Saturday, April 07, 2007
Can You Think Yourself Thin?
Thursday, March 15, 2007
You can have amazing abs, learn how!
So you want to narrow your waist, flatten your abs and become the envy of all your friends, right? Of course you do - who doesn't?
Well, here is yet another reason to get flat abs: recent studies suggest that an excess of fat deposits around the abdominal region significantly contributes to the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other life-threatening conditions.
Whether your motivation for attaining great abs is rooted in the health benefits or, more likely, in looking phenomenal then this is one newsletter you simply must read all the way through.
Why is it that so many people wish they had great abs, but never attain it?
Contrary to popular belief, doing millions of crunches will not sculpt your abs. While there is a time and a place to use the beloved crunch in your waist slimming effort, this alone will not create the body of your dreams. The key to creating an enviable midsection lies in your ability to effectively challenge your abdominal muscles.
The "crunch" movement only targets your upper abdominal muscles, the ones found between your rib cage and belly button. Imagine you are doing a crunch - better yet, get down and do one - notice where you feel the burn. Those are your upper abs.
To effectively sculpt your waist, focus on strengthening your upper, lower and side abdominal muscles. In order to achieve an overall look of symmetry your flat abs routine should consist of at least one exercise for each portion of your midsection.
A surefire way to kick up the intensity, and thus the results, of your abdominal workout is to add resistance training. By working your midsection against resistance you open up the possibility for greater muscle stimulation which equals greater results. You can do this by using a medicine ball, cable machine, elastic band or dumbbell.
This means burning off the layer of fat. (No matter how big or small it may be.) The following two pronged approach works every time:
First, consistent cardiovascular exercise is needed to burn off stored energy. Follow these three tips to ensure your success:
- Choose an aerobic exercise that uses major muscle groups such as walking, jogging, swimming, or biking.
- Find an exercise that you enjoy. This will make it easy for you to stick with it.
- Make sure that you are exercising aerobically for at least 30-60 minutes three times a week. However, feel free to do it longer and more frequently.
Second, to uncover your abdominal muscles we have to discuss....your eating habits. I'm sorry to say it, but the food that you put in your mouth will surely have an effect on the size and shape of your waist. Use these three pointers to slash fat:
- Eat small meals frequently throughout the day and avoid overeating.
- Processed foods should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely.
- Load up on vegetables and lean meat before partaking in grains or starches.
There you have it - your plan for awesome abs. Do you have questions about the information presented in this newsletter? Or how would you like to slim down just in time for summer?
I am here to help. My passion is coaching people just like you to achieve their goals.
Contact me today. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
7 Easy Ways to Cut 250 Calories
Think of it this way: 1 pound is made up of 3,500 calories, which holds 250 a total of 14 times. When you cut 250 calories off the top of your daily caloric tally, the result will be a pound lost every 2 weeks. In other words, you will drop up to 2 pounds every month.
Are you still with me? I know that we live in a world filled with “no sweat” plans to “easily” drop 30 pounds in a month, and I’m talking about losing that much over 12 months—but hear me out.
While your emotions may be stirred by a compelling advertisement for expedited weight 1oss, the truth is that gradual weight loss has been proven to not only be healthier, it also is more likely to stay off.
You see, by gradually cutting 250 calories out of your daily tally, you are doing something very powerful and necessary towards the successful achievement of your goals. You are improving your lifestyle. And that is the key to fitness and weight loss success.
Incorporate one of these activities into your daily life, and enjoy healthy long-term weight 1oss:
- Drink plain coffee instead of a frappuccino
Flavored coffee drinks may be delicious, but did you know that they are bursting with calories? Whenever you find yourself in line at the coffee shop, stick with plain coffee or tea instead of sugar-filled “dessert drinks”.
- Pass on a doughnut or pastry
- Jog for 30 minutes
- Exchange 20 oz of regular soda for water
By now you know that soda pop is not good for you—so why are you still drinking it? Every time you crave an ice cold cola picture swallowing spoonfuls of white sugar. Yikes, talk about a set up for weight gain. Stick with water and kiss those extra calories goodbye.
- Swim laps for 30 minutes
- Eat an apple instead of a cookie
If you are like most people I know, then you probably get a hankering for something sweet after dinner. While your first instinct may be to reach for a cookie or a bowl of ice cream, why not consider what nature has to offer? Fruit is sweet, natural and lower in calories than baked goods.
- Clean house for 60 minutes
And if you really want to kick it up a notch and stoke those flames – hire a personal trainer who can take you from start to finish in less time then you think. Want to find the best personal trainer in town? Just send me an email =)
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Discovered: The Fountain of Youth
What if I told you that the Fountain of Youth had been discovered and that you could reap the benefits of its life-extending, body-enhancing powers today? You would probably think I had either lost my mind or that I was about to pitch a new line of supplements to you! But it’s true, the Fountain of Youth exists, and I need you to read on, because these next few paragraphs will change the way you view your body forever:
Age creeps up on you in the form of lowered metabolism, easier weight gain and aching muscles and joints. In fact, at the age of 50 most people begin to lose 12% of their muscle strength and 6% of their muscle mass with each passing decade. It’s no wonder that for centuries people have been so intrigued with finding the Fountain of Youth!
But did you know the real culprit behind age-related ailments? Disuse That’s right—your body feels the effects of aging most when you don’t use it! Makes sense, doesn’t it? In youth we are generally active and vigorous, and as the years pass by we tend to be more cautious and less apt toward physical activity. This disuse takes quite a toll on our bodies.
Exercise is the Fountain of Youth.
Exercise is the only proven way to drastically combat aging and to regain your youthful body. In fact, most people are able to regain up to 1/3 of their muscle strength and mass after participating in an exercise program for just a couple of months. Many studies have also shown that seniors who exercise regularly live longer than those who don’t. Isn’t that amazing!
What if you aren’t 50 yet—maybe not even 40? Should you simply sit back and relax, since aging is so far off in your future? No! If you are younger than 50, I still have one piece of advice for you—exercise! By making exercise a part of your daily life you are in the position to arm yourself against ever feeling the full effect of aging on your body. What a powerful thing! And guess what? Exercise brings you a plethora of other benefits as well. And you thought that exercise was only useful for losing weight! Not only will exercise increase your strength and muscle mass, check out this list of the proven benefits of exercise:
- improved sleeping patterns
- improved blood profile
- increase in bone density
- increased life expectancy
- improved cardiovascular health
- decrease in life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, insulin resistance and heart disease
- increased muscle strength
- decreased blood pressure
- improved psychological health
- increase in mobility and flexibility
Wow! Did you know that exercise could do all of that for you? It has been proven that regular exercise will help keep you younger even as your age increases. And we are talking about both physical and metal youth.
So now that you know the secret power of exercise, what should you do to harness it? Participate in a regular exercise program and feel younger and more vibrant than ever! Making the decision to get into shape will be the best one you make in your life, and I encourage you to contact me to jump start your exercise program.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Summer Vacation Fitness Tips
Summer vacation is a wonderful time to get away from it all-a cruise, a camping trip or even an African safari-an opportunity to take yourself miles away from ordinary...
But did you know that the average person gains almost a pound a day while on vacation?
That's right! Lazy vacation days usually lead to one dreaded thing: extra pounds. From missed workouts to large restaurant meals, travel days often become high calorie days.
As you embark on your next vacation adventure keep the following tips in mind, and come home fitter than when you left!
TIP #1: Be ActiveIf your travels keep you too busy for a workout, or if your hotel does not have an exercise room, make a conscious effort to be active everyday. Go on a brisk walk after your day’s activities. This is a great way to see a new city, and also a great way to burn off that rich dinner you just ate! Take the stairs instead of elevator in your hotel and any other buildings you visit. Go on a short jog in the mornings or evenings of your stay. If your hotel has a pool, swim a few laps each morning or evening.
TIP#2: Indulge with ControlEating out is a must while on vacation. Whether you're visiting 5 star restaurants or fast food diners, you are faced with the same problem: large portions. While the easiest thing to do with a large portioned meal is to simply eat it all-you are on vacation after all...right?-that isn't the best for your waist!
When you order your meal ask the waiter or waitress to bring you a to-go box. Take half of your meal and place it safely into the box before you even begin to eat. This gives you no choice but to eat a healthy portion. If you would rather not carry around a to-go box then ask that your entrée be made into a smaller portion. If it is dinnertime ask for the lunch-sized entrée.
TIP#3: Snack HealthyHave you ever noticed how travel days create the perfect opportunity for snacking? A coffee and muffin before your flight, a snack on the plane and then before you know it—it’s lunch time! Taking a road trip? This opens up even more opportunities for regrettable snacking...rest stop vending machines, gas station quickie marts and of course the never ending string of fast food restaurants along the highway.
This summer cut unhealthy snacking off at the pass by brining along your own healthy options. Dried or fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, health bars, cut veggies and low fat crackers are a good start. By filling up on these healthy snacks between meals you will end up eating less when presented with a less-than-healthy meal.
TIP #4: Avoid Fried FoodsWhile fast food restaurants are definitely convenient, with their low prices and quick service, this convenience is not worth the additional pounds brought on by chips and fries. As you enjoy your vacation keep this in mind: avoid fried foods. While this is always good advice to follow, it is even more important to abide by while traveling.
While vacationing you will likely burn fewer calories each day than you would burn at home, and you are consuming more calories due to your schedule of eating out. You are walking a fine line, and eating fried foods would throw you right over the edge. A gram of fat contains 9 calories as compared to the 4 calories that proteins and carbohydrates carry-so you can see that consuming fried foods will drastically increase your caloric intake.
If I still haven’t convinced you to pass on the curly fries, keep in mind that heartburn and indigestion are never fun…especially while on vacation!
Together we will come up with a fitness plan that is uniquely yours, one that fits your lifestyle and brings you promptly to your goals-something that you will appreciate while on vacation and at home.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
ESCAPE Ride
If you are interested in sponsoring me in this endeavor please contact me through this site and I will be happy to give you instructions on how you can become a part of the event. Either financially or by becoming a volunteer.
Thank you all for your support! Every day, Every way!
Monday, June 13, 2005
A Benefit for St Jude Children's Hospital
When: June 25, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Where: Coors Fitness Center located in the Ritchie Center at Denver University
Cost: A suggested donation of $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids 12-18
(All proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)
Contact: www.recreation.du.edu or call 303-871-7684 for more information.
MS - Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis
David Corder NSCA-CPT
Thursday, May 12, 2005
An Email Conversation with Bill
I am a 57-year-old man who alternates between a treadmill and fast street-walking (about 4 mph) for cardio fitness. My “target” heart rate has been set by a cardiologist at 123 to 148 beats per minute. I like to get about an hour in “the zone” 5 to 6 times a week. My knees are not in the greatest shape (this becomes important in a moment).
On the treadmill, using speed and incline controls, I find it very easy to achieve a heart rate in the 140s and low 150s without much strain on my knees. I do six 10-minute “sets” on the treadmill, with “slow” or “easy” sets being a heart rate of 138-142, and “fast” or “hard” being 145-151.
When I do the street-walking (I call it “scurrying,” because it is faster than walking but slower than running), it takes quite a while to get my heart rate above the mid-120s, but using hills and with the passage of, say, 30 minutes, I can achieve 140s.
Generally speaking, I can achieve & maintain higher heart rates with the treadmill. However, after doing a street scurry, I am much more aware of having “exercised” – my muscles are sore, my knees are sore, and I feel as if more muscle groups have been in play. The treadmill seems easy by comparison, although I challenge myself in terms of speed and incline during the “hard” segments.
Now, here is the question: Which exercise is better? Should I favor the treadmill’s longer/higher time in the “zone,” or should I favor the street-scurry’s feeling of having got more exercise?
This question has been bugging me for two years, and if you answer it I will gladly forward you an appropriate consulting fee.
Many thanks!
Bill
Bill,
Thank you for your question. Your situation is interesting and shared by many people. The two exercises you are using both have their good and bad points, as do almost any exercises depending on a clients personal needs.
Treadmill: The treadmill is an exercise "machine". Machines are designed to help us do the work prescribed. In this case the treadmill helps to avoid excessive stress to the joints while still keeping the "cardio" function of walking at a high level. As you have discovered, the treadmills design is great and it does exactly what it is supposed to. The major drawback with machines is that they take the joy out of the action they are helping. You are stuck in a stationary position void of the wonderful out door environment. Also, because of their help, you are not feeling the "workout" as much as when you walk.
Walking: Walking is such a great workout. It provides not only physical but emotional benefits. It is more difficult to reach your goals because the environment is not as easy to adjust as the treadmills'. You feel the "workout" more because the impact of walking is not softened by a machine and as you fatigue joints and muscles others join to help. Thus you feel like you worked out more.
Your knees are of the greatest importance here. The fact that they are "not in the greatest shape" tells me that the treadmill it the best choice. But, also, lets me know that there may be other issues at work here. Without knowing what the cause of the knee condition is I would suggest that some conditioning of the legs, primarily the quadriceps, might be in order.
I hope this helps in your decision. I am here if you need more information.
David Corder, NSCA-CPTwww.perfectfitwc.com
David:
Is there anything I can do for you? Do you have a PayPal account? Can I pay you for this great advice?
Many, many thanks.
Bill
Bill,
At this time I really recommend the treadmill over just walking. I really hope you can have the knee problem diagnosed and dealt with. If not a knee replacement might very well be in the future. That is something I hope you don't have to go through.
Do something for me? Yes, let people know about my site.
Yes, I have a PayPal account. But no compensation is necessary.
Do well and stay healthy.
David Corder, NSCA-CPTwww.perfectfitwc.com
Monday, April 11, 2005
Question and Answer Session At Denver University
--What are some of the current fitness trends that you're seeing right now? Are there any popular ideas that your clients are bringing to you now more than before?
Fitness "trends" come and go. The one constant is health. With so many of us becoming less active in our work environments and also in our leisure activities "fitness" is the buzz word for health. Exercise and Nutrition are the "trends" but need to be a way of life. My clients come to me with so many thoughts on exercise and nutrition. They want to see results NOW. All of the ads and commercials lead them to believe that they can make changes with a pill or cream but they come to me because they don't work. This is a billion dollar industry. The need is there but the truth keeps being pushed aside for the almighty buck.
--Similarly, are there any fads in working out right now that you think might be harmful or dangerous for the client?
All of them! "Fads"mislead people into thinking there is an easy way to reach their goals. Diets deprive the body of the needed nutrients. All of the equipment ads lead people to believe that their product will change live's and bodies. These are not only harmful to the physical part of our bodies but also the mind. As people spend more and see fewer results the health cycle will just get worse.
--Do you see fewer clients who are interested in Atkins than before? Has this diet maintained its popularity or are people looking to something new for losing weight?
Atkins is nothing new. Low carb diets have been around before and they will come around again with a new name. People will always look for the "new" thing. When all they really need to do is eat sensibly. Avoid fast food. Avoid processed foods. Eat frequently. The newest "fad" diet is the three hour diet. Where you eat something every three hours. But most nutritionists have said, for years, that eating frequently helps to turn off the body's natural storage mechanism. Thereby telling the body to use the fat that is already there.
--What are the most typical misconceptions of people who are new to working out? What are some of the most common injuries that they should be watching out for?
Probably the most common misconception is that they will be in pain. If the exercises are done correctly and the proper rules of progression are applied. The most they will feel is a little achy. Which is overridden by the great feelings they will get from the natural endorphins created when they do a workout.
Over use injuries are the most common type of problem people get from working out too much. These are caused by doing the same exercises all the time. They need to mix things up. Change their program at least every six weeks and always allow a day of rest between workouts. Unless they are training for a specific sport or activity.
--What kind of balance do you encourage between cardio and weight training? Do men typically gravitate toward weights while women are more prone to cardio, or is that more of a fitness myth?
Those people "in the know" understand that cardio and weight training goes hand in hand. Finding the balance is more about finding out a persons goals. Weight loss requires both. Cardio for the extra calorie use and weight training for rebuilding muscle loss. Someone who just wants to put weight on needs to lower the cardio aspect but not drop it. This can explain the myth of men doing more weights and women doing more cardio. Men want to build and women want to lose, mostly. But, understanding your goals will help in balancing the amounts of both and give you better results.
--What kind of challenges do you face in online training as opposed to traditional 1-on-1 training? Are clients more prone to fibbing to a trainer online, when they don't have to show up to discuss their results?
The biggest challenge to training online is understanding where to start the client. I have them fill out several information forms to help me, but it's still a guess as to where to start them. This process in person can be done instantly. Online it takes sometimes a couple of weeks to get the program right. A client does their workout and immediately sends me the results via email. I, then, am able to assess the values of the workout and make the appropriate adjustments. Since I have results so quickly, it's almost like I'm there. All clients are held accountable. I know when you're supposed to work out and if I don't receive an update I will email or I've even been known to call. It really is the next best thing to 1-on-1.
--Do you start to see more customers in the spring, as the fear of an upcoming summer approaches? Is the period after New Year's the busiest for a trainer, or are there any other peaks in business that most people might not think of?
Spring and New Year's are the two times that most people think about a trainer. For the obvious reasons. But I stay busy all of the time. People preparing for athletic events need extra coaching. People with a family or class reunion want to look their best. Then there are always the people who have just been to the doctor for some reason and realize that they need some help. My goal as a trainer is to bridge the gap between the medical profession and the public. The healthier people are the less they will have to see the Doctor. Conversely, the less time a Doctor has to spend on healthy people the more time they have to help those who really need it.
David Corder, NSCA-CPTwww.perfectfitwc.com
David teaches an Abs Class and an Urban Hip-Hop Aerobics Class at the Coors Fitness Center here at DU. If you miss him this summer don't worry he'll be back in the fall. For more information on him check out his web site.
Monday, March 14, 2005
A Meditation for the month!
Meditation is nothing more than spending quiet time focusing on your inner self. Some people call this prayer or talking to God. The problem with these last two concepts is that we spend too much time talking and never enough time listening. Trying to train the mind so that we can listen is a never-ending process.
Here is one of my favorite ways of training the mind or meditating. Take time to find a quiet place where you can sit and have total privacy rather than trying to "let your mind run free", a problem that most of us have already. Focus on a great writing from one of the great spiritual teachers. Try to memorize this writing then repeat it over and over with your eyes closed, concentrating on every word and it’s meaning. Make the words your own. Ingrain the concepts of these words as your life’s work. Soon you will find these thoughts permeating your everyday business and your life will be infused with the positive ideals of these teachers.
Here is one of the most powerful "prayers" of all time. The St Francis Peace Prayer, it embodies all of the best ideals for living. Learn it and let it live through you.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.
Prepare for the slopes!
If you’re like me, you can already taste the snow in the air and are anxiously waiting for that first powder day. So there is no time like the present to prepare your body for that day.
To be a proficient skier you need to focus on leg power, core strength, quickness, flexibility, endurance, balance and agility. In other words you need to prepare for a sport that requires being an all-around fit athlete. Start your training sessions with a good cardio workout, with leg strength like running stairs. Running up will give you power and endurance while running down will create the same eccentric muscle contractions and neurological firing that skiing does. This is something that the muscles don’t get during a "normal" workout. After you have mastered running down try bounding from side to side mimicking the lateral movement in skiing. This will improve your eye-foot coordination, which is also very important in down hill skiing.
In the next part of your workout, grab a soccer ball or any ball and just kick it around. This will help to loosen up tight muscles while increasing flexibility and training eye-foot coordination. These types of exercises are called plyometrics. Plyometrics is a jumping or bounding exercise and can be done anywhere, on a staircase, jumping over logs or a rope tied between two trees. Jumping up and down off of a picnic table will work or just do standing tuck jumps in an open space. Keep in mind that this type of workout should never be done more than twice a week.
The idea is to coordinate the environment and your time constraints to a fun, balanced workout that is exciting and challenges the body with variety. In the long term your fitness and body will be better for it and you’ll be much happier on the slopes this winter.


