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Atlanta Personal Training | Before and After | Client of the Month

Live Life Fit

Client of the Month

Nicole Hogan 

atlanta personal training

Atlanta personal training

January/February 2014

 We have a first ever three month streak for Client of the Month at Brad Kolowich Jr’s personal training studio.  Nicole Hogan, 28, a full-time nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and an O.R. Nurse at Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialist has been working non-stop in pursuit of competing in her first ever NPC Bikini Competition.  Through the holiday’s, Valentines, snow storms (and being stranded at the hospital), her birthday, illness and other special events, Nicole has let nothing be an excuse for reaching her goals she has set in place.  Nicole stays consistent with her workouts in the studio and on her own.  Since the start of the year, she has learned to take her nutrition to another level—prepping meals, counting her macronutrients more diligently, weighing and measuring everything to meet her ideal macronutrient make-up, and she even completed a trial run through of the dietary process to get stage ready!  This vigorous two week process involves sodium loading, then sodium depleting, water loading and then water depleting, and finally carb depleting and carb loading—and Nicole tackled it flawlessly!  A year after beginning her fitness journey, Nicole is in the best shape of her adult life.  In the picture above she has photographed her abs in March 2013 and again in February 2014.  She is a true testament to Richard G. Scott’s quote about consistency, “We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.”  Nicole will be competing March 21-22 in Pensacola, FL in the Panhandle Showdown Championships National Qualifier in hopes of receiving her national qualification to compete in other future National NPC Bikini events.  We wish you the best of luck Nicole!

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Atlanta Personal Trainer | Client of the Month

 Client of the Month:  Angela Hatton

June 2013

Atlanta personal trainers client of the month

Angela Hatton, 29, is a veteran of the US Air Force.  She moved to Atlanta late last fall and and began working out with Nationally Certified personal trainer Jonathan Kolowich three times a week at the end of March.  Angela’s goals included increasing her strength and achieving a more toned physique.  Angela puts in 110% into every workout.  The fire and fury she puts into her workouts will make you break a sweat just watching her.  Though Angela brings a lot of fire into her performance in the gym, she has a way of brightening up the atmosphere around her.  Her fun, bubbly, and positive personality make her a joy to work with and have in the presence of the studio.  Angela, holds two records at the studio.  She recently beat out our longtime male and female plank record by holding a 7:01 plank to become the overall plank record holder.  Angela also holds the record for the most full body dips (7) for the women.  Just last month, Angela was also one of thirteen of us to tackle and finish the Savage Race.  Thank you Angela for your commitment to bettering your health and achieving your fitness goals!  Congratulations on all your hard work!

-Mandy

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Workout While At Home for the Holiday’s

Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays Workout

In home workout for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Just grab a pair of dumbbells and get started.

Don’t let your fitness commitments go out the door as your friends, family and holiday parties begin to flood in. Between decorating, cooking, wrapping and shuffling from here to there remember to make room to squeeze you fitness routine in. By continuing with your regular workouts, you will have a jump start on reaching your New Year goals. This workout makes use of compound movements–exercises that use multiple muscle groups for maximum results–and its is designed for speed so you can finish it in 30 minutes without compromising your time invested in holiday festivities OR most importantly your results.

All you need is a dumbbell (10-15 llbs.) or medicine ball. Do as many reps as you can in 20 seconds. Rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 4-8 times.

1. Jump squat
2. Dumbbell single leg dead lift with a row (20 seconds each side)
3. Mountain climber
4. Walking lunge with torso twist
5. Alternating lunge jump
6. Dumbbell squat/front raise/press/curl
7. Jumping jack
8. Explosive pushups
9. Overhead Dumbbell crunch
10. Burpee

**As you become more proficient at this workout, you can bump up your interval to a 30 seconds on/15 seconds rest and after that 40/20 intervals.

Written by,

Mandy Malool ISSA-CFT, SFN

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The Best Snacks: Increase the Nutrition Value of Your Banana and Apple

I often hear my client’s say they are eating healthy clean snacks/meals and working out regularly yet continuing to feel a lack of energy and not seeing the results they desire. Many times, as we begin to unwind and examine their diet we begin to see the source of their complaints. Though they are making healthy (or healthier) choices than they previously were, their dietary choices for meals, snacks in particular, often lack important macro and micro nutrients that are vital in providing energy, muscular strength, and support the growth of lean mass growth and fat loss. According to Oxygen Magazine, choosing the best snack foods will stave off hunger, prevent fat gain and boost your training results.

A common go to snack for many is the always present, always reliable and easy to carry apple or banana. Portable and nutrient-packed, there’s no denying that a apples and bananas are healthy foods. But a single banana or apple may not provide the ideal mix of macronutrients to support your body-shaping goals and provide you with the energy you need to get through your day much less a tough workout.

With a few small changes you can easily upgrade a banana or apple to a super snack anytime of the day simply by dressing it up a bit:

high nutrient snacks

Making a mix of the best snack foods to reach your ideal body-shaping goals.




Morning: 1 cup of nonfat milk + 1/3 cup plain oatmeal + top with 1 small banana + 1/8 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds or pecans)
Afternoon: 1 medium banana OR apple + 3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese +1 cup water
Pre-workout: 1 medium apple + 1/4 cup strawberries + 1 scoop whey protein
Post-workout: 1 small banana + 1 slice whole-grain bread + 1 tbsp almond butter + 1 cup water
Bedtime: despite its low calorie and nutrient dense qualities, fruit is not the best option at bedtime. Forgo the fruit and instead opt for 1 scoop of casein protein OR 1 cup of plain low fat Greek yogurt + 1/8 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts or pistachios) + 1 cup water

Atlanta Personal Trainer and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
Mandy Malool
ISSA-CFT, SFN

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Atlanta Personal Trainer presents :anyWhey Treats

protein cake pops, Jezebel August 2012

Brad Kolowich Jr. Personal Training Studio boast many special features that sets it in a class of it’s own in the arena of training studio’s in Atlanta.  As mentioned in Atlanta’s 2012 August edition of Jezebel Magazine, one particularly unique quality at Brad’s studio is the inclusion of a line of healthy treats, :anyWhey Treats.  Baking and cooking has always been a hobbie/passion of mine (just ask my parents who had to instate the rule, “you make it you eat it and clean it”).  My combined passion for baking, health, nutrition and fitness birthed my new idea to create a treat that wouldn’t spoil your waistline, would satisfy cravings for sweet treats, provide the body with the necessary pre/post workout fuel to aid in recovery, boost metabolism and aid in the release of body fat while preserving muscle tissue.  :anyWhey Treat’s menu changes frequently at Brad Kolowich Jr. Studio’s.  Below is a sample menu.

protein cake pops, jezebel magazine 2012, brad kolowich personal training

: anyWhey treats
Featuring: all natural, healthy and energizing pre/post workout treats

Energy Boosting Protein Cake Pops, $2.00 each

for orders, contact Mandy Malool, mandy@bradkolowichjr.com

Nutrition (approximately per ball): Calories 57, Fat 2.75g, Carbohydrates 5g, Protein 6g

Protein Bars………$2.00 each
Peanut Butter Cheesecake
(Oats, Vanilla Protein, Peanut butter, Cheesecake flavoring)
Chocolate Almond Delight
(Oats, Chocolate Protein, Almond Butter, Coconut extract)
Lemon Bar
(Oats, Vanilla Protein, Almond Butter, Lemon Flavoring)

(Nutrition varies per bar) Approximately 100 Calories, 2g fat, 10 Carbs or less, 10g protein

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Atlanta Personal Trainer Shares 6 Pack Secrets

“AB-Attack” Fit Camp

Coming September 2012

30 minutes of intense Ab-focused training.

Guaranteed to help reshape your midsection!

Starting at $10/session*

September Fit Camp Schedule

1st Session begins September 11th @ 6:30pm

September 13th @ 6am and 7pm

September 18th @ 6am and 6:30pm

September 20th @ 6am and 7pm

September 25th @ 6:30pm

*5 session commitment rate September. $15/individual session purchase.

bradkolowichjr.com

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Dad’s Day Dish Compliments of Atlanta Personal Trainer

Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos

2 Mahi Mahi Burgers from Trader Joe’s

4 Reduced Carb Whole Wheat TJ’s Tortillas (These are my favorite new find at TJ’s!  Each one only has 45 calories and 3 net carbs, and 7g of fiber!)

1/2 cup frozen fire roasted pepper and onion blend

2 cups broccoli slaw

1/4 cup fat free ricotta cheese

1 Tbsp Chipotle Mustard (Silver Spring makes a great one!)

Saute the Mahi Mahi burgers about 6 min on each side.  Once cooked add the broccoli slaw to the pan and season with spices as you wish (for an extra fat burning kick add some red pepper).  Mix the burgers and slaw together.  In a separate pan, spray with cooking spray and heat to medium heat.  While heating, in a small bowl mix the ricotta cheese and mustard.  In the heated pan add a tortilla and a put a dollop of the cheese mixture on the tortilla.  Heat for about 1-2 minutes and add some of the Mahi Mahi and veggie mixture to the totilla shell.  Enjoy while its hot!

Quick, easy and absolutely yummy!  Guaranteed to impress your Dad with this one…(He’ll never know if came from a box)!

Recipe serves 2.  Nutrition Facts (per serving, 2 tacos)

245 calories, 8g fat, 29g protein, 27g carbs, 16g fiber (this is more than half of your daily required intake!)

Mandy Malool

B.S.Ed, ISSA-CFT

 

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Share a Fabulously Fit Day with Dad!

 

Peachtree Road Race

Every year I ponder over ideas of what to do for my Dad for Father’s Day. My Dad is a simple and graciously giving man. He does so much for everyone (especially our family), all along expecting nothing in return. So every year when Father‘s Day comes around it is an agonizing battle in my mind to find that gift that seems grandiose enough for a man who has gives so effortlessly, yet his only wish is for others to be happy. As easy as it seems, for my Dad, like many others, nothing means more than the gift of spending quality time together. So this Father’s Day, think about spending some time doing something that will encourage the man that has cared so much for you to do the same for himself. Here is a list of ideas that will help to inspire your Dad to live a long and healthy life so you and your Dad have many more Father’s Day’s together!

1. Get him a massage–a massage is a great way to easy your mind, relax and relieve stress and sore muscles.
2. Men’s Health–give your Dad a 1 year subscription to Men’s Health or Clean Eating (if you Dad is the cook of the family, like mine).
3. Cook a Healthy Meal Together -According to the wisest man to ever live, Solomon, “…there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink and enjoy life.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15) So this Father’s Day, plan a healthy meal and treat your Dad to some good food, drinks and enjoy it together. Check out the Father’s Day Recipe ideas at www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/fathers_day.
4. Memory Box–Make a box of memories from your childhood. Have each family member add a special memory of Dad to the box. You could include pictures, foods, toys, funny memories, jokes, etc. Look through the box and share your fondest memories together. Sharing joy and laughter together relaxes your body, boosts your immune system, triggers the release of endorphins (the bodies natural feel good hormones) and laughter protects your heart by improving function of the blood vessels and increases blood flow (www.helpguide.org).

5. Plan a day hike, family tennis match, golf outing, participate in a walk/run such as a 5k for a charitable organization, go outside and “throw a few”…whatever you do, just get out and be active in whatever sport/exercise your dad is into and do it TOGETHER!

6. Surprise your Dad with a home visit or a visit to a personal trainer. A personal trainer can help show you and your Dad exercises and routines that will help you both to stay healthy for years to come! I know some good one’s if you need a recommendations 😉

Don’t waste another minute…Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 17th. So get a jump start and begin planning your healthy adventure with your Dad.

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Quick and Clean Sweet and Spicy Chicken

To many, eating clean means eating boring. Or too much time and preparation to be able to fit into our busy schedules. Well, this recipe is comparable to a favorite Chinese dish, Sweet and Spicy Chicken. The traditional recipe is loaded with sugar, fat and sodium. This healthy alternative is will not only satisfy your cravings for those classic Chinese takeout dishes, but it is also quick and easy to prepare. Brad and I prepared, cooked and ate this dish in less than 30 minutes yesterday! Try it out this weekend instead of ordering in!

Clean Chinese

Makes 2 servings
8-12 oz. of chicken breast
1 clove garlic
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 red bell pepper
1 cup mushrooms
12 Asparagus Spears
1 Tablespoon of low-sugar ketchup
1 Tablespoon spicy brown mustard
1 Tablespoon of Sugar Free Orange Jelly
Sesame Seeds for topping

1. Cut the Chicken into bite sized pieces and season with garlic and red pepper.
2. Set a skillet on medium-high heat and spray with a bit of cooking oil. Add chicken and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Slice red bell pepper and set aside. In a separate small bowl mix ketchup, mustard and jam. Once chicken is cooked, add the mushrooms, bell pepper, asparagus and sauce. Lower heat and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve!

You can eat this over brown rice or quinoa to add some healthy, low glycemic carbohydrate (great post workout option). I however ate mine over spinach! Delish and easy!

His and Her's Lunch

Mandy
Personal Trainer, Studio Manager

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Best Cardio Friend

Introducing, Your Best Cardio Friend

Have you ever had a difficult time getting motivated to get out of the house to begin that workout or outdoor cardio? For us, there was a simple solution to this dilemma. Four and half years ago, Brad and I added a new member to our family. It was most definitely love at first sight, but little did we know how much exercise Rocky would require and that our days of procrastinating on cardio sessions would be brought to a demanding halt. When feeling a little less than energized, there is no better motivator to get our feet to hit the pavement than those “human-like” golden eyes and occasional nose bearing nudges to the groin pleading for some outdoor attention to get us up and moving.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. As a general guideline, aim for about 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day. With a dog, you can easily reach this goal by adding several 10 minute walks/jogs to your daily regimen.

If that didn’t convince you, here are five more reasons (according to Runner’s World) to get a new 4-legged running partner:

1 People don’t have tails that wag
On days you’re dragging, Sparky can remind you that running should be joyful. His relaxed stride and frisky vigor are contagious. Dogs even look like they’re smiling

2 It’s better than bonding over a bowl of kibble
You like to run. And dogs are natural runners. You might be surprised how much you get out of sharing this common interest. It’s even better if you both take a nap afterward.

3 They don’t worry about negative splits
Human partners can get caught up in how many calories they’ve burned and their GPSstats, but a dog will remind you that the best workouts are the ones where you run free.

4 They won’t accept your excuses
When that tail starts wagging, it’s hard to say no. One University of Missouri study showed that people who exercised with a dog were more likely to stick with it than those who go it alone or with a human partner.

5 A tired dog is a good dog
Get Fido sufficiently tired, and when you get home, he’s more apt to snooze at your feet than terrorize the postman—or chew up your new Nikes.

If your own dog is not a venture you’re ready to take on yet, Rocky has become a well received fixture at Brad Kolowich Jr. Personal Training Studio. He is continuing to help motivate Brad and his trainers clients through the toughest of workouts and would always love to join you on the pavement!

-Mandy
Personal Trainer, Studio Manager, Rocky’s Owner

Rocky

Rocky, Studio Security

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