Renegade

Recently, while out to dinner I began observing many of the patrons at the restaurant as I waited in anticipation for my order of filet. I noticed several women wearing revealing attire and began to think about why this is. I arrived at the conclusion in the oddest of ways. My dinner arrived and the petite filet looked divine, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it. It was grilled perfectly, slightly pink on the inside with juices intact. I cut a piece and bit in, however, my palette quickly became overwhelmed with salt and could barely taste the meat. This fine piece of meat was ruined with salt. Suddenly, I began to think of scantily clad women in the same regard, “over salted.” I came to the conclusion the reason why many women dress in such a revealing manner is to overcompensate for being overweight, underweight, insecure, unhealthy mentality and/or physically. By employing over-the-top clothing, make-up, and hair, attention is redirected to something other than their flaws.

Instead of optimizing beauty from the standpoint of health by eating properly and working out regularly, many women buy into quick fix topical solutions. These can never do for beauty what a diet of nutritious food and exercise can. For more on this topic don’t miss the January issue of DMC.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health

Now that 2010 is upon us, I have already witnessed an influx of individuals at the gym. Whether it is due to new year’s resolutions to get fit and healthy, lose weight or simply due to the excess calories consumed over the long holiday season, this is one of the busiest times of the year for gyms and healthclubs. Most individuals begin the year with the best of intentions, yet as the days pass, weeks progress these good intentions slowly begin to fade. For many, it may only take a day of poor eating or not working out to throw them completely off track. They never return to the gym or initiate a cycle of poor eating that doesn’t stop. However, this does not have to be the case. Don’t become defeated because you’ve fallen off track. If you miss a day at the gym or make a bad food choice, forgive yourself and simply return to the gym and begin to eat better the very next day or at the very next meal. Remember two days of not working out is better than 6 months of not moving and one bad choice is better than weeks of poor choices.

It is important to cut yourself some slack when adopting new habits and making a lifestyle change. For more tips and continued motivation throughout the year, contact a Renegade trainer in your area.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

Over the holidays I went away to visit family in Pennsylvania. Determined to work out, especially after endless hours sitting in a car, and no gym nearby I was forced to be creative. However, utilizing the principals of Renegade and the family farm, I was able to put together a great workout that was far different than what I am normally accustom too. The farm with its uneven terrain, hills, and acres of land, provided a variety of unique physical challenges. At each and every turn, I kept my body working hard never knowing what to expect. Best of all, I was able to perform a wide array of movements just with what was present. My workout consisted of a 15 minute jog both up and downhill, bear crawls, push-ups, log tosses, sprints uphill, depth jumps, and stair sprints. For those that travel often or enjoy variety, please understand a tremendous workout can occur anywhere.

As you begin your own physical journey of 2010 keep in mind thinking outside the box often serves one far better than staying trapped within. Contact a Renegade trainer in your area.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

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

The entire premise of eating is to sustain life. Proper nutrients allow the body to run effectively and maintain health. However, somewhere along the way we have forgotten this basic premise and eat anything and everything simply because it tastes good. Of course, everyone wants to enjoy a good meal but how “good” is it if health becomes jeopardized? There are many natural foods that taste good and are good for you. In fact, once you stop consuming manufactured items you will no longer enjoy their taste nor miss them. These items contain too much sodium, sugar and other chemical additives that can severely degrade health and make one feel sluggish. While many individuals possess the “nothing will happen to me” attitude, there are a myriad of diseases known to result from poor eating habits. The chance that disease will result at some point in life, due to improper eating, is enormous. The only way to curb this is to stop consuming manufactured foods and make exercise a regular part of life.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

Our society considers a fragile and exceptionally thin woman beautiful and highly desirable. Long thin legs, a tiny waist and large chest are the images constantly flashed before our eyes. Yet in reality, there are only a small percentage of the population that poses these attributes. All others are left constantly comparing themselves and trying to measure up to these impossible standards.

The barrage of these images has resulted in a society of women who will do anything to achieve this standard of beauty. From cosmetic surgeries to barely consuming enough calories to sustain life, the pressure is that great that many women will put their lives in danger to achieve “beauty.”

Yet beauty is much more than perfect physical attributes. Beauty is a strong healthy body, an independent mind, sharp intellect, and kind soul.

A woman who makes the world a better place is truly a beautiful person.

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

Are you feeling sluggish and can barely get through the day without your eyes lids drooping? Many individuals have the tendency, when tired, to move less. Yet this is counterproductive to increasing energy levels. In fact, one’s first thought should be, “I need to move more.” Utilizing energy produces more energy. After a workout endorphins are pumped throughout the body leaving one in a better state both mentally and physically.

In addition, to physical activity, proper nutrition is also imperative. While many individuals eat poorly, they also eat sporadically. During the long hours in between meals blood sugar levels significantly drop causing one to feel lethargic and mentally unfocused. To keep blood sugar levels even small meals should be consumed throughout the day, preferably every 2-3 hours. The solution is not to eat less but to eat more nutritious foods frequently throughout the day.

Contact www.hordonhealth.com for more information.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Lifestyle Management

There are a myriad of serious training protocols that need to be adhered to when exercising. However, there is another key component to fitness that, although not serious, cannot be overlooked. This is the fun factor. Exercise should be fun. Many programs and regimens air on the side of militant which tend to push already reluctant individuals even further away. People have enough stress in their lives and exercise should not be one of them.

On the other hand, exercise that encompasses the fun factor will draw people in. Group fitness offers just that. An hour of fun where participates listen to blaring beats, hoot and holler and share in a positive experience while they workout. It is also a situation that easily lends itself to the creation of friendship.

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Contact a Renegade Trainer in your area to experience a kettlebell class today.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com