Two million dogs overweight!

Came across this story on the web, and thought I should share it with all you.

"Pig-Dog"

I don't know about you, but to me that looks more like a pig,than a dog!

What?
60 percent of dogs are obese and 75 to 80 percent of cats are overweight. Many of the dogs are experiencing health problems like humans are such as, heart disease, breathing difficulties, diabetes, strokes and arthritis. This causes their life span to shorten.

Why?
Many owners are being blamed for taking their dogs on shorter walks, and rather than encouraging physical activity, they just throw some more food, and give them more treats.

What to do?

• Dogs should be walked at least two times a day for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Physical activity is a must, play with your dog when ever you can.
• Don't overfeed your pet! Like humans, animals have certain calorie needs. Ask your vet for more info.

Although this story has not much relevance to health and fintess of humans, it does illustrate the current obesity epedmic in USA. As people are getting fatter, so are their pets.

EAT! And Then Sleep!

Although muscle stimulation occurs in the gym lifting weights, muscle growth occurs afterward during rest. Without adequate rest and sleep, muscles do not have an opportunity to recover and build. Studies indicate that eight hours and fiteen minutes of sleep a night is desirable for the bodybuilder to be refreshed, although this varies from person to person. Additionally, many athletes find a daytime nap further increases their body's ability to build muscle. Some bodybuilders take several naps per day, during peak anabolic phases.

Sleep is one of the fundamental elements needed to make gains! If you don't get sufficient sleep, your results will be hindered. A combination of a healthy diet, great workout routine, and sleep, are you keys to success!

Sleep is divided into four phases:

One: Between 9 pm and 11 pm your body releases a horome known as melatonon. The function of this hormone, released in the absence if light, so to make one feel sleepy.

Two: Once the body is totally relaxed and still, it enters stage two which lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. The body begins to fall alseep.

Three: In phase three, one falls into a much deeper sleep. It typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes.

Four: The final phase of the sleep cycle is REM sleep, or rapid eye movment sleep. It is at this point where dreams occur. It lasts about 30 minutes. After phase four is complete, the sleeper goes back to phase two and the cycle repeats its self.

Sleep is crutial for muscle building. Even if you follow a strict diet and train hard, your results will be lessened due to lack of sleep. SLEEP! SLEEP! SLEEP!

Build Muscle: The Military Way

"Get F.I.T"

A soldier on the field needs to be able to carry 100 pounds of artillery and equipment for over 19 hours a day, and if they are in war,theres no sleep, its an all 24 hour play! You may ask yourself, "so how do they do it?" It's time to get F.I.T...

The program that they fallow should include, Cardiovascular exercises,muscular Strength,Muscular endurance,and flexibility. These methods are used to improve body composition.

Cardio: Should be done 3 times a week in a, Monday,Wednesday, Friday routine. You should not spend too long on it, about 15-20 minutes.Cardio includes, Intensive running(over 2 miles in less than 18 minutes.), Swimming (30 minutes non-stop),Rowing or mountain biking(30-45 minutes)

Muscular strength: Consists of Weight lifting such as,barbells, Free weights, bench presses, and so on. Should be done 2-3 Times a week. Muscular strength increases your overall strength, the ability to which you can react to lift heavy weight, and it can help you avoid injuries,and ofcourse, make you stronger and healthier.

Muscular endurance: The amount of time you can hold up an object, and are able to maneuver around obstacle's to get to your final destination,including lifting double the weight that your body can endure, for 12 to 16 repetitions of each exercise.

Flexibility: The ability to stretch, able to bend at a fast pace, and are able to pick up or swing an object without, twisting,cracking,or destroying a bone or cartilage.

To train hard like a soldier and get that muscular body you are looking for:

• You must run two miles in under 18 minutes
• Perform 100 sit-ups in under 4 minutes/every day
• perform 200 push-ups in under 7 minutes/every day
• Perform 100 Pull-ups in 4 minutes/every day

Obviously the first day you start you will not be up to these standards,with time you will improve and practicing every day will get you to the body of a soldier, just like in the picture above.

Oh and remember if you want it,you will have it, just work HARD!