In a not so distant past our elderly were seen as the wisest and most respected people in society. Their reason is that the elderly have been around for a long time and have experienced and learned the most in life. This is true throughout all tribes and goes as far back as any record in history. People had learned from the wise and elderly, giving them the ability to progress and acquire more knowledge, thereby creating the evolution of man.
As we move from the past, we enter into our own times: The present. This is the age of modernization, ultimate wisdom, and knowledge. All the information is at our finger tips. Yet there are but a hand full of people that allow themselves to stand out of the crowd. What makes them different from everyone else?
Let me introduce the 3 types of people in this world: There are people who will not learn no matter what. There are people who learn from their mistakes. And there are those fortunate few who just learn.
Learning is going to be referred to as everything; common knowledge, street smart, book smart etc.
First, I will discuss those that cannot learn. These are the people who continuously make mistakes and never learn from them. Whether it's doing the same cardiovascular machine every day, expecting their body to miraculously "get in shape", or going on many different diets and still ending up looking the same or worse than when they began. Or, someone who gets in trouble with the law and continues doing so even though they know the penalty is not satisfying. The examples are endless and we are quick to point this out in others but are the last to see this in our own selves. Albert Einstein stated that the definition of "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This is unfortunately the perspective that this first class of individuals suffer.
Now, we get to our second group of people. These individuals have made lots of mistakes in their lives but they have learned from them and in turn, make better decisions because of them. They used to be doing the same cardiovascular machine and following a diet that did not work but they were able to realize it and CHANGE their ways. These individuals kept breaking the law but once they got caught and fined for it, they decided that it's not worth the hassle to repeat the same mistake over. These people learned the hard way but did in fact learn. It may take some people months, years, or even decades, but in the end, they become a wiser individual due to those experiences.
And finally, we reached our third class of individuals; those that simply learn. They learn from their own trials and errors. They have the ability to pick up knowledge from other peoples mistakes, but more importantly, they learn from the experts or the "elderly" of our time. Learning is not a chore to them; it is simply a part of life. These are the people who stand out in society. This is what everyone should want to and be willing to achieve.
Which type of person are you? Figure out what you are and get yourself on the learning curve. Keep making slight changes each day for the better, and soon, you will be a "wise elder" as well.
NRW wishes you success on your journey of self improvement.
For more information contact Yuri at
yuri@absolutefitnj.com
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
WHO AM I?
This article correlates with my previous article on Happiness. What completes you? Many people take themselves for granted and end up too stressed, malnourished and/or sick. It's great to want to help others, but how can one help another if they can’t help themselves?
I am going to use parents as an example simply to illustrate my point. Parents make many sacrifices for their children. They work in order to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. They make time to drive their children to sporting events, music recitals, parties etc. Basically, their entire world revolves around their children. Now, there is nothing wrong with this but how many people can truly be happy living this lifestyle for a long period of time? Unfortunately, based upon the rising rates of divorce, not too many individuals are fond of living that lifestyle. What each person needs to do is become slightly more selfish. Yes, you heard me right: slightly more selfish!
People need to place themselves as number 1 in their life. This means; taking the time out of their busy lives from taking care of everyone else and focusing a little more on taking care of themselves. When asked to describe yourself, how do you answer that question? Most people begin listing hobbies, or their likes and dislikes; I like cooking, I hate cleaning. I love dogs, I hate cats, etc... Now, to truly appreciate yourself, YOU need to figure out who YOU are. In order to do that, you must realize what your core values are. These core values will represent who you truly are. There are many values or needs that each person has, but we will address the three basic ones; physical, mental, and emotional.
Physical values: How much movement or exercise does your body need? What are your dietary needs? Basically anything to do with your body goes under physical values.
Mental values: How much time or rest do you need in order to be mentally focused? What mental challenges do you enjoy? Anything that stimulates your mind falls under this category.
Emotional values: Do you need a great deal of social time? What type of people do you like to be surrounded by? This one is yet the biggest field because anything that springs up emotion goes under here.
Going back to our parent example; many of their needs are not met by simply catering to their children. Therefore, they must figure out what they truly like so that they may be able to balance their personal lifestyles with satisfaction and happiness. If work is making them unhappy, they must find out what job is best suited for them. If they enjoy being around people then being a pencil pusher at the back of the office is not a job for them and vice versa. If they don't like the body image they have, then they must figure out what they like and strive to achieve it. And last but not least, the relationships in their life; Whether it's a business, friendship, lover, husband or a wife relationship they need to be clear about their core values. Right from the start, they will know their compatibility and this will allow them to have long and healthy relationships with others.
Therefore, by continuing to be involved parents and fulfilling the needs of their children, they can still retain self satisfaction simply by adjusting minor details in their lifestyles. Such as; finding a job that takes care of their financial needs and mental needs, gaining physical activity either by cheering and running with the child or helping them warm up for their sporting events, and having a babysitter once in a while so they may go out to social gatherings and take care of their emotional values. NONE of these changes can be made unless the parents find out what they really want out of life. Take action now and become that healthy, happy individual you’ve always wanted to be!
NRW wishes you success on your journey of self improvement.
For more information contact Yuri at
732-705-7233
I am going to use parents as an example simply to illustrate my point. Parents make many sacrifices for their children. They work in order to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. They make time to drive their children to sporting events, music recitals, parties etc. Basically, their entire world revolves around their children. Now, there is nothing wrong with this but how many people can truly be happy living this lifestyle for a long period of time? Unfortunately, based upon the rising rates of divorce, not too many individuals are fond of living that lifestyle. What each person needs to do is become slightly more selfish. Yes, you heard me right: slightly more selfish!
People need to place themselves as number 1 in their life. This means; taking the time out of their busy lives from taking care of everyone else and focusing a little more on taking care of themselves. When asked to describe yourself, how do you answer that question? Most people begin listing hobbies, or their likes and dislikes; I like cooking, I hate cleaning. I love dogs, I hate cats, etc... Now, to truly appreciate yourself, YOU need to figure out who YOU are. In order to do that, you must realize what your core values are. These core values will represent who you truly are. There are many values or needs that each person has, but we will address the three basic ones; physical, mental, and emotional.
Physical values: How much movement or exercise does your body need? What are your dietary needs? Basically anything to do with your body goes under physical values.
Mental values: How much time or rest do you need in order to be mentally focused? What mental challenges do you enjoy? Anything that stimulates your mind falls under this category.
Emotional values: Do you need a great deal of social time? What type of people do you like to be surrounded by? This one is yet the biggest field because anything that springs up emotion goes under here.
Going back to our parent example; many of their needs are not met by simply catering to their children. Therefore, they must figure out what they truly like so that they may be able to balance their personal lifestyles with satisfaction and happiness. If work is making them unhappy, they must find out what job is best suited for them. If they enjoy being around people then being a pencil pusher at the back of the office is not a job for them and vice versa. If they don't like the body image they have, then they must figure out what they like and strive to achieve it. And last but not least, the relationships in their life; Whether it's a business, friendship, lover, husband or a wife relationship they need to be clear about their core values. Right from the start, they will know their compatibility and this will allow them to have long and healthy relationships with others.
Therefore, by continuing to be involved parents and fulfilling the needs of their children, they can still retain self satisfaction simply by adjusting minor details in their lifestyles. Such as; finding a job that takes care of their financial needs and mental needs, gaining physical activity either by cheering and running with the child or helping them warm up for their sporting events, and having a babysitter once in a while so they may go out to social gatherings and take care of their emotional values. NONE of these changes can be made unless the parents find out what they really want out of life. Take action now and become that healthy, happy individual you’ve always wanted to be!
NRW wishes you success on your journey of self improvement.
For more information contact Yuri at
732-705-7233
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Happiness
Today, we are going to discuss a simple concept called Happiness. We all frequently use this word, happy; I’m happy today, I'm happy to be alive, or even the classic phrase: happy birthday.
So, what does it mean to be happy?
I would like to ask you a question right now and want you to answer it in all honesty. Take out a piece of paper and right down whatever comes to mind first! The question of the year is: WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Many of you are probably looking at the screen with a puzzled face because you can not figure what truly makes you happy. So here comes the next question: How can you ever be happy if you don't know what makes you happy in the first place? Ahhh, there’s the catch 22; without knowing what you want, you will never achieve it.
Your task is to figure out what makes you happy and go do it.
So, what does it mean to be happy?
I would like to ask you a question right now and want you to answer it in all honesty. Take out a piece of paper and right down whatever comes to mind first! The question of the year is: WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Many of you are probably looking at the screen with a puzzled face because you can not figure what truly makes you happy. So here comes the next question: How can you ever be happy if you don't know what makes you happy in the first place? Ahhh, there’s the catch 22; without knowing what you want, you will never achieve it.
Your task is to figure out what makes you happy and go do it.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Caffeine
85% of U.S. adults consume caffeine daily and are prone to increased blood pressure; meaning, greater chances of heart disease and increased stressed.
The Duke University research team found that even if people don't consume caffeine after 1pm, the effects remain until they go to sleep. That's because caffeine takes a long time to deteriorate in the body. Twelve hours after consumption, the body still contains one-eighth of the original amount of caffeine. With regular consumption, these long-lasting effects could increase the risk of heart disease.
In addition, any disorder related to stress, such as the type 2 form of diabetes or social anxiety, can be adversely affected by caffeine consumption.
In the study, 47 regular coffee drinkers consumed 500 milligrams of caffeine, about the same as four 8 ounce cups of coffee, in the form of two pills, and no later than 1pm. They took these active pills one workday and inactive pills the next day, never knowing which type of pill they were consuming. The researchers monitored their blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of specific substances in their urine.
The subjects showed higher stress levels on days they consumed the caffeine pills, and produced 32% more epinephrine, a stress hormone. They also had slightly higher blood pressure with the caffeine pills.
Previous studies have shown that caffeine worsens insulin sensitivity, one of the major causes of chronic illness.
Other studies have shown that caffeine leads to a loss of aortic elasticity, and raises blood pressure.
Getting rid of this coffee habit, especially if you are addicted, is a lengthy process. It must be done in a controlled and slow pace because it is just like any drug addiction, which will create some withdrawal symptoms.
A helpful solution would be to drink organic coffee instead. Coffee is a heavily sprayed crop, so drinking organic coffee might reduce or eliminate the exposure to toxic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Another helpful replacement would be "Swiss Water Process" decaf; if you are going to drink decaffeinated coffee, be sure that it uses a non-chemical based method of decaffeination. The "Swiss Water Process" is a patented method and is the best choice.
Be sure to avoid sugar and/or milk - These are actually much worse for you than the coffee itself. Don't compound the detrimental health effects by adding milk or sugar to your coffee.
It is also important to use unbleached filters. If you use a "drip" coffee maker, be sure to use non-bleached filters. The bright white ones, which most people use, are chlorine bleached and some of this chlorine will be extracted from the filter during the brewing process.
One study that was performed on 15 men shows that 100mg of caffeine, the equivalent of two cups of coffee, can increase activity in the part of the brain that is responsible for short term memory. It also improves reaction times such as claimed on energy drinks and does increase energy levels but that only lasts for a short time.
Many studies have been linked to tea slowing down brain-cell degeneration, and there- by keeping your mind sharp. Although there is caffeine in tea, it is half of the caffeine that is in coffee. Tea contains a natural protein theanine, which counters the normal side effects of caffeine.
In 2005 scientists found that epigallocattechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catethin polyphenol and a major antioxidant in green tea, decreases production of protein beta-amyloid, which is related to Alzheimer's and can accumulate abnormally in your brain, leading to nerve damage and memory loss.
Tea is a great substitute as a hot beverage for those in need of caffeine. When choosing a tea brand make sure to get a good clean source preferably organic and one that does not contain fluoride. Fluoride is a toxic substance that can have negative effects on the body.
The bottom line is: when on a journey to health, your drink of choice should be good clean water. The second best would be organic, fluoride free tea. And if you insist on having your cup of Joe, then follow the advice in this column of how to prepare and what to look for when getting coffee.
Sources:
Psychosomatic Medicine 2002;64:593-603
Asia One April 15, 2008
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July 2008
Dr. Mercola
The Duke University research team found that even if people don't consume caffeine after 1pm, the effects remain until they go to sleep. That's because caffeine takes a long time to deteriorate in the body. Twelve hours after consumption, the body still contains one-eighth of the original amount of caffeine. With regular consumption, these long-lasting effects could increase the risk of heart disease.
In addition, any disorder related to stress, such as the type 2 form of diabetes or social anxiety, can be adversely affected by caffeine consumption.
In the study, 47 regular coffee drinkers consumed 500 milligrams of caffeine, about the same as four 8 ounce cups of coffee, in the form of two pills, and no later than 1pm. They took these active pills one workday and inactive pills the next day, never knowing which type of pill they were consuming. The researchers monitored their blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of specific substances in their urine.
The subjects showed higher stress levels on days they consumed the caffeine pills, and produced 32% more epinephrine, a stress hormone. They also had slightly higher blood pressure with the caffeine pills.
Previous studies have shown that caffeine worsens insulin sensitivity, one of the major causes of chronic illness.
Other studies have shown that caffeine leads to a loss of aortic elasticity, and raises blood pressure.
Getting rid of this coffee habit, especially if you are addicted, is a lengthy process. It must be done in a controlled and slow pace because it is just like any drug addiction, which will create some withdrawal symptoms.
A helpful solution would be to drink organic coffee instead. Coffee is a heavily sprayed crop, so drinking organic coffee might reduce or eliminate the exposure to toxic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Another helpful replacement would be "Swiss Water Process" decaf; if you are going to drink decaffeinated coffee, be sure that it uses a non-chemical based method of decaffeination. The "Swiss Water Process" is a patented method and is the best choice.
Be sure to avoid sugar and/or milk - These are actually much worse for you than the coffee itself. Don't compound the detrimental health effects by adding milk or sugar to your coffee.
It is also important to use unbleached filters. If you use a "drip" coffee maker, be sure to use non-bleached filters. The bright white ones, which most people use, are chlorine bleached and some of this chlorine will be extracted from the filter during the brewing process.
One study that was performed on 15 men shows that 100mg of caffeine, the equivalent of two cups of coffee, can increase activity in the part of the brain that is responsible for short term memory. It also improves reaction times such as claimed on energy drinks and does increase energy levels but that only lasts for a short time.
Many studies have been linked to tea slowing down brain-cell degeneration, and there- by keeping your mind sharp. Although there is caffeine in tea, it is half of the caffeine that is in coffee. Tea contains a natural protein theanine, which counters the normal side effects of caffeine.
In 2005 scientists found that epigallocattechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catethin polyphenol and a major antioxidant in green tea, decreases production of protein beta-amyloid, which is related to Alzheimer's and can accumulate abnormally in your brain, leading to nerve damage and memory loss.
Tea is a great substitute as a hot beverage for those in need of caffeine. When choosing a tea brand make sure to get a good clean source preferably organic and one that does not contain fluoride. Fluoride is a toxic substance that can have negative effects on the body.
The bottom line is: when on a journey to health, your drink of choice should be good clean water. The second best would be organic, fluoride free tea. And if you insist on having your cup of Joe, then follow the advice in this column of how to prepare and what to look for when getting coffee.
Sources:
Psychosomatic Medicine 2002;64:593-603
Asia One April 15, 2008
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July 2008
Dr. Mercola
Friday, August 13, 2010
Overpowering Yourself
As a personal trainer, a coach or any fitness professional, it is very common to hear the phrase "I can't". So in order to help our clients, I decided to transform this ‘I can't’ into something positive.
We tend to feel the need to say those words when we are fazed with a challenge that we need to conquer. In order to overcome that obstacle every time those words surface, we must learn to add a few words at the end, in order to finish the phrase; Such as. I can't: give up, surrender, lose, stop, let up, fail, be beaten, etc.... Now read it again. Repetition makes perfection. I can't give up, I can't surrender, I can't lose, I can't stop, I can't let up, I can't fail, I can't be beaten.
There is at least one situation where these statements can be applied helping you overcome that obstacle.
Don't let "I can't" hinder your success.
We tend to feel the need to say those words when we are fazed with a challenge that we need to conquer. In order to overcome that obstacle every time those words surface, we must learn to add a few words at the end, in order to finish the phrase; Such as. I can't: give up, surrender, lose, stop, let up, fail, be beaten, etc.... Now read it again. Repetition makes perfection. I can't give up, I can't surrender, I can't lose, I can't stop, I can't let up, I can't fail, I can't be beaten.
There is at least one situation where these statements can be applied helping you overcome that obstacle.
Don't let "I can't" hinder your success.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Don't sleep; it's a waste of time.
Why do we, and all other living creatures, sleep? Why is it that babies sleep more than they are awake when they are infants?
ALL living, breathing, creatures sleep. Since that is true, sleep must be very vital to our health. All the damage that we do to ourselves throughout the day: whether it is physical because we worked out or because it is mental from stress at work, our body repairs itself when it is sleeping. In our modern society we easily lose sight of why we need to sleep until we get so sleep deprived that we get ill. While sick, your body chooses to sleep 10 to 12 hrs. Depending on the severity of the illness, the only time that you are going to be awake is when you are eating or drinking. Don't let your body get to that point. We need to learn to listen to the signs that our body provides to us. When getting sufficient sleep, we should wake up without any stimulants such as coffee or caffeinated teas. Sleep should be enjoyed and not looked at as a burden or a waste of time.
Let's get back to the infants. They sleep so much because they are growing and healing. They eat, defecate and sleep. How come we don't value sleep like they do? Sleeping for infants is an instinctive thing to do. They did not learn it anywhere, it's just what Mother Nature intended for them to do and they follow it well.
So how much sleep is enough, and what qualifies as good sleep? Doctors recommend that we sleep 7-9 hrs for adults and much longer for children. Now what most people don't know is when the best sleep is. Since our body is 75% water we are in sync with the moon. The moon affects the tides and so does our sleep. This means that we need to sleep during the night, 10 pm to 6 am is the best time interval for the most beneficial sleep when the body does the most repairing.
So sleep well and stay healthy!
ALL living, breathing, creatures sleep. Since that is true, sleep must be very vital to our health. All the damage that we do to ourselves throughout the day: whether it is physical because we worked out or because it is mental from stress at work, our body repairs itself when it is sleeping. In our modern society we easily lose sight of why we need to sleep until we get so sleep deprived that we get ill. While sick, your body chooses to sleep 10 to 12 hrs. Depending on the severity of the illness, the only time that you are going to be awake is when you are eating or drinking. Don't let your body get to that point. We need to learn to listen to the signs that our body provides to us. When getting sufficient sleep, we should wake up without any stimulants such as coffee or caffeinated teas. Sleep should be enjoyed and not looked at as a burden or a waste of time.
Let's get back to the infants. They sleep so much because they are growing and healing. They eat, defecate and sleep. How come we don't value sleep like they do? Sleeping for infants is an instinctive thing to do. They did not learn it anywhere, it's just what Mother Nature intended for them to do and they follow it well.
So how much sleep is enough, and what qualifies as good sleep? Doctors recommend that we sleep 7-9 hrs for adults and much longer for children. Now what most people don't know is when the best sleep is. Since our body is 75% water we are in sync with the moon. The moon affects the tides and so does our sleep. This means that we need to sleep during the night, 10 pm to 6 am is the best time interval for the most beneficial sleep when the body does the most repairing.
So sleep well and stay healthy!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Let's Start At The Begining
Human species are different from other animals not only by our opposable thumbs but by our way of rational thinking. This is our greatest treasure and our worst flaw. Many people are extremely stressed in our modern society and it's because of the view that they have about their daily lives. We tend to linger on all the negative thoughts and past mistakes we made. Let go of the mistakes but make sure to learn from them. Start focusing on the positive and look toward the future. This lesson is best taught to us by our dear four legged friends - dogs. They live for the moment, and have you ever noticed how happy they always are? They don't dwell on the past and forget bad things instantly.
Positive thinking goes a long way. Everything begins with a thought. Any invention and master piece wether its art, music, poetry all began as a simple thought that was developed into action. Any such thought travels instantly to every part of our body: positive thoughts expand our cells making more room for cell function and negative thoughts do the total opposite. Constantly, thoughts are popping into our heads but very few people have the control to actually rationalize them. The phrase "think before you speak" is so common but not to many people follow that simple logic.
So how can we escape from the negative thinking and truly make us unique from the rest of the animal kingdom? Do away with negative thoughts and start to practice thinking positively. Just like anything else in life this will take time and patience but the rewards are more then worth it. Set goals for yourself and follow up on them. Get rid of all the negative words that hold you back from your full potential such as; can't, fail,quit... Etc. If you prepare your self to succeed you definitely will.
Positive thinking goes a long way. Everything begins with a thought. Any invention and master piece wether its art, music, poetry all began as a simple thought that was developed into action. Any such thought travels instantly to every part of our body: positive thoughts expand our cells making more room for cell function and negative thoughts do the total opposite. Constantly, thoughts are popping into our heads but very few people have the control to actually rationalize them. The phrase "think before you speak" is so common but not to many people follow that simple logic.
So how can we escape from the negative thinking and truly make us unique from the rest of the animal kingdom? Do away with negative thoughts and start to practice thinking positively. Just like anything else in life this will take time and patience but the rewards are more then worth it. Set goals for yourself and follow up on them. Get rid of all the negative words that hold you back from your full potential such as; can't, fail,quit... Etc. If you prepare your self to succeed you definitely will.
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