Tuesday, June 3, 2014

BACK

Want This?



Do this...
______________
Pull ups 5 sets of 10 (use pull up assist if necessary)
Cable Rows 4/10 progressive weight
Single arm assist pull ups 4 sets of 10
TRX rows 4/10 pw
Barbell rows 4/10 pw
Single arm dumbbell rows 4/10
Reverse push-ups/smith machine 4/10

It's all about the pull ups!! Do negatives if you can't get all 10! Mind over Matter


Monday, June 2, 2014

Workout 101 AND LEG WORKOUT

Please Please Please if you are new to lifting TRUST ME and start off with lighter weights! Not sure what the exercises are? You can look them up on YouTube or Fitness Buddy App. Or ask and I will send you video example.

In case you are wondering what to work out when, here is an example of my weekly work out: 

Monday: Leg Day
Tuesday: Back and Biceps (SS abs)
Wednesday: Chest and Triceps
Thursday: Shoulders and Abs
Friday: Butt and Abs
Saturday: Plyometrics/ Circuits / Stretch
Sunday: Rest/Stretch

I do not believe in total body workouts.  It is hard to get a good workout when you only do 1 exercise per muscle group. Your muscle groups need a good workout; 4-6 exercises per muscle group is sufficient. Your muscles then need time to heal. 

LEG MONDAY: (today consisted of)
Deep Squats with 40 lb bar: 4 sets of 20
One legged dead lifts: 4 sets of 10
Dead lifts with 45 lb bar: 4 sets of 20
SS with 30 sec-1 minute Wall Sits
Smith machine lunges 20lb: 4 sets of 20
SS with 20 box jumps
(SS = Superset)

Let me know what you think if you do it, then give me a second day after update. 




Drop It Like Its Hot

Butt Day!

Stairclimber 10 min (level 8)

Hack Squat superset with Reverse Hacksquats 3-4 sets of 10 

Hip thruster 3-4 sets of 10 then/pulse 10

Barbell Squats 3 sets of 10 (deep squats @ comfortable weight: start with the bar

Butt blaster kick backs on smith machine 3-4 sets of 10 

Step ups (knee to chest)  3 sets of 10

---------------and/or--------------

3 rounds/1 minute each exercise:

High step ups
Reverse flutter kicks
Raised leg Plank
Lunges 20 sec each front/each side


GYM ETIQUITE

There are certain gym rules that you should follow to not annoy the crap out of regulars and trainers.


1. Wipe down your equipment when you are done.

2. RERACK your weights. Do not leave them on the ground or on the bar/machine.

3. If it is busy, limit your time on cardio machine to 30 minutes.

4. Do not drop dumbbells, you lifted them, so you can lower them to the ground.

5. No obnoxiously loud grunting or screaming. Seriously, there is no way you are lifting that heavy.

6. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE wear a ton of perfume or scented lotion to the gym!! We all stink, get over it, use deodorant and shower after. Some of us can’t breathe to do cardio when we are choking on your latest scent.

7. If you are going to chat, get off your machine so that someone else can use it. If you go to the gym to chat…Shame on you! Get your butt moving. Don’t be that girl (or guy). Go be a Walmart Greeter

8. If you are unsure of how to use a machine just ask. (Especially if there is a hot guy nearbye)

9. Lastly, Don’t make fun of overweight people. We all have to start somewhere. If they are uncomfortable at gym, they may not come back. Instead say positive words and encourage them!

10. Have fun and make the most of your precious time!



 

 

A little something something!

All supplements are meant to be taken by HEALTHY, NONPREGNANT, Adult Females (and Males) AFTER consulting with your Physician!! I pulled all my information from WEB MD. Please do some research on your own and decide which supplements will best meet your need specific goals. GNC is expensive, but will have what you need, also Vitamin Shoppe has most everything. Try amazon as well.


B Complex: Vitamin B12 is required for the proper function and development of the brain, nerves, blood cells, and many other parts of the body.


BCAA- Branched-chain amino acids stimulate the building of protein in muscle and possibly reduce muscle breakdown.  Some people use branched-chain amino acids to prevent fatigue and improve concentration.  Athletes use branched-chain amino acids to improve exercise performance and reduce protein and muscle breakdown during intense exercise.


CLA-Conjugated linoleic acid refers to a group of chemicals found in the fatty acid linoleic acid. Dairy products and beef are the major dietary sources.  Conjugated linoleic acid is used for cancer, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), obesity, weight losscaused by chronic disease, bodybuilding, and limiting food allergy reactions. Conjugated linoleic acid might help reduce body fat deposits and improve immune function. (Obesity. Conjugated linoleic acid might help decrease body fat, but it does not seem to decrease body weight.)


Chondroitin: In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints breaks down. Taking chondroitin sulfate, one of the building blocks of cartilage, might slow this breakdown.  Look out for chondroitin plus glucosamine combination products that also contain manganese. 


FIBER

Guar gum is a fiber that normalizes the moisture content of the stool, absorbing excess liquid in diarrhea, and softening the stool in constipation. It also might help decrease the amount of cholesterol and glucose that is absorbed in the stomach and intestines. There is some interest in using guar gum for weight loss because it expands in the intestine, causing a sense of fullness. This may decrease appetite.

Blond psyllium is used as a laxative and for softening stools. Other uses include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, weight control, and serious renal disease.

Fish oil:  A lot of the benefit of fish oil seems to come from the omega-3 fatty acids that it contains. Interestingly, the body does not produce its own omega-3 fatty acids. Nor can the body make omega-3 fatty acids from omega-6 fatty acids, which are common in the Western diet. A lot of research has been done on EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 acids that are often included in fish oil supplements.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain and swelling. This may explain why fish oil is likely effective for psoriasis and dry eyes. These fatty acids also prevent the blood from clotting easily. this might make fish oil helpful for some heart conditions. Women sometimes take fish oil to prevent painful periods.


Glucosamine in the body is used to make a “cushion” that surrounds the joints. In osteoarthritis, this cushion becomes thinner and stiff. Taking glucosamine hydrochloride as a supplement might help to supply the materials needed to rebuild the cushion.  Some researchers believe that glucosamine hydrochloride might not work as well as glucosamine sulfate. They think the “sulfate” part of glucosamine sulfate is the important factor because sulfate is needed by the body to produce cartilage. (NOT FOR PEOPLE WITH SHELLFISH ALLERGIES)

L-Carnatine helps the body produce energy. It is important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes.  It is thought to improve athletic performance and endurance. It is also used as a replacement supplement in strict vegetarians and dieters.

L Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Glutamine is produced in the muscles and is distributed by the blood to the organs that need it. Glutamine might help gut function, the immune system, and other essential processes in the body, especially in times of stress. It is also important for providing "fuel" (nitrogen and carbon) to many different cells in the body. Glutamine is needed to make other chemicals in the body such as other amino acids and glucose (sugar).  If the body uses more glutamine than the muscles can make (i.e., during times of stress), muscle wasting can occur.  Some people use glutamine for digestive system conditions such as stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. It is also used fordepression, moodiness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and enhancing exercise performance.


Lipoic Acid seems to help prevent certain kinds of cell damage in the body, and also restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C.  Alpha-lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body.


Magnesium is required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones. Magnesium is also required for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. In the stomach, magnesium helps neutralize stomach acid and moves stools through the intestine.  Athletes sometimes use magnesium to increase energy and endurance.

Multi vitamin


ProBiotics- Many bacteria and other organisms live in our bodies normally. "Friendly" bacteria such as lactobacillus can help us break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "unfriendly" organisms that might cause diseases such as diarrhea.  Lactobacillus is used for skin disorders such as feverblisters, canker sores, eczema (allergicdermatitis); and acne.  It is also used for high cholesterol, lactose intolerance, Lyme disease, hives, and to boost the immune system. (Taking antibiotics along with lactobacillus can reduce the effectiveness of lactobacillus. To avoid this interaction take lactobacillus products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.)


Vitamin C is required for the proper development and function of many parts of the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper immune function.


Vitamin D is used for preventing falls and fractures in people at risk for osteoporosis, and preventing low calcium and bone loss.  It is also used for boosting the immune system, preventing autoimmune diseases, and preventing cancer.  Body fat acts like a kind of storage battery for vitamin D. During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fatty fat and then released when sunlight is gone. (1) see below


Whey protein is the protein contained in whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. Whey protein is used for improving athletic performance, as a food supplement, as an alternative to milk for people with lactose intolerance, for replacing or supplementing milk-based infant formulas, and for reversing weight loss and increasing glutathione (GSH) in people with HIVdisease.  Whey protein is also used for protein allergy, asthma, high cholesterol,obesity and weight loss, preventing allergies in infants, late-stage cancer, and colon cancer. (1) see below

Zinc is needed for the proper growth and maintenance of the human body. It is found in several systems and biological reactions, and it is needed for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more.  Athletes use zinc for improving athletic performance and strength.

(1)   Some studies suggest that increased protein intake can use extra calcium from the bones to process leaving bones deficient in calcium.  Taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements can abate any possible issues.

(2)   NOTE: Many/Most of these supplements have the possibility of decreasing how much antibiotic the body absorbs. Taking supplements along with some antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics.  Most say take 1-2 hours after taking the antibiotic, but ask your doctor if you are or start taking antibiotics.

(3)   Many of these supplements come in a combined formula, so that you do not have to take 20 pills. Ask the staff to help you. Some come in powder form and you are able to mix it in smoothies etc.

(4)   Bones, like muscles, respond to stress by becoming bigger and stronger, and, like muscles, bones weaken and literally shrink if not used. It is essential to exercise, and, in particular, to exercise the back. Studies have found that a back-strengthening exercise program can provide significant, long lasting protection against spinal fractures in women at risk for osteoporosis. –So you can’t count on supplements alone.

Seems like!                    But actually is:
I still suggest getting one of these bad boys! 



Sunday, June 1, 2014

Gym Lingo

Circuit Training: This A.D.D.-friendly workout combines a series of strength and cardio moves to blast maximum calories and fat. Complete the circuit? Repeat it three times through, with little to no rest between sets.

Drop Sets: Using this grueling strength training technique, weight is reduced mid-set, and the exercise continued until exhaustion. The best way to drop it like it’s hot? Have a partner switch out the weights so there’s as little lag time in between reps as possible. Just remember, while “descending sets” can be effective for building strength, they’re extremely taxing on the body and are not recommended as a daily training method.

Failure: Sometimes failure can be a good thing— at least when it comes to resistance training. When training to failure, an exercise is repeated until exhaustion, the point when the muscles pretty much go on strike. While this is one tool for building muscular strength, size, and endurance, proceed with caution, as using this method can potentially increase the risk of injury.

Interval Training: By alternating bursts of light and intense activity, this popular training method helps maximize fat-burning potential while boosting metabolism and cardiovascular fitness levels.

Negatives: Also called "eccentric contraction," this is the act of lowering the weight slowly under tension to the start position. Why get negative? Performing negative reps can help stress (and therefore strengthen) muscles in a different manner than simply lifting and lowering, helping the body break through existing strength plateaus.

Plyometrics: These movements (like broad jumps, vertical jumps, and even explosive skipping) are designed to increase speed and explosiveness while strengthening joints and muscles. But before bringing back the Kriss Kross, remember that safe and effective plyometrics are all about quality, not quantity.

Supersets: Beef up any workout with this super-charged approach in which two exercises are performed back-to-back with no (or at least minimal) rest in between. Add in a third exercise, and you’ve got a triset. The payoff: more work in a minimal amount of time.

These phrases will hopefully help you when I start posting workouts! As always, feel free to ask questions and post suggestions! 


I felt like this my first few months in the gym! Watch others and learn. YouTube is also a great resource. 

Why Do I LOVE to LIFT?

Here are a few pictures that I have used over the last two years as inspiration! Guess what you cannot get this by diet or cardio alone! These women LIFT! I wanted this, therefore I started to weight train. Then I realized weight training does sooo much more than get me to my goal body! 


I could go on for hours regarding the reasons I LOVE to lift! Here is a shortened version, lol. By the way, for those who missed my FB brag, I benched my PR of 200 pounds Saturday. So exciting to out lift half the guys at the gym 😉 but here are a few more serious reasons...

1. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat.  More muscle = higher resting metabolism. More muscle and less fat means that you’ll burn more calories at work, on the couch, and while you’re sleeping. Muscle tone helps you get lean, look lean, and stay lean.

2.  Lifting weights builds muscle and burns fat simultaneously — that equates to a lean, sexy body. This is one of the major reasons why most people strength train, and the big motivating factor behind my crazy, obsessed fit lifestyle.  My goal is not skinny, it is FIT! Please do not insult me by calling me skinny! I work hard to be lean and muscular. News flash ...when people say "toned" that is muscular. It is ok for women to be muscular. 😊



3. Strengthens joints, ligaments, and tendons.  This is critical for injury prevention. It’ll also improve sports performance and boost all-around full body strength. I get so frustrated when people say "I am to old, or fat or injured" I used to say "I need to do cardio before I start lifting to get some fat off first"--WRONG! You are not too old or too weak or too fat or too anything. Start small and work your way up. Good form is a MUST! 
 
4. It burns a ton of calories and boosts BMR.  A high-intensity weight lifting session can burn up to 500 calories per hour. Weight lifting has also been scientifically proven to boost BMR (basal metabolic rate) for up to 24 hours post-workout. What does that mean? Not only are you burning calories in the gym, but also afterward when you’re on the couch relaxing. The more intense the workout, the more calories you’ll burn post-workout via boosted metabolism.

5.  Prevents the metabolic decline that comes with age.  Weight lifting can reverse the natural decline in your metabolism, which begins around age 30. Keeping your metabolism elevated for as long as possible will help keep you in top shape and let you eat like a teenager.
 
6.  Bone strength.  Weight training does more than strengthen your muscles, it also strengthens your bones. Regular weight lifting increases bone density, which reduces the risk of fracture and osteoporosis.
KEY FOR WOMEN: Osteoporosis is MUCH MORE common in women than in men, primarily due to the hormonal cycle (and probably because women don’t weight train like they should!). In fact, women are four times more likely than men to develop and suffer from osteoporosis, and can lose up to 20% of their bone mass during the first five-seven years following menopause. This can be reduced with weight training three times a week! 
 
7. Improves posture.  A stronger back, shoulders, neck, and core can help you stand up straight and look confident. Plus you’ll look taller. Better posture also preserves the spine and reduces lower back pain and injury.  This has been a huge lifesaver for me. I was taking Advil DAILY for my back pain, before I started weight training. I have not taken anything for back pain in almost a year! So exciting!! Indulge often in deadlifts, back extensions and rows!


8.  Lowers blood pressure.  Lower blood pressure helps reduce coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other heart conditions. That all equals a longer, healthier life.
 
9.  Improves balance and coordination.  Lift standing on a flipped-over Bosu ball to add emphasis on balance and coordination.

10.  Improves cardiovascular health. Weight lifting is a great way to get the heart pumping and improve its strength. It also serves to increase HDL cholesterol (the good type), and lower your RHR (resting heart rate). A lower RHR means that the heart doesn’t have to work as hard on a day-to-day basis, which ultimately allows it to keep pumping blood for many more years later in life…
 
11.  Releases endorphins.  Exercise and weight-training release endorphins–neurotransmitters that prevent pain, improve mood, and enhance pleasure (the same endorphins are released when you eat spicy food, or experience pain, excitement, or orgasm). Endorphins are released during long, continuous workouts, when the intensity is moderate to high and breathing is difficult.
 
12.  Another huge reason I love lifting is it Reduces Stress and improves mood.  Weight lifting is one of the best ways to naturally improve mood. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and creates a sense of happiness (see endorphins above). If you’re ever depressed or stressed, weight lifting will literally make you feel 1000x better.
 
13.  You’ll look and feel younger, trimmer and sexier.  A healthy body is a young, sexy body that you can be proud of. Nothing boosts self-confidence like a body you’re psyched to show off — the only way to do that is through diet, cardio and diligent weight-training. 
 

Morale of the story...LIFT! I will post one of my FAVORITE killer butt workouts later today!! Have. Great Monday!