Are You Exercising?!

May 13, 2020 Eric Toussaint 6 Comments

Be it an albeit obvious subject for a blog post considering its source, it’s still a valid relevant question. We are in strange times and it’s extremely easy to let healthy pursuits fall to the wayside.

Just because you are stuck at home is no excuse to side step the attentions of your physical well being. There is always a way to make it work and in many ways we are now afforded with much greater control over our day to day and even hour to hour activities.

Do a little research and get it done!! Start a new exercise routine, start a new diet (check with your Doctor if you have any health concerns with any new program you are about to begin). Just do something!!

If this isn’t convincing enough take a look at this article I came across and pay close attention to what exercise does for your immune system https://www.norwalkhospital.org/newsroom/article-listing/adults-exercise-and-covid19.

Pandemic or not, exercise is something everyone needs!! Take advantage of the time you have and establish healthy habits.

Be well and be safe!!

Have you ever thought of going Vegan?

Nov 18, 2019 Eric Toussaint 6 Comments

It was recommenced to me recently that I watch a Netflix documentary – The Game Changers https://gamechangersmovie.com . I was reluctant and said I would watch this movie with a piece of steak in my mouth.

Within the first fifteen minutes I was starting to think that I may seriously try to become a Vegan. I really can’t do any justice in trying to reiterate the powerful appeal that this movie has to move the needle with diet and overall health but I do highly recommend that you watch it.

I am currently on day three of my new dietary experiment. I have noticed that my gut is going to need a little time to adjust to this new fuel source. Some minor bloating and a few rumbles, fortunately nothing too bad and as I understand it is quite common while adjusting.

My energy levels are high and my strength is good…I am lifting heavy (as much as my 48 year old body can handle lol) and will be at my martial arts school tomorrow…I’ll let you know how it goes.

It has been fun and interesting shopping for foods I would normally never even know existed or ever eat. Over the weekend I bought oat milk, cashew cheese, lentils and tofu. I don’t know if this will be sustainable but I am giving it the old college try.

I can’t say that I would recommend this to my clients but I would definitely recommend watching the moving just at the very least to gain a better understanding.

I’ll let you know how I am feeling in a month or so…

Train Hard, Train Safe!!

Staying Focused On Your Physical Fitness While Injured

Dec 20, 2016 Eric Toussaint 6 Comments

How do you keep your focus on physical fitness while you are injured? It is an issue I am wrestling with currently. I am preparing for my second round of surgeries on my feet (yes both feet) in January.

I have been literally trying to keep my steps to a minimum to heal as fast as possible and avoid possible scar tissue and nerve damage (a possibility if I don’t ease back into my everyday routine). I keep a fold up tripod stool with me that I sit on whenever possible while at work and recently got a temporary handicap placard for my car. The handicap placard is somewhat helpful; but his humbling experience has also led me to the sad conclusion that the Bethesda area is really not very accommodating for those with disabilities, especially for longterm parking.

Some much energy is spent trying to not move and taking extra time for every task because of my naturally slower approach to everything that it’s hard to get motivated to workout. I started with using an upper body cycle and in just the past ten days or so I have started using a recumbent elliptical. It feels pretty good but of course it is harder to burn calories in a recumbent position.

I have been trying to eat less to not gain weight, my muscle mass due to not lifting weights is being affected, which is a little bit of vanity hit but there is a upside. I will be going back into martial arts full force once this is all over (hopefully April, 2017) and being lighter is a good thing for speed and agility. I will also be focusing on a lot of stretching and I have promised my self to try my hand at some grappling training.

All that being said, as mention it is a struggle to stay motivated and it is a little depressing to be so immobilized. However I am enjoying reading more and catching up on some Netflix viewing. I am doing my best to stay upbeat and have also been doing research for how I want to structure my eventual return to the physical.

Keep me in your thoughts and if you can move do it…you may not alway be able to one day!!

What Supplements Do You Take?

Aug 28, 2016 Eric Toussaint 6 Comments

As we engage in intense training and proper nutrition there are time where certain supplements and vitamins do come in to play. The question then is simply – “What to take and how much?”

I by no means can give you a definitive answer or recommendation other than sharing my own own anecdotal experiences.

Here are what supplements and vitamins I currently take and why:

Creatine twice a day – to help put on muscle
Branched Amino Acids (before and after workouts) – for better recovery
Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate – for my joints
Multivitamin – to cover what I may miss from meals
Turmeric and Curcumin – for inflammation
Omega 3-6-9 – General Body Functions
Trace Minerals – General Body Functions

To be honest who really knows how much these supplements and vitamins help and any ergogenic aid will give you a 2% boost at best.

I still train hard sometimes up to ten workouts a week so I just try and cover all the bases that I may be missing nutritionally and get a little help with recovery. I seem to be able to still keep pace so I’ll continue with this supplement regimen for the time being and let you know if I change it up.

Let me know what you take…

New Year’s Resolutions

Dec 27, 2015 Eric Toussaint 6 Comments

Only 8% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. How can we change this?! This advice of course will be dealing with health and wellness.

First and foremost come up with your plan, what do you want to achieve and how will achieve it. Don’t make your fitness goals unrealistic, don’t keep you real self and your ideal self to far from each other.

If you want to exercise more:

  1. Join a gym
  2. Get a personal trainer
  3. Invest in some exercise DVDs
  4. Join a running club
  5. Join a martial arts studio
  6. Start taking spinning classes
  7. Try Zoomba

If you want to lose weight:

  1. Pick a diet that works for you – Paleo, South Beach, Bullet Proof diet etc. All diets work if you stick to them
  2. Get an app on your phone to help track your meals and calories
  3. Make an appointment with a nutritionist
  4. Stop drinking alcohol or greatly reduce your drinks per week
  5. Cut out the sugar…you’re sweet enough

I would also use your phone or calendar to schedule all of your exercise and nutrition goals, make it a part of your life. The built in reminders on your calendar will help greatly in keeping you honest.

If this isn’t enough check our website www.jettllc.com or contact me directly [email protected] and I’ll try and help.

Make your New Year’s resolutions a reality with proper planning and execution.

Happy New Year!!