Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Myth Behind Spot Reduction: The Story Behind the Story

When I sit with a potential female client, I ask them what their goals are. The responses majority of the time are always the same, they want to either lose their stomach, get rid of the fat that is surrounding their back, they want to make their butt tighter, or lose the bingo wings as Wendy Williams puts it "How ju doing?". I have to remind them of the phenomena of spot reduction and how it effects the body.

Besides launching millions of sit-ups, leg lifts and torso twists, the desire for a toned and taut physique has sold a long line of exercise devices of dubious worth. Countless inventions, such as vibrating belts and ”gut-busting” contraptions, have claimed to miraculously tighten and tone our trouble spots.

But the miracles we were expecting never materialized, and our ‘’spots” remained ”unreduced.”

What’s wrong with spot reduction?

Where did we go wrong? In our efforts to tone our bodies we neglected the most important factor: fat. Exercises such as crunches or leg lifts improve the tone and endurance of the muscles, but they don’t burn fat. When we do exercises that elevate the heart rate, such as bicycling, walking or aerobic dance, the body will draw upon its fat stores for energy.

Alternative solutions

Eating a low-fat diet and following an exercise program that combines aerobic activity and strength training is the key to changing the shape of your body. The best return on investment out there with regards to research is high intensity interval training. This type of training not only burns the stubborn fat areas but also continues to burn and pull from your fat stores a whopping 38 hours after you have finished your regiment.

High intensity interval training is great because it has caloric burning properties of aerobic training and combines it with strength training which will increase the amount of muscle, which burns even more calories. But many people shun the idea of intensive exercise, scared off by the idea of five-mile runs, barbells or aerobic classes.


The goal with this type of training is to put more lean muscle on you and reduce the fat. I know some of you that are reading this article especially the women is saying that I don't want to be all bulky and muscularly (if that even is a word).

However, you don't have to worry about that because you have to be on a very restrictive diet to be able to bulk up in a manner that will put that much muscle on you. The goal is to try to add lean muscle on you and research shows that if you put 1 pound of fat on your frame it will burn approximately 50 calories at rest. So if you put on 10 pounds of muscle then by the end of the week you would have lost a pound of fat. Yes you do the math

10 lbs of muscle x 50 calories= 500 calories burned in a day

500 calories/ day x 7 days= 3500 calories which equates to 1 lb of fat


Many experts recommend doing at least three sessions of 20 minutes of aerobic activity per week. Ideally, for long-term weight control, you should engage in at least four sessions per week, for 30-45 minutes each time.

A few things to keep in mind when starting any new activity:

1. Don’t start out too hard or too fast or you may injure yourself or quit before enjoying any benefit.

2. Always concentrate on enjoying yourself, rather than on what a particular exercise might do for you.

3. Keep your exercise comfortable and only increase intensity after your body becomes accustomed to new activity levels.

And always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, especially if you’re over 40, or have cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.

A final word about toning exercises



So to recap, the only way you are going to get that wash board stomach and Beyonce butt is to perform some type of high intensity interval training at least 3 times per week. You want to put lean muscle on your frame so that you are able to burn more calories while you are resting away from the gym or bootcamp that you participate in. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to looking and feeling better. NOW WHERE ARE ALL MY SINGLE LADIES? TO THE LEFT TO THE LEFT.....


Personal Trainer in Charlotte, NC

Monday, February 22, 2010

Xtreme Makeover Bootcamp Xercises for Week of Feb. 22-27

Hello and welcome to another episode of Xtreme Makeover Bootcamp In home series. Today we will have a workout that is ABsolutely awesome for those individuals that are looking to transform their mid-section into a washboard.

You will alternate between 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest for each Station followed by a 1-minute rest and transition. Perform this 5-minute sequence up to four times for 20 total minutes.

1. Front plank
2. Side plank-right
3. Side plank-left
4. Russian twist
5. Push up to front plank
6. Push up to side plank-right
7. Push up to side plank-left
8. Russian twist


NO XCUSES JUST XTREME XERCISE FOR XTREME RESULTS!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Simple Mathematics: The Myth, The Lie, the Mirage

Question? Should parents expect their newborn to be able to fully cloth, feed, and care for themselves after three months of parental care? Should a teacher expect a kindergarten student to be able to master kindergarten concepts after being in class for three weeks? Should the same school system expect the same kindergarten student to comprehend concepts that are taught to 1st graders? What about comprehend concepts of higher learner? Should an athlete learning to play a new sport expect drastic results after being introduced to the skill within two to three practices? What if a beginner investor starts a portfolio, should they expect to yield big returns after three or four months? And if so, would not outside traders start to wonder about it said investor and start inquiring what he/she was doing to gain big returns within a short time frame? Should anyone expect to see results or major gains without set backs to any of the above concepts?

Question? Why do individuals get those concepts and understand that they take investing time and patience; however, when it comes to fitness and weight loss everyone wants a quick fix and fast results? If a person gains 40 pounds in 4 years, why do they expect to lose the same 40 pounds in 4 weeks? Weight loss can be a difficult concept, more so than the above concepts that were mention. It takes time and effort on the part of the individual in order for the weight to drop and for them to return to that high school image. Especially if they haven't been that size since Michael Jackson debuted his Off the Wall album. There are many issues that come into play when one is trying to loss weight.

In order for weight loss to occur, you need to burn more calories through physical activity than you are taking in. I like to compare it to the our bank accounts. What I mean by that is you spend more than you take in! A good starting point would be to determine what your resting metabolic rate (RMR) is. Your RMR is an indication of the number of kilocalories your body needs when you are resting. This is a simple test that will help you to determine what your individual needs are, so that physical activity and calorie levels can be adjusted accordingly. Remember, metabolism slows when we age, so your calorie needs are probably not as high as they once were. Remember how you could eat whatever you wanted and not gain a pound, but it seems like if you walk past the bakery you gain weight automatically. Check with your health care provider to find a location close if you are interested in having this test done.

Another area to examine is emotional eating. Many people respond to stress or depression by eating excessively. Sources of stress may not always be apparent, but may still affect eating habits and cause weight gain.

Likewise, blood sugar imbalance can cause a person to have difficulty losing or maintaining weight loss. Eating simple, refined carbohydrates can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. For example, eating chocolate increases the amount of sugar in the blood. The hormone insulin is released which causes sugar to be stored away and blood sugar levels to be lowered, which trigger cravings for more sweets in order to stabilize blood sugar.

While losing weight is difficult for many people, it is even more challenging to keep weight off. 80 to 85 percent of those who lose a large amount of weight regain it. One theory about regaining lost weight is that people who decrease their caloric intake to lose weight experience a drop in their metabolic rate, making it increasingly difficult to lose weight over a period of months. A lower metabolic rate may also make it easier to regain weight after a more normal diet is resumed. For these reasons, extremely low calorie diets and rapid weight loss are discouraged.

Losing no more than one to two pounds per week is recommended. Incorporating long-term lifestyle changes will increase the chance of successful long-term weight loss. Weight loss to a healthy weight for a person’s height can promote health benefits such as lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, less stress on bones and joints, and less work for the heart. Thus, it is vital to maintain weight loss to obtain health benefits over a lifetime. Keeping extra weight off requires effort and commitment, just as losing weight does. Weight loss goals are reached by changes in diet, eating habits, exercise, and, in extreme circumstances, surgery.

Finally, the strategies that encourage weight loss also play an important role in maintenance:
• Support systems used effectively during weight loss can contribute to weight maintenance.

• Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining weight loss. Studies show that even exercise that is not rigorous, such as walking and using stairs, has a positive effect. Activity that uses 1,500 to 2,000 calories per week is recommended for maintaining weight loss.

• Diet and exercise are vital strategies for losing and maintaining weight.

• Once the desired weight has been reached, the gradual addition of about 200 calories of healthy, low-fat food to daily intake may be attempted for one week to see if weight loss continues. If weight loss does continue, additional calories of healthy foods may be added to the daily diet until the right balance of calories to maintain the desired weight has been determined. It may take some time and record keeping determining how adjusting food intake and exercise levels affect weight.

Continuing to use behavioral strategies can help maintain weight. Be aware of eating as a response to stress and use exercise, activity, or meditation to cope instead of eating.

A return to old habits does not mean failure. Paying renewed attention to dietary choices and exercise can help sustain behaviors that maintain weight loss. Identifying situations such as negative moods and interpersonal difficulties and incorporating alternative methods of coping with such situations rather than eating can prevent relapses to old habits.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Xtreme Makeover Xtremer of the Week



Let's congrat Barbara Usery for becoming our newest member of the Xtreme Makeover Bootcamper of the Week Hall of Fame. She has also had some great accomplishments since starting the program.

In 14 days she reduced her body fat by 1% and her BMI by 1 point. Also she has lost 7 pounds during that time. Keep up the good work.


No Xcuses, Just Xtreme Xercise for Xtreme Results

I Love Me Some Me

Since this is the month that is designated as the month of love with Valentine's Day fast approaching us, I thought that it would be appropriate to write a quick blog post about love. Not really concentrating on loving someone else, but loving yourself because if you love yourself then you won't be disappointed if someone else doesn't give you the love that you are sometimes so rightly deserve and are seeking out. Likewise, think about it, who can really love you the best or correctly accept you?? As the NFL wide receiver put it best in an interview, "I love me some me!". You may think that it's vain and down right selfish, but guess what, I don't and besides we need to start investing in ourselves first because we deserve it, and the majority of the people that are reading this article probably are wearing not only multiple hats but many capes and underoos and tights as well dashing in and out of practices, making meals, cleaning up, doing homework and going to multiple recitals(and don't think this only applies to women-men! So kick back and read this small post besides it's Valentine's so if you get in trouble just double up on the candy and flowers LOL!

So here are some few things that you can start doing to start giving yourself the attention and love that you so rightly deserve.


1. Find something you like about yourself. Look in the mirror and pick a body part (shoulders, hands, skin, eyes, etc.) that you admire and accentuate it.
2. Practice positive visualization. Every morning after you turn off the alarm, make it a habit to imagine yourself at your very best: healthy and happy. Visualize as much detail as possible.
3. Splurge on an item of clothing that makes you feel fantastic, whether it's gorgeous (men a great suit or women some sexy lingerie or a pair of killer high heels).
4. Surround yourself with a circle of friends who not only adore you but who also love themselves. Fat talk and body bashing- "hate my (insert body part)" are contagious. No negative self talk allowed.
5. Write down something nice a friend or family member/ someone close to you have said about you and stick it on your mirror so you see it very day.



Personal Trainer in Charlotte, NC

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Episode 6: Xtreme Makeover Bootcamp In home Series- Week of Feb. 7-13

This week we will be using dumbbells for the first time. We will also be using our chair that we have been using for last couple of weeks. Make sure that the dumbbells you use are not too heavy so that you can perform the exercise prescribed. If you don't have dumbbells you can use soup cans as your weight that you will be holding for resistance.

You will alternate between 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest for each Station followed by a 1-minute rest and transition. Perform this 5-minute sequence up to four times for 20 total minutes.

And yes, I am drenched in sweat did this immediately following one of my bootcamp classes. Can't stop, won't stop. Success never sleeps!

1. Drop squats
2. Shoulder press
3. Front plank on elbows
4. Single leg split squat elevated-left
5. Single leg split squat elevated-right
6. Side plank to push up-right
7. Side plank to push up-left
8. Ice Skater jumps



NO XCUSES, JUST XTREME XERCISE FOR XTREME RESULTS

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Power of Momentum

As an exercise/sport psychologist consultant that also works as a strength coach/personal trainer, I have come to realize that everything in life is depended upon momentum. The purpose of this article is to identify what is momentum; identify when momentum has shifted from positive to negative; and what one must do to get back on track and towards positive momentum.

What is Momentum and how does momentum apply to exercise and sport?

Psychological Momentum refers to the perception that a player is moving toward their objective, thereby resulting in greater levels of energy, perception of control, enthusiasm, and motivation (Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology). Another model within the sports psychology literature defines psychological momentum as a “positive or negative change in cognition, affect, physiology, and behavior caused by an event or series of events that will result in a shift in performance outcome.”

Most of us have experienced it in one way, shape, or form, that intangible feeling that makes us seem unstoppable in the moment rather in sport or when exercising; as if fate was on our side. In this highly aroused state we feel an almost supreme confidence in our ability to perform. During this psychological shift we feel in total control and enjoy every second. But how to obtain momentum and take advantage of its awesome power,… that is what individuals are seeking to obtain. Since momentum is a shift in our perception of a given situation, it follows that we do have some control over the experience.

The reason momentum is so powerful is because of the heightened sense of confidence it gives us — the most important aspect of peak performance. There is a term in sport psychology known as self-efficacy, which is simply a player’s belief in his/her ability to perform a specific task. Typically, a person’s success depends on this efficacy. During a momentum shift, self-efficacy is very high and people have immediate proof their ability matches the challenge. As stated earlier, they then experience subsequent increases in energy and motivation, and gain a feeling of control. In addition, during a positive momentum shift, a person’s self-image also changes. He/she feels invincible and this takes the “performer self” to a higher level.

What happens when one feels that they have falling into a slump (negative momentum)?

Self talk is key when one is dealing with momentum shifts and feels as if they have fallen into a slump of some sort. Sports psychology terms self talk as dialogue one has with one self. Patterns of negative or positive self-talk often start in childhood. Usually, the self-talk habit is one that’s colored our thinking for years, and can affect us in many ways, influencing the experience of stress to our lives. However, any time can be a good time to change it!

Notice Your Patterns:
The first step toward change is to become more aware of the problem. You probably don’t realize how often you say negative things in your head, or how much it affects your experience. The following strategies can help you become more conscious of your internal dialogue and its content.

Journal Writing:
Whether you carry a journal around with you and jot down negative comments when you think them, write a general summary of your thoughts at the end of the day, or just start writing about your feelings on a certain topic and later go back to analyze it for content, journaling can be an effective tool for examining your inner process.

Thought-Stopping:
As you notice yourself saying something negative in your mind, you can stop your thought mid-stream by saying to yourself “Stop”. Saying this aloud will be more powerful, and having to say it aloud will make you more aware of how many times you are stopping negative thoughts, and where.

Rubber-Band Snap:
Another therapeutic trick is to walk around with a rubber band around your wrist; as you notice negative self-talk, pull the band away from your skin and let it snap back. It’ll hurt a little, and serve as a slightly negative consequence that will both make you more aware of your thoughts, and help to stop them! (Or, if you don’t want to subject yourself to walking around with a rubber band on your wrist, you’ll be even more careful to limit the negative thoughts!)

Replace Negative Statements:

A good way to stop a bad habit is to replace it with something better. Once you’re aware of your internal dialogue, here are some ways to change it:

Milder Wording:
Have you ever been to a hospital and noticed how the nurses talk about ‘discomfort’ instead of ‘pain’? This is generally done because ‘pain’ is a much more powerful word, and discussing your ‘pain’ level can actually make your experience of it more intense than if you’re discussing your ‘discomfort’ level. You can try this strategy in your daily life. In your self-talk, turning more powerful negative words to more neutral ones can actually help neutralize your experience. Instead of using words like ‘hate’ and ‘angry’ (as in, “I hate traffic! It makes me so angry!”), you can use words like ‘don’t like’ and ‘annoyed’ (“I don’t like traffic; it makes me annoyed,” sounds much milder, doesn’t it?)

Change Negative to Neutral or Positive:
As you find yourself mentally complaining about something, rethink your assumptions. Are you assuming something is a negative event when it isn’t, necessarily? (For example, having your plans canceled at the last minute can be seen as a negative, but what you do with your newly-freed schedule can be what you make of it.) The next time you find yourself stressing about something or deciding you’re not up to a challenge, stop and rethink, and see if you can come up with a neutral or positive replacement.

Change Self-Limiting Statements to Questions: Self-limiting statements like “I can’t handle this!” or “This is impossible!” are particularly damaging because they increase your stress in a given situation, and they stop you from searching for solutions. The next time you find yourself thinking something that limits the possibilities of a given situation, turn it into a question. Doesn’t “How can I handle this?” or “How is this possible?” sound more hopeful and open up your imagination to new possibilities?

How does one get back on track?

It is one thing to be able to identify when one has shifted from positive momentum to negative momentum. The next step is to try to get back on track when the shift has turn towards a negative experience. Again as mentioned earlier in the article success breeds success. If a person has a plan of action to respond to the obstacles that awaits them then they will be equipped to deal with life’s difficulties that may arise such as sickness, lack of time, travel, and holidays. Life is never perfect, but full of limitations and constraints within which we must maneuver. Life is like a canoe trip down a river. We cannot change the river, but we can navigate its course with greater or lesser skill.

In addition, a person should protect themselves from being negative by doing the following:

1. Commit yourself to stop dwelling on the negatives. Shift your focus from negative thoughts to more positive.
2. Commit to stop revisiting things that went wrong in the past, whether performance or relationship. Shift focus to what went right.
3.If you find yourself shifting back to the negative thoughts, experiences, or performance again and again, tell yourself to stop! Then change the channels to something more uplifting.
4. If you look for the negatives in positives experiences, performances, or thoughts; start looking for positives in negatives.
5. If a negative thought or image pops into your mind, let it go, release it, erase it, and let it float away. Don’t let it consume you.
6. If you can’t let the negative thought go, then shift your focus to something positive-positive memory or uplifting experience that reflects a more positive reality (i.e. concentrating on a skill that you are really good at performing or have mastered in the past)
7. If the negative thought returns, shift back to a positive memory, a positive vision of the future, or a positive action in the present. Keep going back to positives every time that negative thought creeps into your mind.


Exercising and peak performance in sport is a difficult behavior to maintain because it takes a great deal of time and energy. The goal for anyone is to produce and maintain positive momentum.
Sports/ Exercise Psychologist Consultant in Charlotte, NC

Monday, February 1, 2010

Episode 5: Xtreme Makeover Bootcamp In home workout: Week of Feb. 1-6

This week we will be using dumbbells for the first time. We will also be using our chair that we have been using for last couple of weeks. Make sure that the dumbbells you use are not too heavy so that you can perform the exercise prescribed. If you don't have dumbbells you can use soup cans as your weight that you will be holding for resistance.

You will alternate between 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest for each Station followed by a 1-minute rest and transition. Perform this 5-minute sequence up to four times for 20 total minutes.

1. Front Squat
2. Vertical Push ups
3. Singe Leg Strait leg Bridge (left)
4. Single leg Strait Leg Bridge (Right)
5. Bicep curls
6. Flutter kicks
7. Side to side hops (double leg)
8. Front Squat



NO XCUSES, JUST XTREME XERCISE FOR XTREME RESULTS!