Tag Archives: muscles

TRX Suspension Training: Lightweight and Portable Fitness

The TRX Suspension Training is a complete total body training system developed by Fitness Anywhere and first implemented by the U.S. Navy Seals. This system is extremely easy to set-up and compact for easy storage or for traveling.

Weighing less than two pounds, the TRX can be set up in seconds and is perfect for the home, gym, office, or hotel room. The TRX training system consists of hundreds of exercises that require nothing but your body weight. Each exercise is designed to improve balance and coordination as well as power, strength, and endurance. Regardless of your fitness level or limitations, just about anyone can use this system. From professional athletes who train for peak performance to those who train to look and feel good.

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Posted on May 21, 2023 by Matt

The Skinny on Muscle and Fat

Does muscle weigh more than fat? Well, there are two ways to look at this question.

Let’s take 10 pounds of fat versus 10 pounds of muscle. Ten pounds is 10 pounds, right? Yes. But, the 10 pounds of fat is much bulkier than the 10 pounds of muscle. Another way of looking at it is that a 10-pound pile of fat will take up more space than a 10-pound pile of muscle. So, more muscle would be needed to equal the space or volume of fat, thus making the pile of muscle weigh more.

That being said, let’s go into how muscle tissue and fat tissue are totally different. People often mistakenly think that doing crunches will turn the layer of fat into muscle. First off, there are three ways of losing weight (burning calories): diet, cardiovascular exercise, and weight training.

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Posted on April 15, 2024 by Matt

Benefits of Single Extremity Movements

The chest press, leg press, and shoulder press are all great exercises that target its specific muscle group rather well. But, what if only one arm or leg was used during each movement? By incorporating single arm and leg movements into your workouts you will isolate so many more muscle groups.

For instance, you are performing a body weight squat; which is a great lower body exercise (quadriceps and glutes). Now, add a single leg body weight squat; the focus is still on the quadriceps and glutes, but also incorporates core stability, balance, and recruits different lower body muscles to help stabilize.

Another great advantage of using single arm or leg movements is to prevent over-compensation. For example, a chest press is being performed and the right side (stronger side) of the body or muscle group is doing most of the work; thus not allowing the left side (weaker side) to improve. Well, a single arm chest press solves the problem of the over-compensation and allows both sides of the body or muscle group to be isolated more effectively. (more…)

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Matt

A Beginner’s Guide to Kettlebells

The kettlebell is a cast iron weight used as a popular exercise tool in today’s fitness world. They are typically found in CrossFit gyms and athletic training facilities, but are becoming ever more popular at private training studios and health clubs.kettlebells

Kettlebell exercises are intended to increase total body muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, balance and stability, and agility. They are used as a functional, total body exercise to condition the body as a whole. Each precise kettlebell exercise or movement is designed to engage multiple muscles at one time. (more…)

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Matt

Chest Workout to Lose Man Boobs

man pushups“Man boobs,” or “moobs,” is a slang term that has been given to men who have an out of shape or flabby chest. Genetics play the biggest part in the muscle structure, but exercising and keeping in shape will decrease the likelihood of this happening.

The chest is made up of two main muscle groups: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major muscle fibers are a fan-like structure that allow the humerus to move in a variety of planes/directions across the body. The pectoralis minor is located underneath the pectoralis major and serves to move the “shoulder area” forward; like a shrugging movement. (more…)

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Matt

Whey Protein Supports Weight Loss

whey proteinWhey is a milk protein that is a popular ingredient in fitness drink mixes. If you use whey protein in concert with a healthy diet and fitness regimen, you will have a better chance of developing lean muscles and lose weight. That’s because whey supports fat burning and gaining lean muscle mass when consumed before exercise.

Where Whey Comes From

Whey protein is a by-product of the process of turning cow’s milk into cheese. There are two types of milk proteins: casein and whey protein. Within the whey category, there are three major forms that are used for weight loss and fitness purposes: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate. (more…)

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Jason

Best Ankle Weights Workout

As I was walking to work the other morning, a lady with ankle weights and dumbbells in her hands power-walked right on by me.ankle weights

First off, this added resistance during aerobic activity strains the joints and can cause injury to the ligaments and tendons. Secondly, it just silly.

So, if you are guilty of this, please do your joints and your body a favor by hitting regular non-weight/resistance bearing cardio followed up by your weight training. (more…)

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Matt

The P90X Workout Improves Overall Fitness and Muscle Tone

P90XThe P90X system is a 90-day fitness program designed for you to lose weight and firm your body. It consists of 12 muscle pumping workouts, three-phase nutrition plan, detailed fitness guide, and online peer support.

The secret to the success of the P90X program is “muscle confusion.” Most people often make the mistake of getting stuck in the same workout routine for several months at a time. P90X breaks each muscle group down throughout each of the 12, hour-long, workout videos. Each video targets different parts of the body, which does not allow the body to adapt to specific workouts. So, if your goal is to increase muscle tone, improve your overall fitness and cardiovascular endurance, and are willing to devote some time and energy, then the P90X Training System is the perfect workout program for you. (more…)

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Matt

Top 5 Upper Body Exercises to Prepare for Horseback Riding

woman riding horseHorseback riding is an amazing hobby and I wish that I could find the time to do more of it. I’ve been discussing workouts that help riders develop the strength needed. We’ve discussed the lower body exercises to help prepare your body for the jolts and shock of horseback riding, as well as the core strength needed to help you maintain proper posture.

Although your upper body is less of a factor, you still need to train it properly to prevent possible injury, soreness, and to help maintain good posture. (more…)

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Matt

10 Week Wedding Fitness Plan: Week 10

bridal bouquetWell, the final week of the wedding fitness plan is upon us and I hope that you have found success with your workout routines. Over the past few weeks I covered the importance of self-stretching as well as assisted stretching, but this week self-massage is the focus. Self-massage can be referred to as self myofascial release, which is a form of soft tissue therapy.

Wedding Season Week 10:

“Nothing takes as long as you think when you put your heart and mind to it.” (unknown)

Tip: Snacking before a workout is extremely important. By doing so, you will provide your body with enough fuel or energy to get through a long hard workout. Keep it small and simple, then grab a good healthy meal right after. A few quick healthy pre-workout snacks are fruit, granola, protein bar, egg whites, or a vegetable. (more…)

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Matt

The Ultimate Surfing Workout

man on yellow surfboardI moved to California a little over a month ago and have picked up the hobby of surfing. Surfing requires an extreme amount of core strength, stability, and balance as well as upper and lower body strength. If you have never been surfing, I totally recommend it. It is a great way to get away from the stresses of the world and to enjoy nature at its best.

Of course, safety is a big issue, but if you take a lesson or play it safe you will be more than fine. I also recommend starting with a long board then upgrading to a shorter one once you get better.

Below is a total body workout that I have put together to strengthen the muscles and parts of the body necessary to concur the sport of surfing. I have incorporated several core movements as well as upper and lower body exercises. (more…)

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Matt