I had recently wrote an article in my e-newsletter Fitnews about Tim Russert's death. Here is a little caption of the article:
"As a health and fitness professional, I have to wonder if he was in good health. Did he have a family history of heart disease? Or was his weight, diet and exercise the contributing factors to his health?
I've helped hundreds of committed men and women lose weight, burn unwanted body fat, and increase strength. In addition to those goals, every single one of them makes that commitment for the long term health benefits as well. It's usually not top of mind unless you've just experienced a heart attack or some other sort of immediate risk. And seeing Tim pass so early in life should make you think. It should make you concerned.
You can reduce the chances of you having a heart attack. Are you taking those measures? It doesn't matter what age you are, you can start at 10 or at 50. Or are you taking a path that parallels Tim's?"
My email sparked a response from one of my subscribers who forwarded this link to me
- sorry link was too long to publish -
If you read the article, I guess I wasn't the only wondering about his health and if this could have been prevented.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Is This The Best Time Of The Year To Be A Sports Fan??
One could argue that last week and this week is potentially the best time of the year for sports. In my opinion no other time of year matches this period, with the amount of sports to be seen and the impact of those sports.
First, it is the beginning of April and everyone (at least everyone here in the midwest) is looking for any excuse for winter to be over. So if it is sunny and 55 degrees, we are running around outside like it is 80.
Second, look at the sporting events you have going on.
The Final Four - Whether you are watching the Men or the Women, this is a great event that people get geared up for. By this time, your brackets are either shot to pieces or your in the running for the cash. Regardless, you get two great games on a Saturday evening and then top it off with the finals on Monday.
Baseball Season Starts - Baseball isn't the king the way it used to be, but there is still plenty of excitement when these guys play on opening day. It is a true sign that summer is right around the corner.
The Masters - Usually, at the beginning of Masters week, is the NCAA finals. You get to wait two days and then arguably the greatest major in golf gets started. Rarely does Augusta not look inviting and waiting to see if Tiger will start his Grand Slam run is always fun.
Most of the time all three of these events happen in the same week. Because of the quirky scheduling this year, it didn't happen, but what a week.
I defy you to give me a better time frame that is better for sports. Something that hits the magnitude that all three of these events have. If you can think of a time frame or just plain agree with me, then go ahead and write on my blog.
First, it is the beginning of April and everyone (at least everyone here in the midwest) is looking for any excuse for winter to be over. So if it is sunny and 55 degrees, we are running around outside like it is 80.
Second, look at the sporting events you have going on.
The Final Four - Whether you are watching the Men or the Women, this is a great event that people get geared up for. By this time, your brackets are either shot to pieces or your in the running for the cash. Regardless, you get two great games on a Saturday evening and then top it off with the finals on Monday.
Baseball Season Starts - Baseball isn't the king the way it used to be, but there is still plenty of excitement when these guys play on opening day. It is a true sign that summer is right around the corner.
The Masters - Usually, at the beginning of Masters week, is the NCAA finals. You get to wait two days and then arguably the greatest major in golf gets started. Rarely does Augusta not look inviting and waiting to see if Tiger will start his Grand Slam run is always fun.
Most of the time all three of these events happen in the same week. Because of the quirky scheduling this year, it didn't happen, but what a week.
I defy you to give me a better time frame that is better for sports. Something that hits the magnitude that all three of these events have. If you can think of a time frame or just plain agree with me, then go ahead and write on my blog.
Friday, February 29, 2008
What I Learned At The Arnold
If you live in Columbus, where I live, it is hard not to realize that this weekend is the Arnold Fitness Expo. I don't know what he officially calls it, but that is what I will call it. It started off as a bodybuilding competition in the eighties and has morphed into probably the biggest event in the fitness industry.
It boasts a bunch of sports that include bodybuilding, fitness competitions, powerlifting, weightlifting, mixed martial arts, gymnastics, fencing, and the list goes on. To find out when all these events are happening, go to http://arnoldexpo.com.
I don't go down to the Arnold that much anymore, unless a friend invites me or it's on Sunday (Saturday is pure MADNESS). It is just impossible to see everything that is going on there and it all seems to look the same after awhile.
One year, I had the opportunity to work security for the men's bodybuilding competition. This is what I took away from the event.
1. One of the few perks I had being security was that I got a free picture with Arnold (I will post that at some point). He is a good 3 inches shorter than me and I'm 6'1".
2. He can really ramble on and talk about nothing when he wants to.
3. Most competitive bodybuilders are really short.
4. There are a segment of bodybuilders that really don't care much for Arnold. Yeah, I can understand that, he only elevated bodybuilding to the levels that it is today. (note the sarcasm)
5. For $5.50 an hour, there was no way I was going to stand in the way of any bodybuilders in the audience, who might all of the sudden fly into a roid rage and want to rush the stage.
6. Maria (Arnold's wife. You know, one of the Kennedy's.) didn't really seem to be too interested in what was going on.
The bodybuilding event is something to see once, but not twice.
Those are some nice little tidbits about my Arnold experience working the security. I do recommend to go down to the expo if you have never been there before. There is something for everyone and it is a sight to behold.
It boasts a bunch of sports that include bodybuilding, fitness competitions, powerlifting, weightlifting, mixed martial arts, gymnastics, fencing, and the list goes on. To find out when all these events are happening, go to http://arnoldexpo.com.
I don't go down to the Arnold that much anymore, unless a friend invites me or it's on Sunday (Saturday is pure MADNESS). It is just impossible to see everything that is going on there and it all seems to look the same after awhile.
One year, I had the opportunity to work security for the men's bodybuilding competition. This is what I took away from the event.
1. One of the few perks I had being security was that I got a free picture with Arnold (I will post that at some point). He is a good 3 inches shorter than me and I'm 6'1".
2. He can really ramble on and talk about nothing when he wants to.
3. Most competitive bodybuilders are really short.
4. There are a segment of bodybuilders that really don't care much for Arnold. Yeah, I can understand that, he only elevated bodybuilding to the levels that it is today. (note the sarcasm)
5. For $5.50 an hour, there was no way I was going to stand in the way of any bodybuilders in the audience, who might all of the sudden fly into a roid rage and want to rush the stage.
6. Maria (Arnold's wife. You know, one of the Kennedy's.) didn't really seem to be too interested in what was going on.
The bodybuilding event is something to see once, but not twice.
Those are some nice little tidbits about my Arnold experience working the security. I do recommend to go down to the expo if you have never been there before. There is something for everyone and it is a sight to behold.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
What If You Aren't To Blame For Your Weight Problems?
Anyways, I've been saving this rant for a week and a half, when I first saw it in the paper, so here goes.
There is a growing theory out there that our society is to be blamed for our ever-expanding waist line. This theory is even picking up steam with health and nutrition experts. The theory states that food manufacturers and marketers, store managers, restaurant operators, and food vendors are the ones that put all those tasty, yet unhealthy, foods in front of us on a daily basis.
Some people may argue that those individuals aren't forcing people to eat all those foods. Yes, that is a strong point, but what you don't realize is that eating is triggered by environmental cues that many people don't realize or simply can't ignore. For example, the smell of fresh baked cookies means you have to eat a dozen of them.
To control this, we need to institute laws that will regulate portion size, limit access to ready-to-eat foods, and curbing food advertising.
So, let me get this straight. You need to have "big brother" instill a law to control my eating habits?? Now I've heard everything. This is just another example of how our society wants to shirk responsibility and blame someone else.
This is just like when parents get called into school for a teacher's meeting. Before, it was "what did my child do and how should I punish him." Now, it is "what did you do to my child to make him do these things."
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!!
The article suggests that people can control their eating, but only for so long. I have talked with many dieticians, such as our new R.D. Amber Wilson, and I don't know a one who is saying don't eat much. A lot are saying eat frequently throughout the day and if you eat the right foods, you won't have problems. You would really have to eat a lot of healthy foods to develop a weight problem, but most people don't think like that.
They try to eat smaller portions of the nutritiously challenged crap they always eat and their body says feed me, because you didn't do a good job the first time. If you were to eat healthy, and frequently throughout the day, your body wouldn't react like that.
But go ahead. Let's blame society for our problem. It isn't you. And while we are at it, let's look at the many people who don't have a weight problem and view them as freaks. They have some special power that blocks all those environmental cues to eat candy and the such. That has to be it.
There is a growing theory out there that our society is to be blamed for our ever-expanding waist line. This theory is even picking up steam with health and nutrition experts. The theory states that food manufacturers and marketers, store managers, restaurant operators, and food vendors are the ones that put all those tasty, yet unhealthy, foods in front of us on a daily basis.
Some people may argue that those individuals aren't forcing people to eat all those foods. Yes, that is a strong point, but what you don't realize is that eating is triggered by environmental cues that many people don't realize or simply can't ignore. For example, the smell of fresh baked cookies means you have to eat a dozen of them.
To control this, we need to institute laws that will regulate portion size, limit access to ready-to-eat foods, and curbing food advertising.
So, let me get this straight. You need to have "big brother" instill a law to control my eating habits?? Now I've heard everything. This is just another example of how our society wants to shirk responsibility and blame someone else.
This is just like when parents get called into school for a teacher's meeting. Before, it was "what did my child do and how should I punish him." Now, it is "what did you do to my child to make him do these things."
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!!
The article suggests that people can control their eating, but only for so long. I have talked with many dieticians, such as our new R.D. Amber Wilson, and I don't know a one who is saying don't eat much. A lot are saying eat frequently throughout the day and if you eat the right foods, you won't have problems. You would really have to eat a lot of healthy foods to develop a weight problem, but most people don't think like that.
They try to eat smaller portions of the nutritiously challenged crap they always eat and their body says feed me, because you didn't do a good job the first time. If you were to eat healthy, and frequently throughout the day, your body wouldn't react like that.
But go ahead. Let's blame society for our problem. It isn't you. And while we are at it, let's look at the many people who don't have a weight problem and view them as freaks. They have some special power that blocks all those environmental cues to eat candy and the such. That has to be it.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
How To Keep From Getting A Broken Heart On Valentine's Day
With Valentine's Day approaching next week, I thought I would discuss some tips and techniques for getting a strong heart, thus avoiding a "broken heart."
The first thing you want to do is start an exercise program. You should do both cardiovascular and resistance training, but the cardio really strengthens that heart. If you can do 30 minutes of moderate activity daily, it can do several things for your heart:
1. It will improve your heart function
2. It will lower your blood pressure
3. It will lower cholesterol
4. It will give you more energy
Those are all great things and can greatly reduce the chances of you acquiring heart disease.
The other thing that will really help get your heart strong, essentially by not decaying it, is eating a well-balanced diet. You want a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt, and high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fibers.
It doesn't have to be like that all the time. You can still take in your occasional indulgences, but most of the time it should be balanced to off-set those fun foods you like to eat.
If you can do those first two things, it will really help you control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Those items shouldn't be out of whack if you do the exercise and diet, thus not hurting your heart. You will then want to avoid smoking and if you do smoke, STOP!! Smoking adds to the hardening of your arteries thus improving your chances of a heart attack.
So those little tidbits won't help with your sweetheart's Valentine's Day gift, but it will help you enjoy other Valentine's Days for many years to come. Please feel free to post your comments, no matter how much you agree or disagree.
The first thing you want to do is start an exercise program. You should do both cardiovascular and resistance training, but the cardio really strengthens that heart. If you can do 30 minutes of moderate activity daily, it can do several things for your heart:
1. It will improve your heart function
2. It will lower your blood pressure
3. It will lower cholesterol
4. It will give you more energy
Those are all great things and can greatly reduce the chances of you acquiring heart disease.
The other thing that will really help get your heart strong, essentially by not decaying it, is eating a well-balanced diet. You want a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt, and high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fibers.
It doesn't have to be like that all the time. You can still take in your occasional indulgences, but most of the time it should be balanced to off-set those fun foods you like to eat.
If you can do those first two things, it will really help you control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Those items shouldn't be out of whack if you do the exercise and diet, thus not hurting your heart. You will then want to avoid smoking and if you do smoke, STOP!! Smoking adds to the hardening of your arteries thus improving your chances of a heart attack.
So those little tidbits won't help with your sweetheart's Valentine's Day gift, but it will help you enjoy other Valentine's Days for many years to come. Please feel free to post your comments, no matter how much you agree or disagree.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
LeBron James - The Complete Package
Once every so often there comes an athlete that transcends the ages. An athlete that is blessed with such God-given ability, everyone is jealous. An athlete that if he/she works hard can become one of the top players in his sport.
LeBron James is that athlete.
If you talk about who is the best player in basketball, LeBron James is in your top five. You throw in Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and any two players you want. If you look at the pure athleticism of these athletes, I feel that LeBron James is the complete package.
I'm not talking about dribbling, defense, outside J's, I'm talking about strength, speed, power.
Strength - LeBron is a physical specimen. The guy is what, 22 years old, and is built like a tank. He looked like this when he was in high school. Can you imagine taking your average high schooler, looking at LeBron, and telling him to defend him. Because of his size, he can take the pounding that is dished out in the NBA. His strength allows him to be able to complete 3 point plays on a routine basis. His strength will let him bull his way right into the lane and finish the play. As far as strength goes, he is right at the top of the list.
Speed Without The Ball - People forget that LeBron was an all-state wide receiver in high school. He can flat out get down the court. He routinely out races his defenders for the alley oop.
Speed With The Ball - This is the area that is probably most impressive. A lot of people are fast without the ball, but with the ball they can be caught. Not LeBron. You get him leading the fastbreak, and he can go coast to coast in the blink of an eye. I think only Steve Nash and Jason Kidd are faster with the ball, and they're point guards. LeBron is the size of Karl Malone and gets down the court with the ball faster than everyone in the league. With his strength and piling up a head of steam, you better get out of his way.
Quickness - LeBron is quick as a cat. He can shake and bake with the best of them and leave people in the dust.
Explosiveness - This guy can flat out leap and get up in a hurry. He looks down on the rim as he goes to dunks. Incredible.
If you can give me a better "complete" athlete, then I want to you to tell me. This article will be posted on my blog at http://fitnessplanning.blogspot.com. Go to it and make your case.
LeBron James is that athlete.
If you talk about who is the best player in basketball, LeBron James is in your top five. You throw in Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and any two players you want. If you look at the pure athleticism of these athletes, I feel that LeBron James is the complete package.
I'm not talking about dribbling, defense, outside J's, I'm talking about strength, speed, power.
Strength - LeBron is a physical specimen. The guy is what, 22 years old, and is built like a tank. He looked like this when he was in high school. Can you imagine taking your average high schooler, looking at LeBron, and telling him to defend him. Because of his size, he can take the pounding that is dished out in the NBA. His strength allows him to be able to complete 3 point plays on a routine basis. His strength will let him bull his way right into the lane and finish the play. As far as strength goes, he is right at the top of the list.
Speed Without The Ball - People forget that LeBron was an all-state wide receiver in high school. He can flat out get down the court. He routinely out races his defenders for the alley oop.
Speed With The Ball - This is the area that is probably most impressive. A lot of people are fast without the ball, but with the ball they can be caught. Not LeBron. You get him leading the fastbreak, and he can go coast to coast in the blink of an eye. I think only Steve Nash and Jason Kidd are faster with the ball, and they're point guards. LeBron is the size of Karl Malone and gets down the court with the ball faster than everyone in the league. With his strength and piling up a head of steam, you better get out of his way.
Quickness - LeBron is quick as a cat. He can shake and bake with the best of them and leave people in the dust.
Explosiveness - This guy can flat out leap and get up in a hurry. He looks down on the rim as he goes to dunks. Incredible.
If you can give me a better "complete" athlete, then I want to you to tell me. This article will be posted on my blog at http://fitnessplanning.blogspot.com. Go to it and make your case.
Health Studies, And What The Real Message Is To Women
Recently, two reports have come out that have contradicted longtime health practices. These practices are that if you take calcium pills and vitamin D it will prevent broken bones and if you maintain a low-fat diet it will prevent heart disease and breast and colon cancer. The studies said that they could find no significant evidence that either of those health practices would truly work.
The leaders of the studies wanted to clarify though that this by no means indicates they are endorsing a reckless lifestyle. They aren't saying that if you are taking supplements or following a low-fat diet, to heck with it because it won't help.
Continue what you are doing if you are following the low-fat diet and if you aren't, you should. The studies' findings statistically said that there wasn't enough of a reduction of risk to be classified as significant, but there was a reduction. Hmmm..that makes absolutely perfect sense. (insert sarcasm)
I think that nutrition and supplements are just one piece of the puzzle. One piece alone might not make a significant difference, but if you add in the other pieces (strength training, cardiovascular, healthy living, a happy life) it could make the big difference to prevent those preventable diseases.
Besides, what about all the other good things leading that kind of healthy lifestyle does for you. I.E. Lower your blood pressure, reduce the chances of getting diabetes, lower your body fat, etc. Is it worth it to change that just because a study said it MIGHT not make a difference? I don't think so. I will be posting the article on my website at http://fitnessplanning.com and look under current fitness news.
The leaders of the studies wanted to clarify though that this by no means indicates they are endorsing a reckless lifestyle. They aren't saying that if you are taking supplements or following a low-fat diet, to heck with it because it won't help.
Continue what you are doing if you are following the low-fat diet and if you aren't, you should. The studies' findings statistically said that there wasn't enough of a reduction of risk to be classified as significant, but there was a reduction. Hmmm..that makes absolutely perfect sense. (insert sarcasm)
I think that nutrition and supplements are just one piece of the puzzle. One piece alone might not make a significant difference, but if you add in the other pieces (strength training, cardiovascular, healthy living, a happy life) it could make the big difference to prevent those preventable diseases.
Besides, what about all the other good things leading that kind of healthy lifestyle does for you. I.E. Lower your blood pressure, reduce the chances of getting diabetes, lower your body fat, etc. Is it worth it to change that just because a study said it MIGHT not make a difference? I don't think so. I will be posting the article on my website at http://fitnessplanning.com and look under current fitness news.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
If You Desire Fat Loss, Beware Of The Scammers
Yesterday, there was an article in our local paper on a topic that needed to be brought to your attention. Weight-loss scams have been going on for years and last year was no different. It was the #1 consumer scam according to the Federal Trade Commission.
4.8 million consumers were victims of fraud last year. Why so many??
Because there are over 100 million people considered overweight in our country. As a result, weight loss products bring in a whopping $55 BILLION a year.
Consumers should be aware of any "miracle" claims by companies of weight loss products. Anything too good to be true, probably is.
Here are a few companies that the Better Business Bureau says have an unsatisfactory rating:
Metacor Labs or Progenics, Inc.
Wu-Yi Source
Changes International Inc.
Fig
Not all weight loss products are scams, but if they make the following claims, then buyer beware:
1. There's no scientific evidence that the product promoted weight loss.
2. The product promises to reduce fat or cellulite in specific areas (nothing does this. You can't spot reduce. You burn equal amounts of fats in all the fat deposit stores in your body. The place where you have the most amount of fat will take the longest to burn away).
3. The product promises weight loss without exercise or proper nutritional intake.
4. The company promises large advanced payments or long-term contracts.
People desire weight loss so bad that they are blinded by the facts. If it promises 30 pounds lost in 30 days, people believe it. This makes my job harder and harder to try and convince people this isn't the way. That one person you connect with and loses weight the right way makes it all worth while. The joy, happiness, and self confidence inspires me and trainers such as myself to take on this battle of the bulge and try to help that next person out there.
So beware of that next great weight loss product. The only loss could be the money from your pocket.
4.8 million consumers were victims of fraud last year. Why so many??
Because there are over 100 million people considered overweight in our country. As a result, weight loss products bring in a whopping $55 BILLION a year.
Consumers should be aware of any "miracle" claims by companies of weight loss products. Anything too good to be true, probably is.
Here are a few companies that the Better Business Bureau says have an unsatisfactory rating:
Metacor Labs or Progenics, Inc.
Wu-Yi Source
Changes International Inc.
Fig
Not all weight loss products are scams, but if they make the following claims, then buyer beware:
1. There's no scientific evidence that the product promoted weight loss.
2. The product promises to reduce fat or cellulite in specific areas (nothing does this. You can't spot reduce. You burn equal amounts of fats in all the fat deposit stores in your body. The place where you have the most amount of fat will take the longest to burn away).
3. The product promises weight loss without exercise or proper nutritional intake.
4. The company promises large advanced payments or long-term contracts.
People desire weight loss so bad that they are blinded by the facts. If it promises 30 pounds lost in 30 days, people believe it. This makes my job harder and harder to try and convince people this isn't the way. That one person you connect with and loses weight the right way makes it all worth while. The joy, happiness, and self confidence inspires me and trainers such as myself to take on this battle of the bulge and try to help that next person out there.
So beware of that next great weight loss product. The only loss could be the money from your pocket.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
"Add Years To Your Life By Being Healthy" - There's A Shocker
Here's How To Add 14 Years To Your Life
A recent article in my local newspaper began with the above title. It was a study from London and the findings were if you eat lots of fruits and vegetables, don't smoke, exercise regularly, and drink alcohol in moderation, you can add 14 extra years to your life.
Basically, the testers tracked around 20,000 people in the UK and for each of the four qualities I just mentioned gave them a point. So, if you did all four, you would have four points. These were based on questionnaires given to the participants between 1993 and 1997.
Then they tracked the deaths of the people through 2006 and found that if you had a total of 4 points you were 4 times less likely to die, then if you scored zero.
The researchers said that the 14 years was a theoretical number, but the overall point is if you can maintain a healthy lifestyle you potentially can live a better life than if you don't.
I appreciate the work these researchers put into this study, but wake up people. This is what I and fitness professionals like me have been preaching. What the heck are you waiting for? Don't procrastinate, get your butt in gear.
It's the beginning of the year, get rid of all your excuses, and get in shape. My ears are starting to hurt from the excuses. I don't want to hear them any more. Improve your lifestyle today and take control of your life.
If you are too tired to work out, then start working out so you won't be tired.
If you have no energy, then start working out.
If you are too depressed, then start working out and get your endorphins going through your body.
I know the key to handling stress and getting through life, it is exercise and nutrition.
I get seven hours sleep if I'm lucky. I start my day at 6am and I'm done at 8pm. I take my daughter to school, then have to deal with the pressures of running a business. So when you tell me you are too busy, have too much stress, whatever...I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!
I have problems too, but exercise helps me get through the day and survive these problems. I'm not as tired because I work out, eat right, and I am able to handle the stress easier because of it.
You can do the same thing. Let's make 2008 your best year yet!
P.S.
Our clients have really been excited about our new supplement product line with Advocare. People who have wanted to start the New Year off right, have started with our 10 Day Herbal Cleanse program. It is a great way to clear your body of its toxins and prep it for fat loss.
Go to http://advocare.com/07111072 and read about the products in this program: Herbal Cleanse, Omegaplex, the Fruit and Vegetable Formula, and Spark.
If you want to get on the program asap, you can order it from our site. Let me know you ordered it and I can forward you a handout that will give you the guidelines on utilizing the 10 Day Cleanse appropriately and foods that will complement the program.
Adam
A recent article in my local newspaper began with the above title. It was a study from London and the findings were if you eat lots of fruits and vegetables, don't smoke, exercise regularly, and drink alcohol in moderation, you can add 14 extra years to your life.
Basically, the testers tracked around 20,000 people in the UK and for each of the four qualities I just mentioned gave them a point. So, if you did all four, you would have four points. These were based on questionnaires given to the participants between 1993 and 1997.
Then they tracked the deaths of the people through 2006 and found that if you had a total of 4 points you were 4 times less likely to die, then if you scored zero.
The researchers said that the 14 years was a theoretical number, but the overall point is if you can maintain a healthy lifestyle you potentially can live a better life than if you don't.
I appreciate the work these researchers put into this study, but wake up people. This is what I and fitness professionals like me have been preaching. What the heck are you waiting for? Don't procrastinate, get your butt in gear.
It's the beginning of the year, get rid of all your excuses, and get in shape. My ears are starting to hurt from the excuses. I don't want to hear them any more. Improve your lifestyle today and take control of your life.
If you are too tired to work out, then start working out so you won't be tired.
If you have no energy, then start working out.
If you are too depressed, then start working out and get your endorphins going through your body.
I know the key to handling stress and getting through life, it is exercise and nutrition.
I get seven hours sleep if I'm lucky. I start my day at 6am and I'm done at 8pm. I take my daughter to school, then have to deal with the pressures of running a business. So when you tell me you are too busy, have too much stress, whatever...I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!
I have problems too, but exercise helps me get through the day and survive these problems. I'm not as tired because I work out, eat right, and I am able to handle the stress easier because of it.
You can do the same thing. Let's make 2008 your best year yet!
P.S.
Our clients have really been excited about our new supplement product line with Advocare. People who have wanted to start the New Year off right, have started with our 10 Day Herbal Cleanse program. It is a great way to clear your body of its toxins and prep it for fat loss.
Go to http://advocare.com/07111072 and read about the products in this program: Herbal Cleanse, Omegaplex, the Fruit and Vegetable Formula, and Spark.
If you want to get on the program asap, you can order it from our site. Let me know you ordered it and I can forward you a handout that will give you the guidelines on utilizing the 10 Day Cleanse appropriately and foods that will complement the program.
Adam
Friday, September 21, 2007
Are You "Skinny Fat"??
You've seen them. They are the "naturally" skinny people. Theydon't do exercise. They eat what they want. So they must be healthy, right??
Well, new research is showing that might not necessarily be thecase. Doctors in London are saying that internal fat can be just as dangerous as the external fat we can see. Their findingssuggest that people who try to control their weight through their diet rather than exercise have major deposits of internalfat around their vital organs (heart, liver, or pancreas).
Unlike the ever-expanding gut we can see, there is no barometerto signal you have too much internal fat. People who are skinnyjust assume they are healthy and that might not be so.
How do they get this way?
These people tend to eat a lot of fatty and sugary foods and don't exercise that much. Although, they don't eat a lot of food in general to actually be fat.
Studies suggest that it might be deadlier to be thin, sedentary, and unfit than obese, active, and fit. These studies also statethat "skinny fat" people are at higher risk of heart diseaseand diabetes.
The best way to control your weight and stay healthy is throughdiet, but also exercise. If you can combine the two it will burn the fat for energy and keep your arteries clog-free.
So, next time you long to look like the super skinny model, youmight want to re-think that choice. It might be the unhealthierone.
Well, new research is showing that might not necessarily be thecase. Doctors in London are saying that internal fat can be just as dangerous as the external fat we can see. Their findingssuggest that people who try to control their weight through their diet rather than exercise have major deposits of internalfat around their vital organs (heart, liver, or pancreas).
Unlike the ever-expanding gut we can see, there is no barometerto signal you have too much internal fat. People who are skinnyjust assume they are healthy and that might not be so.
How do they get this way?
These people tend to eat a lot of fatty and sugary foods and don't exercise that much. Although, they don't eat a lot of food in general to actually be fat.
Studies suggest that it might be deadlier to be thin, sedentary, and unfit than obese, active, and fit. These studies also statethat "skinny fat" people are at higher risk of heart diseaseand diabetes.
The best way to control your weight and stay healthy is throughdiet, but also exercise. If you can combine the two it will burn the fat for energy and keep your arteries clog-free.
So, next time you long to look like the super skinny model, youmight want to re-think that choice. It might be the unhealthierone.
Monday, August 27, 2007
How You Can Learn To Maintain Your Fitness Lifestyle
This is easier for some people than others, but I'm going to list 5 ideas that you can start implementing into your daily life that will help you stay the course for your health and fitness program.
- Fitness Must Become a Strategy - If you want to see optimal results you must make health and fitness a priority, which means changing your current lifestyle. If you haven't achieved your fitness goals then what you are doing is not working. Sorry. You make time for all the other things you have to do (laundry, paying bills, feeding the family), make the time for fitness as well. Make the commitment, visualize what you will look like when you achieve your goals, then stick with it.
- Replace Bad Habits With Good Habits - Really examine what your weaknesses are nutritionally and physically, then try to replace them with good habits. For example, always taking the stairs, bringing a healthy snack to work, etc. Once again, if you aren't satisfied with your current health, then you need to change your habits because it is not working.
- Plan! Plan! Plan! - "Failure to plan for gradual transition will almost always result in binging and a very rapid hard fall 'off the wagon.'" This includes planning when you are eating, what you are eating, and when you are exercising. Once you plan these things out, it is a lot easier to stick with your routine.
- Set Short Term Goals as Well as Long Term - Your body is constantly changing, but it does take time to see results. So set short term goals, such as getting 30 minutes of cardio in, bring a healthy lunch each day, etc. so that they can help to achieve your long term goals.
- Do the Research - Read studies on fitness and nutrition, and not just in fashion/fitness magazines either. Also, understand how to read food labels. Or find a personal trainer who knows about all this information so that he/she can break it down for you.
If you can implement these 5 ideas, you will be off to a great start for the year.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Why Are Essential Fatty Acids So Important??
Essential Fatty Acids cannot be manufactured in the body, but are critical to health and metabolism.
So we are required to provide our bodies with this ESSENTIAL nutrient through our diet.
And the type of essential fatty acid which is most important is the Omega 3.
This is because it encourages the production of inflammation fighting chemicals which help provide relief of PMS symptoms.*
But it can be difficult to do this in today's society. The typical Western diet contains too much Omega 6 fatty acids and not enough Omega 3.
And when there is too much Omega 6 fats this promotes the production of inflammation causing chemicals in the body.
Fortunately, Omegaplex is a powerful source of the powerful Omega 3 fatty acids your body craves for optimal health.
Check out http://advocare.com/07111072
In fact, the unique formulation in Omegaplex provides support for not only the relief of PMS symptoms, but also:
So we are required to provide our bodies with this ESSENTIAL nutrient through our diet.
And the type of essential fatty acid which is most important is the Omega 3.
This is because it encourages the production of inflammation fighting chemicals which help provide relief of PMS symptoms.*
But it can be difficult to do this in today's society. The typical Western diet contains too much Omega 6 fatty acids and not enough Omega 3.
And when there is too much Omega 6 fats this promotes the production of inflammation causing chemicals in the body.
Fortunately, Omegaplex is a powerful source of the powerful Omega 3 fatty acids your body craves for optimal health.
Check out http://advocare.com/07111072
In fact, the unique formulation in Omegaplex provides support for not only the relief of PMS symptoms, but also:
- Improved concentration and memory
- Protection for cell membranes Healthy nervous system function
- Improvement in cholesterol
- Support a strong immune system
- A healthy heart
- Fights the damaging effects of aging
- And many more
To discover even more about Omegaplex and how it can help you relieve the symptoms associated with PMS - and improve your overall health and metabolism - click on the link below:
http://advocare.com/07111072
and select Products --> All Products
*Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration ("FDA"). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. WARNING: If you are allergic to shellfish, have a blood coagulation disorder, or are taking anticoagulants such as Warfarin (Coumadin), do not use.
Monday, April 24, 2006
How To Stay Committed To Your Weight Loss Program
I’m not going to lie. Achieving your health and fitness goals is a lot of work. Even when people hire me as their personal trainer, it still requires some self discipline to eat healthy and do the extra cardiovascular required to see results. Some clients eventually fall to the wayside. To give you the best possible chance to stick with your weight loss program and succeed, I will give you some of the best tips I tell my clients to keep them on the right track.
1. Commit three months at the start of your exercise program: If you commit to this right from the beginning, it will help you not get distracted if you aren’t losing weight after the second or third week. It is going to take your body some time to adjust to your new lifestyle change and how fast it adapts depends on how disciplined you are to diet, if you are consistent to your exercise, and your body’s own personal reaction to change. After three months though, if you are doing everything that you need to do, you will see some change. You will get inspired and want to continue on to see even more results.
2. Make a long-term goal but focus on the short term goals: I truly believe that you can achieve any type of weight loss goal that you create, as long as you are committed to the program. You will never meet your long term goal in 30 days. That is why it is called a long term goal. Focus on the short term goals and they don’t have to be tangible changes. For example, yes you could say I want to lose 1-2 pounds this week, but also make a goal of hitting cardiovascular 5 times in a week or trying to eat 3 servings of fruit for the day. If you make realistic short term goals, you can see little victories easier and over the long hall, become the big victory that you are striving for.
3. Get the support of your family and friends: All too often, I meet with a client who wants to lose weight, but her spouse or children ridicule him/her or discourage the attempts. As someone who understands how you will feel by losing the weight, you need to have a heart to heart with your family and friends and explain why this is important to you. Whether it be for your own health or just to make you feel more self-confident, you need to convey this to them. If they truly care about you, they will help you out in everyway possible. It is always better to have help, especially when trying to achieve a goal that for the longest time you have deemed insurmountable.
4. Join a support group: If your family and friends can’t be of help to you, look for fitness support groups out there that will. The Health Rejuvenation program that my company offers has several support groups. We provide a bi-weekly meeting place for local participants, a teleconference call, and a Yahoo! Group for out of town participants. If you are in a group with people who are trying to achieve the same results, this is a wonderful way to remain accountable. Motivation and support permeates throughout the group, to help each other out.
5. Keep a log of your workouts and eating: This will keep you more accountable by seeing what you are doing. You might be less likely to skip a workout or have a poor quality workout, if you can see what weights you worked with last time. Also, you will be less likely to put that doughnut in your mouth, if you know you have to write it down. You can correct the errors in your diet and workout and keep you on the right track for success.
6. Hire a personal trainer: Yeah, I might be tooting my horn here, but my clients tell me that if they have to pay money for something, then they are going to try and stick with it. A personal trainer will put you on the right exercise program and nutrition plan that will best help you achieve your results. All you have to do is follow their instructions. To find out some quick tips on losing weight, you can email losing_weight_now@getresponse.com.
I hope that these tips help you out. I know it sounds simple for me to say, but you have to be patient. You didn’t get in your current shape overnight, so don’t expect to change overnight. If you follow the guidelines that I suggest, you will be well on your way to achieving that lifestyle change you so desire.
1. Commit three months at the start of your exercise program: If you commit to this right from the beginning, it will help you not get distracted if you aren’t losing weight after the second or third week. It is going to take your body some time to adjust to your new lifestyle change and how fast it adapts depends on how disciplined you are to diet, if you are consistent to your exercise, and your body’s own personal reaction to change. After three months though, if you are doing everything that you need to do, you will see some change. You will get inspired and want to continue on to see even more results.
2. Make a long-term goal but focus on the short term goals: I truly believe that you can achieve any type of weight loss goal that you create, as long as you are committed to the program. You will never meet your long term goal in 30 days. That is why it is called a long term goal. Focus on the short term goals and they don’t have to be tangible changes. For example, yes you could say I want to lose 1-2 pounds this week, but also make a goal of hitting cardiovascular 5 times in a week or trying to eat 3 servings of fruit for the day. If you make realistic short term goals, you can see little victories easier and over the long hall, become the big victory that you are striving for.
3. Get the support of your family and friends: All too often, I meet with a client who wants to lose weight, but her spouse or children ridicule him/her or discourage the attempts. As someone who understands how you will feel by losing the weight, you need to have a heart to heart with your family and friends and explain why this is important to you. Whether it be for your own health or just to make you feel more self-confident, you need to convey this to them. If they truly care about you, they will help you out in everyway possible. It is always better to have help, especially when trying to achieve a goal that for the longest time you have deemed insurmountable.
4. Join a support group: If your family and friends can’t be of help to you, look for fitness support groups out there that will. The Health Rejuvenation program that my company offers has several support groups. We provide a bi-weekly meeting place for local participants, a teleconference call, and a Yahoo! Group for out of town participants. If you are in a group with people who are trying to achieve the same results, this is a wonderful way to remain accountable. Motivation and support permeates throughout the group, to help each other out.
5. Keep a log of your workouts and eating: This will keep you more accountable by seeing what you are doing. You might be less likely to skip a workout or have a poor quality workout, if you can see what weights you worked with last time. Also, you will be less likely to put that doughnut in your mouth, if you know you have to write it down. You can correct the errors in your diet and workout and keep you on the right track for success.
6. Hire a personal trainer: Yeah, I might be tooting my horn here, but my clients tell me that if they have to pay money for something, then they are going to try and stick with it. A personal trainer will put you on the right exercise program and nutrition plan that will best help you achieve your results. All you have to do is follow their instructions. To find out some quick tips on losing weight, you can email losing_weight_now@getresponse.com.
I hope that these tips help you out. I know it sounds simple for me to say, but you have to be patient. You didn’t get in your current shape overnight, so don’t expect to change overnight. If you follow the guidelines that I suggest, you will be well on your way to achieving that lifestyle change you so desire.
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