Is Cholesterol Bad For You?

Of course not. Your body couldn't function without cholesterol. The same is true of triglycerides - another type of fat that your body stores for quick energy. But problems occur when your calorie intake is high, and your body isn't energized by physical activity. That's when triglyceride levels rise - along with heart disease risk.

So - other than making sure you get frequent exercise, how can you lower triglycerides?


Triglycerides are a lipoprotein formed and stored in the liver when we have an excess intake of carbohydrates above what the body requires for its use. For most people above the recommended triglyceride level of 100mg/dl, the reason is usually due to high intake of processed foods containing high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is present in most processed food products. Sugar provokes insulin release; but high fructose corn syrup does not. This leads to abnormal liver response, including making more triglycerides. This can lead to more weight gain and diabetes.

The best way to lower triglycerides is to cut down on carbohydrates such as processed baked products (cakes, cookies, chips etc) and try to get more vegetables and other natural foods containing Omega 3's, fish, nuts and seeds, such as flaxseed into the diet. Fish oil capsules at up to 4 per day have been reported to lower triglycerides as well as taking a supplement called L-carnitine and taking some form of regular exercise every day also would help.

If you want to lower triglyceride levels, you must remove animal protein and dairy from the diet. Also, increase fiber to 40-50 grams per day, and exercise is crucial. Drinking plenty of spring water and green juices will also help.

However, I really can't agree too much with restricting animal protein. This goes against years of research that points to the complete opposite. No matter what faults a high-protein, low-carb diet may have, negatively impacting triglycerides is not one of them. I`m only suggesting this if your health is at risk. I`m a bodybuilder. Bodybuilders need animal protein. But if you`re into health and not into heavy lifting with weights, and do have a triglyceride problem, which could lead to high bad cholesterol levels, then you should take precautions with what you eat.

Also, if you could eliminate all sugar and grains for 30 days, I think your triglycerides would go down dramatically.

Remember, always consult your doctor before ANY diet or exercise regimen.



Till next time,

https://linktr.ee/RamboBodyFitness

TestRX: Boost Testosterone Naturally

 

What is TestRX?

You've heard of low testosterone. You may actually know it more intimately than you'd like - estimates put the number of guys with low testosterone at one in three men over 30. And yet hormone replacement therapy is a whole can of worms you'd rather not pursue.

But the talk of the health community recently has been a new product called TestRX. The reason? It occupies a unique space for guys with low T. It's not aimed at guys who just want to put on muscle. Instead, it's formulated for the unique challenges than men face with low testosterone after age 45.

Just as significant, it's natural, and lets men stimulate their own testosterone rather than getting it from a synthetic source.

TestRX is a Natural Testosterone Booster

Do you have symptoms of low testosterone? That's erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, fatique, loss of muscle, smaller testicles and even larger breast (among others). Nice huh? The impact on sex live alone is enough to make most guys cringe. And that's why guys turn to TestRX - because it helps them take back their man hormone and brings something that resembles quality of life back in the picture.

Now a little more about the 'natural' part of TestRX. The product is formulated with vitamins, amino acids and botanicals like tongkat ali that have shown in clinical studies to boost production of this masculine hormone.

For example, a study published in 2013 found tongkat ali increased testosterone by 37%. Another ingredient in TestRX, TT, has shown to boost testosterone by 52% - and sex drive, bone thickness, depression and sleep quality all improved with ingredients in the TestRX fomula.

Low T needs a specific touch in guys once they hit 45 and slowly march into their higher years. The average man loses 10% of testosterone each decade after. And that's just average. There are many guys who lost 90% of their testosterone by the time they're 70.

Benefits of TestRX

TestRX lets you get that testosterone back, naturally, and without hormone replacement. And with that, it helps men raise their quality of life, with benefits including:

Bigger and More Frequent Erections - Testosterone governs your penis size and your ability to get and keep wood.

Increased Muscle Tone - Testosterone is responsible for protein synthesis - the building block of bigger pipes. In particular, you'll see a difference in upper and lower body composition.

More Strength - One of the ingredients in TestRX, called fenugreek, increased leg press performance by over 25%.

Thicker Bones - TestRX should help you thicken bones too, and lower your chance of falls and bone fractures.

More Energy - You'll have more energy with TestRX, and be in a better mood too, because low T often leads to depression.

TestRX is Not a Steroid

Steroids are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone. Steroids have anabolic properties, meaning the ability to 'build up', which is why they're often abused by athletes and some body builders.

Keep in mind too these same people use testosterone in very high quantities - far more than the average man with low T needs or should ever take.

TestRX has no testosterone in its formula. That's why it's not a steroid. Instead, it's designed to stimulate your own testosterone naturally, with ingredients that have shown in clinical studies spanning decades to gently awaken the male body and put sex drive, bone density, greater muscle tone and more energy back within reach.

No needles required - or the dangers and creepy stories linked to steroids and/or synthetic testosterone.

Boost Testosterone Naturally

That's the skinny on TestRX. It's a dietary supplement that men take to boost testosterone naturally and fight low T without hormone replacement therapy.

Buy TestRX to feel like a man at any age, whether you're 52 or 87, and lift your overall quality of life and enjoy your relationships with others.

Remember, TestRX is guaranteed for 67 days and comes with live, friendly and discreet customer service support seven days a week. There's a company behind the product too - Leading Edge Health. They're the same folks that make other quality natural ingredients, including VigRX Plus.

Does Penis Size REALLY Matter?

The truth comes out...

The debate has raged on and on for many years... Does penis size really, truly matter?

The answer is: It depends on who you ask.

Most women will say YES, size definitely matters. (Unless they have a partner with a small penis, in which case they need to keep their mouth shut! But they'll likely confess to their girlfriends anyway...)

Most men will say YES, size definitely matters. You don't want to feel nervous about disappointing your woman. You don't want to be "that guy" in the locker room who always has something to hide.

So the real question is: How big is big enough?

Measuring Up to Average Joe

The average penis size is between 5.5 and 6.5 inches. Approximately 75% of men fall into this range.

Some are much larger — but before you pat yourselves on the back (or elsewhere), you larger fellas, be aware that too big can also be a problem for women! If you are endowed with a monster penis, be gentle!

More often, however, those who don't fall within the average range are on the small side. Others who are at the lower end of average are unhappy with their penis size.

The general consensus among women when polled is that they prefer a penis that's seven to eight inches in length.

And don't forget: When polled, the majority of women also say that girth is important; sometimes even more important than length! Most women say a penis should be at least six inches in girth.

I know what you're thinking... What do you do if you fall short of the mark?

Is penis size just a genetically encoded life sentence? Will you just have to learn to live with it — for the rest of your life?

Working On Your Penis Size

You probably go to the gym, right?

And you watch what you eat, right?

There's no shame in trying to improve our health and our physiques — in fact, it's something men normally take great pride in.

So why should we be embarrassed about penis enlargement?!?

The fact is, we shouldn't. Having a bigger penis can make a man feel more confident, more attractive, more virile, and ultimately better in bed. And that's good for you AND for her.

Of course, she'll love you for you. Of course you have attributes OTHER than your penis that make you attractive to women. But we all have to face the facts: Size DOES matter!

Don't be ashamed of wanting a bigger penis when nowadays it's so easy to do — and you can do it in total discretion.

With a top-of-the-line, all-natural male enhancement supplement like VigRX Plus, you don't need to do anything except swallow a tiny capsule each day. And almost immediately you'll begin to experience bigger, harder erections... increased sex drive and stamina... and better control (i.e., no more premature ejaculation!).

And in 67 days, if you don't see the full results you're looking for, you won't pay a penny.

You can check out the clinically proven, doctor approved formula here: VigRXPlus.com

The Do's And Don'ts of Bodybuilding

There are some things guaranteed to bring you closer to your goals, and there are some things that will trip you up. Here are the top ten do's and don'ts of bodybuilding.

DO

1. Be persistent

Quitters never win and winners never quit-an old cliche that holds very true in bodybuilding. Ask the biggest guy in the gym how many workouts he has missed over the past few years and odds are he can count them on one hand-if that much.

2. Stick with the basics

Don't forget the classic meat-and-potato exercises that build core strength. Make sure to include a healthy dose of heavy bench presses, deadlifts, squats, t-bar rows, military presses and weighted dips and chins in your workouts.

3. Set goals

If you don't know your destination, how can you tell if you're lost? Set small, realistic goals for yourself that you can track by the month. For example, rather than "get in shape" or "earn a pro card", aim to "add one inch to my arms by January 1st" or "increase my one-rep max by 20 lbs. in 2 months".

4. Think positive

Be realistic, but never doubt your ability to stick to a training schedule or diet. Remind yourself of your goals and visualize yourself in the shape you want to be several times a day.

5. Eat enough to grow

Chugging protein drinks is good, but protein in itself is not enough-you need to consistently supply your body with excess calories to enable optimal growth. Consume an extra 500 calories per day and worry about trimming potential fat when you've packed on some muscle.

6. Drink lots of water

Drinking water before and during your workout prevents the dehydration-sluggishness that can set in halfway through the workout. Water also helps the metabolism run smoothly and keeps the kidneys well flushed.

7. Stretch

Stretching decreases the recovery time and reduces the risk of injury. It also prevents muscle shortening and resulting imbalances that can lead to more serious injuries down the road.

8. Have a postworkout drink

Having a drink with 50 grams of sugar (dextrose), 40 grams of whey protein, 5 grams of glutamine and 5 grams of creatine immediately after training helps put a quick end to training-induced catabolism and kicks you into growth mode in a hurry.

9. Be open to new ideas and listen to what your partner tells you.

If he says you sway too much when curling the bar, chances are you just might have picked up a bad habit in spite of your experience.

10. Ignore the idiots

While you should listen to sensible advice, you can safely shrug off self-appointed "experts" who claim to know everything. Don't waste time listening to naysayers who doubt your capability either-you don't need the negativity.

DON'T

1. Overtrain

Don't let your enthusiasm get the better of you-train just enough to trigger growth, then get the hell out of the gym! Rest until the soreness is gone, then hit the muscle again.

2. Focus only on how much weight is on the bar

Beginners with more ego than brains tend to load on way too much weight in an effort to impress, only to look like total fools when they strugle to do even one rep. Don't be that guy- stick with a weight you can handle.

3. Play favorites

Some exercise are more fun than others, but that does'nt mean you should do them every workout. Keep all your exercises on a rotating schedule and keep your muscles guessing to avoid the dreaded plateau.

4. Skip warm-up

Warming up elevates the body temperature and readies your joints for the heavy lifting. Skipping the warm-up makes the risk of injury skyrocket.

5. Ignore pain

There are two types of pain: muscle pain, caused by grueling reps with big weights, and joint pain, caused by imminent injury. Don't let your ego get the better of your judgement-stop immediately if your joints hurt.

6. Lose focus

The only acceptable talking between sets is to psyche up your partner. Save the chit-chat with the hotties for later. You're in the gym to beat the tar out of your muscles, nothing else.

7. Try to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time

It is almost impossible to chase two rabbits at the same time. Focus on one goal first, then switch to the other.

8. Rely on wraps and straps

There is a time and place for wrapping your knees and wrists-but every single workout? No way Jose, save it for the record-breaking lifts, when you really need the extra support. The same goes for straps: if your grip gives in before your back, use straps but make sure to work on your grip strength on biceps day.

9. Ignore muscle balance

It's easy to put more effort into training quads than hamstrings simply because you can see them in the mirror. Likewise, rear delts generally get less attention than front and medial delts. This is a mistake-the more unevenly strong your muscles get, the higher the risk of injury. Aim to train ALL muscles relatively equally.

10. Complaining

Nobody likes a whiner, especially not one complaining about how much more he lifted "just last week". You're a bodybuilder by choice. If it were easy, everybody would do it, so shut up and suck it up.

Till next time,

Luis Hernandez

Beach Workouts:Stay In Shape. Have Fun

As the pandemic continues, our current situation is not changing anytime sooner. And with that, most gyms are still closed and those that are open pose a threat, at least in my opinion. 

Nobody wants to get infected with Covid 19. So why not head out to a park or a beach in this case, and get a workout while at the same time enjoying yourself. And if you're blessed like I am to live near the beach, I suggest taking advantage of the benefits. So here we go.

Push ups

4 sets 20 reps

Slow and controlled repetitions are best when it comes to push ups. If you want to see good results using your body weight on any exercise, it is best you perform the movement slow and controlled, squeezing every rep. Creating tension. Creating resistance. Creating muscle. Inhale going down, exhale coming up.

Chest Flyes with resistance bands

4 sets of 12-15 reps. Add extra resistance using another band if necessary. Squeeze and hold at the top. Concentrate and feel the work.

Triceps Kick Back with resistance bands

4x12-15 reps

Lock your elbow at the top of the movement. Squeeze at the top. If you need more resistance use two bands. Control the movement. Feel the burn.

Back Rows with resistance bands

4 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Use two sets of bands for added resistance, if needed. Squeeze at the top of the movement. Contract, squeeze. Make it work. It's not the same as weights but if you concentrate you'll #feeltheburn🔥

Reverse lunges combined with bicep curls

Reverse lunges combined with bicep curls for an excellent workout. Good for thighs, buttocks, muscle tone and cardio. 4 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

So as you can see, it's feasible. No gym is needed. I mean, don't get me wrong. I love the gym, but at this moment in time I don't feel safe being in one. So for those who feel the same, here's a safe and fun alternative, keeping a safe distance from others, of course. I encourage you to continue to workout. There are many alternatives and exercise equipment for a good workout, whether you're at home, a park, or at the beach. NO EXCUSES. 

Till next time,

Exercise The Mind

The right attitude can make a huge difference not only in achieving your long-term fitness goals, but also in getting the most out of every workout. 

If you find yourself thinking negatively before, during, or after your workouts, combat that negativity by putting pen to paper. Write down positive affirmations to counter the negative thoughts. This way, you train your mind to shift belief systems. 

If you keep repeating to yourself, "I'm too weak," better change it or reframe it to "I'm getting stronger and stronger everyday." In other words, if you keep whining like a cry baby, you will never achieve anything. 

Stop it already!!! Whenever a negative thought comes to mind, tell yourself the opposite. Like training muscles, training your mind will take time, but the benefits can carry into all aspects of your life.

Till next time,

Rotate Muscle Groups

Circuit training is an ideal method for simultaneously improving strength, mobility, and stamina. 

The format utilizes strength exercises that focus on a particular area of your body: upper body, core and trunk, lower body, and full body. The key to optimizing core training is to alternate your workouts, allowing each body region to rest for two to three days before repeating the workout. During the off days, those specific muscle areas will recover and grow stronger. Do exercise each area more than once a week though; otherwise the muscles will have no reason to grow stronger.

Here's an example:
Day 1
Chest and Biceps
Day 2
Legs and Abdominals
Day 3
Rest
Day 4
Back, Triceps and Abdominals
Day 5
Shoulders and Traps
Day 6
Rest
Day 7
Repeat cycle
There will always be a part of your body that will be repeated twice a week as you rotate the cycle.
Questions, answers, leave a comment.
Till next time,

Weight Training Tips For Muscle Definition

If you intend to look lean and defined, it is time for you to change the workout. 

So here are some tips on your weight training to slice up your body. Try this workout for six weeks along with a high protein-low carb diet.

Tip#1. Pick up the pace!

This is not the time when you are trying to set your personal bests in each lift. So, longer rest periods are not as important than they might have been at other points in your training cycle. 45-60 second rest periods are the ticket here.

Tip#2. Pick up the reps!

When you consider that your calories are going to be down a bit and you are going to be doing more cardio, for safety and common sense, up your reps a bit-12-20 for this period.
You don't want to risk injury and upping the reps means less weight and less risk, but not less intensity.

Tip#3. Use some higher intensity techniques in your training!

Maybe some supersets or drop sets would be in order, again keeping in mind that you want to keep the reps up.

Questions? Leave a comment.

https://linktr.ee/RamboBodyFitness

Food For Pounds

A healthy diet is an important part of any fitness program to obtain your fitness goals. Thus a few tips to obtain maximum benefits.

Protein:
Eat more than you need ( 1.2 Grams per pound of body weight) Some evidence suggests that those of us who lift weights can benefit by eating around 0.73 grams of protein per pound ( or 1.6-1.7 grams/kilograms) of body weight per day. More than this, it is suggested, is a waste. Your goal should be to eat a lot more protein than you need for muscle-building (i.e., protein synthetic) purposes. This will encourage your body to promote maximum muscle gain, while harnessing your fat-burning drive train.

Carbohydrates:
Once you`ve figured out how much protein to eat...
Carbohydrate- sugars and starches- the most direct source of glucose (blood sugar) in the diet. Glucose is the most important fuel source in your body. Your body`s total supply of glucose determines whether you`re getting leaner or fatter with each passing moment.

Fat:
Forget about avoiding fat, it`s everywhere. Just try to eat the most healthy proteins and carbohydrates available. For proteins, I recommend fish, turkey breasts, chicken breast, roast beef,whole grains, beans, egg whites as well. For carbs, you can go for brown rice, fresh vegetables, fruit, and potatoes. Stay away from foods like cheese or butter. Also avoid using vegtable oil. Look for alternatives to avoid the bad fat, saturated fat. Healthy foods provide you with good fat, polyunsaturated fat, essential fatty acids .

Follow these guidelines for choosing protein and carbohydrates and you wont need to worry about fat. Also, try using supplements for timesaving benefits.

Till next time,

https://linktr.ee/RamboBodyFitness

Whey Protein Isolate WheyFit (Vanilla), 5 lb (2.268 kg) Bottle

Train Larger Before Smaller

Do not train triceps or delts ( shoulders) before chest, biceps before back, or forearms before any upper bodypart.

You see, if you exaust a smaller muscle group before blasting a larger muscle, you will not have the same strength for the latter group.

However, there are exceptions. Lets say you have a weak tricep muscle, and your chest is a strong point in your musculature, you could actually train your triceps first to emphasize priority on your weak parts. 

Whenever you decide to work on triceps first, however, don`t do bench presses or dips. There is another exception due to the way this muscle is built and can be reversed: the hamstring before the quadriceps. 

The hamstrings are a large muscle group and can absorb the punishment before a quad workout, and also can help to bring balance in cases where the quads are not paired with the hamstring. Also, if noticed, whenever there is a quad workout, especially a heavy duty one with much compound lifts like squats and leg presses, it stresses the hamstring as well. 

So if you work on the leg curls first, you will give an extra work during the lifts for the quads, thus improving if it is also a weak point. 

Questions, comments, POST THEM DUDE!
Till next time,

https://linktr.ee/RamboBodyFitness

Weight Training for Women

Ladies who are concerned about and intimidated by weight training often bombard me with the following questions:

Will weight training make me big and bulky?


NO. I mean, if you don`t want it to! Remember, there are females that pursue bodybuilding as a carreer, so you know that they do want to get big. However, weight training can be done in many ways.

Different results can be attained by lifting varied amounts of weight for different numbers of repetitions. Properly done, weight training can result in the tone and tight physique that so many women strive to attain.

Squats

How do I know if I am performing the exercise correctly?


There are many valuable resources that can be tapped into to learn proper form in weight training. Check in your gym and find out what they offer in the area of personal training. Some offer one on one training sessions and even those that don`t, often have certified trainers on staff to answer questions and check your form. 

There are also many books and websites (like this one) that offer examples and detailed descriptions of exercises.You may even take it a step further and get certified as a personal fitness trainer yourself! It is priceless knowledge that you can use for your own personal gain and share with others that also need guidance! Wherever you go for guidance on form and safety, in any exercise program, please make sure that they are educated, experienced, and certified in the field.

How do I know how much weight to use?


There are a lot of factors to consider when determining the amount of weight to lift. It is important, before starting any new training program, to consult with your physician. After clearance has been given, there are some basic guidelines to follow. To achieve a tighter and more tone body, lift a lighter weight for more repetitions. A weight that you can lift for about 15 reps per set is a good start.

However, if you are striving for increased muscle size, you need to lift heavier weights for less repetitions. A weight you can lift for about 6 to 8 reps is a good range, in that case. Actual amounts of weight will vary person to person.




Will weight training aid in weight loss?


Yes! Most importantly, it will aid in FAT LOSS! Weight training is a crucial part of healthy weight loss. The magic combination of weight training, cardiovascular exercise, proper diet, and supplementation adds up to a healthy, tone, and tight body. The absence of any of these elements will drastically hinder your progress. If weight training is eliminated from the equation, it can result in the loss of muscle instead of fat!

Are there any exercises that I should avoid because I am female?


No! There are no exercises that should be avoided solely due to gender! However, the first concern, for either gender, is safety! Medical conditions, hereditary conditions, and personal capabilities should all be taken into consideration when choosing exercises. The golden rule is if you are performing an exercise and start to experience pain, aside from normal training burn, stop immediately! Working through the pain can result in serious injury.


So, if you are not sure how to lift weights, or what effects it will have, I hope that this helped that certain uncomfortability about weight training. Remember, with the proper program, you can achieve physique changes that you never dreamed possible! Best of luck!

Till next time,