Today we’re paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s a national holiday in the United States and time to honor a great man who stood for never ending equality and justice for all. MLK was also the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and a civil rights leader who inspired a nation with his “I Have a Dream” speech in front of 250,000 people gathered around the Lincoln Memorial during their peaceful march upon our nation’s capitol. We’re also talking about the Wolf Moon, a full moon that illuminates to its fullest tonight at 6:48p EST. Plus more fitness tips and inspiration as well as three more steps to everlasting youth from my book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth. Have an awesome holiday everyone…and get your workout in!
Tola Talks Crazy Rockers, Fitness Tips & JLaw Nude Again
Tola Talks about what everybody already knows: when it comes to fitness (or anything else for that matter), TIME = SUCCESS. It’s Fitness Friday so check-out what Rich had to say to 100 elementary school students he visited for Career Day. Plus Jennifer Lawrence gets cozy (and nude) with a snake. Weekdays on youtube.com/tolatalks
Tola Talks w/ Author & Past Life Specialist Noreh Millar
Tola Talks past life flashbacks, deadly viruses, sex clubs in NYC and the new detective-mystery novel, Detour on the Road Home. On Throwback Thursdays, Rich interviews Author Noreh Millar…who also takes us back to her version of 1942 and her latest detective-mystery novel, Detour on the Road Home. Watch weekdays on youtube.com/tolatalks.
Sad but true
There’s so much to speak of these days that’s very sad but true. In addition to the catastrophes and chaos around the globe, this morning I learned about the passing of legendary speech pathologist and dialogue coach, Sam Chwat. Sam helped thousands of people with speech challenges, as well as coach Hollywood stars like Robert DeNiro, Julia Roberts, Andie MacDowell and Tony Danza, to perfect and/or eliminate accents. I was fortunate enough to meet Sam the winter of 2006, when I received coaching from his associate, Jessica, before moving to Los Angeles. He was exactly 10 years older than me. An age far too young to go. So today, let’s open ours hearts to all those who are suffering and all those who have passed. And enjoy workout #19 – Heart Openers. R
Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit
Today starts the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. If you were born in the year 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, or 1999, then it’s your year. I was born in 1963, so it’s also my year. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are considered to be articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. It is also believed that Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business, are known for being conscientious, and never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, Rabbit people seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. So for all you fellow Rabbits out there…Happy New Year! R
Point of no return
I just visited my thirty-something year old friend who was speaking about her weight when she said, “I know what it’s like to be past the point of no return”. She spoke with such conviction about how everyone struggling with weight loss reaches a specific point of no return. Last week I gave her my 15 Minute Fat Burning Workouts and stopped by today to check in on her and to drop one off for her girlfriend. She hasn’t started the workouts, but said she would today – after much cajoling on my part. When I asked her why not, she said it was “mental”. Actually she’s doing quite well, mentally and physically, considering she weighed 218 lbs. two years ago. She also said her exact “point of no return” was 180 lbs, and that once she reached that point she pretty much gave up hope – and desire – of getting the weight off and skipped right past 200 until her final stop at 218. And can you believe this adorably funny gal started college weighing 106 lbs? The good news is when she finally reached 218 she started with a well-known weight loss program that helped get her down to today’s weight of 180. Hmmm. I suppose now it’s the “point of return”. Next stop 140. So she says. And so I believe – as long as she believes and continues to make good choices. Because with a daily fitness program complemented by a positive mindset and positive lifestyle choices, anything is possible. Enjoy your workout – R
Healthy lifestyle
I forgot to mention the bonus part of my 15 Minute Fat Burning Workouts: my succinct intros and outros reinforcing the concept of positive thoughts, speech and feelings with the forever mindset of making good choices and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Like my lunch today. Check it out – I made it myself. Just like having a well-balanced diet of exercise, the same applies to what you consume on a daily basis. So always take that positive attitude out into the world and don’t forget to get your workout in. R Salad Ingredients: European salad mix, bean sprouts, cut & peeled baby carrots, fresh tomato, fresh ginger, one can albacore tuna in water, topped with Sriracha hot chili sauce (my fav!). Plus a non-alcoholic beer and cup of dried cranberries.
Self-confidence
Yesterday I went to San Diego to teach with The Boulevard Zen Foundation yoga teachers Carolyn and Jen. It was our monthly workshop class for everyone at the shelter including kids, moms and staff. Although our turnout was rather light, we spoke with one staff member who explained to us in one word why the moms were reluctant to join in the fun. Self-confidence. Most of us know a thing or two about self-confidence, or a lack thereof, when it comes to challenging the mind or the body with something new. And that’s exactly what a new fitness program does – it challenges the mind and body in ways that are unfamiliar to us. Thus making it hard and undesirable – at first. With the imperative words here being “at first”. Because it gets easier. It truly does. The hard part is just getting started. I explained to her that beginning a new yoga program with our teachers is like swimming in the ocean. At first you walk in with the water around your ankles. Then you wade a little further, up to your knees, then waist, and ultimately you’ll take the plunge and dive in. And if you’re fearful of those crashing waves, you may not take the plunge right away, but over time you will gain the confidence to go further, advancing to the next level, gaining momentum and confidence every step of the way. And that’s what it’s all about – gaining self-confidence through action and advancement that will certainly spill over and positively affect others areas of your life. So if you haven’t already done so, take the plunge and get started today with a new fat burning fitness routine. Because who doesn’t have 15 minutes a day to respect themselves?
Welcome to a new Fat Burning lifestyle!
What does fat burning mean to you? Is it a specific thing, or action, or result? To me it’s a lifestyle. I know we hear that word a lot and in too many scenarios, but for the most part we all know what lifestyle means, right? Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture “. I define it as the way you choose to live your life. Yes, choose.
Because your choice of what’s “the typical way” for you impacts everything you do, and subsequently how you feel. And how you feel is what really matters. Because it permeates you, affecting your overall mental and physical well-being. It’s simple really. Lifestyle = Actions = Feelings. So where am I going with all this? I’m going to the three simple rules I reinforce in every one of my 15 minute fat burning workouts: think positive, speak positive and feel positive. And by positive I mean you can workout every day, you can make healthy choices about what you eat and drink every day, you can speak only positive words regarding any situation or circumstance – because there are positives in everything we experience, and finally, you can feel positive all the time by adhering to the first two simple rules. Trust me. It works. So forget about the potentially hazaradous lifestyle you think you currently have, because those are just thoughts you can change whenever you choose to. So choose to join me for a fat burning lifestyle, one that includes working out every single day for at least the next 30 years. And I’ll see you tomorrow.
Peace – R