Monday, December 31, 2007

Springfield Health and Fitness Club

Congratulations to our friend Thalia Papadakis for acquiring the Springfield Health and Fitness Club in the Bushnell building ( 4th. floor) downtown Springfield. She has some great ideas coming in the future from senior yoga, spinning, senior aerobics. For the month of January I will be sitting ( since that is all I can do with a broken foot) at the desk Friday 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. If you don't have anything to do come on up and see me. I will help you write your fitness plan for 2008.

New Year Fitness

With this being New Year's Eve I hope all of my friends have started writing their fitness plans for the year. Keep in mind that warm weather will be here in a few months so there is plenty of time to get ready for sleeveless shirts and shorts if we all begin now.
Unfortunately my clients aren't getting any one on one training since I have been out with my broken foot but I am sure that they have been good. If not, there are four weeks to lose the Christmas goo before I am back at the gym. The first plan of action is weigh ins. If you are having trouble writing up those goals and action plans drop me an e-mail and I will help you or will gladly critique your plan for you.
During this month I am helping out Thalia who has purchased the Springfield Health and Fitness Club in the Bushnell Building in downtown Springfield. Since I can't walk I am sitting at the desk on Friday evenings from 4 to 7 PM. If you need me come on up.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas Cookies and Candy

Okay, Christmas is over and we are all regretting the sugar and other over indulgences. You may have even decided not to weigh yourself until the new year to get a fresh start. My advice today is to not wait for Jan. 1st. to start your New Year resolutions. Begin today, the day after Christmas. If your guests did not take home cookes, pie and candies take them to work for your co-workers who aren't as interested in a great shape as you.
If any of those horrible yummies are still in your home when you get there they will call your name. If you wrap them really tight and hide them in the freezer under a ham and a turkey there will come a time in the witching hour while watching television ( mine is 9:00 PM) that those Esther Price chocolates will call your name with a siren song. You will try to resist but it will be futile. I have read that if you are really craving sugar you should eat an apple. That's kind of funny. If you are anything like me you will eat the apple, wait ten minutes for the satisfaction to kick in and then dig out the chocolates. Will power is overrated. Get them out of the house while you have the chance.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Get some fitness help

Work with a trainer or coach. Workouts seem easier and are more effective with a professional prodding you along, plus you are a lot more likely to show up when you feel obligated ( especially when they are going to charge you anyway) When someone is watching you and keeping an eye on your progress it is more likely that you will do more and push harder. If you can't afford a trainer for every workout, try it at least once every week or two. The trainer can take you through a workout and help you to set goals for the next session.
If you don't want or can't afford a trainer, find yourself a good training partner. An ideal training partner will be someone who is at least as motivated as you are, preferably more. You will need someone that will show up. It is best to get a partner that is more knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition and preferably a little stronger.

Making Your New Years Resolutions Matter

The most common New Year's resolution is to "lose weight" followed by " get in shape". Unfortunately these are so vague that they won't be of much use. A good resolution must start with a goal and then a plan.

1. Example of good resolution: I will lose 20 pounds by August 15th. 2008, reducing my weight from 199 pounds to 179 pounds.

2. Plan: How many times a week will you exercise? How much cardio, weight training, and flexibility training? How will you get your family involved? What kind of nutrition program will you be following?

Once you know your goal and have made notes about your plan put it all on a calendar, plan each day. As you acheive each days goal cross out the day with a red marker. If you can have 90% of each month crossed off you will be well on your way to the body you want for the new year.