Exercising in heels...cut the crap ladies!

http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion-beauty/would-you-exercise-in-high-heels--203624066.html Vanity has gone too far. It's a known fact that worn over time, high heels can cause a variety of lower extremity aliments; just ask a podiatrist. Now there are classes offered to exercise in heels...why? The simple answer is that the name of the game is money and there's a sucker born every minute. Please don't be a victim of deception. Wear the proper gear for your workout routine (ie: athletic shoes). Be safe, not sorry!

Re post April 27th post: Cardio/Weights

I have been lifting weights prior to doing cardio since my April post and I really do not see a difference. I think the main focus should be on switching up you're routine to trick your muscles. Also, don't always workout them same muscle groups. One day do triceps and calves; the next day do biceps and quadriceps. This gives each muscle group a resting period to recuperate and grow.

I am always up for a challenge and to try something new. If you have any suggestions, please let me know because there's always room for improvement and growth.

As BIG as an Airplane

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43065073
http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/

I'm sorry to say that when I read this MSN post I didn't agree with most of its content. First of all, let's take a closer look at what constitutes obesity. Apparently, when a person is more than 50 pounds overweight they are considered obese. But the number on the scale is really not the issue; it’s the health and welfare of the obese person and all the medical and emotional issues that come along with it.

Being obese is an addiction and is equivalent to substance abuse. When you talk to someone who’s overweight about food their eyes light up like a Christmas tree...very sad. Food is a necessity for an average mind, yet unstoppable crack for the obese. I believe doctors need to look closer into the psychological aspect.

As far as the airlines go, is it really Southwest, or any other airlines fault? I can’t put the “blame” on either side. Yes, I do agree with Kenlie about the airlines having to be more consistent with their policies for whether or not a passenger needs to buy one or two seats. But think about this: when you have baggage that is over a certain weight limit, you need to pay an additional cost. I believe they are trying to enforce the same policy with overweight/obese people. People aren’t luggage, so it’s a very sticky subject to put out there for the industry. The seats are cramped already and they have to keep in mind the comfort of the passengers that may have to sit next to someone who is exploding out of their seat.

All in all, an overweight person reading this may despise me for my opinion on the matter. I do work very hard in everything I do in my life: my family, my job and my workout routine. Someone overweight didn’t start off that way; they became stagnant and put in more than they burned until it became a huge problem. I’m writing this to help everyone big or small to understand that if you do have an issue please seek medical/professional help and look at both sides of the story. I do praise Kenlie for loosing weight and continuing to do so with diet and exercise. To everyone who is striving to do their best, keep up the good workouts.

Whole Grain Goodness

http://www.realage.com/tips/burn-calories-by-increasing-metabolism-with-thermogenics?eid=1098952003&memberid=5288595

I always choose whole grain breads, pasta and rice over the processed white ones. Not only are they more nutritious for you, but all in all they taste better.

What struck me was the craze of completely cutting out carbohydrates(the Atkins Diet). This diet, or any extreme diets, is unsatisfying and unhealthy to say the least. Eating whole wheat and grains is just part of your healthy diet along with plenty of fruits and veggies.

Cardio/Weights

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day/201104/warm-cardio-then-go-weights-right-wrong

Ok, so I'm going to try this. I do cardio first and then weights (it sounds like what most people do). I am curious to see if there is a significate change in my muscular structure. Dare to take this challenge with me? If you do, please send feedback. I am always looking for challenges and changes to my workout schedule, aren't you?

SQUATS

In this video I show you how to safely and effectively do squats to help tighten your butt and thighs.

http://www.youtube.com/user/nmcraven?feature=mhum

What Foods are Truly Good for You

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/6-biggest-lies-about-food-busted-2391419
This is the best piece of advice I have seen in ages. Like I have been saying, if it comes from the ground, it's good to eat. Second, if it came from a bird, it's OK to eat. Lastly, if it came from another large land mammal or from the sea, you should think twice before putting it in your mouth. F.Y.I: Monsters Inside Me (no more need said, just watch one episode).

Why Not to Skip Breakfast

http://www.realage.com/tips/follow-this-morning-ritual-to-get-slimmer?eid=7205&memberid=5288595

Furthermore, breakfast is the most essential meal. Typically breakfast is packed with high protein and whole grains. Since I have been out of my daily work schedule, I still try to manage to wake up in the morning to eat a hearty breakfast low in fat, but high in fiber and protein. This truly does give me the energy and endurance to kick out a good workout midday.

I hope this helps and gives insight to a happier, healthier you.

Secrets of the naturally thin (MSN.com)

http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100218116&imageindex=1&q=They+don't+diet

Out of all the secrets, the only one I don't agree with is: "They keep track of their weight"
I have stated before, don't weigh yourself, it will only discourage you, especially if you are female. Around our periods we gain water weight and this could be as much as five pounds. Also, what if you're lifting heavy weights? Muscle weighs more than fat, therefore the scale is misleading information.

As far as all the other secrets, I believe they are a learned lifestyle and an overall healthy regimen.

How Much Exercise?

I have read many articles on how many times a week we should exercise. Most say at least three times a week for 30 minutes at a time. I believe our chemical make-up and muscle structure varies from person to person. I can't say that the three times a week routine is good or bad. What I do suggest is to start with the three days a week and work your way up slowly. Don't weigh yourself but instead determine on how tight your muscles feel each week. Do your muscles feel like they are growing or do they pretty much feel the same? If they feel the same you need to add a more intense workout. Remember, you constantly need to trick your body otherwise you will become stale to the same old routine. The key is to listen to your body and always challenge yourself and you will always see improvements.

Stress and Exercise

Most of us have daily stress (for me usually from work). Sometimes it makes me want to put a picture of that person's face on the punching bag and just go at it! I never tried this but I do think it is good to go home at the end of a stressful day and do an intense workout. As I mentioned in a previous blog that us humans were not meant to sit on our ass 8 hours a day; this is stressful within itself. Unfortunately some of us HAVE to do stationary jobs to pay the bills. As I mentioned earlier that my goal is to be a personal trainer/educator and help my community sweat out the bad and breathe in the good.

Treadmill Tip

For those of you who want to kick it up a notch in the buttocks area I believe this will help tremendously. I have found that for any workout faster is not always better. Put your treadmill on manual on the highest incline (usually 10 or 12) at 3.8 to 4.3 MPH. Work your way "downhill" every 2 minutes for a total of 10 minutes. As you are fastwalking squeeze your butt and by the end of the 10 minutes you should feel that your bottom is tight. You shouldn't do this workout more than twice a week. Switch it up with running faster and always follow up your running with weight training.

I hope this helps. Again, I am still working on short video workout clips. Have a kick ass workout!

What to eat and what not to eat

This is my basic philosophy for healthy eating. My taste buds do the work. I have never been a big meat eater and do not like grease so here we go:

WHAT NOT TO EAT:
PROCESSED WHITE
GREASY
IF IT USED TO MOO OR SNORT

WHAT TO EAT:
ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND

I just read on yahoo Unhealthiest Foods At The Mall: http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/48983/unhealthiest-foods-at-the-mall/
Realisticly, all foods at the mall are processed and unhealthy. Telling someone that is unsure what's healthy should be told to skip all mall food and grab a healthy snack until they get home or go to the grocery store. Saying that you don't have time to prepare a healthy meal is the same as procrastinating that you have no time to work out. Sorry, but I have to be real because if you want true lasting results you must change your lifestyle.

Some Grub and More

01/21/10
The rain has died down last night on thursday, so me and my man (Joseph) went downtown for some Indian food...what a rip! The resturant is Kabob Curry and it does have an OK atmosphere and taste but they serve Barbie sized portions with a hungryman price. Oh well.
When we returned home we watched some shows online. I proceeded to let the tiny pieces of Indian cuisine settle in my stomach. After, I worked out (kind of late, 9pm) for about 45 minutes. I always do 20 to 30 minutes of cardio prior to lifting/Bowflexing. I have an elipticle and a stationary bike so I did 10 minutes of each. I Bowflexed my legs and arms. Very soon I will provide short video clips on exercises I do to help you. Understand that everybody (escecially women) has different body structures so what may work for me may not work for you.
We will chat soon....

Overview

The sole purpose of this blog is to assist those of you who have the desire to workout and keep a regimin. If you are like me: sit on you're ass all day at work and slave in front of the computer, then I believe this blog will help motivate you. I will try to post new workouts, good eating and tips and tricks for healthy living weekly. In case you're wondering about the name LBworkout, yes the LB stands for Long Beach. This has much relivence because eventually I would like to be able to quit my job and become a full time personal trainer for those of you who live or work within Long Beach, CA.
I do most of my workouts on a Bowflex Ultimate II. If you don't own a Bowflex, do not fret. My workout routines can fit into any piece of equipment that you own. I do have to admit that the $2500 that I spent on my Bowflex was well worth it. I am not in any means endorsing Bowflex, but it does work out your muscles precisley. I do switch up my workouts from Bowflex to freeweights as needed. Later I will instruct you on when you feel the need to change your routine so your body does not get stale.
For now all I can say is that it is 4:15pm and I have another hour and 15 minutes to break free from this prison cell (my cubicle). So have a good nights rest and we will begin this jorney together tomarrow.