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
50 workouts in 50 days
Just the other day I blogged ‘What’s so special about 40’. Actually, it was 10 days ago but it feels like yesterday. That’s how quickly time passes. But from then until now, you could have exercised with me 5 minutes each day (for about an hour). For anyone not currently working out, that’s a great start. Imagine if you’ve been following along the past 50 days. That would mean you exercised everyday for a total of 250+ minutes or more than 4 hours. A lot more, right, with the key here being the everyday part. And from my other DVD offering, Rich Tola’s 15 Minute Fat Burning Workouts, I believe everyone should dedicate at least 1% of their life to physical fitness, i.e., 15 minutes. Based on yoga principles, my workouts are designed to challenge your entire body with low-impact exercises that can be done anytime, anywhere. Or if you prefer more yoga, check out my Yoga Survival Guide for 5 minute lessons of 100 yoga poses. Have fun opening your heart & hips with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #50 – Bridge! – R
Thank you Manny Ramirez
About 20 years ago my father showed me a baseball card of a rookie he said would become one of the greatest. His name was Manny Ramirez. My father was right. In 19 years in the majors, Manny hit more home runs (555) and drove in more runs (1,831) than Mickey Mantle. As a long time New Yorker and Yankee fan at heart, this means something. And with a lifetime batting average of .312, not to mention his ability to intimidate opposing pitchers by just stepping into the on-deck circle, he’s a Hall of Famer in my book. What I remember most about Manny was the way he electrified the city of Los Angeles and led the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series in 2008. The energy and excitement was something the whole city felt, whether at Dodger Stadium or Venice Beach. Yes, he violated baseball’s drug policy (2 times), and yes, there was always Manny being Manny. Yet he played with such confidence and poise that it inspired everyone, especially his younger teammates. Love him or hate him, he was the ultimate baseball warrior. Thank you Manny Ramirez. My best always – Rich
And don’t forget today’s 5 minute workout #45 – because we all could use some Balance!
Thwart the boredom
Last night I met a 22 year old gal who said she starting working out again after taking the last six months off. When I asked why the long sabbatical, she simply responded she was bored with her workouts. I know the feeling. After 32 years of daily workouts, who wouldn’t, right? The key to thwarting boredom is to have your mind supremely focused on the task at hand. Not that easy, you say? It is when you treat your workouts as a moving meditation with exercises attached. If you’re doing the right exercises – and exercising right – you don’t have to workout for hours on end. Keep them short and sweet (as in yesterday’s blog) and stay focused on every movement you make. Or better yet, spice it up my 5 minute fat burning workouts and you’ll have many more exercises for your repertoire. So keep it going and don’t let your mind get the best of you. Enjoy opening your hips and low back with today’s Workout #44 – Frog Legs. My best – Rich
…if we’re always doing
One of my idols growing up was Revolutionary War hero and first president of the United States, General George Washington. Washington once said, “It’s wonderful what we can do if we’re always doing”. Words that hold true no matter what the circumstance. Because in the “doing” comes results. Like physical fitness. If you want to achieve results like burning fat while positively affecting your mental and physical well-being, then focus on the “doing”. And enjoy today’s 5 minute fat burning workout #42 – Warrior Lunge. Because it truly feels wonderful to see the benefits of a daily fitness program! My best – R
What’s so special about 40?
In the Holy Bible, there’s plenty of references to the number 40: it rained for 40 days and 40 nights when God wanted to cleanse the earth; Noah waited another 40 days after it rained before he opened a window in the Arch; Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days (twice); the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness – one for each day they explored the Promised Land; Goliath came for 40 days – morning and evening – before being slain by David; Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness; and Jesus appeared for 40 days after his crucifixion to speak about the kingdom of God. In the Bible there’s also reference to your physical body as being a temple – a temple that should be respected. Regardless of your religious beliefs, respect your temple today and strengthen your shoulders, chest & arms with my 5 minute fat burning workout #40. Enjoy – R
Can’t see the forest through the trees
You probably heard the expression, can’t see the forest through the trees, about losing oneself in the details (trees) so much that it’s tough to grasp – and easy to forget – the bigger picture (the forest). Imagine that 5 minute workouts are like trees. And each tree represents a daily fitness slice of the bigger picture – a healthy lifestyle. So if you’re desiring a healthier lifestyle and don’t know where to start, here you go. Whet your appetite with Workout #39 of my 5 minute fat burning fitness series. Enjoy – R
48 and Feeling Great
By the time you reach 48 there’s not much hoopla about your birthday, right? The true celebration is in the continued evolution of your soul. Which also applies to your body. And with that evolution of your body brings new challenges each year. Challenges that include dealing with a slower metabolism rate, a weakening of muscles and bones, and an increasing waistline. Go figure, right? So what can be done to counter these challenges? This: what I’ve been doing everyday for the past 32 years – working out. I hate to blow my own horn here, but maintaining a daily fitness program really works. Yesterday I met a 20 year old gal who thought I was 33. That’s 15 years younger folks. Plus, I’m not a fanatic about what I eat – just smart – so I must attribute my success to working out. Everyday. Trust me, it works. Here’s a few of my favorite abdominal exercises in today’s 5 minute fat burning workout #34 – Birthday Abs. Enjoy – Rich
Quickie, anyone?
I met this 47 year old gal last night who said she spends a lot of time on conference calls, not speaking for long periods of time. She also said she hasn’t worked out in about five months. She was too busy with work and couldn’t find time before or after to squeeze in some physical exercise. When I told her about my 5 minute fat burning workouts, she noted she could easily close her door during conference calls, mute the talk button, and follow along for a quickie – for my 5 minutes of exercise, that is. Or two or three quickies that would certainly put a spark into her day. So if you’re too busy with life and can’t find the time to workout, take heed and increase your productivity during conference calls with Workout #32. And don’t forget to hit the mute button! Enjoy your quickie – R
Why procrastinate?
Did you know that today is National Procrastination Day? Well, it was actually yesterday but it was pushed off until today. Easy to do with just about anything that’s not a life or death situation. Especially physical fitness. Because exercising usually involves time and money, and of course, the rather undesirable fatigue and discomfort you experience from doing it. Everyone knows the benefits of fitness, so why procrastinate and push if off until tomorrow, or Monday, or the first of the month? Don’t do it. Don’t procrastinate. Especially with your daily fitness program. Here’s another great abdominal workout using tabletop crunches anyone can do. My 5 minute fat burning workout #31 completes a month’s worth of workouts you can do anywhere. No people. No props. No special clothing. No money. Just 5 minutes and your non-procrastinating self. Enjoy – R