A source for fitness information in Allen, TX
Posts tagged Fitness
Making Fitness or Martial Arts Part of Your Life
May 31st
Pick up a newspaper or turn on the local news on any given day and you are liable to hear a report on how Americans are getting fatter. Government statistics tell us that approximately 60 percent of Americans (127 million people) are overweight. Many women who enroll in martial arts or fitness clubs have a primary goal of losing weight. Unfortunately, some expect instant results. If they don’t see immediate weight loss they become discouraged and inpatient. Some even drop out altogether.
In my 20 plus years of training men, women and children of all shapes and sizes, I have learned that diets just don’t work. If they did, we wouldn’t have an obesity epidemic. The diet industry continually makes promises that they can’t deliver and is fleecing the public at the tune of $40 billion dollars a year. The diet industry doesn’t want to tell you the truth. And why should they with the kind of money they’re taking out of people’s misery? The truth is that weight loss is difficult for many people to achieve. Weight loss is a personal struggle, complicated by an individual’s upbringing, eating habits, metabolism, genetics and psychology. Yo-yo dieting and subjecting the body to strange eating regimes is much more detrimental to one’s physical and mental health than maintaining a steady weight.
I’m not here to sell you the same bill of goods as the diet industry. What I will do is encourage you to develop a healthy lifestyle and feel better about yourself. When you train, go with the attitude that you want to move, breathe and stretch. What’s important is that you focus on wellness. According to Steven Blair, director of research at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas, Texas, “There is a misdirected obsession with weight and weight loss. The focus is wrong. It’s fitness that is the key.”
Fitness is also a word that has been presented to the public at large. Go to any gym in America, what do you see? Weights and cardio machines, not much more. The only thing you can do is train strength and endurance; that’s not enough for true fitness! And how about the gyms with Yoga classes? Great, add flexibility to the list, if your lucky. You see Yoga teachers are a dime a dozen in America, especially in fitness gyms. Finding a good teacher is like finding a needle in a haystack, and they’re not at your local “Fitness” Center! Truth is many of the “Yoga” instructors in gyms don’t know a great deal and could actually end up hurting you.
Fitness is far more in-depth then most people are looking at. If your not improving in all areas of human performance: strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, balance, body unity, grace, speed, hand eye coordination, reactions (and the list goes on) you are not completely improving your fitness.
You will notice that with a good well rounded system of exercise, you will start having more strength, more endurance, and more flexibility, and all the other benefits mentioned above. If you want to lose weight, it will take patience, exercise, sensible diet changes, and sacrifice. There is no way around it. Focus on fitness, moving, breathing, stretching, feeling strong and enjoying your martial arts or fitness routine.
Calasanz is the creator of a system of exercise called Physical Arts. Movements based on his understanding of the martial arts that improve strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, balance, body unity, weight loss, and tone. Physical Arts exercises are available at http://www.interdojo.com
Fitness Pass Review
May 28th
I fell victim to the classic dilemma. Which workout program to use. Do I do cardio or strength training? Plyometrics or Yoga? Resistance training or Pilates? As I discovered, there is a time and a place for all different types of workouts. Under different circumstances, and at different times of life alternate workout programs are appropriate. The problem for me, is that I’m not a rich guy, and all these programs cost serious money! I can’t afford to test numerous routines in order to choose which one is right for me. Also, I have a wife who is always watching infomercials and wants to try them all! I have bought ab machines, workout balls, yoga mats, and so on. It has been enough to break my bank, as well as drive me crazy. But I do want to get in shape, and I want my wife to get in shape too! That’s not the only thing, though. I have a son who plays lacrosse, and another who plays hockey. Their coaches have suggested to us parents that we get our kids on some kind of fitness routines even in the off seasons. Of course I want to do everything possible to increase their chances of doing well, maybe even getting college scholarships. My dilemma remained, though, how to afford it?
Then I found Fitness Pass . It was like someone figured out exactly what I needed and created it just for me. Instead of just one workout regimen, I now have unlimited access to multiple workout websites. There are workouts that are perfect for my wife, my kids, and myself. The kids can find sports specific exercises, my wife has found low-impact, body specific programs, and me? I like to try them all! I get easily bored, maybe a little adult ADHD? The cool thing is, I get unrestricted admittance to all of them! I can do a routine for a day or a week, then try something else. Best of all, it doesn’t break my bank. It only costs me about 25 cents a day.
Instead of spending hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars on gym memberships, personal trainers, exercise equipment, sports camps, and workout DVDs, I spend pennies a day and meet the fitness needs of the whole family! I feel really good about it. Not just about saving money, but about how I feel. My wife and I have both lost weight and toned up, and my kids are gaining strength and muscle. Fitness Pass is the greatest idea since sliced bread !
Workout Pass
The Spirit of Military Training in a Fitness Boot Camp
May 28th
Military training camps aim to transform civilians into disciplined and tough soldiers. Recruits are trained to respond to commands unhesitatingly, promptly, and obediently. It is essential for military functions because combat situations demand unquestioning compliance under life threatening situations. A military boot camp injects the sense of absolute discipline in the minds of the recruits besides training them to endure stress. The reason is simple: if a recruit cant follow instruction and obey orders in non-combat settings, it is not likely that he will prove reliable in combat situations where the high stress levels can easily make him disobey or flee.
All the activities of a military training camp are geared towards shaping the recruits physically, mentally, and psychologically so that they are better prepared for the ultra-high stress levels of real combat situations. A recruit who cant function as part of a team or does not perform duties assigned to him can easily jeopardize himself, his unit, and the mission. If a recruit comes out successfully from the boot camp he has learned to be disciplined and can endure considerable stress. Now he is less likely to be self-centered and be more prone to cooperation and team spirit.
The idea and the format of these military camps are now borrowed into a variety of fitness programs. They are normally focused towards certain aim or group; for example, there are camps for weight loss, only for women, elderly, or kids, etc. Similar to a military camp, a fitness boot camp is also led by an instructor or trainer. He designs the workouts and helps (or rather commands) the group to perform them.
Apart from the concept of a trainer who leads the camp, the exercises may or may not have much to do with the typical exercises of a military training camp. Still, there are often fitness camps that try restricting their program to traditional activities such as running and typical body weight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and squat thrusts. These workouts dont require special facilities or equipments and can be done anywhere.
Most gyms, personal trainers, and fitness centers offer a variety of boot camps. The trainer of a fitness boot camp performs several roles depending upon his personality, experience, and needs of the individuals and the group as a whole. By nature, the exercises are intense and demanding but he sees to it that none of the participants is left out. He constantly encourages and challenges the group to do better than the last time.
For the participants of any type of fitness boot camp, the biggest benefit they get after completing the camp is that they get significantly more disciplined and continue with their daily workouts. Quite often the friendship and camaraderie that developed with fellow campers persists even after the camp is over. This acts as a positive motivational force that coaxes them to remain serious about regular exercising.
The best part of fitness boot camps is that there is no place for monotony. Exercises are hardly the same from one day to another. Following the spirit of the military boot camp, as a fitness camp advances the challenges posed to the participants also increase progressively. Hence, the participants have to push themselves systematically harder as the camp progresses. The group support helps every individual achieve significantly more than what would have been possible working out individually.
The strong dose of self-discipline and health consciousness injected by the fitness camps is often enough to discourage dietary extravaganzas. And if a person continues practicing what he has learned in the camp, he has discovered a new and healthy lifestyle full of energy and strength.
Dan Clay is a weight loss expert and owner of Dangerously Fit Boot Camp. If you would like to attend a boot camp Malabar or join a boot camp Darlinghurst, visit boot camps in Sydney.
27 Fitness And Fat Loss Tips
May 20th
I don’t know if you are one to make New Year’s Resolutions or not, but either way you’re probably thinking about how you can become fitter, healthier and happier in this New Year.
These 27 Fitness and Fat Loss Tips will get you on the right track for this New Year:
1. Visualize the accomplishment of your goals each and every day. Experience the taste of success and feel that sweet satisfaction.
2.Push the intensity of your workouts. Don’t kill time, burn calories by maintaining a challenging intensity.
3.Use smaller plates at home. This effortlessly reduces calorie intake and promotes weight loss.
4.Build accountability into your workouts so that you resist the temptation to take days off. The best way to ensure accountability is to work with a personal trainer either one-on-one or in a group training setting.
5.Believe in yourself. Know with conviction that you CAN accomplish your goals.
6. Drink water throughout your day. Do this by carrying a water bottle and opting for water rather than calorie-filled beverages. This simple action is extremely beneficial.
7. Maintain your metabolism by eating a healthy snack or meal every three hours. This food should be unprocessed, low in fat and high in fiber.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
9. Incorporate High Intensity Interval Training into your cardio workouts by performing bursts of high intensity rather than exercising at a single steady pace.
10. It’s not about will-power, it’s about want-power. You have to want it.
11. Do not eat processed foods. These items are high in empty calories and contain a plethora of chemicals that are harmful to your health.
12. Stop talking about losing weight. Start doing it.
13. Fat contains twice the caloric density of carbohydrates and protein, so limit the amount that you consume. Fill your diet with lean protein and carbohydrates from plants and whole grains.
14.Be wary of products that are labeled as ‘health food’. Always read the nutrition labels.
15. Find a workout partner who is in better shape than you, or better yet work with a personal trainer to guarantee dramatic results.
16. Make a habit out of reading nutrition labels. Avoid items that are high in fat and carbohydrates.
17. Destroy negative self talk.
18. Avoid the trap of high-calorie beverages after your workouts.
19. Be consistent with your workouts. Exercise three to four times each week.
20. Expect more of yourself.
21. High fructose corn syrup should not be in your diet. It is high in calories and will quickly derail your weight loss efforts.
22. Challenge your body with each workout. Use different weights, do different exercises and break through plateaus.
23. Eat lots of whole plant foods. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains are filled with fiber and antioxidants, vital for your good health.
24. Do your cardiovascular exercise after weight training to ensure more fat burn. Your stored sugars will be depleted during the weight training then your body will rely on fat stores to get you through the cardio workout.
25. Set specific, measurable goals.
26. Start each day with a healthy breakfast. This important meal should be a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat to get your metabolism going strong.
27. You deserve better…go get it.
After writing these tips, I realized how powerful and inspiring they are. Print this list and place it somewhere that you’ll see often – this will keep you motivated and pumped up to accomplish your goals.
If your New Year’s Resolution has to do with losing weight and getting into great shape (and whose isn’t?) then guarantee your success by working with a fitness expert who can guide you to success.
I’d love to team up with you – together we will transform your body in 2010!
Call or email to get started today.
Personal Training Vancouver: Based in downtown Vancouver, B.C, personal trainer Mike Dirks offers 1-on-1 personal training, personal fitness, bootcamps & group personal training programs. Contact personal trainer vancouver today!
Fitness Hell: is That What My Life Has Become?
May 20th
Thatâs what my life has become â a fitness hell. Ever since my spouse started reading every health and fitness magazine he could get his hands on⦠cover to cover. Good grief, he even reads the ads.
It started innocently enough. At the age of 38 my spouse has reached the age where any extra morsel magically metamorphoses into ye olde spare tyre. For some reason I assumed he wouldnât be sensitive about a little good natured joshing in regards to âmore of him to loveâ â as opposed to his help mate, who couldnât bear to admit that she was starting to buy her pantyhose one size larger and took the petite size from the grocerâs shelf only when he was looking. Surprisingly, he was just as vulnerable to my mention of his âlove handlesâ â the difference that he didnât burst into tears.
He decided that changing our eating habits and starting an exercise program was what we needed. I didnât see any point in changing our dietary patterns. After all, we ate plenty of fish and skinless chicken (well, I ate the skin). We steamed our vegetables and ate butter substitute on our potatoes. Whatâs there to change? And as for physical exertion â wasnât my desk job bad enough?
My idea of working out was to wear chic, comfy elasticized sweat gear and gossip with my girl friends in the darkened corner of an aerobics class. My husband thought differently.
Right away he started buying fresh vegetables, salads and fruit for his lunches. He stopped drinking any form of caffeine, boasting, âI drink nothing but water and wine,â the ratio of water far outweighing the wine. He drinks a minimum of 120 ounces of water compared to his 4 ounces of wine with dinner. Dinner didnât change too drastically. We still grilled our fish and fowl and treated our vegetables with Lilliputian amounts of boiling water.
No More Pizza for Breakfast
Breakfast underwent major surgery⦠gone are the days of having cold pizza and soda or a processed, packaged burrito for breakfast. If I even look at something that contains mayonnaise Iâm subject to a punishment worse than death â espousal guilt. Gads. You donât even want to know the penalty for sodium.
Our body boot camp began just as swiftly as the sustenance rations. We started lifting weights three nights a week. My appendages ached so badly the first week, I couldnât believe that someone I loved was asking me to willingly inflict pain on my cute, rather Rubensesque body. This was his idea of fun?
They say you donât really know people until youâve lived with them. Ha. You really discover their dark, sinister side when you work out with them. The gnashing of teeth, the Eddie Murphy language, the growls⦠this just during the consumption of the protein drinks and vitamins. But the clanging of weights and machinery really does something for oneâs relationship â drowns out the nagging âCmon, honey⦠one more set⦠good for the old rump roast. Yeah, maybe you should cut back on the brewskies and watch football from an exercise bike. Carb out, drop the fatty foods and empty caloriesâ¦â Ho hum, I can ignore those muffled suggestions.
At first I thought I was safe. Big deal, go to the gym with him a few nights a week. Humor him. Eat the healthy breakfast and hearty supper. I still had anywhere from 9 â 10 hours by myself during the day to do whatever my body dictated. I didnât have to sacrifice the chill fries and cold, frosty (lite) beer at lunch, did I?
The Eye of the Beholder
Well, my viewpoint began to change when I first saw his body change. About three months into this fitness fixation I noticed my husbandâs physique â for as long as I could remember he had a body, a frame, something to house his bones and intestines. Now, standing before me was a man with a physique, a bod. My spouse was a hunk. I looked in the mirror and saw a ruddy version of that legendary Doughboy. Uh-oh.
My beefcake bridegroom could not understand my frustration â if I was eating exactly the way he was and doing the same amount of exercise, why wasnât I transforming also? Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we slip chocolate chip cookies up our sleeve. Youâd be amazed at what you can consume unconsciously while developing your âsecretarial spreadâ. My office was a nutritionistâs nightmare. A breeding ground for adipose tissue.
In the back of my mind I was determined not to lose my honey bunny puddy bear to some hard bodies muscle queen. I had conjured up all kinds of wild hallucinations that had him running off with some tall, scrawny, blond, pop tart aerobics instructor while I turned into a mere bulbous, globular amoeba in his life.
With that vision in my head the locomotion of junk food and trash that I was devouring came to a screeching halt. I learned to like fruit and vegetables. I started drinking so much water that I stopped retaining the stuff â always a big problem in the past. My ample, mean, fighting machine was going to get clean. During the first week concentrating on my intake of complex carbs (and increasing my H2O) I noticed that I didnât want to snack as much as before. Then I could focus more sharply on eliminating the unnecessary lard, tallow and suet from my diet (ignoring the internal debate that chocolate must somehow be a necessary fat). I discovered healthy alternatives: olive oil, avocados, etc. This was going to be my fun. My husband and I became culinary wizards with our new found foods.
The release of athletic endorphins came much slower. I just couldnât get hyped about this gym business. I hated it in high school and I was sure Iâd hate it as a grown woman (especially since Iâd grown by 10 years and 15 pounds). Surely I would lose all dignity and grace by becoming a sweaty, red faced Harpy in front of my husband.
On the contrary, Iâve begun to smile at the pain and tolerate the sweat, and he finds it all quite delightful. Iâm starting to enjoy his compliments about my âdefinition and symmetryâ and appreciate it when his concerned about my fiber intake. Iâm grateful for his vocal support during my forced reps and ungodly burns.
Iâve lost 6 pounds in five weeks and I can fit into my tight jeans again. I can hardly wait until our vacation. What dashing figures weâll cut on the beach or at our friendsâ pool parties. I guess thereâs something to be said for this âTogetherness Trainingâ. It has enhanced our bodies and brought a whole new dimension of sharing and caring into our relationship. W have more energy, we feel stronger and more balanced. We are appreciative of our own and each otherâs bodies. I find that Iâm beginning to look forward to our workouts and the time together when we discuss and plan our meals. This is fun.
They used to tell me. âYouâll have to go through hell before you get to heavenâ. Well, Iâm here to tell you, it isnât such a bad trip.
