Nutrition: Black Bean Pancakes

Nutrition: Black Bean Pancakes

Recipe 1-2 scoop of vanilla/chocolate protein powder * 1/3 cup of drained, unsalted black beans ** 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder 1 tablespoon of dark cocoa powder 1 egg white 1/3 cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk ***

Substitution Items * I suggest sticking with vanilla/chocolate protein because flavors like "Tropical Punch" taste weird in a pancake. ** If you don't like beans, replace with Whole Wheat Flour *** You can use soy/dairy milk if you wish

Directions Add 1-2 scoops of Vanilla or Chocolate Protein Powder to a mixing bowl. *** I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey - Extreme Milk Chocolate flavor. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder Add a tablespoon of dark cocoa powder Add 1/3 cup of drained, unsalted black beans Add 1 egg white Add a 1/3 cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk ***Optional: Unsweetened coconut flakes ***Optional: A couple pinches of Stevia ***Optional: Ground psyllium powder for extra fiber Blend all ingredients well Heat a pan coated in olive oil or non-stick spray Cook pancakes using your normal method Makes about 3 large, thin pancakes Enjoy.

Review Black beans are high in fiber, protein, vitamin B6 and antioxidants. When eaten with brown rice, its a complete protein and extremely useful for vegetarians. The pancakes hold together well and taste like normal flour pancakes. If you like your pancakes sweet be sure to add Stevia. You can also alternately play with your black bean to flour ratio.

Workout: Abdominal Workout 1

Equipment Used: Balance/Stability Ball Soft ground area / Yoga Mat Flat Bench / Flat Surface A light, medium and heavy dumbbell Highly recommended:Medicine Ball (weighted)

Abdominal Workout #1

Get Fab Abs!!! Everyone wants that flat stomach but the icing on the cake is to build up a set of defined ab muscles. The expression "Abs are made in the kitchen" is very true however. No matter how much ab work you put in, if you are not down to a certain body fat percentage, your abs won't show. So make sure to diet properly so that your nutrition doesn't cover your six pack with a layer of fat. This circuit is comprised of all ab exercises to help build up that six pack. Working your abs/core is different than building up other muscle groups. Abs in general have a quicker recovery period that other muscles so we want to limit our rests between sets. You also want to make sure to focus on form and breathing. Perform the exercises deliberately engaging your core and flexing your abs. Make sure to engage your abs on the negative of each exercise too. Squeeze those abs and breathe out at the peak of each exercise rep. You're only cheating yourself if you only put in half-hearted reps!

SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup Walk Outs V-Ups Oblique Crunches Bench Knee Raises Plank Superset Scissor Kick into Bicycles Superset Squat Thrusts into High Knee Superset

Stretch / Warmup Loosen your muscles (both upper/lower body). Stretch out and hydrate.

1 - Walk Outs Click For Video Example Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Bend at the waist and roll down until your fingertips touch the floor in front of your toes. Walk your hands forward, keeping your feet stationary, as you release the bend in your back. Walk until your legs are lowered and your arms are in pushup position, then reverse directions. Walk your hands back to starting position. Repeat 5-10 reps for 3 sets. Optional: You can start on your knees instead of on your feet.

2 - V-Ups Video Example Lie supine with hands on floor over head. Hold a stability ball with your feet. Simultaneously raise straight legs and torso. Reach toward raised feet and grab the stability ball. Return to starting position but hold the ball with your hands instead of feet. Repeat the motion but when your reach toward your legs, place the ball back in between your feet. Repeat for as many reps as possible for 3 sets. Optional: If the stability ball is too hard, you can leave it out & just reach for your feet each rep. Optional: If the stability ball is too easy, use a slightly weighted stability ball or medicine ball.

3 - Oblique Crunches Video Example Sit on the stability ball and walk your feet out and spreading them as wide as you can. As wide as you feel comfortable with your hips and bring your hands up behind your head. You're going to alternate twisting from side to side trying to bring the elbow up towards the opposite thigh or knee. Each time that you come back, you want to come back as deep as you can so that your shoulder blades will touch the edge of the ball each time. Get the full range of motion coming through and focus on squeezing those obliques each rep. Repeat for at least 15 reps each side for 3 sets.

4 - Bench Knee Raises Video Example Sit near the end of a flat surface (flat bench or similar). Lean back slightly and hold the sides of the flat bench. Place your legs together and extend them out in front of the end of the bench. Perform reps by bending your knees and pulling them in toward your chest while leaning forward. Release by leaning back into starting position and extending your legs back out. Repeat 15+ reps for 3 sets.

5 - Plank Superset A - Plank Click For Video Example Drop down onto a soft ground surface. Get face down to the ground, resting on the forearms w/ palms flat on the floor. Push off the floor, raising onto your toes and rest on your elbows. Keep your back flat and form a straight line from head to heels. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle. Hold for 20 to 60 seconds to complete a rep. Lower onto your knees to rest. Move into Side Planks immediately after. B - Side Plank Click For Video Example Still on the ground, turn to the side. Lift your body off the ground and balance on one forearm and the side of your foot. Contract your abdominals and relax your shoulders. Hold for 20 to 60 seconds to complete a rep. Then switch sides & hold again for an equal amount of time. Repeat the entire superset 3 times.

6 - Scissor Kick into Bicycles Superset A - Scissor Kick Click For Video Example Find a soft surface and lie down. Tilt your head forward so it is slighty off the ground. Place your hands under your butt to support your lower back. Raise both your feet off the ground a few inches w/ your legs out straight. Now raise your left leg to a 45 degree angle while leaving the right leg out straight. Lower the left leg, keep it straight and then raise the opposite leg 45 degrees. Repeat and alternate to perform reps. After completing reps, move into Ab Bicycles. Perform at least 10 kicks per leg. B - Bicycles Click For Video Example In the same lying position as flutter kicks, place both hands behind your raised head. We will instead bring your left knee in toward right elbow and attempt to make them touch. Keep your right leg out straight. Return to the start position & perform a rep w/ the other leg. Repeat and alternate to complete multiple reps. Perform at least 15 cycles, focusing on form and then repeat the entire superset at least 3 times.

7 - Squat Thrusts into High Knee Superset A - Squat Thrusts Video Example Get down on the ground into a push-up position. To perform a rep you want to bring both feet simultaneously toward your hands by bending your legs and "jumping" your feet forward. Once forward, jump both feet back so that you return to your original push-up position. Perform at least 10 thrusts and then move onto high knees. leg. B - High Knee Click For Video Example Get into a standing position with feet shoulder width apart. You want to start running in place but bringing your knees very high, at least up to the start of your torso. At the same time, take your elbows and alternate bringing them down to meet the opposite knee (right elbow to left raised knee then left elbow to right raised knee). Perform high knees for at least 20 seconds (or until too fatigued). Repeat the entire superset at least 3 times.

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Nutrition: Veggie Quiche

Nutrition: Veggie Quiche

Recipe 2 Pre-Made Pie Crust 1 cup chopped Faux Chicken * 1/2 head of broccoli (chopped) 2 handfuls of spinach 1 handful of green onions (chopped) 2 carrot (grated) 2 tbsp minced garlic About 9 eggs 1 cup Soy Cheese ** 1 cup Goat Cheese *** Optional: 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, etc) Optional: 1 tbsp Flour

Substitution Items * Can substitute in cooked firm tofu or even real meat (ground beef/turkey, cubed/shredded chicken, etc.) We use stuff like this ** Can use real cheese here but we use this. *** Can leave this out but the quiche seems to hold together better leaving it in

Directions Look at the pie-crust instructions and pre-heat oven to that temperature. Pre-cook crust for 12 minutes. Cook your faux meat, tofu or real meat until its done. Chop/cube it into smaller pieces. *** Can season to your liking with Mrs Dash, Creole seasoning, salt, etc. We just sautee with garlic & little Mrs Dash. Heat a large skillet with some olive oil. Add the green onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes. Now add your chopped broccoli and grated carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies go a little soft. Stir often. During the last minute of cooking, stir in some spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from heat. Add in your chopped faux meat, soy cheese and goat cheese. Stir the mixture. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture into your pie crusts until they are full (you may have leftover, just eat it). Crack open your eggs into a bowl and whisk. *** Can season to your liking with Mrs Dash, Creole seasoning, salt, etc. We leave it plain though. Slowly pour the eggs into each pie crust until the mixture within the crust is saturated with eggs (careful not to spill). Bake at about 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until you see the quiche is set. Once finished, set the quiche out for about 5 mintues to cool before diving in. Enjoy.

Review The recipe is very simple and tastes great. It also requires very little prep time and can be done in a hurry if you have pre-cut veggies. It reheats well but is also good as cold leftovers. Since it has a pie crust, you can eat a slice on-the-go with no utensils (watch out for crumbs though).

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 4

Equipment Used: Timer One pair of dumbbells Soft ground area for push-ups/sit-ups Park Bench or flat area of similar height Optional: Slightly lighter weight pair of dumbbells Highly recommended:Water source / Shade

Tip: This workout is outside, designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out parks near you. *** Directions to the park we use is at the bottom of the page. (Mueller Lake Park)

Tip: At least here in Texas, it's hot as hell outside. Bring water and snack bars to keep your energy up. As always, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest.

Circuit #4

SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup Walking Lunges into Push-Up Superset High Knees into Bent Over Rows Superset Burpees Bicep Curls into Wall Sit Superset Tricep Kickbacks into Plank Superset Mountain Climbers Squats into Shoulder Press Superset Reverse Ab Crunch into Reverse Fly Superset Squat Jumps Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups Optional: Relay Runs Optional: 1-2 mile warm down run/walk

Circuit #4 - HIIT Style

We kept with the high-intensity style workout but tried to balance muscle groups better. Each superset should contain at least two groups to allow you to hit it harder. Instead of counting reps, we use a countdown timer and try to burn out as many reps as possible in the allotted time. For supersets, perform as many reps as possible for the 1st exercise in 30 seconds. Without rest, move onto the next exercise in the superset and knock out reps of that for 30 seconds. That will complete one "set". Rest 30 seconds and repeat for two more sets. Be sure to drop weight and/or exercise difficulty level if you find it hard to complete reps the entire time. The main focus is to be actively working the entire time period and not rest. For the compound movements (#3/6/9), perform as many reps as possible in 30 seconds. Again, you want to be moving the entire time so even if you get fatigued, keep moving and perform the exercise in a slower, more deliberate fashion. Focusing on form. The exercises used are a reconfiguration of previous circuits so you can review those posts for more detail on each. A quick list of video examples are provided below to refresh your memory on any exercises.

Examples

Walking Lunges: Video Example Push-Up: Click For Video Example High Knees: Click For Video Example Bent Over Rows: Click For Video Example Burpees: Click For Video Example Bicep Curls: Video Example Wall Sit: Click For Video Example Tricep Kickbacks: Click For Video Example Plank: Click For Video Example Mountain Climbers: Click For Video Example Squats: Click For Video Example Shoulder Press: Click For Video Example Reverse Ab Crunch: Click For Video Example Reverse Fly: Click For Video Example Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example Pull-Ups: Video Example (Assisted)

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

DIRECTIONS The closest intersection is at the edge of the park. Map to the following intersection: Simond Ave & Mattie St, Austin TX 78723

FROM NORTH AUSTIN Head South on I-35 *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would Take the exit toward 51st Street Merge onto I-35 Frontage Rd Turn left onto E 51st St Turn right onto Mueller Blvd *** Once on Mueller, Seton Hospital will be to your right At the traffic circle, make a left onto Aldrich St Make the first right onto Simond Ave Go to the 2nd driveway entrance *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street

FROM SOUTH AUSTIN Head North on I-35 *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would Take the exit toward Airport Blvd (237A) Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Airport Blvd S/TX-111 Loop E and merge onto TX-111 Loop S/Airport Blvd Turn left onto Aldrich St *** Should be first major stoplight At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Aldrich St Make the first right onto Simond Ave Go to the 2nd driveway entrance *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 3

Equipment Used: Timer One pair of dumbbells Soft ground area for push-ups/sit-ups Park Bench or flat area of similar height Optional: Slightly lighter weight pair of dumbbells/li> Optional: Pull-Up bars Highly recommended: Water source / Shade

Tip: This workout is outside, designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out parks near you. *** Directions to the park we use are at the bottom of the page. (Mueller Lake Park)

Tip: At least here in Texas, it's hot as hell outside. Bring water and snack bars to keep your energy up. As always, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest.

Circuit #3 - HIIT Style

"Superset to make 'em sweat!!!" The circuit has been getting stale so we decided to switch things up and go for a more high-intensity style workout. Instead of counting reps, we use a countdown timer and try to burn out as many reps as possible in the allotted time. For supersets, perform as many reps as possible for the 1st exercise in 15 seconds. Without rest, move onto the next exercise in the superset and knock out reps of that for 15 seconds. That will complete one "set". Rest 30 seconds and repeat for two more sets. Be sure to drop weight and/or exercise difficulty level if you find it hard to complete reps the entire time. The main focus is to be actively working the entire time period and not rest. For the compound movements (#3/6/9), perform as many reps as possible in 30 seconds. Again, you want to be moving the entire time so even if you get fatigued, keep moving and perform the exercise in a slower, more deliberate fashion. Focusing on *** INTENSITY TIP: If you find the circuit too easy initially, make sure you are doing the weighted and/or most advanced version of each exercise. If you already are then increase the length within the superset to 30 seconds per exercise but do not increase the rest time. So do 30 seconds of part "A" and then immediately into 30 seconds of part "B". You can also optionally increase the time spent compound movements up to one full minute. BEAST MODE: ON

SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warm-up Seated Bicep Curls into Reverse Flys High Knees into Shoulder Press Burpees Bent Over Rows into Triceps Kickbacks Static Lunges into Wall Sit Mountain Climbers Push-Ups into Plank Lying Kicks/Bicycles into Chest Press/Fly Squat Jumps (or Box Jumps/Step-Ups) Optional: Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups Optional: 1-2 mile warm down run/walk

Stretch / Warm-up Loosen your muscles (both upper/lower body). Stretch out and hydrate.

1 - Seated Bicep Curls into Reverse Flys Superset A - Seated Bicep Curls Click For Video Example Get seated on a park bench or similarly raised flat area. Grab one dumbbell and lean over slightly with your legs open wide. Place your arm with the dumbbell inside of your leg with the back of your elbow resting against your inner thigh. Start completing reps of curls. After 15 seconds, grab your other dumbbell and immediately start Reverse Flys. B - Reverse Flys Click For Video Example After completing your curls, remain seated on the bench. Grab your other dumbbell, place your legs tightly together and scoot up to the edge of the bench. Lean all the way over until your chest is touching your legs. Start with your dumbbells under your legs and complete reps of reverse flys. Complete as many reps as you can for the remaining 15 seconds. C - Rest 30 seconds Repeat the entire superset at least three times w/ rest in between sets.

2 - High Knees into Shoulder Press Superset A - High Knees Click For Video Example With no weights in hand but nearby, stand up straight w/ your feet shoulder-width apart. Begin an exaggerated in-place run, making sure to bring your knees as high as possible into your torso area. Maintain this running motion for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, bend down and grab your weights, moving into Shoulder Presses. B - Shoulder Press Click For Video Example After completing your high knees, grab your weights and remain standing. Move the dumbbells into position near your head with your arms bent at a 90 degree angle facing upward. We will push the dumbbells upward into the sky until they touch at the top to perform a rep. Knock out as many reps as you can for 15 seconds. C - Rest 30 seconds Repeat the entire superset at least three times w/ minimal rest in between sets.

3 - Burpees Click For Video Example Stand up with feet shoulder-width apart and plenty of clear space around you. With no weights in hand we want to first drop down from a standing position into a crouched position. Knees bent and your hands on the ground and a little more than shoulder width apart. While crouched, kick both legs back and have your legs rest on your toes so that you're in a push-up position. Perform one push-up. Bring your legs back toward your hands and scoot your feet forward so that you are crouching again. Now stand up quickly and push your body to jump off the ground a few inches. Stretch your arms into the sky as you jump. This completes a rep. When you land, start into the burpee motions again. Repeat as many reps as possible within 30 seconds. This completes a set. Rest 30 seconds and repeat. Knock out at least three sets w/ minimal rest between sets.

4 - Bent Over Rows into Triceps Kickbacks Superset A - Bent Over Rows Click For Video Example Stand with your feet fairly close together. Bend your knees slightly and bend over at a 45 degree angle with your back straight. Grasp your dumbbells with wide overhand grip and place them close together, hanging down in front of you. Pull your arms back and pull your dumbbells up toward your shoulders. Since you are bent over and have the dumbbells overhand, your elbows should bow out away from your body at about 90 degrees. Keep bending your elbows until they pass the angle created by your back. Return to starting position to complete a rep. Complete as many reps as possible within 15 seconds then start Triceps Kickbacks. B - Triceps Kickbacks Click For Video Example Stand in the same bent over position as you would for Rows. This time start with your elbows tucked in close to your body and your arms bent upward. Your weights should rest near your shoulders in a position similar to having ski poles tucked under your armpit. To perform a rep you want to slowly swing both weights around, downward and then back until both warms are fully extended and slightly behind our backs. Return to starting position to complete a rep. Perform as many reps as possible in the remaining 15 seconds. C - Rest 30 seconds Repeat the entire superset at least three times w/ minimal rest in between sets.

5 - Static Lunges into Wall Sit Superset A - Static Lunges Click For Video Example Stand with one foot forward and the other one back, about 3ft apart. You can optionally hold dumbbells in each hand to make it more challenging. Bend your knees to lower your body toward the ground. Your rear knee should touch (or come close to) the ground. Your front knee should bend but make sure it doesn't move in front of your toes. Once lowered, push through your front heel to return to the raised position and make sure to keep your torso straight. Perform as many lunges as you can for 15 seconds. B - Wall Sit Click For Video Example Find a wall, pole or other vertical surface, turn around and face your back to it. Push your hips, lower back and shoulders against a flat, vertical surface. Walk your feet out so that you can lower your body down until your legs are at a 90 degree angle. Push through your heels. You can have rest your hands behind your head, on your hips, at your sides or on your thighs. If the exercise is too hard, raise your legs so that they are slightly wider than 90 degrees. If the exercise is too easy, you can hold weights in one or both hands to increase difficulty. Hold for 15 seconds. C - Rest 30 seconds Repeat the entire superset at least three times w/ minimal rest in between sets. Alternate the rear leg each set for the lunges.

6 - Mountain Climbers Click For Video Example Get down into a push-up position. With your hands planted the entire time, bring one knee forward toward your chest and rest on the balls of your toes. To perform a rep, simultaneously pull your other knee toward your chest while kicking the leg with the bent knee backwards into a straight position. Essentially switching places. Repeat as many reps as possible within 30 seconds. This completes a set. Rest 30 seconds and repeat. Knock out at least three sets w/ minimal rest between sets.

7 - Push-Ups into Plank Superset A - Push-Up Click For Video Example Find a soft area to kneel down. Get into the front leaning rest position w/ your legs extended. Start completing reps of push-ups. After 15 seconds, get back onto your knees and move immediately into the Plank. B - Plank Click For Video Example After completing your push-ups, remain on the ground. Get face down to the ground, resting on the forearms w/ palms flat on the floor. Push off the floor, rising onto your toes and rest on your elbows. Keep your back flat and form a straight line from head to heels. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle. Hold for 15 seconds to finish the set. C - Rest 30 seconds Repeat the entire superset at least three times w/ minimal rest in between sets.

8 - Lying Kicks/Bicycles into Chest Press/Fly Superset A - Lying Kicks/Bicycles Click For Video Example Find a soft surface and lie down. Tilt your head forward so it is slightly off the ground. Place your hands under your butt to support your lower back. Raise both your feet off the ground a few inches w/ your legs out straight. Now raise your left leg to a 45 degree angle while leaving the right leg out straight. Lower the left leg, keep it straight and then raise the opposite leg 45 degrees. Repeat and alternate to perform reps. Maintain reps for 15 seconds. Optional: If you do not like flutter kicks, lie on your back and perform the following: Optional Video Example. In the same lying position as flutter kicks, place both hands behind your raised head. We will instead bring your left knee in toward right elbow and attempt to make them touch. Keep your right leg out straight. Return to the start position & perform a rep w/ the other leg. Repeat and alternate to complete multiple reps. B - Chest Press/Fly Click For Video Example While still lying on the ground after your kicks/bicycles, grab two dumbbells. Lie flat on your back and place your arms at 90 degrees, holding the weights in the air. Press them upward and extend your arms straight until the weights touch. Then return to your 90 degree position. Perform as many reps as possible in the remaining 15 seconds. Optional: If you prefer, you can lie on your back and perform the following: Optional Video Example. In the same position as chest presses you want to have your forearms at a 45 degree angle or lower with respect to the ground. Weights in hand you will bring both weights together over your chest, slowly swinging your arms up in a semi-circular motion. Return to the starting position to perform a rep. *** Intensity Tip: With either the press or the fly, you can perform leg raises while doing your chest exercise to hit your abs simultaneously. C - Rest 30 seconds Repeat the entire superset at least three times w/ minimal rest in between sets. Alternate the rear leg each set for the lunges.

9 - Squat Jumps (or Box Jumps/Step-Ups) Click For Video Example Get into a standing squat position, feet a little bit more than shoulder-width apart. You will squat down, bending your knees and lowering your butt down as if sitting in a chair. Bend your arms and bring your hands upward and toward you as you squat. Once fully lowered, explode back up through a standing position. Pushing through your heels and jump off the ground while extending your arms over your head into the air. Repeat as many reps as possible within 30 seconds. This completes a set. Rest 30 seconds and repeat. Knock out at least three sets w/ minimal rest between sets. Optional: If you don't like squat jumps or become fatigued before the set is complete, perform the following: Optional Video Example Find a sturdy, raised surface that can support your weight. Stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart. Jump onto the raised surface, pause a second and then either step, fall or jump back down. Repeat to perform reps. Optional: If you can't do squat/box jumps or become fatigued before the set is complete, perform the following: Optional Video Example. Alternating each leg, step up onto the raised surface and then bring your trailing leg up beside it. Step down carefully with each leg and repeat. *** Intensity Tip: If you find squat jumps to easy you can step it up by throwing in split squats between squat jump reps. You can view an example of how to do split squats here: Optional Video Example Like a squat jump, explode into the air but land in a lunge position with one leg to the rear and the corresponding knee close to the ground (do not touch the ground). Jump back into the air and alternate your rear leg. This completes a rep. Throw in a few reps of these between jump squats to mix things up. *** Intensity Tip: If you find squat jumps to easy you can perform them with weights in hand. Since you have to carry weights, you may have to change your squat jump form to accommodate the weight and not hurt yourself. A common method to squat jump with weights is to perform a "Sumo" squat jump. An example can be found here: Optional Video Example You want to grab a dumbbell and hold it with both hands vertically by one end. Your legs should be more than shoulder-width apart with your toes pointed slightly outward. Your arms should be fully extended downward in front of you, holding the weight centered. When you squat, attempt to touch the bottom of the weight to the ground while bending your knees and not your back. Try to stay upright as much as possible and don't bend over too much. Your legs should be doing the work. Touch the weight to the ground, push through your heels and then explode back up, jumping off the ground slightly. The height on your weighted sumo squat jump will be smaller than a normal squat jump.

10 - Optional Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups Video Example (Assisted) Find a set of pull-up bars (if none available, skip this exercise or perform Delt Rows off a park bench). Perform as many pull/chin-ups as you can un-assisted. If a workout partner or sturdy cooler is available, perform as many assisted pull/chin-ups as possible. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: If no pull-up bars are available, perform the following: Delt Rows Video Example Optional: You can use a lower hanging pull-up bar and a sturdy cooler to perform assisted pull/chin-ups. Optional: If you have a friend available, you can bend your knees and have a friend assist you by pulling up on your knees.

11 - Optional Run If you're still up for it, either walk or jog a short 1/4 to 1/2 mile course around the park. Walk the entire route to cool down or if you're not tired yet, perform alternating sprints and jogs every 1/8 mile. Walk it out an extra 1/8 mile at the end to cool down after. Optional: You can hit the sidewalk and follow it around for a 2 mile course.

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

DIRECTIONS The closest intersection is at the edge of the park. Map to the following intersection: Simond Ave & Mattie St, Austin TX 78723

FROM NORTH AUSTIN Head South on I-35 *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would Take the exit toward 51st Street Merge onto I-35 Frontage Rd Turn left onto E 51st St Turn right onto Mueller Blvd *** Once on Mueller, Seton Hospital will be to your right At the traffic circle, make a left onto Aldrich St Make the first right onto Simond Ave Go to the 2nd driveway entrance *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street

FROM SOUTH AUSTIN Head North on I-35 *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would Take the exit toward Airport Blvd (237A) Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Airport Blvd S/TX-111 Loop E and merge onto TX-111 Loop S/Airport Blvd Turn left onto Aldrich St *** Should be first major stoplight At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Aldrich St Make the first right onto Simond Ave Go to the 2nd driveway entrance *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street

Nutrition: ShopWell App

Nutrition: ShopWell App

The ShopWell iPhone App is free and helps optimize your grocery shopping. It has you enter generic targets for your dietary needs and tailors food suggestions based on that information. You can also specify certain allergies or foods to avoid (i.e. Gluten-Free, Shellfish allergy, etc). You can configure your account through the website (ShopWell.com) or the mobile application. I like the mobile app because you can scan a barcode and receive a "score" for a specific food item. It will even highlight what's good and bad about the scanned item. The app will also suggest alternatives for any poorly scored items. To test out the app, I devised a "Snack Bar Challenge" to try and figure out which brand is best for me. I currently eat Clif Mojo Bars because they lack any processed sugar, are 70% organic and also pretty tasty. I was surprised when I scanned the barcode of my morning Mojo bar and it came back as a "Weak Match". It scored only a 38 out of a possible 100. So apparently Im eating the wrong bar! I went to my local grocery store and bought a couple different bars within the same section to see which one will score better for me.

CRITERIA Below is a screenshot of my selected nutritional goals. The app has you select from a list of "Wants" and "Don't Wants":

CLIF MOJO BAR I started with my daily snack bar and was horrified to find it scored an abysmal 38% match for my nutritional goals (weak match). I believe this is due to the fact that the bar has added sugar (on my "Don't Want" criteria) and only one of my "Wanted" criteria (protein). Mojo Nutrition Info

LUNA BAR I see these bars all over the place but didn't know it was targeting women. Their slogan is "Created By Women for Women". Since I already bought it I figured I would run it through the app for fun. It actually performed better than my usual Mojo bar & scored a 48% match (medium match). Maybe I need to check my estrogen levels? (haha) Luna Nutrition Info

ODWALLA BAR I wound up with two of these bars in my cart so I scanned both. Despite being two different types of bars, they scored an identical 60% match (medium match). This is moving in the right direction however. The addition of more vitamins and calcium helps this score better than previous bars. Odwalla Protein Nutrition Info Odwalla Berries GoMega Nutrition Info

KIND BAR This brand of bar looks and tastes the closest to a few flavors of Mojo bars I usually eat. This particular one is Gluten Free and scored the highest among the bars tested here with a 74% match (strong match). This bar hits most all my nutrition criteria plus other unchecked criteria. This is why is scores so high. The only negative is the added sugar but every bar I tried so far had that drawback. Looks like I may need to start buying a different brand of bar! Kind Protein Nutrition Info

CONCLUSION The ShopWell app is easy to use and kind of fun. It was funny to discover that the snack bar I thought was the best for me actually wasn't. If you want to plan an entire shopping list, the website is the best place to set that up. The app is best used to quickly spot check items when you're on the go using the barcode reader. It's totally free and has a huge database of preloaded items that are regularly updated. The suggestions are always on point and I would recommend this app to anyone. So far the mobile version is only for the iPhone but the website is accessible to all. Check it out and audit your food purchases today. Cheers...

Music: Power Songs July 16th

Music: Power Songs July 16th
Some new songs to hype up your workouts, Enjoy!!!
1 - Somebody That I Used To Know (Hyper Crush Remix) - Gotye
2 - Don't Wake Me Up - Chris Brown
3 - The Night Out (Madeon Remix) - Martin Solveig
4 - The One That Got Away (R3hab Remix) - Katy Perry
5 - My Homies Still - Lil' Wayne ft Big Sean