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Favorite Songs-February 2012
My top spin class and workout playlist songs this month: All of the lights, Kanye West Stronger, Kanye West On the Floor, Jennifer Lopez Smooth Criminal, Michael Jackson or Alien Ant Farm Written in the Stars, Tinie Tempah I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas The Time (Dirty Bit), Black Eyed Peas Alive, P.O.D. Like a Prayer, Jay Smith (origianlly by Madonna) Bleed it Out, Linkin Park What are you diggin this month? … Read entire article »
2 Great articles and a Video worth your time
Foam Rolling: The Basics by Nicole Drummer, http://www.usatriathlon.org/ Purge: Get Rid of the Clutter by Todd Durkin, http://www.todddurkin.com/ Dennis Rodman Hall of Fame Speech … Read entire article »
Top 5 Fitness Myths
The perpetuation of bogus myths in the health and wellness industry are why I will always have a job as a personal trainer. The most notable (and laughable) is the idea that muscle weighs more than fat. You will notice it is not in my top 5 myths simply because the laws of the universe I live in. 5 pounds of muscle are equal to 5 pounds of fat. See? Next time someone says that, punch them … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mythbuster
David McClain, Weight Loss Journey
David McClain talks about losing over 65 pounds in 6 months with my help and a whole lot of determination from him. (Update: as of 8/10/2011, Dave his completed 12 events including 4 triathlons and 2-10ks, and will be competing in his first Olympic triathlon next week. GO DAVE!!) You’ll hear him talk about why he finally had it with his weight, what he did first, and why he went with online training to help him … Read entire article »
Filed under: Motivation
What is your “building” made of?
Are you in an abusive relationship with food? Do you give it power over you? Do you allow it to ruin your body? Have you ever thought of food as a person that can make you feel good or make you feel like crap? For example, one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, is famous for his bit on Hot Pockets. He says, “I have never eaten a Hot Pocket then thought ‘I am really glad … Read entire article »
Filed under: Article
Getting Serious About Your Life
This guy is amazing. I read his blog, I read his book, and I am a big fan of his philosophies. Check him out! Blog Written by: Todd Durkin Website: ToddDurkin.com Check out his book The IMPACT Body Plan (In full disclosure, I did not get permission to post this. I just thought it was awesome. Enjoy!) There’s no surprise in the fact that I spend time each and every day talking with people about their goals. After all, as … Read entire article »
Filed under: Inspiration
Your Two Week Nutrition Plan for Crazy Weight Loss
Here is your assignment: By Saturday, create 3 days of meals, from waking up to going to bed. Include Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts/Seeds, eggs and meat/fish for each day. Send it over to me and I’ll make any additions I think will help you, then when you hit the store you will be ready. Starting Monday, you will have 14 days to kick ass in the nutrition department and you will lose weight. Sunday afternoon: Hit the … Read entire article »
My Reality Show Pitch
Guest Post by -Brett Klika (Re-posted without permission. Just a great post I found on ToddDurkin.com) Weight loss shows are a hit. Modern society’s insatiable voyeuristic appetite drives millions of viewers to tune in and watch the profoundly overweight, devoid of hope or motivation, endure overly intensive physical and emotional struggles to win a race to the lowest number on the scale. Special diets, celebrity personal trainers, hours of daily rigors, and spectacle-worthy competitions are performed daily under … Read entire article »
Filed under: Inspiration
Jamie Oliver’s TED award speech
Some of the quotes from this video: “Sadly, in the next 18 minutes, 4 Americans will be dead because of the food they eat.” “Statistics say 2/3 of this room in overweight.” “Fact: Diet related disease is the biggest killer, right now, today.” “Obesity cost 10% of your health care costs, $150 Billion dollars a year. Let’s face it, America, you ain’t got that kind of cash!” “Every child needs to leave school with 10 recipes they can use.” … Read entire article »
Filed under: Motivation
Should I start a website or blog?
Websites Start a blog, not a stale website. WordPress has been the blog of choice for me. There are many reasons to have a blog instead of a stale website. Site is constantly being updated with content by you, which helps people find you through internet searches You can offer free tips on your blog that will help establish your credibility as a coach/trainer Connect your YouTube page so people can see you in action and/or watch video … Read entire article »
Filed under: James Leath, Trainer/Coach Tips
Mindbody Software for Online Scheduling
Mindbody for your business I use MINDBODY to run my business. It is the most comprehensive, easy to use program I have ever come across. You can even get a merchant account that cost WAY less than using PayPal. In fact, when I went to headquarters for training on the software, I was offered a job. So, full disclosure, I loved the product/company so much I now work for them. If you … Read entire article »
Filed under: James Leath, Trainer/Coach Tips
STOP, THIEF!
I came home one day from university and I was pooped. I started class at 7am and went non-stop until 5:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday but this particular day I was exhausted because I had 2 exams that day. I remember I kept thinking once I get home, I have one last beer in the fridge and an Its It! ice-cream sandwich waiting to be devoured. I walked in the door, threw my bag on the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Inspiration
Springtime Resolutions
I always thought New Years day was a horrible day to start a resolution. The timing is all wrong. The weather is cold and dark and no one wants to go outside. You are sick from an overeating binge that started on Thanksgiving that included office parties, Christmas party and then there is the headache from drinking on New Years Eve. Now you are suppose to create new goals and resolutions? Wrong. My proposal: I know … Read entire article »
Fat vs. Muscle-Mythbuster alert!
Contrary to popular belief, fat does not turn into muscle. You have fat cells and muscle fibers. Fat cells get filled with the energy you consume but fail to use, and muscles grow when they are strained beyond their usual capacity. Another thing I hear often is people say “Muscle weighs more than fat.” Question: Which weighs more, a pound of metal or a pound of feathers?” They both weigh a pound, but the density of … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mythbuster
Where should I get certified?
Certifications: “What organization should I get certified with?” is a question I get all the time. Between my brother-in-law trainer and myself, I think in 5 years we have been asked twice. The general public is not interested in who you are certified under, only that you know what you are doing and you can deliver results. Get certified to build confidence … Read entire article »
Filed under: James Leath, Trainer/Coach Tips
Tips for Personal Trainers and Coaches
*Links are bold and underlined Certifications: “What company should I get certified with?” is a question I get all the time. Between my brother-in-law trainer and myself, I think in 5 years we have been asked twice. The general public is not interested in who you are certified under, only that you know what you are doing and you can deliver results. Get certified to build confidence and knowledge, not to impress people. Trust me, a trainer with 10 certifications is not impressive to anyone but themselves. Whoever you go through, stay current through continuing education units and ALWAYS have insurance. Some companies to check out for certification are: ACE, NASM, ACSM, and … Read entire article »
Filed under: James Leath, Trainer/Coach Tips
What is your workout missing?
For those who include the gym as part of their workout ritual, there are a few things to keep in mind when you walk through those huge glass doors. Keep those in mind when planning out your session and you will see the results you are after. Warm up: This one is obvious. However, there are studies that show warming up is not necessary for the body to start a workout. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Blog
Crunches
I see people at the gym all the time doing crunches wrong. There are a few right ways, and many wrong ways to strengthen the abs. Tip: anytime you can do an exercise that allows you to go through the full range of motion for that muscle or mucles group, you are doing well. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Challenge, James Leath, Quick Fit Tip
Email and Calendar for Trainers and Coaches
Email and Calendar Connect your free GoDaddy email account to a Google Apps account. That way you have a calendar an can use the Google Docs with clients. Also, your *MINDBODY account can connect to your Google calendar and keep you updated. *Reminder: I work for Mindbody and would be more than happy to give you a tour of the software. I am completely confident you will love it! Click here to email me about a … Read entire article »
Filed under: James Leath, Trainer/Coach Tips