| Summer Size and Symmetry |
| by Big Al Fortney, NPC Competitor |
| This time of year, weight loss and cardiovascular fitness seem to be first and foremost in everyone's minds. Here in Delaware, as soon as it gets into the eighties, everyone heads for the beach. If you too, want to be ready to sport a swimsuit and short shorts this summer for the ladies or a tank top for the fellas, incorporate my weight loss tips into your fitness plan and see just where they will take you. These are just a few easy things for you to follow but they will make you look great for the summer. So if you train seriously and follow my plan you will turn some heads this summer. Now get your ass up and get ready to look great. 1. EAT MORE OFTEN By spreading your three meals out over six smaller meals, you will increase your metabolism. This will help you burn fat quicker because your body will function at a faster rate. In addition, by eating smaller meals more frequently, you will prevent large insulin spikes that are associated with fat storage. 2. MORNING CARDIO I am not an early riser, but when I start to diet for a bodybuilding contest, I am walking on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes before my first meal. Performing cardio first in the morning on an empty stomach when glycogen levels are at their lowest forces your body to use fat storage for energy. Remember, your body does not start burning fat until you have reached 20 minutes into your cardio. Your goal should be 30 to 45 minutes. I like to wake up, slam my Animal Cuts, grab a bottle of water and jump on my stepmill. By the time my 30 minutes is up I'm wide awake and ready to roll. 3. DRINK WATER This is a very important component to losing weight. The rule of thumb is eight 8 oz glasses a day. Staying hydrated keeps your metabolism working properly. There are many benefits to drinking water such as ridding your body of toxins, aiding in digestion and promoting healthy skin. 4. PROTEIN Protein is an important key to building lean muscle mass. Try to eat some form of protein with each of your six meals. Your body can store fat or carbohydrates, but not protein. Protein cannot be stored as fat. Protein also expends more calories during digestion. Sometimes it's hard to eat every 3 or 4 hrs-that's when I throw in a shake, Ultra Iso Whey is my favorite. I also like to use the Animal Nitro to keep a positive nitrogen balance. I take one pack after cardio and another right after I train. 5. WEIGHT TRAIN The more muscle that you build, the more fat that you burn. Weight training releases endorphins that also help you to feel good about yourself. In addition, weight training is integral to helping women prevent osteoporosis. The key here is not just to go to the gym and do an easy workout, you have to push yourself to improve and grow. 6. USE FAT BURNERS A good fat burner will help speed your metabolism and give you energy for those hardcore workouts. My personal favorites are Animal Cuts and Zero G--they work. Some fat burners seem to stop working after a short time, but Animal Cuts and Zero G both always get the job done. You can use this plan for getting in shape for the summer or getting ready step on stage for a bodybuilding show. I hope all you that train hard follow this plan and adhere to these simple rules to help look great and reach your peak shape for the summer. |