PUREfit

Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts

Monday, September 26, 2011

Fat loss Workout Tip & Challenge



We all like to think we give 100% when we workout 
but the truth is that many of us (myself included) tend to slack of from time to time which means less fat burning and trouble staying at 
our desired weight, body fat, and fitness levels.
 
My job is to make sure you're working out as hard as you think you are ;-) 
With that said, why not try an outdoor challenge or a race 
like the Rubber Duckie Race here in Burnaby on Oct 16th.



Are you looking for a challenge 
or may be a qualitative test to see how strong and far you have progressed since joining bootcamp - THIS IS IT!


CardioCore will be at this race providing the warm up, water station and post stretch tent so come bye and say "hi!"

Need a bunny pacer? I would be happy to run a long side you to keep you company!
Give your CardioCore Conditioning Coach a call. They would be happy to help provide you will the tools to complete this race successfully!

The Rubber Duckie Race is 3 weeks away. More than enough time to train for the 5km (you run at least a quarter of that amount at bootcamp!)


For those who have attended a TRYevent before you can attest to the fun and scenic challenges TRYevents offers.

Can't make it to this race? They have a series of races all over the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island --> check it out here


Receive a $10 Gift Certificate when you REGISTER ONLINE WITH THE RUNNING ROOM.



 
Half Marathon, Half Marathon two-person Relay, 7 Miler, 5K & Kids Run
Race Course Description
This beautiful 21.1K & 7 Mile course circles Burnaby lake, giving you the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, exercise and more chances to view birds and animals in this wilderness environment. Join other walkers & runners on this scenic course throughout the trails of Burnaby Lake.  Located in the middle of the city, Burnaby Lake Regional Park is a stunning wildlife sanctuary. The lake was created by a glacier 12,000 years ago and its shores were home to sawmills in the late 1800's.


Event Name
Until Aug 1
Until Sept 6
Until Oct 11

Half Marathon
$50
$55
$60
7 Miler
$45
$50
$55
5K
$45
$50
$55
Half Relay
(Teams of Two)
$80
$85
$90
Online registration closes on October 11th, 11:59 pm.
You can still register during race kit pickup.

Receive a $10 Gift Certificate when you REGISTER ONLINE WITH THE RUNNING ROOM.


2011 Shirt, Clour, Design and Medal
TRY EVENTS is excited to pass on the news that our ROCK 10K Brooks woman & men sizing shirts were a huge sucess and we will be using them again for our 2011 Rubber Ducky Half race! Please register early to secure your shirt!

Shirt $25 value
Our new souvenir Brooks Workout Hoody $50
 


This is an extra option event souviner item that has a value by itself before the custom event screening of $60
We are able to offer you this with the custom event screening for $50. It is 100% Polyester and is crafted from moisture wicking yarns designed to ensure cool and comfortable performance like the shirts. These are unisex sizing and will have the event logo on the front and TRY EVENTS Follow the Leader on the back. (no names on the back like past events)
Parking


Finishing medals & Pancake Breakfast included!


Friday, October 8, 2010

FLASH MOB - Geocache in Burnaby - Oct 10th


FLASH MOB
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2010 AT 10:10 AM
Deer Lake Beach

A Park 'n Grab Event cache
 
  From Groundspeak:
We want to see how many geocachers can go geocaching on a single day! We've chosen 10-10-10, since the date represents 10 years of geocaching and 10 years of Groundspeak in 2010. 

Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your worst enemy (if that's what it takes) and let's see if we can beat the previous record of 56,654 accounts logging on April 18, 2010. Even one log counts since we are counting how many accounts log a cache rather than the number of caches logged.


Arrive at Deer Lake Beach on Sperling Ave in Burnaby sometime (10 - 15minutes) before the official start time.


 
1. Log your attendance on the provided slip of paper - this will be the log book.

2. Hang on to it.

At the appointed time (yes, I know it is "early" on a Sunday morning) katcogo will stand in the spot and count UP to 10

3. Drop your log slip of paper in the provided container.
 
  Now for the Scatter:

4. Pick up a piece of paper from a second container.
This is a passport will provide coordinates for one of six new unpublished caches (they will be published the following day).


5. Go get the cache listed on your paper.

Inside that cache will be the coordinates for the next cache in the series.


LEAVE THIS IN THE CACHE!
If you remove it you will be mocked and cachers will hold their nose every time your name is mentioned. This should spread out traffic for FTFs and give everyone a fair chance for one, if that sort of thing appeals to you.


There will be a custom event FTF button in each cache.

 The Unscatter
  4 of the 6 caches will have 1 digit to open a final cryptex at the
Picnic Area at Fraser Foreshore Park
N 49 11.589 W 123 00.021


the first 30 cachers to open the cryptex will get a custom event button. I will also have some small snacks. 

Just like in the Davinci Code...cool huh?!


We will be there from 11:30 - 1:00 or so.

If you have other things on your calendar for the day, do either the Flash Mob or drop by the Unscatter.

If you can't make it at all, be sure to find 1 cache on 10-10-10!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way by Tosca Reno

The following is brought to you from Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way by Tosca Reno.




Some workout habits arise out of laziness, and some are downright dangerous. Check out the worst fitness mistakes you can make and the simple corrections that can help you stay focused.







1) FORM. I can’t say this enough . . . form is your safety net. Once you compromise the way you do the move, you’re no longer getting the greatest benefits from the exercise and you’re seriously increasing your risk of getting hurt. Even if it means lowering the amount of weight you are lifting, follow the correct form for the most outstanding results.

2) OVERTRAINING. I believe in staying motivated, but don’t expect that you’re going to dive right in and pound your body into its best shape ever overnight. Not only will this all-or-nothing attitude cause burnout, but you also risk injury and you will definitely give up on yourself because this is an unreasonable expectation. Instead, you’re going to gradually build up your muscles so they get the most effective, efficient workout possible. If you follow the Best Body Now program, more doesn’t always mean better, faster results. And remember, rest is good for your body. Take days off between training to repair and rebuild, or if you’re training daily, don’t work the same muscle groups back to back.

3) UNDERTRAINING. Once you’re dressed and ready to sweat, commit to giving it your all for the next thirty to sixty minutes. Just going through the motions doesn’t do anything for your body and makes it easy to let boredom creep in. You owe this time to yourself — you deserve it — so make sure you give it your all. As So You Think You Can Dance choreographer Debbie Allen says, “Put on your short stuff and sweat!” I like it!

4) DAYDREAMING. It’s so easy to let your mind wander while you’re lifting weights, but studies, such as those published in Athletic Insight and the Journal of Motor Behavior, have shown that when you’re completely focused on each rep, more muscle fibers are used. You can develop a laser-sharp focus by actively involving your mind in every set and rep, thinking about how your body moves, how the muscle engages, which muscle or muscles you’re using and correct form. This adds up to a better workout and faster results. So forget about the laundry, your kids’ schedules and your afternoon conference call, and stay 100 percent in the moment.

5) STAYING WITH A FEW EXERCISES YOU KNOW. Your muscles love being challenged, so if you just stick to the same routine, they’ll eventually adapt and won’t have to work as hard to do the same moves. But if you change the exercises and even the order you do them in, you ensure that muscles don’t get too efficient at any single routine. Not only is this better for toning, but it also helps your mind stay focused and engaged.

6) HOLDING YOUR BREATH. Regular steady breathing has many benefits, including keeping you from passing out. The upsides are that proper inhalations and exhalations can help you power through moves, keep lactic acid (a by-product that builds up in the muscles during exertion) at bay and help maintain a steady heart rate. A full breath delivers the maximum amount of oxygen to the blood, which in turn delivers more energy to the working muscles.
The above is an excerpt from the book Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way by Tosca Reno with Stacy Baker. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

Copyright © 2010 Tosca Reno with Stacy Baker, authors of Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way

Author Bios
Tosca Reno, B.Sc., B.Ed., author of Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way, is the bestselling author of the Eat-Clean Diet® book franchise, which has sold over a million copies worldwide. A magazine columnist and fitness model, she has spent the past decade putting her principle of health, fitness and wellness in motion in her own life, and sharing her proven plans with readers through her books, regular columns in Oxygen and Clean Eating® magazines and media appearances. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Extra and The Doctors, among others.

Visit her at www.ToscaReno.com and www.EatCleanDiet.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Stacy Baker, coauthor of Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way, is a health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in publications such as Self, Shape, Fitness, InStyle, Women’s Health, Family Circle, Prevention and more.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Step Up to the Challenge and Get Motivated!

To get you on the path to results, here are 8 ways to help get master your motivation to workout and eat healthier.

1. Find Your Reasons Why

You need to figure out a compelling purpose. For example, if your goal is to lose 25 lbs you need to identify WHY that’s important to you. Is it to feel sexier for your spouse, fit into that old pair jeans, or feel more confident? Once you identify your initial reason, keep asking “why?” to go deeper and finally come up with true reason that will motivate you!

2. Connect to Your Core Values

This is the ultimate secret. If you can connect the process (ie. working out, eating healthier) to your core values, even in small ways, you can change your game. For instance, some core values might include freedom, happiness, love, connection, family, or growth. Figure out what matters most to you and work from there.

3. Change Your Mindset

You can instantly find your more enjoyment in working out by shifting your mindset from “having to workout” to “getting to workout”. I have a good friend who always says, “I’ve got to workout, I’ve got to workout!” He feels compelled and thus less empowered. I told him to consider adopting the phrase, “I get to workout”, which would put him in a state of gratitude instead of obligation. Be difference.

4. Anchor the Feeling

Remember how good it feels when you finish you workout or eat a healthy meal. Find a way to anchor that feeling into your body so that anytime the going gets tough you can easily revert back to feeling that way. For instance, flexing your new muscles or shouting out an exhilarating “wooo hooo!!”

5. Use Reference Points From Past Successes

Sometimes you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about your ability to get in a good workout or prepare a healthy meal. However, if you can think back to similar situations in the past where you were successful, then realize that you can do it again. If you were once able to do 12 push in one go, then go back to that experience and reassure yourself that you can do it again – if that’s your goal.

6. Find a Meaningful Metaphor

Find a metaphor that fuels you – a tag line if you will. Maybe you’re the “Little Engine that Could.” Maybe you’re “in the zone.” One of the most powerful things you can do is find a metaphor that connects to your values. Whatever you choose make sure it resonates with you.

7. Pair Up

Pair up with somebody who compliments you or who can mentor you and get you over the humps. This is why having trainer pr coach can be a great way to get your butt into shape! At the very least, training with a friend can take your workouts to a whole new level.

8. Take Action and Reward Yourself

Here’s a secret that once you know it and apply it, can change your life.


Action comes before motivation.


You simply start doing an activity and then your motivation kicks in, especially if you reward yourself for taking action. For example, you might not always look forward to your workout, but once you start, I’m sure you find your flow. And once your workout is done reward yourself with something that makes you feel good – and preferably not a piece of chocolate cake!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

How SMART are you? ... Your GOALS that is

HOW SMART ARE YOU?

Have you set GOALS that are 
SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE, REALISTIC and TIMELY?

Specific - A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six "W" questions:
*Who:      Who is involved?
*What:     What do I want to accomplish?
*Where:    Identify a location.
*When:     Establish a time frame.
*Which:    Identify requirements and constraints.
*Why:      Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.
EXAMPLE:    A general goal would be, "Get in shape."
But a specific goal would say, "Attend Bootcamp 3 days a week for 3  months."

Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal.
To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as...How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?

Attainable - When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.
You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. Goals that may have seemed far away and out of reach eventually move closer and become attainable, not because your goals shrink, but because you grow and expand to match them. When you list your goals you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy of these goals, and develop the traits and personality that allow you to possess them.

Realistic - To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress. A high goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because a low goal exerts low motivational force. Some of the hardest jobs you ever accomplished actually seem easy simply because they were a labor of love.
Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal.

Timely - A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there's no sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 lbs, when do you want to lose it by? "Someday" won't work. But if you anchor it within a time frame, "by June 1st", then you've set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on the goal.

T can also stand for Tangible - A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of the senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing. When your goal is tangible you have a better chance of making it specific and measurable and thus attainable.

Smart Goals
 
If you need HELP with creating your own GOALS contact your Cardio-Core Trainer - 
we are here to help you SUCCEED!

Monday, April 12, 2010

NEW TO BOOTCAMP: What you need to know before class!

New to Bootcamp
Things to consider:

• Bring your mat and hand weights to every class.

• Bring a towel, you will sweat! Get used to it.

• Bring your Stability Ball inflated to your designated ball class (ask your trainer).

• Arrive to class at least 10 minutes early – we begin on time – we don’t want
to leave you behind.

• If you have an injury or concern, please let us know so that we can offer
you a safe modification.

• Reaffirm your commitment to the program and yourself every day – even if
that is at 6 am!

• Classes cannot be carried over into the next months’ session. If you do
miss a class, please make every effort to make it up during the session that
you are registered for.

• Know your start time and location schedule.

• You will get out of Cardio Core Fitness what you put into Cardio Core
Fitness. We supply you the means but you must provide the power.

• If weight loss is one of your primary goals – put as much effort into your
food choices as you put into exercising – weight loss is 70% what you put
in your mouth. You know what is good and what is bad – fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts and lean meats are good –
cheeseburgers with fries are bad. We know you know this.

• We are not nutritionists. We are fitness instructors. But we can offer you
dietary assistance in form of websites and people you can talk to for
support with your menu choices.

Equipment:

You can purchase the following items from your instructor - contact them to confirm prices:

Mat 
Stability Ball

5lb dumbbells
8lb dumbbells

Attire:

Remember: we are outdoors so you want to prepared for Vancouver's unpredictable weather!

For warm weather consider light layers, such as a tank and a top tech top for use during warm up and cool down. Consider sunscreen and bug spray.

For cool weather, you should avoid cotton attires since they get wet easily. Also, when it gets wet, it doesn't only stay wet, it even gets cold quickly. For clothing that dries quickly and wicks moisture away from your skin, buy clothes with synthetic fiber materials (e.g. Capilene and polypropylene).

During rainy or snowy weather, the common outdoor wear is Gore-Tex. This material sheds water and allows perspiration wicked from your skin to pass through its outer shell.

  • Base Layer Winter Clothes. Wear a layer of soft synthetic fabric (e.g. polypropylene or Capilene) against your skin. The Base Layer can be a collection of long underwear, shirt or tights.
  • Middle Layer Winter Clothes. Considering the temperature, you may need to add a middle layer such as a vest, hoody or a synthetic fleece jacket.
  • Outer Layer Winter Clothes. Some type of outer layer will be needed during wet, windy, or very cold days to repel wind, water, or both. You may use a wind- and waterproof jacket for your outer layer.
  • Activity Accessories. For your hands, use gloves or mittens as protection. Put on something such as a headband or a hat since up to 50-90% of your body heat is loss     through your head. On your feet, athletic sport socks that wick moisture. 
      We have paired up with Stomtech to bring high quality, high design and functional athletic apparel!  Click to Visit our Store

      Fuel

      Now that you are on your way to a healthier lifestyle you more than likely have a lot of questions on nutrition. I am going to touch on some of the more frequently asked questions and concerns.

      Do I eat before or after my workout?

      Everyone you talk to probably has a different answer for this one. The bottom line for eating before your workout is to do what works for you. We are firm believers that it is important to put something in your tummy before your workout. Adding fuel to the fire helps regulate your blood sugar and kicks your metabolism into gear. Some studies show that since you haven't eaten in approximately 7 hours your body is already in the "negative" mode and will draw directly from your fat stores. Do whatever works for you. Some people can't eat before a work out and some people can't workout unless they have a little something to eat.

      Here are some suggestions for fuel which you should try and consume approximately 30 minutes before your workout.

      - whole wheat bagel with peanut butter

      - small banana with peanut butter

      - kashi bar

      - 1/2 an apple with a piece of cheese

      - 1 slice of whole wheat bread toasted with almond or peanut butter

      It is very important to try and eat within 30 minutes after your workout. Try to include some carbs and protein. Maybe a bowl of whole grain cereal with milk, fruit and a glass of OJ; or some scrambled eggs (3:1 - white to yolk) with toast.

      Your body is working hard and the fire has been started. You must continue to keep the fire burning all day long by adding fuel (food) to the fire.

      How many times a day should I eat?

      You should aim to eat at least six times a day. Now that doesn't mean six complete meals - it means three meals and three snacks... or even three meals divided into six meals. You want to aim to have something every three to four hours to maintain your sugar levels and your energy. When we wait too long between meals we often are so hungry that we reach for whatever is fast and easy.

      Drink throughout the day and the next time you feel hungry (and your next meal/snack isn't for awhile) more often than not you are thirsty so drink up!


      Your Ideal Caloric Intake
      How many calories should I take in a day?

      To figure out your ideal caloric intake you first need to determine your basal metabolic rate, or the amount of energy (calories burned) used by the body under resting conditions. Keep in mind here, that the more muscle you have on your body, the more energy (or calories) you will use while resting. This is why transforming body composition (reduce body fat and increase muscle) will support achieving ideal weight in the long term.
      What is my BMR?
      Women: BMR = 655 + (4.35 x weight in pounds) + (4.7 x height in inches) – (4.7 x age in years)

      Men: BMR = 660 + (6.23 x weight in pounds) + (12.7 x height in inches) – (6.8 x age in years)

      Harris Benedict Formula
      To determine your total daily calorie needs, multiply your BMR by the appropriate activity factor, as follows:

      1.                   If you are sedentary (little or no exercise) : 1.2
      2.                   If you are lightly active (light exercise/1-3 days/week) : 1.375
      3.                   If you are moderately active (moderate/sports/bootcamp 3-5 days/week) : 1.55
      4.                   If you are very active (hard exercise/sports/bootcamp 6-7 days a week) : 1.725
      5.                   If you are extra active (very hard/sports+physical job or 2x day training):  1.9


      *Most of our bootcamper’s can categorize themselves as “moderately active” or “very active," depending on how often they attend workouts (frequency) and how hard they work (intensity)*
       

      BMR x factor depending on activity level = caloric intake per day to maintain your current weight


      You can achieve weight loss by increasing your caloric expenditure (exercise) or reducing your caloric intake (eating less!). The combination of both will ensure long lasting weight loss, as long as you do it right. 

      If you are going to reduce caloric intake do it safely. Reducing calories by 15% - 20% of your daily maintenance needs is a good start. And remember, sustained weight loss is impossible without increased, regular exercise.



      6 Post Workout Snacks
      Protein Shake with Banana
      "After a workout, you want ample protein combined with a carbohydrate," says Reisinger. A protein shake made from whey protein, water, and half a banana is a great choice, since your body quickly turns it into energy.
      Recommended Serving Size: 2 scoops of whey protein powder combined with water and 1/2 banana, 250 calories
      Peanut Butter and Banana on Rice Cakes
      If you're craving something more substantial after a workout, a healthy peanut butter and banana sandwich will fit the bill. Instead of bread, smooth your peanut butter onto two brown rice cakes for extra fiber (without empty carbs). And while you may usually avoid bananas because they're too full of sugar, eating one after a workout is just fine. "This is one of the only times I recommend a high-glycemic carbohydrate source such as banana, because the uptake will be rapid," says Reisinger. Translation: It'll replenish your energy quickly.
      Recommended Serving Size: 1/2 banana, 1 tbsp. peanut butter, and 2 brown rice cakes, 215 calories
      Hummus and Pita
      Another great carb/protein combo: Hummus and whole wheat pita. Hummus, a dip made from pureed chickpeas, gives you both carbs and protein. Coupled with the slow-release energy from the whole wheat pita, it makes for a snack that'll keep you fueled for hours.
      Recommended Serving Size: 1/4 cup hummus with 1 whole wheat pita, 275 calories
      Yogurt and Fresh Berries
      Protein makes sense after a workout, since it contains amino acids that help build muscle. "Your muscles are depleted of amino acids after a workout, so you need an adequate supply of protein to help build them up," says Reisinger. Low-fat yogurt can pack nearly 15 grams of protein; add some berries for carbohydrate-driven energy.
      Recommended Serving Size: 1 8-ounce container of plain, low-fat yogurt with 1/2 cup berries, 180 calories
      Tuna on Whole Wheat
      What could be more filling after a workout than half a sandwich? And when you choose its filling wisely, you'll be building muscle while you eat, too! "Research shows that carbs and protein together have a better response to post-workout recovery," says Reisinger. Tuna drizzled with a little lemon juice and olive oil spread over a slice of whole wheat bread is an ideal protein/carb mini-meal.
      Recommended Serving Size: 4 ounces water-packed tuna and 1 slice whole wheat bread, 220 calories
      Turkey and Cheese with Apple Slices
      If you're not in the mood for a sandwich, skip the bread and eat the fillings on their own! Spread a soft-cheese wedge over two or three slices of lean deli turkey, then roll up for a quick, high-protein, eat-on-the-go snack. Add a sliced apple for some energy-boosting (and glycogen-replenishing) carbs.
      Recommended Serving Size: 4 ounces deli turkey, 1 soft cheese wedge, and 1 apple, 240 calories

      Friday, April 2, 2010

      Easter Workout - Burn off those mini eggs!


      If you DO have better things to do over the long weekend, try combining exercises into combination sets to get more work done in less time. It'll
      skyrocket your results!

      Choose exercises that allow you to work one movement pattern or
      muscle group while allowing relative recovery of another. Then
      alternate back and forth from one to the other.

      Run threw the following paired up movements 3 times
      Jump Squat with a Push up
      Rear Lunge together with a Hip Bridge
      Mountain Climbers with T-Plank
      180 rotational squat jump with V-sit

      This is an excellent opportunity to use the Tabata Protocal - all-out-intensity!

      Round 1: 20 seconds work for each exercise, with 10 seconds rest in between
      Round 2: 30 seconds work for each exercise, with 30 seconds rest in between
      Round 3: 45 seconds work for each exercise, with 15 seconds rest in between

      FYI: 12 mini eggs are 190 calories

      Wednesday, March 31, 2010

      Burn off the Flab!


      Intelligent exercise triggers different hormonal signals in the body. These chemical messengers are powerful determinants of which fuel your body will burn: fat vs. sugar.
      It's simple, eat sugar burn sugar. Eat sensibly and don't starve yourself. Stay away from the sweet stuff as it will elevate your blood sugar and insulin, both of which will inhibit your fat burning potential.
      Timing is also a factor, the minimum people wait before exercising after a meal is 3 hours. The longer you wait after eating, the more fat you will be burning during the training session.
      How it works
      The better shape you are in the more efficiently your muscles will burn fat. Body fat burns at 60% of your maximum effort and blood sugar burns at 80% of your max effort.
      How to do it
      To increase your level of fitness and burn fat at the same time add intervals to your workouts ...this includes incorporating interval sprints once a week in you running program.
      Lets say you are training for the Sun Run - Start with a low intensity run at 60% for 5 minutes to burn fat and then kick it up a notch to 80% for another minute. Listen to your body, continue these 5 to 1 intervals and do as many sets as you are comfortable with before ending with a 5 minute cool down run.
      At the gym - perform a superset (a combo of exercises) incorporating a strength or resistance exercise with high intensity cardio.
      For example:

      Bench Press, Squat, and Skipping. You could use a set number of reps 8-12 for each exercise or duration such as a minute - go through the superset 2-4 times depending on your fitness level.

      Friday, March 12, 2010

      Circuit Training Helps Fight Fat

      Circuit Training Helps Fight Fat
      by Mark Kravjansky


      Circuit training involves doing a series of weight and callisthenic exercises rapidly — you do an exercise and then proceed quickly to the next. It’s a great training method because it develops strength and endurance fitness at the same time.

      But, how effective is it for cutting the fat? Dr. Robert Haltom and colleagues studied the number of calories people burn during and after circuit training. They also studied the effects of rest time between exercises on overall calorie cost.

      Their subjects did two circuits of eight upper and lower body resistance exercises of 20 reps. Subjects rested for either 20 or 60 seconds between exercises. The researchers found people burned approximately 260 calories from doing the circuit workout and the rest interval between exercises didn’t make much difference.

      Though 260 calories might not seem like much, it only took 20 minutes of time, and when you consider this kind of training also builds and tones muscle, circuit training could turn you into a calorie burning dynamo. Those calories will add up!

      (Med Sci Sports Exer, 31:1613-8,2000)

      Wednesday, March 10, 2010

      Post Workout DO's & DON'Ts

      Post Workout DO's and DON'Ts -

      1. Eat your PROTEIN. This is the raw material for growing and maintaining lean muscle. Eat within an hour of finishing your workout for optimal results.

      2. Eat your CARBS. Working out takes glycogen (energy) out of muscles and needs to be restored.

      3. DRINK! Rehydrate! You should be drinking throughout your workout and throughout your day, but most importantly after a vigorous workout.

      Monday, February 22, 2010

      20 Minute Circuit Workout

      This workout is a 20-minute workout that will take you to your maximum physical effort as well as your maximum heart rate.

      The object of this workout is not to rest in between exercises. You will see that one minute of a particular exercise will burn out the targeted muscle group as well as increase your heart rate to a fat and sugar burning zone.

      Try the 20 minute workout below - if it is not challenging enough for you try it again, totaling only 40 minutes of your time in the weight room.

      20 Minutes Circuit Workout

      (*choose light weights for max reps)

      1) Bench press or pushups - max in 1:00
      2) Squats - max in 1:00
      3) Pullups (assisted) or pulldowns - 1:00
      4) Bike or jog - 3:00
      5) Military press - 1:00
      6) Lunges - 1:00 each leg
      7) Bicep curls - 1:00
      8) Bike or jog - 3:00
      9) Tricep extensions.- 1:00
      10) Leg ext - 1:00 (requires leg machines - or repeat squats with weights)
      11) Leg curls - 1:00 (requires leg machines - or repeat lunges with weights)
      12) Plank - 2:00
      13) Crunches - 2:00
      14) Stretch

      There is an unlimited number of ways to organize a circuit workout. The above workout is organized with upper body, lower body and cardiovascular exercises. By simply doing the above upper body and lower body exercises in such a way, you will be able to rest your upper body muscles while you workout your lower body muscles, but you will never rest your heart.

      This is how you make the circuit workout challenging to your cardiovascular system as well as your major muscle groups. Studies have shown that mixing a resistance training regimen with a cardiovascular element will increase your metabolism, therefore burning fat and building muscle. The result is a decrease in body fat percentage.

      So, if you are looking to lose inches and body fat, workouts like this coupled with 4-5 smaller meals and 3-4 quarts of water everyday will help you achieve your goal.

      The key is to burn more calories than you take in and this workout will help you with that - promise!

      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

      Are you naughty or nice? Track your food intake to find out


      Check out the iphone app MyFitnessPal. It's a great way to keep track of your food intake on the go.


      If you don't have an iphone check out this online meal planner http://www.cardiocorebootcamp.ca/page/MenuPlannerDemo.html

      Tuesday, December 1, 2009

      The 5 Biggest Fitness Mistakes

      Take a walk through any gym, and you'll notice many mistakes. Mistakes that waste time. Mistakes that put people in danger. And mistakes that are just plain stupid. Maybe you even make a few of these mistakes yourself.

      By avoiding these common blunders, you'll put yourself on the fast track to results. Check out the following 5 fitness mistakes and the solutions you need to avoid danger and to get fit fast.

      Mistake 1: You use the wrong weight

      The goal is to challenge your muscles, not to simply go through the motions. If you are able to complete 15 repetitions easily, then the weight is too light. On the flip side, if you aren't able to perform an exercise through its full range of motion, and find yourself cheating on form, then the weight is too heavy.

      The correct weights will feel challenging by your last few repetitions, but won't force you to sacrifice form.

      Mistake 2: You do the same routine

      You may have noticed that most people do the same exercises each time they visit the gym. Maybe you've been doing the same exercise routine as long as you can remember - if it isn't broken then don't fix it, right?

      The truth is that exercise routines have expiration dates, and that is the date that they begin to lose their effectiveness. As a rule of thumb never use the same routine for more than 4 weeks.

      Mistake 3: You don't warm up

      Most people consider warm up time to be wasted time - they'd rather jump right into the heart of the routine. What they don't realize is that a good warm up will allow you to perform at a higher intensity, which means greater results.

      The point of a warm up is to increase your muscle temperature. This increases blood flow, muscle contraction and reduces muscle resistance. Your warm up should last 5-10 minutes.

      Mistake 4: You use bad form

      Gyms are filled with people performing exercises with bad form. The two biggest reasons are that you aren't concentrating on the exercise, or you're trying to lift weight that is too heavy. Lifting with improper form almost always results in injury.

      Take the time to achieve proper form, by doing so you'll avoid injury and will reap the full benefit from each exercise.

      Mistake 5: You workout alone

      People who exercise alone are less challenged, less accountable and typically see fewer results. It makes sense, doesn't it? Why rush to the gym if no one is there waiting for you? Why push yourself if no one is watching? Exercising alone is a recipe for disaster.

      The best way to avoid injury and to see results is to regularly train with me or another highly qualified bootcamp instructor - You KNOW I'll make you sweat!

      2010 is gonna be something special, how are you going to make a difference?

      Wednesday, November 25, 2009

      Keep it Clean: 6 tips to avoid over eating

      1. Plan ahead. Decide if this will be a treat day since it’s a special occasion and plan which treat you’re going to have depending on where you are relative to your goals. If you’re maintaining, you may decide to have a glass of wine plus a small dessert. If you’re trying to lose weight for that Christmas cruise you might want to keep this meal super Clean.

      2. Don’t skip meals. Thanksgiving Day is no different than any other if you’re following The Eat-Clean Diet. Don’t overcompensate for Thanksgiving calories by skipping meals that day. If you’re starving by the time dinner is served, you’re more likely than ever to overeat.

      3. Remember your portion sizes. A portion of lean protein is the size of the palm of your hand, a portion of starchy carbs fits into one cupped hand and a portion of high-water content carbs fits into two cupped hands. I serve myself slightly smaller portions for my first helping of food since I’m eating more foods than I normally would in a meal. If I’m truly hungry after that first plate, I go back for seconds, but often I find that I don’t need it.

      4. Make healthier choices. Part of eating clean is learning how to make healthier choices. Pick white meat over dark, choose dishes that aren’t covered in rich sauces, fill your plate with vegetables and pass on the butter for your dinner roll. Don’t be afraid to offer to bring your own dishes to a host’s house to ensure you’ll have something you enjoy eating. If you do indulge in a dish that’s not Clean, try not to serve yourself too large a portion.

      5. Eat slowly. It takes a whole day to prepare this delicious meal, don’t rush through it in ten minutes! Be mindful of how fast you are eating – enjoy each bite and chew properly. It takes twenty minutes for your stomach to register that it is full, so if you eat too quickly your body can’t tell you it’s had enough until it’s too late.

      6. Limit your alcohol. Alcohol not only lowers your inhibitions, making you more likely to overindulge, it also provides you with a lot of unnecessary calories. Try the Clean Cocktails from my Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook as an alternative or do as I do and pamper yourself with a glass of water flavored with lemons and limes.

      Friday, October 30, 2009

      PUMPkin workout

      Beginners will do:
      2 rounds of eight exercises - 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest in between moves

      Intermediate will do:
      3 rounds of 8 - 20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest

      Advanced:
      4+ rounds of 8 - 20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest

      1. Plank (hold for 20 seconds)
      2. Squat Swings
      3. Squat to Shoulder Press
      4. Reverse woodchopper (pumpkin starts down left foot cross up to right shoulder)
      5. Reverse Woodchopper (pumpkin start down by right foot cross up to left shoulder)
      6. Lunge (hold down in place) left foot forward right knee bent towards ground pumpkin out in front at chest height twist left
      7. Lunge (hold down in place) right foot forward left knee bent towards ground pumpkin out in front at chest height twist right
      8. Bent over Row

      BONUS AB work:

      V-sit with twist
      Side plank (pumpkin resting on hip) BOTH sides
      Reverse crunch (pumpkin b/w feet roll knees towards chest)
      Sit up while pressing pumpkin above head

      Have a great time!

      Thursday, October 29, 2009

      Don't buy into gimmicks - work hard and get results!

      I was recently reading an article on the Wall Street Journal Blog about a new piece of technology that is supposed to provide a much needed distraction from your workout to help you get through the agony.

      The article is entitled

      “Making Dreaded Trips to the Gym More Bearable is Start Up’s Aim”.


      Here’s a briefing of the article:

      “The average user is on [gym] equipment for 20 to 30 minutes and most are looking for a distraction from working out,” said Bryan Arp, chief executive of start-up Netpulse Inc., which has just raised a $3.1 million Series A round led by Javelin Venture Partners and including DFJ Frontier.

      The company plans to launch an entertainment platform designed for integration into fitness equipment. The Netpulse platform gives fitness club members access to live high-definition television, on-demand videos and music, iPod and iPhone connectivity, personalized workout data and connection to social media – all via interactive platforms and personal viewing screens built right into fitness equipment and cardio equipment.

      It plans to generate revenue through licensing the platform to equipment manufacturers, as well as advertising through content partners on the screens.”



      It's a brilliant idea if your lazy - basically, it caters to the fact that MOST people who workout at gyms do so at such a low-intensity that it’s super boring and they need whatever entertainment they can get to burn wasted time.

      The general population is basically just going the gym to listen to music, watch TV, etc.- not to get results…sadly most people at the gym workout at such a low-intensity they are not getting results plus they're bored and thus need the above as a distraction

      Instead of treating boredom (from their crappy workout) with TV, perhaps they need to make their workout better.

      Cardio-Core Bootcampers agree that they NEVER get bored with their workouts - plus time passes quickly so they don't have the opportunity to get bored and in a rut!

      Long, slow, boring cardio sucks and intervals rock if your goal is to get maximal results in minimal time and that’s the bottom line!

      If you get bored during high-intensity interval training workouts that last 20 minutes or less than you simply are not challenging yourself enough.

      If you are actually pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone during your workouts, I know you sure as hell can’t read an article online or watch TV because you’re too busy catching your breath and trying to slip on your own sweat.

      Don't buy into the endless gimmicks that keep coming out that cater to LAZY PEOPLE - it is not the solution.

      Hey, I’m not hating on this company because they are simply providing a cool product based on what the market actually wants… WORKOUTS THAT ARE SO EASY IT’S LIKE SITTING ON THE COUCH WATCHING TV OR SITTING AT YOUR COMPUTER SURFING THE WEB! Just don't get mad when your dress size gets larger.

      Tuesday, September 1, 2009

      Nutrition Ebook available at www.corebookcamp.com


      Poor nutrition will not only lead to poor fitness and the inability to drop those extra pounds, but can lead to a lack of energy, lack of focus, poor moods, and the development of lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, and obesity. Proper nutrition is not a difficult concept. With a little EDUCATION and COMMITMENT, anyone can achieve a well balanced, fully nutritious diet that will improve ones focus, energy levels, moods, support weight loss, improve ones immunity and overall health. Today is a good day to start reaping the benefits that a combination of exercise and proper nutrition will give you.