Fitness & Wellness

How To Find The Right Gym Or Trainer

How To Find The Right Gym Or Trainer

If you live in Houston, TX, it’s easy to find the right gym or trainer, just come to RC Fitness & Signature Physiques Studio. However, not everyone can get there, so providing some additional help is necessary. Our online fitness program can help turn any place you are the perfect gym and provide a trainer that will help you shed extra pounds and build the perfect body, but if you want a more hands on face-to-face experience, there are some things to look for before you make your decision.

Find a trainer that creates a program designed especially for your needs.

No two people are alike, so their programs shouldn’t be alike either. You may have a different goal, special needs like physical limitations and a fitness level that’s different from other people, even family members. That’s why I always recommend you work with a trainer that learns about you before providing a workout program. That way it would be personalized, to help you specifically with your problems with a challenging workout that is still within your capabilities.

Find a gym or trainer that offers nutritional advice.

What you eat is just as important as how much or what type of workout you do. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. Even if you did a calorie torching workout, but ate a supersized Big Mac meal immediately following, you’d still gain weight, without getting the benefits of all the nutrients of healthy eating. Find a trainer that helps you learn how to eat healthier and provides a program you can follow that will baby your body, while helping you shed calories.

Look for a gym or trainer that helps you make goals and track your progress.

It’s not as easy to create a goal as you might think. Goals have to be measurable, have a timeline, a plan to achieve the goal and be realistic. Just saying you want to lose weight isn’t enough and creating a goal to shed 100 pounds in a month isn’t achievable if you’re healthy. Trainers should help you set the goals and provide steps to help you achieve them. The trainer should then continue to monitor you each step of the way to make sure that the program is working.

  • Find a trainer that will show you how to do each exercise correctly. In person trainers aren’t like watching a DVD where you can view it multiple times to get it right. Doing an exercise wrong can cause injury or minimize the benefit.
  • You need a workout program that is varied frequently to avoid plateauing and boredom. A good trainer will change your workout frequently.
  • As you get fitter, a trainer should change your workout to match that improvement. Look for guidance from a trainer or at a gym to help you track the workout so you can identify when it occurs.
  • One of the easiest ways to workout is to do it in the comfort and privacy of your own home. At RC Fitness, our online training lets you do it and you can even workout with others to make it more fun.

For more information, contact us today at Reggie C. Fitness


Get Rid Of Lower Belly Fat

Get Rid Of Lower Belly Fat

Getting fat around your abdomen can be huge problem that’s tough to eliminate. What causes lower belly fat? A lot of things cause it. It can come from a bad diet, which includes both diet and regular soft drinks. It also can occur if you don’t exercise or lead a life that’s filled with stress. Just knowing the causes provides a key to eliminating the problem. Making changes in your lifestyle will do it.

Eating healthy is the first step.

While I’ve heard that people who eat primarily vegetables say it eliminated their “potbelly” after a few months, I believe that it wasn’t just sticking with a vegan lifestyle that did it. They became more aware of what they ate and ate healthier. Not only does a vegan or vegetarian diet include more fiber, it also is lower in saturated fat and filled with nutrients. You don’t have to go strictly vegetarian to get these benefits, but you do have to eat a healthy diet. Focus on eating more fruits and vegetables and definitely cut back on processed food or food with added sugar. You also need a good source of protein to lose belly fat, such as eggs, fish, nuts, lean meat or dairy.

Get ready, get set, exercise!

If you aren’t already exercising, just doing something simple as taking a 30 minute walk each day—or three ten minute walks—can help slim you down and get rid of belly fat. While all types of aerobic workouts help, so does lifting weights and strength building workouts. Spot exercising doesn’t work, since you don’t lose weight in a specific area but all over your body. It will, however, tone the abdominal muscles. I have some great videos available on exercises that will blast that belly fat firm. You have to be consistent and you have to shed those extra pounds to get the full benefit.

Could your pooch come from stress?

Stress is a killer! It can cause changes to the body that are both dangerous and frankly, not attractive at all. One of the hormones of stress, cortisol, is closely linked with belly fat. So how do you deal with it? If you’re like most people, you can’t quit your job and lock yourself in a stress-free room, so you have to learn techniques. Meditation and breathing exercises can help you deal immediately. Exercise also burns off the hormones of stress. If you can, when stress hit, go for a walk, run up and down stairs or just get moving until you feel better. Have you ever wondered why people pace? Moving is a natural response to stress.

  • Not only what you eat makes a difference, what you drink does, too. Skip those soft drinks! They have loads of sugar. Even diet colas are a problem. In fact, they may be worse, since studies show they cause belly fat.
  • Speaking of drinks, alcoholic beverages also boost your belly fat. You’ve probably heard of a beer belly, but all alcoholic beverages increase weight around the middle. Alcohol is loaded with calories, slows your system and is an appetite stimulant.
  • Get more sleep. If you’re deprived of sleep, not only will you move more slowly, you’ll be ravenous. Lack of sleep increases the amount of hunger hormone in your body and limits the hormone that makes you feel full.
  • You’ll get a full program to help you get rid of belly fat when you use Reggie C Fitness online training.

For more information, contact us today at Reggie C Fitness


Easy Low Calorie Snacks To Stay On Track

Easy Low Calorie Snacks To Stay On Track

Everywhere you look in Houston, Tx, there are temptations lurking. Whether it’s that new bakery down the block that has the most delicious cinnamon rolls or a quick drive through for an order of fries. If you want low calorie snacks, you have to make them yourself. Luckily, there’s a lot of easy ones you can make quickly. For instance, just bagging individual serving sizes of nuts, which is the equivalent of either 24 almonds, 12 hazelnuts, 18 cashews, 35 peanuts, 15 pecan halves, 8 Brazil nuts or 14 English walnut halves, is about 200 calories. It’s quick and easy, while also providing heart healthy benefits.

You can keep your calorie count low, while you enjoy this tasty treat.

Greek yogurt, the original kind with live culture, full fat and no additives to make it sweet or give it flavor, can be a real diet saver. While the full fat style yogurt has more calories than the low fat type, the fat provides more health benefits, plus keeps you feeling fuller longer. Get a large container and scoop out a half cup of yogurt, slice a handful of grapes or other fruit into it and mix. Mix in cinnamon to taste if you want. If you want a frozen treat that’s easy to make, get popsicle molds. Blend yogurt, coconut milk and frozen or fresh pineapple and freeze. Yum! It’s a pinasicle. Since most mold holds a half cup, this treat is under 100 calories, too.

Do you want a crunchy snack?

Crunchy and salty are often what your mouth desires. There’s nothing better than some popcorn to achieve this goal. You can either make air popped corn for a low calorie treat or make your own microwave popcorn. If you want an easy way to make it at the office, just buy some brown paper lunch bags. Pour ¼ cup in the bag, fold the top over and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the popping quits. You can top it with a drizzle of butter and salt or even some Parmesan or powdered American cheese.

The go to favorite snacks that still hold top position.

What would a blog on healthy snacks be without at least the mention of raw fruit and veggies with dip. For ease, slice up all the vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate. If you choose fruit like cantaloupe or watermelon, cube it ahead of time, too. You can make a veggie dip out of hummus or create your own. For vegetables, mix cottage cheese and Italian dressing mix or cottage cheese, Greek yogurt and ranch dressing mix. You can also slice apples and put nut butter between the slices for a tasty treat.

  • Unsweetened applesauce is delicious! Now to add more flavor, sprinkle it with cinnamon. It’s healthy, low calorie and a treat that won’t make you sorry you ate it.
  • Another treat under 100 calories that also takes minimum effort is a date that’s stuffed. Just put a teaspoon of unsalted nut butter—I love almond butter for this—into one medjool date.
  • Is ice cream one of your guilty pleasures? Now you can have your marvelous figure and your ice cream too. Slice a banana in 2 inch chunks, lay the chunks on a tray and freeze for six hours. When you take them out, put in a blender for a treat that tastes like banana custard. It’s 105 calories.
  • You’ll love all the recipes and ideas available with our nutrition plan at Reggie C Fitness. You’ll also get even more benefits when you combine it with a workout plan that will have you looking like the star you are quickly.

For more information, contact us today at Reggie C Fitness


Small Steps To A Healthier You

Small Steps To A Healthier You

I have a lot of online clients and those in Houston, TX, who find it tough to make all the changes for a healthier life at once. They find that changing their eating habits, working out regularly, getting more sleep and quitting unhealthy habits like drugs, tobacco use and abuse of alcohol in one felt swoop means they won’t stick with any of the goals. For those who have a lot of changes to make, taking small steps is better. No matter how you get there, the ultimate goal is always a healthier you that’s happy with how you look.

Pick one goal and work on consistency.

Of course, getting fit is your overall goal, but you can break it down to several goals, such as eating healthy or working out regularly. Start with either one and work on it for approximately six to eight weeks until it becomes a habit, then add the another addition to your fitness goals. You can start with working regularly or eating healthy, it doesn’t matter the idea is to take a step in the right direction.

Not ready for a major overhaul of your eating habits or starting an exercise program.

Maybe you don’t feel you’re fit enough to start a formal program of exercise or dive into a full blown healthy eating model, take baby steps toward your goal. If you start with exercise, just make sure you boost the amount of exercise you get in the process of daily living. Park further from the door and walk to the store or take the steps rather than taking the elevator. Rather than drive to the neighbor’s or the store, ride your bike. It all counts and is all good exercise.

Start by cutting out sugar.

You don’t have to learn how everything there is to know about nutrition to start eating healthier. Consider just giving up products with added sugar. It’s a lot harder than you think. Almost all processed food has added sugar. It’s in things you won’t suspect. The easiest way to avoid it is to eat more whole foods, rather than relying on processed ones.

  • Some processed foods have several types of sugar. The manufacturer does that to prevent sugar from being at the top of the list of ingredients, which then shows sugar as the primary ingredient. Instead, there are three to four different types of sugar in the middle of the list.
  • If giving up sugar as a start is still too big, begin by selecting healthy snacks. Take fresh fruit or nuts and dried fruit to work as your snack for mid morning and mid afternoon. Make sure you have single serving sizes ready.
  • Getting adequate sleep is also important, just as keeping hydrated. Both affect your appetite and energy level. When you do both, you’ll get a start on the road to weight loss. Either could be the start of your fitness program.
  • If you want a whole program that’s easy to use, check out the apps we have available. You can do the entire program at once or just sign up for part of it at Reggie C Fitness Online training.

For more information, contact us today at Reggie C Fitness


The Importance Of A Regular Workout Schedule

The Importance Of A Regular Workout Schedule

If you’re on a hit-and-miss schedule when it comes to fitness, it’s time to make a regular workout schedule. It’s particularly important if you’re working out at home, rather than attending a class that would automatically put you on a schedule. Not only does putting a workout on your schedule make it as important as any other appointment, it also ensures you carve the time out to do it.

Pick a time that’s best for you based on your present schedule and energy level.

Both your energy level and schedule play an important role in when you’ll workout most effectively. If your mornings are chaotic and already stressful, aim for a time that’s better, such as lunch hour or after work. Your energy level also plays a role in how well you’ll do when you workout. Make the workout coincide with when you’re apt to perform the best.

Don’t negate after work because you feel wiped out from stress.

Your energy level should be based on how you feel on the weekend, not based on the stress from work. In fact, some people choose to schedule their workout at lunch time or after work to burn off the hormones of stress and boost their energy. You’ll feel great after working out, thanks to the increased circulation that sends oxygen and nutrient laden blood to all parts of the body. You’ll also benefit from the hormones that exercise triggers that make you feel good. It’s one reason busy executives workout during the day and often have a gym dedicated exclusively to the management team.

You can identify the type of workout you’ll be doing and get a full workout.

Not only should you schedule your workout, you should add information, such as full body workout, strength training or flexibility training to your schedule. That way you’re ensuring that you’re working on all types of fitness and all muscles in your body. You need endurance, strength, balance and flexibility training to ensure you are at your fittest.

  • When you don’t have a schedule, you’re functioning on memory. If you’re like most people, that memory gets blurred after a while and you find you’re doing too much cardio and not enough flexibility or constantly working on just one body part.
  • Scheduling a workout helps you get busy faster. All you have to do is check your appointment with the workout and you’ll know what you’re doing. You’ll never have to worry about what you should do next.
  • Keeping a schedule helps prevent burnout and gets you working out quicker. You’ll always be ready when it’s time. It helps you not only track your goals, but also work toward them.
  • The Reggie C Fitness online training makes it easy to schedule your workout. Just log in and you’re ready to go.

For more information, contact us today at Reggie C Fitness


Start Your Transformation Process

Start Your Transformation Process

I love working directly with clients in Houston, TX, but also love my online clients and hearing their input. I always congratulate them and tell them that any change starts by beginning the transformation process. Taking that first step is the toughest part, whether you’re changing your body or lifestyle. If you haven’t started yet, isn’t it time to treat yourself to looking and feeling great? There’s no better time to start than now.

Little changes often include educating yourself.

Yes, I know I give you meal plans, but those are just to help you while you’re learning some of the changes that lower your caloric intake and boost your nutrition. These are plans that fit your goals, whether it’s to melt away fat and build muscle tissue or just get healthier. It won’t be long until eating healthy becomes a habit and you can go anywhere and eat without dumping your progress out of the window. In fact, even if you overindulge one day, it’s just one day and you go back to eating healthy the next. Just make those days few and far between and you’ll be fine.

If you’re not ready for the whole program, start with something.

You don’t have to start with the whole lifestyle change program of healthy eating and regular exercise, but you do need to start somewhere. If you aren’t ready for the total workout or healthy eating, start on your own by taking walks every night. Every week increase your speed and distance. Maybe you just go one block further and slightly faster, but you’re improving with each change. You’ll know when you’re ready for a full workout and that’s the time to strike, while the iron is hot and you’re full of enthusiasm.

Make some changes to your eating habits as a start.

If you do nothing more than cut out food with added sugar and processed food, substituting whole foods and a variety of vegetables and fruit, you’ll be on your way to a body transformation. Add a program of exercise and you’ll start seeing that transformation. While it will be slower than if you had a program designed specifically for your needs, it will happen.

  • Normally, once people start on their own and start seeing small changes, they crave the complete transformation program where they can see bigger and better changes.
  • One important part of any lifestyle transformation program is motivation. It’s what’s often lacking in most “do-it-on-your-own” programs. I provide complete support and motivation by holding you accountable.
  • Try something for four weeks if you’re not sold on making changes. It’s tough, so focus on just this one thing. Give up food with added sugar, which includes ice cream, cake, candy, cookies and even soft drinks and fruit drinks. See how much better you feel after just four weeks.
  • I provide the tools so you can transform your body anywhere. Since most people have their cell phone with them wherever they go, I provide a complete program you can load to your cell phone. See what you’re missing by going to Reggie C Fitness for online training.

For more information, contact us today at Reggie C Fitness


Are You Serious About Getting In Shape

Are You Serious About Getting In Shape

If you’re serious about getting in shape, you’ll push through even though what you’re doing may not be comfortable or you might not feel like working out at the time. If you find yourself skipping workouts, it may be because you’re not committed and not very serious. Instead of a real goal, your weight loss plan is a wish and wishes don’t come true normally unless you put commitment behind it.

It won’t work if you only follow the plan one day a week.

Sure, at least you’ll be helping yourself a little if you actually follow the plan one day a week, unless of course, you cut out all activity and eat junk the rest of the days. I’d rather see someone stick rigorously to a plan of exercise and healthy eating for six weeks, than see that person follow a plan half heartedly for six months. That’s because you’ll see some success in six weeks when you strictly follow it and that can be a huge driving force.

Can you workout when you’d rather chill out?

Sometimes, getting your body in motion is tough! That’s when your true dedication shows. Are you willing to workout even when you’re tired or totally stressed? One thing is certain, if you’re stressed it will melt away when you workout and if you’re tired, you’ll get a burst of energy from getting your blood circulating. You won’t experience that high and shift in your mood and energy unless you’re dedicated to your program.

Is your goal meaningful?

I’ve seen it too often, people decide they want to get into shape for all the wrong reasons. While I’m for anyone and any reason to help someone get into shape, if that reason isn’t truly meaningful, it won’t take long before the entire program is put on hold. Make sure you’re getting into shape because it’s something you want. It doesn’t have to be noble. If you want to look your best and show that guy or gal what they’re missing when they broke up with you, it’s a good reason if it drives you toward success.

  • Often people set initial goals that change as they see a difference in their appearance. Getting fit and looking good feels fantastic, so often people boost their goals to achieve even more.
  • I hold you accountable for your success by tracking your progress. That can help you make it through those tough spots where you might feel like quitting.
  • You’ll be amazed at how you’ll not only change your body, but also your energy level. When you take the time to workout, you can complete your daily tasks faster, making even more time for you.
  • If you’re truly committed to your transformation, check out our free download offer. I provide affordable programs for everyone from beginner to those entering bodybuilding competitions.

For more information, contact us today at Reggie C Fitness


Get What You Need To Reach Your Goal

Get What You Need To Reach Your Goal

Some people fail in their attempt to lose weight because they aren’t sure what to do or how to start it. If you’re building a house, you need a blueprint first. The same is true when you’re trying to reach your goal of weight loss, you need a guide or a blueprint to follow. That’s what I provide for clients in both Houston, Tx and those online. It’s a step-by-step program designed specifically with you in mind.

Start with your ultimate goal and break it down to smaller more achievable goals.

Maybe you want to lose 50 pounds or chisel your waist down from 32 inches to 24 inches. It doesn’t happen overnight and the time it takes can often discourage people. That’s why breaking your goal down to smaller more quickly achievable goals. It helps you track your progress, so you can make changes if necessary and get that boost of encouragement from achieving the goal.

Learn how to eat healthier and have the information at the tip of your fingers.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be a mystery, especially when you’re using my plan. We have a nutrition package that you can customize to match your goals. Whether you want to use the helpful Flexible Meal Planning app provides great meal options or create your own delicious healthy meal with the help of the guidelines provided, this tool is necessary to help you reach your goal.

There’s no need to leave the house to workout when you have the help with online training.

If you’re confused about where to start, don’t worry. We provide all the tools and help you with a program based on your needs and goals. It’s available to you 24/7, unlike gyms and personal trainers. For those working unusual hours, it’s not a problem. Schedule your workout when it’s most convenient.

  • I not only provide the workout program, our team tracks you and keeps you accountable. That’s very important for success. It provides the motivation to stick with the plan, even though it can be tough or you’ve experienced a set-back.
  • It’s great to see success and even better when you get to share it. It also provides inspiration for others. That’s why we want you to upload pictures to help provide a documentation of your progress.
  • You’ll have all the information you need to reach your fitness goal when you join the RC Fitness family, no matter whether it’s a total transformation or just building more muscle tone.
  • Try the 90 day challenge and see how well you do. You’ll be amazed at the difference just a mere 90 days make. Start today and you’ll look back and be glad you made the decision to do it.

Want to Learn More About How to Reach Your Goal?

If you’re ready to reach your fitness goal, contact me here today.


Get In The Best Shape Of Your Life

Get In The Best Shape Of Your Life

Years of bad decisions and neglect may have determined how your body looks now, but it doesn’t have to determine the future you. You can now make a dramatic change and be in the best shape of your life. It takes desire, a goal and determination, plus some guidance and support. That’s what I provide at RC fitness. I make it easier to change old habits that prevent you from looking your best and developing new ones that make the transformation.

What do YOU need to be your best.

Many personal trainers only focus on losing weight. Not everyone needs to lose weight. Some people want to look curvier, more toned or even gain weight. Each person needs something different. That’s why I created a personalized program, so you can reach the goal that’s right for you. Each person’s program focuses on a different goal and has varying types of workouts and eating plans to reach them.

Whether you want a better booty or losing weight, the right exercise program can do it.

While you need a full program of workouts, which includes flexibility, strength, balance and endurance, you also need some specific exercises to achieve the goal you want. Strength building is important, since it builds muscles where you want them, flexibility training helps you move with grace and avoid injury. Balance and endurance helps avoid accidents and boosts your energy throughout the day. Boosting your energy can help you accomplish all your goals. My program is well rounded, yet specific to you.

What you eat is just as important as working out.

There’s a saying that the perfect body starts in the kitchen. It’s true. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. Eating healthy and clean isn’t dieting. Dieting leaves you feeling hungry and deprived. The worst part of dieting is that it ends and you go back to old eating habits. Instead, healthy eating becomes a way of life. Sure, you can still eat a favorite “unhealthy” food occasionally, just not all the time and remembering portion control. You’ll never regain the weight you lost when you eat healthy.

  • We provide support to help you get in shape. We keep in touch and hold you accountable, which can provide the motivation to stick with your goal.
  • It’s not going to be easy, but you can do it. The RC Fitness program helps people of all fitness levels from beginner to competition training. We stay in contact to make sure you’re getting maximum benefit.
  • You’ll be amazed at not only how great your body looks, but how great you feel. Feeling good is just as important as looking good.
  • It’s time to start on the future you. The you that looks better than ever. Find the plan that works best for you. Start it! Stick with it! Watch the transformation.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re ready to get in the best shape of your life, contact me here today.


Sunscreen Ideas For Summer Workouts

Sunscreen Ideas For Summer Workouts

One of the best things about summer workouts is that you can take them outside and enjoy the sun. Of course, you have to make sure you follow certain protocols to ensure your safety and good healthy. Wearing sunscreen is a must if you’re outside in the sun for long. It protects your skin and prevents burning that can age you and ultimately may cause skin cancer. There are also other rules to follow to prevent sun damage.

Workout when it’s not as hot and the sun isn’t as high in the sky.

Taking your training outdoors, do it when the sun’s rays aren’t the strongest. The time between 10 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. should be avoided to help prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Exercise early in the morning or later in the day, especially if you’re concerned your sunscreen will drip off your body with all the sweat. Earlier in the morning is normally the coolest time.

Apply your sunscreen liberally before you put on exercise gear.

Use a sunscreen that covers a broad spectrum with protection for both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure it has a high SPF—sun protective factor—protection. It should be as much about 50, but can be as low as 30. Applying it before you put on your workout clothes ensures you’ll get your entire body and won’t miss an area where you sleeve rises a bit as you workout, or where the sun hits your back when you bend.

Apply the sunscreen liberally, especially on areas where you’re more likely to get sunburned, like your nose.

Use lotion, which is easier to ensure it covers the area and doesn’t have fumes that may affect your health like spray on lotion. Use a liberal amount before you leave the house. A dopple the size of a golf ball should work. Be aware that if you use products with retinol—including sunscreen with retinol, it may actually intensify the sun rays and boost your potential for sunburn. Carry the sunscreen with you and if you’re sweating profusely, reapply it at least once every hour and a half.

  • Don’t forget to wear a hat to protect the top of your head from the sun. It also provides more shade for your face.
  • Even if the sky is overcast, you’ll still be exposed to the rays of the sun. Sunscreen is just as important on those days as they are on the super sunny ones.
  • Check into workout clothes that offer sun protection. The UV protective clothing is lightweight and designed for outside workouts.
  • Stay safe when you workout. Don’t forget about staying hydrated and if it’s really hot, either take your workout to a shady area or cut it short outside and take it inside.