Last night I watched the Dodgers game with a friend who said he needed to “get his Mojo back”. When I asked him in reference to what, he replied, “everything”. Although everything pretty much covers it all, what he was specifically referring to was his lack of motivation to pursue 1) a new job, 2) a new girlfriend, and 3) a daily fitness program. Thus, my friend is temporarily stuck. And I say temporarily because losing one’s motivation and getting stuck in life is only a phase – if you want it to be. So for anyone out there who can’t find their Mojo like my friend, no worries! Take it upon yourself to kick-start your life with a daily fitness program. Because when compared to finding a new job or a new love, exercising for at least 5 minutes a day is a breeze. So enjoy opening your heart today with my 69th consecutive 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout. – R
Action defines you
Thomas Jefferson once said, “Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” No question that action defines you. Because who you are is not just determined by what you eat – it’s about what you do. So do something today that defines you as someone who cares about their physical and mental well-being. Like my Fat Burning Workouts. Or anything else physical for that matter, as long as you’re doing something everyday to invigorate your muscles and your body. So enjoy opening your hips again with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #68 – Hip Opener II. – R
Happy Birthday Batman
On May 1, 1939, The Caped Crusader, originally referred to as the Bat-Man, made his debut in Detective Comics #27, in “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate”. Showing little remorse over killing or maiming criminals, Batman proved a hit character, and in 1940, received his own solo title (while continuing to star in Detective Comics). About a year later Batman’s kid sidekick, Robin, was introduced, thereby softening Batman’s early pulp-inflected portrayal and giving the crime fighter a “Watson” to talk to – as in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Doctor Watson who complemented master sleuth Sherlock Holmes. 72 years later Batman continues to entertain audiences with yet another Hollywood blockbuster in the works, “Batman: The Dark Knight Rises” (slated for theatrical release in May, 2012). Thanks for the memories & Happy Birthday Batman!
And for those of you following along with my consecutive workouts, have fun taking care of your body with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #67 – Stretch it Out II. – R
Saturday fun with Bruce Springsteen
It was early November, 1978, when I first experienced the amazing sounds and vibrations of the world’s greatest rocker, Bruce Springsteen. I was 15 years old, and growing up in New Jersey, of course I was a “Boss” fan. So I tagged along with some older kids to watch him at Princeton University’s Jadwin Gymnasium. It was my first Springsteen concert and Bruce was promoting his 4th album, Darkness on the Edge of Town. Interestingly, after I post this blog, I’m heading over to Santa Monica to watch The Promise on the big screen. This documentary shows the anguish and the creative joy that went into the making of Darkness. I’m looking forward to the 1970s footage of young Springsteen creating the album with the E Street Band and the interviews of Bruce today. So whatever your fancy is today, enjoy, and don’t forget to get your daily workout in!
Here’s today 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #66 – Triceps, Core & Abs – R
Real love is…willing to share a seat on the bus
Oprah Winfrey once said, “The roses, the lovely notes, the dining and dancing are all welcome and splendid. But when the Godiva is gone, the gift of real love is having someone who’ll go the distance with you. Someone who, when the wedding day limo breaks down, is willing to share a seat on the bus.” Although I’ve never been married I have been in love. Thus, I would agree with Oprah, because real love is about courage and selflessness…and the ability to get on that bus and ultimately make it to the altar. Congratulations and my best to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! – R
Enjoy your 65th consecutive 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout – Stronger Chest & Arms II
Sometimes you have to dig deep
Sometimes you have to dig deep inside yourself to stand tall in the face of adversity. Like the tornado stricken residents of Alabama and the South. In memory of the 77 residents who have perished, survivors must now dig deep within themselves to overcome this horrific tragedy. But they will recover. And they will thrive. Because as humans, that’s what we do – we dig deep and thrive. So please send your positive thoughts and energy to the storm ravaged residents, and enjoy becoming a steel rod of energy in today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #64 – Forearm Plank. My condolences & prayers – Rich
It’s only a temporary limitation
What happens if you get injured? Well, that depends on the injury, but continue working out. Of course, check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program, and if you can, exercise your other body parts that aren’t affected. Case in point: this morning I met this twenty-something year old gal in the gym who said she just started back after a year off due to a knee injury. She also said she exercised all time before getting hurt. So I asked her, “What about the rest of your body, like your abs, chest and arms?” She just shrugged her shoulders and gave me a look. But the reality is, what about the rest of her body? She thought she had a reason not to go to the gym because she had a knee injury, right? I disagree. Because if you’re able to workout around your injury, i.e., to safely avoid additional injury, then why not? Because your injury, it’s only a temporary limitation. Plus, exercising may help speed the recovery process, not to mention the mental benefits of knowing your body’s not losing a step because of a temporary limitation. Enjoy today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #62 – Triangle Pose. – R
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
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
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