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an online magazine of training, diet, health and fitness ideas from the pespective of an actor, model & dancer who's built a body "on the road" |
 Making
the Mind to Muscle Connection
Throughout my years of working out, I have learned to incorporate a very useful concept in my strength training program. A concept called "Mind to Muscle Connection." Managing the connection between mind and body can prove to be a valuable step in creating the body you have always wanted. Its a very simple process that can be practiced prior to, and throughout your existing workout routine. On your way to the gym, begin to think about the muscles you will be training on that particular day. Flex and contract these muscles to stimulate the muscle fibers that are going to be recruited for the days workout. What you're doing is actively making a mind to muscle connection. You're telling the muscles to be prepared and ready as soon as your workout begins. Throughout your workout, continue to be aware of your body and your breath. After each set, take a few moments to flex and contract the muscles again. Envision the muscles becoming bigger and stronger, once again actively making the mind to muscle connection. You will find that your workouts will become a more focused use of your time. There are numerous of books written around this concept that can both enlighten and and strengthen your mind and body: among them, MIND AND MUSCLE by Blair Whitmarsh.
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 Summertime
Cardio
Who say's that we have to slave away in the gym three times a week doing our cardio training? In all types of weather it possible to make our leisure activities really count towards a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few examples of some outdoor cardio options...
2). Tune up the old bicycle and take a sunset bike ride, a time to give those quads, hamstrings, and calves a workout. 3). Rollerblading or ice skating can be a wonderful lower body and cardio workout. Throw on your favorite cd and find your Xanadu. 4). Swimming can not only cool you off on a hot summer day, but can serve as a vigorous upper body and arm workout as well. 5). There are numerous outdoor sports which get the oxygen flowing and the heart rate pumping. Soccer, football, hockey, skiing, volleyball, tennis, kayaking, baseball, just to mention a few. Who ever said that working out has to be all work and no play? Enjoy all the benefits of a outdoor cardio workout, and maybe a get a great tan while your doing it.
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 Nutrition
Factoid
Momma was right when she told you to eat all your vegetables. Vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet. They're high in complex carbs and fiber, and supply an abundant amount of vitamins and minerals. And best of all, they're low in calories and virtually fat free. |
 Taylor-Glen's
Daily Supplementation
Mega Men's daily vitamin
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Below are a few topics still in consideration, yet to be written, but likely to be covered here in coming months. Please check back! |
 Travelin'
Light for Fitness
Eatin' Right, Eatin' Out Meal Replacements On the Run Cardio When "IT'S COLD!" The "Gym a Week" Game Warming Up and MUCH MORE ON THE WAY! |
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| As a professional dancer, flexibility
training has always been a big part of my workouts. I began stretching
at a very early age, not then realizing that it would benefit me greatly
in my dance career. Flexibility relates to the ability to bend without
breaking. Unfortunately flexibility training is probably one of the most
overlooked, poorly understood and poorly executed components of physical
fitness. Stretching allows you to move your joints easily; and stretching
all of your main muscle groups leads to muscle balance. You should think
of flexibility training as a planned, deliberate, and progressive program
of stretching that causes permanent elongation of muscle fascia without
causing or contributing to injury.
There are several elements that determine
whether a particular stretching activity is helpful or harmful:
Remember that gains in any fitness component are related to your effort, focus, concentration and consistency, as well as to the correctness of the approach. |
| Here are few stretches that I use frequently
in my own flexibility training.
While standing and keeping your trunk straight, grab your ankle pulling the leg up towards your glutes. Make sure not to tilt the pelvis in order to get a full stretch. Hold for 30 sec. |
 2).
Sitting Hamstring Stretch
While sitting on the floor, extend one leg forward, while placing the other in a bent position with your foot near the knee. Slowly lean forward until tension is felt in the hamstring. Remember to keep your back straight, and keep the movement emphasis in the hip joints. Hold for 30 sec. |
1).
A walk on the beach or a run through the neighborhood park can fill the
lungs with fresh oxygen and serve as a time of meditation.
Improved
flexibility contributes to:
1).
Hip Flexor Stretch