Spot Me!
June 28, 2009 by Ozzie Jacobs
Filed under Fitness Articles, Fitness Blog
A spotter is a gym buddy, trainer or anyone who gives you a helping hand (or two) during the process of lifting a weight. The spotter can be of great assistance in the initial lift of the bar as you attempt a bench press, helping you stabilize your lower body during chin ups and giving you the “you can do it” cheer for encouragement. 
Spotters can be very beneficial if you have a goal of gaining strength or hypertrophy (since working toward these types of goals will often require progression in the form of increasing the load/weight). Spotters give you the confidence to “put on another plate” because if the weight becomes too heavy they can be your safety net.
Spotters can also be of value for endurance gains, agility and even for other exercise methods that don’t utilize dumbbells or barbells (i.e. yoga, pilates, etc.). In these situations spotters can help you maintain the correct form (as the form will often suffer when speed is enhanced and fatigue sets in).
Next time you are in the gym, bring a buddy to spot you. If you are lone gym ranger you can always yell “I need a spot” and usually a friendly gym member or trainer will oblige.
Looking for a solid strength training routine? Check out the following to sculpt your target areas:
- Back, Shoulders and Abs
- Gorgeous Arms: Biceps/Triceps
- Beautiful Chest, Gorgeous Back, Magnificent Abs!
- Beach body: Thighs
- Beach body: The perfect derrière
Give 100!
June 26, 2009 by Ozzie Jacobs
Filed under Fitness Blog, Fitness Videos
Ozzie Jacobs, Health and Fitness Expert, explains how “giving 100″ can lead to a balanced, healthier and happier lifestyle.
Love & Fitness: Michael Jackson…
June 26, 2009 by Ozzie Jacobs
Filed under Fitness Articles, Fitness Blog
The world lost an icon but his memory lives on. Over the past few days Michael Jackson’s music and videos have saturated the airwaves and our televisions. No matter what your age, musical preference or cultural background Michael Jackson’s music makes you want to get up and dance.
Celebrate the memory of Michael Jackson this weekend by dancing.
Enjoy the drama of Smooth Criminal and Thriller. Embrace your tough side with Beat it and Bad. Get inspired with Man in the Mirror and shed a tear with You Are Not Alone.
Appreciate the ability to lose yourself in each of his songs and when the final note plays remember how one man’s journey to live and share his passion had a profound influence on the world.
Are you living your passion?
Are you making an impact?
Take a moment today and honestly ask yourself these questions. If your answer is no, then follow Michael Jackson’s powerful words “take a look at yourself, and then make a change”.
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If you enjoyed this article, check out the following:
Fitness ID: The Freshman
June 23, 2009 by Ozzie Jacobs
Filed under Fitness Articles, Fitness Blog
You can always spot the “freshman”. The inexperienced, self-conscious individual that walks in the gym not having the slightest idea of what to do, how to do it or why total body workouts are necessary to reach most fitness goals. The freshman feels awkward when doing exercises with dumbbells and uneasy about using a new machine. 
The freshman may quietly watch the experienced “hard body” on the next machine and try to copy their moves. The freshman’s discomfort with weight training may cause him/her to become frustrated with working out and is a major contributor to the demise of their fitness hopes and dreams.
Personality #5: The Freshman
- Do you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious at the gym?
- Do you find it difficult to develop a fitness regimen?
- Are you disappointed with your fitness progress?
- Has your discomfort caused you to reduce your trips to the gym?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be qualify as a freshman.
The freshman begins with a high level of motivation but the motivation dwindles due to their inability to “fit in” to the gym scene. As with any new task, exercise or environment we gain comfort through familiarity and practice. To succeed the freshman must be patient, receptive and studious.
The freshman should first seek knowledge from fitness professionals and reputable fitness literature to understand the basics of exercise (i.e. proper form, routines, etc.). Once the freshman understands the proper way to build a balanced fitness routine then they should document their progress in a fitness journal. The freshman should be open to trying new fitness strategies, as the variety will help the freshman avoid a plateau.
If you are a freshman or you know someone that is, check out the following fitness videos specifically designed for this type of fitness identity:
- Ask Ozzie: How to lose weight
- Beautiful Chest, Gorgeous Back, Magnificent Abs!
- Gorgeous Arms: Biceps and Triceps
- Yoga Sculpt Workout
- Fitness Tripod
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If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Fitness ID: Adrenaline junkie, Fitness ID: Control Freak, Fitness ID: The Conqueror, Fitness ID: The Procrastinator and subscribe to my newsletter!
Retro Fitness: Recess
June 18, 2009 by Ozzie Jacobs
Filed under Fitness Articles, Fitness Blog
You’re sitting at your desk; you take a quick glance out the window to admire a warm sunny California afternoon. The “tick-tock” of the clock gets louder and louder as you notice just how slow the minutes crawl. Only 5 minutes stand between you and the paradise of pleasure that is RECESS!!! 
Those were the days, running like mad on the playground. Handball, Jump Rope, Tag, Hop Scotch or any other game you and your friends happened to make up that day were all that mattered. The tests, homework, deadlines and book reports fell to the back of your mind as you embraced the freedom of running as fast as you could and screaming at the top of your lungs.
Where oh where did recess go? Is it possible to get it back??
I’m happy to inform you that recess is alive and well. Recess can be found at your local gym, at the park down the street, on the beach and even in your own living room. Sure it may not be a mid-morning event but you can insert it into your day.
Make recess a daily event!
- Gather a group of friends and meet for a game of basketball, a yoga class, a beach run or dancing!
- Sign up for a bootcamp or schedule a small group training appointment with a personal trainer!
- Meet your friends at the playground for a retro fitness activity you enjoyed in your youth (Handball, Dodgeball, Hide and Seek, Hop Scotch, Rollerblading)
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Looking for more ways to spice up your workout and social life, check out the following:
