What the heck are peptides are and how can I use them?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Your body makes these peptides. When a small number of amino acids (typically less than 50) are linked together by peptide bonds, they form peptides. Peptides play various roles in the body, such as signaling molecules, hormones, and components of cell membranes. They can have significant biological effects and are of interest in fields like medicine and biochemistry for their potential therapeutic applications and as research tools. Peptides can be naturally occurring or synthesized in laboratories for specific purposes.

You may have noticed peptides in your skin care and supplements. But did you know peptides can also help your body function better.

Peptides can potentially aid in weight loss and muscle gain through several mechanisms:

1. Appetite regulation: Certain peptides, such as peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), can suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness. By reducing calorie intake, these peptides may contribute to weight loss.

2. Metabolism regulation: Peptides like leptin regulate metabolism by influencing energy expenditure and fat storage. Increasing leptin levels may help in maintaining a healthy weight by promoting fat burning and preventing excessive weight gain.

3. Muscle growth stimulation: Peptides like growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) and growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) can stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH), which plays a crucial role in muscle growth and repair. Increased GH levels can enhance muscle protein synthesis and improve muscle mass and strength.

4. Fat burning: Certain peptides, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), have been shown to stimulate lipolysis, the breakdown of fats. By promoting fat burning, these peptides may contribute to weight loss and the development of lean muscle mass.

5. Insulin sensitivity: Peptides like insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) can improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential for glucose metabolism and energy utilization. Better insulin sensitivity may help prevent excess fat storage and promote muscle growth.

It's important to note that while peptides have shown promise in promoting weight loss and muscle gain, their efficacy and safety depend on various factors, including the specific peptide used, dosage, administration route, and individual response. Peptide-based interventions should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management and fitness, including proper nutrition and exercise.

Bobbi Parker Hall is a 65 year old Personal Trainer who got in her best shape over the age of 50. Follow her on Instagram @Modern Bodies Fitness

Booty Obsessed?

We're obsessed with booty's these days...big, full round ones. I should know, over the years I have developed my own bootay obsession. As I train for a Bikini competition in April I need these 58 year old glutes to be in high relief!!

Back in the 80s having big beautiful butt didn't matter, In fact most butts were flat and skinny. Today, i'm going to share with you why it's so much better to work it and twerk it to build that firm, high, solid foundation that helps supports the rest of our bodies.

Glutes are a primary part of our 29 core muscles. Strengthening and building the glute muscles not only looks shapely and sexy but it's a necessary foundation for supporting the knees and the rest of our body.

As a bikini competitor I know having those glutes sitting way up firm and high can help win me that first- place trophy. A few years ago, I did a lot of trail running. It wasn't unusual for me to knock out 5-6 miles a couple of days a week rather than focusing on strengthening my glutes with any glute specific exercises. The results? Near disaster! My knees constantly hurt to the point where running wasn't a reasonable option. As my running days came to a close I joined the masses and enjoyed the gentle but challenging workouts yoga had to offer. I fell in love with Yoga and even became certified but it did little to put muscle on the booty.  Needing more cardio I would try to run again using foam rolling and massive amounts of stretching, this all helped a little but i would always end up back in pain and finally had to stop running all together.

In 2014 I started to train for a bikini competition, my training had to be very glute specific. The glutes are a big part of the bikini look so it was a requirement that I build those glutes. I became fascinated with Bret Contreras book and could not put it down. I utilized his methods and sought out to train with with some of the best booty builders the West Coast has to offer. I learned that our glutes are like lazy lions, we've got to use them or we lose them and they are key for supporting our lower body joints such as hips knees and ankles. Having strong glutes has the power to make you a powerhouse when sprinting or doing any sport. When a client complains about their knees I know after ruling out specific, obvious problems the best remedy is to strengthen the glutes and it invariably works like magic.

Today I can run again pain free...I still do yoga and foam roll like any good athlete should but i know the key is strong glutes..and speaking of magic how many women who are edging toward 60 enjoy the guilty pleasure  enjoy the taking a peak at the back side and seeing a strong sculpted behind. Its this the result of good genetics, or thousands of dollars spent on an operating table? No! Everyone can enjoy the rush of peeking at their bootay Bobbi has built by simply doing what I do.

Get started today and click here to sign up for my in home booty workout and join me in building a stronger bootay.

How I got my best body over age 50

Not everyone needs to compete in a bikini competiton to get in shape.

Being a personal trainer I had always worked out...but eating right consistently  over a period of 3 month was what really made the difference for me. I always knew how to eat but having the pressure of standing in front of a group of people with hardly any clothes on was the motivation I needed to tighten up my diet and shave off that extra 10-15lbs...and since I know what to eat and how much to exercise