Monday Rant & Random Thoughts

Can't let the year go by without posting some random thoughts and a few rants along the way. Too many things going on between me, life, the things I see and hear from the folks who surround me and so.

These are in no particular order and is a healthy way for me to express ideas, twisted thoughts, my perspective on many things.

1. The 21 Day Fat Loss Challenge is in full effect. Looking forward to seeing some great results from many of the participants.

2. If you find yourself struggling through the holidays make sure to read this article on Getting Back On Track.

3. I hate being sick and I'm glad I'm over it. I'm done with the Nyquil, cough drops, anti-inflammatory and antibiotics. Tonsils seems to be the problem but surgery is not an option for me right now and if possible I will do what I must to avoid it. So then, I need to double up on my effort to keep myself healthy.

4. &$%^&##$@%@ My laptop overheated and died, my warranty is over and there is not much I can do. It would cost me about the same to get a new one.

5. Some people want the equivalent result of 55 years in 55 minutes. I understand why, but to be real that's never gonna happen. Hard work, dedication and consistency is the key to "progressive" results. Which bring me to this point:

  

6. Still mad? Many people complain about weight loss without realizing how far they've come. How much they have progressed. No matter how it is explained to them, they seem just not to understand or care. Maybe the scale didn't move a bit, yet you fit into a pair of jeans you couldn't one year ago... Do you get the picture? You have changed, you have dropped body fat and for that your are better, stronger and healthier.

7. Many people quit without realizing how close they where to reaching their goals. Listen everyone's path to success if different. But in the end the view is the same at the top. 

8. I can tell which person commits to effort, is consistent, heck I can easily tell their life habits just by looking at people - how they carry themselves, the things that occupy their conversations, they way they train, etc. 

9. Some people are just sell outs...

10. The Walking Dead is over till Feb 2013... 

11. I don't need a BMW or Mercedes car, I like my H3 just the way it is. What do I need to do to get one of the cars or earn $5,000 a month is beyond me. Even though I could make tons of money, pyramid selling has never been my interest nor do I want it to be. Honestly I don't wish to sell this to my clients. I hope you are successful in your way, I'll try my luck getting rich differently.

12. Every week a car or truck from my competitors drives by my facility (sometimes the same people), which is located in a low traffic, dead end street. I have no beef with no one in particular but it is very annoying to see you every week. If you are so interested in what we are doing, man up and effing stop one day and walk in. We got nothing to hide, but mind you if you are spending all this time concerned on what we are doing who is taking care of your clients? Please do us all a favor and be a better coach.

13. That last point makes me miss my good old training buddies, my coaching mentor and fellow trainers from back in the day. Maybe it's me but in 5 years I have come to the conclusion that this area (for the most part) is just full of meat-heads, idiots, lazy trainers, and people who don't know how to work together, improve the name of our industry, improve economy and most importantly improve our community. 

14. There are different styles of coaching and training modalities. But if you call yourself a "trainer" by profession make sure you know your shit. As a fitness person you are in a position to greatly impact the lives of those who surround you. Do what you say you are going to do, do it right, do more of it and do it with passion.

15. “One of the major keys to success is to keep moving forward on the journey, making the best of the detours and interruptions, turning adversity into advantage.”  

16. My LA Lakers team is miserably underachieving. They'll regret the coaching change and going with Phil. I'm still a fan and I don't quit on my team.

17. Stop comparing yourself or your food to what other people do or have. We are all different and will respond differently to certain foods. That being said if your attitude is always negative, that is what will dominate your thoughts and soon your body will follow. 

18. Why do parents continue to let their kids dictate what they eat? Who's the parent?

19. Everyone has their own demons to fight with. Sometimes you keep them under control and sometimes it seems like a losing battle. Whatever it is that you find yourself fighting through, keep the fight, never give in. There may be difficult days when you get up and don't like what you see, heck might not even stand to look or recognize the person in the mirror. You keep fighting, you dig deep, and crawl your way back up.

20. A great video to watch:

Your 2012 Expectations...

New Years resolutions are tough! I mean anyone can make a resolution, which seems to be the norm every time January rolls in. But sticking to your resolutions requires a bigger commitment.

Every year millions of people around the world make for the most part the same resolutions: make more money, lose weight and something else like quit smoking. But in the end it seems that most people find it hard to stick to their resolutions and fail.

There are reasons why people fail at reaching their goals.

1. You set unrealistic goals... Losing 40 pounds in two weeks is unreal. When you set real expectations its not hope, rather a commitment to do something. For example when you start a new job and they tell you that you are expected at 8am to clock in, you are there at 8am. If not then you are fired; you can't blame the economy rather you didn't do your job. Same thing happens with your fitness goals, YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF THEM... When you set real expectations it becomes easier over the course of the days, weeks and months to stick with it and become more motivated as you progress and see good results.

2. Write down your goals. Fitness, financial, relationship, everything... it's like mapping out life for the next 12 months. Your goals are not unclear anymore. "I wanna lose weight"... is not a goal. "I will drop 10 pounds by the end of February"... Now that's a clear goal. Its a very healthy exercise, but it also helps keep you accountable as if you are writing a contract to yourself. Nothing more empowering than that to help you follow through.

3. Find the "WHY" factor. I ask all my clients "WHY" are you here? "WHY" are we doing this? Understanding "WHY" you are here, "WHY" you wish to accomplish so and so goals will help keep things in perspective especially when the time comes that you start feeling a bit out of it, start slacking or feel unmotivated. You are reminded of your WHY and suddenly you get back on track and won't need to wait till next year to make new resolutions.

4. You lack support. Having a group of people who understands and supports you is crucial towards achieving your goals. There are times when you just don't want to, we are tired, fatigued, life keeps beating you down... Your support group will lift you right up and won't let you quit. This could be your family, friends, coworker, fitness buddy, you name it.

At FITLORENZO training center we create a friendly atmosphere for training and staying on track. From friends, to workout partners to your coach, everyone works together in order to accomplish the goal. 

5. You lack a plan, and so you are unprepared. Sure you have an idea of what you may want but have no clue how to get it done. Few people just exercise to just exercise. Most people especially this time of year are in it for bigger reasons - it may be to improve health, overall fitness levels, to improve performance, have a body they can show off, feel better, confident, sexy, whatever.

But a solid plan that is in line with your goals the better the chances your will reach your goals faster.

Make your plan real and simple. For example:

Goal: Lose 15 pounds in 90 days.
Action Plan: 
Step 1: Stop drinking soda today.
Step 2: I will sleep at least 7 hours each night.
Step 3: Eat more fruits and veggies over the course of the next few weeks
Step 4: I will make sure to get 3 to 4 good workouts in every week.

Step 5: I am going to hire a personal trainer to help me get started on my goals and help me map out my plan for the year.

This is an example of how you can incorporate an action plan geared towards your goals. For every person it may look different and of course nobody is perfect, maybe you hit and miss on a few days. But by incorporating these guidelines into your lifestyle you will be eating and training much better, and thus you will improve the chances of reaching your goals and sticking to them. If you follow them I know you will be on your way to your best body in 2012!!!

At FITLORENZO we are all about helping you getting your best body in 2012! We have plenty of cool stuff about to happen in the course of the next few months. We are looking forward to having a great year and want you to be a part of it.

Call us TODAY 941-729-5217 and find out what FITLORENZO can do for you.

Results For The Holiday Fat Loss Challenge!

The results are in for our 3rd annual Holiday Fat Loss Challenge.

This was a 25 day challenge in which participants were given a day by day meal plan and joined our fitness boot camps and /or personal training programs; some participants followed an at home training program that given to them.

We had many success stories and I'm very proud to be part of this group who took serious the challenge of losing weight and improving their lives, especially during the holiday season when it can be a very difficult task. The overall result self-betterment and nothing can beat that!

That being said we do have an overall winner and second place... The results!!!

Drum roll please!!!!



First Place: Jen Kellman
Lost 12 pounds and 1.8% body fat



For winning she gets 2 months of fitness boot camp access, a Fitlorenzo t-shirt and a $100 bill!!!!




Second Place: Michelle George

Lost 9.2 pounds and 1.9% body fat



Second place prize is 3 one-on-one personal training sessions and a body spray tan provide by The Nail Nook in Palmetto, Fl.





Very soon I'll be sharing some of their stories and the journey during the last 3 weeks.

We had some other participants who had some great success also. Even though they didn't win the challenge they definitely are better and looking great.

Among a few of them are Lisa Coleman and Scott Kellman who both lost 8.4 pounds, while Heather Kennedy lost 7 pounds.

You can be the next person to lose 5, 8, 10 or more pounds in a very short time. Think about it: What are you waiting for?

January 2012 is just a few days away!! If you want to be successful like the people above you need one thing: TO TAKE ACTION!!

Taking massive action is about choice. You have the option to do something great or nothing at all.

Success then will be determined by how focused you are on your goals. It's about the little things you are doing NOW, TODAY. There's no better advice I could give you to make you realize the truth behind those words.

If your goals... ahem, aheam - I mean if your expectations are to get fit, lose weight, build muscle and become the best of you in 2012, then contact me at FITLORENZO Training Center and together will workout towards making this happen. 

Dedicated to your success!

It's not about you, it's about me...

"Nobody who ever gave his best ever regretted it"

During the course of the last three weeks we held our 3 annual Holiday Fat Loss Challenge. The main idea of the challenge is to help people stay focused on fitness and healthy living, thus improving their performance, losing weight and burning fat.

The holidays always seem to be that time of the year when all you've worked for goes out the door. This fat loss challenge helps prevent that by empowering you to make better decisions, to commit to exercise and healthy eating habits.

Although it's a challenge, it is not one of competition say like in the sports field. Sure there is a prize for first and second place... so a little bit of friendly competition is welcomed. But you don't go head to head against anyone, you go head to head against you.

This challenge is about betterment; what you where yesterday - today must be better. There is no such thing as limiting self improvement. When you're hungry for something, you never stop improving.

When this is the case, we find ways to get better at a given exercise, to master a move, to learn new techniques, to improve our nutrition, to build our self esteem, to gain more confidence and to push ourselves beyond what we may think we can do, rather to reach what our true potential is.

Sadly I see to many people get lost in the numbers, and I'm not referring to this challenge particularly, but life in general. We get caught up in the moment that we lose the essence of our journey and don't realize all the things that we have accomplished.

Take a moment and look at yourself. Picture yourself a few months ago, a few years back... Now compare that with whom you are today and who you want to be tomorrow. Life is constantly changing, we don't think, we don't feel and we don't look the same as 10 years ago nor will be 5 or 10 years from now.

The question is are we changing for the better? Change will only occur when we allow it to happen; and that goes both ways. One can change for better or take a turn to worst. Personally I've experienced both sides and I've been responsible for it.

I've shed tears, blood, sweat... I've been up and down, I've developed unhealthy pride and been brought down to earth and beneath... I've been humbled. I'm not where I thought I would be 5 years ago, my life has changed drastically. But in the process I've discovered new things about myself, I've open new chapters and have grown as a person.

I know I haven't reached my full potential, perhaps I never will... that will not stop me from growing. I have a plan for growth and every step I take I cherish my defeats and my triumphs, because I learn much from both.

I will continue to grow physically, mentally and spiritually that much I know. And every step I take becomes an opportunity to grow, to take on new challenges and for self-improvement. 

The above doesn't means one must not take pride in accomplishments or on the other hand be contempt with losing. I hate losing!!! In the words of Herm Edwards 'I play to win the game'... But I've lost many times on and off the basketball court; and each of those times I've learned about myself many things.

Last night watching the Lakers lose to Chicago in the last seconds of the game was painful. It could be attributed to several reasons, but they lost period. After the game they interview Kobe and instead of complaining he said "I saw a lot of positive things... Defensively, we were terrific. We did a good job, and we're just going to get better."

Self-improvement and betterment of the team.... In the game of life things are a bit more complicated, but the essence is the same. As I stated at the begging of this article: 'when you give your best, you have nothing to regret'.

My two cents to wrap this up:

• Make a commitment to improve to grow every day
• Do not focus on the mundane or on other peoples perspective
• Value the process that will get you to your destination
• Always give your best
• Rejoice in your achievements: 1 pound lost Yei! The main idea is that no matter the how small or big your feat... it is yours to rejoice over
• Do not look for inspiration - become the inspiration
• Never quit, never give up

My next post I'll write about our Fat Loss Challenge results and the stories behind them.

Do you kick ass... or just kind of want to?

33 days left in 2011. Looking back would you consider yourself successful? Did you dropped the fat? Lose the weight? Got in shape? Conquered your fears and became better, fitter, leaner? Have you reached your goals?....

You probably worked very hard and intensive to reach your goals in the first half of the year and proudly you accomplished them. But somewhere in between, you lost it and find yourself half way back where you started, if not more.

It can happen even to the best of us, no doubt.

But this is the thing, out of every 10 people that I know 2 are still standing strong, have never looked back and they leading the pack. 4 started off on the right path and somehow regressed a few steps (if lucky)... 4 never started.

There is something wrong with that picture, and if you don't do something about it NOW, FAST... down the road in 2012 you will find yourself in the spot you are today.

Whatever it is that is holding you back, you must figure out. Many people talk about getting fit, being healthy, dropping fat, going to a wedding a reunion, vacations, etc... all of which they seem to be using to psych themselves up into training mode. But with all the talk about the importance of wanting it, the clear question is: How serious are you?

I mean do you really want this, or do you kind of want this... There's a huge difference between one and the other.

When you kind of want it you will speak about potential goals, you will day dream with a better physique and wish you could be like the others who look awesome and always appear to be in a much more advance level than you, you will call the trainer, nutritionist, shop around for gyms, make a lot of noise... But then you back off and and blame it on obstacles, life challenges, being to busy, its to tough, this makes me sweat, and so many other things as to why you can't or won't. In the end it becomes a matter of too much talk and nothing to show for.

And if by any means you do take some sort of action it always ends up being a half ass effort on your part...  which ultimately gets you out of the race.

On the other hand when you really want it NOTHING in this world will stop you. No matter how long it takes or how hard it may be. NOTHING will stop you from getting there. Desire and passion will make the difference.

The people who are most successful in life, business, relationships, sports and in the gym... not necessarily have the best talent or where born into greatness. Simply put the most successful work their ass off day in and day out. Nothing derails them for their ultimate goal.

Just like the rest the successful ones have problems, obstacles, challenges of all sorts. Many suffer from broken relationships, scars from their past, financial problems, many are parents, husbands, wives, students, business people, athletes, soldiers... you name it.

When things go well they use it as energy to focus better, when things go down and are shitty they use it as fuel to continue pushing forward. The successful ones, those who really want it make a strong connection between their fitness level and athleticism to life, they always want to achieve greatness in all fields of life.

Listen no matter what you are going through, it affects you in your own personal way. However we all go through many challenges and have experienced many failures in life. I could write a book of all my failures.. Truth is I have no one to blame but myself. But I'm still standing, and this year besides many ups and downs I'm still here, haven't quit, I'm more determined than ever to be stronger and better for myself and those around me.

Looking forward if I want to be a better husband, a better person, a better coach, a business man, an improved athlete; then I must bring my A game all the time. If I slack in my dedication or abandon my training quest, then I'll drop the ball across the board and fall short in many aspects of my life.

I can tell with many of my clients after a very tough workout, their shirt drained in sweat, body fatigued barely able to move but are proud that they made it through. In the end they become more productive in their lives, business, relationships... its that connection that the successful one's have.


Putting the effort to improve your training and performance will make you a better person.

So listen if you "kind of want it"... stay home and realize there's no time for half assing your workouts and the things in your life. Take the time to rethink everything and the direction your headed. 

Now if your goal is to improve life, performance, fat loss; and you "really want it" then make no mistake... every rep, every set, every second, every inch of sweat counts.

Think about this next time your considering to skip or half ass your workout and nutrition habits. Keep your focus and I bet you'll finish the next 33 days strong, start 2012 on top and remain there, because you understand the importance and value this will have in your life.

Dedicated to your success!!

- ed

Simplicity

This week Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees reached a milestone. He became the all time leader in regular season saves with 603 as of today (and still counting), and has a post season ERA of 0.71 and 42 post season saves (an all time best as well) and still going strong as the Yankees make a push in the post season this year.

Undoubtedly he is the best ever in his position in Major League Baseball. However what makes it even more impressive... he's accomplish all of this success with one single pitch, that's all nothing else. I mean everyone he faces in baseball knows he's gonna throw you the cutter. Sure he ain't perfect and he's been hit before, and he has lost a few games in his career. But when you enter the game (with his theme song Enter the Sandman from Metallica) everyone knows, even the opposing team that you basically lost, that's how impressive this guy is.

It ain't luck, one year, perhaps two or three with some success; but after 17 years... its not called luck, we call it greatness.

As I'm writing this, I just can't shake the fact he's accomplish all of this with just one pitch. Talk about simplicity.

What we learn from Mo is the lost art of simplicity. However keeping things simple doesn't means they are easy, but neither do they need to be complicated.

I see this everyday from almost everyone who surrounds me. We are constantly bombarded by this new diet, or this new gadget, or this weird treatment for weight loss and many confusing thoughts about fitness, that in turn makes it so complex... no wonder many people just give up.

In my opinion exercise and nutrition is something that works best when its simple and easy to follow. People come to me with questions about losing weight, dropping fat, and nutrition saying things such as "can I eat carbs", "should I be starving" or "what new fancy exercises I should be doing for this and that?" Yet in my intent to please whoever has taken the time to seek my advice often they respond surprised when I say that their programs are too complicated, they are doing too much and need to basically simplify it.

Someone one asked me, 'you know Ed I don't like running because I can't seem to run well and last enough, I lack the endurance to run. What can I do to get better?' My answer was run... After all how can you get better if you never practice? They where expecting a more complex answer and perhaps some fancy exercises. However my point to her was, you can't expect to be able to run 3 miles or 10 if you have never ran. You need to build up to it, it's that simple. And the same applies to many other things in fitness and nutrition.

It doesn't takes a rocket scientist to know eating chicken, lean meat and fish is always better than pizza, burgers and fries. Eating fruits and vegetables is better than cookies; and water, coffee and natural juices (if you squeeze them) will always be better than sodas and other high sugary drinks.

Eliminate from your diet all the clunk that is holding you back, have positive outlook and be realistic as to how much you can dedicate to exercising and gradually progress from there. If you are in doubt, that you can't do this on your own, then hire an expert who can show you the way.

Keep things simple and you will notice how easy things in life balance themselves out.

Train focused - Eat well - Enjoy life!!!

ed

Tuesday Rant & Random Thoughts

You know me, every once in a while I have that urge to just write down whats in my mind. I have found that by doing so I relieve some myself of some stress, I show more about me to you, and it helps with the sanity of my mind.

As always this is in no specific order, just as these things pop into my head I write them down.

1) I don't understand why people continuously sabotage their bodies, their health and basically their fitness goals.  Then they complain about how fat, ugly and out of shape they are. Listen if continue to behave and conduct yourself in the same manner nothing is going to change. Which leads me to #2

2) Exercise is very important. But you can't just throw it in all together and expect that trying a little bit of this and lot of that and then some of this, will suddenly equal fat loss and a hot body. It doesn't works that way. Your body has limits you know. More is not always the answer nor the best course for your body. I recommend: take a step back, re-think your goals and set a proper plan to get there. Once you do that allow it follow it's course. If not then you'll end up with a mess in your training program, no clue what the heck you are doing and no progression at all; which leads to more frustration. We get better not by adding things rather removing obstacles in our way.

3) We are a society of instant gratification. We want to exercise one day, eat a salad and expect to look great always, if only (of course that's a normal feeling, I would like that too). But it takes time, hard work and dedication. That's why you must allow your plan to follow its course. And it applies equally to exercise programming and meal planing.

4) With that said, you won't out train a bad diet. Forget about it!!! No amount of exercise will save you if you continue to eat crap food.

5) Stop looking at the scale everyday!! You can't go by the scale every time. Instead like I tell my clients go by how you look, how you feel, how your clothes fit, how people look at you and the overall of your body measurements and body fat.

6) It's very hot outside and the weather in Florida is just bananas, it comes and goes as it pleases.

7)  Stay hydrated!!! Lack of water causes the body to slowly shut down; muscles don’t work well, metabolism slows down, and the body goes into a shell in order to preserve energy. Look to drink at least half your body weight in ounces per day. More if you are exercising.

8) Turkish get ups and dumbbell snatches kick my ass.

9) I have to run a 5K in November... I hate running for long distances. But a promise is a promise!!

10) Sweat tea has a lot of sugar. You are better off drinking green tea and water!!

11) I see many people feel sorry for themselves and the way their lives is being played out. But if you continue down the same road, you already know where it leads. What you need is a change in direction and purpose. Sadly change will only happen if you allow it to happen and accept it.

12) Simplify your live is the key to success. Sometimes we must learn to let go. And that means letting go of the junk that has followed you for years or letting go of the junk you tend to follow. Be it people, relationships, your home town, and so many things that weigh you down. I have a friend who did just that at the start of this Summer and decided to let go, and move on into what would fulfill her life; and I'm proud of her cause shes doing what she wants to truly do.

13) Don't judge people, just let them go. Perhaps you are doing them more of a favor, than trying to hold on to them. In fact, I believe, we honor them by allowing them to move on.

14) Take time to meditate.

15)  NFL lockout, NBA lockout, possibly MLB lockout and Government lock-down is getting on my nerves...

16) I know some great coaches and I know some horrible trainers. Sometimes it comes down to how you identify with a specific person to allow them to coach to success. That being said not because you are friends with a trainer/coach means you should follow their techniques no matter what; after all its not about making you sweat, rather making you better.

17) Its funny how fast foods chains market their products like its no body business. But the supposed health products, diet pills and weight loss programs are marketed in secrets and private meetings at someone's house in a "health party or get together event". If they are that good, why keep it a secret, and why is it that no self respected fitness and wellness coach ever promotes them? Most of the time I see people who have no clue on fitness and health promoting these as the next best thing... who made you an expert? If these products are soooo good why advertise them in an infomercial at 4 in the morning?

18) There is no perfect body, but in the quest for perfection we find excellence.

19) It seems to always be a Tuesday when I decide to share my random thoughts.....

I can do this all day and just keep going and going. For now that's about right...

I hope you have a wonderful day.

WHY NOT?

I had a conversation with a close friend who’s been trying to lose some weight and drop body fat. He’s done well in the past and has managed to bring his weight down and keep it there for a while. He’s a strong guy; he was very athletic when younger and can still hold his own when competing. He’s a smart guy, and wants to dedicate more time to his health and physique. Just like everyone else (at least almost everyone I know) he’s freaking busy so he needs to manage and find ways to make it happen. What struck me during our conversation was when he said “I know I can lose a bit more weight, and drop some good body fat; though I know I’ll never look very slim, have a six-pack abs or be like I was when younger”…. I’m like WHAT???? WHY NOT??? WHO THE HECK SAY’S YOU CAN’T?

It’s not the first time I hear this way of thinking. Many times I get an inquiry from a client, a potential client or just a friendly conversation with one of my peeps, saying I want to lose weight, get in shape, look good and feel better. As we go over the details as to what to be expected and what they’ve done so far, almost always I get an “I’m willing to work hard, be dedicated and follow your guidelines, Ed. But I know I’ll never be a size this or that again, or I’ll never look like an athlete again or feel how I used to back in the old days”…

Again, WHAT???? WHY NOT??? WHO THE HECK SAY’S YOU CAN’T?

Listen give me one good reason as to why you can’t achieve your goals? Be a size 4 or 2; drop your body fat to a level that is not only decent but will make you proud and the envy of everyone around you?  Other than you saying “you won’t, you can’t” (basically not believing in yourself) there’s no reason as to WHY NOT!!!

I mean seriously, what is it? I’m shocked as to how many times I get the same answer. One day I pressed on one of my clients and she finally accepted that the reason was because she didn’t wanted to set high expectations so that when she fails, it would be alright…. 

Again: WHAT??

There is no reason in my opinion as to why you can’t reach your goals and become the best version of you, right now. I’m not saying it’s an easy process – I’m just saying it’s not impossible.

Maybe you are not to blame entirely; after all we’ve become a society of instant gratification. We want everything right now, in an instant. So when you decide to start your fitness program you are expecting results overnight and when that doesn’t happens you get disappointed, discouraged, angry and you may even see it as a failure cause you tried and nothing. 

Then again it’s not a big disappointment because you didn’t set high expectations or any real ones for that matter. 

On the hand the reason could also be that you are just lazy. Please note my intention is not to offend you, rather put some truth into this. 

Ask yourself, am I really putting all my heart and effort into being healthy, fit and living life the best way I can? Am I a real role model for my family, for my kids or am I just a joke for them… I preach to them to be active and eat well yet I take them to eat burgers, fries, drink sodas and let them get away with anything, while you also eat yourself fat and have many other health issues? 

Do you spend your weekends drinking with your buddies expecting on Monday to have energy to go through the day, none the less get through your workouts? 

That lifestyle will never produce real, permanent results... simple. 

Stop making excuses that you can’t exercise or eat well because you are busy, you’ve got work, vacations, or the economy is tight, so on and so forth. 

Stop allowing other people and circumstances dictate what you do with your life and what you can get out of it. You are in control.  Always remember that!  

As I’ve said before it takes a strong belief system to keep yourself on track. 

Look at the goal, prepare your mind, get rid of the naysayers, the bad company, and the negative thoughts and decide to work your butt off until you reach your goals. It won’t happen overnight, but your constant effort and dedication will lead you into the right way and ultimately to a better, leaner, sexier and healthier you.

Isn’t it worth it? 

Listen believe in yourself, as I believe in you!

Fat Loss Success!!!

Congrats to Angie!!

This past month she took the challenge to better herself and her nutrition. She's such a hard worker and it has paid off.

Hard work, dedication and discipline always works!! Between being on target with her nutrition and consistently working out she managed to lose 10 pounds, 4% body fat and over 4 inches off her body in the last 28 days!!! Truly amazing and such an inspiration. 

1) What made you start coming to FITLORENZO Boot Camp?

- The idea of a "boot camp" sounded perfect for me.  I've always been an active person my problem is that I get bored easily.  Going to boot camp, I never know what I'm going to do or what body part I'm going to work out.  It's always something different and that's why it works for me.

 

2) Were you nervous when you first started?  How do you feel now?

- I wasn't so much nervous as I was excited to get the show on the road.  I love the class.  I'm glad I joined.  I've been pushed beyond what I thought was my limit and I don't think I've even reached my full potential yet. 

 

3)  What have you accomplished since starting? Was it easy?

- I've managed to lose a little over 4% body fat, 4 inches and 10lbs in 28 days!  It wasn't the easiest process to start with but it got easier as I stuck with it.  I was pushed harder and harder at each boot camp and knowing that I had someone just a phone call (or text) away to answer my "what can I eat" question was a huge plus.

 

4) What are your future goals?

- My future goals involve sticking with FITLORENZO boot camp.  One of my goals is to have toned abs...I feel like I'm almost there thanks to ED.

 

5) How do your friends and family react to your changes?

- My friends notice how I watch what I eat, what I order at restaurants, they see how strict I am with my eating habits and they are the first to comment on the change in my body.  They notice the difference before I do.  It's no secret of mine, everyone knows that I train boot camp style :)  My favorite part is when I go to a family bar-b-q and I look younger than some of my younger cousins...how I love that!  Not only am I staying in shape but it's keeping me looking young!  Gotta love it!

 

6) Looking back how do you feel now?

- Looking back...I'm glad I met Ed.  I'm glad he started boot camp and I'm glad I joined.  I'm stronger and leaner because of it.  I feel FABULOUS!

 

Well done Angie - I'm proud of ya!

Mind-fitness

"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear"- Buddha

If I could use my strength and athleticism into work in my mind, I think I might be unstoppable. There's a powerful connection between the mind and body. One can affect each other. Sometimes it's the other way around - the mind controls the body.

Our thoughts can control our actions, our moods, our performance and ultimately the end result.It can work for the best or it can be our worst enemy. It's a hard fight we must deal with and can not run away from it. 

For example, what happens when you decide to embark on a mission to get in shape? What is your line of thinking? Are you truly committed, do you know what to expect and the sacrifices you must do to get to the place you want to? I've noticed most people don't set realistic goals. They think that by showing up once in a while to the gym, boot camp or working out at home maybe once a week, and allowing themselves to "cheat" or "treat" themselves every time with food without making any significant changes; that will be alright to get results. 

No wonder after just a few weeks they are complaining about the lack of results. What are you complaining about? If you are not willing to do what it takes, there's just no way you will ever see real results!!! 

If you go out every day and stuff yourself with crappy food, sweets and alcohol; don't expect much. But don't lie to yourself either. Sometimes the greatest lies we tell are often the lies we tell ourselves. Ask yourself: Is my way of thinking supporting my goals and building my body for success? Or does it sabotage my efforts? 

It's all in the mind. If you tell yourself you can't do it - you won't. If you tell yourself you will, you can and you must... then you will most surely find a way and stick to it cause it's that important to you.

My most successful clients have one thing in common - they want it bad and they believe in themselves no matter what.

Don't get me wrong; sometimes its not easy, in fact most of the time its not. If you're like me, which my mind never seems to shutdown, you can understand how frustrating sometimes this can be. May thoughts can cross your mind, from the positive to the negative. Thinking alone can make you exhausted... 

Why am I telling you all of this? If you don't control your mind it will control you, and it becomes hard to perform and be your best. What happens when it's workout time and you feel exhausted already? Will you ditch the workout and convince yourself you can do it another day? Everyone has days in which we don't feel like working out or we are "too busy" to fit it in. If I where to skip a workout every time I don't feel like it where would I be?

What if you are constantly just being negative and critical about yourself? This often results in a self destructive thought process. Don't you think that will affect how you see yourself, your drive to exercise and to eat healthy? In fact it can also damage your business and personal relationships. You may start thinking I'm single for a reason, I look ugly, I'm unlovable; - or if you are in a relationship you may feel fear to expose yourself and to be intimate,cause if you are not happy with the way you look you have convinced yourself that your partner isn't either. 

Listen, whatever it its that could be mind troubling to you STOP putting yourself down. Believe in yourself and control your mind, make it work for you.

In my case I have found that exercise and sports is a great way to channel my emotions, release stress, clear my mind and at the same time to open it for newer thoughts. You might see me in the gym with a piece of paper and a pen writing stuff down while working out; and its not my training program cause that's already mapped out. However I'll admit it hasn't erased my problems, my past failures and regrets. But it helps me stay sane and in control most of the time.

That's the way of the mind, my brother calls it like having a search engine built in. You think of something or someone says a word or you read  it and puff! all these memories, and mixed emotions pop out of nowhere. That you can't avoid, but you can control which path to live by. Use it as a learning experience, enjoy live, believe in yourself. 

Physically: Don't put things in your body you know are not good for you; keep your body away from situations you know aren't good for you and do work hard to be in optimal shape.

Mentally: Don't judge yourself or others too hard; knock off the guilts and resentments.Use every experience as a learning and growth opportunity. 

Take care of your mind and the body will follow.

E-mail from a client...

I got this e-mail today from one of my newsletter readers and thought I would share it with you. See was responding to my latest e-mail, which in part I talk about how to get yourself out of a state of insulin coma... especially after a holiday weekend of eating candy, chocolate and perhaps some drinking.


Her response (and I do have her permission to post this) was:

"Ed - Not me this year!!  It wasn't easy but I by-passed the sweets completely! 

In fact, I'll share my story from yesterday....  We had a staff appreciation ice cream social at work at 3pm.  I walked through the kitchen to look at the spread - chocolate, vanilla, strawberry ice cream... full of flavor, and fat and sugar...  M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, chocolate syrup...  Yum!  I was so tempted!  I started to justify it to myself - I've been so good for the past few weeks, I can afford to "cheat" once. I deserve it! 

But as I looked at the nutritional labels, counting the calories and fat in just 1/2 cup, I asked myself:  Is this few minutes of bliss worth the risk of sabotaging my week of hard work and ultimately setting me back from my goal?? 

I decided it wasn't, so I got a cup of decaf coffee, refilled my water and headed back to my desk to "enjoy" my 1/2 cup of cottage cheese instead...  I know reaching my goal won't be because of that one decision, but because of the sum of all them". 

- Jen K. "

I mean you gotta love it!! Especially that part in the end where she says "I know reaching my goal won't be because of that one decision, but because of the sum of all them"...

When I got this e-mail today, I had a huge smile cause I'm so proud of her and her accomplishments.

I know that many more just like her work hard towards being their best and achieving a great body. Physically and mentally.

Great job Jen, and thanks for sharing!

Tuesday Rant & Random Thoughts

So today I find myself with some time in between clients, and decided to just write about a few things I’ve got on my mind.

Do understand this is by no means in any order, however sometimes in life you get to a point where you have a lot of stuff in your mind and you need to share it. I find it pertinent when I write I am able to express myself better, though not always “politically correct” or “grammatically correct either” as Michelle always points out to me…  hehe

Tuesday Rant:

1) There’s an ad on TV about how every car out there compares itself to the Camry… if that’s the case the question to the consumer is: why not actually buy the Camry and not the knock off or lower quality car? Listen I’m not judging the car… I could care less I drive my Hummer proudly (even with gas prices sky-rocketing).  The reason why I share this, it’s because the analogy fits well with your fitness trainer. If you are comparing this person to me constantly as to how they don’t do this like me, or treat you this way or that way and how they lack knowledge in many areas and how once the training session is over you find yourself lost because you have no idea as to what you are supposed to be doing..  Yet keep telling me you follow my newsletter, blog and other fitness advice, and then go hire someone else as your “personal trainer” (while in the process you follow all of my advice only during your training session you have that person next to you counting reps)… then why even bother?  I don’t get it!! You know how many “personal trainers” I’ve seen destroying their client bodies with dangerous, ineffective and stupid exercises. I know the problem; I just figured it out the other “personal trainer” charges you $5 bucks less per session… Really?  Seriously? This is your body and you only have one, hiring the wrong coach could mean you wasted your talents – hiring the wrong doctor could mean you could be misdiagnosed… maybe a little too late, hiring the wrong hair stylist means instead of blond highlights your hair turns green, hiring the wrong fitness trainer means you’ll get no results, learn nothing and find yourself in the same spot a few months down the road!!!

2) Weird last time I decided to rant on my blog it was also a Tuesday!!!

3) My TV is dying… “gulp” Last time I said I needed a new laptop (checked got my new DELL three months ago) and I also needed a flat screen TV… it’s still on my wish list.

4) WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? DO YOU CALL THAT EXERCISING? The most dangerous thing - is not knowing that you do not know (does that makes sense?). Let me explain, people waste their time in the gym, sometimes more is not better. Killing yourself is not the path to a better body.  For instance, there are many exercises I see people perform at the gym that makes me go nuts and wonder WTH are they thinking? The list of such exercises, especially those that are machine based is considerable, for the most part some of these equipments are designed to “facilitate” an exercise move, yet they force your body to move in planes your body was not designed for and in the long run will actually cause harm to you. In case you haven’t noticed your body was designed to move and be active, and to move as just one unit. The saddest part some of these exercises is that I’ve found many of them in popular magazines as a must do and I’ve even seen “trainers” recommending them to their clients. Listen educate yourself properly, if that is not an option hire fitness professional that is.

5) That being said; if you see me in the gym while training (me or my clients) and decide you want to copy some of the exercises; go ahead just pay attention to form, technique, pace and rest periods. I mean if you are going to do it – do it right. If you have a question go ahead ask, but no while I’m in a training session, out of courtesy to my clients. Thanks!

6) Training through mild injury (actually any injury) sucks! But if you are fortunate (SMART) enough you can use it as a learning experience, especially to focus on your weak areas. This in turn will not only increase your knowledge but also will make you stronger and better.

7) Albert Einstein said: “try not to become a person of success but rather a person of value”… Every organization, business and individuals has a set of values; some are poor, negative, and unproductive; while others are positive and productive. Keeping my word, being truthful and serving you over anything else is my commitment.  I’m not perfect nor do I know it all… but I care about you!!

I think this is good enough for today. If you made this far down I thank you for reading; I probably needed to do this today for myself.  I hope however I’m able to share some good tips with you!