Power of the Mind

You need to know that being fit is not nearly so difficult as the
"experts" would have you believe.

That makes it tough for me to "pitch" health.

Everyone thinks I am selling snake oil when I begin to say how easy
something is.

I suppose I should clarify a bit.

The process, the parts of the plan, the details that need to be
observed. That is the easy part.

The part that takes the most effort is overcoming the roadblocks.

The derailments, distractions, old habits or patterns we've all
allowed ourselves to become comfortable with. In short, our brain!

THAT is where the most effort goes. Not in the activity (because
it's fun, right?), not in the planning, not in the food to eat.

It's in the consistent application of your energy to better our
physical, and I would argue, mental state.

This is a short one, but think about it. It's a good one to mull over.

But not for long!

To sleep, perchance to dream.

First things first.

Two months down! Have you gotten 8 weeks of activity in? Are you
two months closer to your goals? Only 3 months before the
spring/summer clothes are out. So you are almost half way there.
Get started today if you haven't!

Now to the sleep!

I've been a huge nap advocate for a long time. Been a napper for
even longer.

Sleep relaxes you, mentally and physically. Corporations are
adapting this into their workdays to reap the benefits of more
productive, well rested employees!

So you have got to be serious about your rest, especially if
someone is willing to invest that much money into it.

Here is a recent snippet (with studies quoted) from the WIRED blog.

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/nightshift.html

But not only does it effect productivity, it also influences the
midline.

I used to consult at an eating disorders clinic and studies that
demonstrated this relationship were trotted out from time to time
to help people understand the relationship between good sleep and a
healthy weight.

Yes it is difficult. Especially for shift workers. But recognition
and strategies to combat the effects of reduced sleep must be used
if you are in a difficult situation such as this. I used to work
the back shift, for 6 years, actually. And I used some of these
strategies.

Be consistent. Get to sleep at the same time every day.

Don't break up your sleep. 5 hours in a row is better than getting
up 4 times during your 8 hour sleep. Much better.

Nap. 15 mintues is a nap, NOT 2 hours. Pick a quiet time, take some
big relaxing breaths, and doze off. Set your alarm to get you up in
15 minutes. Have some water ready for you.

Don't mess with your circadian rhythms. They will bite back.

So be consistent.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Do I really sound like this?

No, seriously. Is this how it sounds?




This is my 6 year old's attempt to help me make posters to advertise the business. (She makes posters for anything and anyone just so you know, very helpful!).

She pretty much nails it, don't you think?

Simplicity at it's finest.

And the greatest chance of success more often comes when the choices are made simple. A or B. Once you pick it you go for it!

We are bombarded with choices. Light or regular? New iPod or Old? Mazda or Camero? Vacation or parents place? You know the drill. These are a little more complicated. And there are as many as you want to pile onto your plate!

So as my little R puts it, when it comes to your health it is a Yes or No. Do you want to be healthy? Y. Do you need to go for a walk? Y Do you want to strengthen your body? Y

The answer seems a whole lot simpler now doesn't it.

Of course I am probably preaching to the choir. You are probably in top health already. So perhaps you can share this with loved ones who are struggling.


* Here is a little tidbit that may shake up your workout. First things first though, check with a fitness professional before you go off on this. Make your core a part of your warm up. Take 5 to 8 minutes to loosen up, engage and warm up your core.

If it is a part of you that you want to address then take a moment to prepare it before you lay into it with a crazy workout. It may prevent lower back injuries and allow you to move stronger, faster or smoother into and through the rest of your workout.

I can't stress this enough thou. Get a qualified, experienced fitness professional to assist you!

Shake it up a little bit. Don't think because you've always done it this way or "everyone else is doing it" that you can't shake that off and do something unique and perhaps even better for you!

Have a great day.

In health,

Todd

Listen to yourself!

Just listening to Liliy Allen on CBC and she made a great point
about image.

Don't buy into it.

Close to thousands of images of "fashion" bombard us every day.

This is not a good thing. Especially if it starts to cloud your
vision of what is good for you.

You don't have to be thin, afraid of fat, wear that makeup, stress
over your hair, or obsess over your biceps.

You need to be the best you above anything else.

Me, personally, would start by breaking down what YOUR goals are.
Think about what YOU really need. Sure you can get a reference from
books, friends, peers, parents, but don't go by advertising.

Surely by now we are all in agreement that advertising is not
reality, other than they are really trying hard to sell you
something.

So it kind of goes without saying that advertising is going to try
to make you feel bad so what they are trying to sell to you is
going to make you feel better!

Pretty slick, hunh? Except for the part where they are trying to
make you feel bad!

So, your goals should be focused on feeling good. If it means
loosing weight, fine. If it means making your body sore (not
busted!) after every workout, ok. But make it your decision!

This is about owning yourself. Don't b pummeled into submission
by outside forces. Own your mind and body. Make it move and live
the way you want it to.

One last thing. Mind your words. How you refer to yourself will make
a difference about how you feel and act every day.

More on that later.

Have a great day everyone!

In health,

Todd

This Year is Moving Fast...

Ok, here is your fair warning.. 10% of the year is done.

Are you 10% closer to your goals.

Are you 10% wealthier?

Are you 10% closer to your weight goals?

What is your plan to achieve your goals over the other 90% of the
year?

Seems like a long time doesn't it. But think back to the goals you
had at the beginning of last year. How many things did you achieve?

So many times we wait ourselves out of success. Time to kick that
habit in the butt. Start today.

Take a moment to write down three goals for this year. For each
write down the three main things you have to do to make them
happen.

Of those nine items, do one today. Start now!
My suggestion? Start becoming more active today. It is the one
thing certain to raise your energy levels and make you more likely
to get up tomorrow alert and ready to start the new day and tackle
task #2!

Ok, hop to it. Show everybody how it is supposed to be done.

Have a great day. I can't wait to hear about the
successes!

In health,

Todd

Tony Robbins Would Agree

The body follows where the mind goes.

You need to focus your mind on he task at hand.

Seems simple enough. But as you are fully away aware, distractions
are many.

So it boils down to a decision. A decision about what is important
to you.

I am NOT saying any decision is more than the other. One must live
the life they need to at that time.

But when you have the time, the opportunity and the energy, if you
commit yourself to that decision great things will happen.

Naturally, I will focus on the health side of things. But this can
apply to many aspects of life.

If your decision is to get fitter and healthier and you put all of
your energy into it you will be amazed at your results. I guarantee
it.

My point: Think long and hard about what you want to do with your
body. I'm sure whatever it is it will be a combination of
resistance training and cardio. Don't skimp on either.

I can not stress enough: once your mind is set amazing things will
get done.

I've done it myself. Now it is your turn. Make it happen.

Today's tips:
1. If your goal is to feel better your food of choice is
vegetables. The micronutrients they provide really provide an
amazing base in your physiology so that the big chunky stuff like
grains, meats (and all there alternatives) and water can do their
thing more effectively. It is a balancing act.

2. Speaking about balance. When creating a plan for your physical
training it is important to consider your balance component.

It is nice to have strong powerful legs, but if you don't know what
direction they are going in they aren't much good to you when you
need them.

I wouldn't try to stand on a fitness ball right away. I am thinking
more along the lines of single leg squatts, single leg toe touches.
Simple but effective moves. Be sure to have a fitness professional
go over your options and technique before making any big changes.

I hope this finds you well and ready to make positive changes. Have
a wonderful day!

In health,

Todd