Tips to Achieve a Shapely Stomach

In this fitness crazy age, most of us would love to flaunt a chiseled and perfectly shaped abdomen. However, not many are aware of the tips that can help them to achieve a flat tummy. We provide few suggestions that can help you to get your dream look.



• The first step of flaunting a tight tummy is to opt for a healthy diet. Eat more of fresh fruits, vegetables and less of fried foods, chocolates. Consume a diet that includes the right proportions of basic nutrients such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, along with vitamins and minerals.

• Avoid soft drinks at any cost. Instead, drink lots of water. You should consume at least 6-8 glasses of water every day. Water not only helps you to lose weight, but also aids in digestion.

• It is advised to eat 4-5 small meals throughout the day instead of 2-3 bigger meals. It not only prevents overeating, but also boosts the metabolic system and this in turn, burns more number of calories.

• Your exercise routine should include both aerobic (walking, jogging) and anaerobic exercises (such as weight training, powerlifting). Work out on those fitness equipments that specially target the upper part of the body. These may include The Dip/Ab/Push-Up, Mini Sit-Up. You can perform aerobic exercises for 30 minutes every day.

• To challenge your body and make the exercise routine fun, mix and match your workouts. Also, execute exercises that target the different areas of the abdomen. For example, crunches work on the upper part of the stomach, leg raises target the lower part and side bends can be done for shaping the obliques.

Achieving a flat stomach takes loads of patience, determination and will. However, if you can stick to the routine, you will surely receive loads of compliments and a body to flaunt.

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Lou’s Equipment – Deadlift Jack

While loading the bar for deadlifts most of the powerlifters expand a lot of energy. As a result, they need to rest even before starting their deadlifts. Even if one tries to roll the bar up onto a plate that weighs 5 pound, chances are high that either it is going to roll off or the users will not be able to get their plates tight. In both the cases, they will flop over. At Westside Barbell, Louie Simmons use the Deadlift Jack for making loading and unloading the bar an easy task.



To use this exercise equipment one simply needs to hook it under the bar and then pull the deadlift jack back on the handle. Also, remember to add the plates before you raise the handle and put the bar back on the ground. In general, the standard model of deadlift jack that you get at Westside Barbell will fit a standard IPF bar. Better yet, they also work on the wider bars. Since the deadlift jack of Westside Barbell bolts together, it will help you to keep the shipping costs in check. However, welded version of this exercise machine is also available.

In case you are using the dedicated wide deadlift bar, it is better to go the deadlift jack that has wider jack. Such exercise equipment will ensure added stability. To make hooking under the bar easier, this exercise machine comes with taller bar cradle and also has added a handgrip. In addition, long handle facilitates increased leverage and at the same time can reduce the effort that you usually require to lift a load. The round tubing pivot and the three points of contact make this exercise equipment stable on uneven ground.

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Intriguing Fitness Gifts

Christmas is round the corner and now all of us are looking forward to bring a smile on the faces of our loved ones with the help of gifts. However, many people feel at a loss when it comes to an ideal gift for a fitness enthusiast. We provide few gift ideas for people who love to keep themselves healthy and fit.



Fitness Books- All fitness maniacs love to acquire information about exercise routines and diet tips. You can give them fitness books that discuss the basics of strength training or provide information regarding development of speed, endurance, flexibility etc. This may include Thomas Kurz’s “Science of Sports Training”, or “Science and Practice of Strength Training” by Dr. Vladimir Zatsiorsky and Dr. William Kraemer.

Exercise Balls- Apart from books, you can also present exercise balls to a fitness enthusiast. They add an element of fun to the workout routine and provide health benefits such as strengthening the abs and the lower back. They can also be used while exercising with dumbbells and come with additional support so that the movement is perfect during weight training.

Gym Bags- Regular gym-goers love to carry a bag that is stylish and has loads of space. Gifting them a large gym bag will definitely be appreciated and loved.

Fitness DVDs- One can also consider gifting exercise DVDs to people who are serious about their exercise routines. This may include Squat Workout DVD where Louie Simmons provides detailed information about deadlifts and squats. Alternatively, the Ultimate Boxing Workout DVD Volume 1 is ideal for those who are enthusiastic about boxing workouts. This special DVD will also help one to improve balance, rhythm, agility, speed etc.

With a little bit of effort and research, one can easily zero on a gift that will bring smile on the face of your loved one. Do consider the taste and requirements of the person while choosing the right fitness gifts.

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Books that Can Motivate Powerlifters

Strength training books are ideal for motivation those who are new to the industry. As the name suggests these books are geared towards powerlifters. For novice or non-powerlifters, who are looking for general strength training advice, these powerlifting/ strength training books are very beneficial. One of the must read books for lifters is “The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods” published by Westside Barbell. The 236 pages of this book are full of training advices. Louie Simmons explains the various ways that will help the lifters to produce strength.



Simmons, the legendary powerlifter and strength trainer of Westside Barbell, presents his many years of experience in powerlifting through this book. Being the strength consultant for numerous college football teams including Clevland Brown, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks, Louie’s book is also a great resource for the serious sports people. Some of the strength training methods that “The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods” includes are Conjugate Method, Dynamic Effort Method, Maximal Effort Method, Reactive Method, and Contrast Method.

The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods is specially aimed at competitive powerlifters and serious sports people. In fact, this powerlifting book can be a perfect choice for the intermediate to advanced lifters.

The second edition of “Science and Practice of Strength Training”, written by Dr. Vladimir Zatsiorsky and Dr. William Kraemer, explains the principles and concepts involved in strength training. The book comes with many changes including three new chapters contributed by Dr. Kraemer. These chapters focus on young athletes, women and seniors. The book explains that no one program can work for a person all the times. It describes the complexity involved in strength training programs and provides simple approaches while dealing with specific circumstances. “Science and Practice of Strength Training” provides great insight into the new physiological concepts that are now incorporated in the practice of strength training.

Both the strength training books describes the various methods of strength conditioning, the importance of timing in strength exercises, and ways to prevent injuries.

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Creative Ways to Stay Fit

Obesity is a major problem in USA that often causes several deadly diseases. Americans often avoid incorporating exercises in to their daily routines. Moreover, the excuse – they hardly have the time for regular fitness sessions. However, it is perfectly possible to juggle a tight routine and find time for exercise. Today we will be discussing fitness tips that can be used by the Americans who lead a hectic lifestyle.



Wake up early- Waking up early will allow devoting time to exercise sessions; better yet, there is no need to cut down other important activities. Studies indicate that those who workout in early mornings tends to stick to the routine as compared to those who opt for exercising during other times.

Add variety to the workout routine- It is important to mix and match the different varieties of exercises. It will add novelty to the workout sessions and will help to avoid boredom after few days. An ideal fitness routine should incorporate both non-aerobic exercises such as strength training, weight lifting and aerobic exercises, which may include running, jogging, and free-hand exercises.

Opt for group exercises- Workouts are fun when you team up with your family or friends. In addition, the motivation for exercising is higher when you have a partner.

Listen to music- Research studies indicate that the rhythm of music provides the exercisers with feel good moments and helps them to stay focused. A great way to perk up the exercise routine is to load the MP3 player with your favorite songs and listen to them while running on the treadmill or lift weights.

Utilize the spare time- On holidays and on days when you are feeling low, go for a long walk, cycle to a faraway place, or visit the gym. Exercise helps to increase happy hormones (endorphins) and these, in turn, uplifts the mood.

A busy lifestyle should not be the reason for avoiding workout sessions. Use your creativity to include fitness routines in your everyday life and you will be blessed with a healthy body and a sound mind.

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Steer Clear of Fitness Myths

In the hurried frenzy of losing weight and flaunting a perfect body, many of us fall into the trap of believing in something that is unscientific. These myths, (as it can be labeled) not only interfere with a person’s fitness goals, but may also prove to be damaging to one’s overall health in the long run. Let us look at some of these popular fitness myths.



• One of the most popular fitness myths that have been doing the rounds since ages is that specific exercises can help in spot reduction. Unfortunately, this concept is wrong. Weight loss affects the body as a whole and it is impossible to reduce weight from one particular area. For example, certain strength training workouts will help you to tone the ab muscles, but it hardly help in losing weight only from the stomach.

• People often use the criterion of muscle soreness to ascertain the quality of their workout. For example, they think that muscle soreness is an indication of a good strength training exercise session. However, the truth is that muscle soreness occurs because of overindulgence in workout programs or for the lack of sufficient rest.

• Most people, especially women believe that strength-training routines will cause their body to bulk up. Health experts say that testosterone (a kind of hormone) is required to bulk up; the testosterone levels are much less in women, as compared to men. In fact, women tend to lose inches at a faster rate when they start indulging in strength training.

• There are many who think that a high protein diet is necessary for building up the muscles. Doctors are have warned people against this dangerous trend (that has gained popularity, thanks to the fitness craze!) and American Dietetic Association had also declared that any healthy diet must contain all the three essential nutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

So now that you know about the popular fitness myths, it’s time to stay away from them!

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