OHHH Leg Day

Last summer, once I finally got into a routine and fell in love with going to the gym, I preferred some workouts over others. I love focusing on my arms, shoulders, chest, and back. I struggle with ab and leg workouts because they seem to affect me more the next day. Leg workout are especially hard for me because a lot of my weight loss occurred in my butt and legs and now they shake vigorously when I do a hard leg workout. I want to incorporate more leg, ab, and core workouts into my routine because working out only some parts of your body and not others can leave you at higher risk for injury of those neglected muscles.

So this leads me to my next point... soreness. Another reason that many of us slack off at the gym is because we get sore the next day and feel like we can't work out then we skip another day and another day and on and on. Well, here is my talk about the benefits of pre and post workout supplements. I swear by GNC products and their employees have always been very helpful. I have been through a variety of products to see what I like best and I definitely like some more than others. A pre workout blend is used 30-60 minutes prior to hitting the weights and serves to increase stamina, muscle pump, and focus throughout your workout. For a pre workout I prefer Jack 3D micro or Epiq Power (both available in fruit punch flavor). I have completed workouts with and without taking a pre workout and can definitely notice a huge difference. Sometimes when taking a pre workout I feel like the Hulk and could lift all day without getting tired. ** Always pay attention to the ingredients. A lot of pre workouts contain caffeine so avoid these if you are sensitive to caffeine and avoid other caffeinated drinks during the day.

Immediately following a workout you should consume a LOT of protein. Protein breaks down and replenishes the muscle fibers that are torn during workouts and builds the muscle back up stronger. Most serious weight trainers take a protein shake directly after workout. GNC brand Amplified wheybolic protein is my favorite and vanilla tastes the best. Currently I am trying the amplified muscle meal blend of whey(fast breakdown) and casein(slow breakdown) protein. I don't like this vanilla flavor as much so I add 1/4 tsp. of cocoa powder. Adding a protein shake to your post workout routine cuts soreness in half and sometimes even eliminates it completely. It's amazing and has helped me to be more motivated at the gym because my level of soreness had decreased to drastically. 

Helpful hints that I've learned:

*Never buy grape flavored anything at GNC

*Women... do not be scared of lifting heavy weights. It is untrue that light weights with increased reps will give you toned muscles. Lift heavy weights.

*It is impossible for women to get big bulky manly muscles (like female body builders) without the use of testosterone boosters or steroids. Again, do not shy away from lifting heavy weights. Building muscle increases metabolism and burns more fat which also decreases the amount of cardio you have to do to maintain your goal weight.

*Women... do not shy away from creatine. It is a helpful supplement that can increase bursts of energy and muscle pump at the gym. Creatine in not a steroid and you will not have manly muscles or unwanted facial hair!

*When I say muscle pump I don't mean big bulky manly muscles, I mean feeling strong and having more tone/definition in your muscles.

"Accept no ones definition of your life; define yourself."

"First fuel the desire , then the desire will fuel you."