You wouldn't believe the number of excuses that I get from people on why they don't exercise.

Often times their reason is self-inflicted: I don't have the time.

Sometimes it's procrastination: I'm going to start as soon as tax season ends.

And occasionally the reason is downright funny: I don't like to sweat.

As you can imagine, I point out to these well meaning excuse-makers that, despite their legitimate reason not to, exercise is a vital part of cultivating a strong, healthy and attractive body.

In fact, if they would just exercise 2 to 4 times each week they would feel a dramatic improvement in their daily life, starting with renewed energy and strength.

I then bring up the health benefits and explain how many of their health problems would improve. I talk about how great they will feel, and look, dropping those extra pounds and rediscovering a slender figure.

However, there was an excuse that would always stump me.

The sneaky excuse of 'being active': Oh, I don't need to exercise with a personal trainer - I'm very active. I play golf and tennis and Wii.

Well, that is a good excuse, right? Golf, tennis and Wii are all active sports that burn calories. Maybe they can be fit without doing any other exercise...

Then I started noticing a trend.

The 'golf' people couldn't touch their toes in a simple flexibility test. The 'tennis players' couldn't jump rope for 60 seconds. The 'Wii players' needed a week to recover from a one mile jog. The so-called 'active' people encountered injury after injury.

And then it hit me.

You can't become fit simply by being active.

Only by being fit can you become more active.

To be lean and to maintain a level of fitness there is no substitute for a consistent, challenging exercise program. It's the only way, folks.

To truly be fit is when your body is able to do whatever you ask of it. This comes from a combination of flexibility, strength and endurance.

So, do you exercise?

Or are you fooling yourself with the idea of 'being active'?

How do you feel about your current level of fitness? Are you able to do each and everything you want? Or do you end up opting out of activities that you know would be too challenging?

If you've used the excuse of 'being active' in the past, take a minute to reconsider your position. Don't bank on your 'active' lifestyle with the hope of true results.

Contact me today to start an exercise program that will make you truly fit.

And if you're furthest from active but simply want to lose those extra inches and pounds, make the decision to call or email me today.

As they say...there's no trial run in the game of life.

You cannot control your weight.

Disagree with that statement?

Go stand on a scale and decide to lose 5 pounds.

Well, how'd that work for you? Did your weight drop on command, or did it not budge?

It didn't budge.

And yet you spend your precious time obsessing about your weight as if you had control over it.

The good news is that you do have control over a couple of important things that influence your weight.

I'm talking about your choices regarding what you eat and if you exercise.

Your current weight is the sum result of your history with eating and exercise.

Close your eyes and think back over the last three years of your life. What kinds of foods did you eat most often? How intensely did you exercise, and how often?

Now open your eyes and look at yourself in a full-length mirror. You are looking at the result of your past choices.

If you like what you see then keep on eating and exercising the same. It's working for you!

If you don't like what you see, then it’s time to start making different choices about food and exercise. Here are some suggestions:

Choices about food...

• I choose to eat wholesome foods that nourish my body.
• I choose to only eat when I'm hungry and to stop eating when I'm full.
• I choose to not eat junk food, sugary drinks or sweets.
• I choose to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

Choices about exercise...

• I choose to get up early in the morning, when I could be sleeping, to invest an hour of my time in exercise.
• I choose to be consistent with my workout schedule, giving exercise the same importance as a doctor’s appointment.
• I choose to change my workout routine often, to always keep my muscles guessing.
• I choose to push myself to new levels of intensity, in order to strengthen and tone my muscles.

There’s no reason to spend another minute obsessing about the number on your scale. You’re smarter than that.

Instead focus your energy on the choices you make regarding what you eat and how you exercise.

Remember, I’m here to help you meet your fitness and weight loss goals.

Call or email today to get started on a fitness program that will quickly bring you to your goal.

An excellent exercise choice to make is to start one of my fitness programs!

What do holiday parties and get together all have in common?

Food and drinks...high-calorie food and drinks, that is!

No wonder most people gain weight during the holidays.

Everywhere you turn, you're surrounded by sweet temptations - holiday cookies, gingerbread houses, pumpkin pies, and more. Even healthy foods like sweet potatoes and green beans are magically transformed into high-calorie dishes that will make you want to do nothing but fall asleep. And don't forget the drinks. Eggnog and alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories.

Want to sidestep those holiday pounds?

Stay Focused

Yes, the holidays bring yummy foods and drinks, but friend gatherings and family traditions aren't about  food. Before a party, remind yourself what the holiday season is all about -  friends, family, giving, and religious traditions. Then stay focused on the  reason for the season rather than the plate full of hors d'oeuvres in front of  you.

Second, stay focused on your dieting goals. Remind yourself of where you've come from and where you're going. Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind. A few bites of food aren't worth hours on the treadmill.  

The holidays can be a time of emotional eating. For many people, the holidays bring stress, family conflict, or depression. Learn to address the root  of your problems with solutions other than food or drink.  

Strategize

Is your holiday social calendar filled with night after night of parties and events? It's time to come up with a  plan. If you want to keep your diet on track, you'll need to pace yourself. Don't come to a party hungry but eat a small low-calorie snack ahead of time.  Otherwise, you'll overeat. When it's time for extreme measures, wear tight-fitting clothes around your waist so there's not much room for expansion. 
 
Before and after a meal, chew gum so you won't be tempted to overindulge  in appetizers and desserts. During a party, don't stand right next to the food  table, but keep a safe distance. And before you get a plate of food, choose your  plate wisely. Go with a small plate instead of a large dinner plate and don't go  back for seconds!

Another important strategy is figuring out how to get  in the gym between parties. Leaving room in your busy holiday schedule for  exercise will help you fight off the extra weight trying to attach itself to  your midsection and rear.

Wise Choices

Be smart  about what you choose to eat. Don't deprive yourself of all the foods you love  or you'll likely spurge and ruin all your
good intentions. Enjoy the goodness of  the season, but in moderation. Trim calories where you can by limiting your  trimmings-cheeses, gravy, sauces, creams, and nuts.

The holidays offer  many food choices not available the rest of the year. Because of this, you may  want to overindulge before
they're gone. Instead of doing this, survey what  foods are available and make your choices. Indulge in your favorites and leave  the everyday dishes for another time. Only eat what you love, and don't just eat  something because it's on the buffet.

Also, be sure to limit the amount  of alcoholic beverages you drink. While you may not know it, they're filled with  calories, too. Try
alternating an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic  drink.

Follow these simple tips, and you will avoid holiday weight gain  this season and start the New Year off right!

Exercise is a huge part of  the equation when it comes to achieving weight loss.

I am passionate  about seeing my clients achieve results - without wasting time, energy and  effort on mistakes.


Call or email me today and we will get you started  on the exercise program that is right for you.