Friday 31 October 2008

Exercise.................

.........the drug of choice! My choice anyway. I love it, love the way it makes me feel, love the way it makes my body look - that's why I love my job sooooooooooo much. I feel very fortunate in this, know lots of people who don't have a passion for their jobs. Sad - you only get one life, why spend it doing something you hate 40+ hours a week?!

Anyway, back to exercise. I've just completed a new programme for clients based primarily on the ideas of Tracey Anderson, she of Madonna and Gwyneths superb body fame.

I've been studying her work for months and she is quite frankly amazing. If you get chance to check out her dancing, it's very sensual, very sexy and so full of energy.

The challenge with my programme is to exhaust the larger muscles first, then use further 'moves' to get the smaller accessory muscles to kick in having the overall effect of tightening the whole body. The only equipment needed is a mat and some 3lb weights.It's really, really hard work and you'll feel it the next day in places you didn't know exist. I love that feeling (sorry to bore you but passion in my line of work IS a great thing!) .

It takes control, concentration, determination and a desire to change................not for the faint hearted. It also needs to be done several times a week along with cardio intervals. It's hard work and time consuming, but then nothing in life is free!

Tracey uses her dance routines as the cardio part, and boy is this hard work too. Sweating is a great thing for your body as it helps get rid of stored toxins and these routines definitely make you sweat (or perspire or glow ,whichever ). I'm inspired, having always wanted to be a member of Pans People right from when I was allowed to stay up to watch Top Of The Pops. So much so that I'm going to Ceroc lessons on a monday night starting next week. Will let you know how I get on!

This exercise combination has moved my body to a new level and I'm loving it. After three kids this is no mean feat and I intend to keep it this way. You too can achieve your dream body................contact me and I'll help you get there. But only do it if your head's in the game......


Todays Tip : Life is out there, go for it!

Sunday 26 October 2008

Love Handles...........

...........midriff bulge,spare tyre, muffin top, belt overhang ,whatever you want to call it just look around you : they're everywhere! And it's really so not attractive.

But aside from being unattractive this fatty tissue around the middle of the body is not healthy. It increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and high blood pressure.

Cortisol, the stress hormone is one of the the big baddies here!


Cortisol is the 'fight or flight' hormone we needed to run away from danger long ago. It was produced and quickly dissipated when the danger passed. The fact that most people are now under some constant stress (competitive society/job insecurity/family pressures etc) means that cortisol is produced and remains at a high level in the body.


Ideally a quick increase in activity would get rid of it, but this constant stress means that fat and glucose (the form of extra energy) = STORED FAT.

If you are highly stressed I bet you're also craving carbohydrates big time, probably in the form of convenience foods. Not good, because refined carbs can contribute to making people fat, contrary to popular belief.


The reason it's your middle that gets particularly lardy is that its close to your liver where it can be quickly converted back to energy.



Called 'apple shaped' some people are also more predisposed to carry fat in this area - unfortunate but it's a fact. However, although you may be more predisposed to a podgy middle there are things you can do about it. So ...................what are you waiting for!


Top Tips for reducing belly fat :

Don't diet - reducing calories sends the body into starvation mode and it ultimately holds on to the fat for dear life.

Eat the right foods for you, little and often.

Avoid toxins - alcohol, caffeine, processed foods etc.


Eat lots of fresh food that grows.


Take refined carbs out of your diet - can't emphasise this enough.


Eat a mix of protein and carbs at each meal, even snacks - helps keep blood sugar levels even so preventing an insulin spike.


Take your time over your food, sit down and relax (ha! ha! that's a joke in our busy, busy society). Your digestive system will reward you.


Exercise - interval training and resistance (bodyweight/free weights/gym machines) are the most effective fat busters. But get very sweaty!


Take the stress out of your life (just like that!) - advice on how to do this coming soon.


Todays Tip : Strive for energy, enthusiasm and sparkling health!

Thursday 23 October 2008

Diet pills ...................don't go there!

I heard something on the radio today about the dreaded pills to miraculously make you thin!



We seem to have turned into a nation needing a 'quick fix' for everything, and having spent years stuffing our faces with the most ridiculously unhealthy foods think that by popping some pills all this fatty tissue we've accumulated will just drop off. Errr...no!



Naivety at its very best - not only do they not work, what about all the side effects that come with them?

These range from relatively minor, fatigue,headaches and a dry mouth to strokes and congestive heart failure . There are hundreds more. They're also pretty addictive.



My personal approach to losing weight is pretty simple; eat a balanced diet for your body type, keep your stress levels down (yep I agree sometimes easier said than done!) , sleep well, and get exercising.



Food wise, I follow the " If it grows eat it, if it doesn't grow don't eat it philosophy ie. meat,fish,vegetables,fruits and grains = good and chewy sweets, artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated fats = bad,very bad.



It's all about bringing a little consciousness to whats going into your mouth (and ultimately your cells to keep you alive).

Take the time to think about what you're eating and watch for VERY clear signals - your body, your gut in particular, will tell you whether you made a good or bad choice in no uncertain terms.



If your tummy bloats, you get diarrhoea or heartburn don't reach for 'quick fix' pills look at your diet. Something you're eating is disliked by your body, so why not just make a note to avoid that food for a while?



Todays Tip : Your health is a gift, look after it.