Top 5 exercises to start once the weather gets warm

If you are like most people, the winter of 2014 has been a rough one. With snow amounts well above the average in a given year, we are all anticipating the return of warmer weather. Having said that, here are few exercises to get you started accordingly: Cardio exercise(s):  We all have our favorite cardio exercise. After all, that is what makes each one of us so special. Whether you are jogging, swimming, cycling or running, the point is you must start slowly and be consistent. Squats:  In my mind, the best exercise you can do to really get you ready for the warm weather is the “good old fashioned”…. SQUAT. This exercise is ideal to get your lower body toned and strong. Push ups:  Folks, I don’t know everything about everything, but I’m certain of one thing, this exercise will always be considered when fitness is the topic of discussion. When executed properly, the push up will challenge anyone regardless of their physical condition. Core exercise(s):  In recent years, the importance of training your core has grown more significantly than ever before. Many studies have shown core training improves posture, back issues and overall fitness. Exercises like crunches, planks, side bends and reverse crunches are just a few to get you ready for that midsection you always wanted. Stretching:  Stretching and Flexibility exercises are an important part of any workout. Stretching your muscles after an intense routine will help with range of motion, flexibility and improve body posture. Furthermore, stretching after exercising can help reduce muscle soreness. That should prevent you from walking like a zombie for a...

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Why do we struggle with fitness during the winter?

Let’s face it. When the temperature begins to drop outside, the last thing on your mind is exercise. Unless, of course, you are a hard-core fitness aficionado. Then the cold weather really doesn’t make a difference to you. But why do some of us struggle with maintaining a fitness program during the winter? Here a few thoughts: Mental Attitude: We all have this notion that once the temperature drops, so should our activity. This could not be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, statistically, during the cold months (between November and February) the average person will increase their body weight between 5-7lbs. Most of that weight, unfortunately, is body fat. Get mentally ready for this change. Tell yourself that no matter what YOU will stick to your exercise program. Period. Daylight savings: Shorter days give you the feeling that the day is almost over, therefore, you trick yourself into early retirement from most activities (including exercise). Don’t let the lack of summery sunshine hours be a reason to cancel your workout. Make a workout plan and stick with it. Before you know it, spring will be here and the long days are just around the corner. Fast results: The old saying “Rome was not build in one day” still holds value today, especially when it comes to exercising. Unfortunately, we are a society built on wanting results now and quick fixes. That is why our “New Resolution” promise we make at the beginning of the year will usually last between 4-6 weeks. Not enough time to see any results. On average, to see any physical changes to your body requires a 6 month 3 times a week fitness commitment. No short cuts here. Economics: The holidays have ended and unfortunately you spent more money on gifts than you should have. That leaves your bank account on hiatus for a while. Don’t let that stop you from engaging in an exercise program. There are many body exercises you can perform at home that will give you a workout to kick-start your fitness journey. Visit www.eraldofitness.com or www.jerseyfittv.com for more information on body exercises. That is all for now. Remember “ Take care of your body today and it will take care of you tomorrow”. Your fitness trainer, Eraldo...

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Autumn in the Park: 5 Tips for Staying Fit this Fall

Fall has arrived and the crisp autumn air can be nature’s alarm clock to get you going in the morning. The leaves are changing their glorious shades of autumn colors and the days are getting shorter. For some of us, the change of season signals the time to head indoors for the daily workout. For others, like me, it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy the colorful scenery and quieter times at local parks. It’s also the perfect time to get to know your body better and change up your exercise routine with simple exercises and lightweight, portable equipment. Here are my five tips for exercising and staying fit this fall: 1.  Warm up your body:  If there is one thing you should always do no matter what the temperature is outside, it’s get into the routine of  warming up your body for at least 5-10 minutes. Many people injure themselves because they don’t take the time to get their body moving and ready for exercise. The colder the temperature the longer you should warm up your body before any strenuous activity. 2. Body Exercises:  No matter how many workout fads we experience in our lifetime, some exercises should never go out of style and always be incorporated into your workout routine. Performed correctly, exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups and sit-ups are as effective in getting you in shape as any other form of fitness. They can be done anywhere, especially at the park. Watch my Jersey Fit series of videos for the proper way to perform a squat and use dumbbells. 3. TRX Suspension System:   Born in the Navy SEALs, Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. The equipment is perfect for any age; it’s extremely versatile and practical; and no you don’t have to be a NavySEAL in training to use it. There are many exercises you can perform on the system and the best part is that you can use it on a tree when working out at the park. Read more about the TRX Suspension System on my blog post, ‘Give the Gift of Fitness with the TRX Suspension System.’ 4. Running and Jogging: For many, there is nothing more exhilarating or challenging then a good run through the park. The air smells great and the scenery can transport your thoughts into a healthy state where your mind, body and soul align. As Nike says, “Just do it!” I can’t help it, I’m a big fan of the Nike Air Max Cross Trainers for running. 5. Stretching:  As we pointed out in tip 1, the warm up is essential for a cool weather workout. Before, during, and after your exercise routine, correct stretching can improve your range of motion every time you exercise. Be consistent with it and enjoy the benefits down the road. My top five tips should help you to get on the right path to healthier living and inspire you to head outdoors to enjoy the new season. If  you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. And remember to take care of your body today and it will take care of you tomorrow. Eraldo Maglara...

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Fitness & Fall: Jersey Fit Out & About

Meet Fitness Trainer Eraldo Maglara @ Brookdale Community College Saturday, Nov.2 & Sunday, Nov.3 from 11-5pm. Fitness Trainer “Eraldo Maglara” will be attending the 3rd Annual Women’s Health Fair at Brookdale Community College on Nov.2 & 3rd from 11-5pm. Together with his partner Jeff Pantelas (Complete Travel Planners) and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines  the “JERSEY FIT” team is proud to announce their 2014 Fitness Cruise getaway to the Bahamas. Come join us and help us make this “Fitness Cruise” a memorable one!   Meet & Greet Book Signing with Eraldo, Menlo Park Mall Paint the Mall Pink Saturday, October 26, 2012, 1-3 p.m. Meet Personal Fitness Trainer, Eraldo Maglara at the Paint The Mall Pink event on Saturday, October 26 for a Meet and Greet and talk about Healthy Living. Customers can also get his book, “The Real Fountain of Youth: Simple Lifestyle Changes for Productive Longevity,” signed from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on the lower level in the Nordstrom wing. A gift basket of Jersey Fit goodies will also be raffled off. We hope to see you there! Past Event: PIX11 Health and Wellness Expo On Saturday, October 19, 2013, Personal Fitness Trainer and host of the new YouTube series Jersey Fit, Eraldo Maglara NSCA-CPT attended the PIX11 Health and Wellness Expo at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The event showcased more than 100 of the country’s leading experts in health and wellness, who generously shared their time, knowledge and products with more than 10,000 visitors. To view the pics, visit Jersey Fit on Facebook! The entire Jersey Fit team, which included Maglara’s wife, daughter, son, cousin and friends, were in attendance to share their enthusiasm for a fit life. Maglara enjoyed signing copies of his new book, “The Real Fountain of Youth” and having one-on-one conversations with fans. A highlight of the event was an afternoon aerobics class run by Maglara, his cousin Carmen and the Jersey Fit girls. The Jersey Fit crew showed a room of about 50 participants how to exercise and care for their bodies the right way as they demonstrated simple, aerobic moves with high-tempo techno music provided by Maglara’s son. The room was focused and strong. Many participants were also stunned to learn that fitness expert Carmen Quaglia was 54 years old, proving that age is just a number when you’re Jersey Fit. “Carmen epitomizes what it means to be Jersey Fit! No matter your age, you can work with your personal trainer to customize a routine that works around your lifestyle and physical abilities,” says Eraldo Maglara. “My book ‘The Real Fountain of Youth’ has tons of tips and guidance on how to properly exercise. It’s my hope that men and women, age 40 and older, take their health seriously and plan for the future so they can be Jersey Fit as long as they wish. Age should not determine how we look or feel.” At the expo, Maglara was thrilled to meet Dr. Steve, host of the Dr. Steve Show on the Pix 11 Morning News, and Dr. Ian Smith, New York Times bestselling author, co-host of “The Doctors” TV show, medical contributor to “The Rachael Ray Show” and host of the nationally syndicated radio show HealthWatch. Both shared a wealth of wonderful advice with guests and posed to take pictures with Maglara to celebrate the launch of his new book. At the end of the day, Maglara raffled off a basket filled with a...

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Join Eraldo Maglara at PIX11 Health and Wellness Expo

Join Eraldo Maglara, NSCA-CPT at the PIX11 Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center  in Manhattan. PIX11 is bringing together the top experts in the health and wellness fields at the third annual PIX11 Health & Wellness Expo. There will be free fitness classes with professional fitness instructors such as Tae Bo® Fitness creator Billy Blanks and World Class Champion & UFC Trainer Kru Phil Nurse. Meet celebrities such as “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star and best-selling cookbook author Teresa Guidice, and best selling author and medical/ diet expert for “Celebrity Fit Club”  Dr. Ian Smith. Attend seminars held by health and fitness experts, such as Eraldo Maglara, NSCA-CPT. Eraldo Maglara will be holding a free fitness class entitled “GET FIT…with JERSEY FIT!!”. The class will be held in GYM #1 from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. JERSEY FIT will also have a booth at the Expo (BOOTH # 416) where all of the latest Jersey Fit merchandise (including his latest book “The Real Fountain of Youth: Simple Lifestyle Changes for Productive Longevity”) will be available for purchase. Looking forward to seeing all of you there!!  Click here for more information on Eraldo Maglara at the PIX11 Health & Wellness Expo. Tickets are $15 per person. Purchase tickets here. For more information on the  PIX11 Health and Wellness Expo,...

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Celebrate Longevity During Healthy Aging Month

September is Healthy Aging® Month, an annual observance month focused on the positive aspects of growing older and taking personal responsibility for one’s health – physically, socially, mentally and financially. The observance was created 15 years ago by Healthy Aging®, a national health initiative developed to help individuals think more positively about growing older. I believe that each and every day, no matter what our age, we should be focused on healthy aging and achieving productive longevity. There is no instantaneous way to live a longer more productive life, so the time to start thinking about your well-being is now. Ultimately, the key to happiness as aging progresses is to physically feel good. Remember, you do not have to surrender to old age.  It’s possible to maintain your strength and flexibility as you grow older.  “Getting old” in the sense of slowing down, becoming feeble and giving up being active is a decision that you make mentally.  The physical changes and limitations that people experience as old age is just their bodies following the mental command and responding to the lack of use.  All you really need is motivation and confidence to keep going. I have found the best way to stay productive as you age is through movement, diet and mindset. The more active you are as you get older, the more active you tend to stay.  Staying active becomes a habit, and you can cultivate that habit to make activity a seamless and continuous part of your life. Simply going for a long walk or jog is a great start; however, in order to really see results, you need to incorporate all three main types of exercise into your routine: cardio, stretching and weight training. Maintaining an optimal healthy diet is vital for healthy aging. According to Dr. Lori Magoulas, a registered dietitian and medical nutrition therapist, “Nutrition can affect longevity because what we eat can have both direct and indirect effects on how the body functions.  Through these effects, longevity can be altered.” During an interview that I had with Dr. Magoulas, which can be found in my book “The Real Fountain of Youth: Simple Lifestyle Changes for Productive Longevity” she further explains the benefits of proper nutrition and how it can protect the body as it ages. The better we eat, the better our body functions. There are five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy. ChooseMyPlate.gov illustrates specific foods that are in each food group and explains how much of each group should be consumed. You may find this to be a useful resource for maintaining an optimal healthy diet. In my opinion, your outlook on your health and longevity may possibly be the most important aspect of healthy aging. As I’ve said before, there is no instantaneous way to live a longer more productive life.  There really is no medication, supplement or device out there that will deliver a lasting, permanent change.  Over time, you will see results if you keep exercise and nutrition an important part of your life. Keep your mind...

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