Chinese thinker and social philosopher, Confucius, once said, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” Because when you actually do something of value, whatever it is, you understand first-hand the reasons for doing it as well as the benefits derived from it. Thus, do it and understand. Like my fat burning workouts. Or anything else fitness related you can afford doing on a daily basis. Because once you understand what it is to embrace a daily fitness program by actually doing it, you’ll be hooked. Or at least you’ll empower yourself with the knowledge and experience you’ll never forget. Enjoy today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #76 – Warrior Legs. – 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
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
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
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
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
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
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