The market for air purifiers has become big business these days. More and more people are buying them, or those reading this report are probably in the process of selecting an air purifier for the home. It is without doubt that we are living in a world where air pollution is becoming more of a problem. For some it can be worse than others, having a huge impact on their quality of life. We have written this report to look at some of the issues surrounding air purifiers in order to keep you better informed.

What does an air purifier do?

Allergens that exist in the air come in many forms. They may be dust particles, pollen, from pets or hazardous gases and smoke particles. These can cause misery for some people, which is where the need for an air purifier comes in. Air purifiers come in many different designs, but all work on the basis that they will remove high percentages of these allergens from the air. Air purifiers might use ionic filters, charcoal adsorbents or mechanical filters. Many people who suffer from such conditions as asthma, emphysema, allergies, chronic bronchitis, or any one of the many other respiratory illnesses, will probably tell you that they have benefited greatly by installing an air purifier in their home.

Do they work?

There is much controversy surrounding the effectiveness of air purifiers. To date there has only been limited testing into the benefits. Users will claim great results, but some experts have raised concerns of possible placebo affect due to claims that many air purifiers are ineffective at removing pollen, pet dander and some pollutants. It is also an area where the amount of money you spend could have big affects. The cheapest air purifiers on the market may be pretty much useless. The main controversy at the moment surrounds the ionic air purifiers, which people doubt the effectiveness of creating negative ions. Also these types of air purifiers omit ozone, a harmful pollutant.......


What do I need to look out for?

When purchasing an air purifier you should look for one that uses HEPA filters. The HEPA filters have to meet stringent requirements and must be able to filter a minimum 99.97% of pollutants from the air. You should watch out for anything that describes itself as being “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type” as it his highly unlikely that these would be genuine HEPA filters. Also look for the CADR of the particular air purifier you are looking at. This stands for Clean Air Delivery Rating and is a good indicator of how effective one air purifier will be compared to another.

Is there anything else I can do?

It is probably a good idea that you consult your doctor. They should be able to give you sound advice on whether your particular condition is likely to be improved by purchasing an air purifier. It might be an idea to invest in some good filters for any air vents that you have in your home, and spend some time making sure cracks in old door frames or windows are sealed properly. Many people also find positive results just through dusting and hovering more often, and getting rid of old mattresses and covering the new ones with covers that protect against dust mites.

As we said previously, many people find they really do benefit from having an air purifier so it is worth taking your time to look around and find out what all the options are.

Author: William Bell writes for http://www.a1airpurifiers.com

Air Purifiers – Will Air Purifier Help You?

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Consumers are faced with many different equipment options to try and meet fitness goals, and sometimes it can be confusing. So here is an easy-to-use reference guide that will help determine what type of equipment is best suited to you.

Directly below is a summary comparison of elliptical trainer vs. treadmill vs. exercise bike training options to show the physiological benefits of each. This information presents an effective way to decide which is best for your individual needs, and help you get started on the right path to fitness.

Treadmills - Maximum opportunity to increase cardiovascular, weight loss and bone density.

• Burn more calories than bike or elliptical
• Build maximum lower extremity bone density
• Customize workout with Decline / Incline features
• Minimal impact with SOFT deck technology

Elliptical Trainers - The benefits of weight-bearing exercise without the impact.

• Low impact workout that's easy on body and joints
• Arm handles allow for a full body workout
• Lower perceived rate of exertion
• Burn fewer calories per hour than a treadmill

Exercise Bikes - Low impact. High performance.

• Low-No impact workout easiest on body and joints
• Available in upright and recumbent, for virtually every performance level
• Most economically priced piece of equipment
• Lowest calorie burn / hour compared with a treadmill and elliptical

Treadmills:.......

This popular form of weight-bearing exercise offers you the best opportunity to build bone density in the lower extremities and greatly improve overall muscle tone. Unsurpassed for a cardiovascular and fat-burning workout, the treadmill can help you to burn 50 to 250 more calories an hour versus a stationary bike or an elliptical machine.

While running and walking generally create more impact on your bones and joints than exercise bikes or elliptical machines, most high-end treadmills are constructed with surfaces that help to absorb impact and pounding. This provides a big advantage over outdoor workouts on asphalt or concrete.

Most treadmills also include electronic features and settings that allow you to customize your workouts to meet your specific fitness needs. Almost all models include speed and incline settings and can be programmed for individual calorie-burning, speed and mileage goals.

Besides offering all the benefits of an outdoor walk or run (without the hassles of obstacles or the environment) in the comfort of your own home, the treadmill has proven to be the clear training choice for achieving maximum fitness results in the shortest amount of time.

Ellipticals:

Part treadmill, part stairmaster, and mimicking the pedal movement of an exercise bike, the elliptical trainer offers a unique combination of fitness benefits, without the impact on knees, back, hips or joints. This weight-bearing exercise allows you to burn calories more efficiently than non-weight-bearing workouts, plus effectively builds bone density.

More than just a lower-body exercise, arm handles combine with leg motion to provide a total body workout. In addition, the elliptical helps to create a lower "perceived rate of exertion" - you do more work and burn more calories while feeling like you're producing less effort.

This cross-training-style machine can also typically be programmed through electronic settings to meet your specific goals of calorie burning, speed and distance. One other unique advantage is that the elliptical can also be "pedaled" backwards in addition to forward, to effectively work a full range of leg muscles.

The elliptical has proven popular with those who are looking to receive the benefits of a full-body, weight-bearing workout, without the stress and pounding.

Exercise Bikes:

Although they have been in existence for years, exercise bikes have returned to the forefront of the workout scene. This is due in large part to advances in technology, improved designs and the immensely popular "spinning" programs that allow participants to simulate outdoor cycling in the comfort of their own homes or a group classroom setting.

Unlike other forms of "weight-bearing" exercise (such as running or walking), exercise bikes offer participants an opportunity to increase their heart rates without substantial stress on knees, ankles, feet or hips. In addition, built-in resistance features allow you to tailor your workout to your specific goals, by simulating hills, flat ground and rolling terrain. Many models even offer electronic features, which allow you to program the bike for a specific goal or workout. This is very helpful for achieving effective, measurable results.

Generally available in recumbent or upright designs, stationary bikes are designed for practically every level of performance and body design, whether you're an experienced cyclist dedicated to improving your peddle stroke or a weekend warrior simply looking to break a sweat.

True Fitness Technology, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of premium quality cardiovascular and flexibility products. TRUE’s innovative and award-winning products are among the best in the fitness industry and enable users to look better, feel better and play better.

To learn more about True Fitness product lines, either look for their line of Home Fitness Equipment or Commercial Fitness Equipment. at http://www.truefitness.com

Treadmills vs. Ellipticals vs. Bikes?

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Swim to Lose Weight and Stay Fit

Showing up is all it takes.

Swimming is a terrific way to tone the body and get in shape with very little stress on the joints. This makes it the perfect exercise for any age; all you need is a swimsuit and to find a suitable time at the pool, many have designated adult swim times or family sessions. However, sometimes the prospect of getting in the pool, especially if you consider yourself less than accomplished, can be daunting. The following is my response to a question on how to start on a major weight loss target, and highlights my main mantra which is, "keep on showing up".


“Let me take your points one by one. The first one about not swimming too well. That means you do swim a bit, and a bit is all you need to get this thing rolling. When I came back to swimming after 30 years off, I started easy, I did what I could because I knew that as time passed I'd get a little bit better and a little bit better until I was really getting somewhere. Now when I say easy, I mean easy, like 25 meters and then a rest, then another 25 meters and so on. Never push it past where it's fun, and don’t put pressure on yourself, just wait, keep showing up at that pool and doing what you can, and soon what you can will be quite a bit. It's the keeping on that's the trick. Forget the "burn", who needs to be in discomfort all the time, just keep on "doing what you can" and the consistency will win the day. It's like water on stone, the outcome is never in doubt, and the little drip will go right through that stone.

As for your second point "how do I even get started", well you have started, you know an exercise you can do and improve on, and you need to focus on the first 5 lbs. not the rest. If you look at too big a task, you'll say, "oh forget it, it's too tough to lose 96 lbs.". But how about 5 lbs. to start, is that do-able? Then let's do it!! And when we've got that wall knocked down, we'll go for 8 lbs. next time. So take it in little pieces, that's what I'm doing with my program, I do what I can and I don't fret over what I can't, that would be a waste of my energy. Let's do what we can, set a "do-able" target and GO FOR IT. But don't tell yourself, it's "only the first or whatever", IT IS THE ONLY TARGET!! Focus, keep it in front of you and REACH it before you even think of the next step. Water on Stone!!”

Author: Gordon Black is a world-ranked Master swimmer and Canadian national record holder. A member of the British swim team in the late ‘60s, after thirty years out of the pool, last year Gordon returned to competitive swimming in the Masters forum. He offers an online weight loss, fitness and motivational coaching service through his web site http://www.gordonblack.com where his competitive comeback is chronicled.

Swimming To Lose Weight

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Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 2

How to Maximize The Results You Get From Your Protein Powder. Timing Is Everything!

Whether it be for fat loss or muscle gain, I always recommend taking a good protein supplement. The reason for this is simple: it is a convenient way to get high-quality protein without excess calories.

Be aware, however, that in no way am I advocating that you live on protein powder (like the dangerous Liquid Protein diets that used to be popular) alone. The key point to understand here is that a protein supplement is exactly what the name suggests: a supplement. It should be taken in addition to a nutritious diet in order to achieve a certain purpose, in this case increased protein intake.

Protein powders and protein bars can also be used as meal replacements on occasion, especially when you are on the go. They are far more nutritious than a fast food meal and more convenient.

The most popular and highest quality protein powder is whey protein. Whey is very digestible and is used efficiently in the body.

You can maximize the effects you get from your protein supplement simply by knowing exactly when to take it. Here is a list of the when, why and how of effective protein supplementation, ranked in order of importance.


1. Immediately After A Workout

If you only take protein once per day, this is the absolute best time to take it. Immediately after you finish your workout, your body needs raw materials to rebuild and recover with. If you don’t supply the raw materials through eating, your body will break down muscle from elsewhere in your body in order to rebuild the damaged areas. This is very counterproductive as you can well imagine.

By taking in some protein (20 to 30 grams or so) within minutes after exercise, you provide your body with the raw materials it needs to recover without breaking down it’s own muscle tissue.

2. An Hour After A Workout

About an hour following a workout, your body has settled down from the excitement and is ready to really start rebuilding. The protein that you took in immediately following the workout has been metabolized and your body is looking for more. Another protein shake at this time is a good way to help speed recovery. Try to take in another 20 to 30 grams about an hour after working out.

3. First Thing In The Morning

Immediately upon waking, or as soon after that as you can manage, take a scoop of protein powder. Your body has just been through an (approximately) 8 hour fast and is hungry for nutrients. Feed your body!

Protein powder is more quickly assimilated than solid food and gets into your muscles faster. This protein shot gives your metabolism a boost, which can help with fat loss. Be sure to follow it with a good breakfast, of course.

4. Last Thing At Night

Prepare your body for the long overnight fast by giving it a little something to work with. A good combination for this purpose is to mix a scoop of whey protein in with a small glass of milk.

Whey is what’s known as a "fast" protein, meaning that it’s digested quickly, while milk protein (casein) is what’s known as a "slow" protein, meaning it’s digested relatively slowly. At night, you want your protein to be metabolized slowly so that your body gets a more even supply over the course of the night. By mixing "fast" and "slow" proteins, you get the benefits of the higher-quality whey with the slower digestion time of the milk.

5. In-between Meals

A quick protein shake can be a great snack in between meals. It helps keep your body supplied with protein all day long. This is especially useful if you tend to have long periods of time in-between meals. It could mean the difference between losing muscle and building or keeping muscle!

6. With Meals

Taking a protein supplement with meals is a handy way to increase the protein content of a meal. This is perfect for when you make a meal that is somewhat low in protein.

7. In The Middle Of The Night

This is a trick that bodybuilders sometimes use in order to keep their muscles supplied with protein throughout the night. Keep a pre-mixed protein shake right beside your bed. Although some trainers have been known to set alarms to wake up to drink it, I prefer to have it there waiting just in case I wake up, but I don’t try to wake up on purpose. If I don’t wake up, it’s right there ready for me to drink first thing in the morning! This strategy is more targeted for muscle growth rather than fat loss.

WARNING!

Never drink a protein supplement immediately before working out!

Some people do this thinking that it will give them an energy boost or give them a head-start for post-workout recovery. Basically, all it does is sit in their stomach and bloat them up. Valuable blood that should be going to working muscles gets sent to the digestive system to try and digest it. The same warning goes for taking protein during a workout. Don’t do it!

By following these protein-intake recommendations, you will increase the effectiveness of your supplementation. Even if you choose to take advantage of only one or two of these timing techniques, you will certainly see an improvement in your recovery ability.

Author: Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out his latest eBook "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of" at http://www.thebestexercises.com or visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com.

Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 2

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Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 1

I Didn’t Realize How Important Protein Was For Fat Loss Until I Discovered Something That Blew My Mind...

The year was 1992. I had just finished a long cycle of weight gain whereupon I had moved my bodyweight up from about 150 pounds to about 215 pounds. And let me just tell you, it wasn’t all muscle!

I hadn’t been all that careful about my diet previously but I thought I knew pretty well what I was doing. It was time to lose some of that fat.

The first thing I did was make the biggest mistake a dieter can make: in my focus of trying to eat only low fat foods, I unwittingly and drastically reduced the amount of protein that I was eating.

The result? I lost weight and plenty of it. The problem was, I lost mostly muscle! I was smaller, weaker, lighter and nearly as fat as I was before. Not quite the results I was looking for.

In retrospect, I know exactly what I did wrong and it’s something I’ll never do again.

I FORGOT ABOUT PROTEIN!

Protein is an extremely important nutrient whether your goal is to lose fat, gain muscle or just tone yourself up. It is the main structural nutrient in your body, making up the bulk of your muscles and organs. Protein is essential for proper hormone function and immune system health.

Most importantly, for our purposes, protein is used for building and repairing muscle tissue.....


When you are trying to lose fat, you reduce your calories. Unfortunately, your body views fat stores as more precious than your muscle tissue and will tend to eat up muscle tissue before it goes to fat for energy. This physiological adaptation used to protect our ancestors from famine but works against us now.

This is very unfortunate because muscle tissue is a great calorie-burner. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn even when you’re doing absolutely nothing! Protecting your muscle tissue makes fat loss so much easier, it will amaze you. Not only that, it will help you keep that fat off permanently!

What can you do to protect your muscle tissue?

The first thing you can do is exercise. Exercise, especially resistance training, provides a stimulus for your body that sends it a signal saying "keep this muscle, you’re going to need it."

The second thing you can do is provide your body with enough protein. This can be in the form of food or supplements.

Good food sources of protein include chicken, fish, eggs, lean meats, legumes (beans), soy, and dairy products. Protein supplements are derived from food sources but are concentrated for convenience and effectiveness.

How much protein do you need?

The standard recommendation for athletes is between 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day (or 0.5 to 0.7 grams per pound of bodyweight per day), though some research indicates a ratio as high as 2 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day (0.9 grams per pound) is beneficial. This means if you weigh 150 pounds, you should try to eat between 75 and 105 grams and up to around 135 grams of protein per day.

Essentially, you should experiment with your protein intake to find out what works best for you. As far as importance in your supplement program goes, I would rank protein as next in importance to a good multi-vitamin.

When I made my first grand attempt at fat loss, I made the mistake of neglecting protein and it cost me. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

Author: Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out his latest eBook "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of" at http://www.thebestexercises.com or visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com

Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 1

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