According to studies and research, using anabolic steroids merely temporarily  inflates your muscles (hence the term “juiced”) and does not provide permanent results.

There are a myriad of harmful side effects associated with steroid use; including diabetes, rage, aggression, uncontrollable mood swings, and significant changes to body systems that are not natural to the user’s gender.

In early 2009, Omar Deckard, an IFBB professional bodybuilder, began using an all- natural nutritional supplement line called NitraPlex. Nitraplex is a high-performance product line created by True Healthy Products, a natural nutritional company located in Florida.

“I am 35 and have been bodybuilding for the last 25 years. My father and my brothers were into bodybuilding and I was the youngest and smallest in the family,” says Deckard. “ I have always been serious about working out and eating well. Over the years, I could not afford nutritional supplements consistently and those I have tried were not only ineffective, but they typically upset my stomach.”

Deckard feels fortunate to have made it to the pro level as a bodybuilder without sponsors or supplements.  Now a user of the all-natural NitraPlex product line, Deckard looks forward to the 2010 competition. “ I like that the NitraPlex products are all-natural.  I was 265 pounds and in top form when I started using their products. After seven months of using NitraPlex, I weighed in at 308 pounds – I was blown away!” says Deckard. Currently training for a competition and weighing 285 pounds with 4 percent body fat, Deckard credits NitraPlex with giving him the edge.

“The pump I get from the “Pure Energy Pre-Workout” is unbelievable. During a video shoot in the gym, my bicep grew half an inch in 10 minutes, “ exclaims Deckard. Click here to watch!

NitraPlex Is A Combination Of 4 Unique Products:

1- The Pure Energy pre-workout will help men and women increase mental focus, endurance, muscle stamina and vascularity through an increase in both blood flow and nutrient uptake.

2- The Daily Optimizer is designed to be used consistently every day to increase overall performance and well-being. This product can help enhance the body’s ability to repair and build muscle, increase immune system response and relieve joint and muscle aches.

3- The Anabolic Base formula is the most complete high-performance multivitamin supplement available. It’s an all -natural whole food supplement, providing 9 daily servings of organic fruits and vegetables, probiotics, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, and a multivitamin / mineral complex.

4- The Lean Protein is an all-natural whey protein supplement. Lean Protein is low in sugar, sodium and carbohydrates. It is “easy on the digestive system” and reduces bloating and intestinal discomfort so often found in protein supplements. Absent of fillers and synthetic components, Lean Protein will help build muscle, strengthen and enhance the body’s ability to repair and recover, and reduce joint pain.

“I don’t put my name on just any product”, says Roger Craig, former All-Star pro running back and 3-time Super Bowl winner. “I use all of the NitraPlex products every day. I run marathons now and these products work for me. I am stronger, my recovery is faster, and I am sleeping better using the night-time formula, ” says Craig. “ I tell everyone about this product line.”

“NitraPlex is safe and easy to use,” says Natalie Waples, IFBB pro fitness model and winner of the 2008 Arnold Classic. “ It is the only product line I use now when I am training for competition.”

The NitraPlex Family Of Products Can Help You:

* Dramatically increase strength and improve endurance
* Noticeably reduce recovery time down to hours, rather than days
* Improve muscle definition and increase repetitions during your workout
* Decrease body mass index (BMI) and create greater muscle tone
* Sustain energy and experience more consistent energy throughout the day
* Improve rest and sleep patterns and significantly increase overall wellness

Do you want to learn more about NitraPlex and how it can work for you? Log on to  www.PoweredByNitraPlex.com to request your free copy of “The 4 Powerful Components Of NitraPlex” special report. You must have a valid e-mail to receive this report.

According to studies and research, using anabolic steroids merely inflates your muscles (hence the term “juiced”) and does not provide permanent results. There are also several harmful side effects of steroid use, like diabetes, rage, aggression, uncontrollable mood-swings and significant changes to body systems that are not natural to the user’s gender.

A healthier and safer approach to increased strength, muscle growth and rest

Stemulite a cutting edge all-natural stem cell enhancing product and is the second stem cell product currently available on the market. It is a stronger formulation than Endothil, the first product to reach the market a couple of years ago, which was created by the same formulators as Stemulite. Stemulite Fitness Formula is much different and along with its stem cell recruiting ability has added 7 key all-natural ingredients of very effective and targeted natural proteins, enzymes and amino acids to its current formulation.

Stemulite, the core muscle building ingredient, is a natural dietary adult stem cell agonist. When working out and pushing our bodies, our muscles and ligaments suffer tiny micro tears, creating the soreness from exercise. Stemulite quickly goes to work recruiting the sleeping adult stem cells in our bodies and starts building new muscle. Keep in mind this is new muscle, not the temporary enlarged effect that anabolic steroids create.

Stemulite goes to work when we are working out and pushing our bodies

“Stemulite is the most powerful supplement I have ever put into my body, period,” says Corey Simpson, a former Mr. Florida and now active fitness professional. “In the first couple of weeks of using Stemulite, I dramatically increased the weight I was lifting and I doubled the amount of repetitions in my workout. It was a little hard to believe. In weeks, my muscle definition changed and I dropped excess water weight. In addition, Stemulite has also given me a great and deeper sleep, which is so important for recuperation. I just feel better than ever and have so much more endurance and energy.”

Corey and Paul Simpson of Tampa, Fla., both professional athletes and trainers, currently working with professional football and baseball players and boxers, were recruited to participate in and monitor the initial Stemulite life trials. They worked with and monitored more than 20 athletes over a 1-month period, changing nothing in their routine, but adding Stemulite to their daily diet.

As the results came back, it was clear that the addition of Stemulite to their regimens produced consistent and congruent results, including:

• * Increased strength, more energy, focus and stronger workouts

• * Improved rest and sleep – the most common benefit

• * Increased endurance, muscle repair and muscle growth

• * Dramatically reduces recovery time for more frequent workouts

Want to learn more about Stemulite and how it can work for you? Fill out the form below to request your free copy of “The 7 Powerful Components Of Stemulite” consumer report. You must have a valid e-mail to receive this report.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Nearly 700,000 deaths occur annually, and women account for 51 percent of those deaths. Usually thought of as a male problem, the rate of deaths from heart disease in women has grown largely to a lack of knowledge and an antiquated attitude toward women and fitness. According to Molly Sivia, Madison County, IL Health Department Health Educator, “it (heart disease) wasn’t seen as a women’s health issue until recently.”

Today’s woman, however, is more aware than ever of the benefits of exercise and a healthful diet and woman’s magazines are promoting a more fit image than they had before. There’s nothing more important for a healthy heart than regular aerobic exercise. Women are joining gyms, spas and health clubs in record numbers and are recommended to be involved in some kind of strenuous aerobic workout no less than 2 and ½ hours a week. Combine your workouts with a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fats and you have a lifestyle that supports heart health. Add to that protein from lean chicken and fish for a winning formula and a healthy heart. The Center for Disease Control recommends that you also limit your alcohol, sugar and salt content as well. [http://www.cdc.gov/family/tips/]

In addition to yoga, aerobics and Pilates, more and more women are stretching their boundaries with boxing, martial arts and weight lifting. Suddenly it’s chic to be fit! Women are also competitively engaged in spinning and cycling as a means to get fit. There so many ways to get the training and workout you need.

If you want to lose weight you have to burn more calories than you take in so really push yourself when you get into whatever work routine you decide on. It’s not important what you do – it’s important that you do it! Remember, heart disease is not a given. You can do something to prevent this leading killer and at the same time look and feel great.

America is weight conscious and millions are obsessed with losing unwanted pounds. Of course, everyone wants it to be easy. Well, it’s not; it means you have to do something. There is no secret to weight loss. If you want to lose pounds you must burn more calories than you consume. That means cut down on excessive calories and get some cardio! Too many people are sitting around hoping that the next miracle diet will be the answer. Once they are off the diet, the pounds go back on. Why? Because they haven’t learned to burn calories with a healthy cardio workout program.

Many experts feel that if you truly want to lose weight, you need to be doing a good 45 minute to 1 hour cardio workout 4 to 5 times per week. Less than that will help you to maintain your current weight, but won’t help you to shed those pounds. For example, if you plan to lose 1 pound a week, that’s a total of 3500 calories. Then you should burn at least 500 calories a day doing cardio exercise 5 days a week.

You must commit to some kind of rigorous workout schedule. It really doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you select – running, step aerobics, cycling or spinning, cardio machines at the gym – it only matters that you commit to 4 to 5 hours a week minimum and get you heart rate up into the ‘aerobic zone’ for at least 30 minutes. The benefits are tremendous. It’s great for your heart, to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and will definitely reduce stress. And always move your entire body (arms, legs) when doing any cardio since the more movement means the more calories you will be burning! To determine what you heart rate level is you can use the Target Heart Rate calculator at ShapeFIT.com

Make your cardio workout a priority. Quit scheduling your workouts around everything else you have to do, and instead schedule everything else around your workout. Don’t let anything interfere. If you make it important in your daily routine, then you will find ways to work in everything else you need to do. If you can join a gym get there as often as you can. You will find that working out around like-minded people will help support your goals. And, when the workout is fun chances are you’ll be better able to stick with it. If you cannot get to a gym then there are several ways to get the direction you need at home. Many full cardio workout machines, like elliptical trainers and treadmills, are available at reasonable prices. There are many excellent cardio fitness videos on the market too. And, if you can afford a machine, don’t have a DVD player or live too far from a gym then you can always put on your sneakers, step out the door and go for a run.

Joel Shapiro of Sebastian, Florida did just that. “I was about 20 pounds overweight and it was really starting to bug me. I also had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I had trouble motivating myself to drive to the gym and I wasn’t good at sticking to a diet. One day I was sitting on my couch watching TV and having some ice cream and I realized I was killing myself. I put on a pair of sneakers, went outside and ran down the block. I barely made it to the corner and back but I did it. It was a first step. I went out the next day and the next. Now I run about 2 miles almost every day and I have lost almost 15 pounds. My pressure is down and I feel great. I know I’m going to lose the next 5 pounds and I am going to keep running.”

Remember consistency is the key to losing weight. Sticking with a cardio workout program combined with healthy nutrition are essential. According to an article on ezinearticles.com, the best 30 minute aerobic exercise routines for fat burning are: Spinning (450 calories), swimming (380 calories), elliptical trainers (265 calories), kickboxing and step aerobics (345 calories) and racquetball (345 calories). The actual amount of calories burned varies by weight, age, and intensity.

Professional athletes, famous actors and actresses, corporate honchos and the beautiful people all have them. That doesn’t mean, however, that the average ‘Joe the Plumber’ can’t have one too. In fact, taking advantage of a personal trainer is not only a good investment; it doesn’t have to be expensive. With the amount of focus a personal trainer can bring to your fitness goals, hiring one may be the smartest value around.

What kind of trainer should you seek out? That depends on your needs and goals. The range of expertise and specialty are vast and therefore you should know beforehand what you want to achieve. Do you want to build a more sculpted look? Are you in training for an event such as a marathon or the Iditarod? Recovering from surgery? Are you ramping up to climb K-2? Or are you getting more fit so you can better tackle the enormous obstacles that await you every day when you get to your desk at 8:55AM?

Whatever your aims, a competent and enthusiastic personal trainer can make or break your workout. We are all unique and a personal trainer can enhance our lifestyle choices by helping us develop a greater physical condition and mental acuity. As stated on the website www.personaltrainer.net,

“A personal trainer will employ strategies aimed at overcoming any obstacle that could inhibit your approach towards attaining your personal goals. He or she can construct a regime based upon your own personal circumstances and lifestyle, aimed at making your training experience both enjoyable and beneficial.”

There are personal trainers for every sort of need: fitness trainers; bodybuilding experts; trainers for seniors; cancer patients; cardiac patients; HIV/AIDS sufferers; obese children; diabetics; stress management and weight loss specialists. The key again is to have a personal trainer design and adapt a program to fit your goals and current condition. A good trainer will assess his or her client to make sure that the routines prescribed are focused, goal oriented, appropriate and achievable.

“The first question I ask my client is “why do they need a trainer?” says New York City based personal trainer Barbara Jaffee, who happens to specialize in fitness for seniors. Barbara leads group classes at New York Sports Club and Club H but also does a lot of one-on-one personal training at her client’s home or gym. Barbara feels that if she understands their motives and their “issue” then she can best determine what the proper course of training will be.

The next thing she will determine is whether or not the client has a “certain amount of determination.” Are they willing to do the work and put in the time? If they are, than Barbara is ready to deliver on her part of the equation: enthusiasm, motivation and a real good time! “Fun is important” she says. “It keeps them coming back. I’ve had some clients for years. To properly evaluate her clients Barbara insists they commit to at least 3 sessions before she can design “something they can do that makes sense and is as much fun as possible.”

Diet is part of her approach as well as exercise. “Let’s say that someone has had surgery. Then I need to know what the problem is and what their specific needs are,” medically and mentally. A good deal of listening is involved so that she can really learn what the individual needs and attitudes are. After that, “everything is form! If they have good form and do the exercises correctly than I know they’ll have success and I’ll have done my job.”

The same goes for Harold Raschke-Robinson, a 16 year veteran trainer who works out of New York’s Chelsea Piers. “I listen to the individual and devise a program that best fits their needs. As they go along I tweak their program to insure they meet their long term goals.” But there must be a commitment. “Most come in with great expectations but are unwilling to make the time commitment.”

Mark Smith, a corporate executive from Athens, GA, praises the benefits of his personal trainer, Jason Argo for designing a program that helped him overcome a chronic back condition. “I was always very active. I played a lot of tennis, paddle tennis, and had run several 10Ks. I had a minor back injury that didn’t get handled right away and became a persistent problem.

After months of trying everything from painkillers to chiropractic care I had a talk with a doctor who suggested a set of exercises. While at my health club I met Jason who understood the diagnosis and took my doctors suggestions and developed a great one hour workout that encompassed all the stretches and exercises the doctor told me to do.

As I got stronger and healthier he was able to add to my program and my back problem has cleared up 100%, allowing me to do the things I really want to do. Without Jason I don’t think I would have had that kind of success.” The key, said Smith rather tongue-in-cheek, was having someone to guide him, encourage him and literally “watch my back.”

A personal trainer can be the difference between a casual work out and a great fitness plan. If you’re not getting all you think you can from your fitness routine than ask about a personal trainer at your gym or health club. Or ask your friends. A first hand personal recommendation is often the best way to find the right trainer for you.

Treadmills are not only popular in gyms and spas but they are standard issue for many home gyms. The attraction, aside from the fact that they provide an excellent workout is that they are simple and straightforward. So says Patricia Miles, an avid gym attendee. “I use all the machines, including a stepper and some free weights, but the treadmill is easy and when I get my music cranked up I get into a really good rhythm that really helps me pace myself and get a great cardio workout.”

There is a wide range of new fitness gadgets hitting the home gym market with new gizmos appearing almost every day, and still, fitness conscious consumers still gravitate to the treadmill. Why? Simply put, the home treadmill is the ultimate piece of equipment for a cardiovascular workout.

Treadmills vary in size and electronic add-ons but the basic promise never varies: a rubber belt that you can walk, jog or run on at variable controlled speeds. Some studies have shown that people get more out of a treadmill because they are already familiar with the natural act of walking or running and therefore will stick with it. Also, they are readily available at most health clubs, spas, gyms and even at the local Y. They also can be purchased for home use on line or at any store where fitness and lifestyle equipment are sold.

While exploring options for buying a treadmill for home use, Ernie Mortz did his homework and learned a few facts before making his purchase. Since this was going to be a major decision he tested all of his options in person. “I was determined to lose weight and get my pressure down and I knew that there was no substitute for a good cardiovascular workout. I figured the best way to do that without having to go to some class or learn something new was to get out there every day and run. Since the weather would always be a factor I figured a treadmill was the answer. Since this was going to be a significant investment, and I always say you get what you pay for, I wanted to insure I was going to get a machine in my price range that would do everything I wanted it to do and had a solid warranty.”

“I remember when I bought my first classic car, a 1961 Austin Healy Mark 3. That was my first important purchase in my life and I was very careful before I pulled the trigger. Since then I have purchased many cars and always with the same care. I wanted to approach buying the treadmill in the same way because this might be the most important purchase I ever made in my life. After all, my health was a stake.”

According to the website www.treadmilladvisor.com, the price range on treadmills can run from as low as $500 and as high as a $4000 model that comes complete with a flat screen monitor, speakers and an adjustable shock absorbing suspension system.

We have all seen the commercials on TV for a wide range of fitness equipment. Each new gadget boasts a revolutionary new technology that will miraculously get you in shape and lose pounds with a minimal effort. If only it was only that easy! Getting fit only happens with work. That means you must have a vigorous workout routine and you have to stick with it. As Ms. Miles alluded to, some energetic music can really get you in the rhythm and even help you focus. “I enjoy the elliptical trainer at my gym but sometimes I want to run or just walk for part of my routine and there’s nothing like a treadmill.”

When looking to buy a treadmill, here are some tips from Ernie Mortz on what to look for:

Price – Have an idea of what you want to spend before you shop. Since the prices can really vary and many of the options available are tempting, it is easy to exceed your budget.

Motor and Horsepower – This is perhaps the most important thing to think about as the motor gets a really heavy workout. Look for the “continuous duty rating” and get the highest rating available. Note that the peak duty is less important than the continuous duty rating.

Stability – You don’t want a shaky ride. This is why testing the machine in person is such a good idea. Make sure the belt is long enough and wide enough for your stride. Each treadmill has handrails. Make sure they are solid. If the machine has an adjustable incline feature make sure it is smooth and not jerky.

Features – Choose a model that has the most programmable features in your price range. Anything that will help keep you from getting board will help you keep to your routine and achieve your goals. Many machines are equipped with features such as programmable workouts, heart rate monitors, and audio and video plug-ins. Also most have an emergency off mechanism. Water bottle holders and book racks are also useful features.

No matter what model treadmill you select for home use or at your gym or club, the important thing to remember is that a regular aerobic workout, proper diet and adequate rest are the keys to health and fitness.

After showing me around the club a bit she suggested I come to her Spinning class. “Isn’t that what Gandhi used to do with string?” was my witty retort. Spinning, as I was to learn, is a special high-intensity group activity done on a stationary bicycle. Frankly, it didn’t sound exactly like what I was going for but this instructor definitely had a winning way about her and I agreed to come to the class that evening. And so it was that my life was about to change!

I’ve enjoyed bicycling in the past and I figured that Spinning would be a nice casual, energetic way to warm up before my “real” workout. Man-oh-man, was I in for a surprise. If you want to challenge yourself, get the heart pumping, lose weight and get fit while having a ton of fun then you’ve got to get yourself into a Spin class and get yourself pumping! Bring plenty of water because you’re really going to sweat!

Since sometime in the 1980′s, Spinning has become a popular way to get fit and stay fit for men and women in fitness clubs and health spas around the country. First thing you find out is that the Spinning bike is set up a bit differently than what you may have ridden before. Basically it is built to resemble the experience of riding outdoors, with different settings to approximate changes in speed and terrain through resistance, special handlebars and adjustable seating to ensure the best posture. Each person in the class is encouraged to set their own goals as far as the intensity of the workout.

My instructor, Diane, made sure that everyone was set and introduced the new people to the group. Facing the class on her own Spinning bike, she explained that she would be taking us on a one hour routine that would simulate hill climbs, sprints and interval training. Most of the regulars had their own heart rate monitors and those of us who didn’t were able to use one supplied by the gym. As she explained, the purpose was to set our goals according to our individual heart rate. Each person could choose their own goals for the session. Some participants can maintain a moderate, aerobic intensity level, while others can drive their heart rates higher.

As we began the session we all started to crank it up until the entire room seemed to be riding at the same tempo. And then Diane cranked up the music and away we went.In the first few minutes I was feeling good and I was noticing the burn in my thighs, hammys and even my hips. The workout was sensational for the lower part of my body but also for my upper torso. Diane, shouting encouragement and leading the way, took us up the first hill and that’s when I thought I was going to die! “Hey, this is hard’ I screamed to her. She laughed, turned up the music a notch and off we went into the hills. I was breathing hard and kept looking at my heart monitor, impressed by the quality of the workout.

Aside from the muscle strengthening and toning benefits, Spinning is a great aerobic exercise, burning between 400-600 calories in a typical 40 minute session. The group was a good mix of men and women, experienced and novice Spinners and just about everyone was groovin’ to the up-tempo, energetic music mix. The more experienced Spinners had shoes with toe clips and the rest of used straps to keep our feet on the pedal and apply pressure on the upstroke. D iane left her bike to go up to each individual to make sure they were in good position and getting the most benefit from the class. And she encouraged everyone to keep drinking water during the ride.

After the 6th hill, several “jumps”‘ and a couple of intense sprints we began to head into our cool down. I realized that I had not only had the best workout I’d done in years but I’d probably never had as much fun getting exercise.

I Spin at least 3 times a week now and mix it in with the rest of my workout routine. It’s definitely the most enjoyable part of my fitness routine. I’ve tried all the Spinning instructors at my gym, including one who actually rode in the Olympics, and they are all a little different in their approach (and music selection) but I always enjoy it most when Diane is there to push me along. She’s an outstanding instructor and really knows how to get us motivated and moving. I guess you could say she had me at hello!

If any of these scenarios sound even vaguely familiar there is a solution that may be better for you. By setting up your own home gym you can schedule your workouts to fit your own schedule, avoid the hassles of travelling to and from the gym and you will also be afforded the privacy to work out without a crowd. And once the initial cost is incurred, a home gym can be far more economical that monthly gym membership.

A home gym is a great solution for many people. All you need is some space, the right tools and a plan. And, of course, you need the drive and will power to design and execute your own powerful workout routine.

To get started here are 7 things to consider:

1. Sit down and make a list of your physical fitness goals. Do you want to lose weight? Control your blood pressure? Gain strength and muscle? Train for a marathon or other athletic event? Improve your golf or tennis game? There are so many reasons for one to have a home gym and so many ways to achieve the body you desire and that supports your lifestyle, it is very beneficial to know what your results are going to be.
2. Scope out an area to dedicate to your home fitness center and figure out how much space you can allow for your home gym without any conflicts. If you have a separate room you can use for just your fitness activities that’s fantastic but many people have only a section of a room they can use. And some of us have no room to spare at all which means they need to look for the best use of absolute minimal space. Don’t use your treadmill as a repository for your laundry or you’ll wind up forgetting about it buried under a ton of clothing. And if you live with someone, make sure they support your fitness routine. It’s always better when you can work out together and support each other but if you can’t be mindful of each other’s space requirements.
3. If you don’t have the luxury of space and money to buy every piece of equipment you desire, the first step is to determine what kind of routine you want to design. Buy the equipment that will produce the desired results and fit your space. Don’t buy a machine that’s 7 feet high and six feet long and weighs a ton if you live in a one room walk-up apartment.
4. Make sure that you have ample room to stretch and recover. Have access to water and towels so that you don’t have to interrupt your routine.
5. Don’t overdo it. Remember that when you are lifting weights or doing a strenuous workout by yourself you won’t usually have a spotter or a buddy around to support you. Get a good workout but don’t be foolish. Even something that is seemingly benign, such as a yoga stretch routine, can cause physical strain and even the most experienced athlete or fitness maven can cause muscle damage with just one slip up. The best rule of thumb is always safety first.
6. Consult with a fitness trainer or fitness expert. It’s worth a couple of bucks to have a professional help you design your workout and select the correct exercise equipment that will get you where you want to be.
7. Remember that fitness begins and ends with good nutrition and good rest. No matter if you are a power lifter, distance runner, football player or just someone who is looking for optimum health and weight maintenance, what you eat and the amount of sleep you get are crucial to any plan.

And here’s a final bonus tip, one you won’t usually read about: talk to your accountant. You may learn that there are certain tax deductions available when you set up a home gym and get your health in gear!

There are so many products on the market touting one brand or another and there are so many different approaches to developing muscle mass but one thing is certain: the best muscle building supplements are natural, non-addictive with no harmful side effects. With a little intelligent bodybuilding training and the proper diet and exercise regimen, you can build muscle mass and fast. The power of a precise combination of nutrition, exercise and rest will provide you maximum results.

Another fact to consider is cost. Most of the supplements you find at GNC or online are not cheap. Buying “too cheap” is a bad idea. Different manufacturing processes create different quality levels. You don’t save money by buying cheap; you just end up with an inferior and potentially dangerous product.

Whey protein has definitely been a staple of the bodybuilding world. In the muscle building diet, it is often the relatively high levels of prescribed protein consumption that trainers have a difficult time achieving. Whey protein powders can offer a quick and easy quality protein source. More than any other protein supplements, whey protein powder is commonly used by bodybuilders and other athletes to accelerate muscle development and aid in recovery. However, whey is derived from dairy sources and may not be a good solution for those who suffer from lactose intolerance.

Creatine use is also widespread product used to build muscles and a number of good sources are on the market today. Creatine powders are the most widely used, tested and trusted of the delivery methods available. In addition, powders are the cheapest and also the most flexible if you want to experiment with your dosage. Some people take creatine before their workout to make it more available in the bloodstream. Others believe that it is best to replenish the creatine in the body after a workout. In fact it is important to learn as much as possible about the use of creatine and the method of ingestion before you make it part of your routine.

Of course the one thing you want to avoid is steroids and no bodybuilder in their right mind would touch them. Still, due to the extreme and fast results they produce, trainers are always looking for ways to simulate the type of results that anabolic steroids generate in the body. One of the best muscle building supplements on the market today is Nitraplex. Nitraplex can actually replicate some of the end results sought by steroid users without harmful side effects. In fact, many NFL players say they use Nitraplex for workouts because it is safe and legal. It is one of the best muscle building supplements available anywhere.

For weight lifting, body building and elite athletes, or for those individuals who simply like to workout regularly, Nitraplex can have significant, measurable, fast results and has amazing fitness and training applications. Nitraplex is a powerful antioxidant and mimics insulin in the body. It enhances glucose utilization and aids in amino acid transference. It also helps lower blood sugar and as an added benefit it can increase creatine uptake.

For additional information about muscle building supplements and to learn about the many benefits these kinds of products offer go to www.Nitraplex.com. And remember: eat right, get sufficient rest and learn the facts about which supplements can help you build bigger muscles faster and safer.

But what is hypertension and how can we keep our pressure in a safe range? When the blood pressure is high, it does damage to the blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. This can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other problems. Obviously it’s important to know ones disposition towards high blood pressure and monitor it regularly.

Your blood pressure consists of two numbers: the systolic and the diastolic. Someone with a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 has a blood pressure of 120/80, or “120 over 80.” The systolic number shows how hard the blood pushes when the heart is pumping. The diastolic number shows how hard the blood pushes between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood. It is this second number, the diastolic, which is the one to watch as a danger indicator.

According to the website Web.MD, adults should have a blood pressure of less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. Many people fall into the category in between, which is called pre-hypertension. People with pre-hypertension can make lifestyle changes to bring their pressure down and prevent or delay the onset of severe hypertension. Risk factors include obesity, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and family history of hypertension.

The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. This is especially important if you have a close relative who has high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, including:

• Severe headache
• Fatigue or confusion
• Vision problems
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Blood in the urine

If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You could be having what is known as a hypertensive crisis which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Untreated, hypertension can also lead to serious conditions like hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), kidney failure or blindness. People whose blood pressure is way above the normal range should consult a physician about methods for lowering it.

What is “Normal” blood pressure? According to WebMD, there are several categories of blood pressure, including:

• Normal: Less than 120/80
• Prehypertension: 120-139 / 80-89
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159 / 90-99
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above / 100 and above

Do not overtax your heart. Although the exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, several factors and conditions may play a role in its advance.

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Too much salt in the diet
• Too much alcohol consumption (no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
• Stress
• Older age
• Genetics – Family history of high blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders

High blood pressure is treatable. Although there is very little we can do about our genetic makeup, many of the common factors that lead to hypertension are within our control. Though most physicians will opt first and foremost for drug therapy, changes of lifestyle can often do more for reducing pressure.

Of course, any smoker should quit immediately for reasons all too well documented. But quitting is a difficult thing to do when someone is under stress. The easiest place to start is often with diet and exercise. The D.A.S.H. diet was created by a consortium of doctors and has shown remarkable results for many hypertension sufferers. In studies, patients who were on the D.A.S.H. Diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, diet reduced their blood pressure within two weeks. Another diet, D.A.S.H.-Sodium — calls for drastically reducing salt to 1,500 mg a day (about 2/3 teaspoon). Studies of patients on the D.A.S.H.-Sodium plan significantly lowered their blood pressure. The diet includes healthy whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains and is pretty easy to follow, even for those who travel frequently. However, as with any diet regimen, it is smart to supplement your diet with the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

The first step to conquering hypertension is in taking a first step! Regular aerobic exercise is perhaps the number one way to combat the effects of hypertension. You don’t have to belong to a gym or buy expensive equipment right away to get started. Walking, jogging and light weight resistance is a good way to begin. If you haven’t been exercising and don’t own a set of hand weights you can start but stretching and holding a one pound can of soup while you walk in each hand.

There is no simpler way to get an intense aerobic workout than running. And once you get into the habit you may experience what many distance runners refer to as a “runners high.” That’s when the endorphins kick in and you begin to feel an almost euphoric state of being. Studies with athletes show conclusively that endorphin levels increase with exercise. The more aerobic exercise you do the lower your pressure should go and the better you will feel.

Supplementation and nutrition are also keys to controlling blood pressure. For those who are on a drug therapy program this is especially important. There are several types of drugs available to treat high blood pressure, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. All of these have side effects which often can be alleviated by proper supplementation. Be sure to ask your doctor about the potential side effects of any prescribed drugs and which supplements are right for you.

The bottom line is that hypertension is dangerous but treatable. If you think you may be at risk ask your doctor or have your pressure checked by an experienced blood pressure technician. In many communities you can have your pressure checked for free at your local firehouse. But remember, just because you don’t feel symptoms does not mean you are not the 1 out of 4 at risk.