1. MORE THAN JUST LOOKS: Realize exercise is more than just having a great physique. It is about strengthening the mind and heart and soul.

2. KEEP THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND: You will have good days and bad days. One day at a time attitude.

3. BE SOLD OUT! No matter if you are a competitive bodybuilder or just one who does it for a hobby, be sold out for life to exercise.

4. LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR. This one will be hard for most of you to do. But to be a champion, you have to get rid of your ego. Your mind is your biggest competitor. In order to improve on your health you need to not be self serving.

5. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: If you think you know everything, forget, stop right now. You never will. Continue to learn all the time. Most importantly, share your knowledge.

6. HAVE FUN: Most people in bodybuilding are wound way to tight. Loosen up a little.

7. ASK FOR HELP: If you do not know something, ask someone who does.

8. MORE IS NOT BETTER: Put time limits on your workouts.

9. HAVE VARIETY: Never be afraid to change your exercise routine around.

10. HAVE SYNERGY: Incorporate all areas of fitness. Low body fat levels are more important than the size of your biceps.

If I read 1 good valid murder mystery book, would I really want that to be the ONLY book on the subject? If my 8th grade history book was considered to be accurate by the majority would I really want to be limited to only knowing one author’s thoughts on the subject? Or how about browsers and music players? Do I just want to use IE? It gets the job done well enough.

So what’s the difference between those analogies and fitness ebook, supplements and programs? Really there’s no difference to me.

Let me explain as I know there’s a million web sites, book, supplements, and training programs. And for a beginner it’s like:

Where do I start?!

When I first started off, there were a few major books on the subject (Arnold Encyclopedia) and of course the main muscle magazines. That is where I learned my information from. And locker room chat and so called friends. I was on the quest in the 10th grade to put on weight. A guy who was bigger then me gave me some golden advice. He said “Just eat everything man. Candy bars whatever.” With that, I agreed that in order to get bigger and more muscular, I needed to eat. So at break, I ate an Snickers bar every day. Needless to say, I didn’t get any bigger, I probably put on a tiny bit of fat and the dentist was happier. But when you don’t have a lot of resources, it’s pretty hard to judge.

I look back on that memory fondly. With the power of the Internet and the people coming out of the woodwork as experts, now there’s so much information, sometimes it’s the same situation, only there’s many voices.

But I still like the fact that I have many choices.

If a person was ONLY to read the Max-OT guide, would they be alright? I’d say they would be better off then nothing but, they wouldn’t be a good, well-rounded fitness type. And I’m not making any negative judgments about Max-OT. I love that program!

But think of the person who:

* Reads this message board for as much information as they can (conflicting or not)
* Buys eBooks and reads thru them to understand many perspectives
* Understand nutrition on a basic level as well as more advanced
* Knows of many training programs (can workout in a full gym or at home with nothing)
* Visits other sites to see videos of proper techniques
* Listens to advice in the gym but has a foundation to tell if the advice is accurate or base-less and * Knows of research outlets if it warrants further debate

The person in the first example only reads 1 eBook. It’s a great eBook and it’s free. But it cannot possibly cover everything. While this person will do well, they won’t be as versatile as the person who’s read thru many books, posts and forums to really understand how the body works, nutrition and more importantly, how it will affect them and their goals.

I remember asking people what they thought of this whole sport.

The majority were disenchanted by the slew of supplements, the million training programs, the 500 ebooks on bodybuilding and the paper classics. It’s like they wanted to know out of the 1 million resources, which ones were the ones they should read. And it better not be too many.

But the problem with having somebody else choose for you obvious. And the problem with too few choices is obvious as well.

Having so many choices is actually quite good. Many DB members who have read over the posts, visited the sites linked to and talked about and purchased the eBooks that get talked about often have a very well rounded knowledge base. They also start to see a lot of repetition. 6 meals a day is the way to go if you are on a weight gain or weight loss program. It just depends on what you eat for those 6 meals that determines the outcome.

I look at my bookshelf and I see many fiction works and I see many books on supplements and vitamins. I look in my computer folders and I see well over 30 ebooks on fitness subjects. And I look in my supplement closet and see various programs and such. And I’m not confused. I like choices. I like different protein powders. Some shakes I love. Others give me an upset stomach. So having choices is good. And thru experience and time, I can pick and choose the best ones to suit my needs because after all the reading, the posting the debating with members, and just reading what people post, I get better and better at being able to pick out what will best work for me.

Do not get discouraged when you walk into a supplement store and see 30 different types of bars. Nor should you get angry or upset when you go to various places and see yet another book on fitness. Having choices benefits you. And thru reading and learning and talking, you will figure out what is hype and what is real. One man’s bullshit is another man’s placebo to a 400 lb bench press.

Keep learning and don’t look for the ONE program or the ONE supplement or the ONE book that will tell you the golden truth. Fact is, if you only had 1 of everything, you’d be very limited in knowledge.

The next stage of Prochaska’s Transtheoretical model - ‘Action’ - kicks in once you’ve started taking (you guessed it) action.

If you’re in this stage, you’re ready to make changes – and now. In the Action stage, you know where you want to be, how you’ll get there, and you’ve started (or are about to start) doing something get you moving. You’ve made it past the first major sticking point –overcoming inertia, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be an easy ride from here. No matter how good your intentions, starting a routine isn’t the same as maintaining it. Obstacles – whether small (like an invitation to do something at a time you’d planned on working out) or large (like falling ill or injuring yourself) – are going to come up.

DEALING WITH OBSTACLES

When you encounter an obstacle, take a little time out to reconnect with your main goal and your reasons for wanting to achieve it. Remember why you’re exercising in the first place. How could you still achieve your goal, and find ways around this new obstacle? Your journal can be your friend here – use it to reflect back over why something may have ended up being more difficult than expected, and to brainstorm ideas for different ways to move forward. You can also use it to proactively motivate yourself before obstacles appear – to track your progress in whatever area you’d like to see yourself improving.

GET OTHERS INVOLVED

If you haven’t already, create an exercise routine that gets friends or family involved. Studies have shown that people whose friends or family support their goals are far more likely to achieve them, and it’s hard not to feel supported when people you care about are working out alongside you. Not only that, but if you’ve agreed to meet your ‘workout buddy’ for an exercise session, you make it that much harder to let them down by deciding at the last minute you just can’t be bothered today.

MAKE DEALS WITH YOURSELF

If you’re having trouble summoning the motivation to get out the door, promise yourself you don’t have to finish your workout if you don’t want to. Decide that you only have to complete the first ten minutes, and then, if you really don’t feel like keeping at it, give yourself permission to pack up and go home again. Most of the time, just getting out the door and starting will be enough.

For a short term motivational quick-fix, don’t underestimate the power of bribery! Identify three or four different little things that bring you pleasure, and promise yourself you’ll take time out and indulge in at least one of them if you complete your workout as scheduled.

GET HELP!

Finally, if you’re noticing increasing difficulty motivating yourself despite trying all of the above suggestions, consider talking to a personal trainer near you. A big part of qualifying as a trainer involves not just learning specific exercises, but learning how to keep clients motivated. If cost is an issue for you, think seriously about hiring an online trainer. Generally, online training is far more reasonably priced than face-to-face training - and if all you’re wanting is someone to keep you enthusiastic and accountable, it means you’re not paying for services you don’t need.

Now that you have made a commitment to take care of your body, both internal and external, it is critical to your overall health that you do it the right way. Here are some tips for both health and fitness that will help you lose weight, discover ways to maintain a better healthy lifestyle, and be in the best shape of your life – all the smart way!

1. Bicycling

When you ask many adults when the last time they rode a bike is, they cannot answer. Although bicycling is a favorite pastime, many adults do not take advantage of this great option for exercise. Not only does bike riding exercise the body and build a stronger cardiovascular system, it allows you to get out and enjoy nature, fresh air, and see new sites.

2. Jogging or Walking
Both jogging and walking are GREAT ways to get fit. Not only do they tone the muscles, relieve stress, create a healthier heart, and improve lung capability, they make you look wonderful, which in turns helps you get excited about doing other exercise for fitness.

3. Swimming
Swimming is an excellent way to get into and stay in shape. If you do not own a pool, many high schools have aquatic centers, or there is always the YWCA or YMCA, or your local gym. Many offer water aerobic classes that will help you tighten your body, lose weight, and get a good overall workout.

4. Tennis Anyone
Tennis is not only a fun sport, but also a great way to exercise. You do not have to be a Venice Williams to play; in fact, you do not even have to be good. Just running after the ball alone will help get you into shape. This is a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lose weight. You can find tennis courts in just about every city and if you would like to play but have no idea how, lessons are reasonable.

5. Dancing
Dancing is so much fun and whether you enjoy a slow, Ballroom dance or a nightclub packed with people all moving to heart-pumping techno, as long as you are moving, it really does not matter what type of dance or music. The whole idea is to move your body. Dancing has long been recommended as an avenue to fitness.

6. VCR
If you have a VCR or DVD, rather than just using it for your favorite comedy or action-packed movie, try sticking in some good workout tapes. Even taking 15 minutes every day to workout will get you started. Try that for two weeks and you will be surprised at the results. Once you see that 15 minutes a day makes a difference, you will be encouraged to increase the time spent.

7. Abdominal Crunches
While you may not end up with a washboard stomach, you can do some things to get your abdomen in better shape. Crunches have long been a favorite for many athletes for the very reason that they work. Lying on your back with knees bent, keeping feet flat on the floor, cross your hands across your chest and then curl your torso, rolling from your sternum toward your hips. Do this slowly and start out with a set of ten crunches in three reps. In other words, do ten crunches, wait a minute, do ten more, wait a minute, and then do the final ten. As you get accustomed to these, you can increase both the number of sets and reps.

8. Squats
Squats are excellent for glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. With your feet standing firm and spread apart about two feet, bend your knees slightly. Then, very smoothly, you will squat toward the floor without going all the way down. This usually takes some practice but within a short period, you will enjoy the benefits.

9. Tricep Press
Having firm arms is something that many people focus on when exercising. For an Overhead Tricep Press, standing on the floor with your feet about two feet apart, knees slightly bent, you will extend your arms over your head. Keep your elbows locked and then very slowly lower your hands behind your head. You want to do this with some type of weight, but small weights like one to five pounds. If you do not have weights of your own, you can hold a one-pound of vegetables, which will work perfectly.

10. Get to the Gym
Working out at home is a good option and for some people, they are committed enough to actually make it work. However, for the majority of people wanting to get into shape, the inspiration, competitiveness, and encouragement received from working out in a gym is the way to go. Although it will require a small investment, make the decision to find a gym that offers state-of-the-art equipment, qualified staff, and fun classes where you can enjoy working out.

What can you do with nothing but a set of dumbbells, you ask? Provide resistance to your body’s movements - also known as weight lifting. That’s all weight lifting is - resistance. The terms “weight lifting” and “resistance training” have become one in the same because they are describing the same activity - moving your body under more resistance than it normally has to handle.

In fact, you’ve just stumbled upon the basic secret of exercise in general! Whether you are talking about resistance training, Pilates, Yoga, cardiovascular activities, or any other form of exercise, all of these programs have one thing in common - performing more activity than you would get sitting on the couch. WHY should you exercise, though?

How about defying the aging process for starters? Do you know that the primary reason why elderly people end up in nursing homes is because they lose the ability to think and move on their own? Do you also know that the entire process of thinking and moving on our own happens because we do it every day? Until we retire, that is. Once we don’t have to go to work anymore, or deal with scheduling and lifestyle issues, suddenly the only thing that we have to think about is whether to watch game shows or soap operas all day long, and the only exercise we get is deftly flying our fingers over the remote control.

Mush. That’s what our brains and bodies turn into when we stop using them. Think you are still sharp as a tack, and at the height of your game? Try to say the alphabet backwards in 30 seconds or less.

Yes…. sharp indeed.

What about physically? Think that you can still hold your own even though you don’t really exercise much? Stop reading this article and drop down on the floor for some correct-form push-ups. Did you do at least 30 if you are female, or at least 40 if you are male? No? How about 20 or 25? 15? Unless you pulled off 30 or 40, you are probably at less than the 50 percentile mark for your gender - health conditions notwithstanding.

Okay, so you’ve determined that you aren’t exactly Olympic athlete material. So what? You don’t even like sports, let alone being very good at them. That’s fine, and there is nothing wrong with that. So what about fat? Do you like bodyfat? Do you find it physically appealing? Do you think it’s healthy? If so, we’re done speaking. Go on about your business, and thanks for reading this far.

For everyone else, here is a newsflash: In America today - the year 2004 - obesity related health conditions account for more deaths in the United States each year than all known forms of cancer COMBINED. Heart Disease alone is the number one killer of American adults, and it is a PREVENTABLE CONDITION!

How about self-esteem? 64% of Americans are overweight. That is almost two-thirds of the population. If you think that a figure like that and the skyrocketing sales of prescription anti-depressants aren’t related, you now have a second opportunity to stop reading this article and continue on with your day.

Here is the bottom line, folks: Exercise and a reasonable nutrition program are necessary for ALL people, for their ENTIRE lives. Note, however, that I said “exercise”, and that I also said “reasonable nutrition program”. At no point did I say anything about spending 2 hours per day at the gym, or about eating nothing but carrots and celery for the rest of your life. Why? Those practices are just as ineffective at long-term weight loss as diet pills and late night infomercial products. Here is what DOES work:

1) Weight/Resistance Training - Weight training for both men and women has the same effect - it makes your muscles more metabolically active. In simpler terms, it means your muscles will burn more calories - even when you are sleeping. Muscle is the only site on your body where bodyfat is broken down. Weak muscles = weak metabolism. Weak metabolism = slow calorie burning.
2) Cardiovascular Training - Contrary to popular belief, this type of training is meant to help your cardio-respiratory system function more effectively, and ultimately to last longer. Does it burn a lot of calories? Sure it does. However, if you don’t combine it with resistance training and supportive nutrition, you’ll likely just burn off water weight and the muscle tissue that you worked so hard for up in step number 1.
3) Reasonable Nutrition Program - Quality sources of complex and fibrous carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and lean sources of protein. Eat those nutrients in reasonable proportions frequently throughout your day, and your metabolism (refer again to #1) will crank up to high, and you’ll be burning more calories on a day to day basis than you ever have before in your life.

So far we have seen that not only can exercise keep us out of a nursing home, but it can also keep off excess levels of bodyfat which will - literally - keep us alive. We haven’t even touched on sports performance, recreational activities, improved energy levels, ability to focus, or many of the other benefits of a regular exercise program.

What I want to stress in particular is that there is no magic
answer, potion, or diet pill that is going to make everything
better. The ad on TV where the pretty lady says “it’s easy.
you’ll love it”, is appealing to our need for instant
gratification with no effort. We don’t want to hear the facts so
we continue to look for the instant solution. If there was a
magic diet pill, or diet plan, over 60% of Americans wouldn’t be
overweight, in spite of spending over $35 billion annually on
diet products.

Achieving weight loss and fitness requires a commitment on your
part to strive for a healthier you. What you will get in return
for all of your hard work and dedication is a fit body, a
renewed clarity of mind, better quality sleep, and perhaps even
a pronounced increase in your libido. I have found that through
the positive changes I have made in my own life regarding weight
loss and fitness, all areas of my life are exponentially better.
I wake up energized, I feel excited about my day and my
interactions with people, my body feels strong and capable, and
my entire outlook on life has improved significantly.

The Weight Loss and Fitness Commitment show that claims that
teach you shortcuts on how to drop 30 pounds in 30 days are
improbable at best and unhelathy at worst.

That claim is water loss pure and simple. You do the math: 1
pound of fat = about 3500 calories 30 pounds of fat = 105,000
calories. To lose 30 pounds of fat in 30 days you would need to
reduce caloric intake by about 105,000 calories or about 3500
per day. If you are eating 3,000 calories a day now, that might
be tough. OK you say I’ll exercise it off. 1 hour on a
stationary bicycle running at an average over 20 miles an hour
burns about 400 calories. Meaning to burn 3,500 calories a day
on the bike, you’d need to ride it for about 9 hours.

If you are looking for a quick fix, you will continue to be
frustrated about health and fitness.

However, if you are tired of feeling fatigued and know for sure
that you are ready to make a solid commitment to your own health
and mind, Living to Be Younger can act as a guide. It is my
hope that you will read each page with an open mind and a
willingness to make some changes that will enable you to break
out of your rut.

The reality is that most of us are not happy with our physical state and we are looking for solutions. We are not only looking for solutions, we are actually paying for them. This creates the natural demand for physical fitness programs.

The variety of physical fitness programs does not indicate that one method is better than the other. Like neither is Coke better than Sprite nor Sprite better than Coke. It’s a matter of preference and either one of them could quench your thirst. Variety is good. It gives us the freedom to choose.

In spite of having a good supply of effective fitness programs and variety, I think the failure to benefit from such programs lie in us. We are not organized enough or do not have the time to practice them. Because of our work and careers the time investment becomes difficult.

I remember the last time I enrolled in a Martial Arts course. After a few weeks I could not keep up with it because it required 2 hours of classes, 3 days a week. That’s only 6 hours a week. Yet I could not find time for Martial Arts from my daily work schedule.

That is the reason why the 2-minute fitness program caught my attention. Anyone can afford to spend 2 minutes. Tony Bahu founder of the 2-minute fitness program provides a full workout composed of minutes only.

If you failed earlier in elaborate fitness programs, the 2-minute fitness program may be the right program for you. As you don’t have to invest large amounts of time in the program, you will probably not give up so easily.