You probably heard the expression, can’t see the forest through the trees, about losing oneself in the details (trees) so much that it’s tough to grasp – and easy to forget – the bigger picture (the forest). Imagine that 5 minute workouts are like trees. And each tree represents a daily fitness slice of the bigger picture – a healthy lifestyle. So if you’re desiring a healthier lifestyle and don’t know where to start, here you go. Whet your appetite with Workout #39 of my 5 minute fat burning fitness series. Enjoy – R
48 and Feeling Great
By the time you reach 48 there’s not much hoopla about your birthday, right? The true celebration is in the continued evolution of your soul. Which also applies to your body. And with that evolution of your body brings new challenges each year. Challenges that include dealing with a slower metabolism rate, a weakening of muscles and bones, and an increasing waistline. Go figure, right? So what can be done to counter these challenges? This: what I’ve been doing everyday for the past 32 years – working out. I hate to blow my own horn here, but maintaining a daily fitness program really works. Yesterday I met a 20 year old gal who thought I was 33. That’s 15 years younger folks. Plus, I’m not a fanatic about what I eat – just smart – so I must attribute my success to working out. Everyday. Trust me, it works. Here’s a few of my favorite abdominal exercises in today’s 5 minute fat burning workout #34 – Birthday Abs. Enjoy – Rich
Quickie, anyone?
I met this 47 year old gal last night who said she spends a lot of time on conference calls, not speaking for long periods of time. She also said she hasn’t worked out in about five months. She was too busy with work and couldn’t find time before or after to squeeze in some physical exercise. When I told her about my 5 minute fat burning workouts, she noted she could easily close her door during conference calls, mute the talk button, and follow along for a quickie – for my 5 minutes of exercise, that is. Or two or three quickies that would certainly put a spark into her day. So if you’re too busy with life and can’t find the time to workout, take heed and increase your productivity during conference calls with Workout #32. And don’t forget to hit the mute button! Enjoy your quickie – R
Why procrastinate?
Did you know that today is National Procrastination Day? Well, it was actually yesterday but it was pushed off until today. Easy to do with just about anything that’s not a life or death situation. Especially physical fitness. Because exercising usually involves time and money, and of course, the rather undesirable fatigue and discomfort you experience from doing it. Everyone knows the benefits of fitness, so why procrastinate and push if off until tomorrow, or Monday, or the first of the month? Don’t do it. Don’t procrastinate. Especially with your daily fitness program. Here’s another great abdominal workout using tabletop crunches anyone can do. My 5 minute fat burning workout #31 completes a month’s worth of workouts you can do anywhere. No people. No props. No special clothing. No money. Just 5 minutes and your non-procrastinating self. Enjoy – R
Years teach us patience
Elizabeth Taylor, one of the greatest and most beautiful actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Years once said, “It is very strange that the years teach us patience – that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting.” As I myself get ready to turn the page on another year, I certainly agree with Liz’s assessment of our capacity for waiting. Especially in Tinseltown, where patience is truly a virtue. And especially when it comes to seeing results with a new fitness program. As you grow older, the need to strengthen your body as well as accept the fact that everything worth doing takes time becomes more apparent. So be patient with your workouts and your fat burning…and enjoy sculpting your shoulders & abs with my 5 minute Workout #28. And to the lovely and exquisite Ms. Taylor, thanks for the wonderful memories! Rest in Peace – Rich
Look at the results
Sir Winston Churchill once said, “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results”. I would certainly agree, and when it comes to fitness and body sculpting, it’s always best to look at the results more than occasionally – like every day. Most likely you won’t see any noticeable results on a day-to-day basis, but this more than occasional acknowledgment of your daily workouts will help fuel you to do that little extra. Like going for a walk or jog after your 5 minute abs, bicep and thigh blasting you’ll get from today’s workout #22. So keep looking for results, and I’ll see you next time – R
Pain relief
What do you do when there’s pain in the body that affects your daily activities? You can address the pain with rest and/or with controlled stretching exercises. Depending on the specific injury and severity of your pain and injury – it’s best to consult your Doctor on that – I would recommend both. As for sciatica relief (from leg pain due to compression of the sciatic nerve) here are some simple stretching exercises that can help. Always remember to breathe slowly and deeply and send your positive energy to the area of discomfort. And smile! Enjoy your 5 minute fat burning workout #20 – R
Happy Birthday Mom
My mother turned 70 today and she looks amazing! What’s her secret? Well, about 31 years ago when I joined my first gym she was this 39 year-old mother of three who never worked out. One year later – at the ripe age of 40 and after much cajoling on my part – she joined a health club and never looked back. Thirty years later she’s been working out 4-5 times a week – and it shows because she doesn’t look a day over 60. Kudos to your workouts and your healthy lifestyle Mom! So for anyone not currently on a daily fitness program, let’s get you started with Workout #15. And I’ll see you next time – R
Enjoy the simple things
What if you couldn’t tie your shoelaces or put your daughter’s hair in a braid? This past weekend a 26 year old woman was given a hand transplant during a successful 14 hour operation at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center – the first such transplant in the state of California. To be whole again. And to enjoy the simple things like braiding her daughter’s hair were the young woman’s wishes. Good news followed the operation – she’s already moving her fingers as the donor’s hand “matched beyond expectation”. Although a hand transplant comes with lifelong risks, lead surgeon Dr. Azari said, “The reasonable expectation is she will get sensation back and she will use her hand. So far it looks spot on”. Let’s radiate positive energy for our young woman, and let’s all enjoy the simple things in life. Including our daily 5 minute fat burning workout. Here’s #13. R
Change is good
For the past week I’ve had the fortunate, albeit stressful task of moving my home and office. I say fortunate because whether you see the cup half full or half empty, change is good. As humans, we suffer from what behaviorists call homeostasis. Simply put, we don’t like change because our internal tendency is to maintain a stable and constant condition. So if you’ve ever moved you know how challenging it is to pack up your life, ship it another neighborhood (in my case 12 miles away which in Los Angeles is like another state), unpack and reorder everything in your new home or office, become familiar with all the retail and convenience stores, gas stations, dry cleaners, gyms and yoga studios, and most importantly, changing your address for your multitude of accounts like banks, credit cards, postal service, magazines, drivers license, health care providers, and professional organizations. Not to mention all your family and friends. So much for homeostasis. That said, moving gives you an excellent opportunity to explore new markets and expand your world. To meet new people, to experience new beginnings. Change is good. Especially when it comes to improving yourself and your life. Like embracing a daily fitness program. However stressful and challenging you may think it is to get started, it’s well worth the effort. So if you haven’t made the change, one that truly improves your overall well being, get a move on it. And enjoy your workout!