Lighten Up! Maximize Your Results Through Perfect Form, Not More Weight

With lifting, it's about how, not about how much

We've all seen it, and guys are the worst, wildly swinging huge weights, bodies swaying all over the place, swayed back, half or even quarter reps, then banging the weights down hard, causing everyone in the gym to look over to see if an accident just occurred. 

Yep, we're talking about what I call ego lifters.  These are the guys who boost their self esteem and try to impress others by loading up as much weight as they can lift off the ground or off the rack, and then make a ridiculous mockery of themselves and the exercise they're trying to perform.

Getting Killer Ab Definition

"How do I get six-pack abs?" How many times have you heard this question or even asked it yourself? The answer may seem complex and shrouded in mystery because popular culture throws so many "solutions" at us. We've all seen a thousand gadgets, supplements, and "30-day" programs all promising a quick and effortless path toward the coveted "six pack".

Truth is, the formula for ab definition is simple, however actually getting ab definition is hard work.

The first step toward ab definition is to build mass in the rectus abdominus, or the main wall of stomach muscles where the six pack is found. And here's a revelation - for most people standard crunches or sit ups won't get it done.

It's the Diet Stupid!

Looking to lose body fat? If you're counting on relatively low-intensity cardio to get it done you may be counting wrong. While cardio provides many benefits, too many people see cardio as an end-all for body fat loss. To be sure, cardio can create an environment where body fat is burned and also can contribute to creating the all-important calorie deficit required for body fat loss. However, many people fall short of their fat-loss goals by making incorrect assumptions about using cardio, especially assumptions about a cardio-only approach.

Important to note we're talking about mainstream, or low-intensity cardio - the people who trudge away on treadmills at a slow jog for long time periods. High-intensity cardio like going all out for ten sets of 30 seconds isn't suitable for the general population due to conditioning, injury risk and that it's hard and most people just won't stick with it.

Cardio is a great thing; it pumps tons of oxygenated blood through the body, hastens delivery of nutrients to muscles and organs, develops a strong heart and strong lungs, and, at times, can give us a wonderfully euphoric shot of endorphins.  Additionally, cardio requires the body to burn calories, a good thing for fat loss. But here's where some people get badly off track.

7 Reasons Why Workouts Fail You

While literally millions of people workout, very few realize true workout success. Most dabble in the gym on and off, never getting results. They quit working out, usually under a myriad of excuses along the lines of being too busy or of disappointment that "they're just not seeing results".  Below are seven common reasons why workouts fail:

1) No clear goals - If you can't measure it you can't manage it. Too many people head into the gym with either no thought of what they're trying to accomplish or vague goals of "losing weight" and "toning up".

What to do: Be specific and write it down. If the goal is weight loss or body fat loss, identify how many pounds or the target weight, the time element, and what you'll do every day to make it happen. If it's muscle gain, identify things like desired bicep and chest measurements or one-rep max increases.

2) Motivation is missing - motivation has two key elements: a) possessing a goal that is deeply meaningful to you, and b) feeling mostly in control of the outcome.  If motivation is missing from your workouts, examine these two factors and identify what's missing. Why do you care about your goals? Do you feel you can make them happen or do you need help?

Fitness over Fifty: Three Myths Exploded

The famed baby boomer generation is now aged between 46 and 64, so shortly this entire post-WWII demographic bubble will be over 50. And they're in horrible physical shape.

The luxuries that the baby boomers have created for themselves are mostly their downfall; rich, plentiful calorie and fat-laden diets along with a generally sedentary lifestyle have combined to create an unhealthy populace characterized by extreme physical limitations and multiple diseases.

Diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer are three deadly conditions that can all be directly related to baby boomer's unhealthy lifestyles. These conditions will multiply as the baby boomer generation continues aging, imparting staggering health costs on our already over burdened health system.

Additionally, out-of-shape baby boomers create significant limitations on their ability to enjoy life by lacking muscle and cardiovascular strength and endurance. Their bodies can't act on their desires, and life quality goes down in a self-perpetuating spiral of inactivity and continued physical decline.

Great Day at Omni-Fit in Boise

Interesting how we all vary in our daily performance, as a personal trainer at Omni-Fit in Boise http://www.omni-fit.com/ I have the chance to see a lot of people regularly over a long period of time. Invariably I see the ups and downs people have, some days sharp and intense, other days maybe not so sharp.

As personal trainers, a big part of our job is to pump people up and keep them motivated. I think the best way to do this is to constantly remind people of their goals, and to focus on their goals and not on the obstacles. That's a key part of motivation, that people not only believe in the importance of their goals, but also they believe in their own ability to make the goals happen.

Life can be a grind on some days, workouts should be a break from he grind, not a contributor to the grind. People can realize an uplift from their workouts by using it as a life dimension where they feel in control of the outcome, and if their workday or family day didn't go that way, at least their workout can. As personal trainers we must always remind clients of the importance and relevance of their goals along with reminding them that during their hour-long session they are in control. Make it a great day!

Omni-Fit for Personal Training in Boise Idaho

Hey everyone in Boise, Idaho, Omni-Fit is now open for business! We're the place people in Boise go to get fit and to lose weight. We're located in Meridian next to WinCo right off of Main St. You should go check our cool fitness website at http://www.omni-fit.com/.

We train people in small groups that provides a lot of benefits for everyone, including more energy from a small group setting and a much lower cost while still getting the benefits of a persona trainer. We customize your workout program to achieve your fitness goals and also provide diet and nutritional guidance for weight loss.

Check this blog frequently for great information on health, fitness, and weight loss so that you can live a healthier, happier life! Also, come by Omni-Fit in Boise (Meridian) any time,we're at 750 S. Progress in Meridian, Idaho, right off main next to WinCo, or just call us at 208-850-7858. Look forward to some great discussions everyone!

Best Wishes,

John