Tag Archives: wellness

Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices!

Did you know that some herbs and spices have more disease-fighting antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables?

Cinnamon

Can lower blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Try for one-fourth to one-half teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day.

Turmeric

Contains curcumin, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Try to have 500 to 800 milligrams a day.

Rosemary

Stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer and may help prevent damage to the blood vessels that raise heart attack risk.

Garlic

Destroys cancer cells and may disrupt the metabolism of tumor cells. One or two cloves weekly provide cancer-protective benefits.

Paprika

Contains capsaicin, whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may lower the risk of cancer. There’s no specific recommended dose, but moderation is probably the best way to go.

Ginger

Can decrease motion sickness and nausea; may also relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Doses used from 500 to 2,000 mg of powdered ginger.

Oregano

A study found that, gram for gram, oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs.

Adding more herbs and spices to your diet can help reduce the risks of certain diseases.

For more information on how increasing your daily intake of certain foods can change how you approach health and fitness, as well as jump start weight loss and muscle development, schedule an appointment with one of Excel Fitness’ Certified Personal Trainer today. Call (860) 523-8167 or email info@excelfitnessct.com

By Chris Caruso, C.P.T.

 

What Is The Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet is the healthiest way to eat because it is the only nutritional approach that works with the individual’s genetics to help promote lean mass, increase strength, and retain energy! Research in several different scientific disciplines, including exercise science indicates that our modern diet, full of processed food

 

high in gluten, preservatives, trans fats, and sugar, is at the root of degenerative diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, depression and infertility. Those who have tried the Paleo diet know that it delivers the best results, including:  improved blood lipids, weight loss, and reduced pain from autoimmunity. The Paleo diet may seem like a dramatic shift (not unlike the shift to the Atkins carb-free diet) but it is not as challenging as some may think. The Paleo diet provides simple solutions to remove the foods that are at odds with our health (grains, legumes, and dairy) and also increase our intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Lean proteins

Lean proteins support strong muscles, healthy bones and optimal immune function. Protein also makes you feel satisfied between meals.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients that have been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing a number of degenerative diseases including cancer, diabetes and neurological                                                                                                            decline.

Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fish oil and grass-fed meat

Scientific and epidemiological studies show that diets rich in Monounsaturated and Omega-3 fats dramatically reduce the instances of obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline.

For more information on how the trainers at Excel Fitness can assist you with your health and weight loss goals please call today (860) 523-8167 to schedule a complimentary consultation!

By Chris Caruso, C.P.T.

The Gym Membership Contract

 

A sad truth in the fitness industry is that from a purely monetary prospective, the best members are the ones who never show up. Places like  Planet Fitness and W.O.W. really have this strategy nailed down: plan on the fact that you won’t show up regularly (thereby lowering their operating costs), charge a low enough fee that you don’t really complain when you see it every month in your statement, and rely on the psychological deterrent of “cancelling your gym membership”. Because as long as you have a membership that means you can go, even if you don’t. But if you cancel, which is a pain in the butt, it sends a clear message that you in fact have thrown in the towel.

Once you’re a paying member they have you, with psychology and probably by a contract termination penalty, by the proverbial balls. The only missing link is ensuring that they close the deal once they have you in their clutches, and most gyms have the gym membership “closer” guy. I’ve seen personal trainers do it as well, essentially guilt tripping you into paying more money.

Why This Bothers Me So Much

 

Fighting back the sedentary life of a non-physical culture is hard. Walking into a gym that you don’t feel comfortable in, probably in a body you don’t feel comfortable in, and perhaps dealing with meatheads or at least people in far better shape than you, is not comfortable. At all. It is down right intimidating, scary, and unwelcoming.

Anyone out of shape who can walk into a barbell room and learn how to squat properly, especially by them self, deserves a golden trophy encrusted in diamonds. If that person is deconditioned, alone, and the gym is crowded, the trophy should also have little rocket boosters on the bottom so it can follow them around.

The membership guy isn’t the devil, of course. He’s some guy who needs to make money and it’s his job to sign you up, and he’s probably primarily on commission anyway. Certainly his performance is judged by the amount of people he or she is getting onboard. However, and there are books written about this very topic, the membership dude and his boss are both wrong.

Just Say No To Stupid Gyms

Give your money to a gym that puts fitness first, and relies on happy customers who are achieving their goals. The pressure sales tactics so commonly used in the fitness industry are, quite frankly, shameful. I have people who want to workout with me because they know I care about fitness and take it (and theirs) seriously. Look around for it. It probably won’t come in a glossy membership pamphlet and the gym might not have a lot of fancy gear, but I can promise you that a glossy brochure and an elliptical machine have zero bearing on you achieving your fitness goals.

For more information on the variety of personal training, health, and fitness services Excel Fitness has to offer please stop in or call one of our certified personal trainers to schedule a complementary consultation.

By Gary Maher, B.S.