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Instant Workouts

In part 1, Keep Life Simple-Keep Fitness Simple, we talked about the basic principles of weight training.

 

· Proper form.

· Switch your workout plan every 4-6 weeks. More often if you are an experienced weight trainer.

· The basic “Keep Life Simple” exercises are; bench press, lat pull downs, lunges, squats and crunches

· No more than 60 seconds rest between sets unless you’re a power lifter.

· Use enough weight. In general 8-10 reps to build muscle. For “toning” 12-15 reps.

You’re already doing everything right so what’s the problem? Where’s my six pack of abs?

Could it be what you’re eating? Did you know that about 80% of the results you want to see in your body have to do with the food you eat? Sure, the muscle is there but, we need to eat properly so that we can reveal the muscle that you have worked so hard for.

Let’s see; should I try the Grapefruit Diet, The Atikins Diet, The South Beach Diet, The Cabbage Soup Diet, The Zone? Should I go high protein, high carbs, no carbs, only eat low glycemic index? Do you see how complicated we can make eating just with the few diets I’ve listed? Personally, I’m waiting for the potato chips, chocolate chip cookie and ice cream diet!

Believe it or not eating is easier than you think. God created a wonderful variety of fresh foods for us to eat. In general if it comes in a box, don’t buy it. If it flies, swims, grows on a tree or in the ground, that’s what you should be eating.

Here’s how really simple this is. I’m going to give you a chart of foods you should never eat and a chart of foods you should always eat. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Some of you like to have a lot of choices of what to eat and others, well, too many choices become dangerous. It doesn’t look like you have a lot of things to choose from but, think of how many types of fruits and vegetables there are. Keep it simple and you can’t go wrong.

There is so much information out of nutrition and what a portion is but just in case you’re not sure, here’s the deal; Three ounces of meat is about the size of the palm of your hand. A serving of fruits, vegetables, rice, etc is about a half cup. That’s about the size of what you can hold in a cupped hand. If you go to a fast food restaurant and they ask you “would you like to supersize your meal?” Just say NO!

If you are a 350 pound linebacker, or a competitive athlete, those figures are going to vary but, for the general population those figures are going to work.

How do you tell if you’re eating the right amount of food? Again, keep it simple! How your body looks and how your clothes fit are still 2 of the best ways to see what’s working for you. You can also measure body fat, weigh and take measurements.

You know that we’re going to have to bring up the “w” word. Yes, water. Water is often over-looked as a nutrient. People who do not drink enough water often feel lethargic; have headaches, muscle aches and cramps. Many people do not know how much water they really need during a day.

How much water you need depends on your activity level, how many foods that you eat that are high in water content and if you drink alcohol, caffeine and your body weight. A good rule of thumb is the traditional 64 ounces per day. That’s 8-8 oz. glasses of water.

Personally, I like to get in 70% ounces to pound in body weight. If a person weighs 130 pounds, 70% of 130 pounds would be 91 ounces. If you are very active or drink a lot of coffee, you will need more water. Coffee and alcohol do not count as fluids in your diet. I actually had a client ask me if the water in his scotch and water counted toward his fluids for the day. The answer is….NO!!!!

Water is one of the most important elements of the human body. It makes up approximately 70% of our muscles, and about 75% of our brains. It is also an essential part of a healthy diet and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the body. Some of water's many benefits

· Transports essential nutrients throughout the body and rids the body of waste

· Acts as a lubricant for the body, moistening eyes, mouth, nose, and skin

· Helps maintain adequate blood volume

· Helps regulate body temperature, especially in warm weather

· Helps prevent constipation

· Helps medications to work

· Helps prevent urinary tract infections

· Acts as an appetite suppressant

· Is calorie-free

· Boosts metabolism when drunk cold (we burn 2 calories per glass as we warm it up to body temperature)

Be sure to reward your body with healthy food. After all, your body is the Temple of God, not a wood shed.

The third and final series to “Keep Life Simple” is motivation and visualization. You won’t want to miss this!

Phyllis Ward is the author of God’s Temple-40 Steps to Total Transformation, Christian Fitness Coach, and Personal Trainer. She is also a Sports Specialist for the Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. For more information about Phyllis or her services please visit www.godstemple40.com or email her at phyllis@godstemple40.com

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