How to do squats

Allow me to introduce the first of (hopefully) a long line of videos showing the correct way to do certain exercises! It's a first so don't judge it too harshly because they can only get better from here.

Drive what? Where?

So whatever you want to call it...motivation, drive...whatever...you all know we need it to get anywhere, not just in fitness but in life. I'm usually pretty driven to go to gym but this week has been an exception and I'm not entirely sure why. It's now Sunday and I only went to the gym twice this week. I was going to go a 3rd time this morning but...I dunno, it sounded really windy outside and leaving my bed just seemed like a really really bad idea. Thats right people, this morning I lacked the drive to go to gym *gasp*

Now I shouldn't beat myself up too much I mean I still did do 2 really great workouts this week. So what I need to ask myself is 'How will I make sure this wont happen again next week?'

Step 1: Look at pictures of Nick Beyeler

'marry me'

Step 2: Review this week

K let's see what factors played into my fitness downfall this week!

1. Spent too much time looking at pictures of Nick Beyeler online.

2. Took an aerobics class same day as workout and that exhausted me so I took an extra day off

3. Was feeling kinda sickly on thursday/friday

Step 3: Plan ahead!

Take a look at the week ahead. Decide if either the morning or evening works best for me. Do I have anything else besides work planned for the week? (I hope so, geez) Figure out which days I can go to the gym and which I cant. These days wont necessarily be the same every week (even though most people try to make it so they are) because stuff comes up all the time and when it does I need to adapt my gym schedule accordingly!

Step 4: Dont be lazy!

This isn't really a step actually it's a more of a command. I just have to push myself a little bit extra on days where I'm feeling less 'inclined' to go work out; but not beat myself up too much if I don't go to gym...you wont accomplish anything by making yourself feel like shit.

Come to think of it I think a weekly review of my gym activities could be interesting for a Sunday post...Ross' weekly review...yeeeah thats what I'll call it...wicked!

Music make you lose control

I dont know about you guys but for me music is the best workout partner there is. I need music at the gym soo badly that I have skipped entire workouts because I had forgotten my ipod at home (one could argue that I was just looking for an excuse to be lazy and not workout, but that's besides the point...asshole).

My musical choices vary greatly as well...like if I don't want anyone to talk to me that day I'll listen to Rammstien at an obnoxiously loud volume so everyone around me will think I'm batshit insane and not to be messed with. On more upbeat days I'll listen techno...actually on every day besides antisocial days I'll listen to techno...yeah, I love techno. Techno keeps a steady yet fast beat which I find is perfect for cardio and even weight training.

I once tried listening to Tori Amos while on the tredmill...after my 15 minutes were up I left the tredmill crying and the person who was next in line for the machine opted not to use the tredmill of despair and went on the stairmaster instead...GOOD ON YOU!

Working out is a great feeling and the music you listen to should only amplify those positive feelings. So be picky about what you throw on your workout play list...you may love Sinead O'connor while sitting on your computer, taking the metro or bus or whatever, but will you still like her while running on a tredmill or lifting weights? THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE!

So, happy training!

My throat is sore!

Sorry life its time to put you on hold because god lord does my throat hurt!
It all started yesterday evening when I noticed that my throat had become 'itchy'. Went to bed...woke up around 6am and WHAM my throat was on fire and I felt uber congested...you know when it feels like you went sleep walking, but instead of sleep walking you actually went sleep bang your head against a brick wall over and overing?

So, Im not one of those people who let things 'run their course' no no, I want to stop feeling like shit and fast! So today I spent most of my day checking out some home remidies for a sore throat since I'm not really into medications for small things. I came across a few, most terrified me but some sounded more feesible than others...heres some of them:

• Just like mom used to say, gargle with salt water (½ tsp. mixed with 4 oz warm water) every few hours or as needed.

• Mix a cup of warm water, 2 tsp. honey and the juice of one lemon (or several teaspoons) and sip

• Mixing white vinegar, water, salt and crushed vitamin C together, gargle
  

• Others swear by gargling with chili pepper (yes, chili pepper!) Capsaicin, the ingredient in chili pepper that makes them hot, also numbs the throat. Mix ½ tsp. dried chili or cayenne pepper in a few ounces of water and gargle.

I tried the first one...mostly because it mentions moms and anything moms say is usually right...right? So...wish me luck everyone, hopefully I feel great tomorrow and can resume my life!

The C word

ok, wow...should maybe have re thought this posts title but whatever! I'm all about pushing boundaries!

By C word I mean...CARDIO! Cardio is a harsh mistress...treat her well and she will treat you well, but if you ignore her you'll pay...good lord will you pay.
I'm quite guilty of this because for the longest time I hated cardio...hated it with a passion. I tried everything to make it more entertaining..I loaded my ipod with my favorite music...didn't work. I then loaded my ipod with family guy episodes thinking that if I'm distracted enough, I wouldn't realize I was actually doing cardio; this also didn't work, its hard to ignore the fact you're running, cycling, climbing stairs or whatever the hell else it is you do for cardio. Oh, I also became a cardio machine whore; I would jump from one machine to another each 10 minutes much like I do with men in clubs after a few drinks.

Now I know better, and you should too! Cardio has soo many benifits and no real workout is complete with out it. What are some of the benifits of cardio you ask? Really? you have no idea what the benefits of cardio are? really? ok then! Heres a few:

• Weight loss
• Stronger heart and lungs
• Increased bone density
• Reduced stress
• Reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer
• Temporary relief from depression and anxiety
• More confidence about how you feel and how you look
• Better sleep
• More energy

So essentially if you don't do cardio you're going to DIE.

So now that I've scared you it's important to chose an cardio activity that you'll actually enjoy and do often. What are some cardio activities out there? really? are we doing the list thing again? FINE:

• Running
• Walking
• Cycling
• Cross Country Skiing
• Elliptical Trainer
• Swimming
• Rowing

Theres soo many to chose from its guaranteed if you look you'll find one that appeals to you.

So go out there and do some cardio people!

Blogging for fitness!

Hello all you fitness nuts!

So, some of you may be thinking 'my god, hes gone from facebook to blogging'...yes its true I am slowly taking over all forms of internet media! You cant escape it, so you might as well enjoy the ride! And as far as rides go, this ones a blast! Why is it a blast you ask? Because this rides all about you! No, its not like a you version of its a small world after all featuring small mini you robots singing about you things (which would be pretty awesome I think) but more realistically its about you and your health. Can you think of something more relevant? I KNOW I CANT!

The goal of this blog is to bring you fitness news, tips, tricks and most importantly inspiration and motivation! So lets do it peeps, lets get this show on the road, lets get those engines turning lets get this blog blogging!

GOD IM SOO EXCITED!