21-Oct-2018
Comments Off on Pumpkin Workout
Pumpkin Workout
Category : Exercise
The Pumpkin Workout is designed to help you burn off any extra calories you happen to eat on Halloween. Grab a pumpkin and let’s get going! Exercise #1: Pumpkin swings Exercise #2: Step back lunge with a pumpkin twist Exercise #3: Side-to-side lunge with a pumpkin curl Exercise #4: Sumo squat with pumpkin up & over
Every time your eat a piece of candy do this workout & have fun! P.S. The pumpkin I used for this video weighed 7 1/2 pounds and it was plenty heavy. If you can’t find a pumpkin that’s the right weight for you it’s OK to use a med ball or a hand weight instead.
27-Apr-2018
Comments Off on Spring Fitness Tips
Spring Fitness Tips
Category : Active Living
If you hibernated over the winter here are some Spring fitness tips to help you get started!
Start Slowly
Our best advice is to start slowly to avoid injury. The idea is to “Spring” into fitness; not SLAM into fitness. Begin with three days of cardio exercise and two days of strength exercise.
Cardio recommendations
Start with walking or another low-impact exercise.
You can do this outdoors if the weather permits or use indoor cardio equipment either at your home or our studio. Warm-up your ankles such as tapping your toes, heel raises, and ankle circles.
| Week 1 | 20 minutes on three days of the week |
| Week 2 | 20 minutes on four days of the week OR 30 minutes on three days. |
| Week 3 | 20 minutes on five days of the week or 30 minutes on four days. |
| Week 4 | 30 minutes on five days. |
Once you have built up to five days per week, stick with it. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
Having trouble finding the time?
30 minutes is only 2% of 24 hours!
Strength Training recommendations
The America Heart Association (and XO Fitness) recommend strength training two non-consecutive days each week.
Consulting a certified fitness professional is definitely a good idea because good form and proper exercise selection will improve your results and reduce your risk of getting injured. As your body adapts to the extra demands of strength training you may eventually want to add a third day of strength training.
Stretching recommendations
The BEST time to work on your flexibility is AFTER your workout because your muscles are warm and pliable. Many people blow-off this part of the workout, but flexibility training is just as important as cardiovascular and strength training. Most important stretches for most people include those for your hip flexors and chest/front of shoulders. Try these!
21-Nov-2017
Comments Off on A Healthier Thanksgiving Dinner
A Healthier Thanksgiving Dinner
Category : Healthy Eating
Dear Friends:
Traditionally, Thanksgiving dinner goes hand-in-hand with a super-sized meal followed reclining (or napping) on the couch. Sound familiar?
XO Fitness wants to help you enjoy a Healthier Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re in charge of dinner or helping to plan, keep these tips in mind (even if you aren’t in charge,# 3, #4, #6, #7 are key to your healthy Thanksgiving:
1) Schedule the meal earlier in the day. Having the big meal at noon or 2 PM will give your body time to digest it before bedtime. Also, if you’ve finished dinner before dark you can go outdoors for some fresh air and possibly a walk.
2) Serve small dishes every hour or so. Another suggestion, turn Thanksgiving into an all- day celebration this will spread the calories out throughout the day and you’ll be less likely to feel over-stuffed.
3) Take very small portions. As you fill your plate, remember there are typically a lot more dishes on the table to choose from compared to your ordinary meal. With this in mind, take very small portions so you have room to “taste” everything.
4) Minimize the carb overload. Instead of eating sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls choose only one or two of these dishes. It will save a ton of calories and you’ll feel less ‘stuffed!’ (pun intended!) By the way, making cauliflower mashed potatoes is a great alternative regular mashed potatoes!
5) Serve appetizers. Prior to the main meal, serve a colorful vegetable platter, delicious soup and/or salad.
6) Serve lots of vegetables. Offer two or three different types of vegetables at the table (and they don’t have to be heavy-duty casseroles…just simple steamed or roasted vegetables).
7) Drink water. Set out water glasses for everyone with dinner.
Have a Healthy, Happy Thanksgiving!
Ryan & Karin and the XO Fitness Training team
15-Nov-2017
Comments Off on 8 Tips for Eating Healthier on Thanksgiving
Traditionally, Thanksgiving dinner goes hand-in-hand with a huge meal followed reclining (or napping) on the couch…here are hints to help you feel great instead of stuffed!
1) Don’t starve yourself.
Depriving yourself all day in anticipation of a big meal is not a good idea. Doing this just sets you up for a binge. You should definitely eat a healthy breakfast and depending upon when the big meal is being served you may need to eat a healthy snacks such as fruits or vegetables so that you aren’t ravenous by the time you sit down at the table.
2) Schedule the meal earlier in the day.
Having the big meal as early as possible is a good idea because it gives your body a chance to digest your food before bedtime. Usually I’d suggest noon, but since the Packer game will be in full swing, perhaps an early evening meal would be more realistic (with light snacks during the game, of course).
3) Take very small portions.
As you fill your plate, remember there are typically a lot more dishes on the table to choose from compared to your ordinary meal. With this in mind, take very small portions so you have room to “taste” everything.
4) Minimize the carb overload.
Just because sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls are on the table doesn’t mean you have to eat them all. You might not be in charge of planning the meal, but you are in charge of what goes on your plate and into your mouth. You can choose NOT to put all of these carb-laden foods on your plate…just pick your favorite. It will save a ton of calories and you’ll feel less ‘stuffed!’ (pun intended!)
5) Eat lots of vegetables.
Put veggies on your plate first so that they take up the majority of the space. Eat a salad first if one has been provided…better yet, offer to bring a salad. Beware of heavy-duty casseroles…look for simple plain vegetables.
6) Avoid seconds.
Remember you will most likely be having dessert too, so one serving of dinner is enough. Pause and tune in to how you really feel…are you actually hungry or are you just trying to please your host by accepting seconds? It’s ok to say “no thank you” and perhaps offer to take home a small amount of left-overs instead. (If your mom is like mom she will appreciate this!)
7) Drink water.
Drink a glass of water immediately before you eat.
8) Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Remember that alcohol has a lot of empty calories and also lowers your inhibitions so you may throw caution to the wind and eat more than you intended.
Enjoy your family, friends and food (in that order) and you will feel great!
06-Sep-2017
Comments Off on Fall Fitness Routine
Fall Fitness Routine
Category : Active Living
by Karin Jennings
The trouble with summer is that people tend to be very inconsistent about exercising. This happens for a multitude of reasons: a) it’s hot; b) the kids are home;c) week-long vacations and travel; d) relying on outdoor activities like gardening and walking for exercise.
Now that it’s Fall, it’s time to get your fall fitness routine together!
How to start? ”Back to School” and “Back to Fitness” have a lot of similarities. The “Three R’s” of fitness include: 1) Regular Routine, 2) ‘Rite it down, and 3) ‘Rithmetic.1) Regular Routine
Consistency is the key to success. Schedule your exercise. “I am going to get in shape this fall” is far too vague. Instead, say “I am going to exercise for 30 minutes three days a week for the next 4 weeks.” You should consider being even more specific and schedule the days you will exercise on your calendar. Notice how this statement is measurable in couple of ways (minutes of exercise & days per week) it also has a time frame of 4 weeks. Remember that nobody’s perfect, if you miss a day try to reschedule it as soon as possible. Progress, not perfection should be your mantra.2) ‘Rite it down
Three things you should consider writing down:Your goals.
Post them somewhere you can see them regularly and act upon them. It is important to review your goals daily…for one minute. Spencer Johnson, M.D., in his book The One Minute Mother gives us this motivational quote: “I take a minute, I look at my goals, I look at my behavior, I see if my behavior matches my goals”.Record your workouts.
It may seem silly, but most grown-ups are just as motivated as grade-schoolers by something as simple as a chart on the wall with gold stars. Try this at home: Place a calendar which is dedicated to keeping track of your workouts in a prominent location such as your refrigerator. Everyday you workout give yourself a star on the calendar. You may also want to record your time, distance and/or the activities you completed. How many minutes and/or miles you complete weekly or monthly? This will keep you motivated to keep moving.Record what you are eating.
If one of your goals is to lose weight, a food log is an excellent way to get started. Studies show that writing down everything you eat throughout the day can double your weight loss. This works because it makes you much more aware of what you are putting in your mouth.3) ‘Rithmetic
A lot of us are motivated by the numbers. Most people feel they MUST weigh themselves, however don’t measure success by that number alone. Here are some other numbers to consider:Body composition
This is the ratio of fat to lean body tissue and it is much more important. This can be measured with a skin fold calipers or a bio-impedance device. If you would like to have this measured by a trainer at our studio please let us know.Inches lost
It’s tricky to use a tape measure and because it’s hard to measure at exactly the same spot the next time, so instead identify a piece of clothing that’s a little too tight right now and try it on again in 4 weeks to see if it fits better.Measure your fitness
How many push-ups you can do without stopping, how many chair squats you can complete in 30 seconds and how long can you stand on one foot?How long does it takes you to walk/run a specific distance such as one mile (works best on a track)? Re-test every four weeks and you will be impressed with yourself! Turn over a new leaf…follow the “Three R’s” and get your fall fitness routine in shape! 04-Jan-2017
Comments Off on New Year’s Resolution Success
New Year’s Resolution Success
Category : Exercise, Healthy Eating
A University of Scranton study suggests that only 8% of people achieve New Year’s Resolution Success.
How can you make 2020 a success?
- Set behavior based goals
- Track yourself on a daily/weekly basis
- Reward yourself for sticking with it
- Forgive yourself if you’re not perfect
08-Oct-2016
Comments Off on Halloween Candy vs. Burpees
Halloween Candy vs. Burpees
Category : Healthy Eating
It’s the second week of October,
stores are well-stocked with trick-or-treat candy,
but does that mean you need to stock your pantry?!
Be realistic, if you buy Halloween candy now will it actually be around on October 31st when the kids come knocking?
Leave the candy in the store until just a few days before Halloween….
otherwise, stepping on the scale might get a little scary!
Burpee Calculator source: saratogamama.com
This might help put things in perspective…you love burpees, right?
13-Sep-2016
Comments Off on How Skinny is your Kitchen?
How Skinny is your Kitchen?
Category : Healthy Eating
Is your kitchen helping or hurting your weight-loss efforts?
Did you know that the average woman who keeps a box of breakfast cereal visible anywhere in her kitchen weighs about 21 pounds more than her neighbor who doesn’t? How about that having potato chips or crackers in plain sight causes you to weigh 8 pounds more than your neighbor who puts them out of sight (or better yet don’t keep them in the house!)
Recently I read an article by Brian Wansink, PhD author of “Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life”. In his book he provides a 100-point checklist to evaluate your kitchen. However in the spirit of “taking baby-steps” and not trying to change everything at once I wanted to start by sharing the 10-point checklist he offers in his article “Food-Related Behavior Change Made Easy”.
How many of the following are true in your home?
- Salad and vegetables are served first before the entrée and starches are brought to the table.
- The main dish is pre-plated and served from the stove or counter (not family style).
- Your dinner plates are 9-10 inches in diameter.
- You eat sitting at a table with the TV turned off.
- There are two or fewer cans of soft drinks in your refrigerator at any one time. (Doesn’t matter if it’s diet or regular soda).
- Your kitchen counters are organized (not messy).
- Precut fruits and vegetables are now on your middle refrigerator shelf.
- At least 6 single servings of protein are in your fridge: Hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, string cheese, tofu, etc.
- Your snacks are kept in one inconveniently located cupboard.
- The only food on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl.
How many did you check? If you checked seven or more, congratulations, you’re doing great. If you scored less than seven which ones can you change in the next week?
You eat what you see first, so the ONLY food that should be on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl!
P.S. Learn more about Dr Wansink’s book “Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life” at www.slimbydesign.org
20-Jul-2016
Comments Off on Avocado Toast
Avocado Toast
Category : Healthy Eating
Who knew mashing avocado on toast was trendy? Certainly not me…I’ve been making avocado toast for years because it’s quick, easy, delicious and nutritious.
I was very surprised to learn from a client (who travels a whole lot more than I do) that avocado toast is “a thing” on both coasts and here in the mid-west we’re missing out!! I accidentally invented avocado toast (for myself) years ago because it’s a great substitute for some less desirable condiments such as mayo or butter.
Please, don’t worry about how many calories are in an avocado. The health benefits of the avocado far outweigh any concern you may have about the fat content… it’s monounsaturated fat which is “heart healthy” plus a little fat goes a long way toward helping you feel full longer so you will actually consume less calories throughout the day.
I was very surprised to learn from a client (who travels a whole lot more than I do) that avocado toast is “a thing” on both coasts and here in the mid-west we’re missing out!! I accidentally invented avocado toast (for myself) years ago because it’s a great substitute for some less desirable condiments such as mayo or butter.
Please, don’t worry about how many calories are in an avocado. The health benefits of the avocado far outweigh any concern you may have about the fat content… it’s monounsaturated fat which is “heart healthy” plus a little fat goes a long way toward helping you feel full longer so you will actually consume less calories throughout the day.
What’s so great about avocado?
- They have more potassium than bananas
- They are high in monounsaturated oleic acid, a “heart healthy” fatty acid that is believed to be one of the main reasons for the health benefits of olive oil.
- A 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving of avocado contains 7 grams of fiber, which is 27% of the recommended daily amount.
- Numerous studies have shown that eating avocado can improve heart disease risk factors like Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides.
- Avocados are high in antioxidants, including Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These nutrients are very important for eye health and lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
- They are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as B-vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E and vitamin C.
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One of my favorite breakfasts…avocado and egg sandwich
26-May-2015
Comments Off on Avoid Weekend Weight Gain
Avoid Weekend Weight Gain
Category : Healthy Eating
Are you “good” all week, but sabotage your weight-loss efforts on the weekend? Avoid weekend weight gain with the tips below!
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis studied how weekend behaviors affect weight loss. The study involved 48 healthy adults aged 50 to 60 years. Prior to starting these programs all participants were found to consistently gain weight on weekends, but not weekdays! In fact, the average weekend weight gain would have led to an extra nine pounds over the course of one year.
The researchers divided the participants into 3 groups:
- Group 1 (diet group) took in 20% fewer calories each day but didn’t change their activity level.
- Group 2 (exercise group) increased their daily exercise regimen but didn’t change their diet, to have a comparable energy deficit as Group 1.
- Group 3 (control group) did not change their diet or activity level.
- Eat before you go grocery shopping Many people do their week’s grocery shopping on Saturday or Sunday, do not go to the store hungry or you will most certainly put things in your cart on impulse.
- Keep healthy snacks on handy in the car Whether you are traveling or running errands, carrying a healthy snack will keep you out of the drive-thru lane.
- Keep a food journal A journal will make you more mindful of what you are putting into your mouth. A recent study found that food journaling actually doubled weight-loss efforts!
- Limit eating out Try to avoid fast food all together. If you do eat out remember to eat reasonable portions and eat all your vegetables.
- Limit your alcohol consumption There are a lot of empty calories in alcohol. It also reduces your inhibitions to eat junk food AND makes you feel hungrier.
- Plan to get some exercise Schedule in exercise either one or both days. If you are away from home and no equipment is available simply put on your walking shoes and get moving!
- Which tactics above did you try? Did they work?
- What did you do well?
- Ask yourself: What can you do better next weekend?
