Posts Tagged ‘Personal Training’
What I Predict For The Future Of Fitness
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009Well, it’s almost Christmas and it’s time for my annual fitness year in review. Sadly, it appears as though the fitness industry as a whole has again failed to produce any significant results on a broad scale to effectively reverse the scary obesity epidemic that is plaguing society. More specifically, the sickening fact that British adults keep getting fatter, more lethargic, and less healthy has mirrored the unabated deterioration in the health and fitness of our youth population. However, on a positive note, I feel that 2010 will be host to several growing fitness trends that will provide the long-term answers to solve this ever-growing problem:
You would have to have spent the last 6 months living in a cage if you didn’t know we are in the midst of the biggest global recession since the “Great Depression”. With the disappearance of the middle class and an economy that will most likely get worse before it gets better, the average person simply does not have the disposable income for typical personal training rates that run about £30-£45 per hour.
However, with every problem emerges a solution; fitness boot camps are just that. Boot camps are probably the hottest thing in the fitness game right now. The group training business model creates the ultimate win-win for trainers and clients making the one-on-one alternative obsolete. Personal trainers like myself get to help more clients per session and the client gets affordable professional fitness coaching. Clients also get to work in a unique dynamic team environment that provides better social support and accountability for only a the third of the cost of typical one-on-one training rates.
Fitness boot camps are popping up all over the country, and for good reason. If you are trying to lose weight in 2009, do yourself a favor by saving your hard-earned money to get better results by joining Commando Fitness Camp.
Fitness Prediction No.2- Interval Training Takes Over As The Number One Method For Fat Loss And Fitness 100% Of The Time
High-Intensity Interval Training is rapidly gaining popularity as the best form of improving both fitness and fat loss. Thankfully, 2010 will see more people doing sprints and less people doing marathons to lose weight. However, make no mistake about it, lots of people are still going to do hours of snail-paced cardio to burn fat.
Aerobic or endurance training is essentially going at a slow, low intensity pace for a long period of time (typically at least 30-60 minutes). In other words, the focus of endurance training is on the total volume of exercise (not quality). Think about all those speed limpers you see every New Year foolishly running for hours pounding the pavement or treadmill to get rid of that winter blubber. Sadly, this results in minimal fat loss and lots of overtraining injuries.
With interval training, you focus on the quality of the exercise by working at a higher intenisity. Intervals consist of alternating between shorts bouts of all out high-intensity effort and active recovery periods for a much quicker and focused amount of time (typically 10-20 minutes of intervals works best). This approach is scientifically proven to burn nine times more fat AND lead to faster improvements in fitness than the aerobic alternative.
Two landmark scientific studies come to mind here:
The Tabata study compared the effects of four minutes of high-intensity interval training with 45-60 minutes of low to moderate intensity cardio. The interval training group burned just as much fat as the endurance group and also had greater improvement in both anaerobic (think sprinters) and aerobic (think distance runners) fitness… in only four minutes!
The Gibala study compared the effects of 20 minutes of interval training (30 second sprint followed by four minutes of rest) with 90-120 minutes of endurance training in the “heartrate zone.” The conclusions of the study were that both methods of training lead to the same improvements in oxygen utilization (or aerobic fitness). In other words, intervals accomplished what endurance training did from a fitness standpoint in only a sixth of the time!
The time is now to jump on the interval training bandwagon. Come 2010, do yourself and your body a favour and start sprinting to look better naked.
Fitness Prediction No.3- Lean Protein And Fibre Are The Carbohydrate Addict’s Answer For Improved Health, Performance, and Body Composition
We Brits are carb addicts. We simply cannot get enough starches and sugars in our diet, and we have the bulging midsections to prove it. One of the biggest misconceptions about diet today is that eliminated starches and sugars from your diet automatically means low carb. Better said, eliminating grains (even whole grains) and refined sugars still allows for consumption of the other carbohydrates: fruits and veggies. These nutrient-dense carbs are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and create more stable blood sugar levels to keep your body burning fat all day long. All of my clients who have lost the most fat have followed our guidelines of unlimited veggies all day long (besides corn, peas, carrots, beets, and potatoes). In other words, eat lots of veggie carbs, and very little of the other stuff if you want to see your abs!
The overwhelming scientific literature proving the fat burning benefits of a diet high in lean protein and fibre is finally catching the eye of mainstream consumers. Protein is the most important component of each and every meal or snack you consume. It builds and maintains muscle, allows your body to preferentially burn fat, increases metabolism through the thermic effect of feeding, and fills you up. Fibre (ideally obtained from fruits and vegetables, specifically green vegetables) helps slow digestion for a more steady supply of nutrients and sustained energy, it prevents overeating at each meal, and it helps keep you more full between meals. Thus by combining protein and fibre every two to four hours, you provide your body with the optimal one-two belly fat burning punch for a leaner, sexier you.
I have no doubt, that people will be consuming more protein and fruits and vegetables next year, and because of that their bodies will reap the rewards.
Well, those are three of my fitness predictions for 2010 according to my crystal ball. I hope the information in this article gives you the push you need to be the trendsetter for your own body and the bodies of those whom you care most about in the New Year!
Train Hard, Eat Smart!
Marc
Body Transformation Boot Camp
Saturday, December 5th, 2009Its back! North Devon’s original
“Body Transformation
Boot Camp”
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO: FRIDAY 26TH MARCH 2010
For the second year running North Devon Fat Loss & Fitness Expert Marc Kent is running his “Body Transformation Boot Camp.” This is your chance to kick start the New Year by getting in the best shape of your life.
By joining one of my Boot Camp classes you will be training with a group of highly motivated people and together you will be able to make some big changes in your life. By entering this contest you have put yourself in a position to succeed like never before. There will be tons of social support and accountability to keep you focused and on track.
To top it off, you will also be eligible to wins some HUGE prizes! Really, everyone will win because they will have met their fitness goals quicker than ever before. But, nothing beats a little extra incentive to keep your eyes on the prize.
The “Body Transformation Boot Camp” starts on Monday 4th January2010 and finishes on Friday 7th May 2010
To be in with a chance of winning £1000 and many other prizes
all you need to do is:
A minimum of 2 Boot Camp/Personal Training sessions per
week for a minimum of 12 weeks. For membership options, please click here
Follow a simple nutrition plan laid out by Marc
Pay a one off registration fee of £10
It couldn’t be simpler!
Here’s a list of all the prizes
£1000 cash to spend as you wish, courtesy of Fat Loss & Fitness Expert Marc Kent
Photo Shoot with top Devon photographer Andy Casey (value). Visit www.andycaseyphotography.co.uk or call 07792 864370 for more information about Andy’s services.
Complete make over, courtesy of Kudos Bideford
Colour Analysis and Style Consultation – value £200 provided by Judith Brady, Image Consultant – Devon’s answer to Gok Wan!
A Colour Analysis is the starting point for many transformations. Discover which colours make you look and feel fabulous – it is amazing what a difference it can make when you wear the colours that are right for you. A Style Consultation shows you which cuts, shapes and styles will flatter your body shape and gives you lots of tips on how to put outfits together, use of accessories and which fashions will look good on you and which to avoid. Further information can be found on my website: www.judithbrady.co.uk
One months FREE membership at PURE TAEKWON-DO, for more information visit www.puretkd.com
A Top To Toe Pamper Hamper (worth 50.00) & facial from VIE AT HOME. For more info or to book a party call EMMA HEAL on 07530 223236
More will be added
So, here’s how it works, (the rules)
- The “Body Transformation Boot Camp” starts on Monday 4th January 2010 and finishes on Friday 7th May 2010
- To be eligible to enter the “Body Transformation Boot Camp” you must enroll in a minimum of 2 Boot Camp/Personal Training sessions per week for a minimum period of 12 weeks at my gym in Roundswell.
- Only members of Boot Camp or Personal Training clients of Marc Kent may participate in the “Body Transformation Boot Camp”
- The last day to enroll on the “Body Transformation Boot Camp” is Monday 15th February 2010. This is to allow you a 12 week period of training. DEADLINE FOR ENROLLING IS EXTENDED TO FRIDAY 26TH MARCH 2010
- Everybody in the contest MUST submit before pictures and have completed a body transformation consultation with Marc within 5 days of their start date to be eligible for this contest.
- Anyone wishing to participate in the “Body Transformation Boot Camp” will be required to pay a registration fee of £10
- You will be required to write a short essay detailing why you decided to join the “Body Transformation Boot Camp” and what results you achieved.
- Photos will be taken of each participant at the conclusion of the “Body Transformation Boot Camp”
- At the completion of the “Body Transformation Boot Camp”, the judges will select and announce 3 finalists for the transformation contest prizes. The remaining contestants will then vote anonymously for whom they think is the ONE person that most deserves the title of “WINNER” of the “Body Transformation Boot Camp” among the 3 finalists.
- On Saturday 15th May at 7.30pm we will have a special end of contest prize giving at a restaurant (TBA, depending on numbers) for the whole group to recognize EVERYONE’s accomplishments and to announce the winners of the special prizes above.
- By entering this Contest, each winner of a contest prize consents to the use of his/her name, and/or photograph in any publicity carried out by the Contest Sponsors and its advertising and promotional agencies without further notice or compensation.
- The Contest Sponsor’s rulings are final and without appeal in all matters related to this Contest and the awarding of the Prizes
- The Contest Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, cancel or suspend this Contest should an external circumstances arise which are beyond the reasonable control of the Contest Sponsor. The Contest Sponsor is not responsible for any errors or omissions in printing or advertising this Contest.
- The Contest Sponsor collects your personal information for the purposes of registration, program evaluation and to keep you informed about The Challenge. The Contest Sponsor may, if consent was given during registration, also contact you from time to time with information about other ways you can lose weight.
- The Contest Sponsor will not share any personal data about entrants with any other party. The personal data collected for this Contest will not be used for any other purposes unless entrants provide explicit permission as indicated on the entry form.
- By entering this Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Contest Sponsor and their respective employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives, successors, assigns, advertising and promotional agencies from any liability for any loss or damage of any kind to the entrant or any other person in connection with this Contest or participation in any Contest related activities, including but not limited the taking of a urine test or, if declared a winner, the use or misuse of a prize or any portion of a prize including personal injury, death or property damage.
- This Contest will run in accordance with these Contest Rules, subject to amendment by the Contest Sponsor. Contest Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, amend, modify or terminate this Contest or the Rules at any time in its sole discretion and without notice.
- Entrants must comply with these rules, and will be deemed to have received and understood the rules if they participate in the Contest.
- You will be required to read and sign a copy of the above rules to be eligible to enter.
If you have any questions please leave a comment below or email me at marc@marckent.com
Train Hard, Eat Smart!
Marc Kent
Fat Loss & Fitness Expert
PS. Sign up for my newsletter at the top of the page to receive regular contest updates. You will also receive my special report on “How To Get Maximum Weight Loss & Fitness Results In Minimum Time!” along with a gift certificate entitling you to ONE free weeks of Boot Camp
Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer
Monday, July 6th, 2009We all need a little help with exercise from time to time, whether you have been enjoying the benefits of exercise for years or you are just taking your first steps to a fitter healthier you. Then there are some people why shy away from exercise altogether as they wouldn’t know where to start or what to do. With that in mind, hiring a personal trainer can be the best investment you can make on your journey to a fitter, healthier lifestyle. I’ve listed below my top 10 reasons why you should consider hiring a personal trainer to help you with your exercise program.
1. You’re not seeing the Results You Want
If you have been exercising for weeks, months or maybe even years and not seeing the results you want then hiring a personal training can help steer you in the right direction. A good personal trainer would look at your current exercise program along with your eating habits and help you make changes to create a more effective training program. A good personal trainer will look at the goals you have set and tell you if they are realistic to achieve in the time frame that you have set.
2. You Don’t Know Where to Start
If you have never exercised before then knowing where to start can be quite a daunting prospect. A good personal trainer will design a training program that incorporates the components of fitness, strength, stamina and flexibility. A good trainer will also help you set goals and help you map out a specific schedule so you know when, where and what you should be doing to achieve those goals.
3. You’re Bored with the Same Old Workouts
If you have been exercising for some time then you may be stuck in a rut and getting bored with your workouts. If you have been doing the same training program for month after month is it any wonder that your progress has slowed and because of that exercise is becoming a chore. Hiring a trainer will bring a fresh approach to your training sessions as they will be change things on a regular basis to keep things interesting and to ensure that your progress doesn’t plateau. Even if you only meet with a trainer once per week or once per month for a program update this will ensure constant progress as you wont slip into doing your favourite exercises over and over.
4. You Need to Be Challenged
If you find that you tend to slack off on during your workouts, especially when things get tough then a trainer can motivate you to push past those self-imposed limits. A personal TRAINER WILL encourage you to lift heavier, do more reps and go faster which in turn will challenge you more than you would on your own. You will find it’s very hard to slack off with a trainer standing over you, telling you to do just”one…more…rep!”
5. You Want to Learn How to Exercise on your Own
Even if your long term goal is to design your own training programs then hiring a trainer who can teach you the way the body works and what to avoid can be a great way to avoid common injuries and will help you make an informed decision as to why you have used a specific exercise in your program as apposed to just doing something that we have seen someone in the gym do. A good trainer will teach you have to exercise with perfect form so that you will be safe while training on your own.
6. You Need Motivating and Accountability
Having a personal trainer is like having a never ending fountain of motivation and encouragement. Not only are you investing money in your health, you are also saving time. There’s nothing like having an appointment to get you motivated to get your butt off the sofa when your trainer is waiting for you. A personal trainer will also hold you accountable to the things that you say you will do. Even if you haven’t got a training session a trainer will ask you if you have been eating healthy and doing your planned workouts.
7. You Have an Injury, Illness or Health Condition
If you have any previous injuries or specific issues like arthritis, heart disease etc., then working with an experienced trainer (who works with your doctor, of course) can help design a program to help heal injuries and avoid any further problems. Its also a great idea to work with a trainer if you are pregnant and want a safe, effective workout to keep you and the baby fit and healthy. Be sure that your trainer has experience and understands your health issues.
8. You’re Training for a Specific Sport or Event
If you’re training for a specific sporting event such as a triathlon or golf tournament then an experienced trainer can help by designing a fitness program around your specific sport. Just be sure that your trainer has experience designing programs for your specific sport as not all trainers offer a sports specific service.
9. You Want Support and Supervision during Workouts
Some people know how to exercise and lift weights correctly from years of experience. However if you are just starting out then a trainer will be able to supervise your training and teach you proper exercise technique. If you are lifting heavy weights then having a trainer to “spot” you will ensure you are safe while attempting to lift personal best poundage’s
10. You Want to Workout at Home
If you would like to workout at home but have little or no equipment then a trainer can design a program around this and even offer advice on what equipment would be a good investment to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Train Hard, Eat Smart!
Marc
Three Tips to Identify Dangerous Fad Diets
Friday, June 19th, 2009Ok, I’ve had enough! I’ve had enough of dangerous fad diets and what they can do to a persons health. With years of experience helping people to lose weight fast, I know firsthand how susceptible people can to the false claims from dangerous fad diets. With millions being spent on advertising by the diet companies its easy to see why. So I’m going to make a stand, are you with me?
I believe it’s practically criminal what some of the dangerous fad diets do to a person’s metabolism. Yes, they help you lose weight fast, initially, but they can absolutely destroy a metabolism and cause dieters to gain more weight back.”
I teach my personal training and boot camp clients a much more sensible approach to losing weight fast which I believe is safer and keeps the weight off long term . You don’t need a dangerous fad diet to lose weight fast. You can achieve rapid fat loss in a very safe and healthy manner when the correct approach is taken and without the worry of piling the weight back on!
With that said, below are my top three tips for instantly recognising a dangerous fad diet:
One Ingredient Diets
Any diet that preaches eating only one ingredient – such as ice cream or grapefruit – for an extended period of time can be classified immediately as a dangerous fad diet.
Fasting
A “lose weight fast” program that advises extended periods of fasting should be avoided at all costs. By starving your self you will wreak havoc on your metabolism which in turn will cause you to burn less calories. Once you finish with the diet as you will if you are starving your self, (after all its human nature to eat to survive) the weight will pile back on due to a lower metabolic rate. Not eating is potentially the worst thing you could do if you are looking to lose weight fast.
Miraculous Claims
Let common sense prevail when it comes to investigating a fad diet. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Additionally, I would recommend enlisting the advice of a qualified nutritionist or fitness professional when attempting to lose weight fast.
Train Hard, Eat Smart,
Marc
