From Gamer to Gym Rat

Now gamers can play while getting in their gym time, too. And we're not just talking about the Wii.
By Geoff Williams

Even on the most expensive exercise equipment, despite the lights and gizmos, it's generally impossible to forget that you're still sweating, breathing hard and working nearly every muscle in your body. It's much easier to sit back on the couch and play a video game.

That's why exergaming, which weds video game technology with keeping fit, is poised to become the next gold mine for exercise-minded entrepreneurs. It may not be everywhere yet, but give it time.

In homes, people of all ages are exergaming enough that the California Athletic Trainers' Association recently put out a warning that overdoing it can leave participants with sports-related injuries similar to those experienced by traditional athletes. In gym classes at schools across the nation, stationary bicycles are attached to PlayStation video game consoles, Nintendo Wii game stations are linked to wide-screen TVs, and then there's Dance Dance Revolution, a popular dance video game, which took off in Japan in 1998 and has spread to the rest of the world.

And in some gyms, exergaming equipment isn't merely an offering; it's the focus.

Hitting the Gym

Mike Hansen, 30, and Kevin Bolden, 37, are two pioneers of the pastime, not to mention competitors. Hansen and his business partner, Lenny Lowenstein, 52, own iTech Fitness, headquartered in Denver, which produces exergaming equipment, such as the XR Board that simulates snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing, and licenses its XRKade name to 24 clubs. The gyms, which are aimed at the tween and teen market, let exergamers track how many goals they can score during Goalie Wars or how many knockouts they can rack up during Power Boxing.

Meanwhile, Bolden and his wife, Suzanne, own NexGym, a chain of three fitness centers in Texas, which is also marketing to children. Along with traditional karate and yoga classes, kids can play seven high-tech games, ranging from combat challenges to wall climbing, intended to get them in shape and improve their hand-eye coordination.

At a time when parents are more concerned than ever about their children getting enough exercise, this niche is likely to continue growing. "Childhood obesity is a global phenomenon," says Bolden. "I expect that eventually you will see capabilities in most schools, as well as in convenient locations--malls, shopping centers. Eventually the large fitness facilities will target the same 6-to14-year-old kids [that we target]."

Hansen concurs that the exergaming industry has a lot of room to expand. In 2008, he expects to license XRKades to more than 100 additional gyms and envisions increasingly chasing the adult market as well. "The average video gamer is 30 years old, and 19 percent of the gaming audience is over 50," says Hansen. "The 13 million baby boomers will affect a lot of the thought and process that goes into what we're doing."

Hansen also has seen interest from executives at large companies, eager to get their employees' exercise habits up and their health insurance costs down. Besides, adults want just as badly as children to make exercise fun. "Everyone's so engaged with these games, they don't realize that their heart rate is going up, and that they're burning up calories," says Hansen.

These days, you can easily immerse yourself in a game and forget that you're not actually boxing, skiing or snowboarding. But the potential for virtual adventures goes far beyond sports. Expresso Fitness, which makes a stationary bike that uses virtual reality, already has released Proving Grounds, a bicycle game in which the rider is cycling through a fantasy world. Cyclists chase dragons, score points and can completely forget that they're exercising. And because the stationary bikes are linked to the internet, the games can be updated and retooled through downloads.

The more dragons chased and the more Wii boxing and bowling, the better, says fitness guru John Hayley, president of Hayley Fitness Consulting in Chicago. "The competition of the game allows them to get lost in the moment," he says. "All of the sudden, when the game is over, they find themselves dripping in sweat and can't believe how hard they worked. It gets people to do something, which is far better than the alternative." Concerned parents and gym owners would agree.

Herbal Remedy Products

Ratliff J

Herbal Remedies is where you can buy herbal remedies, vitamins, natural medicines, nutritional supplements, herbal supplements, diet pills, weight loss pills and many more herbal products.

Herbal Remedies have been used for thousands of years. The Western world is just waking up to their effectiveness.Herbal Remedies offer safe, natural remedies that are remarkably effective for maintaining health Explore the healing power of herbal remedies and the joys of natural healing.

Learn more about herbal products today at AskWellness.com.

About the Author
J. Ratliff is an article writer. This article may be reproduced as long as all links stay intact.

Health supplement overview

John Gibb
Are you wondering which herbal health supplement you should take? Well, we've comprised a list of some of the most important herbs to begin on a regimen.

Alpha Lipoic acid is a special antioxidant that recycles both vitamins C and E in the human body. This is helpful to many age related diseases.

Avena Sativa is an extract for sexual health and vigor, also known by the name "green oats"
Bee Pollen is a substance produced by bees when they pollinate flowers. It's a great energy and immune system booster, and can be used as a weight loss aid.

Beta Sitosterol is a substance used for prostate health. More powerful then saw palmetto, this nutrient occurs in plant and vegetable matter.

CoQ10 is a nutrient, short for Coenzyme Q10 that is used in heart health and anti aging.

DMAE is a special nutrient that is known to increase mental function, as well as being known for elevating moods and fighting depression.

Dong Quai is a root remedy that many women take to help fight menopausal symptoms

.
Epimedium, also known as Horny Goat's Weed, increases the body's testosterone and can be used to help the libido.

Fish oil is a naturally occurring chemical in the bodies of fish that contains omega 3 fatty acids that work wonders for mental and physical health.

Lutein is a carotenoid nutrient that helps eye health, curbing macular degeneration. Royal Jelly is a nutrient found in the hives of bees. It has a broad range of vitamins and nutrients that can help keep your body working in tip top shape.

Wild Yam is a root remedy that helps curb menopausal symptoms.

Now that you know some of the basic herbs and remedies that go along with supplements, you can help yourself with choosing the ones that are right for you. If you are on any medications, it is best to ask a doctor before beginning a supplement regimen.

About the Author
John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com
An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Alternative Treatment for Asthma

Balaji B

Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by abnormal lung condition in which accumulation of mucus in the lungs is found. Natural asthma remedies are the most preferred way of treating asthma since the conventional methods of treatment for asthma may have a lot of side effects.

Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness are some of the symptoms caused by the narrowing or obstruction of the airways. Airway inflammation, a condition which makes the airways in the lungs turn red, swollen and narrow is one of the causes of narrowing or obstruction of the airways.

Herbal asthma aid is a natural product that is formulated with the medicinal herbs which is one of the most effective natural asthma remedies. Garlic, ginger and mustard are said to prevent the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and hence these are taken as natural asthma remedies. Herbs such as licorice have the tendency to expel the mucus from the lungs. This is used to clear the lung of mucus accumulation.

The ingredients of these products contain the herbs like Elecampane, Ginger, Garlic, Mustard and Licorice. The herbs mentioned above have medicinal properties that appose asthma symptoms. Licorice is an herb that clears the mucus accumulation from the lungs. If the patient is having high blood pressure he should not use licorice separately.

Before choosing any herbal remedy for asthma the patient has to consult a doctor to perform several diagnostic tests to confirm that he is having asthma. After the confirmation the patient can choose an herbal remedy for asthma in consultation with the doctor. The choice of the remedy depends on the condition of the patient.

Most of the people prefer an herbal remedy for asthma as it is known fact that they are more effective on a person without any side effects. It is the choice of a patient to choose an herbal remedy for asthma in consultation with a medical practitioner. They should consult a doctor before taking up any herbal remedy for asthma. Visit : http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/asthma/herbal-remedies-for-asthma.html or http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/asthma/herbal-remedy-for-asthma.html for more information about Asthma prevention.

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How to Cure Allergy Naturally?

Balaji B

When the immune system in our body finds or realizes anything as foreign to the body, it immediately releases some antibodies like histamines to fight against the foreign substance. This causes inflammation which is called allergy in our body.

There are many natural remedies for allergies available. Although natural remedies are easily available without prescription, it is better to consult a doctor before to take up any medicine as a remedy for allergies.

When a person is taking natural remedies or any other medicines for allergies, it is better to concentrate on the environment in which they live. Avoid moist environments. Moist environments aid the growth of molds that are one of the causes of allergies. Cleanliness of the beds and the carpet plays an important role in treating allergies. Food restrictions also help in treating the allergies well. Certain types of foods should be avoided and certain foods can be taken. A proper nutritional supplement to aid the treatment is also recommended.

Foods like wheat and chocolates cause allergy symptoms like headaches which can also be migraine in nature. Hay fever, hives, childhood allergies, asthma, and eczema are also caused by such foods. Garlic and Onion can be taken daily to treat allergies. It is found that these herbs contain Quercitin which is effective in curing allergies. This is found to reduce the production of histamine that causes allergies in us. Green tea extract which is rich in phytonutrients is used to ward off cellular attacks. It is an excellent anti bacterial and is used to cut down the cholesterol level and to regulate the blood sugar.

Bromelain is used to assist in digestion of vegetable protein. Papain contains an enzyme that breaks down protein is effective in curing allergies. The acidic stage of the allergic reactions can be controlled effectively with Magnesium (Citrate). This is also used in treating asthma which has strong bonding with allergies. Calcium (Citrate) which balances the acid and the alkaline levels in our body is good in curing allergies. Calcium also reduces the production of histamine in our body.

Air filters and dehumidifiers can be used to prevent mold that is present in the humid environments. It is known that onions, garlic, and citrus fruits contain natural antihistamines. Having these would help you prevent and cure allergies. Natural nasal rinses are also available for treating allergies. Allergy can be controlled with the help for a proper diet. You have to note down the food items that are taken by you. Avoiding certain foods and taking some foods would help you in controlling the allergies.

Certain food supplements would also help in treating allergies positively. Natural antihistamines are taken to control allergy. You should know that the histamine released by our immune system is responsible for the allergic reaction. It is also better to know what leads to allergies. It is found that in babies the eating habits during the first year play an important role in a baby's sensitivity to allergy. Lack of breast feeding and feeding babies with solid food too early may lead to such conditions.

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You can reprint this article on your website as long as you do not modify any of the content, and include our resource box as listed below with all links intact and hyperlinked properly.

About the Author

Visit http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/allergy/home-allergy-remedies.html to learn more about treating allergy naturally.

Acne home remedies

Robert Kokoska

Acne, which is a skin disorder most common in teenagers at puberty when their hormones are starting to develop. Acne which is often the blight of adolescence is known to follow some people into adulthood.

Eating a healthy diet can be an acne cure for many people but it is definitely a natural acne treatment for everyone. Home remedies are among some of the best treatments for acne. Prescription acne medication can scar if not used appropriately.

When it comes to wearing makeup the natural look is always refreshing. Cosmetic products with sulfates, harsh red dyes, heavy oils are hard on the skin blocking the pores and contributing to an outbreak.

Cleansing creams with chlorides, oils and alcohol used to treat acne can be damaging to the skin because they are sometimes too harsh. It is very important to read the labels carefully before purchasing these products to see just what you are using. Also cleansing your face at least 3 times a day so there is minimal opportunity for pore blockage is one of the best remedies for keeping outbreaks to a minimum.

There are several natural home remedies for acne that you either have in your own kitchen or you can get from the health food store inexpensively. Just because these home remedies are considered natural treatments for acne, does not mean that you should be less cautious than you would be with prescription acne medications or over-the-counter acne products.

You should always check with a doctor before undertaking any home remedy. Some home remedies for acne turn out to be the best treatments for acne in the end simply because they are not as hard on the skin. Home remedies used to treat acne should not only take care of any acne problems that you are having but also moisten and rejuvenate your skin.

GARLIC: Garlic is one of natures strongest antibiotics and used externally by cutting open a clove of garlic and rubbing it on the problem area. People told me that it doesn't burn but it did. What did work better for me was to crush the garlic clove and mix it with half a cup of hot water in a pan. Soak a clean wash cloth in the solution and then apply to the affected areas only. This should within a few days unclog infected pores. It is smelly and should be done before bed so you can wash it off the next morning.

LEMON: There are several things that you can do with fresh lemon. Slice a lemon in half and rub it on the effected area and leave it over night and rinse your face in the morning or squeeze the juice and mix it with rose water and apply to the effected areas.

TEATREE OIL: Teatree oil usually costs about $9-$12 for an 8 to 12 oz bottle and it works wonders on the skin leaving a very refreshing feeling behind because you can actually feel it working by cleaning the pores of your skin. I recommend that you dilute it with water first before attempting to use it at full strength. The idea is to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin as anything that leaves extreme discomfort is not good for your skin.

CUCUMBER: This is one of the most gentle and refreshing treatments that I have ever used and not only does it help treat acne but also refreshes the skin and leaves your skin looking and feeling younger. What you should do is blend the cucumber into a paste and apply. You can leave it on the skin for 30 to 45 minutes and then wash it off.

ICE: One of the most simple and least expensive remedies of all is good old fashioned ice that you make daily. You can use this at any time and it will reduce any swelling that you have caused by acne but should be used at the onset of a breakout.

There are so many home remedies that I could not even begin to list them all and since everyone's skin is different you will have to find remedies that work well for you. It is important to know to be careful with your skin.

Many times out of aggravation we burst a pimple when a simple remedy can be the best solution, and don't leave a scar like poking at a pimple normally does. Your skin is an indication of your health and when you have healthy skin then you are a more confident person.

About the author:

If you're serious about eliminating your acne, you should try the popular 3 day acne program.

For more acne articles visit: Natural Acne Treatment

Acne Solutions

One of the foreign problems is a rind disruption called acne. This occurs when the system creates extra oils and when combined with soil and debris can produce the individual to get cysts and spots of distinct colors on the cheek.

Doctors cannot provide the reason of acne but they believe that it has something to make with hormones and particularly with testosterone. Another significant element is heredity then if your parents used to get this, it is a big theory that the person too will.

Studies have shown that there are two sorts of acne and one can decide whether it is incendiary or non-inflammatory by the symptoms developed by the individual.

First we have the incendiary character. People who are affected by this will submit light-colored heads and pimples that will get crimson. In some situations, pustules might too rise and this will produce not simply on the cheek but too on new parts of the system like the neck, back, chest and groin.

Almost in every lawsuit, this character of acne leaves significant scars still after getting handling. The alone manner to have rid of it will be through operation.

Non-inflammatory acne is more favorite among patients. This will perpetually produce having the kind of a few whiteheads and blackheads that can be cured taking over the counter medicines.

But, there are new treatments too that can be suggested when talking about acne. These treatments can be prescribed by specialists like dermatologists, or they can be establish in the supermarket or bought online.

The individual will view that these treatments usually are brought in packs. The best measure will affect applying a renewing cleaner. This procedure will assist the private withdraw asleep rind cells.

A component called benzoyl peroxide formula that is a significant part of the acne resolution will so pierce the pores and tidy quickly the pimples.

The next measure that must be taken is using a revitalizing toner.his too contains some botanical agents in decree to receive the individual’s normal rind tone.

The last measure in treating acne establish in the mob is a repairing lotion. This resolution does not carry oil but it contains a less amount of benzoyl peroxide as easily as the cleaner. This will fix blackheads and new irritations, and it is created to forbid Acne from reappearing.

Before you purchase the acne resolution mob, it is recommended to learn the brand and view whether the person is hypersensitive to one of the ingredients used in designing the merchandise. If there is no trouble after reading the brand, the individual can purchase it and use it using cotton buds to withdraw soil and asleep cells on the whole cheek.

The individual will usually discover the results after two or three weeks take. The results are distinct from one private to another and the user will simply discover away what will happen after applying it.

Acne is a rind trouble which can be treated.Discovering an earlier handling can avert the theory of getting lasting blemishes on the cheek.

Getting Pregnant

• Get checked to view if you are exempt to German Measles. Sometimes vaccinations wear't "go. If you're not exempt, they can re-vaccinate you and so you look 3 months to get pregnant, so that the vaccination won't damage the infant.
  
• If you or your spouse is Jewish, have checked to view if you are a Tay-Sachs disease carrier. Testing for this is less correct once you're pregnant. 1 in 25 American Jews is a carrier; 1 in 250 non-Jewish Americans is a carrier. Tay-Sachs is a sad hereditary disease; you wear't need to get through having a Tay-Sachs infant.
  
• Your slumber needs may increase when you are pregnant. If you can organize your living to permit you to have much slumber once you are pregnant, go for it. This doesn't mean dropping all activities!! It does intend setting upward your agenda so you can go a nap formerly in a while, or then you can get to sheet early enough to have 10 hours of slumber if you look like it.
  
• Go to the dentist for a complete medical and cleaning.
  
• Avoid potatoes for a month or two before concept. There's some strange investigator who thinks potato intake may be associated with a high danger of sure birth defects. She's largely an egg, but I believe she has a respectable lawsuit for this, and in any lawsuit it certainly can't damage. The moment to avert potatoes would be from a month or two before concept until maybe 2 months into the best trimester, when the infant's neural pipe is formed.