Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip: Never Fall For Another Fad

Along with every new year inevitably comes an influx of training fads. Midnight infomercials are full of ripped models that are paid to tell us how their amazing bodies are the result of using some stretchy resistance band once a month. If only it were that simple!

I’ve seen a lot of fads come and go in the past few decades; Bowflex machines, Zumba, Richard Simmons, Shake Weights, Tae Bo, P90X, and let’s not forget the Butt and Thigh blaster by the ever so lovely Susan Summers. 

The fitness industry is a multi-billion dollar business that preys on those without basic fitness knowledge or self-confidence. They'll tell you that what they’re selling is going to change your life, that all of your problems will melt away, that you'll experience a spike in energy, and that you'll never have body fat or cellulite again. Whatever you do, do not fall for this trap. There are no short cuts!  

If you're looking for something that actually works, do these things: 

1. Consistency

Eat well mostly, work out often, sleep soundly always. 

2. Go hard in the gym

Squats, deadlifts, presses, and hard intervals are the most optimal way to train. Period.

3. Set goals

Even though I don't compete anymore, I still set goals for myself. 

4. Never compare yourself to others.

Compare yourself to where you were when you started. That's it. 

*image by Flickr

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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip : How to Eat Healthy While Traveling

Because fathering my two little ones and running my business keep me very busy, we rarely get the opportunity to travel together. While we were all very excited to create memories in Hawaii, it didn't take me long to discover how hard it is to eat healthy while traveling. I initially thought that 8 days away from eating ground turkey, tuna, flank steak, oatmeal, and veggies was going to be awesome but boy was I wrong! Two days into our trip and I already wanted my diet back.

Continental breakfast, Subway, and The Cheesecake Factory just wasn’t cutting it. Sure some people can easily live off a light breakfast, a salad for lunch, and grilled chicken or fish for dinner, but me, I consume 3400 plus calories per day. I had two options; I could suck it up and continue to eat the best junk possible (and then feel like crap) or I could seek out healthier food and feel like myself. My wife Molly and I chose the second option.

We googled where the nearest Whole Foods was, grabbed the kids, and jumped into a taxi. Molly and I went through that Whole Foods like we were preparing for a natural disaster. Though it was the highest total we have ever had at Whole Foods, I would have gladly paid triple if it meant that my family and I would feel better.

Here are a few options to help you and your family eat healthy while traveling:

1. Bring plenty of healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, and protein bars.

2. Before you arrive, use sites like Yelp to research healthy restaurants near your hotel.

3. Consider booking a hotel that has a kitchen so that you can prepare your own meals.

4. Be prepared to head to the nearest grocery store if healthy restaurants aren't readily available.

5. Drink extra water.

6. Avoid bad foods altogether. These foods drain energy and often contain empty calories which will only leave wanting more junk.

*image by Benjamin Stone, Flickr

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Congratulations Big Wave Dave!

If you keep up with my blog, you'll know that I was invited to run the Honolulu Marathon with my client Dave. Because of his bad knee, this was to be his last marathon. 

The plan was that I would meet up with him at mile 16 and then we would run the last 10 miles together; I would be acting as his personal morale booster for the last stretch. If it wasn't bad enough that a storm with high winds and heavy rain appeared out of nowhere the morning of the marathon, Dave was also battling a cold. Though nothing about Dave’s training had been easy, the weather and his cold would be two more challenges that he would have to face and conquer.  

As I waited to join Dave, I began to get nervous. Though I saw many of his friends pass by, I still had yet to see Dave. Was his knee killing him? Was his cold getting the better of him? Before I knew it, I saw Dave's red hat in the distance. Not only was he smiling from ear to ear, he looked great! Big Wave Dave was determined to finish this marathon once and for all. 

Off we went on my longest run in 7 years. Though his knee was giving him issues, he managed to keep going. When I first joined him, we were clicking off 11 minute miles. As we ran on however, our miles slowed to 16 and then to 20. The final 10k was going to take some tenacity, guts, and inner strength. Though his pace had slowed and his pain had increased, Dave's spirit never waned. 

Thankfully the rain stopped, but the sun brought heat and humidity, both of which would add to the struggle. As we approached the last hill going over Diamond Head, Dave was doing a great job. It was coming down the hill that would prove to be the most challenging. Anyone that has ever run downhill with bad knees knows what I am talking about! 

Despite the odds, Dave continued to push through the pain. As we approached the finish line, Dave thanked me and his training partner Eric (who also wasn’t feeling well) for being part of this momentous occasion. As the three of us walked/jogged the last quarter mile we all got quiet and took in the sights and sounds around us, a moment I will never forget. 

Dave, it was an honor and pleasure to have been part of this experience. I look forward to seeing what’s next for you!

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