Sometimes people say things, and all you can do is stop, scratch your head, and say "huh?"
I feel like the time that this happens most often to me is when the topic is me running another marathon. While saying I'm a marathon runner might be a bit of an untruth, I have successfully finished the only two races I've ever attempted, which is an accomplishment I'll be proud of for as long as I can still lace up my Asics.
While I was training for my first marathon two years ago, I had one of those head scratching "huh" moments while talking with my parents. My dad said something to the effect of "Are you sure about this? You know, people die from the stress of running marathons."
Huh? Sure, every once in a while a marathoner dies while completing a race. And if legend holds true, the Greek soldier did drop dead after running from the Battle of Marathon to the assembly in Athens. But really, dad, let's compare the ratio of marathon running fatalities to that of those who die of a sedentary lifestyle.
I think I'll take my chances with running.
Turns out, I'm not the only person willing to take on the "inherent health risks" associated with marathon running. According to Joy Johnson, 84, the "risk" of running isn't enough to keep her from continuing her streak of 24 consecutive New York City marathons. "I want to keep running as long as I can and drop in my running shoes when the time comes," she recently told Janice Lloyd from the USA Today. Joy is one of 2,634 runners age 60 or older that is running New York this year.
The positive effects all this running has on these elder runners is impressive, to say the least. Ms. Johnson's bones are so dense after 25 years of distance running that Stanford researches thought the results of a recent bone density test can back wrong. Not only were the results correct, but the strength of her bones is directly attributed to her healthy diet and physical exercise, as Johnson takes no bone strengthening supplements. Running, as well as most any type of higher intensity activity, has also been shown to improve cholesterol levels, muscle strength, and body composition, as well as a host of other effects. While there can be some aches and pains associated with running, the positive effects far outweigh and far outlast any negative ones.
The moral of the story is simple, you're never too old to start running. As with anything, there will be some growing pains, but they are nothing that can't be overcome. And whatever reason you may be hiding behind is just an excuse. Asked about the aches and pains she experiences, Ms. Johnson replies that she does have a little arthritis, but "who doesn't over age 30?"
Kind of hard to argue with that logic, eh?
To read more about Joy and other older folks running for their health, check out the article here.
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
On-Line Pesrsonal Training:Pros and Cons
There is a lot of confusion out there concerning what exactly an on-line personal trainer provides to his or her clients. While the price is certainly affordable, people need to be assured that they are still getting a good value for their investment. Below, find a list of the benefits a good on-line personal trainer can provide, as well as the few ways in which an in person personal trainer is superior. Then, compare the two lists and decide if the pricey option is what you need, or if you think that a good on-line personal trainer will be able to help you meet your fitness goals while saving you hundreds of dollars along the way.
ADVANTAGES
1: Price. This can not be over emphasized. An on-line trainer can give you years of knowledge and experience at a price you can afford.
2: Accessability. An on-line personal trainer is likely to be available most times of the day. Certainly there are some instances of unavailability, but with the prevalence of smart phones you can expect a reply from an on-line personal trainer whether by phone, text, or email within a few hours. If you need to get in touch with your personal trainer and he or she isn't at the gym, it may be a couple days until you get your feedback.
3: Information. The Internet is full of information, and if the on-line personal trainer knows his or her clients, it will be very easy to pass on relevant information in a very timely manner. For a personal trainer in a gym to provide all f his or her clients with relevant articles and information, he or she would be wearing out the photocopier. And most people aren't going to read the article at the gym anyway, but many would click on a link that comes from a trusted adviser.
4: Mobile. If you travel for work or pleasure, there is no way to take your personal trainer with you to advise you about working out on the go. If you have a good relationship with an on-line personal trainer, when you get to a hotel that has an on site "fitness facility", which is seldom very complete, you can send an email listing what equipment is available. Soon, you will get a reply giving you a workout routine that will help you meet your goals and utilizes the equipment that is available. Another benefit that falls into this category concerns people moving. If either the client or the personal trainer moves to a new city, their relationship is severed. As long as you still have Internet access, your relationship with your on-line personal trainer can go on for years.
DISADVANTAGES
1: Form. When working directly with a personal trainer, the personal trainer is able to watch your form and help you correct it on the spot. He or she is also able to adjust the weight being used on the fly to either push the client harder or back off if the resistance is too difficult. With an on-line personal trainer, the client must handle these tasks on his or her own.
SOLUTION:To help prevent bad form, I post photos and videos of the exercises I am recommending on-line so you are able to know the proper way to perform the exercises. Also, you are always welcome to send me a video of you performing an exercise for me to critique, or we can Skype or use face time to make any corrections in that way.
2: Accountability. Meeting with a personal trainer at the gym is a motivator for some, especially if they are going to have to pay whether they go to the gym or not. With an on-line personal trainer, you have to keep yourself accountable about maintaining your workouts.
SOLUTION:If accountability is the biggest challenge to improving your health, I will make it a point to keep you on track. If you need a phone call or a text every day to make sure you are working out, I'll do that for you.
At the end of the day, there are a number of options out there for people that want to improve their health. What you need to do is figure out what works best from you, and stay diligent so as to make the most out of your decision.
How healthy you are is ultimately up to you, and I'd be honored to help you along your way.
If you would like to explore the possibility of us forming a working relationship, please check out www.dkfitsolutions.com for more information and to get the ball rolling.
ADVANTAGES
1: Price. This can not be over emphasized. An on-line trainer can give you years of knowledge and experience at a price you can afford.
2: Accessability. An on-line personal trainer is likely to be available most times of the day. Certainly there are some instances of unavailability, but with the prevalence of smart phones you can expect a reply from an on-line personal trainer whether by phone, text, or email within a few hours. If you need to get in touch with your personal trainer and he or she isn't at the gym, it may be a couple days until you get your feedback.
3: Information. The Internet is full of information, and if the on-line personal trainer knows his or her clients, it will be very easy to pass on relevant information in a very timely manner. For a personal trainer in a gym to provide all f his or her clients with relevant articles and information, he or she would be wearing out the photocopier. And most people aren't going to read the article at the gym anyway, but many would click on a link that comes from a trusted adviser.
4: Mobile. If you travel for work or pleasure, there is no way to take your personal trainer with you to advise you about working out on the go. If you have a good relationship with an on-line personal trainer, when you get to a hotel that has an on site "fitness facility", which is seldom very complete, you can send an email listing what equipment is available. Soon, you will get a reply giving you a workout routine that will help you meet your goals and utilizes the equipment that is available. Another benefit that falls into this category concerns people moving. If either the client or the personal trainer moves to a new city, their relationship is severed. As long as you still have Internet access, your relationship with your on-line personal trainer can go on for years.
DISADVANTAGES
1: Form. When working directly with a personal trainer, the personal trainer is able to watch your form and help you correct it on the spot. He or she is also able to adjust the weight being used on the fly to either push the client harder or back off if the resistance is too difficult. With an on-line personal trainer, the client must handle these tasks on his or her own.
SOLUTION:To help prevent bad form, I post photos and videos of the exercises I am recommending on-line so you are able to know the proper way to perform the exercises. Also, you are always welcome to send me a video of you performing an exercise for me to critique, or we can Skype or use face time to make any corrections in that way.
2: Accountability. Meeting with a personal trainer at the gym is a motivator for some, especially if they are going to have to pay whether they go to the gym or not. With an on-line personal trainer, you have to keep yourself accountable about maintaining your workouts.
SOLUTION:If accountability is the biggest challenge to improving your health, I will make it a point to keep you on track. If you need a phone call or a text every day to make sure you are working out, I'll do that for you.
At the end of the day, there are a number of options out there for people that want to improve their health. What you need to do is figure out what works best from you, and stay diligent so as to make the most out of your decision.
How healthy you are is ultimately up to you, and I'd be honored to help you along your way.
If you would like to explore the possibility of us forming a working relationship, please check out www.dkfitsolutions.com for more information and to get the ball rolling.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Why is Your Health Important?
Why is improving your health important to you?
The question is simple enough, yet the answer isn't nearly as simple as it would seem.
So, let me ask again. Why is improving your health important to you? The reason this question isn't as simple to answer as you might think is that it is too easy to answer this question in a very vague manner. And an answer to a question as powerful and as important as this question MUST have a specific answer that resonates with each person. Ergo, there is no one right answer but there are lots of wrong answers. If everything goes right, by the end of this post I hope you are able to produce the answer that is right for you.
And if you do, it could change your life.
So, why is improving your health important to you?
The key to answering this question appropriately is to be as specific and personal as possible. Why should this be so important? Simple. This answer is what you are going to use to provide you the inspiration that you need to make the changes necessary to improve your health. If you don't have a good, specific, and personal reason to make improving your health important to you, it will be really easy to talk yourself out of getting out of bed an hour earlier to go for a run. Or it will be easy to talk yourself out of taking the stairs instead of the elevator. And when it comes to portion control, good luck not going back for seconds on dessert if you don't have a good enough reason not to.
Why is improving your health important to you? Here are some examples of bad answers to this question that I hear a lot. "To live longer." "To feel better." "To get more energy." "To look better." On the surface, these may seem like at least decent answers to the question. But, are any of these answers good enough to hold yourself accountable on the days that you need it most? I doubt it.
But what if you have a more specific answer to our omnipresent question? Here are some examples of much more effective answers that will inspire you to stay dedicated to your routine. "I'm hoping to start a family soon, and being healthy increases the odds of getting pregnant." "I want to be able to see my son/daughter get married and start a family." "I want to be around to see my grandchildren graduate high school." "I want to be able to play with my grandkids." Answers like these are even more powerful when you are able to put a loved one's name and face along with your reason to improve your health.
Why is improving your health important to you? The answer choices are many, but for each of us there are one or two answers that hit home more than any other. The key to making lasting life changes is to find those answers, and use them as motivation on the days that need them.
If you're serious about improving your health, decide on your reason and get started today. Need help coming up with a personal reason, or need advice on what steps to take to improve your health? Check out my website or email me at denny@dkfitsolutions.com.
The question is simple enough, yet the answer isn't nearly as simple as it would seem.
So, let me ask again. Why is improving your health important to you? The reason this question isn't as simple to answer as you might think is that it is too easy to answer this question in a very vague manner. And an answer to a question as powerful and as important as this question MUST have a specific answer that resonates with each person. Ergo, there is no one right answer but there are lots of wrong answers. If everything goes right, by the end of this post I hope you are able to produce the answer that is right for you.
And if you do, it could change your life.
So, why is improving your health important to you?
The key to answering this question appropriately is to be as specific and personal as possible. Why should this be so important? Simple. This answer is what you are going to use to provide you the inspiration that you need to make the changes necessary to improve your health. If you don't have a good, specific, and personal reason to make improving your health important to you, it will be really easy to talk yourself out of getting out of bed an hour earlier to go for a run. Or it will be easy to talk yourself out of taking the stairs instead of the elevator. And when it comes to portion control, good luck not going back for seconds on dessert if you don't have a good enough reason not to.
Why is improving your health important to you? Here are some examples of bad answers to this question that I hear a lot. "To live longer." "To feel better." "To get more energy." "To look better." On the surface, these may seem like at least decent answers to the question. But, are any of these answers good enough to hold yourself accountable on the days that you need it most? I doubt it.
But what if you have a more specific answer to our omnipresent question? Here are some examples of much more effective answers that will inspire you to stay dedicated to your routine. "I'm hoping to start a family soon, and being healthy increases the odds of getting pregnant." "I want to be able to see my son/daughter get married and start a family." "I want to be around to see my grandchildren graduate high school." "I want to be able to play with my grandkids." Answers like these are even more powerful when you are able to put a loved one's name and face along with your reason to improve your health.
Why is improving your health important to you? The answer choices are many, but for each of us there are one or two answers that hit home more than any other. The key to making lasting life changes is to find those answers, and use them as motivation on the days that need them.
If you're serious about improving your health, decide on your reason and get started today. Need help coming up with a personal reason, or need advice on what steps to take to improve your health? Check out my website or email me at denny@dkfitsolutions.com.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Finding Your Six-Pack
A common goal for many people starting an exercise plan is to work on their abs, with the ultimate goal of developing a six-pack.
What is so often overlooked, and so conveniently omitted in ever ab info-mercial ever made, is that seeing your six-pack doesn't require doing more ab exercises. To see your abs you must cut down on the amount of adipose tissue that your body is storing in that area.
To put it bluntly, you have to lose the belly fat to find the six-pack.
Before you feel like all hope is gone, however, realize that there are ways to lose the weight, it just requires some dedication and self-control.
The biggest way to impact your waistline for most people is to reexamine their diet. In this day and age, it is so easy to consume more calories daily than what we actually need. Whether it is because restaurant portions are out of control or because we drink so many calories from a bottle, there are a multitude of ways to cut back on the number of calories going into our bodies on a daily basis. And if you are able to lower the number of calories going in, your body won't have any excess calories to store as at, which bodes well for your waistline.
Along with calorie control, exercise is also very important to help keep your weight under control. While many people feel that running is the best form of exercise to lose weight, it is far from the only way to get a level of exercise that is good for your health in general, and your abs in particular. Biking, swimming, and walking are all great alternatives to running as a way of burning extra calories. Strength training is another very effective way to burn calories, and has actually been shown to have a longer lasting impact on your metabolism than most forms of cardiovascular exercise. Leisure time activities can also help you burn calories on a regular basis. Playing tennis or racquetball are great forms of fun exercise. Golf is great too, provided you don't spend the entire 18 holes riding in a cart. Most courses are 3-5 miles in length, so if you can walk while playing you will get a great deal of exercise while enjoying a day at the golf course. Even something as fun and easy as playing with your kids or grandkids can provide you with some much needed exercise.
Developing a six-pack is difficult. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to you or trying to sell you something--or probably both. But, with some dedication to the plan, it is a totally achievable goal.
Just remember, it won't happen over night and you might need to do a little more than just 8 minutes per day.
What is so often overlooked, and so conveniently omitted in ever ab info-mercial ever made, is that seeing your six-pack doesn't require doing more ab exercises. To see your abs you must cut down on the amount of adipose tissue that your body is storing in that area.
To put it bluntly, you have to lose the belly fat to find the six-pack.
Before you feel like all hope is gone, however, realize that there are ways to lose the weight, it just requires some dedication and self-control.
The biggest way to impact your waistline for most people is to reexamine their diet. In this day and age, it is so easy to consume more calories daily than what we actually need. Whether it is because restaurant portions are out of control or because we drink so many calories from a bottle, there are a multitude of ways to cut back on the number of calories going into our bodies on a daily basis. And if you are able to lower the number of calories going in, your body won't have any excess calories to store as at, which bodes well for your waistline.
Along with calorie control, exercise is also very important to help keep your weight under control. While many people feel that running is the best form of exercise to lose weight, it is far from the only way to get a level of exercise that is good for your health in general, and your abs in particular. Biking, swimming, and walking are all great alternatives to running as a way of burning extra calories. Strength training is another very effective way to burn calories, and has actually been shown to have a longer lasting impact on your metabolism than most forms of cardiovascular exercise. Leisure time activities can also help you burn calories on a regular basis. Playing tennis or racquetball are great forms of fun exercise. Golf is great too, provided you don't spend the entire 18 holes riding in a cart. Most courses are 3-5 miles in length, so if you can walk while playing you will get a great deal of exercise while enjoying a day at the golf course. Even something as fun and easy as playing with your kids or grandkids can provide you with some much needed exercise.
Developing a six-pack is difficult. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to you or trying to sell you something--or probably both. But, with some dedication to the plan, it is a totally achievable goal.
Just remember, it won't happen over night and you might need to do a little more than just 8 minutes per day.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Resistance Training--Why Bother?
Resistance training is a form or physical activity that is often a bit misunderstood. Many 'experts' have said that resistance training is beneficial, but that if you want to burn calories it isn't as good as cardiovascular exercises, such as running. Some women feel that lifting weights is going to make their muscles get too big and they will start to look a little too manly for their tastes.
However, I'm here to tell you that resistance training is as beneficial AND as important as any component of a healthy and active lifestyle, for EVERYONE! The trick is to know what you are trying to achieve and tailor your resistance exercises accordingly.
So let's start with the benefits of strength training. You can do a google search on the topic, and read countless articles on all of the benefits of strength training. One huge benefit of resistance training is the effect it has on your metabolism. After a good, full body strength training routine, your metabolism is elevated for hours. This means that you are burning calories at a faster rate WHILE YOU ARE LITERALLY DOING NOTHING after you complete the workout. A cardiovascular workout, on the other hand, has very little effect on your metabolism after the workout is completed. Strength training also helps to lower your blood pressure and reduce your stress. Just make sure to keep breathing while you are pushing out those last few reps.
There are many different components to a strength training program as well, and any good personal trainer can easily advise you in the way to combine these components in a way that will help you achieve your ultimate goal. While some may have the goal of increasing their muscle mass or gaining lots of strength and power, others may simply want to tone their muscles and improve their muscular endurance and the look of the muscles. The way to achieve these rather opposite goals often require performing many of the same exercises. The difference, though, is the amount of weight lifted and the sets and reps performed.
All things considered, weight training is every bit as important as cardiovascular training in any well rounded fitness plan. While very few plans will have an even split between cardio training and lifting weights, any plan that doesn't include both should be called into question.
And remember, no matter what your goals are, doing some form of resistance training needs to find its way into your program.
If you need help incorporating resistance training into your workout routine, or if you are unsure how to best utilize resistance training to meet your goals, visit my website or send me an email and I'll be glad to help you on your path towards improving your health.
However, I'm here to tell you that resistance training is as beneficial AND as important as any component of a healthy and active lifestyle, for EVERYONE! The trick is to know what you are trying to achieve and tailor your resistance exercises accordingly.
So let's start with the benefits of strength training. You can do a google search on the topic, and read countless articles on all of the benefits of strength training. One huge benefit of resistance training is the effect it has on your metabolism. After a good, full body strength training routine, your metabolism is elevated for hours. This means that you are burning calories at a faster rate WHILE YOU ARE LITERALLY DOING NOTHING after you complete the workout. A cardiovascular workout, on the other hand, has very little effect on your metabolism after the workout is completed. Strength training also helps to lower your blood pressure and reduce your stress. Just make sure to keep breathing while you are pushing out those last few reps.
There are many different components to a strength training program as well, and any good personal trainer can easily advise you in the way to combine these components in a way that will help you achieve your ultimate goal. While some may have the goal of increasing their muscle mass or gaining lots of strength and power, others may simply want to tone their muscles and improve their muscular endurance and the look of the muscles. The way to achieve these rather opposite goals often require performing many of the same exercises. The difference, though, is the amount of weight lifted and the sets and reps performed.
All things considered, weight training is every bit as important as cardiovascular training in any well rounded fitness plan. While very few plans will have an even split between cardio training and lifting weights, any plan that doesn't include both should be called into question.
And remember, no matter what your goals are, doing some form of resistance training needs to find its way into your program.
If you need help incorporating resistance training into your workout routine, or if you are unsure how to best utilize resistance training to meet your goals, visit my website or send me an email and I'll be glad to help you on your path towards improving your health.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Just Do It
Face it folks, how many of us really look forward to working out every day?
This seemingly simple question isn't quite as superficial as it seems. Most active people, myself included, look forward to the IDEA of working out every day. We may look at a calendar and plan out our cardio and strength training days. Maybe you sign up for a yoga or pilates class as well.
Then, inevitably, the day of the workout gets here and it just seems like the last thing on Earth any of us would like to do.
So what do you do? Gut out a workout that you really have no desire to complete? Ideally, maybe. But maybe not. Doing the whole workout, when you have no desire to be there, can leave you with an awfully bad taste in your mouth. The kind of taste that might prevent you from hitting the gym or the pool or whatever you had planned the next time.
So should you just skip the workout entirely? Absolutely not.
Instead, you need to alter the workout but still do something. Maybe today you were supposed to do a P90x workout but you are just dragging. Well instead of ploy-x just do cardio x instead. Or instead of running take the dog and the kids for a longer walk than normal. If you're going to the gym, only do one or two sets of one or two exercises instead of your normal 4 sets of 6 exercises.
The key is to do something and listen to your body. Sometimes once you get started, your attitude will switch and you'll knock out the whole workout anyway. And sometimes your body is begging for a break of routine, but will respond positively to some light activity.
The trick to maintaining a healthy active lifestyle is to understand that to err and miss a workout is human. But to use one bad day or week as an excuse to quit working out is just that--quitting. You are literally giving up on yourself. And you deserve better from yourself than that.
So do a little something everyday, no matter how little that something is.
This seemingly simple question isn't quite as superficial as it seems. Most active people, myself included, look forward to the IDEA of working out every day. We may look at a calendar and plan out our cardio and strength training days. Maybe you sign up for a yoga or pilates class as well.
Then, inevitably, the day of the workout gets here and it just seems like the last thing on Earth any of us would like to do.
So what do you do? Gut out a workout that you really have no desire to complete? Ideally, maybe. But maybe not. Doing the whole workout, when you have no desire to be there, can leave you with an awfully bad taste in your mouth. The kind of taste that might prevent you from hitting the gym or the pool or whatever you had planned the next time.
So should you just skip the workout entirely? Absolutely not.
Instead, you need to alter the workout but still do something. Maybe today you were supposed to do a P90x workout but you are just dragging. Well instead of ploy-x just do cardio x instead. Or instead of running take the dog and the kids for a longer walk than normal. If you're going to the gym, only do one or two sets of one or two exercises instead of your normal 4 sets of 6 exercises.
The key is to do something and listen to your body. Sometimes once you get started, your attitude will switch and you'll knock out the whole workout anyway. And sometimes your body is begging for a break of routine, but will respond positively to some light activity.
The trick to maintaining a healthy active lifestyle is to understand that to err and miss a workout is human. But to use one bad day or week as an excuse to quit working out is just that--quitting. You are literally giving up on yourself. And you deserve better from yourself than that.
So do a little something everyday, no matter how little that something is.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Skip the Scale
A quick reminder today about the importance of ignoring the bathroom scale. If you're so inclined, I'd recommend getting rid of the scale. If that's not going to happen, here are a couple of things to keep in mind.
1. Your weight fluctuates by as much as 3-5 pounds up or down per day. So the more you weigh yourself, the more likely you are to freak out because you retained a bit more water from one day to the next. If you're going to weigh yourself often, try to do it the same time of the day to lessen the odds of a big swing, but know that the swings will happen and they are normal.
2. Muscle weighs more than fat, so after working out for awhile you may actually gain weight. This can seem defeating, especially for those concerned with the reading of the scale. So if you are feeling yourself getting stronger, don't panic if the needle on the scale stops going down, or even goes up.
If you're not using a scale to measure your progress, how do you know if your hard work is paying off? The first way is really simple. Honestly assess how you are feeling. Do you have more energy? Do you feel stronger? Can you do more physical work than you used to be able to do? Then it's working.
Another way to tell that you're making progress is to assess how your clothes are fitting. Can you zip up your jeans without laying on the bed and holding your breath? Are you cinching your belt to a new loop? Are you in need of new clothes because your other clothes are too BIG? All are good signs that you are heading toward your goals.
One final way to gauge your progress is to just take a long, honest look in the mirror. A word of caution though, as the mirror is a slippery slope. When you use the mirror, you need to use it to see the progress you have made. This requires that you take off your critical glasses and put on your realistic ones. Are you getting a little more definition in you arms? Don't look for the jiggle that may still be there, but look at the muscle that is starting to emerge. Contract your abs and notice the start of a six-pack forming, even if right now it struggles to be a one-pack. Remember where you started from, and be happy with the progress you've made thus far. Then set new goals and work to eliminate the current trouble spots.
Remember that there are many ways to measure your fitness gains, and the number on the scale isn't the most important one. Even though our society tries to tell you how much you need to weigh to be "healthy," there are better measures.
As long as you are being active and working towards improving your health, ignore the scale and keep moving instead.
1. Your weight fluctuates by as much as 3-5 pounds up or down per day. So the more you weigh yourself, the more likely you are to freak out because you retained a bit more water from one day to the next. If you're going to weigh yourself often, try to do it the same time of the day to lessen the odds of a big swing, but know that the swings will happen and they are normal.
2. Muscle weighs more than fat, so after working out for awhile you may actually gain weight. This can seem defeating, especially for those concerned with the reading of the scale. So if you are feeling yourself getting stronger, don't panic if the needle on the scale stops going down, or even goes up.
If you're not using a scale to measure your progress, how do you know if your hard work is paying off? The first way is really simple. Honestly assess how you are feeling. Do you have more energy? Do you feel stronger? Can you do more physical work than you used to be able to do? Then it's working.
Another way to tell that you're making progress is to assess how your clothes are fitting. Can you zip up your jeans without laying on the bed and holding your breath? Are you cinching your belt to a new loop? Are you in need of new clothes because your other clothes are too BIG? All are good signs that you are heading toward your goals.
One final way to gauge your progress is to just take a long, honest look in the mirror. A word of caution though, as the mirror is a slippery slope. When you use the mirror, you need to use it to see the progress you have made. This requires that you take off your critical glasses and put on your realistic ones. Are you getting a little more definition in you arms? Don't look for the jiggle that may still be there, but look at the muscle that is starting to emerge. Contract your abs and notice the start of a six-pack forming, even if right now it struggles to be a one-pack. Remember where you started from, and be happy with the progress you've made thus far. Then set new goals and work to eliminate the current trouble spots.
Remember that there are many ways to measure your fitness gains, and the number on the scale isn't the most important one. Even though our society tries to tell you how much you need to weigh to be "healthy," there are better measures.
As long as you are being active and working towards improving your health, ignore the scale and keep moving instead.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Why Personal Trainers are Helpful
When people think about hiring a personal trainer, one of the first reasons that they dismiss the notion is that it costs too much money. I'm inclined to agree with that logic when you're talking about the typical, in-gym personal trainer that is charging $30-$50 per 45 minute training session. However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative that still provides plenty of benefits, allow me to explain why a DK FitSolutions plan may be the best thing for you and your health.
1. Paying a little money may actually help motivate you to workout more. If you're paying for a service, you might as well use it, right? And according to Women's Health Magazine, spending some money on a personal trainer is the number one way to stay dedicated to working out.
2. Personal trainers help prevent your routine from going stale. A good personal trainer will accept your feedback about what things you like and dislike, and design programs that will meet your goals without being monotonous.
3. A good personal trainer will give you new exercises and moves that will challenge you in a different way than what you've been doing. Sure, doing squats/leg presses are great ways to tone your legs and burn calories, but have you ever tried the Bulgarian split squat or around the clock lunges? Variety in the gym is a good thing, and personal trainers can help provide that.
4. Personal trainers can also provide you with a sense of accountability. I am fully willing to check up with you daily, if need be, to make sure you're sticking with your plan. For some folks, knowing that someone is going to call or send an email asking about their workout is the best tool to make sure they actually get to the gym or do their at-home workout for the day.
5. At DK FitSolutions, we not only work with you to improve your fitness, but we also work with you to help improve your diet. What you eat plays such a huge role in how you look and feel, and so many personal trainers are slow to address the foods you eat. While we in no way try to impose a strict caloric limit nor forbid certain foods, we strive to make you more aware of the food choices that you make and how those choices effect your overall health.
There are more benefits than just these five examples of why DK FitSolutions would be a great choice for you to help improve your health. Why not give us an opportunity to prove what we can do?
Visit www.dkfitsolutions.com for more information on how to let us help you. You've got nothing to lose.
And remember, whatever your health or fitness problem, we have a solution!
1. Paying a little money may actually help motivate you to workout more. If you're paying for a service, you might as well use it, right? And according to Women's Health Magazine, spending some money on a personal trainer is the number one way to stay dedicated to working out.
2. Personal trainers help prevent your routine from going stale. A good personal trainer will accept your feedback about what things you like and dislike, and design programs that will meet your goals without being monotonous.
3. A good personal trainer will give you new exercises and moves that will challenge you in a different way than what you've been doing. Sure, doing squats/leg presses are great ways to tone your legs and burn calories, but have you ever tried the Bulgarian split squat or around the clock lunges? Variety in the gym is a good thing, and personal trainers can help provide that.
4. Personal trainers can also provide you with a sense of accountability. I am fully willing to check up with you daily, if need be, to make sure you're sticking with your plan. For some folks, knowing that someone is going to call or send an email asking about their workout is the best tool to make sure they actually get to the gym or do their at-home workout for the day.
5. At DK FitSolutions, we not only work with you to improve your fitness, but we also work with you to help improve your diet. What you eat plays such a huge role in how you look and feel, and so many personal trainers are slow to address the foods you eat. While we in no way try to impose a strict caloric limit nor forbid certain foods, we strive to make you more aware of the food choices that you make and how those choices effect your overall health.
There are more benefits than just these five examples of why DK FitSolutions would be a great choice for you to help improve your health. Why not give us an opportunity to prove what we can do?
Visit www.dkfitsolutions.com for more information on how to let us help you. You've got nothing to lose.
And remember, whatever your health or fitness problem, we have a solution!
Labels:
Body Weight,
Diet,
Exercise,
Fitness,
Health,
Weight Loss
Thursday, August 18, 2011
No Gym Required
There is a thought floating around that says you can't lose weight and get fit unless you have a gym membership and spend hours a day at said gym.
I'm here to tell you that this couldn't be farther from the truth. While there are certain advantages to working out a gym, there are enough other ways to accomplish the same goal working out at home with little or no equipment required.
How can this be possible?
Simple--body weight exercises. By simply using the resistance God gave you, you can work up a sweat and shed pounds at home doing many of the same exercises you'd do at the gym with a few minor modifications.
Don't believe me? I guarantee I can have you sweaty and out of breath in less than 20 minutes and that you'll be sore for a day or two following the workout. And with the hundreds of different exercises that can be done using nothing but your own body weight, it would be easy to create a program that would never get stale and continue to challenge you as your health improves.
Care to give this idea a try? Go to www.dkfitsolutions.com, click on the individuals programs tab and sign up. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
I'm here to tell you that this couldn't be farther from the truth. While there are certain advantages to working out a gym, there are enough other ways to accomplish the same goal working out at home with little or no equipment required.
How can this be possible?
Simple--body weight exercises. By simply using the resistance God gave you, you can work up a sweat and shed pounds at home doing many of the same exercises you'd do at the gym with a few minor modifications.
Don't believe me? I guarantee I can have you sweaty and out of breath in less than 20 minutes and that you'll be sore for a day or two following the workout. And with the hundreds of different exercises that can be done using nothing but your own body weight, it would be easy to create a program that would never get stale and continue to challenge you as your health improves.
Care to give this idea a try? Go to www.dkfitsolutions.com, click on the individuals programs tab and sign up. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Did You Get Your Full 8 Last Night?
Everybody knows that sleeping is a necessary component of our daily routines. Most people are aware that it is recommended that we get 8 hours of sleep every night. While this is the recommendation, there are very few people (excluding my wife) who make it a routine habit to get a solid 8 hours every night. Is it any wonder, then, that we are a nation completely addicted to our Starbucks runs? However, besides just helping you to stay more alert a good night's sleep has some other important benefits to your health. Among them:
1. Sleep helps your brain process the information you received today and commit more things to memory. Turns out those college cram sessions weren't so good after all.
2. Sleep helps your body regulate its metabolism and burn calories more efficiently. Want to loose a little more weight, give your body more sleep.
3. Sleep helps improve your immune system. But getting plenty of rest your immune system has a chance to recharge and battle all of the pathogens that you are exposed to on a daily basis.
There are countless other ways that sleeping enough at night helps improve your health.
So, while 8 hours a night may mean you miss out on a little tv (just DVR the Daily Show), your body will appreciate it in the long term.
1. Sleep helps your brain process the information you received today and commit more things to memory. Turns out those college cram sessions weren't so good after all.
2. Sleep helps your body regulate its metabolism and burn calories more efficiently. Want to loose a little more weight, give your body more sleep.
3. Sleep helps improve your immune system. But getting plenty of rest your immune system has a chance to recharge and battle all of the pathogens that you are exposed to on a daily basis.
There are countless other ways that sleeping enough at night helps improve your health.
So, while 8 hours a night may mean you miss out on a little tv (just DVR the Daily Show), your body will appreciate it in the long term.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Getting the New You Off the Couch
In case you've missed the first three parts to creating a new you, you can find them here (Part I, Part II, Part III) As a quick refresher, in Part I you were implored to make the decision for yourself to become a healthier person. In Part II, we looked at how important it is that you cook the majority of your own meals. And Part III looked at how to navigate the grocery store shopping for the healthiest items. Today, Part 4 is going to contradict the excuses you use to not get off the couch and get active.
The first excuse to look at is the most tired and overused excuse in the book. Ask most people that don't exercise why they are not active, and the majority will tell you that they just don't have time. Can anyone say "Shenanigans"? If you are super busy for a day or two, this excuse might work. But to say that you are always too busy is a load of crap. If you were to take a look at how you use your time, you may find that you have more time to exercise than you think. For example, how much time do you spend on Facebook and Twitter? Checking e-mail? Playing Farmville? While all of these things may SEEM important, none of them are more important than taking positive steps towards improving your health. Other time wasters that we are notorious for include playing video games and watching TV. If we are honest with ourselves, playing that game of Madden or watching another re-run of Seinfeld or the Kardashians really isn't a good reason for not exercising.
Another reason that many people like to give for not exercising is that they are too tired. On the surface, this sounds like a semi-legitimate reason. Exercising requires exerting physical energy, and if you are tired you are already running low on energy. The funny thing about exercise, though, is that the physiologic effects of exercise actually make you more alert and give you more energy. I don't know how many times at work I'd be struggling to stay awake no matter how much coffee I've had. However, if I walk around for a few minutes, maybe do a few squats or push-ups, I usually am focused and alert for hours afterward. So when you get home from work, don't let yourself get sucked in to the "I'm too tired" routine, change clothes and do something. Even if you only have a few minutes to jog around the block, you'd be surprised how much more energy you'll have and how much better you'll feel than if you don't do anything at all.
The last of the most common excuses that I get for why people don't exercise is that they are sore after they are done. This excuse is funny to me, because when you talk to people that work out a lot they love that feeling of sore muscles and dead legs. When you haven't done much physical activity in a while, any big change in exercise habits cause microscopic damage to your muscles. Even when you've been active for years, if you stress the muscles enough, this damage occurs. The soreness that you get after the workout comes from the process of your body repairing the tissue. Ultimately, this soreness that you feel is the actual process of your body getting stronger. The more consistently you exercise, the better your body will be at repairing itself, and the shorter the duration of your discomfort.
These are just three of the most common excuses that I've heard from people trying to explain why they don't exercise. There are dozens of others, and none of them are good enough reasons to not be doing something to improve your health. While modern medicine has gotten increasingly better and solving medical issues, there is nothing better at improving your health than preventing whatever injury or illness to begin with. So get moving!
Got a good excuse for why you aren't getting enough exercise on a regular basis? Leave me a comment with the best you've got and I'll give you a better reason to start exercising today.
Need help determining what you need to do to improve your health and take control of your fitness? Visit www.dkfitsolutions.com for more information on how I can help, or e-mail me at denny@dkfitsolutions.com and I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
The first excuse to look at is the most tired and overused excuse in the book. Ask most people that don't exercise why they are not active, and the majority will tell you that they just don't have time. Can anyone say "Shenanigans"? If you are super busy for a day or two, this excuse might work. But to say that you are always too busy is a load of crap. If you were to take a look at how you use your time, you may find that you have more time to exercise than you think. For example, how much time do you spend on Facebook and Twitter? Checking e-mail? Playing Farmville? While all of these things may SEEM important, none of them are more important than taking positive steps towards improving your health. Other time wasters that we are notorious for include playing video games and watching TV. If we are honest with ourselves, playing that game of Madden or watching another re-run of Seinfeld or the Kardashians really isn't a good reason for not exercising.
Another reason that many people like to give for not exercising is that they are too tired. On the surface, this sounds like a semi-legitimate reason. Exercising requires exerting physical energy, and if you are tired you are already running low on energy. The funny thing about exercise, though, is that the physiologic effects of exercise actually make you more alert and give you more energy. I don't know how many times at work I'd be struggling to stay awake no matter how much coffee I've had. However, if I walk around for a few minutes, maybe do a few squats or push-ups, I usually am focused and alert for hours afterward. So when you get home from work, don't let yourself get sucked in to the "I'm too tired" routine, change clothes and do something. Even if you only have a few minutes to jog around the block, you'd be surprised how much more energy you'll have and how much better you'll feel than if you don't do anything at all.
The last of the most common excuses that I get for why people don't exercise is that they are sore after they are done. This excuse is funny to me, because when you talk to people that work out a lot they love that feeling of sore muscles and dead legs. When you haven't done much physical activity in a while, any big change in exercise habits cause microscopic damage to your muscles. Even when you've been active for years, if you stress the muscles enough, this damage occurs. The soreness that you get after the workout comes from the process of your body repairing the tissue. Ultimately, this soreness that you feel is the actual process of your body getting stronger. The more consistently you exercise, the better your body will be at repairing itself, and the shorter the duration of your discomfort.
These are just three of the most common excuses that I've heard from people trying to explain why they don't exercise. There are dozens of others, and none of them are good enough reasons to not be doing something to improve your health. While modern medicine has gotten increasingly better and solving medical issues, there is nothing better at improving your health than preventing whatever injury or illness to begin with. So get moving!
Got a good excuse for why you aren't getting enough exercise on a regular basis? Leave me a comment with the best you've got and I'll give you a better reason to start exercising today.
Need help determining what you need to do to improve your health and take control of your fitness? Visit www.dkfitsolutions.com for more information on how I can help, or e-mail me at denny@dkfitsolutions.com and I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Alternative Exercise
Everybody knows that getting a certain amount of exercise daily is a good thing. The problem is that too many people have a hard time "finding time" to exercise.
What they fail to realize, however, is that just because you're not on a treadmill or pumping iron, you can still be exercising. Chase your kids around in the backyard or go splash around at the beach. That's exercise. Take the dog for a walk or spend some time working on the lawn. Exercise. Don't drive around the parking lot looking for the closest parking spot. Park out in BFE and walk into the store. Then when you come out with the cart, take the time to walk the cart back to the corral. Exercise.
There are literally dozens of ways to get the exercise you need on a daily basis, and many of them don't require a significant time investment.
Now get off the computer, and do something to get your exercise in for the day.
What they fail to realize, however, is that just because you're not on a treadmill or pumping iron, you can still be exercising. Chase your kids around in the backyard or go splash around at the beach. That's exercise. Take the dog for a walk or spend some time working on the lawn. Exercise. Don't drive around the parking lot looking for the closest parking spot. Park out in BFE and walk into the store. Then when you come out with the cart, take the time to walk the cart back to the corral. Exercise.
There are literally dozens of ways to get the exercise you need on a daily basis, and many of them don't require a significant time investment.
Now get off the computer, and do something to get your exercise in for the day.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Best Ab Exercise
Today's quick tip deals with working on getting those nice looking abs for whatever is left of summer swimsuit season, which depending on where you live could be almost over or still have no end in sight.
While popular perception has long been that doing lots of ab exercises (crunches, sit ups, etc) is the only way to work the muscles needed to craft the sought after six-pack, as with most cases of conventional wisdom, that may not be the whole story. Most ab exercises are contraction based, meaning that as you perform the exercise the muscles are contracting. However, because the main function of your abdominal group is not a contraction movement, working those muscles using primarily contraction exercises is not the most efficient way to see improvements.
Your abs are stability muscles that connect your upper and lower body and allow the entire body to function as a unit. As stabilizers, the best way to work them is in a stabilizing or rotational manner. Therefore, front and side planks are two great ways to really tone your abs. Doing exercises on a stability ball, or just trying to sit on one for portions of the day, also works your core muscles. Twists and chops are good options as well.
Of course, the biggest factor in determining how good your abs look really has nothing to do with what kind of ab exercises you do. But that's another topic for another day....
While popular perception has long been that doing lots of ab exercises (crunches, sit ups, etc) is the only way to work the muscles needed to craft the sought after six-pack, as with most cases of conventional wisdom, that may not be the whole story. Most ab exercises are contraction based, meaning that as you perform the exercise the muscles are contracting. However, because the main function of your abdominal group is not a contraction movement, working those muscles using primarily contraction exercises is not the most efficient way to see improvements.
Your abs are stability muscles that connect your upper and lower body and allow the entire body to function as a unit. As stabilizers, the best way to work them is in a stabilizing or rotational manner. Therefore, front and side planks are two great ways to really tone your abs. Doing exercises on a stability ball, or just trying to sit on one for portions of the day, also works your core muscles. Twists and chops are good options as well.
Of course, the biggest factor in determining how good your abs look really has nothing to do with what kind of ab exercises you do. But that's another topic for another day....
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
On-Line Personal Training:How It Works
Anyone who has spent much time in many of the big time national gyms has probably been approached by a personal trainer who is interested in helping you reach your fitness goals. For the sake of argument, I'm going to assume that any and all personal trainers hired by these gyms have the knowledge and professionalism to help you reach your goals, though that may not always be the case. In any event, after talking with the personal trainer you may decide that he or she may in fact be able to help you reach your goals. Inevitably, the conversation is going to shift to what it would cost to hire this person to help you achieve your fitness goals. Depending on where you live and exactly which gym you frequent, the cost associated with hiring the personal trainer may shock you enough that you are no longer interested in what they have to provide. It would not be uncommon at all for a personal trainer to charge $20-$50 (or more) per 45 minute session. If you're a little scared of that price, you're not alone. But don't think that just because you can't spend $100 dollars or more a week on a personal trainer you can't afford to have one, you just need to take a second and think outside of the box.
A good on-line personal trainer provides you with most of the same things an in-person personal trainer provides at a fraction of the cost. In my program,months small monthly rate, you'll get customized training plans suited to you and your goals based on what activities you like to do. Don't like running? No problem. I'll never have you on a treadmill or pounding pavement again. Your program will be updated every 4-6 weeks typically, but if you need a change after a week or two, we can switch it up then. Literally everything a personal trainer provides we can provide, except we aren't there to talk to you between sets. If you can motivate yourself to get to the gym (or to just workout in your living room) I will provide you with the tools you need to live a healthier life.
At the end of the day, there is no denying that Americans are as unhealthy now as they have ever been. Many people want to take steps to get healthier, but don't know how. There are professionals out there that can give you the tools you need to improve your health, but too many have priced themselves too high for many people to afford. But the tide is changing. With the growth of the internet, more services can be delivered to you at a price you can afford, and rock solid personal training advice is no exception.
Please visit www.dkfitsolutions.com for more details about how we can work together to improve your health. Get in touch with me through the website or leave a comment on here, and the new you will be on the way.
And remember, no matter what your health goals are, we have the solution that will help you achieve them.
A good on-line personal trainer provides you with most of the same things an in-person personal trainer provides at a fraction of the cost. In my program,months small monthly rate, you'll get customized training plans suited to you and your goals based on what activities you like to do. Don't like running? No problem. I'll never have you on a treadmill or pounding pavement again. Your program will be updated every 4-6 weeks typically, but if you need a change after a week or two, we can switch it up then. Literally everything a personal trainer provides we can provide, except we aren't there to talk to you between sets. If you can motivate yourself to get to the gym (or to just workout in your living room) I will provide you with the tools you need to live a healthier life.
At the end of the day, there is no denying that Americans are as unhealthy now as they have ever been. Many people want to take steps to get healthier, but don't know how. There are professionals out there that can give you the tools you need to improve your health, but too many have priced themselves too high for many people to afford. But the tide is changing. With the growth of the internet, more services can be delivered to you at a price you can afford, and rock solid personal training advice is no exception.
Please visit www.dkfitsolutions.com for more details about how we can work together to improve your health. Get in touch with me through the website or leave a comment on here, and the new you will be on the way.
And remember, no matter what your health goals are, we have the solution that will help you achieve them.
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