Minneapolis-Based Personal Trainer Helps Clients Master Christmas Etiquette

So you work with a personal trainer and you want to know what to get them for Christmas.  First of all, as a personal trainer, thanks for thinking of us.  We really appreciate it!  And because you care about getting something your personal trainer would enjoy (or you wouldn't have searched online for trainer gift solutions), here are a few ideas for you:

Personal Trainer Christmas Gift Idea #1: A Session Bonus

The last six weeks of the year can be a slow business period for personal trainers.  It seems like many people move their discretionary dollars from the service industries into retail for the holidays, which makes Christmas a tough time economically for some trainers.  A financial gift equal to a training session is a welcome idea.  Were it not for the session financial gifts I received last year, I would not have been able to get home for Christmas...the end of the year can be that hard for trainers.

Personal Trainer Christmas Gift Idea #2: A Gift Certificate to a Health/Nutrition/Exercise Store

My entire Christmas list this year is workout and nutrition stuff.  There are new protein powders I want to try, new equipment I want to buy so I can be better for my clients, etc.  A great gift idea for your trainer is a gift certificate to a sporting goods store, nutrition/supplement store, or an online store that fits those categories.  We want to serve you better in 2010, and having a chance to pick up new tools for torture and new drinks to make you gag is how we love to spend our money.

Personal Trainer Christmas Gift Idea #3: Help Us Repair Our Body

A personal trainer has several tiny workouts a day.  Every time we demonstrate an exercise or spot a client and help them move a weight around, we are beating up our body.  A hot stone or deep tissue massage or chiropractic adjustment would do wonders for the body that we have broken to make your body better.

Personal Trainer Christmas Gift Idea #4: A Melaleuca Membership

We like top of the line health products!  We also like being a resource for our clients when they have cholesterol issues, blood pressure issues, sleep issues, and fat-burning issues.  In 2009 I helped several clients avoid cholesterol/blood pressure/diabetes medication because of products from a company called Melaleuca.    Melaleuca has some of the greatest products on the planet for health and body change.  Help us take care of our body and help us be a resource for you by getting us going on a Melaleuca membership.  I love my Melaleuca membership!!!  To learn how to get one for your trainer, email me (adam@rapidresultsfitnessmn.com)!

Personal Trainer Christmas Gift Idea #5: Referrals!

The economy is not going to tighten down for everyone.  Help us connect with people who need our help!  We love new business!  If we have done a great job with you, please refer us to your business associate, friend, or church member who is looking to make a change!  Chances are good that we welcome new business!

What Do I Do If I Don't Want To Get My Trainer Something For Christmas?

Giving should always be a want, not an obligation.  If you feel obligated to get something for your trainer for Christmas, give them a card and a $10 gift certificate to McDonald's...then take a picture as they open their "gift" :).  If you don't feel like getting your trainer anything for Christmas, you need a new trainer!  I want to talk with you if you do not feel connected to your trainer, excited about the progress they have helped you make, or if you simply feel as though it is time for a change!

I love my line of work and love the people I work with.  On behalf of all the trainers out there, thank you for choosing to work with us!  And thanks for remembering us during the Christmas season!

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.rapidresultsfitnessmn.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sydney Australia) to work with you.

Minneapolis Personal Trainer Chimes in on Unique Gift Ideas forHoliday Shoppers

***December 21st update (2:21pm)***

Christmas gift idea #1 (read below) has the potential to cost you $1 instead of $100 (and your significant other would never know the difference!).  Send a phone call to 612-308-4772 and ask for Adam to get the details!  Offer ends on December 22nd at 8pm Central Standard Time.*******

It is crunch time for Christmas shoppers.  In a mad scamper for deals this Christmas season, few of us land the creative and unique gift that best suits our spouse.  Here are a few last-minute ideas that could qualify as "the best Christmas gift ever!"  Please keep in mind that I'm a fitness guy, so each suggestion in this blog will have a fitness/nutrition connection.

UniqueChristmas Gift Idea for Couples With a Budget: Lose 13 lbs. in 28 Days!

Is your spouse dissatisfied with their body?  Do they feel stuck?  In addition to needing to lose a few lbs., are they staring down high cholesterol/high blood pressure/type II diabetes?  Give them access to the program that helps people lose 13 lbs. (on average) in 28 days!

In January of 2009 I launched a brand new program called Virtual Boot Camp.  We had amazing success in 2009 and, with the updates being implements in 2010 we expect even better results (in fact, we implemented a few changes inOctober a people dropped an extra 1.7 lbs. on average because of it!).

This 28-day food and fitness program walks people through the best food and fitness month they've ever had!  Participants in Virtual Boot Camp:

• Know exactly what to eat AND WHEN with the 28-day meal plan
• Know exactly HOW to workout at home or in the gym with the 28-day online workout video program
• Know exactly what food to buy at the grocery store during Virtual Boot Camp with a weekly grocery list
• Learn WHY we do WHAT we do with the daily blog!
• Put themselves in position to use less medication (cholesterol/blood pressure/type II diabetes), get a better health/life insurance rate, and LOVE THE WAY THEY LOOK AND FEEL!

You may be thinking, "But Adam, by giving my husband/wife this gift, I'm calling them fat!"  Under many conditions, that's true.  But if this is something your spouse really NEEDS, here are two ways to sell it:

1) Ask them in advance.  If you came to them and said, "Look, I hear you talking about how you don't have any energy, how you feel fat, and how frustrated you are with your body.  I found a program that looks really neat and might be able to get you where you want to go.  I love you the way you are and I want you to feel good about you.  Do you want to take a look at what I found?"  If they say yes, click here!

2) Do it together.  I've had quite a few married walk through Virtual Boot Camp together.  Not only do couples get the best results (my top 5 weight-loss stories all come from married couples), their marriage also tend to get a spark (it's always nice to do something together where your spouse feels like your teammate).  If Virtual Boot Camp was a "we" experience instead of a "you" experience, you will not be calling your spouse fat.  Your Virtual Boot Camp gift will say, "I want both of us to be healthy, and I want to do it together."  Plus, there is a couples discount for Virtual Boot Camp from now until Nov. 30th.  Send an email to adam@rapidresultsfitnessmn.com for details!

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for Vacation-Minded Couples: Lose 12 lbs. in 7 Days at the Destination Body Sculpt Boot Camp

It's 9am.  You and your spouse are on the beach smelling the ocean air, feeling the soft sand underneath your feet, and working on losing 10 lbs. in seven days.  Thanks to a destination body sculpt boot camp, you are eating wonderful meals, enjoying the sand and sun, and feeling the best you have felt in a long, long time.  Where can you sign up for a destination body sculpt boot camp? wwwrapidresultsfitnessmn.com

The last client I worked with lost 12 lbs. in seven days (he also cut his insulin usage in half as well).  My client record for seven days is 19 lbs!

Maybe you want to shed fat while you hit the slopes.  Perhaps you want to visit Australia or the Bahamas.  Wherever you want your body change and your spouse's body change to take place, send an email to adam@rapidresultsfitnessmn.com to start a dialogue about leaving for vacation wearing one size of pants and coming home in a smaller size.

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for Him: Kettlebells and Training DVD

If your man is looking to shed some weight, find his lost energy, and burn calories like he never has before, picking up some kettlebells will do the trick.  Kettlebells are like cannon balls with a handle.  They originated in Russia, and are gaining traction in America as an amazing way to change your body.

While you can buy kettlebells anywhere (and better to buy a 25 lb KB at a sports store instead of buying it online and paying a boatload for shipping),  you must stop by www.dragondoor.com to find the very best in kettlebell training DVDs.  You will need them.  If you want some help on getting kettlebells, send me an email (adam@rapidresultsfitnessmn.com).  I would be glad to help.

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for Her: Leg Magic

Every once in awhile I get to sample a fitness machine.  Two weeks ago I tried Leg Magic...and it is awesome!  Leg Magic works inner thighs, hips, and butt.  It hits many trouble spots for women.  Go to www.buylegmagic.com to check it out.

NOTE: Before letting your wife open this gift, have her open a new pair of jeans that is two sizes too small for her....then have her open the Leg Magic.  Instead of her asking, "Do you think I'm fat?", she will be saying "I can't wait to fit into these?" :)

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for the Health-Deprived: Lower Cholesterol, Lower Blood Pressure, Increased Energy

I literally just got off the phone with a very happy client.  Not only is she down 25 lbs., the results from her recent blood work were amazing!  Her triglycerides were down 103 points and her cholesterol was down 45 points...in 2 months time!

Set your spouse up for a nutrition consultation.

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.rapidresultsfitnessmn.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sydney Australia) to work with you.

What It Takes to See Fat Loss and Weight Loss Progress

Yesterday I got a call from a client that I hadn't trained in awhile.  "I'm stuck!" she screamed.  We talked about her current food and fitness situation.  The biggest thing that was missing: pain.

Any good personal trainer will tell you that pain is necessary for any type of improvement.  When we create a budget and decide NOT to indulge our itch to acquire, we feel pain.  When we turn away from a tasty piece of cake or our favorite beverage, our body feels a little bit of pain.  It hurts to say "no" to desire. Not only do we register pain when we decide not to indulge in the wrong thing, we can also feel pain when we decide to indulge the right thing.

Pushing the body during a workout can be painful.  If we do cardio intervals our lungs may burn or our legs may feel like jello...both scenarios can be uncomfortable.  If we do super sets of bicep curls our arms may become toast.  And they may be sore for several days afterward.  Doing the right thing can cause pain.

I'm doing a lot of training with kettlebells right now, introducing them to many of my clients.  Kettlebells will make you feelpain of a whole different sort!

Is there ever growth without pain?  I don't think so.  I believe the pain we feel from saying no to the wrong things is just as important as the pain we feel from saying yes to the right things.  The next time you feel the pain of saying no to a cheeseburger or feel the pain from doing a challenging set of lunges, take heart.  Pain is necessary for your body's improvement (injury, however, is not necessary....it's important to make that distinction).

Adam Erwin, a Minneapolis-based personal trainer,  travels the United States to work with people who want to make rapid and lasting body change.  His personalied boot camp have helped people lose 30+ pounds in 28 days, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and decrease joint discomfort.   To learm more about how to bring Adam to your city (Dallas, San Diego, Seattle, St. Louis, and Miami are his favorites), please visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com.

Minneapolis Personal Trainer Tells How to Succeed with New Year's Resolution of Weight Loss

Happy New Year!  I'll bet that you found this blog because you are looking to lose weight in 2009.  Most people do not succeed with their weight loss resolutions, but if your search for answersand ideas brought you here, you most be serious about looking and feeling your best in 2009!  I'm here to help!

Reading today's blog provides you with three specific benefits: 1) get 3 ideas that will help you with your weight loss resolution, 2) learn how to get my $100 virtual boot camp for free, 3) learn how to get "The 27 Factors Affecting Fat Loss and Weight Loss" for free!

If you are serious about losing weight in 2009, here are the three most important things I can tell you about successfully losing weight...

New Year's Resolution Weight Loss Tip #1: Don't Lose Weight

Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, and most other programs try to convince you that weight loss is the ticket.  If weight loss is the ticket, how come the weight keeps coming back?  Because weight loss is not the ticket.  When people focus on weight loss, they end up burning up their body's ability to burn calories and kill their metabolism as a result! 

Fat loss is the answer.  By focusing on losing fat (which is what I help all my clients to do, and can help you to do for $100 or free.....email me at adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com to find out how to do it for free!), I help clients lose fat weight instead of muscle weight, help them increase their metabolism instead of slow it down, and help them keep their new body instead of watching it slip away.

It is not about how much we weigh, it's about how much fat weight we have.  Don't lose weight in 2009, lose fat weight!

New Year's Resolution Weight Loss Tip #2: Start it the Right Way!

Are you tired and sluggish as you go through your day?  Are you stressed out and irritable?  Are you locked into cravings that help make you fat?  If so, you are like most of us in the United States!

Most of us have a severely damaged body.  We are filled with fat cells that don't burn calories!  We are filled with toxins and organisms that make progress more difficult for our body.  We have stressed our organ, digestive, and nervous systems so much that they are worn down and not functioning the way they were designed to function.

The first step for anyone wanting to lose weight is to clean the body out and get it ready to live again.  Doing a cleanse helps the body function correctly, makes fat loss (and weight loss!) progress happen more quickly, and helps us to have abundant energy!  If you want to lose weight and do it the right way, the first step is to do a cleanse.  And there are thousands of cleanses you could do by yourself, or....

Join me for the 2009 Total Body Makeover Virtual Boot Camp (www.keepyourbetterhalf.com).  We start January 15th.  We walk you through a gentle and body-changing cleanse.  You can join me as I help you and others around the world for $100 or do it for free (again, send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com to find out how to do it for free!)

New Year's Resolution Weight Loss Tip #3: Focus Some on Exercise, Focus Mostly on Foods and Life Changes!

For most people, exercise makes up less that 5% of our day.  Mastering exercise is a nice step for fat loss and weight loss, but taking care of the other 95% of our day is going to impact weight loss a lot more than the 5% of our day spent on exercising.  Mastering our daily intake of food is more important than anything else we can do to change your body.  Eating the right foods at the right times will do more for us than exercise ever could (exercise is tremendously important, don't get me wrong, but it's just 5% of our day).

For this reason, the 2009 Total Body Makeover Virutal Boot Camp (www.keepyourbetterhalf.com) has a food focus.  In fact, for 28 days you will know exactly what you need to eat.  No guessing, just a concrete plan full of foods you probably already enjoy...just put in the right order and in the right amounts!

To learn more about how to position your body for fat loss and weight loss, send me an email (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com) and ask for a free copy of "The 27 Factors Affecting Fat Loss and Weight Loss!" 

Lose Weight in 2009 Successfully: Make Your Resolution a Reality!

Don't leave your weight loss to chance in 2009!  Join the 2009 Total Body Makeover Virtual Boot Camp experience or find out how to hire me personally (www.keepyourbetterhalf.com).  Make your resolution a guarantee today!

Adam Erwin is a personal trainer and the founder of Rapid Results Fitness.  He creates body changing and life-changing boot camp experiences for his clients that address weight loss and major health issues (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.).  Adam resides in Minneapolis, spending much of his personal training time in Eden Prairie, Edina, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Chanhassen, and Medina.  He also enjoys bringing his boot camp experience cities such as San Diego, Miami, Phoenix, and Sydney, Australia!  To learn more about how to bring body change to your life, visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com!

Minneapolis Personal Trainer Helps You Use Your Fitness Christmas Present

 

2009 UPDATE!!!

Before you read this blog, there are two important updates to share:

1) Join us for the 2009 Total Body Makeover Virtual Boot Camp, starting January 15th. Go to www.keepyourbetterhalf.com for more details, and send email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf .com to learn how to do the boot camp for free!

2) If you would like the free report "The 27 Factors Affecting Fat Loss and Weight Loss", send me an email and I'll get the report to you!

Now, back to the blog...

It's the day after Christmas and everyone who got a piece of exercise equipment is trying to figure out how to use it.  This is why I am a personal trainer!  I help people maximize their use of their new equipment.  So, if you have a certain piece of equipment you would like me to blog about, send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com and I will gladly expound on your new piece of hardware.

Without knowing which fitness equipment you received for Christmas, I will provide a few pieces of uncommon knowledge that will help you right away in your quest for advancing your health and fitness.

New Exercise Equipment Tip #1: Always Warm Up, Then Stretch, Then Workout!

Most people do not give the warm up and cool down their due.  Warming up is extremely important!  As a Minneapolis resident, I have to warm up my car every time I want to drive somewhere in the winter.  It is crucial for my brakes, engine, and belts to warm up before asking my car to get me around town in the winter.  Our bodies need to warm up as well, regardless of season.

A 3-5 minute warm up on a treadmill (or even walking up and down the stairs at home) is a crucial starting point.  Then stretch each muscle group you intend to work, then pursue warm up sets for your workout.  The more thoroughly you warm up, the better you will perform and the less likely your chances of getting injured.

New Exercise Equipment Tip #2: Focus on Your Breathing!

Breathing is a big deal.  There are three main benfits to breathing correctly during exercise: our performance improves, our blood pressure is lower (than if we breathed at the wrong times), and our recovery is improved.  Here is the basic idea on breathing during weight/resistance training: exhale when you are doing the most work. 

When we are performing a bicep curl, it is more work to curl the dumbbell or resistance band up than it is to lower it.  Therefore, exhale as you curl the weight up.  When performing a squat, it is more work to raise up to a standing position....so exhale on the way up.  If you exhale when you are doing the most work and inhale when you are doing the easiest work, you will trigger the benefits mentioned above.

New Exercise Equipment Tip #3: Focus On Holds, Not Just Reps

The best way to maximize any piece of equipment is to ask your body to hold still in a position that  is challenging to hold.  For example, if you are performing squats, holding in a low squat position for 10 seconds is a killer.  Or holding a bicep curl with your elbow bent at a 90 degree angle is very tough. 

I ask my clients to perform a 10-second hold on the 5th, 10th, and 15th rep of every set.  It is very challenging!  Try it during your next workout!

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sydney Australia) to work with you.

Minneapolis Personal Trainer Chimes in on Unique Gift Ideas for Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

2009 UPDATE!!!

Before you read this blog, there are two things you need to know:

1) Open enrollment has begun for the Virtual Boot Camp: Total Body Makeover!   Get 28 days of perfect nutrition and exercise (complete with a grocery list, access to videos, and more!) for only $100 (NOTE: This is the very package I charge thousands for...the only thing you are missing is my physical presence!).  Enrollment ends on January 10th, so click to http://keepyourbetterhalf.com/virtualbootcamp.html now!

2) If you would like the free report "The 27 Factors Affecting Fat Loss and Weight Loss", send me an email and I'll get the report to you!

Now, back to the blog...

It is crunch time for Christmas shoppers.  In a mad scamper for last-minute deals, few of us land the creative and unique gift that best suits our boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance.  This blog post is written for couples who have been dating for awhile and are allowed to talk about weight, fat, and body change issues.  For those of you who know how to say, "I love you so much and know how much you want to fit into those jeans again" instead of making it sound like, "your fat butt needs more exercise and less ice cream!", here are a few ideas....

Unique Christmas Gift Idea for the Couple On a Budget:  2009 Total Body Makeover Virtual Boot Camp

For the past few months I've been working with couples to give them the best exercise and nutrition month of their entire lives!  The results have been staggering: 15 lbs. lost in a month, 12 lbs. lost in two weeks, 9 lbs. of muscles added in 30 days!  Reserve a spot for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance today for the 2009 Total Body Makeover Virtual Boot Camp!  Starting January 15th, I will walk you through a very gentle body cleanse, four weeks of every single calorie to consume, and exercises designed to burn more fat and tone more muscle in less time.  Check out the details at www.keepyourbetterhalf.com or send email (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com) to reserve your spot today! 

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for Vacation-Minded Couples: Destination Body Sculpt Boot Camp

It's 9am.  You and your spouse are on the beach smelling the ocean air, feeling the soft sand underneath your feet, and working on losing 10 lbs. in seven days.  Thanks to a destination body sculpt boot camp, you are eating wonderful meals, enjoying the sand and sun, and feeling the best you have felt in a long, long time.  Where can you sign up for a destination body sculpt boot camp? www.keepyourbetterhalf.com

Maybe you want to shed fat while you hit the slopes.  Perhaps you want to visit Australia or the Bahamas.  Or maybe you want a boot camp to come to your home so you can get ready for the wedding.  Wherever you want your body change and your boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance's body change to take place, send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com to start a dialogue about leaving for vacation wearing one size of pants and coming home in a smaller size.

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for Him: Kettlebells and Training DVD

If your man is looking to shed some weight, find his lost energy, and burn calories like he never has before, picking up some kettlebells will do the trick.  Kettlebells are like cannon balls with a handle.  They originated in Russia, and are gaining traction in America as an amazing way to change your body. 

While you can buy kettlebells anywhere (and better to buy a 25 lb KB at a sports store instead of buying it online and paying a boatload for shipping),  you must stop by www.dragondoor.com to find the very best in kettlebell training DVDs.  You will need them.  If you want some help on getting kettlebells, send me an email (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com).  I would be glad to help.

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for Her: Leg Magic

Every once in awhile I get to sample a fitness machine.  Two weeks ago I tried Leg Magic...and it is awesome!  Leg Magic works inner thighs, hips, and butt.  It hits many trouble spots for women.  Go to www.buylegmagic.com to check it out.

NOTE: Before letting your significant other open this gift, have her open a new pair of jeans that is two sizes too small for her....then have her open the Leg Magic.  Instead of her asking, "Do you think I'm fat?", she will be saying "I can't wait to fit into these!" :)

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for the Seasoned Couple: Lower Cholesterol, Lower Blood Pressure, Increased Energy

There are a handful of supplements that are highly effective in lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and increasing energy.  They are life-changing-caliber, with clinical studies and amazing true testimonials to boot!  To learn more about them, email me at adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com.

Unique Last-Minute Christmas Gift Idea for...What Was His Name Again?: "The Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss"

For those wanting to tackle body change in '09 at your own pace, "The Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss" lays out the step-by-step approach I use with my clients to maximize their fat loss and weight loss in the shortest time possible. 

"The Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss" comes back from the editors on December 29th, just before New Year!  To get an introductory price, send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sydney Australia) to work with you.

Minneapolis Personal Trainer Chimes in on Unique Gift Ideas for Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

It is just a few days before Hanukkah.  Most of us are trading elbows with crazed Christmas shoppers as we scamper for last-minute deals, while few of us land the creative and unique gift that best suits our spouse.  Here are a few last-minute ideas that could qualify as "the best gift ever!"  Please keep in mind that I'm a fitness guy, so each suggestion in this blog will have a fitness/nutrition connection.

Unique Last-Minute Hanukkah Gift Idea for Couples: Destination Body Sculpt Boot Camp

It's 9am.  You and your spouse are on the beach smelling the ocean air, feeling the soft sand underneath your feet, and working on losing 10 lbs. in seven days.  Thanks to a destination body sculpt boot camp, you are eating wonderful meals, enjoying the sand and sun, and feeling the best you have felt in a long, long time.  Where can you sign up for a destination body sculpt boot camp? www.keepyourbetterhalf.com

Maybe you want to shed fat while you hit the slopes.  Perhaps you want to visit Australia or the Bahamas.  Wherever you want your body change and your spouse's body change to take place, send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com to start a dialogue about leaving for vacation wearing one size of pants and coming home in a smaller size.

Unique Last-Minute Hanukkah Gift Idea for Him: Kettlebells and Training DVD

If your man is looking to shed some weight, find his lost energy, and burn calories like he never has before, picking up some kettlebells will do the trick.  Kettlebells are like cannon balls with a handle.  They originated in Russia, and are gaining traction in America as an amazing way to change your body. 

While you can buy kettlebells anywhere (and better to buy a 25 lb KB at a sports store instead of buying it online and paying a boatload for shipping),  you must stop by www.dragondoor.com to find the very best in kettlebell training DVDs.  You will need them.  If you want some help on getting kettlebells, send me an email (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com).  I would be glad to help.

Unique Last-Minute Hanukkah Gift Idea for Her: Leg Magic

Every once in awhile I get to sample a fitness machine.  Two weeks ago I tried Leg Magic...and it is awesome!  Leg Magic works inner thighs, hips, and butt.  It hits many trouble spots for women.  Go to www.buylegmagic.com to check it out.

NOTE: Before letting your wife open this gift, have her open a new pair of jeans that is two sizes too small for her....then have her open the Leg Magic.  Instead of her asking, "Do you think I'm fat?", she will be saying "I can't wait to fit into these?" :)

Unique Last-Minute Hanukkah Gift Idea for the Health-Deprived: Lower Cholesterol, Lower Blood Pressure, Increased Energy

There are a handful of supplements that are highly effective in lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and increasing energy.  They are life-changing-caliber, with clinical studies and amazing true testimonials to boot!  To learn more about them, email me at adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com.

Unique Last-Minute Hanukkah Gift Idea for...What Was His Name Again?: "The Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss"

For those wanting to tackle body change in '09, "The Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss" lays out the step-by-step approach I use with my clients to maximize their fat loss and weight loss in the shortest time possible. 

"The Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss" comes back from the editors on December 29th, just before New Year!  To get an introductory price, send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sydney Australia) to work with you.

The Five Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Fat and Weight Loss Get Stuck

About 1/3 of my personal training clients are those who had early weight-loss success and then got stuck.  When I work with these people, here are five questions I ask them as we get going...

Weight-Loss Plateau Question #1: How long has it been since you did a cleanse?

If your car was sluggish and not performing very well, you would probably check to see the timing of the last tune-up.  Likewise, your body struggles to perform well and burn fat fuel if it hasn't had a tune up in awhile.  Getting rid of impurities and toxin via a cleanse is a great way to shake lose of a weight-loss plateau.

Your body stores acidic toxins in your fat cells.  If the environment in your body is too toxic to allow fat cells to release acidic toxins into the bloodstream, your body's natural survivalistic function will not allow fat to be burned.  A cleanse, especially one focused on alkaline foods and drinks, can serve as a tune-up for the body and help it to eliminate toxins and burn fat cells more effectively.

Weight-Loss Plateau Question #2:  When was the last time you swung a kettlebell?

Kettlebell workouts are great for fat loss.  They are a different breed...a different brand of workout.  The body needs workout variety to continue to improve.  When was the last time you turned your workouts upside down and did something completely different, like kettlebells?

Weight-Loss Plateau Question #3:  How much water do you REALLY drink every day?

Fat cells need to be well-hydrated to burn effectively.  I have weight-loss-plateau clients measure their water carefully.  It is amazing how little water we drink...and it makes up 70% of our body!  Drinking more water fixes a lot of problems associated with weight loss.

Weight-Loss Plateau Question #4: How much fiber and protein do you consume in a day?

Most people have very little idea how much protein they consume in a day, and absolutely no idea how much fiber they consume in a day.  Fiber and protein have one thing in common: they help the body achieve satisfaction from hunger.  Fiber also escorts toxins out of the body and assists in colon function.  Protein helps repair and build muscle cells (and muscle cells burn 70% more calories than fat cells).    It is important to consume one gram of protein per pound that you want to weigh (eat like you want to be!) and 20-30 grams of fiber per day.

Weight-Loss Plateau Question #5: Is your cardio optimizing fat-burning mechanisms in the body?

When I ask this question I get a blank stare.  Most people don't know how cardio burns fat.  To maximize fat-based weight loss in your cardio workout, make sure to read my others blogs on fat loss to learn about the secret cardio formula that is the world's proven best fat-burning cardio interval.

Do You Have a Question for Adam the In-Home Personal Trainer and Weight-Loss Boot Camp Extraordinairre?

If you have a question about working out, losing weight, my boot camp program (www.keepyourbetterhalf.com), or nutrition, feel free to go to my website and hit the CONTACT button. :)

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sydney Australia) to work with you.

Three "Outside the Box" Options When You Have Had it With Your Joints

2009 UPDATE!!!

Before you read this blog, there are two things you need to know:

1) Open enrollment has begun for the Virtual Boot Camp: Total Body Makeover!   Get 28 days of perfect nutrition and exercise (complete with a grocery list, access to videos, and more!) for only $100 (NOTE: This is the very package I charge thousands for...the only thing you are missing is my physical presence!).  Enrollment ends on January 10th, so click to http://keepyourbetterhalf.com/virtualbootcamp.html now!

2) If you would like the free report "The 27 Factors Affecting Fat Loss and Weight Loss", send me an email and I'll get the report to you!

Now, back to the blog...

As a personal trainer in the Twin Cities, I've seen my fair share of long-suffering clients walk through the door with worn out and torn up joints.  From "football knees" to ineffective reconstructive foot surgery to bad backs, I have been fortunate to share some secrets with clients and watched as their out-of-whack body part became healthy.  Here are three of my favorite suggestions to people suffering from joint pain.

Personal Trainer "Bad Feet, Bad Knees, Bad Back" Suggestion #1: Z-Coil Footwear

Many people I talk to have seen Z-Coils...they have a unique look to them...and they are highly effective footwear.  The coil/spring on the heel of the foot cushions each step, so much so that it cuts the impact in half on your feet, knees, and back.  To your joints, it feels like you instantly lost half your body weight. 

A current client of mine was in a major car accident and had three reconstructive surgeries on her foot.  She's hobbled around in a velcro boot for the last two years!  Her unusual foot shape (an unpleasant by-product of her surgeries) has not allowed her to wear shoes since her accident.  I took her to Sprongs in Minneapolis (go to zcoil.com to find the dealer closest to you) and my client was fitted with a pair of Z-Coils.  Three weeks later she is walking all over the place, even up flights of stairs, which she has not done for over two years!  I have many Z-Coil stories like that. 

If your back, knees, or feet hurt a lot, start by taking care of your feet.  It's always good to start from the ground up!

Personal Trainer "Bad Feet, Bad Knees, Bad Back" Suggestion #2: Replenex!

I have tried a lot of products to soothe joints.  Some have been highly effective, some have been cost effective.  Replenex is the only product I have found that is highly effective and cost effective. 

A football buddy of mine had surgery on his torn ACL a few years back.  Every time we played football, he had to load up on ibuprofen before and after, along with lots of ice afterward...and he still felt pain!  Then I came upon a product called Replenex, with has glucosamine hydochloride, bromelain, ginger root extract, and green tea extract.  I gave Tony a bottle to try and he no longer has any knee pain at all.  It's been three months and he is completely pain free.  No more ibuprofen, no more ice, no more pain....and he still plays football!  All this for around $12 a month!

If you would like to know how to get your hands on some, email me (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com) and I would be glad to help!  Whatever you do, stay away from discount stores for your joint needs.  Replenex may be cost effective, but it is a specialty product...which is why you can't find it everywhere.

Personal Trainer "Bad Feet, Bad Knees, Bad Back" Suggestion #3: A Trusty Chiroprator

Some chiropractors are very, very good.  Carpal tunnel, migraines, ADHD...the good ones can fix even the most difficult of nervous system issues.  If you are in the Twin Cities, you need to get in touch with Dr. Mark Schulz.  His mobile chiropratic care is phenomenal.  Check him out at www.tpmihealthcare.com. In other metro locations, go to bni.com to find a local chiropractor who is well-respected in your community.

If your joints are beat up, it is high time to address the pain.  The longer you wait, the more your body is forced to compensate, and the more beat up you will become.  Explore these three suggestions to help alleviate your achy joints.

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sidney Australia) to work with you.

Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Prepare Your Body for Christmas and New Years!

So you just had amonster Thanksgiving.  You were already overweight, and you just added a few pounds.  With holiday treats surrounding you, more weight is almost a certainty by Christmas.  And don't even think about the impact New Year's will have on your body.

The calendar can make the calories pretty cruel this time of year.  The best way to fight back is to do a cleanse now.  Doing a cleanse now has three major benefits:

Cleanse Benefit #1: Lose Weight Now

Cleanse Benefit #2: Repair Your Body Before You Send it Through Holiday Season

Cleanse Benefit #3: Boost Your Immune System, Be More Energetic, and Change Your Cravings

Part of my job as a personal trainer is to lead my clients through the nutrition and supplemental steps to maximize their success.  I'm leading a few of my clients through a cleanse right now.  If I were training you (if you are serious about body change in '09, go to keepyourbetterhalf.com and read about what I do, then email me! I'd love to answer your questions and talk about how I may be able to help you change the direction of your health and your life!), this is what I'd have you do.

Personal Trainer Cleanse Tip #1: Get the Cleanse that Addresses Your Biggest Need

Some people may be experiencing significant digestive issues (daily upset stomach, bad bowel movements, or no bowel movements!).  If that is you, a colon cleanse or digestive tract cleanse may be right for you.  Getting rid of the excess in your system and cleaning it out will help to repair the entire system.  There are several great colon cleanses.  If you'd like help picking one, I'd be glad to help!

If you are super low on energy and constantly getting sick, going after impurities in the blood is your best bet.  There are many cleanses that touch up on everything, and these tend to help out the blood the most.  The Complete Body Cleanse at GNC is a good one for those of you with energy issues (or those of you who have been eating clean).

Some of you may have celebrated Halloween until Thanksgiving started, and now have an early jump on New Years.  If alcohol is your go-to beverage, a liver cleanse is probably overdue.  There are a few really good ones out there.  If you'd like help picking one out, send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com.  Whatever you do, pick a cleanse to fit your biggest need.

Personal Trainer Cleanse Tip #2: Drink Water Only

You cannot imagine the difference it would make if you did a cleanse and drank only water during that time.  No beer, no soda, no juice.  Just water.  Your body would feel so incredibly good!  Water is the ticket to a successful cleanse.  Be sure to buy filtered water, processed by reverse osmosis if possible (the label will tell you what type of processing was used).

Personal Trainer Cleanse Tip #3: Eat Clean

This is probably common sense (as is #2), but the benefits cannot be overstated.  If you took out processed foods, sugar, yeast, and dairy while you cleansed your body would feel ten years younger by the end of your cleanse.  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats from the deli, and maybe an occassional grain (like long grain or brown rice) will help keep unnecessary toxins from entering your body as you cleanse.

If you decide to do a cleanse now (and asked me for help... adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com), you will be amazed at how good you will feel at the end of your cleanse journey!  Do a cleanse now!  Prepare your body for the holiday treats and a tremendous '09.

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sidney Australia) to work with you.

Adam the In-Home Personal Trainer is Tired of Soda Killing Metabolism, Making People Fat, and De-railing Body Composition Progress

2009 UPDATE!!!Before you read this blog, there are two things you need to know:1) Open enrollment has begun for the Virtual Boot Camp: Total Body Makeover!   Get 28 days of perfect nutrition and exercise (complete with a grocery list, access to videos, and more!) for only $100 (NOTE: This is the very package I charge thousands for...the only thing you are missing is my physical presence!).  Enrollment ends on January 10th, so click to http://keepyourbetterhalf.com/virtualbootcamp.html now!2) If you would like the free report "The 27 Factors Affecting Fat Loss and Weight Loss", send me an email and I'll get the report to you!Now, back to the blog...

Minneapolis is not the place to be right now if you are a soda drinker.  Adam the in-home personal trainer is going to war with weight-conscious folks who are drinking soda.  Here is another run-through and what soda does to you and why we must cut it out of the game plan when weight loss and fat loss are the goal!

Two quick things before we get to the main course:

1)  If you like today’s blog, pass it on to your weight-loss minded friend, family member, or colleague.

)

2) If you like today’s blog, email Adam (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com) and ask about his “Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss” that will hit cyberspace next week.

Stop Drinking Soda Now! Reason #1: Diet Soda Kills Your Metabolism

I've blogged on this before, but it is worth restating: the artificial sweeteners in diet soda confuse your metabolic response to real sugars.  Artificial sweeteners teach your body to not respond metabolically to sweet tastes (be it artificial or real sugar).  So when you consume real sugar, your body learns to simply store it as fat instead of burning it off like it is originally trained to do.  If you can't metabolize sugar effectively, it is virtualy impossible to lose fat and lose weight for the long haul.

Stop Drinking Soda Now! Reason #2: The Amount of Sugars in Non-Diet Soda Is Fat in Waiting

Have you ever drank a 12 oz. can of lard before?  Soda is very close to that.  Pepsi, Coke, and others have 39 grams of sugar per can or more.  It is like putting 9 full tablespoons of sugar into a can of soda.  Yikes!  Your body cannot possibly burn off all that sugar when you consume it, so it gets stored as fat.  You are drinking lard!

Stop Drinking Soda Now! Reason #3: Soda Dehydrates, and Fat Cells Need Hydration

Dehydrated fat cells do not burn well.  Well-hydrated fat cells burn much more effectively!  Anytime you drink coffee or soda or something with caffeine in it, you are doing two things worth re-considering:  1) wasting a chance to hydrate yourself and provide nutrients your body needs.  2) dehyrating your body and robbing fat cells from water they need to effectively be burned off.

Stop Drinking Soda Now! Reason #4: The Toxins in Soda Attack Your Body

We all know that artificial sweeteners attack the nervous system.  What about all the coloring, flavoring, and carbonation in a soda?  Those ingredients attack your body as well.  Your blood stream turns more acidic by drinking soda (and don't get me started on that!), carbonation eats away at lung capacity, and the extra toxins like coloring have no good use in your body.  Every single time we consume soda, we are placing our body under extreme attack!!!  Let the madness cease!

Stop Drinking Soda Now! Summary

We are 70% water, and drinking soda instead of water is like stealing mass amounts of water out of a lake instead of putting water in.  There are few things that are worse to drink than soda (maybe alchohol).  Every single time we consume a beverage, we have an opportunity to improve or deteriorate our health.  Soda has no nutritional value at all, and plays a significant role in worsening our health.  One of the best things we can do to improve our fat loss and weight loss potential is to eliminate soda from the mix!

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sidney Australia) to work with you.

Build Black Friday to Capitilize on Thanksgiving Calories Says Minneapolis-Based Personal Trainer

This is the day that people will fall over each other, run like crazy, and even bite someone's ankle to get the early morning deal at the department store.  If Thankgiving is all about consumption, Black Friday is all about consumers.  It's all about the door-busting deals!

Well...have I got a deal for you?!  What if I told you that you could use the consumption from Thanksgiving and turn it into weight loss on Black Friday?  Heckuva deal, right? Most of us scared our metabolism yesterday will way too many calories.  Now that our metabolism is in full gear, let's captilize on it!  Make sure to include some of these weight loss tips for your Black Friday.

Lose Weight on Black Friday Tip #1: Shop!

Battle the crowds, run up and down store aisles, and be on your feet all day.  Burn lots of calories.  Shopping is a great way to burn calories...as long as you behave with your foods.  We need a sweat band in aisle 9! 

Lose Weight on Black Friday Tip #2: Don't Eat Anything You Ate Yesterday

Black Friday is a day to abandon the left overs.  Save them for Saturday (and then feast again!).  Today, lay low with your calories, and eat healthy.  Instead of doing fast food and mall food while you shop, bring an orange or other fruit.  Drink water.  Stay away from starches like mashed potatoes and breads.  Seriously, give the left overs a day of rest and eat a lot healthier than you did yesterday. 

Lose Weight on Black Friday Tip #3: Go to the Gym Before Your Big Meal of the Day

I can see it now, frazzled and shopped-out ladies all over the country will crawl to the dinner table to devour anything they see.  Don't do it!  Before you eat your largest meal of the day, lift weights.  Not cardio, weights.  It can be a 20-minute weight-training session, but get it in before your largest meal of the deal.  It will help your metabolism to conquer those calories and not leave your body stressed out!

Lose Weight on Black Friday Tip #4: Consume Fiber

Black Friday is the busiest day of the year for plumbers.  To celebrate that, it would be a good idea to consume a fiber drink, some fiber pills (we're talking psyillium seek husk, people!), or some leafy green fiber.  We don't want Thanksgiving to sit inside us forever.  The best way to do that is to put some fiber into the mix and help your body get back to normal.

Lose Weight on Black Friday Tip #5: Try Papaya

I would imagine that several digestive issues, like heartburn, will pop up Thursday, Friday, and the rest of the holiday weekend.  Why?  Our digestive system gets overwhelmed and our digestive enzymes and bacteria (the things in charge of breaking down foods in our system) are under-staffed.

To fix heartburn and other maladies, go to your local GNC and buy some digestive enzymes and also the chewable papaya enzyme.  Take the papaya with you wherever you go and chew a few after each meal this weekend.  Take the digestive enzymes as directed.  You will be amazed how heartburn and other digestive issues get resolved when you take in digestive enzymes. 

As for the bacteria you will need, try some acidolpholus (at least 2 billion CFU's...colony forming units...the official measurement of bacteria everywhere) or eat some morning yogurt.  That should do the trick.

In Closing

Try to work the ideas above into your Black Friday mix and you will have been successful in weight loss today.  For Saturday, follow the Thanksgiving blog ideas!

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sidney Australia) to work with you.

Minneapolis Personal Trainer Sets Up Thanksgiving So You Can Succeed With It, Not Just Survive It!

I love Thanksgiving.  I love the entire holiday season.  Were it not for the 6 lbs .that the average American gains during the holidays, I wouldn't have as much job security. :)  Since I want to work myself out of a personal training career, I will share with you how to make Thanksgiving a success.

Two quick things before we get to the main course:

1)  If you like today's blog, pass it on to your weight-loss minded friend, family member, or colleague.

2) If you like today's blog, email Adam (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com) and ask about his "Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss" that will hit cyberspace next week. :)

Thanksgiving Success Weight-Loss Tip #1: Go Light on Wednesday

You are about to give your body the feast of the year on Thursday, so don't go to town on Wednesday.  Shoot for 1200-1500 calories on Wednesday, and don't eat anything after 8pm.  Drink 64 oz of water today as well!

Thanksgiving Success Weight-Loss Tip #2: Exercise 2 hours before mealtime

On the big day, give yourself a big workout 2 hours before mealtime.  Easier said than done, right?  Well, let the turkey cook, sneak to the bedroom or basement and do all the squats, push ups, bicep curls, tricep dips on the staircase, of full-blown weight training you can do.  Don't do cardio (unless that is your only option), pump iron!  And hard!  This will stimulate your metabolism and get your body ready for the big meal.

Thanksgiving Success Weight-Loss Tip #3: Enjoy the best meal of the year

Go for it.  Whether or not you deserve it, go ahead and eat like a normal American on Thanksgiving.  Don't kill yourself, but certainly enjoy.

Thanksgiving Success Weight-Loss Tip #4: Eat Your Left-Overs by 7pm

Most people have "the meal" in the afternoon.  That's fine.  Prepare your palet for the double-dose around 7pm.  If we are going to go nuts on calories, it's best not to put too many calories in the system late at night.  Start "left-over dinner" around 7pm.

Thanksgiving Success Weight-Loss Tip #5: Drink 64 oz of Water on Turkey Day

It's a must!  With all the toxins and garbage going into your body, make sure water is present enough to flush them out.  Throughout the course of the day, drink water.  I like to have a 64 oz container with me to make sure I down the right amount.  If you do water well on Thanksgiving, you will set your body up for a successful toxin flush out on Friday (note: the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers.  Drink water so your body can flush toxins more easily, which will help keep the plumber away!).

Two quick things before you go:1)  If you liked today's blog, pass it on to your weight-loss minded friend, family member, or colleague.

2) If you liked today's blog, email Adam (adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com) and ask about his "Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss" that will hit cyberspace next week. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sidney Australia) to work with you.

Three Key Truths to Help You Stay on Track, Lose the Fat, and Lose the Weight

Body change is hard.  Weight loss is hard.  Doing the little things that add up to the big results is hard!  If it were easy, no one would be fat!

As an in-home personal trainer, I spend a lot of time helping my clients stay motivated.  Here are three ideas I share most often with my future weight-loss phenoms.  And by the way, to learn more about what I do and how to get a ridiculous discount on my upcoming project "The Little Ebook on Fat Loss and Weight Loss", send an email to adam@keepyourbetterhalf.com.

Weight-Loss Motivational Truth #1: Saying No Makes You Stronger!

Remember the last time you said no to the overweight co-worker when she offered you cake.  Remember how it hurt to suffer through watching others eat cake...then an hour later you felt really proud of yourself?  Remember that?  That feeling of pride is a result of empowerment.  A moment came for weakness to overtake you and you got strong!  Each time you say no, saying no gets easier.  It's like lifting weights.  Very difficult at first because not much muscle exists, but over time it gets easier.

Some people are worried about offending the person offering them the chance to be weak.  Don't worry about offending the fat.  Be offended that they want you to chew on your daily dues.  You will only have to tell each person the following line ONE TIME and they will be slow to offer you goodies in the future: "No thanks.  I decided I need to treat myself better, so I'm sticking to foods that make me feel good about me."

People HATE being rejected.   Saying no to them once, and alerting them that no is in their future tends to thwart the efforts of those trying to keep you fat.

Weight-Loss Motivational Truth #2: Failing to Plan Results in Failure

Too often I hear this story: food plans are going great, exercise is going well, until that ONE DAY when we wake up late, have to run out the door, and we end up grabbing whatever food comes our way because we are starving, too busy to think about food at work, and then get stuck at a dinner meeeting where all the options are love handles waiting to happen.  Where was the protein shake fairy when you needed her?  This is a killer day that needs to be avoided!

Planning is everything!  Always make your snacks and lunch the night before.  Always go through your day and your foods the night before.  Seriously, it takes five minutes.  Go ahead, take some time for you, and set yourself up for success.  You are worth it! 

The one day that you don't plan your stuff ahead of time will end up being the one day when everything comes crashing down on you.  Murphy's Law will kick in.  The boss will be extra demanding on your "I didn't plan ahead" day.  The kids will make a mess in the car while you are driving.  Your protein shake will fall over and spill everywhere when you won't think you have time to make/buy another one.

And your momentum and spirit will be crushed.  Give yourself the gift of 5 minutes every night just to set up success for the following day.  Weight loss and body change are not accidents.  They require careful planning!  Plan your way into your new body!

Weight-Loss Motivational Truth #3: Keeping Your Eye on the Prize is the Best Way to Get the Prize!

Is it the pair of jeans you haven't fit into in six years?  Hang them up in the kitchen!  Is it the event where you will see your newly exed-spouse?  Put their picture on your bathroom mirror!  Is it the in-laws who say you will never lose the weight (which, by the way, aren't they fat too?)?  Quote their prognostications on an index card and look at it every day. 

Whether you want to fit into different clothes, draw the attention of a past flame (or potential flame!), or put some negativity to rest from the naysayers, be sure to revisit your "why" every single day.  When you can connect to the positive emotions body change will bring and anchor them into your system, saying yes to the gym and saying no to the cake get a lot easier to say!  By reminding yourself why it's important to do the right thing each day, you are more likely to do the right thing and get your body where it needs to be!  Keep your eye on the prize!

Adam Erwin is an in-home personal trainer who travels the world to work with people who are ready to put excuses aside and work hard to change their body.  Visit www.keepyourbetterhalf.com to learn more about what Adam does, who he works with, and how you can have him come and work with you!  A Minneapolis resident, Adam will work close to home (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina) or will travel to your location (San Diego, Miami, Phoenx, Sidney Australia) to work with you.