Author Archive
SIX-PACK ABS, SIX-FIGURE INCOME
“Fitness Expert” calls it like it is: get fit and earn more!
Did you know that your level of income directly affects your health and vice versa? The studies are released and the results are astounding.
One study by Jay L. Zagorsky, an economist at Ohio State University, and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth revealed that for every one-point increase in BMI (Body Mass Index), net worth dropped by $1000. The results also showed that the typical middle aged woman earned $313.70 less per year for every one-point increase in BMI, and the typical male earned $161.30 less for every one-point increase. That’s huge! So if losing those extra pounds may mean a bigger paycheck, why are there over 119 million Americans (that’s 64% of the nation’s population!) overweight or obese?
Although many health, diet and fitness programs do provide beneficial fitness regimes and offer healthy nutritional choices, many leave out the most important part to maintaining results long-term. That’s where fitness expert and author Glenn Hattem shares the perfect solution. The strategy: total and complete individual responsibility. He maintains that the best and truest source of hope for reversing this obesity epidemic is not in the current methods, which just don’t work. Instead, Hattem offers a way to create a new belief in terms of fitness, weight-loss, and income by simply changing the way you think so that your new behavioral changes will last a lifetime. (more…)
“These Be the Good Old Days”
How to NOT go through the motions, and ACT with intent, Today!
While I was out for an early morning run at the Boulder Reservoir, I felt my legs moving quick but my mind saying “Uhhh.” My stomach ached, my muscles were sore from the previous day’s workout, and only one of my headphones was playing the music. I was doing the workout, but felt like I was going through the motions so I asked myself, Why am I running? What am I running FOR?
At the same time, I was also surprised by the small number of people out exercising. Just months ago, over 55,000 people were in this city running the Bolder Boulder 10K race, and now I spotted six, just SIX people out on a beautiful summer morning. Where was everyone? Were they back to going through the motions of the busy work-week?
Then a song began to play on my I-pod. At first I just heard the care-free Reggae beat of Ziggy Marley, but it wasn’t until I listened to the lyrics that I gained a new perspective.
Ziggy sang:
“Got to do what you can with the time at hand… Don’t worry your mind its just the test of time.
In five years these be the good old days… I remember when grandpa use to say, grandson, these be the good old days.” (more…)
The GET IT BACK System Makes it to Africa
Local writer Aimee Heckel wrote a recent article in Boulder’s Daily Camera about her personal experience using the GET IT BACK system. She then took what she learned to the Kyangwali Refugee Camp in Western Uganda where she shared her new passion and jump rope skills with the kids in the village.
Now’s your chance to really make a difference in the world. GET IT BACK…and then GIVE something back!
Aligning with Your Purpose
Deirdre Dalton Brodeur (a good friend and successful business coach) and I recently had the opportunity to discuss the topic of maximizing one’s true potential. When I asked Deirdre’s expert advice on how to keep peace, balance, and prosperity in your life when challenged with tough economic times and a demanding, never-ending TO-DO list, this is what she had to say:
Throughout all the gloom and doom talk of the economy and taking brisk actions to overcome our financial challenges, it’s easy to forget the matters of the heart. To quote Robert Bolles, ˜Your mission is where the world’s deepest hunger meets your heart’s greatest gladness.” Stephen Covey echoes this sentiment in his book The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, where he talks about what he calls ˜finding your voice.” There is great power in doing what you love for a living, and much greater potential for being richly rewarded.
When you take stock and remember WHY you chose the career or business you are in, can you tell if your actions are in alignment with what you had originally intended? For example, you might be pushing a sale because money is tight, rather than simply offering to solve the prospect’s problem because your true intention is to help. Buyers really notice the difference and typically choose the passionate person with clear intentions.” (more…)
Taking a Leap of Faith in the Darkness
“There once was a woman who lived in hell, she could leave at any time. But she never did! She knew the names of the streets.”~ Elizabeth Ellis
This week I met with Nancy Stubbs, a Certified Breath & Conscious Relationship Coach from the Boulder Center for Conscious Living. We talked about an important issue that plagues most of us at some point in our lives, and that is dealing with the fear of the unknown. Namely, how that fear can keep us from making changes in our lives, even those we know need to occur. This is what Nancy had to say…
“In an Indiana Jones movie from several years ago, Indie stands at the edge of an enormous chasm. He needs to get to the other side to save his father’s life. Someone has given him a map, assuring him there is a path across the dangerous expanse, but he most certainly cannot see it. He looks at the map one more time. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, puts out his foot, and trustingly takes a step, one that surely looks like it will cause him to plummet to his death. Instead, his foot miraculously lands on something solid, though it is still unseen. He takes another step, and then another. He discovers that the mapmaker had been correct and that the path had been there all the while. By trusting the map and its maker, he successfully (and safely) reached the other side and was able to continue his adventure. (more…)
Good Ergonomics in the Workplace
Don’t Just Sit There… Evolve!
Nick McElhiney is an expert on ergonomics. Last week, he told me about the importance of good ergonomics in the workplace. Now this is a topic that I can completely relate to, as in my line of work, proper form (including proper body alignment) is essential for good output. And, the same goes for your work environment. With the increasing number of hours people spend these days in front of their computer, it makes total sense why good ergonomics can make all the difference in how happy and productive each day can be.
During challenging economic times, businesses typically start looking at how to reduce their operational costs. Nick says, “One smart way that has a proven track record, but is mostly overlooked, is the prevention and reduction of Repetitive Motion Illness (RMI) or Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD). When proper ergonomics are not offered to company employees, businesses can expect to experience the following results:
- Lost time and production. An improper ergonomic environment can mean increased RMIs and CTDs, which translate into time and work lost.
- Low employee morale. This often means an increased workload for other employees, leading to lower morale and decreased production.
- Increased workers’ compensation claims. Employees suffering from RMIs and CTDs ultimately mean your workers’ comp claims will increase. (more…)
Exercising, It’s NOT for the Birds!
I recently had a chance to talk with my good friend and author, Carol Frank. You may have seen her on Oprah or NBC News giving advice to struggling entrepreneurs. Her latest book, Do as I Say, Not as I Did: Gaining Wisdom in Business through the Mistakes of Highly Successful People, offers some extremely helpful insight-the kind of information that just may keep you from making mistakes she and others have made, so your learning curve won’t be as steep. I’m all for those kinds of lessons, the kind I learn from others’ painful blunders and not my own.
Fighting, and ultimately surviving, the daily battles of running a successful business can definitely take a toll on a person’s physical and emotional health. So, according to Carol, how does one get through these tough times?
Carol answered with the calm sense of confidence from someone who had obviously weathered some hard storms. “After interviewing dozens of America’s most successful entrepreneurs for my book, I determined that our ability to successfully bounce back depended on some universal ingredients that all business people should have in their lives, one of the most important being a consistent exercise routine.”
It was these words of wisdom that had helped her to survive some trying times in her own business. Before she was an author, Carol was the owner of a birdcage company called Avian Adventures. For Carol, it was what she called her drug of choice, daily exercise, that kept her grounded while her (much larger) competitor sued her and her company for the sole purpose of putting her out of business. “For three years, I battled this lawsuit, watched my sales plunge into oblivion, and lived in daily fear of bankruptcy. When the dust finally settled, and I had my company back on track, I can honestly say that my commitment to fitness was one of the main reasons I kept my sanity intact.” (more…)
Women Can PREVENT and PROTECT
Check out this video of my good friend, executive fitness coach Bonni Doherty, who’s known for her extraordinary “Mental Weight Loss System.” Here she shares a lot of good information in regards to women’s health and well-being, as well as ways to be proactive in preventing health issues down the road.
Here’s 12 Tips for Women to Prevent and Protect:
PREVENTION:
1. Doing 30 minutes of Enjoyable cardiovascular exercise 3x a week.
2. Eating small meals throughout the day that have good fat, fiber, & protein.
3. Avoid simple sugars & carbohydrates like candy, pasta, bread, & alcohol.
4. Take a break every few hours to take 20 diaphragmatic or belly breathes.
5. Drink 96oz plus of clean water a day.
6. Take 10 minutes per day in a quiet location to meditate, or yoga stretches.
Not Where You Want to Be? Take a Look Around…
As a fitness expert and author, I have come to enjoy the tremendous benefits of living in Boulder, Colorado, not only because it’s considered by Outdoor Magazine to be THE fittest place to live in the U.S., but also because of the diverse number of outdoor activities available, along with great weather and the stunning terrain of the Rockies. What many might not know is that Boulder is also one of the smartest communities in the states. With more people with their Master’s degree per capita than other towns, the community is packed with an abundance of innovative thinkers with a burning passion to help reshape their community.
Living here, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by many of those great minds, which include several amazing authors I now call friends.
I recently spoke with my friend Brian Schwartz, the award-winning author of 50 Interviews: Entrepreneurs Thriving in Uncertain Times, the first in a series of books that taps into lessons of those who have successfully gone before you. Revealing new truths and exploding myths, the series features “in their own words” interviews with role models who inspire us by proving that anything is possible and that we all have the ability to make a unique difference in the world. We discussed some of the distinctions of an entrepreneur mindset. This is what Brian had to say: (more…)
Athletes & Allergies: Increasing Problems
This week I visited with Neil Smith of Allergy Solutions in Boulder, Colorado where Neil explained how serious allergies to food and environmental allergens are becoming increasingly more common in our society. They can manifest in many ways that can be detrimental to an athlete’s health and performance. There was a lot that I didn’t know!
Neil said “In the last twenty years, we have seen an epidemic increase in allergies and asthma, including a 400% increase in food allergies and 300% increase in asthma, with a 56% increase in asthma-related deaths” (1) Neil also commented on some of the great resources available online for those of you who are concerned and want to be a little more proactive. (more…)
Are You Willing to Do the Work?
You may talk a good game about how bad you really want to make some positive changes in your life, but are you honestly mentally prepared to do the necessary work to create those desired outcomes?
I recently spoke with my good friend Dr. TC North, a well-known high-performance coach, consultant, and professional speaker, about this very topic. When I asked TC what, in his experience, is required for success in reaching personal goals, he said, “You want to be more fit? Slimmer? Healthier? If so, the most critical factor is not exercise or nutrition. It’s how much you believe in and are committed to do what it takes to be successful. Ninety-five percent or more of all people fail at achieving and maintaining a lifestyle change because we have complicated minds. To be successful in achieving a lifestyle change, or any goal, you must align your beliefs, thoughts (both conscious and subconscious), and actions. And you must be fueled by lots of desire. If not, your beliefs and/or fears will sabotage your success.”
What You Can Do About Negative Self-Talk
Overcoming Mental Obstacles
We all know the person who spends countless hours in the gym, yet is constantly frustrated by their inability to create significant changes in their muscle tone, or the person who tries to starve their body into shape, only to fail miserably as they fall back into another cycle of unhealthy weight gain. Then there’s the person who can’t even see themselves exercising or altering their eating habits simply because the task seems entirely daunting and overwhelming from the start. There are many complex reasons why people don’t succeed at getting and staying in shape. The most common obstacles are not lack of knowledge or will-power, but personal psychological roadblocks. That’s why you should take some time to examine your inner world closely, as it has more of an impact on your success in all areas of your life than you may realize. (more…)
Want to Master the Jump Rope?
Take Your Skills to the Next Level
If you know me personally, you probably know that I have a pretty big passion for this sport. AND, I have a little bit of skill to boot, if I do say so myself. Keep your eyes open for a video that I will be posting this summer with me and a few others performing at a level that will absolutely blow you away! But right now, I am going to hopefully inspire those of you who have a hidden athlete inside, just burning to come out. Below is a video of the famous boxer, Floyd Mayweather Junior, who’s known for his elite level of conditioning. Check it out! He’s got mad skills!
Hopefully after watching that sick video, you are pumped and asking yourself, “I wonder if I could ever do that?” The answer is “YES!” (with a lot of practice of course). If you already have the basic jump rope skills down (See April 21 blog), then you are ready to take your jump rope skills to the next level. Following are a couple of key lessons from my GET IT BACK system to get you started in the right direction. If you think you’ve got what it takes, I challenge you to give these a shot.
1. criss-cross
Demonstrated by Molly Metz, 2008 World Champion
(For the fastest rope on the planet, go to her site: www.jumpnrope.com)
Wild Things Nutritional Energy Bars
Fuel Up Right Before Workouts & Outdoor Excursions
If you’re looking for the perfect on-the-go meal/desert treat, these are the best-tasting energy bars on the planet. I created them in my own kitchen, and I sold 5,000 bars as a fundraiser in just 2 months. Now, I’m sharing the recipe with you! Make a batch to store in your freezer for a quick grab when you’re in a rush or are going for a hike, workout, or long drive. This bar will provide you with more than enough fuel for your activities, and it tastes great! Enjoy, but don’t eat too many or have them before going to bed, as all that sugar, even though from more natural, “healthy” sources (granola, dried fruit, brown rice syrup, agave, etc.), will just get stored as fat–something to remember the next time you grab a energy bar at the convenience store. This is just one of the great recipes you’ll learn in the GET IT BACK, 4-Week Fitness System. (more…)
Break Through Your Mental Barriers
Jump Rope 101
Why would you want to jump rope, especially when it’s so much easier to just hop on a treadmill after work? First of all, it’s such a convenient and versatile exercise, one that you can take almost anywhere. It’s great for those who like to dance and listen to music, for those who like to exercise outdoors, for travelers, for those with kids who can’t leave the house, or when bad weather keeps you indoors. More importantly, jumping rope offers so many amazing physical and psychological benefits, things that you just can’t get as easily from using traditional cardio machines.
If you want a little something more than to just work out and lose weight, jump rope is your ticket! Speaking from my own experience (and the experience of my clients), if you want to become passionate about exercise, then jumping rope can definitely help you get there. Millions of people around the world are enjoying one of the fastest-growing sports. You, too, can learn a versatile skill that will give you a lot of bang for your buck for your focused time and efforts. (more…)
How Protein Pancakes Saved Me
As a child, I always looked forward to the smell on Saturday mornings when dad woke us up for pancakes. I could no longer sleep in as soon as that unmistakable aroma hit my nostrils and my senses kicked in on overdrive. When you become an adult, you often feel like you’re missing out on all the fun. I remember for years I was eating boring lean grilled chicken breasts, tuna in a can, and plain egg whites all the time to ensure I got plenty of protein in to maintain my lean physique. Several years ago, I got tired of eating bland food and wanted to add some spice in my life, especially in the kitchen. So I began concocting some different, healthier versions of recipes to stimulate my taste buds and satisfy my occasional (actually frequent) very strong urges for sugar and processed “comfort” foods.
If you look at the basic ingredients for pancakes: white flour and syrup, and if you enjoy a glass of OJ, too, we’re talking A LOT of sugar! This just means added weight and a huge crash (and nap) after breakfast. But, you might be excited to learn, it doesn’t have to be that way. You CAN actually get in shape by eating pancakes! WHAT? Yep, that’s right. It’s like a dream come true!
Backpacking to Gain New Perspectives
A couple of years ago I spent time with my flip flops, jump rope (yes, jump rope!) and backpack exploring Thailand. I went in search of new personal experiences that would expand and reshape the limited view of the world I grew up in. I was also looking to learn some ancient health secrets of the East, as well as hoping to find some common threads that link all of us on this planet together.
On this quest, I meditated, fasted, detoxed, ate fried fish heads, got into the world’s largest water fight, and experienced a new way of being. I spent 10 days in a Buddhist monastery, never speaking a word, sleeping on a wooden pillow in a tiny cement cell, and meditating for about 10 hours daily. I also learned Tai Chi from a resident expert and taught jump rope to a young Thai tennis team that didn’t speak a word of English. What did I learn from these experiences? (more…)
