Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

weight loss

Understanding the Fat Burning Zone v. High Intensity Exercise

The fat burning zone is often referenced, and yes it does exist, but most people don’t understand exactly what this means. This concept is that more fat is burned at a lower intensity of training, roughly 60-70% of your max heart rate vs. a higher intensity of training. This is based off of percentages. If you are training at a lower intensity, burning 50% of calories from fat and at a higher intensity burning 35% of fat, part of the puzzle is missing. This piece shows that at a higher intensity, you burn more calories overall.

High intensity training is not always appropriate for everyone for various reasons. Maybe they are new to exercise, recovering from injuries, previous health conditions, etc. For those people able to incorporate high intensity exercise, interval training is a great way to start. Having both low intensity and high intensity exercises in your exercise program is beneficial for your body. Interval training is when you alternate between at least two activities, changing different rates of speed, degree of effort, etc. Each person has a different level which they are able work at. Finding the target heart rate is a good way to monitor the level of effort.

Beginner: This level would appropriate be anyone new to exercise or recovering from injuries. Starting with lower intensity exercise (roughly 60% heart rate) is a good way to ease your body into a routine. Incorporate higher intensity exercise very little the first 2 weeks. At this level, the higher intensity might only be 70-75% of your heart rate. The intervals will change over time, but an example would be to start with 4 min low intensity, 1 min high intensity and repeat 2-4 times.

Intermediate: This level would be for anyone who has been exercising for a while and ready to step up their program. This interval program would start with a lower intensity (roughly 60% heart rate) and a higher intensity of 80%. Maintain the lower intensity for 2 min and the higher for 1 min. This can be repeated 5 to 10 times.

Advanced: This level would be more for athletes. The interval program would start at lower intensity of 70% and a higher intensity of 90-100% of heart rate max. Maintain 1 min low intensity and 1 min high intensity. This can be repeated 10-15 times. Depending on the type of athlete these ratios will change.

Each person has their own limits and should listen to their body. These are guidelines to interval training, but not the only way to do it. The exercise physiologists at Peak Performance would be happy to set you up with a program right for you.

 

By Corynne Pereira

Recipe of the Week: Egg White Vegetable Muffins

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

  • Coconut oil spray
  • 24 Egg whites
  • 1/2 Red bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach
  • 3 Green onions (for topping)
  •  Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Or try any combination of your favorite vegetables!

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Spray a muffin tin with coconut oil spray.
  3. Whisk the egg whites together with the salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  4. Stir in the bell peppers and spinach.
  5. Carefully spoon the egg and vegetable mixture into the muffin cups, dividing the mixture equally between the twelve cups.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the egg whites are set.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve warm and topped with green onions. Alternatively, store in the refrigerator.

 

Original recipe can be found here!

 

 

What is the 80/20 Rule for Nutrition?

Often times we tend to struggle sticking to a meal plan or being consistent with our eating. This can be attributed to an abundance of things such as: boredom, lack of discipline, scheduling, etc. A meal plan should be simple and not require you to torture yourself on a day-to-day basis. Yes, eating “clean” may require giving up some of your favorite treats- it requires diligence. However, it should also be something that you learn how to enjoy and fit into your everyday life. This is where the 80/20 rule comes into play.

The 80/20 rule goes under the premise that if you are eating clean and healthy 80% of the time, then it is okay to be not so good or indulge a little the other 20% of the time. The 80% should include whole foods, vegetables, lean protein, and avoiding processed food. Now, this can be easily misconstrued; what the 20% really means is that it should be consumed once per week and not allocating 20% of each day to unhealthy foods. If you have about 21 meals each week (breakfast, lunch, dinner), maybe 3-4 meals are less healthy. Think of this as a more indulgent home cooked meal and not binging on fast food. This “20%” can also be called your “cheat meal.” Sometimes a well timed cheat meal can help you stay on track mentally.

A well timed cheat meal may balance the hunger hormones levels in your body, both of which are correlated with an increase in metabolism and aid in weight loss. One of these hormones, leptin is released into the body as you eat and leaves you with a satiated feeling. When leptin levels are low, ghrelin, the appetite hormone, levels are high. After you eat, ghrelin levels will drop as your digest, helping you feel satisfied. Another benefit of having a cheat meal may be that it gives you something to look forward to.

A meal plan is easy to stick to if you know that Saturday night you can indulge a bit for dinner. If you’re looking for a plan that you can stick to long term or trying to incorporate healthier eating, give the 80/20 rule a shot!

 

By Tyler Palmquist

Fad Diets v. Lifestyle Change

A “fad diet” is a weight loss plan that may over-promises results. These types of diets don’t result in long-term weight loss and are usually not very healthy. You may have heard of some of them or tried one; think of a liquid diet or controlled/limited carbohydrates.

Often times, people are willing to try anything that promises to help them lose weight- especially if it promises to be quick and easy. The main reason for these diets being that everyone wants to look or feel better; or maybe they are worried about developing weight-related diseases. Diets like these are appealing because of their quick fix instead of making the effort to lose weight through long-term changes in their eating and exercise habits.

Your lifestyle is composed of what you eat, how you manage your stress, how often you exercise and more. Lifestyle changes require you to alter these behaviors; whether it is restricting fast food or trying to get 10,000 steps a day. The key is that these habits are maintained as opposed to be a short term fix.

It is important to remember that healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. Fad diets often promise rapid results which may lead to unhealthy weight loss. Remember, it took time to gain that unwanted weight and it will take time to lose it. Limiting food choices without encouraging a balanced diet is not a healthy way to create lasting changes.

Here are a few simple tips for creating those changes:

  • Don’t skip meals- this includes breakfast!
  • Limit liquid calories- avoid sugary sodas, alcohol, and juices (swap for whole fruits instead)
  • Exercise on a regular basis- the best kind of exercise is exercise that you’ll continue, so choose an activity that you enjoy J
  • Increase daily physical activity- park farther away, take the stairs when you can, work up to taking 10,000 steps per day

 

By Louise Mills-Strasser

Member Spotlight: Deanna’s Weight Loss Journey

We love to highlight the success of our members! Here is the story of one client who has been working extra hard this year. Read about her accomplishments and check out her story.

My journey with Louise began a year ago when I realized I had gained 20 lbs while recovering from surgery. I made a life style change with my eating habits and started exercising. Thanks to the awesome, hard working Louise and eating healthier I am down 30 pounds. I have more pounds to lose but I know I can do it with her support.

My journey isn’t over, it is just beginning!

-Deanna S.

Summer Fun Outdoor Workouts

When it’s beautiful outside, we know it’s hard to be inside at the gym. Your kids are off from school and you need a family activity. Summers are full of BBQs and weddings- you just don’t have the time to fit it all in. There are many reasons that you simply do not want to be indoors in the summer. We have some great outdoor activities where you can catch some sun rays, have some family bonding time, and of course, get those exercises in!

Beach Workout
One of the best places to workout on a summer day is the beach! Not only will you enjoy the beautiful scenery to keep you motivated and an ocean breeze to cool you off, but you also are getting a better workout. Sand creates for a greater workload for the muscles and a higher heart rate, which leads to a more effective training method.  The surface of the sand also puts less of a strain on your feet compared to pavement. So go play some beach volleyball, throw around that Frisbee with your friends, or simply walk along side the ocean.

Circuit Training in the Park
Ever walk around the park and see equipment scattered throughout? Many of our state parks have different equipment and devices to help you complete full circuit training. Not only is this a cost effective method to exercising without having to purchase any equipment at home, but you will also get a full body workout.

Aquatics & Swimming
While cooling off in the pool, why not burn some extra calories? Swimming is great for lower and upper body strength. Water exercises may help take the pressure off your joints and muscles. Since water is a natural resistant, it helps you workout those muscles. If you aren’t big on swimming you can try out some aquatics workouts, which include: arm circles, leg lifts, walking in the water, aqua jogging and flutter kicking.

Hiking
There are many types of hiking trails that you can choose from depending on the distance you choose, type of scenery, and difficulty level. Whether it is your first time hiking or you have done it before be sure to layer your clothes, pack plenty of water, and put on sunscreen.

Walking
Every step counts so get as many in as you can! Whether it is walking to complete your errands, visiting a friend or simply enjoying a nice walk around town- walking may be one of the simplest exercises you can do. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and can also prevent or manage various conditions, including: heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

By David Daoud

Peak Performance is Better than the Average Commercial Gym

We talk about Peak Performance Fitness being different from your normal health club or gym. But what really makes it better? Check out our list of what makes Peak unique!

turf cardio

  1. Guided and Personalized Workouts.  Unlike commercial gyms, the exercise physiologists at Peak Performance create exercise prescriptions for you, based off of your fitness goals as well as any orthopedic and medical conditions. These exercise programs are updated regularly to progress the individual along their fitness journey.
  2. Safety First. While you are working out there are always fitness professionals watching to make sure you are doing exercises correctly. Also if you have any questions at all, exercise physiologists are always available to help.
  3. Never Wait. There is never a wait to use machines Peak Performance, we always have cardio and strength machines available at any time of the day!
  4. Specialized Equipment. Most commercial gyms do not have a turf, sleds, an Olympic weight lifting station, TRX or specialized physical therapy equipment. At Peak Performance we go out of our way to make sure all individuals have the right equipment whether you are an athlete or physical therapy patient trying to start up an exercise program again.
  5. Comfortable Setting. The setting at Peak Performance has a family-like atmosphere. Everyone is always friendly, cheering you on and looking out for each other. There is also no pressure if you are a novice to exercise and there are no grunting “meatheads” to scare you away.
  6. Specialized Programs. Here at Peak we have many specialty programs such as sports specific training for individuals and teams. We also have different weight loss programs to help you achieve you ultimate fitness goals!

What is My Ideal Percent Body Fat?

We often speak with clients about their body composition and how it can be improved. As a part of our Weight Loss Program, not only do we record changes in body weight, but body composition, too. Body composition is a term used to describe the percentages of fat, bone, water and muscle in human bodies. The simplest way to analyze this is by using a two compartment model: fat mass and fat free mass.

Body fat percentage is a measure of your fat v. fat free mass. Fat mass is calculated as the percentage of your body weight that is fat. Fat free mass is made up of everything else- muscle, bones, organs, etc. There is a certain amount of fat that is necessary for our bodies to carry out daily functions. This is called essential fat and is different for men and women. Essential body fat is about 3% for men and 12% of body mass for women. Women’s bodies require more essential fat than men because of childbearing and hormonal functions.

Body fat percentage can be calculated numerous ways, but the primary method we use at Peak is with skinfold measurements. Skinfold measurements are taken at specific locations on the body, then the numbers are plugged into a formula to give an estimated percent body fat. Body fat norms are different for men and women and change with age. It is important to note that these are simply norm charts, but you need to determine what is normal for you. Everybody is different and tracking changes in body composition is a healthy way to determine your own norm!

Be careful not to confuse percent body fat with a BMI measurement. BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a height to weight ratio, measured in kg/m^2. Your BMI categorizes this number from underweight to obese based on your height and weight. While it is a measure of body composition, the primary purpose for BMI is to classify your risk of developing cardiac or metabolic disease based off your score.

If you’re interested in knowing more about your own body composition, ask your physiologist to calculate these measurements and discuss the results!

 

By Louise Mills-Strasser