I know it's cliche to write a fat-loss article for the New Year but it is something on people's minds this time of year so I'd like to throw a simple idea out there.

You can read literally thousands of fat-loss books that will describe many different complex formulas for losing weight BUT none of these resources are of any help if you can't stick with them.  So, instead of inundating you with even more information I'd rather challenge you with one single fat-loss tool (keep reading to find out what it is!)...
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I recently made my way over to Blue Skies Yoga (Kitchener) to check out their studio. It is amazing!  They have completely renovated an old loft into a beautiful (and environmentally-friendly) yoga studio. It was neat to see another business with such similar passions to those that led me to creating GreenFit.

Well, they have an open house happening Sunday, November 27 from noon-4pm where you can check out the studio, try a FREE class, and access their other services for FREE too!  Check out the invitation below for details:

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__Oftentimes clients ask me about which supplements they should be taking to ensure they get proper nutrition. Typically my answer goes something like this, "Try to get proper nutrition through food primarily. How can you change your diet so that you don't need to take supplements?"

That being said, there are reasons why people should take supplements.  For example, I believe most vegetarians should take a protein supplement.  Women benefit from taking folic acid during pregnancy. Some diseases or health conditions are more easily treated/beaten with supplementation. And, some people have food sensitivities that make it difficult to eat foods that provide certain essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients, etc.

So, let's take a look at vitamin supplements to begin with. What are the different types and which ones are best?
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I've had a lot of people asking what the MYBW Project actually looks like.  Well, here's a glimpse!  Check out this video to see the types of workouts we're doing in MYBW.  As always, you can join us for a FREE week at www.makeyourbodywork.com
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix everything together in a mixing bowl:
  • 1 cup of gluten-free flour of your choice
  • 1 cup of teff flour
  • 1 cup apple sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 bananas (mashed or blended)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons melted dairy-free butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bake for 40 minutes or until top crust is firm. Let stand for 30 minutes before removing from pan and cutting.
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Ready to hear about a strange study?  Here goes...

In 1996 a researcher named James Zachazewki began looking at women and the rate of incontinence (i.e. an inability to control when one's bowels) across various age groups.

His findings were shocking: 47% of females over the age of 38 experienced incontinence! More interesting was the fact that only 4% of women in that group who participated in regular resistance training had the same problem!

He concluded that resistance training enables the body to better communicate across a variety of body systems (not just muscular) and provides improved "whole-body stabilization," specifically when core muscles are focused upon during training.

So Do Lots of Crunches. Right?
It's a big misnomer to say that "core" and "abs" are the same thing.  They are not.  Your "core" is the entire midsection of your body including your abdominals (inner and outer), your lower back, your hips, and your glutes.  Unfortunately, many people focus on just the abs since a 6-pack is so often a goal at the gym.  Doing so many help strengthen the abs, but it will not provide the "whole-body stabilization" that enables you to move properly and avoid acute and chronic injury.

When I used to go to a mainstream gym I always got a lot of funny looks while I exercised because of the "weird-looking" moves I chose.  Yes, some of them do look weird but these are exactly the type of core-strengthening exercises everyone should incorporate into their routines.

Think about your workout routine for a minute.  Do you spend any time developing glute strength?  When is the last time you worked on your transverse abdominis (no, not your 6-pack)?  Neglecting these core muscles leaves you vulnerable to many problems (e.g. low back pain, as we discussed earlier this week, and others...including incontinence!)

Check out this link for some good core exercises (and yes, one is a crunch! - Please be diligent in following the technique described)
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As you may know, I am a BIG fan of resistance training using only your body weight or simple tools. As such, I just put together 2 quick tutorial videos showing how you can make and use your own suspension trainer (think TRX) at virtually no cost!
It takes less than 5 minutes to make it and then you will have a huge variety of exercises that you can do from home.  Check out the videos...
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Welcome! 10/23/2011
 
Hey Everyone,
Welcome to the re-vamped GreenFit web site.  There are going to be a number of excited things happening with GreenFit over the next few months so please stay tuned.  Also be sure to check in here for some awesome health, fitness, and/or environmental news and articles I will be posting.

Of course, feel free to add your own comments and questions - it's great to hear from you!
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