Random Thoughts...

• I'm having some serious writer's block right, even though I'm not a writer. So that is why you are getting a random thoughts post and why this post maybe really random.
• Nice to see the Jets fall flat on their face this past Monday night. Undisciplined football. Bad penalties. A horrific offense. Hopefully they fall even harder this upcoming Sunday against the Patriots. Then we will see how much bravado Rex Ryan has.
• If there is one area I'd like to see people put more focus on during their workouts, it's their warm up. This is assuming that people actually even have a warm up as part of their workout. 5-10 minutes on the elliptical I would not consider a warm up. A few arms swings and leg swings is probably not enough either, although you're starting to get headed in the right direction. A proper warm up should address areas where flexibility or mobility is limited, excite your central nervous system a bit, get your blood flowing and mentally tune you in to your upcoming workout. If you're having a hard time putting a warm up together, take a look at Mike Boyles Joint by Joint Warm-up and Training DVD or another excellent DVD put together by strength coaches Eric Cressey, Bill Hartman and Mike Robertson, Asses and Correct.
• Personally, I hate single leg training. It exhausts me. After a set of Bulgarian split squats or reverse lunges I can usually be found crawled up in the corner wheezing for air afraid to face another set. And I think a lot of other people feel the same way. I think it could be the most demanding part of any exercise program. And I think it's also a reason why people avoid it at all costs. If you want to get to where you want to be, you're going to have to pay the price sometimes.
• One nice spice that you can use on just about anything is cinnamon. I put it in my coffee. I mix it in with my yogurt or cottage cheese. I put it on my peanut butter sandwiches. I throw some in the blender with whatever else is in there and mix up a shake. What's the deal with cinnamon you ask? If I know that it can help reduce blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and help reduce cholesterol, I'm going to use it.
• The more variations you can do off a base exercise, the more valuable that exercise is. Think of all the variations you can do off of chin ups, push ups, squats, deadlifts and lunges, none of which require a Bosu ball. All these exercises should be staples of your training program.
• The number one factor determining whether you're going to be successful with your training or nutritional program? Compliance. Are you following the plan at least 70-80% of the time? Less than 70% and your chances of success are probably going to be negligible. Above 80% of the time and I think you're going to be pretty successful.
• Are the Red Sox still playing?
• We plan on holding an open house here at Accelerated Fitness on Oct. 16. There will be a free bootcamp class held in the morning, followed by some food and refreshments. We are also lucky enough to have one of the local massage therapist come in do some chair massage. I'll follow up in the upcoming weeks with more details.

Have a great weekend everyone. Down with the Jets!!