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	<title>Shape Up America!!</title>
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	<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com</link>
	<description>Wake Up America</description>
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		<title>A Beginners Guide to Spicing Up a Work Out Routine</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/11/a-beginners-guide-to-spicing-up-a-work-out-routine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/11/a-beginners-guide-to-spicing-up-a-work-out-routine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:21:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work out]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1970</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes if you work too hard at becoming physically fit, you may find yourself getting into a routine that seems boring and drab.  If you want to spruce things up a bit, you should consider adding some flare to your routine in order to make it different and unique.  Adding new things to your exercise [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Sometimes if you work too hard at becoming physically fit, you may find yourself getting into a routine that seems boring and drab.  If you want to spruce things up a bit, you should consider adding some flare to your routine in order to make it different and unique.  </strong></p>
<p>Adding new things to your exercise routine can not only change up the rate at which you burn fat and add muscle, but it can also make exercise a lot more fun for you.  The more fun that you have when you exercise the more likely you are to continue doing it for a long time.  Exercise should be a part of everyone’s daily routine.</p>
<p>Take the time to add some things to your exercise routine to make things more fun for you.  If you enjoy dancing, then you may want to try something like dance aerobics.  Adding music and movement to your aerobics routine will help you to not only reduce your level of stress but will also let you have a lot more fun while exercising.  Adding at least thirty minutes of dancing to your exercise routine can almost make it not even seem like you are working out.  It will seem more like fun than exercise.  You are sure to continue to lose weight while having fun at the same time.</p>
<p>If dancing is not your style, then you may want to consider something like kick boxing.  It can be a great way to tone your body while also building muscles and adding to your strength.  You will have a lot of added energy and also be able to have fun while you are doing it.</p>
<p>Another great type of aerobics that can help you to add fun to your work out is water aerobics.  You will have a lot of fun in the water.  It is not just used for swimming anymore, you can actually do great exercises in the water that you may be unable to do out of the water.  It will give your body a lot more versatility and can even give you a better work out than just plain exercise programs.</p>
<p>Adding either of these fun and exciting ways to exercise to your daily routine will give you the strength that you need in order to stay fit and keep your eye on the goal.  Whether you are exercising to lose weight or just to keep yourself in tip top shape, you are sure to have the best exercising experience possible if you add a few exciting things to your routine.</p>
<p>No one wants to keep up a workout routine that is boring and dull and has them considering quitting on a daily basis.  Instead, if you add some fun excitement to your routine you can have the time of your life while doing what is best for the needs of your body.  No matter what, just make sure that you are getting the proper amount of exercise on a daily basis.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Started with Physical Fitness – A Guide for Beginners</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/10/getting-started-with-physical-fitness-%e2%80%93-a-guide-for-beginners/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/10/getting-started-with-physical-fitness-%e2%80%93-a-guide-for-beginners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:21:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lose Weight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lose weight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1967</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you put your mind to focusing on your physical fitness goals, you will want to take the time to make a plan.  This is essential if you are going to have success with it.  Physical fitness is very important to your overall health and wellness.  Most people do not know where to start when [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>When you put your mind to focusing on your physical fitness goals, you will want to take the time to make a plan.  This is essential if you are going to have success with it.  Physical fitness is very important to your overall health and wellness.  Most people do not know where to start when it comes to making a plan that is right for them.  This is because everyone has a different body type and everyone’s body reacts differently to certain exercises and programs. </strong></p>
<p>The first thing that you will want to do is talk to your physician.  It is important to make sure that your body is healthy enough to start a new diet or exercise regimen.  You may have underlying conditions that will cause exercise to cause stress on the body.  They will be able to give you any tips when it comes choosing the right exercises for your body and your health.</p>
<p>Once you get the go ahead from your doctor, you will then want to start out slowly.  If your body is not used to exercise, then you could have some difficulty adjusting to the new lifestyle.  This is when you will want to take a little bit of extra time and do things that will condition your body.  Start out with stretches and light walking.  This is a great way to get your body prepared for more intense workouts down the road.</p>
<p>You may even want to talk to a personal trainer.  They will be able to give you certain tips that will help you to meet your goals more efficiently.  They can also give you some good insight on nutrition plans that will meet your dietary needs as well.</p>
<p>After talking with a personal trainer, you will then want to incorporate the tips that they have given you into your daily habits.  They may give you several exercises that will be great for you.  The thing is, you will not want to do them all at one time.  Slow and steady is the key for beginners.  If you over exert yourself then you may find that you injure your muscles and that will only set you back.  This is why you should go at a pace that is comfortable for you.  Your body will tell you if it is being overworked.  You have to take the time to listen to it.</p>
<p>As you can see, getting started with physical fitness does not have to be a very difficult endeavor.  You will find that there are things you can do that will help you to get into the swing of things without putting unnecessary stress on your body.  When you do this, you will even find that you have more energy and you start to feel better about yourself.  Incorporating exercise into your daily life is one of the best ways that you can improve your energy levels and boost your self-esteem at the same time.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Choosing a Diet that Will Work for You</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/choosing-a-diet-that-will-work-for-you-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/choosing-a-diet-that-will-work-for-you-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:20:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lose Weight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dieting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diets]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1965</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many people that want to lose weight.  When it comes to finding a weight loss program that will work for you, there are a few things that will keep in mind.  If you have never dieted before, then you may want to look into your options before you choose one. Losing weight can be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>There are many people that want to lose weight.  When it comes to finding a weight loss program that will work for you, there are a few things that will keep in mind.  If you have never dieted before, then you may want to look into your options before you choose one. </strong><strong>Losing weight can be tough, but then again no one said that it was supposed to be an easy thing to do.  The important thing to remember is that while one diet program may work for some, it may not work for everyone. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Before you start dieting</strong>, talk with your doctor so that you can make sure that your body is healthy enough to start a new diet.  Dieting puts a lot of stress on your body- especially if you are used to eating whatever you want.  You should be particularly careful if you have any sort of medical condition that may be affected by your diet.  Your doctor will be able to give you some helpful advice when it comes to a diet that will work for you.</p>
<p><strong>Once you start any diet</strong>, it is important to monitor your progress.  You may find that it is easy to do at first, but then the longer you stay on the diet it gets more difficult.  This is because you are likely to see the progress taper off after a while.  Then it may be a good idea to change up a few things within your diet so that you can start seeing progress again.</p>
<p><strong>Reward yourself when you are doing well on the diet</strong>.  This is a great way to have an incentive to keep going.  When you feel that your hard work is done for nothing, then you may feel no real need to continue on.  That being said, you will want to reward yourself in healthy ways.  Do not reward yourself with a huge piece of chocolate cake.  This will be defeating the purpose.</p>
<p><strong>You will want to set some goals for yourself</strong>.  Start with simple goals.  If you have a lot of weight to lose, you will find that it can be hard to see the end in sight.  This is why you need to have mini goals. As you hit the mini goals, you will be able to see the progress and you will also see that the next mini goal is in sight.  This is a lot easier than trying to look at the big picture all at once.  While you may have X amount of pounds to lose overall, it is much easier when you break it up into smaller goals.</p>
<p><strong>There are many different factors that go into being successful on a diet program</strong>.  First, you must make sure that you are committed to it.  Next, you will want to make sure that it is a safe program that will give you the results that you are looking for.  With this in mind, choosing the right diet is not difficult.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Choosing a Diet that Will Work for You</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/choosing-a-diet-that-will-work-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/choosing-a-diet-that-will-work-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:54:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lose Weight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dieting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lose weight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1962</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many people that want to lose weight.  When it comes to finding a weight loss program that will work for you, there are a few things that will keep in mind.  If you have never dieted before, then you may want to look into your options before you choose one.  Losing weight can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>There are many people that want to lose weight.  When it comes to finding a weight loss program that will work for you, there are a few things that will keep in mind.  If you have never dieted before, then you may want to look into your options before you choose one.  Losing weight can be tough, but then again no one said that it was supposed to be an easy thing to do.  The important thing to remember is that while one diet program may work for some, it may not work for everyone. </strong></p>
<p>Before you start dieting, talk with your doctor so that you can make sure that your body is healthy enough to start a new diet.  Dieting puts a lot of stress on your body- especially if you are used to eating whatever you want.  You should be particularly careful if you have any sort of medical condition that may be affected by your diet.  Your doctor will be able to give you some helpful advice when it comes to a diet that will work for you.</p>
<p>Once you start any diet, it is important to monitor your progress.  You may find that it is easy to do at first, but then the longer you stay on the diet it gets more difficult.  This is because you are likely to see the progress taper off after a while.  Then it may be a good idea to change up a few things within your diet so that you can start seeing progress again.</p>
<p>Reward yourself when you are doing well on the diet.  This is a great way to have an incentive to keep going.  When you feel that your hard work is done for nothing, then you may feel no real need to continue on.  That being said, you will want to reward yourself in healthy ways.  Do not reward yourself with a huge piece of chocolate cake.  This will be defeating the purpose.</p>
<p>You will want to set some goals for yourself.  Start with simple goals.  If you have a lot of weight to lose, you will find that it can be hard to see the end in sight.  This is why you need to have mini goals. As you hit the mini goals, you will be able to see the progress and you will also see that the next mini goal is in sight.  This is a lot easier than trying to look at the big picture all at once.  While you may have X amount of pounds to lose overall, it is much easier when you break it up into smaller goals.</p>
<p>There are many different factors that go into being successful on a diet program.  First, you must make sure that you are committed to it.  Next, you will want to make sure that it is a safe program that will give you the results that you are looking for.  With this in mind, choosing the right diet is not difficult.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Exercise Tips that Can Benefit Beginners!</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/exercise-tips-that-can-benefit-beginners-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/exercise-tips-that-can-benefit-beginners-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:07:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lose Weight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1959</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Exercise is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle.  For those that are adding exercise into their daily life for the first time, it can seem a bit overwhelming.  This is because there are so many exercise techniques out there. You may not know which one is the best one to start with. You [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft" title="tipsexercise" src="http://s2.hubimg.com/u/220961_f248.jpg" alt="" width="149" height="158" />Exercise is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle.  For those that are adding exercise into their daily life for the first time, it can seem a bit overwhelming.  This is because there are so many exercise techniques out there. You may not know which one is the best one to start with.</p>
<p>You should first take the time to look at your overall health so that you can make sure that you are doing the exercises that will benefit you most.  Some people choose to exercise for weight loss.  Others may be doing it just to improve their overall health and wellness.  No matter what your reason is, make sure that you are following a few simple tips that will make exercise easier on your body from the beginning.</p>
<p>First of all, you will want to remember that it is not a race.  Well, unless you are preparing for a race- but that is a completely different story.  If you just want to get healthy and start exercising, then you will not want to just jump in head first.</p>
<p>You will need to take it easy from the start so that you can build your body up to it.  By starting out slow, you will be able to make sure that your body is ready for when you do add in those more strenuous exercises.</p>
<p>The best thing that you can do is start out with something that is easy to do.  Many people start by walking.  Walking is one of the most basic exercises, yet it gives many benefits to your body.  At first, you will want to walk for a short amount of time.</p>
<p>Once your body gets used to the short walks, you can start to make them longer.  You may want to start with low intensity walking, and then bump it up to a more brisk pace.</p>
<p>Once your body gets used to this, you will then be able to add more things to your routine.  You can even jog some if you like.  Joining a gym may be something that would help you as well.  There are many different cardio machines that are great for beginners.  Elliptical trainers are one of them.</p>
<p>They simulate jogging, and you can change up the intensity as you go so that your body gets a better workout as you get more experience.</p>
<p>Starting out with exercise can be fun and exciting if you get in the right frame of mind.  Instead of seeing it as a time of work, use it as a time to get rid of the stress of your day to day life.  Listen to music.  This can make it much easier to keep going.</p>
<p>Focus on ways that you can make your exercise routine more diverse.  This will give you more motivation to keep going and make it part of your life for the long haul.  You will ultimately have more energy and feel much better about yourself.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Best Fitness Equipment for Beginners!</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/the-best-fitness-equipment-for-beginners/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/the-best-fitness-equipment-for-beginners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:43:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Equipments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1957</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you set your mind to becoming physically fit, you are likely to have many questions.  Most people wonder the best way to get started.  Since fitness is becoming more of a priority for most people, it is something that should be addressed. There are a lot of different things to consider when it comes [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft" title="exerciseball" src="http://abworkoutguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/excersice_ball3.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="146" />When you set your mind to becoming physically fit, you are likely to have many questions.  Most people wonder the best way to get started.  Since fitness is becoming more of a priority for most people, it is something that should be addressed.</p>
<p>There are a lot of different things to consider when it comes to choosing a piece of fitness equipment.  If you do not have the time to visit a gym regularly, then you may want to think about getting some fitness equipment for your home.  Here are a few tips that will help you decide what equipment will work best for you and meet your needs.</p>
<p>The first thing that you should do is think about the amount of time you will be devoting to exercise.  If you will be able to work out often, then you may want to invest in something that is going to stand the test of time.</p>
<p>You may want to consider something like an elliptical trainer- that is if you have the room for it in your home.  The good news is that they have some that can easily fold up for storing in a closet or in a corner of a spare room.</p>
<p>If you want something that you can do occasionally when you get the chance, then you may want to think about something such as step aerobics equipment or a stationary bike.  These are both easy to use.</p>
<p>The next thing to consider is your budget.  If you only have a small budget, then you may not have a lot of options.  You will want to get the most for your money, but stay within the budget that you have allocated.</p>
<p>In this case, you may want to get something such as an exercise ball and some free weights that will allow you to do exercises at home without spending much money.  If you have a larger budget, then there are many home gym options that will give you a very versatile workout.</p>
<p>Before purchasing any exercise equipment you will want to make sure that you have looked up all of the specifications.  You will want to see the different areas that the equipment will target.  Try to look for something that will target your problem areas.  This is the best way to make sure that you will see the results that you are looking for.</p>
<p>If you want to join a gym, then you will find that you have access to a wide variety of equipment and machines.  This can be your best bet in most cases.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or the money to join a gym and go on a regular basis.</p>
<p>For these people it is important to learn the basics of exercise equipment so that you can get started on a physical fitness and exercise plan that will work for you and help you reach your goals- whether they be to lose weight or get in shape.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Beginners Guide to Yoga</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/a-beginners-guide-to-yoga/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/a-beginners-guide-to-yoga/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:16:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yoga]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1954</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have been thinking about getting involved in yoga, but have not done it yet because you did not know much about it- then this is the guide for you.  There is a lot of information on yoga out there, but most of it is geared toward those that are advanced.  When you are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><img class="alignleft" title="yogabeginner" src="http://static.dailystrength.org/groupfiles/2/6/5/0/10000562/g_1078814495.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="193" />If you have been thinking about getting involved in yoga, but have not done it yet because you did not know much about it- then this is the guide for you.  There is a lot of information on yoga out there, but most of it is geared toward those that are advanced.  When you are getting started, it can seem to be quite an overwhelming endeavor.  Here are a few things that will help you to get more familiarized with yoga and how it can benefit you. </strong></p>
<p>First of all, you will want to know what yoga is.  It is actually a form of exercise that incorporates positions, posture, and breathing to help you to relax.  It will help you to have better physical fitness, better mental health, and also help you to get rid of a lot of the stresses that come along with everyday life.</p>
<p>There are a few different styles of yoga.  By learning about each different style you will be able to choose the one that will be right for you.  Look into yoga classes in your area to see the different styles that are offered.  A class is one of the best ways to get started and learn to do it the proper way.  The different styles include Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara, Iyengar, Integral, Bikram, Kundalini, Kripalu, Sivananda, and Svaroopa.  They are all different, and some are better for beginners.</p>
<p>When you are getting started, there are a few different things that you will need.  You will first need to get a yoga mat that will work for you.  You should start by finding one that offers you the support you need.  Also make sure that it is non slip so that you do not accidentally fall and hurt yourself while practicing certain positions that your body may not be used to.  You should also find the right types of clothes to wear while doing this form of exercise.  Loose clothes are the best to choose.</p>
<p>Another great way to learn more about the different yoga moves is by getting a video that will show you some of the steps.  There are videos that are made for those that are just getting started.  These videos will likely help you to learn more about form and posture as well as the most basic yoga positions.  When you learn the basics, you will then be able to move on to more advanced techniques.</p>
<p>As you can see, yoga can be a very beneficial form of fitness. You will need to make sure that you are doing it correctly.  The best way to do this is by taking a class so that you will have the live help from an instructor.  If you cannot fit a class into your schedule, then get a video that you can do from home.  It is better to do the exercises in front of a mirror if you can.  This will help you to make sure that you have proper form.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beginners Tips for Building Muscles and Getting Fit</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/beginners-tips-for-building-muscles-and-getting-fit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/09/beginners-tips-for-building-muscles-and-getting-fit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Sep 2011 02:30:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muscle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1952</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your body grows muscles as a direct response to being put under stress by strenuous activity, so in order to encourage your muscles to grow you must first start to use them regularly. It is helpful to remember that muscles grow while you are resting, not training, and so adequate resting time between exercise sessions [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><img class="alignleft" title="muscletips" src="http://betterbodytips.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Muscle-172x172.jpg" alt="" width="172" height="172" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>Your body grows muscles as a direct response to being put under stress by strenuous activity, so in order to encourage your muscles to grow you must first start to use them regularly. It is helpful to remember that muscles grow while you are resting, not training, and so adequate resting time between exercise sessions is of vital importance.</strong></span></strong></p>
<p>The first thing you need to do when you have decided to bulk up and build your muscle is to increase your strength. Strength training and weight training are vital parts of the muscle building process, using either weights or your own body weight.</p>
<p>It is important that before you start weight lifting you get some professional advice, start with just the bar and then add weights as you progress, but have a professional handy to make sure that you are using the correct technique and are not likely to hurt yourself in the process. Using your own weight is a simple way to increase your strength without needing any expensive equipment, push ups, pull ups and dips are all extremely useful exercises.</p>
<p>The heavier weight you can lift, the more you put your muscles under stress and the more they will grow, but, especially if you are a beginner, always have a professional on hand to advice on your technique.</p>
<p>Squats are a very important exercise to help to strengthen your legs, and if you can squat with weights (about 1.5x your own body weight) then you will soon see the difference as you work all of your body at one go.</p>
<p>When you first start building muscle, it is important to have plenty of rest sessions in between work outs, and it is really only necessary to work out about 3 times per week. You can increase the amount of work outs as you get stronger and fitter, but it is vital to have these rest periods for your muscles to recover and to grow. Drink plenty of water, with each meal and sip water during your work out to avoid dehydration.</p>
<p>You will need to increase your food intake and remember to take very regular meals. You need the food for energy for the workouts and also for the muscle growth and recovery.  You really should aim towards eating every 3 hours, that’s 6 meals a day to give you the energy to work out and to gain weight, because no matter how much training you do you will never achieve a good physique if you are skinny.</p>
<p>You should aim to eat a good variety of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, fruits and also fats every day, and by eating whole foods you will achieve a lower body fat so your muscles will stand out even more.</p>
<p>Building muscle doesn’t happen overnight, but if you follow a rigorous training program which increases as your strength and ability improve, you should be able to see positive signs in a short space of time.  What a great way to get fit!</p>
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		<title>The Importance of Good Habits</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/08/the-importance-of-good-habits/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/08/the-importance-of-good-habits/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:21:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bad habits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[habits]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1950</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Developing and having good habits is essential for a variety of reasons. The best thing to do is to start at a young age so it becomes second nature. Having good habits in your life is going to make you a better person, and acquiring them is going to be beneficial in the long run. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><img class="alignleft" title="goodbadhabits" src="http://www.110pounds.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/good20habits20bad20habits.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="203" />Developing and having good habits is essential for a variety of reasons. The best thing to do is to start at a young age so it becomes second nature. Having good habits in your life is going to make you a better person, and acquiring them is going to be beneficial in the long run. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Habits are repeated on a daily basis, and there may be times when habits we do are not even realized. In regards to breaking a bad one and forming a new one, it can take roughly 3 weeks.</strong></p>
<p>Parents should teach good habits in their children at a young age to help them acquire them as opposed to bad ones and trying to break them of it later on. You may have to use rewards or incentives to help encourage your children.</p>
<p>It is often times said that the easier a habit is, the harder it is to change. For example, eating junk food is easy and becomes second nature for some, but trying to switch to healthy foods is harder to change. The effects of a bad habit are typically realized when it is too late, and therefore extreme measures are needed to eliminate it and replace it with a good habit.</p>
<p><strong>Brushing Teeth</strong></p>
<p>There are a variety of important habits that should be developed and taught in young children. Adults should also practice good habits to help create an example. One example of a good habit is brushing your teeth after each meal. This can get tiresome and in some cases inconvenient, but by brushing at least 2 or 3 times a day, you can help eliminate the build-up of plaque and bad breath.</p>
<p><strong>Diet and Exercise</strong></p>
<p>Another good habit that should be incorporated is healthy eating and exercise. There are several obvious reasons as to why this habit is important. The main one is to avoid obesity and to live a healthier lifestyle.</p>
<p>Because obesity is becoming a bigger and bigger problem, the importance of exercise is growing. This can be as simple as taking a walk or even taking your child to the park and running around with them. This is exercise and your child will not even realize it.</p>
<p>Habits can define who someone is and can determine the type of person they are. Good habits are all part of a successful life and you can develop good habits to help you succeed at work and every other aspect of your life. Habits can help you realize the true potential you have inside of you.</p>
<p>The more good habits are incorporated into your routine, the more successful you are going to be. Teaching your children about good habits is important as they can develop them early on. It gets harder to break bad habits as they age.</p>
<p>Teach them the difference between good habits and bad ones, and try and encourage them more towards good habits. It is also important that you follow what you ar teaching them. If they see you doing it, they will follow in your path.</p>
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		<title>Stimulating Your Brain With Mental Exercises</title>
		<link>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/08/stimulating-your-brain-with-mental-exercises/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2011/08/stimulating-your-brain-with-mental-exercises/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ma Diga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mental exercise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shapeupamerica.com/?p=1947</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to making good health choices, most people will agree that getting some physical exercise is a great thing. Well, have you ever thought of the importance of mental exercises? As your mind continues to develop, you will find that doing some sort of exercise or activity each day that will keep your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><img class="alignleft" title="exercise for brain" src="http://e-lab-book.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/braintree.png" alt="" width="200" height="200" />When it comes to making good health choices, most people will agree that getting some physical exercise is a great thing.  Well, have you ever thought of the importance of mental exercises? </strong></p>
<p>As your mind continues to develop, you will find that doing some sort of exercise or activity each day that will keep your mind moving is a great way to promote a more balanced life.  If you have never considered this, then you may not be aware of the different exercises that can help to develop your mind.</p>
<p><strong>Here are a few that you could try out:</strong></p>
<p>First of all, reading is a great choice.  It is not only going to help you to become more relaxed, but it is also going to keep your mind in motion.  If you want to get your mind off the stressors that come along with your everyday life, then you should pick up a book that you would enjoy and take a few moments out each day to read it.</p>
<p>Another fun and challenging activity that you can do to keep your mind moving is to take up a new hobby.  This will help you to learn more about new things.  As you are processing the things that you are learning, you will find that it is a great mental exercise.</p>
<p>If you do not have any hobbies that you are particularly interested in, then you may want to try to learn random facts or trivia.  This can also help to keep your mind moving.</p>
<p>Jigsaw puzzles make you think as well.  You have use your thinking skills along with your reasoning skills in order to get the puzzle together.  This means that you will be giving your brain a nice workout.  Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and themes.  If you want to be particularly challenged, then you may want to consider a higher piece puzzle.</p>
<p>There are other puzzles out there as well.  You can try to do crossword puzzles.  You will be able to take your puzzle book with you wherever you go.  This will give you something to do as a mental exercise when you have free time.</p>
<p>You may have a little down time while waiting to meet a friend; or you may have a long wait in a doctor’s office.  If you had your crossword puzzle book with you, you would be able to use your spare time constructively.</p>
<p>If word games are not your thing, then you may want to try something like Sudoku.  You can find them in the newspaper, or you can purchase a whole book of puzzles.  This is one of the more challenging mental exercises out there.  You have to think on a couple of different levels, which means you are using a lot of your brain.</p>
<p>Most people do not really understand that mental exercise should be done every day.  If there are not suggestions here that interest you- there are many more ideas out there to consider.</p>
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