Archive for the ‘strength training’ Category

Finding the Right Fit in a Fitness Coach

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Like so many others at the start of a new year, have you set resolutions to become more physically fit in 2010?

Regardless of fitness level, everybody needs help as they embark upon their next level, in order to prevent injury, promote enthusiasm, and ensure continued fitness gains. Seeking the guidance of a qualified professional health and fitness coach is advised, whenever changes are being made to an already- or non- existing fitness regimen.

In researching, then selecting, the most appropriate fitness and wellness coach, there are several points to consider:

  1. What degree(s) and/or certifications does this coach carry, and are they current? A gym rat and sexy genetic map translated into physical “perfection” does not make a qualified fitness instructor. Minimally, a qualified instructor should be licensed by a nationally recognized organization.
  2. Do you have any chronic conditions or pain, injuries, or other special needs that a coach will need to consider (even if you think they might not need to) when planning your fitness program? The coach you are considering should have experience and success working with others who have the same needs that you do.
  3. Does the coach offer single “trial” sessions? Finding the right coach and trainer is like finding the right therapist. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded into buying large packages before you have been able to meet and “sample” (does not imply free) the coach’s services.
  4. Will the coach be able to create a fitness program that is considerate of your other daily commitments, such as work and children, and the time that you have allocated to working out? Having a coach who can customize programs for clients includes customization based on goals and schedule.
  5. Does the coach have the right personality attributes that will ensure your success? If the coach has personality traits that invoke negative feelings, guilt, or frustration, you may not continue your fitness journey.

The coach who meets most, if not all of the above (and some of your own) criteria, will be the most appropriate person to coach you toward successfully meeting then exceeding your fitness and well-being goals.

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Correcting Crooked Feet

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Usually, I don't like to show my feet, but for the purpose of this review, you can see for yourself the asymmetries in my feet.

Usually, I don't like to show my feet, but for the purpose of this review, you can see for yourself the asymmetries in my feet.

Ok, maybe I won’t be able to correct my crooked feet, but in seeking physical wellness, I have added a new tool to my arsenal–the A-line insole. Yesterday, I had the good fortune to meet Gordon Hay, the creator and Founder of A-Line Systems. He made an assessment of my alignment as shown in the below video, and gave me new insoles to try. Gordon assures me that these new insoles will help me strengthen my feet, improve performance through any motion and activity, and correct malalignments in my body. These insoles use a “patented triangular suspension system that restores your natural arches and allows the foot’s structures to move as they need to move…with no loss of stability…The result: your legs align optimally though all phases of motion.”

I will keep you posted on my journey to retraining my feet. Wearing the insoles throughout my day, including exercise, is promising to strengthen the connective tissue in my feet that have gotten lazy, atrophied, and imbalanced from a lifetime of wearing flip-flops, sandals, and squishy sneakers.

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Let’s Fly!!! – Fun New Workout

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Cirque du Soleil + Reebok = Jukari Fit to Fly

Reebok.com

Reebok.com

If you are in the Los Angeles area, you have until the end of the month to try it. What is it, you ask? Jukari is a circuit training workout that I describe as trapeze swinging meets TRX. You will have cardio intervals, when you get to swing a-la-trapeze style and spin (think aerial art), mixed in with suspension training styled strength intervals. This class, for all levels, will leave you worked from head-to-toe. Another plus is that you will not realize that you are working out; it is so fun! Release the child inside of you! The hour flew by.

Contrary to Reebok’s website, this workout is open to both men and women. Go to www.reebok.com/schedule to book your class. Location? La Brea and 3rd, in Los Angeles.

Again, it will only be around through the end of July. Your first class is free, thereafter, classes are $20/session.

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Workout Anywhere!

Friday, June 12th, 2009

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Some of you may have already experienced my training on the TRX system, or you may have heard me rave about this piece of equipment. In 2005, I attended the trade show at the IDEA conference. This was one of the very few products I was excited about. You can get an amazing, full-body, heart-pounding (sorry if that sounds cliche), functional strength training workout with this one piece of equipment. The great thing is that you can use it ANYWHERE!!! That’s why you can find their information at www.fitnessanywhere.com. Check out the video above, where a man works out on BART (San Francisco Bay Area’s mass transit system).

TRX for the Military

TRX for the Military

These simple straps can travel with you to the office, business trips, vacation–locations are endless. I have used it in my hotel room, using the over-the-door attachment. A regular strength routine is very important for any person who is looking to lose weight, “tone” or “sculpt” their muscles, wants to look and feel sexier, perform better in their sport of choice, prevent or reduce chronic pain, prevent osteoporosis. Using the TRX makes a regular routine simple, in that it may go where you go, without having to lug cumbersome and heavy pieces of equipment around. Click the below link if you are interested in learning more about their products, which include instructional DVDs, and/or want to make a purchase.

TRX Suspension Trainer: Train Like the Pros.

Contact me if you are interested in a TRX workout. You can also find exercises on their website.

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Women, Can The Pill Hinder Your Goal to Gain Muscle Mass?

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Photo courtesy of "American Experience; The Pill"

Photo courtesy of pbs.org

This just in. On April 18, Biology News Net published a study that says it could be so. A study conducted by Chang-Woock Lee and Steven E. Riechman, Department of Health and Kinesiology, at Texas A & M, in College Station, TX, took 73 healthy women in their study. 34 women were using oral contraceptives (OC), and 39 were not (non-OC). All women participated in the same strength building exercise routine, while consuming a high protein (greater than recommended by the USDA) to ensure they had the building blocks for muscle gain.

The result, according to the researchers, “We were surprised at the magnitude of differences in muscle gains between the two groups, with the non-OC women gaining more than 60% greater muscle mass than their OC counterpart.”

Take-home message: Ladies, if you are on the pill, you still need to continue with your strength training routine. Strength gains between the two groups in this study were the same; and, weight bearing exercise is the only way you are able to maintain your bone density, therefore, preventing osteoporosis.

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