3 tips for making a New Year’s Resolution you will actually keep

Posted by Tom On December - 20 - 2011Comments Off

New Year’s resolutions are one of those traditions that are supposed to be good for you and that oftentimes are not. But the truth of the matter is that for most people, making an unrealistic New Year’s resolutions generally sets you up for failure.

If you want to make a New Year’s resolution that you’re actually going to keep, one strategy you can use is to make a resolution that doesn’t put all the pressure to go through with it or to reach the goal on you....

3 tips for surviving the holidays

Posted by Tom On December - 13 - 2011Comments Off

When people say that they gained a bit of weight over the holidays, they’re not alone. On average, Americans gain between 8 and 12 pounds between the holidays of Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

Unfortunately, we all know that it’s much harder to lose weight than to gain it – especially during the holidays. The best strategy is to maintain your current...

Do I Really Want to Lose Weight?

Posted by Tom On October - 27 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

I know, I know, of course you really want to lose weight. Everyone really wants to lose weight. Maybe a better question should be:

Are you willing to do what it takes to lose weight?

This doesn’t mean jumping on the latest fad diet plan, putting in a solid 20 minutes of exercise here and there, or paying money for home equipment that will later turn into clothes hangers.

This means, first and foremost, understanding what it takes to lose...

We hear this phrase all the time, and may even own shoes which are supposedly built just for the task, but do we really understand the concept of cross training?  Cross training can be especially confusing for those new to fitness, but it’s not hard to understand once you learn a bit about it, and you can easily learn how to make it a part of your exercise program.

Cross training...

Core exercise – what is it and why is it so important?

Posted by Tom On October - 13 - 2011Comments Off

Your body’s “core” is the group of muscles that make up your mid section, to include your stomach and lower back. This is where your center of gravity is located, and also where all of your body’s movements start.  Whether you are lifting your toddler or going for a 5 mile run, your core is the origin of these movements.

The importance of a strong core

Many people often overlook this area of their body in their fitness routines; unless they are trying...

P90X and Cross Fit versus Boot Camp

Posted by Tom On October - 6 - 2011Comments Off

If you can’t get to the gym, then P90X, Insanity, or programs that are similar sure seem like a good alternative. There are definite benefits of these programs, but they aren’t for everyone, and if you’re starting from scratch, you should be careful that you don’t hurt yourself first.

Growing popularity of P09X and Cross Fit

These extreme training programs...

Boot Camp versus MMA and BJJ

Posted by Tom On September - 29 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

Anytime there is a new fitness fad, anyone and everyone who wants to get in shape thinks they can do these new programs and get fit super fast. Activities such as Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) are prime examples of this.

Don’t get me wrong; these are great programs and they can work, but for most people, this is not the best route to take if you’re looking to “get” fit. These are serious programs that require both technique and physical fitness to gain any benefits....

Pros and cons of extreme training programs

Posted by Tom On September - 22 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

If you look at commercials for the latest home DVD workout programs, many of them promise you can change your life and get fit in as little as 60-90 days. If you’ve ever been on a diet or exercise program, this seems impossible.

Or is it?

The truth is that you can get fit quickly, but it’s not as simple as making a few changes...

It’s not by accident that “extreme sports” programs are all over TV these days.  After all, this is America and we want the best results and we want them fast.  This is why you see so many infomercials selling P90x, Insanity and other similar workouts that promise “extreme” results.

But before you jump into one of these extreme training programs, you should consider...

Minimalist Running

Posted by Tom On August - 19 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

I have been running competitively since 1988 and I consider myself to be an above average runner. Statistically, my race results support this claim.  In my career, I have done two marathons and countless triathlons and road races of various distances.  I was on my high school and college cross country teams and while in the Army, I was considered the fastest soldier in every unit in which I served.

Throughout my running career, I have suffered though almost every running injury: runner’s...