Unlock Your Muscle Potential: Lift, Don’t Limit

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Forget the myth that you need a gym full of equipment to sculpt a strong and defined body. The truth is, a couple of dumbbells, resistance bands, or even your own bodyweight can be your ticket to building muscle and achieving your fitness goals.

To build muscle, you need to challenge your muscles beyond their comfort zone. This is called mechanical overload. When your muscles are pushed to their limits, they adapt by growing stronger.

Imagine each muscle fiber as a tiny rubber band. The more you stretch and challenge it, the stronger and thicker it becomes. This is essentially what happens when you lift weights or engage in challenging bodyweight exercises.

I’m not just talking about lifting heavy; I’m talking about pushing your muscles to fatigue. Whether you’re using heavy weights, light weights, or just your body, the goal is to overload those muscles and trigger growth.

What did she say?

The key to muscle growth is progressive overload. This means gradually increasing the demand on your muscles over time. Here’s how:

  • Lift heavier weights: If possible, gradually increase the weight you’re lifting to challenge your muscles.
  • Increase repetitions: If heavier weights aren’t accessible, perform more reps to reach muscle fatigue.
  • Slow down the tempo: By controlling the speed of each rep, you increase time under tension, stimulating muscle growth.

Remember, consistency is key. Listen to your body, and enjoy the journey of building a stronger, healthier you.

Let’s redefine strength together. You got this!

P.S. Check out some inexpensive fitness equipment pieces you can have at home or take with you when traveling to maintain muscle!

Fight Muscle Loss as You Age: Simple Steps You Can Take

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Friends, muscle loss is a common concern as we age, impacting strength, function, and overall health. Read on to learn what you need to know and how to combat or reverse it.

What is Muscle Loss?

Muscle loss, called sarcopenia, starts as early as your 30s and accelerates with age. It increases the risk of falls, and fractures, and limits daily activities. Experts believe inactivity, poor diet, genetics, and chronic conditions play a role.

The Good News:  Muscle loss is treatable! Here’s how:

  • Exercise: Strength training and aerobic activity are crucial.
  • Protein Power: Prioritize protein intake and consider EAA supplements for better absorption. (Check out my last few posts related to this subject…you’ll see why it’s near and dear to my heart!)
  • Stress Management & Sleep: Reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
  • Regular Checkups: Early detection is key.

You also may want to consider an amino acid supplement after talking with your functional medicine practitioner. Here’s what I take during different periods of the year depending on that quarter’s goals. 

By taking action today, you CAN build AND maintain muscle health, stay active, and age powerfully.

 

You got this!

The Power of Protein for Sustainable Fat Loss

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Hey friends, sustainable fat loss isn’t just about restricting calories or pushing yourself through grueling workouts. It’s about creating an internal environment where your body naturally burns excess fat. This requires a multi-pronged approach, and protein plays a central role in each step. Whenever I start to work with a new client, I ask about sleep, hydration, and PROTEIN intake.  That’s because protein is crucial to achieving and maintaining weight loss goals.

Here’s Why Protein Matters with Fat Loss:

  • Hormonal Harmony: Protein is the building block of hormones. Without sufficient protein intake, your body struggles to produce hormones that regulate appetite and fat burning.
  • Hunger Control: Balanced hormones translate to regulated hunger. Adequate protein keeps you feeling satisfied, preventing unnecessary cravings and overeating.
  • Cellular Reprogramming: Fat is the preferred fuel source for a well-functioning body. Protein is essential for restructuring your cells to burn fat efficiently instead of relying solely on sugar.
  • Cellular Renewal: Old, sluggish cells struggle to burn fat. Protein supports the creation of new, metabolically-active cells that contribute significantly to fat burning.
  • Muscle Building and Retention: Muscle tissue is a major fat-burning engine. Protein fuels muscle growth and repair, maximizing your body’s ability to incinerate calories.
  • Optimal Digestion: Protein plays a vital role in breaking down food effectively. Poor digestion hinders nutrient absorption, leaving your body without the building blocks it needs for fat-burning processes.

The Protein Advantage:

  • Enzyme Production: Enzymes, the chemical catalysts that drive fat burning, are built from protein. Insufficient protein intake limits enzyme production, hindering your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently.
  • Cellular Reconditioning: When transitioning from a high-sugar diet, your cells are initially programmed for sugar uptake. Protein is critical for restructuring them to become adept at utilizing fat for energy.

Beyond Protein Bars and Powders:

While convenient, protein bars and powders can burden your digestive system and may not provide optimal protein sources. Focus on incorporating whole food proteins like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes into your diet. These offer a complete protein profile and support healthy digestion for maximum benefit.

The bottom line is that protein is not just a building block for muscle; it’s the foundation for a body optimized for sustainable fat loss. By prioritizing whole food protein sources, you’ll support hormonal balance, hunger control, cellular reprogramming, muscle building, and optimal digestion – all essential ingredients for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

P.S. When we eat proteins that are not hormone/corn/soy free, ingesting those forms of meat raise cortisol. Try your best to eat whole, unprocessed foods  and prioritize protein intake. Your challenge this week is to track protein intake. I’d like you to take your goal weight multiplied by 1.05 to calculate a target amount for daily protein (in grams). And, try really hard to get protein from real food vs. protein powders –this one is a struggle for me, so I am right there with you. 

You got this!

Lisa

Why Everyone Should Lift Weights

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Ditch the Stereotypes, Embrace the Benefits: Why Everyone Should Lift Weights

Weight training isn’t just for sculpted bodies or gym rats anymore. It’s rapidly becoming a powerful and accessible form of exercise for people of all ages and abilities.

The best part? The benefits of weight training are universal! Whether you’re a woman, man, or young adult, incorporating lifting into your routine can bring about:

1. Increased Strength: Putting stress on your muscles during lifting triggers them to adapt and become stronger. This translates to effortless everyday tasks, improved athletic performance, and a boosted sense of confidence.

2. Boosted Metabolism and Weight Management: Building muscle is like adding fat-burning furnaces to your body. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat, helping you manage weight and achieve your fitness goals.

3. Improved Heart Health: Don’t underestimate the impact of lifting on your heart. Studies show that it can lower blood pressure, reduce hypertension risk, and enhance circulation, keeping your cardiovascular system strong and healthy.

4. Better Body Mechanics: Strong muscles are the foundation for good balance, coordination, and posture. This leads to smoother movement, reduced risk of injury, and a more confident physical presence.

5. Protected Bones and Muscle Mass: Lifting weights stresses your bones in a healthy way, boosting bone density and lowering your risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, it helps preserve and build muscle mass, crucial for overall health and well-being.

So, how often should you lift? It’s an individual journey! Beginners can start with 2-3 sessions per week for 20-30 minutes. As you progress, you can increase the frequency and duration to fit your goals. Remember, consistency is key!

Don’t let outdated stereotypes hold you back from experiencing the transformative power of weight training. Customize your approach, find what works for you, and unlock a world of strength, health, and confidence!

How often you lift weights depends on your individual goals and experience level. Here’s a roadmap to guide you:

Beginners:

  • Aim for 2-3 sessions per week for 20-30 minutes each.
  • Focus on mastering proper form and technique to build a strong foundation.

Advanced Lifters:

  • Gradually increase to 4-5 sessions per week for 30-60 minutes.
  • Consider incorporating split routines, targeting different muscle groups on different days.

Remember:

  • Listen to your body: Take rest days when needed to avoid overtraining and injury.
  • Consistency is key: Aim for regular workouts to see optimal results.

Bonus Tip: Consult a certified trainer for a personalized workout plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can help you determine the optimal frequency and duration for your weight training journey.

TABATA – A High-Intensity Workout That’s Perfect for Everyone

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You know I love Tabata workouts…and for SO many reasons beyond their efficiency.

Here’s why.  Tabata is a type of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that is known for its efficiency and effectiveness. This type of workout consists of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for a total of 8 rounds. This may not seem like a lot of time (just 4 minutes!), but it is enough to get your heart rate up and burn calories.  I fell in love with Tabata workouts when I was in the corporate grind and working a lot of hours. These workouts provided a great boost during the day while allowing me to stay in shape. Do several of these workouts throughout the day and VIOLA!

Another reason I love Tabata workouts is that they are great for people of all fitness levels. Because you work at a speed that is challenging for you, Tabata is accessible to everyone. In fact, it is often recommended for people who are new to exercise because it is a safe and effective way to get started.

Tabata workouts are also perfect for people with busy schedules. (This is how I came to love Tabatas.) A single Tabata workout only takes 4 minutes, so you can fit it in even on the busiest days. And if you have more time, you can string together multiple Tabata workouts for a longer session.

In addition to being efficient and effective, Tabata workouts are also a great way to get a full-body workout. The 20-second bursts of intense exercise work your heart, lungs, and muscles all at the same time. This makes Tabata a great choice for people who are looking to improve their cardiovascular health, build muscle, and lose weight.

Another reason I love Tabata workouts is that you can easily create a workout depending on fitness goals. I personally use the 2nd option below quite frequently. Here are two common ways to structure your Tabata workouts:

  • A/B: Choose two exercises to alternate between. You’ll do each exercise for 20 seconds of intense effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, for a total of 8 rounds. This is a great way to get a full-body workout, as you’ll be working different muscle groups with each exercise.
  • A/B/C/D: Choose four exercises to move through. You’ll do each exercise for 20 seconds of intense effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, for a total of 4 rounds. This is a great way to challenge yourself and your cardiovascular system, as you’ll be working different muscle groups in quick succession.

You can also choose any exercises you like for your Tabata workouts, such as:

  • Cardio exercises: Jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, sprinting, rowing, jumping rope
  • Plyometric exercises: Squat jumps, tuck jumps, lunges, box jumps, push-ups, sit-ups
  • Strength exercises: Dumbbell rows, push-ups, squats, lunges, pull-ups, bicep curls

No matter which exercises you choose, make sure to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Tabata workouts can be intense, so it’s important to pace yourself and avoid overdoing it.

Here are some ideas for Tabata exercises you could include in your next workout:

  • Push-ups
  • Triceps dips
  • Mountain climbers
  • Tuck jumps
  • Burpees
  • High knees
  • Bodyweight squats
  • Bodyweight lunges
  • Lunge jumps
  • Jump squats
  • Jumping jacks
  • Jump rope
  • Speed skaters
  • Box jumps

If you’d like to make your Tabata workout more strength-based, you can incorporate weights. Some of those exercise ideas include:

  • Clean and press
  • Dumbbell snatch
  • Front squat
  • Alternating reverse lunge
  • Push-up to mountain climber
  • Biceps curl

When doing Tabata workouts, it is important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. If you are feeling lightheaded or dizzy, stop the workout and rest. You can also modify the exercises to make them easier if needed.

Tabata workouts are a great way to get a quick and effective workout that is perfect for people of all fitness levels. If you are looking for a way to improve your fitness, lose weight, or build muscle, Tabata is a great option.

Before you go, the trainer in me wants to share some additional tips to get the most out of your Tabata workouts:

  • Warm up before each workout with 5-10 minutes of light cardio, movements and dynamic stretches.
  • Choose exercises that you can do safely and effectively at a high intensity.
  • Focus on form over speed. It is better to do the exercises correctly at a slower pace than to rush through them and injure yourself.
  • Listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
  • Start with 2-3 Tabata workouts per week and gradually increase the number of workouts as you get fitter.
  • Be consistent with your workouts. The more you do, the better the results you will see.

With a little planning and effort, you can easily incorporate Tabata workouts into your fitness routine and start seeing results quickly.

Try it….as one of my mentors used to ask, “What have you got to GAIN?”

the answer: A lot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. Follow me on Instagram @Hlthchic for FREE Tabata workouts weekly.

 

Maintain Your MoJo (MUSCLE!!) With Bands

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Hey…what did you think I was referring to?

Friends, you know I hate to be the bearer of bad news, BUT the natural loss of muscle mass and strength as we age is associated with all-cause mortality and linked to the incidence of many chronic diseases…like cardiovascular disease and stroke, hypertension, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

According to the National Institute of Health, muscle mass decreases 3-8% per decade after 30 and this rate of muscle decline is higher after 60!  Less muscle generally means a higher body fat percentage and higher body fat slows your metabolism down, NOT age.

Here are 5 ways to combat muscle decline:

  1. Eat protein (Ladies…are you getting enough?)
  2. Resistance train (Do you have a strength training routine that involves building muscle?)
  3. Increase your Omega 3s (Omega 3’sare anti-inflammatory and inflammation causes muscle to break down)
  4. Check your vitamin D levels (vitamin D helps with muscle protein synthesis)
  5. Walk (walking increases mobility and blood flow which helps with insulin and muscle repair)

If you don’t have access to a gym or some weights, resistance bands are an inexpensive option to help maintain or build muscle.  Many exercises can be done with resistance bands to work the upper or lower body. Here are a few upper body examples:

1. Overhead press

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the band in each hand with an overhand grip.
  • Raise the band up to shoulder height, then press it overhead until it is straight above your head.
  • Slowly lower the band back down to shoulder height, then repeat.

2. Chest press

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
  • Hold the band in each hand with an overhand grip, palms facing each other.
  • Slowly lower the band down to your chest, then press it back up to the starting position.

3. Bicep curl

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the band in each hand with a supinated grip (palms facing up).
  • Curl the band up to your shoulders, then slowly lower it back down.

4. Tricep extension

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the band in each hand with an underhand grip (palms facing down).
  • Bend your elbows and extend your arms behind you, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  • Slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position.

These are just a few examples of exercises that can be done with resistance bands to work the upper body. There are many other exercises that can be done, so find some that you enjoy and that challenge you.

Tips for using resistance bands:

  • When choosing a resistance band, start with a light band and gradually increase the resistance as you get stronger.
  • Make sure to warm up before using resistance bands.
  • Focus on proper form and don’t sacrifice form for weight.
  • Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard.
  • Vary your workouts to keep your body challenged.

Resistance bands are a great way to add variety to your workouts and challenge your muscles. They are also a portable and affordable option for strength training. I take them with me when I travel!

Prevent sarcopenia (muscle loss) and get strong today.

Your body and your family will thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa

 

What is Fitness?

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Fitness is a term that is often used interchangeably with health, but the two are not exactly the same. Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, while fitness is the ability to perform physical activity without undue fatigue.

The components of “fitness” include strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance. Strength is the ability of your muscles to contract and produce force. Cardio is the ability of your heart and lungs to deliver oxygen to your muscles. Flexibility is the ability of your joints to move through their full range of motion. Balance is the ability of your body to maintain its equilibrium.  All four of these components of fitness are important for overall health and well-being.

There are many different ways to improve your fitness. You can join a gym, take fitness classes, or simply start exercising on your own. There are many different types of exercise, so you can find something that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. There are also a LOT of free videos and inexpensive fitness apps to help guide you along the way. (I post free workouts on Instagram each week @Hlthchic!)

If you are new to exercise, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over time. It is also important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. Remind yourself,  “Every little bit helps. Every step counts”. It really does!

Improving your fitness is a lifelong journey. There will be times when you are motivated and times when you are not. But if you stick with it, you will reap the many benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some tips for improving your fitness:

  • Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with small goals and gradually increase them over time.
  • Find an activity that you enjoy. Exercise should be something that you look forward to, not something that you dread.
  • Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Schedule time for exercise each day and stick to your schedule as much as possible.
  • Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend can help you stay motivated and accountable.
  • Listen to your body. Take breaks when you need them and don’t push yourself too hard.
  • Be patient. It takes time to see results from exercise. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.

Once you find the activities you enjoy most, make appointments with yourself to help stay on track. Improving your fitness is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. Remember, building and maintaining MUSCLE (lifting weights) is a marker related to overall longevity. Today is some day. Carpe Diem.

Won’t you join me on this journey? It is a journey that is well worth taking.

Lisa

P.S. To understand how lifting weights and muscle impacts your overall health, see these prior blog posts:

 

3 Ways to Increase Your “Healthspan”

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What’s that? Healthspan is the period of life during which a person is healthy and free from disease. It is different from lifespan, which is the total number of years a person lives. A person can have a long lifespan but a short healthspan, or vice versa. I want my healthspan to align with my lifespan, don’t you?   To do this, I’ll focus on these 3 things: strength training, eating healthy, and sleeping well.

So, here’s the thing, as we age, our bodies “can” go through a number of changes. My friends, I’m here to tell you that many age-related declines in health are related to lifestyle decisions…not age. And, one of the most significant changes is a decrease in muscle mass. The loss of muscle mass can lead to a number of problems, including decreased strength, balance, and bone density. In fact, muscle is so important, that it is used to determine not just lifespan and healthspan, but as a metric that unlocks our longevity potential!

To combat potential aging changes, it’s very important to strength train. Strength training helps to build muscle mass and improve bone density. It can also help to improve balance and coordination.

If you’re wondering how to get started, there are a number of different ways to strength train. One popular method is to use weights. Weights can be used to target specific muscle groups or to do full-body workouts. While a gym can provide a variety of options, it’s quite easy to get a great workout from home using your body weight, bands, gliders, or a ball.  Resistance bands are a great option for individuals new to strength training or who have joint pain.

No matter which method you choose, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the weight or resistance as you get stronger.

In addition to strength training, it is also important to eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit ultra-processed foods and try to avoid chemicals, dyes, and preservatives AND be aware that “natural flavors” aren’t healthy. Read your labels!

To help your muscle-building efforts on the diet side, protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health. Whole grains provide fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

It is also important to get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for muscle recovery. When you sleep, your body releases hormones that help to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. However, some people may need more or less sleep. (see prior post about sleep!)

Finally, it is important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. If you are feeling pain, stop the exercise and rest.

While strength training is a great way to stay healthy and fit as you age, below are some additional tips for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness today:

  • Start slowly. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over time.
  • Find an activity that you enjoy. There are many different types of exercise, so find one that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle.
  • Set realistic goals. Don’t expect to see results overnight. It takes time and effort to see changes in your body.
  • Be patient. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep at it, and you will eventually reach your goals.
  • Listen to your body. If you are feeling pain, stop the exercise and rest. Don’t push yourself too hard.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet is essential for overall health and fitness. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for muscle recovery and overall health. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when you are exercising.
  • Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your health and fitness. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Following these tips can help you stay healthy and fit as you age.

As my friend Sharon likes to ask, “What have you got to GAIN?”

To read more:

The Best Anti-Aging Secrets Aren’t So Secret

Avoid These Seed oils (PUFAs) & Why

The Fountain of Youth (Lifting!)