Fitness PR Division

Numbered are the weekends of barbeques and pool parties with summer quickly coming to an end. Even though hot dogs and hamburgers will be put to bed until next summer, partying certainly doesn’t end with the warm weather. It’s called football season—and people gather to watch the games on their HD Plasmas nearly every weekend. Our football favorites have been hard at work on the off-season to make sure you get your Direct TV NFL Ticket’s worth.

I had the opportunity to sit down with James Ihedigbo, safety of the New York Jets, to talk about just what kind of work he's been doing to get ready for this season and what we as non-athletes can take from his regiment to be more physically fit. Obviously none of us are aspiring to have biceps the size of Ihedigo, but we can learn a thing or two from someone whose job it is to exercise and play a sport demanding the greatest in agility and strength. And if you are after the physique of an NFL player, good luck. His mammoth muscles are from some extremely hard work.

The super talented football player comes out of UMass and is in his second year playing in the NFL. James lives by the motto, "To whom much is given, much is expected.” He has never let natural talent stop him from working as hard as humanly possible. He was injured in training camp last summer and was out the remainder of the season so this year is big. That's where the hard work comes into play. Check out James in action in a typical off-season work out:

Now, I'm sure you won't be running to the nearest open field with a 75lb medicine ball and hoisting it over your head, backwards I might add, as James so effortlessly displayed above. So here are some tips from pro-athlete to Joe and Jane Average:

Numbered are the weekends of barbeques and pool parties with summer quickly coming to an end. Even though hot dogs and hamburgers will be put to bed until next summer, partying certainly doesn’t end with the warm weather. It’s called football season—and people gather to watch the games on their HD Plasmas nearly every weekend. Our football favorites have been hard at work on the off-season to make sure you get your Direct TV NFL Ticket’s worth.

I had the opportunity to sit down with James Ihedigbo, safety of the New York Jets, to talk about just what kind of work he's been doing to get ready for this season and what we as non-athletes can take from his regiment to be more physically fit. Obviously none of us are aspiring to have biceps the size of Ihedigo, but we can learn a thing or two from someone whose job it is to exercise and play a sport demanding the greatest in agility and strength. And if you are after the physique of an NFL player, good luck. His mammoth muscles are from some extremely hard work.

The super talented football player comes out of UMass and is in his second year playing in the NFL. James lives by the motto, "To whom much is given, much is expected.” He has never let natural talent stop him from working as hard as humanly possible. He was injured in training camp last summer and was out the remainder of the season so this year is big. That's where the hard work comes into play. Check out James in action in a typical off-season work out:

Now, I'm sure you won't be running to the nearest open field with a 75lb medicine ball and hoisting it over your head, backwards I might add, as James so effortlessly displayed above. So here are some tips from pro-athlete to Joe and Jane Average:

The words 'wedding day' are almost translated as 'lose weight' to many women taking the plunge. Many brides-to-be seek out wedding prep specific workout plans to lose weight and tone up for the infinite amount of pictures that will be taken on that special day.

Toned arms are obviously key to pulling off the insanely popular strapless gown and overall weight-loss is a main goal many brides hope to achieve.  Tailored programs and diets multiply each day to satisfy this growing need and can be found online, on TV or in person at your gym.

Besides the desire to make sure your photos feature the slimmest possible version of oneself, brides are also turning to fitness as a way to de-stress.  Working out can help alleviate the craziness that planning a wedding can create in the typical bride's life.  If a future bride takes up kickboxing, maybe it's her mother-in-law's face she envisions as the target?

Why can't we apply this same motivation to physical fitness in general?

Sue Fleming, the author of the book-turned-T.V. series 'Buff Brides', wants to change the quick fix nature of most diets/fitness programs.  Her approach includes starting early and setting specific and realistic goals.  She also hopes that by giving advice to women getting ready for their big day, she can also show them the advantages to a healthy lifestyle post-wedding. 

Many of us, present party included, are guilty of losing weight only in preparation for a specific event.  Be it vacation, a reunion, the summer season...it is always easier to stick to a fitness regime with that tangible goal looming over us.

How many of us often resume bad health habits after an event we lost weight for?

photo credit: buffbrides.com

As previously advised, it is supremely important to exercise amidst the economic downturn. That means we should all be taking our stress-relieving workouts to a whole new level.  What better way to pump yourself up than to pump up the volume on a brand new masterfully composed workout playlist.

Where do you find such a thing, you ask? Well, luckily I happen to be a self-proclaimed playlist expert especially when it comes to the association of music with movement.  This skill is a product of many years of dancing semi-professionally.  So get your LEGAL music downloading software ready...(DISCLAIMER: the only material I have consulted in compiling this list was my own iPod)

Cardio: The common thread of these workout songs is the pulsing back beat that encourages an even stride while making it fun.

1. "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Tiesto Remix)", Justin Timberlake on LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Remixes) EP
2. "When I Grow Up", The Pussycat Dolls on Doll Domination
3. "Let Me Think About It (Radio Edit)", Ida Corr & Fedde Le Grande on One
4. "Don't Stop the Music", Rihanna on Good Girl Gone Bad.

Abs: A bit slower on the tempo but still an even bass beat to keep you on target with each crunch.

1. "You Ain't Right", Janet Jackson on All for You.
2. "Black Sweat", Prince on Black Sweat/Beautiful, Loved & Blessed Single
3. "The Way I Are (feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E)", Timbland on Shock Value
4. "Boyz", M.I.A. on Kala

Weight Training: I happen to think hip-hop (inspirational in nature) makes for perfect weight training music.  The lyrics in the songs below are quite literal but you might need Nelly telling you "no one can stop me now" in his Rocky-like anthem below when you are down to those last three reps.

1. "Lose Yourself" Eminem on 8 Mile Soundtrack
2. "Heart of a Champion", Nelly on Sweat
3. "Let It Rock", Kevin Rudolf & Lil' Wayne on Let it Rock Single (also a great abs song)
4. "Get Crunked Up" Iconz on Booty Classics Throwbacks

Yogalates: If ever I can't make it to Bikram, I try to do some positions at home.  Not without the appropriate ambient music of course.  I like my independent yoga/pilates sessions to be motivated with at least a little beat.

1. "The Gentle Dissolve", Thievery Corporation on The Cosmic Game
2. "Breathe", Telepopmusik on Genetic World
3. "Porcelain", Moby on Play
4. "Move for Me (Radio Edit)", Kaskade on Move for Me

 I'd love to hear your favorites, I am always looking for new workout music!

I've been away from the gym for almost two weeks now. In workout terms, that is a lifetime or a critical bounce back to the gym bandwagon period. What I decided to do was walk over to the nearest Modell's Sporting Goods store and see if I could pick up a set of dumbbell or barbell weights.

My girlfriend's running weights weren't going to be enough to keep my muscles in shape. Weight training has so many benefits, I barely know where to begin. Staying in and doing the exercises also saves time and gas. With most core workouts, you can improve your balance thus protecting yourself from unnecessary injuries. Weights can also work to strengthen your bones retarding bone loss and increasing bone density, increasing lean muscle tissue and metabolism will in turn burn more calories and fat. One of the long-term benefits include combating osteoporosis. A veteran to a few minor gym injuries, I have to remind you to use proper lifting techniques and equipment. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Changing up your workout routine can certainly be stressful. There are so many options and just not enough time! That’s why softball is a great alternative to your same-old regime. The exercises will work your entire body and strengthen your core. Even better, the windmill pitch will tone your biceps, while placing little stress on your arms! Also, gathering your friends for this group activity is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and spend time together while also working out. Group fitness is just one of the consumer trends we'll be seeing this summer.

Anything that makes us bigger, stronger and leaner must be worth checking out. Gaspari Nutrition’s approach to body-building nutrition supplements is part of the reason so many people prefer it. The brand, built by body builder Rich Gaspari (nicknamed the “Dragonslayer”), developed nine years ago. His well-known reputation as winner of Mr. America, Mr. Universe and 1st Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic Champion helped the Gaspari brand to practically market itself.

There’s only one strength enhancer that’s Harvard tested and Harvard approved. And if we’re going on SAT scores, Force Factor must have scored a perfect 2400 to have been good enough for the Harvard Crew Team. They used Force Factor in 2004 to help the championship team to increase their endurance and strength when they couldn’t find a product to do the job.

Force Factor is a more natural way to bulk up. It’s made of amino acids that help move more oxygen into your muscles, which in turn creates extreme muscle growth and strength gains. Or more simply, Force Factor will pump you up. Force Factor doesn’t contain caffeine like most other strength enhancers. In addition, it boasts nitric oxide boosting arginines, a natural dietary substance which have been known to aid healing woulds, remove waste products from the body and potentially has heart benefits.

If you are serious about body building, then IDS (Innovative Delivery Systems) is for you. Designed with you in mind, IDS offers a line of fat burning, weight loss and protein delivery supplements for men and women body builders. Their products do not contain any ephedra or ephedrine and are formulated with whey protein instead.

The IDS products come in three different options: New Whey Liquid Protein, Multi Pro Whey, and Oatmeal & Whey. The New Whey liquid protein comes in a convenient package and ideal for people looking for protein supplement on the go! New Whey delivers 25 grams of pure protein with no carbs or fat in their 2.9 ounce package (retail at $37.99). There is no need of messy mixing with this product. Plus, the New Whey liquid protein comes in these flavors: Acai Berry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Orange, and Blueberry raspberry.

In the fitness industry, Keiser represents the power in human performance. Keiser has been the equipment of choice for many fitness clubs and organizations. Known for their strength training equipment, Keiser prides itself for making their equipments easy to use, safe, and effective for anyone looking to lose weight, increase strength, endurance and mobility, regardless of their age or physical capabilities.

Keiser's fitness equipment are completely versatile with the ability to accommodate a wide range of users from the orthopedic to the professional athlete. In addition, Keiser gym equipment is also the safest on the market, using consistent pneumatic resistance which was patented 30 years ago by founder, Dennis Keiser. From the specialized single station machines (Air250, Air300, Air350), the strength training POWER Racks, the Infinity Series through cardio and stretch machines, there is a wide variety of equipments to choose from to suit your needs.

Meet Cellucor, the “Most remarkable sports nutrition in the world”. Cellucor was voted the Best New Brand by Bodybuilding.com. The brand is extremely customer-driven, relying primarily on word of mouth to lead their product campaigns. This marketing agenda combined with the science that drives product research has resulted in highly effective formulas.

Cellucor has vowed their attentiveness to quality over quantity, and as a result the brand has grown through the praise of their supplements. Simply put, people talk about Cellucor products because they work. With such a solid foundation, it’s no wonder why Cellucor’s Thermal Shock is one of the leading weight-loss supplements on the market.

D4 Thermal Shock is a weight-loss breakthrough and the supplemental sequel to D4 Extreme.

Fitness is a lifestyle. At least that’s the philosophy of Synergy Fitness, a chain of health clubs hailed by Club Industry magazine as one of the top health club organizations in North America. It takes a healthy mind and body to achieve the ultimate results, and Synergy Fitness is committed to bringing change to those who want to work for it.

While Synergy’s basic structure was formed about 15 years ago, all coaches are required to attend continuing education classes on a regular basis, to keep up with the latest fitness trends and techniques. Whether you’re looking for a cardio kick, a relaxing yoga session, or a powerful self-defense class, you’ll find your niche in one of Synergy’s first-rate classes and programs.

No matter what your goals are, Synergy has a lifestyle coach who is specially trained to meet your needs. Coaches view fitness as a science and are fully prepared to help members with body conditioning, muscle tone, and weight loss using Synergy’s 10 steps to fitness.

Thanks to Mason Goldberg and Timothy Cruz, the Lower East Side now has a dynamic, full service fitness center that offers outstanding rates, service, and equipment. Ludlow Fitness is a friendly, neighborhood gym that residents can’t seem to get enough of.

After 8 years in the fashion world and 6 years running a fitness club, owner Mason Goldberg has not only a keen business sense, but a positive attitude that has helped build Ludlow’s membership. Manager Timothy Cruz also aided in the success of Ludlow, balancing staff, schedules, and ensuring members are comfortable and satisfied. The power of this dual work ethic is obvious – Ludlow has been raved about by members, bloggers, and fitness writers alike.

Thanks to Mason Goldberg and Timothy Cruz, the Lower East Side now has a dynamic, full service fitness center that offers outstanding rates, service, and equipment. Ludlow Fitness is a friendly, neighborhood gym that residents can’t seem to get enough of.

After 8 years in the fashion world and 6 years running a fitness club, owner Mason Goldberg has not only a keen business sense, but a positive attitude that has helped build Ludlow’s membership. Manager Timothy Cruz also aided in the success of Ludlow, balancing staff, schedules, and ensuring members are comfortable and satisfied. The power of this dual work ethic is obvious – Ludlow has been raved about by members, bloggers, and fitness writers alike.

I have long had a (pretend) love affair with Matthew McConaughey. Well, who hasn't really? Almost all of his movies are hits (I can't wait to see The Lincoln Lawyer, can you?) and as he ages, he seemingly gets better looking. Being on set and squeezing in family time means coming up with unique ways to fit in fitness into your daily routine. McConaughey likes to golf, do yoga, go surfing, running, cycling...he's not your typical gym guy. So it makes sense that in April's issue of Men's Fitness, McConaughey explains that he lifts rocks to stay fit. Yes, rocks...as in the kind found in your backyard.

As McConaughey explains it, you can lift the rocks over your head, rest them on your shoulders, shift weight--all which tone your muscles. You learn your body's weakenesses, as well as its strengths.

So many times when we think of fitness, we automatically envision tredging to the gym. But as McConaunhey shows us, fitness doesn't have to be anything extravagant (didn't Richard Simmons show us we could use soap cans as weights?) and certainly doesn't have to cost us a dime. Mother Nature provides us with all we need anyway, so is it really a stretch that it now includes rocks in our workout as well?

Are you tired and bored of repeatedly using the same machines at the gym? Bowflex has come out with the ultimate fitness machine that combines a treadmill, an elliptical and a step-climber. Bowflex's Treadclimber is a newly designed machine to help you lose weight in half the amount of time! What you achieve by running on a treadmill for over an hour, you can achieve on the treadclimber in less than 45 minutes! Not only is it proven to burn more calories in less time, but it also minimizes the impact on your joints. 

My favorite aspect of this machine is that you can use it from the comfort of your own home. I find this so much easier and more appealing than going all the way to the gym and then all the way back. What is great about the treadclimber is that you can see results if use it for only thirty minutes a day three times a week. Pick your favorite sitcom show and hop on your treadclimber - a pretty enjoyable way to lose weight if you ask me!

The treadclimber enables you to lead a healthier and more energized lifestyle and is specifically designed so you don’t overcome the machine and are no longer challenged - It has built-in versatility and motivation to keep you losing fat and building muscle.

The treadclimber also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee - so if you aren’t seeing the results that you had hoped, you could simply return it. The success stories are overflowing with amazing results - with people losing over 150lbs in such a small time frame! To order a free treadclimber information kit and DVD just visit their website. The package includes more information about the TC, motivating success stories, and fitness and nutrition articles to help you succeed!

What do you think about the Treadclimber? Let us know by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

If you’re looking to get into great shape and want to maintain your perfect bod through the upcoming winter months - I would suggest checking out Fitness RX Magazine For Women. It offers an abundance of tips on health, nutrition, diet, exercise and even fashion! What I love about this magazine is that it offers many different viewpoints so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Fitness RX offers scientific viewpoints, as well as the traditional body, beauty and health approach.

Fitness RX Magazine offers nutrition facts and diets to follow, as well as exercises and instructions on how to achieve your ideal weight and body type. It provides great motivation, and success stories that keep your mind set on your goal.

You may have heard of Fitness RX through the competitions they host. They host many competitions, focused on the fitness level and achievement of selected women. These are really interesting and motivating stories too!

It is not just their magazine that is extremely helpful, but their website as well. They have many workout videos and exercise tips to guide you as well as a radio show on Mondays @ 8PM EST with Ms. Bikini Olympia Sonia Gonzalez and Adela Garcia, a five-time fitness olympia!

This is truly a great magazine for someone who wants to achieve or maintain his or her ideal weight and body shape! It gives you the keys and tips in order to lose weight and gain muscle.

The October issue features a five-day total body makeover. If you’re looking to get fit and in the best shape of your life - I would highly suggest getting a subscription to Fitness RX for Women! Do you read this magazine? Let us know by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

Blink Fitness is a fairly new fitness chain brought to us by the luxury fitness and wellness club, Equinox. They have opened up three well-organized complexes across New York in Yonkers, New York City, and Paramus, New Jersey. Blink clubs offer over 160 cardio machines and a variety of weight training instruments to help us stay fit and healthy.

One of the best aspects about Blink Fitness isn’t just their clever tag-line, “Everybody Blinks”, but their amazing monthly membership of only $20. For a fresh, welcoming, and inspiring gym complex their monthly fee is minimal, whereas your experience and outcome will be substantial. Another great piece about Blink, that I am certainly a fan of, is that they are reported to have diligent supervising staff as opposed to personal trainers. I much prefer this, because whenever I go to the gym the trainers are always walking around and I often feel intimidated when doing my workout -- resulting in me getting pushed out of my workout-focus and mind-set.

If you’re looking for an affordable fitness membership that offers access to a great gym complex Blink is a definite way to go. Their website contains location information as well membership sign up - so registering is fast and easy.

Be sure to check out Blink Fitness to stay in shape during the colder months ahead. Are you a member there? Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR!

Being healthy is a major player in today’s pop culture. You don’t have to spend very long watching television, reading a magazine waiting for an appointment or surfing your favorite internet sites before you come across someone selling something to help you get in shape. Unless you are a fitness guru, the rest of us probably have a similar thought. Yeah, it would be nice to get in shape, but I just don’t have the time. After all, who doesn’t want to look good? It’s time to put the same excuse we have been using for years to bed. TRX Suspension Training to the rescue.

Created in the NAVY Seals, TRX Suspension Training is the premier workout for home gyms. TRX uses the formula gravity + users body weight = results. TRX suspends the users body weight as resistance to build muscle. The package comes with exercise DVDs to walk you through the process with beginner, intermediate or advanced workouts. It builds the body’s core by allowing for free range of motion. Simultaneously you will develop strength, balance and flexibility. TRX is quickly changing the way athletes and soldiers train as well as becoming a popular resource for injury rehabilitation.

You might be asking yourself, why is this any better or different than anything else out there? Here is the cool thing about TRX: You can take it anywhere. You don’t have to drive to the gym in the morning or after work when you are tired, just set it up at home. On the road? No problem, take it with you and set it up in your hotel. Maybe you are tired of being stuck inside after being in the office all day, go set it up in the park. The best part is that its simple in design but it gets the results that you want.

TRX provides the means to reach your fitness goals this year, now all you need to find is the desire to be your best self. Join the TRX community at www.trxtraining.com.Have you tried it? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

*Photo Source: Harmony Body

As we pass through each year, workout programs seem to come and go. We are watching for the newest workout to keep our bodies healthy. One claims to have the newest “technology” to help us get the lean, firm body that we have been trying to achieve for years (at least that is what we tell ourselves). They become the latest fad, everyone buys into it and then it dies out. Why?

The biggest factor in succeeding with fitness goals is if you have someone to support you, to do it with you or at least motivate you so you don’t give up. CrossFit is the latest trend for people who are trying to get in shape and it has the makings to stick around for a long time.

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program. Police academies, military operations and professional athletes around the world use the program. It is not a specialty program but provides broad and general strength training to the individual. You might be thinking that sounds hard, and you won’t be the only one. Many people are afraid of CrossFit because it sounds hard. The makers of the program figured out whether you are an athlete or an elderly person trying to stay in shape, you don’t need a different workout you just need different degrees.

The CrossFit program is scalable to the individual so that each person can come in at any level and they will meet you where you are. The thing that makes many users successful is they can sign up for classes (all over the country) and become part of a group who are all striving for the same goal. CrossFit uses many everyday movements and no exercises are the same so it never gets boring and you aren’t putting too much stress on your joints. It is a great way to finally reach your fitness goals and make some new friends along the way.

Just because it is scalable to you, it is still a workout routine. You aren’t going to get in shape without work. To ensure that you are ready to take on the program check out CrossFit’s getting started guide. Have you tried CrossFit? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

There are a multitude of diets for people that are looking to get in shape. Many try to find the one that is going to be easiest or will produce results the fastest. A diet is a hard thing to do because a lot of us lack the motivation to do it because it is easier to remain idle. Besides, we aren’t that out of shape anyway right? The hardest diet isn’t probably what you are imagining. Some people actually need to gain weight to get in shape.

For a few people that are genetically "cursed" gaining weight can be nearly impossible. You might think it is as easy as just eating a lot and that may be true, but there is more to it than that. Nutrition is a major part of any diet, but for hard gainers it is even more essential. The Hard Gainers Guide have dedicated themselves to helping those not blessed with the ability to gain mass fast.

As a hard gainer eating is the most important thing you can do. You need to be taking in more calories than you are burning. More importantly however, is what you are eating. If you are serious about gaining weight and getting healthy you must intake the building blocks of muscle: Protein, carbohydrates and fats. For details check out the basic and advanced nutrition guides. The Hard Gainers Guide also provides a complete meal plan to get you on your way to achieving results.

Of course having a good workout plan is also a part of gaining weight and converting food into muscle. Hit the gym with a workout plan or maybe a home gym is right for you. For specific questions visit www.hardgainersguide.com.