I often get asked, “What’s better, Weights or Resistance Bands?” With that in mind, I thought I’d give my two cents. When you’re ready to start working out at home, and are trying to get ready, this question is often on the top of the list. I’ve used most of the Beachbody programs from P90X, Chalean Extreme, Power 90, and others including Insanity (which requires no equipment). I feel I have a pretty good grasp of what’s needed, what works, and what doesn’t. Let’s start with the technical differences first, and then move into my personal opinion. › Continue reading
Unless you live in a hypoallergenic bubble, it’s awfully hard to steer clear of germs. And during cold and flu season, or if you’re in a job that involves working with children, it’s even harder. But what if your workouts are making you sick? No, I’m not referring to pushing so hard it makes you hurl; I’m referring to the parasites, viruses, and bacteria that live on gym equipment, flooring, and even your shoes.The New York Times recently ran a story about a high school student who almost died from an antibiotic-resistant form of staph infection, which he most likely contracted from an exercise mat. More and more dermatologists and podiatrists are seeing cases of plantar warts, fungi, and rashes that they’re attributing to shared equipment in gym or yoga classes.
“Not a problem!” you retort, “I do P90X® in my living room, so I don’t have to worry about this.” Think again . . . because bugs can find their way into your home more easily than you’d think. Eighty percent of disease is transmitted through interactions with someone who’s carrying germs, or touching a surface where those organisms live. So if you meet a friend for lunch, go to a meeting at work, or play with your kids in the park, then hit the home gym and crank out 60 minutes of cardio, you spread the germs to your gear, where bacteria can survive for days and viruses can hang out for weeks. The often sweaty and warm conditions are the perfect breeding grounds for these bugs. › Continue reading
The animated map above shows the United States obesity prevalence from 1985 through 2009. In 1985, many states were reporting no data. There was little to no problem back then. But watch… as time passes… day by day… year after year. America is changing that trend of obesity for the worse. By the time we reach 2009, we hit record highs! During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2009, only Colorado and the District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-three states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; nine of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%. (As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). › Continue reading
Those of you who pay attention to your diet probably hear a lot about something called the glycemic index (GI) these days. It’s become another in a growing list of misunderstood buzzwords in the nutrition world. Today, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about the GI, which is going to take a lot less of your time than reading through an entire GI diet book.
Tony Horton – Dallas, TX Super Saturday, September 18, 2010
My good friends, Robert and Melissa Hudgens are hosting a once in a lifetimeevent in Dallas, TX. I talk to so many people that have wanted the opportunity to meet Tony Horton, and it doesn’t get any better than this. Here’s why:
Tony Horton fans have paid as much as $400 for two days with Tony. This one day event is only $79. The downside… it has limited space! › Continue reading
If the rapidly approaching school year has you scrambling for tips on how to move your kids to the head of the class, or if you’re looking for ways to increase your own productivity, start by examining your diet. Studies have shown that certain foods act like fuel for our brains by increasing concentration and memory function and have even been shown to slow down the mind’s natural aging process. The next time you really need to stay alert or pay attention, try to eat more of these seven foods that have been shown to increase brain function and the ability to focus. Combine this practice with other good habits, like working out to your favorite Beachbody® DVD (mine’s Chalene Johnson’s Turbo Jam®), and you’ll soon find yourself at the head of the class—at any age. › Continue reading
Welcome back for our 6th installment of Turbo Fire Reviews. This review will go over the Fire 30 workout. I have tried several of the Turbo Fire Workouts, and I have to say, Chalene Johnson does a great job of keeping you entertained. The music is great, Chalene and the class are upbeat, and it’s not just plain boring! We’ve all tried those boring DVDs, rest assured this is not one of them. If you have been following my blog you probably know that I’m a fitness fanatic. I’ve tried and completed many of the Beachbody programs. I do this because… I love working out TRUE, but also because I feel it’s my responsibility as a fitness coach to be familiar with the programs, which helps me coach you more effectively.
You probably don’t want to listen to me, as much as you’d like to get the scoop on Turbo Fire 30. So let’s get in to the review. Once you start the workout, 31 minutes is on the screen. Is it just me, or is this timer small and hard to read? But 31 minutes. No sweat, well… that’s not true either. › Continue reading
If you want a drink, you want a drink, and all the bad press you read isn’t likely to quench your thirst. So the Nutrition 911 on alcohol will be to skip the boring science and discuss what to do when you’re going to drink. Besides, studies keep telling us that a bit of alcohol in your diet enhances your health and lengthens your life span. All you may know now is that the last time you hit the bar, you woke up feeling like someone was using a rototiller on your brain, leaving you to wonder, “How can this have been good for me?” › Continue reading
Just finished your latest round of P90X®? Ready for a little break from TurboFire®? Looking for the next big trend in exercise?
I’m here to tell you all about it: they’re small, they’re fun, and they’re a never-ending source of energy. Many of us already have them in our homes and, heck, we invest so much time, effort, and money in them, why not use them to get in shape? › Continue reading
If you’ve followed the news on childhood obesity lately, you know the state of affairs is pretty grim. Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past two decades, and most signs point to the next generation being the first whose life expectancy will be shorter than their parents’. Much of the blame for this trend has deservedly been laid at the feet of the producers and marketers of unhealthy food aimed at our youngest consumers, whose parents face an uphill battle: trying to pit fresh, healthy foods devoid of mascots or sidekicks against superheroes and cartoon animals in a struggle to tempt their children’s palates and stomachs. › Continue reading