New Years Resolution Trap

January 5, 2009 by getfitvisalia

New Year’s day…it never fails to evoke feelings of hope and renewal, but is it really a trap?

You’ve been handed a proverbial clean slate – another chance to shrug off your bad habits and reach for your dreams.

In an attempt to bottle that New Year’s vigor, you’ll make a few New Year’s Resolutions. But before you put pen to paper, you ought to know this:

It has been reported that 92 % of all New Year’s Resolutions end in failure.

That means that less than 1 out of every 10 people will successful accomplish their resolutions in 2009.

Ouch – those statistics are brutal. Who in their right mind would take the time to make resolutions when failure is that imminent?

As your trusted source for fitness advice, I’d like to coach you though this sticky situation. Yes, most people fail to achieve their New Year’s Resolutions. However, I am going to clue you in on what the 92% do wrong and teach you what the 8% who succeed do right.

First up, the 92% who failed. These well meaning folks shared a common mistake that put the nail in their coffin before they’d even begun.

They bit off more than they could chew.

In all the excitement of becoming a better person and changing their life in the New Year they made the crucial mistake of committing to do too much. But reality set in, a few weeks or even days into their reformed life, and they gave up.

The 92% gave themselves an easy way out. They approached their resolution with an ‘all or nothing’ attitude. Once the ‘all’ became too tough they opted for ‘nothing’. And just like that another resolution ended in failure – end of story.

Now let’s examine the 8% who succeed with their resolutions year after year. The key to their success is quite simple (you may have even guessed it by now).

They set realistic goals.

I’ll repeat that… they set REALISTIC goals.

  • Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds by June, they commit to exercise 3-4 times each week.
  • Instead of resolving to give up all carbs, they commit to bring healthy snacks to work instead eating from the vending machine.
  • Instead of resolving to drop 3 sizes in 3 months, they commit to losing 1 pound each week until they reach their desired size.
  • Instead of resolving to never eat out again, they commit to eating healthy all week and rewarding themselves with one meal out on the weekends.

Did you see the difference?

If you want your resolution to stick then think of something simple and realistic. Sure, it certainly won’t sound as cool as the resolutions that the 92% make – but they aren’t going to keep theirs anyway.

Remember that the whole point of making a New Year’s Resolution is to become a healthier, happier and more successful person. Small changes done consistently will make a big difference.

If your New Year’s Resolution has to do with losing weight and getting into great shape (and whose isn’t?) then guarantee your success by working with a fitness expert who can show you the ropes and guide you to success.

I’d love to team up with you – together we will transform your body in 2009!

Call or email to get started today.

So-Called Health Food

 

This is the time of year when grocery stores put ‘health’ and ‘diet’ foods on display. Before you reach for that box of ‘health bars’ or ‘100 calorie packs’ take a moment to actually read the nutrition label. Many of these items aren’t healthy at all. They are simply cleverly disguised junk food that will actually promote weight gain rather than weight loss. Stick with items that are low in sugar and fat, and eat fresh produce often.

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

“Change your life and shape your physique with just three hours a week, 100% guaranteed or your money back!!!”

Empower Fitness Training Visalia’s Premier Personal Training Studio

Having Some Fun At Empower Fitness Training

December 30, 2008 by getfitvisalia
Jason keeping a watchful eye on his clients

Jason keeping a watchful eye on his clients

Great form and focus, looks like fun!

Great form and focus, looks like fun!

Enjoying a 30 Minute Blitz Workout!

Enjoying a 30 Minute Blitz Workout!

 Empower Fitness Training is now offereing group personal training services through our 30 minute blitz workout.  Empower Fitness Training  is a full service personal training business that offers semi-private personal training, group personal training, and nutritional counseling.

For additional information call (559)636-3488 or visit us on the web at www.empowerfitnesstraining.com

ASK ABOUT OUR NEW YEARS SPECIAL!!!

Effective Workouts!

December 30, 2008 by getfitvisalia

 

5 Signs That You’re Doing it Right

Ever wonder just how effective your workout routine really is?

Maybe you saw great results when you first started to exercise, but now those results have come to a screeching halt.

Want to know why?

If the following 5 statements accurately describe your exercise routine, then fear not-you’re doing it right. However, if the following 5 statements don’t describe your exercise routine then listen up-there’s no better time than now to rev up your routine.

1. You Make the Most of Each Move: Gone are the days when workouts lasted more than an hour and you had time to single out each muscle individually. These days time is of the essence, and compound movements deliver excellent results in less time than ever before.

Not sure if your routine includes compound movements? Any exercise that uses two or more joints is considered to be a compound movement. Squats and lunges are great examples. If you want to pack even more benefit into each move then try adding a shoulder press with your squats and a bicep curl with your lunges.

2. You Keep it Intense: Let’s be honest, at one time or another you’ve spent time in the gym ‘exercising’ without ever breaking a sweat. Maybe you drifted from one machine to the next or joined an aerobics class for a few minutes, but the bottom line was that your heart wasn’t into it.

Workouts that lack intensity are practically a waste of time. Your body craves a challenge, and you see the most results when you keep your intensity high. Keep your workouts concise and push yourself with each exercise.

3. You’re Consistent: Anyone can have one great workout, but one workout won’t translate into killer results-only consistency will do that for you. Exercise must be a part of your daily routine, plain and simple.

One of the best ways to stay consistent with your routine is to do your workout at the same time everyday. We are creatures of habit, so once your exercise schedule has been firmly set you’ll find the process to be automatic, rather than an occasional afterthought.

4. You Seek a Challenge: Just like hairstyles, exercise routines quickly become outdated. That is why the best routines are dynamic, and the worst routines never change. How do you know when your routine needs to be updated?

You’ll know how effective your routine is by the results, or lack there of, that you experience. If you feel that you are simply going through the motions then stop wondering about the effectiveness of your routine and start doing something new.

5. You’re Having a Blast: Do you dread the very thought of going for a jog, but force yourself to do it simply because you’ve no other ideas for exercise? Stop right there. Exercise is an enjoyable activity, especially when you find the form that is best suited for your personal preferences.

If you don’t like exercise there is a good chance that your technique needs help. I pride myself in showing my clients the fun side of exercise-yes, exercise is fun!

If your routine includes all of the above then congratulations – you are doing it right. You’re consistent, you challenge yourself and you’re seeing results. However, if your routine doesn’t include the above, you now have the blueprints to do it right.

Want a routine that incorporates everything you need to reach your fitness goals? Call or email today to set up a consultation and I’ll show you how to get amazing results in less time than you think.

That’s Nutty

Recent studies confirm that nuts are an important part of a healthy diet. Nuts promote a healthy heart, improve digestion and help ward off cancer. Of course, nuts need to be eaten in moderation, as they are a calorie dense food. Incorporate a small handful of raw almonds into your daily diet, and reap the healthy benefits of nuts.

Enjoy!

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

What’s Dragging You Down!

November 18, 2008 by getfitvisalia
 Have you ever seen a bucket full of crabs? They pinch and pull as they struggle to climb over one another to reach the top of the bucket – to freedom.

Ask any fisherman and they’ll tell you that a bucket full of crabs doesn’t need a lid – they simply won’t escape.

Why? Well, it’s not impossible for a crab to climb to the top, and really if they worked together it would be quite easy. But crabs don’t work together…

Instinctively crabs pull each other down-literally.

When one crab breaks away from the pack, reaching its pinchers toward the top of the bucket, the others promptly grab onto the escapee’s leg, pulling him back down. That crab is then pushed to the bottom of the pile and his dream of freedom is crushed.

People have a way of acting just like a bucket of crabs. Have you ever decided on a personal goal only to have someone in your life talk you out of it?

Do you have crabs in your life? A crab is…

  • The person who discourages you from going to the gym
  • The person who scoffs when you mention your weight loss goals
  • The person who snickers when you choose salad over pizza

The crab mentality says “If I can’t have it, then neither can you.” When you decide to do something different, to reach for a goal and to improve yourself, the crabs in your life will do their best to hold you back.

Keep Crabs at Bay:
When crabs come snapping, remember the following:

  1. Ignore them: When someone in your life begins to pull you down with discouraging words, remember that you don’t have to listen. Don’t let them get into your head. Mentally tune them out or politely remove yourself from the situation. Who are they to tell you what you can or can’t achieve?
  2. Understand them: Ouch! Insults and put-downs hurt, especially when they come from people that we care about. So what is the deal? Why do your friends, co-workers and even your spouse turn into crabs when you decide to improve your life? Do they really hope that you don’t succeed? The truth is that crabs are thinking about themselves-not about you. They see you attempting to better yourself and to change your life. Whether they realize it or not, this scares them. If you better yourself will you still like them? Or will you leave them behind?
  3. You hold the power: Even the most persuasive crab doesn’t hold a candle to your iron will. When you are ready to change, and you’ve made up your mind without an inkling of doubt, then 90% of the work is done. Your mind is the most powerful tool at your disposal-don’t let a wimpy crab rob it from you.

Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? Don’t wait any longer. Join the ranks of my successful clients-schedule your first workout today.

And don’t let a single crab talk you out of it!

 

Super Flour

 

You know that wheat bread is a healthier choice than white bread-so why not enrich your home baking with super flour? Regular flour is processed and contains little nutritional value, while super flour is packed with healthy grains.

To make one cup of super flour place the following in a one cup dry measuring cup: 1 tablespoon wheat germ, 1 tablespoon wheat bran, 1 teaspoon soy flour and 1 teaspoon nonfat powdered milk. Top off with whole wheat flour.

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

“Change your life and shape your physique with just three hours a week, 100% guaranteed or your money back!!!”

Empower Fitness Training Visalia’s Premier Personal Training Studio

30 Minute Blitz Workouts

November 5, 2008 by getfitvisalia

This has been my kick off week for my 30 minute full body circuit group workouts, I call “The Blitz”.  Things are off to a great start, my clients are loving the workouts, and enjoying the new challenge.  If you are in a workout rut, or not getting the results from your current workout routine, I urge you to come and try a 30 minute blitz workout, it’s like nothing you have ever tried.  Call today for workout out times (559)636-3488

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-33488

Weight Loss Pills!

October 14, 2008 by getfitvisalia
Weight-Loss Pills: Do they work?

 

Let’s be honest for a moment. You’ve seen the advertisements for weight loss pills-you know the ones with those amazing before and after pictures-and you’ve wondered to yourself…do they work?

Diet pills are everywhere, they tempt from store shelves, from infomercials and from glossy magazine pages. You probably know someone who is dabbling with diet pills or maybe you’ve tried them yourself. Have you ever wondered how they work?

Weight loss pills can be broken down into 3 basic categories:

  1. Appetite Suppressants: These work just like it sounds. The appetite-regulating region of your brain (the hypothalamus) is tricked by blockage of the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. As a result you feel like you’ve just eaten a big meal, so you’re less likely to overeat.
  2. Stimulants: These types of weight loss pills used to contain a combination of ephedra and caffeine to raise energy expenditure (thermogenesis) while also reducing appetite. You’re probably aware that these pills were proven in some cases to be deadly, so ephedra was taken off the market. Stimulant pills now contain other ephedra-like substances, vitamins and caffeine. The idea is to increase energy and boost metabolism.
  3. Fat Blockers: These pills inhibit the action of the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fat during the digestion process. The goal is to prevent a percentage of the fat you’ve eaten from being absorbed into your system.

So we return to our burning question. Do the pills work? Here’s what the diet pill companies say:

  • “You’ll lose 30lbs in 30 days”
  • “Achieve rapid weight loss results”
  • “Burn calories and fat 24 hours a day”
  • “Fights fat and delivers rapid weight loss”

Those claims are amazing…too bad they are just that-claims. It’s so tempting to imagine that those benefits could be gained just by swallowing a pill. Tempting enough to make diet pills a multibillion dollar a year industry. Hmmm, makes you wonder that if that many diet pills have been taken then why don’t we all look like swim suit models yet?

While diet pills showcase a few star subjects, none of whom live on your block, the world is full of real people who have lost weight and improved their lives with exercise and healthy eating. Check out these proven benefits of exercise:

  • Increased Weight Loss
  • Strengthens Heart and Lungs
  • Improved Sleep Pattern
  • Increased Strength
  • Improved Coordination
  • Raised Self Esteem
  • Renewed Confidence
  • Feel Good Endorphins
  • Feel Younger Than Ever
  • Improved Mood

A pill may slightly increase your metabolic rate for a time or may suppress your appetite, and you may lose a few pounds. However, a pill alone cannot produce serious or permanent weight loss. A pill cannot deliver the same results as healthy nutrition and regular exercise.

And weight loss pills have been known to give the following side effects:

  • Raised blood pressure
  • Increased risk of heart attack
  • Cramping, gas and diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
  • Dry Mouth
  • Insomnia

The bottom line is that true weight loss can’t be achieved by a pill.

If you really want to lose weight, if you’re looking for long term health benefits then look no farther than your sneakers. That’s right, lace them up and go for a jog. Then schedule a time to meet with me.

Together we will turn you into a walking talking billboard for the benefits of exercise.

Trick or (Healthy) Treat?

 

Halloween is almost here and that can only mean one thing-it’s time to buy treats for the kids. And like every other year you’ll end up eating the leftovers. This year stick with healthy treats like boxed raisins, fruit cups, string cheese, granola bars or non-food items like colorful pencils, erasers or coloring books. You’ll save yourself plenty of calories.

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

“Change your life and shape your physique with just three hours a week, 100% guaranteed or your money back!!!”

Empower Fitness Training Visalia’s Premier Personal Training Studio

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30 Minute Workouts

October 6, 2008 by getfitvisalia

We are just 2 weeks away from starting our all new 30 minute workouts.   I just finished up on the final construction of my building, and should have all of the needed equipment by the end of the week.  I am so excited about these workouts.  They are going to be unlike any other program offered in Visalia.  The workouts are going to be 30 minutes long, and involve various endurance and resistance exercises for the body.  This facility is going to be the anti-gym, a step out from the normal big box gym, and offer a real workout that gets results and pushes your body to new levels.  I will be offering a free 14 day pass once we kick start the classes.  For more information call (559)636-3488.

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

Empower Fitness Training In Visalia offering services you can not get anywhere else especially not at In Shape Health Club, Snap Fitness, or Valley’s Gym.

Weight Loss Simplified

October 1, 2008 by getfitvisalia
Small changes make a big difference

How many times have you told yourself that you need to lose weight?

I’m not talking about a couple pounds either – I’m talking about 20 or more pounds of extra fat that you’d like to see disappear.

I’ve come to notice a trend. Most people psyche themselves out before they ever start losing the weight. It’s as if the enormity of their goal simply puts them into shut down mode, and they give up on the idea entirely.

Has this ever happened to you? You try out a diet or exercise plan for a week or so, and then you get frustrated when your body looks the same as before. So you give up.

Weight loss isn’t a speedy thing. It takes time to gain weight – many people put on weight for years and then expect to lose it in a few weeks or months. It doesn’t work that way.

So instead of pressuring yourself into losing 50 pounds in two months, how about sticking with a realistic, proven way for long term weight loss: Small changes to your lifestyle over time will make the difference.

In practical terms, make it your goal to drop one pound a week.

Now, this may not seem like that much, but if you did this consistently for one year it would result in 50 lbs lost. All it takes are small changes in your daily lifestyle. Let’s break the process down…

How to shed a pound a week: Burn 3500 extra calories.

It really is that simple. Try the following three steps:

  1. Record your normal weekly exercise – look at everything from walking to participating in sports to exercising in the gym. This is your starting point. You need to burn an additional 3500 calories on top of your normal weekly exercise. If you don’t currently exercise, then this step is really easy for you, a simple blank page will do.
  2. Record your normal weekly food intake – this may be hard to do honestly, but remember that you are only cheating yourself by not recording everything. Calculate the total number of calories that you eat in an average day. In your quest for dropping inches you shouldn’t exceed your normal daily caloric intake – you should, rather, work at slowly decreasing that number. Remember, we are going for a 3500 calorie deficit each week – this can be done by a combination of increased calorie exertion (exercise) as well as a decrease in calories consumed (eating less).
  3. Chart the difference – now that you know your starting point for both calorie exertion and calorie intake it is time to turn the tables in your favor. Take every opportunity to exert more calories by increasing your physical activity, and to decrease your calorie consumption by eating fewer calories and by making healthier selections. Record your progress in a notebook and refer back to it often. You will be surprised how encouraging it is to see your progress written down on paper.

Remember, if you burn up 500 calories a day you will drop a pound in a week.

Here are some practical ways to lose calories:

If you normally… Do this instead…
Drink regular soda pop Drink water or diet soda pop (160 calories lost)
Eat a snack from a vending machine Enjoy an apple (180 calories lost)
Hit the snooze button in the AM Jog for 30 minutes before work (150 calories lost)
Skip your workout See me for an invigorating workout (changes your life!)

Weight loss doesn’t have to be allusive. Make small changes each and every day toward a healthier, fitter you. Remember that small changes make a big difference.

I’m always available to help – call or reply to this email to set up your free consultation.

Emotion Creates Motion

Can you remember a time when you felt completely discouraged with your body? It’s easy to beat yourself up when the body that you have is miles from the one you want. When negative emotions flood over you resist the urge to get down on yourself, rather turn the tides in your favor. You may have heard the expression ‘emotion creates motion’. This is a very powerful tool. Channel your dissatisfaction with your body into ‘motion’. Take control of your body and put a plan into action.

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

“Change your life and shape your physique with just three hours a week, 100% guaranteed or your money back!!!”

Empower Fitness Training Visalia’s Premier Personal Training Studio

30 Minute Blitz

September 30, 2008 by getfitvisalia

Hello all, very exciting stuff is happening at Empower Fitness Training.  Introducing Visalia’s first 30 minute blitz workouts, no other facility in our area will be offering a workout that compares to our 30 minute blitz workouts.  In Shape City, Snap Fitness, Valley’s Gym, Lifestyles Center, do not offer a service that compares.  With our 30 minute blitz workouts you will kill to birds with one stone your cardio training, and weight training.  The workouts are designed to incinerate fat off of your body, and build a lean and tone body, with minimal time. Call for class details (559)636.3488  Visalia’s First 30 minute blitz workout facility at Empower Fitness Training.

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

What’s your Health Clubs Not Offering You?  Accountability

Weight Loss Myths Debunked

September 25, 2008 by getfitvisalia
The 5 Most Outrageous Weight Loss Myths

These days you can’t go anywhere without hearing about a new weight loss breakthrough. A pill, a cream, or a new fad diet – you name it and it’s going to solve all of your weight loss problems in 30 days or less. Or not.

The truth is that most of the things you hear about weight loss are hype. Plain and simple.

Here are the top 5 myths about weight loss:

Myth #1: You can spot reduce fat from specific areas of your body

This myth is as old as the hills, yet it persists. It must be that the thought of melting fat from any desired part of the body is so appealing, however untrue it may be.

In reality your body will lose weight wherever it wants to. It’s safe to assume that you’ll lose fat ‘last place on, first place off’. So if you put on weight first in your thighs and then on your waist, then expect it to come off your waist first and then your thighs.

Myth #2: You have to count calories for weight loss

There are so many fad diets out there that paint the picture that weight loss is a complicated process. You have to eat certain foods at certain times and avoid other foods at all costs. Of course all of these popular diets conflict over which foods you should or shouldn’t eat.

The truth is that you don’t have to make weight loss such a science. Simply eat healthy fresh foods that haven’t been processed, and eat smaller amounts than you’re eating today.

No brain science there, just results.

Myth #3: You will bulk up with resistance training

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard women tell me that they won’t do resistance training because they don’t want to bulk up. Each time I have to hide my smile.

You see, the process of bulking your muscles takes a lot of hard work. You have to consume high amounts of protein and you have to consistently tax your muscles to fatigue. And you have to have the male hormone testosterone coursing through your body. In short, there is no way to accidentally bulk up.

Myth #4: You can get a six pack from crunches

Just focusing on crunches will not make your midsection chiseled. Hey, ab crunches are great, and you should do them, but don’t rely on them to get into great shape.

A trim midsection will only come as a result of proper nutrition, effective cardio and consistent resistance training.

Myth #5: Cardio is the most important exercise for fat loss

Most people think of cardiovascular activities when they think of working out. Going for a run, riding a stationary bike, or taking an aerobics class. Well, times have changed and so should your workout.

The benefits of resistance training now trump straight cardiovascular training. Resistance training strengthens your heart while toning muscles and increasing bone density.

Cardio workouts are not completely a thing of the past, they should fit into your overall plan for health and wellness. The benefits of resistance training, especially in fat loss, are astounding.

Do you have other weight loss beliefs that simply aren’t delivering results? Call or email me today and I’ll help you bust the myths, discover the truth, and create a fitness and fat loss program that will give you the body that you deserve.

Too Little of a Good Thing

Do you know the absolute BEST way to GAIN weight? Not eating. Does that come as a surprise? Fasting for extended periods of time actually slows your metabolism (your body’s rate of calorie burning). Add to that the fact that you will lose muscle and energy by not supplying your body with proper nutrients. Instead eat small healthy meals every 4 hours.

Andy Salazar

Empower Fitness Training

(559)636-3488

“Change your life and shape your physique with just three hours a week, 100% guaranteed or your money back!!!”

Empower Fitness Training Visalia’s Premier Personal Training Studio