Pre-Workout For Females | Q+A

Pre-Workout For Females | Q+A

by | Aug 15, 2017 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Fitness, Home, Nutrition, Workouts

Question:

As a female looking to build lean muscle, would you recommend pre workout, BCAA’s or neither? If you do what products do you like?

– Brittany H.

Answer:

The basic nutrition approach to gaining lean mass for a female is quite similar to that for a man – increase fuel and building blocks to support the increase in anaerobic work. How can I gain weight in muscle, not fat? 

Suitable easily digestible protein and carb-balanced snacks are discussed in previous articles Is an actual breakfast or a pre-workout drink formula best before a morning workout? and What are the Best Foods to Eat Before & After a Workout? | Q+A to name a couple. 

It seems you’d like to know specifically about supplements to give you an edge. Creatine is known to improve weight-training results and is generally safe. Branched chain amino acids “BCAAs” (though I prefer longer peptides) can be part of a pre-workout formula which also has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and some carbohydrates to give enough energy to support a workout. See Do I need a pre workout drink? answered. I am a big fan of real food, so don’t promote any products by brand. In looking for a pre-workout powder, avoid more than 200mg caffeine, vasodilators like nitrous oxide (NO) and combinations of more than 3 stimulants. 4 Myths and Facts You Need to Know about Dietary Supplements

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Member Spotlight | A Will to Live Longer

Member Spotlight | A Will to Live Longer

by | Aug 14, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Home, Member Stories

“I finally came to the conclusion that a trainer was less expensive than a funeral.”

Randy B.

LA Fitness member

Randy B. of San Marcos, CA joined LA Fitness 6 years ago as he was nearing the golden age of 50. His sudden proactive attitude spawned from a troubling family health history. His father died at the young age of 52 from heart failure and diabetes, and his grandfather passed away at age 50, also from heart-related issues. With Randy’s own age suddenly nearing that seemingly fateful number, he made the decision to change his lifestyle and make fitness a priority. At the encouragement of friends already training with Pro Results® personal trainer Brandon W., Randy followed suit and started training with Brandon W. at LA Fitness three times a week.

Due to his job as a retail manager, which involves a lot of time spent at the computer or in the car, Randy started noticing that he was experiencing shoulder issues, and shared what was happening with his trainer Brandon. Brandon immediately began working on methods to help strengthen Randy’s shoulders, chest and back to help improve these issues. Since switching up his training routine, Randy shared that “the work Brandon has done has also had a major impact on my posture which has eliminated any back pain.” Even though Randy will be undergoing shoulder surgery soon, he notices the exercises he’s been doing have helped improve his strength, which his doctor says will help with the recovery.

LA Fitness, LA Fitness Living Healthy blog, fitness, LA Fitness community, gym support, LA Fitness motivation, member spotlight, Randall Blackburn, living healthy, healthy lifestyle, inspirational member, inspirational stories, Pro Results® personal training, LAF personal training, PT stories
LA Fitness, LA Fitness Living Healthy blog, fitness, LA Fitness community, gym support, LA Fitness motivation, member spotlight, Randall Blackburn, living healthy, healthy lifestyle, inspirational member, inspirational stories, Pro Results® personal training, LAF personal training, PT stories
LA Fitness, LA Fitness Living Healthy blog, fitness, LA Fitness community, gym support, LA Fitness motivation, member spotlight, Randall Blackburn, living healthy, healthy lifestyle, inspirational member, inspirational stories, Pro Results® personal training, LAF personal training, PT stories
LA Fitness, LA Fitness Living Healthy blog, fitness, LA Fitness community, gym support, LA Fitness motivation, member spotlight, Randall Blackburn, living healthy, healthy lifestyle, inspirational member, inspirational stories, Pro Results® personal training, LAF personal training, PT stories
LA Fitness, LA Fitness Living Healthy blog, fitness, LA Fitness community, gym support, LA Fitness motivation, member spotlight, Randall Blackburn, living healthy, healthy lifestyle, inspirational member, inspirational stories, Pro Results® personal training, LAF personal training, PT stories
LA Fitness, LA Fitness Living Healthy blog, fitness, LA Fitness community, gym support, LA Fitness motivation, member spotlight, Randall Blackburn, living healthy, healthy lifestyle, inspirational member, inspirational stories, Pro Results® personal training, LAF personal training, PT stories

“I finally came to the conclusion that a trainer was less expensive than a funeral. While personal training may seem expensive, it has such a positive impact on your overall results and thus your overall health, that it really can change your quality of life,” shared Randy B. When Randy first started personal training, his original goals were to lose 25 pounds, work on general strengthening and to improve his overall cholesterol. Since starting the Pro Results® program and working with Brandon W., Randy has lost 55 lbs., lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol, and increased his overall strength and energy levels!

Today Randy’s goals are to maintain his weight, continue strength training, and improve both his flexibility and cardio. He credits his success to his trainer Brandon W., who inspires him by always being persistent on follow up, talking him through the functionality of what they are doing, and explaining how it will help Randy better perform in life.  Randy shared that his conversations with Brandon are focused on asking questions about what he does—what he does well and also where he struggles. Brandon then tailors Randy’s training to help him meet his specific goals.

Aside from the fitness building duo team of Randy and Brandon, Brandon introduces his clients to each other and encourages them to work together and help hold each other accountable. Randy expressed that “it builds a total gym training family [and] support group which keeps all of us going.” Not only that, but having others around you working towards similar goals can help spark, and rev up, that competitive spirit. Having a healthy and encouraging group of friends can help you push yourself to be better, even on the days where going to the gym may seem tiring. As for Randy, he plans to continue staying active and eating healthy so that he can live a long, happy and healthy life.

Are you ready to take control of your health? Learn more about Pro Results® today.

Results will vary. Consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Pro Results® personal training services are subject to additional fees and a separate agreement.

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ASK A TRAINER: Ep. 2 – Body Weight vs Heavy Weight; Which is Better?

by | Aug 11, 2017 | All, Ask A Trainer, Community, Exercises, Fitness, Home, Workouts

Welcome to another edition of Ask A Trainer!

LA Fitness Pro Results® Master Trainer, Geoff F., answers our question of the week. Check it out below!

Do you have a fitness question? Ask one of our certified Pro Results® trainers here! Your question may be featured in an upcoming Ask Our Trainer video.**

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**Selected submissions will be featured on the LA Fitness blog and possibly other LA Fitness digital media entities & websites. By making a submission, you hereby grant LA Fitness a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license to use and make copies of the contents of such submission for any purpose and in any medium whatsoever, and you hereby waive and relinquish any copyright or other intellectual property right you may have in the contents of such submission and your right to pursue any claim for LA Fitness’s violation of those intellectual property rights.

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Sweating for the Wedding | Q+A

Sweating for the Wedding | Q+A

by | Aug 10, 2017 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Community, Fitness, Home, Nutrition, Workouts

Question:

Hi, I’m getting married next April and want to lose 50 lbs. I’m a male 6’4 currently 280 and 53 years young! Is this realistic? By the way, I’m getting married to a fellow LA fitness member I was dating and we are now engaged.

– Gabe R.

Answer:

Woohoo! Congratulations, Gabe. Yes, it’s realistic for someone your age and size to lose 50 pounds in under a year. With regular exercise and significant dietary changes over the next 9 months, it is possible to reach your weight goal of 230 lbs. Check our other LA Fitness members’ weight loss achievements Keely’s Success Story, Footsteps Leading to Success, Mary’s 50 Pound Weight Loss Side-Effect, People Aren’t Recognizing Her! and those posted from the National Weight Control Registry at http://www.nwcr.ws/stories.htm.

You will need to maintain a consistent daily 1,000 calorie deficit and I would recommend you consume about 1800-2000 calories for now, so that means lots of physical activity. Later, if you reach a plateau or are nearing your wedding date, you can reduce to 1500 calories daily.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

LA Fitness Living Healthy subscribe button

Want more? SUBSCRIBE to receive the latest Living Healthy articles right in your inbox!

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Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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Commit to Fit | Member Spotlights

Commit to Fit | Member Spotlights

by | Aug 7, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Home

commit to fit logo, LA Fitness, member fitness goals

Do you have a fitness goal? Let us know here! To learn more about Commit to fit, click here.

Goals, Commitments, Community

These are our most recent members who have committed to their fitness goals.

Elsy W., Clara Q., Elizabeth A. & Andrea A.

We love seeing family’s getting fit together! Elsy W. would like to maintain her health and weight, Clara Q. would like to lower her body fat percentage, Elizabeth A. wants to lose belly fat & Andrea A. hopes to get toned, run faster, and lift heavier! Awesome job ladies!

 

Perry W. & Rocky L.

Perry W. & Rocky L. are well on their way to accomplishing their fitness goals – it always helps to have a workout buddy! Perry W. is working on his way to getting ripped and being mentally balanced with his body. Rocky L. hopes to gain weight. We believe in you guys, keep up the hard work!

Stephanie F.

Stephanie F.’s fitness goal is to have a fit body & work out everyday! Stick to your goal Stephanie, you can do it!

Ashley R.

Ashley R. wants to loose fat & replace it with muscle. You’ve got this, Ashley!

Christian S.

Christian S. shared with us that he wants to stay in shape at 185 lbs.! If you put in the hard work you can accomplish anything Christian!

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