Health & Fitness
Captain Crunch
Just because our genes make up the shape of our bodies doesn't mean we can't give a different look to the shape.
No, I'm not referring to the cereal! Let's talk abs and core...
#1. You can do all the sit-ups, crunches and core work you want, but if you're not eating right you may never get to show off that six pack....and just forget about the eight!
#2. Genetic you say? Yes, there is truth to the fact that our bodies are gonna want to morph into those of our parents, aunts, grandparents etc. No point on working hard if we're still going to get the inevitable results right? If you answer "yes" I'll suggest what I suggest to my boot campers.....drop for 20!
Just because our genes make up the shape of our bodies doesn't mean we can't give a different look to the shape. I will never be as tall or beautiful as Cindy Crawford, but I can eat right, eat often and tone all those areas (aka: muffin top, saddle bags, spare tire!) that I see in my old family photos.....No offense Grandma!
#3. Form! Form! Form! Did I mention "Form"? As in #1, keep doing 100 count sit-ups while using those flailing arms to help pull you up or better yet, let your belly just hang out while you try to work those ab muscles....Hey, while you're there why not add a few more?
You can do 300 sit-ups and unless your abs are contracted (pulled in) throughout the movement, unless you keep your breathing steady (without gasps), unless your heels are firmly planted on the ground (having someone or something hold your feet down is cheating! Drop and give me 20 more!) Unless your arms are crossed over your chest or held close to your body......every bit of your sweat and effort will not get you into that polka dot bikini or for the guys, that tight little speedo you've been dying to wear (you know who you are!).
Bottom line? For great abs you don't have to kill yourself. Forget about genetics! Will I look like Cindy Crawford? Still, the answer is no. But, is it inevitable that I will have my grandmother's body? No.
Your body transformation begins today! Start fueling that hot bod with the highest grade fuel possible and never let the tank reach empty.... Keep your metabolism revved up and burning calories all day by eating every two and half to 3 hours. Each meal should consist of a protein (white meat chicken, turkey, lean cuts of beef, salmon, tuna, egg whites, yogurt...just to name a few) and a carbohydrate. When I suggest carbohydrates....we're talking fruits, vegetables, whole wheat breads, pastas etc. If you thought I meant doughnuts, pop tarts, Capt. Crunch cereal.....then drop for 20 more!
Let's talk good form....you can google or you tube any exercise that exists to see how it's done properly. Not everyone can afford a personal trainer or gym membership. Put a little work into finding a variety of different exercises you prefer to do and how to do them properly. Form is crucial to engaging muscles the exercise targets. Put all your energy in proper form instead of doing so many reps. Once your body fatigues, your form gets sloppy. Continue doing sloppy exercises then continue falling short of the look you are after!
Give up on the spot reduction.....not gonna happen! You'll lose inches and weight wherever your genes determine to give it up first! Keep working hard, eating right and eventually there will be nothing left to burn except the fat right around your problem area. Give up before you get to that spot?.....Go back to "Start" and repeat the series all over again until you can get back to the same place you were and don't give up this time!
Once I learned the simple truth, I realized there's no way around it! No quick fix (unless you go under the knife, which I do not recommend!) No diet pill. No detox. No fad.
Healthy diet AND exercise! Simple.
What's your favorite healthy food? What's your favorite exercise? Post!