I believe in working out with a member
of the opposite sex. When weight loss is the what's needed I think we work
harder for a member of the opposite sex as we always have that need to impress
(especially guys). The other aspect of course is that we're trying to make it
fun and once in a while innocent flirting can really make a workout fly by. The
trainer also has to be someone you can admire and respect. So look for someone
who has achieved a fitness level that you would want for yourself. This ensures
the needed level of respect on your part.
Try to find a local boot camp and go ahead and sign up. There's nothing like the
camaraderie that comes from doing something with people who have a similar
interest and the competition is very healthy and growth producing.
Without a doubt this is the most
effective cardio I've ever done. It also brings the benefits of the boot camp in
that you're in a group of people with similar interests and the competition is
with yourself. The instructor sets the pace but you set the intensity level on
the bike so you push yourself. The other aspect of the classes is the instructor
and their taste in music, it can really make the experience more like going to a
club or a concert with your gym buddies.
You will come to a point where you
know you can do anything you put your mind to. Achieving fitness levels you've
always wanted and dreamed of will boost your confidence and you desire to really
experience life. The first real push I challenged myself with was the
Body for life
contest. It's a twelve week program where you have to grow every week in both
strength and in cardio.
You can see my complete listing af all the benefits of this challenge here: my Body for life challenge or you
can buy the book and get started on your challenge by clicking here: Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength
10 minute trainerThe 300is
an awesome workout that really breaks up a normal routine and has elements of
functional training mixed with intense cardio and strength.
Men's health version on video
Coming off the contest I needed another challenge and found the MS 150 ride.
This is an incredible experience where you push yourself and actually help the
less fortunate who have been hit by multiple Sclerosis at the same time. My
trainer, Fabiola and a great friend Moni and my son and the gym owner's husband
all did the ride together and it's an experience I will cherish till my dying
day. The ride is 150 miles from Miami to Key Largo. You ride 75 miles the first
day, then stay in key Largo for the night and ride back the next day. There is a
wonderful party that night in the keys and the comradely of being with 7,000
other cyclists is incredible. I didn't even own a bike when I signed up for this
and actually did it on a mountain bike which a lot of people thought was crazy
but I wanted a challenge.
From that ride I have now become a cyclist and ride my road bike every weekend
on A1A for between 40 and 60 miles and even though I do it over and over again (kinda
like a rut) I love it so much and the weather always adds a twist to keep the
experience unique. I recently learned that my uncle was member of the first
Irish team in the Tour De France in 1965 and he made it back for the next two
years. Must be in my blood ... I hope.
Fitness is like any other industry. It evolves and grows
with new techniques and approaches to fitness that really help break the
monotony and get you out of your fitness ruts. For me the best source for new
approaches comes from the trade journals. I subscribe to
Men's Fitness
and Muscle & Fitness
. These two magazines are very different in their approach to
fitness so I find I can use articles from both to meet different needs. There
are so many publications in the fitness area you are sure to find one that can
help keep you interested and also motivate you and help you to enjoy your
fitness lifestyle.
and 
. These two magazines are very different in their approach to
fitness so I find I can use articles from both to meet different needs. There
are so many publications in the fitness area you are sure to find one that can
help keep you interested and also motivate you and help you to enjoy your
fitness lifestyle.