Zack Cahill is a the owner of Aegis Training, London's top personal training studio and a specialist in rapid weight loss for busy women. His online Skinny B*tch Program has helped women all over the world drop up to a stone and a half and build lifelong healthy habits in just 28 days.
Christmas and fitness don't usually go together. During the festive season many of us are more likely to slide into mince pie and booze induced chubbiness than pop on the jogging gear and make like Rocky. But sure as day follows night, all that will change come January when we all decide to turn over a new leaf and get lean and healthy.
Well unlike some personal trainers I'm not going to lecture you, if you've eaten well and exercised this year you should feel free to indulge over Christmas as long as you get back on track afterwards. To help you with that I've listed a few Christmas gift ideas that will help you in your battle to banish the Crimbo bloat. There are plenty of gimmicky fitness gadgets out there, most of which end up as nothing more than expensive dust gatherers. But the ones I've listed here have all stood the test of time either at my personal training studio or in my clients homes. So you can feel nice and virtuous scoffing your christmas dinner when you've got a few of these sitting under the Christmas tree.
1: Z-Trainer
Suspension training is quite hot at the moment but its no passing craze, it really is a versatile and effective way to train. Combine suspension training with traditional bodyweight exercises and you can workout anywhere and everywhere (via
ZTrainer)
2: Fat Gripz
One of my favourite pieces of gym kit, and very portable and versatile, Fat Gripz can be placed on any barbell or dumbbell to make the handle thicker. This increases muscle activation, helps eliminate muscle imbalances and greatly improves grip, which is a weak link for many gym-goers that can limit progress. (Probably more of a gift for the fellas though, as big forearms aren't a high priority for most girls I know) (via
Training Shop London)
3: PowerBlock
My favourite option for the home gym. These are adjustable dumbbells which allow you to select the right weight for your strength levels without taking up a whole room of your house (via
PowerBlock)
4: Gym Boss
One of the most effective ways to train for weight loss and fitness is to use very short rest periods between sets of resistance exercises. I use this a lot with clients and in fact its so effective that we never put anyone on a treadmill at my studio. However, you do need to be precise with your rest periods to get the most out of this method. The gym boss is a useful tool for keeping you strict. (via
Gym Boss Ireland)
5: The 150 Healthiest Foods On Earth
I've been talking a lot about exercise so far, but its impossible to transform your body without taking a serious look at nutrition. One of my favourite nutrition books is Johnny Bowden's book. Instead of focussing on what you can't eat like so many diet books, this tells you what you can eat in a no nonsense, easy to read manner. (via
Amazon)
6: Organic Veggie Box Subscription
Nobody, and I mean nobody, eats enough vegetables. They are better for your health and waistline than any magic pill, potion, powder or supplement. Get out of your comfort zone and order a veggie box delivery for a variety of green goodness. (via
OrganicSupermarket.ie)
7: Foam Roller
Good posture will instantly make you look leaner and more confident. I recommend a foam roller to all my clients, as simply lying lengthwise on one for 10-15 minutes a day does wonders to improve your posture. It can also be used to perform self massage on any tight muscles. (via
PhysioSupplies.ie)
8: Vibram Five Fingers
It turns out those super-cushioned high-tech running shoes aren't so hot for you after all. Lately there has been a move toward a more natural, minimalist training shoe. These allow the foot and ankle to move as they should while still protecting the feet. (via
Barefoot.ie)
9: Jawbone Up
For the geek in your life. A wristband which syncs with your phone and tracks your sleep, movement and meals, and will even vibrate when you haven't moved for too long! (via
Jawbone.com)
10: Practical Kettlebell Training DVD
There will be a tonne of celeb endorsed fitness DVDs available come January, most of which aren't much use to anyone. This DVD is a great introduction to exercise that actually produces results. (via
Amazon)
To find out more about Zack, follow blog on
Aegis Training, or contact him at
zack@aegistraining.co.uk