We are now offering “Cardio-Free” studio classes in our offices on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

I sit right outside the studio and am amazed by the number of people who say, “I haven’t worked this hard in years.”

It’s really essential to push the intensity when working out. Without it, you are basically wasting your time.

PLUS, if you are working out, with or without a trainer, and not seeing results, then it’s time to switch up your routine OR your trainer.

The definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting new or different results.”

Don’t be insane!

Jim

Australian researchers tracked 8,800 people for 6 years and found that those who watched 4 hours were 46% more likely to die of any cause and 80% more likely to die of heart disease than people who reported spending less than 2 hours a day in front of the tube.

The researchers say, “it’s not the sweaty type of exercise were losing,” as many of the participants did report getting 30-45 minutes a day of exercise, “it’s the incidental moving around, walking around, standing up and utilizing muscles that doesn’t happen when we are plunked on a couch in front of a television.”

There is an emerging body of research that shows how prolonged periods of inactivity can affect the body’s processing of fats and other substances that contribute to heart risk. You can avoid that by simply avoiding extended periods of sitting.

Take away? Stop sitting while doing things or at the very least, sit on a ball. I am right now and my whole staff does in my Chicago office.

Jim

February is the PERFECT time to get a jump on losing weight.

We all know the horrible statistic that most people fall off their “New Year’s Resolution” within the first few weeks.

So, this is the chance to really make it happen in 2010.

First thing you have to do – agree to ONLY eat on salad plates for one week.

The research is so compelling that the smaller the plate/glass, the smaller the portion.

So do it. I am.

Jim