Generally, logo is created from 3 basic elements, which are:

1. Name, referring to words or sound

2. Symbol, referring to shape or visual

3. Color, to emphasize the meaning of the symbol yet has the psychological effect

There are 7 types of logo:

1. Typographic

Logo which consist of word only

e.g.: Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba

2. Geometric Typography

Logo which consist of word (brand) and combined with geometrical shape such as square, circle, elipse.

e.g.: Dupont

3. Initial Letter

Logo which consist of one or more letters as an initial.

e.g.: Hewlett-Packard

4. Pictorial

Just like typographic logo (see no.1), but pictorial logo has stronger character since the typography was designed specially to create or design logo.

e.g.: Hard Rock Café, Coca Cola

5. Associative

Logo or symbol which has a direct associate with the product or main business core.

e.g.: Shell, 20th Century Fox

6. Allusive Logo

Logo that has indirect associate with the product or main business core.

e.g.: Mercedes Benz, Alitalia

7. Abstract

Logo that has an abstract symbol. This kind of logo is usually hard to understand, because the design comes from a very long process. In fact, it’s losing the basic form. Since the logo becomes an allusive/abstract symbol, everybody would have different perceptions about this kind of logo.

Personally, I love an allusive and abstract logo, because logo must be unique, simple and have a strong character. The basic idea could be anything as long as related to the company. It could be the product, main business core, the philosophy, the background, geographic, vision or mission, etc.

If you’re designing logo for fitness and spa center, leave the muscle and fitness equipment kind of image away. Start to think deeper about the purpose of being healthy and fit instead. What people get when they do exercise and spa (regularly)? The answer is “Their bodies will be healthy and so do their souls”. That’s the main purpose of doing fitness and spa, get healthy body and soul equally. It means that you can illustrate this with something equal or balance. The most common symbol to illustrate the balance is a “Ying-Yang” symbol. But you can not use this symbol as it is (that wouldn’t be unique, would it?!). Try to modify and make it related to the fitness/spa field. That would be another challenge for you as a designer…

I’m sure that the exploration of each business area to be exposed on logo is unlimited.

anton ardjanggi
http://www.articlesbase.com/graphic-design-articles/how-to-design-unique-logo-99296.html

Checking out treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews are an absolute must. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy, from young to old. Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children.

AC motors that are found in some treadmill units run at one continuous speed and rely on a transmission to regulate speed whereas units powered by DC motors use variable voltage to regulate the speed at which the belt spins. There are two types of frames – aluminum and steel; steel is heavier than the more expensive aluminum, which potentially increases stability but steel (not aluminum) may also rust or corrode from sweat. With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight.

A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. Quite a few of the treadmills available today have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout. The more expensive treadmill models will offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines.

A heart rate monitor is a very good, useful feature to look for on a machine. Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout.

Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation.

It’s definitely possible to find a good model that’s not very popular, but is still a good buy. When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores. If you’re planning to use a treadmill purely for walking you’re not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine.

Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers. If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it’ll be a good investment in your health. It’s important to set a strict budget and then stick to it.

Make sure to add the cost of shipping when buying a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping. After-sales service is another important issue to think about; find out if they’ll promptly repair or replace your treadmill if there is a problem. Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you’re looking for a cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for.

When you’re reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they’ll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels. If there’s a treadmill you’ve enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there’s a home version available in your price range.

When planning your purchase always take into account any other members of your family, or roommates, who’ll be using your treadmill. When your equipment is up and running, get the right lubricants and cleaners to take good care of it.

As you increase your fitness levels, a quality treadmill will continue to assist your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging or to running. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation.

Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises. Treadmills are known to provide one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular fitness.

By following the above tips you’re sure to find the best treadmill for you. No matter what your reasons are for buying a treadmill, be sure to find one that fits your needs and the needs of your family. Buying a treadmill is an excellent investment for getting into shape, understanding of course, that you actually use it.

Helen Hecker
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/treadmill-buying-tips-136724.html

A lifetime of fitness is one of the dazzling benefits that can result from the use of Proactol. I believe that in order to advance yourself from one level of personal achievement to the next it takes making a series of personal decisions that enable you to move to the next level.

Taking Proactol alongside a lifetime fitness plan can easily yield noticeable results within weeks. Allow me to share these simple exercises with you. They can be done during your lunch break, or just before going out on the town.

The exercises are not demanding. Do not fret, only minimal perspiration is involved. They are designed to help you to maintain a healthy and great looking physique. Eat a healthy snack one hour before your workout.

Take a half hour daily walk. Mornings are better for me. You will have to set your best time. Purchase a comfortable pair of exercise walkers and go for a stroll around the block. Do not worry about the weather; just go. If it is impossible to go outdoors, try walking up and down a building staircase.

This is an excellent workout for your heart and your leg muscles. Set goals and slowly build gradual increases into your lifetime fitness plan. You can even alternate your cardiovascular sessions. Do the staircase one day and walk around the block on other days.

Do some simple pushups. They will work your chest area, triceps and rear deltoids. Depending on your fitness level aim for 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps. Try and gradually increase the repetitions as the pushups becomes easier.

Let us do some legwork. Spread your legs to hip length and keep them fully extended. Hold dumbbells in each hand and maintain a straight back. Slowly bend your knees until your thighs are level to the floor. Now slowly return to your original position. This puts a whole lot of strain on your legs so be careful. Do not overextend yourself.

Are you ready for some arm work? These exercises will strengthen your biceps. Sit on the edge of a secure chair with your feet placed hip width apart. Hold the weights with your palms facing inwards in front of your body. Extend your arm, and curl one dumbbell up at a time in a small arc. Rotate your forearm so that your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the movement. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Again, these are simple exercises you can do almost anytime, almost anywhere. Remember to be consistent with your exercises and your Proactol. It is your friend. Condition your mind for long term lifetime fitness results. Be patient with yourself. You did not gain your weight overnight and you will not lose it overnight.

Wycliffe Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/a-lifetime-of-fitness-and-the-dazzling-benefits-of-proactol-101536.html

Achieve Fitness and Weight Loss Using Online Fitness Tracker

FitNRG.com Online Calorie Counter and Fitness Tracker

The first step when designing a weight loss plan is to know how much calories you burn and consume in a day. Losing weight can be an emotional (and sometimes physical) roller coaster for many, and achieving weight loss goals can be difficult, and sometimes, discouraging. How many times have you heard someone (or even yourself) say that they’ve managed to gain back what they lost, and then some? Why do individuals fail at weight loss? There is no simple answer.

Going on a diet of sorts, is not the answer to successful long term weight loss. Fundamental changes in lifestyle and behavioral patterns must be followed, taken in small steps, to create an environment that promotes weight loss and weight maintenance once the desired weight is reached.

How does one go about making these changes, and achieve weight loss success? Start by being accountable to yourself, to your goals – by tracking and measuring your weight loss goals, progress, and by knowing your daily, and weekly caloric expenditure versus caloric intake. In other words, by tracking whether you have a daily / weekly caloric surplus or deficit.

The basis of this concept is simple enough – figure out how many calories you consume daily and weekly, and compare that with how many calories you expend daily and weekly. Sounds simple enough, but without the right tools, doing something like this is downright difficult and frustrating, which is why the fitness and weight loss tracking tools and calorie counter at FitNRG.com come in so handy.

What’s in Your Diet?

Be honest – do you know what’s in your diet? How much calories do you consume on a daily basis? Where are your calories coming from? Are you getting most of your calories from fat, proteins, carbohydrates, or a balanced portion of each? If you don’t have the answer to that question, then the first thing you need to do is figure out how many calories you are consuming, and where your calories are coming from.

A good place to start is using the free calorie counter and food journal from FitNRG.com. Simply search from the database of tens of thousands of food items, and add them to your food journal, the site automatically calculates your total protein intake, carbohydrate intake, fat intake, and provides a breakdown of the percentages of each macronutrient on a daily and weekly basis – providing you with valuable information and feedback on your diet.

How Much Calories do you Burn Daily, Weekly?

Knowing how much calories you consume daily and weekly is only half of the equation. Equally important, is knowing how much calories you burned on a daily and weekly basis. This is easily tracked and calculated using the “Activities Tracker” from FitNRG.com.

The “Activities Tracker” provided calculates your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) and calculates your total daily calories burned based on the additional physical activities you perform and add to the tracker. The activities tracker provides a list of over 220 most common physical activities you can engage in. You will be able to see at a glance how much calories you burn each day, and your total calories burned each week versus calories consumed – it is important to know whether you have a caloric surplus or deficit, and make the necessary changes in your diet and physical activities.

FitNRG.com – More than Just a Calorie Counter and Food Journal

To help make your weight loss and fitness efforts easier, FitNRG provides a complete set of tools and features including exercise tracker, diet tracker, personal blog, recipe book, meal planner, reports generator, and a large community of like-minded individuals who share common goals and interests that will help keep you motivated.

For successful long term weight loss, you need to be accountable to yourself – setup a plan for weight loss and carry through with that plan. Sometimes, you will find it helpful and motivating to be accountable to someone else as well – about your diet, physical activities, and weight loss progress. It helps to find someone who shares a common goal, who understands the ups and downs you’re going through, and can help you stay motivated, and on top of things when things get discouraging. FitNRG.com has a large community of members who are interested in fitness and weight loss, don’t hesitate to join and take control of your weight loss goals.

Jim Yang
http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/achieve-fitness-and-weight-loss-using-online-fitness-tracker-447339.html

Learning a few great tai chi moves is the passport to better health and lifetime fitness. Tai chi is not about being macho and bullying your boyfriend or husband when they upset you. It is more than that, and learning the technique is not to show your little brother who bullied you for ever that you are now the boss, but also teaches you self-discipline.

When I was young I used to be into my movies from Hong Kong and watching my favorite actor fly through the air as if he had wings and then soft-land on his enemy’s head. He would just stand there and his enemy would look around for him. Only after a few stomps to the crown of the enemy’s head, will he then realize that Jet Li was there.

To learn tai chi is the matter of doing. To master a set takes about three to four months, but to master the technique takes much longer. The beginning stages of the set are quite simple. You will pick up very quickly after the instructor demonstrates a few moves.

Bear in mind that Tai chi and just learning a few basic moves can bring an endless range of health benefits to the circulatory system, muscular and skeletal system. Tai chi is an excellent technique, which also provides a superb workout, flexibility, coordination, building balance and percussive strength. It is also a great fat burner, mainly on the abdomen, hips and thighs. Throw away those stress capsules and stress balls because there are a few movements that reduce stress and find a way to find peace with body and mind. The technique doesn’t really target weight loss – but it causes you to lose weight all over and those areas are replaced with muscle. Tai chi is not all about kicking butts. People know that you do not need to be in great physical shape to learn the technique. This is a style for all ages and conditions of people.

Tai chi is a limited cardiovascular workout, which – for smokers and those with breathing problems – have an important effect on lung function. I always try exercising, but give up. Other benefits of tai chi are that it alters the lipid profile. Another reason why tai chi is good is that it helps with the prevention of atherosclerosis. Tai chi is the one technique that is appropriate to any person with a condition but wants to do it anyway. The technique can be done in a chair or in bed.

That was little of a serious note. Whenever it comes to another person’s health things get serious, because I do what I can to help. When practicing a few tai chi moves always think about the yin and the yang. The inward motions are the yin, so suck them in. The outward motions are the yang. These are aggressive, so push them out. Keep in mind that you have to breathe in as you bring in your movements.

After your exercising, the ending is where you have to cool down. Try standing in a position and give your muscles a chance to unkink. A few workouts a week is to be your passport to better health and lifetime fitness.

Yoshi Kundagawa
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/passport-to-better-health-and-lifetime-fitness-127701.html

A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy, from young to old. Treadmills have become the hottest home exercise equipment choice. If you are yet to invest in a serious piece of indoor exercise fitness equipment like a treadmill then never fear because help is at hand.

With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight. A few treadmill models are powered by the user rather than a motor. Some treadmills fold up for easy storage which makes them an ideal choice for those with limited space in a small apartment, small house or condo.

The console indicates belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, mph, distance, etc. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout. The monitor indicates belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, mph, and distance.

Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill.

One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. Many of the treadmills available have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, therefore increasing the intensity of a workout.

Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap on to the chest. A pre-programmed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by a cord or wire.

Treadmills are a very important investment, regardless of the price; if it’s not right for you, you don’t want to find this out after you’ve set the treadmill up at home. Consider bringing your water bottle and towel to the treadmill store and try out their treadmills. Any treadmill with a belt that causes jerky movements while you walk or run should be avoided.

Noise from the smallest repetitive sound can drive you nuts over a period of time and provide you with one more reason not to exercise. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money. You’ll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that’s strong enough to support the heaviest runner who’ll be using it.

If there’s a treadmill you’ve enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there’s a home version available in your price range.

Make sure to add in the cost of shipping when purchasing a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping. It’s best to get a treadmill that has a warranty that lasts for at least a year.

You’ll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous horsepower. Purchasing fitness equipment over the Internet has grown at a fast pace over the past few years. Most manufacturers of commercial treadmills found in gyms and health clubs also produce home versions. Make sure to check out the warranty, this is very important.

Be careful, any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. The more programs the treadmill offers the more you can vary your workout and then more likely you’ll continue exercising on a regular basis.

Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation. Better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles, hips and lower backs.

And remember, home exercise treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness and much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of any new treadmill. Buying a treadmill is a major purchase for most people. A treadmill is a good investment for anyone who has decided to make a conscious effort to become healthy and fit.

Helen Hecker
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/buy-treadmills-the-easy-way-115230.html