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.

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!

Tuesday Rant and Random Thoughts

From time time I feel the urge to take my thoughts and share them with you, and so I've decided that right now as I sit and wait I would express myself and let you in on it.

Just in case this is all completely random, but I think its useful for me and you. Plus I suddenly have extra time on my hands since some clients aren't able to show up...

Anyways this is what's on my mind today:

1. Holy smokes I woke up with a stomach bug or something. I think it was the shrimp from last night... I knew something smelled fishy (hahaha get it...)
2. That in turn made me miss an earlier appointment with a training client... AGGGGGRRRR!! I hate that!!!
3. I'm extremely busy, lots of stuff going on lately, business wise. 21 Day Look Hot-Drop The Fat Holiday Challenge and my first ever Black Friday Fitness Special... 
4. I'm also busy working on my other website (for real!!!)
5. Today I spilled water all over me and then I spilled water over some notes and files... and then I spilled water again in the kitchen. All in the same day!!! WTH????
6. Some clients had to cancel on me today... that ain't cool. 
7. I'm thankful to God especially because I have work, great clients, great friends and I'm healthy
8. I don't think that lately I've done a good job at showing my appreciation to him :(
9. I got to see my mom this year!!!!
10. If you are observing me while training clients or myself at the gym, and you are going to copy it. Go ahead just do it right, observe technique, form, pace and intensity... When in doubt ask, but not while I'm training a client..
11. There are trainers out there literally destroying their clients bodies with weird, dangerous and ineffective exercises.
12. I can't stand those guys who can't barely lift the weights and then must slam on each rep in rage. My theory is they make a lot of noise to compensate for shortcomings elsewhere.  Seriously dude, control the weights at all times, if you have to drop it it is too heavy!
13. I need a flat screen TV and new laptop... WHAT? I said this is random..
14. Lately I've been a bit confused and I think that slowly I've lost myself and have drifted away.
15. Today I read a post from someone else and she said: 'that the hardships we face harden up our heart. Yet we quickly learn to survive when we have no where to hide and no where to escape. When we are faced with harsh reality, we break apart and can't run from our own pain. This makes us less trusting and more susceptible to putting walls of defense up... opening the heart makes us vulnerable, so it becomes a choice... (I swear she read my mind!!!)
16. I'll admit I have too much pride and pride can be a very dangerous thing and can lead to many troubles, been there already... then again pride has allowed me to be stronger, develop courage and accomplish many things, especially when people around me thought it wasn't possible..
17. I'm intolerant to excuses, lies and fake people... (This goes for life, business, your health and fitness goals, relationships, whatever)
18. Everyone hits a plateau at some point, so deal with it and understand that is part of your road to a better you. Just keep moving forward, working hard and smart and adapt when it happens.
19. The holiday season scares me... too many people get fatter this time of year :(
20. Kathy (one of my clients) keeps remembering me Master Yoda's words: "All his life has he looked away... to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was... what he was doing"... 
21. Sometimes while driving on the highway of life someone next to you takes a turn, and you are suddenly guessing your sense of direction or should I stop and follow.. Was I wrong, how did I get here in the first place? Sometimes it's better to just keep going and never look back. Again Master Yoda said best: Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not, miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy, the shadow of greed that is. Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."
22. I feel as if I could get writing and writing things..I guess it's enough I need to workout as well..

But hey if you made it this far down reading this, I'm most grateful. Feel free to share your thoughts, would love to hear your comments. Wish you all a great week ahead!

ED UNPLUGGED

Today I had a great time training my clients. Unfortunately some haven't showed up for their training this week, all for different reasons of course, still it makes me sad.

However, here I am on a Thursday night trying to figure out what useful information I can write about. Believe me there is plenty I can talk of, but for some reason I can't shake off the idea of how many people I see on a daily basis that need to get their butt into the gym or working out at home, outdoors, at a boot camp class... just doing something and yet nothing!!!!

Everyone has their ups and down days, and everyone needs to blow off steam once in a while. I tell my clients that exercise provides that avenue but so does writing... so here it goes, this is me unplugged!

I've been told I can be a very proud person and that sometimes that's my biggest downfall, then again many times it's my biggest asset. Do you really think I'm going to take crap from anyone? Or believe all that B.S. that goes around me?

Things are bad for many people and if you are like me (for which most of it is all my fault), but do you really think I'll end up feeling sorry for myself and just thinking how bad they are?... Well I have and it's lead to nowhere. Listen I'm extremely hard on myself and I've set high standards, like they say "aim above the goal to actually hit the goal"... anything less is failure at least for me.

I demand the very best of me, because of me and me only. In the end it comes down to me V.S. me, especially when there's no one else around me. And then also because of the people who put their faith and trust in me, that I can deliver results and help them achieve the best of them. Whether that is increasing their performance in a specific sport, improving their lives, transforming the way they look and feel, you name it... because I want to be your go-to-go guy.

Yet most people just don't get it. If I could tell you how many times I get request about people interested in starting a fitness program, but less than half actually do something. Who knows maybe I'm a bad sales person, in the end this is my way of doing business, paying my bills and living my life.

But you know most of the work I do and most of the help I provide is actually FREE to all of my clients and non-clients!!! And they still do nothing!!! I see them get fatter, angry at life, depressed, sad, confused, they lie to themselves and their love ones with empty promises of being better and doing their best and yet nothing.

Those of you who know me, can honestly say I care with all my heart for everyone around me and I really want the best for my clients.

But how can I help you if you close the door on me? Just like everyone else you and I only have 24 hours in a day. Success and failure will depend on how well we use our time, either you spend it on your couch whining and eating your way to a depressing and a lousy you... or you actually do something about it.

And this has nothing to do with luck!!! some of my clients wake up at 4 and 5 in the morning to get their workouts in. Some drive 20, 30 and 60 minutes just to make it to their trainings. A few we have to train in the afternoon after work, when they are tired just like you, rather they decide to not sit and get fat, but to go and just do it! Some we train after hours late in the evening. A few with their doc's approval we trained around certain injuries... EVEN WITH CRUTCHES WHILE WALKING AROUND THE GYM!!!

Just like me, these people work their ass off to get results!!! Some as hard as it is they stop drinking and have made changes in their lifestyle (even at the expense of ticking their significant others)... In the end they get it, they see the bigger picture: if their partners, friends and spouses stop drinking and eating crap it means they care for their lives and they want to be better... a better YOU means a better spouse, a better co-worker, a better employee, a better parent, a better athlete... Do you know what I mean!

Look at what Tracy has done and Michele Adams, just to name a few. A while back one of my boot campers Kathy Marlow said to me: "Joining Boot Camp has probably been the best decision I ever made for my health. I’ve never felt better or stronger in my life. My body has definitely changed over the last 8 weeks (down TWO sizes!!!). As an instructor I am encouraging but I'll never let you give less than your all. It never gets easier, you just get better."

The secret to their success:

1. Set a reasonable goal to work for
2. Put everything you have into it! Why give less?
3. Becky, Michelle George have come along way since starting their fitness boot camp and Jen in a year how much she has changed her physique and she's now training for a half marathon. 

I feel great when Jen Kellman text me and say "Ed today I ran 6.25 miles non-stop under 53 minutes, I was in the zone"...

You need to find your own motivator force. In the end losing a few pounds doesn't cut it. I remember years ago, this guy wanted to lose weight because he wanted to "be healthier".. that is not a motivating factor, it should be!!!! but its not!! So I asked him why.. .and he said because he wants to play with his kids as they grow up (he was like in his 40)... still I asked why (cause I didn't believe this was actually the real reason) anyways in the conversation suddenly he mentions how his dad died around 50 because of bad health... AH!!!!! The real motivating factor!!! He didn't wanted to walk in his dad footsteps, rather he wanted a quality life where he could see his kids grow, go to collage, get married, have kids, etc...

So find your own motivating factor, maybe you feel like this gentleman and don't want to die at a young age. Maybe you are tired of waking up every morning feeling like crap and looking at the mirror and hating what you see, maybe you feel lousy in bed with your significant other.

Until you are completely honest with yourself and understand and find your motivating factor you will never be successful. I'm sorry that's the truth...

Wow I just figured out this is one long blog post, but I needed to take this off my chest, and I feel better for it!

I'll leave you with these words: "half hearted efforts leads to half hearted results"

If I can help you in any ways, let me know... just send me an e-mail.

- Ed