Ever wonder why a young adults are prone to sweets. Here it is!
The BBC article that covers this: http://tinyurl.com/c23kc5
Makes sense doesn't it?
Growth spurt needs lots of energy. Where is it easiest to find? Oh, somewhere there is lots of sugar!
The alternative, of course, is to be well fed and without reason to feel short on energy. About 5 meals a day to start, larger meals in the morning! Protein and veggies to finish the day.
Relax and enjoy. Watch the energy levels rise. Who knows, might even impact work and studies!
Have a great day everyone!!!
In health,
Todd
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Power of the Mind
You need to know that being fit is not nearly so difficult as the
"experts" would have you believe.
That makes it tough for me to "pitch" health.
Everyone thinks I am selling snake oil when I begin to say how easy
something is.
I suppose I should clarify a bit.
The process, the parts of the plan, the details that need to be
observed. That is the easy part.
The part that takes the most effort is overcoming the roadblocks.
The derailments, distractions, old habits or patterns we've all
allowed ourselves to become comfortable with. In short, our brain!
THAT is where the most effort goes. Not in the activity (because
it's fun, right?), not in the planning, not in the food to eat.
It's in the consistent application of your energy to better our
physical, and I would argue, mental state.
This is a short one, but think about it. It's a good one to mull over.
But not for long!
"experts" would have you believe.
That makes it tough for me to "pitch" health.
Everyone thinks I am selling snake oil when I begin to say how easy
something is.
I suppose I should clarify a bit.
The process, the parts of the plan, the details that need to be
observed. That is the easy part.
The part that takes the most effort is overcoming the roadblocks.
The derailments, distractions, old habits or patterns we've all
allowed ourselves to become comfortable with. In short, our brain!
THAT is where the most effort goes. Not in the activity (because
it's fun, right?), not in the planning, not in the food to eat.
It's in the consistent application of your energy to better our
physical, and I would argue, mental state.
This is a short one, but think about it. It's a good one to mull over.
But not for long!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Bring the Intensity, Ladies!
Here is an opportunity for me to get on my soapbox.
When you workout, make it intense. That's not to say unsafe.
Intense. There is a difference.
Especially the ladies. We've grown up thinking that physical
exertion is dangerous.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. And from personal
experience women are all too often told to not be too physical.
Makes no sense. Because once my female clients get around to upping
there intensity they tend to outperform the men. For tow reasons.
1. They have better defined goals. By the time they have gotten to
me they have thoroughly thought out why they are there and what
they want the outcome to be. Most men, not so much.
2. No use for being macho. They don't rush, LISTEN to the coaching,
make changes, and maintain form until failure.
Sounds like a great client? Yup, very often.
And here is the best part. Once you raise the intensity of workouts
the results automatically accelerate. This is how our body
responds. Walk in the park, not much happens. Very low effort, very
low return. High intensity, high returns.
Now, unlike the popular conception that high intensity must make
you vomit, nothing could be farther from the truth. It's about
finding your limits and performing at that level on a consistent
basis, pushing to the next level.
So men, take notice. If the ladies ever figure out that intense
workouts are not the sole domain of men, we are in deep, deep
trouble. Though I think it's for the better!
Let's go ladies, show 'em how it's done!
In health,
Todd
When you workout, make it intense. That's not to say unsafe.
Intense. There is a difference.
Especially the ladies. We've grown up thinking that physical
exertion is dangerous.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. And from personal
experience women are all too often told to not be too physical.
Makes no sense. Because once my female clients get around to upping
there intensity they tend to outperform the men. For tow reasons.
1. They have better defined goals. By the time they have gotten to
me they have thoroughly thought out why they are there and what
they want the outcome to be. Most men, not so much.
2. No use for being macho. They don't rush, LISTEN to the coaching,
make changes, and maintain form until failure.
Sounds like a great client? Yup, very often.
And here is the best part. Once you raise the intensity of workouts
the results automatically accelerate. This is how our body
responds. Walk in the park, not much happens. Very low effort, very
low return. High intensity, high returns.
Now, unlike the popular conception that high intensity must make
you vomit, nothing could be farther from the truth. It's about
finding your limits and performing at that level on a consistent
basis, pushing to the next level.
So men, take notice. If the ladies ever figure out that intense
workouts are not the sole domain of men, we are in deep, deep
trouble. Though I think it's for the better!
Let's go ladies, show 'em how it's done!
In health,
Todd
Thursday, March 5, 2009
To sleep, perchance to dream.
First things first.
Two months down! Have you gotten 8 weeks of activity in? Are you
two months closer to your goals? Only 3 months before the
spring/summer clothes are out. So you are almost half way there.
Get started today if you haven't!
Now to the sleep!
I've been a huge nap advocate for a long time. Been a napper for
even longer.
Sleep relaxes you, mentally and physically. Corporations are
adapting this into their workdays to reap the benefits of more
productive, well rested employees!
So you have got to be serious about your rest, especially if
someone is willing to invest that much money into it.
Here is a recent snippet (with studies quoted) from the WIRED blog.
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/nightshift.html
But not only does it effect productivity, it also influences the
midline. As a young athlete with so many demands on your time
it is important to establish a healthy routine now!
I used to consult at an eating disorders clinic and studies that
demonstrated this relationship were trotted out from time to time
to help people understand the relationship between good sleep and a
healthy weight.
Yes it is difficult. Especially for shift workers. But recognition
and strategies to combat the effects of reduced sleep must be used
if you are in a difficult situation such as this. I used to work
the back shift, for 6 years, actually. And I used some of these
strategies.
Be consistent. Get to sleep at the same time every day.
Don't break up your sleep. 5 hours in a row is better than getting
up 4 times during your 8 hour sleep. Much better.
Nap. 15 mintues is a nap, NOT 2 hours. Pick a quiet time, take some
big relaxing breaths, and doze off. Set your alarm to get you up in
15 minutes. Have some water ready for you.
Don't mess with your circadian rhythms. They will bite back.
So be consistent.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Two months down! Have you gotten 8 weeks of activity in? Are you
two months closer to your goals? Only 3 months before the
spring/summer clothes are out. So you are almost half way there.
Get started today if you haven't!
Now to the sleep!
I've been a huge nap advocate for a long time. Been a napper for
even longer.
Sleep relaxes you, mentally and physically. Corporations are
adapting this into their workdays to reap the benefits of more
productive, well rested employees!
So you have got to be serious about your rest, especially if
someone is willing to invest that much money into it.
Here is a recent snippet (with studies quoted) from the WIRED blog.
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/nightshift.html
But not only does it effect productivity, it also influences the
midline. As a young athlete with so many demands on your time
it is important to establish a healthy routine now!
I used to consult at an eating disorders clinic and studies that
demonstrated this relationship were trotted out from time to time
to help people understand the relationship between good sleep and a
healthy weight.
Yes it is difficult. Especially for shift workers. But recognition
and strategies to combat the effects of reduced sleep must be used
if you are in a difficult situation such as this. I used to work
the back shift, for 6 years, actually. And I used some of these
strategies.
Be consistent. Get to sleep at the same time every day.
Don't break up your sleep. 5 hours in a row is better than getting
up 4 times during your 8 hour sleep. Much better.
Nap. 15 mintues is a nap, NOT 2 hours. Pick a quiet time, take some
big relaxing breaths, and doze off. Set your alarm to get you up in
15 minutes. Have some water ready for you.
Don't mess with your circadian rhythms. They will bite back.
So be consistent.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Do I really sound like this?
No, seriously. Is this how it sounds?
This is my 6 year old's attempt to help me make posters to advertise the business. (She makes posters for anything and anyone just so you know, very helpful!).
She pretty much nails it, don't you think?
Simplicity at it's finest.
And the greatest chance of success more often comes when the choices are made simple. A or B. Once you pick it you go for it!
We are bombarded with choices. Light or regular? New iPod or Old? Mazda or Camero? Vacation or parents place? You know the drill. These are a little more complicated. And there are as many as you want to pile onto your plate!
So as my little R puts it, when it comes to your health it is a Yes or No. Do you want to be healthy? Y. Do you need to go for a walk? Y Do you want to strengthen your body? Y
The answer seems a whole lot simpler now doesn't it.
Of course I am probably preaching to the choir. You are probably in top health already. So perhaps you can share this with loved ones who are struggling.
* Here is a little tidbit that may shake up your workout. First things first though, check with a fitness professional before you go off on this. Make your core a part of your warm up. Take 5 to 8 minutes to loosen up, engage and warm up your core.
If it is a part of you that you want to address then take a moment to prepare it before you lay into it with a crazy workout. It may prevent lower back injuries and allow you to move stronger, faster or smoother into and through the rest of your workout.
I can't stress this enough thou. Get a qualified, experienced fitness professional to assist you!
Shake it up a little bit. Don't think because you've always done it this way or "everyone else is doing it" that you can't shake that off and do something unique and perhaps even better for you!
Have a great day.
In health,
Todd
This is my 6 year old's attempt to help me make posters to advertise the business. (She makes posters for anything and anyone just so you know, very helpful!).
She pretty much nails it, don't you think?
Simplicity at it's finest.
And the greatest chance of success more often comes when the choices are made simple. A or B. Once you pick it you go for it!
We are bombarded with choices. Light or regular? New iPod or Old? Mazda or Camero? Vacation or parents place? You know the drill. These are a little more complicated. And there are as many as you want to pile onto your plate!
So as my little R puts it, when it comes to your health it is a Yes or No. Do you want to be healthy? Y. Do you need to go for a walk? Y Do you want to strengthen your body? Y
The answer seems a whole lot simpler now doesn't it.
Of course I am probably preaching to the choir. You are probably in top health already. So perhaps you can share this with loved ones who are struggling.
* Here is a little tidbit that may shake up your workout. First things first though, check with a fitness professional before you go off on this. Make your core a part of your warm up. Take 5 to 8 minutes to loosen up, engage and warm up your core.
If it is a part of you that you want to address then take a moment to prepare it before you lay into it with a crazy workout. It may prevent lower back injuries and allow you to move stronger, faster or smoother into and through the rest of your workout.
I can't stress this enough thou. Get a qualified, experienced fitness professional to assist you!
Shake it up a little bit. Don't think because you've always done it this way or "everyone else is doing it" that you can't shake that off and do something unique and perhaps even better for you!
Have a great day.
In health,
Todd
Monday, February 16, 2009
Do I really sound like this?
No, seriously. Is this how it sounds?
This is my 6 year old's attempt to help me make posters to advertise the business. (She makes posters for anything and anyone just so you know, very helpful!).
She pretty much nails it, don't you think?
Simplicity at it's finest.
And the greatest chance of success more often comes when the choices are made simple. A or B. Once you pick it you go for it!
We are bombarded with choices. Light or regular? New iPod or Old? Mazda or Camero? Vacation or parents place? You know the drill. These are a little more complicated. And there are as many as you want to pile onto your plate!
So as my little R puts it, when it comes to your health it is a Yes or No. Do you want to be healthy? Y. Do you need to go for a walk? Y Do you want to strengthen your body? Y
The answer seems a whole lot simpler now doesn't it.
Of course I am probably preaching to the choir. You are probably in top health already. So perhaps you can share this with loved ones who are struggling.
* Here is a little tidbit that may shake up your workout. First things first though, check with a fitness professional before you go off on this. Make your core a part of your warm up. Take 5 to 8 minutes to loosen up, engage and warm up your core.
If it is a part of you that you want to address then take a moment to prepare it before you lay into it with a crazy workout. It may prevent lower back injuries and allow you to move stronger, faster or smoother into and through the rest of your workout.
I can't stress this enough thou. Get a qualified, experienced fitness professional to assist you!
Shake it up a little bit. Don't think because you've always done it this way or "everyone else is doing it" that you can't shake that off and do something unique and perhaps even better for you!
Have a great day.
In health,
Todd
This is my 6 year old's attempt to help me make posters to advertise the business. (She makes posters for anything and anyone just so you know, very helpful!).
She pretty much nails it, don't you think?
Simplicity at it's finest.
And the greatest chance of success more often comes when the choices are made simple. A or B. Once you pick it you go for it!
We are bombarded with choices. Light or regular? New iPod or Old? Mazda or Camero? Vacation or parents place? You know the drill. These are a little more complicated. And there are as many as you want to pile onto your plate!
So as my little R puts it, when it comes to your health it is a Yes or No. Do you want to be healthy? Y. Do you need to go for a walk? Y Do you want to strengthen your body? Y
The answer seems a whole lot simpler now doesn't it.
Of course I am probably preaching to the choir. You are probably in top health already. So perhaps you can share this with loved ones who are struggling.
* Here is a little tidbit that may shake up your workout. First things first though, check with a fitness professional before you go off on this. Make your core a part of your warm up. Take 5 to 8 minutes to loosen up, engage and warm up your core.
If it is a part of you that you want to address then take a moment to prepare it before you lay into it with a crazy workout. It may prevent lower back injuries and allow you to move stronger, faster or smoother into and through the rest of your workout.
I can't stress this enough thou. Get a qualified, experienced fitness professional to assist you!
Shake it up a little bit. Don't think because you've always done it this way or "everyone else is doing it" that you can't shake that off and do something unique and perhaps even better for you!
Have a great day.
In health,
Todd
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Be Yourself!
Just listening to Liliy Allen on CBC and she made a great point
about image.
Don't buy into it.
Close to thousands of images of "fashion" bombard us every day.
This is not a good thing. Especially if it starts to cloud your
vision of what is good for you.
You don't have to be thin, afraid of fat, wear that makeup, stress
over your hair, or obsess over your biceps.
You need to be the best you above anything else.
Me, personally, would start by breaking down what YOUR goals are.
Think about what YOU really need. Sure you can get a reference from
books, friends, peers, parents, but don't go by advertising.
Surely by now we are all in agreement that advertising is not
reality, other than they are really trying hard to sell you
something.
So it kind of goes without saying that advertising is going to try
to make you feel bad so what they are trying to sell to you is
going to make you feel better!
Pretty slick, hunh? Except for the part where they are trying to
make you feel bad!
So, your goals should be focused on feeling good. If it means
loosing weight, fine. If it means making your body sore (not
busted!) after every workout, ok. But make it your decision!
This is about owning yourself. Don't b pummeled into submission
by outside forces. Own your mind and body. Make it move and live
the way you want it to.
One last thing. Mind your words. How you refer to yourself will make a difference about how you feel and act every day.
More on that later.
Have a great day everyone!
In health,
Todd
about image.
Don't buy into it.
Close to thousands of images of "fashion" bombard us every day.
This is not a good thing. Especially if it starts to cloud your
vision of what is good for you.
You don't have to be thin, afraid of fat, wear that makeup, stress
over your hair, or obsess over your biceps.
You need to be the best you above anything else.
Me, personally, would start by breaking down what YOUR goals are.
Think about what YOU really need. Sure you can get a reference from
books, friends, peers, parents, but don't go by advertising.
Surely by now we are all in agreement that advertising is not
reality, other than they are really trying hard to sell you
something.
So it kind of goes without saying that advertising is going to try
to make you feel bad so what they are trying to sell to you is
going to make you feel better!
Pretty slick, hunh? Except for the part where they are trying to
make you feel bad!
So, your goals should be focused on feeling good. If it means
loosing weight, fine. If it means making your body sore (not
busted!) after every workout, ok. But make it your decision!
This is about owning yourself. Don't b pummeled into submission
by outside forces. Own your mind and body. Make it move and live
the way you want it to.
One last thing. Mind your words. How you refer to yourself will make a difference about how you feel and act every day.
More on that later.
Have a great day everyone!
In health,
Todd
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
