Thursday, February 28, 2013

Extreme Shoe Trends: Weird, or Worth a try?

Let’s veer away from mental and emotional health for a minute...

But before that, a few updates:

1 - One of my goals this year is to provide 10x Value in everything I do.  I want to make this blog more of a resource, a better tool for you to use.  One of the ways I plan on doing this is to start inviting guest bloggers to post blogs here.  I feel they will provide valuable info and insights into areas that I am not as knowledgeable or insightful.  It is going to be a great opportunity for all of us to learn.

2. - If you have not signed up for the Flat Belly Challenge, you had better sign up soon.  There are only a few spaces left.  This program will sell out.  More details can be found here:

3 - I am planning on putting out more Youtube videos and as I said before, more blog posts.  I will not be posting everyone of these on the 1000 Challenge page as I do not want to make that page too busy.  Also I want to really start directing content towards the people who want it.  So, if you like the blogs and do not want to miss one, be sure to subscribe at the right.  And if you like the Youtube videos, please click here to subscribe to my Youtube page.

Ok, back to those Extreme Shoe Trends...

Exercise has become a pop culture trend and is chalk full of sub-trends, if you will. One trend I’m sure many have questions about is athletic footwear. There are some strange looking shoes out there now, some of which claim to change your bio-mechanics, or how your body moves naturally, with constant wear and proper use. If you’ve ever had a running coach, you know there is a “correct” way to walk or run to minimize the risk of strain and injury. Can a shoe really help change this? Here are two of the more “interesting” footwear options on the market today that claim they can:

FiveFinger Shoes – This shoe is for athletes and runners of all levels who are looking for a different “feel” while running. FiveFinger shoes have the same minimal padding throughout the sole versus a traditional shoe with most of the cushioning on the heel, and pockets for each toe to best mimic the sensation of being barefoot. Vibram (Vibram FiveFingers Trek Hiking Shoe ), the manufacturer, claims that wearing this shoe while following a proper training regimen helps force a change in the way your foot strikes the ground. By changing the natural heel to toe foot strike to a forefoot strike (the ball portion of your foot hits first), the harmful impact when your foot hits the ground is lessened, reducing risk of injury and strengthening the lower leg and foot. If you want to get an idea of how these feel, simply take a jog around the block, barefoot!

Hoka Shoes – This is a brand new shoe, and pretty much the polar opposite style of FiveFinger. Hokas are also for athletes and runners of all levels, but for those wanting a super cushioned, bouncing, and weightless sensation under their feet. The soles are shaped like rockers, with the thickest point under the mid-foot to promote a mid to forefront foot strike. Hoka shoes were designed by two avid trail runners looking for a solution to the uneven surfaces, strain of uphill to downhill running, and foot fatigue after long distances on trails. To give you an idea, the soles of Hokas are 1.5 inches thick and use foam that is even softer than traditional running shoe cushioning. The sole width (side to side) is also enlarged to provide more stability. Sounds like a lot of shoe, right? Hoka shoes also claim to be at least 15% lighter than the average running shoe.

What do you think of the Extreme Shoe Trends?  Which shoe is your favorite?  Please share your thoughts below.

Here’s where I got my info, and you can too:

 www.vibramfivefingers.com 

www.hokaoneone-na.com 


Carpe Diem,

Jesse

Sunday, February 24, 2013

The Talk Test

As I am writing this, it is a little less than 24 hours away until I open up the Fat Eradicating Challenge for you all to participate in!

I am so excited for you to try out this program.  Who is eligible you might ask?  Anyone who is tired of having the "spare tire" hang over their pants.  Anyone who feels self conscious in a bathing suit.  Anyone who wants to lower their blood pressure and cholesterol.  Anyone who wants to live a healthier happier life.  Anyone who wants to have more energy to play with their kids.  Essentially anyone who wants to and is committed to Eradicating their body fat is eligible for this program.

I have tested this program out with numerous clients and it works!  The details will come out in my newsletter tomorrow.  Make sure you don't miss out, click here to sign up to my newsletter.

One of the most common questions I hear in my Fitness life is, "Jesse, when I do cardio how fast/how hard am I supposed to train at?  What is the best heart rate for me to be at?"

My first answer is always, "well, it depends on your goals."

After that my second answer is always the following recommendation, "I personally believe the "Talk Test" is the best way to gauge workout intensity for the average person who wants to be healthy and reduce body fat." 

What is the "Talk Test?' 

The talk test is a simple test that requires no equipment to perform and is always accurate. 

You begin by doing your cardio training of choice: running, walking, exercise bike, etc...  and from there, you start talking.

If you can carry on an uninterrupted conversation where it does not sound like you are even breathing hard, then guess what - YOU need to up the intensity.

If on the other hand you are working so hard that you cannot utter a couple of coherent words, then you might want to consider slowing down just a tad, as this intensity is going to be very hard to sustain over a cardio session of 20 - 30 minutes

The sweet spot is when you are huffing and puffing, but can still get a few words out without feeling like you will pass out by talking.  You should be able to say hi, hello, and comment on the weather through heavy breathing.  If however you have enough wind to talk politics, you have slowed down to much and need to pick up the pace.

For a little more info about the talk test, check out this article from the CDC:  Talk Test Article

There you have it.  With your voice as your guide, you are on your way to maximizing your time at the gym and achieving the results you want and deserve!

Carpe Diem,

Jesse

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Attitude Adjustment



“A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere ‘till you change it.” - Anonymous

I really like this quote, it rings true in so many ways. A bad attitude not only affects how you feel on the inside, it can also effect the choices you make, the effort you put into achieving your goals, the people around you, and who wants to BE around you It’s not pretty.

How many times have you been around someone whose constant complaining leaves you at a loss for what to say to them, even if it’s a close friend or family member? You listen, sympathize, make positive suggestions, but it’s sort of draining, and leaves you feeling a bit down, right? You might start looking for things to complain about (don’t do it!). We tend to mimic the communication styles of those we’re talking to because it makes us feel more connected.

Fact -- It’s important to surround yourself with POSITIVE, SUPPORTIVE people who will keep you accountable, motivated, and encouraged. We in turn have a responsibility to be positive for those around us. It’s a great feeling knowing that you brightened someone’s day :)

What is something you did in the past week/weekend to make someone’s day better?

Carpe Diem,

Jesse

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Action, Action, ACTION

Taking action is the key to success!


There I said it!  Lesson over; I have taught you all you need to know!

In case you do want to know more, read on:

First, a few updates.

We had an awesome Ustream chat this morning.  If you missed it, watch the replay here: 

https://www.facebook.com/1Year1000Challenge/app_196506863720166

http://www.ustream.tv/broadcaster/new/8482161


As I mentioned on today's chat I am doing a lot of  "re-organizing" to do my best to deliver on my 10x value pledge I made to you all.  Part of that "re-organizing" is going to be presenting exclusive offers that will be available only to members of my newsletter.  Do not miss out, get all the info here: Newsletter Sign Up 

On that note, I will be holding my first seminar on the first weekend in March.  Space will be extremely limited so keep your eyes and ears open for when the opportunity to sign up becomes available.

The topic will be on Relationships.  How to attract and create the relationship of you dreams, and how to reconnect and reignite the passion in your current relationship.

Lastly, Spring is just a few months away.  To help you get in shape not just for spring, but for the rest of you life, I am putting together a contest for you all.  I will buy the winner of this contest a pair of designer jeans, of their choosing, valued at up to $300!!!  Yes, I am that dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals :)

As you all know, I have been testing and refining a new exercise/nutrition method that is getting my personal training clients AMAZING results!  I have been working hard at making the program full proof.  I am proud to say, I got it down and am ready to share it with you.  I am going to unveil this program as part of the Designer Jeans contest.  Keep your eyes open.  Members of my newsletter will have the first opportunity to sign up for this awesome contest.  One more time, here is the link to sign up for my newsletter:  Newsletter

Ok, so the secret to success, success in anything in your life from financial to relationships is taking action.

You can read all the books, You can watch all the videos, You can listen to all the motivational speeches, You can study every "guru's" teachings, but none of it will help you create the life you want to live, unless you put the knowledge you learn into action!

Taking action is absolutely essential to achieving whatever it is you want in life. 

Action, Action, Action!!  


Ask yourself, what is one thing you can do right now, what is one action you can take that will put you a step closer towards achieving one of your goals?

Now whatever it is, get to work on doing it.  You and Your life are worth it.

Carpe Diem,


Jesse

Thursday, February 7, 2013

A Nutritious and Delicious Smoothie



I had no idea what I ate could be so exciting and cause such a buzz!

Many of you wrote to me and asked, "What the heck is in that smoothie I see you drink?"

Before I get to the smoothie, I am really excited to share a couple of updates with You:


  • I am going to start offering online seminars.  This will be your chance to work with me in a small group.  We will cover, in depth, a range of topics from: Facing fears, Over coming adversity, How to make more money, How to create the relationship you have always wanted, and many many more.  Keep your eyes out for notifications of when these will begin.

  • My FIRST BOOK, "Ouch My Heart Is Broken, A Heart Break Survival Guide," should be available on Amazon.com and Kindle by the end of this month.  I will let you all know!  Thank you so much for the support and encouragement.

  • I have an awesome new fitness program that I have developed!  This program will literally melt the fat off of you in 28 days and leave you with a flatter, more defined, stomach.  I am working at putting the finishing touches on it, stay tuned for more info and when you can sign up!

  • I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago, but I am going to start offering special promotions, discounts, and services, exclusively for those of you who subscribe to my newsletter.  Don't miss out, subscribing is free, and I promise it will be worth a read.  Click here to subscribe.

Ok, back to the SMOOTHIE!!  MMMM, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! :)


I started to answer a couple of the emails, but then thought, why not just video me making it so you can see the whole process and then you can make it yourself.

So I did! :)

Watch the video below to see how I make my delicious and nutritious smoothie.





To recap, here is the ingredient list.  Remember you can modify the serving sizes based on your specific  nutritional needs.


  • An Orange
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Scoop of natural/organic peanut butter
  • Scoop of protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon of flaxseed
  • A cup of water
Blend, then mix in the following
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon of chia seeds
  • A scoop of fiber
If you are using chia seeds let it set for about 30 - 45 minutes so that the chia seeds can absorb all the moisture.  If you are not using chia seeds, drink up and enjoy.  :)


Enjoy the pics,

Carpe Diem,

Jesse