How To Lose 20 Pounds REALLY, REALLY Fast

Back "in the day" when I used to be a full time personal trainer and I met with clients in person at my New Jersey Health Club, the first thing I would always ask my clients during the initial consultation was:

"Tell me exactly what you want... and I'll show you how to get it."

Typical reply from client:

"I want to lose 20 pounds fast."

My reply:

"Are you SURE that's what you want? If I can show you how to lose 20 pounds REALLY, REALLY fast, will that make you happy?"

They nodded their head affirmatively as their eyes lit up in anticipation of the quick weight loss secrets I was about to reveal.

Their face went white when - with a totally straight face - I pulled out a hacksaw and started walking towards them.... menacingly.

Not sure whether to laugh or to run away in sheer terror, they said,

"What the heck are you doing?"

"You said you wanted to lose 20 pounds fast. This is the easiest, surest, most effective way I know to take 20 pounds off you FAST! In fact, I figure that right leg of yours might even weigh 25 pounds!"

I kept walking closer and started to get into sawing position, wielding my fast, effective and guaranteed weight loss tool.

"Bear with me because this IS quick, but sometimes it takes a few minutes for me to cut through the bone."

By this time, my client and I are either completely cracking up, or I have seriously scared the living you know what out of them, or they just think I'm a complete lunatic. (it depends on whether I was able to keep a straight face or not).

Finally, the light bulb goes on, and my client would see where I was going with this:

"Okay, smart alec," I get it. I don't want to lose WEIGHT, I want to lose FAT."

The Obesity Solution Secret: How to Eat To Lose Fat

I used to interview elite bodybuilders on their training and eating for a living and did this for years and years. One reoccurring theme that kept popping up when talk turned to diet/nutrition was how much food top bodybuilders packed away on a daily basis. These men taught their bodies how to handle continually greater amounts of calories without becoming fat. Contrast this with the typical obese person who eats one meal a day and adds body fat at the drop of a hat. I am working with a crew of obese folks and having great success using modified bodybuilder eating tactics to help the obese lose body fat.

The first order of business for the obese is to establish a multiple meal schedule. The obvious advantage to this strategy is it divides the daily calories in smaller chunks. I require the obese person to eat every three hours and this usually works out to five feedings a day. Secondly we insist they clean up the food selections. Some foods are easily converted into body fat (sugar foods, manmade foods and saturated fat) and some foods are near impossible for the body to convert into fat (lean protein, fibrous carbohydrates). The body's metabolism kicks into high gear to digest protein and fiber - creates what is called the thermogenic effect of food. Body temperature actually increases when the digestive system is faced with the daunting task of breaking down hard to digest protein and fiber.

Multiple meals allow the body to deal with fewer calories at any one sitting and the repeated practice of eating 5-6 meals a day teaches the body to become adept at digesting and distributing food. Better to eat 3,000 "clean" calories a day divided into six five hundred-calorie daily meals than one 1,500 calorie mega-dirty fast-food meal.

The results are astounding when the obese buy into the approach. I have one male who has lost 40-pounds of bodyweight in 40 days while simultaneously adding 12-pounds of muscle. He started at 240 and yesterday he weighed 200. This is far more impressive because didn't lose muscle in the process, he added muscle in the process. This was no ex-jock loaded with muscle memory; this is a 48-year old man with zero weight training experience.

Obese folks who slash calories end up losing as much fat as muscle and end up as miniaturized versions of the old fat selves. This modified bodybuilder approach melts fat while simultaneously adding muscle: the obese person eats more and as a direct result feels energized and vibrant during the process. Contrast this with the calorie-slasher who feels deprived, denied and continually on the verge of a binge. A person who eats wholesome foods every three hours is far less likely to binge and blow their diet than some poor obese person subsisting on 1200 calories a day. The calorie starved obese individual has set their caloric ceiling set so low that eating a candy bar or a bowl of ice cream causes them to add five pounds in 24-hours.

Adding functional muscle and building strength allows the obese person to become mobile and adept at climbing steps, getting out of a low chair and powering their bulk around. Compare this to the calorie-slasher who actually weakens their already weak body. Those who depend on deprivation to trigger bodyweight loss weaken the immune system and continually contract colds and sickness.

Those who live on 1000 to 1500 calories a day live in a stressful psychological world of denial. A person who has elevated their metabolism and consumes 3,000 calories a day can absorb an occasional binge far, far better than a person starving; I allow my folks a cheat meal once a week: this allows them to feel psychologically free. The interesting thing about the cheat meal (not cheat day - cheat meal) is that by "being good" the other 6 7/8's of the time the sweets, fat and junk they crave and might eat are rejected by the body and classically results in diarrhea

Considerations when Choosing the Best Bodybuilding Gym for you

 Location has a great role to play in achieving the health related goals of any individual. Nobody would ever wish to drive or travel for more than an hour to reach the location of gym therefore you must ascertain that the gym you choose is in close proximity to your living area. Gyms in shorter distances keeps reminding one of the regular exercises that one definitely needs to follow in the daily routine.

Membership plans: Plans vary greatly in any gym you go therefore, be sure that the one you opt for goes in with your budget limit as well as health and fitness goals. Many make fake promises and try to trap customers with exciting offers and plans so, make certain to go through the printed notes on rules and regulations about the gym and its several different membership plans. Make sure that it does not include any sought of additional hidden costs that might add up in the latter half of the membership plans.

Opening hours: This is again another crucial consideration. Since, everyone is quite busy with their daily schedules and work plans; it becomes difficult to manage special time and that too in accordance with the timings for your gym. Therefore, to avoid this collision and imbalance, be sure to go for one that has enough flexibility to adjust your timings, or is open for long hours to accommodate your busy schedule. Therefore, consider this before finalizing the decision.

Gym type: Choosing the gym type is an important consideration for females.          If you are a woman or any female, you must take into account this factor and avoid being stared by a whole lot of people in the gym. Going to ladies-only gym can be the better option for such people.

Budget: Make certain to choose one that does not burn a hole in your pocket. Search thoroughly over the web world and find one that is within the means and is highly affordable to achieve the fitness goals.

BODYBUILDING & "Paralysis Through Over-Analysis" or "Don't Over-Think Bodybuilding"

Over the past month I have been thinking about the successful people as well as the unsuccessful people in bodybuilding, health and fitness in general. I have a LOT of contact with people locally as well as worldwide and here's what I have noticed.
"There are many smart trainees who spend way too much time pondering different strategies and ideas regarding training and nutrition. I try and get their mind back to reality. Don't over-think bodybuilding!"
This type of person is very knowledgeable and reads a lot. They are well informed and have researched all the latest training and diet information. They can discuss all the virtues and drawbacks of the different diets and workout programs on the market. They can also tell you the latest news about various internet muscle building Guru's, bodybuilding champions and fit movie stars. Unfortunately, despite all of their knowledge about bodybuilding diets and training routines it doesn't seem to be doing them much good - their physiques are usually subpar. This makes me think: is too much knowledge actually disadvantageous to building a great physique? Or could it be that they spend more time thinking about diet and training than actually doing the diet and training.
So what good is knowledge if the knowledge doesn't convert into muscular gains? If you cram your brain full of information on diet and training how are you to sort through all of this and determine what you should and should not do? Everyone says their diet, workout, supplement or whatever is effective or the best. The truly best diets and training routines are rare and elusive. The over-thinking bodybuilder is constantly trying to sift through all the information for what is "the best" routine they should be following.
The solution to the problem is less thinking and more action. When you over complicate bodybuilding you actually retard your rate of progress. Too many choices and too many high ideas create "paralysis through over-analysis" where the bodybuilder is actually paralyzed from staying on one routine or diet because they keep thinking that maybe they should be on a different diet or workout routine.
So what should you do? Train hard, heavy and often. Lift lots of weights, do your cardio workouts. A real bodybuilder is pumping iron 3 to 5 times a week and using all kinds of different methods for muscle strength and pump. Don't miss a workout unless it is for a reason that you really have no control over or an emergency.
Nutrition is the cornerstone. Without a disciplined approach to your daily eating regimen you will never be successful. Hearty and healthy eating is combined with intense workouts and cardio sessions for lowering body-fat down to the single digits. You have to eat clean foods.
Supplementation and YOU! A well thought-out nutritional supplementation program will enhance and accelerate muscle growth and fat loss.
You must have realistic, achievable and exciting goals! A good goal is a realistic, attainable and exciting goal. We all need to generate enthusiasm for the process and drive to attain and maintain what needs to be done in order to obtain real and substantial results.
Set a timeframe for reaching a goal. As an example, if you wanted to lose 15 pounds then give yourself 15 weeks to do this. Set the goal, make the plan and say I can easily lose 15 pounds in 15 weeks. Then make a mini-goal, say to yourself that it is a measly one pound a week weight loss, I can do that.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9637407

Creatine: Safety, Benefits, and How It Works

Creatine. It is the most well known, as well as the most studied supplement in the industry right behind whey. There are studies going back decades with pretty conclusive evidence that points to creatine being extremely safe. But if creatine has so many studies, then why does it have so much opposition? My opinion is that most opposition is due to a lack of understanding. Average people do not understand creatine. When a 12 year old boy wants to start lifting weights and tells their mom they want to buy a magical powder that will make him big and strong, his mom is absolutely correct to worry. After all, something that makes you build muscle and strength is probably a steroid, right? Possibly. But that is not what creatine does.
Is Creatine a Steroid?
The short answer: Absolutely not. To understand why creatine is not a steroid, you must first understand what a steroid actually is.
What are Steroids?
Why is it that males are almost always more muscular than females? Why can a man naturally be 200 pounds of muscle, but a woman will never naturally reach that level of muscularity? Simply put, males naturally produce a hormone called testosterone. You have most likely heard of it. Testosterone is what makes a man a man. It's what causes his deep voice, body hair, facial hair, strength, and what we think of as masculine instincts. It's what causes males to fight over females, in human social settings and in nature. A performance enhancing steroid is basically synthetic testosterone, or other synthesized hormones that are actually more anabolic than testosterone. Some steroids are not even found in nature. Steroids can carry some nasty side effects and a lot of health risks later on in life.
What is Creatine?
So now that we have a basic understanding of what steroids are, what is creatine?
Creatine is found in almost every animal, including humans. We get it from meat and we naturally synthesize it. Creatine is a completely natural organic acid that provides cellular energy to your cells. It is found in the highest concentrations in muscle cells. Creatine and steroids can not even be compared. One works hormonally, one works inside of your cells naturally. Creatine will not make you superhuman like steroids. Steroids can push your body past physiological limits. With years of training and a perfect diet might be able to be a little over 200 lbs of lean muscle naturally. With steroids you can put on another 20-50 pounds. If you are pushing your body past a natural limit, you are putting multiple organs under extreme stress, especially your heart. Creatine does no such thing. Creatine will indirectly help you add strength and mass by allowing your muscle cells to work just a bit harder.
How Does Creatine Work?
If you were awake for high school biology, you probably learned about cellular energy. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glucose, cellular respiration, and all of that fun stuff. If not, I will give you the brief rundown.
You cells contain a bit of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate. You cell generates energy by breaking a phosphate bond in the mitochondria. Any time a bond is broken, energy is released. The adenosine triphosphate then becomes adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and needs to find another phosphate atom to bond with so that it can break it in the mitochondria. Creatine bond with phosphate and becomes phosphocreatine, which is stored in the cells. Phosphocreatine can rapidly turn ADP into much needed ATP. That ATP can then go break another bond for cellular energy.
Think of your cells as a steam engine train. The ATP represents a worker that has a shovel full of coal, while the ADP represents a worker with an empty shovel. The ADP worker has to go to the next car over to get a shovel of coal to put in the fire to keep the train running. Creatine would represent a supply of coal in the same car as the fire. The ADP worker would have to walk a few feet instead of to the next car over to get the much needed coal, which represents phosphate. It is a natural function of life. Creatine is already working in your body keeping your cells alive and energized.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9626085

Best 4 Lateral Movement Drills

Speed development and improvement in lateral strength are objectives of Top 4 Lateral Movement Drills. Football or basketball requires excellent lateral speed control for delivering the best performance. However, many players often overlook this imperative factor often knowingly. The reason behind the behavior is toughness scale of the workout. However, it requires meticulous attention to details and selection of the right kind of workout. Improving lateral quickness requires strengthening of mobility of hips, plyometric drills, footwork, and capacity of lateral movements.
Working on lateral movement is not too tough with the right set of drills. Here are top 4 drills you ought to consider working on for bringing out the best in you in real time.
Lateral Lunges - The Basics Beyond Advanced Technique
Lateral lunges deliver the goodness of basic lunges while improving the lateral speed. The objective of this drill is to focus more on lateral movement rather than bending forward like in conventional lunges. This drill offers excellent workout for all lower body muscle group comprising quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius, adductor, and soleus muscles. Steps for correct workout are
• Stand straight
• Keep shoulder-wide distance in feet
• Stretch one leg to side
• Lunge down
• Put maximum body weight on leading leg
• Point toes in the forward direction
• Repeat with the other leg
Lateral sled - For Those Who Need The Extra Punch
Lateral sled drag is a fantastic workout for those who need the extra punch. This workout focuses on increasing muscular strength of lower body muscles. Some treat it as a variant of the lateral lunges. However, the results delivered by the drill are promising. It is also suitable for folks that are unable to deal with deceleration stress due to hip or knee issue. Steps for correct workout are
• Stand straight
• Stretch one leg to one side
• Keep toes straight
• Pull the weight by walking sideways without changing the bending angle or body position
• Repeat with other leg / other side
Asterisks Lunges - Beat The Fear For Once And For All
Asterisks lunges upscale the benefits of regular lunges to the next level. You need two dumbbells for the workout. This drill is ideal for toning glutes and hams muscles. In addition, this workout is highly recommended for improving lateral speed. Well, footballers are you listening; beat the fear for the last time. Hit the Asterisks lunges and be the difference you deserve. Steps for correct workout are
• Stand straight
• Carry two dumbbells
• Lung as usual bending forward, 45° forward, lateral, 45° backward, and backward
Lateral Crossover Step Drill - Agility Matters When You Are Out There On The Ground
Lateral crossover step drill improves agility, stamina, and ability to turn quickly. It is a strength training drill with complete focus on improving the speed of the movements. This workout focuses on enhancing the strength, stamina, and ability to change direction with the typical side-to-side moves. You need a marker or cones for the drill. Steps for correct workout are
• Stand straight
• Take a crossover step
• Keep left foot in front of the right one
• Step right with right foot in front of the left in a crossover
• Complete the repetitions as directed
• Take a break of a minute between two sets of repetitions

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9653862

How To Eat And Work Out For Building Muscles And Strength Well Into Your 50's

Are you a bodybuilder?
I am.
Bodybuilding defined as defined by me is "building the body".
Sugar, high energy drinks, prepackaged foods including the so called healthy and new "fitness" drinks and powders, pre-workout - during workout and post-workout commercial products.
Yes, this post is all about building the body or bodybuilding without all the hype and commercial BS.
Each day we wake up in the morning and make a decision, a decision that will make or break us for that day and possibly the next day and the rest of our lives.

• Do you sleep in and run late or behind time the rest of the day?
• Do you have the right kind of breakfast?
• Do you consistently have the right kind of varied breakfast?
• Does your breakfast (the MOST important) meal of the day set your metabolism and cellular function in anabolic motion for the day so you can properly assimilate and digest foods for optimum absorption?

Believe me or don't but most people around the world do NOT start the day out right. Even when MOST people think that they do. They are just kidding themselves, playing a mind game to escape the truth, the reality.

You want proof? Okay:

1. Each year 12.7 million people discover they have cancer and 7.6 million people die from the disease. However, evidence shows that 30 - 40 percent of these deaths can be prevented.
2. Because colon and rectal cancers are often referred to as "colorectal cancers," these two cancer types are combined. For 2016, the estimated number of new cases of colon cancer and rectal cancer are 95,270 and 39,220, respectively, adding to a total of 134,490 new cases of colorectal cancer.

Are the foods you eat each and every day building the body or slowly letting toxins in for future health issues?

Here is what you need for sculpting the perfect physique:
Cancer-Fighting Foods

• Leafy Green Vegetables...
• Cruciferous Vegetables...
• Berries...
• Brightly Orange-Colored Fruits and Veggies (Citrus Fruits, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, etc.)...
• Fresh Herbs and Spices...
• Organic Meats...
• Cultured Dairy Products...
• Nuts and Seeds.

Are you getting these foods in abundance each and every day starting out first thing in the morning? I know I wasn't.

How could I save my leg from amputation and compete in a bodybuilding contest if I was killing myself while actually believing I was building my body? I had to change both my diet and supplements for the key nutrients I found VERY hard to get into my diet each day. The farming methods used these days are actually leaving the fruits and vegetables ripe and tasty but they are actually very LOW in nutrient value.
So I self researched foods and nutrients and what would build tissue and blood and health and fight off disease, illness and cancer. I made a new bodybuilding lifestyle change, one that would keep me healthy and building muscle for years to come (31 years now) and hopefully well into my 90's.
I saved my leg from amputation and won the Masters Mr. Michigan (Natural) Bodybuilding Championship. Can you make a positive lifestyle change and be successful in your endeavors?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9639054