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

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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

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Joey’s Before and After Story: with Photos

Back in the mid-90′s I was in the midst of my first marriage. 26 years old – living through a volatile relationship and a turbulent time of life in many regards…

Even with all my fitness knowledge, nutrition wisdom and exercise methods – I had let myself go…

I had reached so many rewarding highs in my late teens and early twenties – and then slowly but surely “life” pulled me down, because I gave up…

These “before” photos give you a small glimpse into the eyes of a young man struggling with not just his body – but moreso his mindset.

What you can’t see in these photos is my pain…

Emotional pain of not being able to stop eating destructive foods in unhealthy amounts… Psychological pain of being at my worst when I had all the tools and information to be at my best… And physical pain of being so out of shape, overweight, weak and unhealthy…

I knew what to do – I knew exactly how to get back into awesome shape… But I didn’t have a goal. I didn’t have something to aim for. Something to go after….

I let my choices and my circumstances bring me down to some very low and dark times..

I needed a big reward to fire me up – to ignite my competitive juices.

$50,000.00 Was Enough to Light My Fire

That would show itself in the form of a $50,000.00 cash prize jackpot – for entering an inspiring “Before & After” contest…

One quiet night, I opened one of my favorite magazines, Muscle Media, and saw the official announcement for the “Before and After” contest – including the $50,000.00 top prize for the best transformation story…

I decided right there – that I would go for it… I would give my absolute best effort in my own transformation to give myself a fair shot at winning the money – but also to truly achieve my best potential…

The external factors were EXTREMELY powerful in terms of arousing energies inside me which would fuel my motivation and give me the desire to “stick to my plan”…

The competition, the money, the group effort of the whole contest itself, all the other people deciding to take this unique challenge and the initiative of the people who put the whole contest together…

All these factors injected a level of inspired action in me that I had never felt before…

It was awesomely powerful in many ways…

And so, I got busy – because in just 8 quick weeks it would be time to take my “after” photos… I created my workout schedule, mapped it all out – allowed for “unexpected” changes, made sure my plan was flexible…

I outlined my eating plan… Kept it simple, but flexible – and then I put the whole plan into action…

In essence I simply changed my mindset and my daily habits to all be in-line with with my deepest goals and desires…

I was feeling better by the day – in many ways…

Aches and pains were going away….

Stomach aches and headaches were disappearing…

I was getting “happier”…

My self-confidence and self-esteem were getting stronger as my body and mind got stronger…

I also decided to grow my goat-T during this period of incredible self discovery…

After 8 fast weeks – here is what I looked like to the lense of the camera… These “after” photos were taken at Crawford Park, in Rye Brook, NY by my brother Domenick

I didn’t win the $50,000.00 but I gained something worth far more than that. I won a deep level of respect and appreciation for myself and my intangible abilities – I won the realization of my potential – which is PRICELESS…

The lessons I learned in my “before and after” transformation are lessons I live by today and use in guiding others to achieve their best…

Since that period in my mid 20′s – I have surely evolved… and so has the man who created that powerful contest…

That man is Bill Phillips – who is now in a new stage of his own life and working hard to reach out to a new, more mature crowd of people who also need this kind of inspiration, support and fuel for motivation…

You can find his latest book, Transformation, on Amazon.com

If we believe in you – then why shouldn’t you believe in yourself???

The before and after photos above don’t show a complete story – because I was actually in worse shape than the “before” photos show. I had already started dropping weight and getting things going when I took those photos…

And the “after” photos don’t truly show my “best self”. Sure the relative change was awesome – but I’m actually in better shape now at 40 (almost 41!) – as you can see in the recent photo below…

Here’s what is so critically important in all this…

The before and after story during that tough, rocky time of my life was so powerfully important to me because it helped me prove to myself what I was capable of, once I put my mind to something.

Yes – I wanted to win that $50,000.00, but most importantly I wanted to reach my best potential at that point of my life – and the money would have simply been a nice bonus…

Joey at His Best: 40 years young

The blog post you just read took a lot of time to write, to dig out and scan the photos and to pull together into a cohesive, inspiring message… It’s not about telling you to “go buy this program”….

No – it’s about giving you a few things which can change your life in profound ways… Proof, Hope and Faith…

This is my purpose – this is my responsibility…

The opportunity is yours to seize. The decision is yours to make…

Let me know your thoughts, feelings or questions – below in the ‘comments’ section…
-

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

Popularity: 21% [?]

The Untold Secret of My Childhood

Let’s go back to the late 70′s/early 80′s – I was about 10 years old….

And my dad was the father who everyone feared… At only 5’2″ – he was a rock-solid statue of lean muscle – so strong and powerful…

Most other parents thought my dad worked-out because he was in shape. They were either totally confused, in denial or simply unaware of how the body responds to proper exercise and wise nutrition…

They DID NOT understand he was in great shape BECAUSE he worked-out and ate right…

As a kid I would think to myself “These are some very smart people – very successful and well-educated – but they have no clue about the relationship between their body, their fitness and their habits.”

I Kept This Secret – Until Today

What bothered me the most about that – and this is something I NEVER spoke about, until I decided to sit down and write this post – is…

These people were all passing up the golden opportunity to set a positive example for their own children.

By going through life without a commitment to exercise and taking a random approach to eating – these parents were missing the powerful chance to teach their kids how to optimize their health, wellness and physical fitness…

And we all know what the results of that are…

The sad condition of the world’s population, as a whole, is heavily skewed toward “sickly, out of shape, weak, unhealthy – and looking toward the medical establishments to fix all health related issues, diseases and illnesses…”

So, why do I bring up my secret today?… To voice my intentions of continuing to positively influence as many people as possible – in every way possible. Whether it’s in person, via my blogs, a book, a dvd, an audio interview or any other means of communication…

The most powerful point of leverage is the youth population – by far…

Kids Need “Leaders By Example”

Many kids lack the proper examples and role-models to follow and look up to. I consider myself one of these proper role-models – and I’m always thinking of new ways to leverage my rapport with kids – in order to get them to say “Hey, I think I can do that too! Can you show me how?”

You might remember my post from last week mentioning the support and help I’m giving Bill Phillips in his new program release. If my help reaches a certain threshold – Bill has promised to help me in my mission…

One of the ways I’ll be able to reach more children is by joining Bill in Los Angeles to donate a complete fitness center for the Boys and Girls Club. This WILL BE on national TV, later this year!

A Local, Child-In-Need Will Have a Wish Fulfilled

Also – if I deliver the help Bill needs – I will be chosen to ‘grant a Wish’ for a child in my local area (Jacksonville, FL) from The Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you’ve never heard of this charitable organization, I’d be very surprised – But if by some chance you haven’t – please go check them out. Because, what they do for kids who are living out their last days of a shortened life is simply awesome and ‘magical’…

And – in efforts of furthering my mission to reach people (like you) who want to be personally trained via my fitness methods and exercise programs – I will have the opportunity to present Bill with my model-concept for a fitness training franchise system…

One which would allow me to place “Atlas” Fitness Training Studios in various locations around the USA and eventually around the world. Yes, big dreams with directed action brings powerful results…

Anything can happen in that meeting with Bill…

I May Put a Fitness Training Studio In Your Town

Bill could say “Hey, Joey – this is awesome and in-line with my ongoing mission to make the world a fitter place… I want to be personally involved in making this happen with you…” or, he could say…

“Joey, you have a great idea – one I believe in – and I know the perfect group of investors to help you make this a reality and a huge success for you and all the clients who will benefit from this type of fitness facility right in their neighborhood…”

But I won’t know until I meet with Bill to lay this all out… And I won’t get that chance to meet with Bill unless I give him the help he needs to fulfill his mission of “giving back to society”…

So, I need your help to make this happen. As you know – there is strength in numbers. In a combined effort – mountains can be moved, I assure you…

My Promise to You

So here is what I’m going to promise you – for helping me today…

The official release day of Bill’s program is happening right now. Go take a look at the summary page – that alone will inspire you…

And if you take advantage of what he’s offering you today – I’m going to make this even more worth your while… and here’s how:

If you are one of the first 35 people to get Bill’s Transformation Solution <= via my discount link:
I’m giving you a private, 20-minute 1-on-1 Coaching Session, with me. You and I will do that by phone or by skype, when you are ready and need my help the most. That is a $75 value (you get it AT NO CHARGE). In that coaching session - you and I will address your top 2 most pressing issues and you will leave the session with 3 definitive, actionable answers to move you toward your goals. (After you get Bill’s program - you will forward your receipt to me directly via the ‘CONTACT’ page on this site.) You also get everything below here, also FREE - an additional $55 worth of fitness, inspiration and nutrition materials - ALL AT NO CHARGE.

If you are one of the first 75 people to get Bill’s Transformation Solution <= via my discount link:
I will give you a “Sticking with It” Kit - plus a 2-week version of the 2011 Updated/Revised “BlowTorch Fitness Diet’... That is a $55 value (you get it AT NO CHARGE) After you get Bill’s program - you will forward your receipt to me directly via the ‘CONTACT’ page on this site - and I will forward you the private download link. The "Sticking With It" Kit includes a VERY powerful and inspiring private coaching session I recorded with one of my long distance clients. It also includes the 'SWI' Coaching Questionnaire and the 'SWI' Keys to Your Success Guide.

If you are one of the first 150 people to get Bill’s Transformation Solution <= via my discount link:
I will give you a 2-week version of the 2011 Updated/Revised “BlowTorch Fitness Diet’... That is a $25 value (you get it AT NO CHARGE) After you get Bill’s program - you will forward your receipt to me directly via the ‘CONTACT’ page on this site - and I will forward you the private download link.

I want to thank you for reading today's post - It means a lot to me... More than you might imagine.


Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

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