Don’t Believe These 5 Myths
Nothing irks me more than when good people are misled by fitness myths. These myths interfere results and keep people miles from their goal weight.
So I’ve got to warn you about the false rumors going around Bergen County, about strength training.
Strength training is the number one thing you could possibly do for your health, development, and fitness.
Don’t fall for one of these 5 myths and miss out on remarkable potential results.
Strength Training Myth #1: Muscle Can Turn Into Fat
Why would you want to build muscle if they think it could morph into fat over time? Don’t worry; this myth is seriously bogus.
Muscle tissue is muscle tissue. Fat tissue is fat tissue. One will never become the other.
Strength Training Myth #2: Strength Training Makes Women Bulk Up
Sure, strength training increases the amount of muscle on your body, so many women take this to mean that their body will become body-builder-esque. Not quite the look you’re going for…
The truth is that the female body simply doesn’t naturally contain large enough levels of testosterone to put on bulk muscle without a very focused and dedicated effort. Rest assured, ladies, the effort you spend on strength training will get you closer to that lean, toned look you want.
Strength Training Myth #3: Strength Train Enough and You Can Eat Anything
This irks me all the time, as I’ve seen so many people throw away their hard- earned fitness results by eating unhealthy foods. If you do strength training everyday at intense rate, your total calories will still count. A lot of people miscalculate how many calories they eat with how many calories the burn each day.
For best results, maintain a calorie-controlled is to have fresh diet, and be on the strength training routine.
Strength Training Myth #4: Strength Training Does Not Burn Fat
If you are trying to loose weight, muscle is your number one ally against fat gains. Regular strength training helps you increase your muscle mass as well as preserves existing muscle mass.
Strength Training Myth #5: High Reps And Light Weights For Toning
Never do high repetitions because that will increase your muscular endurance but will not add strength or tone. In order for you to challenge your muscles, you need to do heavier weights with lower repetitions. By including strength training as a part of the fitness routine you’ll achieve a fit and toned body in Bergen County.
My custom-made fitness programs remove all of the guesswork for you. I know what works, and I make it my mission to see you reach your goals.
Call or email me today and we’ll get you started on the program that’s best for you.
For Best Results…
Want to get the most from your workouts? Follow these 5 tips:
- Be Consistent: exercise at least 4 times each week.
- Be Challenged: change your routine often.
- Be Patient: don’t forget that true fitness results take time.
- Be Excited: find an exercise program that you love.
- Be Coached: call in a professional, like me, for real results. Call or email today!
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Meals that are high in protein and natural fiber are the perfect way to compliment your strength training routine to achieve your fat loss goal quickly. This recipe for Cranberry Chicken Salad is a delicious way to eat lean and clean. Serve on large lettuce leaves. Servings: 8
Here’s what you need…
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 Tablespoon roasted pepitas
- 3 Tablespoons coconut milk, canned and full fat
- 1 teaspoon dried, ground sage
- 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- dash of salt and pepper
- head of Romaine lettuce
1. Mix all of the ingredients, except the lettuce, in a bowl. Serve by spooning the chicken salad in large Romaine lettuce leaves.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 221 calories, 9 fat, 123mg sodium, 10g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, and 23g protein.
Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends.
Why Cardio Is Important
The Cardio Myth
There are certain fitness myths that people will always know about.
These ideas are passed from one unsuspecting person to the next, a little crumb of misinformation that does more harm than good.
I’ve heard them all so many times.
There’s the myth about ab crunches melting off belly fat. (Sorry folks, spot reduction doesn’t exist. You’ve got to burn the fat from your body as a whole.)
Then there’s the one that says the faster you do an exercise the better, even at the expense of form. (Ouch. This philosophy has caused many an injury. Never sacrifice form for speed. Take your time, and have resting days)
I’ve even heard one that says recovery days are not necessary. (Rest days are actually very important to your recovery and weight loss.)
Out of all fitness myths, the one that gets to me the most is the belief that fat loss comes as a result of long, slow cardio sessions.
I’ve seen many people in Bergen County waste their time and effort on this one.
The truth is that intense, shorter workouts that contain resistance training with challenging bouts of cardio will burn fat quicker than a long, steady cardio session.
Think about it. Who doesn’t love to save time?
If you are still plodding away on the treadmill 60 minutes at a time then you are spending more time to get half of results.
Allow me to introduce you to a little technique called HIIT.
HIIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training is an exercise strategy that improves performance with short training sessions. These sessions involve a warm up period, several short, maximum-intensity efforts that are separated by fair recovery intervals, and a cool down period.
By adding the explosions of speed into your comfortable pace will increase your muscle tone, power, speed, strength, endurance and best of all it allows you to burn more calories.
There you have it-all you need to know to take your workouts to the next level.
Do you have questions about using HIIT to get better results? I would love to hear from you and answer al your questions.
Call or email me today and I will schedule a time to meet with you one-on-one to strategize the quickest and most effective route to meeting your fitness goals.
Bonus Burn
After you exercise using HIIT, your body goes into a state of enlarged metabolic productivity. Simply put, this means that your body will continue to burn extra calories long after you have put down your last set and left the gym.
On the other hand, if you stuck with a long session of steady cardio, your calorie burning would stop quickly after you hopped off that treadmill.
I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of burning more calories after I’m done exercising. Talk about a bonus!
Say goodbye to stable cardio and accept a whole new fitness philosophy centered on HIIT.
Watch how quickly your body begins to transform.
Low Carb Mini Muffins
Most baked goods are terrible for your waistline. Products made with refined flour, sugar and unhealthy fats should always be avoided. This recipe for mini muffins uses coconut flour, an alternative to wheat flour that is lower in carbs and free of gluten. Enjoy one for a breakfast on-the-go or as a quick snack. Servings: 24
Here’s what you need:
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted over low heat
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup grade B maple syrup
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup organic, fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a mini muffin pan with coconut oil.
- In a medium bowl combine the eggs, melted (and cooled) coconut oil, vanilla and almond extract, maple syrup, lemon juice and zest.
- In a small bowl, whisk the coconut flour to remove lumps, add salt and baking soda.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones, then gently fold in the blueberries.
- Fill each mini muffin tin to the top, then sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then turn on the broil for 1-2 minutes (watch close!) to lightly brown the tops.
- Allow to cool before removing from muffin tin. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutritional Analysis: 84 calories, 5g fat, 55mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, and 2g protein
Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends.
Getting to the Goal
Getting To The Goal in 5 Steps
Are you one of the people that want to get in shape, drop the fat, and increase your tone and strength?
Join the club in Bergen County where most people are dynamically working toward a vague fitness goal.
So what’s the difference between people who achieve their fitness goals from the people that are trapped in a fruitless struggle?
Winston Churchill the British politician hit the nail on the head when he said, “Never, never, never, never give up.”
It is possible to achieve any fitness goals when you push yourself hard every day. However, a distraction is everywhere, and is easy to fall off the track.
Henry Ford once said “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”
In order to stay the course it is critical that you keep your eyes on the goal.
Here’s how to get to your goal in 5 Steps:
Step One: Only One At A Time
When you’re motivated, make sure you set one goal at the time to yourself so you wont become over-ambitious by setting multiple goals. It’s great that you want to improve many things about yourself. The pressure that you will drop on yourself by trying to achieve many goals at the time will make you give up soon from overwhelming.
First focus on the main goal which you would like to achieve first. There will be plenty of time in the future to see to your other goals, but for now see your number one goal all the way through to completion.
Step Two: Start Slow
Another hazard that often results in dropped goals is the act of starting out too fast and too strong without having any breaks in between. If your goal in fitness is to drop 7 pant sizes and to exercise 5 times a week, do not (I repeat, DO NOT) go out and hit the gym hard for the next 5 days in a row. Your body will become sore that you’ll be forced to stop all progress the following week and your goal will be put back on a shelf.
Take a deep breath and remember that this isn’t a race. This is your life, and it’s you against yourself. Start out slow and firm and gradually build as you progress toward your goal. Don’t allow exhaustion to get in your way.
Step Three: Know Your Reasons Why
You should know the reasons why is the goal important to you? Write down each and every possible reason you can come up with as to why your goal needs to be met.
Closely get to know the ‘reasons why’ this goal is so important to you. You should have them memorized and should list them every single day. Remember what Ford said “When you take your eyes of your goal you’ll see loads and loads of obstacles.” Keep your eyes locked onto that goal by filling your mind with all of the ‘reasons why’ you’re going to see this thing through.
Step Four: Think About It
Meanwhile you’re thinking about your reasons for accomplishing your goal, its also helpful to focus your mind on how you’ll feel it after you accomplish it. Imagine yourself in the body you want to have.
How amazing are you going to feel when you’ve accomplished this goal that’s been on your mind for so long? Pretty amazing. Fill your mind with that feeling of success well before you’ve finished the work. The more you feel connected to the end of the race, the more likely it is that you’ll make it through.
Step Five: Put It All On The Line
We all spent money on things we don’t even need, so its time for you to spend money on something more productive. If your goal is to lose weight and to get into amazing shape then invest in one of my verified fitness programs.
My clients see results. My clients achieve their goals.
It’s time that you become one of my clients in Bergen County.
Call or email me today and together we will get you to your goal.
A Dream with a Deadline
A goal is a dream with a deadline.
Can you imagine the new-and-improved body of your dreams?
Now is the time for your dreams to become reality
Tropical Pork Ribs
Here’s a slow cooker recipe that cooks while you are away at work, making it convenient and easy to eat a healthy dinner. Serve these pork ribs over a bed of cauliflower rice or fresh spinach. Makes: 6 Servings
Here’s what you need…
For the Tropical Spice Rub:
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoon dried ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Tropical Pork Ribs:
- 1-3 lbs boneless country style ribs
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 red apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
- dash of smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- In a medium bowl combine the Tropical Spice Rub ingredients.
- Rinse and pat dry the pork ribs. Season with salt and pepper, then coat each side with the Tropical Spice Rub.
- In a large skillet, place the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Place the coated ribs in the skillet, and brown on all sides.
- Place the browned ribs in your slow cooker.
- In the skillet, over medium heat, combine the remaining ingredients. Heat for 5 minutes, mixing until fully incorporated. Remove from heat and spread evenly over the top of the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 359 calories, 12g fat, 405mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 23g protein
Six Pack Ab Myth
Don’t Believe The Muffin Top Myth
There is one thing that irks me; it’s seeing people led off target by the Muffin Top Myth.
These well-meaning folks devote time and effort under a faulty premise that gets them zero results.
The more you put your valuable time and energy into a fitness program; you deserve to see nothing less than incredible results. Therefore, that’s my commitment to all of my clients.
I get upset when I see people working hard without getting any result, and achieving their goals.
So what’s this Muffin Top Myth?
The belief that doing a magical ab exercise will get your tummy flatter, shrink your waist, and will get rid of your muffin top.
I’m sorry to tell you but there is no such magical ab exercise.
If you will continue with your unhealthy life style, the ab exercises will not make your muffin top any smaller.
If you want to shrink your belly, you need to improve on your diet and exercising routine to support fat loss from your entire body, including—but not limited to—your midsection.
This is some tip for you to get rid of your muffin top
Shrink Your Belly Tip #1: Stop Eating Processed Foods
Everyone loves a good shortcut, right? Depends on where that shortcut takes you.
From now on I want you to think of processed foods as a shortcut to belly fat.
I wouldn’t be surprised if future studies prove that the over-processing, chemical additives and high fructose corn syrup that are pumped into processed foods specifically adds fat around your belly.
If you want to shrink your belly then stay away from sugars, sodas, chemically altered fats, processed, packaged, fried and preserved foods.
Shrink Your Belly Tip #2: Eat Fresh, Whole Foods
Once you’ve cut the processed foods out of your diet, fill in the space with lots of fresh foods like:
- Green vegetables
- Whole, organic, seasonal fruits
- Lean, hormone-free, high quality meats
- Colorful organic veggies
- Nuts and seeds
I know this list of foods may seem boring at first, but if you stick with it long enough, you’ll grow to love the tantalizing flavors of real food. Moreover, you will come up with your own healthy recipes.
When your diet is filled with healthy foods that are listed above, your body will quickly shed pounds and lean out.
Shrink Your Belly Tip #3: Do Challenging Exercise
One of best way to lose your muffin top forever is with a consistent, progressive exercise program.
- Consistent: You should be exercising 3-5 times each week.
- Progressive: For truly awesome results, keep your body guessing with new exercises and increasing intensity.
My exercise programs are specifically crafted to get you into the best shape of your life. I’m passionate about achieving you goals and helping you with your diet plan.
I’d love to hear from you! If your in Bergen County call or email me today so we could get started.
Killer Ab Exercises
Real crunches won’t reduce your body fat, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strengthen your abdominal muscles. Steady ab exercises are an essential part of a well balanced exercise routine. Try these killer ab exercise:
- Plank: Lie face down on mat resting on your forearms, palms flat on the floor. Push off the floor, raising up onto your toes and resting on your elbows. Keep your back flat, in a straight line from head to heels. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, lower to the start position and repeat for 3-5 reps.
- Knee Tucks: Start on your back, bend your knees with your feet on the floor and knees touching. Extend both arms overhead on either side of your ears, palms facing up. Exhale and bring your knees up towards your chest. Slowly lower your hips back down to start position. Repeat for 12-15 reps.
- One-Armed Full Sit Ups: Start on your back with your right knee bent, foot flat on the floor, and left leg extended straight out. Extend your right arm to the ceiling and reach your left arm towards your left foot. Sit all the way up, rolling through your back, keeping your right foot on the floor, and your right arm up over your shoulder and your left arm reaching in front of you all the way up. Slowly roll back down to the floor. That’s one rep. Repeat 15 times on one side, 15 times on the other. For an extra challenge hold a dumbbell in your extended arm.
Field Greens Salad with Candied Pecans
You know that eating lots of greens is key component to shrinking belly fat, so try this delicious field greens salad. Add a side of lean protein to this recipe, like sliced chicken breast, for the perfect, fitness-approved meal. Servings: 4
Here’s what you need…
For the Salad:
- 1 Tablespoon organic coconut oil
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped organic pecans
- 3 Tablespoons coconut crystals
- 4 cups organic, mixed greens
- 1 Bosc pear, sliced
For the Dressing:1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar glaze
- 1 packet stevia
- 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dijon
- 1 minced garlic clove
- dash of pepper
- In a small skillet, place the coconut oil over low heat. Once melted, add the pecans and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Add the coconut crystals. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes, until the crystals have melted and the pecans are golden. Remove from heat, set aside.
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a small jar. Mix well.
- Divide the greens and sliced pears between 4 plates. Top with the candied pecans and drizzle with dressing. Enjoy!
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 196 calories, 14g fat, 49mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, and 2g protein.
Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends.
Bergen County NJ Residents Increase Weight Loss by Balancing Their Glands
The answer to burning fat calories lays not so much in the food you eat but in how the body processes it. And the one thing that determines how well the entire metabolism operates isn’t in your stomach, or the intestines, or even in your muscles. It’s located in your throat. It’s a tiny V shaped gland called the thyroid gland. Think of the thyroid as the body’s “thermostat.” The thyroid gland release the hormonesT4 which then converts to the more potent T3, it will constantly attempt to keep the body at a comfortable 98.6 degrees. Elevating body temperature via the thyroid gland is the key to the burning of more body fat. This is accomplished quite well through resistance exercise and can be achieved with certain drugs, which can be a dangerous practice that can cause permanent harm to the thyroid gland if there is no medical necessity. The thyroid is, in a way, the body’s “heating system”; it “burns” food for fuel in order to provide energy. The more it burns, the more effectively it will use fat (both consumed and stored) to continue functioning. If it’s a little slow, its fat burning ability will be hindered and excess calories become stored, as body fat. Although hypothyroidism is usually common to the elderly, a sub par thyroid is very common. And almost everyone can benefit from increasing thyroid output to optimum levels.
Here is a List of nutrients found in Supplement Form that can really help fire up a thyroid Fat assault
- Kelp is rich in iodine
- Mineral Selenium
- Amino Acid L-Tyrosine
- Olive Leaf Extract Herb
- Ashwagandha Herb
- 7-Keto DHEA Hormone Metabolite
Here is a list Foods and herbs that may impair thyroid function. This isn’t exactly a list of things that you MUST NOT eat, but some things that you might choose to steer clear of, or to limit quantities and frequencies of consumption.
ü Peaches, Pairs, and Strawberries There is something else to keep in mind with fruits, and any foods or drinks that have fructose or high fructose corn syrup. The fructose messes up hormone conversion at the cellular level. What this means is that your body has a much tougher time converting the T4 storage hormone to the active hormone, T3.
(Bananas are good for the thyroid)
- Cruciferous vegetables such as Broccoli, Cabbage and Cauliflower They contain a chemical called thiourea which is a goitergen. What that means is, they retard the process of the thyroid from turning iodine into the essential fat burning hormone T3.
- Green Tea contains flouride, a known T3 suppressant.
- Soy Products such as Tofu contain phyto-estrogens that can hinder T3 production.
So there you have it some tips to help keep your thyroid production functioning at optimal levels for optimal fat burning. Any questions or comments please post on the blog or email Brian Hernandez at vipfitnesscenter@gmail.com.