 |
Archive for the ‘Ask Tanja’ Category
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
 Q: Hi Tanja, I am on the Abs Powerfoods Diet. Want to lose weight. I am 26 years old (170 cm height, weight 70 kg).
I’m working from early morning and I am at home about 5, then I have dinner and then when I am ready to do my workout, it’s 8 already. I finish about 9 and I’m not really sure what should I eat then? I am going to bed about 11… Please, Tanja, I really need your help.
By the way, I already bought a second DVD workout with you. I enjoyed the Resistance Cord one so much, I bought the Total Body BalanceBall a couple of days ago and it’s fantastic. I have so much fun and I feel like you are here, doing the exercise with me.  Thank you, Tanja. – Kasia xxx
A: Hi Kasia, Great question! This is a problem for a lot of people because they are stuck in the rule of not eating before bedtime. The more important thing is actually to eat after your workout, to replenish your energy supplies and get the MOST out of the workout you just did!! If a small meal of vegetables, a grain, and protein feels like too much before bedtime, a protein shake can be beneficial at this point. Just make sure to get shakes that are LOW in sugar, which can sometimes be difficult to find.
You might also consider getting up an hour earlier and switching your workout time to the morning hours. It can be hard to switch, but after a few weeks you will start feeling the benefits of what a great start that workout gives you. In my own experience, evening workouts can sometimes cause insomnia because of all the endorphins and adrenalin that get produced. But again, this is a very individual experience. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Thank you for working out with me!!!
Live Life Loud!
Tanja
Do you have a question? Don’t be shy – ask it here!
Tags: weight loss
Posted in Ask Tanja, Fitness, Nutrition | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 16th, 2011
Q: Hi, Tanja! I started kettlebell training about a month ago and love it! However, my right elbow hurts when I do the clean and press exercise. It feels okay during other exercises. I’ve been told that I have good form, and my left elbow is fine. I’m guessing my right side must be weak? I tried switching to a lower weight (just 5 lbs.!) but still have pain. What can I do to strengthen my right elbow?
Thanks, Em
A: Hi, Em! I’m happy to hear you found something new you like!!! Kettlebells are great but very dependent upon form and core strength.
I suspect you may have started with a heavier than necessary weight and you have possibly developed a little bit of an inflammation. This is what you can do if that is the case:
- If it’s is really bad, take a week off.
- During this time, take Motrin or another anti-inflammatory for a few days, every 4 hours. If you are the “no to pills” type, pineapple and watermelon have anti-inflammatory agents. You can also try the homeopathic remedy Arnica.
- Foam roll or ball roll on your forearm and upper arm or do gentle palpitating massages.
- For the first week that you’re back in kettlebell class, switch to a super light weight or no weight when doing the clean press. Slow down your movement so that there is blood flow going through the area, but no tension. Ice after class.
When doing kettlebells, it’s very important to keep good form. Knowing how to engage your gluteus and keeping your back in proper posture helps prevent misalignment in the upper body.
Hope this helps you!!
Tanja
Do you have a question? Don’t be shy – ask it here!
Tags: kettlebell
Posted in Ask Tanja, Fitness | No Comments »
Thursday, July 14th, 2011
Q: What is the secret to staying in shape while pregnant?
A: The secret is DEFINITELY to stay active as much as possible. It is difficult sometimes, because your body is seemingly and obviously gaining weight because it is making a baby. But just the thought of how much easier it will be to regain your energy and body after delivery, is hopefully a good motivator.
Also, it is in the calories!! A baby-making body doesn’t require more than 200-350 more calories per day. Moms often “eat for two,” which can mean that there is a food frenzy at every meal. When you find the balance, stick to it!!
Here are some little sayings you can use to motivate yourself:
- I am doing this for the health of my Baby
- I want to get in Hot Mama shape quickly after I deliver!
- I am instilling the value of health into my precious baby already!
- Exercise makes my body stronger, healthier, and wiser!!
- Any little thing I do is valuable!
Tanja
Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Before starting this or any other diet or fitness program, consult your physician to determine if it is right for your needs.
Do you have a question? Don’t be shy – ask it here!
Tags: motivation, pregnancy, pregnant
Posted in Ask Tanja, Body-Mind Health, Fitness, Nutrition | No Comments »
Thursday, July 7th, 2011
Q: Hej Tanja! Först vill jag bara säga, efter att ha sett Biggest loser, att du verkar otroligt duktig. Det är så kul att se dig jobba med deltagarna och hur du motiverar dem!
Det är mitt drömjobb att jobba som pt. Jag älskar träning, och att hjälpa och att jobba med människor, både fysiskt och mentalt. Jag tänkte fråga dig; vilken väg du tycker är bäst att gå? Jag funderar på att gå en tre månaders utbildning i New York (The American Academy of Personal Training) för att få en licens och börja jobba. Vet du kanske något om den skolan?Sedan tänkte bygga på mer efter hand genom att läsa kurser vid t ex universitet, jag inser att man direkt blir fullärd efter tre månader.. men det blir man väl aldrig  .
Har du tid och ork vore det kul att höra vad du tycker och har för åsikter, och kanske några goda råd. Min favoritträning är styrketräning/löpning/bollsporter (inte speciellt förtjust i gruppträning..) och är speciellt intresserad av att jobba med viktminskning, men det mesta är av intresse.
– Fanny
(more…)
Posted in Ask Tanja | No Comments »
Thursday, June 9th, 2011
Q: Hi, Tanja! I always LOVE your Total Body cardio toning workout vid. I do the workout every other day. Then I run 2 miles on the “other” every other day. My problem is: my arms are not toning very well, especially the upper area. They are big for me. I “hate” them and cannot wear sleeveless in the summer. ;( Each time I look in the mirror, they seem to get bigger. I believe I’m healthy (so my doc says, too). I’m 5 ft. and weigh 100 lbs. I’m vegan and exercise 5x a week. PLEASE help and advise. Thank you and more power! — Kitty
A: Hi, Kitty!!! Thanks for the kudos!! You sound like an energetic pack of 100 lbs.! I can’t say so much about your question without actually meeting you, but let me pose a few general statements that you can take into consideration.
Sometimes we focus our attention on things we don’t LOVE about our bodies, and the more we focus on them, the “bigger” the problem they become. Same thing goes for focusing on the GOOD stuff like, for instance, you can actually run 2 miles and the coolest part about that is if you can run 2, you most certainly can run 4!! Play with the distances of your run so that the body has space to change and be challenged.
Another thing that I have encountered with my clients when they have tried to go vegan is that it is difficult to keep a good lean body mass and low body fat on a regular or satisfying basis. Most of those times I have asked my clients if it is more important to stay vegan, or have lower body fat? The answer is most often to stay vegan because of reasons that run deeper at the core than a body fat percentage.
I hope this answer helps a little bit. Stay strong and Live Loud!!!! It’s worth it!
Tanja
Do you have a question? Don’t be shy – ask it here!
Tags: body fat, body image, vegan
Posted in Ask Tanja | No Comments »
|
 |
|
