.





2. The look





He gives you a look that betrays his calm exterior. Even though he is across the room, "that look" he has says it all. It is sweeping, from your head to your toes, and then his eyes linger on yours. You think you notice the beginning of a tentative smile.





3. The conversation





Does he like you? When he manages to get close enough to you, to ask you questions, he is interested. He appears to be listening and responds to what you say. He's moving in to the ultimate question, which is: "Are you seeing anyone." He would only ask this question if he wanted to date you, and he hopes the answer is "No." Never ever wear a ring in public. When a guy is across the room, he cannot tell which finger it is on and he may assume incorrectly that you are taken. If he doesn't ask you the question of whether or not you are attached, he may ask someone whom you both know.





4. He appears unexpectedly





He likes you a lot if he shows up out of nowhere. He can only do that if he has been asking people about your schedule, or he has been paying attention to where you are going and at what time. His face may turn red when he sees you. A sudden, "Oh, hi," is his way of saying, "I don't want to seem obvious, but I am interested in you." If you feel the same way, do not act shy. Stop and talk to him.





5. EVERYONE likes you





Is he interested? When you are well liked and a happy person, why wouldn't he like you? Of course he does. If you don't have a great life, however, now is your time to start working on one. Take a look at your career possibilities, body image, future, plans, and resources. You may be naturally talented at something, but it won't matter unless you work on your strengths. Misused or unused talents fade away. School and training do not.





These are the five signs that he is interested and he is on the verge of asking you out. Make it easy for him and be friendly. This is where relationships begin.





Do you want to know more secrets about how to attract men? Do you know how to dress, what to say, what to do, and the body language to use when you go out? Do you know the 5 steps to take to meet any guy anywhere? Read on to discover all the secrets to having all the dates you want in How To Attract Men: Secrets Every Woman Should Know

About the Author:

Visit http://www.singlesdatingtips.com for more tips, skills, and insight on dating, relationships, singles, and love. Subscribe to our F*ree Savvy Dating Newsletter from master single's coach, life coach, and syndicated columnist, Tonja Weimer. Copyright 2006, Tonja Weimer. (Please note source if reprinting this article.)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dating-articles/how-to-tell-if-a-guy-likes-you-five-signs-hes-interested-320593.html

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