Down With The Sickness

It happens to every household. One day its nots there and the next, it
has run rampant.! I am of course talking about the cold, the flu, and
any of the other viruses and various sicknesses that run (seemingly)
unrestrained this time of year. I thought that the few days in
December when I was bedridden that I was done. That I had served my
time. Then, a couple of weeks ago came a single symptom, the cough
that would not quit!
Then there is the other animal that will not quit! Not a bacteria or
parasite, but the unrelenting "Gym Rat!" We are filled with tenacity
to the brim! No way that we are about to allow a small little bug to
stop us from doing what we do best- continuous self improvement!
The first thing to remember is that this is not a defeating moment, it
is a defining moment. This is where you prove to yourself whether this
is truly your lifestyle, or just something that you do when it is
convienent! Since it is a lifestyle, you are not going to abandon your
diet due to this minor setback! In fact, you will most likely modify
it to match your new (temporary) caloric needs until you are 100%
again. But remember, this temporary condition is no reason to abandon
your principles! Do not retreat to the food- like substances to
comfort yourself as you ache! As you check the labels on the food your
purchase, check the labels on your OTC (Over The Counter) medications!
Many are filled with artificial flavors and unecessary sugars as well
as unneeded chemicals like proplyene glycol.
Do be sure to get plenty of rest. As important as it usually is, it is
doubly important during recovery. Sometimes this is the hardest thing
to do for some of us, myself included! We prefer to live our lives on
a schedule and try to skip the rest stage, but skipping this all
important step can do more damage than good! Axioms, maxims,
expressions, and motivational sayings help us to get through. We
remind ourselves to "eat clean, train dirty!" and "no pain, no gain"
but rest (or at least decreasing our intensity) can help restore blood
flow and help our diminished health to gradually stabilize, as opposed
to sharply spike up and come crashing down! Working out and exercise
(when done right) helps boost our immunity. Proper supplementation can
help speed up the process. When we are sick our body needs vitamins
even more to carry out our daily functions.
By doing what you supposed to, abstaining from the bad things, not
only will your health be back on track, but your willpower and inner
stregnth will be increased as well! Congrats in advance for not
allowing a small, microscopic, little bug slow you in your tracks!
Instead, show it up and get over any illness with a sense of
accomplishment!

Struggles

It is bound to happen. Your success is going to face an obstacle. You will question yourself. The road to success is not a direct route.
There are going to be many twists and turns along the way. You might plateau. You may even feel as through your progress has regressed. You are not alone. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Abraham Lincoln set records when it came to political failures. Walt Disney was told that he lacked creativity and imagination. Steve Jobs was fired from his own company. Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title and threatened with jail time. Oprah Winfrey was told that she had no place in television. Albert Einstein was considered slow by his teachers. They told him math was just out of his grasp of learning. Suze Orman was over $50,000 in debt. The Beatles were told that the music they played, "guitar music," was on its way out the door and that they would never make it in show business. They are just like you, they struggled. The difference is that they pushed through their struggles to fulfill their destiny as great!

Do not hate the struggle! Embrace it! It helps you to see what is really important to you. If a small struggle derails you, then what is really your passion? We need to realize that our struggles enable us to see

where our heart really lies. It removes the curtain prominently displaying our passions. There are several success stories, people who have triumphed over whatever adversity was laid before them. They,
however, went to present it as if they had always been blessed. That's not how life works. Our struggles mature us and reveal our character. Our struggles manipulate our spirit. They allow us to push aside that
which does not really matter to us. When we surpass a struggle, we are able to vividly see that which matters most to us! Is it your passion? Or merely a distraction? Did you really fail nearly a thousand times?
Or are you, like Thomas Edison, who found 999 ways how not to make a light bulb?

Didn't get that modeling contract? Give it time! Gains not happening though you are lifting properly with a diet spot on? Don't worry- it is working! Colonel Sanders, Mark Zuckerberg, Dr Suess, Coco Chanel,
Jillian Michaels, Tony Horton, Vincent Van Gogh, Henry Ford, Elvis Presley, Sylvester Stallone, and Babe Ruth all knew failure and struggle before realizing their true potential! The point is that if you are struggling (and if you currently aren't- don't worry you will!), not to let your struggle define you. You must take advantage of it! Grow and develop with it. Give meaning to it. Okay, that did not work, but why? Get feedback and evaluate just what happened, and learn what needs to change. Be a student of your struggles. You should constantly be changing anyway! Never settle for a comfort zone! Without struggle, conflict, and climax there is no story! Make your is worth telling!

Kale

There's a lot of talk about super-food lately, so what exactly is up with the ruffled dark lettuce called kale? Kale, is a form of cabbage and in the same family as lettuce, spring greens, and brussel sprouts. That said, it is an excellent substitute is those aren't exactly to your liking. It also shares many of the same qualities as broccoli. It is excellent in soups, salads, by itself as a side dish. There is a trend lately where it is actually juiced. It is convenient especially since it can be microwaved, steamed, stir fried, and even dehydrated into the popular kale chips.

It is high in beta carotene (contributing to Vitamin A) and calcium (helping with bone health.) It is excellent in vitamins K (which the body uses in the production of antibodies and antibiotics) and C (assisting the immune system.) Based per 100g (about 3.5 oz) it has 5.63g carbohydrates, just 1.25g of that being sugar and 2.0g being fiber. It has less than .5g of fat and 1.9g of protein. Just like its lettuce cousin, it is also over 90% water. However, its most underrated qualities (which bump it up in to a super-food) are the sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. These two elements are released (especially when chopped or minced) revealing the anti-cancer causing properties of kale.

Kale is an amazing food, if you have not worked it into your diet you should. Its great as a compliment to the main course or as a side dish.

Organic Manifesto

The fitness industry is all infested with calls to proper nutrition. Eat real food. This month's diet is next month's body.Abs are made in the kitchen.Stop eating garbage. Eat less sugar, you are already sweet enough. The longer its shelf life, the shorter yours. Food: what organic food was called last century. You wouldn't garbage in your gas tank, why put it in your stomach? Eat clean, train mean. Whoever snuck the s in "fast food" is a clever person. Perhaps no other family has led this charge like the Rodale family. While most people will know that name Rodale as the umbrella head associated with Men's Health and Prevention magazines. But, in 1942 J.I. Rodale started Organic Gardening and Farming. Since then the Rodale Inc, and Institute, has been charged with educating about the benefits and necessities of rganics. Not only to our bodies, but also to the planet. J.I.'s granddaughter Maria Rodale put the family mission in a short book entitled, Organic Manifesto.

Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, provides an excellent foreword letting us now what we are dealing with. The first 3 words. "Pesticides are poison." There is so much hidden in these first three words. What's going on? Our food supply is being poisoned, killing us. Who is doing it? We are, by electing to eat food with pesticides. He also provides a small preview of what Rodale will tell us alter. Organophosphates and other pesticides, originally used as chemical weapons, like those used in Nazi Germany and during the Vietnam Conflict.

Right away Rodlae points it out! "Organic agriculture is the key to our survival." The challenge is to get away from conventional farming. Bellieve it or not conventional (meaning the norm) is manipulated seeds and sprayed with pesticides. Organic farming is not only more productive but has been shown to help problems caused by drought, flood, and other functions of the climate crisis. The challenge toward organics would also improve our financial crisis. Even problems such as childhood asthma (the number one reason children miss school) could go into remission if not for the problems associated with conventional or chemical farming. As a result of chemical farming, the soil is deprived, thus requiring more than the exhausted soil can provide, having lived on chemicals for so long! The chemicals starve the soil, the consequently the water of oxygen. So this poison spreads to our drinking water, rivers and streams (affecting our seafood.) Without healthy water, we cannot have a healthy life. In our society, we would rather pay for cures than change behaviors. We would rather pay for doctor bills and triple bypass and gastric surgeries instead of the far cheaper diet and exercise. We are somehow under the illusion that synthesized and technology is the only way to feed the world. We ignore the fact, that like asthma, these chemicals are also to blame for problems such as ADHD and cancer. Whats worse too, is that we no longer test pesticide levels  because regulation was deemed too expensive by President Bush. We allow them to self regulate... which worked out so well for the banks. Since money rules the world, only flattering studies ever see the light of day. As a result nearly all of soybeans, corn, and cotton in the U.S. are Genetically Modified Organisms- a barely recognizeable replica of the original crop. The problem is not what extras (think 'enriched') are in the food, but the problem arises when considering what poisons are put into them! "The more we try to isolate ourselves and control nature, the weaker and more vulnerable we become."

Farmers are being educated, by the biased seed andpesticide companies, and encouraged to use E COli and Salmonella in farming techniques. Then to add antibiotics to somewhat kill the effects of these bacteria. Aside from the dangers to us, these poisons kill the fertility in the soil. Farmers do not believe that they could produce the same crop in organics. This is because it takes 3 years to cycle all the diseased soil out. The truth is, it would actually cost less. There would be more nutrients in the food. The chemical movement is not new. It is believed that the Chinese used it as early as 900 BC, but it really took off around 1700s England. From the cyanide-based poison used in NAZI Germany to Agent Orange, poisons were simultaneously sold to U.S. citizens with a patriotic stint to increase sales! One hundred years ago, nearly half of Americans lived the farm life, today that number is less than 1 percent. How do we change this ugly pattern? Rodale maintains that the biggest challenge is a unified voice. While organic and eating clean is seen as an elitist or high scoiety lifestyle, its really something we need at all levels. Companies like Dupont and Monsanto need to be held accountable for thier actions. Guilty of poisoning our minds and bodies. Feeding ourselves needs to be kept out of politics, but unfortunately political power controls the contracts so to get rid of the politics we must lobby for change. We must stop thinking that burgers (made from real meat) cost less than $1. We must stop purchasing things on the grocery shelves resembling more like scientific projects than actual food.

Susan Perry- Fitness Competitor

“We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Few people exemplify this as well as Fitness Competitior and Model Susan Perry. Susan was raised in a harsh Asian culture. From age 5-13 she struggled with deep depression and even suicidal thoughts. She would stand in front of the window in her home in a poor neighborhood welcoming her life to end. A father who instilled a harsh work ethic and a mother who lived vicariously through her daughter, allowing nothing better than perfection. They did not permit breaks. They either had her working, cleaning the home, or studying. Friends took a back seat. Her parents displayed a type of tough love. One that set expectations and rewarded meeting those expectations by raising them. Psychologists now call this negative reinforcement.

At 19, as a single mother without a strong support system she began reaching out to other people. She made it a point to meet people who seemed genuinely happy. When meeting someone she (did and still does) make it an effort to learn all she can about the person. That includes but isn't limited to thier hopes, dreams, aspirations, and especially what motivates them. She also sought motivational speakers like Tony Robbins and Joel Osteen. While listening to Dr. Laura she learned about the family dynamic she always longed for. Here she found that money and material things are not what makes you happy, its having someone to experience life with that genuinely makes you happy. You need to (through self exploration) discover yourself and what you are looking for. 

After a few failed career attempts, she is now a stay at home mom with wonderful kids and the husband who provides the family she always longed for! For her, the weight room is the office. Constantly motivating people through daily workout reminders and motivation tips. She has a firm philosophy that no one can motivate you, you must find the motivation yourself. She finds lifting and cardio as the ultimate release for the depression and doubts that may creep back in.

She advocates mass varety in working out. She does everything from traditional workouts to kettlebells to rowing and especially loves outdoor workouts. Though she works everything, she finds an emphasis (especially when starting out) on core stregnth. According to Susan, "The mind is where most people struggle. Once you change your mind you can change your life forever." This Life Coach urges us to "do something for yourself everyday!"

We should definitely keep our eye on this strong motivator!

Biggest Loser, X-Train

The Biggest Loser has a cornucopia of products, from protein powders and supplements to t shirts and of course dvds. Recently, I was looking at purchasing one of these DVDs, and decided on the 30 Day X-Train. Unlike most of the Biggest Loser DVDs, with just one or two workouts, this DVD has a warm up, a cool down, and 3- 15 minute individual full body workouts. The workouts are comprised of both stregnth and cardio segments.

The DVD is different than many of the other workouts because it has a plan for a 30 day plan. The 30 Day plan includes a different workout for the 4 weeks of the month. It is recommended to do the workout for 6 days a week, taking one day off for rest. Each of the weeks include the full body workouts and the warm up and cool down. This DVD includes contestants from Season 11, including the winner Olivia Ward. It also features Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince.

Whether done as part of the month plan or a stand alone workout, say on a day when inclement weather keeps you form the gym, X-Train is a wonderful DVD, however the 3 workout segments do duplicate the muscles being train, so there is a lot of repetition. So if you do it as one hour long workout, prepare to do individual exercises such as pushups and to pound away at particular muscles, especially triceps, in more than one of the 15 minute segments.

It is impressive that each of the workouts give rest time, but not an overwhelming amount, as many people have complaioned about P90x. Other DVD programs also in a given hour, spent about half the hour long workout on warm up and cool down. Whereas X-Train is more time efficent spending less than a quarter of the total time on the workout. In fact knowing he only has a 15 minute session, you can hear Bob HArper say, "We haven't got much time let's go!"

All over, it is a great workout but remember it is a total body workout. The problem with total body workouts is that they spend a little bit on several parts, inevitably then some parts will get a major workout, and some will not. It seems that the abs (but not the core) and the back are what recieve the least amount of attention here.

On the Phone with Jillian

I have heard it said that we have a drought of those to look up to. I definetly disagree! We have war heroes coming home all the time. They are definitely worthy. We have people like Michael Jordan reminding us that we must continue to improve no matter how great we are. People like Rich Froning, who even at the top of our sport, remind us to keep improving and keeping our eyes on our higher calling. We have people like Barack Obama and Suze Orman that remind us that being born into humble surroundings does not mean that we will continue to live such a life forever.

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking to one such person who, from afar, has greatly influenced my life. Born into a decently priveleged family, once her family dynamic changed as a teenager she began emotionally eating. At her mother's urges she began into martial arts and developed a philosophy of doing things with intention. Around 20, while working out at a gym someone asked if she was a trainer and because she thought it was easy money she ran with it, eventually owning her own sports medicine facility. Then wanting to expand her horizons she became an agent in Hollywood but when office politics took over, she retreated to her first love, personal training. As a personal trainer, she became known across America as "TV's Toughest Trainer." That should've been your biggest hint that I am talking about Jillian Michaels.

A couple years ago heartburn had turned into chest pains, angina, and a heart condition for me. I was told to alter my diet (give up caffeine), my lifestyle (stop working 3rd shift), and/ or lose over 50 lbs. Being a fan of the Biggest Loser, i adopted many of Jillian's hilosophies, even worked out to Ripped in 30. There is a lot of baggage that comes with losing a significant amount of weight. I lost over 70 lbs. Her latest book Unlimited has been a godsend. Her method of crosstraining and time effective training is what I base my own style of training on. Recently, I had the weekend from hell. On a Saturday morning, within 30 mins of leaving work I was suspended. I later found out that a supervisor (a family member)  had filed a report saying that I abused an elderly patient and I would find out the results of the investigation in a few days. Basically meaning I had no chance to defend myself. Fine, I knew I would grow. 11pm that night I was woken up to news that my father was found dead. I was devastated. My way of dealing with things has always been to withdraw and move on , more or less to distract myself. The next day I was scheduled to take the personal trainer test. In hindsight I probably should not have taken it, but there was not enough notice to cancel it. Naturally, I failed it. I was distraught and unconsolable. Unsure how to process any of it, I wrote in the Jillian's weekly podcast. I figured that writing the email would be therapuetic. Little did I know that the next afternoon I would be in the car talking with a woman who had such a great influence on me!

It was so obvious I was a real fanboy calling. I even told her that I always imagined that if I got the chance to talk to her I would be asking questions about bulking or protein shakes or the dread ab question. Anyone who follows her knows that she is annoyed that everyone asks her how to get abs like hers, but she always maintains that abs are made in the kitchen! If you want better abs then lower your body fat percent! She reminded me about what a toxic environment the job was. And that my subconscious was already working on getting out of there. Its true. It was full of drama. Too much family in one spot. I preferred 3rd shift because I did not have to talk with anyone, but somehow the drama still reached me. Steve Jobs once said in a commencement speech that if you wake up too many mornings dreading work that you need to find another way to spend your time. This was the push necessary to propel myself into the fitness industry. We spent the bulk of our conversation talking about my father. Our relationship was not where I wanted it to be. I still do not know how but she picked out that the guilt of our relationship weighed heavily on my heart. She has many catchphrases that have helped me stayed motivated but none as powerful as when she said "Matt, guilt  is a worthless emotion." Suddenly, "unless you puke, faint, or die keep going" had less of an impact! My father was on my mind. Its wrong to say that he was my road block, but I was trying to move past the moment. Whereas many people dwell on the past, I seemed to be dwelling on the future. I was trying to force myself past the grieving process. I told you I dealt best by distracting myself. It was obvious I did not know how to grieve. Its been nearly 3 weeks and I still do not know how to process it all. She told me to quit worrying about the right thing to do (the complete opposite of how I have lived the rest of my entire life) and to move on at my own pace. I have done what I can not to draw in, she encouraged me noting that my reaching out to her was a great sign that I was not going to just crawl into the fetus position and let life pass me by. Oddly enough, the personal trainer test is what we seemed to spend the last amount of time on. Which is funny to me, that's what I would have thought we'd spend most talking about. She told me that which everyone else around me was trying to tell me, "there's no way you would know what degree the hip flexors are push forward during an abdominal curl up." Its true, and though the cost is a concern (a huge concern) the test is easy to take again. She didn't say to, but the fact that she had not heard of the NCSF made me want to reeevaluate where my certification was coming from.

The phone call lasted only about 30 minutes and I do not feel like I am communicating its significance here, but it made a lasting impression on me in a way that I feel very few people around here could have. So, if you thought I posted about ehr before, apologies in advance!