Active Body and Health

Healthy Heart Month

2010-02-02T16:01:00Z

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

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink

2010-01-08T18:14:00Z

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

Happy Holidays

2009-12-22T23:01:00Z

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

Happy Holidays

2009-12-22T23:01:00Z

Take care of you

2009-12-16T15:27:00Z

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

Dave's new schedule

2009-11-17T16:06:00Z

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

6 years and counting

2009-11-03T00:30:00Z

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

Planning Ahead

2009-11-02T22:16:00Z

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

Confidence

2009-10-23T11:54:00Z

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

Quit or not to quit (no question)

2009-09-23T12:01:00Z

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.

Extraordinary Day

2009-09-23T11:59:17Z

This past weekend I went to Red Bank, New Jersey to connect with fitness professional. What I got was an extraordinary day! There was a small group of 9 and we connected. We all had similar problems and rewards with our own little differences that made each situation unique. This reinforced the feeling that we are not alone and we are not the only ones going through life. Some of us may feel that we are alone and no one know what we are going through but that's wrong for the most part. That is what we feel when we feel sorry for our self.

So when you are feeling sorry for yourself for what ever reason. It could be because you sustained an injury, you can't seem to lose weight or you don't feel young and vibrant anymore. Remember that others have gone through similar situations and you can do something about how you feel. Talk to someone and get a positive perspective on life.

Create your perspective on life and choose an attitude that will help you create an extraordinary day!

This blog was inspired by my friend Rick Ivone.

Get Active,

Dave

Nutrition Log

2009-09-16T12:43:00Z

A few of my friends are sending me emails of their workouts and their nutrition log. As some of you read this you're thinking, no way I would not send him what I eat. I would fail. If he saw what I ate it would make him sick. I'm not grading the nutrition logs and I'm not giving them advice unless they ask for it. So why are they sending me what they eat? Simple, by writing down what they eat they are more conscious of what they eat and by sending it to me they feel the need to tell me how they feel about what they eat. In their own time, my friends will ask for my help and I will be happy to give my opinion. By recording what they eat they see what's going on and by sending it to me they have accountability. As they go through this exercise they can decide on the changes they need and/or want to make for a healthier lifestyle. Please understand this is not a pass fail exercise but it is a tool for anyone to use.

Record + Send = Success

Get Active,

Dave

First time feelings

2009-09-08T19:50:00Z

This past holiday weekend I spent my days going to the soccer field to watch my son play in his first tournament. In my younger days I remember many good times competing with other athletes and I was so excited for him to make his own memories. Win or lose I wanted it to be an enjoyable experience for him. As I watched I realize some kids were more comfortable than others and some were more aggressive than others. That reminded me of how people have described coming to see me for the first time. Words that would surface are:

*Nervous
*Excited
*Anxious
*Uncomfortable

Along with these words I would describe some clients to be timid, shy, reserved and/or cautious. And my son and some of his teammates looked just like some people embarking in a new active lifestyle. I realize that the first thing to do with anyone who may feel this way is to make the environment as comfortable as possible for them and to be aware of how they may be feeling. Once a person feels more at ease they can better focus on the task or goal at hand. And the more time spent doing an activity the more experience they have to get over the uncertainty. It may be a competitive venue or a life change but one thing is for certain.... They are going into battle and encouragement and experience is the best way to help them.

Get Active,

Dave

GO PLAY OUTSIDE!

2009-09-04T15:31:00Z

Most of us have children and as they grow, we make honest efforts to teach them and give them tools to be successful in the world. So when they leave the nest they are more than capable to concur the world. Some may say we want our children to survive this cruel world. Parents instill honesty, integrity, hard work, intelligence, faith in their children. But as they grow we forget something our parents did with us. They told us to go play outside. Simple, right? By telling us to go play outside it forced us to be active. Today the obesity epidemic is increasingly growing by leaps and bounds. We as parents do not need to look else where for the answer. We need to look ourselves and get active. Be an example and tell our children to GO PLAY OUTSIDE and go play with them.

Get Active,

Dave

Rain, Sleet or Snow

2009-08-24T19:35:00Z

This past Saturday I taught a boot camp class in Annapolis for CharmCityRun. It was a great time full of energy and fun but it was almost a disaster. The night before it rained with thunder and lighting filling the sky. The noise was so loud that it woke me up at 4:00am. And if you are familiar with our boot camp classes at Active Body and Health then you will know we spend most of our time exercising outside. I was worried at first about the weather but then I thought it through and came up with a game plan to conduct the class inside. Fortunately the rain, thunder and lightning stopped and all was good.......or not.

When I arrived at CharmCityRun I received some text messages asking me if the class was still on. I replied "yes, we are on". Then I realize that the weather could be an excuse to skip a workout. My excitement then became disappointment and I tried to put up a front even if I didn't think boot camp was going to happen.

A few of us were waiting to see who all would show up then one person would show, then two, three and so on.... These people wanted to workout and wanted to hit it hard. Even if it would have rained, sleet or snowed out I think they would have showed up. Some may have showed up to see how I would have taught the class. No worries folk, I would have given it my all and then some. So I tip my hat to you all who didn't care about the weather and still wanted to get a kick @$$ workout.

Get Active,

Dave

Living by accident

2009-08-11T15:18:00Z

The fam and I went to the beach and stayed with our friends, Frank and Sherri. It was a fantastic time with fun and good conversations. One conversation we had was about how people live their lives by accident. Oblivious to what is happening and waiting for something to happen. That includes their health and fitness.

Quality of life starts with you. Many of us tend to say why me when we can do something about whatever life gives us. We should start with our attitudes. Change our attitude by making ourselves more active. "I hate to exercise" is an excuse to be lazy!

Here is another tool to get you motivated and stop "Living by accident"! I recommend the book "Younger Next Year" by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge M.D.

Question the information you read

2009-08-06T12:18:00Z

The other day I was having a discussion with other fitness professionals about the information that's out there from Men's Health to Muscle and Fitness Magazine etc... The general consensus was that there is a lot of misleading information that consumers eat up. And because consumers react that way, I think we as fitness professionals should stop bitching and start publishing material that is true.

I feel it's time to stop making excuses and start writing the correct information for consumers. And as consumers, we should question everything we read and see. Many times we take information and accept it because we are so desperate to lose weight or get into shape. Is that what you do when you are looking for a car for yourself or your family, NO! So why do that with your body and your health?

As consumers we deserve to find correct information concerning our health and as a fitness professional it is our duty to provide reliable and valid information to you for you.

The next time you read or see anything health and fitness related, look up the topic and check out the research. Also look up the author and check out his or her qualifications. And if the top has been researched find out who was funding the research.

Have a great weekend and we'll talk next week.

Get Active,

Dave

Active Lifestyle

2009-07-27T19:57:00Z

Last week I was out of town for a fitness workhshop. As I sat there listening to the lecture and the presenter displayed some stats and it showed how Americans are getting more and more obese. I couldn't help but think that I was failing as a professional. I am a fitness professional and my passion is to get people to exercise. I tell people to exercise because it with help to:
*lower cholesterol
*lower high blood pressure
*reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease...

But the truth is I've been going about it all wrong. I think most fitness professionals have been doing it all wrong. Fitness professional need to team up together with retirement homes and any other groups that will help educate and put the fear inside those of you who need it.

Having an active lifestyle is the way to go. Think physical independence. You do not want to spend your life with someone else treating you like an infant, feeding you, washing or bathing you. Sit down with an elderly person who can not get out a a chair without help and ask yourself if you want that kind of life.

You may hate exercise but think of the alternative. Start NOW with a long walk and during that walk think of any physical activity that may have been fun for you. Examples are:
*basketball
*football
*tennis
*hiking
*biking

Remember to start slow and prepare your body for activity. Too fast too soon may result in injury. And the most important thing you need to do is to make it FUN!

Get Active,

Dave

Erwan Le Corre Exercise in Nature - Here is when you BRING IT!

2009-07-17T12:16:00Z

BLAH Moods

2009-07-14T15:29:00Z

Many of us have been in that BLAH mood. That's the unmotivated mood where you do not want to do anything especially exercise. I'm in that mood now. I know I need to get off of my duff and move but I just do not want to. Hey I'm human too and I get into a rut every once in a while.

I go through all of the reasons to workout but I just cant' get myself to do it. I'm stuck in the BLAH mood. I know I'll feel sooooo much better when I'm finished my workout. Maybe I'll feel like working out tomorrow. No no I can't justify not exercising. If I do that then I will continue to make excuses for myself and the next things I know I will not have worked out for weeks, months and then years. It's easy to fall into that rut. So what to do what to do?

So how do I expect you to "Get Active" when I can't motivate myself to workout. It's time to call on a workout partner. I just called my buddy Craig and we just set a time and place to start working out together again. We are starting this evening. We enjoy working out together and we push each other.

When you get into the Blah mood and you cannot get yourself out then call on a friend to help you get back into the swing and "GET Active"!

Dave