I took some time on the day after Thanksgiving to watch a movie that is currently rated in the top 20 rentals on iTunes.  The movie is called Food, Inc. Not only is it an eye opener, but a well done documentary about the foods we buy at the grocery store.

Who knew in this day and age that a documentary on food would rate so high in the minds of consumers?  As a marketer, I feel certain websites or polls provide the pulse America has.  For this movie to rate so highly on iTunes as a measure of people who have rented it tells me that more than a handful of folks are concerned about the foods they eat; just like me.

I hate to give away too much, so if you’re interested in watching the movie, please stop here.  If you’re intrigued, here are a few tidbits offered:

• In the 1970’s, the FDA conducted over 50,000 inspections to protect our foods.  In 2006, they performed a little over 9,000
• Many foods on the grocer’s shelves are derived from corn
• McDonald’s is the largest purchaser of beef and potatoes and have essentially shaped the production of these items
• Tyson, Perdue, and Monsanto are just a few corporations that declined interviews in the making of this film
• Monsanto controls 90% of the soybean market in the US and bullies farmers into buying seed from them
• The federal government agencies have close ties to these corporations who are in a sense, protecting the rights of Americans seeking healthy choices for themselves and their children

One of many solutions and an appeal in the movie is to check labels carefully, but also to buy local from farmer’s markets where food is produced naturally so that it’s not intermingled with multiple chemicals and is better for you.  We have the ability to make things happen when we buy the right products.  Wal-Mart appeared in this movie and proclaimed they only provide to their consumers what they are willing to buy.  With a 20% increase of organic products being introduced, Wal-Mart was portrayed as taking steps to answer the consumer’s cries and providing alternatives to corn-derived food.

The days of turning our head as to what goes into a hot dog are long gone.  It’s time we take our heads out of the sand and engage with food producers before more children die from the likes of e. coli poisoning.  If you’d like to take further action, CLICK HERE to sign a petition to re-enact the Child Nutrition Act so that our kids can be around healthier choices than canned sodas and sugar laden foods.

If you’ve seen Food, Inc. – what did you think?  Do you enjoy buying organic if offered?

Tonight I had the pleasure of doing P90X Plyometrics with the assistance of my new Vibram Five Fingers.  I was pretty happy with them, I must say.  Here are just a few reasons I noted:

1. The Five Fingers are light – very light compared to my normal running/fitness shoes
2. The shoes felt a part of me due to their unique design
3. During the exercises that have you jump up and turn 180 degrees or more, I typically feel a small wrench in my knee; not so with the Vibram Five Fingers
4. Tony Horton says in this workout to land softly; wearing these almost mandates a landing on the balls of your feet/toes so that mandate is easily accomplished when you wear these
5. With lunges, the flexibility of the toes region allows some toes to flex and others not to, so the response by your foot is more normal as opposed to a forced motion by a conventional shoe because of its design

Plyometrics has you jumping throughout the workout, so I was expecting some blisters to pop up (or pop later on!).  But that was not the case.  My Vibram Five Fingers performed like champs.  I did notice a change in some balance movements like the one legged quad stretch, but with a slight change I was able to balance as though I had no shoes on.  And with the Vibram Five Fingers, that is close to being almost true.

All in all, my workout was strong and I’m closing in on Day 90 with each workout.  I’m excited to wear these shoes in upcoming workouts, especially Yoga, due to their lightness.  And perhaps very soon I can give them their paces running through the neighborhood.  Great workout, great results – and yes, I even sweated a little.

What paces have you put your Five Fingers through lately?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

After a long bout of a lingering cold/cough/congestion which continues to haunt me, I decided that enough was enough and that I needed to get back on track with my P90X plan.  When my infection initially hit, I was left breathless, fatigued and hacking.  For those of us doing P90X, that’s the norm, right?    Only this time it was not the worked out feeling I was experiencing.  My body simply could not perform.  So, for many frustrated days I was unable to stay on track with a true 90 day plan.  I think I’m probably about a week off, so I could label my trek as P97X.  Regardless, I feel like my body is at the point where symptoms are starting to subside to the point that I can perform and hopefully push this junk completely out of my system.
Last night was my last time at the Chest, Shoulders and Triceps workout.  You start this program in the 2nd phase during Week 5.  I’ll miss this workout because it’s really a fun one that blasts the upper body and really challenges you. 

The first graph you see above I listed all the exercises that you are to do using your bodyweight only.  So you’ll see many push ups, etc.  Upon review of the data, I saw great progress in most areas.  MOST…    I’ve done more tri-rises in a different workout, but the time you are allotted kept my number from going as high as I’ve actually done (which is 23).  You’ll notice the big Goose Eggs on One Arm Pushups.  More power to Jack Palance for doing these, but by the time you get to these in the workout plan, my triceps are toasted and the body is simply not willing to put out any effort for these (even on my knees).  Overall, including all reps, I improved 63% from start to finish. 

On the second graph you’ll see I now list all exercises using weights.  To attempt to figure improvement, I introduced a concept I’ve learned called “Tonnage” where you multiply your weights by your reps to get a figure that you can compare to the back end.  This concept worked to show improvement in all but a few areas.  For Pour Flys, Front to Back Tricep Extensions and DB Cross-Body Blows, there was no improvement shown due to the tonnage model because at Week 5 I was doing high reps with low weights.  By Week 12 I was doing higher weights with less reps.  So, while my strength was up, this is where the tonnage model needs an asterisk by it and shows once again the difficulty comparing actual effort in these cases.  Regardless, I showed a total strength increase of 42%.
Whether flawed or not, taking 63% and 42% and averaging them out, I’m a little over 50% stronger than I was a few weeks ago.  I don’t know about you, but that does bring a smile to my face as it shows validity once again to the outcomes P90X can produce.  The numbers don’t lie.
Ready to allow P90X to change you?  If so, I would enjoy being your Coach (free of charge) to motivate you and guide you and advise you on your way. 

Click on this LINK to get started or to learn more!

If you called me the impulsive sort, you might be right. I enjoy infomercials, as I’ve pointed out before. I don’t sit there with remote in one hand and credit card in the other, mind you, but I love looking out for the next “shiny object” that symbolizes the future. Case in point: I’m more excited to watch the trailers at the movie theater than the actual movie because I love to get a taste of what is to come. And sometimes when you see that shiny object, you gotta act! Anyone with me?
At the same time I enjoy researching my next object of passion. Before my last few purchases, I also sought out confirmation I was making the right choices. So far, so good. I checked out my iPod Touch thoroughly before the transaction and I still LOVE it (in fact I’m writing this post on it!). I researched P90X to ensure it was all the infomercials said it was. It is and I love seeing the results. And so it was for my latest obsession, the Vibram Five Fingers.
I saw my first pair of VFF’s a few years ago. A salesperson was wearing them while I was choosing my next running shoes and I thought they were a gimmick. It was like some sort of nightmare combining the Hobbits with Latex. All they were missing was some hair.  What the heck?! I just didn’t get it. Then fast forward to last summer when I started reading Chi Running and the method of striking midfoot as opposed to heel to toe. At the same time I was reading this book I also noticed barefoot running was gaining popularity, but the connection between the two was still flimsy for me.  I didn’t know that VFF’s were being worn by runners.
Most recently I was reading a few posts at FitBomb, a hilarious blog that combines P90X, fitness, running and comedy. FB started talking about VFF’s and it stoked some research on my part. When you wear VFF’s, you learn a new way of running similar to Chi Running. But would wearing these help my running, especially considering I wear orthotics?
Critics in favor of Barefoot Running challenge conventional wisdom and the cushioning in today’s running shoes. The cushioning in most shoes, especially motion control shoes, is supposed to help with heel to toe running. As continuous heel impact is made, research says this invariably takes it’s toll on the body and knees. Enter barefoot running (or that with VFF’s). When running without traditional shoes and cushioned heels, you learn to land on the midfoot or balls of your feet, just like Craig the Caveman used to do it. In so doing you decrease the impact on the heels and nature takes the lead, spreading impact throughout the foot. Much more research on this can be found in the book, “Born to Run” by Chris McDougall. The book follows a tribe in Mexico, who run long distances at record paces – sans shoes.

Apparently when you go the VFF method, your muscles are engaged in a new fashion. Your body adjusts to a natural methodology that incorporates calf muscles and others, helping your posture at the same time. Or so the claims I’ve read say.
Overpronaters take note: this shoe and running method may mean great things for us. One downside to being an overpronater is the heavier (and more expensive) shoe we must wear to become the runner we aspire to be. If the shoes don’t correct our issues, then orthotic inserts enter the picture, adding more dollars to the equation. The result of all these costs is to assist our lack of arch (which causes our feet to roll in as we run heel to toe). Now if you are running with VFF’s that force you to run with a midfoot strike, your foot shouldn’t roll in, right? In theory this tells me my orthotic wearing days might be over. And that is very exciting!
That is also what caused me to make the purchase. Yes, that’s right, I bought a pair of VFF KSO’s. KSO is supposed to stand for Keep Stuff Out since these have a mesh that goes from the toes to the ankle. I fully expect odd looks when I wear them out. I don’t care. But I won’t know that feeling nor any accuracy to my theories for another month since its not yet Thanksgiving and the VFF’s are a Christmas gift to myself. I’m anxious to wear them around the house, while I’m doing P90X and eventually when I’m running. In the meantime I’ll continue my research but be so very anxious to wear my Five Fingers and hope they are the solution they appear to be. I’ll also be thinking of some fun comebacks to odd looks or questions I’ll get since these “shoes” are unconventionally ugly.
If you have VFF’s and care to share comments you’ve received – let me know.  I’d love to hear them in the comments section below.  OR, if you are a runner and have had recent experiences with the VFF’s, please comment as well.

A good friend of mine who is doing P90X recently wrote me:

My quick response is pretty similar for any injury that occurs (especially one that stabs and rips!) – talk to your doctor.  Yes, this does depend on the severity of the injury, but if it impairs your ability to workout, then you need to have it checked out.  Now, with that said, too many people walk into the doc’s office with little questions in mind.  Your doctor is your resource.  They earn good money from their vast knowledge of the human body – so take advantage of that time instead of just putting your hand out for a prescription.  Ask what you can do to recover faster in addition to any medication.  Ask how it might be prevented.  Ask for other exercise ideas they might have.  Ask, Ask, Ask.

RESIST

REVIEW

The importance of Before/After pictures is always trumpeted, but when you neglect to take them, it’s something everyone wishes they had done.  When you’re down and out, take out those before pictures.  Review your successes in terms of how many inches you’ve taken off the waist, how much weight you’ve lost, how much much healthier you feel – and review how much more you are able to do in your workouts and in life.  This review time is the perfect way to resist those negative thoughts.  It helps to remind you of how far you’ve come and what you’re really capable of doing.  In addition to your pictures, review your WHY.

Your WHY is the CORE REASON you are improving your lifestyle by exercising.  Your WHY is a driving internal force that only you can use to keep motivated.  Perhaps your family’s side has heart conditions or diabetes and your WHY revolves around staying healthy to avoid that.  Perhaps your WHY revolves around being healthy so you can be a good role model for your kids.  Your WHY is YOUR’S and its power is perfect for times like this so that you can remind yourself why you’re doing a self-improvement program.  Your WHY gives you that staying power you need to draw from every now and then.  Now that you’ve reminded yourself of how well you’ve done and WHY you’re doing it, you’re ready for the next RE:

RE-COMMIT

When injuries plague an athlete, there are hesitations that come to mind.  You might be hesitant to get back out for fear of re-injury or expectations of a lesser performance (I’m human – I do that, too).  But while you’re out of commission, get out your plan and review the next phases.  Make mini goals – whether it’s more weight to lift, more reps – or perhaps you can suggest a new reward system for yourself when a goal or end goal is achieved.  The mantra for BeachBody is “Decide. Commit. Succeed.”  I love that slogan and I don’t think anyone would mind if you changed that middle part to Re-Commit.  Re-committing is the opposite of another word: Quitting.  When I think of re-committing, I envision taking the old batteries out of my electronic device and putting fresh ones in.  When that’s done, it’s a new day and it’s time to bring it!

I hope the Three Re’s help you in your thinking.  And, if you’re ever injured, don’t forget to take time off to recover.  Coming back too soon could disrupt that recovery process as well as prolong it.  But while you’re down, don’t forget to Resist, Review and Re-commit.  REmember that!

What “RE’s” or motivational tips do you use?

When a company makes a claim about their product, commercials show the proof with visual evidence.
Traditionally when people engage in a 90 day exercise program, the most marketed result we see are the Before and After pictures. And why not? By nature we are skeptics at heart and we want proof that efforts provide results.  I’m from Missouri (the Show Me State), so I have an excuse why I need proof – apparently there are more Missourians than I gave credit!
On this blog that is the case as well, where my own progress photos page is highly visited. As I post my results via charts showing Week 1 vs the last workouts, those posts are also highly trafficked pages. But I’m here to report another way you can measure the validity of P90X and its reliability as a legitimate program.
For the past few years, my blood pressure has been in the “elevated range.”  My family has a history of high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiac issues.  You think I need any more reasons to work out and fight hereditary traits?  With that in mind, you can imagine my frustrations when I would run, eat well, etc. – but yet my blood pressure would be close to 140 over 90, which is the beginnings of Stage 1 Hypertension (as shown here).

For the past 5 days I have been under the weather.  I’ve been achey, stuffy and torn between whether this malady was my seasonal strep throat or another sinus infection.  During a routine doctor’s office visit today I had my blood pressure taken, the first time since I have started doing P90X.  To be honest, I never even thought about it until the cuff went around my arm, but as it did my head wondered, “Hmmm…wonder what effect P90X HAS had on my blood pressure?”  As the nurse slipped the cuff off and entered the results into the computer, I couldn’t help but read it over her shoulder.  My usual 140 over 90 was down.  Today’s reading:  126 over 82!

For anyone reading this, bear in mind I’m over 40 – and this is what 40’s and above do – we get excited about our blood pressure results.  Lame, I realize, but I’m just being honest here.  OK, back to business – For my blood pressure to come down from Stage 1 Hypertension to close to normal range I was stupified.  Wow.
Wow – because I was running long distances over the summer.  My highest was 20 miles.  I was running 30 miles a week or higher.  I was active.  But I never saw the blood pressure reflect much of a change.  Enter P90X – and 75 days into it, my pressure drops.  An immediate vision of my little girls popped into my head and I thanked God for this great news and also for a program like P90X that is providing THESE results in addition to the visual changes and statistical changes.  My efforts to invest in time today so I will have more time tomorrow is working.  P90x is helping my body and my heart – and my chances of more of a life.  What more could you ask for?

If YOU are looking for a program that can equip you with change, true change, I hope you will find satisfaction in what I report.  When you eat right, get good guidance, and work out the whole body, the evidence speaks for itself.  Like I said, I’m only 75 days in, but I’m anxious to see how those numbers change in the days to come.  Stay tuned!

]]> http://lifeisntover.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/the-verdict-for-p90x-is-in/feed/ 2 jpickett1968 gavel-1 Blood Pressure Chart http://lifeisntover.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/whats-shakin/ http://lifeisntover.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/whats-shakin/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:58:12 +0000 jpickett1968 http://lifeisntover.wordpress.com/?p=908 ]]>

There’s a new product on the market from BeachBody called Shakeology.

We can talk features, but let’s talk benefits first.  What’s the benefit in drinking Shakeology?  Well, in a 90 day study, participants replaced one meal per day with Shakeology and then ate a balanced diet with moderate exercise thrown in three times per week.  The participants reduced their total cholesterol levels on average by 30%.  There was a reduction of LDL, or bad, cholesterol by 38% on average.  They reduced their cardiovascular risk ratio by 24%.  And all for the price of a Starbuck’s coffee.

Never heard of Shakeology?  You may not have heard of it yet, but get ready ‘cuz it’s coming.  Shakeology is a powerful combination of pre-biotics, digestive enzymes, protein and amino acids, 23 vitamins & minerals, anti-oxidants and phyto-nutrients.  All of this is combined in a tasty drink that is only 140 calories with 1 gram of fat, 17 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates.  With two delicious flavors, Greenberry and Chocolate, they are tasty by themselves or when used in combination with other goodies like fruit, milks and peanut butter.

This is just the beginning, but there’s more to come about Shakeology!

I love doing this blog.  I love reading other people’s blogs and commenting.  It’s what makes this country great – exchanging information freely so that eventually all ships rise with the tide.  I also open my doors to any and all ideas you might have.  I attempt to come up with new and important topics and my statistics/analytics would suggest I’m doing pretty good as they go up each week.
So, as my puppy dog eyes would suggest – I beg of you one simple favor:  If you have not seen my podcast over on iTunes, please do so and comment or rate me favorably.

Please?

Two years ago I bit the bullet. And bought the Bullet – Magic Bullet, that is. I watched the infomercials too many times and finally made the purchase. Once I unpacked all the goodies I had a lot of fun making all the great concoctions shown on TV. But not as much fun as I had wanted to have.
The Magic Bullet lacked the power I was hoping it would have. It lacks the ability to hold the liquid I prefer with my shakes. In addition, my motor often sounded like it would blow any minute. Yes, I was aware of a larger pitcher to blend with, but didn’t feel the power was really as strong as it should be. My Magic Bullet lacked it’s magic. Sad times set in.

About a month ago, I was surfing cable TV  and then I saw it. It was beautiful. It was fast. It was powerful. It was like the Magic Bullet with even more real magic. And it’s called Ninja!
The Ninja Prep Master is a cousin to the Bullet. The motor sits on top as opposed to the base of the Bullet. It comes with a small bowl for dips or smaller creations. But for larger items including my shakes or drinks, the pitcher is also included. Then I fell in love.  The blades, people – the blades!
The major improvement the Ninja has over the Bullet are the blades. The blades aren’t at the bottom. There are two sets in the center at different heights to ensure all items are chopped or blended.  Three pulses after ingredients are loaded and dinner is seconds away. Today I made chicken salad with a cooked breast, a slice of avocado, tomato, mayo, lemon juice and red onion. I loaded it all together, placed the motor on top, pulsed it three times for 1-3 seconds each time and before I knew it I was enjoying it in a whole wheat pita. Pure heaven.
Foods get chopped. Smoothies are smooth. And shakes have room to be made in completion (or multiple shakes). Cleanup is easy. Life is good.

Whether you are enjoying a round of P90X or other healthy program, the Ninja is a must have for the kitchen. Wear your black assassin wardrobe or just wear your apron. Either way you won’t regret adding this to your arsenal of small appliances.

The last couple of days I’ve not been feeling myself.  I have a sore throat, achey body and a mild, numbing headache.  After 73 days of P90X (or insert the workout program of your choice), I’m out of commission for potentially 3 days straight.  Great – now what?

If sickness strikes you, first and foremost, accept the evidence in front of you.  You’re sick.  For whatever reason your body needs some TLC and some rest to fully recuperate.  Does this mean your workouts suffer?  While there are those who can work through illnesses, during this time of year colds and flu are common.  What does the doc always say at this point?  “Get lots of rest and fluids.”  Uh, I think I’d listen to the Doc!

If your body just isn’t feeling itself and you decide to exercise – chances are you’ll only make things worse.  Your body needs rest so the immune system can fully function.  Exercise will only weaken that process.  And, before we forget this point – you’ll potentially hurt yourself if you exercise.  Sickness causes a lack of focus and a change in your routine.  Whether its a dropped weight, a slipped resistance band to the face or body or a stumble that causes a leg injury – these are all possible drawbacks to exercising when you’re sick.  It’s not worth it.

Now, the hard part to being sick is the food intake.  Does being sick mean it’s time to lay on the couch and eat junk?  Yes on the laying on the couch; no on the junk food.  Your body may need more carbs than usual to re-energize itself – so allow that if needed.  But otherwise, I’d recommend eating as normal (considering you have an appetite at all or aren’t tossing your cookies).  Be sure to continue taking your vitamins – your body needs those now more than ever.

The hard part about inactivity for me means I get bored.  I need to do something.  And luckily the kitchen is upstairs from the family room, making it harder for me to scavenge in the kitchen.  But in the meantime, do as the Doc suggests – drink PLENTY of fluids.  Not only will this help your recovery, it will keep your belly full and help you resist plowing into that box of Oreos the kids think they have been hiding in their room.  If you get those cravings for sweets, munch on a protein bar, drink some coffee or down a glass of Crystal Light – that’s what I do and all three of those options usually fill my stomach and help me kick temptations in the face.

As you begin recover, get some fresh air and get outside if possible.  Not only will the mini exercise do you good, but the activity will renew your spirits and help you re-focus on your original goal of a healthier lifestyle (if it’s too cold outside then visit the local shopping mall for a walk).  Lifting weights and eating right doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick.  But it does reduce those chances.  Help the process out, take a mini vacation and then fortify your resolve to finish like a champ.

What activities or options do you use to keep a healthy mind when the body’s not so healthy?