Saturday, December 31, 2011

Best Moisturization After Exfoliation


Skin is the largest organ in the human body and it helps us regulate our body temperature and eliminate toxins. Our skin's pores must be clear and healthy in order to function properly. Exfoliation, or removing dead skin cells, helps ensure that your skin is clean and fresh. Applying moisturizer after exfoliation protects the skin and gives it a softer feel and appearance. Selecting the best moisturizer for your skin will depend on your skin type and your sensitivity to products.

Purpose of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is performed to remove dead skin cells and buildup on the outer layer of your skin. Skin on any part of the body can be exfoliated, and a variety of exfoliating products are on the market, including scrubs, soaps, chemical peels or washes, and tools such as brushes or sponges that do not require extra products. A dermatologist or aesthetician can help you make informed decisions about the safest, most effective exfoliating products for your skin type.

Determining Your Skin Type
The moisturizer you use after exfoliation should be matched to your skin type. If you exfoliate your face, you need to know how your skin reacts to cleansing and exfoliation in order to select the proper moisturizer. The dryness of your skin, the size of your pores, and the presence of any irritability or acne will determine your ideal moisturizer. Work with a skin care expert to assess whether your skin is dry and flaky or oily. Some skin has mixed areas of both oily and dry spots, and requires specialized moisture treatments.

Selecting A Moisturizer

According to MayoClinic.com, selecting a post-exfoliation moisturizer might require some experimentation. Your skin's reaction and response to moisturizers will be specific, so you may not have success with the "best" or most expensive brands. Many people their favorite brands by consulting with a skin care worker and using a variety of options for a trial period. Testing and comparing brands will allow you to identify your most effective options.

Expert Insight

The moisturizer you choose should be matched to the skin type and area you are treating. MayoClinic.com notes that areas such as the hands and body might require different moisturizers than areas such as the face. Skin on the face might be more sensitive and acne-prone, so heavy moisturizers often clog pores and should be avoided. Areas such as the feet might experience extreme wear and may need intensive moisturizers to treat dry or cracked skin.

Drugs That Affect Bone Growth


The pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, controls the release of growth hormone into the body. If too much growth hormone is released, usually because of a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary, abnormal bone growth occurs, but the pattern varies according to the age of the patient at onset. Acromegaly, an excess of growth hormone that occurs in adults, affects about 60 out of every million Americans, according to The Hormone Foundation. Fewer than 100 children in the United States have gigantism, an excess in growth hormone that occurs while the patient is still growing. Medications, surgery and radiation may be used to treat both of these conditions.

Excessive Growth Hormone Disorders

Gigantism, an excess in growth hormone that occurs in childhood before the growth plates close in the bones, causes abnormal height, early puberty, headaches, sweating and irregular periods. Acromegaly, excess growth hormone that occurs in adulthood, does not affect height because the patient's growth plates have closed. Instead, the condition causes abnormal growth in the hands, feet, face and jaw. Other symptoms of acromegaly may include weakness, headache, body odor, swelling and pain in the joints, and an enlarged tongue.

Treatment

Treatment for acromegaly or gigantism focuses on stopping abnormal bone growth and other symptoms by reducing the level of growth hormone in the body. The treatment of choice is surgery to remove or reduce the size of the pituitary tumor, but surgery is not always effective. Radiation therapy may also be used to reduce the tumor in adults, but the effects of radiation on the brains of children are not known. Three classes of medication are also used to reduce growth hormone levels, but they do not cure either condition.

Somatostatin Analogs

Somatostatin analog drugs such as octreotide stop abnormal bone growth by blocking the production of growth hormone in about 50 to 70 percent of cases of acromegaly, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. These drugs may also reduce the size of the pituitary tumor in up to 50 percent of patients. Administered once a month by intramuscular injection, the medication may cause mild to moderate temporary side effects such as nausea, gas and loose stools. Ten to 20 percent of patients develop asymptomatic gallstones and, rarely, patients may have higher blood glucose levels when treated with SSAs.

Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonists

Growth hormone receptor antagonists such as pegvisomant interfere with the action of growth hormone but do not lower the hormone level, according to Drugs.com. The medication is administered once a day by injection and may cause side effects such as fatigue, headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, back pain or irritation at the injection site. Most patients, however, tolerate it well and experience few adverse effects.

Dopamine Agonists

Dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine do not lower growth hormone levels as well as the other classes of medications but may be effective in patients who have mild levels of excess growth hormone as well as excessive levels of prolactin, the hormone that produces breast milk, according to The Hormone Foundation. Dopamine agonists are given by mouth and should be taken with food. Side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, cold sensitivity in fingers and toes, headache and fatigue.

4 Advance Boxing Trainings


Many people associate boxing with savagery, violence and brutishness. However, an advanced boxing training regimen can provide you with a grueling cardiovascular workout that can also tone and define virtually every muscle in your body. An advanced boxing training exercise plan should include jumping rope, sparring and hitting the heavy and speed bags.

Jumping Rope

Boxing requires you to be in peak cardiovascular condition. Jumping rope is a basic boxing exercise and one of the most effective aerobic activities you can perform to bolster your stamina and enhance your overall physical shape. Jumping rope can additionally tone your arms and legs. Jumping rope on a regular basis will help your endurance.

Sparring

Sparring is the most fundamental of all boxing exercises. Live sparring is imperative because you must box to shed nerves and improve as a pugilist. Ross Boxing suggests you approach each sparring session with the intent of improving some aspect of your arsenal. For example, during one sparring session, strictly concentrate on improving your jab, and during another, focus on enhancing your defensive or counterpunching techniques. Three intensive minutes of sparring can drain even the fittest of individuals.

Heavy Bag

Hitting a heavy bag is a boxing exercise staple that enables you to focus on throwing jabs, hooks, crosses and uppercuts. Keeping your elbows condensed and hands raised, pretend that the heavy bag is an opponent of equal size and aim for the head, and middle and lower stomach. The heavy bag will sway in a different direction, depending on what punch you throw. Regardless of how the bag reacts to a punch, you need to dodge it as though you are avoiding a punch thrown by an opponent. Continuously bounce on your toes and circle the heavy bag when training. An efficient session working on a heavy bag will hone your boxing skills and efficiently work your arms, shoulders, back, chest, legs and glutes. Real Women's Fitness recommends you attempt 10 three-minute rounds hitting the heavy bag while allowing yourself only 30 seconds of rest between rounds.

Speed Bag

Correctly striking a speed bag can improve your hand speed, reflexes, timing and hand-eye coordination. Start slowly and gain rhythm by hitting the bag with the sides of your hands or knuckles. Allow the bag to bounce from the back of the wood to the front and increase speed. Vary your combinations. It is imperative that your arms always remain elevated during this exercise. Your arms eventually become accustomed to the stance and your defensive skills will progress.

Tips to Train a Teen Boxer Skilfully


Conventional wisdom tells us that participation in martial-arts training can benefit teens because of the physical outlet, positive role modelling and character-building aspects of being involved in an activity that requires patience, focus and grace under pressure. Although most people think only of Asian martial arts when they consider this option for their children, enrolling in a boxing program can provide the same benefits.

BASICS

Boxing for teens is much like boxing for adults. Students can attend a regular class, where they'll practice skills and get a solid cardiovascular and resistance workout. In most programs, they will work closely with a coach who can serve as a mentor and support parents and teachers in helping the teen grow. Although boxing is at its heart a competitive sport, most teen programs allow participants to choose whether or not they will actually box against a live opponent.

JUNIOR RULES

The International Boxing Association --- known by its French acronym, AIBA --- sanctions competitive fights for teens of both sexes age 15 and up, classifying 15- and 16-year-old boxers as Junior boxers. Bouts between Juniors consist of three rounds, each lasting two minutes. This shorter time reduces the amount of time the boxers will fight while fatigued, which is the time they are at the greatest risk of injury.

YOUTH BOXERS

The AIBA defines 17- and 18-year-old fighters as Youth boxers. A Youth-level fight lasts three three-minute rounds for boys and four two-minute rounds for girls. This increased time in the ring reflects the increased mental and physical durability that's expected of teens.

OTHER AGES

Teens 19 and up compete as adults in AIBA-sanctioned events. Children under 15 can't fight in AIBA events, and you can expect most kids classes to be heavy on the workout and light on actual sparring. Some local organizations do host fights between young children, but these usually last two to three minutes at the longest and use the heaviest head protection and the most-padded gloves.

WEIGHT CLASSES

In a contest between two fighters of similar skill, the larger boxer is likely to win. For this reason, boxing is divided into weight classes that sort fighters into categories of similar size. Weight classes for Junior fighters are at 46, 48, 50, 52, 57, 60, 63, 66, 70, 75 and 80+ kilograms. Female Youth boxer weight classes are at 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 64, 69, 75 and 81+ kg. Male Youth boxer weight classes are at 46, 49, 52, 56, 60, 64, 69, 75, 81 and 91+ kg. If a fighter weighs over the limit for his class at the weigh-in before a fight, he is disqualified and the other boxer wins by forfeit.

5 Things to Know To Train for Bare Knuckle Boxing


"Bare-knuckle boxing" is a term that describes both an ancestor of modern sport boxing, and any fight sport where the participants fight without benefit of glove and head protection. In most important aspects, training for bare-knuckle boxing will look a lot like training for boxing: you'll develop cardiovascular endurance, physical strength, punching power and footwork. What will be different is how much time you spend preparing your hands for the impact of unprotected punching. You can draw hand-conditioning exercises from different traditions, ranging from boxing drills to kung fu.

Step 1

Do at least one round of your bag work with no gloves or hand wraps. As your hands and wrists grow accustomed to this new stress, do increasingly more of your bag work barehanded until you're working all of your rounds without protection. Canvas bags are slightly better than vinyl bags for this, as they are rougher and will build your callouses faster.

Step 2

Condition your hands further by punching an old book 20 to 50 times per day. Start with a thinner paperback, then work your way up to a thick paperback (or a stack of two thin ones). Eventually work your way up to a sturdy hardback book.

Step 3

Apply antibiotic ointment immediately to any scrapes or abrasions you find on your hands after a workout. This will speed the healing and avoid infections, which are a common result of scraping up your hands on a punching bag.

Step 4

Ice your knuckles and wrists for 20 to 30 minutes after each workout, to ease discomfort and speed up how quickly you can get back to training.

Step 5

Put bandages on any areas of your hands that need it, but only after you're done icing. Otherwise, the bandages will just fall off during icing.

Get in Shape & Cardio Benefits of Cardio Boxing


Cardio boxing is a form of cardiovascular training that uses techniques from boxing combined in a particular order to build endurance, strength and coordination while toning your body. Shadow boxing is common in this exercise, thus allowing you to perform it anywhere with little or no equipment. Its rising popularity has led many fitness centers to offer various forms of cardio boxing group exercise classes.

PHASES OF WORKOUT

As with any exercise, cardio boxing always begins with a warmup. Jumping rope is the most common warmup for this workout, but any type of cardio will suffice. Technique training is commonly the next phase of cardio boxing. Participants focus on improving their form of various punches and kicks with focus mitts, a bag or shadow boxing. The third phase often targets punch drills and combinations. This phase is the most intense endurance phase. Finally you reach the wrap-up, another intense phase including core, speed and endurance training, as well as arm strengthening and stretching. Always allow your body a proper cooldown at the end of this or any workout.

FITNESS BENEFITS

With the name cardio boxing, it is clear that this form of exercise offers cardiovascular benefits. What sets it apart from many other cardio workouts, though, are the various other fitness benefits received from it. Arm and core strength are developed through punches, primarily when target mitts or a heavy bag are involved. Kicks build leg and core strength. Shadow boxing improves muscular endurance because of its high level of repetitions. Coordination, speed, agility and dexterity are all developed through cardio boxing workouts.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Cardio boxing offers a sense of empowerment as you learn proper techniques that could aid in self-defense. This creates a greater euphoric feeling than most other forms of cardiovascular exercise. Punching a heavy bag or target mitts relieves tension and reduces stress. If you are looking for an exercise that will build your self-esteem and help you feel better about your appearance, cardio boxing will give you reason to hold your head high. The high repetitions combined with the intense cardio bouts will tone your body better than most other forms of exercise. It rolls many different modalities into one diverse, intense and unique workout.

FINDING INSTRUCTION

Most fitness centers now offer various types of cardio boxing classes. Boxing gyms that previously focused on ring boxing are cashing in on the surge in cardio boxing popularity by offering classes that focus on technique while still providing a challenging workout. If you prefer staying at home, video game systems such as Nintendo Wii offer games with cardio boxing workouts you can perform in your living room.

Workout Timing of a Skilllful Boxer


A skillful boxer must exhibit a significant amount of coordination and dexterity in the ring. To do this, his reflexes must be honed in the gym and sharpened to a fine edge. Fighters habitually execute a series of drills and exercises during training, designed to improve both timing and agility.

DOUBLE-END BAG

The double-end bag is a small, inflated ball suspended at both ends by an elastic cord. The double-end is used to improve a fighter's timing, reflexes, speed and coordination. You begin by hitting the bag, with short, sharp punches. As it responds by bouncing to and fro, you continue striking the ball by watching carefully and timing its return. Through this process, you will develop an automatic reflexive and reactive ability to anticipate the movements of your opponent with accuracy and speed.

TOUCH AND GO

The touch-and-go drill is utilized by skillful boxers worldwide. To perform it, dress in full sparring gear and assume your stance, facing another fighter in the ring. Hold your defensive posture tightly as you allow your partner to run a quick combination of punches. The moment he stops attacking, you pick up the count by returning a combination of your own. You and your adversary continue throwing blows in this way throughout the duration of a three-minute round.

COMING OVER THE TOP

This is a drill that teaches fighters a common counterpunching technique. Dress in sparring gloves, headgear and mouthpiece.You and another boxer will stand in the ring, facing each other in a conventional stance. Your opponent starts by throwing a quick lead jab toward your head. You then parry his attack, meaning you knock it away from your face by pushing it down sharply with the open palm of your right hand. Usually, a parrying hand is immediately returned to a position beside the defending fighter's jaw. Instead of doing this, however, close your fist, push forward with your back leg and extend your right hand and arm into a straight punch. The goal is to deflect your opponent's punch and then return fire before his jab hand can be drawn back for defense. When training, refrain from following your counterpunch with full power.

MITT WORK

Focus mitts, also called pads, are glove-like upholstered cushions, used to improve a boxer's timing, accuracy and reflexes. A coach places his hands within the pads and spontaneously extends them to various positions. The boxer is charged to strike the targets as they appear, as quickly and accurately as possible. Over time, this serves to dramatically improve the fighter's reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Working with the mitts also gives the boxer a sense of what it's like to respond, automatically, to an opponent's uncompelled actions in the ring.

3 Things to Know Before Choosing Boxing Gloves


Having the appropriate equipment for any sport is one of the first steps to training for it. Training equipment such as boxing gloves is essential to protecting your body and preparing you to exhibit your best performance. Finding the right size boxing training gloves is imperative: One size does not fit all. Remembering some key points when you go to purchase your gloves can help you to make the right choice.

Step 1

Choose gloves that weigh 18 to 20 oz. per glove, which is the ideal weight for training purposes for most people. However, if you are a woman who is new to boxing or someone with smaller hands, start with a 12 oz. glove until you feel comfortable with a heavier size.

Step 2

Try on many gloves, even those labeled differently. While manufacturers might identify their 18 and 20 oz. gloves as small, medium and large, the size labels won't necessarily be the same from one manufacturer to the next. The glove should feel fitted but not tight. New gloves might feel a bit snug at first, but as the leather is conditioned and becomes more conformed to your hand, they will loosen up. Starting with gloves that are loose will cause trouble, since they only get looser over time. Loose gloves do not protect your hands and can make you more susceptible to injury. In addition, the glove should allow room for hand wraps, which are needed to help protect your hands.

Step 3

Choose a glove that is padded in the front for training. You will need to read the product description or ask a salesperson about this. For example, some gloves are padded on the back of the hand. These are designed for fighting because they pose a greater risk to your opponent should you land a punch. Training gloves are padded in the front to enable better handling during training.

Get in Shape Boxing Training


Boxing is an arduous activity that places considerable physical demands on participants. Boxing training is accordingly intense and demanding, and if pursued regularly, will get you in shape. Boxing training can increase cardiovascular fitness, endurance, strength, speed, flexibility, balance, dexterity and coordination.

RUNNING

Running is used in boxing training to improve cardiovascular fitness and control weight. Do a 30- to 40-minute run three to five times a week. Incorporate high-intensity interval training into your running. For example, warm up with a five-minute jog and stretches. Run at a steady pace for three minutes, then break into a sprint for one minute. Repeat the run and sprint sequence five times for an intense 20-minute workout to increase your aerobic capacity, endurance and ability to perform quick, explosive movements.

JUMPING ROPE

Jumping rope helps improve cardiovascular fitness and encourages fat loss. A 200-lb. person jumping rope for one hour will burn 910 calories. Jumping rope also increases coordination, agility, quickness and endurance.

HEAVY BAG

Punch the heavy bag to increase your strength and power. The heavy bag engages the muscles used in punching. These include the shoulders, arms, chest, back, waist and legs. Do three five-minute rounds of punching the bag with maximum intensity to increase your aerobic capacity and burn fat. Rest for a minute between rounds. Continuously circle the bag while throwing a series of punches to improve your coordination.

SPEED BAG

Punching the speed bag helps improve speed and coordination. The speed bag can be difficult to use as it requires considerable practice to acquire the necessary rhythm. Do 50 to 100 punches with your left arm, then switch to your right arm. Use each arm independently until you can hit the bag with sufficient rhythm and timing. Punch with both arms once you are comfortable with your rhythm.

SPARRING

Sparring involves exchanging light punches with a partner in a ring. Sparring enables you to practice throwing a variety of punches at your partner while moving. Coordinate your foot movements with your punches while staying in range of your sparring partner. Use your movement, shift your body weight and bend at the waist to avoid punches from your partner. The variety of actions involved in sparring will help you improve your balance and coordination. Spar for three to five three-minute rounds with a one-minute rest between rounds to improve your cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

 
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