My Writings. My Thoughts.
Kettlebells make you stronger!
// May 17th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
There’s a competitive reason behind the appearance of kettlebells at the back doors and tent flaps of military personnel. When Russian and US special Forces started competing against each other after the Soviet Union broke up, the Americans made a disturbing discovery.
“ We’d be totally exhausted and the Russian’s wouldn’t even be catching their breath,” says Jeff Shaffer, an off-duty Secret Service agent watching the Sterling event. “It turned out they were all working out with kettlebells. Now, half the Secret Service is snatching kettelbells and a set sometimes travels with the president’s detail on Air force One.
—– Patrik Joneson, Christian Science Monitor, June 2004
Read!!
// May 14th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Edit
READ! Short quote!
by Psycho Gym on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 10:22am
“ There’s a competitive reason behind the appearance of kettlebells at the back doors and tent flaps of military personnel. When Russian and US special Forces started competing against each other after the Soviet Union broke up, the Americans made a disturbing discovery.
“ We’d be totally exhausted and the Russian’s wouldn’t even be catching their breath,” says Jeff Shaffer, an off-duty Secret Service agent watching the Sterling event. “It turned out they were all working out with kettlebells. Now, half the Secret Service is snatching kettelbells and a set sometimes travels with the president’s detail on Air force One.
—– Patrik Joneson, Christian Science Monitor, June 2004
Awesome video on why Kettlebells are the best!
// May 14th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Watch this video on how kettlebells have helped these athletes.
28 Day Body Transformation
// May 9th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Do you need some competition to keep you motivated with your training? A few of my clients are wanting to have a Body transformation contest, so to add in a little competition I told them I would make it available to all members. This contest is about changing your entire body not just losing scale weight. Therefore we will be looking at weight loss, decreasing body fat %, increasing Lean Muscle, and overall change in body appearance. The contest is a 28 day challenge. The cost to get in is $20, the winners win the money. If you are interested in this you must have your measurements taken along with a Before picture by Wed. May 11th, the contest will end June 3rd. So if you want in, Contact Travis today to set up a time to get measured. Remember this has to be done by Wednesday the 11th!!! Don’t wait around till it is to late.
Check out some Psycho Gym Testimonials:
Artificial Sweetners (This may make you re-think DIET)
// May 9th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Aspartame has been deemed safe by the FDA and is used in over 6,000 products!
Read and watch the video below!
Here is the breakdown on what is in aspartame.
Methanol: When methanol is broken down into the body it turns into formaldehyde which is a POISON!
Phenylalanine: This component decreases serotonin in your brain which leads to mood sings and an increased appetitite.
Aspartic Acid: Neurological toxin comparable to MSG.
For some known side effects of aspartame go to : www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-side-effects.html
Brand Names for Aspartame: AminoSweet, NutraSweet, Equal, NatraTaste, Canderel, Spoonful, Equal
Psycho Gym will not support any artificial sweeteners in their products. Psycho Protein uses stevia which is a natural sweetener.
Psycho Protein
// April 27th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Drinking a Psycho Gym protein shake is an excellent way to get protein into your diet. When exercising regularly, protein is a key essential for muscle repair. Protein provides the necessary amino acids to build and repair muscles.
Here is some information on why you should choose Psycho Gym protein. According to natural news, “Many common brands of protein powders and protein drinks contain high levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.” On top of that most protein brands use artificial sweetners. Psycho Gym’s protein is sweetened with stevia. Stevia is an herb, which is a lot safer to be putting into your body then a sweetener made in a lab that has many different claims of side effects.
The protein is a whey protein which is far superior to all other forms of protein. Whey protein provides the body with the perfect amino acids for muscle building, strength and recovery.
Whey Protein
- Increases lean muscle.
- Decreases recovery time because it helps with faster muscle repair.
- Reduces post workout muscle breakdown.
- Increases metabolism.
It has 28 grams of protein, 0 grams sugar, 110 calories and 0 carbs per serving!
Need something Sweet?
// April 23rd, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Here’s a quick snack that can help your sweet tooth craving. Make sure you eat any types of sugar including fruit either two hours before or after a meal. Fruit should always be eaten ALONE. When eating sugar with a meal it actually spikes your blood sugar which then makes your body store your food as FAT.
Anyways here is the snack. Slice an apple. Put apple into a bag and ad cinnamon. Shake the bag up so cinnamon is all over the apples. Enjoy!!
Cinnamon is great because it helps regulate blood sugar, it also is a source of manganese, fiber, iron, and, calcium.
Benefits of Daily Exercise and the Workplace
// April 22nd, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
There are many reasons why exercise will make you more efficient at work. According to a 2006 study in the German Journal, “Social and Preventative Medicine.” Ralf Brand and colleagues found that employees given 13 weeks of leisure time in off-sit fitness facilities reported enhanced psychological well-being.
Some reasons why daily exercise helps:
Increased energy. People at work have reported to les likely suffer from afternoon fatigue when they exercised daily.
Better attitudes. Exercise releases endorphins, which help you stay in a good mood.
Lower Stress Levels. A regular exercise routine releases the tensions that day-to-day life brings.
More Confidence. When you are physically fit it creates an overall sense of well being.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine in TN, “Six out of ten workers said their time management skills, mental performance and ability to meet deadlines improved on days that they exercised.”
If you are getting bogged down at work get to Psycho Gym!
Kettlebells Vs. Dumbbells!
// April 20th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Here is a quick blog on why kettlebells are so much better than dumbbells.
Dumbbells are used to isolate one muscle group at a time. They are great for lifting but are not good for functional training. So if you are looking to get these huge biceps then bicep curls with a dumbbell can help because you are isolating one muscle at a time but our bodies weren’t designed to isolate muscles!! Functional training is a way you exercise which involves training the body for activities that are performed in daily life.
Kettlebells are a great way to functional train moving with the bodies natural way of movement. Kettlebells combine strength training and cardio in one workout. So basically you are toning your muscles and burning an insane amount of calories in one workout. Kettlebells are different than dumbbells because the weight distribution is not evenly dispersed on either side of the handles but sits away from the handle which makes it a functional exercise tool. Here is some quick benefits of kettlebells:
- Burns average 20 calories a minute
- Best for all around fitness
- Weight Loss
- Enhanced Sports Performance
- Increases mobility
- Increases strength endurance
- Increases power endurance
- Increases Cardiovascular fitness
- Improves Posture and coordination
Psycho Gym Referral Contest Winner!
// March 30th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
For the past two months Psycho Gym members have been competing in a contest to Win a 42 inch flatscreen tv. Last week Psycho Gym member Scott Beggs won!! Congratulations!! We will be starting a new referral contest in April!
Foam Rolling (Self-myofascial release)
// March 16th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Foam
Rolling
Psycho gym members, start to roll out before class! Here is some information on why you should foam roll…
Foam Rolling (self-myofascial release)
- Improve mobility and range of motion
- Reduces scar tissue and adhesion accumulation
- Decreased tone of overactive muscles
- Improves quality of movement
- Muscles need to not only be strong but pliable
Places to avoid:
- Recently injured areas
- Bony prominences/ joints
Here are the main places to roll out before class. If it’s tight and painful that means you need to work on it more.
- Calves
- Foot (use lacrosse ball)
- I.T. bands
- Inner thighs
- Hamstrings
- Back
Important: If you have not used the rollers before ask the trainer to show you how.
Coconut Oil Benefits!
// March 16th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Most people are afraid of coconut oil because of the high fat content. Coconut oil has so many health benefits and it doesn’t turn to fat in your body! Heres some reasons why you should start to use coconut oil in your cooking:
- Coconut oil does not turn to fat in your body! Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides which is EASY fuel for your body to burn! Common oils like soy, vegetable and corn contain long-chain triglycerides which are stored as fat which makes you fat!
- Coconut oil will increase your metabolism. Everyone wants their metabolism to be increased!
- High antioxidant properties.
Coconut Oil
- Coconut oil has healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
- Coconut oil is awesome to use on your skin and hair.
- It can help with skin problems and make your skin appear younger.
- Coconut oil has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects
- Coconut oil can be cooked at higher temperatures than olive oil. It is harder for coconut oil to go rancid. (Rancid oils cause free radical damage in the body)
For some more information on coconut oil check out the book “The Coconut Oil Miracle”. By: Bruce Fife, N.D.
Make Exercising a Habit
// February 22nd, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
A habit is something performed automatically because
you have performed this so frequently in the past. Wouldn’t it be great to have your daily workout routine at Psycho Gym be a habit? The tricky part is that it takes on average about 66 days to create a habit. Here are some ways to help you turn daily exercise into a habit.
Dont get stuck in an exercise rut.. The awesome thing about Psycho Gym Is that workouts are never the same! We always change them to keep your body guessing.
Accountability Partner. It’s easy to come up with reasons why you can’t make it to the gym. But when you told someone else that you were going with them it’s harder to flake out.
Exercise needs to be a top priority. Exercise has to be a top priority. If it isn’t then you will always push it aside and find other things more important.
Schedule. Psycho Gym time should be a time of the day where it’s not easy to miss. Some people have to wake up in the morning to fit it in their schedule, others it works better for them at night. Remember there is no such thing as “Im not a morning person.” It’s that you don’t go to bed early enough!
Even though you feel tired…exercise!. When you really don’t feel like going to the gym is the best time. Exercise gives you more energy and releases hormones that makes you feel better!
So after you read this don’t think I’m gonna start next week…start today!!!
<3Why Couples Should Workout Together!!! <3
// February 14th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
What is a great way to enhance your relationship with your significant other?
Become workout buddies!!!
These are some reasons why its such a great idea to workout with your partner!!
- Having a common goal as partners. Psycho Gym creates a great environment for you and your partner to workout together. All workouts are designed that no matter how different your fitness levels may be you can still workout side by side and get an intense workout in.
- Accountability Partner. Nothing is better than having an accountability partner that is always around. Yes, it can be annoying but you can not only keep each other accountable for having regular attendance at Psycho Gym. You can hold each other accountable for your eating!!
- Enjoy a healthy and fit lifestyle together! Working out reduces stress, makes you happier and you will both be looking great together! The feel good chemicals that are released when working out also increase your libido.
- Quality Time together. Working out is a great way to spend quality time together and add another thing to the list of things you like to do together!
These are just some reasons why it is great to workout with your partner!!!
Start today at Psycho Gym with your partner and get lean in 4 weeks! Safely lose more than the standard 1-2lbs a week. Psycho Gym workouts will keep your body burning fat for up to 36 hours after each workout! Get a specific meal plan designed for you and your partner.
CALL Psycho Gym today to get a free pass for you and your significant other!
Top reasons to use kettlebells
// February 9th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Kettlebells build FUNCTIONAL strength
Functional strength is the whole body strength that we use everyday. Kettlebells work muscles in unison with each other which is what our body is ment to do!
The shape of the kettlebell requires the user to use more muscles.
This also requires more work. This helps get your conditioning to the highest level.
Kettlebells increase explosive movements.
This is beneficial for athletes.
Kettlebell training is a great cardio workout
Not only are you building muscle but you are getting a great cardiovascular workout in. Most athletes have a weight lifting routine that they supplement with a cardiovascular workout. You don’t need to when doing kettlebell training!
Best workout for busy people.
Kettlebell training is a cardio, strength and flexibility workout all in one. Also the intensive nature of kettlebell training requires workouts to be shorter.
Kettlebells burn more fat
Kettlebell strength training creates dense muscle which burns calories from fat for 24-36 hours after!
Women do not bulk up from kettlebells!
Kettlebell training gives women a svelte, lean and toned body shape.
Kettlebells burn and average of 20 calories a minute.
Kettlebells improve Cardio respiratory fitness.
Most kettlebell exercises are with arms in an overhead position which engages muscles most responsible for assisting the breathing process.
Kettlebells are fun!
There are 100s of different kettlebell exercises that are all intense and fun. This means workouts can always be changing so yiu never get bored!
To be continued
NFL Players use Kettlebells
// January 31st, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
NFL Training Methods
NFL players use kettlebells in their training programs. There are many reasons why athletes benefit from the use of kettlebells. Kettlebells improve grip, core, and explosive strength while also increasing flexibility. Kettlebells work better then the average dumbbell because when using a kettlebell the weight distribution changes which requires the athlete to stabilize more parts of their body, strengthening the core, grip, explosive strength, increasing power and flexibility.
“In football its so much about being tough and not giving up and that is what the kettlebell workout is all about.”
—Kyle Vanden Bosch 3 X Pro Bowl Selection
Does the Average American gain 10 pounds during the Holidays???
// December 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
The holidays are here!! We wanted to ENLIGHTEN you a little bit on the holiday weight gain scare that ALL the gyms advertise during the holidays.
I’m pretty sure most people FEEL that they have gained 10- 15 pounds during the holiday season but is that really the truth? Would it be crazy if I said that the average person gains 1-2 lbs a year and NEVER loses it and this weight gain is gained from ONLY the holiday season?? Well it’s the truth!
The average weight gain in a person is 1-2 pounds a year and this weight isn’t lost EVER!! So in 10 years that extra 20 pounds of FAT you are carrying around you can thank the yummy treats, and fattening food that you ate over the last 10 years around the holidays!! Isn’t that crazy? So that extra pound of fat sitting on your waist line could be from the mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cake and cookies that you ate 5 Christmases ago!!! And that double chin is from 10 Thanksgivings ago when you had 3 pieces of pumpkin pie instead of one!!
Another horrible fact is that if you are already overweight, you gain more than 1-2 pounds its about 5 pounds during the holiday season.
Lets put this in perspective, if you don’t do ANYTHING ABOUT IT NOW, in 5 years you will have about 10 pounds extra of body fat from the HOLIDAY SEASON, then if you continue the pattern you will start to GAIN 5 pounds on average during the holiday season! This is a horrible pattern that Psycho Gym can help YOU stop!
DON’T BE AVERAGE!!! GET TO PSYCHO GYM!!!
How to get the FUNK out of your Vibram Five Fingers
// October 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Psycho Gym trainers and members are known for setting the fad of wearing five fingers when they workout. We know how to work out hard, get sweaty, loose weight, get toned, and wear five fingers. With all this comes the smell from the shoes. Vibram five fingers are fine at first because they are treated with aegis, which is used to keep the shoe sanitized and fight bacteria. But with all our sweating and hard work, this wears out.
So here are some great ideas on what you can do to get the FUNK out of your Vibrams!!
- All Vibrams are machine washable!! (Use gentle, warm water cycle with liquid or powder detergent)
- After washing hang dry! Do not put in the sun!!
- Always start out with freshly cleaned feet.
- Wiping your feet with tea tree oil before putting the shoes on.
- Spraying your feet with Dr. Scholls Odor spray!
- Soak overnight in a bucket of warm water with a cup of white spirit vinegar.
Does anyone else have any other ideas???
PSYCHO GYM’S WORKOUTS MAKE YOUR BODY BURN FAT FOR UP TO 24-36 HOURS AFTER YOUR WORKOUT!!!!
// October 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Besides using kettlebells, ropes, tires, hammers, suspension training and other old school training tactics, Psycho Gym uses surge training to get our members in the best shape possible. Surge training is when you exercise 90-100% of your maximum effort from anywhere between 30-60seconds!
- Surge training helps enhance testosterone secretion
- This is a critical hormone for both men and women and helps with a healthy body, cancer prevention and libido!
- Burns fat for up to 24-36 hours after!!!
- When the body is performing surge training it uses most of its glycogen (stored sugar in the body) and then switches over to burn fat!
- Build lean muscle 2 X faster then other workouts!
- The more muscle you have, the more likely your body will build more muscle.
- Boosts your metabolism!
- When surge training, your growth hormone levels are boosted which speeds up your metabolism.
- More energy after the workout!
- Sleep better at night!
- Can work better than an antidepressant.
- Endorphin levels are increased when doing surge training.
The awesome thing is that Psycho Gym workouts are geared towards ANYBODY! You push yourself as hard as YOU can for 30-60 seconds so any fitness level can workout in our classes!!!! Come try out a class for FREE!
Benefits of Kettlebells
// September 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Here’s a quick article about the benefits of using kettlebells. The average person burned 20 calories a minute during a kettlebell workout which is 400 calories in 20 minutes… 600 calories in 30 minutes… 800 calories in 40 minutes… That’s why you need to get on over to Psycho Gym!!!
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20100212/kettlebell-workouts-burn-calaories-fast
Some of Psycho Gym’s Top Healthiest Foods
// September 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Some of Psycho Gym’s top healthiest foods.
Carrots Carrots are nutritionally beneficial and a great snack. According to 150 healthiest foods by Jonny Bowden, “They’re a great source of lutein and zeanxanthin, two other carotenoids that, when working together, have shown enormous promise in protecting the eyes and helping prevent macular degeneration and cataracts”(Bowden). They also have 60 mg calcium, 586 mg of potassium, 30,000 IUs of vitamin A 15,000 units of beta-cartoene, 6,000 alpha-carotene and a small amount of magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C. This food would be good to eat with healthy fats like wild samon, grass fed beef, or avacado because when carrots are eaten with fat the carotenoids and vitamin A are better absorbed because they are fat soluble nutrients.
Avocados They have a great amount of healthy fats and are good for your heart, eyes and skin. They are high in monosaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol and are also linked in reducing cancer, diabetes and are protective of the prostate. They also have lutein , which is a natural antioxidant which keeps your eyes and skin healthy. There is a trace amount of saturated fats but it is from a whole food. Avocados are a great source of fiber and potassium.
Wild Alaskan Salmon has a high source of omega 3s which makes it have more health benefits than any other food. It is very important to realize that wild salmon is very different from farm-raised salmon. Wild salmon eat their natural diet, which makes them have the omega 3s, but the farm raised salmon do not eat their natural diet which makes them not have all the great omega 3 fats. The omega 3s in wild Alaskan salmon are good for the health of your heart, brain, inflammation, circulation, memory, thought and blood sugar control. Salmon has more than 18 g protein, 360 mg potassium, and selenium.
Coconut oil is on my top cooking oil and is one of my top ten healthiest foods. In the book The Coconut Oil Miracle it talks about people who live in the South Pacific that are free from aches and pains, degenerative diseases, and heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis are almost unheard of. These people all have one thing in common they consume a large amount of coconuts and coconut oil is used as a medicine. Coconut oil has a very high antioxidant content.
Blueberries contain disease fighting, age-proofing antioxidants and anticancer properties. They help lower cholesterol and with weight control. They are very low in sugar and can be eaten throughout the day or added to whey protein powder to make a shake.
Whey protein powder is a top food because protein is very important for our bodies and is an easy and yummy way to get more into our diet. Whey protein is very stimulating to the immune system and gives that body the ability to make glutathione(a powerful antioxidant our body produces). It also has several protein fractions that all have important disease fighting effects.
Eggs are a great source of protein and can be cooked many different ways, which makes it even better. They are considered a perfect source of protein because they have all nine essential amino acids. They also have a good source of choline which is essential for cardiovascular and brain function.
Spinach is another top food because it is low in calories and has a ton of vitamins. Spinach is high in vitamin K, which is used to help put calcium into the bones and can be a substitute for milk because of its high calcium content. It also has vitamin A and C, manganese, folic acid, magnesium, iron and quercetin. It has a great source of flavanoids that are high in antioxidants and fighting off cancer.
Why you should you eat grass fed beef
// September 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Why should eat GRASS fed beef over GRAIN fed beef?
We at Psycho Gym encourage grass fed beef for our members to eat because of all the great healthy benefits. When you are lifting kettlebells it is important to make sure you get a good source of protein.
Problem with grain fed meat:
- Cows that are switched from their natural diet to grain fed diet tend to have lower nutritional value and have higher fat.
- The grain fed diets are specifically designed to fatten the cow up so it can be slaughtered faster, which makes the cows meat fattier which makes us fatter!!
- Cows are designed to eat fibrous grasses, plants and shrubs and instead are being fed grain, soy, supplements, hormones and growth promoting additives.
- Pesticides, fertilizers, hormones and antibiotics that are consumed by the cow are passed on to us through the meat.
Benefits of Grass Fed meat:
- Lower in fat and calories then grain fed beef
- Meat from grass fed animals has two to four times more omega-3 fatty acids than meat from grain fed animals
- (Omega 3s is good fats that our body needs)
- Higher in CLA which is another good fat that helps prevent cancer.
- Contains over 400% more of Vitamin A and E.
Grain Fed meat is the primary meat we find in grocery stores today. Finding grass fed meat is a little bit tricky but definitely worth it!
Where to find grass fed:
Sprouts
Central Market
Whole foods
Local farmers
Russell Athletic Wear commerical filmed at Psycho Gym
// September 8th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Psycho Gym’s Travis Williams in a Russell Athletic Wear Commercial
At the beginning of the video Travis is chalking up at Psycho Gym and using the ropes. The 5 seconds of Travis doing rope exercises really took them 6 hours to film!! But it turned out great.
Funny Looking Shoes For Working Out, Lisia Sanford Psycho Gym
// September 8th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Lisia Sanford wears Five Fingers as a Psycho Gym Trainer
Five fingers…Yes we know they are funny looking…But here is some info as to why most Psycho Gym members are wearing these shoes or even going barefoot while working out.
I know most of you think working out barefoot or wearing five fingers is crazy or even bad for you. Well let me enlighten you on the science behind wearing the shoes or working out barefoot and how it is actually BETTER for you.
According to a Daniel Lieberman (professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University) said, “People have been running barefoot for millions of years and it has only been since 1972 that people have been wearing shoes with thick, synthetic heels.” Daniel Lieberman has conducted many studies on barefoot running. Here is a video documenting some of the studies he has done.
Chris McDougall who is the author of the bestseller book Born to Run said, “If this were a drug, it would be yanked off the market,” he said of running shoes. McDougall says his own persistent problems with plantar fascistic cleared up after he started running in Vibram FiveFingers. Check out the Time Magazine article entitled “Do Fancy Shoes do more harm than good” to learn more about this topic.
I hope this helps you understand why so many of the Psycho Gym members are going barefoot or wearing five fingers.
PSYCHO GYM
// August 22nd, 2010 // Comments Off // Uncategorized
DISCIPLINE….SACRIFICE….COMMITMENT…..TRADITION
These are the cornerstones of Psycho Gym, which establish the foundation of ultimate physical fitness. There are no short cuts, there isn’t an “Easy” button.
However, there is a Method to the Madness!
Psycho Gym’s trainers have used their experience and knowledge of science, fitness, and nutrition to design workout programs that guarantee a crazy fat loss of more than 1-2 pounds of fat per week, all while gaining power, strength, mobility, flexibility, and endurance.
Life is full of champion moments. With the training provided by Psycho Gym you will be able to start being a part of those moments and stop talking about them.
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