Tag: tips

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Real love is…willing to share a seat on the bus

Oprah Winfrey once said, “The roses, the lovely notes, the dining and dancing are all welcome and splendid. But when the Godiva is gone, the gift of real love is having someone who’ll go the distance with you. Someone who, when the wedding day limo breaks down, is willing to share a seat on the bus.”  Although I’ve never been married I have been in love.  Thus, I would agree with Oprah, because real love is about courage and selflessness…and the ability to get on that bus and ultimately make it to the altar. Congratulations and my best to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!  – R

Enjoy your 65th consecutive 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout – Stronger Chest & Arms II

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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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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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Thank you Manny Ramirez

About 20 years ago my father showed me a baseball card of a rookie he said would become one of the greatest.  His name was Manny Ramirez.  My father was right.  In 19 years in the majors, Manny hit more home runs (555) and drove in more runs (1,831) than Mickey Mantle.  As a long time New Yorker and Yankee fan at heart, this means something.  And with a lifetime batting average of .312, not to mention his ability to intimidate opposing pitchers by just stepping into the on-deck circle, he’s a Hall of Famer in my book.  What I remember most about Manny was the way he electrified the city of Los Angeles and led the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series in 2008. The energy and excitement was something the whole city felt, whether at Dodger Stadium or Venice Beach.  Yes, he violated baseball’s drug policy (2 times), and yes, there was always Manny being Manny. Yet he played with such confidence and poise that it inspired everyone, especially his younger teammates.  Love him or hate him, he was the ultimate baseball warrior.  Thank you Manny Ramirez. My best always – Rich

And don’t forget today’s 5 minute workout #45 – because we all could use some Balance!

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Perfect example of bad role models

I read in the LA Times this morning about two parents in Michigan who beat up a 73-year old school crossing guard who tried to break up a fight between their 6-year old son and another boy.  This after bringing their son to school to beat up the other boy after the two kids got into a fight last week.  I would call that a perfect example of bad role models. How about leading by example and treating everyone with respect – starting with yourself.  Interestingly, I would bet that neither of these attacking parents partakes in anything physical fitness at all.  Just a hunch, but it seems like a lot of pent up anger and negative energy.  So for these accused attackers – and anyone else who’s looking to open their heart and release some aggression via a daily fitness program – check out my 5 minute fat burning workout #41, Standing Heart Openers.  Then lead by example!  R

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What’s so special about 40?

In the Holy Bible, there’s plenty of references to the number 40:  it rained for 40 days and 40 nights when God wanted to cleanse the earth; Noah waited another 40 days after it rained before he opened a window in the Arch; Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days (twice); the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness – one for each day they explored the Promised Land; Goliath came for 40 days – morning and evening – before being slain by David; Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness; and Jesus appeared for 40 days after his crucifixion to speak about the kingdom of God.  In the Bible there’s also reference to your physical body as being a temple – a temple that should be respected.  Regardless of your religious beliefs, respect your temple today and strengthen your shoulders, chest & arms with my 5 minute fat burning workout #40.  Enjoy – R

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Turn down the music

American writer and Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck once said, “Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.”  Well, much like handling rabbits, I’ve been churning out 5 minute fat burning workouts everyday for the past six weeks.  Today is no different with three simple exercises that’ll make your abdominal muscles scream.  At the very least, you can tell your friends you’re doing a little something to prepare your midsection for those 90 degree bikini days – which, for those of us living in LA, began yesterday.  So turn down the music and enjoy listening to your soon to be ‘beach-ready’ abs scream in workout #38.  Have fun!  -R

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Gotta love ‘Opening Day’

As a child, my brother and I used to play baseball for hours on end with my tireless father hitting us popups and grounders until the sun went down.  To this day my father and brother coach kids of all ages from childhood through high school.  My two nephews are also following in our footsteps, becoming quite the ballplayers we knew they would. So of course I’m a huge fan of ‘Opening Day‘.   The smell of freshly cut grass, the sounds of the crack of the bat, the pop you hear when the pitcher fires one past the batter right into the catcher’s mitt. Hmmm, hmmm, good!  There’s also that feeling of a new beginning. Because once the season starts, nobody cares about last year, let alone what happened yesterday. Everybody gets a fresh start – something we all can use from time to time.  So if you’re a baseball fan like me, take this time to start something new.  Like a daily fitness program. Because just like ballplayers forgetting their past seasons, you can forget about the workout you didn’t do yesterday and start anew.  Why not?  It’s Opening Day!  Have fun getting terrific triceps with my 5 minute fat burning workout #36.  Let’s play ball – R

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The door is open

You may have heard the old Chinese proverb, “Teachers open the door.  You enter by yourself.”  When it comes to working out, this is 100% true.  Because the hard part of physical fitness is that no one can do it for you.  Knowing what to do is the easy part.  It is, when you’re practicing along with my 5 minute fat burning workouts.  Short, effective and uniquely challenging, these workouts are meant to teach you the right exercises using the proper technique. They’ll also motivate you to do more, and serve as a confidence builder if you’re new to fitness.  The door is open, but you must enter by yourself.  So enter freely with some detoxifying lunge twists in today’s daily workout #35.  Enjoy – R