5 Helpful tips for your next diet plan/weight-loss challenge

Why do we go on diets? Why do we sign up for weight loss challenges and swear that THIS will be the year you will lose that weight? Why do we "deprive" ourselves from the things that we know are not as healthy (when you research and know the effects on our bodies) for us.  No matter what plan or diet your are on you are looking for something very simple.  You are looking for structure. Something to keep you accountable...if you think about it only for a very short time frame compared to the rest of your life.  And that is EXACTLY what it will do, it will be strict, it will be tough, and it will not be fun right now.  However if you are really listening, what you will learn about food and about yourself will change the way you eat for the long-term and that is a victory in and of itself.  

5 Helpful tips for your next diet plan/weight-loss challenge

* Ask yourself what is that grounding reason for doing this and you will find success. Ask that questions to yourself 5 times and after each answer ask but why? Write it down.
Now think of that reason when you feel like quitting or want to give up on your challenge before you've reached the goal.  
* Be a student of food and the theory behind that food program you've trying out.
* Always have a time to start and end.  After that evaluate what you have accomplished and what you were able to learn.
* Its not the end if you fail, you will not go down a slippery slope like you think you will.  Finish. Hold yourself accountable and push the reset button.
* You have to move, exercise, workout harder than you did the day before.  Write it in a journal. Why harder the next day? because you can build on your accomplishments and push past your comfort zone just a little bit more next time.  Your body is more resilient than you think.  My definition of harder is also trying something different, new or challenging.  This also involves being disciplined enough to taking days off to let your body rest and recover.

My New Gym Location in the Heart of Chelsea!

Come check out the new gym location I'll be training from in 2012! Complete Body & Spa - 19th St. is conveniently located in the heart of Chelsea at 22 West 19th St. between 5th and 6th Avenues.  I will be offering one-on-one training sessions as well as an exclusive new class only at this location in NYC called ViPR Plus+ Group Training Class, it incorporates ViPR as well as other functional tools such as ropes, kettlebells, medicine balls and much more to give you a well-rounded calorie burning work out.  Space is limited so email me today to receive the upcoming winter class schedule. 


I really like to train at Complete Body & Spa and I know you will too.  They really do have an extensive variety of equipment to fulfill every training need and I was also impressed at how clean everything was kept. 


"Often described as a fitness fanatic and personal trainer’s dream gym – our 19^th St location offers an extensive selection of some of the most revered fitness equipment in the industry. We’ve got it all: hanging heavy bags, weighted sleds, heavy ropes, an extensive cardio line, isometric equipment, one of New York’s premiere free weight collections, and a full selectorized circuit. There’s every tool at our members and trainers disposal to create any dream body imaginable." - Complete Body & Spa


Come check it out for yourself!  Email me at gaelfitnesstrainer@gmail.com and I'll set you up with a free 7-Day pass.  

Don't forget your form! Cardio the Right Way

Performing proper form at the gym is essential to getting the most our of your workout and also preventing injuries that could keep you out of the weight room and out of shape for weeks or even months! So why risk it? Always make sure that you are executing the exercise correctly and with proper form. If you are unsure, ask one of the personal trainers at the gym that you go to. They will most likely want to help and if they don't...then you are probably going to the wrong gym. So, going back to form. Many times when people think about proper form they think about form when lifting heavy free weights or using the strength training machines but the truth is that correct form applies to everything you do in the gym - from simply how you pick weights up from the floor to how you keep good form when do your cardio sessions. Cardio is the part I want to emphasize on because its the area that I see most people forget about. How many times have you seen someone on the treadmill holding on for dear life with the speed cranked up all the way? Or someone who's loud stomping on the treadmill disrupts your favorite tune on your ipod? How many times have you seen someone on the StairMaster but they look like they might as well be lying down or taking a nap because eventhough their legs are moving the rest of their body is hanging off the machine? Take Notice next time you go to the gym. Cardio equipment should be used with proper form too. Incorrect repeated motion can cause your body a lot of damage in the long run. By preforming proper from you may also be able to even burn more calories so don't cheat your body out of having a complete body workout! If you feel your body is having to compensate during the exercise then slow down! Reduce the speed or the intensity level and build your capacity slowly over time. Get familiar with the machine and its various settings. Again don't be shy to talk to a personal trainer at your gym! As you progress, increase the intensity of your workouts by increasing speed, platform grade or program from time to time. Burning more calories is all about keeping your workout exciting and changing all the time. Also, keep a neutral spine during cardio exercises like the StairMaster, treadmill, and elliptical machines and use the handles or bars with a light grip if needed. Also when using stationary bikes make sure that the bike is set to your height and that your legs when completely extend still have a slight bend. Over extending the knee in this machine in repeated motion can cause injury to the knee. So go on take your cardio to another level and do it right!