Orange County Adventure Boot Camp is pleased to announce our newest camp location....
our evening Co-Ed Class in Irvine!!
This camp will meet from 6:30-7:30 pm in Irvine at a school near the intersection of Culver and Irvine Blvd. The class will follow the same OC Boot Camp format, but be offered for both men and women. Instructor Mark Teahan will lead the group and offer a great program for all levels in the group.
For more information, please visit our website, www.OCBootCamp.com for more info.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Fitness, Fat Loss and Your Personal Success in Life
Fitness, Fat Loss and Your Personal Success in Life
Monday, July 27, 2009
A note from Dr. John Spencer Ellis and Orange County Adventure Boot Camp
On Saturday, I went to the beach to ride my bike and have some fun. The crowds were incredible due to the record size waves. The power of nature is incredible!
As I road from Balboa (The Wedge) down to Seal Beach and back, I couldn’t help but notice how so many people are still lacking fitness and weight management. Don’t get me wrong, many people looked great. It was obvious they live the fitness lifestyle.
This got me thinking…….. What are so many people still missing?
I want to make sure that YOU have everything you want and need to be fit, lean and strong. So, here’s a quick list of what is needed to look and feel the part.
1. You need motivation, clarity of thought, and the elimination of self-sabotage. No problem, MY PERSONAL COACH can help you this coming weekend. Check out CORE TRANSFORMATION.
2. You need deep, quality sleep. It’s actually more complex than just getting to bed at a decent hour. You can fall asleep more easily, dream in brilliant color, awake refreshed and benefit from the hormone optimization that comes with perfect sleep. You can learn EVERYTHING you need to know with my special report. It’s my gift to you. Grab the DREAM DIET REPORT at http://www.spencerbroadcasting.com.
3. Quality, fresh, organic foods will give you more energy, reduce inflammation, and help you stay lean. Remember, it’s most important to buy your organic food from local growers. Buying “organic” food from out of the area (or country) does not guarantee it’s really organic. For a fun experience, shop at Whole Foods at The District in Tustin. Incredible!!!
4. Quality food is #1. However, supplementation is a great addition to ensure there are no gaps in your diet. I suggest that you take a good multi-vitamin and Omega 3 to get started. If you want a NATURAL and non-addictive supplement for enhanced sleep, try MySleep. Here’s the link to my online nutritional supplement store.
5. One thing that I’ve learned about fitness (and life) is that if you don’t have a good enough reason “why” you should make a change, you likely won’t make ANY change. You may be moving towards something you want such better health, or away from something such as mental or physical pain.Find what really moves YOU into action. Learn what motivates you most. Discover your full potential. There has never been a better time to stand above the crowd.
While others may ponder, you will move ahead and gain the benefits of a healthy body and strong mind.I’m always here to help you reach your goals. All you have to do is ask!
Be well!
JohnPS – Did you know we now offer a PM Co-ed Fitness Boot Camp in Irvine?
Monday, July 27, 2009
A note from Dr. John Spencer Ellis and Orange County Adventure Boot Camp
On Saturday, I went to the beach to ride my bike and have some fun. The crowds were incredible due to the record size waves. The power of nature is incredible!
As I road from Balboa (The Wedge) down to Seal Beach and back, I couldn’t help but notice how so many people are still lacking fitness and weight management. Don’t get me wrong, many people looked great. It was obvious they live the fitness lifestyle.
This got me thinking…….. What are so many people still missing?
I want to make sure that YOU have everything you want and need to be fit, lean and strong. So, here’s a quick list of what is needed to look and feel the part.
1. You need motivation, clarity of thought, and the elimination of self-sabotage. No problem, MY PERSONAL COACH can help you this coming weekend. Check out CORE TRANSFORMATION.
2. You need deep, quality sleep. It’s actually more complex than just getting to bed at a decent hour. You can fall asleep more easily, dream in brilliant color, awake refreshed and benefit from the hormone optimization that comes with perfect sleep. You can learn EVERYTHING you need to know with my special report. It’s my gift to you. Grab the DREAM DIET REPORT at http://www.spencerbroadcasting.com.
3. Quality, fresh, organic foods will give you more energy, reduce inflammation, and help you stay lean. Remember, it’s most important to buy your organic food from local growers. Buying “organic” food from out of the area (or country) does not guarantee it’s really organic. For a fun experience, shop at Whole Foods at The District in Tustin. Incredible!!!
4. Quality food is #1. However, supplementation is a great addition to ensure there are no gaps in your diet. I suggest that you take a good multi-vitamin and Omega 3 to get started. If you want a NATURAL and non-addictive supplement for enhanced sleep, try MySleep. Here’s the link to my online nutritional supplement store.
5. One thing that I’ve learned about fitness (and life) is that if you don’t have a good enough reason “why” you should make a change, you likely won’t make ANY change. You may be moving towards something you want such better health, or away from something such as mental or physical pain.Find what really moves YOU into action. Learn what motivates you most. Discover your full potential. There has never been a better time to stand above the crowd.
While others may ponder, you will move ahead and gain the benefits of a healthy body and strong mind.I’m always here to help you reach your goals. All you have to do is ask!
Be well!
JohnPS – Did you know we now offer a PM Co-ed Fitness Boot Camp in Irvine?
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Wellness Connection - The Link to Vitality
The Wellness Connection – The Link to Vitality
Every person has the capacity for optimal wellness. Disease affects the entire person, not just a specific organ or body system. The ability and capacity for self-healing is inherent in everyone. It is our job to uncover all the tools and methods available to optimize your wellness.
The word “vitality” comes from the Latin root “vita” literally meaning “life”. An offshoot of the word vitality is “vital force,” which is another way of saying ‘chi’, ‘ki’, ‘prana’ or simply ‘energy’. So, if life revolves around energy, then creating, maintaining and balancing your body’s energy is crucial for a life full of happiness and unlimited joy. Vitality has grown over time to mean living life at a higher level. And, therefore, peak vitality is taking life to the highest level. Wellness is needed for peak vitality.
Eastern philosophies teach us a great deal about our body’s energy. Western philosophies often dismiss the concept as nothing more than psychosomatic. Consider the following: Our brain has electrical energy. It is measured with an Electroencephlograph (EEG). Our heart has electrical energy measured with an electrocardiograph (ECG). Our bodies’ temperate has thermal energy, measured by thermography. Our stomachs digest food by way of chemical energy. When a weightlifter looks into the mirror, thinks about the muscles being used and places his intent in that area, more energy is transferred to that part of the body and strength is increased. Harvard University conducted several studies showing the benefits of acupuncture, which relies exclusively on energy pathways in the body.
What is wellness? If you ask ten people who strive for wellness, each will return with there own definition. An Olympic athlete enjoys a high level of fitness. This same athlete may, at the same time, experience demineralization of his or her bones, overuse injuries, depression and sleep apnea. Fitness alone is not wellness and therefore peak vitality is absent. Health can be defined as “disease processes being absent from the body”. This is not wellness. You can eat healthy, only selecting organic foods, and still not have overall wellness. People can be fit, eat well, and be disease free but still lack quality sleep. In turn, they suffer from fatigue and experience accidents from lack of physical recovery.
So how do you know that your life and wellness are in balance? You must first pause and analyze what you know to be missing. On the other hand, you must pause to understand what you may be doing may be considered overindulgent.
Physical Wellness
Often times, people will visit a medical doctor for a check-up, or for a lifestyle-oriented ailment such as stress or low back pain due to obesity. The patient is told to "exercise". Nothing more is said. What is the patient’s next step? Your physical body must have strength, flexibility, endurance and balance to increase your physical wellness. It's true that even poorly structured exercise, in most cases, is better than being totally sedentary. However, exercise must have structure to be highly effective and be optimal. Because of this, we will be discussing frequency, intensity, duration and mode of exercise programming. These four factors are determined by your exercise history, health history and personal goals.
Exercise frequency is the number of exercise sessions completed per week, month or year. The intensity of exercise can be defined as a percentage of maximum heart rate, percentage of a one repetition maximum (1RM), or rate of perceived exertion (RPE). RPE is a scale that goes from one to ten; one being very easy or light and ten being heavy or very difficult. The duration of an exercise session is based on factors including the volume of work to be completed within that session, the focus of that particular session, and type of exercises. If you are resting less between exercises, sets, or drills, it will increase your intensity due to lack of recovery time, but it will also decrease the duration of your training session. Different modes of exercise can be classified as: strength training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility training, and mind-body.
As a baseline, here are some general rules for creating an exercise program. First, seek a medical doctor's clearance. Be honest with yourself about your overall commitment, availability, and goals. And then realize if you feel you don’t have the energy to exercise, you’ll be given more energy by the exercise itself. Your goals need to be realistic and include immediate, intermediate and long term desired outcomes. Your overall journey to wellness and vitality will also have these various milestones.
Strength training can yield benefits for two to three sessions per week of just thirty minutes each. Always rest at least forty-eight hours between weight training sessions if you are exercising the same body part back-to-back.
Flexibility training can be structured such as yoga, or less formal such as a general flexibility class at your local health club. It's a time to ask your body for permission to relax and be present at that very moment. In return, this will teach you how to carry this knowledge into all aspects of your life.
Mind-body practices can be integrated at any time throughout your day. Meditation or guided imagery practice will improve mental clarity, improve recovery from cancer, ease labor pains, and even be done after meals to aid in digestion.
Passive forms of attaining physical wellness can be included to enhance overall results in a person's quest for aesthetic change and overall physical functionality. Passive forms of physical wellness can include all modalities in which the individual is 'not actively involved' in the movement or treatment. Examples of passive treatments include: chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and acupressure. These passive forms of wellness all have one thing in common. They are designed to improve your body’s functionality and energy. When your body’s energy pathways are open and free flowing, you feel and function at a peak level. Active forms of physical wellness, by default, burn more calories and teach your body to learn motor patterns and breathing techniques while under the stress of the exercise itself. Passive forms of physical wellness allow the individual to have the modalities 'applied' to them. Body awareness and sensitivity are still learned in either. However, passive modalities don’t train the body to understand how, why and when the body should move in certain patterns. Remember that active forms of physical wellness are needed to burn calories, to learn skills and improve physiological change on a large scale. Passive forms of physical wellness enhance all the efforts of active physical wellness and reward your body for diligent efforts in the quest for getting fit.
There is more cancer in the world today than any time in history. There are more types of cancers and more people with cancer than ever before. Modern science and Western medicine have improved the likelihood of survival of many cancers, but it has done nothing or very little to stop people from initially becoming ill. Western medicine is reactive - not proactive. We must put our bodies in a state where cancers find it difficult to thrive. In addition, we must create our personal environments which are free from toxins, chemicals, herbicides and pesticides.
Physical wellness is enhanced with complementary treatments which enhance the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, improve posture, strengthen the immune system, speed recovery from exercise and illness, enhance body awareness and relieve stress. We will discuss some of these techniques.[MSOffice5] I encourage you to continue extensive research into all complementary wellness modalities and find the ones that suite your needs and preferences.
Chiropractic is based on freeing the body’s energy through a well aligned spine which is free from obstructions In some cases, chiropractic adjustments can be more successful in eliminating pain than invasive and surgery. There are dozens of techniques and each school offers a slightly different approach to aligning the spine, making joints more mobile and restoring proper posture. Some chiropractors include massage therapy, exercises, hot and cold packs, and various electronic muscle stimulations to enhance the benefits of the chiropractic adjustment. Other doctors do what is called "straight chiropractic". In other words, they just adjust the spine (or joint) and send you on your way.
Naturopathic medicine (or naturopathy) has been around in various forms for hundreds of years and is gaining popularity in the U.S. It combines lifestyle counseling, nutrition, exercise, herbs, homeopathy and stress management. Then, depending if the practitioner is a "traditional naturopath" or licensed naturopathic physician, the courses they study will vary a great deal. Traditionalists will also study NLP (neuro linguistic programming), hypnosis, aromatherapy, life coaching, and even personal training. A licensed naturopathic doctor studies the same sciences and courses as a medical doctor for the first two years of school and then switches gears and includes studies ranging from acupuncture, massage, nutrition therapy, chelation therapy, bio feedback and even environmental health.
Massage therapy is one of the most widely used complementary wellness tools. There are literally hundreds of massage styles and techniques ranging from sports, to pregnancy, Asian, Hawaiian, therapeutic, scalp, foot and even ear massage. I am still astonished when I speak to people and they tell me they have never experienced a professional massage. It is truly one of the greatest treats you can do for yourself. The documented health benefits of massage are wide ranging. They include stress relief, injury prevention, injury recovery, ease of child labor, reduction of pain, and reduction of gastrointestinal problems. Massage has also been shown to help manage migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, Epstein Barr, and even cancer recovery.
Nutrition
Food is energy. Proper foods give you optimal energy. That's it! It is not to replace a lost love, fulfill a need, or keep you company in front of the TV. It's true that food is frequently a centerpiece for gatherings. This, in no way, states that the food is the reason for the gathering, or that you must eat all or most of the food that was prepared for that gathering. Instead of associating food with joy, happiness, sadness, celebration and even anger; associate food with making you strong, healthy, and full of energy. Changing your thinking, by itself, will get you to make better food choices.
Move towards a diet which is organic. Since 1945, over 80,000 chemicals have been added to our environment. Many chemicals end up in our food supply through irrigation, pesticides, herbicides, urban run off, packaging and cross contamination. Organic foods are brighter in color, more flavorful and are approaching the same cost as conventionally farmed foods. It is equally important to buy from local growers. There are simply not enough checks and balances to ensure organic foods grown off-shore are really certified organic.
Eat whole foods. Processed foods often lack important fiber. In addition, the processing exposes more of the foods surface to oxygen which can more rapidly reduce its nutrient density. The processing itself usually includes the addition of chemicals to enhance flavor, shelf life or color. Remember, if something is added to a food to improve its shelf life, that same ingredient will reduce your shelf life. Some people may argue that these additives are so minute; they cannot have a serious biological affect. In rebuttal, I say that it is not a matter of the volume ingested per sitting. Toxicity takes place over time as your tissues absorb and store unhealthy elements. Nutrigenomics is the science of how food communicates with your genes. Some foods, such as soft drinks (diet or not), fast foods, and most candy, express or "turn on" genes which cause inflammation, a reduction in energy, irritation, chronic disease and auto-immune disorders. Other foods such as wild Alaskan salmon, flax seeds and oil, organic berries, spinach, broccoli, spices such as cayenne, ginger, cinnamon and even green tea express genes which reduce inflammation, increase metabolism, energy and improve body system functions such as digestion and elimination.
Nutritional Supplements
If you live in a toxin-free environment, always sleep eight hours, have little or no stress and eat only organic foods; you will not need to take any nutritional supplements. Please remember the name – supplement. This means that they are taken "in addition to" not "instead of" a proper and hopefully organic diet. Eating poorly and thinking that the supplements will magically mitigate all the adverse effects of a lack-luster diet is foolish. I strongly urge you to investigate the efficacy of various nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals. A short list of items I encourage you to research are licopene, Omega 3, spiralina, wheat grass, glutamine, saw palmetto berries and milk thistle. There are many others that can drastically improve your health. Please remember, mega-doses of vitamins and minerals are frequently not needed and, in some cases, toxic. As a general rule, use time release supplements when available. In addition, in general, take your supplements with some food in your stomach. This food stimulates acid in your stomach which helps break down the supplements and makes them better absorbed by the body.
Linguistics and Self-talk
We have the ability to improve our health and increase our energy simply by our words. We have developed some interesting ways to describe health conditions and challenges. As an educator, I have observed countless individuals limit their potential for optimal health by their existing language, especially their internal dialog (self-talk). Examples include: “I'm just fat”, “it's just my genetics”, and “I come from a fat family”. Outwardly, we say things such as, “the fight against obesity, the struggle to be thin and the battle of the bulge”. And of course there is our societal favorite "The war on drugs." That has obviously not done too well. When we use verbiage, either internal or external, which is negative, we get negative results. Tell yourself and others exactly the health and wellness you deserve, instead of what you are trying to avoid.
Health and wellness enhancement is easily attained with positive and empowering language patterns. Decide now that you will state your health desires in the form of positive and empowering statements. Remind yourself on a regular basis that you are grateful for your health and you are continually moving towards even greater health. If you find yourself slipping into your old habits, quickly rephrase in a powerful and positive way.
Another technique is to scan your body with your mind. Start at the head and move downward. Each time you breathe inward, ask yourself how you feel at that level of your body. If you get to an area of your body which doesn't feel as well as you'd like, start asking questions. How did this imbalance occur? What tools do I have to get back in balance? What have I learned? How will I stay in balance going forward and enjoy the process? You can see how the questioning became progressively more and more positive. This is essential.
Sleep
Sleep is more than getting your required number of hours each night. Quality sleep includes your sleep environment and rituals leading up to the sleep itself. Your sleep environment must be very dark to experience the deepest levels of sleep. This is so because the pineal gland in the center of your brains senses, via the retina of the eye, the onset and degree of darkness. When this detection occurs, the hormone melatonin is released. Melatonin has important effects on circadian rhythms, which are your body's twenty-four hour cycles. The deepest levels of sleep cannot be reached without proper release of melatonin. Consequently, it has been reported to have significant effects on reproduction, recovery, immune health and overall wellness. Keep your sleep environment as dark as possible. Your bedroom should also be free from excessive electronics, televisions, and other distractions.
To improve the quality and depth of your sleep, a ritual is required. How do you prepare for sleep? Do you just fall into bed and go to sleep immediately? If you do, you are likely overtired. It should take a few minutes to settle in and begin the sleep process. I would like to share a skill I learned in my hypnosis training. Hypnosis requires progressive relaxation. We'll just take it a step further and fall asleep. First, stand at the edge of your bed and walk twenty steps away from it. I do this process down my stairs. So, now you have a starting point for your progression towards sleep. Each night, as you step on that space, you begin counting backwards from twenty to zero. As you take a deep inhale and exhale at "zero" you will be tucked under the covers. On the way, each step slows your body and prepares you for deep sleep. Over time, you won't need to count. Simply stepping in that "twenty" space will begin your relaxation process. Other rituals to enhance sleep include taking a shower, an aromatherapy bath, candles, gentle yoga and meditation.
Rituals to avoid include late evening exercise, alcohol consumption and TV. Sometimes people feel they have no other time to exercise, so late evening is better than no exercise at all. Exercising too late in the day can interrupt your circadian rhythms and make it challenging to fall asleep. On a side note, people who exercise in the morning tend to be more dedicated to their exercise program over an extended period of time.
According to the National Institutes of Health, studies have found that in nonalcoholics that occasionally use alcohol, both high and low doses of alcohol initially improve sleep, although high alcohol doses can result in sleep disturbances during the second half of the nocturnal sleep period. Furthermore, people can rapidly develop tolerance to the sedative effects of alcohol. Television is too engaging to be used as a ritual for promoting sleep. In addition, once you do fall asleep, the TV usually remains on which then increases the light in the room and decreases melatonin secretion.
I strongly suggest staying away from prescription sleep medications. They can be highly addictive and have numerous side effects which can be worst than lacking sleep. Instead, I encourage you to learn about the following natural and safe alternatives: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), L-Theanine, melatonin, mucuna pruriens, valerian root, chamomile root and passion flower root.
Information on sleep would be incomplete without discussing napping. There are different theories as to whether or not people need to nap. One theory states that if we get enough quality sleep at night, there is no need to nap. The other theory is that a nap can be greatly beneficial to overall wellness. One thing is certain. If you do nap during the day, it needs to be short in duration and a time which is ritualistic. During the course of each day, your body goes through various levels of energy and temperature change. When you sleep too long during the day, it interrupts the appropriate temperature decline in the evening, which enables deep sleep. Learning meditation and practicing it for 20 minutes each day can have similar or even better benefits than napping, and will not disrupt quality sleep at night.
Stress Management
I did not call this section "stress elimination". This is because we live on planet Earth. Stress occurs and our body responds accordingly. It's a matter of interpretation and having the tools to effectively manage the stress. Some stress is good. Those “small butterflies” a performer feels before any type of production helps them attain a peak state. This is good. It's a matter of management. For others, it's the brief feeling of "ready to perform" for a written exam can help increase performance. Again, it's a matter of identification of the feelings and management of them. It's a matter of stimulus and response.
Life Balance
For most of us, life balance is the most challenging component of attaining optimal wellness. Start by asking yourself, “What can I eliminate that isn't working for me?” It could be a poorly planned business venture, an ill-fated relationship, or even too much exercise, which is sapping your energy. Maybe you are too focused on your family's needs, and not your own. Creating life balance is about being honest with yourself. It's often necessary to pause, step back, and view your life from a third person perspective. Now that you are removed, at least for a period of time, what is glaringly obvious that you must change to enhance the overall balance in your life? At this time, if you where your own life coach, what would you immediately modify, omit or enhance?
One of the best times to do this "balance assessment" is when you are on vacation. There are far fewer distractions, a reduction in stress, and perhaps greater access to massage, exercise classes, and time for contemplative walks. I learned an important skill from my yoga instructor Erich Schiffmann. He says to pause, be in the now, and wait for the inner cue to begin. When your mind and body are ready, ask yourself for permission to move, think, ponder, experience and understand the message your body is giving you. It is this pause between stimulus and response which allows you to make better decisions, which ultimately will lead to a more balanced life. This in return will lead to optimal wellness. When in doubt – pause.
Putting it all Together
When developing your wellness and vitality plan, you need to address the cause and effect of any previous or current condition. Take into account the specific physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental signs. Wellness is a way of life. It's always being aware of how the things you do, say, eat and surround yourself with, affect your wellbeing, energy and vitality. Wellness is about pausing, if only for a moment, and determining if what you are about to do is in the best interest of your mind and body.
Listening to your body is essential. Learning to listen takes time. Practicing various mind-body modalities will enhance your ability to listen and then understand how to respond to what your body is saying. Treat yourself to a variety of treatments ranging from massage to facials to various water therapies. If these treatments are new to you, a great surprise awaits.
If you have not practiced many of the wellness concepts discussed in this chapter, it is unlikely you are actually well. This is a bold statement, right? If you have never really felt well, and I mean unstoppable, you truly have no contrast to understand that your health and wellness may only be at a level of mediocrity.
You deserve to be well and full of energy. Life can only be experienced to the highest level when we have our bodies performing at a peak level. In closing, I want to present you with two options for success. Option number one is gradual integration of various modalities into your daily routine. For example, it may just start with organic food. The following week, you can add massage therapy. Progressively add positive practices until you have attained the correct balance for wellness without it becoming a chore. The other option is a massive shift in your daily and weekly routine. You make a clear and decisive change which includes mind, body and spirit. If you choose this path, it is important to still be intelligent and progressive when it comes to your physical activity.
Wellness is a choice. Choose to live a healthy life full of bliss. Peak vitality can only be attained when your body systems are operating at the highest levels. Embrace the opportunity to take your body and your energy to these levels. You will amaze yourself with what is possible.
Every person has the capacity for optimal wellness. Disease affects the entire person, not just a specific organ or body system. The ability and capacity for self-healing is inherent in everyone. It is our job to uncover all the tools and methods available to optimize your wellness.
The word “vitality” comes from the Latin root “vita” literally meaning “life”. An offshoot of the word vitality is “vital force,” which is another way of saying ‘chi’, ‘ki’, ‘prana’ or simply ‘energy’. So, if life revolves around energy, then creating, maintaining and balancing your body’s energy is crucial for a life full of happiness and unlimited joy. Vitality has grown over time to mean living life at a higher level. And, therefore, peak vitality is taking life to the highest level. Wellness is needed for peak vitality.
Eastern philosophies teach us a great deal about our body’s energy. Western philosophies often dismiss the concept as nothing more than psychosomatic. Consider the following: Our brain has electrical energy. It is measured with an Electroencephlograph (EEG). Our heart has electrical energy measured with an electrocardiograph (ECG). Our bodies’ temperate has thermal energy, measured by thermography. Our stomachs digest food by way of chemical energy. When a weightlifter looks into the mirror, thinks about the muscles being used and places his intent in that area, more energy is transferred to that part of the body and strength is increased. Harvard University conducted several studies showing the benefits of acupuncture, which relies exclusively on energy pathways in the body.
What is wellness? If you ask ten people who strive for wellness, each will return with there own definition. An Olympic athlete enjoys a high level of fitness. This same athlete may, at the same time, experience demineralization of his or her bones, overuse injuries, depression and sleep apnea. Fitness alone is not wellness and therefore peak vitality is absent. Health can be defined as “disease processes being absent from the body”. This is not wellness. You can eat healthy, only selecting organic foods, and still not have overall wellness. People can be fit, eat well, and be disease free but still lack quality sleep. In turn, they suffer from fatigue and experience accidents from lack of physical recovery.
So how do you know that your life and wellness are in balance? You must first pause and analyze what you know to be missing. On the other hand, you must pause to understand what you may be doing may be considered overindulgent.
Physical Wellness
Often times, people will visit a medical doctor for a check-up, or for a lifestyle-oriented ailment such as stress or low back pain due to obesity. The patient is told to "exercise". Nothing more is said. What is the patient’s next step? Your physical body must have strength, flexibility, endurance and balance to increase your physical wellness. It's true that even poorly structured exercise, in most cases, is better than being totally sedentary. However, exercise must have structure to be highly effective and be optimal. Because of this, we will be discussing frequency, intensity, duration and mode of exercise programming. These four factors are determined by your exercise history, health history and personal goals.
Exercise frequency is the number of exercise sessions completed per week, month or year. The intensity of exercise can be defined as a percentage of maximum heart rate, percentage of a one repetition maximum (1RM), or rate of perceived exertion (RPE). RPE is a scale that goes from one to ten; one being very easy or light and ten being heavy or very difficult. The duration of an exercise session is based on factors including the volume of work to be completed within that session, the focus of that particular session, and type of exercises. If you are resting less between exercises, sets, or drills, it will increase your intensity due to lack of recovery time, but it will also decrease the duration of your training session. Different modes of exercise can be classified as: strength training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility training, and mind-body.
As a baseline, here are some general rules for creating an exercise program. First, seek a medical doctor's clearance. Be honest with yourself about your overall commitment, availability, and goals. And then realize if you feel you don’t have the energy to exercise, you’ll be given more energy by the exercise itself. Your goals need to be realistic and include immediate, intermediate and long term desired outcomes. Your overall journey to wellness and vitality will also have these various milestones.
Strength training can yield benefits for two to three sessions per week of just thirty minutes each. Always rest at least forty-eight hours between weight training sessions if you are exercising the same body part back-to-back.
Flexibility training can be structured such as yoga, or less formal such as a general flexibility class at your local health club. It's a time to ask your body for permission to relax and be present at that very moment. In return, this will teach you how to carry this knowledge into all aspects of your life.
Mind-body practices can be integrated at any time throughout your day. Meditation or guided imagery practice will improve mental clarity, improve recovery from cancer, ease labor pains, and even be done after meals to aid in digestion.
Passive forms of attaining physical wellness can be included to enhance overall results in a person's quest for aesthetic change and overall physical functionality. Passive forms of physical wellness can include all modalities in which the individual is 'not actively involved' in the movement or treatment. Examples of passive treatments include: chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and acupressure. These passive forms of wellness all have one thing in common. They are designed to improve your body’s functionality and energy. When your body’s energy pathways are open and free flowing, you feel and function at a peak level. Active forms of physical wellness, by default, burn more calories and teach your body to learn motor patterns and breathing techniques while under the stress of the exercise itself. Passive forms of physical wellness allow the individual to have the modalities 'applied' to them. Body awareness and sensitivity are still learned in either. However, passive modalities don’t train the body to understand how, why and when the body should move in certain patterns. Remember that active forms of physical wellness are needed to burn calories, to learn skills and improve physiological change on a large scale. Passive forms of physical wellness enhance all the efforts of active physical wellness and reward your body for diligent efforts in the quest for getting fit.
There is more cancer in the world today than any time in history. There are more types of cancers and more people with cancer than ever before. Modern science and Western medicine have improved the likelihood of survival of many cancers, but it has done nothing or very little to stop people from initially becoming ill. Western medicine is reactive - not proactive. We must put our bodies in a state where cancers find it difficult to thrive. In addition, we must create our personal environments which are free from toxins, chemicals, herbicides and pesticides.
Physical wellness is enhanced with complementary treatments which enhance the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, improve posture, strengthen the immune system, speed recovery from exercise and illness, enhance body awareness and relieve stress. We will discuss some of these techniques.[MSOffice5] I encourage you to continue extensive research into all complementary wellness modalities and find the ones that suite your needs and preferences.
Chiropractic is based on freeing the body’s energy through a well aligned spine which is free from obstructions In some cases, chiropractic adjustments can be more successful in eliminating pain than invasive and surgery. There are dozens of techniques and each school offers a slightly different approach to aligning the spine, making joints more mobile and restoring proper posture. Some chiropractors include massage therapy, exercises, hot and cold packs, and various electronic muscle stimulations to enhance the benefits of the chiropractic adjustment. Other doctors do what is called "straight chiropractic". In other words, they just adjust the spine (or joint) and send you on your way.
Naturopathic medicine (or naturopathy) has been around in various forms for hundreds of years and is gaining popularity in the U.S. It combines lifestyle counseling, nutrition, exercise, herbs, homeopathy and stress management. Then, depending if the practitioner is a "traditional naturopath" or licensed naturopathic physician, the courses they study will vary a great deal. Traditionalists will also study NLP (neuro linguistic programming), hypnosis, aromatherapy, life coaching, and even personal training. A licensed naturopathic doctor studies the same sciences and courses as a medical doctor for the first two years of school and then switches gears and includes studies ranging from acupuncture, massage, nutrition therapy, chelation therapy, bio feedback and even environmental health.
Massage therapy is one of the most widely used complementary wellness tools. There are literally hundreds of massage styles and techniques ranging from sports, to pregnancy, Asian, Hawaiian, therapeutic, scalp, foot and even ear massage. I am still astonished when I speak to people and they tell me they have never experienced a professional massage. It is truly one of the greatest treats you can do for yourself. The documented health benefits of massage are wide ranging. They include stress relief, injury prevention, injury recovery, ease of child labor, reduction of pain, and reduction of gastrointestinal problems. Massage has also been shown to help manage migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, Epstein Barr, and even cancer recovery.
Nutrition
Food is energy. Proper foods give you optimal energy. That's it! It is not to replace a lost love, fulfill a need, or keep you company in front of the TV. It's true that food is frequently a centerpiece for gatherings. This, in no way, states that the food is the reason for the gathering, or that you must eat all or most of the food that was prepared for that gathering. Instead of associating food with joy, happiness, sadness, celebration and even anger; associate food with making you strong, healthy, and full of energy. Changing your thinking, by itself, will get you to make better food choices.
Move towards a diet which is organic. Since 1945, over 80,000 chemicals have been added to our environment. Many chemicals end up in our food supply through irrigation, pesticides, herbicides, urban run off, packaging and cross contamination. Organic foods are brighter in color, more flavorful and are approaching the same cost as conventionally farmed foods. It is equally important to buy from local growers. There are simply not enough checks and balances to ensure organic foods grown off-shore are really certified organic.
Eat whole foods. Processed foods often lack important fiber. In addition, the processing exposes more of the foods surface to oxygen which can more rapidly reduce its nutrient density. The processing itself usually includes the addition of chemicals to enhance flavor, shelf life or color. Remember, if something is added to a food to improve its shelf life, that same ingredient will reduce your shelf life. Some people may argue that these additives are so minute; they cannot have a serious biological affect. In rebuttal, I say that it is not a matter of the volume ingested per sitting. Toxicity takes place over time as your tissues absorb and store unhealthy elements. Nutrigenomics is the science of how food communicates with your genes. Some foods, such as soft drinks (diet or not), fast foods, and most candy, express or "turn on" genes which cause inflammation, a reduction in energy, irritation, chronic disease and auto-immune disorders. Other foods such as wild Alaskan salmon, flax seeds and oil, organic berries, spinach, broccoli, spices such as cayenne, ginger, cinnamon and even green tea express genes which reduce inflammation, increase metabolism, energy and improve body system functions such as digestion and elimination.
Nutritional Supplements
If you live in a toxin-free environment, always sleep eight hours, have little or no stress and eat only organic foods; you will not need to take any nutritional supplements. Please remember the name – supplement. This means that they are taken "in addition to" not "instead of" a proper and hopefully organic diet. Eating poorly and thinking that the supplements will magically mitigate all the adverse effects of a lack-luster diet is foolish. I strongly urge you to investigate the efficacy of various nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals. A short list of items I encourage you to research are licopene, Omega 3, spiralina, wheat grass, glutamine, saw palmetto berries and milk thistle. There are many others that can drastically improve your health. Please remember, mega-doses of vitamins and minerals are frequently not needed and, in some cases, toxic. As a general rule, use time release supplements when available. In addition, in general, take your supplements with some food in your stomach. This food stimulates acid in your stomach which helps break down the supplements and makes them better absorbed by the body.
Linguistics and Self-talk
We have the ability to improve our health and increase our energy simply by our words. We have developed some interesting ways to describe health conditions and challenges. As an educator, I have observed countless individuals limit their potential for optimal health by their existing language, especially their internal dialog (self-talk). Examples include: “I'm just fat”, “it's just my genetics”, and “I come from a fat family”. Outwardly, we say things such as, “the fight against obesity, the struggle to be thin and the battle of the bulge”. And of course there is our societal favorite "The war on drugs." That has obviously not done too well. When we use verbiage, either internal or external, which is negative, we get negative results. Tell yourself and others exactly the health and wellness you deserve, instead of what you are trying to avoid.
Health and wellness enhancement is easily attained with positive and empowering language patterns. Decide now that you will state your health desires in the form of positive and empowering statements. Remind yourself on a regular basis that you are grateful for your health and you are continually moving towards even greater health. If you find yourself slipping into your old habits, quickly rephrase in a powerful and positive way.
Another technique is to scan your body with your mind. Start at the head and move downward. Each time you breathe inward, ask yourself how you feel at that level of your body. If you get to an area of your body which doesn't feel as well as you'd like, start asking questions. How did this imbalance occur? What tools do I have to get back in balance? What have I learned? How will I stay in balance going forward and enjoy the process? You can see how the questioning became progressively more and more positive. This is essential.
Sleep
Sleep is more than getting your required number of hours each night. Quality sleep includes your sleep environment and rituals leading up to the sleep itself. Your sleep environment must be very dark to experience the deepest levels of sleep. This is so because the pineal gland in the center of your brains senses, via the retina of the eye, the onset and degree of darkness. When this detection occurs, the hormone melatonin is released. Melatonin has important effects on circadian rhythms, which are your body's twenty-four hour cycles. The deepest levels of sleep cannot be reached without proper release of melatonin. Consequently, it has been reported to have significant effects on reproduction, recovery, immune health and overall wellness. Keep your sleep environment as dark as possible. Your bedroom should also be free from excessive electronics, televisions, and other distractions.
To improve the quality and depth of your sleep, a ritual is required. How do you prepare for sleep? Do you just fall into bed and go to sleep immediately? If you do, you are likely overtired. It should take a few minutes to settle in and begin the sleep process. I would like to share a skill I learned in my hypnosis training. Hypnosis requires progressive relaxation. We'll just take it a step further and fall asleep. First, stand at the edge of your bed and walk twenty steps away from it. I do this process down my stairs. So, now you have a starting point for your progression towards sleep. Each night, as you step on that space, you begin counting backwards from twenty to zero. As you take a deep inhale and exhale at "zero" you will be tucked under the covers. On the way, each step slows your body and prepares you for deep sleep. Over time, you won't need to count. Simply stepping in that "twenty" space will begin your relaxation process. Other rituals to enhance sleep include taking a shower, an aromatherapy bath, candles, gentle yoga and meditation.
Rituals to avoid include late evening exercise, alcohol consumption and TV. Sometimes people feel they have no other time to exercise, so late evening is better than no exercise at all. Exercising too late in the day can interrupt your circadian rhythms and make it challenging to fall asleep. On a side note, people who exercise in the morning tend to be more dedicated to their exercise program over an extended period of time.
According to the National Institutes of Health, studies have found that in nonalcoholics that occasionally use alcohol, both high and low doses of alcohol initially improve sleep, although high alcohol doses can result in sleep disturbances during the second half of the nocturnal sleep period. Furthermore, people can rapidly develop tolerance to the sedative effects of alcohol. Television is too engaging to be used as a ritual for promoting sleep. In addition, once you do fall asleep, the TV usually remains on which then increases the light in the room and decreases melatonin secretion.
I strongly suggest staying away from prescription sleep medications. They can be highly addictive and have numerous side effects which can be worst than lacking sleep. Instead, I encourage you to learn about the following natural and safe alternatives: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), L-Theanine, melatonin, mucuna pruriens, valerian root, chamomile root and passion flower root.
Information on sleep would be incomplete without discussing napping. There are different theories as to whether or not people need to nap. One theory states that if we get enough quality sleep at night, there is no need to nap. The other theory is that a nap can be greatly beneficial to overall wellness. One thing is certain. If you do nap during the day, it needs to be short in duration and a time which is ritualistic. During the course of each day, your body goes through various levels of energy and temperature change. When you sleep too long during the day, it interrupts the appropriate temperature decline in the evening, which enables deep sleep. Learning meditation and practicing it for 20 minutes each day can have similar or even better benefits than napping, and will not disrupt quality sleep at night.
Stress Management
I did not call this section "stress elimination". This is because we live on planet Earth. Stress occurs and our body responds accordingly. It's a matter of interpretation and having the tools to effectively manage the stress. Some stress is good. Those “small butterflies” a performer feels before any type of production helps them attain a peak state. This is good. It's a matter of management. For others, it's the brief feeling of "ready to perform" for a written exam can help increase performance. Again, it's a matter of identification of the feelings and management of them. It's a matter of stimulus and response.
Life Balance
For most of us, life balance is the most challenging component of attaining optimal wellness. Start by asking yourself, “What can I eliminate that isn't working for me?” It could be a poorly planned business venture, an ill-fated relationship, or even too much exercise, which is sapping your energy. Maybe you are too focused on your family's needs, and not your own. Creating life balance is about being honest with yourself. It's often necessary to pause, step back, and view your life from a third person perspective. Now that you are removed, at least for a period of time, what is glaringly obvious that you must change to enhance the overall balance in your life? At this time, if you where your own life coach, what would you immediately modify, omit or enhance?
One of the best times to do this "balance assessment" is when you are on vacation. There are far fewer distractions, a reduction in stress, and perhaps greater access to massage, exercise classes, and time for contemplative walks. I learned an important skill from my yoga instructor Erich Schiffmann. He says to pause, be in the now, and wait for the inner cue to begin. When your mind and body are ready, ask yourself for permission to move, think, ponder, experience and understand the message your body is giving you. It is this pause between stimulus and response which allows you to make better decisions, which ultimately will lead to a more balanced life. This in return will lead to optimal wellness. When in doubt – pause.
Putting it all Together
When developing your wellness and vitality plan, you need to address the cause and effect of any previous or current condition. Take into account the specific physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental signs. Wellness is a way of life. It's always being aware of how the things you do, say, eat and surround yourself with, affect your wellbeing, energy and vitality. Wellness is about pausing, if only for a moment, and determining if what you are about to do is in the best interest of your mind and body.
Listening to your body is essential. Learning to listen takes time. Practicing various mind-body modalities will enhance your ability to listen and then understand how to respond to what your body is saying. Treat yourself to a variety of treatments ranging from massage to facials to various water therapies. If these treatments are new to you, a great surprise awaits.
If you have not practiced many of the wellness concepts discussed in this chapter, it is unlikely you are actually well. This is a bold statement, right? If you have never really felt well, and I mean unstoppable, you truly have no contrast to understand that your health and wellness may only be at a level of mediocrity.
You deserve to be well and full of energy. Life can only be experienced to the highest level when we have our bodies performing at a peak level. In closing, I want to present you with two options for success. Option number one is gradual integration of various modalities into your daily routine. For example, it may just start with organic food. The following week, you can add massage therapy. Progressively add positive practices until you have attained the correct balance for wellness without it becoming a chore. The other option is a massive shift in your daily and weekly routine. You make a clear and decisive change which includes mind, body and spirit. If you choose this path, it is important to still be intelligent and progressive when it comes to your physical activity.
Wellness is a choice. Choose to live a healthy life full of bliss. Peak vitality can only be attained when your body systems are operating at the highest levels. Embrace the opportunity to take your body and your energy to these levels. You will amaze yourself with what is possible.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Special Message from OC Adventure Boot Camp
A message from Dr. John Spencer Ellis (founder of Adventure Boot camp)
Since 2000, Orange County Adventure Boot Camp has been providing the women of Orange County with fat melting workouts. Since that time, “ABC” as it is also known, has become the largest fitness boot camp program in the entire world with over 340 authorized, certified and licensed locations in 9 countries.
I started the original fitness camp in Orange County after offering one-on-one personal training since 1992. Obviously, there have been many “copy cat” fitness boot camps that have popped up over the years. Some faded quickly, while others hang in there. Through it all, Adventure Boot camp has remained the standard by which all others are compared. I am honored by this fact. When I decided to create this fitness program, I wanted it to set the highest standards of excellent, safety and results. Over 10,000 women in Orange County can verify that this still holds true more than 10 years after its inception.
So, if you are tired of excuses, over priced personal trainers, and lackluster results; step into your greatness. Experience the best workout in Orange County – Join Adventure Boot Camp today.
"Thank you Adventure Boot Camp! I have never been stronger, healthier and happier. I started boot camp to get in shape for my wedding. However, (after my Honeymoon) I have decided to make your program my regular fitness plan. My husband thinks I look incredible and I can finally fit into my skinny jeans. I am so happy I found your program. I just wish I would have started sooner. Thanks again. "- Jennifer D., Aliso Viejo
Your next boot camp class starts very soon. Sign up now. Space is very limited!
Have a wonderful day!
Be well,
John
http://www.ocbootcamp.com
http://www.johnspencerellis.com
Since 2000, Orange County Adventure Boot Camp has been providing the women of Orange County with fat melting workouts. Since that time, “ABC” as it is also known, has become the largest fitness boot camp program in the entire world with over 340 authorized, certified and licensed locations in 9 countries.
I started the original fitness camp in Orange County after offering one-on-one personal training since 1992. Obviously, there have been many “copy cat” fitness boot camps that have popped up over the years. Some faded quickly, while others hang in there. Through it all, Adventure Boot camp has remained the standard by which all others are compared. I am honored by this fact. When I decided to create this fitness program, I wanted it to set the highest standards of excellent, safety and results. Over 10,000 women in Orange County can verify that this still holds true more than 10 years after its inception.
So, if you are tired of excuses, over priced personal trainers, and lackluster results; step into your greatness. Experience the best workout in Orange County – Join Adventure Boot Camp today.
"Thank you Adventure Boot Camp! I have never been stronger, healthier and happier. I started boot camp to get in shape for my wedding. However, (after my Honeymoon) I have decided to make your program my regular fitness plan. My husband thinks I look incredible and I can finally fit into my skinny jeans. I am so happy I found your program. I just wish I would have started sooner. Thanks again. "- Jennifer D., Aliso Viejo
Your next boot camp class starts very soon. Sign up now. Space is very limited!
Have a wonderful day!
Be well,
John
http://www.ocbootcamp.com
http://www.johnspencerellis.com
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Is a Fitness Boot Camp Right For You?
Fitness Boot Camps: Should You Enlist?
Fans say boot camp exercise classes inspire them while whipping them into shape.
By Barbara Russi Sarnataro
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
The year Teri Smith turned 40, she decided it was time to tackle a nagging urge to get in shape. That's when she signed up for her first fitness boot camp class.
"I didn’t have any energy and I could feel my age creeping up on me," says the Pembroke Pines., Fla., mother of two. Her weight had crept up, too. Though she wasn’t heavy, the 20 pounds she’d added over the years didn’t feel comfortable on her 5-foot, 3-inch frame.
A successful graphic designer, Smith had never felt as comfortable in sneakers as she did in front of her Macintosh. "I didn’t have the confidence" to exercise, she says, because she always felt uncoordinated.
But when her stylist suggested she try the boot camp fitness class, she worked up the nerve to do it. And she's never looked back.
"No other workout makes me feel so good. It makes me feel like I really kicked my butt," says Smith, 42, a faithful boot camper for 2 1/2 years now.
She is now one of the fastest runners in the class, and is once again happy with the way she looks. "It took 12 weeks, but I lost 25 pounds," says Smith.
What Is a Fitness Boot Camp?
Boot camp exercise classes vary in style, depending on the teacher. But you can generally expect to meet outside, rain or shine. You'll probably spend an hour doing some form of cardiovascular exercise (running, hiking, interval training, or obstacle course challenges), along with strength elements (using dumbbells, exercise bands, or the resistance of your own body weight). You'll also work on flexibility in a stretch portion of the class, which may incorporate elements of yoga or Pilates.
The fitness boot camp class Smith attends in Weston, Fla., is taught by ex-college football player and fitness coach Tom Rayhill. Rayhill's boot camp is offered three times a day, seven days a week, year round. People can pay daily, weekly, or monthly and come as often as they like.
Many other boot camp classes are offered for defined periods of time. John Spencer Ellis’ California-based Orange County Adventure Boot Camp, which has locations in nine countries, is offered to women only at 5:30 a.m., five days a week for one month. Many participants re-enlist one or more times.
Boot camp fitness classes challenge the mind as well as the body, instructors say.
"We work on technique, form, core training, breathing, relaxation, and a better understanding of how the body moves," says Ellis. "In four weeks, people will drop 5% to 6% body fat, lose up to 10 pounds, and reduce their mile time sometimes by 2 minutes a mile."
Often, the confidence participants gain in boot camp class helps them take control of other aspects of their life, Ellis says.
"They might say, 'I will go back to school. I will get this job. I will start my own company, I will travel,'" he says.
Boot camp became more than just a workout for Smith when her oldest son was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (a developmental disorder that is milder than autism) and her husband, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, had to spend a year in Korea without the family.
"It was literally my saving grace," says Smith. "It was a very stressful time. (Boot camp) was a way to take care of myself physically and emotionally, it was my social outlet. It kept me sane."
'Drop and Give Me 50'
Though the name "boot camp" was inspired by military training camps, neither of the instructors who spoke to WebMD use intimidation tactics in their classes.
"If you’re lining people up and yelling at them, that’s not real camaraderie. That’s something you can fake," says Rayhill. Besides, he says, it’s not necessary. People will push themselves on their own when they’re in a group.
"Human nature is to challenge yourself against other humans," says Rayhill. "Not everybody is as athletically inclined, but by hanging out with those more driven people, you’re naturally going to want to do better," he says.
Ellis’ Adventure Boot Camps follow the same philosophy. Military exercise is for the military, he says, and those are not the people signed up for Adventure Boot Camp. His participants are generally moms aged 25-50 who may have had C-sections and want to get in shape.
"Negative reinforcement generally only goes so far," he says. "My choice is to have an empowering environment, one that is nurturing and very challenging. One that is not just about getting in shape but about community and nutrition and about being better in everything you do."
Still, he says, it is a boot camp: "People are expected to show up, shut up, pay attention, and give 100%," he says. "It’s disciplined in nature. It’s intense. It’s not a cakewalk."
Camaraderie Is Key
So why do boot camp classes suddenly seem to be showing up everywhere?
According to Rayhill, it’s about interaction with, and encouragement from, your peers.
"Most of what we do all day is very isolating," says Rayhill. "We’ve got iPods, cell phones, computers. We’re not connecting with other people."
The interaction of a boot camp class is not only emotionally satisfying, but helps people push themselves physically, he says
"If you’re around other athletic people, they are going to pull it out of you," says Rayhill. "By the time they leave, they’ve done so much positive already that day.
"No computer can make you feel better – not like the connection to other people."
A Cult of Personality?
Another powerful draw for fitness boot camp classes, say some participants, is the charisma of the teachers.
A boot camp class, says Ellis, is meant to empower students for the whole day. As a teacher, "at different times, you interject powerful thoughts and statements. You’re setting the example. You’re guiding the way."
Rayhill tries to be a guiding force to his students as well. As one of six children, and a 5-foot, 8-inch former college football player (who still holds two state records in Illinois), Rayhill says he’s "always been an overachiever."
His goal as a teacher, he says, is to give the class a different workout every day -- and to encourage them to find what it takes to reach their goals.
"I call myself a catalyst. I know what it takes to get there. I know there’s more than one way of doing something. We’re talking about how to make people better," he says. "Whatever you want out of your life, you’ve got to get it. You’ve got to do it for yourself."
So, is boot camp right for you?
We think so! Come join us for our next camp session. Visit www.OCBootCamp.com for more info.
Fans say boot camp exercise classes inspire them while whipping them into shape.
By Barbara Russi Sarnataro
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
The year Teri Smith turned 40, she decided it was time to tackle a nagging urge to get in shape. That's when she signed up for her first fitness boot camp class.
"I didn’t have any energy and I could feel my age creeping up on me," says the Pembroke Pines., Fla., mother of two. Her weight had crept up, too. Though she wasn’t heavy, the 20 pounds she’d added over the years didn’t feel comfortable on her 5-foot, 3-inch frame.
A successful graphic designer, Smith had never felt as comfortable in sneakers as she did in front of her Macintosh. "I didn’t have the confidence" to exercise, she says, because she always felt uncoordinated.
But when her stylist suggested she try the boot camp fitness class, she worked up the nerve to do it. And she's never looked back.
"No other workout makes me feel so good. It makes me feel like I really kicked my butt," says Smith, 42, a faithful boot camper for 2 1/2 years now.
She is now one of the fastest runners in the class, and is once again happy with the way she looks. "It took 12 weeks, but I lost 25 pounds," says Smith.
What Is a Fitness Boot Camp?
Boot camp exercise classes vary in style, depending on the teacher. But you can generally expect to meet outside, rain or shine. You'll probably spend an hour doing some form of cardiovascular exercise (running, hiking, interval training, or obstacle course challenges), along with strength elements (using dumbbells, exercise bands, or the resistance of your own body weight). You'll also work on flexibility in a stretch portion of the class, which may incorporate elements of yoga or Pilates.
The fitness boot camp class Smith attends in Weston, Fla., is taught by ex-college football player and fitness coach Tom Rayhill. Rayhill's boot camp is offered three times a day, seven days a week, year round. People can pay daily, weekly, or monthly and come as often as they like.
Many other boot camp classes are offered for defined periods of time. John Spencer Ellis’ California-based Orange County Adventure Boot Camp, which has locations in nine countries, is offered to women only at 5:30 a.m., five days a week for one month. Many participants re-enlist one or more times.
Boot camp fitness classes challenge the mind as well as the body, instructors say.
"We work on technique, form, core training, breathing, relaxation, and a better understanding of how the body moves," says Ellis. "In four weeks, people will drop 5% to 6% body fat, lose up to 10 pounds, and reduce their mile time sometimes by 2 minutes a mile."
Often, the confidence participants gain in boot camp class helps them take control of other aspects of their life, Ellis says.
"They might say, 'I will go back to school. I will get this job. I will start my own company, I will travel,'" he says.
Boot camp became more than just a workout for Smith when her oldest son was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (a developmental disorder that is milder than autism) and her husband, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, had to spend a year in Korea without the family.
"It was literally my saving grace," says Smith. "It was a very stressful time. (Boot camp) was a way to take care of myself physically and emotionally, it was my social outlet. It kept me sane."
'Drop and Give Me 50'
Though the name "boot camp" was inspired by military training camps, neither of the instructors who spoke to WebMD use intimidation tactics in their classes.
"If you’re lining people up and yelling at them, that’s not real camaraderie. That’s something you can fake," says Rayhill. Besides, he says, it’s not necessary. People will push themselves on their own when they’re in a group.
"Human nature is to challenge yourself against other humans," says Rayhill. "Not everybody is as athletically inclined, but by hanging out with those more driven people, you’re naturally going to want to do better," he says.
Ellis’ Adventure Boot Camps follow the same philosophy. Military exercise is for the military, he says, and those are not the people signed up for Adventure Boot Camp. His participants are generally moms aged 25-50 who may have had C-sections and want to get in shape.
"Negative reinforcement generally only goes so far," he says. "My choice is to have an empowering environment, one that is nurturing and very challenging. One that is not just about getting in shape but about community and nutrition and about being better in everything you do."
Still, he says, it is a boot camp: "People are expected to show up, shut up, pay attention, and give 100%," he says. "It’s disciplined in nature. It’s intense. It’s not a cakewalk."
Camaraderie Is Key
So why do boot camp classes suddenly seem to be showing up everywhere?
According to Rayhill, it’s about interaction with, and encouragement from, your peers.
"Most of what we do all day is very isolating," says Rayhill. "We’ve got iPods, cell phones, computers. We’re not connecting with other people."
The interaction of a boot camp class is not only emotionally satisfying, but helps people push themselves physically, he says
"If you’re around other athletic people, they are going to pull it out of you," says Rayhill. "By the time they leave, they’ve done so much positive already that day.
"No computer can make you feel better – not like the connection to other people."
A Cult of Personality?
Another powerful draw for fitness boot camp classes, say some participants, is the charisma of the teachers.
A boot camp class, says Ellis, is meant to empower students for the whole day. As a teacher, "at different times, you interject powerful thoughts and statements. You’re setting the example. You’re guiding the way."
Rayhill tries to be a guiding force to his students as well. As one of six children, and a 5-foot, 8-inch former college football player (who still holds two state records in Illinois), Rayhill says he’s "always been an overachiever."
His goal as a teacher, he says, is to give the class a different workout every day -- and to encourage them to find what it takes to reach their goals.
"I call myself a catalyst. I know what it takes to get there. I know there’s more than one way of doing something. We’re talking about how to make people better," he says. "Whatever you want out of your life, you’ve got to get it. You’ve got to do it for yourself."
So, is boot camp right for you?
We think so! Come join us for our next camp session. Visit www.OCBootCamp.com for more info.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A Special Note from John
A note from John Spencer Ellis and Orange County Adventure Boot Camp
Hello and good day!
I am personally inviting you to my nutrition, diet and sleep science seminar at my corporate offices in Rancho Santa Margarita this coming Thursday.Normally, this event is reserved for those enrolled in our Orange County Adventure Boot Camp. However, so many people have been transformed by this information, I wanted it to be available to everyone.
You will learn the truth about organics, nutritional supplements, detoxification, proteins vs. carbs, and more. In addition, I will teach you how to turbo charge your fat loss simply by enhancing your sleep environment. It's all about your hormones.
Did you know that science has discovered if you talk on your cell phone just prior to going to bed, it reduces melatonin secretion, thus inhibiting deep sleep? This, in turn, reduces growth hormone, which regulates body fat. The list of simple tips go on...........When you apply your new knowledge from this zero cost, life changing seminar, you will feel better and lose unwanted body fat. I guarantee it!
Because space is limited to just 25 people, email Sam (samantha@ocbootcamp.com) ASAP to confirm your participation. A map is found online and we start promptly at 7:00 PM. The presentation concludes at 8:15 PM
I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your personal goals.Be well!
John
PS - Remember, Orange County Adventure Boot Camp begins Monday. Limited space remains. http://www.ocbootcamp.com
PPS - My new book THE CODE was just released yesterday. This anthology is an incredible life changing piece of work. Take one minute and check it out. I have some extra bonuses for you as well. http://www.thecodeebook.com
Hello and good day!
I am personally inviting you to my nutrition, diet and sleep science seminar at my corporate offices in Rancho Santa Margarita this coming Thursday.Normally, this event is reserved for those enrolled in our Orange County Adventure Boot Camp. However, so many people have been transformed by this information, I wanted it to be available to everyone.
You will learn the truth about organics, nutritional supplements, detoxification, proteins vs. carbs, and more. In addition, I will teach you how to turbo charge your fat loss simply by enhancing your sleep environment. It's all about your hormones.
Did you know that science has discovered if you talk on your cell phone just prior to going to bed, it reduces melatonin secretion, thus inhibiting deep sleep? This, in turn, reduces growth hormone, which regulates body fat. The list of simple tips go on...........When you apply your new knowledge from this zero cost, life changing seminar, you will feel better and lose unwanted body fat. I guarantee it!
Because space is limited to just 25 people, email Sam (samantha@ocbootcamp.com) ASAP to confirm your participation. A map is found online and we start promptly at 7:00 PM. The presentation concludes at 8:15 PM
I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your personal goals.Be well!
John
PS - Remember, Orange County Adventure Boot Camp begins Monday. Limited space remains. http://www.ocbootcamp.com
PPS - My new book THE CODE was just released yesterday. This anthology is an incredible life changing piece of work. Take one minute and check it out. I have some extra bonuses for you as well. http://www.thecodeebook.com
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Break the Cycle at OC Adventure Boot Camp
Orange County Adventure Fitness Boot Camp
OCBC Article – 07/06/09 – Break the Cycle
By Samantha Sancho Domingues
As many of you who are part of our OC Boot Camp family know, I recently got married. It’s only been 16 days since the big day and probably just as long since my last good workout! We actually did get in a few good fitness workouts while honeymooning in Jamaica, but it was a bit hard to keep the intensity up in 100 degree, 95% humidity weather. I also shouldn’t fail to mention the “buffet belly” I feel like I’ve gained since staying at the all-inclusive resort.
Let’s just say it’s only been a few weeks off my regular routine but I can feel it. Today is my first day back to serious workouts since the wedding. I know that the wedding and honeymoon is a special time and my sacrificed workouts are completely justified. But sometimes it takes a long break like this to realize how much your body needs a regular routine and feels better with a daily workout.
Throughout our lives, we find breaks in our workout routine for one reason or another, but one thing that always gets me back on track and feeling good is boot camp. As the instructor, my workouts at camp aren’t intense as they are for the actual campers. I find myself running around between stations and campers rather than actually running and completing stations.
Regardless, camp gets me up in the morning, moving around outside, and then puts me on track to make it to the gym by 7:00 am for my own workout. I also find myself eating and sleeping better as well as being more disciplined throughout the day. OC Boot Camp works!
So, whatever the reason or length of your break from your exercise routine, there is never a better time to get back into a routine. Let boot camp help you do that. All you have to do is sign up and show up…we do the rest and give you non-stop, energetic, effective, fat-burning workouts each morning. You also get to be outdoors and surrounded by other women motivated to stick to their new routine. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve muscle tone, shed body fat and inches, feel stronger and healthier or just try something new, OC Boot Camp can help you reach your goals.
What are you waiting for?!?! It’s never too late to start break the cycle and get back into the shape you’ve always wanted to be.
Register now…spaces are limited for our upcoming camp program. Let OC Boot Camp help you reach your goals and sculpt the body you’ve always wanted.
We have been changing the lives of thousands of women throughout Orange County for the last 10 years. Come check it out for yourself and see the amazing transformation you can make in just a few short weeks.
More information about Orange County Boot Camp, a fitness boot camp program for women, can be found on our website, www.OCBootCamp.com.
OCBC Article – 07/06/09 – Break the Cycle
By Samantha Sancho Domingues
As many of you who are part of our OC Boot Camp family know, I recently got married. It’s only been 16 days since the big day and probably just as long since my last good workout! We actually did get in a few good fitness workouts while honeymooning in Jamaica, but it was a bit hard to keep the intensity up in 100 degree, 95% humidity weather. I also shouldn’t fail to mention the “buffet belly” I feel like I’ve gained since staying at the all-inclusive resort.
Let’s just say it’s only been a few weeks off my regular routine but I can feel it. Today is my first day back to serious workouts since the wedding. I know that the wedding and honeymoon is a special time and my sacrificed workouts are completely justified. But sometimes it takes a long break like this to realize how much your body needs a regular routine and feels better with a daily workout.
Throughout our lives, we find breaks in our workout routine for one reason or another, but one thing that always gets me back on track and feeling good is boot camp. As the instructor, my workouts at camp aren’t intense as they are for the actual campers. I find myself running around between stations and campers rather than actually running and completing stations.
Regardless, camp gets me up in the morning, moving around outside, and then puts me on track to make it to the gym by 7:00 am for my own workout. I also find myself eating and sleeping better as well as being more disciplined throughout the day. OC Boot Camp works!
So, whatever the reason or length of your break from your exercise routine, there is never a better time to get back into a routine. Let boot camp help you do that. All you have to do is sign up and show up…we do the rest and give you non-stop, energetic, effective, fat-burning workouts each morning. You also get to be outdoors and surrounded by other women motivated to stick to their new routine. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve muscle tone, shed body fat and inches, feel stronger and healthier or just try something new, OC Boot Camp can help you reach your goals.
What are you waiting for?!?! It’s never too late to start break the cycle and get back into the shape you’ve always wanted to be.
Register now…spaces are limited for our upcoming camp program. Let OC Boot Camp help you reach your goals and sculpt the body you’ve always wanted.
We have been changing the lives of thousands of women throughout Orange County for the last 10 years. Come check it out for yourself and see the amazing transformation you can make in just a few short weeks.
More information about Orange County Boot Camp, a fitness boot camp program for women, can be found on our website, www.OCBootCamp.com.
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