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  • Client Spotlight- Sarah

    This is why I love my job!


    This is my client, Sarah and she owns Low Plank!

    Our goal was not just to get Sarah in shape but to include her children in her at home workouts.
    This is the infamous "You Can't Change Film with a Kid on your Back" move.

    Execute this move by holding Low Plank while your small child provides instability and/or weight.

    Sarah sent me this pic with a note that said "She (her daughter) just keeps saying 'Again, again!' ".

    Sarah is following the The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged!: Lasting Fat Loss That's Better than Ever! She has also been soda- free for over 3 weeks!
    She's lost 17 inches and one full pants size in 30 days through
    Clean Eating and training.

    INSPIRE!!!



    Posted Aug 04 2010, 01:31 PM by admin with 1 comment(s)
    Filed under: , ,
  • P90X THE RUMORS AND TRUTH

    P90X WHAT'S NEXT? THE RUMOURS THE TRUTH

    P90Xer's stand up and take notice. You've done rounds, hybrids, mashups, P90 Xtream and now what?
    Now is the time to move on to Tony Horton's P90X One on one!





    GET TONY HORTON ONE ON ONE NOW

    Posted Jul 25 2010, 03:11 PM by admin with no comments
    Filed under: ,
  • Better body through Box Jumps

    Pump Leverage Group Ex experience does Jump Training

    Athletes from a wide range of sports use plyometric training to help them reach peak physical condition. When used correctly, it can be a highly effective form of power training, especially when combined with a suitable strength training program.

    Plyometrics refers to exercise that enables a muscle to reach maximum force in the shortest possible time The muscle is loaded with an eccentric (lengthening) action, followed immediately by a concentric (shortening) action.
    Many athletes use it to improve their vertical leap. However, it also bridges the gap between power and speed.

    In our Pump/ Leverage class and in my Personal Training, I use jump training for my athletes. Not every client wants to improve their sports performance but for many venturing into jump training, it provides immediate feedback on their progress. The above video showcases the athletes jumping the highest level. What is not shown, is that we started this drill on a 4 inch platform. Many of the class members had never done jump drills. It was exciting to see them safely leave their comfort zone and increase their athletic performance on the spot.


    Other Benefits of Plyo/jump training
    • include building lean muscle
    • building bone density
    • preventing bone loss.

     

    Plyometrics may aid injury prevention

    Plyometric drills may aid in the prevention of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries. However, plyometric drills must be performed with adequate warm-up and a gradual buildup period because some drills - with lateral movements - can actually cause ACL injury if they're not performed correctly.

    Box jumps are not the only plyo moves out there. I frequently add moves like jump squats into my clients sessions. These are basic and do wonders for shaping the lower body as well as giving a great cardio interval.

    As with all training, I follow the school of thought.. "if the result is not worth the risk, do not attempt" Every client has a unique goal but everyone can benefit from training that is tailored just for them.

    FYI to prevent joint issues and overuse, we use cross training techniques and limit our heavy jump training to once a week.



  • TRX Thursday

    TRX THURSDAY

    Just some eye candy for your Thursday

    HBO's Thomas Jane knows how to make suspension training look easy.

    Have you joined the TRX movement? Do you want to get insane results?
    Get your TRX here~!

    If you are in St. Louis and want to train with me, we'll rock the TRX
    to get you the celeb body you want!

    Contact me at the link at the top of the page!

  • Week 3 Results

    Weight Challenge Week 3 Results!

    Week Three was grueling. There were triumphs,upsets, heart breaks, and sore muscles this week.
    We had a blast at the Saturday Crew Recess Challenge.
    We played hot potato, ran relays, and kicked it into high gear with the Confidence Course games. Watch Susan run the Confidence course. Can you beat her score?

    Week 3 Team results
    1.Smokin Hotties
    2. Dream Team
    3.Fab 4
    4.KrunchTime
    5.Kyle's Team
    6. Gut Busters

    Special high-five to Sue (above) for taking the 1st place spot losing
    12 pounds and 5.11 percent!

    Everyone is bringing the heat! Way 2 Go!




    For more pics and videos from this weeks challenge click here


  • Bosu Core Challenge

    Bosu Core Challenge
    I am always looking for ways to challenge the teams I train.
    When you are working with different fitness levels, it's not always an easy task. I have had great luck using the Bosu Balance Trainers to train core.
    This exercise requires our team to balance on the Bosu's either in the kneeling, or seated position. Our team mate, Norm was in charge of 'chucking' the 4 pound med ball to the members and they in turn must 're-chuck it back to him. This might look, seem easy but it's actually not. It requires core strength and ninja focus to balance with the extra instability of catching/chucking the ball. The farther the member was away from Norm, the more of a challenge it was. Kelly was seated at an angle, so she had more rotation in her chuck. I especially like this exercise, because it is fun, the team always has a great experience and we finish feeling successful.
    When training on the BOSU, it's amazing to me, how quickly our bodymind realizes what it is being asked to do and DOES IT!
    Success breeds success!







  • TURBO FIRE IS HERE!

    click for the video

    THE WAIT IS OVER!

    TURBO FIRE HAS LAUNCHED!
    This is the long awaited at home program that takes Turbo Jam/Turbo Kick and amps it up to insane levels using 'HIIT' training.

    These routines combine short bursts of intense exercise with quick recovery periods to ignite your metabolism. The result is a phenomenon known as the AfterBurn Effect, which enables you to burn fat at an accelerated rate for a full 24 to 48 hours after your workout.

    In fact, studies show that with HIIT, you'll work out for less than half the time you normally would doing regular cardio, and burn up to 9x more fat.

    HIIT training is one of my main training methods and it works!
    If you are ready to take the next challenge with me, then
    starORDER TURBO FIRE TODAY.star

    To see the video click here

    It's available only through your Beachbody coach!
    This is the only link that you can order it from!



  • Celebrity Fitness secrets


    Celeb workouts and BWT

    What do these celebs have in common?
    Jennifer Lopez, Thomas Jane, Mary J. Blige, Ellen Pompeo, Giselle Bundchen, Emmy Award winner Jaime Pressly and All-Pro Quarterback Drew Brees use the TRX Suspension Trainer to get their body in top condition.

    It's a fact, celebrities have to look their best. It's their job to keep their body camera ready and The hottest trend in celeb workouts is
    Body Weight Training. Why are all the Hollywood A-listers making BWT their workout of choice? Because it gives fast results and it can be done in small spaces, on location or when they can't get to the gym.


    BWT with the TRX makes sense for celebs but even more sense for fitness seekers. Busy moms and dads expect results and can get it with BWT. The TRX goes where you go. Playgrounds, parks, or hotel rooms and BWT workouts can be fit into even the most demanding schedules.


    Even Biggest Loser Trainer, Bob Harper had this to say about using the TRX ..


    “I have been a trainer now for almost 20 years and I am constantly looking for new equipment. Now being a trainer on “The Biggest Loser”,  have to be effective and on the cutting edge. Thanks to the TRX, I got some really great workouts with my contestants this season. Watching them be challenged by working on something that requires such core strength, as well as shear FULL body strength, I knew I had a great piece of equipment on my hands. I really LOVE this piece of equipment!!!”
     

    I train my clients with the TRX and BWT for accelerated results because
    celeb bodies aren't just for celebs anymore!

    Shay on the TRX
    Hollywood working on the TRX

    Own your own
    TRX Suspension Trainer. Click here for more info.

     

  • Picking a heart rate monitor FAQ

    Picking a Heart Rate Monitor FAQ

    What kind of heart rate monitor should I get?

    There are all kinds to choose from, however, my clients have had great success with the monitors that use the strap. It fastens around your rib cage and sends a signal to your watch. 

    We have found in training that the monitors that you have to “touch/press/hold” on the watch take time away from training and are sometimes difficult to get a pulse reading. The monitors with the chest strap will display your heart rate at all times for instant feedback.
    Bonus:the EKG strap will also transmit your heart rate to some of the cardio equipment in the gym.

    *Your monitor will be set up with your personal information/stats so your calorie burn and heart rate zones will be accurate.  Some monitors sound an alarm if you are out of your zone. This is a great reason to own your own monitor..
    it’s all about you!


    Most monitors will have the basics of calories burned and heart rate however there are many other features that you can get depending on the amount you want to invest.

    Nutshell: Buy one with a strap that shows calories burned and heart rate. Bells and whistles are optional.


    Which brand should I buy?
    I love Polar and highly recommend them.
      You can view their watches and compare at AMAZON.COM I have the FT60 and the F7 and would not trade them for any other brand.


    Where can I get a Heart Rate monitor?

    You can purchase them at Target, Sports Authority, and other retail stores that sell workout gear. Higer end monitors are generally not in retail stores but available online.

    Be sure to check AMAZON.com , Ebay  or even Craigslist.com.  for great deals.  FYI: stay away from the el-cheapo monitors
    on ebay that come from other countries.  They are terrible!


    Click for the full sized chart

  • Body Weight training: Triceps

    Body Weight Training -Triceps

    We've been incorporating more body weight training into our workouts with great results. Taking bodyweight training to my clients was a brand new experience for many of them. Last Saturday, our team
    used the Lebert Equalizers for tricep work. I asked them to execute this move to their personal best. I asked them to stop when they broke proper form. It didn't take long to burn out those triceps.


    One thing that is interesting is that we had lifted free weights and this team had no trouble getting through full sets however, once we switched to bodyweight training, everything changed. We all did fewer reps but felt the work so much more!

    When you use your EQ you can adjust it to your fitness level simply by changing your position. Two of our team members were new to body weight training so I placed them in a beginner position. Kelly and Rob have trained with me for quite a while so they were able to rock out more reps with a straighter back.

    Have you tried the EQ? What is your favorite move?



  • Body Weight Training gets results

    click for the large picture
    Click for large images

    Body Weight Training Works

    After completing Insanity, I wanted to continue body weight training as well as incorporate it into my PT clients and group- ex training.

    starBody Weight Training is simply utilizing your own body weight as resistance.star

    A few benefits of Body Weight Training (BWT) are:

    • Fast results: Full body moves vs. single muscle work garners excellent results in less time.

    • Core centric: Executing full body moves properly, engages the core.

    • Inexpensive: No equipment is required.

    • It can be done anywhere and in small spaces like hotel rooms.

    • Weight bearing exercises build bone density.

    • You never outgrow your equipment.. You can always change positions to increase challenge.


    The above pictures were taken 10 months apart. I thought my back looked pretty good from doing Turbo Kick and one round of P90X.
    Since the first pictures were taken, my training has been 80 % body weight driven and included High Intensity Interval training, push ups, pull ups and moves that incorporate cardio and BWT, like Burpees etc.
    I'm much happier with the results from my new routine.


    We've also incorporated into our training the TRX Suspension Trainer which takes BWT to the next level.


    If you are interested in learning more about BWT stay tuned!


    Using the TRX Suspension Trainer for chest/back BWT.
    For more videos check out our
    YouTube Channel!


  • Wall Squats All Day!

  • Stability Ball / Balance training equals fun!

    Week 14 Stability ball balance training!

    Training core is crucial to becoming fit and healthy. Not only does core specific training help in shaping a great looking midsection it provides so many more benefits.

    Why does my back ache?
    In a nutshell.. when one muscle group is weaker, the opposing muscle group will take
    over and compensate for it. Many people suffer from back pain that can be helped by developing a strong core.

    Why is core training 'functional'?

    When we train core, I like to work in functional training moves. Finding out what
    my client's life is like outside of the gym gives me insight on how to develop exercises that will help them be better at their day to day activities.

    One of my clients is very particular about keeping her house neat. She told me that she loves to entertain so keeping her house tidy is part of her preperation. However, she said, she can't bend to vaccume and lifting the vaccume up and down stairs is not an option. This made her sad. We are working very specifically on exercises to strenghthen her body so those activies will come easier for her.

    Why are you on that ball?
    You technically can't be 'balanced' until you are 'unbalanced'. Once you start training for balance your 'brain and body start to connect and your body mind will know what you are asking it to do. Life happens on one leg at a time. Most people have mishaps and injuries when stepping off curbs, tripping, basically on one leg= off balance. We train in balance moves such as these to help our 'software' (brain) connect to the 'hardware' (body).
    Keeping the core strong and balance training gives us our bodies the ability to reduce risks of injuries from slipping, tripping or simply being caught off guard.


    We lined up two Stability Balls and held plank. I asked the other team mates to tap the ball to add extra instability to the exercise. This is hard, but lots of fun!


       

    And just for fun.. Our sculpt class working on Plank on the Stability Balls. These two ladies are sooo funny. I asked them to tap the ball for extra 'instability' and it went a little crazy.

    SparkPeople.com: Get a Free Online Diet

  • Team WDMA 6 week Stats! Huge losses!

    A. M. & D : big smiles

     

    Our Weight Busters team WDMA (We Don't Mess Around) is
    really kicking butt in this competition.

    At the 6 week mark we are in second place but closing in on first at warp speed.
    Our stats so far are

    Team members: 6
    Total weight lost to date: 59.9 pounds
    Total inches lost to date: 76.5 inches
    Total % of body fat lost 12.3 %

    We have consistently lost weight each week.
    These people really don't mess around!

    WOOT to the Team!

    Do you want to join a Weight Busters/Best Loser Team?
    Contact me for more info!

    SparkPeople.com: Get a Free Online Diet




  • Week 5 Confidence Course

    Our Weight Buster's team rocked the Confidence Course in our workout. We set up the gear and timed them. After all was said and done, A. was the winner by completing the course in 21 seconds. M. kills on the course.. watch out for that last hop over! A. Blows the team away with her speed. The Rockstar takes the course!
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