Take Action Now! by Tim Cork

On a weekly basis, I receive inspirational stories that I absolutely love! This one really hit home with me because I hear so many people putting off what they are most passionate about because they don't feel the timing is right for some reason or another. I've always been a believer of "Just do it!" (one of my favourite advertisements of all time by NIKE)

So whatever you've put off the last week, month, or years, now's the time to get moving and take action!




“Don’t wait. The Time will never be just right”
- Napoleon Hill

Excel, get great or extraordinary at what you love now. Don’t hesitate and don’t wait. Don't put it off...do it now. When we postpone things we put ourselves in the land of regret or on the edge of that territory. Don’t hold back, go all out. Whatever you want to do grab onto it with both hands and ride hard. Too often we wait it out until retirement to enjoy life to the fullest. Do it now and build on it even more when you retire. Travel now, exercise now, eat great foods now, love now, work hard now. Live in the moment and live well. Use your best China now, have a party now, visit your mother now.

Here is a powerful and revealing question. When was the last time you did something for the first time? What was it? Do something totally new, do something totally outside your comfort zone. Do something outrageous. Shock yourself occasionally by doing something you think isn't for you or you are scared of. Scare yourself occasionally.

Dream, set goals and go after what you plan for but also mix it up and step outside what you've planned. Spontaneity is a wonderful gift to give to yourself. Stop being so predictable. Stop being so bloody boring. Outrageous is powerful and memorable and a good educator. What are your limits. Push that edge occasionally.


From Tim Cork, President of Straight A's INC


Stay active and anything is possible!

Low back pain?

The most common complaint I hear from my clients, friends and family is low back pain. So for today's topic, I thought I would highlight an article from one of my favourite websites: Sparkpeople.com.

Your body undergoes so much stress on a daily basis. The last thing your body needs is additional stress caused by improperly lifting, bending, or simply getting out of bed. Simply put, our leg muscles are stronger than our back muscles, so use them! Below are some simple techniques that will help keep your spine healthy:


Getting up from floor: Roll onto your side first, and then push through your hands to come to an upright position. Come to a kneeling position, then place one foot forward on the floor. Place your hands on your forward knee. Use your legs and arms to push yourself to a standing position.


Getting out of bed: Roll onto your side first, and then push through your hands to come to an upright position. Swing legs over the side of the bed and sit up, then use legs and arms to come to a standing position. For individuals with weak abs (such as new mothers or previously sedentary individuals), is important to roll to your side to sit versus pulling yourself straight up, which places a lot of stress on your abdominal muscles.


Doing laundry: Always squat or kneel to get clothes in and out of the dryer. Avoid twisting back and forth from machine to laundry basket. When folding clothes, sit with clothes in front of you, or have them on a surface that allows you to stand up straight.


The guidelines may seem like commonsense, but when you're busy (or just not thinking about it) it's easy to make mistakes here and there. Just because it doesn't hurt now doesn't mean that you aren't causing some damage. Protect your back now to avoid problems in the future.

Time Involved: A couple seconds to think and correct

Body Benefit: Less back pain now and in the future

Stay active and anything is possible!

Portion Control

No matter how much weight you want to lose, portion control will pay a huge factor in getting the results you want. In this day and age, the average serving size has increased tremendously which makes it more challenging for those trying to lose weight.

Here's an article that offers great suggestions on how to eat less!




http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1386


Stay active and anything is possible!

Try a new fitness class this fall!

I'm back and ready to keep you updated on my various adventures! Today I'd like to share with you a new class that I've just fallen in love with. It's challenging, fun, and it stimulates your brain!

This class is called Body Conditioning By Dancers created and taught by Eva Redpath. So what is it exactly?

I consider this class a "boot camp" style class. But what makes her class so unique is that her program is actually choregraphed to music! Who would have thought you could perform push ups, lunges, squats, to the beat and in time to the music? Not to mention, you learn new exercises that only a masochist could create.

But most importantly, what makes her class so unique is that she actually cares that you have the proper form and technique. She has instructors, called the "Form Police" who attend classes to ensure everyone is performing the exercises properly. Modifications are always provided if needed.

If you're curious like me, I've included her website for your review. Trust me, you have to see it to believe it! On her website, she's included a video to give you an idea of what her class entails. But don't be fooled. It may look easy but I've had my butt kicked in 2 of her 6 week sessions so far! I'm now on my 3rd and it's even harder than the first two!

www.evaredpath.com

Hope to see you one of her classes!

Stay active and anything is possible!