Benefits of Elliptical Workouts

A resident of Grass Valley, California, Robert Fettgather is an associate faculty member at Mission College in Santa Clara. To keep fit, Robert Fettgather enjoys elliptical training.

Elliptical machines are fitness machines used by standing on two rimmed platforms that move forward and back in an elliptical pattern. They are popular in both households and health clubs. The machines allow low-impact workouts that benefit both the upper and lower body. Elliptical machines also enable high-intensity interval training (a combination of an interval that requires maximum effort during the first segment) and steady-state cardio workouts (doing one exercise for a longer period of time) that help strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles. They also improve stamina.

During workouts, the motions produced by elliptical machines may help relieve stress on the legs while the feet remain on the pedals, making the workout low-impact. Elliptical machines have several useful exercise regimens on them. An individual can choose according to their strength and resistance levels. Elliptical machines can simulate climbing or interval exercises. Many ellipticals use wireless heart rate detectors to customize workouts by determining the user’s resistance level.

Because the calorie burn of an elliptical is higher than cardio equipment such as the stationary cycle, the elliptical helps people lose body fat faster, especially during interval training.

Finally, elliptical machines require less maintenance than other fitness machines such as the treadmill. An elliptical machine has little need for servicing because it has fewer moving parts than a treadmill.

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Tradition of the Panchen Lama in Tibetan Buddhism

Drawing on an extensive background in psychology and religion, Robert Fettgather was co-founder and a discussion leader with Tashi Lhunpo Sangha. Robert Fettgather’s Buddhist organization stands as a Palo Alto, California “community of friends” who practice meditation and seek Dharma together.

The roots of the approach to spirituality and self-awareness extend back to the 15th century and the establishment of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery by His Holiness Gyalwa Gedun Drupa (the first Dalai Lama). Over the next century, the Tibetan monastery increased in importance to the point where its abbot, Lobsang Choekyi Gyaltsen, gained recognition from the fifth Dalai Lama as Panchen Lama, or “Great Scholar.”

The relationship between Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas evolved synergistically, with each Lama tasked with searching for his counterpoint’s reincarnation. The chosen Lama, whether Dalai or Panchen, initially serves as disciple and ultimately takes on a role as guru.

From the mid-20th century and beyond, the tradition of the Panchen Lama has become intertwined with international politics, as Tibetan culture and religion have come under threat. Despite this, traditional Tibetan spiritual practices remain strong.

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Buddhist Concepts of Suffering and Dharma

Robert Fettgather is a longtime psychology instructor who has extensive experience working with those with developmental disabilities. As co-founder of Tashi Lhunpo Sangha, Robert Fettgather helped grow and guide a community of likeminded people practicing meditation and studying the dharma in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Common to both Buddhism and Hinduism, dharma is a tradition that reaches back to the teachings of Buddha. In the Hindu tradition, it is a moral law that governs all aspects of a person’s life and includes virtues such as non-injury, truthfulness, and generosity.

By contrast, in Buddhism, dharma represents a universal truth that is common to all people. It comes from Buddha’s first sermon to disciples following his enlightenment, when he spoke of suffering and how this results from a failure to realize that no person stands alone, and that everything is interdependent. Grasping for that which one does not possess results in suffering and a perpetual sense of needless striving.

Moving forward from this condition is possible through the Noble Eightfold Path, which encompasses meditation and ethical life choices, and is informed by truths embodied as dharma. These include correct intentions, understanding, effort, and mindfulness. In essence, the dharma is those thoughts and actions undertaken with a clearly focused heart and mind that lead away from suffering toward self-realization.

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Hiking 101 – The Essential Camping Items

Robert Fettgather holds a BA in psychology from San Jose State University as well as Masters and Doctoral degrees. He works as an associate faculty at Misson College in Santa Clara, educating students in different areas of psychology. An outdoorsman, Robert Fettgather likes to spend his free time hiking and camping.

Certain items need to be taken along for a safe and fun camping trip. At the top of your camp checklist should be a quality tent to spend the night in for safety and protection. Tent stakes are essential to hold your shelter securely to the ground. Lightweight camping chairs can make for a pleasant seating arrangement at your campsite.

Spending the night on the bare ground without a mattress is quite uncomfortable and can result in unnecessary aches and body pains. For this reason, a camping cot, sleeping pad or mattress is necessary to lay on the floor inside the tent. Bedding is important too, so remember to pack a quality sleeping bag and/or blankets to keep you warm.

Another essential item to include for a camping trip is a propane or butane stove. These stoves are a faster and safer alternative for cooking than a campfire which may also pose a wildfire risk. Remember to bring an extra canister of fuel to refill the stove if the need arises, as well as camping pots, pans and utensils.

Other vital materials include sunscreen to prevent sunburns during the day and an effective insect repellent. Lastly, do not forget to carry along a battery-powered flashlight to illuminate your campsite and the inside of your tent.

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