The FIRST STEP to Getting Your Kids Healthy

Opening: In the past few weeks I have received a ton of great feedback from parents about their kids' nutrition and the struggles they have everyday trying to get them to eat better. What I want to do in the next few weeks is offer up a few ideas, strategies if you will, that will help parents improve their kids' nutritional habits, as well as their overall health.

The Purpose of Youth Sports

Opening: Before youth sports leagues were created kids would just go out and play. Their parents were not watching them on the edge of their seats, there were no umpires, no world series and no coaches that had a win at all cost attitude.

Hurricane Irene Workout

Opening: My Sunday training routine is usually a very low intensity workout consisting of sled dragging, high rep medicine ball work and tons of mobility work. I perform this workout on Sundays, this particular Sunday I worked out twice!

The TOP 5 REASONS Female Athletes Should Train

Opening: TRIPLED - Female High School Athletes participating in our Programs. We always had a few trickle in and jump in with the boys but now we have entire groups of girls and I can assure you that they are "into it."

Sleep Like a Baby

Opening: With a baby on the way the most common responses I get are, "Enjoy your sleep now because when the baby comes you will not be getting very much." While I understand that I have many sleepless nights ahead of me, I am currently a master sleeper.

Parents Strike Back

Opening: A few weeks ago I asked parents a simple question, "When Should You Give Up on Your Children..." I wanted to get inside the minds of parents and see what the biggest obstacles were in trying to get kids to eat a little better and live a healthier lifestyle.

What’s our new baby’s name?

Opening: The use of someone's name and even more importantly remembering someone's name is vital to success and development of good character in many ways.

A Client Who Inspires Me: Diane Carr

Opening: One of the best parts of my job is the variety of people I get to interact with on a daily basis. I have the opportunity to train people of different ages, backgrounds and with different goals. It is a very cool thing to be a small part of someone achieving their goal, whether it is losing body fat or making the JV basketball team. Today, I would like to spotlight one of those people...

Is your glass overflowing?

Opening: I have this weird habit. We have a drinking water tap on the door of our refrigerator and while preparing food in our kitchen, whether it be breakfast or dinner, I do something that drives my wife crazy. I put a water glass under the tap to fill it and leave it. Instead of waiting for the glass to fill, I continue to prepare the food I am about to eat. About once per week I forget about the water glass being filled...

When Should You Give Up on Your Children?

Opening: I know that title sounds weird, but recently, it seems like I have been asking myself that question a lot. I'm not a parent, I just want to get that out of the way. But I am a pretty amazing uncle.

Sugar is Making you Old and Fat

Opening: The more I read and learn about nutrition, body composition and fat storage, the more I realize that it all really comes down to hormones. What you eat, your sleep, your stress levels and the amount of activity you get, all have an effect on the hormones of your body. Which in turn effect your body composition, energy levels and overall health.

Do you have a Fixed or a Growth Mindset? Part 2 of 2

Opening: Last week we introduced the Fixed Mindset. To review, fixed mindset people are threatened by the success of others, avoid challenges and obstacles for fear of failure; get personally offended by useful criticism and see effort as fruitless. (Part 2 of 2)

Do you have a Fixed or a Growth Mindset?

Opening: When I was young I hated to read. Summer reading lists for me were like a prison sentence and I did everything in my power to get around actually reading the entire book. Fast forward a few decades and I now read 2-3 books a month... (Part 1 of 2)

The Power of D

Opening: Why are people so afraid of the sun? I know what you're thinking, "Does this guy know anything? Doesn't he know about skin cancer?"As a matter of fact, I do. I know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. That 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life.

Will the Path of Least Resistance Get You Where You Want to Go?

Opening: We talk a lot about the "quick fix" or the "magic pill". Everyday on TV and in magazines we see advertisers selling us the newest and best way to get lean,strong and beautiful with the least amount of effort possible. There are machines, supplements and exercise programs that will get you exactly what you want, with almost no work at all. Is that really what you want though? Is the path of least resistance the way to go?

The Secret to Your Success

Opening: We have trained hundreds of fitness clients and thousands of athletes, all of whom have a specific vision when they walk into our doors. Everyone is seeking help of some kind to achieve their individual goal. Some want to make the JV soccer team, others want to fit into an old pair of jeans and some just want to feel better when they get out of bed. All of these goals require individual plans of attack and all take varying amounts of time to achieve.

Do Kids Need To Stretch?

Opening: I have yet to attend a youth warm-up where the stretches are done well. Do these activities really help young athletes prepare their bodies for action or do they just kill 10 minutes before practice starts? My answer would be these exercises are great time killers but terrible ways to warm-up for a practice or game.

Your Mind is Making You Fat

Opening: A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to learn from one of the top strength coaches in the world. I spent a week in East Greenwich, RI at the Poliquin Strength Institute learning Bio-signature Modulation from Charles Poliquin. Bio-Sig (for short) is a method of testing body fat, then using those results to determine a basic hormonal profile (or biological signature) for each person and then use that data to target certain areas of the body and reduce unwanted fat.

Should you cut out Carbs Entirely?

Opening: Many times we hear clients say "I'm just going to cut out all carbs" to help them get lean. This usually lasts about a week and then they slowly go back to eating carbs again. It is a vicious cycle that probably makes it even harder to lose fat.

Stop Hitting the Snooze

Opening: One of the gems that hit me today had nothing to do with a new exercise or piece of equipment, but rather a train of thought. The more I learn and study, I see that there is one thing that separates the world class from the average. Whether your talking strength and conditioning, athletics or any field for that matter, success has little to do with talent or genetics, but boils down to a mind set. So today, when I heard world renowned trainer Rachel Cosgrove tell me to stop hitting the SNOOZE button, it really hit home.

Why I Love Meat

Opening: As I drove around this holiday weekend I couldn't help myself from rolling down my car windows and taking big, deep breaths of air. It was not the wonderful New Jersey air quality I was enjoying, but the aroma of hot grilles burning on every block. There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh meat cooking over an open flame.

What the Heck should I eat for Breakfast?

Opening: It seems UN-American to not have eggs, pancakes, French Toast, Bacon, toast or waffles for breakfast. Anything other than these foods and people are usually looking at you like you are some sort of crazy man. Well folks, call me crazy because I am about to introduce the new rules of breakfast to help you have more energy and be on your way to a leaner body.

How does your back feel? Part 2-The Exercises

Opening: A few weeks ago big Tom had a great article about keeping your lower back healthy. This week we want to introduce to you a few exercises to keep your lower back healthy in the gym.

Going Out for a Few Tonight?

Opening: We talk nutrition with our clients on a daily basis. People all have different questions and problems that come up, but there are definitely some constant variables. Probably the most constant question we get is "What am I NOT allowed to eat?"

Fitness Equipment from an Infomercial?

Opening: There are thousands of pieces of home exercise equipment that are advertised on TV. Most of them are not worth their weight in plastic but there are a few that will always stand the test of time.

How Does Your Back Feel?

Opening: As you are reading this article I want you to take a second and notice your posture. Are your shoulders rounded forward? Is your spine in good position? If someone were to take a picture of how you were sitting, would it be a flattering photo (facebook worthy)?

Nutrition for the High School Athlete

Opening: Whether it is winning more State Championships, making an all state team or getting a scholarship, High School Athletes are always looking for ways to perform better at their sports. One of the most overlooked components to athletic success is proper nutrition.

The Ultimate Athletic Performance Weapon: Confidence

Opening: After training athletes for almost 10 years I have come to the conclusion that without a belief that you are going to succeed, you almost never do. We train athletes everyday to help improve speed, strength and agility and definitely see great changes in these skills throughout the time they are with us. The most effective change we have seen is improved confidence.  

Is Speed and Agility Training making your kid slower?

Opening: These days every parent in the world wants their kid to be faster and more agile. This is always what we are measuring because it is what we see when our kids are on the field...

Everything you need to know to Lose Fat, you already know

Opening: Everyday I hear about a new Diet that some celebrity went on before the premier of their movie or a new book out that promises to give you a six pack in 30 days. The media is rich with nutrition and fat loss experts that get you pumped up about this awesome new idea. Here is the reality: You already know what to do!

Jump Rope??

Opening: Can you jump Rope? If so grab one and email us how many you get in a row on the first shot. Chances are if you did it as a kid you will do ok. If you never jumped rope as a kid I will bet that your score won't be very high. Bottom line: In order to be good at a skill like jump rope you have to have had to do it a lot at one point in your life.

The Power of Fish Oil

Opening: Our clients ask great questions on a daily basis, but one that pops up all the time is about supplements. People want to know the best type of supplements to burn fat, build muscle or just improve overall health.

Power of Protein: Part 2

Opening: Dr. Perry Nickleston explains his thoughts on protein...

The Big 6 Nutrition Principles

Opening: These principles will hopefully help you with some of the problems you might be facing. The majority of people we work with, whether an athlete or a fat loss client, can relate to at least one, if not all of these.

Power of Protein

Opening: We talk nutrition with all of our clients. We know that no matter how effective our training programs look on paper, what our people are doing in the kitchen is far more important to their results than what they are doing in the facility.

Are You a "HAVE TO" or a "GET TO"?

Opening: Everyone falls into one of two categories, you either "have to" or "get to". Think about how one of those little phrases can completely change your mindset on how you go about your day.

The 3 Biggest Mistakes in Training for Sports!

1. Starting too late!
2. Not focusing on your specific sport skill (Hitting, Shooting, Dribbling, etc.)
3.Training alone

CAUTION: Is your daughter at risk for an ACL injury?

Opening: On Wednesday, March 2nd at 8 PM Parents, Coaches and Female athletes will have the opportunity to learn ways to prepare the Female Athlete to perform at the highest level possible while at the same time minimizing their risk for injury. Gabriele Fitness and Performance is offering this free clinic which will feature renowned Orthopaedist, Dr. John Hurley M.D., and owner, Vince Gabriele, M.S., CSCS, IYCA, ACE

Are You a Person of Character?

Opening: This week Vince and I had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with one of the most respected sports psychologists in the country, Dr. Rob Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert, along with being an author and motivational speaker, is a professor at Montclair State University.

Groundbreaking Nutritional Advice

Opening: When he passed away last week at the age of 96, Jack Lalanne left a message of heath and fitness that will carry on for a very long time. He was preaching the benefits of exericse and good nutrition long before it was popular or the "cool" thing.

What is Really in Your Food?

Opening: How much time do you think you have spent reading food labels? Walk into any grocery store and just observe all of the people reading the back of a box or can. We have all done it, stood there and based our decisions on what to buy because of that little label. But do you really know what your reading or what to look for?

Young Athlete Nutrition: Part 2

Opening: We require all of our high school athletes to hand in a 6 day food log once a month. These journals allow us to better educate our athletes on their food choices. However, one of the things that is most glaring to us, is that these athletes are not provided with the right types of food.

Who Can Motivate You?

Opening: At GFP we believe that the greatest success can only be achieved through teamwork and cooperation. This is the foundation for our training and our business. This is why all of the training that goes on inside our facility is done in groups.

Young Athlete Nutrition: A GFP Case Study

Opening: This week, as we do once a month, we are collecting food journals from all the High School Athletes who train at GFP. Each athlete is required to write down everything they eat for 6 days. These journals will be analyzed by the GFP team so we can help our kids make better food choices.

Your Problems, Our Solutions

Opening: What  problems can you think of in regards to your Health and Fitness? Do you have a solution or need help finding one?

Strength Training for Youth Athletes: The Wrong Way

Opening: It is imperative for a young athlete to learn how to strength train the right way from the start. Learning the wrong way sets habits that are hard to break and definitely causes the potential for future injury.

Scramble to Balance Drill

Opening: As coaches of young athletes ages 10-13 we are always looking for ways to improve their Athletic Development and Confidence. One way we accomplish this is to take the qualities we are looking to improve and roll them into competitive and fun drills.

How long should an athlete Train?

Opening: If your goal is general fitness, strength training or losing body fat, then 45-60 minute training sessions should be fine. However, when athletes are in their off-season they are preparing for so much more.

It is the START that Stops Most People

Opening: This week's message is short and sweet. It is the START that stops most people! So why not stop procrastinating and start whatever it is that you have been holding off?

Do Your Kids Look Weird When They Run?

Opening: One of the most common requests we receive from parents is to help their children run better. They will usually say something like "He just looks weird when he runs, can you help him?" YES WE CAN!

If You Have a Big Enough "WHY", You'll Always Find the "HOW"

Opening: John was a man who struggled with his weight for his entire life. He was a chubby kid, an overweight teenager, and had turned into an obese adult. He was more than 100 lbs overweight and his overall health was rapidly declining. John had many excuses for his weight, ranging from hormone problems, to addictive eating and even sometimes blamed his genetics.

Strong is the new skinny for women

Opening: With all the craze these days about being skinny, toned, lean and long, women are running themselves into the ground with crash diets and exercise that gets minimal results. There needs to be a change in mind set about what is healthy.

The Importance of Preparation Training for High School Athletes

Opening: Preparation is one aspect of life that simply creates success. When you are more prepared for a speech you will feel more confident and do a better job, when you prepare your nutrition ahead of time you will eat the foods you are supposed to eat, when you study hard for a test you will usually get a better grade.

TITLE: Web MD GOES TO GABRIELE FITNESS: Learn to Train from Professional Football PLAYers

Opening: When you're an NFL player, rushing hundreds of yards while trying to block or tackle 300-pound guys is just part of the routine. To be a pro, you've got to be in top shape.

TITLE: COMPETITION: Supercharge Your Goals!

Opening: Is competition a good way to help us achieve self improvement? Often times we shy
away from competition because we all have a fear of losing or failing to achieve
what we originally set out to accomplish. However,competition could be the very key
to your success!

TITLE: Losing FAT versus Losing WEIGHT: Do you know the difference?

Opening: There is a large difference between simply losing weight and losing fat. Your goal
should always be to ditch the fat!

TITLE: Exercise Alone is Not Enough!

Opening: I know that sounds crazy coming from someone who makes a living training people, but it is a simple fact. If your goal is fat loss and improved body composition, simply starting an exercise program is not enough for you to see serious results, some type of nutritional "intervention" is a necessity.

TITLE: IMPROVED PERFORMANCE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL FITNESS TEST

Opening: A common question we receive from parents is if we can prepare their child to perform better during The Presidential Fitness Test. One word of caution when performing some of these exercises is to be sure proper form is used and maintained. Many young athletes cannot perform one quality push up or a solid chin up when they enter our program.

TITLE: Does Physical Activity Improve Mental Abilities?
by, Tom Langton, CSCS

Opening: One of the most common conversations we have with the parents of our athletes is regarding their child's academic performance. Parents are often concerned with how our programs, local leagues and school sports will interfere with their kid's school work.

TITLE: IMPORTANT CONCUSSION INFORMATION
by, Atlantic Health Sports Concussion Center at Overlook Hospital
(Dr Joseph Rempson Atlantic Neurosurgical)

Opening: Many athletes suffer knee injuries, ankle injuries, shoulder injuries, and a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. Some of these injuries we can play through, others require rest, and a very small percentage requires surgery. Unlike musculoskeletal injuries we cannot play while still suffering from the effects of a concussion.

TITLE: 5 Reasons Youth Athletes Need Athletic Development Training
By Vince Gabriele, MS

Opening: SHOULD ATHLETES WAIT UNTIL THEIR 13TH BIRTHDAY TO TRAIN? The mindset of most people is yes, but the opposite is true. Research has shown that younger athletes (ages 6-12) are prime candidates to improve many aspects of fitness, especially coordination. This is not to say you should throw your kid in the basement with a Weider Weight Set and tell him to get cracking, but rather a progressive approach to overall general physical preparation is key.

TITLE: COULD YOUR DAUGHTER BE NEXT FOR AN ACL TEAR?

Opening: Would the parent of a football player let their son play next Sunday's game without a helmet? Of course, the answer is always NO. This happens every day when female athletes take the soccer field, lacrosse field, basketball court or tennis court - UNPREPARED...

TITLE: WORKOUTS OR A TRAINING EXPERIENCE?

Opening: It is really great that our industry has grown so much over the past several years. More information is at our disposal than ever before. Young athletes are getting bigger, stronger and faster and are training with sports performance coaches all the time...

TITLE: 2 Awesome Ways to Burn Fat (Article 2 of 2)

Opening: In Article 1 we discussed inefficient (but very popular) ways to burn fat. Long Distance Running and High Rep Light Weight Resistance Training were the culprits. Now for the great news! There are very efficient ways to burn fat: Metabolic Resistance Training and Interval Training...

TITLE: TWO BAD WAYS TO BURN FAT (Article 1 of 2)

Opening: The most common question I am asked as a Fitness Coach is "What is the best way to lose weight." The question people should be asking me is "What is the best way to lose body fat
and keep as much muscle as possible."

TITLE: Speed Training for Young Athletes - The Right Time

Opening: After 10 years training athletes I have seen many things that amaze me. How could an elite level NFL star perform a basic skill so poorly - and my average 10 year old athlete do it perfectly after the same amount of instruction? I have trained some of the best athletes in the world...

TITLE: TRAINING TIPS & INFORMATION FOR COACHING YOUTH ATHLETES

Opening: Vince Gabriele, M.S, CSCS lays out nine of the most important keys to successfully coaching young athletes. Along with these proven steps, Vince also provides a sample active dynamic warm-up for youth athletes. If you coach youths, you should read this!

TITLE: RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR THE YOUTH ATHLETE

Opening: Over the years athletics have become a very important part in the lives of our youth. This is a good thing considering the problem of childhood obesity growing in our country. Much more attention needs to be paid to the physical condition of our future leaders...