Personal Trainer Austin Texas

I’ve posted about using caution when buying equipment, so it doesn’t end up being a coat rack. I’ve also posted on equipment hawked on TV that doesn’t work in real life. I stand by my philosophy that you don’t need apparatus to get in – or to stay in shape. Equipment just makes it more interesting and fun, and helps with muscle ‘confusion’ (see previous posts about confusion).

I purchased “Leg Magic” more out of curiosity (and the fact  it was big time on sale).  Just like the informercial and shopping channel show, it is to be done for only brief spurts, i.e. 15-30 seconds perhaps and then up to one minute. Not a long time.  After using this Leg Magic with many clients, I have learned that this gadget, like many, works best when taught by a professional. There are nuances to using it that can make it effective, or, maybe painful and not effective. These nuances are not discussed on the DVD or on the commercials (or maybe it’s just my particular precision with such things and it’s how I personally would explain it).

Bottom line, I give it a 4 out of 5. Not bad, huh? The workout DVD that comes with it is done with intervals getting on and off Leg Magic, doing complementary, full body toning segments. That part I like.

Take care,

Margo

What is your REAL age, versus your calendar/chronological age? Take this fun test to find out. It’s interesting to see all the things taken into account that you may not even think matter.  Some of you have probably seen this before, and as a result made some lifestyle changes (or not?!). :-)  No time like the present.

http://www.realage.com/ralong/entry4.aspx?cbr=GGLE806&gclid=CJrHsbqK7JsCFQ7xDAod503d5g

WHAT’S IT GONNA BE?????                                                                              WHEWY!

Soft Medicine Balls, also known as a medball, exercise ball, and weighted ball are great for abdominal/core work, legs, arms, shoulders, (demo photos below) and overall conditioning.  Soft Medicine Balls are very different from the much lighter and larger Stability or Fitball that many of you also use at home and with me, which I’ll discuss in another blog post.

I like the Soft Medicine Ball because of its ‘sandbag’ feel, the comfort in your hand and against your body for added weight, and the fact you can toss it between partners! (We’d never toss a dumbbell, ack!)

SQUAT AND TOSS TO PARTNER

Exercises include switching/tossing hand to hand while balancing, lifting and lower during leg squats and lunges, weighed trunk rotation for abs and back, overhead for triceps, added weight for crunches, and many more.  I’m sure many of you just can’t wait for your next workout when we use these!

I’m still a proponent of using just your body and gravity, yet for those of you who like suggestions for apparatus at home to make your workouts more varied and fun, I absolutely endorse the Soft Medicine Ball, and recommend your first ball not exceed 8 pounds.

Warm regards,

Margo

SINGLE LEG SQUAT WITH TORSO TWIST                                   WEIGHTED CRUNCH TORSO TWIST

You’ve all heard of jumping rope or skipping rope, and probably did it as a kid. Well, we’re all just big kids, so think about incorporating it back into your exercise routine.  Right away many of you may think “but my knees”. Jumping two-footed lessens the single leg impact that occurs when running, and is done in short spurts to start. Jumping and/or skipping with the rope strengthens your shoulders and arms, and last but not least, it strengthens your heart. Those few seconds (and that is where you start, a few seconds) will relieve stress immediately, and help build coordination.  With practice you can skip rope for longer periods of time, and get a fabulous aerobic workout and burn major calories.

You can do it with your kids as it works for all ages and fitness levels. Jumping rope is perfect when combined with other activities such as walking, strength, and flexibility training.

I prefer the beaded type, shown above, since it’s light, easy to adjust, and is slippery on most any surface.

Okay, I tried to get a shot of me in motion; even smiling!!!!  

Warm regards,

Margo

For those of you looking for an alternative to dumbbells, a weighted body bar can be a nice addition. They vary in weight size from 8 to upwards of 20 lbs.  I use them for shoulders, arms, lower back, thighs, tush, upper back and chest. You can do it all with one single bar! Storage is a snap, as it stands up in a corner taking up no space at all.  I’ll list just a few of many exercises you can do with this body bar:

• Bicep Curls
• Tricep Press
• Dead lifts for lower back and hamstrings
• Squats for thighs and tush
• Chest press (laying down, pressing bar upwards)
• Rowing for lats
• Overhead press for shoulders

These are just a few basics you may recognize; I’m happy to show you other exercises that make for great “muscle confusion”!  (Confusion is what your muscles want to keep things fresh and effective.)

Warm regards,

Margo

As most of you know, I’m usually wearing my Fit Flops. Again, I get nothing for endorsing these, I just have first-hand experience of their benefit. If you regularly wear ‘traditional’ thin and flat flip flops, and also have any foot, knee or back issues, (in which case you probably shouldn’t wear those flips) a better alternative is wearing Fit Flops.

The first time I put them on it felt like walking on clouds. They are light and supportive and provide cushion from impact when walking or standing…two things I do A LOT of.

I do NOT buy into any claims about “fitness” related to these shoes regarding improved leg strength/tone. I DO buy into the support and comfort they offer, and suggest you bag your flip flops, for a pair of Fit Flops.

Just google it for many on line stores and a variety of styles for women and men, or to find where they are sold locally to try a pair first. I own a couple different styles, so feel free to email me since I favor certain things about certain styles.

Warm regards,

Margo