Tag: beginner

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25 pounds more than a generation ago

This morning I read that for the first time since the 1960s, the United States Coast Guard has increased its estimate of average passenger weight by 25 pounds (used by ferries and charter boats to help determine how many people they can carry).  With clothing and all, the typical passenger now weighs in at 185 pounds – that’s 25 pounds more than a generation ago.  And this extra 25 pounds may likely be added to the Federal Transit Administration’s standard for buses, subways, light rails, etc., which is currently set at 150 pounds.  I guess there’s no need to explain our nation’s weight increase, right? Because everything from poor eating habits, more expensive healthy foods, too much time watching TV and surfing the Internet, and too little physical exercise will certainly do the trick.  So why not help reverse our nation’s heavier trend with a daily fitness program. Even if you won’t be traveling anytime soon!  So respect yourself and have fun strengthening your chest & arm with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #63.  – R

PS – Today marks my 100th blog since debuting 20 weeks ago – thanks for reading!

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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

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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

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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

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Set your sights and manifest it

I was reading Architectural Digest this morning when I came across an eye-catching ad for the new solar-powered luxury car by Fisker Automotive.  It’s called the Karma and I’ve been reading about it for the past year.  Actually, I’ve been thinking how great it would be to own one.  But since I don’t currently have an extra $100,000 laying around, I’ve opted to set my sights and just manifest it, i.e., make it happen. I even cut out the great looking ad, placing it on my filing cabinet so it stays fresh in my mind.  Like anything in the world you deeply desire, set your sights and manifest it.  Even a daily fitness program.  You can start with only 5 minutes a day.  Like today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #48 – Down Dog Chest & Arms.  Enjoy – R

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…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

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The door is open

You may have heard the old Chinese proverb, “Teachers open the door.  You enter by yourself.”  When it comes to working out, this is 100% true.  Because the hard part of physical fitness is that no one can do it for you.  Knowing what to do is the easy part.  It is, when you’re practicing along with my 5 minute fat burning workouts.  Short, effective and uniquely challenging, these workouts are meant to teach you the right exercises using the proper technique. They’ll also motivate you to do more, and serve as a confidence builder if you’re new to fitness.  The door is open, but you must enter by yourself.  So enter freely with some detoxifying lunge twists in today’s daily workout #35.  Enjoy – R

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30 workouts in 30 days

Today marks day 30 and workout #30 of my 5 minute fat burning web series.  For those following along, you now have 30 different short workouts to choose from – covering all body parts and muscles from your fingers to your toes (check out Workout #19 for women who wear high heels a lot).  No worries if you have not – so long as you’ve been keeping up with a daily fitness routine that includes anything cardiovascular and/or fat burning.  For the newcomers out there, the main objective of this web series is to provide you will a super quick and painless alternative to the gym or yoga studio. However brief my 5 minute workouts may be, don’t let that fool you.  They’re certainly challenging, effective and attainable for anyone of any size, weight, age or gender.  Just like my 5 minutes of yoga anywhere in my Yoga Survival Guide, and my 15 Minute Fat Burning Workouts. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy sculpting your butt & legs with moving squats in Workout #30.  As always, keep it going and I’ll see you next time!  – R

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Resist the temptation

You may have heard the ancient proverb, ‘good habits result from resisting temptation’.  I would go one step further and say that good habits result from resisting temptation and embracing change.  Because good habits are derived by doing things that are considered good for you, versus bad habits that are usually derived from the not-so-good things that constantly tempt us – like unhealthy food groups and the aversion to exercise.  So if you haven’t already, get with a new habit in the form of a daily fitness program.  And resist the temptation NOT to workout because who doesn’t have 5 minutes a day to respect themselves?  Enjoy opening your hips and hamstrings with fat burning workout #26 – R

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Try it on your phone

I had dinner with a friend last night who said she wanted to do my 5 minute fat burning workouts but couldn’t use her work computer and her laptop was down.  Then I said, why not do them on your phone.  Watch it first, then set your phone aside and follow along with my voice.  Today she called to say it worked great.  So there you go.  If you’re not currently on a daily fitness program, start small with only 5 minutes a day.  Believe me, these simple workouts will challenge you.  Just log on to my butt, thighs and heart opener Workout #23 – 5 minutes of fat burning you can truly do anytime and anyplace.   Now playing on blog.richtola.com, Vimeo and YouTube.   Happy Friday!  R