Wonder Woman Strength

Many of the female clients that come to the gym are Wonder Women. They work jobs, raise kids, attend school and still pencil in time for me.

However, there is a common misperception that I am going to turn them into an overnight Incredible Hulk when I hand them the dumb bells!

I am a firm believer in developing my clients in a balanced way. Most women will work on their lower bodies much to the detriment of their upper bodies. It is not until gravity begins to affect their breasts that women begin to revisit the conversation.

To immediately incorporate an upper body workout into your training routine has several benefits. First, it will provide your breasts with an enhanced lift, warding off the dreaded fall in the pectoral area. Secondly, a strengthening of your shoulders and upper back area will give your hips an “appearance” of being smaller. It is an amazing 2 for 1!

Come visit me at Energy Fitness on Northside Drive. We can get you started with the basic push-up, tricep press and core work to help you showcase your amazing 2 for 1 in time for summer.

Meet E-Fit Nation: Qiana

Sometimes there is a huge misconception about my gym. It is not a merely a training ground for football players.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to take a number of athletes to that next level in a variety of sports. Therefore, I want to introduce you to a current member of E-Fit Nation.

Qiana is an international soccer player. She joined our gym in 2006 after rehabbing at Georgia Tech following her second ACL reconstruction.

Qiana worked nonstop with us until her departure in 2008 when she received an opportunity to join a women’s team for Team Chicago Brasil, a soccer club based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Now, she is back at the gym training until she returns to international play. I wanted her to let you know in her own words why she joined E-Fit Nation.

J: Qiana, why did you come to Energy Fitness in 2006?
Q: I was looking for a gym that would help me accomplish several objectives. First, I wanted a training facility that would help me to quickly regain my range of motion and teach me how to warm-up, jump, turn and land properly so I can prevent future non-contact ACL tears. Secondly, I wanted to receive intense training that would incorporate unconventional training methods. Lastly, I wanted a facility with a proven record of success.

J: How has the training at Energy Fitness benefited your development as a soccer player?
Q: The coaching staff at my club in Brazil was literally amazed with how fast I was able to recover to defend against long balls and crosses. I attribute this to all of the work that Jon, KB and Jay did to zero in on perfecting my running form, fast twitch muscles and change of direction response time.

J: Why should other athletes consider Energy Fitness for their athletic development?
Q: Personally, I believe that there is so much to gain from working with John and his staff. They have a high level of expectation, and they push every athlete beyond their limits with their cross training drills. You learn so much about your body and the importance of hip strength and mobility and using your arms and shoulders to drive your legs. Their brand of training will give you an edge regardless of the sport you play.

J: Do you have any parting words?
Q: I cannot say enough about the training at Energy Fitness. I look forward to training with other highly accomplished athletes each day. Energy Fitness is the sole reason that I still maintain my off-season residence in Atlanta. Thanks John.

Swag Your Way to Combine Success

I have had the opportunity to participate in and attend countless sports combines. Without fail, I can point out the athletes that will stand out from the pack before the event begins.

Some times, a facial expression tells me that they are getting “in the zone.” Other times, an athlete’s stance sends me a message of subtle confidence and aggression. Several times, it is an appearance of having “everything in order,” from their identification materials and paperwork to their training gear. In a group of 100 athletes, about 20 individuals will possess these attributes.

How can you become a member of this coveted group? You must have swagger.
Swagger (known as swag) is a person’s appearance and style. It is the way you carry yourself.

All great athletes have swag. They exercise discipline in the way they dress. They conduct themselves with confidence, and train with intensity.

Whether you are a high school or collegiate athlete, I consistently work to instill the importance of discipline. When an athlete masters discipline, everything else will fall into place, and they will turn heads before the first drill starts.

Here is a short list of ways you can improve your swag:

Good Posture
Proper athletic attire
Be observant of surroundings.
Placing yourself in position for opportunities.
Position yourself in the front of the group.
Communicate well.
Monitor your body language.
Be approachable.

My Life with Peanut M&Ms

Many clients come to the gym, and only have the luxury of hearing me yell training directions. It may cause some of you to think that I don’t have the same temptations as you do.

I want to set the record straight. I do splurge in my diet. My training schedule is so intense that I allow myself to have a daily treat-one pack of peanut M&Ms. Of all the treats that I could possibly select, peanut M&Ms won out. I know you may have questions about my peanut M&M craving so I included a recent interview about my daily ritual.

How long have you been eating a daily pack of peanut M&Ms?
About 11 years

How did this habit get started?
I always believed that there is something everyone has a craving for. This is one of my little treats. I work out hard. I do what I am supposed to do.

Do you eat the plain M&Ms or just the peanut?

I only eat the peanut.

Do you have a favorite color or do you love them all equally?

I love them all equally.

Do you have a certain time that you eat your M&Ms?

I usually eat them at noon.

Have you ever missed a day of not eating your pack?

I have, but it wasn’t by choice. They were not available.

Do you share your M&Ms?

No, I do not share them.

To Wear Or Not To Wear: Sauna Suits

You ever notice when some clients swish past you in one of those vinyl outfits at the gym? It seems as if they are sweating quite a bit more than you, and you are wondering if you are out of the loop.

The vinyl shirts and pants are called sauna suits, and many people are clueless as to their purpose and benefit. The sauna suit is a beneficial training accessory because it helps your body to burn more fuel.

The vinyl fabric insulates your body like a house, which causes the body to burn more food during your training. If food is not the immediate fuel source, then the body will begin to burn stored fat. As a result, weight loss will occur in those areas that are insulated by the sauna suit.

The common perception about the sauna suit is that it causes the user to only lose water weight, which is regained upon hydration. However, weight loss from water depletion is not the purpose of the sauna suit.

I always encourage my clients to hydrate prior, during and after their training sessions to avoid dehydration. Also, by staying hydrated clients will experience more perspiration. These high levels of sweat will allow more toxins to be removed from their bodies during the course of our session.

The benefits of the sauna suit are two-fold. It helps you to heat your “house” to the highest temperatures quickly to burn food and stored fat. Also, the suit will generate large amounts of perspiration which will rid the body of toxins.

It is a great addition to any client’s training regiment regardless of their fitness level. You can find the sauna shirts and sauna suits at your local sports retailer.