Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Beach Ready Routine!!


It is that time of the year again! Warm weather and the beach! Want to look your best and feel great at the same time? Add in some full body circuit training to increase muscle size, definition, and leanness. While it is nice to isolate certain muscle groups every now and again, completing full body workouts increases EPOC (excess post oxygen consumption), which means more calories burned! Pointing you in the right direction to a lean summer body! Here is a sample workout:

Jump Squats x 10

Stiff Leg Deadlift x 10

Chin Ups or Inverted Rows x 10

Push Ups x 10

Reverse Crunch x 10

Take the least amount of time possible between movements. Complete the circuit 3-4 times. This hits every major muscle group in the body and achieves the EPOC effect. Goodluck!

-Eric

FTNewtonville.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Women-Bullet Proof Your Knees!!!


Women are susceptible to knee injuries because of the natural angle created from their hips to their knees. This is called the "Q" angle. What happens with women is their vastus lateralis (outer quad) over develops and puts pressure on the knee. This is the main reason women are more prone to ACL injuries. One way to help avoid these issues is to strengthen the vastus medialis (VMO or inner quad), and biceps femoris (hamstrings).

A few movements that can help strengthen the vastus medialis and hamstrings:

-Front Squat
-Plie Squat
-Conventional Deadlift
-Stiff Leg Deadlift
-Pull Throughs

Add these movements to your strength training routine and find solace in the fact that you are bullet proofing your knees AND getting them ready for activity!

-Eric
FTNewtonville

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Benefits Of Fish Oil


A multi vitamin is commonplace amongst individuals who are trying to stay healthy. The latest supplement that is starting to garner extra attention (for good reason), is fish oil. Supplementing with fish oil has been shown to:

1. Improved insulin sensitivity

2. Improved blood circulation

3. Reduced inflammation

4. Improved brain function

5. Lower triglycerides (bad cholesterol)

Adding fish oil to your daily nutrition plan can have a huge impact on overall health. It can now be found in any grocery market, as well as supplement stores. Try taking in 2-5 grams per day of fish oil and reap the benefits!

-Eric

FTNewtonville.com

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A Complex Situation


Complexes are a group of exercises that are performed back to back without ever setting the dumbbell/barbell down. When performed correctly, complexes can target every muscle group in the body, and really jack up resting metabolism (EPOC). In turn, this increases the amount of calories that your body will burn in a resting state FOR UP TO THE NEXT 48 HOURS! Talk about bang for your buck exercises.

Give this complex a try and see how you feel! Remember, each movement is performed right after the other without ever putting the bar down. After the last movement is completed, rest 90 seconds before starting again. Try for 3 full times through the complex.

Stiff Leg Deadlift x 10
Barbell Row x 10
Hang Clean x 10
Front Squat x 10
Push Press x 10

This complex targets all the major muscle groups in the body!

-Eric
FTNewtonville.com

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Athletic Core


The "core" is the bodies foundation of strength. It is no wonder that all of the recent buzz in the fitness industry is on how to build a strong, athletic core. Not only will a flat, hard stomach look good, it will also prevent lower back issues and increase performance. Here is a sample of a core circuit that will help you in your quest for a more functional midsection.

V-Ups x 10

Sprinters x 10 (lying flat on your back, mimic a sprint movement. crunching upwards with the left leg and right arm. then crunching up the right leg and left arm)

Toe Touches x 10

Reverse Crunches x 10

Perform each movement one after the other with minimal rest. After completing the reverse crunch, rest 60 seconds before completing the circuit again. Perform the circuit 3-4 times total. Goodluck!

-Eric
FTNewtonville.com