LEGALizing Halloween...for 4 year-olds

With Halloween rapidly approaching, we've been receiving at the home, the annual October 31st "what you can & can't lists" from our children's schools.

Our youngest is currently attending a preschool provided by a local religious institution (which will go unnamed).

Primarily for reasons of geographic convenience, we have our 4 year-old attend this preschool of which we've been relatively pleased...

...until we received the "Halloween Letter"...

First, apparently we can't use the word, "Halloween", but instead have bent toward the ever popular politcally correct, "Fall Party". The irony of this is that the origins of Halloween are steeped deep in "Christian" traditions...but I digress...

...and then we come to the rules for the wearing of the costumes!

Oh boy...

Rule #1

Costumes must be:

Fun & Child-Friendly

Rule #2

"We CAN NOT have any costumes that are witches, ghosts, monsters, vampires, or anything violent" (oh and all of these words are printed in the color red and underlined to imply importance)

I always find lists of rules interesting...because I'm not sure where it ends? So what if my 4 year old wants to be the bride of Frankenstein? Is that okay? It's not on the list...And on the internet the other day, I saw the cutest little mummy costume for children...I guess that's ruled out because mummy's are considered violent (thanks alot Boris Karloff!)

And what about the ever-popular Batman, Spiderman, Superman...did you see any of these recent block-busters at the local cinemaplex? Violent? I think so...

Bottom-line is this...by attempting to provide a safe, comfortable environment for children during all hallow's eve celebrations, we've instead made a mockery of a parents decision to expose their children to the world...As soon as we begin to make lists, we've strolled down a dangerous road.

WHERE DOES IT END?

I would end my rant here if the "best" part of the halloween letter has still not been revealed:

"There is no need to pack a lunch since we will be having pizza delivered"

Apparently the powers-at-be at preschool deem vampires more detrimental to my child than pizza. Have we not looked around? Childhood obesity is nutty...adult obesity is crazy. And yet, we announce that pizza will be PROVIDED by our schools.

And I know, I get it...it's no big deal...pizza delivery is easy, uncomplicated, and convenient...

But please don't instruct my 4 year-old that she can't wear her witch costume (see picture!) and then feed her with food that has the potential to do real harm to her health and well-being.

C'mon schools...help us as parents create a safe, comfortable, healthy environment too...

...think before you write...BE CONSISTENT.

CAUTION: Talkin' 'bout E.D.

WARNING! Straight Talk About The Body Ahead...

"So guys, can't get it up?" "Having a (not) hard time?" Don't get the "attention" you need?

We all snicker at the Viagra and Cialis drug commercials on the boob tube, huh? It's taboo to discuss how one's manhood lacks the strength to rise to the occasion. (Okay enough with the wise-cracking erection euphemisms)

What I find more interesting is the actors found to participate in said commercials. Talk about misleading & false advertising!

Why, you ask?

Truth to be told, erectile dysfunction is a SYMPTOM of larger issues. E.D. is not something a man wakes up with on a Tuesday morning after years of normal vertical responses. Simply stated, an erection occurs when an increased amount of blood flow is sent to the penis during sexual arousal. When blood flow is reduced or blocked, erections CANNOT occur.

But how do these blockages occur? Let me address this question by posing another...

How do blood flow blockages happen in other areas of the body (IE the heart)? Dare I say poor care of the body--primarily a lack of physical activity and poor diet.

NO DIFFERENT IN THE PENIS!

So when we see very attractive, fit, middle-aged men in E.D. commercials, it's simply WRONG. The vast majority of men who struggle with ED are struggling with other issues potentially more dangerous (heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, etc.)

Bottom line: We treat physical issues, conditions, and problems incorrectly. Treating E.D. acid reflux, high blood pressure, with perpetual drugs IS NOT THE ANSWER! We're simply treating the symptoms.

Believe me I know--I've lost 120 pounds and am now a fitness professional owning my own personal training studio--becoming and keeping fit is hard (no pun intended)

Daily exercise and clean eating is something that has to become your lifestyle. I KNOW IT'S HARD. But the alternative can't be: LET'S MEDICATE IT!

There's more to life than pills, potions, and programs!

Maybe I can help...?

Mercy for Sex Offenders...

• Murderer


• Rapist


• Thief


• Sex Offender


• Adulterer
  

Now...rank them. What's the worse crime?:

5.


4.


3.


2.


1.

Several years ago, I received an email from a long-time friend that contained a link to the state website indicating the current residences of all known sex-offenders...

I clicked on the link because of nothing more than morbid curiosity...I didn't stay long...

I navigated away quickly with a sickness bubbling from deep within me...

...but not due to what you might think?

My temporary sickness was not brought on by my disgust of those known convicted of sex crimes residing nearby. But instead, the utter absurdity of having such an on-line resource.

I am fully convinced of this: what divides us as people more than anything is an unwillingness for empathy and forgiveness. We declare war, scream across congressional aisles, sign divorce decrees, leave our children, discriminate against people of different skin tone...all in the name of self-righteousness and a need to be and feel superior.

I recently received a piece of campaign literature from a local politician campaigning for re-election. Amongst the common bullet-list of why this individual should be given a certain additional amount of time representing constituents, there was a list of recent pieces of legislation written or proposed by this politician.

The one that stood out the most was a piece of law proposed that would prevent convicted sex offenders from patronizing local swimming pools (as well as schools). I was very confused by this. I mean honestly where does this end? If we are to prevent this small minority of law-breakers from entering public areas where persons under the age of 18 MAY frequent...where is the end?

Theme parks?


Stadiums and Ballparks?


Sidewalks?


McDonald's? (maybe they should stay out of there for other reasons--you know it's not really food, right?)

Check out this scenario:

Mark (age 18); a senior in high school is dating a sophomore (15) named Christy. They have consensual sex. Christy's parents bring charges against Mark and he is convicted of statutory rape, and is now forever registered as a "sex offender". Twenty years go by...Mark is now married and has been for 12 years. Mark has three young children. But Mark can't go swimming with his wife and kids...

...huh...?

People should no doubt face the consequences of their actions and if the consequence of a certain crime (according to our justice system) is jail, probation, etc; then by all means, the offender must "pay" for the offense. But when does one reach forgiveness? When do we say, "you made a mistake, you faced the consequence, you've been forgiven (by the law) and it's time to move on"?

We all have demons, temptations, make choices that may seem unusual or even deviant. Haven't we all faced the idea that if someone found out I was doing such and such, I'd be in a lot of hot water? One might argue that we have to suppress such temptations.

I haven't found this to work, either. We all have a tendency to fall...ALL of us! What's best...?

Faith? A good shrink? A better wine? ...

For me it's the former...I choose to follow a Man who chose to find forgiveness & mercy in the worst of the worst. I follow this Man because he once walked in the shoes of the less-fortunate, the deviant, the scorned, the forgotten...the sex offenders.

Those who vote to separate people out who've made mistakes with the proverbial "Scarlett Letter"; forever to pay over and over for their crimes must have not been extended forgiveness in their own lives. For this, I do have pity. I know what it feels like to have someone close refuse forgiveness. I hope those of you out there will someday find peace...

But please let's not separate more than we already do...

Which BODY do you like best...?

SO...WHICH BODY DO YOU LIKE BEST?

NOW...Which BODY do you think is the most fit?

Did your answer to the first question change?

Why or Why NOT???

Arguably, the most fit, most healthy, most functional body is one that is...

Flexible

Strong

Lean

Quick

Toned

Balanced

The BEST BODY is one that HAS IT ALL!

A body that can:

Benchpress it's own body weight

Perform 10 vertical push-ups

Hold PLANK for 5 minutes

Perform Warrior III for 20 seconds for 60 seconds

Complete a Half Marathon in less than 2 hours

Dash 40 yards in less than 5 seconds

Hold Boat Pose on a bosu balance trainer for :60 seconds

Eat anything you want unless you...

Maintaining your clean-eating lifestyle while on the road...

...is difficult.

With autumn in full view ahead, it won't be long until we have to prepare for holiday travel!

What happens when we know full well what's waiting for us in Grandma's kitchen...the peanut butter balls, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes & gravy, the hot totty's?

But you're trying to be disciplined...you're treating your body better than you ever have. You're doing so good with your eating and exercise lifestyle.

And yet Thanksgiving is coming and oh man, Mom's cooking is SO GOOD!

So what do you do?

Implement these three strategies to help make that holiday vacation a fitness road-bump and not a multi-car collision:

1. When you're actually on the road--pack your food...this will prevent you from the dreaded "fast-food" drive-by or consuming the unmentionables at airport eateries. As a general rule...we must prepare our menu ahead of time or we'll be doomed to make bad choices.


2. Take your on-site "snack food" for when you get there...this is a good way to let your family know that you're trying to be disciplined and yet not excluding yourself from the "big production meals". ALSO BRING ENOUGH SNACKS TO SHARE! This allows for an inclusive presentation and it just may introduce Uncle Ed to red-pepper hummus for the first time...


3. Lastly, share your fitness story with your family. Let them know what you're trying to accomplish and allow them to hear you heart. But make sure you do it in a way that's not defensive and/or condescending toward them. You don't want to come across as "you should do what I'm doing, too!" or "I'm not eating your food...it's not good for me!" or worse still: "I'm better than you!" BAD IDEA. This creates division and Lord knows we have enough drama at family functions as it is (can I get an amen!)

Remember, allow yourself to splurge...you're on vacation. After all, as we say here at DLT, it's not what you eat today...it's what you eat EVERYDAY. Holidays are an exception to the rule...your body will forgive and you'll be right back on your clean-eating come Monday morning.

Found You! (but is it worth it?)

Facebook, MySpace, Twitter...the list can go on & on...

Both Social & Business networking sites have changed the cultural landscape of our day.

Imagine for a moment having the experience of a high school, college, or family reunion EVERY single day...

Imagine having the access to the pulse (in real time) of your best friend's daily going's on...

Imagine having the access to mere social acquaintances and their family photos...

Imagine expanding both your social and business network 10 fold in the matter of minutes...

This is the age of online networking...and it's here to stay.

No more are the networking sites reserved for those between the ages of 16 and 25. The days of Facebook being exclusive to high school and college students are gone.

Soccer moms and senior citizens now grace the elaborate pages and pages of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.

Business men and women will now be on the outside looking in if they're not connected with business focused networking sites such as LinkedIn and Merchant Circle.

But despite the high-tech world of on-line gabbing, instant messaging when you see your friend's little green light on, and posting your newest profile pic from last weekend's had-to-be-there group-tightener, face to face connections remain #1

There's nothing quite like sharing your favorite adult beverage with a close friend...

There's nothing quite like sitting with 10 of your closest business connections and exchanging referrals over a caramel latte...

Don't be beguiled by the ease, safety, and convenience of on-line networking...is it important? Yes. Critical in today's world? Absolutely. Vital in remaining relevant and cutting edge? No doubt.

But we still need face-to-face, handshake to handshake, eye-eye human contact...

After all the most inhumane punishment we've come up with to deal with one another is found not prison...it's what they do to those who break the rules inside prison:

SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.

High Fructose Corn Syrup...the real deal!

High Fructose Corn Quick Facts

• The American Medical Association (AMA) recently concluded that "high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners."


• Research confirms that high fructose corn syrup is safe and no different from other common sweeteners like table sugar and honey. All three sweeteners are nutritionally the same.


• High fructose corn syrup has the same number of calories as table sugar and is equal in sweetness. It contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients.


• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted high fructose corn syrup "Generally Recognized as Safe" status for use in food, and reaffirmed that ruling in 1996 after thorough review.


• High fructose corn syrup offers numerous benefits. It keeps food fresh, enhances fruit and spice flavors, retains moisture in bran cereals, helps keep breakfast and energy bars moist, maintains consistent flavors in beverages and keeps ingredients evenly dispersed in condiments.

-Source: http://www.sweetsurprise.com/hfcsquickfacts.php

STOP THE MADNESS...

It's nearly as maddening as Philip Morris campaigning against underage smoking...huh?

As you read the above "facts" from the new advertising campaign from the Corn Refiners Association, you might be confused too. This advertising campaign is designed to dissolve the myths that have helped demonized High Fructose Corn Syrup in recent years.

And after reading the first couple of facts, you might be thinking, "okay, sounds pretty good..."

And then you get to the last bullet point...

Whoops!

Go ahead read it again...take your time...

Let me clarify some things you may not be thinking about...

It shouldn't be any surprise that eating "clean" is best for you. That eating foods that leave a footprint (ie the stuff left on the fingertips after you've drawn out your hand from the cheetos bag) are not the best for you. Further that eating foods that have been chemically altered to help make them taste better, last longer, and remain moist have still been CHEMICALLY ALTERED. Somehow, something's got to give. How can something so fresh and clean as bran be untouched and remain clean after a chemical has been added?

It's the same reasoning behind the assumption if we injest a drug into our bodies that somehow we should not expect any side-effect consequences? It's a chemical altering a body that wasn't meant to be altered...

So please educate yourself...ask more questions. But don't fall into the trap that if something makes things "better" it's better for you...WRONG. After all, drug, alcohol, food, and sex addicts would claim that the "chemicals" they're putting in their bodies make them feel "better" too...

"Better" doesn't equate to GOOD..."Safe" doesn't equate to GOOD..."Approved" doesn't equate to GOOD...

Good is Good is Good!

DLT Tip of the Week--My seatbelt?

It may seem like a simple thing, but adjusting how you put on your shoulder-harness seat belt may save you from additional strain or future damage to your shoulders.

DO:

When reaching for the shoulder harness of your seat belt, turn your shoulders and upper torso in direction of the seat belt buckle and reach for the buckle with the opposite hand, pull the buckle back across your body and then you can use your other hand to snap into connection.

DON'T:
Reach back with your left arm (if your driving, right arm if you're the passenger). This excess torque placed on the entire shoulder girdle can prove to be too strenuous.

(Those who've had shoulder dislocations will appreciate this simple adjustment)

GIVE IT A TRY...IT MAY NEED SOME GETTING USED TO...BUT WELL WORTH THE LONG-TERM BENEFITS!

Have a great week!
David Lea

Public School...best thing since sliced bread!

Two down one to go...

This morning the entire Lea clan traveled to our local elementary school (that's "grade school" to all those reading who are over the age of 50).

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

We now have a second-grader and kindergartner (we have one more who'll be starting preschool soon) in the local public school system and couldn't be happier!

I love public school. All the things it is and all the things it isn't. For all it's benefits and for all it's deficits.

Public School...where else are can you find:

1. Bullies

2. Mystery Meat on lime green lunch trays

3. Mean Girls

4. Gym Teachers confused about their gender identity

5. Custodians who seem a little too interested in the new young English literature teacher

6. Administrators on power-trips

7. Crazy gossip in the teacher's lounge

8. Cliques

9. "Smokin' in the boys room!"

10. What you wear is more important than who you are...

Okay...

I'm not sure about you, but to me the things I've listed above seem like......................real life.

So my question to all those parents and politicians who advocate private, parochial, or home schooling...why?

Why try to shelter, hide, withhold from your kids the realities of the real world.

I remember the first days of college for me were filled with advice from the upper class men to "go after" the girls who came from the private schools...they would be your best bet...

Now i don't have to go into further details about what we were going after, but i think you get my drift.

It's not to say there aren't incredible educations to be had from private institutions. Because there are...no doubt.

But please don't infer that private schooling is inherently better than public education, simply because "you pay for it".

Besides when it comes down to it...the real education our children receive is at home. Period. No doubt. Without question.

So my counsel to all is this: Save your money, give it away to causes that really matter (eradication of AIDS, erase social injustice, give food away, give money away, give yourself away.)

To those who choose to educate at home..............DON'T. Every parent needs time away from their children...it's not an accident that all the mothers who commit maternal filicide (killing your own children) were those who home-schooled. It's okay...take a break. There are professionals out there who spend four years in higher education learning how to educate your child. Let go...your children will appreciate it when they're adults.

all for now...

Dirty Biz...

• Dance Instructors who can't dance


• Swim coaches who can't swim


• Group Fitness Teachers who can't complete the exercises


• Personal Trainers who don't look like they practice what they preach...

Make sense?


I didn't think so...


What does this say about integrity? How come we follow, patron, invest in those who don't do what they're sellin?

• Would you hire a financial consultant who just filed Chapter 11?
• Would you receive marriage counseling from someone who just left his wife and kids?
• Would you go to a barber who's own dome looked like Edward Scissorhands had a couple of spare minutes?
• Would you attend a church who's leadership covered up a sex scandal?
  

....I hope not...

Expect more...demand integrity. Don't just do something because the biz has been recommended by your brother-in-law. Ask questions, investigate, get to know the people you do biz with...



Your dollar, your investment, your life is worth more!

Man's Best Friend...really?!

I was listening to my favorite morning show this morning (yeah, i'll go ahead and pimp 'em--98.9 the Rock's The Johnny Dare Morning Show here in KC) when i heard an endorsement that would become the last straw and would drive me to write this here and now...

"Pet Bereavement Counseling"

Are you kidding me? Really? We've gone there? Are you serious?

How 'bout this: these are my top five ridiculous ways to worship DWA's (Domesticated Wild Animal)

5. Doggy Day Care (if you can't care for them, don't have them!)

4. Excessively paying a veterinarian your hard-earned $$$ to treat an ANIMAL! Hip replacement on a dog???!!! C'MON! 3 steps: 1) Euthanasia 2) Dog Pound 3) New Dog Collar

3. Placing the wants and needs of an animal ahead of a family member--this includes but not limited to: postponing, cancelling an appt with a human to attend to your DWA; kissing your DWA but not your spouse; spending more on DWA food than your spouse's birthday present; willing anything to your DWA ahead of your immediate family...and the list could go on and on...

2. Pet Bereavement Counseling (mentioned above)

1. Dressing your wild animal...now you've really gone off the deep-end.

Now I know this blog may not be popular with the likes of Pam Anderson, PETA, or a overcaffeinated, certain local tv meterologist who has his DWA's on camera!!! And I risk the termination of a good many human relationships, but we must have a reality check!

There is a balance to everything and just as one uses food, illicit drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, shopping, gambling and the like to salve a hole in our soul; there are too many people out there who use their domesticated wild animal to relieve the true dysfunction in their lives.

The reality is that so many place so much time, energy, effort, and money into their DWA (domesticated wild animal) because they know that for whatever reason, the animal will rarely manipulate, lie, cheat, ignore, withhold love and affection, play games, break hearts. The DWA will love back unconditionally...

Unconditional love...of course. That's it! That's what you seek!

I don't blame you...

But imagine if all the money, effort, time, and energy were placed into the human relationships we REALLY desire instead of the DWA's, maybe the world would change...for real!

And please don't misunderstand...i'm not an animal hater.

I love visiting the zoo on the weekends with my three little ones (yes they're human, i helped create them) and viewing animals as they were meant to be enjoyed--in environments that they were designed to inhabit!!! I don't endorse cruelty to animals. In fact intentionally harming animals is disgusting!

But let's be real...let's find balance. A DWA is just that--an animal--not human! Please act accordingly people!

all for now...

let the firestorm begin...:-)

p.s. ferrett's are not pets...they're rodents...look it up on wikipedia (that one was for you, John!)

Exercise Sucks!

So why is exercise so difficult? Why is only 13% of the population exercising on a regular basis?

Why aren't gyms stacked, packed, and racked to the back during ALL 12 months of the year?

Why isn't home-gym equipment part of everyone's home decor? Why is it so unusual that when one sees a "six pack" of rectus abdominis, we swoon, awe, and gawk

Because exercise sucks, that's why!!!

I realize coming from someone who makes his profession in the fitness industry, my aforementioned comments might seem counter-productive, self-destructive, or just plain odd...

But let's all be honest, if exercise were easy, simple, or (seemingly) gave us the same enjoyment as a double martini at Mosaic, a kraut-laden polish sausage at the "K", or having sex with our significant other, WE'D ALL DO IT!!!

Am I right, or am I right?

Furthermore...let's analyze exercise in a group setting (i.e. the gym):
What we're asking of people is to dress up in clothes that don't fit, are too tight, show too much, or don't cinch where we need to be cinched...then ask them to jump, lift, push, pull, step, run in ways that seem odd, or don't fit their idea of functional everyday movement...then we put them in front of OTHER PEOPLE who look and do exercise better than them???!!!

(sarcasm ahead)

Man, I don't see the problem??!! What's the big deal? Expose people to potential wardrobe malfunctions, while jumping and jiggling, in front of pretty people, in an ego-laden sub-culture...

(more sarcasm ahead)

I just don't see the issue, do you?!

(sarcasm ends here)

Well, of course exercise is hard, humbling, difficult, and an up and down journey. The great experiences in life are NEVER EASY. It's hard, takes great discipline. It takes commitment, dedication, support from others, and expertise from those in the fitness industry.

But as one of my wonderful training clients, Cherryh Butler (one of INK magazine's supremely talented staff writers) says, "There are days I don't want to train, but I have to...I need to...I have to be there!"

So, does exercise really suck? For ALL OF US, there are those moments (I myself, had one today!). But find an exercise environment, a support system, a personal trainer, a group exercise class: all the components that are going to make you successful in your fitness journey...


...then...


MAKE IT HAPPEN! YOU are worth it!

The WATERboy

So why is water the most important, most critical, more pure element in anyone’s diet? Why is the most basic compound on the planet, the most beneficial to our minds and bodies? Why is water so important?

Here’s a basic rule of thumb to use when deciding what & what not to put in your mouth when living a healthy lifestyle:

If what you’re about to still in that gullet of yours, leaves any kind of trace, residue, "footprint" behind, you may want to question its validity in the "good-for-you" food & drink category...

So things like cheetos, doritos, french fries, rice krispie treats, soda all have one thing in common: they leave something behind!!! (c’mon, show us those orange caked-on digits as they exit that 20 oz. bag of death!)



Which brings me back to...WATER.

That’s right...ding, ding, you’re correct...NO RESIDUE. Perfection, purity, clean, WATER!

MIX WITH IT, COOK WITH IT, CLEAN WITH IT, BATHE IN IT...but most of all, when you’re feeling parched and even when you’re not:

DRINK IT--drink WATER more often than anything else (yes, including you’re favorite Venti tomorrow morning!)

any questions?

FRANKS & BEANS!

Men's Locker Room Ettiquette

(please, for the love of Pete!)

1. I don't care how good you think your bod looks, WEAR A TOWEL, washcloth, sock, loin cloth, something...when you get in and get out of your clothes. (You're not that pretty)

2. Wear flip-flops. I don't want to be sharing your feet filth and fowl. It's enough that you're sharing the visual of your "franks and beans" (see 1)

3. Reserve your phone conversations for OUTSIDE the lockerroom. I don't need to know how popular you THINK you are!

4. If you have to apply comforting powder to your unmentionables, please turn TOWARD your locker and NOT toward me!

5. WASH YOUR HANDS after you finish filling the porcelain. I do know where your hands are going--straight to the 50 pound dumbbell I'll be using in about 17 minutes.


thanks for trying to make the lockerrooms a better place to temporarily inhabit!

Jane Eyre, Lifetime Network...and...exercise?!

YOU ARE NOT EXERCISING IF YOU ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY DOING THE FOLLOWING:

• Reading a book/ magazine
  


• Studying for an exam with flash cards placed on the elliptical machine’s "book lip"
  


• Talking with your work-out partner/ cardio-neighbor more than you’re working
  


• TALKING ON THE PHONE
  


• Fully engaged in the plot-line of the Lifetime Network Drama playing on the flatscreen in front of you
  

If you are truly getting the most out of your workouts, you are NOT engaged in anything other than your workouts. PLEASE put the book, remote control, cell phone, or study notes away...especially if you’re complaining, "I just don’t see any progress from my workouts?!"

The one allowable exception of distraction: iTunes!!!...nuff said...

HAPPY WORKOUTS! :-)

ZZZZZZ's--Do you get them?

Calorie counting, carb counting, yoga, bench press, step class, 5k's...that's it, right?

WRONG!!!

We have to SLEEP!

"Sleep???!!!"

That's right...sleep. Our bodies will not function appropriately if we're not getting an adequate amount of sleep. It's just that simple.

We must set goals to begin to reach 7-8 hours of sleep on a consistent basis. Your body demands it. It really does. When you begin a new exercise routine, you will soon discover that your sleep habits improve. This is not an accident! You will feel tired (a natural tired)--not exhaustion due to high-stress levels and poor diet (which is what most people feel when they say they're "tired!")

Begin today...we need to begin making sleep a priority. It's so critical to rounding out your complete new LIFE-CHANGE!

For me, each morning, I do a quick count (after looking at my alarm clock digits) of just how many hours I received the night before...good habit to get into and hold yourself (and ask your trainer to do the same!)

HOW SHOULD I SLEEP?
The Way to Sleep: Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This allows for the appropriate digestion to occur while you're sleeping along with the spine to find correct alignment while sleeping.

Avoid: Sleeping on your stomach. When we sleep in prone position, the back is forced to lie in an unnatural state for too long. Is the prone position good for stretching and working in the gym...yes. But avoid sleeping this way all night long!

OKAY...YOU'RE DONE READING THIS...GO TO SLEEP!!!

-D.W.B.L.