YOU GAIN STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND CONFIDENCE BY EVERY EXPERIENCE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU STOP TO LOOK FEAR IN THE FACE. YOU MUST DO THE THING YOU THINK YOU CANNOT DO.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Preventing Injuries For Young Female Athletes

Sports build fitness and confidence in young women. Competitive athletics can result in serious athletic injuries that have lifelong consequences. Girls get five times more anterior cruciate ligament injuries than boys. Injuries to the vital knee ligament can cause a lifetime of pain, arthritis and instability. Orthopedic scientists think that women sustain more knee injuries because of muscle imbalance in the lower body. Women have stronger quadriceps muscles, but relatively weaker posterior leg muscles (hamstrings and glutes). Also, women are more stiff-legged when they run and jump. Active young women can prevent serious knee injuries by developing the posterior leg muscles through weight training and functional-high levels of fitness. Many girls benefit from specialized speed- and power- training programs. So train those hamstrings and try to incorporate exercises that work the smaller muscles in your legs (the muscles that will help assist the larger muscles and will help you from getting injured.

Below I have included an image of an exercise that you may want to try when training to strengthen the small muscles in your legs. It is called Over And Backs (as you can see I have her using a cane- I like using the cane because you can challenge yourself by adjusting the cane to go higher after mastering a certain height level). When doing this exercise, find your center point. Keep your shoulders and hips squared in front of you. Contract your quads and  point your toe. Go over the top of the cane tapping the floor and then going back to the other side (try not to rest as soon as you tap, try to go continuous and make sure you watch your form). Do not to bend your knee when doing this exercise. Always keep your quad engaged even when you tap the floor. Over and back= 1 rep....try to do 30 reps and then graduate from there. Exercises like these are effective when your reps are higher. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you have a wonderful day. :)

The Washington Post, September 11, 2007



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August 27, 2013 Two Sky Anomalies


As I am getting done with my work and walking out of my studio...I look up and see two strange anomalies in the sky. I love taking pictures of clouds and the moon so I always have my camera with me. I immediately began taking pictures of this moment that lasted but only 7 minutes. As I am taking pictures, it seems like they are at a stand still but really they are moving and they seem to be moving faster than I think they are...which was strange. As I started taking pictures I only noticed the one going down toward the trees. When that one disappeared I looked a little to the right and saw the other one that was going upward...and was a little ways from the other one. Not sure what these two beams of light were...they both looked like meteors but not sure at all what they were. I began taking pictures at 7:55 p.m. (cst) and the next thing I knew the last photo taken was at 8:02 p.m. (cst). The first one disappeared because I just couldn't see through the trees, but the second one was the one that took me by surprise. It literally disappeared into thin air. The last photo on this slideshow was taken right before it disappeared. Thought it was a neat experience/moment and wanted to share it with you. Thanks for checking it out. :)


Monday, August 5, 2013

Improve Distance Running Performance With Resistance Training

Distance Running and weight training are polar opposites in most people's minds. Several studies show that resistance exercises, such as weight training and plyometrics, help INCREASE speed and running economy- the energy cost of running at a specific speed. Your ability to perform well in a fun-run, 10-k run, or a marathon depends on your running speed and fatigue resistance. Success depends on your ability to maintain a fast running speed. You can achieve this by improving your power output and endurance capacities. Build endurance by practicing over-distance training. Develop power through interval training- running at fast speeds for two or more repetitions with rest periods between. Studies show that weight training and plyometrics also help build power. Finish studies showed that runners who practiced plyometric training for 12 weeks took 30 seconds off their 5-K time with no change in oxygen consumption capacity. This study showed that runners must build power as well as endurance. So don't be afraid to include resistance exercise in your regimen, particularly explosive plyometrics, when trying to improve running performance.

Sports Med, 33: 539-552, 2003.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Flex Ability

Did you know that stretching your legs could improve your muscle performance. According to reports from a Clinical Journal Of Sports Medicine Study, scientist took flexibility and leg-strength measurements of 30 participants and asked them to stretch each leg for 2 minutes 5 days per week. After 6 weeks, they found that the volunteers' flexibility had increased by 35 percent; quad strength had increased by 3.2 percent; and hamstring strength had increased by 5 percent. Stretching is so important in preventing injuries, but most importantly, it helps make your legs stronger by increasing your muscles' range of motion, making joint movement more efficient. And what does all of this mean...MORE POWER!!! So hit the floor and get tough: Broaden your muscles with at least 15 minutes of Yoga or Pilates twice a week. Oh Yeah...One more thought: In Order To Be The Most Fit-Sounded Person (a complete image of health and fitness), YOU Must Separate Yourself From The Average. You Must Achieve Every Part That Makes You Who You Are ...YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO!!! 

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Get On That Treadmill

Do you want to burn loads of calories but don't have much time? Well, here is a solution for you...try treadmill walking or running up an incline. Going up hills burns calories at an incredible rate. For example, say you have a 160-pound man walking on a level treadmill at a leisurely pace of 2.5 miles per hour, which uses 4 calories per minute. That balloons to nearly 7 calories per minute when walking at the same speed up to a 10 percent grade and a whooping 10 calories per minute when walking up a 20 percent grade. Walking up small inclines increases the energy cost between 75 and 250 percent. Just as with any exercise, always start off conservatively and increase the incline and treadmill speed gradually. Increasing the grade on the treadmill- the world's most popular cardio machine- will help you melt the fat away while building nicely muscled legs. You have nothing to lose...so get on that treadmill and watch your body change. :)

Prevention, November 2003.

Popular Posts

Power Of Your Heart

Power Of Your Heart
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the HEART. -Helen Keller

Be Unique. Represent....YOU!

Be Unique. Represent....YOU!

Abdominal Challenge #1

  • NO REST Between Exercises/Keep hands on your head at ALL TIMES when you perform each Sit-up/Keep your legs bent on all Sit-ups/Watch your form and make sure you engage your belly button AT ALL TIMES/Control your motion and DO NOT USE MOMENTUM!
  • Unassisted Sit-ups- 10x/Hold #10 at the Halfway Mark for 20sec
  • Core Plank- 30 seconds
  • Unassisted Sit-ups- 15x/Hold #15 at the Halfway Mark for 20sec
  • Core Plank- 1 minute
  • Unassisted Sit-ups- 20x/Hold #20 at the Halfway Mark for 20sec
  • Core Plank- 1 minute 30 sec
  • Unassisted Sit-ups- 25x/Hold #25 at the Halfway Mark for 20sec
  • Core Plank- 2 minutes

Abdominal Challenge #2

  • DO NOT REST BETWEEN EXERCISES UNLESS IT IS STATED/USE THE SAME RULES FOR ABDOMINAL CHALLENGE #1/Substitute One Crunch + One Sit-up Twist/Twist for Plate Stand-ups if needed/Substitute Roman Chair Leg Raises for Hanging Leg Raises if needed
  • Medicine Ball Sit-ups (Unassisted)- 25 times/Explosive on the UP- 10 second count on the DOWN/Keep M.B. on your chest AT ALL TIMES
  • Hanging Bent Leg Raises- 3x15/Rest 10 seconds between sets/DO NOT SWING
  • Plate Standups/25 times/DO NOT MOVE YOUR FEET/Tempo- Moderate Pace/The lighter the plate the harder the exercise...CHALLENGE/PUSH!
  • Side Core Plank- Hold 30 seconds/25 Ups and Downs/Do one side at a time
  • Hanging Straight Leg Raises- 3x15/Rest 10 seconds between sets/DO NOT SWING
  • Plate Stand-ups + Sit-ups/(2=1) 35 times/DO NOT MOVE YOUR FEET/Tempo- Moderate Pace/The lighter the plate the harder the exercise...CHALLENGE YOURSELF
  • Side Core Plank- Hold 1 minute/35 Ups and Downs/Do one side at a time

CONDITIONING DRILL #1

  • PERFORM 5 SETS/NO REST BETWEEN EXERCISES/REST 30 SECONDS BETWEEN EACH CIRCUIT
  • Burpees x 30 seconds
  • Mountain Climbers x 30 seconds
  • Split Squat Jumps x 30 seconds
  • Mountain Climbers x 30 seconds
  • Split Squat Jumps x 30 seconds
  • Burpees x 30 seconds

CONDITIONING DRILL #2

  • PERFORM 5 SETS/NO REST BETWEEN EXERCISES/REST 3O SECONDS BETWEEN EACH CIRCUIT
  • Wall Sit with Medicine Ball Between Knees x 30 sec
  • DB Split Squat Jumps x 30 seconds
  • Mountain Climbers On Forearms x 30 seconds
  • DB Burpees x 30 seconds
  • Diamond Shape Push-ups On Medicine Ball x 30 seconds
  • Medicine Ball Squat Jump Toss x 30 seconds

CONDITIONING DRILL #3

  • PERFORM 4 SETS/NO REST BETWEEN EXERCISES/REST 30-45 SECONDS BETWEEN EACH CIRCUIT
  • Traveling Forward Burpee- 10x
  • Traveling Forward Burp + Burpee- (2=1)- 10 x
  • Traveling Backward Burpee- 10x
  • Traveling Backward Burp + Burpee- (2=1)- 10x

CONDITIONING DRILL #4

In order to MASTER this conditioning drill, each exercise must be performed with perfect form and without STOPPING!

**Be sure that the BURPEES are ALL EXPLOSIVE...JUMP AS HIGH AS YOU CAN AT THE START/LAND IN A LOW PUSH-UP POSITION/EXPLODE BACK UP, LEADING WITH YOUR LEGS

**Make sure that the SQUAT HOLDS ARE LOW (THINK OF AN L-SHAPE/DO NOT LET YOUR BUTT FALL TOO CLOSE TO THE FLOOR)...SIT BACK ON YOUR HEELS AND ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT

1) BURPEES- 15 TIMES
2)LOW SQUAT HOLD (15TH BURPEE)- 10 SECONDS
3) BURPEES- 12 TIMES
4) LOW SQUAT HOLD (12TH BURPEE)- 10 SECONDS
5) BURPEES- 10 TIMES
6) LOW SQUAT HOLD (10TH BURPEE)- 15 SECONDS
7) BURPEES- 8 TIMES
8) LOW SQUAT HOLD (8TH BURPEE)- 15 SECONDS
9) BURPEES- 6 TIMES
10) LOW SQUAT HOLD (6TH BURPEE)- 20 SECONDS
11) BURPEES- 4 TIMES
12) LOW SQUAT HOLD (4TH BURPEE)- 20 SECONDS
13) BURPEE- 2 TIMES
14) LOW SQUAT HOLD (2ND BURPEE)- 20 SECONDS

DEFINITION OF EXERCISES/LANGUAGE IN EXERCISE

1) Straight-legged to Heels-to-Butt Sit-ups- lie flat on the ground with your legs straight and your hands on your head. As you start to do a sit-up bring your heels in to your butt and tap the floor (*the closer the heels come to the butt the harder). As you come out of your sit-up and begin to roll-down straighten out your legs and make sure the heels touch the floor. It should be a smooth, contolled one motion.
2) Burpee In Place-start by jumping straight in the air and then landing in a squat position with hands on the ground. Kick your feet back into the downward position of a push-up. Thrust the feet up and push up with the arms simultaneously.
3) Traveling Forward Burpee- the same concept as the Burpee In Place the only difference is jump forward instead of straight up.
4) Traveling Backward Burpee- the same concept as the Burpee In Place the only difference is jump backward instead of jumping straight up.
5) Burp- also known as a stripped down burpee. Start low and tucked toward the floor. Kick feet out to the bottom portion of a pushup. Then, push with your hands, while thrusting the feet back to the beginnning position (which is low and tucked toward the floor). It is only a half way motion minus without the jump in the air.
6) M.B. or Plate Stand-Ups- lie flat on the ground with your feet planted on the ground. Beginners should use two dumbbells and place on feet. Hold a m.b. or plate over your head (*the heavier the db/plate the easier...the lighter the db/plate or no weight the harder). Quickly move your arms forward and start to sit up. It is very important that you use your arms for momentum and engage your abdominals. Once your arms pass your knees, quickly push forward with your legs, moving into a standing position.
7) Mountain Climbers- start with your body in a push-up plank position. With the hands stationary, alternate the feet back and forth. One leg should be tucked with the knee coming close to your chest and the opposite leg extended. Make sure to place your weight on the balls of the feet.
8) Grasshoppers- your body will begin in the same position you used for mountain climbers. The movement starts by bringing your left foot underneath the body until it touches your right hand. After touching your hand, return the left foot to the starting position and repeat the movement by bringing your right foot across the body to your left hand. You will be on the balls of your feet but when you bring your foot toward your hand you will land on the side of your foot.
9) Wall Sit- place yourself up against a wall and squat down until the thighs are parallel to the floor. Think about forming an L with the bottom portion of your body. Your back is supported against the wall. Hold this position for time. Do not place your hands on your thighs because this takes off the pressure in your legs. Absolutely no movement with this exercise.
10) Bridge- a great exercise that will develop strength and flexibility. It is a static hold that helps improve lower back strength. Start by lying down on the floor with your knees bent and your hands on the floor close to your ears. Lift yourself up with your abdomen pointing upward and with only the hands and the feet on the floor. Your body should create an arched position and you will maintain the upright position for time.
11) Aerobic exercise- means with oxygen. An activity in which demands of muscle for oxygen are met by circulation of oxygen in blood. Distance running, cross-country, skiing, distance cycling are all examples of aerobic activities.
12) Anaerobic Exercise- means without oxygen. Activity in which oxygen demands of muscles are so high that they rely upon an internal metabolic process for oxygen. Short burts of "all-out" activities such as sprinting or weightlifting are examples of anerobic exercises.
13) Burn- also known as "going for the burn." For instance, in endurance exercise, working muscles until lactic acid buildup causes a burning sensation.
14) Concentric- when muscles contract or shorten.
15) Delts- an abbreviation for deltoids, the large triangular muscles of the shoulder which raise the arm away from the body and perform other functions.
16) Eccentric- when muscles lengthen while maintaining tension.
17) Fast-Twitch- refers to muscle cells that fire quickly and are utilized in anaerobic activites like sprinting and powerlifting.
18) Glycogen- can be referred to as a full tank full of stored carbohydrates. Some of it is stored in the liver and some of it is stored in the muscles themselves.
19) Hybrid Lift- is two or more exercise done in one single movement. It is the inverse of a combo lift. For istance, performing a bicep curl while lunging.
20) Interval Training- is a short, high-intensity cardio exercise alternated with longer periods of lower-intensity cardio. It allows you to burn more calories, increase your speed, improve your power, and much more. It is more effective at burning fat while maintaining muscle mass. Combine this type of training with intensity will also increase your metabolic rate to amazing levels. This is because the work you do utilizes a greater percent of the body's muscles.



If You Want To Be Tough, You Are The Only One That Can Get You There!

If You Want To Be Tough, You Are The Only One That Can Get You There!

POWER THOUGHT OF THE DAY

TRADE AFFIRMATION FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT: Accolades fade quickly, but your accomplishments have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

TRADE IMMEDIATE PLEASURE FOR PERSONAL GROWTH: It takes an oak tree decades to grow, but it takes a squash only weeks. Which do you want to be?

TRADE EXPLORATION FOR FOCUS:  The younger you are, the more experimenting you should do. But once you have found what you were created to do, STICK WITH IT!

TRADE QUANTITY OF LIFE FOR QUALITY OF LIFE: Your life is not a dress rehearsal. Give it your best because you won't get another chance.

POWER THOUGHT OF THE DAY

NEVER GIVE UP IN WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN.

POWER THOUGHT OF THE DAY

"I CHOOSE TO LOVE MY LIFE

Find a balance between your creativity and your responsibility to the world. Share your innovative ideas and inspire others.

POWER THOUGHT OF THE DAY

"When change seems frightening, remember that it's the mother of new life, the one story line that we can count on to bring us home to our essential nature and our interconnectedness with the wholeness of life."

Borysenko, J. Saying Yes to Change. Pg. 173.

DOFITNESS TRAINING STATION

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