Yoga for Greater Gains in the Gym

Say the word "yoga" and quite a few people will instantly think, "boring", "not masculine", or "that's just stretching". Not a lot of people would think, "a great complement to my lifting routine", which is a shame-- because it most definitely is.

There are many types of yoga, however, and some are more complimentary than others. Some of the faster, more vinyasa flow types will not give you the same benefits for lifting that say a slower, hatha yoga would. So what does this all mean? And why is yoga beneficial for seeing progress in the gym?

When lifting we are pushing, straining and tearing our muscles to make them stronger and bigger. Yoga allows for these muscles to then be stretched and loosened which cuts down on recovery time. It opens your chest, hip flexors and shoulders,  aligns your back, and alleviates the places you feel those twinges and tweaks of everyday stress.

If you're in a spot where you don't have access to machines or weights, yoga can even become your strength training routine. Yoga trains all the muscles in your body in balance with each other, it increases muscle endurance in the holding of poses for longer periods of time and it can lead to a stronger, more impressive physique. 

Still, in  yoga you are limited to your own body weight, so for growing bigger muscles, weight and resistance training are crucial for meeting your goals.

The best regimen? It should include a variety of exercises, including weights, cardio, yoga, and massage or some mix thereof. Don't get stuck in a workout rut--mix things up!

Massage: The Newest Addition to your Workout Regimen

Who doesn't like a massage? They feel good, they provide a way to relax, unwind, and we can feel our tensions literally rub right out of our bodies. Did not many of us are aware that instead of a guilty pleasure, a massage is an important part of physical fitness and greater athletic performance.
It's true.

Regular massage improves flexibility. Massage therapy helps to stretch and loosen muscle fibers, and so the athlete, no matter what type of exercise he or she performs will enjoy a greater range of flexibility from a session under the magic hands of a licensed massage therapist.

Massage also improves circulation. By rubbing, kneading, and pressing the muscles of the back, neck and shoulders, blood flow is increased to the areas being touched--and increased blood flow is linked with increased performance levels.

If you've ever encountered muscle pain, strain or injury you know that a trip to the masseuse is a no-brainer for healing what ails ya. In fact, regular massage therapy can reduce instances of injury and prevent future problems before they surface. 

Finally, massage therapy aids in establishing regular sleep patterns and relaxation. After a good massage we all feel relaxed, content... and maybe a little sleepy. These happy feelings translate to better sleep and a stronger ability to relax. Both can be problematic with our on-the-go, active society, and so having a solution that feels good, promotes greater exercise performance and is good for you is a win-win.
By investing in a deep tissue massage weekly or bi-weekly, it is more than possible that through better physical conditioning, sleep, flexibility and easier flow into down-time, that you will actually see the results you want more quickly. After all, your body does need time to repair itself in order to achieve peak performance.
Sound good? Contact Norton Fitness to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed massage therapists...your muscles will thank you!
Norton Fitness: 281.710.8661
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Source:http://voices.yahoo.com/the-importance-sports-massage-therapy-all-athletes-5714332.html

A Tastier Tailgate

Finally, it's football season. Cooler temperatures, (not so much down here in Houston, but maybe eventually), a few drinks with friends, cheering for your home team, alma-mater or the local high school.

One of my favorite things about football season though, is the tailgate. And not just for the brews, (although, they're right up there with my favorites) it's the friendship, the fun and the FOOD. Tailgate food is a tradition. Firing up a grill, busting out the potato salad and the guacamole...but pair that with all the calories and carbohydrates from the beer-and you just undid a day in the gym.

So, in the spirit of gridiron goodness, I've put together a few dishes you can bring to your next tailgate (whether your hosting or just contributing) that will keep the good times going without undoing all of your hard work.

Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers
Okay, so this one isn't rocket science. But bypassing the usual burgers and chemical-filled hotdogs for the lower calorie, high protein shish-kabob is a win-win.
-The beautiful thing about the chicken skewers is that:
 1. you can really use any type of lean meat
and
2. If you don't want to worry about carting around raw chicken, these skewers can easily be prepared the night before, and cooked, and then thrown on the tailgate grill briefly to warm them back up.

Guaca-Salsa-Black Bean Dip
Yes, avocados are full of healthy fats. But, with how delicious guacamole is, it is really easy to take those healthy fats to a place that is no longer healthy...and instead just fat. Don't despair though, because this perennial favorite can be made fit-friendly.
When making your favorite guacamole recipe, simply substitute half the avocado you would normally use for spicy salsa and black beans for a little protein kick. You will save on fat and go long on texture and flavor.

Finally,
If you really want that "greasy-tailgate food" taste, without the grease, try:
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Choose at least 95% lean ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey), add mashed kidney beans for a little extra protein and toss with a can of manwich. Top it off with avocado slices and tomatoes. It's hearty, delicious and deceptively healthy.

Meal prep for tailgates just like you would with your day-to-day diet, and make celebrating with friends a touchdown instead of turnover.
Happy tailgating!

Well, it looks like I had 53 views from my last blog.  Not knowing any statistics on this type of thing I'm going to say that is positive.  I hope all of you are back this week.  I'm not really sure what to talk about this week.  Am I supposed to admit that or should I just keep that a secret?  I have been hanging out with a lady the last couple of weeks and she is a very private person.  There is definitely something to be said about that.  As for me though, I am an open book.  I probably should keep somethings quiet but I've never really been shy.  Recently, sine I have met his woman, I have been keeping things a little more quiet about my personal life.  I've kept an open mind to her way of life as opposed to mine.  Hmm, well it looks like I'm on some sort of rant here and now I know what to talk about this week.  This week I am writing about keeping an open mind about things.  Since I own Norton Fitness, it is probably a good idea to talk about open mindedness with respect to exercise.  I remember when I was growing up and doing my "bodybuilding thing" I was so closed minded to machines and different weight routines other than "hard and heavy."  While yes, this did build a lot of strength and size for me, and I was able to win numerous bodybuilding competitions, it wasn't until I tried other things that I really had to body I had always wanted.  Growing up I was not fat but not really fit.  I definitely can't play eye hand coordinated sports worth anything, especially basketball.  Anyway, after my bodybuilding days I decided to try other things.  High reps, body weight exercises, various types of ballistic movements, etc.  Anyway, the point of this rant is for people to realize you must keep an open mind about everything in life.  I was a national level bodybuilder but it wasn't until after I saw the change I had always wanted.  I started by changing my exercise, then I worked with my diet, and now I am pretty satisfied with how I am.  Yes, I do wake up every day and look in the mirror and love what I see.  Tell me though, what's wrong with that?  What's wrong with waking up every morning and loving who you are.  I believe what is on the outside reflects what is on the inside.  I loved bodybuilding and I always will, but I am definitely much happier now that I do not compete.  A bodybuilding competition is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have if you do it, and I have tremendous respect for those that do, but it is not for me anymore.

Okay so does anyone really care about all this or do people just want me to rant about what grinds my gears?  Can I get some feedback on this stuff?  I'm just trying to get insight but I must receive insight before I can do so.  To be served, you must first learn how to serve.  Everything in life is about giving and taking and finding that balance.  Someone help balance me out and give me some feedback and what you would like me to write about next week.  Thank you!

Did I do this right?

Welcome!

This is a new venture for me.  My name is Chris Norton and I am the founder and CEO of Norton Fitness.  Here, I will be "blogging" for the first time in my life.  People all over the country know my trainers, sales people, instructors, and everyone else that makes this company great.  Not everyone knows me though.  In this blog, I will be connecting with people on whatever my thoughts are going to be at that time.  I plan on making weekly posts, although at times there may be more or less.  One thing you will learn about me is that I am blunt.  This blog is not for sensitive people.  Now, that being said, what I post on here will be my opinion.  So many times I see trainers doing things they shouldn't and at times doing things they should.  I'll be posting things like that on here.  Also, you might catch things about "common sense" in the workplace or even in life.  Like I said, this is straight from my desk.  Norton Fitness is my passion and life's work and I will continue to grow this company into not only a national brand, but someday global.  One thing you will learn about me is that when I want something, I will do what it takes.  I'm rather short.  I'm only five feet and one inch tall, so let's face it, I don't try to play basketball.  However, when I believe I can do something, I do it.  The same philosophy goes for Norton Fitness.  Norton Fitness was designed to unify fitness enthusiasts all over into the same brand.  At this company, we strive to make our employees happy in all aspects of life.  So many gyms and fitness corporations strive to help their customers and neglect their employees.  When I started this company, I was a trainer who worked for a large gym chain and hated how I was treated.  I loved, and I mean LOVED training people.  I couldn't even make a decent living doing it though.  Medical insurance?  That never even crossed my mind.  One day, I was about to sell a training package to my dentist's assistant, a personal friend of mine.  A coworker of mine signed her up since I was busy and took my commission.  Legally, I could not do anything about it.  I was so furious I couldn't even see straight.  That was the LAST straw.  I came home and called my father and I will never forget what he said to me.  He said, "son, in her mind, she did nothing wrong.  This company takes a dollar and makes it work ten."  My father, an already wise individual whom I attribute much of my drive to, could not have been more right.  I knew nothing would change.  I knew that I had to do something.  I believe, every so often, God will intervene in your life with a divine prophecy.  For some people, they don't listen to this.  For me, I'm always praying.  I knew at that moment in my life that I was to change the system.  That very night, I read my Men's Health as I always did.  I read an article focused on Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks.  In just three pages I could tell this man was generous and loved his company and employees.  The next day, I picked up his book.  I read it in three days.  I'm not a reader, but I couldn't put it down.  I took his book and kept it near me at all times.  I knew that Schultz' book would be a tool for me.  A guideline, of how to do certain things.  Schultz was put down by so many people.  I knew what was coming, although I couldn't comprehend it at times.  I know that even as I write this blog so many people are just looking at me saying "you're out of your mind" and "you can't change anything."  I know some even say "who are you to change the world?"  The only one that ever stuck with me was the first person that ever put me down.  The first time I mentioned to a "friend" that I was changing the system, he looked at me and said, "You know, it's like David verses Goliath."  I simply looked at him and said, "Thank you for the compliment.  David won that battle."

Okay, I guess that's it for today...not sure if that is what people are looking for in this "blogging" thing.  Not sure if I'm supposed to give some sort of good bye saying or signature.  Not sure if I even made sense in this thing.  All I can tell you is I'll be sharing what runs through my mind on here and if you've ever had a dream you thought was impossible to achieve, just remember me, and remember that you are not alone.