Accurately determining your body fat percentage isn’t an easy task. We spoke a while back about abs. You want them. Everybody wants them. They look cool. We established some absolutes. Most healthy folks have abdominal muscles, but in order for you to see your illustrious six, that layer of fat has to go. In fact, you’ll need to be pretty damn lean. From … [Read more...]
Abs – A How-To Guide
Is it narcissism to focus on obtaining a specific look on our own single body part? Perhaps, but both men and women alike desire that chiseled ab look. We are funny (and sometimes pathetic) creatures, aren’t we? Now that we’ve given ourselves an excuse to be shallow, shameless and…sliced up, it’s time to point out how to get there. While the formula is uncomplicated, the … [Read more...]
Avoid Weight Lifting Belts
I love the typical vision of the dude in the leather weight belt. You know the one, neck as thick as my thighs, covered in chalk, slapping his chest and grunting as he leans down to pick up a barbell. This character entertains me. As much as the sight of that medieval looking contraption around his waist makes me giggle, I know it’s doing more harm than good. Logically, if … [Read more...]
Stress and Fat
Stress affects your mood, your enjoyment of life and your time with loved ones. Sounds obvious, right? But stress doesn't just make you feel irritable; it may cause you to hold body fat as well. It’s relatively uncommon to walk into a grumpy 9-5 office and find a bunch of healthy fit people (sans Michael Scott, obviously). The overwhelming majority of the … [Read more...]
Strengthen Your Core with Planks
Sit-ups are not ideal for your body. Planks are a solid substitute to replace them. From Harvard Health Publications: One reason is that sit-ups are hard on your back — by pushing your curved spine against the floor and by working your hip flexors, the muscles that run from the thighs to the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. When hip flexors are too strong or too tight, they … [Read more...]