Fitness

Men's Health Best Cardio Tool '09 Ropes Gone Wild Now in Miami

Julio Anta fitness and martial arts instructor is doing his part to help take Miami off the top of Men’s Health Fattest City listing and eliminate obesity with Men’s Health “Best New Cardio Tool of 2009” Ropes Gone Wild. Men’s Health listed Miami as the fattest city in America for 2009. In March Julio Anta owner of Anta's Fitness and Self Defense, 10721 NW 58 St., Doral became the first instructor and studio in South Florida to  get certified as an authorized Battling Ropes training center by it inventor John Brookfield. Battling Ropes is a no impact, kick butt, fast and furious, high velocity, pure adrenal surge functional training workout!  You have never experienced a cardio workout at this level. 

 

Anta the video author of “Shaolin Physical Conditioning” DVD is a fitness pioneer in South Floridahaving the first Fitness Kickboxing class in West Dade in 1998 and first Pilates class in 1999. In 2004 the first kettlebell instructor training was held at Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense where Julio got certified. Being a fitness innovator he incorporated Battling Ropes to his XFT (Xtreme Functional Training) class that is the fusion of kettlebells, Indian clubs, sandbags, sledge hammer, tire training, slosh pipes, kickboxing, boot camp, plyometrics and bodyweight training to give you the ultimate body challenge workout. He is working with children with Battling Ropes in his kid’s martial arts/fitness classes and at his upcoming Fitness Summer Camp.

Battling Ropes is a unique aerobic and anerobic training system done with 1 1/2 to 2 inch ropes that measure 50 to 100 ft in length with unique names such as Tsunami, Sidewinder and the Wave. Regardless if you’re handicapped, a sedentary coach potato, a novice or elite world-class athlete Battling Ropes will tax your entire system in a short time of 60 seconds or less. Your core will be absolutely trashed after 60 seconds of the power surge that the ropes demand. Battling Ropes will let you maintain power, strength and explosiveness over a greater period of time to enable you to perform at your highest level for a much longer time.

This workout will pump up your muscles, build your strength, while engaging your core and taxing your heart and lungs in minutes. It is great for men, women, kids, seniors, and athletes, those wanting to get fit, those that can not run and even on a person on a wheelchair. This is a high intensity, metabolic workout, no impact cardio, keeping you in shape as you rehabilitate injuries, while reaching maximum heart rate in minutes.

Battling Ropes is being used by numerous football teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, United States Olympic Wrestling Team, UFC fighters, Special Forces, Federal Agents, Olympians, College and Pro-Athletes. Battling Ropes creator John Brookfield is know as Mr Hands for having the strongest grip in the world, he is a Strongman and a world record holder.

For more information call Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense at 305 599-3649.

Slosh Pipe Fitness Training Now in Miami

3-31-09 Anta's Fitness and Self Defense of Doral a suburb of Miami introduces Slosh Pipe training to it's XFT Functional Fitness class. Julio Anta learn of Slosh Pipe training from his friends in Iceland Gudjon Svansson and Vala Mork. Slosh Pipe training is a true functional training workout that will kick your butt. A Slosh Pipe is a 10 Ft PVC pipe. 3/4 of the pipe is full with water making it hard to balance. This will take traditional barbell training to another level. You can also do stretch moves and walk or run with it. For more information on Slosh Pipe training or to try out a FREE introductory class call 305 599-3649 or E-mail us at fitdef@aol.com.

Metro Life Church Fitness Challenge

 

On Saturday, March 28, 2009 Metro Life Church of Doral kicked off it's 8 week fitness challenge with a $500 prize for the male and female winners. Fitness expert and martial arts instructor Julio Anta a member of Metro Life kicked off the event by speaking on fitness on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. For more information on Anta's Fitness programs log on to www.MiamiKettlebell.com.  

The Ultimate Stretching Tool

 

Anta's Fitness and Self Defense is a fully equip Stretch Loop center thanks to Stretch Sport inventor Mario Tardif. Tardif installed that Stretch Loops at our center. We can now do group stretching classes to take our students to another level of stretching. Stretch Loop can be used by anyone young or old flexible or inflexible.

If you are interested in purchasing a portable Stretch Loop for your home log on to http://stretchloopstretcher.com/. We highly recommend that all of our students use stretch loop at home as part of their martial arts and fitness training.

Anta's New Pilates Web Site

Anta's Pilates web-site is up. log on to MiamiPilates.net and let us know what you think of it. For  information or to set an appointment for a free class call us at 305 599-3649. and let us know what you think of it.

Still Time to Achieve your New Years Fitness Goals

New Year's fitness resolutions can transform your body and change your life or like most American’s it could be depressing, frustrating and a total failure. Most people make their New Years Resolutions in December or early January, yet very few make a real commitment to accomplish them. February is the month that most people give up and revert to their pre-New Year's Resolution lifestyle. By Valentines Day they are back to eating un-healthy dinners and chocolates with their loved ones. Have you given up on your fitness goals yet or maybe you never got around to starting them? Then why don’t you show real love for yourself and continue with or start a functional fitness program that will finally let you succeed with your fitness resolutions. As I tell my students “Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win!” Can you imagine our world today if Thomas Edison, Henry Ford or the Wright Brothers gave up on their vision or listen to the negative people that always have excuses or tried to discouraged them?

You can give me all the excuses you want, I’m a single parent, I’m stressed out due to the economy’s down fall, I’m not 20 years old anymore, Miami is the Fattest City in America, if rich, successful, focus and driven Oprah failed what can you expect from me? The truth of the matter is that all the above is true yet not a legitimate excuse. Let me break each excuse down. Being a single parent is hard yet you must be the example of health and fitness to your children. Being fit will give you the energy to go that extra mile for yourself and your children.

Instead of eating and being depressed due to the economy you should now more than ever start a fitness routine to keep your mind occupied with positive thoughts and relieve stress. You might not be able to control the state of the economy yet you are able to transform your body and regain your health.

Yes, it’s a fact the older you get your metabolism slows down, you lose endurance, strength and you start losing flexibility. Yet, the truth of the matter is as we age is when we need to train harder yet smarter to counter the aging process. From 2007 to three quarters of 2008 I went from one injury and illness to another, yet I never quit working out or gave up. As soon as the doctor gave me the OK I started training by working around the injuries. Today almost reaching my 52 birthday I’m in better shape then I’ve been in years.

Yes, unfortunately Miami was voted the fattiest city in America by Men’s Fitness magazine. To make it more embarrassing Salt Lake City, Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics was the fittest. Three other cold weather cities Colorado Spring, Minneapolis and Denver made the top four cities. How ironic sunny Miami where we can have fun in the sun and exercise outdoors all year long is the fattest and the winter wonderland of Salt Lake City is the fittest. It should be the opposite. Well, the good news is that South Beach is known world wide for its beautiful and fit people. So we have no excuse. As fitness professional my goal as well as my peers is to make Miami not just the funnest but the fittest city.

Oprah has been yo-yo dieting for years. She’s been fat and in great shape. Part of her failure has been that fitness falls out of her priority list. I’m not knocking her or giving excuses for her yet with all the riches, influence and fame also comes responsibilities, stress and critics. So, she felt completed defeated and gave up. Yet now that she has hit rock bottom she is making a decision to make her health a priority in her life. Don’t wait to hit rock bottom to make your decision to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Make your decision today to live fit and fearless. Here are 4 tips to help you succeed and have lasting change:

1.  Make a Commitment:

You must take a stand and make sure that you are feed up with the way you feel and look.       Make a commitment that you will and must change it.

2. Make Fitness a Priority: Make a radical change in your eating habits and make a commitment to exercise daily. Health and Fitness must become a priority in your life.

3. Make a Lifestyle Change: Condition yourself for change and reinforce it until it is conditioned. It usually takes 3 weeks to create a new habit and change your taste buds. To succeed you must link pleasure to your new choice and link pain to going back to the old habits. Have no doubts in your mind that you will succeed. Believe in yourself and don’t give up.

4. Think Positive and Surround yourself with Positive People: Stay away from negative people. Surround yourself with successful people. You are the sum of the people that are around you. Keep negative thoughts out of your mind. I teach my Kung Fu Kids class through Zig Zigglers I-CAN program to be like the bumblebee that flies when aerodynamically it is not suppose to fly and not have stinking thinking or garbage dump thinking. I stay positive by keeping strong to my faith and listening to Anthony Robbins motivational tapes.

So now, you have no excuses get in the best shape of your life!

 

Elena Anta Starts the Miracle Walk/Run

Anta's Fitness and Self Defense, Pilates instructor Elena J. Anta started the Miracle Walk/Run on Dec. 16. After CBS 4 News anchor and honorary chair Cynthia Demos open the event Elena gave the runners a dynamic and fun stretch.

Anta's Fitness and Self Defense was a sponsor of the Miracle Walk/Run  Organ Donor Awareness 5 K Walk run. The event was held in Metro Zoo in Miami Florida.

4 Strategies to Combat Holiday Weight Gain

Tis’ the season to be jolly, yet, you don’t have to put on the extra holiday weight to look like Santa Clause. The holiday season is a time to rejoice with your family, friends and co-workers. Yet, we tend to do a little too much celebrating.  We don’t just have a Thanksgiving and Christmas meal. We have numerous festivities at work, school, parties and extra curriculum activities with little or no time to workout. Between October 31 and January 1, the average American will gain 7 pounds.

 

Do you know that the average person consumed between 2,500 to 3,000 calories and over 140 grams of fat in their Thanksgiving meal. That’s excluding breakfast, lunch and Thanksgiving snacks. Those statistics are for the average American Thanksgiving meal. You know turkey with stuffing, mash potato with gravy, rolls, corn and pumpkin pie. Let’s not forget all the candy left over from Halloween.

 

Don’t wait for the New Year to start your fitness resolutions. Now is the best time to start. Most gyms and even our Fitness and Pilates classes are emptier than they will be come January. Come January all fitness classes will be full with New Years Resolutions yet by February most people have given up on their New Years Resolutions and will repeat this cycle the following year. Let’s get a head start on the millions of Americans starting their fitness resolutions in January and have a memorable holiday season. Starting a fitness and nutrition program today will keep you from gaining the extra holiday weight so you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday meals without the quilt.

 

In an effort to combat the holiday weight gain, obesity and childhood obesity Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense will host a free event. On Monday, November 17, we’ll have a Free Community Service Holiday Weight Gain Survival Workshop and training sessions for kids and their parents at Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense. Parents and their 3 and 4 year old children will meet at 4:30 PM  in our Little Ninjas class, parents and their 5 and 6 year olds will meet at

5:15 PM

in our Lil Dragons class and Parents and children from

7

to 10 years old will meet at

6 PM

at our Kung Fu Kids class. In this workshop we’ll have children and parents have fun exercising together to stay fit during the holidays. We’ll also share some holiday nutrition tips.

 

4 Strategies to Combat Holiday Weight Gain

 

1. Workout, Workout and Workout

Continue your fitness workout during the holidays. If you are not working out start today! If you are working out workout extra hard and be consistent to burn those extra calories.

 

 

2. Eat Healthy Foods Before the Feast

 Fill up with fruits, protein and other healthy foods. You’ll be fuller and less incline to over eat and eat deserts.

 

3. Drink Lots of Water

Drink water before, during and after the holiday meal. This will help you stay fuller.

 

4. Walk After Your Meal

Walk to burn of calories after the Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas meals.

 

Have a great Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas and New Year by staying fit and fearless this holiday season.  

 

 

 

 

 

Discovery Wellness Cruise

Come join Anta's Fitness and Self Defense instructors, Julio Anta, Elena Anta and Sergio Bentancort on Saturday, November 1, 2008 for the Discovery Cruise and Lotas Association Wellness Cruise.

Julio Anta will conduct a Bully Buster/Self Defense workshop for kids and teens, Elena Anta will do a combination kickboxing, Pilates class and Sergio Bentancort will do a Tai Chi class. There are many other fun and exciting classes.

For only $249 the package will include round trip cruise, breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, 3 hours of leisure time in Grand Bahamas and your choice of two workshops.

For more information or to register for this cruise please call 1-800-259-1579 or log on to www.discoverycruiseline.com/specials/lotus.

Is Cardio Making You Sick?

There are three major physical elements in obtaining optimal fitness: aerobic (cardio), anaerobic and flexibility training. Aerobic or cardio training is important to your hearts health. Yet, cardio can be hazardous to your health. For years we have heard to do aerobics to lose weight, strengthen your heart and for overall fitness. Today, most fitness experts agree that long periods of cardio or jogging is counterproductive.

We all know people who are cardio addicts. You see them on the thread mills and stationary bikes at the gym, in the one hour aerobic classes and jogging through your neighborhood. Yet month after month, year after year they spend hours doing cardio, they might lose some weight yet their body composition doesn’t change and they look the same just a smaller version of themselves. The perfect example of this you’ll be seeing on TV this month while watching the Olympics. While you sit by your plasma TV cheering on the USA compare the bodies of the sprinter VS the marathon runners. Sprinters have great looking lean yet muscular bodies.

Marathon runners, who are the example of the extreme cardio workout, have what is called the "skinny fat" body. You can not tell the difference between the men and the women. The men have lost their wide shoulders and the women have lost their hips, breast and shape. Running long distance is not a natural act. Our bodies were not made for long distance running or an hour of aerobics.

Unfortunately the hazards of doing the long cardio workout is not just about how your body will look. Long-distance runners have a higher risk of sudden cardiac death then any other athlete or sport. They have low resistance to viruses and bacterial infection. They are also prone to battle lower back problems, chronic ligament and joint problems. The best way to strengthen your heart is by intensity not by long distance running or long duration exercise. As natural hunters our bodies were made for short intervals such as chasing down the prey to hunt. Short burst of intense exercise followed by a short rest such as high intensity sprinting will get you in great shape and strengthen your heart. My favorite exercise methodology kettlebells will give you a cardio, anaerobic and flexibility workout in only 20 to 30 minutes. Kettlebells will get you in great shape in a short amount of time. Yet, if you do not have kettlebells or access to kettlebell training facility you can also sprint, do plyometrics, circuit training, run up and down stairs.

In closing let me quote fitness expert, MD and author of “Rediscover Your Native Fitness Pace,” Dr. Al Sears “The biggest mistake of the 1980s is finally over and done with… Jumping around for 45 minutes to an hour won't boost your lung capacity, it won't strengthen your heart – it won't even help you lose weight”. In studies at Laval University in Quebec, Canada they compared short burst intense exercise to traditional cardio. In the study they had the cyclist do 45 minutes without stopping. They had another group do brief 90 second intense bursts. The people doing the cardio burned more calories yet, the group that trained for 90 second lost more body fat.”

So, if you want to loss unwanted fat, feel great and strengthen your heart cut the long and boring cardio and make sure that you stretch, do bodyweight exercises, kettlebells or weight training with short duration intense cardio work for optimal fitness. Make sure that you leave the cardio for the end of the workout so that you do not burn muscle tissue. You’ll also be happier for it since you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself and spend the extra time with friends and your loved ones.