New Yorkers seek to shed pandemic pounds

NEW YORK - As fitness-conscious New York emerges from the pandemic, many residents are hitting the gym to get back in shape, but without putting too much pressure on themselves after the psychological stresses of the past 15 months.

Thirty-year-old Benny Maidenbaum comes from a family of sportsmen and said he's always been "very active." Basketball twice a week and pounding sidewalks as a real estate agent kept him fit.

But in March 2020, all that stopped.

"I had no activity, was sitting at home. I gained weight, like 15-20 pounds (7-9 kilograms). They call it 'corona weight,'" he tells AFP at TS fitness studio on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Health journals and articles have indeed talked about "Quarantine 15" -- unwanted extra pounds gained from the upheaval of our daily routines, including lack of activities and emotional eating caused by the anxiety of the pandemic.

About 42 percent of American adults said they had gained more weight than they intended -- an average of 29 pounds -- during the pandemic, according to a survey conducted by the Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association.

Angela Thuman, a 42-year-old bank worker, lost 32 pounds over the winter before the pandemic struck. She put it back on during the COVID crisis.

"It made me depressed and my anxiety was sky high. I had no motivation whatsoever," said Thuman, who lives in Maryland. 

Maidendaum said he found himself stuck at home eating junk food, without any interest in healthy options.

"It's like you're in a hole. There is no way out," he said.

Maidenbaum says TS Fitness has helped him "break the cycle" of unhealthy living.

Founder Noam Tamir says the studio has seen attendance increase significantly in recent weeks.

"With summer coming, being outside more, not fitting into the clothes they used to and obviously revealing more of their body, they want to get into a fitness routine," he said.

The studio has offered Zoom classes throughout the pandemic but people "crave that human-to-human contact," Tamir added.

Khristel Rhoades, a 40-year-old stay-at-home mother, notes that there are more people in Central Park now than during the pandemic's early days.

"People are more comfortable. Initially, people would kind of jump when they thought you were coming by," she said while walking on the paved loop that goes around Manhattan's green lung.

'STIGMATIZATION'

Rhoades is among those who found exercise helped them through the pandemic.

"It's kept me sane for sure," she said.

Many specialists warn against stigmatizing weight gain, particularly at a time when people are still feeling extremely fragile psychologically.

"The very last thing we need right now is a diet," warned author Virginia Sole-Smith in her Burnt Toast newsletter.

"It's so much more important to have compassion for everything your body has gone through in the past year. And maybe even pride, for everything your body has helped you survive," she added.

But for Thuman, she said she had "a little bit of motivation" to lose weight as the pandemic dragged on, after separating from her husband.

Thanks to steady walks, a new diet and Facebook groups, Thuman has lost 22 pounds and is almost down to the weight she was pre-pandemic.

"I like the way that I feel now," she told AFP.

Like many, Maidenbaum refuses to set a target for his weight loss.

"If you put a timeframe, I realize you're building up a lot of pressure on yourself," he said, choosing to focus instead on a healthy lifestyle.

"As long as you show up and put in the work, that's really all that matters."

Agence France-Presse

Fil-Am Olympia champ Jeremy Buendia sets the bar high for men’s physique

Most people could only ever dream of joining Olympia, the most prestigious bodybuilding event in the world. To even qualify to compete, you need to beat hundreds of competitors. From hundreds of hopeful bodybuilders, few will ever make it to Olympia and only one will win.

Among all the Olympia titleholders in recent history, Jeremy Buendia is one to watch. He has set the bar high for men’s physique. He has won the Men’s Physique Olympia Showdown not once or twice, but four times running.

Jeremy is half-Filipino on his father’s side, as his grandfather was from Bulacan. His dad played a huge role in his career.


“He raised me to be an athlete and he started training me at the age of six doing various speed drills, pushups and other calisthenics-type exercises,” Jeremy shares. “My dad introduced weights to me at 10 or 11 years old and it became a part of my everyday life.”

His first sport wasn’t actually bodybuilding but football. He played until high school when injury caused him to stop. Unwilling to cease his drive to compete, Jeremy found his calling in competitive bodybuilding.

At 19 years old, he won his first bodybuilding title at 2010 NPC Costa California. When he was 21, he switched to the Men’s Physique division, winning multiple shows throughout 2012 and 2013. He beat 150 of the best amateurs to win overall at the NPC Jr. USA’s to earn his Pro Card. Three months later, he won his first pro show and qualified to compete in Olympia 2013. He took second place that year.

That wasn’t enough. He trained with trainer and nutritionist Hany Rambod and worked harder than ever. The next year, and for the three succeeding years, he returned to the Olympia stage and won. No other man has won repeat Olympia men’s physique championships, let alone four in a row. This gives Jeremy the title of the best men’s physique athlete in the world.

Jeremy and his trusted coach, Hany share their winning secrets with Flex magazine.

“My approach to weight training changed significantly when I began working with Hany Rambod on my contest prep in 2014,” Jeremy says.

“Jeremy went from 170 pounds at the 2014 Olympia to 175 pounds in 2015, all while coming in more conditioned. Jeremy’s prep centered on adding size. Because the guys in his division are getting bigger, we targeted a five to seven-pound muscle gain since last year. To keep his waist as small as possible we stay away from exercises that will cause his obliques to grow,” Rambod shares.

When it comes to training, the winning duo has it all figured out. In 2014, Hany became the first coach to have three athletes win first at their Olympia events in the same year. His secret weapon? A specialized training method called FST-7. “Hany introduced FST-7, and it has been something that I’ve grown to trust,” Jeremy says.

Rambod developed Fascia Stretch Training, to boost workout intensity. This training technique involves extending the last workout for a body part to seven sets instead of the usual three or four. “We emphasize optimizing pumps in the gym,” Buendia explains. “The elements include tempo manipulation, rep-range manipulation, and minimizing rest in between sets.” This infuses targeted muscles with a better pump, improving blood flow and circulation. It also stimulates more growth and makes your workout a lot more interesting.

“We incorporated FST Super 7 supersets done with 45 seconds’ rest, which increased intensity fourfold. FST Super 7 is a variation of my standard FST (fascia stretch training), a protocol that calls for the use of medium or heavy weight for seven intense sets and 30 to 45 seconds’ rest between sets.” Rambod explains.

Today, Jeremy graces countless international fitness magazines and has an active social media base. He is currently training for the next Olympia where he is vying for a historic fifth title.

Meanwhile, IFBB Pro Card hopefuls in the Philippines are now preparing for Musclecontest Philippines, their first chance to get an IFBB Pro Card without leaving the country. The historic date is set on Sept. 8 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

source: philstar.com

Nike reacts, and how

I am a sneaker head — I wear sneakers 98 percent of the time, no matter the occasion.

Next to living with my pets, driving cars, my next best thing to do is try out the latest sneakers on the market.

Last Sunday it was off to a fun run at UP Diliman for the launch of a second release of Nike Epic React Flyknit.

Following its Feb. 22 debut, the new Nike Epic React Flyknit colorways, including Pink Matcha, an off-white Alloy (for women) and Horizon (glowing red for women and a dark gray for men), were made available in select Nike stores.

If there is one virtue I truly love about Nike and its sneakers it is that it constantly asks runners (for the Flyknit series) what they look for in a running shoe.

Here’s what the Nike runners asked for: better cushioning, better energy return, lightweight technology and durability.

Time for the test

As I took my first few strides with the Nike Epic React Flyknit I did notice how light and bouncy the sneakers were. A clear sign for me that these shoes were made for running.

I am not a hard-core marathon runner. I am what I like to call a fitness runner — this means I include a five-kilometer outdoor run in my workout schedule at least once a week. On other days, I use the treadmill at the gym for a 20- to 30-minute interval training run-walk-run.

But, today was for a three-kilometer fun run — so I was sure I would get a good feel of just how well my knees would be protected with the Nike Epic React Flyknit.

I mention knees, because when you reach your 50s the knees are the first to buckle if the shoes are not the best for running.
Well, the React’s dynamic is quite straightforward. For starters there is the design, (looks are almost everything when it comes to good kicks, nowadays) so the one-piece Nike Flyknit bootie seems to be precision-engineered for support, flexibility and breathability in the spots where runners need it the most. With all the running technology it is equipped with plus its cool design, the shoe hugs the foot and gives it good support just where it is needed.

More running time

I also love that the Nike React Flyknit, like all Nike sports shoes today, are gender-specific. So, the Nike Epic React Flyknit Women’s Running Shoe allowed me a good run, with no tightness or pinching on my foot — and all these as I hit my stride with the shoe.

I guess this can be attributed to the Nike React foam cushioning, which is responsive, lightweight, durable and soft. 

The Nike Epic React foam is the real deal and made for folks who love to pound the pavement — real runners.

As I joined the warm- up before the run, I noticed how the Flyknit upper fit my foot just right. And, as I did a few foot stretches, my knees and ankles liked that the Flyknit bent the way I wanted it to — not too soft and pliable even when I did a few pivots with my ankles.

My verdict

The Nike Epic React is a lightweight all-around daily training shoe that can take on every workout you can throw at it: from long runs to speed work on the track and treadmill.

With the Nike React Flyknit, Nike has raised the bar by creating a running shoe that feels different, and better.

From an aesthetic standpoint, this shoe is artful, and I think that it will stand as a classic in both design and aesthetic.

But, since I am a fitness junkie, I value functionality, comfort, and durability — even over looks.

source: philstar.com

Jawbone UP24 Fitness Tracker

The Jawbone UP24 Fitness Tracker is a wristband that works with an app on a smartphone to track vital daily stats. The wristband relays data to the app via Bluetooth, which allows to track calories burned, intensity and any type of workout. Users can track what they eat or drink as well as the hours of sleep. Its low-profile form factor lets the user wear it comfortably any time of day or night.





Specs:

• Hypoallergenic TPU rubber
• Splash-resistant
• Compatible with iPhone 4s and newer, iPod touch 5th Gen and newer, iPad 3rd Gen and newer,iPad mini and newer
• Phones equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and running Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) or later
• Lithium-ion polymer batetery
• Up to 7 days battery life
• 80 minutes charging time via USB charging cable
• Bluetooth 4.0 BLE connectivity
• Accelerometer Tri-axis accelerometer
• LED Indicator Two single color LEDs and vibrating motor
• Dimensions (WxH) Inner: 2.5 x 1.6″ (63 x 40 mm)
• Outer: 3.0 x 2.1″ (76 x 54 mm)
• Length: 6.0 – 7.0″ (15.5 to 18.0 cm)
• Weight 0.78 oz (22.0 g)

source: interaksyon.com

Microsoft joins fitness bandwagon

NEW YORK — Microsoft unveiled its first fitness band Thursday, joining a crowded market of connected devices for tracking and analyzing personal health data.

The Microsoft Band, which went on sale Thursday in the US market, was released along with a new Microsoft Health software platform that includes a cloud service for consumers and the industry to store and combine health and fitness data.

“Today, we are taking our first steps with the industry to empower people to achieve more with their fitness and wellness,” Microsoft’s Todd Holmdahl said in a blog post.

The new fitness band has 10 smart sensors to monitor the heart rate around the clock, as well as measure the amount of calories burned, track sleep quality and provided guided workouts.

Holmdahl said “the Microsoft Band will keep you connected at a glance with helpful, smart notifications including incoming calls, emails, texts and social updates as well as access to Cortana,” Microsoft’s personal assistant software.

The device is selling online and in Microsoft stores for $199.

the software platform will also work with devices from rival makers, including UP by Jawbone, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and RunKeeper.

“Soon, Microsoft Health will also allow you, at your choosing, to connect your Microsoft Health data to HealthVault to share with your medical provider,” Holmdahl said.

The platform works with Android and Apple’s iOS in addition to Windows Phone.

Holmdahl said the software includes an “intelligence engine” that will help people determine which exercises burned the most calories during a workout, the recommended recovery time from a workout and the amount of restful and restless sleep.

source: interaksyon.com

Power Mac Center launches Misfit Shine fitness tracker

MANILA, Philippines — Local Apple products distributor Power Mac Center has launched a new fitness tracker product manufactured by California-based Misfit Wearables.

The diminutive Misfit Shine, which retails for P6,850, allows the user to monitor their progress on fitness goals they have set on the Misfit application on their Apple device. The waterproof device can be configured to track physical activities such as walking, running, and swimming. It reportedly also monitors the quality of a user’s sleeping pattern.

Misfit Shine sports a minimalist look and is just about as big as one-peso coin. It is made of aluminum-grade metal and can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, or strapped to a shoe or a piece of clothing.

Misfit Shine was initially introduced to the public through the online crowdfunding website Indiegogo , where it raised over $800,000. Users took to the device due to its unobtrusive simplicity, a departure from the chunky design of other tech-driven wearable activity monitors.

source: interaksyon.com

'The Biggest Loser' coach weighs in with a weight-loss book

NEW YORK (AP) — Jillian Michaels orders two eggs over easy with a smidgeon of oil and two slices of dry toast.

And coffee.

Coffee?! "Two strong cups, 400 milligrams, fights pancreatic cancer," she says, "plus Alzheimer's, Type 2 diabetes and improves cognitive functions."

Not that Michaels is a health-nut goodie-goodie.

"I still drink a little bit of alcohol," she confides. "And I haven't been to the gym in five days!"

No wonder. There's this grueling book tour on top of an always-heavy workload, plus the routine demands of parenting a 3-year-old daughter and an 11-month-old son who, along with her partner, Heidi Rhoades, have come with her on this recent New York visit.




But all is never lost, says Michaels, in the battle to lose weight and be healthy. "Even if you're just standing while you're talking on the phone," she offers, "you can burn up to 300 calories in a day."




That's the sort of forgiving advice found in her latest book, "Slim for Life: My Insider Secrets to Simple, Fast and Lasting Weight Loss" (Harmony Books).

"It's my softest approach to weight loss," says Michaels, a wellness coach to whom the word "soft" is seldom applied.

After all, she is famous as the drill-sergeant trainer on NBC's "The Biggest Loser," a 5-foot-2-inch force of nature who doesn't hesitate to throw her tautly muscled weight around.

But during this recent breakfast she seems different from her "Loser" persona. Clad in jeans, sweat shirt and Ugg boots, her hair pulled under a newsboy's cap, she could pass for half her 39 years. She is animated, high-rev. But no way overbearing.

"I wanted to write a book where you felt like I was sitting right there with you," she says, a vision of reassurance seated across the table, "providing a simple solution for every problem or complaint I've ever heard."

Fitness is too time-consuming, complicated, costly, inconvenient, plus I'm hungry all the time — Michaels has heard every excuse from the audience for her website, weekly podcast and speaking engagements.

"I wanted to integrate the answers and knock down the myths and the fad diets," she says. "For every possible dieting dilemma that you could ever have, I provide umpteen amount of solutions. Pick one!"

In her book, every strategy comes with a point system scored from 1 (a "bonus" tip) to 3 (most effective and important). Totaling the strategies you're able to adopt can help predict your rate of weight loss, she says.

If some of this stuff gets a little technical (she prescribes workouts complete with calories-per-minute burned for each exercise), Michaels also packs the book with simple no-brainers: Eat before you head to the party so you're less tempted by those fatty hors d'oeuvres. Nix foods tagged with "danger words" like smothered, loaded, tender, deep-fried and creamy. At the supermarket, avoid the center aisles (high-trafficked destinations for junk food, she warns) in favor of the store perimeter, where fresh foods are likely to be stocked.

For imbibers who aren't satisfied with the occasional red wine (pretty healthy in moderation), she even offers recipes for low-cal cocktails.

"I'm going to show you exactly what you need to understand, exactly what never to do, and what it looks like in your life," she says. "This is never going to be easy. But it's never gonna be easier than this."

Growing up, physical health wasn't something that came easily to Michaels.

Her dad was overweight, she says, "and one of the ways that we spent time together was through food: 'Let's go get a pizza.'"

Her parents went through what she calls an ugly divorce when she was 12, which only hardened her image of herself as "a fat kid, a loser, someone who deserved to get picked on."

But a few years later she got hooked on martial arts. She had long felt like an outsider in school and most everywhere else, a feeling heightened by the fact that she was gay and hadn't yet accepted it. But here in the dojo she was part of a community. She felt supported. She blossomed.

Then came a real turning point: She broke two boards with a sidekick.

"The next day when I walked into the school, no one ever (messed) with me again," she says, her eyes blazing at the memory.

From there a career unfolded for Michaels as a trainer, physical therapy aide, then sports-medicine professional.

A decade ago, she signed on to "The Biggest Loser." There, instantly, she stood out as a taskmaster, even a bully.

"I always identify with the underdog, and I think that's one reason I feel fine yelling at them," she explains. "I feel like I'm yelling at a peer: Take responsibility, own this situation and bring your best. Let's start exploring your potential."

As "The Biggest Loser" heads toward its season conclusion (Monday at 8 p.m. EDT), Michaels has seen full potential reached by her current charge, Danni. A 26-year-old advertising account coordinator from Wheeling, Ill., Danni has lost 95 pounds under Michaels' dogged coaching and has guaranteed herself a slot as a finalist.

"You found yourself and you just soared," Michaels told her last week in a voice choked with emotion, "and you became everything that I had hoped you would be."

Michaels returned to "The Biggest Loser" this season after a two-year absence. Her reasons for coming back included "a whole new group of producers I really trust and like," she says. "Besides, it's a heckuva platform."

But it's only one of many platforms from which this go-go fitness guru spreads her gospel — a gospel she says isn't really about fitness.

"It's never been about fitness for me," Michaels says. "I don't even really like to work out. But when you're strong physically and you feel confident about your body and your health, you're strong in every other facet of your life. It's transcendent."

source: philstar.com

Harley Pasternak: How to Get a Hollywood Butt

Tush, rump, derriére – no matter what you call it, there's no denying that an incredible backside has launched many Hollywood careers.

So who should be crowned Best Butt?

This debate pops up so often that there are entire websites dedicated to the question.

Some like small perky butts like those found on Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, Jessica Alba, Blake Lively, and Maggie Q.



Others prefer buxom, rounder butts like Rihanna, Sofia Vergara, and Jennifer Lopez.

Or you may favor fuller, more prominent butts like Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé.

Regardless of what your butt looks like, all of these shapes are healthy and fantastic.

My job requires me to help my celebrity clients sculpt, tone, shape, and tighten their tushes (well, improve upon what their parents gave them). Here are a few easy ways to transform your bum.

The Skater Lunge

Have you ever watched figure skating? You'll notice ice skaters have the best butts in the world! The skating motion really targets the glutes. The skater lunge tries to mimic that motion by working your lower body side to side more so than traditional lunges. Standing upright, step back and across your body with your right leg, dropping your right knee almost to the ground just outside of your left foot. Then drive back up and across. Repeat the same with the other leg.

Harley's Kickoff Blog Tip: Walk 10,000 Steps to Get Fit

The Stiff Leg Dead Lift

While keeping your knees locked (with a tiny bend in the knee), stick your butt back as far as you can without rounding your lower back. Roll your weight on your heels and you drive your butt back, then onto your arch as you stand up right. As you feel more comfortable with the movement, try adding some weight (like dumbbells or a HarleyBar).

The Superman

Lay on your stomach keeping your legs and arms straight. Next, gradually lift your limbs a few inches off the floor and hold for two to five seconds. This helps strengthen your lower back and upper butt, which lifts and shapes your seat.

You may be wondering why a lower back exercise named after a superhero will help you get a perfect butt – that's easy. This exercise works the muscles of your lower back and upper butt. By strengthening this region, you will help lift and shape your butt while emphasizing the sexy "sway back" that helps make a good butt look like a GREAT BUTT!

Try doing each of these exercises for three sets of 20 reps a couple times a week, and you'll have a better booty.

Check back every Wednesday for more insider tips on Hollywood's hottest bodies – and learn how to get one yourself! Plus: follow Harley on Twitter at @harleypasternak.

source: people.com