The GTA Fitness Reviewer has Moved

Just a reminder to all readers;
The GTA Fitness Reviewer has moved!
I now have my own domain name and the freedom to design my web site any way I wish.
Please use this link to read the latest post now.

I was Wrong

Let it never be said that I do not admit when I am wrong.

I was wrong.

I've been doing cardio at the start of my workouts then doing weights and core training.

Oops!!

I just found out that is the wrong order if your goal is to burn fat and become leaner !!

<insert sheepish smiley face here>

I found a wonderful blog post by a local gym that I feel is very valuable and informative and easy to understand. Well done!! This post explains and demystifies alot of misconceptions about exercise and workout routines.

You can read it here:

Fitness Tips that will change your Life

In case you need more proof, (I sure did) I also researched the concept of weights before cardio and found several more articles that support this thinking in addition to articles that also explain the pros and cons and reasons why to order your workout in specific ways to reach certain goals:

Does exercise order matter?
Before Or After?

Confused?

Me too. So being who I am, I am going to reverse my workout for a month; do weights first and cardio last.

I will let you know what I discover.

until then, don't sweat the small stuff!

How to Lose Belly Fat

So here it is; the sure-fire way to lose that annoying belly fat. But wait!! There are a few things you require first:

1) Be willing to work hard

2) Determination

3) Never give up


If you have those three qualities then this method to losing belly fat will work:

1) Regular exercise; at least 5 times per week for 1 hour each session. Include minimum of  20 minutes of vigorous cardio combined with weights, core training and abdominal exercises. (ideally you should try to do 30-40 minutes of vigorous cardio during 3 of the 5 visits to your gym per week and 20 minutes of cardio twice per week during your session)

2) A nutrition plan that is high in lean protein and low in fat and carbs and schedules your eating into 5 small meals per day (ideally you should try to focus on smaller portions more frequently throughout the day; this will help to boost your metabolism)


Now I need to tell you, I am not a doctor, nutritionist, professional trainer or any expert whatsoever. So how do I know the above advice works?? Well, I followed and continue to follow the above advice and it is working for me.

The results:

• I lost more than 6 inches from my waist in 12 months. 
• I have increased muscle mass (which helps to burn calories).
• My overall strength and endurance has increased significantly. (I now pedal 5km on the elliptical in 16 minutes, when I started 12 months ago it took me 40 minutes)
• My energy level has improved
• I sleep better
• My overall mood is happy and content

I welcome you to give it a try for yourself. Be patient. It takes several months before you see any real results. That's where the "determination" and "never give up" qualities come in.

Take a picture of yourself before you start. Then, take another picture three or four months into your program. You will see the difference. You will feel the difference.

Good health is not just about your body.  Having good health will affect how you feel about yourself. Your improved self-image will positively impact your life. You will be happier and more willing to try things because of the increased self confidence. It really is quite amazing how one small change can so greatly impact and improve the quality of your life.

I wish you all well.

The Countdown Begins

With only 3 days to go before my birthday and the official end day of the Belly Fat Challenge I am now a bit nervous about the final results.  Why??  Well, being human, I have faltered from the nutrition plan here and there and indulged in a few more carbs than what had been recommended. Truth be told; I have also indulged in one or two chocolate bars very recently!! ARG!!!!

But wait!!!! Is this the end of the world????  Have I failed miserably???  Ummmmm, no; in fact these simple facts serve to demonstrate that our society still needs work at improving the image of health and fitness.  Its not just a fad for the severely bored and oppressed.  For those who have no imagination or who have insane prejudice for meat-eaters.  These are all stereo-typical ideas of those who are keen about health and fitness.  Its like the nerdy kid in class.  Everyone knows he's gonna earn waay more than anyone else in the class when he grows up; but he is still persecuted by his classmates simply because he is a nerd.  Thus does society poke fun and stereo-type those of us who make health and fitness a lifestyle choice. I know I get comments from time to time about the amount of time I spend at the gym.  However, I am committed to this lifestyle now and I am enjoying the benefits of being healthy.  Feeling good, having more energy, sleeping better, clothes fitting better, improved self esteem and improved overall outlook on life in general. 

Likely I will NOT post on my birthday, June 7th as I will be busy ....... however I will post final results and final comments on my Belly Fat Challenge this weekend, June 9th or 10th.

enjoy the rest of your week

until then; don't sweat the small stuff!!