If you haven’t been strength training add resistance to your workouts, try a different cardio program or order a new fat burning DVD. Remember, your appearance is a consequence of fitness. By continuing to be motivated and work toward “new types” of performance goals your body will change and you will feel stronger. When you change your goals from visual to performance based exercising will become more exciting and offer a new energy. There are many challenging exercise programs or activities instead of the traditional treadmill or elliptical. If you have been walking try running, if you have been running try cycling, mountain climbing, karate, basketball, swimming, chair exercising, dancing etc. Always try to top your previous best. There is a whole new world  of exercise challenges waiting for you to explore.  Go find it.

Daryl Madison

BUT NOT WHAT? Do you continue trying to lose more weight? Do you keep doing what you have been doing? Can you finally, finally cut back and just enjoy the moment. Enjoy the “new you” and take a couple of days off. Don’t you deserve it? To let your hair down. A couple more late night snacks, a few extra beers. The fat burning DVD can wait until tomorrow, the gym off days become the off week and you really would rather buy some clothes for the new you instead of spending it on the drill sergeant personal trainer.

WHAT’S HAPPENING? You are becoming complacent because of your achievements rather than realizing “chasing” the achievement is what gave you the desire of the “eye of the tiger”. So what do you do? Go back to the basics. Push harder than before. Set some new goals. It’s easier to push yourself when working toward a goal than when you are at the goal. Always appreciate reaching the goal but never become satisfied. So, now, right now, go write down some more mountains to conquer and some more races to win and to continue looking for the never ending finish line. (for more exercise tips go to www.chairacise.com ).

Daryl Madison

However, you may feel like you want  people around to revel in your pain or perhaps for motivation. You may not have the space or money for a home gym so a gym may be your best option. There are several things to consider when choosing a gym before going to the closest one (gym) and signing up. Decide what you are looking for. Sit down,  take a few moments and write a list of what’s important to you. What do you want, must have and what is optional? Below are some things to consider when making this decision.

1. Equipment= Is the equipment mainly for strength training, cardio or both. Are there enough machines or will it be a long waiting period?  Is there a time limit on how long you can use the cardio machines (some gyms 30 minute max and others unlimited)?

2. Amenities= Are showers  available and if so how many? Are the restrooms and locker rooms clean? Do you have to bring your own towel, soap, lotion, etc.? Do they have a steam room, Jacuzzi, sauna, pool, tanning bed, etc.?

3. Rules= What is the dress code? Can you wear fragrances, cologne? Are kids allowed and if so what age can they participate in gym activities?

4. Child care= is child care offered and if so what are the hours? Does the hours correlate with your workout time? How safe is the child care service?

These are just a few of the many things to consider before you sign on the dotted line. Part 2 will cover additional important considerations. Stay tuned.

Well, life is short so don’t spend time doing exercises you hate. If you are not a fan of hardcore training like P90x or Insanity don’t do it (although I really enjoy both of them). If you don’t want to or like standing get a quick weight loss program such as Chair-A-Cise which allows you to sit but gives you the same results as standing exercise programs. I personally don’t like running so I would not join a running team or begin a program which includes a lot of running. I like strength training and boot-camp style workouts so I don’t do aerobic classes. If you don’t like gyms buy a fat burning DVD or hire a personal trainer. If you don’t like lifting weights do body-weight exercises (push-ups, squats, etc.).

You must think outside the box. There are boatloads of exercise programs available. You just have to decide what works for you and be willing to experiment and invest time learning about different programs. Good luck. (For more information regarding weight loss exercise plans visit www.chairacise.com).

chairacise

Young or middle aged adult should choose a program which is challenging. You don’t want to simply go through the motions and just exercise to get your kids moving. Since you are exercising anyway might as well get the full benefit. Your energy will be contagious. The more effort you put into it the harder your kids will work. You must set the tone and example.  Choosing a program fun for kids and  which you look forward to is a win, win for everybody.

Lastly for older adults or grandparents the program has to provide safety. Older adult ligaments, tendons and joints are not as strong and more susceptible to injury so programs with sudden side to side or back and forth movements may put them at risk. Also, standing for long periods of time may be uncomfortable.

So what program incorporates fun for kids, a challenge for adults and is safe for seniors? Chair-A-Cise, a chair exercise 7 DVD program which has many of the most popular standing strength and cardio movements for the younger and middle-aged adults, however, the chair allows seniors to exercise with comfort without risking injury and lastly kids  are already use to sitting down at school so they are familiar with the most important part of the program (sitting).  Tell them its a game and see can they keep up with the younger or middle age adults or perhaps even the grandparents.(For more information visit www.chairacise.com ).

Daryl Madison

Twenty five years ago Denise Austin and Jane Fonda workouts were the number one fitness programs. Ten years ago it was Billy Blanks, Tae-bo. Before Blanks who would have thought a karate workout with people dressed in military attire would be a great idea. After Blanks did you think it could get any more intense. Well today there is Insanity with Shawn T and P90X with Tony Hornton. Just as time will continue to pass tomorrow there will be somebody else with another innovative fitness program.

Well times have also changed with chair exercising. Sure you still have some of the slow paced DVDs with movements to just keep you active. However, now chair exercise workouts such as Chair-A-Cise are now focused on weight loss by incorporating moderate to intense cardio, aerobics and strength training. Chair exercise programs have become innovative to include many of the most popular standing exercises. The tempo of the music and exercises are also identical to standing workouts. The popularity of fast paced chair programs is growing in interest  from kids, to younger and middle aged adults. Additionally  you have “super seniors”,  those who were very active years ago (perhaps doing tae-bo) but still desire a program which is challenging and intense but with simple movements and is effective. So come on and jump on the bandwagon or should I say have a seat and give it a try. (For more information on chair exercise weight loss programs visit www.chairacise.com ).

Daryl Madison

Don’t allow yourself to make the same mistake many others have made. People have died prematurely or have a poor quality of health because they have not and are presently refusing to make better decisions. You don’t have to be sickly,overweight, lacking energy and vitality. You can have delicious healthy foods and be healthy and fit. You see your family and friends are counting on you. We are only here (on earth) for a short time. Allow them (family and friends) to spend as much quality time with you as possible. Don’t cheat your kid who is counting on your guidance and direction to mold them into a great adult by having a  deadly heart attack which could have been avoided. Don’t put the unnecessary burden on your spouse of taking care of you because of your disabilities due to a stroke which did not have to happen. Just something to think about. Well, live long and healthy. (For more information visit www.chairacise.com).

When its time to exercise she is in the front of the class wanting those young tenders to know she is still” holding it down”. Actually she is “showboating”. Looking from the back of the class her shape and energy blends in with the group. She knows the ladies behind her are whispering and wondering how is she doing it. There are some, perhaps many, who can not keep up with her. She refuses to believe she must let her health deteriorate and become overweight like most of her friends. So here is a pat on the back to you miss 45 plus. Keep up the good work and I will see you in bootcamp class tomorrow. (For more fitness articles visit www.chairacise.com).

This is where strength training comes in. I know women you don’t want to look bulky and like a man. Most women who strength train are not competing in bodybuilding competitions but just trying to improve their appearance. How many of the women you know who strength train look like the Incredible Hulk?

So, here are a few tips to give you strength and curves.

1. Train with volume= using very light weight is not beneficial  because it’s not challenging the muscles. Basically you are just going through the motions wasting valuable time and effort. Do approximately 40- 50 repetitions for each muscle group 2-3 times a week. This can be incorporated into your cardio routine like in the Chair-A-Cise videos or done separately.

2. Fatigue the muscle= weight train close to failure with a weight you can lift 10-15 times. If the muscle you are working feels the same on repetition 15 as it did for repetitions 1-5 you need to challenge yourself by adding more weight.

3, Lastly, change your strength training program consistently every 3-4 weeks. Your body quickly adapts to the same program, therefore decreasing the benefit so always keep it (body) guessing and wondering what’s going on not okay its the same ole, same ole.

So, in conclusion be sure to add some strength training to your exercise program. I suggest instead of making up your own program you get a proven plan from a personal trainer, magazine or DVD such as Chair-A-Cise Strength Training.

We will go with “yes” first. Many people have to see results quickly  to stay motivated. If they see the pounds dropping fast it encourages them to continue and puts them on course to reaching their fitness goals. Each day they gain determination to keep going. Once “the pill” is finished they will do what it takes to keep the weight off. Eating right–no problem, exercising—-bring it on. This is their time and they are ready to take the bull by the horns. “The pill” was the jump-start they needed.

The answer is “no” when you realize no pill = no weight loss. Now you are at a crossroads. You figure out you can not take “the pill” the rest of your life and you have not developed and are not immediately willing to develop a lifestyle change (eating and exercise). You are slowly creeping back to the “before pill” picture and mentally you feel you have to have it (pill) to succeed. This can be a devastating and depressing realization when it seems “the pill” was only a temporary band aid and now all the effort and perhaps money involved seems like a big waste of time. You crave the compliments and the extra glances in the mirror but you know deep inside you are not willing to put in the work to do it the traditional way, watching what you eat, getting up early, hire a personal trainer or put in your favorite Chair-A-Cise weight loss DVD.  So, what’s next? Another “pill” of course. (For more weight loss information visit www.chairacise.com)