The Fitness Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com No Brain, No Gain Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:41:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 The Fitness Guru is dedicated, first and foremost, to putting fun back into health and fitness. The Fitness Guru avoids the harsh in your face approach that is associated with many fitness trainers, as well as the soft-focused coddling associated with other trainers. There is no preaching at the Fitness Guru; rather, all modalities and theories are explored as possibilities for the members of the community. This constant pursuit of answers will hopefully serve to inspire the community to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their families. The Fitness Guru is growing constantly. Our studio can be found in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn; our writings can be found in many publications; and we can always, ALWAYS be found here. Questions are always answered. We are here to help, to guide and to inspire. You are welcome to join the party. Answers@fitnessgurunyc.com No Brain, No Gain Michael Feigin http://fitnessgurunyc.com/vidUpload/ituneslogo.jpgThe Fitness Guruhttp://fitnessgurunyc.com fitness,health,exercise,weight loss,strength,Brooklyn,experts,gym,yoga,Pilates,funny,New York http://fitnessgurunyc.com/podcasts-videos/ no Michael Feigin michael.fitnessguru@gmail.com Stress and Obesity http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2011/10/stress-and-obesity/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2011/10/stress-and-obesity/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:30:28 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=3267 In a new study authored by two researchers at American University, there is a link drawn between the growing obesity epidemic and increased stress and a sense of powerlessness and insecurity. The authors, Jon D. Wisman and Kevin W. Capehart, point out that on the calorie intake side, economic progress and technological dynamism have increased incomes and lowered the price of food, prompting greater consumption. And on the calorie expenditure side, economic progress and technological dynamism have reduced energy expenditure doing physical labor, while also decreasing the need to expend calories to move about (automobiles, remote controls, etc.).

But, simultaneous with this growth, is the growth of greater societal stress. Many of the economic safety nets developed in the 1960′s have started to erode in the past 30 years, leading to a greater feeling of instability and economic unease.

And all this stress leads us to our foe, cortisol. I have written about this hormone many times. Often, I feel like cortisol is the Professor Moriarty to my Holmes. Cortisol is one of those great Darwinian developments. Thousands of years ago, when we were hunting antelope on the open plains, cortisol was a fantastic gift. In the event we were unable to find food, our bodies would release cortisol, which in turn, would trigger our bodies to hold onto fat. This fantastic chain would help prevent starvation during those times when the antelope proved just a little smarter than the hunters.

Over the centuries, we have outsmarted the antelope: first we developed bows, then guns, then Quickie Marts on every corner where we could buy blueberry muffins and Super Large Slushies 24 hours a day. Success! Hunger slowly becomes a thing of the past. Unfortunately, no one bothered to tell cortisol. So in periods of high stress, our bodies STILL release the hormone, taking those muffins and converting them to fat which the body then fights to hold onto. High stress + high fat/sugar foods= obesity epidemic. And epidemic it is, with 7 out of 10 adults in the United States now overweight or obese.

So whacha gonna do? In the midst of creating that super fitness routine and rigorous eating plan that are going to help you shed the pounds, you must also develop that third part of the magic triangle: some form of stress reduction. Some people find that going for a run helps combat their stress. Others find that sitting and meditating is the best form of stress reduction. It may take some experimentation, but finding that means of stress reduction is going to be key to your successful weight loss.

Here’s a great place to start. Check out the Fitness Guru Relaxation podcast. Yes, it may drive you nuts. You will actually have to sit and breathe and relax. But, hey, it’s a starting point. And from that starting point you can start to experiment with what works for you.

Relax and rock on!!


]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2011/10/stress-and-obesity/feed/ 1 In a new study authored by two researchers at American University, there is a link drawn between the growing obesity epidemic and increased stress and a sense of powerlessness and insecurity. The authors, Jon D. Wisman and Kevin W. Capehart, point out that on the calorie intake side, economic progress and technological dynamism have increased incomes and lowered the price of food, prompting greater consumption. And on the calorie expenditure side, economic progress and technological dynamism have reduced energy expenditure doing physical labor, while also decreasing the need to expend calories to move about (automobiles, remote controls, etc.). But, simultaneous with this growth, is the growth of greater societal stress. Many of the economic safety nets developed in the 1960′s have started to erode in the past 30 years, leading to a greater feeling of instability and economic unease. And all this stress leads us to our foe, cortisol. I have written about this hormone many times. Often, I feel like cortisol is the Professor Moriarty to my Holmes. Cortisol is one of those great Darwinian developments. Thousands of years ago, when we were hunting antelope on the open plains, cortisol was a fantastic gift. In the event we were unable to find food, our bodies would release cortisol, which in turn, would trigger our bodies to hold onto fat. This fantastic chain would help prevent starvation during those times when the antelope proved just a little smarter than the hunters. Over the centuries, we have outsmarted the antelope: first we developed bows, then guns, then Quickie Marts on every corner where we could buy blueberry muffins and Super Large Slushies 24 hours a day. Success! Hunger slowly becomes a thing of the past. Unfortunately, no one bothered to tell cortisol. So in periods of high stress, our bodies STILL release the hormone, taking those muffins and converting them to fat which the body then fights to hold onto. High stress + high fat/sugar foods= obesity epidemic. And epidemic it is, with 7 out of 10 adults in the United States now overweight or obese. So whacha gonna do? In the midst of creating that super fitness routine and rigorous eating plan that are going to help you shed the pounds, you must also develop that third part of the magic triangle: some form of stress reduction. Some people find that going for a run helps combat their stress. Others find that sitting and meditating is the best form of stress reduction. It may take some experimentation, but finding that means of stress reduction is going to be key to your successful weight loss. Here’s a great place to start. Check out the Fitness Guru Relaxation podcast. Yes, it may drive you nuts. You will actually have to sit and breathe and relax. But, hey, it’s a starting point. And from that starting point you can start to experiment with what works for you. Relax and rock on!! // In a new study authored by two researchers at American University, there is a link drawn between the growing obesity epidemic and increased stress and a sense of powerlessness and insecurity. The authors, Jon D. Wisman and Kevin W. Capehart, point [...] Which Machine Burns the Most Fat? http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/12/which-machine-burns-the-most-fat/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/12/which-machine-burns-the-most-fat/#comments Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:07:43 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=3189 If you’re given the choice between lots of different cardio machines, wouldn’t you love to pick the one that will offer the greatest benefit? So which one do you use?

In this new podcast, Michael takes a look at some of the different options and chimes in on what he thinks is the best pick!

Enjoy!!

And to catch up on ALL the Fitness Guru Podcasts on iTunes, click HERE
[podcast]http://fitnessgurunyc.com/vidUpload/equipment.mp3[/podcast]

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/12/which-machine-burns-the-most-fat/feed/ 0 If you’re given the choice between lots of different cardio machines, wouldn’t you love to pick the one that will offer the greatest benefit? So which one do you use? In this new podcast, Michael takes a look at some of the different options and chimes in on what he thinks is the best pick! Enjoy!! And to catch up on ALL the Fitness Guru Podcasts on iTunes, click HERE [podcast]http://fitnessgurunyc.com/vidUpload/equipment.mp3[/podcast] If you’re given the choice between lots of different cardio machines, wouldn’t you love to pick the one that will offer the greatest benefit? So which one do you use? In this new podcast, Michael takes a look at some of the different [...] Injured? Here’s What To Do…… http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/05/injured-heres-what-to-do/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/05/injured-heres-what-to-do/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 23:49:51 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=2797 Yep. Ya went and hurt yourself. And now you’re not quite sure what to do. Do you do see a doctor? Do you buy supplements at the local health food store? Do you sit perfectly still and pray?

There is a method to recovering from injury. It’s easy when you go step-by-step. In today’s podcast we take a look at how to recover quickly and effectively from injuries.

Have a listen and pass it on…….

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/05/injured-heres-what-to-do/feed/ 0 Yep. Ya went and hurt yourself. And now you’re not quite sure what to do. Do you do see a doctor? Do you buy supplements at the local health food store? Do you sit perfectly still and pray? There is a method to recovering from injury. It’s easy when you go step-by-step. In today’s podcast we take a look at how to recover quickly and effectively from injuries. Have a listen and pass it on……. Yep. Ya went and hurt yourself. And now you’re not quite sure what to do. Do you do see a doctor? Do you buy supplements at the local health food store? Do you sit perfectly still and pray? There is a method to recovering from injury. [...] Michael Feigin 10:00 injuries,exercise,fitness,health,medicine,doctor no Budget Fitness http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/05/budget-fitness/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/05/budget-fitness/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 01:52:08 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=2789 Does it seem that, just as you get on the health-and-fitness straight-and-narrow, people pop out of the woodwork wanting to sell you stuff?!? Health and fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry. And, if you’re not careful, you might find you are spending hard earned money needlessly.

In this podcast, we take a look out how to get started in a fitness program without it costing an arm and a leg…..

Have a listen…..and pass it on……..

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/05/budget-fitness/feed/ 0 Does it seem that, just as you get on the health-and-fitness straight-and-narrow, people pop out of the woodwork wanting to sell you stuff?!? Health and fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry. And, if you’re not careful, you might find you are spending hard earned money needlessly. In this podcast, we take a look out how to get started in a fitness program without it costing an arm and a leg….. Have a listen…..and pass it on…….. Does it seem that, just as you get on the health-and-fitness straight-and-narrow, people pop out of the woodwork wanting to sell you stuff?!? Health and fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry. And, if you’re not careful, you might find [...] Michael Feigin 9:40 budget,fitness,exercise,money,health no Weight Loss and Plateaus http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/04/weight-loss-and-plateaus/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/04/weight-loss-and-plateaus/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:04:41 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=2776 If you have ever tried to start a weight loss program, you have probably found that after some initial success, you hit the dreaded “Plateau”– that period of time when the scale just won’t budge.

The Plateau is very common but that doesn’t mean that it is any less irritating. It’s like some sort of great cosmic prank……that somewhere, someone is giggling at your expense.

Well, if you want some answers to stop all the giggling, check out this brand new Podcast. And remember, if you have any questions, ideas, frustrations, or just good ol’ observations, shoot me an email at michael@fitnessgurunyc.com.

Rock on!

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/04/weight-loss-and-plateaus/feed/ 0 If you have ever tried to start a weight loss program, you have probably found that after some initial success, you hit the dreaded “Plateau”– that period of time when the scale just won’t budge. The Plateau is very common but that doesn’t mean that it is any less irritating. It’s like some sort of great cosmic prank……that somewhere, someone is giggling at your expense. Well, if you want some answers to stop all the giggling, check out this brand new Podcast. And remember, if you have any questions, ideas, frustrations, or just good ol’ observations, shoot me an email at michael@fitnessgurunyc.com. Rock on! If you have ever tried to start a weight loss program, you have probably found that after some initial success, you hit the dreaded “Plateau”– that period of time when the scale just won’t budge. The Plateau is very common [...] Michael Feigin 7:40 weight loss,plateau,exercise,fitness,health no Muscle Soreness http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/04/muscle-soreness/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/04/muscle-soreness/#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:39:36 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=2692 Hey gang!

New, quick podcast on muscle soreness and exercise…….a couple o’ tips, a word to the wise……give a listen…..

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/04/muscle-soreness/feed/ 0 Hey gang! New, quick podcast on muscle soreness and exercise…….a couple o’ tips, a word to the wise……give a listen….. Hey gang! New, quick podcast on muscle soreness and exercise…….a couple o’ tips, a word to the wise……give a listen….. Michael Feigin 6:40 fitness,health,muscle,weight,training,injury no Calorie Intake and Calorie Deficit http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/02/calorie-intake-and-calorie-deficit/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/02/calorie-intake-and-calorie-deficit/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:53:20 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=2479 How many calories should you consume in one day in order to lose weight? The Fitness Guru tackles this question in his latest podcast.

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2010/02/calorie-intake-and-calorie-deficit/feed/ 0 How many calories should you consume in one day in order to lose weight? The Fitness Guru tackles this question in his latest podcast. How many calories should you consume in one day in order to lose weight? The Fitness Guru tackles this question in his latest podcast. Michael Feigin 9:00 fitness,health,weight loss,exercise,nutrition no Back Pain http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/12/back-pain/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/12/back-pain/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:10:45 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=2173 9596ea60ba4dc9d3cfd5111e710abd64Here’s a great interview with Dr. Stuart McGill, expert on all things spinal. It’s interesting because Men’s Health magazine recently started promoting abdominal exercises that try to focus on a neutral spine (“try” because their focus is slightly off). But they have taken up the task because of Dr. McGill’s work.

Hey, better late to the party than never, right?

Check it out and pass it along to your friends!

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/12/back-pain/feed/ 0 Here’s a great interview with Dr. Stuart McGill, expert on all things spinal. It’s interesting because Men’s Health magazine recently started promoting abdominal exercises that try to focus on a neutral spine (“try” because their focus is slightly off). But they have taken up the task because of Dr. McGill’s work. Hey, better late to the party than never, right? Check it out and pass it along to your friends! Here’s a great interview with Dr. Stuart McGill, expert on all things spinal. It’s interesting because Men’s Health magazine recently started promoting abdominal exercises that try to focus on a neutral spine (“try” [...] Twinkie Deconstructed http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/03/twinkie-deconstructed/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/03/twinkie-deconstructed/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:37:02 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=865 twinkie-final-cover

Twinkie–friend or foe? The Fitness Guru speaks with Steve Ettlinger, author of Twinkie Deconstructed, about the history, development and fascination with America’s cult snack cake.

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/03/twinkie-deconstructed/feed/ 2 Twinkie–friend or foe? The Fitness Guru speaks with Steve Ettlinger, author of Twinkie Deconstructed, about the history, development and fascination with America’s cult snack cake. Twinkie–friend or foe? The Fitness Guru speaks with Steve Ettlinger, author of Twinkie Deconstructed, about the history, development and fascination with America’s cult snack cake. Michael Feigin 10:00 Twinkie,health,nutrition,food,weight no Hit or Myth http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/03/hit-or-myth/ http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/03/hit-or-myth/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:08:29 +0000 Guru http://fitnessgurunyc.com/?p=811 old-fat-jiggling-machine1

Check out this podcast debunking (fun word) some fitness myths.

]]> http://fitnessgurunyc.com/2009/03/hit-or-myth/feed/ 0 Check out this podcast debunking (fun word) some fitness myths. Check out this podcast debunking (fun word) some fitness myths.