Squats and lunges are extremely effective for building glute quad and hamstring strength. They are two of my favorite exercises for my clients. They are also very effective for improving overall balance. If someone has a knee injury then I will stick with squats or choose a non-evasive exercise to get the job done!
Please share your favorite exercises or perhaps ask a question!
Winter is often a time when people exercise less. This is due to the cold, often gloomy weather. Alot of people look to the sun, beach, park and pool for exercise and motivation. It is easy to lose motivation, pack on the pounds and acquire a flabby backside! How do you plan to stay active? How committed are you to your fitness going into the winter? Many of my clients turn to Spinning and yoga classes, snow shoeing and of course, "powder" (skiing). Some people continue their daily walks despite the rain, snow and cold. There are still quite a few events like half marathons, marathons bike rides and walks throughout the winter. I encourage you to stay motivated so you will be in shape when Spring and Summer come around again. Remember fitness/health should be something we do daily and of course yearly! It is not seasonal!!! Share your thoughts with me and other subscribers. I would love to hear from you! Have as fabulously fit October!
Many of you have good ideas regarding fitness, nutrition and other health tips that have worked well for you. Some may have helped you overcome challenges like breaking fitness or weight plateus, increasing energy or helped you stay motivated. Please take a minute and share some of your favorite tips and ideas with my newsletter readers.They would love to hear from you! Don't be shy!
If you are a client of mine or someone knowledgeable about nutrition, then you know that the article on high fructose corn syrup in my newsletter is not completely true! It only gives some of the details about the makeup and process of HFCS. Be sure to read the comments from other fitness professionals at the end of the article. High fructose corn syrup is not a GMO (genetically modified organism), but it is made using "genetically modified corn". I found some interesting information that I would like to share with you. It is from the website www.gmo-watch.com. This website apparently was created by people just like you and me, who have a concern about our food and its affect on our health. When did high fructose corn syrup come into existence? According to GMO watch, the process of high fructose corn syrup was developed by Japanese researchers in the 1970's. It reached the United States in soda drinks and processed food somewhere between 1975-1985. It has been said that HFCS is responsible for much of the obesity problem nationally and now internationally. Share your opinions and knowledge. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you. Remember to keep it natural!
Qi Athletic Club is now offering a 3 month summer membership for $99 (additional cost for classes). If you are looking for a friendly, unique and quiet environment to work out in, then consider joining Qi. Check us out online at www.qidenver.com/city-park.
I am excited to introduce you to Nneka Okonkwo, chef, author and owner of "Culinary Bike Tours". This unique food and bike touring company here in Denver offers fun, educational tours with gourmet cuisine. She also offers cooking classes, in home cooking services, prepared meals and other personal meal services. Please keep her in mind when looking for any of these services. You will be pleasantly surprised! Visit her website at www.culinarybiketours.com Bon Appetite!
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. This is typically a time when we reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Most people are thinking about starting some sort of exercise, losing weight or just getting healthy in general. But you are not most people. You have been faithfully working out all year going to your yoga classes, accupuncture, getting massages, spinning, bootcamping, doing your core work, running, cycling, conquering the weights and eating healthy. It's time to pat yourself on the back, celebrate and rejuvenate! That's right! I'm telling you to relax!!!!! Go to the spa, read a book, rent a weeks worth of your favorite movies, veg out all weekend or take a trip! No guilt, you deserve it! The holidays are typically a super busy time for everyone. Most of us need a vacation from the holidays. Your homework assignment is to take a day or two off from exercise and rules, or maybe even a week! Clear your mind, get caught up on your sleep and just plain get rested and renewed! You know you are dedicated and motivated about your health and exercise. But when do you stop to really take care of yourself? Do this first and next month we will talk about goals. Don't feel the pressure to conform with the seasonal exercisers. Be who you are which is unique, in touch with your body and a self starter. Once you have done this, then start your exercise again. If you don't feel the need to take some time off, then continue with no regrets. Everyday is a new year. Let go of the old and flow with the new. Something "great" is going to happen to you and your family in 2011! Get energized and get excited!
