Water for Weight Loss – Vancouver Personal Trainer Tip

Friday, 20 August 2010, 23:05 | Category : Nutrition, diet, health
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water2You heard right! Drinking water will help with your weight loss. If you are eating right and exercising with your trainer on a regular basis then try drinking more water. Many people don’t drink enough water daily which means their bodies aren’t functioning at optimal capacity. Therefore, their metabolism is not burning as many calories as it could. Some studies have also shown that thirst and hunger sensations are triggered together which means if you are slightly dehydrated, you may very well feel hungry also. When you are feeling hungry, try drinking some water 15 minutes before eating and see what happens to your appetite.

So how much water should we drink daily? I’m sure everyone has heard the “8 glasses a day” saying but water is also obtained from the foods that we eat. A better way to monitor how much water our body needs is through our urine! It should stay clear with a slight yellow tinge. The darker in yellow it is, the more dehydrated you are. Other benefits of water are:

-Regulating appetite

-Boosting energy levels

-Alleviating some headaches

-Help to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol

-Decreased chance of developing kidney stones

Vancouver Personal Trainer Christian KubasKalev Training in Gastown
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

Injury Prevention Guidelines

Wednesday, 28 July 2010, 21:29 | Category : Fitness, Nutrition, health, injury
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personal-injury-21) Proper Nutrition

-Studies have shown that injury, pain, and degenerative diseases increase with decreased pH levels (more acidic). That being said, choose foods that will keep your body more alkaline rather than acidic. For a list of alkaline/acid foods, check out http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/acidalkfoods.html

-Stay hydrated!!

-Increase omega 3 fats because they reduce inflammation.

-Avoid over using non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) because they can inhibit repairing tissues in your body.

2) Use proper technique

-Have your trainer pay close attention to your technique and try to reproduce that action when you are working out on your own.

-Warm-up so that your muscles are ready to work.

-Cool down to avoid blood pooling and light headedness.

3) Listen to your body

-Avoid overtraining.

-Respect your abilities and orthopedic status. Progress into more difficult exercises; don’t try too much too soon.

Vancouver Personal Trainer Christian Kubas- Kalev Training in Yaletown
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

Pre and Post Exercise Nutrition

Tuesday, 27 July 2010, 20:21 | Category : Nutrition, diet, health
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exercise nutritionDiet  plays a huge part when you are trying to meet your health and fitness related goals. You need proper nutrition to fuel up for your workouts and also to be able to recover fast enough for your next one. The idea is to eat at the right times and eat good food that will keep you full of energy.

Pre Exercise Nutrition

Hydration:

-Drink 400-600mL of water 2 hours prior
-Drink 200-300mL of water 10-20 min prior

Food:

-High carbohydrate/low fat meal 3 hours prior
-Light carbohydrate snacks before exercise are fine as long as it is in small quantities
-If you are eating small but frequent meals (5-6 /day) then you don’t have to worry as much since you are maintaining blood sugar levels optimally-Avoid high fibre foods (broccoli, cauliflower) before exercise because it may upset your stomach.

Post Exercise Nutrition

Hydration:

-During exercise drink 150-350mL every 15-20 min
-For each pound of weight lost from sweating, drink 475-700mL

Food:

-Following endurance exercise, consume 1.5g/kg of body mass of carbohydrates within 30 min post exercise to replenish glycogen stores
-Delaying carbohydrate intake by 2 hours can decrease total muscle glycogen synthesis by 66%. This will be detrimental to your endurance performance!
-Additional meals of 1.5g/kg of body mass of carbohydrates should then be consumed every 2 hours.
-Following strength exercise, consume a carbohydrate-protein combination meal or drink
-Optimal combinations should be assessed on an individual basis but studies show a ratio of Carbohydrate:Protein can be anywhere from 3:1 to 0.7:1.

Vancouver Personal Trainer Christian KubasKalev Training in Yaletown
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

Another Whole Food to Add to Your Diet?

Looking for Another Whole Food to add to your diet? Salba is one of my favorite power foods I’ve added to my diet. Salba is a delicious, seed like food that you can add to just about anything to help make your diet even better. It’s one of “Nature’s Most Powerful Whole Foods” and has a ton of benefits!

“Salba® is the richest whole food source of Omega 3 fatty acids and fibre found in nature. Gram for gram, Salba® provides six times more calcium than whole milk, three times more iron than spinach, and fifteen times more magnesium than broccoli. Salba® is all-natural, has no trans-fats, is gluten free, has almost no carbohydrates, and is certified Non-GMO.”

For more information: http://www.sourcesalba.com/

Jessica Slonski, Vancouver Pilates Instructor - Kalev Personal Training
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 604-518-4691 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

7 Easy Stretches to Do at Work

Friday, 23 July 2010, 23:22 | Category : Fitness, Flexability, Intro, Posture, health, injury
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7 Eaup_back_scap_neck_001.jpgsy Stretches to Do at Work

Tightness in the shoulder, neck, and back often leads to fatigue, injury, soreness, and lack of mobility. It’s a casualty of the modern desk job. Good flexibility allows a muscle to lengthen and the joints to operate through a full range of motion. When muscles are elastic, your posture improves and you breathe deeper. Using more lung capacity sends more oxygen-rich blood to your brain to keep you alert and productive.

Employ the 20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, stand for 20 seconds and stretch or shake things out. 20 seconds away from your computer reduces fatigue and increases blood circulation.

Every 2 hours, try to the following series of postural correction moves and rejuvenating stretches that will make tight muscles feel great and improve your oxygen efficiency.

1. Chest Elevation

Sit in a chair with your arms at your sides and your feet flat on the floor. Gently raise your chest toward the ceiling, but don’t look up. Keep your chin level with the floor. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then relax, and repeat 5 to 10 times.

2. Scapular Retraction

Get into the position for the chest elevation stretch while sitting, but this time place your hands on your hips. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, feeling the stretch in your chest. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax, and repeat the sequence 5 to 10 times.

Read more and get the other 5 stretches go to: http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/work_stretches/Work_Stretches_Scapular_Retraction.php#slidetop#ixzz0uY8w3iDt

Vancouver Pilates Instructor Jessica Slonski - Kalev Personal Training
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

CARDIO VS. STRENGTH-TRAINING WORKOUTS

Thursday, 22 July 2010, 23:10 | Category : Cardio, Fitness, Intro, Nutrition, Weight Training, diet, health
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CARDIO VS. STRENGTH-TRAINING WORKOUTS

0709-a-wh-fitness-1847In one corner: Dumbbells. In the other: A jump rope – dicing the research to determine whether strength or cardio rules.

To KO fat — and keep it off…

Cardio’s edge Calorie for calorie, cardio has a slight advantage. You’ll burn 8 to 10 calories a minute hoisting weights, compared with 10 to 12 calories a minute running or cycling.

Strength’s edge Lifting weights gives you a metabolic spike for an hour after a workout because your body is trying hard to help your muscles recover. That means you’ll fry an additional 25 percent of the calories you just scorched during your strength session. So if you burned 200 calories lifting weights, it’s really closer to 250 overall.”And if you lift heavier weights or rest no more than 30 seconds between sets, you can annihilate even more.

To read more go to: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/cardio-vs-strength-training-workouts

Vancouver Pilates Instructor Jessica Slonski - Kalev Personal Training
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

CARDIO VS. STRENGTH-TRAINING WORKOUTS

A WH Fitness Face Off

In one corner: Dumbbells. In the other: A jump rope. The ref: WH, slicing and dicing the research to determine whether strength or cardio rules.

Liz Plosser

Passat or Prius?

Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods? And when it comes to getting the body you want: strength training or cardio? Back when you carpooled in Ma’s minivan, men went to the weight room and women hit Jazzercise. But recently, taking a cue from athletes, many fitness gurus insist that strength training is where it’s at. Some even suggest ditching cardio altogether.

To resolve the strength vs. cardio conundrum, we culled research and chatted up experts to find out how each would fare in a head-to-head matchup (don’t worry, nobody’s going to bite anyone’s ear off). Whether you want to get buff, torch calories, or run your fastest mile ever, we’ve decoded which discipline you should devote your sweat to — and created a workout that’s perfectly proportioned to give you all the benefits. Now, let’s get ready to rumble…

To KO fat — and keep it off…

Cardio’s edge Calorie for calorie, cardio has a slight advantage. You’ll burn 8 to 10 calories a minute hoisting weights, compared with 10 to 12 calories a minute running or cycling, says Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., director of research at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Strength’s edge Lifting weights gives you a metabolic spike for an hour after a workout because your body is trying hard to help your muscles recover. That means you’ll fry an additional 25 percent of the calories you just scorched during your strength session, Westcott says. “So if you burned 200 calories lifting weights, it’s really closer to 250 overall.” And if you lift heavier weights or rest no more than 30 seconds between sets, you can annihilate even more.

And there’s more good news when it comes to iron’s fat-socking power. “For every 3 pounds of muscle you build, you’ll burn an extra 120 calories a day — just vegging — because muscle takes more energy to sustain,” Westcott says. Over the course of a year, that’s about 10 pounds of fat — without even changing your diet. Yes, please.

Winner: Strength

To squash stress…

Cardio’s edge The head-clearing effects of, say, swimming or playing tennis show up faster than it takes to get a brow wax. Just 15 minutes of aerobic activity two to three times a week can reduce anxiety significantly, according to a 2005 study in the European Journal of Sports Science. Go at it 3 to 5 days a week and you can cut fatigue by nearly 50 percent. “Cardio elevates serotonin levels in the brain, a key neurotransmitter involved in improving symptoms of depression,” says Madhukar Trivedi, M.D., director of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Mood Disorders Research Program and Clinic.

Strength’s edge A big question mark. Scientists note promising results on the mood-altering effects of pumping iron. But more research is needed to nail the intensity and duration necessary to match cardio’s benefits. So, for now

Winner: Cardio

To love standing naked in front of the mirror…

Cardio’s edge Sports psychologists have been studying the effect of aerobic activity on self-confidence for decades. And they keep coming to the same conclusion: Runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other athletes have high confidence levels because of the sense of accomplishment they feel each time they cross the finish line — even when they bring up the rear.

Strength’s edge Think you look hot immediately after a workout? It’s not your imagination. Blood has rushed to your muscles, making them swell and appear more toned. Beyond vanity, you feel confident because you just pressed some major poundage. In 2006, researchers at McMaster University in Ontario tested subjects’ body image — how they felt about others checking them out, and how satisfied they were with their own appearance before and after 12 weeks of strength training. The women made significant improvements, and they were particularly influenced by the physical results of increasing the amount lifted. So try this: Keep a log of how many sets and reps you complete and how much weight you’re hoisting for each move. Every 4 weeks, go back and review your first workout. Feel the rush of pride, then strut your stuff.

Winner: Strength

To stay off the sideline

Cardio’s edge [radio silence] The repetitive nature of cardio puts serious pressure on your joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons — and the cartilage in between. If you’ve got a weak link, you’re screaming to be benched. That is, unless you hit the weight room.

Strength’s edge In a 2006 study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that a balance-training program — think single-leg squats and anything on a wobble board — reduced the risk of ankle sprains in athletes. “Functional strength training teaches your brain to allow muscle contractions that are quick enough to prevent or minimize injuries,” says lead study author Tim McGuine, Ph.D., senior athletic trainer and research coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Your best bet: Choose moves that work your core, improve your balance, and force you to bend at multiple joints — so lunges, rows, squats, and presses are all fair game.

Winner: StrengCARDIO VS. STRENGTH-TRAINING WORKOUTS

A WH Fitness Face Off

In one corner: Dumbbells. In the other: A jump rope. The ref: WH, slicing and dicing the research to determine whether strength or cardio rules.

Liz Plosser

Passat or Prius?

Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods? And when it comes to getting the body you want: strength training or cardio? Back when you carpooled in Ma’s minivan, men went to the weight room and women hit Jazzercise. But recently, taking a cue from athletes, many fitness gurus insist that strength training is where it’s at. Some even suggest ditching cardio altogether.

To resolve the strength vs. cardio conundrum, we culled research and chatted up experts to find out how each would fare in a head-to-head matchup (don’t worry, nobody’s going to bite anyone’s ear off). Whether you want to get buff, torch calories, or run your fastest mile ever, we’ve decoded which discipline you should devote your sweat to — and created a workout that’s perfectly proportioned to give you all the benefits. Now, let’s get ready to rumble…

To KO fat — and keep it off…

Cardio’s edge Calorie for calorie, cardio has a slight advantage. You’ll burn 8 to 10 calories a minute hoisting weights, compared with 10 to 12 calories a minute running or cycling, says Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., director of research at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Strength’s edge Lifting weights gives you a metabolic spike for an hour after a workout because your body is trying hard to help your muscles recover. That means you’ll fry an additional 25 percent of the calories you just scorched during your strength session, Westcott says. “So if you burned 200 calories lifting weights, it’s really closer to 250 overall.” And if you lift heavier weights or rest no more than 30 seconds between sets, you can annihilate even more.

And there’s more good news when it comes to iron’s fat-socking power. “For every 3 pounds of muscle you build, you’ll burn an extra 120 calories a day — just vegging — because muscle takes more energy to sustain,” Westcott says. Over the course of a year, that’s about 10 pounds of fat — without even changing your diet. Yes, please.

Winner: Strength

To squash stress…

Cardio’s edge The head-clearing effects of, say, swimming or playing tennis show up faster than it takes to get a brow wax. Just 15 minutes of aerobic activity two to three times a week can reduce anxiety significantly, according to a 2005 study in the European Journal of Sports Science. Go at it 3 to 5 days a week and you can cut fatigue by nearly 50 percent. “Cardio elevates serotonin levels in the brain, a key neurotransmitter involved in improving symptoms of depression,” says Madhukar Trivedi, M.D., director of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Mood Disorders Research Program and Clinic.

Strength’s edge A big question mark. Scientists note promising results on the mood-altering effects of pumping iron. But more research is needed to nail the intensity and duration necessary to match cardio’s benefits. So, for now

Winner: Cardio

To love standing naked in front of the mirror…

Cardio’s edge Sports psychologists have been studying the effect of aerobic activity on self-confidence for decades. And they keep coming to the same conclusion: Runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other athletes have high confidence levels because of the sense of accomplishment they feel each time they cross the finish line — even when they bring up the rear.

Strength’s edge Think you look hot immediately after a workout? It’s not your imagination. Blood has rushed to your muscles, making them swell and appear more toned. Beyond vanity, you feel confident because you just pressed some major poundage. In 2006, researchers at McMaster University in Ontario tested subjects’ body image — how they felt about others checking them out, and how satisfied they were with their own appearance before and after 12 weeks of strength training. The women made significant improvements, and they were particularly influenced by the physical results of increasing the amount lifted. So try this: Keep a log of how many sets and reps you complete and how much weight you’re hoisting for each move. Every 4 weeks, go back and review your first workout. Feel the rush of pride, then strut your stuff.

Winner: Strength

To stay off the sideline

Cardio’s edge [radio silence] The repetitive nature of cardio puts serious pressure on your joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons — and the cartilage in between. If you’ve got a weak link, you’re screaming to be benched. That is, unless you hit the weight room.

Strength’s edge In a 2006 study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that a balance-training program — think single-leg squats and anything on a wobble board — reduced the risk of ankle sprains in athletes. “Functional strength training teaches your brain to allow muscle contractions that are quick enough to prevent or minimize injuries,” says lead study author Tim McGuine, Ph.D., senior athletic trainer and research coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Your best bet: Choose moves that work your core, improve your balance, and force you to bend at multiple joints — so lunges, rows, squats, and presses are all fair game.

Winner: Strength

th

Preventing Muscle Soreness

6a010536e3fd46970c01116838acfc970c-800wiDon’t be afraid to push yourself hard during a workout because of that dreaded muscle soreness that follows. This pain and stiffness that everyone feels 24 – 72 hours after a heavy workout is referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS. Although it is a good indication that your muscles worked hard, most people would rather let their trainer tell them and not their muscles. How can DOMS be reduced? First off, consistency is key. Muscle adapts quite fast and after every workout, you will feel less sore. This is called the repeated-bout effect. Stretching after a workout also helps your muscles relax, so don’t skip it! Lastly, active recovery is very important. It might seem counter-intuitive to work-out more to feel less sore after a tough work out but try it out! Cooling down after a session at a low intensity will promote recovery by reducing muscle lactate levels faster than just resting. It is also a good idea to do a low intensity workout the days after as well. Studies have shown it increases blood circulation which in turn helps remove lactic acid from the muscle and has positive effects on psychological recovery by promoting relaxation. To sum up reducing muscle soreness:

1) Stay consistent

2) Stretch after

3) Active recovery (low intensity exercise)

Vancouver Personal Trainer Christian KubasKalev Training in Yaletown
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

Hemp Hearts Health and Nutrition Benefits

Hemp Hearts Health and Nutrition Benefits

Hemp Hearts (shelled hemp seed) is the only natural food that is concentrated with all of the required proteins and essential fats. It contains many vitamins and enzymes, and only small insignificant quantities of saturated fats and carbohydrates.  Because hemp seed and hemp hearts is one of the best foods on the planet, everyone who consumes significant quantities of hemp hearts each morning will experience at least some of the many benefits hemp hearts offer.

Those who eat at least four heaping tablespoons of Hemp Hearts each morning (usually raw, on rolled oats or fruit) notice that they have sufficient energy to remain active all day, easily maintain positive attitudes, and are much less affected by stress.  They have abundant energy, and find it easy to avoid sweets and snack foods.

To read more about Hemp Hearts go to: http://www.nahanniriverherbs.com/252,282

Vancouver Pilates Instructor Jessica Slonski - Kalev Personal Training
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

Tight Hamstrings? – Try PNF Stretching

Monday, 12 July 2010, 21:37 | Category : Fitness, Flexability, Weight Training, health, injury, sports
Tags : , , ,

pnf-stretch_2Is regular static stretching not cutting it with you? Then ask your trainer to perform PNF stretching with you. PNF stands for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and it is a combination of passive stretching and muscle contractions to induce muscle relaxation. There are several different methods and techniques for PNF stretching and you should leave it up to your trainer to decide which is best for you. It takes more time than traditional stretching however, quick gains in range of motion can be achieved in a shorter duration. Your hamstrings will be nice and limber in no time!

For more information on PNF stretching, check out:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/pnfstretching.html

http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/pnf-stretching.php

Vancouver Personal Trainer Christian KubasKalev Training in Yaletown
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com

Most Important Foods to Buy Organic

Friday, 9 July 2010, 21:19 | Category : Fitness, Nutrition, diet, health
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Why go organic?

Canadians are starting to be more concerned with what they’re putting into their bodies. While organic foods don’t contain more vitamins and minerals, they are becoming more popular because they are grown without intentionally added chemicals.

Organic foods cost more than their non-organic counterparts, declaring your kitchen an organic-only haven can be hard on your shopping dollar. At the same time, depending on where you live or your food likes and dislikes, finding organic versions can be impossible.

The following are the top twelve common fruits and vegetables identified by the Environmental Working Group that contain the highest pesticide load:

1. Peaches  2. Apples  3. Sweet bell peppers  4. Celery  5. Nectarines  6. Strawberries

7. Cherries  8. Lettuce  9. Grapes (imported)  10. Pears  11. Spinach  12. Potatoes

Need help, ask our Nutritionist! Remember, you are what you eat!

More info: http://morethanmedication.ca/en/article/index/Going_organic

Vancouver Pilates Instructor Jessica Slonski - Kalev Personal Training
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com