The Fiscal Cliff meets the Physical Mountain

The fiscal cliff meets the physical mountain:

We have heard  the world is not coming to an end on December 21st, but has anyone even thought of what is going to happen on January 1st?

Not only will we be falling off of the fiscal cliff, but we will also be ascending the physical mountain.

Every year since I can remember the Y has opened its doors to a whole new group of members on January 1st.  All of those people making their New Year's resolutions to "get in shape" or "get back in shape" come through the doors and begin that arduous and painful journey of undoing all of the work of the last year or more leading to those few extra pounds.  It is a wonderful sight for me personally because I know the great intentions that people honestly have.  Fortunately, with some consistent work and focus, this physical mountain can be ascended and we can all stand atop the hill and plant our flags of fitness.

This year, however, the physical mountain might be a whole lot steeper since we will be simultaneously falling off of the fiscal cliff.  

If our leaders in Washington stop and think about the tremendous challenges we already assume on New Year's Day and the amount of additional work we are about to encounter to climb the physical mountain after falling off of the fiscal cliff maybe they might actually do a little additional work to avoid the depths from which we will have to begin this journey.  Maybe they can, some how, postpone the cliff just to give us a little extra time to start up the mountain before we fall off the cliff.

After all, for me, the physical mountain has come about every year that I can remember.  This is the first fiscal cliff I am also going to have to encounter.  

Maybe this year those of us who work in the "mountain climbing" business can show those folks in the "cliff falling" business how to work together to reach some goals.  Maybe we can start some new, fun activities that everyone can participate in equally to help us all summit our personal mountains.

Maybe, if we all get up New Year's morning and head outside for a nice walk or jog, the fiscal cliff won't be such a far fall.

Here's to mountain climbing on New Year's Day!!

LiveSTRONG Day

On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer with metastasis to his abdomen, lungs and brain.  Less than 3 years later he won his first of 7 Tour de France races.
More importantly, to me anyway, in 1997 he established the Lance Armstrong Foundation which today provides close to $30 million dollars a year for cancer survivorship programming.
LiveSTRONG at the Y was established as a partnership with the foundation.  It is a free 12 week exercise program at the Tampa Y for all cancer survivors in any stage of survivorship. 
To us, you become a survivor the moment you are diagnosed.  
The program is designed to help survivors get their "mojo" back physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Y Coaches are trained to assist in all of the physical conditioning and the participants bring about the inspiration to each other to continue the fight.  The strength of each individual is apparent in their words and deeds and the fellowship of the "yellow" is a tremendous bond.
Be a part of the fight and get involved today.  Your life will be changed for the better.  I guarantee it.
Good luck to everyone participating in the Komen 3 day and the Race for the Cure.  This is certainly one war worth fighting!!
Wear yellow today in honor of LS day.

Lance

Lance Armstrong gave up the fight against the USADA regarding his accusation of doping with regard to his 7 Tour de France victories.
Whether this alarms you or not as far as his innocence or guilt is completely up to you.  Many people have asked me about the LiveSTRONG bracelet I wear every day.  "Will you take it off?".

"Heck no", I say.  To me Lance's legacy is his work to support cancer survivors, not his Tour victories.  Having the opportunity to work with and love cancer survivors every day is an honor and because of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Tampa YMCA more than 500 survivors from the age of 3 to 93 are enjoying free YMCA memberships with trained cancer wellness coaches walking them through every aspect of wellness.

I will take my bracelet off when cancer is cured.

If you are a survivor, please come to the Y and join us.  We will be honored to serve you, teach you and support you.  If you know a survivor, please pass on the opportunity.

5, 2, 1 almost none

They are your choice.

Do you know what your child is eating today?

For the sake of his or her health you should take a look.

Does your child have access to fresh fruits and vegetables?  Is water the drink of choice?

If you follow the Nemours Hospital curriculum entitled "5, 2, 1, almost none", you will be a much healthier family.

• 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
• 2 hours or less of inactive screen time per day - turn the computer and the TV off
• 1 hour or more of vigorous physical activity every day
• Almost no sugary beverages - try to use water as your primary source of liquid every day.

Can this be a personal and/or a family challenge?

Tampa Tri Team

Tampa Tri Team - the Tampa Y's triathlon team

Have you ever wanted to do a triathlon?

Now is the time.  visit www.tampatriteam.com and look at all of your opportunities to join your Tampa YMCA for running, biking and swimming fun.

Each branch has staff and volunteers gearing up and competing in the 2012 season.  Every one can be a resource and there are many groups to train with.

If you want to get started visit our website or ask your wellness director today.

Target race - Saturday, October 20th for the 11th Annual Suncoast Triathlon at Fort DeSoto Park - a great beginner race.

Just get started....

History

The 2012 Summer olympics are over.  The closing ceremonies were a tremendous account of British things that were great including so many crowd shots of the athletes and their medals.  The games were inspiring as we can see from the "uptick" in participation in our gymnastics and swimming programs.
Did you feel the surge?  Were you inspired?  Do you need to go back and watch the competitions again?  How can we ride this wave of sports, activity and American pride momentum and keep it alive?  What did you take from the games that is inspiring you?  Can you keep it going for 4 years?

Get ready for Rio and some more great inspiration.

Want a great workout?

Saturday August 4th

Body Pump Launch at the Northwest Family YMCA 9:15am
9:15 - Body Pump with Dawn
Located at: 8950 West Waters Avenue Tampa, FL 33615
Call Dawn for details and class registration - 813 249-8510

Les Mills Demo Day at the Brandon Family YMCA  11:30am - 3:00pm

11:30—12:00 BODYSTEP (Christy/Julianne)

12:00—12:30  CXWORX (Deanna/LaMor)

12:30—1:00  BODYPUMP (Deanna/LaMor)

  1:00—2:00  BODYVIVE (Laura/Ilia)

  2:00—2:30 BODYCOMBAT (Ilia/Laura)

  2:30—3:00  BODY FLOW (Laura)

Located at: 3097 S. Kingsway Rd. Seffener, FL 33584

Call Tina for details and class registration - 813 685 - 5402

What will you do today?

A beautiful friend sent me this quote:

The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.” - William Arthur Ward

What will you do today?  Every aspect spoken of in this quote can lead to a healthier happier human being.

The XXX Olympiad


The opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer olympics will be broadcast tonight at 7:30pm.


Will you be watching?


What memories do you have of previous games?
Do you remember the opening ceremonies from Beijing?
Do you recall Michael Phelps winning 8 gold medals?
Do you remember the boycott of 1980?
The hostage deaths of 1972?
Do you know the story of Jim Thorpe and the 1912 Olympics?


During the second half of the opening ceremonies we will get to see reminders of the Industrial Revolution.  The YMCA was founded during the Industrial Revolution in London in 1844 by George Williams as a place for young men (hence the name) to find respite and escape the activities very common in London at the time.  11 men started a bible study led by department store employee George Williams.  168 years later we still strive to meet our community needs.  An amazing history.


The Olympic games serve not only as the showcase for the world's most outstanding athletes, but also an opportunity to come together as one world. 


Think about what barriers sports break down. 


We will get to see approximately 17,000 athletes from 205 countries participating in 26 different sports.


The US delegation will be led by 2 time gold medalist fencer Mariel Zagunis of Beaverton, Oregon.  She will carry the US flag in the year of the 40th anniversary of Title IX which seems quite fitting.


I look forward to the show.

The Tour


The Tour de France ended on Sunday with a ceremonious ride down the Champs - Elysee by winner Bradley Wiggins a member of the British Team Sky.


How neat was that?  History was made.  


The Tour de Y also "unofficially" ended Sunday with Mr. Peter Holmes closing out a total of 7890 minutes in the saddle equalling over 18410 Y miles.  


I had a few opportunities to talk with Peter during the 3 week tour and my constant question to him was WHY? His very humble and constant answer was because I really want to inspire others to stretch themselves and do things they think they cannot do.


Peter is 67 years old, has had his hip replaced and is now working on his second pacemaker.  


If you need a little inspiration to stretch, look at Peter.  If you want to win the Tour de France, look at Bradley Wiggins.  Whatever you do, keep looking.  Motivation is usually out ahead of us somewhere.

The Y Diabetes Prevention Program
The Y's program which mirrors "the Diabetes Prevention Program" is a year long lifestyle adaptation program that coaches people who are at high risk for developing diabetes through gradual lifestyle changes that result in weight loss and a reduction of the risk of developing diabetes.


The program's history dictates that a weight loss of just 7% of your total body weight results in a reduction of developing diabetes by 58%!!


As you do the math you can see that the weight loss is not that overwhelming, but rather quite possible given some good coaching and consistent motivation.


If you would like to find out more information about the Y's Diabetes Prevention Program email shera.goode@tampaymca.org.


Just ask, we can help you achieve your goals.

Big Fat Math
Have you ever wondered how many times you would have to wash your dog to burn off all of the calories in a regular butterfinger bar?

Just in case you have and couldn't figure it out, check out http://www.bigfatmath/ and see selected activities necessary to burn off the calories consumed in your daily life.

It is a real practical and fun way to see how much energy you have to expend if you eat certain junk food.

Try it and see how clean your dog gets.

Children get it right
Take a moment today to watch a child play.
Notice how easy it is for them to create fun out of "nothing".  They know how to "work out". They just call it play.  They know how to eat right and they stop when they are full instead of over full.  Most importantly they know how to solve problems by the order of common sense.
They don't over think they just do and the world goes on.
Seeing the world through a child's eye can really open our eyes to ways that may make life much easier and much happier in many ways.
Take a glance and see what happens.

Hot Now...
You have all seen it in the window.
How does it make you feel?
can you drive by or do you drive through?
If you drive through, how many do you get?
If you eat them, how do you feel?


How do you feel when you drive by?


Do you give yourself as much credit for driving by as you give yourself grief for driving through?


What happens when you pat yourself on the back?


Try it.....then try it again....

Forming Habits....
21 days does not make a habit.
If it did I would no longer consume processed sugars.
Every year, for Lent, I give up processed sugars just to be sure I still can.
Every year as soon as I take the first bite of an oatmeal raisin cookie I can no longer stop the intake.


So, how long does it take?  It is much better not to ask the question since the research is not conclusive.  The things we do know that help change habits are:
Get yourself a coach and or a buddy and create both an accountability plan and a reward plan.
Jot it all down and recognize that we are human, therefore we are not perfect.


Get back on the horse every time you fall off and each time it will get a little easier to stay on.


Go outside and play. Your brain and body will feel better.

Welcome

Hi and welcome to Mo's Wellness Blog.
I hope to post a few tid bits that may help you on your journey.

Just for now, think about how you would define "healthy" for yourself.  It should be from that perspective that you engage and seek understanding.

Sun - it is beautiful.  Take advantage of it, but don't let it take advantage of you.