Jennifer Dziob, Trainer

Acceleration Training for Non-Exercisers

A recent study showed that there were 2 major reasons participants did not adhere to an exercise program:
1. Their pre-existing level of physical activity
2. Recommended exercise time (Sedentary women who were asked to exercise 30 minutes/day, 5 days a week were very likely to quit!)

Now suppose you could achieve all your goals by exercising just 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a week!


To help achieve your goals (especially for non-exercisers), Acceleration Training does the following:

1. Just show up. Because of the tonic-vibration reflex, you don’t even have to move. Let the Power Plate machine work on muscle contractions to get your “work-out”!
2. Give us 15 minutes twice a week to increase muscle strength. Most people see results very quickly.

In addition, our exclusive bioDensity machine can build strength in less then 5 minutes per week

At KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS, our trainers are certified by Power Plate International to insure that you can expect a work-out that is tailored to your needs.
When used for certain medical conditions, this might even be covered by your insurance.
All programs are low impact and very safe


Call 941-556-7788 and ask for your free demo today.

 
From skipping rope to sprinting - at some point in our lives we have performed some type of plyometric activity. Plyometric training is a fancy way of saying you did something really quick. Athletes capitalize on this mode of exercise all the time - inclusive in Power training. Unfortunately, most athletes and the general populace have no knowledge of "true" plyometric training. Some have gotten wind of this exercise phenomenon through so-called "jump" training. While true that plyometrics include jumping, not all jumps are plyometric! The Russians implemented "shock training" to their athletes and military personnel decades ago. In the 50's some forward thinking soviets introduced the West to this specialized training and from there the misconceptions grew. Plyometrics are meant to be powerful and explosive with less than 2/10s of a second of contact (ground reaction time) - literally in the blink of an eye. Since the easiest employment came through jumping, most saw jumping as plyometric and incorrectly began jumping through hoops and such to showcase this new-fangled exercise. The fact is, a plyometric exercise is a muscle action capitalizing on the stretch-shortening cycle or SSC. This can come in the form of throwing, running, jumping, clapping ... or PowerPlate training at Kaizen Total Wellness.
 
Here is the beauty of the PowerPlate machine at Kaizen - to create a plyometric movement there must be a counter-movement to initiate and employ the elasticity of the muscle and thereby utilize the SSC. For instance, to jump we inherently squat (even a little) and then triple extend about the hip, knee and ankle joints. Ask anyone to jump and you will see this occur everytime, if not the jump is less than impressive. So, what if you should not jump or just do not want to jump? What if you wish to train the upper body instead of the legs? Your answer is the PowerPlate! Why? The Vibration technology creates a reflexive neuromuscular response in the body. Meaning, you do not need to consciously contract your muscles, the machine transmits energy into the body and the body responds instinctively. Science has shown that a reflexive action is quicker and more powerful than a conscious effort (think Fight-Flight-Fright reflex intrinsic in all mammals). On a subtle, continuous and SAFE level, the platform drops from under foot and causes a reflex response. Just as if walking on a sidewalk in the dark and suddenly stepping down from the curb, the muscles forcibly contract to protect the organism - a total body response (muscular, nervous, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory and endocrine systems synergize). This means immediate results due to the stimulation placed on the body - research shows 300-400% greater muscular recruitment than conventional weight training. This occurs 25-50 times per second, leading to enhanced effects in shorter time intervals!
 
No matter if you are a recreational athlete, an elite competitor, or a medical patient - every body that stands on the plate receives the same stimulation and cumulative effects of the PowerPlate through Vibration technology. Literally, enhancing the neuromuscular quality of the body, recalibrating the nervous system to adapt more efficiently, and effectively increasing the activity of the body's coordinated systems. To receive the benefits of sports strength and conditioning, whether for sport, pleasure or therapy - please contact Kaizen Total Wellness at 941-556-7788 to experience a FREE demo of the PowerPlate at our Lakewood Ranch office.
 
- Jason Balducci, ACSM-HFS, NASM-CES
Fitness Trainer, Certified on Power Plate
Kaizen Total Wellness

Driving in to work the other day, I heard two commercials for “testosterone” boosters. The claims made, such as increased energy, strength, weight loss and libido are correct. The only problem is that it is not safe for everyone to use and may contain actual steroids! Testosterone supplements should only be used under physician supervision and may increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease. Only prescription grade testosterone should be prescribed.
 
 
 
 
Testosterone Booster Supplement Recalled for Containing Synthetic Steroid
On October 5, 2011, the U.S. FDA announced that Superior Metabolic Technologies Inc of Marietta, Georgia is voluntarily recalling all lots of the testosterone booster Uprizing 2.0 because tests have shown the product appears to contain superdrol, a synthetic steroid, making it an unapproved new drug. On August 5 the FDA made Superior Metabolic Technologies Inc aware that Uprizing 2.0 contains superdrol which is banned by the FDA. This led to the recall of the product.
 
This is the rule, unfortunately, rather then the exception. Buyer beware as the FDA is impotent!

Why do people think OTC (Over the counter) supplements are safer than prescription drugs?

Do you know what’s in your supplement?
Please read the following unedited paper from the FDA.
And, do you really think this is an isolated case?
At, Kaizen Total Wellness, we want our patients to know the truth behind supplement scams and to understand why we are against them.
There is no substitution for healthy eating and exercise.
 
 
FDA Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Dietary Supplement Maker -- 400+ Products Affected
(Date Posted: 11/27/2011)
On November 23, 2011, the U.S. FDA took legal action against a dietary supplement maker and owner for substituting ingredients and products without noting the changes on the final product labels. The permanent injunction, filed on behalf of the FDA by the U.S. Department of Justice, would stop the defendants from making and distributing more than 400 products for being in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
This is the first time FDA has taken legal action against a dietary supplement manufacturer of this size for failure to comply with the dietary supplement current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations. The cGMPs for dietary supplements went into effect in 2007, in a stepped process based on company size. This company's compliance date came into effect in 2010, and they did not meet the relevant cGMP requirements after that date.
The FDA requested the permanent injunction against ATF Fitness Products Inc. (ATF), Manufacturing ATF Dedicated Excellence, Inc. (MADE), and James G. Vercellotti of Oakmont, Pa., owner and operator of both companies. The cGMP regulations require manufacturers to ensure quality in their dietary supplements by controlling all aspects of their processes and procedures. MADE makes more than 400 dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, under the brands “Sci-Fit,” “Nature’s Science” and “For Store Only.” ATF purchases dietary supplements exclusively from MADE and distributes them throughout the United States.
“Dietary supplements have a significant role in the public’s health,” said Dara Corrigan, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “Today’s injunction reinforces our commitment to ensuring that these supplements meet the cGMP requirements the law establishes.”
The government's complaint, filed Nov. 23, 2011, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleges that in addition to “adulterating” and “misbranding” their final products, the manufacturer and its owner failed to report serious adverse events associated with their products. In one case an individual who consumed one of the products reported experiencing a spike in blood pressure, hospitalization and a subsequent mild heart attack. For more information, use the link below.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm281017.htm

Hmmmmm, I didn't know that!

Not only are Multiple Vitamins of no benefit, they can sometimes increase the risks of disease. We know Vitamin E increases the risks of heart disease and prostate cancer. B-complex vitamins will increase the risks of heart disease.
Vitamin A increases the incidence of lung cancer, especially in smokers. There are no medical studies that show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that vitamins improve health.
 
Herbal cholesterol lowering products are neither safe nor effective. Products like Red Yeast Rice may contain toxic contaminants. The only medications that have PROVEN benefits in lowering heart attack and stroke risks are STATINS.
No other prescription cholesterol products have any PROVEN benefits and these include ZETIA, WELCHOL, NIASPAN (niacin), FENOFIBRATES (Tricor, Trilipix)
 
The higher the Body Mass Index (BMI), the higher the risks of colon polyps and cancer.
 
An Aspirin or NSAID (Advil) daily can reduce the incidence of colon polyps. Please check with your doctor as these drugs may interact adversely with other medications.
 
The risks of heart disease in diabetics are related more to Hypertension, High Cholesterol and lack of Physical Activity than it is to poorly controlled glucose levels.
 
According to Consumer Reports, 25% of FISH species are mislabeled (remember the grouper shortage a few years ago?)
 
It is not unusual to “hurt” after beginning an exercise program (You are probable using muscles you haven’t used in years-not unlike being sore after throwing a baseball the first time the first warm spring day)
 
Vitamin and Herbal supplements, for the most part are not regulated by the FDA and have limited, if any, proven medical benefits. Consumers spend over $27,000,000,000/year looking for alternative routes to health.

What's that, you say? Forgot Cousin Ralph? Still don't know what to give your child's favorite teacher? A gift certificate from Kaizen Total Wellness can mean many things....a massage, a workout with a personal trainer on Power Plate, a nutritional consultation...
What it says is " I want you around for a long time!"
Call the office today - we'll send it out or you can pick it up. It is that easy.  

Kaizen Total Wellness - 941.556.7788

At Kaizen Total Wellness, we have had a phenomenal year filled with the rewards of working with clients who are highly motivated to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle!  We feel privileged to be helping our clients on Power Plate and bioDensity machines - two of the most advanced training and conditioning machines anywhere! Every day, we see the difference between a workout here and one on the conventional gym equipment. There is no comparison! Check out our Testimonials page on the website to see some of what's been accomplished here at Kaizen Total Wellness.
We want to wish all of our Kaizen Total Wellness clients and staff the happiest of holidays, and an upcoming year of continued commitment to a healthy lifestyle!

It's a great idea to snack, especially over the holidays! Having a healthy snack before a holiday party is just plain smart! Here's a short selection of  delicious smoothie confections that replace guilt with pride in treating yourself to something both delicious and healthy! For the entire list of 0ver 20 healthy snacks to indulge in, please call the office and ask Barbara Bingham, our director and a nutritionist, for the Kaizen Total Wellness "Snacks & Smoothies" handout. We'll have it waiting for you at the front desk! 941-556-7788

Sometimes, diet, exercise and will power are just not enough to help one lose weight. There are many drugs and supplements available to help. Unfortunately, most are either not FDA approved nor are they safe (HCG).
At our practice, we have been using Phentermine for over 30 years with a lot of success. It is very inexpensive. At one time it cost $5.00/month until a fake shortage was conjured up in the late 1990’s, but the price is still affordable in the mid $20.00 range.
Whenever we place a patient on Phentermine, we require two things from our patients:
 
          1. Adopt a healthier lifestyle. (Use this time to learn how to eat healthy)
          2. Start an exercise program. (Learn to build muscle and burn fat)
 
Even though many patients will develop tolerance to phentermine, studies have shown that, even after two years, those using it still had lower weights then those who stopped it. The risks of cardiovascular side effects were no different then placebo, even in senior citizens.
 
Lately, we have been adding Topamax to Phentermine and have been able to increase weight loss in some of our patients. Topamax is actually an anti-seizure drug but can be very effective in helping patients lose weight. It was only by mistake that the medical world discovered patients on it were losing weight. We use it mainly for chronic pain and migraines.
 
Both Phentermine and Topamax are safe for long term use, but like any other medications, side effects can be seen.  The most common side effect with Phentermine is nervousness and insomnia. Topamax may cause drowsiness and confusion. These side effects are reversible when the medications are stopped. Please note that, medicine is an art and not a science. Results are NEVER guaranteed as we can never predict how the human body will react.
 
These medications may or may not be appropriate for you. Only your PHYSICIAN can tell you if it is appropriate to use.
 
In our practice, our patients must be seen on a monthly basis to get their prescriptions renewed.
 

My name is Jim Pfrogner [age 69] and I have been training with the Power Plate for about ten weeks.  I have an arthritic problem in my lower legs and it has affected my quality of life. Since I've been training I have noticed positive results. This method of developing fitness takes less than 30 minutes with a personal trainer twice a week. Additionally, Dr. Jill Rose, the Kaizen Total Wellness Physical Therapist, works with me weekly and monitors my progress as well as updates my workouts. This is as good as it gets!  I am becoming so fit and my arthritis problem is not nearly as painful as when I first started. I have better balance and ankle stability which has improved my golf game. I totally endorse the Kaizen Total Wellness Program and of course the dynamic Power Plate. Thank you.

"Kaizen Total Wellness® stands out amongst competitors due to two main factors ... Health Protocol and Training Equipment. At Kaizen, we take a progressive approach to treating clients. We believe in small steps towards long-lasting results. Further, we utilize a holistic protocol encompassing Physical Therapy, Nutrititional Therapy, Exercise Therapy, professional Medical services and Massage Therapy. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and one of a kind in our neck of the woods. We combine Vibrational Training on the Powerplate with Isometric Instrumentation via the bioDensity to give a unique modality of physical training unlike anything else around.
We are effective due to a few attributes - Compliance, Consistency and Compassion. Our treatment sessions run for 30 minutes and we have many working individual come on lunch breaks or after work. Most clients find the 30 minute session more than enough time to accomplish their personal and health goals. A certified exercise specialist is always with the client through the session, correcting and modifying based on the needs and wants of the client and therapist. Even though each session is varied and personalized for the client, they know we strive to meet their treatment and wellness agendas every time. Clients are trained with specific goals in mind per session. Finally, we just plain care about the health and well-being of our clients. The ultimate goal is client satisfaction, and happiness with the program on their continued journey towards wellness."

Jason Balducci has his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine. After completing specialized training with bioDensity and Power Plate equipment, Jason became certified in utilizing isometric and high vibration technology unique to our physician-supervised wellness center gym. His background includes being the Coordinator for a non-profit multifunctional health center in Virginia, 'Sheltering Arms', working with doctors and physical therapists on rehabilitation and fitness improvement for underpriviledged populations. Jason is acquiring his Masters Degree at the East-West College of Natural Medicine.  

Here is a study from Spain that looked at exercise over a 20 year period in the elderly population.
What it found was that, even though older patients had more time for leisure physical activities, their general physical fitness had declined.
At Kaizen Total Wellness, we believe that it is never too late to build muscle mass and get in to better shape.
Our programs are safe, low impact, medically supervised and incredibly successful.
For more information, call 941-556-7788
 
 
Among behavioral factors, smoking and BMI > 28 were negatively associated with Leisure Time Physical Activities. These results agree with previous studies showing that obesity was associated with lower activity. In the longitudinal analyses of the CHIANTI study, obese older population with low muscle strength had steeper decline in walking speed, walk 400 m or climb one flight on stairs as compared with those without obesity or low muscle strength. Spanish sedentary older people exhibited lower education level in both genders. Sedentary men consume alcohol less frequently and have a higher number of chronic diseases than women, while sedentary older women are obese, have never smoked and consumed more frequently 3 or more drugs than men.
Our results provide evidence that older people reporting a fair/poor/very poor self-rated health status have difficulties in walking and climbing stairs. Self-perceived health status is considered as a reliable predictor of PA, walking decline and mortality in older people. In fact, perceived poor health status has been associated with lower PA, as PA significantly correlates with self-reported health in older adult
 
Our study revealed an increase in Leisure Time Physical Activities , but not in physical fitness, from 1987 to 2006 in older Spanish people. Older people (age ≥ 80 years), married, with a greater number of co-morbid chronic conditions and obese exhibited a relatively lower Leisure Time Physical Activities. Similarly, older people (age ≥ 80 years, those taking a greater number of medications for chronic conditions, obese, and with worse self-perceived health status tended to have a relatively lower physical fitness. These results have potential implications for health services, as identification of these factors can help to prevent physical inactivity and improve the health status of older people in Spain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60gwZn45YS8

Power Plate training is especially helpful to golfers. With our no-impact, accelerated training, muscle strength and balance greatly improve. Joan reported that her foot and knee pain were decreased and she is thrilled to be back on the links.

Power plate training at Kaizen Total Wellness Gym is always one on one.

A study from the New England Journal of Medicine (Sept 2011) showed that medical therapy was superior to surgery in preventing a second (recurrent) stroke.
Surgery: angioplasty and stents.
Medicine: antiplatelet therapy (aspirin), statins(Crestor) and blood pressure control.
There are many options when it comes to treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol and platelet modifiers.
When diet and exercise are not enough, medical therapy is a safe and effective option.
Please be aware that stroke prevention HAS been shown with STATINS (Lipitor, Crestor, etc) and NOT herbal supplements.
 
Kaizen is all about lifestyle changes and prevention.
Let’s work as a team for your health.

This video features Courteney Cox's trainer discussing how she got her body ready for "Cougar Town" using Power Plate fitness equipment.

Who doesn't LOVE cranberries on Thanksgiving!!! (a rhetorical question!)
If you love them - don't buy the can loaded with sugar - buy fresh cranberries and see below!

Giving thanks comes in many forms - being thoughtful about your health is one important way:

Does your Cholesterol or Blood Pressure medicine interact with Grapefruit?
It does if you take Zocor (simvastatin), Lipitor or certain BP medications.
This looks promising, but make sure you are getting the RIGHT product.
(Eating grapefruit regardless of when you take certain medications can cause serious muscular side effects)
 

Grapefruit lovers, rejoice!

If you love grapefruit, but can’t eat it because of its dangerous interaction with some prescription medications, there is hope.
Scientists at the University of Florida have created a hybrid grapefruit that has the same citrus taste, but without the furanocoumarin compound that can be unsafe when combined with blood pressure and heart medications.
“There are certain relatives of grapefruit that we call pummelo, some of which are very, very low or have no furanocoumarins in them at all,” said Fred Gmitter, a citrus geneticist at UF.
As an added bonus – the new grapefruit is seedless.
The hybrid grapefruit is described in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

All women older than 65 (or younger if there are certain risk factors like family history, smoking, alcohol use, low body weight or premature menopause. Also, the use of antidepressants, steroids or epilepsy drugs can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
All men older than 70! (Gentlemen, are you willing to pay out of your pocket because I am not aware of Medicare reimbursement for this)
All postmenopausal women and men >50 who have a history of abnormal fractures.
 
Please note that ALL patients with osteoporosis should be treated with medication.
NOT every patient with OSTEOPENIA needs medications! Only those at risk for fractures.
 
Please note that most CALCIUM should be dietary and only about 500 mg/day should come form a pill and that everyone should take at least 1000 units of Vitamin D3 daily.
Also weight bearing exercise can not be emphasized enough.

An elderly man was stopped by the police around 2 am and was asked where he was going at this time of night.

The man replied, " I am on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, as well as smoking and staying out late."

A survey from Consumer Reports found that 22% of people skipped breakfast. Most people ate fruit. Cereal was the next most popular, followed by eggs, peanut butter and protein bars.
Our feeling is that breakfast should never be skipped because you have just completed a 8-10 hour fast and your body is pleading to be fed.
The problem is, most people think they will lose weight by skipping meals (Never happen) or just load up on CARBS for breakfast.
We think the ideal breakfast should consist of CARBS, PROTEIN and FAT.
A great choice would be low sugar instant oatmeal supplemented with 100% whey protein powder. Fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, whole grain breads etc are also good. We would skip ANY fruit juice including orange juice as these are just sugar water. Instead of supermarket juice, squeeze the oranges and have some fresh juice!.
Oh yeah? Vitamins. Forget about it. There is no proof that MVI’s are beneficial and may even increase your risk of heart disease or cancer.

Bisphenol A is used primarily to make plastics, and products containing bisphenol A-based plastics have been in commerce use since 1957. At least 8 billion pounds of BPA are used by manufacturers yearly.[13] It is a key monomer in production of epoxy resins and in the most common form of polycarbonate plastic
"In general, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are very unlikely to contain BPA. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA."
 
The first large study of health effects on humans associated with bisphenol A exposure was published in September 2008 by Iain Lang and colleagues in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The cross-sectional study of almost 1,500 people assessed exposure to bisphenol A by looking at levels of the chemical in urine. The authors found that higher bisphenol A levels were significantly associated with heart disease, diabetes, and abnormally high levels of certain liver enzymes
A panel convened by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in 2007 determined that there was "some concern" about BPA's effects on fetal and infant brain development and behavior.A 2008 review has concluded that obesity may be increased as a function of BPA exposure, which "...merits concern among scientists and public health officials."A 2009 review of available studies has concluded that "perinatal BPA exposure acts to exert persistent effects on body weight and adiposity. A 2007 review has concluded that bisphenol-A has been shown to bind to thyroid hormone receptor and perhaps have selective effects on its functions.A 2010 review at Tufts University Medical School concluded that Bisphenol A may increase cancer risk. A 2009 study has found that newborn rats exposed to a low-dose of BPA (10 µg/kg) increased prostate cancer susceptibility when adults.In vitro studies have suggested that BPA can promote the growth of neuroblastoma cells
 
OK. Let’s try to avoid plastics......but did you know that BISPHENOL A is also present in almost every country’s paper money!
Please wash hands after handling money!

I was at a restaurant recently and noticed that the entire wait staff were using their cell phones. For those of you who read my blogs, you already know that cell phones harbor more bacteria then a toilet seat! The manager looked at me like I was crazy when I told him this and asked to have them wash their hands. If you see this, please speak up.
- Dr.  Mishner