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Exercise of the Week

Close Grip Push Up – Exercise of the Week

Close Grip Push Up – Exercise of the Week

  • Keep your abs braced and body in a straight line from your knees to shoulders
  • Place your hands on the floor with your hands shoulder-width apart (closer than you would for a standard push up)
  • Keep your elbows tucked into your sides as you do the pushup
  • Slowly lower yourself down until you are about 5cm off the ground
  • Push through your chest, shoulders and triceps to return to the start position
  • Keep your body in a straight line (from your knees to head) at all times

For more push up variations and other great exercises, visit the ‘MaxNRG Exercise of the Week‘ page or check out or Exercise Video Library

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Fitness Advice

Training for Strength

Strength training is a fairly broad term that covers all forms of exercise aimed at developing strength, as well as the size of the skeletal muscles. It can help in boosting overall health and will provide important functional benefits, as long as it is performed properly. If you are dealing with nerve damage or pain, Neuropathy Relief Guide wrote this excellent article.

There are many benefits of strength training:

  • Assists with the control of obesity and weight gain
  • Increases strength
  • Increase in muscle tissue
  • Increased metabolic rate
  • Can improve posture
  • Increases joint strength and stability
  • Enhances functional strength
  • Decreases degenerative diseases – arthritis
  • Boosts self esteem
  • Enhances sports performance
  • Decreases the risk of injury
  • Decreases blood pressure and diabetes
  • Increases energy expenditure (which benefits fat loss)

Compound versus Isolated exercises for strength

Compound exercises use more the one joint in a movement through exercise and is more functional and efficient when working out compared to isolation exercises. By using compound exercise you will improve your overall strength and will feel the benefits through a larger range of muscles in your body.

Some examples of compound exercises are: push ups, dead lifts, squats, chin ups, bench press, push press.  In all the examples listed above, multiple muscle groups are being used eg. With the push up you are using your chest, shoulders, triceps as well as your core muscles as stabilisers.

Isolated exercises just use one joint in a movement. This only concentrates on one muscle which is only beneficial if you wish to build up that specific muscle/joint. An example of an isolated exercise is a bicep curl. With the bicep curl, the biceps brachii is the only muscle being used with only a small involvement from the other muscles in your body as stabilisers.

For overall body strength and size, try using compound exercises in your workout routine.

What equipment can I use?

There are so many different types of equipment that can help you build for strength and size.

Free weights, Pin loaded machines, Hydraulic machines, resistance bands, kettlebells, medicine ball, Cable machine, Isokinetic equipment are just some of the types of equipment available.

You also don’t need any equipment at all, as there are plenty of body weight exercises to assist you in reaching your strength goals.

Free Weights

Examples: Dumbbells, Barbells and Kettlebells

Benefits:

  • Good for stability and strength
  • More functional movement than machine weights
  • High muscle activation
  • Promotes stabiliser muscles to work harder
  • A wide range of exercise variety
  • Are inexpensive to purchase
  • Don’t take up to much room

Pin Loaded Machine

Examples: Lat Pull down, Cable Machine, Seated chest press, Seated row

Benefits:

  • Good for beginners
  • Easy to change weight load
  • Great for circuit training
  • Good for rehabilitation
  • Can isolate specific muscles and range of motions

Hydraulic Machine

Are machines that use compression to control movement speed and maximise effort through a full range of motion. These machines are often used in circuit training.

Things to consider when building strength

  • Make sure to set up equipment to suit your body shape and size
  • Keep a slow and steady lifting speed
  • Breathe out on exertion (the hard bit)
  • Maintain good posture
  • Don’t start off to heavy, slowly build up
  • Get a personal trainer to offer assistance and advice

Strength training is a safe physical exercise provided that it is performed properly.  Weight training is one of the safest forms of this physical activity, but the slightest mistake in executing the routines can result in an injury. In order to avoid injuries and other discomforts, individuals should always check that they are performing the exercise correctly before using heavy weights.

MaxNRG Personal Training offers one-on one fitness training which is perfect for beginners looking to start physical exercise.  We provide constant supervision ensuring correct technique and assistance, therefore reducing the chance of injury and ensuring you work to your maximum potential and ability.

If you would like to receive a FREE, no obligations training session from one of our highly qualified registered Exercise Professional of Fitness Australia, fill out our simple online contact form or call us on 0403-741-278

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Exercise of the Week

T Squat – Exercise of the Week

T Squat – Exercise of the Week

  • Hold your arms out to your sides in a ‘T’ formation at all times
  • Keep your upper back and shoulders tensed throughout the exercise
  • Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart
  • With your abs braced and glutes squeezed, start the movement at the hip joint and push your hips backward and “sit back into a chair”
  • Make your hips go back as far as possible and keep your knees in a straight line
  • Don’t let your lower back round and try to squat as deep as possible
  • Push with your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps to return to the start position

(Click each image for a larger view)

For more squat variations and other great exercises, visit the ‘MaxNRG Exercise of the Week‘ page or check out or Exercise Video Library

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Nutrition

Begin the day the right way – EAT BREAKFAST!

Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and starting with a nutritious breakfast is an easy way to improve you overall wellbeing and boost your ability to function well throughout the day.

Why is breakfast important?

  • People who eat breakfast make better choices over the rest of the day
  • Generally have better diets overall
  • Have lower cholesterol levels
  • Is a perfect meal to refuel you body and brain
  • A healthy breakfast boosts your nutrition intake such as fibre, calcium, iron, folate, riboflavin, vitamin A and C and Zinc and decreases the intake of fat
  • Breakfast eaters have more chance to have improved short term memory function and heightened alertness which can assist in the learning and efficiency at work or school
  • Puts you in a positive mood and reduces stress levels
  • Teenagers that stick to regular breakfast eating habits will receive the nutrients and energy which is highly recommended throughout their important growth and development stage.

Most people have dinner between 6pm-8pm every night.  If you are skipping breakfast and therefore making lunch your first meal for the day, your body has not been given any nutrients for almost 15-18 hours and will cause a whole bunch of problems, especially if you are trying to either gain or lose weight.  One of the major problems this causes is a big drop in you metabolic rate, which is one of the worst things possible when trying to lose body fat.

A more in depth look at metabolism and how it effects weight loss will be coming to the MaxNRG Personal Training Blog soon.

Some healthy breakfast suggestions

  • French Toast
  • Poached eggs
  • Eggs Benedict
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Omelette
  • Porridge
  • Muesli
  • Low fat yogurt

Here is a quick and easy breakfast recipe

QUICK MICROWAVE BANANA PORRIDGE

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups quick cooking oats
  • 2 cups of hot water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 banana, mashed
  • Dribble of honey

Directions:

  1. Combine oats and water in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes
  3. Stir in the milk and mashed banana
  4. Dribble honey over the top

Enjoy your meal and remember a healthy breakfast does not need to be hard, keep it simple and nutritious and you will feel the benefits.

Categories
Exercise of the Week

Incline Push Up (HARD) – Exercise of the Week

Incline Push Up (HARD) – Exercise of the Week

  • Set up at either a bar, bench or wall that is approximately knee height
  • Take a shoulder width overhand grip
  • Get into an inclined pushup position with your feet lined up straight behind you.
  • Lower your body until your elbows are bent 90 degrees.
  • Then press back u to starting position

If you find that standard push ups are too advanced and you don’t have the strength to perform 10 repetitions, try these incline push ups or even Kneeling Push Ups

For more push up variations and other great exercises, visit the ‘MaxNRG Exercise of the Week‘ page or check out or Exercise Video Library

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Exercise of the Week

Incline Push Up (EASY) – Exercise of the Week

Incline Push Up (EASY) – Exercise of the Week

  • Set up at either a bar, bench or wall that is approximately waist height
  • Take a shoulder width overhand grip
  • Get into an inclined pushup position with your feet lined up straight behind you.
  • Lower your body until your elbows are bent 90 degrees.
  • Then press back u to starting position

If you find that standard push ups are too advanced and you don’t have the strength to perform 10 repetitions, try these incline push ups or even Kneeling Push Ups

For more push up variations and other great exercises, visit the ‘MaxNRG Exercise of the Week‘ page or check out or Exercise Video Library

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Exercise of the Week

Step Up Alternating Legs – Exercise of the Week

Step Up Alternating LegsExercise of the Week

  • Stand facing a step. Place your right foot on the step and your left on the floor.
  • With your abs braced and glutes squeezed, start the movement by pushing through the front foot (right) on the step, driving powerfully upward to the standing position
  • Once both feet and your entire bodyweight is placed at top of the step lower the right foot back down to the bottom of the step, followed by your left foot
  • Pause briefly at the bottom with both feet firmly on the ground and repeat
  • After 10-20 repetitions, swap legs placing your left foot on the step and your right on the floor to repeat the process with your other leg

Single Leg Step Up - StartSingle Leg Step Up - Finish

(Click each image for a larger view)

For more squat variations and other great exercises, visit the ‘MaxNRG Exercise of the Week‘ page or check out or Exercise Video Library

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Fitness Advice

An Active Family is a Happy Family

Everyone knows by now that physical exercise and a balanced diet are key to living a healthier life. One of the great things about exercise is that it doesn’t have to be done alone and who could be more convenient than family as a workout buddy. Getting your whole family involved in physical activity is an excellent opportunity to create an extra social bond between family members. It also provides another form of motivation, and if planned well this can become a weekly event the entire family looks forward.

According to results found from a study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey:2007-2008 overweight and obesity in both children and adults is a major health concern. This study revealed that once children become obese they are more likely to remain obese into their adult years and have a greater risk of developing both short and long-term health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Children who are classified as obese also have a higher risk of social and psychological problems, such as discrimination and bullying, and if obesity does continue into adulthood it will affect your child’s long-term health.

However this doesn’t just mean that your children must increase their activity level, parents have to get involved too and should lead by example and become role models for their children. Organising time for your family to take part in any form of regular exercise should be a high priority for any responsible parent and having a plan in place is the only way to make sure it is achieved.

Here are some ideas to get your family moving:

  • Do things together – find some activities to do with the whole family e.g. plan a day trip to a local park or beach, jump on a bike or try one of Melbourne’s ovals or running tracks. Even a simple game of throwing a ball is great way of challenging your child’s balance and coordination.
  • Friendly competition – Whether it’s to see who can skip-rope the longest or run the fastest, friendly family competition can be the perfect incentive to entice your family off the couch and breaking a sweat. Even if your family isn’t that competitive getting them motivated to help a good cause can be an alternative means of increasing exercise. There are numerous fun runs and other charity events across Melbourne throughout the entire year that raise money for many worthy charities.
  • Team sports or other activities – find out your kids interests and get them involved in your local sporting clubs or dance classes. There are plenty of different sports and exercise opportunities out there for all skill levels and what better way to make new friends and get the family out of the house and away from the television.
  • Leave the car at home – instead of driving the kids to school or driving yourself to work or down the local shops, why not walk or ride a bike.
  • Limit time watching TV and playing video games – Television and computers are a big part of people’s lives today but why not try using some of that time engaging in some physical activity. For most of us whether at school or work we spend a large part of our day sitting at a desk and so we must make an extra effort to get moving in our spare time.
  • Be a role model – If your kids see you performing and enjoying regular exercise then they will be more inclined to follow in your footsteps and practice your good habits ensuring a longer and healthier future.
  • Praise your kids – Every kid is not the same and will have different interests in a whole range of sporting activities. Whether it is competitive team sports, riding bikes or running make sure you support them and give them praise for doing what they are doing.
  • Promote a good diet – Keep healthy snacks available around the house and avoid buying ‘junk’ food. If children are not given the option of unhealthy foods then their diet will remain balanced and nutritious. Children can only rely on what their parents supply for adequate nourishment therefore if you only stock high fat/sugar based foods with limited fruit and vegetable options your children will lack the energy needed to get through the day.
  • Healthy sleeping habits – If you fail to give your body the rest it needs you will find it difficult to perform at your peak during exercise. Remember tired family members are going to be poor workout partners. It is important to enforce a reasonable bedtime for your children so that they receive at least 8 hours of sleep per night to ensure they remain active throughout the day.

Ahead of all the things mentioned above, make sure exercise is FUN. Keep it playful and positive; exercise doesn’t have to be hard and boring. Your family should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day to be guaranteed to see and feel the benefits of a healthier body.

Need extra motivation for your family? Why not hire a Melbourne personal trainer. Our MaxNRG Personal Training team are qualified to train all ages and can set up your entire family with individualised training programs that are fun and effective.

Get you family started with the MaxNRG Personal Trainer team today for great fitness and weight loss results! Our mobile personal training services that operates throughout Melbourne is the best way for you family to start achieving your health and fitness goals. Call 0403-741-278 or simply fill out our online form here and we’ll do the rest.

Categories
Exercise of the Week

Push Up – Exercise of the Week

Push Up – Exercise of the Week

  • Keep your abs braced and body in a straight line from your knees to shoulders
  • Place your hands on the floor with your hands just wider than shoulder-width apart
  • Slowly lower yourself down until you are about 5cm off the ground
  • Push through your chest, shoulders and triceps to return to the start position
  • Keep your body in a straight line (from your knees to head) at all times

If you find that standard push ups are too advanced and you don’t have the strength to perform 10 repetitions, try Kneeling Push Ups

For more push up variations and other great exercises, visit the ‘MaxNRG Exercise of the Week‘ page or check out or Exercise Video Library

Categories
Exercise of the Week

Y Squat – Exercise of the Week

Y Squat – Exercise of the Week

  • Hold your arms out to your sides in a ‘Y’ formation at all times
  • Keep your upper back and shoulders tensed throughout the exercise
  • Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart
  • With your abs braced and glutes squeezed, start the movement at the hip joint and push your hips backward and “sit back into a chair”
  • Make your hips go back as far as possible and keep your knees in a straight line
  • Don’t let your lower back round and try to squat as deep as possible
  • Push with your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps to return to the start position

(Click each image for a larger view)

For more squat variations and other great exercises, visit the ‘MaxNRG Exercise of the Week‘ page or check out or Exercise Video Library