August 19th, 2010
Dennis
How is your personal fitness challenge going? Are you hitting a plateau or are you still full steam ahead? Many times it’s hard to keep up the work and the effort and the payoff seems too far down the road. Maybe you have made too hard of a goal for yourself or too easy. Maybe you got off track when you had guests in town for the summer vacation.
Whatever your reason or what is happening in your life you CAN get back on track. All it takes is to start once again. That’s right; just do a workout, any workout. You will notice that you did not lose all your momentum; at most you will have a small set back in weight or reps but not a total setback.
Once you get one workout done, it’s much easier to do another workout so you don’t feel that sliding backwards feeling again. Then you are motivated to keep going and do another and before you know it, you are back on track and on schedule again. Too simple?
Consider this, in the dieting world (which I am not too fond of) there are backslides such as eating a whole package of cookies. Does that mean that you will instantly gain 10 pounds back? Nope, as a matter of fact, the next day on the scale might not register much different. BUT, if you keep doing it every single day and keep making poor food choices you will see pounds gained and you truly will be in a backslide down a slippery slope. But, if you just eat one healthy breakfast you are more inclined to stick with it at lunch and then at dinner and before you know it, you are back on track.
The same principles apply to exercise. You can skip a workout or two or even a whole week and you might not feel much of a change. Your body still is fine and your clothes still fit great. But keep doing nothing and keep laying around on the couch and soon you will see changes for the worse. But, if you just get up and do ANY exercise your body WILL feel different and your will feel motivated to do the next workout.
I want to hear about your success AND issues, contact me at dennis@vitalliving.co.nz or respond to this blog. Thanks!
And remember to Live Vitally,
Dennis Croll
Tags: dieting, exercise, motivation, plateau, workouts
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August 2nd, 2010
Dennis
Having trouble with your fitness motivation? How about this for motivation, a good friend of mine just told me her brother died from a heart attack one month before he turned 50! How is that for a wake-up call? It was devastating to his young children and wife, not to mention his own mother and father. I’ll bet he didn’t think at age 25 that his life was half over.
How can something like this be avoided? By being proactive about your health and getting your body checked out. If you have to buy a larger pants size every time you buy new clothes then you know there is something going on. You are getting larger. If you can’t go up a flight of stairs without getting winded then there is something going on. You are out of shape. So we pretty much all know it when we are gaining weight and getting out of shape, it’s just whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.
We all know that we should get regular health checkups but it’s just not something on the top of everyone’s list. Let’s face it; maybe it’s just a little scary to find out just how much out of shape we have really gotten ourselves. But how can we start and maintain a successful health and fitness program if we have no idea where we are starting out?
So before you make those huge goals for yourself, and start your fitness program, get a whole body check by your doctor with blood tests that include checking your cholesterol. If you cannot afford to do extensive medical tests then do some basic things that might help you figure out where you stand. Get your blood pressure taken. Find out your resting heart rate. And you can sometimes get a cholesterol test for as little as $10 at pharmacies. With those basics in hand you know at least some information and can act upon it however you want.
Remember, one of the keys to any successful fitness program is to know where you are starting, know where you want to go and have goals along the way as to how you are going to get there.
Sincerely,
Dennis Croll
Tags: blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rates, motivation, proactive health
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July 2nd, 2010
Dennis
No matter, who you are or what life you lead, being healthy is the only way to travel. Being healthy and fit means a better quality life and more energy to accomplish what you want.
There are some important steps which will help you on your way to getting fit, healthy and staying that way. First know what it takes to for you to get healthy and fit. Is it an exercise program, a change in lifestyle or diet? No matter what it is the first step is identifying what needs to change in order accomplish your goal.
Getting motivated
Getting motivated is one of the hardest things to do, for anything but especially when it comes to getting fit and being healthy. There aren't many who find exercise naturally enjoyable so finding something that motivates you to stay with it is vital. Here are some ways you can get motivated to stick to your exercise program. Find something you enjoy doing. Do you love riding a bike through a park, or walking with friends? How about things like yoga, or Tai chi, these things can all be turned into an enjoyable exercise.
If you love outdoor activities try making a date with some friends to do it together. Having a good support system is another way of staying motivated. Have a goal, what is your reason for being fit, is it kids, or having more energy, no matter what it is there definitely needs to be a goal you're reaching for.
Create a plan and stick with it
Create a plan and stick with it. Nothing will cause you to fail faster than heading out without a plan or giving up on the one you create. So take the time to work out a solid usable plan with milestones and goals. Identify your reason behind wanting to get fit and healthy, then identify personal goals like how much weight would you like to lose, how many miles you want to run or bike and set a long term time limit, then break it down into monthly goals.
Do you need to change your diet put that in too and create a diet plan or shopping list of things you'll need to add to your diet. Then set up how you're going to go about accomplishing your goals. Make sure they are things that you can do realistically. Once you've created the plan stick with it, when it gets tough take a look at your plan and goals and hold on, you'll be able to see the results.
What the long-term benefits are
You might be asking yourself especially right in the middle what the benefits are. Here are some of the benefits, more energy, less stress, better health and a longer more active life, no matter what your reason for getting healthy and getting fit, sticking with it and being motivated is a necessity.
Tags: motivation
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March 2nd, 2010
Dennis
This may not be you, but you probably know someone like this.
Why traditional motivation doesn’t work
Are you one of those people who put their career first and are now out of balance with fitness? Successful people’s usual motivation has been driven toward business and their finances, but now some are realizing that's not the best path. Their fitness also needs attention.
The fitness industry provides plenty of CD’s, books, DVD’s, etc., and advice on how to exercise. The TV sells "stuff" all night long on infomercials, etc. The second hand shops are overflowing with equipment, gadgets and books. If a person is motivated to exercise it doesn’t take much to find something to facilitate exercise. That is just not the point. The thing missing, I believe, in the fitness industry is achieving BALANCE, and understanding MOTIVATION.
Vital Living Principles
I discovered that Health and Fitness was also not just about exercise and nutrition – it was a complete package of other vital components. From this I developed my Vital Living Principles for life with the body symbolizing a Greek temple. They are:
- Vital Health and Fitness
- Inner Self
- Relationships
Health is the foundation – what you build your life on. Fitness is the roof – this offers you protection from the elements and offers you the capability to endure and withstand life’s challenges. Without Health and Fitness what is your life? Is your temple structurally sound?
(more…)
Tags: energy, failure, motivation, strategies
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February 25th, 2010
Dennis
There are many activities that we can do to stimulate our minds and bodies and help us create lives full of joy and good heath. When it comes to staying healthy leisure and fitness really do go hand in hand. If you don't enjoy the exercise and activities that you have committed to doing in order to lose weight and get fit, then chances are that you won't be doing them on a regular basis. You also won't be doing yourself any good if you are not motivated to get healthy. Sometimes we need a little help in this area, as motivation can be hard to come by when we are overwhelmed with life and its obligations. A personal trainer can customize a workout that will suit your physical needs and stimulate your inner desire for fun and enjoyment, making your routine more fun, rewarding and stimulating. Let's face it, we all get stuck sometimes. Our lack of knowledge of what really works can stop us short of our goal to be fit and fabulous. What is better? Aerobics or yoga? Weights or cardio? The answer depends on the body and the individual. A healthy combination of leisure and exercise is more effective than one single method of movement. Attitude is everything, and a conscious decision to be healthy is crucial if we are to succeed in our weight loss goals. It is normal to feel downhearted at times, especially if we feel that we have a long way to go. If trying to figure out your perfect routine is difficult and you are tired of flailing about looking for the right diet or regimen to slim you down and boost your energy, then maybe you should consider the benefits of hiring a personal trainer to make your workout more fun and effective and to give you someone besides yourself to be held accountable to.
It's easy to justify to ourselves all of the reasons why we avoid doing the exercise and activities that we know are good for us, but not so easy to come up with excuses for our personal trainer as to why did not show up for our workout. Having someone else to hold us accountable can be the motivating force that we need to persevere and get to the gym, even when we are running late, tied up unexpectedly or just too tired to get up off of the couch. Knowing that someone else is counting on us to show up is a powerful motivating factor. Even though we may not want to stop what we are doing and go to the gym, when we have someone waiting on us, it's much easier to make good decisions regarding our health.
While motivation is a huge benefit, a personal trainer also knows how to figure out exactly what type of workout you need in order to achieve the results that you are looking for. Different people have different body types and individual challenges to their health. Whether you are looking to lose unwanted flab, strengthen your core or gain more energy, there are many different ways to exercise, and one of them is right for you. With the help of a competent personal trainer, your leisure time can become your ultimate personal fitness revolution, and you can live happier, feel better and enjoy the exercise and activities that got you there with renewed energy and spirit.
Tags: exercise program, motivation, Personal Trainer
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November 24th, 2007
Dennis
For some of us we often think about starting an exercise programm for a while – and somehow never get going. Maybe its no time you hear yourself say (despite only needing about 1% of your time each week to get the tremendous benefits you know exercising will bring) – maybe you don’t know what to do – maybe its what you think others will think of you – it could be alot of reasons, All of them quite valid.
But there comes a time when a person just has to STOP and say to yourself, “Stop messing about and make a decision” and take that first step.
After all its only a choice, that really you do want to make. But I’m not saying you need to start looking after yourself. I mean you know all the facts – the media is full of it. That decision you have to make for yourself.
My book Power, Passion and Vitality could help encourage you to take that first step and to help you gain that confidence again. Its available online at www.vitalliving.co.nz
Tags: exercise, health and fitness, motivation
Posted in Personal Development | No Comments »
November 22nd, 2007
Dennis
Hey thanks Rosemary about my Stairway To Heaven blog regarding my grammar.
I’m new at this blog stuff – just like I guess some of us trying to get started on an exercise program who also have good intentions and make mistakes. So I wecome any more suggestions on how you would like to make this blog work for you.
I was reminded today by someone who had read my book, that it when you try something new the first thing to do is give it a go, and stay with it – knowing that (as in his case) when he looked back at how difficult it was to start and commit to an exercise program, when he felt the difference now it makes to everything about his life – including more energy, passion and general well being, he looks back and laughs at how easy it is now to exercise regularily. And can’t beleive at how much weight he has lost!
So much so he has told all of his friends to go out and get my book or order it online. (www.vitalliving.co.nz)
Thanks mate!
So again thanks for your feedbasck – as they say practice makes perfect!
Tags: exercise, health and fitness, motivation
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November 22nd, 2007
Dennis
Ever faced witrh a long drive – how do you do it and still stay alert and enjoy the drive? Yesterday I put that to the test. I had to drive about 700km (400miles) over mountain roads here in beautful New Zealand.
Start with some early morning exercise, a good nutritional breakfast and a calm relaxed attitude. Yes you have a long way to go – but take it easy and steady. In fact if they say it will take you a certain amount of time – add an hour.
Stressing out will not help you – so if someone does something silly in front of you or you are held up with road works – take a deep breath and check out the scenery. Maybe wind down the window for some fresh air – play some music or listen to a educational CD to take your mind off worrying.
And every hour of so try my Fit while you Drive exercises to keep you alert. For example you can do the equivalent of 100 sits an hour while still driving safely. And every couple of hours take a break – stretch and twist your body. Keep it alive. I will have this program out soon For more details email me dennis@vitalliving.co.nz
Tags: health and fitness, motivation
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