Group fitness ideas

The ratings winner that is "The Biggest Loser" series has spawned a healthy new social trend – groups of people vowing to lose weight together. Numerous studies have shown that one of the most important factors in sustained weight loss is support, so why not get your friends or workmates together and get on each others’ cases? You’ll all win!
I was reading the Fernwood Magazine and for all those members or potential members they are having a 12 week "war on the waistlines" challenge which starts nationally on Feb 4th. These types of motivating group weight loss challenges can be just the catalyst that you need to get you on a positive track. I am sure if you googled "group fitness challenges" or similar wording you will find something in your neighbourhood.

Tips to stay fit in 2008

Helpful advice from eight high-profile fitness enthusiasts: I really like some of these suggestions compiled by Cary Castagna

It's mid-January and chances are you've already broken your New Year's health and fitness resolutions - if you made any.
I feel your pain. My resolution to eat healthier was crushed on the afternoon of Jan. 2 with a sugary binge. Curse those Cadbury Mini Eggs! Sigh.
Well, there's no sense in waiting until Jan. 1, 2009 to start over. We've got to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get back at it immediately.
I'm no expert myself. But luckily, I've managed to glean countless words of wisdom over the past few years while interviewing health-conscious subjects for this column.
Here's a compilation of some of the best advice from eight high-profile fitness enthusiasts. Just call it the top eight for '08.
BE CONSISTENT
For WWE wrestler and movie star John Cena, it's all about being consistent in the gym.
"A lot of people get focused for a month or two months and then just screw off. And then they wonder why they don't get results," he tells me.
"I've been training since I was 13, straight up. I don't miss. You know what I'm saying? I've been lucky enough to get results. At the same time, I bust ass. And I can tell anybody out there that if they get in the gym (on a consistent basis) ... they're going to see results. I don't care what program or what diet they're doing."
Cena, who weighs a chiselled 240 pounds at six-foot-one, says it helps to do something you enjoy.
"If you don't like being in a gym, find something else to do. Walk, run, play hoops, do something, but stay active because it adds years to your life."
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Although she could afford the fanciest workout machines with her sky-high earnings on the LPGA Tour, reigning queen of golf Lorena Ochoa prefers a basic workout regimen that includes explosive-type barbell and dumbbell exercises for high reps with a moderate amount of weight.
"I don't need anything fancy," explains the 26-year-old, who also performs basic ab and stretching exercises.
DON'T MAKE EXCUSES
Fashion magnate Peter Nygard is a busy man, but he always makes time for his workouts
"My body craves it," he says. "I feel guilty if I don't do it."
The founder and chairman of Nygard International, one of the largest women's clothing manufacturers and suppliers in the world, set up a company tennis club for his employees.
"I play every Wednesday," he says. "I'm always there. Some of the other people find an excuse - they're too busy. I never use that excuse, even though I'm the busiest."
MIX IT UP
Edmonton model Leanne Lemire doesn't let her fitness routine get stale.
"I try to change it up. I get bored otherwise," she says, explaining she also likes to routinely vary her training sessions to ensure that her five-foot-four, 113-pound body never gets acclimatized to a particular workout.
START YOUR DAY RIGHT
Rock icon Randy Bachman, who dropped 145 pounds several years ago, likes to kick-start his metabolism with some cardio first thing in the morning.
The 64-year-old Guess Who veteran and founder of Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) typically begins his day at 7 a.m. with a 90-minute ride on an exercise bike.
"That burns off anything your body has stored," he says.
TRY THE TREADMILL
Alberta Health Minister Dave Hancock, who has shed more than 75 pounds over the past year, says there's no denying that the treadmill is the king of the cardio equipment.
"Once you turn it on, it goes and you have to go with it. All the other machines, you have to make them work," he says with a laugh. "With the treadmill, you have to make a conscious decision to stop."
SCHEDULE A BREAK
It's not advisable to work out seven days a week. Nor is it wise to perform intense physical activity over a prolonged period of time without some scheduled rest and relaxation.
Pittsburgh Penguins tough guy Georges Laraque usually gives his rundown body about three weeks to recuperate in the offseason.
"Once the season is over, you have to take a break," says the former Oiler.
KNOW WHAT YOU'RE EATING
Environmentalist David Suzuki, 71, opts for mostly organic foods and locally grown fruits and veggies when they're in season.
"People have to realize that their health is directly related to what they put in their body," the buff senior citizen explains.
"It's not enough to say, 'How much is it?' You've got to ask, 'Where did it come from? Is it organic? What chemicals are in it?' You've got to make decisions on an informed basis."
All good advice indeed.
And remember, keeping fit - much like life itself - is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the journey.

Purchasing Nutrient Secrets bars

I have been getting heaps of emails from people wanting to know where they can purchase on line our newly launched range of bars Nutrient Secrets. They are available from http://www.thefitnesssolution.com.au/ and also http://www.vitaminme.com.au/ There are other countries selling Nutrient Secrets (Singapore, New Zealand and China) but for those in Australia they will also be available from retail outlets very soon (they are currently available from Pulse Pharmacies in Vic and NSW). For those who don't know about these new innovative bars they are almost exact 40-40-20 ratios for protein, carb and fat, size 28g, gluten free, with added flaxseed (omega 3,) and are a very handy snack to keep the edge off your appetite without the guilt but with the added nutrients.

Keep Your 2008 New Year resolutions

Happy New Year! This past week I've had an opportunity to reflect on my life over the past year and have recognized how truly fortunate I am. I have a wonderful family, great friends, a fun business to work in each day, and I get to spend our time with great people like you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your friendship and support in 2007...I look forward to growing our friendship and supporting your health and weight goals even more in 2008.
And speaking of 2008...With every turn of a new year many of us set resolutions in a spirit of creating a positive new habit or ending an old, potentially harmful one. And most resolutions center on enhancing health, losing weight or improving fitness. Although success in creating a new lifestyle habit is absolutely possible, many resolutions are abandoned well before the goal is achieved.
And as you already know, regular exercise and consuming quality nutrition offers unlimited benefits - improved sleep and relaxation, reduction in stress, elevated mood, better performance during work and play, enhanced self confidence, increased energy and enthusiasm for life, weight management and a general sense of well being. All it takes is getting started and being consistent, then often a positive momentum takes over.
So today, I offer the 3 critical steps that, in my experience, determines the long term success of implementing a new fitness lifestyle or resolution. 1. Use the power of "WHY?" Unless you know "Why?" you desire to embark upon a new habit of exercising and eating right, it is too easy to quit once the "voices" inside your head begin to tell you that you can't. Write down and embellish on your top 3 reasons why YOU want to get fit, improve your health, energy and vitality. Review your reasons every day to remind yourself of the powerful reasons you're enhancing your lifestyle.
2. Set realistic goals! The common mentality, especially when it comes to fitness and weight loss, seems to be "all or nothing". Instead of saying I'm going to lose 10 kilos in 14 days, set obtainable goals. Authorities agree that 1/2 to 1 kg is all someone can permanently lose in a week. Aim for 3-4kg per month and you won't set yourself up for failure.
3. Make it Fun! Let's face it, if we hate the fitness or weight loss program we're on we just won't stick to it, no matter how hard we try. Find a program that you enjoy - there are unlimited options out there. If you enjoy the social aspect of exercise, then join a group program such as a boot camp. If you enjoy playing sports, find an adult sports league. If you like hiking, join a hiking group. Remember what it was like to be a kid - you could ride your bicycle 6 km round trip to your favorite playground or run around with your best friend all day long. Act like a kid with your fitness, find something you enjoy and the benefits will follow!
Write down your reasons WHY you want to get fit, set goals that are achievable and make sure you find a fitness routine that is fun! When you follow these keys, success in achieving your 2008 fitness resolution becomes significantly greater.