There are a few things that need to happen in order to produce muscle growth. You need to use significant load when lifting weights Enough time under tension to create structural damage to the muscle tissue Enough stimuli to up-regulate anabolic hormones and increase protein synthesis Proper recovery and workout nutrition Many people often think that if they lift as heavy as possible, or use as much volume (sets and reps) as possible they will […]
There are a few things that need to happen in order to produce muscle growth. You need to use significant load when lifting weights Enough time under tension to create structural damage to the muscle tissue Enough stimuli to up-regulate anabolic hormones and increase protein synthesis Proper recovery and workout nutrition Many people often think that if they lift as heavy as possible, or use as much volume (sets and reps) as possible they will […]
There are a few things that need to happen in order to produce muscle growth. You need to use significant load when lifting weights Enough time under tension to create structural damage to the muscle tissue Enough stimuli to up-regulate anabolic hormones and increase protein synthesis Proper recovery and workout nutrition Workout #1 When I think of athletes with huge quads, I think of Olympic lifters. They perform a ton of fronts, heavy. So […]
During the last several years, the loaded carry (most notable the farmers carry) has exploded on the scene. Everyone from bodybuilders to Cross fitters has started to include various loaded carries into their routines and for a good reason. A loaded carry is where an athlete picks up and carries a heavy object and walks with it for an extended period of time or distance. This can be done with various objects, such as dumbbells, […]
The longer that I am in the lifting game, the more I look to be more efficient with my workouts. In a perfect world, I would write programs for my clients and myself that would include the following: Soft tissue works with various foam rollers and massage balls Corrective exercises to improve any dysfunctions Mobility work Stretching Groundwork (rolling, crawling, Get-ups, etc.) Nervous system development/power work (med ball throws and plyos) Strength training Conditioning/cardiovascular work […]
The best way to build muscle is to perform full-body strength training sessions frequently throughout the week. The combo of lower and upper-body movement that involves multiple muscle groups done in a circuit fashion stimulates anabolic hormones and protein synthesis which are two of the major players at stimulating muscle growth. Performing multiple full-body strength routines must be done correctly in order to produce results. Hitting each muscle group 3 to 4 days per week […]
Power training is a vital piece of the functional training puzzle for both competitive athletes & general population clients. Progressive exposure to high-velocity movements trains the nervous system to recruit high-threshold motor units, reflexively stabilize joints and develop the local tissue resiliency necessary to withstand the demands of high-velocity sports, making it a valuable tool for both performance enhancement and injury reduction. Throwing low/moderate weight medicine balls with intent and at high velocity promotes the […]
In 2017, I wrote a Complete Programming Guide For Small Group and Large Group Personal Training Since then, there has been over 100 of our intern at State of Fitness that have read the manual. Each semester, our interns are required to turn in a detailed summary of what they learned from the manual. One of our amazing interns, Maryam Abbasi, has written a fantastic summary I wanted to share. You can click io the […]
Real Workouts. Real Eating. Real life.
What is fiber and are you getting enough fiber in your diet? Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that our body does not digest. Fiber can be divided into two general groups, soluble and insoluble. The main difference between these two is that soluble fiber can absorb water while insoluble fiber does not absorb water or dissolve in water. 
This means that when consuming foods rich in soluble fiber, it helps to keep our stools softer and pass more easily and foods rich in insoluble fiber helps to add bulk to our stools. Not only does fiber play a significant role in maintaining healthy digestion but also reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels. Fiber can also help to reduce body fat by keeping you satiated and eating less.
In the U.S., almost 50% of the average diets are comprised of refined sugars, oils, dairy, and alcohol, all of which contain no fiber. That means almost 75% of people are not getting enough fiber in their diets. Adequate fiber intakes vary based on age and sex differences but a good range for fiber intake for men is about 40-45 grams per day and for women about 30-35 grams per day.
It is important to consume both insoluble and soluble fibers each day. Some foods rich in soluble fiber are oats, nuts, seeds, berries, and prunes. Some foods rich in insoluble fiber are broccoli, brussel sprouts, apples with the skin, beans, and barley. Getting fiber from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains is much better than consuming fiber supplements or fiber-enriched foods because they do not contain the micronutrients, phytochemicals, and water found in whole foods.
Be sure to slowly increase fiber intake to allow your body to get used to it and drink plenty of fluids to avoid uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating or constipation.
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