Made Fit TV - Health & Fitness Entertainment

In this weeks episode of Made Fit TV, I give you some insight into the different body types and why certain body types lose weight, gain fat, gain muscle, or stay the same more than others. It's sometimes not just about the numbers - sometimes genetics is to blame.

It’s almost like the manual labor of working the fields during the turn of the century. Or similar to helping your friend move from one apartment to the next. Or feels like the non-stop activity of a homemaker. I’m talking about kettlebell training. The reason I compare this form of exercise to those activities mentioned is that they all involve the function of your entire body – not just one isolated area. Kettlebell training involves the momentum of the weighted kettlebell, mixed with the force and control of your body manipulating its movement. What makes this type of training unique is that you are not gripping the actual weight itself – you’re holding a handle of the weight. This allows you to be more dynamic in your movements than with just using a dumbbell, therefore creating more of a challenge to control those movements. This is important in conditioning your body for the movements it was made to perform. See for yourself in this week’s Made Fit TV episode. I show you how to get acquainted with a kettlebell with some simple – but challenging – exercises sure to kick your butt way more than you expected!

The grass seems to always be greener when we compare how fit others are to ourselves. We do it everyday; and it's hard not to when we're bombarded with commercials and ads showing pencil-thin models gorging on hamburgers and fried chicken! We think, "if they can eat that and look that fit, then it must be okay for me" - even though you're trying to lose 30lbs to lower your blood pressure. As you know, I always tell you that nutrition basically makes or breaks the way you look. Period. People frequently ask me: "Jenny, what do you eat?" And I always give that blanket statement of "lean protein, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, protein bars and shakes, etc".... Nothing that you don't know already. But even when I answer that, people still want me to elaborate! There are no secrets that some sacred, fit, toned organization is keeping from you for fear they will have their tongues cut off if they break their silence. The secret is just to DO IT! But, I will humor you and show you a sample of a typical week of my nutrition plan. In this new episode, I highlight dinner. Enjoy! And remember, with portion control, weight-training, and cardio, you can live a healthy life with healthy indulgences along the way!

You go to the gym, the track, the court - and your goal is to be stronger, leaner, faster, bigger... how about HIGHER! Plyometrics training and working on your vertical leap is not just a training method athletes can benefit from. The average gym-goer can see drastic changes in their performance, strength, and overall body from incorporating jumps into their program. This week's Made Fit TV episode shows you how to get started properly on improving your vertical jumps and leaps. Keep in mind that you want to be fairly conditioned before implementing body weight jumps and weighted jumps into your program. You want to have a strong core and legs before you start jumping. Check out Episode 26 "The Really, Really Good Leg Workout" and Episode 46 "Train Legs to Failure" for techniques on how to strengthen your legs. Then... JUMP like David Lee Roth - minus the spandex!

http://www.MadeFitTV.com - I'm back from my two week wedding/honeymoon! I didn't have time to do a full episode but I did want to say thanks to everyone who sent emails and congrats. I'll get back to regular episodes of Made Fit TV next week so stay tuned.

http://www.MadeFitTV.com - Granola bars, snack bars, protein bars... there are so many to choose from at the grocery store - but that doesn't mean that they're all made equal. This week I'll show you how to make Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars that not only taste good, but are good for you!

I am a personal trainer, but I can only reach so many people in my hometown area of Metro Detroit, MI. So, Made Fit TV is my way to reach out to all of you to provide you with effective health and fitness information. I get many emails every week that help influence the episodes you see on Made Fit TV. To hear some, check out this week's episode to hear questions from viewers that may offer some insight into your goals as well. You can even chat with me in person every Saturday at 12pm EST when I stream my episodes live - just click on this link!

Knee pain, stiffness, and injuries seem to be an issue written in our human DNA. Doesn't it seem like almost every person you meet nowadays has some sort of problem with their knees? And an even bigger problem is that people tend to avoid using their knees - making the issue even worse. Knee pain and injury can be the aftermath of an accident or surgery. Or, it can stem from over-activity to the very opposite - under-activity! The bottom line is that no matter how this seemingly unavoidable nuisance comes about, exercising the knee with proper form weight-training and flexibility can provide relief and strength to virtually any knee pain sufferer. In this week's Made Fit TV episode, I show you how to perform four basic movements that are perfect for beginners with knee pain, all the way to injured sidelined athletes. I break down a quick explanation of what the quadricep muscles are, what they do, and how they function with the knee. Remember, it's about quality, not quantity. 1.) Shallow Squat * Stand with legs wider than hip-width apart with toes and knees facing front * Lower your butt while keeping your knees straight and over your ankles * Perform 3 sets of 10, increasing by one set each week until you reach 8 sets 2.) Single Leg Balance * With your toes facing front, raise one leg up and hold * Balance on one leg for as long as you can, up to 30 seconds * Hold onto a bar or wall for support if needed * Repeat on the opposite leg, for a total of 3 sets on each leg * For advanced: perform a shallow dip by lowering butt down and standing back up 3.) Floor Bridge to Single Leg Raise * Lie on your back with feet flat and both legs bent at 90 degrees * While keeping your toes facing front and parallel to each other, raise your butt off the ground * Hold that position while straightening one leg out completely to the front * Return the leg back to its bent position, and then lower your butt back to the floor * Perform 3 sets of 10 on each leg, increasing it by one set each week until you reach 8 sets 4.) Single Leg Raise * Lie on your back with your legs straight and arms at your sides * Bend one leg at 90 degrees with your foot flat on the ground * Slowly raise the straight leg to knee level and slowly lower * Repeat 10 times for a total of 3 sets on each leg, increasing by one set each week until you reach 8 sets

http://www.MadeFitTV.com - I know what you're thinking... and, NO! I am not an infomercial that's promising you a six pack from "just ten minutes a day!" I'm telling you that you can lose one pound in one week by eliminating unnecessary calories from your daily nutrition plan. In case you were wondering, 1lb of fat = 3,500 calories. Knowing this could be the answer to your weight-loss struggles because it can put things into perspective. If you over-eat 500 calories more than your body will use up in a day, that's 3,500 calories accumulated over 7 days! And this could be added calories you probably wouldn't even miss. In this week's Made Fit TV podcast, I provide you with examples of foods that you eat (or, should be eating) almost everyday of the week. But, I break it down to show you just how many extra calories you may be eating based on portion and selection, and how you can eliminate 3,500 calories - one pound - a week, from nutrition alone. Just don't forget to workout, too!

http://www.MadeFitTV.com - In this week's Made Fit TV podcast, I show you how to use resistance bands effectively and creatively to target your chest. Bands are pretty affordable and mobile, so you can do these movements anywhere!

They say a girl can never have too many diamonds, right? Well, this girl can never have too many weights! To me, there's no such thing as "old" equipment; you can always find something to do with the most aged, random pieces of exercise equipment. Unconventional training movements can be the best way to amp up your workout results or get you out of that dull plateau. Sometimes all it takes a weight or two, a barbell, and your own body. This week's episode of Made Fit TV focuses on some simple - yet creative - movements using equipment you may already own! So, dust off those old weights hiding under your brother's bed, or stuffed in the basement, and check out this video for some killer movements! Print off this list below for a guide. Modified Barbell Core Twist 10 reps per side - 2 to 3 sets Plate Front Shoulder Raise 10 to 12 reps - 3 sets Plate Squat Press 15 reps - 3 sets Plate Push 10 to 15 reps per leg - 2 to 3 sets each, per adductor and abductor Weighted Push up 10 to 20 reps - 3 sets

The word motivation may sound cliche when referring to health and fitness. But, let's face it - it's fact! People need something to motivate them, to inspire them to turn a negative into a positive. NBC's "The Biggest Loser" provides an opportunity for a select group of people to explore their motivation - and take major action! Detroit, Michigan, home to Season 7 "The Biggest Loser: Couples" Winner Helen Philips, hosted one of the open casting calls for the show's latest season. Individuals, relatives, couples, and friends came from near and far to have a shot at being picked. And what better place to find some potential contestants! Detroit is also home to Season 6 mother/daughter team Shellay & Amy Cremen. For this week's Made Fit TV episode, I join my good friend, and former "Biggest Loser" Season 2 Winner Pete Thomas, for a behind-the-scenes look at open auditions in Macomb, MI. I chat with him and some of the "loser" hopefuls to find out what motivated them to put themselves out there to have a chance at changing their lives. Some laughed. Some cried. But it's all in the name of health and fitness for life!

I LOVE to eat! And, tell me, what girl doesn't like sweets? Not this one! So, because food is one of my favorite things, I have to find some loop holes to make it healthy, yet enjoyable. One flavor that my pallet has grown to love is lemon. That sweet tartness makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Add cheesecake to that equation and you have yourself a mouthful of heaven! Just in time for summer, I came up with a great recipe that incorporates the refreshing flavor of lemon, the healthy antioxidents of berries, and a generous helping of protein. What's missing - the sugar and fat (virtually!). So, sit back and enjoy this week's episode of Made Fit TV where I show you how to make fat-Free Raspberry Lemon Cheescake Bites. My sister, Nicole DiDonato ( the biggest sweet tooth I know) joins me in this episode for a great bonding experience in the kitchen! Fat-Free Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bites Ingredients: 1 whole egg, 3 or 4 egg whites, 16 oz. fat-free cream cheese, ½ cup splenda, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 sugar-free jello cheesecake pudding packet, 1 sugar-free lemon jello packet, 1 cup frozen raspberries, 1 sugar-free jello raspberry packet 1.) Preheat oven at 325 degrees 2.) Place paper muffin liners in both 12-count and 6-count muffin tins 3.) Lightly spray the bottom of the liners with non-stick spray 4.) Blend the eggs, vanilla, and splenda in a bowl until creamy 5.) Add in the cream cheese by softening it up with a spatula 6.) Pour in the dry sugar-free jello packets of the cheesecake and lemon flavors 7.) Blend together until the mixture is a creamy texture (it may be a little sticky due to the jello) 8.) Evenly spoon in mixture into the 18 muffin tins 9.) Bake on the center rack of the oven for 30-35 minutes 10.) When done, remove bites from muffin tin and let cool on a cooling rack for 30 minutes 11.) After cooled, remove muffin liners and place the cheesecake bites on a plate 12.) Place a dollop of raspberry mixture in the center of each cheesecake bite and refrigerate for 30 minutes; serve and enjoy! Raspberry topping: 1.) Still frozen, put the raspberries in a sauce pan on low to medium heat with a splash of water 2.) While melting, pour in the dry sugar-free raspberry jello packet 3.) Mix periodically and remove from heat after the mixture is melted down 4.) Let mixture sit out for 30 minutes until cheesecake bites are cooled Nutrition information: Servings: 18 Serving Size: 1 Amount per serving: 45 calories, .5g fat, 6g carbs, 2g sugar, 5g protein

Which protein supplement is best?" That is one question I get asked almost everyday - and one that I just can't answer. The reason: Everyone is different. Everyone's bodies, goals, tastes, and lifestyles are different. What may work best for one person may not work the best for another. So, even though I can't answer the question of which protein is best, I can tell you which protein supplement is best for you! Check out this week's Made Fit TV episode to find out the pro's and con's of four different protein supplements: Whey, Casein, Soy, and Egg White. I also talk about that confusing debate of protein concentrate vs. protein isolate. How much protein should the average person eat daily? .08 grams per body weight in kilograms How much protein should an athlete eat daily? 1.2 grams per body weight in kilograms How much protein should an athlete who wants to gain muscle eat daily? 1.7 grams per body weight in kilograms

It all started with my desire to deliver helpful fitness information to the masses - and now, one year later, we've made it to 52 episodes of Made Fit TV! I could not have kept it up this long unless I had an audience, like you, who listens and interacts with me and the show. I want to continue providing relevant and useful content that you actually want to see! So, sit back and enjoy this week's Made Fit TV episode as we look back on some of my favorite show moments. I couldn't have done it without you!