Tag: health

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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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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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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

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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

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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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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

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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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Persevere like Jackie Robinson

Today, Major League Baseball commemorates the 64th anniversary of Hall of Famer, Jackie Robinson, for breaking the color barrier as the first black player to play in MLB since the 1880’s.  He was also the first black television analyst in Major League Baseball, and the first black vice-president of a major American corporation (Chock Full O’Nuts in 1957).  In the 1960s, Jackie helped establish the Freedom National Bank, an African-American-owned financial institution based in Harlem, New York.  This, from a man born into a family of sharecroppers.  Jackie Robinson is definitely someone who overcame substantial obstacles, including death threats and horrific slurs from racially charged fans.  But he persevered and won a World Championship ring when the Dodgers beat the Yankees in the 1955 World Series.  So if there’s anything in your life that needs more perseverance to get you through, think of Jackie Robinson and stay the course.  And do so with beautiful thighs & biceps with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #51.  Enjoy – R

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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