Freeform Fitness by Jill Mennella

Slim Summer Cocktails

freeformfit — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:18:21 +0000

Does it look like we’re sipping fattening cocktails in this picture? If you said, “Yes” you’re right! We’re drinking Pina Coladas made by my brother in law and they’re amazing! Although I love the way they taste, they do have a lot of refined sugar and preservatives that I aim to avoid. I will allow myself one of these every so often but if I drank them all summer long I would definitely not be able to fit into my bathing suit! So I came up with my own, healthier version and I really like them! They are Banana Coladas and they’re very simple to make. They’re just rum, fresh bananas, fresh pineapple , coconut and ice blended together. I also like to throw a pineapple slice and fresh cherries on top too to make them more festive!

Now you have drinks that are all natural and loaded with vitamins (which I like to believe balances out the alcohol)! Since they also have less sugar than traditional Pina Coladas, they will give you less of a hangover and less calories to work off in the gym! I’m about to start my weekend off with one of these right now. If you try them, please let me know how they were! Happy Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy…

Filed under: Food recommendations, Health coaching, Nutrition tips, Recipes, Uncategorized

Snacks on the Run

freeformfit — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:05:30 +0000

It’s so hard to find healthy food options at convenience stores! I was really hungry today around 3:00 and I always like to feed my hunger because I don’t want my metabolism to slow down. I ran into a convenience store and started feeling my usual frustration that I feel when I see all the bad food choices. Most frustrating are the bad ones disguised as “good ones”. The more I learn about nutrition, the pickier I become. I no longer want to settle for fruit with pesticides, nuts with cotton seed oil or anything with high fructose corn syrup or any other preservatives. It’s slim pickings for the slim and picky!:)

I was happy to spot Zero Water and Larabars. I like Zero Water because it’s low in sugar, all natural and it tastes good. I drink water most the time but sometimes I just get bored of water and can’t handle another sip of it! Larabars are also all natural and taste good. I always keep them on hand for when I’m in a rush and need a quick snack!

Filed under: Food recommendations, Health coaching, Nutrition tips

More Bang for Your Buck

freeformfit — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:12:53 +0000

When I ask clients what keeps them from working out more often, the most common answer is no surprise: lack of time. If you’re like most busy Americans, you’re probably multitasking all day long in order to save time, but do you do this at the gym? Multitasking your workout can be just as productive as any other dual duties you perform throughout the day (and safer than texting and driving!).

The scissor crunches, being performed by Lauren in this picture, are a perfect example of how to efficiently ”multicise”. These crunches work the upper, lower and mid abs, as well as obliques and legs all in one shot!

The obvious benefit of these kinds of moves is that you can cut your gym time in half by blasting multiple muscle groups at once. Another benefit is the maximal caloric burn you gain as more muscles are working all at once. And third, you’ll boost your heart rate up much more quickly than you would with a single movement, which means you’ll be burning more fat! So, if lack of time has been your excuse for not getting to the gym, you’ll have to either figure out a new one or start multicising. With the latter, you’ll see the results fast and save time in the gym. To learn more new, creative multicises, stay posted to my blog. Also, please contact me if you have any interesting ones you’d like to share. Have fun!

Filed under: Core exercises, Pilates, Strength training, Training for intermediate/advanced, Uncategorized

Body Fat Versus the Scale

freeformfit — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:36:35 +0000

Clients are always concerned about how much they weigh when they step on the scale. More important, however, is the percentage of body fat that one carries. This is because muscle weighs more than fat. So, I often remind my clients that although their weight might not change for some time after first starting a strength-training program, they may actually be losing fat and gaining muscle. Sometimes, clients’ weights may actually go UP in the beginning as they are getting into better shape. Your (hopefully!) shrinking waistline will be a positive indicator for you as well!

So please, please don’t fret about what the scale is telling you. There is a good chance that, with plenty of proper strength-training and healthy eating, that you are very much on track.

I encountered this informative link on Wikipedia this afternoon that does a nice job of defining what body fat percentage is and what are acceptable ranges for body fat. Check out the link to see how this impacts you when you have a chance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_fat_percentage

Posted in Health coaching, Staying motivated, Strength training, Training for beginners

Video – Jill Demonstrating Side Crunches on Stability Ball

freeformfit — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:14:13 +0000

Check out this video to see a good way to target your waist, while also working your core and your legs at the same time.

Posted in Core exercises, Exercise clips, Stability ball exercises