Ask the Fitness Guru
Misty Jaymes would like to know what’s on your mind! What topics would like to see discussed here? Once a month we will take time out of our busy schedule to answer the burning questions in your minds. But we can’t do that unless you write! Leave a comment below and we’ll answer your question in a future blog post.
I drive by a GNC store every day on my way to work. They have one of
those fancy billboards with animation. One of the things they
advertise is “fat burning” supplements. Do those things work, are they
dangerous, do they do anything at all?
The fancy, animated billboard is about as good as any “fat burner” gets. There is no magic pill. There aren’t any secret ingredient powders. Fat burners do not work and, in some cases, can even be dangerous and cause more harm than good. The “fat burner” industry is a multi million dollar marketing tool. People are so desparate to lose weight that they’ll try anything. And when the manufacturers use terms like “clinically proven” or “patented”, we’ll believe anything. The only to shrink that waist line is hard work with a healthy diet and solid workout routine.
I am a 40 year old woman struggling with an over sized belly. The recent problem other than it being extremely unappealing is that I could wear a smaller pant size if not for the belly. What can I do to trim up this enormous problem.
Unfortunately, as we get older, our mid sections get be quite bratty in the weightl
loss process! and in addition to not looking great, a larger tummy can lead to other health issues including heart disease. The truth of the matter is this….abs are made in the kitchen! What we eat strongly determines how our abs will look. We can do as many crunches as we want, but if our food intake isnt in check, those crunches won’t make our abs any more visible.
So to answer your question, first off, clean up your diet. Lots of fruit and veggies, and lean protein like chicken breasts orcwggs whites. Next, increase your cardio. Get moving! Go for power walks that include some fast, 3 minute intervals of “bursting” where you go as fast as you can for 3 minutes, then recover for 1. Repeat for 30 to 40 minutes. Lastly, Throw in some abdominal exercises to strengthen those muscles. Mix it up so you target the whole group.
Reverse crunches: Lie on the floor with you legs straight and raised up so your feet are towards the ceiling. Lift your butt off the floor a little bit so your lower abs contract and realease. Repeat 10 reps, 3 sets.
Crunches: Lay on the floor with your knees bent with hands gently touching the sides of your head. Look straight up and crunch. Do not pull with your neck. Repeat 15 reps, 3 times.
Side to Sides: Sit on the floor with your legs elevated. Holding a 5 pound medicine ball, twist side to side, touching the floor next to you. Repeat 12-15 times, 3 sets.
When is that boot camp? Do I need camo and boots? Dogtags?
Cleaning up and cleaning out my kitchen will certainly help everyone in my family. Making it a family affair will make it easier. Thanks for your suggestions.
Bootcamp will be coming in the near future….I’ll keep you posted!