A GREAT READ!

If you haven't yet read, "The Monk who sold his Ferrari" by Robin Sharma... it's a must read! I am only half way through and WOW! does it open your eyes. While reading the story, you really think to yourself "it's true!". There is so much that is so simple, that we just don't do in the rush of our daily lives. There is such an incredible feeling of achievement and self-fulfillment by learning about yourself and harnessing all your inner energy into doing what YOU want out of life.

You may have read about the book on my website already, but I had to mention it again - it's an eye opener to all the things we may/may not lack in our daily lives and to what life really is all about!

ENJOY!

No hibernation during winter months

Winter time can be hard for many of us. Cold days, chilling nights, snow, ice... brrrr. But does that mean that physical activity should decrease in the winter months. No way!

You can still enjoy the outdoors and be active in the winter. Just be prepared for it. Meaning check the weather report that morning or the day before, wear plenty of layers, ensure you stay warm with the proper attire and then... head outdoors!

This is the first winter I have done outdoor workouts such as running etc... Any other winter, outdoor workouts involved skiing, hiking or hockey (pond hockey and road hockey). But never a good winter run or anything along those lines. This year I have learned how great it feels to do winter outdoor workouts. Running in the snow, pushups in the snow.... It's great!

Find somewhere you may enjoy going for a walk or run, dress appropriately and go! I go 2 mornings per week at 7am to the canal near my home. There is just me and the outdoors (sometimes some Canada geese... LOL) I utilize the snow for resistance (like running in sand), use picnic tables for step ups, pushups etc..., tree branches for squat jumps, hills for increased resistance while sprinting... And I feel awesome when I'm done!

Find a spot (preferably somewhere where you're familiar with the terrain) and go have fun! DO NOT HIBERNATE THIS WINTER!

New Year's resolutions are here! Time to take action!

Happy New Year everyone! A great year in 2007 has passed and another year of adventure is here. Many people are either thinking about or taking action with their new years resolutions. As a Fitness Professional, I am in constant contact and work with goals and goal setting. It is so important to plan your goals out effectively. Here's some quick tips for you to consider for your 2008 resolutions:

1) Think about it. Don't get a thought in your head and just do it. Actually think about it for a few days, even a few weeks. For example: You want to lose weight. Think about how you're going to do it, who's your support network, if you're going to get a gym membership or Personal Trainer; shop around... Don't just set a goal in a matter of seconds.

2) S.M.A.R.T. goals always! Many of us have heard the acronym "S.M.A.R.T". S-simple, M-measurable, A-action oriented, R-realistic, T-timely. If your goal does not fit one of these, it probably needs to be adjusted/reviewed a bit more.

3) Have the support. Share your goals with others. Friends, family, co-workers etc... The more people who know about your goal, the more help you'll have, the more support you'll have, and the more likely you'll be to achieve your goal.

4) Plan for a relapse. In our world today, we often have things that end up causing a 'block' in our progress. Whether it be time, family, work etc... Something always seems to come up at some point. So plan for it. Record your "relapse plan" somewhere. Have a plan set out so that if you do go into a 'slump', you'll have a way to get back into it. (Many Personal Trainers have these types of tools for your use).

Above all, enjoy the adventure. Take your journey in baby steps. Be smart, be safe... And enjoy yourself!