Hormone check: why you may not be losing stubborn fat in problem areas Bodybuilding Exercises Weight loss by admin - 20 September 201720 September 20170 Hormone check: why you may not be losing stubborn fat in problem areas How do your hormones affect your ability to move stubborn fat? We turned to head trainer Alexa Towersey for her insight.Why we store fat where we do is a product of our hormones and their interaction with the environment – a combination of nature and nurture. Our hormones either work for us or against us, and when even one is out of balance, it has a domino effect on the rest. Any kind of hormonal imbalance can make losing weight an uphill struggle.Hormones are in constant fluctuality and are affected by all our training, nutrition and lifestyle choices: how long and how hard we train, what we put in or on our bodies, when we go to sleep, how much water we drink and how much we stress.
Home gym under $100 Bodybuilding by admin - 10 September 20179 September 20170 Home gym under $100 Don’t want to spend your hard earned cash on a gym membership? Here’s the equipment you need for a home gym all for under $100.Suspension straps for toning and fat loss“Suspension straps are easily one of the most versatile and popular apparatuses on the market,” says elite trainer of over 15 years Matthew Strickland.“They can be used to isolate particular muscle groups, or as a full-body compound or high-intensity workout.”Plyometric box for cardio, toning and fat lossPlyometric boxes and aerobic steps come in a range of heights and sizes to adhere to varying fitness levels and exercise goals.Kettlebell for toning and fat loss“With proper technique, kettlebells can be used to train your entire body for both toning and fat-burning goals,” says Strickland.Compound movements such as the kettlebell swing, in which the centre of gravity shifts, work the entire body while moves native to dumbbell workouts often isolate one or two muscle groups.Resistance bandsfor activation, recovery and toningAlso known as physio bands or Thera-Bands, resistance bands are often used to improve flexibility or for rehabilitative purposes.“Resistance bands are great for rehabilitation from injury as they don’t load the spine or put pressure on the joints to the same extent as heavy weights,” says Strickland.“When added to your stretching routine, they can allow you to reach a deeper stretch than you might otherwise be able to achieve, aiding recovery and improving flexibility.”Foam roller for activation, recovery and toning“While foam rollers are often thought as being exclusively a recovery tool for massaging sore muscles, I’ve often also used them as a rehabilitation tool with my clients,” says Strickland.“By rolling out the outer thighs or glutes with your feet elevated off the floor, your core is forced to engage and you can actually get quite a solid, yet low-impact, abdominal workout.”Swiss ball for toning“Gym balls can be used for an endless number of exercises that work the entire body,” says Strickland. “They are actually popular among athletes as they can target the muscle groups specific to the athletes’ performance.For specific exercises to promote toning, fat loss and card get your hands on the July 2016 issue of Women’s Health and Fitness Magazine.