RCW-#1

DOUBLE CLICK THE VIDEO TO ENLARGE FOR A BETTER VIEW

Start with 2 minutes straight of jump rope

A1) Inverted row-8 reps
A2) Band donkey kicks - 15 reps per

3 sets before moving right into B1/B2

B1) Lateral pushups- 5 each direction, 4, 3
B2) Reverse drop off lunges from step with dumbbells-8 each leg

3 sets then go right into 1 set of A1/A2...then right into 1 set of B1/B2 then rest for 2 min

C1 ) Reverse grip band pulldowns- 20 reps
C2) Dumbbell sumo squat-12 reps

3 sets then go right into 1 set of A1/A2....1 set of B1/B2...then right into 1 set of C1/C2 then rest for 2min

D1) Tricep kickbacks with bands-15 reps
D2) backward/forward band walks-10 each direction

3 sets then go right into 1 set of A1/A2....1 set of B1/B2.....1 set of C1/C2.....then 1 set of D1/D2.....

Done!

Go Dominate!

3 steps to lose more fat!

1) Do total body workouts 3x a week

Total body workouts simply burn more calories than doing body part splits. You burn more calories since you are working more muscle mass in each session that just doing say upper body in one workout. A total body workout should include upper body, lower body, knee dominant ( squats ) and hip dominant ( deadlift ) exercises. You get plenty of core work from these compound movements so you don't have to do too much extra core work. Some sample groupings to organize your workouts are below.

example 1-

A1) Row ( pull )
A2) Pushup ( push )
A3) Squat ( knee dominant )

B1) Pullup ( pull )
B2) Shoulder press ( press )
B3) Deadlift ( hip dominant )

or example 2

A1) Row ( pull )
A2) Lunge ( knee dominant )

B1) Pushup ( press )
B2) Glute bridge ( hip dominant )


2) Focus on veggies, protein and water

Make it simple by eating 5-6 times a day and consume veggies and protein at each meal. In terms of protein eat a portion about the size of a deck of cards. Veggies aim for the green variety since they are low in carbs and full of nutrients. Protein snack ideas are below.

Jerky-buffalo or turkey best
Cheese sticks
Cottage cheese
Protein shake
Hard boiled eggs


3) Get your workout going ASAP

Need a lift to your current workout? Maybe you start off on a slow foot? A simple answer to these issues is to start your workout with 5 minutes of jump rope. Not only will you get a great quick warmup but you will burn some extra calories before you even get going. Add 30 seconds or so to each workout. As you get better build up the time until you could do 10 minutes continuous before your workout. If you don't like jumping rope then do burpees ( hate that name ) and do as many as you can for 2 minutes.

Bring the shock Tuesday

It is rainy and gloomy here in Chicago today and people are tired and dragging their feet around town and in the gym. I figured this a perfect day to bring to you a workout to disrupt your normal routine. If your progress has stalled and you need something to awaken you....use this!

This workout focuses on heavy weight and low reps. The focus is power and to make the body have to work really hard to move heavy things. You will be taking rest periods since you will need the rest in order to maintain the strength and power demands. After your done with the lifting you will get hammered with the conditioning aspect. Generally most people do not lift with the high load and low reps so this will be a change and a shock. Look to use this style of workouts for the next 2-3 weeks to bring about new change.

** Remember the weights used should be appropriate and you should struggle on the final rep of each set. Spotter is highly recommended.

A1) One arm row with dumbbell- 6 reps
A2) Squat jumps-10 reps ( focus on height and drive with your arms )

1 minute rest between combos. Do 3 total sets

B1) Lying neutral grip dumbbell press ( palms face each other )-6 reps
B2) Deadlift with trap bar ( if not then use traditional bar )-6 reps

1 minute rest between combos. Do 3 total sets

C1) Mixed grip pullup ( one palm facing away and one facing toward you )-3 reps then switch hands around, 6 reps total
C2) Step up with dumbbells ( use medium box and hold dumbbells in both hands )-5 reps each leg

1 minute rest between combos. Do 3 total sets

D1) Dips ( weighted if need be )-6 reps
D2) Lateral lunge with dumbbells -6 reps per side doing one leg at a time ( let the dumbbells go between the legs as you lunge )

1 minute rest between combos. Do 3 total sets


Conditioning-

Sprints on bike - 20sec all out spring, 40 sec recovery slow ....repeat this 4 rounds

Done!

GO DOMINATE!

Shaking some boredom from todays workout...........

Don't do your normal boring regular old routine today. Instead I want you to scrap whatever workout you were going to do and change things up. We all like to be in a routine in life and it just so happens the same holds true in the gym. Lets face it you start to do what is comfortable and next thing you know you never take that step outside your comfort zone. Maybe you are not even excited for today's workout, maybe you are even dreading it because of the monotony of the whole thing. Below I have given some ideas for you on how to change your workout for today. Who knows maybe a change will do you good.

A) If you usually do splits like back/biceps..or chest/triceps

TRY-Doing back/chest or back/triceps

** Note that doing body part splits is best suited for those looking to gain muscle mass.

B) If you do a certain exercise and or muscle group at the end of the workout


TRY-Doing that at the beginning when fresh and you will see better performance.

C) If you never do supersets or compound sets

TRY-Using both in your workout to amp up the intensity

Superset example- Dumbbell row with squat

Compound set example- Dumbbell chest press with barbell chest press

D) You do nothing but high reps

TRY-Doing nothing but low reps and heavy weight. You will stimulate new muscle and and challenge the body in a new way. Sometimes it feels good to get a heavy day in.

E) You do a low amount of sets.....say 3 sets of 8

TRY-Increasing training volume by doing more sets.....try 6 sets of 8 ( of course you might need to cut down the weight towards the end )

F) You run then lift weights

TRY-Hitting the weights first so you are not maximal strength and then hit your cardio for a brief 10-15 min interval session. This will be more effective and help you potentially burn more fat in your cardio session than carbs.

G) You don't actually workout hard

TRY-Working hard for once and see how much potential you are missing out on!

H) You workout for hours upon hours

TRY-Getting out of the gym within 45min. Cut down on the rest time and pick exercises that hit more muscle fibers and stimulate more growth in less time. Examples are variations of the squat, deadlift, presses and pullups and rows.

Now make it happen and do this today!

Go Dominate

Burn calories with this giant set

A giant set is exactly what it sounds like....its a bunch of exercises set up circuit style. This routine can be your entire workout if you do enough rounds or you can use it as part of your workout. The main focus here is lower body work and pulls. We are focusing on very metabolic lower body based exercises and pulling exercises since most people over work themselves on pushing exercises.

Round 1- All leg exercises are done for 12 reps, all pulling exercises are done for 25 reps

A1) Ball squat and slam ( squat with the med ball and then slam once you return from the squat..if you don't have med ball just do speed squats while holding a dumbbell )

A2) Band row with palms down ( move fast using a red or blue band )

A3) Drop down reverse lunges ( use a small step and start by standing on the step with both legs...step backwards and into a reverse lunge position and then bring the leg back onto the step...alternate legs....12 reps per side )

A4) Band row with palms up

A5) Deadlift with dumbbells

A6) Band row with palms facing each other

A7) Squat and press with dumbbells ( speed here! Focus on lighter weight and pressing the dumbbells as you come up...it is one movement )

Rest 30 seconds only.....then round 2 you jump to 14 reps on all the leg exercises. After doing another round rest 2 minutes and repeat the whole sequence again starting with round 1 for 12 reps on the lower body...rest 30 seconds then do round 2 for 14 reps.

Body Composition Series # 2

Another full body workout to decrease body fat and increase lean muscle muscle mass.

A1) One arm row dumbbell-12 reps each arm

A2) Jacknives-10 reps

*Repeat this without rest for 4-5 rounds

B1) Neutral grip shoulder press with dumbbells ( palms face each other on the press )-12 reps

B2) Step up with dumbbell ( medium step..do all one leg before switching )-8 reps per side

* Repeat this without rest for 4-5 rounds

C1) Pullup ( medium grip )10 reps

C2) Deadlift with barbell-6 reps
*Repeat this without rest for 4-5 rounds

** This is tough combo due to grip fatigue

D1) Tricep close grip barbell press-12 reps

D2) Lateral dumbbell lunge ( alternate sides )-8 reps per side

* Repeat this without rest for 4-5 rounds

E1) Standing bicep curl with barbell-10 reps

E2) Ball slams-12 reps

*Repeat this without rest for 4-5 rounds

Now do 3 of your favorite core exercises without rest and repeat it for 3 rounds

Deja Vu fat burning workout-#2

A1)Chest press with dumbbells-15 reps
A2)Dumbbell sumo squat-12 reps
*Do this for 4 rounds before going into B1/B2

B1)One arm dumbbell row-15 reps each
B2)barbell deadlift-8 reps each http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syt7A23YnpA
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2 combo and then right into one round of B1&B2

Rest 1-2min

C1) dumbbell seated overhead extension-12 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbX7Wd8jQ-Q
C2) goblet squat with dumbbell-12 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k19eAnKHA5g
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2....then right into one round of B1&B2 and then right into one round of C1&C2

D1) Dumbbell bent over double row-15 reps ( move quick ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DvyD1_Ahss
D2) Jackknives ( burpees )-8 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Dq_NCzj8M
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2....then right into one round of B1&B2 and then right into one round of C1&C2 and then right into one round of D1&D2

Rest 1-2 minutes

E1) Lateral dumbbell shoulder raises-12 reps
E2) Lateral hops-10 reps each side http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQyoJU9QP6Y&feature=related
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2....then right into one round of B1&B2 and then right into one round of C1&C2 and then right into one round of D1&D2 and then right into one round of E1&E2

Deja Vu fat burning workout

Here is one of my Deja Vu workout routines which is great way to shock your body into new changes. The name comes from the fact that you will go back to every exercise throughout the entire workout therefore getting that deja vu feeling. The idea of this workout is to get a high volume of work while moving at a high pace. I have had great success with this workout with my weight loss clients and those just looking to drop body fat.

A1)Lateral plyo pushup-6 each direction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohq6ql0YYSk
A2)Dumbbell sumo squat-12 reps
*Do this for 4 rounds

B1)One arm dumbbell row-15 reps each
B2)Alternate split squat-6 reps each http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tslt-QLh0fk&feature=related
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2 combo and then right into one round of B1&B2

Rest 1-2min or as little as possible

C1) dumbbell seated overhead extension-12 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbX7Wd8jQ-Q
C2) tuck jumps-8 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlI_oY2Qmro
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2....then right into one round of B1&B2 and then right into one round of C1&C2

D1) Dumbbell bent over double row-15 reps ( move quick ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DvyD1_Ahss
D2) Lateral hops-10 reps each side http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQyoJU9QP6Y&feature=related
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2....then right into one round of B1&B2 and then right into one round of C1&C2 and then right into one round of D1&D2

Rest 1-2 minutes or as little as possible

E1) Lateral dumbbell shoulder raises-12 reps
E2) jump squats-10 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpxEwikRndQ
* Do this for 4 rounds

Now go back and do one round of A1&A2....then right into one round of B1&B2 and then right into one round of C1&C2 and then right into one round of D1&D2 and then right into one round of E1&E2

Finished!

H4 Fat burner #15- Cardio meets resistance

Some people will split their workouts and do weight training first then go and do their cardio or vice versa. This routine blends both of the two into one workout.

Core-Pick two of your favorite core exercises and do 3 rounds of each. The start right into the rest of the routine.

Row with cable machine-15 reps
SUPERSET WITH
Bike ( any bike in your gym works )-40 seconds as fast as possible

*Repeat this 2 rounds before moving right into the next combo

Rest 1 minute

Standing dumbbell shoulder press-15 reps
SUPERSET WITH
Bike-30 seconds as fast as possible

* Repeat this 2 rounds before moving on

Rest 1 minute

Bent over row with barbell ( rest your head on a bench if need be )-20reps SUPERSET WITH

Jackknives ( burpees)-10 reps

*Repeat this 2 rounds before moving right into the next combo

Rest 1 minute

Tricep close grip press with barbell ( arms tight to your sides and pushing with your triceps using a grip about 8 inches wide )-15 reps SUPERSET WITH

High knees-30 seconds worth

* Repeat this 2 rounds before resting

Core-Pick two of your favorite exercises and do 3 rounds of each exercise

Cardio SUCKS-Time for you and the treadmill to breakup

Yes I said it! Cardio just sucks. I don't like to do it, and I don't think its the best thing to do with your time and I am not alone. When you ask someone who wants to drop weight what they plan to do it almost always involves doing endless amounts of cardio. This is WRONG! Sure doing cardio will help you lose weight, just not much of it will be fat. Recently there has been strong research based evidence that doing metabolic resistance training is the best. I currently train all my clients who are trying to tone and lose weight with this method. What am I talking about when I say metabolic resistance training? This just means doing resistance training at a high tempo in which you combine both the benefits of weight training and cardio . Think of it as a two in one. Below are some of the benefits of training like this:

• Higher calorie burn




• Stimulate more muscle, therefore helping to hold onto lean muscle mass




• Increased EPOC-which means you will keep burning calories hours after you exercise

So an example set up might be doing a chest exercise followed by a back exercise. You could also do a leg exercise followed by a upper body exercise. This way you can work one area of the body while another rests. This setup allows you to move quicker, rest less and get better results. The best thing is you can do this type of training with any equipment. Bands, TRX, Barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and much more.

There is no reason why you shouldn't be setting up your workouts like this. If you want the best way to reach your goal of losing weight and toning up then why wouldn't you be doing this! I am not here to tell you to never do cardio but I am simply telling you there are other m0re effective methods. Down with cardio...... Go Dominate!

New combo for your arms

I love this routine and have had great success with it in the trenches. If your in a rut with your arm workouts then try this.

Seated dumbbell bicep curls ( palms up the entire lift and moving both arms at the same time )-6 reps with heavy weight

SUPER SET WITH

One arm pulley bicep curl ( adjust the pulley cable to the very bottom and use the hand grip attachment to perform a standing curl )-15 reps focus on speed

SUPER SET WITH

Close grip barbell press ( focus on the elbows staying tight to your sides and push with the triceps ) -6 reps with heavy weight

SUPER SET WITH

Band tricep overhead extensions ( wrap a band around a pole of some sort then grabbing each handle extend your arms overhead. From here bend from your elbow and let the band go behind you head before then driving it back up. Keep the upper arm still )-20 reps focusing on speed

Rest 1 minute and repeat this 2-3 more times.

Drop body fat with this

Timed workouts are something that most people don't do so give this a try. Use a stopwatch or cell phone as a timer. These types of workouts are high in volume and force you to maintain a high level of work throughout the entire routine.

Your goal is to get as many rounds as possible with good, proper and consistent form in 5 minutes without resting. Don't get sloppy just to get the reps in. Move quick. After 5 minutes is up rest for 1 minute and ONLY 1 minute. Repeat for 5 more minutes and make sure you get as many rounds as you did in the first set. Rest 1 minute and then do a final set of 5 minutes once again trying to equal the amount of rounds you did in set 1 and 2.

A1) Cable rows-10 reps
A2) Goblet squat ( look at picture above )-10 reps
A3) Ball slams-10 reps


Here is another trio to do with this same 5 minutes of work to 1 minute rest ratio repeated 3 total times.

B1) Push press with dumbbells-10 reps
B2) Lunges with dumbbells-6 each leg
B3 ) dumbbell curls-8 reps

New Year, New You!- 3 routines to try

The New Year is here yet again, and it is time for you to get back on track and start dominating again! Below I have given you different routines that I would not recommend for the beginner. If you are starting back into working out for the first time in a long time this new year then these workouts are not for you at this point in time. If you just need a jolt of freshness and new energy in the form of a badass workout then these are for you.

Workout # 1-For the guy who wants a bigger chest and back

PUSH AND PULL COMBO

Dumbbell chest press-1@ 6 reps ( heavy weight )

DROPSET INTO

Dumbbell chest press-1@ 20 reps ( use 50% lighter weight than you did for 6 reps )

Rest 2 min and repeat 2-3 more times

Incline barbell bench press-1@ 10 reps

Rest 1 min and repeat 4-5 more times

One arm dumbbell row-1@ 10 reps ( pause the weight on the ground for 1 second before driving up)

SUPERSET

Seated cable row-1@ 10 reps

Rest 90 seconds and repeat 2-3 more times

Straight arm pulldowns-1@ 12 reps

DROPSET INTO

Straight arm pulldowns-1@ Failure ( use 20-30lbs less than you did for 12 reps )

Rest 90 seconds and repeat 2-3 more times

Seated cable row-1@ 5 reps ( pause for 3 seconds and hold on each rep trying to squeeze your shoulder blades)

Rest 1 min and repeat 2-3 more times

Done.

____________________________________________________

Workout # 2- For the individual who is looking to trim up

Metabolic calorie burner

A1)Pullups ( use assisted machine if needed )-8 reps

SUPERSET

A2)Lateral step ups with dumbbells -15 reps each leg

Do 2 rounds without resting. After 2 rounds go right into the below combo.

B1) Standing barbell shoulder press-8 reps

SUPERSET

B2) Deadlift-8 reps

Do 2 rounds without rest. After 2 rounds Rest for 2 minutes and then start all over again with the A combo for 2 rounds and then going right into the B combo for 2 rounds before you are done.

C1) Decline dumbbell row-12 reps each

http://www.youtube.com/user/H4training#p/u/7/DxiJGMnyzKw

SUPERSET

C2) Alternating reverse lunges ( focus on speed....no weight needed)-15 reps each leg

Do 2 rounds without rest. After 2 rounds move onto the below combo.

D1) Dips-8 reps

SUPERSET

D2) Lateral band chops-15 reps each side

http://www.youtube.com/user/H4training#p/u/18/RX-_yvo7Ez8

Do 2 rounds without rest. After 2 rounds rest for 2 minutes before starting back over with the C combo for 2 rounds and then back to the D combo for 2.

Finish with:

Bike- 30 seconds full speed ( fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ) and then go slow ( "rest" ) for 30 seconds.....repeat this 4 times.

After finishing the bike do:

Ball slams- 15 reps as hard as you can! Rest 30 seconds between sets...do 3 sets

Done.

_____________________________________________________

Workout # 3- For the ladies looking to lean and firm the legs

Leg sculptor workouts

Leg circuit NK style-http://www.youtube.com/user/H4training#p/u/19/w12FIe_cLaI

Leg circuit for the butt-http://www.youtube.com/user/H4training#p/u/4/4EWjX7IvZRc

Glute medius work ( butt, hips )-http://www.youtube.com/user/H4training#p/u/1/5nAm-VuFl58

Enjoy! Go Dominate.

The New Year is almost here- 3 Ways to burn more calories

1. Do something during your work day- Most people sit all day at work and burn very little calories. Take the stairs more often, or take the long way around the office to drop off that report. You should also get up every now and then to avoid getting tight in your low back and hip flexors. Simply standing up and walking around for 2 minutes helps.

2. Lift rapidly-Lower your weights under control, and then move them up as fast as possible! This will allow you to recruit more muscle fibers and therefore burn more calories!

3. Eat protein with every meal- The thermogenic effect of absorbing/digesting protein is higher than any other macronutrient like fat or carbs. This means it takes more energy/calories to process protein.

H4 Fat Burner #14- Max reps giant set

Here is a routine aimed to target every muscle group of the body. Both cardio and resistance training will be incorporated in order to get the most out of your time. Heavy weight is not the focus but rather how many reps you can knock out in the slotted time.

**Do max reps in the time stated next to each exercise- meaning you try and hit as high of a number of reps for 1 minute. If you need to pause during the time you can. During the cardio try and go all out in terms of speed and effort for the time.

1.Row-1min

2.Alternating front lunges-1min

3. Pushups-1min

4. Form of cardio-Bike, Tread, Stairs, Sprints etc- 3min

5. Pulldowns-1min

6. Military press-1min

7.Form of cardio-2min

8. Tricep extensions-1min

9. Split squats-1min

10. Bicep curl-1min

11. "V" crunch-1min

12. Form of cardio-3min

Rest for 3-4minutes. Repeat this 1 more time max.

You should do this! Upper/Lower body super sets

If you are looking to get more out of your workout then you should try this! If you want to cut your body fat and change your body composition then you should try this! If you are limited on the time you have in the gym then should try this!

There are numerous benefits of super setting a lower body exercise with a upper body exercise. One, you can go full blast on your upper body and then allow it to rest while your lower body works. This is an extremely effective method. Another benefit is the ability to burn more calories. You will be working the entire body from head to toe, and the more muscles fibers involved in a workout the more calories burned.

The basic set up is for you to pick one upper body exercise and one lower body exercise. I would choose one exercise to be slightly higher reps 10-15 and the other exercise to be slightly lower 8-10 reps. Make sure you hit every aspect of the upper body by working the chest, back, and arms. I would do 2 back exercises for every 1 chest exercise in the workout to improve your back. As far as your lower body exercises try and hit a quad dominant exercise ( a squat form) and a hamstring dominant ( deadlift ) and also some form of lateral work ( lateral step-up, band walks etc ) and that way you stay balanced. Below are some examples of super sets you can use:

Chest press- 8 reps

SUPER SET

Split squat-12 reps

4 rounds without rest between sets

Lat pulldown-12 reps

SUPER SET

Deadlift-8 reps

4

sets without rest between sets

Close grip press-8reps

SUPER SET

Lateral step-ups-12 reps

3 sets without rest between sets

Row-10 reps

SUPER SET

Glute bridges-15 reps

3 sets without rest between sets

Try changing your routine to this style for 6-8 weeks or so and see what changes occur.

H4 fat burning full-body workout

This is a great full body routine that you can use to burn a ton of calories in your workout in minimal time. I would not recommend this workout for any beginner. Here is the workout on paper.

Everything is a super set and do each super set 3-4 rounds without rest. Take your rest between groupings of exercises.

A1) Dumbbell pushup/deadlift/jacknive combo-6 reps

A2) Box Jumps-15 reps

B1) lateral lunge with dumbbell row- 6 reps per side

B2) Ball slams-15 reps

C1) Lateral band chops- 15 reps per side

C2) Lateral plate squat and press-6 reps per side

D1) Band row and reverse lunge ( palms down grip )-15 reps per side

D2) Floor jacks-20 reps

Now get yourself off the floor and rest your done!

Breakfast is served!

You wake up, still tired despite sleeping longer than you should have so you rush to make it out the door on time grabbing nothing but your cup of coffee. This scenario is what takes place for most people out there. Coffee is not a breakfast item....period! Breakfast is THE most important meal of the day......yes we have all heard this but its true! No matter if your trying to gain muscle or lose weight breakfast is going to play a very important role in your nutrition. You must make eating breakfast part of your daily life.

When you ask most people if they ate breakfast these are the responses

• I don't like breakfast

**SOLUTION-Find something you like that is healthy and start eating it.

• I don't have time

**SOLUTION-You are not making a gourmet buffet here, you can spare 2-5 minutes for breakfast some how.....just make it happen!

• Eating in the morning makes me sick

**SOLUTION-This is most likely because you are used to not eating. Take it slow and gradually introduce eating a solid meal to your body.

• I had a cup of coffee and doughnut

** SOLUTION-Don't eat the doughnut! Coffee I will be ok with...just have it with an actual breakfast item.

All of these are just lame excuses! Eat your breakfast.....make it happen!

So why eat breakfast?

For those who want to lose weight- People think by skipping breakfast they will be saving calories but in fact you will just make those up by snacking and eating later in the day. By eating breakfast you jump start your metabolism early on and you will eat fewer calories throughout the rest of day.

For those looking to gain muscle- Breakfast is the first chance to get some calories and lean protein into your system. Skipping breakfast means losing out on muscle building nutrition.

Breakfast ideas

• Eggs and whole wheat toast
• Oatmeal
• High fiber cereal- 3 to 5 grams of fiber a serving will be just fine
• Peanut butter on a whole grain English muffin
• Yogurt
• Smoothies- use fresh fruit, yogurt, skim milk or juice and your favorite protein supplement
• McDonalds Egg McMuffin with canadian bacon- if you must go this route least you will get protein and solid quality bacon. This is one of McDonalds few menu items I would ever recommend.

Remember- If you are going to eat carbs the morning is ideal because you will start off with energy and you will give yourself the whole day to burn it off.

Training in the Sierra's- workout like the pro's

Workout by Art Correa, B.S. Kinesiology, NASM

This is a workout from a friend of mine who owns The Bod-E2 Shop in Fresno, California. He uses this workout with one of his pro athletes, 2010 starting linebacker for the Detroit Lions, Zack Follett. This workout has made the headlines of Yahoo news, Detroit news and will be featured in ESPN the magazine. Art has Zack do this workout in the Sierra mountains with the elevation reaching 8000 ft. Since most of you do not live near a mountain range I have made some changes to the workout. Art uses stones, logs and tree trucks but you can use dumbbells and barbells instead. To see highlights of this workout check out the following link.

http://detnews.com/article/20100712/SPORTS0101/7120391/Watch-Lions-linebacker-Zack-Follett-s-wild-training-video

Warm-up

1/4 mile jog

Dynamic warm-up

-High knees

-Skips

-Frankenstein's

** Walking lift your left leg straight out to the front and extend your right arm out straight, alternate legs and opposite arms

-Side lunges

-Knee hugs

**Step and tuck your knee into your chest pulling it in with your arms

-Kareokas

-Butt kicks

**Try to really kick your butt, this helps with the hamstrings

Workout ( strength training )

Circuit A

Bent over rows w/ dumbbells 3x15 reps

SUPER SET

Squat toss w/ med ball 3x 8 reps

** Squat down holding the med ball, explode up and toss the med ball forward. Pick up the ball and repeat.

Circuit B

Hammer curls w/ dumbbells 3X 12 reps

SUPER SET

Plyometric push-ups 3x 8

** Get into the bottom of a push-up and explode off the ground aiming to get as much height as possible.

Circuit C

Plyometric box jumps- 3x12 reps

SUPER SET

Oblique side tosses w/ med ball 3 x8 reps

SUPER SET

Walking lunges w/ barbell ( or incline walking lunges if outside ) 3x 8 reps

Circuit D

Snatch w/ kettlebell or barbell ( only use if you have great form) 3 x8 reps

SUPER SET

Rear delt flys w/ dumbbell 3x12 reps

** You can replace the snatch with push presses for the shoulders

Circuit E

Jump squats 3x15 reps

SUPER SET

Front raises with dumbbells 3x12 reps

Up-hill sprints x 10

*** If your not near a hill use an incline on the treadmill and do 10 all out 50 meter sprints

Control it!- Tips for managing those food cravings

Lets face it we all have food cravings at some point in our day or week no matter who we are. Your sitting at work or running errands and it hits you like a freight train.....mmmmm those chips, cookies, or those french fries and it is hard to fight and control. Believe it or not women tend to have more cravings due to their flux of hormonal changes throughout the day.

Here are some reasons people have cravings:

• Stress


• Emotional triggers


• Low blood sugar


• Hormonal changes etc

The way to beat the cravings is to accept them and not give in every time. Below are some ways that you can help you fight the crave.

1) Eat on a consistent basis- If you eat more often you will control your blood sugar and appetite. Some good choices are:

• Jerky


• Fruit


• Protein bar/shake


• Yogurt ( Greek style is best )

2 ) Drink water- It will fill you up and kill cravings

3) Try putting it off- When the craving hits try to wait it out and have it at a later time. Maybe give yourself a goal then if you hit the goal you will treat yourself and then give in. By waiting you might also kick the craving all together which is even better!

4) Moderation- If you do treat yourself then make sure it is in moderation. Go ahead and have the slice of pizza but don't have 5 slices. A great tip is to take whatever you are eating and put it in a small bowl, cup or plastic bag while you are eating. This technique will help you eat in control and let you eat some crackers instead of the whole box.

5) Find better versions- If you crave chocolate then try to eat dark chocolate. If you want crackers and dip make it whole grain crackers and a good dip like hummus. Swap ice cream for frozen yogurt.

6) Log your food- This way you can see if there is certain time or reason that you tend to crave something and you can find a way to change this.

7) Be strong! Fight it with mental toughness. Think of the hard work you put in the gym and realize that you will be throwing that all away with that one craving. Don't let the craving control you.....you be the one in control!