Volume 4, Issue 10: October 2003
Table of Contents
The Financial Benefits of Exercise
Message from the President
Finally . . . The TRUTH About Fitness and Weight Loss
Let Go of It
Testimonial
Calorie Saving Tips
"Change can come in either of two important ways: Start behaving positively or stop behaving negatively." - Dr. Phil McGraw
Have you ever thought that if you made as much money as J. Lo or Russell Crowe that you could spend more time exercising? After all, they virtually get paid to exercise to keep their bodies Hollywood ready. Would you exercise more if you got paid to? What if I told you that you can and do get paid to exercise?
Okay, so no one will pay you or I millions to get on the elliptical trainer (darn it). But have you ever thought about the payback that you do receive? Corporations know the financial benefits of exercise and the savvy ones implement corporate fitness programs. These companies have documented results on reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover, reduced health care costs and improved productivity.
If companies reap these benefits, think about how that applies to you as an individual. How much more productive (translate "earn more money") could you be in your business or at work? How much less sick time would you need, that you could put to use in work or even play? How much happier would you be and how much more fun to be around? One company showed a $6.15 return for every $1 it spent on corporate fitness. What could being more fit mean to your pocket book?
You know exercise
can prevent a myriad of diseases, but have you thought about what that
means financially? The premiums for health and life insurance go up dramatically
simply for elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels. With further
deteriorations in health, you might not even be able to get insured. Even
with insurance, co-pays and time spent in doctors' offices add up to big
money out of your pocket. So the next time you think you can't afford
the time to exercise, think again. You can't afford not to!
Message from the President
While I'm writing this, California waits to see who her next Governor will be and as you likely know, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a top contender. The LA Times wrote an article titled "A state where fitness governs?" That got me thinking, what if fitness did govern in more places?
I imagine people being healthier and there is no health care crisis. I imagine people being happier and more self confident - who knows what would happen then?! It's not that I think fitness is a panacea, but I do know it has tremendous benefits (economic, social, personal) on our lives as individuals and I just think how much better life could be as a society if fitness were a priority.
It's kind of like the environment. We each have to do our own part to see the greater good come to fruition. Are you with me?
To your health,
Heather
Lynn Moreno
PeopleFit USA, President
Finally…The
TRUTH About
|
Let Go Of It!
The treadmill hand bar that is. I used to see a lady in the gym put the treadmill at full incline and the speed as high as she could go without running, while holding on to the hand bar the entire time. She had set up a routine she couldn't manage without holding on.
This might seem harmless and one could argue that it helps with balance. On the surface it seems like a good idea. But how do you learn to balance if you never give your body the chance to practice? On top of that, holding on interferes with your natural gait and body alignment resulting in bad posture and the side effects that go along with it.
If that was not enough, you don't burn as many calories because you take the load off of your large lower body muscles. You also create arm and neck tension when holding on, which we all have too much of as it is.
The only time to hold on is to check your heart rate. I actually recommend using a heart rate monitor so there is really no reason to hold on. Put the treadmill (really any machine - I've seen some horrific StairMaster workouts too) at a pace and incline that you can comfortably manage. You can progress yourself to workout out at higher intensities using interval work and other training methods. If you have questions about how best to progress your workouts for maximum benefits, call our office for support. And remember, just let go of it!
PeopleFit USA Works! - Fitness by Phone® Client Testimonial:
Client: Dolores
Ware, Atlanta, GA
Biggest Challenge: Motivation!
Goals: To maintain a fitness program that works.
Her Story: "For years I struggled to maintain a cardiovascular fitness program. I would start a program with good intentions and even be committed for a while. But then I would quickly become discouraged when in spite of lots of time spent on the treadmill, I didn't see measurable results. I'd quit my program and find myself back where I started.
Working with my Fitness by Phone® Coach helped me break that cycle. In addition to being a wonderfully positive and encouraging supporter, my Coach is a great fitness trainer. She held me accountable which had a bigger impact than I could imagine. I actually workout consistently even though she is not with me because she has taught me what to do to get the results I want.
My Coach developed varied workouts for me that included targeted intensity levels so that I am always challenged by my workouts. They are actually - dare I say it - fun! She also taught me the importance of cross-training to avoid becoming bored and to stay motivated, encouraging me to find activities that I enjoy, and she didn't make me do things I didn't like.
By using the Caltrac I have learned how truly sedentary my job is! Since becoming a Fitness by Phone® client I've increased the number of calories that I burn each day by 200 (that's two pounds a month!) I have learned how small changes can make a big difference, such as taking the stairs, parking further away from my office. Every little bit helps.
Now for the first time I am finally able to maintain a strength-training program. I know how important it is to keep strong and keep up my metabolism but it was difficult to fit it in my schedule. My Coach developed a program that I can do at home and even when I travel.
Even when I work out just two days each week, I see wonderful results. I recommend Fitness by Phone® to anyone struggling to begin and maintain a fitness program."
Dolores Ware - dtware@yahoo.com
For more client success stories go to www.peoplefitusa.com
Calorie Saving Tips
Understanding the calorie value of foods is necessary to achieving and maintaining your desired weight. Here are a few ways I cut unneeded calories and still enjoy the taste!
- Substitute 1/3 to 1/2 the butter or oil in cakes, brownies and muffins with applesauce. My friends and family never know!
- Use low fat mayo in tuna, chicken and egg salad.
- In place of soda, try soda water with a half cup of juice (cranberry is my favorite).
These are just a few simple tricks that I find very satisfying. You may not, but my intention is that you will begin to look at your own eating patterns for opportunities to save useless calories because remember, it all adds up!
