Muscle Memory Mechanism?

One point of exercise research is to determine the "mechanism" behind a given outcome.  When the mechanism for a positive outcome is determined, duplication becomes possible.

A recent Norway study attempted to determine the mechanism for "muscle memory" and came up with some interesting findings.

This study was done on mice so we need to place an asterisk beside it.  Animal studies do not prove the same thing occurs in humans, but they can lead to later successful human studies.

The study found resistance training increases muscle cell nuclei, and this increase may last for a lifetime... read more

"Say Cheese..."

One question I get frequently:

"How do you get motivated to go to the gym?" 

Here is a simple technique to get you started: take a picture of yourself (with minimal clothing) and look at it once per week until you reach your goals. Most successful fitness transformations (mine included) start with someone seeing a picture of themselves that shocks them.  While just a first step, the picture can be the spark that triggers your successful transformation. 

I actually saw a video of myself in 1998, and I could not believe the person in the video was... read more

Fat Loss Restaurant Ramblings

11 years ago I ate about 90% of my meals in restaurants. I would frequently drive through Arbys or Burger King on my miserable lunch breaks and grab a meal. 

After work, I would also stop and grab a restaurant dinner since I was tired.

To be completely honest, I did not really know how to cook ten years ago.  I was afraid I would blow up the house if I tried to cook something (If you are afraid of blowing up the house, take a cooking class.  It is a great investment).

My weight was always... read more

8 Ways Resistance Training Burns Fat

Ever gained a few pounds and decided to exercise to lose it? "Tomorrow, I am going to start running and lose this weight!" you think.  This seems intuitive as running and jogging burn a high amount of calories fairly quickly.

 

Although most think of aerobic activity first for fat- burning,  another exercise strategy may provide equal or even greater long-term fat-loss benefit.  In many subtle ways, resistance training can keep the fat off.

 

You do not need to choose between resistance and aerobic activity to stay fit. Most experts would recommend incorporating both into... read more