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Common Cholesterol Misconceptions and Promoting Heart Health

Within our personal training facility we often come across clients with high cholesterol and their main strategy commonly seems to be avoiding all foods with cholesterol and consuming more plant based foods, depending on the contents of these plant based foods it may not be the best strategy for overall health. As personal trainers we try our best to educate our clients and create healthy habits to ensure the long term health and well being of our clients what ever their aesthetic goals may be.  

Cholesterol has long been associated with heart health, and the mainstream medical establishment has often perpetuated certain misconceptions surrounding this vital lipid. In this article, we aim to dispel some of these misconceptions, explain the differences between good and bad cholesterol, shed light on the importance of cholesterol in the body, discuss the damaging effects of vegetable oils on the cardiovascular system, suggest steps to take before considering statins for high cholesterol, and provide a list of natural nutrients, herbs, and supplements that can help manage healthy cholesterol levels.

Differentiating Good and Bad Cholesterol:

One of the most common misconceptions is that all cholesterol is harmful. However, it is important to understand that cholesterol itself is not inherently bad. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, plays a crucial role in transporting excess cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver for processing and removal. On the other hand, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often labelled as “bad” cholesterol, can contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries when present in excessive amounts.

The Importance of Cholesterol in the Body:

Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes, aiding in their stability and fluidity. It is also involved in the production of several vital substances, including hormones like estrogen and testosterone, vitamin D synthesis, and bile acid production. Without cholesterol, our bodies would struggle to function properly.

Vegetable Oils and Their Impact on Cardiovascular Health:

Contrary to popular belief, many vegetable oils marketed as “heart-healthy” may actually have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. Certain vegetable oils, such as those rich in omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., soybean oil, corn oil), when consumed in excess, can cause inflammation in the body, potentially leading to an increased risk of heart disease. Instead, opting for healthier fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil can provide more favourable lipid profiles.

Steps to Take Before Considering Statins for High Cholesterol:

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is crucial to explore non-pharmacological interventions before resorting to statins. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress levels, and quitting smoking, can significantly impact cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized plan.

Natural Nutrients, Herbs, and Supplements for Managing Healthy Cholesterol Levels:

While dietary changes are fundamental, certain natural nutrients, herbs, and supplements may also support healthy cholesterol levels. Some examples include:

Nutrients and Supplements 

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish and grass fed meat (e.g., salmon, mackerel, grass fed beef), omega-3s can help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  • Soluble fibre: Incorporating sources like oats, legumes, fruits (e.g., apples, berries), and vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots) can help lower LDL cholesterol.
  • Plant sterols and stanols: These compounds, found naturally in nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts), seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds) can help reduce LDL cholesterol absorption.
  • Garlic: Known for its potential to modestly decrease LDL cholesterol levels, garlic can be consumed fresh or as a supplement.
  • Coenzyme Q10: Statin medications may deplete levels of CoQ10, so supplementation can help maintain proper levels and support heart health.

Herbs

Arctium lappa 

Commonly known as burdock root, burdock root offers various potential health benefits that may indirectly contribute to cholesterol management.

Antioxidant properties: Burdock root contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can contribute to the progression of heart disease, including high LDL cholesterol levels.

Fibre content: Burdock root is a good source of dietary fibre, which can aid in lowering LDL cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol and promoting its excretion.

Liver support: Burdock root has traditionally been used to support liver health. A healthy liver plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism and production, and supporting liver function may indirectly contribute to healthy cholesterol levels.

Blood sugar regulation: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for overall cardiovascular health. Burdock root has been studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, and better blood sugar control can positively impact cholesterol levels.

Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation is linked to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Burdock root contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against cardiovascular damage and promote heart health.

 

Turmeric

Improves cholesterol metabolism, Research suggests that curcumin may influence cholesterol metabolism by promoting the expression of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis. It may enhance the production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, which can help remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

 

By understanding the misconceptions surrounding cholesterol and implementing lifestyle changes, individuals can take action and charge of their cardiovascular health. Prioritising a heart-healthy diet, avoiding excessive intake of vegetable oils, and considering natural nutrients, herbs, and supplements can all contribute to managing healthy cholesterol levels. However without conscious action of your health and well-being then you will be stuck with taking medication for the rest of your life.

If you are interested in becoming strong, healthy and improving your fitness then contact us to find out how you can begin working with a personal trainer.

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⬇️7.5 Kg at 60 years of age!

Nick has been dealing with a chronic knee injury for quite some time but that hasn’t stopped him from taking control of his health and fitness.

When he began training with coach Jonny he was struggling to walk properly and had the goal of losing some weight.

Nick is one of coach Jonny’s hardest working clients in the gym, and pushes himself every single session however in the early stages his nutrition was letting him down over the weekend.

The inconsistency with his nutrition outside of the gym was keeping his weight stagnant however after this was addressed Nick locked in and was ready was to make the changes necessary.

A plan was made that was realistic for him to allow for him to still have a social life and still hit his targets.

⭐️Lost 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)

⭐️ Can now walk properly with increased strength and stability.

⭐️Increased understanding on how to follow and bespoke training program x 3 sessions per week.

⭐️Deeper understanding of nutrition and how he can still socialise and stay on track.

⭐️Better posture, increased strength and lean muscle mass.

⭐️More enjoyment of his training now he is pain free.

Are you located in the Hale and Altrincham area or close by and wondering how to get started with losing weight and feeling great?

Are you struggling with achieving your health and fitness goals and find that you do not know where to start?

Are you struggling finding the energy to get yourself in the gym?

Contact us and we can get you booked in for a FREE Consultation with our personal training team who can explain to you the steps it will take to get you to where you desire to be. Our personal trainers will guide and coach you along the way helping you to create the habits required for you to have a strong and healthy body and bags of energy.

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Are Low Carb Diets better for losing body fat?

A common belief is that a reduction in the consumption of carbohydrates will directly result in a reduction in body fat. Generally, the rationale behind this, is that less carbohydrates in their diet will result in less insulin, the ‘fat storing hormone’, being released and thereby storing less body fat.

 

In the context of fat loss/gain, caloric intake is important and carbohydrate intake is not.

Although studies have shown that those who consume more sugar gain more weight (Ruanpeng et. al. 2017), these studies do not compare groups consuming high carbohydrate diets and low-moderate carbohydrate diets with equal caloric intakes.

 

When calorie intake is controlled, i.e. both groups consume the same number of calories, differences in weight loss are not significant. (Te Morenga, 2013)

 

Understanding Energy Balance:

This is because weight loss is determined by energy balance. When we consume more calories than we expend then this puts us in a calorie surplus, meaning there is an excess of calories i.e. energy. When this occurs, this surplus of energy is stored as increased weight. Other factors determine how this weight is added. For example, if protein intake is high and someone is regularly resistance training, then more of the added weight is likely to be gained as an increase in muscle tissue. However, if someone is not resistance training, protein intake is low and sleep duration and quality is poor, then the vast majority of this added weight will be an increase in fat mass.

 

Satiety Matters:

People often over consume on calories due to their diet involving many foods that are not satiating. This can be why people have successful results when reducing carbohydrates out of their diet, because their over consumption of calories may be due to their previous diet having many low nutrient, low satiating sources of carbohydrates, such as sweets. Where some people then go wrong, is blaming all carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and fruit, which have been shown to be much more satiating.

 

Overall, selecting meals to consume on your diet when fat loss is your goal, the only significant factors should be calories, protein (amount needed will be determined by your age), satiety (how full it leaves you feeling), nutrient density (the amount of beneficial nutrients in a food) and most importantly, how much you enjoy the meal. This is because adherence to a plan is going to be crucial. If you don’t believe you can eat like this for the rest of your life then it’s simply too strict.

References:

 

  • Ruanpeng, D., Thongprayoon, C., Cheungpasitporn, W., & Harindhanavudhi, T. (2017). Sugar and artificially sweetened beverages linked to obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 110(8), 513-520.
  • Te Morenga, L., Mallard, S., & Mann, J. (2013). Dietary sugars and body weight: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and cohort studies. Bmj, 346.
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PERSONAL TRAINING | CLIENT SUCCESS STORY | RYAN COOPER

Ryan came to us for our personal training services after spending years feeling intimidated to join a gym believing that people would place judgement on him.

He reached out to us at Soma for our personal training services to help him with his body composition goals and with the focus on building some lean muscle mass and improving his posture.

To his own disbelief he never thought that he would actually enjoy his training sessions, due to our coaches professional approach to programming to all of our clients requirements to succeed.

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Personal Training Tips | Do this for BIGGER TRICEPS!

Personal Training Tips: When training our arms we have to consider the anatomical carry angle of the individual. 99.9% of the time the little rope in the gym is not going to cut the mustard unless you have the shoulder width of a 3 year old girl.

Our personal trainers here at Soma Fitness take all of these things into account when programming sessions for our personal training clients. These fine details are what separate the average coaches in most facilities to the high level personal trainers that Soma Fitness provides. If we take you through an exercises we can explain to you the intent behind why we are doing it.

Do this for BIGGER TRICEPS!!!

 

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3 Personal Training Exercises for a Beginner for Building Glutes

As personal trainers we have found that the glutes are for most individuals the biggest muscle in the body, and for most females an area on their body that they have a preference to develop. That said form a performance point of view you want the biggest muscle in your body to be strong and functionally sound.
Many studies have shown the effects of the back squat at simulating hypertrophy at the glutes. The skill set required to perform a squat to the degree necessary to drive output and range of motion to get the glutes into a lengthened to the point of creating sufficient mechanical tension can only really be reached by individuals who have developed the skill of squatting. As you are reading this article, I would presume you are a novice lifter who would benefit from 3 efficient exercises that require an entry level skill set to stimulate your glutes.
I mentioned how great back squats are at building glutes however don’t think it gives you the licence to jump on the rack and start squatting you really have to earn the skill level to squat correctly and have the ability to stay stable enough so that you can use your glutes to squat. The problem most individuals walk into when squatting is going to an anterior pelvic tilt within their squat, this will disadvantage the ability for your glutes to create hip extension and the hamstrings and the adductor magnus will come into play. When you perform a squat and your knees cave in you are likely going to be an individual who will not grow your glutes via squatting in your program, your glutes will not be contributing to the lift for long enough to create a stimuli for them to create the adaptation for them to grow. This does not throw the back squat in the bin for you I just will require some dedicated time practising the skill of the squat and working on your stability around the hips and pelvis.
1) Leg Press – The leg press enables a relatively novice lifter to work the glutes in their lengthened position without requiring the same level of ability as a back squat would. With the external stability of the machine it gives the individual the opportunity to drive enough stimulus through the glutes to drive the growth through the glutes. Studies have also show that we generally see greater responses in muscle hypertrophy in exercises that challenge a muscle within its lengthened position this is more than likely due as it is where we see mechanical tension at its highest. To get the most out of the leg press a tempo to perform the exercise in would be: 2e:2-2c:0 (2e= 2 seconds eccentric:2 seconds hold at the bottom of the eccentric:2c=2 seconds concentric:0 seconds at the top of the concentric).

2) 45 degree back extension (glute dominant) – When done correctly this exercise effectively work the glutes within their shortened position. The key is limiting the range of motion so that you can remain in a posterior tilt of the pelvis throughout driving the hips into the pad as hard as you can squeezing the glute fibres together and contracting the glutes as hard as you can. This can be done with your bodyweight and still be incredibly challenging when the intent of maintaining the pelvis in that stable posterior tilt and contracting the glute fibres as hard as you can all the way throughout the movement. Some may argue that you are not working the full range of motion of the exercise however this article is for people who are looking to grow glutes and challenge the glutes with enough stimulus to elicit a hypertrophy adaptation, not a mindless pursuit of movement with no true stimulation. The great thing about this exercise is that it requires minimal set up time and you can really push the glutes to failure to stimulate enough metabolic stress and drive your glutes to grow. Comparing this exercise with the barbell hip thrust, which also works the glutes in its shortened position would be the inefficiency of time to set up the hip thrust. 3 mins to set up and 3 mins to clear your equipment away in that time you would have finished your sets on the 45 degree back extension, and more than likely pushed your glutes further into a state of fatigue and moved on to your next exercise hence why I would tend to go for the efficiency of the 45 degree back extension over the barbell hip thrust. Tempo considerations: 2c:2-1e:0

3) Trap Bar Deadlift – The trap bar deadlift would be my hip hinging movement of choice for a novice lifter, the technical requirements are so much less than a conventional deadlift or an RDL. The trap bar deadlift will also exert less force through the lumbar spine than a conventional deadlift but you still get a lot of glute stimulation. If you are a novice lifter who does not have the skill proficiency to squat and your goal is to have a good squat, its more than likely that you will need to work develop the skill requirements for a conventional deadlift also. The position you get into with the trap bar is a lot more upright than a conventional deadlift and may have some carry over to the progression of the barbell back squat as well as the conventional deadlift. It can teach you to keep your pelvis stable and how to brace from hip flexion to hip extension, as you are starting from a concentric phase where people usually break down within a squat which begins in the eccentric. Tempo considerations 1c:2-2e:2

In addition to these 3 movements I would add some unilateral lower body movements to your program on a consistent basis:

– Single leg RDLs
– Split Squat variations
– Lunge variations
– Hip airplane

If the goal is to grow your glutes the journey does not end with these 3 exercises however myself and many other experienced lifters use these movements as a staple in their training programs. Progressing your lifts to more advanced lifts once you have developed the skill prerequisites to perform them rather than fast tracking to exercises that may be more counterproductive for you due to your level of proficiency, this is probably the number one mistakes I see novice lifters make.

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Thinking about hiring a personal trainer? What can we do for you? – VIDEO

Our personal training coaches here at Soma Fitness can help you overcome all the problems you need solving around your health and fitness goals. Our coaches can help take care of all the areas that require you to succeed:

– Structured training programs tailored toward your goals and your lifestyle.

– Bespoke nutritional plans to fit your requirements and your goals.

– Coaching of correct exercise execution, training is a skill it’s not just about throwing weights around, make your workouts more efficient and effective.

– Improve lifestyle habits that may be hindering your progress.

– Build confidence within your body.

– Feel stronger and healthier.

Contact us to book in your FREE consultation with one of our coaches

 

 

 

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Personal Training Client Testimonial – Paul Richards Moto Racer Gets Back On His Bike

Paul Richards began his personal training journey with his personal trainer at Soma Fitness originally for some strength and conditioning for his moto racing. After having an accident on his bike and sustaining bad injury, he worked with us to rehabilitate himself and he decided to retire from the sport. After getting back to pre injury condition Paul achieved his body composition goals and is now stronger more muscular and leaner than ever and is back racing his bike again. A true success story that we have been honoured to be a part of here at Soma.

If you would like to achieve more, improve your physique and overall health contact us and book in your FREE consultation with one of our coaches.

Here what Paul had to say about his personal training experience at Soma Fitness:

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Personal Trainers Top 60+ Resistance Band Exercises (VIDEO)

Resistance bands are a great tool to increase the difficulty level of any exercise when you have the knowledge of application. Resistance bands are also portable and can be used anywhere, I personally take a bag of resistance bands with me whenever I go on holiday so I can get some physical activity done and really challenged my muscles without the need of weights or a gym .
Another great thing about resistance bands compared to a dumbbell or a barbell is that the resistance increases as you stretch the resistance band this accommodates the tension throughout the whole movement allowing you to maximise the contractile ability off your muscle at the point where if using a dumbbell the tension would drop off.
resistance bands are easy to access and very affordable. I hope you enjoy the video and please if you do like the video please click like on the video and feel free to share with any family or friends.

RESISTANCE BAND EXERCISES

1. Squat
2. Front Squat
3. Band Behind the head squat
4. Zercher Squat
5. RDL – Hips
6. RDL – Hamstrings
7. Single leg RDL 1
8. Single leg RDL 2
9. Single leg RDL 3
10. Good morning
11. Zercher Good mornings
12. Banded Spilt Squats 1
13. Hip hinge with band on hips
14. Bulgarian Split Squats 1
15. Bulgarian Split Squats 2
16. Swings
17. Glute bridge
18. Single Leg Glute Bridge
19. Frog Bridge
20. Lateral walks
21. Resistance band press ups wide grip
22. Close grip press ups
23. Resistance band pec fly
24. Resistance Band Floor Press
25. Floor Press with broom
26. Single Arm External Rotations
27. Double Arm External Rotations
28. Lateral raise
29. 10 o’clock, 2 o’clock Frontal Raise
30. Frontal raise
31. Bent over single arm rear delt fly
32. Shoulder press
33. Single arm shoulder press
34. Punch press
35. Cuban Press
36. Upright row
37. Seated Row
38. Seated single arm row
39. Bent over row
40. Single Arm Pull Down
41. Single Arm Pakulski Row
42. Straight arm Pull down
43. Face Pull
44. Face Pull to Y Press
45. Pull Aparts
46. Supinated Pull Aparts
47. Single arm tricep extension
48. Double arm Tricep extension
49. Double arm bent over Tricep extension
50. Skull Crushers
51. Hammer Curls
52. Bicep Curls
53. Reverse curls
54. Concentration Curls
55. Preacher Curls
56. Pallof Press
57. Saxon Bend
58. Banded Dead Bugs
59. Kneeling abdominal crunch
60. Side Bends
61. Banded Chop
62. Banded Rotation

62 Resistance Band Exercises Video

If you feel like your training has become stagnant since the lockout a number of our clients have been keeping the momentum going by doing one on one virtual personal training sessions using Zoom or FaceTime. If you would like any help in getting an effective training schedule organised, please contact us.

Wishing you all a very happy Easter weekend, Stay strong, stay positive, keep active, and don’t eat too many Easter eggs.

Much Love,

Stelios

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HOME PERSONAL TRAINING – MOBILITY AND BREATH WORK

MOBILITY ROUTINE

A daily mobility routine is strongly recommended for anyone who wants to get the most out of their body and performance. We all focus on getting stronger and fitter and mobility often gets neglected. I would suggest going through a mobility routine before every training session that you participate in. You can also do this on days where you do not train as active recovery.

1) Squat to stand 10 reps

2) Hamstring Stretch 10 reps

3) Groiners/mountain position Internal into external rotations 10 per side

4) Groiners/mountain climbers 10 per leg

5) Cat cow 10 reps

6) Shoulder blade retractions 10 reps

7) Pec Stretch 10 reps

8) Lat Stretch into Cobra 10 reps

9) Prone Dynamic Blackburns into handcuffs 10 reps

10) Frog Stretch 10 reps

11) Pigeon Stretch 10 reps per leg

12) Trunk rotations 20 reps

13) Lying Side Thoracic Rotations 10 per side

BREATHING EXERCISE

Sit or lay down in a comfortable position, either on your back, in a chair or on the floor with your legs crossed.

NASAL BREATHS

INHALE for 5 seconds

HOLD the inhale for 5 seconds

EXHALE for 5 seconds

HOLD the exhale for 5 seconds

REPEAT THE PROCESS FOR 5 MINS

You can build up too 10 mins and you can do this (I personally do 8 minutes in the morning and eight minutes in the evening when I jump on my magnetic resonance mat):

– First thing in the morning which helps energise you for the start of your day.

– After a workout which helps get your body into rest and recovery mode and shifts your nervous system from sympathetic into parasympathetic.

– Before bed again shifting your body into rest and recovery mode and getting you into your parasympathetic nervous system.

– When you are feeling stressed and anxious, when we are stressed or anxious our body is in sympathetic fight or flight mode doing some deep breathing and following this breathing protocol helps to shift your body into parasympathetic rest and recovery mode.

Mobility and breathing exercises when done regularly and within a weekly/daily routine, Will carry over on everything you do throughout the day and any physical endeavours that you may participate in. You really feel the benefits when you stop doing the routine for a while you will then realise how much of a positive impact it has on you.

Let me know how you guys get on and if you have any questions please let me know.

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