I am very excited to share with you my first national TV feature.  I flew out to NYC and filmed this piece for Parents TV.  I don’t have Comcast Cable, but for those of you who do (which is 15 million houses nation wide), you can find my segment running for the next couple weeks under the parents segment on demand.

This segment is also fun for me to look back at the past couple years and see how I have grown as a person, and on camera.  I believe that this is the first of many opportunities I will have to share my love and passion for fitness with a very large audience!

Thanks to Parents TV for making me feel welcome and treating me so well during the video shoot!

I am sure by now you are aware of the Fit Moms For Life program, but if you are looking for a home workout program that doesn’t have the cheesyness you see in many workout dvds, then be sure to click here to learn more.  We give the first DVD and CD away for free in order to let you sample the monthly program.

One of the most asked questions I get is workout ideas for those of you who spend most of your day hunched over your desk.  The rounded shoulders, which have become an epidemic the past 30 years since more and more people are sitting at desks and computers.  It is extremely important to take preventative measures to make sure you don’t permanently have poor posture, which down the road can lead to some serious issues.

I have an amazing person named Alicia helping me with the demonstrations.  Alicia is one of our all star Fit Fun Bootcampers and is definitely the life of the party.  She enjoys setting singles up together as potential matches and really does a great job of supporting the bootcampers.  She is also an AMAZING sprinter when you get her outside running.  Watch out!

Be sure to pay attention to how flat she keeps her back on the exercises that require her to be bent over.  This is one of the hardest positions for myself and my trainers to get across to some people.  For those who have had poor posture for many years and have muscle imbalances, it is very tough to keep the back flat instead of rounded.

So today as you sit in the office, grab a coworker, don’t actually grab your coworker though, and go through some of these exercises!

Tiffany before 43 lbs heavier

I am excited to share with you another one of our transformation stories today.  Her name is Tiffany and she has quietly been working out hard the past year through Fit Fun Bootcamps and has lost a total of 43 lbs so far.  I am so proud of her for many reasons.  First, she works a full time job as a nurse and has committed to working out early in the morning.  Second, she drives 30 minutes each day to come to the workouts and has to get up from her warm cozy bed at 4:30 AM!  Lastly, she is 25 lbs lighter than she has ever been in her adult life.  One of my beliefs that Tiffany has shown to be true, and one of my goals I have for each and every mom I work with, is to get them into the best shape of their life.  Tiffany has certainly done that!

When speaking with her, she said she now identifies and associates with people who are more healthy and fit.  This is such a key to short term success as well as long term healthy changes.  Being around people who make fitness part of their daily activity will improve the chances of continuing to stay fit throughout the years.

Check out her story.

Please share your comments and ask some specific questions that you have for Tiffany!

One of the things that gets me the most mad are all the infomercials out there that come up with the most worthless inventions to take advantage of desperate people looking for a quick fix.  Click here to check out a previous post I wrote about this subject.  Check this video out from the Ellen show.  At least she is making fun of it and not endorsing it!  By the way, I still haven’t heard back from Ellen, but I am determined to get on her show!

Have you ever bought an infomercial product and regret buying it later because it didn’t work or you never used it? Please share with us in the comment box below!

I have probably shared with you well over 1000 tips on this blog throughout the past year to help you lose weight and get in shape.  As we enter 2010 I tried to come up with one that trumps all the others if you are looking for fat loss, and quick fat loss at that.  I also looked at everything unhealthy we do in our lives to create sickness and disease, and it comes back to the same topic

Sugar!

I already know you know that sugar isn’t the best thing for you, but I don’t think you know just how bad it is and how it is making you fat as well as harm your body.  If you struggle with too much sugar watch this 30 second video 10 times in a row and ingrain it into your mind

Now that you have a disgusting image of what sugar is really doing to you,  I would like you to try to find some extra time and sit down and watch this lengthy video (maybe over the weekend).  Break it up into 3 30 min chunks if you need to.  This is the most scientifically backed presentation I have ever seen on the affects of sugar.  The presenter is making some very bold statements and has research to back it up.  I always try to find some middle ground in the argument and say that you can have sugar in moderation.  The problem is sugar is in almost EVERYTHING!  So it is very tough to have moderation.  The guy who is presenting is far smarter than me when it comes to this topic, but I want to let you know that for 100’s of my clients who have nearly eliminated sugar, and for myself when I do so before my fitness shows, I can tell you there is no simpler and quicker way to lose fat and feel amazing!  I guarantee that!

If you want more resources on this topic click here.

Please share with everyone your experiences with sugar or something that you got out of this video!

A WOMAN’S WEEK AT THE GYM

I wanted to thank Arika for sending me this funny email!  I bet some of you can relate

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
____________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me.
He is something of a Greek god– with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!  Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines.. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!
Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!
________________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT!
It’s a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn’t try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.
Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members.. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.
My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other crap too.
_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Christo was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn’t help being a half an hour late– it took me that long to tie my shoes. More on Hilarious Story About The First Week Working Out!

I am super excited to share a story with you of one of my many success stories so far from the Fit Moms For Life DVDs.  Her name is Karen, and she has been so transformed (not only outwardly), that she has quit her corporate America job and has begun an internship program with me and is taking a personal training certification to help transform the lives of so many, similarly to how she has been transformed.

Karen turned her flabby size 6-8 body, into a very toned size 2-4.  She had always been a long distance runner and suffered what many of the distance runners who run a lot, but don’t do weights; which is a healthy weight, but above average body fat with very little muscle tone.  Karen is now pretty jacked up and toned.  She will be writing a couple more articles with specific training programs to combine the weights with a running program to help improve your 5K or 10K.  With those articles, she will share with everyone her before and after pic!

I don’t want this post to be so much about how great my Fit Moms For Life DVDs or my Fit Fun Bootcamps are, but rather show YOU the power of creating a well rounded body.  You are fooling yourself if you think just running for exercise is a great total body workout, or just swimming, or just biking, or just doing xy or z.  You need to work ALL muscles from ALL different directions to ensure a body that not ony functions well but looks good too!

So here is Karen’s post!

Stronger, faster, thinner and healthier are the best words to describe the results I have experienced participating in Fit Moms For Life. I have been an avid runner for most of my life running 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon races. Running kept me “in shape” through college and three pregnancies yet small injuries, stagnant race times and the dreaded muffin top were frustrating me.

As a coach of middle school and high school runners, I knew if I was going to tackle these issues, I needed to work on core strength and strength training. Yet, as a busy Mom of three young girls, 7, 5 and 18 months fitting in a class or a joining a health club wasn’t an option for me. As luck would have it, Dustin was holding a Mama Tone class in a shared gym while my daughter took gymnastics. I watched with curiosity at first and then signed up to start receiving his email messages. As I learned more about his training and philosophies, I wanted to find a way to participate in his program.

Sitting on the sidelines, wasn’t going to improve my fitness. The first step for me was taking time for me. So, for Mother’s Day, I took the time away from my family to attend a free bootcamp at Elver Park. The weather was cold and rainy but I brought along my sister and sister in-law to give it a try. I loved it, especially the hill sprints, I was hooked and really sore for the next few days!

Taking a class still wasn’t working with our family schedule so I was doing interval/burst training on my treadmill and using short videos from Dustin’s blog to enhance my workouts. The interval and burst training was not only burning fat, it was helping me to increase my running speed. My 5-K training run times were steadily dropping. But most importantly, it was fitting into my schedule so I could stay committed to the training plan I developed. The burst/interval training is so effective at burning fat that I didn’t need to run for 45 or 60 minutes. I could workout for 20 - 30 minutes and get great results.

Another thing I do after every workout is keep a journal of what I did, how I felt and my accomplishments. This log serves a few purposes. First, I enjoy looking back and seeing the progress I have made. Second, it serves as motivation when a workout is feeling hard to see what I did last week or last month and push to run faster or lift heavier weights. Third, it is my trainer, keeping track that I am working out and improving. If there are too many blank days, it encourages me to get back on track.

When Dustin introduced Fit Moms For Life, I signed up immediately. I needed assistance with weight training and this was a great option for my at home plan. When I received the 1st DVD I couldn’t wait to start. I am not going to tell you it was easy or pain free. I had to stay very motivated to get up and workout 5-6 mornings a week at 5:30 AM. I had to convince myself to use heavier weights and I had to push through a lot of muscle soreness. For my workouts, I alternate Fit Moms For Life DVD’s with interval/burst treadmill training.

The results, more than I could have expected. After six weeks, I started to see changes in my body. I should have taken before pictures and measurements but I didn’t and I regret it. I encourage everyone starting the program to take measurements. It may be painful at the time but you will be happy you did to see your results.

Approximately eight weeks into my training, I ran a 5K race and was the 10th woman to finish. I took an amazing five minutes off of my 5K time from last year. More important than that, I am running injury free. I always had a sore hamstring or knee or tight muscle that was slowing me down. Thanks to stronger muscles, especially my hamstrings and core, I no longer have the minor aches and injuries. The core and muscle strength also help make daily activities easier.

Another benefit to staying committed to the program is the 15 pounds of weight I have lost. My arms, back, waist and legs are so much more toned and I feel great about it. I can wear a tank top and know that I no longer have the “flying squirrel” under my arms.

If you want to run faster, lose weight and be healthier, I encourage you to take the first step and give yourself the gift of time to improve yourself. It only takes me 20 - 30 minutes five to six days a week. Not only will you improve yourself you will set an example for your kids. My three girls know my workout time is important to me and they now are more interested even at their young ages in staying fit and getting stronger. As they grow up, I look forward to working out with them. If I can find the time get in shape, you can to. What are you waiting for?

Do you have questions for Karen?  She would be happy to answer them!  Write them in the box below.

This past weekend I was able to get an exclusive interview with season seven’s Biggest Loser mother/daughter team Kristin and Cathy!  They were both so amazing and definitely have a passion for helping people begin “living their lives” instead of just existing.

Here are some of the biggest take aways I got from this interview:

1.  Weigh your food using a food scale, you need to measure it to manage it.  Our society has lost all perspective on proper portion size and the only way to be sure is to buy a scale.  I recommend a digital one, you can get them at a Target or Walmart for about $30.

2.  Surround yourself with people who are going to support your new healthy behaviors.

3.  Get out of denial and stop living a “comfortable life.”

4.  Work with professionals.

5.  Don’t focus just on the scale, but overall health benefits.  Focus on getting off meds, and decreasing aches and pains.

6.  Find enjoyment in physical activities.

7.  Don’t just do one form of exercise.  Cross train and find new activities that you can try out.

8.  Prepare as much food yourself and don’t rely on eating out.

9.  If you have to eat out, plan ahead and know what are the better choices at restaurants.

10.  Make a food journal.

11.  You don’t need the Biggest Loser to get what you want.  Dig deep and realize you have what it takes inside of you.

12.  You need to make the COMMITTMENT!

Inside Secrets of the Biggest Loser

One of the most interesting things Kristin said about the BL behind the scenes is that they weigh-in the morning of the TV weigh-in under medical supervision. But, the contestants don’t know the results until the official weigh in.  In order to prevent extreme dehydration measures, they are required to give a urine sample right before the weigh-in and if it doesn’t meet BL standards, they have to drink water until it does.

Also they had to prepare ALL their food on the ranch, there was no one who cooked it for them.

The weigh-in actually takes a lot longer than you see on TV because of all the takes and retakes that is required for TV.

The contestants still keep in touch with each other since the show and also are close to contestants from past seasons and newer seasons.

Are you ready?

If after watching this interview you have become inspired and are ready to take that next frightful step towards becoming the YOU that you deserve, I would be honored to be your “Bob and Jillian.”  Whether you are in the Madison area and can come to a Fit Fun Bootcamp, or if you workout with me in the comfort of your own home through the Fit Moms For Life DVDs, or if you are just wanting some quick workouts to target your midsection through my Got Core program, I would be honored to have the pleasure to work with you!  If you are uncertain which program is best, or just need a little guidance, I am giving you permission to email me directly at dustinmaherfitness@gmail.com, this will go directly to my inbox instead of my assistants inboxes.  I will try to help as many of you as I can!

When I saw this video about a week ago, the word I had was “Wow!”  I am not a huge movie person and don’t follow any actors or actresses, but I have enjoyed Will Smith, but more what he stands for and what he believes.  I have heard a couple interviews with him throughout the years and have been very impressed.

Thankfully for us, there was someone who decided to put together a montage of Will Smith’s wisdom.

There are so many gems in the video.  Watch it a couple times and let it soak in.  There are so many lessons you can learn regarding your fitness and health.

Here are a couple of the quotes I pulled out and a little commentary from me on them.

“I am not afraid to die on a treadmill”

Never let anyone out work you.  Hustle and focus can make up for a lack of genetic ability, past failures, and low self-esteem.  Hard work will get you far in life, but make sure it is smart work as well.  That is why I encourage you to do shorter intense exercise instead of long time consuming workouts.

“Don’t you ever try to tell me that something is impossible.”

If you think you can’t get in shape, you are probably right, and if you believe you can get in shape you are also right.  You need to know that even though something might be challenging, it is never impossible.  The only two words I never let my clients say are the words “I can’t.”

“Don’t try to build a wall, just tell yourself you just need to lay one brick as straight and perfect as possible.” More on Words Of Wisdom From Will Smith