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Tips From The Trainer / Weight Loss

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2007

As the head trainer at Tim Gardner's Body*Tech Fitness Emporium, Ken Baker takes an integrated approach to his specialty — weight loss. He keeps clients moving during the entire session by incorporating cardio moves between weight-lifting sets. It's perfect for toning and dropping body fat. Although weight loss is his specialty, he also focuses on increasing muscle mass, focusing on sports-specific training, and incorporating power and plyometric training.

Baker, 31, has been competing on the bodybuilding circuit for two years under Gardner's tutelage. Gardner and Body*Tech help clients worldwide with contest training, weight management, diet counseling and more.

Baker dropped from 235 to 186 pounds to compete as a light-heavyweight in the Hurricane Bay Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships on Sept. 15 at Gaither High School in Tampa. He won the Best Poser award. He's now back up to a "beefy 225."

"We make it fun here. We make our clients smile," Baker says.

If your lower body is in need of help, Baker has the move to work those hamstrings and glutes. Make sure to engage those muscles during this exercise to get the most bang for your buck. This move will add more variety to your gym workout.

EXERCISE: STIFF-LEGGED DEADLIFT

1. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and toes forward. Keep your knees slightly unlocked. Bend over and grab a straight bar with your hands about 16 inches apart. Lift the bar a few inches off the ground.

2. Slowly stand up, keeping your arms straight as you hold the bar. Keep your knees slightly bent during this move. Return to start and repeat.

If you don't have a straight bar, try this move with dumbbells. Baker recommends 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

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