All About TACTIX Method Fitness

The fitness and martial arts industries have never been closer than they are today.  In the past, martial arts had its unique following, and fitness fanatics had their own way of getting in shape.  Due to the rapid growth of MMA (mixed martial arts) and fusion type exercise programs, an interesting blend has emerged.  The latest entry into this hybrid space is TACTIX, which calls itself "the perfect blend of martial arts fitness, boot camp intensity, practical self defense, bodyweight exercises, metabolic conditioning, and dynamic flexibility."

First, let’s review the martial arts aspect.  TACTIX uses a very specific blend of MMA conditioning, Krav Maga, Kung-fu and Muay Thai.  If these names don’t mean much to you, just know that they are some of the world’s most effect forms of martial arts.  The fitness component is a combination of dynamic flexibility (think martial arts yoga), fitness boot camp training, and a lot of core work.
 
There's no fighting, sparring or combat of any kind in TACTIX. There are specific drills that require working with a partner and striking pads, but it's all in good fun. TACTIX is about having fun, shedding pounds, and learning some realistic self-defense techniques.

If you are interested in experiencing TACTIX for yourself, Get more details by visiting his website at http://www.TACTIXofPhoenixville.com or by calling 484-202-0010.

Clothes That Fit, Will Help You Stay Fit!

Did you spring-clean your home but forgot about those worn-out sneakers and old workout clothes living in your closet? Spring is a good time to update your exercise wardrobe, especially if your current clothes and shoes have seen better days.
 
You might think your exercise attire is not all that important! However, wearing the right kind of clothing can optimize your workout.

Many people believe that what they wear during a workout is not as important as the workout itself.
It’s true that the main focus should be your routine. Certainly, it is not necessary to be fashionable or trendy while exercising. But wearing ill-fitting clothing or garments made from wrong materials that chafe or irritate your skin can impact your comfort, flexibility, and performance. And, in some cases, they can even cause injuries.

When shopping for new exercise apparel this spring, pay special attention to the material, functionality and fit:

• “Cotton is a wonderful fabric for every-day wear, but not for a workout. It traps sweat and perspiration, weighing down your garment and clinging to your skin. So-called performance fabrics made of polyester and / or Lycra blends are a much better choice not only for clothing itself but also for socks, hats, and even underwear.”
• “Materials are very important but so is the fit – your clothes shouldn’t be so tight that they constrict you or limit your range of motion. Usually, garments that have some stretchable spandex will be most comfortable during exercise.”
• “Make sure your clothing is activity-appropriate. Baggy pants might be right for running but not for cycling. Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with Capri leggings and a fitted top – they are great for any type of workout or sports activity.”
• “Feet can make or break your exercise routine – there is nothing worse than working out with painful blisters or other foot injuries.  That’s why a pair of comfortable, well-fitting workout shoes should be your top priority. It is recommended to replace your workout footwear every five to six months, and you don’t have to pay big bucks for toning shoes. There’s no proof that these expensive sneakers provide a better workout than traditional sports-specific footwear.”

The bottom line is, that if you wear appropriate clothing, you will get much more benefit out of your workout.

To Prevent Colds and Flu, Cough up some Exercise!

It’s the middle of winter and you are under attack by a silent enemy that invades your nose, throat and lungs, reducing you to a sneezing, sniffling and aching mess.
       
Yes, the flu season is here again, ready to strike our bodies and make us feel miserable for days or even weeks.According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza normally peaks in the United States in January and February, spreading like wildfire across the country. Along with the common cold, flu is the most contagious condition this time of year.   Unfortunately, it takes more than an apple a day or a bowl of chicken soup to keep these nasty viruses away.

But while we can’t stop the spread of influenza, we can avoid getting sick by strengthening our defenses against the invading viruses. In fact, there are several ways to increase our immunity against the flu. Vaccination is the best protection, but there are other preventive measures you can take in addition to getting the shots. Basically, it’s a matter of boosting your immune system so it can stop viruses before they attack your body. This is where exercise is very effective.
       
Recent studies showing that exercise creates disease-fighting cells in the immune system, making it more resistant to colds, flu, and illnesses in general. And, these studies have also reported that while brisk activity is recommended, we don't have to work out to the point of exhaustion in order to get the immunity benefits of exercise.
       
Research proves that even people who work out moderately at least 30 minutes five days a week, increase the number of immune-system cells that circulate in the body and kill viruses and bacteria. These folks have 46 percent fewer colds than those who work out only once a week or not at all. And even if they do get ill, their symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, coughing, and runny nose are much less severe.
       
The message here is clear: If you work out on a regular basis, your immune system will heal your body quicker, with fewer complications. Sometimes, simplest things really do work best!

There are other good preventive measures besides exercise that protect our health during disease outbreaks. For example, eating vitamin-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, washing our hands frequently, and avoiding crowded public places that are real germ-fests, will also help. It all comes down to common sense, good judgment, and a healthy lifestyle.

Dehydration can it be chronic?

Well we are in the midst of another heat wave here on the East Coast and the biggest concern for us, is staying hydrated. Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day, especially if you are exercising outside. So we emphasize greatly to our Boot campers to hydrate, stay away from caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks and stick with fresh water, fresh fruits and veggies to help you hydrate.  Yet ironically enough you could already be dehydrated before the heat wave started?

How is that possible? And how do you know?

Many things can be a factor in causing your body to be in a state of dehydration, the obvious things would be caffeine, alcohol, soda pop.  But have you ever taken a medication that has a warning label stating it may cause dry mouth?  Or do you find it difficult to consume just plain old water, so you add a little flavoring in the form of a powder and you think that will help you get hydrated?  Are you currently consuming prepackaged, processed foods such as hot dogs or lunch meats? Or maybe you are someone who likes to add salt even before tasting your food.  Anything that has high levels of sodium could be depleting your body of water as well.

Unfortunately there are quite a few factors that can contribute to dehydration; but their are quite a few symptoms you could be experiencing that could tell you if you are dehydrated.

1. Fatigue and Energy loss
2. Constipation
3. Digestive Disorders
4. High or low blood pressure
5. Gastritis or stomach ulcers
6. Respiratory troubles (even misdiagnosed asthma)
7. Acid-Alkaline imbalance
8. Excess weight and obesity
9.  Excema
10.Cystitis, urinary infections
11. High Cholesterol
12. Rheumatism
13. Early Aging

So take the time today to notice if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.  Be aware of what are the factors causing your dehydration.  Remember if you are experiencing fatigue and hunger you might just be thirsty. If you are experiencing excessive joint pain you could be lacking on water. So don't discount the healing factors of water, just start drinking.
You should start by moderately increasing your water intake, everything in moderation.

One thing I do need to disclaim, anything in excess can be detrimental, so chugging gallons of water all in one sitting will not help you get hydrated it can be deadly.

Till next time or the next heat wave.

Try to maintain a healthy balance in your life with regular exercise, healthy eating and drinking lots of water...

Save Money by Hiring a Personal Trainer...

How many times have you spent lamenting over how you have failed at reaching your fitness goals?  Did you dust off your treadmill and remove all the clothes hanging from it and start trying again? Maybe you found your gym membership card or put the directions back in your GPS to find your way back to the gym.  Have you resolved again this year to lose the weight and get rid off that excess jiggle? 

But have you truly made the decision in your mind or were you just having another conversation with yourself or your loved ones how you are going to make that commitment.  Yes life is hard, you have no time, "you just don't understand, I have tried all the exercise and diet fads."  The fads maybe work for a little while and then you lose focus or interest or find your excuses "at least I tried", I do get that..

Did you know that 95% of the diets or fad exercise programs don't work!  Why, do you ask?  Because you are not the same as everyone else, you are unique and your reason for quitting on your health is not the same reason your neighbor, sister, or even your spouse quits.  So are you destined to fail again this year?

Your are only destined to fail if you chose to quit on yourself and your health, mental and physical.  Sure finding guidance from the experts is great way to help you achieve your goals however those experts are only guides and coaches.  The best experts out there can help you with the tools but they will not do it for you, that is ultimately up to you. 

So are you going to "try" again at reaching those crazy goals or are you going to start your action plan today.  Did you know you can start your life any day of the week it doesn't always have to be Monday?  Stop letting those old messages stop you forget about your past mistakes and start fresh today, right now get up and start doing, start making those dreams of health come to life!!

Did you know you could save money by getting the help of a coach or a Personal Trainer?  How do you ask.. Think about it, if you are focused on attaining a healthy body today, you won't have to purchase a new wardrobe next year at this time because you failed one more time.  By getting moving and healthy you can save your dollars from adding one more prescription or one more Dr. visit this year.  Commit to saving money today and enlist the help of the experts...

A personal trainer should be, at the least, educated and certified through a reputable fitness organization.  This person's job is to assess your fitness level, set up a program for you and keep you motivated. He or she will push you past your comfort level--something difficult to do on your own. A trainer also provides:


• guidance on reaching your goals

• education about strength training, cardio and basic nutrition

• a reason to show up at the gym each week

• accountability

• ways to help track your progress

So think about it invest in saving money today, get the help you need enlist the help of Personal Trainer, and start saving for a bigger retirement....