Author | Filmmaker and Host, Tola Talks
Tola Talks about Katy Perry & the Super Bowl, Katherine the great white shark & stupid shoplifters, plus it’s Fitness Friday so check-out the 5 things you NEVER say to someone who has gained weight. Because no matter what, anything you say, you’re going to offend someone!
Weekdays on youtube.com/tolatalks
Whenever I hear the expression “stick to your guns”, I think of Tom Cruise (aka Maverick) in the 1986 blockbuster, Top Gun, when he’s in the heat of battle with six hostile MiGs and triumphantly declares, “I will not leave my wingman”. Now that’s someone with true conviction who literally sticks to his guns, and one who sets a great example for anyone with little or no resolve to even make it through Lent without abandoning their abstinence.
Case in point:
I recently had dinner with two friends, a man and woman about my age (i.e., 50), who have each gained 20+ pounds in the past year. And both said exactly the same thing – that they “gave up sugar for Lent” and were determined to shed their unwanted weight. But when it came time for dessert, they both changed their tune and ordered the most sugar-filled items on the menu – Tiramisu in an edible chocolate cup and a slice of Red Velvet cake. So when I chuckled and asked, “Aren’t you going to stick to your guns and not eat sugar for the next 40 days”, they simply brushed me off and said it was no big deal since it was only this one time.
So much for having the courage and discipline to stick to their guns, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. Something I just can’t get my arms around (no pun intended).
Think about it. Setting your intentions and following through with your game plan, i.e., doing what you say, is not only good for your psyche and your self-confidence, but also helps everyone else around you because you’re leading by example. And if you don’t believe you can do it…NONSENSE. Just set your intentions and muster the fortitude to stick to your guns.
YOU CAN DO IT…just like I’ve been doing in Hollywood for the past 7 years. Peace – R
This week I updated my YouTube Channel home page (click HERE to check it out) and changed my Profile section. For anyone my age or even 10 years younger, this New Age internet world with all it’s social networking, websites and tags is quite a handful, right. Whatever happened to calling someone or sending them a handwritten letter. (like I’ve been doing in recent weeks). It’s also interesting how few words you use when you write a note or letter by longhand. With computers and all, we’re usually bombarded with TOO many words. Oh well, adapt and survive! Nevertheless, in my Profile on YouTube I wrote, “My style is precise to maximize gains and minimize injury.” Simply put, getting the most out of your workouts is achieved when you know exactly what to do and exactly how to do it – as in proper form and body mechanics. Plus, you’ll reduce your chances of getting hurt. Which is exactly what and how I teach. Even if you exercise regularly or practice yoga, check out my videos and expand your knowledge base. You’ll definitely learn something that will help you and that you’ll never forget. So enjoy going to the “extreme” today with my 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #93 – Extreme Abs. – R
At the beginning of yoga class this morning, our teacher uttered this phrase during our first forward bend (that’s Uttanasana in Sanskrit). The start of any practice is an excellent time to let everything go and empty your mind of any excess baggage you might be carrying with you. That is to say, baggage in the form of mental chatter that prevents you from staying focused and just being present in the moment. Because whether you’re practicing yoga or doing my 5 Minute Fat Burning Workouts, there’s no place for excess baggage. So empty your mind today – and everyday – at the start of your fitness program. And have fun sculpting your abs with today’s 57th consecutive workout! – R
Exactly 56 years ago today, 52 year-old American businessman – and high school dropout – Ray Kroc purchased his first McDonald’s franchise from the McDonald brothers. It was their 9th location, and the first of thousands that would revolutionize the fast food business and turn Kroc into a multimillionaire ($500 million in his lifetime). This from a man who once tried his hand at a number of trades including paper-cup salesman, pianist, jazz musician, band member, and a multi-mixer milkshake traveling salesman. At one time, Kroc even worked for room and board at a restaurant in the midwest to learn the restaurant business. So taking a line from yesterday’s blog, “If there’s anything in your life that needs more perseverance to get you through, think of Ray Kroc (or Jackie Robinson) and stay the course.” Enjoy sculpting your thighs & triceps with today’s 5 Minute Fat Burning Workout #52 – Sculpt Your Thighs II. And I’ll see you next time – R
I was speaking with a friend today about the concept of being reverent vs. irreverent. Sometimes, the only way to succeed in a particular situation is to be irreverent. To be disrespectful of your opponent, confident in your abilities to get the job done. Like a baseball hitter who’s irreverent toward the Cy Young winning pitcher staring him down, all the while knowing he’ll get a hit. On the other hand, when it comes to working out every day, one should be reverent. That is to say, it would be wise to respect the power of a daily fitness program because of its proven, healthy, long term affects. So be reverent with your workouts and enjoy soft leg squats in my 5 minute Workout #29 – R
For anyone just getting started with a daily fitness or weight loss program, consider my 5 minute fat burning workouts as the tip of the iceberg. Designed to be simple, quick and effective, each workout is like the spark that ignites a more complete fitness regimen that includes anything cardiovascular, weight lifting or yoga. Better yet, combine several 5 minute workouts and create your own customized program that fits your busy schedule and targets your body parts that require the most fat burning. And always remember to include at least one workout to strengthen your core & abs! Enjoy – R
From the streets of New York City you may have heard the age old question, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall”? The answer: practice, practice, practice. The same holds true for your core and abdominal muscles. How do you get killer abs? Practice, practice and more practice. At the very least you’ll feel good about doing something every day to stay trim, keep your waistline from expanding, and preventing your posture and low back from suffering. Plus, the good news about strengthening your core & abs is that a short and simple workout is all it takes to feel fatigued. So here you go – Workout #8 in my 5 minute fat burning video series that also complements workouts 5, 6, and 7. That’s 20 minutes of core & abs exercises to chose from. Have fun and don’t forget to breathe! R
There’s no question that our nation’s First Lady has got it right when she says “small changes can lead to big results”. I strongly believe in Michelle Obama’s child obesity initiatives, and I totally concur with her push for healthier meals and more exercise, especially for anyone NOT currently on a fitness program. As for overweight children and their role model parents, let’s get them started with a daily fitness routine that’s simple and attainable – whether or not they can afford a gym or yoga studio membership. Like my new 5 minute fat burning series on YouTube. Each low impact workout is designed for anyone of any size, weight, age or gender. Plus, these 5 minutes of exercise will serve to jump-start your day, strengthen your body and your mind, burn fat while getting your heart rate up, as well as lay the groundwork for your daily fitness routine. So give it a try…and I’ll see you next time! R
So what’s your excuse for not making fitness a daily part of your life? Here are the top 10 excuses I’ve heard this year:
1. It’s too expensive. Well, if you can’t afford the $13.93 to download my 15 Minute Fat Burning Workouts – only $1.99 per workout – or the $14.99 to download my Yoga Survival Guide, then go for a free 15 minute walk or just lay on your back and stretch and work your core & abs – for any amount of time.
2. I don’t have the time. Who doesn’t have 15 minutes a day to respect themselves? And if 1% a day is too much time for you, then make it 5 minutes.
3. I don’t know what to do. Educate yourself for free on the Internet, or better yet, purchase any fitness or yoga video that resonates with you – hopefully mine.
4. I’m injured. Speak with your doctor about what you can do to avoid that area of your body – and mindfully and cautiously workout around your injury.
5. I’m afraid of getting hurt. Before you begin any fitness program, check with your doctor about what you can and cannot do, and really listen to your body at all times.
6. I’m too old. Nonsense! Everyday – including this morning – I exchange hellos with this eighty-something year old man in the gym. Plus, my oldest yoga student was an 88 year-old woman who could barely walk. Need I say more?
7. I don’t have the desire. Who does? I mean, what’s desire got to do with strengthening and preserving your body and your mind for the long term. It’s a necessity.
8. I don’t like working out. Same as above. Plus, try working out everyday for 30 years then tell me if you really like doing it.
9. It’s too cold outside where I live. Who says you have to go outside to workout?
10. I’m going to start in the New Year. Great. Now download my 15 Minute Fat Burning Workouts or my Yoga Survival Guide, and I’ll see you tomorrow!
All the best in 2011 – R