31 December, 2008

How I Got Where I Am?

Where do I start? I can tell you the last thirteen years have been something else. And not good either. Ever since I ventured out of my parent's house and became a responsible (well tried to) adult it has been one financial struggle after the other. Even with my college career I was still struggling to find a good job that would pay more than McDonald's. I was tired of living a life based on eviction and disconnect notices. When you receive six eviction notices in seven months you know something has to change right?



Well I don't have the best criminal history so finding a good job was something of a chore in itself. Because of this I have looked into home-based business opportunities in the past. I have been affiliated with Avon, AmeriPlan, ChaCha, and a couple data entry things. They took my start up money and ran! I didn't get training, support from an upline, ideas, nothing! I was alone and failing fast.



Then I found Team Beachbody. Thank God for my doctor being so blunt and my best friend from high school being so enthusiastic about it. I started my weight loss journey (you can read that at www.milliondollarbody.com/morgan0661) and was impressed myself. See I started off just working out to the Slim In 6 program by Debbie Sieber's and was astonished by the level of support that I got from my FREE Team Beachbody Coach Patty that I got AMAZING results and found a passion for wanting to help others on their journey also. I WANTED TO BE A COACH!



So I asked my wonderful Coach Patty how I too could help people the way she had helped me. She explained to me that for a small start up fee of $39.95 and $14.95 a month thereafter I too could coach. She told me that Team Beachbody opened their coaching opportunity up to people just like me in 2007. She told me that Team Beachbody had been in business for ten years and wanted to change the trend of obesity in America. The revolutionized the idea that through the right support system and great tools it could be done. She then told me that once you qualify Team Beachbody will give you their customer's that they receive from the $50 million dollar a year advertising. Well what do I need to do to qualify? This is where she informed that you need to remain active which costs an additional $50 a month roughly and you also have to have eight real-time WOWY (Work Out With You-Team BeachBody's online SuperGym) workouts a month.



I told Patty that I didn't think I could afford to do that. I was unemployed, didn't know how I was going to pay the rent, and had a three year old I needed to support before I ventured into another home-based business that I was sure would screw me like the others. Then she told me her story and the success she had had with it. She hooked me up with other coaches so I could also hear their stories. WOW is all I can stay. I was so impressed with everything I had learned that I wanted to learn more. Off to the internet I went. I tried and tried and tried to find something negative about the coaching opportunity….guess what? I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING NEGATIVE!



So I decided to make the sacrifice. I am so glad I did! In a short time I went from not knowing how I was going to pay the rent knowing how I was going to. I knew that if I stuck with it all my dreams for success and being able to support my son would come true. And boy have they! I don't worry about the rent now, I can buy that Fisher-Price toy that will put that smile on my little man's face just because, and I don't worry about eviction notices or even disconnect notices. Team Beachbody literally SAVED MY LIFE! I have gone from applying for jobs and hoping, praying they don't do background checks to not even looking at the employment section in the newspaper. I don't worry about that struggle that I have had to do for the past thirteen years!



Look I know you are probably sitting there thinking "Yeah Right!" But I am telling you it works. Team BeachBody cares about its coaches. They want you to succeed and like I said they will do what it takes to get you there. Has Avon ever sent you a Certificate's of Achievement or Congratulation's Certificate's? What about acknowledging your hard work through conferences at Universal Studio's or even just a pin to wear to recognize your hard work? Team Beachbody does that! And they don't stop there.



Look I could go on and on and on and on about this company and how they changed my life but you aren't going to believe it unless you want to. I URGE you to take the time and visit my website at www.myjourneytosuccess.com to find out more. There you will find my email address and my phone number….yes I believe in this so much that I put my home number out there for the world. I WANT YOU TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE! I WANT TO HELP YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE ALSO! I know times are hard….trust me I know. And with the economy they are only getting worse. Why should you go down with it? The health industry is THRIVING! No matter what happens people are always trying to lose weight or thinking of getting in shape and toning those muscles of theirs. It's always on someone's mind. YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! Lose those financial troubles. Stop worrying about your going to pay the mortgage and go out and buy that dream truck you have always wanted. Team Beachbody works! Please take the time to review the website and call me with your questions I PROMISE YOU WONT BE SORRY! And I will be there to help you every step of the way to ensure you reach the success that I have and then some!



To your financial freedom,


Coach Courtney

www.myjourneytosuccess.com

22 December, 2008

BBD: a novel way to track fitness or hot new boy band?

I ran across this article this morning and had to share it with everyone.

BBD: a novel way to track fitness or hot new boy band?

Poppin' Fresh, that giggly Pillsbury Doughboy used to be thought of as just a happy, overweight little mascot with skin so fair he couldn't leave the kitchen without sunscreen. Who could have guessed that 30 years after his famous tummy touch Poppin' Fresh would inspire the greatest health fad since the Thighmaster. Who knows, if this really takes off it may be even bigger than inversion boots.

Introducing the BBD test. I made it up myself. Recently, while working out with the p90x extreme home fitness program, I would periodically stuff a pencil in my belly button and then record the depth. As I watched my belly button depth shrink from 23mm to 17mm over the course of several weeks, the BBD test was born. Before performing the BBD test at home remove all lint, fuzz, half-eaten Twinkies, and any other foreign objects from the navel as these can cause falsely shallow BBD readings and are generally just plain gross. Known side effects include the fact that that it kind-of tickles and may produce the urge to giggle. Important safety tip: always use the erase end. (You'd be surprised.) BBD may be more accurate for guys since we tend to carry more of our flubber in the spare tire and less in the boo-tay. It is, however, worth a try for anyone!

Watch for my paper on "The Relationship between Body Mass Index and BBD: a longitudinal cross-sectional regressional meta-analysis" coming soon to a respected medical journal near you.

(Sorry, but if you are an outie you are out of luck.)

By Kevin J. Kane, M.D. (TheFitDoc)

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_J._Kane,_M.D.

20 December, 2008

The Life Sentence of Diabetes (or is it?)

The Life Sentence of Diabetes (or is it?)

Meredith Gelfand is a Team Beachbody Coach and she recently shared her story with a group of other coaches in Philadelphia. She was also kind enough to retell her story in an email to Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler, and it is pasted below.

“On May 30, 2006, I weighed 305 pounds and was rushed to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. I was in the hospital a week, and after running tests, they told me that I would never be off of insulin. I also found out that I had high cholesterol and sleep apnea.

At the hospital, I had nothing to do but watch TV. I was in a hospital bed, hooked up to an insulin pump and a morphine pump, and kept seeing Chalene Johnson and your Turbo Jam infomercial. The infomercial got me hooked because Chalene had such positive energy, and it seemed like a blast. And when you have a lot of weight to lose like I did, you NEED to see those stories of other people who have overcome huge obstacles, so you can relate.

I left the hospital with a few prescriptions and supplies that were going to cost $150 a month—even with insurance. I also went home and purchased Turbo Jam. What a great journey it has been!

Now, just two years later, I am down 127 pounds, have been off of insulin completely since two months after starting Turbo Jam, and have been totally clear of diabetes since October of 2006. I went from having to give myself 95 units of insulin a day and checking my glucose levels four times a day to having to take nothing because my glucose levels are great.

Beachbody, Chalene, and Turbo Jam helped me save $150 a month AND my life. My cholesterol is normal, I no longer snore, and my doctor told me that I have the resting heart rate of an athlete!

Later, when I asked the doctor why he told me I’d never be off of insulin, he said it was because very few people lose weight and follow through with a healthy lifestyle, and most will be on insulin forever, and that my story is the exception. Which is sad because it’s so much easier than having to give myself insulin and glucose level test shots everyday, let alone losing my legs, vision, kidneys, heart, and brain to diabetes.”

THANKS, CARL—MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR WHOLE BEACHBODY CREW!

We also have a new product called Kathy Smiths Project You:Type 2 that is directed for those that have Type 2 diabetes or even pre-diabetes. Learn more about Team Beachbody and becoming a Team Beachbody Coach by clicking here.

7 Simple Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

7 Simple Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
By Chalene Johnson

Chalene Johnson
1. Drink less.
Avoid calorie-laden beverages like alcohol, eggnog, peppermint lattes, and hot chocolate. Permanently attach a bottle of water to your hand during the holiday season. One cocktail is fine. But keep in mind, alcohol usually makes you less attractive, less articulate, less responsible, and more likely to overeat. Cheers!
2. Bake less.
One of the sneakiest ways calories can creep up on us is via the mixing bowl! Avoid volunteering to bake your famous snickerdoodle cheesecake and you'll instantly cut down on unneeded stress and calories.
3. Be fashionably late.
This accomplishes two things. One, the less time you spend at the party, the less time you spend with a plate of cheese-stuffed mini-quiche while making uncomfortable small talk with the boss. Two, the more guests that are there before you, the less food that is available when you arrive.
4. Throw away leftovers.
I know your mother would gasp at such a wasteful suggestion. I'll let you in on a little secret: that half-eaten pumpkin pie is not exactly what the local food bank had in mind. Toss it and get over it. Your neighbor brings over a delicious plate of cookies. Take a nibble and toss the rest! She'll never know the difference, and your thighs will thank you.
5. Amp up your workouts.
Many Americans excuse themselves from healthy eating and regular workouts because "it's that time of year." Poor choice. Rather than skipping your workouts, intensify them. Holidays are when you really need the mood-enhancing, stress-busting effects of exercise more than ever. You deserve it, and you'll be more proficient because of it, so make time to do it!
6. Enjoy a taste.
Some do well by swearing off "forbidden" foods, but for many of us that notion only leads to bingeing or a feeling of deprivation. If that's the case, allow yourself the treat, just make it a small portion and account for it during your next cardio party!
7. Scrap the "dieter's mentality."
I forbid you to say these five little words ever again: "I'm starting my diet tomorrow." This mentality leads people to believe that healthy eating is all or nothing. Have a cookie or two, but catch yourself before you slip into the "Oh, I've blown it, so now I might as well have ten more!" way of thinking. That mentality is the root of all yo-yo dieting. Think of your eating as a way of life, not a diet. Enjoy the occasional treat, but do so in moderation.

The Three C's

The Three Cs
By Debbie Siebers

Debbie Siebers

When thinking about health and fitness, focus on the three Cs: centered, committed, and consistent.
1. You need to get CENTERED.
Gather yourself, your thoughts, and think about what you want out of life.
2. You have to make a true COMMITMENT.
You can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. Take a stand for yourself and commit to making those changes you want to see in yourself.
3. Understand it takes CONSISTENCY, and make it happen.
You'll hit bumps along the road. When this happens, get right back to it. Consistency doesn't mean perfection. It means staying true to the cause, and never giving up.

16 December, 2008

ChaLEAN Extreme is SHIPPING!

For you fitness lovers out there you need to check out this new program just released and being shipped to the public!











..

14 December, 2008

The Future of Online Fitness

This is an artical that I read on Fitness.com and I have to say Team Beachbody is way ahead of their time. Not only have the provided online coaches for years now at no cost but they are opening that opportunity up to people just like with their Beachbody Revolution infomercial. Stay tuned or visit my website at www.myjourneytosuccess.com to find out how you can hop on this train of health and become a better you....body, mind, soul, and wallet!
The Future of Online Fitness

Affordable Fitness Training

12.11.08 - L


With respect to servicing the average client seeking fitness, is personal training really a service that can be effectively offered via the internet? Asked another way, what attribute(s) does in person personal training offer that online personal training cannot. The answer is real time face-to-face interaction. Now that we understand the one real limitation of online training, the next question is if this one attribute really worth the premium session prices that in person personal fitness trainers demand, especially when you factor in the fact that an online trainer can address inquiries via email, forums or telephone if need be within 24 hours. The answer to this question is it depends largely on whether or not a client can afford to pay the premium prices. Chances are that as a result of inflation, many will seek out an effective and viable alternative.

Therefore, it is very likely that there will be a demand and thus a market for online fitness trainers and programs. It’s just a matter as to whether or not a company or trainer can design and deliver a program that delivers results. Needless to say, the program must provide: 1) Good instructions and exercises that can be safely performed, 2) A means to contact and interact with the fitness trainer, 3) Delivery of up-to-date information on new fitness data and trends, 4) Coaching and support and 5) Nutritional information and consultation.

Believe it or not, a community of clients pursuing the same goals can be created via a membership site and an online fitness program comprised of all of the foregoing attributes can be provided to those seeking to get in shape by doing safe and effective exercises at a price that is 75 - 90% cheaper than what one would pay for an in person personal trainer.

How to build a healthy lifestyle

How to build a healthy lifestyle

It is not what you think, it is how you think

Diet - lets face it with out this you probably will not be as successful loosing weight as you would like. You can exercise all you want but if you go to fast food drive thrus all the time or eat the morning donuts you probably wont have much success. Lets talk about the fat first. You can do the low carb diets that actually say you should eat fatty foods and cut out the carbs and this does help you loose weight fast. The problem with these types of diets are that once you go off the diet and start eating normal again the weight starts coming back two fold, been there done that. Then there are the only carb diets which actually are pretty good for your heart. You find that your body starts missing the protein that it used to get from meat and you start getting tired. The next diet you can try is being a vegetarian which is a very good diet and you will loose weight but you must replace your protein and make sure you get enough vitamins and don’t short your self any nutrients. You know the best way to diet really is to watch your calories and fat intake. If you eat smaller portions at more times through out the day would be the best for you allowing your body to burn each and every meal you eat rather then storing it for later or turning it to fat. It is hard to keep track of all this but once you start doing it you will find it gets easier and easier. Lets face it losing weight and keeping it off is a life changing job that you have to work at and you will see great results if you add our next subject we will talk about.


Exercise - This is the hardest to keep faithful to. It is the hardest to start and the hardest to do when you just don’t want to do it. When you first start exercising you will be sore in the days following but you need to work through it and pretty soon it will not hurt anymore. First start a walking program 1 to 2 miles a day or 20 to 30 minutes a day. Do what you can handle maybe it is more than that. Then get yourself some 1 to 5 pound dumbbells and start doing regular exercise routines which we won’t go in to detail now but you can look up any routine on the internet and pick one that you think will work for you. You can loose weight with out exercising but that doesn’t mean that you are living healthy. Exercising helps your muscles be loose and tone. Sweating helps get rid of the toxins in your body that could cause cancers. Exercising also helps your heart, the most important muscle in your body, exercising helps keep your blood vessels open and clear. As you get older, if you do not exercise in some way your body starts to deteriorate faster. You can’t stop the aging but you will feel better and will be able to do the things you like. To keep up with both dieting and exercising you have to take control of the one thing that will make you quit both if you don’t master this next topic.


Your will - If you can control this you will be successful. Your will is what tells you that you don’t feel like doing this today or this candy bar won’t hurt me today. Then before you know it your week is filled with not exercising and as many candy bars and fast food as you can eat. To take control of your will you have to find ways to keep you focused like posting positive notes around your house or work. There is many different ways to keep your will focused. Once you train your mind to get rid of all the negativity that stops you from exercising and dieting the easier you find it is to change to a healthier lifestyle. Try posting pictures of you when you started your program that you choose. Then start posting pictures of yourself after you have been on your program for a month or two. The whole idea here is to keep everything positive and get rid of all the negative. When you start seeing all the results it will be easy to do all three steps to a healthy lifestyle.

26 November, 2008

6 Guilt-Free Choices for Thanksgiving

6 Guilt-Free Choices for Thanksgiving

By Joe Wilkes

It's that time of year when it's not just the turkey that's getting stuffed. The Thanksgiving table is full of irresistible treats and sweets, but before you commit yourself to an afternoon of gluttony, followed by the traditional unbuttoning of the pants in front of the TV, you might consider that there are a lot of options that are actually good for you. And, if you're the one planning the menu, you can include even more choices so that you can enjoy Thanksgiving without turning into a Macy's parade float.

Thanksgiving Dinner

  1. TurkeyTurkey. You can't beat lean turkey breast. With only 44 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 8 grams of protein per ounce, this is one of the healthiest things you can load up on. Even the dark meat only adds an extra gram of fat and 9 more calories per ounce. But skip the skin, which adds extra calories and fat, and go light on the gravy. Try the salad-dressing technique—dip the tines of your fork in the gravy before you spear your meat to get more flavor with less fat. Also, if you're cooking, baste the bird with broth, not butter, to keep the fat and calories low.
  2. CranberriesCranberries. These tart little berries are bursting with nutrition, including high levels of vitamin C and several polyphenol antioxidants. (Read "6 Ways to Boost Your Antioxidant Levels" in the Related Articles section below for more about getting antioxidants in your diet.) Cranberries are also good at inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the bladder and urethra. It's also believed that cranberries contain a chemical that helps stop tooth decay, but this could be moot if the cranberries are prepared with sugar. Instead of going overboard with the sugar, try cooking cranberries in orange juice, or a little port wine, to bring out their flavor without oversweetening them.
  3. YamsYams. These tasty tubers (not to be confused with sweet potatoes) are great sources of vitamin B6, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, and potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. And because yams contain complex carbohydrates and fiber, they won't spike your blood sugar. (Read "Miracle Foods to Tame That Sugar Spike" in the Related Articles section below for more tips on controlling your blood sugar.) Candying the yams, a popular Thanksgiving tradition, will largely negate any blood sugar benefits, however. Try having them with a little cinnamon instead. They are generally sweet enough on their own, but if your guests insist on candying them, maybe serve them with a little maple syrup on the side, so at least the sugar rush is optional.
  4. Sweet PotatoesSweet potatoes. Like their relative, the yam, sweet potatoes have lots of nutrients that regular potatoes don't have, including beta-carotene and vitamin C. The high levels of carotenoids in sweet potatoes also help regulate blood sugar, which will help you avoid the post-Thanksgiving "coma" that afflicts so many overindulgers on the holiday. Although, once again, you can easily counteract the nutritional benefits by melting marshmallows on top of the sweet spuds. But, at least marshmallows can be easily scraped off as opposed to the poor candied yam, which would have to be scrubbed down to get it back to its natural nutritious state.
  5. SaladSalad. Load up on salad! And by salad, we mean lettuce and vegetables, not a cream-based Waldorf salad or mayonnaise-laden potato or macaroni salad. This is a good contribution you can make if you're a guest at someone else's Thanksgiving dinner. Offer to bring a salad, with dressing on the side, and you'll at least be guaranteed that there will be one healthy dish on the table. (Read "10 Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Salad" in the Related Articles section below for some salad ideas.)
  6. Pumpkin PiePumpkin pie. When you're looking at the dessert selection, keep in mind that a slice of pumpkin pie has as much beta-carotene as an entire carrot. Take that, apple pie! It's also high in vitamin C. Unfortunately, it can oftentimes also be high in fat and sugar. But if you're making the pie, you can substitute skim milk for cream or sweetened, condensed milk. Some chefs even add silken tofu to thicken the pie filling, and provide the extra health benefits of soy.

SaladIf you're lucky or unlucky enough to be hosting the main event, you can try some other things to "health up" the meal. Think about offering a salad course and/or a (non-cream-based) soup course. This can prolong the meal and conversation (which can be good or bad, depending on your family) and allow you to fill up on healthy stuff before the main-course shoveling begins. Also, try scheduling the meal so it isn't eaten in front of the football game. Then, you can pay attention to your guests and what you're putting in your mouth. If you're at the mercy of some other Thanksgiving host, hope for a cornucopia of vegetables that you can choose from or offer to bring something healthy and delicious yourself. By making healthy choices, you'll have something to be thankful for instead of a couple of extra pounds.

4 Diet Pitfalls-and How to Avoid Them

An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on
Thanksgiving Day.
—Irv Kupcinet


4 Diet Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them
By Shaun T, creator of Get Real with Shaun T™

Oh sure, everyone always says to me, "Shaun, I swear, I eat very healthily. I have a clean diet." But when people are experiencing "stubborn pounds" that won't budge off their bodies, I see uncertainty and fear in their eyes when I say, "I bet it's a common eating habit that is undermining your hard work."

Nutrition LabelOh yeah. It's natural for us to be less than honest with ourselves about where we're cheating on our nutritional plans. We work out and have the best of intentions for our daily meals, but we end up falling short of our goals for having a balanced nutritional plan for various reasons. Some of the most common pitfalls can be avoided simply by being aware of them.

Walking, Good Food, Journal, and Small Portions

  1. Stress eating. Hey, I readily admit that food is comforting—especially comfort food. You know, the mac and cheese; the meatloaf and buttery mashed potatoes; an entire pint of butter pecan ice cream . . . enough said. But there are so many better ways to beat stress than by eating yourself into a stupor.

    Walking on the BeachDo this instead: My favorite thing to do is to get out and just take a walk. Focus on your body and forget the snacks, and get some air deep into your lungs, clear your head, feel your blood pumping, and stretch your legs out. It won't take but a few minutes for you to reap big benefits from taking a brisk walk . . . away from the vending machine. Or if it's raining, put on some great music and dance—that works too! You can get plenty of this done with Hip Hop Abs® or my Dance Party Series.
  2. Grazing. Many people have a complete lack of structure to their daily meals—they actually never stop nibbling throughout the day—from bits of bagels and bites of donuts in the morning all the way through to chips in front of the TV for late-night channel surfing. Grazers have absolutely no set meal times, and end up shutting down their bodies' natural calorie-burning cycles through the constant onslaught of fat and calories.

    Eating FruitDo this instead: Of course, avoid the bad stuff. Instead of vending-machine junk and food with a low nutritional value, pack healthy snacks for nibbling. And make time for balanced meals that will satisfy your appetite so you won't be reaching for whatever's near. See the action plan for #3.
  3. Unconscious eating. Eating without paying attention to what you're doing, or without even realizing that you're consuming calories.

    Writing in JournalDo this instead: Keeping a food journal is the best way I know to determine whether you have unconscious-eating tendencies. One of my clients confessed that while keeping her journal, she would catch herself working at her desk and suddenly realize that she needed to jot down the cookie she'd just eaten at a coworker's desk. They'd offered her a homemade cookie, and she'd eaten it without even thinking about it—much less factoring it into her daily planned food intake. Cha-CHING! Those 200 sweet calories needed to be added to her daily tally in her food journal to get an accurate picture of what she was eating.
  4. Double portions. It's not just restaurants that are offering us bigger portions to show us the value of their meals; it's loved ones and friends and ourselves who proudly serve up much more than our bodies need for fuel at mealtime—on a regular basis. It's because we think we're showing love, or are being shown love, through food. We'd also feel stingy if we were to serve the plate with less on it. The sad fact is that "normal" portions in the U.S. aren't just a fraction more food than needed for having a balanced meal—they're like double, which is in excess of what your body requires, and WAY more than you can burn through your daily workout!

    Small PortionsDo this instead: Ask yourself, "Do 20 bites of a huge sandwich really taste that much better than 10?" How do those 10 extra bites taste when you know you can't burn them off that day and at least half that sandwich is going to turn into those "stubborn" pounds? Stick with sane portions; listen to your body.

Yes, these are four common pitfalls. They're all too common—but that doesn't make them any less devastating to our fitness results and our ultimate health goals (and don't forget that it can also be discouraging to the mental image you have of where you want to be). Be aware of where you might be defeating yourself, and take some time to form a personal plan to help you avoid these pitfalls on a daily basis.

Peace Out.
Shaun T

ChaLEAN Extreme! PREORDER NOW!



EMAIL ME AT MORGAN0661@GMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS BRAND NEW WORKOUT PROGRAM!

19 November, 2008

Avoid doing too much too soon

Many times people get excited about starting a new exercise program and their excitement causes them to try and workout every day sometimes an hour or more per day. Unsurprisingly, what often happens to people who overdo it is that they burn out in the first week or two and end up dropping out of the program.

It is important that people who are just starting a fitness program to understand that it took a period of time for them to get out of shape and it’s going to take time before they get themselves back into shape. It is more important that they develop for themselves a weekly training schedule that consists of a recommended four days of training for 30 to 45 minutes per day in a week and stick to it. Furthermore, they should try and do something (i.e. 10 – 15 minutes) on each of their scheduled days even if they don’t have the time or energy to do the entire 30 – 45 minutes workout. By doing the bare minimum, they train themselves to stay on schedule and often time they will find themselves doing the entire scheduled amount of minutes once they get started.

You see by the yard it’s hard, but inch by inch anything is a cinch. Those who consistently train using a good fitness program invariably see positive results in six to eight weeks. I recommend that anyone whose primary goal is to lose weight to put more emphasis on doing cardio (e.g. jogging, swimming, jumping rope, etc.) and less emphasis on resistance training. For example, one might consider doing three days of cardio and one day of resistance training. However, there are programs available that allow you to get both cardio and muscle toning fitness at the same time by using light weights, high repetition and quick transition between exercises. Nonetheless, even with these type of programs, if you have a lot of weight to lose, you still might want to put emphasis on doing the cardio exercises. Needless to say, minimizing your caloric and carbohydrate intake will also be very important.

The Future of Online Fitness

With respect to servicing the average client seeking fitness, is personal training really a service that can be effectively offered via the internet? Asked another way, what attribute(s) does in person personal training offer that online personal training cannot. The answer is real time face-to-face interaction. Now that we understand the one real limitation of online training, the next question is if this one attribute really worth the premium session prices that in person personal fitness trainers demand, especially when you factor in the fact that an online trainer can address inquiries via email, forums or telephone if need be within 24 hours. The answer to this question is it depends largely on whether or not a client can afford to pay the premium prices. Chances are that as a result of inflation, many will seek out an effective and viable alternative.

Therefore, it is very likely that there will be a demand and thus a market for online fitness trainers and programs. It’s just a matter as to whether or not a company or trainer can design and deliver a program that delivers results. Needless to say, the program must provide: 1) Good instructions and exercises that can be safely performed, 2) A means to contact and interact with the fitness trainer, 3) Delivery of up-to-date information on new fitness data and trends, 4) Coaching and support and 5) Nutritional information and consultation.

Believe it or not, a community of clients pursuing the same goals can be created via a membership site and an online fitness program comprised of all of the foregoing attributes can be provided to those seeking to get in shape by doing safe and effective exercises at a price that is 75 - 90% cheaper than what one would pay for an in person personal trainer.

Beachbody offers this and so much more. For more information please feel free to email me at morgan0661@gmail.com or you can take a look at my website also.

10 November, 2008

10 Tips for Healthy Eating

10 tips for Healthy Eating!

Now is a great time to focus your attention on the importance of making smart food choices by practicing healthy eating habits. Not only will you reach your weight goals, you will also have a healthier digestive system, increased energy levels, better moods, clearer and younger looking skin, increased metabolism, increased ability to fight off colds and the flu, decreased risk of many health related disease and feel amazing!

Here are 10 tips to guide you in healthy eating! The quicker you implement these guidelines, the quicker you will see amazing results!!! Post them on your fridge to remind you of some good choices to attain and maintain an ideal healthy weight!

1. Eat breakfast everyday!!! This is hands down the most important tip I can share with you! By eating a healthy and balanced breakfast you will give yourself the fuel you need to start your day off right with energy, mental focus and the elimination of starvation mode. What is starvation mode you ask? It kicks in when you have a long period of time that goes by and you don’t get any caloric energy in the form of food. Your body is smart and was designed to survive (not to be beautiful…lol), so it sends a signal to store extra fat in case there is another long period of time that goes by without eating so you have fuel reserves for energy in the form of fat. From the time you go to bed until the time you wake up is generally the longest period of time with no food intake. Breakfast simply means to BREAK the FAST!

2. It’s ALIVE!!! Make sure you focus on eating foods that are alive. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables have enzyme activity and are nutritionally rich which adds life to your body! Foods that are biologically dead, such as processed snacks with high sugar content, do not provide any nutritional benefits other than extra calories and actually steal valuable chromium and B-Complex vitamins to metabolize them. I advise you to shop at local food markets that purchase locally grown products which contain more nutrients and fewer pesticides than produce which is purchased from foreign countries. Plus, it contributes to a greener environment by saving on transportation fuels and supports you community!

3. Consume high-fibre foods daily: In order to maintain digestive wellness, it is essential to eat foods that have a source of fibre. This includes whole grains (oats, spelt, barley, rye, buckwheat, millet, whole wheat, brown rice), legumes (beans, lentils, split peas) fruits and vegetables. Fibre rich whole grains work to increase your metabolism, because they take longer to digest and absorb, plus they contribute to a feeling of fullness. Personally, I throw a couple of teaspoons of Psyllium Seed Husk into my protein shakes for added fibre and digestion.

4. Diet starts with DIE! Generally speaking dieting is deprivation. Many people view diets as there last chance to lose weight or a quick fix and instant solution. This is the trap that sooooooo many fad diet programs prey on emotional potential weight loss clients with. Be AWARE! Do your research on long term effects. They destroy your metabolism! Focus instead on a healthy personalized nutrition plan which guides you in losing no more than 2-3 lbs per week. This will increase your metabolism and keep the weight off providing you stick to the plan and learn how to eat properly. Eventually in will become second nature and habitual. Slow and steady wins the race!!!

5. Make H2O your best friend: Water is the most important ingredient in healthy eating and any serious weight loss plan! It is vitally important to good health and wellness because it makes up about 80% of your blood and brain. By consuming a minimum of 2 litres per day, you will stay hydrated, think better, speed up the process of losing weight, detoxify, clear up your skin, look younger and curb food cravings which lead to overeating. I suggest for you to take a sip or 2 of water every 20-30 minutes, instead of chugging a large amount and this will prevent you from constantly visiting the can!

6. Don’t fear the fat: It is vitally important to eat an adequate supply of healthy dietary good fats! Throughout all of the cell membranes in your entire body, fat is one of the main components. If you eat a sufficient amount of healthy natural fats, your cellular processes will function normally. If you do not, your cellular process will be severely impaired and your body will need to work harder to operate correctly or form degenerative diseases. This is also especially true if you are consuming large amounts of heavily processed, man-made, chemically altered fats which are found in most processed foods. BONUS: Healthy dietary fats are excellent for optimal hormonal production, muscle building and fat burning processes!!!

7. Are vitamins and supplements necessary? To be honest with you, most of these products are a complete waste of money, do not contribute to optimal health and just contribute to expensive urine. Having a healthy and balanced nutrition plan consisting of a large variety of unprocessed foods (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains, nuts, seeds) will provide you all of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants we need for perfect health. Of course if you don’t have the discipline to eat well, then maybe they are better than nothing.

8. Eat after you train: The other most important meal of the day is right after any resistance or cardiovascular activity or work outs! This is when your body is in a catabolic state where your muscle glycogen is depleted and elevated cortisol levels are beginning to break down muscle tissues. The solution is choosing a meal with quickly digestible carbs to replenish muscle glycogen and quickly digestible protein to provide amino acids for muscle repair.

9. Eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks: By spacing your meals by about 3-4 hours apart you will provide your body with the nutrients and caloric energy it needs to thrive every day! This will also contribute to the decrease in the starvation mode signal to store fat which was aforementioned earlier. A suggestion is to have the meals balanced with 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% good fats in order to maintain a healthy body weight.

10. Fast-Food for thought: Many clients ask me what they should do when they are going out for fast or convenience food. Obviously, I would suggest not to do it at all, focus on making your own healthy meals and bring them with you if you can, however I must admit I enjoy the occasional burger too. In the case you are forced into one of these fast-food establishments, I would strongly suggest to stay away from soda, fries, hash browns, breaded fish or chicken sandwiches, nuggets or anything absolutely soaked in DEADLY trans fats from industrial hydrogenated vegetable oil!

I challenge you all to make a commitment to attaining a healthy weight and stick to it! Personally, I didn’t get incredible results until I focused on my nutrition plan. This is when I finally began to see some serious definition and a killer six pack! You can do it too! With drive, passion, persistence and believing in oneself you can become successful at anything in life!

Yours in Opportunity, Abundance and Joy!!!

James Erdt
Joyzone Inc.
Founder / President

07 November, 2008

Government Guidelines for Exercise: how much is enough?

How much physical activity do you need in a year, month, or day? Many might wonder this very question. Well, the government has laid out some guidelines that you can follow to make sure you are getting enough exercise.

For most adults on average, they need two and a half hours of exercise a week. But, this depends heavily on your age and the right level of fitness. For those sluggish types, the best way to stay fit is to do active things around the house. Go out and rake some leaves; mow the lawn; or take the dog for a brisk walk. More active adults should have their week’s requirement of 75 minutes of more vigorous exercise. This could include: jogging, hiking, biking, or swimming. About 2 times a week on average, adults should do muscle-strengthening activities: push-ups, weight training, or heavy gardening. This is a minimum requirement for physical activity.

Children and teens are known to need more exercise than the average adult. They are suggested to engage in physical activity for a minimum of an hour each day. This could include any sport including: skateboarding, soccer, running, biking, or swimming. Three times a week, children and teens should also engage in muscle-strengthening activities such as sit-ups or tug-of-war, and bone-strengthening activities such as jumping rope or skipping.

These suggestions are much like the food pyramid, but for exercise. The guidelines come from the Health and Human Services Department. Their idea of these guidelines is to stop people from questioning how much exercise is enough. They therefore make it clear about how much exercise you really do need, and the different ways you can achieve just that.

However, the best thing to do is not question it, but be active. Get out and exercise whatever way you can. It’s alright to start slowly if you are not someone who regularly engages in daily exercise. Some is better than nothing, and more is better than some.

The guidelines have been published to make people aware of the physical needs of their bodies. It’s to show a nation of couch potatoes that being active is the most important tool to leading a healthy lifestyle. Research has concluded that a quarter of adults are not active in their leisure time, and they need to be aware that it is effecting their health.

What is worse is that these quarter of Americans are also raising children with the same inactive habits. Therefore the generation being raised right now could end up less healthy than their parents. Studies show that 1/3 of children in America are overweight, and 16 percent of those are obese.

Data has shown that regular exercise can cut the risk of heart attack and stroke by 20 percent. It can also reduce high blood pressure, chances of early death, and help those with type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, fractures, and some variations of depression.

So America, why are you still sitting on the couch?

05 November, 2008

Sleep Support Supplement Importance of sleep in maintaining a better health.

leep is a basic human need. It is not optional. It’s as necessary as food and water for survival. Of course, everyone has experienced an occasional night when they have trouble falling asleep. It may be annoying, but it isn’t really harmful. But usually, these episodes are brief and your sleep pattern returns to normal very quickly. However, if you experience sleep deprivation for longer periods, this is called insomnia, and if it is allowed to go unchecked, it may become a pattern that is hard to break.

How much sleep does a person really need? Babies sleep about 16 hours a day. Teenagers need about 9 hours on average. For most adults, 7 to 8 hours a night appears to be the best amount of sleep, although there are some people that can function perfectly on as few as 5 hours. However, there are people who require up to 10 hours of sleep each day. The answer is...there is no fixed answer.

So how do you know if you have a sleeping problem? If you answer “yes” to more than two of these questions, you may have a sleeping disorder.

• Do you have difficulty falling asleep?
• Do you wake up and then can’t get back to sleep?
• Do you feel sleepy during the day?
• Do you wake up feeling tired?
• Do you experience an energy-drop in the afternoon?
• Do you ever feel you’re going to fall asleep while driving?

The leading causes for sleeplessness are concerns about work, school, health or family. They can keep your mind too active, making you unable to relax. Prescription drugs and many over-the-counter medications can interfere with sleep. Even eating too much at bedtime can cause an uncomfortable feeling that will keep you awake. Sleeplessness is a common complaint of women as they enter into menopause. There are physical and psychological factors that can interfere with normal sleep patterns. Sleeplessness may be a side-effect of adjusting to new work-shift hours. Also, falling asleep becomes more difficult as we age; and women are twice as likely to have insomnia then men. Jet lag is another factor that may disturb a person’s biorhythms and cause sleeplessness. And believe it or not, by trying too hard to fall asleep, you’re actually keeping yourself awake.

Nearly ten years ago, in May 1997, CNN reported that sleep problems were becoming an epidemic—the #1 health-related problem in the U.S. Many health researchers have linked sleeplessness with such health consequences as fatigue, depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and a shortened life-span.

A survey done by the National Sleep Foundation discovered that:
• Almost 74% of all Americans do not get enough sleep each night.
• 51% of adults say they have problems sleeping at least a few nights each week.
• Almost 1/3 have trouble sleeping every night.
• Those with sleep problems are twice as likely to feel stressed and tired.
• Sleep deprivation costs $150 billion each year in higher stress and reduced worker productivity (National Commission on Sleep Disorders, 2003).

The Mayo Clinic states that almost all adults don't get enough sleep and most struggle to get up in the morning.

Things you can do to improve sleep quality.
1. Try to incorporate nutrition into your diet that promotes healthy sleep cycles. A good healthy diet eaten at regular times can contribute to the quality of your sleep.
2. Avoid exercise within three hours of going to bed, as this will boost alertness and have a negative effect on sleep. The National Sleep Foundation reports that exercise in the afternoon, approximately 4-6 hours before bed time, can help reduce the time it takes for you to fall asleep and give you a deeper sleep.
3. Avoid napping during the daytime.
4. Depending on your sensitivity, reduce stimulants (tea, coffee, chocolate, cigarettes) at least three hours before you sleep. Stimulants contain caffeine which prevents quality deep sleep. Caffeine increases the activity of the central nervous system.
5. Reduce sedatives (alcohol and some medications) which can impair one's ability to have quality deep sleep. You should seek advice from your doctor before stopping 'prescribed' medications.
6. Reduce factors which might arouse you from sleep: external noise, use ear plugs if necessary; an uncomfortable bed or extreme temperatures.
7. Hide your bedroom clock. Get plenty of morning sunlight. This will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
8. Eat a light snack (mainly carbohydrates with little protein) before bedtime. This will help your body produce serotonin, the calming hormone.
9. Avoid dwelling on the day's events. Get into a sleep routine such as reading before bed or if you prefer, watching TV or listening to soothing music. Do whatever you find most relaxing.
10. Get out of bed at a regular fixed time each day.
11. Switch to hypo allergy sheets and pillows

Sleep Supplements:

Sleep is essential to keep you physically and mentally healthy. Sleep support supplements containing an all-natural blend of nutrients are non-addictive and may nutritionally assist your body in resetting its biological clock so you can reestablish a healthy and appropriate sleep rhythm. Some of these nutrients are:

• Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland (in the brain) that controls the body’s circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that tells us when to sleep and when to wake up.
• Valeriana Officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, and papaver rhoeas are all herbs which have traditionally been used for sleep disorders and anxiety.
• 5HTP, a compound produced by the body from tryptophan, regulates serotonin and melatonin.
• Vitamin B6 is important for the brain and nerves to function normally. A deficiency is believed to cause irritability, nervousness, insomnia and general weakness.
• Taurine is an amino acid, and potent antioxidant. Reports have shown that sufficient taurine levels may contribute to a feeling of calmness, essential to restful sleep.

And once you get the uninterrupted sleep your body craves, you’ll wake up feeling alert, sharp, energized and ready to start the day. It is always a good practice to study the ingredients of any supplement before taking them. Check with your doctor whether a sleep support supplement is advisable for you.

Green Superfood Ingredients Importance of green ingredients in our regular diet

Whenever someone hears a nutritionist talk about poor eating habits the first thing that comes to mind is obesity. And that’s perfectly logical because we are a diet-conscious nation and it’s virtually impossible to open a newspaper or listen to a news broadcast without hearing that Americans are gaining pounds and inches at an unprecedented rate.

But obesity is more than simply unattractive. It’s also unhealthy. So unhealthy that it’s literally killing us. A study by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in JAMA concludes that obesity kills 112,000 Americans each year. Other studies claim the figure may be even higher. In addition to the alarming death rate, being overweight or obese may be a factor in other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. In addition, researchers are studying the possible link between being overweight and having an increased risk of developing several types of cancer.

We all know what it takes to combat obesity. Cut back on greasy pizza, sugary cereals, buckets of fried chicken and fast-food burgers with salty French fries; and start eating at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Wholesome meals, the kind our parents used to prepare. But unfortunately, between home, work and family obligations, it’s almost impossible to make daily trips to the supermarket or to spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals.

If you find yourself and your family faced with a nutritional gap, health experts recommend you supplement your diet with a green super food. A nutrient-dense super food will deliver the health-giving properties your body may be lacking. It contains the elements necessary to support increased energy, greater immune health, faster cell rejuvenation, healthy stamina, and proper digestion and elimination. It contains fruits, vegetables, phytonutrients, probiotics, digestive enzymes, fiber and an immune supporting source of antioxidants to help you feel better, look younger and stay healthier.

Green super foods can add vital nutrients to our diet. Chlorophyll is an important nutrient found in green plants. It gives green color to foods and is a rich source of antioxidants. Chlorophyll increases oxygen availability in our system and is vital for the body’s rapid assimilation of amino acids. Young cereal grasses like barley and wheat grass juice contain high concentrations of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is also found in Chlorella and Spirulina, both algae containing high amounts of protein along with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Nova Scotia Dulce, another algae, contains all the trace elements our body needs along with a high protein content.

Natural sources include vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, parsley, carrot, and cauliflower which contain chlorophyll. carotenoids, bioflavinoids, vitamins and organic mineral complexes. Green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin B-12 and iron.

When you are looking for a dietary supplement, look for one which has a combination of of these nutrients.
• Enzymes to help digestion,
• Probiotic concentrates to help keep a healthy bacterial balance,
• Adequate amount of vegetables, fiber and antioxidant power.

There is enough positive research to indicate that certain foods help certain functions of the body.
• Flax and oat help support heart health.
• Brown rice, apple, licorice help support stomach and colon health,
• Bee pollen and royal jelly help support the immune system.
• Soy and ginko biloba support mental health.

Make sure the supplement does not contain any artificial colors, artificial preservatives, added sugar, yeast, or MSG.

Choosing the right foods in your diet is important to your health. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, getting enough regular exercise are the best means to support good health, augmenting your diet with a good dietary supplement will give you all the essential nutrients your diet may be lacking.

04 November, 2008

Lifestyle Changes Can Head Off Full-Blown Type 2 Diabetes Kathy Smith's New Program is the Healthy Approach to Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes. The good news is that Beachbody® has a fun, easy-to-use lifestyle approach that can help manage type 2 diabetes.

If you've been searching for a way to help get you and your family on the path towards a more active and healthy lifestyle and help reduce the risks of getting type 2 diabetes, keep reading.

Kathy Smith's Project:YOU! Type 2™ is a brand-new program from one of the most trusted names in health and fitness. This all-in-one healthy solution emphasizes lifestyle changes, including education on healthy eating coupled with regular physical activity. And it's designed to produce long-term health benefits while helping you lose weight. Did you know that being at your ideal weight can help reduce the risks of getting type 2 diabetes? And if you have type 2, it can make a big difference in managing your blood glucose.

The Good2Eat CookbookKathy Smith's Type 2 takes the guesswork out of how to help prevent and control type 2 diabetes by providing an easy-to-follow, step-by-step nutrition plan and exercise program that works for all fitness levels! It allows you to take charge of weight control, blood glucose man­agement, and carbohydrate counting with mouthwatering real food and fun exercise programs perfect for every level of fitness. The Good2Eat! Cookbook will teach you when to eat as well as what to eat. Choose from a preplanned menu, use the Good2Eat! Mix-and-Match Meal Cards to create your own daily menu from a selection of meals and snacks, or delve into some delicious new recipes for entertaining. The exercise program focuses on the three key elements of fitness—cardio, strength training, and flexibility/relaxation—to help you get moving and see results. Take control of your life back! And, most importantly, there's even a combined program guide and daily journal, where you can write down your meals, snacks, and workouts to help you stick with the program and track your progress everywhere you go.

In fact, this amazing program was developed in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), the leading source of trusted information about diabetes. This is a major triumph for Beachbody in the fitness world.

Special guest speaker at the 2008 Coach Summit in Anaheim, CA, Francine Kaufman, M.D., former president of the ADA and director of the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, stated some alarming statistics about type 2 diabetes, such as the fact that she "had to order new scales in order to weigh children over 300 pounds," and how "fat around your waist doesn't just sit there. It's metabolically active, secreting things into your systems that lead to all kinds of disease."

Yes, diabetes is a serious problem in this country. But even small actions taken each day have a cumulative effect, ultimately yielding big rewards. What's more, unlike most medications, the side effects that come with healthy living include a better body, more energy, and a reduced risk of getting many health conditions including type 2 diabetes—and the complications of diabetes, such as cardiovascular, kidney, and eye disease.

Kathy's quick tips for managing type 2 diabetes:

  1. Good2Go! JournalGet Active! Kathy Smith's Project:YOU! Type 2 can help you look and feel better, and help manage your glucose levels.
  2. Get a Support System: You can't do it alone. Make sure you have a health care team, and surround yourself with encouraging support. Beachbody has an incredible online community of people who help each other stay motivated to succeed.
  3. Track Your Progress Daily: Keep writing down your food, workouts, blood glucose readings, and moods in your personal Good2Go! Journal so you know what works for you. WOWY®, Beachbody's online gym, is full of great tools to help keep your workouts on track, too!
  4. Make Healthy Food ChangesMake Healthy Food Changes: Check with your health care team before changing your diet. The amount of carbs you eat affects your blood sugar more than anything else you eat, such as proteins or fats. You'll find out that our program is not about "no carbs" but eating "slow carbs." In fact, you will be eating small amounts of carbs throughout the day. That's why the Good2Eat! Cookbook and Mix-and-Match Meal Cards are so great. They have figured it all out for you.

Mark your calendars because this revolutionary program will be available for preorder in late October and will begin shipping in early November!

03 November, 2008

How can helping fight Diabetes Help you financially??

I read an article today that was on a local talk news radio website about how Diabetes is up 90% in the last decade and how adult onset Type 2 is linked directly to obesity!

WHAT IF YOU COULD NOT ONLY HELP CURB THAT TREND BUT START A BUSINESS THAT HAS A FITNESS/NUTRIONAL PROGRAM ENDORSED WITH THE AMERICAN DIABETES SEAL OF APPROVAL... THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND ANYWHERE? This is TRULY an opportunity that is a WIN/WIN situation.....

You have the backing of a well-known and branded 10+ year old fitness program company along with the UNPRECEDENTED endorsement of the ADA and you have a POWERFUL Business opportunity that can help millions of people!

Now is the best time in this type of economy to be thinking about how to secure your financial freedom... and what better way than by starting a business that doctors and medical professionals everywhere will be ECSTATIC about? YES, my doctor about went through the roof when he found out..... and my business is exploding because of it!

So why not become a part of the solution and secure your financial freedom at the same time????

If you would like more information on the ADA Endorsed program and how YOU can not only help others, but help yourself.... visit my website at www.myjourneytosuccess.com or you can email me at morgan0661@gmail.com. Watch the video below.... and then come join me! We're having fun helping others! No matter whether you are already a fitness trainer, have no fitness background whatsoever.... this is a way for you to help!

Courtney

01 November, 2008

Why Aren’t You Using Online Fitness Coaching?

If I were to tell you that you could burn away as much fat as possible by sitting at your computer twiddling your fingers and toes, would you believe me? Well I sure hope you don't!

However, losing weight in the confines of your own home at your computer is not only possible, it's a reality. What I mean is that you can use the advice that's given to you through online fitness coaching to pursue a more productive way of burning off undesired fat and reach your fitness goals.

Any program, no matter how difficult or time consuming takes effort. Through online coaching, anyone can receive the advice and the motivation to put 100% effort into their fitness goals. The end result whether its weight loss, toning, and muscle gain can be achieved with certainty.

It's all about saving time and money!

If you can imagine yourself with a personal trainer at the gym, receiving face to face advice, and helping you out physically with your exercise routine, then by all means sign up to one of your local programs and off you go! There's nothing wrong with having your own personal trainer.

But the down side is that these expert trainers cost money. Some can charge $150 per hour, and many find this service so expensive to the point where their wallets are paper-thin and overdue bills are pilling up!

The cost for each type of personal training (off line - meet your trainer type) varies with different levels of service and convenience. However, let's investigate some of these services offered.

Personal training in a health club:

This has to be the least expensive due to the fact that you're already paying the club a membership fee. You could be stuck with long cues for equipment let alone the discomforting stares of fellow exercisers.

Working out at home:

With a personal trainer, this can obviously be the most convenient provided you have some equipment at home. You might find yourself walking to the bank more often with the higher rates these "come to your home" types charge.

Private training studio:

If you've accepted the invitation for personal training at their studio, chances are you'll be paying fees that would fit into the "pricey" category. Location is also another factor; if the studio is located further away than you can walk then it may not be convenient for you.

Furthermore, if the personal trainer has a busy schedule, you may not get the appointment times you had hoped for.

Although location and price can be inconvenient, there's no doubt that this method can be the most effective way to exercise. Sometimes, it's a case of confidence and personal preference to avoid certain situations, which may leave you embarrassed, confused or bothered.

For example, many have been pushed into taking advantage of the local gym's personal trainers. In terms of the convenience factor, it's a plus if you've signed up for a lengthy period. But you might find that sweating and stretching in front of hundreds of people just isn't your thing! Many people just can't stand that.

Diets and Personal Training are alike!

The truth has to be told here. People who start an exercise routine (with or without a personal trainer), only half will continue this good habit for long-term. The rest will have thrown in the towel within 6 months.

How surprised would you be to find out that old habits are repeated when you stop personal training?

This obviously varies from person to person but the lack of trainer support can sometimes render a person lazy to the point where they neglect their fitness. Because for many it's the external motivation that provides the will to exercise and reach their goals in life.

Online fitness coaching can provide a very similar service to traditional personal training, and the costs involved are usually much lower and much more affordable for the general population.

In many situations, online consultation can be an excellent service if the trainer can deliver the right amount of motivation and supporting advice to the client. This can be seen in the case of weight loss, where many clients find weight loss a difficult task due to lack of confidence.

There are always that bunch of people who will shy away from a personal trainer because of misconceptions and stereotypes. They may fear having to hire one or be under false impression that trainers are just for athletes or bodybuilders.

This is far from the truth - a supporting hand from a trainer can go a long way for many wanting to slim down or improve their fitness levels.

Online coaching really excels when the trainer acts as a mentor and plays a supporting role to dissolve misconceptions and stereotypes about people's inability to achieve the results they're after.

Let's go through some of the benefits that can be attained using online coaching:

* Personal coaching no matter where you or the trainer are located around the globe can help you develop the will and motivation to exercise

* Save money on travel expenses and expensive personal trainers

* You can exercise when you want discarding the need for timed exercise appointments

* Where self-motivation fails, online training can provide enough support to stick with a homemade program

* No need to workout at a specific place designated by the trainer, take control over your workouts at home, at the gym, at work or on the road

* Sit in the comfort of your own home on your computer to receive coaching and advice

* Have your training questions and problems answered with educated responses, promptly and confidentially via email

* Allows for tremendous flexibility, especially for those who travel

* Allows privacy for those who are intimidated by "public" personal training, such as people who don't feel comfortable with their bodies

* The American Council on Exercise asserts that online training is an effective supplement to working one-on-one with a qualified trainer

As you weigh down the benefits of online personal training, you'll find that each method will give you substantial results provided that you are willing to put 100% effort into your exercise & dietary program.

Personal trainers can't do all the work for you, but they can guide you in the right direction to the point where you can observe results in weeks not years.

Whatever the interest, the choice comes down to you. Whether you're comfortable just working out with a friend, willing to spend money to see a personal trainer, or find opportunity with an online trainer, the achievements you make will be proportional to the time you put in.

Gary Matthews is the author of the popular fitness eBooks Maximum Weight Loss and Maximum Weight Gain.
maximumfitness.com

31 October, 2008

WE PLACE PAYING CUSTOMERS IN YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE AND MARKETING MYTHS DEBUNKED!

Marketers and those who are looking into having a home business, there are HUGE myths
you need to be aware of when it comes to joining this awesome home business. Here are some of questions and answers I get and give:

Myth Number 1: You have to be a fitness guru to become a coach and make money with us. This is very false! First of all, when you look at my site, and see what it is we do and what we sell, yes…it is about fitness. The thing you must know is, I simply saw a show on TV and ordered this Slim In 6 video. After years of sitting at this computer “trying” to make money and not having success, I packed on a lot of pounds. I knew that I COULD find an hour per day to workout, that’s why I ordered. It wasn’t until a week after I got my video that I found out that they have an awesome home business that every one of us could do. The best thing is, we all work together, reach our physical and business goals. Oh, just so you know, people of all shapes and ages are having huge success. So in this sense, the word “coach” means helping and working with those who either just want support or even an exercise buddy and it means helping your new coaches on your team make money. Everyone can be a coach, and we teach you how. So basically, I am a customer turned coach. Another reason for joining was, my first week of working out, I lost 6 lbs. I would have lost more if I ate healthier, but I am learning eh?

Myth Number Two:
“Free paying customers placed into your business? Yeah right, why would anyone who spends $50 million dollars per year of their own money to generate paying customers just give them away to their coaches? It can’t be true!” But it is true, they do this. You can see and hear their explanation at my site by clicking here.

Myth Number Three:
“There has to be a catch, no one can afford to have a business that has to do with selling products on TV”. Oh yes you can. The other company I was with did cost hundreds of dollars to join, and hundreds more each month to run. At Beach Body™ and Million Dollar Body™, we all pay just $39 to sign up, and then it’s $14.95 per month. When you sign up, you will be given different options for different packages containing videos and nutritionals, but what if you did not want the packages? That’s fine, you just scroll to the bottom of that page and just sign up for the $39 no problem. I also opted to join the Club in which you get some one on one with people like Tony Horton of 10 Minute Trainer™, I got a specific meal plan for my body weight and fitness level, and all kinds of goodies. I pay monthly for that, but you do NOT have to. So in a nutshell, without all the bells and whistles, you can start today for $39, and pay just $14.95 per month, and of course you will be a part of our awesome home business team.

Myth Number Four: “The minute I join, no one will help me set my business up”. Wrongo! See, I thought the same way, until I realized that I had joined one of the best teams out there! With this team, you will find that she does NOT mess around. She tells you what you need to do and holds you accountable, and thats an awesome thing! If you complete what she tells you to do, she WILL work with you. If not, it weeds out the lazy team members. I really like that. She told me exactly what to do to duplicate her success, and I in turn am being held accountable so I have to make sure that you know what you are doing to be successful. It’s a lot of fun.

So todays lesson is: Myths are what hold people back in life. Enjoy all the info, I’ve personally found that so far what they say has been all true! Click Here to learn more, and be sure to contact me for more information or questions you may have at morgan0661@gmail.com This business is for USA only (so far).

We look forward to working with you! The time is now! Don’t just do this for you, do it for your family!

Courtney Morgan
morgan0661@gmail.com
www.myjourneytosuccess.com

30 October, 2008

Get Motivated Even When You Don't Feel Like Exercising

Everyone who works out knows that there will be times when you just don’t feel like exercising. It doesn’t matter how motivated you are, how long you have been working out, or how much you love being active, it is a simple fact of life that you will have challenging days. However, what you choose to do at these times can make the difference between staying in shape or starting a downward spiral that will take a toll on your fitness level.

I want to address this issue beyond the “just do it anyway” type of advice and give you a few super techniques that can push you over even the most difficult slump.

1) Do it anyway, but take it easy. There is a big “gap” between doing nothing, and doing a full-blown workout. When you are tired or don’t feel like working out, the thought of doing a hardcore workout can be very “intimidating” and working yourself up to actually doing it can be impossible. So if you don’t feel like working out, go for a lighter workout, but refuse to judge yourself if you choose to stay at a light to moderate level. If it’s easier to get motivated to do a light workout and you know from the start that’s all that’s required, you are much more likely to get started. You will get your workout; you will keep the habit, and you will still get good results. For example, if it’s cardio day and you don’t feel like running, go for a light to brisk walk instead. If it’s strength training day, perform less reps or utilize only 3/4 of the weight you normally do.

2) Focus on the pleasurable parts. Focus on the aspects of exercising that you enjoy the most. For example, remember how great you feel when you finish a workout! Not just the feeling of accomplishment, but the physical energy that you feel. And that’s a feeling that you will only get when you do your workout. Also, focus on the exercises that you like, rather than the ones you don’t. Keep thinking about those specific exercises and look forward to when you get to those in your workout.

3) Create a play list of workout songs. I’m giving away one of the greatest tips that’s in my motivation e-book, but here it goes: make a tape, CD, or play list of songs that are motivating and only listen to it when you workout. This is a great technique that I have been giving my clients for years with amazing results - especially for their cardio workouts.

4) Join the champions team. Remember that working out when you don’t feel like it is what will separate you from the rest and guarantee your success. Everybody faces challenges from time to time. Even world-class athletes! There is a saying that goes: champions are made on the off days. Everyone can workout when they feel great and motivated. It is those who can get themselves to the gym when they don’t feel this way that become champions and achieve amazing results. Look at those challenging times as opportunities. Those are the times you are given a chance to join the elite champions team that make it through their workouts no matter what.


Enjoy,

Eduardo Dias.

Eduardo Dias Health & Fitness
For Health, For Fitness, For The Body You Want

Elliptical Machine Body Posture

How to use and elliptical trainer most effectively

Stick your butt out, sit back a little, back straight, shoulders back. Getting your posture right on an elliptical machine is important to getting the most effective workout possible. It is more difficult for some but eventually it starts to feel more natural.

The key is to make sure you are not hunched over. Keep your back straight and upright with your shoulders pulled back. Remember the good posture you mom has always nagged you about? Strive for that.

You don’t want to bounce around to much either. Keep your butt out like you are about to take a seat and try not to move, bounce or sway your upper body too much. Of course if you are using moving upper body handle bars your upper body will be moving but you want to keep you core from bouncing up and down or from rocking back and forth.

Keep in mind that a good elliptical trainer will be constructed in such a way to help you maintain proper elliptical body posture during your exercise. You don’t want to feel like you are leaning forward to reach for handle bars. Some of the cheaper ellipticals may encourage bad posture and an uncomfortable workout because of poor ergonomic design.

Working out on an elliptical machine is easy and fun, but it shouldn’t be so easy that you don’t work up a sweat and don’t feel a little pain. If you are bouncing all around and hunching over, you are making the workout too easy for yourself.

Don’t worry if you feel like you’re ready to end your workout immediately after modifying to the correct elliptical posture. Usually if you just get through the first 5-10 minutes you’ll be surprised how long you can stay on. And don’t forget to maintain proper elliptical body posture throughout your entire workout, warm up and cool down. You’ll find yourself slacking on posture from time to time so just correct yourself when you notice it and keep moving.

How you use an elliptical machine and maintaining appropriate posture is the key to avoiding injury and getting the most intense and rewarding workout.

Metabolism Boost for the Middle Aged

After the ripe old age of 40, our bodies’ metabolism rate slows by 5% each decade thereafter. As you burn less and less calories you start to gain 5-10 pounds each year without even realizing it.

But age is not the only contributing factor to a slow metabolism. Many other things can affect your metabolic rate as you age including: pregnancy, medication, illness, and certain metabolic disorders (such as insulin resistance: a hormonal imbalance linked to how our body produces insulin).

There are surprisingly easy ways to prevent your metabolism from coming to a halt. With the right amount of exercise, the right nutrients, and proper sleep patterns, you can burn a massive amount of calories no matter how old you are.

Supplements: these are key to stabilize your blood sugar levels, and can help promote fat burning. To metabolize calories efficiently and effectively, you need to have constant stabilized insulin and blood sugar levels. This is especially great news for those with insulin resistance – because supplements are an essential part to correcting this hormonal imbalance. Some examples of supplements that help regulate metabolism are Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin b12, and folic acid, to name a few.

Protein: provides a fat burning affect greater than that of carbohydrates. Our metabolism clings to food, and eating 3 protein packed meals a day, in addition to 2 protein filled snacks, will help burn those calories fast. It is dangerous to eat less than 1,000 calories a day, and providing enough protein for your body will help you gain muscle mass, which is also important for revving your metabolism. If you eat as often as every 2-3 hours that should suffice, and never leave 5 hours between eating. Some great protein snack and meal ideas include: nuts, low-fat cheese, eggs, fish, turkey, and avocados.

Strength Training: is a key contributor to building lean muscle mass, which is ideal for a fuel-efficient body. While cardio strengthens the heart and lungs, strength-training focuses strictly on building muscle mass. The more muscle we have, the more calories we burn even while we are asleep.

Sleep: is obviously essential to our every day lives, but it is also known that people who are sleep deprived tend to gain more weight. Eight hours of sleep a day is ideal for the average person. The hormones leptin and grehlin control our hunger and metabolism, which can be easily effected by the amount of sleep we get. If we don’t get enough sleep then our hormones are also more likely to lean us towards eating unhealthy sweet snacks.

Walking: Not Only a Need, but a Desire

Fall comes, the leaves turn red, and the soil is softened by the moisture in the air. It is that perfect time of year for walking, whether it’s through the woods, mountains, or even right at home in your backyard. But what you don’t know is, you may not be wearing the right shoes for your walking pleasure. It depends heavily on the type of walk, and how much you want to spend on shoes, but fitness.com would like to give you some tips on proper footwear for your walking adventures.

In previous years, the industry has come up with different types of shoes from hiking, to jogging, to sprinting, leaving it hard to determine what the best all around walking shoe might be for you. Walking has always served as a purpose: going on a trip, searching for a job, or going to the store. Walking as a leisure activity, the so-called functional free hiking, only started with the Enlightenment period in the 18th Century with the onset of the natural enthusiasm of the bourgeoisie. The first documented pleasure hike, however, dates back to the year 1336 when The Italians Francesco Petrarch and his brother climbed approximately 1900 meters high, up "Mount Ventoux“ situated in the French Provence.

Some hiking links:

Hiking in the mountains
http://de.fitness.com/articles/912/wandern_im_hochgebirge.php

Cross-country
http://de.fitness.com/articles/158/ueber_stock_und_stein.php

Epo without doping
http://de.fitness.com/articles/906/epo_ohne_doping.php

According to estimates of the German Hiking Association 34 million people in Germany alone walk for enjoyment on a regular basis. The Migrant Association as an umbrella organization of the mountain and hiking clubs stays alive with the help of over 200,000 volunteer walks and consists of over 600,000 members. Walking in Germany is not only the miller lust; it is the desire of the Meiers, Schmidt and Klein, and it is the Germans' favorite hobby. Today, hikers are also more commonly found with GPS-equipped devices or even digital hiking maps.

But, Fitness.com wants to start with the basics: proper footwear. Because nobody wants to live with foot injuries and blisters from improper shoes.

The Italians for starters have a long tradition of shoemaking, and as Alpine residents, they are forever mobile. Therefore, many of the quality brands for hiking boots come from what is known as the boot country, and not only because of its country's shape. La Sportiva and Scarpa are two reliable producers - whose products are pricey but reliable. The advantage of the 'Evo Trango S "by La Sportiva, for example, is that it is not only for hiking, but also for climbing. It is comfortable, but strong. But these shoes can be priced around $350.00. The "Cristallo GTX" by Scarpa has been around for a little less than $300.00. This, however, is strictly a walking shoe. Those looking for a shoe that is not only for hiking or climbing, but for everything, you can look at multi-functional Footwear Performance XCR "by Hanwag. These shoes generally can go for under $200.00. Hanwag is also a German company with a long tradition of outdoor footwear. And for all walkers a much cheaper alternative that is recommended: The outdoor boots "crystal" of the Italian manufacturer Kappa which can be purchased for under $60.00.

28 October, 2008

10 Tips on the Best Foods to Eat!

Most of you over your life period have asked the question “What are some of the best foods to eat?” Well, I’m glad you asked because today I am going to share some of my favorites with you that will increase your muscle mass and decrease your fat stores without having to starve yourself!

Here are 10 tips on the best foods to eat to support you in making proper nutritional choices. I highly advise you to stock up on these items if you are trying to promote quick and healthy weight-loss!

1. Oatmeal: This is hands down my favorite food to eat for multiple reasons! First off, oatmeal sustains your blood sugar levels longer than many other foods and helps keep your insulin levels stable so you don’t have hunger cravings for many hours after consuming it. This is good because you limit spikes in the production of insulin which send a signal to your body to start storing fat. It is also a soluble fiber which attracts fluids and stays in your stomach longer than insoluble fibers such as vegetables which will then support the reduction of blood cholesterol.

For breakfast I eat oatmeal almost every day! I use about 1 to 1and a 1/2 cups of large flake oatmeal and place it in the microwave with water for 5 minutes on 50% power. Then I remove it from the microwave and add 1 scoop of vanilla whey isolate protein powder and put in a bit of hot water to mix it up nicely. On top I add a little bit of low fat vanilla yogurt and a small handful of raspberries! Mmmmmmmmmm…..so good!

2. Spinach: Green vegetables are packed with important vitamins and minerals including A, C, K, foliate, beta-carotene, calcium magnesium and fiber! Spinach in particular is one of the best because one serving offers nearly a full day’s worth of vitamin A and half of your vitamin C plus it is loaded with foliate which protects against heart disease, stroke and colon cancer. One of its superpowers is that it contributes to neutralizing free radicals which are molecules that accelerate the aging process!

3. Beans and Legumes: Beans, beans good for your heart, the more you eat the more you…..are able to control your hunger cravings….lol. Other than the gastrointestinal disadvantages, beans are loaded with nutritional power! They are all low in fat and packed with protein, fiber and iron which are all essential for building muscle, burning fat and losing weight. Beans are excellent for fighting cancer, lowering blood pressure and fighting heart disease. If you had to pick one, I would suggest the black bean due to it being high in vitamins, minerals and protein as well as being very low in calories and carbs!

4. Almonds: Generally, almonds are considered to be some of the best nuts to eat because they are some of the highest in mono unsaturated good fats and are high in protein. They will contribute to clearing out your arteries, add to cell and membrane health and help you feel full to avoid over eating. If you eat about 2 ounces of almonds (roughly 24 of them) and wash them down with about 8 ounces of water it can suppress your appetite for hours. Avoid the salted or smoked variations which contribute to high sodium levels and spiked blood pressure!

5. Egg Whites: The protein found in eggs has the highest biological value of protein of any food which is a measure of how well it supports your body’s protein needs. This contributes to more effective muscle building than other sources of protein including milk or beef! They also contain high levels of vitamin B12 which is essential for fat breakdown. Egg whites in a carton such as Egg Beaters or Egg Creations are excellent for cooking, have fewer calories than regular eggs and no fat, plus have just as many of the main nutrients. Personally, I also add 250g of regular egg whites into my protein shakes!

6. Olive Oil: The benefits of olive oil fight against obesity, cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. It also lowers cholesterol and boosts immune system with monounsaturated good fats and vitamins. On top of that, olive oil helps control food cravings, burns fat and keeps your cholesterol levels in check. Wow, need I say more…

7. Turkey: One of the leanest meats you’ll find is turkey breast and it is loaded with one-third of your daily requirements for vitamin B6 and niacin. If you prefer the dark meat, it also has high levels of zinc and iron. Turkey is high in essential muscle building protein which helps promote weight loss and burning off those extra calories. It takes more energy for your body to digest protein in meat than it does to digest carbohydrates or fats, so the more calories you burn.

8. Berries: Antioxidant super food!!! Any berry carries powerful levels of antioxidants and all purpose compounds that contribute to fighting cancer and heart disease. They also add to better eyesight, balance, coordination and if I can remember correctly, your short term memory…lol. Blueberries are the highest in antioxidant power ratings, loaded with soluble fibre like oatmeal which keeps you full longer and are one of the healthiest foods you can eat!

9. Whey Protein Powder: By adding powdered whey protein, which is a powerful muscle building animal protein, to your shakes, you will increase your amino acid intake and add to muscle growth and fat burning. It is especially effective because of its low calories in comparison to its high amount of protein! It also increases glutathione levels in your body to help prevent prostate cancer. Two of the best times of the day to have a whey protein powder shake are first thing in the morning when you get up and immediately after your workout!

10. Peanut Butter: Despite the disadvantage that peanut butter is high in calories, it is packed with heart healthy mono unsaturated fats that can increase your body’s production of testosterone which will add to muscle growth and help decrease fat levels. As an added bonus, peanut butter also contains protein, vitamin A, niacin and magnesium. It is an easy, simple and effective snack that tastes soooooooo good! Limit yourself to about 3 tablespoons per day and seek all-natural peanut butter instead of those mass produced sugary brands!!! I’ve also heard rumors that it might even fight wrinkles which I’m sure all of you will enjoy hearing or at least you will when you hit middle age!

So there you have it, a list of some of the best foods for you to eat for a healthy and vibrant life! Enjoy!

Yours in Opportunity, Abundance and Joy!!!
James Erdt
Joyzone Inc.
Founder / President

Healthy Halloween

It’s that time of year again, when ghosts and goblins are creeping around your streets; the night owl spies, the wolf howls, and candy craved children run from house to house to knock on your door screaming “Trick or Treat”! With the number of obese children these days though, we all know that it would be best to give them a trick instead of a treat. However, there are new ways to save your children’s health on Halloween and still allow them to have their fun. Fitness.com gives some healthy alternatives for treats that children will still enjoy on Halloween.

1. Go Organic!

The easiest way to keep your treats healthy on Halloween is to look for organic sweets. If you can’t find any of the ones listed below, ask someone in your local grocery store, or try a health foods store or market. Organic sweets are generally lower in sugar, and they don’t have all the artificial colors and ingredients that are pumped into regular candies.

Suggestions for Organic Treats:

Organic Gummy Bears: free of gelatin, gluten, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial additives. They are available in a variety of flavors including: classic, jelly, fruity, and super sour. They cost about $2.99 a box, and are available on-line at: www.EdwardAndSons.com.

Pure Fun Organic Candy: hard candies and lollipops, these candies are free of artificial flavors, pesticides, and gluten. They are available in 3 flavors: Tangy Tangerine, Giddy Green Apple, and Loony Lemon. You can purchase these at Whole Foods, or online for $4.99 a box, at: www.PureFun.ca.


2. Stick to Dark Chocolate!

If you feel you have to hand out some sort of chocolate treat, which tends to be children’s favorite, stick to dark chocolate treats. Check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain any milk and the less ingredients the better. Dark chocolate has natural coco, less sugar, and less artificial ingredients.

Suggestions for Dark Chocolate Treats:

Sunspire Dark Chocolate Earth Balls: Available at Whole Foods or natural foods stores, these small chocolate treats are sweetened with whole grain malted barley and corn, that cuts the sugar content by 33%. They come in bulk, and run for about $12.99 a pound.

Wolfgang’s Sweet Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries and Raspberries: Definitely our favorite pick for Halloween at fitness.com. These treats have natural berries that are high in antioxidants, and are covered with dark chocolate. They are available at Whole Foods and other natural foods stores and cost $5.99 a box.

3. Healthy Animal Cookies!

What kid doesn’t love animal cookies? And, what a great alternative to candies and chocolate bars on Halloween. Look for animal crackers that have fewer ingredients, or organic contents. They usually contain very little trans fat, so check before buying.

Suggestions for Animal Crackers:

Barbara’s Snackimals Animal Cookies: Better than your traditional animal crackers, these cookies have little flavor and are extremely low in trans fats. They come in a variety of flavors including: chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, oatmeal, and vanilla. They run for $.89 a bag, and are available at most natural foods stores, or online at: www.WorldPantry.com.

4. Go nuts!

Mixed mini packs of nuts are always a good healthy alternative for Halloween treats. They are high in protein, and give your children the energy they need to keep them steady during school days.

5. A reason for Raisins!

As many times as kids cringe when they see those little red packages of raisins on Halloween night, parents cheer when they see those same red packages come tumbling out of their children’s Halloween sacks. Now, if every parent could collaborate on this healthy alternative, every kids Halloween sack would have hundreds of red raisin boxes falling out of them. Unfortunately though, some parents can’t help but give out those unhealthy treats. But, what you can do, instead of seeing your child throwing out the red raisin boxes the instant they see them, keep them aside and add them to your children’s lunch boxes. This is helping you out, and keeping them healthy at the same time.

Happy Halloween