Surprised? I’ll explain:

I recommend you place the emphasis of your training on the [...]]]> When it comes to exercise, most conventional wisdom states that “more is better.” But, an overwhelming amount of research in recent years has shown that long cardio workouts are not only a waste of time, they can actually cause health problems.

Surprised? I’ll explain:

I recommend you place the emphasis of your training on the intensity of your exercise rather than the duration. This is the way I structure the routines in the Firestorm fitcamps! classes.

If you’re not currently attending the classes, may I respectfully recommend that you make doing this one of your health resolutions for 2012.

This one change will not only improve your heart and lung capacity and your overall health, but also it’s one of the best methods I know to quickly shed fat.

Where did we get the notion that jumping on the StairMaster, treadmill or Elliptical trainer was the way to go for fat loss? I think I know:

Dr. Cooper

Way back in the 60′s, Dr. Ken Cooper did some research that showed that aerobic exercise was good for your heart. We’ll go into the basis for this research some other time.

Thus began the “aerobics” craze.

In 1987, the same Ken Cooper found that “people who followed my exercise guidelines exactly, but ignored their diet and their weight, had heart attacks by age 55.”

O.K., I ain’t the sharpest knife in the drawer, but if you’re following exercise guidelines EXACTLY, shouldn’t there be a reduction in fat? And wouldn’t following the guidelines EXACTLY lead one to have a dietary guideline as well?

In 1992, Dr. Ken Cooper found that “research has shown that strenuous aerobic exercise is associated with oxidative stress and tissue damage.”

That can’t be good…why are we still listening to this guy?

He also found, in that same year, “the bodies need for oxygen during aerobic exercise seems to produce free radicals which can result in DNA damage, cancer, direct damage to muscle tissue and make the cells more susceptible to aging.”

Oh boy!

In 2000, Dr. Ken Cooper found that “there is no correlation between aerobic endurance performance and health, longevity or heart disease protection.”

And yet, walk into to any corporate health club and what takes up the most space in the entire facility? You guessed it . . .

This is NOT the optimum fat loss tool...

Row after row of cardio equipment. A veritable sea of elliptical’s, stair-climbers and treadmills.

Now you may understand a little better when people ask me what I do for “cardio” I always respond, “I run at the mouth and jump to conclusions.”

I haven’t done “cardio” in twenty years. My heart rate beats at 65 per minute, my body fat percentage is around 10 percent and my strength is great.

For those of you who feel that jumping on a bike, StairMaster, elliptical or treadmill for 30 minutes of movement is the best way to go, listen in on a conversation I had a short time ago:

“Steve, I used to do what I call “high-low” exercise. In other words, I would exercise in short intense bursts, then rest and repeat. But I made a change when I read something that said long, slow workouts are better – and that’s when I put on fat. Then I read somewhere and learned that long duration cardio signals the body that you NEED fat, so the body holds onto it. When I went back to “high-low” type training, I not only I cut my exercise time in half, but my slim figure returned in less than a month.”

Bottom line:

A) Jump on the “cardio” equipment for 30 minutes of steady state aerobic training and stay fat, or:

B) Use intervals for your sessions and slim down.

Kind of a no-brainer to me…and it really is just that simple.

Steve

HERE’S SOMETHING ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: If you’re ready to make some BIG changes and really serious about getting into great shape, dropping some weight and feeling strong, sexy and powerful again, then the Firestorm fitcamps! sounds like just what you’re looking for. Want a FREE 2 week trial to find out? Go to our online sign up page here or simply text the word “FIRESTORMPASS” TO 70000! It’s just that easy!!!

Our government thinks you’re a moron, and because of that, as well as the heavy handed nature of this administration and their excessive government regulation, I’m forced to add the following lines of B.S…as if you didn’t know this garbage already:
Firestorm fitcamps!:You will receive Text and e-mail alerts. Get up to 10 messages per month. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Terms & Conditions available here, email here, or call 210-884-2072

Bear in mind, these are simply the bare minimums of possible triumph and each [...]]]> If you’re one of a select group who is attracted to the concept of “looking like you work out” or want to wear your look like a walking billboard, prepare to take six basic, but necessary, steps to realizing that target.

Bear in mind, these are simply the bare minimums of possible triumph and each person is different. An understanding of this fact will help you to fine tune your own goals which might necessitate a few more, or less, procedures.

1. You simply must ingest fewer calories than you use, or in other words create a caloric shortage or deficit. Failure to comprehend this one will result in little to no success whatsoever in your goal of fat loss. You’ve got to become a human inferno and burn calories like mesquite wood in a fireplace.
2. Short of a miracle, the most proficient technique for bringing forth this “loss” is through a combination of intelligent, well-planned nutritional actions and smart exercise program selections.
3. Lean proteins, fruits and vegetables should make up the greater part of your dietary framework. Starches (both simple and complex) and refined carbohydrates of any kind must be kept to an utter minimum. Drink water consistently and frequently while striving to eat 4-6 small meals a day. In doing this you will assist your body in regulating your blood sugar levels as well as reinforce your plans for a solid, nutritionally complete eating regimen.
4. As far as training goes, use interval training and resistance training designed to increase your metabolic capacity to complete the ultimate level of gains for your hard work. In doing so you will also make the most of your time and effectiveness. Remember this: extended bouts of slow aerobic activity just can’t get the job done as far as calories burned now, especially when your desire is fat loss. What does that kind of innefficiency look like? How about 30 minutes of time on an elliptical trainer at a constant pace or a 2 mile walk at 3.0 miles per hour on a treadmill. And when you lift weights, always use a success producing routine, like multi-joint movements (squats, rows, pushups, etc) and full body routines if your ultimate goal is fat loss.
5. You will see amazing results when you train a minimum of six days a week. How do you do this? By performing three days of interval centered cardio and three days of strength training using free-weights, bands, body weight or some other type of resistance.
6. When it comes to supplements, remember this: supplements are exactly what they say they are…supplements to sound nutrition. In reality, there are very few (like in almost nothing) supplements out there that will have measurable impact on your physique. Sucks to be you, right? Don’t despair completely, however. There are a few that can potentially boost your metabolism somewhat, or give you a shot of energy down the stretch. This isn’t a given, so don’t get your hopes too high. Even though these have some value, when it comes to “rubber meets the road” measurable numbers in the form of fat lost, they simply do not carry much weight. (no pun intended) However, that doesn’t negate the possible necessity of taking some on a consistent basis. Multivitamins and fish oil fall into this category. They’re great, but they generally target your overall health. Protein powders and/or meal replacement supplements have a spot in your regimen, but really in the realm of expediency and ease of use. Most are nothing more than high quality food, so why not just eat that instead?

There you have it. The basics of fat loss maintenance. Follow these guidelines and see what “magic” takes place in your physique.

Yer Uncle Steve

Bear in mind, these are simply the bare minimums [...]]]> If you’re one of a select group who is attracted to the concept of “looking like you work out” or want to wear your look like a walking billboard, prepare to take six basic, but necessary, steps to realizing that target.

Bear in mind, these are simply the bare minimums of possible triumph and each person is different. An understanding of this fact will help you to fine tune your own goals which might necessitate a few more, or less, procedures.

1. You simply must ingest fewer calories than you use, or in other words create a caloric deficit. Failure to comprehend this one will result in little to no success whatsoever in your goal of fat loss. You’ve got to become a human inferno and burn calories like mesquite wood in a fireplace.
2. Plan ahead. Short of a miracle, the most proficient technique for bringing forth this “loss” is through a combination of intelligent, well-planned nutritional actions and smart exercise program selections.
3. Focused, supportive eating. Lean proteins, fruits and vegetables should make up the greater part of your dietary framework. Starches (both simple and complex) and refined carbohydrates of any kind must be kept to an utter minimum. Drink water consistently and frequently while striving to eat 4-6 small meals a day. In doing this you will assist your body in regulating your blood sugar levels as well as reinforce your plans for a solid, nutritionally complete eating regimen.
4. Smarter AND harder training. As far as training goes, use interval training and resistance training designed to increase your metabolic capacity to complete the ultimate level of gains for your hard work. In doing so you will also make the most of your time and effectiveness. Remember this: extended bouts of slow aerobic activity just can’t get the job done as far as calories burned now, especially when your desire is fat loss. What does that kind of innefficiency look like? How about 30 minutes of time on an elliptical trainer at a constant pace or a 2 mile walk at 3.0 miles per hour on a treadmill. And when you lift weights, always use a success producing routine, like multi-joint movements (squats, rows, pushups, etc) and full body routines if your ultimate goal is fat loss.
5. Frequency of effort. You will see amazing results when you train a minimum of six days a week. How do you do this? By performing three days of interval centered cardio and three days of strength training using free-weights, bands, body weight or some other type of resistance.
6. Real food is the key. When it comes to supplements, remember this: supplements are exactly what they say they are…supplements to sound nutrition. In reality, there are very few (like in almost nothing) supplements out there that will have measurable impact on your physique. Sucks to be you, right? Don’t despair completely, however. There are a few that can potentially boost your metabolism somewhat, or give you a shot of energy down the stretch. This isn’t a given, so don’t get your hopes too high. Even though these have some value, when it comes to “rubber meets the road” measurable numbers in the form of fat lost, they simply do not carry much weight. (no pun intended) However, that doesn’t negate the possible necessity of taking some on a consistent basis. Multivitamins and fish oil fall into this category. They’re great, but they generally target your overall health. Protein powders and/or meal replacement supplements have a spot in your regimen, but really in the realm of expediency and ease of use. Most are nothing more than high quality food, so why not just eat that instead?

There you have it. The basics of fat loss maintenance. Follow these guidelines and see what “magic” takes place in your physique.

Steve