Archive for January, 2011
Ask Alfonso: I Want My Weights!
Jan 31st
Dear Alfonso,
Several months back I wrote a comment regarding your thoughts on the Biggest Loser and the fact that I agreed. I had mentioned that I had a trainer and was on my way to a fitter self. Glad to say I am 40lbs down and 4 sizes smaller!
I would like to lose another 20-30lb. My question this time is on weight/strength training versus cardio. I am still with the same trainer and he has helped me get this far. He told me today that his is going to change my routine AGAIN.
I train 3 days a week alternating body More >
Top 10: People You’ll Meet At The Gym
Jan 30th
I’ve always said the gym is a culture in itself – as rich as any National Geographic Channel special!
Don’t be fooled into thinking the people you’re working out with just like having big muscles and hot bodies. Underneath the training are a complex set of personality traits and some ritualistic gym behavior. So for a bit of fun today here’s my list of the Top 10 People You’ll Meet At The Gym… See if you recognize then from your gym, or even in the mirror!
Fast Food Fix: Burger King
Jan 29th
Hey everyone – it’s time for another Fast Food Fix – my Angry Trainer guide to the best and worst bites at your favorite chain restaurants.
First a flashback. Whenever I think of Burger King I’m reminded of their amazing onion rings that I used to eat as a kid. My favorite thing on the menu used to be the crispy chicken sandwich – boy was it good. But honestly I literally can’t remember the last time I ate there….
When I started compiling this piece I expected the chain’s menu and calorie count to be similar to McDonalds, but as you’ll see I More >
Ask Alfonso: Fast Fitness
Jan 28th
Hello Alfonso,
We have a gym at my place of work so by far the best time for me to work out is during my lunch breaks (morning and after work are very hard due to my family commitments)
Unfortunately I only get an hour’s lunch break and my boss is a stickler for timekeeping. By the time I get to the gym, get changed and am ready to go I only have 30 minutes in which to work out before I have to get dressed.
Realistically how much can I get done in half an hour 5 days a week? I’m 32 More >
Back To Basics: Legs
Jan 27th
This installment of Back To Basics is near and dear to me, because it’s all about LEGS. As a kid I had really skinny, knock-knee looking legs. I remember looking down and hating how they looked so much that I never wore shorts, and always had sweatpants on!
Luckily for me at my first training job, my manager was also a competitive bodybuilder and weightlifter. His legs were simply amazing and completely developed. From him I was very fortunate to learn the correct form and technique for my first ‘must have’ leg exercise… THE ALMIGHTY SQUAT!
Ask Alfonso: On The Ball
Jan 26th
Hey there Angry Trainer,
A trainer at my gym is a big believer in exercise stability balls and says all the exercises that I used to perform on a bench (flyes, presses, pullovers, etc) I should now be doing using a ball.
I must admit I’ve always been a little skeptical about using an exercise ball and when I’ve tried one I find I can only lift a fraction of the weight I’m used to.
I wondered what your thoughts were regarding stability balls and how you like to use them. Can I still build muscle using less weight? And when are using More >
Diet Diagnosis: South Beach Diet
Jan 26th
Ah South Beach, don’t you just love it?
The beach, the sun, the ocean, and all of the beautiful people, what’s not to love? Well, here’s another famous diet plan named after Miami’s hot spot and authored by yet another Doctor. This time Dr. Arthur Agatston who “discovered” that the diet he recommended to his heart patients (he’s a cardiologist) to improve heart health also had a nice side effect of shedding fat weight.
The result – another new weight loss plan, book and phenomenon were born. But does the diet work? Here’s the Angry Trainer take…!
More >
RIP Jack LaLanne
Jan 25th
A True Fitness Icon
As I’m sure you’ve heard, Jack LaLanne the Godfather of Fitness passed away 2 days ago at age 96. Every generation has individuals within them that revolutionize an entire industry. Jack LaLanne was one such individual. Even though his presence within the fitness community was before my time, I still of course knew he was. On a plane ride to France while surfing the free television channels on board, I happened to come across an old black and white episode of Jack’s exercise program. Man was this guy ahead of his time – his energy and charisma More >
