Feeling down? Could be lack of dopamine

If you feel unmotivated, unfocused, depressed, tired, have low libido or were diagnosed with ADHD, you might be dealing with low dopamine levels.

Neuroscientists teach us that dopamine is a precious substance in our brain that helps with focus, alertness, motivation, positive attitude, strong memory, creativity, willpower and stress response.

The good news is that you can improve that naturally and for free. We’ll talk about that in part 2 (coming soon!)

*All materials on this channel are intended for educational purpose only and cannot replace medical or mental health expertise and services. Please consult your doctor/healthcare provider if you are seeking medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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was Jillian Michaels right in The Biggest Loser scandal?

As some of you might know, the famous personal trainer, Jillian Michaels was recently penalized for giving caffeine supplements to her members on The Biggest Loser show. Jillian’s comment was “I stand by my opinion: a caffeine supplement is significantly healthier than unlimited amounts of coffee. My only regret is that my team are the ones suffering the consequences of my professional opinion”. Later, Jillian hinted that the whole scandal might have been just a ploy aimed to bring a previously eliminated contestant,  Ruben Studdard, back into the show. Could she be right?

Where do I begin?

The Biggest Loser show is hugely popular, and its producers, no doubt, are ready to go an extra mile to keep the ratings up. But at what cost? The recent scandal once again brings up the issue of ethics and safety: two concepts that, in my opinion, are represented in the show quite loosely.

If you have been watching the show, you are aware of the variety of challenges faced by the contestants, from physical to emotional, some of which are downright humiliating and at times literally crippling. I will not go into further detail. Let me just say that as a fitness trainer, I’m appalled at the idea of putting severely overweight and deconditioned people through such a grueling regimen that is only aggravated by the pressures of time and publicity. This is against all professional ethics.

Granted, The Biggest Loser can serve as a great inspiration to those who are considering to adopt a healthy lifestyle. It can also become a big deceiver by building unreasonable expectations and putting people at risks of injuries, be it physical or emotional.

Those who have followed up on former contestants, know that many of the contestants actually lose all their “gains” after a while, regressing to their old ways. This puts the validity of the show’s concept under a big question mark by illustrating how “quick gains” are skin-deep, and the physical changes are easily reversible, when they are not substantiated by a deeper, mental transformation. We live in the time of “quick fixes” but they don’t necessarily work!

This is why as a personal trainer, I put a great emphasis on mental conditioning techniques to help my clients create a lasting change in their mindset, a so-called paradigm shift, as described by one of my favorite teachers, Steven Covey. As a certified meditation instructor, I employ mediation and visualization techniques that drive my client’s subconscious mind toward their goal. I also teach quick and effective mind exercises that sharpen my client’s focus and help refine their understanding of deeper needs that lie beneath the desirable outcome, thus strengthening their determination.

When it comes to the physical side of it, I’m for safe practices. Depending on my client’s level of fitness, I make sure they are properly conditioned before “raising the bar” and offering them more intense physical challenges. Overall, I prefer gradual, steady progress over the “quick victory” fad, which could easily land one in a hospital or on a pile of broken dreams. I believe that “great progress is made daily”. Dedication and consistency build a beautiful and healthy physique; they also create a stronger mind and spirit.

Personal training in Orange County

If you are interested in experiencing my approach on practice, give me a call at
(949) 441-0678 or drop me a line. As a new client you are welcome to take advantage of a complimentary training session at the location of your choice, anywhere in Orange County.

Till then, stay Young! 🙂

Tamara


Tamara Eristavi is a wellness coach, based in Irvine, Califorina.

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excuses, excuses…

excuses?None of this is easy. We are all very busy, there is so much urgency and chaos in our environment and it is so hard to focus on yourself. We get tired, we have pains and aches or maybe we’re not in a mood, whatever the excuse, our “exercise ethics” can suffer greatly. But what are the ramifications?

How often do we ask ourselves what can eventually happen if we don’t take care of your health? What is to come in 10, 20, 30 years? While working with seniors, I have learned that even seemingly insignificant habits can bring huge repercussions down the road. So, why not choose your habits wisely? Why not think ahead and work toward a healthy future? And when it comes to overcoming challenges, thankfully, life provides some outstanding examples of heroic perseverance and dedication.

og

Here’s one of them: a disabled veteran who defied all odds and demonstrated a miracle of epic proportions. I’m grateful for people like him and, I’ll admit that I can’t watch this without tearing up… Arthur’s incredible transformation.

This is what means never giving up your Pursuit of Happiness!

 I will be happy to help you overcome all your excuses and get Younger, Stronger and Happier!  For a free session with a Certified Personal Trainer anywhere in Orange County, call (949) 441-0678 or submit your inquiry here.
Till then, stay Young! 🙂

 Heart-Centered Business  ~

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It’s too late… or is it?

never too late

Every now and then I come across a client who is concerned that it may be too late for  them to start getting in shape. In fact, sometimes I hear people say things like: “Well, I’m over the “hill” now, I don’t want to make a laughing stock of myself “pumping iron” (learning yoga, skipping rope or what have you) at 55 (65, even 85)! This is a common misconception. We are born to move, and there’s no excuse for neglecting our  body’s inherent need for exertion.

never too late 2Actually studies have repeatedly confirmed that with a proper approach people of all ages greatly benefit from exercise. Typically, with regular exercise, one is expected to see improvements in multiple areas: from regulated blood pressure and sugar, to improved balance, bone density and cardiovascular health, to elevated mood, lifted anxiety and depression, to say nothing of muscle tone and more youthful appearance. I have consistently seen such changes in my “senior” clients, no matter whether they were in their sixties or eighties, and the joy in their eyes is the best proof of the benefits.

sheperdOne of the most striking examples* that illustrate my point is the remarkable story of Ernestine Shepherd, a two-time Guinness World record holder as oldest  competing bodybuilder at 76 years of age! You may think, being a bodybuilder, she surely has been into this all her life. Not so! She began training at seventy-one! Follow the link below to watch her strut her stuff proudly, could ever guess her age?

Video: Ernestine Shepherd – Bodybuilder at 76!

 

quaas

Another amazing example is Johanna Quaas, an 86 (eighty-six!) year young German lady, who holds a Guinness World record as an oldest gymnast.

Video: Johanna Quaas, an 86 year young Gymnast!

Never too late

These are just two out of scores of people who choose to challenge themselves daily and claim the healthy and active life they deserve! It is NEVER too late. No matter how hard the work, the payoff is immeasurable. Admittedly, it can be hard to get out of your comfort zone, break old habits and take action. If you find yourself debating on whether or not to take on a challenge of getting in a better shape, ask for support from your loved ones: after all, they will benefit from your improved health as well!

The best way to ensure you stay on track and reach your goals with less time and effort is to hire a professional who will create a personalized fitness regimen and offer you meal suggestions that are most suitable to your needs and requirements. Schedule a complimentary personal training session with a Certified Personal Trainer in Orange County by clicking here or simply call (949) 441-0678. You can also sign up here for our monthly newsletter to receive free  tips, tools and secrets to improve your health and fitness. Give yourself a chance to grow younger, stronger and happier. You’ll be glad you did!

Till then, stay Young! 🙂

 Heart-Centered Business  ~

*More inspiring stories:

A 92 year-old cancer survivor and marathoner

A 93 year-old Yoga instructor!

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