MVP Seminars - All Blog Entries

Building Successful Relationships

As humans, we are social beings. For most of us, one of the cruelest punishments is total isolation. We need other people to listen to our stories, to share their own, and to mirror and respond to our thoughts and feelings and behaviors. But since we really do need other people, why do so many of us, so much of the time, have the biggest conflicts and the most harrowing difficulties with those people we need the most?

Part of the problem is that we need people, yet we may believe that we should not need anyone. The dream of Marlborough Man, the independent, cool, tough guy, still exists for men and women alike. So, we get into relationships with people we need and then we make every effort to prove to them how much we don't need them. And this happens at work, at home, and in any situation where we spend time and share activities with other people.

We are all social beings - and - we

Why is fitness INVISIBLE?

What you can't see is more important than what you can. Whether it be physical, mental or emotional- the invisible creates the visible. Whether it be in person or on the 90 Day Health and Body Makeover, we help you reprogram your mind to take care of you first- and always.

It doesn't take scientific knowledge to drop a few pounds or build a bigger bicep. But to shape and tone your body correctly in order to prevent injuries and avoid joint degeneration requires specialized training most fitness trainers simply don't have. Certifications last a few days ans science needs more than a few days.

The Invisible Fitness difference is that our trainers and coaches each have backgrounds in biomechanics, and base your personalized fitness program on a thorough understanding of the human body. Combined with the research we conduct with you beforehand, your program is uniquely built on the foundation of your goals and abilities.

To Stretch or Not to Stretch?

What is a stretch? In very basic terms, a stretch is the lengthening of a muscle. We consider it a "relaxed" state. But in order to get one muscle into that relaxed and lengthened state, another muscle has to be shortening.

There are 2 types of stretching- passive and active. We consider passive BAD and dangerous. We encourage you to use active stretching. Studies from the American Journal of Applied Physiology and reports brought to us by the American College of Sports Medicine show that passive stretching can decrease strength. Passive stretching can tear your soft tissue thus creating less available muscle for you to create power.

So what's the difference between active and passive stretching? Passive stretching is when an outside force other than your own muscle is pushing or pulling your body into a range of motion that you can't do by yourself.

Other factors to consider: everyone has a different structure. And your structure will determine it's function--not the other way around. No one can decide to become a contortionist. You either have large joint spaces and longer or loose ligaments so you can fold yourself or you do not.

Stretching naturally occurs when you exercise. In order to contract a muscle, the opposite muscle groups have to be relaxed and lengthening.

Here is one good example. The Bridge is an exercise that contracts ( or works) the hamstrings, glutes and lower back. It stretches the quads, hip flexors and abs. Use your exercise wisely. Pick different exercises every few weeks that work though different ranges of motion so you gain active flexibility and you can stop pulling on your legs since that won't do you any good!

Bridge: On your back, knees bent, feet slightly wider than hips, push your butt in the air using your glutes and hamstrings. Lower slowly but

hover over the ground-do not rest. Start with 20 reps/ 2 sets. Increase resistance by crossing one leg over the other and only lifting with one leg.

May 1, 2007 Posted by J.J. Flizanes | workouts, women, weight loss, stretching, in home training, fitness, exercise, bridge, beach workouts | Comment (0)