Tuesday, December 30, 2014

4 Worthwhile Diet Resolutions to Consider for the New Year

The new year is just around the corner, and you may be considering your New Year's resolutions for 2015. Starting a new year has always been the pivotal time to starting resolutions. It is a time when you may review the past year with some happiness, and maybe some regrets, and look forward to starting a new year with a clean slate.

New Year's resolutions are very popular, especially when it comes to losing weight. Starting a diet as part of a New Year resolution is the number one choice of many people. You may have had this same resolution year after year, but how can you make it stick this year?

Write It Down

The first step to any diet resolution to consider for the new year is to think of what your diet goals are and write them down. If you don’t write down your goals, they can easily be forgotten within a month’s time. Writing down your diet goals makes them a reality for you and something that you can refer to periodically.

Studies have proven that writing down goals is the best way to achieve success. Maybe this has been your problem in the past. Maybe you mentally though that you would start a diet on the first of the year, but then that diet thoughts soon faded as time went on.

Now that you're prepared for success, here are 4 worthwhile diet resolutions to set for yourself this year:

1)  Commit to Drinking More Water

In this world of busy schedules with long days at work and transporting children to school and activities, grabbing caffeinated drinks for increased energy is very popular, but may be loaded with calories. Avoid this habit. It is okay to have a cup of coffee or tea (with no added sugar, milk, or creamer) with your breakfast, but not in the afternoon or at night.

Commit to drinking eight glasses of water a day, minimum. Water is a great way to cleanse toxins from your body, hydrate your body, and deter false signs of hunger. Many times you may think you are hungry, when in actuality you are just dehydrated and need water. Water is a great addition to any diet plan.

English: This image shows a display of healthy...
Healthy, whole foods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
2) Replace Processed Foods with Whole, Natural Foods

The easiest way to meet your diet resolution is to just make changes to what you eat. When you replace processed foods, such as pastries, candies, and cookies with unprocessed foods like whole grains, and cleanly raised meats, and lots of fresh vegetables, you automatically decrease calories.

A decrease in calories means a decrease in your weight. Foods that are unprocessed are usually a lot more natural or are made with natural ingredients that are easily digested by your body.

3) Eat More Often

Eat more and lose more weight! You should pre-plan your meals for each day that you are away from home so that you are eating five to six meals per day, about two to three hours apart. This is the only way to keep your metabolism functioning properly, as well as keeping your energy in balance.

When your body is fed continuously it will not recognize that you are changing your diet. All your body knows is that it is receiving food regularly, so it is okay to burn calories. When you start depriving your body of food, it will respond by hoarding calories and slowing its metabolism in preparation for what it perceives as starvation. Many people don't realize this, and when they go on a diet, they cut their food intake so drastically, the body starts actually storing fat rather than burning it - which is why they often find it so hard to lose weight!

4) Decrease Portion Size

English: Cheeseburger 20 years ago had 333 cal...
A cheeseburger 20 years ago had 333 calories; a modern cheeseburger contains 590 calories. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
You can still enjoy eating most of the foods you enjoy and still lose weight by simply decreasing the portion sizes. A great trick is using a smaller plate or container for your meal. By using a smaller serving dish it will look like you are eating the same size portions as before, but you actually are eating less.

Your mind is very powerful, and it will perceive the portion size as being the same. You will not even feel deprived, because the plate will look full to you - plus your body will quickly adjust to eating smaller portions, so you will still feel full. You will even surprise yourself by how satisfied you are when you eat this way. Losing weight may even seem effortless!

By following these 4 tips, you can lose weight this year - and keep it off - all while enjoying your food, your life, and your newly fit body. Be sure to check this blog regularly for exercise tips, fast, fun workouts, and new fun ways to exercise!



Friday, December 26, 2014

Video: 30-Minute Bodyweight Bootcamp Workout

This is a great workout to try out the effectiveness of working out with just your bodyweight. Each exercise works your entire body for maximum effect and minimal risk of injury. Absolutely no equipment is required, so you can do this workout anywhere!

It's a great way to help you start getting in shape to achieve your 2015 fitness goals, and get rid of some of those extra holiday pounds.

The workout does include a warmup and cool down, so all you need to do is grab a bottle of water, and hit play!

30-Minute Bodyweight Bootcamp Workout You Can Do Anywhere
Let NYC-based celebrity trainer Adam Rosante lead you through his kick-ass bodyweight bootcamp workout. It's 30 minutes that will leave you dripping with swe...


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Why Bodyweight Training Is the Future of Fitness

There actually is a way to lose fat and get fit without taking on the expense of a gym membership - and without having to wait for someone else to finish sweating on machines so you can finally take your turn.

This method of exercising is called bodyweight training - and it's easy enough for anyone of any age and any fitness level to do. As an added bonus, it's at a price that everyone can afford.

It's free!

Bodyweight training is an exercise method that won't cost you one penny to get started. You can begin the basics right where you are - home, office or traveling. You can do the simple moves like push-ups, sit-ups, crunches or many other different kinds of movements.

English: an exercise of chest
Bodyweight exercise: The Push-Up (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
That's one of the reasons this exercise is predicted to be a top trend in the coming years. While it's an easy method to get started with, that doesn't mean that it's a walk in the park.

Bodyweight training will push your body out of its sluggish couch potato routine. Or it will ramp up what you're currently doing and take you to new levels of body strength and defined muscles.

You can use bodyweight training to boost your energy and to gain flexibility. Not only will it help you burn fat, lose weight and gain muscle, but you'll also be able to see and feel a difference in less than a month.

To get to that point, you'll need to have a little bit of training. Choose an easy to follow guide like Bodyweight Exercise Revolution. With this one, you'll understand why you have to balance the workout method with recovery time.

And why - if you don't, you're only slowing or stopping your strength building goal. Most people who use bodyweight training don't understand the simple but easily corrected mistakes that they make that sabotage their efforts.

For example, most beginners think that more repetitions is better. But that's a mistake. Too much volume causes your body's fat burning ability to slow down. You lose a lot of valuable potential when you don't know how to handle recovery.

If you're currently relying solely on home or gym equipment to help you work out, then you're also losing some valuable potential. Your body not only can do the work that machines do, but it needs to do the work.

Certain items can help. Dip stands create resistance and also force your body to act as its own stabilizer. In other words, it won't do the work that your body can do.

But that's what certain types of exercise equipment does. It takes the effort away from your body, which is the whole reason you're working out - to get your body working hard and getting strong and toned, right?  By getting a program to follow, you can learn how to work with bodyweight training for best results.

You'll learn how long to train, when to back off and how to turn your body into the fit machine it was meant to be. Bodyweight training is simple, easy to get started with, and very effective. It's a great way to get fit for 2015!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Video: New Year's Eve Cocktail Dress Workout

This quick toning workout will help you get in shape for that cocktail dress you've been eying for this year's New Year's Eve party. Tone your arms, shoulders, back, legs, and booty with this simple exercise sequence which combines weights with yoga moves to lengthen and strengthen those stubborn trouble spots.

You will need a mat and a pair of dumbbells - around 5lbs, or less if you are at a very low fitness level.

Do this a few times a week before New Year's Eve, and you'll be all set to slip into that sexy dress!

New Year's Eve Cocktail Dress Workout With Katrina | Tone It Up Tuesdays
Like this holiday workout? Thumbs up above and Subscribe: http://bit.ly/PQKgxk Get ready for your New Year's Eve cocktail dress! Katrina shows you a great wo...


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Review: Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner

The Slendertone Flex Pro is one of the latest electronic abdominal training devices to hit the shelves, and you may know someone who has this product on their Christmas "wish list"! These devices have been around for some time now, but their popularity keeps on going strong. This device isn’t trying to do anything new, it’s just trying to do everything better than the existing alternatives. So how does it manage? Let’s find out if it's worth purchasing as a gift for someone - or just yourself.

Key Features Of The Slendertone Flex Pro Muscle Toner

RRP: $100.00
Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.1 x 3.6 inches
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Waist Range: 24 - 47 inches
Built in Programs: 7 (99 resistance levels)


Slendertone Flex Pro Muscle Toner: The Pros

Designed To Work On All Ab Groups: While most of us think of the abs as the muscles that make up the six-pack on the front of the torso, they are actually more than that. The abs are comprised of 4 major muscle groups that include the rectus abdominis (the muscles that make up the six pack), the transverse abdominal muscles, the internal obliques and the external obliques.

This product is designed to work on not only the six pack muscles, but all of the muscle groups that make up your core, creating a tighter and firmer body. It’s important not to ignore the other muscles as they’re just as important for your health (and appearance) as the main rectus abdominis group.

No Effort Required: If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to train your abs without having to dedicate your time to it, then this is a great product. By electronically stimulating your muscles they are forced to contract and release without you even thinking about it.

Whether you’re working or just walking to the shops, you can wear the Slendertone underneath your clothes to train your abs. This means you don’t have to spend so much of your free time exercising, as you’ll be doing some of the physical work while you’re doing other things.

Fits Many Sizes: This trainer is designed for men with waists from 24 inches to 47 inches in size (also available in a women's version). So no matter what your size, you’ll almost certainly be able to make use of the Slendertone. And that means that it doesn’t matter how big you are, you can always get the abs that you’ve dreamed of with a little work and the Slendertone.

99 Intensity Levels: As this device works by electrical stimulation it’s important to have a range of intensity levels, and the Slendertone has 99 of them! That’ll let you get the level just right so that it doesn’t cause you any discomfort, but also so that it doesn’t overstimulate your abs. It’s important to start slow if you’re not used to abdominal workouts, otherwise you can hurt yourself (just as if you were doing situps).

Light Weight: As well as fitting all body types, the Slendertone is a light weight device. That makes it suitable for use anytime and anywhere. Just wear in underneath your usual clothes and go about your business – you’ll be working on your abs without even knowing it.

Time Saver: One of the best things about the Slendertone is that it can be a great time saver. As you can use it while doing other things, you don’t have to set aside so much time to concentrate purely on exercise without doing anything else. Just slip it on under your work clothes and use it throughout the day.

Great Home Workout Solution: If you struggle to get to the gym on a regular basis and have decided to work out from home instead then this is a great option. Because it’s so easy to use it’s easy to stay motivated, and you can combine it with your regular workout to achieve effects even faster than usual.

Slendertone Flex Pro Muscle Toner: The Cons

Won’t Make You Lose Weight: Although the Slendertone will work on your abs without you having to put any serious effort it, you’ll have to work on weight loss for yourself. No amount of abdominal training can make you lose enough body fat for your abs to show, or for you to get into a healthy condition. So if you’re primarily looking for a way to lose weight, you should look elsewhere.

Poor Manual: The manual that’s included with the device is not very detailed. It does give you clear instructions on what sort of intensity levels to work at, but if you’re looking for information on how to incorporate this into a workout routine you can forget it.

Belt Not Moveable When Switched On: This is more of a warning than a true negative, but as the belt is electronically charged you shouldn’t try and move the electrodes while they’re active. They can give you a fairly painful shock that you’d be better off avoiding.

A Supplementary Device: If you’re looking to get great abs, you shouldn’t see this as a primary device that gets rid of the need for any work. Ideally you should do your own abdominal workout routine, and use this as a post-workout supplement to push your muscles further than you could during the actual workout. Then you’ll see really fast improvements that can’t be beaten any other way.

Is The Slendertone Flex Pro Muscle Toner Worth Buying?

The Slendertone Flex Pro Muscle Toner isn’t going to give all those who are too lazy to set themselves a strict diet or do a bit of exercise an easy get-out. But it’s a great addition to a training program, and can even be used without other forms of exercise to improve the abdominal tone. This is a good all-round product for those who are already trying to get their abs in shape but aren’t having much luck.

The Slendertone Flex Pro is available on Amazon.com and other online retailers.



Thursday, December 11, 2014

Video: Cardio Kickboxing Workout Plus Abs

This full-length workout takes less than 40 minutes and gives you an intense full-body workout using fast, fun kickboxing moves. The workout consists of 2 segments of kickboxing, with a core workout segment in the middle so you can really target those abs as well as burning fat. This is a great workout to keep you in shape over the holiday season!

It does include both a warm up and cool down, and requires no equipment, so you can do it just about anywhere. Get ready to burn off some of those holiday calories, and lets get boxing!

Cardio Kickboxing Workout with Ab Exercises - 37 Minute Fat Melting Routine with Fitness Blender
Full routine info for this Fitness Blender Kickboxing and Abs Workout @ http://bit.ly/UxmqH6


More Fun Fat-Burning Kickboxing Workouts:

   

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Kickboxing: What It Is and What It Can Do For You

Kickboxing comes in different forms.  In Thailand, it is called muay thai although most Asian cultures have a form of kickboxing as a type of street martial art.  It is not like Japanese karate because Japanese karate is an art form - a martial art as well as a spiritual discipline - so it has rigid rules of engagement. It is not like Korean taekwondo which is purely a martial art.  Also, kickboxing was developed only in the 1960s. One similar martial art in the Philippines is called “yaw-yan” which corresponds to the last syllables of two words “saYAW” (meaning dance) and “kamataYAN” (meaning death).  Together the last syllables mean the “Dance of Death.”  Kickboxing is a kind of dance: the graceful yet powerful moves can be lethal.

Kickboxing has Asian roots as a form of sport.  It is almost gladiatorial.  For centuries, Asian monarchs kept kickboxers as sort of champions – instead of going out to an all-out war between kingdoms, they sent champions to fight with each other. 

The king whose champion won the bout would be declared the winner, and lands and other reparations and tribute would be paid to him by the losing monarch.  The kickboxers gained fame and an elevated status in society.

English: world z9 kickboxing champion, George ...
World z9 kickboxing champion, George "The Dragon" Hastings (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kickboxing has been adapted in the West as a form of gladiatorial or spectator sport.  In places like Las Vegas, Nevada, kickboxing is a sport where placing bets is encouraged.  Kickboxers are sports celebrities in their own right and they have fans and a following.

Kickboxing is a full-contact sport.  Fighters can use their hands and their legs to either knock down their opponent or hold them down so that they are unable to move or fight. 

Unlike boxing where there are moves that are considered foul (such as head butting, pushing or hitting below the belt), in kickboxing, these moves are par for the course.  Kickboxers often get their teeth knocked out, and their bones broken (even though they win).  It is a violent sport. 

Kickboxers wear protective gear such as gloves, mouth guards and groin guards but this is more for protection for the kickboxer than it is for the protection of the opponent.

It borrows a lot of the names of the punches from boxing such as jab, upper cut, cross and straight punch.  It also borrows from karate and taekwondo the names of the kicks such as front kick, back kick, side kick and roundhouse kick.

However, in the US, kickboxing is also a form of popular exercise.  Because all four limbs are involved in the exercise, it is a total body workout.  It also involves strength training because the punches thrown must have enough power in it to knock your opponent down.
 
English: Roundhouse-kick in counter Français :...
Roundhouse-kick in counter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It also develops speed in order to throw punches and kicks in quick succession.  It develops agility: one must be flexible enough to dart in and out of reach of the opponent’s kicks and punches.  It is a good weight-bearing exercise because you have to be able to carry your own weight, dance around the ring and bounce on the balls of your feet.  Roundhouse kicks are difficult to execute because you balance on one leg while executing the kick.  So balance is also required for kickboxing.

The most important part of training in kickboxing – be it for sport, for exercise or even for professional fights is mental discipline. 

A kickboxer needs to be able to anticipate the moves of his opponent, and make many small decisions that might mean injury if they fail.  A kickboxer needs to develop strategy; for this, the kickboxer must be alert and he must be a good tactician and strategist.  He must also perfect a number of moves to include in his arsenal.

All told, kickboxing is a great sport as well as a great form of intense exercise.



Thursday, December 4, 2014

Video: 10-Minute Quick Holiday Workout

The holidays can be the busiest time of the year for many people - not to mention full of tempting foods at all those holiday parties! It can be easy to skip your regular workouts and get out of your healthy routines. This quick workout can fit into the busiest schedule and help keep your good workout habits from getting derailed during the holiday season.

This workout challenges your entire body in just 10 minutes with cardio, strength, and balance.

No equipment is required, so you can do this pretty much anywhere. Grab a mat and lets get moving, and look and feel great throughout the holidays this year!

Little Black Dress Workout, Holiday Fitness, Class FitSugar
With all the treats and temptations around during the holidays, it's easy to pack on a few extra pounds — but remember, New Year's Eve parties are fast appro...


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

How Long Should Your First 5K Take?

If you enjoy running so much that you decide on entering a race, starting out with a 5K race is your best option. A 5K run is 3.1 miles, and one of the best ways to begin getting involved in running races, no matter what your running goals may be.

Entering races can also give you the determination to stick to a regular running schedule, giving you the exercise you need for cardiovascular health, as well as in maintaining your ideal body weight. And of course, there always is the benefit of meeting new people and making new friends in the “running world”.

So when entering your very first 5K race, you may have several concerns and fears that can cause pre-race jitters. One area of concern that you may have is how long it will take you to complete the 5K race.

Time Depends on Training

English: Athletes at the start of a 10-mile ra...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Training to run your first 5K can be based on an easy plan, which you can complete within just two to three months. As a beginner in the racing arena, you probably have kept your schedule to running at least three times per week, which has you well-prepared in conditioning for the race.

At the beginning level, the minimum time on average to complete a 5K is approximately 30 to 36 minutes. This would be equivalent to running a steady pace between 12 and 10 minute miles. This is being conservative, and is just based on general averages for first time racers in a running event.

Time Depends on Fears

With your first race, fear may develop. This fear may be related to your thoughts about having enough energy to complete the race. Many first time race runners will hold back their running pace and therefore finish the race in 30 minutes or longer and still be full of energy.

You may not think that this is something you would fear, but there is something about that race day that brings about this fear; “what if I run to fast and burn out?”, “What if I come in last?” It's good to be cautious as a beginner, so you will know what it feels like to be running alongside many runners with different running speeds.

Time Depends on the Course

If possible, it's a very good idea to practice the course before your race day, as it'll make you feel more comfortable with running the 5K. When practicing on the race course, you will be better able to judge your strength and fitness level, and know what pace you can run at.

When checking out the course is not possible, it is always best to proceed with caution. A first running race is an exciting time, so it should be enjoyed instead of worrying about your finishing time. Enjoy the scenery of the course and pace yourself according to how you feel.

Running in a 5K is a great way to see if racing is what you would like to do. Who knows, you may like the thrill of racing so much that you start training for longer-distance races!