When it comes to Fitness, and the challenge to get your body in better physical condition, it can be a bit of a task. Many of us lead such busy lives, and often our physical health is put on the back burner. The majority of Adults lack a daily, or weekly or even a monthly exercise routine. Another factor that plays a big part in how healthy we are, is of course, what we eat. The road to navigating our bodies to better health doesn’t have to feel insurmountable, if we keep it simple. Today, this is going to be a short lesson for people are already working out. People who are a little bit more advanced than a beginner. Perfect for indivuals who have a gym membership, but are lost when it come to lifting weights.
The movements are basic, and you should already have a general knowledge of how to perform them safely.

Hollywood Film Producer and Director Blake Edwards directed a movie in 1979, called “10”. This romantic comedy starred, Actor Dudley Moore who played a middle-age man, who was captured by a stranger’s beauty. This beauty was Bo Derek. She was so beautiful, on a scale of 1-10, she was a “10”. Now, this is a Hollywood story, and when this box office hit played, the Actress Bo Derek was only 18 years old. Well, it easy to have firm skin, and be beautiful, when you are only 18 years old.

Bo Derek, was born in 1956, in my opinion, is still a “10”, She maintains her looks by maintaining a vegetarian diet, and rides horses everyday on her ranch in California. I certainly do not consider myself a “10”, but I do get complimented quite often. I secretly admit to myself that I believe I owe some of my beauty to genetics and nature.

My favorite author, Vincent Van Gogh once said, “If you truly love nature, then you will find beauty everywhere”. I would add, If you truly love nature, nature will love you. I truly love nature. A hike through a park or a nature trail. Getting out in the flower garden, or swimming at the beach, all play a big part in our beauty. Timeless beauty, Bo Derek takes advantage of nature.

I do not have horses like Bo Derek does, but I put together my top 5 simple and more practical things that anyone can do. It is a combination of nutrition and nature.

1. Take advantage of the free stuff. The sunshine, water, and the fresh air that we breathe. I do yoga outside in the sun. I take lots of deep breaths to get plenty of oxygen in my lungs.

2. Water, flush, and fiber. We learn in elementary school that up to 70% of our bodies is made up of water. This means that our bodies love water, we need water, our bodies thirst for water. I’m always amazed when people tell me that they do not drink any water at all, all day. A great way to flush out toxins is to drink lots of water and green tea. Green tea has poly phenols. These anti-oxidants found in green tea possess anti-inflammatory properties. It can even improve the appearance in your face and skin. When I drink green tea, it also seems to curve my appetite.

3. It is good practice to introduce trace minerals into your diet. One stand out nutrient is selenium. I eat one average size Brazil nut a day. You only need about 70 micro grams of selenium daily. Experts say that this will help delay the age-related break-down of the skins muscles and cells.

4. Weight-lifting is not just for the younger crowd. Gerontologist that study aging have discovered muscles built after the age of 40 and 50 help keep bones strong. In addition, building muscle after the age of 40, can help your self-esteem. The better you look, the better you feel.

5. Enjoy life and smile. By keeping a positive attitude, I have found makes the day brighter. So, get out into the sunshine, drink water, eats some nuts, lift some light weights, and enjoy.

Walking is a totally free and very easy exercise to do. It can be done almost everywhere, at anytime. Walking daily seems like a little thing to do, but the benefits are huge. It’s not only effective way to lower your weight, it improves your overall health. People who are physically active their entire life are less prone to certain diseases like dementia and or Alzheimer’s, because walking adds more volume to the hippocampus part of the brain. The part that is responsible to verbal memory and learning. By walking for just 30 minutes a day can help avoid serious conditions down the road like, heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels. Better muscle tone and with loss are also achievable. That means you will look better. The National Arthritis Foundation has found that walking can help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Building strong bones will also help to prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone loss. Here are a few other benefits of walking: It has a Brain-boosting effect, improves eyesight, improves digestion, a calmer mind, increases oxygen flow in the bloodstream and helps eliminate toxins and waste. Now that it’s spring, get out there folks, walk everyday and extend your life!!

Are you planning to participate in a 5K or Marathon this year? What about a CrossFit competition or Bodybuilding Contest. By planning to participate in a sporting event at your vacation destination, it will inspire and motivate you to stay on your fitness path. Years ago, I used to compete in Bodybuilding and Power-lifting contest. We would always pick a date, train and prepare to travel to a beautiful destination. Like Florida or Hawaii. I lived in Texas at the time, and there is no beach in Dallas. The excitement of the contest ahead, plus the reward of a vacation on the end of the trip. Here is a great example. I plan to attend this event. Star Wars Half Marathon. April 19-22. You can also register for a 5K or 10K. This is the link for all of the information. Very big event, there is even a Disney Health & Fitness Expo. Here is the official link. Run Disney, click Here.. You will also need accommodations.No need to break the bank, search Stephens Travel for Westgate Resorts Package Discounts. Save up to 70% off.Go now and save for your Vacation.

In just a matter of weeks, we will begin to come out of our winter wear. Soon after that, no more over-sized sweat shirts and sweaters to cover up with. We must have a plan. So lets start getting our bodies in shape, so we will be ready for our shorts, tanks, and swim-suits.
Here’s the plan.Get Physical!. If you do not belong to a gym or workout facility, that’s ok. You can improve the shape of your body, lose inches, and regain your health just by walking. You can start today. If you need a little help with those hunger attacks, I can recommend a few products. a website called Changing The Future Outcome (CTFO)has a one of a kind line of products that will surely assist in your wellness journey. Click Here to check out the site.

I consult with people all of the time that tell me that no matter what they do,  they simply can not lose weight. They list the diets they have tried, and all of the exercise regimens they have done. Nothing seems to work. In my own experiences, Here are 4 factors to consider about our Digestive System, that could play a role in your attempts tho lose weight. Plus, they could most certainly hamper your progress.. # 1. Our Digestive System is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and feed the body.. If you are consuming large amounts of food preservatives, our systems are not designed to fully breakdown foods that are processed with preservatives. This includes fast foods, boxed foods,  cured meats and can foods. A good idea is to eat digestive enzymes like amylase, bromelain, before every meal. #2. Candida is yeast that lives in our digestive tract. Sugar feeds candida. Taking Probiotics is adding good bacteria, that will help your system. #3. Over-Eating. Excess foods that is not digested, will turn into fat. Period.
#4. EGCG- Epigallocatechin gallate -Green Tea. I know you have heard this so many times, but it is true. EGCG, the most abundant catechin in tea, is a polyphenol under basic research for its potential to affect human health and disease. Green Tea extract helps to digest foods. It’s a good practice to drink before exercise and at night before bed. By following these basic practices will get you started on the road to a more efficient digestive system, that will lead to you shedding some pounds and feeling better.

If You are like me, I have eaten way too much. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the past 30 days have been brutal on my exercise and workout regimen. In fact, the staff at the Gym can barely recognize me. Turkey, dressing, cakes, cookies,gravy, cranberry sauce, oh my goodness. I’m beginning to work myself out of this black hole. Today, I can get back to the gym, and start to get back on track.

It’s that time of the year again, when Dieting and portion control is simply out of the window! I have the perfect solution. Garcinia Cambogia is the answer. I have been successfully taking the supplement for over a year. It has worked amazingly. What is Garcinia Cambogia you ask, and is it safe. This product is a flowery evergreen tree grown in Asia. According to The AHA it appears to be safe to when taken correct.The fruit is yellow and oval. It resembles a small pumpkin. The peel (rind) used for spice and medicine. The active constituent in this herb is called hydroxycitric acid or HCA. It shown to assist with weight loss through appetite suppression and reducing the body’s ability to form fatty tissue. The recommendation I’d dosage is between 300-500 mg 3 times day. Taken 1/2 hour before a meal. Garcinia Cambogia does have contraindications with certain medications. Very important to discuss usage with your health care professional.

I participated in The Power-Lifting and Bench Press, got 2 Gold medals.Shown here are my new friends. I credit AdvoCare for fueling me with the best products around.

This annual event is around the corner, and entry deadline is approaching quickly. The Jacksonville, Florida Senior Games are held to promote and encourage healthy and active lifestyles for men and women over the age of 50. The games are designed for seasoned athletes to take part in a variety of sports at a competitive level or novice level. These games also offers the opportunity for Seniors to develop new friendships and meet others who are interested in some of the same activities. The Forever Fit 50 & Beyond Games are sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation, and is a qualified for this years Florida State Senior Games. For more information call City of Jacksonville Office of Special events for Seniors. (904)630-7392 or email:jaxsenior@coj.net.