Don't wait until January to get fit! What will be different in January? By January, you could have 15 pounds less body fat! You won't have to make a "New Year's resolution." Make a lifetime fitness resolution right now!
REFOCUS your fat loss and weight loss goals...right now is a good time of year to do this (really, every day is a good time)....Anyway, if you're frustrated and overwhelmed from the whole exercise/fitness/meal plan/fat loss/weight loss puzzle, make some changes!
If you are in an "exercise rut," start exercising again by doing something you enjoy like walking, playing a sport or jogging. If you do this, you are more likely to keep your exercise routine going.
You might need to get an exercise buddy to help you. Research has proven that you are more likely to succeed with your weight loss and fat loss goals if you have a weight loss buddy (social support or accountability partner). Who are your weight loss buddies? It helps to have more than one because life's events are unpredictable.
Whatever the case, get started exercising now! Don't wait until January---that's 3 months away!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Pushups On Ball With Knee Tucks
Doing pushups on the swiss ball with knee tucks is great core, arm and chest strength exercise. This exercise also will improve your balance and coordination.
Burning low ab fat is a priority for many of you....as you age, fat tends to settle in the abdominal area. Because of disease risks, abdominal fat is one of the worst areas to have body fat. Do more pushups on the ball with knee tucks!
The pushup on ball with knee tucks requires more muscles to be activated, such as stabilizers, arm , chest, shoulder and core muscles.
Building core strength is important for you to avoid injury and increase power output during your workout. Intense, powerful workouts will help you burn more calories and fat during and after your workout.
Are you looking for a challenging upper body/core exercise? Change up from the normal crunches, reverse crunches, etc. Try this exercise the next time you workout (3 sets/10 reps).
1. Start by getting in a push up position with your feet on top of a ball.
2. Perform a push up balancing on top of the ball. Return to the starting position and then tuck your knees in towards your chest.
3. Return to the parallel position and repeat.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Burning low ab fat is a priority for many of you....as you age, fat tends to settle in the abdominal area. Because of disease risks, abdominal fat is one of the worst areas to have body fat. Do more pushups on the ball with knee tucks!
The pushup on ball with knee tucks requires more muscles to be activated, such as stabilizers, arm , chest, shoulder and core muscles.
Building core strength is important for you to avoid injury and increase power output during your workout. Intense, powerful workouts will help you burn more calories and fat during and after your workout.
Are you looking for a challenging upper body/core exercise? Change up from the normal crunches, reverse crunches, etc. Try this exercise the next time you workout (3 sets/10 reps).
1. Start by getting in a push up position with your feet on top of a ball.
2. Perform a push up balancing on top of the ball. Return to the starting position and then tuck your knees in towards your chest.
3. Return to the parallel position and repeat.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, September 25, 2009
Burn Fat With Jump Rope
That's right! Burn more fat with jump rope exercises! Stop looking for the next big fat loss secret! Pull the jump rope out of the closet and starting burning fat!
Here are 4 easy, effective ways to use the jump rope in your workouts:
1. Do jump rope intervals for your cardio workout. A good 20-minute routine would be to jump rope for 1 minute and walk for 2 minutes. Do this rotation for 20 minutes. Try to jump as fast as you can.
2. Jump rope for 10 minutes before your weight lifting workout. This technique will really get your heart rate up.
3. Jump rope for 30-45 seconds between each weight lifting set. These lower body cardio blasts will really get your heart rate up.
4. Jump rope for 10 minutes after your weight lifting workout.
All of these jump rope exercises will help you burn more calories and fat before and after your workout.
Jumping rope will also help improve your balance, coordination and overall body tone.
So, start jumping already!
Get FREE Training and Nutrition Insider Secrets for a Lean-Body with Six Pack Abs! This ebook, created by Certified Nutrition Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer, Mike Geary, details over 27 specific metabolism-boosting secrets that you can use to strip off your stubborn body fat faster and easier and get your six-pack abs! Contains unique workout methods and nutritional strategies to slash body fat and take your body to a whole new level of leanness. Get Your FREE Book Now!
Here are 4 easy, effective ways to use the jump rope in your workouts:
1. Do jump rope intervals for your cardio workout. A good 20-minute routine would be to jump rope for 1 minute and walk for 2 minutes. Do this rotation for 20 minutes. Try to jump as fast as you can.
2. Jump rope for 10 minutes before your weight lifting workout. This technique will really get your heart rate up.
3. Jump rope for 30-45 seconds between each weight lifting set. These lower body cardio blasts will really get your heart rate up.
4. Jump rope for 10 minutes after your weight lifting workout.
All of these jump rope exercises will help you burn more calories and fat before and after your workout.
Jumping rope will also help improve your balance, coordination and overall body tone.
So, start jumping already!
Get FREE Training and Nutrition Insider Secrets for a Lean-Body with Six Pack Abs! This ebook, created by Certified Nutrition Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer, Mike Geary, details over 27 specific metabolism-boosting secrets that you can use to strip off your stubborn body fat faster and easier and get your six-pack abs! Contains unique workout methods and nutritional strategies to slash body fat and take your body to a whole new level of leanness. Get Your FREE Book Now!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Perseverance And Weight Loss
Perseverance, or not giving up will give you the permanent weight loss and fat loss you want! You can have the right meal plan and a great workout program but you will always fail if you don't have perseverance! That stay-with-it attitude, no matter what happens....that formula will give you success with anything in life!
I was thinking today about what motivates people to do what they do....I'm not a psychologist so I looked at myself....there's alot of things that have motivated me to do certain things: fear, peer pressure, not wanting to let others down, searching-for-answers, enjoyment, determination, etc.
Why did I start exercising at a young age? We knew nothing about childhood obesity. Here is my exercise program growing up: playing games after school every day at the Boys Club or in the neighborhood until dark and playing sports year-round (and we pretty much walked or biked everywhere we went)! The common thread? I enjoyed both activities---probably too much! I didn't think about heart rates, exercise technique, repetitions, cardio or any of that stuff. Just having fun.
When it comes to exercise, research has proven that you are more likely to stay with your exercise program if you enjoy it. But, no matter how much you enjoy exercise, you still need something else to "keep it going." You guessed it! Perseverance! Its the "bulldog mentality" that nothing is going to keep me from reaching my fitness goals. When you have those "bad days," its determination that will pull you through. A GREAT COMBINATION TO STAY CONSISTENT WITH YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM---ENJOYMENT AND DETERMINATION! Mix in a well-designed exercise and nutrition program and you will "get 'ur done!"
Don't put it off! You owe it to yourself!
Get FREE Training and Nutrition Insider Secrets for a Lean-Body with Six Pack Abs! This ebook, created by Certified Nutrition Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer, Mike Geary, details over 27 specific metabolism-boosting secrets that you can use to strip off your stubborn body fat faster and easier and get your six-pack abs! Contains unique workout methods and nutritional strategies to slash body fat and take your body to a whole new level of leanness. Get Your FREE Book Now!
I was thinking today about what motivates people to do what they do....I'm not a psychologist so I looked at myself....there's alot of things that have motivated me to do certain things: fear, peer pressure, not wanting to let others down, searching-for-answers, enjoyment, determination, etc.
Why did I start exercising at a young age? We knew nothing about childhood obesity. Here is my exercise program growing up: playing games after school every day at the Boys Club or in the neighborhood until dark and playing sports year-round (and we pretty much walked or biked everywhere we went)! The common thread? I enjoyed both activities---probably too much! I didn't think about heart rates, exercise technique, repetitions, cardio or any of that stuff. Just having fun.
When it comes to exercise, research has proven that you are more likely to stay with your exercise program if you enjoy it. But, no matter how much you enjoy exercise, you still need something else to "keep it going." You guessed it! Perseverance! Its the "bulldog mentality" that nothing is going to keep me from reaching my fitness goals. When you have those "bad days," its determination that will pull you through. A GREAT COMBINATION TO STAY CONSISTENT WITH YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM---ENJOYMENT AND DETERMINATION! Mix in a well-designed exercise and nutrition program and you will "get 'ur done!"
Don't put it off! You owe it to yourself!
Get FREE Training and Nutrition Insider Secrets for a Lean-Body with Six Pack Abs! This ebook, created by Certified Nutrition Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer, Mike Geary, details over 27 specific metabolism-boosting secrets that you can use to strip off your stubborn body fat faster and easier and get your six-pack abs! Contains unique workout methods and nutritional strategies to slash body fat and take your body to a whole new level of leanness. Get Your FREE Book Now!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
You Need A Meal Plan
Everyone needs a meal plan. You need to have some sort of idea of what you are going to eat for the day. If you don't have a meal plan, you might eat anything at any time. If you have a plan, you are more likely to follow it or at least eat similar foods.
Haphazard eating or grazing is probably the biggest killer of meal plans! And, if you don't have a meal plan, grazing with high-calorie and high-fat foods will skyrocket your calories day after day.....you know where that leads.....
Its the same story folks, a caloric imbalance is the cause of weight gain (consuming more calories than you burn in a day). If you want to speed up your metabolism and burn more calories then exercise regularly (strength training and cardio exercise). Also, eat right and often. Eating small meals every 3-4 hours will keep your metabolism humming and will keep your body from shifting to "starvation mode" (storing fat).
As the week goes by, compare what you eat to your grocery list and planned menus. Another key to your success is to record what you eat in a food journal. This will hold you accountable on a daily basis. Step by step, day by day, week by week...stay with your grocery list and meal plan most of the time and you will succeed!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Haphazard eating or grazing is probably the biggest killer of meal plans! And, if you don't have a meal plan, grazing with high-calorie and high-fat foods will skyrocket your calories day after day.....you know where that leads.....
Its the same story folks, a caloric imbalance is the cause of weight gain (consuming more calories than you burn in a day). If you want to speed up your metabolism and burn more calories then exercise regularly (strength training and cardio exercise). Also, eat right and often. Eating small meals every 3-4 hours will keep your metabolism humming and will keep your body from shifting to "starvation mode" (storing fat).
As the week goes by, compare what you eat to your grocery list and planned menus. Another key to your success is to record what you eat in a food journal. This will hold you accountable on a daily basis. Step by step, day by day, week by week...stay with your grocery list and meal plan most of the time and you will succeed!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Use Massage Therapy To Recover From Intense Exercise
Use massage therapy to recover from intense exercise. Getting proper rest is also a big part of recovering from exercise. Your muscles might need 48-72 hours between intense weight training workouts. Young people usually need even more rest between weight training workouts.
If you treat your soft tissues (muscles, skin, tendons, etc.) better, you will find that your workouts will be more efficient. You will also be less susceptible to injuries. A tight, rigid and fatigued body is a precursor to certain injury. Find a massage therapist (type) that works for you and your exercise goals.
There are hundreds of types of massage therapies. I will discuss a few just to give you an idea of what to look for.
Active Release Techniques - Active Release Techniques are a collection of different “hands-on” soft-tissue techniques that treat changes in tissue texture and tension. If a muscle stays tight for a period of time, it weakens. Muscle weakness affects your workout performance and leads to injuries. Active release techniques brings the muscles back to the tension and movement they should have.
Swedish Massage - Its purpose is to increase circulation and blood flow. The massage strokes are often in the direction of the heart. Oil or other lotions are used to allow for smooth massage strokes.
Deep Tissue Massage - This type of massage is a favorite among exercisers because it focuses on joints and muscle groups. The massage therapist pinpoints deep layers of the soft tissues to relieve pain or stress.
Neuromuscular Therapy - This type of massage is used to address postural imbalances. The massage is used to reduce pain/tension and strengthen the soft tissues.
Myoskeletal Alignment Technique - Postural distortions are identified and corrected using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and myofascial techniques are used to lengthen tight muscles and tone weak or inhibited muscles.
Structural Muscular Balancing - Chronic contraction in the muscles are released through gentle massage techniques.
Recovery from intense exercise is critical for your body's muscles to rebuild and grow.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
If you treat your soft tissues (muscles, skin, tendons, etc.) better, you will find that your workouts will be more efficient. You will also be less susceptible to injuries. A tight, rigid and fatigued body is a precursor to certain injury. Find a massage therapist (type) that works for you and your exercise goals.
There are hundreds of types of massage therapies. I will discuss a few just to give you an idea of what to look for.
Active Release Techniques - Active Release Techniques are a collection of different “hands-on” soft-tissue techniques that treat changes in tissue texture and tension. If a muscle stays tight for a period of time, it weakens. Muscle weakness affects your workout performance and leads to injuries. Active release techniques brings the muscles back to the tension and movement they should have.
Swedish Massage - Its purpose is to increase circulation and blood flow. The massage strokes are often in the direction of the heart. Oil or other lotions are used to allow for smooth massage strokes.
Deep Tissue Massage - This type of massage is a favorite among exercisers because it focuses on joints and muscle groups. The massage therapist pinpoints deep layers of the soft tissues to relieve pain or stress.
Neuromuscular Therapy - This type of massage is used to address postural imbalances. The massage is used to reduce pain/tension and strengthen the soft tissues.
Myoskeletal Alignment Technique - Postural distortions are identified and corrected using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and myofascial techniques are used to lengthen tight muscles and tone weak or inhibited muscles.
Structural Muscular Balancing - Chronic contraction in the muscles are released through gentle massage techniques.
Recovery from intense exercise is critical for your body's muscles to rebuild and grow.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Monday, September 21, 2009
Eat To Build Muscle And Control Binge Eating
Eat to build muscle and control your binge eating during the day so you don't overeat when you do eat! Do this by eating small meals every 3-4 hours (never skip breakfast) to keep your metabolism ramped up. Building muscle will also speed up your metabolism.
Another way to control your hunger pangs is to eat protein with every meal. You don't need to do protein shakes...just eat the right foods. Research has proven that protein keeps blood sugar levels more steady and helps you feel fuller for a longer period (slower digestion). Protein also keeps the hunger hormone (ghrelin) in check so your hunger doesn't spike so high.
Eat more protein to repair tissues and build muscle....I have always said to get your nutrition mainly from food...there's plenty of protein in the foods we eat...Good food sources for protein are:
lean beef, lean chicken, fish, eggs, milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheeses, beans, peas, nuts and seeds. If you are vegetarian, there are plenty of protein food sources for you.
If you feel fuller for longer periods, you will eat less and you won't binge eat if your hunger pangs are "not out the roof" when you do eat. Use your eating smarts!
Remember to drink enough water during the day! You will slow down your fat loss and weight loss efforts by dehydrating your body. Drinking enough water will also help to control your hunger and flush toxins from your body. Aim to drink about half your weight in water every day. Foods and drinks with water would count as water consumed.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Another way to control your hunger pangs is to eat protein with every meal. You don't need to do protein shakes...just eat the right foods. Research has proven that protein keeps blood sugar levels more steady and helps you feel fuller for a longer period (slower digestion). Protein also keeps the hunger hormone (ghrelin) in check so your hunger doesn't spike so high.
Eat more protein to repair tissues and build muscle....I have always said to get your nutrition mainly from food...there's plenty of protein in the foods we eat...Good food sources for protein are:
lean beef, lean chicken, fish, eggs, milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheeses, beans, peas, nuts and seeds. If you are vegetarian, there are plenty of protein food sources for you.
If you feel fuller for longer periods, you will eat less and you won't binge eat if your hunger pangs are "not out the roof" when you do eat. Use your eating smarts!
Remember to drink enough water during the day! You will slow down your fat loss and weight loss efforts by dehydrating your body. Drinking enough water will also help to control your hunger and flush toxins from your body. Aim to drink about half your weight in water every day. Foods and drinks with water would count as water consumed.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Eat Less, Burn Fat And Lose Weight
Eat less food, burn fat (with regular exercise) and lose weight! While its true that you inherit a certain body type, don't blame genetics if you're overweight or obese. Ultimately, your body weight will depend on how much you eat and how much you exercise (including an active lifestyle), not your genetics. Hard, smart exercise and a good meal plan can overcome "bad" genetics!
If you consistently eat more calories than you burn (caloric surplus), you will consistently gain weight and add on body fat, no matter what your genetics may be. If you are active and exercise regularly, it will help you burn more calories. It will also keep your metabolism "humming along." Part of being active is to walk as much as you can every day.
Eat these 3 Veggies to Burn More Abdominal Fat
You need to know how many calories you need each day. Start by learning your basal metabolic rate (how many calories you would burn if you did nothing all day). You must maintain a daily caloric deficit in order to lose weight and burn fat. If you exercise regularly, it will be easier for you to achieve your caloric deficit.
Keep a food journal. Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your meal plan and fat loss if you keep a food journal! By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better. It will also help protect you from binge eating and emotional eating if you write down why you eat what you eat!
Take responsibility for your body and do the things necessary to change your body composition!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
If you consistently eat more calories than you burn (caloric surplus), you will consistently gain weight and add on body fat, no matter what your genetics may be. If you are active and exercise regularly, it will help you burn more calories. It will also keep your metabolism "humming along." Part of being active is to walk as much as you can every day.
Eat these 3 Veggies to Burn More Abdominal Fat
You need to know how many calories you need each day. Start by learning your basal metabolic rate (how many calories you would burn if you did nothing all day). You must maintain a daily caloric deficit in order to lose weight and burn fat. If you exercise regularly, it will be easier for you to achieve your caloric deficit.
Keep a food journal. Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your meal plan and fat loss if you keep a food journal! By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better. It will also help protect you from binge eating and emotional eating if you write down why you eat what you eat!
Take responsibility for your body and do the things necessary to change your body composition!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
A Weight Belt Hinders Core Strength Development
Should you use a weight belt when doing exercises like squats and deadlift? The answer is generally no.
Unless you are a powerlifter using super heavy weights, you shouldn't use a weight belt. You need your body to develop core strength and stabilization without the help of a weight belt. If this means lifting a little lighter load to develop core strength then that's okay! Don't let your ego lead to low back injuries!
If you are recovering from a low back injury, a weight belt could come in handy until you recover. In this case, tighten your belt during the lift and loosen it between sets. Research shows that your blood pressure can significantly elevate during the lift while wearing a belt.
As a general rule, you want your body to develop strength under loads that it can handle. Sacrifice lifting less weight on exercises like squats, deadlift, good mornings and standing shoulder press to naturally strengthen and stabilize your core and other musles.
Train hard and safe!
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut!
"Exercise is not my life.....exercise makes my life better!"
Check out my other great blogs:
Her Fitness Hut Blog Her Fitness Hut is featured on EmpowHER, a great health issues website for women! Her Fitness Hut has also been named in the Top 50 Personal Training Blogs by Physical Therapy Assistant Schools!
Sports Fitness Hut Blog has been recognized by Stanford University Wellsphere as the #1 Sports Fitness Blog and NursingDegree.net as one of the Best 100 Health and Nutrition Blogs for Athletes! The blog has also been named as one of the "50 Best Sports Medicine Blogs by Masters In Healthcare! It is an honor to be recognized by those in the health and academic fields! Afterall, health is number one for everybody---including athletes!
Unless you are a powerlifter using super heavy weights, you shouldn't use a weight belt. You need your body to develop core strength and stabilization without the help of a weight belt. If this means lifting a little lighter load to develop core strength then that's okay! Don't let your ego lead to low back injuries!
If you are recovering from a low back injury, a weight belt could come in handy until you recover. In this case, tighten your belt during the lift and loosen it between sets. Research shows that your blood pressure can significantly elevate during the lift while wearing a belt.
As a general rule, you want your body to develop strength under loads that it can handle. Sacrifice lifting less weight on exercises like squats, deadlift, good mornings and standing shoulder press to naturally strengthen and stabilize your core and other musles.
Train hard and safe!
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut!
"Exercise is not my life.....exercise makes my life better!"
Check out my other great blogs:
Her Fitness Hut Blog Her Fitness Hut is featured on EmpowHER, a great health issues website for women! Her Fitness Hut has also been named in the Top 50 Personal Training Blogs by Physical Therapy Assistant Schools!
Sports Fitness Hut Blog has been recognized by Stanford University Wellsphere as the #1 Sports Fitness Blog and NursingDegree.net as one of the Best 100 Health and Nutrition Blogs for Athletes! The blog has also been named as one of the "50 Best Sports Medicine Blogs by Masters In Healthcare! It is an honor to be recognized by those in the health and academic fields! Afterall, health is number one for everybody---including athletes!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Fitness And Nutrition Assessment
So, what will a fitness and nutrition assessment tell you? Well.....
Identify your fitness goals and determine why your fat loss and weight loss efforts have failed or succeeded in the past. You also have to get your motivation right for your exercise program to work for you. This step takes you being "very honest" with yourself! Sometimes it is a painful process.
You will learn your body composition (body fat % vs. lean mass %). You will also learn "where you are fat." Excess abdominal fat has been shown to be a precursor to diseases such as cancer.
When's the last time you had your body measurements taken (chest, arms, neck, hips, waist, etc.)? This is part of your fitness assessment.
What's your health history? You might need a doctor's clearance before you can begin an exercise program.
What are your eating habits? Part of your assessment will look at what you are eating, how you are eating and changes that you need to make.
What is your basal metabolic rate? Don't know? You will after your fitness assessment. This rate helps you set the daily calories you will need.
Have you had low back pain for some time? If so, you probably have postural problems that need to be corrected. And, yes, a postural assessment is part of your fitness assessment.
Had any muscle spasms or "knotted muscles" lately? Then, you need to improve your flexibility. The fitness assessment will tell you where your muscles are tight, lengthened or weak.
When's the last time you checked your resting pulse rate? Your resting pulse rate will tell you how hard your heart is working in a resting state. For instance, my resting pulse rate was 58 beats per minute the last time I checked it. That's pretty low. When I was at peak condition as a college athlete, my resting pulse rate was 54-56 beats per minute.
How ready is your body for physical activity? You don't know? You will after your fitness assessment!
Download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program, start burning max fat and start building your lean, hard body!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Identify your fitness goals and determine why your fat loss and weight loss efforts have failed or succeeded in the past. You also have to get your motivation right for your exercise program to work for you. This step takes you being "very honest" with yourself! Sometimes it is a painful process.
You will learn your body composition (body fat % vs. lean mass %). You will also learn "where you are fat." Excess abdominal fat has been shown to be a precursor to diseases such as cancer.
When's the last time you had your body measurements taken (chest, arms, neck, hips, waist, etc.)? This is part of your fitness assessment.
What's your health history? You might need a doctor's clearance before you can begin an exercise program.
What are your eating habits? Part of your assessment will look at what you are eating, how you are eating and changes that you need to make.
What is your basal metabolic rate? Don't know? You will after your fitness assessment. This rate helps you set the daily calories you will need.
Have you had low back pain for some time? If so, you probably have postural problems that need to be corrected. And, yes, a postural assessment is part of your fitness assessment.
Had any muscle spasms or "knotted muscles" lately? Then, you need to improve your flexibility. The fitness assessment will tell you where your muscles are tight, lengthened or weak.
When's the last time you checked your resting pulse rate? Your resting pulse rate will tell you how hard your heart is working in a resting state. For instance, my resting pulse rate was 58 beats per minute the last time I checked it. That's pretty low. When I was at peak condition as a college athlete, my resting pulse rate was 54-56 beats per minute.
How ready is your body for physical activity? You don't know? You will after your fitness assessment!
Download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program, start burning max fat and start building your lean, hard body!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, September 11, 2009
Warmup To Workout Hard!
Don't waste time when you warmup for your workout! Your warmup should get you ready to workout hard! Warmup is not a time to play around or talk with your friends!
A good dynamic warmup is a MUST before your workout. A dynamic warmup will prepare your body best for a tough workout. Do static stretches after your workout (when muscles are warm) to increase your range of motion.
During your dynamic warmup:
1. Make sure your "power center" is flexible. Your "power center" consists of the glutes, hips, quadriceps and hamstrings. This area of your body is prone to some hard-to-recover-from injuries!
2. Your hip flexors need to flexible. Tight hip flexors cause many problems, including problems with your glutes and hamstrings.
3. When you warmup, practice relaxing your face, shoulders, arms and torso. You want your body to work like a "well oiled machine."
Some good dynamic warmup exercises are lunges, jumping jacks, jump rope, jogging and step ups.
For more help with flexibility, download your Free e-Course, "Stretching Tips e-Course" from The Stretching Institute.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
A good dynamic warmup is a MUST before your workout. A dynamic warmup will prepare your body best for a tough workout. Do static stretches after your workout (when muscles are warm) to increase your range of motion.
During your dynamic warmup:
1. Make sure your "power center" is flexible. Your "power center" consists of the glutes, hips, quadriceps and hamstrings. This area of your body is prone to some hard-to-recover-from injuries!
2. Your hip flexors need to flexible. Tight hip flexors cause many problems, including problems with your glutes and hamstrings.
3. When you warmup, practice relaxing your face, shoulders, arms and torso. You want your body to work like a "well oiled machine."
Some good dynamic warmup exercises are lunges, jumping jacks, jump rope, jogging and step ups.
For more help with flexibility, download your Free e-Course, "Stretching Tips e-Course" from The Stretching Institute.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Nutrition Tips For Weight Loss Management
Here are some nutrition tips for successful weight loss management. Sixty to 70% of your weight loss and fat loss success or failure will depend on what you eat and how much....So here it is: some broad nutritional guidelines:
Make the commitment to change your eating habits no matter what it takes...this commitment will help you overcome the stumbles and setbacks along the way.
Start keeping a food journal as soon as possible! Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your nutrition plan and fat loss if you keep a food journal! By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better and avoid binge eating and emotional eating.
Get an accountability partner such as a spouse, friend or personal trainer. You can challenge each other to make good food choices.
Add foods to your menu that you like. You are more likely to stay with a menu loaded with foods you like. I am amazed at some of the "healthy menus" in some magazines! Do people really eat that stuff! Find healthy, nutritious foods that you like and get rid of the foods that are bad for you (interpreted "adds fat to your body").
Set your daily calorie intake based on your basal metabolic rate and your activity level. This way, you won't eat too much or too little. Maintaining the right amount of calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume) is the key to burning fat and losing weight.
I don't recommend any diet that omits one of the macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat). Your body's metabolism needs all 3 macronutrients to work efficiently.
The various "body organ cleansers" out there on the market are not the key to your fat loss and weight loss.....regular exercise (weight training and interval cardio) and good nutrition are your tickets to a permanent lean and toned body. Use the cleansers if you want for cleaning you out I guess. Just remember that healthy foods such as fruits and veggies also play a role in keeping your body clean (and alot less expensive)!
Along the same lines, there are no magic pills, powders or creams that will give you a permanent lean and toned body.
Control calorie intake by eating more water-based foods (volume eating). The basics of it is to eat as many foods with high water content/low calories as you can. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are examples. These types of foods help you to feel fuller (satiety) while eating fewer calories. For instance, grapes with the same calorie amount as raisins will provide more satiety and theoretically help you eat less the rest of the day. Energy density of food is a key component when trying to add volume to your diet. Energy density (ED) is defined as the amount of calories of a food divided by its weight in grams.
You would basically focus on foods rich in fiber with high water content (or low ED value). Fresh fruits (apples, etc.) and vegetables (such as tomatoes and broccoli) whole grain pastas, rice, whole grain breads and cereals, soups, salads and skinless white chicken/turkey are some examples.
Get enough sleep! Researchers have found that the less sleep the test subjects got, the higher their body mass index. The shorter sleep time altered the subjects hormone levels, energy decreased and appetite increased. And we already knew that decreased energy affects your workout performance. What's enough sleep? The general rule is 8 hours of sleep a night. Some may need more sleep or a little less than 8 hours. Don't sabotage your exercise program and weight loss efforts by not getting enough shut-eye.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Make the commitment to change your eating habits no matter what it takes...this commitment will help you overcome the stumbles and setbacks along the way.
Start keeping a food journal as soon as possible! Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your nutrition plan and fat loss if you keep a food journal! By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better and avoid binge eating and emotional eating.
Get an accountability partner such as a spouse, friend or personal trainer. You can challenge each other to make good food choices.
Add foods to your menu that you like. You are more likely to stay with a menu loaded with foods you like. I am amazed at some of the "healthy menus" in some magazines! Do people really eat that stuff! Find healthy, nutritious foods that you like and get rid of the foods that are bad for you (interpreted "adds fat to your body").
Set your daily calorie intake based on your basal metabolic rate and your activity level. This way, you won't eat too much or too little. Maintaining the right amount of calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume) is the key to burning fat and losing weight.
I don't recommend any diet that omits one of the macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat). Your body's metabolism needs all 3 macronutrients to work efficiently.
The various "body organ cleansers" out there on the market are not the key to your fat loss and weight loss.....regular exercise (weight training and interval cardio) and good nutrition are your tickets to a permanent lean and toned body. Use the cleansers if you want for cleaning you out I guess. Just remember that healthy foods such as fruits and veggies also play a role in keeping your body clean (and alot less expensive)!
Along the same lines, there are no magic pills, powders or creams that will give you a permanent lean and toned body.
Control calorie intake by eating more water-based foods (volume eating). The basics of it is to eat as many foods with high water content/low calories as you can. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are examples. These types of foods help you to feel fuller (satiety) while eating fewer calories. For instance, grapes with the same calorie amount as raisins will provide more satiety and theoretically help you eat less the rest of the day. Energy density of food is a key component when trying to add volume to your diet. Energy density (ED) is defined as the amount of calories of a food divided by its weight in grams.
You would basically focus on foods rich in fiber with high water content (or low ED value). Fresh fruits (apples, etc.) and vegetables (such as tomatoes and broccoli) whole grain pastas, rice, whole grain breads and cereals, soups, salads and skinless white chicken/turkey are some examples.
Get enough sleep! Researchers have found that the less sleep the test subjects got, the higher their body mass index. The shorter sleep time altered the subjects hormone levels, energy decreased and appetite increased. And we already knew that decreased energy affects your workout performance. What's enough sleep? The general rule is 8 hours of sleep a night. Some may need more sleep or a little less than 8 hours. Don't sabotage your exercise program and weight loss efforts by not getting enough shut-eye.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Feed Your Muscles And Get Lean
If you want to build muscle, burn fat and get lean then feed your muscles before your weight training workout......you will need energy for your workout and you want to continually provide nutrients to build muscle on your body.....
Pre-workout nutrition should mainly include carbohydrates and proteins. If you haven't eaten properly, a protein shake will work in a pinch.....
Your body depends heavily on fuel from carbohydrates (glycogen) for energy during an intense weight training workout. Eating fruits, vegetables, smoothies, etc. 1-2 hours before a workout will build up your glycogen stores. I ALWAYS PREFER TO GET MY NUTRITION FROM FOOD...BESIDES, SUPPLEMENTS AND DRINKS ARE EXPENSIVE AND MANY OF THEM DON'T WORK!
If you are a protein shake type of person, research has shown the effectiveness of pre-workout protein drinks (such as whey and casein). These drinks will make enough amino acids available to take advantage of the increased blood flow to your working muscles. Also, your muscles get 2 times as much benefit from a pre-workout protein drink compared to having just a post-workout protein drink.
Download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program, start burning max fat and start building your lean, hard body!
"Exercise is not my life.....exercise makes my life better!"
Check out my other great blogs:
Her Fitness Hut Blog Her Fitness Hut is featured on EmpowHER, a great health issues website for women! Her Fitness Hut has also been named in the Top 50 Personal Training Blogs by Physical Therapy Assistant Schools!
Sports Fitness Hut Blog has been recognized by Stanford University Wellsphere as the #1 Sports Fitness Blog and NursingDegree.net as one of the Best 100 Health and Nutrition Blogs for Athletes! The blog has also been named as one of the "50 Best Sports Medicine Blogs by Masters In Healthcare! It is an honor to be recognized by those in the health and academic fields! Afterall, health is number one for everybody---including athletes!
Pre-workout nutrition should mainly include carbohydrates and proteins. If you haven't eaten properly, a protein shake will work in a pinch.....
Your body depends heavily on fuel from carbohydrates (glycogen) for energy during an intense weight training workout. Eating fruits, vegetables, smoothies, etc. 1-2 hours before a workout will build up your glycogen stores. I ALWAYS PREFER TO GET MY NUTRITION FROM FOOD...BESIDES, SUPPLEMENTS AND DRINKS ARE EXPENSIVE AND MANY OF THEM DON'T WORK!
If you are a protein shake type of person, research has shown the effectiveness of pre-workout protein drinks (such as whey and casein). These drinks will make enough amino acids available to take advantage of the increased blood flow to your working muscles. Also, your muscles get 2 times as much benefit from a pre-workout protein drink compared to having just a post-workout protein drink.
Download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program, start burning max fat and start building your lean, hard body!
"Exercise is not my life.....exercise makes my life better!"
Check out my other great blogs:
Her Fitness Hut Blog Her Fitness Hut is featured on EmpowHER, a great health issues website for women! Her Fitness Hut has also been named in the Top 50 Personal Training Blogs by Physical Therapy Assistant Schools!
Sports Fitness Hut Blog has been recognized by Stanford University Wellsphere as the #1 Sports Fitness Blog and NursingDegree.net as one of the Best 100 Health and Nutrition Blogs for Athletes! The blog has also been named as one of the "50 Best Sports Medicine Blogs by Masters In Healthcare! It is an honor to be recognized by those in the health and academic fields! Afterall, health is number one for everybody---including athletes!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Combining Yoga And Weight Training
Combining yoga and weight training can have mental, emotional and physical benefits. If you've been thinking about taking a yoga class, go right ahead. You need to learn to do yoga correctly to get maximum benefits.
According to a study commissioned by the American College of Sports Medicine, combining yoga and weight training helps you with anxiety, tension, energy and fatigue. Weight training helped most with producing positive moods. Yoga provided the most benefits with anxiety reduction and calmness. Of course, weight training also provides other physical benefits such as improved strength, bone density and metabolic health.
Personally, I don't practice yoga. But, I am for any activity that promotes health and fitness. If you're looking for ways to enhance your fitness and well-being, disciplines such as yoga and pilates are great alternatives. Its important to learn these disciplines (both mental and physical) to reap the benefits.
Yoga and pilates also have strength benefits, especially in how they improve core strength and flexibility. There are many different disciplines of both yoga and pilates so it is important to find the particular one that best suits you.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
According to a study commissioned by the American College of Sports Medicine, combining yoga and weight training helps you with anxiety, tension, energy and fatigue. Weight training helped most with producing positive moods. Yoga provided the most benefits with anxiety reduction and calmness. Of course, weight training also provides other physical benefits such as improved strength, bone density and metabolic health.
Personally, I don't practice yoga. But, I am for any activity that promotes health and fitness. If you're looking for ways to enhance your fitness and well-being, disciplines such as yoga and pilates are great alternatives. Its important to learn these disciplines (both mental and physical) to reap the benefits.
Yoga and pilates also have strength benefits, especially in how they improve core strength and flexibility. There are many different disciplines of both yoga and pilates so it is important to find the particular one that best suits you.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, September 4, 2009
Does Late Night Eating Cause Weight Gain?
Late night eating can add unwanted pounds to your physique---depending on how much you eat during the entire day. Late night eating will not, in and of itself, automatically make you gain weight.
If you consistently eat more calories than you burn (caloric surplus), you will consistently gain weight and add on body fat, no matter when you eat.
If you do eat a late night dinner, think about what you have already eaten that day. This will help you stay on track with your daily caloric intake goals. So, high-fat fast food is probably not a good idea for your late night dinner. The same goes for late night snacks---it all adds up, no matter when you eat it. If you like sugary snacks, the calories can add up fast and get out of control.
Personally, I will usually eat a light late night dinner (if I happen to eat late) like tuna and a salad. And, a late night snack will be something like popcorn, nuts or fruit. For me, its easier to sleep on a "light stomach."
You should know how many calories you need each day. Start by learning your basal metabolic rate (how many calories you would burn if you did nothing all day). You must maintain a daily caloric deficit in order to lose weight and burn fat. If you exercise regularly, it will be easier for you to achieve your caloric deficit.
Keep track of how much you eat during the day, whether its early eating or late night eating! Doing this will help you control your weight gain.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
If you consistently eat more calories than you burn (caloric surplus), you will consistently gain weight and add on body fat, no matter when you eat.
If you do eat a late night dinner, think about what you have already eaten that day. This will help you stay on track with your daily caloric intake goals. So, high-fat fast food is probably not a good idea for your late night dinner. The same goes for late night snacks---it all adds up, no matter when you eat it. If you like sugary snacks, the calories can add up fast and get out of control.
Personally, I will usually eat a light late night dinner (if I happen to eat late) like tuna and a salad. And, a late night snack will be something like popcorn, nuts or fruit. For me, its easier to sleep on a "light stomach."
You should know how many calories you need each day. Start by learning your basal metabolic rate (how many calories you would burn if you did nothing all day). You must maintain a daily caloric deficit in order to lose weight and burn fat. If you exercise regularly, it will be easier for you to achieve your caloric deficit.
Keep track of how much you eat during the day, whether its early eating or late night eating! Doing this will help you control your weight gain.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Gym Class Wallflower To Fitness Enthusiast
"I Was A Gym Class Wallflower" is an article contributed by Heather Dugan, my good friend, voice-over talent, fitness enthusiast and professional traveler:
It’s true. Pressed against the cafeteria wall, hoping to camouflage my lack of athletic experience and skill as blasé disinterest–that was me. This surprises all those who missed my mandatory sixth grade gymnastics routine–heavy on dramatic spins and arm flourishes that did little to hide the fact that my abilities were limited to somersaults, ballet-style cartwheels and half of a back walk-over (as I recall it, half of my three minute routine was spent ineffectively attempting to kick my way back out of a backbend…riveting humiliation when viewed on a TV monitor outside the cafeteria during the high traffic lunch hour!).
I’m a fairly fit 40-something now, but the truth is, I sort of stumbled into personal fitness.
My first foray into team sports came my senior year of high school. Lacrosse. How good was I? Good enough to be my coach’s gift to an opposing team when they were short a couple of players for our game. My team won–that is, the team I arrived with, not the team I guest-played for, but I chose to call it a victory. And it was. I’d shown up and put my feet on the field.
I began running towards the end of college, primarily for the opportunity it provided my friends and I to pass a local fraternity on a regular basis. Running didn’t require great amounts of coordination (right left, right left… I could do that), and once I got past the whole “do I look silly” question, I found I enjoyed it.
The running habit stuck. My folks didn’t really know what to make of it when I returned home for summer break. We’d hiked and biked in the course of our travels, but with a regular exercise routine, I’d now swung far out of “normal” for my family. I kept at it anyways, because I was already noticing some remarkable benefits: less stress, more confidence, focused “thinking time” -and best of all, my “skinny” body now had runner’s legs.
Above the waist, however, I had the same willowy rag doll physique I’d always had. It lacked a certain something, but I just didn’t know what. Yet…
Years later, after prolonged manual labor on a landscaping project followed by an unfortunate stint on crutches, a neighbor commented favorably on my muscular “definition.” I confess that I had no idea what she meant. I looked in the mirror that evening, however, and discovered that I’d somehow grown baby arm muscles. I made an instant connection between my recent increases in strength and energy and decided to keep them.
Worth noting: These new muscles were “born” in my very late 30s making them younger than my three children! In the beginning, it was as simple as incorporating a few push-ups and crunches into my mornings. I advanced to trying pull-ups and chin-ups at playgrounds while playing with my kids. My method was simply to try and do at least as much as I did the last time. Nothing set in stone, but it became another positive habit to build upon. Eventually, I added free weights and began looking at how to further improve-rather than simply maintain, my accidental fitness. My “stumble” into physical fitness had taken me to a good place, and I was hooked.
That’s it! I use a gym now and find that the variety helps me keep my work-outs fresh and interesting. I lack the time for perfection but surge ahead on the theory that something is always better than nothing at all. I view my gym and outdoor running time as 1) my best investments in my future health, and 2) a sure way to keep positive about the present!
So, when a young lady stopped me at the gym last week to ask what I did and if she was too late, I smiled. I told her that she was so far ahead of me already and gave her the basics of my routine along with a couple words of encouragement.
We’re all made so differently, and the same regimens will look completely different on the bodies of two different women. But, we can all do something to maximize what we’ve been given.
And confidentially, it’s much more fun to be out on the gym floor than leaning against a padded wall. Take if from a former wallflower.
Read more from Heather Dugan!
Download your FREE 10-Minute Fat Burning Workouts now and take them on the road with you. There are strength and cardio workouts in the e-book.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
It’s true. Pressed against the cafeteria wall, hoping to camouflage my lack of athletic experience and skill as blasé disinterest–that was me. This surprises all those who missed my mandatory sixth grade gymnastics routine–heavy on dramatic spins and arm flourishes that did little to hide the fact that my abilities were limited to somersaults, ballet-style cartwheels and half of a back walk-over (as I recall it, half of my three minute routine was spent ineffectively attempting to kick my way back out of a backbend…riveting humiliation when viewed on a TV monitor outside the cafeteria during the high traffic lunch hour!).
I’m a fairly fit 40-something now, but the truth is, I sort of stumbled into personal fitness.
My first foray into team sports came my senior year of high school. Lacrosse. How good was I? Good enough to be my coach’s gift to an opposing team when they were short a couple of players for our game. My team won–that is, the team I arrived with, not the team I guest-played for, but I chose to call it a victory. And it was. I’d shown up and put my feet on the field.
I began running towards the end of college, primarily for the opportunity it provided my friends and I to pass a local fraternity on a regular basis. Running didn’t require great amounts of coordination (right left, right left… I could do that), and once I got past the whole “do I look silly” question, I found I enjoyed it.
The running habit stuck. My folks didn’t really know what to make of it when I returned home for summer break. We’d hiked and biked in the course of our travels, but with a regular exercise routine, I’d now swung far out of “normal” for my family. I kept at it anyways, because I was already noticing some remarkable benefits: less stress, more confidence, focused “thinking time” -and best of all, my “skinny” body now had runner’s legs.
Above the waist, however, I had the same willowy rag doll physique I’d always had. It lacked a certain something, but I just didn’t know what. Yet…
Years later, after prolonged manual labor on a landscaping project followed by an unfortunate stint on crutches, a neighbor commented favorably on my muscular “definition.” I confess that I had no idea what she meant. I looked in the mirror that evening, however, and discovered that I’d somehow grown baby arm muscles. I made an instant connection between my recent increases in strength and energy and decided to keep them.
Worth noting: These new muscles were “born” in my very late 30s making them younger than my three children! In the beginning, it was as simple as incorporating a few push-ups and crunches into my mornings. I advanced to trying pull-ups and chin-ups at playgrounds while playing with my kids. My method was simply to try and do at least as much as I did the last time. Nothing set in stone, but it became another positive habit to build upon. Eventually, I added free weights and began looking at how to further improve-rather than simply maintain, my accidental fitness. My “stumble” into physical fitness had taken me to a good place, and I was hooked.
That’s it! I use a gym now and find that the variety helps me keep my work-outs fresh and interesting. I lack the time for perfection but surge ahead on the theory that something is always better than nothing at all. I view my gym and outdoor running time as 1) my best investments in my future health, and 2) a sure way to keep positive about the present!
So, when a young lady stopped me at the gym last week to ask what I did and if she was too late, I smiled. I told her that she was so far ahead of me already and gave her the basics of my routine along with a couple words of encouragement.
We’re all made so differently, and the same regimens will look completely different on the bodies of two different women. But, we can all do something to maximize what we’ve been given.
And confidentially, it’s much more fun to be out on the gym floor than leaning against a padded wall. Take if from a former wallflower.
Read more from Heather Dugan!
Download your FREE 10-Minute Fat Burning Workouts now and take them on the road with you. There are strength and cardio workouts in the e-book.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Drink Fewer Calories, Lose More Weight
Drink fewer calories and lose more weight by eating most of your calories. One quick way to "blow a hole" through your meal plan is to drink too many empty calories contained in drinks like sodas, sugared fruit juices and designer coffees. These are empty calories because they do very little to keep you full (satiety) and you end up eating more.
A 12-ounce can of soda has as much as 13 teaspoons of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). If HFCS is the first or second ingredient listed, the product is heavily "laced" with HFCS. Nutritionists point to HFCS consumption as a major player in the nation's obesity crisis (the fact that we eat it is the real problem).
Foods that contain protein or fiber are examples of what you should eat to keep you fuller for longer. Doing this should help you eat fewer calories during the day.
Research has proven that protein keeps blood sugar levels more steady when you have a meal that includes carbohydrates. Protein helps you feel fuller for a longer period (slower digestion). Protein also keeps the hunger hormone (ghrelin) in check so your hunger doesn’t spike so high. Just include protein foods with each meal.
Drinking a fast-digesting whey protein drink before and after your weight training workout helps your body repair and rebuild your muscles.
Eat more fiber for your overall health and belly fat reduction. Your body cannot digest fiber and there are two forms:
–Soluble fiber dissolves in water and produces a gel-like substance in your stomach. This substance helps digested food move slowly through the small intestine and slows down food absorption and release of nutrients into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber also limits the amount of cholesterol released into the blood. Oats are high in soluble fiber.
–Insoluble fiber cannot be broken down once entering the stomach and increases in size by absorbing water. This type of fiber speeds up foods absorption once it enters into the small intestine. Insoluble fiber cleans your system as it travels through your body.
Eat both types of fiber to help you feel fuller for longer and to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Eating 25-35 grams of daily fiber per day will help fight belly fat. Fruits and vegetables have both types of fiber.
You will slow down your fat loss and weight loss efforts by dehydrating your body.
Drink enough water every day. Your body is about two-thirds water. Drink water and unsweetened drinks (like green tea) most of the time. It will help you eat less and help your body function better.
Drink about half your weight in water every day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day. Foods with high water content count towards your intake.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
A 12-ounce can of soda has as much as 13 teaspoons of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). If HFCS is the first or second ingredient listed, the product is heavily "laced" with HFCS. Nutritionists point to HFCS consumption as a major player in the nation's obesity crisis (the fact that we eat it is the real problem).
Foods that contain protein or fiber are examples of what you should eat to keep you fuller for longer. Doing this should help you eat fewer calories during the day.
Research has proven that protein keeps blood sugar levels more steady when you have a meal that includes carbohydrates. Protein helps you feel fuller for a longer period (slower digestion). Protein also keeps the hunger hormone (ghrelin) in check so your hunger doesn’t spike so high. Just include protein foods with each meal.
Drinking a fast-digesting whey protein drink before and after your weight training workout helps your body repair and rebuild your muscles.
Eat more fiber for your overall health and belly fat reduction. Your body cannot digest fiber and there are two forms:
–Soluble fiber dissolves in water and produces a gel-like substance in your stomach. This substance helps digested food move slowly through the small intestine and slows down food absorption and release of nutrients into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber also limits the amount of cholesterol released into the blood. Oats are high in soluble fiber.
–Insoluble fiber cannot be broken down once entering the stomach and increases in size by absorbing water. This type of fiber speeds up foods absorption once it enters into the small intestine. Insoluble fiber cleans your system as it travels through your body.
Eat both types of fiber to help you feel fuller for longer and to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Eating 25-35 grams of daily fiber per day will help fight belly fat. Fruits and vegetables have both types of fiber.
You will slow down your fat loss and weight loss efforts by dehydrating your body.
Drink enough water every day. Your body is about two-thirds water. Drink water and unsweetened drinks (like green tea) most of the time. It will help you eat less and help your body function better.
Drink about half your weight in water every day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day. Foods with high water content count towards your intake.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Bodyweight Exercise At Home
Doing bodyweight exercises at home is one of the most convenient ways to stay fit! A 20-30 minute bodyweight workout doubles as a strength and cardio workout. And, you don't have to waste time going to and from a gym!
Doing compound bodyweight strength exercises will "lean out" your body. These types of exercises work major muscle groups and many times are full-body strength exercises. Squats, pullups, lunges, bentover rows, inverted rows and pushups are great examples. Full-body core exercises like planks and side planks work well also. Spend less time posing on "mirror exercises" like bicep curls, calf raises and tricep extensions.
My friends at Ultimate Body Press have products that will help you tone your body with bodyweight exercises.
Ultimate Body Press has everything you need for high intensity, body weight resistance workouts in the smallest of spaces.
Your workouts will be rewarding and fun because each exercise engages multiple muscle groups and critical core muscles. You will look better, feel better and perform better than you ever have before.
Ultimate Body Press delivers strength and fitness to you in the most convenient and affordable packages. They also have secret speed and agility exercises that give you more variety, more fun and even better results.
Check out Ultimate Body Press and get fit at home!
Doing compound bodyweight strength exercises will "lean out" your body. These types of exercises work major muscle groups and many times are full-body strength exercises. Squats, pullups, lunges, bentover rows, inverted rows and pushups are great examples. Full-body core exercises like planks and side planks work well also. Spend less time posing on "mirror exercises" like bicep curls, calf raises and tricep extensions.
My friends at Ultimate Body Press have products that will help you tone your body with bodyweight exercises.
Ultimate Body Press has everything you need for high intensity, body weight resistance workouts in the smallest of spaces.
Your workouts will be rewarding and fun because each exercise engages multiple muscle groups and critical core muscles. You will look better, feel better and perform better than you ever have before.
Ultimate Body Press delivers strength and fitness to you in the most convenient and affordable packages. They also have secret speed and agility exercises that give you more variety, more fun and even better results.
Check out Ultimate Body Press and get fit at home!
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