Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 01/10/12

"Good things come to those who work their tails off in pursuit of said things."

In the world of health, wellness and nutrition, good things do in fact come to those who work hard (and smart) toward achieving their goals. On the contrary - Those who wait receive nothing but a few more pounds and a few more days of dissatisfaction with themselves.

Work hard - Don't wait.

Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 05/18/11

"There is no substitute for hard work."

-Thomas Edison

Be it at your place of employment or in the gym, this quote by Thomas Edison is simply the cold, hard truth. Success and achievement are influenced by many external factors such as luck, timing, circumstance, relationships, knowledge and wisdom to name a few. However, hard work is something that can, if for no other reason than it being employed, bring one success and allow one to achieve their goals. Hard work is not easy, hence the word "work" being preceded by "hard" (you say so?). It is only human nature for one to want to achieve while putting out the least amount of effort. And why not? Efficiency is a good thing. That being said, health, wellness and getting in shape are simply facets of life that really do not allow for many short cuts. So if living healthier and having the body you have always wanted are important to you, put in some hard work...You might be surprised by what the hard work gives back to you.

Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 05/06/11

"Don't sweat the small stuff."

This concept is one that really should be followed in all aspects of life. Too much time, energy and emotion can be spent being concerned with things that, really, in the big picture of life and what's important, are very insignificant. Take a moment to think about the last week - Were there any moments that left you feeling stressed, frustrated, angry, sad, or mad? Now, think about the cause of that feeling. What happened? Chances are you may have a difficult time even remembering or if you do, it is now seemingly silly that you even got so wrapped up in whatever it was that took place. The same holds true for health and wellness. Don't get overly obsessed with the relatively minor details (see Tip #5 of my Top Five Nutrition Tips) and you will find that living a healthier life really is enjoyable. Miss a day in the gym? SO WHAT! There are many more days in the gym ahead of you. Eat a large plate of nachos smothered in cheese and all other sorts of unhealthy goodness? WHO CARES!? There will be many more meals you eat that are far more healthy. Furthermore, getting frustrated or upset with yourself about doing so will only cause you to experience unnecessary negative feelings that will do nothing to improve the situation any how. Move on and continue with your life!

Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 05/03/11

I just don't have the time...

Work. Life. Work. Life. Repeat.

Many of us lead very busy lives. Personally, just under half of each 24-hour day consists of work-related activities (getting ready for work, commuting, being at work, commuting some more, etc.). Then after work comes the "life" stuff - preparing meals, letting out and feeding the dogs, picking up the house as needed, running errands, and so on. Sound familiar? I am willing to bet it does.

"You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it."

-Charles Buxton

There are only so many hours in a day and it seems as though health (exercise, nutrition, etc.) often times falls by the wayside due to "not having enough time". Sure there are going to be some individuals in unique situations who might literally not have any additional time available in their day to make room for exercise (I would still argue though that appropriate nutritional choices can and should still be made). However, large in part, I feel that this excuse really holds no water and instead is just a mask for some other underlying reason as to why the individual is unwilling to focus on their health (i.e. lack of knowledge, feelings of embarassment, etc.). Put those fears aside, understand that you must start somewhere, make the time for exercise, prepare healthy meals and get appropriate amounts of rest...You will be glad you did!





Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 04/16/11

"It has always been my thought that the most important single ingredient to success in athletics or life is discipline. I have many times felt that this word is the most ill-defined in all our language. My definition of the word is as follows: 1. Do what has to be done; 2. When it has to be done; 3. As well as it can be done; and 4. Do it that way all the time."

-Bob Knight

What an amazing quote about discipline is this passage from Bobby Knight. Obviously, the context of this quote likely pertained, more specifically, to the sport of basketball. However, I feel that it translates absolutely perfectly into the realm of health and wellness. If one really hopes to change their life for the better, get healthier and build a better physique, these four principles of discipline must be adhered to. Take these principles and combine them with consistency and, in time, you will achieve your goals - Without a doubt.

Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 04/08/11

"The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life. Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop."

-Quentin Regestein

We control much of our health-related destiny. The foods we eat, the extent to which we exercise (or don't) and the choices we make (or don't) are all going to be determining factors in how our bodies stand up to good old Father Time. If the choices that we make in these areas are counter to the choices that we should be making we have nobody to blame but ourselves for the quality (or lack thereof) of what we are left with. Hold yourself accountable and make the right choices - Take charge!

Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 04/05/11

"Slow and steady wins the race."

I find this quote to be extremely applicable when referencing the approach that one should take when trying to lose weight, build muscle mass, or both. LOSE WEIGHT NOW! GROW MUSCLES FAST! Sound familiar? We have all grown so accustomed to getting what we want and need, when we want and need it, that the creators of the multitude of nutritional supplements, training programs and diets out there are making a killing off of our impatience and off of the promises of "fast", "quick" and "immediate" resuls. Sorry folks, this is just one of those things that IS going to take some time , that IS going to take consistent effort and WILL be all the more fulfilling and long-lasting as a result.

*I want to note that there are some supplements, training programs and diets that I do find to be extremely effective and beneficial (and even some that I would suggest to many). However, I am a firm believer that sound nutrition and an appropriately planned and executed exercise regimen are the two most important pieces to this puzzle and should, therefore, be addressed first.

Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 04/03/11

"Good things come to those who wait. Great things come to those who don't."

Haven't you waited long enough? Want to build muscle? Want to eat healthier? Want to lose weight? Now is as good a time as any...no...now is a BETTER time than ever before! Set your health, fitness and nutrition goals and don't let anybody (including yourself) get in the way of achieving it. YOU CAN DO IT!

Motivational Quotes - Health and Wellness: 04/02/11

I was at the gym this morning and was hitting the weights hard (as I often do on Saturday mornings). So hard that I found that doubt had begun to creep into my mind - Doubt that I would be able to get another rep... Doubt that I would be able to finish the set.

"I can't do it...I'm too tired."

That's when I took a deep breath and I realized...

"Can't is nothing more than won't shrouded in self pity."

You CAN and you WILL - NOW DO IT!