Chris Christian's Blog

Posted by Chris Christian

As a society we are constantly bombarded with negative information. Mentally digested from the news, newspapers, radio, conversation with others and the inter-net, it’s basically everywhere. We don’t have to look hard to find it, in fact what we have to work hard at obstructing it from infiltrate our space, our minds and ultimately our thinking process.

There is documented proof that what we think impacts our bodies. Negative thoughts release hormones that can damage the body; by the same token positive thoughts release powerful healing hormones. We may not even realize we are being influenced physically by the information and thoughts that pervade our consciousness, our sub-conscious. Thoughts and information affects how we feel emotional and physically. They also impacts our immune system and it’s ability to protect us from disease and infection.

Guess what? If you attempted to guess what, you proved my next statement. We have complete control over our minds and what we allow to enter them! Not only that but we are free to formulate whatever thoughts we choose to. If I said “these are stressfully times we live in”, that is the thought or belief I chose to entertain. However if I say, “Live can sometimes be challenging but I enjoy the challenge”, I have altered my thought, belief, perception and thus the affect it has on my physical body.

We possess creative control over our thoughts and what we allow to influence our perception of life. I suggest we choose thoughts that make us feel good and filter the information we allow to permeate our minds; after all it could be the difference between health and illness.

Posted by Chris Christian

The evidence continues to mount, exercise is the proverbial fountain of youth. Everyday a new study is released touting exercise as the youth elixir. Lift weights to sustain bone density, stretch to maintain elusive youthful agility, run to arrest disease. Science and medicine are proving one thing is for certain, staying active obstructs the aging process allowing us to preserve youth longer.

I had an inclination of this very hypothesis some time ago based on the physiology of the human body and it’s innate nature. We (at least some of us, a majority of us, you might say) are far too inactive. Think about it for a moment, our bodies were designed to move, if not we might be rocks or trees or mountains, a park bench, but we have limbs and lungs and the ability to use and store energy. We have muscles and bones and joints designed to generate motion. I was right.

Let’s use the old adage “the body is a finely tuned machine” yeah you’ve heard this before right? Well it’s true (which is why it’s an old adage) if you keep this machine stored in the basement and hardly ever use it, it will start to deteriorate form lack of use. Well the human body is pretty much the same although it’s not a machine, if it sits on it’s butt all day long rarely involved in physical activity, it too will begin to deteriorate. Illness and disease are the repercussions of this neglect.

Go down to the basement dust off your machine, oil it, use it, that is why you have it in the first place, right? Allow it to do what it was designed to do; either that or it will soon be off to the big junkyard in the sky!

Posted by Chris Christian

Ok now that the Olympics are in full swing, we’ve had a chance to observe and admire the physiques and physical prowess of some of the athletes. Lurking quietly, secretly, within the depths of our minds (our imagination) is our desire to morph into a body similar to a particular athlete (only you know which one).

I personally believe it’s a prodigious concept if it motivates you to activate dormant muscle fibers, joints and energy systems. In fact, preserve the image, drawing from it strength, motivation, determination, passion, commitment, stability, balance, deliverance, tenacity. Internalize these qualities; summon them when you descry vulnerability emanating.

Research has shown mental imagery can be the catalyst for instigating the activation of the sedimentary. Conversely, attempting to tabulate rationale for the implementation of lifestyle alterations produces little compliance. So basically, you have a much better chance for success if you focus on the results and the actions associated with those results than you do if you contemplate why you should become active.

The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to live vicariously through the activities of another. We can also utilize this ceremony of international competition, sportsmanship, pride and the prevailing emotional undercurrent stirred by the thrill of victory, to propel ourselves toward our own reward, opulent health.

Go USA! Athletes and citizens!

Posted by Chris Christian

If you have not heard yet, scientists have discovered that the properties of a chemical compound called AICAR mimic the effects of exercise. But, before you get too excited, the tests have only been conducted on mice so far, so they are not sure if the drug will have the same effect when used by humans. It seems the drug produced physiological changes to the muscle structure of the mice given AICAR daily for four weeks.

Whether it will work for humans, in the same way it does for mice, remains to be seen. But, imagine for a minute if scientists really could produce a formula that would allow you to sit on your couch all day long eating cookies, chips, ice cream and cheeseburgers and never have to exercise. You would only have to pop your exer-pill (fictitious name) 3 times a day to melt the fat away. Right now it sounds to good to be true, but who knows it just may come to pass.

There are some conditions for which this drug would be very advantageous. Think of the people who are obese and really can’t function normally due to their weight; this would be the perfect drug to reduce body fat content, allowing them to improve the quality of their lives and function normally again.

Ah yes! The exer-pill, for those of us who really have been meaning to hit the gym, lay off the sweets, reduce our intake of fats and processed foods and eat more fruits and veggies. Simply wait for the pill to hit the market and all our problems will be solved. NOT!!!

Posted by Chris Christian

As long as news and research indicate the collective fitness level of this country is declining, I will continue to stress the importance of transforming your lifestyle. Those people who need to take this step are probably not the one reading this blog, but if you are, good for you. You should be commended and so, I commend you, keep up the good work. I really mean that!

If you happen to be someone who is well on the path to a healthier lifestyle, please share this information with someone who may, by some miracle, be unaware. Healthy living is a lifestyle; you should not expect yourself to make all the changes at one time. It is best to begin slowly and gradually build up from there (where you currently are).

I have found over the years as a personal trainer that some people, mainly gen-x (but other generations as well), don’t focus much on food choices, activity level (or lack there of) and how these choices will affect them later. They really haven’t considered the long term affects and won’t until they are diagnosed with an adverse condition or disease. There is good news surrounding these diagnoses, however. Changing your eating habits and adjusting your activity level can quite possibly reduce the impact of the condition or get rid of it all together.

Of course the other choice is, don’t wait until you are diagnosed with a disease or condition to begin the process of altering those unhealthy habits. It’s your choice. I’ll talk more about the steps you can take to shift from unhealthy habits to healthy habits, smoothly and easily in my next article, “Shifting To A healthy Lifestyle”.

Posted by Chris Christian

Reading a current report on obesity in America got me wondering! The information was collected by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and indicates that the obesity epidemic is not subsiding but in fact swelling (sorry, no pun intended). The question this brings to mind for me is, are there other underlying causes for this upward trend of weight gain in this country, but more specifically, for the individuals it affects?

The way I see it, it’s like treating symptoms of a disease while ignoring the actual cause.

Yes, it is suggested that if one is bring his weight under control he should:

1. Eat a more wholesome diet
2. Engage in physical activity for 30 minutes or more per day
3. Reduce the amount of fats, sweets and processed foods consumed.

But my question is; why do people eat so unhealthy in the first place? I’ll tell you what I believe to be the underlying cause(s) for the obesity epidemic in this country, they are:

1. Addiction- food can be additive both physically and psychologically
2. Society- our culture is centered around food, we use food in most all our gathering whether celebratory or social, food is always close by
3. Emotional- everyone encounters stress on some level in some aspect of their life, although not everyone deals with this stress identically, a good majority of us turn to food for comfort.

There are probably a few other reasons one can come up with but more than likely they will fall under one of the above categories.

If you’re over-weight, do me a favor, drop me a line or two telling me why you believe you are in that position.

Until next time, “get them bones move’n”!

Posted by Chris Christian

Hello All, just got back from the lakefront here in Chicago, what a beautiful place to workout. That’s right, I worked in the lakefront grass and on the rocks along the shore line. Yes, there were weeds and wild flowers and of course the bugs. But you know what, none of that mattered because the sun was shining, the breeze off the lake was cool and the air was exhilarating, what a combination. Now don’t hate cause I’m honestly not trying to tease you, I’m merely attempting to do what I always do MOTIVATE YOU to “get those bones moving”.

Hey, if you don’t live near a body of water, try the park, it works just as well. As a matter of fact after I left the lakefront I walked over to the park and conclude my workout there. There are many activities you can engage in at either local and I’ll give you a brief rundown of what I did and some suggestions as to what you too can do; all with not equipment necessary.

I don’t want too sound like a commercial but there is far too much to tell you and this blog won’t hold all of the fun stuff you can do, so I’m going to recommend that you read my article entitled “Summer Fun, Working Out Outdoors”. I’m not knocking the gym workout, but being outside adds something extra to a workout, something you won’t find indoors. Read the article and find out why I’m so excited; until next time “Keep those bones moving”!!!

Posted by Chris Christian

There’s a lot to be said about the breathing and breathing techniques and the health benefits associated with such breathing. There are literally thousands of books on the subject and I believe it’s a subject worth looking into. So recent information I have come across reminded me of the benefits connected to various breathing techniques.

It is said that if you watch a baby breath you will be observing the proper technique and this process gradually slips away from us as we progress through life. By the time we are young adults, even though breathing is an unconscious active or function of the body, it become even more so with short shallow breathes and insufficient oxygenation to the body and cells resultant.

Breathing techniques are probably one of the easiest health enhancing activities one can perform. In my next article I will discuss some of the techniques you can implement to receive some of these wonderful benefits.

Posted by Chris Christian

Ok I have information concerning a study conducted on mice who smoke. The study revealed smoking lengthens healing time of surgically repaired ligaments.

Back to the mice, they didn’t actually sit down and have a cigarette; they were put inside of a chamber that emits smoke that they inhaled. This was done 6 days per week, for 2 month before surgery was performed and then again after surgery to mimic people who smoked.

Seems the smoking affected the cell density and in gene activity to produce type I collagen. Normally after damage and repair of a ligament blood pools near the site causing inflammation, it is at this point that cells called macrophages flock to the injury site and secrete substances called cytokines and chemokines. Those, in turn, recruit more cells to assist in healing. This process of cellular proliferation and synthesis lasts for several days to several weeks. The final stage of healing involves remodeling of the tissue and can continue for months and even years.

Researchers noted that the smoker mice produced a lower cell density and their type I collagen gene expression was also reduced. Studies have shown this decreased macrophage response may explain why there is a delayed or decreased healing response.

With 20 to 25 percent of Americans smoking and over 20 million reported ligament injuries per year among athletes and non-athletes (torn MCL is the most common ligament injury),smoking affects anyone who needs ligament-repair surgery.Dr. Rick W. Wright and Dr. Linda J. Sandell, who conducted the study,counsel surgery patients to at least try to decrease smoking because, if nothing else, that will improve the healing of their surgical incisions. “Quitting smoking is good health management regardless, but in patients having this kind of surgery, there are extra advantages," they said.

Posted by Chris Christian

I read a very interesting study today (I always say that don’t I). Well I want to keep abreast of the most current finding as they apply to fitness and us human beings. Anyway this particular study was conducted on mice and some the finds proved very interesting. Scientist compared the life span of mice on calorie restrictive diets versus mice that ate as much as they wanted. They also looked at mice that ate as much as they wanted but also exercised and mice that were on restricted diets but also exercised.

Guess what? The mice on the restrictive diets faired the best. They mentioned some mumbo jumbo about insulin, oxidative stress and possible tissue damage,8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage andhormonal benefits. It gets really scientific but the bottom line was that eating less (in mice) produced longer live spans.

I know, I know, we are not mice but study suggests there are some similarities. For example a handful of studies comparing people on calorie restricted diets to people who are avid exercisers, found similar hormonal benefits among those eating less calories. Thus calorie restriction creates beneficial changes in the human body’s hormone levels which exercise does not.

In conclusion,Derek M. Huffman, the study’s lead author said, “I wouldn’t say this study has direct implications for people right now, but it shows what physiological changes caloric restriction and exercise produce. We can continue to build upon these findings until we can get a better understanding of how this works in people.”

Posted by Chris Christian

I just read an interesting article based on a study of physical activity and senior citizens. Here’s what was ascertained - aerobic exercise gives older adults a boost in brainpower, according to a recent review of studies from the Netherlands. “Aerobic physical exercises that improve cardiovascular fitness also help boost cognitive processing speed, motor function and visual and auditory attention in healthy older people,”said lead review author Maaike Angevaren.

There were a lot of statistics and data cited in the article but the bottom line was, according to these studies, exercise enhances brain function. It is believed that around age 50, even healthy older adults begin to experience mild declines in cognition. These results were compared to the cognitive function of sedimentary adults who after participating in the study showed cognitive improvement.

I believe and have for sometime that the human body is designed to move and as our physical activity levels diminish so too do our bodies. Be it cognitive abilities or functional abilities sedimentariness breads decline.

Based on the finding of this particular study (and many more) don’t you think any activity that stimulates the body to utilize more energy and oxygen would have a positive effect of the brain and the overall status of ones health, I do! Doesn’t it make sense that allowing the body to do what it was designed to do will help keep it functioning at respectable level? I do!

You do not have to wait until your body is so de-conditioned that your doctor tells you to get off of you buns if you want to see your grandchildren grow up. Just as a car will deteriorate if it sits for years so to will your body, start moving today!

Posted by Chris Christian

This blog is for Bill and the millions of Bills out there. You see Bill, a friend of mine, claims he is sooo busy, there’s no time to workout; none, never, nada, zilch, zero, negative, you get the picture, right? We’ll call this stance “The Bill Syndrome”, or B.S. for short. People suffering from B.S. claim they are slaves to their work and that the business won’t run without them. This may be true, but in my opinion, that is even more reason to implement a workout regimen. After all, this kind of schedule could definitely serve up some real stress and we know what stress does to the mind and body.

Now there are two points I’d like to emphasize here regarding B.S. and the philosophy generally adopted toward working out and exercise by these people.

First of all, if B.S. sufferers really are concerned with the survival of their companies, jobs, careers or general livelihoods, you would think they would run straight to the gym or at least run 30 minutes per day. The exercise they try so hard to avoid (I know, Bill didn’t say he was intentionally avoiding exercise, but he is) is just the thing they need to help release stress, reduce the risk of numerous diseases and improve the overall quality of life.

Secondly, the companies, jobs or careers that they place so much emphasis on may succumb if they should happen to take ill for any length of time. The irony here is that, from my experience as a personal trainer, it’s usually work that keeps B.S. sufferers from exercising.

There’s another piece of irony operating here, isn’t it interesting how B.S. is B.S. no matter what you call it!

Posted by Chris Christian

Recently I read an article on TCM and osteoporosis. For those of you who don’t know TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM addresses energy balance within the body and how particular imbalances or disturbances can affect us on a physical level. TCM is a few thousand years old and is a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment of the imbalances.

According to TCM, osteoporosis is a condition associated with the kidneys and blood flow. It is said that as one ages kidney function weakens affecting the density of the bones. Blood flow also diminishes with ages and TMC believes that strengthening kidney function and overall blood flow within the body can help retard or delay the advancement osteoporosis.

TCM uses herbs and physical exercise to achieve this. Traditionally it is believed that physical exercises such as weight lifting not only help strengthen bones and increase bone density but produce positive results when treating other ailments as well.

I believe it is important to incorporate various approaches to health and healing. For example the typical TCM therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong exercises. It is important to note that regardless of which form of holistic healing you explore, you will find that physical activity is always a component of the treatment. Understanding and implementing this principle can help to prevent or overcome some of the physical challenges that are sure to befall the sedimentary.

Posted by Chris Christian

I just read an interesting article regarding fitness testing policies for police officers here in my city. Currently there are no required testing programs, so there are no specific weight or specific fitness level requirements. I believe it’s a good idea to require policemen to maintain a certain fitness level, after all, theirs is physical job that requires physical prowess.

I would liken a police officer's job to that of a professional athlete from a conditioning standpoint, (don’t get me wrong, being a police officer is a serious occupation) in order to perform the job at a high level one must be conditioned to a high level.

It is unfortunate that we would need to require our police officers to stay in shape, but if we are to require police officers to pass a fitness exam, shouldn’t we require all employees to pass fitness exams? Yeah, I know it is indeed our prerogative to get as fat and unhealthy as we choose, but do we really want to spend our lives fighting weight issues and the conditions associated with being overweight?

It may be that the only way some of us will ever begin a fitness regime is if it’s required by our employer. I for one would be in favor of required fitness programs simply because, in the end, if implemented properly one would gain better health and a better quality of life!

Posted by Chris Christian

A resent study concerning children, television/computers and obesity seems to indicate there’s a strong correlation between television/computers and childhood obesity. Researcher Tracie A. Barnett, of Sainte-Justine Children's Hospital Research Center in Montreal, and her colleagues surveyed 1,293 seventh-grade students from 10 Montreal high schools in 1999 and followed many of them for five years.

Half the boys and ¼ of the girls spent more than 42 hours per week in front of a television/computer. The study also found that girls who lived in poorer neighborhoods were 5 times more like to spend time in front of a television/computers than were girls who lived in more affluent neighborhoods. This posed a problem for parents who had to decide whether was safer to allow their children to spend time in front of a television/computer or let them go outside where it could be dangerous.

Seems parents aren’t aware of the mounting research that’s indicates the correlation between too much television and obesity, smoking, alcohol use, violent and aggressive behavior, tolerance of aggression against women, and poor school performance. These are real dangers that I believe, require parents to come up with creative alternatives to sitting in front of a television/computer. There are suggested guidelines for how much time a child should spend in front of a television/computer.

We as parents must challenge our children to become active. If each parent takes a vested interest in their children we can influence the present upward trend of the obesity epidemic that is stealing the future of our children.

Posted by Chris Christian

When deciding what to eat each day, I think it is important to remember the old adage “you are what you eat”. Understanding this simple phase can help you make healthier choices when preparing, ordering or shopping for meals. It is said that the more information one has the better decisions he can make.

I believe we now have a pretty good grasp on the basic principles of healthy eating; they are constantly repeated over and over on the news, in news papers and magazine and of course on the internet in wonderful articles like this one. I think the problem is we don’t understand that the body is making new cells all the time from, guess what, the foods we eat. So if you eat cheeseburgers and fries all the time chances are you will soon begin to resemble a cheeseburger and fries!

Just kidding, but your body does require an array of nutrients to maintain health and the best way to get these nutrients is by eating an array of healthy foods. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t eat your favorite comfort foods, this should of course be done in moderation, food should not be used for emotional purposes, this can present some challenges (this is a subject for another article). Our body can only build and repair itself from the foods we eat or have eaten and if these foods don’t supply the necessary nutrients for this purpose, the body will extract nutrients from itself, which can cause deficiencies.

Choose your foods wisely, for you truly are what you eat!

Posted by Chris Christian

I was recently sent the book, “The Eat-Clean Diet Workout” by Tosca Reno, to review and give my assessment. Well I constantly implore you to get moving and of course I offer particle advice on the steps necessary to implement and sustain such a lifestyle. Have spent many hours researching various aspects of fitness with the intent of bringing you current news and advice centered around physical activity and how one can enhance themselves, I read the book.

There are numerous components to consider when implementing positive lifestyle changes and I believe one can use all the help one can get. I will continue to disseminate information as it become available. That brings me to the book “The Eat-Clean Diet Workout” which some women my find useful as a road map along their fitness journey. The book is inspirational, educational and practical. There are plenty of positive messages within the pages of Tosca’s book and her personal story may move others to begin the journey.

The book covers a board range of topics and the title of the book infers there is dietary advice as well. This particular subject is not covered enough to warrant the title ‘clean diet’. The workouts are designed to be performed with weights, either at home or in a gym, so you will need your own equipment or a membership.

Overall the book offers good advice on the mental, spiritual and physical components of working out. I believe when one begins conditioning, all dimensions of the self must be considered. Tosca does this and then breaks the workouts down into digestible segments. This is a book you may want to consider if you need guidance. Remember check with your doctor before beginning any fitness routine.

Posted by Chris Christian

Yesterday while at the gym doing my thing (working out), I ran into an old gym acquaintance, Howard. I mentioned to Howard that I had just finished having my fun and asked if he was about to do the same. His reply was disheartening and too common. He stated that working out is something people do because they have to, not because they wanted to. Fun, he said was hanging out at the bar with a few friends having a beer and some pizza. Now don't get me wrong that too can be fun, but that's not the point.

Howard tried to convince me that I was mistaken and if I looked at people's faces as they worked out, I would see they are definitely not having fun. After about 5 minutes of him trying to convince me that I wasn't having fun and me, defending my stance, he finally conceded, but concluded that I was nuts.

Now I ask, is there anyone else beside myself (and I know there is) that truly does enjoy a good workout? Working out is about mindset. How do you approach your workout, do you dread it or do you look forward to it? Understanding all the benefit you gain is reason enough, but learning to enjoy your workout can make all the difference in the world when you're actually doing it. Enough for now, but I will get back to this in the next entry, so make sure to check back. I'll talk more about mindset. Until then I'd like to leave you with a quote from James Allen's As A Man Thinketh, "Only by searching and mining are gold and diamonds obtained".

Posted by Chris Christian

A few weeks ago while working out; I workout at least 5 times per week (hint), I observed 2 young men moving rather timidly around the gym equipment. I could tell they were a little apprehensive and unsure about where to begin, so as they got closer I asked them what their goals were.

They explained that they were high school baseball players beginning their training for the up-coming season. I introduced myself and asked their names. They were Brain and Raul and both said they were pitchers. Well being the concerned, kind, attentive, loving, sharing, intelligent, professional that I am, I offered to construct a training program for them.

I explained the training continuum (pre-season, season, post season ) for sport specific conditioning and that there is a different training protocol for each. I could tell Brain and Raul were serious about their sport and the conditioning necessary to excel; I have seen them in the gym with regularity working out pensively. I have to say, I’m proud of the determination and commitment Brain and Raul have displayed.

There are two reasons I am telling the story of Brain and Raul:

1) Young people need to be physical activity regularly to promote happy, healthy lives.

2) If unsure about program design or techniques when implementing a fitness regime, seek assistance.

After all, you wouldn’t diagnosis your own medical condition, restore your own electricity or change the transmission in your car would you? Professionals help you maximize your time, money and in the case of exercise, your efforts as well, so if you are not sure ask.

Posted by Chris Christian

The question that continues to reverberate in the minds of millions of people each day is, “how can I lose weight quickly?” First off, let me say there is no quick way to lose weight; there are proven formulas you can apply (to yourself) but they will require you to do some work. If you can channel this work into healthy habits you are well on your way to a successful weight loss program.

In my line of work (personal trainer and fitness instructor), that question is posed to me most days. I always give the same answer because there is really only one formula that applies. Now of course there are and will always be extenuating circumstances but generally speaking the formula works for the majority who are willing to utilize it.

What saddens me most is the amount of time and money wasted on the hypothesis, one can use magic pills, magic creams or magic diets (basically use magic) to achieve their weight loss goals. If you fall in this category you are not alone and you also realize by now you could have accomplished your goals a long time ago. Don’t let that deter you; there is still time to embark upon the journey to weight loss and fitness. Each day brings with it the freshness of a new start and thus new opportunity.

Consider the possibility that a journey toward fitness and a healthy lifestyle can very exciting, read my article “Proven Weight Loss Formula” and then go for it!

Posted by Chris Christian

According to Professor Wolfe, “we are just seeing the tip of the 'research' iceberg.” Weight lifting provides many health benefits; it enhances life physically and emotionally. Weighting lifting is the magic pill you have been looking for.

It’s unfortunate that a mass majority of the populace will only begin to exercise emphatically after being instructed by their physician. Exercise in these cases will likely be a prescription to help fight a disease or a condition that has developed due to poor diet and lack of physical activity. We all have choices; we can choose physical activity now or wait until exercise is mandatory and paramount to our survival.

I have written many articles on the benefits associated with a healthy lifestyle, articles discussing diseases, activities, apparatus’, gear and mindset but I believe this next article is momentous. My intentions and goals here at Suite101.com have not changed, I aspire to enlighten, inspire and motive. Bringing you current news, tips and practical advice, I hope you have found something to arouse your dormant passion for physical activity. If not, take a look at the article entitled “The Miracles of Weight Training”. This article speaks of the current research being done on weight training and what you can expect to gain from such an endeavor. The gains are multi-fold and something I recommend you take a closer look at.

“When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” -Edward Teller

Posted by Chris Christian

Once again I’ll attempt to inspire and motivate (I’ll never stop). This is the time of year when artic blast whisk through town and sometimes stay longer than desired, it’s easy to hibernate on your sofa, venturing out doors only when totally necessary or advantageous. If this is your m.o. (modus operandi) you’re not alone, misery, I mean lazy loves company. So let me pose a question, if you roll off the sofa onto the floor do you have enough strength and energy to pull yourself back up or do you just lie there? Ok so I’m exaggerating, a little.

Armed with resolutions for the New Year still fresh in mind, the sofa still pacifies many inactive individuals. I’m familiar with the unrelenting pull associated with the ominous sofa; forces well beyond your control have you in their grasp and no matter how hard you resist you can’t break free. There’s good news and bad news. The bad news first- the longer you lie there the deeper you’ll slip into sedimentary-ville, a place few have the ambition to return from. The good news is that there have been reports of folks actually extricating themselves from sedimentary-ville and going on to live happy, healthy lives.

The trick is to begin slowly with small steps, head in the direction of the moss growing on the trees and keep moving. This is the way to liberation. There will be many temptations along the way; favorite TV programs, sweets, super-size meals, sugary beverages, work, errands, the constant lull from the enticing sofa, the list goes on and on.

In my article entitles “Winter Workout Tips” I’ll provide you with armament to forge a strong offense against sedimentary-ville and all it’s inhabitants. I'll be on the outside rooting for your escape!

Posted by Chris Christian

I’m bursting with excitement, inspiration and enthusiasm. Why you ask, it has been quite some time since I’ve come across information so exhilarating. The article authenticates my most genuine, profound, deep-seated credos. You can’t imagine the intoxication, the fascination or the titillation this commentary brought me, delicious! I know, I know, by now you’re saying enough already with the accolades just get to the point already.

And I will, I just want you to understand how very crucial this information is. But, if not utilized it will means nothing. Isn’t funny how we speak about the importance and benefits of exercise everyday (for years now) and still people refuse to take a few minutes a day to devote to themselves, their well-being?

You see it is never too late to begin conditioning your body for the journey we call life. Along the way you will encounter many obstacles. Stress, illness, responsibility, commitments, relationships and various other huddles are sure to populate your path. Some of these challenges will be easily over come while other will require more tenacity. Regardless of what lie before you, a workout regime will ease the load. Be it mental, physical, emotional or spiritual working out helps.

This most recent research speaks to more benefits connected to working out, specifically weight training and I will elaborate on this research in my next article. The reason I am so excited about the research: it gives you what I hope will be even more incentive to get your body moving. Read “The Miracles of Weight Training” in the fitness column soon.