Sunday, February 21, 2010

Haddonfield Personal Trainer Jim Bompensa Explains Importance of Choosing The Correct Carbohydrates.

Haddonfield Personal Trainer Jim Bompensa Explains Importance of Choosing The Correct Carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are an important part of any healthy diet. They serve as the body’s main energy source. When they are broken down by the body, they provide the power necessary for all bodily functions. It is important to eat enough carbohydrates to fuel your body’s energy needs, yet not so much that your body will begin storing them as fat. When your body stores carbohydrates as fat, weight gain will undoubtedly follow. It is also important to understand how carbohydrates affect the body and what carbohydrate sources are better choices.
Refined carbohydrates are those carbohydrates that have been stripped of their nutrients and their natural ability to regulate energy release into the body. This type of carbohydrate can be dangerous because it can cause drastic fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels. Drastic fluctuations in blood chemistry have been linked to obesity and diabetes.
Whole grain carbohydrates should be included in every healthy eating plan. They have not been stripped of their nutrients and retain their natural ability to regulate energy release. They can be thought of as a time released energy source. Because they are consumed in a form which is closer to their natural state, they provide sustained energy and are not readily stored as fat.
In order to be able to make healthier carbohydrate choices, it is important to know what carbohydrate sources are refined and which sources are whole grain.
Refined carbohydrate sources are those that contain high amounts of sugar or white flour. They include white rice, white bread, candy, soda, and even many juices.
Whole grain carbohydrate sources are those that contain unprocessed grains. They include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole wheat bread products.
Making proper choices when it comes to selecting your carbohydrate sources is an important step in "Reaching your Physical Potential!"

Monday, February 8, 2010

Haddonfield Personal Trainer Jim Bompensa Explains How The Support of Loved Ones Increases Success Rate in Fitness Journey!

Haddonfield Personal Trainer Jim Bompensa Explains How The Support of Loved Ones Increases Success Rate in Fitness Journey!

With Valentines Day upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss how your loved ones affect your fitness journey. The commitment to get fit and lose weight is a life changing endeavor. It will certainly be one of the most gratifying experiences of your life. It has brought happiness to so many people and I am certain it will bring happiness to you also. There are times when the resolve to stay fit is tested. You may need to lean on the shoulders of your loved ones or they may need to lean on yours.
When you begin your fitness journey, let your family and friends know how important it is to you. Let them know that you need their assistance in keeping on track. Let them know that they may be called upon for support. In the long run it will be better for all of you. When you feel better about yourself, your relationships most likely will be stronger.
One way to engage the support of your loved ones is to include them on your fitness journey. Invite them to join in when possible. Always be welcoming, but never pushy. You may be surprised how receptive they will be. Try the tips I have included below to involve your loved ones in your fitness routine.

1) Offer to go for a walk.
2) Find a local fitness center that offers couple or group memberships.
3) Find an activity that you can enjoy together such as skiing, bike riding, or hiking.
4) Explore healthy new recipes or restaurants together.
5) Try partner exercises such as tossing a medicine ball.
6) Find a group fitness class that you each will enjoy. Some classes that are very popular include indoor cycling, cardio kickboxing, or body toning.
7) Consider purchasing some in home exercise equipment that will benefit the both of you. You may wish to purchase two exercise machines so that you may exercise at the same time.

Exercising with someone who is important to you is a great motivator. Each participant knows that their involvement is helping someone they care about stay or become healthy. Exercising together is the best way to help your friends or loved ones retain a higher quality of life for a longer period of time. What could be more motivating?