Push-ups are good for the body

Push-ups aren't just for buff army trainees. Here's the proper way for you to do them anywhere.

Steps:

1. Lie chest-down with your hands at shoulder level, palms flat on the floor and slightly more than shoulder-width apart, and feet together and parallel to each other.
2. Look forward rather than down at the floor. The first contact you make with the floor with any part of the face should be your chin, not your nose.
3. Keep your legs straight and your toes tucked under your feet.
4. Straighten your arms as you push your body up off the floor. Keep your palms fixed at the same position and keep your body straight. Try not to bend or arch your upper or lower back as you push up.
5. Exhale as your arms straighten out.
6. Pause for a moment.
7. Slowly lower your body towards the floor. Bend your arms and keep your palms in fixed position. Keep body straight and feet together.
8. Lower body until chest touches the floor. Try not to bend your back. Keep your knees off the floor and inhale as you bend your arms.
9. Pause for a moment. Begin straightening your arms for a second push-up. Exhale as you raise your body.

Tips:
For easier push-ups, have a partner place a closed fist underneath your chest. As you lower your body, touch your chest to the fist, pause, then raise your body. This is a little easier than touching your chest to the floor.

For an easier exercise, lower your knees so that they rest on the floor. Keeping your back straight and your toes tucked under your feet, proceed with the exercise normally. This decreases the amount of pressure placed on your arms.

Another variation of a push-up is the incline push-up. Leaning on a vertical surface, such as a wall, place your hands shoulder-width apart and slowly proceed with the normal exercise.

Warnings:
If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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Veggie burgers are good for the heart

"Use soy. No, use beans. No, use oats. No, use rice. Hey, why not use them all? This veggie burger is an alternative to eating its beefy cousin (and can be used together). It's high in fiber and as a stand alone patty, actually tastes pretty good. Once you layer the ketchup, the mustard, pickles, etc. you won't be able to tell the difference."

Original recipe yield: 8 servings.

Prep Time:
20 Minutes
Cook Time:
10 Minutes
Ready In:
30 Minutes
Servings:
8 (change)

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and mashed
* 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
* 1/4 cup oat bran
* 1/4 cup quick cooking oats
* 1 cup cooked brown rice
* 1 (14 ounce) package firm tofu
* 5 tablespoons Korean barbeque sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 3/4 teaspoon dried sage
* 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, stir together the mashed garbanzo beans and basil. Mix in the oat bran, quick oats, and rice; the mixture should seem a little dry.
2. In a separate bowl, mash the tofu with your hands, trying to squeeze out as much of the water as possible. Drain of the water, and repeat the process until there is hardly any water worth pouring off. It is not necessary to remove all of the water. Pour the barbeque sauce over the tofu, and stir to coat.
3. Stir the tofu into the garbanzo beans and oats. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sage; mix until well blended.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Form patties out of the bean mixture, and fry them in hot oil for about 5 minutes per side. Serve as you would burgers.

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