How To Get Ripped Abs Without Crunches Part 2 (Video)

by Shin Ohtake on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 • 16 Comments

Here’s part 2 of a 3 part ab series.  Following the same philosophy (from last week) that anti-movements patterns stimulate your abs better than flexing, twisting and crunching your abs, this particular exercise really hits your lower abs—especially that stubborn stomach pooch, right below your belly button!

Now doing this ab exercise alone won’t do the trick, but when you combine it with a clean diet (no refined carbs, no processed foods, no refined sweets) and an effective fat burning workout program, you’ll finally be saying “so long” to your lower belly pooch.

(Note: If you’re having trouble viewing this video, please try watching it directly on my YouTube channel and see if that helps)

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How To Get Ripped Abs Without Crunches (Video)

by Shin Ohtake on Thursday, June 17, 2010 • 34 Comments

Traditional ab exercises like sit ups and crunches are not the best way to get you ripped abs.  In fact, if you’ve read any of my past articles regarding ab/core exercises, you know that I don’t like anything that involves excessive movement of the spine. 

Your spine is strongest at it’s neutral position, which is a natural “s” curve.  And since your spine houses your spinal cord, it would make sense to have it in a position that can provide maximum support at all times.  This is why excessive flexion, extension and rotation is not recommended, since it compromises your spine’s ability to protect your spinal nervous system.

So, how do you work your abs? 

(Note: If you’re having trouble viewing this video, please try watching it directly on my YouTube channel and see if that helps)

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The Truth About Cholesterol and Heart Disease

by Shin Ohtake on Thursday, June 10, 2010 • 33 Comments

What do you think of first when you see the word cholesterol?  Heart disease…?  We’ll you’re definitely not alone.  Cholesterol and heart disease have been synonymous since the 70’s when a scientist named Ancel Keys (1) published a major study, spanning seven countries on how diet affects the heart. 

Key’s conclusion:  Cholesterol causes heart disease and saturated fat increases cholesterol and hence saturated fat causes heart disease.  This began the fat free craze that literally swept the nation…fat became nationally demonized as the cause of heart disease (along with weight gain).  And the high carb, low fat diet became the face of the “healthy heart” American diet.

The study became so engrained that an entire new national program was developed, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).  NCEP’s objective is to help educate people of the dangers of high cholesterol and how to best prevent heart disease.  Now, that seems like a great program…right?  I mean our tax money is actually going toward something that helps the general public and as supposed to some major private conglomerate that uses our money to increase their pay checks.  Well,  there’s only one problem.  The “landmark” study, which all dietary recommendation for a health heart was based on, was found to be flawed.

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How Protein Can Help You Get Leaner And Lose Weight

by Shin Ohtake on Thursday, June 03, 2010 • 28 Comments

As the saying goes…you are what you eat.

There are 3 major categories that all foods can be divided into.  These are also known as macronutrients.  Macronutrients are your proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  We eat a combination of all three on a daily basis, but did you know that only 2 are needed for you to survive and they also happen to be the most effective in helping you lose weight?  And one in particular is absolutely necessary if you want to burn off your stubborn fat and transform your body.  Unfortunately, most of us have been gravely misinformed about how each macronutrient affects our body, which is why weight gain has become such a perpetual problem.

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