One of our favorite phrases today is: "I'm too busy......." (sometimes used as an excuse). I don't have time to waste, so my workouts don't exceed 1 hour. I can get my workout finished in 45 minutes if I need to (with circuit weight training and interval cardio).
To take advantage of your limited workout time, you should strive to build more lean muscle mass. Doing so will speed up your metabolism and burn more fat. To recruit more muscle fibers during workouts and improve your success, focus more on MULTI-JOINT EXERCISES. MULTI-JOINT EXERCISES will help you burn more fat because you are working more muscles in your body. For example, the largest muscle in the body is the gluteus maximus and squats/lunges would target this area (among other areas). You will also burn more calories after your workout. Examples of other MULTI-JOINT EXERCISES are bench press, shoulder press, deadlift and seated row.
Examples of SINGLE-JOINT EXERCISES are biceps curl, seated calf raise, leg extension, leg curl and triceps pushdowns. Spend less of your time on these exercises.
Have a great workout today!
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut and start burning fat and building your lean body!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Eating Clean? What Is That?
Eating clean is a buzzword that's out there in the fitness industry. Rest assured that it is nothing new and different people define it in different ways. Much of it is just common sense. Eating clean is basically a healthy way for you to reach your health and fitness goals.
Not surprising is that fresh vegetables (without the excess butter, sauces, etc.) are part of a eating clean diet. These will give you a good source of carbohydrates, fiber and natural sugars. The same can be said for eating fresh fruits. Canned fruits and fruit juices tend to contain high amounts of unwanted sugars, so limit these sources of fruits. Fruits will also help you to give up a love for sweets found in candy, cookies and sodas.
Also, try to eat water-rich foods such as grapes instead of calorie-dense foods like raisins. An ounce of grapes has about 60 calories less than an ounce of raisins. And, you will feel fuller for a longer period of time eating water-rich foods.
Any of this sound familiar? Basically, you want to eat foods in their natural state. So, an apple is more healthy than apple dessert. And, we could add foods like whole grains, nuts, brown rice, fish, lean meats, etc.
What's the point? Call it what you want. Clean eating, healthy eating, nutritional eating, etc. It comes down to setting nutrition goals to help you reach your fitness goals. You don't have to be a fanatic but eating the right kinds of foods will always work.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Not surprising is that fresh vegetables (without the excess butter, sauces, etc.) are part of a eating clean diet. These will give you a good source of carbohydrates, fiber and natural sugars. The same can be said for eating fresh fruits. Canned fruits and fruit juices tend to contain high amounts of unwanted sugars, so limit these sources of fruits. Fruits will also help you to give up a love for sweets found in candy, cookies and sodas.
Also, try to eat water-rich foods such as grapes instead of calorie-dense foods like raisins. An ounce of grapes has about 60 calories less than an ounce of raisins. And, you will feel fuller for a longer period of time eating water-rich foods.
Any of this sound familiar? Basically, you want to eat foods in their natural state. So, an apple is more healthy than apple dessert. And, we could add foods like whole grains, nuts, brown rice, fish, lean meats, etc.
What's the point? Call it what you want. Clean eating, healthy eating, nutritional eating, etc. It comes down to setting nutrition goals to help you reach your fitness goals. You don't have to be a fanatic but eating the right kinds of foods will always work.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Power Allows You To Exercise Efficiently At Higher Intensities
Power (how fast your muscles can generate force) is not just for athletes. If you are serious about your fitness level and health, power can help you exercise efficiently at higher intensities for longer periods of time.
Research and my experience as an athlete, exerciser and personal trainer proves that high intensity interval cardio and circuit-style weight training will burn the most fat and provide better heart health (and other benefits). You can get through these types of high intensity workouts and reach higher fitness levels if your body has adequate power.
How do you powerize your body, you ask? After laying a solid strength foundation, you should begin to incorporate high speed exercises into your routine. An example would be to do the medicine ball chop at full speed. Another example would be to incorporate plyometric exercises, such as squat jumps, into your routine.
Doing exercises at full speed will train your neuromuscular system to work faster. It is important to execute these exercises correctly before proceeding to the full speed versions. Failure to do so, will almost certainly lead to injuries.
Doing exercises at full speed will also recruit and build up your fast-twitch muscle fibers (type IIa and type IIb). Fast-twitch muscle fibers are important for explosive movements such as sprints and jumps and sports such as football, basketball and soccer.
Fast-twitch muscle fibers also help you generate power faster. If you only train at slow speeds, you will use your slow-twitch muscle fibers (type I) more. Slow twitch muscle fibers have a high capacity for aerobic activity but they don't generate power very well. Predominately using slow-twitch muscle fibers during training will not give you that lean and toned look that you want.
Recruiting your fast-twitch muscle fibers during your workouts will give you a more athletic, powerful looking body. Mix in more high speed power exercises into your routine. If you do so, you will find yourself reaching higher levels of health and fitness!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Research and my experience as an athlete, exerciser and personal trainer proves that high intensity interval cardio and circuit-style weight training will burn the most fat and provide better heart health (and other benefits). You can get through these types of high intensity workouts and reach higher fitness levels if your body has adequate power.
How do you powerize your body, you ask? After laying a solid strength foundation, you should begin to incorporate high speed exercises into your routine. An example would be to do the medicine ball chop at full speed. Another example would be to incorporate plyometric exercises, such as squat jumps, into your routine.
Doing exercises at full speed will train your neuromuscular system to work faster. It is important to execute these exercises correctly before proceeding to the full speed versions. Failure to do so, will almost certainly lead to injuries.
Doing exercises at full speed will also recruit and build up your fast-twitch muscle fibers (type IIa and type IIb). Fast-twitch muscle fibers are important for explosive movements such as sprints and jumps and sports such as football, basketball and soccer.
Fast-twitch muscle fibers also help you generate power faster. If you only train at slow speeds, you will use your slow-twitch muscle fibers (type I) more. Slow twitch muscle fibers have a high capacity for aerobic activity but they don't generate power very well. Predominately using slow-twitch muscle fibers during training will not give you that lean and toned look that you want.
Recruiting your fast-twitch muscle fibers during your workouts will give you a more athletic, powerful looking body. Mix in more high speed power exercises into your routine. If you do so, you will find yourself reaching higher levels of health and fitness!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Burn More Lower Body Fat With Leg Circuits
Do you have stubborn lower body fat? Leg circuits is a tried and true method to burn more leg fat, increase strength/endurance and improve heart health.
So, how do leg circuits work? The good news is that you only need 20 minutes! The better news is that you will have chiseled glutes, hips, thighs and calves if you stay with it!
Since this workout is circuit-style, you also get the benefit of a great cardio workout. Do each exercise (10-12 repetitions) one after the other with little or no rest between exercises. Rest 2-3 minutes and do the circuit again. Here is a representative leg circuit program:
--Walking Lunges
--Bodyweight Squats
--1 Legged Glute Bridge
--Dumbbell Deadlift
--Reverse Lunges
--1 Legged Split Squats
--Front Step Ups
--Side Lunges
--Lateral Step Ups
--Leg Curls
--Calf Raises
To increase the intensity of any exercise, just add dumbbells or a medicine ball. Get a leg up and try this challenging workout!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
So, how do leg circuits work? The good news is that you only need 20 minutes! The better news is that you will have chiseled glutes, hips, thighs and calves if you stay with it!
Since this workout is circuit-style, you also get the benefit of a great cardio workout. Do each exercise (10-12 repetitions) one after the other with little or no rest between exercises. Rest 2-3 minutes and do the circuit again. Here is a representative leg circuit program:
--Walking Lunges
--Bodyweight Squats
--1 Legged Glute Bridge
--Dumbbell Deadlift
--Reverse Lunges
--1 Legged Split Squats
--Front Step Ups
--Side Lunges
--Lateral Step Ups
--Leg Curls
--Calf Raises
To increase the intensity of any exercise, just add dumbbells or a medicine ball. Get a leg up and try this challenging workout!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Monday, March 24, 2008
Don't Let Exercise Cause Chronic and Degenerative Injuries
I just finished an intense 20 minute interval cardio session in which I burned about 300 calories. For those of you counting at home, that's about 100 calories every 6.5 minutes. I could do this type of workout (and many do) or a variation of it every day.
And, if I did this, my body would break down in short order. Even when I was at the height of my athletic mojo playing college ball, I still needed a day or two off each week to rest and recover.
You are no different. Don't think that you are being smart, or tough, by working out every day of the week. You can be a "workout warrior" and still be smart about it. Trust me, your body will break down if you don't treat it right. The cumulative effect of various injuries will take its toll on you. And, that could lead to chronic or degenerative injuries.
Chronic injuries can be caused by over-training, muscle imbalances and uncorrected postural deficiencies.
Furthermore, muscle imbalances and postural problems are made worse by over-training. And, since chronic injuries come on gradually, you are more apt to "play through the pain." Leave that attitude to people getting paid to compete. You need to take care of the only body you have.
Degenerative conditions can become non-reversible and many are associated with long-term joint problems. Sometimes, previously unrehabilitated injuries turn into degenerative conditions (such as low back problems, shoulder problems or knee problems). Some arthritic conditions are brought on by the cumulative effect of previous injuries.
Don't underestimate rest and recovery during your exercise program.
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut and start burning fat and building your lean body!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
And, if I did this, my body would break down in short order. Even when I was at the height of my athletic mojo playing college ball, I still needed a day or two off each week to rest and recover.
You are no different. Don't think that you are being smart, or tough, by working out every day of the week. You can be a "workout warrior" and still be smart about it. Trust me, your body will break down if you don't treat it right. The cumulative effect of various injuries will take its toll on you. And, that could lead to chronic or degenerative injuries.
Chronic injuries can be caused by over-training, muscle imbalances and uncorrected postural deficiencies.
Furthermore, muscle imbalances and postural problems are made worse by over-training. And, since chronic injuries come on gradually, you are more apt to "play through the pain." Leave that attitude to people getting paid to compete. You need to take care of the only body you have.
Degenerative conditions can become non-reversible and many are associated with long-term joint problems. Sometimes, previously unrehabilitated injuries turn into degenerative conditions (such as low back problems, shoulder problems or knee problems). Some arthritic conditions are brought on by the cumulative effect of previous injuries.
Don't underestimate rest and recovery during your exercise program.
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut and start burning fat and building your lean body!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, March 21, 2008
Consume Less Dietary Fat To Burn More Body Fat
All dietary fat (saturated, unsaturated, trans) has 9 calories per gram (meaning it is the most dense of the macronutrients). In contrast, carbohydrates and protein have 4 cal/g and alcohol has 7 cal/g.
If you're trying to cut calories and burn body fat, eating more dietary fat won't help you get there. Also, fat "burns in a carbohydrate flame." This means that your body's preferred source of fuel is carbohydrates during intense exercise (interval cardio or circuit weight training).
Research and my personal experience as an exerciser and personal trainer proves that a combination of full-body circuit weight training (including bodyweight training) and high intensity interval cardio training is best for optimal fat-burning, muscle strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory health and bone density benefits. The body can't use fat for fuel during high intensity exercise because there is not enough oxygen available.
Having said this, you need dietary fat in your diet (mainly the healthy fats). Fat is important for your diet because it helps you feel full and keeps skin, hair and nails healthy. You should limit your intake of saturated fats (usually solid at room temperature, such as butter, lard, poultry fat, cream, milk, cheeses, etc.). Eat no trans fats (partially hydrogenated fats found in packaged foods and fast foods).
Trans fats raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Instead, increase your intake of unsaturated fats (they are usually liquid at room temperature, such as olive oil). They also include unsaturated fat from such foods as fish, nuts, seeds and avocados.
Limit your intake of dietary fat to about 20% of daily calories. And, since fat is so calorie dense, it can help you eat less overall calories during the day.
Go blast the body fat in your next workout!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
If you're trying to cut calories and burn body fat, eating more dietary fat won't help you get there. Also, fat "burns in a carbohydrate flame." This means that your body's preferred source of fuel is carbohydrates during intense exercise (interval cardio or circuit weight training).
Research and my personal experience as an exerciser and personal trainer proves that a combination of full-body circuit weight training (including bodyweight training) and high intensity interval cardio training is best for optimal fat-burning, muscle strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory health and bone density benefits. The body can't use fat for fuel during high intensity exercise because there is not enough oxygen available.
Having said this, you need dietary fat in your diet (mainly the healthy fats). Fat is important for your diet because it helps you feel full and keeps skin, hair and nails healthy. You should limit your intake of saturated fats (usually solid at room temperature, such as butter, lard, poultry fat, cream, milk, cheeses, etc.). Eat no trans fats (partially hydrogenated fats found in packaged foods and fast foods).
Trans fats raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Instead, increase your intake of unsaturated fats (they are usually liquid at room temperature, such as olive oil). They also include unsaturated fat from such foods as fish, nuts, seeds and avocados.
Limit your intake of dietary fat to about 20% of daily calories. And, since fat is so calorie dense, it can help you eat less overall calories during the day.
Go blast the body fat in your next workout!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Warning: Exercise And Good Nutrition Will Improve Your Health Numbers!
Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by a group of risk factors in your body. They include:
abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, low HDL (good) cholesterol and high LDL (bad) cholesterol.
If you have Metabolic Syndrome, you are at risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other vascular diseases. Over 50 million people in America have Metabolic Syndrome. One big cause is our sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity (including exercise!).
When's the last time you had a complete medical checkup? Here are some of the medical numbers you should be aware of:
Blood Pressure (source: MedlinePlus):
Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats (pumping the blood). This is called systolic pressure (top number). When your heart is at rest or between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure (bottom number).
--120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure
--140/90 or higher is high blood pressure (hypertension)
An example of prehypertension would be a reading of 130/85.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can control high blood pressure through exercise, healthy eating and medication (if needed). I have seen cases where exercise and healthy eating made medication unnecessary after a period of time.
Cholesterol (source: MedlinePlus):
Research has proven that you can lower your cholesterol levels by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables.
Total cholesterol level
Less than 200 is best.
200 to 239 is borderline high.
240 or more means you're at increased risk for heart disease.
LDL cholesterol levels
Below 100 is ideal for people who have a higher risk of heart disease.
100 to 129 is near optimal.
130 to 159 is borderline high.
160 or more means you're at a higher risk for heart disease.
HDL cholesterol levels
Less than 40 means you're at higher risk for heart disease.
60 or higher greatly reduces your risk of heart disease.
Triglyceride Levels (source: MedlinePlus):
Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
High: 200-499 mg/dL
Very High: 500 mg/dL or above
High triglyceride levels can be attributed to (among other things) a diet low in protein, high in carbohydrates and uncontrolled diabetes. This is why a nutritious, balanced diet is always best. And, low triglyceride levels can be attributed to (among other things) a low fat diet and malnutrition.
You can improve your health with good decisions. Some of these decisions include a medical checkup and a good exercise/nutrition program set up by a professional trainer. Do it today--your good health depends on it!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, low HDL (good) cholesterol and high LDL (bad) cholesterol.
If you have Metabolic Syndrome, you are at risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other vascular diseases. Over 50 million people in America have Metabolic Syndrome. One big cause is our sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity (including exercise!).
When's the last time you had a complete medical checkup? Here are some of the medical numbers you should be aware of:
Blood Pressure (source: MedlinePlus):
Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats (pumping the blood). This is called systolic pressure (top number). When your heart is at rest or between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure (bottom number).
--120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure
--140/90 or higher is high blood pressure (hypertension)
An example of prehypertension would be a reading of 130/85.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can control high blood pressure through exercise, healthy eating and medication (if needed). I have seen cases where exercise and healthy eating made medication unnecessary after a period of time.
Cholesterol (source: MedlinePlus):
Research has proven that you can lower your cholesterol levels by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables.
Total cholesterol level
Less than 200 is best.
200 to 239 is borderline high.
240 or more means you're at increased risk for heart disease.
LDL cholesterol levels
Below 100 is ideal for people who have a higher risk of heart disease.
100 to 129 is near optimal.
130 to 159 is borderline high.
160 or more means you're at a higher risk for heart disease.
HDL cholesterol levels
Less than 40 means you're at higher risk for heart disease.
60 or higher greatly reduces your risk of heart disease.
Triglyceride Levels (source: MedlinePlus):
Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
High: 200-499 mg/dL
Very High: 500 mg/dL or above
High triglyceride levels can be attributed to (among other things) a diet low in protein, high in carbohydrates and uncontrolled diabetes. This is why a nutritious, balanced diet is always best. And, low triglyceride levels can be attributed to (among other things) a low fat diet and malnutrition.
You can improve your health with good decisions. Some of these decisions include a medical checkup and a good exercise/nutrition program set up by a professional trainer. Do it today--your good health depends on it!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, March 14, 2008
Measure Your Success With Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss
What's the best way to measure success with your exercise program? Understand that as you build muscle, your weight may even go up a little at first, but your inches (fat loss) WILL go down (looser fitting clothes are an excellent indication of change).
Your body may be changing but the scale might not show it yet. Take your circumference measurements (neck, chest, arm, waist, hips, etc) and body fat percentage every month or so to track your progress. IF YOUR BODY IS SHRINKING, YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL (Lean and Tone)!
Don't let the publicity of commercial weight loss programs deceive you. FAT LOSS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WEIGHT LOSS. RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THAT EXCESS BODY FAT (ESPECIALLY ABDOMINAL FAT) IS A PRE-CURSOR TO DISEASES SUCH AS CANCER.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Your body may be changing but the scale might not show it yet. Take your circumference measurements (neck, chest, arm, waist, hips, etc) and body fat percentage every month or so to track your progress. IF YOUR BODY IS SHRINKING, YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL (Lean and Tone)!
Don't let the publicity of commercial weight loss programs deceive you. FAT LOSS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WEIGHT LOSS. RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THAT EXCESS BODY FAT (ESPECIALLY ABDOMINAL FAT) IS A PRE-CURSOR TO DISEASES SUCH AS CANCER.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
You Need To Burn Subcutaneous and Visceral Fat
It's true that women and men tend to store body fat in different places. Women’s bodies (because of necessary genetics) have twice the amount lipogenic (fat storing) enzymes and half the amount of lipolytic (fat releasing) enzymes as men’s bodies. This has to be taken into account when exercise programs are designed.
Women tend to store stubborn fat in the buttocks, hips (saddle bags), thighs and the back of the upper arms (grandmother arms). Men tend to store stubborn fat in the abdominal area (pot belly and spare tire) and back area. Excess abdominal fat has been shown to be a pre-curser to diseases such as cancer.
Subcutaneous Fat - Subcutaneous fat is found just underneath the skin and may cause dimpling and cellulite.
Visceral Fat - Visceral fat is located in the abdomen and vital organs (such as the liver). It can also infiltrate your muscles and heart. Even if you are skinny, you can have visceral fat.
A “skinny fat” person is one who is skinny with high body fat. Studies have shown that frequent yo-yo dieting increases visceral fat. Yo-yo dieters also regain the lost weight (and even more) because yo-yo diets slow down your metabolism.
So, what is the best way to burn both types of fat? You guessed right! Exercise!
Research and my personal experience as an exerciser and personal trainer proves that a combination of full-body circuit weight training (including bodyweight training) and high intensity interval cardio training is best for optimal fat-burning, muscle strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory health and bone density benefits.
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut and start burning fat and building muscle mass.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Women tend to store stubborn fat in the buttocks, hips (saddle bags), thighs and the back of the upper arms (grandmother arms). Men tend to store stubborn fat in the abdominal area (pot belly and spare tire) and back area. Excess abdominal fat has been shown to be a pre-curser to diseases such as cancer.
Subcutaneous Fat - Subcutaneous fat is found just underneath the skin and may cause dimpling and cellulite.
Visceral Fat - Visceral fat is located in the abdomen and vital organs (such as the liver). It can also infiltrate your muscles and heart. Even if you are skinny, you can have visceral fat.
A “skinny fat” person is one who is skinny with high body fat. Studies have shown that frequent yo-yo dieting increases visceral fat. Yo-yo dieters also regain the lost weight (and even more) because yo-yo diets slow down your metabolism.
So, what is the best way to burn both types of fat? You guessed right! Exercise!
Research and my personal experience as an exerciser and personal trainer proves that a combination of full-body circuit weight training (including bodyweight training) and high intensity interval cardio training is best for optimal fat-burning, muscle strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory health and bone density benefits.
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut and start burning fat and building muscle mass.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Monday, March 10, 2008
Burn Body Fat Based on Your Body Type
When you talk about toning up your body, you need to know your body type. Because of your genetic makeup, you are predisposed to respond to exercise in a particular way.
Among other things, genetics determines your ratio of testosterone to estrogen, types and distribution of muscle fibers, where body fat is stored and body type.
There are three basic body types. You will fall under one or a combination of these body types.
Mesomorphs - Mesomorphs tend to be muscular with large bones and thick joints. Due to more muscle mass, mesomorphs usually don't have weight problems unless they overeat and undertrain. Weight training may need to be adjusted for this body type.
Endomorphs - Endomorphs are more rounded, voluptuous or sometimes chubby. Their bones and joints are not as large as mesomorphs but larger than ectomorphs. Endomorphs tend to have more body fat and need regular weight and cardio training and good nutrition.
Ectomorphs - Ectomorphs are slim or linear in shape. They often lack muscle tone and sometimes have postural problems of the vertebrae (scoliosis is an example). Therefore, weight training is very important. Ectomorphs often have to eat more just to maintain weight (we all should have that problem)!
Mesomorphs respond to weight training by building muscle mass much faster than ectomorphs, even though they are following identical programs. And endomorphs generally need to lose body fat to see changes in shape as a result of strength training. As you can see, it is critical to have your training program tailored to your individual needs and goals.
You probably know where your body stores the most fat. When you train, don't neglect the other areas of your body. For instance, it is critical to stabilize and strengthen your body's core first. This will aid you when you train other areas of your body.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Among other things, genetics determines your ratio of testosterone to estrogen, types and distribution of muscle fibers, where body fat is stored and body type.
There are three basic body types. You will fall under one or a combination of these body types.
Mesomorphs - Mesomorphs tend to be muscular with large bones and thick joints. Due to more muscle mass, mesomorphs usually don't have weight problems unless they overeat and undertrain. Weight training may need to be adjusted for this body type.
Endomorphs - Endomorphs are more rounded, voluptuous or sometimes chubby. Their bones and joints are not as large as mesomorphs but larger than ectomorphs. Endomorphs tend to have more body fat and need regular weight and cardio training and good nutrition.
Ectomorphs - Ectomorphs are slim or linear in shape. They often lack muscle tone and sometimes have postural problems of the vertebrae (scoliosis is an example). Therefore, weight training is very important. Ectomorphs often have to eat more just to maintain weight (we all should have that problem)!
Mesomorphs respond to weight training by building muscle mass much faster than ectomorphs, even though they are following identical programs. And endomorphs generally need to lose body fat to see changes in shape as a result of strength training. As you can see, it is critical to have your training program tailored to your individual needs and goals.
You probably know where your body stores the most fat. When you train, don't neglect the other areas of your body. For instance, it is critical to stabilize and strengthen your body's core first. This will aid you when you train other areas of your body.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
In Case You're Wondering---No Steroids or HGH Here!
If you don't know my general policy on supplements, here it is. Try to get the nutrition you need from food. Save your money on weight loss/fat loss supplements! Do the hard, smart work it takes to change your body composition.
So what about steroids and human growth hormone (HGH)? You don't need either one unless you're looking for a shortcut! I don't ever recommend steroids or HGH for any client and I didn't use either one as a former athlete or now.
Again, do the hard, smart work that it takes to build a "natural athletic body." It takes longer, but it will be "your natural athletic body." And, your "natural athletic body" will stay with you long after your playing days are over. You'll also be protecting your health.
With all the talk about some athletes using HGH formulas, you should know that your body naturally produces growth hormone. According to research, growth hormone in your adult body works great to produce the exercise results you want.
Growth hormone elevations during exercise have been shown to decrease body fat and increase protein synthesis after exercise. Growth hormone helps promote tissue repair and muscle mass growth from lifting weights.
Invest in yourself and work hard!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
So what about steroids and human growth hormone (HGH)? You don't need either one unless you're looking for a shortcut! I don't ever recommend steroids or HGH for any client and I didn't use either one as a former athlete or now.
Again, do the hard, smart work that it takes to build a "natural athletic body." It takes longer, but it will be "your natural athletic body." And, your "natural athletic body" will stay with you long after your playing days are over. You'll also be protecting your health.
With all the talk about some athletes using HGH formulas, you should know that your body naturally produces growth hormone. According to research, growth hormone in your adult body works great to produce the exercise results you want.
Growth hormone elevations during exercise have been shown to decrease body fat and increase protein synthesis after exercise. Growth hormone helps promote tissue repair and muscle mass growth from lifting weights.
Invest in yourself and work hard!
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Monday, March 3, 2008
Take A Rest Day From Working Out----Active Rest
You don't need to work out 7 days a week. Your body needs a break from working out. You might even need 2 ACTIVE REST days depending on your injury situation. You will come back stronger and fresher after your day(s) of ACTIVE REST.
Don't confuse a day of ACTIVE REST with DOING NOTHING or having A LIGHT WORKOUT DAY. ACTIVE REST days allow you to get your heart rate elevated and blood circulating. Also, an ACTIVE REST day is not a day off from good nutrition! Follow your same nutrition schedule.
So, what are some good ACTIVE REST day activities. First, find something you enjoy. Some examples would be gardening, walking at the park, household chores, cutting the lawn, swimming------basically any activity that is relaxing and will get your heart rate elevated. Just remember, do not workout! You get the chance to work your muscles in a different way, using different (many times more natural) motions.
I have loved working out since I was a kid. A day off will not hurt your progress if you do it right. It will prevent over-training, injuries and mental fatigue. Go ahead and give it a try!
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut and start burning fat and building your lean body!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Don't confuse a day of ACTIVE REST with DOING NOTHING or having A LIGHT WORKOUT DAY. ACTIVE REST days allow you to get your heart rate elevated and blood circulating. Also, an ACTIVE REST day is not a day off from good nutrition! Follow your same nutrition schedule.
So, what are some good ACTIVE REST day activities. First, find something you enjoy. Some examples would be gardening, walking at the park, household chores, cutting the lawn, swimming------basically any activity that is relaxing and will get your heart rate elevated. Just remember, do not workout! You get the chance to work your muscles in a different way, using different (many times more natural) motions.
I have loved working out since I was a kid. A day off will not hurt your progress if you do it right. It will prevent over-training, injuries and mental fatigue. Go ahead and give it a try!
Be sure and download your FREE 14-Day Accelerated Fat Loss Program from My Fitness Hut and start burning fat and building your lean body!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
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