Fit or Active?

Now that the Labor day long weekend is over many people start to talk about getting involved in “getting back into shape”

- Did you know that 2/3 of Canadians are inactive?… and it’s getting worse.
- There are more women (67%) than men (58%) that are inactive.
- To top it off, physical inactivity increases with age.

Not promising statistics. Althought 85% of Canadians value physical activity – the majority do not add up.

Are you Fit or Active?
Do you train or exercise?
Do you know the difference?

Many people fool themselves that “being active” is exercise. Playing baseball, going for long walks or curling in the winter are all physical activity. Unfortunately this sort of exercise does not make you fit.

Most people involved in active sports have trouble doing 10 regular pushups, can’t do one pull-up or even touch their toes.

One of the tests that I do when performing a fitness assessment for a client is push-ups. Generally (depending on age) males should be able to do at least 15 push-ups while females should be able to do 10. And that’s not on your knees either.

To become “fit” and maintain a level of fitness you must have a consistent exercise program. True fitness is when your body can do whatever you ask it. This involves strength, endurance and flexibility.

One of the main focuses of my fitness bootcamp is to simulate all of the functional demands of life. Participants are adequately challenged to work the body focusing on multi-muscle group exercises.

I see many of the parents just contempt in sitting and watching their children play at the playground. There is no better time to either join in or start doing a simple bodyweight routine. There are endless possibilities to do a quick 20 minute work-out at the skateboard park. Your body was meant to move so just don’t sit there. “Use it or Lose It” is my motto that I regularly preach.

One of the most common errors I see regularly is someone focusing too much on one type of exercise. With women it’s usually the endless time spent running. Guy’s it’s the hour after hour doing the same weight-training routine.

Ladies, if you want the hourglass figure forget the long distance running. Unless you are properly training, expect to be either a toothpick or maintain your overweight figure with added knee/joint problems. Focus on High Intensity Interval Training. Emphasize circuit training. These are areas I touch on with my fitness bootcamps.

A fitness bootcamp is a great way to get the best out of your time spent exercising. Not only do you work-out in less time but you get better results than other programs. Although the majority of my clientele are woman, most men and women that participate see the benefits attained from some of the sport specific drills (reaction time, speed, coordination, etc). If you are involved in sports this is a great way to complement your training.

For those whom exercise regularly you should see progression. Be it fat loss, strength gains, etc. the main variable to focus on is intensity. This, along with the frequency of your workouts, time involvement and type are the most important to ensure “fit” success.

I can’t stress the importance of intensity enough. If you can chew gum and not be out of breath then you are not working hard enough. You must fatigue the body. BUT – know your limits.

Models in the magazines doing exercises with 5 lb dumbbells just won’t cut it. These models are hired for their looks. You can’t get their figure without pushing yourself.

Here’s another problem I see regularly…Someone who jumps off the treadmill and then spends all of his/her time doing Bicep Curls and Tricep Kickbacks. Come On! You have to focus on major multi-muscle group exercises. Plus, the key to effective training results include; Intensity, proper Mechanics and Movement speed.

And girls, stop spending all your time on the abductor/adductor machine. Save the isolated exercises when you are fit and need a change. Focus on Squats, Lunges, Deadlifts if you are doing legs.

As I explained earlier, to become “fit” you must have a consistent exercise program. But are you exercising or training? Do you know the difference?

Exercising is physical movement. Using the body but not necessarily focused. A lot of people do cardio this way. Going through the motions. Not much more than being “active”.

Training on the other hand is goal-oriented. It’s a consistent exercise program that requires a purpose - which creates results. For cardio, try an Aerobics class or High Intensity Interval training.

Here is an ideal training plan for someone who is just starting out or works out regularly;

1) Cardio/Aerobic exercise – twice a week (30 minutes of HIIT)
2) Circuit Training / Fitness Boot Camp – twice a week (1 hour of Cardio, Resistance Training, Core & Flexibility).
3) Weight Training/Resistance Training (1 hour) (once/twice a week)
4) Sports / Family fun activity (one day a week)
5) Day of Rest (one day of the week)

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that being “active” or a “weekend warrior” will cut-it.
It’s been proven that you need to spend at least 50 minutes a day 5 days of the week!

If you want a program that will make you fit – feel free to contact me. If you want to know how “fit” you are, a fitness assessment is a great way to know where you stand. And, as I’ve explained earlier, a fitness bootcamp is an ideal way to get and stay in shape. A new session of the Dynabody Fitness Bootcamp is starting soon. For more information check it out at http://www.dynabody.ca/ or visit the St. James School Division Continuing Education program at www/localcourses.com/sjsd. Phone 832-9637 to register. Classes start September 23rd.

If you are just starting to become active, want to lose some extra pounds or just need a change in your routine, make the decision to take action today.

Exercise in a Pill

It's been around for a while now - talk about a pill replacing exercise.

It hit the headlines back on July 31st, 2008.  Dr. Ronald Evans a molecular biologist/scientist with the Salk Institute have been doing tests with mice that “genetically reprogram” cells mimicking the effects of exercise.
Even when the mice are not active, the chemicals GW1516 and AICAR activate the same fat-burning process that occurs during exercise.

The pill boosts endurance. It stimulates a protein that produces an enzyme that provides energy to muscle cells making the cells act like they belong to marathon runners. Treated mice ran 44% longer than untreated mice.

That may be great for those with joint problems but it sure doesn’t help the heart or lungs – so much for any cardiovascular benefits. Such a medication may even add stress or other ill effects to the body.

The drugs genetically reprogram muscle fibres to burn fat and contract repeatedly without fatigue. Great for all those coach potatoes – right?

Maybe if you are the size of the couch…..

If a so-called drug can give unused muscles more endurance – it’s not the “be all to end all.” Don’t get this mixed up with actually strengthening your muscles. Muscles need more than endurance – it requires strength and power training also. Simply put, muscles require resistance under load and with intensity to see improvements. Intensity of effort is the key training variable for optimizing training results.

Ignoring the controversial abuse by athletes - similar to that from steroids, this exercise pill may have therapeutic potential – to those with illnesses that may be bedridden, have certain muscle diseases, or are frail or obese. Mind you, I’m sure there will be side effects.

Even if there was a magic pill – and you could afford it…there are much more benefits to exercise. Besides adding strength and tone to the muscles, exercise works your heart and lungs. An exercise pill won’t build your self-esteem and confidence you get from a good work-out. Resistance and Aerobic exercise can improve your mood, add brain power, help your sex life, and change your body for the better.

One of my favorite sayings is “Use it or Lose it.” The human body was meant to move.
There are no magic pills, no short-cuts, no special diets, machines or routines that will result in “getting into shape” Strive for an overall plan to increase your health, fitness, well-being and quality of life. And most importantly – have fun!

Long Steady Cardio does work but....

Last month I surprised a lot of people with the answer with what type of cardio is best for fat loss. The answer was high intensity interval training.

It’s not that long steady cardio doesn’t work, it’s just the most effective thing to do. Running/Jogging takes a lot of time. Unless you have a goal to run a marathon, don’t expect fast or long lasting fat loss results . Your body is very adaptable and can adjust to this steady state and will actually conserve energy (calories). Long slow cardio forces the body to get rid of muscle and increases the risk of injury, where as intensity offsets muscle reduction and strengthens the body.

Ladies -don’t be a cardio queen, the majority end up as “Skinny Fat people” Thin and frail-looking, not toned or muscular and who have trouble doing half a dozen push ups. I know of aerobic instructors that could really lose 20 plus pounds – not a very good role model….If you want to get wicked hot swimsuit lean then you HAVE TO increase the intensity.

Now if you totally love long steady cardio and are happy with the results then do it. Just remember that you must also get STRONGER.
You must add resistance training to your fitness routine. Major lifts using Multi-muscle groups is a must. Weight training is more important than cardio for fat loss.

The biggest thing is to enjoy what you are doing. Make sure that you incorporate all levels of fitness in your routine:

1) Aerobic / Cardiovascular fitness
2) Resistance Training / Muscle Conditioning
3) Flexibility
4) Nutrition

If you missed last months newletter, on the following link What Cardio is Best? or visit my blog Dynabody blogspot

OTHER NEWS

THANKS TO ALL SPRING FITNESS BOOT CAMP SURVIVORS!

I received some great feedback from my Spring Bootcamps.

No surprise, everyone participated for fitness reasons. What everyone liked the most was the fun and the variety.
There was a very high demand by participants to attend two classes per week. So this fall, Tuesday & Thursday classes are planned.

To cut down on rest intervals between circuits, more emphasis will be made on working the same muscle groups at certain workstations. This will cut down on explanations between sets, resulting in a more effective workout.

One thing that kept it fun was incorporating various games. Not only did it keep people motivated, it put a big smile on their face!

SUMMER FITNESS BOOTCAMP

For the summer, I am looking at a Tuesday and Thursday outside fitness bootcamp (6:30 to 8 pm) and possibly an early morning program if the demand warrants it.

If you and a friend, college, or family member are interested please email me back.

THE BEST CARDIO FOR YOUR HEART & FAT LOSS

Health professionals have always recommended walking as a preventative against heart disease.    With the human heart beating more than 2.5 billion times in an average lifetime – you’d want to keep it in shape.

With your blood traveling over 19,000 kms per day that’s almost four times the distance across Canada from coast to coast – you would want it to be and stay in good shape!

Hey, your time is valuable.  So how do you make the most of the time you have?

Is one type of aerobic workout better than another? 

What sort of cardiovascular workout is best for your heart?

What about for fat loss?

Are you ready to be shocked?  I am sure I am going to surprise a lot of people. 

The best cardiovascular workout is High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT..

According to a Harvard Health Professionals Study,  after studying over 7,000 people they found that the key to preventing heart disease is intensity – NOT long-duration exercise. 

What is High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT?

This is a much shorter aerobic workout that involves periods of exertion and recovery.  Basically you vary the degree of your aerobic workout by doing a short burst of high intensity exertion (sprint) and then follow up with a recovery period.  Then another short burst followed by another recovery, etc…

The latest research suggests that only vigorous activity is effective in reducing heart deaths.  Another recent Harvard study revealed that those who used sprint-aerobic principles in their workouts reduce their risk of heart disease by 100 percent more than those who practice aerobic exercise. Of course if you are out of shape I don’t suggest that you go out and give it all you’ve got.  That’s where goal setting comes in.

What about burning fat?

For many years the conventional wisdom was that more was better.  Long, slow cardio was the way to go.  The problem with this is your body adjusts to this steady state and it tries to conserve energy (calories).  Sure it initially burns more fat, but in time it teaches the body that it needs fat available to use as fuel for it’s next cardio session.

Sprint intervals burn fat best.  These short bursts use energy from carbohydrates, which burn energy at a higher rate than fat.  You then burn much more fat for energy during the recovery period as you replenish the carbs.

A study at Laval University in Quebec, found that High Intensity Interval Training or HITT cardio helped loose nine times more fat than those who ran moderately on a treadmill for 20 – 60 minutes.

Ever look at a long distance runner?  A long distance cyclist?  Next time you’re at the gym take a peek at the people that spend all their time on the treadmill….

I know running is addictive, but, I always end up thinking of the hamster that spends endless time on the hamster wheel.  Compare a marathon runner to a sprinter.  It doesn’t matter male or female.  The sprinter looks lean yet muscular – the ideal body.

Long slow cardio forces the body to get rid of muscle, where as intensity offsets muscle reduction.

Carl Lewis who won 9 gold Olympic medals, contributes some of his success to interval training.   Even Lance Armstrong who won the Tour de France seven times contributed his success to interval training.

Our bodies were NOT designed for steady cardio but rather stop-and-go movements.  No other animal on earth does endurance type physical activities.  In addition, most competitive sports focus on short bursts of exertion followed by recovery.

Another big advantage of High Intensity Interval Training over Endurance Cardio Training is the reduction of Strains and Overuse Injuries.

How many people do you know that have sore knees from running? If you are overweight you are basically crushing your joints with the excess weight and repetitive pounding.

Tight IT Bands, more correctly called Iliotibial Band Syndrome, can cause pain from the hip to below the knee.  Lateral Knee and Hip pain is most common, as the IT Band pulls the knee cap out of place bruising your femur. 

Most aerobic exercise programs result in a 50 to 90 percent injury rate in the initial six weeks of training!  Yet the typical weight-loss program for an overweight person seems to focus on continuous repetitions for a prolonged period of time.  As I’ve already stated more is not necessarily better.

What about middle-age and older adults?

By focusing on High Intensity Interval Training there is a tremendous increase in growth hormone which is not only important for muscle building, but for fat loss and reversing the aging process!

If you want to preserve muscle, improve cholesterol levels, maintain healthy testosterone levels, prevent hair loss and tone the body, start adding HIIT to your fitness routine.

Along with (HIIT) High Intensity Interval Training focus on resistance training and body weight workouts.  Join a fitness Boot Camp to help get you started or challenge you to get to that next level.

What ever exercise regimen you choose, don’t stop moving – and most important have fun!

Spring has Sprung head outdoors

So you want to start walking outdoors to lose all that belly fat that you accumulated over the winter?  Walking keeps your blood vessels young. According to a study by the University of Colorado, older men (averaging 62) who went on an hour-long walk 5 days a week had blood flow similar to that of young men average age of 27. 

Now, if you have been sedentary over the winter, starting out walking is a great way to start getting fit.  Health Canada recommends that you exercise regularly 4 to 7 days of the week.  The amount of time needed to stay healthy depends on effort.  Scientists say that you must accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity every day to stay healthy or improve your health.

 It is best to know what your ultimate goal is when you head outside.  Is it to become more fit?  Have a healthier heart?  Or do you want more?   Do you want to lose that body fat?

 Unless you are overly obese, you will see little fat loss results from spending a great deal of time walking.  Any activity can count as cardio/aerobic exercise as long as it meets the 3 requirements of frequency (a MINIMUM of 3 times per week) , intensity (working up to 60-90% of your Maximum Heart Rate) and time (at least 20 to 60 minutes).

Your body has about 5.6 liters of blood that circulates through the body three times every minute!  Regular aerobic exercise performed most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or prematurely dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death.  So why did you wait until winter is over???

 Can’t handle doing an hour long cardio workout?

 Try splitting your cardio workout into two sessions. This can double your fitness gains. A shorter workout duration means that you can spend more time in a higher heart rate zone and not tire. Plus you can do it a different times of the day.

 Or

 Try High Intensity Interval Training.  This is a much shorter aerobic workout that involves periods of exertions and recovery.  Basically you vary the degree of your aerobic workout by doing a short burst of high intensity exertion and then follow up with a recovery period.  Then another short burst followed by another recovery, etc…

 So do you know which cardiovascular workout is best for your heart and for fat loss?

I’ll let you know next newsletter.  Now go out and exercise!

FIGHT THE COLD & FLU BUGS

It’s that’s time of year again - Cold and Flu season.  People are getting antsy from staying indoors, everybody has had enough of the cold weather. Although the flu season starts around November, it seems that the end of winter is when most people come down with the flu or cold bug.

But, do you know the difference between a flu and a cold?

The flu or influenza, is a viral upper respiratory illness that comes on suddenly, causing symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat. Often a flu can lead to a bacterial infection like bronchitis, an ear infection or sinus infection. In the worst case, pneumonia may develop.

A cold is also an infection of the upper respiratory system but is not so severe. Symptoms include a runny nose, a cough, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes and congestion.

1 in 4 Canadians get the flu each year. It is estimated that between 4,000 and 8,000 Canadians die every year from serious complications of the flu.

The average person gets the common cold two to four times a year. Children can get the common cold as many as ten times a year!

Typically you catch the cold or flu through the air by coughs or sneezes.
Three influenza pandemics occurred in the 20th century. The worst was at the turn of the century where the Spanish Flu killed close to 100 million people.

There is no such thing as a “Stomach flu”. This is actually viral gastroenteritis, or simply put - a mild case of food poisoning.

Do you want to successfully fight the cold and flu? Here are some simple steps;

1. Get adequate sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep.

2. Eat properly. Stop eating processed foods. Eat whole foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish and meat. Forget the chips, granola bars and soy burgers…

3. Influenza thrives on drastic temperature changes. I know that’s kind of hard living in Winnipeg. Being smart to reduce the strain on your body’s immune system. Dress appropriately. If you have to go outside when it’s 30 below don’t forget a hat, gloves/mitts and warm boots. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature – not too warm.

4. Wash your hands regularly. Not only when you go the washroom, but after going out in public – be it shopping, going to a sporting event, a play or the gym.

5. Eat Garlic. This is a natural adaptogenic infection fighter. Known as the poor person’s antibiotic, Garlic help eradicate infections as they enter your immune system.

6. Get Vaccinated. Having a flu shot every fall or early winter helps boost your immunity. If you don’t like needles then ask for a nasal spray – it is just as effective. It may be too late to get the flu shot now – unless you’re off to the southern hemisphere this summer. Some companies will even pay for the flu shot at the beginning of the season – so take note for this fall.  Although I'm not a big fan of getting the flu shot, children and the elderly should consider it.

7. Exercise Regularly. Working out helps to relieve stress which in turn helps your body’s immune system. By building up the virus-fighting antibodies this can also improve the response when receiving a flu shot.If you currently have the flu – do NOT try and sweat it out. The additional stress on your body will just prolong the infection.

February is Heart Month

Did you know????

Your heart beats about 100,000 times in one day and about 35 million times in a year. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times.

Your body has about 5.6 liters (6 quarts) of blood. This 5.6 liters of blood circulates through the body three times every minute. In one day, the blood travels a total of 19,000 km (12,000 miles)-that's four times the distance across the US from coast to coast.

The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime-that's enough to fill more than 3 super tankers.

In Canada, stroke kills 45 per cent more women than men. And women are 16 per cent more likely than men to die after a heart attack.

According to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, most Canadian women have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. As they age, estrogen levels, which offer them a degree of protection against heart disease and stroke when they are younger, begin to decline.

What ever exercise regimen you choose, don’t stop moving. Walking keeps your blood vessels young.

Want more proof. A recent study out of King’s College in London found that being sedentary increases the risk of developing age-related disease and hastens the aging process. Make it to 70, the authors write, and if you're still physically fit and healthy, you will be as "happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year-old."

So rather than spending money on laser treatments and wrinkle cream, get active – go for a jog, take up a new sport or hit the gym.