The Fitness Monster

Hey Dan - You can try 2 things: 1. Do a plank ri...

2010-07-09T08:34:17.737-07:00

Hey Dan -

You can try 2 things:

1. Do a plank right before your set of swings. Focus on tightening up your upper body by imagining your are pulling your elbows towards your waist without moving your arms. Then go straight into a set of swings and try to get the same feeling.

2. Find something about shoulder height - like a rail - and push down on it with both of your arms out in front of you (like the top of a swing position). Then go into your swing set.

Hope you are doing well and those tips help you out!

You should feel like you're trying to tear the ha...

2010-07-09T06:34:33.868-07:00

You should feel like you're trying to tear the handle of the kettlebell apart while at the same time keeping the triceps flexed

I keep re-reading this post. Tear apart the handle...do you really pull separate directions on the top of the handle? I could use some hints on how to increase my upper body tension on the fly - currently i have to think about it to fire the stomach/tighten arm muscles, etc. i am focusing on it more with my presses and maybe it will start to come without thinking but until then, what do you tell your clients to help them fire up everything in the midst of a swing?

Thanks Lori! You're right - tracking calories by ...

2010-05-07T15:44:21.797-07:00

Thanks Lori!

You're right - tracking calories by itself seems like it improves eating habits - even if you're not following a specific plan, it just makes you so much more aware.

I agree! Tracking the diet is a great idea. I ha...

2010-05-07T15:30:14.155-07:00

I agree! Tracking the diet is a great idea. I have found that Weight Watchers Online is a great way to track the diet and store favorite foods IF you realize the importance of getting enough protein.
Keep up the great work!

The thing that is preventing me from getting off t...

2010-03-30T02:11:21.762-07:00

The thing that is preventing me from getting off this plateau is my exercise routine itself. I have been able to maintain my 135 weight for awhile now and that is great but I'm using the same routine to try to lose more weight. So I need to find a more intense workout. And I'm going to try a new protein drink.

Marie - You're right - working out is the fun par...

2010-03-25T22:41:19.233-07:00

Marie -

You're right - working out is the fun part, but eating right requires so much more focus - it's a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week thing

My sweet tooth is what's keeping me from losing th...

2010-03-25T22:38:49.077-07:00

My sweet tooth is what's keeping me from losing those last 10 pounds!

Seriously, I work out consistently, but eating right is so hard for me and I know that's why I'm stuck.

Shay - Eating the right kind of carbs is key for ...

2010-03-25T22:34:42.484-07:00

Shay -

Eating the right kind of carbs is key for fat loss and overall health - especially dropping those last 5 or 10 pounds a lot of times really requires you to 'dial it in'.

Thanks, Forest! I believe my problem to loose the ...

2010-03-25T12:01:57.072-07:00

Thanks, Forest! I believe my problem to loose the last 10 pounds is the fact that I have a hard time getting rid of carbohydates in my diet. I do not eat a lot, but my 1700 daily calories is mostly composed of CH!!! Also, As I used to run a lot in the past, I am a bit limited now when I run because of my back issues...I believe I can solve this problem but trying to like other cardio machines at the gym!...

I totally agree Vikki .. sticking with the plan an...

2010-03-24T21:15:13.312-07:00

I totally agree Vikki .. sticking with the plan and making small tweaks as needed along the way is how you end up successful in the end! It's easy for the first week or two when you're excited, but it gets a lot harder when it becomes part of your routine ... and that's when it's all the more important

Everyone wants quick results but putting in the ti...

2010-03-24T20:24:29.147-07:00

Everyone wants quick results but putting in the time and effort requires work and dedication. My fitness plateau involves being patient with myself. However recently I have noticed more endurance, strength and stamina because of sticking to intense workouts. With that being said, I am beginning to trust the process and not totally give in when missing a workout or not having a perfect diet...it happens, let it go and get back on it!

That's a totally common problem, Alexa ... and a l...

2010-03-23T20:37:24.119-07:00

That's a totally common problem, Alexa ... and a lot of times it comes down to your diet. Having that plan, in my experience, can be really helpful ... especially when you have a lot of different choices for meals to change things up

Glad you're looking forward to the new product, Ni...

2010-03-23T20:36:18.215-07:00

Glad you're looking forward to the new product, Nikki - that's exactly what it's for, quick workout ideas and a done for you meal planning - a 'quick fix' to solve your problem, if you will. Thanks for the post

The main issue I face in overcoming my fitness pla...

2010-03-23T19:25:28.087-07:00

The main issue I face in overcoming my fitness plateau is that although I have increased my workouts by adding weights and running, I still have yet to see a difference in my weight.

This is great Forest! Will be great to slip this ...

2010-03-23T16:13:48.940-07:00

This is great Forest! Will be great to slip this into my gym bag for inspiration when I'm otherwise tempted to have a lazy day, and to have some snack ideas in my purse while I'm at the grocery store. Thanks for putting this together.

Sounds to me like the cheaper Apollo KBs whipped y...

2010-02-26T11:04:27.193-08:00

Sounds to me like the cheaper Apollo KBs whipped your ass into shape pretty good for the RKC test.

Are you sure this isnt just a marketing plug for Dragon Door?

Having a lean, fit, vibrant body truly changes you...

2010-02-01T21:03:23.816-08:00

Having a lean, fit, vibrant body truly changes your life. Online fitness training can make your help you get rid of those unwanted fats.

Why it is difficult to lose weight and burn fat? A...

2010-01-18T09:48:31.929-08:00

Why it is difficult to lose weight and burn fat?
Actually, it is not so difficult if you stick to this principle: You should plan before you start, make notes of everything you do and stay fully consistent!

If you plan before you start, you will set a clear goal in your mind before you start your undertaking of reducing excess weight. This will help you stay focused and determined on the challenge at hand.

http://fithuman.net

Happy New Year to you as well, Sandy. I agree wit...

2009-12-30T20:00:41.973-08:00

Happy New Year to you as well, Sandy. I agree with you 100% - one of the best books I've ever read. Hope all is well with you

Forest

Forest, Happy New Year to you! The version of Tim...

2009-12-29T11:09:41.059-08:00

Forest,

Happy New Year to you! The version of Tim's book should be required reading for anyone who is looking to improve their lifestyle for 2010 and beyond. I'm taking it to the next level and it's all about that volume.

I love bodyweight exercises! I am usually on the g...

2009-12-22T07:41:28.516-08:00

I love bodyweight exercises! I am usually on the go, so if I want to exercise, I either have to jog or do bodyweight exercise.

Thanks for the feeback Chad! Glad you enjoyed the...

2009-12-08T21:51:45.161-08:00

Thanks for the feeback Chad! Glad you enjoyed the post.

Excellent post! I couldn't agree more... Burning ...

2009-12-08T17:24:14.259-08:00

Excellent post! I couldn't agree more...

Burning fat with cardio really comes down to frequency and intensity.

How much you enjoy the exercise plays a big part too, because when you choose exercises you enjoy, you are more than likely to stick with it. I thought that was an excellent point.

Cardio is great for fat loss, and can even be added to mass building workout routines but to a less degree of course.

A lot of people think they will lose muscle when doing cardio, but this isn't true at all.

In order for a person to lose muscle from doing cardio, the person would have to be at such a low body fat percentage that the body had very little energy resources to choose from. At that point, and only at that point, would the body rely on its own muscle tissue to supply itself with energy.

Anyway... Great post.

Good feedback Sandy - and I totally agree.

2009-12-06T20:52:03.729-08:00

Good feedback Sandy - and I totally agree.

IMHO fat is not the culprit(especially the medium ...

2009-12-06T16:42:12.695-08:00

IMHO fat is not the culprit(especially the medium chain tris) I try to limit carbs unless it is for post workout. I also use a raw milk, grass fed type of whey and add my own fat (coconut oil), and regular raw milk. If it is post workout then I add fruit and subtract the fat. I feel that so many folks are mistaken about fat. Peer-reviewed research would indicate that processed carbs are the real killer.