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.

Better eating habits certainly help. The more calories we consume that our bodies are not able to process can turn into more stored fat added to our fat reserves. This fat can only be used when we are forced into a starvation diet or situation. Losing this fat is nearly impossible even through vigorous exercise, especially as we get older.

So, how do the supermodels, bodybuilders and fitness professionals keep themselves looking so good?

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin – (HCG) Hormone Helps Burn Fat And Calories!

A number of years ago, Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, MD began his research on a hormone found in men and women called “Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)”, it became a significant scientific breakthrough on how we can control and signal the body to burn fat on command! Without exercise, we can burn 1,000 calories or more each day if you follow the system.

“I have been using products from “True Healthy Products” for over a year now; they are some of the best natural products available. The Fat Release System, being a natural homeopathic product and program, is a great way to trim down and burn the stubborn fat off quickly. It is easy, safe and effective,” says Natalie Waples, Fitness Model/Figure Champion.

(HCG) is a hormone found in both men and women says Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby, MD, MB ChB, PhD. Women have high levels of this hormone during pregnancy. If the mother’s caloric intake is insufficient the elevated levels of this hormone signals the body to “burn fat” turning the excess fat into food and energy to feed the baby and mother. It protects the mother and child during the pregnancy, keeps them both nourished and healthy, this is Mother Nature’s natural fat burning secret!

“Increasing our (HCG) levels is a safe, predictable and sensible way to burn fat and lose weight” continues Scott-Mumby, “I have never seen people lose weight as fast as this and this system works just as well for men as it does for women. I love homeopathy, it’s powerful. I have used the “Fat Release System” and I lost 8 pounds in the first 4 days with no exercise and I didn’t feel hungry. I am continuing to lose an average of a pound a day! I am totally 101% satisfied with the safety of this program.”

You will choose from a 23-day or 40-day “Fat Release System” program. Those following a reduced calorie diet plus Homeopathic (HCG) drops three times a day, have reported fat loss of an average of a pound a day, and sometimes up to two pounds a day during this protocol. Along with the weight loss, you will notice reshaping; men have seen significant reduction in their waist size and women in their dress sizes.

Keeping The Fat And Weight Off Long Term

This process seems to reset your hypothalamus and pituitary glands, the “Fat Release System” has allowed men and women to keep the fat off for the long term and maintain their new healthy shape and weight. Cravings for carbohydrates and junk food seem to disappear as your metabolism changes. Some people have reported to continue losing weight after they have completed the “Fat Release System.”

“I Lost 36.5 Pounds In 40 Days” says Heather Liptak, I have been heavy all of my life and I am a diabetic. I have tried several methods to lose weight and had little luck. I heard about the “Fat Release System” and it sounded quite different than other fat burning systems I have heard of. “The Fat Release System” is easy to do and follow it was hard to believe by just taking the drops under my tongue and cleaning up my diet, I could lose so much weight, so quickly.

The bottom line is when using the safe homeopathic signaling device of “Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG),” it enables the body to burn and release stored fat in both men and women. You do not lose muscle mass, like many other diets. Your body naturally burns the excess fat cells for energy, turning your extra fat into food to feed your body – the fat just melts away.

Simply put, the “Fat Release System” is the fastest, safest and most effective way to burn fat on command!

To learn more about Fat Release System click here>>

It has been long understood that nearly every species in the animal kingdom produce and sense pheromones, including humans. You can’t see them or smell them, yet they can be powerful enough to instantly draw another person like a magnet.

“Humans naturally produce their own pheromones.” Says Dr. Amend, “However, our cultural habits can wash away, distort or hide our natural pheromones with frequent bathing, detergents, antiperspirants, etc.” Without supplementing with topical pheromones, our natural pheromones largely go unnoticed as evolution has not yet adapted to modern life styles.

However, by applying a few drops of a topical pheromone supplement on the exposed areas of skin, such as the neck and forearms, both men and women can replace natural levels of their own gender appropriate pheromones. Lasting several hours, the pheromones permeate the air, giving their sex appeal a real boost.

Dr. Amend explains, “Scientists have known for decades about an organ just inside the nasal cavity called the vomeronasal organ (VNO) that contains specialized nerve receptors to detect pheromones. What’s quite interesting,” Dr. Amend continues, “Is that it has been recently discovered that a specialized nerve pathway, known as ‘Nerve O,’ runs directly from the VNO to the limbic region of the brain. This area of the brain is responsible for our emotions and passionate desires. This discovery helps explain how pheromones trigger the attraction response.”

This new evidence tells us that humans do, in fact, respond to pheromones just as animals do, and the best part is this response can be triggered intentionally. A precise concentration of pheromones can kick off a rush of chemicals in the brain within a matter of seconds, and can make people feel a strong emotional and physical response. “The next thing we know, the fireworks begin,” says Dr. Amend. “These formulations can produce that response, and while the chemical cascade may take mere seconds to occur, the effects can last a lifetime.”

This evidence has been tested and borne out in various scientific studies on animals as well as a famous “twins” study done by the ABC News show 20/20. To test whether pheromones really work 20/20 sent one set each of identical male and female twins to a speed-dating event, and gave them each a scent – one twin in each set received a scent containing pheromones. No one knew who had what. They went on 10 dates each lasting five minutes. The daters then completed forms stating which of the people they would like to see again. At the end of the evening they tallied the results: Nine men wanted to see Sarah again and five men wanted to see Bridget again. As for the guys, 10 women were interested in Dave and only six women were interested in Paul. Sarah and Dave were wearing the pheromones.

“Attraction is really all about chemistry” says Dr. Amend, “After all, men and women have been programmed from the beginning for one basic purpose… and that is to reproduce. These formulations merely tap into the power of nature’s chemistry by triggering the signals every person is programmed to sense and respond to”.

What does that mean? Well, according to Dr. Amend, and to thousands of repeat customers, it apparently means more flirting, more dates and more passion.

The two Pheromone Advantage formulas, one for men and one for women, blend the most powerful pheromones appropriate to activate the VNO organ in each of the sexes, and each formula is concentrated to insure best results.

Today, Pheromone Advantage is available and ships in a very discreet, unmarked package. It comes with a 180 day unconditional satisfaction guarantee – if you’re not satisfied in any way, the company will refund the entire product price with no questions asked. Click here to learn more about their offer and to see how you can get a 30-day supply Pheromone Advantage for just $39.95.

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.

As we mature, our physiological processes slow down and therefore extra attention must be placed on them in order to avoid the problems associated with aging. Simply put, as we age our bodies are in need of greater upkeep. This is especially true with active adults who frequently exercise or participate in sports. It is even more significant for those who are on a weight loss or doctor prescribed diet. According to Drummond, “Over 50, there is usually a change in diet and a loss of muscle mass accordingly. Energy needs are usually lower but the proportionate amount of dietary protein has to change to insure the body is getting what it requires. Protein intake from meals may not be sufficient either and there are other issues such as the fats and additives in meats that aren’t good for you. As a dietician my approach is to encourage patients to get the protein needed from whole food sources but that’s not always possible. If you can’t you need a good, all-natural protein supplement.”

In addition, many people only get their adequate share of protein intake at one meal during the day. Studies now show that distributing protein intake more evenly through the day is more likely to provide a greater 24 hour protein anabolic response, meaning that fuel burning and recovery will be enhanced. According to a study cited at www.NutritionandMetabolism.com, dietary patterns that provide adequate protein at only one meal produce an anabolic response only after that meal. This is a critical factor for protection of lean tissues during weight loss or to prevent age-related sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In other words, if you consume proper protein levels only at one meal you’re only getting the benefit of these natural proteins in the short time frame after the meal, but your body is burning and craving more protein during the rest of the day and night. Eating large quantities of protein based foods like chicken and eggs may not be convenient or desirable and this is where a tasty protein shake can act as a responsible meal substitute.

Protein deficiencies can be overcome with supplementation but here’s where it gets tricky, as almost all protein supplements come from synthetic sources or use sugars and additives that can cause severe and unpleasant side effects. Ingredients such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose or maltodextrin are widely used in protein drinks to ill effect. Also, these supplemental formulas use mostly protein from whey, which can have an adverse allergic reaction from those with even the slightest lactose intolerance. These unwanted side effects can include bloating, indigestion, constipation and cramping.

Read the labels of any protein supplements before you buy. Make sure they are all natural and contain no unnatural sugars or additives like maltodextrin or sucrose. A microprocessed blend without these additives will not only replenish protein in the body but will work without those associated side effects.

Visit www.ProteinPowerMix.com to learn more about our all natural proteins.

“I am very conscious of what I put into my body,” says Waples, who hails from Ottawa. “I talk to groups all the time and it’s amazing how many kids 12 and 14 years old are using energy drinks and supplements. And people ask about steroids too. I just tell them that I would never put any of that in my body and that they have to discover all natural solutions. That’s why I am excited about Protein Power Mix.”

True Healthy Products used the Europa Show of Champions Sports and Supplement Expo in Orlando, Florida as a venue to launch its newest entry into the protein wars and the response was overwhelmingly positive. In addition to having Waples at the booth, the team also consisted of former Mister Florida, Corey Simpson and college and pro football legend Roger Craig.

CEO Jan Hrkach was overjoyed with the show of star power. “To have these three people, all at the top of their game, at our booth to introduce our new product was a dream come true. When everyone saw those three, they began to gravitate to our booth and try our product. We got rave reviews all over the place. While Natalie was impressing the judges from the stage, she was also impressing attendees and her fellow fitness models that all-natural is the way to go. Said Waples, “I love what True Healthy Products stands for and I feel strongly that using all natural foods and supplements should be a priority for all athletes, and really for everyone!”

Whether bodybuilders, power lifters, strongman competitors or fitness models, it was practically unanimous that a quality protein drink was a major part of their routines and that the smooth tasting, naturally sweet, all natural Protein Power Mix was an exciting newcomer. Several walked away impressed with the benefits of going natural. Even veteran bodybuilder Andy Haman was impressed by the taste. “I’ve been using protein my whole career and this is one I feel like I can recommend to everyone.”

Natalie will also be with the THP team when they introduce Protein Power Mix, as well as several of the other stellar products in their health and fitness lineup, at the Europa Show in Dallas, Texas this August 14 and 15.

According to Hrkach, “We first met Natalie while we were promoting Stemulite. She was using it with tremendous results and I was so impressed by her that I asked if she would try some of our other products. As we began to develop Protein Power Mix, Natalie was one of the first people we asked to sample it. Her feedback was invaluable and her hearty, unsolicited endorsement convinced us that we had to get her on our team. It’s an honor to have someone of that stature as one of our first celebrity endorsers.” Hrkach went on to say: “The fact that Natalie teaches and works with others, and is an all-natural athlete, means so much to a company like True Healthy products because that’s what we are all about. I won’t market anything that isn’t 100 percent natural and good for people.”

In only two short years Natalie has gone from amateur enthusiast to Champion, all while going the all natural route. That’s just one reason she is fast becoming a role model for other women interested in fitness modeling and weight training. And that’s also why teaming up with Protein Power Mix was a natural fit. “This is a ‘state-of-the-art all natural formula’ developed by nutrition expert Andrew Wood. Wood, himself a power lifter and former college baseball player has created something I can be proud to put my name on.”

According to Waples, another thing that distinguishes this blend from other proteins on the market is a dual formula approach. There’s a daytime and “slow-burn” nighttime formula that works well individually or in combination as a meal replacement or protein energy boost. There is nothing artificial – no sucrose or maltodextrin – and they added an all natural stem cell recruiter for maximum muscle gain. “It is also extremely friendly to the digestive system, and it tastes great – and that’s no small matter when you’re drinking a supplemental protein every day.”

Waples is looking to expand her schedule and will be working with Hrkach to promote several of the other all natural products in the THP line.

Protein Power Mix is available exclusively at www.truehealthyproducts.com.

Last year, while searching for an all natural supplement that would increase endurance, muscle tone and aid in recovery, Craig ran across an ad for Stemulite Fitness Formula and decided to try it. He was so pleased with the results that he began to recommend it to others then contacted True Healthy Products CEO, Jan Hrkach, personally to rave about the results. That call eventually led to Craig endorsing Stemulite and making TV commercials for True Healthy Products. The relationship has blossomed ever since.

According to Hrkach, “Roger was one of the first people that were consulted as we began to develop Protein Power Mix. His ringing endorsement of our all natural formula gave our entire team a lift, and we were delighted to have him join us as a marketing partner.” Hrkach continued his praise of Craig and the influence he has had on other athletes as well as consumers. “To a small but growing business like True Healthy Products, having an athlete with the high regard and creditability of Roger Craig means a lot. He’s so involved with so many worthwhile projects, that we are thrilled he has chosen to work with us.”

Craig has been so impressed by this all natural formula that he has encouraged his son and daughter to take it as well. “The flavor is awesome. It gives me the energy to get through my workout every day and sits well in my stomach with no bloating like other proteins I have used. Yesterday I ran 12 miles, and I felt so good! Sometimes after an intense run, I feel really hungry but I felt fine – I felt energized!” said Craig. When asked about the taste of Protein Power Mix , he stated enthusiastically, “It is simply awesome! It has a creamy vanilla taste I like. It’s great combined with fruit like bananas, and it’s smooth . . . goes down easily.” As a regular user of 9 a Day Plus, Craig says, “I mix both powder products in the blender with juice. That way I get all I need in one shot with a real good flavor.”

18 year old Alex Craig is following in his dad’s footsteps as a world class athlete. He runs the 400 and 200 in college and has been using Protein Power Mix as part of his training regimen. He says, “I was skeptical at first, you know… here’s another protein drink, but it goes down easy and tastes real good with OJ. It gives me great energy.” Craig’s daughter, Rometra is a former USC basketball star and California Female Athlete of the Year. She too enjoys the taste and energy boost she gets from Protein Power Mix. She combines it with 9 a Day Plus vitamin and mineral supplement for a complete meal replacement that doesn’t add unwanted fat but delivers a powerful energy lift.

Protein Power Mix is a ‘state-of-the-art formula’ developed by nutrition expert, Andrew Wood. Wood, a power lifter and former baseball player, says that his formula distinguishes itself from other products on the market with a daytime and ‘slow-burn’ nighttime formula that work well individually or in combination as a meal replacement or protein energy boost. It’s all natural formula contains no sucrose or maltodextrin and has a all natural stem cell recruiter for maximum muscle gain. It is also extremely friendly to the digestive system, and as noted by Mr. Craig, “It tastes great, and that’s no small matter when you’re drinking a supplemental protein every day.” Indeed, Wood’s inspiration for developing Protein Power Mix was his aversion to the many protein drinks on the market. He states, “Either they didn’t taste so hot, or they were loaded with sugars or artificial sweeteners that didn’t sit well in my stomach. I had to find a better way, so I decided to create one myself.”

Protein Power Mix is available exclusively at www.truehealthyproducts.com April 9, 2009

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.