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02/01/2009 Archived Entry: "Are You Wired to Relapse?"
Are You Wired to Relapse?
By Glen Peavey
Co-Owner, Real Exercise Gym
"Time And Health Are Two Precious Assets That We Don't Recognize And Appreciate Until They Have Been Depleted"
-- Denis Waitley
February is the month that most people revert to their pre-New-Year's-Resolution habits. Have you given up on your fitness goals yet?
"If you are looking for an excuse to fall off the wagon, the universe will provide one."
That was the lesson that Oprah shared in her recent confession about her ongoing struggle with weight. Oprah knows how it feels to fall off the fitness wagon; in the January issue of The Oprah Magazine she described her recent 40 pound weight gain.
Her testimony was filled with valuable insights for anyone else prone to relapse. There was a hidden cycle that I found in her story - one that exposes the process of falling off the wagon.
1) You Fall
Your fall off the wagon could take place in a single moment, or it could be the result of a drawn out process. Oprah described her fall as one that happened slowly as a result of health problems. These health problems became her reason for not exercising.
Illness, vacation, holidays, changes at work or any other change in your schedule are all things that'll get you off the wagon. Once you're off the real damage begins.
2) You Surrender
There comes a point after you fall off the wagon that you simply throw your hands up in the air and give in. For Oprah this was a dramatic moment. "I started eating whatever I wanted - and that's never good. My drug of choice is food. I use food for the same reasons an addict uses drugs: to comfort, to soothe, to ease stress."
This is the most destructive part of the cycle. You remove all expectations from yourself and as a result you plummet into an unhealthy realm. The progress that you've made toward your goals is lost and even more weight is gained.
3) You Hit Bottom
Inevitably there comes the moment when you hit bottom. Your body shows the new weight gain and you feel awful about it. For Oprah it was a sobering moment. "I felt completely defeated. I thought, I give up. I give up. Fat wins." She went so far as to say, "I felt like a fat cow. I wanted to disappear."
While hitting bottom is never a fun experience, it is a necessary one. The pain must become great enough for you to turn it around and take the control back.
4) You Take Control
Now comes the good part. When you hit bottom you were out of control, now you're ready to once again grab the reigns. Oprah says that "These days I've put myself back on my own priority list."
She plans to get an hour of exercise five or six days a week, (not that everyone needs that much exercise) as well as eating healthfully and reordering her life to include time to replenish her energy. Her new goal is to be strong and healthy and fit.
Have you fallen off your priority list, like Oprah fell off hers?
The time has come to put yourself back on that priority list. The time has come to decide that you are worth it.
We're here to help you do just that. Call or email today to get started on an exercise program that will change your body and your life...just like Oprah.
Keep It Smooth (for better results and less injuries)
OK, if you’re working out at REAL EXERCISE, you can skip this article. You’ve probably been told this a hundred times. For the rest, please read and understand the next paragraph. It will make exercise a much more productive and injury free experience.
If you’re like most of us, you strength train to look, feel or perform better. This being true, there is no reason to throw or toss the weights around. You may be able to move more weight this way, but believe me, you’re not necessarily working harder. As a matter of fact, the odds are you’re working your muscles at a much lower intensity level than you probably think. If you move a weight too fast, it will increase in speed until it is traveling on it’s own. This will remove the tension from the muscles being worked. The result will be easier exercise and greater potential for injury. Whether you’re using free weights or machines, PLEASE remember to lift smoothly and under control. You’ll see better results and be much less likely to hurt yourself.
Healthy Chicken Fajitas
This recipe is a wonderful option for a weekday dinner – it's healthy, delicious and ready in 20 minutes. Serve with low fat toppings like salsa, chopped tomatoes, fat free sour cream or hot sauce.
Yield: 4 servings
Here's what you need...
1 teaspoon Chile powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
4 uncooked chicken breasts (4oz each)
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
Lime wedges for serving
In a re-sealable bag, combine Chile powder, salt, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cornstarch, and water. Add chicken, bell peppers, and onion; gently knead to coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes Heat the oil in a skillet, empty the contents of the bag into the skillet and cook over high heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables are tender crisp and the chicken is cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice
Transfer to serving dish and enjoy with lime wedges.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 160 calories, 5g fat, 5g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, and 24g protein.
Client Testimonials
“I see such a difference in my upper body, I’m eating healthier, and my strength and stamina are improved. I would recommend Glen and Julie to anyone serious about fitness. They are extremely knowledgeable and professional”the best in personal training.” Sharon B.
“Their short, intense, workouts produce fast results and are customized for each individual they work with. If experience, motivation, personal attention, and state of the art equipment are what you’re looking for, then don’t wait, call now!” Don L.
Online Personal Training & Phone Consultations
We've been training clients since 1977 and we know not everyone is in a position to hire a personal trainer. If you're not ready to begin a personal training program yet, we offer other methods of coaching ... by phone or online. Let REAL EXERCISE help you achieve the results you deserve.
Think Small
When you eat out, make it a habit to order the smallest portion available. We are programmed to eat whatever is in front of us, even though we'd feel just as full on less. And since portions have grown in recent years, the smallest size isn't very small at all.
Mention the Real Exercise Newsletter and save $1.00 at Froots, across the street from Great America, 5250 Grand Av, Gurnee, 847-244-9600
The Real Exercise Newsletter is also available at the following area locations:
Off Broadway Salon, Tan & Day Spa ... 4949 Grand Ave Gurnee, IL 847 662 - 6603
Cartridge World ... 5250 Grand Ave, Gurnee Il 847-249-0700
Delany Chiropractic Center ... 1810 N. Delany Rd, Gurnee Il 847-623-4100
Lifesource ... 5250-1 Grand Ave Gurnee, Il
Here is Glen Peavey's contact information:
Email: pthit@aol.com
Phone: 847 662 7123
Web: http://www.realexercise.biz
