Renegade

Americans have more luxuries at their fingertips than any other nation, yet our health is failing. This is due to the “spoiled child” syndrome. Similar to the child who gets what they want without any effort and continually expects more, our nation’s individuals have become comparable. We are used to getting what we want immediately without any labor or effort. We have it too easy and, as a result, solid work ethics no longer exist and is the reason our health has significantly deteriorated.

Individuals simply no longer have the patience, motivation, or drive to work hard. Instead many opt for sedentary lifestyles versus active ones and processed unhealthy foods over nutritious alternatives. This has set the stage for rampant diseases, injuries, and soaring obesity rates.

Many fail to realize health is our greatest wealth and, in its absence, life as we know it ceases to exist. Yet it is not an easy journey. Health is not instantaneous and requires brutality hard work. Therefore, in order to regain our health, it is imperative we rediscover the value of hard work.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
www.hordonhealth.com

Signs of spring are all around. Tiny buds of green have surprisingly began to appear from the earth offering the promise of warm sunny days and mild nights. Bright yellow forsythia and soft pink weeping cherries will soon begin their marvelous show as spring blooms. Along with the rebirth of vegetation, another spring time event has reappeared– baseball. Presently enthusiastic fans, all across the country, are making their way to the playing fields for opening day as another season, of bats cracking in the warm summer night wind, gets underway.

At some point the majority of young American boys are taught how to play this beloved game. However, the techniques taught, be it by a coach or parent, are flawed. Players are taught to utilize the arm and heave the ball. These erroneous training methods are not only incorrect but detrimental to the health of the player. Throwing the ball by employing only the arm is why countless young players suffer extensive injuries particularly from overuse. As a participant in the first Renegade baseball clinic, I experienced how the Renegade training methodology directly relates to baseball and translates into a healthy and an extraordinary player.

Renegade training stresses posterior chain development. When moving a weight it is always lifted using the force and power generated from the lower body versus the arms. This same methodology holds true when throwing a ball or swinging a bat as the engagement of these large muscles are crucial to producing power and speed on the mound. Therefore, a player should not throw the ball with their arm, as typically taught, but with their legs. This is not the latest circus trick but should be interrupted to mean the lower half generates the energy which is then transferred to the arm. The arm essentially serves only as a slingshot transferring the energy from the lower body.

The same methodology is applied when hitting. The player begins in an athletic position, engaging the hamstrings, and then swings the bat as the hamstrings and hips generate energy enabling the batter to hit the ball with force, power and speed.

While this may seem difficult for many to grasp and some may blatantly disagree, we must acknowledge there are a bevy of youngsters being injured and experiencing pain when playing that no child should encounter. To pack some heat on the mound and reduce injury, training should employ techniques necessary to build a strong lower body.

Check out Boston Baseball Institute or Renegade Baseball on Facebook. For more information, contact Hordon Health at www.hordonhealth.com

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health

In the classic fable the tortoise and the hare, we learn a valuable lesson that persistence results in triumphant. No matter how talented an individual may be, without the presence of a sound work ethic they will not succeed. Today, most individuals lack basic patience and the drive to work hard. When instant gratification is not granted, frustration sets in and the next matter that offers the promise of immediate success takes precedence. However, anything of value is worth the hard work it will take to achieve. Similar to the tortoise, the individual that will not accept failure is the one that will reign victorious.

Whatever the obstacle, face it head on and don’t give up. If others are smarter or more talented, don’t give in and don’t lose confidence. Continue with unwavering determination because dedication, hard work, a sound work ethic, strong mind and a resilient will are the ultimate equation for victory.

Build an unyielding mind and body that can conquer all that comes its way. Contact a Renegade Trainer today.

Jennifer Calderone
Hordon Health
Nutfit @ Dedham Strength & Fitness

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

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