Nic Conway

Nic Conway

Strength training is not just for building muscle; it’s essential for boosting metabolism, bone health, and overall wellness.

Women of all ages can benefit from adding strength training into their routines, but it’s important to start safely:

  1. Start with Bodyweight Exercises: Begin with exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups to develop foundational strength.
  2. Focus on Form: Proper form is key to preventing injuries and ensuring effective results. Consider working with a personal trainer for guidance.
  3. Gradually Increase Weights: As you become more comfortable, add light weights and increase resistance over time.

PT Fitness Wodonga can assist with tailored strength training programs designed for women, helping you build strength, confidence, and a healthy body.

You can access either of our Gyms including High Street and Chisholm Crt to follow the program our Trainers design for you. 

 

If you’re trying to Lose Weight, Build Muscle, or just maintain your Overall health, Protein is a Crucial Nutrient. Here’s why eating enough Protein every day should be a top priority:

  1. Muscle Repair and Growth: Protein is essential for repairing muscle tissues after workouts, helping you grow stronger and recover faster.
  2. Supports Weight Loss: Protein helps to keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the temptation to overeat. It also requires more energy for your body to digest, meaning you burn more calories just by eating it.
  3. Maintain Lean Muscle: As you lose fat, it’s important to maintain lean muscle mass. Eating enough protein prevents muscle loss and ensures you stay strong and toned.
  4. Boosts Metabolism: A high-protein diet can increase your metabolism and help your body burn fat more efficiently.

If you’re unsure how to get enough protein in your diet, our experts at our Gym, PT Fitness Wodonga, can guide you through Meal Plans and Nutrition Advice to make sure you hit your daily goals.

 

When most people think of weight loss, cardio usually comes to mind. However, strength training is just as important, if not more so, for achieving your weight loss goals.

Here’s why you should incorporate strength training into your fitness routine:

  1. Boost Metabolism: Strength training increases muscle mass, which helps boost your resting metabolic rate. This means your body burns more calories, even at rest.
  2. Long-Term Fat Loss: While cardio burns calories in the short term, strength training promotes fat loss for the long haul by preserving muscle tissue as you lose weight.
  3. Build a Toned Physique: Strength training helps you achieve a lean, toned look while losing fat, giving you the fit, healthy body you’re aiming for.
  4. Prevent Plateaus: Many people hit weight loss plateaus when they only do cardio. Adding strength training can keep your body progressing and burning fat consistently.

At our Wodonga Gym, we offer a variety of strength training options for all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, we’ve got the equipment and expertise to help you succeed.

 

Summer is right around the corner, and who doesn’t want to feel confident and strong when the holiday season arrives?

Whether you’re looking to shed some extra weight or tone up, the time to prepare your summer body is now!

  1. Plan Ahead for Success: Don’t wait until the last minute! Start now to give yourself enough time to hit your goals before the Christmas Holidays.
  2. Consistency is Key: Achieving your best body takes commitment. A steady routine of Cardio, Strength Training, and Balanced Nutrition is the recipe for success.
  3. Healthy Habits for Life: Rather than crash diets or extreme fitness plans, focus on sustainable changes. By building healthy habits now, you can enjoy the holiday treats guilt-free.
  4. Feel Confident: Imagine entering the festive season feeling your best. With regular exercise and smart nutrition, you can enjoy the Christmas parties and beach days feeling energized and confident.

PT Fitness Wodonga offers everything you need to get started, from expert-led group fitness classes to personalised Training and Nutrition Plans.

Let’s prepare for the best summer yet!

 

 

Are you thinking about starting your fitness journey but always finding reasons to delay? Whether it’s waiting for the “perfect time” or simply feeling unsure, the truth is, there’s no better moment to begin than right now.

At our Gym in Wodonga - PT Fitness, we encourage everyone to take that first step, no matter how small, and here’s why:

  1. No Time Like the Present: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes. Starting now builds momentum and sets you on a path to success.
  2. Small Steps Lead to Big Results: You don’t have to be an expert or super fit to begin. Just getting into the habit of regular exercise will improve your energy, mood, and health over time.
  3. Beat the Stress: Fitness helps combat stress and anxiety, which are common today. A regular workout routine can boost mental clarity and reduce stress levels.
  4. Longevity and Health: The longer you maintain a sedentary lifestyle, the more you put your health at risk. Begin now to enjoy the long-term benefits of a fit, healthy body.

Start your fitness journey today by joining our community in Wodonga. We offer personalized training programs to get you on track!

 

7 Day High Protein and Fibre Rich Meal Plan for Weight Loss

 

This meal plan promotes effective weight loss by incorporating high-protein and fiber-rich foods that keep you satisfied and support your health goals. Excessive visceral adipose tissue (VAT) around organs in the abdomen can pose health risks, but certain lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can help reduce VAT and lower the risk of disease.

 

The meal plan aims to provide a minimum of 50 grams of protein and 30 grams of fiber each day. It can be adjusted to different calorie levels based on individual needs. For a comprehensive 30-day meal plan and more information on losing belly fat, refer to our guide.

 

Here are some high-protein foods that can contribute to your goals:

 

Eggs: A convenient and healthy source of high-quality protein.

Fermented dairy: Yogurt and kefir support a healthy gut microbiome.

Legumes: Beans and lentils are excellent sources of fiber and protein.

Nuts: Peanuts, in particular, have been associated with improved blood sugar levels.Protein sources: Fish, chicken, and turkey are filling options.

Hydration and detoxification: Increasing water intake supports hydration and regular bowel movements.

Green tea benefits: While not a magical weight loss drink, green tea offers other health benefits.

 

Feel free to try the meal plan for seven days or experiment with a few recipes to support your weight loss journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Here's a meal-prep plan for your week:

 

Day 1

Breakfast

3 large scrambled eggs

2 slices wheat toast

1/2 grapefruit

 

Snack

6 ounces 2% cottage cheese

1 ounce chopped walnuts

1/4 cup blueberries

 

Lunch

2 slices wheat bread

4 ounces of roast turkey deli meat

1 slice provolone cheese

1/4 cup baby spinach

2 slices tomato

 

Snack

Smoothie: 1 scoop whey protein powder, 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1 small frozen banana, 1 tablespoon flaxseeds, ice (optional); blend until smooth

 

Dinner

6 ounces baked cod or other white fish

1 small baked potato

1 cup steamed mixed vegetables

 

 

 

 

 


 

Day 2

 

Breakfast

2 large hard-boiled eggs

1/2 cup dry oatmeal cooked in 1/2 cup nonfat milk

1 ounce chopped walnuts

1/2 small banana

 

Snack

1 (5.3-ounce) container of plain nonfat Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup blueberries

  

Lunch

1 (4-ounce) can of solid white tuna in water, drained

1 tablespoon olive oil mayonnaise

16 thin wheat crackers

1 cup sliced carrots

 

Snack

1 small apple

2 tablespoons almond butter

 

Dinner

6 ounces of grilled chicken breast

1 cup cooked brown rice

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steamed broccoli

 

 

 

 

 


 

Day 3

 

Breakfast

Omelet: 3 large egg whites, 1 large egg,

2 tablespoons chopped tomato, 1 tablespoon chopped onion;

cook with nonstick spray until set.

Top with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

1 slice of wheat toast

1/2 grapefruit

 

Snack

6 ounces 2% cottage cheese

1 medium peach

 

Lunch

4 ounces grilled chicken breast

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

1/4 cup black beans

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 tablespoons diced tomato

2 tablespoons salsa

1/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

  

Snack

1/2 cup hummus

1 cup sliced carrots

 

Dinner

4-ounce 93% lean beef burger, grilled

wheat hamburger bun

1 slice cheese

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 ear of corn on the cob, boiled

 

 


Day 4

 

Breakfast

Overnight Oats: 1/3 cup dry oatmeal,

1 scoop whey protein powder, 2 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt,

1/2 cup nonfat milk, a dash of salt, and a dash of cinnamon;

combine, stir, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Top with 1-ounce walnuts or almonds and 1/4 cup blueberries.

  

Snack

2 large hard-boiled eggs

1 part-skim mozzarella cheese stick

1 cup grapes

 

Lunch

Chicken Caesar Wrap: 1 (6-7 inch) tortilla,

3 ounces grilled chicken breast sliced, 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce,

 1 tablespoon Caesar Dressing, 2 slices tomato

 

Snack

1 cup salted and prepared edamame, in the pod

1 cup sliced carrots

 

Dinner

4 ounces grilled sirloin steak

1 medium-baked sweet potato

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steamed broccoli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Day 5

  

Breakfast

1 serving Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Waffles topped

with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

 

Snack

1 (5.3 ounces) container of plain nonfat Greek Yogurt

3 tablespoons hemp seeds

2 tablespoons chocolate chips

1/2 cup sliced strawberries

 

Lunch

2 slices wheat bread

4 ounces sliced roast beef deli meat

1 slice provolone cheese

1 small apple

 

Snack

1 medium banana

2 tablespoons peanut butter

 

Dinner

6 ounces jumbo steamed shrimp

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steamed mixed vegetables

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Day 6

 

Breakfast

1/2 bagel lightly toasted

2 tablespoons cream cheese

3 ounces of smoked salmon

1 clementine

 

Snack

Smoothie: 1 scoop whey protein powder, 1 cup nonfat milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 medium frozen banana, 3 tablespoons hemp seeds, ice (optional); process in a blender until smooth.

 

Lunch

4 ounces grilled chicken breast

2 cups romaine lettuce

4 cherry tomatoes

1 cup sliced cucumber

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup garbanzo beans

 

Snack

1 medium apple

 

Dinner

4 ounces baked or grilled salmon

1 cup cooked quinoa

6 large asparagus spears, steamed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Day 7

 

Breakfast

5 large scrambled egg whites

2 slices wheat bread, toasted

1/4 avocado

Everything bagel seasoning

 

Snack

6 ounces 2% cottage cheese

1/4 cup pineapple chunks

1-ounce cashews

 

Lunch

4 ounces grilled sirloin steak

1 cup cooked white rice

1/4 cup black beans

2 tablespoons salsa

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 cup shredded lettuce

 

Snack

Smoothie: 1 scoop whey protein powder, 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana, ice (optional); process in a blender until smooth.

 

Dinner

4 ounces grilled chicken breast

1 small baked potato

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steamed broccoli

 

As a fitness enthusiast, I understand the importance of having a strong and toned body. Endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility are essential components of overall fitness that help us achieve our fitness goals. In this article, I will discuss how to unlock the secrets to endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility for a strong and toned body.

 

Introduction to the Importance of Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility

Achieving a strong and toned body requires a focus on all aspects of overall fitness, including endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. These components are interconnected and each plays a vital role in helping you reach your fitness goals. Endurance allows you to sustain physical activity over time, while strength enables you to exert force against resistance. Good balance helps you maintain equilibrium, and flexibility allows for a full range of joint motion. By incorporating workouts that target all of these aspects, you can prevent injuries, improve athletic performance, and enhance your overall physical health, ultimately leading to a stronger and more toned body.

 

Understanding Endurance and its Benefits

Endurance is crucial in fitness and can be improved through cardio exercises like running or cycling. Good endurance has many benefits, including increased energy levels, improved heart health, and better weight management. It also enhances athletic performance, allowing you to perform better and for longer periods. Incorporating endurance training into your fitness routine can help you achieve your goals and improve overall physical health.

 

The Importance of Strength Training

Strength training is crucial in fitness and can be achieved through weightlifting, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises. Increased strength can improve bone density, metabolism, and posture, and prevent injuries by strengthening muscles around joints and improving balance.

 

Improving Balance for a Better Quality of Life

Balance is crucial for overall fitness and can be improved through activities like yoga or Pilates. Improving balance can lead to better posture, reduced risk of falls, and improved athletic performance. It also strengthens muscles around joints and improves stability, preventing injuries.

 

The Role of Flexibility in Overall Fitness

Flexibility is essential for fitness and can be improved through stretching exercises. It reduces muscle tension, improves posture, and increases range of motion. It also prevents injuries by allowing muscles to move freely and reducing the risk of strains.

 

How to Improve Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility

A good fitness program should include exercises that improve endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming can improve endurance, while strength training with weights, bands, or body weight can target specific muscles. Activities like yoga, Pilates, or balance drills can improve balance, and stretching exercises can improve flexibility.

The Best Exercises to Improve Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility

To improve endurance, try activities like running, cycling, swimming, or interval training. To build strength, focus on exercises like squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, and lunges. For better balance, try yoga poses like tree pose, warrior III, and eagle pose, Pilates exercises like single-leg circles, and balance drills like single-leg balance stands. To increase flexibility, do static stretches like a hamstring stretch, quad stretch, and chest stretch, or try yoga poses like downward dog, pigeon pose, and seated forward fold. Remember, the best exercises will depend on your fitness level and goals.

Nutrition for Building Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility

A balanced diet is crucial for fitness as it fuels workouts, and supports muscle growth and recovery. Protein from sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans is essential for building muscle. Carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide energy for workouts. Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil support overall health.

Mind-Body Connection for Better Results

The mind-body connection is an essential aspect of overall fitness. Having a positive mindset and being mindful of your body's needs can help you achieve better results. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help improve focus and reduce stress.

Conclusion - Achieving a Strong and Toned Body through Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility

Achieving a strong and toned body requires a well-rounded fitness program that incorporates workouts that target endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. By improving these aspects, you can prevent injuries, improve athletic performance, and enhance overall physical health. Incorporating proper nutrition and mindfulness practices can also help you achieve better results.

Remember, consistency is key. Make a plan, stick to it, and enjoy the journey towards a stronger, more toned body.

Sunday, 16 August 2020 20:07

Is it really a Saving?

Gee that’s a bargain.... 

It can be so easy to get caught thinking your making a “saving” when these ads catch your eye, yet in most cases your actually spending money on something you never intended on buying.

Not only does this impact our wallet it also impacts our health goals!

During these tough isolation periods it’s so easy to enjoy these goodies curled up on the couch or nibbling at the desk. Just remember if YOU buy it YOU’LL eat it!!

Tips to avoiding getting caught up with these “savings”

1. Go shopping with a list and STICK TO IT!

2. Don’t go shopping when your hungry

3. Shop online where you aren’t tempted by these little “savings”

4. Just buy the small size, although the king size may seem cheaper, it isn’t in the long run!

Don’t forget we have our own Resident Nutritionist, Shanayde Daly, visiting every Monday evening for 30 Minute Consultations for our Members so if these “bargains” are catching up with you and you need some guidance with your nutrition and health goals she will be there to help!

Sunday, 16 August 2020 06:47

Eat like The Rock

For Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock, workouts and a diligent diet are quite simply a way of life. Accordingly, the California-born college athlete turned WWE sensation turned A-list movie star cuts a truly impressive figure, as anyone with working eyeballs and access to a screen can attest to. And while some of that mean muscle came naturally, the bulk of it results from next level dedication in every conceivable department. That said, he still makes room for the occasional cheat day. Something tells us he earned it.

Meanwhile, Johnson is always happy to share the secrets of his ongoing success. As such, you’ll always find him posting fitness videos to YouTube or selling The Rock workout gear or gracing Instagram with pictures of his hearty meals. He even launched two short-lived reality shows called “Hero” and “Wake Up Call,” where he personally motivated others toward physical and mental transformation. Like we said, spreading the love is a massive part of his game plan.

It’s then no surprise that adopting The Rock diet and workout plan isn’t a matter of access as much as it is a matter of conviction. Well, that and a decent budget, since you’ll be spending a lot on food. Should you take on this training regimen, however, you might one day flaunt a body like the one he did in “Hercules” or “Fast 5” or any other movie he’s been in because he’s pretty much always fit. But are you up to the task, young go-getter? Let’s find out.

The Rock Diet Plan

The Rock takes a “go big or go home” attitude toward just about everything he does, including his diet. What we’re trying to say here is that he eats like a grizzly bear, albeit a (mostly) healthy one.

Sometimes The Rock’s diet can go to crazy extremes. For example, when prepping for the role of Hercules, it was reported that he ate up to seven protein-rich meals a day. That amounted to a whopping total of 4,131 calories, which is basically twice the recommended average for men. When not in training, he normally eats about five meals a day, and we’re talking meals.

As you can probably guess, Johnson loves himself a juicy steak along with other tasty proteins. And if you’ve ever visited The Rock’s insanely popular Instagram feed, then you know his cheat meals are downright epic. Of course, everything this dude does is epic, so why would his cheat meals be any exception?

Think steak, fish, whole grains, eggs, green veggies, protein, protein, and more protein, and you’re getting a pretty good idea of what The Rock is cookin’. It’s all planned out in advance and devoured with relish.

Five-Meal Diet Plan

When he’s not building mass for a role, The Rock eats the following (as an example):

Meal #1

  • 280 grams steak
  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 glass watermelon juice

 

Meal #2

  • 2 servings chicken
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 3 cups mushrooms
  • 3 cups broccoli
  • 1 protein shake

 

Meal #3

  • 225 grams salmon
  • 8 asparagus tips
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 2 cups rice medley
  • 3 cups broccoli

 

Meal #4

  • 280 grams steak
  • 3 baked potatoes
  • 8 asparagus tips
  • 1 glass orange juice

 

Meal #5

  • 20 grams casein protein
  • 10 egg whites

 

Seven-Meal Diet Plan

As we mentioned above, when The Rock was training for 2014’s “Hercules,” he consumed calories like it was nobody’s business. For all the extremists (or completists) out there, here’s one of his seven-meal diet plans:

 

Meal #1

  • 280 grams cod
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 2 cups of oatmeal

 

Meal #2

  • 225 grams cod
  • 340 grams sweet potato
  • 1 cup veggies

 

Meal #3

  • 225 grams chicken
  • 2 cups white rice
  • 1 cup veggies

 

Meal #4

  • 225 grams cod
  • 2 cups rice
  • 1 cup veggies
  • 1 tbsp fish oil—122

 

Meal #5

  • 225 grams steak
  • 12 oz baked potato
  • spinach salad

 

Meal #6

  • 280 grams cod
  • 2 cups rice
  • salad

 

Meal #7

  • 30 grams casein protein
  • 10 egg-white omelette
  • 1 cup veggies (onions, peppers, mushrooms)
  • 1 tbsp omega-3 fish oil

 


 

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Sunday, 05 April 2020 06:15

Emotional Eating

Hollywood movies often depict ‘binge eating’ as a woman sitting in front of a television watching a love story with a huge spoon and a bucket of ice cream, sobbing after breaking up with her boyfriend. However the reality is far less dramatic and far more common than you might think.

Do you eat when you're feeling sad, lonely, bored, fatigued, angry or worried? Do you eat when you’re not feeling physically hungry? Do you use food as a source of pleasure or reward?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you are eating out of emotion. But don’t despair, as almost everyone is an emotional eater to some degree.

It’s important to recognise that emotional eating will sabotage your weight management efforts and understanding your own eating patterns can be one of the most important factors in achieving long-term weight loss success.

Here are five steps to help end emotional eating -

Step One: Identify Your Triggers Keep a diary of how you’re feeling, what you are eating, how often and how much. Within weeks you will notice that your emotional eating has a pattern.

Step Two: Organise you Eating How many times do we use factors “beyond our control” as excuses? There are always things that are going to pop up. Whether you have to work back, get stuck in meetings or are busy with the kids. The simple solution is to just plan in advance.

Step Three: Clear out the rubbish Remove foods from the house that are going to be a huge temptation for you in times of need.

Step Four: Factor in your favourite foods If you recognise that a certain food is going to be something that you just can’t say no to, factor it in to your daily food allowances.

Step Five: Create Alternatives to emotional eating. The best way to beat cravings and emotional eating is to MOVE. Exercise can decrease the stress hormones cortisol and increase endorphins giving your mood a natural boost. So, get out of the house, go to the gym, go for a walk, turn the radio on and dance, run around and play with the kids or do some gardening.

Emotional eating can be a real vicious cycle. You eat to feel better, you feel good for a little while, but then feel guilty and disgusted that you have overeaten and sabotaged your efforts to lose weight. This feeling then makes you want to emotional eat again to make yourself feel better and the cycle continues. 90% of people who lose weight will regain all of that weight within the next two years. The reason is often because they focus on exercise and fail to address the underlying emotional reasons for the weight gain in the first place.

Together we can help. If you need any further advice please speak to one of our trainers.

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