Almost everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. This pain can vary from mild to severe. It can be short-lived or long-lasting. However it happens, low back pain can make many everyday activities difficult to do. Understanding your spine and how it works can help you understand why you have low back pain. Go to http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00311 to learn more about the anatomy of the spine. Finding exercises that can help reduce low back pain is incredibly important. Talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program, and only do exercises that do not increase your symptoms. For some … [Read more...]
Body Building vs. Strength Training
January 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Body Building...what do you think of when you hear some one say 'Body Building'? I would venture a guess that most of you think of those BIG (steroid using) muscle heads on the cover of certain muscle magazines. Am I right? Now Strength Training...what does that conjure up? Any difference in how you view those two (very different) fitness phrases? Well, I hope so; but if not, let me try to explain the vast differences between them. First, and foremost, Bodybuilding is a form of body modification involving intensive muscle hypertrophy. Basically, it's all about getting 'BIGGER'! Period. The definition of 'hypertrophy' is an … [Read more...]
SHAKES
January 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Proper nutrition is very important in making, and seeing, progress in your health and fitness routine. As I've stated in the past, eating meals consisting of 'lean' proteins, veggies and 'good' fats is optimal in the digestion process. We suggest eating 4-6 meals a day. A great option for getting all of those meals in is a Shake! However, don't make the mistake of replacing too many of your real meals with shakes. Even though they are healthy, you still need veggies, fruit, and protein from whole food sources. To get you started on the path of making 'healthy' shakes at home, I've included a shake for the 'average' (190lb) male. … [Read more...]
New Year…New YOU!
December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
New Year's Resolutions We make them EVERY Year! I know I have. Unfortunately, most of us don't stick to them for long. Research shows that 85% of us don't make it past the first month. It doesn't even really matter what the New Year's Resolution might be! Get back in Shape, Make more Money, Learn a new Hobby, Take more Vacations, Spend more Time with the Family; the list could go on and on...So why should this year be any different? Honestly, I couldn't tell you. Hi, my name is Michael Bonetti. I am the proud owner of MAX 4 FITNESS! I have been a professional fitness trainer in Sandy Springs since 1994 and I know helping … [Read more...]
The Meaning of Thanksgiving
November 22, 2011 By 1 Comment
The Meaning of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving coming up, I thought I’d write about the meaning of Thanksgiving and what this joyous occasion is really about. But I won’t be talking about Pilgrims and turkey dinners. What I’ll be talking about is the true meaning of Thanksgiving: Gratitude. We all know this of course but hopefully this post will serve as a reminder as well as give you some new insights. How many people do you know go through life frustrated because they feel like they never seem to be or have what they want? It strikes me as odd to see people who seem to have so much going for them, yet never seem to … [Read more...]
Top 10 Nutrition Habits
November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In my opinion, there are many different nutrition plans that can help you lose weight; but as a certified fitness professional, losing 'weight' is only part of the equation. You also want to change your body composition. The more lean muscle you have on your body, the quicker and easier it is for your body to burn calories and lose fat. So, I've put together a list of the 10 Best Nutrition habits for you to follow so that you can (and will) build lean muscle and lose fat! But before I get to that, I need to give you the 3 most important principles of any nutrition plan. They are: What to eat When to eat How much to … [Read more...]
10 Tips to Re-start Exercising (and keep it up)
November 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It’s okay, you can admit it. It’s been awhile since you’ve seen the inside of the gym. Getting sick, family crisis, overtime at work and just a lack of desire have all kept you for exercising. Now, the question is: how do you get back into it? Exercise is a habit, and it can become automatic. You just go to the gym, there is no force involved. But after a month, two months or possibly a year off, it can be hard to get started again. Here are some tips to climb back on that treadmill after you’ve fallen off. Don’t Break the Habit – Easier said than done; I know. If only it were that easy, you won’t be reading … [Read more...]
Which one will you follow?
October 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I recently read something in an Economics book that really stood out to me. ‘Life does not give you want you want; but it does give you choices’. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out, what is really important to you. Is it really important for me to be in good shape? Do I really want to lose those 30 extra lbs? Is having a grilled chicken salad really what I want for lunch? But sometimes it’s easy to figure out what’s important to you. Being a good Father, husband, brother, friend. Playing with your children, niece & nephew, grandkids. Living your life to the fullest. For me, the latter come much easier and are … [Read more...]
Who needs to warm-up?
October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Most people don’t even bother to warm-up before exercise and if they do, they usually take their warm ups pretty lightly. At MAX 4 Fitness we call our ‘warm-ups’ Movement Preps because we are, essentially preparing our body for movement. The purpose of the warm up period is not only to raise your body/core temperature but to also: Addresses tissue quality. (via the foam roll) Elevate body temperature. Excites the nervous system to prepare for what is ahead. Take the joints through ranges of motion to improve mobility. Take the body through multiple planes of movement to improve mobility. At MAX 4 Fitness, we take … [Read more...]
