Thermogenics

What Are Thermogenics?

Thermogenics are dietary supplements used in weight loss and weight lifting. Thermogenics raise metabolic functioning using stimulants like caffeine, ginger and ephedrine. Thermogenics increase the activity of the nervous system. As your nervous system speeds up, the body's functions, like heart rate and our rate of breathing speed up. This increase causes the body to use more energy, or calories, to keep up with increased demand. The increased demand for calories is what causes the increase in loss of body fat. Consequently making thermogenics a very popular FAT LOSS supplement.

Thermogenics and Metabolic Functioning

The term thermogenics is actually derived from the action of the products themselves--they INCREASE body heat. They use what is called oxidative phosphorylation, a process in which the body burns calories at an accelerated rate to maintain normal body temperatures. Thermogenics also raise the metabolic function of adipose tissue, which is where body fat is stored. Though thermogenics do not burn fat directly, the increase in metabolic functioning, coupled with the increase of the body's respiratory, cardiovascular and other systems causes the body to have less available energy, which in turn forces the body to use stored energy, or fat, for fuel. This is the main reason thermogenic supplements are so popular amongst bodybuilders and athletes looking to REDUCE BODY FAT.

Thermogenics Usage

Thermogenics are typically used by bodybuilders and athletes with low body fat who want to lower it further.The general population can use it as a means to jump-start the fat loss process. Most individuals wanting to LOSE WEIGHT/FAT may hit what is referred to as a PLATEAU at some point during their transformation. Usually when this occurs a thermogenic can be introduced to bust through the plateau and enable to the individual to continue shedding unwanted weight/fat at the average rate of 1-4 lbs per week.

Thermogenics Should be used with CAUTION

At BodyVisions we encourage all of our clients to educate themselves and use caution when using ANY supplement, especially thermogenics. Despite the proven effectiveness, thermogenics can be dangerous if not used properly. Because thermogenics increase activity of the central nervous system, with the corresponding increase in heart rate and breathing rate, this can cause dizziness, anxiety, nausea, dry mouth and fever. Like any supplement, the body can adapt to thermogenic supplements, which means over time their effectiveness will be limited or diminished. To see continued results from thermogenic supplements, you must cycle usage.The typical cycle would be four weeks of usage followed by six weeks without any usage to completely clear the system.

Which Thermogenic is most effective?

DJ & I refer all of our Team BodyVisions Competitors as well as our BodyVisions Transformers to the Nutrition Company for all their Sport & Dietary Supplement needs. There are a wide variety ofThermogenics currently on the market to choose from, all are proven effective. Nate - Brian & Allen, the Nutrition Company Supplement Gurus will assist you in determining which may benefit you the best. Some individuals prefer high energy and others are more interested in appetite control. Keep in mind that every supplement works differently per individual. DJ & I for example have learned which Thermogenics work best for us personally when we're preparing for a competition.

Stop by NUTRITION COMPANY today to inquire on which Thermogenics are currently available, and ask whatever questions you may have regarding any other supplement your interested in.

Westminster Location: 5160 W 120th Ave 303-465-6008

Boulder Location: 3119 28th St. 303-444-1677

Got Water?

Approximately 40-60% of our body weight is water, and muscle is composed of around 72% by weight. Your body loses around 10-12 cups of water per day just through your skin, lungs, kidneys, and intestines; and this does not even include exercise!

Water seems to-good-to-be-true when it comes to fat loss and muscle building. As I mentioned before, your muscles are made up of 72% water by weight, whereas fat is only 25%. This means that when you drink water, you increase your muscle weight, and the more muscle you have the more fat you burn up through the resulting rise in your metabolism.

On the other hand, this also means that diets that result in excessive fluid loss will result in a decrease in muscle size. Another factor of excessive fluid loss is dehydration. When you are dehydrated, the body begins to retain every last drop of water you have.

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products in the water within your system, and without sufficient water, they cannot do this properly. This causes the liver to assist in the filtering process. This is definitely not a good thing because one of the liver's main functions is to metabolize stored fat for energy.

So when the liver can't focus on its own job, it greatly slows down the amount of fat you burn. However, this retained water is still not out of the picture. Most of this water is stored under the skin which will make your hard-earned muscular definition smooth-looking.

Water is used by the body as a building material, lubricant, solvent, and helps regulate your body temperature. It is used by the body as a solvent and after digestion, water and blood are the means by which nutrients are carried to your cells and wastes are removed.

Believe it or not water serves as a building material in every cell and muscle cells happen to be one of the cells with the highest water content... about 70 percent! Water also serves as a lubricant in your joints. This is especially helpful to those lifting extreme amounts of weight, jogging, or any high impact exercise.

Water also plays a vital role of removing heat from the body. This will definitely lead to less fatigue in any intense strength and cardiovascular program. Water also plays an important role when dieting to lose that unwanted fat. To lose fat efficiently, you must drink copious amounts of water. Restricting water can lead to a few problems to the functions and appearance of your physique and health. Restricting your water intake causes your body to retain more water. This can play havoc on a dieter's mind mistaking the extra fluid retention for fat.

Studies have also shown restriction of water promotes fat retention. Due to its role in the removal of waste and transportation of nutrients, your body will perceive the lack of water as a major stress. One of the defense mechanisms of the body during major stress situations is to preserve fat and water.

Other benefits of water:

• Constipation can occur. Water can relieve this condition.
• Water maintains proper muscle tone by giving muscles their ability to contract by preventing dehydration.
• Water naturally suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Decreases in water consumption will actually increase fat deposits and an increase in water will decrease fat deposits. The kidneys cannot properly function without water, and, when they don't function, their load is dumped back into the liver. This causes fatigue and liver toxicity.
• Cold water also has the added benefit of further increasing metabolic rates, as it requires the additional expenditure of calories  in order for the body to warm it up.  

How Much?

For people who are not used to drinking a lot of water should first start out with drinking a half to one gallon a day. It sounds like a lot but if you keep on sipping all-day it will be gone in no time. You should drink most of your fluids before, during, and after a workout.

TOXINS build up in your body

We probably all have toxins accumulated in our system. And what is the best way to deal with them? I believe undertaking several long-term measures are a better approach than drastic short-term steps . For instance, rather than fasting for a few days, I prefer reducing caloric intake to a lower level then I’m accustomed to over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. I am not convinced that any of the so called drastic “detox diets” that recommend a strict regimen of lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, etc, etc., are beneficial.

Through all my years of working in both the medical field and as a personal fitness trainer, I have come to realize that the body does not like going off balance too much and for too long. Our body tries to maintain homeostasis, a balanced state where everything is functioning properly. Fasting or these ‘drastic detox’ regimens alter this homeostasis, often in a harmful way. Liver glycogen stores are depleted, alterations occur in the mineral and electrolyte balance in the blood, muscle and bone tissue start breaking down, changes occur in the acid base balance, alterations occur in the fatty acid composition of cells, and immune function may be impaired. Eating a very healthy DIET, monitoring your calories and nutrient breakdowns, is a better option in the long run.

TOXINS are the direct result of poor lifestyle choices. A bad DIET that includes lots of fast food, processed food, white sugar and alcohol is to blame for much of the toxin build up in an individual’s body. An environmental toxin, such as air pollution and being around cigarette smoke certainly doesn’t help either. Antibiotics destroy the natural flora in your intestines and leave room for bad bacteria to take up residence. EEEEEW!

Today’s lifestyle has added toxins to our bodies that we wouldn’t have dealt with before refined and processed foods became the norm in diets. There are many ‘cleansing products’ available at Vitamin Shops & Health food stores that you can take in conjunction with a healthy DIET.

At Bodyvisions, we have many clients inquire about colon/liver/kidney detox agents as well as colon hydrotherapy. We outline specific supplements & cleanses for our clients and have a preferred colon hydrotherapy specialist our transformers and athletes utilize. Keep in mind, eating a healthy diet is vital, plur drinking enough water along with supplementation ensures you're continually ridding your body of unhealthy toxins.

Are YOU Lacking the MOTIVATION to lose weight?

We all know that DIET & EXERCISE works.  Every book, article, regimen, fitness plan, you name it works as long as you actually do it!  Awe, there is the problem, you lack MOTIVATION.  Getting the motivation to follow through is arguably the most important part of losing weight. The information will always be plentiful, but the motivation....that's the elusive piece of the puzzle, the one thing that everyone wants/needs and few actually have.  So, how do you get the motivation to get started, stay on track, and most importantly, achieve the results you want/need? 

I would suggest that the most powerful MOTIVATOR is the TRUTH. What is your weight related truth?  This may be hard but spend a minute really thinking about this question.   Have you seen or taken a picture of yourself and acknowledged, fully acknowledged that you don't look good - that you don't look healthy and it’s time for YOU to do something about it? 

Forget about AESTHETICS for a second and spend a minute acknowledging the HEALTH CONSEQUENCES with your extra slice of pizza and nachos.  Do your helpful and caring friends & family members make comments here and there that would get you on track, but you eventually choose to ignore them? Do you say to yourself on occasion, "they're just JEALOUS.  Sure, they might be THIN, but they're hungry and miserable.  Ha!  At least I'm full and happy and eating what I want when I want".  Really?!  If you choose to always sugar coat your poor diet & exercise habits then sadly, you haven’t faced the TRUTH.  

Until you face the TRUTH, until you face the total reality of your weight, your health and your life, you won’t obtain the real, solid, game face ‘ON’ MOTIVATION you need.   You may find yourself on what I refer to as ‘fitness spurts’, hitting the gym 1-2x one week and monitoring your diet like a vulture watching over a carcass but you will soon derail AGAIN.  

At BodyVisions one of the motivating tools we encourage all our clients to use is a journal, a log of their DIET – CARDIO – RESISTANCE TRAINING as well as their GOALS and THOUGHTS as they go through their fitness transformation. When you do this each day it keeps you accountable to yourself.  This begins to change how you think and facilitates better decision making.    How ready are you to lose weight?  TRUTH:  Acknowledge what will not only MOTIVATE YOU to achieve your fitness goals but what may derail you from achieving them as well.   

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!