When you celebrate Cinco de Mayo today, think Unity & Pride and the importance of believing that anything is possible. Just reflect upon the 4,000 Mexican soldiers in 1862 who were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years. However improbable, they were victorious as a result of Unity & Pride. Because sometimes it’s takes a collective energy interlaced with self-respect and dignity to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable, even when the odds are stacked against you. Like a daily fitness program. You may not have the time or money or ability to join a gym or yoga studio, but you can certainly make time for at least 5 minutes of exercise each day. So gather your family and friends today, and band together for some good old fitness. And stand tall and proud like Mexico did. Enjoy strengthening your back and abs with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #71. – R
Never ask a woman her age!
I’ve been admiring this gal in the gym for the past month when I finally spoke with her today. She’s there everyday and she knows what’s she’s doing. Plus, I figured she was much older than she looked. So when she said today was her birthday, I asked, “How old are you?” She replied, “Never ask a woman her age!” Of course not, right. The thing is, she doesn’t look a day over 50. She’s 64 today and looks amazing. Thus, the lesson here folks, aside from never asking a woman her age, is to turn back time by embracing a daily fitness program. So enjoy today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #70 – Back Bends. – R
Get your Mojo back
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
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
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!
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