Hi There!
We've all made New Year’s resolutions to slim down, tone up and get in
shape, but more often than not, we lose motivation within a few short
weeks. This year, Thelonious “T.J.” Johnson, personal fitness
expert and trainer to the stars, has five easy tips that can help anyone
reach their personal fitness goals, despite busy schedules and the
stresses of a new year.
Continue reading "5 Tips for Getting in Shape in 2013 from Personal Trainer TJ Johnson " »
Hi!
Here we go! New Balance is in full swing for the Olympics and fans can have the chance to customize their own pair of shoes to cheer on the US Olympic team, or even their favorite athlete!
New Balance allows consumers to customize their own pair of shoes, the 574s, which are even made in the USA in New Balance factories located in Massachusetts and Maine! The lifestyle shoes are crafted in premium suede and mesh and can mix and match colors to create your very own personalized sneakers that are delivered in just 4-8 days, just in time to keep cheering throughout the upcoming weeks.
LET'S GO!
Hi!
When you're in your 20s it all seems so far away--you're just active enough not to notice that you ARE getting older. In your 30s you start to notice--I am getting older. Then in your 40s & 50s you start to feel I'm getting older and in a way that makes you know you must improve your health, your diet, your physical lifestyle.
What's a Body to Do
Recently there has been a societal shift toward a youth-oriented culture that has led to a desire to look as young as we can for as long as we can. But as we grow older we realize its not enough to look good we need and must feel good in our efforts to keep pace in our ever changing world. Because of this, calendar age has become unimportant. The number of years we have been alive, our chronological age, is not as important as our biological age which includes changes in the physical structure and shape of our bodies, basically changes in how we look, feel, and move.
The good news is we can combat aging with exercise because exercise has age-stopping powers--with exercise you can dip into the 'fountain of youth'. So here's the tip--whatever age you start at the aging process starts to slow down and in some cases appears to stop. Exercise is preventative medicine!
Figure Out What Works for You
So how do you get started and stay motivated? I tell people of all ages exercise doesn't have to be boring, you don't have to hate it--you can find a workout routine and quick fun alternatives that can keep you healthy and in shape. Start with what works for you by recognizing what works for you. Would you prefer to go it alone on some days (walking or running), or prefer a social setting on other days (group classes),or how about mixing it up (solitude one day, group setting the next--outdoor one day indoors the next).
If you are just starting out or returning after an absence you will want and find it necessary to work with a trainer in order to learn proper form and movement thus avoiding unnecessary pain and injury.
Anaerobic or Aerobic
There are two types of exercise: aerobic and anaerobic (cardio-example jogging & bicycling, and resistance-example weights). The best types of exercise combine 3 elements: Stamina, Strength, and Suppleness. Cardio builds stamina, resistence builds strength, and stretching leads to suppleness.
What I find fun, and can offer an overall workout is the exercise ball; it can be done in a group setting, or in the privacy of your home. Shape-up exercising on the go is an added way of increasing your fitness level and shapeing up when there's little time to spend at the gym. It's a mindset of always being on the lookout for opportunities to dip into a squat or a lung (shapes butt and legs), or looking for a wall to do push-ups against (strengthens upper & lower body). Push up and down on your toes (shapes calves) or alternate lifting legs high in marching style (works core and lower back). These little techniques can be carried out all day by intertwining them into the usual mundane activites or chores of your day.
Go for It
Along with a good diet and fitness, you can have beauty and style starting in your 20s that last into your 60s and beyond; if you make the time, and be consistent, you will look and feel amazing at any age. Start now!
-Article by Peggie Walker
Similar version of this article by Peggie Walker appeared on Spa Week Daily Blog on June 20, 2012
Hi!
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer New York went off without a hitch beginning Saturday, October 15th and ending on Sunday Ocotber 16th. The 39 mile distance was split into 2 days of walking--26.28 miles on Day one and 13.1 miles on Day two all on behalf of Breast Cancer awareness. Avon Foundation for Women Honorary Chair Actress Reese Witherspoon was present not only to address attendees and suporters but as a walker for the momentous event for the Clossing Day Cermeony.
New York City's own Tabber Benedict, dedicated much of his fall schedule to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer cause had a successful Opening Day. The Quest for "it" spotted and snapped Benedict, a true man on the quest, on 68th Street and 3rd Avenue. Benedict went on to complete the walk an hour or so ahead of time, ending happily on Randall's Island later Saturday afternoon.
***-Benedict to date has successfuly raised more than 2,000 for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in 2011
Hi,
Ballet Bodies is a West Hollywood-based fitness studio that draws from and improves upon the basic fundamentals of Pilates, with an ultimate focus on achieving an aesthetic that is as long, lean and beautiful as a ballet dancer’s.
Hi,
Jillian Michaels is one of the leading health and wellness experts in the country motivating and educating millions of people on how to live their healthiest life.
With the 4th of July right around the corner, Michaels has come up with some healthy eating tips to help America celebrate its birthday! Though it’s a time for friends and feasts, those that want to maintain their beach body may want to be careful about their Independence Day food selections. Take a look at Jillian’s five tips to having a healthier 4th!
1-Chose a Leaner Meat…
Though beef burgers and hot dogs are traditional, choose a leaner cut of meat such as a tuna steak, chicken or white meat turkey, lean grass fed ground beef or flank steak, even a vegetarian option like a portabello mushroom is a great choice.
2-Skip the bread
Pick a whole wheat bun or even better – go bun less and wrap a piece of lettuce around your protein.
3-It’s all about the Veggies
Incorporate veggies into your meal whether its summer salad, extra fun toppings on your burger or a side of grilled vegetable skewers. Just be sure not to douse your food in dressings or condiments.
4-Snacking is ok…just pick the right ones
Choose healthier snack options like popchips over fried potato chips
5-Watch Your Alcohol Consumption
Try to cut out some of the alcohol and drink non sweetened ice teas and water. If you must drink go with a light white wine, or a vodka soda. Leave out all the sugar laden high calorie mixers like juice or sugar soda's.
Hi,
Unless you’re living under a rock, it’s not news that True Blood’s Joe Manganiello has become a sensation this summer TV season. With his lean, mean, hungry-like-a-werewolf look, he’s got everyone talking.
Check out Details.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes video of Joe in the gym doing his now infamous workout, which includes diamond push-ups, cable flys and one crazy crunch! Get Joe’s tips for working out on an empty stomach and the modified dip move that’s responsible for his incredibly chiseled abs!
*photo courtesy of Details
Hi,
Look what we found--FITNESS Magazine surveyed more than 1,000 women to get the scoop on the hottest celeb beach bods for summer.
Hollywood’s Most Wanted Beach Bods
· Jennifer Aniston—37%
· Jennifer Lopez—27%
· Beyonce—20%
· Cameron Diaz—11%
· Gwyneth Paltrow—6%
And who shouldn’t wear a bikini?
24% said Snooki from Jersey Shore should NOT sport a bikini
-Article by Peggie Walker
Hi,
Recently we visited Amplitude Vibration Studio, New York's premier antigravity strength training facility. Amplitude offers Vibraflex Vibration Training which allows one to optimize fitness training time quickly with little or no stress to the body for a more productive and highly effective workout. Key word, quickly.
What exactly is Vibration Training you ask--it's a cutting-edge resistence training method that involves performing strengthening and core exercises on an oscillating platform. The vibrating platform creates thousands of muscle contractions in minutes. These contractions occur in nearly 100% of your muscles, in comparison to the typical 40-50% involved in traditional exercise. The vibrations result in your muscle fibers quickly contracting 30-50 times per second, and a wide array of health benefits for the entire body.
Unlike other whole body vibration platforms, the Vibraflex platform used at Amplitude Vibration Studio, mimics the normal functional movements of the human body. You stand on a base plate that vibrates in a see-saw motion--side to side as opposed to up and down; the side alternating vibration causes the hip to tilt which requires lateral muscles of the back to be activated--one leg is lifed the other drops. And with the side to side or oscillating vibration you don't get the excessive vibrations in the head and neck as with vertical vibration machines.
Here are some of the benefits of making Vibration Training a regular part of your fitness regimen:
Burn Fat, Lose Weight
Increase Muscle Strength, Tone, Circulation & Flexibility
Attack & Eliminate Cellulite & Improve Collagen Levels
Increase Bone Density
Relieve Back and Joint Pains
Improve Lymphatic Drainage
Improve Balance, Body Awareness, & Sports Performance
Celebrities, Professional Athletes, Certified Trainers have all embraced whole body vibration training for its effectiveness. It's the new and improved way to fitness! So what are you waiting for; call Amplitude Vibration Studio for a FREE trial. (646.692.9317) or contact info@amplitudevibration.com
Happy Training!
-Article by Peggie Walker
Hi,
With the holidays fast approaching, fast fitness is absolutely what we want and need. So here it is--think cast-iron round ball with a handle that comes in varying weights and sizes, perhaps you’ve seen them in the gym or maybe a friend has told you about them; they’re called kettlebells.
Originating in Russia, Kettlebells are a unique and effective weight loss tool that have been used around the world for hundreds of years. Kettlebells are designed for men & women of all ages. They usually weigh in around 10 pounds and can increase in weight up to 100 pounds.
All it takes is a 20 minute set 3 to 4 times a week to condition the heart, lose fat, tone and strengthen muscle, increase flexibility and endurance. To start, all you need is one kettlebell (two for an entire workout).
It's a very doable workout, but be aware that this fitness technique may be too strenuous or dangerous for certain individuals, so as with any exercise program one should use good judgement, especially if you are not accustomed to exercising. (i.e. see physician before starting any exercise program, start with low weights & work up, warm muscles with flexibility stretching such as yoga moves, and light cardiovascular movements such as running or jumping in place)
Before you know it, training with kettlebells will be a regular part of your day. Start today and by the time the holidays get in full gear you will be ready for merry making--looking good and feeling great!
-Article by Peggie Walker, Exec. Editor, The Quest for "it"
