10 Best Exercises

1 - Squats - strengthen all the major muscles of the lower body

2 - Lunges - work all the major muscles of the lower body as well as the stabilizer muscles that are used to keep you balanced.

3 - Push Ups - love these!  They work so many muscles including the chest, triceps, shoulders and really work the core!

4 - Pull ups - assisted or unassisted - strengthen the lats and the posterior deltoids!

5 - Shoulder press - effectively targets the front of the shoulders.

6 - Triceps dips - requires only a chair or coffee table - works the triceps effectively as well as the shoulders.

7 - Seated rows - effective for upper back strengthening and very effective for women!

8 - Ab exercises - like planks and side planks and stability ball crunches.

9 - walking - free and easily accessed!!!

10 - running - nothing is more effective for building cardiovascular fitness and burning calories.

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No EXCUSES!

You've been doing it for a while now, probably longer than you realize. Again and again, you come up with a reason why you're going to start TOMORROW.

Before you know it, you wake up one morning and you're 5 lbs, 10 lbs, or 15 lbs heavier than you were a few months ago!

Enough is enough. Now is the time to stop making excuses, to stop putting your fitness on hold, and to start working out. 

Don't Let Age Get the Upper Hand

With every year that passes, your body conspires to make getting into shape harder. Your metabolism slows down as you age, adding weight that you'll have a harder time shedding. Your growth hormone production slows down, making it even more of a challenge! What might have been a snap at 20 will take more time and effort at 45 OR BEYOND (believe me, I KNOW).

Here's the good news: You CAN absolutely get fit at ANY age! BUT....the longer you put it off, the harder it will be to make those changes. Your body is more primed to respond to exercise right NOW, than it will be even 6 months from now. And, if you happen to be that person who starts working out today, know that soon enough you'll be fitter than a 20 year old who's sitting around still making excuses!

The Chicken or the Egg?

It could be that you're overweight and think you need to lose a few pounds before you start working out.  So, you've decided that you're going to lose weight by dieting BEFORE you start an exercise program. You've even got a list of groceries to restock your fridge and pantry with and to start you on your way.

It's true that watching what you eat is a huge part of a fitter, trimmer life. But studies show that making the switch to healthier eating is easier when you're already working out regularly.

Exercise will cause you to crave healthier foods, encouraging a fit diet to come more naturally, and the pounds to melt off quicker!

Inactivity Makes You Even More Tired

Maybe you're waiting around until you feel less exhausted and fatigued by work, family, and everything else that goes on.  Chances are, you will ALWAYS have a ton of things going to that will zap up your energy!

More good news:  Exercise will INCREASE your energy throughout the day, so you will have more clarity and be able to get more done during your day You've just got to get the ball rolling!

It's a Mental Game

Fitness is about being proactive mentally AND physically - putting it off will actually psyche you out!  Adding regular exercise isn't necessarily easy. But the longer you wait to begin working our regularly, the more insurmountable a challenge it will seem.

Put the kibosh on negativity before it starts to impact your drive to workout and live healthier!  The little engine that could do did do because he was already doing.

Decide right now to stop your excuses and take the first step. Together we will come up with the perfect personalized fitness plan for you. It will be unique to your lifestyle and get you to your goals quickly.

Call or email TODAY and say goodbye to waiting until tomorrow!  

info@allyfitness.com or 615-491-1615

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Must Do Butt Exercises!

We all want a nice booty, right?
Incorporate the following best backside exercises in your regular strength routine and you'll burn fat, shape and firm your booty, sculpt surrounding muscle groups, and rev up your metabolism.

1. Kettlebell  / Dumbbell Swings
Kettlebell swings combine strength and cardio training to redefine your backside. In addition to toning your glutes and hip flexors, you'll work your core, and cardiovascular system (an all-in-one exercise). Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.  Place the kettlebell about one foot in front of you.  Push your hips backward, with a slight bend in the knee (shins almost vertical) and reach forward, placing both hands on the kettlebell.  From your "hike position" (hips pushed backward, back flat, and chest out) hike the kettlebell behind you, with a purpose (don't let go).Drive your hips forward, while contracting your glutes and tucking your tailbone under, to swing the kettlebell (always above the knees) until you are standing at "attention" with your hands about chest height.
Important Tips: Always make sure to keep your abs tight (this will keep your lower back protected.)  Keep your neck in line with the rest of your spine.  Always drive the swing with your hips and NOT your arms.  If the bell ever gets too far out in front of you, never reach for it- just let it drop!

2. Lunges
Lunges are a workout staple that will firm your butt and tone your legs. Start with your feet hip width apart then step forward with one leg. Keeping your abs tight, chest high, and spine straight, sink down into the move until your front thigh is parallel to the floor and your back knee is almost touching the ground. Concentrate on squeezing your glutes as you push through your front heel back to the starting position. Important tip: don't let your moving knee extend past your toes.


3. Step Ups
This is a great exercise for your butt as well as your quads and calves. Step ups also increase your heart rate so you'll get the extra benefit of fat-blasting cardio. Stand with your right foot firmly planted on a step or a bench, your left foot on the floor. Push down through your right heel to straighten and stand on your right leg, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. At the same time, pull your left leg forward and up, knee bent 90 degrees and raised waist-high. Lower your left leg back to the ground, then step your right foot down. Alternate legs to make one rep.

4. Hip Extensions
Like lunges, hip extensions can be performed anywhere and without equipment. The key to this movement is positioning your weight so that your butt does the brunt of the work, not your legs. On your hands and knees, you'll focus the main effort in your glutes and lower back without involving your hamstrings. Tighten your core and squeeze your butt to lift one leg toward the ceiling, keeping the 90 degree bend and flexing your foot so you're reaching with your heel as you raise your thigh in line with your spine. Keep the movement slow and controlled to the top and then back down again.

5. One-Legged Deadlifts
One-legged deadlifts do triple duty, activating your muscles for a highly effective toning session that works your butt, hamstrings, and lower back. Holding a kettlebell/dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet hip width apart, knees soft. Keeping your weight firmly on your left leg, lean forward from your hips, reaching the dumbbells toward your left foot and raising your right leg out behind you. Remember to keep your core tight and not round your back. Now stand straight, squeezing your glutes as you come back to start. Do a full series of reps before switching to your right leg for the second half of the set.
In case you're not a current member of our boot camp, we cover all of these great exercises and much more. Call today for more information....

Committed to Your Health & Fitness,
Ally

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What are you doing to get ready for sleeveless season?

Many people believe the best way to get ready for sleeveless is to do bicep curls, triceps exercises, shoulder exercises.  These are all very effective exercises to get your arms buff, but do not discount compound movements that work more than muscle group.  By working larger groups, you are getting more load on each muscle and core benefits as well!

Think planks - stabilizing your body while holding plank in push up position will sculpt shoulders and work the core as well.

Pushups - push ups work the shoulder, biceps, triceps, chest and back while also working the core.  Remember to brace your abs and squeeze your butt!  Make it harder by lifting one leg off the ground!

Tricep Dips - these work the triceps but also the shoulders and supporting muscles - getting more load and quick results.

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