Why We Make Fitness New Year’s Resolutions

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. It almost feels like we’re on a treadmill just trying to keep up with time! We make resolutions for the new year and by the time we know it, the year has passed and we may have only committed to just a few of them. One of the most popular resolutions is to start exercising to get in shape. Why is this such a common resolution? A new year means a new you. People are always looking for some type of spiritual re-birth when the new calendar year begins. In other words, it is more mental than physical. Feeling guilty. Human nature can be difficult to handle at times, and too much of anything is never a good thing. Moderation is the key. If we learn to control our urges, we might not feel so guilty. The influence of society. Americans seem to have an obsession with weight and physical appearance. Everywhere you look, whether it’s on TV, the internet or in magazines, health issues are always at the trending. You just cannot avoid it. Family pressure. Believe it or not, family plays a big part in this scenario. We look to them for comfort and direction. Sometimes they encourage us to do the right thing, sometimes they don’t. Always trust yourself. New year resolutions are pointless if you don’t follow through with them, so try to stay committed. A person who makes health and fitness a priority everyday shouldn’t have to wait until the end of the year to change their lifestyle. Make it a part of your life each and every day of the...

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The Importance of Stress Management

I am sure you have heard this many times before, but having too much stress in your life is just not good for you! Too much stress can affect your physical and mental well-being, and also cause difficulties with concentration and mood. Who wants that? Certainly not me, and I’m sure you don’t either. Unfortunately, stress has become a normal part of our everyday lives, and the first step towards dealing with it is being aware of it. There are several ways to manage stress and bring balance into your life. Here are just a few suggestions: Make time for yourself. Find something you really enjoy and pursue it. Whether it’s cooking, reading, bike riding or exercising,  find something you are passionate about and stick with it! Spend time with friends and family. This will certainly re-energize you and ease the tension of stress. Surrounding yourself with people that make you happy can relieve stress and increase your sense of motivation. Donate your time to a good cause. Volunteering for a charity organization is a valuable way to give back, and will not only make you feel good, but will also bring a new perspective to your life. Many people are in need today. Share your time and you will be rewarded. Adopt a pet. Animals can reduce loneliness and can be a great source of companionship. Taking care of a pet can also be a great way to increase your happiness and self-confidence. Even though stress affects all us in some way, we all cope with it differently. In order to keep ourselves healthy, it’s important that we recognize when we’re stressed and find ways to deal with it sooner rather than later....

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A Mental Change is the Only Way to Achieve a Physical Change

I am a strong believer that the mind is the  key component to a healthier and better you. If you think that mind has no bearing on your lifestyle choice then you are living in denial. People that make that mental switch, or as I like to call it a lifestyle minded change, are the ones that will see their body transform into a beautiful work of art. But why do so many people fail to recognize this concept? The answer is…IT’S HARD TO DO! Let’s face it. If making that switch was that easy we would not have an obesity epidemic in this country today. The latest figures put the percentage of obese adults in this country to over 30%. The children’s rate is fast approaching the 20%. That means a combined 150 million people are faced with the inevitable problems associated with obesity. So, why do many people still fail to recognize this concept? The answer is…IT’S TOO HARD TO DO! Our minds a very a complex tool. We constantly process information and make split decisions in an instant. As much as we understand what is happening around us, we sometimes have a hard time going against our better judgement. For example, we know that eating processed and fried foods or meals containing high sugars or salt are not good for us, but we do it anyway. We know that drinking too much alcohol can have a major impact on our organs, but we do it anyway. And the latest data on smoking could not be more damaging to our health than ever before, and yes, we do it anyway. It’s time to wake up! We need to start taking better care of ourselves. We are headed in the wrong direction and unless we make a mental switch and change our lifestyle for the good, we will be facing an epidemic like never before. Make that switch. Make that switch now. Remember, take care of your body today and it will take care of you tomorrow!...

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When Should You Begin Planning To Achieve Your Fitness Goals?

With the new year finally upon us, the time is NOW to start planing your fitness goals. Why? Because right now is as good as any time to start. Preparing your mind and body will give you the greatest chance for success in the future. Most people would agree that without an initial written plan for your fitness objectives, you may lose track and fail to accomplish your goals. Here are a few things I recommend you start doing as soon as possible: Write down on a piece of paper what your goal(s) are ( i.e lose weight, gain strength, improve your cardio endurance). This way they are in front of you to look at. Make an appointment with your doctor to schedule a physical if it has been more than 6 months since your last checkup. Get in touch with a local certified personal trainer and schedule a free consultation to discuss in detail what the best courses of action are to achieve your fitness goals. It is important to keep in mind that whatever your goals are you must allow for your body to adapt to changes accordingly. In other words, to build that perfect body it will require time, patience, dedication and a strong committment. So get a pen and paper and start writing your way to a new body! Feel free to call me any time with your questions (732)-618-0849. Best of luck to...

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