How to get single-digit body fat, safely Bodybuilding Exercises Nutrition Training Methods Weight loss by admin - 13 June 201916 June 20190 While it's unlikely most gym-goers will be wrapping themselves in bin bags and heading to the sauna, obtaining the coveted single-digit percent body fat has become a badge of honour. Previously reserved for bodybuilders, male models and the truly dedicated, men off the street are now using pre-competition fat loss logic for jaw-dropping abs.
Using Multiple Rep Schemes: Your Program For Power, Size, And Strength Bodybuilding Exercises Nutrition by admin - 29 December 201829 December 20180 Vital Stats Name: Justin WolteringHeight: 6’3″Weight: 220 lbsOccupation: Entrepreneur, artist, fitness expert, Dymatize athleteWebsites: justinwoltering.com/biggerbetterfasternow.com If you listen to conventional bodybuilding and strength training wisdom, you probably believe that lifting for size and lifting for strength are totally separate endeavors. For decades, gurus and gym rats alike have been parroting the same old “3-5 reps for strength, 10-12 reps for size” mantra, and few people seem to question it. Know what? I think it’s bullshit. Have you ever seen a guy with huge legs, a broad back, and a massive chest who couldn’t put up some serious weight? On the other hand, how often do you see skinny guys lifting more than the experienced bodybuilders? Sure, you’ll see a 180-pound monster every now and again who can bench 405 or squat more than 600, but for the most part, size and strength go hand in hand. The truth is that training for size and training for strength are basically the same. Instead of thinking about any single rep range as a “strength builder” or “size builder,” use them all to your advantage to train every fiber in your body and elicit maximal growth! The Multiple Rep Range Program Beyond Periodization Periodization is the practice of transitioning from higher reps and lower weights to lower reps and higher weights (and vice versa)—over the course of a planned training cycle. It’s an effective, proven technique that’s long been used by powerlifters, weightlifters, and other strength athletes. But I think there’s a better way, at least for the more physique-oriented trainee. Since each rep range is going to affect your strength, size, and overall look a bit differently—and because one isn’t more valuable than another—I favor a routine that includes them all in every workout. Instead of transitioning from one rep range to the next, I like to constantly improve my numbers in a variety of rep schemes, only taking steps back when my body needs a break. “Periodization is the practice of transitioning from higher reps and lower weights to lower reps and higher weights (and vice versa)—over the course of a planned training cycle.” Keep in mind, this may not be the optimal plan if you’re specialized or purely focused on powerlifting, but I find it yields the best results for maximum muscle size, strength, density, and tone. If you want that hard, constantly flexed look that experienced bodybuilders all seem to have, then you need to use multiple rep ranges. Your Main Lifts Of course, we can’t talk about rep ranges and progression schemes without actually discussing the lifts you’ll be performing. Think you’ll get away with doing nothing but leg presses for legs, machines for chest, and wimpy pull-downs for back? Think again! I know some bodybuilders claim they get better fiber recruitment and mind-muscle connection with machines. That’s great for super-advanced guys, but if you aim to gain slabs of muscle, you need to do the big, basic lifts which tax your body and mind the most and place the greatest demand on your body to grow! These basic lifts are the squat, deadlift, bench press, and overhead press. “These basic lifts are the squat, deadlift, bench press, and overhead press.” Don’t worry, you’ll do more than just those four movements in this program, but they make up the four cornerstones of your training. You can certainly pick variations as long, as they allow you to use lots of weight and make relatively quick progress! You can’t chicken-out and substitute light dumbbell lunges for squats, for instance, but you can pick between high-bar and low-bar squats, vary your foot placement, depth, and other factors. The same goes for the other moves: You might do incline or decline press instead of the regular bench press, sumo deadlifts rather than conventional, and do seated instead of standing military presses. Just make sure you stick with one choice per movement pattern for at least a couple of months at a time, otherwise you won’t be able to gauge your progress and gains. “Here’s a good rule: No matter which rep range you use, always aim to leave one more rep in the tank.” Choosing Your Reps The rep ranges you utilize will vary based on experience level. Most lifters do best with three ranges: 3-5 reps, 6-8 reps, and 9-12 reps. If you’re a rank beginner who still doesn’t have great technique and a feel for each lift, you need to increase those rep numbers a bit—to 6-8, 9-12, and 13-15 reps. I don’t like prescribing one-rep max percentages to determine how much you should lift for each rep range because some people can do a lot more reps with a given percentage than others. So here’s a good rule: No matter which rep range you use, always aim to leave one more rep in the tank. This means you should never miss a rep in training unless you’re testing your max. In general, you should finish each set feeling like you probably could have just barely put up one more. Trust me, you’ll do enough overall work that you won’t need to blow a gasket on each and every set. You want to stay somewhat fresh and ensure progression from one workout to the next. “Bodybuilding” Work While those four basic lifts are by far the most important aspects of your program, you still don’t want to leave out your accessory work. Weightlifters might call this “bodybuilding work,” but in my opinion, just about any athlete who needs to get bigger and stronger should do these movements. Accessory movements are things like pull-ups, abdominal work, calf raises, biceps curls, and the like. The point of these movements is to “fill in the gaps” left by the four main movements. Skullcrushers There are hundreds, if not thousands of different accessory movements you can choose. So your accessory work is basically up to you. I will say, however, there are a few rules to follow: Your upper-back work should include barbell rows, dumbbell rows, pull-ups (not pull-downs), and maybe some shrugs if the deadlifts aren’t doing enough to build your traps. For your arms, use variations on the curl, triceps extension, and rear-delt raise—don’t do the same movements over and over. For lower body, you’ll need heavy calves and abs exercises as well as a couple of additional moves for quads and hamstrings. As much I love the squat, you’ll probably run out of steam too soon if you try to do nothing but squats for your legs, so don’t be afraid to use the leg press or hack squat machines once your core (and mind) are too fried to do another set of squats. The Program—Finally! Alright, here’s the basic template. The most important things here are the basic movement patterns, the rep ranges, and the progression of weight and reps from week to week. Remember, you can sub in other exercises or exercise variations as long as they meet the same goals. Rest for a couple of minutes or as long as necessary between sets, because these sets will make you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck! Main lift Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press2 sets of 3-5, 2 sets of 6-8, 2 sets of 9-12 reps Secondary Incline Dumbbell Press4 sets of 10-20 (all the same weight) reps Upper Back Pull-Up (neutral grip)4 sets of 8-10 reps, adding weight as necessary Main lift Barbell Squat (low bar, to parallel)2 sets of 3-5, 2 sets of 6-8, 2 sets of 9-12 reps Secondary Leg Press4 sets of 10-20 reps (all the same weight) Weighted Crunch4 sets of 15-20 reps Seated Calf Raise4 sets of 50 reps (yes, 50!) Main lift Seated Behind-The-Neck Press (shown standing)2 sets of 3-5, 2 sets of 6-8, 2 sets of 9-12 reps Secondary Decline Barbell Bench Press4 sets of 10-20 reps (all the same weight) Upper Back Chin-Up4 sets of 10-12 reps, adding weight as necessary Main lift Deadlift (standing on 45-lb plates)2 sets of 3-5, 2 sets of 6-8, 2 sets of 9-12 reps Upper Back Close-Grip Barbell Row4 sets of 10-20 (all the same weight) Secondary Hack Squat4 sets of 10-20 (all the same weight) Sit-Up (weighted)4 sets of 15-20 Leverage Iso Row4 sets of 10-20 (all the same weight) Standing Calf Raise4 sets of 10-20 (all the same weight) Side Lateral Raise4 sets of 10-20 (all the same weight) Reverse Machine Flyes4 sets of 10-20 (all the same weight) Superset Dumbbell Curls4 sets of 10-20 reps (all the same weight) Skullcrushers4 sets of 10-20 reps (all the same weight) The Progression Scheme Since there’s no traditional periodization here, your progression from one workout to the next is going to be simple. For your main lifts, add 5 pounds to the bar for each rep range every workout. Once you’re not able to get at least the bottom-end number of reps for any particular rep range, take 15 pounds off the bar (yes, I said 15) and start anew. You will be able to get more reps immediately and, in a few weeks, blow past your old sticking point. For your secondary lifts—and any others for which you’ll do four sets of 10-20 reps—keep using the same weight until you’re able to get at least 15 reps for all four sets in the same workout. At that point, you can increase the weight, but not by so much that you can’t stay within the 10-20 range for all four sets. “For your secondary lifts—and any others for which you’ll do four sets of 10-20 reps—keep using the same weight until you’re able to get at least 15 reps for all four sets in the same workout.” Finally, for all of the upper-back work, use as much weight as you can without sacrificing form or missing reps. Ideally, you’d use the same weight for all four sets, but don’t worry if you have to lighten the load for the third or fourth set to stay within the rep range. Once you hit near the top of the range for all four sets, it’s time to go heavier! Let’s Go To Work! Seems almost too simple, doesn’t it? But that’s how your training should be, at least most of the time! Far too many new lifters spend hours upon hours over-thinking their programs. Smart training is essential, but your progression should rely on consistent hard work, not some overwrought, pseudo-scientific program. The greatest lifters—whether they’ve competed in powerlifting or bodybuilding—have busted their asses with simple programs to reach their level of success. Recommended For You STRENGTH MEETS SIZE Bodybuilders and powerlifters each have something to teach you. This plan combines the best of both worlds so you can build your best body ever. GET BIG, STAY LEAN Contrary to popular belief, you can make mass gains without also putting a lot of fat on your gut. Here’s how to get the best results from your winter bulking plan! VALENTINE’S DAY COUPLES WORKOUT Fit couples use the gym as a place to connect and spend time together. If you haven’t trained with your other half in a while, here’s the perfect Valentine’s Day workout that will leave you both feeling great!
FIT SNAX: great new natural products you’ll want to try! Bodybuilding Exercises Nutrition by admin - 3 April 201810 April 20180 FIT SNAX is a UK based company run by Orsi, a Hungarian native now living in England. FIT SNAX makes delicious sugar-free and dairy-free Amino Gummies. They are designed for those people who are either following a strict, life-changing diet and/or preparing for a competition. During this time people on strict
4 ways to increase fat loss Bodybuilding Exercises Nutrition by admin - 14 March 20188 March 20180 Progressively burn more fat with these top tips from personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and owner of KE Fitness Kris Etheridge. Body fat is simply stored energy, so giving your body a reason to use it is vital. This can be done through diet or exercise, but most commonly a combination of the two. “To lose body fat, you need to place your body into a calorie deficit, forcing it to use its fat for energy. Muscle is also your body’s engine – the bigger the engine, the more fuel it uses and the more calories you burn, making it easier to lose fat,” says Etheridge, who suggests any good fat loss plan contains gradual progressions in both fat-burning cardiovascular activity and resistance training. “Strength training is the most important element; the amount of cardio you need to do to achieve fat loss depends on how strict you are with your diet and what kind of strength and conditioning program you’re doing,” he says. “Utilise progressive overload to make your resistance workout more difficult than what you can comfortably perform in your current program. Whether it be using different training principals, such as supersets and circuits, or increasing the weight or reps, keep progressing by asking more from your body.” Etheridge suggests increasing your weight, sets, reps or intensity each week for six weeks, followed by one week of lighter training (aka. a deload week) to allow the body to recover. “Lighter weeks or rest weeks are imperative to minimise overtraining and reduce the chance of overuse injuries. This is the optimal way to increase your strength,” says Etheridge. “For weight loss, it’s not as important to use progressions with your cardio. The cardio is purely for fat burning – but if you want to continue to improve your cardiovascular fitness, aim to increase your workout intensity by approximately five per cent each week for six weeks. Take a week off and then start your new program.” Here are her top four tips: 1. Change your exercises from basic compound movements to compound movements that require a higher level of skill, coordination or strength. For example, single leg or unilateral work. Examples: think pistol squat, TRX suspended lunge, Bulgarian split squat, single-leg deadlift, squats and step-ups using a bosu ball; single arm work such as one arm dumbbell or chest press on a fitball, single arm rows or renegade rows. 2. Reduce rest periods. Depending on how much rest you’re currently having, aim to drop it by five per cent per week for six weeks, or until you’re only having approximately 40 seconds rest (if performing straight sets) and 20 seconds rest between exercises (if you’re performing a circuit). 3. Split your program up and focus on two to three muscles groups per workout rather than full body. This is a more advanced way of training and a great way to continue progressing. Splitting the body parts up means you can perform more volume (sets) on each muscle group in each workout, and workout more days each week while still allowing adequate recovery time. 4. Add plyometrics to your workouts. Plyometric training is high impact and high intensity, and involves a lot of jumping where your muscles exert maximum force in short intervals – great for power and agility, and can be a quick and fun way to burn fat given its higher calorie output. In order to track your progress, keep yourself accountable. Regularly weigh yourself or take measurements, and keep a food and training diary to understand how training and nutrition protocols affect you on a weekly basis. {nomultithumb}
How to use your resistance bands for recovery and toning Bodybuilding Exercises Nutrition Weight loss by CarolTrapp - 7 February 20183 February 20180 How to use your resistance bands for recovery and toning You’ll be suprised at how resistance bands can come in handy when it comes to activation, recovery and toning.Also 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 elite trainer of over 15 years Matthew 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.”While resistance bands do not correspond to a specific weight and cannot load the muscle to the same extent as a dumbbell, they can also be used to add tension and tone specific muscle groups, such as the glutes, calves, shoulders, back and biceps, and are perfect if dumbbells or similar are out of reach at home or while travelling. They can also aid in activating muscle groups in preparation for heavier lifts.Resistance bands come in varying levels of stretch, from light to heavy, and are usually colour coded.“Heavier bands should be used for larger muscle groups such as the legs or glutes, while lighter bands can be used for muscles that don’t require a heavy load to work them, such as the shoulders,” says Strickland.For activation/toning: Warm-ups that are dynamic, rather than static, can help to increase movement ranges and activate the muscle groups that your workouts will target. “Dynamic warm-ups are important as they prepare the muscles, prime the nervous system and give you an opportunity to reinforce proper technique,” says trainer Alexa Towersey. To prime the glutes and hamstrings for a lower body session, try glute raises with a resistance band tied around the knees; concentrate on pushing your knees outwards, against the bands, as you raise your hips upward to really get the booty working.
10 protein foods for weight loss Nutrition Weight loss by admin - 22 December 201726 December 20170 Trying to lose weight? Protein is your best friend. These foods will keep you fuller for longer, regulate your metabolism and help build lean muscle. 1. Egg whites They don’t taste as awesome as whole eggs, but egg whites are much lower in fat. Eggs (whole or not) are high in leucine, a muscle-building amino acid. Egg whites contain around 11 grams of protein and zero fat per 100 grams. 2. Tofu This glorious spongy soy product is cholesterol free, relatively low in fat and contains around 11 grams of protein per 100 grams. It’s also a great source of amino acids. 3. Cottage cheese: It might lack visual appeal, but cottage cheese contains all essential amino acids, is super low in fat and contains around 10 grams of protein per 100 grams. Dairy is also an excellent source of L-Carnitine, which plays a roll in fat metabolism. 6. Whey Protein Whey is a by-product of cheese production, and whey protein is a product made by isolating the protein in this by-product. It’s usually found in powdered form as protein shakes or supplements. Whey protein isolates tend to be the lowest in fat, but any kind of whey protein is a great source of amino acids, especially leucine, a muscle building amino acid. 7. Skinless chicken Ditch the drumsticks and wings for a nice lean chicken breast. Most of the fat in chicken is concentrated in the skin, leaving the meat quite lean. 100 grams of skinless chicken breast contains around 22 grams of protein and around 2 grams of fat. Chicken is also good for fat-free cooking methods such as poaching. 8. Prawns If you’ve only ever had these sweet crustaceans crumbed and fried from the fish and chip shop, you’re missing out. Prawns are high in protein (around 20 grams per 100 grams) and contain almost zero fat. They are also high in omega3, magnesium and iodine, all good for maintaining metabolic health. 9. Peanut flour Peanuts are high in fat, so chowing down on handfuls isn’t a great idea, but peanut flour is usually defatted, meaning that it’s actually quite low in fat. 100 grams of defatted peanut flour contains around 52 grams of protein and one gram of fat. Use it in your protein baking, or just add water for spreadable peanut butter! 10. Chickpeas Chickpeas might be lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates than most other protein foods, but they pack a fibrous punch. Chickpeas are a great source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre is a great way to increase the transit time of food in your tummy, leaving you feeling flat tummied and lighter, whereas soluble fibre soaks up water and slows digestion, keeping you fuller for longer. 4. Venison: Game meats tend to be leaner than traditional meats, and venison is no exception. It’s low in fat and high in protein with around 25 grams of protein per 100 grams. It’s also full of B vitamins that help regulate metabolism. 5. Kangaroo: If you’re not too concerned about eating an Aussie icon: kangaroo meat is lower in fat that most other red meats, and is loaded with metabolism-regulating B-Vitamins and L-Carnitine, which plays a roll in fat burning for energy. And it contains around 21 grams of protein per 100 grams. {nomultithumb}
5 hormones that cause weight gain Nutrition Weight loss by admin - 4 December 201722 December 20170 Did you know that regulating hormones can help control weight gain, even without reducing the intake of food? Yes, really! Angela Tufvesson finds out more. Melatonin What is it? The hormone of darkness, melatonin maintains the body’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour clock that regulates when we fall asleep and wake up. The body produces melatonin when it is dark to encourage rest. Is it out of whack? Bright light in the evening or not enough light during the day can disrupt melatonin levels, which can result in weight gain. This is a common symptom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a winter ailment where too much melatonin is produced. Quick fix: Regulating melatonin levels can help control weight gain, even without reducing the intake of food. Researchers from the University of Granada in Spain believe melatonin might help prevent heart disease associated with obesity, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. Small quantities of melatonin can be found in goji berries, almonds, sunflower seeds, cardamom, fennel, coriander and cherries. Melatonin also has strong antioxidant effects and can be taken in supplement form. If you prefer au naturale, be sure to sleep in a pitch-black room. Insulin What is it? Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and used to digest the carbohydrates in food. The pancreas secretes insulin in response to carbohydrates being consumed. It then transports glucose – a simple sugar made from the digested carbohydrates – from the food to the muscles to be used for energy. Is it out of whack? If you have trouble losing weight, despite eating well and training hard, you may have a condition called insulin resistance, says Buntic. “In insulin resistance, the hormone insulin does not function as it should. The muscle cells build up a resistance to insulin, so the body produces more and more in an attempt to maintain the transport of glucose to the cells for energy. “As insulin works to prevent fat being burnt to preserve muscle and fat mass, high levels of insulin can result in a situation where fat is stored rather than burnt, leading to difficulty in losing and maintaining weight.” If left unmanaged, this condition is likely to result in type 2 diabetes. Quick fix: Insulin resistance can be managed with a low-GI eating plan and exercise including cardio and resistance training. Ghrelin and leptin What is it? Ghrelin and leptin are a double act that together regulate appetite. Leptin is secreted by fatty tissue and regulates energy by sending a signal to the brain that you are full, while ghrelin, a shorter-acting hormone secreted by the gut, stimulates appetite. Is it out of whack? Research suggests that when you don’t get enough sleep, leptin levels dive, so you don’t feel full after a meal, and ghrelin levels rise, which overstimulates your appetite. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that leptin levels decreased by 18 per cent and ghrelin levels increased by 28 per cent when sleep was restricted to four hours per night over two nights. Essentially, when we don’t get enough sleep, we feel hungry, even though we’ve eaten enough. Quick fix: Keep your ghrelin and leptin levels healthy with good sleep hygiene. Go to bed at roughly the same time each night and get the requisite seven to eight hours of shut-eye. Cortisol What is it? When you’re in danger or on high alert – before a big presentation or hot date – the body releases stress hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. It feeds your brain extra oxygen and releases energy from your fat and glucose stores to help you avert the threat or make a good impression on that date. Is it out of whack? Frequent, chronic stress means more cortisol is released into the bloodstream than the body can use. This puts you at increased risk of heart disease, sleep disturbances, depression and obesity. “If cortisol is elevated for long periods of time, it can promote weight gain,” says dietitian Angela Buntic. “Stress hormones trigger the fight or flight response, making the body’s fuel sources, such as glucose, ready and available for use. However, if you don’t actually use this energy for a physical response, the body stores the released energy as fat, usually around the abdomen, ready for the next threat.” Quick fix: Take steps to manage the stress in your life, says Sally Symonds, author of 50 Steps To Lose 50kg…and Keep It Off. Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruit and veg, lean meat and wholegrains; practise relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga; enjoy regular exercise; and spend time relaxing with friends away from your stressors. Oestrogen What is it? The constant see-sawing of oestrogen and progesterone production keeps the reproductive system running. Oestrogen plays an important role in the menstrual cycle (high levels induce PMS) and pregnancy. It also helps maintain strong bones and may help prevent heart disease. Is it out of whack? Studies suggest oestrogen fluctuations across the female lifespan may help explain our higher prevalence of obesity compared to men. Low oestrogen is a significant contributor to weight gain in our older years, particularly approaching menopause. In younger women, spiked oestrogen levels can lead to irritability, migraines, depression and a raft of reproductive disorders. “Oestrogen is the culprit for many of our problems, from breast cancer to endometriosis, PMS and cancer of the uterus,” says GP Dr Maura McGill. “Progesterone can ameliorate the effects of oestrogen gone wild, but if we are chronically short of one hormone, we need to reintroduce the missing hormone in the most natural way possible.” Quick fix: Avoid oestrogen-induced weight gain in your premenopausal years by eating a wholefood diet and limiting your intake of processed foods. Dr McGill recommends steering clear of high oestrogen foods like chicken and soy products at PMS time. NEXT: 20 ways to stay diet strong>> {nomultithumb}
Fat burning supplements: do they REALLY work? Nutrition Training Methods by admin - 2 December 201722 December 20170 Fat burners are the supplement industry’s fave buzz word, but do they work and are they safe? Supplements in the stimulants category may enhance fat oxidisation depending on the goals of the exerciser (and who you’re talking to). According to personal trainer David Bayens (primalpt.com.au), “The benefits of caffeine are well known for fat oxidation and training drive. Green tea extract is also excellent as well as anything that supports the thyroid such as iodine.” Consider your overall health If you do choose to use supplements, consider what they’re doing for your overall health, not merely your fat-burning capacity. According to Mark Ottobre, owner and director of Melbourne’s Enterprise Fitness, supplements should be viewed within the context of optimising body systems that domino into fat burning. “You improve someone’s health; you improve their ability to burn fat. You’re balancing a deficiency in something that is required for so many functions in the body. Why would the body worry about burning fat if you’re not healthy?” Bayens says carnitine can help to ferry fatty acids into muscle tissue to be used as energy during training. Be wary of excess calories & sugar Maston, on the other hand, does not recommend supplements. “…The increase of fat oxidation is minimal and negated by the fact it makes people hungrier and anxious,” she says. Supplements nested in shakes and gels can also counteract a fat loss goal. “Some of the supplements have calories in them adding to the total intake for the day. Supplements like this also often consist of sugar or artificially sweetened ingredients that also contribute to fat mass,” Maston warns. Pre- and post-workout protein shakes According to nutritionist Rosie Mansfield, fat burning can be manipulated with a strategically chosen pre- and post-workout protein shake. The optimal shake to prime the body to burn maximum fat is “a low-protein blend of soy isolate and whey protein”. Dietitian Duncan Hunter says intake timing also affects how much fat gets burned. “The best time to have a protein drink is within 30 minutes of finishing exercise (for example, a full body workout or weights). If it is an easy walk, it is best just to go for a whole food snack or just eat your next scheduled meal if it is within the next hour or so.” To ensure you’re not cancelling out your workout with calories, keep each shake to around 480kJ. {nomultithumb}
4 spices to spice up your meals and their health benefits Nutrition Weight loss by admin - 17 October 20170 4 spices to spice up your meals and their health benefits A spice a day may help keep the doctor at bay according to recent research. So add these to your personalised meal plan to help make food more flavoursome:Wasabi: boasts anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects in your digestive system and may also help reduce the risk of blood clots and cancer.Chilli: women who eat meals containing chilli have fewer spikes in their glucose levels after food, lessening their risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes, according to research at the University of Tasmania. Capsaicin, which gives chilli its spicy punch, speeds up our metabolism. Research suggests it may also reduce bad LDL cholesterol, help combat prostate cancer and blitz the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.Turmeric: in India, where they call curry ‘the spice of life’, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is lower
How to count macros Exercises Nutrition by admin - 13 October 20170 How to count macros Although counting macronutrients can seem daunting at first, you may be suprised at how easy it is once you get the hang of it. Check out our basic guide below.Step 1:Adopt A Macros RatioMost experts who use macros suggest dividing the Big 3 macronutrients into these ratios:»Protein: 35% or 40%»Carbs: 50% or 40%»Fats: 15% or 20%Try this approach and then tweak to find what works best for you.Step 2:Set Your Kilojoule IntakeWork out how many kilojoules you need to maintain or lose weight, depending on your goal.Step 3:Calculate Grams»Carbs: 1 gram = roughly 16 kJ (4 calories)»Protein: 1 gram = roughly 16 kJ (4 calories)»Fats: 1 gram = roughly 37 kJ (9 calories)Step 4:Allocate macrosWork out roughly how you want to divvy your macros into meals over a day. “I usually suggest that the higher energy carbs are eaten earlier in the day,” says personal trainer Daniel Tramontana, from Vision Personal Training at Brighton, Victoria. “Then later you can eat carbs in the form of fibrous vegetables and salad foods. I encourage people to eat protein at every meal, based on their body weight, and to have their healthy fats in later meals to assist the absorption and conversion of the nutrients.”Want to know more at macros and how to fine-tune your approach
The Simplest Weight-Loss Diet Ever! Bodybuilding Nutrition Training Methods Weight loss by admin - 19 June 201719 June 20170 Hardcore dieting can become a mess of food scales, portions, and hunger that very few survive. If you're looking to lose weight without the stress, this article is for you! From extreme calorie restriction, to sprawling "off-limit" food lists, to tracking every single morsel of nourishment, strict dieting can be a
5 reasons to get on your bike Nutrition Weight loss by admin - 8 October 201615 October 20160 What’s not to love about cycling? There’s no greater pleasure than the feeling of freedom you get pedalling out on the open road. And let’s not forget that cycling – whether on an indoor bike in the gym or touring the streets – is the perfect way to get your exercise fix. Here are our favourite reasons to saddle up today. Reason 1: Stay slimWant an awesomely fit body? Hit the spin bike! High-intensity spinning classes offer a great head-to-toe toning workout and they’re suitable for everyone – regardless of your fitness level. The interval sessions really challenge your lower body and the calorie-burning potential is pretty impressive, too. ‘The most beneficial part of spin classes is the intervals, as they challenge the body so you can get the most out of your workout,’ says Chris Foster, professional head of fitness at nuffield health (nuffieldhealth.com). Looking for a fresh alternative to your regular spin class? Check out BOOM Cycle, it’s an awesome indoor cycling class with an emphasis on fun and great music, it’s a firm team WF favourite (boomcycle.co.uk). Reason 2: It’s better for the environmentNobody wants to live in a world clogged up with unhealthy carbon emissions that wreak havoc on health. So ditch your car and get on your bike instead. A study by the European Cyclists Federation found that Europe could reduce its CO2 emissions by a quarter if its population cycled as regularly as the Danes. In Denmark the average person cycles almost 600 miles annually, while the average Brit logs in a meagre 46 miles each year. Reason 3: See the worldWhizzing around on two wheels is the perfect workout to take you away from home and out exploring new places. ‘Cycling lets you see the world – whether you want to hit the MTB trails or head out for a ride on the road. You can travel to places that you didn’t even realise existed and appreciate buildings and views that you have only ever bypassed in the car,’ enthuses Wiesia Kuczaj, cyclist and Sigma Sport Team MuleBar Girl (mulebar.com). Reason 4: Add years to your lifeTurn your commute into your workout and not only will you save money, you could also lengthen your lifespan. A 20-year study by Copenhagen’s Bispebjerg University Hospital found that women who cycled every day at a vigorous pace lived on average 3.9 years longer than slow cyclists. So get pedalling hard, people! Reason 5: Improve joint healthThe low-impact nature of cycling makes it an accessible sport for those who are at risk of joint injury and also enables them to increase the volume and intensity of their riding at a faster pace. ‘Consequently, cycling may help you to reach your health and fitness goals more quickly than is possible in more technical and/or weight bearing sports, such as running,’ explains performance coach James Hewitt (jameshewitt.net).