The Answer Is Not Medication; Its Exercise!

 Wodonga, VIC – A recent international study has cast a very poor light on Australians, revealing that more than one third of our population does not do enough regular exercise.  Additionally, in the US a new weight loss drug has recently been approved, highlighted as the most effective therapy in a new generation of anti-obesity pills.

“This is absolutely absurd” declares Josh Dickinson, owner and founder of Physique Essentials who are the Border’s leading specialists in Body Compositions and Transformations. “This is a gross contradiction”.

What has upset Mr Dickinson so much is that, as a health and fitness professional he believes that the answer is in a proactive step towards better health, not drugs. Research published in the British medical journal The Lancet this week says that our sedentary behaviour is placing Australians at greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. 

“People come to me every day looking for answers” says Mr Dickinson, “and the first step is always lifestyle. We ask our clients about their habits in terms of work, exercise and finding a balance between all of their commitments. It is about finding workable solutions and I don’t believe medical intervention, in the majority of cases is the answer”.

Research has shown us that, 3-4 regular exercises sessions per week, lasting 30-45 minutes (150 minutes) are of tremendous benefits, and this equates to less than 3% of the week. “Who doesn’t have that little time to look after themselves?”

In regards to this new weight loss pill Qsymia, obesity rates in America are nearing 35 per cent of the adult population. As a solution, many doctors have called on the FDA to approve new weight-loss treatments. But the unfortunate part is, there is a long line of prescription diet pills that have been associated with dangerous side effects, particularly heart problems.

Mr Dickinson adds, “So we are in a predicament where inactivity is low and obesity is on the rise. To remedy this, the medical recommendations are medications that potentially carry many nasty side effects. Why don’t more doctors recommend exercise as a first line defence, with the result being improved health”!

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Ref: http://www.theaustralian.com.au, http://www.heraldsun.com.au, http://www.cdc.gov

Josh Dickinson is available for candid and informative interviews at1300 390 760 or

0439 884 148.

Burger Chain is super-sizing a growing obesity crisis in an attempt to super-size their brand

 Wodonga, VIC – Burger chain, Hungry Jacks are using smart phones and social media in an attempt to boost their brand awareness by the way of FREE fad-laden foods, and one local fitness expert is alarmed. Josh Dickinson from Physique Essentials, the Border’s leaders in Body Transformations and Peak Sporting Performance says, for many, it will be a temptation too good to resist.

“It will serve to be a ‘win win’ for the Burger giant” says Mr Dickinson. “As consumers are always striving to save a dollar in today’s economy, the promise of free food will almost be too tempting for many younger consumers to ignore”. And the statistics are right.

Since launching the campaign in May, 350,000 items have been given away for little more than users logging into their phones, download the application and giving their phone a ‘shake’ when within 1km from an outlet.

“Childhood obesity and obesity in younger Australians is a major concern” says Mr Dickinson, “and this definitely isn’t helping this number to reduce”.

 

Leading nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton has also warned the consumer. When we are presented with something that is ‘free’, it doesn’t come free from the excess baggage. These treats are still laden with fat and calories but because we are not actually parting with any money, yet we seem to forget this at consumption.

It will be interesting to see the outcome. With the trend in social media this will no doubt be a success for Hungry Jacks, but will it be a success for the health of our society?

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Ref: www.adelaidenow.com.au

Josh Dickinson is available for candid and informative interviews at1300 390 760 or

0439 884 148.

Your 10 step winter survival guide

I’m getting my writing vide back, and I wanted to share this article with you - enjoy :o)

Your 10 step winter survival guide

Just because it is winter doesn’t mean that you will need to fall off the fitness wagon. With some careful planning and focus on your long term summer goal (yes, it is what you do now that you reveal when the weather warms up) there is no need to miss a beat this winter

So let’s tackle this tricky topic with 10 sure-fire plateau busters!

1 – Motivation: I admit it is hard to stay motivated when you have no direction and no reward for your efforts. Nothing will derail success faster than not getting a reward and you know nothing is more motivating then getting the results you are striving for.

2 – Goal setting: As per motivation, you need to have a goal. Most of us want to look our best when the warmer months arrive and it is time to strip the layers off. And do you realize that your success in summer comes down to what you do in winter? Focus on a summer goal, and devise a winter plan to see you achieve that goal.

3 – Expectations: Just like the goals and staying motivated, what do you expect for your efforts this winter? Don’t let season dictate how great you are or what you are truly capable of achieving!

4 – Comfort foods: I admit, a warm pie in winter really hits the spot. Remember though, comfort foods don’t need to be fat-laden, carbohydrate-based juggernaut for missed rewards. Be cautious of the ingredients you use and also the volume in which you consume. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you need to eat enough pie to feed a family!

5 – Comfort drinks: As a pie warms the belly, so does the large café mocha with extra cream! Remember that calories do add up through the consumption of liquids too.

6 – Its cold and dark: If it is cold and dark and you either don’t want too, or can’t get motivated to exercise in the dark, then don’t. Make sure you select a time and location that will work for you and not against. It will be easy to miss a session if you can find a plausible excuse not to go.

7 – I’m too lazy: Now look, if you really ‘are’ that lazy then no one will be able to help you. But, are you just using the lazy excuse as that; an excuse for poor planning, lack of direction, no goals and minimal expectations? Invest some time into what you really want to achieve and the success that deep down, you really want.

8 – Share the plan with family: Share your fitness goals with your family and the people that are close to you. With a broad support network, you know that they will be more than happy to ‘motivate’ you when you need it the most and who knows, they themselves may want to join in the fun.

9 – Do it with a friend: If the idea of training by yourself really isn’t that appealing, then train with a friend. This way you will be able to motivate each other to keep improving, and you will be able to share in your results with a like-minded accomplice.

10 – …and above all else, just do it! Now look, I know it can be hard but sometimes, you just need to get the job done. It may be hard to get up in the morning, but we still do to go to work, school, other commitments etc and this is no different. In fact, it actually IS different. This is something that is going to directly benefit your health and your vitality. You know that with regular exercise you will be able to face winter head on and cruise into the warmer months a happier and healthier you!

Keep your eye open for The Rapid Fat Loss Challenge that we have starting at the end of this month, we will be making its official launch this weekend at the Health and Wellness EXPO at the SS&A on Saturday. We are going to ‘melt some fat’ that’s for sure…

Alternatively, if you would like some help personally with your progress, then you can book your own no obligation consultation with me then CLICK HERE -  http://pefreeconsultation.viprespond.com/

The true cost of optimal results

When it comes to the overall success of your health and fitness efforts, have you ever sat down and determined the ‘cost’; or what it is going to ‘cost’ you?

I am not referring to things like gym memberships or trainer fees, supplements and adequate gym clothing; rather what is the REAL cost you need to pay?

The real cost comes in terms of commitment, dedication, level of focus and follow through on your action plan!

Have you ever wondered why, regardless of the methods some people use, some succeed and some fail? Some will achieve outstanding success and some will barely break even. As a trainer I am constantly asked my opinion, with the hope by many that my answer will always reveal some mystical secret that only the chosen few know about. Maybe, if you too had been using ‘Slimming Shake X’ or following the latest ‘celebrity weight loss fad’ or ‘program in a box’ then you would achieve success too.

 Maybe you would, maybe you wouldn’t.

Success isn’t always achieved because what we are doing is optimal but rather sometimes, ‘in spite’ of what we do. But rest assured, ALL the people who do succeed do have one common theme and that is, they all get the job done regardless!

Through adversity and a sometimes often unfathomable number of challenges, they never lose sight of their end prize and keep moving towards true success. 

Observe anyone who has been successful (short and long term results) and you would agree;

-          They have a goal

-          They know the importance of correct, regular exercise and are doing it consistently

-          They know nutrition is important and cannot be ignored

-          They know the importance of staying on track, and if they do slip up they fix it straight away

-          They know laziness is not an excuse

-          They cannot be tempted by that last slice of pizza, or piece of cake with an impending goal

-          They know that they need to train hard and challenge themselves

-          They source professional advice for they know they cannot do it alone

-          They are doing it for themselves

-          They invest in their education and not use ‘not knowing how’ as an excuse

-          They are committed

-          They focus, one day at a time

This list is endless!

Are you seeing a theme? True success for the ‘lucky ones’ really comes down to personal commitment, sacrifice, effort and determination. So maybe their luck isn’t luck after all?

The faster you want your results, not only do you need these traits and more, but also ensure what you are doing is optimal (i.e.: the correct training in terms of frequency and selection, and good nutrition strategies that you can stick too). Do it for yourself, and do it in a way that works with your body’s physiology, not against it. 

Fad programs lead to short term success and it really pays to again look at the bigger picture. Make sure you are not investing in wasted efforts (to achieve short-term success to only lose) so you can enjoy your obtained results for the rest of your life!