LORI HARDER WHAT THE EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY A BUSY GIRL’S SECRET TO BLISS F ire It Up +GET THE WORKOUT BEHIND HER KILLER BODY STRONGFITNESSMAG.COM MARCH / APRIL 2014 $5.99 IS YOUR MULTIVITAMIN WORTHLESS? 70 25274 80713 05 EXTEND YOUR LIFE FIGHT DISEASE , AN AT-HOME WORKOUT LIKE NO OTHER HIIT THAT THE TECHNIQUE THAT REVS METABOLISM BURNS FAT & PUSHES YOUR LIMITS FITNESS MAGAZINE
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Love Lori? Learn more motivating tips for living your
happiest, healthiest life. Plus: Get her favorite recipes from her
cookbook, her pumping gym playlist, and more of her uplifting
advice for having a positive mindset.
makeover this week’s meal plan with five deli-cious and easy meal ideas that will suit your nutrition strategy no matter what your fitness goals are (yes, even during contest prep).
look good from behind
learn two ways to
Check out our amazing do-anywhere glute exercises and a super-sculpting back routine to add to your training regimen.
Watch video tutorials of the two most common and effective powerlifting moves. Plus: Step-by-step instruction from a champion lifter and coach.
speedgo for fire up your
fat-burning potential with
sprint workouts that will give you a run for your money.
When she’s not using her acute attention to detail to copy edit the articles in strong, chelsea teaches classical ballet to aspiring dancers near toronto, ontario. beginning dance at a young age, chelsea went on to study ballet and choreography at york university.
kasia Wind, heaLTh WRiTeR
“Forever Young,” page 72
freelance writer kasia prefers to tackle health-based articles such as psychology, nutrition and lifestyle, so she can gain knowledge while delving into her research. her work has appeared in other notable fitness publications such as oxygen and inside fitness.
Bryan Marshall, compeTiTive WeiGhTLiFTeR &
STRenGTh coach
“Own It,” page 28
not only is bryan a six-time ontario champion weightlifter, he currently holds the provincial record for the snatch with 128 kg lift in the 77kg weight class. he is also a sought-after strength coach at journey to excel training centre and founder of trüPerformance nutrition.
FatiMa leite kusCh, coLumniST and FiTneSS
expeRT
“Trainer Talk,” page 78
Pro fitness model, nutrition advisor and personal trainer fatima uses her years of personal experience on and off the stage to help clients get in their best shape for competitions. she is also the founder of team blessed bodies, a group of women active in the competitive fitness scene.
aManda kotel, BSc, cpT
“Push Your Limits,” page 52
a trainer with a degree in exercise science, amanda’s expertise goes beyond just knowing how to build a body that looks good. her passion lies in the improvement of biomechanics and strength building, as well as rehabilitation.
rita Catolino, TRanSFoRmaTion coach
“Fit in a Flash,” page 30
rita uses her own experiences to help others transform their lives by focusing on living a clean and healthy lifestyle. she is also a competitor, model and blogger, and is constantly looking for new fitness trends and ideas to keep her focused and motivated.
Janice de Boer,
Purveyor of Cancer PreventionRegistered dietitian Janice de Boer discovered her life’s calling at a young age. “My passion for focusing on the health benefits of plant-powered eating is rooted in my personal ex-perience with cancer,” says the author behind our nutrition feature, “Power Plants,” on page 58. At age 11, Janice lost her father to Hodg-kin’s Lymphoma and started volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society, helping to raise funds for research to cure the disease. Since then, Janice has embraced a healthy lifestyle, including a plant-based diet. “Making plants the focus of my meals has made it easy for me to maintain a healthy weight, I rarely get sick, and I have consistently high energy levels.”
“The foundation of every meal I make is plants,
with the complement being a moderate portion of animal
You Asked: I do not have celiac disease, but I follow a gluten-free diet. Is that okay?
Answer: As with any new or major change in your nutrition, you should always consult your doctor to ensure that the diet you wish to try is appropriate for you, given your individual health status and fitness level. While it is not unsafe to follow a gluten-free diet, there are a few things to consider. First, it is important to ensure that when cutting out gluten-containing products from your nutrition plan, you still maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet so you consume all the nutrients you need. It is also impor-tant to educate yourself, as many ingredients con-tain gluten that you might not be aware of. Finally, remember that just because a label says “gluten-free” it does not necessarily mean it is healthy.
“after starting a nutritional plan, i advise people to set a date to re-evaluate whether that approach is right for them (such as two to three months after starting) and continue to do this over time. often, an optimal nutrition plan for healthy individuals is less about restricting or avoiding one class of ingredients, and more about focusing on eating a balanced diet of healthy food choices, with appropriate portion sizes that are right for you.”
Ôtness • health • fuel • supplements • Ôtness • health • fuel • supplements • Ôtness • health • fuel •
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You already know that stay-ing active reduces your risk of disease, but a new study of 93,000 postmenopausal American women found that even exercise doesn’t cancel out the negative affects of ample couch surfing. Women that exercised daily, yet still clocked more than 11 hours of idle time per day (sitting and resting, excluding sleeping), ran higher risks of premature death and death by cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and cancer, compared to those that clocked four hours or less of inactivity.
from Stanford University School of Medicine set out to find the
answer, tracking 1200 ultra-
distance runners for 20 years.
The study found that participants missed only an average of two days of work or school due to illness or injury, compared to four days for the
general population. While 64
percent of visits to the doc were
for exercise-related injuries, less
than four percent reported stress
fractures. However, the study
also found that injuries were
more common in younger, less
experienced runners. The take-
home point? Ultramarathons
don’t necessarily increase your
risk of injury, but if you’re going
to go the distance, make sure
you’re ultra prepared.
Work stress? SWeat it out
Do ultras cause
injury?
SFM Get more fitness info at strongfitnessmag.com
15060
Minutes per week of aerobic exercise and Muscle-strengthening activities that substan-tially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in Middle-aged woMen, coMpared to inactive woMen.- Data from HarvarD meDiCal SCHool NurSeS’
HealtH StuDy
+
Take iT
Park Benchstep ups x 15 (per side)
incline push-up x 12 box Jumps x 10
incline plank x 45-60 sec
monkey Bars chin-ups x 8-10
hanging leg raise x 12
Stairssprints x 60 sec
calf raise x 20 (per leg) stair lunges x 10 (per leg)
Swingssuspended decline push-up
(feet on swing) x 8-10 suspended crunch (high plank with feet on swing, bring knees
to chest) x 15
Bring on Spring and get your sweat on at your local park.
Create your own circuit workout with these ideas for turning
outdoor objects into your playground.
OuTside
Good news. Whether you hit the weights or the yoga mat, both are helping reduce stress levels. What’s more, they may boost your per-ception of your work-life balance. A study of Tai Chi programs and one of high-intensity
aerobic exercise both helped improve stress levels, which contributed to individuals feeling positive about balancing their personal and professional lives.
drinking a glass of tomato juice a day may help lower your risk of breast cancer after
menopause. researchers found that a diet rich in lycopene, an antioxidant found
abundantly in tomatoes, increased levels of the fat and blood sugar-regulating hormone
adiponectin in postmenopausal women. higher levels of this hormone could result in a
healthier body weight—a key factor in reduc-ing the risk of breast cancer.
A study out of spAin found thAt subjects at risk for
heart disease that ate a
Mediterranean-style diet
with fats froM fish, nuts
and oils were 30 percent
less likely to develop
diabetes compAred to those thAt followed A low-fAt diet.
speed affecTseAting
tomatoes with olive oil helps your body absorb
more of the antioxidant lycopene.
30Lycopene Power
CirCuit fUeLthe
If you can’t resist Oreos, it may not be your fault. A recent study from Connecticut College suggests that sugary foods such as America’s favorite brand of cookie, are just as addictive as cocaine—to rats. Yep, testing was conducted on ro-dents, but the outcome is still unsettling. Hungry rats were fed Oreos on one side of a maze and rice cakes on the other. Later, when the rats were able to choose freely, they spent more time on the cookie side of the maze (no surprise there). The test was then repeated using cocaine and morphine on one side of the maze and saline on the other, and the results were the same. What’s more, when they studied brain activity, they found that the sweets stimulated more neurons than the addictive drugs. Rats or not, that’s one spooky cookie.
Coked out on Cookies?
staying satisfied between meals could be as simple as slowing the pace in which you eat, according to recent research in the Journal of the Academy of nutrition and dietetics. in the study, a group of overweight and obese partici-pants and a group of healthy-weight participants were asked to eat a meal at a slow rate, and then later, another meal much faster. results revealed that both groups reported feeling less hungry an hour after the slowly eaten meal compared to the one they ate quickly.
Confused about when to take creatine? A recent study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition examined the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementa-tion pre and post workout on body composition and strength. It concluded that taking creatine in addition to resistance training increases fat-free mass and strength, but found that the post workout results were superior to supplementing pre workout. If you want to build lean muscle and strength, consider a dose of creatine immediately post-workout.
The best timefor Creatine
SupplementSCirCuitthe
The Dynamic DuoWhen it comes to reducing DOMS, two supplements might be better than one, according to a recent study on the efects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and taurine supplementation on delayed onset soreness and muscle damage. Re-searchers found that supplementing with a combo of 3.2 g of BCAAs and 2.0 g of taurine post-workout may reduce DOMS and boost muscle recovery.
The medical industry has been making us increasingly aware of the importance of vitamin D for maintaining bone health, but what about the brain? An animal study led by University of Kentucky researchers found that a deficiency in the sunshine vitamin could also cause damage to the brain. Middle-aged rats on a diet deficient in vitamin D for several months showed free-radical damage in their brains and a decline in brain function. Supplementing is a simple way to boost the D in your diet if you have difficulty getting enough from whole food sources.
If you’re looking for an alternative to regular fish oil, then Krill oil supple-ments might be your best option. These super-small capsules of oil made from planktonic crustaceans may come with a hefty price tag, but the benefits towards the protection against cardio-vascular disease could be worth the extra coin. A new study found that a daily dose of 0.5 to 4 grams of krill oil per day may reduce triglyceride levels and boost heart health.
As if women don’t already have enough to worry about, new research shows we need to be more concerned about the dangers of high blood pressure than men do. The study found that women with the same level of high blood pressure as their male counterparts had 30 to 40 percent more vascular disease. These results suggest that high blood pressure treatment may need to be more gender-specific.
Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in women. Living a healthy lifestyle? You’re probably already reducing your risks of high blood pressure and vascular disease, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, especially if you do all of the following:
• Follow a health-conscious diet
• Exercise regularly
• Don’t smoke
• Limit booze
can your morning run help you grow smarter? recent research is showing that endurance exercise can foster new brain cell growth, particularly in the hippocampus,
an area of the brain closely linked to memory and learning. research
published in the journal cell metabolism, found that exercise
stimulates the production of a protein called fndc5, which is re-leased into the bloodstream while we’re breaking a sweat. overtime,
this protein stimulates another protein in the brain responsible
for the growth of nerves and synapses (the connection points between nerves) and preserving
existing brain cells.
Jog your memory
CirCuitthe HeAltH
meditation vs. medication
Research out of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore found that training to be mindful may aid in the
improvement of psycho-logical stress. People who attended 20 to 30 hours of meditation sessions
over an eight-week period experienced positive efects
similar to those using antidepressants.
stress-reducing Meditation
prograMs proved up to
52 percent More effective
against depression wheN CoMpAreD To A CoNTrol groUp USINg ANTIDepreSSANTS. 52
snatchWhen properly executed, this move is an impressive combo of strength, speed and mobility. follow these expert tips to help you polish this powerful lift. because the power snatch is a complex, high-speed movement, it is best to break it down into the four key positions involved in the lift before linking them together into a fluid motion.
Your expert: Bryan Marshall, six-time Ontario Champion weightlifter and current Provincial Record Holder, Strength Coach at Journey To Excel Training Centre in Ontario, Canada, Founder of trü Performance Nutrition.
this full-body routine is just what you need when your schedule is packed: fast and furious.
Time for
by Rita Catolino, fitness model, CoaCh and tRaineR.
photography by Paul BuCeta
High intensity intervals of work/rest have proven to be your best bet when looking to shed body fat and preserve muscle in a short period of time. This full-body, Tabata-style routine uses compound movements, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. But don’t let the narrow time frame fool you—this is no easy feat. You’ll be working at your max efort, which means by the time the clock runs out, you should be spent.
TabaTa Tip:
It’s all about IntensIty! For best
results, gIve the 20-second work
perIod everythIng you have!
How to do it: This is a Tabata-
style workout, so
each exercise will be
timed. Perform 20
seconds of the first
exercise, followed
by a 10 second rest,
and repeat for a total
of four rounds. Once
you’ve completed all
rounds of the first
exercise, perform the
one-minute plank
as indicated, before
moving on to the
next exercise.
Tabata
EquipmEnt nEEdEd: Interval tImer or app, moderate to heavy kettlebell, medIcIne ball (15-25 lbs), mat, medIum-sIze dumbbells, water
Inchworm Push-uPsSet Up: From a standing position with feet shoulder-width apart, bend over with straight legs and put your palms on the floor (a).
Action: Walk your hands forward, keeping your feet stationary, until you are in high plank position (b), and perform one full push-up (c). Walk your hands back to your feet, and repeat the entire movement.
After four rounds do one-
minute of Right-Side Plank
This circuit is best for days between heavy lifting workouts. It will help you maintain strength while working on your conditioning.
tRainER tiP
weIghted JumP squatsSet Up: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell at your sides in each hand.
Action: Push your hips back and down to lower into a squat (a), then explosively jump straight up into the air (b). Sink directly back into the squat position as you land and repeat.
After four rounds do one-
minute of Left-Side Plank
March/April 2014 | strongfitnessmag.com 31
wall BallSet Up: Stand approxi-mately two feet away from a wall holding a medicine ball at chest-height.
Action: Lower into a deep squat (a) and come up quickly (b), thrusting the ball upwards against the wall as high as you can (c). Catch the ball as it comes down, sinking directly back into the squat and repeat.
b.
b.
a.
b.
a.
a.
b.
a.
c.
c.
KettleBell swIngsSet Up: Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, holding the kettlebell with two hands in front of your body, with arms extended downwards.
Action: Bend your knees and push your hips back to drive the kettlebell down between your upper thighs (a). Use your glutes and hips to power the kettlebell up to eye level while keeping your arms straight (b). Maintain a positive arch in the spine throughout the movement and keep your shoulders back.
Your weekday schedule is packed, but that doesn’t mean your meals should come from a can. A big batch of homemade soup gives you a week’s worth of supper solutions and doesn’t have to take a ton of time. Loaded with protein, this seafood chowder is a meal in itself and ready in half an hour.
SalmOn and Kale Clam ChOwderPreP time: 15 total time: 30 minutes • makes 6 servings
Easy Springtime
craving some comfort? this speedy soup recipe is both hearty and healthy. reciPe by charmaine Broughton-dunn, chef and food writer
Supper
Garnish each bowl with roughly chopped capers and fresh dill.
Go Gourmet:
3 tbsp cornstarch
5 cups fish, vegetable or chicken stock, divided
1 tsp coconut oil
1 white onion, diced
1 small zucchini, chopped
½ red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
½ tsp each dried thyme, ground nutmeg and sea salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ lb boneless skinless salmon fillet, chopped
1 142 g can whole baby clams, drained
nutrients Per serving (one CuP):
Calories: 158
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 15 g
1. Whisk 1 cup of the stock with cornstarch and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sautee onion, zucchini, pepper and carrot until soft (about 3 to 5 minutes).
3. Add seasonings, garlic, and remaining 4 cups of stock. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the stock and cornstarch mixture, seafood and water chestnuts. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, kale and hot sauce. Serve.
1 227 mL can water chestnuts, drained and roughly chopped
SERVICES: Transformation Training | Online Programs | Life Coaching | Nutrition Counselling | Motivational Speaking | Stress Counselling | Retreats and Workshops.
YO
UR
TRANSFORMBODYYOUR
LIFE!
PAST CHALLENGES
• 220 lbs and a size 18• Unable to walk up stairs without pain• Constant fatigue• Low self-esteem and anxiety• On anti-depression medication to cope• Emotional eater addicted to sweets and sugar• Nutrition was cookies, crisps, candy, mufwns• Unhappy with life and body
THE NEW ME!
• 67 lbs lighter and a size 10• Can perform 8 assisted chin-ups• Nutrition is quinoa, organic chicken,
vegetables, protein shakes• Newfound conwdence • Full of energy and pain-free!
TRANSFORMATION STORYNicolette Van Dijk Age: 51
Before I began training with Michelle
I was depressed, lonely, overweight,
deeply unhappy and life was a struggle
every day. I was always tired and
in pain physically and emotionally. I
felt very uncomfortable in my body
and I was socially withdrawn. I was
approaching my 50th birthday and
feared if I did not change the way
I was living my life I would not see
past 50. Working with Michelle I
discovered I had the power to change
my life through my thoughts, beliefs
and actions. Michelle taught me how
to manage my mind more effec-
tively, how to love myself, and that
it is okay to reach out for support.
As a mom I did not know how to
make myself a priority in my life. I
always put everyone else first. Michelle taught me how to make time for ME
and how to be my own best friend. Through my transformation journey I
discovered how to eat healthy and make exercising regularly a lifestyle. I love
exercising now. I love how it makes me feel. Michelle has helped me to
realize my potential and see what I am capable of. I am doing things in the
gym I never thought I would like chin-ups, push-ups and burpees. I believe
in
myself now and it is an incredible feeling! I am so proud to be an inspir
ation
to my daughter as well as others wanting to improve their life. I am grate-
ful for my journey which continues.
– Nicolette Van Dijk
Check out more of Nicolette’s life-changing story by watching a
video of her testimony at www.MichelleArmstrong.com/nicolette
As a fitness model, she’s always had those enviable abs and a friendly disposition going for her. But it was when she tapped into her soul that she was able to become the definition of a role model. Now, Lori Harder’s spiritual makeover just might change the world.
Kicking around santa Monica in flip flops and a pair of bright green Lululemons, the small town girl from the chilly Midwest looks right at home in the West
Coast sunshine. If she’s even remotely anxious about her day’s growing to-do list—preparing for speaking engagements, a meeting for her upcoming women’s
retreat, a live webinar, and of course, a workout—she doesn’t show it. Perhaps she’s at peace because since moving to LA last year, she wakes up every morn-
ing to a view of the Pacific Ocean. Or maybe it’s because her brand, busy Girl, Healthy Life, has been growing exponentially to include DVDs, a cookbook and an online TV channel. Although, it may have something to do with the fact that
she’s actually figured out the secret to true happiness.
• Pack snacks or an organic meal replacement powder for the airport (Lori uses isagenix).
• Be prepared. Research healthy restaurants near your hotel.
• When in doubt, order chicken, fish or a filet and a green salad. don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions.
• Enjoy what the city has to offer, just in moderation. “I love a good skim latte, a glass of red wine, great cheese, or dark chocolate!”
“EvEry journEy must includE failurE in ordEr to
lEarn. failurE is a bEautiful lEsson in disguisE.
How do you maintain such high energy
and positivity?I’ve learned that
energy comes from deep gratitude and dis-cipline. Each morning I take time to do my
“Non-Negotiable” list: exercise, prayer, read-ing and meditation. If I don’t, I will not have what is needed to get through the day and I won’t be as effectively
there for others.
sfM: What was the biggest challenge you’ve
had to overcome in the last year?
lh: I chose to go in the direc-
tion I believed I was meant to,
regardless of other people’s
opinions. At the same time,
there were the things that will
always come up in life, such as
family health issues. It’s impor-
tant to focus on all that is good
and remember to be grateful.
Looking back, I learned from
each of those experiences.
March/April 2014 | strongfitnessmag.com 43
sfM: What made you want to be a motivational
speaker? lh: I believe speaking is truly
my calling, which is ironic
because public speaking was
literally my worst, most debili-
tating fear. I couldn’t think of
anything that I would want to
do less. So, it became some-
thing I had to conquer in order
to receive what I interpret now
as real fulfillment.
1. Have a to-do list of “Non-Negotia-ble” practices for yourself every day. It could include yoga, medita-tion, writing in a journal, or making a smoothie. Just make sure you do them, no excuses!
2. Make time for at least one daily activity that you enjoy, such as taking a walk or bike ride, going to a dance or group exercise class, or trying a healthy recipe.
3. Practice gratitude. Start each day by making a list of things you are grateful for. Keep going until you can’t think of any more!
4. When you have a negative thought, acknowledge it and then forgive yourself. Turn it into a positive and
5. Have a mantra that works for you. Repeat it when you are scared or have feelings of self-doubt and especially during your workout. It could be as simple as “I am strong and I can do this.”
6. Do something to help others as often as you can.
WhEn shE Wants to pack a punch in thE gym, lori calls upon this lEg-burning, torso-tWisting, full-body Workout.Some of the moves may appear out of the ordinary, but there’s a method to her madness. This routine combines compound and functional movements that demand support from your stabilizers, for a highly effective conditioning and fat burning workout.
hiit
hardEr
How to do it:
option 1: Using moderate weight, perform the
following routine as instructed in the accompanying
chart once per week in addition to your regular weight
training program, or twice per week to improve
functional strength.
option 2: Use very light weight and complete as
many rounds as you can of each triset as a form of
high intensity interval training (hIIt) on cardio days.
Breakdancer Push-Up 10Kettlebell Curtsy Squat with Front Raise 10 (per side)Bench Plank Single-Arm Row Rest
b.
c.
d.
a.
sfmWatch Lori’s demo on how to perform the Breakdancer Pushup at strongfitnessmag.com
15 (per side) 60-90 sec
Repeat all of Triset #2 for a total of four rounds.BreakdancerPush-Up
Set Up: Start in a high plank position, with strong arms and legs extended behind you. tighten your core to support your hips and lower back.
Action: Step your right foot up towards your right hand. raise your right hand up to the sky as you lift the left leg and kick it out by your right ankle, twisting your torso slightly towards the ceiling. Come back to high plank and immediately lower into a full push up. repeat on the other side.
are dietary supplements guilty of costing us billions each year for nothing? Recent scientific evidence says yes, but the case against multivitamins might not be so cut and dry.
Purchase vitamins from repu-table sources and read labels
carefully to ensure you’re getting a good quality supplement.
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according to statistics from 2010, americans spend around $28 billion a year on dietary supplements, most of which are multivitamins and multimineral formulas.
If you decide to continue with
a daily dose of multivitamins and
minerals, adds Nadolsky, you
don’t need to worry about doing
more harm than good. “There
are generally no side effects from
taking a quality multivitamin
in the recommended dosage,”
he says, adding that quality is
always an important factor to
consider. “If you purchase from a
shady company that doesn’t use
great quality control, you may
be at risk for toxicity.”
Making multivitamins a part of a fit lifestyle—or not—should be based on individual needs. If you follow a balanced diet high in quality meats and fish, fresh produce, as well as some whole grains and legumes, chances are, your daily vitamin requirements are covered and you could potentially save some cash by foregoing a supplement. But if you feel your diet is lacking certain nutrients, such as if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, a good multivitamin and multimineral could still be beneficial to your health, even if it’s not fending off chronic diseases. “Spending your money on whole foods should take precedence,” says Nadolsky. “But there are high quality multivitamin formulas out there that wouldn’t break your budget and may still offer some benefit.” If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor about getting tested for deficiencies and find out if you’d benefit from a dietary supplement.
article by AmAndA Kotel B.Sc exerciSe Science, rehAB SpeciAliSt And perSonAl trAinerWorkout by midori rutledge, perSonAl trAiner And competitive powerlifter PhotograPhy by pAul BucetA
metabolic resistance training is a scientifically proven method for boosting metabolism and burning fat. but first, you have to put in the work.
set up: Stand with your heels on a weight plate, feet narrower than hip-width apart holding dumbbells at your sides. Your arms should remain stationary, and abs should be braced tightly throughout the entire range.
action: Push your hips back and down. Keep your weight in your heels as you lower your hip joints slightly past (or just above) 90 degrees of knee flexion. Squeeze your glutes as you push back up to standing. Repeat for 20 reps.
set up: Load a prowler with weight so that it pro-
vides enough resistance to require effort, but not so
heavy that you are signifi-cantly slowed down. Place your hands on the handles with your arms extended, leaning your bodyweight
into the sled.
action: Keeping strong arms and bracing your core, drive through the
ground with alternating, short steps. Focus on using
your glutes and move as fast as you can for a short
set up: Load a sled with appropriate weight (see Prowler set up). Attach chains or straps and stand facing the sled, holding a handle or end in each hand.
action: Run backwards quickly, driving through the ground, dragging the sled with you. Drag the sled for 30 seconds.
set up: Standing up-right, hold dumbbells in each hand at your sides (or at shoulder level for more difficulty), palms facing in. Brace your core to support your spine.
action: Take a large step forward with your right foot. Lower into a lunge until your left knee almost touches the ground, keeping equal weight in both feet. Push off your back foot, bringing it forward, and lower into a lunge on the other side. Repeat for 20 reps.
set up: Holding a weighted barbell with an underhand grip, hinge forward from your hips, bringing your torso forward until it is almost parallel to the floor, while slightly bending your knees. Extend your arms so they are perpendicular to the floor.
action: Brace your abs and initiate the movement by retracting your shoul-der blades. Focus on using your back muscles to pull the barbell towards your chest, keeping your arms tight to your sides. Repeat for 20 reps.
Pro-tiP: USing
an Underhand
griP targetS
yoUr latS and
bicePS more
intenSely.
Overhead Press set up: Stand upright, hold-ing dumbbells at shoulder height, with arms bent at 90-degree angles, palms facing out.
action: Press the dumb-bells overhead until arms are fully extended, but do not lock out your joints. As you extend your arms up, increase the tension in your abs, bracing your core. Repeat for 20 reps.
The PlanT/healTh ConneCTionEmbracing a “plant-passionate”
nutrition strategy improves
your health and longevity
on a number of levels. Most
significantly, plants are loaded
with the vitamins, minerals and
phytochemicals that strengthen
the immune system and turn
your body into a fortress against
diseases. How? These nutrients
have antioxidant properties,
meaning they help protect your
cells from free radical damage
(free radicals are potentially
harmful atoms caused by pol-
lution, radiation and other
environmental factors that can
increase our risk of infection
and disease). What’s more, un-
like most varieties of red meat,
this way of eating contains little
to no saturated fat, further
reducing your risk of cardio-
vascular and other diseases. It’s
also high in indigestible fiber
and slow-digesting starches,
which contribute to sustained
blood-sugar levels, and play
an important role in digestive
health, both of which are key
in the prevention of chronic
diseases, such as diabetes.
GeTTinG enouGh ProTeinEvery cell in your body contains
proteins, which are used during
any kind of athletic or resistance
training and must be replen-
ished in order to build and
repair hard-working muscles.
If your protein intake is insuffi-
cient, the essential amino acids
within our body will fall short,
stunting the recovery process.
Active women are always on
a quest to get enough protein,
however, the fact that you
need protein doesn’t mean that
more is better. In fact, excessive
intake of protein from many
animal sources has been linked
to increased risks of chronic
diseases. Not only do animal
sources contain higher levels
of saturated fats, they also lack
many health-protective com-
pounds. If you are partial to red
meat, make it only an occasional
part of your diet, and stick with
the leanest cuts and varieties
(such as bison or beef tender-
loin) and consume moderate
portions. If it’s available to you,
grass-fed animals are always
the healthier choice, especially
when it comes to red meat.
The concept of getting
enough protein from a mostly
plant-based diet has been one of
controversy and debate, but it’s
a fact that as long as overall cal-
orie intake remains adequate,
you can easily meet recom-
mendations for protein through
consumption of plants—yes,
even on leg day.
One thing you must consid-
er, however, is that since most
plant proteins are incomplete,
choosing a variety of protein-
rich whole foods throughout
the day is the key to acquiring
all of the essential amino acids
required to grow strong muscle.
Protein Source Portion Size Protein
Tofu, extra firm ¾ cup 28 g
White beans, cooked ¾ cup 14 g
Red lentils, cooked ¾ cup 14 g
Pumpkin seeds, raw ¼ cup 11 g
Almonds, raw ¼ cup 11 g
Peanut Butter, natural 2 tbsp 8 g
Soy milk, enriched 1 cup 7 g
If you want to ramp up your energy levels, build lean muscle and ward of diseases,
“FLEXITARIAN” SAMPLE MEAL PLAN
18g
8g
13g
8g
32g
BreakfaSt
MEAL IngrEdIEnts ProtEIn
1 cup (cooked) oats, large flake or steel cut +¼ cup blueberries + 1 cup soy milk, enriched + 2 tbsp walnuts
1 small apple + 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
4 small Vegetable Chickpea Patties (see recipe) + ½ cup garden salad OR 1 cup Stewed Kale with Lentils and Walnuts (see recipe) + ½ cup steamed brown rice
Mash: ¼ of an avocado, and mix with ½ cup silken tofu, ½ tsp garlic, minced, ½ tsp lemon juice + 1 tsp chopped
cilantro. Serve with ½ cup raw zucchini sticks + ½ cup red bell pepper slices
1 serving Chickpea Turkey Meatloaf (see recipe) + 1 cup steamed broccoli and cauliflower +
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Rinse the chickpeas in a strainer. Set aside as well and allow to dry.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté onion, pepper and zucchini until they begin to soften. Add garlic and spices. Continue cooking for one minute longer.
3. Scoop contents from the pan into a food processor or high-power blender. Add chickpeas, eggs and lemon juice and pulse until almost smooth.
4. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture (about 2 tbsp) with a spoon and form into patties with your hands. Place on the baking sheets (they will not expand so you don’t need to leave much space between them).
5. Bake in the oven until golden for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with a side green salad, steamed asparagus or in a wrap with fresh raw veggies.
1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the onion, garlic and ginger and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes), stirring constantly.
2. Add carrot and spices. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, continuing to stir as needed.
3. Add vegetable stock, lentils and raisins. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in kale until wilted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in walnuts. Serve on its own as a side dish to the Chickpea Turkey Meatloaf or over brown rice.
1 540 mL can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large egg
½ cup chunky chili sauce with sweet peppers (or salsa)
2 tbsp whole-grain Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Fresh ground pepper to taste
toPPing:
4 tbsp chili sauce with sweet peppers
2 tbsp whole-grain Dijon mustard
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9” x 5” loaf pans with oil or margarine. Set aside.
2. Mash or puree chickpeas and set aside. Place bread in a food processor and pulse. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix gently with a fork or your hands.
3. Evenly divide the mixture between the two loaf pans. Cover each pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the extra chili sauce and mustard in a small bowl to use as topping.
4. Remove loaves from the oven. Spread the topping evenly over each and return to the oven to continue baking for another 45 minutes, or until the interior temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Allow loaves to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
to Form a Habit?According to Stephen Guise, author of Mini Habits, a habit can take anywhere from 18
to 254 days to form. “run away if someone tells you that permanent life change is 30
days away,” he says. “The amount of time it will take depends on the difficulty of the habit and the person involved. There’s no
set amount of days.”
HeRe's a geneRal RUle of tHUmb: If you feel
an urge to "exaggerate" how often you're flossing to your dentist,
chances are you’re not doing it enough. Most experts agree that
you should be wrapping the minty string around each tooth at
least once in 24 hours. Last year, researchers from Columbia Uni-
versity found that looking after your gums cuts your risk of heart
disease by slowing plaque build-up in the arteries. Less mouth
bacteria is good news for your noodle too: a recent study showed
that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria linked to gum disease,
can enter your bloodstream, and later your brain, through every-
day activities like eating and chewing, triggering an immune sys-
tem response that releases chemicals and kills neurons associated
with memory, which may contribute to dementia.
simply having an ofce window and being exposed to daylight during the workday helped employees in a recent Chicago-based study sleep 46 extra minutes per night.
Form Habits tHat stickAccording to Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit (random House, 2014), habits occur in a three-step loop that includes a cue, a routine, and a reward. The cue is a trigger that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and carry out a specific pattern, like say, leaving a pair of running shoes by your bed if you're trying to form a running habit; the rou-tine is the automatic behavior that results because of the cue, like dragging your butt out of bed and going for that morning jog; and the reward is the payoff that signals to your noggin' that the loop is worth remembering, like a small piece of chocolate that you have when you get back home. "over time, the cue and the reward become neurologically intertwined," says Duhigg. "As soon as your brain sees the sneakers, it craves the choco-late, making it much easier to get out and run."
to form a new habit that
sticks, Duhigg ofers
the following tips:
1. Find a cue that
works For you.
"A cue can be a particular
time of day, a certain place,
the presence of certain
other people, a particular
emotion or a preceding
behavior that has become
ritualized," he says. If
you're trying to create a
new habit, give your brain a
few diferent "cue" options,
and see which one it latches
onto. Make a pattern out of
the behavior (for example,
going running at the same
time every day, with the
same group of friends, with
the same ritual of tying
your shoes) so that it can
develop into a routine.
2. choose rewards
that are immediate
and satisFying.
While, eventually, you'll be
able to reach a point where
your brain no longer craves
an extrinsic reward, like
a piece of chocolate, as it
begins to rely on intrinsic
rewards, like the release
of endorphins or sense of
pride that comes with a
running habit, you'll initial-
ly need a reward that your
body will actually crave.
"Choose something that
gives you pleasure right
away," says Duhigg, "and
don't feel guilty about it."
If chocolate isn't your thing,
he suggests a nice long
shower, or taking 20 min-
utes to relax on the internet
and check your Facebook.
"It can be anything, as long
as you genuinely enjoy it,"
he says.
3. Bust Bad haBits
To change a pre-existing
"bad" habit, "you need to
recognize what the cue and
reward are, and then find
something else that deliv-
ers a similar reward," says
Duhigg. For example, if you
know that stress (the cue)
pushes you into late-night
ice cream binges (your
routine) and results in a
feeling of relaxation (the
reward), seek something
else -- besides a face full
of Ben and Jerry's—that
makes you feel calm, like a
yoga session or a chat with
a friend.
a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has long been tied to a reduced risk of disease, and even if you can't agree on
Set up: raise the treadmill to a high inclineWarm-up: walk or light jog for 5 minutesSprint: 60 seconds at 8-10 mphRest: 2 minutes at 3-6 mphRepeat: for a total of 20 minutes
Fight
Elizabeth incorpo-rates high intensity intervals using sprints two to three times a week to maintain lean muscle and burn fat.
Try her treadmill routine for yourself:
Elizabeth
AguileRA
“through-out my
cancer i strived even harder for the goals i always thought were out of reach.”
sprintsession
two women who found
strength through fitness to
overcome cancer.elizabeth’s story Written by Kirstyn Brown
“it wasn’t just physical strength i got working out through my treatments, it was mental and emotional as well. every rep, no matter how light or heavy, or how long or short the workout, was a mental push.”
Do you want to be the next Woman to Watch?Share your competitive spirit with STRONG Fitness Magazine. Submit your stories and photos to [email protected] and you could be
featured in an upcoming issue as one of the next Women to Watch.
Our favorite highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from the second STRONGCAMP. We hit up the City of Angels along with 26 incredible women and sweat it out in the California sunshine.
5. Kale. One Of the mOst nutrient-dense leafy greens you can find,
kale packs a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants,
and fiber, all of which help promote optimal health and weight
control. Add one cup of shredded kale to any of your favorite soups,
stews, or stir-fries.
5 DieT fooDstop mediterranean
1. Salmon. Seafood is a significant part Of the traditiOnal mediter-
ranean diet, providing healthful fats and protein. The best way to get
enough of the omega-3 fats is to put fatty fish, such as salmon, on your
menu twice per week. One serving is 75 g when cooked.
2. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Adding this healthy fat alone to your
diet has been shOwn tO result in a majOr health bOOst. Try driz-
zling one or two teaspoons on a fresh salad to amplify the nutrients
in your vegetables.
3. Almonds. Whole nuts provide vitamins, minerals, healthy
fats, protein, antioxidants, and fiber. Gram for gram, almOnds are
One Of the mOst nutrient-rich nuts. Snack on 23 almonds a few
days each week.
4. Brown Rice. this gluten-free carb makes the list for not only
providing tons of energy, but also a good dose of disease-fighting
antioxidants and nutrients like selenium. Make a large batch at
the beginning of the week and re-heat a cup at a time as needed to
complete your meals.
Years of research have shown that following a diet rich in healthy fats and oils, whole grains, fish and lean proteins and plenty of vegetables holds benefits from fighting diseases to weight maintenance. Here are registered dietician Janice de Boer’s five favorite foods from the Mediterranean meal plan.
sports psy-chologists in
the UK teamed up with music-
streaming service spotify
to analyze 6.7 million workout
playlists. They compiled the following list
of the ultimate songs to sweat
to based on their BPM*.
1. Roar – Katy Perry (Mental PreParation)
2. Talk Dirty – Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz (Stretching)
3. Skip to the Good Bit – Rizzle Kicks (Stretching)
4. Get Lucky – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams (aerobic/WarM-UP)
5. Move – little Mix (aerobic/WarM-UP)
6. Need U 100% - Duke Dumont ft A*M*E (cardio, loW intenSity)
7. You Make Me – Avicii (cardio, loW intenSity)
8. Feel My Rhythm – Viralites (cardio, Moderate intenSity)
9. Timber – Pitbull ft. Ke$ha (cardio, Moderate intenSity)
10. Applause – Lady Gaga (cardio, high
intenSity)
11. Can’t Hold Us –Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft Ray Dalton (cardio, very high
intenSity)
12. Happy – Pharrell Williams (cardio, very high intenSity)
13. The Monster – Eminem ft Rihanna (Strength training)
14. Love Me Again – John Newman
(Strength training)
15. Get Down – Groove Armada ft Stush & Red Rat (Strength training)
16. #thatPower – will.i.am ft Justin Bieber (Strength training)