This past week fitness became fun again. There was a new sense of balance in my workouts, even though mother nature here in New England didn't make it any easier, rain, rain and 50 degrees; not exactly a motivating way to get outdoors!
With the less desirable weather, I was forced to take to other workouts like the stairmaster, intervals on the treadmill (i cant stand running for distance on those things), TRX here at home, and weight lifting at the gym. I wasn't able to get as many outdoors runs in as I would have liked, but hopefully this week will brighten up a bit.
Well, this past weeks workouts seem pretty standard and those sometimes can be the monotonous ones that set us up for long term compliance and eventually failure with our programs. What are the alternatives? Get yourself set up in a recreational sports league (I happen to be in a competitive over 30 mens baseball league www.gsbl.net ) and go mountain biking; two summer sports that give me the competitiveness and way to integrate my training into something more than just how I look/feel/etc.
Other recreational sports that are great training tools and making training in the gym more exciting and motivating are mountain biking, hiking, tennis, swimming, and even some serious yard work can do your body some good! These recreational activities incorporate full body movements and build real life strength and endurance. Don't think of hauling/chopping wood or rocks and clearing mulch beds as tedious work? If you enjoy being outside and want some great activity for your body to compliment (not replace) your training program, you can really reap the benefits of staying active!
If you are local, check out FOMBA (Friends of Massabesic Bicyling Assocation) where one of the most extensive and accessible single and double track mountain biking trails exist...its a blast. So much fun that I added it into my weekly routine (Friday late afternoons :) if you want to join us)
Other great rec spots in the greater Manchester area:
Well, no matter what your recreation is, use it for your remediation; the correction of something bad or defective! ....the fight for fitness!
Best in training!
Joe
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Homemade protein bars
A great snack for pre and post workout, or to get you through that sweet tooth craving!
A healthier alternative to those preservative filled thingies at your local grocer.
http://www.healthygreenkitchen.com/homemade-protein-bars.html
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Fitness 401k
Well, the first week is just about through and the "new toy" affect (new sneaks, new running gear, and new attitude) was in full swing. I was able to get in some solid cross-training between TRX, running, stairmaster, and weight lifting. My goal was to simply get something in each day...
My wife (who is 3 months prego!) is on board too - well, at least as a coach; she made me mixed fruit and whipped cream for dessert, it's no cookies-n-cream but hey - you gotta compromise somewhere, right?
Speaking of compromising, that is what balanced wellness is all about. Keeping either a written journal or if you've been doing this long enough, just remembering what you did until you've gotten a solid, balanced routine that's proven through your results. Cardiovascular, strength training, and a balanced nutritional plan. You don't have to be perfect every meal of every day, just more than not.
When I speak with my clients, most of which are affluent business professionals (or married to one), I give them an analogy using their bank account. When you have a solid bank account from being focused and working hard each week, it affords you the ability to "play" and use those hard earned funds on the weekends, trips, etc. I call this the "fitness bank account"...being focused with your nutrition and fitness during the week; eating balanced smaller meals more frequently through the day/week, getting in a balance of cardio and strength training. Trying to make as many good fitness decisions through the tough work week as possible, so when the fun of the weekend rolls around, you wont feel as guilty having a couple pop's with your friends or taking you significant other out to dinner.
The less hard you work towards your fitness bank account during the week - the less you can afford to "cheat" with your fitness when the fun rolls around. And it will...summer bbq's are on our heels!
Your fitness401K is just like that stale retirement plan you may (or may not) have. The less you pay attention to it, the harder you'll have to work later on to catch up :)
Best in training,
Joe
My wife (who is 3 months prego!) is on board too - well, at least as a coach; she made me mixed fruit and whipped cream for dessert, it's no cookies-n-cream but hey - you gotta compromise somewhere, right?
Speaking of compromising, that is what balanced wellness is all about. Keeping either a written journal or if you've been doing this long enough, just remembering what you did until you've gotten a solid, balanced routine that's proven through your results. Cardiovascular, strength training, and a balanced nutritional plan. You don't have to be perfect every meal of every day, just more than not.
When I speak with my clients, most of which are affluent business professionals (or married to one), I give them an analogy using their bank account. When you have a solid bank account from being focused and working hard each week, it affords you the ability to "play" and use those hard earned funds on the weekends, trips, etc. I call this the "fitness bank account"...being focused with your nutrition and fitness during the week; eating balanced smaller meals more frequently through the day/week, getting in a balance of cardio and strength training. Trying to make as many good fitness decisions through the tough work week as possible, so when the fun of the weekend rolls around, you wont feel as guilty having a couple pop's with your friends or taking you significant other out to dinner.
The less hard you work towards your fitness bank account during the week - the less you can afford to "cheat" with your fitness when the fun rolls around. And it will...summer bbq's are on our heels!
Your fitness401K is just like that stale retirement plan you may (or may not) have. The less you pay attention to it, the harder you'll have to work later on to catch up :)
Best in training,
Joe
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Welcome to the Fight!
Welcome!
This is my first attempt to educate those who us as fitness professionals, aspire to help achieve their personal fitness, performance, and optimal wellness goals!
As a new dad...16 months to be exact, at first I thought 'hey this aint so bad...ill be able to keep my fitness level up, manage work, fatherhood, being a husband, a homeowner, etc, etc. Well - it takes a lot of energy as you all know.
Workouts would be become shorter and fewer between. I found myself in what all fitness professionals call "brick and no morter". I've certainly got the tools and knowledge....but its just not sticking together! I reached out to new training tools (TRX, RIP Trainers, CrossFit, etc.) and it all came down to, well, "just do it".
Okay, okay, today is the day. Or is it? Well great...that week was solid. The next...ehh, not so much. Consistency is the key - if you dont do your homework, you'll just keep falling behind, right? Just like high school physics. By the way...that was one class I actually did fail. But look at me now! haha.
Anyways, resorting back to the basics, its accountability. So this is my challenge to myself and all of you - join me in The Fight against Daddy Syndrome!
What is "Daddy Syndrome"? Well, its a little phrase or analogy I use as an excuse to why my fitness level has gone down. Is it horrible, nah - but not where I want it to be :)
Daddy Syndrome is by my definition; the inability to maintain focus on ones wellness by variables through being a father, husband, and professional.
If this sounds familiar to you - then I personally invite you to follow this blog, contribute everything and anything you want to help yourself visualize what you do to help-yourself and others. I look forward to working and sharing with you in this Fight for Fitness!
Best in training,
Joe
This is my first attempt to educate those who us as fitness professionals, aspire to help achieve their personal fitness, performance, and optimal wellness goals!
As a new dad...16 months to be exact, at first I thought 'hey this aint so bad...ill be able to keep my fitness level up, manage work, fatherhood, being a husband, a homeowner, etc, etc. Well - it takes a lot of energy as you all know.
Workouts would be become shorter and fewer between. I found myself in what all fitness professionals call "brick and no morter". I've certainly got the tools and knowledge....but its just not sticking together! I reached out to new training tools (TRX, RIP Trainers, CrossFit, etc.) and it all came down to, well, "just do it".
Okay, okay, today is the day. Or is it? Well great...that week was solid. The next...ehh, not so much. Consistency is the key - if you dont do your homework, you'll just keep falling behind, right? Just like high school physics. By the way...that was one class I actually did fail. But look at me now! haha.
Anyways, resorting back to the basics, its accountability. So this is my challenge to myself and all of you - join me in The Fight against Daddy Syndrome!
What is "Daddy Syndrome"? Well, its a little phrase or analogy I use as an excuse to why my fitness level has gone down. Is it horrible, nah - but not where I want it to be :)
Daddy Syndrome is by my definition; the inability to maintain focus on ones wellness by variables through being a father, husband, and professional.
If this sounds familiar to you - then I personally invite you to follow this blog, contribute everything and anything you want to help yourself visualize what you do to help-yourself and others. I look forward to working and sharing with you in this Fight for Fitness!
Best in training,
Joe
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