At Home Exercises - Crossfit Workouts At Home - Pro Trainer Live

At home exercises - Crossfit Workouts At Home - Pro Trainer Live. Do you want to go to the gym? Why not try the benefits of exercising at home. Visit the site for more home work out tips.
You've probably heard the newest craze in the athletic arena, it's called Crossfit and it is tough stuff. CrossFit was founded upon the strength and conditioning programs used by many government academies such as police, military and special ops units. However crossfit is not solely entitled to those in elite fields, in fact you could do your own Crossfit workouts at home by yourself and still achieve results.
CrossFit was designed to be used by elite athletes and elderly individuals alike. The only difference is the amount of load used in the workouts and the intensity. That's all that separates you from an elite athlete. Yes you could be essentially training with the same workout used by some of the fittest people on Earth. The only thing you would adjust is the amount of load and intensity that is right for your body and experience level.
Crossfit workouts at home are a great way to lose weight, gain lean muscle and improve cardiovascular health. So what kind of movements does Crossfit entail anyway? Well, it's a combination of plyometric exercises, Olympic style lifts and non-traditional lifts with equipment like kettlebells, bags of sand, pulley systems or weighted items filled with water. Sounds like fun right? Well it is if you have the right mind set. Although it can be fun it is considered a high impact workout. On a scale of 1 to 10 Crossfit would easily get an 8 - 10 rating on the list of high impact workouts.
The benefits of CrossFit are mainly due to the high intensity of the workouts. The intensity and power exercises are effective for burning up high number of calories in short periods of time. At the same time these high impact workouts are improving your aerobic fitness and producing the anabolic hormones such as testosterone, HGH and IGF-1 that are responsible directly for muscle growth. Here is the important thing to remember: CrossFit is an excellent workout program for any exercise enthusiast, however if you are just starting out with exercising then you need to take it slow. Use reduced volumes and intensities to build up a fitness base first and progress from there. The average Crossfit workout is not a recommended for people just starting to exercise or returning to exercise after a long break.
If you are starting out with Crossfit workouts at home to get into shape here are some great exercises you can employ at your own pace. You will need a couple of light dumbbells, or pop bottles filled with water, or any object that has a weight of 3 to 10 pounds.

Singe Arm Snach: Works the butt, back, shoulders and arms.
Single Arm Snatch For Crossfit Workouts at Home

Standing with your feet wide and toes turned€out slightly, place a dumbbell on the ground between your feet. Squat down low, and pick up the dumbbell with right hand. Move back up to a straight position onto the balls of your feet. As you move upwards pull the weight close to your body and over your head reaching for the sky. Bring the weight back down and repeat. You can do 10 reps on each arm and 3 - 6 sets of each.

Bear Crawl or Knee Tucks: Works the entire body.
Running Knee Tucks

This is one of the best Crossfit workouts you can do at home. Here you get down on all fours in a higher than normal push up position. From there you either do 30 reps or 30 seconds worth of knee tucks. Pretend you are racing an opponent and you need to move as fast as you can to beat your opponent. Drive one knee up to your chest and the other leg drives back to the ground. Doing 3 - 6 sets of these will work your entire body and leave you breathless.
Dumbell Swings: Works the butt, back, shoulders and arms.
These are perhaps the most fun and dynamic of the exercises. Simply stand with your feet wide and toes pointed out slightly. Hold onto your weight of choice starting with the weight on the ground between your legs. Move the weight dynamically from the ground all the way over your head reaching for the sky. Repeat 10 - 20 times maintaining a good rhythm and fluid movement. Do 3 - 6 sets of each.

The Sumo High Pull: Works the butt, back, shoulders and biceps.
Sumo High Pulls

Like doing cleans, stand with your feet wide, hold on to your dumbbells, either one in each hand or use a bar with light weights on it. Squat and lower the weights between your legs. Go back up to a standing position pulling the weights up to your shoulders focusing on keeping your elbows high. Repeat 10 - 15 times performing 3 - 6 sets.

Box Jump: Works the lower body.
Box Jumping for Crossfit Workouts at Home

Find a step or a box that is at least 8 inches off the ground. Simply jump off the box backwards to the ground. Focus on reacting quickly when your feet hit the ground to jump off again and land on the box. These are extremely high impact and should only be done if you are already in decent shape. Start with 3 sets of 6 - 10 reps and simply increase the number of sets up to a maximum of 6 as you progress.
Doing Crossfit workouts at home are a great way to get into shape at your own pace. Utilize some or all of the above exercises at your own pace and start the journey on getting the body you want on demand. For more information on at home workouts with a personal trainer online contact us.

Source

Cross Fit - How To Ace The Rowing Machine

Looking for the most comprehensive of workouts? CrossFit gyms offer the most intense and interesting of exercise options for your daily fitness needs. And for those of you have just been introduced to the amazing rowing machine, I can assure you that you are about to get an all round workout of your muscles in the most effective way possible.

There is a reason why rowing machines are extensively used and recommended across CrossFit gyms in the entire country. This amazingly versatile piece of fitness equipment offers many different options for a trainee to take advantage of, ways to use the machine to get an intense workout on targeted parts of your body. This machine is ideal for use by newbie's and experienced trainees alike. And depending upon your experience and manner of handling it, your CrossFit Box  trainer will select the best exercise format for you. Trust me when I say this- he/she will have many options up his sleeve as far as rowing machines are concerned.

 

Need help in mastering this beast of a fitness machine?
Here is a list of some of the many exercises that you can be expected to perform on a Rowing Machine. Know all about them and practice hard to impress your CrossFit gym trainer.

Steady Rowing
Steady Rowing is one of the easiest workouts possible with this machine, conveniently paced at around 18-24 strokes per minute. Although it isn't all that effective for fitness or weight loss, this type of a workout is good for beginners or as a warm-up before a more intensive routine. Your CrossFit gym routine will most probably begin from this exercise.

Interval Training
This is a more intensive type of exercise routine that you will be expected to follow with a rowing machine. It involves rowing for a set duration of time, generally around 2 minutes at a high pace of around 30 and then slowing it down for say 20 strokes for the same period. There have been many researches that suggest that alternating between high and low intensity workouts helps burn fat faster. It totally confirms with the Crossfit fitness philosophy!

High Intensity Workout
High Intensity rowing is something that will be introduced into your CrossFit gym routine in the later stages of your training. It involves rowing at a fast pace, around 30 strokes per minute or more, at a steady pace for a long duration of time. There is no alternating between fast and slow pace. This type of a workout is quite strenuous and should be attempted only when you have achieved a good level of fitness already.

Pyramid Training
This is for the elite users of the rowing machine who have achieved the level of fitness they wished to attain and now want to maintain it. It includes training for progressively shorter periods at a fast pace, like rowing for 4 minutes at 22 strokes per minute, 3 minutes at 24, 2 at 26 and 1 at 28. You can then reverse the routine to get build up the activity again.

Source Megan Ryan  NYC Crossfit

Weight Lifting | CrossFit Straps

To begin, let's all agree that buying weight lifting straps is not brain surgery. But, there are a few things that are totally helpful to remember when trying to find the best straps for you that will meet your needs.

1. Define your own goals.
Do you want to be the next Arnold? Or just lean down and try to look better in that bathing suit that you've been afraid to put on for the past year? Being honest about what your goals are when working out in the gym is very important. The muscle-heads will need the heavy-duty, serious weight lifting straps that will enable them to throw a ton of weight around while the beach beauties will simply need another gym fashion accessory so that they can look great.

2. What exercises will you be using your weight lifting straps for?
Some people find that they use their straps for almost every exercise they perform in the gym. Others, like me, simply use them for the heavier weight exercises that put the most stress on my grip since I try to push more weight than I would normally handle. It's important to think about which exercises you'll be using your straps for so that you can make your selection based on need. Pushing or pulling or both?

3. Think about what kind of material you'd like in your straps.
OK. Some people are more into leather than they'd like you to know! But woven cotton and even neoprene weight lifting straps offer their own benefits. Consider which type of material is going to make your workouts better. And, if you're a sweaty muscle-monkey, then you may want to consider whether you can wash your straps too! They tend to get really dirty and quite stinky too.

4. Are the straps you like simple to use or do they take half your workout just to wrap around the bar and your wrist?
One thing that most people don't think about is what the straps will be like once they're in the gym using them. If they are the long strap with the loop at one end version, then you're probably the type who is planning on Hulking up huge. If you're really looking for hand protection as opposed to uber heavy lifting ability, then you may be more interested in a simpler hand grip product. Wrapping the extended material around the bar to grip more weight can be cumbersome to certain people. A simple on and off quickly type product, such as a hand grip, may be what the trainer ordered instead!

 

  

5. Think about the look you're going for at the gym too.
Yeah, I know... you're just going to work out. You don't care what you look like. Bull. Anyone who is in the gym in the first place, is thinking more about the image that they are projecting than not. And, it's really OK too. So, remember that when you're selecting the right weight lifting straps for yourself, think not only about functionality, but about aesthetics too. What do you really hope that your new found straps or grips will say about you? Egotistical callused muscle maniac or considerate baby smooth handed boyfriend with the sensitive touch? Whichever it is, make sure it works for you!

The grips that work absolutely best for my needs are a crossover pair between lifting straps and grips. They are called Gorilla-Grips. They are made of 100% leather with elastic finger loops which hold them in place on my hands. They are totally stoked for lifting super heavy weights or just for use as a protective layer between me and the germ-ridden handlebars in my spin class.
 

Source Hamilton B | Ez

Know All About Crossfit Gloves worth it or not ?

With the intention of achieving superior results, weightlifters need to have the correct equipment, especially the most excellent weight lifting gloves. Although this piece of gear might appear to be very minor, but it can have an enormous impact on your performance. If you are a serious weightlifter, it is time to start researching the best products that are available in the market. 

Crossfit Gloves can provide extra protection between your hands and metal grips that the weights feature. This protection helps to reduce both soreness and calluses. The right materials help to prevent slipping which is a huge concern at the time of weight lifting. These are also great for those people who are new to lifting weights.

Another indispensable advantage is having proper wrist support. There is a fabric extension on these gloves that help to stabilize the wrist and keep it correctly positioned. Users with this extra support can avoid sprains and other injuries. These gloves also offer a fingerless design which can be more comfortable and allow for the evaporation of sweat. This enables the wearer to stay cooler longer. There are lots of workout gloves available in the market. These gloves come in different designs, shapes, sizes and fabric.

Many manufacturers have their own dedicated features that make their gloves different from others. Some of the most popular and renowned Crossfit Glove manufacturers include the Armor Nitro, Gripad, Reebok and Nike. The type of gloves will exclusively depend on the kind of workout activity you do in the gym. It is therefore pretty significant to know what kind of characteristics you ought to be looking for in your preference of gloves.

Some of the most popular and renowned Crossfit Glove manufacturers include the Armor Nitro, Gripad, Reebok and Nike. The type of gloves will exclusively depend on the kind of workout activity you do in the gym. It is therefore pretty significant to know what kind of characteristics you ought to be looking for in your preference of gloves.

If you find it difficult to select which gloves are perfect for you, then there are a number of websites such as GloveReview.com that give you information about different kinds of Crossfit gloves. So you can easily select the one that goes well with all your requirements and budget. At the website, you can get the information about different brands of gloves and know about all types of gloves on a single platform. 

Damian@FitnHealthy

How To Select Your Dream Crossfit Shoes?

May possibly not be considered a bad idea to choose a pair of crossfit shoes for you, however it would definitely not best if you get this choice irrationally. Before going for this kind of choice, you've got to ensure that you are making certain that the company you might be selecting is satisfying some basic options that come with the best crossfit shoes. Many of these features are already discussed the following:

1.Versatility

The one thing you shouldn't compromise may be the versatility of the brand you will choose. This means that your brand should not be limiting you to only some products. There should be a wide range of products open to ensure that you can pick the pair of shoe that truly suits your personality and overall looks.

2.Affordable Price Range

Rationally speaking, what can function as the use of this type of brand which can be offering a good quality from the product but in a type of price range that merely falls out of one's cost range? Certainly, choosing this kind of brand would simply to place an extra stress on your pocket. Therefore, it is always very crucial that the brand you will choose should be very reasonable too.

3.Longer Life from the Products

Remember, these crossfit shoes for women are high price products. You got to make certain that your brand should offer a good quality for these products which do offer a lengthier lifetime of the shoes.

The bottom line is, the best possible things to be considered while deciding on the best crossfit shoe are excellence of the shoe, cost range with the shoe, color combination or perhaps the versatility with the shoe brand and the reliability of the merchandise. Wherever you are going to locate an amalgam of these items together, you've got to ensure that this is actually the right time to strike the chord and select the shoe for adding feathers to your persona. Plus a closer take a look at all international brands currently operating on the market, probably no brand offers a better amalgam of those things than Reebok. This brand has earned significant amounts of name on the time frame and it has won the trust of the customers around the world. From quality to price range and from versatility for the life of the product, this brand is merely outstanding and having a presence of its own. What exactly are you waiting for? Have the opportunity to hold the luxury of using these inordinate couple of shoes and let your personality flair better yet, even higher and even better!

Damian@FitnHealthy

5 Steps for a Successful CrossFit™ Experience

Newly released ACE-sponsored research confirmed that CrossFit can be a great way to get fit, but this high-intensity workout can also lead to injury if done incorrectly.

Here are five important steps to ensure you have a great CrossFit experience and get the most out of your workouts.

1. Take the introductory course offered by your CrossFit affiliate.
If you are new to CrossFit, taking the orientation course at your CrossFit box (gym) that teaches you proper exercise technique is a must. These introductory classes are vital to your success as a “CrossFitter,” especially if you have never regularly performed the foundational movements of CrossFit. These movements include, but are not limited to, various types of squats, overhead presses, dead lifts, and Olympic lifts. Even if you are an experienced CrossFitter, it’s a good idea to periodically revisit an introductory course to review the basics of proper movement technique.
Bottom line: Make sure you are ready for all of the CrossFit movements by attending your box’s introductory course.

 2. Know how to modify every movement, every time.
Practicing excellent form during every repetition of every exercise is one of the most effective injury-prevention strategies. Make sure you know your options for the successful completion of every single  repetition. In CrossFit, the workout of the day (or WOD) is posted along with recommendations (or Rx) for load and/or movement skill. For example, the load recommendations for the wall ball movement, which involves quickly moving from a deep squat to standing while tossing a large medicine ball several feet overhead, typically include a 20-lb ball for men and a 14-lb ball for women. However, some individuals cannot safely perform wall balls with that amount of weight. In fact, some people cannot safely perform wall balls at all, and they must modify the exercise to one that is suitable to their capabilities. Whether it’s selecting a lighter weight than the Rx recommendation, or altering the movement (e.g., modifying to a half-squat rather than a deep squat in the wall ball example), knowing how to scale the different variables of an exercise to meet your specific goals or limitations will help you safely and effectively complete a WOD. Knowing the right modifications for your individual needs is best learned during the introductory CrossFit course (see Step #1), and through having a frank discussion with your CrossFit coach (See Step #3). Lastly, understand that your physical capacity changes from day-to-day and, depending on your fatigue level and frequency of training, you might need to modify a movement one day, but several days later perform that same movement at the Rx recommendation.
Bottom line: Be sure you approach each WOD with the knowledge of how to modify a movement, if necessary.

3. Regularly communicate with your CrossFit coach.
Although this is Step 3 on the list, it fits in with the previous points and cannot be emphasized enough. First, let the coach of the class you are attending know about any limitations or past injuries that might make the performance of a particular WOD unsuitable for you. Then discuss with your coach possible modifications in movement and/or weight load that will make the exercises work for you. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early and talk with your coach BEFORE class so that when the timer is winding down to begin the WOD, you are not left wondering what to do. As a coach myself, I ALWAYS appreciate it when participants approach me before class to inform me of any current limitations. In addition, I always announce modifications that can be performed instead of the Rx recommendations before each workout.
Bottom line: If you are unsure about how to perform an exercise so that it works for your individual needs, ask your coach before the WOD begins!

4. Respect your limits.
We all have limitations and strengths. Because the programming is so varied in CrossFit, you will probably find that some movements come more naturally to you than others. For example, people with endurance-training backgrounds who have low body fat and lighter body weights often find the gymnastics-style movements, such as pull-ups and burpees, easier to tackle. However, those same body types often find strength-based exercises such as squats and deadlifts more challenging. The point is to recognize that everyone (including you) will experience exercises that are more or less difficult to master than others. You must respect your limitations and not let the highly competitive atmosphere of performing a CrossFit WOD with your peers cloud your judgment. Only perform movements that you can safely execute with good form. This might mean that you need to unload your barbell during a WOD if fatigue sets in and your form starts to decline.
Bottom line: Be honest about your limitations and avoid letting competition prevail over proper form.

5. Avoid overtraining.

This step might seem obvious, but it can be overlooked by new and veteran CrossFitters alike who are eager to compete and improve. To be successful in CrossFit, participants must train smartly by progressing training volume gradually. The high-intensity nature of CrossFit WODs requires adequate rest and recovery between sessions to decrease the likelihood of injury. Initially, a frequency of two CrossFit workouts per week is a good starting point. Over time, adding in more days, while still paying attention to rest and recovery, can be accomplished. The number of days per week that an individual can tolerate performing WODs depends on numerous factors (e.g., current state of fitness, goals, and desire). Be sure to discuss your goals with your CrossFit coach so that he or she can provide you with safe and effective programming guidelines to help you achieve them.
Bottom line: Have a plan for proper progression to decrease the risk of overtraining.

Source : Sabrena Merrill | ACE

What is CrossFit?

It’s a workout methodology based on constantly-varied high intensity movements that help everyday life.  Why it works is because your body never adapts to any one movement thereby keeping the effect of any given day’s workout at maximum – and you never gets bored.  The intensity that everyone takes part in ends up galvanizing our supportive community.

I heard CrossFit is a cult.

No, if you have to call it something, call it a tribe.  Cults tend to follow blindly to a leader, tribes work together to the group’s benefit.  We do tend to be passionate about what we’ve found though because it works so well and so potently for seemingly all body types and walks of life.  What makes us different from the normal corporate chain, or “globo”, gym experience is that we develop a community spirit based on encouraging each other to succeed. We support and push each other in our efforts to achieve our goals.  There is never any shame in finishing dead last in a work out as you’ve already  beaten everyone that decided to stay on the couch that day. We are all in this together and that’s what makes CrossFit so addictive to so many people.  Besides, you will be amazed at your new level of fitness and your awesome new body.  You may find yourself spouting the virtues of what you found not long after you start as well!

Why are you better than my gym?

The business model for most franchised gyms (we call them “globo-gyms”) is they want you to sign up and never come in.  You may get a tour of the gym, or a quick overview of the equipment with a trainer, but, you’re on your own after the first one-hour session.  They aren’t there to ensure technique is good when the weight gets heavy or you get tired.

Further, you are as accountable to us as we are to you!  We believe in earning your loyalty, that’s why we don’t charge initiation fees.  WE WILL EARN YOUR BUSINESS EVERY DAY.  If you haven’t come in in a week, we notice.  So will the members you’ve grown accustomed to working out with.  Expect a call or an email, or even a friendly call out on Facebook, if you haven’t been coming in!  Of course, there will ALWAYS be a coach watching form in our classes.  This leads to less injuries and the confidence to best your previous efforts.  Plus, you can drop the bars and weights on the floor at CF Dynamo.  Our floors and weights are made for it!

For the kind of money you are asking for, why don’t I just go find a Personal Trainer?

You could do that, but you’d end up paying a great deal more.  Let’s say you find someone that’s willing to train you for $25/session and we’ll even go as far to say that they have every piece of equipment that you’ll find at CF Dynamo.  Even if you only go 3 times a week (we encourage 4+), that’s $300 per month, well over our price.  Also, you probably wouldn’t get the camaraderie, competitive push, and/or the support that you’ll feel working with others in a group setting.  If you’re finished first, you’re still expected to support everyone else that is still working.  So, when you’re done, you’re not really done!

I heard from my gym that CrossFit can hurt you, is this true?

Yes and no.  First, consider the source, they don’t want you to leave and they’ll plant fear to further their gains.  OK, so onto answering the actual issue, not dodging it.  ANYTHING you do in life can injure you if you don’t do it correctly, or haven’t taken into consideration your level of fitness, flexibility or health. If you’re spending too much time on the couch right now, that’s hurting you, too! Runner’s get shin splints, tennis players get tennis elbows, strength trainers get strains, basketball players get sprained ankles, couch potatoes get obesity, high blood pressure and coronaries.  At CrossFit Dynamo we will instill Technique BEFORE Intensity.  We will keep you safe by having a watchful eye on you during your entire WoD.   By increasing your strength and flexibility, we will actually make it harder for you to get hurt!  CrossFit done properly, is both safe and potent.

What makes it so different from all the other stuff out there (park bootcamps, P90X, gyms) that tells me it will get me in shape?

Admittedly, most of our functional movements and exercises aren’t ground-breaking or new.  However, the way we mix them up and combine that with knowledgeable eyes-on coaching, mobility and nutrition advice is NEW.   If you’re working out at home, you risk bad technique and probably not pushing your strength potential.  At an ordinary bootcamp, they vary exercises, but gaining  real strength may be an issue as well as certified coaching.  Gyms, may give you all the great equipment, but can you drop it if it gets too heavy? Or have the ability to gauge your intensity?  Is the coaching affordable?  Is there enough equipment available and is laid out so that you can maintain intensity safely?  Is anyone talking to you about nutrition?  Simply stated:  our dose of exercise programming is the most potent out there.  Why do you have to wait to get in shape?

What should I expect in my first workout session?

Fun for one.  Learning something new for another.  Saturday classes are normally Team Workouts of the Day (WoDs), so you’ll be paired with one of our veteran members who’ll help show you the ropes once initial instruction is concluded.  The Elements Course will have you surrounded by other’s new to CrossFit as well.  In each case, there will be a full body warm-up that we will walk you through on the WoD Board.  During the Elements Course, you’ll get a little “chalk talk” first, before the warm up.  Then we’ll go through the technique of the movements in preparation of the day’s work and any extra mobility work needed.  And then we’ll sweat.  Coaches will be on hand to ensure you are moving properly in line with the technique we just showed you so you stay SAFE.  After, there’ll be mobility work to ensure you remain flexible and injury free.

I heard that CrossFit is too challenging for someone like me.  Is that true?

One of my favorite quotes is this:  “If you think you can’t do something, you can’t.”  The person who told you CrossFit was too challenging for you might not be up for the challenge, but I’m guessing you’re reading this because other options have failed you in the past.  The answer to your question is a resounding “No.”  One of the beauties of CrossFit is that it is infinitely scalable, which means that we can tailor any movement we ask our members to do to meet your current level of fitness.   Every new member will talk to the Head Coach about your health history, current body issues, and your short and long term goals so that he can help you reach them.  Turns out that both Olympians and Grandmas can benefit from CrossFit, the only difference is the prescribed scale for the movements.

What does WoD refer to?  I hear everyone using it.

WoD, or Workout of the Day, is the list of exercises for a given day.  Since CrossFit is constantly varied, everyone is always anticipating what tomorrow’s will be.

What does Scalable mean?

It means we can adapt the work out to suit your, or anyone’s, level of fitness and ability. Scaled according to your ability!

Can I just join up for any WOD class?

Yes, as we teach technique in every class.  You may want to look into our Elements classes that teach you the elemental movements of CrossFit, first.

Is it true that CrossFit is only for elite athletes, firefighters, military and police?

Absolutely not.  Anyone can gain from the benefits of CrossFit. It is true that CrossFit was initially designed as a fitness program for firefighters, military and police who needed to have a level of fitness to be ready for anything (what we call the unknowable and unknown).  This level of fitness allows them to not only be able to save their own lives, but other lives as well. Everyone can benefit from being stronger, faster and more functional.

Do I have to train every day in CrossFit?

No, we encourage you to train intensely but also rest periodically to recover from the exertions as well.  It’s vital to keeping you healthy and allowing you to push next time to new personal bests. Over-training is something we discourage because it does not help you achieve your fitness or health goals and increases the risk of injury.  We recommend either a 3 days on, 1 day off approach, but we find that a 5 days on, 2 days off works better with most people’s schedules.

Is CrossFit a sport?

Originally, it was meant to supplement your life and make you better at your other activities.  However, is has, itself, turned into the Sport of Fitness.   CrossFit has its own CrossFit Games  with everyone having a fair and equal chance of making it to the elite finals.  Over 70,000 athletes participated this year!

Damian@FitnHealthy

5 Helpful Things to Do to Start Your Personal Fitness Program

The most common challenge that people I talk to face is how to incorporate fitness into their lives. They know they have to do something to get in shape but they really don’t know how. It can be discouraging because of the abundance of information out there......

The most common challenge that people I talk to face is how to incorporate fitness into their lives. They know they have to do something to get in shape but they really don’t know how. It can be discouraging because of the abundance of information out there. 

So much that you may not know where to begin.

Our society has so many food choices that it is easy to pack on the extra pounds. Also our day to day jobs are less physical as they where 100 years ago so we have more sedentary life styles. We know there are benefits involved when we exercise and cleaning up or diet. However, most of us know don’t know how or where to start. 

So where do we begin? Or is the question: How do we begin?

try these 5 things to help you get started:

Make the Choice to Start Exercising and Eating Right

Making the decision to do something provides a form of commitment you made to your self. Deciding that you need to change behavior creates new possibilities. 

When you say to your self “I need to get in shape”, it means something. 

You should be answering these questions in your mind: 

When can I work out? 

What exercises do I need to do? 

What foods should I be eating? 

Make your self think about the commitment you just made. Only then you can let go of the past and take steps to move forward. 

Write Down What You Do

You need a reference that is realistic towards your weekly activity. Write down everything you do during the week. This should include work hours, commuting hours, nights spent with your spouse, your child’s activities and anything else you can think of that you do. You should also include what you do on weekends. You should make a list for each day of the week. Here’s why….. 

Some people set lofty goals like working out for 2 hours a day. This can be due to an old saying, “More is Better”. However, this is not the case. 

Knowing your schedule will help you set realistic goals and help you find a few hours a week to start exercising. You’ll have a visual perspective on what you can and can’t do with your routine. 

Research and Get Information

Most people do not have enough information before they start a work out program. So how do we get the information we need? The good news is we live in the information age. Take advantage of your favorite search engine and learn a little bit about fitness and nutrition. However, do not go overboard and lose focus. Find a source of information you like and take notes. Find the simplest and easiest workouts and nutrition tips. Don’t over load yourself with information, take a look at our Home Workouts and look at circut training 

If you have the money, hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to help you get started. Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to get started because you have made a commitment to meet someone to workout. Your goal is to have the trainer show you the basics on exercise and eating healthier. It may also be safer to learn how to perform the exercises (especially if you have not exercised for a while).

Create a Simple Plan and Set Realistic Goals

Keep it Simple! Following a simple plan while on a hectic schedule is much easier than following an elaborate plan. You should have a plan of which days you want to work out and one goal to change your eating habits for the next few weeks. For example, “I will work out for a half an hour for 3 days this week. I will eat a little less each meal.” Simple is success. 

Execute Your Plan

Now that you have a plan, all you need to do is follow it. This is another big step. You should look at your plan every day upon waking. You need be mentally prepared for the great day ahead of you. Having your daily schedule in hand will help you achieve your goals for the day. When you complete your workout for the day, highlight it or cross it off your list. It will show you that you accomplished something for yourself. No matter what you must execute. This will be the hardest (and most rewarding) step. 

I hope these things help you get started on a new life of physical fitness. Life is filled with making decisions, knowing your commitments, getting information, planning and execution. 

Try these approaches for yourself and you will see that having your own workout and nutrition program is not as far fetched or complicated as you think .. If you need help reach out to us HERE 

Damian@FitnHealthy 

How to do Crossfit style Workouts at Home

The bottom line is these are all workouts that (when done properly) provide unbelievable results in a short period of time. And results are what I care about.. 

Step 1: List All The Equipment and Exercises You Have Access To.

Let's start with the most obvious and fundamental piece of equipment your bodyweight. Exercises like push ups, air squats, burpees, sit ups, lunges, planks, sprints, and longer runs are all incredibly simple and effective. 

You can even add more complex movements like push up variations, one-legged squats, or Ab variations like russian twists.

Next, look at other equipment that you may have around the house. My personal favorite, and the only real piece of workout equipment that I own, is a kettlebell. The versatility of a kettlebell allows me to do kettlebell swings, cleans, snatches, presses, sumo deadlift high pulls, turkish get ups, goblet squats, and much more. I also have a jump rope which allows me to add single jumps and double unders into the mix. 

(If you are looking to outfit your home gym, these are the two things I recommend buying first.)

I know a lot of people usually have an old set of dumbbells lying around that can be used for presses, thrusters, rows, or for adding weight to traditional body weight movements like squats and lunges.
Even without a gym membership you should have no problem doing exercises like pull ups and dips. If you don't have access to a pull up bar or dip station, then you just aren't trying hard enough. A playground, tree branch, or concrete ledge can be used in place of a traditional pull up bar and a set of chairs can be used for dips. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when you don't have access to a gym full of equipment. 

The ledge in my condo's stairwell makes for a perfect place for pull ups.

Just keep in mind that CrossFit (and all good training) should be built around functional movements so you want to avoid things like crunches, bicep curls, or calf raises. 

Stick to compound exercises that place a higher demand on your entire body.

Step 2: Get Creative and List Even More Exercises.
You thought doing pull ups in a stairwell or chair dips was creative?
Not even close. Now it's time to really think outside the box.
A nearby bench or wall can be used for box jumps and step ups.
A hill or bridge can be used for incline sprints. Buckets can be filled with water for farmers' walks.
Water jugs can be used in place of dumbbells. A wall can be used for handstand push ups or wall climbs. Sand bags can be used for cleans or taken along on runs.
 

Nothing is off-limits.

The equipment that you use will most likely be things that you would find in a Home Depot rather than a Sports Authority.
If there is an object in your house that's heavy and awkward, chances are you could add it to your workouts. Just stay away from expensive electronics. 

Step 3: Fill the Bingo Hopper.
It is time to take the lists of exercises that you created in 

Steps 1 and 2 and load them into the bingo hopper.
 

What is the bingo hopper?
It's a model CrossFit uses for creating workouts with as much variety and intensity as possible. Just as your traditional bingo hopper selects bingo numbers at random, you should select and combine exercises at random when designing your workouts.

It is this variety that CrossFit says will provide your body with a unique and powerful stimulus at every workout. A stimulus that forces your body to adapt and get stronger consistently over long periods of time.

CrossFit is built around the preparation for the unknown and unknowable and the bingo hopper is the perfect representation of this viewpoint. Now that the hopper is loaded and ready to go, let's see how this equates to actual workouts.

Step 4: Create Benchmark Workouts.
There's no reason to reinvent the wheel if you don't have to, so I would start by browsing the list of CrossFit benchmark workouts, and seeing which ones you can do with the equipment you already have. Benchmark Girls like €Angie€ and €Cindy€ come to mind right away, since they require little more than your own body weight to perform.

From there, you can take other benchmark workouts and alter them to include the exercises that you can execute at home. Here are a few examples:

Fran

 Pick two high-power exercises and perform 21 reps of each, 15 reps of each, and 9 reps of each as fast as you possibly can. Record total time.
Example: 21-15-9 dumbbell thrusters and chair dips

Fight Gone Bad

Perform 5 exercises for 1 minute each. That's 1 round. Complete 3-5 rounds with a minute rest between each round. Count total reps.
Example: 1 minute each of sumo deadlift high pulls, kettlebell cleans, dumbbell push presses, goblet squats, sit ups. 

Rest 1 minute then repeat 2 more times.

The Chipper

 Pick 5-10 exercises and do 50-100 reps of each exercise. Complete all reps of one exercise before moving on to the next exercise.
Example: 50 lunges, 50 double unders, 50 kettlebell swings, 50 one-legged squats, 50 push ups, 50 box jumps, 50 hanging knees-to-elbows.

Helen

 Do 2-3 exercises for 10-25 reps each and separate each round with a 400 meter run. Record total time.
Example: 3 rounds for time of 21 jumping air squats, 12 handstand push ups, 400 meter run.

Karen

Perform 150-200 reps of the same exercise as fast as you can.
Example: 150 burpees for Time

Tabata Intervals
Pick an exercise and do 4-8 straight rounds of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest. Do this for 4-5 exercises with no additional rest in between. Record total reps.
Example: Tabata Abs. 6 sets each of sit ups, Russian twists, knee tucks, and leg raises.

Step 5: Vary your Workouts, Record your Results, and Test Benchmark Workouts on a Regular Basis.
Just as the bingo hopper model suggests, rarely should you repeat the same workout within a few weeks or even months of each other. Continue to create and execute new workouts, and use the benchmark workouts that you created in Step 4 to test your progress a few times a month.
The secret sauce of CrossFit is measuring the variables of a workout so you can compete with yourself in every training session. 

Record every workout that you do, along with the weight that you used and the time it took you to finish. This evidence-based approach to fitness will show you how you are improving over time so you won't have to rely on faulty measuring tools like a scale or your memory to tell you if you are becoming more fit.

I would recommend adding 2-3 days of CrossFit/metabolic conditioning to the 2-3 days of compound strength training that you are (hopefully) already doing. This should give you the fastest results in the least amount of time and we like results.

 

 Damian@FitnHealthy

Crossfit Kettlebell Sandbag: Amazing Exercise Produces Superior Results

Crossfit Kettlebell Sandbag are outstanding! These kettlebell exercises may be the answer to preserving a home gym or having a pricey club membership.

With Crossfit Kettlebell Sandbag you can establish exceptional gains over conventional exercise methods and conserve lots of area in your home.

The man who teaches Russian Kettlebell training is Pavel Tsatsouline. He is a former Spetznaz fitness instructor. For those who could not know, Spetznaz is the Russian equivalent of the CIA or special forces.

 

As every high-risk representative would want, after researching a few of Pavel's books you can certainly discover ways to have explosive instant power prepared at all times.

But, not everyone is a spy; in reality really few of us are. So what advantages does adjustable kettlebell training have for the typical lady or guy?

Crossfit Kettlebell Sandbag training can be a wonderful means to reduce weight, condition the body, and remain in shape once you get it there with the included benefits mentioned above.

And not just that, adjustable kettlebell exercises may be much better for you than weights. In one of his books, Pavel points out a few of the fitness tests that were utilized to compare kettlebell training to standard exercises.

The kettlebell trainers seemed to be in much better shape according to Pavel. And Pavel would know - You can see a picture of Pavel on his website. The guy is well muscled and toned for someone that stays clear of weight training like the torment.

Mentioning muscle and tone, look into the amazing Ab muscles that Pavel can reveal you how you can develop. Pavel, being an expert in physical training combined with his special experience and insight is completely certified to reveal you all about physical fitness.

Whether you are male or female, Pavel can show you the way to fitness. He has actually likewise gathered for our advantage, what he thinks to be outstanding recommendations in nourishment.

An additional thing I think that is intriguing about Pavel and his work is that he brings his colorful and interesting Russian personality into play. For example, simply think of the title of one of his books, Power to individuals.

I find that title funny, however if I had to discuss why I think it's funny, I'm not sure that I could. Come to think of it, I suspect liberation is in order.

Pavel desires to show us a much better method to fitness and complimentary us from our demand to invest an inordinate amount of time in the gym and spend it more carefully and effectively, so that we can have fantastic physical fitness and time to enjoy it.

As you can see by glancing at his images, Pavel not just knows ways to develop a remarkable body however he also knows how to keep himself versatile at the same time.

Possibly now you can understand why I think this man has some answers to fitness that we may not have the ability to discover anywhere else, nor all in one practical area either.

As constantly, get in touch with a main care physician before embarking on any physical fitness program. This article is for information purposes only and is not to deal with, prevent or detect any physical condition.

Source by George Holzhueter

Best Battle Rope Workout

Battle Rope Workouts Burn Fat While Building Muscle!

Battle Rope workouts are becoming more and more popular in the fitness world thanks to circuit style training and new research about the negative effects of steady state cardio. According to all the recent articles out there, they are able to burn high amounts of calories and fat while building muscle. It also has the advantage of being very low impact (considering you're just standing, it is virtually no impact). 

 But, can we believe the hype?

What Does the Research Say?

Well, unfortunately, there isn't a lot of research out there at this point about battle ropes, so I took the liberty to do a little test run on my own to see just how effective they can be. I set up a HIIT style workout using the battle ropes, and I kept it short and sweet at just 10 minutes. I worked at maximum effort for 30 seconds then took 30 seconds of active recovery (I walked during the 30 second recovery period). Using a heart monitor and my Polar T4 wrist monitor, here is what I found:

Workout Duration (excluding warm up and cool down): 10 Minutes
Total Calories Burned: 149
Max. Heart Rate: 172

Notes: I also felt some serious burn in my arms and shoulders, and I could tell my core got a solid workout also.

So, what does this mean? Is that a good workout? Well, in terms of calories, that is an awesome workout for the duration. For a HIIT style workout, I wouldn't recommend going longer than 30 minutes. Typically, if you can last longer than 30 minutes, you could be working harder. So, in 30 minutes, that works out to 447 Calories, plus all the extra calories you'll burn in EPOC which varies, but usually works out to around 100-200 more. Interval training like this also promotes some very important health benefits including insulin resistance, increased VO2 max and many others. For those of us looking to get more defined, interval training maintains muscle mass which is crucial for getting a nice physique.

To put this into perspective, let's compare this to some other forms of cardio.

30 Minute Battle Rope Workout: 447 + 200 in EPOC = 647 Total Calories Burned
60 Minutes on the treadmill at 6mph (10 minute mile): Approximately 700 Calories
60 Minutes on the treadmill leisurely walking: Approximately 270 Calories
60 Minutes of Basketball at a vigorous intensity: Approximately 600 Calories

Keep in mind, the Battle Rope workout is a 30 minute workout. Thirty minutes of Battle Ropes at maximum intensity burns as many, if not more, calories than many common forms of exercise can burn in twice that time. This is an awesome way for people with joint problems to be able to perform high intensity exercise while maintaining their joint integrity and limiting joint pain. Battle Ropes also promote strength gains in the upper body and limiting the catabolic effects present during steady state cardio. Overall, Battle Rope workouts are looking to be a great new form of cardio and a great addition to any workout program.

Source: Ryan M York Ezine

Andrea Ager Crossfit

One of these individuals is Andrea Ager. Andrea's journey began with a simple talk in college from a friend who motivated her to take up the sport. This saw her train for 3-4 hours each day before going to work. She finally moved all her focus to CrossFit training. As the years have gone by she has slowly grown her training for CrossFit and improved the gains that she has gained from the training regime.

At the beginning her focus was on pushing volume and heavier loads. This was intended to increase the power strength that she had. Over the years she has moved more to concentrate on strength. She has also noticed that the hardest part of the training is usually on the specialized and unspecialized training days. These especially are aimed at pushing one to the limit. But with five days of training and doing lots of volume one gets to adjust to the training regimen. The fact that one has a good number of workout music from which to select from adds to the fun of the training and boosts one's morale when undertaking their training.

This is actually a fact that has been proved scientifically. This is in regards to the fact that listening to music while undertaking the training helps one improve on the overall gains that they achieve from their training. 

This is not just in CrossFit training but in all other major types of sports. It also helps to build a playlist that contains some of your favorite songs.

The other part of any fitness regime lies in following the right diet. So too does CrossFit call for eating right to complement the training that one is undertaking. Andrea's diet includes a lot of protein, but so too does it include taking in the right type of carbohydrates, vitamins and fibers. The protein source that one uses should also be the right kind of protein. In this case lean meat and white meat are the most preferred sources of protein. Foods like avocado also provide one with fats that help in fueling the body through the training regimen that one is undertaking as well as the fiber that the body needs to ensure effective digestion. It is also important that one has their cheat days in order to reward the body for all the hard work that it is undertaking during the training period. Andrea's favorite cheat meal is cookie dough ice cream or chocolate.

Source: Written with thanks by Becky Watson

Have You Ever Wondered What CrossFit Is Exactly?

Have you ever wondered what CrossFit is exactly? Well, I'm here to explain to you what it is and how I feel it would be perfect for you. By definition, CrossFit is constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movements. 

To explain more in detail:

CONSTANTLY VARIED - Never doing the same workout twice unless you repeat a workout to test your progress. Basically, not allowing your body to adapt to the same constant movements.

HIGH INTENSITY - How much weight a person move over the longest distance in the shortest amount of time. Another way to look at it is power and intensity. The hope of the CrossFit community is for one day to have a person who can run a sub 5 minute mile as well as deadlift over 500 pounds.

FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS - Movements that we as humans were built for. Movements that are natural and safe. Moving furniture, for example, is the same as a weightlifter performing a deadlift move. Both movements require the weight to be transfers from the floor in a similar manner.

 

 CrossFit can be performed by anybody, at any age, and at any fitness level. This is the primary reason why I believe it is for you. The CrossFit community is so welcoming and encouraging. When you feel you can't complete that last repetition in your workout, the other patrons are there to cheer you on. People from the ages 10 to 75 are currently participating in CrossFit because it is scalable for all levels of fitness.

Each day you enter your "Box" (another name for gymnasium) the workout of the day (WOD) will be posted on the white board. There is no thinking involved and all you need to do is workout. The workouts are preprogram and the coaches will explain/clarify them as well as review the functional movements used during the workout to ensure they are preformed correctly to help avoid injury.

 

 A commonly asked question is will I get hurt. I believe you can get injured in any sport not just CrossFit. So, yes, there is a possibility. However, you are at risk of getting hurt every time you step out of bed. Always practice good form, listen to your body and rest when you need to. Another great focus to keep you body health is to do mobility and really stretch so that you can prevent injury.

So, why not give it a try? Look up your local box and go see what it is all about. The best part about CrossFit is that it can be done anywhere with minimal specialized equipment. If you have to travel for vacations or business, you do not have to stop working out. Simply drop in at any local box in the town you are visiting and believe me, you will be welcome as one of their own. 

CrossFit is truly an amazing worldwide community. Get started today!

Source: Camille Dougherty

Things I Know About Double-Unders

Skills
double-under practice
WOD: “The Double Russian” (aerobic training)
5 rounds:
20 Russian swings, 16K
20 double-unders
20 Russian step-ups
20 double-unders
My time: 20:13
Cashout Fun
:40 handstand hold

When I ‘graduated’ to double-unders a few months ago, I made a commitment to myself that no matter how tired I was, how uncooperative the rope, how vigorously my ego worried about the clock, I would do every double-under in a workout. There would be no compromise, no “I’ll just do singles on this round, then I’ll go back to double-unders.” See: stubborn, relentless, determined, bull-headed.

I’m ridiculously pleased to announce that on the last round of the WOD, I did all 20 double-unders unbroken, smooth as (very sweaty) silk. But prior to that, my unbroken reps ranged from 2 to 13, depending on when I tripped on, or was viciously whipped by, the rope. This could have been a pretty fast workout: 16kg is a ‘light’ weight for me on swings, and I was a very committed step aerobics aficianado back in the day, so step-ups feel like a sort of homecoming. But double-unders can be a time suck. Unbroken, they swing by fast, but f*cked up double-unders? They’ll slow a girl down. It goes something like this:

• single, single, single –> big breath and…
• whip the rope into double-unders
• trip on the rope / get whipped by the rope
• [pant] X 3 while trying to achieve optimal blend of relaxation and aggression
• single, single, single –> big breath and…
• double-unders
• REPEAT

After completing about 250 double-unders this morning (50 during our skills and 200 during the WOD), I have some observations to share about this particular CrossFit rite-of-passage.

1. Get your hands on the right rope.

I thought the need for a speed rope was just a case of Hothouse Flower Syndrome ([sigh] “I’m delicate and need things just so to succeed.”) But I was wrong. Getting a speed rope – at the right length – changed double-unders from the wistful “I can get them once in a while.” to the cocky “I have double-unders.” We really like this .Speed Rope

 If you invest in your own speed rope, play around with the length;

2. Find that magical place where you’re both aggressive and relaxed.

The day I got my first double-unders was the day I got angry. I was pissed at the rope, at my feet, at my arms, at the rising welts on my shins, at the evil mastermind that decided we should even be attempting to do double-unders in the first place. The angrier I got, the more aggressively I flung that rope and suddenly, vroop!, it had circled under my feet twice.

On my next attempt, when I was happy about that, I tripped. But when I got angry again, I succeeded.

Now I’ve learned how to whip the rope without going to a grouchy place. It’s a far more aggressive movement than I imagined. With singles you can sort of la-la-la the rope around. It’s very chill, like Muhammad Ali slamming his poetry and shuffling his feet. With double-unders, there has to be a lot of force behind the movement, BUT… you also want to keep your shoulders and jumping mechanism relaxed. It’s tricky, but once you get it, you get it.

3. Remember it’s all in the wrist.

Somewhat related to #2, the movement of the rope needs to initiate from your wrist. With your shoulders relaxed in a neutral position and your core tight, you form a solid base from which your wrists can flick the rope. Again, it’s that hinky relationship between relaxed and fired up.

4. Keep your hands slightly in front of your shoulders.

Nick, champion-level double-under-er, shouted out this tip this morning (Thanks, Nick!), and it considerably improved my unbroken-to-broken reps ratio. When you’ve got the “from the wrists” thing working, try to bring your hands slightly forward of your shoulders. With elbows tucked into your sides and palms angled so they’re almost facing each other (instead of directly forward), you have a ballast against which to spin the rope.

5. Get bouncy.

Another tip from Nick: bounce! Most of the time, I have a little hitch in the rhythm of my double-unders. But if I think “bounce!” while I’m doing them, I reach a lightness and steadiness in my jumps that matches the rhythm of the rope… perfect sync.

6. Do not let frustration get the better of you.

This may be the hardest aspect of all. DUs are nasty little f*ckers and sometimes, that rope just refuses to cooperate. THAT is the true challenge of the DU. It’s not whether you can move the rope fast enough, but whether you you can put aside your frustration to learn to move the rope fast enough.

7. Channel the fighting spirit of Muhammad Ali.

I’m of the opinion that there is never a bad time to rely on Ali’s athletic model. He was charming, classy, worked hard, enjoyed his accomplishments, and did a whole lot of jump rope.

Source Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan