Denver Personal Training from Jason Stone

Great Protein Alternative

Bad Protein

Years ago I wrote an article that I was getting away from (whey, egg, and of course soy) protein powder supplementation. The daily ritual of a morning protein shake along with breakfast and then a shake immediately after my workouts started to make me sick.  I was getting bloated, gassy, gut inflammation, and other digestive issues.  You name it, I felt it.

Finally 

After 5 years I found something I believe in.  As a quick protein supplement immediatley after your workouts or even as a meal replacement.

 

Not only do they have the most amazing flavors with almost no sugar, the products even taste great with water as the mixer.  The protein is derived a 100% from plant based sources.  We all know unless you are vegetarian most people get 99% of their daily protein from non-plant based sources.  

I don't endorse many products but VEGA Protein is AWESOME!!  If you are outside of Denver, Vega products can be ordered online or store bought at health food stores like Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods.  If you are in the Denver area and interested in trying any of the Vega products I can send you samples, and even order the products for you.

Jason Stone

Benefits of a Cold Water Shower

Annual Polar Bear plunges are traditions all across the world.  In the US we associate cold water swimming with bikinis, shorts, or sometimes completely nude, sprinting into a partly frozen lake .  Although these swims are riduculous to some people, the origins of these ice swimming practices are recorded all the way back to history in Russia, China, India, and Scandinavian countries.  The cold shower is an ancient practice in India known as Ishnaan which is said to cleanse the inner organs and improve overall health.  Whatever the reasons there are many studies showing the healing effects on ones body with a daily cold shower or bath.  

Benefits of a Cold Shower

• Improved Circulation - cold water on the skin brings blood to the capillaries, increasing circulation throughout the body
• Increased Energy - cold water can help increase blood flow to the body helping to increase energy and mood
• Decreases Depression - improving circulation with cold water will boost your mood and relieve physical and mental stress
• Healther Skin and Hair - warm water washes away natural oils on the skin, cold water helps retain these natural oil, helping the hydration of the skin
• Increased Testosterone - cold showers help stimulate the production of testosterone, also improving sexual function and strength.  Studies also show cold water increase sperm production.
• Flushes Organs of Waste by products - cold water cleans the circulatory system and blood supply, providing flushing for the internal organs.  Muscle tissue also contract, helping to eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes.
• Improved Immunity - cold showers can increase your metabolic rate and immune system, it effects the immune system by strengthing your mucous membrane, helping to combat allergies, colds, and hay fever.
• Better Sleep - cold water helps to lower core body temperture and lowers the release of cortisol, helping with sleep and better fat loss, studies suggest taking a cold shower an hour before bedtime

 

Jason Stone Fitness

January Ironman Challenge

Happy New Year 2011!!  I am going to surprise you all with the challenge of completing an Ironman this year, actually better yet, this month.  Ok I am joking, I would like to challenge everyone to completing the actual distances and events of an Ironman. There is a catch; you have the entire month to complete it. You can break up the total anyway you would like but it has to be completed with exercise logs turned in by February 5th.  An Ironman consist of :

Swim 2.4 Miles  (154.4 laps in a 25 meter pool)

Bike 112 Miles  (can ride on a stationary bike or bike outside if weather permits)

Run 26.2 Miles   (can run on a treadmill or outside)

If you do not have access to a pool I will allow you to exchange the swim portion for 25,000 meters on an indoor rower, add 13 miles to the run total, or add 56 miles to the bike total.  I really would like to encourage everyone to try and swim the 2.4 miles.  For everyone the most challenging skill will be the swim.

There is an incentive for completing this challenge.  I am going to give away a few prizes with only one catch.  You have to provide me with detailed exercise logs.

Prizes will be:

1^st Place  $100 Gift Card to Lululemon or Sports Authority

2^nd Place $50 Gift Card to Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottage

3^rd Place  $25 Gift Card to Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottage

 

Results will be determined based on completion time and date, age, and fitness level. 

Good Luck Everyone and Happy New Year!

 

Jason Stone

Jasonstonefitness.com

 

 

Best 24 Hour Fitness Membership Prices

I always keep me ears open to the best deals on anything related to fitness.  I was surprised to find out the best deal for a 24 Hour Fitness All Club Membership was actually from Costco.  I pay $33.00 a month for my wife to have this membership which breaks down to $396 per year.  Costco sells the same exact membership for $299 for two years.  This ends up being $12.45 a month, a huge saving.  If you go into 24 Hour Fitness they will not honor this deal so you have to cancel your current membership and then purchase a new membership contract from Costco.  A pain in the ASS, but well worth the savings.

 

Jason Stone Fitness

 

Click the link below to find the Costco page online, even if you don't have a Costco membership you can purchase online for $315

Costco 24 Hour Fitness Membership