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Regardless of sexual orientation or preference, we each have a strong picture, created by the mind’s eye, of the perfect body. We’re aroused by such things as curves, hardness, body hair, and skin tone and when we stand unclothed in front of the mirror each day, we make judgments about how we look based upon our own self-created ideals. Others judge us quickly based upon their ideals.
It’s spring and although this winter was more mild than many we can remember, this is truly the time of year when many are inspired to get outside and move more. For some harried business types, fitness can devolve into simply trying to increase the number of steps walked each day. For fitness enthusiasts, fitness comes in the form of alternating workouts to maximize performance, improve strength, or achieving fitness goals.
The very first step in creating a goal, or a destination as I like to call it, is to create a clear vision of where you are going. Creating a vision is the foundation for successful goal setting. If you have never created a vision board, I would encourage you to try. Success requires a vision that inspires us. It should spark emotion!
I am going into my 10th year as a fitness professional, and each year I seem to improve and evolve my training philosophy. That is one thing that I love about my profession. There are always ways to improve my craft. This year in particular has been a huge epiphany for me in the way I would like to train my members and clients here at State of Fitness in the year 2012.
Exercise science is one of the youngest forms of science in existence. Sciences such as chemistry, anatomy, and physics have been studied for quite some time now. Exercise science is very new, and still has many unanswered questions that need to be resolved in order to give us a clear definition to what works, and what doesn’t work. Exercise science is very complex, as it involves many branches of science such as chemistry, anatomy, neurology, and physics. One thing that is clear is that we simply need to move WELL, and move often.
More than 100 years ago, F. Matthias Alexander discovered that it was possible to relearn the graceful ways of moving we had as children, and to therefore improve the way our bodies function.1 Alexander first observed and developed the principles of what would come to be called the Alexander Technique between 1890 and 1900.2
Getting Started
This article, Part 1 of 2, focuses on beginners to intermediate weight training programming and includes information that may be well-suited for women, the elderly, as well as athletes. Part 1 includes general weight training information and the fundamentals of establishing a comprehensive resistance training program. Part 2 of this article, which will be published in the March 2010 issue of CoSozo Living will include specific instructions for particular weight training exercises and describe programs centered on firming, strength, and circuit training.
When we look into fitness magazines and see the beautiful, highly coveted bodies that grace the pages are we just recognizing their wonderful physical appearance or are we also aware of their overall health that comes with being in shape? Most of us aren’t looking at the fitness models thinking, “I bet her cholesterol is perfect and her blood pressure exactly what doctors dream of. I can only imagine that those muscles equal out to a disease-free slate.” But, hey, maybe you are!
It’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other, and powerful enough to change lives. Running is torture for some, a hobby for many, and an obsession for thousands of people worldwide. And for many of those who would feel passionate about running, the marathon is the culmination of that focus. These races have been organized worldwide, the 26.2 miles that test endurance, willpower, and push men and women to new heights with every footfall. On April 22nd, Lansing will stage a marathon of its own.
Wellness coaching is one of the fastest growing trends in the health and fitness field. A wellness coach may also be known as a health coach, health counselor, or nutritionist. The title may differ, but the services provided are usually to offer help and support to improve all areas of a clients’s life which affects health and overall well being, including weight management, fitness, counseling, mental health, stress management, and more.
