Five Years Of Writing: Where Has The Time Went

It's extremely hard to believe I decide to start blogging five years ago on April 18, 2010.  I feel grateful for my loyal readers and all of the support I have received along the way. It has definitely been quite a ride.

It seemed it took forever for me to start blogging and to stay focused with it. Now it's like second nature and I strive to have good topics of discussion weekly. This is why I named it "random intelligence and such". I may have started out with reviewing sweet teas, but I have covered many topics, people, places and areas. Sports, love, music, entertainment, food, other writers, and most anything popular. I even have my bi-annual awards pieces, highlighting the stupidity and injustices throughout the year.

I have researched, studied and worked to improve as a writer, and grow my avenues beyond writing. Some things to expect are a couple of e-books, more online publications, some public speaking engagements and many more. I simply love reading and writing, and I want to do it as much as I can. 

This is also a thank you to Blogger for allowing me to keep my posts going for this long. Patience is a virtue and it has carried me through my writings.

Continue to support me as I push forward. Happy 5th Birthday Drew's World Of Random Intelligence and Such!

Creating An Alternate Workout Space

One's workout can easily be deterred by a number of factors such as climate, finances and not having the resources to properly exercise, even if you're at the gym.

Having a home/alternate workout space is crucial and doesn't require much space, time or money. Here are some pointers to help you along the way.

1. Utilize your living room, hallway or even bed.

And of course I don't necessarily mean that last one in a nasty way.

Seriously, if you can find space to do drills such as crunches, dips, and pushups, there's a start. You can stay active and at little to no cost.

2. Have a steady library of workout videos and YouTube videos.

I mentioned this last year in my article "Cabin Fever Workouts". DVD packages such as Insanity, P90X and anything by Jillian Michaels allow you to carry your workouts anywhere you have access to a TV and DVD player. Better yet, YouTube is full of exercise and conditioning videos and circuits.

3. Buy certain equipment but don't feel the need to break the bank.

Plenty of people buy weight sets, cardio equipment, basically their own home gym. That is fine and good as long as you can afford and use it. However, all you really need is a mat or a large beach towel, a jump rope, a broomstick for good mornings, and some heavy equipment that is more inexpensive. Also , if you have access to the woods, buy yourself an ax or a hatchet. One of the better workouts is cutting wood and someone always needs some wood for various reasons. 

4. Run/walk/jog outdoors.

Even in cold weather, this is good, free and easy cardio. You're staying active and you're not even sacrificing space.

5. Do plenty of yoga, pilates and/or PiYo.

All of these exercises are low impact but effective and work well inside of your home. You don't need much space, yet you're still getting loose and sweating and getting a good core workout.

One has to be creative and always thinking to stay in shape. Workouts get old quickly and you always need plenty of options.

What are some other ways that you workout in the home or outside of the gym? What does your home workout space look like?

Things To Pack Two Of In Your Gym Bag

Yep it's that time of year again: the beginning. Gyms and fitness centers everywhere are packed out with the New Year's Crowd. However, newbies and veterans alike always forget something that is vital to their workout or regimen. The difference is that forgetting something will easily discourage a newbie or a seasonal person.

This is why I pack extra of quite a few items. Here are some accessories you should have at least two of in your bag.

1. Workout shirt

Let's say yours gets too sweaty or even lost. Or for those that like to coordinate their outfits, there may be a better shirt in your bag.

2. Shoes.

You want to have proper footwear when working out, especially if you're doing heavy cardio. It never hurts to have another pair of tennis shoes.

3. Shorts/pants

This is mostly for temperature reasons. You may find yourself too hot or too cold. Therefore, prepare for any condition in the gym.

4. Water bottle

You must stay hydrated and while you may have left your fancy blender bottle at home (I have one also and love it) , you can still have an extra bottle to turn to. I actually have about three-four water bottles, and they need not be fancy. An empty 16 ounce bottle will do.

5. Earphones

Most of us aren't going to forget our phones. However we may forget our headsets so we can get into the zone in private. Or worse, your earphones may fade out on you. Either way, have multiple sets of these to complete your multiple exercise sets.

6. Towels

Even if your gym provides towel service, bring a couple of extra hand towels and even a regular towel. These are all found at affordable prices at Walmart and Dollar General. Like water bottles, you can't have enough of these.

7. Socks

Very important for various reasons. One main one is you may be doing yoga or pilates where you remove your shoes. You then realize you don't have decent socks on.

There are many things that we all carry into the gym with us to make our workouts more effective. Work with your collection and keep backups, especially if you don't live close by.

What are you always forgetting to bring to the gym? Are there any items that I omitted that you would add?

30 Things I'm Thankful For

This is the month and the season that many of us list what we are most thankful for. I have been doing this via social media the past two years. Below are 30 of these such things which makes me most grateful.

1. My Lord and Savior God, and His son Jesus

2. Having a wonderful mother who is always there for me and loves me unconditionally

3. Faithful and loyal friends and family

4. Being able to write every week and have a blog

5. Advancements in technology such as HDTV, computers, tablets, and smart phones

6. A warm home to live in and a roof over my head

7. A reliable car to drive.

8. Gainful and steady employment for over a decade

9. Always having a good meal to eat

10. Knowledge and the ability and privilege to gain more

11. My positive transformations this year: physical, mental and emotional

12. Being able to work out and attend the gym regularly

13. Finding a good gym (Anytime Fitness) that meets my financial, physical and personal needs

14. Awesome mentors in my life that still guide and encourage me to this day

15. The service organizations I am involved in, which allow me to give back and encourage others.

16. Being able to rest and relax. Both of these are very underrated.

17. Having a strong and diverse network of various people.

18. Various sports which are competitive and entertaining.

19. The people that have left my life and presence. They were around for a reason and a season.

20. Regularly having a party or a gathering to attend. I am always flattered and honored when someone invites me out.

21. My animals, and showing me another way to love, especially my new cat, Little Kitty.

22. YouTube, and the ability to view and post videos.

23. Music, for it is truly the universal language

24. Having a more kinder and gentler nature

25. My ambition and desire for life.

26. Good entertainment on television and radio

27. Awesome pastors such as Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer

28. Seasons such as Fall and the changing and transitioning of the things around me

29. That I am improving daily and am not the same person I was yesterday

30. For being able to love myself and have few regrets

What are some of the things you are most thankful for?

The Blind Fish Factor and Applying It To Everyday Life

I was recently introduced to the Blind Fish Factor via my monthly safety meeting at work.

The Blind Fish Factor can be Googled and explained in greater detail. However,  to summarize,  it shows how we get in such a routine and hurry that we can become careless, ignore key safety steps and procedures, and often end up being harmed as a result.  It's a different spin on missing the forest for the trees.

This concept is all too common in our everyday lives. Most people want the shortcut, the easy way out. There is no magic pill when it comes to living life. You may have those that bless and help you along the way. Nevertheless,  one must truly earn their rewards and prevent accidents and costly mistakes.

We can all fall victim to the Blind Fish Factor albeit through fitness, car and home maintenance, school, and even our relationships with others. Doing the bare minimum can get you by for a little while.  However, you cannot ignore steps, procedure and protocol.  Think of it like a recipe for a cake or casserole. You cannot skip vital steps or your dish may not turn out so pleasant.

Life may be a journey,  but it's not a vacation,  where you're trying to find the best route. Robert Frost wrote years ago about The Road Less Traveled. The reason this proverbial road is less traveled is because people don't want to put in the extra effort and work. Again they want the quick fix.

I'm glad to see older PSAs making a comeback, such as Smokey the Bear and preventing forest fires. I have written before that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is what the Smokey PSAs are in essence saying, and that is the gist of the Blind Fish Factor.

Think of riding all day long without your seatbelt, or even insurance.  What about cleaning up messy spills? And if you're a writer like myself,  failing to properly edit or being lax in the editorial process. These bad habits can doom us all.

Paying better attention to detail and taking greater pride in what we do everyday can help yourself and everyone. We are humans and we will make mistakes. However,  we don't need to be making repeat or trivial mistakes.  The best way is through proper planning and prevention.

Take a second and look at your lives. Where has the Blind Fish Factor affected you? How do you plan to correct this?

Staying Hydrated: Five Beverages To Quench Your Thirst

This is an important time of year (Spring/Summer) in which to stay hydrated.  Whether in the gym or just in your daily activities,  you don't want to be thirsty.  This could cause you to become sick, dizzy, and possibly in the ER with dehydration. 

Here are five healthy drinks to curb your thirst. 

1. Water. 

This one is a given. During the warmer months of the year (and even year round), one should strive to drink one gallon of water/day. That's exactly 128 ounces. You can see many folks carrying around gallon jugs filled with water. It's also good to drink water with your meals, and a glass every couple of hours to keep you fresh and clean inside. 

2. Fresh Juice

I mean fresh juice, either from the supermarket,  or made from your juicer or blender.  The key is to get as much juice as you can and not a drink filled with sugar. You get all of your proper nutrients as well. Whether be apple, orange, or grapefruit juice, you can't go wrong with good, organic fruit juice.

3. Naked drinks

These drinks have grown in popularity over the past year or so. They encompass all sorts of nutrients you need, they have a wide variety available,  and they are fairly affordable.  At $2-$3/drink, they are well worth their value.

4. Gatorade.

Gatorade is one of the most popular sports drinks of all time,  one that most every athlete drinks. They are filled with glucose,  used to curb dehydration.  However, you want to drink these in moderation.  They are filled with excess sugars and potassium. Limit your usage to a couple per week.

5. Tea

Sweet tea is awesome, as many of you know that I'm a fan of. However,  there are many other great, healthier teas. Green, black, and even white tea.  They keep your system clean and your body energized. Tea is extremely healthy for you, minus all the sugars. You can even find tea in the small drink packets. Therefore,  try to drink more tea.

What do you drink to keep hydrated?  Do you prefer any beverage over the other?

Fitness Challenges and Results

Over the past several months,  I have refocused and rejuvenated my physical fitness goals. This began in September when I changed over to Anytime Fitness. Thus far, it appears to be working out.  I am highly motivated,  seeing results again, and am setting many long and short term goals. I am also involved in some challenges,  one of which just ended.

I was in a Biggest Loser Challenge at Anytime York. It was based on weight percentage lost. I ended up being the winner of this challenge, which ended last week.  Although my metabolism and motivation are both up, I still have weight loss goals. Therefore, I plan to continue this challenge on my own. I'm less than 20 pounds from my goal, a far cry from where I began.

Another challenge is wrapping up this week. Many of you have seen the "Get Moving" video that Anytime Spartanburg-Hillcrest made featuring me. I am participating in the Jacob's Ladder Mount  Everest challenge.  The goal of the challenge is to climb 29,035 total feet on the Jacob's Ladder,  the height of Mount Everest.  All who accomplish this feat receive a free T-shirt and recognition on the Jacob's Ladder web page, as well as social media. At press time, I am about 3,500 feet away, and I plan to finish this challenge this week. 

My other challenge at Spartanburg-Hillcrest will take more work, which is fine. It is running on the treadmill at a speed of 6 with an incline of 30. I have did similar workouts in the past through Jeanette Jenkins. However, this one will be a doozy. I am currently working on incline level 9, and I can run nearly 6 miles without an incline. I'm confident I can reach this challenge within the next couple of months. Those who accomplish this feat will be featured on the wall at the Spartanburg-Hillcrest facility.

Finally, there is one that caps off all of these challenges, and other ones. It's sharing my own Anytime story via www.myanytimestory.com. The grand winner will receive $10,000 for themselves , plus $10,000 for the charity of my choice.  I have my charity picked out, and I'm putting together my story.  The deadline is June 17, my deceased father's birthday.  I hope to have an even better chapter to add to my already amazing journey with Anytime Fitness.

Thanks and shoutouts will follow later. For now, I just want to thank you all that have followed my fitness journey since my days at YBB and previous to this.  It feels good to be back in the saddle and I don't plan to disappoint.  I am using old methods mixed with new ones from others to give myself the healthy physique I desire.

Continue to keep up with me in my physical adventure!

Acting Brand New: What Is Wrong With You

I'm a proponent of change, progression, and improvement physically, mentally, financially and spiritually. However, it does not sit well with me when people become shells of themselves and act as if they don't know their true friends and family. 

It seems that often these brand new people are just that: acting in a new, strange matter. They think they are better than others, have an inflated self-esteem, and are simply no longer a pleasure to be around.  I have seen it happen dozens of times.

This typically happens when a person experiences a positive change in their financial status, their physical appearance, or their overall social status. 

1. Finances

Money truly can change a person.  Certain people come into it by means of a new job, a promotion, or a big windfall. They think they are high and mighty now that they have less financial worries. Problem is, they may have already been this way before. The new found riches has just revealed this ugly side of themselves. 

2. Weight loss and physique change. 

I have been writing many pieces lately on health and wellness. Many people who gain a new body, new confidence and sometimes even a new following, can become jaded and uppity as well. They think that because they have achieved their fitness goals that those that have yet to are beneath them. People like this look down on them and even make fun of them, like they weren't in the same boat. Worse part is they are not helping them at all. They are hurting them and themselves. 

3. Social status

Through the previous two items and many others, your social standing has suddenly increased.  You are more desirable as a mate, you are on the VIP list for all the big parties and gatherings and more people simply want to be like you and around you. It seems too easy to forget those that have been by your side the entire time, rather than these new found friends. You often see this in high schools and in teen movies.  Some people cannot simply handle popularity and celebrity status. Look at the celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Charlie Sheen that cannot stay out of trouble. 

Basically, humility and grace is required when one reaches a higher level in life. You should always remember you are privileged, not entitled, to be at this point. It could all vanish in the blink of an eye.

Please don't forget the ones that have been in your corner in the tough times.  This doesn't necessarily mean trying to support the entire neighborhood. It means showing gratitude and not being too good or busy to have small talk and spend time with these people.  It benefits both parties equally.

How has someone you know changed for the worst because of any of the factors I mentioned? What did you say to them, if anything?

Eating Healthy and Clean

You see many people talk about getting fit and losing weight. It doesn't matter what you do if your diet isn't proper.  A proper, clean lifestyle of eating is the best way to gain and maintain results. 

People get it twisted when they try diets of every variety. You must change your dining habits, rather than try a fancy diet or a cleanse.

Fruits and vegetables are a must. Use apples, fruit cups, and carrots as snacks.  Eat a salad with at least one meal/day. Substitute regular salad dressing for Italian dressing or vingarette. Beans and greens are especially essential.  Lower your salt and sugar consumption as well. Confirm that this food group doesn't have those dangerous perservatives.

Protein, not heavy meats like beef and pork, is important. Stick to the lean stuff like nuts, chicken, tuna, salmon, and whey protein powder. There are many different protein powders and mixes out on the market, and all have their pluses and minuses. I have found Whey has the most consistent results.  Try mixing with water or soy or almond milk. Limiting your dairy intake and increasing your consumption of multivitamins will make a difference also.

Also, take in more complex carbohydrates like whole grains, brown rice and oatmeal. Cut out the simple carbs, fried stuff, sweets, and fast food. Finally, drink more water. One should attempt to drink at least a gallon (128 ounces) per day. Remember that sodas and even many juices are filled with calories and sugars. Quench your thirst with more herbal tea, green tea, and natural juices.  Even try juicing up fresh fruits and veggies, and drinks such as Naked. 

This are some simple things to help turn your diet around. Remember you aren't sleeping or in the gym all the time. You have more access to healthy and unhealthy foods and beverages than ever.  One just has to decide they want the healthy, clean choice.

Some Cabin Fever Workouts

This week was an odd one for those in the South. Almost half a foot of snow and ice covered the Southeast, making travel virtually impossible for days. Many of these people are also active in their gyms and fitness centers. They developed cabin fever, and an extreme sense of loss from not being able to get out and workout in their gyms.

I was able to stay even thanks to home workouts, DVDs and YouTube. Many folks I know were posting circuits and YouTube vids to help people beat this cabin fever and not get a week behind on their fitness.

Here are some of the more popular workouts during this time period

1. Insanity and Hip Hop Abs

This includes pretty much any workout by Shaun T. He is an awesome trainer and fitness instructor.  His workouts are easily available and designed for home usage.

2. Tae-Bo

No this isn't one of my 90s flashbacks. Billy Blanks is still active in the fitness game, along with his family, and even has a fitness nightclub. His workouts are all over YouTube, and will definitely help you break a sweat.

3. P90X.

Many of these workouts also require little equipment but yield lots of results. The Plyo, Ab Ripper and Yoga are all three especially good for when you're confined to your home.

4. Jeanette Jenkins

She has been a favorite trainer of mine for years. She posts vids and circuits frequently on Twitter and YouTube. She has trained many celebrities, including Kelly Rowland, and she knows what she is doing.

5. Jillian Michaels

The Biggest Loser star also keeps a library of fitness exercises, drills and videos designed for all levels. It's hard to go wrong with her.

There are many others available in this advanced technology world. Trainers are freely posting even short vids on Instagram and Vine, there are fitness apps, and there are even workouts such as planks, burpees and squats that many of us already do at the gym.

Weeks like this past one do not come often in the South but when they do, it's no excuse to put your entire life on hold. Rest for a little while, but stay on track so you won't feel so winded upon your return to the gym.

Spotlight On Rhonda Durbin: Motivated, Versatile and Enthusiastic About Fitness

Finding a good fitness instructor, personal trainer, or especially a gym can be tough. Young ladies like Rhonda Durbin have made all three easier.

I first met Rhonda almost four years ago at a ZUMBAthon at my former gym, Your Best Body Fitness Center and Day Spa.
She had a lot of skill, different moves that I hadn't seen, and a love for fitness and others. Everyone present was impressed.

This enthusiastic, sweet, bright smiling woman is a trainer and instructor extraordinare and co-owns Tryon Health and Fitness Club with her mother in Tryon, NC.

She has literally made fitness a lifelong passion and now a career. She began teaching classes at the age of 13 when her aforementioned mother couldn't teach a class one day and Rhonda filled in. It was a mini trampoline class and she viewed the videos on it and all and taught that class well. The rest is history.

Ms. Durbin has many different certifications and accreditations in fitness through the AFAA  (Aerobic and Fitness Association Of America). She just had to recently get recertified as one must renew every two years. Not only is she a certified personal trainer and ZUMBA instructor, she also does yoga, kickboxing,  body sculpting, yogalates, and many other classes. There's not too many classes or styles that Rhonda doesn't or can't teach.

She trains and teaches folks of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds.  This includes young adults and the elderly. Her style is not a get in your face and yell ala Jillian Michaels. She motivates through examples and positive encouragement. Rhonda will push her students and clients as needed, but keeps a balance and adjusts to each person and class.

She has helped numerous people achieve results, which is something that she takes joy in. Rhonda loves to see others succeed, and loves to succeed personally as well. She strives to be as fit as possible and can be harder on herself than she may be on others.

No YouTube vids of her workouts are available as of current. However stay tuned, as Rhonda's brother is really into doing YouTube stuff, and has his own channel.  For those that aren't near the Tryon area, this would be an added treat.

Find Rhonda Durbin on Facebook, as well as her gym, Tryon Health and Fitness Club. Her and her mother are also very professional and have a good facility going with lots to offer.  Class schedules are available, as well as updates on the facility and Rhonda's life.

Rhonda is definitely one in a million in the fitness world. Do not be surprised if she is later mentioned in the same company as Jeanette Jenkins, Billy Blanks, and Jillian Michaels (less the drill sergeant style) . You heard it here first readers. Those who have taken her classes and sessions know this fitness diva is for real!

Seven Workouts To Try To Get You Going

My series on health, fitness, and healthier living continues. Often we find ourselves not sure what to do or what to work on in the gym. There's more than simply walking on the treadmill for an hour, doing 100 situps and pushups, and getting on the bench press.  You should try to work the entire body through the week if possible, and concentrate on certain areas that need the most attention. 

Now many of these workouts are most effective with proper diet and water. However, they will all give you a jumping point.

1. 2 on, 2 off.

I learned this years ago from my former trainer. Stay on the treadmill for about 10-15 minutes. Walk for two minutes, run for two minutes, and then repeat.  You can adjust according to your strength level. 

2. Eight sets of everything

You may be working chests and arms, or simply legs. Try working a favorable weight, but doing three sets of eight on every machine. I often do fifteen, but I have started at eight.

3. HIIT/circuit stuff

This high intensity interval training includes sets and intervals of squats, lunges, burpees, planks, and even sprints and suicides. These have been shown and proven to boost the heart rate and burn more calories and fat. 

4. Classes

Don't underestimate a good class. Many are already included in your gym membership so take advantage. ZUMBA, Insanity, Body Pump, spin, MMA, etc. My gym, Anytime Fitness, even has Fitness On Demand, where you can choose a specific class, and watch and workout with it on a large projection screen

5. 20/20/20

On an all-cardio day, this is very effective.  20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the bike, and 20 minutes on the stairmaster. You can sub in any cardio exercise. But pick three and do each for 20 minutes/piece.

6. Sports

Engaging in a sport such as basketball or racquetball can get the heart pumping.  Full court basketball is particularly always good cardio, arm and leg workouts.

7. Abs

Working abs is the toughest and often the last body part to get fully sculpted. It relies heavily on your diet, rather than your workouts. However, there are many ways other than sit ups to work these. I mentioned planks earlier.  There are also several ab machines, bicycles, sprints, jumping up and down, and the ab roller for instance.

Hope these help in your fitness journey!

Encouraging Newbies At Your Gym

Yes, yes I know and understand.  A new year can be exciting and refreshing. However, if you're a regular gym rat, fitness buff, or are at the gym religiously, it can be frustrating. Your own routine can be interrupting by new folks hogging the machines, weights and other equipment.    There are all sorts of people trying to start anew and get fit for the New Year. Some stick it out, many give up after a month or two. 

One reason people throw in the towel so quickly is that they are newbies, or rookies to working out. They know they need to get healthy; they just need the proper encouragement and motivation.  A NYE resolution may have brought them there. However, how do you keep this new member from becoming a Holiday Hopper (only showing at the first of the year and just before the summer to tone up for vacation season.)? Here are some suggestions I have. It's been decades since I was a newbie but I'm always willing to help anyone trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.

1. Patience.

This is for both rookies and veterans alike. Anyone new to working out must realize that real results will not come overnight. You will also be really tired and sore at first but this will eventually go away. Also, veterans, please make them feel welcome and don't be the gym police. Kindly remind them if they are taking too long on a machine or a piece of equipment.  Answer any questions they have and even ask them if they would like to workout in some sets with you. If they decline, that's fine. A warm personality can go a long way.

2. Seeking other help

The key word here is still encourage.  Encourage them to work out with you if they desire. Better yet, get them in a class, bootcamp, or get them to try a session with a trainer. Many gyms offer free 30 minute personal training sessions. This can help the gym neo get some motivation and drive to keep trucking.  The classes are definitely good for that as you are working out with folks of all fitness types and walks of life. Many personal bonds can be formed as well.

3. Have them set goals, short and long terms. 

Their goal may be to lose 50 pounds. Well, how about helping them lose one pound at a time? Also, suggest a routine that includes slowly substituting unhealthy foods for healthier ones. It's all about baby steps. When achieving a fitness goal, slower is often better. It speeds the metabolism up and you have smaller goals and milestones. These all build up to the big picture. 

4. Social media

It's hard to forget Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the others. Suggest that they connect with you and/or others that are like minded throught fitness groups. You can share healthy recipes, motivate and cheer each other on when someone is making progress.

The key is to make newbies comfortable and keep them excited. This is beyond the regular staff. The members can also help. It is ultimately up to the individual.  However, with a kind push, that new member can potentially go further. They then realize fitness is a lifestyle and a commitment.  They will not want to miss a workout, and will think twice about their snacking choices.

So next time you see a newbie infering with your workout, try offering a helping hand, rather than a scoff or a side eye. It can go a long way. They may not listen, but it doesn't hurt to try. The gym should be like a family or a village, where everyone is encouraging each other. It starts with one person at a time.

Pros and Cons Of Joining A 24/7 Chain Gym

Many out there want to get more fit and healthy.  One of the first ways is to choose which type of gym you want to attend.  I currently attend Anytime Fitness, a 24/7/365 gym that is part of a chain of over 2,200 worldwide. I was used to attending a local gym for years with limited hours. I have found Anytime to be more advantageous, and so have many other fitness buffs. 

It appears 24 hour fitness centers are opening everywhere, and increasing in popularity.  Here are some of the pros and cons of joining this type of facility. 

Pros:

1. You obviously get to workout anytime, anywhere your gym is located.  If you're on vacation, or a night out, you can squeeze in a late workout.  You control your hours and workout pace.  You also are not limited by holidays.

2. You open yourself to a wider network of people and equipment.  Before, you may have been limited to only one gym, with a certain variety of equipment and classes. Now you are exposed to an unlimited variety of the latest in equipment, classes, and overall fitness tools.

3. Security is usually tight at these sorts of facilities.  There are extra cameras and alarms.  Therefore, no one can just come in, not even during staffed hours. Police also have rapid response times when an alarm is enabled.

4. You are now low on excuses to workout, which goes back to #1. Many chains have something for everyone besides flexible hours and days. There are large gyms, small gyms, and those right in the middle.

5. The members are very friendly and helpful.  The rules are stricter, especially during non-staffed hours.  Therefore, more people, veterans and newbies, tend to take their fitness more seriously.  They are also very willing to help you out and let you work in sets with you.

Cons:

1. Personal touch can be lost. Many locally owned gyms depend solely on the membership base to survive and not stockholders. Therefore, they are often quicker to show their appreciation and grace.

2. It's easier to find a workout buddy or group at a traditional gym. Since hours are limited, more people come at the same time, to the same gym, and building bonds is easier. Members of 24/7 gyms tend to come at scattered hours and days and are harder to catch.

3. Cost. Monthly fees and contracts are easier with a local gym. 24/7 gyms have to abide by corporate regulations, which means higher start-up costs, and long term contracts.

4. It can be easier for a newbie to be distracted and lose focus. At a traditional gym, staff and trainers are always on hand to encourage and assist. There are times where one may feel isolated at a 24/7 gym.

5.  You may not have a 24/7 gym close to you. Let's face it, having access to many gyms is nice, if you're out a lot and/or are in close proximity. The closest and cheapest gym to you may be the local, mom and pop gym and that is fine.

I chose my gym because it fit my preferences and fitness lifestyle.  I am not trying to force anyone to join. The aim is to show what appears to be an evolution in fitness, and something that may be worth a try. 

The main thing is being somewhere where you're comfortable and motivated to go regularly and lead a healthier lifestyle.  The final decision will be up to you.

Getting in shape, working on your fitness goal: why the time is NOW!

There are less than 30 days left in 2010 which means it's almost time for folks to begin making New Year's Resolutions. One of the top ones every year is to lose weight, get in better shape, etc. During the first of the year, gyms, fitness centers, and YMCAs around the country are flooded with folks purchasing memberships and joining to work towards their goals. Many of these folks don't last till March. They simply get caught up in the craze and may not have definite fitness goals and motivation, outside of a brand new year. I refer to these types of folks in another blog as "Holiday Hoppers".

My thing is if you want to get into better shape or if you have a different goal, the time is NOW, or even earlier in the year. I personally like to start my new fitness goals around September or October. Many folks say they do not want to try and lose weight during Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. They feel it defeats the purpose and they want to start anew during January.

I'm a self-proclaimed "gym-rat", working out 4-5 times/week for at least an hour per session (as I've explained in previous blogs). I've been working out for a long time, have had success losing weight, and even giving advice on how to lose weight using traditional tried-and-true methods. It does seem easier to start in January but it really isn't. Between September-December (now), the gyms are actually not as full, not even during the beginning of the week. Come January, you will have nearly every treadmill, bike, ellipitical and weight bench full during many hours, and especially in the afternoons when the larger crowds are present. It's harder in my mind to get into shape and maintain when you can't work out on what you want to, or what you feel really comfortable on.

Also, you get a head-start and you begin to develop a plan for yourself, what works for you, what doesn't. If you're taking a fitness class or you've hired a trainer, you've also had ample time to see how the class is going to work out, and if the trainer/instructor gives you what you're looking for. Think of the final few months of the year as your jump-off point. Then come January 2nd, hit the ground running full blast. It's even possible to lose weight during the holidays, so you can already have momentum and your metabolism flowing, making it easier to reach your New Year's Resolutions. You will then be less likely to drop out of the gym.

I know all too well how hard it is to stick to a diet during the holiday season and even to have time to workout with extra vacation time with family, Christmas shopping, etc. You could just start out very slowly, with a couple of times/week for about 30 minutes/day. Plus, reserve your holiday eating for the ACTUAL holidays and weekends. I've mentioned before this are ideal free days, or "cheat days".

Most importantly, it's crucial to have the right mindset going into achieving your goals. Make sure you're really doing this for yourself. You may want to improve your look, or even your health. However, one must REALLY make sure they want it, or they will not stick with it. It's a tough and a long process. It's easier with a defined goal and a step-by-step, simple plan.

I think it's great people are thinking about their health since the USA is the most obese country in the world. The intentions are there and are great. Now they just need to be timely and more thought out so that long-term results can be gained. And if I can help in that matter in any way, I certainly will. Keep reading guys!

ZUMBA: One of the newest fitness crazes

I gotta admit, I'm a fitness buff, enthusiast and a gym rat. However, I've never gotten much into dancing, salsa or the like. I will, however, try anything that will help keep me in shape, improve my form and coordination, and just give me a good workout period.

A year and a half ago, a classmate of mine kept speaking of this ZUMBA class she teaches at the Y in Rock Hill. I asked her if I could come to one of these classes one Saturday since my gym (Your Best Body Fitness Center and Day Spa in Gaffney) didn't have them at the time. She said yes. When I saw some ZUMBA videos on YouTube, I was intimidated and concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up and may even get worn out. That was definitely not the case. One of the big slogans of ZUMBA is that it is "one big party". And that it is. It's a lot of fun, and arguably one of the more exciting ways to mix fitness, fun, and great music since Richard Simmons and "Sweatin to the Oldies".

I immediately went to David and Lisa Fink at YBB and asked them when would we be able to get ZUMBA at our gym. Lisa said they would work on it. Well, a year and a half later, it FINALLY happened. There are now 4 ZUMBA classes going on at YBB, and everyone is having a good time, even the few guys that decide to show up.

I attend 2 classes/week myself because it is good, fun fitness, plus the instructors, Carrie and Alleigh, each add their own style and personality to make it great. Carrie's a more traditional ZUMBA instructor, does a lot of the salsa, and is more step by step with her instructions. Alleigh mixes ZUMBA with some fast-paced, dancing moves and even some cheerleader dances, techniques and spins. It sounds intimidating and metrosexual, but trust me, it's a good workout.

I have REALLY improved my coordination, balance, and mobility in the past month. I'm still not a dancer persay, but again that's not the purpose of ZUMBA. The purpose is to get you moving to the music in a coordinated but fun and relaxed way.

The folks at YBB are really riding the ZUMBA wave currently. The classes average about 25-30, even on Wednesdays, and that's one of the slowest periods in the gym due to it being church night. It's a new craze not only for Gaffney, SC but for America. I don't see it slowing down anytime soon either.

Carrie and Alleigh are keeping the routines and music fresh though, as folks will catch on very quickly to most any fitness routine. I believe I will recommend "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie and "Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean. I could see some good ZUMBA routines coregraphed from those songs.

I encourage anyone to contact your local gym and/or YMCA to see about getting into a ZUMBA class. It really is fun, a good workout, and it's cool to be able to move your body well, especially for your overall health and wellness. Join the craze and don't judge or knock it till you've tried it!