Get Happy…Get Results
As a body transformation specialist I hear a lot of comments like, “Once I get this 10 pounds off….”, or “When I get down to “x” percent body fat…”, or “I just want to fit into my skinny jeans then I’ll be happy.” These are all good goals because they are somewhat specific. They are associated with a metric goal. You are either 10 pounds lighter or not, you can either fit into your skinny jeans or not. In other words, you will know when you have accomplished them. Now I don’t want to get into the whole goal writing...
read moreGot Passion?
***This is an excerpt from a newsletter I wrote to all the EXL clients this last April, so it’s a little out of season, but the message is timeless.*** This time of year is challenging for me. I find it hard to transition from winter to spring, from ski season to mountain bike season. Because the snow has been so soggy I’ve forced myself to do a few spring bike rides. Ya, I was slow. A ride that normally takes me 90 minutes took me close to 2 hours. I can probably chalk it up to being out of biking shape, but more importantly I contribute it to a lack of passion. My...
read morePearls of Wisdom Gleaned from the NSCA National Convention
During the week of the Fourth of July I attended the national convention for the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) in Las Vegas. At this convention I had the opportunity to attend workshops and lectures from some of the brightest minds in my field. I’ve been training for 16 year so I rarely come away from an event with some groundbreaking information. But, I do get a confirmation that what we are doing at EXL is on par with current research and training trends. That being said, as a devout exericise science student always looking to improve my craft I...
read moreWhole Wheat Flour vs. Whole Grain Flour
I’ve asked Brandon Kendrick (EXL Fitness Boot Camper) and local healthy cooking expert to guest blog for me about a common labeling conundrum…whole wheat flour vs. whole grain flour. The average person in America will walk down the bread isle in a grocery store and see that a lot of the breads to choose from say 100% whole wheat bread. They automatically think it must be healthy and grab a loaf or two and continue shopping. STOP!!! I wish I could stop them right there on the spot and explain what 100% whole wheat really means. Here are the steps to get 100% whole wheat...
read moreThink Skinny This Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us once again. One of the reasons the American waistline is ever expanding is holiday weight gain. Depending on the study, the average American gains between 3-11 pounds during the holidays. Most don’t lose the holiday weight during the ensuing New Year’s resolution rush to the gym. So year after year we Americans get fatter and fatter. My approach during the holidays is…break even. Don’t gain and don’t lose. Enjoy the holidays, but don’t over indulge. The way I see it, you’re already ahead if you start the New...
read moreProtein Powders, Meal Replacement and Workout/Recovery Shakes…What’s the Difference?
Protein powder, meal replacement powder (MRP), workout/recovery shake…these are all supplements that I recommend, but there is a lot of confusion surrounding them. Most people think they are all the same, “I just buy a big bag/jug of protein powder from Costco/Gold’s Gym/GNC and use it for everything.” This maybe a step in the right direction, however, they each have their unique purpose. All these supplements contain protein, but they vary in type of protein, absorption rate, carb content as well as fiber content and vitamins and minerals additives. There is...
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