Thanksgiving Day Workout - Done With Only 3 Exercises!

3500 Calories

Do you know how many calories you need to burn in order to lose just one pound?

Most people actually know this answer, but don't really know what that means.

The answer, in case you don't know, is 3500 calories. You need to burn off 3500 calories in order to lose one pound of fat.

Here's another question for you...

How many calories, on average, do you burn on a treadmill going one mile?

Answer: About 100

What does this mean exactly?

This means that to lose one pound of fat, by walking or running, you will need to go a distance of 35 miles.

My personal goal is to lose about 1000 calories every time I workout. I do this in a combination cardiovascular/resistance type workout. An example would be walk/run for 30 minutes, then move onto an total body resistance workout that incorporates fast cardio segments such as jumping rope, or step ups, or jumping jax. That's just me. You don't have to do that type of workout, but that's what I enjoy. It makes me feel good.

So, if I'm getting 3 workouts like I just described each week that burns about 1000 calories each, plus 2 more cardiovascular workouts each week that burns between 500 and 1000 calories each, this means I'm burning about 4000-5000 calories each week just during my exercises. Now I'm also eating about 2000-3000 calories each day so I can sustain that workout level. By doing this, my metabolism is running at a higher, more sufficient rate, therefore burning even more calories while at rest when I'm not working out, even while I sleep.

my goal is to get at least 3500 calories burned each week during exercise. Remember 3500 calories burned equals the loss of one pound of fat. This is why I stay lean and toned.

I know that 3500 calories burned in one week sounds like a whole lot, especially when you only burn 100 calories by walking one mile. It really is easy and once you get into a workout pattern that works for you, you will start seeing the results.

I have an online Meal Planning System that anyone can use that can help you with your calorie intake at http://www.blufftonpersonaltraining.com/ultimate_meal_planning.htm.

Now you know one BIG reason why cardiovascular training is so important when it comes to losing weight. So go hit the treadmill right now!

Fat People Allow Failures of The Past To Hold Them Back!

Believe that it is very possible to use past failures to succeed in the future! Is this something you believe?

You see most fat people allow past failures to hold them back from future endeavors, whereas fit people use their past failures to push forward to a better life.

You cannot and should not assume that that the future will be the same as what happened in the past. The future has not happened yet! You control and make a decision towards everything that happens next. Nothing that has happened yesterday should happen again. Instead, use what happened yesterday to springboard you to a different and better future.

Everyone fails sometime or another.

In fact the most very successful people have failed more often than those not so successful. The only difference is the very successful people learned from their failures and changed to improve on them.

Most people see failure as proof that they are not good enough, educated enough, even smart enough to achieve greatness. Only a few "world-class thinkers" use past failures as learning experiences to start over at a higher level. Nothing is different with the failures. A failure is a failure! The difference is in the thinking after the failure.

This is what we call "Mental Toughness"!

So decide right now to let go of all your fear of failing, whatever it may be and carry on or move forward thinking like a champion.

It is completely up to you.

To experience what world class thinking is all about just for one day, act like it is impossible to fail all day long.

You just might like the way it feels and continue on with that everyday.

Chad Cannon is a speaker, author, fat loss expert, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Studios of Bluffton/Hilton Head, SC.

I'll Start Tomorrow

"I'll start over on Monday"


Is this you?

Are you one of those people that have used this action step over and over again that never has action to it?

Wake up and realize that your Monday is never going to come. There is no waiting. TODAY is the day to start the first day of the rest of your life to better health and fitness.



Ask youreslf "When am I going to stop starting over?" It's not like your cholesterol started over. Your diebetes didn't start over. Your high blood pressure didn't start over. What makes starting over every time better? What makes tomorrow better than today to get fit?

The fact is, if you continue starting over every time life gets in the way, you WILL eventually die fat!

Starting over is an endless loop that keeps people fat foever.

Whatever you are planning to improve your health and fitness, stop planning and go do it! TODAY!

Chad Cannon is a speaker, author, fat loss expert, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Studios of Bluffton/Hilton Head, SC.

Losing Weight With Carbohydrates

To LOSE WEIGHT you must reduce carbohydrates! UNFORTUNATELY this is what people all over our great nation believe is to be true, but are VERY WRONG! Most people cut down on bread, cereals, and sugars, etc.

Many of these are very important energy sources which your body consistantly needs. Plus, if you cut down on carbohydrates, which by the way is cutting calories (not a good thing when trying to lose weight!) you will lose weight, but you will also be shrinking yourself. This is because tissue won't be replaced and repaired the way it should. ONLY when the body has enough carbohydrates will it allow protein to build new tissue. When reducung the amount of carbohydrates, protein is used to provide energy which in tern leads to tissue losing the ability to repair and rebuild.

Foods that contain larger amounts of refines sugars and starches (bad carbohydrates) promote a sudden rise in blood sugar levels, providing an immediate source of energy that is spiked by insulin and is rapidly followed by low blood sugar levels. This can cause more craving of more bad sugars, fatigue, dizziness, nervousness, and even headaches. In this ongoing process the body surpresses other nutrients that are very essential to everyday living, which results in becoming obese. Most diets are high in refined sugars (bad carbohydrates) and low in vitamins and minerals.

Most carbohydrates with white flour, white sugar and polished rice are lacking the essential Vitamin B you get from good carbohydrates, which comes directly from the sun.

Eat carbohydrates for more energy, resulting in a higher metabolism, but only the good carbohydrates!

Chad Cannon is a speaker, author, fat loss expert, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Studios of Bluffton/Hilton Head, SC.

Fat People Hang Out With Other Fat People. Fit People Hang Out With Other Fit People. MAKE SENSE?

In your "inner circle" of friends, how many of them are fat and how many are fit?

I've always been taught to hang out with people that I want to be like. Rich people hang out with other rich people. Great business owners hang out with other great business owners, great athletes hang out with other great athletes, happy people hang out with other happy people. And guess what? Fat people usually have fat friends that are just as unhappy as they are.

Try to build good relationships with fit people who will have a positive impact on your life, your thinking, everything you do. Don't cut out the others, but start spending less time with them and much more time with fit people.

Who's in your inner circle?

Chad Cannon is a speaker, author, fat loss expert, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Studios of Bluffton/Hilton Head, SC.

How Digestion Effects The Metabolism

The metabolic process is different for all individuals. It all starts with Digestion. Digestion starts directly in the mouth where food first touches the body. Digestion then moves from the mouth to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and the large intestine. This is where the mechanical and chemical phases of the metabolic process happen. Most people think that metabolism is determined just from what they eat and how much they exercise. While those two are very relative in helping the metabolism, digestion is a big determinent factor in your metabolism. If your digestion is not running smoothly, your metabolism might be slower than you think.

Your body is about 55% water, 20% protein, 15% fat, 9% minerals, and 1% carbohydrates and vitamins. These basic blocks must be replaced on a consistant basis through the foods we eat. However, each individual will have different proportions of each component.

Some foods are used as fuel and are burned right away for fast energy. Other foods become building blocks of tissue and fluids.

Chad Cannon is a speaker, author, fat loss expert, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Studios of Bluffton/Hilton Head, SC.

Being Over-Fat - Not Over-Weight

So many health problems can arrise from having excess body-fat. A few to name that you may have are Hypertension, which increases the risk of Stroke. Being over-fat can also increase the percentages of having Disbetes, which can bring on other illnesses. Heart Disease majorly increases with having too much body-fat, which makes a much higher percentage of Atherosclerosis. Also associated with high body-fat are Abdominal Hernias, Varicose Veins, Gout, Cancers, Respiratory Problems, Arthritis, Complications during Pregnancy, Labor and other forms of Surgery. Wait, that's not all. Being over-fat can also lead to a High Accident Rate and even Flat Feet.

Chad Cannon is a fitness professional, certified trainer, author, motivational speaker, and fat loss expert. He owns Shaping Concepts Fitness Studio in Hilton Head, SC.

The Fit Games - Part 3

The Fit Games - Part 2

The Fit Games - Part 1

How Long Have You Tried To Lose Weight?

If you have quit in any weight loss program before then you must listen to what I have to say in this video!!!

In-Home Cardio Workout - Who needs a $1500 Treadmill?

In-Home Total Body Workout

A Possibility Starts Here

Below I have made a story through 6 different videos starting with "For all of us, a dream can come true". I put together this story because there are so many people out there, possibly you, that want to lose weight, but just don't have the motivation to do it, or depression has kicked in so much that it's just hard to even get started. It all comes down to having a dream and making a simple decision to either go for it, or not. It's easy for me to put into words I know, but not easy to do. But it is easy to make that decision. And that is everything that you will ever need!

Watch the six videos below in order from "For all of us, a dream can come true" up.

Maybe, just maybe it might start a fire under you enough for you to make that decision.

The Power Of The Dream

600 children saw the power of the dream in these few minutes. Just look in their eyes and you'll see it too. It all started with a dream!

Reach As Far As You Can!

Put it all on the line. Reach higher, reach stronger! The more you believe, the more the dream will be yours!

Your Time Is Now

This IS your time! There is no better time than now! So go get it! No one can stop you!

It's Okay To Be Scared

Watch the eyes of the girls during the first 30 seconds. You think they aren't scared? You bet they are! But they each have a dream, they each chose to make a change, and now have the chance to acheive that dream. Of course they are scared, JUST LIKE YOU ARE, scared to fail in that dream. These girls made a simple decision to take that risk. Better to try and fail then to not try at all!

A Dream is Followed by Change

After a dream, we then choose to change!

For all of us, a dream CAN come true!

It all starts with a dream!

Empowering Inspiring video message

If You Never Failed... You've Never Lived

Chizzled Chest In 5 Minutes

Part-2 Weight-Management 101 Seminar Series

"Why All Commercial Diets Fail."

Part-1 Weight-Management 101 Seminar Series

educating you as well as reinforcing your intelligent decision to achieve weight-management goals through fitness.

Awesome Shaping Concepts Testimonials!

Bionic Back!

The Ultimate Chest Workout!

Train The Core To Get More!

Ball Warm-Up

3 Ways To Tone The Tush!!!

Training The Triceps

I Lost My Best Friend

It was a very sad day. I lost a great friend recently. I have known him for many, many years and we have become very close.

He always seemed to drag along with me and my family wherever we went...out to dinner, movies, cookouts, sporting events, even vacations. He was like family to me. Someone that I always confided in. I shared my wonderful stories with him, and drownded him with my sorrows. I have lost my best friend.

It was one of the saddest days of my life.

Now what? What am I going to do without him dragging along everywhere?

Who will I put all my stress on when I need it?

How will I cope without having him around?

It's tough, but I know I can do it! I WILL surge forward with my life and try to make it the best possible life I can without him being around ever again.

Oh, I forgot to tell you who my friend was...

Sorry, I didn't mean to leave that part out.

Who was my best friend in the whole world?

It was...

MY NICELY ROUNDED BELLY! USUALLY FILLED WITH JELLY!

That's correct, I've lost my nicely rounded belly.

I remember the days when we used to sit for hours, watching football and drinking beer, eating fried chicken, and large pizza's. Man oh man, those were the days. How I miss him so!

Well, actually it's kinda nice not feeling like crap anymore. And I never have to stop and rest to wait for him to catch up when we are out and about. Life actually seems a lot easier now without him. I hate to say that about my best friend, but it's true.

I never have to meet him at the doctors office anymore...he used to go with me for support. And I can now do a lot more things with my kids that I never could before, when he always jumped on my back!

I guess things are much better now. Athough I wish he were still around so I could introduce him to my six new friends...I call them "The Six Pack"!

I will miss him very much and remember him always, but love my new friends and hope to meet more soon!

Okay, so this happened to me about 15 years ago, but I thought it was a good story to share with you. It is a true story by the way.

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studio in Bluffton, SC. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

The True Secret To Weight And Fat Loss

There are many secrets to losing weight and body fat. I could list pages and pages of sectrets to help in accomplishing this. I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to say it's doing cardio. I'm not going to say it's proper nutrition. I'm not going to say it's resistance training. I'm not going to tell you what you already know.

What I am going to do is tell you the one and only true secret to weight and fat loss. It's a key factor that most people forget to even think about. It's the one thing that will absolutly keep you from failing. It's the one thing that will make your weight and fat loss goals certain and absolutely attainable.

What is this great secret?

Here it is... and it's BIG!

Stop talking about it and go do it!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studio in Bluffton, SC. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

Quote It!

Some inspirational quotes I've picked up over the years...

A day without laughter is a day wasted.

If you think someone could use a friend, be one.

Be yourself. An original is laways worth more than a copy.

Just because something is difficult doesn't mean you shouldn't try. It means you should just try harder.

If you tell the truth you don't have to remember what you said.

Save the drama for the llama.

Common snese. Don't leave home without it.

The optimist sees the oppotunity in every difficulty.

Respect is not a gift. You have to earn it.

Today is a great day to learn something new.

Only positive attitudes beyond this point.

Life is all about making mistakes and learning from them.

Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters.

If you don't have time to do it right, you must have time to do it over.

No slackng any time.

Excuse limit: 0

Pass with hard work.

Give someone a hand and you both climb higher.

Excuses stop here.

The future is in our hands.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studio in Bluffton, SC. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

Get Your "Summer Abs" here!

Summer is here and it's time to hit the beach or pool everyday. But wait...You aren't ready yet? You're not comfortable with the way your tummy looks?

Here are 5 summer sizzling tips to get a toned tummy!

1. It all starts with what you put in it! Proper nutrition is 90% of having a toned tummy or a bulging baloon. Eat a handfull of a protein and a handful of a complex carbohydrate every 3 hours throughout the day (5-6 times per day). Cut out soda's and sugars.

2. Core stretching. Lay over a stability facing up with your hands touching the floor behind your head and your feet still on the ground. Hold for 1 minute. Repeat 2-3 times every day.

3. A little walking goes a long way. Walking 30 minutes everyday in an interval fashion (1 minute very fast powerwalk or jog if you can, 1 minute easy walk for 30 minutes).

4. Core building. Yes, it certainly helps to work your core. Planks, crunches, whatever you've got to do, just do it. You will get better results in your tummy performing a whole body resistance routine with abdominals instead of just doing the abs.

5. Confidence! When you put on the bikini, be proud, stand tall, don't shy away from people. Show everyone how hard you've worked! Love your body!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studio in Bluffton, SC. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

Never Too Old

We all do it...use our age as an excuse to talk ourself out of things. Well after I saw these people below and what they accomplished I know I certainly cannot use my age as an excuse any longer. Check them out for yourself...

Charles Modlin started his track and field career in 1989 when he was only 64 years young. His wife would drive him to town nine miles away, and he'd run all the way home. Now at 84, Modlin has battled two types of cancers, but he's still America's fastest man for his age, running the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meter sprints in times of 15.65, 32.97 seconds, and 1:17.59 seconds.

Kay Glynn, 56, recently set the world record in her age group, clearing 9 feet seven inches. Glynn who hasn't competed since high school took up

pole vaulting again at age 48.

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studio in Bluffton, SC. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

"I Can't" is for the birds!

If you have ever said the words "I Can't", then it is a MUST that you watch this video!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studio in Bluffton, SC. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

High Performance Thinking!

This is the best example of being mentally tough. Just when you think you are done, fight harder. For in every hint of failure there is an opportunity born! If you can think it, YOU CAN achieve it! It's easy to talk yourself out of something. It takes courage and mental strength to overcome it. Everyone has courage and mental strength! Everyone! Find it in you!

This man, Billy Mills, changed my life when I was very young! Watch the movie "Running Brave" if you want to change your life as well.

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps

Run With The Big Dogs!

When I was competing in track and field at a very competitive level, I always wanted to be the best, as most people dream of. I quickly realized that if I keep beating the not so good, that doesn't make me the best.

Once I figured that out at a young age, I looked for better match-ups. I looked to compete against the best, even if I knew I didn't have a chance. Why? Because I lost against the best with dignity and courage.

One of my great memories came in 1991 running a 400 meter dash at Indiana University. I was put in the fastest heat with all of the BIG DOGS and I was excited about it. A 4 time Ohio high school state champion and national champion in the 400 meters (Chris) was also in the race, someone I had my eye on for 4 years prior. There were also many other big named runners in the field.

I was young and naive, but knew I had to take advantage of this opportunity. It might not ever come around again. So I was ready!

The gun went off and I shot out like a cannon. I ran stride for stride with my rival in the front of the race. At the 200 meter mark I was tied for first place against one of the best fields I had ever run against. It turns out I had come around the 200 meter mark in a time that I had never run a 200 before, not even in an open 200 meter dash. I was running the best 400 meter dash I had ever run.

Then...I hit a mile high brick wall. My legs completely shut down and it took everything I had just to finish the race in a time I had run when I was only 16 years old. Was I disappointed? Sure I was. However, I walked off the track with my head held high because I knew I could run with the best of the best. Speed wise, I could hang with them. I just needed some major muscle endurance training.

It turns out that Chris, who ended up winning a gold medal in the 1992 Olympic Games in the 4x400 meter relay, did the same thing I did in that race and finished 2nd to last just a step in front of me.

My point is that race made me a 100% better runner, not physically, but mentally. I knew I was good because I was leading that race faster than I had ever run before against the best of the best. Therefore after that race I have always said "If you can't run with the big dogs, then stay on the porch".

You have to try and you cannot be afraid to fail, but rather be excited to see what you can really do!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

A Little Inspiration

It's been dark and gloomy where I live for the past 5 days. With weather like this, it just brings you down, and makes you think of self-doubt, so I looked for some good video's to get out of the funk and thought I would share it with you. This is the best I could find and it worked. This video is awesome! So if you need a little inspiration, this is for you. If you are not truly inspired after watching this video, you need to do some sole searching. Enjoy!



Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

Do It For Your Family

You know many people decide to lose weight and become healthier for many different reasons. Most people do it for thenselves, which I do recomend most of the time. However, I strongly encourage you to not only do it for you, but for your loved ones as well. You do want to set good examples for your family. You do want to see your kids get married. You do want your grandchildren to know who you really are, not just through pictures. And you do want to live your life to the fullest being able to go on vacations with family, to be able to keep up with friends and live a full life.

Do it for yourself, but think of your loved ones as well and how much they want you around for a very long time.

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

You Can Be The Next Biggest Loser?

If any of you saw The Biggest loser Fanali last week, you saw some amazing things. You saw Helen win the grand prize losing over 100 lbs. and is down to a total weight of 117 pounds. She looked awesome! You also saw Gerry, who passed out the 1st day and is lucky to still be with us, win the at home grand prize. Gerry lost 54% of his body fat, threw away all his meds and is now the happiest man on Earth. Honestly, you can really see how happy he truly is.

Both these people, along with the rest of them that lost a lot of weight, are an inspiration to us all. I have had many people come in my studio this week for the initial consultation saying if Gerry can lose that much weight as bad as he started out, why can't I lose the 30 pounds I need to lose? That's why they came in to see me. It's inspiring!

However it's NOT realistic for you to lose that much weight that fast. I don't want to discourage you, and I'm not saying it cannot be done, because look at what those people did. I want people to realize that these people lived at a camp. They worked out 6-8 hours everyday with at least 3 hours of cardio everyday. Most people have families they need to take care of, jobs they need to go to, everyday chores to do. There simply is not enough time in the day to work out that much with the normal lifestyle. As the contestants on The Biggest Loser lose about 6-15 pounds per week, that would not be very realistic for you and I. If you are losing 1-3 pounds per week you are doing great! That is realistic.

The biggest thing most people don't realize is that it truly is a lifestyle change. If you want to rid your body of fat, CHANGES have to be made. Nutrition being the first. This is the biggest change of all. However it's a lot easier than most think. It's many small changes, not drastic changes all around. And exercise is a necesitty with weight loss. Those people didn't have to have skin taken off, because they were toning their muscles with all the resistance training. If they only did cardiovascular training and lost 100 pounds, there would be lots of skin hanging around.

It truly takes a lot of effort and help to lose weight properly in the healthiest way. It takes good nutrition with healthy supplementation. It takes cardiovascular exercise and it takes resistance training. The Biggest Loser is a great show and I recomend everyone watch it. Learn the tips they give. Realize what it takes to lose that much weight, and realize how happy these people are after the effort the put forth for a few short months.

You can do it too!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

Increase Your Bustline Women With This GREAT Product!

"Finally women can firm, lift and increase their bustlines naturally. This works so well because it strengthens and builds the underlying tissue of the chest to firm, shape and lift the bustline. It's easy and it works!" Dr. Jan S. Kodat, DPTSc

But just pushing your hands together won't give you results. Developed by a woman, the Easy Curves' patented dual-direction resistance produces resistance when you push in and resistance when you pull out... sculpting a beautiful bustline through a full range of motion, to lift, firm and enlarge in just 5 minutes a day.

Resistance is the sectret to a beautiful bustline.

REALLY? C'MON PEOPLE! GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND FREAKIN' DO SOME PUSH-UPS! - CHAD

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

A 19-Year-Old Man Died After Using Hydroxycut!

Hydroxycut Health Danger!

As I've discuessed many times before, there are so many BAD weight loss products out there for YOU to waste your money on and think you will get good results. Well here's a great result from the Famous Hydroxycut...DEATH!

FDA Recalls Hydroxycut due to severe Liver Damage!

Hydroxycut is now linked to at least 1 DEATH and dozens of reports of serious health problems...

Some of the health problems associated with the Hydroxycut products include
jaundice, elevated liver enzymes (an indicator of potential liver problems), seizures,
cardiovascular disorders, rhabdomyolysis (a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure) and liver damage requiring liver transplant.

Overall fourteen Hydroxycut products, marketed as fat burners, low-cost diet aids, and energy enhancers, are being recalled voluntarily by the manufacturer after the FDA received 23 reports of serious liver injuries ranging from jaundice to death.

The FDA announced the recall last week at a news conference.
The recalled products include:
· Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
· Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
· Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
· Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
· Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
· Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
· Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
· Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
· Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
· Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
· Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
· Hydroxycut 24
· Hydroxycut Carb Control
· Hydroxycut Natural

At the news conference, Linda Katz, MD, interim chief medical officer of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said the agency urges consumers to discontinue use of the Hydroxycut products. Not affected by the recall are Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products.

The 23 reports of adverse effects include liver damage, elevated liver enzymes (which indicates potential liver damage) and liver damage requiring a transplant. A 19-year-old man died after using Hydroxycut. "The death occurred in 2007," Katz says, "and was reported to the agency at the end of March 2009."

"Hydroxycut products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts," Katz said. The FDA has not yet determined which ingredients or doses are associated with the liver problems, according to Katz.

Other reported health problems include cardiovascular problems, seizures, and serious muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) that can cause kidney failure.

Tod Cooperman, MD, president of ConsumerLab.com, an independent organization that evaluates dietary supplements, has been testing Hydroxycut products. He hasn't issued a report on them yet.

Cooperman agrees it's difficult to pinpoint which ingredients are to blame. "The products contain many ingredients,'' he says.

The FDA advises consumers who have any of the products involved in the recall to discontinue use immediately and return them to the place of purchase. Though not all the recalled products have been linked with serious liver-related adverse reactions, the company agreed to recall the 14 products, according to the FDA.

So just in case you were thinking about getting some Hydroxycut, you might want to think twice.

As many of you know I use and even sell nutritional supplementation myself (AdvoCare). I researched my products and company very thuroughly before getting involved. I have met and talked with all the scientist, that have over 170 years of experience and are the best in the world. I stake my reputation on those scientists and the products I take and sell. So, yes there are good supplements out there, but there are many bad ones as well. Do your research!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

Views On The New Kentucky Grilled Chicken

This has been all over the news. Kentucky Fried Chicken is trying something new…Kentucky GRILLED Chicken. Dietician Jayson Hunter and Trainer Holly Rigsby wrote a small piece for you on their views on the new Kentucky Grilled Chicken...

This is taken right from a press release off their website:

Jayson Hunter, RD, CSCS

“The introduction of Kentucky Grilled Chicken is a defining moment in our brand’s storied history,” said KFC President Roger Eaton. “KGC is the latest menu innovation that showcases our commitment to meeting our customers’ ever-changing needs while staying true to the standards of high quality and great taste pioneered by Colonel Sanders. This product will transform the industry.”

Well, at least they’re trying.

Or is it too late? Are they just doing this so they don’t get sued some day for their role in the obesity epidemic?

What do YOU think about the new “KGC”?



Holly Rigsby - Gotta love it!

Fast Food is Fast Food - whether it is grilled, comes in a “fit and active” happy meal or paired with a side of apple fries.

We need to stop looking for reasons to eat fast food - period.

“KFC says the grilled chicken has significantly fewer calories and fat, plus much less sodium, than its Original Recipe fried chicken…”Well no duh!

If you do not fry something it is going to be less….but how much less? When you take out the Fat you have to make it taste just as good another way…hmm, increased sodium?

Meals come with 2 pieces -a breast and a wing for ex - you are looking at 260 calories and 8 grams of fat - 600 mg of sodium……..not horrible right?

Maybe, but you order GRILLED KGC and are still eating up the biscuits, butter, mashed potatoes and cole slaw.

Where is the difference again???

The healthy options that are provided are a great way to save face, but the reality of it is that 1. this option is not that much better for you and 2. the majority of KFC’s sales comes from FRIED chicken anyway.
I remember when they were advertising “zero grams of trans fat” - and seeing commercials of families digging in to a big bucket of fried chicken - hello? just because you remove one “bad” ingredient does not mean that all of a sudden this is good for you.

Wasn’t their a similar trend with McD’s …adding healthier options? Sure they have salads and grilled chicken- but what else is being ordered with the salads (not to mention the ridiculous calories from salad dressing)…FRIES …and moms cannot deny this…I DO even do this once in a while.

And how many trips does it take to a place like this before you go back to ordering what you have always ordered?

If you MUST eat out, sure grilled is better over fried - however, let’s use common sense on this one and see the big picture effect that this will have on your fat loss efforts as well as your health.

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

Top 10 Reasons Why You Will Fail...

1. You have failed before.

2. You are too old so just give it up now.

3. You don’t have a gym membership and it’s too cold or too hot to go outside.

4. You are a loser.

5. Healthy food is too expensive.

6. You are lucky to have 10 minutes to yourself these days so how are you supposed to stay on a regular workout and healthy eating routine?

7. Everyone who has lost fat and have kept it off just have a lot more willpower than you do or they are just smarter, maybe luckier and probably are just better than you.

8. For you to lose weight would be vein and below your standards. “Shallow” if you will.

9. You don’t want to lose all your overweight friends.

10. It’s impossible to fight the fat genes that you have inherited.

Alright I can’t stop. Here is a bonus for you…

Bonus… What else is there to talk about other than complaining about yourself?

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Boot Camps.

How I Lost 15 Pounds In Just 5 Minutes!

Okay, you want to know the real secret on how to lose body fat fast. I promise, no gimmicks, no weird exercise gadgets, no supplements, no diets. This is simply the real deal on how I lost 15 pounds of UGLY, UNWANTED FAT in 5 minutes!

Yes, I was overweight at one time. Back in 1995-6 I coached college track while attending grad school an hour away. I spent most of my days where I coached and lived on Big Macs about three times per day, everyday. Once I stopped coaching at the college level, I decided to get my body back. I tried everything and nothing worked. Finally, I found the absolute best possible way to get rid of my fat and I did it in 5 minutes. And I did it at a very low price of about $4.
I walked down to the hardware store, bought myself a hack saw and cut all the fat off me. It only took about 5 minutes.

Okay, I didn’t really do that. I must say though that I certainly wanted to, as do many of you I’m sure. Well I hate to say it over and over again, but nothing you do will make you lose fat that fast. Losing weight simply takes time. It is work. It takes determination. It takes willpower. It takes a lifestyle change! If you aren’t willing to put forth the effort, then live with the consequences and stop complaining about it.

I lost my weight by eating healthier and exercising. I put myself in that situation, so I got myself out of it. Yes it took time, but think about what I would look like today and how I would feel today if I didn’t take a few months to make some changes.

You can do the same. You CAN do the same!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Get Sexy Boot Camps.

My Daughter and My Muscles

My daughter saw me the other day with a sleeveless shirt on and said to me "wow daddy, you’ve got some muscles". That’s pretty cool coming from a 6 year old.

Earlier that morning the two of us went to the recycling center and her job was to recycle all the magazines. I had a few fitness magazines in there, some with some big body building guys on the covers. She was very intrigued by their muscles and couldn’t stop looking and commenting on them.

So after commenting on MY muscles that night, she then went on to say "If you work hard you could look like those muscle guys too." This is a funny conversation I’m having with a 6 year old girl (keep in mind that she’s always around fitness and a healthy lifestyle being in my family).
So we sit down and have an education session. I go on to tell her that no matter how hard I try, daddy will never look like those guys. I explained to her that my genetics won’t let my body do that. She actually understood that part. So then I said I’d probably have to spend 5 hours a day, everyday working out to even come close to looking like that years and years from now, and I would have to eat about 3 or 4 chicken breasts every meal every day.

So she said "daddy, because you work so much, you’ll have to get to the studio in the middle of the night, around 2 o’clock and workout before you start training people." She said "set your alarm, you need to start tonight".

I told her I would do it but only if she came with me every night. She said "okay daddy, I’ll set my alarm too." Then she added "But wait…Maybe I should ask my teacher first. She might not like that idea".

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fitness professional, owner of Shaping Concepts of Bluffton, author and speaker. Get your free trial at http://www.shapingconceptsbluffton.com

No Time To Workout? Whatever...Watch This Video!

So I walked in the bathroom last night to help my wife give the kids their nightly bath. When I walked in however, my wife wasn’t bathing them. Our kids were playing together in the water while my wife was doing a workout. IN THE BATHROOM! So of course I had to grab a camera...

From now on, if I hear anyone say that they don’t have time to get a workout in, I will always think of my wife doing her bathroom workout.

When you think you are too busy you might just be in the perfect place to get a quick workout in!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fitness professional. owner of Shaping Concepts of Bluffton, author and speaker. For a trail offer at Shaping Concepets fitness go to http://www.shapingconceptsbluffton.com/

Simply Breathing

You’ve all seen it…The muscle head wanna be in the meat-head gym that throws the weights around and grunts so loud you can hear him from the showers. You know what I’m talking about. Did you ever wonder why they grunt? Well I’m gonna tell ya!

You see the one’s that grunt were never taught how to properly exert their energy through breathing therefore are having trouble with the exercise because of that. I understand that they are most likely trying to push around too much weight and that would force them to grunt a little. However, if they were to calm down and focus on the movement, and breathe normally, like they were walking down the street, pushing that same heavy weight would be much easier.

Inhaling during the easier part of the movement and exhaling during the tougher part helps the body relax, and when the body is relaxed is can exert more energy. Try it. Get on the floor, do as many push-ups as you possibly can, even on your knees if you have to. Once you get to the point of failure breathe very easy outword as you push yourself up and breathe in slowly as you go back down and I bet you can knock out a few more reps. Go ahead, try it.

Now you know how to breathe properly while exercising. WOW! Who would of thought?

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Get Sexy Boot Camps.

What ESPN taught me...

So I was catching up on a little Sports Center over the weekend as I try to do at least once every week to see if any new NFL trades have happened, any new baseball players failed steroid tests, see how Tiger was doing in his comeback, and many other things. I happened to see a poker commercial (only on ESPN!). Even though I can’t stand card games, this particular advertisement caught my attention. It said something like…They all start with the same odds. That got me thinking about the life in weight loss and how, for the most part, we all start with the same odds when it comes to losing weight.

Some people need to lose a lot, some a little. Most people have chosen to eat unhealthy and not exercise, which is why they are in that position in the first place. Most people need to decide one way or the other which path they will continue to go down.

For the most part, everyone that needs to lose weight has gone down the same path, the wrong and unhealthy one for many reasons. But my point is that most people did the same thing. All those people now have the same odds in choosing which path to go down next. I’m not talking about circumstances now. I’m only talking about the odds they have to choose which path to take. Everyone has the same odds. Either choose the same path that got them where they currently are, or, choose the healthier path and make a life changing decision.

We all started out with the same odds. I know which one I chose for myself. Which path will you choose?

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Get Sexy Boot Camps.

It's a First Ever in Shaping Concepts History!

I’m honestly wondering if the population in the U.S. has completely lost its enthusiasm for losing weight. Well, let me take that back. I wonder if as an overall population people just don’t want to put the effort into losing the weight correctly anymore. There are now so many other ways to lose weight these days (unhealthy ways) yet the one that everyone knows is the healthiest way to lose the weight, the one way that everyone knows will help the body feel and look better, has almost gone by the way side. You know the way I’m talking about; eat healthy and exercise.

As I mentioned before, here at Shaping Concepts there has been a first. That first however is not a good one. I’m certainly not happy about it. Maybe it’s me. Maybe people just don’t care about taking care of themselves any longer. I’m not sure what the deal is. I do know it completely HAS to change.

You see we have plenty of clients here at Shaping Concepts. At the beginning of each day, our books say we are completely full. However, this is the honest to God’s truth…We have had more cancelations in the last 30 days than we have had training sessions. I’m honestly lucky my doors are still open. Now I don’t want people to come in for me, so I can keep my place open for business. I want people to come in on a regular basis to lose weight, and take care of themselves, keep their medical bills down, and just feel good about themselves. I personally couldn’t live with myself knowing I took the easy way out. But that’s just me.

And don’t tell me it’s the economy. That’s a bunch of…BS!… People are canceling to take trips and going to great places, meanwhile when I do see them once in a blue moon, I hear…”I just can’t seem to lose any weight.” Well guess what people, you never will if you keep stopping! Working out once every two weeks isn’t going to do CRAP. I personally workout at least 5 days per week. I don’t do anything real hard. I do some cardio mixed in with my resistance training 3 days per week and add 2 days of easy cardio on two other days. Each one of these last less than 20 minutes usually. Oh, and I watch what I eat as well. Yes, I cheat every now and then, but I make little sacrifices here and there. It’s not hard! So why are people sacrificing their own health then complaining about how bad they feel all the time? I don’t know, but I’m going to do something about it. My profession IS FAILING! And as a fitness professional I got in this business 20 years ago to make a difference, so I guess it’s time I need to go do that. Cause I apparently have done a horrible job thus far as an overall big picture. Yes, I’ve changed many lives around, but as a population, it’s not looking good.

So what do I do about this? There are many things I could do. There are many things I need to do. Then there are many things I should do. I have to figure out the things that will make the most profound statement. Give me your opinion on what you think I should do to change this lazy minded – take the easy way out epidemic. I’d like to hear all your ideas. Remember , I’m looking to change the overall population, not a few people here and there.

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Get Sexy Boot Camps.

Mind Over Matter

I am seeing the world in more than just a physical, objective, subjective level. I am seeing the world on a spiritual level that is fairly new to me. And for some reason I have connected a spiritual level to exercise. I can reach past all the physical feelings most of us feel while working out. I can now focus my energy on improving each and every movement to the extreme through relaxation and focus, not what I feel physically. Yes I still feel the burning muscle fibers, and yes the muscles do eventually fatigue, however I have taught myself through focus that my muscle fatigue can go much longer than I ever thought to get to the failing point. Where most people stop as soon as the muscle burn starts happening, I now thrive on that feeling knowing that is the time where I am going to improve myself and in-turn keep going. I know the burn is there. I also know the burn will not get any worse. Face it, burn is burn no matter if you feel it for 5 seconds of 60 seconds. I just relax and focus on the movements and focus on flexing the muscles as hard as I can till I can no longer flex them, usually a minute or more longer after I first wanted to stop. This completely comes from a spiritual level. It goes way past the physical level.

I focus on the movement, not the pain. I try to complete each movement to the best of my ability, then move on to the next movement. I completely block out everything else around me. I don’t let anything or any other movements or sounds distract me from accomplishing that movement. The only ending point is when the muscle actually gives out, not when the pain kicks in. I challenge you to try this methodology next time you workout and see if you can do much more than you ever thought you could.

Watch this clip from the movie “Peaceful Warrior” and see if you can take something from it into your workouts and everyday things that you do.



Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts of Bluffton Fitness Programs and Get Sexy Boot Camps.

7 At-Home Glute Tightening Exercises

Hey Chad Cannon here with 7 exercises you can do in the privacy of your own home to tighten your behind. None of us wants that part of our body to jiggle, so follow this circuit on the video and your glutes will thank me later. Enjoy!

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, author, and owner of Shaping Concepts Fitness Training Studios in Bluffton, SC. Learn more about how you can receive a FREE no obligations trial of his Shaping Concepts Fitness Programs or the Get Sexy Boot Camp Trial.