Personal Trainer in New Jersey

50% Of American Children Will Be OBESE by 2010!

2009-02-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read the title right...

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 50% OF AMERICAN CHILDREN WILL BE OBESE BY 2010!!

That both disgusts me and saddens me at the same time...

So...How many of you are aware of one of the most saddest facts of our lifetime? How many of you are moved so deeply in one way or another deep within your soul, that you just can't stand around and wait anymore for someone else to correct the problem and make it right again? I don't know about you, but I can't keep my voice unheard anymore and I for one want to do everything I can to try and make some kind of difference in stopping this from happening and maybe our kids might live long enough to lead healthy lives!

What do I mean by our kids living long enough to lead healthy lives? Well, here is another absolutely frightening fact, as researched by our own government lead by the Surgeon General's office:

Our kids, your kids, my kids, the children of this generation, may just be the FIRST generation to NOT outlive their parents due to the complications of childhood obesity that has officially been classified as an epidemic.

Check out this movie trailer for some absolutely shocking information on just how severe the obesity epidemic has become in our nation.

"Killer At Large" trailer

So, have I got your attention now? I hope you took the time to watch this trailer, because if you didn't watch it, you NEED to watch it. I want you to feel something happen inside of you when you hear what the Surgeon General has to say about the obesity epidemic...I want you to be moved in one way or the other when you see a 12 year old girl getting liposuction done, and I want your reaction when you hear that 60% of our military is overweight as soldiers stand in line at a Burger King stand....

Are we going to keep our heads buried in the sand people or are we going to stand up individually, yet collectively and do something about it? Are you prepared to watch our country continue to degrade to the point that someday...SOON...if we don't change our ways....that someday we will not even be able to defend our country because our military will not have enough healthy men and women to keep us safe? Do we really want to bury our children because they are suffering from a whole host of diseases due to being overweight or obese? C'mon, folks, what are we thinking!! We have to stop feeding our children so much processed sugar and junk food and get them outside playing like we did when we were kids!

It's not that hard, it really isn't. But, if you'd rather contribute to these numbers:

33.3% of youth today ages 6-19 are overweight

More than 34% of our TOTAL population either overweight or obese

(lets do some quick math...um, lets see, September 2008 the U.S. went over the 300million population mark...so, 34% of 300mil = 102million people in the U.S. alone who are overweight!)

Thats totally whacked! People, wake up, you're killing yourself, your children, your country!

Band-aid solutions are not enough...we need to be pro-active, do something about this epidemic before it kills our kids. What can you do? Lead.

Yes, thats right. Lead. Lead by your actions. Eat right, eat healthy
and show your kids how to eat right and eat healthy. Get up off the couch and lead your kids with some exercise. Only, don't call it exercise, because as adults, we've grown to think of exercise as either a chore or boring....if you're kids think you think exercise is boring or a chore, then why should they do it? Our schools surely don't give them enough exercise, so it's up to US to lead them. It all starts at home, not with the school system or sports or youth centers...it starts at home. Remember when you were a kid? You played...you didn't exercise....we played in gym at school, had recess and played some more and then we played when we got home. So, don't 'exercise' with your kids, PLAY with them....Playing is the best form of exercise there is and guess what, when you're playing, you're having FUN!! That's what kids want and need...FUN. And we as adults, with our busy, hectic, stressed out lives, we need to have FUN too. So, by playing with them, not only do your children get the exercise they sorely need, but you get your body moving too and you are now leading them by design, instead of passing the buck to our school systems who think that academics are more important than exercise.

It has to start somewhere people. If it doesn't, we are going to be a very sad, sad nation. And who will we have to blame?

Get involved. Do something for your kids. Don't just think that by enrolling them in some sporting activity your job is done. It takes way more than that to keep them healthy and happy. For instance, did you know that over 3.5 million children annually get injured in youth sports...I'm not talking about bumps and bruises people. I'm talking about injuries that take their toll on a young kids body, like torn ACL's, shoulder injuries, broken bones, head trauma, ect. And that's just the stuff that is reported...how 'bout all the injuries that AREN'T reported? So, get your kids involved in sports, but don't rely on sports to be the end-all-be-all to keeping your kids healthy. Get involved and then help your child to be the best athlete he/she can be by guiding them, loving them and teaching them some basic principles that will help them become better athletes and someday better adults.

What basic principles am I talking about? First, teach them the power of proper nutrition and how a properly fueled body will not only keep them healthy but perform to the best of their ability. Nutrition is the key to playing....whether it's playing in the back yard or on the diamond or football field, ect. Your kids need proper hydration and nutrition. Learn the basics of this because you can not assume the coaches are going to know or follow any type of regimen of proper nutrition guidelines.

Second, teach them RESPECT...for themselves, for each other, for their coaches, their opponents, and other parents. You can teach them RESPECT, by leading by example. And don't forget to give your kids some just due RESPECT as well. It goes both ways.

Third, teach them to better understand the meaning of the word FUN...if you're child is not having FUN, then this could lead to a whole host of problems, not the least of which is potential injury. Because if your child's not having FUN, then when they are competing, their not truly paying attention to the game, and when their attention is drawn elsewhere as they drift in thought when they should be paying attention to the girl running full steam to set up a pick on the basketball court or your son is too busy thinking how much more fun he could be having playing 'guitar hero' as an offensive lineman is about to block him into next week, then not only will they end up injured, but then their drive to play sports will really wane. So, make sure they are having FUN. They should not be out there because YOU want them to be, they should be out there playing sports because they want to have FUN. When it's no longer FUN, it's time to stop, before it's too late. Organized sports is NOT the only way to get your kids moving. If they don't want to play sports, doesn't mean they still don't like to PLAY. Go PLAY with them. Have some FUN and reap the benefits of moving both your kids bodies and yours.

And Fourth...Teach them that it's not all about the X's and the O's. You must coach your child just as the coach of the team is instructing them about the game. Teach them that's it's not just all about the W, but it's about learning to achieve their own personal freedom and inner championship. Winning a plastic trophy is not what life is all about, and when we as parents get too caught up in that, so often times our children never learn to develop not just as a complete athlete but as a consumate human being. Teach with a holistic approach that slow, continuous development day by day is far more important for long term growth and will ultimately help them grow as both an athlete and a well-rounded, well-adjusted human being. If we all taught these principles with the same fervor we shout and scream at the coaches, refs and our children to WIN at all costs, we just might produce more W's and less injuries while turning out some incredibly admirable, productive and healthy human beings.

The more health concious we are, the more we lead by our actions, the more we help our children to lead healthier lives, the more concientious we are about the nature of sports and how it impacts our childrens lives, the better our chances are as a nation of reversing this horrible epidemic that could very well end up as one of the most tragic events to ever unfold in human history.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" -Lao Tzu

Life's a Game. Press Play!!

In health and happiness,

Todd G. Dattoli

ACE Certified Fitness Professional

IYCA Certified Youth Conditioning Specialist

PEAK CONDITION FITNESS

http://www.peakconditionfitness.com/

Youth Sports: Girls Can’t Play Sports?

2009-01-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a little interesting tidbit I thought you might find interesting, especially if either you or your child, especially girls, think they can’t play sports. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

In fact, I HIGHLY encourage ALL kids to get involved in some type of youth sport program. The benefits are tremendous! I could write an entire blog post, maybe even a book, on why and what the benefits are to exercise, youth sports and healthy eating habits. Maybe I will someday, but for now, I’m going to leave you with a few interesting facts on youth sports and girls, which makes for an extremely healthy combination in so many ways.

Did you know, that for the most part, research has been done that shows that both boys and girls between the ages of 6 & 9 years old are equally interested in playing sports? Maybe you already know this. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you’re still thinking that youth sports are something primarily for boys and you’re surprised to read this. The simple fact is, sports are for BOTH boys and girls and they both are equally excited in playing sports at an early age. However, it’s all how we as parents go about encouraging our kids, particularly girls, to get involved and play what they show an interest in.

And why is this so important? How ‘bout this for a quick but powerful reason: Not only will girls get the exercise they so sorely need to keep them healthy, but the benefits of youth sports include an array of talents girls need to succeed in life, such as learning teamwork, goal-setting and overcoming challenges. Learning these types of life lessons is just as important to young girls as it is to young boys, and the earlier they get a jump on things, the better prepared they are for LIFE and whatever comes their way. Nurture their spirit now as it will pay HUGE dividends for them later.

Ok, so maybe you’re still a little hesitant to let your little girl play sports or maybe you don’t believe me. ‘Cause who am I anyway, right? I’m just some exercise fitness guy who you think is supposed to say things like this right? No problem, fair enough. Don’t believe me. Believe in the research recently conducted by the prestigious Women’s Sports Foundation, led by Dr. Don Sabo, PhD., Director of Research, (http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/) in a report where they highlight many more reasons, both mental and physical, as to the benefits of girls participating in youth sports. In there report, they provide what I feel are 10 AWESOME REASONS why girls should play sports.

High school girls who play sports are more likely to get good grades and to graduate.

Girls who play sports have higher levels of self-esteem and confidence and lower levels of depression.

High school girls who play sports are less likely to become pregnant and to engage in sex.

Girls and women who play sports or are physically active are less likely to get breast cancer.

Girls and women who play sports may have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis, a brittle bone disease that affects 40% of women age 50 and older.

Girls who play sports have a more positive body image and higher states of psychological well-being.

Girls who play sports are less likely to smoke or use illegal drugs.

Girls who play sports are more likely to engage in healthy activities like fastening seat belts when in a car.

Girls and women who play sports eat and sleep better.

Girls and women who play sports are less likely to be suicidal.

How ‘bout those reasons for some inspiration, as well as staggering facts on the power of youth sports for girls?

Now, if someone says to you, “You’re going to let your daughter play sports? Aren’t you afraid she will get hurt?”, or anything remotely like that, give ‘em some of these reasons! Ask them to refute these facts rationally and logically...I'm willing to bet you won't get much of an argument, and if you do, it will be either weak or just for the sake of arguments sake. 'Cause you know, some people just love to argue because that is their nature. In fact, you know what, send me your feedback on this. I'd love to hear what YOU have to say. I DARE YOU.

For more information on this, I encourage you to check out http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/
as they have some wonderful and inspiring information on youth sports for girls and women. The organization was founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King and their whole mission is to “To advance the lives of girls and women through sport and physical activity.” Check it out, seriously.

I hope you found this article informative and helpful, as my whole mission in life is help people, especially kids, adopt a healthy lifestyle and play the game of life like it’s a sport. See ya next time.

Life’s a Game. Press Play!

“Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic.”
--Jean Sibelius

In health and happiness,

Todd G. Dattoli, ACE Certified Professional Fitness Expert
IYCA Certified Youth Fitness Specialist

http://www.peakconditionfitness.com/

info@peakconditionfitness.com

2009 is Here! So...How Big Is Your BUT?

2009-01-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

I read an article recently that said that as of September 2008, the U.S. just passed the 300 million mark for total population. Whew! That's a lot of people!

Ok, so now that the New Year is here, I'm thinking if we exclude babies, kids, young teens and the very old, that leaves approximately 100-125 million Americans who will once again embark on the age old ritual of a New Years Resolution. However, the sad fact is, 4 out of 5 Americans will not achieve the goal they set out to accomplish as their New Year "resolution".

Ok, before we go any further let's DEFINE the word "resolution". In my 14year old daughters dictionary, The American Heritage College Dictionary, "resolution" is defined as, "The state or quality of being resolute; determination. 2. A resolving to do something."

Why did I define resolution? Because as the facts showing 4 of 5 people failing to keep their resolution(s), the number one reason this happens is because people fail to properly set their goal (resolution) by writing it down and keeping track of their progress.

Zig Ziglar once said that, “A goal casually set and lightly taken will be freely abandoned at the first obstacle.”

You might want to back up and read that quote again, maybe even write it down or print it out, because this one hits the bull’s-eye!

This truly explains why New Year’s resolutions almost never work, and why so few people can't keep off the pounds after they get rid of them.

Listen, I'm no different than you. I realize that the New Year gives us a chance for a fresh start on things we've been procrastinating on, or to finally achieve those big dreams we've always thought about, or at least the chance to get the ball rolling in the right direction, because after all, it's a New Year right? What better time to get the process started with a 'new lease on life', leaving the old, blah, dull, disappointing year behind. When the New Year finally arrives, it's like we have a video game in front of us and we can finally press the 'reset' button, right?

In my experience, it's not often that we actually come up with a "brand new" goal for the New Year. Most of our big goals tend to revolve around common themes - career, relationships, health and fitness, saving money ... and we promise ourselves that this really is the year. Definitely. No excuses. Am I right?

In fact, USA.gov lists

Lose weight

Manage debt

Save money

Get a better job

Get fit

Eat right

Get a better education

Reduce stress

as the top 8 annual New Years resolutions. Problem is, at the most basic level, these types of goals or resolutions set us up for failure because they are all so broad in concept and often become overwhelming so we end up making excuses as to why we did not achieve our goals.

Another words, what it boils down to is, all the "buts" you had as your excuse for not following through with your goals. For instance, when I looked in the mirror at why I failed to open my new studio, I saw myself answering with many "buts". "I would of opened my new studio, 'but' I didn't have enough money". "I really wanted to open my own studio this year, 'but' the economy is very bad right now". You, see, I'm human too.

So, how big is your 'but!?' What will your 'buts' be this year as to why you didn't achieve your new goals?

I would have lost 10lbs and improved my fitness ... but I...

'had to go to client lunches too often'...
'worked so many hours I couldn't get to the gym more than once each week'...
'was just too tired'...
'must just have a slow metabolism'...
'thought that chocolate in moderation was good for you'...

Sound familiar?

Even if you don't have a big list of "buts" from last year... your health, your fitness, and your self-belief can ALL benefit from a bit of focused reflection in 2008.

In a recent article by http://www.sixwise.com/, they state that in a Franklin Covey poll of over 15,000 people surveyed for New Years resolutions, more than 35% had broken their resolution's by the end of January. More than 35% by the end of January! The top contributors to this failure had everything to do with attitude and commitment -- meaning they lost their determination. They were not 'resolute', therefore, no determination, no resolving of something, no resolution...

Why? The top excuses, "buts" given, were people said they had too many things to do, or they weren't really serious or committed to the goals they initially set.

So, if you are going to set yourself some type of health and fitness New Years goal for 2009, don't set yourself up for failure...please. Take it seriously so you can actually achieve your goals and feel better that you did.

All that being said, here are a few tips on how to help you SET and ACHIEVE your 2009 health and fitness goals:

1. Start by deciding your one BIG goal. What's the main reason you want to improve your health and fitness? Is it to live longer? To look good on the beach? To feel more powerful in the boardroom? Be more mobile to play with your kids? Lower your cholesterol?

2. When do you want to achieve this by? Next month? Or do you get till the end of the year? Be wary of goals that are too far away as you're more likely to put off the action process!

3. Work backwards from your target month and set small 'stepping stone' goals that will help keep you on track. For example - bring lunch from home, cut down the alcohol, hire a Personal Trainer once each week.

4. Keep in mind that you are allowed to change your goals along the way. The process of meeting your 'stepping stone' goals might give you different ideas about the big one.

5. Set a monthly or fortnightly time to re-view your progress. Are your 'stepping stone' goals working for you, or do they need to be re-evaluated, or stepped up a notch?

6. Measure your progress. Set monthly targets that revolve around facts and figures - such as lifting a certain amount of weight, running 5k's under a certain time, or losing 'x' many inches around the waist.

Bottom line folks... consistency is key. One 'good' week followed by one big 'but' is not going to get you anywhere except back where you started come December '09. Quite possibly with a bigger B.U.T.T!

Make this the year you finally follow through with all your resolutions and can look back with immense satisfaction, not to mention looking and feeling great!

'Those who say it can't be done are being passed by those doing it'
-Unknown

To your health and and awesome 2009,

Todd G. Dattoli

"Peak your health, Condition your body!"
http://www.peakconditionfitness.com/

The Secret Enemy

2008-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Who is the Secret Enemy? More importantly... What is the secret enemy?

Well, I'll let you know it's not what you think it is....

It's not all the "naysayers" who say "You Can't!"

It's not all the tough circumstances you face every day! It's not a lack of talent....Or strength....Or Motivation....Or even discipline!

Then, what is it you ask....? It's COMFORT!

Comfort is the Enemy of Success! It's the Secret Enemy that no one really exposes.

Reason? We all chase it!

Yes, me too!

We want more of "THIS." And less of "THAT."

ALL of it adds up to....COMFORT!

Think about it! When have YOU been most MOTIVATED to do something - not just think about it, but actually DO SOMETHING? I can almost guarantee that it wasn't because you felt so good about yourself or current place in life.

Do you need a reason to get Motivated?

Do you have trouble staying Motivated?

Take a "Personal Inventory!" YOU know... list the things that you WANT & NEED to change....For the better! Go 'head, do it. Don't just sit there, make an actual list. It is a very powerful and eye-opening experience.

Now, take a look at your list and ask yourself, "Which ITEMS on my list am I most UNCOMFORTABLE with....In other words, YOU do not like the situation, condition, status, etc. and YOU want a CHANGE for the better!

Take the ONE ITEM that is Most Important to you and create another list!

This new list is your "NEED To DO" list!

In fact, this will be the beginning of creating and developing a PLAN to "GET AFTER" your Goal(s). You want a better life...want to feel healthier for the New Year....need to lose some weight? It doesn't matter...whatever your goals are, you NEED to GET AFTER them. But how you say?

It all starts from YOU ( & I ) not being COMFORTABLE....And DOING something specific to make a change for the better! There's a saying that goes..."Successful people make a HABIT of doing things they don't like to do". I don't know who said it, but I love this quote. It makes me strive to make a change for the better and get out of my comfort zone. You know, sometimes, in order to get what you want and need, you need to be uncomfortable. But when you have your enemy hovering over your shoulder, saying it's ok to stay comfortable, well then are you really going to get what you need and want?

Man, I'm Fired-Up!

Listen, I have to go - I'm so Uncomfortable right now....I've got work to do....To make a Positive Difference! I want to help as many people as I can by reaching out and touching people, inspiring people to DO SOMETHING...Something POSITIVE...something to make them realize the MOST IMPORTANT assest people have is their HEALTH!!

How 'bout YOU? Are YOU uncomfortable yet?

WATCH OUT! The Secret Enemy is trying to creep into your heart and mind....

The Secret Enemy is trying to trick you into thinking that COMFORT is good for you....

To stay in the same comfortable spot and resist change....Change for the Better!

Remember, Comfort is the Enemy of SUCCESS!

Stay Uncomfortable.... Get after your goals and be a success and tell your enemy to beat it!

It's your life... "Peak your health, Condition your body!!"

To killing your enemy and being a success, here's wishing you the health and prosperity you deserve,

Todd D.

Peak Condition LLC
http://www.peakconditionfitness.com/
Go to my website and sign up for my newsletter! You will love it!

Happy Holidays Everybody!

Can You and Your Kids Have Fun in the Winter?

2008-12-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Let me ask you a question...

Remember back when you were a kid?

Back before X-box, the internet and the Wii, Playstation and cellphones, when fun was anything but sitting still?

Think of all the things that YOU DID during the winter to play, stay active and enjoy yourself.

:: Sledding anytime there was a hint of snow.

:: Building everything from snowmen to forts or little igloos.

:: You might have even thrown a snowball once or twice. (I know I threw my fair share!)

:: Playing football in the snow just so you could slip and slide all over the place and have fun!

:: Maybe you suited up, put on your skates and went to a local pond to ice skate.

Heck, I even got a bunch of kids from the neighborhood together and we played frisbee in the snow! That was FUN! Who cared about how cold it was? You just wanted to get outside and PLAY!

And if you were inside, winter seemed to bring out the best in your creative side.

:: Building clubhouses with anything you could gather from chairs and boxes to pillows and blankets.

:: Creating all sorts of different scenes with your toys that usually covered your entire bedroom floor. (My five year old currently does this now, just like when we were kids)

:: Running around the house for any reason you could think of, always to the frustration of your parents : )

I don't know about you, but those were some of the BEST times of my life.

So make sure that your kids get those types of experiences too. Especially during the winter.

I know we are living in different times, but winter does not mean you and your kids can't have fun. You just have to be creative, just like you were when you were a kid. Here's a few ideas:

:: Play games with them that require them to move and be imaginative. (Anyone remember Twister? Play this with them, it is a lot of FUN!)

:: Build things with them. Let them know how fun boxes, chairs, pillows and blankets can be. Be a kid again. I guarantee you will have FUN!

:: Clear out some space and wrestle with your kids. Not only do kids love to "wrestle", both girls and boys, but it is a total body "workout" for you and gets both of you moving. Just keep it safe. Wrestling with them doesn't have to be "wild and crazy". In a contained area, it can be a lot of FUN for you and your kids, as not only will your kids enjoy some "play time" with you and gets their bodies moving, but your body gets a workout too with all the bending, twisting, dodging and movement that you'll get doing this.

An even better place to do this would be outside. Bundle up and go have some fun for a half hour. The kids will love it! I wrestle with my 5 year old son almost every nite and used to do this with my daughter until she became a teen. Now, she exercises with me in my home gym. (And guess what, we still "fool around wrestle style" from time to time....um, all depends on her teen moods, nuff said)

That brings me to...

:: Get outside. Don't let the winter stop you. Try these two ideas for some fun activities for both you and the kids.

:: When we get some snow, building snowmen and sledding are still as fun as ever.

:: If there is no snow, take the opportunity to spend some quality time with your kids by taking a walk around the neighborhood and look at Christmas lights one evening. It's both invigorating to be out and moving and very rewarding.

Your kids may be part of a different generation, but I guarantee that if you share some of the favorite winter activities from your childhood - they'll love them just as much as you did!

Now go have some FUN! : )

In health and happiness,

~Todd D.

Peak Condition LLC
http://www.peakconditionfitness.com/
Go to my website and sign up for my newsletter! You will love it!

2008-11-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

Don't Let Anything Get In The Way of Your Goals!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

In the spirit of giving thanks, I wanted to write to you today and give thanks to a fellow personal trainer in the UK, Dax Moy, who inspired me today to write about a concept that we all can find inspiration from.

Basically he interviewed a BIG TIME musician he trains, whose one of those stars whose face we see everywhere worldwide. And he asked this musician what was the "turning point" in his life that got his band to be international mega-stars. Guess what this musicians answer was?

He said, there hadn't been a 'turning point' as such, there was just a lot of putting one foot in front of the other and taking the steps necessary to reach their goal of stardom.

Sounds a bit vague right? That's exactly what I thought as I was reading this. But, since I give everything "the benefit of the doubt", I kept reading further, thinking maybe there might actually be something golden from this.....a take home message that might help or inspire me. Read on.

Dax then asked this star what exactly were those steps that got him and his band where they are today. This is the musicians reply:

1. We knew we wanted to make a difference so we kept that uppermost in our minds at all times... especially when things got tough.

2. We knew we wanted to be more than just another band so we did things differently from the start rather than playing the copycat game. We practically created our own genre of music and that helped us stand out from the crowd.

3. We knew that we were entering perhaps the most competitive industry on the planet and so we'd have to commit to being the very best we could be every time we went onstage or into the recording studio.

4. We knew that the rewards would not be immediate but that if we committed to the other steps, they WOULD come.

5. We KNEW we would make it!

Amazing right?

I mean, becoming a multi platinum selling band and known around the world has GOT to be tougher than many of the goals we've set for ourselves, right?

In fact, considering the attrition rates of rock-star wannabe's, making a measly hundred grand, writing a book, travelling the world, or getting rid of 20lbs or becoming a better athlete, or helping your child to overcome obesity should be one of the simplest things in the world!

Especially if you were paying attention to the success lesson that Dax's mega rockstar clients' answers provided!

You were paying attention weren't you?

If not, here it is again.

1. Know that you have the capabilities to do whatever you need or want. Know this and you're halfway there!

2. Be unique right from the start. Forget copycatting and trying to be or look like everyone else. Know what you want and go get it! Be yourself. Don't try to be something you're not.

3. Commit to being the best that you can be. Gain the knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve whatever your goal is. You have the power. There is knowledge and help everywhere. Reach out, grab it and go for it!

4. Be persistent in your actions. Take consistent and persistent action toward achieving your goals. Even the tiniest step is still a step that will progress you in the direction of your dreams of success. Thinking about what you could do changes nothing. Take ACTION! Don't Let Anything Get In The Way Of Your Goals!

5. Never Give Up! Failure is not an option. Hope is not a strategy. You CAN and WILL succeed!

That's it. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Be well : )

Peace, Love and Happiness,

~Todd G. Dattoli
Peak Condition LLC
http://www.peakconditionfitness.com/
Go to my website and sign up for my newsletter! You will love it!

Coaching/Playing Basketball with 15 year old client

2008-11-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this video to see me in action with a young man who has been training with me since he was 9 years old. This boy is absolutely a remarkable boy. I have grown very fond of him and I just thought anyone reading my posts might be interested at a glimpse in on how I incorporate both coaching and fun with training. Kids don't need regimented training that is boring and consists of the same old routines...they need to have fun while they learn. Scott has become an excellent athlete as well as a fine young man that I am extremely proud of. I hope to always be a part of his life and watch his successes in life mount. I hope you enjoy the video. Have a great day.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

-Yours in health,

Todd G. Dattoli

www.peakconditionfitness.com

2008-11-09T00:20:00.000-08:00

Don't Let Economics Get in the Way of Your Health

Ok, so we all know that the economy is not doing so well, right? But does that also mean that your health has to suffer as well? Is it automatic that if the economy is not doing well, that your health should not be doing well too? It seems that many people I have spoken to recently are so worried and stressed by the economy that there seems to be less emphasis on their health. Many people are abandoning their exercise routines, whether that be at home, or in the gym or with their personal trainer as they sit in fear of what the economy is going to do. So, it is time I spoke out as I can not stand by and not be heard when it comes to what is the most important assest in your life....YOUR HEALTH.

Money, cars, homes, boats, vacation timeshares, high-priced electronic gadgets and other assorted things we think are important, can't hold a candle to the one thing that is THE most important thing in life: Our Health.

We all are feeling the effects of the turmoil that is our current economy. But the economy will change and it will get better. There is no timetable for when that will happen, but since the dawn of the American way and the wealth that our economy has amassed for over 200+ years, we have always experienced ups and downs, and after a down turn in the economy, it is always just a matter of time that the economy turns around. I firmly believe it will get better. I'm not an economic scientist, so I have no prognostications as to when and how. By following history, I know it is just a matter of time.

That said, in the meantime, while we all hope and pray for things to get better, many will go into a "shell" and let the economy eat them up. Between the amount of stress our bodies will endure as we watch the stock market go through its volatile gyrations, letting this stress dictate to our chemical physiology will throw off our bodies natural routines like proper nutrition, poor exercise habits or no exercise at all and not only will our finances suffer, but our health will suffer. And let me let you in on a secret.......Um, my friends, if your health suffers severely enough due to dangerous stress levels, lack of proper nutrition and no exercise, does it matter how your finances and ultimately the economy is doing? If you're too ill to help yourself to weather the financial storm, or worse yet, you're on a permanent vacation visiting St. Peter's Gates, what good is worrying about the economy if you're not around to watch things get better. If you lost your job, are strapped for money or whatever the daily stresses of life strip you of, you know what, you CAN replace those things. You CAN get another job, you can get another place to live or a new car...but you CAN NOT replace YOU. YOU, are your most important asset. Without your health to keep you going, then the economic misfortunes are going to be much worse than just a bad economy if you aren't staying on top of your game by doing something to stay healthy and fit.

So don't give up on your exercise and nutrition standards just because we are dealing with some economic turmoil right now. Stop listening to all the doom and gloom reported everywhere you look. Take stock in yourself. Your family. Your health. Your life. Remember, you still have you, and you are you're most important asset. Without you, you have nothing. Don't let the economy change who you are. Make a pact to stay healthy and strong and eat a proper diet so that when the economy does turn itself around, you are positioned to take advantage of it because your health will allow you to pursue new avenues. If you let your health go, then it will be so much harder to pick up the pieces when opportunity presents itself. Don't you want be healthy and ready to seize the day, carpe diem, when opportunity comes knockin'? How will it be if you are sick, dealing with some new ailment or disease or worse yet, visiting the Pearly Gates, because you let stress tear your body apart and now you are not ready to help yourself to a better financial outcome? If you stay "ready", mentally, emotionally and physically....if you stay true to yourself and take stock that you still have you and the economy can't change who you are inside....if you have family and value them and cherish them for what they bring you in love and friendship...if you have your health, then my friend, you have more "wealth" than all the money in the world can buy, and the economy might have changed, temporarily, but nothing has changed for you, because you still have what is important in life, your health and your family. Times may change and money comes and goes, but you can not afford to ride the same economic roller coaster when it comes to your health. Health is not as easily gained once it has been lost. And as we get older, it is even harder to regain lost health, especially if you have let yourself go so much that now you have been dealt some serious health issue or issues.

Please, do not take for granted the sheer value of the most important thing you have in life....YOUR HEALTH.

Take some time for yourself each week to get a few hours of exercise in, whether that is walking, or jogging, or biking, or working out in your home, or going to a gym, or having a personal trainer assist you; you need to put some effort into both the proper amount of exercise and nutrition on a weekly basis. You don't need to exercise like a "wild man", you just need to do something physical, and that something needs to be consistent. Use the concept that I constantly preach to my clients I call the four M's. Mind: the vehicle that "drives" the body, 'cause without the mind, the body does nothing, so the mind is the most important of the 4 M's; Meals: proper nutritional planning whereby you eat balanced meals 5-6 times a week, with one day to have fun being “human” and eating what you want as long as it’s in moderation; Muscles: concern for muscle tissue whereby you exercise to make your muscles stay strong or build weak muscle to help your body get strong; Motion: movement that involves any type of aerobic activity, whether that be walking, or jogging , or biking, so you can elevate your heart rate. Movement doesn’t have to be limited by traditional aerobic activity as it can also be in the form of interval training as long as it is done with a minimum of moderate intensity with things like bands, med balls, kettlebells, dumbbells, bodybars, etc.

If you apply this concept, be creative with your workouts, watch your diet, manage your stress with workouts that help reduce the cortisol that is building in your bloodstream and heart vessels, and use the age old adage to these workouts call KISS...Keep it simple silly....your body and overall health will thank you tremendously in the long run. You're exercise need not be some wild gyrations or heavy weights with confusing patterns of what you should do next. They only need to keep you in motion, have some concern for muscle tissue, and eating balanced meals. That's it. Don't give up on your health because the economy is driving you nuts and you don't think you have the money to exercise. Again, if you get sick or lose your health, having or not having the money to exercise won't mean much if you are unable to exercise in the first place.

So, stay strong and remember, you still have yourself, your ideals, your values, your principles, your morals, and your health. Let's keep it that way. Stay healthy and keep on smilin' : )

I wish you all the health in the world,

Todd D~

http://www.peakconditionfitness.com/

2008-11-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

For my first blog post, I thought I'd write about something that is both very basic and is mostly common sense. However, it is also one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to exercise: Illness and exercise.

It's coming up to that time of year when all sorts of illnesses are all around us. You want to stay healthy and avoid situations that could get you sick, but sometimes it is just unavoidable.

Okay, so you go to the gym and your feeling kind of tired and achy. You know it's not just allergies, but is more likely a cold or even the flu. Should you tell your trainer you need to work extra hard to build up your immunity, shift your workout to a lower intensity or skip exercise altogether until the bout passes?

Most of us get hit with allergies, colds and other minor setbacks throughout the year, but few hard-and-fast rules exist regarding exercise and illness. So I decided to take some time today and write to you about the next time you're sick, refer to these do's and don'ts to help determine whether working out will help or hurt your condition.

1. DO a check of your symptoms first. If you have above the neck signs, such as a runny nose, sneezing, or a sore throat, moderate exercise is generally safe as long as you do not have a fever. You can resume intense workouts as soon as symptoms disappear. If you have below the neck signs, such as extreme tiredness, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, swollen lymph glands, or a hacking cough, allow at least two weeks before returning to intense training.

2. DON'T exercise with a fever. Fever (a body temperature above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) signifies you are doing battle with a virus. Exercising under these conditions increases risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and even heart failure.

3. DO modify your exercise intensity. If you have cold or flu symptoms, you cannot power away your ailment through more intense workouts. In fact, you may make your illness worse. A simple sore throat, for example, could indicate an infection, and your immunity to fight it will be reduced if you continue vigorous exercise. Moderate exercise, however, is fine for mild cold symptoms as long your heart rate and body temperature do not increase excessively. William A. Primos Jr., MD, and James R. Wappes, MD., in The Physician and Sports Medicine Journal (January 1996) suggest working out at half speed for about 10 minutes. If you feel fine, you can increase your intensity. Stop exercising if you feel dizzy, nauseous or experience any other exacerbated symptoms. If you want to err on the side of caution, just stay home and rest.

4. DON'T over train or stress out. Over training can lead to suppressed immune function and exposure to opportunistic infections. In addition, attempting new or harder activities can lead to failure. Such stress may influence your immune system. Choosing activities you enjoy and can do consistently may improve your exercise adherence and immune function.

5. DO exercise to keep your immunity strong. Researchers have found a link between regular exercise and improved immune function response. Primos and Wappes note that during moderate exercise immune cells circulate more quickly through your body and are better at destroying viruses and bacteria.

6. DON'T infect or become infected. Be alert to air-quality conditions at your training facility. During cold and flu seasons, exercise during less-crowded hours to avoid catching or transmitting viruses. Consider outdoor activities if weather conditions permit.

7. DO use common sense. Ken Baldwin, president of Premier Fitness in Cambridge , Massachusetts , advises ill clients to stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. It's difficult to exercise when you're coughing and sniffling.

8. DON'T let a temporary illness stop you permanently. Focus on flexibility, stress management, and mind-body awareness during down times. Moreover, plan how to resume your activity program as soon as you can rather than letting yourself drift into sedentary habits.

9. DO return to exercise when you're ready. Making up for time missed in the gym can drain your immune system all over again. Exercise for two days at a lower intensity for each day you were sick, Primos and Wappes advise. Give your body time the time it needs to recover.

10. DON'T hesitate to consult your doctor. Even if an illness is minor, check with your physician if you are seriously concerned. As always, better safe than sorry.

Well, that's it for my first blog entry. As always, I hope you stay safe, healthy and happy.

In health and happiness,

Todd~
www.peakconditionfitness.com