Tag Archives: Kyle

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

realm health and fitness tips from kyleOne of the most overlooked and intimidating avenues of fitness is boxing. People are often hesitant to partake due to the fear of looking silly and the guarantee that they will not be very skilled upon starting. Boxing specifically is a skill based sport so it takes time and repetitions to be comfortable with the gloves, but once the proper mechanics are learned it becomes a high intensity full body workout that is sure to improve your endurance while burning fat. Get off the treadmill and check out one of Boston’s many boxing gyms and clubs where you can learn the fundamentals and get into shape.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

Why you should do glute bridges before leg day

Are you having trouble building up your ass? Do you only feel your quads get sore and swollen on leg day? You are not alone.

Since we have adapted to sitting for prolonged hours in a day, we have effectively “shut off” our glute from sitting on them, making our quads do all the work. This makes us more likely to have knee pain and injuries, or even worse a bad case of what I like to call “Pancake Ass”.  One way to avoid this is to practice “Glute activation” before you start your leg workout.

Realm health and fitness tips from KyleThis is what I have my clients do when they have trouble “feeling” their glutes work.

  • Hip flexor and quad static stretch for 1 minute on each side.
  • Glute bridges on the ground with toes up, and driving through their heels for 20 reps or literally until they “feel” their glutes working.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

 

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

Realm Fitness tips from KyleIf you are trying to put on muscle and are not currently practicing at least 1 or 2 sets of “negatives” you are missing out on a lot of potential upside, for literally less work.

Let me explain further, there are two primary types of muscle contractions, concentric and eccentric. Concentric is when a muscle is “shortening” (ex. action at the bicep on a curl when you are raising the muscle.) and eccentric is when the muscle is “lengthening” (ex. action at the bicep when you are lowing the muscle).

Studies show that “eccentric training” or putting your focus on the eccentric muscle contraction, during a workout, will build more muscle.  The activity causes more microtrauma and forces your body to rebuild and grow. Try applying this rule to your current program and see the results when you start lifting.  For each set, count 5 seconds on the “eccentric” and 2 seconds on the “concentric”.

  • Bench press: 5 seconds slowly bringing the bar to your chest, and 2 seconds pressing it up.
  • Squat: 5 seconds lowering your hips and 2 seconds pressing up
  • Bent over row: 2 seconds pulling the bar into your stomach and 5 seconds letting the bar out toward the ground

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

Kelly StarrettKelly Starret is one of the best known physical therapists in the world.  He has worked a consultant with everyone from NFL and rugby teams to jet pilots to teach them proper sitting mechanics.  He is the go to guy for anything related to movement.

His book Becoming a Supple Leopard focuses on proper movement technique for the deadlift, front squat, pull up, kettlebell swing and  other fitness activities in a digestible, easy to understand format.

Realm Fitness with Kyle

Source: wickedgayblog.com

The other focus of the book is on mobility and techniques that you can use in your everyday life to help counteract the ill effects of sitting at a desk all day. I would recommend this book for anyone who is dedicated to their health and fitness as a means of optimizing their workouts and avoiding injury.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

sneakersShoe Review: Minimus 20v3 cross-trainers

Tired of your current workout shoe? Feel like your performance is suffering because they are slowing you down? I would suggest you try a pair of minimus 20v3 cross-trainers from New Balance.

Not only do they look sleek and stylish, they also are extremely comfortable and versatile. Due to the low heel drop on the shoe you’re less likely to get knee pain, and will feel more “connected” to the ground. This will make you more agile and can help you with some leg exercises. This shoe is great for a work out at the gym, but can also serve as the shoes you wear while you run errands.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

Need motivation or a new routine? Try Fitocracy! Fitocracy is a social fitness app that lets you choose from a myriad of different exercise routines specific to your goals, and connect with a network of friends to help motivate and keep you accountable.

The app has successfully “gamified” fitness by creating exercise “achievements” and levels to overcome that are both engaging and fun. The model gives tangible results such as unlocking a badge or a new status on the app, that if done correctly will follow through into actual fitness results in the future.

I like using fitocracy as a means of recording my weights, reps, and sets for my workouts and making sure that I improve on the work out the next time I do it. Give it a shot and see what level you can reach!

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips with Kyle

Realm fitness tips with kyleIf you haven’t used a rowing machine before you are missing out on a challenging and fun way to lose weight. Try these cardio programs on the rower and push yourself to get better.

Tabata rowing- Row 100 meters in under 20 seconds, rest for 30 seconds and repeat. 10 sprints should be doable with out throwing up, so give yourself more time to get to 100m or lengthen the rest if you are having trouble.  If you really like this type of work out check out my previous post about Tabata here.

Endurance training-5000 meter rows are not easy.

Count down- Start with a 500m row, check how long it took you to complete 500m and rest for half of that time. Repeat with 400m all the way to 100m.

Add one of these to your routine and watch the results happen.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips with Kyle

Realm Health Fitness tips KyleIt has been proven that posture not only plays a large role in how we are perceived by others, but how we perceive ourselves. Stretching and exercise can help your posture; we all tend to slump, making our shoulders roll forward, bellies stick out, and lower backs sore.

Here is a sample back and chest routine that can help with posture. By “pulling” more than “pushing” your back will get tighter and your chest will loosen up and actually seem bigger. Try it for a couple 4-6 weeks and see how you feel!

Pre and post workout be sure to stretch your pecs, anterior delt and traps.  This will help relax the muscles and utilize them more efficiently. Hold each position for :45-1:30.

Work Out

  • 3×12 Leg lifts
  • 3×12 Barbell chest press(Push)
  • 3×12 Bent over barbell row(Pull)
  • 3×12 Lat pull down machine(Pull)
  • 3×12 Core roll out
  • 3×12 close grip seated row(Pull)
  • 3×12 Reverse Flies Dumbbells (Pull)
  • 3×12 decline chest press (Push)
  • 3×12 Plank

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips with Kyle

Realm Fitness exercise tipThe dead bug is functional and effective way to target the whole abdomen and dynamically challenge the core.

Begin the movement on your back with your arms extended straight out in front of you toward the ceiling and your knees up and bent at a 90 degree angle, almost like they are resting on a bench.

Make sure your lower back stays in contact with the floor as you extend your right leg out straight, while simultaneously extending your left arm over head.(Remember NEVER lose contact between the floor and lower back). Switch sides, and extend your left leg and right arm.

Repeat until exhaustion, which should be about 10-12 reps if you are doing it right.  Progress the movements by extending both legs and arms at the same time.  Progress again by holding a 10-25-45lb plate and lowering it over your head.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

Kettlebell WorkoutEssential lift of the month: Kettlebell swing

The Kettlebell swing is a full body movement that is an essential component to any exercise regimen and fitness goal.  Primary muscles used: Glutes, Hamstrings, Lats, Rhomboids, and traps.

Benefits of adding the kettlebell swing to your regimen:

  • It is fun and puts a similar stimulus on your glutes and hamstrings as plyometrics WITHOUT the wear on tear on your joints.
  • Good for cardio, strength, and putting on lean mass.
  • Works great as a tool to perform with cardiovascular tabata training.

How to do it:

Realm health and fitness tips by Kyle– Start with a Kettlebell on the floor in a “football hiking” position firmly grasp the handle with both hands and feel the tension in your glutes and hamstrings while keeping your back flat.

– “Hike” the kettlebell back in between your legs and snap your hips forward in a thrusting motion to propel the kettlebell forward so you are standing tall.

-Ride the momentum of the kettlebell, and let it fall between your legs before swinging up in a pendulum like motion again.

-You should feel your hamstrings and glutes doing the work. If you feel any pain in your lower back or shoulder – stop.

Before attempting this exercise do more in depth research or consult a reputable personal trainer on how to attempt this lift. Listen to your body and DO NOT work through pain.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

 

Realm health and fitness tips with Kyle

Realm Health and Fitness Tips by Kyle

Bored with long strenuous sessions on the treadmill? Try Tabata.

Tabata training is based on a 1996 study performed by Izumi Tabata where participants performed 20 second bouts of intense cardio, followed by 10 seconds of rest. This showed to be more effective at gaining anaerobic capacity than a steady cardio (the energy system used in strength training) and improved participants Vo2 max (fat metabolization potential or endurance).  Today this is practiced in group fitness rooms and gyms across the country because IT WORKS. It is also a fun and effective alternative to monotonous treadmill sessions.  Here are a couple variations to try and enjoy!

This can be done on a rower, recumbent bike, or treadmill. Try the following sequences based on your fitness level. Use a timer and be strict on the work and rest periods. The “work” period should be challenging and hard to maintain, while the “rest” period should be considered “active recovery” or something easy to maintain.

Beginner  One minute of “work” 2 minutes “rest”

Intermediate  30 seconds of intense “work” 30 seconds of “rest”

Advanced  45 seconds of “work” 20 seconds of “rest”

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips with Kyle

sleepIs a lack of sleep impacting your weight loss goals?

Two of the primary hormones that affect weight loss are Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone. These hormones are released in our deep levels of sleep that can only be reached with long period of sleep, and it is proven that people who lack sleep have much lower levels of these hormones.  Here are some tips on how to optimize your sleep.

– Sleep in pitch black, even a digital alarm clock light can interrupt sleep.

– Don’t eat too close to bedtime. The breakdown of food in our stomachs can be disruptive to sleep.

– Foam roll or stretch before bed. This will release oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin which will help you sleep better.

– Download a sleep monitoring mobile app too see how deeply you are sleeping.  These apps will show you when you are in REM sleep and your sleep activity for the whole night.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

 

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

realm fitness tips, kyleSummer is a time for us to give our ovens a break and to fire up the barbeque. Here are some tips for making some delicious (and nutritious) summer barbeque sides, main courses, and desserts.

Sides:

Realm Health and Fitness Tips from KyleDON’T: Serve potato chips, corn chips, french fries, macaroni salad, or any other greasy and fried food products. These are high in calories, have minimal protein and nutrients, and will likely leave you feeling bloated after you eat them.

DO: Take advantage of in-season produce and go to your local farmers market and pick up some of your favorite veggies for grilling.  Season them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and some grated Parmesan for an unforgettable side. Throw some fennel, turnip greens, chopped apples, and dried berries in a bowl with a splash of balsamic for a refreshing salad.

Main course:

Realm Health and Fitness Tips from KyleDON’T: Serve low quality or processed meat, high carb pastas, or provide buns and bread for fillers.

DO: Serve high quality red meat, chicken, ground turkey or fish. Red meat is often demonized but is high in protein and gives your body the good fats you need, it can also improve your vitamin D uptake, and is packed with B vitamins, and iron.

 

 

Deserts:

Realm Health and Fitness Tips from KyleDON’T: Serve cake, cup cakes, and pies.

DO: Get creative and natural with your desserts, try to avoid refined sugars and stay away from flour.

Make the most of the season’s fresh fruits and make a fruit tart, dark chocolate covered strawberries, or some vanilla bean ice cream mixed with berries.

 

 

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

BootcampInspired by a recent article in The Boston Globe, I started a week of “free fitness posts” yesterday and I asked Kyle to use his weekly post today to focus on one of the great FREE fitness programs in the city of Boston.  If you happened to miss the November Project morning work out this morning that I suggested in my post yesterday (you can read about it here) then maybe you’ll be tempted to try one of these free workouts in Boston’s Post Office Square tomorrow (Tuesday).

While a variety of classes are offered each weekday in Post Office Square, on Tuesdays, in the morning you can join Nicole for a Pilates class that starts at 7:15 AM sharp or if you are not a morning person, you can always join the free boot camp run by Erin that starts at 5:30 PM.

You can get more information about these and other classes in Boston’s Post Office Square this month by linking here.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.

Realm health and fitness tips from Kyle

realm health and fitness tips from kyleTired of the monotony in your gym routine? FOCUS!

Goal setting is a quick and easy way to stay on course, if you have a deadline or an expected FOCUSED outcome we tend to stick to the program. This can come in many forms, such as losing a set number of pounds before a vacation or preparing for a marathon. The more friends you have involved in the activity or weight loss pact, the more accountability you have. This will allow you to have a support net, and someone to hold you accountable in case you want to skip a workout.

I’ve included some popular, minimal commitment, maximum fun runs in the Boston area you may want to check out and join with friends:  The Zombie Run, The Spartan Sprint and Tough Mudder.

Kyle at Realm FitnessKyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.