Soul Surfer delivers

If you could use some inspiration today, or any given day, watch the movie, Soul Surfer. Based on the true story of professional surfer, Bethany Hamilton, the film poignantly delivers a message of belief and inspiration. On Halloween morning 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, which bit off her left arm and seemed to end her career as a rising surf star. One month later Bethany returned to the water; two months later she placed 5th in the Open Women’s division surf competition; one year later she won her first National Title; and in 2007, Bethany Hamilton turned pro.  A dream come true for a young woman who never stopped believing.  And when you watch the movie, pay close attention to the final credits as the real Bethany is interviewed soon after her attack. When asked if she thinks she’ll ever surf again, she responds, “Think?  I know I’ll surf again.”  Because this “knowing” is the true inspiration.   Bethany didn’t just hope or think she’ll surf again – she knew it.  So if there’s adversity in your life that needs some overcoming, take heed and know that you will succeed.  Like Bethany Hamilton did.  And enjoy knowing you embrace a daily fitness program with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #61 – Tight Buttocks II.  – R

Try something different

I was inspired by my sister this morning when she said, “sometimes it’s good to just try something different”.  She was speaking about a situation that turned positive for her once she tried something different.  I agreed.  Because oftentimes a fresh approach will give you that winning formula.  Whether it be that dream job you desire, or that daily fitness program you’ve been thinking about.  So try something different with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #60 – Beautify Those Buns II.   Happy Easter!  Enjoy – R

Little things can make a big difference

Yesterday I taught a one hour fat burning class to the children and moms living at the domestic violence shelter in San Diego.  My charity, The Boulevard Zen Foundation, has been teaching yoga there since last July.  I especially wanted to teach the families exercises from my fat burning workouts.  The moms loved it and the kids were awesome. What was most significant, though, was my interaction with one particular boy who I first met in July.  I’ll call him Alex.  When I first offered to shake his hand, Alex reached out with a limp hand as he cowered away.  Thus, my first lesson was to teach Alex how to shake hands.  Stand tall, use a really strong grip and look me in the eyes”, I said.  Which he did without hesitation.  But the real test was whether or not Alex would continue with his new handshake.  That’s why interacting with him yesterday was so significant.  He shook my hand just like I had taught him.  And I congratulated him for it.  Because little things can make a big difference.  So enjoy looking for the little things that can make a big difference with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #59 – Beautify Your Butt II. – R

Dodgers anyone?

I’m still a NY Yankees fan, but my favorite team is the LA Dodgers – the city in which I live.  So when the Dodgers were taken over by Major League Baseball, it opened the door for new owners to usher in a new era of Dodger baseball, with Don Mattingly at the helm and stars Andre Ethier & Matt Kemp leading the charge.  Although I’m not listed among the Top 10 potential suitors, at least not today, I believe any one of these Hollywood powerhouses will do just fine (as listed by The Hollywood Reporter):  Mark AttanasioThomas Barrack, Eli Broad, Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert, Alec Gores, Peter GuberMagic Johnson, Casey Wasserman, and Tom Werner.  I’ve never met any of these men, but their successes speak for themselves.  So let’s get this party started and bring some new energy to our team!  Just like you can energize your mind & body with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #58 – Killer Abs II.   Enjoy – R

Empty your mind

At the beginning of yoga class this morning, our teacher uttered this phrase during our first forward bend (that’s Uttanasana in Sanskrit).  The start of any practice is an excellent time to let everything go and empty your mind of any excess baggage you might be carrying with you.  That is to say, baggage in the form of mental chatter that prevents you from staying focused and just being present in the moment.  Because whether you’re practicing yoga or doing my 5 Minute Fat Burning Workouts, there’s no place for excess baggage.  So empty your mind today – and everyday – at the start of your fitness program. And have fun sculpting your abs with today’s 57th consecutive workout!  – R

Re-think and dispel

The other day in the gym I read this as it flashed across the TV screen and quietly disagreed:  Never judge those who tried and failed;  judge those who failed to try.  I get the first part, because how can you judge someone for trying, right?  But what’s this about judging those for failing to try?  Because if you fail to try, that’s your personal decision. Not one that should be judged.  On the other hand, if you fail to try, maybe there’s a specific reason for it – a reason that can be re-thought and dispelled.  Whatever it is. Especially if it involves fitness.  Because if your reason for not exercising on a daily basis is not very compelling, i.e., not enough time or money, consider getting started today with my 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #56 – Blast Your Abs II.  Because who doesn’t want to improve their posture and breathing in only 5 minutes a day!  Enjoy – R

Kanye West leads the way

I read an article in the LA Times this morning about rap star Kanye West’s closing Sunday night set at Coachella (the 3-day annual Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA). Kanye ended his “epic and unforgettable” set standing alone. Much like the way he started.  Which got me thinking about how working out everyday is just like Kanye standing there alone.  Yes, you can workout with your friends or take a group class, but you’re still doing it alone.  Which, at times, feels like a very lonely journey.  That’s why incorporating bite-size workouts is the key to success. Workouts that are simple and effective.  Just like Kanye flying solo without all the bells and whistles of a spectacle behind him, you can fly solo with my anytime-anywhere 5 Minute Fat Burning Workouts.  So enjoy tightening your abdominals & core with today’s Workout #55! – R

Paul Revere and many more

Seems like today is quite an historical day, highlighted by Revolutionary War patriot Paul Revere’s famous “midnight ride” warning John Hancock and Samuel Adams the British were coming in 1775.  It’s also the day heroine Joan of Arc was declared a Saint (1909), the World’s Fair opened in Chicago (1925), professional baseball’s Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt hit his 500th home run (1987), and the day professional football’s Hall of Famer Joe Montana hung up his spikes for good (1995).  Not that historical events have a direct impact on your everyday activities, but for sure they’re worth remembering. Because historical events oftentimes inspire us through the accomplishments of others. At least they do for me.  So if you’re looking for a little inspiration today, think of Paul, Joan, Mike or Comeback Joe.  Or better yet, garner some inspiration from me and enjoy toning your thighs again with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #54.  Have fun – R

They’re not superfluous

There are many things in life that are not superflous, that is to say, not unnecessary. Like brushing your teeth or going to the doctor.  So when my friend said to me, “you know, your 5 minute workouts, they’re not superflous, especially for people not working out,” I paused for a moment, then smiled as I realized the power of this eloquent double negative.  Because regardless of what type of physical fitness you choose, the concept of exercising everyday is necessary.  That is to say, if  you believe that strengthening and preserving your body for the long haul is not superfluous. Enjoy blasting your thighs again using cool lunge variations in today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #53.   – R

Ray Kroc’s first McDonald’s

Exactly 56 years ago today, 52 year-old American businessman – and high school dropout – Ray Kroc purchased his first McDonald’s franchise from the McDonald brothers.  It was their 9th location, and the first of thousands that would revolutionize the fast food business and turn Kroc into a multimillionaire ($500 million in his lifetime).  This from a man who once tried his hand at a number of trades including paper-cup salesman, pianist, jazz musician, band member, and a multi-mixer milkshake traveling salesman.  At one time, Kroc even worked for room and board at a restaurant in the midwest to learn the restaurant business.  So taking a line from yesterday’s blog, “If there’s anything in your life that needs more perseverance to get you through, think of Ray Kroc (or Jackie Robinson) and stay the course.”  Enjoy sculpting your thighs & triceps with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #52 – Sculpt Your Thighs II.  And I’ll see you next time – R