[Photo credit: Shootsnikon]

Having trouble sticking to your fitness routine?  Shake it up a little by working out first thing in the morning.  It’s a huge mental shift, but with the sun coming up earlier, early morning workouts will help you jump start your metabolism for the rest of the day.

In addition, you can avoid the stress of battling decisions between your workout and possible last minute evening activities that would have competed with your time, you won’t have to think about getting your workout in, and you’ll find yourself getting more work done during the day.

So challenge yourself to get up earlier and in less than two weeks I guarantee you’ll see and feel a difference.

PS, Still need some pick me up help in the morning? Here are two quick dynamic flexibility exercises to get the blood flowing.

Perform 2 sets of 10 reps for each exercise.

1. Cat/Camel

2. Opposites (aka Bird Dog)

I have just been recently featured in Craig Ballantyne’s Turbulence Training Fat Loss Blog.  Craig is a fat loss expert and writes for Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines.  When he speaks about fat loss, listen up!

He also has a strong stance on how cardio is a waste of time in regards to fat loss.  This is something we’ve preached to you guys over and over.  

Check out my blog post and download Craig’s “Dark Side of Cardio” report.

Enjoy!

- Rommel

My new blog ==>http://www.fitinahurry.com

Four minutes? What?! You’re probably thinking, “Great, here’s another fitness scam!” Nope, sorry to dissapoint you.

Enter the “Tabata Protocol”.

In the past few years this protocol has become extremely popular as a personal training and fitness bootcamp tool. Why? Simply, because it produces results in less time!

The Tabata Protocol is a simple interval routine proven to improve fitness levels and performance. The protocol is performed for a minimum of 4 minutes upwards of 16 minutes. Have I sparked your interest yet?

It is named after Dr. Izumi Tabata, a former researcher at Japan’s National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya. Tabata and his colleagues researched and studied just how effective Japan’s speed-skating coach’s workouts really were. What they discovered became a major breakthrough in the fitness field.

Here’s what they found:

Tabata Protocol (TP) vs Traditional Cardio (TC)

14% (TP) vs 9.5% (TC) improvement in aerobic capacity
28% (TP) vs 0% (TC) improvement in anaerobic capacity
The Tabata protocol proved not only to be more effective than traditional cardio, but to also be more effective than typical interval training.

The awesome part about these findings is that these results were experienced by elite athletes. Many studies perform their protocols on beginners so that they can show amazing results to prove it’s
effectiveness. Then follows the slick marketing that they’ve come across a superior fitness tool to produce the results you’ve been looking for. Hopefully, by now you should know that any beginner will
get results on any program. But, when a protocol produces results in elite athletes who have superior conditioning, well it’s hard not to listen.

Make sure to consider the source. You can view the abstract for the Tabata protocol here.

In my previous post I mentioned how to get started on a beginner Tabata workout. So let me give you two more ways to perform them with traditional weight training exercises.

To review, Tabata intervals consists of 20 seconds of high intensity work, followed by only 10 seconds of rest, and repeated for a total of 8 rounds. You can perform 2 more rounds to complete 16 minutes of total
work. A word of caution, start out with one round then see how you feel. If you do it right one round might be enough to send your breakfast out your mouth. He,he

Ok, so there are many ways to construct a Tabata workout, but I’ll only go over two of them.

Sample 1: use two non-competing exercises to perform 4 sets of each exercise

1) Squats: perform as many as you can in 20 seconds

Rest only 10 seconds

2) Pullups: perform as many as you can in 20 seconds

Rest only 10 seconds, then repeat until you complete 4 sets. Rest for
30-60 seconds then perform 1-2 more rounds if you think you can.

or

Sample 2: use four exercises that utilizes a push,pull,squat,twist/core

1) Squats: perform as many as you can in 20 seconds

Rest only 10 seconds

2) Bench/Chest Press: perform as many as you can in 20 seconds

Rest only 10 seconds

3) Dumbbell Rows: perform as many as you can in 20 seconds

Rest only 10 seconds

4) Band Woodchops/Twists: perform as many as you can in 20 seconds

Rest only 10 seconds, then repeat for one more set to complete 4
minutes. Rest for 30-60 seconds then perform 1-2 more rounds if you
think you can.

* For both samples I’ve discovered that a weight that you can normally perform 10 reps with is a good start. I also recommend performing your reps as fast as possible, WITH good form, so please use
common sense.

Give these a shot, do it right, then let me know how you feel tomorrow!

Do you keep a fitness journal?

Are you serious about your fitness goals? If you are and are maintaining some kind of journaling then keep it up! If not, what are you thinking? Seriously, let me ask you this. Within your occupation if you have an important deadline for a specific task you would formulate a plan of action and track progress wouldn’t you? Because if you didn’t you’d probably be in a world of hurt from your superiors and you can say goodbye to that possible promotion.

Over the years I’ve noticed that 8 maybe 9 out of 10 people maintain a fitness journal successfully. I’ll admit it’s hard, but when it comes to your health and fitness it’s going to be your secret weapon to finally achieving your goals. Most of my clients respond with, “How can a fitness journal be my secret weapon?” Here are my reasons,

* Accountability
* Tracking and monitoring nutrition and how certain foods make you feel
* Tracking milestones such as measurements, weight lost, muscle gained, etc.
* Monitoring workouts that actually deliver results
* Monitoring recovery

As you take notes and monitor everything you will find that you will reach your goals in an efficient manner, which translates into achieving results without having to spend too much time on your fitness regimen. No matter what the goal you should never be without a fitness journal. Here are five tips to doing it right.

1. KEEP IT PORTABLE & SIMPLE – I keep a small spiral notepad in my gym bag at all times. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy like the ones you buy at the bookstores. Stick with a simple notepad and don’t try to overanalyze it.

2. RECORD EVERYTHING – I like to record all of my nutrition on the left or front side of the sheet, and my workouts on the right or back side of the sheet. I also record how I felt after each workout, and sometimes on specific sets that just seemed harder that day. Tracking the details allows you to monitor the need to change your routine, stress and the possibility of overtraining, or undertraining (which is the unfortunate reality of most gym goers, not enough intensity).

3. PSYCHE YOURSELF UP – It’s always good practice to look at your accomplishments from the previous week to decide how much more you’re going to try to do this week. Maybe it’s increasing your weights by 5-10lbs or using the same weight as last week, but doing more reps. Just as long as it still fits within the overall goal of the program.

4. YOUR WORKOUT ENCYCLOPEDIA – Using previous journals as workout encyclopedia’s in order to study which workouts produced certain results is key in maintaining a “fitness lifestyle”. The human body typically adapts within 3-4 weeks to most workout routines (some more, some less) so referencing previous journals, and then planning out which workouts to use over then next 3-6 months is a great way to accomplish new goals.

5. KEEP IT GOING – If you’re serious about achieving your fitness goals then this should be easy. Especially, when six months from now you read it and notice how much you’ve improved. Keeping it going won’t seem like such a hassle anymore.

So again I ask, “Do you keep a workout journal?”

Like/hate what you read? Have a reaction? Please share your thoughts below!

- Rommel

View my blog

Do you keep a fitness journal?

Are you serious about your fitness goals? If you are and are
maintaining some kind of journaling then keep it up! If not, what are
you thinking? Seriously, let me ask you this. Within your occupation if
you have an important deadline for a specific task you would formulate
a plan of action and track progress wouldn’t you? Because if you didn’t
you’d probably be in a world of hurt from your superiors and you can
say goodbye to that possible promotion.

Over the years I’ve noticed that 8 maybe 9 out of 10 people maintain a
fitness journal successfully. I’ll admit it’s hard, but when it comes
to your health and fitness it’s going to be your secret weapon to
finally achieving your goals. Most of my clients respond with, “How can
a fitness journal be my secret weapon?” Here are my reasons,

* Accountability
* Tracking and monitoring nutrition and how certain foods make you feel
* Tracking milestones such as measurements, weight lost, muscle gained, etc.
* Monitoring workouts that actually deliver results
* Monitoring recovery

As you take notes and monitor everything you will find that you will
reach your goals in an efficient manner, which translates into
achieving results without having to spend too much time on your fitness
regimen. No matter what the goal you should never be without a fitness
journal. Here are five tips to doing it right.

1. KEEP IT PORTABLE & SIMPLE – I keep a small spiral
notepad in my gym bag at all times. It doesn’t have to be anything
fancy like the ones you buy at the bookstores. Stick with a simple
notepad and don’t try to overanalyze it.

2. RECORD EVERYTHING – I like to record all of my nutrition
on the left or front side of the sheet, and my workouts on the right or
back side of the sheet. I also record how I felt after each workout,
and sometimes on specific sets that just seemed harder that day.
Tracking the details allows you to monitor the need to change your
routine, stress and the possibility of overtraining, or undertraining
(which is the unfortunate reality of most gym goers, not enough
intensity).

3. PSYCHE YOURSELF UP – It’s always good practice to look
at your accomplishments from the previous week to decide how much more
you’re going to try to do this week. Maybe it’s increasing your weights
by 5-10lbs or using the same weight as last week, but doing more reps.
Just as long as it still fits within the overall goal of the program.

4. YOUR WORKOUT ENCYCLOPEDIA – Using previous journals as
workout encyclopedia’s in order to study which workouts produced
certain results is key in maintaining a “fitness lifestyle”. The human
body typically adapts within 3-4 weeks to most workout routines (some
more, some less) so referencing previous journals, and then planning
out which workouts to use over then next 3-6 months is a great way to
accomplish new goals.

5. KEEP IT GOING – If you’re serious about achieving your
fitness goals then this should be easy. Especially, when six months
from now you read it and notice how much you’ve improved. Keeping it
going won’t seem like such a hassle anymore.

So again I ask, “Do you keep a workout journal?”

Like/hate what you read? Have a reaction? Please share your thoughts below!

Goodness gracious!! Element 5 Fitness clients are psycho! I’m afraid as a trainer. Be very afraid if you plan on joining our fitness minded group. I don’t think my safety is compromised, but let me tell you why I think our clients are psychotic!

It all started on Thursday snow day at 4:45 a.m. There was ALOT of snow. It actually started early that morning and filled up the landscape and caused numerous problems all over the Northwest. I received numerous emails and texts about concerns whether class or training sessions are still on that morning. Never mind their safety, these people are fitness focused and passionate about working out! They wanted their Strong and Sexy Bootcamp to continue. Wow! I was impressed. Although we did cancel our class as the gym eventually closed, I was keeping people up to date like a weatherman/fitness newscaster. These people were determined.

It reminds me of a phrase I saw at my martial arts training studio…”SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT TRAINING MAKES ONE WEAK!!!” It sure seemed like they absorbed that mantra as their motto for the week. (Feel the pun?)

On Friday, I sent out a home-based workout for those who wanted to stay active while they were cooped up. They had their mini at home Strong and Sexy Bootcamp. I called it the P (1/2 of) 90X workout. (Hehe, must be because it was only 45 minutes instead of 90 and just as hard if not harder) Finally, Rommel and I gave in to the peer passion pressure and decided we were going to brave the weather and road conditions to fulfill our clients’ fitness cravings for Saturday 8am Strong and Sexy Bootcamps.

As saturday rolls around, and previously closed roads in Redmond and Bellevue open up and the chaos SLIGHTLY clears up, I decide to roll out with my All Wheel Drive to the gym for the 8am class. It was slick, icy, and scary watching others try to attempt to drive beside you, in front of you, and behind you around turns, and up or down hills. I honestly did not expect that many people to show up on that dreadful morning, but six people turned up! It was quite the morning. Let me explain:

Out of the six people, Theresa who was pregnant, worked out with galoshes for the first 30 minutes due to forgetting her shoes. We had her friend Sandra drive from Seattle, swing by her house, and pick up her shoes before coming to the gym to join in on the workout. Heather walked to the gym as a warm-up to get her workout in and walked home afterwards. Dena came in slightly sick, but dedicated herself to taking on the workout. Molly came in to join the fun, and later switched vehicles with her husband and the kids so he can then workout with me after her bootcamp class. Matt braved the snow to be the only gentleman representing the males and kept up with these hardcore females!

Wasn’t I right? Our clients are Psycho…in a good way! Maybe I should say Psycho Passionate! It was fun and quite the laughs.
Here is that workout I sent out. It may be somewhat modified but here it is. On a sidenote, did you know back at Oregon State University we did a segment on home workouts? We took some film and radio class to learn how to produce a show. Originally we were going to call it the Beaver show spinning off that Comedy Central ”Man Show”. We sent out the proposal but it got turned down. Weird… But we created a fitness show instead. Anyways, on with the quick workout:

- A1 Pushups 20 reps

- A2 Bent over Rows using Gallon jugs of water or milk

- A3 Tabata Squats 20 seconds fast, 10 second rest, and repeat 3 times

- Repeat the above three A exercises 3 or 4 sets…its a nonstop fast sequence

- B1 Step out alternating lunges 30 total 40 max with water jug vertical press

- B2 Plank hold 60 seconds

- B3 20 Crunches

- B4 Reverse crunches aka butt lifts aka reverse curls aka you know!

- Repeat B exercises 3 or 4 sets Nonstop fast sequence!

- A and B should take 30 minutes

Cardio Time:

- 30 seconds split shuffles

- 30 seconds ice skaters

- 30 seconds jumpsquats

- 30 seconds in place high knee runs

- 30 seconds jumping jacks

- 30 seconds slalom hops

- 30 seconds wideouts (jump in feet together and jumpout wide while staying low and hands behind head)

- 30 seconds wall sit

- Rest 30-60 seconds and repeat 3 times the whole cardio series ALL 8 OF THEM IN A ROW!!!

Be Safe, Have Fun, Happy Holidays, and the next time your indoors…Try the above workouts. No snow can stop you! In fact you might burn so much calories and core temperature reach a pretty high level you can stand out on your driveway and melt the snow!

Belton Lubas

I’ve been a fitness professional in the Eastside since 2004 (with 10 years in the industry), and many of my clients and people who know me well understand that I don’t agree with most people’s New Year’s Resolutions in regards to their fitness goals.

There are many reasons why I don’t agree, but I’m going to share my top three with you today. First, allow me to ask you a really big question: What is honestly going to be so different in your life next year that you cannot take action today? Maybe I’m being a little harsh during the holidays, but seriously, I think most resolutions are an excuse and a means to justify and delay action steps that we all know deep down should be acted on today.

Here are my reasons:

1. Psychological justification.
Most people will do whatever they want for the rest of the year in order to justify that next year they’ll be focused and finally achieve the fitness goals they dream of. The unfortunate reality is that the average weight gain from Thanksgiving till Christmas is 12lbs. That’s enough weight gain to ruin your whole year’s efforts. Is it really worth it?

2. Not revisiting your health and fitness goals every 2-3 months.
It’s a good idea to make the necessary adjustments to your health and fitness routine with the changing of the seasons. We tend to decorate our homes with the change of the seasons and it’s great for the psyche to do the same with your health and fitness goals. Restructure and reorganize your routine to meet the daily needs of the upcoming season.

For example, just about everyone is out and about during the summer months reaping the rewards of our efforts in the earlier part of the year. When fall comes we tend to slow down because the year is winding down and then when winter hits we pretty much proceed into a mental hibernation. However, this mental hibernation is usually not supportive of their fitness goals. This is why it should be a priority to revisit your goals with each season to make sure you restructure it accordingly for you to manage and engage appropriately so that you always stay on track.

3. Because you ALWAYS have an opportunity this very moment.
It really doesn’t take much effort to make a dramatic difference in your health right now. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start with a 15-minute walk three times per week for 2 weeks, and then crank it up to 30-minute workouts including strength training starting the third week. Don’t be fooled by the “Exercise at least 5 hours/week of cardio and 2+ days of weight training”. Anyone can easily become more fit in just 15-30 minutes three times per week. That’s 1.5 hours per week at the most! Who wouldn’t want that kind of fitness schedule?

Anyway, there really is no reason to wait until the New Year . You’re good enough RIGHT NOW, and you’re worth it!

PS…Click here to learn some damage control strategies for the rest of the holidays.