Hail to P-90x

Scott Schwab

Does anyone else feel like there is not enough time in a day? I think more than anything that is what I wish I could control. Anyway the day is beautiful and I feel like writing about something that I have seen my wife doing lately. She is now embarking on the p-90x routine and doing very well with it. I have watched her do the regiment and have to give props to the creators of the regiment. I think the main thing that I wanted to talk about is the time they take to work the abs. I have talked about this before, but would like to touch on the fact that we need to be working our core harder and longer. For many of us, it is an after thought or something that we briefly do at the end of our workout. This regiment is for 30 minutes and with minimal rests. I think that this style is wonderful, but if you are going to do this style you need to dedicate 2 or 3 days a week to 30 minutes per time. Or you can do 15 minutes per day and do differing exercises. The main point is this. Work those abs until you feel like you cannot give anymore, then do 10 more reps. This principle will push you harder each and every time, and allow you to expect more from yourself and your workouts. Most of your workout is mental. What I mean by that is depending on how much you give yourself an out, or think you are tired; it will show in your workout. Of course there will be days where your motivation is lower than others, but consistency is king. It will allow you push through those times and continue to get better. Now when doing your workouts for the abs specifically. Do many different workouts with as many reps as possible. The P-90x workout, he does 25 reps with about a 10 second rest in between. He does workouts that target all the different areas of the core. For instance he will do crunches, oblique sit ups, sit-ups with legs elevated, obliques with legs elevated. If you are looking for some ab workouts, look back over some of the other ab workouts that we have posted on. The main thing I would suggest is to set a group of exercises and either do the everyday abs for 15 minutes or the 30 minute workout, 2 or 3 times a week. Now, set it as a goal and go and do it. Research the exercises that you would like to do and get er done! You have to know your body and what you can do. We have four weeks left and now it is time to push it for the core challenge. have a great day and start your week off right.

Don't give up ladies!

Chandi Schwab

It has been way to long since my last Saturday post.So I apologize for that. Life with 3 kids has been an adjustment. That is no excuse though. I am gradually working my way back into shape. I have not seen the results as quickly as I would have liked, but I know that is all the more reason to push harder and keep going. I thought for today's post I would send out encouragement to all of you! We are all striving to become better.Whether it be with health and fitness or another area in our life or both.

The important thing is that we are continually making those strides towards our goals. And if we have set backs or falls, it is important to get back up and keep going. Make a list in your head or on paper of reasons why you want to reach that goal and think about those reasons as you make your strides to get there. Also... It is easier to motivate yourself, when you take the time to help or motivate others. Good Luck!

Importance of point of view

Scott Schwab

Today I wanted to do a little cheering for the soul. Wow is there a lot of gloom and doom in the forecast and swirling all around us. I went for a run today and tried to clear my mind and found a little remedy as I ran. I was thinking about many things as I ran and think I have a good comparison to pass on. I am always amazed by nature and the beauty of what we see all around. I am in Seattle Washington for the summer and feel like more than anytime in my life, that I am surrounded by the best the world has to offer. I started to think and figured at this time last year I was in Houston Texas and thought the same thing. With an election that was coming up and many issues with potential problems with the economy; those fears have now materialized and we see the troubles around. However, there are many good things happening and good that people are trying to create the best they know how. I was watching a Bee the other day, busy going from flower to flower. It was as though the bee only knew one speed and that was urgency. Bees are one of the most efficient and hard working insects besides ants. This is why we have the famous saying busy as a bee, etc. The point of view is this. I found that by watching the bee, they have a job, they know what they are to do and they do it. Many people that I see around, know their job and don't get it done. I believe that it is due to what they have in their mind. I think we make life to difficult and complicated. We need to commit ourselves to focus on the task at hand. I have found that when I set all my faculties to one direction that I am much more productive. Whether it be a workout, a job, career, a relationship, or whatever you are putting effort into, give it all you got. Stop giving yourselves excuses for why you did not achieve what you were looking to do. Keep your focus and give all you have. You have all heard it before. Give your best, leave it on the field, give 100%. Well do it! There is not another time that you will be able to have your waisted time back. I think about the bee and the mission that they have. It is to continue the life of plants and flowers through the process of pollinating. Our purpose is to continue on the process of pollinating in our life. Planting little seeds that will make a difference down the road. Harvest now for what we will reap later. Work now for what you will receive in the future. My advice for all of us including myself is to stop making excuses and get out and do the work that you are asked to do. Be a father, a mother, a husband, wife, brother, friend, employee, employer, etc. However; in my point of view, give it all you got our just go home and play x-box, which for some reason unknown to man. The level in which grown men and women put into a game would produce incredible results if applied to life. Decide to be a Bee and change the world through your pollination. Life can be great, but only if you will make up your mind to have it great. Have a great weekend and pass on your pollen.

I thought today we could refer readers to an article about health and fitness. The point of the article is to reevaluate our goals and get us on track to accomplish the core challenge that many of us are apart of, and accomplish the goals that will help us to get on a schedule to do well every day and the rest of our lives. I have found that one quality that is valuable to have and something that I feel is about the most important thing that one can do is consistency. Consistency is king and when times get hard and people go through lows; which we all do, we can continue forward because we know the benefits. I encourage everyone to do the research that will help you see the benefits of exercise, both long term and short term. Also it is key to remember that you will live a more fulfilled life as you are in shape and healthy. Size does not matter completely, having a healthy heart does. I think to often we get caught up in a particular size or weight. Just to let you know that on the BMI sheet I am considered obese for my weight, height, and age. I feel very good with my size and I am comfortable with my health. Obviously I could always improve and that is what my goals are. My achilles heal is eating foods that are not healthy for me and portion control. I feel that this is an area that I need to spend extra focus and rightfully so. All of us have a weakness and can use research to strengthen our resolve. Some say knowledge is power and I would agree only if there is application of that knowledge. Enjoy the article and let us know how you are doing with the core challenge. Here is a little tid bit on 8 foods that you should eat everyday. Also some other articles that are great for reading.
http://eatthis.menshealth.com/zmod_categoryDetail.php?Best-Worst-The-Best-8-Foods-You-Should-Eat-Every-Day-166

Hobbies for hommies

Scott Schwab

I have been doing some thinking about what we fill our time with as adults. Many times our days are filled with the things that we have to do and not what we want to do necessarily. The responsibilities mount up and we are continuously chasing the ball to be on top of things. I went through a low time the first part of this week, that really got me thinking about life. I believe that it is so important to have hobbies and activities that can give us a break from the norm. We have work, children, mortgages, etc..... The fact is, we will be much more effective if we have a balance and an ability to have something to expend energy on. Remember that to get energy we have to expend energy. Today I went and played Racquetball at 6:30 with a buddy. It was early for both of us and to be hones when the alarm rang I was not looking forward to it. However, as I reluctantly got out of bed and went to play I found that the small sacrifice of time had huge rewards. I loved the fact that I was able to do something that I rarely get to do and had some male bonding time with a friend. The other thing that I realized is that with all the time that I dedicate to other things, it was empowering to get away and have a little time to not think about anything but dominating on the court; not really but I am sure you can imagine. The fact is this; we have an ability to get wrapped up in many things that are essential and necessary, but if there is no release, we will eventually lose interest and ability to focus. It is strange to think about, but to be able to focus on the things that we do most, we have to put energy into other things that will temporarily relieve us from the daily grind. This is why it is so healthy to have hobbies. I suggest doing something with your body. I have a very good friend that rides his bike often, swims, and runs whenever he gets a chance. He builds it into his schedule that way making it a priority in his life. It is interesting that this same individual performs on high levels at his work, in his school, church responsibilities, community involvement, and most importantly is a wonderful father. It is my opinion, that he is effective at all these other things because he has the ability to have time for himself, doing things that he really enjoys. Pick up something that you love and schedule it this weekend. Play a pick up game of basketball. Go golfing and walk the course. Go throw a football, go for a bike ride. Whatever it is, get out and enjoy life. It is to short to just work and die. Live it like you mean it. Have a great weekend

Consumption in all its glory

Scott Schwab

Let me first apologize to readers about slacking with writing on the blog. It is frustrating that we have not kept up with it as much as we would like. Hopefully, like with your favorite shows, you were able to get the equivalent of a re-run and read some past articles. The topic of the post today can be looked at from many different angles. If you look at consumption from a though perspective, we would look at; what it is that we feel our minds with. If we refer consumption to food and drink, it might well be construed as what we put into our bodies. This has brought me to the title of the blog and the thoughts that are surrounding it. I have been reading a very good book, one that I would recommend, called; Who moved my Cheese. It is a simple story, yet fascinating with how I could relate to the four main characters. Simple lessons, suggestions, and quotes that will help people be more successful. I have found that on life's field of battle, there are a couple of things that eliminate the possibilities for success. One is preparedness. If one is not prepared in any facet of life, the desired results are usually not obtained. The reasons behind this are many, however; I would break it down to this. We are creatures of habit, and as such we are looking for what we know and what is comfortable. This book points out the fact that when we are comfortable with our surroundings, there is a lack of growth, desire, and eventually opportunity. The other great tid bit and problem that I see with myself and others on life's battle field is FEAR. Yes fear is something that all of us have at some point or possibly daily. The problem with this is the affects of fear. Fear debilitates and as the book points out, has paralyzing effects. The harm is that it keeps us from being able to accomplish our dreams, desires, and goals. The point to all of this, is what we are consuming and digesting in our mind and our body. We are what we eat, and as such the better we eat the more energy, power, and clarity of mind we will have. Our mind is the gateway to our actions. Actions are determined by thoughts. This is a powerful antidote that will help each of us. If we want to do great things, think great things. If we want to have better self confidence, we must tell ourselves assuring things, positive thoughts, and positive talk. We are all, our worst critics. In this way, we need to give ourselves a break. Do not eliminate personal accountability, but realize that we are not perfect and mistakes are made daily. The mistakes can be used for growth and continued opportunity, only when we look at them as opportunities. The most important thing that I can suggest is not taking yourself to seriously and being able to laugh at yourselves and situations. It will keep you young, healthy, and enjoyable to be around. In closing I would suggest sometime to reevaluate your goals in all areas. Take time to realize how good you are doing and in what areas you can make incremental improvements. Finally Consume only things that will allow you to be your best and the person that you hope to become.