The Inspiration Behind The Real Fountain of Youth

When you think of yourself aging, how do you imagine yourself? Have you embraced aging or are you having a hard time acknowledging or planning for it? Are you living life to the fullest and feeling the best you’ve ever felt? We all know there’s no such thing as the rumored Fountain of Youth, and we can’t just sit back waiting for doctors and research scientists to find new drugs and therapies to stop the hands of time. After reading my book The Real Fountain of Youth: Simple Lifestyle Changes for Productive Longevity, you will realize that aging doesn’t have to feel dreadful and it is possible to keep living life feeling lively and productive without any medications or therapies. Extended youth – longevity – is available to everyone; however, it doesn’t come easily. In order to feel your best throughout your whole life, you must work for it and keep motivated. It won’t always be easy and at times you may lose focus, but you don’t have to work for it on your own. There are professionals that dedicate their lives to helping others achieve productive longevity, such as personal fitness trainers, nutritionists and chiropractors. USA Today reported that according to recent government statistics, most adults in the USA aren’t meeting the federal physical activity recommendations for both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activity. About 79% of adults don’t meet the physical activity guidelines that advise getting at least 2½ hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking, or one hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging. Plus, the guidelines recommend that adults do muscle-strengthening activities, such as push-ups, sit-ups or exercise using resistance bands or weights. I witnessed how much a lack of physical activity can affect the human body while I was visiting a rehabilitation facility to check up on my friend’s mother after she had knee surgery.  This is also where much of the inspiration to write my book came to me.  As a walked down the hallways, I could not help but notice how many senior citizens were present, and that for some of them, nothing appeared to be physically wrong. While I was waiting for my friend’s mother, I asked one of the nurses about what I had observed. She informed me that many of these people were there because they had either accepted the fact that they were getting old, were unmotivated or had simply neglected themselves. As I thought about what I was told, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for these people. Instead of enjoying their golden years like they should be, they had simply given up because they lacked the motivation to live their lives to the fullest. At that moment, I realized that as a personal fitness trainer, I had an obligation to educate and teach as many people on the enormous benefits of exercise. I could also give them motivation and confidence by showing them that the sad acceptance of aging is not inevitable. That’s when I decided that in addition to training my clients, I was going to...

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Partner Up! The Benefits of Working Out with a Buddy

Do you remember using the buddy system as a child? You can still use it today, but instead of holding your buddy’s hand during an elementary field trip, invite them to work out with you.  Exercising with a friend can help you focus more on your training, and it’s especially helpful for those who lack the motivation. For example, if you plan on working out at a specific time, but aren’t really feeling up to it, the fact that your friend is waiting for you will spark that motivation. If you are ever struggling during the workout, your friend may also encourage you to push through. Partnering up with someone can make your workout fun and enjoyable. That 3-mile run can seem like 10 miles when you intensely focus on the finish line.  A little chitchat will pass the time, boost your mood and get you caught up on the latest gossip, all while getting in a great cardio workout. You may even find yourself getting a bit competitive during your run. If your partner is starting to pick up speed, you won’t want to lag behind.  Challenge each other by changing up the pace once and maybe even reward the winner with a favorite meal or snack. One of you may just score a free juice or smoothie after the workout! Other benefits of working out with someone are that they can help you correct technique issues and recommend new exercises or variations from original ones. When you are getting in shape on your own, it’s difficult to tell if there are any flaws in your technique, especially if you aren’t in front of a mirror. Having someone around to give you some guidance can help you improve your form so you can start seeing better results.  Changing your workout routine can also help you see better results, as you will continually be challenging your body. Start adding new exercises to your routine. Your workout buddy may be able to introduce you to new exercises that will get you both seeing results. 5 Buddy Approved Exercises Grab a partner and try these exercises. Be safe and be sure to have your gym staff or trainer first show you how to do the exercises  properly. 1. Medicine Ball Slam: Face your partner with your feet shoulder width apart. Your partner should be standing the same way.  Grab the medicine ball and reach as far back as you can, then slam the ball to the floor towards your partner. Your partner will catch the ball after one bounce, and then reach the ball over their head and slam it on the floor toward you. 2. Stability Ball Twists: Stand back to back with your partner. Hold the stability ball and extend your arms in front of you. Turn your torso to one side, as your partner turns to the opposite side so they can grab the ball. Your partner will repeat this, passing the ball back to you. Keep repeating. This is a great core workout for both you and your partner. 3. Boxing: Put on a pair of boxing gloves and have your...

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Say “I Do” to In-Home Personal Fitness Training

You’ve booked your venue, found your vendors, and most importantly, said yes to the perfect guy AND dress. Now, you’ll just need to make sure that dream dress fits exactly the way you want it to on the big day! It’s easy to make the decision to stay in and skip the gym when you finally get the chance to sit down and relax after a hard day of work or running errands. For bride-to-be Michelle Segal, whose schedule can be quite hectic at times, it’s been easier to find time and motivation to get in shape for her wedding ever since she began training with me in the comfort of her own home. “I’ve found that if you’re trying to get in shape for your wedding, having a personal trainer can be one of the most beneficial ways to help you reach your fitness goals,” Segal says. “Eraldo has created a fitness program based on my goals to improve flexibility and lose weight, while sculpting muscle to get that slim, toned look.” Segal’s workout includes weight training with fast paced cardio in between to raise her heart rate and increase endurance. Some of the exercises we have been focusing on are squats, lunges, and a variety of chest, shoulder, back, core, tricep and bicep exercises. The individualized attention you get with a personal trainer in your own home will have you looking exactly how you want so you can strut down the aisle with confidence. I began training with Michelle in January and will be training with her for six months. I have no doubt that she will look stunning for her wedding in July. Because Michelle and I are still at the early stages of training, exercise technique is still the main objective. Being able to build a safe and solid foundation is a critical component in any training program. The right personal trainer will have you feeling your absolute best by motivating and encouraging you every step of your way during the journey to achieving your health and fitness goals. Before you say “I do” to your personal trainer, make sure he or she is right for you. You’ve already found Mr. Right, now find the right trainer! 5 Tips for Finding the Right Personal Trainer Before Walking Down the Aisle  1. Think about your fitness goals.  I offer my clients a free consultation when I meet with them to go over their goals and expectations, health history, nutritional guidance, and training methodology, so I advise them to give some thought to what they expect to achieve from training before we meet. You might already be slim and not looking to lose weight but want to get your arms tone for that strapless wedding dress. Maybe your main goal is to lose weight and spend less time working on building muscle. Knowing what your goals are will help you find a trainer that’s right for you. 2. Find a certified trainer.  Your personal trainer’s certification should be current and from an NCAA-accredited organization, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports...

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Can Music Help You Achieve Your Fitness Goals?

As Bob Marley said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” That’s a great reason to put those earphones on while working out! Listening to music while exercising has been found in multiple studies to create an increased sense of motivation, distracting the mind while increasing heart rate. Personally, I try to incorporate music in all of my workouts. As for my clients, they all insist I bring my selection of music to their training sessions. Music can definitely serve as an important tool in achieving your fitness goals. Here are just a few key benefits of listening to music while exercising: Music has shown in research to effect your body and psyche. Music stimulates your inner core and it gives your mind that edge it needs to perform a task or objective. Music relaxes your body which can help ward off depression. Music helps promote movement, which can help burn more calories. Many places (including hospitals) are beginning to incorporate music to help patients deal with pain management. Enough evidence now exists to concretely state that music is a very effective tool in the achievement of your fitness goal and overall well-being. So, the next time you are contemplating whether to exercise or not, just turn up the music and let the beat motivate...

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