and it begins…
September 24, 2008
The first blog on my first blog(!) probably won’t win any awards, but it’s getting my feet wet that I’m trying to do here. Eventually, I would like to have a few contributing members, and – of course – a huge following of people interested in some of the things this blog will discuss. My focus is on the health, nutrition, and fitness (or lack thereof) in our country, as well as abroad – AND how to SPARK the fire that will help us become an active, energetic, happier group of people!
I’m an Irish-American currently living in downtown Dallas that used to be in spectacular shape and work full-time as a personal trainer for a major gyms and associations in the suburbs of this city. After a traumatic motorcycle accident, I decided to leave the fitness industry behind to pursue a small business venture in the car rental industry… and I want to get BACK INTO SHAPE!
Like millions of Americans and people all over the world, we have let our diets become atrocious and activity level limited to practically nothing! Some individuals have never been in good health to know the benefits of it. Some have enjoyed the benefits, including a more positive attitude, great sleep, tons of energy, and so on. A comedian once said something like this: “Money isn’t supposed to by happiness, but money can buy a jetski. Have you ever seen anyone not happy on a jetski??” Random, I know – but what I want to tie in here, is that I have some friends that might not ever ride a jetski, or participate in activities that aren’t only a BLAST!, but be able to do many of the things someone in decent to good physical health can.
WE CAN CHANGE! And what’s funny, is unlike most things, this is something that CAN change overnight! No, I haven’t invented some pill that cures all… but – making healthy decisions can start immediately! The results might come a few weeks down the road, but it’s the decision that can take place TODAY! Let’s get it started!!
become motivated
October 2, 2008
A healthy lifestyle isn’t just doing the right thing for a certain period of time. It’s becoming more aware of nutrition facts and the fitness regimen we choose to pursue. Some people enjoy hitting the weights at a local gym. Others prefer outdoor activities, which are almost endless. And there’s always sports, fitness classes, dancing, rock climbing, swimmimg and, well… the list goes on.
After my accident, i couldn’t workout with weights for months. Even after this month period, I was reluctant to get back to heavy weight lifting. There was something missing. I lost interest in THAT particular form of exercise, but I know I wanted to be in shape. I started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and playing alot of basketball. I didn’t have the large muscles I had when weight lifting, but I gained a great amount of endurance with my new workout. Playing in a few football leagues here and there, I actually found myself wanting to go back to the gym to get stronger after a season then, I figured it out…
Ask yourself… What do I want of myself, physically?
- Do I want to be able to run a mile non-stop?
- Do I want to be a great swimmer?
- Be a great athlete in a particular sport?
- Be able to climb Mt. Everest?
- Be stronger than I ever have before?
The FUNCTIONALITY of your fitness is the most important idea to keep you motivated to reach your goals. If you keep your “eye on the prize” then working out just became a project that brings you closer to a goal you actually WANT. And assuming you enjoy that goal, your new found fitness regimen will not lose interest. If it ever does, just reevaluate your goals and adjust.
