Squats are one of the most important exercises that you can do for your legs. If you are looking for maximal calorie burn while simultaneously trying to build your core then this is the key exercise to incorporate in your program.
Squats can be done multiple ways to emphasize different parts of your legs. For example, if you do your squats with your legs shoulder width apart and focus on keeping a majority of the weight on your heels then you will activate the hamstring and glute muscles (the back of your leg and your butt).
Or if you would like to emphasize your inner thigh and tighten and tone them up then I highly recommend that you do a wider stance squat with your toes pointed out slightly. This change in angle still works the legs out with an emphasis on the inner part of your legs. I like to use the wider stance squat in replacement to the inner thigh machine as I think the squat is much more effective in getting the results you want.
Another way to do the squat can be with your feet completely together (narrow stance). This can emphasize a little bit more on the outside part of your thighs. Replacing the outer thigh machine.
As always with any squat motion be sure to keep your core tight (belly button sucked in towards spine) to protect your back as well as making sure that you are always doing the correct form to get the maximal benefit of the squat.
There are different tools that you can use to do the squat such as the smith machine, barbell, dumbbell, squat machine, physioball, and bosu ball.
All of those tools can accomplish the same goal as long as you keep your form correct and you pay attention on every rep and movement to ensure you are working the targeted area.
The repetitions should always be varied every few weeks in my opinion so your body does not hit a plateau. To start I would do anywhere from 10-12 reps with a moderate weight and focus on your form before you add additional weight.
By adding weight to your squats it will not automatically bulk up your legs. In order for you to bulk your legs or your body for that matter, you need to intentionally do it by eating a high calorie diet. So if your goal is not to bulk up then you have complete control by paying close attention to your diet.
Here are a few more leg exercise ideas for you to incorporate
Leg Press http://youtu.be/oRflcUrFEH4
Stationary Lunge http://youtu.be/ZmzQz_BfyxA
Step Ups http://youtu.be/8QuSZXfjsX4
Please email or share with your social networks whoever you think can benefit from this advice.
You may be wondering, with all of the things that keep you busy throughout the day how can you still eat healthy and make it work for you? My advice for you is to first keep it simple and plan out in advance.
I want you to get a list of healthy foods such as healthy meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts etc. Next I want you to get a blank piece of paper out and then write down all of the foods that you enjoy or at least somewhat enjoy to eat,
From this list I want you to write down and plan one full day’s worth of healthy eating. I want you to plan it out so you can see what a good nutrition plan will look like so it can be your guide.
Next I want you to take this list and follow it for a minimum of 3 consecutive days. I want you to take notes and write down how you are feeling while eating this way. I want you to include things such as how your energy levels are, how hungry you feel throughout the day, how is your mood and things of that nature.
Next I want you to study what is going on during those 3 days and really pay attention to how your body feels. This is the exact way you can find your personalized nutrition that makes you feel your very best as well as look your best too!
I promise you, if you invest your time in studying yourself during these days that you are logging what you eat and how you feel, you can solve your problem of nutrition and know exactly what to eat.
This has been the exact way I have found my eating routine which works for me and allows me to eat the foods that I do enjoy while allowing me to have the results and energy I desire.
You are probably tired of hearing that you need to eat healthy, spike your metabolism, and eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. You may be thinking where you are going to find all of this time to eat and cook all of this food in your exceptionally busy day.
Well my solution to your problem is to take this very seriously and invest your time for no more than a week and figure out what are the specific foods that nourish you to be your best you.
If you need a little help with your motivation then I created a video to help you out with that. Click the link to watch http://youtu.be/rDEWfaxDJc8
In order to get in the best shape of your life you need the best tools possible. You need to know what exercises to do and when and how. You need to have a structured plan of attack on how you will reach your goals and what you are going to do to get there.
One of the biggest problems you will face when trying to get into shape is answering your question on what you should do? Below I created a plan for you to do to help start your fitness program off on the right track.
I want you to do each exercise for 2-3 sets and do 10-15 reps in each set to get your muscles stimulated. Choose a weight that you can do that is challenging while simultaneously making sure you are doing and keeping good form.
After you finish each weight training workout I want you to do anywhere from 10-15 minutes of cardio to start and then work your way up to 30 minutes. If you are looking into taking your fitness more seriously then this is a good plan for you.
I want you to forward this program to a friend that you think can benefit from getting some exercise advice. One of the best ways to get in shape is to get a workout partner. Watch this video I did on that subject for you http://youtu.be/p59_870-n38
Workout 1- Chest and Triceps
Bench Press
Push Up
Incline Chest Press
Tricep Pushdown
Dips
Workout 2- Back and Biceps
Seated Row
Lat Pulldown
Rear Delt Fly
EZ Curl Bar Bicep Curl
Preacher Curl
Workout 3- Legs
Squats
Walking Lunges
Leg Press
Calf Raise
Hamstring Curl
Workout 4- Shoulders
Military Press
Arnold Press
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Front Raise
Workout 5 -Abs
Reverse Crunch
Roman Chair Leg Lifts
Exercise Ball Crunch
Plank
Bicycle Abs
Cardio
So you may be thinking what you should be doing for cardio since cardio is supposed to be where you lose weight. Well here is a video http://youtu.be/DIO5jiCQ7FU you can watch on some fat loss strategies you can use.
If you are healthy enough and cleared by a doctor, I strongly recommend you use the strategy that I made a video about above and use the incline treadmill to get you the results you deserve.
Below are a few links of how it looks when you use the incline treadmill strategy
Forward Walk On Incline Treadmill http://youtu.be/2WvHoYbD5BQ
Backward Walk on Incline Treadmill http://youtu.be/2N6YQkDKlik
Side Shuffle on Incline Treadmill http://youtu.be/osZuZ8Lr9aQ
Now if you feel like you are too out of shape or embarrassed to go into the gym here is a video that I created to help you get a little more confidence http://youtu.be/Cz_BuALa7x4
The key thing that you must understand and be aware of is you just have to begin. Even if you have very little confidence use my blog posts and updates to help give you confidence. Nothing great will happen to you unless you just get started.
I don’t care if you just start with 1 exercise and you do it for 5 minutes. That is better for you than doing nothing at all. Find yourself a friend to help you out and support you mentally, which is what you will need in order to get to the fitness levels that you want.
You should first work on getting started and then selling yourself that this will be a lifestyle change instead of a quick fix. Be patient with yourself and work hard on staying consistent with making going to the gym your routine.
Nutrition
Now the next thing you may be thinking is what you should do about nutrition. You may also want some tips on how to eat healthy without spending a ton of money. Below are some tips that my friend Tamara Watt (who is a specialist in helping those lose weight with nutrition) has created.
Times can be challenging, and for some people, spending money on organic and specialty food items, is causing unnecessary stress on their Family Budgets. But, these people also don’t want to eat potato chips and hot dogs for dinner, and are looking for solutions to eat better without breaking the bank.
Here are our Top 9 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget and ensure your body stays healthy and fit!
1. Make your grocery list based off recipes/meals you plan to eat for the week.
Decide what you’re going to make for the week and then buy for those recipes or meals.
This is not only time-efficient, but prevents you from buying things you MIGHT make, but don’t get around to, and then end up throwing away.
Also, don’t hesitate to buy something that’s on sale for a very low price and modify your plan for the week so you can save some dough. You’ll eat well, and spend less while being resourceful!
2. Canned Fish and Beans = High Protein and Fiber
From Tuna to Salmon, to Black Beans to Kidney Beans, canned fish and beans can be one of your easiest and most inexpensive ways to get healthy omega-3 rich protein (the fish) and cholesterol-lowering fiber (the beans).
One can of light tuna (the least expensive kind and lowest mercury kind) is only 79 cents, while a can of black beans can be found for just $1 (containing at least 2 servings)!
Yes, both contain sodium which can be problematic for some people, but you can easily rinse off some of the salt when you open them using a strainer. If you mix them both together and top them with a touch of mustard or chopped tomatoes (also not too expensive when bought fresh), you’ve got yourself a great meal!
3. Frozen Veggies are Healthy!
Many people fret that fresh veggies are not affordable, and they don’t last long enough to make them worthwhile.
The solution: Buy frozen!
Avoid those microwave bags of veggies though (questionable safety…) and instead, purchase the less expensive ones that you cook on the stove or in a microwave-safe dish (not plastic!)
.
Frozen veggies are very healthy, as they are usually sodium-free and are sometimes fresher than fresh produce because they are frozen right at harvest (instead of sitting for days in the store or your home losing nutrients).
You can cook them anytime and not worry about them spoiling before you can eat them and being a waste of money.
4. Look for Produce or Other Grocery Items with a “Close to Expiry” Discount
When you do want to purchase fresh vegetables or fruits, you can sometimes find a great deal if they are close to being thrown out (but are still good; like brown bananas).
For example, if you are a spinach lover, you can find containers of organic spinach with a $2 discount because they are close to their due date. You may have to toss a few slimy leaves, but the rest will be gone before it’s a waste of your money.
There are great deals on other grocery items like low-sodium organic canned soups and healthy fruit and nut bars that you may not be able to afford otherwise, but will still taste great! Look for tables of reduced-priced items the next time you’re out shopping, and you may be surprised!
5. Buy Fruits and Vegetables in Season
purchasing fresh berries in the winter is just silly.
Not only will you spend an arm and a leg to get them, you won’t be getting the freshest options because they were shipped to you from hundreds (or thousands) of miles away.
Instead, look for produce in season, like apples and squash in the fall, or berries in the SUMMER. Not only will you pay less, but it will taste better too!
In the winter, when most produce is not in season, choose frozen, untainted fruits and vegetables (no butter, sugar, etc.) for the best options.
6. Avoid Pre-Cut Items, like cut Apples or Pre-cut Green Beans
yes, these items may be convenient, but they’ll cost you at least double the unprepared versions.
It’s not that hard to cut your own apples, or slice your own squash, and you avoid any preservatives that are added to these vegetables and fruits to prevent browning.
7. Use the Shelf Stickers that List the Price of the Item per Weight
it’s amazing how many people don’t realize that many stores list the price of an item per weight so you can accurately compare between different brands or different sizes of the same product.
For example, a 16 oz. container of rolled oats from one company is $0.17 per oz. and $2.69. But, a 42 oz. container of oats from another company is only $0.11 per oz. and $3.79.
So, even though you may pay more for the large canister, you get more food for your money! Use these labels at the store to help you choose the best option.
8. Visit Discount Grocery Stores for the Best Deals
There are many discount stores and bulk stores that give you the best deals for your buck. These stores sometimes require a membership, but now some do not. They sell the products at a lower price because they avoid the fancy store decorations, the overpaid dietitians giving nutrition advice, and ask you to bag your own groceries (not really a big issue).
In some cases you can save up to $20 for the same cart of groceries as a higher end grocery store! Some examples of these stores are Sam’s Clubs, BJs, Costco, and ALDI – look for them next time you head out shopping.
9. Finally - Get a Tasty Whey Protein Powder
many people think supplements are too expensive if your wallet is tight, but think about this:
One serving of High Quality Protein Powder – something that keeps you satisfied and actually improves your health – only costs about $2 to $3 each!
That’s at least 25 grams of complete protein for only $2.50 that supplies you with all the essential amino acids for proper muscle recovery and tummy-filling protein to help you stay full for hours!
Compare this to a breast of chicken which will cost you at least 2-3 dollars for the same amount of protein and has to be cooked, seasoned, and properly stored. Also, if you purchase chicken at a restaurant, you’re looking at spending at least $4 (Unless you go to McDonalds and also worry about the health consequences).
I want you to share and forward this message with your friends via email, your social networks, text message, and any other way that you communicate with your friends so they too can have this program.
This is a program that I designed for you as a personal trainer which is designed to help you to start building the body and lifestyle that you want TODAY.
Thank you for reading my blog and enjoy your workout :)
A Story on how a Husband almost beat me up and then thanked me for personal training
(Source: youtube.com)
Why I wrote my book Body Fit
Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Are any of you guys currently getting results from this?
Greg Marshall
Greg Marshall
Quick Nutrition tips for you guys :)
Ideas for different styles of cardio. Hope you enjoy :)
I will start it off and it is to build a great fitness culture where we can change as many people’s lives as possible here on fiture. Will you help me and spread the word to your followers? Now I want to hear yours! :)
Questions on weight loss supplements? I answer that question on what they are and if you need them in this video. Enjoy :)