Seattle SuperSonics' Future Uncertain

The Seattle SuperSonics had their worst season in 21 years and now owner Clay Bennett is contemplating whether he should fire coach Bob Hill or general manager Rick Sund.

To top it up, Bennett failed in his attempt to get approval to build a new $500 million arena in the Seattle area. In all probability he will move the team after the next season. Then there is Ray Allen who had surgery in both his ankles and this cost the Sonics 26 points per game in the last month of the season and they went for 31-51. The season was marked with injuries and erratic play.

Then the team's second leading scorer, Rashard Lewis, is due for free agency in July 2007.

Other than all these problems, everything is fine with the Sonics.

Allen said that these were uncertain times for the team and everyone is to be blamed for the bad results. He further added that no one could walk away from the team feeling they did a good job. Allen felt that the team was just not good enough and each person was to be blamed for the fiasco.

Over the last half of the season, Bennett has refrained from giving a vote of confidence to both Hill and Sund. Instead he said that they would be evaluated.

In all probability Bennett will fire Hill or Sund or both. Bennett will be deciding whether he needs to bring his own people to run the team next season.

Sund began his management career with the NBA in the mid 70s with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was hired by Wally Walker in 2001 when the Sonics were under previous ownership.

Hill was a coach in New York, Indiana and San Antonio. He has just completed his first full season coaching the Sonics. The Sonics picked up his one year contract option at the end of the last season and he was an assistant under Bob Weiss. After Weiss was fired, Hill replaced him and finished the last season 22-30.

This is the fourth season in five years that the Sonics have missed the playoffs. They had a franchise record 15 game losing streak that started at Thanksgiving and ended nearly till the Valentine's Day. This has ensured that the Sonics get their highest draft pick since 1990 when they picked Gary Payton with the second overall pick. This time the Sonics will get either the No. 1 or No. 2 pick in the draft lottery.

I Think I Should Start Going To The Gym

This thought has surely passed through the mind of every person at some moment, but notwithstanding the multiple benefits that we know that can be obtained by including physical exercises into our lives, a lot of people never start with these activities and others do start but quit very soon. What do we have to do to have a fitness lifestyle? and very important too, how to keep it?







Goals





As everything in life, one have to think and realize which are the important reasons, for each one of us, to include fitness as part of our lifestyle. These reasons might vary a lot from one person to another, but it is very important to state them to ourselves because they will become the base to determine our "goals".





Some goals might include:

• Improve my physical conditions and be healthier.


• Get more confidence in myself by feeling better about my corporal appearance.


• Get more strength to have better performance at activities of my interest.


• Lose weight to look good in the clothes that I really like.


• Strengthen some injury of the past.

Realistic Expectations





You now have your goals defined, you know exactly what you want, and you are completely decided and motivated. At this point, it is important to have some knowledge for you to have realistic expectations, because reaching your goals is not going to be something that will happen overnight, a lot depends on what you want to accomplish and what are your actual physical conditions.





Maybe a period from two to three months could be an average time to start viewing notable results at your body, this suggestion is just to have an idea and is not a rule since all bodies are not the same.





If you do not see changes in one month, do not start thinking that it is because it just does not work "for you", although you might have seen how fast the improvement was for some friend of yours or somebody else.





It is important for you to take on account that each body is different and give yourself time to improve, have patience and do not quit because it was not a magical process that made you reach your goals at light speed.





There is a secret you must know, there is no magical process to be in shape, it requires dedication as every other important thing in life, the reward is bigger than what you imagine and a huge part to be successful at it is to learn to enjoy it.







Hello! I Am The Trainer





So, you are ready! you walk inside the gym full of motivation and you head toward to do some bench-presses thinking that you are going to give all your potential so you add all the weight that you think you can lift, you lay down, start, and oops! now the bar and all that weight is on your chest and you cannot move it, luckily the trainer of the place goes and helps you, safe now! What should be learned about this? Always have present that there is a trainer at the gym and he is there to guide and help you.





At arriving at the gym, go talk to the trainer stating your goals, your situation, and what you want to accomplish by going to the gym, the trainer will teach you the adequate exercises routine that you should follow, which will help you reaching your goals in an optimal time and way.





If you already have an exercises routine, anyway, show it to the trainer to get advice about it since he/she is there to help you and, after all, you already paid for the service of this help.





Do not hesitate about consulting with the trainer any doubt you might have, which might be about types of exercises, routines, nutrition, what to do, what not to do, etc.







Learn To Enjoy It





To obtain satisfactory results you should learn to enjoy these physical activities since goals are not reached overnight and we do not want to quit at half way, right?





The best advice to enjoy our exercises routine is considering it as something more than that, it is a social activity. Who does not like to socialize with friends, have good conversations, and have a good time? Turn your routine into that, meet new people and make new friends, after all, if they are there it is because they have similar interests to yours.





Do not go just to do exercises away from everybody else, talk with the people there and turn the going to the gym into something fun, they will support and help you with your new fitness lifestyle. Just make sure to balance everything, socialize and do your exercises since it is not very probable that your tongue is going to give you the physical shape or conditions you want and it is not going to accomplish your goals by itself.





You can learn to enjoy your physical activities in many ways in addition to what we mentioned, discover them along the way and use them to keep a more healthy, fit, and fun life. Remember, think about your goals, have realistic expectations, consult and ask for help to the trainer, and learn to enjoy fitness and the great benefits that it offers to you.

Fat Loss Lie - Part 10

:: You can drop 30 pounds of fat in 30 days ::

You see ads like these all the time, and they sure are enticing, aren't they? They play on our emotions and our desires for instant gratification.

But is it really possible? Can you really drop Pounds that quickly?

The answer is YES. It's quite possible to lose 30 pounds in 30 days or 10 pounds over the weekend. But that's the wrong question; the question YOU should ask is,

"How can I burn 30 pounds of FAT healthfully and keep it off permanently?"

Don't confuse WEIGHT loss with FAT loss!

Your body is 70% water, so it's easy to drop pounds quickly. Any diet that dehydrates you will register quick, dramatic loss on the scale.

Want to cut 10 pounds over the weekend? That's easy; Just stop drinking water. Of course that would be pretty dumb and pretty dangerous too, but that's what you're doing when you lose too fast (you're simply dehydrating yourself - or worse - you're losing lean body mass too!)

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), one of the largest and most respected health, medical and exercise organizations in the world, has set guidelines for healthy rates of weight loss.

In their position statement on "Proper and improper weight loss programs," the ACSM recommends losing at a rate of no more than two pounds per week.

This two pounds per week guideline has become recognized as the standard rate for safe weight (fat) loss.

Time after time I see people get impatient and they attempt to violate this rule, only to chew up muscle, slow their metabolisms and eventually gain all the fat back...and then some!

You can take off 30 pounds of weight in 30 days, but you'll NEVER take off 30 pounds of fat in 30 days; nature just didn't intend it to be that way.

There are virtually no limits to what you can achieve in the long run. However, you must be patient; there are definite limits to how quickly you can safely achieve fat loss.

When you get yourself on a good, solid, no-gimmick program, you will absolutely astonish yourself at how much you can achieve in 3 months, 6 months, 12 months.

Yes, it takes time.

But if you don't start now, then when? Look at it this way, if you think it's going to take too long to do it the safe healthy, natural way, then just remember... the time is going to pass anyway. When 3, 6, 12 months rolls around where will you be?

And if you lose it too fast and end up gaining it all back in 6-12 months time, then where did that really get you?

I cannot and will not promise you miracles, but I can promise you that 8-12 weeks from now, you can see major progress and 6 -12 months from now, you could look and feel like an entirely different human being...never to go back to your old self.

Corporate Fitness Services - Will a Fitness Center Help Boost Your Company's Bottom Line?

Corporate fitness services provided by corporate these days is a step to motivate employees and show them that their organization actually cares for them.  Different corporate offices are providing on-site health and fitness center making their employees aware of a fit mind and body.
 
Socializing with other office members during workouts and working to reach the same goal (i.e. staying fit and energized) is an added bonus a company can offer. Certified fitness trainers as well a staffs coaching the beginners is a common sites in such fitness centers.

It doesn't have to be an elaborated fitness zone. A moderate fitness center if planned and placed systematically can cater to everybody's need. Cardiovascular and weight training is needed by all. Some may do the latter more often than the other and vice-versa. Multipurpose equipments can make room for some stretching exercises on the mat.

Corporate fitness programs can offer a wide range of service from fitness, wellness, yoga, Pilates, body conditioning and recreation to injury prevention. Fitness services can extend to personal training to employees for corporate events that are normally held outdoors.

To improve the companies bottom line, organizations are providing fitness services to their employees. Motivation to come back to the office to work and remain active throughout the day taking interest in one's work is the biggest factor to improving the bottom line.

Points to ponder before setting up a fitness service center for corporate:

Analyze the goals and philosophies of the organization as well as the physical environment to determine the best course of action.

Plan the facility working in conjunction with the organization's facility management team and architects who can deliver the best infrastructure.

Determine anticipated utilization and traffic patterns and the optimal type, amount, and floor plan layout for furnishings, services and equipment. Plan, implement and execute a complete fitness and wellness program.

How To Stay Fit Without Getting Bored

The biggest problem when it comes to losing weight, dieting and exercising is getting bored. Getting bored is actually the number one reason why the majority of keep fit regimes fail. Doing the same thing day out and day in does and invariably will get boring there is no changing that fact - the only thing you can change is your routine of exercise to ensure that you don't get bored.

Luckily when it comes to exercising there are a wide variety of options you have for a plan of action. This means there is no reason for failure as there is no excuse for getting bored. Here are some of the top ways that you can get fit and healthy without getting into a rut.

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise that you can have, this can be something as simple as doing a few slow laps alone or doing a more vigorous swim by having someone time you how many laps you can do within an hour. Swimming is good for all of the joints and muscles in your body and so is an all-round excellent form of exercise. It can be undertaken by anyone and is especially beneficial for those who suffer from chest problems such as asthma and breathing difficulties. It can also be done by the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from back or neck pain quite safely.

Walking is another form of exercise which can be done by anyone quite safely and can vary in pace. A brisk power walk will get the blood flowing throughout the body and is excellent for the cardio-vascular system and the heart and lungs. Walking steadily is just as good a form and one that is excellent for the muscles in the legs, thighs and buttocks. Walking can be done alone or you can make it a family affair and get the whole family involved and on their way to being fitter and healthier.

If you find that exercising alone is boring and you need some company then join a gym, gyms vary so make sure you check out two or three and see what they have to offer and if they offer any special reductions or activities that you are particularly interested in. most gyms have beginners classes and here you won't feel as left out as joining and exercising with those that are trim and slim.

Another option for those who want to try something a little different is to take up yoga or tai-chi there are many classes on both subjects and it's just a matter of finding a beginner class in your area. Yoga is particularly effective as exercise for the whole body and mind and is one of the most relaxing of all forms of exercise. Tai-chi is a little on the slower side and relies on slow movement, so is of use for those who are older or those who suffer from illnesses such as arthritis.

The most important thing to not getting bored is all about a mixture; don't get stuck with just one form of exercise but do something different throughout the week. One day go swimming, the next walking or cycling and the next go to a yoga class, mix it up a bit and don't fall into the trap of boredom.

Cellulite On Your Backside Got You Down? Get A Great Bikini Bottom With These Tips

Let's face it, cellulite generally tends to gather around women's hips and backsides. Close to 90% of women have at least some cellulite and want to get rid of it, especially when it's time to wear a bathing suit. There are a variety of cellulite treatments that work to various degrees and range in price from very reasonable to quite expensive. However, the results of these methods will not last unless a woman exercises and develops a positive frame of mind. The following exercise is excellent for activating the muscle fibers in the backside.

Studies done in Exercise Physiology labs show that the 1 Legged Squat activates more muscle fibers then regular squats alone. This is very important when it comes to cellulite because the areas where cellulite gathers (hips, thighs and buttocks) will look much better if there is good muscle tone. Also, muscle tissue is metabolically demanding which means that when you have more muscle tissue, you burn more calories, even at rest.

1 Legged Squat

1. Stand up straight and get into a good posture for exercise as follows:

-Roll your shoulders up, back and around and lift your chest up

-Press your abdominals slightly in towards your spine.

2. Get your balance and stand on one leg. The other leg should be lifted so that your knee is in front of you.

3. Slowly with control, squat (or lower) yourself on the standing leg. You will not be able to squat down very far.

4. Slowly rise back up.

Note 1: Breath out on the effort. In this exercise, this may be when you are lowering yourself and when you rise up, so be sure not to hold your breath.

Note 2: Work up to 2 or 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.

Note 3: This is an advanced movement. If you have knee problems or pain in your knees, don't do this.

These exercises and any anti-cellulite treatment will work better if a person learns to visualize the way they want their body to look. Visualization helps women to stick with their anti-cellulite workout program and also helps women to realize that they really can change their bodies.

To do this, start by closing your eyes and clearing your mind. Get as focused as possible and try to see your body the way you want it to be. Try to get a very clear picture of this. Then affirm that you are perfect exactly as you are. This powerful combination of exercise and visualizing will give you a great bikini bottom before you know it!

What is Holistic Medicine and How is it Used?

Instead of focusing on an illness you might be suffering, holistic medicine is used to focus on you as a whole person and not just an illness, or one or more parts of your body associated with the illness. Holistic medicine strives to help you connect and create a balance between your mind, body and spirit for better overall health in all areas of your life.

What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is an entirely different health care system than traditional health care. It is a system of health care that promotes a mutual relationship with everyone concerned. Holistic medical care combines physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health to increase the realization of them all. This helps to take a look at the whole person instead of just one aspect of their lives and health. A holistic care giver will take a look at your health pertaining to your physical health, nutritional health, environmental health, emotional health, social health, spiritual health, and your lifestyle values. They will search for any safe alternatives to taking prescription medications and even surgery. If there are no existing safe alternatives to these traditional medications and treatments, then they will recommend medication or surgery. Holistic medicine strives to focus completely on educating their patients, and the responsibilities of individuals for their own health for better well being and balance in their lives. Holistic medicine may also be known as alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and natural healing.

How is Holistic Medicine Used Today?

An increasing number of people are getting interested in alternatives to traditional medicine practices. There are so many drugs out there that many push as the cure for nearly any illness or disease, but there are so many risks involved in taking these medications. Holistic medicine helps people understand that their mind, body and spirit have a connection to their entire health and well being. This works a lot better than just looking at the illness or disease, and encompasses your entire self. Even those in the medical field are getting more interested in alternative health care and recommending some patients to take a look at other aspects of their lives to help them achieve better health.

Statistics show that for the United States alone lifestyle choices are the number one key to attaining better overall health than any other method.

Holistic medicine does focus on preventing illnesses, but also asks you to look for ways to create an even healthier mind, body and spirit for yourself. Holistic medicine helps you discover what every day choices you make and what works well for you, what does not, and how you can change your lifestyle to reflect better health. With holistic medicine you can discover more energy and a more enthusiastic ideal towards life.

If you do become ill holistic health can help you heal naturally by helping your body's natural abilities to heal. For example, taking something to relieve a headache simply relieves the symptom. The health problem is still really there, and it is your body's way of letting you know there is something within yourself that needs attention. The symptom, in this case a headache, is used as a guide to help find the root cause of the problem, and then address that.