KickChick

OK...Well, obviously I assumed when you posted that you wanted to stay in shape it was to basically exercise...for endurance/cardio you'll have to invest in a treadmill...(running outside in those cold conditions is of course detrimental to muscles, ligaments and you could even slip and fall). You could also invest in a heavy bag...do power kicking/punching to get the heart rate up. I know someone else posted in another thread... - but it was...dancingThere are other other ways to get the heart rate up while indoors you just have to improvise. I know you hate jumping but jump rope and jumping on small trampoline is also an option. Deby

The best way to find your own best diet for peak performance is to experiment. Start keeping a food diary, and after each meal or snack, ask yourself these two questions: 1.Do I become hungry again within an hour or two? And, 2.Do I become groggy or sluggish? If the answer to both questions is yes, look to see if you're eating too much sugar or refined carbohydrate like cookies, candy, bagels and muffins. If so, you might try cutting down on your sugar intake and replacing refined carbohydrate with unrefined whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You can also try adding a little more low-fat protein to your diet and monitoring how you feel. Good low-fat protein choices include: skinless chicken, turkey,water-packed tuna, egg whites, low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt, dried beans, lentils and tofu. You may find that small changes in your diet provide the gains in energy and performance you're looking for. You probably don't need to makes dramatic dietary changes. (Remember, the more fit you are, the more fat you burn). To boost your energy and well-being, make sure to include more vitamin and mineral-rich foods. Eat at least 3 to 4 pieces of fresh fruit and 3 to 4 cups of vegetables every day. Choose only 100% whole-grain breads and cereals. Captain Crunch does not count! Minimize your intake of refined and processed foods. If you need help figuring out the best diet for your body and your sport, consult a registered dietitian trained in sports nutrition. Here we go on that Holiday Inn Express thing! Deby

Jerry...just checked out your site! Well done and most impressive. (can I have your autograph???) Owners of our school are debating to sell within a couple of years .. many of us within the school would love the opportunity to take it over and I'm sure each one of us would keep the core attributes of how the school is currently run plus adding some of our own ideas. First and foremost, I would add a Jr. Blackbelt dan. Upon turning 16-18, individual must complete the requirements of Adult Blackbelt 1st deg. Secondly, I do think it's important for students to "learn" the history of the martial art that they are training in. This could be achieved by posting short "korean" terminology around the 'dojo' w/translation...posters, articles on bullentin boards, etc. It is difficult to answer the question until you are truly faced with the reality of truly owning your own school. You also have to make a profit...keep that in mind! Deby

Deby

Jack...It's all that good clean living Thank you! Sorry Pat...couldn't put the "best" part on there ...but KarateForums is Deby

Unfortunately that is like asking... "What exercise do you do to keep fit?" There is really no right or wrong answer...everyone is different and what works for one individual does not work for another. Actually there are things that you should avoid (both in diet & exercise)that are detrimental to your keeping fit. Eat sufficient protein, lots of vegetables & fruits and minimal processed carbohydrates and good oils less fat. No magic, just intelligent, planned & scheduled nutrient consumption. Moderation is the key. Professional body builders have different goals than a person eating for health. Persons with extreme weight loss requirements ( more than 50 pounds ) obviously have different needs than the average weight conscious person. Persons striving for a 5% body fat and rippled abs probably also have different goals than simply enjoying a healthy life. Deby The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. ~ Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

BlueDragon...ok, so you don't like to run (i guess jogging is then out of question also Moobrack). Running/jogging/power walking is actually a great idea in the winter months. I have a treadmill I use almost every morning (in winter) Just 2 miles every morning jump starts my metabolism and keeps me toned up.(You can feel the jiggles on the areas you need to tone up!). Otherwise, at your school - is there any intramural sports? ... Volleyball, indoor swimming, basketball?? Exercise classes?? Aerobics, cardio kickboxing, step classes...a gym you can join?? Your school must have a weight room to work out in. I know how cold it can get in the winter months...(I'm from Northeast ) Deby

Awwww...sorry babysteffee, didn't mean to scare you but Angus did want the lowdown and sometimes the truth does hurt!...What we have to go through to look good...yikes it is pretty damn scary huh??? Deby

We kinda got away from your original question Angus... which was??? When fat is oxidized for energy, you will draw it from all areas of the body, and the first place you tend to put it on will be the last place it comes off. Everyone has certain "stubborn" areas where it seems "hard to get rid of" but the fat WILL go, it will just be the last place to go. The best way to burn fat off your abs is not to do more ab work, but to do more cardio: bike, Stairmaster, treadmill, elliptical machine or rower, cardio kickboxing - they're all great fat burners. Work at about 70-85% of your age-predicted maximal heart rate (220-your age) and maintain it for 30-45 minutes 5-6 days a week for optimal results. Train your abs about twice a week, just as you would any other body part. Doing your abs every day will do almost nothing to remove the layer of fat covering the muscles. In fact, it is possible to have a great set of abs that you can't even see because they are covered up with a layer of fat! If you're drinking beer and eating pizza, it doesn't matter what you do in the gym, you'll never have a great set of abs. If you're drinking beer and eating pizza, it doesn't matter what you do in the gym, you'll never have a great set of abs. If you're drinking beer and eating pizza, it doesn't matter what you do in the gym, you'll never have a great set of abs. From a body-building, body-sculpting, fat-burning point of view, weight bearing types of exercise such as running, power walking, jogging, cycling, stairclimber or elliptical machines are best for you! ....hope these 'facts' help ya out!! Deby

There have been some studies done that have shown that there are health benefits from drinking small amounts of alcohol, particularly red wine. However, drinking excessively will definitely interfere with your muscular gains, decrease your energy and contribute to fat storage. The primary problem with all alcohol, regardless of what form it's in - wine, beer, or liquor - is that the calories add up so quickly. At seven calories per gram, alcohol is the second most calorically dense nutrient behind fat, which contains nine calories per gram. When you're trying to lose body fat, all those extra calories certainly don't help with your fitness goals. Alcohol suppresses the body's ability to burn fat. When your liver is metabolizing alcohol, fat burning in the body stops altogether! I just read a few interesting things today about drinking. It dehydrates you, it interferes with the absorption of many nutrients and excessive consumption has been linked to health problems such as liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cardio, abnormal heart rhythms, cancer, decreased resistance to infections, gout and hypoglycemia. The key in developing a successful nutrition plan for yourself is to find a happy medium that you can live with. You'll have to make some sacrifices to develop a great body, but on the other hand, you shouldn't deprive yourself completely either. Let's face it, eating and drinking are just two of life's greatest pleasures. If you try to be too strict by completely abstaining from alcohol, that might not be realistic. It depends on what your goals are and on how serious you are about achieving them. Most people just want to be fit and lean, not necessarily huge and "ripped" like a bodybuilder. If that's the case, then a drink or two won't slow your progress much. However, if you are serious about getting maximum results in the minimum amount of time, then I would suggest to you not to drink at all.

ooops.... Must've had my shades on! Silly me! hmmm....new thread for H & F forum-->Fit Bodies! Deby _________________ 1st Deg. TaeKwonDo Black Belt/Fitness Kickboxing (Moderator of Health & Fitness Forum) "A woman does not practice martial arts so that she can fight like a man. She does so in order to be free to be a woman." [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2001-09-04 10:39 ]

I think you all know how I feel about "tae bo" as what I teach always gets misconstrued with what Billy Blanks has promoted... Moobrack...this is a very opinionated subject for sure...but this is how I feel: as long as it doesn't go under the guise as a true martial arts/self defense program. The work out itself is very aerobic and I am sure enjoyable to th average aerobic zealot. However, I keep finding myself analyzing the technique, execution and purpose of many of the moves. Many people I have spoken with feel that they ARE getting a dose of self-defense from this exercise. I feel they need to be cautioned that most of these kicks and punches are just "pretty" and fit to the music. Also the repetition and music (bpm) go so fast that one's technique and balance are compromised just to keep up with the music. (torqueing of knees & hperextensions) Not a work out for a trained martial artist. Deby

...ok boys, let's get it back on track! Way too much testosterone here! Deby

...some tournaments require that you wear the full chest protector that has colored circled targets for point sparring. I use one of those "madonna-looking" chest protectors that honestly doesn't protect the ribs....(I know because I've had bruised ribs from sparring even with this type of protector) Deby

...actually had a very good Australian wine last night! Deby

Where's that "Kissie Smilie"...(when you need it!) ...thanks for your humble understanding and the genuine respect that you have given to me and the rest of the female martial artists here! Deby :pony:

Hey Jack....I pm'd you! Youre way too hard on yourself...youre young and your body will develop nicely as long as you follow a training routine that is personalized for you!...If it matters that much to you, get a PT (personal trainer)...Go to a gym....get some advice from a PT....if you can't continue to go to gym for $ reasons or time...then work out from your home. You need to have a room to call your "gym"...very important. I have all my workout stuff in one room with mirrors and stereo for much needed tunes for motivation. Decorate with training posters etc. and GO FOR IT!!! Deby

Many of the women that start out at our school are totally turned off that they have to remove their shoes and train barefoot...('specially where everyone else's sweaty feet have been!) Never much bothered me...and I developed calluses rather quickly. For a woman they are rather unsightly, but you do get use to it...if you're serious in training in the MA. I am forever rubbing my feet with sandpaper! Every once in a while a pedicure is nice to get! ... Deby

Hi Angus! Unfortunately, we are not all scientists here... Now as for the gut ... I, too, believe it or not love beer ....unfortunately all the crunches that I have done for the entire week will be useless! You see the ONLY WAY to lose the belly (adipose tissue) or beely fat is through weight control. (I hate the word diet! It has been said here before that there is no such thing as spot reduction. In addition, it helps to remember good posture—stand up straight! Pull those abdominal muscles in tight, all throughout the day! This will help to strengthen your core. Sure, do toning exercises for the abdominal muscles and the back muscles, as well as for ALL of your muscle groups, but remember, to lose the belly, the "gut," you must control your weight! Lay off the beer and switch to a good Merlot!! Wine is better is simply just goes to the head...and not right to the belly. ...on my way to a kegger for Labor Day... Deby

We train at our school in the traditional doboks (gi)...In summer we can wear the school tshirt but then we are required to wear the traditional dobok top when it gets cooler out. Actually I do like to wear the heavy grade dobok top and bottoms...its a nice sound when you hear the snap of your kicks and punches 'specially when doing forms. We used to (back in the day) wear our street clothes and take the class outdoors classes are just too large and diverse in order to do that now. Deby

Sparring in TKD is a controlled full contact match (ususally 3 min). Protective equipment is worn. A target chest protector covers sides and front of trunk and helmut protects head. There is a range of allowable techniques which are restricted to provide for a demanding, challenging but yet safe "fight". Sparring is a fight, true....but how yu approach it psychologically is the key. Some (as you seem to do) go for the fight....while I feel sparring should really be a performance pf skill to deliver the required techniques as well as block and evade them. I approach sparring on a more strategic level rather than going for the fight. I have had sparring partners that would come after me like gangbusters with nothing but the fight on their minds...actually trying to injure me with the most absolute poorest technique imaginable. In TKD strategy and proficiency always wins in the end. Deby

If I were to get one Prodigy-Child, I would also get a tattoo of the 'sun'.... ...several people at our school went to a local parlor and I was invited to go but chickened out I think your tattoo should reflect something about you in order for you to live with it. They say to stay away from faddy cartoon characters. My girlfriend got a real nice one with the moon & stars...and in each star she had the initials of her children. I'd like to get a sun tatttoo cos' as unsafe as it is I am a sun worshipper...I get so much inner energy from it. I am a firm believer in that SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and utilize the tanning booth in the winter for light therapy...but that's a new topic isn't it??? What about tattooed names? Anyone here ever had one or one removed. My husband has mine on his arm (its 24 years old)! Deby

Have I got a site for you! http://www.planetjubei.com/mavideos/ ENJOY!!! Deby

Welcome to KarateForums RICHARD!! ...... ....well, I've been told I make excellent Swedish Meatballs ... and I just love 'swedish fish' (the candy)! lookin forward to your posts! Deby

A blonde pushes her BMW into a gas station. She tells the mechanic, "It died." After he works on it for a few minutes, it's idling smoothly. She says, "What's the story?" He replies, "Just crap in the carburetor." She says, "How often do I have to do that?"