LET'S GET READY FOR SUMMER!

So here we are about to stare down another bathing suit season. Can you believe it? I know we are all sick to death of cold weather for sure. I mean it has been a long, cold winter. The countless gray days are taking a toll on us all. However, along with the season change comes the harsh realization that we will soon be showing some skin that hasn't seen the light of day in 5 or 6 months. And some of that skin is being stretched across a bit more fat than we were sporting last summer. Am I right?

I admit that even I have about 9 or 10 pounds extra to get rid of. A knee injury and consequent surgery and a year later and that's what happens even to the best of us. However, I realize that sounds suspiciously like an excuse and so I digress. The bottom line is I got some work to do.

WHAT IS A REALISTIC GOAL?
I hate the show THE BIGGEST LOSER! I do! It makes people think that they need to lose double digit pounds weekly or they suck! Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, you should be happy with 1-2 pounds of weight loss a week. If you lose it any faster than that you will probably gain it back and then some. Take a look at most of the people who lost a lot of weight on that show today and I bet most of them have gained it back. Sad but true.

HOW DO YOU LOSE WEIGHT SAFELY?
Well, if you read these newsletters and my articles, I think you know the answer to that! You have to do your cardiovascular exercise, you must strength train and finally you have to get a proper NUTRITION plan under way! There is just no way around this people! These are the three things you have to do in order to lose weight and keep it off.

No shortcuts! No magic pill! No easy fixes! Just get your butt moving and set realistic goals of a couple of pounds a week and be HAPPY with that!

If you want some help with implementing your fitness plan, please contact me. Just mention The Straightforward Fitness Flash discount and I will give you 10% off the price of any package of personal training! It could be the very thing you need to finally achieve your fitness goals!

BASIC WEIGHT LOSS TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED

• Make sure to strength train 2-3 times a week on nonconsecutive days.
• Do cardio most days of the week.
• Eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily. Make these a good balance of healthy carbs, lean protein, and healthy fat.

Of course, there is a little more to it than that. Be sure and click the links above for a more in-depth discussion and please don't hesitate to give me a shout for some hands on help.

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EXERCISE OF THE MONTH
This is the part of the newsletter where I picture an exercise and give explicit instructions on its proper execution.

You know you want 'em...nice guns. Everybody does, so here's one of my favorite exercises for some real gun power, baby! Not to mention, they look great in any summer attire, including your swim suit!

Lying Cable Biceps Curls
Primary Muscle Group Worked: Biceps. This is truly one of the best ways to isolate those bi's like you've never been able to before.

To see a video of this exercise go to: Lying Biceps Cable Curl Video

Preparation: Lie flat (supine) at the lower cable on the floor with knees slightly bent, keeping upper arms barely against the floor throughout the move. Grasp bar with underhand grip at hip width.

Execution: Exhale as you curl bar as far as you can without moving upper arms from the floor and return to start position. Repeat for desired amount of reps.

HEREIN LIES THE CHALLENGE: Always, always, always go slow and controlled! Just when you think you cannot do another...do two more...in perfect form! The beauty here is that your back is supported by the floor, allowing complete and safe isolation of the biceps. Good luck and have fun growing those guns!

TIPS:
1) Keep wrists straight throughout.
2) Keep upper arms barely in contact with floor throughout the exercise.
3) Keep a slight bend in the knees.

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THE PONDER POND
Okay, peeps! This is the inspirational part of the newsletter known as the "Ponder Pond" where you're welcome to take a swim in the sweet waters of inspiration.

This month's video just goes to show you that sometimes rejection or being told "No" isn't really failure after all. The only true failure is in never trying. Most of us think we know exactly what we want and we knock ourselves out and we pray and pray for it, and when it doesn't happen we feel sad and don't understand why. I just read a very thought provoking quote today by the famous poet and sage, Rumi. "Some things that don't happen keep disasters from happening." Remember that next time something doesn't go quite like you hoped. Keep dreaming and keep trying and never, ever give up!

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Well, that's about it for this time! I hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter and until the next issue, may the wind be at your back and improved health and vitality your new reality!

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please feel free to pay it forward to anyone you think would like it too. That is the best compliment you could ever pay me, and I appreciate it very, very much.

And don't forget to tell everybody about Straightforwardfitness.com where they can get all the free fitness info their heart desires and sign up for this newsletter while they are there.

From my heart to your health,

Linda Burke, CPT