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Sometimes it seems like proper
diet and training is only something that athletes can follow. Time seems to
be one of the biggest factors affecting our population's lifestyle. While
there's something spilling over to the recreational exerciser, more and more
people are using motivational type contests to help get them past their body
shaping obstacles.
The rise of various 12 week
contests which rewarded individuals for their efforts toward weight loss and
muscle gain are enticing the higher numbers of people towards opportunities
that challenge themselves past their plateau. Marathons, hiking races,
bodybuilding and fitness are also becoming popular motivations for
individuals to get into better shape.
One of our own local athletes
is a perfect example. She grew up overweight in her teens, suffered
anorexia leading into her 20s, finally settling into fitness by age 26.
Linda Cusmano is a lifetime resident of Vancouver, living in the renowned
‘Little Italy’ located on Commercial Drive. Owner of her own business ‘Body
Rush Personal Training & Lifestyle Consultation’, she is also an elite
personal trainer and professional Canadian Fitness Champion. Of course all
of this occurred once she got into fitness. Before fitness Linda had
suffered a childhood of frequent emergency visits due to constant boats of
pneumonia. Chronic bronchial asthma had kept Linda from being a normal
active child. Exercise and proper diet is essential for Linda's
well-being. Now Linda is spreading the message that exercise and diet is
not as hard as everyone thinks and is essential for everyone’s
well-being.
“2002 was not a great
competitive year for me. I fractured my foot just before the Fitness Canada
Pageant, along with a pulled hamstring and a strained shoulder, I pretty
much knew my placings would be very low this year.” Linda competed anyway,
placing forth at the ESPN series which is televised on TSN, 17th out of 40
girls for the Fitness Canada Pageant, third in the world for the Pro Miss
Exercise and forth out of 22 girls in a women's non drug tested strength
contest. She also competed in several local bikini and physique contests
this summer, winning a few and placing second or third at the others.
Bodybuilding, Figure, and kickboxing are other sports Linda also competes
in.
2003 off for rest meant Linda
came back to win her class in 2004!
Not only a competitor, Linda
used to be a BC promoter for a Fitness and Bodybuilding contest which did
successfully while in her hands!
Here are some tips that Linda
uses with all of her clients to help them keep focused and get them closer
to their goals:
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Make sure to eat every 2 3 hours, grazing is the
healthiest way to consume your foods as it keeps the metabolism fired up
which in the end results in some fat burning.
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Try to eliminate or decrease refined flour
products from your diet, this means bread and pasta. There are other
choices of pastas and breads made from grains which are not refined such
as Quinoa, Kamut, Spelt, Oat and Rye.
-
Have a huge multicolored salad with lunch and
dinner, choosing a light vinaigrette for the dressing.
-
Try having oatmeal in the morning, this is
easily digested and does not make you gain fat. Oatmeal is also perfect
for helping you have energy through your day.
-
Choose lean proteins such as fish, chicken,
beans, and soy products but make sure you don’t fry them. Try other
methods which are less saturated.
-
Try to exercise three times a week for at least
an hour.
-
Incorporate cardiovascular and weight training
into your training session.
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To eliminate boredom change your program weekly
by adjusting some of the exercises, the sets or reps.
-
Consider investing in a trainer for a session or
2 if you need help getting started or are stuck in a plateau.
-
You don't have to go to a gym to exercise, with
a few cheap pieces of equipment such as a body ball and some dumbbells,
you can get great results at home.
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Try walking three to five times per week for 20
to 60 minutes and don't forget to drink two to four liters of water per
day especially if you're exercising like you're supposed to.
 If you have any questions about
exercise or diet, you can contact Linda at Angel@lindacusmano.com No matter
how inactive you are there is always a solution for every individuals needs.
Linda has been personal training
for over 8 years, working with individuals toward health risk reduction, fat
loss, body shaping, strength conditioning, post rehabilitation, sports
specific, meal planning, and overall lifestyle change. You can visit her
web sites at:
www.bodyrushpersonaltraining.com
www.lindacusmano.com
www.fitnessteambc.com
Natural
Bodybuilding at its Finest - Lift for Life.com |
