Is Winter Affecting Your Training?

It's about this time of the year that many of us enjoy a bit of a sleep in and a hot shower, rather than doing a workout. It becomes tempting to indulge in food to warm up. Advertisements on the television for diets, exercise machines and other weight loss products slow down. Gym attendance declines significantly and personal trainers often have a few hours spare during the cooler months. There is no doubt about it - our training is seasonal in a general sense.

So, how is your training going? Are you someone who is de-motivated during the cooler months, only to be re-invigorated once the temperature warms up to get in shape for Summer?

If you are, you have to ask yourself how this approach has worked for you in the past. If you're happy approaching your training in a sporadic manner, then that's great. However if you feel down about yourself during the cooler months because you continually let yourself go, year after year, then you have to put a stop to this viscous cycle. Otherwise, you will NEVER accomplish your goals - you will always be spending Spring and Summer undoing the damaged caused during Winter.

If you've read through some of the articles on our web site, or even Jay's blog, you'll be well aware of the importance of consistency. You need to be consistent all year round in order to achieve phenomenal results - whether that be weight loss, muscle development, fitness, injury rehab, or even just improving your general health. Sporadic training is just like yo-yo dieting - you will obtain some short-term results, only to lose them and be back at square one.

In order to accomplish a consistent approach to your training, it is imperative that you develop a lifestyle that incorporates the necessary physical activity and good nutrition to accomplish your goals. A lifestyle is something that you can live with, forever. Get short-term out of your head - you need to think long-term and enjoyable. There is no point trying to go into the gym twice a day, six times a week if your lifestyle just doesn't accommodate for this - find something that works! This in effect is taking a similar approach that fad diets take to dieting - by pushing yourself to your limits for a finite period of time, after which you will just "break", as your willpower cannot withstand the immense stress it is put under!

Get ahead of the game now and start developing that lifestyle. A lifestyle is not seasonal, it is a way of life. If you want to get away from the annual "get in shape for Summer" phenomenon, you first need to change your beliefs when it comes to regular exercise and good nutrition.

If you need professional assistance in developing a lifestyle approach to your training, please consider our personal training services.

 

Refer a Friend to our Supplement Store & Get 5% Back!

We have just upgraded our supplement store referral program! Now, refer a friend to our store and you will receive 5% of their product purchases (excluding GST) credited to your account! This has just been upgraded from 1.2% after some great feedback from our store customers. For more information, visit our referral program page.

Hot Store Products

This year we have released a number of new brands and significantly expanded our product range. Here are the three fastest growing products of 2010:

• Gaspari SizeOn 1290g
• BSN NO-Xplode 1021g
• VPX NO Shotgun 644g

Australia now has extremely limited stock on the Gaspari SizeOn 1290g so we highly recommend that you stock up on this product!

Supplement Reviewer Wanted!

Are you:

• Someone who uses supplements regularly
• A health and fitness enthusiast
• Knowledgeable
• A great writer

If so, you may be interested in contributing to our web site We're looking for someone who is able to regularly write supplement reviews of the products that we sell through our supplement store. So if you're interested in finding out more, please contact Jay by clicking here..

Supplement Store Updates

Our focus is on always delivering superior service and quality products within our store. Recently we have added brand new features including:

• Reduced shipping costs to Perth, Victoria and Adelaide! Shipping is now $9.90 with no shipping charge for orders over $300.
• Bulk discounts! Order multiple items on selected products to receive a generous bulk discount!
• A backordering system - backorder stock that isn't currently in our warehouse. You can also choose for us to send off the goods we have on hand immediately and schedule a later dispatch of remaining products.

Is balance training effective in improving ankle stability?

Although balance training has become standard practice in the prevention and treatment of ankle sprains, there is not yet consensus about its effectiveness.

Home gyms only effective when combined with motivation

Every year, an estimated $4 billion is spent on home gym equipment such as stationary bikes, treadmills, stairmasters and other machines. Most end up gathering dust. In fact, a survey last year by Consumer Reports found that almost 40% of people who buy home gym equipment report using them less than expected.

Proper nutrition during races may protect cyclists bones

A new study from the University of Missouri shows that proper nutrition during multi-day races can prevent changes in bone turnover that may lead to fractures.

Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain

Could gaining weight be related to the amount of sleep you get? Absolutely, according to the Institute for Sleep and Wake Disorders in New Jersey.

Cherry juice can help marathon runners recover faster

A new study from the School of Psychology and Sports Sciences at Northumbria University shows that marathon runners who drink cherry juice recover faster after marathons than a control group.

Low fat beats low carbohydrate in the long run

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania shows that people are more likely to keep the weight off after a low-fat diet instead of a low-carbohydrate diet.

The Glycaemic Index Explained

The Glycaemic index is an important aspect to nutrition that can impact weight loss, recovery and muscle development. We discuss the importance of the GI reading with some practical tips.

Obesity Rates High but Leveling Off

For twenty-five years, obesity rates increased significantly, but are now levelling off, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Is Ibuprofen helpful or harmful during exercise?

A few years ago, a study examining stresses on runners in high-altitude conditions revealed an additional stress in some of the runners: the use of ibuprofen. We discuss the potentially harmful effects of ibuprofen ingestion prior to exercise.

Use of medication and supplements by top football players

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals a high intake of medication among football players, in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Why We Need to Eat More Fibre

Fibre is an essential nutrient in your diet, however many people neglect the importance of a high fibre dietary intake. We discuss the benefits of fibre.

Motivation and Weight Loss

A new study published in the most current issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior says that motivation is a key component of successful and maintained weight loss.

How to Overcome Food Cravings

Food cravings can interfere with your weight loss efforts. We discuss come strategies to overcome food cravings.