Delivery of the Program

Ok, so we ALL know that fitness means exercise. How many of us consider fitness to be a state of mind? Your fitness regime MUST include your nutrition, exercise AND your self. By self- I mean your thoughts, beliefs, perceptions and emotions: ignore any one of these and you will not achieve your peak fitness levels!

In previous posts, I’ve shared my experiences with you.  This post is no different.   You see, lately, I’ve been feeling a bit lost.  Have you ever had that feeling of emptiness or  felt that you’ve lost direction?  The  number one area that usually suffers when this happens to someone is there fitness!  Yes, your fitness is the prime target if you have lost touch with your spirit.  Now I know this sounds bizarre to some of my readers.  Stay with me on this!

So, as I mentioned, I lost my way lately.  You see, I have a family who adore me (and I them), a business that I really believe in and really enjoy working in.  I have a great circle of friends who would do anything for me, so I asked myself:

Why aren’t you happy and why are you so tired?

I examined my life in detail and realised that even though I train twice a day on most days, eat very carefully to further my fat loss and gain nutritional strength AND I am actively involved in my kids lives-  I forgot about me.  That’s right, I forgot about me.  Now you’re scratching your head thinking I’ve lost the plot-  Aren’t you? Well let’s explore what happened to my spirit in the mix of my life.

You see, I have this uncanny knack of attempting be superwoman almost everyday.  I work for my clients health, I do all I can to look after my co-workers, I do alot in the community to better the lives of people with special needs and I immerse myself in my education.  The one thing I haven’t done is take stock of my own beliefs and thoughts.  I ignored my self-belief and as a result, lost my spark.

So what does this have to do with fitness?

Well, it just happens that my fitness levels dramatically dropped when I lost my direction.

Why?  How?  What ?

In the kaleidoscope of  the day to day events that fill my days, I started to doubt myself.  I actually allowed negative thoughts to spill through my spirit.  These destructive thoughts filled me with a sense of inadequacy.  I really started ignoring myself in order to avoid any confrontation of these misguided beliefs.  In essence, I completely ignored and denigrated my Spiritual Fitness.  Spiritual fitness is the missing link to your body’s fitness.     How  you harness your belief system to further your body’s fitness is dependent on one key factor.   I learned that you must study your thoughts.  I came across this amazingly simple quote: 

“As you think, so too shall you become.” - Bruce Lee

There’s an intricate process that translates your mind’s thoughts into energy, eventually making them material.     It’s quite a complex process involving peptides, digestion and stress hormones, so I won’t go into details today.  Let’s just say, it’s your thoughts which can make you ill or weak  in the first place!

So for me, this presented in a couple of ways.  Firstly, I lost strength.  Being  unable to lift the weights that my body had become accustomed to lifting.  I was tired all the time and not benefitting from the sleep I was getting.  The only way I could stop the vicious cycle was to study my thoughts and beliefs.  This was an amazing experience.  Almost immediately (actually within 24 hours), I regained some of the strength I had lost and had a ‘good night’s sleep’.

So in order to get this message across clearly, let’s re-establish the term FITNESS.

FITNESS is the entire sum of your belief process, your nutrition & exercise and the way you allow these factors to impact on your body.  The need for acceptance of thoughts is paramount!

As for me, I am back to enjoying my workouts.  I am back on the weight loss cycle and really do understand that I (flaws, emotions and skills) am a vital component in this equation called fitness.

Where did the time go?  It’s April and in Australia that means end of Term 1 at school and the start of Autumn (the season of change).   It is also a time to celebrate how far we’ve all come in the diagnosis process and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

April is Autism Awareness Month!

No matter where in the world that you are, no doubt you have come across issues with meltdowns and food sensitivity.    So let’s take a look at what is going on in today’s world of convenience foods, unlimited medications and stress.

Taking a step by step approach to the treatment of any Chronic condition is vital, yet all too elusive in this modern world we live in.  With Autism Spectrum Disorders there is much speculation on biomedical approaches or treatments and food sensitivity-and with good cause.  Some protocols of nutritional treatments can be seen as weird and wacky but many of them actually do have a grain of science proven fact to them.

So, back to the step by step approach. . .

Step 1:  Autism Spectrum Disorders.  This is  a broad category of conditions.Much of the latest research has been aimed at identifying the most significant trigger or combination of triggers for this complex spectrum.  Research, however, is almost always broad in itself.  Current topics being studied are head circumference, sleep patterns & disorders, genetics (always a good point of discussion and reference), environmental factors, viral infections in utero, immunizations and diet.

Step 2:  Define fact from fiction.  Although as parents we seek answers and within the grieving process we look for the most logical people/places/situations to blame- it is vital that we learn all we can if only to prevent further trauma to our special children.

How do I do that?

Well, let’s knock out a couple of these radical ideas.

Immunizations:  In 2009 this controversial topic was finally brought to light.  The rumblings that ensued were quite emotional amongst many parents and remarkable to many clinicians.  Below is an exert from this fallout.

The MMR vaccine controversy refers to claims that autism can be caused by the MMR vaccine, a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella. The scientific consensus is that no credible evidence links the vaccine to autism, and that the vaccine’s benefits greatly outweigh its risks. The controversy led to sharp drops in vaccination rates in the UK and Ireland,^[1] which in turn led to greatly increased incidence of measles and mumps, resulting in a few deaths and some severe and permanent injuries.^[2]

Claims of a connection between the vaccine and autism were raised in a 1998 paper in the respected British medical journal The Lancet.^[3] It was later discovered that Andrew Wakefield, the paper’s lead author, had received major funding from British trial lawyers seeking evidence against vaccine manufacturers.^[4] Ten of the paper’s twelve coauthors retracted its interpretation of an association between MMR vaccine and autism.^[5] It was also discovered that Wakefield had previously filed for a patent on a rival vaccine using technology that lacked scientific credibility, and that Wakefield knew but did not publish test results that contradicted his theory by showing that no measles virus was found in the children tested.^[6] In 2009, The Sunday Times reported that Wakefield had manipulated patient data and misreported results in his 1998 paper, creating the appearance of a link with autism.^[7] A special court convened in the United States to review claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program ruled on February 12, 2009 that parents of autistic children are not entitled to compensation in their contention that certain vaccines caused autism in their children.^[8][9] The Lancet fully retracted the 1998 paper on February 2, 2010.^[10]

Following the initial claims in 1998, multiple large epidemiologic studies were undertaken. Reviews of the evidence by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,^[11] the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences,^[12] the UK National Health Service,^[13] and the Cochrane Library^[14] all found no link between the vaccine and autism. The Cochrane Library’s systematic review also concluded that the vaccine has prevented diseases that still carry a heavy burden of death and complications, and that the lack of confidence in the vaccine has damaged public health.^[14]

In future years I am sure that this topic will not rest.  Many families have suffered throughout this ordeal and it proves to be an interesting discussion.

Drug therapies for behavioral interventions:  In this section we will look at a broad range of prescriptions.  This includes (but is not limited to) Risperidal, Ritalin, Aderall and Zoloft.  Many a parent has reached out to a medical professional seeking guidance, comfort and answers.  To avoid getting myself in hot water on this issue, I’m going to give you a few stats (with references) and my opinion.  I only ask that if you are considering drugging your children that you seek an opinion from a qualified professional.  Check out Jaques Duff (my preferred source) at https://www.adhd.com.au

Parent ratings of behavioral effects of biomedical interventions

(Autism Research Institute, CA, March 2009)

Resperidal

Got worse  21%      No Effect  26%      Got Better   54%

Better:Worse    2:6:1     No. of Cases   1216

Ritalin

Got worse    45%   No Effect    26%    Got Better   29%

Better:Worse    0:6:1     No. of Cases  4256

Zoloft

Got worse   35%     No Effect   33%     Got Better    31%

Better:Worse   0:9:1      No. of Cases   579

Aderall

Got worse    43%    No Effect  26%      Got Better   31%

Better:Worse   0:7:1      No. of Cases  894

Now that the facts are here, let’s take a look at medications form a parental point of view!  Now don’t get me wrong, I celebrate my children for who and what they are and appreciate all of their strengths AND their weaknesses.  To this end, I will not condone anyone prescribing my little darlings a drug that can kill them or result in them killing anyone else.  I believe that Lillian Reekie summed it up well in her book ‘Hidden Dangers’  where she relates much research into drug therapies and the correlation to such horrific events as school shootings and manic episodes.  As for prescribing drugs, a known issue with Ritalin (for example) is that is can trigger cardiac arrest (heart attacks to us laymen).  So why prescribe it to kids?

Anyway, I digress.  In a recent lecture by renowned Author and all round good guy- Dr Tony Attwood, I heard him remark that a child with Asperger’s Syndrome (for example) will ,no matter what you dose them with,  still have Asperger’s.  Wow, profound!  I believe that perhaps much of the medical community has lost site of this undeniable fact.  A person with an ASD will always have an ASD.  Isn’t it more beneficial to that person and those in his/her community to help them learn how to live with the condition rather than attempt to mask behaviors and symptoms?  You see, when a person on  behavioral modification drugs feels well, they usually stop taking them.  Guess what?  They stop taking the drugs and they are still living with an ASD.  That’s when they are susceptible to elicit drugs, alcohol or their behavior leads them to prison.

Step 3:   Diet and ASD.  I believe that (as in previous posts) nutrition is the key to unlock  most if not all major health benefits.  Back to the research first though.

Parent ratings of behavioral effects of biomedical interventions

(Autism Research Institute, CA, March 2009)

Special Diets

Candida diet

Got worse    3%    No Effect    39%    Got Better    58%

Better:Worse    21:1    No. of Cases    1141

Feingold diet

Got worse    2%    No Effect    40%    Got Better    58%

Better:Worse    26:1    No. of Cases    1041

Gluten/Casein Free  Diet

Got worse    3%    No Effect    28%    Got Better    69%

Better:Worse    24:1    No. of Cases    3593

Low Oxalate Diet

Got worse    7%    No Effect    43%    Got Better    50%

Better:Worse    6.8:1     No. of Cases    164

Removed Chocolate

Got worse    2%    No Effect    46%     Got Better    52%

Better:Worse    28:1    No. of Cases    3593

Removed Eggs

Got worse    2%    No Effect    53%     Got Better    45%

Better:Worse    20:1    No. of Cases    1658

Removed Dairy/ Milk Products

Got worse    2%    No Effect    44%    Got Better     55%

Better:Worse     32:1    No. of Cases    6950

Removed Sugar

Got worse     2%    No Effect    46%    Got Better    52%

Better:Worse    27:1     No. of Cases    4589

Removed Wheat

Got worse     2%     No Effect    43%     Got Better     55%

Better:Worse    30:1    No. of Cases    4340

Rotation  Diet

Got worse    2%    No Effect    43%    Got Better    55%

Better:Worse    23:1    No. of Cases    1097

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Got worse    7%    No Effect    22%    Got Better    71%

Better:Worse    10:1    No. of Cases    537

As you can see, eliminating certain proteins from the diet can certainly help  with the treatment of an ASD.  My eldest son came to me after we changed what we ate and said:

Now that you’ve changed what I eat, my head feels a lot less FUZZY.  I can’t think about getting angry as much ‘cos I am thinking about too many inventions that I want to make.  My head doesn’t hurt now.

Doesn’t every person with an ASD deserve to not have a “fuzzy head”??

Of course, changing diets does present with an array of issues in itself.  The change of routine alone is enough to turn a household upside down.  Many Biomedical clinicians will tell you that there a a few basic necessities if you are thinking of going down this path.

1. a good quality pro-biotic (make sure it is refrigerated when you purchase it and keep it refrigerated to keep the integrity of the product)
2. a good quality Omega 3 supplement
3. a wholefood supplement  (We use and sell Juice Plus)  https://www.fitnessdriven.net

On our products page you will find a link to purchase your Juice Plus AND you will see an exclusive cookbook

Gut Recovery & Whole Foods

This book was written by Magic to help her kids eliminate toxins and foods that contribute to poor behaviors.  It is based on the Gut Recovery Diet which combines the Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet with the addition of a few other nutrients to consider.

After any surgical procedure expect a lengthy recovery, right?

Not necessarily.  You see, it all depends on what condition your body is in.   Confused?  Well don’t be.  I’m about to tell you about the most amazing thing that has happened to me in quite a while.

I have always practiced what I preach but even I underestimated the benefits I would get from taking appropriate steps.

Anyway,  I went into hospital last week for what is considered a major surgical procedure.  Actually, it was in the worst place possible for recovery (according to leading experts from around the world), it was abdominal surgery.   I had been on a regimen of supplements and a wholefood diet for months t o prepare.  Now I usually follow this lifestyle anyway but I was careful to not consume any alcohol, junk food or miss any of my supplements in the lead up to the surgery.

So I went in to the pre-op ward.  I was terrified!  Unfortunately my youngest son and I are both poor candidates for general anesthesia.  We don’t come out of  a general too well.

After a chat with the anesthetist, I felt more assured that I was in good hands.  The next step was the surgery.  Before too long, I was waking up in the recovery ward.  The anesthetist  was true to his word.  He had given me the utmost care and attention and I was waking well.

So as I half listened to the nurse in the recovery area, I immediately started planning my recovery.  I mean, don’t get me wrong- I am an organised person.   I had planned babysitting, home-help, lifts to school, etc.  I now had to plan how I would cope with the things my surgeon had prepared me for.

Like what?

I was ready to be immobile, in pain, feeling exhausted, unable to take care of myself, and  many more annoying circumstances that would limit my daily activities.  Well, you get the picture.  I had resigned myself to  needing to put my life on hold.  I had been told of all of the medical complications that could happen if I wasn’t prepared to wrap myself in cotton wool.

So, here we are: one week post surgery and I feel great.  Sure, I have had a couple of issues.  But guess what- even the issues I was having were able to be rectified with healthy living.

What issues have you had, Magic?

I’m glad you asked!  I got home 4 days after surgery (it would have been sooner but I thought I’d get a rest from being a Mum for a few days and just focus on me.  Selfish?  MAYBE.  Worth it?  DEFINITEY.)

When I got home I seemed to go downhill quickly.   I couldn’t sleep,  every muscle in my arms were twitching, I was depressed and irritable.  Nasty experience.  So I remedied it by drinking Valerian tea.  Now this usually knocks  me out and I definitely recommend it if you ever have trouble sleeping.  Valerian tea is a safe, natural alternative to insomnia and all the health risks that brings with it.  Well, unfortunately it didn’t work this time.  So I went to my GP.

I think I made his day.  He couldn’t stop laughing when he saw me.  I was in a short summer dress with compression stockings on and ugh boots.  I have to admit, I did look strange.  Anyway, I told him that it had been a couple of  days since I slept well.  I also informed him of the cocktail if painkillers that the hospital deemed necessary for me to ingest.  Now at this point, I should tell you that I am dead against consuming pharmaceuticals unless it is a life or death scenario.

My GP laughed again.  He knows me well and thought the irony in this situation was delightful.  He then told me that the problems I was experiencing were all due to the cocktail of painkillers I had been on in hospital.  You see, I was suffering withdrawals.  So he prescribed a sleeping pill for two nights.  Normally I would have screwed the script up and tossed it at him whilst muttering a few undesirable phrases, but I was desperate for sleep and for my biceps and triceps to stop doing their own workout around the clock.

Now, I’ve slept and I feel great.  I have NO pain.  I am MOBILE (in fact I can’t wait to walk to the park with the kids).  I have more energy than I could ever imagine.  Best of all, I have had no complications.  There is no infection, no associated issues and I am back at work next week.   Sure I will have to be a little careful with what I do but I have my life back.  YAY.

How do I do that?

Even if I’m not having surgery, how do I feel so great and get the most out of each day?

It’s easy!  I take Juice Plus.  A wholefood supplement that creates a environment in every  cell of your body that gives you vitality, energy and a  sustainable level of health.  I also supplement with a high quality Vitamin and Mineral supplement and I consume a large amount of  Omega 3’s.  In fact, the day after my surgery I restarted my nutrient regimen.

How do you get these benefits?  I’ll tell you.  It’s simple.

CLICK HERE

Fill in the form and tell us which product you need.  If you don’t know, that’s cool.

CLICK HERE

And we can give you an idea of what will work best for you based on the information you give us.

So it’s February!  So what?  Well, it’s time to stop making excuses like:

I’m on Summer holidays.

. . . but it was Christmas, we all ate like that. . .

The kids are home, I can’t focus on myself while they’re home.

There are many more excuses that are said everyday.  The troubling part of this is that now you will be realising that you feel sick, have unexplained dizziness, constant headaches, can’t move around easily, etc.

You may go to the GP for a routine investigation.  Guess what, one blood test and you may be on your way to find out that you have Diabetes Type II.  And that’s if you are LUCKY.  Many of you may find out that you have High Blood Pressure, maybe you will find out that you have an elevated Cholesterol count.  Now team that with a higher weight ratio (especially around the middle) and you are:

PRE DIABETIC?  What the??

Pre-Diabetic  means that you are on the hit list for Diabetes Type II.  If you are Pre-Diabetic and you have a family history of Diabetes, have had Gestational Diabetes , have PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) or continue to gain weight- You will be at HIGH RISK of being diagnosed with DIABETES TYPE II.

So what to do about this?

Well, your options are limited.  However,  at Fitness Driven we can now offer you our LIFT TO LIVE program.  This program is based on the Lift for Life  program which was developed by the   Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.

The lift to Live Program will help you exercise to lower your blood sugar profile, gain confidence and motivation, learn how to eat natural whole foods to eliminate toxins in your body and keep your blood sugars stable and you will be in a group with like minded people.

Simply register here or visit us now

I have been lucky enough to work with Dr Marc Dussault.  Through working  with this Exponential Genius, we have developed this checklist for you.

Do you know anyone with any
of these conditions or afflictions?

Fitness Driven provides a nurturing, welcoming atmosphere to help
people with special needs (including people with Diabetes) and their
carers using personally crafted programs to educate and inspire a
positive self-esteem that ensures permanent weight loss and a pain –
free functional level of health and fitness that frees you from a lifetime
of stress and worry.

1. o Autism
2. o Asperger’s Syndrome
3. o Diabetes Type I
4. o Diabetes Type II
5. o Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
6. o Anorexia Nervosa
7. o Bulimia
8. o Body Dismorphic Disorder
9. o Obesity
10. o Morbid Obesity
11. o Super Obesity
12. o Post natal fitness challenges
13. o Ante natal fitness challenges
14. o Depression
15. o Children fitness and nutrition challenges
16. o Postural disorders including:
17. o Anterior & Posterior Pelvic Tilt,
18. o Chronic Back Pain
19. o Nerve Impingement
20. o Peripheral Neuropathy
21. o Nutrition challenges due to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Diabetes, irritable Bowel & Gut Disorders
22. o PDD NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
23. o Global Delay
24. o Carer physical needs and nutrition – Specific Needs for postural maintenance, nutrition for sustained energy
25. levels, hormonal control (stress hormones like Cortisol)

Did you know?

The gut of an autistic person can’t hold good bacteria.

The incidence of eating disorders in Asberger Males is 90%.

Currently medical professionals suggest to break and re-set bones for toe-walking
Autistics when simple Podiatric care, Orthotics and nutrition can do the same
job without the pain and suffering.

We have substantial knowledge, expertise and experience to assist you
with these conditions.   We have access to information, research, data
and techniques that work you won’t find anywhere else.

Magic Barclay
Health & Fitness Professional

Centrality Health Consultant
Metabolic Precision Provider

Dip. Fit.      Dip. Clinical Nutrition     Lift for Life Accredited Trainer

Ph: 0414 326 511
Email: magic@fitnessdriven.net
Web: www.fitnessdriven.net
Get informed now – contact us and we’ll set you straight with up-to-date vitally important information- information that can make a big difference to someone who might feel overwhelmed, helpless and just plain tired of hearing “it can’t be”  when we know first-hand that it can be.

First of all,  Happy Australia Day!  No matter which belief you have about Australia Day celebrations- I hope you all took the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

I volunteered for near on 5 hours at a celebration in my local township.  My two beatuiful boys came for a spot of breakfast but found the crowd a little overwhelming and left me to do the mingling.  I know this sounds bizarre but I had a blast cleaning up after approxiamately 700 people.

Enough about me!  Actually, that’s not true.

I just completed an interview with the insightful and motivating, Dr Marc Dussault.  He has blogged about the experience and has attached the recording of this interview to his blog.  I tell you this because I am going to share the link for you all now.  Once you have listened to the interview make sure that you download the checklist too.  Share it with everyone you know to help me to help Australia!

Happy Australia Day, 2010

Click here to listen to interview

Well here we are, the school term is about to start in Victoria.  The parents of kids with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are tearing their hair out.

I’ve given him/her everything this holidays.  We saw a movie, we played at the park, we went to the swimming pool-  and they are in meltdown.  What more could I have done to keep them happy?

Yes, you are an active family.  Even though you attended to tantrums, off-the-cuff remarks and lived in the “Black or White- no shades of Grey” world:  you kids are still angry, anxious, reclusive or sullen.  The good news is that there may be some dietary changes or health regime adaptions that you can implement to change this ‘Status Quo’.

In future Blogs, we will cover these points in more detail.  For now let’s just take a look at some interesting health facts that may help you avoid the back to school meltdowns.

A child or adult on the Autism Spectrum does not have the ability to retain ‘good bacteria’ in the gut.  The use of antiobiotics  often leads to infections such as  -Strep (leading to conditions : tics, OCD, tantrums, PANDAS)
–Clostridia (leading to: aggression, agitation, foul mucousy stools, diarrhea)

Amid all of the claims, studies and anecdotes, it is vital to understand the impact of toxins on an ASD sufferer.  Gluten and Casein DO have a detrimental effect on an  ASD mind and body.

Household chemicals can be harmful to someone with ASD.  The chemicals that we all accept as ‘cleaners’ are actually absorbed into the body.  In ASD, these chemicals cannot be filtered out as easily as in the case for most of us.  Household cleaners, fragrances and polishes are actually  detrimental to all of us but this factor is of much more concern to someone with an ASD.

Stress:  well, don’t get me started!  We all know that stress triggers the release of ’stress’ hormones.  These can lead to serius health repercutions.  A person (of any age) living with an ASD may not be able to express the stress they are under.  Rest assured that their bodies and minds will tell you.  This is the No. 1 trigger for those meltdowns.

Triple antigen vaccines:  are a relevant factor in the development of an ASD.  However, it is not the only reason.  It is imperative that we investigate this further.  Do not discount the effect of proteins (gluten & casein), environmental factors (chemicals, medicines, toxins) and Genetics.

So what do you do to relieve the impact of meltdowns?  Stay on a strict routine, be ready for all eventualities, make sure that you have support from schools, family and/or friends.

Last but certainly not least:  look after yourself- the Carer.  You are the tower of strength that your child, husband, family member, friend or co-worker will turn to.  Don’t allow that tower to crumble!

Look for real experience

Is it true?  Is a well known ‘Realty Weight Loss TV show’  getting it right?

Well, in a word:  NO.  But at least the trailer promises that they won’t hide under the thin veil of helping the contestants without providing any real benefit to them.  Yes, I know this is a controversial topic but this really does need to be said.  I mean, come on, we’ve all seen it.  The contestants line up full of hope that they will gain their lives back from the Obesity, Diabetes and Associated Pain. And yet, they fall to the ground with injury after injury.  They appear in the gossip pages two to three months after the show wraps up looking just as unhealthy as they began.  Why?

There’s a reason why, it’s reality TV.  No ordinary person can train for 8 or more hours a day, have no education on what they are eating or even why they are in the unenviable position of being obese.

Ok, so now your thinking

How dare she say that.

Well, don’t.  43 kgs ago I considered applying for the show and guess what- I would have been selected, there’s no doubt.  I ticked all the boxes:  desperate, morbidly obese, a story to hook the hearts of the viewers, etc.  So why didn’t I?  Well, I just couldn’t leave my kids for that long. Thank goodness I didn’t do it.

Instead I changed my life by delving into my psychological state (the reason I got so unhealthy), I learnt about my nutrition (to create permanent changes), AND I started training in a responsible and sustainable manner. Then I lost weight, learnt to keep it off and made a commitment to bring this knowledge to YOU through my work with FITNESS DRIVEN.

So, anyway, back to this Reality Weight Loss show.  For years now, the contestants have been pitted against each other.  Now competition is often a healthy way to reach goals but when people are desperate and with such a low self-esteem, it’s downright irresponsible.  Then there’s the constant injuries.  MRI after xray after medical review.  It just screams tabloid fodder and drama.  That doesn’t help the poor souls trying to regain their lives.

And now, here we are in 2010.  The show is back.  The experts that are consulting are of the highest calibre and the ratings will come flooding in.  But what’s changed?  Well, I’m happy to say that the contestants will be learning about nutrition, they will be learning about the impact their obesity has had on their organs, minds, biological age and they will be educated on how to keep the weight off.

So you’re thinking

why has she written this blog?

I feel it needs to be said.  A TV show is pure entertainment.  Unfortunately it’s not so entertaining for the people who are going through it but it is ENTERTAINMENT not a solution to your problems. The best way to change your life is to see a fantastic Personal Trainer who has their education updated  (and I don’t mean the bare minimum to remain registered), cares about you getting results and not just getting your cash and a PT who has lived through a similar condition.  Yep, that’s right:  anyone who tells you how to lose weight that hasn’t struggled with the same constraints as you are really has no idea what to look for that might surface as an obstcale or barrier to your success.

Fitness Driven is one of those companies that was set up on the principles of experience, care, commitment and most importantly:  integrity.

We follow the advice of the most knowledgeable and dedicated professionals in the realms of health & fitness.

Now what I am trying to get across here is that if it glitters and has ’star’ value, it’s entertainment.  Entertainment is to be enjoyed not used as the gospel for weight loss.

Let’s hope that the people seeking help get it, they certainly have more chance this season than ever before.

So onto a new year. . . seek help but remember it’s just as important not to copy  the methodology of an entertainment and apply it to your life as it is to not self-prescribe any other health tool.

Welcome to everyone!  2010 is already shaping  up to be a fantastic year.  Why? I hear you ask.  Well, let’s see, there’s those promises we’ve made to our families, ourselves and our careers.  Then there’s the big three:  Weight Loss, Get Fit and let’s not forget Eat right.

Ok, so we ALL set NY resolutions, don’t we?  Well don’t.  They just don’t work.  How many times have you set the same Resolutions?  How many times have you kept it going until February or even worse:  January 2nd)?

Ok, so let’s just take a look at why they don’t work.  There’s no point in beating ourselves up about it, that’s just not healthy.  Why raise our Cortisol levels (stress hormone) by telling ourselves  we’ve failed before we’ve even began. . .

Let’s break the big 3 down into bite-sized pieces (sorry that’s a food related joke- not fair):

WEIGHT LOSS

Many people set the goal of weight loss.  There are a few major flaws in this scenario.  The first is, the goal won’t work if you don’t do anything about it.  Really, let’s not kid anyone here.  A gym membership is great if you use it AND if you have a GOOD Personal Trainer to help you adhere to the biological rules of weight loss.  The problem is that many PT’s don’t know how to help you.  Sure, they look good in lycra, maybe they say all the right things but do they really know how you need to train to lose weight?  Did you know that a PT actually can’t advise you on the food you eat unless they have been specifically studying the area of Nutrition and have a formal qualification outside their Trainers Certificate?

But I digress.  Back to Weight Loss:  if the first part of the puzzle is to actually do something about it, the second is stop believing those many magazines you read.  Actually, it doesn’t just stop with magazines.  We all see those morning TV shows telling you the best diet, the best workout and let’s not forget the best underwear to hide your flaws when you realise that they are all fooling you.   And let’s not forget the ‘REALITY WEIGHT LOSS TV SHOW’ (more about this next blog: stay tuned).   Now to part three of this tangled web, YOU.  Yes, you.    You are the only person who can make a change.  The PT doesn’t go home with you, the morning TV presenter doesn’t live your life, the latest ‘expert’ won’t answer your calls when you are confused.  Sorry to seem so negative but I assure you, this is a reality that you need to get your head around.

Weight loss ONLY happens if you target the areas of Nutrition, Motivation and Exercise (in that order).  You need to surround yourself with good food (especially taking care to add a quality whole food supplement.  The latest clinical research shows that people can improve their chances of living longer, healthier lives by eating more fruits and vegetables. So it’s good to know that Juice Plus+ provides nutrition from 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains in convenient and inexpensive capsule form).

http://www.fitnessdriven.net/fdr_prd_Display.asp?catID=7

You need to have the right Motivation.  I mean, you need a support network that actually supports you.  They can’t do the work for you but at the same time, they shouldn’t take every opportunity to sabotage your efforts.  Your support network should include your family but if that’s not a possibility, you should have at least 3 people that tell you the honest truth (no comments designed to make you feel good, just the honest, raw, ‘way it is’ truth).    Lets not forget the ‘Exercise’.  Exercise is only a small piece of the combination.  You need to have a Personal Trainer who knows how to teach you.  They will need to have a keen interest in helping you succeed.  There’s no point in exhausting yourself at the gym or running laps around town if you haven’t got the Nutrition and Motivation sorted.

So, that’s WEIGHT LOSS in a nutshell.

GET FIT

Ok, we’ve all seen those gym bunnies who religiously run on the treadmill, lift a few meager weights and then repeat the same boring routine day in and day out.  If you thought they were doing the right thing well guess again:  They’re kidding themselves.  You don’t need to be a slave to your fitness.  Just get the right combinations  for yourself.  The only way to do this is to see the right PT  or even better – see a CHC.  (Do I sound like a broken record?)  Most people don’t actually need a Personal Trainer.  Yes, you heard me:  most people don’t need a Personal Trainer.  In fact 98% of the population need a CENTRALITY HEALTH CONSULTANT.

A CHC helps you with the three components to success.    A personal trainer helps people to exercise.  A Certified Centrality Health Consultant (CHC) manages all aspects of client health, delivering common health & fitness goals including weight (fat) loss, pain relief & improved energy levels by focusing on 3 key areas; Motivation, Nutrition & Corrective Exercise. However, the most important difference between a Centrality Health Consultant and a personal trainer is RESULTS!  They help you with your Nutrition, Motivation and Exercise.

What’s Corrective Exercise you ask?  Corrective Exercise addresses postural issues you may or may not be aware of, body imbalances, previous and current pain sites and lifestyle.  Lifestyle includes how you sleep, work, relax and live in general.

Now promise me you wont feel sorry for the gym bunnies because you know the keys to success and they don’t.  Pity doesn’t help them.  Just contact a CHC and spread the word about how great you feel.

http://www.fitnessdriven.net/fdr_Services.asp

EAT RIGHT

Now I know that you’ve all seen, tried or even recommended a pill, potion, shake or diet to someone.  Raise your hand if you’ve tried at least three commercial ‘Weight Loss’ Products.  OK don’t!  I believe you.  You see, we’ve all been there, done that.  We’ve had the latest shake recommended by pharmacists, we’ve had those fat blocker pills (thinking that they are safe and actually work), we’ve even joined a diet group.  Maybe a celebrity endorsed it on TV or in a magazine, maybe they ask you to count p_ _ _ _ _ .  STOP!!!

Eating right (Nutrition) is a science.  It must be taught to you by a qualified professional.  There is only one way to learn how to make permanent changes for the better.  That is, learn from the right person in the first place.  You can’t learn from a packet or a group that is designed to make you keep coming back.

Here’s a couple of links to get to the right person:

www.fitnessdriven.net

www.centrality.com.au

REVOLUTION NOT RESOLUTION

So this year, let’s make 2010 the year for change.  Let’s get that Big 3 working for ourselves.  Throw out those useless resolutions and make permanent changes with the right supports in place for guaranteed success.

Vive la revolution!