The pacer test...

When we were in grade school every year we would have this fitness test that tested our conditioning. We always dreaded that day. How wants to run and get sweaty? What was the purpose anyway, it’s a dumb little test, right?



Well this week the Weight Loss Challengers went back to junior high school and relieved those days in gym class but now they are a little older and a few pounds heavier. The purpose of this test for them was to give themselves a base line on where they are right now in reference to their conditioning. I have preached over and over again that it isn’t about the weight but if you plan out goals and get your mind off the weight you will become much more successful for the long term.
The pacer test is a 60 yard course that, as you go thru it gets increasingly faster. When the beep goes off you are to run to the other side and then wait for the next beep. You keep going until you can no longer keep up with the beeps. If you do not make it to the other side before the next beep you are done. This test is a grueling test that demands good cardio if you want to really do well. Now they all have a bench mark to start at.

This week I talk about the pitfalls they can encounter this weekend. With the Packers and the Jets playing and the parties they may be going to they may, no will, have a tendency to eat much more than they should. They will drink more than they should. They will consume things that ordinarily they would not consume and not really be aware of it until it is too late. When you are around your friends and having fun watching the games and socializing you are not necessarily thinking about your nutrition. Well we talked about that and I told them to be mindful of the fact that they just had a good week and try not to ruin it.



This week’s weigh-in was a new record at Parkers Place. Every challengers lost weight this week. This week’s big loser was Kati. After having an off week last week she came back strong this week with a 6 pound loss. In the lead still is John at 8% total weight loss (23 pounds after two weeks) but right behind him is Matt coming on strong at 6.12%. It is still early in the challenge and all the challengers are doing well, very well. Next week is another week and they need to stay focused and get it done. Good luck to all.

Thank you Mr. Dinini of Silver Lake Middle School for let us use your facility.

What really is the problem...

I was watching a show the other day and there was a guest on the show who was talking about gastric bypass. He said that there was new and exciting news he wanted to share with the public. So that kind of peak my interest so I stayed tuned waiting for this news.

Well, here is this doctor on public television talking about Gastric Bypass surgery and the benefits of having it. Here was this doctor talking about the “success stories” he has encountered and how they have “changed” their lives. (Well the one argument you will not get from me is that their lives are changed forever, but success stories that’s another issue.). Here is this doctor throwing out all these medical terms to the public trying to show us that he was really intelligent and knew what he was talking about. Then at about half way thru the segment he hits us with the news. “THEY WILL NO LONGER JUST BE DOING THIS SURGERY FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE MORBIDLY OBESE BUT THEY WILL GO DOWN TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE A BMI OF 30 NOW”. As you can imagine if I could jump thru the television and land in the studio I would have. How lazy have we really become? How much more brain washing do we need to endure? Help me with this!

Ok, I will agree with something thing that he said. Any person who has this surgery will have a total life change. Now let me be more specific about the life change that will occur. You will never be able to have the freedom to enjoy food as you once could. You will have to eat in a different way. Now at first this doesn’t sound so bad but here is the kicker. What are you going to do when you gain a lot of that weight back? Now what? Don’t kid yourself you will.

Guys, let me be straight with you. The problem is not the food. For most people the problem is much deeper than that and just by losing the weight doesn’t make the problem go away. In most cases it is a mental issue that needs to be addressed and finally put to rest. Maybe it stems back to a childhood problem such as you getting laughed at for some reason. Or maybe your parents were always overweight and it has been common nature for you to be that way. Maybe it was that you were never accepted in any circles and because of that you are depressed. Then you began to gain weight and people began noticing you and you liked that. Whatever it is, it needs to be addressed and finally dealt with.

I don’t know if I shared this with you all before but when I was in high school many things happened to me and most of them were bad. In my senior year I had one goal and that was to be MVP of my track team. I worked hard that whole year. I ran when it was raining, snowing, hot or cold and night and day. That summer prior to my senior year, I joined a city track team just to get more experience with running. Well that year I went undefeated in the 100 meters all the way up to the State meet, the final meet of the season. I had won more events that year and broke more records that year than I had in previous years. Well the awards night came and I just knew that I was going to get it. No one had gone as far or gotten as much as I had that year. To my disbelief someone else got it. I was devastated and could not believe what I heard. To add insult to injury I was asked to give the coach his award for that year.

Here is where I am going with that. For years, well 26 years to be exact, everything I did revolved around me proving to him that I was worthy of that award. The sales jobs I took. The track meets I ran in. The house I bought. The position I held at my church. Everything I did I did with one thing in mind, I am important. I even ran for a public office and won.

Now for that 26 years that I was going thru this, I really had no idea that that was the reason why until one day when everything came to a head and I went thru a major crisis. I was at church and the pastor was talking about past things that may have happened in one life that have molded us to who we are today. He stated that for those who have done wrong to you, you must forgive them so that you can move on. He said that 9 times out of 10 they have forgotten about it and all you are doing is killing yourself constantly thinking about it. He said the best thing to do was to write a letter to that person forgiving them. However he then said not to mail the letter but throw it out never to be revisited again. Well you know me, I did write the letter, but I mailed it to him. Once I finished that letter and it was gone and he received it (I sent it certified) I felt worlds better. I felt that a weight had been lifted from me and I could not go one with life. I have had conversation with him since and we are friends now.

Guys, for those that have weight issues, don’t blame the food. God made it for us to eat. Something else is going on. Find it and deal with it. I tell my weight loss people that same thing. As you lose the weight things are going to come up. Issues are going to surface. Deal with them once and for all and then move on. Don’t try and bury them. It will only get you right back to where you are today.

My final word is this. This does not just happen with overweight people but those that are under weight too. On either end of the spectrum it is not healthy. Find someone that can help you help yourself. Ask yourself the question, why are you the way you are? Then once answered… fix it.

Be careful of where you get advice

“My friend tells me that because I am big boned that I can never get down to a size 6.” Mary said to me the other day.

“Oh yea, who is she?” I asked

“Oh she is a friend that I was talking to the other day about weight loss and fitness stuff.” She says to me looking very confused and depressed.

“Is she a doctor or a trainer?” I asked trying to figure out who this lady was and her credentials.

“No she works in day care and we are just friends. She tells me that she works out every day in the morning for about 2 hours at her house.” She says to me.

“Well what does this lady look like?” I asked trying to get more information about her.

“Well she is a little shorter than I and about my build. She says that I probably won’t get any thinner than I am right now and I am a size 14 now.”

“Oh really?” I said with the biggest smirks on my face. I was thinking to myself at this time that the blind is leading the blind. “Tell me more.” I said to her trying to hold back my opinion, which you know is quite difficult for me some times… Ok all the time.

“She thinks that you push me too hard and that I don’t need to be pushed so hard. Hey, do you think I can get down to a size 6?” Mary asks me as if looking for some sort of positive reinforcement.

“I don’t know. Can you get down to a size 6?” I asked her looking for some sort of a response.

She pauses for a brief moment and then says, “I just asked you that question. Do you think I can get down to a size 6? Everyone tells me that I can’t because of my size and bone structure. I just want to know if you agree with them or not.”

“So if I hear you right you are asking if I think you can get down to a size 6 from a size 14 as you are now. Am I right?”

“Yes I am. What are your thoughts?” She asks me.

“What does it matter what I think. Do you think you can do it?” I told her looking at her in her eyes.

“I don’t know I am so confused. I don’t know what to believe anymore.” Mary says to me with tears beginning to swell up in her eyes.

“Ok let me put things into perspective for you here. Here is a lady who is about your height and about you size who works out 2 hours a day, everyday…” then I stopped and said, “will you be seeing this lady tomorrow and if so at what time?”

“I should be seeing her at around 8am. Why do you ask?” Mary asks me with a very confused look on her face

“I want to invite her to Parkers Place for a general work out. Just us the three of us spending a little quality time together.” Yea there was a reason why I was doing this… read on.

That next day they both come bounding into Parkers Place and I was introduced to her friend. Well Mary was right just about the same height and build. “So I hear you work out 2 hours a day. That’s excellent! I think you could be a great inspiration for your friend and this is why I wanted you here to work out with her and to get an idea of her routine.” OK so I told a half truth. But I was serious about the inspiration part though.

“Thanks. Yea I work out just about two hours a day. Mostly on cardio stuff such as treadmills and bikes. I don’t do much with free weights though.” She says to me.

Well to make a long story short after she told me that I decided to give them a cardio based work out emphasizing cardio conditioning. It consisted of lots of running and lots of jumping jacks, squats and push-ups as well as crunches. As we started this work out, it became increasingly obvious that someone was lying to someone. After the first 10 minutes her friend was spent. After 20 minutes she was sweating profusely. At 30 minutes she made a b-line to the women’s room holding her stomach and mouth. Mary was shocked and amazed at the fact that this friend of hers was so out of shape.

“Hey, I think you should check on your friend and see if she is OK. She has been in the bathroom for 10 minutes now.” I said to her and yes I was concerned.

Well a few minutes later Mary comes out with her. “She is ok, she threw up.” Mary says.

“I think you should go take her home now. We will call it a day.” I said to Mary.

“Kevin, I’m just getting warm, let’s finish up. How much longer is the work out?” Mary says to me.

“It is only about 10 to 15 minutes that all.” I looked at Mary in astonishment. I was surprised that she wanted to finish it but we went on and she completed the final series while her friend sat in a chair looking pretty tired. After she was done they left. “See ya tomorrow Kevin same time.” Mary yells to me as she is leaving. I waved and told Mary and her friend to have a great evening. I just knew I was never going to see her friend again.

The next day Mary comes in to work out. She walks right up to me, “Thank you for yesterday. I had no idea on how out of shape my friend was and how much more in condition I was compared to her. We had a long talk yesterday in the car when I was driving her home and she told me that she thought you were a terrific trainer. I did learn one thing though. I learned that I have to be very careful on what advise I take from my friends. After working out with her yesterday, can I tell you something that has to stay between us?” Mary comes closer to me.

“Yea what?” I asked

“There is no way she could be doing 2 hours a day. That workout you gave us yesterday was not even close to any of the other workouts you have given me in the past. That was a very easy work out. Thank you for the eye opener.” She then squeezes my right arm with her left hand. “Now to answer the question you asked me the other day. I now know that I can do anything I put my mind to doing. I can get down to a size 6. I can get in better condition. I just have to stop listening to my friends and get it done.” When I looked at her the focus she had was motivating even to me.

I guess now we will see what happens.

Remembering Bernice Johnson

When I was 4 years old and living in New York my mother enrolled me into a program that to this day has colored my world and given me a drive that without those experiences I don’t know where I would be today. I ask myself why I do what I do. Where does my drive come from? And who really influenced me? Of course the obvious answer is that my parents influenced me the most but you all know just as well as I that outside influences have a great influence on your upbringing and for 15 years Bernice Johnson Dance School of the arts most definitely effected me and the way I live today.

I remember one of the first times I actually got on a stage in front of people and sang at Lincoln Center. I was 5 years of age and the song I sang was “I’ve got rhythm”. I remember when my sister and I were partnered up and I had to carry her across the stage. I remember the late nights I stayed there dancing away and sweating like there is no tomorrow. At the age of 12 I stopped dancing and did something that changed my world back then and to this day has affected many in a positive way.

At the age of 12 I began to learn how to play the percussion and not just any percussion by African Drums. When I took my first lessons I became hooked and haven’t turned back since. Learning new patterns and rhythms became a thrill to me. Every Friday and Saturday whether rain, snow, in the heat or in the cold I played and learned from the best. All thru that, I did not know it, I was learning some very important lessons about life and hard work. I learned that thru hard work and perseverance one can achieve and become successful in an endeavor even when the world says that it may be impossible. I learn that positive mental toughness is a key to concurring most if not everything life has thrown at us. I learned that family is important and true friendships are forever and not just a flash in the pan.

I would watch BJ (Bernice Johnson) from a distance and see how see acted and reacted in so many situations. To me she was firm but gentle, a leader and always looked up to. A motivator because no one ever said no to her but that they would try and in most cases succeeded at what she wanted them to do. A successful business woman, in my eyes Oprah has nothing on her, nothing at all. She was very patient and knew how to delegate and did that well. She knew talent and knew how to get the best out of everyone she touched. But most of all she was a Christian woman that believed in love and never did she ever give up on anyone or anything, especially me.

I have taken the BJ model and put it into my everyday life and it has made me who I am today. I wish so many of the people I have interaction with on a daily basis could have met her then they would understand why I am the way I am today. She cared about others and not just herself. She did not understand the word no or the words “I can’t” but what she did understand was that you would “try” and try we did. In this society today so many have watered everything down. We no longer hold people accountable for anything. Our attitude has become, “Oh, it’s OK… you tried” instead of,” No, now get back at it and get it done this time.” This is missing in society and because of that America is becoming soft in so many ways. I believe that BJ understood the power of the mind and its ability to overcome any obstacle. We have lost that understanding. We have more excuses now than Carter has liver pills.

As I see it, BJ influenced so many. There were many of her students that went on to professional careers on television and on stage that for me to name them all this blog would go on for another thousand words. I can think of one person that BJ teaching influence and now he is dead but his music and dance will remain with us forever, Michael Jackson. Now I don’t know if she knew Michael Jackson but one of his choreographers, Michael Peters was a dance instructor from BJ’s and helped with choreographing some of Michael Jackson’s greatest pieces. This is the influence her organization and she had on the world.

I think we all can learn a lot from her life. She is missed.

new place for blogs

My blogs can now be viewed at www.wisn.com look under "u local" which will be on your left side or you can scroll down and find my name. Thank you.

Here is the last blog I wrote... http://ulocal.wisn.com/_John-is-back/BLOG/2401059/63262.html?widgetId=363280

Enjoy.

Jorge's obsticle course

I woke up this morning and it was raining out. Boy was it raining out. My grass loved it, my trees loved it, and I really loved it. Why? Well this Saturday was a challenge for the Weight Loss Challenge people and George wanted it as wet and rainy as possible. Why? Today he was going to give the challengers a taste of the military marine style. I loved it! I knew it would bring back good times.



Today there were four stations that they had to complete. Each station was 1 minute in duration and in between the stations there was a discipline that needed to be accomplished before moving on. The Challengers were put in teams of 2 and they were told that they had to use their partners and not leave them behind.



• In station #1: 1 minute of Squat Jumps followed by a Wheel Barrel walk to station #2
• In station #2: 1 minute of Knee Strikes followed by a Shoulder roll to station #3
• In station #3: 1 minute of Punches followed by high skips to station #4
• In station #4: 1 minute of Team sit-ups followed by Bear Crawl to station #5
• In station #5: 1 minute of Squat & Thrust followed by Low crawl to station #6
• In station #6: 1 minute of Sit-ups followed by Shoulder roll to station #7
• In station #7: 1 minute of Team push-ups followed by lung walk to station #8
• In station #8: 1 minute of Elbow strikes

All started and all finished in one piece. Yes it did rain and they were muddy as the pictures show below. Today I will highlight all those that have gone 30 or more pounds in total weight loss in 13 weeks.

Rick A. 32.2 pounds
Vicki D. 37.8 pounds
Barb J. 34.0 pounds
Dawn S. 33.0 pounds
Gina S. 30.0 pounds
Cindi Z. 31.0 pounds

The average weight loss is 25 pounds to date.

due to the spring vacation time of the year many challengers did not show up.


Scavenger hunt, weigh-in
And over view of first three months

Well, this week the weather was so nice that we decided to do a scavenger hunt with the Challengers. With this hunt there were three courses. The long course which is 2.50 miles and the second course which is 2.25 miles and the third course is .49 miles. In this game I gave them a maximum amount of time that they could be on the course. For the first course I gave them 45 minutes. For the second course I gave them 30 minutes. For the final course it was 30 minutes. There were 10 questions that needed to be answered and for every wrong answer the penalty was 5 additional reps of each exercise at the end of the game. In the end each person had to add an additional 15 reps to each of the following exercises.

1) 25 push-ups
2) 50 crunches
3) 50 right over left and left over right
4) 50 crunchy frogs
5) 25 crunches on the big ball
6) 25 1/2/3/4
Then just to warm them down, they did 50 hill climbers and 50 jumping jacks.

It was a get time had by all. Here is the best part about it. The long course is 2.5 miles and they all finished it in less than 30 minutes. The short course is 2.2 miles and they all finished it in less than 29 minutes. And the half mile course was also finished in a very quick time. This could not be done at the beginning of the year. These guys are doing really well.

Now, what we also did was take their first measurements and then wait 3 months and then take their second measurements. The results are really good. We measured the neck, chest, waist, hips, arms, legs, and calf’s and the average amount of inches lost is 14 inches and the average weight loss over the first three months is 25.22 pounds per person. They are all well on their way to losing at least 50 pounds in six months. We now have two new participants in this year’s weight loss challenge that joined us late. At this time over the last 3 weeks their average weight loss has been 6 pounds a week.

The one thing that I have stressed to my Challengers is to begin to create long term goals because this weight loss challenge will be over soon and they need to begin to make this their own. We have given them many workouts and now that the weather is getting warmer we are forcing them to start going outside more and look for opportunities outside. Today, as I am writing this, they are running around the 2.5 mile course and running up nature hill. In these next couple of months there will be many opportunities for these challengers to be competitive outdoors with all the running events coming up. Wish them all well.

As a side note… I have my 5k/10k walk run coming up on may 22nd. Come join us and celebrate life. The registration fee is $10.00. The 5k starts at 8:30am. The 10k starts at 7:30am and the 1 mile run starts at 9:30am. You can also walk in these events.