💪Strong Arms: The Importance of Triceps!

Happy Motivation Monday!!! Let’s keep focused on our goals as we enter a new week. Lots of women are restarting the Transform 30 Challenge. Print one from the link below and join us!! 🏆

In March, we are focusing on strengthening our bodies, pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones with heavier weights and challenging exercises! 💪 Today, we want to talk about triceps how important they are to the arm. All the hype follows the biceps, but the tricep makes up for HALF of your entire arm!!! When strengthening a muscle group is important to engage muscles that counteract each other, so when working out biceps, the triceps should be right there with them in the workout. 

💛 Email us with any questions regarding nutrition consulting, sessions, Bible studies, 1 on 1’s, or prayer requests! We are here for you and would love to talk with you! 💛

Why Train Triceps?
Triceps are the most important muscle in the arms to train.

The triceps muscle makes up 60% of your upper arm, making it a crucial part of the body to exercise regularly, and one that you really ought to pay attention to if you’re looking to tone, define, and strengthen your upper body.

The triceps muscle lies along the back of your upper arm and is twice the size of your bicep muscles, with more muscle fibers per square inch.

The triceps start at the top of the shoulder blade and the arm bone, running down the back of the arm bone, crossing the elbow and inserting into the back of one of our forearm bones. These muscles help stabilize your shoulder joint, and they act as an extensor of the elbow and shoulder.

As your triceps become stronger, the strength and stability of your shoulders and elbows also increases. This in turn will increase the functionality, flexibility and range of motion of your arm, improving your performance in everyday tasks, as well as sports which require arm movements and upper-body strength like tennis, swimming, and basketball.

Most, if not all upper-body exercises will recruit the triceps in some way.

4 Reasons to Train Triceps More
 

1. Triceps make up 2/3 of your arm
Triceps are the largest muscle group in your arms, running from the elbow to the shoulder. With a main role to straighten the elbow, triceps are made of three bundles of muscles - which means they have more potential to grow. The most prominent are the lateral and long heads which run from the
 
 shoulder to the elbow. The last head, known as the brachialis or medial head, is under the lateral and long heads. It is usually only visible when looking at the arms from the side. Therefore training these three bundles of muscles will make your arms appear much larger and toned.

2. To help with complex weight training exercises
The triceps are involved in many complex weight training exercises that target different muscle groups (e.g. Military presses, half presses, bench presses, dips). Despite having a strong chest or back, weak triceps can cause imbalanced muscle growth and risk injury, With stronger triceps, you can perform and progress better.
A simple anatomy of the triceps

3. Shoulder stability and functional movements
The triceps are often overlooked when it comes to shoulder stability. In fact, it is attached to the shoulder blades and is involved in rotation and adduction of the arm. Having strong
triceps can help stabilize the shoulder joint at the top of the humerus (bone of the upper arm).
The triceps also fixate the elbow joint when the forearm and hand are used for fine movements like writing. More specifically, the three bundles of muscles have different functions - the long head for force generation, the lateral for movements requiring high-intensity force and the medial for more precise, low-force movements.

4. Isolation & Convenience
This is much less of a reason but more of a fun fact: Triceps muscles can be worked out individually from any other muscle group on your body. Specifically, the tricep extension targets only the triceps without any assistance from other muscle groups. This can help strengthen the tricep muscles and even out any unbalances between sides. The tricep extension exercise can also be done with different types of resistance and in various positions, making it a convenient exercise to incorporate into your workout routine
 

Favorite Tricep Exercises:

Diamond Pushups
To execute a Diamond Pushup correctly, begin in the high plank hold position with your hands placed close enough so that your thumbs and index fingers are touching, forming a diamond shape.
Then, lower your body to your hands slowly while keeping your elbows tight to the body and explode up, lifting your body off the ground and returning to the Diamond Pushup position.

 Side Dips
Side Dips are an effective way to isolate the tricep muscles. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed by athletes of varying fitness levels.
Start by laying down in a straight line on your right side. Place your left hand on the ground in front of you, and push your upper body up off the ground. Your hips and feet should remain touching the ground at all times.

More Tricep Exercises to LOVE:
Tricep extensions
Tricep Dips
Tricep press downs
Skull crushers
Close grip press
Tricep Kickbacks

Avocado Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 avocado, 1/4 cup chopped onion, juice of 1/2 a lime, 2 Tbsp cilantro, salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Cook chicken breasts and let cool. 2. Shred chicken. 3. Chop up and cream avocado with a mixer. 4. Combine shredded chicken, avocado, and all other ingredients.

Performance Ready Nutrition 
Remember TransFit is a pickup location for your healthy meals and snacks. Order online By Friday at midnight and pickup your meals at TransFit on Tuesday! Enjoy!

Want to be a part of something amazing? Consider helping with the RISE TOGETHER 5K!
We are so excited to have our annual Rise Together 5K again this year! This is a special 5K benefiting ESP and is a great way to meet a goal and run with family and friends. Sign up today! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com with any questions!

Please check out our website for more blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!

Let us know how we can help you reach your goals and dreams! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to schedule a one-on-one.

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Finishing January Strong + BLOATING Tips!

Last full week of January! We realize that you have had so much going, BUT NOW it feels like 2023 is in full swing! 

How can you finish January strong?

🔹4 words to hold onto this week: 🔹

1. Preparation : Plan to succeed in your workouts, your nutrition, and other specific goal! 

2. Accountability : Find a partner or a group to help you stay focused on your dreams.

3. Intentionality : Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not earthly things". Be intensional about how you want to finish January.

4. Dedication : You are dedicated and you are a strong finisher. Will it be easy; no, but transformation occurs outside of your comfort zone! GO for it! 

We want to encourage you to finish January STRONG! 2023 can be THE year and TransFit wants to help you reach your goals. Let's continue to work and stay positive through everything. We RISE together!

As February approaches, we want to tell you about the many opportunities to TRANSFORM with TransFit! We are so excited for these options to grow in our fitness, nutrition, and spiritual journeys.

 Transform 30

 Transform @ Home

How Can You Combatting Bloating?
Let's talk about bloating! Since it is something that happens to everyone, we were so happy when speaking at the Terry Woman's Initiative, the college girls brought this issue to our attention! Bloating is defined as when the belly feels or looks painfully stuffed, swollen, or filled with gas especially following a meal. We are going to give you some tips and foods to help EASE bloating!

Here is a list of foods that work wonders for the body!

1.Avocados

These pear-shaped fruits (yep, they’re fruits!) are packed with potassium. Your body needs potassium to manage its sodium levels, which in turn controls the amount of water you hang onto. The better that system works, the less bloat you’ll have.

2. Bananas

Bananas deliver a potassium punch. One study showed that women who ate a banana before each meal bloated less than those who didn’t. Experts think that’s because they deliver certain gut bacteria that help calm gas production in the belly.

3.Celery

Crunch into some celery for a hydration boost to get your digestion moving. As a bonus, celery also provides certain flavonoids (tiny plant molecules) that reduce inflammation in your body -- including in your gut.

4. Turmeric

This spice that gives curry its yellow color contains a good bit of the compound curcumin. Studies show curcumin can tame IBS symptoms, easing discomfort, regulating the digestive system, and reducing bloating.

5. Peppermint

Studies show peppermint capsules can help relax the muscles in your digestive system. This helps push gas through to relieve stomach bloat. Peppermint tea can have the same calming effect.

6. Ginger

Spicy-tasting ginger gets your gut juices flowing. This aids your digestion and helps your stomach empty faster, which prevents bloating.

7.Asparagus

 Known for making your pee stink, asparagus is a good source of inulin, an insoluble fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and helps keep you full.

8.Fennel

This root veggie and its seeds have a compound that relaxes spasms in your GI tract. With fewer spasms, gas can get through your gut more easily so bloat doesn’t build.

9. Tomatoes

A diet that includes tomatoes will load you up on lycopene, an antioxidant that works as an anti-inflammatory all over your body. Tomatoes are also full of potassium, which lowers levels of bloat-causing sodium in your body.

10. Kefir

Some studies say drinking kefir, a fermented yogurt-like beverage, takes away stomach gas by as much as 70%. Kefir helps break down the sugar in milk that can lead to bloating and pain.

Beat the Bloat:

1. Eat Slowly, consume smaller, more frequent meals

2. Chew your foods well

3. Drink beverages at room temperature

4. Increase physical activity

5. Sit up straight after eating

6. Take a 10 minute walk after eating

If  you feel uncomfortable or bloated after meals, it might be time to look at the types of foods you are eating. Foods that cause bloating include:

1. Broccoli
2. Cabbage
3. Kale
4. Legumes
5. Dairy

6. Salty foods

 7. Onions and garlic

 8. Wheat

 Instead, try these foods above and other that may help alleviate bloating.
Foods that don't cause bloating include:

 Cucumbers

 Asparagus

 Celery

 Chicken and fish

 Banana

 Pineapple

 Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

 Yogurt with probiotics

 Kombucha and kefir

 Fennel seeds

 Ginger

 Peppermint and chamomile

 Turmeric

 Cinnamon

Weekly Wellness Program with Lea Wallace
This program gives people accountability in their whole body health + nutrition goals. It is a safe space to learn, grow, and be encouraged! Sign up on the app, Monday’s 9:30am!

NEW Performance Ready Nutrition
We are SO excited to provide the services of Performance Ready Nutrition at Transfit! We will serve as a pickup location for pre-ordered food from Performance Ready Nutrition. They focus on providing easy access to healthy, macro-balanced meals that are just as tasty as they are good for you!! You will order your meals for the week from their website and then it will be delivered to us for you to pick up!

We also offer protein bars and muffins in studio every day! This is a great way to get your proteins in after class!

NEW Tuesday Yoga
TransFit now offers Yoga at 6 PM on Tuesdays. This session will be led by Anita Scarborough. Sign up on Mindbody or the TransFit app to reserve your spot today!

RISE TOGETHER 5K MEETING FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3RD 10:45AM
We would love you to serve ESP with us in planning our RISE TOGETHER 5k! Join us Friday for a short meeting! 

Fun Community Event Mark Your Calendar! 
Join us for a delicious lunch  and informative lunch and learn!

Our 1-1 Personal Training Sessions and the Exercise & Nutrition Packages will provide you a healthy inclusive approach to help you achieve your fitness goals! These packages will get you on the right track to make 2023 the best year yet, body, mind, and spirit! 

You can purchase packages on our FREE TransFit app AND website!

We are here for YOU! Please Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com with any questions, prayer requests, suggestions!

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

🔥ABSolutely Exciting March News⚡️

Sweet friends,

We are so excited to help you transform during March! Spring is almost here, March will be all about maximizing your whole body health. Commit to reaching your goals and filling out that ABSolutely awesome March calendar!

With Spring Break in full swing, it may feel like exercise is not an option. But don’t worry— we have plenty of workouts you can do anywhere, with or without equipment! Check them out on our app HERE, website HERE, and YouTube channel HERE.

Even during the busiest weeks of the year, you CAN stay on top of your nutrition. Let meal prepping at the beginning of each week help you stay accountable and on track! We are kicking off March with a new salad recipe that is healthy, delicious, and nutritious. The Baked Chicken Kale Apple and Quinoa Salad will be a family favorite and is easy to prep— try it out and let us know what you think!

Baked Chicken Kale Apple and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast

• 1/2 cup tricolor dry quinoa

• 6 cups slightly packed chopped kale (it will take about 1 1/2 bunches. Remove thick ribs before chopping, 6 oz chopped)

• 2 crisp sweet apples, cored and chopped* (I used gala apples)

• 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or rasberries

• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp honey

• 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Bake the chicken breasts: Place in the oven on 400 degrees for 35 minutes

• Cook quinoa and cool: Cook quinoa according to directions on package and cool completely. 

• Whisk dressing ingredients: While quinoa is cooling, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dijon and salt in a jar or bowl. 

• Pour 3/4 dressing over kale, chill: Add kale to a salad bowl, whisk dressing once more then pour 3/4 of the dressing over kale and toss until kale is evenly coated. Cover bowl and chill 15 minutes (adding the dressing and letting it rest helps soften kale a bit).

• Toss in remaining mix-ins and dressing: Remove salad from refrigerator, add apples, quinoa, walnuts and cranberries. Pour remaining dressing over salad then toss. Add goat cheese and toss just lightly. 

• Serve or store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 hours (see notes).

This salad is filled with so many amazing ingredients to nourish your body! Olive oil and walnuts provide healthy fats; these are essential to give you energy and support cell growth. Chicken provide us with protein, which is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Quinoa is a gluten-free, high protein, plant-based food that provides smart carbs, fiber, and protein. Kale is one of our favorite superfoods because it is rich in vitamins K, A and C, along with other vital nutrients. The health benefits of kale include detoxification, heart support, cancer prevention and a number of others. Apples help the digestive system, increase energy, and keep the doctor away🤩

4-Week Spring Meal Plan

Are you feeling energized and motivated to continue fueling your body, mind, and spirit after the TransFIVE No-Sugar Challenge?

Click here to purchase a one-month meal plan complete with survival tips, a grocery list, a full meal plan, and various recipes!

March News

We want you to help you ABSolutely Maximize March! Pick up your March calendar challenge in the studio and make it a priority to fill this out each day of the month, with the ab exercise you did daily. We suggest that you print it out and put it on your fridge, bathroom mirror, a bulletin board, or somewhere you will see it everyday. We believe YOU CAN!

ABSolutely Strong

Start off your month on the right ab (😆) and give this killer workout a try! Fire up the core and get the heart rate up in a matter of minutes. This will leave you feeling strengthened and empowered.

NEW Bible Study

After an incredible 6-week Bible Study where we read through Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons, we were inspired to continue diving into the Word and invest in our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We are so excited to start a study focused 1&2 Kings, called Trustworthy, by Lysa Terkeurst. Join us in “exploring the deeply applicable Scriptures that will teach us how to truly trust God.”

In this study you will learn to:

• Identify and challenge doubts in the one true God.

• Loosen your grip of trying to control people and circumstances in your life

• Explore how the Old Testament applies to our lives today.

• Learn to trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God.

This study will start on March 5th, from 12:00-1:00pm and meet in the TransFit studio. Sign up on the APP for this FREE community bible study.

TransFit Girls

Every Wednesday, TransFit Girls meets at 4:30pm in the TransFit studio. Sign up on the app.

Fit for a Miracle 5K

Our SECOND annual Fit for a Miracle 5k benefitting ESP is scheduled to take place on May 3, 2020 at 4:30 pm. We will also have a Miracle Mile (1 mile fun-run) at 4:00 pm. We are SO excited about this opportunity to support ESP Miracle League, which will provide transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities to thrive through the magic of accessible play and inclusive baseball.

You can register for this event online HERE or download the mail-in registration form below. All of the proceeds from this event will be donated toward Extra Special People and help to fund Summer Camp. If you or your business would like to help sponsor this event please email us HERE!

Check out our website for more blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!

Let us know how we can serve you! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to schedule a one-on-one.

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Healthy Superbowl Snacks

I am so excited for the Super Bowl this Sunday that naturally I've been spending this week testing out appetizer recipes. Whoever said that you have to sacrifice taste to eat healthy has clearly never tried these snacks before!  Here are three of my favorites! 

Zucchini Fries

• 3 Medium Zucchinis, sliced into sticks
• 2 large egg whites, beaten
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside. In a small bowl, beat egg whites with a fork until frothy. Put the breadcrumbs, basil, oregano, garlic powder and cheese on a plate-I used a pie tin. Mix well. Dip the zucchini sticks in the egg whites and then into the bread crumb mixture, make sure all sides get coated well. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet. I did the sticks one by one. Bake at 425° for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and a little crispy, turning the fries half way through. Serve warm. We like to dip ours in marinara sauce.

Edamame and Avocado Spread

From Southern My Way Food & Family

• 1 (12 oz) package frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 small shallot, roughly chopped
• zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons of juice)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

In a food processor, combine edamame, avocado, shallot, lemon zest and juice, cumin, coriander and salt. Pulse until almost smooth. Scrape down sides using a rubber spatula. Add oil, water and parsley; process until smooth. Season with freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve with crudité, flatbread, or crackers, or as a sandwich spread.

Hot Caprese Dip

• 10 oz fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes
• 2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced
• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or about 1 tablespoon dried) + more for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with crackers or melba toasts.

Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

I'm always looking for new recipes to try so let me know what your favorite healthy Super Bowl appetizers are, and check out the post from last year if you need any other appetizer inspirations! The healthy spinach  & artichoke dip with homemade pita chips is one of my ol' favorites! 

Blessings,

Caroline