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The 80/20 Principle

I admit.  I've been engrossed in the book, "The 80/20 Principle",by Richard Koch.  In my next post I will give you some extremely helpful tips in integrating the 80/20 principle with your own exercise program.  Your training will never be the same.

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Xenical, Excessive Farting, and Oily Discharge

This sounds like one party I will not be attending.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Early evidence shows labeling proposed to sell GlaxoSmithKline's weight-loss drug Xenical over-the-counter may not lead to safe use, U.S. regulatory staff said in documents released Friday.  Full story.

The report goes on to say that Xenical, also know as Orlistat, was not as effective after 4 months.

So let me get this straight...For 4 months you may have excessive gas, and oliy discharge.  And then what?  You gain the weight back plus you keep the extra farts and discharge?  Sounds like a bad deal to me.

Plus...according to the FDA Xenical can also lead to hepatitis, gallstones and kidney stones.

I think I'll stick to lean meats, fruits, and vegetables to keep the weight off.

Warren Buffet, Fat Zebras, and Fat Monkeys

Warren Buffett, the 2nd richest man in the world, said " the business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective."

Boy, does this ring true with fitness too.  People who try to follow the latest fitness trend often find it more confusing and more frustrating than helpful.  Is all that complexity really working?

I like to think of animals that you find in the wild.  Do you ever see fat zebras?  Or fat monkeys?  No.  Do you think that they have access to gleaming fitness studios with the latest and supposedly the best fitness machines ever created?  Or do they master the latest choreography to stay lean?

So how does this "animal stuff" apply to you?  What I'm saying is that just get moving.  Start simply with some push ups and some squats.  Find the resources on the web, in a book, DVD, or find a capable personal trainer.  Just get going!

I was Reading Something That Tom Peters Said...

and boy does it apply to working out.  Peters mentions that "the job is not done until implementation is 100% complete.  Those who don't get it must go!  Do-er's will reign."

How true.  There are no magic pills, or new fitness routines or equipment that will bring about miracle results.

You need to show up, train, eat reasonably, and spend adequate time recovering from your training.

Right now I am teaching a group of 9 women in my fitness bootcamp.  This is a camp where the ladies participate in various drills, calisthenics, weight training, and cardiovascular activities.

They are getting their butts out of bed at 5 in the morning and getting the job done.  And that's what it takes.  Not talking about, or complaining, or "if blah, blah,blah, or some day I should do that.  No, they are showing up, putting in the work, and it will pay off.

Keep it up ladies...I'm proud of you!

What is That "aff"?

I use the "aff." abbreviation to let you know that I am an affiliate of that site or program, and that I do make a very small commission for putting up their link.

I also want to make it very clear that I have never nor will I ever promote or link to a site or program for which I have never personally used.

Your health is very important to me, and I would never recommend a product or site, just to make a buck.  You have my word.

Which Diet Should I Follow to Lose Weight?

As a certified personal trainer I am not advised nor am I trained to give clients a prescribed diet.  Only a registered dietitian can do that.  I can make general recommendations though.  I can also suggest sites, and books which I have found helpful to myself and my clients.

I will be posting the books which I have personally used with success in my recommended book section on this blog.

One simple site which is very informative can be found at Nutrition Generator (aff.)  At Nutrition Generator you can plug in what you eat for each meal. Your meal is then compared to the RDA and you receive a grade such as "A", "B", or "C". 

Once again simple, yet very helpful.  I suggest that you try it out just to really see how well you think you are eating.

P.S.  The program was recently rated in the top 3 nutrition programs on the net by Men's Health magazine.

Smart Tips for Exercise from Juan Carlos Santana

I recently read a great excerpt from JC Santana's "Essence of Program Design" book.

First of all I should let you know that I've been following JC's stuff ever since I got certified as a trainer some 12 years ago, and he definitely knows his stuff.

"People sit too much!" 

His answer.  "People need to move more, strengthen, and lose weight."

On the point of nutrition he says...

1.  If it has a label don't eat it.

2. Eat small, and balanced portions 5-6 meals per day, with a little protein, a little carbs, and a little healthy fat.

So...no secrets here.  Just the basics once again!

Check out JC's site.