Rants & Raves

How did two-time DWTS (Dancing with the Stars) champion Cheryl Burke go from plumpin' to pumpin'? And why do the tabloids always do "that"? You might recall that she was in some hot water last year after the tabloids picked up that she "packed" on what was rumoured to be five pounds(although unconfirmed). She went on a campaign to defend the modern shapely woman, who has other things to do other than dance for 6-8 hours a day - which is what she does while she is in taping for the show. This season, the buzz is that a slimmer Cheryl has really caught the attention of not only the viewers and the tabloids, but also the other contestants. And now you, yes YOU, can catch the Cheryl craze by buying her new fitness dvd, aptly titled "Disco Abs" which is in no way cheesy or makes her a sellout whatsoever to the principles she previously espoused. Sounds like Cheryl needs to get back down to her roots and just be...herself.

***
I love coffee. It is warm. It smells good. I like to watch it snow against the backdrop of the woods while I sip my hot coffee in the early morning. You ask, "Why do you drink coffee, isn't it bad for you?" I tell you, "Shut your mouth and worry about yourself. Don't you have some cardio to do or some weights to lift?"

BTW - I'm just kidding. I just wanted to see if you were awake. Ah-ha! You need some coffee! ;)

***
Many of you may have heard that Larry Miller, owner of the Utah Jazz - one of the most successful NBA franchises in history - passed away this week at the age of 64 due to complications suffered from type II diabetes. Now, I'm not trying to be insensitive here, but for those of you who have high blood sugar or are diabetic - take one look at poor Larry during the last years of his life and ask yourself if you really want to end up like him. He may have been highly successful in his career and made a lot of money, but he certainly wasn't rich as far as his health was concerned. One has to ask how much of his health problems could have been prevented by a simple diet and exercise program had he started one years ago. Unfortunately, he'll never know what how that could have changed his outcome.

***
So I just returned from a three-day fitness conference in DC this weekend and I was reminded that those of us like myself who work in the fitness industry are all just like our clients, which is something we tend to forget sometimes. Don't let our physiques, fancy degrees or certifications fool you - we eat all kinds of food, struggle with certain exercises, suffer from injuries and have an occasional beer too. And that's ok. We have our own neuroses from being in this industry, and we need to get over it! Great conference though, learned a lot, met some terrific people. ;)

***
Good news for those of you who HATE winter(like me!). We have exactly 5 days left of February before March, and March means Spring (Algebra class, remember? A=B, B=C). That means fewer excuses for not getting out and doing some exercise. Just 15 minutes outside walking around the block will not only help you burn calories, but lift your mood as well.

***
I challenge you this week to do something exceptional with your fitness. Can't do a pullup? Make this the week that you do one by breaking the exercise down into it's components. Never been much of a runner but always wanted to? Find out how to start a simple beginner's running program - and get fitted for a great running shoe. Welcome. YOU are now an athlete. Has arthritis prevented you from doing the things you enjoy? Don't let it stop you any longer - research how a sound exercise and flexibility program can help you recover lost range of motion, muscular strength and endurance and discover what it means to LIVE!

***