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Sports are one aspect in our culture that has always been cutting edge.  Let’s look at some of the new and interesting sports that have made a mark in this global culture.

Although many may not consider them a sport, cyber games do indeed qualify. And, recent years have seen a tremendous growth of gaming consoles, game design, and the video game industry in general.  This evolved into a global gaming culture that is now recognized as a new extreme sport in more than 70 countries.  Competitive Video Gaming has become one of the most sought after new recreational sports in the last five years. Not only that, but the best players from around the world meet in the annual World Cyber Games. This event was launched by International Cyber Marketing, a Korean company backed by Samsung and Microsoft, with the goal to market video games as competitive sports.  Like athletes and fans that recognize sports talent, many know that Korea has some of the elite players in the world, since they were one of the first countries that developed the gaming and the new sports technology that makes World Cyber Games possible. The World Cyber Games bring the best players from different countries to battle it out just like the Olympics.

This new recreational sport draws more than one million visitors every year, which is an impressive number for a young sporting event. Ironically, some players believe in exercise and physical fitness to compete in this sport.  Only a select number of games are considered competitive games.  These games include Warcraft III, Starcraft, Counterstrike, FIFA, and Need for Speed.  Recently Guitar Hero was added to the list of events.

Getting out into the fresh air where danger lurks, base jumping can really get your pulse going. Many extreme sports involve jumping from high altitude and at high speeds. One of the more radical extreme sports related to skydiving is Base Jumping.  BASE stands for Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth.  This jump employs a parachute or wingsuit to jump from altitudes less than 2000 feet with the parachute unopened. To become a BASE jumper, you must jump from fixed objects. The first jump made in Yosemite National Park demonstrated how Base Jumping is different from other recreational sports.  During the eighties, all base jumps were made using standard parachutes, but new sports technology has developed specialized equipment specifically for this kind of low altitude jumping.

Many consider base jumping an “ultra-extreme” sport because it is significantly more dangerous than similar sports.  Unlike skydiving, low altitude jumping only spans six seconds at the most.  Thus, jumpers have less than three seconds to position themselves and open their parachutes.  In addition, these jumps are usually made from man-made structures where there are many people on the ground. Try it if it sounds right for you.

Finally, there’s body boarding. This is a form of human wave riding kind of like surfing.  This new extreme sport uses a smaller, rectangular board made of hydrodynamic foam.  Body Boarding is the fastest growing extreme sports in the world since this sport is easier to learn than similar activities like wakeboarding or surfing. A body-board is a short board made of foam core and protected by a plastic bottom.  The boards are designed to absorb much of the surface pressure of the water, so body-boards will have an easier time catching the waves. Professional body-boarding involves launching and landing tricks in the height of the wave from the simple spinning and reverse trick done near the wave pipe, to the more extreme jumping and aerial tricks that use the stronger waves as jump-off points. Have fun.

What’s all the buzz about the 1980 fashion trends? Have you seen them around in the clubs and social spots lately? If you haven’t you soon will. The 1980 fashion trends are making a comeback and may be taking a place in your wardrobe soon. Can you remember some of the styles? Let’s do it together.

One thing that cannot be left off the list, so we may as well start out with it right away: leg warmers. Leg warmers are those knitted things that cover the lower half of your legs – your calves- and look like tall socks, but aren’t They don’t cover your feet. As has been pointed out, they serve no practical use except fashion – unless you have a propensity for cold calves. Maybe they are valuable to dancers on the North Pole? We do know ice skaters love them.

Another thing about 1980 fashion trends that can’t be forgotten is the big hair. Although many ladies were ironing their hair just to make is controllable in the 70′s, in the 80′s it became the fasion to make it big. Perhaps this was the inspiration for the title of the Wham album that was popular around the same time. How did they do it? Well, mousse was popular. Mousse – which you can still get today – is a foam you spray into your hand and then apply to your hair. It is great at holding it in place and making it appear bigger. Also, don’t forget to use hairspray and a pick. Spray your hair liberally with hairspray and use a pick to add volume. So, you don’t forget your pick, you can store it in your big and fluffy hairdo. Yep, that’s what they did way back then.

Another one of the popular 1980 fashion trends was acid washing jeans. Jeans were cool in two fashions. Jordache and worn-looking. It seemed pretty cool to people that when you wear your jeans for a long time, they become kind of frazzled and white in places. People wanted this look without all the bronco riding and hay bailing normally necessary. The sellers decided to acid wash and stone wash jeans to make them look worn. But they sold them for a new price. In fact, more expensive price. Go figure. Just remember, though. Fashion doesn’t need to make sense. It rarely does. And the 1980′s was no exception.

Whether you are into retro styles or you were born in the 90′s and think this stuff looks cool, 1980 fashion trends may be the cool craze for you. Since most of theses styles are not available in stores as new merchandise, you’ll have to check out the flea markets and garage sales as well as the second hand shops. Another interesting trend is taking place, too. Some modern designers are re-creating some designs similar to the 1980′s. So, if you are interested in wearing similar designs but don’t like wearing somebody else’s hand-me-downs, you should check in the shopping malls at the stores which cater to young ladies. The new you isn’t far off. Photos courtesy of: http://www.buzzle.com and http://worldandnews.blogspot.com

Do you love to exercise? Some of us that exercise all the time, may not even know they are exercising. Some of us that never exercise may say we hate it as we picture boring calisthenics. Some of use may may already be in the right program and workout routine to fit our lifestyle. Which are you?

If you ride your bike to work because you love to go green and you are in good physical condition, perhaps you love exercise and you don’t even know it. Maybe you are a member of a tennis club and think more about your standings in competitions than your fitness. You are probably already in good shape so that the concept of exercise doesn’t really play a big part in your life at this point.

Are you overweight or out of shape? Are you tired all the time? Do you hate to go to the gym and all the trouble and effort required to exercise? You’re not alone. This experience can be so challenging that most people claim they don’t have time. If you have time to eat and go to the bathroom, you have time to exercise. It’s that important. One thing can make exercise a thing that you love or hate. It is your attitude. First, the right attitude will guide you through the logistics of picking the right time and place and activity for you. Without the right attitude, you may never learn to love exercise and may always be out of shape as a result.

The right attitude is about knowing it is good for you. It is about knowing that you will really love it when you do it right. the right attitude will also help you persist when the odds are against you. So, when you are ready to start the quest for what is best, where do you begin?

Don’t evaluate your fitness level yet. First, think about the activities involving movement that you enjoy most. It can be running, dancing or even yoga. Have you ever seen an out of shape yoga practitioner? No, you don’t have to move fast and hit a ball to be in great shape. Even the slow and steady movements of yoga can create excellent physical condition. It is the movements we most enjoy or the competition or challenges that excite us that make us want to focus on something greater than effort. If you are trying to avoid moving or straining or reaching for a tough physical objective, you will not enjoy the movement. Think instead about the perfect dance routine, the perfect yoga position, beating your opponent at tennis or running around the track in record time.

All athletes have challenges and objectives that they focus on that transcends the focus on effort of movement and instead focuses on having a great time by reaching some goal. When you exercise, what is your intention? This can be the key to an excellent attitude and being in great shape physically, too.

Because most of us are spending much more time sitting these days, and we work, study and play in seats more than ever before, there needs to be conscious focus on getting more exercise done. If we are not living in a culture where exercise is emphasized, we may have a tendency to forget about it and never do it. We’ll share a few ideas with you to keep it a part of your healthy lifestyle.

As you’ve heard it said before: any movement is an improvement! Try to: Climb stairs instead of using elevators or escalators, ride a bike or walk whenever you can, walk the dog more often or do it yourself sometimes instead of delegating it, at lunchtime, go for a walk with a friend instead of sitting down talking. It is much better to get out and enjoy nature as long as you are near enough to do so. Some people have a game of soccer, footy, cricket or basketball during their lunch break. Go dancing with friends. This doesn’t have to be a darkened disco where everyone is drinking alcohol or trying to pick up some stranger, either. Dancing can be great exercise and there are many venues that are well-lit and free at community centers and other places. There may also be activities around your neighborhood. Are there tennis courts, a beach, parks or reserves to visit, a skateboard ramp, cycling trails or any open area where you can have some fun moving about?

Some of the benefits you will enjoy make it more than worthwhile. Here are just a few. You feel fit, energetic and more positive about life. If you’ve ever suffered from a lack of energy you’ll know how good it feels to have a healthy body. Physical activity releases endorphins – these are the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals. Physical activity reduces stress and tension, making you much more relaxed. Some activities, like climbing a rock wall or BMX racing, can give you a feeling of exhilaration – enjoy the thrill. If you ever have trouble with insomnia, you have a better night’s sleep when you are regularly active. Many mild cases of insomnia are just an example of someone not getting enough exercise during the day. Then, during the day, you’ll find that you have more energy and feel less tired. Physical activity means a strong heart and lungs, which leads to a longer and more enjoyable life. In addition, most people that exercise will have a healthier glow about them. This is more attractive to others and can even be a source of inspiration.

A word about types of health. Stamina or endurance refers to the body’s ability to do physical activities for long periods of time. Aerobic exercises such as walking, running and kicking balls improve stamina. Physical activities that increase strength are called anaerobic activities. Anaerobic activities aim to increase physical strength, power and muscle capacity, allowing you to perform movements such as jumping and sprinting. Strong muscles also support and stabilize joints, reducing the risk of injury. Resistance training is one way to improve power and strength. Examples are push-ups and using light weights. Flexibility and suppleness refers to your body’s ability to perform its full range of movements without pain or restriction. If tendons and muscles become tight, you are more likely to get injuries such as pulled or strained muscles and joint soreness. Gentle stretching will improve flexibility.

Whatever your present condition, you can always improve. If you’re in the need and desire to improve, get started right away. There is a world of health and vitality out there just waiting for you.

Calisthenics are a kind of exercise done using the power of the body and rarely any kind of machine or apparatus. Occasionally, you may need to hold on to a door for balance, but the essence of calisthenics requires the body to use its own repetitive motions and push against itself.

They do an excellent job at safely increasing body strength and flexibility with movements such as bending, jumping, swinging, twisting or kicking, using only one’s body weight for resistance. Stretching is an important part of the routine and enhances the effects. When performed vigorously and with variety can improve both muscular and cardiovascular fitness. If that is not enough, it can also improve psycho-motor skills such as balance, agility and coordination.

Calisthenics actually has an ancient history based upon Greco-Roman gymnastics. It has been reported to have originated in ancient Greece. Regardless of its exact origin, the positive results become immediately evident.

For many people – even if they don’t have calisthenics as their center strategy – use it to warm-up preceding sports activities or as part of a work-out to burn food energy without gym equipment. Bodyweight calisthenics exercises help in improving the overall fitness, physique and strength of a person. Calisthenics originated from the Greek words, ‘kalos’ meaning beauty and ‘thenos’ meaning strength.

Calisthenics is based upon a very simple principle: every human body has its own innate activity pattern. Added physical activity in the daily routine helps in conditioning the body in a natural way. Calisthenics help in regaining the natural conditioning of the entire body. Methodical, regular exercises like push-ups and sit-ups are intrinsic to any calisthenics workout. They help in toning and strengthening the muscles and also help in improving the overall fitness of the body. These exercises can be used to improve the fitness level of a person by strengthening numerous muscles throughout the body.

Calisthenics exercise routine should be followed carefully. A 3-minute break is a must between each of the calisthenics exercises to give time for your body to ‘recuperate’. While beginning the program, repeat each exercise five times and increase the number of repetitions as you get used to the exercise pattern and schedule. Begin with the core exercises always. This will help exercise your body in a total and balanced manner. Find you natural rhythm as you go along. The natural endorphins released during an intense calisthenics workout is known to increase the pain threshold in addition to creating a sense of well-being.

There are some great advantages to choosing calisthenics as a way to get or stay in shape. Calisthenics exercises can be done anywhere. They turn out to be effective workouts for all age groups. There is no need of any expensive gym or equipment for working out these exercises. Overall strength and energy improves thus promoting overall health. Helps in treating depression in people as it improves mental health. You won’t like calisthenics if you require chrome bars or fancy machines with flashing read-outs. But, if you are sincere about getting in shape, calisthenics will not get you down.

There are many types of exercise that can be done to improve one’s health. Walking is one of the most common and most effective. Although there are many different varieties of walking for health if you ask an expert, some prefer what is called speed walking. And, while there are many health benefits to walking easy, there are special benefits to picking up the pace.

For example, more distance covered in the same time: Whether your walking workout is around your neighborhood or on non-competitive 10K walks, you can save time walking faster while still burning the calories. In today’s busy world, this can mean you take your walk instead of skipping it due to other commitments.

And more calories burned over same distance: The racewalk technique uses more muscles than easy walking, so you burn 1.5 – 2 times as many calories over the same distance. Finally, by using those muscles, you are building hungry muscles which will burn more calories each day whether they are in use or not. You also tone your muscles for a sleeker body shape. Speed walking – also called racewalking – exercises the glutes, thighs, hips, shoulders, upper back and abs. And you aren’t going to get musclebound. Racewalking stretches out the muscles for that great long, lean look.

Some have reported that after three weeks of learning to racewalk, they are toning up all over, especially the thighs and, surprisingly, the arms. Weight can drop at the same time, despite the same eating patterns. Shoes can be very important, though.

Sometimes the wrong shoe can be more of an impediment than helpful. If they were chosen for stability, they work great for walking at moderate speed, but with racewalking you need something more flexible so your foot can roll through each step easily.

Try to find a local racewalking expert. They will know what racewalking is when done properly. They can also point you to others that can help with advice. A good shoe store, for example. At a technical shoe store, the salespeople are not on commission and will steer you to the best shoe for your needs, not the highest priced and most stylish shoe they can sell you. Walkers should be wearing running shoes fitted for their walking pattern. Good running shoes may be in the $70-$90 price range. A listing of technical shoe stores is printed every couple of months in Runner’s World magazine.

Every 2-3 weeks, rotate your shoes. Some even say to alternate every day. Rotation allows the shoes to dry out and allows the foam to rebound. Rotating your shoes will allow you to notice when your shoe’s suspension dies, something you may not notice if you only wear one pair all the time.

So, keep in mind that the right style is important, the right clothes and especially the right shoes. Speed walking is a very repetitive action. Unlike freestyle dancing or paddling around in a pool, walking fast for many minutes at a time will show weaknesses in your style and outfit very quickly. Be alert to any symptoms you may notice and get expert advice. Speed walking just may be the best sport for you to stay fit and have fun.

For some of us, going to the gym is like a fashion show. We must look our best and no item can be too costly if it gives the right look. For others, old sweats or clothes from gym class many years ago will do. Perhaps of paramount importance is whether or not our clothes are getting in the way of a healthy work-out. Are we able to get the most from the exercises we do? Sometimes careful selection is required and no brightly colored spandex will suffice.

Since fitness is about challenging your body to be stronger and better, worrying about how you look is superficial to your ultimate goal. Your exercise clothes still matter, though, just not for the typical reason. In the past, people worked out in whatever was handy. In the last ten years, however, clothing manufacturers have made surprising strides in creating workout clothes that are not only attractive but functional as well. Rather than getting sweaty in a cotton t-shirt, you can now choose to wear a moisture-wicking shirt that absorbs your body moisture as you work out so your skin stays comfortable. Women no longer have to worry about breast strains during exercise thanks to the sports bras that support and enclose the breasts while absorbing moisture and preventing chafing. The choices for workout clothing now seem almost endless and it can be difficult to decide which pair of shorts might be best for you.

Do you need a pocket for your keys or identification? If so, many manufacturers make clothes that feature small pockets that zip up to prevent your items from falling out. Do you like pants that fit your legs closely or loose, sweatpants-type trousers? The best type of exercise pants and shorts are those with an elastic waist to prevent any mishaps with waistbands. Material should be flexible with an absorbent quality to remove sweat from your skin. If you prefer shorts, the fabric should fit comfortably between your legs so you don’t experience chafing.

Plain cotton shirts are fine for days when you’re not so concerned about moisture remaining near your skin but the latest offerings of high-tech workout shirts not only pulls the moisture away from you but it works overtime to keep your body properly ventilated. Look for fabrics that have some stretch to allow you maximum comfort during exercise.

Nowadays, the best sports bras are multi-taskers: they wick away moisture, keep your upper body cool, provide comfort and support for breasts and don’t dig in or make you uncomfortable. Even better, clothing manufacturers have finally caught on to the fact that women don’t come in regular sizes only. Many lines offer half sizes to provide the perfect fit for maximum comfort. Additionally larger sizes are becoming more readily available for larger-breasted women.

Finally, the right socks are an essential part of any workout. Exercising without a protective layer between your foot and the shoe can lead to irritation and strain on the foot. Newer socks cut down on the amount of moisture on your foot and often have extra padding in strategic places to help support the feet better than ever. Paying attention to even these small details can make your workout more enjoyable and more effective.

Are you getting up there in years? Never mind, it happens to everyone and we all need to address it head on to keep our health. Regular exercise is an important part of keeping good health and can help smooth the aging process, since it reduces stress levels and boosts immunity. However, as we age, the tendency is to exercise less.

Getting fit doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be a fun way to stay healthy and meet new people. And, there are many ways to get in shape that don’t require extreme exertion, and fall outside the realm of conventional sports. The opportunities for physical activity vary, depending on your location, and what the weather is like. Having said that, there are opportunities to be active in every setting.

As a quick and easy solution, community centers are great places to begin an exercise quest. There are staff-run programs designed specifically for the elderly, and for people who are just getting moving for the first time. Look for low-impact activities, such as yoga, Pilates, aqua-size, or tai-chi, which will minimize the pounding on the joints. In addition, water-based aerobic activities such as aqua-size are great methods of boosting cardiovascular fitness while simultaneously improving muscle strength. Can’t swim? That’s no reason to hold back. Most aqua-size programs are meant for people who can’t swim, and participants can wear special belts that keep them afloat.

For other activities, check out a yoga class, Pilates session, or learn an ancient and graceful martial-art, such as tai-chi. Yoga is a great activity for seniors who are new to exercise, since the smooth, controlled movements help participants get in touch with each and every joint and muscle in the body. It is also a challenging exercise in breathing and mind-control, which will improve quality of sleep. Pilates is another non-impact form of strength-training that really improves core muscles, necessary for good posture.

If workout clothes or bathing suits aren’t appealing, there are still many other options. How about a ballroom dance class? Bring a partner, or go alone and the teacher will assign a partner for you, and learn a new step or two. Best of all, many of the courses culminate with a gala evening featuring a special dinner and a live big band, providing an opportunity to show off the newly-honed skills.

If you are in a cold climate or near an indoor ice rink, this is a great way to get some exercise. For people who can’t skate, check to see if there are skating lessons. But even those who don’t want to lace up the blades can still enjoy the ice.

Don’t live near a community center or a rink? Nothing beats an old-fashioned walk through the neighborhood. If the weather is a little cold or snowy, don’t abandon the idea. Just allow the option of coming back inside after 10 minutes. More often than not, once people get moving, they warm up, and feel like continuing rather than stopping early.

Consider another benefit of working up a sweat at the local community center – new friendships. The exercise classes will have other people of similar age and fitness levels. There are often social gatherings planned after workout sessions, and it’s a chance to mingle with people from a variety of backgrounds and interests.  So, in addition to getting in better shape, you’ll invariably make new friends.

Lingerie is a term for beautiful and sexy ladie’s undergarments. The original term in the French language applies to all undergarments for both men and women, but in English it is applied specifically to those undergarments designed to be visually appealing or erotic. Lingerie usually incorporates one or more flexible, stretchy materials like Lycra, nylon, polyester, satin, lace, and silk. These are not typically used in more functional, basic cotton undergarments. Let’s take a brief look at the history of women’s undergarments.

On the Greek island of Crete, many years ago, The Minoan women wore a tight bodice made of bone that pushed their breasts over and out and exposed them completely. In this case, the display of breasts showcased the women’s ability to create life. As for the Romans, they did not wear undergarments under their togas, but on occasion, they would wear a pair of shorts or loincloth called the subligaculum. Women would sometimes cover the top part of their bodies with a breast-cloth. A chemise was worn between the skin and the outer garment during the Medieval times. The outer garments were seldom washed, so it made sense that the chemise was to be washed regularly.

The Renaissance was a time with a new focus on female curves. Women went to unforeseeable extremes to achieve that perfect hourglass figure. Later, during the 18th century, cleavage came into fashion and lingerie was designed to emphasize its beauty. Though corsets were still constructed with whalebone, a bold move was made towards the decorative lingerie you know today. Push-up corsets were lavished with lace, embroidery and ribbon. Since doctors were now speaking out on the hazards of extremely tight corsets, less restrictive designs were finally introduced. Soon, corsets became smaller, less cumbersome and allowed for freer movement and easier breathing. There was more support for the breasts and for the first time in the history of fashion, the “brassiere”, was introduced and patented by Mary Phelps Jacobs. The 19th century also introduced stockings, which are considered the forerunners of modern-day knee and thigh-highs.

The Roaring Twenties saw an end to the corsets. New ideas on sexuality and beauty were made popular by the Flapper Girls. Boyish physiques were popularized with short bob hairstyles and flapper dresses. Then, ten years later, flat breasts were no longer fashionable. Lingerie of the day focused on feminine proportions once again, and a bra that enhanced the breasts was born. The girdle also became a popular piece: although full breasts were considered beautiful, fat was not. The  elastic fiber Lastex, invented by Dunlop Rubber, was also  introduced into the production of lingerie during this time. It enabled lingerie markers to offer undergarments in a variety of sizes for every female body type, size, and shape.

In Italy, a woman named Ada Masotti, a started making corsets for wealthy women, which led to the establishment of the La Perla company, which makes some of the best intimate wear in the world today. By the 1990s, Frederick’s of Hollywood and Victoria’s Secret became two of America’s largest lingerie retail chains. Designers were constantly coming up with new styles of lingerie to fit the demands of those purchasing it. Victoria’s Secret is now one of the biggest chains of lingerie stores selling all types of items for women and men, too. In 2002, Victoria’s Secret sold over 20 million pairs of thongs alone. That’s a lot of thongs.

Do you want to have washboard abs? Sometimes the exercises that we think will help us look better are actually not effective at all. Some recent studies have been done on exercises for abdominals and we’ve shared some of the me here.

The best ab exercises are surprisingly easy to do. It was found that the top 3 ab Exercises were the ‘Bicycle Crunch Exercise’, the ‘Captain’s Chair Exercise’, and ‘Crunches on an Exercise Ball’. It is important to keep in mind that, while ab exercises won’t get rid of fat from the belly, a strong core is important for keeping your body healthy and protecting your spine. Some of the most effective ab exercises start with the bicycle, which is the best move for targeting the rectus abdominis and the obliques.

To do the Bicycle Crunch, lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. Put your hands beside your head. Bring knees up to about 45- degree angle and slowly go through a bicycle pedal motion. Touch your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee. Keep even, relaxed breathing throughout.

The captain’s chair leg raise is the second most effective move for the rectus abdominis as well as the obliques. You can do a variety of exercises on the captain’s chair, which is a rack with padded arms that allows your legs to hang free and can be found in most health clubs and gyms. The key to keeping this move safe and effective is, first, to avoid swinging the legs or using momentum to bring the legs up. Second, keeping the knees bent will help you focus more on the abdominals and less on the hip flexors. It’s as simple as raising and lowering your legs slowly.

Although so many people like to work out at home, it is rare to find a captain’s chair in your living room. The exercise ball is a great substitute and is an excellent tool to strengthen the abs and is the third most effective move for targeting the rectus abdominis. What makes this move a bit more effective than crunches on the floor is that the legs are often involved in floor crunches. On the ball, the abs do more work.

As you lie on the ball, positioning it under the lower back, cross your arms over the chest or place them behind your head. Then, contract your abs to lift your torso off the ball, pulling the bottom of your ribcage down toward your hips. As you curl up, keep the ball stable. Then, lower back down, getting a stretch in the abs, and repeat for 1-3 sets of 12-16 reps.

Although, it is well lnown that you can’t lose fat from your waist – fat is reduced according to your body’s own system – exercising your abdominal muscles is an important action to take for general health. It strengthens the back muscles at the same time and helps the body in digestion. It also helps one to walk in a better posture and participate more effectively in sports. Whether you want washboard abs or just want to be healthy, abdominal exercises are an important part of any exercise routine.

Some poeple use the usual excuse of lack of time for exercise is challenged by new research published in The Journal of Physiology.

The study, from scientists at Canada’s McMaster University, adds to the growing evidence for the benefits of short term high-intensity interval training (HIT) as a time-efficient but safe alternative to traditional types of moderate long term exercise. They are finding it is possible to get more gains by taking less time. “We have shown that interval training does not have to be ‘all out’ in order to be effective,” says Professor Martin Gibala. “Doing 10 one-minute sprints on a standard stationary bike with about one minute of rest in between, three times a week, works as well in improving muscle as many hours of conventional long-term biking less strenuously.” So, 1 hour is equal to several if done with intensity.

HIT means doing a number of short bursts of intense exercise with short recovery breaks in between. This is also called ‘bursting’. The authors have already shown with young healthy college students that this produces the same physical benefits as conventional long duration endurance training despite taking much less time. However, their previous work used a relatively extreme set-up that involved all out pedaling on a specialized laboratory bicycle. The new study used a standard stationary bicycle and a workload which was still above most people’s comfort zone —about 95% of maximal heart rate — but only about half of what can be achieved when people sprint at an all-out pace.

This less extreme HIT method may work well for people that are older, less fit, and slightly overweight and whose doctors might have worries about them exercising with too much intensity. We have known for years that repeated moderate long-term exercise tunes up fuel and oxygen delivery to muscles and aids the removal of waste products. Exercise also improves the way muscles use the oxygen to burn the fuel in mitochondria, the microscopic power station of cells. Running or cycling for hours a week widens the network of vessels supplying muscle cells and also boosts the numbers of mitochondria in them so that a person can carry out activities of daily living more effectively and without strain, and crucially with less risk of a heart attack, stroke or diabetes. But this may not be completely necessary.

The traditional approach to exercise is time consuming. Martin Gibala and his team have shown that the same results can be obtained in far less time with brief spurts of higher-intensity exercise. To achieve the study’s equivalent results by endurance training you’d need to complete over 10 hours of continuous moderate bicycling exercise over a two-week period. The secret to why HIT is so effective is unclear. However, the study by Gibala and co-workers also provides insight into the molecular signals that regulate muscle adaptation to interval training. It appears that HIT stimulates many of the same cellular pathways that are responsible for the beneficial effects we associate with endurance training. The upside of doing more exercise is well-known, but a big question for most people thinking of getting fit is: “How much time out of my busy life do I need to spend to get the perks?”

Martin Gibala says ‘no time to exercise’ is not an excuse now that HIT can be tailored for the average adult. “While still a demanding form of training,” Gibala adds, “the exercise protocol we used should be possible to do by the general public and you don’t need more than an average exercise bike.” The McMaster team’s future research will examine whether HIT can bring health benefits to people who are overweight or who have metabolic diseases like diabetes. As the evidence for HIT continues to grow, a new frontier in the fitness field emerges. Many famous health experts and coaches are already utilizing the extreme benefits found.

Many who adore their pets don’t settle for pet products just from giant pet stores where you find puppies for sale or cats and kittens to adopt. They want haute couture, a fashion harness, fancy collar or a classic costume for their dog clothes. If dog chow, pet treats or toys doesn’t make your furry princess raise her paw, you need to pamper her more. Unfortunately, coats, fleece sweaters, denim jackets, rain gear, robes, footwear and other apparel for canines can cost $60. A pet parent gets bark raving mad to pay for mini attire like that. Some like costly designer label clothing for dogs to put on, but retail prices for doggie thread should be affordable or cheap, even for high end fashions. Don’t worry, your Japanese Chin, Miniature Poodle or designer mixed breed pup can still get trendy boutique clothes haute enough for Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, the cover of Vogue and fashion week in New York . You can even get affordable dog clothes fit for the runway in Milan – but we wouldn’t recommend it.

Even if your pup is a pure breed AKC registered dog, avoid the designer label shops. Veterinarian bills and health care cost for your poochie, cat or bird come before buying bikinis and bathrobes. However, fabulous attire and quality fabric is not at giant pet stores like PetCo and PetSmart, but boutique apparel can easily be found online. Whether casual beachwear or formal gowns, Fido can dress up easily. Dog owners pay minute amounts for large selections of designer fashion clothing. Even K9 footwear like shoes and booties can be sniffed out for winter. Tee shirts are tailored to summer and are easily laundered, though a few suits are dry clean only and are on hangers. So dog owners shopping for flea and tick shampoo with grooming supplies should consider dog clothes for their furry companions for extra fun.

Be careful, the ASPCA, American Kennel Club and Humane Society warn that some canine clothing manufacturers have dog fur in their high end fashions! Just like puppy mill breeders, these people don’t love animals, they love money. Watch out for overpriced apparel, especially luxury clothing. Even materials like Italian leather have a price limit. Stores should have XL and XXL sizing for poochies like a Great Dane and traditional pet supplies like carriers, crates, collars, toys and dog bowls. They should have pet related articles on adoption, barking behavior and training, house breaking a puppy, neutering, adoption, immunizations for a kennels, allergies, pet dander, finding a groomer and how to measure a dog for clothes. Do they offer embroidery with cute phrases like ‘Guard dog on duty’? Other animals and pets need attention too, like kittens, reptiles, rodents and other mammals. Also, vet health care tips on diseases like heartworms, rabies and parvo should be provided. Whether shopping for a tutu and tiara or a sundress, have fun dressing your little doggie. And, once you’ve gotten into the practical price range – spare no expense for those furry freinds you love.