Lifestyle
Effectiveness of Compound Exercises for Muscle Definition
When it comes to getting the ideal summer body, it can be a little difficult to know where to start if you have only been lifting casually or are new to exercising. There’s dieting, weights, cardio and so much more that are thrown into the mix before time can do the rest. In the process of workouts specifically, many tend to be either lost or misinformed about the role of compound exercises in muscle definition. The basics of weight training for toning are to increase your reps and decrease the weight so that the muscle begins to show. How important are compound exercises for muscle definition? Are isolated exercises the only thing needed?
History Of Compound Exercises
Compound exercises are known for covering multiple muscle groups at once, making it at least the most time-efficient and versatile out of both weight lifting options. Additionally, the intensity does add other benefits such as burning more calories, improving muscular coordination, and gaining muscle mass and strength. Compound exercises are essential for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and numerous sports like basketball, rugby, wrestling, and many more.
Read: Intermittent Fasting: Health Benefits and Risks
Compound exercises, in essence, is the first method of weight lifting due to how little is needed to execute, and straightforward technique. While compound exercises have a higher risk of injury, having proper form is easily trainable; starting with lower weights while getting the technique right is critical in order to successfully mark your progress every session.
Bodyweight exercises such as pull-ups and push-ups are some of the earliest concepts of compound exercises that can tackle the back, shoulders, arms, and chest all at the same time.
Why Are Isolation Exercises Important?
As the name suggests, isolation exercises target a particular muscle group and it usually is usually used to complement compound routines that usually take a lot more practice to get the form right. Bodybuilding is the niche that is built on understanding isolation exercises perfectly in order to sculpt the body - which equates to muscle definition.
Read Barbells vs. Dumbbells: Which is better for Workout, Strength, and Muscle Growth?
Certain specific muscle groups require more attention as compound exercises will not have a direct effect on them due to it only being a secondary source of strength. Front, rear deltoids, treps, lats and so many muscle groups are essential to sculpt in order to alter the silhouette of your body for the most obvious sign of definition.
Isolation exercises are also good to build overall muscle size and it is common for many gym practitioners to rotate between machines and dumbbells to ensure that every muscle group is paid attention to. Though it is not wrong to do so, it is definitely backed up by compound exercises so that the same muscle group can truly be used to the point of exhaustion, leading to muscle hypertrophy.
The reason why size is being mentioned is that definition is normally more pronounced when size is looked at first. Whether one is overweight or underweight, muscles need to be engaged first and experience hypertrophy before going through the definition phase. It is possible to go straight to definition if you have a low body fat count, but being too lean may not meet the universal standard of what is considered “cut”. There is nothing wrong with it if lean is the look you are going for.
Read Muscle Building Diet: Best Foods for Muscle Gains, Definition and Fat Reduction
Can Compound Exercises Fit In?
Although isolation exercises are the key to attain muscle definition, they are commonly complemented by compound exercises. The latter’s ability to cover multiple groups at once makes it so that no muscle is left disengaged. Even though this does not correlate to definition immediately, having increased strength, an understanding of technique, and enhancing blood flow are all huge bonuses that are not to be overlooked.
For definition, isolation exercises should be the primary emphasis as it is more conducive to commit to high reps with lower weights. This is the basic makeup of most isolation exercises and is crucial for getting definitions. Because smaller muscle groups are primarily targeted, it takes a lot less weight to ensure that you properly exhaust your muscles as much as possible before hypertrophy.
Emulating this with compound exercises will pose a challenge if you choose to adopt this tactic as reducing the weight of your exercises will only allow primary and secondary muscle groups to disperse a miserable, non-impactful amount of force. Not only will this waste your time, but it defeats the purpose of compound exercises, to begin with.
Read TRX vs. Other Gym Equipments: A Detailed Comparison
Compound Exercises for Definition
Bench Press
Out of all the major muscle groups, the chest has possibly the smallest selection of exercises out of the lot, but that just makes things easier for you. Incline press, decline press, and flies are basic isolation exercises that can be used to shape up the different parts of your chest, but the bench press activates most muscles in that area and is reliable for at least warming up before heading for the dumbbells and machines.
Read: Best Health Clubs and Gyms in Dhaka in 2021
Shoulder Press
The shoulder can be one of the most daunting major muscles to define as there are so many minor muscle groups that require different techniques for individual exercises. Shrugs bare very little similarities to front raises for example, and working on one does not translate to even remotely engaging the other. Shoulder or Military press is a good compromise that engages deltoids and traps simultaneously while forcing you to maintain the perfect technique required for the other exercises.
Squats
Legs literally occupy half of your body, which means that the very act of doing squats will save you a few exercises. Hamstrings, glutes, and calves are the big three that benefit from proper squats and are easy to follow up with after a few sets. Machines are more commonly used; leg press, calf raises, and leg curls are common follow-ups to squats and will certainly benefit from being engaged beforehand.
Read What is Protein Powder? Benefits of Taking Protein Supplements
Black Fungus Infection: Panic Rising Among Covid Patients
In continuation of the Covid-19 epidemic, the black fungus infection has given rise to new panic among Corona patients. At the inception of the infection, it has reached the level of a terrible epidemic across India. Those who have already recovered from the corona or are moving towards recovery are also affected. Even those who do not have covid are not out of risk yet. With 50 death rete, scientists are worried about its severity in the future. The final stages of the disease are unlikely to be cured, so it is important to be aware along with the correct knowledge in advance.
What is this black fungus?
Black fungus is a fungus called mucor, which grows in a dark wet environment, humid and temperate climate. They can easily grow in any organics, such as perishable fruits and vegetables. It can be found in soil, plants, fertilizers, and even in the noses and coughs of healthy people. 30 to 50 percent humidity is favorable for them. However, their growth is less below 4 degrees Celsius.
The fungi look a lot like tree stalks that are scattered all around. They have a kind of black spores or fine cocoon-like germs that cannot be seen with the naked eye. But if many are born in a certain place then it can be seen with the naked eye. These spores are basically their reproductive organs. These swell and float in the air like pollen. They are not damaged even by the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Read India battles fatal fungal threat as virus deaths near 300K
How does a black fungus infection occur?
The harmful condition caused by the mucor fungus in the human body is called black fungus infection. In medical terms, it is called 'Mucormycosis'.
According to an internationally renowned scientist Dr. Bijan Kumar Sheel, the black fungus enters the human body through the nose while breathing. The spores of the black fungus cannot harm a healthy person by entering into it while floating in the air. But when the immune system is low, they begin to reproduce in the human lungs. It can then spread to different parts of the body and cause death.
It is only natural that the body's immune system, damaged by coronavirus, needs at least some time to recover. During this time, the body is completely exposed to any viruses or bacteria. In that sense, the coronavirus can cause many new complications even after recovery. From mental illness to the heart or brain - anything can happen. And black fungus infection is one of them.
Read Fungus: Health Benefits, Nutritional Values and Precautions
The reason behind this infection
Needless to say, the reason behind this infection is the creation of a damp environment in which black fungus can grow. Millions of germs are being born in such favorable conditions, whereas the human body's resistance to disease is gradually declining in adverse conditions. In continuation of this, the human body is completely vulnerable to these germs due to coronavirus infection.
Steroids used to treat coronavirus are responsible for black fungus infections. Doctors prescribe steroids to covid patients before or after referral to the ICU. These giving extra steroids can lead to subsequent fungal infection in the patient’s body. Mushtaq Hossain, a public health expert in Bangladesh, said that doctors should be careful in giving necessary medicines considering the patient’s condition.
The steroid relieves pneumonia in the corona-affected person. When the body's normal immune system becomes active in preventing the coronavirus, the body suffers some complications. Steroids help repair these complications. Meanwhile, it increases the amount of sugar in the blood. Then it reduces the body's resistance to disease. Everyone, who has or does not have diabetes, has these troubles. As a result, patients develop Mucormycosis.
Read Can I take COVID vaccines from two different brands?
Intermittent Fasting: Health Benefits and Risks
At first, it may seem strange that abstaining from food could lead to healthier living. Since young, many were taught that the key to a healthy life revolves around exercise and nutritional meals. Although that is completely true, the fitness industry has started to get more creative with diets catered towards different goals and intermittent fasting promotes fat loss and even muscle definition! Although it occupies a niche and does it relatively well, this form of dieting has its fair share of risks that are associated with it. Here are the health benefits of intermittent fasting and possible risks to watch out for.
What Is Intermittent Fasting
The word “fasting” is straightforward enough, but “intermittent” can be a little misleading, and if done wrong, can lead to massive health consequences. Rather than an actual diet, Intermittent Fasting moderates the time you eat instead and that throws your body off its regular routine into something that can optimise its metabolism. The traditional fasting method is to abstain from food 16 hours a day, or even fasting a full day twice a week. This can sound extreme, but the logic lies in humans having the capacity to survive off food for a relatively long period of time.
Alternatively there is a strict calorie deficit rule that encourages to only consuming 500-600 calories on two separated days in a week. This is a moderated form of fasting that allows an easier transition for those who are new to this diet. The most common method of fasting is to go by the 16/8 method, which promotes sacrificing breakfast and only opening an eating window between 1pm to 9pm. This is the simplest method by far and does not require calorie counting, leaving a significantly smaller margin for error.
Read: Best Health Clubs and Gyms in Dhaka in 2021
Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Alters Hormones and Genes
On a microscopic level, fasting makes a lot of alterations to the hormone and genetic components to the body, but not in a bad way. Insulin levels for example drop a fair bit which is good for the body to metabolise at a faster rate. Blood levels are also affected when fasting which does trigger natural growth hormones within the body to ensure muscle-building too.
Additionally, fasting doesn’t make any direct alterations to genetic material, but it does strengthen its protection from diseases and extend its longevity. These changes are rather detailed compared to other factors, but it is good to know how extensive the changes are just by conditioning your body.
Read Muscle Building Diet: Best Foods for Muscle Gains, Definition and Fat Reduction
Burn Fat
Naturally, this would be the primary reason why anyone would choose to go on this rigorous journey, but its popularity is warranted. It isn’t any surprise that abstaining from food frequently would equate to fewer calories and that in turn, increases norepinephrine which is a compound used to break fat.
The intervals of intermittent fasting are relatively short compared to other types of fasts and are meant to kickstart the body to burn the fats reserved since no new sources are coming in. This style of dieting is the epitome of bodily conditioning; in order to get the most out of it, being careful with the type of food you eat and enforcing regular exercise is still critical to ensure that your body is burning fat from reserves.
Read What is Protein Powder? Benefits of Taking Protein Supplements
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
When the body is “starved” off its regular eating routine, you will start to lose insulin and that has large implications to building a tolerance for certain diseases. With a reduction of insulin, blood sugar is automatically lowered and this is the primary factor that determines whether type 2 diabetes surfaces or not. There are many foods that also reduce blood sugar and would go wonderfully with intermittent fasting to reduce the risks to almost zero.
Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Oxidative stress is the cause of chronic diseases that stem from aging. When your systems get older, protein, DNA will start to age and see the damage. It was previously implied that fasting can help strengthen our genes and cell’s lifespan - which does inject a little more vitality into our immunity than many other ways of fasting. By separating yourself from a regular intake of food (especially unhealthy ones), other forms of inflammation will start to reduce, which is the cause for many common illnesses that strike the elderly.
Read: Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Good for the Heart
By improving blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers, it’s no surprise that the heart will see benefits from these results. A high intake of sugar and fat can damage your arteries, which is where avoiding food for more than half the day will do wonders to stabilize blood flow and improve circulation. Fasting alone will not lead to complete improvement; cardiovascular activities and static exercises are good ways to reduce these risks better.
Registration deadline for 24th National Art Exhibition extended to May 26
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has extended the registration deadline for the 24th edition of the National Art Exhibition Biennale.
Those who want to showcase their artworks and crafts at the country's biggest annual art exhibition will have to register by May 26.
This year, the biennale exhibition is set to take place from June 25 to July 31. All the registered artists can submit their artworks within June 17, according to the academy.
Started as a biennale back in 1975, the exhibition has earned recognition from art-lovers around the whole nation as a celebration of modern artworks and crafts by artists from all over the country.
The 23rd edition of the National Art Exhibition was inaugurated on July 1, 2019, and concluded on July 21.
In the 23rd edition, artist Kamruzzaman won the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy prize as the grand award for his painting Global Warming-2.
Four departmental prizes for artwork, sculpture, print illustration and new media were awarded to artists Rafat Ahmed Badhon, Tanvir Mahmud, Ruhul Karim Rumi and Shahid Kazi.
The rest of the three special prizes – Bengal Foundation award, Dipa Haque award and Artist Kazi Anwar Hossain Award – went to artists Uttam Kumar Talukdar, Suman Wahid and Faria Khanum Tuli.
Can I take COVID vaccines from two different brands?
After a year of research and experiment, COVID vaccines turn out to be the savior. Several organizations already get approval from the proper authority. So far, all the approved vaccines are effective. To get full protection, two doses of vaccine are needed in four weeks of interval. There is a common question that may arise, whether the vaccine is effective if you take from two different brands. However, it is still debatable as no effective research has been published on that, but experts have given their opinion on that.
Currently, experts suggest that everyone should get the vaccine from the same brands. To create a more flexible COVID-19 vaccination environment, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) initiated a research named Com-COV to determine the effectiveness of mix and match the two different brands.
Read: Indian COVID variant: Why is it more deadly? How is it affecting the neighboring countries?
But, initially, it is assumed that getting vaccination from two different brands will not get you the greater protection against the diseases. In this context, Dr. Nikhil Bhayani, infectious disease specialist with Texas Health Resources, conveyed, “By using two different vaccines, there is not going to be a greater magnitude of protection against the disease.” Besides, he also recommends not to get the vaccines from two different brands yet. Hence, we should wait until the Com-COV publishes its findings.
Com-COV’s first stage experiment will come out by June or July 2021, though the study will continue for at least a year. The researcher will mix match the vaccines from all the available brands. Hence, we may need to wait a long time to get details on all brands.
Read: Russian Vaccine Sputnik V: Things we should know to fight COVID-19
Vaccines can be mix-matched in exceptional situation
While some experts suggest taking both doses from the same brand, some healthcare professionals suggest that the vaccine can be mix-matched rare cases. For instance, one can take one dose from Moderna and another dose from Pfizer. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this should be considered only in rare cases.
What can be the rare cases?
The exceptional or rare case might occur if a person does not remember the vaccine brand of the first dose, or the documentation does not have the name of the brand. Further, another case can be if the first dose brand is not available anymore or at a certain point in time. However, for now, the vaccine mic match can only be done for Moderna and Pfizer as both of them are similar.
However, a question might arise if a person should wait to get the second dose from the same brand if that brand’s second dose is not available. There is no actual answer to this concern. Therefore we may take the second dose from another brand, or we may wait. But it is evident that only taking the first dose will not protect us from getting COVID. Therefore, we will need to wait for the research result to come out. Besides, it will not be wise to take decisions on our own, but we cannot make the decisions either as the health care experts and government agencies are there to guide us.
Read Covid: How this Indian firm is vaccinating the world
Best Health Clubs and Gyms in Dhaka in 2021
Gym culture is now a new trend for the youth of Dhaka. With this chaotic, very fast, and unplanned urbanization, there is no way to breathe in the air of this city. Furthermore, the open space and playing fields are disappearing. In this situation, a large number of teenagers and young people who spend time at home or on the screen of computers or mobile phones are now going to the gym. They spend a certain amount of time during the day on the gym's treadmill, cross trainer, or a cycling machine. Some of them have become gym-centric entrepreneurs while exercising. On that note, we have listed some top health clubs and gyms in Dhaka in 2021.
The Most Renowned Health Clubs and Gyms in Dhaka in 2021
Muscletech bd Gym
Muscletech has been providing top-class gym service since 2003. They offer multiple facilities such as a gents facility, ladies facility, steam bath facility, locker room facility, and shower facility. It is located in Pallabi, Mirpur, and also has two more branches in Mirpur 10 and Mirpur 1. Mr. Bangladesh William Ficky and Kamrun Nahar are the main trainers. Besides, the gym has a few assistant trainers too.
With more than 12 pieces of gym equipment, Muscletech has an excellent sound system that can boost the users' confidence while training. This gym center can train 110 people or do a gym together. Note that it has a completely separate room for girls. The admission fee to this gym center is Tk. 1000. It provides training on a monthly and yearly basis. It has a different price range, and the monthly fees start from Tk. 400.
Location: Setaras Dream 1/11 (5th floor), Anik Plaza Bhavan, Pallabi, Mirpur, Dhaka-1217.
Read: Barbells vs. Dumbbells: Which is better for Workout, Strength, and Muscle Growth?
Adonize Fitness Center
Adonize is an international quality gym located on Bashundhara City's Level 9 and 10. Men and Women have separate floors, and each floor covers a 14,000 square feet area, which is huge. Adonize offers its service through ten trainers who are certified from the USA and other countries. About 200 people can go to the gym at a time on each floor. The center remains open every day from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm except Friday.
Various international-level gym equipment make this gym fun for any fitness enthusiast. Further, you can take a swim, take a steam bath, or shower after the gym. With more than 200 lockers, you can keep your personal items safe and secure. The Adonize also offers Yoga and Aerobics for the girls. They have monthly and yearly service, which starts from Tk. 6,650 per month. However, this price is subject to change depending on various occasions.
Location: Adonize Fitness Center LTD,Bashundhara City, Level 9 & 10,Panthapath, Phone : 8158864-5,Mobile:01731922942 (office).
Read Bodybuilding Vs Powerlifting: Similarities, Differences, Pros, Cons
California Fitness
It was founded in 2000, which has three branches in Baridhara, Uttara, and Bashundhara. However, we will discuss here the main branch Baridhara. California Fitness opens at 6:30 am in the morning and closes at 10 pm at night. The gym has a main trainer and two assistant trainers. However, there is no separate trainer for women.
Here 60 people can exercise together. Besides, the user can take yoga, meditation, and freehand exercises too. They also offer a steam bath, shower, and spa without any additional cost. California Fitness offers monthly, and yearly packages starting from Tk. 3,000 per month and offers a discount for the yearly sign up.
Location: House # 319, Road # 4, (Eastern 1st and 2nd Building), DOHS, Baridhara, Dhaka-1206.
Read: Muscle Building Diet: Best Foods for Muscle Gains, Definition and Fat Reduction
Fitness Plus
Fitness Plus is one of the few best gyms in the Gulshan-Banani area. It was founded in 1999 as Life Plus, and the gym was later renamed Fitness Plus. However, this gym has no branches. It is a modern air-conditioned gymnasium that also has its own generator to provide uninterrupted service to the users even during the load shedding.
The exercise is done in three shifts. The good thing is that the women will get separate trainers. There are facilities for yoga, yoga, aerobics, meditation, freehand exercises. Besides, the users can have the facilities like steam baths, showers, lockers, and first aid. The Fitness Plus charge according to the shifts starts from Tk. 2500 per month.
Location: House # 23, Road # 18, Block # A, Banani, Dhaka-1213.
Read HIIT VS Crossfit: Know the Difference
Inspire Fitness by Sohel Taj
Once an influential politician and Member of Parliament, Sohail Taj opened a new gym in 2020 with the aim to build a healthy Bangladesh. It remains open from 6 am to 11 pm, and it offers a separate hour for the women. With international-level equipment and trainers, it is an elite class gym. Inspire Fitness' membership plan starts from Tk. 4000/week.
Location: 751, Satmasjid Road, 7th Floor, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209.
Read Cycling Benefits: How Indoor and Outdoor Cycling Strengthens Your Immune System
South Avenue Gym
South Avenue opened in 2000 for both men and women. This gym can accommodate 25 people at a time. The South Avenue Gymnasium has a gym, health, steam bath, sauna, jacuzzi, locker, shower, and first aid facilities for customers. There is 1 trainer and 3 assistants for men training and 1 separate trainer and 1 assistant for women.
In the gym, body exercises are done with the help of Treadmill, Cross Trainer, Stepper, Bench Press, Leg Press, Set up bench, Abdominal, Olympic Bar, Tiber, Ring Machine, and Dumbbell. They offer monthly and yearly packages. The monthly plan starts from Tk. 5,500 while the yearly package is Tk. 30,000. It has only one branch in Gulshan.
Location: 44, South Avenue, Road # 13, Gulshan # 1, Dhaka-1212.
Read Tips to Help You Reach Your 2021 Fitness Goals
Western Bowling and Fitness
This gym is equipped with modern equipment. Besides, it offers shower facilities, free physician consultation, digital sound system. There are two types of membership in this gym, single membership, and couple membership.
Couple members get some discounts as compared to single members. The monthly fee starts from Tk. 2400. This gym has a variety of equipment, such as - treadmill (motorized), treadmill (manual), cross trainer, bike, belly machine, signup machine, push-up bar, gimbal, two-star, dumbbells, fixed dumbbells. A member can access the gym anytime between 8 am to 10 pm.
Location: Shimanto Square (Rifles Square) 4th Floor, Road # 2, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Read: TRX vs. Other Gym Equipments: A Detailed Comparison
Gym Plus
Established in 2009, Gym Plus is a private gym located in Wari, Old Dhaka. 30 people can exercise or take the training together. However, there are separate trainers for women. Everyone usually gets at least 1 hour of exercise.
The operation hour is from 9 am to 7 pm. The facility includes 3 motorized treadmills for running, 4 bikes, two cross-trainers, Gym ball, Two Star, push-up bar, dumbbells, and fixed dumbbells of different weights. To access all these facilities, you will have to pay a non-refundable admission fee of Tk. 2000 and Tk. 1000 per month.
Location: Wari Super Center, 28/1, Ranking Street, Wari, Dhaka-1203.
Read What is Protein Powder? Benefits of Taking Protein Supplements
Barbells vs. Dumbbells: Which is better for Workout, Strength, and Muscle Growth?
Venturing into weight lifting can be a daunting task when first starting out. Machines, plates, bars and dumbbells all thrown together can be intimidating as navigating through all possible exercises with each item and picking the best ones for your workout plan is no easy feat. Out of all the tools available, dumbbells and barbells are two most prevalent pieces of equipment for muscle building and it can be tricky to decide which is better. Here, we answer the question “Are barbells better than dumbbells?”
The Role They Play
Before diving into the comparison, it is important to note that both barbells and dumbbells are primarily designed for strength building and overall muscle growth. The act of executing repetitions with weights is to put the targeted muscle group in a state of hypertrophy when under stress. That’s right; in order to allow muscles to grow, they must be deliberately damaged in order to recover with higher density and strength.
Therefore, regardless of which one does it better, both of these styles of weightlifting were ultimately designed for the same goal. Barbells have a lot less flexibility in terms of exercise varieties as compared to dumbbells but excel in compound exercises that are made to tackle multiple major muscle groups. Dumbbells on the other hand, have more flexibility but have a far lower limit in terms of actual weight. Both tools will have various exercises that are unique to them that cannot be overlapped, but there are enough exercises that do overlap that have subjected the two types of weight into this debate, to begin with.
Read Muscle Building Diet: Best Foods for Muscle Gains, Definition and Fat Reduction
Compound Exercises For Both Barbells and Dumbbells
Shoulder Press
Otherwise known as military press, the two do not differ greatly when it comes to executing this exercise, but as the weights increase, balance starts resulting in safety concerns if unprepared. Unlike barbells, dumbbells force the user to ensure complete symmetry between both arms when raised overhead.
Barbells do require the same, but it is easier to execute this as both arms will be parallel with each other and keeping the bar straight becomes the only concern from a technical perspective. Dumbbells' flexibility shines in this exercise as users can choose to place the weights right next to the ears if necessary to ensure that the side deltoids also get activated, while this would be impossible for dumbbells (as you’d hit your head on the bar).
Read TRX vs. Other Gym Equipments: A Detailed Comparison
Bench/Incline Press
When it comes to the chest, both also don’t differ significantly, but the weight limits on your dumbbell racks will slowly become a concern the longer you’ve been training. The exercise commonly demands an incredible amount of weight compared to shoulder press and incline rows, which does naturally increase the risks of muscle tears and even dislocations if the weights are not placed down properly after a set. The bench press is equally viable on both dumbbells and barbells, but barbells tend to be favoured among competitive lifters due to the amount of weight that can be added on, while dumbbells are preset and commonly only go up to 50kg at your local gym. As a beginner and even intermediate weight lifter, both options are viable, but barbells will start to have a higher priority when your strength is too much for dumbbells.
Rows
Using an inclined bench, many have resorted to the dumbbell option of rows by tucking their knees into the far corner of the seat and resting the chest on the backrest. Although it may look a little odd to beginners and non-weightlifters - many have adopted this as an alternative to barbell rows. The back is a massive muscle group and dumbbells are not commonly used for compound back exercises as compared to barbells.
Isolated, single-arm rows while leaning forward yes, but not compound. One of the reasons for this is because of the weight limit like with the bench press; arguably, doing rows with dumbbells can open avenues for more injury if not done correctly on the bench. Barbells have safety racks below and allow for a wider range of motion due to not having any obstruction like the seat would have. Overall, barbells win in this exercise for safety, higher weight, and cleaner form.
Read What is Protein Powder? Benefits of Taking Protein Supplements
Fairness Creams: Dangerous Side effects of Skin Whitening Beauty Products
You always tend to use whitening creams for the natural attraction to beauty. Before going to any party, rely on the fairness creams of the market to make yourself presentable. But these types of creams are very harmful to your skin, even if they make you feel whiter temporarily. You often see tempting offers in various advertisements. None of this is long-lasting. Dermatologists have been coming up with this warning for a long time. There is a lot of demand in Bangladesh, especially for Korean beauty products. Keep in mind, Korean products don’t necessarily mean good. Let's find out what harms using this type of cream results.
Harmful aspects of using whitening cream
Reddish rash
Another name for it is rosacea, which causes red rashes on your face and makes the blood vessels inside the skin visible. If your skin is light and you regularly use creams on that, you will face this problem.
Loss of skin color
This is one of the dangerous effects of using cream. As a result, not only your skin but your whole body will gradually become pale. In the final stage, it leads to skin cancer.
Itching
Frequent cream use consumes oil produced naturally in your skin. Subsequently, the skin becomes dry. And itching excessively grows in this dry skin. One cream is enough to permanently damage your sensitive skin through itching.
Acne disease
"Remove your acne scars" After seeing this word on the cream, you may be buying it. But such creams contain toxic chemicals. These will not remove the dark spots of your acne with daily use. Rather, you use any medicine to treat acne next time, it will reduce its effectiveness.
Read Aloe Vera: The magical herb with multifarious benefits
Sunburn
Excessive use of whitening cream makes your skin thinner. And thin skin is relatively more vulnerable to the sun's ultraviolet rays. The effects may extend from wrinkles on the face at a very young age to skin cancer.
Decreasing immunity of the skin
The use of cream on the face doesn’t just create a different layer on the skin. Rather, it also destroys the normal ability of your skin's immune cells. Thus, your skin gets defenseless against bacteria and fungi.
Kidney and neurological complications
Most of the fairness creams you get in the market contain high levels of mercury. And this mercury is responsible for damaging your kidneys as well as various neurological problems.
Boycotting Israeli Products: Is It Practically Possible?
The long-running conflict between Israel and Palestine took an even more violent turn recently as the two states practically went into a state of war with each other. With the recent escalation of conflict, the global response has been somewhat mixed. Most of the western countries including the European leaders are supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. Muslim countries and the coalition of OIC have been vocal about the atrocities carried out by Israel in the occupied lands of Gaza where Palestinian residents have been forcefully removed from their homes. In addition to that, there have been massive airstrikes carried out by Israel that have killed civilians in the hundreds to which Hamas also retaliated with airstrikes. As most of the developed countries turn a blind eye to the plight of the Palestinian people, there has been a global call to boycott Israeli products as a form of protest.
What is the impact of boycotting Israeli products?
Since its foundation in 1948 after the end of the British mandate and proclamation of the Jewish state, Israel set itself on a prolific development course. The initial years weren’t easy as it had to combat economic recession combined with refugee intake from Europe. However, the state took a keen interest in technological advancement as well as exporting locally produced goods and brands.
Their advancement in the tech field including computer hardware, software as well as spyware made them a key exporter of these goods in western countries like the USA, UK, Hong Kong, and China. With a huge volume of export of local as well as international brand products sourced in Israel, the net exports hold almost 29% of the GDP of Israel. Boycotting Israeli products lands a huge blow to the percentage share as well as the economy of Israel.
Read Palestinian minister: Cease-fire in Gaza is `not enough’
What are the Israeli products and brands?
Before we get into the details of products and brands you need to understand that some of these brands are not directly owned or operated by the state of Israel; neither are they owned by an Israeli corporation or owner. Rather they source the products or use Israeli Logistics to produce the commodities and sell them worldwide.
Though technically not an Israeli product, they do help the Israeli cause and contribute to the overall economic development of Israel. Procter and Gamble, the notable mother brand of products like Gillette, Pampers, Olay, and Oral-B have considerable ties with Israel. Pampers, one of their successful diaper range is sourced exclusively from Avgol, an Israeli company with factories in the occupied West Bank area. Intel also has plants in Tel-Aviv which manufactures a share of their global chipset supply.
Notable construction brands like Caterpillar supplies armored tanks to Israel which is an essential element of their field military strength. The retail and consumer sub-brand of Caterpillar, CAT also sources and holds a considerable investment in the state of Israel. Hewlett-Packard, commonly known as HP was one of the first western companies to establish a business hub in Israel back in 1994. To this day, HP holds a significant foreign investment in Israel and has been a key player in the tech revolution of the state.
Other notable brands like SodaStream, Puma, McDonald's, Motorola, and Volvo also share economic ties with Israel as well as sourcing their product through factories in the occupied area.
The technological advancements of Israel saw them take a strong position in the internet business scene as well. Popular websites like deviant art and website building tools like Wix are all based in Israel. One of the biggest freelancing platforms of the world Fiverr is also owned and operated from Israel with its headquarter in Tel-Aviv.
These are just a few notable international products that are used on a global scale in almost all the countries of the world. However, there are tens and thousands of Israeli products that are relatively less known but are an important contributing factor to the economy of Israel. You can check for the barcode of a product and if it starts with 729, it is designated to be a product from Israel.
Read Israel approves unilateral cease-fire in Gaza offensive
Why is it challenging to boycott Israeli products?
The state of Israel has always pioneered innovation and development of critical and crucial products across a range of sectors. As we have mentioned before, the advancement of Israel in the field of technology has been immense. From crucial car navigation system like Waze to optical heart rate monitor that enables smartwatches to monitor heart rate, all of these technologies were developed in Israel.
Not just these, global social hubs like Facebook or popular search engines like Google and Bing all use components made in Israel to optimize their network and service. The proprietary company Mellanox has been a key supplier of these components.
Other innovations like the mobile camera to portable disk drives, all of these technological milestones trace back their origin to Israel. From a western point of view, with such deep-rooted ties to everyday life, it is almost impossible to boycott Israeli products.
Read Want to help Palestinians? Now there is a way
How can you boycott products from Bangladesh?
Contrary to popular belief, some of the products that you might see making rounds on social media don’t share any ties with Israel and as a result, you have no reason to boycott them. Bangladesh is also the only country to not share any form of economic or diplomatic ties with Israel so our government doesn’t act as a benefactor in any way.
Though not directly available, some of the international brand products that we mentioned above are still available in the country with the products of P&G being the most widely available one. You can find an alternative to these products either sourced locally or from brands that don’t share any ties with Israel if you want to contribute to the cause.
Read Address Palestinian issue: Bangladesh to UN Security Council
Bottom Line
The conflict of Israel and Palestine is long-standing and one that has caused a heavy toll on life and humanitarian crisis. Where the most form of protest is limited to condemnation of the atrocities alone, many have called for the boycott of the products to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and their cause. That is about as much that can be done from a civilian point of view unless the ongoing crisis is resolved once and for all.
Macher Jhol in Melbourne: Transcending borders through food!
The quintessential Bengali 'Macher Jhol’ or fish curry has now reached the table of Masterchef Australia. All thanks to 38-year-old Bangladeshi expat Kishwar Chowdhury who has made it to the celebrated show this season.
A mother of two, Chowdhury is pursuing her dream of becoming a cookbook author aiming to showcase recipes handed down by her mother Laila Chowdhury (recent one being the macher jhol or fish curry).
The homemaker made her way to MasterChef Australia Season 13 with her sardines in green mango broth, served with black lentils, beetroot and blood orange bhorta.
Read: Kishwar wins Australians hearts with her Bangladeshi recipe on Masterchef
Later, she cooked several drool-worthy Bengali cuisines on the show -- from Chingri Bhorta (mashed prawns) to the humble Maach Bhaja (fish fry).
She aims to put Bangladeshi cuisine on the global culinary map with her passion for cooking, bringing international recognition to homegrown flavours but with a twist.
“If I don’t do that this food recipe and flavor will fade with me, I really want to pass them to my children,” she said in an earlier interview.
“This is testament to the fact that simple food, you have nowhere to hide with it, can be the best and most triumphant in the world," one of the judges said about Kishwar’s dishes in the competition.
Read: Different forms of Vitamin D: Benefits, sources of Vitamin D1 vs D2 vs D3
MasterChef Australia is an Australian competitive cooking show based on the original British MasterChef.
Initial rounds consist of a large number of hopeful contestants from across Australia individually "auditioning" by presenting a food dish before the three judges in order to gain one of 50 semi-final places.
The semi-finalists then compete in several challenges that test their food knowledge and preparation skills.
The contestants will then be whittled down through a number of individual and team-based cooking challenges and weekly elimination rounds until a winning MasterChef is crowned.
Read Most creative ways to eat more fruits for the non-fruit eaters
The contestants of MasterChef Australia, play for a prize that includes chef training from leading professional chefs, the chance to have their own cookbook published, and $ 250,000 in cash.