Use your nose!

Date: October 5th, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

Non-scents:  New research about the overlooked sense of smell.

Dr. Shai Keeviti published his article “Follow the Smell” in the September 2009 issue of Maccabiton.  I have translated it from Hebrew.  Enjoy…

If you think that the primary purpose of your nose is to help you choose the right perfume, you are wrong.  The hidden potential in your sense of smell is much more than that.  This sense is crucial to our survival and influences everything from our partners (pheromones), to our social status, to the foods we eat.  But that’s not all:  New research discovered that the sense of smell is likely to pave the way for diagnosing diseases such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and depression. 

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Muscles and Lies: An article from Israeli Health Services

Date: September 24th, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

In the September 2009 issue of Maccabiton, a monthly health and wellness magazine published by Maccabi Health Insurance in Israel, Doron Nui and Tzachi Kna’an explore fat burning and muscle building myths in the article “Muscles and Lies.”  I have translated the main points of the article from Hebrew.  Enjoy…

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Shoulders

Date: August 23rd, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

I couldn’t lift my arms to fill the water bottle after this workout.   There is something to be said for endurance training…

Warm Up: 10 minutes arc trainer

Lift: Superset 3 sets, 20 reps, 30 sec. rest between sets
Upright Row, Military press, Punches

Cardio Interval: Arc Trainer
30 sec. sprint, 45 sec. recovery x 5 sets

Lift: Front raise, Lateral raise, Steering wheel

Cardio Interval: (see above)

Abs: Russian Twist, side plank, side toe touch, bicycle

Legs

Date: August 21st, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

I liked this workout because I was able to keep my heart rate between 55-80% mhr for the duration.  Enjoy.

Warm Up:  Hill interval
Speed 3.5 mph (constant)
1 min. 3.5 incline
3 min 6.0 incline
1 min 9.0 incline
1 min 12.0 incline
1 min 15.0 incline

(repeat)
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Back/Biceps

Date: August 20th, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

I’ve been enjoying these mid workout cardio intervals because I tend not to do too much cardio.  This definitely switches things up.

Warm Up: 15 minutes
2.5 incline
3.0 mph 1 min
6.0 mph 3 minutes
6.5 mph 1 minute
7.0 mph 1 minute
7.5 mph 1 minute

(repeat)
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Shoulders/Triceps

Date: August 17th, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

Today’s workout was great.  Be sure to lift light.  Enjoy… continue »

Leg Day

Date: August 16th, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

I thought I’d try something different so I dropped the weight and turned it into a cardio-strength day .  Enjoy…  continue »

Food for Thought

Date: August 13th, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

Back in New York I was fully in control of what I put into my body.  Whether I needed fuel for a workout or if I just wanted to indulge in something sweet and delicious, I was able to choose my food.  Everything was organic and if I ate anything that was prepared it never had more than 4 ingredients.

I was anticipating much of the same when I moved to Israel.  The country has a reputation for amazingly delectable fruits and veggies.  They’re all seasonal and they’re all locally grown (since the country is the size of New Jersey shipping issues like preservatives are significantly reduced).  My eating habits would continue uninterrupted, so I thought.
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Jordana Kagan: Update from Israel

Date: August 9th, 2009
By: Jordana Kagan

BPURE Update…

My first month in Israel was expectedly hectic. My morning runs and kettlebell routine kept me sane through two moves, the start of language classes, and a totally new diet (aka institution food…more on that later). The first few days were great, but by the end of the second week of throwing the kettlebell around, I just wasn’t feeling it anymore. There is definitely something to be said for progressive overload, and working with the same 15 pound kettlebell for 4 weeks just doesn’t provide that stimulation. I’m waiting for the boat to arrive with the rest of my weights.
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Jordana Kagan: August Featured Athlete

Date: August 1st, 2009
By: Facebook User

Jordana Kagan 1 My love of movement began with ballet, running, and swimming. In the past ten years I sustained several injuries but refused to let them limit me. Each one forced me to modify my training regimens, and seek new ways to work out. One of those “discoveries” was weightlifting, and I instantly fell in love. I subsequently studied for my personal training certification so that I could continue to grow and hopefully help others do so as well.

Weight lifting eventually led to training with kettlebells, my ultimate training tools. Another certification ensued. However, vigorous workouts are not always feasible. As various injuries recur, I adapt to accommodate the flare ups. By incorporating balance, strength, flexibility, and agility drills into my routines I can continue to workout regardless of my injuries. I motivate my clients in the same way, by encouraging them to train their bodies to be efficient, healthy, and strong.
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