How to Make Your Boring Workouts Fun, Interesting, and More Effective

Let's face it: workouts can get boring... really boring. That's especially true if you do basically the same exercises and routines nearly every day (like 90% of us do).

Not only that, but your body will quickly adapt to the exercises, resistance levels, workouts, movements, etc you do on a regular basis. This will lead to plateaus, fewer "gains," and more fitness stagnation.

But with a little bit of creativity you can bring the fun back to your workout. You can challenge your body, get better results, and make yourself look forward to going to the gym again.

One of the best methods is to use simple pieces of exercise equipment in new ways. Dumbbells, kettlebells, ropes, heavy tires, and even sledgehammers are all great examples of low-tech items that can be used in an infinite variety of ways.

Here's a great example:




All that's required is a floor, a relatively small kettlebell (although almost any type of weight will work), and a length of rope (in this case a heavy duty "Battle Rope" was used but any relatively thick/strong rope will work). It's a very simple, fun, and extremely effective full body "functional strength" workout you can do almost anywhere!

More ways to make workouts fun.

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What do you think about using creativity to make workouts more fun/interesting? Leave your comments below!

Video: 5 Basic Rules of one of the BEST Dieting Protocols for Fast Fat Loss

Hi! Welcome to 2014! We're gonna kick things off for the new year with what we consider to be one of the best diets for rapid fat loss and long-term weight maintenance...

We've become BIG fans of intermittent fasting in the past year. It can help you boost your energy, lose body fat fast, build and maintain lean muscle mass, and improve your overall health... all at the same time.

You definitely need to start off slow and follow some basic rules. Below you'll find a great video with 5 golden rules of "IF" dieting for beginners...

Enjoy:



What do you think?

Holly Madison Has a New Diet!

Holly Madison of Playboy fame has just released a new diet designed to help women lost weight after pregnancy. The diet was created in tandem with the smart nutritionist at eDiets and is said to focus on veggies, fruits, low-fat proteins, healthy fats, and whole foods.

Holly recently lost about 30 pounds in just 6 weeks -- without doing intense workouts  -- after having her first child, so she obviously knows something about fast, healthy weight loss. Check out the video below to learn more...



Learn more about the new "Playboy Bunny" diet - including reviews and eating tips - here: http://hollymadisondiet.blogspot.com/

Natural HGH Boosting: Burn More Fat, Build More Muscle

Want to burn more fat, build more muscle, feel better, and have more energy? If you're older (over 50) do you want to protect/maintain the lean muscle you have while keeping body fat levels low? You can do all of that by boosting the amount of human growth hormone (HGH) circulating in your body. Here are some simple and practical tips for naturally boosting HGH levels without using drugs or expensive/dangerous/unproven diet supplements...

1. Exercise on an empty stomach -- Research has shown that working out on an empty stomach (in a "fasting" state) provides many fitness, muscle building, and fat loss benefits. It forces the body to tap into fat stores for energy while also causing hormonal steroid-like changes (allowing for simultaneous fat burning and muscle preservation/increase).

2. Do high-intensity, low-volume exercise often -- High-intensity cardio exercise and weight training causes the body to pump out extra growth hormone. HIIT-style strength training, where you do only a few "heavy" sets of compound exercises (e.g. squats, rows, deadlifts, presses, etc.), is especially effective at boosting HGH production, even in older people.

3. Drink whey-protein shakes every day -- Scientific research has proven that consuming whey protein can have a very beneficial effect on human hormone levels. A recent study showed that people who do and hour and a half of cardio exercise, then drank a whey protein shake afterwards, then did a session of high-intensity exercise, experienced a huge increase in human growth hormone production

4. Try intermittent fasting -- Eat only during a 6 hour window every day. Once every 7-10 days go for 36-48 hours without eating anything. Occasional fasting can significantly improve overall hormone production, especially when combined with frequent intense exercise. When you do eat, focus on a following a low-carb, high-protein diet that also includes lots of healthy fats/oils. Eat little or no sugar and very little grains/starches.

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Have a question, tip, or comment about boosting HGH naturally with fasting, high-intensity exercise, and whey protein supplements? Leave your feedback below!

7 Rules to Burn Fat & Get Fit FAST (and Stay Fit for Life!)

Burning fat, losing weight, getting fit, and feeling great -- in a very short amount of time -- isn't as complicated as most people think. In fact it really just comes down to taking a few simple steps on a daily basis over an extended period of time. Remember, when it comes to fast, healthy weight loss KISS methods are almost always the best options!

Here are 7 proven "rules" for losing body fat quickly, getting into great shape, and staying that way for as long as you want...

7 Rules for Fast Fat Burning:

1. Get enough sleep: 7 to 8 hours per day. Your body repairs/builds muscle tissue and creates many of the powerful fat-burning hormones needed for rapid weight loss while it's asleep!

2. Eat a clean diet based around lean proteins, vegetables, fresh fruits, and healthy fats. Throw in some "good" carbs once in awhile (beans, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, etc.) for energy and you'll give your body the nutrition and macronutrients it's designed to thrive on.

3. Drink LOTS of water. Drinking large volumes of water is a proven natural appetite suppressant and energy booster!

4. Avoid sugars and simple/low-quality carbohydrates... as well as "junk" calories from beer, liquor, junk foods, etc. as much as possible. These are huge road blocks for weight loss because of the effect they have on blood sugar and hormone levels.

5. Make daily workouts a priority. Doing just 15 to 30 minutes of real, effective exercise per day is a must for boosting the metabolism, burning excess calories, building lean muscle, and losing pounds fast.

6. Take proven supplements. The fastest fat loss results come with the help of proven and relatively low-cost diet supplements. They help you recover faster from intense workouts, give you more energy, and can naturally increase your body's metabolic (fat burning) processes. The best supplements are whey protein powder, omega 3 fatty acids (e.g. fish oil and krill oil), and a high-quality multivitamin formula.

7. Enjoy the process. Getting into the "fitness habit" is actually pretty easy to do once you get going. After the initial pain/discomfort of breaking out of your comfort zone, regular exercise and healthy eating are usually extremely enjoyable!

That's it!

Tackle weight problems and overall fitness with an all-around plan based on the 7 fundamentals listed above. You'll begin losing weight immediately and should be able to make very significant visible improvements to your body within just a few weeks. As your energy levels go up you'll start to feel great and may even get "addicted" to regular workouts and healthy meals.

That's when the really BIG changes will start to happen. The fat will begin melting off and you'll soon have the lean, fit, sexy body we all want. More importantly, you'll have the healthy habits necessary for long-term weight loss maintenance and fitness success!

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Have a question or comment about the 7 rules of burning fat and getting fit fast? Leave them below!

The New WalkTC TreadClimbers: Comments or Reviews?

Over the past several weeks we've gotten several emails asking about a new type of exercise machine called the "WalkTC" TreadClimber. Apparently it's a new version of the very popular home cardio workout machine from Bowflex, which we happen to be fans of.

I've been using TreadClimber since around 2005 and I find them to be among the most unique treadmill-style  machines currently on the market. I can get my heart rate up very quickly because of the incline/climbing motion, which allows for a quick entry into the optimal "fat burning" zone.

We would love for someone to share there own reviews and opinions of the new WalkTC machines. They seem very cool but they definitely aren't cheap (although there is apparently a new under-$1000 TreadClimber model)... so obviously we'd like some feedback before deciding to invest.

Please leave your questions ad comments below...

Easy Recipe: Paleo Breakfast Bars

If you haven't tried paleo eating and you need/want to lose weight and/or get into great shape and/or feel really good, you should seriously think about giving paleolithic/caveman dieting a  try. It's the fastest and easiest way to get your body's hormone levels at an optimal level to burn calories/fat, build lean muscle, boost energy naturally, and feel great all around.

Here's a cool video with a helpful recipe for making "paleo breakfast" energy bars. I can tell you from experience that they are very tasty! :)

All you need is some almond flour, coconut flour, ground flax seeds, fruit, eggs, dried cranberries, and something called ghee. Give it a try and you may be very pleasantly surprised!

"No Equipment, No Excuses" Bodyweight Workout Video

Think you need a bunch of fancy exercise equipment or an expensive gym membership to burn fat, build muscle, get into fantastic shape, and build the body of your dreams? Well think again! Bodyweight-only, no-equipment workouts can be just as effective as workouts based around free weights, machines, and fitness gadgets... and in some cases even more effective.

And they definitely don't need to be boring. Push-ups, dips, pull-ups, and free squats are great but they aren't the only options when it comes to a gym-free workout. Here's a great video from fitness expert Scott Herman showing an extremely effective bodyweight workout based around things like "dragon skulls" and "bersekers." Enjoy...



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What do you think about this "no equipment, no excuses" body weight workout? Leave your comments below!

Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days: A REALLY Easy Method

An analysis of our blog traffic stats shows us that an amazing number of people just want to lose 10 pounds in a short amount of time. We get thousands of hits a month related to “10 lb” search phrases. Many people want to lose the weight in a week. Others simply want to do it as fast as possible.

To be honest, trying to lose that much weight really quickly -- let’s say 10 days or less -- isn’t always a good idea. It’s likely to leave you feeling tired, drained, and run down. If you don’t do it properly (and most people don’t) you could damage/slow down your metabolism or even get injured trying to exercise like a maniac to burn fat ASAP.

Even if you do it right -- with a strict low-calorie diet, effective workouts, and the right supplements -- you're likely to not feel real great afterward. Ask any boxer, wrestler, or MMA/UFC fighter how it feels losing 10 - 20 pounds in just a couple of days -- something they often do to “make weight” before a fight. In most cases it leaves them feeling like total crap and sometimes seriously affects their performance in the ring.

And these are highly-conditioned athletes we’re talking about -- men and women who are experts at burning body fat and shedding pounds in a matter of hours! "Normal" people usually experience even more negative side effects from such rapid weight loss.

A better alternative to extremely fast weight loss is plain old semi-fast weight loss. Losing 10, 15, or even 20 pounds in a month is a much easier and healthier proposition in the vast majority of cases. But ten-plus pounds in a month is still pretty quick and it's a great way to jump-start any long-term fitness/weight loss program.

Losing a significant amount of weight -- and feeling good while you're doing it -- is a fantastic motivation booster. It gives you the kind of quick results that lead to long-term weight loss success. It also helps you start developing the lifestyle habits that can lead to really big weight loss (50 pounds or more) if that's your goal.

You can easily lose 10 - 20 pounds in the next month by following these ultra-simple steps:

1. Eat only natural, unprocessed foods -- lean meats, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, unrefined oils, etc.
2. Avoid all refined/concentrated sugars, junk foods, and highly-processed foods.
3. Drink LOTS of water.
4. Do a bit of heart-pumping, sweat-inducing exercise most days of the week.
5. Get enough sleep and limit your alcohol intake.

That’s it! Simple but extremely effective for fast, healthy weight loss. It works because basically you’re getting out of your own way and allowing your body to shed extra, unneeded weight -- much of it ugly body fat!

Many people can lose 10 lbs by doing nothing other than cutting sugars and refined “white” flour out of their diets! When you stop putting nutritionally-empty, high-GI, insulin-spiking, fat-creating calories into your body and replace them with natural, healthy, nutrient-dense calories you allow it to function the way it wants to. Your metabolism revs up and your hormone balance optimizes itself... and that leads to easy, healthy, rapid weight loss.

Give the plan above a try and you could easily lose 10 pounds in the next 30 days. You might even “mess up” and lose a lot more weight without even trying! :)

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Have a question, comment, or tip about losing 10 lbs in a month? Leave all your feedback in the area below. Thanks!

The Fastest Way to Lose Belly Fat

Hi! Are you looking for the fastest way to get rid of your ugly belly fat? Then you’ll want to take a look at the simple, proven plan outlined below. Losing abdominal fat does not need to be a slow, complicated, dangerous, or expensive process... as you'll see below.

The 3 keys to burning fat and getting a flatter, tighter stomach in the quickest way possible are:

1. Cut calories without being hungry all the time.
2. Burn more calories through consistent, highly-efficient exercise.
3. Optimize your hormone levels and metabolism for rapid fat loss with minimal lean muscle loss.

So we’re not talking about starving yourself or spending hours jogging on a boring treadmill. We’re talking about using a few proven techniques to put your body into its ideal “belly fat-burning mode” so that you can shed ugly fat, keep your vital muscle tissue, and look better within just a few short days/weeks!

Keys to Burning Belly Fat Really FAST

1. Eat the simplest foods.

In general, the simpler and more unprocessed a food is, the better it is for fast weight loss. This is one reason why “paleo” diets work so well: they focus on the 100% natural, unprocessed foods our bodies thrive on.

For the fastest possible fat loss results get nearly all your calories from these simple foods: meats, eggs, fish/seafood, vegetables, raw fruits, nuts, large seeds (non-grain), and natural oils/fats (like unrefined coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil). Avoid all grains, refined sugars, processed carbohydrates, refined oils, and chemical additives.

If you eat mainly simple, unprocessed foods you will definitely begin to lose pounds immediately. You’ll cut calorie intake naturally but because of the high fiber and protein content of the foods listed above you won’t be hungry all the time. Also, you’ll get your blood sugar and insulin levels under control which is extremely important for the quickest fat loss possible!


2. Do short, intense bodyweight workouts.

Don’t make the common fitness mistake of trying to simply “sweat” the fat off with lots and lots of long, boring, steady-state cardio workouts (treadmill jogging, stationary bike ride, elliptical machine striding, etc). There’s a much more efficient, fun, and safe way: bodyweight workouts.

Every other day do a short (20 minutes max) workout based around the most effective bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pulls-ups, squats, lunges, inverted rows, dips, and burpees. Throw in short, high-intensity interval training sessions (aka HIIT workouts) based around bodyweight cardio like sprints, box jumps, rope jumping, etc. Keep the workouts brief but intense and never try to “kill” yourself or you’ll end up getting hurt or becoming over-trained very quickly.

The key to working out for the fastest and best possible fat loss results is intensity and quality of exercise. High-volume, low-quality workouts can work over the short run. But higher-intensity bodyweight training is definitely the most efficient form of exercise because it stimulates the metabolism, causes powerful hormonal changes, burns fat for hours after the workouts are completed, and builds/preserves lean muscle all at the same time (and with minimal risks or energy or over-training!).


3. Take proven support supplements.

To lose belly fat in the quickest possible way you need to take a few proven and relatively low-cost supplements. High-quality supplements ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs for optimal metabolic function and hormone production. Good supplements simply give you better fitness results in less time.

The best supplements for burning stomach fat fast are:

Whey Protein - A good whey powder provides some very big advantages no other protein gives you. Whey gets absorbed into the body extremely rapidly and is the ideal protein for post-workout recovery shakes. For best results drink at least 2 or 3 whey protein shakes per day, especially within 20 minutes of workouts and, if possible, first thing in the morning. They’ll help your muscles recover faster, control your appetite/cravings, and provide a big boost to your fat-burning results!

Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish or Krill Oil) -- Nearly all of us need more “good” fats in our diets and a good omega 3 fat supplement is the simplest way to do it. Healthy fats are extremely important for optimizing the metabolism and providing the body with the nutrients it needs for optimal hormone production and balance. For the best results take a quality fish oil or krill oil supplement. You’ll have more energy, less hunger, and you’ll simply feel a lot better than if you don’t take an omega 3 supplement!

High-Potency Multi-Vitamin/Multi-Mineral Formula -- It’s extremely difficult to get all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and trace elements we need through diet alone. A good high-potency “multi” is a simple, low-cost way to make sure your body has every single nutrient it needs in amounts sufficient for the fastest, safest fat loss results. A good multi can significantly boost your energy levels while helping you recover much faster from intense workouts.

Conclusion

So there you have it: one of the simplest and fastest ways to lose belly fat. All it takes is eating healthy, clean diet based around simple, unprocessed foods; doing short, intense, efficient bodyweight workouts often; and taking a few highly effective “support” supplements for better results in less time. I can practically guarantee you’ll a significant amount of abdominal fat in a very short amount of time if you closely follow the steps outlined above.

Good luck and get to work! :)

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Have a question, tip, or comment about losing belly fat quickly using the tips above? Leave it below!

A Fast, Simple, And Easy Way to lose 5 - 10 Pounds for Vacation

Here in the US things are really warming up quickly and it definitely feels like spring, with a hot summer right around the corner. College spring break is in full swing all over the country and summer vacation will be here very soon. So obviously people are looking for ways to burn fat, drop pounds, and tone up so they can look as good as possible in their bikinis and board shorts!

The other day a friendly college student left a comment requesting a simple and easy way to lose about 8 lbs before her spring break beach vacation down in Mexico, so I figured I'd try to help her out. While there are many ways to burn fat and lose weight quickly, some are much better than others. For instance, you could starve yourself of food/calories and lose some weight quickly but you'll feel like crap and won't end up getting the kind of results you probably want (real fat loss, better muscle tone, etc.) in the end.

When it comes to rapid weight loss, calorie cutting is a necessity but it’s also extremely important to continue providing your body (and especially muscles) with the protein, amino acids, healthy fats, and clean carbohydrates it needs. You want to create a calorie deficit through smart diet and increased activity in a way that leads to optimal metabolic function, lean muscle tissue protection/growth, and quick, safe weight loss.

Outlined below is one of the simplest and easiest way to lose between 5 and 10 pounds really fast anytime you want -- for spring break or any vacation/party/event at all! It’s based around healthy whey protein shakes, good carbs, high-intensity full-body exercise, and a few powerful support supplements.

Most people can lose 5 pounds within about a week and a half and 10 pounds within 2 - 3 weeks, depending on genetics, initial conditioning level, and how closely they stick to the plan. So here you have it: a super simple and relatively “easy” way to lose pounds very rapidly...

Diet: Healthy Whey Protein Shakes

High-quality whey protein has an almost “magical” ability to speed up fat loss while helping your body maintain and even increase it’s lean muscle mass. By cutting out most regular foods and making whey shakes (aka “smoothies”) the basis of your diet you can greatly simplify things and get rid of much of the calorie-counting and guess work -- not to mention risk -- involved in most typical crash diets.

Start drinking 3 - 5 healthy shakes per day (and, if you want, one or two salads containing only grilled chicken, veggies, and healthy olive oil-based dressing). In each shake/smoothie include a scoop or two of whey protein (our favorite is whey isolate), some fresh or frozen fruit (berries are by far the best choice), and a small amount of healthy oil/fat (organic virgin coconut oil, natural peanut butter, and flax seed oil are the best choices). If you’re doing lots of strength training or very intense cardio -- or you just really need some starchy carbs -- include some raw oatmeal or quinoa in one or two of your daily shakes.

Exercise: Intense, Full-Body Calisthenic Workouts

One of the most efficient ways to burn fat rapidly while also building/toning lean muscle at the same time is to do short (20 - 30 minute), high-intensity workouts based around bodyweight calisthenics like free squats, lunges, dips, push-ups, pull-ups, inverted rows, etc. These workouts can be done almost anywhere and do a fantastic job of jump-starting your metabolism while protecting vital lean muscle mass.

For the best, and fastest, results do a full-body strength workout every other day. Do some form of light cardio on the other days. Give yourself a full "off" day every 7 - 10 days. Definitely don't go overboard and try to do too much volume or intensity. The goal is to just stimulate your body's natural fat-burning mechanisms and "good" hormone production, leading to quick fat loss and a fitter, sexier-looking body in a matter of days or weeks.

Supplements: Support Vitamins, Fats, and Energy Boosters

This plan’s most important supplement -- high quality whey protein powder -- is already included in the diet. But there are a few other proven supplements that can really help to speed things up while also protecting your muscles, immune system, and overall health. A high-quality multi-vitamin is a good way to make sure your body’s getting the vitamins and other nutrients it needs for optimal metabolic function and high energy levels. A good omega 3 fat supplement is a good idea if you want the best and fastest possible results. Omega 3s are probably the most important and powerful of all the "healthy" fats and a high-quality fish oil or krill oil supplement makes boosting your intake easy.

Finally, this plan requires a good amount of energy. Besides making sure you’re getting at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep per night, taking a healthy energy-booster supplement is a good idea. Besides increasing your energy for workouts, a bit of caffeine taken about 30 minutes before exercise can help your body use more fat for energy and even increase your endurance and intensity levels.

Now Get Going!

So that’s pretty much it. No starvation or extreme dieting involved with this plan -- just healthy protein shakes, smart exercise, and a few extremely helpful “support” supplements to speed up the progress. Give this simple plan a try and you’ll easily lose 5 -10 pounds in the next few weeks... and you’ll look incredible on the beach or at the pool! :)

Have a question or comment about this fast, simple weight loss plan? Please leave your feedback below...

Coming Soon: The BEST Fitness Gifts for 2011!

We're in the process of helping to compile a list of the best fitness-related gifts for the 2011 holiday season. We'd love to have your feedback. If you know of a really fantastic gift related to fitness, exercise, weight loss, diet, strength training, supplements, etc. please let us know in the comments area below.

We're especially interested in unique and cutting-edge products that make working out and getting fit a fun thing to do!

Once we're done (which will hopefully be in the next couple of weeks) we'll post our "best of the best" fitness gift list at: BestFitnessGifts.com

Body by Jake "The Solution" Ab Machine Review

The Solution is a brand-new ab exercise machine from Body by Jake, the same company that brought us the popular Tower 200 home "door gym," the Cardio Cruiser Plus, and the Shadow Boxer Knockout "body workout" system. Although the infomercials have just started to run, there's already a big demand for Body By Jake Solution reviews online.

We have not yet gotten our hands on this new ab gadget but, just from watching the commercial, we can make a few observations and comments:

1. It looks freaking FUN! Let's face it, many infomercial fitness products simply look boring as hell. The Solution is not one of those. Whether it works or not, performing crunches on something that looks like a dang virtual reality video game controller seems like it might be a great idea.

2. Apparently it "knows what you want to do... even without you being on it!" We're not sure it's a good thing that an exercise machine -- other than a motorized treadmill -- can move by itself without any effort from the user. Or that it "knows" what we want to do... mind-reading exercise machines freak us out!

3. It looks like it could be effective. In general, abdominal movements that involve the upper abs, lower abs, and obliques do strengthen the core/midsection muscle area well. Also, the Solution machine appears to allow you to move in multiple planes of motion, always a good thing. But we're talking about strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles here, not burning fat.

4. The whole "Gravitational Linkage" system looks interesting... but it appears to allow the user to operate the device using his or her arm and shoulder muscles almost exclusively. If it's an "abdominal" machine why does it involve so much arm/shoulder power?

5. If this is truly Mario Lopez's workout, Body by Jake is gonna sell about 10 million of these things. 95% of the guys in the world want to look like Mario... and 99% of women want their husband/boyfriend to look like him too!

As cool and fun as the Solution looks, we're not sure if it's worth the price (currently about $269.00 - $315 depending on whether or not you pay in installments). In general, products like this are only worth the cost if they make working out more enjoyable... and lead you to exercise more often and/or more intensely. But no ab machine is going to burn off your belly fat and give you six pack abs all by itself. That requires a focused combination of dieting, cardio exercise, and proper strength training!

Have a question, opinion, or comment? Want to leave your own Solution reviews or ratings? Leave your feedback below...

(Coming soon: More useful reviews and a guide to the best prices on the Body by Jake Solution ab machine!)

Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Days: A Simple, Fast Method

Need to lose some weight fast? Want to burn off some body fat and drop a couple inches from your waistline? Losing pounds quickly doesn't have to be difficult or complicated. Here's a simple and relatively safe method for losing 10 pounds in as little as 10 days:

1. Get on the Water Wagon -- Here's the deal: if you drink A LOT of water throughout the day, every day, you'll lose pounds fast. And it will be EASY! Drinking large volumes of water fills your stomach, boosts your energy, lowers your appetite, controls hunger, raises your metabolism, flushes out pounds of "waste" matter from your body (especially the colon!), and even causes your body to shed a pound or two of "water weight" (your body releases stored water and sugars/carbs when it's very well hydrated).

2. Make Protein Shakes Your Friend -- Drink a small, healthy, high-fiber protein shake every 3 or 4 hours throughout the day. Include a high-quality whey protein powder, some frozen fruit, some unrefined natural peanut butter or organic coconut oil, and a bit of uncooked oatmeal or quinoa. This is a great appetite-suppressing trick that allows you to cut your overall calorie intake significantly while still giving your body the protein, good carbs, and healthy fats it needs to maintain high energy levels and support lean muscle tissue.

3. Do Intense Full-Body Workouts Every Other Day -- Nothing burns fat and sheds pounds like a short, high-intensity workouts that involves most of the major muscle groups. You could do a few sets of bodyweight squats and push-ups with some sprints or jump rope intervals mixed in. Keep it simple and focus on maintaining a high intensity level to burn more calories and body fat. Workout for no more than 30 minutes at a time. On your "off" days go for a brisk 15-20 minute walk or light jog.

4. Eat a Clean-Carb Diet -- For the next 10 days eat nothing but high-quality "clean" carbohydrates. These include: vegetables, beans, legumes, fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds. You can also eat some grains as well but only if you stick to only the "cleanest" options like oatmeal, quinoa, and 100% whole grain sprouted breads. Avoid all sugars and most starches, including processed grains, potatoes, etc.

There you have it: a simple, fast way to lose 10 pounds in 10 days. If you follow these proven steps you should have no problem losing at least ten lbs within the next week and a half. Good luck!

Have a question, comment, or useful tips about losing 10 pounds quick? Leave it below...

Wanted: Rockin' Abs Exerciser Reviews

Let's face it, every once in awhile you see a late-night infomercial product that you know is probably junk but just looks too damn cool to pass up. So you whip out your credit card and buy it blind, before even checking for user reviews online. That's what almost happened when I saw the commercial for the new Rockin' Abs exerciser from Thane.

Several ab machines claim to mimic the fluid, enjoyable motion of a rocking chair (I'm looking at you Ab Rocket and Ab Rocket Twist!) but in the case of the Rockin' Abs device it REALLY IS A DANG ROCKING CHAIR! How genius is that?? I mean, the thing just looks freaking COOL. In fact, it looks like something I would actually sit in just to sit in... eating tortilla chips, drinking light beer, and probably watching old A-Team reruns. During commercials I could set the beer aside, wipe the tortilla crumbs off my belly fat ripped abdominal muscles, and burn a few dozen calories "ab rockin'" back and forth like a little monkey for a couple minutes.

Still, as cool as the Rockin' Abs abdominal machine looks, something told me to hold on and see if I could find any decent customer reviews online. Well, after a 30-minute long search, I was able to find a single genuine Rockin' Abs review anywhere... not even on Amazon! That's a little strange in my book. Plus, the fact the it apparently converts into a pilates machine was kind of a turn off for me. I don't want my girlfriend stealing it every time she wants to "lengthen and tone" her leg muscles!

(By the way, the only thing I did find was a few reviews for the old Rockin's Abs chair -- yes, same exact name! -- from Fitness Quest that came out a few years ago. I never did understand how the hell that thing worked... and I guess no one else did either since they've stopped selling it!)

So anyway, this blog -- and the entire as-seen-on-TV-product-lovers community -- needs your help. If you've used the THANE Rockin' Abs chair please leave your helpful, insightful, lovingly-crafted reviews, opinions, and testimonials below. Does it work? Is it another infomercial scam / rip-off product? Is it worth the $200 or so they want for the thing? I so want to be rocking my little buns off in this chair while drinking a Coors and laughing like a giddy schoolboy. Help me convince myself that it's worth the money and I'll be forever in your debt!

:)

JS

Consumer Reports Reviews the TRX Suspension Trainer

Consumer Reports magazine has just reviewed the increasingly popular TRX Suspension Trainer Pro from Fitness Anywhere. Their test users and in-house fitness expert gave it good reviews overall. They bought the TRX "Pro" version for about $200 from Amazon, which includes the TRX suspension device, a door anchor, and a 35 minute workout DVD.

The Consumer Reports reviewers say that "the TRX works"... they liked it and the fitness expert says it can effectively train every major muscle group while exercising those vital core muscles at the same time. They also say that the included DVD does a good job of showing how to make each TRX exercise more intense/difficult by altering your body's position, referred to as "vector resistance" training.

CR says that the negatives include the price -- it's definitely not "cheap" considering it's basically just a bunch of heavy-duty nylon straps and handles. They also say that it may not be the best exercise option for someone with limited mobility, low flexibility, or who doesn't have much upper-body strength. Reviewers complained about the difficulty of putting their feet in the handle stirrups and flipping their bodies into push-up and "plank" positions in order to do the DVD exercise movements.

I've used the TRX and here's my quick review: The TRX suspension trainer is one of those strange home exercise products that really grows on you. At first it feels awkward and "weird"... then you get more used to it and it feels good... then you develop more balance and stabilizer muscle strength and you realize it's one of the best total body muscle building devices on the market! Personally, I love taking it to the park and busting out perfect suspended pull-ups, push-ups, dips, etc. That being said, it's definitely not for someone who's totally out of shape or has major mobility problems. It's also a little pricey and their are good TRX alternatives out there like the Milo Kit and other cheaper options that cost under $100.

If you've got the money and you're already in decent shape you should definitely consider trying out out the TRX Trainer. It's a high-quality workout-anywhere option that will last for years. Click here for the best price online!


JS



p.s. Check out the Consumer Reports TRX review here:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/september/home-garden/trx-pro-pack/overview/index.htm

Fast, Easy Way to Lose 5 Pounds in a Week

Do you need to lose some weight quickly? Want to look thinner/leaner for an important event next week? Well you're in the right place. In this article I'm going to give you some proven tips for fast and relatively easy weight loss success. This is one of the fastest ways to lose 5 pounds (in about a week). Here we go...

Don' Starve and Forget the Diet Pills

The first step is to not try to "stave the weight off. Starvation and crash dieting just doesn't work very well, in the short term OR in the long term. The same goes for all the "magical" diet pills and bizarre weight loss supplements out there. Don't waste your money or risk your health on expensive pills, powders, or other junk.

The Keys to Success

You can easily lose 5 pounds within the next 7 days by combining a few proven techniques and making small, relatively painless sacrifices (especially in terms of eating). It really comes down to cutting out ALL the foods and drinks that slow or stop your body's natural fat-burning, pound-shedding processes while taking steps to speed up your metabolism and optimize your hormone levels for healthy fast weight loss.

If you do all of these things you'll be significantly lighter and thinner by this time next week:

1. Don't Drink Calories

Many of us take in an amazing amount of calories through liquids we drink. If you drink only water and sugar-free teas you'll automatically cut your calorie intake. If you drink enough -- up to a gallon per day for the fastest possible results -- you'll boost your metabolism, minimize hunger, and (paradoxically) flush excess "water weight" out of your body.

2. Don't Eat White Carbs

For the next week, cut ALL "white" carbohydrate foods out of your diet. These include: refined grain products (breads, pastas, crackers, etc.), white rice, and white potatoes. The starchy foods have tons of simple, low-quality carbs that make it very difficult to lose pounds quickly. Cut them out and you'll stabilize blood sugar levels and insulin production -- VERY important if you want to avoid food cravings, burn fat, and lose pounds ASAP. You'll also automatically slim down your belly because these high-calorie starches causes a lot of bloating.

3. Do 30-Minute Combo Workouts Every Other Day

Do 30-minute workouts that combine strength training and cardio exercise about every other day, 3-4 times in the week. You'll burn more calories and body fat than cardio-only workouts and you'll tone up your muscles. Choose compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups, dips, etc. By the end of the week your body should have a sleeker and "tighter" look that makes you appear to have lost even more than the 5 pounds we're shooting for!


Lose 5 Lbs FAST -- The Fastest Tips

If you want to lose those five pounds in the fastest way possible do these things as well:

1. Go Low-Carb

Cut all starches and high-sugar carbohydrates out of your diet for the next 7 days. Low-carb diets are great for shedding several pounds and losing a few inches from your stomach and thighs quickly, mainly because of the way they affect your body's glycogen levels and overall chemistry. Basically, just stick to high-quality proteins, healthy oils/fats, and vegetables and the pounds will melt off!

2. Take Some Caffeine Before Workouts

Your body will burn more fat if you take some caffeine about 30 minutes before your workouts, and you'll lose pounds faster. You can take a caffeine-containing supplement, chug a sugar-free energy drink, or just drink some coffee (or strong-brewed green tea). Caffeine speeds up the metabolism and allows you to workout harder, longer.

3. Sleep More

Just getting 30 to 60 minutes more sleep per night can make a big difference. Most people need at least 7 hours of sleep per night to lose weight as quickly as possible. Studies show that well-rested people have more energy, stronger metabolisms, and fewer cravings for sugar and fatty foods. You'll also have a more ideal overall hormonal balance if you get more sleep!


Have a question or comment about the best way to lose 5 pounds in a week? Leave it below....

The Fastest Diet for Losing Belly Fat

Here's an email we just got asking about the fastest diet to lose belly fat:

"Hi. I'm a 32 year old woman and I've been battling with my flabby belly for several years. My stomach looks like a man's beer belly and I want to get rid of it ASAP! Please tell me the quickest diet for losing belly fat. Thank you!" -- Janet from Las Vegas, NV

We get a lot of similar questions every month. Obviously stubborn belly fat is a big problem for many people. The good news is that it's not difficult to burn off abdominal fat very rapidly with the right diet and exercise program. Here are a few tips for losing stomach fat in the fastest way possible...

1. Eliminate all processed foods -- For the time being cut ALL processed foods from your diet. This is one of the simplest, easiest, and quickest ways to get your body into it's natural "weight loss" mode metabolically and hormonally. Also avoid beverages with artificial sweeteners if you can.

2. Cut down on sugar -- Eat as little sugar as possible. This is really important to cut down on total calorie intake and to keep blood sugar/insulin levels stable while minimizing hunger and food cravings.

3. Eat lots of raw foods -- Try to get at least a third of your calories from raw foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, and low-sugar fruits. They will fill you up and make you feel good while helping you lose belly fat as fast as possible. Choose organic versions whenever possible.

4. Eat plenty of quality protein and good fats -- All your meals and snacks should be based around a quality protein source and many of them should contain some healthy fats (like virgin olive oil, natural peanut butter, avocado, coconut oil, etc.). Protein and good fats fight hunger and help to stabilize blood sugar and energy levels.

5. Avoid all trans fats and other highly refined fats/oils -- Refined fats are just plain bad for you. They zap energy and make you fat.

6. Drink LOTS of water -- Water is a natural appetite suppressor and energy booster. Try to drink at least a gallon a day for the fastest fat burning results!

7. Eat lots of protein-based snacks and protein shakes -- Try to eat a small amount of protein every 2-3 hours during the day, either by itself or with a bit of healthy fats and/or good carbs. You'll feel less hungry and lose your belly fat much faster!

So there you have it: the fastest diet for losing belly fat. Obviously you need to do some effective exercise as well for the quickest possible results but, since diet is 80% of the battle, these tips will get you on your way to a leaner stomach!

Have a question or comment about the fastest belly fat diet? Leave it below...

The Fastest & Simplest Way to Burn Fat, Lose Pounds, and Look Sexy

Burning off ugly body fat, losing pounds, and creating a leaner, fitter, sexier-looking body does NOT have to be a difficult, complicated, and/or slow process. If you follow all of the steps outlined below you will have no problem losing weight quickly while building lean muscle mass and greatly improving the way you look and feel...

The Fastest Way to Lose Weight and Look Great

1. Eat mainly natural, unprocessed plants (e.g. vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.) and some animal protein (meat, eggs, fish, etc.). Also eat some healthy fat/oil every day. Avoid all processed foods and refined ingredients, especially sugars, flours, and fats.

2. Move slowly often. Our bodies are designed to move slowly, frequently, for extended periods of time. So spend some time walking, bike riding, hiking, every week, at least 3 hours total.

3. Do simple, heavy strength training. 2 or 3 times per week do some form of strength training. Lift weights or utilize your own bodyweight. Just focus on simple, compound movements that work lots of muscle at the same time -- squats, pull-ups, push-ups, dips, etc.

4. Move fast occasionally. Once or twice a week get out and do some form of fast, high-intensity cardio training like wind-sprints. Keep the workouts short (about 10 - 15 minutes total) and do short rounds of very high-intensity activity followed by brief rest/recovery periods (aka "interval" training).

5. Cover the basics. Our bodies need certain things to be able to burn off fat and lose pounds in the fastest way possible. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and try to get a decent amount of sunlight exposure every week. Also get outside and play a sport or take part in an exercise-related activity (like hiking) at least once a week to reduce stress burn more calories.

That's it. The simplest, fastest, and easiest way to burn fat and create a sexier-looking body. This method is 100% proven to work so give it a try and start creating your new body today!

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Have a question, comment, or tip about the fastest way to burn fat? Leave it below..

P90X2 Reviews... Coming Soon!

Well we all knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. A new "version 2.0" of the ultra-popular P90X home workout program is due to be released soon. Beachbody's new P90X2 program is already getting talked about online like it's the next great fitness product and, not surprisingly, we're already getting emails from people asking for P90X2 reviews!

Unfortunately, as was the case with Insanity Asylum a few months back, it's damn near impossible to review a product before it's actually been released. And no, we haven't had the good fortune of being sent a "preview" copy of any of the P90X2 workout videos. In fact, as far as we know, the product isn't even compeltely finished yet. Truly helpful, in-depth reviews from real users won't be available until at least a couple of weeks after P90X2 has been released. Rumors are that the release date will be sometime in late summer or early fall.

What we do know is that this program, like its big brother, was created by Tony Horton and with the help of a relatively well-known sports science expert named Dr. Marcus Elliott. It promises to help you burn even more fat, get even more ripped, and build even more strength than the original. (We wonder if Beachbody will continue to sell the original P90X if the new one is so much better!)

One of the main focuses with the new program, at least according to the Beachbody people, appears to be on increased intensity and improved efficiency. In other words, better (or at least equally-as-good) fat-burning, muscle-building results in less time. P90X2 involves only 5 workouts per week instead of P90X's 6 weekly workouts.

According to the P90X2 website, the new program will feature improved "muscle confusion" with more exercise combinations/complexes and a "less is more" strategy that focuses more on exercise intensity over exercise volume. It involves 3 phases:

• Foundation
• Strength
• Performance 

Dr. Elliott's input -- which is said to be based on the "latest research in applied science" --  supposedly results in a program that can help everyone, from long-distance runners to professional athletes.

As is always the case with Beachbody products, the marketing hype is laid on pretty thick. So it's tough to tell right now just how good or how unique this new product really is. But we think it will probably be better than P90X and its grueling 6-days-per-week workout schedule. Of course, until a significant amount of reviews begin rolling in, we won't know for sure.

One thing is for sure, however: there will be a BIG push to make sure P90X2 sales match the blockbuster success of the original... so get ready for lots more of those slick late-night infomercials!

Here's a look at the new commercials...