Well it has been a crazy summer and I don’t know about you but I am left feeling like “where did it go?” Fall may be right around the corner and it is the perfect time to get back on track and fall back into fitness! I know that with activities such as summer camp and vacations it was a little challenging getting to the gym but now with the kids back in school you can finally start that class or workout plan. With the studio remodeled-come in and see it new bamboo floors and a whole new look- I am able to focus on spending my time on my fitness routine as well. I thought it may be helpful this week to give you some tips on how to gently re-enter a routine and get back on track. This week I will be giving away a few helpful tips on making that next trip to the gym an easy transition. Here is the first tip: Remember our cardio respiratory systems atrophy much quicker than our lean body mass, however this is also a reason why we are able to build our endurance back so quickly as opposed to LBM.
1. DEVELOP A CARDIOVASCULAR BASE
If you are just beginning an exercise program, it is important to start with a lower-intensity program for the first two months. The focus should be on building endurance and gradually increasing the length of the workouts each week while keeping intensity the same.
This approach helps minimize risk of injury, better prepares the body for the demands of exercise and increases your body's production of fat-burning enzymes and mitochondria, which aid in improving cardiovascular fitness and weight loss.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends the following:
Do moderately intense cardio 30 minutes a day, five days a week, OR
Do vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day, three days a week.
It should be noted that the ACSM states to effectively lose weight, 60 to 90 minutes of cardio might be necessary, and the 30-minute recommendation is for the average healthy adult looking to maintain health and reduce risk of chronic illness.
With this in mind, shoot for 30 to 60 minutes a day, three days a week at a moderate intensity when starting out and add three to five minutes each week to your workouts. Also, workouts can be done intermittently throughout the day. Research has shown that doing 10-minute bouts of activity throughout the day is just as effective as exercising in a single session - a great option to consider if your work schedule is too busy for longer workouts.
And if you can't start there, simply begin with 10-minute walks or other fitness activity and build up to longer workouts. (If this is the case, you may need to stick with a lower-intensity program for a longer period of time.)
For more information and tips, refer to the ACSM's Web site.
Yours in Health and Fitness
Tammie
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Will those new Shoes really give you a better Butt
With all the buzz about the new shoes that claim to burn more calories and tone your muscles, we wanted to see what the truth was about this new magic shoe. Will it really give you a Better Body? Or maybe too good to be true? All of the above are publicized claims marketing the latest toning shoes from Skechers Shape-Ups, MBT (MasaiBarefoot Technology) and Reebok EasyTone. The shoes, each of which uses uniquely shaped rounded soles and extra cushioning to alter the wearer’s normal walking gait, are currently all the rage in footwear. A quick Web search reveals many blogs touting the shoes and NFL great Joe Montana has even been hired as a pitchman for one of the brands. With all this buzz about toning shoes, it was time to put their claims to thetest. So we enlisted a team of exercise scientists from the Exercise and Health Program at the University of Wisconsin,La Crosse, to study each of the shoes.
The basic theory behind how they are supposed to work makes sense to consumers, so it’s easy to see why many are quick to embrace—and purchase—the shoes, which range in price from $100 to $245. The common denominator is that they all have an unstable sole design, which forces the wearer’s body to constantly struggle to find an equilibrium or balance point.
The Study
To test the effectiveness of the shoes and evaluate their claims, a team led by Porcari, John Greany, Ph.D., Stephanie Tepper, M.S., Brian Edmonson, B.S., and Carl Foster, Ph.D., designed a pair of studies, one evaluating exercise responses to walking in traditional athletic shoes (a New Balance running shoe) versus the popular toning shoes. The second study evaluated muscle activation when walking in regular athletic shoes compared to toning shoes.
The shoe order was randomized as the subjects were asked to walk at 3.0 mph with a 0% grade hill; 3.5 mph/0% grade; and at 3.5 mph/5.0% grade. Meanwhile researchers monitored each subject’s oxygen consumption, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and caloric expenditure. Researchers used electromyography (a.k.a. EMG) to record muscle activity in six muscle areas: calf, quads, hamstrings, buttocks, back, abs, as subjects walked in each of the four pairs of shoes.
The Results
Across the board, none of the toning shoes showed statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation during any of the treadmill trials. There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone.
The Bottom Line
“Don’t buy these shoes because of the claims that you’re going to tone your butt more or burn more calories. That’s absolutely wrong,” says Porcari. Then how do researchers account for the anecdotal evidence (found on blogs, etc.) from those who wear the shoes and claim their muscles get sore, which must mean the shoes are working? “Do you feel different when you’re wearing these shoes?
Of course you do because you’re walking on probably an inch worth of cushioning,” explains Porcari. “They feel different, and that’s why when people first wear them
they’re probably going to be sore because you’re using different muscles. But if you wear any sort of abnormal shoes that you’re not used to wearing, your muscles are going to get sore. Is that going to translate into toning your butt, hamstrings and calves? Nope. Your body is just going to get used to it.” Bryant isn’t surprised by the findings: “When you think about it, it’s kind of the same old song and dance,” he says. “People will still fall prey in their search for the quick and easy fitness solution. These shoes are just another attempt to find that magic bullet.”
These shoes may be encouraging a fair number of people who probably wouldn’t put on a normal pair of walking shoes and go out and walk, to do so because they think they’re getting some super toning effect. It’s probably serving as a bit of a motivator to get a group of inactive individuals to at least get up and get moving. And, no matter how you spin it, that’s a good thing.
Click Here for more info and the study in full
The basic theory behind how they are supposed to work makes sense to consumers, so it’s easy to see why many are quick to embrace—and purchase—the shoes, which range in price from $100 to $245. The common denominator is that they all have an unstable sole design, which forces the wearer’s body to constantly struggle to find an equilibrium or balance point.
The Study
To test the effectiveness of the shoes and evaluate their claims, a team led by Porcari, John Greany, Ph.D., Stephanie Tepper, M.S., Brian Edmonson, B.S., and Carl Foster, Ph.D., designed a pair of studies, one evaluating exercise responses to walking in traditional athletic shoes (a New Balance running shoe) versus the popular toning shoes. The second study evaluated muscle activation when walking in regular athletic shoes compared to toning shoes.
The shoe order was randomized as the subjects were asked to walk at 3.0 mph with a 0% grade hill; 3.5 mph/0% grade; and at 3.5 mph/5.0% grade. Meanwhile researchers monitored each subject’s oxygen consumption, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and caloric expenditure. Researchers used electromyography (a.k.a. EMG) to record muscle activity in six muscle areas: calf, quads, hamstrings, buttocks, back, abs, as subjects walked in each of the four pairs of shoes.
The Results
Across the board, none of the toning shoes showed statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation during any of the treadmill trials. There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone.
The Bottom Line
“Don’t buy these shoes because of the claims that you’re going to tone your butt more or burn more calories. That’s absolutely wrong,” says Porcari. Then how do researchers account for the anecdotal evidence (found on blogs, etc.) from those who wear the shoes and claim their muscles get sore, which must mean the shoes are working? “Do you feel different when you’re wearing these shoes?
Of course you do because you’re walking on probably an inch worth of cushioning,” explains Porcari. “They feel different, and that’s why when people first wear them
they’re probably going to be sore because you’re using different muscles. But if you wear any sort of abnormal shoes that you’re not used to wearing, your muscles are going to get sore. Is that going to translate into toning your butt, hamstrings and calves? Nope. Your body is just going to get used to it.” Bryant isn’t surprised by the findings: “When you think about it, it’s kind of the same old song and dance,” he says. “People will still fall prey in their search for the quick and easy fitness solution. These shoes are just another attempt to find that magic bullet.”
These shoes may be encouraging a fair number of people who probably wouldn’t put on a normal pair of walking shoes and go out and walk, to do so because they think they’re getting some super toning effect. It’s probably serving as a bit of a motivator to get a group of inactive individuals to at least get up and get moving. And, no matter how you spin it, that’s a good thing.
Click Here for more info and the study in full
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Great Aerobic Hoax- Part 2
In part one, we learned the benefits of why we want Lean Body Mass. One quick way to not only boost lean body mass but burn fat is through interval training or metabolic circuits. These are fast-paced weight-training routines in which you alternate between upper- and lower-body exercises and cardio. You might compare this type of activity to running repeated bouts of 30- to 60-second sprints. While sprinting has been shown to burn calories at a high rate, it can't be sustained for long because the muscles in your lower body become fatigued — and that's even if you're resting between sprints. "But with metabolic circuits, you're emphasizing different muscles in each exercise, so you can maintain a high-intensity effort for a much longer duration, and with almost no rest. The result: the muscle-saving, calorie-burning benefits of intense resistance training and sprints, combined with the nonstop movement of long, steady-state aerobic exercise. It could be the greatest fat-loss workout known to man.
Research like Volek and Scott are beginning to put the pieces together. Just as important, trainers are already using this kind of routine to help their real-world clients achieve faster results than ever. And not surprisingly, it works! A recent client was able in a 6 week period working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes, burn 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of lean body mass! A huge success and you can do it too! To find out more about the HITr program click here.
For more fitness tips follow us on Facebook
Research like Volek and Scott are beginning to put the pieces together. Just as important, trainers are already using this kind of routine to help their real-world clients achieve faster results than ever. And not surprisingly, it works! A recent client was able in a 6 week period working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes, burn 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of lean body mass! A huge success and you can do it too! To find out more about the HITr program click here.
For more fitness tips follow us on Facebook
The Great Aerobic Hoax- Part 2
In part one, we learned the benefits of why we want Lean Body Mass. One quick way to not only boost lean body mass but burn fat is through interval training or metabolic circuits. These are fast-paced weight-training routines in which you alternate between upper- and lower-body exercises and cardio. You might compare this type of activity to running repeated bouts of 30- to 60-second sprints. While sprinting has been shown to burn calories at a high rate, it can't be sustained for long because the muscles in your lower body become fatigued — and that's even if you're resting between sprints. "But with metabolic circuits, you're emphasizing different muscles in each exercise, so you can maintain a high-intensity effort for a much longer duration, and with almost no rest. The result: the muscle-saving, calorie-burning benefits of intense resistance training and sprints, combined with the nonstop movement of long, steady-state aerobic exercise. It could be the greatest fat-loss workout known to man.
Research like Volek and Scott are beginning to put the pieces together. Just as important, trainers are already using this kind of routine to help their real-world clients achieve faster results than ever. And not surprisingly, it works! A recent client was able in a 6 week period working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes, burn 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of lean body mass! A huge success and you can do it too! To find out more about the HITr program click here.
For more fitness tips follow us on Facebook
Research like Volek and Scott are beginning to put the pieces together. Just as important, trainers are already using this kind of routine to help their real-world clients achieve faster results than ever. And not surprisingly, it works! A recent client was able in a 6 week period working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes, burn 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of lean body mass! A huge success and you can do it too! To find out more about the HITr program click here.
For more fitness tips follow us on Facebook
The Great Aerobic Hoax- Part 2
In part one, we learned the benefits of why we want Lean Body Mass. One quick way to not only boost lean body mass but burn fat is through interval training or metabolic circuits. These are fast-paced weight-training routines in which you alternate between upper- and lower-body exercises and cardio. You might compare this type of activity to running repeated bouts of 30- to 60-second sprints. While sprinting has been shown to burn calories at a high rate, it can't be sustained for long because the muscles in your lower body become fatigued — and that's even if you're resting between sprints. "But with metabolic circuits, you're emphasizing different muscles in each exercise, so you can maintain a high-intensity effort for a much longer duration, and with almost no rest. The result: the muscle-saving, calorie-burning benefits of intense resistance training and sprints, combined with the nonstop movement of long, steady-state aerobic exercise. It could be the greatest fat-loss workout known to man.
Research like Volek and Scott are beginning to put the pieces together. Just as important, trainers are already using this kind of routine to help their real-world clients achieve faster results than ever. And not surprisingly, it works! A recent client was able in a 6 week period working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes, burn 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of lean body mass! A huge success and you can do it too! To find out more about the HITr program click here.
For more fitness tips follow us on Facebook
Research like Volek and Scott are beginning to put the pieces together. Just as important, trainers are already using this kind of routine to help their real-world clients achieve faster results than ever. And not surprisingly, it works! A recent client was able in a 6 week period working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes, burn 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of lean body mass! A huge success and you can do it too! To find out more about the HITr program click here.
For more fitness tips follow us on Facebook
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