Health, Fitness & Weight Loss

These are real words, real experiences and I've made mistakes. Yes we have a tremendous amount of resources out there, but what's for you. Not only that, try wading through it all, it can be overwhelming!

With the right tools you have the power to achieve the best possible you ever. You will also have fun doing it too. It's not as impossible when you feel the results and you haven't spent all that money!

From me to you, the real stuff...

All you need are the absolute basics:

1- You need to increase your muscle tone, there is no better way then weight training.

Ladies you really need this, you will not become massive only toned with the firmness exactly where it should be.

Gentlemen you have your choice be lean or add on the bulk(more weights or invest in a gym membership).

Barbell
Dumbbells (2)
Weights up to 50 lbs
Ankle weights

2- Stationary Bike - chose a high quality bike that is used in the spinning classes.
You pay for what you get. My advantage is I love cycling so to me it is just plain fun. I put my music on and just pump it out!!!

3-Pilates Door Knob Rope Exerciser

I absolutely love this little contraption!!! Advice on this equipment, they make the pulleys from plastic. Mine lasted maybe a week. There is a simple solution, go to the hardware store, purchase 2 metal pulleys of the same size and 2 clips. Use all the original rope, etc. and you will have a long lasting smooth piece of equipment.

I kid you not this has helped me with many sore backs, stretching , building long lean muscle, strengthening the core muscles, flattening the stomach and aiding in my rehabilitation from tearing both my achilles tendons.

When you begin using this, be very careful, start with a maximum of 2-5 minutes per movement. In total don't exceed 5-10 minutes at first, it'll feel easy and great but depending on your fitness, you are really gonna feel it afterwards!

4-Duo Exercise Wheel

This is also an excellent tool, even the marines use it so it must have potential. Be very careful in executing the exercise, read the instructions carefully and take it easy at first. You don't need to do hundreds of them!

5- Skipping Rope

Nothing like skipping rope, burns tons of calories and your aerobic capacity increases dramatically. Becareful if you have foot or achilles problem. Start out slow, you don't need to do an hour of it.

So you have the basics, but you and I know boredom is a problem both for you mentally and physically. You've got to add a litle variety, shock the system and most importantly have a lot of fun.

Excellent activities outside the home that will burn a tremendous amount of calories, build your body, teach you how to defend yourself and give you a greater degree of self-confidence would be:
The Martial Arts, Kick-boxing and of course Boxing

At home, fitness programs that are made for you to succeed are P90x, Insanity and Forza: The Samurai Sword Workout.

Finally try Nordic or Urban Poling! The ultimate exercise that anyone can do...no matter your fitness level or age! Wherever you walk you can do Urban Poling. Speaking from personal experience...it is my favorite!

Variety...To keep yourself going you need to have fun, look forward to your next session, and feel the benefits from your workout.

Never ever forget you also need Rest to Recover.

If you feel there is a day where you just can't get the get up and go, it's your body telling you, "I need to recover!"

Relax, read, just go for a walk.

Visit a friend.

Rest & Recover

There is a abundance of information, the problem is finding what really is beneficial. What are we really missing in our diets, what deficencies do we have?

The Key:

Amino Acids are literally the building blocks to life and we really do not have enough of them supplying our body with the tools it needs. We all know that Protein contains the amino acids, that our liver/kidneys process. That process can be hard on them if there is too much protein entering the system.

So you ask, how can I have more amino acids without supplementing with protein, whether that be powder or pills. Simple, technology aids us once again, you can supplement with amino acids. In particular free-form amino acids (essential and non-essential).

These building blocks, essential and non-essential free-form amino acids are small molecules that are easier to digest, absorb and don't cause bloating or gas. In particular the BCAA's(Branched Chained Amino Acids) are especially important since they actually metabolize in the muscles not the liver. BCAA's act as anabolic agents,whereby you burn fat not muscle.

This has been my greatest discovery for myself, I take it before my workout, this keeps your energy level steady and you are not depleteing you muscles. You also will not feel the same kind of muscle soreness and fatigue. Depending on the level and type of activity you may need to take it after your workout too!

Recommended Reading:

Amino Acids in Therapy by Leon Chaitow N.D., D.O.
Healing with Amino Acids by Billie J. Sahley, Ph.D.