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Today I was hangin' out at Taco Bell w/ a bunch of my friends, who were all guys. They claimed that men were better than women at pretty much everything. Then when I disagreed, they said to me, "Ok, name one thing that women are better at than men." I was stuck. Then they started laughing 'cause I didn't say anything. They were like, "Yeah, all these great geniuses and inventors, like Einstein and all, all men." It made me so mad, and embarassed. They said they were just messin' with me, but I somehow can't believe that. I feel like they meant what they were saying. Should I confront them again? Or should I just let it slide and hope it doesn't come up again(maybe they were just kidding after all).

You're never going to make it through life if you're sensitive about stuff like that.

I can tell you one thing women are better at off the top of my head: Listening

First off, this isn't one of those questions on how to lose weight or anything.

I really want to lose weight & I know that I can do it. My biggest issue is on how to keep motivated and to keep on track. I want this SO bad but nothing will seem to make me stick to it. I love food and that's my issue. No doubt.

I know about nutrients, protein, carbs, calories & I've learned this all from Jenny Craig. That was working fine for me but it was expensive and again, my problem was keeping on track and being motivated. I just want to be healthy and I want to feel great about myself and I'm confident but I'd like to acomplish this. I'm 15/ female.

I need advice on keeping motivated and honestly, I really want this even if it doesn't seem like it. I don't want a nutrtion or anything. Thank youu.

It all comes down to your own personality and ability to commit to goals. You can get a trainer and have them map out precisely what is bad and what is good and have them guide you but it all comes down to one simple truth- the only person who makes or breaks your goal is you.

If you want it that bad then you are going to have to be aware that you will make a lot of progress in the beginning and then it's going to slow down and peak a bit- this where most get discouraged and quit. If your personality is that of someone who relies on everyone and needs to be forced to do things then the overall likeliness of you failing is pretty high. Doesn't mean that all is lost.

Once you start to see changes- you have to tighten your belt one more notch, you start to see a line in your muscles that wasn't there before then you get energized and hopefully you will do it forever and not just until you reach a weight, stop doing it and gain it all back.

I am not going to bullshit you- it isn't a hobby; it's a lifestyle and if you want it as bad as you say you do then you will adjust accordingly and learn to rely on nobody but yourself because with all this stuff it isn't a team effort- you're in it to win or lose it all.

Hey Mike. I have been thinking for a while now to take the plunge and get certified as an instructor. I figured rather than reading random articles I might as well take a real course and gain a bit of credibility.

Anyway, I have been researching a bit online to see what my options are. I checked out the organisation you were certified through, as well as a bunch of others. Being new to this side of fitness, I seem unable to distinguish between the credible organisations and the not-so-credible (also since I dont live in the US that also makes it a bit harder). I gather the place you studied is tip top (noticed Hatfield was a co-founder, that speaks for itself), but I was wondering, do you know which other organisations are considered top notch in the world of fitness?

I have come across so many AFPA, AFTA, IFA, IFPA, NFPT, etc etc. Its like a bloody maze of organisations out there. It would be nice to be able to compare products a bit before I leap into it.

Thanks for any input or advice you might have.

Alan.

That's awesome to hear, Al.

Dr. Squat (I am sure you know who I mean by that)is a cool, very knowledgeable man. I remember he was talking about different training styles and he asked another trainer "Do we at the ISSA teach to train to failure?" He gave the unfortunate response of "Yes" and got a good natured ribbing from Hatfield lol.

ISSA; my home team :-P is a good choice

AFPA, NFPT, ACE are also good choices.

What you need to understand is that there really isn't one dominant organization because there really aren't set standards in becoming certified as a trainer- but they are working on making the process standardized and I think in the future since the market demand for them is increasing that you will actually need to be licensed.

ISSA is probably your best bet if you don't have a college degree in a fitness related field. You can either do the final test at a seminar, online or through the mail. I did mine through the mail and I believe the finished product was almost 30 pages long. Half multiple choice/ 2 hypothetical Case Studies where you need to draw up plans for both and a slew of "Learning Experiences" that you can choose from. 600 points in total.

My certification is up in September so I am going to have to re-certify :-(

That's another thing to keep in mind and I am speaking for ISSA here- you need to get re-certified as a trainer and in CPR every 2 years- sounds like a lot but it helps keep your certification looking very professional.

If you do decide to go the ISSA route or any route then let me know and I'll see if I can help you out any.

i really like my boyfriend and he is like obsessed with me...he is always hnging on me and im sick of it...he gets on my nerves....and i dont want to break up with him...i really like him and i dont want to hurt him...what should i do??

Just tell him in a nice way that you need a little bit of space for yourself. It's only natural- you want space to live your own life and not be hounded on. Be prepared if he tries to use the old "sorry sob" act. It's better to do it now because guys like that usually wind up being over protective, extremely jealous and very controlling.

I've been dating my boyfriend for around two and a half years now. I want to do something really special for him for Valentine's Day. What would be something a guy would appreciate??

Make him dinner. The way to my heart at least (and many other guys) is through my stomach. Massages are always a safe bet if you can't cook, and if you can- then you have a deadly combo in my eyes lol.

I'm going to New York over the summer and I'v never been there before. What are the must see places? And not just the tourist places!

Its not Rockerfeller Plaza; I mean it is, but not to us- it's Rockerfeller Center. That's on 50th between 5th and 6th. That's where Saturday Night Live and Conan O'Brien and Last Call is filmed and stuff; there's a Coach store on the 50th street side. Radio City is right across the street on 6th.

-Times Square for sure
-If you're into the arts and all that stuff- Carnegie Hall which is not far from Times Square
-Central Park isn't bad
-The World Trade Center is all the way downtown on Church St.
-Union Square is cool- walk up Broadway another block and you'll see the big Reagal movie theatre; be sure to see a movie there.

Wanna go clubbing? Avalon on 20th and 6th. Be careful though- the drug dealers like to hang around there and sell ecstasy. Also if you encounter the homeless guy who lives in the little inlet next to the club- DON'T talk to him.

There's so much clubbing you can do; check out the different places- Midtown near Times Square is the place to be. If you get hungry you simply HAVE to eat at Stage Deli on 54th and 7th. Don't be surprised if you see Matthew Broderick getting a bite to eat, on my way to school I regularly see Conan O'Brien walking to work, one time I saw Broderick walking his dog, James Gandolfini on a Moped and I saw Julia Roberts in Union Square one day, so if you like celebrities then this is the place to be.

Just be aware and careful when you come here. Keep your valuables in your front pockets. We can spot tourists from a mile away and don't be all "Like OMG NYC is the greatest" in public. This place will chew you up and spit you out faster than anyplace else lol.

Best way to blend in? Try and walk like us- you'll see why it isn't as easy as it sounds.

If anyone read Raisin in the Sun in school... what grade were you in when you read it?

9th

My boyfriend and I have been dating for 6 months now. Everything is going really well, but I have one concern: he's a Republican and I'm a die-hard liberal. Because I have this knowledge, I avoid any type of politial discussion with him. My friends are convinced that this will lead to our demise, but I don't know. I love him very much, we get along so well, and he makes me very happy, but I sometimes feel like I'm hiding my feelings about certain subjects from him. This is not like me at all; I'm a very opinionated!

I'm wondering if I should end it before we get in too deep because of this, or if I should just stay with him and allow whatever happens to happen.

Thank you all in advance!

I can see the attraction ;-)

I am a hardcore Republican myself. But I am no bible-thumping extreme traditionalist. If my girlfriend was a hardcore liberal, would there be friction? Probably...but not the kind to constitute a break up lol. If you're that opinionated where you feel that you are going to break up with a guy over your political alliance then I strongly urge you to take a deep breath and save your opinions for the polls. Just agree to disagree.

Look at Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver...They're as radical right and left as you can get.

Where can I report my friend who does pot?

he's not addicted to it or anything but he has it and he's done it 3 times.

I hate him he's an a-hole and I want to tell the police so he can be sent to a juvenile detention center.
Where should I report him?

The police most likely aren't going to waste their time locking up some kid who has smoked herb 3 times- especially when it's coming from some spiteful kid giving up their friend.

Do everyone a favor and mind your business and let the police take calls where people actually need help.

Don't go by anything MTV says.

My mom won't let me work out anymore. I'm only allowed to work out one hour every OTHER day, which is ridiculous, but she says thats the way its going to be because "I go through too many pairs of clothes." Now I feel that I have nothing to live for. I feel that its hopeless now to even try, so I'm starting to eat alot. I should say goodbye to my thin body and my mind, because working out is all I have in my life. I live for it, it gives me confidence and its a hobby to me. (I have and use an exercise bike.) A good day for me revolves around the fact if I've worked out or not. Should I just give up? Do you think I should explore other work out options? In a few days, should I say something to my mom? She's pretty mad at me right now for no legitimate reason, so do you think in a few days I should sugguest that I do my own laundry so she doesnt have to wash my workout clothes? Or would that make her even madder? I'm falling apart here, I just need some help.

You need to lighten up....you're not supposed to work out everyday anyway.

i saw on a commerical on the show juvies on mtv that this one kid got arrested for battery, what does that mean?

Depends on what state you live in. Some states have Battery as putting your hands on a person who doesn't want to be touched- doesn't even need to be that you beat them up.

Some states like my home of NY for example don't even have Battery listed in the penal code and just classify it as Assault.

Please don't watch TV; ESPECIALLY Mtv looking for sources of true life crime or really anything.

I am a little bit of a fitness freak. I love to eat heathy and excersise but....I still have my problem area's. I am 31 years old 5'3" and I am within my heathy weight but no matter what I do I can not make my love handle area firmer and also the back of my thighs. Can u give me some tried and true excersises for these spots? Thank you much!

Sounds like you're a female ;-)

Everybody has problem areas- Mine is my calves, yours is what you stated- even Schwarzenegger in his competition days had lacking calves until he finally developed them to a world class condition.

What's tried and true for me may not be tried and true for you...all you can control is your lifestyle- the way you eat and how you exercise and genetics and other variables will determine the outcomes.

In my own exercise when I am targeting the hamstrings I include a lot of Stiff legged Deadlifts and leg curls and for my sides/love handle area I do a lot of weighted and unweighted side bends.

Nothing is tried and true because no two bodies are the same...you just have to play your program and adjust until you start to see results.

um..I heard there's a workout to make your breats bigger? I only want to make my breats grow bigger because it is WAY to small, like a timbit for my age and it hasn't grown in three years

You're a sucker if you truly believe that.

If it worked then why doesn't every woman do it? It would be the greatest thing since sliced bread if it had validity.

Come on don't fall for it.

I ask you a lot of questions. Sorry haha :)

Are crunches done on an Ablounge effective at all? I' incapable of doing a significant amount on the floor (but I can do like, 50 or more for a fitness test at school if I have to). I usually do around 400 a day at home. Am I getting any benefit from this?

It's not my only form of exercise either.. I also run, do pilates, and work on my arms. But I want to work my stomach too.

Thanks in advance.

It's ok...that's what I am here for :-P

Ablounge crunches work- but they don't work as good as regular crunches. The classic crunch uses the abs in their only function- bringing the chest into the pelvis. The Ablounge I feel is like doing a fancy sit-up. Stick to the basics- they always work.

Regarding your 400 a day- that's a lot of crunches and it is in fact possible to overtrain the abs. I don't 400 crunches in a whole week let alone day lol ;-)

100 a day for 3 days a week is great- gets the job done and you don't overexert a very small muscle group to a point where you don't get any benefit.

13/f

I know there's nothing wrong with dating anyone of a different race, and I think I may have a crush on this amazing guy, who is of a different race.

Well me and about 2 friends are the ONLY people in the school who think biracial dating is OK.

The rest of the school thinks its disgusting.

And I know that shouldn't matter, and I mean it doesn't REALLY. But I don't want to lose all my friends, just because of a crush. I know they're not good friends or whatever if they don't accept it, but still, it hurts to lose all your friends.

I know some would be accepting of it, but I know most won't.

A subject similar to this came up in school today, where me and the two friends I mentioned, were talking about the cute guy at Burger King, lol.

I kind of bit my tongue about the guy I think I might like in the school, because people were eavesdropping.

And its not just friends, my grandma would know if I had a boyfriend (she has legal custody and I live with her) and she said she'd kill me (in a non literal sense) if I ever dated anyone who was of a different race. No exaggeration, she would make me live with my aunt down the road. My aunts nephew, is currently dating this girl named Janine, who is of a different race, and she's AMAZING. Me and my aunt are more open minded than most of the family. So me and her, and Jesse (the nephew) and Janine, went to the mall one day.

But I don't want to lose my friends / be disowned by my family, what do I do?

Find yourself a new crush and spare yourself the agony.

guys do you prefer blonds or brunettes, thanks.

Brunettes.

15/f
5'5/170lbs
Does anyone know anything about Dexatrim Max 2o? I'd really like to start using it. I hope that with that and a good excerisze and eating plan, I could lose 30-50 pounds in 76 days. (April vacation)

Summary:
1. is Dexatrim Max 2o safe?
2. Is losing that much weight possible?

Good exercise and eating is all you will need. Dexatrim is not for you.

I've been doing this a while and I don't even use a diet pill- save your money and your time.

15/f

Hello, recently I discovered the most suitable career area for myself is advertising and marketing. I seem to have all of the qualifications (up to this point), personality traits and interests to perfectly fit me into this career.

By the time I have graduated from high school (I am a grade ten now) and college/university nearly 10 years will have past. Right NOW, I have some great ideas for the marketing of fruits and vegetables in Canada.

My question is, is it likely that a healthy lifestyle will still be promoted in that time?

For almost 7 years (I was extremely young to be thinking of such things) I have been monitering the growth of the 'healthy lifestyle' and noticing changes in advertising. I will not go into depth about my ideas or analysis but I strongly believe I have ideas that would have a positive influence for motivating the general public to be healthy.

Is there anyone I can contact to share my ideas with before it's too late and this healthy lifestyle fad has been toned down?

If I stick with this career area, should I begin preparing now for the problems that will arise when I am beginning to enter the working world? The ideas and money-making projects that will need creative advertising?

Thanks, all insight is greatly appreciated! =)

I sure hope a healthy lifestyle is more promoted in the future. I see a lot of fitness ads for equipment and diets that really don't promote healthy living but they just promote looking good and getting it done no matter the cost as fast as possible.

Obesity is up, people are becoming more sedentary, fast food is everywhere and most of the people who these affect don't realize the error of their ways until something bad happens.

It is projected within the coming decades that there will be a 40% increase in the demand for personal trainers and other fitness professionals. Why? Because most of the population doesn't care and becomes obese and a big portion of the population who does care only is concerned with what's on the outside and not what's functioning on the inside.

Healthy lifestyle is a subjective term- what I consider to be one may not be what you consider to be one. I think a lot of people who aren't very savvy with fitness believe that a healthy lifestyle is being promoted from advertisement of the Zone, South Beach, Bowflex, etc. But from someone who is in the biz- There's too much emphasis on outside appearance and an assumption that looking fit means being healthy and that is not always the case.

We're going to need healthy lifestyle advertisers a lot in the future because the size of waist lines and number of diseases keep on going up.

18/M

hey all you out there, i've been having a problem with being constantly single, and i was wondering if anyone could help me out with it. i'm in college right now and i'm average looking. but it seems like no one is attraced to me that way, now i go to parties i mingle and shit like that but even when i start to hit it off with a girl i find out that she's already with someone already... i don't know why i have the luck to pick out every single taken chick but i do... well if anyone's got some advice for me (and don't think about saying "just wait for the right girl" cause it's not happening) it's much appreciated

thanks
marccwind

Bro- you want some honest advice?

Stay single.

You and I are in the same situation- 18 year old college bachelors. Just as an example- did you know that in Manhattan below 96th street there is the highest amount of single people in the whole world? And I go to school there :-P So why limit myself to one serious girl when I have sooo many around?

18 and college is not a time for serious relationships- it's a time for being out there and having fun and experiencing life before it's all over and you have to get a career and your life in order. THEN you will be ready to settle down and find the true right one.

Plenty of girls out there share this same idea- going out there, having no strings attached fun and just enjoying themselves. You got all the time in the world for girlfriends.

Was Kurt a happy guy,or was he sad?This is something that's always bothered me,because I've heard that he was generally a fairly happy (or at least average)person,but I've also heard that he was upset with his life and felt very isolated (which would make sense because of his lyrics,his upbringing,and the crowd that he was trying to reach).I know that no one could really know for sure,but what do you think?

Considering he blew his head off- I would venture a guess that he wasn't too happy with life.

What the hell kind of question is this?

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