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Fitness is a Journey, Not a Destination
As Thanksgiving approaches, the media starts kicking into high gear with fitness and nutrition tips like:
“5 Tips to Eat Healthy on Thanksgiving”
“How to Lose Fat On Thanksgiving Day”
…and the list goes on.
Instead of offering you some tips on how to eat less on Thanksgiving, I’m hoping to share with you something deeper, more fundamental to your life.
I have a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving day and one person in particular is my Dad. My dad taught me one of my most valuable fitness lessons years ago, but I only started to fully understand this lesson in the last few months. I want to share this valuable lesson with you today.
Barefoot Running Research: Why You Should Run Barefoot (even occasionally)
Several years ago when I started to see sneakers with webbed feet (Vibram Five Fingers) and hear of people running barefoot, I thought it was ridiculous. Today I have a different perspective, however, because the amount of barefoot running research supporting the benefits of barefoot running is compelling.
The photo comparison below highlights the impact of wearing tight fitting and heavily padded sneakers and shoes. Notice in the photo on the left how the man’s feet have conformed to the shape of his shoes with his toes scrunched together and feet narrowed. The photo to the right of a man who walks barefoot has a “fanning” of the toes. Can you imagine the implications of running, or playing sports with feet like those on the left? Less stability, less strength, less ability to absorb shock – a whole lot of injuries waiting to happen.
Continue Reading Barefoot Running Research: Why You Should Run Barefoot (even occasionally)
20lb Lost & 16 Total Inches In 8-Weeks: Willem’s Transformation
I have below a Q&A with South African Willem Steenkamp (photo to right) who completed the BuiltLean Program with some impressive results; he lost 6 inches off his waist (42 inches to 36 inches) and lost 20lb of fat (227 to 207lb) to name a couple changes.
When I first saw an order from Namibia, Africa, I was surprised to say the least. In the ensuing weeks, I was able to converse with Willem via email during his journey to transform his body. Since I launched the BuiltLean Program, I have answered all customer questions myself (and I will for as long as I can!).
While Willem is still focused on losing more fat and getting in even better shape, his transformation in only 8-weeks is impressive. I hope you find his story inspirational!
Continue Reading 20lb Lost & 16 Total Inches In 8-Weeks: Willem’s Transformation
Dietary Supplements 101: Definition, Benefits, Risks, & Regulation
After almost 2 years since launching BuiltLean.com and over 120 articles, this is my first article on supplements.
Why would I wait so long?
In short, I’m not a huge fan of supplements. If you are eating a well balanced diet of nutrient dense foods and exercise regularly, most supplements will be completely useless and some will even be dangerous. In combination with VERY loose regulations, the thought of taking a supplement without considerable research makes me cringe.
Continue Reading Dietary Supplements 101: Definition, Benefits, Risks, & Regulation
Should I Do Cardio Before, or After Weights?
Below is new BuiltLean contributor John Leyva’s first article. We’re thrilled he’s on board and look forward to his contributions!
One of the most common questions I get is, “Should I do cardio before, or after weight training?”
While the long answer is “it depends”, most people will be better off completing cardio after weights whether their primary goal is muscle gain, strength gain, or fat loss.
Here are 7 reasons why you should consider doing cardio after weights:
Continue Reading Should I Do Cardio Before, or After Weights?
Gary Taubes’ “Why We Get Fat” Book Review
| Title: | Why We Get Fat: And What To Do About It |
| Author: | Gary Taubes |
| Theme: | How to lose fat |
| Thesis: | Carbs make us fat, not calories |
| Pages: | 272 |
| Published: | 2011 |
Gary Taubes is an award winning science writer who is best known for his 640-page tome Good Calories, Bad Calories
Why We Get Fat is split into 2 sections:
7 Yoga Poses For Low Back Pain
Is your low back excessively tight? Do you have chronic pain in your lower back?
If you answered “Yes” to these questions, you’re not alone. Americans spend over $50B per each year on back pain and as much as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives.
Can Multivitamins Be Deadly? Fitness Around The Web Oct-2011
New Column! Fitness Around the Web
As a professional web surfer, I come across tons of fitness related articles and videos each month. So I thought to myself, why not share some of these articles in a monthly column? Well, that’s exactly what I plan to do moving forward!
Each month I will include links to articles and videos that I find during the month that are informative, useful, entertaining, or a combination of all three. If you ever come across an article or video that is worthy of being added to this column, let me know!
1) Can A Multivitmain Be Deadly?
A study published this month concluded the daily use of a multivitamin (and other nutrient supplements) was associated with a higher rate of death. Alarmist headlines spread around the media, but should you be concerned? Are multi-vitamins really deadly? Do you even need a multi-vitamin? Dr. Katz who is the Founding Director at the Yale University Prevention Research Center takes on these questions and offers insights into analyzing research studies.
Continue Reading Can Multivitamins Be Deadly? Fitness Around The Web Oct-2011
Seared Tuna Steak Recipe That You Must Try!
Seared Ahi tuna has become a staple at most trendy restaurants, but it rarely makes it to the grill or cooktops of our kitchens. Usually served at $14.00 for an appetizer with just a few slices of tuna drizzled with Asian-infused sesame sauce, you can make a tastier and far healthier creation for less than half the cost per serving.
Continue Reading Seared Tuna Steak Recipe That You Must Try!
10 Minute Cardio Workout Using Step Ups
I’m always on the lookout for ways to pair exercises together (supersets & circuits) to get more exercises done in less time to increase intensity, get cardiovascular benefits, and improve results.
