The Pro’s Tips For Successful Weight Loss

I remember the moment I realized I was no longer a professional athlete. It was in 2002, a year after I had retired from the International Federation of Body-Building (IFBB). I was languishing on the treadmill in my neighborhood gym after a long day training people session after session, when a huge and ripped guy walked in and began warming up with 220 lbs before starting his legs training session and disgustingly bulging his gigantic body. I smiled weakly in his direction and thought; I used to look like that not too long ago. And of course when he passed me, I ran faster like there was no tomorrow.
Obviously, my 60-minute training sessions weren't having the same chiseling effects as the 4-hour training sessions I endured when I was in a competitive level. That's when I realized I'd have to change my stay-in-shape strategy. Here are a few of my pro-to-real-world fitness secrets.

Pro tip #1: Visualize the body you want.
Many professional athletes practice visualization, which means picturing themselves going through the motions to achieve a certain goal — complete with sounds, colors, tastes and smells — and have seen it pay off big time. During my 7 year professional career, I spent 10 minutes a day visualizing and looking at my body the way I wanted it to look and feel, the result that I mentally conceived in the visualizations were experienced in my training sessions, making them tremendously intensive and effective. Now, whenever I work out, I close my eyes and visualize my arm and leg muscles flexing, my heart pumping strong and my body looking ripped.

Pro tip #2: Set realistic goals.
You aren't likely to hear some rookie say he plans to win the Olympia championship (the highest bodybuilding competition) when they finished in last place the year before and he has yet to get off the bench. In other words, most professional athletes set realistic goals. So face it: You're not going to lose 30 pounds by your 10-year class reunion next weekend. (A more realistic goal is approximately two pounds per week.) Focus on taking one baby step at a time, keeping your ultimate goal in mind. It will be all the more rewarding when you finally get there!

Pro tip #3: Find a workout that works for you.
My challenge after retirement was to maintain the weight and body fat composition I had achieved as an elite athlete. No easy task when you're working a full-time job, right? Because keeping in shape also means aerobic activities, my body was used to fast, quick, blood-flow — something like pedaling on the stationery bike or walking/running on a treadmill couldn't match. But then I created a full body workout that uses strictly dumbbells, body bars and medicine balls, I call it the Total Body Work, I even made a DVD out of it. It was perfect for me because, in only 40 minutes, I get a cardio-toning workout equal to working out 2 hours with machines at a crowded gym. When time is an issue (and when isn't it?), you need to focus on finding workouts that give you the biggest bang for the buck.

Pro tip #4: Check your fuel gauge.
While you'd never put sugar in your gas tank, many of us put junk into our bodies on a regular basis and then wonder why we don't have the energy to get through the day. While training for the World Championships, I made myself eat healthfully because it was very obvious that my physical and my mental shape depended upon it. After I retired, however, I developed a weakness for junk food, despite the fact that it made me feel sluggish. Then my yogi master reminded me that I'd only been addressing half of my fitness dilemma. Besides focusing on exercise, I also needed to eat more wisely. Now I give in to my junk food cravings only one day a week, and my body feels and looks much better.

Pro tip #5: Make appointments with your body.
It's easy to put your body first when it's the source of your income. Still, as soon as I finished my training session, I started filling my calendar with clients’ one on one session. No wonder that at the end of most work days, I was either too zonked or too preoccupied to go to the gym. So on Sunday nights, I began checking my calendar to determine my business and social obligations for the week, then penned in when I planned to work out each day, literally making appointments with my body to exercise. And just like I faithfully stuck to the rest of my schedule, I never once canceled a workout. I made an appointment with myself.

Pro tip #6: Always be ready to work out.
As a professional athlete, competing and working out are always in the forefront of your mind. The rest of us have 28 million other things to think about, which means that we need to make exercising as convenient as possible. I joined a gym close to home, and being able to drive, run or bike there has proven effective in keeping me on a consistent schedule, regardless of the weather. For added motivation, I always keep a clean set of workout clothes in my car so I can head to the gym or the local park on a whim. (After all, if you don't go home first, you won't find excuses to stay home.) I also keep a stash of fitness gadgets in my closet, including a medicine ball, workout bands and a stability ball. These let me exercise my entire body and, because they're so different from what I usually do at the gym, I generally look forward to using them again. Plus, most of these items travel well, which allows me to workout when I'm on the road.

Pro tip #7: Great bodies think alike.
While being a pro athlete I had an entire organization looking after me— not to mention a paycheck — to motivate me to stay fit. In the real world, we have to find other sources of motivation: friends, family, even a local sports team. When you've entered into a pact with someone else, you're more likely to remain committed. Once you've found a workout partner, consider signing an agreement that outlines your fitness goals. Seeing your fitness dream written down on paper may give you the boost you need to achieve it.

Pro tip #8: Celebrate your successes.
When I was a pro, working out regularly and being in top shape was a given. These days, I feel an incredible sense of achievement whenever I complete an ordinary 40-minute workout. Sure it’s nothing compared to the super-intensive workout sessions I use to go through when I was competing but now I am happy that I am able to keep training for fitness and for health. You can give yourself little rewards here and there — as long as it's not junk food. Instead, splurge on a bouquet of flowers or a smoothie, or celebrate your successes with something bigger, such as a pedicure, a facial, a night out with friends or even a trip!

5 Signs That You're Doing it Right

Ever wonder just how effective your workout routine really is?

Maybe you saw great results when you first started to exercise, but now those results have come to a screeching halt.

Want to know why?

If the following 5 statements accurately describe your exercise routine, then fear not-you're doing it right. However, if the following 5 statements don't describe your exercise routine then listen up-there's no better time than now to rev up your routine.

1. You Make the Most of Each Move: Gone are the days when workouts lasted more than an hour and you had time to single out each muscle individually. These days time is of the essence, and compound movements deliver excellent results in less time than ever before.

Not sure if your routine includes compound movements? Any exercise that uses two or more joints is considered to be a compound movement. Squats and lunges are great examples. If you want to pack even more benefit into each move then try adding a shoulder press with your squats and a bicep curl with your lunges.

2. You Keep it Intense: Let's be honest, at one time or another you've spent time in the gym 'exercising' without ever breaking a sweat. Maybe you drifted from one machine to the next or joined an aerobics class for a few minutes, but the bottom line was that your heart wasn't into it.

Workouts that lack intensity are practically a waste of time. Your body craves a challenge, and you see the most results when you keep your intensity high. Keep your workouts concise and push yourself with each exercise.

3. You're Consistent: Anyone can have one great workout, but one workout won't translate into killer results-only consistency will do that for you. Exercise must be a part of your daily routine, plain and simple.

One of the best ways to stay consistent with your routine is to do your workout at the same time everyday. We are creatures of habit, so once your exercise schedule has been firmly set you'll find the process to be automatic, rather than an occasional afterthought.

4. You Seek a Challenge: Just like hairstyles, exercise routines quickly become outdated. That is why the best routines are dynamic, and the worst routines never change. How do you know when your routine needs to be updated?
You'll know how effective your routine is by the results, or lack there of, that you experience. If you feel that you are simply going through the motions then stop wondering about the effectiveness of your routine and start doing something new. I however think that basic exercises such as squats, curls, chest press, overhead press, etc... should be kept if you see results.


5. You're Having a Blast: Do you dread the very thought of going for a jog, but force yourself to do it simply because you've no other ideas for exercise? Stop right there. Exercise is an enjoyable activity, especially when you find the form that is best suited for your personal preferences.

If you don't like exercise there is a good chance that your technique needs help. I pride myself in showing my clients the fun side of exercise-yes, exercise is fun!

If your routine includes all of the above then congratulations – you are doing it right. You're consistent, you challenge yourself and you're seeing results. However, if your routine doesn't include the above, you now have the blueprints to do it right.

Small changes make a big difference

How many times have you told yourself that you need to lose weight?

I'm not talking about a couple pounds either – I'm talking about 20 or more pounds of extra fat that you'd like to see disappear.

I've come to notice a trend. Most people psyche themselves out before they ever start losing the weight. It's as if the enormity of their goal simply puts them into shut down mode, and they give up on the idea entirely.

Has this ever happened to you? You try out a diet or exercise plan for a week or so, and then you get frustrated when your body looks the same as before. So you give up.

Weight loss isn't a speedy thing. It takes time to gain weight – many people put on weight for years and then expect to lose it in a few weeks or months. It doesn't work that way.

So instead of pressuring yourself into losing 50 pounds in two months, how about sticking with a realistic, proven way for long term weight loss: Small changes to your lifestyle over time will make the difference.

In practical terms, make it your goal to drop one pound a week.

Now, this may not seem like that much, but if you did this consistently for one year it would result in 50 lbs lost. All it takes are small changes in your daily lifestyle. Let's break the process down...

How to shed a pound a week: Burn 3500 extra calories.

It really is that simple. Try the following three steps:
Record your normal weekly exercise – look at everything from walking to participating in sports to exercising in the gym. This is your starting point. You need to burn an additional 3500 calories on top of your normal weekly exercise. If you don't currently exercise, then this step is really easy for you, a simple blank page will do.

Record your normal weekly food intake – this may be hard to do honestly, but remember that you are only cheating yourself by not recording everything. Calculate the total number of calories that you eat in an average day. In your quest for dropping inches you shouldn't exceed your normal daily caloric intake – you should, rather, work at slowly decreasing that number. Remember, we are going for a 3500 calorie deficit each week – this can be done by a combination of increased calorie exertion (exercise) as well as a decrease in calories consumed (eating less).

Chart the difference - now that you know your starting point for both calorie exertion and calorie intake it is time to turn the tables in your favor. Take every opportunity to exert more calories by increasing your physical activity, and to decrease your calorie consumption by eating fewer calories and by making healthier selections. Record your progress in a notebook and refer back to it often. You will be surprised how encouraging it is to see your progress written down on paper.

Remember, if you burn up 500 calories a day you will drop a pound in a week.

Here are some practical ways to lose calories:

If you normally...Do this instead...
Drink regular soda pop...Drink water or diet soda pop (160 calories lost)
Eat a snack from a vending machine...Enjoy an apple (180 calories lost)
Hit the snooze button in the AM...Jog for 30 minutes before work (150 calories lost)
Skip your workout...Call me for an invigorating workout (changes your life!)


Weight loss doesn't have to be allusive. Make small changes each and every day toward a healthier, fitter you. Remember that small changes make a big difference.

I'm always available to help – call or reply to this email to set up your free coaching consultation.

Got Muscle Confusion?

A question that I am often asked by frustrated fitness enthusiasts is "Why have my results stopped? I am doing the same routine as before - what happened?"

This is a common place to end up, usually a few months after starting a new exercise routine. At first your body responds to your routine in lost pounds and gained muscle tone, then one day your results screech to a stop.

What happened? And, more importantly, what can you do about it?

You may have heard the saying, "When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best idea is to get off." This is the perfect analogy for your stale workout routine.

- The problem: Your body has adapted to your routine. Let's face it, when you can do your workout routine in your sleep it's time for something new.

- The Solution: It's time to shake things up, and to apply the concept of muscle confusion.

Muscle confusion means that you keep your body guessing by changing your routine. The following are great ways to do just that:

1- Exercises: When you know that your routine has lost its effectiveness the first obvious thing to change are the actual exercises. It is important to include every major muscle group in your routine, so be sure to exchange each exercise for one that works the same muscle group.

2- Resistance: Do you find yourself always reaching for the same dumbbells or placing the pin in the same notch of the weight stack? Change your weight as well as the number of repetitions performed. If you normally do 12-15 repetitions then increase the weight and do 6-8. The key is to challenge your muscles in a new way.

3- Equipment: There are so many different pieces of exercise equipment out there—don't limit your routine to just one type. If you love working with dumbbells but your routine has fallen flat, put them aside and try something new. A little creativity can really jump start your progress.

4- Style: So often the training style that we are first taught sticks with us forever. For you this may be the style of doing one set, taking a rest period, and then doing another set. Or maybe you have caught on to the circuit training style that keeps your heart rate elevated throughout the routine. Whatever your chosen style, be sure to change it once your routine ceases to produce results.

Now, don't worry, this doesn't mean that you need a brand new workout every day of the week. In fact, your body will take some time to adjust to each new workout, so it should be done for the appropriate amount of time before results start to slack off.

What is that ‘sweet spot' of time that each new routine should be used before moving on to the next? Well, the answer to that question is as unique as each person reading this.

For some this will mean a new routine every 4 weeks, and for others it will mean a new routine every 12 weeks. Typically the fitter you are the quicker your body will adapt to each new routine.

Muscle confusion plays a big part of the programs that I provide for my clients and it's one of the little secrets I use to deliver fast results.

When your body speaks, you need to listen!

Want to know more? Contact me today to get started on your own program aimed at weight loss success.

Cut Heart Disease Risks in 18 Days

Day 1: Drink Green Tea
Green tea contains several powerful antioxidants that may reduce cholesterol and may even lower blood pressure. To make a day's supply, bring 20 oz water to a boil, drop in three decaffeinated green tea bags, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags, and refrigerate the tea. When cool, pour the tea into a container, add ice if you like, and sip throughout the day.

Day 2: (Re-)Calculate Your Fat Budget
Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of your calories, with most fats coming from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.

Day 3: Take the Italian Cure
In the world of fat, olives rule. Canola oil is good, but olive oil may be better. Substitute olive oil for butter or margarine at the table, drizzle it on salads, and use it to replace vegetable oils in baking wherever possible. Buy only cold-pressed, extra virgin oil; it retains more of the olive's heart-healthy antioxidants than other forms.

Day 4: Rough Up Your Diet
Studies show that the more fiber you eat, the less likely you are to have a heart attack. Load up on whole grain breads and cereals that contain whole wheat, wheat bran, and oats. Toss beans into casseroles, soups, and salads. Aim for at least 25-35 g of fiber a day.

Day 5: Eat Fish Tonight
Meat's saturated fat will clog your arteries. On the other hand, fatty fish such as salmon and anchovies are loaded with the omega-3 fatty acids that will help your heart maintain a steady rhythm. Aim to eat omega-3 rich fish at least twice a week.

Day 6: Don't Forget the Juice
Orange juice contains folic acid that helps lower your levels of homocysteine, a possible heart attack risk factor. Grape juice is loaded with flavonoids and resveratrol, both potent antioxidants that may discourage red blood cells from clumping together and forming an artery-blocking clot. Have two glasses daily--one at breakfast and one at lunch.

Day 7: Linger in the Produce Aisle
Eat at least 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables every day. Emphasize cruciferous vegetables such as kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage, which are a gold mine of antioxidants and other heart-saving phytochemicals.
Day 8: Go Nuts!
Studies have found that those who eat more than 5 oz of nuts a week are one-third less likely to have either heart disease or a heart attack. Just don't overdo it--nuts can pile on the pounds.

Day 9: Change Your Bread Spread
The trans fatty acids in margarine and the saturated fat in butter both clog your arteries, so try one of the new spreads that contain cholesterol-lowering sterols instead--including Promise activ or Benecol. They're expensive, yes, but they can lower your cholesterol anywhere from 7 to 14 percent. Also consider spread alternatives such as hummus or nut butters.

Day 10: Add Flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of the most potent sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Studies indicate that adding flaxseed to your diet can reduce the development of heart disease by 46 percent while helping keep red blood cells from clumping together and forming clots that can block arteries. Sprinkle 2 Tbs flaxseed a day on your cereal or salad. Buy it preground, and keep it refrigerated.

Day 11: Have a Drink
Research overwhelmingly shows that 1 to 3 oz of alcohol a day significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack. Unless you have a problem with alcohol or high blood pressure, you can safely have one alcoholic drink a day.

Day 12: Move!
Studies show that exercise reduces the risk of a heart attack by up to 50 percent--more than the best cholesterol-lowering drug. And it doesn't take much: just a few hours a week, according to experts. Pick an easy exercise such as walking, and begin to integrate two or three 15-minute workout intervals into your day. Once your body is used to this routine, work toward the optimal amount: 45 minutes, four or five times a week. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Day 13: Experiment
The best exercise is one that you'll continue to do. So every day, in addition to your regular workout, try something new just for fun--hitting a tennis ball against the house, shooting hoops with your kids, or dancing to a golden oldie on the radio. If you find something that you like, incorporate it into your daily workout.

Day 14: Practice Mindfulness
Practicing a form of meditation in which you focus awareness on the present moment and relax can reduce the effects of daily stressors. When stressful moments occur, they can be countered by simply closing your eyes and quietly focusing on your breathing for 5 to 10 minutes.

Day 15: Build a Strong Spiritual Life
Studies indicate that those with regular spiritual practices who meet with a faith community--attending church or temple, for example--live longer, better, and are far less likely to have a heart attack. Get more involved in your religion, or develop your own traditions. Either way, sit down every day for 20 minutes, close your eyes, and focus on a particular word or phrase that you associate with something greater than yourself.

Day 16: Get More People in Your Life
Strong connections to family, friends, community, and God reduce anxiety and fight depression--two factors that increase your risk of a heart attack. So first thing in the morning, make a lunch date with a good friend, tell your family that everyone needs to sit down for dinner tonight, or plan to visit your place of worship. Resolve to do these things every day.

Day 17: Grab Garlic
Just one clove a day reduces the risk of a heart attack at least three ways: It discourages red blood cells from sticking together and blocking your arteries, lowers cholesterol a modest amount, and may lower blood pressure, to help reduce arterial damage.

Day 18: Top It Off With an Aspirin
Aspirin therapy reduces the occurrence of blood clots, possibly preventing heart attack and stroke. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take an aspirin a day. It's important to tell your doctor what other medications or supplements you're taking to avoid drug interactions.

Source: AOL Health

Stop Thinking, Start Appreciating!

If you are like me, you have great days and not so great days. I have bad hair days and great hair days. I can be grumpy and I can be cuddly. It all depends on the way I chose to think, feel and act, first thing in the morning.

One day, while I was having a grumpy day and was not looking forward to my heavy daily schedule, my little four-year-old, Isabella, came into the bathroom and wanted me to hold her as I was trying to shave. I can't tell you that I did what she wanted - instead I ignored her by saying "not now baby, I am busy!"

Of course Isabella, as any innocent creature would react, sat down and started crying. I felt so horrible! I stopped shaving and with the shaving cream still on my face, I picked her up. While holding Isabella in my arms and while she was rubbing the shaving cream all over my face, I had an urging sensation to look into her eyes! There deep into those beautiful and innocent eyes, I saw something I never thought I'd see in my entire life. I saw MYSELF - but not an image of myself, I saw my SOUL!

I immediately felt a sensation of peace. My entire being was affected with a feeling of being able to let go and I become totally relaxed. That day I understood that no matter how bad your day or life may be unfolding, the illusion of your perception can be eradicated by a simple stare into the eyes of a loved one, a person or a pet or even your own self.

Our heart is what tells us the truth; it is the messenger of our soul. Our loved ones are often the ones that suffer the consequences of our own doing, so STOP thinking and start APPRECIATING.

Rosemary Lamb Chops

This recipe pulls tantalizing flavor from rosemary, garlic and pepper. Broiling is a healthy cooking method since it doesn't require that you add fat. Remember to trim any visible fat from the meat before cooking. Servings: 4

Here's what you need...

-8 (4oz) loin lamb chops, trimmed of fat
-1/2 cup dry red wine
-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
-1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
-4 garlic cloves, minced
-Freshly ground black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon salt

1-Heat broiler. Generously pierce lamb chops with fork. Place in shallow dish; add wine. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to marinate.

2-In a small bowl combine Worcestershire sauce, rosemary and garlic; mix well. Set aside.

3-Remove lamb from marinade; discard marinade. Place lamb on broiler pan. Spoon half of sauce mixture evenly over chops; sprinkle generously with pepper. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until browned.

4-Turn chops. Spoon remaining sauce over lamb; sprinkle with pepper. Cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes or to desired doneness. Sprinkle lamb with salt.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 190 calories, 9g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, and 26g protein.

Too Little of a Good Thing

Do you know the absolute BEST way to GAIN weight? Not eating. Does that come as a surprise? Fasting for extended periods of time actually slows your metabolism (your body's rate of calorie burning). Add to that the fact that you will lose muscle and energy by not supplying your body with proper nutrients. Instead eat small healthy meals every 4 hours.

The 5 Most Outrageous Weight Loss Myths

These days you can't go anywhere without hearing about a new weight loss breakthrough. A pill, a cream, or a new fad diet - you name it and it's going to solve all of your weight loss problems in 30 days or less. Or not.

The truth is that most of the things you hear about weight loss are hype. Plain and simple.

Here are the top 5 myths about weight loss:

Myth #1: You can spot reduce fat from specific areas of your body
This myth is as old as the hills, yet it persists. It must be that the thought of melting fat from any desired part of the body is so appealing, however untrue it may be.

In reality your body will lose weight wherever it wants to. It's safe to assume that you'll lose fat 'last place on, first place off'. So if you put on weight first in your thighs and then on your waist, then expect it to come off your waist first and then your thighs.

Myth #2: You have to count calories for weight loss

There are so many fad diets out there that paint the picture that weight loss is a complicated process. You have to eat certain foods at certain times and avoid other foods at all costs. Of course all of these popular diets conflict over which foods you should or shouldn't eat.

The truth is that you don't have to make weight loss such a science. Simply eat healthy fresh foods that haven't been processed, and eat smaller amounts than you're eating today.

No brain science there, just results.

Myth #3: You will bulk up with resistance training

I can't tell you how many times I've heard women tell me that they won't do resistance training because they don't want to bulk up. Each time I have to hide my smile.

You see, the process of bulking your muscles takes a lot of hard work. You have to consume high amounts of protein and you have to consistently tax your muscles to fatigue. And you have to have the male hormone testosterone coursing through your body. In short, there is no way to accidentally bulk up.

Myth #4: You can get a six pack from crunches

Just focusing on crunches will not make your midsection chiseled. Hey, ab crunches are great, and you should do them, but don't rely on them to get into great shape.

A trim midsection will only come as a result of proper nutrition, effective cardio and consistent resistance training.

Myth #5: Cardio is the most important exercise for fat loss

Most people think of cardiovascular activities when they think of working out. Going for a run, riding a stationary bike, or taking an aerobics class. Well, times have changed and so should your workout.

The benefits of resistance training now trump straight cardiovascular training. Resistance training strengthens your heart while toning muscles and increasing bone density.

Cardio workouts are not completely a thing of the past, they should fit into your overall plan for health and wellness. The benefits of resistance training, especially in fat loss, are astounding.

Do you have other weight loss beliefs that simply aren't delivering results? Call or email me today and I'll help you bust the myths, discover the truth, and create a fitness and fat loss program that will give you the body that you deserve.

Is Your Goal Smart?

The much anticipated 2008 Beijing Olympic games are now in full swing. I find it inspiring to watch athletes perform at the top of their game, don't you?

It's amazing to see what the human body is capable of when it's trained for a particular event.

Every athlete in the Olympics has trained for thousands of hours in a very specific way for their sport. These athletes know precisely what they want their bodies to do and they train in a focused manner to be the best. You can bet that they see a gold medal every time they close their eyes. Now that's focus.

What about you? What do you train for?

You see, whether you realize it or not, you too are training for a specific reason. Maybe your goals are more in line with losing 15 pounds rather than winning a gold medal, but your training needs to be just as specific in order to achieve your desired results.

Do you know why you exercise? Is it to lose weight? Is it to lower your blood pressure? Is it to shrink your waist? Is it to pick up a bag of groceries with more ease?

The first step toward getting the body of your dreams is to set a goal. This simple act, when done correctly, will instantly calm your frustrations and fill you with hope.

Here's how to make your goals SMART.

Specific: Ask yourself questions like: How many inches do I want to lose? What pant size do I want to be? Be painstakingly specific with yourself. It has been proven that the more specific your goal is the more likely you are to achieve it.

Measurable: You've got to be able to measure your results. It could be in pounds or body fat percentage or inches. It could even be fitting into a particular pair of pants that you haven't worn in years. The key is that you need to be able to physically measure your progress.

Attainable: If you have fifty pounds to lose it won't all come off in one month. Setting unattainable goals simply sets you up for failure. If you have a major fat loss goal then break it down into small attainable goals. As you achieve each smaller goal you will reinforce your progress and ultimately can attain any desired goal.

Realistic: This step is all about knowing yourself. What type of program would you realistically stick with? If you despise running then don't base your weight loss program on 6am jogs. Look honestly at your abilities, but don't underestimate yourself either. You'll need to push yourself to achieve your goal.


Timely: Every great goal is set on a timeline. Keeping the above steps in mind, give yourself an exact date and time that your goal needs to be accomplished by.

Now it's time to get to work. Write down your SMART goal and place it somewhere that you see often then tell three people of importance in your life about your goal.

Have the focus and the drive to pursue your SMART goal, just like the Olympians, and go make yourself proud!

I love nothing more than seeing my clients achieve their goals. Call me at the number above or reply to this email to get started on a fitness program that is specific to your goal.

Defintion of Common Nutritional Terms (Food Labels)

FAT FREE - Product has less than 1/2 (0.5) grams of fat per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

99 FAT FREE - Every 100 grams of food will have 1 gram or less of fat.

LOW FAT - Product has 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

REDUCED FAT - Fat has been reduced by at least 25 percent (compared to a similar food).

LIGHT (LITE) - Product has 33 fewer calories or 50 less fat per serving than a comparable product.

LEAN - For meat and poultry only. Product has less than 10 grams fat, less than 4 grams saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams cholesterol per serving.

LOW CALORIE - Product has 40 calories or less per serving.

SATURATED FAT FREE - Product has less than 0.5 grams saturated fat per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

LOW IN SATURATED FAT - Product has one gram or less saturated fat per serving.

CHOLESTEROL FREE - Product has less than 2 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

LOW CHOLESTEROL - Product has 20 milligrams or less cholesterol and two grams or less of saturated fat per serving.

SODIUM FREE - Product has less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

VERY LOW SODIUM - Product has 35 milligrams or less of sodium per serving.

LOW SODIUM - Product has 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving.

GOOD SOURCE - Used for fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals. Product has at least 10 of the Daily Value for the particular nutrient.

HIGH IN (EXCELLENT SOURCE) - Used for fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals. Product has at least 20 of the Daily Value for the particular nutrient.

How Much Water Should I Drink Daily?

You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. There is a formula used out there especially in the hiking/biking or running world that says half of your weight in oz, so if your weight is 120 lbs, you would need 60 oz of water daily. If you are a coffee drinker then you should add an extra glass of water for each cup of coffee.

Television Viewing: A New Health Risk Factor

A new study in the American College of Sports Medicine journal gives evidence that sedentary time, involving prolonged sitting and absence of whole-body movement, is an independent risk factor for several health outcomes.

The study included 2,033 women and 2,031 men, all who reported being physically active at least 2.5 hours a week (30 minutes, 5 days per week). They were also all free of diabetes and heart disease. Researchers then looked at the total number of hours daily spent watching television and compared TV time to the prevalence of metabolic risk factors.

In men they found that as the hours of daily TV viewing increased, so did their:

>Waist circumference (indicating increased abdominal fat)
>Systolic blood pressure
>Blood glucose levels

All increases showed a dose-response relationship (the more TV they watched, the higher their risks). All three of these risks are primary risks for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. These findings were adjusted not only for physical activity but also age, education, smoking, income level, alcohol intake, diet quality, and family history of heart disease or diabetes.

In women they also found a dose response relationship between hours of TV viewing and:

>Waist circumference
>Systolic blood pressure
>Blood glucose levels
>Blood triglyceride levels
>Blood HDL levels

Detrimental health changes were observed in women who watched more than an hour of TV daily, and in men who watched 2 hours or more of TV daily. The highest risks were linked to women watching 2 hours or more of TV daily and men watching 3 or more hours daily.

It appears that, even though all of these people met minimal guidelines for physical activity, long periods of inactivity, such as watching TV, should be considered a unique modifiable behavior, an independent risk factor for metabolic diseases. It seems the body was designed for activity and long periods of inactivity can result in poorer health and increased risk for serious health problems.

Just as there are national guidelines for physical activity, the authors of this study suggest that there also needs to be similar guidelines for inactivity. They suggest no more than 2 hours of leisure-time screen time per day may be a practical starting point. Children are recommended to spend no more than an hour a day of screen time. Persons engaging in more time than this are significantly increasing their risk for obesity, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and coronary heart disease.

Excessive TV viewing can now be considered a new risk factor putting people at increased risk for some of our nation's most serious health problems. Excess TV viewing can replace time normally spent in moderate activities such as household chores, gardening, playing with the kids, and other light-intensity activities that contribute to better health in addition to a regular exercise program.

If you just have to watch a favorite, lengthy movie or football game, here is a way to beat the system: Bring your stationary bicycle to the TV, or a treadmill, and put in some active miles while watching. The goal is to avoid long periods of sitting, which is a health hazard.

Reference:

Healy GN, et al. Television time and continuous metabolic risk in physically active adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2008;40(4):639-645.

Is your goal SMART?

The much anticipated 2008 Beijing Olympic games are now in full swing. I find it inspiring to watch athletes perform at the top of their game, don't you?

It's amazing to see what the human body is capable of when it's trained for a particular event.

Every athlete in the Olympics has trained for thousands of hours in a very specific way for their sport. These athletes know precisely what they want their bodies to do and they train in a focused manner to be the best. You can bet that they see a gold medal every time they close their eyes. Now that's focus.

What about you? What do you train for?

You see, whether you realize it or not, you too are training for a specific reason. Maybe your goals are more in line with losing 15 pounds rather than winning a gold medal, but your training needs to be just as specific in order to achieve your desired results.

Do you know why you exercise? Is it to lose weight? Is it to lower your blood pressure? Is it to shrink your waist? Is it to pick up a bag of groceries with more ease?

The first step toward getting the body of your dreams is to set a goal. This simple act, when done correctly, will instantly calm your frustrations and fill you with hope.

Here's how to make your goals SMART.

Specific: Ask yourself questions like: How many inches do I want to lose? What pant size do I want to be? Be painstakingly specific with yourself. It has been proven that the more specific your goal is the more likely you are to achieve it.

Measurable: You've got to be able to measure your results. It could be in pounds or body fat percentage or inches. It could even be fitting into a particular pair of pants that you haven't worn in years. The key is that you need to be able to physically measure your progress.

Attainable: If you have fifty pounds to lose it won't all come off in one month. Setting unattainable goals simply sets you up for failure. If you have a major fat loss goal then break it down into small attainable goals. As you achieve each smaller goal you will reinforce your progress and ultimately can attain any desired goal.

Realistic: This step is all about knowing yourself. What type of program would you realistically stick with? If you despise running then don't base your weight loss program on 6am jogs. Look honestly at your abilities, but don't underestimate yourself either. You'll need to push yourself to achieve your goal.

Timely: Every great goal is set on a timeline. Keeping the above steps in mind, give yourself an exact date and time that your goal needs to be accomplished by.

Now it's time to get to work. Write down your SMART goal and place it somewhere that you see often then tell three people of importance in your life about your goal.

Have the focus and the drive to pursue your SMART goal, just like the Olympians, and go make yourself proud!

I love nothing more than seeing my clients achieve their goals. Call me at 520-744-5108 or email me at nordine@nordinez.com to get started on a fitness program that is specific to your goal.

7 Reasons You Aren't Losing Weight

In a high tech world, there’s a whole slew of ways to determine whether you’re losing body fat on your diet and exercise regimen. The favorite traditional methods of measuring body fat include underwater weighing and skin calipers. The newest rage is a specialized bathroom scale that sends infrared beams through your body to determine how much of your body weight is actually fat and how much is lean body mass; muscle and bones. (How fat are your feet, anyway?)

Still, the most tried and true device, and possibly the most accurate way to determine if your dieting efforts are working – is the old fashion bathroom scale! If you’re losing weight on the scale, you’re also losing fat. Sure, if you’re dropping more than 3 pounds per week or your energy levels are waning, you’re likely to be shedding some valuable muscle also along the way.

However, if you’re losing 1-2 pounds every 1-3 weeks, and your energy and strength levels are stable, you’re likely shedding almost exclusively fat. That said; let’s explore the top reasons why people fail to see the body trimming results they hope to achieve.

The 7 roadblocks that keep many frustrated are outlined below. Fix or avoid most of these troublesome 7, and your fat loss will be so smooth.

1) Too Many Carbohydrates.
I’m no fan of strict low carb diets, but any additional carbs above and beyond those needed to saturate your muscles with glycogen have a good probability of being stored as body fat. While bodybuilding training requires a high carb intake, many novices and intermediate trainees simply do not train hard enough to justify a massive carb intake. Depending on your size and level of training intensity, split your carb intake into 5 servings per day and aim for 30-60 grams of carbs per meal to shed fat. Start at a higher intake such as 60 grams of carbs per meal. If you lose weight, continue with 60 grams per meal. If you fail to lose, drop to 50 grams per meal.

2) Too Much Protein.
Surprise! This factoid is tied to carbohydrate restriction. When dieting to lean down, carbohydrates ought to be slowly reduced. However, many dieters take an overly aggressive approach in hopes of making miracle-type progress and cut back too far in the carb department.

When you restrict carbs, your protein intake should increase. But – and this is a big one – over compensating by eating too much protein can also prevent fat loss by contributing to a calorie surplus. As a rule, shoot for .74 to 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight each day while trying to add weight and muscle. When ripping up, start chopping away at your carbs and increase the protein to 1.25 to 1.50 grams per pound of body weight. Anything more- will just be stored as fat.

3) Skip The Late Night Carbs.
Don’t believe the conflicting research. The fact remains, carbs eaten at night are less likely to be burned off as fuel and are more likely be stored as body fat. That means; forego the pasta, potato or rice at meal 5 (your final meal of the day) for lean proteins like fowl or fish, along with a side dish of veggies. Or enjoy a Whey Science™ or a Soy Protein Science™ protein shake which provides quality muscle building whey protein without a lot of carbohydrates. You don’t need the carbs at night anyway. Go to the NZ Nutrition Store to get your protein today.

4) Wrong Breakfast.
Want to get lean and eat a lot? Chow down at breakfast. Of your 5 daily meals, the one that is least likely to end up on your hips, thighs and lower back is the first one. In the morning, muscle glycogen stores are lower than during any other part of the day. When glycogen stores are low, your body’s capacity to take carbohydrates and store them as body fat is hampered. So pack in the carbs at breakfast –along with 20-40 grams of high quality protein to jump-start your day. And don’t worry about getting fat.

5) Too Much Cardio.
What happens to the guy or gal who performs 1-2 hours of cardio a day? (We know you’re out there!) They send their body into a tailspin, a state where the "starvation hormones" secreted by the body skyrocket (it’s your body’s survival mechanism, a response to too much exercise!) causing fat cells to try to hoard their energy! Moderate cardio is the way to go. Four to five 20-40 minutes sessions per week is all that it takes. Any more than that and you run the risk of losing precious muscle tissue, which negatively affects your metabolic rate and your ability to train.

6) Never "Cheating" on Your Diet.
Once in a while you should let loose and give yourself a break from the rigors of dieting and scale watching. In fact, it’s helpful in losing weight. That’s because continual dieting eventually leads to roadblocks where the body responds by slowing its metabolic rate. Strict dieting also takes its toll on you mentally, and can leave you feeling deprived. That’s a bad combination! Taking in a couple of high calorie meals once every 7-10 days not only provides a mental break from dieting, but helps you side-step roadblocks by preventing the body from entering a starvation state where the metabolic rate slows.

7) Paying Attention to the scale only.
Ok this may sound contradictory, but the scale is not the "end-all" measurement of progress. You also monitor a couple of other things, primarily energy and strength. If you’re losing weight and you have plenty of energy and strength, you’re losing body fat – guaranteed. On the flip side, if you’re losing weight yet feeling really tired or are seeing constant drops in the weights you use during your workouts, then you’re likely also burning off muscle tissue. If no energy and a loss in strength is the case, then you’re likely violating several of the above tips and will need to rectify them to get back on track.

And there you have it. Avoid these obstacles to losing weight and enjoy your new lean body!

Should I Eat Before or After Workout?

Never sit down to a full meal immediately before or after a workout. That doesn't mean you should eat nothing, just make it light. You don't want a lot of food in your stomach when you are trying to work out. Afterwards, you want to give your body ample time to recover before you consume a full meal. If you are trying to digest a big meal, both your stomach and muscles will be fighting for blood supply. The end result is that your heart will be working twice as hard to send nutrients to the muscles and the stomach. If you eat too heavily before, you experience the unpleasant sensation of indigestion or may end up sick. You are better off training on a somewhat empty stomach. Try a piece of fruit or half a bagel for energy. Remember, it isn't what you ate an hour before that sustains your energy level. It's what and how you have been eating or drinking the previous few days.

www.mindoverbodyonline.com

Definitions Of Common Nutritional Terms

FAT FREE - Product has less than 1/2 (0.5) grams of fat per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

99 FAT FREE - Every 100 grams of food will have 1 gram or less of fat.

LOW FAT - Product has 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

REDUCED FAT - Fat has been reduced by at least 25 percent (compared to a similar food).

LIGHT (LITE) - Product has 33 fewer calories or 50 less fat per serving than a comparable product.

LEAN - For meat and poultry only. Product has less than 10 grams fat, less than 4 grams saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams cholesterol per serving.

LOW CALORIE - Product has 40 calories or less per serving.

SATURATED FAT FREE - Product has less than 0.5 grams saturated fat per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

LOW IN SATURATED FAT - Product has one gram or less saturated fat per serving.

CHOLESTEROL FREE - Product has less than 2 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

LOW CHOLESTEROL - Product has 20 milligrams or less cholesterol and two grams or less of saturated fat per serving.

SODIUM FREE - Product has less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving. This value will be rounded to zero.

VERY LOW SODIUM - Product has 35 milligrams or less of sodium per serving.

LOW SODIUM - Product has 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving.

GOOD SOURCE - Used for fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals. Product has at least 10 of the Daily Value for the particular nutrient.

HIGH IN (EXCELLENT SOURCE) - Used for fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals. Product has at least 20 of the Daily Value for the particular nutrient.

The Fit Kid Within

Remember when you were little and you "exercised" because it was fun? You never thought about how many calories you were burning in ballet class or how high you were getting your heart rate in the heat of a soccer game. That was never the point.

Now that you're out of grade school, exercise means something different. It's that thing you squeeze in after work or before dinner, feel guilty about skipping and therefore adding even more stress to your life. Somehow, the elliptical trainer or the treadmill doesn't inspire the anticipation and joy that the swimming pool once did.

So how do you reconnect with that long-lost sense of play? Going back to the activities you love. Just because you're an adult doesn't mean you can't do the things you enjoyed as a kid. After all, studies show that if you love the physical activity you're doing, you're likely to do it more often and for a longer period of time than if you don't. That's why I recommend getting in touch with your younger, fitter self as a way to recharge and reenergize yourself; I call it "Reaching for the Fit Kid Within". I ask people what they enjoyed during their childhood, early teen years and high school. Then I ask them if they would consider doing that again.

Starting with a 5 minutes meditation that would facilitate the connection between mind, body and soul, allowing yourself to reach within and accept the playful kid that you are.

Follow with 30 minutes high energy, fun drills and exercises that you use to enjoy when you were a kid. You can even involve your kids; they'll guide you, allow to be yourself, and allow them be the kids they are. I personally play soccer or simply chase my kids around the backyard. There is no limit to what we can actually do.

Finishing with a 5 minutes stretching program and cooling down with a 5 minutes relaxation techniques to come back to our adult world.

Why Do I Repeatedly Pull The Muscles In The Back Of My Thighs?

Hamstring injuries are common and are susceptible to re-injury. In most people, the quadriceps or muscle in front of the thigh, is stronger than the hamstrings. The imbalance can cause-injury. Another reason this area can be a problem is that many people simply have tight hamstrings. My advice is that if they are a problem, pay special attention to working the hamstrings in your training program. Maybe set aside a special session just for them or at least train them first in your leg workout. My other suggestion is to incorporate stretching into your workout. Stretch after each set you do and again at the completion of your leg workout.

Won't Weight Training Make Me Less Flexible?

On the contrary, it will make you more flexible, if you are doing it correctly. If you are lifting incorrectly strains and pulls will negatively impact your joints. With some initial instruction and monitoring, weight training is not difficult to master. People in their 90s use resistance training as part of their fitness programs. As long as you perform the full range of motion in your weight lifting movements, you will add to flexibility. Include a regular stretching routine in your regime and you'll double your flexibility.

I Just Want to Tone. I Don't Want To Turn Into a Muscle Man

The word "tone" is misleading. Pure and simple, when you tone a muscle, you are building it up. The hormone testosterone is responsible for massive muscles. On the average, men have 10 times as much of the guy stuff as women. It is nearly impossible for women to achieve that bulked muscle look unless they are taking anabolic steroids.

Don't Let Weight Gain Ruin Your Vacation

Attitude determines altitude.
- Anonymous

A summer trip is easily one of the most anticipated events of the year-the chance to get away from work and to relax with your loved ones is priceless.

With all of the excitement, it's not surprising that most people unknowingly end up gaining a pound each day of their vacation. And if you're going on a cruise then your weight gain may be closer to two pounds each day.

But wait, your summer vacation doesn't have to end in weight gain. Keep the following tips in mind as you embark on your summer adventure and you may come home fitter than when you left.

Tip One: Have a Plan
Vacations are the perfect place to gain weight since it's the last thing on your mind. Your best line of defense is to keep your fitness goals at the forefront of your mind. Before you leave for your trip sit down and set a goal.

A realistic goal is to maintain your current weight or to lose a pound or two. Get the whole family on board and keep each other accountable throughout the trip.

Tip Two: Make Exercise a Must
So often exercise is looked at as a chore, but vacations are the perfect time to really enjoy a good workout. You won't be rushing home from work trying to squeeze in a few minutes at the gym, rather the vacation workout can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Virtually every hotel these days has some type of workout room equipped with cardio machines, dumbbells and a universal machine. If you are taking a cruise then you are in for a real treat – most workout facilities on cruise ships have huge windows that look out onto the ocean.

Vacations are also a great time to take your workout outdoors; take a run on the beach or do sprints, pushups and crunches on a grassy field. If you want more ideas of workouts you can do using just your body weight then give me a call or send me an email.

Tip Three: Maintain your Metabolism
When traveling it is easy to go for hours without a meal-between flights and long drives food sometimes isn't readily available. The problem here it two fold. First your metabolism slows from the long absence of food. Secondly you are more likely to indulge in a high calorie meal when you get around to eating next.

Avoid this yo-yo of starvation and overindulgence by carrying healthy snacks with you and eating something every three hours. A handful of almonds, a piece of fruit or a small protein bar are fantastic options to keep on hand.

Tip Four: Eat Smart
While we all know that eating in is usually healthier than eating out, on the road you simply don't have a choice – all of your vacations meals will be eaten out. So take the time to order with your health conscious mind, and not simply your taste buds. Watch out for extra large portions-don't be afraid to take a doggie bag back to your room (assuming of course that you have a refrigerator).

Another thing to keep in mind is to keep fried food consumption to a minimum. Fried foods contain more fat and calories than other options, they are also likely to give you heartburn and indigestion-two things you don't need spoiling your vacation. Stick with dishes that contain veggies, lean meats and whole grains.

Enjoy your vacation! And when you get back into town call or email me for a fitness and fat loss consultation and I'll show you a step-by-step plan for getting you the body that you deserve – in less time than you think.

How Long Should A Weight Training Session Be?

Unless you are training for competition or a Sylvester Stallone movie, a typical workout is 30 to 60 minutes. When done correctly, a 30-minute session can be very effective. If you are lifting incorrectly or standing around talking, you might as well go home.

TV Interview with Nordine

In this interview, I explain the theory behing my book Mind Over Body.

I Have Been Exercising for Two Weeks and Have Only Lost Four Pounds

If you are on a fat-loss regime, you should be congratulating yourself. The fact is, a person can only lose a maximum of two pounds of fat a week. You must remember that weight loss occurs from three sources: fat, water and muscle. Fat is what you want to drop. Water weight fluctuates, for some women as much as eight pounds a month. Learn not to panic about cyclic water weight gain or get excited about a drop in weight due to dehydration. You don't want to lose lean muscle because you will be lowering your metabolism and burning less energy than before you lost the weight. Be assured that for weight to come off permanently, it must be taken off slowly.

What is the best aerobic exercise for begginers?

There is no best for everyone. Fitness is very individualistic. While some exercises might burn more calories. It is most important to choose one that you enjoy. I usually suggest some form of walking or stationary recumbent bicycling to start. Even if you enjoy the activity, it must be something you are capable of handling. For example, you may love to walk, but if you have a knee problem, this won't be your best choice of aerobic exercise. Talk it over with a professional to find the activity that is enjoyable and safe.

Nordine's Tips To Getting In Total Shape

I remember the moment I realized I was no longer a professional athlete. It was in 1992, a year after I had retired from the International Federation of Body-Building (IFBB). I was languishing on the treadmill in my neighborhood gym after a long day training people, session after session (5 am to 8 pm), when a huge and ripped guy walked in and began warming up with 220 lbs, before starting his legs training session and disgustingly bulging his gigantic body. I smiled weakly in his direction and thought; I used to look like that not too long ago. And of course when he passed me, I ran faster like there was no tomorrow.

Obviously, my 60-minute training sessions weren't having the same chiseling effects as the 4-hour training sessions I endured when I was in a competitive level. That's when I realized I'd have to change my stay-in-shape strategy. Here are a few of my pro-to-real-world fitness secrets.

VISUALIZE THE BODY USING YOUR INNER POWER

Many professional athletes practice visualization, which means picturing themselves going through the motions to achieve a certain goal — complete with sounds, colors, tastes and smells — and have seen it pay off big time. It really works. What you can conceive in your soul and create in your mind, you WILL EXPERIENCE with your body! During my 7 years professional career, I spent 10 minutes a day visualizing and looking at my body the way I wanted it to look and feel, the result that I mentally conceived in the visualization were experienced in my training sessions, making them tremendously intensive and effective. Now, whenever I work out, I close my eyes and visualize whatever I wish to accomplish in my workouts.

"As I use my inner power to visualize my outer looks, I create the perfect environment to materialize physically the image of the body I want.”

SET REALISTIC GOALS

You aren't likely to hear some rookie say he plans to win the Olympia championship when they finished in last place the year before and he has yet to get off the bench. In other words, most professional athletes set realistic goals. So face it: You're not going to lose 30 pounds by your 10-year class reunion next weekend. (A more realistic goal is approximately two pounds per week.) Focus on taking one baby step at a time, keeping your ultimate goal in mind. It will be all the more rewarding when you finally get there!

FIND A WORKOUT THAT WORKS FOR YOU
My challenge after retirement was to maintain the weight and body fat composition I had achieved as an elite athlete. No easy task when you're working a full-time job, right? Because keeping in shape also means aerobic activities, my body was used to fast, quick, blood-flow — something pedaling on the stationery bike or walking/running on a treadmill couldn't match. But then I came to believe that a simple pair of dumbbells could do wonders. When time is an issue (and when isn't it?), you need to focus on finding workouts that give you the biggest bang for the buck.

CHECK YOUR FUEL GAUGE

While you'd never put sugar in your gas tank, many of us put junk into our bodies on a regular basis and then wonder why we don't have the energy to get through the day. While training for the World Championships, I made myself eat healthfully because it was very obvious that my physical and my mental shape depended upon it. After I retired, however, I developed a weakness for junk food, despite the fact that it made me feel sluggish. Then my yogi master reminded me that I'd only been addressing half of my fitness dilemma. Besides focusing on exercise, I also needed to eat more wisely. Now I give in to my junk food cravings only one day a week, and my body feels and looks much better.

MAKE APPOINTMENTS WITH YOUR BODY
It's easy to put your body first when it's the source of your income. Still, as soon as I finished my training session, I started filling my Palm Pilot with clients one on one session. No wonder that at the end of most workdays, I was either too zonked or too preoccupied to go to the gym. So on Sunday nights, I began checking my calendar to determine my business and social obligations for the week, then penned in when I planned to work out each day, literally making appointments with my body to exercise. And just like I faithfully stuck to the rest of my schedule, I never once canceled a workout.

ALWAYS BE READY TO WORKOUT

As a professional athlete, competing and working out are always in the forefront of your mind. The rest of us have 28 million other things to think about, which means that we need to make exercising as convenient as possible. I joined a gym close to home, and being able to drive, run or bike there has proven effective in keeping me on a consistent schedule, regardless of the weather. For added motivation, I always keep a clean set of workout clothes in my car so I can head to the gym or the local park on a whim. (After all, if you don't go home first, you won't find excuses to stay home.) I also keep a stash of fitness gadgets in my closet, including a medicine ball, workout bands and a stability ball. These let me exercise my entire body and, because they're so different from what I usually do at the gym, I generally look forward to using them again. Plus, most of these items travel well, which allows me to work out when I'm on the road.

GREAT BODIES THINK ALIKE

When I was competing as a Pro, I had various training partners and a crowd of fans — not to mention a paycheck — to motivate me to stay fit. In the real world, we have to find other sources of motivation: friends, family, even a local sports team. When you've entered into a pact with someone else, you're more likely to remain committed. Once you've found a workout partner, consider signing an agreement that outlines your fitness goals. Seeing your fitness dream written down on paper may give you the boost you need to achieve it.

CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS

When I was a pro, working out regularly and being in top shape was a given. These days, I feel an incredible sense of achievement whenever I complete an ordinary 60-minute workout. Sure, I use to push and pull over 15 tons of iron in a single session, but now I'm beside myself with joy when I break the ton or two. Aiming to stay at the gym 60 minutes but can only stay 30 minutes? Celebrate anyway, because you're on your way. You can give yourself little rewards here and there — as long as it's not junk food. Instead, splurge on a smoothie or a low-fat yogurt. Every 6 weeks of success for sticking to your training routine, celebrate big time by treating yourself for a big night out, dinner and popcorns at the movies. You will be able to have a cheat day on a weekly basis once you have reached your optimum weight and body composition.

Fundamental Questions (Excerpt from an Interview with Nordine, conducted by John Assaraf, Star of The Secret)

John:
How does fitness affects one's spiritual being?

Nordine:
Your Spirit is the universal battery to your mind and body.
We use spiritual substitutes such as alcohol, food or even drugs to make us feel good for a short, short time, but in the long run the results are devastating.
When I was competing as a top athlete, I use to think that I loved myself but in reality I was obsessed with my physic. I think I stopped loving with my heart back then, I was satisfying my ego instead. When you are obsessed you forget how to love yourself and everyone around you;you're not here, you're somewhere else, a place where ego is comfortable.

There is no SUBSTITUTE for spirituality other than respecting yourself, your body and everyone around you. When you are fit and healthy, you are inspiring everyone, and that my friends is spirituality at its best. Love is the antidote to obsession.

John:
I really want to change but how?

Nordine:
First you must acknowledge the current YOU then move on to acknowledge that you want to change, accept the change and let go of the OLD YOU. Acknowledge, accept, let go; I call this the Ta Kwon Do method. Because if you don’t, you'll feel that you are not fully satisfied with your life, something will be missing, you won’t know it but you will certainly feel it. You'll feel a chronic anxiety, something missing, a life off-balance. If you are not fulfilled with your life, you will get full some other way, eating, drinking, taking drugs, sex, name it.

John:
How do I know I have a desire to be fit?

Nordine:
You know you have the desire to be fit when thinking and seeing yourself fit creates an amazing excitement just as if you were falling in love again but this time it will be YOURSELF that you falling in love with. How can people expect others to love them if they don't love and appreciate themselves?

John:
How can I exercise without thinking of it as a burden?

Nordine:
By seeing, feeling and being the change you want to create. When you think and see the end result as if you were actually already achieving it, you will feel excitement rather than anxiety which is what hinders all your efforts to change.

John:
What are the three fundamental expressions of life?

Nordine:
The expression of body, of mind and of spirit. We are three part beings. Neglect one and you will be living in disharmony.

John
What are the three fundamental expressions of life?

Nordine:
The formula to perfect fitness to me is: 60% Heart & Mind – 30% Nutrition and 10% Exercise. You live in your heart and mind most, you feel, you think, you create, you experience, such is the real cycle of life.

24 Minutes are Enough to Do the Trick

Do you feel destined to be unfit or not as toned as you would like to be? Many people feel like with work, kids, community activities, and all of their responsibilities that they simply don’t have the time that it takes exercise and feel good about themselves.

Many of us live from year to year never really being happy with the way that we look but settling because we believe that this is the best that we can look and feel. The fact of the matter is, you don’t have to spend hours at the gym each day or each week to look and feel good. Instead, you can spend less than 30 minutes and get the workout that you need to impact your body in a positive way and tone up.

You Don’t Have to be a Slave to the Gym

Did you give up on that gym membership long ago because you just don’t have the time? Or, have you kept that gym membership in hopes that you suddenly find the time? The fact of the matter is that you don’t have to spend hours a day in the gym to tone up and feel good about yourself. In fact, you can lose weight and tone up in as little as 24 minutes a day. While that might even sound like a lot of time to you, we can all easily carve out 24 minutes in our day to feel and look better.

Making a conscious choice to take time to exercise by preparing your mind first. If you are willing to do this you can become the toned individual that you have dreamt of being but assumed that you couldn’t. Having the mental preparedness is 60% of the battle.

How to Tone up in 24 Minutes

A resource that hundreds of thousands of people have found to be very effective is my book Mind Over Body: The Key To Lasting Weight Loss Is All In Your Head! In this book you will learn how you really need to put your mind to losing weight and toning up. In the book there is a short and amazing workout that will allow you to tone up with less time and effort than you would have ever thought possible. The philosophy is that you really have to be prepared mentally to tone up and get in shape, and when you do this you can achieve any goals.

The book is very positive and will give you all of the information that you need to change your life, your mind, and of course your body. When you are able to reprogram your mind you will be able to change your life, which will ultimately change your body. The change can be a lot less painful and time consuming than you might think!

Don't Let Weight Gain Ruin Your Vacation

A summer trip is easily one of the most anticipated events of the year-the chance to get away from work and to relax with your loved ones is priceless.

With all of the excitement, it's not surprising that most people unknowingly end up gaining a pound each day of their vacation. And if you're going on a cruise then your weight gain may be closer to two pounds each day.

But wait, your summer vacation doesn't have to end in weight gain. Keep the following tips in mind as you embark on your summer adventure and you may come home fitter than when you left.

Tip One: Have a Plan
Vacations are the perfect place to gain weight since it's the last thing on your mind. Your best line of defense is to keep your fitness goals at the forefront of your mind. Before you leave for your trip sit down and set a goal.

A realistic goal is to maintain your current weight or to lose a pound or two. Get the whole family on board and keep each other accountable throughout the trip.

Tip Two: Make Exercise a Must
So often exercise is looked at as a chore, but vacations are the perfect time to really enjoy a good workout. You won't be rushing home from work trying to squeeze in a few minutes at the gym, rather the vacation workout can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Virtually every hotel these days has some type of workout room equipped with cardio machines, dumbbells and a universal machine. If you are taking a cruise then you are in for a real treat – most workout facilities on cruise ships have huge windows that look out onto the ocean.

Vacations are also a great time to take your workout outdoors; take a run on the beach or do sprints, pushups and crunches on a grassy field. If you want more ideas of workouts you can do using just your body weight then give me a call or send me an email.

Tip Three: Maintain your Metabolism
When traveling it is easy to go for hours without a meal-between flights and long drives food sometimes isn't readily available. The problem here it two fold. First your metabolism slows from the long absence of food. Secondly you are more likely to indulge in a high calorie meal when you get around to eating next.

Avoid this yo-yo of starvation and overindulgence by carrying healthy snacks with you and eating something every three hours. A handful of almonds, a piece of fruit or a small protein bar are fantastic options to keep on hand.

Tip Four: Eat Smart
While we all know that eating in is usually healthier than eating out, on the road you simply don't have a choice – all of your vacations meals will be eaten out. So take the time to order with your health conscious mind, and not simply your taste buds. Watch out for extra large portions-don't be afraid to take a doggie bag back to your room (assuming of course that you have a refrigerator).

Another thing to keep in mind is to keep fried food consumption to a minimum. Fried foods contain more fat and calories than other options, they are also likely to give you heartburn and indigestion-two things you don't need spoiling your vacation. Stick with dishes that contain veggies, lean meats and whole grains.

Enjoy your vacation! And when you get back into town call or email me for a fitness and fat loss consultation and I'll show you a step-by-step plan for getting you the body that you deserve – in less time than you think.

The Magic Fat Burning Pill

Nonsense! There is no such thing. Don't fall for the latest diet pill craze. Have you ever noticed that every weight loss pill specifically states that it works when combined with proper diet and exercise? Well, they are right-proper diet and exercise will cause you to lose weight-without the bogus pill.

Summer time means one thing – it's barbecue time!

While outdoor cookouts are a great opportunity to relax and visit with friends and family did you know that the average barbecue meal exceeds 1500 calories? That's almost an entire day's worth of calories in one meal.

That can really added unwanted inches to your waist line over the course of the summer.

The good news is that barbecue season doesn't have to be fattening. In fact, with a few small changes to your barbecue menu you can turn summer into the perfect opportunity for weight loss.

So before you slather on the sun screen and fire up your grill, read the following tips to lighten up this summer.

On the Grill: Believe it or not, grilling is actually a very healthy way to cook meat. Of course the type of meat that you choose will make all of the difference. Burgers and hot dogs are traditional barbecue meats, though they aren't the healthiest. Try the following:

- Choose lean cuts of beef, pork or poultry
- Marinade with low fat dressing
- Make hamburgers with extra-lean ground beef
- Take the skin off chicken before grilling
- Replace beef patties with ground turkey patties
- Grill up salmon or cod
- Forego the meat and grill veggie burgers

Side Dishes: This is where most people run into trouble. Barbecue side dishes are typically filled with one thing - fat. Creamy coleslaw and potato salads can hold as much as 15 grams of fat per serving. Try the following:

- Make veggie kabobs and grill them
- Replace the mayo in your salads with low-fat mayo
- Serve fresh salad with light vinaigrette
- Try whole-grain macaroni for your pasta salad
- Grill up corn on the cob
- Put out a veggie tray with low fat dip

Drinks: Most people don't realize that beverages play a big role in summer weight gain. Margaritas, beer, soda pop and punch all contain tons of empty calories. Try the following:

- Drink water, it is always your healthiest option
- Stick with light beer (if you really want to drink beer)
- If you have to have a soda pop stick with diet
- Brew unsweetened ice tea and serve with lemon

Dessert: Yes, there are ways to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying healthy. Think outside of the box instead of turning to the typical fattening options like ice cream, pie, cake or cookies. Try the following:

- Grill mango, banana and pineapple on kabobs
- Stick with sorbet instead of ice cream
- Replace peach pie with grilled peach halves
- Choose light ice cream over regular

Remember, it's ok to splurge every once in a while. Enjoy yourself. Just keep in mind that by taking a few of the above suggestions you can enjoy great food while getting back into great shape.

If Only I Had The Time...or Do I

'I don't have time' is the reason that most people don't exercise. Well, they call it a 'reason' I like to call it what it really is - an excuse.

Most people believe their workouts need to be 60-90 minutes in order to really count. With this kind of time commitment it is no wonder that exercise becomes the activity that you simply don't have time for. Before you know it one missed workout becomes two and soon you realize that you haven't put on your gym shorts for a month.

Missed exercise is a slippery slope toward irreversible consequences. Obesity wasn't gained in one day…or even in one year. Neither was heart disease.

Question: Have you ever wondered if long workouts really deliver the best results?

The truth is that exercise doesn't have to take 60-90 minutes anymore. The experts agree that short, intense bouts of exercise can actually deliver better results than traditional low intense exercise.

In fact, a study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine that tested whether multiple short bouts of exercise would deliver better results than one long bout of exercise. They found that participants who performed short bouts of exercise stuck with the program longer and experienced greater weight loss than the participants that performed long bouts of exercise.

Throw out the idea that you need an entire afternoon or a free evening to have a great workout. It simply doesn't take as much time as you think. Here's one example:

12 Minute Results-Driven Workout

-Dumbbell Squat Press: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level. First lower down into a squat position. Make sure that your knees do not go past 90 degrees. Exhale as you press the dumbbells overhead while you straighten your legs and return to the starting position. Complete 12-15 repetitions.

Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.

-Dumbbell Lunge and Curl: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand down at your sides. Exhale as you lunge forward with your right leg and curl the dumbbells up toward your chest. Make sure that your knee does not go past 90 degrees. Inhale as you return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. Complete 12-15 repetitions.

Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.

-Dumbbell Bent Over Rows: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand. Bend your knees and lean forward from your waist, keeping your back flat. Exhale as you drive your elbows back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Inhale as you return to the starting position. Complete 12-15 repetitions.

Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.

-V-Ups: Sit on the edge of a chair or bench and lean back. Exhale as you drive your knees in toward your chest, squeezing your abdominal muscles. Inhale as you lower your knees back down with control. Complete 15-20 repetitions.

Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.

-Think outside of the box. Could you do a 10 minute workout in the morning and a 15 minute workout before bed?

Let's be honest, you make time for the things that you feel are important. If I told you that for every minute you spent exercising I would give you a thousand dollars, would you find a minute to exercise? Sure you would! You'd probably find quite a few minutes to exercise.

Short bursts of intense exercise will give you the results you want, all you have to do is make the time for it.

Somewhere deep down inside you know that it's now or never.

Will you choose to simply close this email and allow your hectic schedule to slowly push you down the path of obesity and health risk? Or will you find creative ways to fit exercise into your day as you steadily regain your shape and health?

Make this the day that you finally make the change. Click on the title of this post to schedule your no-obligation fitness coaching consultation and I'll show you many other high intensity time effective workouts that deliver amazing results.

The choice is yours.

The Answer

My good friend John Assaraf, a New York Times Best Selling Author has writen a book you don't want to miss. This amazing book called "The Answer" is finally out and you can find it in every bookstores across America and around the world. In this book John outlines the methods that made him and his co-author Murray Smith make millions and help others do the same. This book is just not only a business book but a book for Life Success rather.

You can get a glimpse here at http://www.readtheanswer.com.

The Mind Over Body Solution

You see dieting is not just what you eat. What are you really feeding your body? What is your mind feeding it? What is your spirit feeding it? This will all eventually show up in your physical state of being.Your fitness level is very much controlled by how you think and feel. Your body is a direct reflection of the inner soul. What are you really carrying around? It may be more than a few extra pounds. Blocking emotion and carrying negative thoughts can cause you to carry extra weight. Weight can actually be an armor built up to create a wall that actually keeps you from being who you really want to be. Break through that wall and you will begin to create the physical body you want to achieve. If our physical being is our car that we ride in, it is the mind and the spirit that drives it.

Most people think losing weight, looking great, and getting fit has to do only with exercise and diet and this is really only a tiny part of success-only a tiny piece of the puzzle. It’s a behavioral pattern caused by a certain belief system or old conditioning that is responsible for past failures. The Mind Over Body Solution is a new approach that will reprogram your life, the way you think and feel and in turn affect the way you look.What I’m talking about here is a process I developed of total health and fitness that includes physical, mental and physical aspects. The biggest secret I’ve learned and the reason most people don’t succeed in getting fit, losing weight or even achieving a happy contented life (and remember I’ve trained thousands) is that these people try to start from the outside-in (ego-thought causing certain behavioral patterns by using external motivation) rather than from the inside out (soul-energy fueling your inspiration).

If you have tried diet after diet, hired trainer after trainer, bought program after program but still failed, then give yourself a chance and join the Mind Over Body Solution Coaching Program. I promise you will not fail!

http://www.nordinez.com/coaching

The Inner Diet

Find Out Why You Are Not Losing Weight!!!

My good friend Dr. John Sklare , Ed.D, President Inner Resource Corporation and creator of The Inner Diet have made a joint effort to bring you the best assessment tool available today. The Inner Diet is not simply a product that I sell…it's a program that I believe in. If you're tired of yo-yo dieting and making poor health choices, I recommend that you incorporate The Inner Diet into your weight loss and wellness program. This personalized program will provide you with the awareness, the understanding and the direction that you need to create real change…from the inside.

As The Inner Diet so aptly states, you can't change your weight until you change your mind! I couldn't agree more!! The Inner Diet is a personalized tool that addresses emotional eating. After completing the questionnaire, your answers are computer analyzed. The result is your own unique Inner Diet Personal Profile.

This profile will do three things for you. First, it will specifically identify which of the six Inner Diet "emotional triggers" are causing you to overeat. Second, it will provide you with an explanation of your six scores. And finally, The Inner Diet Activity Book will provide you with specific instruction on how to effectively address those underlying issues. Combined with the application of the process of my book Mind over Body: the Key to Lasting Weight Loss Is All in Your Head, you will have no more excuse left and will be way ahead of the weight loss inner game you have been playing all along.

Click here to get started!

Backward Fitness

As you can imagine, I hear a ton of excuses from people on why they don't exercise.

Sometimes the reason is self inflicted: I don't have the time.

Other times the reason is procrastination: I'm going to start as soon as tax season ends.

And occasionally the reason is downright funny: The dog ate my gym shorts.

I usually point out to these well meaning folks that, despite their reason, exercise is a very important activity that will dramatically improve their life. I bring up the health benefits and describe how many of their physical ailments would improve. I talk about how great they will feel dropping excess weight and rediscovering a slender figure.

However, there was always an excuse that would get me.

The devious excuse of 'being active': Oh, I don't need to exercise in a gym - I'm very active. I play tennis and hike in the summer and I ski in the winter.

Well, they have a point, right? Tennis, hiking and skiing are all active sports that burn calories. Maybe they can be fit without doing any other exercise, especially if they are at a reasonable weight.

Then I started to notice a trend.

The 'active' people couldn't touch their toes in a simple flexibility test. The 'tennis players' couldn't jump rope for 60 seconds. The 'hikers' needed a week to recover from a one mile jog. The 'skiers' encountered injury after injury. And then it hit me.

You don't become fit by simply being active. That's backward fitness.

Only by being fit can you become more active.

To become and maintain a level of fitness there is no replacement for a consistent exercise program. It's the only way.

True fitness is when your body can do whatever you ask of it. This means having flexibility, strength and endurance.

Do you exercise? Or are you fooling yourself with the excuse of 'being active'?

How happy are you with your level of fitness? Are you able to meet all of the functional demands of life? Or do you find yourself opting out of experiences or situations that you know would be too challenging?

If you've used the excuse of 'being active' in the past, it's time to reconsider your options. Don't practice backward fitness with the hope of true results.

Contact me to get started on a program that will make you truly fit. And if you're furthest from active and simply want to lose those extra inches and pounds, make the decision to take action today.

After all, there's no trial run in the game of life.
Be Excellent
The most important aspect in becoming and staying fit is to be persistent. You can exercise every day for a week, but if you follow that week with a month of no exercise then you've lost all ground. Find an exercise program that you are able to consistently do and then stick with it. In the words of Aristotle, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."