Americans Want Food That's "Natural," a Word That Means Nothing

Americans Want Food That's "Natural," a Word That Means Nothing
Americans do not grasp the fundamental concepts of science—indeed, we actively deny them—and we are one of the most obese nations on earth, so we ain't exactly nutritionists, over here. Still, we know enough to look at the label of whatever processed artificial Oreo-cookie-bit-encrusted flavor of Pop Tart we're currently buying very closely to see whether the word "natural" appears anywhere on that label. If so, we will buy it. If not, we will shoplift it, because who wants to be seen buying something that's not natural?  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Lower Table Rock Run and a Back Workout
After taking care of business earlier in the day, I made time for a Lower Table Rock run followed by a workout of BB rows, suspension single arm pullups (body rows), suspension rear delt flyes, and chinups.

~Feelin' Alive!~

5 Tricks to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

5 Tricks to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
It's that time of year again. The Thanksgiving/Christmas season is when we’re most likely to gain weight. It's not all our fault – the days get shorter and colder so we crave more food, likely thanks to our primitive ancestors who needed to stockpile calories for the harsh winter.
But the simple fact is that there are more festivities filled with decadent cuisine and treats, and studies show people are more likely to indulge when in the company of others.
It is possible to enjoy the holidays – and those holiday parties – without completely falling off the wagon. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you enjoy the season without adding unwanted pounds.   read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Chest Workout
I got my morning started before sunrise by doing a couple of brisk 1/2 mile walks with a client and when I was done with sessions for the day I pieced together a workout of BB bench presses, DB flyes and pushups.

~Feelin' Alive!~

The mind game of weight loss

The mind game of weight loss
Are you an all or nothing thinker? Do you expect perfection from yourself? Have you found yourself obsessing on what you do wrong, rather than well?
If you are nodding your head in agreement, it is time my friend. Time to leave All or Nothing thinking behind. Losing weight is really a mind game. Your body will drop the weight when you stick to the plan. Here is the trick, you don’t have to do it perfectly. Weight loss occurs when you are on the plan more than off. It isn’t 100% of the time. It is more like 80%. When you make 8 out of 10 good choices, you will succeed. It is only a matter of time.  read more

TOPFIT Dalily Activities --- Upper Table Rock Run
It was a perfect day for an Upper Table Rock run.  The cool, wet weather kept everyone else indoors it seems and I had it all to myself.

~Feelin' Alive!~

Your DIY health care plan

Your DIY health care plan
Health care is an important and contentious topic in both political and social circles these days.
Knowing that this controversy is unlikely to be resolved soon, you may be looking for ways to take health care into your own hands.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Walking Lunges and a Lower Table Rock Run
I started my morning before the sun came up with a couple of brisk 1/2 mile walks and 1/4 mile of walking lunges with a client.  Later I had a fantastic run on Lower Table Rock.

~Feelin' Alive!~

TOPFIT Daily Activities Review

Even though I had a couple of high volume and/or intensity days this week, overall it was a lighter week which even included one rest day.  The week of activity included:

2 Table Rock runs
1 Table Rock hike
2 heavy bag workouts
1 chest workout
1 back workout
1 deadlift workout
1 calisthenics workout

Did you meet your health and fitness goals this past week?

~Feelin' Alive!~

Jogging in a forest twice as good for you as jogging in a gym

Jogging in a forest twice as good for you as jogging in a gym
Are you getting tired of your same old cardio routine at your local gym? Have you "hit a wall" with your training? New research indicates you would get a better run if you jogged with nature - and it would improve your mental state as well.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Calisthenics
I mixed things up a bit today with a randomized calisthenics workout.  In no particular order, I spent about 30 minutes doing intervals of burpees, pushups, ring pushups, pullups, chinups, alternating plyo lunges, jump rope, jumping jacks, SB oblique crunches, SB back extensions, calf raises, and hanging scapular depression/retraction.

~Feelin' Alive!~

Kettlebells for weight loss, conditioning and improved back health

Kettlebells for weight loss, conditioning and improved back health
Kettlebell training was first used during the 1700s, and is today experiencing increased attention as an effective and fun part of a training program. When used correctly, kettlebell exercises build strength and endurance and can be used as part of a weight loss program or when trying to improve back problems.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Deadlifts and Heavy Bag
After a relaxing day of no exercise yesterday, I got right back into the game today with a heavy deadlift workout and a 30 minute heavy bag workout.

~Feelin' Alive!~