HyperStrike

Dangerously Sweet

Its a general assumption that too much sugar is bad for you. We hear things like diabetes, tooth decay, and hyperactivity as popular negative aspects of too much sugar consumption! However, there are many more problems with too much sugar that aren't talked about.

A lot of people eat sugar for an energy boost. When doing this they ultimately launch their body into a short term energy boost with a crash. The crash ultimately makes you feel even more tired than before and may make you want to attempt to consume more sugar to get your "high" back.

This may work for a while, but ultimately the body takes the toll of the lifestyle. The excess wait will begin to pile on, followed by a lowered immune system, lowered digestive ability, and not to mention the obvious side effects mentioned above!

Ultimately sugar can become toxic. As with many health related things, anything in moderation can be beneficial to your body. A great personal story about the topic can be found at Yahoo! Health! Be sure to read it and find out how one woman cut out sugar and began to live a much healthier life!

Stay Fit!

HyperStrike Workouts are Mobile!

HyperStrike has updated their mobile options and now offer complete workout exportation to your Windows Mobile, Progio, or iPhone/iTouch devices. Teaming with Progio to export all your workouts is a simple and powerful solution to bring your workouts with you wherever you go.

Log-in to your account and view your calendar, from there, click the send to mobile button to set up your account with Progio and get your fitness on the go!

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Weight Loss Drugs

It seems anytime you turn on the television you are being bombarded with different weight loss drugs. The drugs have many promises and "proof" with images that seems very real. The results are generally real,
however, the drug isn't necessarily the reason why they have experience weight loss.

It should be reminded that there is usually a disclaimer on the commercials. The disclaimer runs along the bottom of the ad and usually says something along the lines that the "individuals coupled *drug name* with a better diet and exercise".  What does that mean? It means that no pill is magically going to transform your body into the epitome of health and fitness.

It always comes down to the fact that nutrition and fitness are essential in taking care of your body and maintaining a healthy weight.

The scariest part is the long term consequences many of these drugs have.  Most of the drug's claims are not approved by the FDA. The ingredients are not put through the thorough testing to approve them for the general public and thus not much is know about what they can do to your body.

A recent study conducted by Mark Bear at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that there may be adverse effects in brain development by a new set of drugs that are being released to help the population lose weight.  The drugs attempt to block receptors in the brain that trigger feeling hungry and thus reducing your appetite. However the study found that in rats that their brains were not adapting to different situations as if they weren't even happening. Yahoo! News focuses more on the study and has a great article as well.

The cost of these drugs has a tendency to be expensive to, and in a nation facing a minor recession, those extra expenses add up. So why pay for something that not only is emptying your pocket book, but could be causing destruction to your brain? Skip the gimmicks and get a good nutrition and fitness plan (HyperStrike can help!)

Stay Fit!

Jeremiah Reports: No Equipment Workouts!

A HyperStrike member "Jeremiah" has been sending us reports of his workouts from time to time. The special thing about Jeremiah's workout is that it requires no equipment! Here is his most recent report:

"Workout May 7, 2008

Hello! Today I have a conditioning workout! I have begun to see a larger increase in muscle mass and my performance has continued to improve all around. I have not had to step foot in a gym or buy any expensive equipment and am seeing results that are gym worthy!

To begin my workout, I had to Jump Rope.

Jump Rope
VIEW EXERCISE ANIMATION/INSTRUCTIONS HERE

I love jumping rope. I finally got around to purchasing one for a dollar at a local dollar store. While this may constitute as equipment, I believe its a purchase that many could swing. After previously replacing jumping rope with simply jumping, it feels good to be able to utilize a new exercise. I'm doing 8 minutes of jump rope at a moderate pace.

Stair Run
VIEW EXERCISE ANIMATION/INSTRUCTIONS HERE

The stair run is pretty amazing. Like I said before, I generally split my run in half and go do the stair run halfway into the run. I have a tendency to not pace myself very well when I run and run extremely fast so this stair run is a good break in my workout. However, My run is only 15 minutes today so I decided to go to the local high school and do my stair runs all at once and then go running. Today I'm doing 5 sets of stair runs for 30 seconds long.

Running
VIEW EXERCISE ANIMATION/INSTRUCTIONS HERE

Today I just ran around the track at the high school. I had to make sure to time it appropriately as track is practicing right now! I ran around the track a few times and then ran all the way home for my 15 minute run! It worked out perfectly.

Fitness Trends of 2008!

The American Counsel on Exercise released a report on fitness trends for the year of 2008! Seeing as its May already a lot of their predictions are holding true! American's are leading the way in innovative and creative ways to get fit and stay healthy. 

While gyms may be where you're traditionally supposed to work out, American's have begun switching this up.  Dance classes and fitness boot camps are leading the way in new ways to get fit!  "Hip hop, ballroom, Latin and country line dancing combine high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow participants to get fit while dancing away their worries. Outdoor boot camps are gaining in popularity and local boxing clubs have crowded rings and classes filled with people of all ages. For some, these fun, recreational activities hide the fact that they really are exercising."

The article brings up a focus on the baby boomer's fitness as they begin to retire and want to have healthy and long lives ahead of them! Technology based workouts are raising in popularity (Which is great for HyperStrike) and will help pioneer the fitness industry.

A full copy of the report from the ACE is available HERE!

HyperStrike will continue to expand of the ACE's article on fitness trends for 2008 with tips and suggestions to help you be in the best shape you can be in 2008!

Stay Fit!

Jeremiah Reports: No Equipment Cardio Workout!

This is an ongoing series of blogs by a HyperStrike member who is using our program to increase performance, gain muscle, and stay fit!

"Today I have a cardio workout. It's symbolized by the little running man instead of the weights (which signify a strength workout).  It wanted me to jump rope, however, I don't have any rope to jump over so I used the swap this exercise button to get an exercise I can do!  I replaced it with a vertical jump exercise that I know i can do! This is what my cardio workout looks like today!

Vertical Jump

I will be doing 3 sets of vertical jumps for 45 seconds! This exercise really works my legs in a different way than just running does. I feel like it helps increase my ability to sprint faster and be a lot more explosive on take off! VIEW ANIMATION HERE!

Running

What is there to say about running? It can be grueling or enjoyable depending on your mindset (I'm choosing a mindset that makes it enjoyable today).  I have to run for 25 minutes which will probably take me about 3.5-4 miles! I'm excited and I've got my iPod ready to go with an appropriate play list.
VIEW ANIMATION HERE!

Forward Lunge Thrust - Alternating

I really like these! I can feel the burn in my thighs after I do 3 sets of these for 45 seconds. I feel like my hips have become a lot stronger and my balance has improved as an added benefit!
VIEW ANIMATION HERE!"

A big thanks to Jeremiah again! Its always amazing to see a product at work and generating results!

Stay Fit!

The Cost of Being Fat

We have had past blog entries that covered the topic of obesity and some relative costs, however, a professional over at MSN Money has taken time to do some thorough research and has brought up some major "what-ifs" about the obesity epidemic in our nation. View the amazing article here!

The article addresses things life medical, personal, gasoline, and many other types of expenditures that continue to add up when we live an obese lifestyle.  We've taken the time to outline some major statistics from the article that may interest you.

Quotes on the money saved per person if we fixed our overweight problem...

"Add up the savings up on health, food, clothing and efficiencies, and you could buy a professional home gym for every U.S. household -- or hand each $4,270 in cash..."

"Plus-sized clothing costs 10% to 15% more, so shoppers would save $10 billion on shirts, pants and dresses."

"Savings on fuel for cars and airlines due to their lighter loads would top $5 billion, according to industry studies. Researchers say each overweight driver burns about 18 additional gallons of gas a year, or just under a billion gallons altogether."

"Because 3,500 calories translates into a pound of fat, somewhere along the way, America's 227 million adults have eaten 16 trillion calories too many."

These shocking quotes bring up big savings in a world that is getting larger and larger.  The sad part of it is, if people would incorporate a fitness plan and appropriate diet a lot of these numbers wouldn't have to be so large.  HyperStrike offers solutions for you fitness and nutrition problems! You've got questions, we've got answers and a lasting solution.

Stay Fit    

Brain Boosting Foods!

We all need to eat! That's a fact! But choosing what we eat is pretty important (which you probably knew), consuming foods that are good for you are a given.  However, some foods can help your brain out (who wouldn't want to do that)! Certain foods contain antioxidants, fats, and other nutritious goodies that help your brain and body out!

Your brain is full of nerve endings. Firing and sending things constantly, it is entirely beneficial to your existence and your perception of the world! Think about it, you need your brain for everything (Including what I just asked you to do).  HyperStrike has taken time to outline the foods that will help your brain out, along with eating tips and others ideas.

Portion Control

When your eating, especially lunch, be sure to not consumer large amounts of food! Doing so can make you feel slow, heavy, and groggy.  Your body will be spending time digesting the food (and much of your blood will be there too) leaving less of the wonderful red stuff to be fueling the brain!

Eat Fish

Fish may not be your favorite, but their health benefits should put them at the top of your list of favorite foods!  Fish have Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are good for you for many reasons, but specifically help your nerve cells get nutrients! Omega's contain a compound call DHA that helps assist brain function.

Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and Vegetables are FULL of antioxidants! Antioxidants KO those free radicals that tend to build up in our bloodstream.  Getting rid of the free radicals can lower your cancer risk which is ultimately good for your health.

IRON!

Iron is so important and unfortunately one of the most common deficiencies in Americans. Iron deficiencies have been known to lower attention spans, cause poor coordination, and an inability to concentrate. Iron rich foods can help your brain out! Eat some beans, lean meats, and cereals with iron!

When Do You Splurge?

We all know that from time to time we really over eat. And by over eat, I mean really consume far too many calories and maybe even feel like complete junk afterwards too.  For some people its going to the mall with friends or out to eat with a loved one. For others its just being around a certain group of people that makes us eat more than we usually do!  Whatever the reason is, you can stop over eating and end the guilt trips!

Friends:

We are truly influenced by the world around us. It shows in our dress, the style we choose to run with, and may even include our eating habits.  Friends should definitely be considered as part of our influential circle.  In fact, studies have concluded that.  A study by the New England Journal of Medicine followed a large social network of people for over 32 years and found that there was a 171% increase in your weight when a friend gains weight.  The bummer with the study was that the same was not present when a friend started to loose weight. 

Eating Out:

While slightly being tied with being with friends or family; eating out can significantly cause you to overeat. The first problem with eating out is that the food given to you is usually overly saturated with all sorts of things that aren't that good for you. From trans fats (which are getting eliminated) to high calories, a simple burrito can turn into your daily caloric intake. 

This doesn't have to be you! Any google search can return a plethora of knowledge on eating well when you're eating out! You don't have to be part of the rising statistic of overweight/obese in the country; make a good decision! Don't splurge!

Family Events:

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any other holiday can cause us to overeat. Why? Because all those delicious foods are accompanied by chatty family, laughing, and good times (hopefully).  Eating and socializing has often been associated in our culture, and its not necessarily a bad thing!  However, we have a tendency to not watch what we eat and keep eating, especially when were having a good time.  Be sure to watch how much food you're taking in, pace yourself, and stay away from foods that you know are a big calorie or fat load.  Remember, it can take up to 10 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain its full, and by then, you could have overate!

Stay Fit!

Jeremiah Reports: No Equipment Strength Workout!

Another update from the HyperStrike'r, Jeremiah.Today he reports his strength workout without equipment.  Jeremiah has found that being a college student that HyperStrike fits his fitness needs and budget! His favorite part is the no equipment necessary workouts that allow him to use his own body weight and basic objects to perform his workout.

"My strength workout this week looks pretty tough, but after all the cardio I have been doing it will be a nice and refreshing change of pace! My workout is all equipment free, which I believe I have mentioned before, but its important right? Gotta do what I can afford! Anyway, here is my workout for the week!

Running
Click HERE for a video of the exercise!

Again with the running! I'm totally down for it though, it is where I shine! It's my warm up, so I'm only running for 10 minutes! I found a quick jaunt around a few blocks that takes up about 10 minutes and allows me to see overpriced suburban californian homes!

Single Arm Push-Up
Click HERE for a video of the exercise!

By far one of my toughest challenges was building up to the single arm push up.  I can gain muscle just about anywhere else, but my chest and arms always seem to escape the muscle building possibilities!  Thankfully I only have to do one set with 2 reps for each arm! Its a tough exercise and HyperStrike has catered the reps and sets to my ability as of now!

Knee Plank
Click HERE for a video of the exercise!

The knee plank is an EASY exercise after doing the single arm push ups. I'm only doing 2 sets and holding the pose for 15 seconds. I can really feel my abdominals working with this one.

My RECOVERY sessions consists of a couple different exercises that stretch and strengthen muscles without being extremely difficult. Today my recover session consists of...

Wall Nerve Stretch, Spinal Drape, Shoulder Rolls, and Standing Elbow Flexion-Extension.  Click the blue links for videos of any of those exercises to find out more about them! It reminds me of when I used to take a yoga class!"

Thanks again, Jeremiah, for contributing your progress!

Stay Fit!