Aug 2015

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mastHEAD  cover

publisher

kellyWALGAMOTTE

editor

lanaWALGAMOTTE

marketing

August

scotANTHONY

2015

volume6 NUMBER 08

account executive gregFLORIDI

chief designer chrisTIBLIER

contributing writers mikeMILLS melissaBRELAND larryMcEWEN garyDRAGON kristieANDRES travisMANNY kristenSMITH

Distribution in: New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Westbank, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Hammond, & Southwest Mississippi

Tid BITS

runnersCORNER

page 10

page 14

supplementREVIEW

page 22 Five Best Leg Exercise by travisManny

spiritualFITNESS

page 24 Plant Based Food

page 14 Spiritual Pursuit

by fraserBAYLEY

by dr. larryMcEwen

page 26 True Food by dannyNAVA

page 18 Fat-Loss Myths by travisMANNY

page 13

healthyEATS

by dr. tomHARDIN

Copyright 2015 by Metro Fitness. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written, expressed consent of the publisher. Reproduction of editorial content or graphics in any manner or in any medium is prohibited. Opinions of staff & contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. For advertising information, contact Metro Fitness business department at 985-778-6171 fax at 985-201-8165 or e-mail at    metrofitness@live.com.  Letters to the Editor are Welcome – send signed letters to P.O. Box 752, Slidell, LA 70459. Please include a phone number for verification (it will not be published).  E-mail letters to metrofitness@live.com.  The Editor reserves the right to edit for length, style and spelling.  Postmaster: Send address changes to  Metro Fitness  P.0. Box 752,  Slidell, LA 70459

Page 16

page 12

page 8

page 20 Meet Raymond Curtis Metro Fitness is published monthly by Metro Fitness P.O. Box 752, Slidell, LA 70459, 985778-6171.

Cover: Jason Butler by Liz Maddox

INSPIRATIONALNOTES

page 15 areaRACES

kellyWALGAMOTTE publisher Like Metro Fitness

Virtually all stumbling blocks are inside our minds. What we Magazine on: believe we can or cannot do, what price we will and will not pay, or how fast results can occur. In other words, it’s our mindset that determines success, not our experience or qualifications. The world is filled with so many fascinating and lucrative opportunities that await us. All we have to do is take our interests and knowledge…our own personal “fodder” so to speak and turn it into a business plan of life. Everyone is born the same and we all will die one day. The mind is what makes everyone different. The world is yours!!! You can have what ever you want. It's all a state of mind. Control you mind and you'll control your state. God Bless, Kelly Walgamotte (985) 778-6171 • metrofitness@live.com

6   www.metrofitnessmag.com August 2015

Read us online at: www.metrofitnessmag.com



The Health Benefits of Singing

Vitamin D

It's been estimated that 70 percent of children and adults in the U.S. are vitamin D deficient. The cause of deficiency is a combination of not getting enough exposure to the sun and not having enough vitamin D in their diets. A study has linked vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk for cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis MS, and lupus. Researchers found, through mapping vitamin D receptors binding throughout the human genome, that vitamin D deficiency is a major environmental factor in increasing the risk of developing these disorders. To increase your level of vitamin D through food, you should include more oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. Egg yolks and mushrooms also provide vitamin D, You could also choose a cereal and milk fortified with vitamin D.

Exercise Boosts Brainpower Not only does exercise improve your body, it helps your mental function. "Exercise increases energy levels and increases serotonin in the brain, which leads to improved mental clarity," says Atkinson, director of program development for Cooper Ventures, a division of the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas. All that makes for a more productive day. "It is clear that those who are active and who exercise are much more productive at work," says Todd A. Astorino, assistant professor of kinesiology at California State University-San Marcos. Improved productivity not only makes you a better worker, it makes things better for everyone in the workplace. Companies with less wasted work hours and less sick time end up with lower health care costs -- and an improved bottom line, Atkinson says.

Whether singing in the shower, in a choir or with a small child "sound therapy" is

It's Not That Hard to Find Time for Fitness The key is to use your time more wisely. Think about killing two birds with one stone. Take your kids to the park or ride bikes together, and you're getting physical activity while enjoying family time. Beyond that, go for a hike, take the kids swimming, or play hide-and-seek, tag, softball, or horseshoes in the backyard. Also, forget the idea

linked to health benefits for

that you have to trudge to the gym and spend an hour or more doing a formal workout. Instead,

body and spirit. Since ancient

you can work short spurts of physical activity into your day. Indeed, squeezing in two or three bouts of 15 or 20 minutes of activity is just as effective as doing it all at once. Vacuuming

times singing has been consid-

the house in the morning, riding bikes in the park with the kids in the afternoon, then

ered a healing tool, especial-

taking a brisk walk in the evening can add up to an active day. Recent U.S. government

ly chanting, and we all know

guidelines say that to lose weight and keep it weight off, you should accumulate at

that countries have created

least 60 minutes of exercise a day. But half an hour a day is all you need to reap the health and disease-fighting benefits of exercise.

national anthems to generate patriotism to motivate peo-

4 FASCINATING FACTS

ple to do things for their nation. Sounds can influence brain wave frequencies and promote well-being, specifically.

4. Redheads don't go gray: Their hair color simply fades slowly throughout the years — first becoming a light copper before finally settling on a rosy blonde.

8 www.metrofitnessmag.com August 2015

1. There's a monkey island near South Carolina:

some of these so-called 'bowhead' whales are over 200 years old.

Right off the coast of South Carolina is a densely wooded island filled with thousands of free monkeys. The isle is only accessible by boat, and visitors are strongly encouraged to bring bananas.

3. Ever read 'palindromes' backward:

2. Sounds like a whale of a tale: There are some whales alive today that were born before 'Moby Dick' was written in 1851. Found in the icy waters off Alaska,

Everyone knows that a palindrome is a word that is the same backwards as it is forward, but few know this: 'palindromes' spelled backwards is 'semordnilap,' which is a word itself. What's a semordnilap? It's a word that, when spelled backwards, forms a completely different word.



supplementREVIEW by: mikeMILLS Endure and Replenish with Electrolyte Replacements One of the most prevalent issues in athletic

the body. Common human electrolytes are sodi-

performance today is the subject of dehydra-

um chloride, potassium, calcium, and sodium

tion. Dehydration is excessive loss of water from

bicarbonate. Electrolytes control the fluid bal-

the body or from an organ or body part, as from

ance of the body and are important in muscle

illness or fluid deprivation. This excessive loss of water causes a rise in blood sodium levels. Since dehydration is most often caused by excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, water loss is usually accompanied by a deficiency of electrolytes. If untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock. One of the best ways to prevent dehydration is to use an electrolyte replacement supplement. Electrolytes are salts and minerals that conduct electrical impulses in


contraction, energy generation, and almost every major biochemical reaction in the body. The problem with most electrolyte replacements, such as Gatorade, is that they are full of unwanted calories and high fructose corn syrup. To ensure optimal hydration without unwanted weight gain, choose an electrolyte replacement drink that contains at least 100 mg of potassium, a proper ratio of calcium and magnesium, and plenty of B vitamins. This combination will provide maximum energy delivery and prevent cramping. Limit the sugar content to 12 grams or less per serving, and make sure that it contains enough sodium (100-200 mg) to prevent cramping due to the loss of sodium when perspiring. Antioxidants are also recommended due to their ability to prevent free radicals from causing cell damage while performing intense physical activity. Quercetin, maqui berries, grape seed extract, green tea, pomegranate, and resveratrol are all powerful antioxidants that have high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) levels, which ensure free radical protection. Small gel packs, commonly referred to as “goo,” have become a popular way to quickly replenish electrolytes during physical activity. Runners,

swimmers,

cyclists,

and

marathon/triathlon athletes, all use these gel packs halfway through competition to ensure they have the key nutrients available for maximum performance. Certain brands of the “goo” also contain caffeine to increase energy and focus. With football season and two a day practices in 100+ degree weather on the horizon, preventing dehydration should be the #1 concern for athletes. It seems a person cannot turn on a television or pick up a newspaper without seeing a report of a heat stroke or an athlete passing out due to the loss of fluids while exercising. An all natural electrolyte replacement supplement is vital to prevent this from occurring and achieving one’s full athletic potential.

Mike Mills is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, has a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and 10+ years experience in the Vitamin and Supplement Industry.


runnersCORNER How Running Slower Will Help You Run Faster You have no doubt heard of long slow distance runs or LSD for short. I prefer to call these types of runs, running slow to run fast. This weekly long run is the cornerstone of all distance running programs. By adding the use of heart rate monitors, a runner can improve the effectiveness of long runs significantly. A simple formula is needed to calculate the effort level of these runs. The formula 180bpm minus the user's age was popularized by the great triathlete Mark Allen. Using this formula Mark Allen went on to to build his enormous aerobic capacity.

Example: 180bpm (180-your age = heart rate limit) - 35 years old 145 bpm heart rate limit After your heart rate limit for your long run is calculated you are ready to run. Always keep your heart rate under your limit. If your heart rate will not stay below this number either slow down your pace or terminate the workout. Going above the heart rate limit will not increase your aerobic capacity. Many athletes think that running at a slower pace will make them slow runners. In fact running too hard every day will cause over training. The body needs time to get stronger and adapt


dragon’sCORNER garyDRAGON

DECREASING KNEE INJURIES  IN FEMALE ATHLETES

Attention all female athletes!!! It’s pre-season time for all

ment screen, we can detect factors that contribute to abnormal

fall sports. Even though most sports are fairly safe, they do have

movement patterns. The movement screen can identify muscle

their share of knee injuries. Female athletics involve a lot of

imbalances or abnormalities in the legs, hips, and core. These

squatting, running and quick cutting movements, which can put a

muscle imbalances can lead to weakness in some muscle groups,

significant amount of wear and tear on the knees. But did you

while the opposite muscle groups become stronger. This imbal-

know that females are at a higher risk of severe knee injuries than

ance will increase the stress to the knee joint, resulting in an

males playing the same sport. That’s because females have dif-

increased risk of ACL and other knee related injuries.

ferent movement patterns than males.

The good news is that you can reduce your risk of injury by

When females bend the knee, such as while running, squat-

performing a strengthening program that specifically addresses

ting and cutting, they have a tendency to lean their body forward.

your abnormal movement patterns. Research has proven that

They also tend to rotate or turn their knee and legs inward. These

players and teams that have undergone this movement screen had

combined movements place an increase in stress and strain to the

an increase in athletic performance, decrease in serious injuries,

knee joint. When males perform these same movements, they

and had a more successful season. If you would like more infor-

often drop their body straight down and keep the knee and legs in

mation on reducing your chances for knee injuries this season,

a straight line, thus decreasing the stress and strain to the knee

just give us a call at Action Physical Therapy and Sports

joint. Due to increased knee injuries in female athletes, a video

Medicine. We want to help you take your talent to the next

testing method was developed to determine their movement pat-

level by correcting your imbalances, staying off of the side-

terns.

lines and remain in the ACTION.

By undergoing a series of videotaped tests known as a move-

to the new stresses. Running at this lower heart rate three times a week and adding some faster runs will improve your conditioning dramatically. An added benefit using this formula is mental toughness. Many runners who aspire to run marathons can use this formula on their marathon training runs. By staying in the aerobic zone, training runs will last longer before exhaustion occurs. And the mental toughness required running marathons will also happen. As the aerobic system improves your ability to run harder paces will also improve. This is why I call this type of running, running slow to run fast. The body's ability to use oxygen is a limiting factor of running pace. By running one longer distance run each week of over 90 minutes. Adding a couple easy running days at your target heart rate, plus different types of speed work you will become faster guaranteed.

Gary Dragon, owner of Action Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, has a Master’s & Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Gary has 13 years of experience specializing in orthopedic and sports related injuries.

healthyEATS Asian Style Lettuce Wraps robHOWELL This is a dish I really enjoy making and eating! It is a great party dish or great for the family. Most people are familiar with these; they are served at a lot of popular Asian restaurants. The problem is the ones in the restaurants are high in fat and can be a little expensive. This is a simple recipe that can be cooked and served in less than about 30 minutes and tasted great! You can change the flavors of this dish with the optional ingredients I have listed.

To Make: Add olive oil to a large sauté pan or wok, then add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 1 minute and then add garlic and cook for about 1 more minute. Next add the turkey and cook until done. Then add the rest of the ingredients except the lettuce and cook for about 2 minutes. Then let stand for about 5 minutes and serve!

Ingredients: 12-15 leaves of Boston bib lettuce 1 lb lean ground turkey 1 tsp olive oil 1 med yellow onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced ½ red bell pepper finely chopped 1 bunch green onions

chopped 1 8oz can water chestnuts drained 2 tsp soy sauce ¼ cup Hosin sauce 1 tsp Szechuan seasoning 1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (optional- Makes it spicy) 1 tbsp toasted peanuts (optional)


Spiritual Pursuit by: Dr. Larry T. McEwen Senior Pastor, Northshorechurch.net

While there are some principles basic to all physical fitness endeavors, your activity and your equipment will vary depending on your particular purpose and goals. Body builders have specific goals, which dictate the type of equipment, the type of exercises and the way in which those exercises are done. Folks who are working out for strength and endurance training have routines unique to their purpose. The same could be said of swimmers, runners, cyclists, football players, tennis players, and all sports enthusiasts. They quickly move past the basics and focus on their specific area of interest, but if they ignore or neglect the core of good physical fitness, serious injury may occur. When it comes to spiritual fitness, there is also a great diversity of giftedness and calling. People who are passionate about being spiritually fit will focus on things that are specific to God’s purpose and goals for their individual lives.

However, if a person wants to be at their peak spiritually, they must never forget the basic principles and goals Jesus told us should be a part of our daily spiritual workout routine, and should be at the foundation of every spiritual pursuit. If we ignore or neglect these, we stand the risk of serious spiritual injury to ourselves and to others. What are they? Jesus gave us the answer when he responded to a question concerning the most important of all commandments. He answered…

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:29-31


Area Races

Schedule August 8: Bleau Moon

October 10: UNCF Fund Run/Walk

8:45pm 5 & 10 Miles Fountainebleau State Park Info: www.q50races.com

8:30 am, 5K Run/Walk, Audubon Park-Riverview, New Orleans Info: www.NOLArunning.com or call 504-581-3794

August 22: Wounded Warrior Run

October 17: Rock the Road Race

8:00am 5K Run/Walk City Park/Roosevelt Mall Info: www.spartykawoundedwarrior.com

8:30 am, 10K, 5K & 1 mile fun run,Northshore Harbor Center Info: www.itsyourrace.com

Sept 11: Gleaux Run for the Cure

October 17: I Pink I Can Fun Run/Walk

Friday 7:30am 5K Walk/Run Mandeville Lakefront

8am, 2 Mile West Jefferson Medical Center www.wjmc.org/funrun<http://www.wj mc.org/funrun> 504-348-0055

August 7: Lakefront Lighthouse Run/Walk 6:30 pm, 2 Mile & 1/2 Mile run-walk, New Orleans Info: www.NOLArunning.com or call 504-468-1488

September 26: Alligator Festival Race 8:30 am, 5K & 1/2 Mile Run-Walk, Luling Info: www.NOLArunning.com or call 504-468-1488

October 2: Elmwood Twilight Run-Walk 6:30 pm, 5K & 1 Mile, Elmwood Fitness Center, Harahan Info: www.NOLArunning.com or call 504-468-1488

October 24: Race for the Cure 8:00 am, 1 mile and 5K, City Park, New Orleans Info: www.KomenNewOrleans.org or call 504-455-7310

October 31: Jazz Half & 5K New Orleans 7:00 am, Half-Marathon & 5K, New Orleans Info: www.JazzHalf.com or call 504-896-9375

November 14: Middendorf's Manchac Run/Walk 8:00 am 10 Mile, 10K, 5K Info: www.NOLArunning.com or call 504-468-1488


by lizMADDOX

It’s been said that there are no shortcuts in achieving the body or level of fitness you desire, but maybe that’s not true. The quickest, easiest, most effective way to have a healthy sculpted physique is to have a personal gym with a personal trainer. Are you thinking that those kinds of perks are only for rich celebrities? Well you haven’t been to Sculpt Fitness or met the manager and head trainer Jason Butler.


culpt Fitness is Slidell’s only private, premier studio that offers personal and small group training. The emphasis at SF is always quality not quantity. You’ll always be greeted at the door by a fitness professional, not a kiosk or key tag swipe. If you’ve ever felt lost, confused, or uncomfortable at a gym, you’ll understand how important it is to walk into a studio where the emphasis is going to be on you! Jason Butler has been with Sculpt Fitness for almost two years, and since becoming the manager in December of 2013, he’s really turned things around in this studio. You see, Jason is something of an inspiration himself. When Jason was 18, he felt invincible. He was building muscle, getting ripped, and being noticed. He took home three body-building trophies that year, and was sure he had a big future ahead of him. His bodybuilding career looked promising, but something Donna Bush, Ron Tremblay, Sylvia Reine, Jason Butler & Felicia Flake felt wrong. What Jason thought was a bad case of nerves turned out to be ulcerative colitis which is a form of inflammatory area. Ron Tremblay runs one of the more popular programs: The 12 bowel disease. This is a condition that affects less than 1% of the pop- Weeks Weight-Loss Challenge. The groups are small, and the price is ulation. After losing more than 75 pounds within a 3 month span in very affordable at around $150. Most of the people involved in this pro2003, Jason knew he was in serious trouble. Dr. David Margolin at gram are losing 40-60 pounds! The follow up to this challenge is a group Ochsner Hospital had to remove Jason’s large intestine in an emergency for women who want to sculpt their bodies. Beginning and advanced surgery. But things didn’t end there. It took another forty-two surger- groups are available. Jason calls trainer Felicia Flake a “ball of energy”! Among other ies, and Jason’s life has drastically changed forever. After all he’s endured, Jason’s biggest life change wasn’t the things, she does a group fitness that combines the best of popular group ileostomy bag protruding through his abdomen as a permanent visible fitness classes like body pump, turbo-kick, PiYo, and hip-hop hustle. It pouch outside his body, it was discovering his purpose in life and fol- is one high-intensity, weight-loss class. Whether it’s yoga with the most certified instructor in Slidell, lowing his true passion. Jason’s always known he wanted to help other people, but this pain and hardship he’s endured for the last ten years Donna Bush, or one-on-one training with one of our professionals, you will experience an atmosphere like has sharpen that purpose. no other. When you step into the Jason says, “A higher power has given me a second chance at life, in fact, it’s given me more lives than a cat! I know in my heart, I need studio at Sculpt Fitness on Front to give back. I want to change people’s lives, whether it’s one person Street in Slidell, you’re stepping or a thousand people. My spirituality is centered around helping oth- into a caring, intimate atmosphere where the people are dedicated to ers.” That’s the kind of man Jason Butler is. helping you chisel and sculpt your At Sculpt Fitness, Jason surrounds himself with great people who happen to be body to achieve the best you…..the some of the best you you’ve longed to see reflected trainers in the in the mirror.

“Fifteen  months  ago,  I  started  training  with  Jason.  I  was  over  weight, and  my  cholesterol  was  over  320!  I  was  a  stroke  waiting  to  happen. Jason has an in-depth knowledge about the physical anatomy and physical training. He took great measure and patience to train me slowly so I grew stronger everyday.  Today  I  have  my  healthy  life  and  my  youthful  figure  back!  Thank  you Jason, best investment ever made to myself”  - Wynn Williams "Jason has been instrumental in recognizing my needs and helping me achieve the success I have been driving for.  He truly understands the human body and how to achieve muscle growth as well as getting full body workout in order to get in shape and tone at the same time. He has been able to build and shape my body to get me looking the best it's ever looked and felt. I've worked with other trainers throughout my life, but Jason is by far the best at what he does."  - Jeff Breland


When it comes to Fat-loss everyone has a little knowledge or so they say. Here's a topic that's rife with myths, misconceptions, incorrect beliefs and outright lies! Here are four common fat loss myths that could be holding you back from achieving the fast, effective fat-loss your body is actually capable of.

Fat-Loss Myth #1

Fat-Loss Myth #3

Diets Don't Work "I Want To Get Toned"

Diets actually work quite well when a well thought out diet is followed. It's just what happens after the diet finishes that's the problem. The metabolism has been slowed down by prolonged low caloric intake without proper training. When the person goes back to their "normal" eating, they go back to their old style diet‌the eating that added the extra fat in the first place. This is where they get into trouble.

No training is going to get you "toned" because that doesn't exist. Getting "toned" simply means building muscle and burning fat. You can't tone a muscle any more than you can paint a cloud. You have to build the muscle to have it and you have burn the fat so you can see it.

Fat-Loss Myth #2

Fat-Loss Myth #4

Low-Calorie Diet High-Rep Light is Bad For Fat Loss Weight Training Another outright myth...eating very low calories (and even complete fasting) can be very good for fat loss. It creates a much bigger caloric deficit, which in turn forces the body to rely on stored fat for energy. The trick here is that you don't want to eat lowcalories like that for long...never more than a few days. When you reduce your calories for a long period of time, you run into trouble with metabolic slowdown. A few days here and there can be a nice kickstart to get fat-loss moving again...just don't fall in love with the results of a few days and keep doing it too long!

24 www.metrofitnessmag.com May 2015

is the Best Training

Style to Burn Fat Here's the thing...light weight, high-rep training can be effective for burning fat while preserving muscle if you do it correctly. If you play around and don't push yourself hard enough, you won't see results. In my experience, the best training style for fat-loss is a mix of heavier training, to preserve muscle and strength. Then, plug in some cardio at the end of a grueling workout to really tap into that fat and burn it off.



by dr. tomHARDIN

People are diagnosed with diseases such as prostate cancer, bladder disease, as well as skin cancer each and every day. For some that are diagnosed with such illnesses; the news is processed in the mind as a death sentence. Wills are drawn up overnight as the patient starts making amends for all wrongdoings of the past. For others who are diagnosed with these so called death sentences; they see life from a different perspective. Some actually laugh and think positive thoughts as they are lifting three hundred pound weights at the local gym. We at Metro Fitness had the fortunate opportunity to meet such an individual that fits the description as just described. His name is Raymond Curtis. The inspiring interview you are about to read on hope, courage and endurance epitomizes the old cliché ‘mind over matter.’ We at Metro Fitness hope his message will challenge you to live your life to the fullest and never give up. At eighty-two years of age, Mr. Curtis is an active weight lifter who is a member of Team U.S.A. which will be representing our great country in the World Met Fit: It is such a pleasure speaking with Masters Powerlifting you. Would you be so kind to tell our readers Championship. The event will about your background? take place in Denver, Colorado from September, 28th till Curtis: I was born in South Central Texas on October, 4th. This is an internaOctober 23rd in 1932. I graduated from Texas A & M with a degree in Mechanical tional event as over twenty counEngineering. With my degree, I achieved a tries will be represented. We at position with McDermott International where I Metro Fitness had the great designed and supervised the fabrication of oil privilege to interview Raymond pipes. I moved to New Orleans in 1961. Think I’ve Curtis. From his trials and been here long enough to be considered truly tribulations to becoming a N'awlins. [Laughing] world class athlete, he has a message of hope and Met Fit: When did you first discover that you had a inspiration for people of passion for weight lifting? any age.

Curtis:

Having been the type that has always ran

five miles a day, I started having trouble with my knees. I found the gym as a healthy alternative. It was

20  www.metrofitnessmag.com August 2015


a friend of mine that suggested I start working out

radiation treatment to my last. Everyone in the

with weights. That was about twenty years ago. I

gym could see how the radiation was affecting

entered my first power lift competition at the age

me. From my ears, face, and body; I looked like a

of 69. I won the state title and made it on to the

walking light bulb. I made a decision that I would

nationals. There have only been two times in my

only lift what I was able to do. No more and no

life where I didn’t make it to the nationals. The

less.

first was when I lost my wife and the second was when I was diagnosed with gall bladder disease.

Met Fit: I am really sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I am also sorry to hear about your diag-

Met Fit: How does it make you feel knowing that you will be representing Team U.S.A. in the World Masters Powerlifting Championship.

noses of gall bladder disease. We do not have to

Curtis: I feel relaxed right now. However, when I

entertain these subjects for this interview as

get there I’m sure I will be a little nervous at first.

we…………… (Mr. Curtis politely interjected.)

I’m just so happy that I can go up there and com-

Curtis: No, I would love to. Losing my wife and

pete and represent America. Team U.S.A. is

gall bladder disease are not the only trials I have endured. I was also diagnosed with prostate cancer as I also had a battle with skin cancer.

Met Fit:

[Silence] Most people that have been

diagnosed with the diseases that you have endured would simply take what the doctor said

determined to go up there and kick some butt! In closing; we at Metro Fitness would like to leave you with a few select quotes from Mr. Curtis’s trainer. His name is Roddy Gaubert and we at Metro Fitness thank him ever so much for his contribution. “Ray Curtis has an infectious personality that draws

as a death sentence and give up. How did you

the attention from gym goers of all ages.”

find the strength to endure it all?

“To bench press 250lbs and deadlift 350lbs at any

Curtis:

age is impressive, and at age 82 it is impossible for

I have always said that I should be the

Poster Child for Early Detection. [Hearty Laughter] I always thought as to what my wife would say on these matters. She would say, “You set your goals right like you’ve always done. Get up and do.” I have always set goals which I have achieved. It has never been a goal of mine to throw in the towel because of an illness.

Met Fit:

My father had prostate

cancer and I remember how weak he felt after his radiation treatments. How long did it take you after your treatments to start lifting weights again?

Curtis:

I went through forty-five

radiation treatments that kicked my butt for nine weeks and I never took time out from the gym.

Met Fit:

99% of people walking on this planet earth.”

COSMETIC NUTRITION

by marisLEE

What is cosmetic nutrition?

I shall define it as this: Certain foods when digested, assimilated and absorbed will cause a metabolic chain reaction to occur which results in minimum or no noticeable fluid retention interstitially and subcutaneously. This lack or absence of fluid in the tissues results in a glow to the muscle that is worthy of stage or camera presentation. I apply cosmetic nutrition to that person who is already in shape. The person that basically lives a fitness lifestyle and whose goal is to look their best in two to four weeks for a wedding, photoshoot, family vacation, etc. The fact that water can hydrate and also hide muscle makes us aware that the top two components for fluid retention, carbohydrate and sodium, must be understood. Carbohydrates and sodium not used by the body bind or latch onto fluid and cause fluid retention. So, we need to tighten our circle of foods to include low sodium natural low density carbs that will allow the body to lose fluid but yet still supply enough energy throughout the day. I would start with rice and rice based products, grits, potatoes, and vegetables for a period of one to two weeks. Target four to six small intakes of 15 – 30 grams of carbs per intake. Limit fruits to apples, grapefruit and cantaloupe no more than one to two intakes per day. We can’t forget about protein. Fish, chicken breast, and egg whites are a good place to start with three to five intakes of 20 – 30 grams per intake. By tightening our circle of foods and setting baseline parameters we will get more in tune with our body’s water fluctuations. This awareness will help us achieve the look we are looking for!!

Excuse me, Mr. Curtis.

We must have a bad connection; I don’t think I heard you clearly.

Curtis: You’re not hearing things. You heard me correctly. I was in the gym every day; from my first

Maris Lee owner of the Diet Difference, personal trainer at Anytime Fitness on Veterans, Metairie, LA. (504) 402-1917 www.dietdifference.com


22  www.metrofitnessmag.com  August 2015



by fraserBAYLEY

How to get in the best shape of your life and optimize your health, training and productivity - All on a Plant based diet!

You may have heard of it before. Veganism AKA Plant Based Diet. It’s a way of eating that consists only of plants and foods derived from plants. It is void of any kind of animal products - No meats, whey, dairy, milk, cheese, eggs or anything else that includes animal sources in its ingredients. Sounds extreme and unattainable? I get it, at first it seems that way! But I’m here to shed some light on what the plant-based diet is and how it can help you achieve the body, health, and longevity of your dreams. This new series of articles and recipes is designed to take the guesswork (and doubts) out of plant-based nutrition. Giving you the opportunity to try it for yourself, and discover how amazing the food is, and how much better you will look and feel! So what exactly is it about a vegan diet that makes its followers some of the healthiest people on the planet? Simple, it’s full of vitamins, minerals, proteins (yes, protein is still abundant in a vegan diet), and healthy fats and carbohydrates that the human body is designed to thrive on without any of the acidity and inflammation caused by animal products. High protein diets rich in animal proteins are very acidic due to the sulfur derived amino acids inherent in them. This strains the digestive system, affecting blood flow to muscles, and hindering recovery and nutrient delivery that stimulates growth. It also negatively impacts concentration and energy levels in the same way, leaving you fatigued, unfocused, and dull.

Notable changes: - Increased perfor m ance.

- Better pum ps in the gym - Less crav ings

- Better horm onal balance

- Less lethargy after eating - Better sleep - Faster recov ery

- More strength, w hich if done

right, can equate to m ore m us cle grow th

24  www.metrofitnessmag.com  August 2015

Switching to plant based proteins, which are much easier for the body to assimilate and utilize, leaves more blood volume, nutrients and energy for the good stuff like recovery, strength, endurance, sleep, concentration and a more stable mood. Not to mention the AMAZING disease-fighting, anti-aging, cancer-preventing properties of a plant based diet. So let’s get the fears and phobias out of the way, shall we? Very often it is the one thing that shackles people to the old routine. The idea that we need chicken, beef, or fish in order to build muscle or be healthy. Well I’m here to tell you it simply isn’t true. I am proof of that! And I know MANY others who break that stereotype too! Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to commit to a “label” or go all-or-nothing when just starting out. Just begin trying some of what is offered here, and when you feel amazing from it - keep going further! So where to begin? Just replace the animal protein on your plate with a plant protein. There are options from quality non-GMO organic tofu, tempeh (fermented soy that kind of looks like hash brown), quinoa, beans, lentils, couscous, falafels, veggie-burgers all the way to pumpkin seed, hemp seed and a range of foods in between. The most important thing to realize is that we don’t need as much protein in our diets as we have been led to believe. It isn’t quantity we need, rather quality and absorption. Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t! It’s just not a very well understood or mainstream way to live and eat yet, that’s all. But it works wonders! So this is the first article coming to you monthly, whereby we will be posting amazing plant based recipes each month for you to try and incorporate into your diet. The key is finding amazing recipes; quick and easy snacks that can fill those old voids and help you feel at ease with this progression. Stay tuned, we cannot wait to share this amazing journey with you!


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26 www.metrofitnessmag.com August 2015




At 36 years old I begin having stomach issues, joints hurt all the time not to mention a knee injury. I gave up all hope and begin putting the pounds on fast. My thoughts were I guess I'll be forty and fat. December of 2014 I realized I had to do something or I wouldn't make it to 50! I joined cross fit with my husband and with tons of fear in me I went. Scared to death of passing out and extremely intimidated I got through it. It was that night I realized, the coach cared and wanted to help me not harm me. I also realized that the people in there care as well as they would cheer me on to finish. I have lost a total of 81 since Christmas and there's no doubt I wouldn't be halfway there without the help of Finish Strong CrossFit! Don't think you can't do it, it's mind over matter. People say well it's more cheaper to go to a gym, all I can say to those folks is good luck I tried that for two years got me nowhere but roller coasting and adding on more weight.

-Amy Deal


Don’t let Exercise-Induced Asthma Stop you. Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms usually begin about five to 20 minutes after beginning to exercise. The symptoms often peak about five to 10 minutes after stopping exercise then gradually diminish. The symptoms are typically gone within an hour, but they may last longer.

Symptoms include one or a combination of the following: Coughing, Wheezing, Chest tightness, Chest pain Prolonged shortness of breath Extreme fatigue.

Northshore Allergy & Immunology, LLCNAI, LLC Office (985) 792-4022 NEW LOCATION: 355 Lakeview CT. Covington, LA 70433

Richard J Guillot, M.D. Board Certified In Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Immunology




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