Retreat, Retreat!

Take time for YOU!

This past weekend I attended a men’s retreat with my church.  I have put it off, finding an excuse not to go for the last seven years.  Without a doubt one of the best decisions I have made in my adult life was to go this year.  I won’t miss another one.

We were in the woods of southern NH.  We stayed in lakeside cabins with nothing to do except what all 150+ men set out to do – increase our relationship with God and learn how to be better men, husbands, and dads.

One of the most refreshing things, amongst many, was the overwhelming feeling I had of complete non-judgement.  Every man there was focused on improving their lives through God, and helping their brother in Christ do the same. Period.  It was such an incredibly positive experience…I don’t think I can accurately put it into words.

The second aspect that comes to mind was the time that was purposely allocated for us to chill out!  On Saturday we had from lunch at noon until 4:00 to do what ever we wanted, what ever we needed to do, to make the weekend successful.  When was the last time you had any time at all when you didn’t HAVE to be somewhere, taking care of someone or doing something.

I went into this weekend with no expectations, feeling like a hamster on a wheel and physically ill after being diagnosed with Lyme Disease 12 days earlier.  I left a new man.  I have peace.  I am energized.  I am recommited to making a difference in this world. 

I felt the spirit of God and it was so wonderful it brought me to my knees.  The closest thing I can relate it to was the joy I felt when my kids were born – and that’s not even close!

So here’s the question:

What does this have to do with getting you in shape?

There are two things that are very important to your fitness success that I learned from this weekend.

1. Who are you surrounding yourself with?  Make sure the people around you are a positive influence on your life.  Toxic people will break you down over time and will not support you in your quest for better fitness no matter how you define it.  Seek people with similar goals for support and encouragement.  Also remember the people that are toxic are that way because they are hurting.  They need a positive person like you to help them.  In other words – have positive people for your support system and then pay it forward to someone who needs it.
2. Take time for yourself.  I can’t tell you how blessed I felt to sit quietly and think, pray, contemplate and appreciate.  So many of us are over-scheduled and over-worked.  Taking time to sit quietly is crucial to your health and well being.  Let your mind, body and soul recharge.  You’ll be thankful you did.

It is true sometimes we just don’t know we are missing.  Take steps today and plan a weekend, a day even, to get away from life.  Not to run away from it, but to be reminded why your life is so great and such a gift to you and to the people who know you.

Take time. Rest. Win.

Dave
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
“Fast, Repeatable, Efficient, Effective”

The Biggest Loser Strikes Again…

…and again, and again, and again.

First I would like to draw a comparison so you can see for yourself what make sense…and what doesn’t.

So you can see what is a quick fix, dangerous, unmotivating, fuel of incorrect concepts about fitness, and what is now apparently infecting the out of shape and overweight youth of the world as well.

Exihibit A

Mom in her mid 40’s who enrolled in a Biggest Loser Challenge at her local gym for 8 weeks.  First what the “program” consisted of:

Obama-fied Fitness

Last night the U.S. made history by electing Barack Obama as it’s first bi-racial President.  I am a republican and did not vote for Senator Obama.  However it sickens me to hear all of the cry babying this morning. 

What he did is inspirational and he led people to believe that truly – ANYTHING is possible if you set  a goal, stay focused on it and never, never give up.

I congratulate Barack Obama for overcoming, perservering and in the end winning.

Have you ever felt like you had a goal, a dream or an aspiration but there seemed to be huge obstacles in front of you?

Millions of people have fitness goals and