Did You Know? Part II

I also write about fitness issues. I have published a book "Never Get Old" (http://www.jeffblairfitness.com/) that is a great beginner's fitness manual. I give you a step-by-step guide to starting and (more importantly) maintaining a fitness program. Motivational tips, great websites, fitness contracts, and successful goal-setting are all covered!

I have also published articles in the Spectrum Athletic Clubs Magazine, elitefts.com, and ezine.com. I am recognized by ezine.com as a fitness expert author.

Many companies publish employee newsletters. Ever think about adding a regular "fitness success" article to the newsletter?

Or maybe your church or synagogue sends a newsletter to the members? A fitness article can really help your members get started and succeed.

Even fitness professionals and doctors can increase patient and client retention with the addition of a fitness article or regular newsletter.

Please contact me if I can help your organization educate your members on fitness and health. Reasonable rates are available.

My cell is 310-497-0863 and my email is jeffblair@jeffblairfitness.com.

Did You Know? Part I

In addition to being a personal trainer, I speak (and write) about fitness for a variety of groups.

My love for public speaking goes back to my lawyer days. I competed in national debate competition while in school.

I have won speaking competitions in Toastmaster's Organization.

I have presented at Spectrum Athletic Clubs, Radisson LAX Hotel, Raytheon Corporation, and the American Diabetes Association among others.

If your company or organization would like an entertaining and informative fitness and health speech tailored just for your needs, please contact me so we can spread the word about "Turning Back Time" and address health care expenses at the same time!

I can be reached via email at jeffblair@jeffblairfitness.com or via cell at 310-497-0863.

Who Do You Know?

Today, I work as a personal trainer, speaker and writer.

I am completing my Master's Degree in Human Movement this summer (hooray!) and hold the prestigious CSCS distinction. I have published numerous articles on "turning back time" through exercise and good eating habits.

In a former life, I worked as a lawyer.

I tried hundreds of administrative hearings before an administrative law judge.

I wrote legislation, testified before legislative committees, and participated in countless "behind the scenes" legislative negotiations.

I was a governor's debate practice partner when I was 28 years old. I was Chairman of an international regulatory legal committee (ARELLO) for a year.

If you know someone in elected office or with access to someone in elected office, I would love to talk to them about health and fitness and the legislative process.

Whether Democrat, Republican or other, we all can agree on the great benefits of health and fitness for our society.

10 year Anniversary!

10 years ago today I was 40 pounds overweight.

I attended a conference in Texas in June 1998. After returning from the conference in June 1998, I reviewed pictures and a video. I no longer recognized the man in the pictures. What had happened to my once great physical condition, I wondered?

Sick of my condition, I started walking at lunch while working as a lawyer. Small step by small step, I increased my activity and lost fat.

Each success lead to another success. I started to eat better. I looked much better. My energy soared. Soon, I felt like I was "turning back time."

Seeing (and feeling) my physical transformation was one of the funnest things I have ever experienced! This summer I am celebrating my 10 year anniversary of "turning back time".

Today, I am in great shape. I am 5'10" and weigh a lean 190 lbs.

I am 41 years old. I can easily bench press over 350 pounds and squat and deadlift well over 400 pounds. I won a weight-lifting competition this year that was open to all ages.

I have run a marathon and even completed an Ironman-distance triathlon. I can jump up and grab a 10 foot basketball rim. I am hoping to dunk a basketball on my 42nd birthday!

I tell you these facts since 10 years ago I thought my days of serious physical activity were ancient history. I was WRONG!

Scientific research shows we can be strong, powerful, lean, and vibrant at almost any age. And I mean ANY age. My experience and the experience of countless people I have trained confirms the research.

Unless you are over 80, do not try to tell me you are too old. "Too old" is an excuse. And an illegitimate one.

Lose the excuses. Start walking today. Take some action-ANY ACTION! My book, Never Get Old, at http://www.jeffblairfitness.com/, can show you how.

Raising the Intensity....The Right Way!

Do you ever feel "stuck" in your training? Are your workouts becoming boring and "ho-hum?"

When I feel that way, I increase my intensity and that pushes me forward to the next level.

At the right, I have just finished running six short but fast running sessions.

I feel great after these intense workouts. You should also look for ways to increase your intensity once you have established a consistent routine.

There are several reasons to do this:

1. Higher intensity=More Effort=More Calories Burned in a shorter time period.

2. Your body may be in a "rut". I find shaking up the routine a bit can be the "jolt" that pushes you out of the rut.

3. It is fun to change things. It keeps you mentally involved and feels good.

You should consult your doctor before increasing intensity. Also, be conservative initially and build your intensity over time.

For more information on creating a permanent fitness lifestyle allowing you to permanently lose fat and feel better at any age, check out Never Get Old at http://www.jeffblairfitness.com/.

Female Body-Builders are Scary?

This is Jeff again with another "Frequently Asked Fitness Question"!

I am a woman and am afraid of getting "big and bulky" like those female bodybuilders I see on TV. Why should I lift weights?

Many people have preconceptions about weightlifting. One of the biggest preconceptions is women weight lifters grow big and bulky. Most women will not gain significant muscle through weight training. Most women will become more toned with proper eating and regular training.

Female bodybuilders often lift weights twice per day and lift extremely heavy weights. Many take muscle-building supplements. Unless you plan on lifting twice per day, using extremely heavy weight, and taking muscle-building supplements, do not worry about looking like a female bodybuilder. Here are three GREAT POINTS every woman should know about weight training:

1. Muscle tissue actually is more dense than fat tissue. So if you do put on any muscle, you will actually look smaller as you lose body fat!
2. If you add a little fat-burning lean tissue, your metabolism will increase.
3. A higher metabolism means you can get to your goals quicker!

Check out my book, Never Get Old, at www.jeffblairfitness.com to get started on a lean physique!

Can You Afford Not to Exercise?

As a personal trainer who specializes in working with those over 30, here is a question I hear frequently:

I am concerned about the costs associated with improving my health. Isn’t getting in shape expensive?

My Answer: We spend money on televisions, cars, vacations, and larger homes. If we spend thousands on these items, doesn't our health merit investment? Spending a little now can save a lot later. If you became seriously ill, you could lose significant wages. The potential for job loss following serious illness looms since corporate health care costs are raging out of control and corporations are becoming more aggressive in firing unhealthy employees.

The small amount of money you invest in a fitness plan may actually save you from later financial disaster. What price would you pay to avoid a long hospital stay? I have seen people’s financial lives ruined by health problems that may have been prevented.

An active person’s health care bill is $330 less than an inactive person. If all United States citizens became physically active, the United States would spend $76.6 billion less on health care. The National Institute of Health estimates cancer cost the United States $180 billion in 2001. Another recent study of 178,000 autoworkers showed obese people average $1,500 more in medical bills annually than non-obese people.

Active people stay in hospitals less and visit doctors less than inactive people. Active folks spend less on medications. Women over 55 years of age save the most from becoming physically active.

The question is not: Can you afford to stay healthy? The question is: Can you afford to get seriously ill? Take action today and preserve your physical and financial health.

Anyone can start at http://www.jeffblairfitness.com/. My book, Never Get Old, shows how you to take that difficult first step and regain control of your health and vitality. You can also start to "Turn Back Time" and look and feel dramatically better!