Choosing your workout Shoes

People choose different shoes for different occassions it is a matter of practicality. Well choosing shoes for your workout is not any different they must fit the situation.  Just as a football player wears cleats or turf shoes and a basketball player wears shoes made for the court you need shoes made for exercise.  I am going to dedicate several blog posts to my opinion of the best choices for shoes for different workouts.

Running shoes

The widest variety of shoes you will find are probably classified as running shoes.  They should be light weight, made of durable and breathable material and provide comfort throughout the sole of the shoe.  If you are a long distance like more than 30+ miles a week runner you probably need to step into the world of asics gel these are the caddilac of running shoes.  For a more novice runner who seeks comfort for feet I would look into New balance you really can't go wrong, New balance provide the most comfort hands down whether for walking or running.

Nike running shoes

Nike is the most popular shoe out there of course everyone knows "Just do it".  Nike has its beginnings in providing athletes with running shoes.  The nike waffles were a big hit back in the day.  Now Nike has a vast selection of shoes to choose from for every sport and activity.  For running they produce two of my all time favorite Nike Shox and Nike Air, of course they have others but these are top of the line. 

Nike shox provide extra impact protection with the four column shox design in the heel for someone who has heel spurs or flat feet these shoes are an excellent choice.  They are also very light weight and durable and can be used for running or for crosstraining. Also the best aspect of the Shox to me is that you can have the comfort and style. Nike shox have some great designs out there that can be seen as great fashion addition.

Nike Air is also on of my favorite shoes for running and the all around best workout shoe.  The cushion and impact support the air bubble provides for your feet is superb.  The construction of these shoes will last for years even with high milage.  If you plan on running, jumping, lifting, or doing other sports you should try out Nike Air for your workout shoes.

There are many brands of shoes out there any if I left any good ones out please comment on your favorite workout shoe.  When you are shopping for you next pair of kicks for working out it depends on the features which are most important to you.  Cost, Style, Comfort, Quality, Durability? Take your pick.  You are bound to find some great deals online but if I were you I would make sure to try the shoes one before kicking out $$.  Head to the local mall or neighborhood shoe store and test drive the shoes before you purchase them.  All feet are not created equal so see which shoes make you feet happy and go with it. Good Luck!!

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Get Started With Group Fitness Classes for Weight Loss

Exercise should be about having fun moving your body in the way it was designed to move. It seems that exercise has become a negative word is today's society. Too many times have I been lecturing to a group of students or adults and when I mention exercise they cringe. This should be exciting if I recall in grade school we couldn't wait to go outside for recess it was our favorite part of the day. Now we work, work, work, go home and do more work, then sit down on the couch. We have taken the activity out of our day. Even in schools they are cutting back on physical education at a time when the country is at its worst in terms of disease and sickness related to sedentary lifestyles.




Group Exercise

Group exercise is a fantastic way to get together and have some grown up recess time. Make sure you do your research in your local newspaper, visit the parks and recreation website, or pop in at your local YMCA to get an idea of the classes and times they offer them. Make sure that you chose a class that meet two to three times a week. If you a beginner to fitness make sure the class is not too advanced you can work your way up. The last thing you want to do is take a class that is very difficult and get discouraged. Show up a few minutes before class or hang back a few minutes after class and introduce yourself to the instructor, many times the instructors are also fitness trainers that can give you some great advice one on one.



Be Consistent

The key is to not quit, one way to help when you feel like you are falling off the wagon is to have friends to hold you accountable for your goals. Make friends in the class and make a pact to stay in touch with each other to make sure no one gets left behind. Sometimes things come up; family, work, and sickness happen but don't use these things as repeated excuses. If you do happen to miss a class, make it your business to do a makeup day using another class or going out and doing some exercise on your own. If you are consistent with your exercise and workout program you will get the results.



Con: Monotony

Some group fitness classes like cycling and step aerobics can get a little monotonous doing the same exercises and motions day in and day out won't challenge your body after a long time. You need variety in your workout program, mix it up a little bit. If the instructor in your class isn't changing the routine enough try another class or move onto something with more difficulty. At some point you may experience a plateau with your weight loss it may be that your workout program has gone stale. Get help from one of the personal trainers or switch up your classes to get your body recruiting different muscle groups by using different exercise modalities.

There are many options out there to choose from when we are looking for group exercise programs for weight loss. Make it your goal to try something out of your norm pick up a dance exercise class or a fitness boot camp to add some real fun to your overall wellness program. Don't forget that you have to be conscious of your nutrition if you are serious about weight loss with group exercise programs.



Being healthy should be fun; you should be happy making good lifestyle choices.

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Get in shape NOW!

Get in shape NOW!

Every day you look in the mirror do you like what you see? Are you happy with yourself image? Most of us have an idea of what we want to look like and any of us never reach being totally satisfied with our physique. If you had a step by step program that could get you from where you are now to your ideal physique would you be 100% committed? If you answered enthusiastically, Yes! You may be the type of person that could benefit from getting in shape NOW! No need to waste anymore time with expensive gym memberships and contracts.

Free yourself from the limits of your lack of direction and know how. You have all of the tools you need, You were created to move. Reclaim your natural ability and get going.

The first step is simple, put yourself in the right mind set. Create a schedule and make sure that you allot time for your workout.

The second step is to create a plan you can develop your own program including the activities you enjoy or following the Sweat Party workout program.

The third step is hardest part of all, Just do it!! Action!! You have to get it done plain and simple. You can’t expect results in anything if you don’t put in the work. As much as you don’t feel like it or any EXCUSE you can dream up you MUST make it happen. This is where it may be wise to enlist the service of a personal trainer someone that is going to hold you accountable completing your plan and reaching your Get in shape now body. A trainer will make sure you are using proper technique and performing difficult exercises safely.

The fourth step is Staying on track this includes sticking to your plan but also being flexible in adjusting the plan. Also staying on track with your proper nutrition, keeping your body on a healthy nutrition schedule is very important.

If you can stay committed to these easy steps to get in shape NOW, you will be on your way to that beach or bikini body you always dreamed of. You are so capable no matter your size or shape you can shed unhealthy fat because that is what your body is made for to consume calories for energy.

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TOP FIVE KICK-ASS EXERCISES

I enjoy keeping my workouts interesting by mixing things up. I like to try things exercise modalities which I am not familiar with like Gyrotonics or Kangaroo Jumps. I find that most of clients enjoy having variety in their workout programs. But the exercises that have been the foundation of my athletic lifestyle, 6 pack physique, and muscle building have stayed the same. I want to share with you what I have found to be the top five kick ass exercises that me and my clients use week in and week out to build muscle fast, burn calories, improve strength/quickness and melt the fat away.

1. Power Cleans- With proper instruction this is the ultimate total body workout be sure that you have a lifting partner or trainer present during this exercise. You can also use dumbells or resistance bands if you need.

2. Lunges- Ahh yes the dreded lunges.  You are guaranteed to feel the burn in your quads, hamstrings, and butt.  Add dumbells to increase the resistance.  Once you are comfortable with the motion try adding some compound movements using you upper body like shoulder raises.

3. 1 mile run-  I use the mile as a guage for being in the best shape. I hardly ever run more that 1 mile at a time.  Not everyone is a sprinter or marathon runner.  1 mile is a great middle distance that will challenge anyone. Use the treadmill or get outside on the local track.  Race against your previous personal best record.  Work on your stride and your breathing pattern.  Push you physical and mental limits with the 1 mile run.

4. Bicycle crunches- I call this exercise the finisher, a great way to end and workout by leaving everything on the floor. Go for 1 minute do 2 to 3 sets and make sure to stretch well afterward.

5. Push Jerks- Looking to improve your upper body strength tone the muscles in your shoulders, chest, back, triceps look no further.  Dial up the weight on this one and roll back the repetitions.  Make sure you have a spotter with you.  You can also use dumbells, kettle bells, or resistance bands when needed.

These are by far my 5 favorite exercises.  If you have had injuries or other related joint problems you may want to consult with your doctor before performing some of these killer exercises.  Be smart about choosing your weight, sets, and reps.  If you have specific questions ask your local personal trainer or shoot me an email.  Now go out there and hit it hard!

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Resistance bands

You can have an amazing workout with resistance bands.  No need to go out to the gym or outdoor track you can get a great muscle toning workout right in the convenience of you own home. Resistance bands are easy to store and transport, bands come in a variety of different levels of difficulty.  Take a look at this short video with trainer Joel Harper to get some great ideas on how to use resistance bands in your daily rountine.

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Circuit training

Circuit training with www.turbulencetraining.com

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