Training Techniques

Weight Training Techniques

Priority System – A training approach, particularly for new clients that have been sedentary or have muscular imbalances, that suggests performing exercises that will target the muscles that require strength.

                Example:

                Subject has weak biceps, triceps and deltoids

Example:

  The exerciser should do the following exercises

o   Bicep curl  3 x 10 @ an intensity of weight that is heavy, but tolerable

o   Tricep press 3 x 10 @ an intensity of weight that is heavy, but tolerable

o   Lateral Side Raise 3 x 10 @ an intensity of weight that is heavy, but tolerable

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Pyramid System – This type of training focuses on developing strength and it places an emphasis on one or two muscle groups at a time. This type of resistance training requires exercisers to increase weight and decrease the reps as they progress with the workout. This type of system can be either considered a half or full pyramid.

                Example:

Focus on the chest by performing a bench chest press

Pyramid Set graphic designed by: J Horgan

Who should use this system?

Those wanting to increase muscular size and strength would find this type of weight training very beneficial. Due to the time it takes to perform one exercise this might not be the best for everyone. 

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Superset System – The general concept of the superset is to perform one exercise followed by another with minimal rest in between each exercise. This is an ideal training program for those that are limited on time.

                Example:

                Chest press followed by squats followed by another followed by another and so on and so on.

Who should use this system?

Those that want to get the most out of their workout while using minimal time. Supersetting your exercises allows you to get more bang for your buck. Supersetting is perfect for those trying to maintain their current muscular strength and form.

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Complex System - The concept stems off of the superset idea. The exerciser will perform one exercise working a primary agonist (Chest muscles) and then follow that exercise with the primary antagonist of the first exercise (Back muscles). Usually people perform this system in muscular groupings or general regions of the body.  

                Example:

                Chest press followed by seated back row followed by decline bench press followed by Lat Pull

Who should use this system?

Those that like to separate their days into body areas; i.e., legs, torso, arms. Complex is probably the second most popular weight training system. You can use this system to maintain or gain strength and even grow muscle mass since it allows the exerciser to focus on muscle groups for the entire period of their workout.

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Drop Set System – You might also hear this system called “strip sets”. This systems primary focus is on muscular hypertrophy. The person performing the exercise will start out with high weight and perform as many reps as they can to complete muscular failure. Then they lower the weight and repeat to total fatigue. There is usually no rest in between the sets.

                Example:  Weighted Back Squats

Drop Set graphic designed by: J Horgan

Who should use this system?

This is similar to the pyramid system, but in reverse and only in one direction (down). Perfect for those that want to increase their muscular endurance while increasing strength in the muscle groups that they wish to focus on. This is a great system for creating hypertrophy when incorporating slow controlled motions.

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Circuit System – This exercise system uses both cardio and weight training as the main concept. Usually 35 sec of weights followed by 35 sec of high intensity cardio (cycling, jump rope, sprint) and is repeated for about 12-15 sets. To truly see the benefits of circuit training it is recommended that the exerciser maintains a heart rate that is about 65% - 85% of their heart rate max.  Use this formula to determine your HRmax [220-age=heart rate max(HRmax)]

                220-38=182

                182 = HRmax

                182 * .75 (75%) = 136.5

 

Who should use this system?

Those that like to kill two birds with one stone. This system is perfect for the individual with time constraints. With this system you can get the best of both worlds. Cardio and weight training! Who could ask for anything more?

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Lactate Tolerance System – A training approach in which a number of workouts are selected and the exerciser tries to perform the exercises in as little time as possible with little to no rest in between the sets or exercises. The rest time is determined by the fitness level of the person that is performing the exercises.

Who should use this system?

Those that wish to increase their anaerobic threshold and muscular endurance. The goal is speed and strength. This is most likely not going to be a great workout for those that want to increase muscular size since speed and quantity are the primary focus of this system. Don't sacrifice quality just because you are focusing on quantity. Remember, technique is probably one of the most important qualities behind weight training for many reasons and injury prevention is one of them.

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Negative Set System – The training system uses the concept of the eccentric contraction as the main focus. The person performing the exercises will use weight that is generally 105% - 125% of their 1 RM weight. They then control the weight into in the eccentric (downward if you think of a chest press or bicep curl) motion while being spotted during the entire motion. The spotter will then assist the exerciser in the concentric action of the targeted muscle.

Who should use this system?

Those wishing to increase muscular strength and size would benefit greatly from this system. Warning: do not perform this system by yourself. Make sure that you have a partner, so you can spot each other. Keep in mind you are lifting more than your 1 RM. Quick strength and hypertrophy gains can be associated with this system.

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Cardiovascular Training

Interval Training – This type of training varies speed and tempo during your workout. Walk to run back to walk. Jog to sprint back to jog. This is usually performed for a period of 15-30 minutes. The key to interval training is similar to that of circuit training, to keep your heart rate elevated. 

Fartlek Training – This is Swedish for “speed play”. Similar to interval training, but the exerciser uses variations in surface area and grades. Rocky terrain followed by sandy or hilly. The distance is determined by what the goal of the athlete is and the speed is generally predetermined by the athlete and destined by terrain. 

Intermittent Sprints – Steady state is maintained through either weight lifting, walking or light activity that does not bring the heart rate up to more than 60% of HRmax followed by high intensity run sprints, cycle sprints or quick jump roping. Doing sprints in between weight sets or some other form of exercise. Similar to circuit training.

Steady State – This is what most people think of when they think of cardio vascular Fitness. To truly see any benefit or weight loss from steady state cardiovascular training it is important that the exerciser maintain an intensity that will allow for minimal to moderate sweating and a heart rate of about 55% - 65% of HRmax for about 30 minutes or more.   

May Workout

May Workout

Warm-up:  5-10 min

•  Stretch hamstrings, quads, glutes, calves, pects, lats and lower back and neck muscles
•  Hold stretch for 2x20 sec each stretch (30 sec if your muscles can tolerate the stretch)
• 5 – 10 minute warm-up. Take your pick (The idea is to get warm and to break a sweat)
• 30 sec Jumping Jacks / 30 sec Jump Rope / 30 sec  Prisoner Squats

Endurance  Training (sets x reps) Perform the highest weight possible that you can do 12-16 reps with.

                Alternate your upper body days from your lower body days.

                Rest 30-45 seconds in between sets

·         Upper Body (Substitute the machine with either a cable unit, bench, ball or simple tandem standing to increase the level of difficulty)

o   Upward Row (2x16) Use the cable machine for this one

o   Standing Double Cable Bicep Curl  (2x16)

o   Skull Crushers on Stability ball (2x16)

o   Tandem Cable Chest Press (2x16)

o   Kneeling Lat Pull down (2x16)

o   Kettlebell Press (2x16)

·         Lower Body

o   Leg Kickbacks (2x16)

o   Glute Bridges (2x16) (increase difficulty by performing on a ball or by placing weights on or near the hips)

o   Double Knee Tucks  (2x16)

o   Squat Press   (2x16)

o   Calve Raise with Cable (2x16) (Do seated w /  weights on the knees to target the Soleus)

o   Hip Adduction w / Cable (2x16 each leg)

Cool Down

·         Walk 3 laps or jog 6 laps

·         Stretch hamstrings, quads, glutes, hip adductors, hip external rotators, calves, pects, lats and lower back

o   Hold stretch for 2x20 sec each stretch

Core + Cardio 2-3xweek (no resistance training on these days)

·         Do regular warm up

·         Perform 30-40 min (or as much as tolerable)  of cardio (Elliptical, stationary bike or other)

o   Core 

§  Medicine Ball Twists (2x15-20)

§  Leg Climbers (2x15-20 each side)

§  Bicycles (2x15-20)

·         Do regular cool down

Weight loss tip:  Jump rope for 30 – 60 sec in between weight sets to increase your metabolic rate.  

  

Decrease Fat Mass by Adding High Intensity Exercise to Your Resistance Workouts

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Decrease Fat Mass by Adding High Intensity Exercise to Your Resistance Workouts 

 

Jeff Horgan ATC, PES

 

                Have you ever been to the gym and found yourself admiring that person with the perfect physique? How about slightly jealous that their body was not yours? This is all too common for most people. We live in a society that is gradually getting more and more obese every year. Current statistics place over 250 million (7% of the planet’s population) persons worldwide as obese (Trapp, Cisholm, Freund, & Boutcher, 2008). Obesity carries with it several health risks such as coronary artery disease, increase risk for stroke, diabetes type II and increase risk for myocardial infarction (heart attacks) among several others (Jeret, 2007). The focus on reducing the obesity numbers has resulted in large numbers of new gym memberships, products touting quick results and people giving up because they are not seeing the results that they want fast enough. The sad thing is this; there is no miracle quick fix for decreasing fat mass, diet alone will not give you the results you most likely are looking for and you cannot reach maximum fitness without lifting a weight. There is no over-night pill or special cream that you can rub on yourself that will allow you to decrease your fat mass. To put it simply; you must change your life by changing your diet and adding resistance and dynamic exercises into your workout routine.

In order to decrease fat mass one should try to accomplish two goals: increase lean mass and aerobic capacity therefore increasing fat oxidation after exercise or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Resistance (weight) training and high intensity intermittent exercises (HIIE) are both great ways to add lean mass and increase your resting energy expenditure (the amount of calories you burn at rest) (Westcott, 2009; Laforgia, Withers, & Gore, 2006). Resistance or weight training helps to increase mitochondria (the motor unit of the muscle) density in muscles which allows for an increase in adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) production. Many studies throughout the last decade have demonstrated that resistance training can increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR) (Scott, 2005).  Studies performed at Tufts University, the University of Maryland, University of Alabama, and Colorado State University have shown that moderate to heavy weight training performed 2-3 times per week can increase RMR by 7-10% with higher increases found from exercise bouts that were performed with either higher volumes or intensities (Wilcott, 2009). These studies did not look HIIE; however, these studies prove that mitochondrial growth caused by resistance training in fast twitch muscles can increase RMR which will lead to a decrease in fat mass and an increase in lean muscle tissue.

This process is increased even more when there is an increase in recruitment of fast-twitch muscle fibers during high intensity anaerobic exercise; i.e., sprints, cycle wind sprints or even plyometrics (Fernstrom, Tonkonogi, & Sahlin, 2003). Southeastern Louisiana University found that untrained men who engaged in circuit training with only 20 seconds of a rest period had an elevated EPOC when compared to a group that rested for 60 sec in between set intervals (Westcott, 2009). Laforgia et al, define EPOC as an elevated post-exercise metabolic contribution to the energy cost of exercise thus increasing the bodies temperature after exercise and increasing or prolonging the thermal effect of exercise (TEE) (Laforgia et al, 2006). This increase in EPOC or TEE is the goal behind including HIIE into your resistance program. When at rest the body utilizes fat as an energy source more regularly than carbohydrates, so it stands to reason that fat catabolism would increase during a heightened EPOC period. It also stands to reason that high burst of activity followed by moments of low activity that does not allow the heart to get to a resting state would increase one’s own EPOC thus increasing fat oxidation and promoting fat loss after exercise (Gibala, 2009; Fernstrom et al, 2003).

Gibala, 2009, states that HIIE should therefore be defined as a relatively short and brief intermittent exercise that is performed with an all out effort that should allow the subject to reach peak oxygen uptake whereas the subject is out of breath (Gibala, 2009).  A study conducted at the University of Tasmania found that 1 minute wind sprints performed at maximum effort on a cycle-ergometer elevated fat oxidation (fat metabolism) by 104% compared to low intensity bouts of exercise. They also found that only the intensity of the activity lead to an increase in fat metabolism (Warren, Howden, Williams, Fell, & Johnson, 2009). Other research states that as little as 10 minutes 2 times a week of combined high intensity training performed at 70% or more of VO₂max presented the individual with an increase in EPOC. However, it has also been shown that only exercise intensity was a determinant of EPOC improvements; therefore, the exercise bout must be high enough to raise the heart rate to 70% or more of max (LaForgia, 2006). Intermittent training has been proven effective at increasing fat metabolism and decreasing fat mass, but it is not going to be a safe choice for everyone. Those that have previous injuries which have not healed or have been diagnosed with muscle imbalances that have not been fixed should refrain from participating in interval training. Also, persons that are at risk of stroke, heart attack or have irregularities with their heart should also refrain from activity without the clearance of a physician (Jaret, 2007).

I am sure that by now you want to know how you can include HIIE into your routine and what exercises you would include. First, there is no real magic duration or rep/set period that can be prescribed but that the exercise should take your breath away, perhaps lasting no more than 30 – 40 secs and performed 10 – 20 times (of course not all at once) no more than twice a week. If you noticed it was stated that your goal should be to not allow your heart rate to get too low. This can either be done by decreasing the rest period or by increasing the amount of activity during that rest period. Perhaps you are doing a regular weight training session. In between your sets you might want to include some sprints, jump roping, cycle wind sprints or even plyometrics to get your heart rate up. One more resistance training alternative is that you simply reduce the resting rate in between sets so your heart rate remains elevated (this is not a preferred method, but has been shown to be effective). Another suggestion is that when you perform cardiovascular exercise you change up your speed; i.e., jog → run → jog, or jog → sprint → jog, or walk → run → walk (switching from 3-4 min of one into 1-2 minutes of the other). I hope you get the idea now. OK, now that you have an idea about time and exercise duration let’s go over a bit of exercise selection.

Jump Rope

Jump rope at an intensity that is high enough for you to tolerate, but intense enough that you can get your heart rate up. Perform this for approximately 30-60 secs. This is a great exercise to perform in between sets or exercises.

Run Sprints

Pick a distance that you wish to run; i.e, 20 yards, 40 yards, or 100 yards. The distance doesn’t matter too much. Beginners will probably tire quicker than those that have been performing run sprints for a while, so those just starting out may have to sprint shorter distances before beginning to increase the distance. This is perfect for those looking to fill time in between sets or exercises.

Interval Run Sprints

Similar to run sprints, but the total distance is most likely increased. Pick a distance that you will sprint and a distance you will either jog or walk. Perform this exercise a couple of times. This is perfect for in between weight sets or grouped sets. Example: jog 40 yards, sprint 20 yards, jog 40 yards, sprint 20 yards, repeat 2Xs.

Cycle Wind Sprints

Similar to run sprints, this exercise is great to perform in between sets while doing circuit training (a form of training that involves cardio in between weight training). During your cardiovascular bout, cycle as fast as you can during the 25-35 sec bout of cardiovascular exercise.

Intermittent Cycle Wind Sprints

Similar to intermittent run sprints, but this exercise is more time based rather than distance. Determine first the amount of time that you wish to ride at a moderate/light pace (this time should be longer than your sprint time). Next, you should set a sprint time period (this should be short, but long enough to make you winded). Repeat the cycle of going from slow to fast for a period of 15-30 minutes. This exercise is most likely going to be your cardiovascular exercise due to the time that this unique exercise bout will require.

Have a great time experimenting with different intensities, timed durations, distance durations and exercises. Keep a log of your progress to keep yourself from getting stale and also keep a log of your fat mass or percentage. The benefits of HIIE have been demonstrated to be seen as soon as 3-6 weeks after the start of a HIIE program (Jaret, 2007; Trapp et al, 2007). The most important concept is to not give up on yourself, and you might have to try many different pathways before you find something that will work for you. Most importantly, keep it fun and exciting. You exercise plan should be something that you enjoy enough to keep you coming back for more.  

References

Ferstrom, M., Tonkonogi, M., & Sahlin, K. (2003). Effects of acute and chronic endurance

            exercise on mitochondrial uncoupling in human skeletal muscle. Journal of Physiology,

            3, 755-763.

Gibala, M. (2009). Molecular responses to high-intensity interval exercise. Applied Physiology

            Nutrition and Metabolism, 34, 428-432.

Jaret, P. (2007). A healthy mix of rest and motion. New York Times. Retrieved from

            http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/fashion/03Fitness.html

LaForgia, J., Withers, R. T., & Gore, C. J. (2006). Effects of exercise intensity and duration on

the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Journal of Sports Science, 24(12), 1247-1264.

Scott, C. B. (2005). Contribution of anaerobic energy expenditure to whole body thermogenesis.

            Nutrition and Metabolism, 2(14), 1-9.

Trapp, E. G., Chisholm, D. J., Freund, & J., Boutcher, S. H. (2008). The effects of high-intensity

            intermittent exercise training on fat loss and fasting insulin levels of young women.

            International Journal of Obesity, 32, 684-691.

Warren, A., Howden, E. J., Williams, A. D., Fell, J. W., & Johnson, N. A. (2009). Postexercise

            fat oxidation: Effect of exercise duration, intensity, and modality. International Journal

            of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 19, 607-623.

Westcott, W. (2009). Research/science update: Strength training and resting energy expenditure.

            Fitness Management, 2, 42-45.

April Workout

Warm-up: 5-10 min

• Walk 3 laps or jog 6 laps
• Stretch hamstrings, quads, glutes, calves, pects, lats and lower back and neck muscles
• Hold and perform stretch for 2x20 sec each
•  30 sec push-ups, 30 sec sit-ups, 30 sec single leg squats (substitute 3 lap walk or jog if needed)

Strength Training (sets x reps) Perform the highest weight possible that you can do 4-8 reps.
Alternate your upper body days from your lower body days.
Rest 45-60 seconds in between sets

• Upper Body (Substitute the machine with either a cable unit, bench, ball or simple tandem standing to increase the level of difficulty)
• Tricep push-up Body weight (BW)(4 x 10) 
• Hammer Curls (4x6)
• Seated Military Press (4x6)
• Push-up with row BW w/moderate weight dumbbell (4x10) 
• Lat Pull down (4x6)
• Bent Over Row (4x6)

• Lower Body (feel free to add in free weights to increase the level of difficulty When possible)
• Jump Squats (3x10) use BW
• Hamstring Curls (4x6) (increase difficulty by performing on a ball 4x10)  
• Scissor Lunges (4x10) BW
• Burpee (with or without jump) (4x10) use BW
• Leg Extension (4x6 each leg)
• Mountain Climbers (3x1 min)

Cool Down

•  Walk 3 laps or jog 6 laps
• Stretch hamstrings, quads, glutes, hip adductors, hip external rotators, calves, pects, lats and lower back
• Hold stretch for 2x20 sec each stretch

Core + Cardio 2-3xweek (no resistance training on these days)

• Do regular warm up
• Perform 30-40 min (or as much as tolerable) of cardio (Elliptical, stationary bike or other)
• Core
• Flutter Kicks (2x15-20)
• Glute Bridges (2x15-20)
• Medicine Ball Chops (2x15 each side)
• Do regular cool down

Weight loss tip: Sprint in between your strength training sets to increase your metabolism. Don’t get discouraged the average person will only lose ½ pound a week.

March Workout

Warm-up:  5-10 min

• Walk 3 laps or jog 6 laps (indoor track)
• Stretch hamstrings, quads, glutes, calves, pects, lats, lower back and neck 
  • Hold stretch 2x20 sec each stretch
  • 1 min of Jumping jacks (substitute 3 lap walk or jog for jumping jacks if needed)

Resistance Training (sets x reps) Perform the highest weight possible that you can do 15-20 reps with.

                Alternate your upper body days from your lower body days.

                Rest 45-60 seconds in between sets

• Upper Body (Substitute the machine with either a cable unit, bench, ball or simple tandem standing to increase the level of difficulty)
  • Tricep press (2 x 15)
  •  Bicep Curl (2x15)
  • Overhead Military Press on ball (2x15)
  • Chest press on ball (2x15)
  • Lat Pull down (2x15)
  • Back Row (2x15)
• Lower Body (feel free to add in free weights to increase the level of difficulty)
  • Step ups (2x2 min)
  • Ball Wall Squats (2x15)
  • Side Lunges (2x15)
  • Kettlebell Swings (2x15)
  • Single Leg Squats (2x15 each leg)
  • High Knees or March in place (2x1 min)

Cool Down

• Walk 3 laps or jog 6 laps (indoor track)
• Stretch hamstrings, quads, glutes, hip adductors, hip external rotators, calves, pects, lats and lower back
  • Hold stretch for 2x20 sec each stretch

Core + Cardio 2-3xweek (no resistance training on these days)

• Do regular warm up
• Perform 30-40 min (or as much as tolerable)  of cardio (Elliptical, stationary bike or other)
  • Core 
    • Supermans (2x15-20)
    • Standard Crunches (2x15-20)
    • Cable Chops (2x15 each side)
    • Do regular cool down

Weight loss tip:  Decrease your daily caloric intake by 100 calories and increase your daily caloric output by 200-300 calories each day. Don’t get discouraged the average person will only lose ½ pound a week. 

                                         

Goal Setting

Goal Setting

 

• Short term – what you can reach in 2-3 weeks (steps to help you reach your big long term goal)
• These should be easy to reach
• May last 1 week to 1 month
• Might need many short term goals to meet your long term goal
• 1 long term goal might require 3 or 4 short term goals
• Long term – Your big picture 

 

 

Goal setting

 

• Make sure your goals are realistic 
• Have a clear picture of what it is you want out of life
•  Fit a specific dress or outfit
• Weigh a certain weight
• Be able to lift a specific weight
• And on and on
• What are your current behaviors and habits that you want to change 
• Smoking
• Drinking
• Over eating
• Live an isolated life
• Don’t set to many goals that you lose site of the big picture 
• Look at the wording of those goals “Smoke free” vs “Not Smoking

Use the following chart to help you create and maintain your goals.

 



Click here to download the Goal Template

Goal: Healthy Weight Loss

Healthy Weight loss

Image from google/images.com

OK, so you are looking at yourself in the mirror holding a magazine with a picture of someone (male or female) and thinking to yourself, "God, I'm fat!". You look down at the picture perfect person with the picture perfect body and you think to yourself, wish I looked like that.

Does this sound familliar to you? It is a typical scene that gets played out in millions of homes every day. This doesn't have to be your reality. You can change your reality. You are in charge of your wellness. You are in charge. You, yes, you! You are your own leader and you can lead yourself to a smaller, leaner, healthier and happier calorie burning machine. Are you ready?

Let's go!

Starting out

The key to weight loss is a negative coloric balance. This means that you are burning more calories (Kcal) than you are consuming every day. To determine how many calories you are consuming I suggest you do the following.

• Keep a dietary log for every meal. Be very detailed, so this means don't lie. Honesty is going to help you most when it comes to losing weight.

• Go to http://www.mypyramid.gov/ or http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/
• These websites are a great helping place for nutritional information and help. You can set up a user name with mypyramidtracker.gov , track your diet, your nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and energy nutrients), your Kcal burn rate and much more.

• Determine your fat mass (FM) percentage by using the simple the 2-3 girth measurement system
• This is an easy way to find out your fat mass percentage. It might not be as accurate as using calipers, however, you are able to do this at home and with out the help of others.  To start all you need is measuring tape and this body fat calculator. Body Fat (US Navy) Calculator
• Measurements (can be in inches or centimeters)
• Hips: at the widest part (women only)
• Waist (at the narrowest point, usually in line with the belly button)
• Neck: in the middle (on guys measure over the adams apple) 
• Height
• Weight (lbs or kg)
• Keep a log of your FM so you can keep track of your progress.
• Check your FM no more than once a month or everyother month. Checking it too often might lead you to disappointment since will most likely no see the results that you want. 

• Body Fat Percentages
• Description               Women                     Men
  
  Essential fat              10–14%                    2–5%
  Athletes/lean             15–19%                    6–11%
  Fitness                      20–27%                   12–20
  
  Moderate risk           28–31%                    21–24%
  
  Obesity                     32-39%                    25-29%
  Morbidly Obese        40% or more            30% or more

• If you fit in the red then you should get approval from your physician prior to beginning you exercise regime. If you were in the green you are good to go, and most likely are pretty fit. If you were in the light orange then you have started your program at the right time. Because of creeping obesity you would have been obese or morbidly obese within just a couple of years, so you caught yourself just in time.
• As mentioned before, check your fat mass at least once a month to track your progress, anymore than that and you could set yourself up for failure by getting discouraged because you are not seeing the results that you wish to see.
• Using the above FM method will also allow you to see your changes in size since you will be using  measuring tape. Inches count more than lbs remember that.

• Determine your Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) also known as the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
• This is the amount of Kcal you burn on a daily basis at rest, approxinmately 60 - 70% of your daily need. This is your largest energy expenditure and, if you are sedentary, probably the only Kcal you are burning. There are two equations that account daily caloric need.
• 
  Lean Mass Equation: to use this one you must know your fat percentage so you can figure out your fat free mass.
• 42 year old female weighing 147 pound with 24% fat mass
• 147 x .24 = 35 lbs of fat mass (FM)
• 147 - 35 lbs = 112 lbs of fat free mass (FFM)
• To go further you must convert your FFM to kg (1lb = 2.2 kg) 
• 112 / 2.2 = 50.9 kg
• RMR = (21.6 x kg) + 370
• Let's put what we know into the formula
• RMR = (21.6 x 50.9) + 370
• RMR = 1099 + 370
• RMR = 1469 Kcal*
• Harris Benedict Equations: There are two formulas here, one for men and one for women.
• Males
• RMR = 66 + (5 x ht) + (13.8 x wt) - (6.8 x age)
• ht = centimeters and wt = kg
• 45 yr old 6 ft male
• 6 x 12 = 72 inches (1 in. = 2.54 cm)
• 72 x 2.54 = 182.88 or 182.9 cm
• 250lbs (1 lb = 2.2 kg)
• 250 / 2.2 = 113.6
• RMR = 66 + (5 x 182.9) + (13.8 x 113.6) - (6.8 x 45)
• RMR = 66 + 914.5 + 1567.68 - 306
• RMR = 2242 Kcal*
• Females
• RMR = 655 + (1.8 x ht) + (9.6 x wt) - (4.7 x age)
• Let's use the same numbers as our male subject
• So we have a 45 yr old female that is 6ft and 250 lbs
• Our earlier numbers after conversion were 113.6 kg and 182.9 cm
• RMR = 655 + (1.8 x 182.9) + (9.6 x 113.6) - (4.7 x 45)
• RMR = 655 + 329.22 + 1090.56 - 211.5
• RMR = 1863 Kcal*
• Note: These formulas take into account thermic effect of food (calories burned due to digestion) and  a standard physical activity index.       *Standard deviations of RMR preditions may be between 100-400 kcal. Since each individual will have a different physical activity index.

• Use http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/ to determine your exercise energy expenditure and monitor your daily activities with the amounts of calories burned.   

You have your physical energy index and your RMR, so what is next.

Determine how many calories you will have to decrease from your diet and burn to have the intended weight loss that you desire.

• There are 3500 kcal in one pound of fat. This means that to burn 1 lb of fat each week one would have to lose 3500 kcal from their diet and exercise combined.
• Example:  Sally has cut 200 calories a day from her diet and has decided to attempt to burn 300 additional calories a day through exercise and activity. Each day she is losing/burning 500 calories, if she is consistant with her plan she could loose 1 lb per week. 
• NOTE: The American College of Sports Medicine conciders 1-2 lbs of weight loss to be healthy, however .5 - 1 lb per week is more of a realistic goal.
• Your diet will determine how well you will lose the weight.
• Avoid sodas that are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. Even drinking diet sodas will increase your desire for sweets, and an increase in your desire for sweets will cause your diet to lapse. Choose a soda that is natural like Fresca.
• Avoid fruit juice that is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. Drink Simply Orange or other fruit drinks that aren't made with add sweeteners.
• Avoid refined/enriched flours and sugars. Most packaging will not let you know that they use refined flours or sugars by writing it in large and bold letters. You will find this information in the ingredients list.
• Learn to read food lables and ingredients. Try to stick with products that don't have an ingredient list that looks like it came from your 10th grade chemistry class.  
• Eat from all of the food groups.
• Avoid trans fats, they will increase your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels.
• Eat real butter and not margarine
• Don't be afraid of fat or carbs, they can't harm you.
• Track your diet with http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/

Your exercise regimen

For best results start with a plan and stick to it, and make sure it invloves 3-5 days of exercise. Adding a workout buddy can make it more fun and more motivating for some people, so find out what works for you.

* Always start with a 5-10 min warm-up. This could be walking, running, jumping rope or cycling. Make sure you break a sweat.

For true weight loss to occur there has to be a combination of resistance and cardio training. What are these exercise styles? Here are some answers.

• Cardio
• Cardio is any form of exercise be it walking, running, cycling or rowing that keeps your heart rate (HR) raised for a minimum of 30 minutes. True wellness is measured by your cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), so working on cardio will make your heart healthy, and a healthy heart will make you healthy. Did I mention healthy?
• NOTE: It is best for lactic acid drainage to perform cardio after your resistance training is done.
• Try to work at 60-75% of your heart rate max. A simple formula follows.
• 220 - age = HRmax
• 220 - 36 = 184 HRmax for a 36 year old
• If that 36 yr old male wishes to exercise at 65% of HRmax
• HRmax x % = Target HR
• 184 x .65 = 119.6 or 120 Beats Per Minute (BPM)
• Find out your tartget HR and try to maintain your BPM within that range.
• As you become more cardiovascularly fit you can up your target HR.
• Get a HR monitor watch, it will allow you to keep track of you HR, also some HR monitors will give you your calories burned during your workout. They are easy to use and very accurate.
• Resistance Training
• Lean mass burns an extra 11-15 kcal per pound of muscle mass increase per day.
• Keep in mind you might find that you are loosing the inches faster than you are losing the weight. This is because muscle mass weighs more than fat by volume. However, fat takes up more body volume per pound. Keeping track of measurement and clothing size decreases are signs that your program is working. 
• Calories burned directly post workout will increase up to 18.6% due to lean mass increase.
• Work within 50-75% of your 1 rep max (1RM) for each exercise performed.
• To determine your 1RM
• Keep increasing the weight in an exercise until your can only perform 10 reps (10 RM)
• 125 lb 10RM bench press was the highest weight our 36 yr old male could perform in 10 reps
• 10 RM x .26 = Y
• 125 x .26 = 32.5 or 33
• 10 RM + Y = 1RM
• 125 + 33 = 158 lbs
• To figure out where our 36 yr old male should start @ say 50%
• 1RM x % = workout weight
• 158 x .5 = 76.5 lbs or closest to this weight on hand at the gym for bench press 
• Perform 2-3 set of 8-12 reps and take a rest of 60-90 seconds in between sets.
• Perform at least 4-5 different exercises during your resistance training. Try to focus on specific muscle groups for each day that you workout. i.e; chest, legs or back. Maybe combine muscle groups...i.e; chest and back, arms and legs.
• Try to up your weight every 3 wks or when you can perform more than 10 reps per set without getting fatiqued.
• Note: Free weights will burn more calories than machines since more muscles will fire to complete the action required due to utilization of your stabilizing muscles.
• Also note: Resistant bands, medicine balls, and your own weight are also good for resistance training.

* Change it up, but stay consistant to your program, this will ensure weight loss success and your motivation level to remain high.

* Don't get discourage when you don't see the pounds come off as fast as you would like.

*Like quitting smoking, don't get discouraged when you lapse. Pick yourself up and start over. It truly is not the end of the world. You are stronger than that.

* There is not one formula that will work for everyone, however, research has proven that cardio of 30 min. or more and resistance training are necessary for weight loss.

Good luck with your program. Check in again for help with cardio and resistance training techniques.