Meet The New Lady In My Life

I want you to meet the new lady in my life, Because…
-

Well – a few key reasons, really…

First – I don’t mean “lady in my life” as in romantically involved, etc… No – she is someone I am working very closely with to help her get back into top form… (She has let herself get out of shape and she is NOT HAPPY about it…)

Second – She has agreed to share her story and journal PUBLICLY (via videos, blog posts, facebook updates, tweets, etc…) – so you can follow along and watch her progress and hopefully be inspired to reach for higher levels yourself…

This is something both men and women will want to follow – as Kelly is a very genuine, smart, honest and like-able personality…. (Guys, she works with ESPN a bit…)

Kelly Latimer: Host and Voice Talent

So – I’ll introduce you now – and give you direct access to the first videos she did a few days ago
Click on the videos on this page to play them and see where we are starting from:
Kelly Latimer and Her Journey Back to Fit, Sexy and Healthy

Here is:
Kelly @ Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/latimerkelly

Here is:
Kelly @ Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/kellylatimer

What she has agrees to share is very rare–But she understands how this can helps inspire many people to change their own lives

Feel free to say “hi” and let her know I sent you…

And also – please share this all with anyone else you know who can use this kind of insight, inspiration and fuel for motivation.

Kelly has already taken a series of “Before” photos but we will not be sharing those until she reaches her desired “After” goal(s). And with me in her corner – you know it will be sooner as opposed to later

The kind of direct coaching I’m giving Kelly is not something I do often simply because of the time and energy it takes and it’s really not for everyone. To find out more about this you can check out my Personal Fitness Coaching page.

If you have any comments or thoughts – no matter what they are (no profanity, please) – we’d love to hear from you so just turn it loose in the comment section below. That space is there for you…

ALSO – there are a handful of incredible, special and amazing things going on behind the scenes here. I can’t share all of them right now – but I will soon because these are projects which I know you’ll be interested in no matter your gender or fitness level… STAY TUNED…
-

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

Popularity: 20% [?]

To Lead By Example You Lead By Living

Today I share some of my personal life with you…

Why? …Because I know some of what I share here will inspire and empower you in some way or form… It will fuel your motivation to ‘LIVE to the MAX’… In your own special way.

In 1999 I moved from New York to Florida. To get away from the cold & snow – and to be in warm sunny weather (most of the year) AND to be near the ocean.

Since being down here – the beach has become our # 1 favorite place to be on the weekends. When I have the kids – they don’t even have to ask, they just know it’s beach-time. And when I’m solo – I’m usually at the beach, especially now – since I started surfing a few months ago… Which is the focal point of today’s post…

I always enjoyed watching surfers. I NEVER knew how physically demanding it is, nor how challenging it is. And more importantly – I had no idea how much fun it can be and how rewarding it is for the soul… So, I never considered trying it.

I don’t know if I sub-consciously assumed it was too late for me to learn, or maybe I wouldn’t enjoy it.. I don’t know…

But about 4 or 5 months ago – I started getting these little “hints, signs and nudges”. Messages from my surroundings fueling my curiosity to see what it feels like to surf.

- I was talking to a soccer dad at one of Darah’s games – and we end up on the topic of surfing and how much he loves surfing the beaches in our area…

- One day, at the beach, while eating my lunch – a surfer couple sat about 10 yards in front of me and they started stretching and preparing to hit the waves…

- Another day, while at the beach with the kids – and watching some surfers, my two older ones said something along the lines of “How come you don’t surf?” or “I’m surprised you don’t surf.”.. I don’t remember their exact words – but they added to the mix for sure.

IMPORTANT NOTE: as all of this is unfolding (above) – keep in mind NONE of my kids had ever touched a surfboard. None of them had ever surfed.

There are some other ingredients here which played a BIG role in me finally following this voice inside me – to give surfing a try. I will share those in the future as they will take us down a whole new path of ‘Living to the Max’.

So, I wanted to start this journey properly…

And the only way to do that was with a veteran instructor, a master surfer. I already happened to know one – as the guy who edited most of my early dvds back in 2005/06 – is also a top-notch surfer and an awesome teacher, Mitch Kaufmann

Joey and Master Mitch

Mitch promised he’d have me surfing in 20 minutes. He was wrong…

He had me surfing in about 4 minutes!!!!!

See that smile on my face in the photo below? (btw – BIG complements to my son, JoJo for taking the pictures on my first surf outing). …that smile is more than me just having fun…. there’s a lot that smile represents.

To put the photo into perspective – I had just ridden a pretty long wave and JoJo took the shot as I came in and the wave was dying out. PERFECT.

Joey's First Surf

This is where things get good.. REALLY GOOD…

When JoJo, Alexa and Darah saw me doing this – saw how much I loved it, saw and felt the fun… THEY WANTED THE SAME… Fast forward a few weeks and I hit the beach with JoJo. He’s 15, very athletic and will try anything. We go out on a pretty rough day – a challenging day to try surfing for the first time.

But – after seeing me get out there. He has no fear. He goes…

He fights to get out there – the waters are choppy and stirring. The current is giving a strong pull north. He’s working hard – realizing the challenge. He gets tossed a few times. But doesn’t give up – he gets even more determined…

After a just a few tries – BOOM – he’s up and surfing…

With the same smile you see in my photo above. We look at each other with fist pumps and thumbs up. AWESOME in many ways.. (I don’t have pics of him surfing yet but will have some later in the summer – when we get back from our New York trip).

Next – it’s Alexa’s turn.

She’s 13 and ready to try just about anything. So, I take her and Darah to the beach – with my surfboard. Two of Alexa’s friends meet up with us there. They ask if they can take the surfboard to the water, etc.. I say, “of course”… and I give Alexa a few pointers and then I just watch from the shore.

Jackie and Emma (Alexa’s 2 friends) hold the board steady (they are in chest high water at the time). Alexa gets on the board. She knows to hop up when the wave starts pushing the board. A sweet wave comes, Jackie and Emma give the board a little push…

… and UP SHE POPS!!! First time ever!!!

Check her out:

Alexa's First Surf

I was very excited to see JoJo up on the board, as I expected it would be somewhat easy for him to do. BUT, I’ll admit – I was SUPER excited to see my ‘Lex’ scorching the ocean on her first try. So, that’s 2 – and 1 more to go…

Next it’s Darah’s turn.

She’s almost 7. VERY high energy and fearless spirit. She LOVES the ocean and can play in the waters for hours on end… I get her a 7-foot, soft-top board (safer for kids to learn on).

I bring her out. I hold the board. She gets on – gets her balance without holding onto me… And then…

Darah's First Surf

…a perfect wave comes in – I give the board a little push and BOOM – she’s cruising as if she had done this 100 times!!!

Truth be told – this photo is actually Darah’s second time out as her first time was a week before and I didn’t think of asking anyone to take a few pictures for us. BUT – she was doing perfectly right from the start!!

Darah's First Surf

So WHY AM I SHARING ALL THIS WITH YOU?

At age 41 – I decide to start surfing. (‘LIVE to the MAX’) …my kids feel the enjoyment and see the fun I’m having. And without pushing any of them – they all wanted to do it too.

And are all doing it now!!! …Knowing they are all starting young is an incredible feeling. They have so many years of surfing fun ahead of them. And so do I… I’ll be sure to share some of our adventures with you in the months and years to come.

I share this all with you in hopes of possibly sparking something inside you – to take your life to another level or simply add a new dimension to it. Not just for you – but for those around you. Those closest to you.

That is how you lead by example – that is how you lead by LIVING.

I hope you enjoyed this post as a lot of time and energy have gone into it. I would love to hear your thoughts, your comments and even your story which may be similar to mine above. Feel free to share all you wish in the comment section below.

And PLEASE feel free to share this with anyone you know who will appreciate it. That would mean a lot to me.

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

Popularity: 13% [?]

Metabolic Syndrome X: Don’t Let It Kill Your Body, Libido or YOU

Looking great is nice. But…

Looking great and being internally healthy is the key to life.

Internally healthy can be categorized two ways:

1 – Physical/Biological/Physiological
2 – Mental/Emotional/Spiritual

My primary focus in talking about Metabolic Syndrome is: 1 – Physical/Biological/Physiological (Even though there is certainly a connection to #2. We will save that for another day.)

If you’re into living a healthy and fit lifestyle – then you surely have heard the term “Metabolic Syndrome”. The problem is – a strange confusion surrounds this major health issue and what it means to you, your body and your health…

Syndrome X is the medical ‘slang’ term for “Metabolic Syndrome” and all the medical conditions which are listed as part of its definition. It is associated with overweight/obese people in every country. In the USA – some studies estimate 25% of the population as having Metabolic Syndrome…

There are several major health organizations who have their own, slightly varied, list of criteria for what classifies a patient with Syndrome X.

For the most part they are all very similar and offer the same conclusions and recommendations.

BUT on a lager scale – there is a major point of confusion – and what I share below will help you make sense of this life killer…

Most people never stop to think if Metabolic Syndrome is something which causes all the medical conditions – OR – if the medical conditions are the result of something(s) – and the conditions are simply given this “group name/label” of Metabolic Syndrome/Syndrome X.

Here’s the summary on that. Please understand, this is my perspective, based on my academic studies, clinical hours, and one-on-one time with clients over the last 23 years…

Metabolic Syndrome is the result of poor lifestyle habits and choices. A result of self-neglect. A result of believing “doctors and medications” are supposed to keep me healthy and in-shape”.

To be more specific – you are most likely to give yourself Syndrome X:

- If you do not exercise properly, on a consistent basis.
- If your nutrition habits are based on empty calorie foods with weak nutrient profiles
- If you drink excessively
- If you are a smoker
- If you lack proper sleep

Those are the biggies – and many people can easily write “GUILTY”next to at least 3 or 4 of those. Hence the high rate of people who have given themselves Metabolic Syndrome.

So, what does it look like?

Here’s a photo for a simple example.

Metabolic Syndrome X

For more examples just observe people next time you’re in a public place. At least 25-30% of them will be obviously overweight and out of shape. That’s what it looks like on the surface…

Going below the surface:

A – Your hormonal functions are all out of sync and out of whack, most likely on “low” setting
B – Testosterone/estrogen (depending on gender), growth hormone, thyroid hormones all suffer
C – Blood lipid levels enter the dangerous zones
D – Blood pressure escalates into the disease ranges
E – Your sleep patterns are thrown off and the quality and depth of your sleep decline
F – Cholesterol levels and ratios are pushed into the “high risk” category
G – Elevated glucose and insulin levels (diabetes)
H – You become a walking time-bomb with a very limited quality-of-life. Period.

End result (while you are still alive):

1 – You have no energy
2 – You are moody
3 – Your sex drive and desire are in the dumps
4 – You are depressed
5 – You can’t keep up with your kids or your grand-kids
6 – You age so much faster
7 – You can’t do the things you used to do
8 – THE LIST GOES ON….

I highlight all this because, most of this, most of the time is AVOIDABLE. But – it’s up to you to take responsibility for your own body, your own health – your own total well-being. NOBODY can do this for you. NOBODY.

Your life is in your hands. You make of it what you wish.

I’m not sure where you are at right now in your life – as I write these posts for so many people…

You may have perfect control of your body, mind and health. Or, you may be trying but still struggling to find the right “solution”. Or, you may have already given up and let outside forces dictate the choices you make at your own will – with little hope to turn things around.

Stay tuned for a follow up to this post as I will provide some insight and direction no matter which stage you are at – even if you have lost hope and are already suffering from the Syndrome. I will be pulling together info and resources on actions steps, growth hormone effects, sleep improvement and libido enhancement – just to name a few.

MAKE NOTE: There is hope… But for now, if you want more details on Metabolic Syndrome I have linked directly to a great page on Wikipedia.org featuring a deeply detailed entry on all aspects of Metabolic Syndrome/Syndrome X. If you are interested – here is the link:
Metabolic Syndrome on Wikipedia.org

If you know anyone who will benefit from today’s post – PLEASE feel free to share it. Many people can use this right now. And I appreciate you helping me get the word of health and fitness out there… And if you have any comments or thoughts – please post in the ‘comment’ section below…

“LIVE to the MAX…”

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

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Fitness Drama: Sleeping With the Enemy {Joey’s Bedroom}

For the last 3 years or so – I’ve been sleeping on a very basic futon. As part of the major life transition I went through – it was simply part of the program…

This futon is actually pretty good for an occasional 20 minute nap, but making it my place of rest was a challenge. It eventually became my enemy… So…

A few weeks ago – I realized it was time for change…

I wasn’t sleeping well. I was having odd aches and pains, not feeling well-rested the next day, and just not at the top of my game the way I know I should be…

I knew it was the lack of deep, restful sleep on a proper bed… This had to be reversed.

And I knew there was only one way for me to do this…. It’s called “Tempurpedic”!!

If you have one yourself – you know what I mean – But if you don’t, I will tell you, for me, there is no better way to get a deep, restful sleep as compared to this incredible technology.

I super-sized it, of course – so I have this “ocean” of sleeping space on the MOST comfortable surface I’ve ever sprawled out on.

I couldn’t wait to crawl under the covers the first night, to feel the support, the cradling of my muscles-joints-bones and my soul, the “healing” power of this unique mattress. I awoke feeling like a new man.

- Certain aches and pains were GONE the next morning…
- My energy levels and alertness are humming…
- My workouts are even more fantastic…
- I even look “better rested”…
- My dreams are even better!!

Sleep Well - Live Well

Last night was night #2 – and tonight will be night #3… I look forward to every evening of sleep; ….now another one of life’s simple, yet powerful gifts…

The futon has a new role now. It has become the couch in my family room

So, “what’s my point in all this”, you may be asking yourself…

SLEEP is essential to a high quality of life. I mean, deep, restful, restorative sleep. If your sleep is less than ideal – it could be causing so many other issues for you – in all areas of your life, both internally and externally.

One of the most important processes which happens while we sleep is: hormone regulation

The better you sleep the better the hormonal processes. Period.

And as we all know – the hormones are responsible for just about anything connected to your metabolism, energy, skin texture, physical performance, immune-function, libido, etc…

For a deeper academic look; here is an article from Medscape.org
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Hormones and Metabolism

Proper sleep enables you to ‘LIVE to the MAX’

Poor sleep is a slow, steady and cumulative sacrifice which ages you quickly and prevents you from excelling in other areas of your life.

Stay tuned for more on the “sleep-hormone-quality of life” connection… More to come.

Have any questions or thoughts about today’s post? Feel free to use the comment section below.

Your trainer,

— Joey Atlas
M.S., Exercise Physiology

Popularity: 6% [?]

3 Exact Tips to Cook for YOUR Hot Metabolism

No intro needed on this… So, here you go…

1 – Add ‘stealth’ spices/herbs to dishes you have never ‘spiced up’ before.

For example:
A – add cumin to a scrambled egg
B – add paprika to sauteed green peas
C – add crushed red chili pepper to mashed cauliflower
D – and if you’ve never tried sea-salt and black pepper – then you should start with those )

2 – Fine-tune your healthy fat intake:

Quite often I’ll find that someone is going far too low in their dietary fat intake in efforts of keeping calories down. This is not good as we need a certain amount of healthy fats to allow our bodies to function and develop properly. This can prevent some key physiological processes from taking place and can stall the body’s natural desire to burn and release excess body-fat.

On the other extreme – I’ve coached some people who are unaware of the “too high” amount of healthy fats they are consuming daily. It’s important to note – one tablespoon of a healthy oil; take extra virgin olive oil as an example – contains 120 calories…

======>>>>> 1 tablespoon = 120 calories <<<<<======

That’s a lot, but still NECESSARY in proper amounts - so be a bit mindful when putting your meals together. You want to be sure you don’t get careless or carried away with the volume on those fats. As it can be very easy if you’re not paying attention to your measurements...

Eventually this becomes second nature

3 – Use creative BUT healthy and nutrient packed “secret” recipes – like this one:

Body Rockin’ Bean-Cakes (some call these Bean ‘Burgers’… STAY TUNED, as I’ll be shooting a video for this recipe soon..)

These can be eaten as your main course (loaded with protein and fiber) as part of a dinner. Or you can eat for lunch wrapped in hearty lettuce, such as romaine, green-leaf, etc…

½ can black beans (drained) – mash beans in bowl, with a fork

Add in:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- a few shakes of paprika
- a few shakes of cumin
- a few shakes of black pepper
- a few shakes of dried parsley

Mix it all up. Divide into 2 or 3 and shape into mini-cakes with (clean) hands, or with fork.

Place in heated pan coated with butter or coconut oil. Sprinkle a little sea-salt while bottom side cooks.

When bottom starts to get brown – use spatula to flip & cook other side. A few minutes each side is all this takes.

Place on plate – let ‘em cool a bit – then ENJOY.

You can add a sprinkle of parmesian cheese – or a tablespoon of your favorite marinara sauce.

And who says eating properly is boring or bland???!!!!

2 FREE Fat-Loss and Fitness Recipe Book Downloads

Yes – I agree those 3 tips are really good ones. Let me know how you like that recipe, please…

If these wet your appetite and you want more recipes and tips like those 3 – then you’ll REALLY enjoy these 2 free pdf downloads:

1 – 10 Quick & Easy Fat-Torching Recipes

2 – 7 Fat-Loss Cooking Tricks to Jazz Up Your Boring Diet

Dave & Karine have put a lot of time and energy into these 2 downloads – and today you get them FREE ..Enjoy!

Wait! Here’s another sweet FREEBIE I just found from my favorite Fitness Ice-Cream supplier:

(The free recipe book is in the center of the page, toward the bottom).

Please share today’s e-newsletter with anyone you know who needs this kind of helpful fitness and nutrition info… Just forward this page to them. They’ll thank you for it.

Stay tuned – more helpful items are in the works for you…

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

Popularity: 27% [?]