Saturday, July 23, 2022
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Thank you for stopping by. I am currently working on building a new site for my personal training and consulting business. I am training at Powerhouse Gym Novi, as well as the Novi Athletic Club in Novi, Mi as well.
In the meantime, if you are interested in training or nutrition consulting, please contact me at JimiVarner@aol.com
Sunday, October 07, 2018
Don’t call it a comeback....
It’s been several long years since I’ve posted on this platform. I am considering moving all of media over to blogger instead of Wix.com
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Bootcamp Class FAQs!!!
Bootcamp F.A.Q.
WHERE?
The Sports Club of Novi's Gymnastics Studio
(248) 735-8850 ext. 4063
42500 Arena Drive
Novi, Michigan 48375
WHEN?
Monday at 6:15am
Tuesday at 12pm
Wednesday at 6:15am
Thursday at 12pm
Friday at 6:15am
Saturday at 6:15am
CLASS LENGTH?
45 minutes
WHAT IS EXTREME METABOLIC BOOTCAMP?
A 45-minute cross-training class that combines a multitude of Cardio, Strength, Mobility, and Stability exercises in each workout.
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
Anyone looking to burn a ton of calories & responsibly
cross training their body in the short amount of time.
WHAT IF I CAN'T DO AN EXERCISE?
Because the music and timed intervals are automated, Jimi is free to move around the class and is available to help correct your form or offer an alternative exercise if needed. The class is set up to give Jimi the freedom to move around the class and help keep you encouraged, working hard, and having your best workout.
We have a wide range of fitness levels in our classes. At each exercise station, you are given an -easy, -medium, -hard version on the movement. When you arrive at that particular station during the workout, you decide what level you can participate at.
DO I HAVE TO COMMIT TO DAYS/TIMES?
No, you can sign up in advance to secure your spot on the schedule or drop in that day for the same rate. Because most of us are busy and have a small window of time to exercise, we encourage you to sign up ahead of time.
IS THIS A PROGRAM?
This is not a program. At this point in time, it is a workout designed to give you a balanced, challenging, and fun workout experience that YOU build into your own training plan.
HOW MUCH DOES EACH CLASS COST?
Each class costs $14.50 for members and $17.00 for non-members. This is a great deal considering that a one-on-one session with a trainer is typically $75 - $100 an hour. To compare, you can do one half hour session with me OR 3 bootcamp classes a week!
WHAT EXERCISE EQUIPMENT WILL I BE USING?
The gymnastics studio provides so many new and excited options for training. Here are just a few of things we will use:
- Training Rope
- Dumbbells
- Medicine Balls
- Sandbags
- Sand bells
- Dumbbells
- Trampolines
- Balance Beams
- Parallel Bars
- Jump Ropes
- Mini-Bands
- Foam filled Pits
- Body bars & Barbells
- Bosu Balls
- Stability Balls
- Valslides
- Landmines!!!
WHAT IF I HAVE A LIMITATION OR INJURY, CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?
To be dealt with on a per-person basis. Let Jimi know ahead of time about your condition and if you should participate. Don't assume you can't. If you have an injury, it is best to first get clearance from your doctor.
For more information, contact Jimi Varner @
www.JimiVarner.com or call direct at (248)735-8850 x.4063
WHERE?
The Sports Club of Novi's Gymnastics Studio
(248) 735-8850 ext. 4063
42500 Arena Drive
Novi, Michigan 48375
WHEN?
Monday at 6:15am
Tuesday at 12pm
Wednesday at 6:15am
Thursday at 12pm
Friday at 6:15am
Saturday at 6:15am
CLASS LENGTH?
45 minutes
WHAT IS EXTREME METABOLIC BOOTCAMP?
A 45-minute cross-training class that combines a multitude of Cardio, Strength, Mobility, and Stability exercises in each workout.
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
Anyone looking to burn a ton of calories & responsibly
cross training their body in the short amount of time.
WHAT IF I CAN'T DO AN EXERCISE?
Because the music and timed intervals are automated, Jimi is free to move around the class and is available to help correct your form or offer an alternative exercise if needed. The class is set up to give Jimi the freedom to move around the class and help keep you encouraged, working hard, and having your best workout.
We have a wide range of fitness levels in our classes. At each exercise station, you are given an -easy, -medium, -hard version on the movement. When you arrive at that particular station during the workout, you decide what level you can participate at.
DO I HAVE TO COMMIT TO DAYS/TIMES?
No, you can sign up in advance to secure your spot on the schedule or drop in that day for the same rate. Because most of us are busy and have a small window of time to exercise, we encourage you to sign up ahead of time.
IS THIS A PROGRAM?
This is not a program. At this point in time, it is a workout designed to give you a balanced, challenging, and fun workout experience that YOU build into your own training plan.
HOW MUCH DOES EACH CLASS COST?
Each class costs $14.50 for members and $17.00 for non-members. This is a great deal considering that a one-on-one session with a trainer is typically $75 - $100 an hour. To compare, you can do one half hour session with me OR 3 bootcamp classes a week!
WHAT EXERCISE EQUIPMENT WILL I BE USING?
The gymnastics studio provides so many new and excited options for training. Here are just a few of things we will use:
- Training Rope
- Dumbbells
- Medicine Balls
- Sandbags
- Sand bells
- Dumbbells
- Trampolines
- Balance Beams
- Parallel Bars
- Jump Ropes
- Mini-Bands
- Foam filled Pits
- Body bars & Barbells
- Bosu Balls
- Stability Balls
- Valslides
- Landmines!!!
WHAT IF I HAVE A LIMITATION OR INJURY, CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?
To be dealt with on a per-person basis. Let Jimi know ahead of time about your condition and if you should participate. Don't assume you can't. If you have an injury, it is best to first get clearance from your doctor.
For more information, contact Jimi Varner @
www.JimiVarner.com or call direct at (248)735-8850 x.4063
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Extreme Metabolic Bootcamps in Novi, Michigan!
WHERE?
The Sports Club of Novi's Gymnastics Studio
(248) 735-8850 ext. 4063
42500 Arena Drive
Novi, Michigan 48375
WHEN?
Monday at 6:15am
Tuesday at 12pm
Wednesday at 6:15am
Thursday at 12pm
Friday at 6:15am
Saturday at 6:15am
CLASS LENGTH?
45 minutes
HOW MUCH DOES EACH CLASS COST?
Each class costs $14.50 for members and $17.00 for non-members. This is a great deal considering that a one-on-one session with a trainer is typically $75 - $100 an hour. To compare, you can do one half hour session with me OR 3 bootcamp classes a week!
WHAT IS EXTREME METABOLIC BOOTCAMP?
A 45-minute cross-training class that combines a multitude of Cardio, Strength, Mobility, and Stability exercises in each workout.
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
Anyone looking to burn a lot of calories and responsibly cross training their body in the short amount of time.
WHAT IF I CAN'T DO AN EXERCISE?
Because the music and timed intervals are automated, Jimi is free to move around the class and is available to help correct your form or offer an alternative exercise if needed. The class is set up to give Jimi the freedom to move around the class and help keep you encouraged, working hard, and having your best workout.
We have a wide range of fitness levels in our classes. At each exercise station, you are given an -easy, -medium, -hard version on the movement. When you arrive at that particular station during the workout, you decide what level you can participate at.
DO I HAVE TO COMMIT TO DAYS/TIMES?
No, you can sign up in advance to secure your spot on the schedule or drop in that day for the same rate. Because most of us are busy and have a small window of time to exercise, we encourage you to sign up ahead of time.
IS THIS A PROGRAM?
This is not a program. At this point in time, it is a workout designed to give you a balanced, challenging, and fun workout experience that YOU build into your own training plan.
WHAT EXERCISE EQUIPMENT WILL I BE USING?
The gymnastics studio provides so many new and excited options for training. Here are just a few of things we will use:
- Dueling Ropes
- Sandbags
- Sand bells
- Dumbbells
- Trampolines
- Balance Beams
- Parallel Bars
- Jump Ropes
- Cones
- Foam filled Pits
- Body bars & Barbells
- Bosu Balls
- Stability Balls
- Valslides
WHAT IF I HAVE A LIMITATION OR INJURY, CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?
Will be dealt with on a per person basis. Let Jimi know ahead of time about your condition and if you should participate. Don't assume you can't. If you have an injury, it is best to first get clearance from your doctor.
The Sports Club of Novi's Gymnastics Studio
(248) 735-8850 ext. 4063
42500 Arena Drive
Novi, Michigan 48375
WHEN?
Monday at 6:15am
Tuesday at 12pm
Wednesday at 6:15am
Thursday at 12pm
Friday at 6:15am
Saturday at 6:15am
CLASS LENGTH?
45 minutes
HOW MUCH DOES EACH CLASS COST?
Each class costs $14.50 for members and $17.00 for non-members. This is a great deal considering that a one-on-one session with a trainer is typically $75 - $100 an hour. To compare, you can do one half hour session with me OR 3 bootcamp classes a week!
WHAT IS EXTREME METABOLIC BOOTCAMP?
A 45-minute cross-training class that combines a multitude of Cardio, Strength, Mobility, and Stability exercises in each workout.
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
Anyone looking to burn a lot of calories and responsibly cross training their body in the short amount of time.
WHAT IF I CAN'T DO AN EXERCISE?
Because the music and timed intervals are automated, Jimi is free to move around the class and is available to help correct your form or offer an alternative exercise if needed. The class is set up to give Jimi the freedom to move around the class and help keep you encouraged, working hard, and having your best workout.
We have a wide range of fitness levels in our classes. At each exercise station, you are given an -easy, -medium, -hard version on the movement. When you arrive at that particular station during the workout, you decide what level you can participate at.
DO I HAVE TO COMMIT TO DAYS/TIMES?
No, you can sign up in advance to secure your spot on the schedule or drop in that day for the same rate. Because most of us are busy and have a small window of time to exercise, we encourage you to sign up ahead of time.
IS THIS A PROGRAM?
This is not a program. At this point in time, it is a workout designed to give you a balanced, challenging, and fun workout experience that YOU build into your own training plan.
WHAT EXERCISE EQUIPMENT WILL I BE USING?
The gymnastics studio provides so many new and excited options for training. Here are just a few of things we will use:
- Dueling Ropes
- Sandbags
- Sand bells
- Dumbbells
- Trampolines
- Balance Beams
- Parallel Bars
- Jump Ropes
- Cones
- Foam filled Pits
- Body bars & Barbells
- Bosu Balls
- Stability Balls
- Valslides
WHAT IF I HAVE A LIMITATION OR INJURY, CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?
Will be dealt with on a per person basis. Let Jimi know ahead of time about your condition and if you should participate. Don't assume you can't. If you have an injury, it is best to first get clearance from your doctor.
Monday, September 28, 2009
If you want to do it, you'll find a way
One of my newest clients, Kristin, recently decided to set up her own version of an exercise we do at the Sports Club of Novi. It's called the 'Hip Over' and 'Hip Under' exercises on the Smith Machine. I learned of these movements from Boston-based Trainer, Eric Cressey, but took them to a whole new level. Here is a picture of Kristin's Home Gym version.
Kudos to Kristin for taking the time, using her imagination and creativity, to find ways to succeed and reach her goals. She is truly a winner and I applaud her efforts. Way to go girl!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
How to get rid of the 'beer gut'
Hey Jimi,
How are you doing? I hope that everything is going well. I, however, am starting to become discouraged with some of my results though. For approximately the past five weeks, I have been exercising between 3-4 times a week for about 45 minutes to an hour. I have begun to notice some results in my arms but my main concern is my torso and abdomen. I feel that I still have the "beer gut" and I have tried several different exercises including the ones that you put for my on my workout schedule. My question to you is what more can I do to get rid of the "beer gut"? Also, I wanted to get your thoughts on any vitamins, supplements, or pills found at like a GNC or something that would help me get rid of it. Please email me back at your earliest convenience. Thanks JImi, and also, Happy Belated Birthday!
Phil
Hey Phil,
Thank you for your birthday wishes.
I truly wish that I had exercises or movements that would get rid of the 'beer gut'. The truth is, results are going to be seen ONLY when your nutrition is in check. First Nutritional concern is that you are creating a caloric deficit. Unless your calories in are LESS than calories out, you won't lose fat in the midsection. Have you kept tabs on calories? If not, journal what you consume for one week and count the calories, and send me your results. Once we create a caloric deficit, we have to look at the quality of those calories, making sure that you are consuming more unprocessed, whole foods. We can get deeper into the process once we know your caloric intake.
Jimi Varner
How are you doing? I hope that everything is going well. I, however, am starting to become discouraged with some of my results though. For approximately the past five weeks, I have been exercising between 3-4 times a week for about 45 minutes to an hour. I have begun to notice some results in my arms but my main concern is my torso and abdomen. I feel that I still have the "beer gut" and I have tried several different exercises including the ones that you put for my on my workout schedule. My question to you is what more can I do to get rid of the "beer gut"? Also, I wanted to get your thoughts on any vitamins, supplements, or pills found at like a GNC or something that would help me get rid of it. Please email me back at your earliest convenience. Thanks JImi, and also, Happy Belated Birthday!
Phil
Hey Phil,
Thank you for your birthday wishes.
I truly wish that I had exercises or movements that would get rid of the 'beer gut'. The truth is, results are going to be seen ONLY when your nutrition is in check. First Nutritional concern is that you are creating a caloric deficit. Unless your calories in are LESS than calories out, you won't lose fat in the midsection. Have you kept tabs on calories? If not, journal what you consume for one week and count the calories, and send me your results. Once we create a caloric deficit, we have to look at the quality of those calories, making sure that you are consuming more unprocessed, whole foods. We can get deeper into the process once we know your caloric intake.
Jimi Varner
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Great Article
Tips for Grocery Shopping
To have a well balanced nutritional lifestyle it must start with good habits at the grocery store. Having something healthy in your household could be a challenge if the right food and ingredients are not purchased during your trip to Stop and Shop, or Shaw's. Here are some tips that can guide you in the right direction while food shopping.
Create a list, plan for success. It will probably take a little bit of time, but it will save you time in the long run if you forget something.
Try to be unique and choose a different fruit or vegetable every week.
"Splurge" into the produce aisle if there is an aisle to "splurge" into, chances are a good snack to be made on the run will be from the produce aisle ( carrots, sliced apples, etc.).
Spend the most time in the produce section; think colorful fruits, and vegetables!
When, or if you are going for any type of cereal, or grain choose something that is "least processed". For example your choice of cereal should include something whole grain, at least 4 grams of fiber per serving, and the less sugar, the better.
Meat, poultry, and fish. The AHA (American Heart Association) recommends 2 servings of fish per week, which is a great source of omega 3's. Any type of meat or poultry should be lean cut, skinless, and always be aware of your portion sizes.
Dairy, good sources of calcium, and vitamin D. Plenty of nonfat/low fat options available. Yogurt is a great choice in the dairy section. Go for Greek non-fat yogurt.
If the produce section isn't looking too convenient because cooking vegetables, or slicing fruit is time consuming, no problem, go for the frozen fruits , and vegetables section.
Avoid the aisles that say "chips and cookies"!
Lastly avoid the foods that contain more than 5 or 6 ingredients, artificial ingredients, or ingredients that you can't pronounce.
___________________________________________________________________________
Questions about the article? Ask the author!
Contact Anthony Morando at anthonymorando@yahoo.com.
To have a well balanced nutritional lifestyle it must start with good habits at the grocery store. Having something healthy in your household could be a challenge if the right food and ingredients are not purchased during your trip to Stop and Shop, or Shaw's. Here are some tips that can guide you in the right direction while food shopping.
Create a list, plan for success. It will probably take a little bit of time, but it will save you time in the long run if you forget something.
Try to be unique and choose a different fruit or vegetable every week.
"Splurge" into the produce aisle if there is an aisle to "splurge" into, chances are a good snack to be made on the run will be from the produce aisle ( carrots, sliced apples, etc.).
Spend the most time in the produce section; think colorful fruits, and vegetables!
When, or if you are going for any type of cereal, or grain choose something that is "least processed". For example your choice of cereal should include something whole grain, at least 4 grams of fiber per serving, and the less sugar, the better.
Meat, poultry, and fish. The AHA (American Heart Association) recommends 2 servings of fish per week, which is a great source of omega 3's. Any type of meat or poultry should be lean cut, skinless, and always be aware of your portion sizes.
Dairy, good sources of calcium, and vitamin D. Plenty of nonfat/low fat options available. Yogurt is a great choice in the dairy section. Go for Greek non-fat yogurt.
If the produce section isn't looking too convenient because cooking vegetables, or slicing fruit is time consuming, no problem, go for the frozen fruits , and vegetables section.
Avoid the aisles that say "chips and cookies"!
Lastly avoid the foods that contain more than 5 or 6 ingredients, artificial ingredients, or ingredients that you can't pronounce.
___________________________________________________________________________
Questions about the article? Ask the author!
Contact Anthony Morando at anthonymorando@yahoo.com.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
MetaCardio in China? Oh, it's true!!!
Okay, I'll admit it, one of my clients recently moved to China, but it's still cool to see my workout system making it's way around the globe!
"Tough workout this morning. Meta-cardio with 2 min / 10% incline / legs. From Shanghai"
"Tough workout this morning. Meta-cardio with 2 min / 10% incline / legs. From Shanghai"
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Vote for the Sports Club of Novi!
Hey gang, the gym where I train at, The Sports Club of Novi, is trying to win the WDIV Click on Detroit Best Gym Award. You can help us win the title by casting your vote for us here:
http://wdiv.cityvoter.com/contests/4-the-best/4739/health-and-fitness/gym
http://wdiv.cityvoter.com/contests/4-the-best/4739/health-and-fitness/gym
Monday, July 20, 2009
Getting Rid of Belly Fat!
Dr. Gabe Mirkin's Fitness and Health E-Zine
July 19, 2009
Getting Rid of Excess Belly Fat
Sit-ups will not get rid of belly fat because you cannot
get rid of fat in a certain area just by exercising the muscles
underneath that fat. You will lose the most belly fat by exercising
intensely in any sport (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise,
November 2008). Three groups of overweight, middle-aged women who
suffered from Metabolic Syndrome completed 16-week programs of:
(1) continuing their existing levels of activity with no change;
(2) low-intensity exercise training five times a week at a level
that did not cause breathing hard; and (3) high-intensity
exercise training with three days a week hard enough to become
short of breath and two days a week at an intensity not becoming
short of breath. Cat scan X rays and air displacement
plethysmography studies showed that the high intensity exercisers
lost belly fat, both underneath their skin and inside their bellies.
The low-intensity exercisers lost no measurable belly fat.
Storing extra fat in the belly causes people to become
diabetic. Full fat cells produce hormones that prevent the body
from responding to insulin so that blood sugar rises too high,
causing sugar to stick to cells and damaging cells anywhere in the
body. Those who store fat primarily in the belly are the ones most
likely to suffer high rises in blood sugar. If you store fat
primarily in your belly, have high blood levels of triglycerides
and sugar, and low levels of the good HDL cholesterol, you meet the
definition of Metabolic Syndrome and the odds are that you are
diabetic, or will become diabetic soon. You are likely to suffer
a premature death unless you make major lifestyle changes: lose
weight, exercise, avoid refined carbohydrates (except during
exercise), and make sure you get enough vitamin D.
Exercise can cause heart attacks in people with blocked
arteries, and intense exercise increases the risk. Almost
80 percent of diabetics die of heart attacks. Check with
your doctor before starting a new exercise program or increasing
the intensity of your existing program.
July 19, 2009
Getting Rid of Excess Belly Fat
Sit-ups will not get rid of belly fat because you cannot
get rid of fat in a certain area just by exercising the muscles
underneath that fat. You will lose the most belly fat by exercising
intensely in any sport (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise,
November 2008). Three groups of overweight, middle-aged women who
suffered from Metabolic Syndrome completed 16-week programs of:
(1) continuing their existing levels of activity with no change;
(2) low-intensity exercise training five times a week at a level
that did not cause breathing hard; and (3) high-intensity
exercise training with three days a week hard enough to become
short of breath and two days a week at an intensity not becoming
short of breath. Cat scan X rays and air displacement
plethysmography studies showed that the high intensity exercisers
lost belly fat, both underneath their skin and inside their bellies.
The low-intensity exercisers lost no measurable belly fat.
Storing extra fat in the belly causes people to become
diabetic. Full fat cells produce hormones that prevent the body
from responding to insulin so that blood sugar rises too high,
causing sugar to stick to cells and damaging cells anywhere in the
body. Those who store fat primarily in the belly are the ones most
likely to suffer high rises in blood sugar. If you store fat
primarily in your belly, have high blood levels of triglycerides
and sugar, and low levels of the good HDL cholesterol, you meet the
definition of Metabolic Syndrome and the odds are that you are
diabetic, or will become diabetic soon. You are likely to suffer
a premature death unless you make major lifestyle changes: lose
weight, exercise, avoid refined carbohydrates (except during
exercise), and make sure you get enough vitamin D.
Exercise can cause heart attacks in people with blocked
arteries, and intense exercise increases the risk. Almost
80 percent of diabetics die of heart attacks. Check with
your doctor before starting a new exercise program or increasing
the intensity of your existing program.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Dad's Backyard Workout!
Okay Dads, I decided that all you fellow fathers who write in complaining that you have 'no time' to get to the gym for a workout, well, you needed a quick, not-so-easy, workout that you can do this summer while in your backyard. The following video is a real world situation that I found myself in this evening. Click on video to watch!
Friday, July 03, 2009
HIIT Training is the way to go!
Dr. Gabe Mirkin's Fitness and Health E-Zine
July 5, 2009
Vigorous Exercise Protects Your Heart
This week, Norwegian researchers reported their findings
that high intensity interval training maximally improves every
conceivable measure of heart function and heart strength. It also
helps to prevent both the pre-diabetic metabolic syndrome and
the heart damage it causes (Exercise and Sports Sciences Reviews,
July 2009).
This is more evidence that older people who compete in
vigorous sports, such as biking and running, live longer and
suffer less disease than people who exercise at a more casual
pace. The most intense exercise includes interval training:
running or cycling very fast to become severely short of breath,
then resting and repeating these almost maximum efforts several
times in the same workout. Controlled interval training is now a
treatment for heart failure. High-intensity interval training
raises the good HDL cholesterol far more than less intense exercise
(Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, March 2009).
Intense exercise for older people is still a controversial
subject, but these new results concur with many earlier studies.
Intense exercise is far more effective than casual exercise in
preventing and treating diabetes (Circulation, July 2008) and
reducing belly fat (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
[MSSE], November 2008). Vigorous exercise protects obese
people from heart attacks and prolongs their lives, even if they
don't lose weight (MSSE, October 2006). Intense exercise is
more effective in preventing heart attacks than less intense
exercise done more frequently (MSSE, July 1997). Death rate
from cardiovascular disease is lowered by high intensity activities
such as jogging, swimming, hiking, tennis and climbing stairs, but
not by lower intensity activities such as walking, bowling, sailing,
golf and dancing (Heart, May 2003). Paul Thompson, of the
University of California at Berkeley, showed that the faster aged
runners run, the lower their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood
sugar levels (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise,
October 2008).
July 5, 2009
Vigorous Exercise Protects Your Heart
This week, Norwegian researchers reported their findings
that high intensity interval training maximally improves every
conceivable measure of heart function and heart strength. It also
helps to prevent both the pre-diabetic metabolic syndrome and
the heart damage it causes (Exercise and Sports Sciences Reviews,
July 2009).
This is more evidence that older people who compete in
vigorous sports, such as biking and running, live longer and
suffer less disease than people who exercise at a more casual
pace. The most intense exercise includes interval training:
running or cycling very fast to become severely short of breath,
then resting and repeating these almost maximum efforts several
times in the same workout. Controlled interval training is now a
treatment for heart failure. High-intensity interval training
raises the good HDL cholesterol far more than less intense exercise
(Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, March 2009).
Intense exercise for older people is still a controversial
subject, but these new results concur with many earlier studies.
Intense exercise is far more effective than casual exercise in
preventing and treating diabetes (Circulation, July 2008) and
reducing belly fat (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
[MSSE], November 2008). Vigorous exercise protects obese
people from heart attacks and prolongs their lives, even if they
don't lose weight (MSSE, October 2006). Intense exercise is
more effective in preventing heart attacks than less intense
exercise done more frequently (MSSE, July 1997). Death rate
from cardiovascular disease is lowered by high intensity activities
such as jogging, swimming, hiking, tennis and climbing stairs, but
not by lower intensity activities such as walking, bowling, sailing,
golf and dancing (Heart, May 2003). Paul Thompson, of the
University of California at Berkeley, showed that the faster aged
runners run, the lower their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood
sugar levels (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise,
October 2008).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
How to lose weight....revisted
Okay, how many blogs, newsletters, videos, books, and magazines do we need to read before we finally 'get it'?
Face it, you are still wishing for the day when you are able to eat anything you want, in any quantity, not exercise, throwing all caution to the wind.... and lose 10lbs.
Aren't you?
Liar...admit it, so am I
But the truth is, that day won't come in our lifetime or any thereafter.
The simple rules of Fat loss:
Eat Less - eat a little less than you are currently eating, approx. 250 calories a day
Move More - whatever form of exercise you find enjoyable, do that more often or longer than you currently are
Repeat - basically, be consistent. Do it everyday, following an 80 - 90% compliance rate.
Face it, you are still wishing for the day when you are able to eat anything you want, in any quantity, not exercise, throwing all caution to the wind.... and lose 10lbs.
Aren't you?
Liar...admit it, so am I
But the truth is, that day won't come in our lifetime or any thereafter.
The simple rules of Fat loss:
Eat Less - eat a little less than you are currently eating, approx. 250 calories a day
Move More - whatever form of exercise you find enjoyable, do that more often or longer than you currently are
Repeat - basically, be consistent. Do it everyday, following an 80 - 90% compliance rate.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Great Advice from Mike Morelli
As many of you know, I trained Mike from Season 7 of 'The Biggest Loser'. Below is a post-finale interview Mike did with NBC.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thursday, June 18th Free Online Seminar with Jimi
Cheryl Heppard of Michigan Health Coach will interview Jimi Varner, personal trainer from www.JimiVarner.com. Varner recently trained The Biggest Loser runner up contestant, Mike Morelli from South Lyon. Varner will give training tips to get in shape this summer, and share the behind the scenes training strategy he designed for Mike Morelli.
To register for this free teleclass, click below
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/53280
To register for this free teleclass, click below
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/53280
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
MetaCardio Question & Feedback
QUESTION: I love your all of your books, but I am especially enjoying MetaCardio.
What is the best way to add MetaCardio to a fatloss program -would you add to a resistance training day? I was going to do 3 resistance days and 3 MetaCardio days --is it too much?
ANSWER: Thanks for the feedback. I don't think 3 days of MetaCardio is too much, but, I think your body will tell you if it is. 3 days of resistance training a week is great for increasing resting metabolism, and 3 days of MetaCardio on opposite days would be the maximum I would add. If you find that you are having a tough time recovering, simply cut back to 2 MetaCardios and 1 long walk (45 minutes).
Let me know how you progress!
What is the best way to add MetaCardio to a fatloss program -would you add to a resistance training day? I was going to do 3 resistance days and 3 MetaCardio days --is it too much?
ANSWER: Thanks for the feedback. I don't think 3 days of MetaCardio is too much, but, I think your body will tell you if it is. 3 days of resistance training a week is great for increasing resting metabolism, and 3 days of MetaCardio on opposite days would be the maximum I would add. If you find that you are having a tough time recovering, simply cut back to 2 MetaCardios and 1 long walk (45 minutes).
Let me know how you progress!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Monday, June 01, 2009
No such thing as a stupid question, but this is close
Everyday I receive at least one question like this:
"I am looking to lose 20pounds by the end of summer because wrestling season starts and I want to wrestling the weight class of 141. what is the best way for me to lose the 20pounds?"
While the title of this post is somewhat misleading, as I don't really think there are 'stupid questions', I do think that there are 'thoughtless questions'. The answer to this and most questions where there is very little thought given by the person asking the question is, "it depends".
There are absolutely no details, it's extremely vague, so in turn, my answer will be as well. Here is it:
I don't know...
"I am looking to lose 20pounds by the end of summer because wrestling season starts and I want to wrestling the weight class of 141. what is the best way for me to lose the 20pounds?"
While the title of this post is somewhat misleading, as I don't really think there are 'stupid questions', I do think that there are 'thoughtless questions'. The answer to this and most questions where there is very little thought given by the person asking the question is, "it depends".
There are absolutely no details, it's extremely vague, so in turn, my answer will be as well. Here is it:
I don't know...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Never skip breakfast!
This post is brought to you by our friends at Results Fitness, owned by Alwyn & Rachael Cosgrove
Never skip breakfast. Why?
Eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism first thing in the morning. Any time you eat you'll get a slight bump in your calorie-burning rate, since it takes energy to digest food. The morning meal is particularly important. Research shows that breakfast eaters have an above-average metabolic rate; skippers have a lower than average rate.
You may not think of it in this way but while you sleep, your body is fasting. When your body runs out of nutrients from food it must cannibalize its own muscle tissue. After four hours without food, the body suppresses its ability to burn calories in order to conserve energy and goes directly after muscle tissue instead, converting muscle to glucose for energy. Over time, this slowly decreases the amount of muscle tissue that the body has, which, in turn, decreases your metabolic rate. Since muscle tissue burns calories not fat, it becomes more and more difficult to lose the fat and the weight. Eating breakfast first thing in the morning halts this cannibalization.
That's why BREAKFAST RULES!
Never skip breakfast. Why?
Eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism first thing in the morning. Any time you eat you'll get a slight bump in your calorie-burning rate, since it takes energy to digest food. The morning meal is particularly important. Research shows that breakfast eaters have an above-average metabolic rate; skippers have a lower than average rate.
You may not think of it in this way but while you sleep, your body is fasting. When your body runs out of nutrients from food it must cannibalize its own muscle tissue. After four hours without food, the body suppresses its ability to burn calories in order to conserve energy and goes directly after muscle tissue instead, converting muscle to glucose for energy. Over time, this slowly decreases the amount of muscle tissue that the body has, which, in turn, decreases your metabolic rate. Since muscle tissue burns calories not fat, it becomes more and more difficult to lose the fat and the weight. Eating breakfast first thing in the morning halts this cannibalization.
That's why BREAKFAST RULES!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
MetaCardio is now on Amazon.com?
MetaCardio is now available at Amazon.com!
For those of you who were waiting for MetaCardio to be available on Amazon.com, your wait is over. I received an email from my publisher that due to our sales numbers, Amazon wants to help distribute our book. Awesome news! Here is a link below!
Remember, MetaCardio is in FULL COLOR and featured 50 unique workouts using over 100 different exercises!
For those of you who were waiting for MetaCardio to be available on Amazon.com, your wait is over. I received an email from my publisher that due to our sales numbers, Amazon wants to help distribute our book. Awesome news! Here is a link below!
Remember, MetaCardio is in FULL COLOR and featured 50 unique workouts using over 100 different exercises!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Local 4 News - Biggest Loser Story
Here is the video from ClickOnDetroit.com Local 4 News Story about Biggest Loser contestant, Mike Morelli and his secret weapon, Trainer Jimi Varner.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/19438378/index.html
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mike Morelli is NOT a loser
Last night, I sat in the 2nd row of the NBC The Biggest Loser Finale and watched in hopeful expectation that my client and friend, Mike Morelli, would win the title of "The Biggest Loser" Season 7. While Mike didn't win the title, losing by less than 1%, he did lose 207lbs, ending his journey at a lean and mean 181lbs! Congrats Mike, I am proud to be your trainer and friend.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Biggest Loser Week for Jimi
On Sunday night, 5/10, I will be featured on Local 4 News at 11pm in a story focusing on Biggest Loser, Mike Morelli's 'secret weapon', (shhh: it's me). I know 11pm is late for a Sunday night, so you might want to set the DVR
On Tuesday, 5/12, I will be at the Biggest Loser Finale show in Los Angeles. The show airs live on NBC from 8pm - 11pm. I will be there to support Mike Morelli as he is in the running for the $250,000 prize.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Below is a question that a reader of this blog had for me. I deleted the name of the gym he mentioned to protect the idiots who work there.
QUESTION FROM READER: I talked with Fitness(NUMBER 19 here) gym last night. They have a Personal Trainer, but they offer a 'special' where you work out with him for 2 sessions - then you're on your own to continue. I asked them if there isn't a benefit to having a Personal Trainer - and they replied that if I wanted to I could continue with the Personal Trainer, however, there really is no benefit if I'm able stay going on my own. Being a Personal Trainer, I would think you might see more benefits of having a personal trainer then just someone who calls the client to get them to the gym. Could you help me understand what that would be?
ANSWER FROM JIMI: Obviously, Fitness(NUMBER 19) was trying the soft sell approach for their training. I totally disagree. As a 10-year, full time Personal Trainer, I understand the benefits that a good personal trainer can bring you. I am NOT ONLY a personal trainer by trade, but, I also use the services of other personal trainers to create my personal programs, keep me accountable, and give me honest feedback on how I am REALLY doing/looking. A good personal trainer can work with you based on your budget, needs, and goals. I have over 250 clients that use my services in a variety of fashions. Some train with me 3 times a week, others only once, but many others use my services once every 6 - 8 weeks. I design a program for them to use on their own. Once they adapt to the program (are no longer seeing gains in muscle, fat loss, etc..) we schedule another appointment and change their program. I offer these services to anybody who is willing to commit themselves and work hard.
* to check my availability, send me an email at JimiVarner@aol.com with "Personal Trainer Request" in the subject line
QUESTION FROM READER: I talked with Fitness(NUMBER 19 here) gym last night. They have a Personal Trainer, but they offer a 'special' where you work out with him for 2 sessions - then you're on your own to continue. I asked them if there isn't a benefit to having a Personal Trainer - and they replied that if I wanted to I could continue with the Personal Trainer, however, there really is no benefit if I'm able stay going on my own. Being a Personal Trainer, I would think you might see more benefits of having a personal trainer then just someone who calls the client to get them to the gym. Could you help me understand what that would be?
ANSWER FROM JIMI: Obviously, Fitness(NUMBER 19) was trying the soft sell approach for their training. I totally disagree. As a 10-year, full time Personal Trainer, I understand the benefits that a good personal trainer can bring you. I am NOT ONLY a personal trainer by trade, but, I also use the services of other personal trainers to create my personal programs, keep me accountable, and give me honest feedback on how I am REALLY doing/looking. A good personal trainer can work with you based on your budget, needs, and goals. I have over 250 clients that use my services in a variety of fashions. Some train with me 3 times a week, others only once, but many others use my services once every 6 - 8 weeks. I design a program for them to use on their own. Once they adapt to the program (are no longer seeing gains in muscle, fat loss, etc..) we schedule another appointment and change their program. I offer these services to anybody who is willing to commit themselves and work hard.
* to check my availability, send me an email at JimiVarner@aol.com with "Personal Trainer Request" in the subject line
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Another study confirms it, eat less!
I recently came across yet another research study confirming that regardless of Protein, Carb, and Fat ratio, less calories taken in means WEIGHT LOSS! Below is the article, which confirms what I wrote back in 2005 in my book, The Dieters Deliverance available at Amazon.com
Cutting calories key to weight loss: study By AFP - Thu Feb 26, 8:42 AM PST
LINK: http://health.yahoo.com/news/afp/healthobesity_20090226164329-print.html
Overweight patients cast a shadow at a weight reduction clinic. A new study has found that eating heart-healthy, low-calorie foods and exercising is the key to losing weight regardless of levels of protein, fat or carbohydrates.(AFP/File/Frederic J. Brown)
The research, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, seems to argue against blanket use of diets that do not necessarily limit calories but call for eating certain foods such as vegetables or proteins, at the expense of others.
The NIH study of 811 volunteers, 38 percent of them men and 62 percent women, aged 30-70 and either overweight or obese, looked at diets that have been popular in the United States in recent years, even as the number of obese Americans has soared.
The "Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS LOST) study found similar weight loss after six months and two years among participants assigned to four diets that differed in their proportions of these three major nutrients," said researchers.
"The diets were low or high in total fat (20 or 40 percent of calories) with average or high protein (15 or 25 percent of calories). Carbohydrate content ranged from 35 to 65 percent of calories.
"The diets all used the same calorie reduction goals and were heart-healthy low in saturated fat and cholesterol while high in dietary fibre," said researchers, whose study is published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Participants lost an average 13 pounds (5.9 kilos) at six months and maintained a nine-pound (four-kilo) loss at two years.
"These results show that, as long as people follow a heart-healthy, reduced-calorie diet, there is more than one nutritional approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight," said Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, director at NHLBI.
"This provides people who need to lose weight with the flexibility to choose an approach that they're most likely to sustain: one that is most suited to their personal preferences and health needs," she stressed.
Sixty-six percent of US adults are overweight and of those, 32 percent are obese, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show.
Cutting calories key to weight loss: study By AFP - Thu Feb 26, 8:42 AM PST
LINK: http://health.yahoo.com/news/afp/healthobesity_20090226164329-print.html
Overweight patients cast a shadow at a weight reduction clinic. A new study has found that eating heart-healthy, low-calorie foods and exercising is the key to losing weight regardless of levels of protein, fat or carbohydrates.(AFP/File/Frederic J. Brown)
The research, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, seems to argue against blanket use of diets that do not necessarily limit calories but call for eating certain foods such as vegetables or proteins, at the expense of others.
The NIH study of 811 volunteers, 38 percent of them men and 62 percent women, aged 30-70 and either overweight or obese, looked at diets that have been popular in the United States in recent years, even as the number of obese Americans has soared.
The "Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS LOST) study found similar weight loss after six months and two years among participants assigned to four diets that differed in their proportions of these three major nutrients," said researchers.
"The diets were low or high in total fat (20 or 40 percent of calories) with average or high protein (15 or 25 percent of calories). Carbohydrate content ranged from 35 to 65 percent of calories.
"The diets all used the same calorie reduction goals and were heart-healthy low in saturated fat and cholesterol while high in dietary fibre," said researchers, whose study is published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Participants lost an average 13 pounds (5.9 kilos) at six months and maintained a nine-pound (four-kilo) loss at two years.
"These results show that, as long as people follow a heart-healthy, reduced-calorie diet, there is more than one nutritional approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight," said Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, director at NHLBI.
"This provides people who need to lose weight with the flexibility to choose an approach that they're most likely to sustain: one that is most suited to their personal preferences and health needs," she stressed.
Sixty-six percent of US adults are overweight and of those, 32 percent are obese, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Another MetaCardio testimonial
This past Fall, I released a book titled MetaCardio, and the response has been huge. Since then, it has been our best-selling title. Below is one of the latest testimonials I've received.
"I originally hired Jimi to get me in shape for my wedding. My intention was to work with him for 90 days, get married, then go back to the gym and work out, as I have done for the last 20 years- working out on my own, in the typical fashion--weights 3 days a week with some cardio thrown in on off days. That was 2 years ago and I'm still with Jimi. Before I go on, I will mention that I met my goals for my wedding, not only for my weight but more importantly in the mirror. I find that Jimi's attention to my personal goals is astounding. Jimi will change my workouts to keep them fresh, make constant nutrition recommendations, follow up with emails when promised, and come up with the latest most advanced techniques available. The meta-cardio program is the best workout I've ever done. It's never boring as you can change exercisers per your goals, as well as numerous cardio opions. It's also a major time saver as I only work out 3 times a week, for 30 minutes at a time. I find myself wanting to eat more to give myself the fuel for next work out!!... dieting is a thing of the past !! My metabolism is in hyperdrive! Jimi has also been quick to point out, that the mirror and the tape measure are important when it comes to weight loss, not just the scale. I can go month to month and not lose a pound but my pants are loose, because there is muscle, where there used to be fat. These last 2 years with Jimi have been a very positive experience, not only for the excellent advise and the evolving workouts, but as a an overall positive force."
- Michael J. Hach
To learn more & order your copy of MetaCardio, visit: www.MetaCardio.com
"I originally hired Jimi to get me in shape for my wedding. My intention was to work with him for 90 days, get married, then go back to the gym and work out, as I have done for the last 20 years- working out on my own, in the typical fashion--weights 3 days a week with some cardio thrown in on off days. That was 2 years ago and I'm still with Jimi. Before I go on, I will mention that I met my goals for my wedding, not only for my weight but more importantly in the mirror. I find that Jimi's attention to my personal goals is astounding. Jimi will change my workouts to keep them fresh, make constant nutrition recommendations, follow up with emails when promised, and come up with the latest most advanced techniques available. The meta-cardio program is the best workout I've ever done. It's never boring as you can change exercisers per your goals, as well as numerous cardio opions. It's also a major time saver as I only work out 3 times a week, for 30 minutes at a time. I find myself wanting to eat more to give myself the fuel for next work out!!... dieting is a thing of the past !! My metabolism is in hyperdrive! Jimi has also been quick to point out, that the mirror and the tape measure are important when it comes to weight loss, not just the scale. I can go month to month and not lose a pound but my pants are loose, because there is muscle, where there used to be fat. These last 2 years with Jimi have been a very positive experience, not only for the excellent advise and the evolving workouts, but as a an overall positive force."
- Michael J. Hach
To learn more & order your copy of MetaCardio, visit: www.MetaCardio.com
Friday, January 02, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
How diet and cardio hurts your weight loss without you knowing it
With 2009 right around the corner, many of you will be starting a diet and exercise plan. Like years past, your efforts will be in vain if you don't change your approach.
#1: Severe restriction of calories - each of us has this wonderous built-in mechanism that kicks in during a famine. Whenever there is severe caloric restriction, our metabolism slows to meet our reduced calorie intake. This brings weight loss to a hault! To avoid this crash, start by lowering your intake by a mere 250 calories a day, if you lose 2lbs in 2 weeks, great! If not, reduce your calories by another 250 and repeat.
#2: Too much 'same pace' cardio - study after study shows that 'steady-state' cardio (the pace remains the same) will do next to nothing for fat loss. Interval training, where you alternate fast and slower paces, does a lot more for weight loss. Just compare your average sprinter to your average marathon runner. One is lean and muscular and the other is generally soft and flabby.
#3: Lift to lose & eat frequently - to lose weight in 2009, you much lift weights. Studies continue to show a dramatic rise in metabolism that comes as a result of lifting weights. The process breaks down muscle tissue, which has a greater 'metabolic cost', hence, more calories burned. Frequent meals were once thought to keep your metabolism going, but the latest research shows that might not be true. Instead, experts speculate that frequent feedings may instead reduce your desire to overeating at your next sitting.
Apply these simple rules in 2009 and finally claim that hot, lean body that you deserve!
#1: Severe restriction of calories - each of us has this wonderous built-in mechanism that kicks in during a famine. Whenever there is severe caloric restriction, our metabolism slows to meet our reduced calorie intake. This brings weight loss to a hault! To avoid this crash, start by lowering your intake by a mere 250 calories a day, if you lose 2lbs in 2 weeks, great! If not, reduce your calories by another 250 and repeat.
#2: Too much 'same pace' cardio - study after study shows that 'steady-state' cardio (the pace remains the same) will do next to nothing for fat loss. Interval training, where you alternate fast and slower paces, does a lot more for weight loss. Just compare your average sprinter to your average marathon runner. One is lean and muscular and the other is generally soft and flabby.
#3: Lift to lose & eat frequently - to lose weight in 2009, you much lift weights. Studies continue to show a dramatic rise in metabolism that comes as a result of lifting weights. The process breaks down muscle tissue, which has a greater 'metabolic cost', hence, more calories burned. Frequent meals were once thought to keep your metabolism going, but the latest research shows that might not be true. Instead, experts speculate that frequent feedings may instead reduce your desire to overeating at your next sitting.
Apply these simple rules in 2009 and finally claim that hot, lean body that you deserve!
Monday, December 29, 2008
5 mistakes people make when trying to get ABS!
Let's face it, we are only hours away from the beginning of a new year. Many of you are thinking about a new program, new diet, and making resolutions to get there. If you are reading this blog, chances are, you will be training for abs!
From what I can see in the gym and the questions I get, most people are going about it all wrong. Here are 5 common mistakes people make when trying to get abs!
Mistake # 1:
Doing 1,000s of crunches - it's not enough to do traditional mat crunches. Now, you can turn your knees to either side, hold a weight behind your head, medicine ball, everything but the kitchen sink. Do any of these variations help? Not quite. Flexion and extension are but one way you can train your midsection. It takes a variety of movement patterns and strategies to sculpt a six-pack!
Mistake # 2:
Going on a low-fat diet - sure, reducing calories is important. But not to the point of starvation. You should be going slightly below maintenance. Shoot for 250 calories LESS than what you are currently doing. You should see results within two weeks, if not, shave off another 250 calories and repeat the process. Don't crash diet, slow and steady will win the 'abs' race.
Mistake # 3:
Having a 'Core' day - midsection training should be a part of an overall balanced program, not the entire focus. You can insert midsection training ANYWHERE in your program. It doesn't have to go at the beginning, middle, or end. In fact, mixing it up can bring better results.
Mistake # 4:
Too many isolation exercises - be careful not to include too many 'small bodypart' movements like, arm curls, triceps kickbacks, side raises, etc.. at the expense of chin ups, presses, rows, squats, etc... Big body part movements are going to burn more overall calories and help you to lose fat faster. Faster fat loss leads to better looking abs.
Mistake # 5:
Inconsistency with good nutrition - sure, you can take a cheat day, just make sure it's not more frequent than once a week. Most people would do best to eliminate it all together, but some of you can control yourself and enjoy a small spike in calories without blowing your diet all together.
From what I can see in the gym and the questions I get, most people are going about it all wrong. Here are 5 common mistakes people make when trying to get abs!
Mistake # 1:
Doing 1,000s of crunches - it's not enough to do traditional mat crunches. Now, you can turn your knees to either side, hold a weight behind your head, medicine ball, everything but the kitchen sink. Do any of these variations help? Not quite. Flexion and extension are but one way you can train your midsection. It takes a variety of movement patterns and strategies to sculpt a six-pack!
Mistake # 2:
Going on a low-fat diet - sure, reducing calories is important. But not to the point of starvation. You should be going slightly below maintenance. Shoot for 250 calories LESS than what you are currently doing. You should see results within two weeks, if not, shave off another 250 calories and repeat the process. Don't crash diet, slow and steady will win the 'abs' race.
Mistake # 3:
Having a 'Core' day - midsection training should be a part of an overall balanced program, not the entire focus. You can insert midsection training ANYWHERE in your program. It doesn't have to go at the beginning, middle, or end. In fact, mixing it up can bring better results.
Mistake # 4:
Too many isolation exercises - be careful not to include too many 'small bodypart' movements like, arm curls, triceps kickbacks, side raises, etc.. at the expense of chin ups, presses, rows, squats, etc... Big body part movements are going to burn more overall calories and help you to lose fat faster. Faster fat loss leads to better looking abs.
Mistake # 5:
Inconsistency with good nutrition - sure, you can take a cheat day, just make sure it's not more frequent than once a week. Most people would do best to eliminate it all together, but some of you can control yourself and enjoy a small spike in calories without blowing your diet all together.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Jimi appears on Fox 2 Weekend 12/28/08
This morning, I joined Jay Towers in studio for a quick workout and fitness tips. You can watch the video by clicking here.
Friday, December 26, 2008
How to SAVE & LOSE WEIGHT after the holidays!
#1: SAVE MONEY: Don't throw out the leftovers - wasting food makes you feel guilty for good reason, a lot of people are hurting financially. Join the 'clean your plate' club, but use SMALLER PLATES. Whatever holiday foods you have left, simply eat them in portion-controlled amounts until they're gone! This saves you MONEY on your next trip to the grocery store.
#2: SAVE TIME: Train with weights using big bodypart movements - don't do arm curls, triceps kickbacks, etc.. they are a waste of time. Instead, perform 'big bodypart' movements like push ups, squats, and chin ups. They burn more calories and you won't have to spend as much time in the gym to get a fat burning workout.
#3: SAVE FACE: Don't tell anyone about your weight loss efforts. By eating what you have leftover from the holidays and spending less time in the gym, you will be flying 'under the radar' and will lose weight without having to give explanations to your friends and family.
#2: SAVE TIME: Train with weights using big bodypart movements - don't do arm curls, triceps kickbacks, etc.. they are a waste of time. Instead, perform 'big bodypart' movements like push ups, squats, and chin ups. They burn more calories and you won't have to spend as much time in the gym to get a fat burning workout.
#3: SAVE FACE: Don't tell anyone about your weight loss efforts. By eating what you have leftover from the holidays and spending less time in the gym, you will be flying 'under the radar' and will lose weight without having to give explanations to your friends and family.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Congrats on an awesome season Tom Smith!
Tom Smith is one of my clients and good friends. He has an incredible work ethic and always gives it everything he has in the gym. In the 2008-2009 "Over - 40" Hockey League, Tom tied for 1st place with 30 goals, 8 assists, and 1.58 average points per game. (Tom is in the middle row, 2nd from the right.)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Women want LEAN, not BULK! But how?
No, this isn't a relationship article, but it's my advice to women, husbands, boyfriends, and fitness trainers of women around the globe. If you have trained or spent time around women who want to change their body, you know that one of their biggest fears is 'bulk'. It's true that most women won't gain muscle from lifting weights, but many times there is a perception of size or girth increase. However, there are exceptions to the rule. (bodybuilders, powerlifters, etc..)
What's the solution? Women love to do cardio, there is a perception that to lose fat, one must do a lot of cardio. This is a long held belief that is very difficult to break. Current research shows us that strength training does more to promote fat loss than cardio, but how do you convince women of this?
You don't.
Instead, you give them a best of both worlds approach as an alternative.
Earlier this year, I developed a system of training that involved alternating every 60 seconds between a 'cardio' exercise (treadmill, jumping rope, etc..) and a strength training exercise (dumbbell, medicine ball, etc...) for a 20 minute workout (10 minutes of cardio/10 minutes of strength training). The results were astounding. Not only did my female clients get stronger, but they lost weight, bulk, and felt great after just 20 minutes. MetaCardio was born!
These were NOT teenagers or 20-something Paris Hilton look-a-likes. Actually, these ladies were their moms! I'm talking women in their late 40's and early 50's. One of my clients worked 3 days a week for 3 months and lost 16lbs of fat. She was turning the heads of men of ALL ages by her birthday!
This system of training began getting so popular in our training facility that I knew I had to write the book explaining the methods and develop several different workout plans to meet the diverse needs of the masses.
Briefly, here is what 'MetaCardio' is all about!
MetaCardio is a rapid fire, metabolism-raising workout that combines both cardio and weights in one time efficient workout. It is my contribution to the well-researched and effective training technique known as High Intensity Interval Training or H.I.I.T.
This is the next generation of H.I.I.T workouts and is designed to burn a lot of calories by simultaneously challenging both the aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (strength) systems.
It provides a wide variety of workout options and intensity levels to keep you motivated and prevent boredom. Includes 50 new workouts using 100 innovative movements with pictures & descriptions.
Here is what Chuck Gaidica of Local 4 News Detroit has to say about MetaCardio:
MetaCardio was the missing piece of the puzzle for me in my training. After working out hard, three times per week for several months, I knew that my metabolism needed an extra boost. I was toning and losing inches and likely gaining muscle mass, but I wasn't really losing weight; and that was indeed one of my goals. Jimi suggested that we keep the same workout; just "kick it up a notch" with MetaCardio. He added a mere 15-minutes of MetaCardio to my routine and the inches kept coming off, but finally the pounds did too. I lost 20 pounds in about 2 months. It was like a switch had been flipped and it still is working to this day.
- Chuck Gaidica, Local 4 News Detroit
Metacardio was also featured on the evening news in 4 segments, just check out the video!
Below is an outline of the workouts
The book includes 50 different MetaCardio workouts with the following themes:
Beginner Workouts – new to training? Start here
Bodyweight Workouts – no equipment needed
Core Workouts – abs, oblique, and low back movements
Dumbbell Workouts – using dumbbells
Medicine Ball Workouts – using medicine ball
Dumbbell & medicine ball Workouts – DBs and Med Ball
Lower Body Workouts – focus on lower body exercises
Upper Body Workouts – focus on upper body exercises
30 Second Intervals – more intense, faster transitions
Athlete Workouts – Muscle Integration
Bodybuilder Workouts – Muscle Isolation
Track Workouts – to be done on a track or field
Hotel Workouts – take your workouts on the road
Home Workouts – workouts to be done at home
Mobility Workouts – range of motion and active recovery
The MetaCardio workout includes illustrations on EVERY workout sheet
To order or read more, click here!
What's the solution? Women love to do cardio, there is a perception that to lose fat, one must do a lot of cardio. This is a long held belief that is very difficult to break. Current research shows us that strength training does more to promote fat loss than cardio, but how do you convince women of this?
You don't.
Instead, you give them a best of both worlds approach as an alternative.
Earlier this year, I developed a system of training that involved alternating every 60 seconds between a 'cardio' exercise (treadmill, jumping rope, etc..) and a strength training exercise (dumbbell, medicine ball, etc...) for a 20 minute workout (10 minutes of cardio/10 minutes of strength training). The results were astounding. Not only did my female clients get stronger, but they lost weight, bulk, and felt great after just 20 minutes. MetaCardio was born!
These were NOT teenagers or 20-something Paris Hilton look-a-likes. Actually, these ladies were their moms! I'm talking women in their late 40's and early 50's. One of my clients worked 3 days a week for 3 months and lost 16lbs of fat. She was turning the heads of men of ALL ages by her birthday!
This system of training began getting so popular in our training facility that I knew I had to write the book explaining the methods and develop several different workout plans to meet the diverse needs of the masses.
Briefly, here is what 'MetaCardio' is all about!
MetaCardio is a rapid fire, metabolism-raising workout that combines both cardio and weights in one time efficient workout. It is my contribution to the well-researched and effective training technique known as High Intensity Interval Training or H.I.I.T.
This is the next generation of H.I.I.T workouts and is designed to burn a lot of calories by simultaneously challenging both the aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (strength) systems.
It provides a wide variety of workout options and intensity levels to keep you motivated and prevent boredom. Includes 50 new workouts using 100 innovative movements with pictures & descriptions.
Here is what Chuck Gaidica of Local 4 News Detroit has to say about MetaCardio:
MetaCardio was the missing piece of the puzzle for me in my training. After working out hard, three times per week for several months, I knew that my metabolism needed an extra boost. I was toning and losing inches and likely gaining muscle mass, but I wasn't really losing weight; and that was indeed one of my goals. Jimi suggested that we keep the same workout; just "kick it up a notch" with MetaCardio. He added a mere 15-minutes of MetaCardio to my routine and the inches kept coming off, but finally the pounds did too. I lost 20 pounds in about 2 months. It was like a switch had been flipped and it still is working to this day.
- Chuck Gaidica, Local 4 News Detroit
Metacardio was also featured on the evening news in 4 segments, just check out the video!
Below is an outline of the workouts
The book includes 50 different MetaCardio workouts with the following themes:
Beginner Workouts – new to training? Start here
Bodyweight Workouts – no equipment needed
Core Workouts – abs, oblique, and low back movements
Dumbbell Workouts – using dumbbells
Medicine Ball Workouts – using medicine ball
Dumbbell & medicine ball Workouts – DBs and Med Ball
Lower Body Workouts – focus on lower body exercises
Upper Body Workouts – focus on upper body exercises
30 Second Intervals – more intense, faster transitions
Athlete Workouts – Muscle Integration
Bodybuilder Workouts – Muscle Isolation
Track Workouts – to be done on a track or field
Hotel Workouts – take your workouts on the road
Home Workouts – workouts to be done at home
Mobility Workouts – range of motion and active recovery
The MetaCardio workout includes illustrations on EVERY workout sheet
To order or read more, click here!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Results and Reader Question
OK, Jimi V, here's a six-week report and a question or two:
Feeling GREAT!!!! Body is reshaping itself, clothes fitting much better etc.......
Lost about 5-8 lbs in first few weeks then put about 3.5 back on....Some of it due to a slow switchover to a really consistent diet (I'm doing excellent on calorie intake, just need to get to Phase II where I'm eating the right things a bit more consistently....not bad right now, just know I haven't tamed some intermittent weak spots......
So here are some observations and questions:
I've been trying to do a full circuit training and MetaCardio workout as one workout......So far, only been able to do this a few times. I've only split them up one or twice and this seems to allow me to have better technique, strength and I still feel pretty darn great after the meta cardio (only) workout (plus I'm able to get the whole cycle in.
So, I'm wondering about the splitting them up thing.........I guess if one could get in nearly every day, it would not matter. This week, for instance, I will be able to be in almost daily....but on a three day week is it better to shoot for something specific? Or am I over thinking this?
Great question. No, I don't believe you are over thinking it.
First off, congrats on your achievements so far. I am very proud of you, and, let's keep the ball rolling buddy.
Second, I understand your concern about being able to get both workouts (Circuit training and MetaCardio) in one shot. It's tough, and yes, I believe that form and intensity suffer due to the workload.
The best option, if possible, would be to get in the gym everyday (5 - 6 days per week) and hit a Circuit 3 times (M - W - F) and MetaCardio 2 or 3 times (T - Th - SaORSun) as this will allow you to train harder. What I've noticed is this, most people are getting better results showing up MOST days of the week. The best results seem to be the 6 - 7 days a week crowd. You must listen to your body and know your limits (recovery between workouts). Right now, it seems like you are on the right track buddy!
Feeling GREAT!!!! Body is reshaping itself, clothes fitting much better etc.......
Lost about 5-8 lbs in first few weeks then put about 3.5 back on....Some of it due to a slow switchover to a really consistent diet (I'm doing excellent on calorie intake, just need to get to Phase II where I'm eating the right things a bit more consistently....not bad right now, just know I haven't tamed some intermittent weak spots......
So here are some observations and questions:
I've been trying to do a full circuit training and MetaCardio workout as one workout......So far, only been able to do this a few times. I've only split them up one or twice and this seems to allow me to have better technique, strength and I still feel pretty darn great after the meta cardio (only) workout (plus I'm able to get the whole cycle in.
So, I'm wondering about the splitting them up thing.........I guess if one could get in nearly every day, it would not matter. This week, for instance, I will be able to be in almost daily....but on a three day week is it better to shoot for something specific? Or am I over thinking this?
Great question. No, I don't believe you are over thinking it.
First off, congrats on your achievements so far. I am very proud of you, and, let's keep the ball rolling buddy.
Second, I understand your concern about being able to get both workouts (Circuit training and MetaCardio) in one shot. It's tough, and yes, I believe that form and intensity suffer due to the workload.
The best option, if possible, would be to get in the gym everyday (5 - 6 days per week) and hit a Circuit 3 times (M - W - F) and MetaCardio 2 or 3 times (T - Th - SaORSun) as this will allow you to train harder. What I've noticed is this, most people are getting better results showing up MOST days of the week. The best results seem to be the 6 - 7 days a week crowd. You must listen to your body and know your limits (recovery between workouts). Right now, it seems like you are on the right track buddy!
When the going gets tough....
It's December 14th, the holiday preparation season is in full swing. Most of you have been out shopping, wrapping, cleaning, baking, storing, calling, and of course, eating! There are a lot of stessors and distractions this time of year. Perhaps that's why the gym is so dead lately!?!
Nobody here but this freak!
I must admit, my clients have been extremely consistent. And since my paycheck depends on them working out, a big THANK YOU goes out to them. But since my clients make up only a certain percentage of the total gym membership, I must ask, "Where is everyone?" If you are one of those gym members who is distracted by the never-ending holiday activities, I've got some advice for you: Get in the gym while you can! When January hits, you know who shows up!
Don't let this happen to you!
So as the holidays become increasingly demanding, get proactive and fight for your right to party! uh, I mean, workout. You'll have to forgive me, I am a total gym rat and meat head, I love training, reading about training, and (obviously) writing about it as well. And so, unless you are a gym rat, consider yourself warned. Fat Bastard will be visiting the gym before you know it. Get on the Ad/Abductor machines while you can;)
Nobody here but this freak!I must admit, my clients have been extremely consistent. And since my paycheck depends on them working out, a big THANK YOU goes out to them. But since my clients make up only a certain percentage of the total gym membership, I must ask, "Where is everyone?" If you are one of those gym members who is distracted by the never-ending holiday activities, I've got some advice for you: Get in the gym while you can! When January hits, you know who shows up!
Don't let this happen to you!So as the holidays become increasingly demanding, get proactive and fight for your right to party! uh, I mean, workout. You'll have to forgive me, I am a total gym rat and meat head, I love training, reading about training, and (obviously) writing about it as well. And so, unless you are a gym rat, consider yourself warned. Fat Bastard will be visiting the gym before you know it. Get on the Ad/Abductor machines while you can;)
Friday, December 05, 2008
Too much information?
While training a client today, a member approached me and asked if I knew anything about that "PX and 90 workout", which when I looked up I noticed that the large television in our weight room had it on a channel that was showing the infommercial of P90X and the trainer Tony Horton. While I haven't used the system myself, I will say that it is the most well-marketed training program I have ever seen. All that being said, many of my fellow trainers have taken it upon themselves to tear down Tony's principle of 'muscle confusion', which is basically a simplified explanation for 'changing it up' meaning the exercises, sets, and reps. My personal feeling about the fitness industry is that there is so much conflicting information out there that it's no wonder so many potential fitness consumers are left scratching their heads and wondering where to turn and who to trust with their hard earned cash. Is there too much information? Do a google search with the terms "how do I lose fat?" and you will find no less that 1,860,000 web pages with the 'answer' to that question. Yes, there is way too much information (how much is valid? how much is hype? how much is total B.S?) and too many voices....
What to do? As Alwyn Cosgrove says, we need information filters, basically, people and resources we trust to give us timely, valid, and useful information. In 2009, I commit to becoming a better source for fitness information. If you find that I am not living up to this claim in 09, call me out on it!
What to do? As Alwyn Cosgrove says, we need information filters, basically, people and resources we trust to give us timely, valid, and useful information. In 2009, I commit to becoming a better source for fitness information. If you find that I am not living up to this claim in 09, call me out on it!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
New beginnings
We've all had times in our life when we needed a fresh start; a new beginning. Some just talk about it, others take action. Some think that moving to a new city will help. For others, it's a new job, or a new relationship, etc.. I'm one of those people who finds a new training program or eating strategy. How about you? How would you define a fresh start? What do you need to change in your life? What did you do in 2008 that you said you would NEVER do again? I'm not saying that a New Year's Resolution is the way to go, for some of us, it is. Whatever holiday you celebrate between Thanksgiving and New Years, take some time, whether it be a few minutes, hours, or days, and consider the past year. Think about what you wanted to accomplish, or the decisions you didn't make (paralysis analysis) and get ready to act firm, step up and own your outcome in 2009!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Full Cover Version of MetaCardio available
Okay, I wasn't planning to put forth the additional effort, but I have to admit, the demand was there. Introducing the full-cover version of my new book, MetaCardio
You can purchase it here
You can purchase it here
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Review of Diet Boot Camp DVD
This weekend, I got the chance to watch the DVD Diet Boot Camp with Jonny Bowden. First off, this is a LONG DVD, over 3 hours worth of content. That alone makes the perceived value go through the roof. In the first segment, Jonny starts in with motivation, which I was very tempted to skip, but resisted the urge. I'm glad I didn't because it was the best part of the DVD. I'm not saying that the rest was bad, it is actually quite good as Jonny obviously knows his stuff and is passionate about helping others change. For less than 10 bucks, I have to say that this product is a MUST for your library. You can check it out here:
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
The difference one year can make!
It was almost one year ago today. A chubby, slightly muscular tennis pro came to me wanting to get in shape for vacation. He wasn't a new face. You see, this guy had hired and fired me a couple of times as his trainer. I reluctantly agreed and put him on a diet and exercise plan. To my surprise, he did it. He not only lost weight the first month, he continued to shock not only his clients, but mine, and everyone else at the Sports Club of Novi. Jayson Torres is one man who not only talks the talk, he only walks the walk. Huge props go out to my client and friend for his remarkable acheivement. What will the next year bring for you?
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Jimi turns out another World Champion!
Congratulations to my friend and client, Paula Messier, on her 2nd World Championship! Paula and Noble Warrior proved to be an unstoppable force at the October 2008 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Trainers Note: Paula works exceptionally hard, both inspiring and scaring potential clients!)
You can learn more about Paula at her website, www.hiddendreamsfarm.com
Monday, November 03, 2008
What is MetaCardio? 1st seen on Local 4 News Detroit - (Order your copy here!)
On Friday, September 26th on WDIV Local 4 News featured Chuck Gaidica talking with Personal Trainer, Jimi Varner about the benefits of a brand new workout system called MetaCardio.
MetaCardio is a system of exercise that combines the 'best of both fitness worlds' approach to weight loss using cardio and weights.
This is a rapid fire, metabolism-raising workout that combines both cardio and weights in one time efficient workout. It is my contribution to the well-researched and effective training technique known as High Intensity Interval Training or H.I.I.T. This is the next generation of H.I.I.T workouts and is designed to burn a lot of calories by simultaneously challenging both the aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (strength) systems. It provides a wide variety of workout options and intensity levels to keep you motivated and prevent boredom.
Here are some testimonials from satisfied users!
TESTIMONIALS
Meta-Cardio was the missing piece of the puzzle for me in my training.
After working out hard, three times per week for several months,
I knew that my metabolism needed an extra boost.
I was toning and loosing inches and likely gaining muscle mass,
but I wasn't really losing weight; and that was indeed one of my goals.
Jimi suggested that we keep the same workout; just "kick it up a notch"
with Meta-Cardio. He added a mere 15-minutes of Meta-Cardio to my routine
and the inches kept coming off, but finally the pounds did too. I lost 20-pounds
in about 2-months. It was like a switch had been flipped and it still is working to this day.
Chuck Gaidica
My mind has always been my biggest set back when exercising.
All of the exercise routines I've tried in the past have been repetitive and boring.
I've always had to force myself to do cardio workouts and I've never enjoyed them.
If I didn't have music or a book to read while exercising I'd start thinking about how bored I was,how I wanted to do something else, and then stop the workout.
With MetaCardio there's no time to think about anything other then the next movement,
and before you know you've moved on to another one.
There are so many different movements that can be incorporated into the program it's
virtually impossible to get bored. Now I actually look forward to doing cardio!
Katie Darling
I have been attending a gym and its classes for years and while I know I have made improvements in my cardio-vascular fitness, I still struggle with getting weight off and fitting a consistent workout into my daily schedule. Recently, a couple of people I see at the gym regularly had lost a noticeable amount of weight and were looking very fit. I spoke with them separately and each said almost the same thing. They had been working out using "traditional" routines but had switched over to interval training on Jimi, their trainer's, advice. The pounds melted off! Each used this exact expression. One had lost over seven inches around his waist. Needless to say I did a mini-cardio workout racing over to the phone to set up a personal trainer time with Jimi to learn this routine. One of the best things about this workout, I came to find out, is that it can be done in under 30 minutes. This is great news to me. As a mom, part-time worker and avid tennis player I find it difficult to fit everything in. This workout can be done before tennis or in conjunction with a weight routine or as a satisfying, break-a-sweat, heart-rate-increasing workout all by itself before I shower and head off to the rest of my day. It is still early days for me and this routine but I love its flexibility and I am looking forward to the day in the gym when someone comes up to me and asks what I have been doing so I can pass on Jimi's name to them!
Julie Coulter
I recently celebrated my 51st birthday and while weight has never been an issue for me and I don’t particularly like working out, I do realize the importance of cardiovascular health and strength training. Jimi’s interval training program meets and exceeds my fitness requirements:
1. It’s effective. The combination of strength and cardio is a complete workout.
2. It’s diverse. The strength exercises can be customized and changed to address specific issues and keep the workout interesting.
3. It’s short. I can do this workout with a friend and be in and out of the gym in 30 minutes.
As a tennis playing wife and mother who hates to sweat, I find Jimi’s interval training perfect for my schedule, my motivational needs and my long-term health.
Donna Tiernan
I can’t say I used the program for weight loss but do love it as part of your overall general fitness plan for me. The program has been great in that every day is different. Be it dumbbells versus medicine ball during the active recovery period or the ability to step it up or tone it down depending on my intensity level on that day. I will continue to include MetaCardio in my routine and now find that a simple spin on the treadmill or orbital feels like I cheated myself.
Andy MacPherson
As far as weight/inches I can't say because I am within 5 pounds most of the time and do other things and classes that may affect my fitness results. I love it because it goes by faster than doing just cardio and breaks up the monotony of the same old cardio. The interval workouts raise my heart rate much more than separating my weight training and my cardio workouts. Each interval you get the chance to max out your effort because it's for a short period of time, keeping your heart rate up or in an "anaerobic state" for portions of the workout. I feel stronger and have increased my endurance because of the workouts
If you are a person that walks the treadmill or even the step mill for your cardio activity, it can get very boring - so the change in style can make it interesting again. A person may also find themselves getting comfortable with the intensity level they are accustomed to and not really challenging themselves anymore. By adding the strength segments, you increase the heart rate and also can increase your typical speed because you are at the new speed for a short period of time. What a great way to maximize your workout time, get both your strength and cardio training done and have an enjoyable, challenging workout.
Kathy Smith
I love this workout, it is challenging and I feel so good after finishing a session. I don’t know if it is a little premature to say I see any result but I was able to wear a pair of pre mommy jeans out to dinner last night that didn’t fit two weeks ago!!! This is awesome.
Sue Woodley
The book includes 50 different MetaCardio workouts with the following themes:
· Beginner Workouts – new to training? Start here!
· Bodyweight Workouts – no equipment needed
· Core Workouts – focus on abs, oblique, and low back movements
· Dumbbell Workouts – using dumbbells
· Medicine Ball Workouts – using medicine ball
· Dumbbell & medicine ball Workouts – using DBs and Med Ball
· Lower Body Workouts – focus on lower body exercises
· Upper Body Workouts – focus on upper body exercises
· 30 Second Intervals – more intense, faster transitions
· Athlete Workouts – Muscle Integration
· Bodybuilder Workouts – Muscle Isolation
· Track Workouts – to be done on a track or field
· Hotel Workouts – take your workouts on the road
· Home Workouts – workouts to be done at home
and even Mobility Workouts – focus on range of motion and active recovery
The MetaCardio workout includes illustrations on EVERY workout sheet
Showing pictures on each and every workout sheet takes the guesswork out of the workout so you can concentrate on intensity.
The book also includes an Exercise Index section which gives a detailed description of over 100 different exercises.
You can do MetaCardio in a gym, at home, or even at the local park!
Order your copy today!
Click Here
Thursday, October 30, 2008
New Book Release - Tom Venuto!
-------------------------------------------------------
PRESS RELEASE
-------------------------------------------------------
From: Tom Venuto, via Avery Books/Penguin Group, New York City
Re: pre-release announcement
For Immediate Release. October 28th, 2008
New Hardcover Book By Tom Venuto Reveals the 5 Principles for
Burning Fat, Building Lean Muscle, Ending Emotional Eating and
Maintaining Your Perfect Weight.
http://www.BodyFatSolution.com
By now, we all know that we gain fat when we take in more calories
than we burn. But we're not always rational creatures when it comes
to food and exercise.
Recognizing the emotional and psychological factors that sabotage
success, Tom Venuto's new Book, The Body Fat Solution (Avery/Penguin)
hones in on the real causes of body-fat and provides a sound plan
to take back control of our bodies and end emotional eating for good.
In The Body Fat Solution, Venuto outlines the five principles that
will retrain your mind and body for automatic success. Determined
to help you keep the fat off for good, Tom shows you how to:
- End emotional eating and stop diet self sabotage
- Re-program your mind for "auto-pilot" success
- Go beyond goal setting by crafting a powerful "vision" that
motivates you for life
- Eat healthy, delicious food almost unconsciously and
shed the pounds without depending on willpower
- Invite a supportive social network of friends, family, and
mentors to help you achieve your dream body
Venuto reminds us that calories do count! But The Body Fat Solution
is neither super low carb nor super low fat, and he steers clear of
demonizing entire food groups. Instead, Venuto helps you personalize
an eating plan that takes into account your unique metabolism and
calorie needs. He then presents illustrated workout programs to
maximize the success of the nutrition plan that are fast and efficient.
Most important, he helps you plan and organize your life so that
you can fully implement your new goals and monitor your progress,
and finally maintain your perfect weight for life.
The Body Fat Solution offers help for people struggling with everyday
challenges such as frequent travel, restaurant temptations, busy
schedules, high levels of stress and social pressure -- roadblocks that
can get in the way of the best nutrition or training strategy
Tapping into his years of training expertise and personal experience,
Venuto helps readers change their relationship with food, empowers
them to take charge of their lives, and delivers a program that
promises dramatic and permanent results.
-------------------------------------------------------
ADVANCED PRAISE FOR THE BODY FAT SOLUTION:
-------------------------------------------------------
"Read this book--if you want to lose weight, improve your body and
your health, and keep up these improvements for life. Tom Venuto
gives it to you straight, basing his program on solid science and
common sense. You will come away with a new feeling of inspiration
and a new action plan to get you started and keep you on track to
help you reach your goals--and then beyond."
Judith S. Beck, Ph.D.
Author of The Complete Beck Diet for Life.
Director, Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research
Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
"At last, easy, concise, no excuses - get skinny - this is the guide
Great work, Tom!"
- Richard Bandler, co-founder of NLP, author, "Get The Life You Want"
"Tom Venuto's Body Fat Solution is one of the most important books
on health, happiness and physical well-being ever written. In this
fast-moving, easily usable series of methods and techniques, you
learn how to enjoy superb physical fitness, achieve your ideal weight,
and feel terrific about yourself both emotionally and spiritually."
Brian Tracy - Motivational Speaker, Author - "Reinvention"
In 2003 Tom Venuto changed the fat loss world with his ebook
"Burn the Fat - Feed the Muscle"... In 2008 he's done it again with
the Body Fat Solution. The World's expert on fat loss speaks - I listen.
I've often said --- Fat loss doesn't start with an exercise program,
a diet or a supplement... It starts with a mindset shift. That mindset
shift begins with Tom's new book. If you want to change your body -
you need to change your mind. And to do that - you need Tom Venuto.
- Alwyn Cosgrove, Co-Author, The New Rules of Lifting and
The New Rules of Lifting for Women
-------------------------------------------------------
The Body Fat Solution is scheduled for release on January 8th, 2009.
Now available for Pre order at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com
Visit: http://www.BodyFatSolution.com, or
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Fat-Solution-EmotionalEating-Maintaining/dp/1583333290?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222564204
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRESS RELEASE
-------------------------------------------------------
From: Tom Venuto, via Avery Books/Penguin Group, New York City
Re: pre-release announcement
For Immediate Release. October 28th, 2008
New Hardcover Book By Tom Venuto Reveals the 5 Principles for
Burning Fat, Building Lean Muscle, Ending Emotional Eating and
Maintaining Your Perfect Weight.
http://www.BodyFatSolution.com
By now, we all know that we gain fat when we take in more calories
than we burn. But we're not always rational creatures when it comes
to food and exercise.
Recognizing the emotional and psychological factors that sabotage
success, Tom Venuto's new Book, The Body Fat Solution (Avery/Penguin)
hones in on the real causes of body-fat and provides a sound plan
to take back control of our bodies and end emotional eating for good.
In The Body Fat Solution, Venuto outlines the five principles that
will retrain your mind and body for automatic success. Determined
to help you keep the fat off for good, Tom shows you how to:
- End emotional eating and stop diet self sabotage
- Re-program your mind for "auto-pilot" success
- Go beyond goal setting by crafting a powerful "vision" that
motivates you for life
- Eat healthy, delicious food almost unconsciously and
shed the pounds without depending on willpower
- Invite a supportive social network of friends, family, and
mentors to help you achieve your dream body
Venuto reminds us that calories do count! But The Body Fat Solution
is neither super low carb nor super low fat, and he steers clear of
demonizing entire food groups. Instead, Venuto helps you personalize
an eating plan that takes into account your unique metabolism and
calorie needs. He then presents illustrated workout programs to
maximize the success of the nutrition plan that are fast and efficient.
Most important, he helps you plan and organize your life so that
you can fully implement your new goals and monitor your progress,
and finally maintain your perfect weight for life.
The Body Fat Solution offers help for people struggling with everyday
challenges such as frequent travel, restaurant temptations, busy
schedules, high levels of stress and social pressure -- roadblocks that
can get in the way of the best nutrition or training strategy
Tapping into his years of training expertise and personal experience,
Venuto helps readers change their relationship with food, empowers
them to take charge of their lives, and delivers a program that
promises dramatic and permanent results.
-------------------------------------------------------
ADVANCED PRAISE FOR THE BODY FAT SOLUTION:
-------------------------------------------------------
"Read this book--if you want to lose weight, improve your body and
your health, and keep up these improvements for life. Tom Venuto
gives it to you straight, basing his program on solid science and
common sense. You will come away with a new feeling of inspiration
and a new action plan to get you started and keep you on track to
help you reach your goals--and then beyond."
Judith S. Beck, Ph.D.
Author of The Complete Beck Diet for Life.
Director, Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research
Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
"At last, easy, concise, no excuses - get skinny - this is the guide
Great work, Tom!"
- Richard Bandler, co-founder of NLP, author, "Get The Life You Want"
"Tom Venuto's Body Fat Solution is one of the most important books
on health, happiness and physical well-being ever written. In this
fast-moving, easily usable series of methods and techniques, you
learn how to enjoy superb physical fitness, achieve your ideal weight,
and feel terrific about yourself both emotionally and spiritually."
Brian Tracy - Motivational Speaker, Author - "Reinvention"
In 2003 Tom Venuto changed the fat loss world with his ebook
"Burn the Fat - Feed the Muscle"... In 2008 he's done it again with
the Body Fat Solution. The World's expert on fat loss speaks - I listen.
I've often said --- Fat loss doesn't start with an exercise program,
a diet or a supplement... It starts with a mindset shift. That mindset
shift begins with Tom's new book. If you want to change your body -
you need to change your mind. And to do that - you need Tom Venuto.
- Alwyn Cosgrove, Co-Author, The New Rules of Lifting and
The New Rules of Lifting for Women
-------------------------------------------------------
The Body Fat Solution is scheduled for release on January 8th, 2009.
Now available for Pre order at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com
Visit: http://www.BodyFatSolution.com, or
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Fat-Solution-EmotionalEating-Maintaining/dp/1583333290?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222564204
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
MetaCardio is available!
I am proud to announce the official release of my new book, "MetaCardio: Metabolic Interval Workouts" published by LuLu Press. You can purchase the book by clicking hereMetaCardio is a rapid fire, metabolism-raising workout that combines both cardio and weights in one time efficient workout. It is my contribution to the well-researched and effective training technique known as High Intensity Interval Training or H.I.I.T. This is the next generation of H.I.I.T workouts and is designed to burn a lot of calories by simultaneously challenging both the aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (strength) systems. It provides a wide variety of workout options and intensity levels to keep you motivated and prevent boredom.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Review of Morning Banana Diet
Yesterday, I received an article and question about 'The Morning Banana Diet'. Apparently, it's the hottest selling diet book in Japan. Below is a quote from the story:
"The Morning Banana Diet consists of one
or more bananas with room-temperature
water for breakfast; an optional snack at 3
p.m.; and anything you want for lunch and
dinner. The catch: You can’t eat desserts after
meals, dinner has to be consumed by 8
p.m. , and you have to go to bed by midnight.
The diet was created by Osaka pharmacist
Sumiko Watanabe, who wanted to help her
husband lose weight, and aims at boosting
the dieter’s metabolism. Watanabe’s husband
ended up dropping 37 pounds."
So why is this diet working? Are bananas the next 'superfood'? Heck no, this is another fad which has helped sell more than 730,000 books so far. Sure, the banana is a rich source of potassium and helps prevent both constipation and diarrhea.
Bananas are relatively high in calories (a medium-sized banana has about 110 calories). However, one should not eliminate bananas from the diet when trying to lose weight. Bananas also provide calcium, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, etc. So they are nutrient-dense food.
So why are people losing weight? Here's the catch, and I quote, "You can’t eat desserts after meals, dinner has to be consumed by 8 p.m."
I don't care if you eat a watermelon, apple, or any other fruit for breakfast. If you eliminate dessert, you will save several hundred calories a day. And that, my friends, will surely help you to keep your overall caloric intake low which equals weight loss.
"The Morning Banana Diet consists of one
or more bananas with room-temperature
water for breakfast; an optional snack at 3
p.m.; and anything you want for lunch and
dinner. The catch: You can’t eat desserts after
meals, dinner has to be consumed by 8
p.m. , and you have to go to bed by midnight.
The diet was created by Osaka pharmacist
Sumiko Watanabe, who wanted to help her
husband lose weight, and aims at boosting
the dieter’s metabolism. Watanabe’s husband
ended up dropping 37 pounds."
So why is this diet working? Are bananas the next 'superfood'? Heck no, this is another fad which has helped sell more than 730,000 books so far. Sure, the banana is a rich source of potassium and helps prevent both constipation and diarrhea.
Bananas are relatively high in calories (a medium-sized banana has about 110 calories). However, one should not eliminate bananas from the diet when trying to lose weight. Bananas also provide calcium, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, etc. So they are nutrient-dense food.
So why are people losing weight? Here's the catch, and I quote, "You can’t eat desserts after meals, dinner has to be consumed by 8 p.m."
I don't care if you eat a watermelon, apple, or any other fruit for breakfast. If you eliminate dessert, you will save several hundred calories a day. And that, my friends, will surely help you to keep your overall caloric intake low which equals weight loss.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Alcohol and Fat Loss
Yesterday, I was watching TV when a commercial came on for a 64 calorie beer. We still haven't gotten it.
It's not the calories in alcohol that you need to worry about. It's the alcohol itself. Study after study has proven that for most people, alcohol shuts down your ability to burn fat in the liver. This is (obviously) very important if you are trying to lose fat.
So remember, it's not about the total calories in this case, it's about what the alcohol does to your fat burning furnace! It shuts it down!
It's not the calories in alcohol that you need to worry about. It's the alcohol itself. Study after study has proven that for most people, alcohol shuts down your ability to burn fat in the liver. This is (obviously) very important if you are trying to lose fat.
So remember, it's not about the total calories in this case, it's about what the alcohol does to your fat burning furnace! It shuts it down!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Jimi on WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit
Below is a collection of the TV appearances my client Chuck Gaidica and I did on Friday, Sept. 26th.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Review of movie, "Bigger, Stronger, Faster"
After several long months, I finally got my Netflix delivered DVD version of the highly anticipated documentary, "Bigger, Stronger, Faster" After watching the 90 minute classic, I have several thoughts:
#1: This movie is about my childhood - if you grew up in the 80's, this movie is a MUST SEE. I saw my childhood flash before my eyes. The same action heroes that inspired the Bell family to strive for greatness also inspired me. Everyone from Arnold, Sly, and Hulk Hogan are showcased in this movie.
#2: This movie doesn't take a pro or anti steroid stance - it was refreshing to see that Chris Bell did NOT paint steroids in either a positive or negative light. He simply pointed out what they are, and what they are not. He also interviews some of the legends of track and field, Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson, asking the tough questions that most of us want to know.
All in all, I can't say enough good about this movie. Once you see it, you will want to own your own copy. It will make a great stocking stuffer!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
28 Day Weight Loss Challenge Video is up!
Aug. 31st - Sept. 28th
Results:
13lbs of body fat LOST!
5 inches on waistline LOST!
Where's the proof?
Okay, below is a video summary of my fat loss journey. My wife Vaiva and son Edwin were heading off to Lithuania for 28 days to visit her side of the family. I decided that I would attack my excess body fat with lazer-like focus. When I started the challenge on Aug. 31st, I was 157lbs with a 34 1/4 inch waist. When I finished the challenge, I was 145lbs with a 27 inch waist. Because the results seem too good to be true, I decided to include this brief video to show the journey I took. Scroll down past the video to see an outline of my workout and eating plan for this 28-Day Journey!
Eating Rules:
1. Eat 6 - 7 meals a day.
2. Eat lean protein and complex carbs in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. No sugar or processed carbohydrate/foods with the exception of protein powder.
4. Carb-free protein bars were permitted if necessary to get a meal in at work.
Workout Plan:
1. Perform 2 - 12 min. timed set circuits with 3 Compound exercises with little or no rest between sets.
2. Perform treadmill sprint intervals at 30 sprint/30 recovery for 15 minutes, treadmill sprints at 60 sprint/60 recovery for 16 minutes, MetaCardio Intervals, or Stepmill, Elliptical, or Bike for steady-state cardio for 20 minutes.
Results:
13lbs of body fat LOST!
5 inches on waistline LOST!
Where's the proof?
Okay, below is a video summary of my fat loss journey. My wife Vaiva and son Edwin were heading off to Lithuania for 28 days to visit her side of the family. I decided that I would attack my excess body fat with lazer-like focus. When I started the challenge on Aug. 31st, I was 157lbs with a 34 1/4 inch waist. When I finished the challenge, I was 145lbs with a 27 inch waist. Because the results seem too good to be true, I decided to include this brief video to show the journey I took. Scroll down past the video to see an outline of my workout and eating plan for this 28-Day Journey!
Eating Rules:
1. Eat 6 - 7 meals a day.
2. Eat lean protein and complex carbs in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. No sugar or processed carbohydrate/foods with the exception of protein powder.
4. Carb-free protein bars were permitted if necessary to get a meal in at work.
Workout Plan:
1. Perform 2 - 12 min. timed set circuits with 3 Compound exercises with little or no rest between sets.
2. Perform treadmill sprint intervals at 30 sprint/30 recovery for 15 minutes, treadmill sprints at 60 sprint/60 recovery for 16 minutes, MetaCardio Intervals, or Stepmill, Elliptical, or Bike for steady-state cardio for 20 minutes.
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Real before and after shot!
Over 50lbs of fat....GONE!
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