This is my 2nd of 2 installments on why some people start and quit an exercise program in a short period of time and how they can overcome the obstacles that they face. Here are three obstacles related to this syndrome:
Stress – As I mentioned in a previous newsletter (Mental Health and Exercise), stress hits everyone in one form or another. If it is family or work-related, you may feel that just one more thing, your workout, would put even more stress into your life.
But, just collect yourself and say “Once I complete my workout I am going to feel like a different person”, and believe it. Exercise helps reduce anxiety, stress, depression and helps build up your mood so that you can tackle whatever you are stressed about. Even a short workout is better than nothing at all.
Having a Negative View of Yourself – Sometimes people will tell me “I haven’t exercised in years, so why start now?”, or “I’m too old, I’ll never be the person I want to be physically”….and the list goes on and on.
What that person is doing is self-defeating themselves in believing that they can’t stick to or start an exercise program. I remember reading the following exchange: Two women were discussing the fact that one of the woman wanted to go back to college as an adult student. She told her friend “I’ll be 50 years old by the time I get a degree!” Her friend replied, “Well, how old will you be if you don’t get a degree?”
Negative self talk ruins your confidence and motivation. It can paralyze a person into thinking that they can’t start or finish any type of project. The next time a negative thought comes into your head, stop and quickly replace it with a positive one. For example, “my co-workers ordered fast food for lunch - I made my lunch from home and it was a healthy one.”
Remember, behavioral change takes time and is sometimes hard; but once you practice it and give yourself credit, you’ll see your motivation greatly increase.
Overtraining – Some people try to do too much at once at the beginning of an exercise program. They overload themselves, burn out, and then quit. Your body needs recovery time. Take a day or two from your training or perform one light and one vigorous workout in between rest days.
Overtaxing your body will diminish your progress and this leads back to those unrealistic expectations that may cause you to quit an exercise program. Proper recovery and nutrition will yield gradual but measurable progress.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Unrealistic Expectations
In the next 2 installments of Frank’s Fitness Facts, I will discuss what I have learned in my years as a Fitness Professional in relation to why some people start and then quit an exercise program in a short amount of time. I will also provide the means to overcome those obstacles:
Unrealistic Expectations
People new to exercise – those who start, quit, start, quit, etc. – often set big unrealistic goals for themselves. This adds extra stress to their lives (which will be covered in my next installment). For example, if an individual comes to me and says “I’d like to eat healthier and drop 30 pounds of body fat”, they often get frustrated if after 2-3 weeks they are not reaching their goals. It takes effort, patience and the ability to stick to a program longer than 3 weeks.
This individual didn’t wake up one morning and gain 30-50 pounds; it took years. The way to avoid this Unrealistic Expectation problem is to set Realistic Goals. Setting and reaching small realistic goals allows you to reach your bigger goals with a minimum of stress. The same thing holds true for any other fitness goals you have in mind – gain more lean muscle, become stronger – whatever your goal.
If an individual was sedentary for years, it takes time to see results from any fitness program. Be patient and stick with it. I tell my clients that it takes at least 4 weeks or so for changes to kick in.
You’ll know it’s happening when you feel that you have more energy, you become less winded when climbing stairs, or doing simple yard work leaves you less tired.
Unrealistic Expectations
People new to exercise – those who start, quit, start, quit, etc. – often set big unrealistic goals for themselves. This adds extra stress to their lives (which will be covered in my next installment). For example, if an individual comes to me and says “I’d like to eat healthier and drop 30 pounds of body fat”, they often get frustrated if after 2-3 weeks they are not reaching their goals. It takes effort, patience and the ability to stick to a program longer than 3 weeks.
This individual didn’t wake up one morning and gain 30-50 pounds; it took years. The way to avoid this Unrealistic Expectation problem is to set Realistic Goals. Setting and reaching small realistic goals allows you to reach your bigger goals with a minimum of stress. The same thing holds true for any other fitness goals you have in mind – gain more lean muscle, become stronger – whatever your goal.
If an individual was sedentary for years, it takes time to see results from any fitness program. Be patient and stick with it. I tell my clients that it takes at least 4 weeks or so for changes to kick in.
You’ll know it’s happening when you feel that you have more energy, you become less winded when climbing stairs, or doing simple yard work leaves you less tired.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Hitting Plateaus And How To Overcome Them
Over the years I’ve had people come to me discouraged that their progress with fitness has hit a brick wall. Whether it’s weight loss or trying to build more muscle on their body, after they have been training for a few months they may suddenly stop seeing results.
This is called Hitting A Plateau, and it’s very common. Unless you change your exercise program every so often – usually every 4-6 weeks – you are almost guaranteed to hit a plateau.
If weight loss is what you are after, you might have to lower your calorie intake and increase your physical activity. The first thing is to determine the number of calories you are consuming. Your caloric intake may be too low or too high for your daily physical activity. This where keeping a daily food journal can be helpful.
Often adding strength training to your regular exercise routine can help you to get off your plateau. The added muscle helps to offset the metabolism-lowering effect of dieting (bad word!) and losing weight. The more muscle a person has on their body frame, the higher your metabolism will be.
The key, though, of getting past your plateau is to vary your program. The body is very adaptable. When you keep doing the same thing over and over again, the human body knows what’s coming – hence, no
changes. Keep it fresh and you’ll likely find yourself on the right path again, getting closer to your fitness goals.
If you still cannot overcome your plateau by yourself, it may be time to call a qualified, Certified Personal Trainer for assistance.
This is called Hitting A Plateau, and it’s very common. Unless you change your exercise program every so often – usually every 4-6 weeks – you are almost guaranteed to hit a plateau.
If weight loss is what you are after, you might have to lower your calorie intake and increase your physical activity. The first thing is to determine the number of calories you are consuming. Your caloric intake may be too low or too high for your daily physical activity. This where keeping a daily food journal can be helpful.
Often adding strength training to your regular exercise routine can help you to get off your plateau. The added muscle helps to offset the metabolism-lowering effect of dieting (bad word!) and losing weight. The more muscle a person has on their body frame, the higher your metabolism will be.
The key, though, of getting past your plateau is to vary your program. The body is very adaptable. When you keep doing the same thing over and over again, the human body knows what’s coming – hence, no
changes. Keep it fresh and you’ll likely find yourself on the right path again, getting closer to your fitness goals.
If you still cannot overcome your plateau by yourself, it may be time to call a qualified, Certified Personal Trainer for assistance.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Frightening Reality Of Heart Disease
February is Healthy Heart Month, so I would like to continue with some more information on the heart.
This article is for the ladies in the audience:
According to a report by “Advancing Women’s Heart Health Through Improved Research, Diagnosis and Treatment”, an estimated 8.6 million women per year will die from some sort of heart disease.
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. Almost 50% of women are expected to die from this disease or from a stroke. On an annual basis more women, not men, die annually from heart disease.
Both heart disease and stroke are often preventable by maintaining a regular exercise routine and following a healthy way of eating.
Always consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
This article is for the ladies in the audience:
According to a report by “Advancing Women’s Heart Health Through Improved Research, Diagnosis and Treatment”, an estimated 8.6 million women per year will die from some sort of heart disease.
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. Almost 50% of women are expected to die from this disease or from a stroke. On an annual basis more women, not men, die annually from heart disease.
Both heart disease and stroke are often preventable by maintaining a regular exercise routine and following a healthy way of eating.
Always consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Mental Health and Exercise
As a Fitness Professional I would like to cover how exercise can help alleviate stress or help people cope with depression. Almost everyone, during their lifetime, gets stressed out or depressed to some degree.
There is evidence from researchers that certain levels of physical activity can affect mental health in a positive way.
Stress - Research, over the last 10 years, shows that people who engage in physical activity are capable of managing this “silent killer” more effectively than those who are less fit. It appears that moderate intensity aerobic exercise is the method that helps to reduce stress.
Correct intensity levels of exercise performed 3 times per week for at least 20 minutes seems to have the most influence on helping people to cope with day-to-day stress.
Depression – People who are diagnosed with depression have said that exercise has helped them, in many cases, to cope with mild depression.
Cardiovascular and resistance training seem to offer anti-depressive effects. Research has shown that improvements can be felt after 4 weeks, but the greatest effects come after 17 weeks.
It stands to reason that if you feel or look better physically, you will often feel better mentally.
Anxiety – Again, exercise comes into play to reduce anxiety. Low-moderate-high intensity exercise is most beneficial. If you are not sure what level of intensity is best for you,, consult with a Certified Personal Trainer.
Research shows that, to receive the most benefit from any type of exercise, an individual should train anywhere from 10-15 weeks.
To Recap:
Exercising on a regular basis has so many positive benefits; why do so many avoid it?
Of course, before embarking on any exercise program, consult with your physician.
There is evidence from researchers that certain levels of physical activity can affect mental health in a positive way.
Stress - Research, over the last 10 years, shows that people who engage in physical activity are capable of managing this “silent killer” more effectively than those who are less fit. It appears that moderate intensity aerobic exercise is the method that helps to reduce stress.
Correct intensity levels of exercise performed 3 times per week for at least 20 minutes seems to have the most influence on helping people to cope with day-to-day stress.
Depression – People who are diagnosed with depression have said that exercise has helped them, in many cases, to cope with mild depression.
Cardiovascular and resistance training seem to offer anti-depressive effects. Research has shown that improvements can be felt after 4 weeks, but the greatest effects come after 17 weeks.
It stands to reason that if you feel or look better physically, you will often feel better mentally.
Anxiety – Again, exercise comes into play to reduce anxiety. Low-moderate-high intensity exercise is most beneficial. If you are not sure what level of intensity is best for you,, consult with a Certified Personal Trainer.
Research shows that, to receive the most benefit from any type of exercise, an individual should train anywhere from 10-15 weeks.
To Recap:
Exercising on a regular basis has so many positive benefits; why do so many avoid it?
Of course, before embarking on any exercise program, consult with your physician.
New Year New You - Or - New Year Same You?
“Insanity – doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Benjamin Franklin
Well…the holidays are over and the Super Bowl is fast approaching. At least I’ll look forward to this one since the Giants are playing.
This year the big story remains the economy. For the past few years people have changed their spending habits, even if they don’t have to be frugal. I’ve always believed that this is a good idea – I don’t believe that anyone has money to just throw away.
But….what if you go for a low-cost alternative to something and end up actually paying more in the long run? Do you go to a doctor or dentist because their price is less expensive, or do you choose your physician by his or her expertise?
A couple of weeks ago a woman came in for a consultation. She told me that she had been going to a local fitness studio for over 4 years with little or no results. She finally (!) decided that she didn’t care for them because they did not do any type of follow up to check her progress. I discussed our services with her and she told me she would get back to me with her decision; she was going out of town for a week (coincidentally a large portion of the general population has to go “out of town” after they have had a consultation at our Studio).
In any case when I told my wife about this consultation she told me that I would never hear from this woman again. She said that this woman, like so many others, was used to going to a “discount” studio and would probably never want to pay more than she was paying, even if it meant that she wasn’t getting the results that she wanted to get.
On the other hand, last week my wife congratulated one of our clients on her 4-Year Anniversary with our Studio. The client told her that she couldn’t believe it had been four years; the time had gone so quickly. This particular client had gone to a discount studio before coming to us, and was unhappy with the results she had achieved there. She told my wife that she was so happy she invested in her health at our Studio. She said she knew that if she tried to exercise on her own she probably would never make the time. Also, she loves the fact that she knows she is doing every exercise correctly, because her trainer makes sure she uses correct form at all times.
So, what do you usually get at these “discount” studios? Most of them offer interval training, which is just moving from one machine to another for 4-5 minutes at a time. Rarely does this entail any type of progression so results, if any, are a very long time in coming.
I actually saw a website for a fitness facility where you could sign up on-line for any group class. This means that, without any prior knowledge of how fit you are or what limitations you have, you are just put in any group class with members that have much more or much less experience than you have.
What these Studios do provide is economy; perhaps $30 per month in membership fees. They also often provide a type of social gathering place versus an actual exercise facility.
How are we different from other facilities? What we provide is a Personal Training Studio where serious clients achieve their fitness goals. We work with every client closely to make sure that each and every session maximizes that client’s strengths so that they are not wasting their time or money in any way. The Value we provide well exceeds the cost of our services.
We readily admit that we are not for everyone. Some people just like to say that they are exercising, and others actually are. And I know that our clients are definitely in the latter group.
2012 – New Year, new things, new ways to make the most of your life and make things “better”. Will you go the “economy” route, or actually do something more to get and stay fit and healthy?
Remember, if you do the same thing over and over the same way you will get the same results – no matter how hard you want to believe otherwise.
Well…the holidays are over and the Super Bowl is fast approaching. At least I’ll look forward to this one since the Giants are playing.
This year the big story remains the economy. For the past few years people have changed their spending habits, even if they don’t have to be frugal. I’ve always believed that this is a good idea – I don’t believe that anyone has money to just throw away.
But….what if you go for a low-cost alternative to something and end up actually paying more in the long run? Do you go to a doctor or dentist because their price is less expensive, or do you choose your physician by his or her expertise?
A couple of weeks ago a woman came in for a consultation. She told me that she had been going to a local fitness studio for over 4 years with little or no results. She finally (!) decided that she didn’t care for them because they did not do any type of follow up to check her progress. I discussed our services with her and she told me she would get back to me with her decision; she was going out of town for a week (coincidentally a large portion of the general population has to go “out of town” after they have had a consultation at our Studio).
In any case when I told my wife about this consultation she told me that I would never hear from this woman again. She said that this woman, like so many others, was used to going to a “discount” studio and would probably never want to pay more than she was paying, even if it meant that she wasn’t getting the results that she wanted to get.
On the other hand, last week my wife congratulated one of our clients on her 4-Year Anniversary with our Studio. The client told her that she couldn’t believe it had been four years; the time had gone so quickly. This particular client had gone to a discount studio before coming to us, and was unhappy with the results she had achieved there. She told my wife that she was so happy she invested in her health at our Studio. She said she knew that if she tried to exercise on her own she probably would never make the time. Also, she loves the fact that she knows she is doing every exercise correctly, because her trainer makes sure she uses correct form at all times.
So, what do you usually get at these “discount” studios? Most of them offer interval training, which is just moving from one machine to another for 4-5 minutes at a time. Rarely does this entail any type of progression so results, if any, are a very long time in coming.
I actually saw a website for a fitness facility where you could sign up on-line for any group class. This means that, without any prior knowledge of how fit you are or what limitations you have, you are just put in any group class with members that have much more or much less experience than you have.
What these Studios do provide is economy; perhaps $30 per month in membership fees. They also often provide a type of social gathering place versus an actual exercise facility.
How are we different from other facilities? What we provide is a Personal Training Studio where serious clients achieve their fitness goals. We work with every client closely to make sure that each and every session maximizes that client’s strengths so that they are not wasting their time or money in any way. The Value we provide well exceeds the cost of our services.
We readily admit that we are not for everyone. Some people just like to say that they are exercising, and others actually are. And I know that our clients are definitely in the latter group.
2012 – New Year, new things, new ways to make the most of your life and make things “better”. Will you go the “economy” route, or actually do something more to get and stay fit and healthy?
Remember, if you do the same thing over and over the same way you will get the same results – no matter how hard you want to believe otherwise.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
What are you waiting for?
First of all, I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Safe and Happy New Year!!
And talking about the New Year:
They have probably already been talked about with family and friends, already been written down, and soon will be splattered across all the social media outlets for all to see. No, I’m not talking about your famous Christmas cookie recipe or your big holiday party plans. I’m talking about your New Year’s resolutions!
That’s right, that list of things you are going to change when January 1st, 2012 gets here, or maybe Jan. 2nd, when the hangover has subsided. Each year millions of people make grand plans for a new direction in their life. Ambitious goals such as quitting smoking, saving money, drinking less alcohol, and my personal favorite (and BY FAR most common)….GET IN SHAPE!
Go ahead and prepare yourself for the Facebook status updates declaring their commitment to become fitter and healthier in 2012. “Time to get in the gym baby, it’s 2012, woo-hoo!” or “Getting my pump on, it’s a new year and that College Reunion isn’t far away!”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am always happy to hear someone who is ready to make a change and finally make an investment in the one thing you only get ONE of, YOURSELF (sorry, no lease agreements on that body of yours), so any kind of decision in that direction is great!
My question is, if it truly was that important to you, if you genuinely were ready to dedicate yourself and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve your goals, WHY ARE YOU WAITING? You see, the fact that you are willing to place other things ahead of your supposed “priority” contradicts your entire resolution. Instead of saying you are going to get in shape and live a healthier life in 2012; you should say, you’re going to find some time between your busy work, horrible eating habits, and hectic social schedules, to exercise a couple of times per week.
I hear about it all the time. A new year rolls around and all of a sudden the gyms are full and everyone is on a mission to fulfill their new, lofty fitness aspirations. When they realize in this world of instant gratification that they have a chosen a resolution that requires a lifetime of commitment, they lose the determination they thought they had and slowly disappear from the gym.
The fact is a very small percentage of people actually keep the resolutions they make, especially when it comes to “getting in shape.”
The reason for this is, a resolution is a waste of time. Anything that is important to you is NEVER worth putting off until it is convenient, popular, or trendy to do so.
If someone told you that you were going to lose your job if you didn’t start performing better, would you wait until 2012 to start being a better employee? Probably not. Why? Because having a job is important to you.
You may say I’m comparing apples and oranges, but I contend your body and health are far more important than a job could ever be. So, as noble and worthy as your supposed resolutions may be, are they important to you? If so, WHY ARE YOU WAITING?
Now that I have destroyed your hopes and dreams and shattered hope for that new life you were going to start in 2012, what can you do? I want you all to understand I write this from a place of experience. I am definitely not “casting stones” because I have been guilty of this myself. I can’t begin to count how many resolutions I have made that ended up as a miserable failure, so trust me, I’m not preaching to you.
I’m coming to you from a place of care and understanding to inspire and motivate you to be the best you can be TODAY and not wait another minute to do so! Too many times I see people procrastinate and not do what they need to do, only to delay the inevitable.
People, it’s NOT going away. At some point, you are going to have to address IT. Whether it’s 2011 or 2012, your IT is not disappearing, so why not begin to the journey today?
I want you to be honest with yourself, how badly do you want it? Are you willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES? Or are you simply making promises you can’t keep? The answer is up to you, what’s it going to be?
As always, thank you for taking time to read my newsletters. My hope is that I can motivate you to be the best YOU that YOU can be today! Dare to be great and never be told you can’t do something.
And talking about the New Year:
They have probably already been talked about with family and friends, already been written down, and soon will be splattered across all the social media outlets for all to see. No, I’m not talking about your famous Christmas cookie recipe or your big holiday party plans. I’m talking about your New Year’s resolutions!
That’s right, that list of things you are going to change when January 1st, 2012 gets here, or maybe Jan. 2nd, when the hangover has subsided. Each year millions of people make grand plans for a new direction in their life. Ambitious goals such as quitting smoking, saving money, drinking less alcohol, and my personal favorite (and BY FAR most common)….GET IN SHAPE!
Go ahead and prepare yourself for the Facebook status updates declaring their commitment to become fitter and healthier in 2012. “Time to get in the gym baby, it’s 2012, woo-hoo!” or “Getting my pump on, it’s a new year and that College Reunion isn’t far away!”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am always happy to hear someone who is ready to make a change and finally make an investment in the one thing you only get ONE of, YOURSELF (sorry, no lease agreements on that body of yours), so any kind of decision in that direction is great!
My question is, if it truly was that important to you, if you genuinely were ready to dedicate yourself and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve your goals, WHY ARE YOU WAITING? You see, the fact that you are willing to place other things ahead of your supposed “priority” contradicts your entire resolution. Instead of saying you are going to get in shape and live a healthier life in 2012; you should say, you’re going to find some time between your busy work, horrible eating habits, and hectic social schedules, to exercise a couple of times per week.
I hear about it all the time. A new year rolls around and all of a sudden the gyms are full and everyone is on a mission to fulfill their new, lofty fitness aspirations. When they realize in this world of instant gratification that they have a chosen a resolution that requires a lifetime of commitment, they lose the determination they thought they had and slowly disappear from the gym.
The fact is a very small percentage of people actually keep the resolutions they make, especially when it comes to “getting in shape.”
The reason for this is, a resolution is a waste of time. Anything that is important to you is NEVER worth putting off until it is convenient, popular, or trendy to do so.
If someone told you that you were going to lose your job if you didn’t start performing better, would you wait until 2012 to start being a better employee? Probably not. Why? Because having a job is important to you.
You may say I’m comparing apples and oranges, but I contend your body and health are far more important than a job could ever be. So, as noble and worthy as your supposed resolutions may be, are they important to you? If so, WHY ARE YOU WAITING?
Now that I have destroyed your hopes and dreams and shattered hope for that new life you were going to start in 2012, what can you do? I want you all to understand I write this from a place of experience. I am definitely not “casting stones” because I have been guilty of this myself. I can’t begin to count how many resolutions I have made that ended up as a miserable failure, so trust me, I’m not preaching to you.
I’m coming to you from a place of care and understanding to inspire and motivate you to be the best you can be TODAY and not wait another minute to do so! Too many times I see people procrastinate and not do what they need to do, only to delay the inevitable.
People, it’s NOT going away. At some point, you are going to have to address IT. Whether it’s 2011 or 2012, your IT is not disappearing, so why not begin to the journey today?
I want you to be honest with yourself, how badly do you want it? Are you willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES? Or are you simply making promises you can’t keep? The answer is up to you, what’s it going to be?
As always, thank you for taking time to read my newsletters. My hope is that I can motivate you to be the best YOU that YOU can be today! Dare to be great and never be told you can’t do something.
I am my own person...and the "Couples Syndrome"
Hello everyone….and this is actually Laura, not Frank. I thought I should, on occasion, get into the act. Well…Halloween is only a couple of days away…then Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year has certainly flown.
I’ve been encountering something lately that I call the “Couples Syndrome”. But, before I get into that, let me tell you a little bit about my past.
Before I met my husband I was in a relationship that, I came to realize, was not healthy. Joey was a friend of my cousin; he used to belong to a local band and was a singer for many years. He was attractive and always had a lot of girls after him. When I met him and began dating him many of my friends thought I was extremely lucky.
What they didn’t know is that he was lazy and hated to work. He was also very insecure and was always critical of everything I did, how I looked and dressed. I always worked in Manhattan and so I had to dress up for work on a daily basis. Whenever I purchased new clothes he would beg to see them, and then tell me how much he didn’t like them. He also always dismissed my job as being trivial.
It took me a long time to realize what he was doing to my self-esteem but, thankfully, through my friends and family I finally broke off my relationship with him. I vowed that no other person would ever allow me to feel bad about myself.
I came to realize that I deserved to have someone that supported me instead of trying to tear me down.
Now…let’s get to my “Couples Syndrome”. For some reason, in the past few weeks we have had couples visiting our Studios looking for information on our services. In most cases one partner is more excited about starting an exercise routine, or needs it more.
I had one couple where the woman told me how out of shape she was, gave me a list of her medications and “knew” she needed to start an exercise program. Then both of them asked to set up a complimentary workout session for the next day. Of course, the next morning the man called to cancel.
What happened? What I believe is that one partner was really interested in our services and wanted to help herself, while her partner was not interested and so talked her out of it. Why would he do that? Maybe he was afraid that she would start looking better and he would be left behind.
But the bottom line is that he just didn’t support her, which is very sad.
Through the years we have had many clients like this. The female client that had to stop coming to work out because her husband complained that dinner wasn’t on the table when he got home; the husband that always cooks fattening foods while his wife is trying to lose weight; the woman who has been coming to our Studio for years and her husband has no idea, because he is so unsupportive.
I believe that if you truly care about someone you support them in whatever they want to do, as long as it is not harmful to them or others. My husband has always been supportive to me, and I’m the same way with him.
So, are you your own person? Or do you allow your partner to make the wrong decisions for you? Think about it….
I’ve been encountering something lately that I call the “Couples Syndrome”. But, before I get into that, let me tell you a little bit about my past.
Before I met my husband I was in a relationship that, I came to realize, was not healthy. Joey was a friend of my cousin; he used to belong to a local band and was a singer for many years. He was attractive and always had a lot of girls after him. When I met him and began dating him many of my friends thought I was extremely lucky.
What they didn’t know is that he was lazy and hated to work. He was also very insecure and was always critical of everything I did, how I looked and dressed. I always worked in Manhattan and so I had to dress up for work on a daily basis. Whenever I purchased new clothes he would beg to see them, and then tell me how much he didn’t like them. He also always dismissed my job as being trivial.
It took me a long time to realize what he was doing to my self-esteem but, thankfully, through my friends and family I finally broke off my relationship with him. I vowed that no other person would ever allow me to feel bad about myself.
I came to realize that I deserved to have someone that supported me instead of trying to tear me down.
Now…let’s get to my “Couples Syndrome”. For some reason, in the past few weeks we have had couples visiting our Studios looking for information on our services. In most cases one partner is more excited about starting an exercise routine, or needs it more.
I had one couple where the woman told me how out of shape she was, gave me a list of her medications and “knew” she needed to start an exercise program. Then both of them asked to set up a complimentary workout session for the next day. Of course, the next morning the man called to cancel.
What happened? What I believe is that one partner was really interested in our services and wanted to help herself, while her partner was not interested and so talked her out of it. Why would he do that? Maybe he was afraid that she would start looking better and he would be left behind.
But the bottom line is that he just didn’t support her, which is very sad.
Through the years we have had many clients like this. The female client that had to stop coming to work out because her husband complained that dinner wasn’t on the table when he got home; the husband that always cooks fattening foods while his wife is trying to lose weight; the woman who has been coming to our Studio for years and her husband has no idea, because he is so unsupportive.
I believe that if you truly care about someone you support them in whatever they want to do, as long as it is not harmful to them or others. My husband has always been supportive to me, and I’m the same way with him.
So, are you your own person? Or do you allow your partner to make the wrong decisions for you? Think about it….
I would never call you fat....
Hello again everyone….and I hope you had a great Summer. That is, of course, despite the locusts, earthquake and hurricane…. Let’s hope the Fall is a little more calm.
As the owner of a fitness studio I get various trade publications. Last month I noticed an advertisement for a marketing agency. It pictured a woman with the caption, “Don’t Call Me Fat.” I imagine the message was that, to sell your studio’s services, you shouldn’t be aggressive in how you word your advertisements or talk to potential clients.
Well, I would never call anyone fat. It’s rude and insulting and it’s just not my way.
But…how do you get the message across to those that are “weight challenged” that they are literally killing themselves by being overweight and out of shape? Sometimes being politically correct just doesn’t get the job done.
I often get people coming into my Studios for information, especially in Williamsburg, that are 40, 50, 60 or even 100 pounds overweight. The typical scenario is that they have (or are on the borderline of) diabetes, have high blood pressure, have no energy and are on medications for all of the above, or more.
I don’t go house to house drumming up business; these people come to me supposedly for help. But when I try to provide a solution, and ask for a commitment, suddenly the tune changes. I have heard every excuse imaginable why someone cannot start a health and fitness program; so nothing is new or surprising to me or my wife.
What is sad is that I have come to realize that some people just can’t be helped. I know that, as a fitness professional, I probably shouldn’t feel that way but there is such strong evidence to back up my feelings.
Last month we began providing Free monthly Seminars in our Studio on healthy living and nutrition. Free!! Unfortunately we have had a very limited response. My wife thinks that part of the reason is because people probably think that these Seminars are a way to introduce our services. The truth is that our services are never mentioned before, during or after the Seminar. As our fitness coach said, “Can’t people believe that we are trying to do something good?”
What is very exciting is that one person who did come to our first seminar asked my wife for further information. This person said that they had become even more motivated to live a healthy lifestyle by listening to our Fitness Coach; and they then decided to become a client!
I often wonder why some people are so afraid of healthy living and fitness. What are their fears?
Are they afraid that they will actually look and feel better, have more energy and stamina, and maybe even begin to “like” eating in a healthy manner?
You only have one life to live; isn’t it better to live that life feeling the best you possibly can? Or, do you honestly not want to be helped?
Well, either way, I would never call you fat….
As the owner of a fitness studio I get various trade publications. Last month I noticed an advertisement for a marketing agency. It pictured a woman with the caption, “Don’t Call Me Fat.” I imagine the message was that, to sell your studio’s services, you shouldn’t be aggressive in how you word your advertisements or talk to potential clients.
Well, I would never call anyone fat. It’s rude and insulting and it’s just not my way.
But…how do you get the message across to those that are “weight challenged” that they are literally killing themselves by being overweight and out of shape? Sometimes being politically correct just doesn’t get the job done.
I often get people coming into my Studios for information, especially in Williamsburg, that are 40, 50, 60 or even 100 pounds overweight. The typical scenario is that they have (or are on the borderline of) diabetes, have high blood pressure, have no energy and are on medications for all of the above, or more.
I don’t go house to house drumming up business; these people come to me supposedly for help. But when I try to provide a solution, and ask for a commitment, suddenly the tune changes. I have heard every excuse imaginable why someone cannot start a health and fitness program; so nothing is new or surprising to me or my wife.
What is sad is that I have come to realize that some people just can’t be helped. I know that, as a fitness professional, I probably shouldn’t feel that way but there is such strong evidence to back up my feelings.
Last month we began providing Free monthly Seminars in our Studio on healthy living and nutrition. Free!! Unfortunately we have had a very limited response. My wife thinks that part of the reason is because people probably think that these Seminars are a way to introduce our services. The truth is that our services are never mentioned before, during or after the Seminar. As our fitness coach said, “Can’t people believe that we are trying to do something good?”
What is very exciting is that one person who did come to our first seminar asked my wife for further information. This person said that they had become even more motivated to live a healthy lifestyle by listening to our Fitness Coach; and they then decided to become a client!
I often wonder why some people are so afraid of healthy living and fitness. What are their fears?
Are they afraid that they will actually look and feel better, have more energy and stamina, and maybe even begin to “like” eating in a healthy manner?
You only have one life to live; isn’t it better to live that life feeling the best you possibly can? Or, do you honestly not want to be helped?
Well, either way, I would never call you fat….
Let Me Tell You A Story
I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer and have gone on vacation. Just around the corner school and football begins.
Let me tell you a story – or some stories:
A couple of weeks ago a young woman came in to speak to my wife about our services. She told my wife that she wanted to lose about 75 lbs., and they discussed our different packages.
She also said that she found it hard to make commitments, so she wouldn’t be looking for a long-term package. After further discussion she asked if she could come in for a complimentary session.
Now this woman is a couple of years away from 30. I met with her and she also told me that she wants to lose about 75 pounds because she has hopes of having children and she realizes that being overweight could complicate a pregnancy.
After just a few minutes into the comp session I had to have her lie down on her back and put a cold towel on her forehead. I actually cut the session short because I knew she wouldn’t be able to finish even a 30 minute basic session,
We then sat down to discuss our packages, and she said she wanted to only try us out – so she purchased 3 sessions, or one week. Needless to say, she only came in two times and told our fitness coach that she “was going to exercise on her own”!!
OK…now who is kidding who? This young woman is “never” going to exercise on her own. Not yet 30 years old and unable to do even the simplest exercises.
But, I will tell you where she is going to be at 30 years old…..probably 100 pounds overweight with high blood pressure and diabetes, if not something worse. And, what about the baby she so desperately wants? Even if she does become pregnant all that extra weight will be a hazard to her pregnancy. And when the baby comes….what kind of an example is she setting for her child?
As my wife often says….everyone wants to lose weight and become fit…but no one wants to actually do the “work”.
On the flip side, my wife spoke to a young woman a couple of weeks ago who has cystic fibrosis. She told my wife that she wants to become stronger because this disease has sapped her strength.
If anyone had the excuse not to exercise, this young woman does. But she wants to push herself to become more fit and healthy. The only reason she hasn’t started already is because her doctor feels that she isn’t ready. She told me she’s seeing her doctor next month and hopes to begin a routine as soon as she is cleared.
A few months ago we had a Groupon campaign. Groupon is an on-line special deal service, and we offered an Evaluation plus 2 Fitness Sessions for a discounted price.
I had a young woman come in a couple of weeks ago to redeem a Groupon. She was over 300 pounds, with a body fat index that was so high that it could not be measured. I did an Evaluation and then discussed the results with her. Not only was she obese and out of shape, but her eating habits were extremely bad.
While discussing her eating habits she told me that “In Williamsburg the restaurants give you large portions.”
What??? So if someone puts a whole roast pig in front of you it means that you should eat the whole thing??
She contacted me a few days later to say that she had asked for a refund from Groupon because the experience was “not what she expected.”
What did she expect? That she was going to a gym where they would just tell her what she wanted to hear? A gym where they would ignore her true needs and let her go on using their equipment without getting any real results?
My wife said that most people just don’t want to hear the truth; so when they “do” hear the truth they ignore it or run the other way.
I own a fitness studio which is, of course, a business. Bringing in new clients is part of that business.
But….fitness and health is more than just a job to me; it’s my passion. And it has been my passion for over 30 years.
It frustrates me when I see people, especially young people, being so flippant about their health. To some people being 50, 60, 70 or 100 pounds overweight is nothing!! They would rather go to a doctor and be prescribed pills for ailments that can easily be avoided with just a little work.
There’s that word again – “work”.
As my wife says, these people must think that miraculously the fat is going to disappear; they’ll wake up one morning 50 pounds lighter just by dreaming about it.
Well….that’s not going to happen. Nothing worth having comes easy. And most things that come easy are not worth having.
Let me tell you a story – or some stories:
A couple of weeks ago a young woman came in to speak to my wife about our services. She told my wife that she wanted to lose about 75 lbs., and they discussed our different packages.
She also said that she found it hard to make commitments, so she wouldn’t be looking for a long-term package. After further discussion she asked if she could come in for a complimentary session.
Now this woman is a couple of years away from 30. I met with her and she also told me that she wants to lose about 75 pounds because she has hopes of having children and she realizes that being overweight could complicate a pregnancy.
After just a few minutes into the comp session I had to have her lie down on her back and put a cold towel on her forehead. I actually cut the session short because I knew she wouldn’t be able to finish even a 30 minute basic session,
We then sat down to discuss our packages, and she said she wanted to only try us out – so she purchased 3 sessions, or one week. Needless to say, she only came in two times and told our fitness coach that she “was going to exercise on her own”!!
OK…now who is kidding who? This young woman is “never” going to exercise on her own. Not yet 30 years old and unable to do even the simplest exercises.
But, I will tell you where she is going to be at 30 years old…..probably 100 pounds overweight with high blood pressure and diabetes, if not something worse. And, what about the baby she so desperately wants? Even if she does become pregnant all that extra weight will be a hazard to her pregnancy. And when the baby comes….what kind of an example is she setting for her child?
As my wife often says….everyone wants to lose weight and become fit…but no one wants to actually do the “work”.
On the flip side, my wife spoke to a young woman a couple of weeks ago who has cystic fibrosis. She told my wife that she wants to become stronger because this disease has sapped her strength.
If anyone had the excuse not to exercise, this young woman does. But she wants to push herself to become more fit and healthy. The only reason she hasn’t started already is because her doctor feels that she isn’t ready. She told me she’s seeing her doctor next month and hopes to begin a routine as soon as she is cleared.
A few months ago we had a Groupon campaign. Groupon is an on-line special deal service, and we offered an Evaluation plus 2 Fitness Sessions for a discounted price.
I had a young woman come in a couple of weeks ago to redeem a Groupon. She was over 300 pounds, with a body fat index that was so high that it could not be measured. I did an Evaluation and then discussed the results with her. Not only was she obese and out of shape, but her eating habits were extremely bad.
While discussing her eating habits she told me that “In Williamsburg the restaurants give you large portions.”
What??? So if someone puts a whole roast pig in front of you it means that you should eat the whole thing??
She contacted me a few days later to say that she had asked for a refund from Groupon because the experience was “not what she expected.”
What did she expect? That she was going to a gym where they would just tell her what she wanted to hear? A gym where they would ignore her true needs and let her go on using their equipment without getting any real results?
My wife said that most people just don’t want to hear the truth; so when they “do” hear the truth they ignore it or run the other way.
I own a fitness studio which is, of course, a business. Bringing in new clients is part of that business.
But….fitness and health is more than just a job to me; it’s my passion. And it has been my passion for over 30 years.
It frustrates me when I see people, especially young people, being so flippant about their health. To some people being 50, 60, 70 or 100 pounds overweight is nothing!! They would rather go to a doctor and be prescribed pills for ailments that can easily be avoided with just a little work.
There’s that word again – “work”.
As my wife says, these people must think that miraculously the fat is going to disappear; they’ll wake up one morning 50 pounds lighter just by dreaming about it.
Well….that’s not going to happen. Nothing worth having comes easy. And most things that come easy are not worth having.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Commitment and Honesty
April has arrived and another baseball season has begun Play Ball!! The last couple of weeks have been rainy and nasty; not like Spring at all. Hopefully we’ll finally start getting some consistent warmer weather.
As I’ve often mentioned, we get many different people in our Studios requesting information. I’d like to tell you about a few recent inquiries.
Some time ago we began offering a Special in our Studios – 3 Fitness Sessions plus a Full Evaluation for a nominal price to new clients. Of course, the evaluation often indicates the fitness problems that a person is experiencing, and we can more intelligently discuss what we can do to fix those problems.
A woman called our Williamsburg studio and set up a consultation with my wife. After discussing her needs and goals she decided to take advantage of our Special. She came in for an Evaluation and three fitness sessions and I was the one to train her.
During her sessions she indicated how she knew that she needed to get started on a fitness program because she was very out of shape. She mentioned that she liked our facility and the way we did things here.
Of course, after her last session I wanted to speak to her about continuing with our Studio, but she told me that, because of a family emergency she would be out of town for a while. From past experience I know that I will never see her again.
Why not be honest and tell me that she does not want to invest in her health? Why not just tell me that she doesn’t want to put in the effort? Maybe because being honest does not come easy to most people.
Last week I received a call from someone who knows my wife through networking. This person said that she knew she needed to do something for “her”; she has a stressful job and rarely has time to do things for herself.
She has gotten to the point where she feels her health is a priority. She asked to set up a consultation and spoke to my wife about her needs. After the consultation she set up a complimentary session with one of our trainers. After the session she walked into our office with her checkbook in her hand, ready to start.
This client knew that she needed help and didn’t try to think of excuses why she “couldn’t” invest in her health. She just decided on a course of action and went for it.
My wife also recently had a consultation with a gentleman who set up a consultation at the request of his wife. He is very overweight, on high blood pressure medication and is on the road to diabetes.
During the consultation he told my wife that he has very little energy, works long hours and knows that the weight he is carrying is extremely dangerous. After discussing our packages he didn’t think he could afford them but that he would try his best to work something out, if we would work with him.
We often say that there are those that can afford to join a fitness center but are not willing to make a financial commitment for their health; and there are others that truly cannot afford to spend money on fitness, but would do almost anything to do so.
As we look forward to the Summer with those longer days where we can be out and about, wearing less and showing more, maybe we should start thinking about what is truly important. If we don’t have our health, we have nothing. And just because you’re not sick, doesn’t mean you’re healthy.
Here’s to a great Summer!!
As I’ve often mentioned, we get many different people in our Studios requesting information. I’d like to tell you about a few recent inquiries.
Some time ago we began offering a Special in our Studios – 3 Fitness Sessions plus a Full Evaluation for a nominal price to new clients. Of course, the evaluation often indicates the fitness problems that a person is experiencing, and we can more intelligently discuss what we can do to fix those problems.
A woman called our Williamsburg studio and set up a consultation with my wife. After discussing her needs and goals she decided to take advantage of our Special. She came in for an Evaluation and three fitness sessions and I was the one to train her.
During her sessions she indicated how she knew that she needed to get started on a fitness program because she was very out of shape. She mentioned that she liked our facility and the way we did things here.
Of course, after her last session I wanted to speak to her about continuing with our Studio, but she told me that, because of a family emergency she would be out of town for a while. From past experience I know that I will never see her again.
Why not be honest and tell me that she does not want to invest in her health? Why not just tell me that she doesn’t want to put in the effort? Maybe because being honest does not come easy to most people.
Last week I received a call from someone who knows my wife through networking. This person said that she knew she needed to do something for “her”; she has a stressful job and rarely has time to do things for herself.
She has gotten to the point where she feels her health is a priority. She asked to set up a consultation and spoke to my wife about her needs. After the consultation she set up a complimentary session with one of our trainers. After the session she walked into our office with her checkbook in her hand, ready to start.
This client knew that she needed help and didn’t try to think of excuses why she “couldn’t” invest in her health. She just decided on a course of action and went for it.
My wife also recently had a consultation with a gentleman who set up a consultation at the request of his wife. He is very overweight, on high blood pressure medication and is on the road to diabetes.
During the consultation he told my wife that he has very little energy, works long hours and knows that the weight he is carrying is extremely dangerous. After discussing our packages he didn’t think he could afford them but that he would try his best to work something out, if we would work with him.
We often say that there are those that can afford to join a fitness center but are not willing to make a financial commitment for their health; and there are others that truly cannot afford to spend money on fitness, but would do almost anything to do so.
As we look forward to the Summer with those longer days where we can be out and about, wearing less and showing more, maybe we should start thinking about what is truly important. If we don’t have our health, we have nothing. And just because you’re not sick, doesn’t mean you’re healthy.
Here’s to a great Summer!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Denial
Today I’d like to talk about Denial. Here is one definition of Denial:
Denial is a defense mechanism postulated by Sigmund Freud, in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence. The subject may use:
simple denial - deny the reality of the unpleasant fact altogether
minimisation - admit the fact but deny its seriousness (a combination of denial and rationalization); or
projection - admit both the fact and seriousness but deny responsibility.
When someone calls our Studio asking for information, and then comes for a consultation, most of the time it is because that person is having some sort of weight problem, health problem or just generally is out of shape. After telling us a litany of their weight or health problems, once they are faced with actually making a commitment to an exercise program suddenly all of those problems miraculously seem to disappear.
Those people are in denial.
Recently I had two consultations, back to back, on a Saturday morning - one was a 32 year old gentleman and the other was a young woman in her 20’s. Both of them were over 300 lbs. but couldn’t commit to an exercise program.
Those people were in denial.
I recently spoke to one of my clients who has done extremely well on our program. She has lost almost 40 lbs. and over 25 inches in just 5 months and looks fantastic! She told me that she is a bit upset that some of her friends will not acknowledge her weight loss and the fact that she looks so different. It’s no surprise that her friends are extremely overweight and out of shape. I told her that, if her friends were to acknowledge the fact that she has lost weight, they may have to look at themselves and admit that they have a weight and fitness problem.
Those friends are in denial.
How can denial be overcome? First you have to honestly admit that you have a problem; and be willing to do something about it. I believe that some people just like to hear themselves talk; they tell anyone that will listen how much they “know” they need to get more fit and healthy; but when they are faced with doing something about it, the excuses start:
I can’t afford it. But you “can” afford to go out for lunch or dinner almost every day; you “can” afford that new $200 handbag when you have a closet full; but when it comes to your health, you “can’t” afford it.
I have to think about it. You are overweight, unhealthy, on high blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, have aching joints; what is there to think about?
I have to talk to my spouse. It’s true that, in most relationships, spouses discuss financial outlays. But who needs to get healthy – you or your spouse? And if they do not support you in your decision to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle – what does that say about them?
I have no time. You have time to shop, you have time to spend with your friends, you have time to golf, you have time to go out for meals; but you have no time to exercise. Unless you live a fit and healthy lifestyle you won’t be able to shop, spend time with your friends or go out for meals.
So, let’s stop kidding ourselves. You “can” live a fit and healthy lifestyle if you truly want to. Let’s stop denying what is right in front of you….get up, get out and start living healthy, or one day you won’t be able to do so.
Denial is a defense mechanism postulated by Sigmund Freud, in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence. The subject may use:
simple denial - deny the reality of the unpleasant fact altogether
minimisation - admit the fact but deny its seriousness (a combination of denial and rationalization); or
projection - admit both the fact and seriousness but deny responsibility.
When someone calls our Studio asking for information, and then comes for a consultation, most of the time it is because that person is having some sort of weight problem, health problem or just generally is out of shape. After telling us a litany of their weight or health problems, once they are faced with actually making a commitment to an exercise program suddenly all of those problems miraculously seem to disappear.
Those people are in denial.
Recently I had two consultations, back to back, on a Saturday morning - one was a 32 year old gentleman and the other was a young woman in her 20’s. Both of them were over 300 lbs. but couldn’t commit to an exercise program.
Those people were in denial.
I recently spoke to one of my clients who has done extremely well on our program. She has lost almost 40 lbs. and over 25 inches in just 5 months and looks fantastic! She told me that she is a bit upset that some of her friends will not acknowledge her weight loss and the fact that she looks so different. It’s no surprise that her friends are extremely overweight and out of shape. I told her that, if her friends were to acknowledge the fact that she has lost weight, they may have to look at themselves and admit that they have a weight and fitness problem.
Those friends are in denial.
How can denial be overcome? First you have to honestly admit that you have a problem; and be willing to do something about it. I believe that some people just like to hear themselves talk; they tell anyone that will listen how much they “know” they need to get more fit and healthy; but when they are faced with doing something about it, the excuses start:
I can’t afford it. But you “can” afford to go out for lunch or dinner almost every day; you “can” afford that new $200 handbag when you have a closet full; but when it comes to your health, you “can’t” afford it.
I have to think about it. You are overweight, unhealthy, on high blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, have aching joints; what is there to think about?
I have to talk to my spouse. It’s true that, in most relationships, spouses discuss financial outlays. But who needs to get healthy – you or your spouse? And if they do not support you in your decision to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle – what does that say about them?
I have no time. You have time to shop, you have time to spend with your friends, you have time to golf, you have time to go out for meals; but you have no time to exercise. Unless you live a fit and healthy lifestyle you won’t be able to shop, spend time with your friends or go out for meals.
So, let’s stop kidding ourselves. You “can” live a fit and healthy lifestyle if you truly want to. Let’s stop denying what is right in front of you….get up, get out and start living healthy, or one day you won’t be able to do so.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
What Makes Us Different
We get many calls or drop-ins from people looking for information on fitness training and usually their first question is “How much do you charge? Especially in these uncertain times the cost of any item should be a consideration, but you should also be considering the “quality” connected to the price.
Few people truly understand what is meant by Personal Training. With true Personal Training you have a Certified Personal Trainer with you every moment of your fitness session not only guiding you, but motivating you to achieve a fitness level that you probably would not be able to achieve on your own. Your trainer should continuously build training programs that will help you to progress quickly towards your fitness goal, while building confidence and well-being.
What makes us different from other fitness studios or gyms?
Privacy – This is the main difference that our Studio offers versus other facilities. All of our training is done is private suites; our clients are never on display. You don’t have to feel self-conscious working out alongside a buff 20-year-old.
In addition, the top-of-the-line equipment in each suite is for the express use of the client being trained; there is never any waiting for equipment.
Motivation – Your trainer quickly learns what is the best way to train you and help you to achieve your goals. He or she will keep you motivated by changing up your workout at each visit so that you will begin to see results in a few short weeks. Once you realize what you can achieve, you are motivated to continue to do even more.
Accountability – You have a set day and time for your workout. You know that your trainer is waiting for you so it’s not so easy to make excuses or blow off your exercise time. You will grow to learn that your trainer is truly on your side and wants to see you succeed; every time they tell you that you have done a “good job” you know they mean it.
Safety – One of the newest ideas on the fitness scene are 24-hour facilities where you can go in to exercise any time of the day or night – you just swipe your card and go in to use their equipment. I’m sure there is some type of security, usually cameras, but where is the human factor?
This was brought home to me a few weeks ago; one of our clients began feeling ill during her workout session, and became a bit disoriented. Her trainer alerted my wife. My wife would not allow this client to drive home on her own and contacted her husband to come and get her. She told me that if they couldn’t contact the husband she would have driven her home herself. The next day the client called to say how thankful she was for all we had done. If this happened at a 24-hour facility, who would be there to help?
Cleanliness – When you go to a gym or a 24-hour facility you are on your “honor’ to wipe down the equipment after you use it. Does everyone do this? Probably not.
Our trainers don’t wipe down equipment after every session – they “clean” every piece of equipment that is used by a previous client. Even when a client comes in to do cardio on their own, there is always someone right after them to make sure that piece of equipment is cleaned.
So, back to prices. When you go from one establishment to another and ask for prices - what are you comparing? Every establishment is different, so you are comparing “apples to oranges” as the saying goes. Our facility cannot be compared to any other fitness studio; we are the best because we hold ourselves up to the highest standards possible.
Bottom line – you get what you pay for. If you want to throw your money away just to “say” you are exercising, that’s your choice. But if you actually want to get results and make your money work for you, then go to a quality Personal Training Studio.
Fitness Together we offer more than just training sessions; we honestly care about our clients. Few other establishments can make that claim.
Few people truly understand what is meant by Personal Training. With true Personal Training you have a Certified Personal Trainer with you every moment of your fitness session not only guiding you, but motivating you to achieve a fitness level that you probably would not be able to achieve on your own. Your trainer should continuously build training programs that will help you to progress quickly towards your fitness goal, while building confidence and well-being.
What makes us different from other fitness studios or gyms?
Privacy – This is the main difference that our Studio offers versus other facilities. All of our training is done is private suites; our clients are never on display. You don’t have to feel self-conscious working out alongside a buff 20-year-old.
In addition, the top-of-the-line equipment in each suite is for the express use of the client being trained; there is never any waiting for equipment.
Motivation – Your trainer quickly learns what is the best way to train you and help you to achieve your goals. He or she will keep you motivated by changing up your workout at each visit so that you will begin to see results in a few short weeks. Once you realize what you can achieve, you are motivated to continue to do even more.
Accountability – You have a set day and time for your workout. You know that your trainer is waiting for you so it’s not so easy to make excuses or blow off your exercise time. You will grow to learn that your trainer is truly on your side and wants to see you succeed; every time they tell you that you have done a “good job” you know they mean it.
Safety – One of the newest ideas on the fitness scene are 24-hour facilities where you can go in to exercise any time of the day or night – you just swipe your card and go in to use their equipment. I’m sure there is some type of security, usually cameras, but where is the human factor?
This was brought home to me a few weeks ago; one of our clients began feeling ill during her workout session, and became a bit disoriented. Her trainer alerted my wife. My wife would not allow this client to drive home on her own and contacted her husband to come and get her. She told me that if they couldn’t contact the husband she would have driven her home herself. The next day the client called to say how thankful she was for all we had done. If this happened at a 24-hour facility, who would be there to help?
Cleanliness – When you go to a gym or a 24-hour facility you are on your “honor’ to wipe down the equipment after you use it. Does everyone do this? Probably not.
Our trainers don’t wipe down equipment after every session – they “clean” every piece of equipment that is used by a previous client. Even when a client comes in to do cardio on their own, there is always someone right after them to make sure that piece of equipment is cleaned.
So, back to prices. When you go from one establishment to another and ask for prices - what are you comparing? Every establishment is different, so you are comparing “apples to oranges” as the saying goes. Our facility cannot be compared to any other fitness studio; we are the best because we hold ourselves up to the highest standards possible.
Bottom line – you get what you pay for. If you want to throw your money away just to “say” you are exercising, that’s your choice. But if you actually want to get results and make your money work for you, then go to a quality Personal Training Studio.
Fitness Together we offer more than just training sessions; we honestly care about our clients. Few other establishments can make that claim.
EFFECTIVE EATING HABITS - PART 3
This is my 3rd and last installment on the subject of Effective Eating Habits.
1. Drinking H2O (water) is extremely important for our bodies. It flushes out toxins and makes you feel good. Many people I come across drink hardly any water at all.
Tip: When you get out of bed, the first thing you should do is have a glass of water. During the night our body become dehydrated from no water consumption.
2. Go Green -- By that I mean start eating lots of green veggies. Try to avoid the white breads, white rice and baked potatoes.
Green vegetables will make you feel full and they clear out your digestive system. You can have them steamed, raw or whatever suits your tastebuds. I know...a lot of people don't like or get enough of them, but remember what I mentioned in my last Frank's Talk; do things in small increments. Start by eating green vegetables in very small portions and gradually you'll become accustomed to their taste and increase the amount over time.
Finally, if you see yourself eating clean most of the week, Great! Go out and reward yourself with something you are craving -- whatever that may be.
Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the subject of Effective Eating Habits. I suggest you save this information and refer to it as you need to.
1. Drinking H2O (water) is extremely important for our bodies. It flushes out toxins and makes you feel good. Many people I come across drink hardly any water at all.
Tip: When you get out of bed, the first thing you should do is have a glass of water. During the night our body become dehydrated from no water consumption.
2. Go Green -- By that I mean start eating lots of green veggies. Try to avoid the white breads, white rice and baked potatoes.
Green vegetables will make you feel full and they clear out your digestive system. You can have them steamed, raw or whatever suits your tastebuds. I know...a lot of people don't like or get enough of them, but remember what I mentioned in my last Frank's Talk; do things in small increments. Start by eating green vegetables in very small portions and gradually you'll become accustomed to their taste and increase the amount over time.
Finally, if you see yourself eating clean most of the week, Great! Go out and reward yourself with something you are craving -- whatever that may be.
Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the subject of Effective Eating Habits. I suggest you save this information and refer to it as you need to.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
EFFECTIVE EATING HABITS - PART 2
Fall is upon us and I'm looking forward to the cooler weather. This past Summer was brutal, heat wise.
As I mentioned in my last Frank's Talk, I am going to continue on the subject of Effective Eating Habits. I'm not even going to mention the obesity problem of adults and children in this country, because everyone is aware of it by now. What the adults do about is is up to them.
OK...
As I mentioned in my last Frank's Talk, I am going to continue on the subject of Effective Eating Habits. I'm not even going to mention the obesity problem of adults and children in this country, because everyone is aware of it by now. What the adults do about is is up to them.
OK...
- You must try to eat at least 5 to 6 small meals a day -- this includes healthy snacks. This will help keep your metabolism stable. When you are hungry from skipping meals most people will start bingeing on anything that is within striking distance from them.
- By eating every 2 1/2 - 3 hours, approximately, you will keep your metabolism at a steady rate.
- Consume enough calories. Don't starve yourself by skipping meals, including healthy snacks. Remember - insufficient caloric intake will slow down your metabolism which will cause your body to hold on to body fat.
- For now, don't get caught up on the number of calories you should be consuming. If your nutritional habits are not where they should be (and only you can answer that statement) just start out by eating healthier foods and start dropping the junk, a little bit at a time.
Before I sign off on my 2nd of 3 Frank Talk's on Effective Eating Habits - I stress to people who really want to improve on any area of their life - Always do things in small increments. It's more manageable and effective.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
EFFECTIVE EATING HABITS PART 1
Hello everyone. Summer must be coming to an end because now it’s getting dark outside earlier; but the good news is Football Season has begun!
For the next three Frank Talks I would like to touch on the topic of “Effective Eating Habits”.
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a nutritionist, but I do have a basic knowledge of nutrition and I am certified through the American Council on Exercise as a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
Improving your health, getting your body in great shape and becoming more attractive does not have to be rocket science.
Here are a few simple suggestions:
1. Proper nutrition should be #1 on your list for a healthier body. The way you eat determines how you feel and look. It’s above strength and cardio training. Remember, it doesn’t matter how much hard work you put into your workouts if you don’t feed your body the proper fuel. You will not obtain optimal results because about 80% of how you feel and look is determined on what you put into your body.
2. For individuals who want to lose excess body fat or just want to stay trim, controlling your metabolism is a key factor.
What you eat, the number of meals throughout the day and portion size all have an effect on your metabolism.
3. Try to eat smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day. This will help control your metabolism.
If you are one of the many people who have difficulty with proper nutrition, my staff is here to help you on the road to a more fit and healthy lifestyle.
Well, that’s it for now. In my next Talk I will continue to educate you on Effective Eating Habits.
For the next three Frank Talks I would like to touch on the topic of “Effective Eating Habits”.
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a nutritionist, but I do have a basic knowledge of nutrition and I am certified through the American Council on Exercise as a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
Improving your health, getting your body in great shape and becoming more attractive does not have to be rocket science.
Here are a few simple suggestions:
1. Proper nutrition should be #1 on your list for a healthier body. The way you eat determines how you feel and look. It’s above strength and cardio training. Remember, it doesn’t matter how much hard work you put into your workouts if you don’t feed your body the proper fuel. You will not obtain optimal results because about 80% of how you feel and look is determined on what you put into your body.
2. For individuals who want to lose excess body fat or just want to stay trim, controlling your metabolism is a key factor.
What you eat, the number of meals throughout the day and portion size all have an effect on your metabolism.
3. Try to eat smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day. This will help control your metabolism.
If you are one of the many people who have difficulty with proper nutrition, my staff is here to help you on the road to a more fit and healthy lifestyle.
Well, that’s it for now. In my next Talk I will continue to educate you on Effective Eating Habits.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START AN EXCERCISE PROGRAM WITH A PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL TRAINER?
Hello everyone – and I hope that you are enjoying the Summer. I can’t believe that the unofficial end of Summer, Labor Day, is only a couple of weeks away. Time flies when you’re having fun.
So…when is the best time to start an exercise or fitness program?
Many people believe that after the holidays, at the beginning of the New Year, is the best time to think about getting fit and healthy. Of course, that’s because quite a few people will make a “resolution” to get fit, only to forget about that resolution in a couple of weeks, or less.
Some people want to start the year fresh, so they believe that “this is the year I’m going to start thinking about myself.” Of course, then the excuses start: I’m waiting for my credit card statements from holiday shopping; I need to pay off some bills from Christmas…and so on, and so on.
Post holiday season…gone.
Ah…Spring!! The warmer weather starts to arrive and with the warmer weather there are less clothes to hide behind. So now people think about getting into that cute outfit for the Spring. Especially in Virginia Beach, swimsuit season is right around the corner. So let’s start a fitness program now.
And the excuses: I would really want to start a program but the Summer will be here before you know it, school will be out and vacation plans will only sabotage my good intentions; I don’t have time right now – the Summer will be so busy for me.
Spring season…gone.
Here’s Summer!!! No good…too much running around; vacations to plan; I have to spend more time with my children; I think I’ll wait until the Summer is over.
Summer season…gone.
Finally, the Fall season has arrived. People want to take off some of those excess Summer pounds and start getting stronger. Of course, you want to look and feel better before Thanksgiving and Christmas arrives. People gain an average of 10 pounds of excess bodyfat between those two holidays.
But, of course, this is not a good time to start living healther – holiday parties are going to derail my good intentions.
So, in an eye blink another 365 days have gone by with more excess pounds and less conditioning.
The above comments are all actual excuses we have heard at Fitness Together. People will do or say anything just to get out of doing the “right” thing, which is getting in shape and living a healthy lifestyle.
What is your excuse?
So…when is the best time to start an exercise or fitness program?
Many people believe that after the holidays, at the beginning of the New Year, is the best time to think about getting fit and healthy. Of course, that’s because quite a few people will make a “resolution” to get fit, only to forget about that resolution in a couple of weeks, or less.
Some people want to start the year fresh, so they believe that “this is the year I’m going to start thinking about myself.” Of course, then the excuses start: I’m waiting for my credit card statements from holiday shopping; I need to pay off some bills from Christmas…and so on, and so on.
Post holiday season…gone.
Ah…Spring!! The warmer weather starts to arrive and with the warmer weather there are less clothes to hide behind. So now people think about getting into that cute outfit for the Spring. Especially in Virginia Beach, swimsuit season is right around the corner. So let’s start a fitness program now.
And the excuses: I would really want to start a program but the Summer will be here before you know it, school will be out and vacation plans will only sabotage my good intentions; I don’t have time right now – the Summer will be so busy for me.
Spring season…gone.
Here’s Summer!!! No good…too much running around; vacations to plan; I have to spend more time with my children; I think I’ll wait until the Summer is over.
Summer season…gone.
Finally, the Fall season has arrived. People want to take off some of those excess Summer pounds and start getting stronger. Of course, you want to look and feel better before Thanksgiving and Christmas arrives. People gain an average of 10 pounds of excess bodyfat between those two holidays.
But, of course, this is not a good time to start living healther – holiday parties are going to derail my good intentions.
So, in an eye blink another 365 days have gone by with more excess pounds and less conditioning.
The above comments are all actual excuses we have heard at Fitness Together. People will do or say anything just to get out of doing the “right” thing, which is getting in shape and living a healthy lifestyle.
What is your excuse?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
PROCRASTINATION
It’s a silent killer and every one of us is guilty of it in one way or the other.
According to Webster’s Dictionary it means “To put off intentionally and habitually things that should be done”.
There are two types of Procrastination – external and internal. Let’s discuss internal and how it affects people who know that they need to get fit, but find excuse after excuse to stay the way they are – Out of Shape:
It’s Too Hard
People procrastinate because they believe the task at hand is too difficult. “I can’t lose all this weight or improve my nutrition”. So they put it aside. They are comfortable.
I recall a well-known motivational speaker touch on this subject – By being comfortable you are slowly dying on the inside. You are challenging your inner being from developing and obtaining new stimulation in your life. Without any new challenges, our minds and lives stagnate. This is what is meant by dying on the inside. If you don’t change what you are doing today and get no results, what do you expect to change? Same action, same result.
Fear of Failure
This often leads individuals to believe that it is better to stay static than to try something new – that way they won’t “fail”. Well, Albert Einstein once said “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”
Fear of Success
This puzzles me. I have had people come to me and tell me everything they know that needs to change in their lifestyle, but won’t commit to changing. Why? They have a Fear of Succeeding. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? They are so used to being they way they are – overweight, poor eating habits, etc. – that making a positive transformation in their lives scares them.
Perfectionism
Some people believe that they must be perfect in whatever they do. People sometimes tell me that they can’t perform a particular exercise perfectly, for example, and feel uncomfortable about this. If you don’t try, you’ll never know. Besides, at FT we have private suites – just you and your trainer. No crowds or other clients watching you as you exercise.
Time Management
Procrastination is also influenced by the fear of being overwhelmed by the amount of time needed to undertake something. If a desired task is broken down into small increments, it’s more manageable and easier to maintain.
Final Thought
Procrastination is really a head game that we all play in our minds. There is a term I came across while studying to be a Certified Personal Trainer and Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). It’s called Reframing. Basically, we use our minds to turn around negative thoughts that may make a task or commitment overwhelming into a new perception of the task or commitment as being manageable and achievable.
The bottom line is that we must change our view of a task as being impossible or too hard into a series (small increments) of achievable ones.
Well, there you have it. I know this is a bit longer than most of my messages but, unfortunately, we are all guilty of Procrastination.
“One Who Lacks The Courage To Start Is Already Finished."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
According to Webster’s Dictionary it means “To put off intentionally and habitually things that should be done”.
There are two types of Procrastination – external and internal. Let’s discuss internal and how it affects people who know that they need to get fit, but find excuse after excuse to stay the way they are – Out of Shape:
It’s Too Hard
People procrastinate because they believe the task at hand is too difficult. “I can’t lose all this weight or improve my nutrition”. So they put it aside. They are comfortable.
I recall a well-known motivational speaker touch on this subject – By being comfortable you are slowly dying on the inside. You are challenging your inner being from developing and obtaining new stimulation in your life. Without any new challenges, our minds and lives stagnate. This is what is meant by dying on the inside. If you don’t change what you are doing today and get no results, what do you expect to change? Same action, same result.
Fear of Failure
This often leads individuals to believe that it is better to stay static than to try something new – that way they won’t “fail”. Well, Albert Einstein once said “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”
Fear of Success
This puzzles me. I have had people come to me and tell me everything they know that needs to change in their lifestyle, but won’t commit to changing. Why? They have a Fear of Succeeding. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? They are so used to being they way they are – overweight, poor eating habits, etc. – that making a positive transformation in their lives scares them.
Perfectionism
Some people believe that they must be perfect in whatever they do. People sometimes tell me that they can’t perform a particular exercise perfectly, for example, and feel uncomfortable about this. If you don’t try, you’ll never know. Besides, at FT we have private suites – just you and your trainer. No crowds or other clients watching you as you exercise.
Time Management
Procrastination is also influenced by the fear of being overwhelmed by the amount of time needed to undertake something. If a desired task is broken down into small increments, it’s more manageable and easier to maintain.
Final Thought
Procrastination is really a head game that we all play in our minds. There is a term I came across while studying to be a Certified Personal Trainer and Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). It’s called Reframing. Basically, we use our minds to turn around negative thoughts that may make a task or commitment overwhelming into a new perception of the task or commitment as being manageable and achievable.
The bottom line is that we must change our view of a task as being impossible or too hard into a series (small increments) of achievable ones.
Well, there you have it. I know this is a bit longer than most of my messages but, unfortunately, we are all guilty of Procrastination.
“One Who Lacks The Courage To Start Is Already Finished."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
5 Worst Excuses For Not Getting Healthy
Hello everyone....and we are now officially into Summer. I hope you all had a fun, safe Fourth of July.
The other day my wife spoke to a gentleman that stopped into the Studio for some information. He was extremely overweight – probably about 350-400 lbs. – and said that he wanted to lose about 40-60 lbs. He told her that he has high blood pressure and diabetes. My wife asked if he was doing any type of exercise right now and he said that all he does is walk on occasion and “exercise with the kids I teach”. He had noted that he was a teacher, so my wife asked what he taught. He teaches Fitness!!
My wife explained what we do at our Studio and discussed his options. He said that he would think about it – and I never expect to see him again.
What is he thinking about?? He has high blood pressure and diabetes, and seemed to have a difficult time breathing just by walking. And this gentleman was hired by one of our schools to teach Fitness. What is wrong with this picture?
Is he thinking about his diabetes – how in a few years diabetes may cause him to go blind, or cause gangrene that may cause amputation of one or more of his limbs? Or is he thinking about his high blood pressure that may cause a stroke or heart attack.
He’s probably thinking that he doesn’t need our facility because he’s on medication. Medication only treats the symptoms of these diseases; it doesn’t cure them.
Maybe he’s thinking about all the excuses why he can’t get healthy:
5 Worst Excuses for Not Getting Healthy
We all want to be healthy and slim, right? So why aren't we? Oh, there could be a genetic or medication issue that's holding you back.
As a Total Wellness expert, I have worked with a large number of clients over the years. And believe me when I tell you -- excuses for not getting healthy are not only a dime a dozen, but they also don't make a lot of sense!
I’m Too Old to Start Now!
It’s never too late to get healthy. Cliché as it sounds, it's true. There are measurable benefits to becoming more active, improving your diet and sharpening your state of mind.
People begin to seek a healthier lifestyle at all ages. I have worked with people in their 60's, 70’s and even 80’s and they have all gained strength and coordination, decreased their dependency on medications, and improved their overall flexibility.
I’m Too Tired!
Starting a healthy lifestyle isn't easy. It’s never easy to change especially when you feel like you're too tired to even move from the sofa at all.
However, I can tell you that incorporating healthy changes -- even small ones like a 10-minute-a-day walking program -- will in turn give you more energy. So it’s win-win. The more you do, the better you feel. Or do nothing and feel horrible.
I Have No Motivation!
No two people are motivated by exactly the same things. Some of us are internally motivated, some of us fight a disease or the onset of an illness, while others just miss feeling well. No person can be pushed to be motivated because if motivation doesn’t come from you genuinely, you will fail.
My advice: think it through. Remember a time when you felt well or a time when you were successful on a fitness plan. Focus on what worked and the positive results you enjoyed.
Getting Healthy is Expensive
The clothes, the food, the gym memberships... oh, my! Let’s look at it the other way -- the way where you stay unhealthy. The clothes, the food, the doctor visits, the medicine, the co-pays and the pain and discomfort… OH, MY!
The truth is that getting healthy is far less expensive in the long run than the maintenance it takes to stay unhealthy. And let's not forget about the extra years that being healthy can add to your life.
I Don’t Care!
I think this is the one that strikes me the hardest. It's truly the one excuse that I have the least answers for.
To me, if you don’t care enough of yourself to try to live longer and live better, then I really have no start point to motivate you. You have to want to change. As I always say, if you simply go through the motions with anything, you will fail.
"One Who Lacks The Courage To Start Is Already Finished." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The other day my wife spoke to a gentleman that stopped into the Studio for some information. He was extremely overweight – probably about 350-400 lbs. – and said that he wanted to lose about 40-60 lbs. He told her that he has high blood pressure and diabetes. My wife asked if he was doing any type of exercise right now and he said that all he does is walk on occasion and “exercise with the kids I teach”. He had noted that he was a teacher, so my wife asked what he taught. He teaches Fitness!!
My wife explained what we do at our Studio and discussed his options. He said that he would think about it – and I never expect to see him again.
What is he thinking about?? He has high blood pressure and diabetes, and seemed to have a difficult time breathing just by walking. And this gentleman was hired by one of our schools to teach Fitness. What is wrong with this picture?
Is he thinking about his diabetes – how in a few years diabetes may cause him to go blind, or cause gangrene that may cause amputation of one or more of his limbs? Or is he thinking about his high blood pressure that may cause a stroke or heart attack.
He’s probably thinking that he doesn’t need our facility because he’s on medication. Medication only treats the symptoms of these diseases; it doesn’t cure them.
Maybe he’s thinking about all the excuses why he can’t get healthy:
5 Worst Excuses for Not Getting Healthy
We all want to be healthy and slim, right? So why aren't we? Oh, there could be a genetic or medication issue that's holding you back.
As a Total Wellness expert, I have worked with a large number of clients over the years. And believe me when I tell you -- excuses for not getting healthy are not only a dime a dozen, but they also don't make a lot of sense!
I’m Too Old to Start Now!
It’s never too late to get healthy. Cliché as it sounds, it's true. There are measurable benefits to becoming more active, improving your diet and sharpening your state of mind.
People begin to seek a healthier lifestyle at all ages. I have worked with people in their 60's, 70’s and even 80’s and they have all gained strength and coordination, decreased their dependency on medications, and improved their overall flexibility.
I’m Too Tired!
Starting a healthy lifestyle isn't easy. It’s never easy to change especially when you feel like you're too tired to even move from the sofa at all.
However, I can tell you that incorporating healthy changes -- even small ones like a 10-minute-a-day walking program -- will in turn give you more energy. So it’s win-win. The more you do, the better you feel. Or do nothing and feel horrible.
I Have No Motivation!
No two people are motivated by exactly the same things. Some of us are internally motivated, some of us fight a disease or the onset of an illness, while others just miss feeling well. No person can be pushed to be motivated because if motivation doesn’t come from you genuinely, you will fail.
My advice: think it through. Remember a time when you felt well or a time when you were successful on a fitness plan. Focus on what worked and the positive results you enjoyed.
Getting Healthy is Expensive
The clothes, the food, the gym memberships... oh, my! Let’s look at it the other way -- the way where you stay unhealthy. The clothes, the food, the doctor visits, the medicine, the co-pays and the pain and discomfort… OH, MY!
The truth is that getting healthy is far less expensive in the long run than the maintenance it takes to stay unhealthy. And let's not forget about the extra years that being healthy can add to your life.
I Don’t Care!
I think this is the one that strikes me the hardest. It's truly the one excuse that I have the least answers for.
To me, if you don’t care enough of yourself to try to live longer and live better, then I really have no start point to motivate you. You have to want to change. As I always say, if you simply go through the motions with anything, you will fail.
"One Who Lacks The Courage To Start Is Already Finished." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, June 14, 2010
Importance of Nutrition in Fitness
Hello friends….and the official start of Summer is almost here. It’s definitely been hot and humid enough for August, even though it’s only June.
Now that the nice weather is here we have put out some chairs in front of the Studio, like we do every year. Many times my wife will sit outside just to relax for a while.
A few months ago a new restaurant opened next door so, of course, she can see the patrons coming in and out. I’ve always said that any restaurant that opens here in Williamsburg is a “goldmine” since most people around here love to eat out so much, and not necessarily the right type of food.
She mentioned to me the other day that she has been noticing a large number of women wearing those distinctive, colorful smocks – the ones used by most women working as assistants in various medical offices. These women are picking up lunch orders.
In our business we believe that strength training, cardio and nutrition are the only way to build a healthy lifestyle. It’s sad to see that so many people whose jobs are related to medical offices spend their time and money purchasing take out lunches – you would hope that they would know better.
Nutrition is extremely important, and it becomes even more important as you get older. Many people find the easy way out, either by eating out or ordering in. All it takes is a little planning and time to cook some meals that can be portioned out for the rest of the week. Healthy, nutritious meals that cost a fraction of take-out food.
Does this mean that you should never eat out? Of course not. But the problem of obesity in this country is tied to unhealthy lifestyle habits. In the past twenty years or so, these unhealthy habits have been caused, in large part, to fast food.
Adults eat fast food, and so their children eat fast food. No matter how careful you are, you never really know what you are getting when you eat out. I recently sent out a Health Note on this very subject.
A couple of weeks ago a woman came in to discuss our services. She was worried about her granddaughter. Her granddaughter is 10 years old and weighs 200 lbs.!! And, her mother doesn’t think this is a problem. Needless to say, she never returned.
Our most successful clients are those that have learned how to adjust their eating habits….and it really isn’t all that hard. When someone tells me that they “can’t” change, I tell them that they “don’t want” to change.
Only you can make a change for the better. Do you “want” to?
Now that the nice weather is here we have put out some chairs in front of the Studio, like we do every year. Many times my wife will sit outside just to relax for a while.
A few months ago a new restaurant opened next door so, of course, she can see the patrons coming in and out. I’ve always said that any restaurant that opens here in Williamsburg is a “goldmine” since most people around here love to eat out so much, and not necessarily the right type of food.
She mentioned to me the other day that she has been noticing a large number of women wearing those distinctive, colorful smocks – the ones used by most women working as assistants in various medical offices. These women are picking up lunch orders.
In our business we believe that strength training, cardio and nutrition are the only way to build a healthy lifestyle. It’s sad to see that so many people whose jobs are related to medical offices spend their time and money purchasing take out lunches – you would hope that they would know better.
Nutrition is extremely important, and it becomes even more important as you get older. Many people find the easy way out, either by eating out or ordering in. All it takes is a little planning and time to cook some meals that can be portioned out for the rest of the week. Healthy, nutritious meals that cost a fraction of take-out food.
Does this mean that you should never eat out? Of course not. But the problem of obesity in this country is tied to unhealthy lifestyle habits. In the past twenty years or so, these unhealthy habits have been caused, in large part, to fast food.
Adults eat fast food, and so their children eat fast food. No matter how careful you are, you never really know what you are getting when you eat out. I recently sent out a Health Note on this very subject.
A couple of weeks ago a woman came in to discuss our services. She was worried about her granddaughter. Her granddaughter is 10 years old and weighs 200 lbs.!! And, her mother doesn’t think this is a problem. Needless to say, she never returned.
Our most successful clients are those that have learned how to adjust their eating habits….and it really isn’t all that hard. When someone tells me that they “can’t” change, I tell them that they “don’t want” to change.
Only you can make a change for the better. Do you “want” to?
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