Biggest Loser "Winner" Pete Thomas

Last week I had the opportunity to meet Season 2-Biggest Loser "Winner" Pete Thomas at the Ron Winans Heart of Champions 5K/10K Race in Detroit.

Pete lost 185 pounds in nine months. He dropped 102 of those pounds off the ranch while he was back home in Ann Arbor, MI.

Here's a few tips he gives on eating smart.

■Recognize your emotional or stress eating patterns
■Set up modifications to help you manage your stressful and emotional eating situations.
■Begin to create and practice healthier eating practices for daily life.
■Create different eating plans and practices for different situations
■Plan ahead for reoccurring food related events in your life such as office parties, holiday gatherings etc.
■Repeat the above positive behaviors until they become second nature.

For more info Pete go to his website at www.winningman.com

2010 Ron's Heart of Champions Race

Many churches and charity organizations across the country are starting to hold 5K runs. For example, once again, I participate in the Ron Winans Heart of Champions 5K Run in Detroit. It is an enjoyable and unforgettable weekend. Each year Pastor Marvin Winans of Perfecting Church gives his red carpet treatment all weekend long.

The run is a blast and well over 800 people participated, include Gospel Artist Bebe Winans and Biggest Loser Winner Pete Thomas. The course at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park is very scenic and challenging.

This brings me to my next point. I urge you to participate in a 5K run in your area. These runs are very popular and you will find that there is one held every weekend somewhere nearby.

Here are five benefits in getting involved and training for a 5K:

1. It will help with weight loss, fighting aging and disease, and with generally staying healthy.
2. It will give you confidence and build character. It will also relieve stress and boost your attitude.
3. It will allow you to enjoy the outdoors and create a release of endorphins that can cause euphoria (runner’s high), or just a general sense of happiness.
4. You will have a blast and experience a sense of accomplishment.
5. You will benefit your church, the community and its culture.

Training for a marathon or a triathlon is great, but it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and most importantly, a lot of time. If you are like most people, your time is very valuable, but at the same time working out and exercising is very important. That is why I suggest that you train for a 5K run.

Here are three reasons why I love training for a 5K race:
1. It does not take up a lot of your time - you run an average of only 13.5 miles per week.
2. It is less taxing on your body – It takes me a long time to recover after running a marathon. I can recover from a 5K in a day or two.
3. It is a way to track your progress – You can try to improve your time during every race.

If you follow a good 5K training program, I strongly feel you will be able to complete your first 5K and be clocked at a competitive time within eight weeks.

Are you ready to get started? I hope you are excited. Training for a 5K will give you confidence and character. It will also relieve the stress and boost your attitude. Get off to a running start!

MVP 28 Fat Flush-WHAT TO EXPECT

The MVP 28 Day Fat Flush program is a fun and challenging program designed to help you lose weight and get in shape.

What To Expect- The MVP 28 Day Fat Flush is unmatched in terms of results and intensity. As a result, your body will be challenged like no other group fitness class. Existing injuries may be aggravated and/or new injuries may occur. If you have any question about your ability to participate in this program, please consult your physician and the instructor. You are responsible for any accidents or injuries from participation in the program. If you experience any abnormal discomfort, stop exercising immediately and alert the instruction.

If you show up to the workout well fueled and push yourself to the best of your ability, then you can expect excellent results at the end of the 28 days. You will be challenged regardless of your ability level of fitness. This program is designed to challenge participants individually.

For example, if we are doing sit ups, you will be asked for 60 seconds of your best effort, not a specific number of repetitions. The advanced and beginner client can apply 100% of their effort and not be held back or overwhelmed. You will not be competing with others. The workouts and intensity will be progressive over the course of the class. If you adhere to the program, you will see major results.

How To Prepare For Class. You should wear clothing appropriate to exercise and the environment, please bring a towel, exercise mat and water. It is very important to eat and be well hydrated before class. It is also very important that you drink water and eat a light and healthy meal before the start of each workout session.

Class Etiquette. Please arrive on time to your workout. It is important to warm-up prior to exercise to reduce the likelihood of injury. Please note that tardiness may cost you and your fellow 28 Day Fat Flush members 60 seconds of push-ups.

Missed classes and refunds. You may use the other area MVP Boot Camp programs to make up missed session within two weeks of the absence. A complete schedule can be found on our website at www.mvpfitness.net. There are no refunds.

Inclement Weather Policy. In the event of inclement weather, class will be cancelled. Information on the status of class during inclement weather will be available by calling 314-831-7505. Notice of cancellation for classes will normally occur prior to one (1) hour before the schedule class time.

You may feel a little overwhelmed at the beginning of the program but you will leave each session with a great feeling of accomplishment.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST BIG STEP TO A BETTER HEALTH!

Four things I learned on my 1st Tri

I can mark off competing in a Triathlon from my bucket list.

My 1st Tri was Sunday morning, August 1st. The swim was a killer, the bike ride
was murder and the run was cut throat. But I still alive.

I just thank God for what He has done, for what He is doing and
for what He is going to do!

Here are 4 principles I learn while training for the Tri. These
concepts are transferable, you can use them in every aspect of your
life.

1. The will to win - We all have dreams. But in order to make
your dreams come true, it takes an awful lot of determination,
dedication, self-discipline, and effort.

2. The desire to succeed - I just learn how to swim 8 weeks ago. It
is a great challenge to learn something new. Always remember...
don't go into something to test the waters, go into things to make
waves.

3. Personal excellence - Whatever you do, don't do it halfway.
Your whole world will improve if you work on improving your
business, your life, your relationships, your finances and your
health. And finally....

4. The urge to reach your full potential. Who are we? We are
children of God. Our potential is unlimited. Our inheritance is
blessed. May we must always honor that inheritance -- in every
belief and action.

Invest In Your Child

Last week, I told you one in three children are overweight or
obese, putting them at greater risk of obesity-related conditions
like diabetes and cancer, heart disease, asthma.

But it's important to be clear that this issue isn't about how our
kids look. It's about how our kids feel.

Children who suffer from low self-esteem may smile less often, act
wrongly in the face of conflict or withdraw from opportunities to
try or learn new things.

Our children are the future and I want to do something about this
very serious problem we are facing..

I want to offer your child a Fitness Assessment at special
discounted price.

The simple MVP Fitness Assessment will educate and motivate you and
your child. It will provide you the blue print and the basis for
teaching your child the importance of exercising and eating right.

Components of the MVP Fitness Assessment include:

- Cardio Endurance Testing
- Muscular Strength Testing
- Muscular Endurance Testing
- Body Composition Testing
- Nutritional and Fitness guidance

Normally this Fitness Assessment costs $40 but as a special offer
you can have it for only $20, that's a 50% discount.

But, there is one catch. I can't keep this offer open forever. It's
only good until July 24th. After that time this special offer will
not be open. So, please don't delay. If you were considering
improving your child's health, now is your best time to schedule an
appointment. Just call my studio at 314-831-7505 and let them know
you're taking advantage of this special offer, we'll handle it from
there.

Michelle Obama Speaks on Obesity

First Lady Michelle Obama talked about her crusade against childhood obesity at the NAACP's National Convention in Kansas City.

Right now in America, one in three children is overweight or obese, putting them at greater risk of obesity-related conditions like diabetes and cancer, heart disease, asthma.

The fight against childhood obesity begins with you and me.

In other words, we can't tell our children to eat their vegetables if we sit around eating French fries. And we can't tell them to go run around outside if we spend all our free time on the couch watching TV.

Here are five small changes that will make a big difference and add up to real results:

1. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
2. Eat Less Sugar and Fat

3. Eat Healthier Snacks

4. Watch Our Portion Sizes and

5. Eat Together as a Family

5 Fun Family Fitness Tips

Spending quality family time is getting harder and harder. Gone are the days when children played around for whole day and their mothers had to call them back home to eat dinner. Today, on an average four out of six children spend their time watching television and surfing the internet for more than five hours a day. The present generation is very electronic centric and sees their world through TV, computers and cell phones.

The solution is a commitment on the part of the entire family to spend more time together. Summertime is a chance to spend some time on home improvement; improving your health and your relationship with the family.

Here 5 ways to have fun with family fitness:

1. Dig and Plant in the Garden- Help everyone plant their own vegetables, fruits and flowers.- having to clear, rake, seed, mow, aerate, fertilize, dethatch and water a garden or lawn tends to overwhelm the average person. The physical strains associated with a good day on the yard can be very positive and a great workout with creative benefits.

2. Take a Family Bike Ride - Bicycling is a good cardiovascular exercise that increases the health of your heart. You can plan cycling trips on safe trails by calling your local bike shop or bike club.

3. Go To the Pool - Water sports and especially swimming, are often a favorite summer time activity. There are many physical benefits of swimming and because of the low impact nature of the workout, swimming is considered a terrific exercise choice for not only healthy people, but also for those who face health challenges.

4. Take a Family Walk – Walking is an easy way to get - and stay healthy. Almost anyone can do it, it fits into just about any schedule, and best of all, it can be done with company of the entire family.

5. Yes, Your Own Backyard - Play traditional and modified backyard sports: basketball, softball, volleyball, and tetherball. Other activities include counting hula hoop rotations, jumping rope by practicing rhythms, rhymes and tricks and washing the car while enjoying an active game with the hose.

Family exercise may not be a miracle cure, but at times it sure seems like it. Remember, if you're tired and don't feel like exercising, once you start, you'll feel so much better. It is an amazing way to achieve and maintain your entire family’s health.