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Posts Tagged ‘fit moms’
The Proper Squat for a Great Butt (but safe for your knees and back)!
Many people are aware that squats can give you great glutes, wonderful toned legs, and an overall more beautiful physique. What most people don’t know is that squatting with inappropriate form can compromise your knees and back, making you prone to injuries. In my famous “Hundreds Workout,” squats are one of the main components. However, I would also like to share with people that they are not only important, but that it’s important to use proper form and technique. In addition, did you know that proper form can also help you get more toned abs? Read on…
There are five rules for the movement before, during and in completion of a proper squat.
- The proper squat is done while pressing through the heels (“toes up” is a good rule of thumb for beginners to associate the feeling of pressing all their weight through the heels).
- “Core Tight” before you start, after you start, all through the movement, and when you complete the set movement and are replacing the weight on the bar. Tightening the core is the foundation for this movement’s safety, because it reinforces all the mechanics in the body, as the core itself is the foundation (or it should be, anyhow, but most people don’t use their core, which is why they have back problems).
- “Chest up/Shoulders back” as you move! The proper squat starts with the core tight, torso tall, chest up, and shoulders back for proper form PRIOR TO BEGINNING THE MOVEMENT, and continuously through the movement.
- Make sure that your knees are not bent and leaned forward so much that your knees are NOT extended beyond parallel to your toes. A 90-degree angle, a right angle in other words, should be your target for your leg movement, dropping your butt back as you drop into the squat, with a goal of keeping your chest as high as possible.
- Inhale through your nose as you drop down into the squat and exhale through your mouth as you “explode up” out of the lowest point (the seated position) of the squat, returning to the standing up tall position.
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- Nita Marquez
The best way to begin learning proper form on most standing leg exercises is on the smith machine, which is a weight training machine that imitates a squat rack and a barbell, with the support that is needed to keep us from falling or putting undue stress on the joints. Remember to keep the core tight, chest up, shoulders back, as this combination supports the back. The smith machine is a very effective way to learn proper form of squats for beginners. Once you have learned the proper squat technique, it’s best to start off with very light weight (or even no weight at all), as you move forward by performing your own proper squat on the squat bar, free-weight style. It’s always great to have an experienced trainer or workout partner with you when you perform these exercises, so that they can be available to check your form, and support through spotting if necessary.
Nita Marquez
I have always struggled with keeping my legs and glutes firm, so I hope this article will help anyone out there with the same issues. Great tips are also available at siouxcountry.com for these and other great exercises. Be on the lookout- Workout videos will be returning to nitasworld.com! Meantime, you will see that I’ve linked this article to two other sites that share exercise videos for men & women. Be aware that there is always support available through chat threads online. You are never alone on the journey of fitness.
Be well, Be You, BE PHENOMENAL! You are Worth the Work!
-Nita Lee Marquez
Nita’s Famous 100′s Workout (“Hundreds Workout”) for the Best Legs in the World!
A lot of people have asked me over the years how to get “legs of steel.” The fact is NOTHING will shred your legs up like doing these three things:
- eating lean (85% of the results you get in the gym come from your food intake- i.e., “diet”)
- combined with weight training for maximum output (going to failure, whether its with a moderate weight- not super light, or a heavy weight for sets of even 8, as long as you are going until you cannot do even one more full rep)
- sprinting (HIIT-high intensity interval training- see my other blog for detailed explanations of HIIT by clicking here)
First, you can learn more about lean eating, sprinting and weight training by researching on the internet, or checking out the dieting tips category in the nitasworld.com blog (click here). Of course, we talk a lot about clean eating and sprinting both in my book FIT FOR COMBAT with Nita Marquez, so ordering a copy for yourself to have on hand is not a bad idea for reference’s sake. It may be helpful for those of you who like hardcopy materials to scribble notes onto.
For the purposes of this article, we are talking about the hundreds workout, as I vowed to share my secret to keeping conditioned legs and glutes via spelling out the hundreds workout. My famous Hundreds workout is what works best for me in maximizing the effects of my leg workouts during all my year-round weight training regimens. It’s called the Hundreds Workout (you’ll understand why shortly- read on) and I do it once every week, in addition to my regular leg weight workouts. So, that amounts to two workouts for my legs alone on weights each week. If you’re a beginner, perhaps you should do the Hundreds Workout every other week, in addition to your regular weight training routine for legs. *Remember, the Hundreds Workout is a CONDITIONING WORKOUT- It is not intended to grow, develop, or reduce leg size. It is meant to condition the detail, for a more sculpted look of your legs that you can’t get through cardio or basic weight training for maximum output.
*Nita Marquez Hundreds Workout:
25 Leg Extensions x 4
25 Leg Curls x 4
25 Hip Abductors x 4
25 Hip Adductors x 4
25 Squats x 4
25 Calf Raises x 4
Do a moderate weight that you don’t have to reduce throughout the workout, so that you can complete the whole set without a “drop-set” style of training. Yet you want it to be heavy enough so that you can still feel it burning excessively by the 15th rep, making it difficult to finish the last ten reps of each set.
That’s it. By the time you’re done with my Hundreds Workout, you should feel exhausted, and ready to hit the jacuzzi, which won’t be a bad idea. The hot water and jets can be helpful to loosen up the muscles after this massive thrashing & conditioning workout you’ve just done. Always remember to have a fast-assimilating protein after your workout! If you’re unsure of what to buy, check out the store here to see some protein shakes I recommend. Of course you can always research online, too, checking out blogs & threads at siouxcountry.com.
Best of luck leaning out those legs, friends & fit moms! Be Well, Be You, BE PHENOMENAL! You are Worth the Work!
-Nita Lee Marquez
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Fitness Expert/Author/Speaker/Fit Mom
40′s BLUES- Why Energy Levels Drop around age 40 and What can Help
I will be 40 May 30 of this year. Ecstatic as I am (and I truly am excited, because all the women in my life tell me that the 40′s are the best years!), somehow, my body’s signs have been in disagreement. My moods have been swinging, patience has been shorter, sleep patterns have changed drastically (I can’t help but wake up at 3 or 4 am, like clockwork!), and energy has been doing a roller coaster number for the past year.
Maintaining my physique has actually been the least of my concerns. In fact, aside from having three awesome kids, nearing age 40, I have found that continuing to workout has been my main grounding factor, as well as the only thing that has given me more energy throughout the days. Eating better has definitely gotten easier with age, as I do believe that I am kind of “over it” with the “temptation” factor of food. These days, I eat to live and instead of living to eat. I experience and appreciate each day’s moments and accomplishments in order to “indulge.” Therefore, my indulgences are seldom beset in food, because I have children, a career, and I still continue to dream and do all that I can to build great things in my life, both for my family and for just myself.
As I said, nearing the age of 40, I have noticed a decrease in mood stability, and I am usually a vibrant and happy person. As well, my energy levels have begun to bounce extremely, making it less difficult to stay excited. I started doing some research and I found out from a counselor friend who is 48 years old and gorgeous, that she herself had experienced similar things at about age 42, so she started taking a supplement call Sam-E. I looked into it more, and yes, in fact as we near the aging of the 40′s, our bodies do slow down on the manufacturing of this amino acid derivative. Also, of course, I know that B-12, and all B-vitamins are a huge component in energy levels. I have my own multi-vitamin formula that includes a beneficial B-complex blend, but I also increased my dosage of the B’s, specifically of the B-12 and B-3 vitamins. I have a great liquid dropper of the B-12 made by NOW and I also got some additional capsules of Niacin (B-3), which help with circulation, energy, and seemingly for me, metabolism. Doses of niacin should be researched considerably prior to intake, so as to avoid some possible side affects.
With the three in combination with my usual daily intake of supplements like Fish or Krill Oils, multi-vitamins, glutamine, and Echinacea/Vitamin-C combination, I have enjoyed the benefits of taking Sam-E, and additional B-vitamins. I started by taking the Sam-E at the 200mg dosage daily and one B-12 dropperful with a Niacin capsule. I have already noticed a change in energy and moods. In addition, I should tell you that I cut out coffee about three days prior to doing this new supplementation combination regimen. It’s been helpful, tremendously! I have a lot more patience on the road (and in Los Angeles, that is difficult), I am less snappy with people, and I am getting a different, better type of rest now that I am back to maximizing the day’s hours. I did not add in any melatonine or sleep aids at any point because I wanted to see the change in my patterns simply by adding the Sam-E/B-Vitamin combo. It’s fabulous!
I recommend you do your own research, and start out with the lowest dosages (while removing caffeine pills or coffee for the first week, for the purposes of accurate energy measurement) of Sam-E and B-Vitamins 3 & 12. Increase as needed, and pay attention to your body. The age of beauty, inside and out, is definitely 40, and I am truly looking forward to it. If you’re not, then feel free to search out natural ways of maximizing what you have in you to offer not only to yourself and your family, but also what you are destined to bestow on the world with your wonderful energy! Be Well, Be You, BE PHENOMENAL! You are Worth the Work!
-Nita Lee Marquez
Essential Fatty Acids are Important, but Why?
Essential Fatty Acids – We hear the term all the time, but what does it mean?
Essential Fatty Acids are unable to be synthesized by humans, but are necessary components for healthy metabolism. Metabolism is the body’s rate of ability to burn fat. Simply stated, EFA’s assist with the breakdown of fat. Omega-3′s can be found in fish, eggs (the yolk), hazelnuts, pecans, in plant-based foods deriving from micro algae and brown algae, grass-fed beef, krill, hemp seeds and flax seeds, to sum up the majority of human-ingestible foods that contain EFA’s.
It is often noted that Americans consume far too many Omega-6′s and not enough Omega-3′s, which can be problematic. It is suggested on multiple medical sites and blogs to limit the Omega-6 supplemental intake, and measure the dietary and supplemental intake of Omega-3′s. This is very important.
EFA’s help with a number of health ailments, including prevention or management of Alzheimer’s, stroke, cancer, cardiovascular health, mental health, ADHD, along with some Autism disorders, and depression. However, dietary intake should be monitored. More than 3 grams daily of Omega-3 Fatty Acids can cause negative effects. Therefore, when taking in fish or krill oil gel caps, be sure to manage your intake according to the label’s stated ratios of Omega-3 to Omega-6 EFA’s.
Because of the effects of EFA’s on brain development, children are candidates for the usage of fish oil or plant-derived EFA supplements, as well as the foods that can contain Omega-3′s, such as the foods you will see mentioned below. Parents, it’s highly imperative that you manage supplementation for healthy brain development, but that you also balance your child’s limited supplementation with a diet that is rich in EFA’s for your child(ren)’s ongoing development and cognitive acuity.
EFA’s have been a part of my daily intake for years, primarily through Salmon, and occasionally through gel cap fish or krill oils. Recently, I learned that raw eggs (the yolk) will stay rich in Omega-3′s when uncooked, so I have been adding 1-2 whole raw eggs to my protein shakes in the morning when I wake up. The FDA has only ever reported .0003% salmonella poisoning deriving from eggs.
If fish isn’t your thing, eggs or grass-fed beef, then keep your krill or fish oil capsules around, or perhaps you can get a plant-based EFA supplement from the store (supplements are usually made from the algae mentioned above for vegan diets). Or keep a lot of hazelnuts, flaxseeds, and pecans around. This all helps tremendously, as Omega-3′s contained in these foods/supplements will especially support your skin, hair, nails, brain and overall metabolism.
So, develop well and healthy, maintain clear mental function, and stay fit, utilizing the fine benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. EFA’s are your friend, so keep them around at all times! Be Well, Be You, BE PHENOMENAL!
-Nita Lee Marquez
America’s Hottest Fit Mom – Author, Fitness Expert, Motivational Speaker
Nita Marquez
The Two Most Important Fitness Tips for Fit Moms
One of the things I have found to be tried and true in the life of training to be a Fit Mom, is that I can fit my kids into my fitness NO MATTER what age they are. The other thing I found to be tried and true fact is that you can do anything you want, but you can’t all of it right now, a common disappointment to those of us who want to rush it all and do it all, like the commonly over-achieving Fit Mom tends to attempt to do.
Fit Moms have a nack for balancing tons at once- we are the ultimate multi-taskers. We don’t need to be reminded to go to the gym, or to take care of our children, to balance checks, pay bills, stay motivated to work hard, or things that we are known for our brilliant management of.
However, it’s important to our health that we remember the soothers in life, as these are the things that will keep us capable of our most awesome of awesomeness for the long term, while also helping us stay sane and even happy. After all, happiness is the whole point of living, right? The two main things we fit moms tend to neglect, but can stand to pay more attention to are:
- Rest- Sleep is necessary for our bodies (muscles and organs) to recouperate, and that recouperation is when our recovery from usage takes place. Sleeping 6-8 hours nightly is often difficult for us to force ourselves to do. When people don’t sleep enough, we burn out our health, and lose our patience easier. Keeping it all together for the long term requires proper sleep. For without proper recovery, we can cause health risks and moodiness that make it impossible to enjoy our lives.
“Sleep deprivation has been proven to lead to… weight gain… increases in inuslin resistance (which leads to diabetes)…” says Dr. Ann E. Rogers, who has studied the effects of sleep with test subject groups and individuals.
- Affection- Being adored, adoring ourselves, and adoring others amps the “yippee” chemicals in our brain. Whoever said a cocktail was the only way to wind down and smile at the end of a long day? Taking the time to hold our children, our companions, or our friends & family for long embraces actually stimulates the secretion of endorphines, which lead our brains and bodies to experience joy. ASU’s Associate Professor, Kory Floyd, has studied the effects of affection extensively. People’s organ capabilities, blood pressure, weight management, and overall health can be managed better with affectionate behavior.
“Affection can be a simple, non-pharmaceutical, cheap way to reduce stress.” Floyd has found that there are direct associations between being an affectionate person and a lower risk of depression and stress.
Thus we see that no matter how healthy we eat, how much we exercise, how much we extend to our children, and no matter how many tasks of responsibility we cover in our daily lives, we could be actually limiting ourselves, and our years, if we are not taking care to rest and embrace on a daily basis as well! Sleep and Love, life’s combo remedy to help longevity!
Enjoy & Empower! Be PHENOMENAL! You are Worth the Work!
-Nita Lee Marquez, America's Hottest Fit Mom Creator/Fitness Empowerment Author/Miss National Fitness/Fit Mom of 3
Fit Mom Achieves Fat Loss and Tighter Skin- See for yourself!
There’s been a lot of talk about something called The Ultimate Body Applicator, also known as a body wrap. Made by It Works Global. You may have seen the ads for them. They might go something like this, “Firm, tighten, and tone in as little as 45 minutes!” “Lose weight immediately!” “Get your sexy back!”
I’ve done a lot of research on them and I’ve tried and tested them and I’m hoping to answer a lot of questions that people have, such as: Do they really work? How do they work? Is it a scam? Will I really loose inches in only 45 minutes? How long does the weight stay off? Is it just water weight? How many inches will I lose? How often do I need to wrap?
cellulite solutions include the "my it works" regimen, they are simple and they make you look and feel GREAT!
I’m going to start by saying that in my experience the wrap does in fact work and is not a scam. I’m a mother of three and I’m very active and healthy, and I try to live and lead a healthy lifestyle. It’s taken me almost 2 years to get back to my pre baby weight. I was very disappointed when I noticed the more weight I lost the looser my skin got. It started to sag and would hang over my tighter jeans. I was extremely uncomfortable with it to the point that I was thinking of getting a tummy tuck and cutting off what was left. My cousin had a good experience with a wrap, and I was so excited to try one. My first wrap I only lost .5 inches, but I saw tightening and toning immediately. That was it for me. I was sold. I am so glad to have found the Ultimate Body Applicator. It kept me from having to spend a fortune, and having to get cut open by a doctor. I have lost a total of 5 inches, which may not seem like much, but it sure has been a confidence booster for me. I feel much better about myself, and am not self-conscience anymore. I feel beautiful!
Skinny wrap before and afters
The average inch loss is 1-3 inches per wrap. Some women lose more, some lose less. Everybody is different. I’ve seen as much as 7 inches lost with just one wrap.
It is NOT water weight you’re actually encouraged to drink as much water during the wrap as you can, as well as for the next 72 hours. The applicator should not be compared to or confused with a diuretic. You don’t want to sweat while the wrap is on as this could clog your pours.
How does the wrap work? The body applicator is worn for a minimum of 45 minutes, (I’d suggest 1 to 2 hours), and it actually continues to process or detox for 72 hours after it is removed. You can put the applicator on any part of your body to spot reduce and see immediate lasting results. It’s a very strong detox, so it’s not recommended to do more than one area at the same time. The body applicator is infused with an all-natural botanical formula that causes the pores in the skin to open and allow the product to penetrate the skin and into the deeper layers getting right to the fat cells where it forces toxins out. Those toxins are then picked up by the blood stream and filtered through the kidneys and essentially are eliminated through your urine. This product is perfect for shrinking fat cells. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and helps with overall skin appearance, to give your skin a youthful look. Everybody’s skin processes differently. Some medications store in your cells for a long time and it may take longer to process. This is a healthy cleanse for your body. You are actually feeding your body something healthy!
How long do the inches stay off? It’s like any diet. If you lose a bunch of weight and then go back to your old ways you’ll what? Gain it all back, right? Same with this, except your results will last 2-6 months. So.. Drink a little more water, a little less pop, add some fruits and veggies to your diet, and try to eat three meals a day with small snacks in between. As long as you’re trying to be healthier the inches will stay off indefinitely.
Three things can happen with a wrap. One – You’ll see measurable results. The Ultimate Body Applicator is successful for the majority of users the very first time it’s used. Second – Nothing may happen. Although most begin to see improvements and inch loss after the first application some may take 3-4 applications to achieve optimal results. Those who are on medications and/or who have toxic systems (not regular) may fit in this category. Third – You may gain inches. If this is the case DO NOT be alarmed! This is actually a good thing! The Applicator will cause the toxins in the body to get stirred up, which will initially cause the body to bloat and produce an apparent gain in inches. Drinking a large amount of water within the next couple of days following the use of the Applicator will allow the body to flush the toxins and many have then seen a significant inch loss as a result!
Inch loss is not the only benefit from the Applicator. It also defines, tightens, tones and firms the skin, and visibly enhances the body’s contours. It also diminishes the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening. Improves the elasticity, moisturizes and vitalizes the skin, leaving it smooth and flexible with a youthful and fresh appearance.
With the Ultimate Body Applicator results are progressive. With each treatment you will be more pleased with your results. Every 72 hours, or at least once a week application is recommended for continuous, progressive results and for ongoing maintenance. The more consistent and diligent you are in applying the Applicator the better the results!
Additional products are available to help you get the best results from the applicator. Other products may also help by increasing metabolic activity, suppressing appetite, reducing fat and carbohydrate intake, to become more regular, and increase energy.
I hope that I’ve answered any questions you may have, but most of all I hope that I’ve done the Ultimate Body Applicator the justice that it deserves because it truly is a wonderful product.
If you’d like more information about The Ultimate Body Applicator or any of the other amazing products you’re welcome to contact me. I’m also looking for distributors in other areas to help spread the word.
Thank you,
Julie Holmes, Mom-trepreneur My It Works! USA
like my business and see that “my it works” for you!
Skinny Wraps- Fit Mom Finds Answer for Fatloss & Income!
Before - 147 lbs
My name is Mellissa Shepherd. I am the 42-year-old mother of two amazing children – Travis, 7 and Addyson, 6. My husband Darren and I have been married for 12 wonderful years, and until November 2010, I was a marketing and public relations professional. Now, I spend my days at home with the kids and, most recently, doing my best to help people achieve their health and fitness goals by selling “skinny wraps” and nutritional supplements by It Works! Global.
My Beautiful Children- Travis and Addyson
My journey to becoming a fit mom began last fall, when I could no longer handle having no energy, being tired all the time, and simply not feeling well. I spoke to my doctor about what was going on and he just chalked it up to being a mom with two young kids. He did run a thyroid test to humor me, though. Not surprisingly, it came back normal.
Ladies, Fit Moms, and Fit Moms in training – if you take nothing else from reading my story, remember this, listen to your bodies and trust your instincts. We know ourselves inside and out. God created us to recognize the nuances of how we feel and how our bodies behave. Women’s intuition is not a myth. The problem is we are so busy, we don’t take the time to stop and listen to what our bodies are telling us. Even when we work out, women’s health tends to be overlooked because we have not recognized what our bodies are saying to us. It is vital to learn your body’s language.
Well, I listened to my body, prayed and meditated, and found a wellness doctor that took the time to listen to what my body had to say. Long story short, I did have thyroid issues; my thyroid wasn’t producing enough T3. I’m not a women’s health professional, but the way I understand it, T3 is necessary for proper adrenal gland function; the adrenals helps regulate the pituitary gland, which, in turn, regulates the thyroid. So, if one isn’t working properly … well, you get the picture. Note: T3 levels aren’t typically measured in routine thyroid screenings, therefore, if you suspect thyroid issues, ask your doctor to measure T3, T4 and free T3 levels so you’re getting a complete picture of thyroid function.
Based on the results of the thyroid panel, as well as the fact that I had severe vitamin D deficiency and a host of other issues, the doctor recommended I try the HCG diet. I know there are a lot of mixed feelings on the HCG diet and whether or not it’s a safe method of weight loss, but it transformed me – physically and mentally. I lost 22 pounds during the three weeks I was on the diet and another five during the maintenance phase, and I feel better than I have in years, maybe ever. But more than that, it changed the way I looked at food, what I ate and even why I was eating. And as I made these changes for myself, my family began to change their eating habits as well. My children now understand the importance of eating meals high in protein and limiting processed foods and carbs in general. I’ll never forget the first time Travis asked me, “are these good carbs mom?” It was such an ah ha moment for me. I remember thinking, “Wow, they really are listening!”
While I’ve come a long way, I still don’t work out like I should, although America’s Hottest Fit Moms is going a long way in inspiring me to get better about it! Darren and I have started the Insanity workouts. He’s more religious about it than I am, but I do do it several times a week. And my son is now on board because he wants a six-pack! Being fit and healthy has really become a family affair. So for all the Fit Moms out there who are wondering, yes, you can transform your family with the fit life! It seems like they just jump on board when we fit moms not only set the example, but we really talk with them about it, and do a lot of fun fitness-oriented activities. (“Fun” is key for our families- don’t forget to smile!)
AFTER the Skinny Wrap!
So it was really a no-brainer when my friend introduced me to It Works! and the Ultimate Body Applicator and asked me if I wanted to join her team. This business is the perfect complement to our lifestyle, and I want to show others how the wraps and nutritional supplements can help them achieve their goals as well. For me, it’s not about selling wraps, it’s about teaching them how to incorporate the products into a healthy lifestyle. And the wraps are only one piece of the puzzle. The Defining Gel helps tighten, tone and firm in between wraps. Greens, one of my favorite products, detoxify and are an excellent source of nutrition. The Fat Fighters inhibit the body’s absorption of fat and carbs. New You helps build lean muscle and enhances endurance. More information about all of our products can be found on my website https://mellissashepherd.myitworks.com.
I hope that as you read this, you are inspired to reach your fitness goals and that you realize in one way or another, we are all America’s Hottest Fit Moms! Here’s to celebrating our families… IN HEALTH! Thank you for letting me share my story, and feel free to contact me on facebook at the America’s Hottest Fit Moms group or get the It Works Skinny Wrap at my site!
Cellulite- The Real Solutions
Believe it or not, cellulite is not a result of just being fat or flabby. Cellulite is a major stress to most women, because we are the only ones who really get cellulite. The dimply, loose, cottage cheese appearance of those areas of cellulite are not even caused just by age.
The reality is that cellulite is a result of the bands of connective tissue in a woman’s body running in a different direction than our skin. By nature that skin can stretch, disconnect and collect fat more readily than a man’s body. Some people think it’s a matter of the nature of things, and that maybe God himself made us to collect fat more easily for the purposes of carrying life within us. Whereas, a man’s connective tissue runs more along with the skin, allowing for better binding from the skin to the connective tissue, which in nature would directly affect their bodies support to muscularity, rather than fat storage. Some would say that it’s because by nature men were intended to be hunter gatherers. Who knows?? The bottom line is they don’t get cellulite.
In the fact that men are generally more muscular, and traditionally are hunter gatherers, I wonder if there may be some truth to the lifetime(s) of conditioning that you see in people whose bodies don’t typically carry cellulite. What I’ve noticed over the years for myself, as opposed to the women in my family, is that because I cross train (weight training combined with running, hiking, plyometrics, and dance/gymnastics) and eat a high protein diet, I have conditioned my body for a more muscular toned look. Whereas the women in my family are all very beautiful and soft-skinned, and they all retained their youth quite well through the aging process, they still struggle tremendously with cellulite. Since I’m genetically pre-disposed to cellulite (yes, the cellulite is going to happen, but how bad it can get is often contingent to our genetics), I still fight it, but the fact is because I weight train, I am constantly working the muscles for conditioning, so I appear to have very little cellulite in comparison to my genetic precedents.
a cellulite butt without weight training/ cross training
Cellulite is a result of the direction of connective tissue in a woman’s body. You cannot change the direction of your connective tissue, as it will always run opposite the skin. Nothing will ever change that we can get cellulite. Also, you cannot alter the genetic ancestry you possess within your family’s lines. If the women have tons of cellulite, you are inheriting that genetic code. However, there are things you can do to condition the genetic code you have toward cellulite, and I know because I have done it myself.
If you weight train, you increase connective tissue activity so that it does not worsen, but can get better with age through constant conditioning. In this case, it’s a lifestyle to workout daily, not an option. That’s the reality. In addition to weight training, you have to do other things to exercise so that you are stimulating collagen production (which also aids in skin health and the ability to visibly reduce cellulite). If you get your body used to doing the exact same things with the muscles all the time, then the lack of versatility causes complacency within our muscles and connective tissue. Thus you must always be changing activities, mixing and matching, along with your weight training (which should be your core focus if you want to reduce cellulite).
Cardio and interval training help your body in the fat burning and high-calorie burning department, and they enhance weight training on whatever level you do any of this. Thus, what I have learned for myself is that running, sprinting, dancing, plyometrics (jumping and explosive and agility training), hiking, step mill, stairmaster, elliptical, and hanging out walking at events with my kiddos, have all been really effective. Effectively, all of the aforementioned activities coinciding with weight training have helped me to condition my genetic code in such a way that I don’t struggle as much with cellulite as the women in my family, and I’ve struggled even less with the war on cellulite as I have gotten older (I’m now 39).
On top of the collagen and the connective tissue activity stimulation, some other ways that women can avoid cellulite with cross training is through the ongoing stimulation of better circulation. The better the bloodflow, the better your skin and muscles. Also, working the explosive fast-twitch fibers of the muscles creates a more conditioned appearance and can also support your efforts to reduce cellulite’s gross appearance. In addition, with good diet, you can decrease the amount of subcutaneous water retention. When you retain water from poor diet (too many processed foods or too much sodium or dehydration) or you’re too inactive, your body will retain water and fill those open cellulite pockets between the connective tissue and the muscle.
hydration helps metabolize fat and shed cellulite
a butt with weight training and interval training
The exercise cross-training is key, but also diet has a very hearty role in the reduction of cellulite. Higher protein diets rich in leafy greens and raw foods tend to stimulate all the same things mentioned above: circulation, collagen, less water retention, better digestion (so as not to retain excessive toxins), overall glow of the skin and muscular nourishment. It’s as important to eat healthy as it is to exercise when it comes to reducing cellulite. As well, it’s as important to drink lots of water as it is to eat healthy and cross-train. Too little water causes dehydration, and dehydration causes water retention, which causes more dimples in cellulite.
Weight training combined with cardio, interval training (you can find articles on interval training right here at nitasworld.com!), plyometrics, running, sprinting, elliptical, step mill, stair masters, dancing, and whatever other effective high-fat-burning exercises are the foundation for cellulite reduction. Couple this activity regimen with high protein and leafy greens and lots of water (a gallon a day is rule of thumb) and you will reduce cellulite!
Remember you can’t get rid of cellulite, but you can condition your body to have less of it with this lifestyle. That’s why you rarely see cellulite on competitive physique athletes. Those who live the lifestyle look sculpted and toned year round.
I believe that my lifestyle has altered this for me and I continue to smoothen the areas of my skin that seem to be camping areas for cellulite. Though I will continue to be at war with cellulite because of my body’s inherent predisposition to cellulite by virtue of the natural direction of my connective tissue, I see that my active lifestyle continues to change and improve the appearance of my body, and I love living fit because of it! Additionally, I feel better, happier with my appearance, and more confident and energized.
Now one last thing I tell everyone, BE HAPPY. Joy can help reduce the amount of cortisol (the body’s toxic product of stress) we manufacture. Cortisol manages to make us hold toxins, stifle digestion, retain excess water, and overall, it leads us into an easier cellular breakdown (which causes aging AND cellulite- yuk!). So the final key to cellulite reduction, and quite possibly more important than cellulite reduction- SMILE! Be Well, Be You, BE PHENOMENAL! You are Worth the Work!
-Nita Lee Marquez
Nita Marquez America's Hottest Fit Mom™ TV Personality/Trainer/Author/Speaker
Meet Fit Mom & Fit Grandmother Jennifer Christenson
Prayer is my #1 key to everything in life!!! 
- A healthy mom is a happy mom
What inspired your track from fat to fit? What made you want to be a Fit Mom?
Nita’s Favorite Fit Mom QUICKIE Fitness Recipes
There are a lot of fitness recipes available online, but the problem I have with most of them is that they take too long! Fit Moms don’t have the time to spend an hour in the kitchen preparing meals. I certainly have never been one who could cook, who enjoyed cooking, much less was I someone who could make the time to prepare anything extravagant or luxurious in the kitchen. I personally have always been the type of mom who, fit mom or not, I have been on the go! Like a lot of fit moms, I get out of bed super early every morning because that’s my only real personal time, when I can read, eat alone, work out, or just meditate.
EVEN IF YOU’VE BEEN UP SINCE 4a.m., WHEN THE KIDS GO TO SCHOOL, YOU ARE JUST BEGINNING!
A lot of fit moms do this, and it’s been proven time and again for every mom, these quiet peaceful mornings give us a chance to rev up the engine for the day’s events. Once any mom finishes the morning mommie routine though, it’s on! The children get up and start getting ready for school, Fit Mom makes breakfast, packs lunches, preps for the work day, and takes the children to school! After the kids get to school, people think a mom may be able to rest. Nope. Every mother knows that when mom time goes down, work time goes up. It’s all about packing in as much work and daily tasks and responsibilities as possible in the 6-8 hours that the kids are gone. That means, work, mail, filling out papers and making appointments for family affairs (medical, dental, school, recreational activities, etc), attending appointments, working at the office, keeping meetings, work events, and then being done with everything in time to go pick up the children from school.
After school, there’s homework time, dinner time, chores, (and often times, arguing with the children to get them to do chores), more responsibilities & organization, and then bedtime for the little ones. Then you get started on prepping for the next day. It doesn’t end here either. A lot of times there are things we’ve forgone to do other things throughout the day, so when the kids are in bed, all moms know that it’s time to finish up daily tasks that didn’t get done, fill out the next day’s check list, and then finally, we can go to bed!
AFTER SCHOOL, THE DAY IS STILL IN HIGH GEAR! YOU CAN’T REST. A MOTHER’S WORK IS NEVER DONE. SO HOW DO YOU FIT COOKING IN?
It can be tempting to get fast food with this type of schedule. For even the fit mom is exhausted and doesn’t want to cook. So what can you do? In this busy life we lead these days, Fit Moms are not the only ones on the go. Everyone is looking for fast meal solutions that are also healthy.
There are answers to our wishes for convenient, fast and healthy eating! If you like lean fish, you’ll love these recipes. Two out of my three children love fish. My third usually just eats chicken off of the foreman grill when we have fish for dinner. I started doing these 3-minute or less prep time recipes to ensure that everyone in my home is satisfied and healthy. And since I don’t like cooking, and like a lot of parents, I don’t have the time, I have a motto for this: ”If it takes me more than 3 minutes to prepare it, I won’t make it.”
Here are the recipes via my youtube channel. I’ve done them in video format because, well, typing isn’t fun, and videos are easier to follow. So here ya go! Enjoy!
Pan Fried Tilapia (breaded but lean!)
Tilapia Tacos (here’s the “after” video)
All of these can be made with veggies or yams and taste delightful without adding junk into the mix… Enjoy & Empower all you Phenomenal Fit Moms!
Don’t forget to visit the group on facebook, and you can join us at AmericasHottestFitMoms.com
And of course, always remind yourself to BE PHENOMENAL! You are Worth the Work!
Nita Marquez- Author, Fit Mom, Fitness Model, Speaker