Tag Archives: abs

Improve Posture for Surprising Health Benefits

Do you have good posture? Are you hunched over at your desk while typing on the computer? Proper posture may not seem like that big of a deal, but realistically, it truly is. Proper posture is about more than holding your head up high; it is crucial for eliminating any unnecessary strains to certain muscles, joints, bones, or organs.

With correct posture, you can look taller, slimmer, and come across as being extremely confident- all of which are “A-OK” in my book. (more…)

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s Abs Taking Over the Fitness World

You may know Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from MTV’s reality show, The Jersey Shore. What you might not know is that his financial empire is growing. Given his beginnings as a personal trainer, it’s not surprising that his fame has shifted to the fitness industry and beyond.

Sorrentino is expected to make $5 million in endorsements and other financial ventures by the end of the year. The Situation Ab Workout is his DVD scheduled for release this winter. A lot of us are excited to start reading those reviews and finding out the secret to Situation-abs. Sorrentino’s abs seem to get more publicity than he does, so it’s only natural that they start making some money.

The Situation is also a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. Although he hasn’t been known for earning the highest scores, he’s hanging in there and so far hasn’t been sent home. (more…)

Yoga for Abs

If you’re tired of doing countless sit-ups and crunches, maybe you need to rethink your abs workout routine.

While the Indian yoga sages are best remembered for their pretzel-like flexibility and their inner stillness, yogis also sported enviably-toned abs. Even though walking around with a six-pack 5,000 years ago may not have carried the allure it does today, we can still learn a lot from these ancient bendy-types about developing strong and lean abdominal muscles.

Yoga for abs is an excellent way to not just look amazing in a midriff, but solid core muscles also help to prevent back pain, support proper posture and develop a sense of groundedness.

Here is what you need to know about yoga and abs.

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Are Crunches and Sit-Ups Dangerous?

Are crunches and sit-ups destroying your back? According to Dr. Richard Guyer, president of the Texas Back Institute, crunches and sit-ups put an unhealthy strain on your back due to the flex movement of the crunch or sit-up. The spine has the most nerves of any area of the body, and the bends and strains of crunches and sit-ups can lead to extensive nerve damage.

I totally agree with Dr. Richard Guyer on this subject. Crunches and sit-ups do actually put an unhealthy strain on the spine. On the other hand, how many of you play or have played sports, or eat fast food? Almost everyone, right? Playing sports and eating out is also extremely hard on the body, but we still do it! Everything we do on a daily basis is pretty much unhealthy for the body. That’s just life. Sitting in the car for too long, sitting at the office all day, playing golf, or running… all of these activities take a toll on the body over time and can lead to injury at some point in our lives.

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Giveaway: Win a Flex Belt!

flex beltOne of the most popular weight loss and fitness products this year is the Slendertone Flex Belt, an electronic muscle stimulator. EMS devices, like the Flex Belt, work by training the muscle fibers via electrical impulses that evoke the contraction and release response in the muscle. The Slendertone Flex Belt actually uses a patented muscle stimulation technology. You simply wear the slender device around your abdominals and it does the work for you.

NFL Allstar Jerry Rice says of the Flex Belt, “It works those muscles, tones them, makes them stronger, and it is very easy.”

If you’re interested in winning a Slendertone Flex Belt, a value of $199.99, and trying this fitness technology for yourself, enter your mailing address here.

Enter the Flex Belt Giveaway


Then, continue reading to learn more and watch a video about the Flex Belt. (more…)

A Beginner’s Guide to Fitness Classes

Starting a new gym experience may seem a little overwhelming at times, that’s why I recommend hitting the fitness classes. Fitness classes not only offer an intense workout, but provide you the opportunity to meet some friends that share the same fitness goals and also learn a little more about which activities support certain areas of the body.fitness class

Most fitness facilities offer a plethora of different classes from spinning to yoga. Each class will target different parts of the body as well as different intensities of cardiovascular training. I recommend trying each class to find the ones that give you the best workout and that you find most enjoyable as well.

Before joining a gym, ask the membership representative to discuss the classes offered or give you a brochure about each class. Also, be sure there is no added charge for fitness classes. Most fitness facilities offer free classes as part of the membership fee, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure. (more…)

What are Electronic Muscle Stimulators

the flex beltIf you watch television in the wee hours of the night or morning, you have probably come across the infomercials for electronic muscle stimulators like The Flex Belt or the Slendertone.

So just what are these fitness devices that combine technology with exercise?

Electronic muscle stimulators (EMS) are actually much older than you might think. The concept was developed back in the eighteenth century as a way to stimulate changes in the muscle for therapuetic medical reasons. EMS devices work by training the muscle fibers via electrical impulses that evoke the contraction and release response in the muscle.

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The Mike Tyson Workout

mike tyson workoutSo, I was out and about last week and ran into Mike Tyson at one of the local Hollywood hangouts. I got to visit with him for a bit and did a little research as well. Below is an example of what Mike’s day typically looks like. He is very dedicated, loves to work hard, and enjoys living life as well.

The Mike Tyson Workout

  • 5 AM: 3 mile jog
  • 6 AM: Shower and back to bed
  • 10AM: Wake up and eat breakfast (oatmeal)
  • 12 PM: Ring work (10 rounds of sparring) (more…)

10 Week Wedding Fitness Plan: Week 7

healthy brideWow, it’s the middle of June already? Does time fly or what? Last week we discussed Olympic lifts/exercises and the importance of proper form and technique. By perfecting these lifts, your technique for easier lifts will be much better. This week we will be taking a trip down Core Stability Blvd.!

Wedding Season Week 7:

“If you think you can or think you can’t; you’re right!!”

Tip: Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and during your workout. Try to avoid sugary sports drinks or high sugar/carbohydrate fruit drinks. These drinks are only necessary when you are working out for extended amounts of time and your electrolytes are depleted, otherwise water is the only necessary fluid to put into your body. Try to intake 80 to 100 ounces a day if you exercise at a moderate to high intensity level. (more…)

Mathue Johnson’s Cardio and Weight Training Workout

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Out of all the posts and blogs that I have done, I don’t ever remember discussing my actual workout routine. I used to do cardio before my weight training, but have recently switched the two and have had a great deal of success. This allows me to have more energy and stamina during my weight training portion.

I typically workout five to six days a week for about an hour to an hour and a half at a time. Each day I break down certain muscle groups basically in a push-pull form followed by three to five miles of jogging. This helps me work every large muscle group at least twice a week and has worked for me for several years now. (more…)

The Pre-Skydiving Workout

mathue johnson skydivingSo, I went skydiving this past weekend and wow; what an experience. It is definitely not for everyone, but I strongly recommend that you give it a try. Being fit or in good shape definitely made the whole process a lot easier and more enjoyable. Being strapped to another guy while trying to maneuver through the plane and out the door was not easy and I have a few sore muscles and several good memories to show for it.

As you all know, I am a personal trainer and I have trained a young lady for a couple years now. When we started, she had set a goal to lose a certain amount of weight (more than 100 pounds) and her reward for doing so would be to go skydiving. Well, we hit the goal and we hit the air. Good overall experience!! My point is to set a goal and go for it, don’t give up or lose motivation until you hit that certain goal. Hard work does pay off, just ask my client. (more…)