February is Healthy Heart Month.  We all know someone who has had or has heart problems, high cholesterol or high blood pressure so let's all promote a solution to help beat heart disease.  I am proposing 200 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week for the month of February and continue this to be a life long habbit.  While you do this tell your friend and challenge them to a healthier lifestyle.  Some cardiovascular exercise can be:

walking
jogging
bike
swimming
elliptical
hiking
cross country skiing
group exercise classes
step
combo (high/low)
zumba
most any continuous physical activity for 20 minutes or more.

Please consult with your doctor and make realistic goals and expectations before embarking on an exercise program.


Get Active,

Dave

We are getting back into the swing of things since finishing up the holiday season.  It was a great time for my family.  We went to Maine to visit my mom, brother and sisters.  My kids enjoyed the time with their cousins.  Which leads me to my next comment.  As we all know I love what I do.  I get a chance to make a living motivating people to lead more active lives through exercise.  For years I have pushed and tried to convince my family (brother, sisters, mom etc...) to exercise.  Many times it was not well received so I stopped.  So we travel to Maine and I hear my brother lost some weight by eating more healthy and exercising everyday.  I did not say anything but I thought I'll believe it when I see it.

So we arrive at my mother's house and my brother walks in looking ten years younger.  Wow!!!  I couldn't believe it!  He starts to tell me how he is doing it and I was speechless.  I had lost hope in convincing my family about exercise and healthy habits when my brother becomes the perfect example of health.  I am proud of him for his accomplishments and his determination.  He is a great example for the rest of my family.  Here is a shout out to Rick, Nice Job Bud!

I have realize that when people are ready to make changes, they will seek out the tools or the people they need to accomplish their goals.  You cannot force feed someone.  As the saying goes "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink".

If you are a someone likes an active lifestyle then be patient when it comes to others who do not see or want the value of an active/healthy lifestyle.  You may be someone who is not motivated to be active and that's fine.  Being active may not be in your life but if and when you are ready there will be many resources to help you accomplish your goals.

Get Active,

Dave

This time of year can be very stressful for many people.  Sometimes I wonder why they are so stressful.  Could it be:

*the shopping isn't finished
*you have not had time to cook or prepare for guests
*you can't find the perfect gift
*family members are being difficult and want quality time

These are all good problems to have because it means have family and friends to spend the holidays with but why must we make this joyous occasion about what we can or can not do.  I have gone through these stressful times and resented this time of year.  I wanted to make everyone around me happy and get the perfect present for the perfect person.  The truth is you are not going to make everyone happy all of the time and there will be disappointments.  We really should think about the meaning of the holidays.  If the holidays mean stress and more stress and that's how you want it then good for you.  But many of us celebrate this time of year with different traditions and different religions but one thing does not change and that is Family and True Friends.  This time of year should not be about presents or expectations or trivial who's, what's or when's.  Each time together or apart should be celebrated with the spirit of joy, good intensions and good times.

The year is full of changes and let us all celebrate the good times of the past, present and future with as little stress as possible.  The years come and go but true family and friends are forever.  Happy Holidays to all and enjoy every moment because they go by fast. 

Get Active,

Dave

This time of year can be very stressful for many people.  Sometimes I wonder why they are so stressful.  Could it be:

*the shopping isn't finished
*you have not had time to cook or prepare for guests
*you can't find the perfect gift
*family members are being difficult and want quality time

These are all good problems to have because it means have family and friends to spend the holidays with but why must we make this joyous occasion about what we can or can not do.  I have gone through these stressful times and resented this time of year.  I wanted to make everyone around me happy and get the perfect present for the perfect person.  The truth is you are not going to make everyone happy all of the time and there will be disappointments.  We really should think about the meaning of the holidays.  If the holidays mean stress and more stress and that's how you want it then good for you.  But many of us celebrate this time of year with different traditions and different religions but one thing does not change and that is Family and True Friends.  This time of year should not be about presents or expectations or trivial who's, what's or when's.  Each time together or apart should be celebrated with the spirit of joy, good intensions and good times.

The year is full of changes and let us all celebrate the good times of the past, present and future with as little stress as possible.  The years come and go but true family and friends are forever.  Happy Holidays to all and enjoy every moment because they go by fast. 

Get Active,

Dave

Many times we sit at our safe jobs with our daily routines because it's a solid paycheck, forgetting our passions to do other things that motivate us to go above and beyond the call of duty.  That job we have is what keeps our families off of the streets, keeps clothes on our children and puts a roof over our heads.  It's SAFE!

I'm not saying to quit your job and start racing cars or anything like that.  What I am saying is to pursue your passions!  Taking a chance does not mean making foolish mistakes that could hurt your family or health.  Pursuing your passion is taking care of you first.  The airlines tell you to put your oxygen mask on first and then put the mask on your children when there is an emergency.  They do this because if you do not take care of yourself first then you cannot take care or help others.

If you are happy then you can better contribute to someone else's needs and happiness.  Take a chance on pursuing your passions and the people around you will reap the benefits of your happiness.  Please understand that I'm not saying to be or act irresponsibly but to find and practice your passions in a respectful and responsible way.

Take a chance and pursue you passions!

Get Active,

Dave

I just wanted to let you all know that I am going to expand my time at Active Body and Health starting January 2010.  It's a commitment I feel that been a long time coming.  Deb and I have tossed this idea around for a few years and didn't feel it was the right time until now.  We feel this will allow our clients more access to the quality training they have been getting with expanded hours.  The transition will be smooth and seemless.  If you have any questions please give us a call or email us.

(410)518-6566
davevincent@verizon.net

Get active,

Dave

November 1st we celebrate Active Body and Health to be in business for 6 years.  Deb and I want to thank all of our clients, trainers, friends and family for your support.  We love what we do and the people we work with.  So raise you glasses for Active Body and Health's six year anniversary.

With lots of love as you get and stay active,

Deb and Dave

We have busy here at Active Body and Health for the last few weeks.  I know we all are busy getting ready for the holiday season and we'll neglect ourselves as we run out of time getting ready for the festivities.  So here is my two cents for you as you jam through November, December and January. 

The average person in American will gain weight during this time and I propose a preemptive strike.  We need to battle the bulge before the weight even starts to go up.  By planning ahead.  WHAT does that mean?  In the next couple of weeks we all will be getting invitation to parties and we'll be getting ready to enjoy Thanks Giving dinner with family.  So plan for it and find ways to eat healthy and exercise during this time.

Schedule your breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and your workouts.  Also prepare your meals in advance so you will not have to worry about where you will get your next meal.  Most of the time when we are hungry, we tend to go for the quickest meal and many times it is not a healthy option.  So go on a preemptive strike again the bulge by taking control of your life by planning ahead.

Get Active,

Dave

I haven't posted a blog in a couple of weeks because I didn't think my blog post were any good.  I kind of lost my confidence so I've been writing blogs but putting them on draft.  But this morning I was thinking about my son and how in the beginning of the fall season he wasn't very aggressive or even into soccer.  When I asked him if he liked playing, his response would be "yes".  I spent the first half on the fall season trying to figure out why this boy was loving to play but didn't show it.  I realized his confidence was down and patience, practice and positive feedback would be the best way to help him get his confidence back up.

I am going to follow my own advice and post the blogs from the previous weeks. 

If you've gone through a time when your confidence was down, what did you do to get it back up?

Get Active,

Dave

I grew up playing sports.  The sports of choice were:

Basketball
Soccer
Baseball
Track

My school did not have football or hockey (darn).

I am now working with athletes and I have notice some differences from when I played sport to now.  I can list all the differences but I think I want to stick with one issue.  The issue of commitment!  I have seen some athletes just quit a sport in the middle of the season.  In my day that was never heard of.  I'm not sure why some young athlete quit and I'm not here to judge them on there decisions.