Happy July 4th. As promised here you go!
I feel like it's time for this post. Whether it's in person at the gym, or through email, people often ask me, "what are the things I absolutely have to do to get my body to change quickly". Now 9 times out of 10 I usually try to avoid this question because if I give you the 5 things that absolutely need to be done, most people do 3. And then they wonder why they aren't getting results.
But, I figure I've been asked enough at this point that it's about time to give you the secrets to getting the body you want in as short a period of time as possible.
Ready?
There are literally 5 things that you absolutely have to do to get your body to change quickly. You follow these 5 rules and I can virtually guarantee you will get the body you want in as short a period of time as possible. This isn't based on theory, these are the techniques I use with my clients that get results fast!
1.) Warm-up:
Take the time to do a good 10-15 minute warm-up. And I don't mean going to jump on some piece of cardio equipment. Research shows that's a waste of 10-15 minutes. Instead, do some self massage. It will serve the same purpose of getting your body ready for exercise, and even better, it helps to alleviate the knots and tight muscles that come from sitting or standing all day long. Truth be known, it will also decrease your chances of injury dramatically. Need a little reminder (self-massage warm-up)
Follow this warm-up with some good old fashioned stretching. Yes, the jury is still deliberating as to whether stretching is beneficial, but my experience has been it works wonders to prepare your muscles for the workout ahead. Here's a quick reminder on the stretches (warm-up stretches)
2.) Core:
From what I can tell too many people leave training their midsection to last, when they are tired from their workout. And then if they do actually train their abs/core, it's half-hearted at best, usually only doing some kind of crunches, and thus get little to no benefit. Training your core is as important, if not more important, than any other body part. Here's couple to get you started (core exercise examples)
3.) Resistance:
If I haven't done a good job of it before, let me clarify now, if you want to change your body and get lean, resistance exercise is the absolutely the best way to do this. And to the women out there who think lifting weights will make you bulky, not so. Women typically do not produce enough testosterone to even come close to creating the bulky physique they worry about.
That being said, resistance training doesn't have to be lifting weights. You can use bands, suspension straps, or traditional weights if you prefer.
Circuit Circuit
Squats (with flavor -- see my you tube channel) Squats (with flavor --you tube channel)
Lateral Raises Chest Press (dumbbell)
Split Squats Rear Deltoids
Push ups Lunge (back) to Bicep Curls
Deadlifts Deadlifts
Back (seated row) Triceps
Step up to balance and shoulder press Pull-ups
Bicep Curls (dumbbell) Lunge (back) to Shoulder Press
Tricep Push-downs Breast Stroke (see you tube channel)
Jump Rope --- 70-100 times Jump Rope -- 70-100 times
Circuit_3_Cheat_Sheet.pdf Circuit_3a_Cheat_Sheet.pdf
4.) Cardio:
If you've been following my blogs for any length of time you know I'm big on doing intervals for cardio. Because it gets the job done quickly with minimal damage to the knees, hips, and lower back.
Equally effective and a big favorite of mine is kettle bells. With some proper instruction, this activity is the absolute best for burning calories, strengthening your core, as well as building some solid muscle in the hips and glutes (butt).
Follow this program with a good cool down stretch (the same movements you did to warm-up) and you should be on your way to a transformed body in a few weeks.
5.) Nutrition:
I'll keep this short, as this is becoming a bit long. Whether you call it the Paleo diet, Mediterranean diet or anything else, staying with lean meats, minimal starchy carbs such as breads and pastas, plenty of veggies, and some nuts is the best way to go. Need a little more clarification? Here you go (nutrition made easy).
Get on Track and Stay on Track!