Articles

Hello fellow Coles Crossing anglers. The Landscape and Lakes committee determined that there were three primary aquatic issues that required addressing this year. One of these situations is a dangerous species of fish swimming in the Coles Pond, another is a decline and rebalancing of our fish population and the last is the infestation of the invasive Red-Eared Slider turtle in all our ponds. The following details these concerns and documents the actions taken. 

 

Approximately two years ago I caught a thirty-six-inch Spotted Gar while fishing in Coles Pond. This was alarming to me. I am not sure how this species of fish entered our pond but here it was. To date we have removed six gars. The Spotted Gar, while a beautiful fish, can decimate a tiny pond of smaller fish such as the Bluegill. These primitive fish have rows of sharp, needle-like teeth that line their long boney snout. Consequently, Spotted Gars are very efficient hunters. It is an aggressive fish that grows rapidly and is negatively impacting our ponds ecosystem. These Gar are hard to catch, and I believe they will continue to multiply in number if not addressed. If any angler manages to land one of these gars, please do not release it back into the pond! Either discard it in the trash or call me, Steven Teel @ 832-920-4002 and I will come and remove it. We need to dispatch this species from our private neighborhood pond immediately.

 

In April, Lake Pro, our pond management company agreed to provide another electroshock fish survey of all four of our ponds. This survey does not harm the fish but allows the crew to inventory all species present including a sampling of size and numbers. This process is key to balancing the fish in our ponds. The survey assists us in determining what quantities and which species that need to be restocked for a healthy balance. The results of this current count uncovered two glaring problems. It indicated that the Coles ponds had an extremely sparse number of smaller fish which serve as forage for the Largemouth Bass populations. The other issue concerned the health of our Largemouth Bass population. Although the overall number of Bass was stable, the fish were very lean and there were also dwindling numbers of larger Bass. The poor body condition is a function of both a high Largemouth Bass density and inadequate forage. This indicated that our ponds were suffering from a diminished population of small Bluegill, Shiners, and Minnows. Consequently, we chose to restock our ponds with a greater number of these forage fish and not to restock any Bass this year. In June we restocked all the ponds and will continue to monitor these beautiful amenities.

 

Lastly, we had to address the invasive “Red-eared Slider” population which became a growing problem again. This infestation has made fishing exceedingly difficult for our Coles Crossing anglers over the last year. When this turtle spots a fisherman’s bobber or live bait, they swarm the area. These turtles are especially widespread in both Coles Pond and Coles Mills Pond. They overpopulate ponds and diminish our other turtle species such as the Softshell turtle. 

 

These turtles not only deter anglers but also pose health risks. They are known to can carry bacterial diseases such as salmonella! Please do not touch these sliders with bare hands. They can also transmit Rana virus, which threatens amphibians, reptiles, and fish. They can spread parasites and other aquatic diseases that could impact our aquatic ecosystem. They have a lifespan of twenty years and reproduce in large numbers rapidly. Sadly, our only methods of control are euthanizing them or through state permitted relocation. We chose the latter and received specific instructions, relocation destinations, a TPWD permit and purchased multiple required Texas hunting licenses. 

I would like to recognize my friend and neighbor Jude Bertrand. Jude has contributed hours of his time on this capture and relocation project as well as other Landscape and Lakes committee undertakings in the last few years. Recently Jude and I have netted and relocated dozens of turtles. He then suggested that we involve his Boy Scout Troop # 901. Together with these Boy Scouts we organized a weekend work event. We had two primary goals which focused on two of our local ponds. We wanted to capture and relocate more turtles and discard trash along the banks and area around Coles Mills and Coles Ponds. Jude requested support including six scouts from his troop. I was extremely surprised to receive about twelve Boy Scout volunteers and seven parents at this event. It was an amazing turnout. Jude and his mother Therese had the insight to bring cold refreshments and snacks. I want to thank and congratulate all the diligent scouts and their parents who participated in this undertaking. It was an extremely hot afternoon and then a thunderstorm rolled in. This storm eventually ended the event, but we accomplished our goals. To date we have relocated approximately forty turtles. We will continue our efforts to purge these turtles then reclaim our other two ponds and make all fishing enjoyable again. 

 

Steven Teel

 

 

As your newly seated HOA Board, we’re about six weeks into our term. We’ve hit the ground running on a number of important initiatives and appreciate your patience as we work to improve key areas of our community operations. Below is a high-level update to keep you informed on our focus areas and progress:

 

We’ve identified and begun correcting several issues in how financials were recorded and reported in the past. We’re working closely with Crest to ensure better alignment between budget expectations and how actuals are tracked. As part of this, we’ve introduced a clear, user-friendly monthly financial summary and forecast to give the board and community better visibility into year-end projections.

 

The North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) pipeline project is moving forward, and we’re actively engaged in negotiations around easements and tree preservation. A portion of the project will affect visibility near the community center and along Barker Cypress. We’ll continue to update residents as more details and timelines become available.

 

To increase transparency, we’re now streaming HOA board meetings online for residents who can’t attend in person. This is part of our broader effort to make board business more accessible and inclusive.

 

We’re working on streamlining the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) process, which has been confusing due to multiple overlapping documents. AMaster ARC Guide is being developed by consolidating deed restrictions, builder guidelines, and board motions. Once finalized, it will serve as the consistent, go-to reference for all modification requests. We also welcome new volunteers to support ARC activities. Please reach out if interested.

We’ve also encouraged Crest to explore using AI tools to improve the online ARC submission and tracking process.

 

We’re evaluating the long-term design and surfacing of the new pickleball court, including striping adjustments and the possible use of the Rightway overlay system after the concrete cures. In addition, we’re introducing:

A Pickleball Court Chair (please contact Dan Forlenza if interested)
A Pickleball Court Grand Opening Event targeted for early September
Court Rules and Etiquette Guidelines to help address community concerns

We’re reviewing and evaluating the deed enforcement process to ensure consistency, fairness, and communication transparency. More to come on this in future updates.

 

We know everyone’s time is valuable. To help increase community engagement and respect your time, we’ve taken steps to streamline board meetings by staying focused and better organized. In fact, our first board meeting concluded in under 90 minutes.

 

We’ve also implemented:

A resident feedback form during the Open Forum to ensure concerns are documented and followed up on.
Better tracking of inbound HOA emails to ensure timely responses.
A commitment to answer procedural or informational questions during meetings or follow up directly afterward.

These improvements aim to make participation easier, communication clearer, and your voice more effectively heard.

 We know there’s more to do, but we’re committed to moving the Association forward and strengthening our community together.

 

You might be tempted to skip the warm-up when you work out. After all, you only have so much time to exercise—“Let’s just get on with it already! I’m in a hurry!”

 

However, warming up is a crucial component of your fitness routine, and skipping it can have unpleasant and even dangerous consequences, such as muscle strain, injury, and pain.

Oh, and a proper warm-up will improve your workout performance!

 

A warm-up is a short workout period at the beginning of your exercise session. It is generally low intensity and prepares your body for the upcoming exertion.

 

The purpose of a traditional warm-up is to increase your heart rate slightly. This raises your core body temperature and increases the blood flow to your muscles. Cold muscles and other connective tissues do not stretch very easily. A warm-up session prepares them physically and mentally, making them more supple and ready to work.

 

Without a warm-up, you will be more susceptible to sprained muscles, cramps, and injury. Ultimately, these effects could prevent you from exercising for an extended period as you recover, which is not conducive to the healthy lifestyle you desire. It takes approximately three minutes for your body to recognize that it needs to increase blood flow to your muscles, so the ideal warm-up time is between five and ten minutes.

 

There is no set prescription for what your warm-up should consist of. You can choose a set of preparatory exercises (such as leg lowering, windmills, pulsed planks, etc.) or opt for a light-intensity version of your upcoming workout (a brisk walk to prepare for a run, for example, or lifting light weights before increasing the load).

 

The Warm Up: Advanced Strategy

Now with all that being said about a “basic” warm-up, let me share with you how I prepare myself, as well as every one of my personal training clients.

For long-term health and fitness combined with your weight loss training efforts, it’s imperative to understand that a proper warm-up is about more than just “warming up the body.” It’s about preparing the body for an all-out training assault that’s going to boost your metabolism through the roof.

 

Therefore, we look at the warm-up as a Preparation Phase for the workout to come. Through research and practical experience, we’ve determined that the best results are typically seen when an exercise prep routine incorporates three key components:

Tissue Quality
Corrective Exercise
Mobility & Activation
Almost all chronic joint pain or overuse injuries are caused by tightness and restrictions in the muscles above and below the joint in question. In other words, it’s not about PAIN SITE… It’s about PAIN SOURCE!

Restrictions in the tissue of your calves and front, inner, and outer thighs often cause knee pain. Restrictions in your glutes and hamstrings often cause back pain. Shoulder pain is often caused by restrictions in your thoracic spine (T-Spine), chest, and lats.

 

Tissue quality describes the general health of your muscles and the interconnected web of fascia that surrounds them all. Over time, we develop scar tissue, adhesions, knots, and trigger points due to high-intensity training, overuse, and/or extended periods of sitting.

The best way to address this is to self-massage sore, tight, and restricted muscle groups of the body to regenerate tissue both before and after workouts, promoting injury reduction and allowing for a smoother, more productive workout.

 

Additionally, self-massage before stretching enables a more effective and complete stretch by smoothing out knots. You should always precede flexibility work with tissue quality for the best results.

 

Massage is one of those counterintuitive things whereby you are actively seeking out pain. In fact, it’s the only time ever to do so when it comes to proper training.

The best analogy I can give you is this:

If it hurts that much when you put pressure on your muscles, imagine how bad your joints must feel!

 

Corrective Exercise

We all have unique “issues” with our body mechanics and functional movement capabilities. For some, it’s a lack of flexibility, while for others, there may be a balance or mobility issue. Perhaps there’s an asymmetry – one side is significantly “stronger” than the other, leading to muscular imbalances, postural distortions, and overcompensation injuries. You can determine your individual corrective needs by undergoing a movement screen, such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).

 

The FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns essential to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. These are issues that can reduce the effectiveness of functional training and physical conditioning, as well as distort body awareness.

 

The FMS generates the Functional Movement Screen Score, which is used to target problems and track progress. This scoring system is directly linked to the most beneficial corrective exercises to restore mechanically sound movement patterns.

 

Exercise professionals monitor the FMS score to track progress and identify exercises that will be most effective in restoring proper movement and building strength in each individual.

 

So, in a nutshell, the FMS is designed to

Identify functional limitations and asymmetries that have been associated with an increased risk of injury.
Provide exercises to restore proper movement and build stability, mobility, and strength in each individual.
Mobility & Activation

More than just a typical warm-up, a mobility and activation circuit truly prepares your body for a maximum performance workout.

Mobility describes the ability of a joint, or a series of joints, to move through an ideal range of motion. Although mobility relies on flexibility, it requires an additional component of strength, stability, and neuromuscular control to allow for proper movement. Activation is often paired with mobility because many mobility exercises activate key, and usually dormant, pillar stabilizers in your hips, core, and shoulders.

 

More Than Just a Warm-Up…

So, as you can see, a warm-up is much more than just a warm-up when you’re training smarter for long-term health, fitness, and fat loss goals.

Think twice before you skip the “warm-up” in your next workout…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring 2025 has been a beautiful and productive season across Coles Crossing. Frequent rainfall and mild temperatures, combined with proactive maintenance and resident care, have contributed to lush parks, healthy trees, and vibrant common areas throughout the community. Many homeowners have gone the extra mile in maintaining their individual yards, and it has not gone unnoticed—thank you for your continued effort.

 

Lakes and Wildlife Management
In May, our community lakes were restocked with feeder fish to enhance recreational fishing. A spring fish census confirmed a healthy population of larger fish, and the addition of feeder species will help improve overall fish quality and sustainability.

In mid-June, a targeted turtle population management effort was conducted. Red-eared slider turtles have posed challenges for maintaining a balanced fishing environment, as they tend to overpopulate and interfere with fish. Under the leadership of Steven Teel, and with support from local Boy Scout members, a group effort was made to reduce the number of turtles through physical removal. The goal of this activity is to support a better fishing experience for all residents.

 

Seasonal Planting and Tree Care
Our color bed rotation is currently underway and expected to be completed within the next few days. Early spring plantings were successful and received numerous compliments from residents. The next rotation is scheduled for October to provide seasonal color throughout the fall and winter months.

 

In addition, tree pruning and removal of dead trees have been a recent focus, ensuring continued safety and aesthetics in high-traffic areas and green spaces.

It has come to our attention that some residents with backyards along Jarvis Road and Telge Road have been disposing of yard clippings and other debris by tossing it over the fence into common areas. This practice detracts from the overall appearance of the neighborhood and creates additional maintenance challenges. The Landscape Committee is currently evaluating the scope of this issue and will make recommendations on how best to address it.

Finally, we are awaiting the completion of the pickleball court expansion project before evaluating and implementing an updated landscape maintenance plan for the surrounding area. Once construction is complete, appropriate landscaping will be added to complement the new facilities.

 

Thank You for Supporting Our Community

Your continued attention to property care and community guidelines is what helps make Coles Crossing a beautiful and welcoming place to live. We appreciate your partnership as we move into the summer months and look forward to more opportunities to improve and enjoy our shared spaces.

While hot flashes are commonly associated with menopause, a wide range of symptoms can occur. Many of these symptoms begin even earlier, during a stage known as perimenopause — the transitional period leading up to menopause.

 

“Perimenopause typically begins around age 47 or 48 and lasts about four years; however, it can start as early as mid-30s or as late as mid-50s,” Dr. Latricia Thompson, OB-GYN at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, said. “The timing of onset varies for each woman. A good gauge of when to expect it is based on your genetics. So, ask your mom or older sister when they began perimenopause. Other influencing factors can be smoking, obesity, and even stress, which can lead to an earlier onset by one to two years.” 

 

Perimenopause starts when the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. Some of these symptoms can include irregular periods or heavy bleeding, hot flashes and night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, brain fog, memory issues, unexplained weight gain, and skin dryness. 

 

Other symptoms can include decreased libido, fatigue, and even joint pain. The symptoms can often be subtle and gradual, making it hard to connect to perimenopause. The long-term consequences of estrogen deficiency include cardiovascular disease and bone loss. Thus, it is a concern if you enter menopause before age 45.  

 

It’s also essential to work with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol levels, which can help protect your heart during and beyond this transitional stage. Treatment depends on the exact symptoms a woman is experiencing. 

 

"The first measure is to adopt and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen; this is the foundation of any treatment regimen,” Dr. Thompson said. 

 

“Reducing caffeine and alcohol can decrease hot flashes.  In addition to helping control weight gain, exercise also releases endorphins, which can help alleviate mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. It's the natural happy pill.”

 

Home remedies can be effective for some women, but not for all. If your symptoms are starting to impact your overall well-being or quality of life, it's time to talk with your doctor. For more information and to contact a Houston Methodist doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/obgyn.

 

 

 

Independence Day is right around the corner!  We’re surrounded by all kinds of reminders about the priceless freedom that we enjoy in our country.  Flags, fireworks and fun cookouts all symbolize the bravery and determination of our ancestors as they fought to secure our freedom and help our country to break free from tyrannical rule.

 

With so much emphasis on breaking free, July 4th is a good time to take a close look at where you are with your exercise and nutrition plans.  How are you doing?  Are you pleased with your daily habits and progress?  Are you in a slump from which you need to break free?

We are 6 months into the New Year—how are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions?

 

Daily life keeps us so busy that we can slowly lose motivation to work out and eat healthy food.  And it happens so gradually we hardly notice it.  Before we know it, we’re off track and old habits are slowly getting the upper hand.

 

You know you are in a slump when you look back over the past few weeks and realize that you are not working out much (or your workouts are very low intensity), you are being a little more lax with what you eat, and worst of all, you feel discouraged.  The further behind you get, the harder it is to revamp and start again.

 

Break free
If you are in a slump, this is a perfect time to break free.  

The hardest part of breaking out of a slump is taking action, but once you get moving again and take some positive steps, you will quickly find your feet and resume your forward momentum to fitness and health.

 

Try this:  

·      Schedule some exercise time into your day today.  It does not have to be a long session; it can be 10 minutes.  Just move.  The biggest predictor of whether you work out tomorrow is whether you work out today.  The tough part is to begin.  Take a walk, make several trips up and down your stairs, jog in place—it doesn’t matter what it is, just do something.

 

·      Decide on your July 4th eating plan.  You will likely be in the presence of unhealthy holiday food tomorrow.  What is your plan? One of the best things you can do to get back on track is draw a line in the sand and don’t step across it.  Make healthy choices tomorrow.  Eat for energy and vitality.  

Once you take the first step, the next will be easier, and the next even easier.  Declare independence from your slump, dust off those resolutions and make the second half of 2025 the best half!

Coles Crossing Dads Club to Host 7th Annual BBQ Cook-Off on October 18
Family Fun, Great Food, and a Community Cause Come Together in One Sizzling Event

 

One of Coles Crossing’s favorite traditions is back and bigger than ever! The Seventh Annual Coles Crossing Dads Club BBQ Cook-Off, proudly presented by Lester - Warren Team Realtor Associates, is set for Saturday, October 18 at the Community Lap Pool parking lot — and everyone in the neighborhood is invited to join the fun.

 

More than just a barbecue, this beloved event has become a fall staple, bringing the neighborhood together for food, family fun, and a shared community mission. This year’s Cook-Off features an exciting mix of activities for all ages. Thanks to a partnership with the HOA Events Committee, kids can enjoy a video game truck, bounce houses, and face painting — all completely free of charge.

 

The entertainment doesn’t stop there. Live music will set the stage throughout the afternoon, and kids are encouraged to show off their spooky (or silly!) side in a Halloween Costume Contest.

 

On the grill, expect some fierce but friendly competition. Cook teams will go head-to-head in four delicious categories: Ribs, Brisket, Chicken/Poultry, and a creative Wild Card round. Combined scores from the first three categories will determine this year’s Grand Champion, while guests get to take part by voting for their favorite in the People’s Choice contest using special event tickets.

 

This year also features a kids-only dessert competition, giving younger chefs a chance to show off their sweet skills.

Interested in competing? Organizers are looking to expand the field and welcome new pitmasters to throw their hat into the ring. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a backyard BBQ rookie, now’s the time to show Coles Crossing what you’ve got.

 

As always, proceeds from the event will benefit a local cause, continuing the Dads Club’s commitment to giving back. So come out for the fun, stay for the food, and support a great community tradition.

 

Mark your calendars, invite your neighbors, and come hungry — we’ll see you there!

For updates, ticket information, and team registration, follow the Dads Club on Facebook:
facebook.com/ColesDads

It’s been a busy first few weeks with the new board and we remain committed to listening to and serving the homeowners in Coles Crossing. Here are a few actions and improvements we have been working on.

 

Homeowner Forum Update:
We’re introducing a simple form to be used at the start of each forum. Homeowners will list their name and topic, and we’ll remind everyone of the two-minute speaking limit. The purpose is two-fold:

To help capture and organize concerns accurately.
To hold the board accountable for responding — either in the meeting (if factual) or with follow-up afterward if board discussion is required.

New Pickleball Facility:
On June 20th, concrete was poured for the new pickleball courts. These courts are under construction and not suitable for play. Please stay off the courts until construction is completed.

 

Financial Reporting Improvements:
We’re correcting past budget allocations, which had used a straight 1/12th monthly split. That approach didn’t reflect the true timing of major seasonal expenses like pool operations and landscaping. As a result, prior reports overstated available surplus. Going forward, reporting will be based on seasonal patterns to provide a more accurate financial picture.

Virtual Board Meeting Access:
We’re working with Crest Management to find solutions for those residents busy with work, kids, or just otherwise engaged unable to attend meetings in person to attend remotely. Expect an update on our progress no later than the next meeting.

 

Crest Management Meeting:
In the past few days, we’ve met with the team at Crest to gain a better understanding of their responsibilities, to work on response time and service quality, and to benchmark other neighborhoods that they manage for best practices.

 

Improving Communication through a Multi-Channel Approach:
Our Communications Team is working to communicate with you where you want to get your information – through email, the community website, The Paper Boy and Mid-Month 5, and the Official Coles Crossing HOA Facebook page – which you can follow at https://www.facebook.com/thecolescrossinghoa - where we are committed to updating you on upcoming HOA meetings, events and board announcements. 

 

Promoting Expanded Community Involvement:
The Board members have each met with their committee chairs, and an interim Pool Committee Chair has been approved. We are still seeking chairs for our Technology, Service Quality, and Architectural Review Committees.

 

The board’s commitment to volunteerism and this community can drive the improvements you have requested. We humbly ask you to join with us in the same spirit and find a place to fit in and help us makes Coles Crossing the type of neighborhood we can all be proud of.

A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure that allows for detailed examination and treatment of different conditions that involve the large intestine (colon) and occasionally the last part of the small intestine (terminal ileum).

Colorectal cancer screening has been recommended as routine preventative care for all adults since the 1990s. In 2024, colorectal cancers were the third most frequently diagnosed type of cancer.

What is a colonoscopy?

 

During a colonoscopy, a patient is placed under sedation (unless they specifically request otherwise), and a flexible camera and small tools are used to examine the entirety of the large intestine to look for, diagnose, and treat as necessary any encountered abnormalities.

Prior to a colonoscopy, all patients are asked to complete a purge laxative bowel prep to clear the large intestine so that the procedure can be performed safely and effectively. Bowel prep regimens have gradually improved over time and are generally better tolerated than older options used more commonly decades ago.

 

Most patients are asked to split the dose of laxative into two halves, one the evening before the procedure, and one overnight or early the morning of the procedure. While nowadays many different types of bowel prep options are available, I am always grateful for the work my patients put in prior to their procedure. Without a good prep, the procedure literally can’t happen!

The colonoscopy itself is generally the most straightforward part of the procedure. Depending on the specific type of sedation used, most patients are asleep for about 30-45 minutes, during which time the large intestine is examined and your physician works to detect and remove polyps (when done for colorectal cancer screening).

 

Almost all patients complete colonoscopy without any significant symptoms afterwards, but sometimes mild symptoms that generally improve over hours to days can occur. More serious complications from sedation or colonoscopy are possible, but are very uncommon. When performed as an outpatient procedure, patients return home the same day. The colonoscopy itself does not come with post-procedural restrictions. Because almost all patients are sedated for their procedure they are advised to not work or operate a motor vehicle for 24 hours after receiving anesthesia.

Why (and when) do you need a screening colonoscopy?

 

Routine colorectal cancer screening is recommended in all adults at age 45. Patients with a personal history of certain diseases or a family history can discuss earlier screening with a gastroenterologist.

 

Several different options for screening are available with the two most common being stool-based testing (typically tests called FIT or Cologuard) and screening colonoscopy. Unless you have a high risk personal or family history either method is a reasonable choice. Patients with a high risk (or ‘elevated risk’) history should be screened only by colonoscopy, and oftentimes more frequently than the general population.

1. Drink a Gallon of Water 
Water is always a crucial element for proper bodily functions, and even more so when fat loss is your goal. The conversion of fat into energy takes place in your liver, and this process requires that you be well hydrated. 

 

Drinking a gallon of water over the course of your day is a wonderful goal to aim for. This goal is easily met when you get into the habit of sipping water throughout the day, coupled with drinking a full glass before meals, upon waking and before bed. 

 

2. Cut out Alcohol 
This fat loss tip is always met with groans, but despite its unpopularity it remains one of the most effective. The first reason that alcohol should be cut out in order to lose fat is that it’s filled with empty calories. These are simple sugars that taste great but add up quickly as stored fat in all the wrong places.

 

The second reason that alcohol should be cut out is that the simple energy that your body derives from the alcohol will be used as energy long before your fat stores are tapped, making it impossible to reduce body fat on days when alcohol is consumed. That should be incentive enough for you to put down your glass and reach for some water. 

 

3. Do a Variety of Aerobics 
Variety is key when it comes to the aerobics side of your routine. Getting in calorie-burning activities is crucial to quickly eliminating fat stores. We no longer believe that long cardio sessions are the holy grail of fat loss – but getting your body moving with calorie-burning activities is a wonderful way to intensify your fat loss results. 

 

The great thing about aerobic activities is that these can and should be fun! Hiking, biking, swimming, jogging, brisk walking – any activity that requires you to move your body for a decent duration of time and break a nice sweat in the process. 

 

4. Cut out Processed Junk 
This is one of the easiest ways to quickly and effectively reduce body fat, and yet it is met with such resistance. Why? Why is it so difficult for us to give up our packaged, processed snacks and treats? This is one obstacle that prevents most people from achieving the body that they want. 

The best tip for successfully getting processed junk food out of your life is to have wholesome alternatives on hand while removing the junk food from your home. If you are a late night snacker, then be prepared by having fresh fruit, sliced veggies, plain Greek yogurt or other wholesome snack replacements on hand. When your belly is full of wholesome snacks, it’s hard to care too much about the processed junk you missed out on. And soon you’ll learn to love how lean and energetic these healthier foods make you feel. 

 

5. Lift Weights 
You might consider this to be pretty obvious, but many people are still resistant to the idea that resistance training leads to fat loss. If you find yourself puzzled by the idea that lifting heavy things will reduce the layer of fat on your body, then allow me to explain. 

The act of lifting weights causes those targeted muscles to stimulate new muscle tissue growth. Now this doesn’t mean that your muscles are going to get noticeably larger (relax, ladies!) but it does mean that your muscle tissue will become tighter and more toned. The increase in muscle translates to a higher metabolism, which means that your body will naturally burn fat faster and more efficiently. 

 

6. Use HIIT 
High Intensity Interval Training is a method that has been quite popular in the past decade – and for good reason. This advanced form of aerobics, when done correctly, is one of the most effective methods for burning fat. 

HIIT is achieved by performing short, intense burst of aerobic intervals between less intense bouts of aerobics. For example, 2 minutes of walking followed by a 30 second sprint, done for 20 minutes.

 

7. Work with a Fitness Professional 
When your car needs new brakes, you take it the mechanic. When you wake up with a fever and sore throat, you go to the doctor. When your hair gets too long, you go to get it cut. When you need to reduce body fat, you...try to do it all on your own? That makes no sense. 

Look, we all have our expertise, and we rely on each other when in need. Our expertise is fat loss. When people in our community need a new and improved body they come to us.We're passionate about getting our clients results, and our programs have been proven effective.

 

Submitted by PGFit