Super Size Your Fitness

            Now you might be thinking “Why the hell would you make a McDonalds reference in a fitness article?” Well because I can and more than that I’d like to look at things from another perspective. Super sizing a workout doesn't always mean move a bunch of heavy stuff around or add sets and reps an all that junk, I want you to look at Super Sizing as a point to amp up your game a bit, do something a little bit heavier than your last workout, change the tempo a bit or change exercises and hit them hard.

            Jump starting your metabolism is a great way to help burn off fat, build lean muscle, getting your organs in fantastic condition that can wear off diseases and help you from getting sick easily. For some it’s not always that simple. For most in our 20’s we can jump start into overdrive rather quickly and get great muscle but for older folks it’s not that easy. Unless you've been training your whole life and know the ins and outs but the majority haven’t or stopped for a period of years. Super sizing your training doesn't mean you jump into some advanced program where you’ll end up more injured than getting results, it’s about progressing and starting small and going a little higher each time until you’re at that Super Size level.

            Here comes my McDonalds reference that should shed some light on how training works. When you order a Big Mac and a Super Size meal, most people get that because they’re hungry but what they don’t realize is how to use small chunks that makes the meal more realistic to eat, some will just scarf it down, start sweating a little too soon and they’ll feel tired and a little sick afterwards. Exercising is practically the same thing, you do too much right off the bat and your body can’t always take right away and you’re feeling groggy and in pain. When you take small chunks of your workout and mold them into something a little more each time you’re actually getting more out of it. Train within your limits and challenge yourself every once in a while. This is not saying to go to McDonalds and challenging how many burgers and fries you can stuff that just makes you an idiot.

            The most important thing to remember when you Super Size your workouts is know when to back off. I get it that it gives you an adrenaline rush at times and you can do it often but there has to be some form of control and discipline otherwise you’re setting yourself up for an injury and that can ruin your chances of getting the results you want. Learn how to step back, recover, do little things here and there and then get back up to it. Super Size your mind and body by controlling and learning your limits and use your recovery time to reflect on what you can do better next time or pick up the pace a bit more. Remember, small chunks can make all the difference instead of just going straight to the moon, you have to get into space first but before that, you need the rocket to launch. 

Make Your Own Ingredients

           Thought I was talking about food didn't you? Seriously why would I do that to you after just having the biggest feast of the year? Damn you guys need to pay attention. What I’am going to talk about is creating recipes for workouts, finding those little things that can help build your body like you were cooking an incredible meal.

            It’s important to pick the right ingredients to create something great and exciting. You don’t always know how to find those ingredients so what do you do, experiment. Find the best exercises for you that will give you a run for your money and have you begging for more or you've had enough. To me creating workouts is a lot more fun than looking at someone else’s. Think of it this way, would you rather have crappy Taco Bell or would you like to make your own kick ass tacos with the things you put into it? That’s what a lot of the muscle magazines and other types of training the fitness industry offers, it looks awesome advertised but in the end it’s just going to make you sick and not want to exercise. Build your own set of exercises you learned and see how they work for you and your goals.

            Sometimes every once in a while you want to spice things up. You want to add that extra kick that’ll get right in the heat of your training. I like to work on legs and grip these days because it gets me fired up and I just love challenging those exercises, every now and then my mix of those methods can get a little stale so I’ll add in a couple things like some flexibility work or move around like an animal in the wild just having a good ole time. Sometimes spicy even just a touch can make all the difference just like in your food; even just a hint of something will make it taste completely different than usual.

            Now I know what you’re thinking “dude you have been talking about food so why would you compare workouts with food?” Good question, yes I didn't want you to think about food but at the same time food & exercise go together like a horse and carriage, the carriage isn't going to pull itself now is it? The ultimate ingredient for having a great workout isn't always what you came up with, there’s only one that is missing that most people don’t put into and it gives them that extra push, that will to keep going and that’s your determination, add that in with everything else and see how far you go. Without it you’re just having random mixes and you don’t have the right idea how to turn it into something incredible.

            Create what you want, find your own recipe and experiment with it. It’s not always going to come out good but once you find the right ingredients it’ll be the best workouts you've ever had and it’s organic and full of freedom. Don’t copy someone else’s ingredients otherwise you’re just second guessing yourself and don’t have the will power to say “What can I do with this and how can make it be just as good if not better?” Be yourself and turn into a mighty chef of fitness. Get to it and have fun.

Giving Thanks

            It’s that time of year again where we give thanks to what we have and what we have been given. As much as I love this powerful attitude, we don’t need a single day where we give our thanks to others. However I do believe it’s a powerful thought and a great attitude to have to be able to bring joy and happiness to others and being thankful for doing so.

            Within the universe, we are given strength inside and outside our physical bodies and our spirit within. I’m very thankful for the strength I've been given and the power to keep driving to be better and build my strength physically, emotionally and mentally one day at a time. Each one of us should not only be thankful for what our strength creates but to keep progressing not just from a fitness standpoint but also as a person and be open to give others a chance to learn.

            One of the greatest things you can do is to pass on your knowledge to a new generation. Some people keep their secrets hidden because it could fall into certain hands or believe their secret is just not worthy for others no matter who it is to see. I personally believe that there’s always one person to pass down your knowledge and wisdom but not for them to be like you but to become more of themselves. I’m thankful for what I've learned and I love passing that down to those who are willing to learn. Learning is a gift and giving that gift is a treasure. I do believe however you don’t have to pass on every single secret because the real secret is finding out for yourself and being thankful that you have done it.

            I want to thank those who have come before me and those that have used what I have to offer because I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. You guys are awesome and are wonderful people. You give me a reason to do what I do and you've helped me grow in ways I can never describe. I salute you and I’m thankful for what you've given me. Have an awesome Thanksgiving everyone and Happy Holidays J. Have fun and be safe and for my sake, don’t trample each other on Friday.