Casual Articles - Health and Fitness

Reduce Your Debts with Bad Credit Debt Consolidation Loan
With ever increasing expenditure, everyone is stuck with one or another financial crisis. It results in bad credit, which leaves your credit record blemished. And because of that you may not be able to apply for loans for any of your financial needs. However, a viable option is debt consolidation loan, especially for people with bad credit. Yes, an individual with bad credit can avail tremendous benefits from a debt consolidation loan. As its name suggests, a debt consolidation loan refers to a loan that helps to consolidate your debts. A debt consolidation loan merges your multiple debts in to a single one, and is specially meant for people with bad credit history.A bad credit history is usually a result of default, arrears, County Court Judgements (CCJ), Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA), bankruptcy etc. If we talk in more general terms, a bad credit takes place because of missed or non payment of your earlier debts. But now, with debt consolidation loans you can easily eliminate your bad credit.A bad credit debt consolidation simplifies the repayment procedure by reducing many instalments into one, which automatically trims down the monthly installments and helps you to save a considerable amount of money. Moreover, it exempts you from dealing with all your creditors, who were the cause of your anxiety from such a long time. Under a bad credit debt consolidation plan, your lender will also charge lesser rate of interest because of sharp edged competition in the market.A bad credit debt consolidation caters you with flexible repayment plans to reduce your existing debts. You can choose to extend your repayments from 5 to 30 years, as per your convenience. Be mindful of the fact that with longer term of repayment, you will be liable to pay higher interest. A lower regular monthly payment can bring normalcy to your bad credit.Now, the question arises where to search for a bad credit debt

of the classic cluster method and the Mentzer cluster method. Most trainees know what a drop set is, a descending scheme of dropping weight after performing some repetitions. The drop set cluster still uses high intensity (90-100%) and drops the weight 5-10 lbs per drop on single repetitions. Again 5 reps are the target goal. An example being…

The athlete does 1 rep with 98-100% intensity, racks the bar, and the training partner or spotters remove 5-10 lbs from the bar during the 7-12 seconds pause, the athlete does another single, Racks the bar, the spotters proceed to strip 5-10 lbs, athlete performs another single, racks the bar and more weight is stripped, athlete does another rep, racks and spotters reduce weight further, and athlete completes last rep. The drop set cluster allows a higher level of muscular tension, due to the repetition’s slow speed and the rep is being performed at 100% maximal momentary strength (i.e. all muscle fibers are being recruited to lift the load) (Poliquin, Modern Trends in Strength Training, 18-19). A summary can be found here…

Drop Set Cluster Method
· Load- 90-100% of 1 RM
· Reps- 5 Total Reps, intermitted, 1, pause lower weight 5-10 lbs, 1, pause lower weight 5-10 lbs, 1, pause lower weight 5-10 lbs, 1 Rep, pause lower weight 5-10 lbs, 1 Rep, pause lower weight.
· Sets- 3-5
· Rest Intervals- 3-5 Minutes
· Target Goal- 5 Repetitions with a 1-3 RM

The final progression in level 2 is called the accentuated eccentric cluster method. Caution: this method will require a competent spotter! As you might know, I do like to accentuate the eccentric portion of an exercise (see Eccentric Training for Athletes article). This method combines the classic cluster method with an accentuated eccentric portion of the lift. Again, the set and rep scheme stays close to the classic cluster method, however during the eccentric or lowering portion of the exercise, the training partner will push down on the bar and release at the mid point. This requires a very skilled spotter! They should only apply enough resistance to have the athlete still lower the bar under control! If the bar is dropping like a bag of bricks, it is not helping the athlete it is hurting them! Here is an examp

PSP Accessory - Blueye It Will Answer For You!
Besides many accessories that PSP has acquired, once in awhile there is one that gets more and more interest from people. It is Blueye. You can now take your calls without missing a strike. In fact, it almost turns your portable audio supply into a Bluetooth headset and is a great PSP accessory.Blueye fits inline between your own headphones and your PSP player. Blueye supports all players and headphones that use 3.5 mm plugs; in other words any portable player or headphones you are might have. If somebody calls you when you are listening to your music, Blueye will mute the music and allow you to handle your call using your own headphones and a Bluetooth connection with your phone. This PSP accessory helps you listen to the music again after you ended the call.Blueye also supports interactive voice control. This means you will not use your hands in order to answer the phone; you just answer with your voice. It also has a Personalized Ringtone. For example, when you receive a call, an audio stream turns into your very own ring tone in real-time.Blueye has design signs that merge effectiveness with style. For example, did you know that the Blueye buttons were designed so that they could be used with your gloves on? Blueye also has twin microphones – Uniquely Blueye gives the option to use either the internal or a personally extended external microphone. Whichever option you choose, you get to use your proper headphones as a PSP accessory.For this PSP accessory, it is possible to choose from a variety of colors and one that best suits your mood. Blueye has an open platform as it provides you with toolkits, hardware, interface specs, and sample code forum. In fact, whatever you need to build Blueye into your own world and allow the mobile phone to become your personal remote control. Blueye is a wireless bridge that acts as an intelligent gateway between your mobile and anything you choose t

All sport coaches would like big, strong athletes and most combative athletes want to be big and strong. However, most athletes and coaches run into a problem when training for both size and strength at the same time. The longer an athlete trains; usually they begin to hit a plateau with their current routine. They increase the volume (an increase in sets) or they increase the intensity (percentage of 1 repetition maximum, not perceived muscular discomfort), however they do not do both. Volume training is great for increasing muscle mass, and increasing strength-endurance, however it is not an effective method for stimulating neural (strength) gains.

Muscle mass is generally stimulated by neural gains. The higher the athlete’s maximal strength levels, the higher the intensity used in repetition exercises can be used. Another problem coaches and athletes run into with neural training is the rest intervals must be higher in intensity training for recovery of the neural system (CNS).

The problem is in the old saying, a trainee can train hard (intensity) or train long (volume) but cannot do both. Some coaches, such as T-Nation’s Chad Waterbury have proposed using a low(er) intensity 75-85% bracket and increasing the volume to accommodate this intensity bracket and a decrease in the rest intervals (i.e. 10 sets of 3 with a 6 repetition maximum, with 60 seconds rest intervals). While this is an excellent method and I am not putting it down, I feel there is a better way to work in a higher intensity bracket (80% to 100%) and utilize sufficient volume to increase both size AND strength!

Generally, novice athletes and trainees can make fantastic gains within the 60-70% intensity bracket, usually working their way to 80%. This 80% threshold rule is that strength generally is stimulated above this percentage and this usually calls for a decrease in sets and an increase in rest intervals. So our method will be working above this 80% threshold in every scenario.

Enter Cluster Training

Cluster training is not a new concept; in fact most Olympic weightlifters use this method without knowing it! Some very well know authors have done much to bring this powerful method to light such as Charles Poliquin, Christian Thibaudeau, and Mike Mahler to name a few. Olympic weightlifters must drop the weight to the ground after each repetition; this is followed by a short pause, and another repetition. Most Olympic weightlifters outside of the super-heavy weight division sport tremendously muscular, athletic physiques to go along with their incredible strength!

Cluster training allows the athlete or trainee to utilize intensity above the 80% threshold rule (generally even higher 85-100%), with sufficient volume to increase both strength and size (i.e. more reps at a higher intensity). However, this method is highly demanding on the central nervous system and is not recommended for beginners or high school freshmen and sophomores. While this is a powerful method, it should only be applied to ONE lift per movement group (horizontal push/pull, vertical push/pull, etc.) or ONE exercise per body part. Another caveat is that this method necessitates excellent spotters. If you do not have at least one good spotter, do not do this method. This is not a method that will be kind to an athlete if their spotter(s) decide to take a nap! Cluster training must also be broken into, not jumped into. I show will a progressive model to breaking into cluster training and moving into more advanced methods. Coach Thibaudeau breaks them into levels, level 1 consisting of three methods, level 2 consisting of three methods and level 3 consisting of two methods. For athletic purposes I will only be covering levels 1 and 2, level 3 will come at a later time.

Level 1

The first progression in cluster training is the extended 5s method, coined by Coach Thibaudeau. The goal of the extended 5s method is for the athlete to do 10 repetitions with a weight they can only do for 5 repetitions. Obviously this is an outstanding growth stimulus, as there is an increase in both intensity and volume (85% x 10 repetitions). An extended 5s set would go like this…

The athlete takes their 5 repetitions maximum (RM) and does 5 reps and then racks the bar. Resting approx 7-12 seconds (counted out loud by a training partner or spotter), the athlete then un-racks the bar and does another 2-3 repetitions. Upon racking the bar again, another rest of 7-12 seconds is taken, and a final 2-3 repetitions are performed. The goal of the set is to get 10 repetitions total. Generally an athlete will need two to three pauses to accomplish this. The athlete rests 3-5 minutes and repeats 3-5 times. This is an excellent introductory method to cluster training! Here is a summary…

Extended 5s Method
· Load- 80-85% of 1 RM or 5 RM (repetition maximum)
· Reps- 5 Reps with 5 RM, 7-12 pause, 2-3 Reps, 7-12 pause, 2-3 Reps
· Sets- 3-5
· Rest Intervals- 3-5 Minutes
· Target Goal- 10 Repetitions with a 5 RM

The next progression in cluster training is the classic cluster method. Charles Poliquin wrote about this method in his text Modern Trends in Strength Training (2001) and Mike Mahler has written articles on this method calling it Rest-Pause Training. Regardless of the name, it is a powerful and effective method. This method is best used for increases in relative and maximal strength and hypertrophy of the type II-B muscle fibers (the ones with the most potential for force and power output). This method uses a higher intensity bracket than the extended 5s method, usually 87-92% of 1 RM and attempts to hit 5 intermitted repetitions with that load. A classic cluster set would go like this…

The athlete would take their 3-4 repetitions maximum and performs 1 rep, racks the bar, 7-12 seconds pause, 1 rep, 7-12 second pause in the rack, 1 rep, 7-12 seconds pause, 1 rep, 7-12 seconds pause, and a final 1 rep, and a 3-5 minute rest. Usually 3-5 sets are employed. Here is a summary…

Classic Cluster Method
· Load- 85-92% of 1 RM
· Reps- 5 Total Reps, intermitted, 1, pause, 1, pause, 1, pause, etc.
· Sets- 3-5
· Rest Intervals- 3-5 Minutes
· Target Goal- 5 Repetitions with a 3-4 RM

The last progression in level 1 is the antagonist cluster method. This is basically a variation of the classic cluster method, with the exception being that the athlete alternates between to opposing exercises with minimal rest (the pause is taken by the opposing exercise being performed). Reps and sets still apply, however the execution of a set is a little different…

The athlete would take their 3-4 repetitions maximum and performs 1 rep of bench press, racks the bar, proceeds to do 1 rep of bent over barbell rows, 1 rep on the bench press, 1 rep of the row, 1 rep bench press, 1 rep of the row, 1 rep on the bench, 1 rep on the row, and a final 1 rep on the bench, and 1 final rep of the row and a 3-5 minute rest. Usually 3-5 sets are employed. Here is a summary…

Antagonist Cluster Method
· Load- 85-92% of 1 RM
· Reps- 5 Total Reps each antagonist exercise, 1 Rep Exercise 1, 1 Rep Exercise 2, etc.
· Sets- 3-5
· Rest Intervals- 3-5 Minutes
· Target Goal- 5 Repetitions with a 3-4 RM on two opposing exercises
· For those who need to know antagonists, examples would be horizontal push and horizontal pull (bench and row), vertical push and vertical pull (shoulder press and chin up), quad dominant and hip dominant (squat and good morning), arms (curl and triceps extensions).

Level 2

It goes without saying that a foundation of cluster training should have been built in the previous level prior to taking on the more advanced methods here!

The first progression of the second level is named after the late Mike Mentzer, a highly successful bodybuilder. I first learned the Mentzer cluster method through Coach Thibaudeau’s excellent DVD on cluster training, and I continued to research it by reading Weight Training the Mike Mentzer Way. This is a very powerful method and should not be taken lightly. The goal of this method is to perform 4 to 5 total reps at 100-80% intensity. First the athlete will perform 2-3 singles in classic cluster fashion at 90-100% intensity and drop the weight approx 10% and perform another 1-2 repetitions with that weight in classic cluster fashion. For example…

The athlete takes 98% of their 1 RM and does 1 rep, racks the bar, 7-12 seconds pause, another 1 rep, 7-12 seconds pause, another 1 rep, 7-12 seconds pause, the spotter reduces the weight (in 7-12 seconds) and the athlete performs 1 more rep with this weight. Here is a summary…

Mentzer Cluster Method
· Load- 90-98% of 1 RM
· Reps- 4-5 Total Reps, intermitted, 1, pause, 1, pause, 1, pause, reduce weight 10%, 1 Rep
· Sets- 3-5
· Rest Intervals- 3-5 Minutes
· Target Goal- 4-5 Repetitions with a 1-3 RM

The second progression is called the drop set cluster. This is a blend of the classic cluster method and the Mentzer cluster method. Most trainees know what a drop set is, a descending scheme of dropping weight after performing some repetitions. The drop set cluster still uses high intensity (90-100%) and drops the weight 5-10 lbs per drop on single repetitions. Again 5 reps are the target goal. An example being…

A Short Synopsis Of Cybercrime
To many involved in criminal dense, cyber crime is the bane of the 21st Century. It accounts for millions in ill-gotten earnings each year. Vast criminal networks spanning the global are now actively involved in cyber crimes of one sort or another. The potential for future earnings is almost unlimited and the relatively safety that the Internet provider cyber criminals means that it is extremely hard to catch. Victims mount up. However, things were not always this way.In the early days of cyber crime the world of cyber crime was seen as a rather harmless prank by computer geeks showing off how much they knew about the working of computer networks. It was tantamount to a dare, you say it cannot be done and we will show you how it can. Relatively little harm was intended and criminal defense lawyers did not have their work cut-out showing this. Indeed, few if any specific criminal laws were on the statutes that regulated cyber crimes in the early days and most of the criminal defenses were bog-standard.As times changed, so did the nature of the cyber crime. More technological advances and cheaper access to hardware and software meant that the Internet became a domain anyone could access. More sinister fraud came to the attention of the authorities. Child related crimes, such as child pornography, became known widely. With the escalation of the criminal element of the cyber crime, new laws were needed and specialist criminal defense lawyers were required.However, even only as recently as the last five years cyber crime was still controllable. Cyber crime was not a major revenue earner for criminal gangs in the late 20th Century. It has only been since the millennium that things have changed.Nonetheless, without globally implement criminal sanctions in place against the actions of cyber criminals, the ultimate crimin

nd Mike Mahler to name a few. Olympic weightlifters must drop the weight to the ground after each repetition; this is followed by a short pause, and another repetition. Most Olympic weightlifters outside of the super-heavy weight division sport tremendously muscular, athletic physiques to go along with their incredible strength!

Level 1

Level 2

It goes without saying that a foundation of cluster training should have been built in the previous level prior to taking on the more advanced methods here!

W D Gann – Made $50 Million Dollars - What Was The Secret Of His Success?
W D Gann is one of the most famous traders of all time.If you have never looked at his trading methods then this article is for you.Gann's innovative approach to trading is outlined in this article and we will give you an insight into how his trading methods can help you become a more profitable trader.W D Gann was a technical trader and employed a team of draughtsmen to draw charts of stocks on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as numerous commodities.He then studied these charts and his view was:"What happened in the past will happen again"Gann then looked at the patterns in these chart for trading opportunities.Gann believed that markets were cyclical by nature and what had happened in the past would happen again.The reason for this was, human nature and all areas of trading were subject to a recurring law, which repeated itself over time.Trading PhilosophyGann was a prolific writer and presented his thoughts and trading techniques in numerous books and courses.Some of his ideas were empirical studies, while many were mystical in nature. Gann’s view was that certain laws governed not only the markets, but nature as well, and were universal in scope.Price and TimeGann’s most important contribution to the investing world was probably his concept of time and price and the interaction between the two.Gann believed that crucial price movements occurred when price and time converged. These convergences usually indicated an important trend change was imminent and traders could trade for profit at these points.If price and time were not in synch however, or did not converge, then time was always more important than price.Time, was considered by Gann to be the ultimate timing indicator and he believed, all of nature was governed by time.To quote Gann:"Just remember one thing, whatever has happened in

s are performed. The goal of the set is to get 10 repetitions total. Generally an athlete will need two to three pauses to accomplish this. The athlete rests 3-5 minutes and repeats 3-5 times. This is an excellent introductory method to cluster training! Here is a summary…

Level 2

It goes without saying that a foundation of cluster training should have been built in the previous level prior to taking on the more advanced methods here!

Choosing a Life Partner - How Far Does Physical Beauty Matters?
Choosing a boyfriend or a girlfriend depends upon one's choice. A serious relationship requires some level of commitment. What will happen if you start feeling that your partner is not very beautiful or good looking? Is it really necessary for your partner to be good looking?Many married couples around the world feel that your physical beauty may get you a good looking partner. You may also feel happier in your relationship as your partner would love you more because of your physical attraction. The truth is somewhat different.Many people believe that the physical beauty is the only motivating factor or driving force to produce infatuation. To maintain a relation, however, one needs to have only two things in him or her:• Understanding• AdjustmentPeople believe that understanding is the most important factor, while adjustment is a secondary trait. Relationship with your partner can go smoothly up to a certain level without adjustment. If a couple does not have understanding, the relation does not go very far.For choosing someone as your life partner, you must analyze the person’s nature, sense of responsibility, intelligence, ability to deal with people and loving behavior.In love marriages, people fall in love and do not notice if his or her partner possesses the above mentioned qualities or not. This leads to a broken relationship and frequent fights. The same thing happens with the relationships that do not have understanding.The success of a relationship depends on understanding and love between the partners. Physical beauty is not very important as it is bound to vanish some day.

over barbell rows, 1 rep on the bench press, 1 rep of the row, 1 rep bench press, 1 rep of the row, 1 rep on the bench, 1 rep on the row, and a final 1 rep on the bench, and 1 final rep of the row and a 3-5 minute rest. Usually 3-5 sets are employed. Here is a summary…

Level 2

It goes without saying that a foundation of cluster training should have been built in the previous level prior to taking on the more advanced methods here!

The Office of the Future with Ergonomics in Mind - Part 2
In Part 2 we will discuss phones, monitors, desks and filing systems for our office of the future. So let's get started!Phones and Phone SystemsDoes your phone often find a resting place between your head and your shoulders called the neck. If so, you may discover that using a headset is much more comfortable and productive.You will not have that familiar neck ouch and will have both of your hands free while you are on hold, taking notes from your call or completing another task. This means that you will be more efficient.Employees will be using many more wireless blue tooth headsets and will be able to walk all over the building and keep in touch like they are sitting at their desk. This will enhance their productivity and increase their multi- tasking.Good and not so good because multi-tasking is a breeding ground for stress which can lead to repetitive stress injuries. In addition it is possible that the employee will not be paying attention to where they are going.MonitorsEveryone will have a flat panel monitor. They may even be standard when ordering new computer systems. They create openness on the desk that is more visually appealing and relaxing. There may actually be some extra room for family pictures!I see larger screens directly in front of computer user so that they can have "face to face" phone meeting with those at other sites anywhere in the world. People must have the flexibility to "accept" the visual phone call so that their privacy is not invaded. Also, the monitor must be placed at a comfortable distance so as not to affect their eyes.These large monitor screens will allow you to see who you are talking too but too large to work with comfortably. It is important for the head and neck to be in a natural posture when looking at the screen instead of moving back and forth, which can create pain.Desk Furniture and Filing Systems

The athlete would take their 3-4 repetitions maximum and performs 1 rep with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, racks the bar, 7-12 seconds pause, 1 rep with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, 7-12 second pause in the rack, 1 rep with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, 7-12 seconds pause, 1 rep with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, 7-12 seconds pause, and a final 1 rep with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, and a 3-5 minute rest. Usually 3-5 sets are employed. Here is a summary…

Classic Cluster Method
· Load- 85-92% of 1 RM
· Reps- 5 Total Reps, intermitted, 1 with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, pause, 1 with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, pause, 1 with the training partner applying pressure to the bar in the lowering portion, pause, etc.
· Sets- 3-5
· Rest Intervals- 3-5 Minutes
· Target Goal- 5 Repetitions with a 3-4 RM

Advantages for the Athlete

In his Modern Trends in Strength Training (2001) text Charles Poliquin points out the advantages of using cluster training for athletes, this is what he wrote…

· A higher total number of repetitions with a higher mean intensity in the same amount of time as classic strength or neural based training
· Increased total training time under tension for the high-threshold fast-twitch fibers; a prerequisite for reaching hypertrophy of these selected fibers. This may seem contradictory to the concept of relative strength, but hypertrophy can be beneficial if it is done in the right motor units.
· Higher force/lower velocities repetitions-a prerequisite for inducing maximal strength gains.

Putting it together

Cluster training is without a doubt a growth and strength stimulus. But how do you incorporate it into a plan? Clusters should not be used for more than 3-4 weeks, or else the method will become stale and your body will have adapted to the method anyway. So the method must be integrated into a yearly plan or at least a periodized cycle.

If an athlete or coach utilizes a conjugate method approach, cluster training would fall into the plan as a Maximal Effort Method, due to its use of high loads. So one would essentially use it like this…

Max Effort Day

ME- Classic Cluster Method

Assistance work done using classic hypertrophy methods (2-4 x 8-12)

If the athlete or coach decides to utilize linear periodization, cluster training would fall within the Strength Phase bracket and each movement would be given the cluster training method.

Strength Phase

Day 1- Horizontal Push/Pull
Bench Press- Classic Cluster Method
Bent Over Barbell Row- Classic Cluster Method

If the athlete or coach is utilizing undulating periodization (i.e. rotating between various strength methods by weeks with a training cycle) cluster training could be used for maximal strength work.

Strength Weeks Week 1 and 5
Day 1- Horizontal Push/Pull
Day 2- Hips Dominant/Quad Dominant
Day 3- Vertical Push/Pull
1 Exercise per Movement Group-

Classic Cluster Method

Cluster training is very versatile, and athletes can benefit from this method by increasing both strength and size. However, like any other training tool, this one should only be used in moderation due to the intense fatiguing effect it has on the Central Nervous System. Also this method requires competent spotters, a luxury some do not have.

Cluster training done properly can help to jump start new growth or new strength adaptations in athletes. It can also increase all ready existing levels of size and strength. Any athlete (with the proper foundation) can benefit from this style of training! Good luck implementing this method in your and your athlete’s training!

Sources & Further Study
1. Poliquin, Charles Modern Trends in Strength Training (Self Published) 2001.

2. Thibaudeau, Christian (2005) Cluster Training [DVD].

HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.casualarticles.com/article/237544/casualarticles-Cluster-Training-The-Athletes-Size-and-Strength-Edge.html">Cluster Training: The Athlete's Size and Strength Edge</a>

BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.casualarticles.com/article/237544/casualarticles-Cluster-Training-The-Athletes-Size-and-Strength-Edge.html]Cluster Training: The Athlete's Size and Strength Edge[/url]

Franchising is the best thing way that you can start off a business. This is especially true for people who do not have the know how yet about business but would already want to have their own.

Take a note from the movie industry on the value of building a franchise. Franchises usually do a good job about building cross-selling opportunities into everything they do. Two recent franchise movies have taught me that some in Hollywood are very talented in this regard.

If you have a low credit score and find yourself in huge debt situation then your best option is debt consolidation for people with bad credit. People with a bad credit history find it difficult to get any type of loan as creditors refuse them after checking their credit data. Why would anyone lend cash to someone who has a history of not paying it back by the due date?

Tags

Links

Casual Articles - Cluster Training: The Athlete's Size and Strength Edge

Related Articles: