“Everything: Fitness” on Pinterest

March 11, 2012

I admit that I’m intrigued by Pinterest.  I am a frequent visitor.  That being said, when I look at “Everything Fitness”, I tend to get disappointed very easily and bored very quickly.  Looking at these images confirms my theory why a lot of women & girls have eating disorders and body image issues.  And, it confirms why people fail at weight loss and fitness programs. . . For most people, their perception of “ideal” isn’t realistic or even attainable.  I’d guess that most of the photos of the “ideal” on Pinterest is of a woman with around 15% body fat.  How many women can honestly drop their body fat percentage to below 20%?  How many can get to 15%?  Is that realistic?  Is it healthy?  Not really.

Today, for example, when I clicked on it, I see a lot of the same stuff – every day:

* Women/girls want to be stick thin.

* Women like yoga, pilates, Zumba & running.

* Women still think lifting heavy weights will make you huge and build man-muscles.

* Women are obsessed with the unachievable, for the most part.

Of the first 230+ pins, I counted:

> 35 pins about running.

> 110 pins with “diet”, “weight loss”, “skinny”,  or some sort of diet or weight loss tip.

> 58 pins about a workout for various body parts – butts, tush, thigh, back, arms, abs, etc.

> 96 pins had a photo of a 1/2-naked woman exercising with a “perfect” body.

> Only 4 pins had a photo of a woman lifting heavy weights.

So, as I hit the gym this morning with my clients for Suffer on Sunday, I’ll continue to preach the gospel of lifting heavy, hard work, fitness, and clean eating.  At the same time, I WON’T allow them to bash themselves.  I will provide a positive environment for women that focuses on getting fit & strong – rather than promote being “skinny”, “thin”, or some other term that contradicts what I’m trying to do!

Here are a few pics of my buddies getting strong!  Have a nice day!

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What’s Up @ BAM? March 2012

March 8, 2012

What have we been doing at BAM Fitness Coaching lately?

RNT Step Up w/ BandCathy doing an RNT Step-up. . . RNT stands for reactive neuromuscular training.  Basically, she is doing a step-up with a band at her waist (pulling her backwards).  The band forces her to keep her core and glutes engaged to step up against the band.   We also often use bands for beginner squats.

Bar Single Leg RDLStacey is working on her hamstring strength by doing a single leg RDL with a bar.   We also do these without weight – with a reach, with kettlebells, and in the plate circuit.

Push-ups!  We work on push-ups a lot!  Whether you are just beginning, or are very fit, there is a type of push-up for you.  If you are a beginner, you can do an elevated or incline push-up – even wall push-ups.  As you progress, you can move to the floor or work on eccentric (negative) push-ups.  In the photo above, Holly is working on eccentric push-ups.  She starts in the “up” position, then slowly lowers her body down to the floor as slow as possible with her chest touching first.  The blue pads provide her extra padding as she recently had carpal tunnel surgery.

Med Ball Throws!  We use the medicine balls for conditioning and during our warm-ups.  Here is Heather doing side throws.   She pivots her back foot and follows through on her throw.

Want to stop by sometime and see what we do?  At BAM Fitness Coaching, you are welcome to try it before you buy.  Everyone gets one free visit, along with an evaluation, to make sure you like what we are doing.  If you are interested and would like to learn more about our women-only, small-group personal training, please give me a call – Barb Macy, 541-740-0448.


Chocolate Banana Pancakes

March 4, 2012

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Here is a variation of my wheat-free pancakes that I posted a few months ago.  Originally, I go the idea from reading a Mark’s Daily Apple blog post, but since then, I’ve changed them up a bit.  Today’s recipe is great if you are craving chocolate.

1 banana

2 Tbsp. creamy almond butter

1 egg

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

2 tsp. cocoa powder

In a mixing bowl, mash a very ripe banana.  (The riper the banana, the sweeter the pancakes.)  Mix in the almond butter until smooth.  Next, add the egg, then protein powder and cocoa.  Mix well.

Pour into a medium-hot skillet.  You can use a non-stick skillet without any added fat, or add some fat. . . I use coconut oil (refined) or pasture butter.  The added fat makes them taste better, in my opinion.  Do not wait until the pancakes bubble, if you do, they’ll be burnt!  Once you can slip your spatula under the pancake, flip.

This recipe makes 6-7 pancakes, enough for a large meal for one person or a snack for 2.  Estimates for the entire recipe:  Cal 513; Carb 39; Fat 25; Protein 39.  (You can also add some nuts if you want a little crunch or variety.)

Tip:  A great way to store almond butter is upside-down in your fridge.  Storing the almond butter upside down, helps keep the oil mixed.  Less need to stir!


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