Prosperity of a Different Kind This New Year

by Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer

As we enter in the year of 2009 and 2008 becomes more of a distant memory, let’s remember to keep our mental and physical health a priority. It is said the most common New Year resolutions are to: lose weight, start an exercise program, look for a better job, make a resolve to make more money, or quit smoking to name a few. To truly be successful with any resolution(s) it is going to take something that some of us, including me, don’t do….write our goal(s) down and create a plan of attack. Don’t get me wrong…it is great to speak your desires into the universe and express what you want to your friends and family, but to be remain focused you need to write your “wildest dreams” down on the white stuff called paper. When you do this, you have something concrete to look at and focus on daily. It’s like starting a business. The business takes up almost every ounce of who and what you are because you are constantly thinking about how to
make it successful.

Although in 2009 some of the goals you desire will come to past you still may feel somewhat unfulfilled. Why you might ask? Because…. what is needed more often than any thing else is gaining mental, physical and spiritual harmony. The state of being happy can be and is challenging at times, nevertheless we must become determined to surround ourselves with spiritual believing, positive, motivated, goal driven individuals who willing give of themselves freely to aid in the benefit others.

To begin moving toward a peaceful harmony first set aside time to engage in some physical activity. We all need to work off the stresses of daily life. Second, become determined to make better eating choices because Your Life and Livelihood depends on it. Third, but most importantly, spend some quite time alone with the creator in your prayer closet. Don’t just ask that your desires be met but pray that the desires of others be met first. When you begin to do the latter a consistent bases you will grow in ways you never would have imagined. Sometimes you have to stop focusing on your needs and begin to focus on the needs of those whom you can not see. It is hard to ask the creator to allow persons whom you do not know to bear fruits of prosperity; placing their prosperity before your own. However, some of the breakthroughs you seek in 2009 may be dependent upon your willingness to become less self-centered, while becoming more compassionate, empathetic and sympathetic to the needs others.

So in 2009 remember to write down your goals, pray for others more than you pray for yourself and set aside time to be good to your body, mind and soul at least three times per week through exercise. Doing these things may not be easy nonetheless; “The Good Life” as sung by Kanye West may be dependent on what you do.

Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer
All About The Fitness
(214) 546-8168
www.AllAboutTheFitness.com

What's Wrong With Skipping Breakfast?

by Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer
September 1, 2008

If you tend to skip breakfast in the morning, you may be doing yourself and your body more harm than good. During sleep your body burns calories to maintain the necessary bodily functions for life such as breathing, body temperature and heart rate. So upon waking in the morning you need to refuel your tank not only to garner energy, but to jump start your bodies metabolism in addition to providing your brain with fuel for the work day ahead. Skipping breakfast is tough on the body; however skipping breakfast is just as tough on your brain. The brain uses about 20 percent of the bodies’ total energy so it needs fuel….fuel from the intake of good nutrient dense foods. So the next time you decide to skip breakfast, the most important meal of the day, remember you are creating a sluggish metabolism and you are reducing your brains ability to concentration, think clearly and process information at an optimal level for beginning your work day.

Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer
All About The Fitness
(214) 546-8168
www.AllAboutTheFitness.com

Fitness Inspiration

As the Temperature Rises
by Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer
July 8, 2008

As we transition from spring to summer, where temperatures will soon hover at or above 100 degrees, we will need to protect our bodies if we want to remain healthy. Almost daily we hear reports about protecting our outer shell, the skin, by using a sunscreen. Sunscreens assist us with maintaining good skin health by reducing our risk of various forms of skin cancers; however as you lather on your sunscreen don’t forget about helping your inner body facilitate its optimal health.

At this time of year, to maintain a healthy body, we need to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Water helps regulate body temperature, it helps prevent dehydration, it hydrates the skin, it assists with preventing constipation, it lubricates the organs and joints and most importantly it aids the body with metabolizing stored fat.

So, as we move toward the dog days of August with looming record temperatures to come, remember to protect your skin by using sunscreen, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and protect your mind, body and spirit my giving it what it needs the most….water.

If drinking pure water becomes or is unpalatable for you try using lemons and or limes for flavoring. Another way to make water tastier is to add fruits such as blueberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries or your favorite fruit to it. It will become mmm, mmm good when the fruit is left overnight in the water before drinking.

Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer
All About The Fitness
(214) 546-8168
www.AllAboutTheFitness.com