motivation, change, fitness and health

Hello everyone! One of the airlines has for its slogan " freedom to move about." I thought that would be quite fitting for fitness and health. Having worked with physically and mentally challenged people as a personal trainer I felt compelled to note and remind myself just how fortunate I am to be in excellant health. I hope this is a reminder for many of you also. People faced with health restrictions have the "will" to forge ahead. They have a "I can do it attitude." I don't hear them complain or have self pity. That attitude is a lesson in life that all of us should embrace...every day! Why is it then that we lack the motivation to preserve and enhance our mind, body and spirit via a healthy life style.

TO CHANGE...WE HAVE TO CHANGE. Consider this credo: there are three people in each of us...the person we were yesterday, the person we are today and the person we want to grow into...the vision of the person we want to be. The difficulty, change creates conflict...internal conflict. We have to replace our comfort zone with challenge. This is where self-motivation comes in to play. Once we accept and understand this, we begin to gravitate toward the person we want to be. Thus, in this subject matter we gravitate toward fitness and a healthy life style. We let go of that "comfort zone" that held us captive. We achieve that wonderful lifestyle of "freedom to move about." We begin to think and act as though we are already there.

In my preparation for the 2008 Senior Olympics I visualize myself as already being there...already competing. I call this "goal gravitation." Motivation equals change and change equals fulfillment. Growing and maturing toward the person I not only want to be but, the person I need to be. The intangible...being a role model for someone who may be watching.

Do we really need a New Years resolution to become a better person? I truly believe that most of us fear having the annual physical because we think something might be wrong with us. If a person can't be self-motivated to take that first step, then all the words and ideas I express are worthless. Do we have a responsibility to pursue a healthy lifestyle? I believe we do. It is the unending quest for a "freedom to move about." BEFORE ITS TOO LATE. The journey for me, is just as exciting as the actual achievement.

My Christmas message..wishing all of you the strength, the will and the vision to move toward the new you. Happy holidays to you, your loved ones and your friends. Have a healthy and exciting journey toward fitness in the new year. Have a great life everyone! jimmyo

reference:www.secondwindfitnessfilm.com

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

Remember, as a youngster playing games, all sorts of games, from hop scotch to beanbag to any kind of game played with a ball; and yes we can't leave out jumping rope. Sure beats drinking cod liver oil for a healthy mind and body. Oh yes, we also possessed a "I can do anything" spirit. Wonder what would happen if we revisited (to a lesser degree) a few of those fun things. For many of us I think we lack that daring "I can do it" attitude. Obviously, some of us can't for health reasons. However, most can do something in the way of exercise to some degree. When interviewing people of all ages I have discovered that people don't exercise because the disease "I am comfortable" sets in. Status quo. If I am comfortable, I do not move. I don't find many books on "self comfort controll". Just because we age does not mean we have to get old or allow our mind to become addicted to the mind set of "don't have to exercise...its my life." Until we change our thinking we will not change our life style...unless tragedy strikes, then we our forced to change.
TODAY...LETS CHANGE the comfort zone to a I'm going to do it attitude. You can begin with a folding chair, a stretch band and a ball...and right in your own home if you like. I call this my portable gym. If you did not know your age, how old would you be? Take care of yourself so no one else has too. We look out for ourselves financially...what about our MIND...BODY...AND SPIRIT. HAVE A GREAT LIFE EVERYONE! jimmy o

GIVING THANKS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Every so often each one of us has to " checkmate ourselves." Ask the question: who am I and what am I all about? What do I stand for? Life is easy when everything is going our way. But the true test for each of us is when we are faced with obstacles. In reality, we should be grateful for life's adversities. Those moments defines who we are....those moments define our character. Fate is what life gives us...destiny is what we do with it. The road to happiness will always be under construction.

So on this day , lets all of us give more than we receive. The impact we make in life is in direct proporation to our own self image.

For as long as I can remember thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Have a great day everyone and a great life. jimmy o

LIFESTYLE IMPACT (PART 2)

Hello everyone! Being mentally and physically fit creates energy, excitement and a sense of " I feel whole." A healthy and positive self image. Yesterday I facilitated a clinic for seniors. The central thread among those in attendance: "over the years I started and stopped fitness programs several times. I am no better off now than I was 10 years ago," Sound familiar?

For beginners...SLOW AND EASY. Where do I start and what to do? Begin with walking, treadmill, or biking. After 20 to 30 minutes stretching is in order. You need to stretch arms and legs. This can be done from a standing and or sitting position. Use a chair, stretch band and a pair of 1,2, or 3 pound weights. Next try for 5 to 10 minutes of cardio. Now cool down with a walk or biking for 5 minutes. Stretching is critical...you want to invest your time getting fit, not in rehab. Reminders: BREATH DEEPLY while exercising. More about breathing in future blogs. Be creative and have fun. Drink plenty of water, 8 oz per 30 minutes of exercise. Remember your notebook and revisit your goals. ARE YOU MOVIVATED?!

Sidelights: Four weeks ago a gentleman requested I be his personal trainer. He wanted to lose 150 pounds. Age 53. After 4 weeks I am happy to report that he has lost 29 pounds the safe way. My youngest client is a 4 year old girl with motor skill deficiencies. Will talk more about her in future blogs. Her first session was friday for 45 minutes.

Have a great life everone! JIMMY O

lifestyle impact(part 1)

Hello everyone: Imagine transforming your out-look on life through a change in your lifestyle! I know what fitness and proper eating habits have done for me and many others I have talked with regarding this subject. So whether you are a novice, intermediate or at the accomplished level of fitness, we are not only having a positive change in our lives, but also our loved ones and and friends.
As we embrace our lifestyle change from a fitness perspective, I'll begin with a caution and a question. CAUTION: Regarding diet pills and other supplements. I notice many people "snatching" latest popular diet pills or if you prefer the "miracle pill". Users feel its the easy and quick way in achieving the perfect body. Remember short term relief brings long term grief. Always consult your physician. The same holds true with any supplement. Sometimes we ingest certain things because its the "in" thing to do or we want to gain an edge. Look at it this way; if you were cooking a meal you would feel safe in following a proven receipe. Some spices and other ingredients blend well to bring out the best in your food, while others tend to destroy an otherwise perfect meal.Keep the guess work out of your life. In my opinion a wholesome food diet is critical for a successful and longlasting fitness program. fitness first, then weight loss. When I ask men and women if supplements are working, I get "I really don't know." When I speak of supplements I am talking about legal supplements. Don't miss part two in my next blog. Have a great life everyone...jimmy o

Mental Fitness

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Welcome to GEEZERFITNESS! This blog is #2
In my first blog I stated that we must be not only physically fit but mentally fit as well...in fact the mental is critical in the overall success of any health and fitness program. Being mentally and physically fit is a commitment...a way of life...a life style change. It is a well thought out process of growing and maturing.
The mental process (exercise) begins with the basic assessment of oneself. The depth of this assessment begins with questions: 1) Why am I doing this? 2) Will I join a fitness ctr. or work out at home? 3) Will I need a personal trainer? 4)What are my limitations? 5) How much time per day will I allow for exercise? 6) Should I have a workout partner? 7) Do I have a written plan for exercise and diet? 8) Can I visualize myself as already being there, attaining my goals? *What are the benefits for me, what do I want to achieve? 9) Am I ready to begin now? 10) What am I waiting for?
*Most of us have one or more limitations...challenged mentally and or physically. Men and women who are blind, confined to their home, need a wheelchair, a walker or other aids find a way to do something relative to exercise. I have had people with diabetes tell me " exercise is key and more important than my diet in controlling my diabetes." The benefits of a healthy life resulting from a well thought out exercise program are numerous: Helps in lowering high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, helping in warding off heart disease, building bone density and you just feel better about yourself and so will your loved ones and your friends.

Next blog: What should I do first? What about diet pills and supplements?
Don't forget to go to http://www.secondwindfitnessfilm.com/.
Looking forward to working with you. You can email me at sprint444@hotmail.com
Have a great life everyone...JIMMY O

Fitness Start-up

FRIDAY: OCTOBER 26, 2007

Hello everyone and welcome to the geezerfitness world. This is the first edition and blogging is a first for me.

This blog would not exist had it not been for a friend of mine ...so thank you Lyn.

Let's get started! This and future writings I will be discussing my workouts and training methods as well as my working with clients as a personal trainer.

I am convinced that mental preparedness and mental fitness is paramount. Obtaining clearance from your physician. Writing down a timeline, daily time slot, goals and objectives. Easing into a well thought out program. Always have your notebook with you. Compliment with a healthy diet. Stay with it. Please reference http://www.secondwindfitnessfilm.com/. I am looking forward to working with you. You can email me at sprint444@hotmail.com. Have a great life everyone, Jimmy O