Form is Fundamental

I've been doing Brett Hoebel's RevAbs program and he tells us over and over that Form is Fundamental. What does this mean? It simply means that when you're working out, following the DVD's, doing the different moves...you're doing it right!


Let's take push-ups for example. The form is you're in plank position. Your back is straight. Your back is not bowed, you're not pitching a tent, you're not curled up like a turtle. You're not looking up, your chin is not buried into your chest, you're looking straight down. You are a board.


Squats - your head is up. You're not bent over. Your feet are flat.


Why is form so important? You'll reach your fitness goals faster and, more importantly, you'll prevent or greatly lessen the chance of injury! Shaun T in Insanity: Asylum has said, "Don't come to me and say, 'Hey, Shaun, I can do 100 Switch Kicks,' and then do them wrong!"


Don't get me wrong...you can do all the moves with perfect form and still step the wrong way or stand up crooked and twist your ankle, wrench your back, pull a muscle in your leg, and..in extreme cases, change gender or even give birth. :) But good form, quality over quantity and a willingness to try will do more for your fitness than you can imagine!

Now get out there and Push Play!

Joe

2

     Tony walked into the near new Beachbody Corporate offices and casually strolled through the hallways, greeting the staff, shaking a hand or too, slapping a back, as he made his way to the CEO’s office. Everyone was pleasant but he could see the smiles weren’t as quick as usual. Something was bothering everyone it seemed. He grimaced and scratched his chin and rapped once on the door in front of him and poked his head into the office.
     Carl Daiekler, Beachbody CEO, glanced up and waived Horton in as he finished up a call. “Yes, yes, I understand,” he said frowning. “Let me get back to you,” he murmured and hung up the phone. He pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment then looked up with a smile. “So...what’s up, boss?” he grinned.
      Tony stared at the man for a moment and smiled crookedly. “You can’t fool me, Carl. What’s going on around here? Everyone’s on edge…well…kind of on edge…a slight edge, if you will.”
     “That’s a great book.”
      Tony raised his eyebrow, waiting.
      “All right, all right,” the CEO sighed. “We’re missing Shakeology. Not a bag here or there, but truckloads. We have enough right now to meet orders but if we don’t find out what’s happening…”
     “A mystery!” Tony smiled.
      “Settle down, Scooby Doo,” Carl grinned. “The cops are already looking into it and…” the buzzer on his phone sounded and he pressed the intercom button. “Yes?”
      “Carl…Josh called…Michael has the belt again.”
      The CEO signed, “All right. I’ll take care of it.” He punched the button and crossed to the door. “Oh…Tony…what did you want to see me about? I’m sorry but…"
      “No, it’s nothing…we can talk about it later.”
      “Great,” Carl smiled, “and I’ve got some great ideas for the new P90X3 – I’m a Bastard edition!” He opened the door and shouted, “Dammit, Neimand! What is it with you and that Top Coach Belt?!?”
       Alone in the office Tony rubbed his chin and whispered, “A mystery!”

Inspiration

Over the July 4th weekend I was at the 23rd Gaufest held this year in Orlando, FL. The Gaufest is a gathering of Bavarian folk dancing groups from all across North America where they dance, go to classes, compete, and its possible a few glasses of beer are consumed. There was also a wedding reception and a couple of other conventions going on at the same time, one of which was the Florida Institute of the Blind.


It was amazing to be among several hundred blind individuals. Every single one of them out and about, moving through this huge hotel (I was in room 11124...yes, 11,124!) without fear. I dodged a few canes, got out of the way of a few dogs, and pointed a few people in the right direction but for the most part, the people were on their own.


I became a bit emotional, realizing how good we have it. Many people have told me I'm an inspiration. I suffered with a terrible disease, had my colon removed and my insides reconstructed and reconnected. I'm fine...it was temporary. It was the hand I was dealt. But these blind folks were lightyears beyond me...and everyone that I talked to was cheerful, happy and just plain nice.


It was very inspirational...at least to me. So remember how lucky we are that we can do what we do. I'm lucky to be able to talk to each and every one of you. I'm lucky to be some small part of your journey. I'm lucky I was inspired to keep on keepin' on. Just plain lucky!

Joe

TONY HORTON AND THE P90X KIDS

in

THE CASE OF THE MISSING SHAKEOLOGY

          BANG! BANG! BANG!
          Tony dived for cover behind the overflowing dumpster, the bullets ricocheting off the steel canister and the brick walls of the alley. He rolled to his knees, peering out from the temporary safety of the filthy container, now possibly the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.
         “C’mon out, Mr. P90X! I got more for ya!” the clown cackled, his voice rising in pitch. His white and red painted face turned to the red-haired girl on his right and, with a sideways jerk to his head, motioned her down the alley. “I ain’t gonna hurt ya none…I’m a happy kind o’ clown,” he called out, his insane laughter echoing through the night.
          Tony sat back on his heels, rubbing his chin roughly. How do I get myself into these things, he thought and his mind drifted back to the start of this mess, only three days ago…

Walking the Talk

How every Beachbody Coach should look at least 6 days per week!

Long Term/Short Term

Let me give you some frightening statistics -


1 of every 3 Americans is overweight

1 of every 5 Americans is obese

Children in high school, middle school and elementary school are being diagnosed with diabetes

For the first time in our history, we're raising a generation of children who's life expectancy will be less than their parents.


What are we doing about it? I know what I'm doing. I'm committed to staying fit - exercising regularly, eating healthy (most of the time!) and encouraging and motivating others (you) to do the same. I'm committed to ending the trend of obesity in this country.


How? By writing these blog entries. By giving you the motivation you need to stick with it. By being a positive force, encouraging you to not give up!


90% of people who start an exercise program quit within the first year.

98% quit in the second.

I've been part of the 2% that stick with it since 2008! I want you along with me.


So what's the Short Term goal - you want to look good at the beach, you want to wear the bikini, look good at the reunion, fit into those jeans again.That's great! Honestly, that's what we're counting on to get you to pick up the phone! But once you're doing P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire, etc a change comes over you. By day 30 you'll be getting the compliments, day 45 you'll be hooked and, before day 90, you'll be asking how you can sign up as a coach.


But the Long Term goal we have - to help people to achieve their goals and to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. That's what Beachbody is all about.


So...look at the short term but live for the long term. I've climbed that wall and now I'm sitting on top holding out my hand to help you over.


I won't let go!

Joe