Watch out, here comes another cliche:

Motivation is one of the keys to success.

Maybe it’s cliche because its true - whatever. Without motivation we would never get anything done. In the past, my motivation (in regards to fitness) was very basic: to get stronger and leaner. Most definitely vanity based- and there is nothing wrong with that. Now my motivation is dictated by another more important driving force. While there is still a vanity component, my main motivation is my kids. I plan on being around a while. I want be sure to see them graduate high school (or get paroled, which ever comes first) get married and have kids.

So what motivates you?

Just recently I had a client come to me in his mid forties, with a very successful career and a few kids. He is in the entertainment biz, and as such has spent a few decades drinking and smoking and living the “rock star” life. Sounds great, but it is a lifestyle for the young, and certainly not for parents (apparently Britney’s judge feels similarly). He is now ready to begin his new life, with new health. His motivation, like mine, is his kids. (Just so we are clear, his motivation is his kids, my motivation is my kids. Clear?)

Another recent client just knew she would not bring in her food journals (a requirement for new clients). She said showing up for workouts would not be a problem, but historically when she has had to keep a food journal she has not followed through. So I came up with a plan to keep her motivated. I said bring me an envelope with $100 in tens. Each time she brings in her journal in, I’ll give her back $10. If she “forgets” her journal I keep the $10. Her motivation was not the money, she just does not like to lose. So far I have only made $10. 90% compliance is awesome.

So I’ll ask again: What motivates you? Maybe it is fitting into those amazing looking jeans. Maybe it is looking great at your work holiday party. Maybe it is looking amazing to piss off your ex. For some people it is the simple fact that they have paid me a decent sum of money to train. Financial obligation is a perfectly acceptable motivation. It doesn’t matter what it is, and there is no motivation too shallow in my book. What is important is that you have some form of motivation, and that you are aware of what works for you and what doesn’t.

Need help finding your motivation? Let me know, I can help.

Joshua Carter
The Body Transformation Expert
Carter Fitness
http://carterfitness.com/
818-337-6175

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This past week I got a wonderfully inconvenient cold.   This came on just following my sons  Gabe’s 5th birthday party.  Turns out at least 6 other people in attendance also got ill as well, including the birthday boy himself.  Some Typhoid Mary (or Mark) made the rounds unknowingly infecting the birthday party attendees. Damn kids and their bad hygiene.

I am well aware that when it comes to being sick I am the biggest baby in the world.  Admittedly, I am a giant cold wuss. While some may be able to suck it up, take some Day-Quil and power through the  day, I will instead curl into the fetal position on the couch and stay that way until the cold has run its course. Don’t talk to me, don’t call me, don’t offer to help me in any way.  Stay away and let me be miserable. All I need is the remote, food, and occasional access to the bathroom.  The only time I feel halfway normal is when I am eating (which is a sad commentary on my coping mechanisms I know, but that is another story).  Not to worry, in a few days I emerge from my self inflicted cold/flu induced exile, and rejoin the real world. 

By the way, it turns out that you can watch re-runs of Law & Order 24/7.  Who knew?

Being sick sucks, but there are a few ways to decrease the likelihood you will get sick, and ways to decrease the length of time you are sick. Below are some things to keep in mind as we enter the cold and flu season.  If a cold or flu does knock you on your butt, I recommend the aforementioned Law & Order channel (TNT). Jerry Orbach always has a way of making me feel a little better.

Wash your Hands: Just like your Mama told you. Wash your hands every chance your get, especially after a workout.

Keep it Clean: If you work with a sick person or even one you suspect might be, do not share things like the phone, pens (people tend to put pens in their mouth) or other office supplies. If you have to share use a handi-wipe or spray it down with Windex or something. Keep all frequently used surfaces and door knobs clean while you are at it.

Keep Your Hands Out of Your Face: You could live in a plastic bubble and germs could still get in. But the best chance a germ has of getting in you is if you deliver it to one of the holes on your face. So keep your hands away.

Toss it: I never understood the whole handkerchief thing. Why the hell would you want to save your boogers for later? Just grosses me out. Anyway, use the disposable kind. The ones with lotion are awesome. Use it, toss it, wash your hands.

Use Your Elbow: If you have to sneeze, do it into your inside elbow or shoulder, not your hands, to avoid spreading viruses and bacteria.

Fresh & Clean: If spreading germs by hand was not enough, some germs can hang around in stagnant air. Open a window and let the fresh air in.

Zinc It: If the above measures do not keep you safe, have some zinc as a stand by. At the first sign of an oncoming cold start taking zinc. Certain forms of zinc have been shown to reduce the life of a cold by half. My personal experience has been great. Every time I have used it I have managed to knock it out in a few days while others I knew where not so lucky. There are many brands out there but the brand I use is Cold-Eeze, and I always have it around just in case.

Joshua Carter
The Body Transformation Expert
Carter Fitness
http://carterfitness.com
818-337-6175

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