Eric Foxman, Author at Balance Personal Training

About Eric Foxman

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So far Eric Foxman has created 356 blog entries.

A Great Testimonial!!

Twenty-one months ago, I received an email from a prospective client named Nate. He said that he had two fitness goals related to the practice of his martial art, Northern Style Kung Fu. First was to improve flexibility so he could perform front splits (right and left) and possibly side splits. The second was to increase strength to aid in the combat sport of Lei Tai. He described Lei Tai as “the Chinese full contact version of MMA (mixed martial arts).” He felt that his endurance was good but just didn’t have enough upper body strength. Drum roll please . . . Mission accomplished.

I can’t say enough about training with Nate. He is patient, open-minded and hard-working. In addition, he welcomes constructive criticism, arrives early and never misses an appointment. What a winning attitude! Nate continues to make great strides in his fitness and I look forward to his weekly workouts. And without further ado, here’s his testimonial.

Eric is exactly what I needed to take my workouts to the next level. He’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and customize training to increase my strength and flexibility for the martial arts I practice. I have had some lower back problems in the past, and Eric makes sure to put safety first in every session. Furthermore, he’s taken my non-existent bachelor cooking skills and turned me into someone who cooks dinner on a regular basis. Eric doesn’t quit when you leave your training session; he helps you make adjustments and live a healthy lifestyle. I have fun and look forward to seeing Eric each week. -Nate G, Madison WI

Nate performing the splits.

Nate leaping in the air at a martial arts demonstration.

A Great Testimonial!!Eric Foxman2016-11-04T12:29:35-05:00

Herb Rubbed Sirloin Tip Roast

Meat. Do ever just have a craving for meat? Juicy, mouth watering. Just thinking about it brings out the carnivore in me. As I have stated countless times, I literally feel awesome after eating meat. It’s hard to describe, but if you exercise, do sports or lift weights, you know what I mean. In addition to being an excellent source of high quality protein, it is rich in B-6, B-12, Iron and Potassium.

The other day I had a hankering for some meat and took a 3-pound Sirloin Tip Roast out of the freezer. After defrosting it, I checked out a couple recipes online that were easy to prepare and delicious. Thanks to AllRecipes.com the herb rub recipe won out. I didn’t follow it to a T but adjusted the amounts of herbs and spices to suit my taste. The original recipe looked pretty heavy on the paprika and salt. In addition, I didn’t have any thyme but used marjoram instead. So what you see below is my “adjusted” recipe. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 tablespoon paprika
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (When I opened my herb/spice drawer, the bottle of thyme was empty. So I used dried marjoram instead)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pound sirloin tip roast (you can use any roast you like.)

DIRECTIONS

I started by mixing the dry ingredients in small bowl.

Then I stirred in the olive oil and let the mixture sit for a few minutes.

After preheating the oven to 350 degrees F, I lined a baking sheet with aluminum foil. The roast was placed on the prepared baking sheet and covered on all sides with the spice mixture.

Cook roast for 1 hour in the preheated oven or to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Let roast sit 15 minutes before slicing.

Roast covered with herb & spice mixture.

Roast is done. Time to let it rest.

Two delicious slices ready to eat.

Herb Rubbed Sirloin Tip RoastEric Foxman2016-10-24T11:55:22-05:00

Get Outside: Recharge and Refresh

Over the last couple years, there have been many articles written about spending less time in front of our tablets, phones, TVs and computers and giving more attention to green spaces and parks so we can explore the great outdoors, commune with nature, absorb the sun’s rays, etc. There are many physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health benefits attributed to getting outside. For a wonderfully written article on this subject, read This is Your Brain on Nature from National Geographic’s January 2016 issue. I literally crave the outdoors and will get moody if I don’t get outside (just ask Heather), bask in the sun’s rays (even if it’s cloudy) and do stuff. The only thing that will keep me indoors are mosquitoes.

Recently, we visited Heather’s home town of Traverse City, Michigan, and we have a tradition of climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore covers a 35-mile stretch of eastern Lake Michigan and rises 450 feet above the lake. It truly is something to behold. After driving into the park, having a picnic and stopping at a few scenic overlooks, we arrived at the parking lot of the main Dune Climb. Excitedly, we got out of the car and immediately started to take off our shoes and socks. I have always enjoyed hearing and seeing peoples’ reactions when they look up at the mountain of sand. As we started up the dune, I heard one woman giggle, “I didn’t sign up for this.” Then she took a step forward and started the climb. I saw another couple, who didn’t look like they would be able to climb the dune, steadily make their way to the top of the first rise. They took their time, held hands and took it one step at a time. Very cool.

My boys make it like a workout. I’m not sure where they get that from. Must be a boy thing. They jog their way up and then run, leap, tumble and bound their way down. Repeating over and over again. As always, the experience was invigorating. We were in the moment. Sand between our toes, wind in our hair, sun on our faces.

What always amazes me about climbing the dunes or any other outdoor adventure that is not formalized (you’re NOT thinking about reps, time, number of steps, calories burned, etc) is that you can always do more. You are tapping into something. Fun? Relaxation? Energy reserves? I don’t know what you call it, but we sure earned our ice cream from The Dairy Lodge later that afternoon.

Climb #3. Kyle, Bruce, Roy and I make the ascent.
Bruce challenged me to carry him up so he could rest a while.

On your mark! Get set!

GO!

Get Outside: Recharge and RefreshEric Foxman2016-10-10T10:00:59-05:00

It’s So Easy Eating Green

Pop quiz. What food did Popeye eat to get super strength to defeat Bluto and save the day? You know the answer . . . spinach. Like many leafy greens, spinach is rich in vitamins like vitamin A, folate, vitamin C, vitamin K as well as high in minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium. Kale, collards, swiss chard and mustards greens rank among the top most power-packed green leafy veggies. And if you’re wondering about your basic lettuces like Romaine, red leaf and green leaf, they make the list too.

There’s no excuse why we can’t eat our greens all the time. It’s so easy. Every grocery store I shop (Copps, Aldi, Willy Street Co-op and even Target) has fresh green produce on their shelves daily. An easy way to incorporate greens into your diet is with salads. And I don’t mean chopped iceberg lettuce with a few slices of tomato. Thanks to my wife, Heather, our typical salad has numerous ingredients, often including chick peas, sunflower seeds, cherry tomatoes, mint, arugula, black beans, cucumbers, beets, snap peas, artichoke hearts, green and black olives, bell peppers and the occasional dollop of cottage cheese. Plus you can try fun dressings too. Although I’m more of a balsamic vinegar guy.

Another idea is to go to the grocery store with meals and recipes already in mind. Instead of shopping the basics, like milk, bananas, apples, yogurt, cereal, boneless skinless chicken breast, bread, coffee, cheese (look familiar?), how about buying foods specific to a recipe that you are going to prepare that week?

Here are 4 more tips to help you eat green.

1. Try new recipes. Dust off an old cookbook, pick up a new one or go to your favorite website. I guarantee you that there’s a recipe just waiting to be tried.

2. Eat produce that’s in season. Even though you can pick up practically any produce at any time of the year, its always better when it’s in season. Especially when it’s fresh and local.

3. Have a potluck. What a great way to share new foods with friends!

4. Learn how to can and jar. I was new to this until I realized that we had enough tomatoes and bell peppers in our garden for an army. Heather had canned before so I used her trusty formula and made a big batch of salsa. Yum!

Above I have included pics from some vegetable-based recipes I’ve shared with you over the years: Pesto, Snow Peas, Seasoned Kale Chips, Split Pea Soup, Dill Pickles, Farro Salad with Asparagus, Heather’s Dragon Vegetable Platter, Zuccanoes and Garden Ratatouille.

It’s So Easy Eating GreenEric Foxman2016-09-13T13:00:52-05:00

Should You Supplement with a Protein Powder?

A question I often get asked is “Should I be drinking a protein shake or taking some kind of protein/amino acids supplement?” You already know my answer. “It depends.” How many meals and snacks are you eating each day? Do you have a balanced diet? Are you a vegetarian? What are your health and fitness goals? How often, how intense and how long are your workouts? You’ve heard this routine of mine before.

Over the years I have seen all sorts of formulas to help people calculate how much protein they need. Anywhere from 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight to over 1 gram per pound of weight. That’s a huge difference. Often these calculations are purely arbitrary. Having done extensive reading and research over my 22 years of personal training, I’ve learned that the average person doesn’t require nearly as much protein as the elite athlete. Someone who is constantly breaking down muscle tissue and needs to repair, recover, grow, prevent/reduce injury and improve his/her performance. That’s an entirely different thing all together. Just remember, though, that protein is just one part of your dietary equation. That’s why it is key for you to keep a journal of your food intake and workouts. The tendency is to focus on the workouts, specific routines, amounts of weights, etc. When in fact, that should be secondary to a diet that complements your exercise program and will lead you to your health and fitness goal(s).

So why do I have a couple pics of a tub of protein powder? To promote it? Partially. To educate you? Yes, that too. It started when I ran into a former client a couple weeks ago. Rob is a 40-ish year old bodybuilder, who is in incredible shape and trains like an absolute beast. I always appreciate his open mindedness and his eagerness to learn. When we chatted I asked about his supplement routine. Among other things, he said he was enjoying Elevation Protein Powder that he bought from Aldi grocery store. Just $15.99 for a 2-pound container, he felt that it’s an excellent value. Compared to other whey protein powders that have a laundry list of extra ingredients, this is made of a protein blend (whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate), cocoa powder, maltodextrin, flavoring, soy lecithin, cellulose gum, acesulfame potassium and sucralose. It also is a good source of potassium and calcium. Best of all, he said that he had no gastrointestinal issues with it. And let me tell you, that is a total plus. Over the years, I have tried many supplements: protein powders, shakes, pills, meal replacement shakes, pre and post workout powders, etc. Many of them would rip my insides apart. So even if they were helpful, they would make me sleep on the couch if you get my drift.

Later that week I picked up a container of the chocolate protein powder. It mixes about the same as other powders. A little gritty and chunky even if you use a shaker cup. I suggest adding it to a smoothie or blending into a shake. After drinking the shake, did I feel a surge of power like when Popeye eats his spinach? Nope. This is not a pre-workout drink loaded with caffeine and other stimulants. I felt satisfied and knew that I was doing something good for myself. And that goes a long way. At 30 grams of protein per serving, it’s a good value. For me it’s an excellent accountability and motivation tool. . . and I get my chocolate fix. Like buying a new pair of athletic shoes or purchasing personal training sessions or picking up a healthy recipe book, they all encourage you to make healthy choices. Each time you look at your shoes, you’ll think of exercising and doing something good for yourself. When you see your PT appointments in the calendar you’ll be motivated to stay on track between workouts. That healthy cookbook sitting on your kitchen counter is begging you to open it and try a new delicious recipe. I’ll continue to supplement with this protein powder on the days I workout and let you know how everything goes.

Should You Supplement with a Protein Powder?Eric Foxman2016-09-12T08:32:04-05:00

Cooking with Red Wine

Do you want the secret to making your sauces, marinades, stews and soups out of this world delicious? Do you want your friends to give you that look after the first bite when they know something is special about the meal you made? Do you want to make homemade dishes taste like ones from your favorite restaurant? Just add wine. Wine will make a simple recipe into a rich and luxurious experience. I think I’ve been watching too many shows on the Food Network channel.

Recently I made my typical marinara sauce and also added a 1/2 cup of red wine. Wow! What a difference! The sauce, which I had made many times before was already delicious. It consisted of several Italian herbs, chopped onion, diced garlic, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers and minced carrots for a little sweetness. Lastly, I added a pound of grass fed ground beef (browned in olive oil), which has so much flavor in itself. By adding the wine, however, the sauce was bolder, brighter, richer and, if I can use the word, elegant. It gave the sauce a smoother mouthfeel too for all you foodies out there. Even my boys noticed a difference in the sauce. A good difference when they said how delicious dinner was. Or maybe they were just hungry.

The great thing was that the opened bottle of red wine was over a month old. No longer able to enjoy it in a wine glass but not quite at the vinegar stage either. I have added “old” red wine to spaghetti sauces, soups and on hot summer nights, sangria. Older red wine is an excellent substitute to red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar and apple cider vinegar. If you’re worried about red wine getting too old, just remember what my mom told me last week. “Wine doesn’t go bad, Eric. I’ve had a bottle of opened red wine in the pantry for six months.”

Want a healthy and easy-to-prepare red wine recipe? Try my Inside Out Ravioli Casserole.
Want more? Check out these Red Wine Recipes by Bon Appetit.

Eric, you never mentioned the health benefits of red wine. The antioxidants? Flavonoids? Then read this excellent Article by Mayo Clinic.

Cooking with Red WineEric Foxman2016-08-23T11:11:17-05:00

7 Tips for Staying Injury Free

Are you tired of setbacks from workout injuries? How would you like to reduce or avoid them all together? Then watch my video and learn 7 helpful tips to get you back on track today!

7 Tips for Staying Injury FreeEric Foxman2016-08-13T00:06:42-05:00

Celebrate Your Freedom

Free yourself from the confines of a diet.
Free yourself from an exercise routine that leads to nowhere.
Free yourself from limitations.
Free yourself from a bad attitude.
Free yourself from laziness.
Free yourself from comparing your body to fitness models who have been professionally lighted and airbrushed.
Free yourself from comparing your fitness level to athletes who are pharmaceutically enhanced.
Free yourself from guilt.
Free yourself from a bathroom scale.
Free yourself from others’ expectations.
Free yourself from stress.
Free yourself from negative emotions.
Free yourself from negative people.
Free yourself from unrealistic goals.
Free yourself from fear.
Free yourself from false thoughts.
Free yourself from anger.
Free yourself from regrets.
Free yourself from emotional eating.
Free yourself from unhappiness.
Free yourself from the idea of a perfect body.

Now it’s time to celebrate your freedom!

Celebrate Your FreedomEric Foxman2016-07-08T10:23:50-05:00

Deadlift with a Hex Trap Bar

A couple months ago I shared the benefits of deadlifting. Using proper body mechanics and lifting techniques you can strengthen many body parts, including the back, legs, arms, shoulders and core. So here’s a question for you. Why do so many weightlifters and powerlifters wear belts during this exercise? The reason is that they are lifting several hundred pounds and pushing their bodies to their absolute limits. To see what I mean, you can check out the World Deadlift Championship on July 9th where at least two of my favorite strongman competitors will attempt to lift 500 kg. That’s 1000 pounds! Remember that a weightlifting belt is designed to protect the back by adding abdominal support and helping to stabilize the whole area. When we mortals lift, typically we are not stressing every body part to the point of tearing itself. We’re focusing on strengthening our core, increasing flexibility and improving technique.

Okay, so now back to the topic at hand. Deadlifting can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, stretch cords, rubber tubing, a medicine ball, or just using your bodyweight. One of my clients uses a Hex Trap Bar in the fitness room of his office building. I absolutely love it! It offers three grip choices depending on the size of your hand. The grips are in a neutral position which, for many people, is more comfortable than pronated or supinated. Lastly, the lifter performs a deadlift while standing in the middle of the hexagon-shaped bar. This favors center of gravity, so as you lift, you will not be leaning forward (ouch!), backward (more ouch!) or to the sides (my back hurts just thinking about it . . . ouch!!) That’s an excellent feature.

Just be sure to use weight plate clamps or collars so the weights do not slide off the bar while you’re exercising. Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!

Deadlift with a Hex Trap BarEric Foxman2016-06-15T09:57:12-05:00

Watch, Bid & Win. Support Wisconsin Public Television’s 41st Annual Auction!

How would you like to support public television and get a great deal on my personal training sessions? Then check out WPT’s 41st Annual Auction on Friday June 3rd from 7pm to 12am. I donated a package of 5 Personal Training Sessions in the Sports & Recreation Category. That’s a value of $375! What do you think it will go for?

You can bid online or over the phone (608)263-9985. The auction begins Wednesday June 1st and concludes on the 5th. To learn more or view other auction items, go to WPT Auction.

* This donation is reserved for new clients only.

Watch, Bid & Win. Support Wisconsin Public Television’s 41st Annual Auction!Eric Foxman2016-05-23T11:44:51-05:00

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