July 15, 2007
Just the right push to succeed!
Life's a Team Sport!
I recently read an article about two brothers that started a post-collegiate running camp to train distance runners. Their team, Hanson-Brooks Distance Project, has gained recent notoriety as their top runners have been finishing in the top of many U.S. Marathons. What struck me about the article was the concept of the Hanson brothers’ approach.
Their focus was on that of a team…not grooming a few superstars, but the formation of unified group with a common goal: Qualify for the Olympics. The Hanson brothers provide room and board for their runners and employment at one of their Detroit-area shoe stores. The runners train together; eat together; work together; and live together. They are a family. And for anyone that has been on a team like this, it’s easy to see why this group is becoming so successful.
Teams are a human phenomenon and an invaluable resource that we often forget to tap as we get past school-age. The power of a common goal can propel ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things - together. It’s contagious and it becomes a force that gains momentum over time. And while running seems like a very individual sport, it’s very much a group effort. Positive peer pressure pushes others to do their very best. When you train beside someone else and witness their triumphs and improvements, you start to think “If they can do it then I can do it, too!” Teams elevate everyone’s performance whether you’re being challenged by someone that’s faster, or pushed by someone that’s improving. Even the desire to beat a friend in a race can motivate us and our competitors to new heights.
Sadly, the camaraderie and positive energy of teams can seem to be a thing for youth sports only…a time that has passed many of us by. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Something as simple a neighborhood walking partner or a friend that you trade running goals with can keep you motivated. When we involve other people in our life and share our goals, we gain advocates and fans and likewise become the cheerleaders for others. So go ahead and unite for a common cause: join a running club; ask a friend to go for a walk; or organize a neighborhood race. Life’s a team sport…join forces, my friends!
10 Reasons to Have a Glass of Water
With the summer season upon us (in the northern hemisphere ;-), there seems to be an endless supply of caffeinated, alcohol, and sugary drinks from family get-togethers, vacation outings, to the neighborhood barbeques. It’s hard to avoid. And while there’s nothing wrong with having a treat now and again, remember that there’s an alternate choice out there that comes right out of the faucet and is a lot more refreshing – Water! Good old-fashioned water may not be your first drink choice, but here are some reasons to consider when you’re looking for a glass of something cool to quench your thirst:
- Water keeps our skin healthy and hydrated and deters age marks and wrinkles.
- Water adds shock absorption to our joints
- Water helps carry away waste from our blood stream and keeps the body functioning properly.
- Water fills our stomachs, so we eat less.
- Dehydration can lead to kidney stones and organ failure.
- Water has no additives or preservatives.
- Dehydration causes fatigue…drink water & feel energized!
- Water helps carries nutrients though our blood to where they need to be.
- Water has been associated with the reduced risk of certain diseases, like colon, bladder and breast cancers.
- Another symptom of dehydration are headaches…have a glass of water!
Despite all the benefits that water provides, it’s estimated that more than 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Our bodies are 2/3 water. We need water. We can live months without food, but a few days without water and we’ll die. Thirst can often be mistaken for hunger, causing over-eating when all our body really wanted was a glass of water. This summer, sit back and enjoy a tall glass of H20…and if you’re feeling real exotic…squeeze in a lemon or a lime. Here’s to a great summer….Cheers!!
Exercise of the Month:
The Lunge
The lunge is a great exercise for your leg and gluteal muscles (butt). Start with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands at your side or on your hips. Start by putting your left leg forward and lower your body weight until your upper left leg is parallel to the floor (as pictured). Your left knee should almost touch the ground and your back should remain upright. Return to the starting position and repeat with the right leg. Be sure to transition gently from one leg to the next, as sharp movements can put undue strain on the knee. Once you get comfortable with this exercise, you can step up the difficulty by adding some hand-held weights.
New Pages!!
Every month, The Fitness Motivator adds new pages and helpful resources to assist you in meeting your fitness goals. Some of these pages came about from YOUR ideas (thank you!), while others are based on personal lessons-learned. If you haven’t been on the site in awhile, here are just a few of the pages added since the last newsletter:
Sole Treadmill Review:
Knee Pain While Running:
Causes and prevention measures for one of the most common running injuries.
The Balance Board:
A simple tool - great results!
Hydration:
Convenient ways to stay hydrated for those long workouts.
Sound Off!
If you have any feedback (positive or negative), success stories to share, or suggestions for future articles, please feel free to drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you and we take all feedback, suggestions...and yes, even criticism very seriously. We’ll use this information to improve our newsletter and The Fitness Motivator site to help you and others like you attain your fitness goals.
Keep up the great work & stay focused on your goals. Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Mike
www.the-fitness-motivator.com
Encouragement to Succeed!
P.S. - Please feel free to forward this to a friend!