First Cut Fitness

Before embarking for my most recent of many frequent trips to the mecca of the street workout movement, the Almighty NYC (I was there for reasons unrelated to fitness), I knew this time I'd be doing a ton more walking than usual. I had a mission to explore as many neighborhoods as I possibly could.

So, what does this mean? My footwear HAD to be up to par and stylish to boot (NYC is also the fashion mecca after all). What to wear? One of the many colorways in my arsenal of trusty Air Max 90s? Perhaps something out of my Vans collection? NOPE.

When it was all said and done, I settled on a good old fashioned pair of...

And my feet thanked me for it. Of the miles and miles I trekked across this gargantuan, sometimes unforgiving City, my feet were never sore for a single second. I can safely say that I'm completely sold on Chucks now. What makes them the ideal walking shoe is the fact that they are completely flat, without the flawed logic that "arch support" is necessary for foot stability.

So, the next time you have to do long hikes around the City, and still want to look fresh ta def, give those old Converse a try!

Well, as you all know, I've just returned from spending some vacation time in good old NYC, the epicentre for the calisthenics movement. The best thing about it is that despite pigging out on all the delectable foods in one of the greatest cities in the world, I came back home looking more lean than I've been in awhile, and even lost a few pounds! How did this happen? Three simple rules that can be applied whenever you are on vacation or at home: 

1. Skipping breakfast. "Breaking the Fast" of course can happen any time of the day, but in this sense, I am referring to the popular usage of eating first thing when you wake up. Seriously, if you are not hungry in the morning, there is no need to force yourself. Periods of daily fasting are known to aid in fat loss. This also limits the chance that you will overeat during the course of the day, since you will not be able to collectively stuff as much in two meals as you would in three. Ideally, you would keep the consumption window at around 8 hours or less if you can. So, if you first break the fast around 1 pm, your last intake of the day should occur no later than 9 pm. Easily attainable.

2. Calisthenics workouts indoors and at the local park right after waking up. Empty stomach workouts are another great way to stimulate that fat burning furnace. Don't worry if you aren't able to do nearly as much as you  normally would at home. When on vacation, all you can really ask for is maintenance, as opposed to actually building new muscle. All I basically did each morning was 3 to 4 total sets of 4 minute Tabata sessions or supersetting alternating upper and lower body exercises (for either 4 minutes or 10 mini-sets apiece, whichever comes first). Total elapsed time = 12 to 16 mins!

3. TONS of WALKING, here, there, and everywhere. NYC is one of the few cities where you can get away without having a car, but this can be easily emulated wherever you live as well. All you need is about 30 minutes of brisk walking per day. Anything extra... you're playing with house money!

And there you have it! This simple plan is certainly more than achievable when on vacation. In the end, you will enjoy your trip much more than you would have otherwise, with ZERO guilt! And as mentioned before, there is no reason why you can't also try this at home!

Just a tiny bit of this above, and you can have all of THIS below and even LOSE WEIGHT!

Lali's Dominicano Beef Stew with Rice and Beans

New York Pizza with the works at John's Pizzeria

Shake Shack... better than In-n-Out?

Taisho Yakitori (Japanese food that is not sushi)

When starting out with an exercise program, many are confused on where to begin. However, there is no need to waste your time and money on any of those fancy, schmancy informercial workouts constantly bombarding your senses. The bottom line is that performing any type of physical activity will yield results. The simplest, and one of the most beneficial exercises of all? Good old fashioned walking and jogging.

While you can certainly hop on the treadmill at your local gym, there are few things more satisfying than soaking in the fresh air while taking a brisk jog or walk around your neighborhood, be it at work or at home. Of course, it is all weather and safety permitting, depending on location.

For those of you looking to start up a simple program to shape up, or even those who are already fit, but want to add a little cardio to the mix, here is a wonderfully illustrated chart depicting a natural progression on the road to being able to jog 30 minutes straight. With varying athletic levels, some may find this program to be too basic, while others may struggle initially.

The point is to go at your own pace. If it's too easy, skip a step or two. If it's too hard, don't move onto the next level until you have successfully completed the current one. With that said, there is no reason why anyone of reasonable health should not be able to perform this program to stellar results. All it takes is 30 minutes or less three times per week over a 9 week period, and that optimum, lean summer figure will be yours to stay. Just make sure to keep it up once the 9 weeks are over!