Hi folks!  Chill James here to brag a little bit about the excellent company I keep down at TV Fitness Pros.

The personal trainers at TV Fitness Pros was recognized as the "Best of Orlando in 2013" in the personal training category as presented by The Orlando Award Program.
In the past, I have encouraged you to contact me for a personal tour of TV Fitness Pros.  I encourage you to drop me a line requesting a tour as you will immediately feel at home with the facilities and the atmosphere.  We are totally unlike the gym experience you are now accustomed to.

So, click the button below to contact me for a personalized tour with no obligation to join.

Until next time,
Chill Out, Chill James
ChillFit!

Hi!  Chill James back with you to give you a heads up on some changes that are occurring in the workplace that you may not be aware of.  

In a recent Wall Street Journal article titled: "When your boss makes you pay for being fat"  it reports how many employers are planning on making employees pay as much as $1,000 extra starting next year if they are overweight, or fit other high-risk health groups such as smoking.  Other companies will instead reward employees with money for losing weight or meeting other determined guidelines of health.  Many of these changes are due to the sharp rise in healthcare costs and the impending implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Regardless of whether you have to pay more money or you receive a rebate from your employer, you know that you have an opportunity to add $$ to your wallet for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  So, if you have repeatedly tried gym memberships , bought exercise equipment online, or, you have tried exercise programs on your own, fear not...I am here.

As a personal trainer, I can help you reach your fitness goals so if your boss asks you to pay more money toward your employee health insurance plan because you are overweight...He or she will notice that you have gotten into shape.

So, click the button below to get started.

Remember,
Chill Out - ChillFit
Chill James

Hi!  Chill here to gently let you know that Spring is here and you know what that means?  Summer is coming.  That means less clothes to wear and you cannot hide behind the thick clothing and coats.  

I want to take a different direction in this blog.  If you are like me, you may not have had good examples in your life to create a love for fitness.  For me, my closest relatives did not see physical fitness to be a center part of their lives.  Consequently, I didn't value how fitness can benefit each and every part of my life.  Now, I want to quickly point out that I am not blaming my family.  Not at all.  However, I do want to tell you that if you have children, you can create a legacy of love for fitness in them that will last a lifetime.

What inspired me was a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about Rene´ Kaerskov, CEO of HBA, an interior design firm that is located in 16 countries.  Although the article covered how Mr. Kaerskov likes to run marathons in multiple countries, what stood out was that when he undertakes his daily fitness routine, he includes his daughter.  She does pushups and sit ups with him.  He even uses her as a weight to do some of his exercises so they can enjoy some father-daughter bonding time that is really fun.

Now, ask yourself:  What is the likelihood that Mr. Kaerskov's daughter will be devoted to a lifetime of fitness?  (I think she will carry forth a legacy toward her children).

So, if you are not motivated to establish a fitness routine for yourself.  Do it for your loved ones.  Create a legacy that will literally change the course of your family.

Chill Out, ChillFit
Chill James

The gym is one of the most interesting public places you can visit.  Why is that?  Well, you have a group of people visiting a place with basically one purpose...However, the people are there for different reasons.  And, it is my theory that these different reasons gets in the way of the tremendous work you can do at a gym to tone your body.  Here is a few I've found to be true courtesy of Jason Gay of the Wall Street Journal in his article: "More Rules of Conquering the Gym"

1.  "Focus on technique. Have an instructor teach you proper form. If you lift a barbell like a 129-year-old man bending over to pick up a turtle, you need some help."  Chill's Take:  Jason is correct.  As a personal trainer, this is my main focus to help get the most out of your workout.  Proper form helps cut down on injury and maximize the return on your workout so you tone up quicker.


2.  "Avoid gyms next to liquor stores and Cinnabons."   Chill's Take:  I recall talking to a guy who had kept his New Year's Resolution to join a gym.  After talking with me for a while he revealed that he "rewarded himself" for vigorous workouts by stopping off at a Dunkin Donuts for a coffee...Yes, and a donut.  A little later in the conversation, he mentioned how frustrated he was as he wasn't meeting his weight loss goals.  Accountability is key.  I can help keep you on track so you meet your goals without distraction.

3.  "Squat! You hear people say this and it's true. If you're not doing squats, just stop going to the gym and take $100 and set it on fire in a garbage barrel once a month."  Chill's Take:  Leg strength is the foundation to everything on your body above ground.  I could not agree more with Jason on this point.  Too many exercise programs on TV place more time on "abs and guns" than on the basic foundation of a fit body:  Squats.


Finally, I'll leave you with a smile when Jason says this in his article:


4. "A visit to the gym is always better than nachos and margaritas. OK that's a total lie. Nachos and margaritas rule. But go to the gym the next day, OK?"

Chill's Take:  I'm done here.  It's off to the gym for me and skinny margaritas later!


Chill Out - ChillFit
Chill James

Hi!  Chill James here back in the new year with more tips to help get you in shape for 2013.  

I recently saw an article in the Wall Street Journal titled "Want to be CEO?  What's your BMI?"  The article spoke about how business leaders are increasingly being judged by their waistline in addition to the bottom line.  Although you may not be a CEO, you may currently be looking for a job and you might be self-conscious about your weight if you are on interviews.

Let's face it, the job market is very competitive at the moment.  And, it is sad that a prospective employer who is interviewing you is overlooking your great qualifications to make judgements about you image.  

You know how I shared with you my personal story how I once weighed over 300 lbs.  I don't want you to be judged by your weight.  I want that inner you to shine through when you are trying to nail down a job.  Let me help you lose that weight!

Contact me now by clicking the button below so we can get started.  Do not "waist" and opportunity.

Until next month,

Chill Out - ChillFit
Chill James

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from ChillFit!  
Hi!  Chill James coming to you again and I have to share it with you.

One of my clients came in and told me that his young son recently asked if Santa Claus had a personal trainer because if he didn't he'd better hurry up so he can get in shape to fit down the chimney.  Apparently the boy had seen his father lose a lot of weight and was worried that Santa couldn't make it to his house because he is overweight.  After I heard it I laughed out loud as it never ceases to amaze me how children see the world around them.

How do you see the world around you?  I have heard it said that we often see the world and ourselves through others eyes.  We can help it as we are social creatures.  Have you been packing on the pounds over the last few years?  Have you stopped and started an exercise program over-and-over again?  According to Webmd.com, it is important to not eliminate exercise and good eating habits during the holidays.  It is OK to reduce or change what you do, just don't leave it behind.

Well, let me offer some advice: Chill.  Breathe In....Now...Out.  A little better?  I hope so.

Why not start a short walk everyday to the end of your street and back?  Then, after the New Year, pick up the phone and give me a call.  I can help design a program for you to get you into shape.  

Go to my contact page and drop me a line.  Until then...

Hi!  This is Chill James wishing you all Seasons Greetings.  Yes, it is that time of year where the malls start playing Christmas music and shoppers are jamming the streets looking for a deal.  

Do you feel like this guy pictured to the left?  Do the holidays and the stress that accompanies the Holiday Season just make you want to scream?

Well, take it from me.  I used to really get stressed during the holidays.  Remember, I used to weigh 315 pounds and when the holidays rolled around...I rolled with it.  The overeating and busyness of this time of year can lower your immunity and soon you'll find yourself battling colds that come from nowhere or other medical ailments that just pop up.  This is natural.  Stress produces the hormone: Cortisol.  Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands whenever we sense a threat or danger.  Even though a monster isn't attacking you, your body doesn't know the difference in the external threats.  All it knows is that something is threatening you (in this case the holidays), and it had better start producing extra Cortisol.

What are the effects?  Well, according to the Mayo Clinic, elevated cortisol levels can produce symptoms like obesity, problems sleeping, digestive tract issues, and worse, heart disease.

Ho, Ho, Hold on Chill.  I just can't help it.  I have to live with the stress until the Holidays are over, there is just too much to do!

I understand.  What I want to appeal to you to do is to put YOU on top of your shopping list.  Later on in that Mayo Clinic article, it mentions that proper diet, exercise, and sleep are keys to minimizing the effects of Cortisol.  So....If you are now at the top of your shopping list, here is a gift suggestion:  Purchase an introductory one-on-one training program with me!

We can start your training now to help you minimize the stress in your life at a great price!  Or, if you are already a client and know someone who could use my services, I would appreciate a kind referral.

During this Thanksgiving season I am truly thankful for all the readers who stop by and look at my blogs.  On behalf of my family, I wish you a joyous and stress-reduced holiday season.

Chill Out - Chill James
ChillFit!

An article in the Wall Street Journal titled "Exercise Might Beat Puzzles for Protecting the Aging Brain" recounted a recent study published in the journal of Neurology that points to exercise having more benefits for improving cognitive functions in aging people than performing mind games.  Brain scans taken after exercise versus puzzle exercises showed more brain activity in the control group of the (physical) exercisers.  

This should make sense to you.  Have you ever taken a brisk walk or bicycle ride and felt that it "cleared your mind?"  Or, you got an answer to a nagging question or problem while you were out on a run around the block?  I'm no scientist, but I can tell you that your brain loves for your body to get activity.  Think of exercise as an oil can to the machinery of your brain.  However, when you are completing a puzzle or mind game like Sudoko, what you tend to focus on is completing the puzzle and you aren't able to clear your mind like physical exercise does.  

So, put down that crossword puzzle and give me a call.  I can help you solve the riddle of productive exercise that will give you results.

Chill Out - Chill Fit!
Chill James

It appears that scientists may have stumbled upon some good news regardless of your physical shape.    Researchers at BYU have found that individuals who have completed at least 45 minutes of walking activity on a treadmill show lesser interest in food than people who did not exercise.  A brief overview of the study can be found at ScienceDaily.com 

This was found to be true with studies relating to obese people as well...Which is good news!  It used to be assumed that exercising made you hungry.  However, this study seems to debunk that theory.

So what does this mean to you?  What it DOESN'T mean is that you do not have to get into shape before you see me.   I did have a reluctant person tell me once that he thought he had to have a minimum level of fitness to join my program.  Well, I am here to tell you to relax and "Chill."  

The study I am talking about today shows that you can benefit IMMEDIATELY from exercise.  I am trained to take you where you are and help you shape your body to a new you.

So, if you are ready to get started, click the button below and I can help you get fit in a chilled stated of mind.

Until next time,
Chill Out - Chill James

Hi!  Chill James here coming to you with a little bit different blog than I usually write.  Most of my blogs are written to help motivate you to take action to get fit.  If you haven't read my personal story about having once weighed 315 pounds, check it out by clicking: "My Story."

Today, I'd like to talk about the opposite of getting people off the couch and into regular workouts with a personal trainer like myself.  Yes, regular exercise and workouts is a healthy habit.  However, I have noticed a small amount of people who are hooked on exercising like it was a drug.  They just over do it.  Injuries crop up and they push through quoting that old saying that "pain is weakness leaving the body."

I recently read an article "When Working Out is Too Much of a Good Thing." 
The article points out that "overexercising" can be a symptom of deeper problems that are not unlike other disorders.  The first thing I thought of was this was another reason for having a personal trainer.  Yes, a personal trainer can hold you accountable to reaching your fitness goals.  However, personal trainers can also help you reach that goal so that you can also maintain a good life balance.  

So, instead of going solo and risking overindulging in exercise, hold yourself accountable by hiring a personal trainer like me.  The "ChillFit" way of pursuing fitness.

Until Next Time,

Chill Out - ChillFit
Chill James