Brain Training Software

Posted by admin on August 14th, 2010 and filed under Exercise Program for Seniors | No Comments »

For my Senior Citizen counseling clients, brain training software is of interest. Most of us Boomers and Seniors have noticed the changes that come to our memory with our age, and are definitely interested in managing that change, so that it does not become any worse.

Some of my younger clients are curious about how brain training software might make them more effective in the job market, or at school.

And I am glad to share with them what I have learned about the emerging concept of brain fitness.

In fact, taking care of your brain’s fitness should happen prior to choosing brain training software.

You may ask why should I take care of my brain’s fitness, isn’t it always just there, working away to move my hand to the computer mouse, thinking, and monitoring?

Yes, your brain does do all that, and it has a couple of newly discovered capacities, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, which we can enhance by giving the brain what it needs to function best.

So the issue of brain fitness means taking care of the hardware of the brain first, then picking some brain training software to help out memory or I.Q., for example.

An excellent primer for brain fitness is the aptly titled e-book Brainfit for Life by Simon Evans,Ph.D. and Paul Burghardt,Ph.D., neuroscientists at the University of Michigan who have culled the neuroscientific research for tips that we non-neuroscientists can use to make our brain more effective as it moves us through the events of our day and lives.

Evans and Burghardt write about what they call the pillars of brain fitness, which are physical activity/exercise, nutrition, including antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acid, getting good sleep, stress management, and novel learning experience, which is where a brain training software program might be helpful.

If we maximize our efforts at taking care of the pillars, then we maximize our neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.

Neurogenesis means that we grow new neurons every day, and neuroplasticity means that we form new connections between neurons sometimes within minutes of learning something new, and keeping those connections strong through increased challenge and positive feedback is the key to keeping the brain fit.

Once the Brain is Fit, Then Choose Brain Training Software

So after you have begun a regular exercise program, which will lead to better sleep, which is the time that our brain uses to consolidate memories, and you have increased your consumption of antioxidants and omega 3, and learned heart rate variability biofeedback for your stress management, then you are ready to tackle the novel learning experience pillar of brain fitness, which is where brain training software could prove useful.

Most of the experts who write about brain fitness say that the novel learning experience required to best enhance neuroplasticity and neurogenesis is the kind that we experience when learning a new language or a new musical instrument, because those endeavors expose us to increasing levels of complexity, and the regular practice gives us an opportunity to achieve appropriate levels of positive feedback.

Not sure about you, but even with retirement looming in my life, I do not have time to undertake a language or instrument regimen, so I will look for brain training software that has some research behind it to try out.

I really like three programs for brain training software. The first is based on the dual n back task, which Evans and Burghardt discuss. The next is the program put together by Michael Merzenich, Ph.D. which exercises the neurons in the Senior Citizen auditory circuit.

The program utilizing the dual n back task is addictive, and it will quickly teach you how fast your attention wanders, the Merzenich program really helps with word recall, and the online tool is a quick, easy to use, economical tool that I can boot up and use between clients or phone calls to get my brain a rest between stressful situations.

My guess is that once you find a program that you like, the use of brain training software will become a regular part of your day.

There are some significant side effects, like increased IQ and improved communication and relationships. If I can process auditory data more effectively, I become a more confident listener, which is a key piece in relationships, far more important than speaking actually.

So my suggestion is that you start with the pillars of brain fitness, and then find brain training software. I know that research driven by Boomers is going to keep improvements coming so keep your ears to the ground for more.

Michael S. Logan is a brain fitness expert, a counselor, a student of Chi Gong, and licensed one on one HeartMath provider. I enjoy the spiritual, the mythological, and psychological, and I am a late life father to Shane, 10, and Hannah Marie, 4, whose brains are so amazing. http://www.askmikethecounselor2.com

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How Club Owners Can Best Profit From Personal Training – Club Solutions Interviews The Fluid Interval Training Developer Fit Express

Posted by admin on July 10th, 2010 and filed under senior aerobics | No Comments »

Club Solutions Magazine interviews equipment manufacturer Fit Express and developer of the FIT (Fluid Interval Training) system about how clubs can best use Personal Training to increase their profits. Key topics discussed include the future of gym membership, missing components of a successful personal training system, and an easy-to-implement system that can be used to dramatically increase ROI and member retention.

Club Solutions: What are some new trends that are being implemented in personal training and what type of changes do you see coming in the future?

Fit Express: Trainers are going to have to find ways to handle multiple clients in an efficient yet personalized manner. I see it as more of a cross between conventional personal training methods and group exercise. With the changing demographics (the huge influx of 76M baby boomers) personal trainers are going to have to be able to accommodate both the needs and wants of these individuals while facing a different challenge due to their physical limitations. Safety will increase in importance as well as finding more user friendly ways to accommodate the needs of this market. Finding a way to make it more fun and social is also important to these folks.

Club Solutions: How do clubs use your product or service for personal training and how can it be used to ensure that members stay in the club longer?

Fit Express: Our equipment isn’t designed to keep members in longer, but to give them the benefits they seek in less time. This will keep them happy, coming back frequently, and telling their friends and family about it. Our equipment is designed to get the best results with Fluid Interval Training (FIT), which is a hybrid version of cardio (aerobic) exercise and resistance (anaerobic) set training using continuous movement during and in-between set intervals. The Fit Express hydraulic equipment allows users to quickly and easily control their cardio-to-strength ratio during the set to customize their workout for optimal results. The workout/equipment surpasses the original circuit training model by being much more efficient. FIT along with the Fit Express circuit will allow your trainer to easily monitor multiple members getting a quick cardio and strength combination workout, regardless of each members current conditioning or exercise knowledge level.

Club Solutions: What are the benefits of your products and services?

Fit Express: The biggest benefit of adding FIT is to provide a better exercise experience for your members. The FIT circuit provides exactly what your members are looking for-a quick, easy, safe, and fun workout that will provide them the best results possible using easy-to-understand and non-intimidating equipment. Gyms typically have a 20-30% drop out rate, but we feel adding the FIT circuit could dramatically improve this figure. In addition to the serendipitous benefits resulting from providing an experience your members will love, as well as one your competition isn’t, there are direct immediate benefits for the club owner as well. This includes more efficient use of floor space, reduced member injuries, and reduced costs in equipment maintenance. However, the most significant benefit to the owner would be the revenue potential that adding FIT (Fluid Interval Training) Group Personal Training could provide to their gym.

Club Solutions: Why should clubs consider your type of products and services in their personal training departments how easy is it to implement within the club?

Fit Express: Implementing our workout is very simple and the ROI is relatively fast. Having a new and exciting way to workout definitely helps with attracting new members and retention of current members by improving results and providing more variety. The FIT workout/equipment is fun and safe for everyone, from pre-teens to seniors, from the weak to the strong, from the healthy to those with special conditions, the beginner or the advanced fitness enthusiast. Members find our workout easy yet challenging, not intimidating, and fun to do. Combining all of the best elements of circuit training and personal training, FIT is a safer, quicker (in both workout and in results), and more efficient and cost-effective use of floor space and trainer time.

Club Solutions: What type of business opportunity does personal training offer a health club and why?

Fit Express: Personal training gives members that can afford it the opportunity to reach new fitness levels and accomplish results much quicker. People push themselves harder and stay focused longer when they have a knowledgeable professional to help guide them along their path to accomplish their fitness goals. The main two problems would be with todays’ gym’s inefficient approach towards personal training. First off, personal training is expensive and the mass majority of people in our economy can’t afford it. Secondly, it is commonplace today for gyms to offer a complimentary session to showcase the benefits of PT to new members, but optimal results can’t be delivered this way. Muscle imbalances need to be pinpointed and addressed. Nutrition and lifestyle need to be in line in order for members to even notice short-term gains. The most efficient way for the gym, the personal trainer, and the member to all receive what they seek is to offer group personal training. This can best be accomplished with an exercise system such as Fluid Interval Training which will allow one trainer to be able to effectively manage multiple people all with different capabilities and goals.

Club Solutions: How does your product or service improve the member personal training experience for the club? And why is this important?

Fit Express: Members will get instant benefits from using the FIT (Fluid Interval Training) system. In order for members to get the best and fastest results from working out is for them to do both cardio and strength training. Many people neglect strength training for two main reasons. One, because they are unaware of the various ways resistance training can benefit them (that cardio alone can’t do), and two, many others are just intimidated by the equipment’s large weight stacks and confusing seating, levers, and control arms. While Circuit Training gets people to do resistance training, it doesn’t provide an answer to number two, in fact it compounds the problem because your already rushing which is more likely to cause injuries or a less-than-optimal rushed workout at best. The answer is Fluid Interval Training. The FIT circuit will allow your members to reap the full benefits of both cardio and strength training simultaneously while cutting their necessary time in the gym in half. Members will experience a reduction in muscle and joint soreness (compared to traditional weight training), less frustration dealing with or altogether avoiding the other resistance machines, and get to come to a more friendly and social workout atmosphere. Members state that they like the fact the equipment is not intimidating and so easy you just get on and go. Personal trainers are allowed to monitor the progress of multiple people while still giving them the space and control to customize their workout.

Club Solutions: Why should clubs consider personal training?

Fit Express: Personal training provides an opportunity for clubs to increase their revenue by offering a more personalized service to their members. At select times, this is exactly what some people need-personalized, one-on-one assistance to help motivate them and give them professional advice and guidance. I think a more profitable, and equally more accommodating solution for the average person is to offer Group Personal Training using the FIT Fluid Interval Training workout system along with the Fit Express Signature Series hydraulic fitness equipment. This will allow clubs to provide most of the same personalized experience for their members at a very reduced rate (that most members will be able to afford). Since it will only take one personal trainer to easily train multiple people the club, the trainer, and the members will all reap the benefits they seek.

Fit Express is a commercial exercise equipment manufacturer located in North, MS, USA. Since 1998 over 4,000 facilities and 30 countries worldwide have chosen Fit Express’ gym equipment. Fit Express is dedicated to developing the most innovative and effective hydraulic fitness equipment possible, and their equipment and adjustable fluid cylinders meet the strictest bio-mechanics and ergonomic specifications. Fit Express remains committed to their mission to motivate the de-conditioned masses.

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Exercise Tips for Seniors: Training of the resistance band for Seniors

Posted by admin on July 10th, 2010 and filed under Senior Fitness | No Comments »


workout resistance bands are great for seniors, and you can perform several different muscles using the same band. Use a resistance band in your workout with tips from a personal trainer aprofessional in this free video on exercise for seniors. Expert: David Dubail Contact: www. dubailfitness. com Bio: David Dubail is a personal trainer and professional and the owner of Dubail Fitness Institute in Miami, Florida. Director: Paul Muller

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Primary Training Choices for seniors

Posted by admin on July 8th, 2010 and filed under A Fitness Program for Seniors | No Comments »

In case you are 55 years or older and looking for very good workout ideas, this article will be worthwhile for you. We’ll think about the advantages of health and fitness for seniors and which exercises are most effective and ways in which to perform them to prevent damage.

Since your bodies age there are lots of physical changes that come about. Though just like when were younger your need to workout remains. The challenge seniors often get trapped on the advice that health care professionals advise which is over their head. We are instructed we must workout 5 various times a day, not less than 1 hour a day. That could hardly be further from the truth. This information actually has an unfavorable effect for seniors. That they think they cannot quite possibly exercise very much after which do not exercise in any respect.

This is the point-any workout is beneficial for you. Even if you simply exercise in some form or maybe another couple of times a week, it is best compared to no exercise at all. All form of workout will assist enhance your mental and physical well-being.

Prior to commencing any workout program it is always very best to dicuss with your health practitioner initially and obtain their information. They will help set you on the correct path so you choose the exercises that will best accommodate your physical situation.

And here is the key reason why exercise is so great for seniors:

•             Provides a feeling of youthfulness

•             Increases self-belief

•             Can help to slow down or diminish the utter discomfort of chronic illness

•             Increase flexibility

•             Lower fat

•             Lower hypertension

•             Reduce swelling

•             Overcome depression

•             Increase energy

Being senior once you exercise it is necessary you start each session off the appropriate way. Stretching is extremely important. The best way to go into routine is to begin with about 5 minutes of a aerobic exercise to have your whole body warmed up. Next, undergo a few stretching exercises. After this you will be prepared to start off your fitness workout.

 

If you select a workout course to become interested in you’ll want to choose something you find interesting and stimulating. Also if you get dizzy or simply light headed change to something else.

Listed below are the top exercises options for seniors:

1. Swimming. Swimming is very low impact and good for the joints. It will also help with cardio fitness plus help to build muscle tissues. Water aerobics are offered by several gyms and can also be a terrific social event where new pals can be made.

2. Strength Training. Strength training are certainly handy for seniors as it will help to hold on to muscle mass that goes away as we grow older. Keeping muscle in hands, back, core and legs may help a senior be safer with everyday activities.

3. Yoga. Yoga generally is a wonderful model of workout form of exercise for seniors and can help with lymph system, overall flexibility, range of flexibility, strength and also,mental well being.

4. Walking. Walking continues to be viewed as a terrific way of exercise for seniors. Walking is simple to undertake and is the most natural form of exercise. Accomplished in a gym or maybe about any place outdoors or even a shopping mall. Walking is designed for using up calories and cardio fitness and holding onto strength in the legs.

At this point the idea would be to get off the sofa and get moving. Your current mental and physical wellness can greatly enhance with the appropriate exercise and as you have learned you can slow down the aging process.

As we age, selected tools and furniture in your own home can also be very useful. One piece in particular is extremely helpful for seniors and elderly, that’s the  Electric Lift Chair. Also, here’s where you can go for an awesome selection in the very popular Acorn Star Lift.

 

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Strength Training Prevents Age Related Muscle Loss

Posted by admin on June 30th, 2010 and filed under senior aerobic exercises | No Comments »

The condition known as sarcopenia derived from the Greek words for vanishing flesh is the gradual wasting away of lean muscle tissue of one’s body. Twenty years ago this condition did not even have a name, but now is well on the way to becoming a household word like osteoporosis.

Responsible for robbing both women and men of their strength, health, mobility and independence in their senior years, sarcopenia is a significant global health problem and is one of the most serious long term threats to being able to remain healthy as adult’s age.

Usually seen in physically inactive people, sarcopenia exerts its debilitating effects in a slow, sneaky fashion over a period of decades. This loss of muscle begins at around the age of 30 at the rate of 10% per decade increasing to 15 % per decade in the 60’s and 70’s then about 30% per decade thereafter.

This insidious and crippling process not only robs people of their functional health and mobility but further pushes them into unhealthy and inactive lifestyles. This vicious cycle continues with increased risk of other diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Research in the anti aging field is finding ways to prevent and treat muscle loss in aging adults and concludes that strength training exercise has a remarkable effect on recovering lost strength.
The negative attitude towards strength training by older adults has changed over time as they are learning how they can benefit from this old but proven form of exercise.

Strength training is exercise that uses resistance – to strengthen and condition the muscular system. This can be achieved with resistance training machines or free weights found in your local gym. The amount of resistance a muscle has to work against determines how strong it will get.

Strength training is not running on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, or using an elliptical machine. Although those types of aerobic machines use “resistance” to increase your workout intensity, it’s not the same as strength training and will not strengthen muscles.

Any exercise that involves contracting your muscles many times with little or no resistance such as walking or cycling doesn’t prevent loss of muscle mass. Runners still lose muscle mass even if they’re highly active. When challenged by strength training exercise your muscles and bones are continually forced to renew themselves, sweeping out old, degenerated cells and rebuilding new tissue that is younger, stronger, and healthier.

To get started a properly prescribed exercise program should be set up and the initial sessions monitored by an Exercise Professional at your local gym or health club. This program should include both strength training and cardiovascular exercise at about a 60/40 ratio.

If you risk losing your functional health and mobility as you get older, you risk losing your precious independence – and your dignity along with it. The good news is, as a health-conscious adult you can take immediate steps to get started on a strength training program to ensure this will never happen to you.

Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body and regaining lost vitality and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook “I’ve Found the Fountain of Youth- Let Me Show You Too!” here: ways to look younger Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger.

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Considerations For Physical Fitness Training

Posted by admin on June 13th, 2010 and filed under A Fitness Program for Seniors | No Comments »

If an individual wants to lose weight there are a number of things that that person must do. First and foremost they must expend more calories than they eat on any given day. This is a simple statement of fact in that if one eats more calories than they are burning than this will add to their weight problem.

In addition, in order to lose weight, a decrease in caloric intake must be accompanied by a physical fitness training program that will help not only burning excess calories but helped tone the muscles of the body.

Therefore, is considering a physical fitness training program there are a number of considerations to take into account. Two of those specific considerations include any budget restraints and committing to a program that matches the individual’s current physical fitness level.


Physical Fitness Training

There are many physical fitness training programs that an individual can consider. Generally, there are many factors that can be considered to help the individual choose the right program. The most important consideration is what the individual wishes to achieve. For example, they may want to lose weight, add muscle, increase their energy level, etc.

Therefore, if an individual wants to lose weight they may want to consider an activity that burns a large amount of calories. Two of those activities include bicycling and swimming. In addition, to exercising, there may be other activities that need to be combined with the physical fitness training program.

One of those activities is diet. Therefore, if wishing to lose weight it is important to combine an exercise that burns considerable calories while decreasing the intake of calories eaten. In addition, the diet that should be considered in the above scenario should be low in the consumption of empty calories and sweets.


Matching a Training Program with One’s Physical Condition

When considering a physical fitness training program it is important to undertake a program that matches one’s physical condition. For example a senior physical fitness program should moderate program and one that is not too strenuous. This is important especially if the senior has had little or no activity up to this point.

Examples of a starting physical fitness training program for a senior would be a moderate to minimal walking program. In addition, it is important not to overdo the program initially, but workup to a comfortable distance walked on a daily basis. This will ensure that the senior doesn’t hurt themselves.

If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article’s author on exercise bike parts and tunturi exercise bike.

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Strength Training – Why We Need It – How To Get It

Posted by admin on June 9th, 2010 and filed under senior aerobic exercises | No Comments »

Strength training is not just about physical exercise or building large, visible muscles. Working out against resistance benefits our everyday living in areas of physical strength and vitality, internal health, and emotional wellbeing.  There are several options to achieve this.  First, the benefits:

Physical Strength and Vitality: Increased lean muscle mass and strength allows us to work harder and longer without fatigue, and improves balance, flexibility, mobility, and stability. It helps reduce the risk of injury, both in our normal day to day activities and when we are performing aerobic and sports activities. Strong seniors fall down less. If they do fall down, their stronger bodies are less likely to be injured and tend to heal more quickly after an injury.

Internal health: Increased metabolic rate results in higher calorie burn which helps control our body weight. Bone density is increased/restored helping to prevent brittleness and resulting injury. Consistent strength training has a wide variety of affiliated health benefits including decreasing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure, which can be essential in avoiding heart disease.

Emotional wellbeing: A good solid work-out can provide an emotional uplift. Stronger muscles and joints improve posture and leaner toned muscles tend to make everyone feel better about their appearance. Hence, improved self-esteem and increased self-confidence. Physical activity, including strength training, makes us feel alive and strong.  This is what keeps me working out on a regular basis.

What are your options? Once you decide to work out physically in a way that pits your muscles against resistance, there are several options. Lowest cost is the use of stretch bands and inexpensive dumbbells. Advantage, besides cost, is very little space requirement.  Disadvantage is some lack of versatility, i.e. it is hard to workout a wide range of muscles with just bands and small weights.

Next is the purchase of gym equipment. Now you have more versatility and range of exercise. Plus you can work out in the comfort of your home. This entails a one-time cost and commits you to that piece of equipment.

Finally, there is paid gym membership. This can have the advantage of professional guidance, sometimes with the aid of health professionals and physical therapists. Variety of equipment types is typical. The downside is usually a recurring cost and the need to travel to get to your workout. Lack of privacy may also be an issue.

Choose your option wisely. The advantages of regular physical strength training will become an important and positive part of your life.

I’m always on the lookout for information that will make fitness workouts more effective and not require much time away from other activities.  I may be onto something here: high intensity training with minimum time commitment.  This Max Strength Training blog will get you all the info you need to decide if the maximum strength training approach is right for you. I think you’ll find it interesting.

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training

Posted by admin on June 7th, 2010 and filed under Senior Fitness | 24 Comments »


88-year-old makes traction and pumps. show. Miami Beach FL

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Rocket Speed Training On A Budget 2.

Posted by admin on May 22nd, 2010 and filed under senior aerobics | No Comments »

A Speed & Agility Training Resource Guide On How To Create Your Own Speed & Agility Training Aids, Primarily Out Of Pvc , Which Helps You Save Money & Can Give You More Training Options Than Traditional Speed/agility Tools.
Rocket Speed Training On A Budget 2.

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Cycling Training Plans And Books.

Posted by admin on May 20th, 2010 and filed under senior aerobics | No Comments »

Bicycling Training Plans And EBooks To Help Cyclists Train Systematically And Improve Their Ability To Ride. Bike Training Plans Provide Guidance As To How To Plan Rides That Stress Various Cycling Attributes And Build Fitness Throughout The Season.
Cycling Training Plans And Books.

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