Friday, November 19, 2010

Treadmill Workout (without the "yawn")

I would LOVE to meet someone who smiles at the thought of spending 30-45 minutes on a treadmill. Whenever I suggest a cardiovascular/strength training program to a client, their smiles soon fade at the mention of blasting calories on a treadmill. My bet lies on the idea that you or someone you know struggles with "Treadmill Burnout". (gasp!!)

Treadmill Burnout Victim, Type 1: You've recently realized that climbing 1 flight of stairs leaves you winded. Not okay. Especially when, last week, you divided your closet into "feeling skinny" clothes and the more frequently visited "relaxed fit" clothes. Time to join the local fitness facility!! Day 1: Treadmill for 30 minutes, feeling perky, healthy, and stoked to begin this new step in your life. Day 2: Treadmill for 30 minutes, thank heavens Oprah retained your attention today, otherwise I may have died of boredom. Day 3: Treadmill for 21 minutes. You just couldn't do it anymore. Your mind raced with to-do's and angst over frustration at the thought of subjecting more of your schedule to this hamster wheel! Done!!

Treadmill Burnout Victim, Type 2: You, like Victim 2, notice the ever-present "relaxed fit" clothing creeping into your daily wardrobe. However, gym memberships require commitment as well as a schedule that fits with gym hours. You bought a treadmill. Now it sits in your basement rec room. After operating it three times, your treadmill's job description transformed into "clothes hanger". 'Nuff said.
Let me save you from this vicious cycle!

Here's my trick: I devise several treadmill programs which, based on the theme of the program, vary in speed and incline. This way, your stamina and strength are constantly challenged.
Enjoy!
Fat Blaster- Beginner Edition
0-3 min.          2.5mph         1incline
3-5 min.          2.8mph         1incline
5-8 min.          2.8mph         4incline
8-12min          2.5mph         2incline
12-15min        2.8mph         4incline
15-18min        2.5mph         4incline
18-21min        2.8mph         4incline
21-24min        2.5mph         2incline
24-27min        2.8mph         4incline
27-30min        2.5mph         1incline

Fat Blaster- Intermediate Edition
0-3 min.          3.3mph         3incline
3-5 min.          4.0mph         3incline
5-8 min.          3.8mph         7incline
8-12min          4.0mph         4incline
12-15min        3.8mph         7incline
15-18min        4.0mph         7incline
18-21min        3.8mph         4incline
21-24min        4.0mph         7incline
24-27min        3.5mph         4incline
27-30min        3.3mph         3incline

Fat Blaster- Advanced Edition
0-3 min.          6.0mph        2incline
3-5 min.          7.0mph        4incline
5-8 min.          6.5mph        6incline
8-12min          7.0mph        4incline
12-15min        6.5mph        6incline
15-18min        7.0mph        6incline
18-21min        7.0mph        4incline
21-24min        6.8mph        6incline
24-27min        6.5mph        6incline
27-30min        6.5mph        2incline

*My personal advice: Load up the ipod with your favorite tunes and tape a program to the front of your treadmill. This way you eliminate the possibility of a program flying off the treadmill, you losing your balance, face/body part slam(s) on running belt, embarrassment and injury ensues.... not good. Boy scouts said it best, "Always be prepared."

Monday, November 8, 2010

Gluten Free, the Way to Be.....???

Gluten- free pasta. Gluten-free muffins. Gluten-free pudding. Yes, seriously, pudding!
Did you know what gluten was 3 years ago? 1 year ago? Overnight, health and nutrition stores along with most larger grocery chains began carrying food options marketed towards individuals with "celiac disease" (aka allergy to gluten). Individuals with celiac disease account for 1% of the world's population. Wait, wait, wait... then why do gluten-free options keep popping up on more grocery shelves and restaurant menus?
Health conscious individuals and fitness professionals continue delivering positive results after trying a nutrition program "sans gluten". There's SO MUCH information surrounding this topic, not to mention how many opinions and studies for and against this nutrition regimen.
Therefore, I took a new spin on researching the topic. I chose to spotlight an established, respected, and well researched blog by my fellow expert, Erin Elberson.

A few reasons why she receives my stamp of approval:
  • Her topics are current
  • Her thorough discussions regarding athletes and the specific gluten- free nutritional benefits  
  • Erin has up to date information regarding the basics of a gluten-free lifestyle
  • She got married 6 days before me. Wedding bliss for all!!!
Explore, educate yourself, experiment. I took the gluten-free challenge 13 months ago and it improved my life in so many ways. A few of them include: decreased belly fat, increased energy, improved appearance of skin, hair, and nails, increased awareness, etc. The list goes on and on.
I challenge YOU to open your mind (and your mouth) to the benefits of this nutrition program.

*All references and information utilized from http://www.glutenfreefitness.com/ has been pre-approved by owner and proprietor, Erin Elberson.