In the movie Enough, Jennifer Lopez's character defends herself against her abusive husband using Krav Maga (krahv ma-GAH), a self-defense system developed for the Israeli Defense Forces.

"Krav Maga can help women attain new athletic goals, increase muscle definition, self-confidence and mind/body coordination as well as assist in stress reduction," said Katrina Kothe, a New York Krav Maga instructor and the highest-ranking female student in the U.S. "Krav Maga uses elements of physical fitness to tone muscles and help with coordination. You're burning calories and we incorporate standard calisthenics, but the primary reason people come to us is for self defense. Toning and losing weight is not the main goal but many women say they see results during the training." But unlike other self-defense and aerobic programs, there are no required steps or rules in Krav Maga. Instead, Krav Maga techniques are practiced in simulated, ever-changing attack situations. According to John Whitman, President of Krav Maga Worldwide, Los Angeles, where Lopez trained, being in top physical shape is not necessary to start the program. Instructors push students to work as hard as they can but not to compete with one another. That same mentality is instilled at Monster X Camp Krav Maga classes.

Why is Krav Maga Effective?

"Krav Maga is very aggressive and dynamic in itself," Whitman explained. "Basically, as [Lopez] was training in the technique she was going to use in the movie, she was also working out. You work up a huge sweat just doing the motions, and it's actual contact. You're punching pads and being grabbed by people. It's as real as we can make it." The fitness advantages of programs such as Krav Maga lie in the short, high intensity explosiveness that occurs in muscle fibers, explained Melyssa St. Michael, founder and president of UltraFit Human Performance, Inc., Baltimore, MD. "When you are building up kinetic force, you are developing really strong neurological pathways from your brain to your muscle, which helps instincts and reflexes.

Any type of really short, intense workout helps elevate metabolic rate and burn more fat," St. Michael said, adding that students performing Krav Maga expend 20 to 30 percent more energy than during a less intensive activity such as step aerobics. It takes the average woman between two and nine months to become adept enough at Krav Maga to be able to effectively defend herself, Kothe said. However techniques taught in the first class will help immediately. "Women shouldn't be intimidated by Krav Maga. It's really easy to learn, and it's something that could potentially save their lives," she said. We agree.  

Thanks: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/information/getting-strong-with-krav-maga.htm

Want more from your workout? Take a fish oil supplement to reach your fitness goals.

 

The wonder capsules can maximize neuromuscular (aka muscle-building) responses to strength training, while also slowing and partially reversing some of the negative effects of aging, including loss of muscle mass, according to new research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers randomly assigned 45 women to either strength train for 90 days, strength train and take 2 grams of fish oil for 90 days, or to strength train and take fish oil for 150 days (they started taking fish oil 60 days prior to starting their strength training program).

Those who took the fish oil supplements saw the most improvement in muscle strength and functional capacity (how well you can perform tasks related to strength, endurance, speed and flexibility, such as how quickly you can get up from a chair), this can be obtained with our Kickboxing classes at Monster X Camp. Interestingly, those who took the supplements for an extra 60 days prior to starting their training didn’t see any additional benefits over those who simply took the supplements for the 90 days during their training.

Researchers note that the fish oil supplement’s secret weapon is muscle-building omega-3 fatty acid, of which it packs plenty. Omega-3s aren’t just helpful when it comes to toning up. They have been shown to prevent diseases such as cancer, reduce inflammation, boost brain function, and even elevate mood. If you’re not keen on fish oil, substitute it with krill oil or an algae-based omega-3 supplement for a muscle-building boost. Just make sure your supplement contains both DHA and EPA omega-3s.

Try to get omega-3s from natural sources too! Salmon (go for the wild Alaskan stuff!), walnuts, tofu, and even some veggies like kale and winter squash all pack omega-3s.

Women Health Magaizine

Awesome job at the exam to everyone and thanks for coming out to Keller for our Grand Opening! Be proud of what you accomplished and keep challenging yourself. Very proud of all who tested and participated in the video testimonials. Be on the lookout as rank shirts will be in the next few weeks. Also reminder we are taking orders now for winter gear, let us know what you want, size and color. Results below for adults and kids... If You do not see your name on this list, more than likely we dont have a form filled out by you. Please let us know and we will update it!

 

Adults Exam

Eirik Hansen             Yellow
Jonathan DeMet        Yellow
Dustin Wright            Yellow
John Sharp                Yellow
Albert Puig                Yellow
Hayden Larson          Yellow
Robert Mastropiero    Yellow
Lance Shepherd        Yellow
Braden Baugh           Yellow
Ana Campisi             Orange
Adam Ward              Green
Eddie Chavarria         Green
Vielka Lee-Heitz        Purple
Ken Kuykendall         Blue
Dan Brown                Blue
Jonathan Molina        Red
Antonio Molina          Red II
Steven Pressnell       Red II
Christian Garippa      Red-Black
Jeff Katz                   Black-Yellow

Kids Exam

Hayden                     Yellow
Dax                           Yellow
Dillon                        Orange
Rachel                      Purple