Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Being Overweight

According to Black Enterprise Magazine over 80% of African American females are overweight.

Causes of being overweight.

1. Eating too much.
2. Not being active.
3. Your metabolism is too slow.
4. Lifestyle
5. Illness and medicine.

Here's how you can fight off weight gain.

1. Lose weight gradually and safely - 1/2 - two pounds per week.

2. Do not go on fad diets.

3. Eat Well.
- Start your day with breakfast
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Eat less meat
- Drink less soda, sweet tea and "red" kool aid

4. Choose a hairstyle for an active life.

- Natural hairstyles hold up to frequent shampoos
- Short hair is easy to wash and wear
- Locks are wasy to care for
- Long hair can be pulled back for a new and sexy look

5. Exercise 30-60 minutes - four to five times per week.
- For an intense, fun and challenging workout, enroll in MVP Boot Camp.
www.mvpfitness.net

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Here's 4 Ways to Get Faster Results

The summer is right around the corner, which means you have the chance to show off your shape by wearing shorts, tank tops, and sun dresses.

Here are Four Ways to Get Faster Results with MVP Boot Camp.

1. Make Nutrition a Priority - Eat 5-6 times per day. Do not allow your blood sugar levels to drop, in between meals.

By eating more often and eating the right types of foods that are on the low end of the glycemic index, you can keep your blood sugar levels more even throughout the day, and ensure that you are not getting those mid-afternoon yawns and also help keep the excess weight off.

Remember that when you spike your blood sugar by eating simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, this will potentially cause your body to store fat.

2. Drop Soft Drinks - Want to effortlessly drop 30 lbs in one year?

Millions of people drink an average of 2 regular soft drinks a day, which is a total of 300 calories. When you add these extra 300 calories up over a year, they result in over 30lbs of weight gain! Say no to soft drinks, and say goodbye to your unwanted pounds.

3. Set Goals - Have specific goals. Get a photo (or several) of what you WILL look like when you reach your goal, and then focus only on that image. Quickly erase any negative beliefs or images that may enter into your mind during your day.

4. Don't Miss Boot Camp - Take advantage of your most important investment- YOU. MVP Boot Camp is your appointment with your personal trainer in a group setting.

MVP Boot Camp is a fun and challenging workout that will help you reach your fitness goals.

For more info go to http://www.mvpfitness.net/bootcamp.html

Monday, April 21, 2008

Drop and Give Me 20!

Fitness Boot Camps continue to be a popular fitness trend across the country.

Fitness Boot Camps are designed to help people get in shape, tone muscle, increase energy and lose those unwanted pounds.

Boot camp exercise classes vary in style, depending on the trainer. Classes generally meet outside, rain or shine. Recruits spend 45 minutes to an hour doing some form of cardiovascular exercise (running, jumping, interval training, relay races and other challenges), along with strength elements (using resistance bands, or the resistance of their own body weight). Recruits also work on flexibility in a stretch portion of the class.

Susan Whittaker who attends MVP Boot Camp in New Town says, "This is the best exercise program I have done and it has taught me that even though I am getting older I can still be in great shape. I would tell anyone who is hesitant about trying boot camp to go for it - it is worth getting up early for the results and the sense of accomplishment that goes along with it."

Are you ready to jump start your fitness goals? Here are four reasons to try boot camp.

MVP Boot Camp builds Camaraderie

Connecting with people seems to be more difficult in the day and age of iPods, cell phones, and computers. Boot Camps are about interaction with, and encouragement from, your peers. The interaction of a boot camp class is not only emotionally satisfying, but helps people push themselves physically.

MVP Boot Camp is affordable

The cost of hiring a personal trainer to help you reach your fitness goals can range anywhere from $40 to $90 a session. Boot Camp is hiring a personal training in a group setting (8-25 people attend class) and costs $8 per session.

MVP Boot Camp gets results

Many boot camp recruits have reached their fitness goals with hard work and dedication. Angel Taylor says “30 pounds lighter, boot camp has given me the opportunity to both lose weight and get in shape.”

MVP Boot Camp is motivating

A Boot Camp trainer’s goal is usually give the class a different workout every day -- and to encourage them to find what it takes to reach their goals.
A good trainer is a catalyst and knows what it takes to get there. A good trainer also will give encouragement and show people how to become better.

Enrolling in a Fitness Boot Camp is a way to take care of you physically and emotionally, it is a social outlet and it will make you feel great.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

MVP Boot Camp Summer Schedule

Here are the dates for the upcoming MVP Boot Camps for the summer of '08

May 19th - June 14th
June 23rd-July 19th
July 28th - August 23rd
September 1st - September 27th

For more info go to www.mvpfitness.net

Thursday, April 10, 2008

MVP Boot Camp-What to Expect

MVP Boot Camp is a fun and challenging program designed to increase your strength and cardiovascular ability.

What to Expect. MVP Boot Camp is unmatched in terms of results and intensity. As a result, your body will be challenged like no other group fitness class. Existing injuries may be aggravated and/or new injuries may occur. If you have any question about your ability to participate in this program, please consult your physician and the instructor. You are responsible for any accidents or injuries from participation in the program. If you experience any abnormal discomfort, stop exercising immediately and alert the instruction.

If you show up to Boot Camp well fueled and push yourself to the best of your ability, then you can expect excellent results at the end of each four-week program. You will be challenged regardless of your ability level of fitness. MVP Boot Camp is designed to challenge participants individually.

For example, if we are doing sit ups, you will be asked for 60 seconds of your best effort, not a specific number of repetitions. The advanced and beginner client can apply 100% of their effort and not be held back or overwhelmed. You will not be competing with others. The workouts and intensity will be progressive over the course of the class. If you adhere to the program, you will see major results.

How to prepare for class. You should wear clothing appropriate to exercise and the environment, please bring a towel, exercise mat and water. It is very important to eat and be well hydrated before class. It is also very important that you drink water and eat a light and healthy meal before the start of each MVP Boot Camp session.

Class etiquette. Please arrive on time to MVP Boot Camp. It is important to warm-up prior to exercise to reduce the likelihood of injury. Please note that tardiness may cost you and your fellow boot camp members 60 seconds of push-ups.

Missed classes and refunds. You may use the other area MVP Boot Camp programs to make up missed session within two weeks of the absence. A complete schedule can be found on our website at www.mvpfitness.net. There are no refunds.

Inclement Weather Policy. In the event of inclement weather, MVP Boot Camp classes will be cancelled. Information on the status of MVP Boot Camp during inclement weather will be available by calling 314-831-7505. Notice of cancellation for classes will normally occur prior to one (1) hour before the schedule class time.

Every boot camp member who has completed a MVP Boot Camp has shown great improvements. You may feel a little overwhelmed at the beginning of the program but you will leave each session with a great feeling of accomplishment.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST BIG STEP TO A BETTER HEALTH!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Five Common Mistakes to Avoid In Your Fitness Program

Here five mistakes to avoid when starting or maintaining your fitness program.

1. Not warming up. Your muscles need time to adjust to the demands exercise places on them. Rather than hitting the treadmill running, for example, take a few minutes to walk, build up to a light jog, and then hit your stride.

2. Not cooling down after your workout. Too many people wrap up their workouts and head straight to the showers or to their car for the drive home. Instead, take a few minutes to lower your heart rate and stretch your muscles.

3. Not stretching enough. The best time to stretch is immediately before and after your workout. Pre-exercise stretching: take a few minutes to warm up first; not stretching properly can cause injury. Warmed up muscles are far less likely to be strained or pulled than tight ones. Make sure to stretch all of your major muscle groups, after your cool down.

4. Lifting too much weight. Lifting more weight than your muscles can handle is the best way to guarantee an injury. Being patient is a far more effective - and safe - way to increase muscle strength. Take your time when lifting weights. When it comes to strength, in general, the slower you go the more benefit you get.

5. Exercising too intensely. This is common with the "weekend warrior", the individual who tries to fit a week's worth of exercise into a Saturday afternoon. It's more effective to sustain a moderate workout schedule (a 45 minute workout, three times per week) than to exercise intensely for only one day for three hours.

At times, people choose a fitness program because it's the latest trend or "in" thing to do. Choose fitness program you enjoy, a program you are passionate about. Always remember to keep your workout fun, and you are more likely to stay with it.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Latest Fitness Trends

Exercising is great for the mind, body, and soul and helps us look good, feel youthful and energetic.

Exercising helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels; it helps keep bones strong, improve concentration and sleep, and even provides benefits for the immune system.

Sometimes many exercisers get bored and fall into a slump with their fitness plan. There are a number of fitness crazes and trends, ranging from group exercise classes to equipment type to help keep you motivated. Here are some of today's popular fitness activities and what they can offer you.

Boot Camp

What: Boot Camp is a four week program of fitness instruction and motivation. Exercises include: calisthenics, sprints, resistance band training, jump roping, crunches, assessment testing, hill running, agility and power drills, sports drills, stair climbing and partner drills.

The Take: “I have dropped pounds, inches and actually enjoyed every minute of my boot camp time,” says Shelia Simmons of St. Louis. “And the people are fun to be around and there was really great camaraderie.”

Pluses: You work out with a fitness expert who offers tips throughout the class on proper form and techniques. Equipment is provided and is a great way to burn calories. For more information on MVP Boot Camps in St. Louis, go to http://www.mvpfitness.net/.

Minuses: Aching muscles are likely.

Personal Training

What: A personal trainer is someone whose entire job is to provide one-on-one fitness training to their client.

The Take: Trainers will assess your individual fitness level and help you set goals, whether it's to build muscle by weightlifting, lose fat with cardiovascular workouts, or both.Once you hire a personal trainer, you will usually meet them for hourly sessions one, two or three times a week. It's possible to work with a trainer more often, but most people can't afford the cost. Single sessions cost between $25 and $90.

Pluses: Great way to stay motivated and learn new techniques. The trainer also pushes you so your body achieves maximum results.

Minuses: Cost.

Boxing Gyms

What: A high-energy cardiovascular workout set to upbeat music. Participants punch and kick a heavy bag, jump rope and do push-ups.This is a full-body workout geared to tone and slim the arms, legs and waist, while burning hundreds of calories.

The Take: The Boxing workout is a fun class with a party atmosphere. It includes bouts of intense intervals with easy to follow combinations, kickbox-specific strength and endurance training, ending with cool-down.

Pluses: You'll love the camaraderie and the music.

Minuses: The class moves at a fast pace and for those who are not coordinated or aren't familiar with the basic moves, it can be intimidating.


Kettlebells

What: Kettlebells are taking the world of Strength and Conditioning by storm. Athletes are overwhelming their opponents with unrelenting strength and endurance.

The Take: A Kettlebell is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. A Kettlebell work out is better suited for developing strength and flexibility simultaneously.

Pluses: An excellent way to for athletes to get stronger and faster.

Minuses: Expense and availability. Kettlebells are hard to find in fitness specialty stores and in most cases must be ordered. A pair of 35 pound Kettlebells will cost $75.00 plus, add on another $50 for shipping.