The amount of time and energy that you put into your pursuit of exercise now will affect you later in life. Most likely, active kids breed active young adults. Active young adults breed active middle-aged adults. Active middle-aged adults breed active older adults. The common denominator is that activity stays constant throughout life. Of course, there may be roadblocks along the journey; but they do not mean a full exercise or good nutrition stoppage should result.
<<< Be consistent. You will rebound when a monkey wrench is thrown your way. Huge cliche there.
<<< Learn to say "no" to yourself and to others.
<<< Learn to set boundaries, have new creations, do not be afraid. Boundaries, meaning, always have at least one type of fruit or vegetable in the house or get to sleep no later than 10:30pm.
<<< Also, tell and lead others - putting on your show of exercise and good human performance involves proper nutrition, moderate and vigorous exercise, and knowledge of what to do. Playing the exercise leader in your family, neighborhood, or at work can change people, families, and communities. One TEEM Rule of Thumb: at least two people in your family should be influenced by your positive exercise benefits. Support is crucial.
Progressing,
Derek Arledge, CSCS
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Christmas Shopping for Gym Toys
A major shopping season is upon us. Many of us have restrictions on items to buy if we buy anything at all. Since Black Friday 2012 has expired, the pursuit of gifts continues. An important and sometimes overlooked type of gift is the gym "toy."
Do not get caught up in the gimmicks. Make sure you do use the new gym toy or make sure the person who receives the gift uses it as well - using a treadmill as a coat hanger (read the topic "Park Bench vs Treadmill") is a waste of money and time. But, here are a few gym or home gym pieces that are worth it:
1) Foam Roller and The Stick. It's massage meets cheaper and portable. You can get both of these items at City Sports even though the foam roller does come in different densities. The denser the foam roller the deeper the massage. However, it can be painful. Pain will decrease and arises due to blood lactic acid accumulation. If you are not used to the foam roller, pain is present. The Stick, yes that is the true name, is easier to use and is preferred if you absolutely cannot stand the foam roller.
2) Medicine Balls. Name one thing in your home right now that you can throw, slam, and toss in the air without it breaking...and, and...the object will come back to you? Voila! This reason supports the use of medicine balls. They are durable, effective, and can be used for full body workouts. Plus, very little space is necessary for usage. Medicine balls will make noise and can penetrate walls, so throw them against a solid brick or cement wall when possible.
3) Stability Balls. They are great for abs and back exercises. Plus, you may like to practice balancing, bouncing, or sitting on them.
4) Kettlebells. Give these to an individual who currently works out and knows how to use them. The last thing anyone needs is an injury. A novice may not benefit from KB's if he/she does not know how to properly use them.
5) Jump Rope. A sleeper pick. Very little space is needed. You do not have to run if you are not a runner. Cardio, plyometrics, and agility are all included in the jump rope. Heck, some individuals have bad knees and can take the lower impact pounding of jump roping over the high impact activity of a jog.
Of course, there are other gym toys to buy. But, the ones above work well.
Progressing,
Derek Arledge, CSCS
Do not get caught up in the gimmicks. Make sure you do use the new gym toy or make sure the person who receives the gift uses it as well - using a treadmill as a coat hanger (read the topic "Park Bench vs Treadmill") is a waste of money and time. But, here are a few gym or home gym pieces that are worth it:
1) Foam Roller and The Stick. It's massage meets cheaper and portable. You can get both of these items at City Sports even though the foam roller does come in different densities. The denser the foam roller the deeper the massage. However, it can be painful. Pain will decrease and arises due to blood lactic acid accumulation. If you are not used to the foam roller, pain is present. The Stick, yes that is the true name, is easier to use and is preferred if you absolutely cannot stand the foam roller.
2) Medicine Balls. Name one thing in your home right now that you can throw, slam, and toss in the air without it breaking...and, and...the object will come back to you? Voila! This reason supports the use of medicine balls. They are durable, effective, and can be used for full body workouts. Plus, very little space is necessary for usage. Medicine balls will make noise and can penetrate walls, so throw them against a solid brick or cement wall when possible.
3) Stability Balls. They are great for abs and back exercises. Plus, you may like to practice balancing, bouncing, or sitting on them.
4) Kettlebells. Give these to an individual who currently works out and knows how to use them. The last thing anyone needs is an injury. A novice may not benefit from KB's if he/she does not know how to properly use them.
5) Jump Rope. A sleeper pick. Very little space is needed. You do not have to run if you are not a runner. Cardio, plyometrics, and agility are all included in the jump rope. Heck, some individuals have bad knees and can take the lower impact pounding of jump roping over the high impact activity of a jog.
Of course, there are other gym toys to buy. But, the ones above work well.
Progressing,
Derek Arledge, CSCS
Body Image 2012
Andre Agassi was in a Canon commercial years ago where he mentioned that image is everything. Well, body image (check out "Fitness is NOT an Event" from June 2009) certainly influences people and physical movement. Does it influence you?
The human body is the best work of art. - Jess C. Scott, Contemporary Fiction Author
Some people are labeled as skinny when, in fact, they are lean and strong. The lean are within normal weight ranges based on height. Another TEEM Rule of Thumb says that if someone is healthy and practices good habits versus someone who does not practice good health habits, then that particular person should not criticize the well-practiced person. The one not practicing good habits can comment and advocate. But, subtle or blatant criticism is not allowed.
Therefore, through the twist of motivation, body image plays a large role in exercise and in nutrition fitness goals. For example, pick out a person who takes care of their body and whose behaviors influence you in some capacity. Use this individual's body image as motivation - have you ever looked at an athlete, model, or avid-exerciser and said, "I just have the urge to move?" You might even get your inspiration from a friend, relative, co-worker, stranger walking down the street, old photograph, TV but limit the amount of time watching"the tube", movie, history book image, and more.
A fit, healthy body - that is the best fashion statement. - Jess C. Scott
True. True.
Progressing,
Derek Arledge, CSCS
The human body is the best work of art. - Jess C. Scott, Contemporary Fiction Author
Some people are labeled as skinny when, in fact, they are lean and strong. The lean are within normal weight ranges based on height. Another TEEM Rule of Thumb says that if someone is healthy and practices good habits versus someone who does not practice good health habits, then that particular person should not criticize the well-practiced person. The one not practicing good habits can comment and advocate. But, subtle or blatant criticism is not allowed.
Therefore, through the twist of motivation, body image plays a large role in exercise and in nutrition fitness goals. For example, pick out a person who takes care of their body and whose behaviors influence you in some capacity. Use this individual's body image as motivation - have you ever looked at an athlete, model, or avid-exerciser and said, "I just have the urge to move?" You might even get your inspiration from a friend, relative, co-worker, stranger walking down the street, old photograph, TV but limit the amount of time watching"the tube", movie, history book image, and more.
A fit, healthy body - that is the best fashion statement. - Jess C. Scott
True. True.
Progressing,
Derek Arledge, CSCS
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