Why a Soccer Field Is Called a Pitch

By Darcey Deeds

As I started my research for this article I had no idea what I was going to find. I do not watch soccer and did not know that the field was called a pitch. When I heard about the odd name of a soccer field I got very interested in finding the answer to the question why a soccer field is called a pitch.

What I found out is that there is not a lot of information available about this subject. I also found that there are two different answers to the question. The first one that I will talk about is vastly more popular than the second. Even though there is wide gap between these two schools of thought I thought to present them both and let you decide which sounds more feasible.

The first explanation for why a soccer field is called a pitch comes from the beginnings of both soccer and cricket. This is possibly why this is the most popular answer for the question we are asking. Most people believe that a soccer field is called a pitch because it refers to the fact that the goals had to be pounded, or pitched, into the ground. This is similar to using the word in the context of "pitching a tent." The fact that a cricket field is called a pitch as well goes a long way to imagining that this could be the actual way a soccer field started being called a pitch. Also, from what I could find, all playing fields in England are called a pitch.

As I said the second explanation for why a soccer field is called a pitch is far less popular than the first one. Being a writer this answer appeals to me, and actually feels like this could be the real reason a soccer field is called a pitch. This explanation comes from the Oxford English Dictionary. In the Oxford dictionary the definition of a pitch "is an area of ground marked out or used for play in an outdoor game." This can also be a good explanation for the reason that all playing fields in England are called a pitch. In England a "field" is defined as an open space that is used for agricultural. In the US we call all large expanses of land a field, whether they are used for games or farming. In the UK they differentiate between the two by calling a farm field a "field" and a playing field a "pitch."

What this means, is that this is just a difference in Americanized English and what the English call the Queens' English. There are many examples of these differences in our languages. For instance we call fuel for our cars "gas" and they call the same fuel "petrol." We use the word garbage, they call it rubbish. You could go on and on with examples of the different words that are used in each country. These are the two different reasons I could find as to why a soccer field is called a pitch. I presented both of the explanations so that each reader of this article can make up their own mind which one they believe is the correct reason.

Darcey Deeds is a freelance writer out of Austin, Texas. She currently has teamed up with Avila Soccer which is the leader in indoor soccer Austin for both kids and adults.

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Why Soccer Is A Great Sport

By Darcey Deeds

Soccer, or football as it is called in most countries, is arguably the most popular sport worldwide. The sport has its origin in England. It is a team sport played both at the national and club level and it usually provides a great spectacle for its fanatic followers.

In general, the game of soccer attracts huge audiences both at home through live broadcasts on television or at the stadium. More often than not, a few goals will be scored during a soccer match. Goals scored during a soccer match provide one of the most jubilant scenes one would ever experience amongst a set of players and fans in any team sport. Ironically, goals are also the source of so much pain and despair amongst the conceding team and their set of fans.

Apart from goal scoring, there are a number of aspects of the sport that would appeal to the fans. There are skillful players on show who help to create goal scoring chances for their teams and make the game more interesting, there are also individual and team awards for the outstanding performers. Nonetheless, supporters still rate their most captivating matches according to whether their team won or lost.

In current times, soccer tournaments such as the World Cup, European Cup, African Nations Cup and the European Champions League, have become some of the most followed sporting events in the world. The FIFA World Cup in particular, is a global showcase that brings together the best national soccer teams around the world. The first FIFA world cup was played in 1930 with only 13 teams participating in the competition - it has since grown in stature as 32 national teams now participate.

The FIFA world cup has a rich history that soccer fans can relate to. The most memorable World Cups are those which had some captivating matches with great teams and players involved. Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Italy, Germany, England and Spain, have all been involved in some of the unforgettable matches, each one of them having at least a FIFA World Cup title to their name.

One of the main advantages of soccer is that it unites countries and continents especially at the World Cup level. For instance, Spain's victory during the 2010 World Cup brought together a divided nation in celebration of the victory. Similarly, African fans closely followed and cheered the continents' participants in the tournament in unison, with Ghana being the most impressive having reached the quarter finals.

At the club level, rivalries are what appeal most to the fans. Club teams constantly try to out do each other by recruiting the best players to compete in the domestic leagues and continental championships. In tournaments such as the European Champions League great rivalries exist between the leading teams such as Manchester United and Barcelona. These teams also participate in domestic cups such as the FA Cup (England) or the Kings Cup (Spain). The beauty of such domestic cups is that the smaller teams get to match up with the more established teams in knock-out games. Over the years, upsets have been common in such match-ups.

From the above manifestations, it is therefore very easy to say that soccer is a great sport. Although some people fail to embrace its grandeur, many people around the world swear by it. No one has ever put it better than the great Pele who termed soccer as "the beautiful game."

Darcey Deeds is a freelance writer out of Austin, Texas. She currently has teamed up with Avila Soccer which is the leader in Austin soccer camps for both kids and adults.

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Five Best Exercises to Improve Your Leg Strength in Soccer

By Darcey Deeds

Playing soccer involves the use of the legs 95% of the time. It is a game that is almost hands-free for the players except for the goalie whose role is to catch the ball from entering the goal. With the legs being used for dribbling, kicking and maneuvering the ball all the time, it's exceedingly necessary that players develop strong legs to last longer in this game. The following are five of the best exercises to improve leg strength in soccer.

1. Squatting - One of the best exercises to work out the muscles on your legs is to perform a series of squats. Squatting primarily targets the muscles in your thighs, hips, buttocks, quadriceps and hamstrings. It is a vital exercise to perform if you wish to improve the strength and size of your lower leg muscles. You can perform your squat exercises without weights, or for better results, do it with a dumbbell or a bar. When doing your squats with weights, it is important to maintain a correct stance, or else, you may end up injuring your lower back or knees.

2. Leg Press - Doing leg presses is also another great exercise to help you improve the muscles on your lower legs. This exercise routine specifically targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus and partially the calves. The excellent thing about doing leg presses is that the person pushes the weight away not in a vertical manner and this helps to ease the stress off the lumbar muscles. You can perform either a seated leg press or a 45-degree inclined leg press.

3. Running - Playing soccer requires significant energy and stamina to run back and forth in the field. To maintain strong soccer legs, the players must incorporate frequent running or light jogging in their exercise routines. Once or twice a week, soccer players should perform jogging, sprints and running up and down the hills or steps in order to add strength and speed into their legs.

4. Bounding - is a form of plyometric exercise that is done in combination with running. This routine involves taking over-sized steps and being suspended in the air for an extended period of time before landing. Bounding is an exaggerated motion with emphasis on push off and landing to help condition the legs. Be careful when performing your bounds as it is rather a high-impact exercise.

5. Jumping - Doing jumps is another excellent exercise to strengthen the lower legs. Players can do box jumps wherein they jump up from the floor to the top of the box and then back on the ground, or perhaps, they can do lateral jumps over a cone or a box. Jumping exercises is one of the quickest ways a player can increase leg power.

Darcey Deeds is a freelance writer out of Austin, Texas. She currently has teamed up with Avila Soccer which is the leader in soccer in Austin.

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Five Tips to Prevent Soccer Injuries

By Darcey Deeds

Soccer injuries do happen. This sport is a highly physical one that getting injured can sometimes be plainly unavoidable. Nonetheless, this unpleasant consequence is not just confined to the soccer sport. Everyone recognizes that there is always some form of risk for injury no matter what sport you participate in. The best thing a soccer player can do is to avoid these injuries from happening, or perhaps, lessen its number. The following are five tips to prevent soccer injuries.

1. Get in shape. Don't just participate in any game out of a whim. Soccer is physically demanding sport and your body needs to be in good overall shape in order to meet its demands. If you are not prepared physically, injuries will likely happen. It is essential that you delve into aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises before the start of the soccer season. Preparing your body right before each game is also important. You should take time to do warm up and stretches because cold muscles are prone to injury. After your training, don't forget to cool down and stretch to reduce muscle soreness.

2. Use appropriate equipment. Soccer players must always wear appropriate protective gear and equipment. Shin guards should be worn to provide protection to your lower legs. It is really important to wear shoes that fit properly. Ill-fitting footwear can contribute to injuries related to the ankle and knee. You should also choose the right shoes that match the surface you are playing on. When playing on wet soccer field with high grass, use shoes with screw-in cleats to provide more traction for you. Molded cleats may be used on natural or synthetic grass field with short to medium grass.

3. Make sure that the playing surface is safe. Avoid playing on soccer fields where you can obviously see holes on the surface. Check out the area for debris and other things which might cause you to trip. Soccer goals should be padded to avoid severe head injuries when you collide to the post. Never hang or crawl under the goal as many injuries and deaths happened because it tipped over.

4. Pay attention to the weather. If it is hot outside, take frequent water breaks. If it is cold, wear thicker clothing, gloves and hats. If there are thunderstorms, get inside the building and cease your soccer game or practice.

5. Take regular breaks from soccer. Lots of soccer players think that training year-round and focusing on soccer will help them excel in this sport. Although you may become a proficient player doing this routine, your body, however, runs the risk of serious overuse injury. Give your body a rest and try playing other sports that requires a different skill development. Limit also the number of teams you are playing with during one soccer season so you don't suffer the pain of overuse injury.

Darcey Deeds is a freelance writer out of Austin, Texas. She currently has teamed up with Avila Soccer which is the leader in Lonestar soccer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darcey_Deeds

Badminton Is More Than Just a Fabulous Weight Loss Exercise

By William D Barkley

Playing badminton can be a fantastic weight loss exercise. You can find a badminton court in a public parks, as well as indoor community centers. Use a special racquet to hit the ball, known as a birdie, over a volleyball net. Otherwise, you can simply thump it back and forth with a friend or two. Fortunately, badminton has several health benefits for your entire body.

To begin, anyone can play badminton for an easy workout routine. Regardless of your age or sex, numerous calories can be burned with the light workout. Little children can start playing against their grandparents, while Mom and Dad go head-to-head with one another.

Playing badminton, you get to run up and down your court. You jump up high and bend down low to hit the birdie. Your body has to be quick and flexible, with good hand-eye coordination. Besides burning calories, the consecutive movements give your legs and buttocks a good workout. At the same time, swinging your racquet exercises your arms, shoulders, stomach and back. Before you know it, your hope body will benefit from better coordination and core stability. Your entire body can grow more firm and attractive.

Playing badminton can actually reduce your high blood pressure, lowering your chances of heart disease. Your body can defend itself against nasty hypertension without prescription medications. Playing the game, you can strengthen your heart, while keeping your blood vessels clear. Whether you are suffering from high blood pressure, or simply trying to prevent it, badminton is a great exercise.

Some people enjoy the social life that the sport can bring. Gyms often host leagues, tournaments, charities and parties for you to spend quality time with friends, as well as meet other men and women with similar interests. So don't sit on the couch alone and watch a television program about losing belly fat. Get out there and socialize in an organized badminton league.

Enjoying badminton can also do wonders for balancing out your cholesterol levels. The game can actually help you lower your amount of bad cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), while increasing the good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In other words, your body will be better defended against enlarged arteries that can cause lethal heart attacks.

If you are suffering from osteoporosis, you can also benefit from badminton. The sport can actually assist your body's cells in forming strong bones. Calcium can be better absorbed, and both breaks and fractures can be prevented. As a direct result, your bones can grow much more durable from playing the game.

Of course, the most favored benefit of playing badminton is always quick weight loss. Hundreds of unwanted calories can be burned with all of the physical movements involved with the sport. Just don't eat more than you can burn off in order to get skinny. You can work up quite a nice sweat too. This is why it is always important to keep yourself fully hydrated with plenty of drinking water around your badminton court. You can keep score and place fun little bets with your spouse, if not your buddies. Whether you are on the sand at the local beach, or inside an air conditioned gym, playing badminton can be a marvelous weight loss exercise.

Since I reached my forties, my metabolism has slowed down. In other words, I got fat. It was embarrassing. So I decided to ask my family doctor how to lose weight fast? He suggested powerful HCG Injections to quickly lose belly fat. He also suggested participating in a fun weight loss exercise, such as badminton. That certainly sounds easy enough. Thanks Doc!

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What Do You Think About When Choosing A New Badminton Racquet?

By P Stewart

Almost every day I receive emails from badminton players around the world telling me about their style of play on a badminton court. They then ask me which is the best racquet for their particular style of play.

If you've spent time reading my blog or forum you'll probably already know the answer I would give. However, for the reader that hasn't been around this blog, here is the answer I always give...
"Your style, technique, badminton experience, physique and muscular structure are different to mine and anyone else for that matter. Therefore, how you feel about a badminton racquet will also be different to me and every other player. This means nobody can accurately advise you which racquet to use."

I honestly believe that the only person who can decide whether a racquet is right for you...is you. However, this means you have to take your time and go through the experience of testing different racquets.
And, this is where the big issue is. Most players do not have access to a wide range of badminton racquets. There are very few retailers who have demo racquets for players to test on court which means it's almost impossible to get your choice right at a first attempt.

Experience Counts?
As your badminton experience grows, you develop a feel or instinct for what you like in a racquet and also what you dislike. This experience, whilst invaluable, can occasionally be to the detriment of your game. Let me give you an example...

A few years ago I selected Armortec 900 Power as my racquet of choice. I really loved the racquet and it seemed to cover many aspects of my game. Not being a naturally powerful player, I needed the additional weight in the head of the racquet to help me hit hard.

One day I was running a demo session with a player and for some reason really struggled defensively which made me question my decision on AT900P. For the next season, I switched racquets to Nanospeed 9900 which was head light. Immediately my defence was "back to normal" and for a time I was still hitting hard.

During the season I noticed that my smash was being returned more often which puzzled me. What had changed? It took a while to figure out that my body had adjusted to the lighter headed racquet. Initially, switching from a head heavy to head light racquet meant my muscles were used to working harder to play an overhead shot. When I switched, the muscles worked just as hard, which initially got me a better result. Over time, the muscles eased off for some reason, which eventually left me with a worse result.

So, I picked up my old AT900P and tried it again. At first it felt slow however when I began to smash there was an immediate improvement. It then dawned on me what had been happening and that I had been asking the wrong questions.

The lesson here is that despite my experience I made an error due to drawing conclusions without asking the right questions. I now know what questions to ask before choosing a racquet - do you?

Ask The Right Questions
The first question you should really be asking is...

1) Do I really need a new racquet?

You see, many players create beliefs in order to justify to themselves that they need a new racquet. Most of the time the facts are simple - you don't need one. However, the marketing from the racquet companies lure us into believing that playing with "that" racquet will almost magically make you a better player. That simply isn't true.
If you really want to see significant improvement in your game, then invest in a coaching course or a coach. A good coach can do more to help you improve your game than any new racquet can.

Of course, if your racquet has a crack, or is looking very worn then it's probably the right time to change it. Let's also remember that a good re-string can also transform the performance in a racquet, so test string tension and type of string too.

OK, we've covered the first point. What's the next question?

2) What are the characteristics of my current racquet that I really like/dislike?

You need to be aware why you like your existing racquet because ultimately it is the guide, your starting point to knowing where to begin choosing a replacement. If you like a medium flex shaft then perhaps this is the most important characteristic you need in a new racquet. By all means test a racquet with flexible or stiff shaft to validate your knowledge, just in case you find your tastes have changed. Do the same with head weight, actual weight of the racquet and grip size although I appreciate some countries have limited offerings in some of these characteristics compared to others.

3) What aspects of my game do I want to enhance with this new racquet?

This question makes you look at your current game first to decide which are the most important features you'd like to improve. Would a change in racquet really help? The answer can be positive depending on which features are on your personal list.

4) What aspects of my game am I prepared to allow a dip in performance until I can fix them?

This is just as important as question 3. Let's give you a quick example here. You've decided that you want more power in your overhead and therefore are now seeking a head heavy racquet. This will result in a reduction in your immediate capability in defence and around the net area as the racquet head will move slower than your current model. However, this can be improved simply by doing my armchair exercises.
5) What am I prepared to pay?

Obvious question, I know. We all play on a budget so you then need to weigh up whether you are looking at the more expensive racquets and maybe buying one racquet, or do you compromise a little and look at the mid-price to budget racquets where you could possibly buy two or more of the same racquet (when you know it's the racquet for you) and therefore have a spare for those times when you break a string, or worse case, break the frame in a collision.

Summary
I've covered a number of points here. Remember, nobody can accurately tell you a particular badminton racquet will suit you best. By all means listen to other players, but remember, they are not you and therefore have completely different references for what makes a good racquet. Ask them if they don't mind you trying their racquet then at least you have the knowledge of either keeping it on your like list or you can immediately discard it as something completely alien and not worth investing in.

Use the questions I have given you and hopefully you will make a more informed decision. Keep your ego out of the way. In other words, don't buy the next great thing that is released from a manufacturer because your favourite player is using it. What suits them is unlikely to suit you and it certainly won't make you play like them! If you do buy one of these racquets and then you don't like it, think how you look in front of your badminton friends? I'm sure some will be thinking you have more money than sense!

Finally, do consider that you can get a far better return on investing in a coach or coaching. Resolving poor technique problems and helping you learn more skills will ensure you have these skills for life. Your badminton racquet will rarely last as long as that.

Paul Stewart is an Advanced Badminton Coach based in Cheshire, UK but also coaches in Lancashire, UK.
He was Head Coach for Greater Manchester Junior Badminton Association between 1995-1999 regularly running 2 squads at weekends. The highlight of coaching these squads was attaining a medal for third place at the 1999 ICT tournament. The ICT is considered the pinnacle of the county junior calendar and is the most highly sought after for team places.

He has a weekly coaching session for league badminton players and is also coaching county juniors as one of the assistant coaches in the Middlewich cell of Cheshire County Juniors.

Further badminton coaching & training articles and videos can be found on his badminton blog http://badminton-coach.co.uk

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Badminton Rules: Getting the Perfect Serve

By Alisha Smith

When it comes to racket based games everyone knows that one of the most crucial offenses is a good defense. That's why when you are truly trying to win a game- you have to make sure that you do the best when it comes your turn to serve.

A solid serve can help to ensure that you don't have to end up defending yourself when it comes time to truly play the game. One of the tricks to a good serve is to make sure that you are completely aware of the service rules and can adhere to them. Service errors are costly and in a game like badminton where anything can happen, you want to make sure you are leading during your service and not defending. Here are some of the crucial service rules that you will have to follow in badminton.

1. Don't delay - The service form in badminton consists of a position where you raise your back foot. The moment your back foot is raised you cannot go back and forth but have to serve immediately. Failure to do so will result in the point being awarded to the other side
2. Positioning - Service in both badminton and tennis involves both players being on the opposite diagonal side of the court. If you serve right in front of your opponent, the point will again be given to your opponent. Positioning is also important in doubles badminton. In the case of doubles badminton you cannot block the view of your opponent to the server. In addition, both feet must be touching the court
3. Racket rules - In badminton it is required that the racket hit the bottom or base of the shuttle cock. It is also important to note that the racket shaft only be pointing downward. This means that the head of the racket must be pointing upward. It is also important to remember that during a service the racket only starts from the back and continues forward. You cannot move the racket back and forth once it starts to move forward.
4. Shuttle cock rules - During service the shuttle cock must always be below the waist of the person serving. In addition, during service, the shuttle cock should never be hit in a downwards motion but always in an upward one to end up on the other side of the court. Missing the shuttlecock during service is considered a point for the other side and a service error for the server
5. Etiquette - The server shall not make an attempt to serve if the opponent isn't ready. However, should the opponent try to hit the serve, it will be considered a good service.

Service rules are created to ensure that there is always an element of defending your side during the badminton game. Ensuring that you have a solid serve means that just about half the battle of the game is in your favor. Of course, this is also dependent on how good your opponent's service is and how good their return is.

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Treadmills - How This Fitness Equipment Helps You to Live Healthy?

By Sarabjeet Patel

Nowadays, several fitness centers are opening in the marketplace that shows the consciousness about the healthiness. Selecting the appropriate fitness equipment is the first step you should take if you are planning for better health and strength. When it comes to choosing perfect equipment for the fitness, treadmills keep on being most popular and very helpful. Treadmills are indoor fitness equipment that gives you the ability to exercise whenever you like.

1. It is low-impact fitness equipment that allows you to walk, run or jog in position by providing a moving running belt above a deck.
2. They are easy to use and naturally instinctive and burn calories efficiently offering wide range of options like walking, jogging or climbing etc.
3. Treadmill is the great method to exercise whether you are a trainee or an experienced exerciser. As compared to other fitness equipment, it is high calorie burn equipment. Buying a treadmill can be very puzzling because there are varieties of brands and types of treadmills available in the market.
4. It is worth buying this equipment because you will feel healthier and more active than before.
5. Treadmills are low weight and simple to use, but always remember you cannot lose weight by just looking at it; you have to use the equipment regularly to get desired results. To attain the weight loss goals, you need to perform regular workout such as treadmill walking or jogging.

Different types of treadmills
The types of treadmills are really huge because they are used for the number of reasons, ensuring that customer will be able to find exactly what they want from treadmill. Home based treadmills contain a superb feature of being able to fold up and save a great amount of space. Lets take a look at high quality and expensive commercial treadmills. They are the one which you normally see in the health and fitness centre. It provides a great sense of happiness when you are using it, which records different type of information like how far you have walked in miles, how many calories you have burned etc. The two real types of treadmills are motorized and non-motorized. A motorized treadmill is stimulated by motor as the user can keep up the present distance or speed they want to run, walk, and jog. While non-motorized are powered by user and can decide the speed on which you want to run it.

You must be aware of the points that need to be kept in mind while buying the perfect fitness equipment. Always choose proper fitness equipment that fulfills your needed results.

Get range of high quality and durable fitness equipment at the best possible prices.

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Best Treadmills For Home

By Carl Gallant

Some of us do not have the time as well as finances to attend a gym and few are lucky enough to be able to jog along a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach or a pine scented, lush forest path. The best alternative really is a treadmill. So what do you look for in a good treadmill and what are the best treadmills for home?
In terms of affordability, it depends on how much you are willing to spend because treadmills are even cost effectively designed to suit a budget.

The motor, it works hard so the horsepower matters so look at the continuous duty ratings which should be over 1.5 to about 2.5 HP. Go for the treadmill that offers at least one year warranty on the motor and remember that the direct current (DC) motors are a lot quieter.

The belt motion should be smooth not jerky and you should be test your treadmill in full workout gear to assess durability. The hand rails should not bother your hand motions as you run and must be sturdy as well as positioned well to grip if need be.

Look for features to add flavour to your workout such as pre-set modes and programmes with challenging paces as well as inclines. A book rack is a plus, pulse rate monitors are a bonus, and if it has a water bottle holder even better. USB plug-ins for mp3 player or internet usage is nice extras too. Variety is the spice of life after all.

Check the size especially when it is folded so the treadmill storage can work for you but more importantly it can work for your living space. It is nice to press a button and have it fold automatically though there are options that you lift to fold yourself. It is no big deal for some but you look into that feature as well.

The noise levels of the treadmill needs to be taken into consideration if you plan to exercise in the early hours of the morning while your partner sleeps its best to choose something that would not wake them in a state of agitated panic thinking alien abduction scenarios or if you plan to watch television then hearing what is been said is a plus.
Finding the best treadmills for home does not have to be a hard work or an unnecessary adventure; all you need to do is find reputable on-line sites and trusted vendors.

For a full review on one of the top rated treadmills visit: Horizon Fitness 101 Treadmill

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Bodylastics Exercise Bands Review

By Dave LaShier

I use resistance bands for numerous exercises because they provide the most comfort and "ease of use" when factoring in my back problems performing various exercises. I have had the pleasure of using Bodylastics resistance bands and found the quality to be far superior over other resistance bands on the market today.
I think you'll find that this exercise band training system can easily take the place of any work out you can do in a commercial gym. What I like most about resistance band training is that I can exercise all muscle groups without the fear of re-injuring my spine.

The great thing about the Bodylastics system is the safety it brings to the user because the resistance bands give you enough resistance in doing basic exercises without any worry of being crushed by enormous weights; or having to use a spotter as one would need with free-weights.

This new freedom from free weights, or even from going to a commercial gym, gives you the confidence to do your best within the comfort of your own home. Another positive benefit of this product is its portability. You can use this system anywhere, just as long as you can attach bands to a sturdy door or anchored chair.
No need to think about buying any barbells or home gym that occupies too much space. The material used in making these bands is a very strong type of nylon that can last a very long time and get you through many workouts.

One negative about this product is the limited scope of resistance it gives compared in using free weights - especially weight machines. This resistance bands are not for power lifters or bodybuilding enthusiasts because the weights that are used for resistance can only accommodate training the muscles for limited functional strength.
But hey, I have seen many people get physically fit and very muscular using only exercise bands!
I would definitely recommend the Bodylastics resistance bands to those people who want to build some muscle density and definition while doing it from the comfort of their home. This product is a must if you want to save money from paying gym fees or want to have a cheaper alternative to the very expensive home gyms offered at the local sporting stores.

And... as I am someone with a very bad back, I find using resistance bands an easy alternative to free weights and uncomfortable gym machines when my back is not 100% up to par, but I am up for a workout.

Dave LaShier writes about how to overcome a bad back and get back into shape on his website Get-Fit-Today.Info. Have a bad back? Want to get back into shape? Visit our website today!

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Muscles And Movement

By Rose Gul

Almost half of the body's weight is muscle. It is a body part specialized to get shorter, or contract, when it receives nerve signals from the brain. Most muscles are long and strap-shaped. They taper at each end into ropelike tendons which attach firmly to bones. When it contracts, it pulls the bone and moves that part of the body. This sounds simple, but the process of moving is incredibly complicated.

There are more than 640 muscles, and they hardly ever work alone. They usually work in teams to pull, tilt, and twist several bones at once. Also, as one part moves, such as when you hold your arm out sideways, muscles in the other parts need to work too. Your back and front muscles tense to take the strain, and your leg muscles shift weight to keep you balanced. The result is a smooth, coordinated movement, without your falling over!

A typical muscle is made of bundles of muscle fibers, or myofibrils. Each fiber is a bundle of even thinner parts, muscle fibrils or myofibrils. And in turn again, each fibril contains bundles of long thin stringy substances known as actin and myosin. When a muscle contracts, the actins slide past the myosin's, like rows of people pulling ropes. As million of actins and myosins do this, the whole muscle gets shorter.

About 60 muscles in the face, head, and neck produce our huge range of facial expressions. Some of these them are joined, not to ones, but to other ones. For example, the frontalis muscles in your forehead can raise your eyebrows in a questioning way. Smiling is easier than frowning. A grin requires 20 muscles, while a grimace uses more than 40.

A muscle can get shorter and pull. But it cannot make a pushing force, so most of them are arranged in opposing teams, one team pulls the body part one way. Then the other team pulls it back again. As each team pulls, the other relaxes and gets stretched. For example, muscles in the rear of the thigh pull the leg back at the hip and knee. Then opposing muscles in the front of the thigh quickly swing the leg forward and straightened the knee; KICK!

Many muscles, especially those in the arms and legs, are long and slim. As they contract, they bulge in the middle, at the part called the belly. But there are many other muscle shapes. The movements they produce depend on which other muscles are working at the same time, to tense or stabilize other parts of the body.

The information gathered in order to write this article is from my notes written by me in the first year of my college and now after some alteration in that information, i came up with this piece of writing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Gul

Automotive Matters - Gearing Towards the Right Vehicle

By Prince Mondal

So you have saved enough money to buy yourself a car but now you need to tread carefully since you do not want to use your hard earned money on something that is not worth it. Time is money therefore it is important that you get something that will stand the test of time thus the following factors when considered will help you in your quest for the right car.

Ensure that you get a car that meets your requirements in terms of space and size for luggage and passengers. You have two options when buying yourself a vehicle that is you can purchase a brand new vehicle or get yourself a used one. The cars that are manufactured today are built to last so a used vehicle might not be that bad. It all depends on what is in your pocket. You should not buy a car then end up in debt.

Is it leasing or buying that works for you. Money is what matters here. With leasing you will be able to pay in installments without feeling the financial pressure. Leasing is recommended for those who cannot make a down payment or those who like changing their vehicles after a certain period.

Use the internet to do some good research. Try and see what type of vehicle you can get with the money that you have or calculate how much more you will need to add in order to purchase your dream vehicle.

There are some people who get a loan in order to buy a vehicle. Now before you sign any form get to check your credit worthiness because no one will be willing to give you a loan if they cannot be certain that you will be able to pay back. It is also wise if you check and compare the interest rates of different financial institutions before asking them for a loan. When you find the best interest rate go for it. Ensure you get the money before getting the vehicle.

Before settling down on one seller, try negotiating a sale with several sellers. Get to see who is offering you the best deal. For those who hate bargaining, you can seek the services of an auto buying firm. Simply supply them with all the details of the car that you want and the price that you want it for and they will not disappoint.

The point is that do not rush into buying a car because that could lead to you making a very costly mistake. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Consider simple things like mileage, what the car will be used for and the amount of fuel required.

At times it is also wise to consider the availability of spare parts. Take these factors into consideration and you can be sure that you will end up with something that will not be regrettable. A vehicle is also an asset so ensure you get yourself something that will be good investment for your money.

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The Powertrain Control Module and the Dodge Grand Caravan

By Denise Beresford

A primary feature of the Dodge Grand Caravan is its availability with "Stow 'n Go" seating, which for many families is an innovative and highly advantageous benefit. For other owners of this attractive vehicle, it could be the 3.6 liter V6 power going to the six speed automatic transmission to a front wheel drive, the standard traction and stability control and the antilock brakes. However, as with all types of computer-reliant equipment, a central processing unit is needed to perform a wide variety of functions.

The Dodge Grand Caravan PCM or Power Control Module is a form of electronic control used in the cars of today. It is a method of controlling one or more sources of vehicle electronics. It combines the processing of the Electronics Control Unit (ECU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) when related to automatic transmissions. It is essential to the power and processing of the required information, which is necessary to make your car perform efficiently.

The Power Generation
From the fuel, a car will generate its power, which is transmitted to the driveshaft by way of the transmission and the ECU and TCU units, incorporated in the Power Control Module. The power is received by the driveshaft from the PCM which enables the axles to be turned and therefore the wheels. Sensors located within the Dodge Grand Caravan PCM dispatch the electrical input and output in the form of signals to the Power Control Module. They are then defined by the unit, which converts them into necessary adjustments for the performance of the car. These include engine speed and control of the various components related to the car operational efficiency.

Relative to on-board diagnostics it was determined after the production models of 1996, that Dodge manufactured vehicles used standardized OBD-ll diagnostic codes. This entails the PCM being reached with the appropriate hardware. On the codes being retrieved owners of vehicles should refer to the coding definitions supplied, for those relating directly to the Dodge Grand Caravan PCM.

The PCM Brain in a car
The Dodge Grand Caravan PCM is an automotive component that has control over more than one hundred vehicle related factors in a car or tuck and could be regarded as the brain of the engine control system. Therefore, should there be an occasion when this critical component does not function correctly; other crucial component parts are affected. These include the engine and any other control factor subject to microprocessor control, such as the charging system and transmission.

The Dodge Grand Caravan PCM controls various emissions and communications as well as various other onboard control modules. Failure of this important unit is generally for a limited number of reasons. Either voltage overloading, which could be due to a short in a solenoid or actuating circuit, or environmental issues, for example; corrosion, a thermal stress factor or vibration? If the fault is not determined by a qualified professional and repaired, then it could create the need to replace the Powertrain Control Module.

Imperial Car Computer Exchange provides the entire range of computers for the Dodge Caravan marque.

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2013 Ford Explorer and Taurus Obtained the Highest Safety Ratings

By Marty Bay

The 2013 Ford Explorer and the 2013 Ford Taurus has earned the 5-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or popularly known as the "NHTSA" last August 23, 2012. Unfortunately, the 2013 Ford Escape and the 2013 Ford F-150 has failed to obtain the highest overall safety score. The latest version of the Escape and the F-150 has only earned the 4-star overall safety mark.

The ratings that were given to these Ford models were obtained and based on each of performance in side-impact and frontal crash tests as well as their resistance to rollover. The safety ratings system used by the NHTSA is currently called as the New Car Assessment Program or "NCAP."

The NCAP was basically designed to allow the NHTSA to gather the information about the rollover safety and crash protection capabilities of a vehicle. The information obtained from conducting the tests mentioned earlier is provided by the agency to consumers to help them identify the safest cars that are sold in the market. The NHTSA considers the 5-star rating as the highest while 1-star is the lowest. Thus, a car model which is able to receive more stars could be considered safer compared to those that earned lesser stars.

Based on the results of the tests conducted on the 2013 Ford Explorer and the Taurus, both of these models got the highest marks in the frontal and side impact crash tests. The two models also provided an impressive performance in the rollover safety tests prompting the agency to award them with the highest mark in that particular test. Since the Escape and the Taurus got 5-star in all of the individual tests, they got the same overall safety ratings.

The upgraded 4x2 version of the 2013 Ford F-150 and the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape on the other hand got the 4-star rating on the side-impact and frontal crash tests and on the resistance to rollover. Unfortunately, the 4x4 version of the 2013 Ford F-150 got the 3-star rating for the resistance to rollover tests.

Since the 2013 Ford Taurus and the Explorer has already obtained the highest overall safety ratings from NHTSA, Ford has become more confident that these two models will have an edge over their closest competitors in their respective segments. These ratings might also encourage more car buyers to consider the two models as their top vehicle options since vehicle safety is still viewed by a lot of car owners as one of the most important aspects of vehicle ownership.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Buying a Car? Get your Ford Invoice Prices through our network of certified dealerships.

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The Proper Lubrication for Machines and Equipment

By Anne Del Rio

It is very important to ensure that pieces of machinery are lubricated regularly to maintain the running condition and prevent corrosion. Plant managers make it a point to implement put in a methodical evaluation of equipment oiling requirements. This system helps pinpoint possible deterioration, machine breakdown and problems related to lubrication. The following are essential facts that you need to know regarding lubricants.

• Lubricants reduce heat and friction. When there is too much friction between two metal objects, the stronger material overwhelms the weaker surface which eventually cracks. This process results into the creation of tiny rough particles which produces additional abrasion and shattered chunks. The cycle goes on and could only be prevented by placing lubricant oil.


• The lubricant is not made or applied simply to make the machine components greasy. Aside from dealing with the problem of friction, it serves as preventive measure for oxidization, moderate high temperatures and prevents contamination of your machinery. One of the properties of oil substances is that it can be combined and made to fit your operational requirements. Lubricants also protect surfaces of machinery which are subjected to extreme strain.


• When you lubricate machine parts, the amount of heat produced is minimized. It is passed on to the oil which in turn is removed by a lubricant cooler. You need to consider the stickiness, different properties and content of stabilizers before purchasing one.


• Lubricants also reduce the presence of foreign particles which damages the steel parts. However, the oil film alone cannot prevent the contaminants from getting in completely. You also need filters and seals. The chemical additions to the oil take care of ensuring that these pollutants are pushed to the lubricant which transfers these unwanted items to the strainers in the system.


• Likewise, the chemical additive is responsible for preventing the metal from coming into contact with water which leads to rusting. If you use the appropriate lubricant, you can prolong the life span of bearings and the machine itself. Thus, you conserve finances, time and efforts. This means that you make operations more cost-effective.


• The performance of a lubricating substance is oxidation. The level of oxidation depends on the lubricant fluid. However, as it becomes more oxidized, the oil becomes less effective. The entirety of the acid content which becomes higher than the original value is an indication of oiling issues. This goes the same for the particle tally since it supplies information regarding the system's purity and the functioning of the filtration mechanism. If the filter shows that the particle count goes up, the lubricant needs immediate replacement.


• Analysis of particles can help in the discovery of flaws in metals. It also ensures that the lubricant has proper filter system. By doing this, the need to change lubricants often diminishes.


• You can check the reliability of any lubricant through its thickness. You can measure this by monitoring a preset amount of oil when it goes through the system of lubrication. The rule is to replace the lubricating oil before the textures changes.

If you are looking for Hydraulics WA and Hydraulic hose WA, click on the links. Or visit ArmadilloGroup.com.au

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Vital Parts of a Vehicle's Fuel Delivery System and Their Functions

By Nate Rodnay

The main function of a vehicle's fuel delivery system is to provide constant flow of fuel to the engine at required volume and pressure. Various mechanical and electrical components constitute a vehicle's fuel delivery system, each of which has its own function. Proper functioning of every component positively impacts the performance of the engine, while even a little malfunction of any part could seize its operation. Hence, understanding this system enables the user to identify and fix minor issues, helping him minimize the negative impact on the engine's performance on the whole.

Main components: A typical fuel delivery system consists of various components such as tank, pump, pipe, in-filters, strainers, injectors, pressure regulators, return pipe, pulsation damper, etc. Here, we will discuss only about the vital components of the system.

• Fuel tank: A fuel tank, as we all know, stores the fuel in a location, away from the engine. These are constructed using different materials like pressed corrosion-resistant steel, aluminum, or molded reinforced polyethylene plastic. Many modern tanks incorporate slosh baffles or surge plates, which prevent the fuel from splashing around inside the unit. The tank also has a filter (to filter the fuel) and a vent system with an inlet line (through which fuel from the cap enters the tank) and an outlet line (to send the pumped fuel to the engine).

• Fuel pump: It is often called as the heart of the fuel delivery system. Its main function is to pull the fuel from the tank and to pump it to the injectors at required pressure. Many of the modern engines are equipped with electric pumps that are usually located inside the tank. We can still find mechanical pumps in the old styled carburetor engines. The basic difference between them is, electric pumps generate high pressure, whereas, mechanical pumps generate low pressure. However, there are some new models of mechanical pumps which pump at high pressures.

• Pressure regulator: Pressure regulator maintains constant fuel pressure across the lines and injectors, in order to ensure accurate fuel delivery to the engine. In simple words, it regulates the amount of fuel that is to be delivered to the engine (not all engines require the same amount). The excess amount which is not consumed by the engine returns to the tank through a return line.

• Injector: Injector is an electro-mechanical device that delivers pressurized fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. Most of the diesel injectors are made of heat-treated alloy steel and are controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU). The injectors convert the gasoline into vapor under high pressure and spray the vaporized gasoline into the engine.

• Strainer/filter: A filter is small yet important component of the system. Its function is to filter the fuel from the tank before it reaches other parts of the system. It traps the dirt, dust, and other solid contaminants and sends filtered fuel. A strainer is located between the tank and the pump to protect the pump from contaminants. Various in-line filters located in the rails protect pressure regulators and injectors, which are highly susceptible to clogging from dust/dirt.

Few tips to maintain a healthy system: Proper maintenance plays a vital role in extending the life of all the system's parts. Using good quality fuel, regular maintenance checks, fixing minor repairs at early stages and replacing the components with high quality aftermarket products helps you improve your engine's performance and efficiency. Few parts like pump, filters are more prone to damage and also to normal wear and tear. So, check them periodically in order to prevent complete failure of the system.

Airtex Fuel Delivery Systems is the leading aftermarket supplier of mechanical and electric fuel pumps and modular reservoir assemblies (MRA). For over 50 years, the Airtex brand has been the benchmark of fuel delivery and cooling system components for leading companies in the automotive aftermarket.

If you are searching either for electric fuel pump or mechanical fuel pump, visit our site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Rodnay

Advice for Selling or Trading in Your Old Car

By Tim H. Johnson

So you've been having a good-old time with your current car, a total clunker. It's been with you for several years now, maybe even 10 years or so, but it's finally reached the point where you've realized that it's time to part ways with your old beauty and head on down to the dealership for new or used car.

The problem is that you now have a dilemma. Should you try selling the car to someone in your area? You could post it to online classifieds or place an ad in one of those car selling booklets. Or maybe even list the car on auction sites and see if you get any takers. Or would you rather not deal with any of that and simply get the car off of your hands immediately by trading it in?

This is one of those questions that may take you some time to decide. If you're absolutely in desperate need of getting a new car, then chances are you're better off trading the car in now and picking up a new one. If you have time to spare and want to get a better deal, then by all means try your best at selling it to someone in your area. There are plenty of resources on the web that can help you get the car in someone else's hands while collecting a decent profit as well.

To be honest, most people don't like selling simply because they don't want to deal with negotiating prices. They simply want to get the car for the best price possible! While that sounds good and dandy, it's simply not going to happen just like that. People are going to try to get the best price that they can no matter what and it's going to take you some time to negotiate a price that you're happy with.

When you're able to walk into the dealership and simply trade in the car, it immediately is off your hands and you never have to worry about it ever again. Sure you won't get as much money for it as you may have gotten from selling it to somebody else, but the car is now gone and you'll no longer have that burden. You can hop in your new or pre-owned car that you just purchased and say a last goodbye to your old clunker.

At the end of the day, it's really all about what you want to do. Do you believe your car is worth much more than what the local dealers are offering you for a trade-in? Are you willing to spend the time it takes to sell your car? If so, then you should definitely give it a shot.

If you're thinking of trading in your car and you're in the Albany, NY area, why not stop on by Denooyer Chevrolet and let us give you a price? We offer a great selection of new and used cars and we promise to give you a better trade-in value than any other dealership in the area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_H._Johnson

Refinancing My Car Loan With Bad Credit

By Paul J. Bishop

Many people amongst us might not have heard about car refinance loan. If you are one among them, then don't worry as this article would help you to know more on refinancing my car loan with bad credit deal. There are various types of ads given on internet, television, radio etc regarding refinancing your car. Anyone who wants to lower down their monthly expense, choose to refinance their auto loan.

By refinancing your loan, you can surely lower down your monthly payments and rates both. Though there are various means to lower down your expense like eating out less, taking coupons, shifting to small homes etc. But one doesn't need to do all these things; they can refinance their auto loan and thus save few dollars monthly.

Car owners are aware about car refinance loans option but they don't want to get into the hassles thus they stay out of it. The matter of the fact is refinancing auto loan is very simple and easy process, there is no paperwork required and it doesn't take much time of the car owner. It's very much similar to refinancing your home mortgage loan and it surely helps you to save a lot of amount monthly.

Nowadays refinancing your car loan is very much popular and many people are choosing this option over other traditional loan options.

It's easy to qualify for refinancing my car loan with bad credit than other traditional auto loan process. But before availing any kind of refinance loan, one needs to consider whether it really makes sense or not. Few people refinance just for the sake of doing, but this should be avoided. The perfect time to refinance your car loan is given below:

• One can refinance a auto if the average auto loan rates are lower and historic low rather. This would be the best time to refinance car loan and earn profit.
• Refinancing is also considered ideal if the credit score has been improved from the time when the borrower has purchase their car.
• Refinancing is also a good move when the borrower wants to lower down his monthly payments on his car.

To get low refinancing my car loan with bad credit, borrowers need to search online. Various lenders operate online and help the needy people. The online application process is also simple and easy, it hardly takes few minutes for the approval and the borrower can get his dream car easily. Applying online is the easiest way for refinancing your car loan. So get ready to save few dollars monthly by refinancing your car loan.

Paul J Bishop works as an auto loan counsellor at Carloans-forall.com. She helps people to give an answer on Bad Credit Car Refinance and Low Rate Car Refinance thus few dollars monthly. You too can refinance your car loan deal from her.

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Vehicle ECM Test - Things to Know

By Sanjana Antony

Computerization has been absorbed by the automobile industry. Most of the modern vehicles are well equipped with the latest technology. The Engine Control Module (ECM) co-ordinates these systems and help the vehicle to run efficiently. A lot of people think that your duty is done with installing of an ECM. But, they could not be more wrong. Getting the ECM tested is almost as crucial as getting it installed. Also, if the gadget which controls your vehicle functions is not tested properly you are compromising your safety altogether.

The type of vehicle in consideration will determine the ECM you need to install. If you are using an old vehicle, you should go for ECM systems that have been reconstructed and re-manufactured. If your car runs on such a system and has ever showed any warning signs, get it tested immediately. It is advisable to get it tested regularly to avoid mishaps. There are a number of companies that offer such assessments. You cannot expect your local mechanic or repair shop to help you with this test. You will have to take the help of professionals.

Your ECM will come with a warranty. But, in spite of that you must get it tested because there is always a possibility of some error. If any error is found, you can always go back and claim your warranty. Now, you need to find out more about how the ECM test is conducted. A single test can be approached in multiple ways. The code description will help in determining the type of test required. A circuit integrity test is mostly preferred. This test evaluates a lot of components of the ECM. It checks for power shorts or bad openings.

Rationality test is also conducted. Information comparison is done between the sensors to check their functionality. The third kind of test is called functionality test itself. It tells you whether you should expect alterations to occur while the system is running. The former test need not be too intrusive. The ECM test can be conducted while the system is running and is in normal condition. In case of intrusive testing you need to make active alterations to the functionality of the ECM's components. You need to read the code setting list to know which approach to take in the test.

You must not try to take any approach without consulting an expert. There are qualified professionals who know exactly how to conduct such tests. They know how to tell a faulty gadget from a functioning one by looking at the test results. Also, they will be able to suggest the most cost effective way of getting your vehicle ECM tested. Of course, a lot of it depends on the quality of ECM you have installed in the first place. If you want to get the system tested internet is probably the ideal place to look. A lot of industrial companies offer free testing on a trial basis. You can take their service and continue with their services if you like it.

Dso industrial offers ecm test at an economical cost. Take advantage of it now.

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