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Client of the Month | Atlanta Personal Trainer

Client of the Month
Behrooz Pavarandeh

July 2013

atlanta personalt trainer

Behrooz began working with top Atlanta Personal Trainer, Andy Keller, in December of 2012. Behrooz’s primary goals are fat loss and increased strength/cardiovascular endurance. Like many of us, Behrooz’s works an extremely intense work schedule, lives a social lifestyle and battles with a sensitive stomach due to in-tolerances to certain foods. Each of these factors can make it challenging for anyone to stick to a regular workout regimen and consistent balanced dietary intake. However, Behrooz was determined to not let any limiting factors keep him from reaching his fitness goals. He makes reaching his goals a priority! Behrooz maintains a strict workout routine, getting in five sessions a week with Andy. He also met bi-weekly (now monthly) with Mandy for nutritional guidance and support. Through his adherence to his workouts and nutritional suggestions, Behrooz lost 8.5 lbs in one month, while also gaining lean muscle mass. He also lost 2.25 inches in his waist and gained muscle in his arms and calves. In addition to reaching his weight loss goals, Behrooz continues to gain strength in the weight room and has improved his finish time in the completion of several 5k’s. He most recently joined in the longtime Atlanta 4th of July tradition and ran the Peachtree Road Race. Congratulations Behrooz and thank you for your determination and motivation to reaching your fitness goals!

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Supplement Review : Beta-Alanine

Supplement Review:  Make BETA-ALANINE a part of your supplement arsenal.

Here’s why:

Although you get this amino acid through small amounts in meats, it’s not enough to maximize your gains in the gym. Supplementing with 1.5-3 gram in both your pre and post workout drink will ensure that you maximize your strength and power output, increase your muscular endurance, train at a greater intensity, as well as boost your intra-muscular carnosine levels (precursor to nitric oxide (NO) production = greater pump and vascularity).

Many pre-workout powders on the market already include beta-alanine in the mix so no need to add in this case although you may consider adding to your post-workout shake as well. Most reputable supplement companies sell beta-alanine, although I’ve been happy with Allmax Nutrition’s product.

– Brad

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Multivitamin Necessary?

Is a Multivitamin Necessary?

…Absolutely!

Here’s why:

Research proves that those who train intensely lose many critical vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, magnesium, copper, selenium, chromium, vitamin B, and vitamin C.  The primary cause of the loss is due to their increased use for energy production during the workout as well as for recovery and protein synthesis following the workout.  Being deficient in any of these vitamins and minerals will hamper your performance, fat loss, and muscle growth.  Many doctors and dietitians claim that a multi is not necessary is you eat a well-rounded diet, BUT even with the best of intentions, we all fall a little short one day or another.

For guys, one of my current favorites is Animal Pak.  For ladies, I like Opti Women although for both guys and ladies there are many other great one’s out there as well, just be sure to pick up one that covers at least 100% DV for most vitamins and minerals.

– BradUnknown

Source: Dr. Jim Stoppani

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Best Form of Creatine

photo

 

As a personal trainer, I get lots of questions in regards to supplementation.  One supplement that I’m asked about fairly frequently is creatine. Creatine is without a doubt one of the, if not the most effective natural supplement in supporting lean muscle mass gains, strength and power increases, and greater endurance in the gym or cardio activities. While there are various forms of creatine out there, the one that I’ve found to be effective without the side effects is creatine HCL.

Creatine HCL is superior to creatine monohydrate for multiple reasons including:

No bloating, no cramping, no excess water retention outside the muscle cells (subcutaneous water buildup making you look “soft”), no necessary loading phase, and no cycling necessary.  Creatine HCL also allows for a much lower dose amount in addition to a 60% greater absorption rate than monohydrate.

Although Promera was the first to launch the HCL form, multiple other companies have released this variation of creatine as well.

– Brad

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How to Keep Muscle Mass While Sick and Achieve a Quick Recovery

How to Keep Muscle Mass While Sick
Thanksgiving is generally a time when we all worry about unwanted weight gain.  However, this Thanksgiving (as described in my Mom’s story below) our family was faced with a whole other challenge:  How to keep our hard earned muscle mass while sick with the stomach bug.  As personal trainer and nutritionist (and Brad a fitness model) our lively hood revolves around maintaining a lean and muscular physique.  Getting a gut wrenching stomach virus has the possibility to hinder the hard work we put in on a daily basis and set us back in our physical gains.  However, by following these five simple steps, we kept ourselves from falling into a huge setback.
In order to best prevent the loss of muscle during times of illness try theses remedies:
1. Believe it or not, when you are sick your metabolism speeds up (even if you aren’t moving) in order to help repair your body.  So, adequate nutrition is a MUST.  Start with a bland diet (bananas, rice, apples, toast) and add protein as you can stomach it.
2.  DRINK plenty of water and try pedialyte or gatorade to get vitamins, minerals and electrolytes back in your system.  Also, while your caloric intake is low, try drinking 5-10g of BCAA’s every 2-4 hours and 1-2g of buffered creatine (Kre Alkalyn) up to two times a day.
3.  Take a probiotic.  (IF you’ve had a run with the stomach virus, though you’ve cleared out all the bad bacteria in your system, you also cleared out all the good bacteria.  Take a probiotic to reintroduce those vital good bacteria to your system.)
4.  Eat or drink adequate protein.  Try a vegan based protein powder, Greek yogurt, and bland chicken (when you are able to stomach it).
5. REST and get plenty of sleep.  As mentioned above, your body is in overdrive working to overcome your illness and thus is going to need plenty of rest for your quickest recovery.
The story below was written by my Mother and Aunt, two other victims (of the 11) to our Thanksgiving fiasco, who also fought the good fight back to HEALTH and preserved muscle mass along the way by following these simple steps to recovery.
Script and pictures  by Nancy Blue (Nana) and Kathy Blue (Aunt Kathy)
You are now hearing the voice of Rod Serling…..
   Rod Serling
You unlock this door with the Key of imagination….
Beyond it is another dimension.
A dimension of sound…
A dimension of sight….
A dimension of mind….
You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance…..
Of things and ideas…
You have just crossed over into ….                                 
                                                                        Twilight Zone PicDOO-DOO-DOO-DOO…..DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO…DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO—-
It was an ordinary day in Brevard North Carolina, much like any other day just before Thanksgiving…..
The weather was exceptionally nice for a late November day and the Blue family was busily preparing for a joyous holiday weekend of fun and feasting.
nana graham
As the guests began to trickle in from Dacula, Atlanta, and Cashiers, all were happy to be reunited and to share in the joy of the new baby Graham.
mandy brooke cooking                       table 1
Festivities were enthusiastically underway as pies, cookies, casseroles and a grand Turkey were lovingly prepared, and a beautiful table was set to perfection.
Yes….it was a picture perfect setting….you could say, just like a Norman Rockwell painting…until……IT HIT !!!
light-virus-1
The HORRIBLE, HORRENDOUS… the HORRIFIC…. HEBERLING 2-0-1-2 VIRUS….
Now officially documented by the CDC as THE H 2-0-1-2 … a sinister, insidious virus with NO KNOWN CURE !!
pukin pumpkin
First to fall was Nana… hardly finished with her Thanksgiving meal….she was hit hard…..
cute sick pumpkin
Followed shortly by Big Mike….it wasn’t a pretty sight!
2 sick pumpkins
Next to go were Aunt Mandy and Aunt Taylor, forced to huddle together on the bathroom floor, shivering in the night.
2 more sick pumpkins
And FINALLY…… the last to go…. Brad and Aunt Kathy.  We thought they were in the clear, but NOTHING escapes the deadly grip of
THE H 2-0-1-2 VIRUS !!!!!  Yes….it was a ghastly sight…..
survivor collage
And there were many casualties…….
family sneaking away                   germ graham
Then,as swiftly and unassumingly as the Heberling family came, they disappeared down the misty mountain road back home taking with them, their
secret biological weapon…..
sick supplies 
Leaving only some “Sick Supplies”…….
note
And a note which read…… ”We came…We infected… We ate… and… We left….We Love You!”
Hazmat Suit    hazmat_taining2 shokotan_hazmat_1  Hazmat wash down
Well, it is said that Love can be expressed in many different ways…..so next year….
the family will be ready for whatever expressions of “Love” may come their way !!!
village
And so…..until then….. “Village Under Quarantine For 30 Days” !!!
      Rod Serling
And so, my friends, goes another Thanksgiving in…..
                                                                                       Twilight Zone Pic
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S.
We decided we better give Santa fair warning…
…Santa in Hazmat Suit
“ Well, here I am at the Heberling’s……good kid, that Graham, but germy…..”
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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 Trainers Brad Kolowich Jr. and Mandy Malool’s Favorite Fall Fat Burners

Atlanta Personal Trainer Fit Fall Fun

the Best Atlanta Personal Trainers suggest some fun fall activities that will keep you fit

Fun Fall Workouts

1. Walk to the park.
Walking in the park with our four legged friend Rocky is a favorite fit fall activity we love. The weather is perfect and you don’t need any additional equipment. Just throw on your favorite tennis shoes and hit the pavement. To burn some additional calories, pack a book bag with a blanket (the additional weight will up your calorie burn), ball and healthy snack/lunch.

Calories burned: approximately 340 (for a 150lb.person on flat terrain)

2. Play Ball
Grab some friends, family or even the family dog and head outdoors for a fun game of flag or touch football. Running around after the pigskin can help you shed up to 500 calories per hour. This will give you a cardio workout like no other, leaving you tired and ready to relax in front of some fall football. After burning yourself out playing the game, you can sit guilt free in front of your TV to cheer on your favorite team.

Calories burned: 520 per hour

3. Rake and jump
Raking and jumping in the leaves was an annual event at our house growing up. Little did I know the beneficial exercise we were all receiving from this exilerating activity. Raking leaves is an excellent upper body workout! The rotating movements of your body engages shoulders, arms, back and core. Just make sure your rotate sides to equal work both sides of the body.

Calories burned: 260 per hour (jumping and re-raking adds additional calorie burn J).

4. Hitch a Ride
Check out your local Chamber of Commerce in your area to find a stable close to you that provides riding lessons. Horseback riding is fun and works muscles you are not use to using. Surprisingly, it burns a great amount of calories and is the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy nature and this beautiful season.

Calories burned: 470 per hour

5. Take a Hike
One of our favorite things to do in the fall is get up to the mountains and enjoy the scenic view and cool crisp weather the mountain have to offer. The uneven terrain on the hiking trails engages more muscles and causes you body to work harder than walking on a flat surface. The scenery, sounds and scent of fresh air are so beautiful you won’t even notice all the huffing and puffing you’ll be doing.

6. Go Pumpkin Picking
We like to have an annual pumpkin carving contest at our house each October. This year we are adding an active twist to our yearly adventure. We will be packing our crew up to head to the local pumpkin patch. You could spend hours looking for the perfect pumpkin, and while you do you will be putting in several hundred steps around the farm. To add an extra fat burn and strength workout, carry you pumpkin around the patch. Keep the pumpkin close to you body, if you think you’ve found a better one, squat and pick it up and set the other down. Great leg workout!

7. Race the Finish
Fall is a great season for running, and many local running/walking events take place in the fall. One favorite that is dear to our heart is Atlanta’s annual JDRF Walk which donates to helping cure type 1 diabetes (T1D). Brad’s younger brother, Jonathan now 23, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 13 years old. Since then, we have been avid supporters of JDRF. JDRF is now the largest supporter of helping improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating and preventing T1D. This year we will be walking in Centennial Park on October 20th. Go to www.active.com to find a cause you are passionate about and get active!

Calories burned: 460-680 per hour

8. Get Spooked
If fear is the reason behind your increased heart rate, you are not getting the same fat burning exercise as an intense workout. However, add walking, jogging or even better running to your fear and your calorie burn will reach all time highs. There is no better way to jump start this type of high intensity workout than running through a haunted corn maze or haunted house. This is a great way to enjoy the season, get outdoors, and for the thrill seekers get an adrenaline high along with getting physically fit. Walking through the frightful space can burn 150 calories and hour but running (or sprinting) will increase the burn to over 250 calories per hour!

Calories burned: 150-250 per hour

This weekend, pick an activity and try it! Send us a pic of you, your family and/or friends staying fit this fall!

In health and fitness,
Mandy Malool
Certified Atlanta Personal Trainer and Specialist in Nutrition
ISSA–CFT, SFN

adapted from www.sparkpeople.com

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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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