Sexy Arms....

It is getting close to summer time.......

that means

TANK TOPS, Sleeveless dresses, and we all hate the word

SWIMSUITS....

Simply changing your grip (or position/angle) on your barbell (dumbbell) workout and your arms will look sculpted in no time....

Barbell Bicep Curls

For best results, perform this workout once a week for 4 weeks. Perform each set one after the another..with only enough rest time to adjust your grip....Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, grasp a barbell (or dumbbells) with a strong underhand grip. Keeping your elbows tight to your sides, curl up towards your shoulders. Hold a second, then lower slowly and repeat.

Set------------ Reps-------- Grip


Warm-up------ 10---------- Wide


Warm-up------ 10---------- Shoulder-width


1--------------- 8-10-------- Natural Grip (most comfortable)


2--------------- 8-10-------- 4-inches beyond shoulder-width grip


3--------------- 6-10-------- 2-inches beyond shoulder-width grip


4--------------- 6-10-------- Shoulder width


5--------------- 6-10-------- Narrow (hands about 4 inchese apart)






You can use dumbbells also.....instead of changing your grip....just change the angle of how your bring up and down your arms....

Self Massages for Athletes

check out this website for different massages that you can do on yourself (or if you're lucky, have someone do them while you relax.) These massages are designed for people with soreness from workouts, but anyone can use them....

Click on this link for more details....

Product of the week....

AbCoaster


I want to point out one of the machines that we have at the gym. It is amazing, fun, and it works.....It has been recommended by many fitness magazines and fitness experts. I don't consider myself an expert, but I do consider myself a normal person with normal wants and needs. I have truly noticed the difference on myself and my husband. Check it out.... I recommend doing atleast 15 to the front, then the left side, and repeat on the right side.


The SLOWER the better......you MIGHT see someone doing the machine fast and then faster.....that is not correct. You won't receive the benefits of the machine....

Check out the Ab Coaster website for more details.

I want to hear from you.... try it out....and let me know what you think....but remember.....don't just to this machine....change it up......there are so many different ways to exercise your abs....

do you LIVE out of your car?

If it seems like you spend more time in your car than your house.....you probably do....In fact....the US Census Bureau estimate that most of us spend 100 plus hours behind the wheel each year. So here are a couple things you can do to make your time in the car benefit you other than hurt you....

SIT UP TALL....with your shoulders pulled back...inhale as you pull your abs up and in toward your spine. As you hold in your stomach, keep your spine lifted and shoulders back and slowly count to 3. Then slowly exhale. Repeat the move 5 times or until the light changes.....

I DON'T have the time.....to workout....

Here are a couple tips on making time for you, your health, and your workout. Check out these surprisingly, totally doable, time-saving strategies.... If you put these in your life, you can nearly create that hour (or 30 minutes) of free time to devote to your NEW fitness goals.

1. Downsize your TO-DO list - Make a list of 5 (just 5) MUST accomplish list. Your list should fit on a large post-it note....if is doesn't bump it to the next day....
2. Get off the phone - don't spend all your free time catching up with your friends.....or if you have to....talk while you are picking up the kids....and other times...
3. Maximize your weekends - a lot of people take off the weekend from the gym.....you can...only if you workout on the weekdays....weekends are usually not as full of MUST GO'S and DO's. You can also put your exercise into good work around the house and/or yard. Go to the park with the kids....
4. Monitor your EMAIL time - pick a couple times in the morning, afternoon, and night to check your email....(about 5 email checks a day) You should be able to free up 15 minutes...
5. Give yourself a Takeout PASS - many of us stress about "What's for Dinner?" and just skip the gym and go to the store....Give yourself a pass for 1 night a week to eat out....but don't eat JUNK.
6. Research as shown that people that make time for their workout in the morning.....will sleep as much as those who don't.....set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier than you normally would....you should get that same amount of sleep if you didn't.....(and you quality of sleep is even better)
7. Have a plan....you are more likely to exercise if you have planned ahead and designated a time for fitness. Meet a friend, plan it around your kids activities, or even your favorite TV show.....Book in advance, and you'll be more likely to make it happen. Set your clothes out....or pack them to take them with you to work.....
If you have any other tips....share with us....

this week's BIGGEST LOSER winner is....

Congrats to this week's

F3 Biggest Loser

AMBER CABLER

lost almost 5 lbs

Great job!

Reminder - to be eligible for prizes (CASH)

you need to weigh-in every MONDAY....

Contest ends March 30th..

Look at those abs...

Your core is SO important in lots of ways..... (did you know that you had 29 muscles in your core region...? ) The following exercises will help you work them.... The PLANK with side leg touch - hold the plank position and then lift right lef out to right side, and touch floor with toes. Bring leg back to center then move left leg out to left side. Do equal reps....REPEAT 2 sets of 8 reps with one minute rest between sets... (AVOID arching back)

ALSO....in the plank position...alternate bringing your knees to your chest.....3 sets of 15 (each side)

Another favorite of mine....that works on your "love handle".... bring your knee to your side trying to get your knee to your shoulder.... do 13 set of 15 on the right side then go to the left side....repeat twice......

Wall Squat with Ball press....Hold ball in both hards at chest level, and stand with back flat against the wall. Slowly squat until thighs are parallel to the floor while bringing the ball over your head. Repeat two sets of 12 reps with one minutes of rest between sets...

Ball curl and twist.....Cross your knee and bring your opposite elbow to your opposite knee....Repeat 3 sets of 15 ... 1 minute rest between sets...



Bicycle with twist - laying on your back alternate bring your knees up while taking the ball from side to side....Repeat 3 sets of 15 (each side).... rest 1 minutes between sets...

Ball Transfer - laying on your back....put the stability between your hands.....bring your arms up and meet your legs in a pike position. Transfer the ball from your hand to your legs. Take your legs down close to the ground (without touching the floor) and your hands back over your head (without touching the floor) Repeat 3 sets of 15...Rest 1 minutes between reps..

Find your ideal weight

I really needed this post....Everyone needs to read this...

check out this link....

Remember - your IDEAL weight is not the same as others....

Healthy Recipe - Sloppy Joe Meat Loaf

Meat loaf is one of my favorite meals.... And just think leftovers...make a great sandwich...

2/3 c old fashioned oats

1/3 c + 1/4 c + 1/4 c canned sloppy joe sauce

2 large egg whites, (lightly beaten)

1 lb 96% lean ground beef

1/3 c minced green bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion

1 clove fresh garlic (minced)

Preheat the oven 350 F degrees. Lightly mist a 9" x 5" x 3 non stick loaf pan (slightly smaller one is OK0 with olive oil spray.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, 1/3 c + 1/4 cup of the sloppy joe sauce and the egg whites. Lets the mixture stand for 3 minutes or until the oats begin to soften. Add the beef, bell pepper, onion. and garlic. With fork or clean hands, mix the ingredients until well combinesd..

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread so that the top is flat. Spread the remaining 1/4 c sloppy joe sauce evenly over the top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink in the center. Let sit for 10 minutes. Cut into 8 slices and serve.

I recommend serving it with fresh (or canned) green beans, a fresh tossed salad.....(go light on the dressing)

Eating fundamentals.....

Depending on your sex and your age.....there is a set recommended diet....

Women
(ages 25-50)

calories - 2,000
protein - 50g
fat - 65g or less
saturated fat - 20g or less
carb - 304 g
fiber - 25-35 g
cholesterol - 300 mg or less
iron - 18 mg
sodium - 2,300 mg or less
calcium - 1,000 mg

Women
(over 50)

calories - 2,000 or less
protein - 50g or less
fat - 65g or less or less
saturated fat - 20g or less
carb - 304 g
fiber - 25-35 g
cholesterol - 300 mg or less
iron - 8 mg
sodium - 1,500 mg or less
calcium - 1,200 mg

Men
(over 24)

calories - 2,700
protein - 63g
fat - 88g or less
saturated fat - 27g or less
carb - 410 g
fiber - 25-35 g
cholesterol - 300 mg or less
iron - 8 mg
sodium - 2,300 mg or less
calcium - 1,000 mg

Remember one size doesn't fit all, so take your lifestyle, age, and circumstances into consideration when determining your nutrition needs....

So if you are trying to lose weight......cut out 200 calories a day to lose about 1 pound a week...and 500 calories a day to lose about 2 pounds a week.....

It is a fact....the best way to lose weight is to

CUT CALORIES and

INCREASE Moderate to Intense Workouts....

information courtesy of COOKING LIGHT - March 2009