Tag: exercise

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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

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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 Attanasio, Thomas Barrack, Eli Broad, Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert, Alec Gores, Peter Guber, Magic 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

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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