Archive for 'Exercise Tips'
All About Treadmills – Industry Expert Tells All
January 31st, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. 1 Comment
You may know them as: Nordic Track, Pro Form, Reebok, Image, Healthrider, Weider, Body Fit, Weslo, Epic, Cadence, Freemotion, or Gold’s Gym Exercise Equipment…
What you should know about ICON Health & Fitness treadmills. ICON is a well known manufacturer of budget treadmills. ICON also has a commercial line made under the FreeMotion brand name. They have been around for many years. They are a private company with unreported sales in excess of 3 billion dollars per year. One of their largest distributors is Sears, Costco and other wholesale clubs. The ICON brand treadmills are sold under such brand names Epic, Nordic Track, Pro Form, Weslo, Cadence, Healthrider, Reebok, Image, Body Fit, Weider just to name a few. ICON is competitive in the lower priced treadmills that can be purchased from the above mentioned retail stores. ICON provides average quality treadmills in their price range, but ICON does not compare to the higher priced treadmills as far as durability and available features. ICONS are typically sold at discount retailers but they are also available on-line. For an infrequent user who mainly walks and requires only minimal stability and number of features, ICON can be a good value. My findings suggest that you get what you pay for, especially if you work out frequently. If you need more intense training, or if you are a runner, than ICON residential exercise equipment will most likely not be of sufficient quality to meet your needs.
Most ICON treadmills fold and will latch in the up position. While the latch is designed so that the walking deck will not fall while unattended, it is not recommended that you pull on the walking deck while in the up position. This could make the latch break loose. It is also very important that the incline be completely down at 0% before folding. Should you try and raise the walking deck when the incline is in the up position, it is possible to break the piston that is used to help reduce the load when lowering the walking deck. ICON treadmills offer an internet capable iFit.com connection. IFit.com was designed by ICON as a personal trainer interactive program which offers workout programs for CD and MP3 players, VCR’s and online connections. In 2008 they started making iFit.com with SD card capabilities in the exercise equipment consoles. You do have to purchase or subscribe to the service, but many users find it a convenient way to have a personal trainer while using their treadmills in the privacy of their own home.
On most models a tethered safety key is needed to start the treadmill. This key may have to be inserted, or on newer models it may be a magnet. It will also stop the treadmill when pulled out. This is an excellent feature for safety reasons. By attaching the safety key to yourself during your work out should you fall the safety will automatically shut down the treadmill. Anyone that you do not want to use the treadmill such as children cannot start the walking belt without this safety key in place. Most ICON treadmills have built in programs and some higher end models let you design a custom user program.
You may also be able to custom design a heart rate program. Higher end models usually offer one or two fans in the console. This is a great feature that you can only appreciate while using the treadmill. Almost all ICON treadmills offer an incline. This simulates walking up a hill. The incline is measured in percentages. You will find this could range from a maximum of 10% to 15%, all though ICON has manufactured treadmills with up to a 50% incline. This was a popular model for mountain climbers, but it also only had a maximum speed of 6 mph.
As you can imagine going up a 50% incline is hard enough, so trying to run at the incline would not be safe. Some models offer to monitor your pulse. These models will have a hand grip that you must hold with both hands to get a pulse reading. It also helps if your hands are a bit wet or sweaty to give a better pulse reading. Some higher end models let you purchase as an accessory, a pulse monitor that you would strap onto your chest. This would act as a transmitter to send signals to the console to get you’re pulse reading. Most ICON treadmill consoles offer a book holder, a nice feature if you like to read and walk at the same time. The down side of the feature is of course you block out the readout on the console display.
Some newer models offer TV screens and CD players. You may find that the DC motor that operates the walking belt may cause a bit of interference on the TV signal. It may be a smarter choice to purchase a treadmill without a TV screen and point your treadmill towards a TV. The consoles also will sometimes have several pockets to store a remote control or bottled water. ICON treadmills are easily assembled for the do-it-yourselfer.
One huge benefit that ICON offers their customers is a national service network. This network of service centers cannot be overlooked or undervalued. This is one area where ICON is above and beyond many others manufacturers. Your treadmill purchase is only as good as the service beyond the sale. Should you not be able to assembly your treadmill, for a cost ICON will arrange for a local service center to professionally assemble your treadmill for you. Something else to consider is that repair costs are considered high on all exercise equipment. Even in the most populated areas of the country it can be hard to find a qualified exercise equipment repair company. It has been my experience that the specialty retailers of high end exercise equipment will not even consider repairing these lower priced models. This being the case, when you do find a qualified service center they will expect top dollar to perform repairs or maintenance. I do suggest, as many consumer organizations do, that you purchase an extended warranty on all exercise equipment purchases, especially treadmills.
One ICON model is the Epic T60, it is one of the more popular models sold by this manufacturer. The Epic T60 provides users with reasonable quality in the $500.00 to $ 1000.00 price range. There have been some reported problems associated with the rollers and the key pads on the console, but for the price the Epic T60 is a good buy. Epic treadmills generally offer an outstanding 12 year warranty on the motor, but only 90 days on parts and labor. Once again I cannot say this enough you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty on all ICON models and for that matter any lower end priced exercise equipment no matter who the manufacturer is. Epic does offer features such as the ability to design personal workouts and may include a stereo or a TV screen depending on the model you choose.
For the price, ICON treadmills are reasonably dependable and will last for a fair period of time. Before purchasing an ICON treadmill, investigate other brands and research the various models that are available to you. You may be able to find a superior treadmill for a similar price if you look for sales and online specials. ICON is not a poor choice in treadmills for many people, but if you are intent on a top quality, long lasting product, you may want to look further.
Some other considerations that you must address before purchasing any exercise equipment include number of users, maximum weight of the users, and frequency of use. Also know that all treadmills are rated for a maximum user weight. A user exceeding the maximum rating chances cracking the walking deck at worst and burning out the moving parts rather quickly. Lower end models generally are rated at a maximum weight of 250 pounds. It is also recommended that you purchase a treadmill with a CHP (Continuous Horsepower) motor as opposed to a THP (Total Horsepower) motor. Lower end treadmill will have a DC powered motor, while many commercial treadmills have AC powered motors. Also check the application of the treadmill. Most ICON models are labeled for “In Home Use” only and the warranty will be void if used in a gym or other commercial type setting i.e.: condominium or apartment workout rooms.
To find out more about Treadmills, visit Forests Wakefield’s website Exercise Equipment Service at tradmillmart.com and find out more about under $ 1000.00 treadmills, and about Epic, Smooth, Nordic Track, and Pro Form exercise equipment.
Tags: exercise, Exercise Equipment, Treadmills
Find The Perfect Treadmill For Your Needs
January 30th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. No Comments
In the course of a simple workout on a treadmill, it is amazing the number of things you can continue doing. You could watch TV, listen to music on your personal system, read books or even monitor your kids – all this while working out.
Treadmills could be foldable or adjustable to fit your limited space in an apartment or room. The origin of the modern treadmill can be traced back to the manually operated machine used to grind grain by stepping on a lever. On the treadmill, take care to not take a wrong step as your feet support 2.5 times your body weight as you toil on the deck.
The better treadmills have larger motors for longevity and minimal maintenance. Health monitors, like heart beat counters, are often built into the mills, wires clipped onto ears or, often, for best evaluation, to the chest to report to the counters and the monitors flash the counts. Also, there are even additional features on offer like built-in music systems or cup holders or even coolers and fans.
Intense workouts involve steeper decks to run on. To increase stress levels, extra features to add inclines to treadmills, introduce uphill running or jogging. So choose treadmills with adjustable inclines.
More features on the treadmill of your choice might include monitors for the heart or automatic stops, detecting slips on treadmills from built-in sensors. These enhance the safety options on your treadmill.
The choice of power levels for your treadmill are dependant on your physical requirements. If you are looking to use the mill mostly for walking, do not go for a treadmill with a motor that demands more than 1.5-3 horsepower continuously. Treadmills available in gyms and health clubs can often be customized for home use by their manufacturers.
For heavy usage along with concentrated exercise, choose a treadmill with greater power specifications and stress bearing levels. These might be expensive. Noise reduction should be paid attention to as in the course of workouts, noise can be quite annoying. Look for treadmills with sufficient silencers. Most important, go for the steadiest and most reliable treadmill with lots of endurance.
A greater warranty period offered should be a prime concern when buying a treadmill. One with a heart rate monitor is definitely handy for health concerns. Online purchases are easy on the pocket and time spent to make choices.
With greater options to vary inclines treadmills are more effective but are also highly priced. Go online and compare price catalogues after making all choices of features that you desire to accompany your home treadmill.
Consult all concerned in the family while purchasing a treadmill. Consider all their choices, try to match up yours to theirs. Remember to look for a warranty period that is definitely more than a year to accompany your treadmill.
Do consult your physician or a trainer before deciding on your own fitness regimen. But invariably, a treadmill is a better option than complicated cardiovascular exercises that are unnecessarily stressful. A jog on the treadmill is definitely more useful.
A home treadmill would ensure more regular exercising. Walking is quite a wholesome fitness regimen, if on the treadmill it is more useful. Use various customized programs on your treadmill to regulate your exercises for best results.
Buying a treadmill is not very different. Go ahead and take your pick. It involves major spending, so be careful. Now you have quite a few guidelines. Research more for more of them.
Tags: exercise, Perfect Treadmill, Treadmill
Cheap Home Gym to Get Results
January 29th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. No Comments
Have you decided to get a cheap home gym to get your body into shape and get those six pack abs? The traditional free weights and pulleys would help you get a toned body and have been used by bodybuilders for a long time but yet they have some drawbacks when you want to use them at home.
Traditional home gyms like the Bowflex and elliptical consume a lot of space and you’ll need a separate room to keep the machine. It is usually ok if you live in a mansion but it is not possible if you live in an apartment with your family. The noise of the metal clinging could be disturbing to the others in the family. That’s why it’s good to consider this cheap home gym that’s been created to rival the best of the home gyms out there in the market. It’s the Bodylastics home gym.
Bodylastics home gym relies on elastic resistance for resistance unlike the polymer rods given by the bowflex and the free weights. Bodylastics comes in with elastic tubes that you can use to workout along with a quick clip system, handles and door anchors.
You can attach the door anchor to the door and perform a lot of exercises that is similar to the one you find in the gyms and health clubs. You can also attach it to the handles for an easier workout. That’s the difference between Bodylastics and other resistance band systems.
It is quite versatile and you can workout any muscle group in your body. The upper or the lower. Anyone at any fitness level can use Bodylastics. Their bands are color coded and each color offering different resistance level. It can be used by both men and women.
Bodylastics can be used anyone in your family and you can just pack it into a travel bag and take it anywhere you want. The best part of it is that this home gym is very cheap and available for just under $50.
Tags: Bodylastics, Gym, Home Gym
How to Make Exercise Fun!
January 28th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. No Comments
Most people who start a new exercise program drop out within the first two to three months. You are much more likely to continue exercising for the rest of your life if you find an activity that you love. When you are just starting out, it may be hard to visualize how exercise could ever be fun, because now it just seems like plain hard work. But as you get more endurance, meet like-minded people, develop your skills and start to pass a few people – instead of always being the last/slowest/least coordinated – you will start to see that exercise can be much more than a chore. Here are some tips for making your exercise program more enjoyable:
- ADD MUSIC. That’s what many people enjoy most about aerobic dancing or spinning classes. Moving to your favorite sound is much more inspiring than silence. Almost any sport can be done to music. Safety caution: if you add music outdoors with a iPod, radio or CD player, make sure wearing earphones does not interfere with your safety. You should always be able to hear what’s going on around you.
- ADD PEOPLE. Find an exercise partner or a class, go to a gym, or join a club. You will find local clubs for almost every major sport or recreational activity. Get involved! You are much more likely to continue your program if it’s a sociable time and other people count on your participation.
- GO PLACES. Exercise indoors when you must, but on beautiful days, take your exercise outside and enjoy the scenery at the same time. Use your activity as an excuse to explore your area’s parks, monuments, historic spots and natural beauty. Go on a weekend tour or vacation with others in your sport. Or just breathe the fresh air in your back yard.
- BECOME AN EXPERT. Whatever activity you pick, you will enjoy it more if you learn all about it — the latest fashions and equipment, who’s who among the professional and amateur stars and so forth. Search the web for interesting sites; join a discussion forum. Every activity has its enthusiasts and you will be amazed at how friendly and helpful they are.
– REWARD YOURSELF. When you finish a particularly vigorous session, get a massage. Sit in a whirlpool or sauna. Go out to (a healthful) lunch with your exercise partner. Set goals and plan special rewards for yourself when you reach them.
Tags: exercise, How to Make Exercise Fun
Abdominal Exercise Machines Will Get The Job Done
January 27th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. No Comments
Most important is to know why you are trying to improve your abdominals. Are you trying to lose those love handles, or that extra belly fat from to much fast food? If so you need to understand that abdominal exercise will improve the tone and shape your muscles, not reduce your belly fat.
Fat loss is a systemic process…there is no such thing as ’spot’ reducing. Exercise will help you to lose excess fat, but the fat will come off from the entire body, not just where you are doing the exercise.
Can an abdominal machine really get better results then simply doing situps? The main advantage of using a machine is the improved form you will achieve.
To be effective, any exercise must be done with the proper form. This is the only way to isolate the muscle group you are trying to improve. Incorrect form can actually work against you in a number of ways.
* You will not get the visible feedback so necessary to an effective exercise program as it is simply not working the correct muscles.
* Incorrect form can often cause pain in the muscles you are trying to improve.
* Your body will get used to the wrong form and it will be much more difficult to change it.
* Getting no or poor results will sap your will to continue your fitness program. This may be the most harmful of all the negative factors.
Finding and using a competent personal trainer will also insure you are doing your exercises with the correct form, but many of us do not have the time to take advantage of this option. There is also the consideration of cost as a good personal trainer can be quite expensive over a long period of time.
So we are back to the abdominal machine as the most effective and practical method to make sure we are not just wasting our time. How do we determine which machine will do the best job? There are an endless barrage of ads on TV all claiming their machine is the best.
Some of the best machines available include the Ab Wheel, Ab Trainer, and Ab Slider. For better support of the lower back and neck you can use the Ab Crunch Machine as well as the Back and Ab Machine. This latter group is recommended for those who are over weight and have trouble doing a simple crunch without straining their lower back and neck.
Abdominal conditioning is essential to ‘core’ strength, and core strength is essential to your overall well being and fundamental fitness. It is core strength that insures you maintain balance and the ability to live your day to day life with confidence.
5 Exercise Activities for Baby Boomers
January 26th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. No Comments
Health is an important factor determining the quality of life. As Baby Boomers age, this statement has begun to possess increased significance. After a lifetime of hard work, retiring Baby Boomers are placing increased importance on their health in order to allow them to enjoy their well-earned golden years.
Exercise is arguably the most important variable a person can change to enhance their health. Below, we list 5 activities to help any Baby Boomer achieve their optimal health.
1. Join a Bicycle Club or start biking on your own. Biking is a great endurance activity which is low impact on muscles and joints. A great feature of biking is that an individual can set the level of exercise to meet their goals.
2. Start swimming. Another low impact activity for those with sensitive joints. Most communities have a local pool that can be accessed year round. Usually there are set hours for laps, swimming fitness classes and recreational swimming.
3. Yoga studios are popping up everywhere. Join one! In addition to the physical benefits, there are mental benefits and it’s a great way to meet people. There are many different forms of yoga so do your research and start improving your flexibility.
4. Tai Chi is an exercise system of slow controlled movements of the body. It claims to enhance inner and outer calm. Most mid-sized to large cities will have a Tai Chi club. Local scenic parks are common hotspots for Tai Chi clubs.
5. Mall Walking. A Mall is the perfect place to exercise. Typically Mall’s are large and open. They are covered and the temperature is always just right. Best of all, it’s free!
Before starting any exercise program one should consult their physician. Following the approval of your physician you should sit down and set your exercise goals and set a realistic schedule you plan to keep then get started.
Tags: Baby Boomers, exercise, Health
Finding the Right Ottawa Weight Loss Center
January 18th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. No Comments
There are no shortcuts to losing weight. Diet programs or individuals claiming to help you lose weight “quick and easy” are most probably ineffective and even harmful. In the end, the best way to lose weight is through a balanced diet and exercise. But joining a weight loss center, like an Ottawa weight loss center, can also help you lose weight if you are suffering from morbid obesity.
All about obesity
Obesity is a sickness. What many do not know is that being obese can lead to serious complications in the body, such as poor body movement, heart complications, and diabetes. To know if you are obese, you must compute for your body mass index (BMI). BMI is the proportion of your height to your weight. If your height is unbalanced with your weight, then you may probably be obese, or a candidate for one.
Morbid obesity
A lot of Americans are suffering from morbid obesity. This is the extreme form of obesity where one is 100 lbs overweight and has a BMI of over 40. Morbidly obese individuals have serious health risks and should see a doctor immediately.
Solutions
Arguably an effective solution to being morbidly obese is to undergo surgery. An Ottawa weight loss center, for example, can provide surgery procedures to help morbidly obese individuals lose weight.
Surgery procedures to help you lose weight include gastric bypass, gastric restrictive procedure, and laparoscopic invasive surgery. For minor weight loss, liposuction can also be effective.
Trust only the best
Although there are only few Ottawa weight loss center in the area, careful consideration must always be taken to go only to the reputable ones.
Before undergoing any surgery, you must first consult with a doctor or professional. An Ottawa weight loss center may have an in-house surgeon or dietitian that can provide you with an assessment and recommendation on what steps to take.
Also you have to do your own homework and study everything there is about the surgery. Know its procedure, side effects, and possible complications for you to be fully prepared.
Finally, maintaining your achieved body weight is crucial. Adapting a balanced diet and conducting regular exercise are the means.
Tags: Ottawa, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Center
5 Weight Exercises to Help You Lose Weight
January 17th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Exercise Tips. No Comments
Using weights to lose weight is like leveraging your efforts. By lifting weights correctly (and to your full potential), you will start the process of speeding up your metabolism and greatly accelerating your weight loss.
WARNING: The following weight exercises may cause fat to burn off your body more quickly than you first expected. Use only if you are serious about getting great results.
1. Bodyweight Squats – Doing correct squats will work all of your major leg muscles, which are the largest muscles in your body. By working your lower body as well as upper body, you will triple your results. To do a squat correctly, keep your feet at shoulder width apart, shoulder blades together and looking straight forward. Lower your body down as if sitting straight down until your knees make a 90 degree angle. Then stand straight up again.
2. Leg Press – If you have access to a fitness facility in your area, e.g. a gym or health club, it’s more than likely that they have some sort of leg press machine. Keep in mind that your feet should be placed shoulder width apart and at a comfortable height on the plate. Your core muscles should be activated, your shoulders back and your hands should not rest on your legs. If you have any trouble performing this one, just ask a gym instructor/personal trainer in your gym.
3. Pushups – One of the ‘classic’ exercises which is most likely familiar to nearly everyone, doing pushups will work your chest muscles and your triceps (back of upper arm). Pushups are a perfect bodyweight exercise you can do almost anywhere. You can do pushups either from your toes or from your knees. Either way, rest your hands palm down on the floor at about shoulder width apart. Lower your body right down to the ground until almost resting and then push with your arms until your body is up again.
4. Bench Press/Chest Press – The bench and chest press are very similar exercises that compliment to work your triceps and your chest just like pushups. By leveraging your efforts with weights, however, you can achieve greater results in less time. With both of these exercises you need to make sure your core muscles are ‘on’ and your shoulders are back. Lying on a gym bench, grip the bar (or handles) at equal distance from the centre. Un-rack the bar if necessary and bring it down to your chest. Just before the bar touches your chest, push it back up without lifting your shoulders from the bench.
5. Chin Ups – Chin ups are a great strength exercise to work your biceps, your back muscles and your core. To perform a chin up correctly you need a stable bar (chin up bar in a gym). Curl your fingers underneath the bar so that you are holding it with your palms facing behind you. Pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar and lower yourself back down without sacrificing your posture (keep your shoulders back – don’t let them drop).
These 5 exercises will greatly accelerate your fat-burning results, helping you lose weight faster in all the right places. Because these exercises are compound exercises, they use multiple muscle groups making it a quicker process to workout your entire body when done correctly.
Tags: Exercises, Lose Weight, Weight Exercises
Winston Salem Gyms:Vitamins Supplements and Herbs
January 13th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Aerobic Conditioning, Exercise Tips, Fitness Tips, Health Tips, Mental Health Tips, Strength Training, winston salem gyms. No Comments
Winston Salem Gyms -Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin H
Vitamin K
HerbalsAloe Winston Salem Fitness Information Source: Sally Smith and Spine Universe |
Winston Salem Gyms:Staying in Good Health: The Role of Vitamins
January 12th, 2009 by Winston Salem, under Aerobic Conditioning, Exercise Tips, Fitness Tips, Health Tips, Mental Health Tips, Strength Training, winston salem gyms. No Comments
Winston Salem Gyms -Prevents night blindness and other eye problems. Aids some skin disorders such as acne. Enhances immunity and protects against colds, influenza and infections. May heal gastrointestinal ulcers. Protects against pollution and cancer formation. Acts as an antioxidant needed for epithelial tissue maintenance and repair important for formation of bones and teeth. Aids in fat storage. Slows the aging process. Protein cannot be utilized by the body without this.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
Enhances circulation. Assists in the production of hydrochloric acid, blood formation, and carbohydrate metabolism. Affects energy, growth disorders and learning capacity. Needed for normal muscle tone of the intestines, stomach and heart. Warnings: antibiotics, sulfa drugs and oral contraceptives may decrease thiamin levels in the body a high carbohydrate diet increases the need for thiamin.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cellular respiration and growth. Alleviates eye fatigue and is important in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When used with vitamin A, it maintains and improves the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, facilitates oxygen use by body tissues, eliminates dandruff, helps the uptake of iron, B6 important during pregnancy since a lack can lead to fetal damage. Aids in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Warnings: oral contraceptives and strenuous exercise decrease riboflavin levels in the body. Riboflavin is easily destroyed by light, cooking, antibiotics and alcohol.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinic Acid)
Needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. Aids in the functioning of the nervous system. Aids in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Used in the production of hydrochloric acid. Lowers cholesterol
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Known as the ‘anti-stress vitamin’ since it is used in the production of adrenal hormones and antibodies. Helps convert fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy needed to produce vital steroids and cortisone in the adrenal gland. Required by all cells of the body. Needed for normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. May be helpful in treating depression and anxiety.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Involved in more bodily functions than any other single nutrient. Affects both physical and mental health is a natural diuretic. Reduces swelling associated with PMS, injury, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Aids in preventing oxalate kidney stones from forming. Necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and proteins. Maintains sodium and potassium balance. Needed for a properly functioning nervous system. Promotes red blood cell formation. Aids in the production of antibodies. Plays a role in cancer immunity and arteriosclerosis. Inhibits the formation of homocysteine which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around the heart muscle. Helpful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis and asthma. Warnings: antidepressants, estrogen, and oral contraceptives may increase the need for vitamin B6 in the body.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Needed for energy production and formation of red blood cells. Helps prevent coronary heart disease. Important for healthy cell division and replication. May help depression and anxiety. Shown to help in uterine cervical dysplasia. Essential to regulate embryonic and fetal development of nerve cells. Vital for normal growth and development. Significantly reduces risk of colon cancer.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Needed to prevent anemia. Aids in cell formation and cellular longevity. Required for proper digestion, absorption of food, protein synthesis, and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Prevents nerve damage, maintains fertility, and promotes normal growth and development. Warnings: deficiency can be caused by malabsorption – such as the elderly and those with digestive disorders.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Powerful antioxidant that protects against pollution and prevents cancer. Required for tissue growth and repair. Essential in the formation of collagen to form tissue. Protects against blood clotting and bruising. Promotes healing of wounds and the production of anti-stress hormones. May reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure. Protects against genetic damage, cataracts, colon cancer, respiratory illnesses, asthma, breast cancer. Warnings: aspirin, alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives and steroids may reduce levels of vitamin C. Pregnant women should use amounts no larger than 5,000 mg, as the fetus may become dependent on this supplement and develop scurvy.
Vitamin D
Required for calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization. Necessary for growth and especially important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children. Essential for the prevention of osteoporosis and rickets. Enhances immunity.
Vitamin E
Antioxidant that prevents cancer and cardiovascular disease. Has been shown to reduce the chance of a heart attack by 75%. Improves circulation and aids in normal clotting and healing. Reduces blood pressure. Aids in preventing cataracts. Aids in the repair of tissue useful in treating fibrocystic breasts, PMS and leg cramps. Retards aging and may prevent age spots.
The following information is simply a description of the effects of vitamins. Please consult with a health professional before taking any supplements.
Winston Salem Fitness Information Source: Sally Smith and Spine Universe