Articles on Lifestyle

Lower Back Problems and Resistance Exercise

Is it ok to begin a resistance exercise program if I have lower back problems? Lower back problems are common among men, and they can seriously restrict daily activities. A resistance exercise routine (properly performed) plus a well-rounded abdominal program can safely strengthen the core muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support and the spinal column… Read more

Fats: Saturated Fat vs. Unsaturated Fat

Fats are the most energy dense of the three macronutrients. They provide about 9 calories per gram, while carbohydrates and proteins provide about 4 calories per gram. As a result, we have become a highly “fat-phobic” society seeking out many non- and low-fat food alternatives. Although excessive fat intake is certainly not a healthy lifestyle… Read more

Polyunsaturated Fat

Polyunsaturated fat is a type of unsaturated fat. In general, this class of fats has a beneficial effect on your heart when eaten in moderation and when used to replace saturated fat and trans fat in your diet. From a chemical standpoint, polyunsaturated fat is simply a fat molecule that has more than one unsaturated… Read more

Guidelines for Developing a Resistance Training Program

Before beginning any resistance training program, you must identify your unique goals, needs, and constraints. The following steps outline how to best approach resistance training so that your effort maximizes the outcomes you desire.   Resistance Training Program Guidelines Identify the primary goal of the resistance program. Are you looking to increase your strength, muscle… Read more

Trans Fat: What Is Trans Fat?

Trans fat is man-made fat formed by artificially “transforming” polyunsaturated liquid fats (corn, soybean, safflower, sunflower, and cottonseed oils) to solid fats. Trans fats are entirely man-made (e.g. they do not exist anywhere in nature) and are the worst possible type of fat one can consume. While trans fat is technically still a type of… Read more

Types of Fat: A Complete Visual Breakdown

Fats are the most energy dense of the three macronutrients. They provide about 9 calories per gram, while carbohydrates and proteins provide about 4 calories per gram. There are a variety of different types of fat. Fats are broken down into animal-based fats (saturated fats) and non-animal fats (unsaturated fats). Specific examples for the types… Read more

Resistance Training Upper Body Muscles

The major upper body muscles include the chest, shoulder, bicep, tricep, trap, lat, and the middle and lower back muscles. Each major muscle group is illustrated below. To find specific exercises for each muscle group, check out EMG’s library of 100+ HD Exercise Videos, or select a specific link. Back Exercises for Men Bicep Exercises… Read more

Resistance Training Lower Body Muscles

The major lower body muscles include the hamstring, quadricep, glute, and calf muscles. Each lower body muscle group is illustrated below. To find specific exercises for each muscle group, check out EMG’s library of 100+ HD Exercise Videos, or select a specific link: Leg Exercises for Men Lower Back Pain Exercises Circuit Workouts for Men… Read more

Healthiest Foods

An optimal, well-balanced diet is composed of whole foods. The healthiest foods choices are listed below.   Healthiest Foods Vegetables (Carbohydrate/Protein Source) Asparagus Avocados Beets Bell peppers Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Collard greens Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Green beans Kale Mushrooms (Crimini) Mushrooms (Shiitake) Onions Potatoes Romaine Lettuce Spinach Squash Sweet potatoes… Read more