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March 2011
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Vacate the Comfort Zone
It’s so easy to stay in one certain place. You feel at ease and safe; there’s nothing to fear and nothing to strive for. You can cruise along without a care in the world, in a state of blissful, unadulterated oblivion. There’s no need to get dirty or sweat. The term “work” is relative, based on each individual’s own perception and standards.
This place sounds amazing, doesn’t it? You’re ready to book your stay before you can even finish reading this sentence. While it may sound like a vacation at a luxurious four star resort, it’s not. While we understand the need to pamper ourselves from time to time, this is a place you never want to be in one of the most important areas of your life: your workouts. We call this place “the comfort zone.”
It’s easy to tell when you’re there. The comfort zone doesn’t require you to truly show up. You can go through the motions on autopilot, never breaking a sweat. Does it still sound appealing? If so, then it’s time to look at the repercussions of staying in this no man’s land of fitness.
The most apparent consequence is the plateau—that space where, no matter what you do, you can’t lose weight, get stronger or more toned. It’s easy to conceive: in order to change our bodies, we have to constantly work and do things our bodies are not used to doing.
If it seems easy and comfortable, you probably won’t transform your body.
It’s the same as in life—we’ve always got to try things that are new and different. In our workouts, we’ve got to continuously push our limits. Not to the extent where you feel nauseated or like you’re flailing down the path to cardiac arrest, but where you’re challenging yourself and gaining a new perspective.
Pushing yourself makes you stronger, both physically and mentally. It forces you to dig down deep and find the emotion that drives you, whether it's fear, anger, competitiveness or bliss.
When you push yourself, you feel more alive than ever.
It's time to take it to the next level. Pick something new this week and learn what you’re truly capable of. Try something you’ve never done before, whether it’s a new exercise machine, heavier weights, class or activity like horseback riding, surfing or bungee jumping. It could be as simple as adding intervals and bursts of intensity to your tired old workout, or as challenging as signing up to run a marathon or stay at an ashram.
Leaving your comfort zone will make you show up to every part of your life. It's won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Use whatever you can to drive you in a new, uncomfortable direction and trust in yourself and your capabilities. See how far you can go. The results will be stellar.
Visit www.BodyMindArchitects.com to learn more about the best personal trainers in Venice!
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Hoisin Ginger Chicken
Ingredients:
2 TSP of hoisin sauce
2 TSP of sesame oil (nutty flavor)
2 lbs. of trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 oz. of grated fresh ginger
Salt and pepper for taste
This is one of the easiest and tasty dishes you can make, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Add all the ingredients together to create a marinade for the chicken. Let it marinade for a 1/2 hour. Cut it into small cubes and stir-fry it with vegetables or grill it and serve with brown rice.
Recommendation: Doubling the amount of chicken breast will be enough to last for a week.
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Dumbbell Rows
Dumbbell rows are an awesome way to work the muscles in the middle and upper parts of the back. An added plus is the core workout this exercise provides, as you need to use your lower back and core to stabilize your body.
Hinge forward from your hips, with your knees slightly bent.
Keep your lower back flat and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
With your back stationary, exhale and slowly raise your elbows towards the ceiling. Hold for a count and then slowly return to your starting position.
Move in a slow, controlled manner so that extra pressure is not placed on your lower back.
*Be very careful to make sure the back is flat and stationary during this move.
Repeat for 8-12 reps.
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Spring Forward with a BMA Package!
Buy a 10 session package and get one FREE!!
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Get in the best shape of your life with BMA—we will help you get to the next level—and you'll love the journey.
Call 310.560.0098 or email info@bodymindarchitects.com TODAY! These offers EXPIRE MARCH 31!!! Ask about our amazing meal delivery services too
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Stay a Bit Longer
Staying a bit longer in any situation brings growth and peace to both you and the circumstance. This applies to your workout in every capacity—stay at the gym longer than you initially planned, do more reps, remain in the zone longer than you expected. The practice of this principle will transform you in so many ways.
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Sign up for a subscription to receive a daily post in your inbox, which will give you everything from style tips, gardening expertise and travel advice, to spiritual wisdom, interior design secrets and the skinny on all the on the LA hotspots—and of course, more fitness wisdom from Bing. Subscribe at www.MyLALifeStyle.com and click here to become a Facebook Fan.
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