While following Seattle Sutton's 1,200 calorie-a-day menu plan for the New Year, I realize exercise, of course, is the other important factor to getting fit and losing weight.
On Wednesday's broadcast, daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced her own New Year's resolution for 2010 with her fitness guru guest of the day, Richard Simmons. Long before DeGeneres made dancing her trademark to beginning her show, Simmons was already pushing the dancing and exercise craze with his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" best-selling exercise tapes.
I've received a number of generous calls and e-mails from readers offering their own exercise advice. Thank you to the many supportive readers I've heard from in just the first week.
As for exercise ideas, here are a few of my favorites from readers. I look forward to trying these this year.
"Dear Phillip,
Congratulations on being chosen to participate in the Seattle Sutton weight-loss challenge. You said you've shed excess pounds before, but doing it in a national spotlight like this adds another dimension to the typical stresses that accompany a new challenge. I applaud your willingness to put yourself out there and share your results with readers. Regardless of what place you finish, your example will motivate others.
Having said that, I'd love to see the hometown guy win it all, and would like to supplement your efforts by inviting you to try something that has helped many people calibrate their metabolism and reach their optimal weight. I'm talking about T'ai Chi Chih-Joy thru Movement. This newer (created around 1974) nonmartial form of T'ai Chi is dedicated to circulating and balancing the flow of energy (chi) within the body. Blood pressure, emotions, metabolism, mental clarity and more are all impacted by imbalances in this flow.
This form is much easier to learn than ancient fighting forms (the whole practice is taught in an eight-week beginner's course), and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Rather than the "harder-faster-more-more" of strength training and aerobics exercises, T'ai Chi Chih's success is measured by 'softer-slower-less-less.' Sounds counterintuitive, I know. But this stuff really works. I also know nothing happens in a vacuum. But I 'burned off' more than 40 pounds in just a few months when I learned this, which happened at a time of great change in my own life.
No guarantees, of course. But with regular practice, you will feel more energetic and more calm; more likely to stay on the path of change you've decided on.
I'd like to invite you to join one of two beginner's classes I have starting in January. One starts this Saturday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the Hammond YMCA. The other begins on Thursday , Jan. 28 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the Plum Creek Center at Dyer Parks and Recreation. I am the only certified instructor of TCC in Northwest Indiana. Check out our community Web site at taichichih.org. Good luck, and I hope to hear from you.
Sincerely, Peter Gregory"
"Hi Phil! We've been subscribers to the tri-town version of the Times forever!! I followed your journey for weight loss a few years ago with interest. As a personal trainer, I have had an interest in people's stories such as yours. I've been referred to as a Jillian Michaels-type, referring to the celebrity personal trainer on the NBC show 'The Biggest Loser.' But I use an approach with a little more love! However, I do take that as a compliment.
Now that you're 'giving it another whirl,' I'd like to invite you to my cardio kickbox class. It is a great full body cardio workout. It is held on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. at Crossroads Church in Schererville. I have been teaching kickboxing for a couple years and have quite a following. You should come out and please give it a try! I'd love to kick your butt!! If you need any help with weights/strength training, I would love to help you out! Good luck and remember, a healthy lifestyle does not have a destination, it is a life-long journey. Take care! Amy Smith"
Note to readers
Be sure to check out the Health page on D5 in tomorrow's etc. section for a look at the nine other contestants from around our Illinois readership area and Chicago selected to compete against me in the 2010 Seattle Sutton Slim Down Challenge. In addition to photos, also included are each of the contestants' current weight, goals and personal stories.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.
Today's Celebrity Birthdays
Actor Herbert Lom ("Pink Panther" films) is 93. Author Judith Krantz is 82. Sports announcer Dick Enberg is 75. Singer Joan Baez and actress Susannah York are 69. Guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin is 66. Singer/actor David Johansen aka Buster Poindexter is 60. Singer Crystal Gayle is 59. Guitarist Eric Erlandson (Hole) is 47. Actress Joely Richardson is 45. Guitarist Carl Bell of Fuel and singers Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth and Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band are 43. Singer A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys is 32. Guitarist Drew Brown of OneRepublic is 26. Singer Paolo Nutini is 23.
