05.15.08
Posted in Exercise at 10:09 am by Administrator
A Whole New Level
Wait! Before you skim down to find which exercise I’ve labeled as the best, read the whole story…
It’s always interesting when I’m approached and asked to pin down a single exercise as the one that will help lose the most fat or sculpt the quickest. I’m always slow to answer.
You see, I’m acutely aware of the fact that though an exercise may be perfect for Client A, it may not be the best choice for Client B-hence my hesitation to label any exercise as the universal best.
That being said, there are exercises that are better than others. And, yes, there are even a few that I would label as the best.
What makes an exercise the best?
When deciding which exercises to include in your routine it is important to consider the type of movement involved. The simpler the movement, the fewer calories you’ll burn. On the other hand, the more complex the movement, the more calories you will burn.
Simply stated, exercises that use complex movements will deliver better results than exercises that use only simple movements. Complex movements recruit multiple muscles, some to stabilize and others to perform the movement. This process keeps your heart rate higher than a simple exercise would, giving you a more intense workout.
What is a complex movement?
A complex movement is a multi-joint movement that recruits large portions of the body to complete the exercise. Let’s compare a simple movement leg exercise with a complex movement leg exercise:
The leg extension machine uses a simple, isolated movement to work the quadriceps. You’re in a seated position moving only your knee joint. There isn’t much involvement, if any, from other muscles and it doesn’t burn very many calories.
Now let’s look at a free weight walking lunge. You start by standing with your feet together and a dumbbell in each hand at your sides (or a barbell across your shoulders, or a medicine ball held at your chest, or even with no weight at all). You take a large step forward and lower your back knee, keeping your front knee at a 90 degree angle. Now you push off your front foot and pull your back leg forward, repeating the movement.
How many muscles did you utilize while performing the lunge? Probably too many to count.
You certainly worked your quadriceps, gluteus, hamstrings, calves, abdominals, supporting muscles in your shoulders, arms and back-just to name a few. You also raised your heart rate and really kicked your metabolism into high gear. That’s what I call a great exercise.
Other ways to increase intensity
Using complex movements are just one of many ways to kick your workout intensity up a notch. Try incorporating a Super Set into your routine. To do so simply perform two or more exercises in a row and then take a short rest.
Or how about a Compound Set? Perform one exercise, rest, then perform an exercise with opposing body parts. To find exercises that compliment one another, choose ones that have similar but opposite motions such as a chest press and a row.
The key to finding the best exercise is to find the ones that bring your workout intensity to a whole new level.
I’d be shortchanging you if I named any exercise as the best. The fact of the matter is that it is a combination of changing your workouts up, using interval training, and even some good old cardio that will ultimately see you to your goal.
These methods will help you to burn more calories, increase your metabolic rate, and will stimulate the production of more fat burning and muscle toning hormones. Of course, there is more involved to achieving your fitness goals. You need to incorporate fat burning into your routine. You need to consistently challenge yourself during workouts. You need to take control of your eating habits and to get your diet dialed in.
So what’s the best exercise for you? Find out by calling 856-751-0033 or visiting http://fitlifeinc.com/Free_Workout_Testdrive.html to schedule your FREE Workout Testdrive.
Committed to your success,
Kevin Hensel, Owner Fit 4 Life
856-751-0033
Cherry Hill, NJ
www.FitLifeInc.com
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05.01.08
Posted in Healthy Recipes at 10:54 am by Administrator
Spaghetti squash is one of the easiest vegetables to prepare without adding fat in the cooking process. Each squash is filled with folic acid, potassium, vitamin A, and beta carotene - and best of all it is a low calorie food. Servings: 4
Here’s what you need…
1 spaghetti squash
1 Tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Cut squash in half and scoop out the seeds and fibers. With a fork pierce the squash skin a few times.
Fill a microwave safe dish with 1/2 inch of water. Place the squash cut side down in the dish.
Microwave on high for 10-20 minutes or until the skin gives easily under pressure (be sure to use an oven mitt, as the squash get very hot.) Let stand for a few minutes.
With a fork, scrape the pasta-like insides into a medium bowl. Mix in basil and garlic salt.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 42 calories, 0g fat, 10g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 1g protein.
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Posted in Weight Loss at 10:04 am by Administrator
Don’t be a Victim of Portion Distortion
It’s no secret that people are larger today than ever before. Waistlines have expanded over the last twenty years and studies show that potion sizes have grown as well.
Researchers from New York University found that average portion sizes started to grow in the 1970’s, rising quickly in the 1980’s - and this phenomenon hasn’t shown signs of slowing. A “large” order of fries from McDonalds’ weighs the same as 1998’s “Supersize” fries. And it doesn’t stop there. Check out these eye-opening figures, provided by the National Institutes of Health:
Today’s 6-inch bagel has 350 calories. This is 210 more calories than a 3-inch bagel 20 years ago.
Today’s 5 ounce muffin has 500 calories. This is 310 calories more than muffin 20 years ago.
Today, a large cookie has about 275 calories. This is 220 more calories more than a cookie 20 years ago.
Today, a 3 cup chicken Caesar salad has 790 calories. This is 400 more calories more than Caesar salads 20 years ago.
Keep in mind that the health experts all agree on one thing: Obesity is on the rise because people eat too many calories and do not exercise enough. Portion control is a very important factor for losing-weight, but to attain a fit and healthy physique exercise is also a must.
Since I am the local fitness expert, look no further than me to get you started on an exercise program that will change your life and shape forever. Now, back to our discussion on portion distortion…
Now that you know portion sizes today are far larger than you really need, what are you going to do the next time you go out to eat? Try the following 3 tips and watch as your waist begins to slim and your confidence soars.
Trim-Down Tip #1: Re-program Your Mind
I’m sure your mother did a great job when she taught you to “clean your plate.” The problem now lies in the fact that your plate is usually loaded with more than 3 times the calories that you really need. So what’s the solution?
Realize that it is O.K. to leave food on your plate. Eating everything on the plate is probably a habit now, but it is one that you can break. Focus on how you feel halfway through your meal. Are you full? If you are beginning to feel full then stop eating. Don’t worry - your mom won’t send you to your room!
Trim-Down Tip #2: Slow Down
I know that this is a tough one - so bear with me. These days we are in such a hurry, we rush to work, rush to lunch, rush through errands and then rush home. So it is no wonder that food consumption is no exception. Most meals are devoured before your stomach has the chance to let you know that it is full.
Eat your next meal slower than usual. Chew each bite thoroughly, engage in conversation and pay attention for signs that you may be getting full. Once you realize that you are full, stop eating. Congratulations - you just tailored your portion down to its proper size.
Trim-Down Tip #3: Go Halfsies
I understand that it may be very difficult for you to leave food on your plate, even though your mother isn’t looking over your shoulder, and even if you eat slowly. No problem - you just need to do some strategic planning. The next time you go out to eat do one of the following two options.
1) Share an entrée with a friend and order salad or soup to start your meal. This will cut your calories down dramatically, while still giving you the satisfaction of clearing your plate.
2) If sharing isn’t an option then ask your waiter to bring a to-go box along with your order. As soon as the food is placed in front of you put half of it into the to-go box. You are now left with a reasonable portion and even have your next meal taken care of.
Helping you achieve your fitness goals is my passion - it’s a job that I don’t take lightly. Allow me to get you fit and strong the safe, healthy way. Call 856-751-0033 or visit http://fitlifeinc.com/Free_Workout_Testdrive.html for your FREE Workout Testdrive.
Committed to your success,
Kevin Hensel, Owner Fit 4 Life
Cherry Hill, NJ
865-751-0033
www.FitLifeInc.com
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