Posts Tagged ‘trainer’

Jamie Hale-The Carbohydrate Files-Is It Gut Worthy?


03 Nov

Some of you just can’t wait for me to knock some products. I assure you, it is coming. However, while I have such good attention right now I would like to point you to GOOD material. Please note tomorrow comes some bad MWAHAHAHA.

There is no “affiliate” sale on this. I don’t even think Jamie has a set up for that. Bless the man but he is likely the worst marketer in the fitness industry today, which is probably part of why his material is so good. I always had a thing for “secret” finds in music, movies, and books. Jamie Hale is someone I highly respect and was pretty excited about diving into his material.

Basic outline:

The Carbohydrate Files is basically what it says. It is a book that talks about carbs and not much more than carbs. If you have been wanting to understand the in depth look at carbohydrates and what they do in the body then this book is for you. It may at first not seem like this is not for everyone but since the majority of people don’t even know what they are talking about when it comes to carbs, particularly health and fitness experts, it should be at the top of everyones “new release” reading list.

Who is Jamie Hale?:

Bio speak: Jamie Hale is Sports Conditioning Coach, author, gym owner, fitness and nutrition consultant. He has contributed to numerous exercise and sports publications (nationally and internationally). He has authored six books. Jamie is a member of the World Marital Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of his conditioning work with Martial Artists. He is considered by most in the fitness industry as a specialist in agility and comprehensive fitness training. He is also known for his ability to get bodybuilders lean and dry as bone for competition. To learn more abut Jamie visit his website at www.maxcondition.com.

Non-Bio speak: Jamie is a really cut to the chase kind of guy. It is no secret that I have an affection for the type.  I remember at first not really knowing how to take Jamie. He has a habit of randomly spouting out really knowledgeable study or research information, but in a hit and run fashion. There is almost an innocence of “open source” knowledge about it. I dig it.

What was “Gut” worthy?:

I think my favorite aspect of the book was that he took it that step further. For example, if any of you have ever read about digestion in a school science class, you most likely will read the phrase “digestion starts in the mouth” and then from there it will move on to gut and out the bum in the matter of a few sentences.  Jamie, he takes it a lot further than this. It is more along the lines of… “digestion of dietary carbohydrates starts in the mouth where salivary amylase begins the breakdown of starch.” From there, I assure you, that is only the beginning. One of my favorite things about the book is it didn’t expect you to just believe it, it taught you to know it.

What wasn’t “Gut” worthy?:

I have had easier reads. Now, in Jamie’s defense I got a doc. version of the book with edits still going on so I am going to give benefit of editing doubt there. Also talking about proper reads is about as funny as it gets. It is very technical, which I love, but some may not as much. Still I encourage to put forth the effort to learn and also not to skim. If you skim it seems far more intimidating than if you just dive in and read it front to end.

What is Quote Worthy?

“The glycemic index measures blood glucose response. A food low on the glycemic index is not necessarily a healthy food. On the other hand, some foods rated high on the scale are very nutritious. The glycemic index has been widely misused in the last few years because many people base their entire eating plan around it. Numerous books, websites, and magazine articles have promoted the glycemic index diet as the magic formula. Below, I’ve provided some research abstracts looking at the different effects of low GI diets compared to high GI diets.”

Who is this for?

Bodybuilders, Figure Competitors, enthusiasts, trainers, and athletes.

Who is it not?

Those who don’t really care to know about what food does in the body to them or how to alter it for training. Basically those who don’t care that much about the “why” and just want to be told the “do” of things.

Cost?

The
Carbohydrate Files
$24.95
Gut Rating? Jamie Hale’s-The Carbohydrate Files

This Book Gets 4 Guts!?

Leigh, the real question is, should I buy it, really?

Yes, I think people should get it. It’s 25 bucks, hard copy, and a solid resource of information.

When We Were Kids


06 Sep

“When I was a kid I used to be able to jump in a snap!”

“When I was a kid I used to be able to tumble like that!”

How often have you heard these comments? Probably quiet often if you are a coach or trainer. I hear these comments daily. I can’t help but find them comical, because often they are an excuse for lack of drive and fear. Often, you were better at doing these things as a kid because you held little fear to move. You were not embarrassed or worried about feeling stupid in front of others. Take my word for it, having fun and playing games, even as an adult, will go along way in enhancing your physical and mental well-being.

My young son and I ventured off for a hike in the our secret jungle (i.e. the wooded area behind our house). We were searching for “The Secret Kid’s Place.” While on our journey we had to conquer numerous obstacles. First we had to climb up a huge tree to escape the tigers! It was a close call, but we made it. Moments later we had to crawl underneath a gated fortress (fence) of doom. Beyond that reach, deeper into the mouth of the jungle, we had to walk across a gigantic tree that had fallen across the creek that blocked our path. My son found this very exciting, as there were crocodiles waiting to eat us below just as with tales of Captain James Hook. As our journey continued we had to overcome challenges such as volcanoes (which we had to jump) and lions, which we had to out run. After a treacherous battle we reached our ultimate destination “The Secret Kid’s Place.” Once there we sat down and had our PB&J sandwiches. “Yep we made it dad” my son replied. Then he said “this was a perfect day; think so?” I agreed this was a perfect day.

You see kids have something most adults lack with is imagination and the need for physically challenging stimuli. It is sad to say but most parents lack the physical qualities needed to play with their kids, they lack the ability to duck, dive, and climb through the battles of life into the laughter. Instead of worrying about what everybody else is doing, step outside the box into your own “Secret Kid’s Place.”

Coach Jamie Hale is the owner of the site Max Condition. He has authored many works, his latest being Knowledge and Nonsense. You can find out more information by going here to his site.

How to Become a Fat Loss Before and After Picture


29 Aug

This was only 6 weeks, I wasn’t messing around.

They say that “Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.” This statement couldn’t be truer in this instance. It is safe to say that I have had some bad judgment. It was not on a grand level of bank robbery or grand theft auto, unless you count the video games. My mistakes were in diet and training. My mistakes were in the approach and understanding of my fat loss. I have since learned a thing or two and I wanted to share my mistakes and lessons learned with the world, in hopes to help others make their own mistakes, but end up victorious.

A few years ago I was average; average body, average hair, average defeats, and average achievements. I didn’t envision much for my future that was special or spectacular. I had hopes for certain dreams, but in the end I knew in my heart they were just that, hopes. This is usually where a person will dive into their “change moment” and to be truthful I didn’t have one of those. No, what I had was an “inspirational moment.”

I was friends with Leigh Peele. If not aware, Leigh Peele is the author and a trainer of this site who specializes in fat loss and metabolism problems. I had seen the changes she had made in her life and I had seen the changes she had made in others lives, and I was jealous. I was jealous of their passion and their drive and I wanted a piece of that for myself. I wanted to be somebody like that to people, I wanted to do something with my life that was more than just “getting by” so I asked her for help and started getting educated about things. Okay and maybe I lost some fat along the way.

Beyond just fat loss, beyond desire of a better personal appearance, I became a personal trainer and started helping others. Helping others achieve their dreams is downright addictive because it helps you as well. I have my days where I struggle too and it is their stories that help me stay inspired to keep going. People always forget that the answer is in the story; you just have to know how to see it. It is not like I knew then when I started I was going to be another before and after, but now that I am I want to help you become one.

Tip #1: Write Your “Before”
Write down everything that you have done, everything that has worked, hasn’t worked, and you hope will work. Write down your dreams, your fears, your victories, and most importantly your plan.

Tip# 2: Log Your “During”
You can’t know how to fix something if you don’t know what you are doing could be wrong. This journey is a big deal so treat it as such by logging your calories, sleep, emotions, and training sessions. This will help you to see patterns where you could be having problems that are hindering your success, and when you are getting it right you can see yourself shine! It is best to always try to learn why.

Tip# 3: Prepare for After
Since you will be done with this journey and are going to be an “after” you are going to have to get ready for this. Buy goal outfits, set up trips and vacations to places you didn’t used to feel at ease going because of your body or health. Prepare for the life you always wanted because now it is your time to grab it!

If you want to really set in stone a before and after picture then I have a bonus tip for you. Go here, and get the best education you can find. http://www.FatLossTroubleShoot.com

Kathleen nemargut is a certified personal trainer that now works for Avidity Fitness. You can find out more information or contact Katie through trainerkatie at avidityfitness.net

Eat More Food, Lose More Fat


30 Jul

*New Article up at Figure Athlete.com*

I was in the grocery store the other day, and in the checkout line in front of me I noticed a guy reading an issue of Men’s Health while chewing on a Double-Stuffed Oreo he took from the box but hadn’t yet paid for.

I found the irony of the visual quite excellent.

I have a habit of browsing other shopping carts out of curiosity, and the Cookie Monster in front of me had all the goods. Chips, cookies, doughnuts… it was a trainer’s worst nightmare! Now, I’m not exactly judging his food choices. What I was struck by was the recurring thought in my head, “Well, at least he is eating.”

cookie monster

He can try to change his ways. But we all know his true instincts.

I actually confused myself! So I took a second and wondered why, when I looked at his bountiful cart of trans-fat and sugar, I didn’t think, “Holy crow, this guy is a heart attack waiting to happen. I hope he’s got a will prepared.”

Could it be because I spend so much of my day trying to convince people to eat? Could it be that I’m hoping for a client who, before they come to me, has actually been stuffing herself with three big meals, daytime snacks, and a nightly dessert?

In a time where obesity is the (not-so) secret killer around the world, why do I find myself eager for a gut-busting, jean-popping client to train?

Stop Dieting. Start Living.

When people come to a trainer to lose fat, it’s usually as a last resort. We usually get a client who has already hit rock bottom with frustration, despair, and an almost-complete loss of hope to lose their fat.

By the time they get to me, they’ve tested Weight Watchers, bought Turbo Jam, tried Atkins (twice… once to learn it, and then once “for real”) and they usually have enough Ab Lounges, mini-steppers, and Gazelle walkers to start their own small gym.

gazelle

Yeah, baby? How about noooo, baby!

By the time most people finally hire a trainer they’re cynical, untrusting, and about to scream at the world. And why shouldn’t they be mad? They’re hungry, they’re tired, and they’ve been repeatedly lied to by TV commercials and magazine ads.

Why is it then, when I tell my clients, “Guess what? You get to eat more and workout less!” They get mad and argue with me?

I get so perplexed! I sit there completely dumbfounded that they don’t turn to me and say, “Thank you, Leigh, you’re a lifesaver. I’m so hungry and tired, I just don’t think I could have lasted any longer.” Nope, this isn’t the response I get. Instead, I usually hear one of three things:

Excuse #1:

My immediate response is, “Okay then, no problem. Thank you for your time.” They look very confused, until I follow up with “If it’s working, and you’re happy with it, then you don’t need my help.”

Of course, that’s a bit of reverse psychology, but when they hear me say it, they realize that it either isn’t actually working or it won’t continue working for long. They can’t starve themselves or they’ll be stuck at their current weight.

They know, deep down, that something isn’t right about what they’re doing. It’s why they came to me in the first place; they just needed me to point it out.

Excuse #2:

The act of dieting triggers a lot of different hormones in the body. Some of these hormones, when they become slowed or when triggered, can blunt appetite stimulation. For some, this is a good thing, and it’s what you want because it makes the dieting easier.

The problem comes when you’ve suppressed hormone function to the point of slowing its overall process, which leads to slower fat loss. Next thing you know, 1,200 calories a day is all you need, and anything more than that will now be seen by the body as a surplus. It’s your body’s natural defense mechanism to a lower caloric input.

left hook

Your body’s other defense mechanism… a quick left hook.

 

 

You will see some weight loss on such low calories, but it isn’t healthy, and at some point, a change will have to happen. That change can either be you totally giving up and going back to “normal” (non-training, non-dieting) habits, or you can approach your nutrition in a smart and healthy manner. It’s up to you.

Excuse #3:

“I know I should be eating more, but I’ve also heard that when you increase your calories, you just regain the weight quickly. I can’t stand to put any weight back on.”

I get it, really, I do. It’s hard enough going through all this, and then to be told that the only way you’re going to continue losing fat carries a chance of gaining some weight back. However, you don’t have to gain fat while upping your calories.

There really isn’t any kind of argument you can give me for starving yourself and overtraining that I won’t shoot down. The science and experience speaks for itself here. This goes beyond opinion.

It isn’t just fat loss ability or metabolism we are talking about here. It’s nutrient needs, immune system requirements, and bacteria growth, just to name a few. A lot of things come into play with extreme cuts in calories.

Why, then, are people still arguing with me about not wanting to eat?

The Smart Decision… E-A-T

Picture this… in front of you, there are two tables. One table has a big plate of herb-spiced chicken, a side of seasoned brown rice, and a bowl of fresh, mixed green veggies. The other table has a container of store-bought, “healthy,” low-fat (which means high sugar) yogurt, and few carrot sticks.

healthy foods

One’s the smarter choice, the other is what some will choose anyway.

Now, if I tell you that the chicken, rice, and veggie meal will be better for your fat loss and overall health, are you really going to turn to me and say, “No thanks, I’d rather have my cup of sugar-filled yogurt and some carrot sticks?” I know that some of you actually will, and I also know the most common reasons why.

Reason 1: “They” Told You To Do It.

Who are they? “They” are misinformed doctors, old school dietitians, and lousy personal trainers that want results, but care more about getting a paycheck instead of your health and well-being. “They” are your friends who absolutely swear by the results they see from the latest new diet, even though they just finished regaining all the weight they lost from last year’s fad.

doctor

It’s a safe bet that ANY diet advice this guy gives, is useless.

“They” are the media, with fast-acting fat loss infomercials, shows about the biggest losing celebrity fat camp, and news channels that keep us informed about which celebs are anorexic and who just got gastric bypass surgery. All of them preach overtraining and undereating to get the most out of their time slots.

Reason 2: You’re the Exception to the Rule.

We like to think that we’re special. That somehow with all of the science and all of the research, we’re just more unique than that and the rules just don’t apply to us. We all like to overlook the problems that put us in the 1% category because, hey, someone has to be that genetically-gifted 1%, right?

nice bod

Great genes or not, hard work is always rewarded.

I do want you to believe in your gifts. I want you to be encouraged by the things that make you, you. But that still doesn’t mean you defy the laws of science. Sorry, babe.

Reason 3: You’re Afraid.

We all have some fear. We’re afraid we’ll gain the weight right back and we’ll have to start all over. Or we’re afraid to actually lose the weight, and then we’ll have to put our self-esteem issues elsewhere.

scale

Don’t be a wuss. It’s not a monster; it’s just a piece of plastic with some electronics inside.

Maybe it all won’t work, and we’ll lose all the hope that keeps us going. Maybe we’re afraid that we’ll anger those we love by changing ourselves for the better. Or we could be afraid that eating better, and eating more, will just lead to making bad food choices.

We can’t let any of these reasons get in the way of our goals. Every one of us is special – special in our strength, special in our character.


The Final Word:
In the end, eating will lead to your goal. Proper nutrition is the key to getting the look you want, and if you are finding yourself stalled over and over again, it may not be that you’re eating too much, it may be that you’re eating too little.

Featured Images

Red bikini: Sharon Van Der Horst – www.SharonVanDerHorst.com

Alan Aragon-Girth Control-A Review


23 Jun

I’m going to admit I’ve been guilty of skimming books. I read, and I read A LOT.

When I was about 11 years old I remember that infomercial sweater guy who had a speed reading course on his amazing discovery “show,” and I wanted it soooo bad. Needless to say I didn’t get it, but I did learn to read pretty fast anyway. Sometimes I read too fast and sometimes there were books you just can’t read that fast at all.

Enter Alan Aragon’s Girth Control: The Science Of Fat Loss and Muscle Gain.

Alan Aragon is by far one of the coolest guys I have never met. I have had the pleasure of talking to him a few times and can assure you that he is as smart as he is, and he also “get’s it.” That’s a rare quality. Most who are really smart like that miss the boat. They don’t “get it” and they can’t communicate with people. Instead, they just end up talking in a gibberish that only 10 other “smart people” can understand. It becomes an intellectual pissing contest if you will. It’s sad to see, but a bit funny to watch.

You don’t get that with Alan. However, this post isn’t about him really, this is about Girth.

The first time I read Girth I would call it “more grazing.” I saw enough to know that I would like it if I REALLY read it.

I got the urge to read it again, and really read it. Maybe I’m just smarter or maybe it’s just that I am dying for quality information but it was a heck of a great read the second time around.

First, who is this book for?

Currently, my readers right now are a bit all over the map, and I will be honest that for some of you the beginning aspect of this book may be too technical at first. However, I encourage you to push those boundaries of knowledge comfort anyways. Sometimes it’s a good thing to challenge your ability to learn. That is not to say that this is fat loss rocket science, I’m simply noting that some parts are advanced in discussion (i.e. scientific).

I will say if you’re a trainer and you want to be worth a grain of salt, you will buy this book. And if you ever read the phrase “studies show” and it actually means something to you, then you should buy this book.

Most of the world does not realize what a study is and how flawed they are in general yet many will make really important daily life choices because of them, or worse because of press summaries of those same studies. That can be a very dangerous thing for your ability to choose your own destiny and to go outside of that box that you have stuck yourself in.

If you ever want to free yourself of relying on the words of others, if you ever want to provide yourself with the ability to be the ones “in the know” then this is one hell of a place to start. This is the kind of book Taubes wishes he could write.

“With bills to pay and/or mouths to feed, scientists aren’t magically exempt from the many temptations and the guerrilla tactics of doing business.”

The first three chapters teach you how to understand research on a level of the technical and, even better, how to form opinion from scientific observations. These first sections are the ultimate lesson in study do’s, dont’s and they did what’s?

After that you get into the bulk of the book which is the teaching of what proteins, carbs, and fats really are and why we have the feelings and theories behind them that we do.

Is GI index really important?

What kind of role does insulin really play on fat loss?

How much protein do we really need?

How are fats changing the way we look at health?

One of my favorite parts of the book is the insertion of studies. While it may seem at first glance that Alan keeps the reading buried a bit too deep in data, you have to look between the lines a little bit and see that sometimes he is downright exposing hypocrisy and the ridiculous acts of our government and the lives of other cultures. Point being, it’s only dry if you don’t see the work for what it is: an exposure.

“I’ve always felt that Mother Nature winced every time a yolk hit the waste basket. Having scoured the research, it’s comforting to know that my gut feeling on the issue has a fair amount of support.”

Following that statement are some great study highlights about the effects of yolks on our health. I don’t know if any of you read the recent headlines about how eating eggs will kill you, but Alan can easily show you not only is this not the case but also, again, how to read an actual study and see it’s flaws.

There is also some talk of supplements in Girth, what they do, and if you need them. A book that saves some money in your pocket is always a good read as the majority of us are always walking to GNC.

Alan finishes out the book with what you need to do to achieve either fat loss or muscle gain on a optimum and successful level. This is where his information, for the most part, is a pretty easy read. He covers some great topics from fasting, pre/post workout nutrition, interval training, and the bodies ability to adapt to dieting down.

“The body is simply doing its job as an adaptive survival unit when a plateau occurs. When you stop to think about it, the ultimate goal is to plateau!”

Obviously my focus is on fat loss, and, well, technically Alan is my competition but what can I say, the man does his job and he does it well. If you already have my books (’cause you know you should) then why not add Alan’s to the collection as well? Never be afraid to learn more, never be afraid to keep diving deep. There are few of us out there in the world who don’t like to be told what to think and do. I think this is why I liked Girth so much; I like those who scream against the crowd.

It’s safe to say that Girth delivers on the knowledge front. I hope you take a chance and believe in your ability of thought and give it a shot as well. Always strive to put knowledge in your own hands because that’s the true way to lead to a new life.

Knowledge is fat loss power.

To get Girth go check out Alan’s site at www.alanaragon.com.

And if you want to DOUBLE your learning efforts take 10 lousy bucks ($10 USD) and sign up for his research review as well. (Click Below)

The Fat Loss Troubleshooter – Leigh Peele

Common Sense Meets Advanced Knowledge