A Superbowl Spread That Will Make You Feel Like a Winner! Twin Cities Health & Fitness

The Super Bowl is coming up Sunday and for many sports fans, it's another holiday, a holiday of eating.  But one afternoon of football-watching should not have to turn into an excuse to overindulge in foods that have little nourishment for your body.  Goals and challenges help keep us motivated and stay on track in the gym.  Try challenging yourself at home during the Super Bowl.  For example, challenge yourself to skipping the potato chips and opt for carrots, celery, and other chopped veggies for your crunch.  If making sandwiches, try wrapping them up in a lighter whole wheat wrap or lettuce leaf.    

Here are just a few examples of foods to set out for your Super Bowl party, taken right from the FXB Cookbook:

Cilantro, black bean & corn salsa
Simple hummus
Grilled chicken avocado wrap
turkey lettuce wrap
cinnamon chips with fruit salsa... just to name a few!



Now, if you have your cheat meal reserved for Super Bowl Sunday... That's great!  It might be a good idea to start with some of these lighter snacks earlier in the day, so that you are not completely ravenous by Super Bowl time.  

Always remember, keep hydrating, even during your cheat meal.  Enjoy your weekend!




What to Eat After Your Workout| Twin Cities Fitness Program

The Purpose of Post FXB Workout Nutrition
The reason the time after your workout is called the “anabolic phase” is pretty simple to understand.  Anabolism refers to the “building” (or even “rebuilding”) of something. Sometimes we try to overcomplicate a healthy lifestyle when, in fact, it can be pretty straightforward.
In the most basic terms, your POST workout meal is the meal that plays the biggest role in supplying your body with everything it will need to repairreplenishrecover and adapt to the kickboxing or band class you just completed.

Specifically, the goal of the POST FXB workout meal is to accomplish the following:
·         Replenish muscle glycogen (the fuel stored in muscles) that was depleted during your workout.
·         Reduce muscle protein breakdown caused by exercise.
·         Increase muscle protein synthesis (the rate at which your body uses protein to rebuild).
·         Reduce muscle soreness and fatigue (who couldn’t use that!).
·         Greatly enhance overall recovery.
·         Reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone that triggers our body to store fat).

How To Do It
To make ALL of the above happen successfully, your body only needs 2 things:
1.    Carbs
2.    Protein
Yes you read correctly, the same 2 things your body needs before your workout are the same 2 things your body benefits from after your workout.
So, your primary goal with your POST FXB workout meal is to consume a significant amount of both carbs and protein in some form soon after your workout.
But, why soon after?
Because, after your workout, your body is  primed and ready to accept protein and carbs so it can immediately begin putting these nutrients to good use doing all of the awesome things you want it to be doing (you know building abs and burning fat).
For those reasons, its most often recommended to consume your post workout meal as soon after your workout as you can.
I don’t mean put-down-the-bands-and-start-eating, or eating while cleaning the bags! However, this meal should ideally be eaten within the first 60 minutes after your workout.

So, your biggest goal with your POST workout meal is to consume a good amount of both protein and carbs sometime within the first 30 minutes after your workout.  Now, when we say "carbs," we are not talking about carbs from foods such as baked goods, sodas, french fries, etc.  You want to choose carbs with the most benefit.  Choose those packed with fiber and non-refined sugars.  Examples of good carbs would be appropriate-sized fruits, veggies and foods containing whole grains. 

As long as you are doing that, you are on the right track and on your way to Living at Level 10!

Great job everyone!

The FXB Andover& New Hope Team



Tips for a Great "After" Photo | FXB Andover & New Hope

The thought of your “after” photo can be a little frightening! You have trained hard in the gym and followed a clean, nutritious diet plan so you are feeling and looking great.  To ensure you get "level 10" results from your after photo, have a look at our top tips:
  
Body Hair... This mostly pertains to the gentlemen...

Body hair has a tendency to hide your muscle definition.  Shaving is the easiest option and you can do it yourself.  Ideally, do this the day before (not on the day of, to avoid any shaving marks or redness).  If wet shaving, use a good shaving oil and a post-shave balm, to reduce irritation. 
Guys, make sure your facial hair is neat and trimmed. Clean-shaved is good for a dramatic after photo.

Tanning

Being that we live in the frozen north, we may not have much color this time of year so a spray tan makes your definition in your muscles stand out. The camera washes you out and makes you look more pale than usual, so you may want to go a shade darker than you think necessary. There are many different methods of tanning.  A professional spray tan is, by far, the easiest, quickest and SAFEST option. You can get a very convincing natural-looking spray tan, which lasts for up to a week to 10 days.  For best results, get a spray tan the day before.

Hair and Makeup

Make sure you get a hair cut. If you’re a guy, shorter hair will make you look bigger and more muscular. Check your look for a neat hairline and no neck hair! If you have short-medium length hair, use a good wax or pomade to style it and hold it in position.

Girls, you may not need a full haircut, but a trim and style can work wonders.  Make sure you go to final testing day with your hair fresh and styled!


Flex!

We want you to be showing off all those newly strengthened muscles!  To get the best results in your photo, you need to practice flexing in the mirror at home!  This may sound silly... but go ahead and practice holding your hands at your hips.  Flex, or squeeze biceps and quads all while squeezing those ab muscles.  It can be difficult.  A little practice at home will make you feel more at ease before the camera clicks on final testing day.

SAY CHEESE!

But the most important thing to remember is to SMILE.  True beauty, confidence and happiness comes from within.  YOU have EARNED this photo and we are proud of all you have done over this past 10 weeks!  


Some Thoughts Before Heading to Thanksgiving Dinner | Twin Cities Kickboxing

The holidays are upon us and for most of us, it is a joyous time.  There can be however, some anxiety about the seemingly never-ending treats, buffets and indulgences interfering with your health and fitness goals.  Let's keep a few things in mind before the big party:
  1. Be realistic. One day is not going to make or break your new FXB lifestyle. Enjoy the day in moderation.
  2. Plan time for exercise. We have a number of class times on Thursday and Friday.  Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. Plus, if you don't hit the gym the bags will miss your powerful rounds!
  3. Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack, like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge.
  4. Check out party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.
  5. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable and enjoy.
  6. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can induce overeating and non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.  Tell yourself you will have a full glass of water before a glass of wine, beer or cocktail.
You know the expression, "Work Hard, Play Hard?"  We have all worked extremely hard the last few weeks, we're so close to the completion of this 10-week session.  Let yourself enjoy and relax with your family and friends on Thanksgiving.  Your FXB Family will be waiting for you when you come back.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

-Your Friends at FXB Andover & New Hope


Meet the Owner| Spotlight on New Hope's Joe Hill

He's a fan favorite with his booming voice, motivational, kick-your-butt in a nice kind-of-way instructing and friendly personality.  Joe Hill lives and breathes the healthy lifestyle Farrell's promotes.  Let's get to know Joe a little bit better:


What is your favorite kickboxing exercise?
Freestyle.



What is your favorite exercise on band day?
Triceps extension.
What is your least favorite kickboxing exercise? 
Wood choppers.
What is your least favorite resistance day exercise?  
Adductors.
What is your favorite protein snack?
Cookie dough Quest bar.
How long have you been going to FXB? 
2 1/2 years.
What tips or tricks do you have for beginners?
Show up!!! Get here and we will take care of the rest... Attendance is the most important part 
Tell us your favorite part about FXB? 
The FXB family!!! My wife and I have become very close with several members.

How much weight have you lost since starting FXB?
26 lbs and counting!
What is your favorite workout song or genre? 
Rock/Metal.

How has living life at Level 10 changed your life
I can't put it all into words. I am a different person thanks to FXB!!!! I eat healthier and am happier than ever!



What is your favorite healthy thing to eat?
I love any kind of fish.
What is your favorite free day splurge?
Pizza!

What advice do you have for 10-weekers?
You decided to make a change, dig deep and make it happen. It isn't supposed to be easy! Proper form will lead to devastating power !!!



What advice do you have for FIT Members?
Stay motivated, continue to improve and never give up. Continue to set new goals for yourself.
What is the most frequently asked question you get about starting Farrell's? 
Is this something I can do? My answer is yes! You can do anything you put your mind to!
Why did you want to open your own Farrell's gym? 
We wanted to be a part of something we really believe in!




Joe and Darcie Hill.

Making the Best of Your Garden Harvest? Quick Veggie Pasta Recipe | Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping Twin Cities

Are you making the best of the fruits, or vegetables, of your garden labor?  Backyard gardens are fun and promote clean eating, if you can put in the work ahead of time.  Here's a peak at some backyard gardens of our own FXB Andover members:









Here is a simple veggie pasta which is super quick and easy and full of garden flavor:
Gather a variety of vegetables, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, peppers, etc.  If you are growing herbs, add some of those as well, oregano and basil work excellent with pasta.  We also added some prepared pesto sauce and garlic to this mixture.  Have basil in your garden... you can make your own fresh pesto!


Add to hot pan with coconut or canola oil on medium to high, stirring constantly.  A sprinkling of Parmesan was also added to the pan.

After heating until tender, add the vegetables over whole wheat pasta and you have a quick, healthy and fulfilling meal!  So, if you have a lot of vegetables from your garden to use up... make this for your family tonight!

Eating A "Rainbow" of Foods| Twin Cities Kickboxing Gym

So, we've discussed "eating clean." Now, let's take a look at another way of thinking about healthy eating and what you put on your plate.  Are you eating a "rainbow" of foods?

The idea behind "eating a rainbow" means visually stimulating your taste buds with a variety of naturally colored foods, which are packed with many different vitamins and minerals.


Here's a quick guide to the colors of foods and what benefits they contain:

Greens:
potassium, folate, fiber, vitamin A, E and C.

Reds/oranges:
Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and lutein, for healthy vision.

Browns/purples/blues:
Flavonoids, which have been found to improve brain function and blow flow.

Yellows:
Think healthy fats, such as almonds, fish, such as salmon and tuna.  Healthy fats aid in the absorption of vitamins in the body.

Thinking in terms of "eating a rainbow" may be just another way for you to ensure you are getting a plenitude of vitamin and nutrient-packed foods.