TRX Suspension Training

Many people avoid the gym setting.  Crowds, loud music, screaming instructors or even smells can deter a person from exercising.  You should learn more about TRX Suspension Training.  I love, love, love, this piece of equipment.   You can take it anywhere and get a great workout.  My deck or the local parks are my favorite places to workout.  You get scenery, privacy and clean air to enjoy while you kick you own butt.  Below is a little background.

Born in the U.S. Navy SEALS and developed by Fitness Anywhere®, Suspension Training® is a revolutionary method of leveraged bodyweight exercise. Easily set up the portable TRX® Suspension Trainer™ and you’re in control. Safely perform hundreds of exercises that build power, strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and prevent injuries, all at the intensity you choose.  The TRX® is more than just the most versatile piece of exercise equipment available, it’s a complete training system.

Sounds just like an infomercial doesn't it but everything is true.  Check out their website for more information.http://www.trxtraining.com  

Celebrate the 80's

I am having a proud parent moment. Please just tolerate me for a brief post.   Both of my boys play football and both of them wore #80.  Marcus, my oldest is still #80 and Mitch, my younger, is serving a church mission in Orlando, Florida.  Below is a post from a football fan. (No it wasn't me or his dad)

80 Days! Happy Marcus Mathews Day!

JUN 15

Posted by CougarCenter

This was the scene of losing his spleen.  

Mitch.  His practice jersey was #23.  Redshirt 2009

By: Mitch Harper 

80 days till BYU vs. Ole Miss.  Today we look at a Wide Receiver/Tight End on this year’s squad.

Marcus Mathews, #80, Sophomore, Wide Receiver/Tight End

Last season, in a year where Mathews returned from an LDS mission, he was tops in receiving yards amongst BYU Tight Ends with 136 yards.  Until his season was cut short with a ruptured spleen injury suffered in the win against UNLV.

This year, Mathews will play Tight End, but is also expected to see many reps at the Wide Receiver spot.  Mathews was a heralded recruit out of Beaverton, Oregon.  The first ever 4-star Wide Receiver recruit from Oregon in Scout.com’s history.

Historical #80′s

Marcus-Freshman 2010

Mitch-Las Vegas Bowl #80

FLAG DAY

I had a wonderful surprise when I left for work.  The streets of my neighborhood were lined with our American Flag.  My family has always been very patriotic and just like the song says, "Proud to be an American."  I want to use a blog post to thank all those who serve to protect our country.  Many have sacrificed so much to give us the freedoms we enjoy.  My thoughts went from pride, to thankfulness and then to fitness.  Strange I know.  It is pretty predictable how my mind works.  Navy Seals designed  the TRX which is a piece of training equipment that they use to stay in peak physical condition no matter where they are serving.  I don't want to take away from my tribute so my post tomorrow will be about TRX training.  Thanks again to all who serve.

Don't Fall For A Quick Fix

My son was a good sport and let me use him to show how deceiving before and after  pictures can be.

Luckily for Marcus the after pictures were easier to pose for because that is really him.  That probably isn't the case for the rest of us.  I picture a lot of people holding their breath.  (Giggle)  

We have all been enticed by those get skinny quick promises or drawn in by the impressive "before and after" pictures.  Doesn't the phrase "Lose 14 pounds in 14 days" make you consider taking the risk?  Oh, if only it were that easy.  We want that skinny summer body and we want it now!  It can be achieved but we have to patient and put in the work.  With a sensible combination of exercise and healthy diet you can achieve your goal.  Here are some factual exercise tips that will enlighten your weight-loss journey.

• Exercise plays an important role in weight loss and weight management.  Both cardiovascular and strength training should be incorporated into your exercise routine.
• When considering how much exercise to implement into your daily routine think "more is better."  The recommendation for weight loss by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a minimum or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week and if possible you can increase up to 225-420 minutes per week.
• Individuals undertaking non-medically supervised weight-loss programs should reduce their calories by approximately 500 to 1,000 calories per day to elicit a weight loss of approximately 1-2 lbs. per week (ACSM 2009) Even though you reduce your energy intake, make sure you are adequately fueling your body with your increased activity and don't drop below 1,200 to 1,400 calories a day without supervision.
• Find modes of exercise that you enjoy so you will stick with your exercise program.  Consistency is important.

The best way to transform "You" is to do it gradually and implement a healthy and active lifestyle that will promote longevity and happiness.

Speed, Agility and Quickness Camp/Adult Adventure Fitness Camp

I am offering a couple of different camps this summer.  The Speed camp is for youth, grades 4-12.  The adult camp is for any teenager or adult looking for personal training or boot camp style format.  Please contact me for registration information.  LisaMathews@comast.net.

Pictures by Katie Speith

Get Healthy As A Family

A close relative and friend asked me, "I want to get our family healthy.  What would be ONE thing that we could do to get started?"  She is on the right track because having the desire to make change is a good first step.  Changing eating, exercise and lifestyle habits can be pretty overwhelming.  You should pick your battles and decide just one area to start making changes.  Of course my first answer is exercise and there are several ways to start making healthy choices.

Take a Hike Together.  You can enjoy the scenery and each other's company.

• GET YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED-Sit down and make a list of all the activities you like to do or would be willing to try.  Take a walk, go on a hike, pitch in to do a neighbor's yard work, hit a bike trail, or go to the playground.  Those are just a few ways to get moving.  Once you have the list, set a goal to choose three of those activities a week to do together.  Weekends can be an opportunity to incorporate a larger activity as an award for implementing your weekday activities.  Hit a national park, an amusement park, or the zoo for fun.  Scavenger hunts or geocaching http://www.geocaching.com/ are another way to get going together.
• SCHEDULE YOUR ACTIVITIES-Put them in your weekly family calendar just like you would for all practices, lessons and church and community obligations.  Don't just wing it.  There are too many excuses that can come up.
• PLAN HEALTHY SNACKS-Prepare ahead so you don't make poor choices.  The worst thing you could do is sabotage your family activity with a quick stop at a fast food restaurant on the way home.
• KEEP AN ACTIVITY JOURNAL OR BLOG.  It is a fun way to chronicle all the good times you are having as a family.  Your documentation is a measurable way to make sure you are on track.  Pictures can show your progress and can be very motivating.
• BUY PEDOMETERS-Get one for everyone so they can keep track of how many steps they are taking in a day.  The recommended number of steps is 6000 for health, 10,000 for weight loss when you count all steps during the day.  For weight loss, an uninterrupted walk each of 4000-6000 steps is recommended.  Set up a healthy reward system to those who get the most miles in a week.

Find some water to play in.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become more challenging with the influence of TV, internet, and gaming.  Add hectic schedules plus full calendars and daily exercise can seem impossible.  Make your family's health a priority.  Get active and moving together.

Pick an activity where you have to chase each other around.  Tag,  Duck, Duck, Goose or a friendly game of paintball.

June 1, 20011-NATIONAL RUNNING DAY

What a great excuse to get out and run.  Luckily for me the sun has decided to present itself in Utah.  It felt great to be outside enjoying the people, the colors, the projects, and sites that summer has to offer.  I thought I would take my camera with me to  let you see some of the items I saw on my run and hopefully it will motivate you to get out and RUN.  Walking is good too.  I love the classic old red car.  The Lilac tree reminds me of my mother and grandmother.  Love that smell.  I couldn't pass up on the bright teal chairs and my parents would be proud that I stopped at this historic pioneer home too.  It was built in 1865.