Cross Train, Train, Work out with someone else, whatever you wanna call it

In 2011, it will be the fourth year training with Haganah founder Mike Lee Kanarek.  He is a true leader.  I've done most of the classes that are in the Haganah system and they have been awesome - I understood the importance of knowing these things but they were also FUN.  In Columbia, MD, I did one of the first Combat Fitness classes around.  We had to run about 2/3 of a mile and when it was time to go he said, "Follow me!"  That sounds kinda of insignificant, but it was awesome!

He first taught me when I trained with him in 07 that you must cross train.  Even though he had his favorite martial arts to train in, he said that you can get something out of every style.  So as a martial arts athlete, I'm constantly thinking about self defense, sparring, and a ton of other things martial arts related.  The thing is, doing a kettlebell class, XMA class, or a gymnastics class will help you in some way.  Kettlebell training is something that has become huge and it helps build functional strength in all sports and activities.  Gymnastics athletes are among the most fit and strong in the world (Strength is measured by how strong you are compared to your body weight).  XMA class is all about performance - Bruce Lee was an amazing martial artist but what made him famous was his showmanship.  Also, someone who has mastered a martial arts trick (like one from HYPER Martial Arts) can achieve a goal in ANYTHING.

So in about 2 weeks I'm going up to Mr. Stuart's Martial Arts to train with MLK again and I'm so excited.  Last year I went and I had 2 hours of sleep and was sick - but I wouldn't miss it for the world.  Out of all the typing you may have just read or skimmed through just take this with you - you should take something from everything you do.  Try new things as often as possible even if at first it seems silly or unimportant because it will make you better somehow.  Check out the video below of Ms. Wallace-Holubyckyj and I training with MLK in Columbia, MD in Combat Fitness (We won... if you know what that means!)

Childhood Obesity and my own

For the rest of my life, I want to be fit.  I want to be the grandpa that the kids can't keep up with.  If I can stay away from injuries then I think I could do just that.  Well, I feel like I'm already pretty fit but I want to keep challenging myself with new things.  A lot of people just want to get in shape or make a little change to help them become a little healthier.

With our ATA fitness challenge, it seems like a no-brainer to just look at the foods you eat and make sure you get enough of what you need.  I read a beach-body newsletter that listed a bunch of foods that they say can make you smarter.  Well, at least it's a tasty way to change up your diet!  The real challenge, is how to put these "smart foods" into recipes that kids will like... be creative, go for it!

I already have 3 of my favorite ingredients on the list:  Spinach, Oatmeal, and Eggs.  In fact, my favorite breakfast that I've ever had was:  1)  A 3-egg omelet with spinach, onions, and tomatoes in it  and 2) 1 cup of oatmeal with brown sugar and pomegranate seeds mixed it, strawberries and french vanilla yogurt on top with cinnamon sprinkled on top of it

Check out the article by clicking here -->  Smart Foods Newsletter!

Also, RSVP for our END OF THE YEAR WORKOUT tomorrow at Noon.  You can say you're coming on Facebook, comment on this post, or email me! Facebook Event - End of the Year Workout

It's Winter... uhg!

I hate when the weather changes!  I feel all down and slow and not like myself.  I lose my temper faster and I think my creativity goes with it.  I researched today some things that will help to make the winter much happier for continued exercise and fitness.

This blog entry is about how you can fight SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is pretty cool.  It just helps you function better when you don't get to see sunshine as much.
SAD Article

This next one is about what to eat after you work out.  It's pretty cool because it kind of ties in with the last entry to make sure we are all reaching our goals during the year end/ beginning.
Post Exercise Fuel Article

My tips for all of these are:  try to take advantage of the classes at noon when the sun is super bright and the classes on Saturday too.  That way you aren't always working out in the dark and in artificial light!

Muscle Building and Work out Tips!

I've been really focused on coming up with some new drills for classes and for my own training too.  Tonight I got a Men's Health email that I found really interesting.  Check it out, it's about the 7 things that can sabotage your workouts and muscle building efforts!  Just click on the sentence below.

Men's Health Tips

Can you say EXPLOSIVE! Rescheduled

Our action-packed workout will be rescheduled for a few months from now, the day shall be decided as soon as we have it set. There are a lot of events this fall so we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Mother's Day classes!

Today was our 9th annual Mother's Day classes! We had a lot of moms come out on the floor and train with their kids. We did a light workout, basic Taekwondo techniques, self defense, and positive coaching drills that parents can use to make training at home more pleasurable. We even had moms do the ABCs of Praise! Thank you to all the moms that participated today, you are awesome! I want to give out a special thanks to Martin's in Rising Sun for donating a $10 gift card to our Mother's Day classes moms and giving us a discount on all of the flowers and water for today's event.

Next week, any mom that comes to the ATAfit class on Monday and Wednesday will be entered in a drawing to win movie tickets just in time for the new Shrek Movie!!