Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail Part 5 Step 4

Why Our Kickboxing Workout Succeeds Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail
Article 5 Step 4

The fourth and final piece of the of the Why Workouts Fail puzzle is probably a surprise to most readers.  The reason most people fail in this area is that they do not rest properly for their goals, body and lifestyle. 

Stress is a killer.  Not getting the right kind of sleep and adequate body rest causes increased stress on the mind and body.  Coming from a background in intense military training in the Army Airborne and serving in a Special Forces reserve unit, I speak from experience.  

The body requires adequate rest to recuperate from intense exercise or strenuous activity.  This can be in the form of work or workout - even both.  Pushing harder is not always the best policy.  Think work smarter, not harder.

I've found that most of my clients start to lose weight as they get adequate rest.  I encourage them to try yoga as a pre-bed time ritual.  To shut off any monitors or televisions as they near sleep times because they may be linked to triggering brain chemicals that may disrupt sleep.  Getting early morning sun also helps reset circadian rhythm (the natural sleep cycle based on the sun and hormones).

Reducing or eliminating caffeine is also essential for deep wave/REM sleep.  I've read that caffeine can sty in the body as long as 16 hours after consumption.  I'm told that it is only during REM sleep that growth hormone is released for body and muscle repair. 

Rest and recovery are also hand and hand.  Not just sleep, the body, mind and spirit need a balance of play, distraction, art, down-time and a variety of other stimulation (or lack thereof) to reset and function optimally.  Experiment with some different activities for your best performance.  

I find deep breathing throughout the day, tai chi and yoga stretches do wonders for me and my clients.  I highly recommend giving it a chance to work its magic in your life.

Combine this with the other three pieces to the workout success puzzle and you will enjoy a life filled with health, abundance, joy and peace.

 

 

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Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail Part 4

Why Our Kickboxing Workout Succeeds Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail
Article 4 Step 3

Now we're getting into the third part of the Why Workouts Fail puzzle.  The reason most people fail in this area is that they do not workout properly for their goals, body and lifestyle. 

Many women and men look for the magic bullet workout plan.  In our fast food, drive up window, ADD, quick fix culture, many of us are tempted to look for the fastest -easiest way to our goal.  While this may be appealing, it is completely misguided and lacking maturity and wisdom.

INSANITY P90X
Instead, my experience shows that they people who succeed get involved in hobbies and lifestyle activities that keep them moving.  I'm not talking about full contact MMA, tackle football, or programs like INSANITY or P90X.  Those are extremes, and while extremes sell, they simply don't last for most people.  While it may be a way to jump start your training, extremes are hard on the body, especially the heart.

BABY STEPS
It starts with small changes in habits and patterns.  From taking the stairs instead of elevators, parking farther away to walk, choosing to walk or bike rather than drive, each of these activities keeps us moving, burning calories and active.  More importantly they have another interesting affect in keeping our body healthier and metobolism stoked.  You may even notice an improvement in mood.  

LIFESTYLE
Try getting out for a walk in the morning sun for some vitamin D with some basic yoga stretches and tai chi.  It could be when you first awaken or your first break on the job.  A little a day goes a long way.  Follow dinner with a nice stroll for quality family time with loved ones that is unplugged from electronic media. Meet the neighbors and take the family pet for a stroll.  This is the Cesar Millan approved approach to bring balance to your pet (and I would suggest to yourself).

MARTIAL ARTS & KICKBOXING
My preferred recommendations for exercise would include all the extra movement during the day plus choosing an exercise regimine that fuels the mind, body and spirit.  It should be a skill building routine that also allows for other mental and emotional rewards.  Martial arts is my favorite because it reinforces self discipline, self control and teaches a life saving skill.  Kickboxing and other specialized versions of this can be great as well. It really comes down to the teacher and your goals.  The important thing is getting something that works for you.  Martial Arts is a lifestyle that builds an individual from the inside out and provides the inner development and habit encouragement for a healthy lifestyle. 

Make sure you get strength training, cardio-vascular development (aerobic & anearobic), flexibility and functional movement conditioning.

Now you know the importance of goals, nutrition and a fitness hobby and "movement lifestyle" that keeps you active.  Next up will be the final ingredient to why some workouts succeed while other workout, strength building and weight loss programs fail.

All the best!

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Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail

Why Our Kickboxing Workout Succeeds Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail

Article 3 Step 2

In this third article in the "Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Others Fail" series I will address the important second point for success.

The third aspect of succeeding in any workout program is nutrition.  Nutrition is key to providing your body with the required nutrients to perform at it's best.  Nutrition is what fuels your body.

Think about it.  If you owned a million dollar race horse, would you let it stay up late, get stressed out, sit around and eat junk food and expect it to win races?  The ASPCA calls that abuse.  Yet that is exactly how many of us treat our bodies.  Respecting your body means providing it with good fuel and that begins with proper nutrition.

Proper nutrition means not only giving the body good foods like dark leafy greens, lean meats, beans, low glycemic index foods and a variety of options, it also means feeding the body at the right times.

Your family history, blood type, lifestyle and other factors all weigh in on how you should eat.  We are each different and need to fuel our bodies with proper nutrition accordingly. 

I encourage students to eat a serving a dark leafy greens with every meal - preferably uncooked organic veggies like spinach or broccoli.  I also advocate a peace of fruit between meals (apples are often a good choice), green tea in the morning and afternoon and lots of water (1 gallon a day).  I'm a big fan of eating every few hours with smaller portions and higher fiber.  

Another thing I've found that works is to avoid any eating plan that denies you your favorite foods.  I suggest that life is supposed to be fun and enjoyed, you just have to plan and earn those treats.  Those who deny their favorite foods tend to revenge eat, stress binge and sneak eat.  They key word there is that those less healthy choices should be treats.  You may also find ways of modifying them a bit without losing their pleasure.

  

While most people think they want to lose weight, get in shape or build strength, they often are misguided in that pursuit.  They think of it as a destination rather than a journey.  In my experience, those who succeed, see daily exercise and eating properly as important priorities for health and performance.  It is an ingrained part of their belief system. Furthermore they have honed the habit into a routine that helps them be successful.

When shopping, stick to the outside isles where fresh food is available and stay away from processed and modified foods.  Sticking to an old school farmers eating plan seems to be a good choice.  Of course, I'm not a dietitian so you should consult an expert if you are wanting more details and specifics about weight loss or muscle gain eating.  In my experience, your body will always tell you what it needs and give you guidance if you just pay attention.

Plan ahead as much as you can.  "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" and are left to your emotional impulses rather than your better judgement and health goals.   

So now you have a written goal you focus on regularly and are eating proper nutrition for your body and lifestyle.  Remember to focus on the journey and not the destination.  

It's a lifestyle. 

You can do it! 

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Why Our Kickboxing Workout Succeeds Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail

In this second article in the "Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Others Fail" series I will address the important starting point for success.

While most people think they want to lose weight, get in shape or build strength, they often are misguided in that pursuit.  They think of it as a destination rather than a journey.  In my experience, those who succeed, see daily exercise and eating properly as important priorities for health and performance.  It is an ingrained part of their belief system. Furthermore they have honed the habit into a routine that helps them be successful.

This is all driven by the first secret.  That secret is having a goal.  Not just a goal, but a clearly defined, ever mentally present goal with emotional anchors.  What is the consequence of achieving it?  What will happen if you do not?

The key to setting the goal is having a target for which to strive as well as direction.  The goal provides both direction and motivation essential to achieving it.  So to succeed where others fail, define YOUR GOAL, write it down in as clear terms as possible.  Write consequences to achieving it vs not achieving it and what it will mean to do both.  Meditate on those things.  Create strong imagery by putting pictures up of what you want and/or what you don't want.  Surround yourself with the things that support that goal, and remove those that do not.

It's not what is going on with your outside body, it is what is going on INSIDE that matters most.  Your psychology, your mind is what drives you.  You must start harnessing it's power so it can direct your body and life in the direction you need.

Now you are on your way.  Focus on the journey and not the destination.  It's a lifestyle.

You can do it!

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iLoveKickboxingPhoenix.com How To Succeed in Fitness Where Others Fail

How To Succeed Where Others Fail in Fitness
Part 1 of 5

Over the past 25 years of training thousands of people to be stronger in mind, body and spirit, I've learned my share of lessons.  Many of those lessons were learned from making mistakes, and others from from successes.  What I've learned I would like to share with you so that you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, strong mind and body for life.

I'm sure you've seen many other people lose weight, get fit or do something transformational for a time.  However, you have probably also noticed that it rarely lasts. Nearly everyone who starts a diet, new workout or the latest greatest "thing" reverts back, gains the weight again and is once again struggling.  Why?

My answer is based on studying both the yo-yo group who go on and off programs, changing with the winds and whims (from Grapefruit diets, Atkins, various workout equipment and so on) to the long term highly successful - the truly healthy group.  The difference comes down to the next four elements I will share with you.

I'm a big believer that when you really want something you will have it.  The key is determining if you really want it then getting absolutely clear and congruent on that goal at a deep level.  I'll reveal the important components to that in the next article.  For now I would encourage you to take some action for your health and fitness by checking out iLoveKickboxingPhoenix.com.  It will change your life.

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