PUREfit

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!

Curb Your Food Cravings Solutions

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Curb Your Food Cravings Solutions~~~~~
#1 Eat a balanced meal every 3 to 4 hours
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The cravings you have may simply be true hunger! If you are dieting to lose weight and choose to skip breakfast and eat as little as possible during the day, of course your body will scream out. You need to nourish your body with supportive meals throughout the day. Craving fight meals are ones that are no less than 100 calories and contains a quality protein and produce. ~~~~~
#2 Drink Water

Sometimes our bodies are simply dehydrated. The brain control centers for thirst and hunger are next to each other, and the signals sometimes overlap. What you think is a craving for food, may actually be your body’s cry for water.
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#3 Do Something Different

Some cravings occur out of habit. If this is you, time to establish a new routine.
If your cravings hit hard when you sit down in front of the computer, watch TV or you maybe think you need something sweet after a meal, this is the best time to do something different and create a new habit – one that does not sabotage your results.
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Brush your teeth, chew on a piece of gum, sip on some hot tea that has a naturally sweet taste. A cup of fresh brewed tea has been my lifesaver for me. I enjoy a licorice based tea has a wonderfully sweet flavor.
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#4 Wait it Out

Did you know…..a craving can only last for 15 minutes – then it goes away. Make a list of things you can do to distract you for 15 minutes. When craving hits….grab a bottle of water and get to that activity – you can even set a timer. Once you hit 15 minutes…your cravings are gone and you are EMPOWERED!
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#5 Move

The #1 appetite suppressant – exercise!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Curb your Sugar Cravings

The only way to stop the cravings…..is to get off the roller coaster ride. For if you eat simple, refined carbohydrates or high sugar foods everyday, your body will remain in “crave” mode.

Eliminate your Sweet Tooth Here’s How…


1. Clean out the Kitchen.
If junk is around, you will eat it. Also note that keeping sweets around for your children will only set them up to struggle with their cravings as adults.

2. Keep a Food Log
Skipping meals will cause your blood sugar levels to drop and bring on the cravings. Eating too many processed, high sugar foods brings on the desire to keep eating sugar. Eat more protein and produce to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

3. Wait it Out
Read Curb your Food Cravings true Cravings – not hunger- last for about 15 minutes – then go away.

4. Are you Stressed?
Stress drives sugar cravings. Consuming sugar temporarily elevates the levels of certain neurotransmitters in our bodies…the “feel-good” chemicals. Two of the major “feel-good chemicals released by eating sugar are:

1. Dopamine – releases chemicals like endorphins that give us a feeling of pleasure
2. Serotonin – produces a feeling of well being

While there are MANY stress management strategies you can implement, the quickest and easiest one to turn to….Exercise!

5. Break Old Habits
One way to take control and make a change is to keep a journal – write down what you are craving…why you are craving it.

Take control of the Craving instead of it controlling you.

You will be amazed at how powerful a few little lifestyle habits will give you the control you need to deal with and overcome those nagging cravings.

One Simple Tip to Start Losing Weight Today!

The Power of 10

The most effective way to control calories and burn more belly fat is to set a goal to eat 10 servings of Produce – which are your fruits and veggies – each and every day.

By doing so you not only get full on less calories, your body has the energy and nutrients to fire up your metabolism so you can burn more fat and flatten your belly!


What is a serving size?

One Serving of Fruits is…

1 medium to large size fruit
1/ cup small fruits like berries, grapes, etc.
1 cup chopped fruits like melons, grapefruit, etc.
1/4 cup dried fruit


One Serving of Veggies is…

1 cup cooked or raw veggies
2 cups leafy greens
1/2 cup beans/legumes

Now you may not be used to eating 10 servings of produce a day but do not fret. This is a goal and a very healthy, fat burning habit you can work your way up to!

Starting point is to….

Map out your Meals!


Yes – plan ahead – a success strategy!

As you see that you will be eating every 3 to 4 hours, eating an average of 4 to 6 meals a day, this is where you fill in the servings of produce.

I teach meal planning to be based around eating a protein and produce at every meal.

If you are new to this – aim to start with just 1 produce serving at each meal and work your way up.

Fruits and Veggies are low in calories, high in satisfying fiber and loaded with nutrients to create a thriving metabolism.

Here is a sample of what 10 Servings of Produce looks like for me on a typical day. Each produce serving is paired with a protein.



Sample Day of 10 Servings of Produce


Breakfast – 1 cup blueberries (2)
Snack – 1 banana (1)
Lunch – 3 cups spinach, 1 cup diced tomatoes and bell peppers (3)
Snack – 1/2 cup dried cherries (1)
Snack – 1 cup carrots, 1 pear (2)
Dinner – 1 cup sauteed spinach and squash (1)

Calorie Intake for 10 servings of Produce:

Less than 650 Calories!!!!

While eating this much produce may sound like a LOT of food – calorie wise, it is not even Half the calories needed for the day – which mean you get FULL on Less and naturally curb your calorie intake!



How many servings of Fruits and Veggies do you eat?

Build Stronger Bones!

Types of Exercise

There are several types of exercise, each with a specific target for improving your physical health:

  • Range-of-motion exercises, which move each joint through its full range of motion daily
  • Strengthening exercises, which build muscle strength and improve joint stability
  • Endurance exercises, which bring heart rate up and improve cardiovascular fitness

Two subcategories of strengthening exercise are weightbearing exercise and resistance exercise. Weightlifting is an example of resistance exercise. Right now, let's focus on understanding weightbearing exercise.

What Is Weightbearing Exercise?

Weightbearing exercise is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones. Weightbearing exercise is any activity you do while on your feet and legs that works your muscles and bones against gravity. During weightbearing exercise, bone adapts to the impact of weight and the pull of muscle by building more bone cells. Consequently, bone becomes stronger and more dense. The risk of fracture, osteopenia, and osteoporosis decreases.

Weightbearing exercise includes:

  • walking
  • jogging
  • hiking
  • dancing
  • step aerobics
  • soccer
  • baseball
  • basketball
  • tennis, racquetball
  • bowling
  • golf
  • stair climbing

Exercises that are non-weightbearing (although good cardio) include:

  • swimming
  • bicycling
Boot Camp is a GREAT workout with lots of weight bearing exercise!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Sun Run Training - Week 4

SUN RUN
Training - Week 4*


Mondays & Thursdays: OFF/Strength Program (ie. Bootcamp)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 4km easy pace

Saturday: OFF

Sunday:
7km

20km Long Run

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Sun Run Training - Week 5

SUN RUN
Training - Week 5

Intro to HILL TRAINING
Mondays & Thursdays: OFF/Strength Program (ie. Bootcamp)

Tuesday: 3km

Wednesday:
2.5km - 3 x 400m hills

Friday:
4km easy pace

Saturday: OFF

Sunday:
8km

Sun Run Training - Week 3

rSUN RUN
Training - Week 3

Mondays & Fridays: OFF/Strength Program (ie. Bootcamp)

Tuesday & Thursday: 4km easy pace

Wednesday:
4km easy pace

Saturday:
Cross Training (Cycle, Swim, Brisk Walk)

Sunday:
6km

15km Long Run

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Week 2: Sun Run Training Schedule

SUN RUN
Training - Week 2

Mondays & Fridays: OFF/Strength Program

Tuesday & Thursday: 3.5km easy pace

Wednesday:
Cross Training

Saturday:
4km - 4.5km

Sunday:
Recovery - 30 minute speed walk/jog

Long Run Route - 13.5km

Friday, January 29, 2010

Haiti Fundraiser - Feb 13th

Showing Some LOVE for Haiti on Valentines Day

Location:Milan Palace (AKA "ON the ROCKS")

Time:7:00PM Saturday, February 13th

Tickets are $25 which includes a complimentary drink, Dinner and a rose for the lovely ladies!!

Contact: Michelle Sandhu for tickets 604-616-6639

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Sun Run Training - Beginner Week 1

SUN RUN
Training - Week 1

Mondays & Fridays: OFF/Strength Program

Tuesday & Thursday: 2.5km easy pace

Wednesday:
Cross Training

Saturday:
3.5km - 4km

Sunday:
Recovery - 30 minute speed walk/jog

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

7km Trail Run (with hill) - Thursday Route

Saturday, January 16, 2010

10km Run at Surrey Althletic Park

Thursday, January 7, 2010

New Years Resolution: Improve running speed

New Years Resolution: Improve running speed with intervals

- sprint 20 seconds, jog 10 seconds repeat this round 8 times for a total 4 minutes

- walk break for 3 minutes

and then repeat above sequence 2-4 times or until exhaustion

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Healthy Snack Recipes

Below are some snack recipes suggested by, Meghan Rathwell Registered Nutritionist - don't worry they are healthy and tasty!


Date Nut Ball Recipe


½ cup pitted date ½ cup soaked walnuts (soak for 8 hours)

¾ cup oats

3 tablespoons unpasteurized or raw honey

¾ cups shredded coconut unsweetened

¼ cup raisins

¼ cup dried cranberries unsweetened

2-3 tablespoons greens powder

Extra coconut for rolling balls or sprinkling over the top of the bars (optional)


Grind oats into a meal texture in a coffee grinder. Add the rest of the ingredients, and process into a dough type mixture.For bars, press the dough into an 8×8 pan and sprinkle with coconut. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before cutting into bars.To make energy balls, roll dough into 16 to 24 balls and roll each ball in coconut. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Recipe inspired by Kim Wilson’s book Everyday Wholesome Eating…In the Raw.


Chick Pea Nibbles


2 cups cooked chickpeas

1-2 tsp. seasoning (e.g. salt & pepper, turmeric cumin, garlic, curry)

1 tbsp. oil


Preheat oven to 375° F. In a medium bowl, toss together the chickpeas and desired seasoning in the oil. Stir together well and spread out onto a large baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, flipping after 20 minutes. Let cool before serving. Makes 2 cups.

Adapted from Tanya Barnard and Sarah Kramer. How it all Vegan! Irresistible Recipes for an Animal-free Diet.


Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars (raw)


1 small apple, cored

1 cup fresh, or soaked dried dates

½ cup soaked or cooked quinoa

¼ cup ground almonds

¼ cup ground flaxseed

¼ cup hemp flour (could substitute with oat flour)

2 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg

Salt to taste


In a food processor, combine all the ingredients together and mix until you achieve desired consistency. You can then shape them into balls, or roll the mix and cut it into squares. Once bars dry, they become easier to handle. You can also freeze them.


Banana Bread Energy Bars (raw)


1 small banana

¾ cup fresh or soaked dried dates

½ cup popped amaranth

¼ cup chopped walnuts

¼ cup ground sesame seeds

2 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg

Salt to taste


Follow directions as listed above. To pop amaranth, heat, a small amount of coconut oil or butter over medium heat, just enough to cover the pan. Add a small amount of amaranth, so it forms only a single layer on the pan. Stir it to keep it from burning. As it pops you can remove it from the pan, and add more.

Above recipes from The Thrive Diet, by Brendan Brazier.


Rice Balls- Adapted from Garden of Vegan


These are great eaten cold and can also be frozen as well. They can be served on their own as a snack or with a salad for a larger meal. You can also play with the ingredients and get creative with how you prepare them. Sometimes, if the balls aren’t sticking very well, I will add some tahini to the mix.


¼ firm organic tofu, crumbled (optional)

½ cup veggie stock

2 tbsp rolled oat flakes

1 ½ tbsp tamari

½ cup chopped cilantro

1 tsp. dried basil

¼ tsp black pepper

1 stalk celery, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 ½ cups cooked rice


Preheat oven to 400° F. In a blender, blend the tofu, stock , oat flakes, tamari, cilantro until well mixed. Transfer mix to a large bowl and add the basil , pepper, celery, onion, garlic and cooked rice and mix well. Form mixture into balls . Lay on a lightly-oiled cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until browned.