Author: Burch

Even though I have been physically active the vast majority of my life, it wasn't until several years ago that I became truly dedicated to being physically fit. This dedication was the result of several different exercise regimens including MMA, crossfit, and triathlon training. What remained constant in all of these disciplines is the community training aspect. Whether it was training with a group or just knowing I was part of a team, community-based training motivated me to give it my all at every workout. The benefits of being part of a fitness-based community inspired me to get in the ring. They inspired me to run that race. They inspired me to earn my personal training certification and they inspired me to create Elemental Training Tampa with the hope of inspiring others to be physically fit and create a community for like minded people.

Test Yourself ***UPDATED***

Originally published Saturday, June 6th

Adhering to a healthy, active lifestyle can be difficult for some people. Whether it be a lack of time or results, people have a hard time sticking to a regular exercise regime. One sure-fire way to maintain an active lifestyle is to set and achieve SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that refers to goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. For example, some people may start an exercise program because they want to “look better” or “feel better.” Unfortunately these goals are neither measurable nor specific. A SMART goal for someone who wants to look or feel better could be “I want to go down two dress sizes in 8 weeks” or “I want to complete a 5k in the next 6 months.” These goals will provide the individual with the motivation needed to stick to their training program. Also, when they achieve their goal, the feeling of success will most likely inspire them to set another SMART goal and convert their exercise program into a lifestyle.

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Even though I adopted the active lifestyle years ago, I still set SMART goals for myself. Today actually, I will attempt to achieve a SMART goal when I have my first jiu-jitsu belt test. I have admired and enjoyed learning jiu-jitsu since I began my martial arts training over 8 years ago. I received great tutelage from several instructors over the years, but it was only recently that I began a formal training program at Gracie Tampa South. Even though I’ve trained and competed in jiu-jitsu previously, I wanted to start as a beginner to ensure that I learned every aspect of the martial art. Wish me luck and I’ll let you know soon if I achieved my goal or not. In the meantime, set some SMART goals for yourself and begin the journey to an active lifestyle.

UPDATE

Monday night I found out that I passed my first Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt test. I received the first of what I hope to be many stripes on my belt and felt the satisfaction of accomplishing a personal goal. Thanks to my teacher Coach Josh, all the students in my class for helping me prepare for the test, and all my friends and family who wished me good luck. The time to enjoy this milestone has come and gone and I’m ready to get back to work to prepare for the next test.

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It’s Much More than the Best Part of Waking Up

Caffeine is one of the world’s most popular supplements and most of us ingest it during our morning cup of coffee. However, studies suggest that the best time to drink your daily coffee may be before you perform your daily workout. The benefits of drinking coffee before your workout include improved circulation and reduced muscle soreness. Check out the entire list of benefits coffee can provide as a pre-workout drink and how NOT to indulge in too much of a good thing.

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Weekend Workout

Become a true weekend warrior and join Elemental Training Tampa for some outdoor group training. The workout will be held near Downtown Tampa and incorporates basic striking techniques with complimentary strength building exercises to help you burn off some of those incessant weekend calories. No experience is required (modifications provided for all fitness levels) and this training session is entirely FREE! Take some time out of your weekend schedule and join ETT because your health is worth it. Check out the event page on Facebook to find out all the details. SEE YOU THERE!

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Head Strong

Today’s ‪throwback Thursday pic is from my first black belt test with Amir’s Academy of Martial Arts way back in 2009. One handed knuckle push-ups on cement is just a small snapshot of what the two-day test was like. Over those two days I learned that mental toughness is the key to physical achievement. In case you were wondering, I’m the less muscular one on the far left.

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Photo by Jeff Morris

ETT Exercise of the Week Ep.5

The ETT Exercise of the Week is back with authority! I have a great ETT exercise that combines a reverse lunge with a properly thrown front kick. To perform this ETT exercise you have to engage nearly all the muscles in your lower body and core. This exercise not only increases strength & cardio but also helps you improve your balance & flexibility. I recommend you practicing your reverse lunges and front kicks in a mirror before combining them to complete this ETT exercise. You can see in the video that I alternate legs after a few repeititions. This will help you avoid fatigue, which is key to performing the exercise with the proper technique. Go ahead and incorporate this ETT exercise into your next workout, but you have to promise one thing. Promise that you won’t hate me for making your legs sore. Embrace the burn!

Homemade Workout

Performing at-home workouts keep me in optimal physical condition and allow me to construct & perfect workouts that I can use with ETT’s personal training clients. As much as I love at-home workouts, the amount of equipment I currently have is somewhat limited, which can be an issue if I want to increase the level of resistance placed on me during the workout. This challenge led to the invention of my homemade weight vest. It’s may just be a book bag with a 30 lb sandbag in it, but anyone who has worn a weight vest knows how it can increase the intensity of simple exercises like jumping rope or pull-ups. The homemade weight vest needs a little tweaking but I anticipate it making its way into ETT’s equipment inventory real soon.

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Get Ready To Be Motivated

Rick Hoyt was born with cerebral palsy and as a result has been wheelchair bound since birth. When he was 15, he asked his father, Dick Hoyt, to push him in a local 5-mile benefit run. Dick and Rick placed next to last in the race, but Rick told his father that “when (we’re) running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.” This event inspired the father and son team to complete over a 1000 races including marathons, ironman triathlons, and they even biked/ran across the entire United States. Dick Hoyt has pushed, pedaled, and pulled Rick across numerous finish lines to perpetuate the feeling Rick had after their first race together.

Don’t forget that your health is important to you AND your loved ones. Make time for your fitness, it’s worth it.

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Team Hoyt

ETT Exercise of the Week Ep.4

Your core is home to your center of gravity, which is the starting point for all your movement. It is extremely important to have a strong core and it’s not because 6-pack abs look cool. A strong core can increase your ability to perform dynamic movements without injury. Have you always wanted to go surfing? Strengthen your core. Have you always wanted to go rock climbing? Strengthen your core. Have you always wanted to break dance? I think you get my point: include core exercises in any type of physical activity you perform.

ETT workouts always include core exercises. An example of an ETT core exercise is demonstrated in the video below. Add this exercise to your next workout and let me know how many you were able to complete. Better yet, post a video on the ETT Facebook page of yourself performing the most proper punches you can perform in one half sit-up. Good luck and I look forward to seeing your videos.