Two million dogs overweight!

Came across this story on the web, and thought I should share it with all you.

"Pig-Dog"

I don't know about you, but to me that looks more like a pig,than a dog!

What?
60 percent of dogs are obese and 75 to 80 percent of cats are overweight. Many of the dogs are experiencing health problems like humans are such as, heart disease, breathing difficulties, diabetes, strokes and arthritis. This causes their life span to shorten.

Why?
Many owners are being blamed for taking their dogs on shorter walks, and rather than encouraging physical activity, they just throw some more food, and give them more treats.

What to do?

• Dogs should be walked at least two times a day for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Physical activity is a must, play with your dog when ever you can.
• Don't overfeed your pet! Like humans, animals have certain calorie needs. Ask your vet for more info.

Although this story has not much relevance to health and fintess of humans, it does illustrate the current obesity epedmic in USA. As people are getting fatter, so are their pets.

EAT! And Then Sleep!

Although muscle stimulation occurs in the gym lifting weights, muscle growth occurs afterward during rest. Without adequate rest and sleep, muscles do not have an opportunity to recover and build. Studies indicate that eight hours and fiteen minutes of sleep a night is desirable for the bodybuilder to be refreshed, although this varies from person to person. Additionally, many athletes find a daytime nap further increases their body's ability to build muscle. Some bodybuilders take several naps per day, during peak anabolic phases.

Sleep is one of the fundamental elements needed to make gains! If you don't get sufficient sleep, your results will be hindered. A combination of a healthy diet, great workout routine, and sleep, are you keys to success!

Sleep is divided into four phases:

One: Between 9 pm and 11 pm your body releases a horome known as melatonon. The function of this hormone, released in the absence if light, so to make one feel sleepy.

Two: Once the body is totally relaxed and still, it enters stage two which lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. The body begins to fall alseep.

Three: In phase three, one falls into a much deeper sleep. It typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes.

Four: The final phase of the sleep cycle is REM sleep, or rapid eye movment sleep. It is at this point where dreams occur. It lasts about 30 minutes. After phase four is complete, the sleeper goes back to phase two and the cycle repeats its self.

Sleep is crutial for muscle building. Even if you follow a strict diet and train hard, your results will be lessened due to lack of sleep. SLEEP! SLEEP! SLEEP!