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?

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

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

New Book Release - Tom Venuto!

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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
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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 here

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Fit at 50 Chuck Gaidica's battle of the bulge

Below are some pictures from the story!





Here is a link to Chuck Gaidica story on ClickonDetroit.com

Fit at 50 with Chuck Gaidica on Local 4 Detroit

On Friday evening, September 26th, 2008, Local 4 Detroit stopped by the Sports Club of Novi to do a story on one of their superstars, Chuck Gaidica. Chuck just happens to be one of my hardest working clients. In one of the segments, Chuck mentioned my new program, "MetaCardio" he went on to explain that when we added this piece to the workout, it was as if "a switch had been flipped" on his weight loss efforts.

On this day, we had the opportunity to showcase the fruit of his labor. Below are several pictures taken from the live broadcast!

Video from Channel 4 - Detroit

Here is a link to WDIV's website where the video is up of Chuck Gaidica doing a version of my new workout, MetaCardio

Click Here!

Here is a list of the tips I gave on WDIV Local 4 in Detroit!

Getting Fit With Chuck

POSTED: 12:50 pm EDT September 26, 2008

4 Fat Loss Rules for Faster Fat Loss

Proper nutrition - (Lean Protein, Complex Carbs, & Healthy Fats)
Start with Strength training - (Circuit training)
Add Cardio Intervals (Alternating between high & low intensities)
Increase N.E.P.A. (Non-Exercise Physical Activity)

4 Ways To Boost Your Metabolism
Eat breakfast (Combine Complex Carb w/ Lean Protein)
Perform Strength Training Circuits (2 – 3 Movements in a row before resting)
Eat protein at every meal (helps muscle repair, more filling)
Eat more unprocessed food (takes more calories to break down)

4 Time-Saving Tips To Make Workouts More Effective
Perform circuit training instead of straight sets
Shorten rest periods (30- 45 seconds, keeps HR elevated)
Perform Cardio Intervals before steady state cardio
Get proper instruction (good form reduces risk of injury)

To contact Chuck's trainer Jimi Varner call 248-735-8850 ext. 4063 www.JimiVarner.com



Health headlines on WDIV sponsored by:

Question about Protein

September 27th, 2008

"Do you feel that everyone needs to consume protein products to get lean, and lose body fat? I saw your list of foods to eat and avoid. I only had a problem with the whey protein powder. Also the recipe for the protein bars, with 1 cup of protein power in them. I tried Atkins about 5 years ago and I did lose weight and fat, but it was too hard on my kidneys and liver. So I just wondered if any of your clients have had good weight and fat lose results without going high protein, or using the protein powder supplement? Thanks for any feedback. - V.C.


Thanks for your question V.C.
Yes, I have had clients lose bodyfat while not using protein powder or supplements. As I said on the broadcast (there were 3 of them, so not sure which one you caught) but I always favor REAL FOOD instead of supplements whenever possible.

Keep me posted on how you progress and thanks for your question.

Jimi Varner
www.JimiVarner.com

Jimi Varner to appear on Local 4 in Detroit

Tonight, Thursday September 25th, I will be appearing in a story about Chuck Gaidica's battle with his weight. The segment airs at 11pm on WDIV Ch. 4 in Detroit.

The next night, Chuck Gaidica and I will be LIVE between 5pm - 6:30pm doing multiple segments on health and nutrition at the Sports Club of Novi.

Looking forward to your thoughts and feedback on the coverage!

Video posts to follow

Review of Trader Joe's Very Green Product

I've used several different greens products over the years. The one thing that stood out about each and every one of them is the taste. Every last product has tasted like absolute crap, that is, until I discovered Trader Joe's version called 'Very Green'.

I decided to try it after listening to a fitness podcast and hearing the host rave about it. He was right, it is excellent. Not only is the price right, it tastes like Cactus Kool-Aid (if it even exists)

Personal Training customer is THRILLED!

Here is another testimony for you all:

"This summer my friends were amazed with my transformation. I truly believe that with your guidance and positive words, this life style change is permanent. People would ask me about my diet and I would tell them it's not a diet but it's my nutrition. It's not about how little I eat. I still eat a lot. It's about how I eat and when I eat and what I eat. Thanks to your advice." - Jayson Torres

JIMI COMMENTS: Jayson started working with me around Thanksgiving of 2007. He actually hired and fired me as his trainer a couple of times before finally deciding that he was ready to fully commit. After several months, Jayson lost over 30lbs of bodyfat and built a respectible amount of lean muscle. Can you get results like Jayson? Are you ready to commit and not 'diet', but make a total lifestyle transformation? I can show you how!

Lose Weight in 8 Days?! Testimonial!

Hi Jimi,
I have never met you in person, but I received your lose Weight in 8 program. I am a health and fitness instructor, with a Bachelors in Food and Nutrition and currently starting my dissertation for a Doctorate degree in Preventive Care. I will graduate next June with this degree. As I have been so busy getting to this point in my life, I have neglected my own personal fitness, which I never thought I would do. I saw a picture of myself a couple of weeks ago, and was actually horrified. So, I went and weighed myself and tested my body fat composition. I was in shock. I knew I had gained a "little weight", but never knew it was this much. I was 7 pounds over my comfort weight, and 12 pounds over my training weight. My body fat % had increased 50% over my training percentage.
So, I pulled out your program, to get my body back on track. Somewhat of a "jump start" on my way back to acceptable #'s for myself. I was very dedicated in the eating and exercise. I did not consume the supplement CM and I did not use hemorrhoid cream and plastic wrap. Today is my 8th day, and I wanted to share my results and tell you THANK YOU!

I lost 2.6 pounds, lost 1/2 inch in my waist, and 1 inch in my hips. My body fat % actually went up slightly, but I am not used to eating so much fat, and there are other issues that may actually affect this measurement in such a short period of time. I increased my calf measurement by 1/2 inch. The other measurements either stayed the same or made mild improvements not significant enough yet, to mention. All this in 8 Days!

Again, I have used this program to jump start my body and I am very pleased with my beginning.
I wanted to share my results, but also my gratitude. For you sharing your program with others, even those you have no contact with, is helping people achieve their goals and I wanted to thank you for this generosity. I also wanted to thank you for your dedication to fitness and health. As a professional in this field as well, I am also committed to helping others become the best they can be. It is now my turn, to follow my advice on myself.

So, thank you again for steering me back in the right direction and for your committment to this field. You are truly to be commended.

Respectfully,
Lorri Aguilera

JIMI COMMENTS - Lorri's testimony is not uncommon. To get your copy of 'Lose Weight in 8' visit this link: Lose Weight In 8!

Lights, camera, action!

I am currently on Day 9 of a 28 day fat loss experiment/challenge. I have been keeping a food journal, logging workouts, rest, and also videotaping my progress each and every day. The video may end up on YouTube in October if everything goes according to plan.

So let me explain the post title. Lights, Camera, Action!

Lights - I had to shed LIGHT on my issues. I was starting to slip in my own nutrition plan and let a lot of junk food creep it's way back into my daily life. As a former fat boy, this is dangerous ground.

Camera - I decided to document EVERYTHING from my food intake, video progress, waist measurement, etc... taking pictures, measuring, and telling everybody what you are doing are all great ways to keep accountability.

Action - The last step was easy as I had painted myself into a corner with the 2 previous steps. I had talked the talk, NOW, I had to walk the walk. It appeals to the ego and a refusal to fail, a wonderful motivator if you're anything like me!

So, are you ready for the spotlight? Check back in 3 weeks and I WILL shed light, bringing to the public my results, .... for better or worse...