66% of consumers wrongly think "natural" means something

66% of consumers wrongly think "natural" means something
When consumers see the word on meat or poultry, 70% think it means no growth hormones were used in the animals feed and 60% think the animals got no antibiotics or other drugs in their feed.
The problem is, consumers are wrong.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Upper Table Rock Run and a Back Workout
Although it was a busy day, I still made time for a run on Upper Table Rock.  Later, I spent some time in my gym doing weighted chinups, suspension single arm pullups, suspension rear delt flyes, and pullups.

~Feelin' Alive!~

8 Things Nutrition Experts Wish You Would Stop Saying About Food

8 Things Nutrition Experts Wish You Would Stop Saying About Food
"There is so much nutrition misinformation out there," says Appetite for Health's Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD, "and add on the fact that marketers often use 'health halo' descriptors to sell products, it's no wonder Americans are confused about what's really healthy to eat."  read more

TOPFIT says: Pretty good article, but I mostly disagree with their statement, "I don't like saying there are good foods and bad foods -- it's so judgmental! I'm not saying French fries aren't loaded with calories, fat and sodium, or ice cream isn't rich in calories, fat and sugar, but saying they're 'bad' foods invokes guilt on those who enjoy these comfort foods. Eating and enjoying food -- even foods that aren't the most nutritious -- shouldn't ever be done with guilt or shame. Eating should be one of the great pleasures of life! And if you learn to eat with pleasure, you may even feel more satisfied with less food."
The pleasure should come from healthful sources most, if not all, of the time. The fatty, salty, sugary foods aren't just usually lacking in positive effects, they are actually having a negative affect on your body.  Plus, these "comfort foods" are rarely eaten in moderation.

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Lower Table Rock Run and a Chest Workout
I made time before it got too hot today for a good run on Lower Table Rock.  A little later, I spent some time in my gym doing BB bench presses, DB flye/press supersets, and decline pushups.

~Feelin' Alive!~

TOPFIT Daily Activities Review

Wow!  What a fantastic week of activity!  In addition to plenty of time spent on yard work, I also made time for:

3 Table Rock runs

1 Punisher/Bandersnatch run/climb

1 Jacksonville Forest Park run/hike

1 plyometric workout

1 delt/bi/tri workout

1 kettlebell workout

2 heavy bag workouts

What did you do this past week to give your body the movement it demands to stay fit and healthy?

~No Challenge, No Change~

Ditch the Gym! Stay at Home

Ditch the Gym! Stay at Home
The gym can be fine for some people, but it's not always the best place to get a great workout.  Too many people spend their time socializing or being distracted by other people and what they are doing.
So, what's the alternative?  Workout at home!  read more

TOPFIT says: And remember, the gym isn't the only place you can find a personal trainer.  I can come to your home and help you reach your goals.

TOPFIT Personal Training & Fitness Education

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Rest Day
Although I didn't do any specific workouts, I did spend a few active hours with grandkids and spent some time doing chores around the house.  I even managed to make a dent in the CEUs I need for recertification.

~Feelin' Alive!~

Want to See Your Muscles Pop? Take a Rest

Want to See Your Muscles Pop? Take a Rest
Rest time is a pivotal aspect of a complete strength development program. It's important to create a balanced workout regimen that allows for sufficient rest time. It's also important to note that too much rest can result in muscle atrophy, or the deterioration of muscle mass due to prolonged inactivity.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Plyometrics and the Jacksonville Forest Park Trails
It was a busy day of yard work, bookkeeping and other chores, but I still made time for a fun upper and lower body plyometric workout in the morning, plus a great hike and run with a friend on the J-Ville Forest Park trails in the afternoon.

An old gold mine....it's much smaller than it looks and a man would probably not even be able to sit upright. (the entrance was blocked, so I couldn't actually test this theory)

~Feelin' Alive!~

8 Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Weight Loss Success

8 Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Weight Loss Success
One of the most important parts of a healthy eating plan for weight loss is being prepared and planning ahead. A healthy body starts in your kitchen, because weight loss involves making lifelong changes to your eating habits.  read more

TOPFIT says: Essential?  No!  If your success depends on gadgets, you're doing it wrong.

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Upper Table Rock Run
Since I was turned back at the trailhead yesterday, I decided to give Upper Table Rock another try today.  I'm glad I did, because it was a great run!

~Feelin' Alive!~

3 Ways to Burn 1,000 Calories in One Hour

3 Ways to Burn 1,000 Calories in One Hour
Burning 1,000 in one hour requires high-octane exercise that forces the body to operate at maximum capacity. High-intensity modes of exercise, such as circuit training and interval training, aren't recommended for all weight-loss enthusiasts. The benefits of high-intensity exercise activity are immense, although proper execution of such activity demands a certain level of preordained physical fitness. Consult your physician before attempting to conquer the grueling challenge of burning 1,000 calories in one hour.  read more

TOPFIT says: In reality, being able to burn 1000 calories in an hour is rare.....very rare.  Although the article has some good ideas about burning large number of calories, I think it overstates what you can expect unless you are an elite athlete.
In addition to consulting a doctor, find a qualified personal trainer to help you if you're going to try to train at this level.

TOPFIT Personal Training & Fitness Education

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Heavy Bag and a Lower Table Rock Run
I got my day's activities off to an early start with a 30 minute heavy bag workout.  After client sessions, I headed out to Upper Table Rock for a run, but they wouldn't let me go up due to a little fire on the southern slope....so, I went to Lower Table Rock and had one of the best runs there that I've had in a long time.

~Feelin' Alive!~