Renegade

The way to improve upon a skill is through continued repetition. This is the case with exercise. If you don’t give it your all every time your fitness level will not improve. Often times it requires overcoming a mental hurdle rather than a physical one as the mind is what holds you back telling you, “I can’t.” If you believe you can’t you simple won’t be able to progress. Instead, say “I can,” and you will see what you are actually capable of and fitness levels will improve.

For many individuals, the initial push is agony if they can even get to that point. The best way to challenge and motivate oneself is by hiring a personal trainer. It is much easier to continue when someone is with you motivating and challenging you to go beyond what you thought possible.

Move beyond the “I can’t” and into “I can.”

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

Many of us “judge a book by its cover” but the cover, very often, does not accurately depict reality. For good or bad, reality is often shocking when we finally take a moment and look beyond outward appearances. For instance, take Susan Boyle, the English singing sensation who first appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent.” As she made her way to the stage the audience began to boo. They took it upon themselves to presume she was not talented based upon her physical appearance. However, she belted out a remarkable rendition of Les Miserables, “I Dreamed A Dream,” that left the audience speechless following their unkind assumptions. The treatment Ms. Boyle was subjected too is a prime example of how we inaccurately judge others when judgment is based solely upon physical attributes.

Conclusions regarding athleticism, or lack thereof, are also frequently made based only on physical attributes. The media depicts athletes as individuals with big muscular bodies and chiseled abs. Yet again, this does not paint an accurate picture. A muscular body does mean it functions properly or possesses the necessary characteristics of a great athlete. True athletes move with ease. They are fast, powerful, agile and flexible. Often times, huge muscle bound beings are not at all athletic. Some of the best athletes out there may not appear as you expect but you can be sure they are the best because they are Renegades.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

I am a particular fan of making “To Do” lists. It feels great to cross something off the list but, more importantly, by writing it down I ensure it is not forgotten and gets accomplished. However, a goal or “to do” cannot be left as simply an item on a list. Things don’t just happen. Goals, especially long term, require a plan of action and then most importantly, execution. Once the goal is established, action should be immediate as to not lose sight of the goal or lose motivation. Additionally, it will take time to achieve and every day counts. Goals require perseverance, drive, and determination but, day-by-day, little-by-little the culmination of all efforts make the goal a reality.

This is important to keep in mind in terms of fitness goals. They will require time, hard work, and dedication. Yet, to achieve anything the first step must be taken.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

Looking for the perfect holiday gift this year? Not sure what to get an individual that has everything? Let me suggest the gift of health. Why not purchase a personal training package for a friend or loved one? This is not a useless gadget that they will try once and then toss in a drawer or just another trinket that will clutter a shelf. This is a gift that could potentially add years to their life. It can curb disease, restore energy and vitality, increase self confidence, and aid in mental health. Everyone wants loved ones to live a long and healthy life and there is no better way to ensure this than by helping them make fitness part of their life.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

As numerous industries desperately try to keep from drowning during these tough economic times, more and more workers are being left without jobs. Remaining employees are now more valuable than ever as they are left filling in the gaps and taking on more responsibility. Yet the health of these workers is in jeopardy. The American worker now faces great levels of stress as they ramp up hours and attempt to pick up additional workloads, all the while the threat of the unemployment line lingers. Yet there is no relief from this stress as individuals have less time to commit to physical activity. To make matters worse eating habit are abysmal and this disastrous combination result in more sick days and lost business wages.

One solution to the grave health concerns we currently face are corporate wellness initiatives. While corporations continue to cut costs this may not be viewed as favorable. Yet the long term health benefits for workers and subsequent savings in health insurance premiums are factors that cannot be ignored. The rate of this country’s health is declining faster than ever and measures must be taken now.

Invest in the health of this nation.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

Stress does serve to benefit health in any way. In fact, constant stress is catabolic as muscle proteins are broken down for energy. It also drains energy and leaves the body weakened, aged and vulnerable to illness. Stress can produce insomnia, depression, anxiety, panic and a host of other issues.

The best way to curb stress is by working out. It will leave you energized and ready to take on whatever the day serves up. The endorphins that pump through the body provide a natural high and renewed vigor for life. Moods are lifted and suddenly all the “to do’s” of the day don’t seem as overwhelming. This is extremely important during one of the most hurried seasons of the year as stress levels are at an all time high.

Don’t let stress wreak havoc on your health. Contact a Renegade Trainer in your area.

Jennifer Calderone
www.hordonhealth.com

Unfortunately, today most individuals lack the ability to perform the most basic of moves. Yet a solid foundation, basic movement, must be established prior to moving to more advanced work. However, given the need for instant gratification, individuals often skip the elementary work and plunge into advance work without any type of preparation. The end result is injury.

General Physical Performance or GPP is one of the key components of Renegade training. GPP is comprised of body weight exercises both weighted and non-weighted. These basic exercises should be standard in one’s training to increase basic fitness levels and provide other benefits including, but not limited to, improving work threshold and offering a unique variation to training. The addition of these exercises performed for 30 seconds each, for a total of four rounds, will begin to create a solid foundation of fitness.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

Success is a result of risk taking that often involves choosing an unconventional path, otherwise known as the proverbial “road less traveled.” It is not traditional mainstream thinking or the standard way of doing things that result in success. Instead success is a result of going beyond the norm, being an individual and choosing a different path.

This equates perfectly to fitness. Many individuals flock from one fitness phenomenon to the next, believing it is best. Yet this is not the case. The only reason fitness gadgets or programs gain popularity is due to well-financed marketing campaigns, not due to results. In fact, I recently witnessed an advertisement for the Wii system’s new item, “The Biggest Loser.” This may prove to be an item many gravitate toward given the popularity of the television show. Yet, it is laughable at best. Standing in front of the television with remote in hand while simulating chopping wood is not working out. Try chopping actual wood with an axe. That is a workout!

On the other hand, Renegade training is training that extends beyond the typical confines of “the box.” It goes outside the box, far beyond the norm providing unprecedented results. It is not the next best thing, but THE BEST!

Don’t follow the rest, be the best – Renegade.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
Boston, MA
www.hordonhealth.com