Time-Efficient Fitness Insights
Insights and stories about how to reshape your health and body without spending hours in the gym or obsessing over health habits.
Recent Posts
The Advantages of Machines
the advantages of machines The strength training machines you see in The Perfect Workout studios are descendants of machines that were created by Nautilus, Inc. in the 1970’s. Arthur Jones not only originated the fundamental principles behind brief and intense strength training, he also invented the original set of Nautilus machines. Within a few years, machines from Nautilus and sprouting rival companies were in many public gyms as well as college and professional sports training facilities. This led to one of the most famous on-going debates in the fitness industry: free weights or machines. In other words, is it more effective to use strength training machines or free weights, such as dumbbells and barbells? If you are reading this, you are probably aware that our studios are primarily filled with strength training machines. There are reasons for that. Book an Intro Workout While both options provide results when the user
Kelly and Richard Got Toned and Strong!
kelly and richard got toned and strong! Strength training helped Kelly get toned, and Richard estimates that he got 50% stronger, improved his posture, and lost about 75% of the aches and pains that he had in his back and shoulders. Kelly Alessandro doesn’t know how much time she has left. Not at The Perfect Workout, but in life. Two years ago she was diagnosed with sarcoma, a very rare form of cancer, and doctors initially didn’t give her a very good chance of survival. She’s gone through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. Through it all, she has stayed mentally and physically strong. Kelly attributes making it this far in part to the fact that she’s in such good shape, thanks to The Perfect Workout. “I was able to recover so much better from all those surgeries because I had a strong core, because I was so strong,” she says.
Your Muscles – The Only “Window” Into Your Body
your muscles – the only “window” into your body I first came across the idea that “muscle is the ‘window’ into your body” in Ken Hutchins’ SuperSlow Technical Manual. He attributes the quote to a former employee of Nautilus, Ed Farnham. It’s a brilliant metaphor. The idea is that essentially all physical improvements that can be stimulated by exercise are fundamentally caused by loading your muscles. Making your muscles work is the way you “get at” and stimulate not just your muscles, but the rest of your body’s systems too. Your muscles are a pathway to improving your cardiovascular system, lungs, endocrine system, immune system, general metabolism, and more. For example, suppose somebody is climbing stairs for the purpose of exercise. This person’s body will temporarily burn more calories during the stair climbing session. It’ll also make her heart beat faster, and by doing so potentially place positive stress on
Bill’s Love Handles Are Gone!
bill’s love handles are gone! Bill travels a lot as a defense contractor, so a time efficient workout is important to him. He explains the value of The Perfect Workout, “There’s no messing around. You’re in and out. This is very intense, and not for the person who’s not dedicated. You have to want it.” Calling Bill Younis a fan of The Perfect Workout would be an understatement. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think he was a paid staff member whose sole purpose was to sing the praises of slow-motion strength training. He’s not, of course. He simply can’t think of any better way to get great results in such little time. “This is the best thing that ever happened to me, workout-wise,” he says. You have to understand a few things about Bill. He doesn’t have a lot of time, he’s extremely disciplined, and he already belonged
Missing Workouts – What Happens?
missing workouts – what happens? If you train at The Perfect Workout and are like other human beings, you miss a session or two on occasion. You may be on a hot streak of attendance as you read this, but there are times of the year when life takes us away from the gym and into other places. Does summer ring a bell? How about the holidays? Even as president of The Perfect Workout, I too miss a workout here and there (in addition to my more-than-full-time job, I’m fortunate to have two young kids, a wife, and occasionally even enjoy a vacation). How significant are these occasional lapses? If you miss a few weeks, should you just quit because the gains you made may have eroded? Thankfully, there is some evidence to shed light on this issue. Researchers from the University of Maryland found that even a hiatus for
Knee Replacement “Prehabilitation”
Let me tell you about Lilly. Lilly is 81 years old and holds a position on the board of a large hospital. She routinely works 10-hour days, five days per week, which includes giving lectures and running board meetings. Due to all of her work, Lilly is on her feet for hours per day. This is not only impressive when considering Lilly’s age, but also because she had a total knee replacement (TKR) six months ago. Despite the close proximity to her surgery, Lilly has no knee pain, caregiver, or gait issues. How? Lilly attributes her quick recovery to the strength she built during three months of “prehabilitation,” where she strength trained twice per week prior to her surgery. Lilly is not a fluke. A 2009 study at the University of Louisville demonstrated that strength training prior to a TKR led to greater improvements in strength of the operated
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Reshape Your Health & Body In 20 Minutes, Twice A Week
Private Personal Training with The Perfect Workout® Method is guaranteed to get you results in just Two, 20 Minute Workouts per week.