Monday, May 31, 2010

Great Article for Trainers to Read

I came across a fantastic piece by Brett Contreras today about trainers saving for retirement. Personally, I've been interested in finance, retirement, etc... since I was 20 years old. Yes, I know I'm a nerd, but it's something I've just always had an interest in. As Bret mentions, the best time to start thinking about your retirement is NOW!

Click the following link to check out Bret's article: http://bretcontreras.wordpress.com/2010/05/29/retirement/

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is undoubtedly the "it" Vitamin right now. You can't read an article on supplements without Vitamin D being brought up. The Boston Globe ran a solid piece in today's newspaper on this seemingly incredible supplement. There's also a study about to begin that will look at Omega 3 and Vitamin D consumption. Check out the article by clicking the following link: http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/05/31/the_high_hopes_for_vitamin_d_against_a_range_illnesses_and_diseases_are_still_unclear/?camp=localsearch:on:twit:health

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Pluots

One of my favorite pieces of fruit that few have experienced is the pluot. It looks and tastes like a plum with a hint of apricot. Pluots are at their peak mid to late summer. They are absolutely delicious. Give one a try and let me know what you think.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Nutritionist Interview



I worked at a local health fair recently and got chatting with a colleague of Joan Buchbinder, the nutritionist for the Boston Celtics. It's always interesting "talking shop" with those who work with high level athletes, particularly those from my favorite sports team. Anyway, Joan was interviewed earlier this year in The Boston Globe. The interview can be seen by clicking the following link: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2010/01/06/nutritionist_offers_a_simple_resolute_menu_for_2010/

Unsweetened Yogurt

One of the "superfoods" I eat just about every day is Greek yogurt. More and more people are jumping on board, thus deserting brands that clearly use too much sugar. The one I'll choose is "unsweetened." I add fresh strawberries/blueberries and sometimes a splash of homemade granola. Plain yogurt has more protein, potassium, calcium, and zinc than sweetened varieties.

Eat Well Guide

I came across a good web site (http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home) this week. It is an online directory of locally grown and sustainably produced food in the U.S. and Canada.

Good Video on Complexes

One of my mentors, Coach Robert Dos Remedios, recently created this video of his soccer players. In it, the athletes are demonstrating "complexes," where a traditional strength movement is followed by a power movement involving a similar muscle group/movement pattern. A couple examples of complex training could include the following:
  • Push-ups followed by Linear Med. Ball throws
  • Squats followed by Squat Jumps
  • Chin-ups followed by Med Ball Slams
Complexes are both challenging and fun. Give them a try.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Say No To Bologna, and Yes To Steak?

Say no to the following:
  • Bacon
  • Bologna
  • Hot Dogs
  • High-sodium cold cuts
But say YES to steak and hamburgers?

The Wall Street Journal explains it all in this section of today's article:
"A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that the heart risk long associated with red meat comes mostly from processed varieties such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs and cold cuts—and not from steak, hamburgers and other non-processed cuts."

Read all about it here:


First Lady Obama releases statement

The First Lady Michelle Obama released a statement today at The Healthy Weight Announcement Press Conference. In it, the following quote stood out to me:

"Compared to 40 years ago, we consume 23 percent more calories, 56 percent more added fats and oils and dairy fat, and 14 percent more sugar and sweetener. Now, that's 12 extra pounds of sugar a year just in 40 years."

Interesting Video from Dr. John Berardi


I am a "fish oil guy," but have never tried the other supplements Dr. Berardi talks about. I also use a daily multi-vitamin and some additional Vitamin D beyond what my multi-vitamin provides.

Nutritional Accountability

I was reading an article by Vince Gabriele MS,CSCS this week and he talked about nutritional accountability, specifically with young athletes. The segment of his article that I found fascinating I'd like to share with you today. Check it out here:

"Nutrition is a much overlooked component by most athletes. They all eat like crap, take NO explode and want to get huge. They need guidance and someone to direct them down the right path. Provide them with as much nutritional guidance as you can legally give. We have each athlete bring in a 3-Day food journal every Friday. This holds them accountable throughout the week. Talk about it with them during or after the session. Sometimes a 5 minute nutrition talk at the end of the session can go a long way. The point here is to add value to your training by providing an overall healthy experience and possibly teaching habits that will last forever."

Thursday, May 13, 2010

New HR Monitor



I just treated myself to Polar's new FT7 Heart Rate Monitor. I'll write a brief review in a summer newsletter. Between then and now, you can check out out this new product here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U0OFDC?tag=pccon-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B001U0OFDC&adid=1JJ24VV7T6PF8X3C6GNV&

Monday, May 10, 2010

Post # 600!


For my 600th blog post, I wanted to pass on some kind words a participant in my Woburn group exercise program had to say. Check it out here:


"Hi Paul,

I just wanted to tell you that you have a way about you that is very easy going. You keep us going and it doesn’t even feel as if we are working hard even though there is huffing and puffing and a lot of sweat!! I do hope we get to do your class again. Thank you very much for working with us! I would love to do your class 3 or 4 times a week!"

Friday, May 07, 2010

Nintendo Wii Fit


Boston.com recently ran an article (with video above video as well) on "Exergaming." I thought it was so ironic, because I recently launched a program in Reading, Massachusetts for town employees to come learn how to use the popular Nintendo "Wii Fit." So far, the participants are really enjoying themselves and learning a good deal about not only how to use the system, but I am providing constant feedback as far as form/technique goes. Of course the exercises are theoretically designed to burn calories, but there are many pros and cons to the various components of what the Wii Fit offers. The participants will continue this program with me over the next several weeks. It will be interesting not only to provide my complete review, but to hear what they have to say back when the program concludes. I'll be sure to provide further info. in the next edition of my monthly newsletter.

If you are currently using "Exergames," please share your feedback with me as I'd love to hear how others perceive what my group in Reading is currently going through.

Yet Another "Toning" Shoe



First it was Sketchers, then Reebok, and now New Balance has hopped on the "fitness shoe" bandwagon. The three companies claim that simply by wearing these shoes, your butt, thighs, and calves will "tone up." Unbelievable. Let's see what company is next.




Monday, May 03, 2010

Positive Feedback Received

I am wrapping up a group exercise program this week in Woburn @ The Shamrock Elementary School. I was so pleased at the amount of people who stayed consistent with my program. Everyone did a great job and worked their tails off for me. I hope to return there in the near future for continued exercise programming. At the end of my programs, I often have the participants complete evaluations. Here's a comment from "Cheryl K," one of the participants:

"You were wonderful!!!!! I was very nervous going into this program because I have never done anything like this before, but you made it wonderful. We hope to see you again soon. You were so personable & helpful & made me feel like I could do it."