Tag Archive for 'body sculpt'

Research Discovers that Exercises Builds the Brain: “Musclehead” Takes on New Meaning!

Published on November 7, 2012 in Fit News, Future Fitness Programs & Classes and Healthy Steps for Fitness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

We all know that exercise builds muscles, but newly released scientific research indicates that it may also build the brain – literally! A team at the University of Edinburgh followed more than 600 people who were 70 years old at the time the study began. The subjects provided details on their daily physical, mental and social activities.

Three years later, using imaging scans, the scientists found that the subjects who engaged in the most physical exercise had less shrinkage and damage in the brain’s white matter – the “wiring” of the brain’s communication system. The relationship remained even after factoring for such variables as age, health, social class and I.Q.

The study, reported in the journal Neurology, also indicated that exercise had a more positive effect in preventing brain shrinkage than engagement in mentally stimulating activities or having an active social life. While the authors of the study couldn’t rule out the possibility that people with less brain deterioration were just more likely to be physically active, they said that based on their findings, they would recommend that people take up physical exercise whatever their age.

If you’re already keeping your brain toned and pumped, you’re ahead of the game! If you’re looking for a fitness program that will be fun, challenging and beneficial – regardless of your age or fitness level – spend some time learning about all the great classes and programs Future Fitness offers. We now have something to improve every brain as well as every body!

 

Common Sense Exercise Tips

Published on October 26, 2012 in Fit News, Future Fitness Programs & Classes and Healthy Steps for Fitness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

If you’re considering starting a workout routine and have reached this blog for some advice, congratulations! If you’ve recently joined Future Fitness and want to be sure you have every advantage in keeping your commitment to a healthy lifestyle, here are five simple tips:

1. Consult a fitness professional – Have a professional assessment to determine what types of exercise will be most beneficial. You may learn that following a program based on aerobics or resistance training will get you where you want to go. You’ll also learn the areas in which you need the most attention, and how to avoid injury.

Future Fitness provides free sessions with a personal trainer, plus the industry’s leading instructors for all classes and programs. You can begin your program with complete confidence that you’ll enjoy the maximum benefits – as long as you follow the subsequent tips!

2. Follow an effective exercise routine – The American Council on Exercise (ACE) surveyed 1,000 ACE-certified personal trainers about the best techniques to get fit. They recommended a combination of strength training to help tone the entire body, interval training and cardio/aerobic exercise.

3. Choose a fitness regime you enjoy – Don’t take up a program that you’ll approach like a chore, or a fad workout that’s getting all the media buzz (unless you find that it really is a good program for you, and not just the celebrity who made it famous). For example, spinning may appeal more to you than walking on a treadmill (or vice versa).

Future Fitness members have an advantage in being able to take free demos of classes and programs, and in discussing the range of activities they like with instructors who can recommend the appropriate exercises.

4. Set realistic goals and be patient – If you’ve been a long-term couch potato, don’t expect to see a new slimmer, toned and ripped “you” in a few weeks. Trying to do too much too soon sets you up for injury and/or a lot of frustration. Either way, you’re more likely to give up.

Also, don’t strive for perfection or a goal that’s improbable based upon your physical limitations (which we all have). Talk with your instructor or trainer about your fitness goals, and the process involved in reaching them.

5. Be consistent – Achieving physical fitness is a process, and progress is made in increments. Schedule a regular time (at least three times weekly) for your workout. No matter how good your program, you won’t get results unless you do it consistently.

Lift Your Way to Fitness with Weight Training for Every Body

Published on September 26, 2012 in Fit News, Future Fitness Programs & Classes and Healthy Steps for Fitness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

So you look at your fellow fitness club members who pump serious iron and think that it’s a fine workout regimen for them, but it really isn’t for you. Well, think again! Almost everyone can incorporate some type of weight training into his or her fitness program. Weight training provides many benefits, including increased muscle mass (which decreases with age), joint flexibility, increased bone density and better management of your body weight.

No less of an authority than the Mayo Clinic recommends weight training, which, according to its article on MayoClinic.com, “… challenges your muscles by providing a stress to the muscle that causes it to adapt and get stronger, similar to the way aerobic conditioning strengthens your heart.”

There are many options to weight training. You can use free weights – such as barbells, dumbbells or kettle bells – or weight machines. Short training sessions of 20 or 30 minutes performed two or three times a week are more practical and just as effective as extended daily workouts in producing a significant improvement in strength.

Use caution when starting a weight training program, as improper technique or starting with weights that are too heavy can cause injury. Future Fitness members have access to the fitness industry’s best, most experienced instructors, so be sure to get their advice in planning your program. Or check out one of our weight training classes. You’ll find one that offers the right training program for your fitness level and fitness goals!

Here’s some advice from the Mayo Clinic for beginners in weight training:

  • Learn proper technique – even experienced athletes may need to revise their form occasionally.
  • Do a single set of repetitions – a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper weight can build muscle efficiently in most people, and can be as effective as three sets of the same exercise.
  • Use the proper weight – which should be heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions.
  • Start slowly – don’t be discouraged if you can lift only a few pounds at first. Once you can easily do 12 repetitions with a particular weight, you can gradually increase.
  • Take time to rest – one full day between exercising each specific muscle group is recommended. For example, you may work the major muscle groups at a single session two or three times a week, or plan daily sessions for specific muscle groups – arms and shoulders on Monday, legs on Tuesday, etc.

 

Kettlebell Strength Training Hits the Right Exercise Notes

Published on July 12, 2012 in Fit News, Future Fitness Programs & Classes and Healthy Steps for Fitness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Fitness legend Joe Weider – still going strong at age 92 – gives it an enthusiastic recommendation. MMA stars and action movie actors swear by it. And hometown heroes like firefighters and law enforcement officers use it to maintain the physical strength and endurance they depend upon.

“It” is kettlebell training. Touted by those who’ve discovered the many advantages that working out with kettlebells achieve, kettlebell strength training is gaining in popularity as a great supplement to an existing fitness program.

What is a kettlebell? Imagine a bowling ball with a luggage handle attached at the top, and you get the basic idea. Or if you’re a Future Fitness member, just visit the weight training room of your favorite location – you’ll see them readily available. But don’t expect to find kettlebells in just any fitness center. More about that latter.

Two kettlebells are the basic equipment for exercises designed to increase muscular endurance, lose fat, and build size and strength. In addition, proponents claim that kettlebell training will help you develop joint and ligament strength, which is even more important than building muscles for long-term health and fitness benefits.

So why work out with kettlebells instead of dumbbells? Kettlebell training enthusiasts note that kettlebells are harder to handle – which in the case of strength training is a good thing. Because their handles are much thicker than dumbbells, kettlebells also help to significantly improve your grip. Plus, their off- centered weight will force you to use more stabilizer muscles and work the targeted muscles through a longer range of motion.

Other benefits include improving the ability to absorb shock efficiently – hence its popularity among combat sports pros – as well as improving the ability to function on a daily basis. Whether you follow a kettlebell-focused program or just incorporate kettlebells into your existing fitness program to keep your workout fun and interesting, this dynamic piece of training equipment offers something for everyone.

To learn the proper use of kettlebells, the enthusiasts agree that an experienced instructor is essential. This is why not every fitness center includes them. The instructors and trainers at Future Fitness, of course, can show you how to get the most out of kettlebell training, which is incorporated into many of our weight training classes. Just sign up, and start feeling the results that everybody’s talking about!

Reform Your Workout With Pilates Reformer

Published on June 26, 2012 in Future Fitness Programs & Classes and Healthy Steps for Fitness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

As the popularity of Pilates continues to increase, the Pilates reformer is taking this exercise program to a new level of effectiveness. The Pilates reformer is an exercise machine that incorporates the Pilates technique for a challenging and intense workout. Springs, leverage and body weight are used as resistance while performing movements that target specific muscle groups.

Workouts consist of controlled, smooth movements working the muscles through a full range of motion. The reformer adds increased resistance to the movement. By working to overcome this resistance, training results in increased fitness levels. With regular training, using the Pilates reformer improves muscle fiber endurance, size and strength, as well as connective tissue strength. Muscles become highly toned without appearing bulky.

The main reason the Pilates reformer has become a sensation is because it can be used by anyone, at any age or fitness level, and make possible significant gains in strength and muscle tone. Those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, or recovering from orthopedic injuries can successfully use this program – as well as athletes. Pilates reformer truly offers something for every body!

Overall benefits of Pilates reformer training include:

  • Building strength without excess bulk
  • Development of core strength
  • Prevention of injuries
  • Alleviates chronic pain
  • Improves posture, balance, flexibility and coordination

Sports and activities-related benefits include:

Martial Arts – Will greatly increase flexibility, alleviate hip pain and improve kicks while elongating muscles.

Dance – Will allow you to better isolate your muscles, improve coordination and elongate your body.

Golf – Will strengthen your back muscles to improve your swing.

Swimming – Will help improve core control to improve your strokes and speed while increasing flexibility in your legs, arms and back.

As advanced as the Pilates reformer equipment itself is, optimum benefits can only be accomplished through instruction by an experienced trainer. To get the most out of this exciting workout program, sign up at the front desk of the Future Fitness Center in your location for a free Pilates reformer demo session!