Showing posts with label interval training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interval training. Show all posts
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Fitness And Kids - FIT-4-Kids, An Exercise Program Just For Kids
Introducing kids to a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge in our fast food, video game laden society. Thirty minutes once a week in P. E. class isn't nearly enough to maintain the cardiovascular system, much less keep an overall healthy bodyweight. One thing that P. E. class has right though is that classes are fun and they allow kids to socialize. The Fit Express' FIT-4-Kids exercise program along with their specially-made kids exercise equipment gives kids what they need and want.
So little Johnny's not thrilled about running 30 minutes on a treadmill? It's already hard enough for adults, who understand the importance, to exercise on a consistent basis. I've trained children, I can tell you from experience they get distracted and bored even easier. Introducing health and wellness at an early age is important and it's up to us to give them a fun option.
There are many ways kids can get physical exercise from after-school sports, jungle gyms, parks, recreational centers, kids gyms. However , most of these don't consist of a strict program (that doesn't feel strict) that makes them do at least 30 minutes of continuous cardiovascular exercise and also includes functional strength training using complete range of motion for all of the body's muscle groups. The FIT-4-Kids exercise program contains the key aspects of fitness and provides cardio and strength exercises in a safe, fun and sociable way.
Fluid interval training (i. e. FIT) works very similar to circuit training. exercise machines (each working different muscle groups) are placed in a circle or other arrangement. Every 2 minutes a central timer goes off and everybody switches to a different machine that they do continuously for the next 2 minutes. This allows multiple muscle groups to be worked simultaneously, the heart rate stays up, and it doesn't get boring. Two minute timer's just a suggestion; custom workouts can be easily created.
Worried about kids exercise equipment being dangerous? Don't be! FIT is extremely safe! What do sports, rec. centers, parks, and jungle gyms all have in common? They all allow kids to do uncontrolled movements, on their own, with minimal supervision. Running around, kicking, jumping, swinging-there's lots of potential for muscle and joint injuries! Kid's don't have the motor coordination to perform the unassisted exercises like squats, pull-ups, etc . with proper form and technique. Even when they could do these exercises, it's not fun for them and they don't have the patience or enjoy repetition sets. FIT is perfect, it's continuous and it doesn't require concentration or slow/boring movements.
Unlike most gym equipment you're familiar with, FIT-4-Kids doesn't use bulky machines with weight stacks, it uses Fit Express' kids hydraulic fitness equipment. By pushing or pulling oil through hydraulic cylinders to create resistance it provides an extremely smooth fluid movement that is much safer and kid-friendly. Never worry about dropping a weight stack, pushing or pulling too far, or hurting joints. You can pause at any point during the movement! And unlike most gym equipment with hard-to-understand seating levers and controls, the FIT4Kids machines are smaller (for children 4' to 5'9) with fixed seating and control arms. An easy-to-reach lever that controls if the exercise is harder (more strength) or easier/faster (more cardio) is the only option. So they can just get on and go!
Call your local kids gyms, recreational centers, schools, and ask them if they have a FIT-4-Kids circuit! Visit www.FitExpress.com for more information.
Friday, 25 May 2012
A Great Way To Spice Up Your Workouts -- Interval Training
There’s been a lot of buzz recently about interval training. So , you may be wondering what it really is and, more importantly, why you should incorporate it in your fitness workouts. Well, if you want a workout that can help propel you to the next fitness level, burn more calories, increase your speed, improve your power and more, then it’s time to learn more about this effective technique.
A simple definition of interval training is: short, high-intensity exercise periods alternated with periods of rest. These higher and lower intensity periods are repeated several times to form a complete workout. Here’s a basic example: walk for 5 minutes at 3. 5 MPH, walk for 1 minute at 4. 2 MPH and then repeat this sequence several times.
Most people spend their workout time only performing continuous training exercises. These are exercises where the intensity level is basically constant throughout. An example of this is walking at 3. 5 MPH, at 0% incline for 30 minutes.
Continuous training is very effective and should not be eliminated from your weekly workouts. However , it’s recommended that you include both interval training and continuous training sessions as part of your fitness regimen.
Why should you include interval training? As previously mentioned, there are many benefits to this type of training and execution is relatively simple. interval training can help you improve cardiovascular fitness, increase speed, improve overall aerobic power, burn more calories, break-through a plateau, increase workout duration, reach new exercise levels, expand your workout options and increase your workout threshold – just to name a few.
Plus, this training method has useful applications for beginners, intermediate exercisers and even conditioned athletes. There are two basic types of interval training. For the majority of exercisers (novices and intermediate) Fitness interval training methods are recommended. Athletes can choose a more advanced technique known as Performance interval training.
The Fitness training method utilizes periodic increases in intensity. Typically the higher-intensity levels range from 2-5 minutes in duration and are followed by lower-intensity periods that also range from 2-5 minutes. And, a critical element in Fitness interval training is determining the appropriate level for the higher-intensity periods. This level should not exceed the anaerobic threshold (which is usually reached below 85% heart rate reserve).
On the flip side, the Performance training technique involves periods of near maximal or even maximal intensity (e. g. >85% heart rate reserve – even reaching 100%). The higher-intensity levels can range from 2-15 minutes in duration and are followed by lower-intensity periods that also can range from 2-15 minutes in duration.
Don’t let the two types of training and their ranges confuse you. Incorporating interval training methods into your exercise routine is actually quite easy. Since the majority of exercisers fall into either the beginner or intermediate category, we’ll focus on getting started with those techniques.
To begin, choose the type of exercise: walking, jogging, swimming, biking, etc . Next determine your lower-intensity level. This is usually somewhere between 50-65% target heart rate. This will be your baseline, lower-level intensity. Then simply increase the intensity-level up to where you feel like you are working hard to very hard, but avoid reaching a level over 85% target heart rate. If monitoring your heart is not feasible, instead use the RPE scale where 1 is basically at rest and 10 is working extremely hard. For example , if you find that when you are exercising at a comfortable level you rank a 5, then bump up to a 7 for the higher-intensity intervals.
You may choose to systematically raise and lower your intensity (e. g. 2 minutes lower intensity followed by 1 minute higher intensity and repeat) or you can alternate more randomly by raising and lowering the level at your discretion. To increase your intensity, you may choose to change the speed, incline, or some other variable.
interval training can be especially helpful in situations where you are trying a new form of exercise. For example , this can be very beneficial when first learning to jog. If you attempt to jog continuously without building up to it, you will probably fatigue quickly and even give up. However , if you begin with intervals of walking interspersed with jogging periods, the workout will be much more enjoyable and effective. Also, you will be more likely to stick with the program and achieve the end result – continuous jogging.
Now that you know the benefits of interval training and the basic techniques for it, why not give it a try for yourself. Not only will it provide health benefits and improved fitness levels but it is also a great way to avoid workout boredom. Plus, with interval training workouts often are more enjoyable, go by quicker, and improvement results come faster. So why not try spicing up a stale, run-of-the-mill workout with Interval options? You may even find yourself excelling in an activity you were skeptical of even trying.
Craig Ballantyne Explains Fat Loss Interval Training
A simple definition of interval training is: short, high-intensity exercise periods alternated with periods of rest. These higher and lower intensity periods are repeated several times to form a complete workout. Here’s a basic example: walk for 5 minutes at 3. 5 MPH, walk for 1 minute at 4. 2 MPH and then repeat this sequence several times.
Most people spend their workout time only performing continuous training exercises. These are exercises where the intensity level is basically constant throughout. An example of this is walking at 3. 5 MPH, at 0% incline for 30 minutes.
Continuous training is very effective and should not be eliminated from your weekly workouts. However , it’s recommended that you include both interval training and continuous training sessions as part of your fitness regimen.
Why should you include interval training? As previously mentioned, there are many benefits to this type of training and execution is relatively simple. interval training can help you improve cardiovascular fitness, increase speed, improve overall aerobic power, burn more calories, break-through a plateau, increase workout duration, reach new exercise levels, expand your workout options and increase your workout threshold – just to name a few.
Plus, this training method has useful applications for beginners, intermediate exercisers and even conditioned athletes. There are two basic types of interval training. For the majority of exercisers (novices and intermediate) Fitness interval training methods are recommended. Athletes can choose a more advanced technique known as Performance interval training.
The Fitness training method utilizes periodic increases in intensity. Typically the higher-intensity levels range from 2-5 minutes in duration and are followed by lower-intensity periods that also range from 2-5 minutes. And, a critical element in Fitness interval training is determining the appropriate level for the higher-intensity periods. This level should not exceed the anaerobic threshold (which is usually reached below 85% heart rate reserve).
On the flip side, the Performance training technique involves periods of near maximal or even maximal intensity (e. g. >85% heart rate reserve – even reaching 100%). The higher-intensity levels can range from 2-15 minutes in duration and are followed by lower-intensity periods that also can range from 2-15 minutes in duration.
Don’t let the two types of training and their ranges confuse you. Incorporating interval training methods into your exercise routine is actually quite easy. Since the majority of exercisers fall into either the beginner or intermediate category, we’ll focus on getting started with those techniques.
To begin, choose the type of exercise: walking, jogging, swimming, biking, etc . Next determine your lower-intensity level. This is usually somewhere between 50-65% target heart rate. This will be your baseline, lower-level intensity. Then simply increase the intensity-level up to where you feel like you are working hard to very hard, but avoid reaching a level over 85% target heart rate. If monitoring your heart is not feasible, instead use the RPE scale where 1 is basically at rest and 10 is working extremely hard. For example , if you find that when you are exercising at a comfortable level you rank a 5, then bump up to a 7 for the higher-intensity intervals.
You may choose to systematically raise and lower your intensity (e. g. 2 minutes lower intensity followed by 1 minute higher intensity and repeat) or you can alternate more randomly by raising and lowering the level at your discretion. To increase your intensity, you may choose to change the speed, incline, or some other variable.
interval training can be especially helpful in situations where you are trying a new form of exercise. For example , this can be very beneficial when first learning to jog. If you attempt to jog continuously without building up to it, you will probably fatigue quickly and even give up. However , if you begin with intervals of walking interspersed with jogging periods, the workout will be much more enjoyable and effective. Also, you will be more likely to stick with the program and achieve the end result – continuous jogging.
Now that you know the benefits of interval training and the basic techniques for it, why not give it a try for yourself. Not only will it provide health benefits and improved fitness levels but it is also a great way to avoid workout boredom. Plus, with interval training workouts often are more enjoyable, go by quicker, and improvement results come faster. So why not try spicing up a stale, run-of-the-mill workout with Interval options? You may even find yourself excelling in an activity you were skeptical of even trying.
Craig Ballantyne Explains Fat Loss Interval Training
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Top 5 Exercise Plateau Breakers
Plateau. That dreaded word that you do not want to hear, let alone experience. Especially if you have been diligently exercising in an attempt to get fit or lose weight. We have all experienced a plateau at some time - all of a sudden you stop losing weight or you just cant seem to run any faster. When you hit a plateau, don't panic. It doesn't necessarily mean you need to work harder or spend more days at the gym.
Here are five ideas that may help you break through in record time.
Take an Active Rest
If you have hit a plateau, it may be time for an active rest. Take a week off from structured exercise, and instead take leisurely walks, play ball with the kids, or take a yoga class. Active rest rejuvenates the mind and the body and allows for overworked muscles to rest and rebuild. You will return to exercise stronger and ready for new challenges.
Time to Eat
As you increase your fitness level, your body's metabolism may increase and so will your calorie needs. If you hit a plateau, evaluate how much you are eating. You may need to eat more than you have in the past for your body to continue to increase its fitness level. If you find you are often hungry, this is a clear sign you need to eat more to sustain your exercise program.
Mix it Up
If you do not vary your workout routine your body will eventually run on cruise control, and you will experience a plateau. Try new cardiovascular activities, or use free weights if you always use machines for strength training. Changes in your routine will surprise the body and force it to adapt, bringing you to new levels of fitness.
Different Day, Different Intensity
Varying your activities, or cross-training is important to avoid or break through a plateau. While cross-training the type of activity is often recommended, it is also important to cross-train the intensity of your workouts. Specify different days of the week as low, moderate or high-intensity days. Try interval training work at a low intensity for a couple of minutes and increase to a high intensity for a couple of minutes, and repeat. If you use a heart rate monitor, be sure your average heart rate for your exercise sessions vary from day to day.
Sleep It Off
Be sure you are getting enough sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep for your body will allow time for your muscles to recover from exercise. This will ensure that you can come to your next exercise session with enough energy and at full strength to take on a challenging workout.
If you are still frustrated, find inspiration in the story of Chris Witty, winner of the Gold Medal in 1000 meter speed skating in the 1998 Winter Olympics. A month before she was to compete in the Olympics, she was diagnosed with mononucleosis. Of course she had to cut back on training, and at the time that she should have been preparing to peak for competition. Not only did she win the Gold Medal, which nobody expected, she broke the world record! Imagine what a little rest might do for your workouts!
If you find you still cant break through that plateau, then make the decision to ride it out. Sometimes a plateau is necessary to allow the body to catch up with a new body weight or fitness level. Rest assured your body knows what is best and will break through the plateau at the right time!
Best Fat Burning Exercises and Interval Training
Here are five ideas that may help you break through in record time.
Take an Active Rest
If you have hit a plateau, it may be time for an active rest. Take a week off from structured exercise, and instead take leisurely walks, play ball with the kids, or take a yoga class. Active rest rejuvenates the mind and the body and allows for overworked muscles to rest and rebuild. You will return to exercise stronger and ready for new challenges.
Time to Eat
As you increase your fitness level, your body's metabolism may increase and so will your calorie needs. If you hit a plateau, evaluate how much you are eating. You may need to eat more than you have in the past for your body to continue to increase its fitness level. If you find you are often hungry, this is a clear sign you need to eat more to sustain your exercise program.
Mix it Up
If you do not vary your workout routine your body will eventually run on cruise control, and you will experience a plateau. Try new cardiovascular activities, or use free weights if you always use machines for strength training. Changes in your routine will surprise the body and force it to adapt, bringing you to new levels of fitness.
Different Day, Different Intensity
Varying your activities, or cross-training is important to avoid or break through a plateau. While cross-training the type of activity is often recommended, it is also important to cross-train the intensity of your workouts. Specify different days of the week as low, moderate or high-intensity days. Try interval training work at a low intensity for a couple of minutes and increase to a high intensity for a couple of minutes, and repeat. If you use a heart rate monitor, be sure your average heart rate for your exercise sessions vary from day to day.
Sleep It Off
Be sure you are getting enough sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep for your body will allow time for your muscles to recover from exercise. This will ensure that you can come to your next exercise session with enough energy and at full strength to take on a challenging workout.
If you are still frustrated, find inspiration in the story of Chris Witty, winner of the Gold Medal in 1000 meter speed skating in the 1998 Winter Olympics. A month before she was to compete in the Olympics, she was diagnosed with mononucleosis. Of course she had to cut back on training, and at the time that she should have been preparing to peak for competition. Not only did she win the Gold Medal, which nobody expected, she broke the world record! Imagine what a little rest might do for your workouts!
If you find you still cant break through that plateau, then make the decision to ride it out. Sometimes a plateau is necessary to allow the body to catch up with a new body weight or fitness level. Rest assured your body knows what is best and will break through the plateau at the right time!
Best Fat Burning Exercises and Interval Training
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Interval Training for Fat Loss Not Aerobic Training
Announcing interval training for fat loss
Forget long steady state aerobic training if you want to lose fat.
Why?
1. Its boring! Who really wants to spend half an hour or more running, cycling, rowing, etc .
2. Your body will adapt to it! As you get fitter, it becomes harder to burn the same amount of calories as when you started exercising because your body adapts and becomes more efficient. So what do you do to burn the same amount of calories as you used to? Well if you continue with aerobic training the answer is either go for longer or do the same time quicker neither of which are particularly enjoyable.
3. The fat burning zone or heart rate training doesn't work. Yes, you burn a higher percentage of fat at a sub-maximal intensity but the overall calories burnt are less than a higher intensity workout. (See the post below for more on Fat burning zone and heart rate training for fat).
4. Sprinters have less fat than marathon runner.
5. Yes, you burn calories whilst doing aerobic training however it may be detrimental to your muscle growth. As I've said many times before, the more toned you are the more calories you burn whilst sitting at home. Aerobic training is largely catabolic (breaking down), which can consequently reduce the development of muscle growth. Less muscle = lower calorie expenditure = lower fat loss.
The answer? interval training
Interval training is not aerobic exercise! Before I tell you what interval training is let me tell you what aerobic training is. Aerobic training (with oxygen) is exercise at a low or moderate intensity that can be maintained for a relatively large amount of time as long as oxygen is available for the muscles.
Ok, so now let me tell you about interval training. This form of training is known as anaerobic training (little or no oxygen available). The key benefits of this training method are that it not only burns calories whilst you are doing it, it also burns more calories when you have finished as it revs up your metabolism for up to several hours afterwards, therefore helping you burn more calories through the day.
So what exactly do I do when interval training?
First off, choose an activity, running, rowing, etc . However , I recommend you do not do the same exercise every time. Remember your body will adapt! Try changing the machine or the activity every 2 sessions to avoid this.
Once you have warmed up (5 mins) increase the intensity for 1 minute. This should be full out effort or as close to as possible (not recommended for those with heart problems). Think of a scale between 1-10, 10 being the most difficult, 9-10 is where you should be at this point. Once you have completed that slow down to a comfortable (5-6 out of 10) that you can maintain for 2 minutes. This is one bout, you should repeat this between 3-6 times depending on your level of fitness followed by 3 minute cool down. The total work out should be between 17-26 mins depending on how many bouts you do carry out.
Remember, always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Now, go ahead, give it a go. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the results. Give me some feedback either way, thanks.
Why?
1. Its boring! Who really wants to spend half an hour or more running, cycling, rowing, etc .
2. Your body will adapt to it! As you get fitter, it becomes harder to burn the same amount of calories as when you started exercising because your body adapts and becomes more efficient. So what do you do to burn the same amount of calories as you used to? Well if you continue with aerobic training the answer is either go for longer or do the same time quicker neither of which are particularly enjoyable.
3. The fat burning zone or heart rate training doesn't work. Yes, you burn a higher percentage of fat at a sub-maximal intensity but the overall calories burnt are less than a higher intensity workout. (See the post below for more on Fat burning zone and heart rate training for fat).
4. Sprinters have less fat than marathon runner.
5. Yes, you burn calories whilst doing aerobic training however it may be detrimental to your muscle growth. As I've said many times before, the more toned you are the more calories you burn whilst sitting at home. Aerobic training is largely catabolic (breaking down), which can consequently reduce the development of muscle growth. Less muscle = lower calorie expenditure = lower fat loss.
The answer? interval training
Interval training is not aerobic exercise! Before I tell you what interval training is let me tell you what aerobic training is. Aerobic training (with oxygen) is exercise at a low or moderate intensity that can be maintained for a relatively large amount of time as long as oxygen is available for the muscles.
Ok, so now let me tell you about interval training. This form of training is known as anaerobic training (little or no oxygen available). The key benefits of this training method are that it not only burns calories whilst you are doing it, it also burns more calories when you have finished as it revs up your metabolism for up to several hours afterwards, therefore helping you burn more calories through the day.
So what exactly do I do when interval training?
First off, choose an activity, running, rowing, etc . However , I recommend you do not do the same exercise every time. Remember your body will adapt! Try changing the machine or the activity every 2 sessions to avoid this.
Once you have warmed up (5 mins) increase the intensity for 1 minute. This should be full out effort or as close to as possible (not recommended for those with heart problems). Think of a scale between 1-10, 10 being the most difficult, 9-10 is where you should be at this point. Once you have completed that slow down to a comfortable (5-6 out of 10) that you can maintain for 2 minutes. This is one bout, you should repeat this between 3-6 times depending on your level of fitness followed by 3 minute cool down. The total work out should be between 17-26 mins depending on how many bouts you do carry out.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
I am a Cheater and I am Just Fine with That
DO YOU LIKE MY BLOG…DONATE A PROTEIN SHAKE!!!
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| YES...I AM A CHEATER |
Yes, I am a cheater and that is just fine with me. YIKES Darla, what the heck are you blogging now…well…not talking relationship…well maybe. I am talking about my relationship with food to maintain my 47 year young self. I thought Halloween was the perfect time to talk about this subject…being a cheater that is. This fun, candy laden day is filled with tons of sugar and fat contributing candy bars, treats, cupcakes, cookies…and OMG…really…OH MY…steer clear of the grocery store right now. In fact, I sit here blogging this 3 days before “trick or treat” time and I still have not purchased my candy to hand out. Why??? Well, I or hubby need not be tempted by the bags lurking about and this type of food just does not live in our house anyway. Does that mean I never eat candy…well…of course I absolutely have a treat now and then. If any fitness professional says they never do this…well…I will not go there…as this Blog is about how I maintain ME. Moving on to the treats…do I have them…on occasion I will indulge. Let me just share that I maintain a “clean” nutritional food intake almost daily…what the heck is “clean”…that word is thrown around so much in the health world, fitness industry, and is quite the food BUZZ word. Well…I certainly do not run my food through the quick wash and dry cycle…of course I have a sense of humor about almost everything.
My clean foods consist of boneless skinless chicken breast, lean turkey and ground lean turkey, salmon, white fish, raw walnuts and almonds, pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes, Greek yogurt, whey protein, eggs, greens, lots of veggies and fruits, beans, oats, flax meal, peanut and almond butter, 100% high pulp prune juice, light soy milk…and I know I may be leaving a few things out…but I hope you get what I am trying to say here. Drum roll…YES…I will indulge and have a quality splurge now and then.
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| Love this COLD..REFRESHING! |
OH…and my favorite “not on my clean list” candy is York Peppermint Patties…cold…YUMMM…refreshing. YES…I know what you are thinking…really Darla…a YORK…the candy that says lo-cal on the wrapper…well…YES…it does, but I am a mint and chocolate gal and one of these in the refrigerator and served cold…absolutely REFRESHING. I am just not into the nougat, extra chewy stuff…sorry…NOT ME. OK…shared my candy…moving on to what I mean by my QUALITY SPLURGE...first…I never plan a cheat meal…but when the urge strikes me and I want a brownie, piece of pie or cookie…I WILL NOT go and get a packaged product…YUCK…that is a big waste of my calories. My splurge has to be quality and baked with lots of TLC…just like my Mom made for me when I was growing up.
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| My Annual Quality Splurge ~ Apple Dumpling |
An example is my annual trip to Apple Hill where fresh baked apple dumplings are served with a warm cider sauce and ala mode for me PLEASE…Now that is what I am talking about. YES…I have a quality splurge and still maintain my physique just fine. You see, everything in moderation…life is all about balance and not deprivation to the point of not enjoying LIFE. This is unhealthy in my opinion. I tell my clients that if they are wanting a cookie, dreaming about a cookie, thinking about it all the time…GO EAT THE COOKIE…but make it quality, not processed, go out for it, DO NOT bring anything back home, be done with it and get back on the “clean” food track tomorrow. I live the same philosophy as I teach my clients otherwise I would be a hypocrite…and that is NOT me. I am real, enjoy LIFE, and have a quality splurge now and then. The beauty about living such a healthy lifestyle is that I really appreciate the tastes, textures and overall experience of a fresh baked piece of pie, brownie, etc…it can be heavenly…and in that moment…IT IS. I am not going to beat myself up over having my apple dumpling or whatever quality splurge I may be in the mood for either…I mean really…Why??? The world will not end, my body will not change, and I will still be fit Darla tomorrow…maybe a bit carbohydrate loaded…and full of energy for a great workout the next day ;) The point I am trying to make is that I am a CHEATER…rarely…but I AM. Life is too short to get so caught up in things like perfection, which does NOT exist by the way, that good times like having an apple dumpling in a beautiful setting are missed…NOT FOR THIS FITNESS CHICKIE…I AM A CHEATER…and I am just fine with that.
| Love My Hamstring Curls |
My Workout of the Day:
20 minute ARC trainer for cardio
Interval Training Cycle:
Each exercise performed for 1 minute and cycle repeated until 30 minute program was complete
Hamstring Curls @ 25lbs
Leg Extensions @ 25lbs
Jump Rope
Negative Pull ups
Split Lunge Jumps
Body Ball Abs
Step Ups (alternate leg)
Low Rows @ 30lbs
| MY PROTEIN BALL SAMPLER ~ MY POWER SNACK |
Nutrition of the Day:
Still enjoy my one cup in the morning
1-Pre-workout shake…lighter side
2-Post-workout shake (the works)
3-One Whole Egg, 4 Egg whites mixed with mustard & 1 tsp Olive Oil Mayo, ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
4-PB2 plus 1tsp peanut butter mixed with water on 100% whole wheat thin bun
6-Fresh Broccoli tomato soup with n/f ricotta cheese (this was so good!!!)
7-Two Protein Balls before bed made with almond butter
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| ME TO MOTIVATE YOU |
IF YOU ENJOYED MY BLOG, LIKE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT, AND IF INSPIRED…DONATE A PROTEIN SHAKE!
Stay Healthy!
Thursday, 14 July 2011
YES...I AM TALKING ABOUT REALLY PERSONAL STUFF~ ME at 47
DO YOU LIKE MY BLOG, OFFER ME A SHAKE TODAY!
| Give me some Watermelon |
Yes, I am 47…am loving it, embracing it, feeling pretty darn fit, sexy and my BEST ME…that is for sure. I absolutely love to blog…it is an outlet, and I am a very social person…have to be in my business…but for the most part…that is my personality. The beautiful part about writing is being able to be expressive and so guys…just to let you know…I am going there about being a woman at 47. As a trainer, I talk with my beautiful female clients everyday about absolutely everything fitness….right down to periods, cramps, constipation, hormone headaches, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness…well you get the picture.
Being 47 and a woman, I am not exempt to the YUCK changes that the body goes through at my fabulous age. Do I feel like I am 23...YES…my body sometimes reminds me that I am not in the area of female changes….OH REALLY!!! Now this is ridiculous…OK…things I do not like…night sweats….OH MY… soak the sheets and put myself in the heavy dry cycle for heaven’s sake. Moving on to hormone headaches…when these hit....not fun…I do find that the OTC menstrual cramp medicine helps. Let’s see…YES…irregular bleeding…another one of my non-favorites….I mean really…am I hemorrhaging or what….sorry guys…but ladies, I am sure some can relate. One month can seem slight and the next month…I do not dare step out of the house…and walk to the bathroom cross-legged…yep yep yep…been there. Why spend exorbitant amounts of money on fancy panties…NO WAY…Target here I come…lol. Not to say that I do not have some of the fancies...but definitely not on PLAGUE days. I was thinking about how much planning goes around this unkind week of the month…can I plan a vacation, weekend getaway, out with friends for the day….OH MY…wait everyone, let me grab my calendar so that I can count my days to ensure that Aunt Flow will not be along…I mean really…now bless the men who are understanding to their wives & significant others when it comes to women and going through changes.
The thing about being 47 and experiencing things like night sweats, crazy bleeding, anxiety, and a whole different lower part….YES…the vagina does change as we age….OH MY…I said the V word, is that a pro-active approach is necessary. My goal in life is to be the BEST ME at every moment and in every way…so I do take steps to have a healthy under carriage…lol. This is a subject that many people are afraid to talk about and to write about…NO WAY…so, I will be the brave one and put it out there. Things that I do to maintain my female reproductive health is using transdermal (rub on the skin) creams like progesterone and testosterone. I am also a researcher regarding any natural way to maintain my body to include my vagina, and overall feeling of well being. Hormonal changes are definitely not fair and I am doing everything possible to keep my body balanced. I have incorporated eating ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds & watermelon in my daily nutrition as a way to maintain a healthy libido.
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| Raw Pumpkin Seeds...Giving them a try! |
I am looking into things like L-Arginine and other similar supplements to keep myself in check. I also read that using olive oil 3x per week massaged into the inner labia of the vagina keeps the tissue moist and supple. YES…I am 47, but my goal is to do all I can to feel my BEST in every way…so talking about something like this I feel is very important…is it OH MY…I can’t believe she is writing about this…MAYBE…BUT…that is ME. This is my life to motivate you and sharing about my life, and what I do to maintain my physical fitness in every way. This is a subject that is very important for me and ultimately my relationship with hubby…who I must share is a very understanding man when it comes to absolutely everything woman…thanks Babe! Do I want a dried up prune, unhealthy undercarriage for myself…OH MY Hell to the NO…well that might be overdoing it a bit…but really….I DON’T…so off to research more about olive oil.
| This is What I Can Do...Neg Pull Ups!!! |
My Workout of the Day:
30 min ARC trainerBody Stuff: Sets repeated 4x/1 min Intervals
Set 1Incline Chest Press Smith: 40lbs on bar (1st time trying these...will see how I am tomorrow)
Neg Pull Ups
Set 2
Squats 10lb sandbag
Lunge Backs 10lb sandbag
My Nutrition of the Day:
Coffee 1 ½ cups1-Pre-workout shake (lighter side)
2-Post-workout Shake (everything)
¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
3-Lean Turkey Wrap (spinach/onion/tomatoes/mustard)
4-Grilled White Fish & zucchini
5-Protein balls (vanilla whey/flax/peanut butter/raisins)
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| My Published Stay Healthy Recipe for Meal 4 |
STAY HEALTHY!
Monday, 25 April 2011
Getting it All In!!!
Motivation of the Day: If you always have an Excuse You Will Never get it done.
This morning has already blended into this afternoon….what a day already. Up at 6am to have my one cup and the aroma of the spiced chicken and oats filled the house…..YEAH!!! Now…I love that kind of time saver…several meals for the week…DONE! My spontaneous self took advantage of the moment and my hubby was kind enough to film the Crockpot event. Just back in town yesterday, I had lots to get ready for with work and getting back on track….that wonderful feeling of being back home is so nice. I love to get away, but enjoy the routine of having my foods ready to go, sleeping in my own bed, etc. Well…yes, I had lots to do, and I am jamming around here today in a flurry and multi-tasking in a huge way. While I am putting together my Blog videos, I am also putting away my chicken and oats into containers for the week…a load and load scenario. It works…and I will not let having much to do get in the way of getting in my workout. I could simply say…too many files to prep, food to cook, laundry to do, emails to answer, blogs to write, articles to prepare, recipes to create…on and on…and I know that many people DO that. Not this girl….hence the motivational saying for the day. Really, the laundry will still be there and the dishes will too….what does not remain the same from moment to moment is ME and YOU. I refuse to deprive myself of the moments that matter….and one of those is taking care of me….because…my health is my wealth. It is a thrill ride to challenge myself and see how efficiently I can multi-task and get it all in….do I feel a bit of pressure….YES…but…healthy pressure can be a good thing. It drives me to be an efficient person, trainer, wife and mother. If I did not follow through and created excuses for things…YIKES…what the heck kind of life and person would I be? How could I exemplify to myself, family, friends, clients, and YOU the importance of a Stay Healthy Life. I really would not even be here creating this Blog for you….because there would be some sort of excuse to not do that….No Way. I am not that kind of person….I will get it all in. Even through camera technical difficulties today…you will see in the videos….I did not get discouraged…but continued along at a good pace to complete my daily goals. I fit in completion of my Blog in between my clients and still was able to get the food in the refrigerator…do I have crock pots in my sink…YES…but they will be there when I get off work all soaked for an easy clean. Being successful at anything in life is about balance, no excuses, and getting it all in. I not only have a goal but I reach for those goals…..My goal for today was to complete my workout before my clients, finish this Blog before client 3, get my Crockpot meals into the refrigerator, review files, and answer a few emails….and I DID IT!!!! How do I feel….Accomplished….No Excuses for this Girl;)
My Nutrition for the Day:
Coffee, one cup please
1-Post workout Shake
2-Powered Up Oats
3-B/S shredded chicken on sprouted bread with avocado
4-Fruit & 2 protein balls
5-Egg White Scramble with Spinach Salad
6-Protein Pudding
My Workout of the Day:
ARC Trainer 35 minutes – Strength Interval
Body Work ~ completed 4 sets of the following
Negative pull ups 10 reps
Lunge back kick forward 25 reps per leg
Leg Extensions 25lbs @ 25 reps
Hamstring Curls 25lbs @ 25 reps
Lunge back kick forward 25 reps per leg
Low Rows 30lbs @ 25 reps
Lunge back kick forward 25 reps per leg
IF YOU ENJOYED THE CONTENT, LIKE IT, LEAVE ME A COMMENT, AND IF YOU LIKE…OFFER ME A SHAKE;)
STAY HEALTHY!
| A Sweaty ME earlybird workout today! |
My Nutrition for the Day:
Coffee, one cup please
| I buy chicken in bulk for crockpot |
2-Powered Up Oats
3-B/S shredded chicken on sprouted bread with avocado
4-Fruit & 2 protein balls
5-Egg White Scramble with Spinach Salad
6-Protein Pudding
My Workout of the Day:
ARC Trainer 35 minutes – Strength Interval
Body Work ~ completed 4 sets of the following
Negative pull ups 10 reps
Lunge back kick forward 25 reps per leg
Leg Extensions 25lbs @ 25 reps
Hamstring Curls 25lbs @ 25 reps
Lunge back kick forward 25 reps per leg
Low Rows 30lbs @ 25 reps
Lunge back kick forward 25 reps per leg
| Post Shake Coming Up! |
IF YOU ENJOYED THE CONTENT, LIKE IT, LEAVE ME A COMMENT, AND IF YOU LIKE…OFFER ME A SHAKE;)
STAY HEALTHY!
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Butt Squeeze Anyone?
Motivation of the Day: Exercise without Proper Form and Function is a Waste of Time and Energy
What the heck is she talking about….got your attention…GOOD. What I am talking about here is how I utilize my muscles while I am working out. In my routine today, I concentrated on a bodyweight interval targeting my legs and glutes as well as my anaerobic system. So, I give myself a good butt squeeze when I perform an exercise. What I mean by that is I think about my muscle, contract it, and use it to lift myself for example. I will share that during my ARC Trainer interval, I also concentrate on my glutes and contract them as I am running my bootie off. Do I keep them constantly contracted….NO…only during the movement….now that would be ridiculous to keep my butt in a constant contraction unless I want to create a “Charlie horse” in my bootie. Not the feeling I am looking for….what do I look for in a good butt squeeze…LOL? I am looking for the muscle being efficiently and effectively used during each exercise. I do not believe in wasting my time or any contractions. I want to feel a good burn in the muscle during the work, and upon completion of my workout, I want to feel as if I have exhausted the muscle completely and have to pick my butt off the floor and carry it into the next room. Not really to that extreme…but sort of. I maintain my glutes through high rep workouts and believe me, I put my all into the work. Yes, I am maintaining and this is how I do it. I enjoy the feeling of muscle fatigue from a good workout and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) the next day. A good butt squeeze workout lets me know that I have challenged myself and worked the muscles in a different way to cause muscle confusion. I never let my glute workouts get repetitive and allow my muscle to adapt to the same routine over and over. I love to change things up all the time and feel my butt being squeezed in different ways to keep maintaining, sculpting and being the BEST me from behind;) Another butt squeeze tip…while walking, I contract my glutes to get even a more intense workout. I do just about anything to modify and make an exercise more intense…..even walking. I definitely love a good butt squeeze and I know that tomorrow will let me know even more that it was GOOD! Off to soak my bootie in some Epsom salts;)
My Workout of the Day:
35 minute ARC interval
My Leg/Bootie Interval….I repeated this 5x… WATCH THE VIDEO
Step ups 20 each leg
Low Squat bench step-ons 20 reps
BOSU jumps 20 reps
ABS on the bench 20 reps
My Nutrition of the Day:
Coffee, one cup please
1-Pre-workout shake
2-Post -workout shake
3-Sweet potato and Protein Ball
4-B/S chicken breast , avocado & mustard on Sprouted Bread
5-Grilled Shrimp & Fish with Steamed Veggies
6-Protein Pudding
IF YOU ENJOYED THE CONTENT, LIKE IT, LEAVE ME A COMMENT, AND IF YOU LIKE… OFFER ME A SHAKE;)
STAY HEALTHY!
| MOTIVATION - AGE ALMOST 47 |
My Workout of the Day:
35 minute ARC interval
My Leg/Bootie Interval….I repeated this 5x… WATCH THE VIDEO
Step ups 20 each leg
Low Squat bench step-ons 20 reps
BOSU jumps 20 reps
ABS on the bench 20 reps
My Nutrition of the Day:
Coffee, one cup please
| MEAL 3: MY SWEET POTATOES & PROTEIN BALLS |
2-Post -workout shake
3-Sweet potato and Protein Ball
4-B/S chicken breast , avocado & mustard on Sprouted Bread
5-Grilled Shrimp & Fish with Steamed Veggies
6-Protein Pudding
IF YOU ENJOYED THE CONTENT, LIKE IT, LEAVE ME A COMMENT, AND IF YOU LIKE… OFFER ME A SHAKE;)
STAY HEALTHY!
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