Is Denver ready for a Fitness Studio with No Seated Equipment? June 30, 2011
Posted by jamieatlas in bonza bodies, boot camp, bootcamp, denver, fitness, personal trainer.Tags: boot camp denver, fitness 5280, fitness studio denver, personal trainer 5280
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The Fitness Studio at Bonza Bodies in Denver gives out high quality workouts every day.
But there’s nowhere to sit down and do your workout.
As you walk into the small studio, artfully decorated with an Australian Art Mural, Inflatable Kangaroos and sings that read “no swimming, crocodiles’ you realize that this isn’t your standard studio.
In the corner, there’s a set of dumbbells. And that’s about all the conventional equipment you’ll recognize.
The Butterfly Machine.. every gym shouldn’t have one
Some call it the 'butterfly machine' Others have called it the 'Yes-No' machine. I call it a $3,000 piece of embarrassment to the fitness industry.
As one member put it:
“This fitness studio has none of the workout equipment I’d expect to see, and all of the stuff I’ve never seen before”
The sad part is, most big gym managers don’t know that there’s a variety of unfamiliar weighted apparatus that you can throw, toss, tilt, shift, twist and generally manipulate to create a warm sensation through your system that usually results in the expulsion of sweat and the a sensation of actual enjoyment during a workout.
It’s called ‘open floor fitness’ - the concept that a room can be an open floor, but in a short jiffy, become a fully functional fitness workout center that taps into muscles you didn’t know you had. The biggest downfall is also the biggest industry at fitness conferences around the world. Machines that do the thinking for you.
Conventional machines force people to do what they’ve been doing all day. Sit.
Why should you sit for your workout when you’ve been sitting all day already? When you sit, your core immediately starts to wind down in a functional sense. When was the last time you had to pull something heavy towards you while sitting (not counting asking for seconds at thanksgiving dinner).
If you thought that workouts had to follow a certain set of circuits, I’m here to tell you it just ain’t so. The reason these machines exist is to make it easier for the trainer and the participant. Everyone follows the signs on the machine, the personal trainer counts to 12 and everyone goes home happy.
But is that really what it’s all about? Don’t you want your personal trainer to help you be able to teach that body to play? To move with exhuberance? To live life and be able to do things with it? Chances are, most of those fun things are done from a standing position.
Teach your body to move in the real world by working out like it’s the real world
A workout that helps you do more than push handles at higher intensity doesn’t involve seated machines. It requires full body integration, movement pattern integration and a constantly changing variety of movements.
If you want a workout that helps you move in the real world, then you want a space that embraces ‘open floor fitness’.
It didn't matter to Mandy who had stolen the clothes out of her locker... she wasn't going to let anything get in the way of her workout.
If you want a space that doesn’t require you to think about… well, anything. Go get your headset, throw on some Pearl Jam and get down with your bench pressing self.
But the question I’m really asking, is this…. I can write about how much people might need a standing workout in an open floor space using different push/pull twisting tools…
but when will we start seeing other clubs refuse to purchase seated equipment?
Hank, Mind if I hop in for a set? Oh, sorry... hey everyone, keep it down... Hank's catching some ZZZ's!
Will it be at the point clubs want what’s best for the consumer …
or the point when the consumer understands what’s best for their own health and fitness?
Jamie Atlas
www.bonzabodies.com ( It’s not a boot camp like you’ve seen before in that it uses an open space but makes sure every workout contains a large variety of fundamentally different movements using unconventional tools.)
5280 Top Of The Town 2011 – Editors Choice, Best Personal Trainer
Introducing: The “Ski Squat” – the #1 Exercise for Ski Performance October 24, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in boot camp, bootcamp, denver, skiing.Tags: bonza bodies ski, denver, fitness, ski, ski clinic, ski conditioning, ski workout, skiing, skiing better
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If you live in Denver then chances are you have heard me talk or attended one of my classes about ski conditioning and movement specific patterns.
When getting ready for ski season how we workout can be an important decision that either helps or hurts our skiing ability and endurance.
Here’s why you want to squat differently than everyone else in the gym:
Squat with Ski specificity for specific results
When you squat on regular flat ground, your body shares its load between the front and back foot. When you are on the mountain with your skis pointed down, your body instinctively wants to lean back and stay vertical. However, when skiing you must lean into the skis to get best control etc.
Lift it up
By placing a small wedge or lift under the forefoot (it can be as small as a yoga mat or as thick as you can maintain balance with) you effectively stimulate all the muscles that would ‘pull’ your body forward. The result? Your body learns to lean forward while going through movement.
If you were to try to lean forward while squatting on a flat surface the results would be… well, let’s just say that if you leaned too far forward it would be potentially counterproductive (as well asquite painful)
Here’s the video of a quick ski spefic workout I put together. It is for ski conditioning – you will burn some fat and tone some muscle as you do it just as you would if you were to actually go skiing – this is a great way to get a quick workout in while getting yourself in shape for skiing:
Here’s the video that specifically explains why you want to ski with a toe lift as opposed to the conventional (read ‘bodybuilding’) reasoning of having a heel lift when you squat.
Have fun with it! try different loads and speeds to see what feels like it will suit your individual skiing style and you will be carving it up with the best of them in no time!
See you on the mountain,
Jamie Atlas
PS Ski conditioning clinic happening at Bonza Bodies studio Saturday November 6th – see http://www.bonzabodies.com for details
TIME Says Exercise is Pointless. Leading Personal Trainer Agrees With Them… Kinda August 10, 2009
Posted by jamieatlas in fitness, Health, nutrition, weight loss, worlds biggest loser.Tags: exercise for weight loss, lose weight, nutrition, weight loss, weightloss, working out
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TIME didn’t exactly say that exercise is pointless , but they did say that for losing weight it can actually be counterproductive. It might surprise you, but I wholeheartedly agree with the article. And I have been training people hard for over 16 years!
Lose 15 pounds and all self-respect in only 4 weeks!
Here’s why:
I think that lots of people think they need to drive themselves into the ground with reckless abandon and not a thought to their stress, nutrition and lifestyle habits. There is a right way and a wrong way to exercise (and a right reason and a wrong reason to pick certain exercises to do).
‘Human Being’ vs ‘Human Living’
If you want to live your life to its potential then you need to prepare your body for the amazing things the world has to offer. If you have been exercising you are better prepared for activities life might throw your way. Plus, once you have gotten rid of the laundry covering your washboard stomach, you might want to consider what it might look like underneath? Ever see a runner with great legs and flabby upper arms? Need I say more?
Before, I used to have to run everywhere! Now thanks to my new 'treadmillbike', I just ...ermmm. ahhh...
It is my opinion that exercise (while burning some calories) if taught and conducted the right way leaves a person in an uplifted state of mind and energized to go through their day and make good decisions in all areas of their life. It is my job to match that workout to your ability/energy on the day so you leave in that ‘goal state’.
Confession: I don’t always get it right. But that ‘goal state’ for my clients is always my directive in every session I teach.
Truth is, this TIME article doesn’t really delve deep enough into some of the terrible habits and misconceptions the fitness industry has placed upon society.
If I see another infomercial with the words ‘results not typical’ at the bottom of the screen I may just march down to Suzanne Somers house and see if her ThighMaster fits anywhere else than conveniently under the bed… Phew.. Sorry, where was I?
Read here to see what TIME magazine has to say (thanks to morning class member Greg Burns for putting me onto this article).
Your loyal servant in health and fitness,Jamie Atlas
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me in a slightly small groomsmens jacket... dont I look dapper!
Effective Weight Loss: Solutions and Strategies September 29, 2009
Posted by jamieatlas in denver, fitness, nutrition, weight loss, worlds biggest loser.Tags: denver weight loss, weight loss, weight loss plateau
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WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK ‘WEIGHT LOSS’?
When I think of weight loss, I try to imagine what would result in someone feeling good in their own skin – I imagine it as a mixture of athletic muscle with a low level of body fat. Sometimes people are only concerned about the number on the scale.
In my 20′s when ‘getting huge’ meant something to me, the number on the scale told me I was ‘obese’. This was despite my bodyfat being around 6% at the time (I guess muscle really does weigh more than fat, right?)
I could ask you to live in a small cave by the sea to be healthy, but who wants to do that? (except maybe hermits that already live there – they don’t take kindly to sharing, either!)
The following articles include information that gives you
(A) the tools to control your own weight, but also
(B) the understanding of why ‘one diet fits all’ does really anything but.
MASTER THE MENTAL GAME
Before you start anything, you need to understand what you want to accomplish and that the people on Worlds Biggest Loser have no life other than losing weight. You have a life. Adjust your expectations accordingly:
http://jamieatlas.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/results-not-typical-setting-realistic-weight-loss-goals/
WHY YOUR SCALE IS A BIG FAT LIAR (LITERALLY)
Another post that explains that the best way to measure your improvement of health and fitness does not come from the numbers on a scale.
http://jamieatlas.wordpress.com/2008/06/25/your-bathroom-scale-must-be-destroyed/
A more honest look at what it takes to combat the social pressure of having weight to lose and feeling judgment when eating in public areas:
http://jamieatlas.wordpress.com/2009/05/20/your-weight-loss-mindset-pt-1-fk-you-for-judging-me/
PUT AWAY YOUR CALORIE DICTIONARY
An explanation why Calories in DOES NOT equal Calories out:
I ATE DESSERT WITH ONE OF MY CLIENTS AND I’LL DO IT AGAIN!
Even I enjoy a dessert or forbidden fruit from time to time. Read my strategy to make sure I eat it guilt free and that it makes no impact on my waistline.
http://jamieatlas.wordpress.com/2008/06/15/the-personal-trainer-that-loves-dessert-and-wine/
ONE SIZE FITS NONE
Because you have an individual chemistry – you can discover what foods to use – you just need to listen to the messages your body is sending you
BATWINGS BEGONE (TRIMMING THE ARM FAT)
The article everyone keeps asking for – how to get rid of the ‘loose bits’ at the back of the arm. This explains how diet and lifestyle come hand in hand for certain physical alterations.
MY MOST VIEWED ARTICLE ON WEIGHT LOSS:
Weight Loss Plateaus. We all have them. Moving through the plateau is not always so easy – especially in the case of Weight Loss. If we stop and take a closer look at these plateaus, we might gain an understanding of why one person loses weight faster than another and why when it feels like a plateau, it might actually still be progress.
Weight Loss Plateaus can and often do affect everyone trying to make a positive change
Weight Loss Plateaus can and often do affect everyone trying to make a positive change
Plateau Reason #1: Being a woman
While being a woman has many benefits (from what I hear) such as getting doors opened for you, jewelry purchased in your name and having people on bourbon street at Mardigra asking if you would please remove articles of your clothing in exchange for some shiny beads, it also has some complications.
The Spice Girls. One of the first leaders in the 'girl power' movement... Well, perhaps after Cleopatra, Amelia Aerhart and maybe Susan B Anthony.
This particular complication happens around once a month and tends to interfere with ones ability to hold a steady weight. Water retention, appetite fluctuations and energy levels all can vary (and that’s just for starters, right ladies?)
Plateau Solved:
While I am not a big fan of the bathroom scale (see my post on the evils of the bathroom scale here) however, if you must weight yourself, do this:
Weigh yourself once a month
Put a big star next to that weight and repeat this mantra ‘any other weight at any other time of the month is statistically invalid and unreliable”. Then put your scale somewhere you wont look for it until the same time next month (perhaps the top shelf next to the old towels you use for those guests you don’t really like or think are particularly hygienic?)
By measuring yourself just once a month you at least stabilize any hormonal/energy /mood factors that might interfere with your progress. It certainly beats the hell out of watching your weight yo-yo throughout the month only to realize you actually DID make progress and that those two pounds you gained last week didn’t really have to put you in a bad mood all day after all… and you didn’t have to take it out on your nice husband who just wanted to do something nice for you and how was he supposed to know that you now hate cupcakes when last week you loved them and no, he didn’t think you looked like a heffalump and could he please have the remote back and sleep in the same bed and not on the couch again… please?
Where was I?
Plateau #2: Your body has adapted to the meals you are eating
Definition of insanity – doing the same thing and expecting different results.
As your body loses fat, it breaks it down into carbohydrates which get used as fuel for activity and daily living. However, there is such as thing as homeostasis – this means that the body finds a point in which it is happy being where it is and until something changes, nothing needs to change.
Lets say I started drinking 12 glasses of water a day. That might improve my health a certain amount. However, if I drank that water and increased my sleeping hours, I might improve it even more! That is if I didn’t wet the bed from the increased water intake, of course.
That's gotta be at least 8 glasses
If you have been losing weight and found recently that you are hitting a wall in your weight loss, take a closer look at your diet, stress and lifestyle factors.
Plateau Solved:
Got Metabolism?
Take down a diary but write down how you felt after each meal. The meals that have you feeling energetic and upbeat for a longer period of time and had you fuller and more satisfied with smaller amounts are probably going to help break your sticking point. A high energy level means a high metabolism. You might do better with a higher protein diet, you might respond better to more vegetables on your plate (unless you are between the age of 5 and 8, in which case all vegetables are poisonous and are only to be fed to the dog under the table).
Frequency of Feedings
By looking at how often you are eating, you may find that you could space out your calories and your meals bit more to keep your bodys energy levels high and your meals small and steady. By doing this you keep your insulin levels steady and your body fat burning
Living la vida low-stress
If you want to lose weight, lose the stress. Stress can come in many ways, sometimes just not taking care of projects we know we should be doing can cause stress.
If your body is constantly in fight or flight state of alertness then you will retain fat as an energy source. fat storing aside, stress is a killer. Its a killer of workplaces, a killer of relationships and a killer of people. Do everything you can to reduce this.
Quick Stress-Reducer:
Take two minutes to breathe and relax – park and get out before you get home and walk around the block speaking your mantra – whatever it is. Examine meditation – practice relaxing the muscles in your face, especially those between your eyebrows… you know, the ones you are ever so slightly tensing right now… yeah, those ones (unless you have had botox.. in which case, just try not to act as suprised) Ok, all eyebrow-related tension gone? Doesn’t that feel better? Now take a deep breath and feel that moment of stress reduction. Remember and repeat next time you have a moment to take for yourself.
These are just a few ways you can try to break a plateau. Examine your own body and how it is reacting. Things change, and if your weight isn’t then its time to reevaluate. The same diet will not work the same way the whole time.
And remember that if you lost 5 pounds the first week, that may not happen every week – in fact, you may gain some from week to week (remember that whole hormonal fluctuation thing?) The most important thing is that you keep discovering and keep exploring – the results are just a matter of time.
So stay true to the course, watch what is happening to you and around you, and as always – be curious!
Yours in health,
Jamie Atlas
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Who is this Fitness Insights Blog Here For? October 23, 2009
Posted by jamieatlas in weight loss, denver.Tags: jamie atlas, denver fitness, denver weight loss, fitness insights by jamie atlas
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latest post update:
to see how to climb stairs like the professionals (yep, you can get paid to dodge the elevator) click here
Thanks for checking out my blog – I am a personal trainer/small group bootcamp trainer focusing on training in the highlands area (thats the fun highlands near downtown, not the highlands rance far away near colorado springs).
If you would like to know more about my training style (I believe in PULLING people towards their results, not PUSHING – there are too many trainers that push. I believe that if we can find what really motivates you and create a program designed for you that your results will come easily and effortlessly)
If you would like to talk more, give me a call on 720 203 3084 or email me at atlasbootcamps@comcast.net
Thanks for checking in!
Jamie Atlas
Who this blog IS for:
This blog is for people who are looking for healthy advice that they can use right away. It is for people who want to either lose a few pounds or reach their optimal health.
This is a resource that allows them to understand the truth behind some of the ‘disinformation’ that is spread by some popular magazines trying to give people a ‘quick fix’.
My goal is to make this a resource that entertains, engages and educates.
Who this Fitness Insights blog IS NOT for:
This blog is not for the top 1% of elite athletes (although I have trained some of these elite athletes personally in the past, that isn’t the people that I built this blog to serve).
Nor is this blog for people who have medical conditions or are seeking highly detailed information on supplements and other nutritional products.
(I have studied nutrition for many years and have learned that specific supplemental advice given over the internet can be dangerous put into the wrong hands. Don’t take it personal. That’s just how I roll.)
Still reading? Wanna follow me on twitter?
It’ll be fun and totally not lame, promise!
- click on this link or go to twitter.com/atlasbootcamps
I hope you find this resource to be everything I dream it to be and more
For easy navigation check out the archives, latest posts and my twitter updates on the right hand side of your screen.
Now gits yerself to enjoyin’!
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Click this link to subscribe and receive updates every time I post a new ‘insight’!
Just want to get your fill of fitness insights?
Click this link to read the top 5 most popular posts from this blog to date:
Jillian Michaels and her 17 year old fitness certification October 18, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in denver, weight loss.Tags: gillian michaels, jillian kettlebells, jillian michaels, kettle bells DVD, kettlebell dvd, la times jillian, yoga video
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Jillian was unfairly treated in the recent LA Times article. But she only has herself to blame. Her kettlebell DVD crossed the line and she isn’t owning up to it. It’s a shame because the article is ruthless and degrading… but still worth reading. See the link here:
National Ledger says Jillian is sending her lawyers over to rough up the LA times a bit:
http://www.nationalledger.com/lifestyle/article_272635475.shtml
Don't even get me started on whether she has a boxing certification.
I have to say that I read that article and while I think it took an unfair position on her efforts and intent with what she does, it made me think about the current ‘fitness experts’ that are portrayed in the media today.
You know what though, this is what really gets me riled up. If you have completed a certification 17 years ago, don’t say it “doesn’t expire” as if that makes it all ok. That’s a bush league move right there.
If I asked you to get in a plane with a pilot that learned to fly 17 years ago and hadn’t updated his learning from any officially recognized body since then, would you be willing to get in that plane with him?
But we would trust our own bodies with a trainer who was in the same position?…
Have you seen the 450lb people running up hills? Carrying others? Being screamed at? Not sure youwill see that in any nationaly recognized certification curriculum.
Think about this:
17 years ago the Reebok Step was released.
17 years ago you thought Tae Bo was a kind of asian snake
When Tae-Bo's Attack!
17 years ago Jillian Michaels got certified and hasn’t been back since. Think things have changed since then?
Pickin’ up what I am putting down here?
But why pick on Jillian? Haven’t we been brought this on ourselves?, fellow consumers?
"Fit in your Jeans by Friday"? Even if I start on Thursday? Awesome!
Kim Kardashian can have her own butt workout video with no qualifications as a trainer, why shouldn’t Jillian be able to teach a yoga video with no yoga qualifications? Having a good body doesn’t mean you are necessarily qualified to able to tell others how to get one. Each individual has their own journey to get to where they are. Just because one method worked for Jillian (going from fat to thin) doesn’t mean it will work just as well for you.
Ever tried following one of those diets they show every week in US Weekly? The one the helped the star du jour lose 40lbs? Yeah, I don’t think that would work the same way for you as it did for them either.
Back to the Jillian Michaels Fiction Fitness Videos.
Does that mean the yoga world suffers due to poor form/technique/teaching style or does it mean they benefit because more people now do yoga and then are encouraged to try the ‘real thing’ out?
Get it out vs get it right
It would seem Jillian/her team of marketing geniuses have crossed the line and has gone too far into the ‘get it out there’ realm with her latest kettlebell DVD. At least, the KB community seems to think so.
"Please send 12 proof of purchase to receive your 100% genuine personal training certficate"
Certification:
I go back and forth, but my concern is not whether she is certified or not – it is that she at least takes some time to ‘master’ what she is teaching before she releases it to the public.
If you are NOT a personal trainer or fitness professional and have heard this, what does it make you feel?
Feel like Jillian is being singled out?
Or like she has deceived you somewhat? Or am I just hatin’ on Jillian?
I don’t mean to tear down Jillian, honest I don’t. She’s got enough people scrutinizing her every move and looking for ways to bring her down as it is.
'Now, boss'?.. 'No Harvey..not yet. But soon.'
I don’t want her to go away.
I just want her to care more than she seems to be now.
I just believe that she has a responsibility as a public figure, and she is failing to fulfil that responsibility. She has done some amazing things and inspired many. I want to make sure she doesn’t lose focus on what’s important.
Hopefully me writing this post can help others encourage her to do the same through their own conversations about this topic.
Fair enough?
Yours in health,
Jamie Atlas
PS This isn’t new, people. Here’s a link to an article I wrote on Jillian and her kettlebell DVD in April of ’09?
PPS Not to throw even more fuel in the fire, but if you look as good as she does, do you still need photoshop? According to this article, I guess you do.
PPPS If you live in Denver and would like to come to a workout taught by an instructor that trains what he knows (and doesn’t what he doesn’t), come find me www.fitnessbyatlas.com
Change Your Workout, Build Your Brain September 7, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in pta global.Tags: brain workout, pta global, roy sugarman, workout
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If you ever wondered what the benefits might be for changing up your workout, this video featuring Dr Roy Sugarman – an internationally recognized neuroscientist who talks about switching up your workouts at an extreme level to keep building your ‘brain muscles’. How indepth is his knowledge? He’s gone through about 20,000 articles in the last year. No joke.
As a personal trainer, I often talk to people about working out in variety – this video gets a bit technical, but it’s worth sticking with it to hear some science on your workout and your brain that you won’t hear anywhere else.
Particularly interesting is what Roy Sugarman says at 01:22, which is that the brain ‘hates routine’. What does that mean to us? Well, it means that doing an exercise or a workout where the body is guessing means that the brain is working.
Want a better brain to go with your better workout? Now you know what it takes.
yours in better health,
Jamie Atlas
PS Thanks to PTA Global and Rodney Corn for creating such an awesome post! Bringing the real brain knowledge combined with real workout science!
Resistance Band + Lunge = Perfect Butt. August 31, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in boot camp, denver, fitness, weight loss.Tags: booty, butt workout, denver fitness, fitness, glutes, how to get a perfect butt, lunge, perfect butt, resistance band
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If you ever wondered what could be done with your butt and a resistance band that would give you satisfaction on a whole new level, then you may end your search here.
On a completely PG level, your booty can get a great workout in a way that it just can’t with any other exercise.
I made a video about 2 years ago that is just now reaching 40,000 hits – it was called ‘how to get the perfect butt’
Here’s a video to show you the newest version of the perfect butt workout – it integrates a band and is not only a great butt exercise, it uses the core as well!
Note: I am using a band wrapped around a barre at the a very cool denver boot camp/goal-based fitness studio downtown. If you need to, use a pole/bannister/piece of furniture/your boyfriend.
there you have it. The perfect lunge using a resistance band that promises to give you results that no other lunge can match. Promise. Just have a crack at it.
Go on. Give it a shot – just do 2 sets on each side and write a comment letting me know if you felt it in a spiritually enlightening way (meaning you used the phrase ‘jesus ch$#%t that’s hard!’ numerous times)
Have fun!
yours in lunging health,
Jamie Atlas
PS Thanks to Michol Dalcourt for the inspiration for this exercise!
My Favorite Butt-Lifting Exercise Makes The Local News July 26, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in denver, fitness.Tags: butt-lifting, denver post, fitness
1 comment so far
You know when you learn something really cool after searching for it for years? Like when you found out you could sneak into the local club for free if you went through a certain door – you weren’t sure whether to tell it to others because then if everyone knew it wouldn’t be as special and exclusive when you showed it to your new date you were trying to impress with your urban insider knowledge. Well, this is what happened with one of my favorite ‘top-secret fitness clients only’ exercises.
Kim Kardashian... you may now take your 'booty game' to the next level.
Well, I was asked for my favorite butt-lifting exercise the other day by a person from the local media who was in charge of the fitness section. And I told it – then I was asked to help run a photo shoot for it. Then I was asked to give a description so it could be in the paper.. And then the paper went to print today. And now, my top secret #1 butt-lifting exercise is out in the open, exposed and lonely, free to be abused and misinterpreted by any and all roughhouse workout fanatics. Be kind, Denver Post, be kind 
I only hope that it is treated with the kindness and reverence I have given it for many years. Goodbye, sweet butt-lifting angled step up. I will miss our special moments – but it was time for you to be free for the world to enjoy you as well.
And now, I will share this link with you so you can see how I think this butt-fitness exercise should be done – not the variations that you may see in the near future:
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_15599961
Yours in health,
Jamie Atlas
PS Want to see another butt-lifting video that I made on “how to get the perfect butt” while working on your fitness? Its not my best work, but by golly by gee, it’s my most popular vid with about 40,000 views. it didn’t make it to the Denver Post, but that’s probably on account of its racy content 
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lHU50G0tmA
Is a personal trainer worth $100/hour? July 18, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in personal trainer, personal training, physical therapist.Tags: personal trainer, personal training, physical therapist
1 comment so far
Hey, they do it to the football coach for winning - why not the lucky grads!
Easy drill to improve your 5K to half-marathon running times June 15, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in denver, fitness, running.Tags: 5K, denver post fitness, half-marathon, running
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Whether you are a long or short distance runner, you need speed. Most of us train for our event (whether it be a 5K or a half-marathon) by doing long slow distance runs. While being in Denver might be great for altitude, adding this easy to do sprint drill to the mix gives you a whole new level of fitness and a distinct advantage of your sea-level buddies.
http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_15290222
But your body needs to be able to go from 3rd gear to 5th gear quickly. Whether it is to break free of a pack, get around a group of more social runners or be able to finish strong to beat last years personal best, a drill that teaches acceleration will help your running (and cardio!)
here is an article from the Denver Post that sums it up perfectly:
http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_15290222
Enjoy!
yours in fitness,
Jamie Atlas
For Long Term Weight Loss, First Master your Mindset: Ask Why? May 18, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in denver, weight loss.Tags: heidi hamill, lose weight, losing weight, mindset, weight loss
3 comments
Weight Loss can be a complicated thing. Getting results to stick around long term can be even more complicated. I think I have found something that can make weight loss something that is realistic – but it doesn’t start on the plate. It starts in your mindset.
Just saw this YouTube video from Heidi, one of my favorite Denver personal trainers - and was blown away. Normally I make these posts way too long, but not today. I am going to let her video do the talking
Heidi doesn’t necessarily nail it down to weight loss, but anyone who ever wondered how their mindset took them astray will understand where she is coming from.
Believe it or not, this is Heidis second ever youtube video. I am looking forward to more.
Would you like to see more of these vids?
Let me know what you think of Heidi’s thoughts by commenting below and I will pass it on to her – don’t be bashful, she needs the feedback!
Yours in health,
Jamie Atlas
Atlas bootcamps and small group training
Denvers only small group personal training studio.
PS Is ‘diet a 4 letter word’? Check out this other video of hers:
Secret Workout Places in Denver CO May 4, 2010
Posted by jamieatlas in boot camp, denver, fitness.Tags: denver fitness, denver workout
2 comments
When you were a kid, did you ever have a place that was your own secret location/hideaway? I think that as we grow older we all get our own secret places to workout – a kind of refuge so we can get ourselves recharged, refreshed and re-energized.
My top three places I have found:
RED ROCKS
Maybe you just think of concerts when you think Red Rocks, but did you know you can workout there pretty much anytime? Lots of fit young peoples but a fair share of regular people just trying to improve their fitness as well
Here’s a video of me and my bootcamp gang getting our ‘rock’ on
MT FALCON
This place can get pretty windy (as you can see in the video) but the views can be just spectacular! A nice short hike with lots of rocks and a burned out ruins that you can wander around in while working on your fitness. (if you come in from the west parking lot, that is. If you come from the east then you better bring your ‘A’ game, ‘cos that is some steep climbings from the east side!
Here’s a video of me after getting to the top of dogs leg trail (sounds cool, right!)
So here’s a short list of some other places in Denver where you can do some fun fitness workouts while enjoying the best Denver has to offer:
The short hill at Confluence park – great for sprint training!
Aurora Public Schools Stadium - go run some bleachers football style!
Jefferson Park off of 23rd and Federal – great little place to workout – basketball court, kids playground and an awesome hill!
Sloanes Lake – 2.5 miles all the way around. Just about anything you want here – tennis courts, basketball, lots of fitness-a-holics – just watch out for the Geese!
Here’s the truth guys – I am about to go shoot video and post it on my blog at all of the above locations… I would love to turn this into a regular segment, however I am going to need many more spots to keep it fresh.
Any other Denver locations you would like to see me “get my fitness on”? Give me your ideas!
Or if you have a really cool secret workout place in Denver, list it in the comments below and I pinkie promise to give you full credit in the video when I go explore it. Hell, I might even ask you to come along!
Yours in health,
Jamie Atlas
