Smart Excuse Busters

If you’re someone who, as you go about your workout program, always seems to have some excuse or another, it’s vital that you start looking at what these excuses are and ways that you can overcome them.
Use these next time something is threatening to throw you off track.

While there will always be those people who will use every single excuse in the books that they can think of so it’s not really going to matter what they figure out to overcome their excuse, another one will just pop right back up, for most people, if you do think of a solution to put in place, you can carry on with your program and see better success.

Let’s look at some of the top excuses that some people use so that you can clearly see what you need to do to overcome them.

Lack Of Time

The very first excuse that is very often used is lack of time. Face it, we live in a world where there are just not enough hours in the day. You’re just as short on time as the next person is but it’s how you choose to spend the hours that you do have that really matter.

To help ensure that you can carve away enough time to get your workouts in, start assessing your schedule. Are you wasting time where you shouldn’t be?

Also consider using a shorter workout program so that it’s easier for you to get the workouts in. This will ensure that you aren’t as tempted to skip the gym because you don’t feel you’ll be able to do the complete session.

Lack Of Motivation

Lack of motivation is the next problem that many people experience as they go about their workout routine. Feeling low on motivation yourself?

If so, look into a workout buddy. Having someone to do your workouts with can be one of the best motivational boosters around and really help you move on to see the success that you’re after.

They’ll be there to help you through the difficult times and encourage you along through the good times.

Lack Of Resources

Next, lack of resources is the next excuse some people use. So you don’t have a gym membership – there are many ways to deal with this.

Consider instead setting up your own home gym. All you really need to see optimal results is a pair of exchangeable dumbbells and a skipping rope. This will allow you to get your strength training in along with your cardio training, touching upon both key elements of a good fitness plan.

This will run you $50 total – if that, so there’s really no excuse here.

Physical Discomfort

Finally, the last excuse some people use is physical discomfort – they just don’t like working out. If this is your excuse, find a new workout.

It’s as simple as that. While some physical discomfort may be present as this indicates that you are pushing yourself hard and are on the way to seeing top notch results, there should never be extreme physical discomfort that you can’t handle.

If there is, you aren’t doing something right. A proper workout should leave you feeling better, not worse.

So there you have the primary things that you should remember with regards to busting your excuses.

Posted in Fat Loss by james | No Comments

Overland Park Personal Trainer – Top 3 Tips

Jamie’s Top 3 Tips for Optimum Health

I’m big on numbers.  In my business, they help gauge the success that clients experience when following a solid and well-executed plan of action that includes targeted exercise and good nutrition.

Often I’m asked for my “top” lists:  the top 5 exercises to build muscles; top pick for a sports watch; the top 10 no-no’s when it comes to losing weight.  But probably the question that the majority of people pose to me is this:  What are my top 3 health tips?

That’s a broad subject—and there are lots of variables depending on someone’s age, weight, workout goals and overall physical condition.  But the three tips that apply to everyone, regardless of where they are in their quest to achieve optimum personal health, are pretty standard.

    Drink plenty of water daily.

    I recommend about 9 glasses each day.  And I’m not talking about sports drinks, many of which have sugars and calories that you don’t need.  The body (and your skin) loves good-old fashioned water—filtered is my choice.

    Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.

    The latest dietary guidelines call for 5 to 13 servings a day (2.5 – 6.5 cups per day).  Consumption of fruits and veggies help ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure and help to prevent some types of cancers.  Need further convincing?  I didn’t think so.

    Be active everyday.

    Move your body…even if it’s walking to the mailbox, make sure you get some exercise.  So many jobs today are sedentary, spent in front of a computer screen. Move your tush as much as you use your hands on the keyboard!

In the end, we’re each responsible for how we maintain our physical health.  And the 2 things that guarantee a pretty good shot at feeling good, aging well and being the best we can be is actually my mantra:  Diet and exercise.

Here’s to your health.
-Jamie

Overland Park Boot Camp – Burn More Calories All Day Long

asleep at desk 300x170 Overland Park Boot Camp   Burn More Calories All Day LongIf you’re tired of fighting the battle of the bulge, one thing that could potentially speed up your progress is taking a good look at how you can burn more calories all day long.  One of the biggest reasons that people fail to see success is because they only focus on their workouts – not really thinking about the rest of their daily activity.

If you go to the gym and have an incredibly intense workout…then end up sitting for the rest of day because you’re exhausted, you might actually be burning fewer calories over the next 24 hours than if you had skipped that workout entirely!  Everyday activities really do add up and by staying more active throughout the day, you can move that much closer to your weight loss goals.   Let’s have a quick peak at three ways that you can burn calories all day long.

Get Up Every Hour

A really simple way to boost your daily calorie burn is to simply GET UP & MOVE. Make a conscious effort to get away from your desk and walk around every hour.  Not only will this help you burn more calories, but you’ll probably notice that you have more energy.   Sitting for hours on end is a quick way to drain your energy.  Getting up will get your blood circulating again.  Set a timer at your desk to go off every hour so you’re reminded to get up and stroll around the office.  Even if it’s only for 4 or 5 minutes, it will add up.

Take the Stairs

stairs Overland Park Boot Camp   Burn More Calories All Day LongAnother easy way to get in more activity throughout the day is to take the stairs rather than the elevator.  You’ve heard this tip time and time again and most people don’t think much of it.  After all, how many calories does climbing one flight of stairs burn? 5?  If you do this 10 times a day, that’s 50 extra calories burned!  Do this for one month and you’ll have lost almost half a pound of body fat!

If you climb two flights of stairs at once, double that number.   And for those of you who work on an upper floor…well, you get the idea  ;)

Go For a Walk at Lunch

Instead of sitting at your desk through lunch and mindlessly munching on the sandwich that you brought along, consider getting up and going for a walk. Exercise will help to suppress your appetite so you’ll be less likely to consume as many calories at that lunch meal and you’ll be burning calories in the process.

A brisk walk for fifteen minutes will still allow you plenty of time to eat a healthy lunch.  Aim to eat it away from the computer as well as you’ll feel more satisfied if you sit down and actually enjoy that lunch meal.

Now let’s get up & move!  Have a healthy, energized day!

Posted in Fitness, Mind & Motivation by Jamie | No Comments

Overland Park Bootcamp – Hosting a Free Nutrition Seminar

The Science Behind Losing Weight the RIGHT Way

Join us for this information packed event!

Learn the “how” and “why” behind proper nutrition.  Learn why 80% of weight loss results are achieved through what you put in your mouth!

Why is water so important?

Why do I gain back all the weight I lost, when I worked SO hard to lose it?

Why is protein so important?

Why do fad diets fail?

Why should I lift weights?

Get the answers to these questions, and MANY more!

When: Wednesday February 15th, 6:30 PM
Where: Boot Camp 360 KC 16140 Foster St, Overland Park, KS  66085
Who’s invited: Everyone is welcome!  Free and open to the public!

Posted in Boot Camps by Jamie | No Comments

Overland Park Boot Camp to hold Susan G. Komen Event

The Jamie Plunkett Fitness

TRIPLE 21 CHALLENGE

Here’s the deal: I want you and a friend to lose weight TOGETHER for Susan G. Komen!
Here’s the challenge:  21 Days/21 Pounds/21 Bucks
Here’s the bottom line: I will donate all proceeds to Susan G. Komen.

You have nothing to lose but weight!  The Jamie Plunkett Fitness Triple 21 Challenge begins on Feb. 21.

Here’s how to get started: Weigh-in and program briefing on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at Boot Camp 360 KC.

Choose your team: A friend, a spouse, a colleague, a buddy…your choice!

Start to win, start to lose: On Feb. 21, you and your teammate will start the challenge…21 Days/21 Pounds/21 Bucks Per Person.

Here’s the Triple 21 Challenge 411!

Current Boot Camp 360 KC Members:  Continue workouts and receive the SPECIAL Triple 21 Challenge nutrition plan and a special edition Boot Camp 360 KC/Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt.

Non-members:  Attend 21 Days of Boot Camp 360 KC and receive the SPECIAL Triple 21 Challenge Nutrition Plan and a special edition Boot Camp 360 KC/Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt.

…and the Triple 21 Challenge winning team receives…

Bragging rights:  Current and non-members receive 21 Days of FREE Boot Camp 360 KC ($105 value!).

SIGN UP ONLINE TODAY for A GREAT CAUSE!

Deadline to Register: Feb. 16, 2012

The Jamie Plunkett Fitness Triple 21 Challenge

bootcamp360kc.com/komen2012

Boot Camp 360 KC
16140 Foster
Overland Park, KS  66085

Susan G Komen for the Cure Overland Park Boot Camp to hold Susan G. Komen Event

360KC 260x214 Overland Park Boot Camp to hold Susan G. Komen Event

Posted in Boot Camps, Mind & Motivation by Jamie | No Comments

PLEASE STEP AWAY From the FRIED WHITE SUGAR!

The world of fitness and weight loss is often confusing, with contradictory information swirling about. I’m going to cut through the confusion and make things really simple for you.

Below is a list of 5 foods that you should never eat.

These foods will derail your fitness and weight loss efforts every single time.

In addition, I will suggest a healthy substitute for each of these off-limits foods.

By simply swapping out the items below you will quickly and effortlessly become healthier, leaner and fitter than you are today.

Do-Not-Eat #1: Anything Fried
Fried food is loaded with fat and calories while offering zero nutritional value. It’s a lose-lose! Sure, fries and chips TASTE good, but healthier items also taste good. Just say no to the deep fried items on your menu. You’ll be thinner, healthier and won’t have greasy fingers.

Try This #1: Broiled
If you simply must have a French fry, then make them at home in your oven. Use sweet potatoes, as these are a more complex carbohydrate. Cut into matchsticks, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil along with a dash of salt, then place in your oven on broil. Mix every 5 minutes until the fries are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Do-Not-Eat #2: White Bread
White bread products have zero nutritional value and are quickly converted by your body into sugar. So you may as well eat a cupcake. Even breads that are technically wheat, but are as soft and smooth as white bread, should be avoided. Don’t be afraid to discard the bread from your sandwich or to push away that bread basket. Your waist will shrink and you’ll lose that bloated feeling that high carbohydrate meals give you.no white carbs 300x300 PLEASE STEP AWAY From the FRIED WHITE SUGAR!

Try This #2: Sprouted Grain Bread
If you must have bread, then stick with sprouted. Sprouted grain bread is a lot easier on your digestion and is packed full of nutrients. Two delicious brands are Food For Life’s Ezekiel bread, and Manna Organics. Sprouted grain breads are often kept in the freezer section since they don’t contain preservatives to prolong shelf life.

Do-Not-Eat #3: Creamy Salad Dressing

You were so good to order a salad, but then you ruined it by drenching the salad in fattening creamy dressing. Just a few tablespoons of creamy dressing contain more than 20 grams of fat and hundreds of calories.

Try This #3: Vinegar Dressing
Salad dressing is meant to lend flavor to the salad, not fat and calories. Vinegar-based dressings pack amazing flavor in with minimal fat and calories. You can even mix your own dressing at home. Take high quality vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, your choice of dried herbs, and a bit of olive oil.

Do-Not-Eat #4: White Rice
I’m sure by now you’ve heard that white rice is not a healthy choice. Just like white bread, white rice has zero nutritional value – other than calories. Fiber and vitamins have been removed and the glycemic load will quickly prime your body for storing fat.

Try This #4: Brown Rice
Brown rice has three times the amount of fiber, more B vitamins as well as other nutrients, won’t sky rocket your blood, and will keep you feeling fuller for longer. That should be enough to convince you to swap your large pile of white rice out for a small pile of brown rice.

Do-Not-Eat #5: White Sugar
Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are the epitome of anti-fitness food. Nothing will destroy your progress, expand your waist and plummet your energy levels like sugar will. If you only take away one do-not-eat food from this article please let it be sugar.

Try This #5: Fruit
Don’t turn to artificial sweeteners to get your sweet fix, instead turn to nature’s wholesome source of sugar: fruit. Eat organic fruit that is seasonal and locally grown. Stay away from dried fruit and fruit juices, as these are high in simple calories.

Eating right, along with challenging exercise, is the formula for a toned, lean body – so guarantee your results by teaming up with me.

Together we will come up with a fitness plan that is uniquely yours, one that fits your lifestyle and brings you promptly to your goals.

Call or email today to get started.

Posted in Nutrition & Diet by Jamie | No Comments

Friday Motivation!

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Posted in Fat Loss by Jamie | No Comments

Overland Park Boot Camp – What to Look for in a Workout Buddy

What to Look for in a Workout Buddy

Ready to get started on a workout plan, but not sure you’ll be able to do it on your own? Find a workout buddy!  Most people seem to enjoy a little social interaction while working out -not to mention a little friendly competition – to keep them motivated.

A workout buddy is one of the best ways to keep yourself accountable to your program, and chances are you’ll enjoy your workout much more than if you “go it alone”, especially if you’re relatively new to a fitness program, or if you just joined a big gym.

Choose your workout buddy carefully, however.  There are a few things you should probably consider before getting started.

Similar Schedules

First, make sure both of you are available to meet for your workout at the same time.  If one of you is an early bird who likes to work out at the crack of dawn, but the other is a night owl who prefers an evening workout, you might have a tough time getting together consistently.  Set your workout schedule and stick to it!  Hold each other accountable.

Similar Goals and Fitness Levels

workout buddy 300x256 Overland Park Boot Camp   What to Look for in a Workout BuddyNext, while it can be hugely inspirational to workout with someone who is much more fit than you, you’ll find that you both benefit more when you’re around the same fitness level.  It helps to have the same or similar goals as your partner, so your workouts will follow the same program.  For example…if one of you is focused on fat loss, and the other on building muscle, your workout programs could be so different from one another that you end up working out by yourself anyway!

Personality Match

Finally, figure out if your “gym personalities” match.  Are you someone who likes to chat while you work out, or do you put on your headphones and get down to business…essentially tuning out everything around you?  You should be sure that your gym partner has the same workout ethic as you do.  You want your partner to push you, challenge you, and keep you motivated.  If you like to focus on the workout, but your partner likes to chat…it could lead to frustration.  If you both tend to work out the same way, chances are you will have effective and enjoyable sessions at the gym.

Grab a buddy & get moving!

olddieting 300x232 Overland Park Boot Camp   What to Look for in a Workout Buddy
Posted in Boot Camps, Fitness by Jamie | No Comments

Overland Park Personal Trainer | Why Healthy Fats are a Must Have

Why Healthy Fats Are A Must-Have In Your Diet Plan

As you go about the process of losing weight, one nutrient that you should avoid omitting entirely is healthy fats.  In years past, ALL fats were to be shunned in the diet.  Dieters everywhere were flocking to ultra-low-fat diet plans that promised that if you just cut out the fat, you would easily see the results you were looking for. healthy fats Overland Park Personal Trainer | Why Healthy Fats are a Must Have

Times have changed! More dieters are starting to realize the importance of healthy fats in their nutrition plan and are adding them back in.  While it is true that fats contain over twice as many calories per gram as proteins and carbs (9 calories per gram compared to four for protein & carbs, respectively), it doesn’t mean that you should cut them out entirely.

Here’s a quick look at why you should consider adding healthy fats back into your meal plan:

They Keep Hunger Levels Lower

Healthy fats will help prevent you from feeling hungry. Fats are the slowest digesting nutrient in the diet plan so when you consume them in sufficient volumes, you’ll find that you rarely experience hunger throughout the day. Just five to seven grams of fat per meal tends to lower hunger considerably and make it that much easier to maintain your nutrition plan. If you often find that hunger gets the best of you during the day, this is definitely something that you will want to consider as you work toward your weight loss goal.

They Control Your Blood Sugar

Healthy fats help to regulate your blood sugar levels, making sure that they stay on an even keel all day long. Carbohydrates alone will tend to spike the blood glucose levels, but when carbs are paired with a combination of healthy fats and proteins, they’ll have a much lower overall impact. Controlling your blood sugar level also helps to control hunger and cravings.

They Keep Your Hormones Happy

olive oil 200x300 Overland Park Personal Trainer | Why Healthy Fats are a Must HaveWhen you adopt a diet that’s entirely devoid of fat, testosterone will drop, making it harder to maintain your lean muscle mass. In addition to that, other hormones in the body won’t stay at their normal concentration levels either, making it more difficult to see progress.

A nutrition plan that is TOO LOW in fat content will actually hinder your weight loss progress just as much as a diet containing TOO MUCH fat!

So be sure that you aren’t omitting this nutrient entirely!  It is extremely important that you choose healthy varieties offats such as nuts, natural nut butters, flaxseed, olive oil, fatty fish and avocadoes.  Sprinkle slivered nuts or flaxseed on a salad instead of bacon bits.  Sauté in olive oil instead of butter.  Have a handful of almonds as a crunchy snack.  Have some natural peanut butter with celery.  Use slices of avocado on your sandwich instead of cheese.  These are some easy ways to get the right amount of the right fats into your meals!

Overland Park Personal Trainer – 5 Steps to Getting Started With a Workout Routine

Brand new to fitness?  Just decided that you want to make some positive changes in your body?  It’s time to get an action plan together.  Far too many people dive in headfirst without really taking the time to map out their steps to be sure they start out on the right foot.
Let’s look at five steps that you should take to get started with your very own fitness routine.

Step 1: Choose Your Goals

The very first step that you need to take is to set your workout goals.  What is it, specifically, that you want to accomplish?  Those who randomly choose their goals without a lot of thought, or whose goals aren’t very specific are likely not going to be committed and will have trouble staying motivated.  Have a CLEAR GOAL in mind (and WRITE IT DOWN) so that you always know exactly what it is that you’re working toward.  There is a big difference between “I want to lose weight” and “I want to lose 10 pounds by the end of the month”!!

Step 2: Consult a Personal Trainer

Second, consider consulting with a personal trainer.  Since you are new to fitness and might not fully understand what exercises you should be doing  - and how to do them properly, a personal trainer will help you get this figured out.  A trainer will be able to teach proper form, and ensure that you are executing your program efficiently, using the right number of sets, reps, and so on.  Everyone is different, so very few workout programs are identical.  Doing what might not be best for YOUR GOALS could quickly destroy your hopes of success, so this is one step that you don’t want to overlook.

Step 3: Schedule Your Workouts

Once you have your workouts figured out, the next step is to schedule these into your week.  Make the time.  Put it on your calendar and stick to it like glue.  If you don’t schedule your workouts, you are far more likely to skip them….and then fall off the workout bandwagon.

Step 4: Plan Your Nutrition

Next, take the time to figure out your nutrition.  If you truly want to reach your goal, know that proper nutrition is the key to making it happen (you cannot out-work a bad diet!).  It can be a real eye opener to keep track of everything you eat (EVERYTHING).  Start writing it down – the serving size, and how much protein, carbs, fat, fiber and calories you’re consuming.   You might be surprised.  A personal trainer or nutritionist will be able to help you learn how to eat to fuel your body – without “dieting”, and without feeling hungry.  WHAT you eat – and HOW OFTEN you eat – play a HUGE role in any fitness and weight loss plan.  (Not to mention you’ll feel a whole lot better and you’ll be READY to tackle your workouts!)

Step 5: Assess, Assess, Assess

Finally, once everything is in place and you’re diligently executing your program, make sure that you continually assess your progress.  Typical, healthy weight loss should be about 2 pounds per week.  Check your weight once a week (not every day!!), in the morning.  Keep track.  If you think you might have hit a plateau, then it’s time to change it up.  Might be a tweak to your nutrition plan, might be a tweak to your workout routine.  Stay on top of your routine – monitor your progress.  If you don’t, you might end up spinning your wheels.

If you really want to see results, these five tips should help you get there.

~To your health!