Power and economy go hand in hand

I read this in my Horoscope this morning and immediately thought how it relates to almost everything in life, including the correct fitness program.  I say correct because the power comes from doing a combination of simple, full body workouts using the proper technique, and the economy comes from maximizing your time and results by doing them on a daily basis.  So maximize your power and economy today by getting started with my 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #86 – Terrific Triceps II.  Enjoy – 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

Ray Kroc’s first McDonald’s

Exactly 56 years ago today, 52 year-old American businessman – and high school dropout – Ray Kroc purchased his first McDonald’s franchise from the McDonald brothers.  It was their 9th location, and the first of thousands that would revolutionize the fast food business and turn Kroc into a multimillionaire ($500 million in his lifetime).  This from a man who once tried his hand at a number of trades including paper-cup salesman, pianist, jazz musician, band member, and a multi-mixer milkshake traveling salesman.  At one time, Kroc even worked for room and board at a restaurant in the midwest to learn the restaurant business.  So taking a line from yesterday’s blog, “If there’s anything in your life that needs more perseverance to get you through, think of Ray Kroc (or Jackie Robinson) and stay the course.”  Enjoy sculpting your thighs & triceps with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #52 – Sculpt Your Thighs II.  And I’ll see you next time – R

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

Triceps anyone?

Triceps with Rich Tola

Sometimes you just don’t have the time or just don’t feel like changing into workout clothes just to workout, right?  Well who says you have to find time or wear something workout-ish?  Do one thing for a couple of minutes and you’ll get your workout in – at least part of it.  Like when you’re waiting for that email, or that phone call, or your girlfriend to get ready, or that client to show up.  Check out me working triceps here on my favorite reading chair (dining room and office chairs are even better).  Apply “yoga principles” as you plant your feet slightly apart with knees at right angles pressing together.  Keep your chin parallel to the floor, your spine straight and dip slowly until your elbows reach right angles (no need to go further), pointing your elbows toward each other.  Do not to jerk your head or neck.  Note: always be sensitive to any tweaks or pains in your neck as well as your shoulders, elbows and wrists.  Move with slow and deliberate movements.  Nothing fancy and make sure the chair is properly weighted to support this exercise.  Strengthen your arms and build stamina with these simple dips using whatever’s available to you.   Do as many repetitions as you can per set, and as many sets as you can – with short breaks in between until you feel the burn and can’t do any more.  It’ll happen quick.  And always maintain good posture, close your mouth and breathe slowly and quietly like the sound of the ocean, and pick a point of focus to wipe your mind clear.  Enjoy – R