Get In Shape – Or Suffer the Consequences
This email came in a few weeks ago – in response to one of my snappy newsletters. I was going to answer this one, right here on the blog – but I thought of something a bit more fun – but still very helpful and insightful. YOU are going to put in your 2 cents in the ‘Comments’ section – after you read this email.
Here it is…
——– Original Message ——–
Subject: FW: a personal email for you, C. It’s about your life…
From: c. s. – c.s.3@__________.com>
Date: Mon, December 29, 2008 1:46 pm
To: – joey ( at ) joeyatlas . com -
I am 50 yrs old, i weight 200 lbs., i have arthritis in my feet and my knees, it’s a mild form of it…but still sore at times….
i’m not a whiner and never have been…but i have noticed that i have become very tired lately.
My metabolism seems like its slowed downed compared to 10 yrs ago. I seem to look for comfort food ….i do work at General Motors in Canada on the line, but as you know we have been laid off a lot this year, and i have become inactive. I guess i am trying to enjoy the down time, but having said that, i am also do myself a disfavour.
So i joined the gym with my husband but yet to go and work out . My sister just passed away from thyroid cancer she was only 55.
Now i am really concerned for my health.
And now after reading your article on ridding myself of junk and fast foods, it has me motivated to get up and go to the gym and like the Nike slogan ” JUST DO IT”. I am just confused as to what i should be eating and how much….i don’t care for a lot of fish or shell foods…i do like chicken, turkey and beef ….i love most veggies and fruit….I have a 12 year old son and i look after him and my husband first before myself.
I know what i am capable of doing, it’s “JUST DOING IT”.
I need to rid myself of sugar that’s in my body. i have been taking the acidophilos, and it seems to work, i also think i need a chromium supplement to control my blood sugar. But i will tell you what i need most and that is ” ENERGY “. Is there something that you can suggest like siberian ginseng or a combination of something…I used to be in a business called _______ ______ and i took a product of theirs that was called T_________e, it was great i had energy, and i felt great. It also curbed my crave for sweets. Anyways, maybe you might have something like that i could take. But of course it has to meet our F.D.A standards….
well i guess that’s all….
i do love getting your e-mails, they are very inspirational and helpful …..
Thanks again,
C
OK – its your time to speak up and see if you can lend some helpful advice and direction to “C”. Just click on the ‘Comment’ link below…
Your trainer for life,
Joey Atlas
Popularity: unranked [?]
Popularity: unranked [?]
Tags: Get In Shape, Getting Into Shape
I’m 51 years old and weigh 175. I also feel very tired and joints are failing. I wish I could afford this package but cannot at this time as I care for my elderly mother and a single parent of 2 children.
Hi C,
To help in your quest for better health, I would recommend taking Acai juice. It curbs my appetite and has given me a lot more energy, which translate to more better quality workouts. Please do get into a regular exercise “routine” also. Gotta burn those calories!
Hi…
I’m 54, female, and last year went through an horrific time with a ruptured appendix, and 22 days in hospital. I had been on a very low carb diet for 4 years before that, but the hospital inactivity, and healing time…left me with no energy, nearly atrophied muscles, and sagging skin from the weight loss. I started an exercise program 8 months ago, at home…with dumbells. Seeing results, but considering how long I work out each day, and what I do–I should be seeing more results. The arthristis in my neck and shoulder is bad, but I refuse to let it stop me from exercising. Still, there is something different I feel I should be doing.
As for the writer wanting to take care of herself…that’s super!! I found cutting all refined sugar and flour really helped. Within a week the sugar cravings were gone…as were most other carb cravings. Her energy should come back, too…without the gimmicks, pills (other than a really good multi-vitamin), and exercize “machines” they try to sell us! That first week is tough, don’t get me wrong…but soon, you’ll be amazed at how you’ll feel. Hang in there…good luck, and walk when you can, it’s a great start!!
Given your sister’s recent death, I would recommend you see a doctor who will take thyroid issues seriously and NOT just go by a T-3 reading. You might need to see some kind of alternative therapy practitioner. Most Endocrinologists and regular MD’s go by a simple and practically useless T-3 blood test with a “normal” range that only helps someone with an extreme thyroid imbalance.
You need someone who will diagnose you based on your symptoms and then you need to get on Joey’s exercise program. Do it in whatever order you can, but find a doctor that will take your symptoms seriously and not just view you as a number on a lab report.
Good luck. Go to the Armour Thyroid website and find a doctor in your state who prescribes Armour Thyroid…it is a good place to start.
Then get moving and don’t look back if you want to be around long enough to take care of your son and husband for more than a few more years. You have time now. Use it wisely.
There are so many factors involved in low energy, etc. My first recommendation (which hopefully you have already had checked out) get your thyroid checked!! You must make sure you know the status of your thyroid function and with family history of CA. Aside from the CA issue, the thyroid does decline with age, especially in women. Now, after that, depression could also contribute, you mentioned comfort food & a lot of stressors which can contribute (job, family, etc.). Now, hopefully the above all checks out okay. After that, better diet and more exercise leads to more energy. I also personally have a belief that if you take supplements (other than vitamins) that are intended to increase energy and/or metabolism, then you stop taking them you spring back the opposite direction. Therefore, purify yourself as much as possible. I’m not to the extreme as Joey with organic all the way, but lean meats, fruits & veggies, water, and an over-all healthy lifestyle. It’s common sense & we all know it, and deep down I’m sure you know what to do, so, JUST DO IT! One final note, remember, a wife/mother cannot take care of anyone else if she doesn’t take care of herself first! I’m a single mother of 2 kids myself, the more I exercise & take care of myself the better I feel & the better mom I am. This is both in energy level and mood. Good luck!
C, it will not be easy but with a change of diet and excercise you can turn your life around. I would advice you to order Joey’s DVD”s and get to work. As I said it will not be easy but I guarantee you it will be worth it. I have Joey’s Lower Body Makeover DVD. The first time I worked out with Joey I thought I would die. I never realized the muscles in my butt and legs that I wasn’t using. I am still on the first level and will stay there until I feel comfortable going to the next level. The great thing about his workouts are you can go at your own pace, He talks you through all of the excercises and gives encouragement along the way. You can do this C, I know you can. Just make up your mind you want to feel and look better. Get busy, order his DVD.
Hi C,
It is truly hard to discipline ones self when it comes to developing a consistent exercise program, BUT the key is to start slow even if it is for just 15 minutes, but keep on doing it even if it is once a week. I recommend to start walking for maybe 10 – 15 minutes. Sometimes I walk back and forth in my house and time myself. You might wan to also take a look at the Wii Fit or the games. You will be surprised how much you sweat and energy you exert from the interaction with the games, etc. Remember that the food portions are one of the key things when it comes to what you take in to the body as well.
C this is Becky again. I wanted to add one more comment. I’m not a young chick. I’m 63. If I can do it you can do it. Good Luck
C – I’m 66 and finally got off my rear and ordered Joey’s program. It sat for a month or so until I finally decided it didn’t work (without me). It’s truly amazing. I can do the first portion without the DVD now (sorry Joey) so I can do it even without the DVD player. I’m up to 17 reps. Stair climbing has become so much easier, walking is a joy. If you can’t purchase it now, walk, walk, walk. Inside, outside, doesn’t matter. You need to move so you burn those extra calories. No matter what the ads say, moving is the answer. No magic pills. Regular food minus the sugar and white flour. You can do it. It also helps to track what goes into your mouth. Sometimes you’ll find you aren’t eating enough and then your body will hit the plateau and won’t move. Sometimes you’ll gain. You have to eat to lose and you have to move to lose. It’s all about balance. Listen to Joey, he knows. Good luck C, I’m rooting for ya.
Hi C-
Hmm. Well, first of all if you like a lot of fruits and veggies eat more of them and eat ‘em raw as much as you can. Juicing is good and smoothies are great too. I drink one every morning. You can use fruits, greens, superfood powders, nuts, seeds. Possibilities are endless. And it’s quick and easy. Only the blender and glass to wash.
The more raw vegan foods you eat the better your energy will be, and the better you will feel overall. Your body will heal itself when you eat healthier foods.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t eat any animal products. Some is ok and there are people who need them to be fit and healthy. I’m not one of them but we all need to find what works for us as individuals.
How about the product you mentioned in your email? Why don’t you try that again. I don’t know what it is, so don’t know if I should say that. But you said it gave you lots of energy. If it works why did you stop?
Seeing a doctor is also good advice. Have a workup done. See what’s going on and find out what sort of exercise is safe for you to do. Start light and build from it.
Also, you say you put your family before yourself. That is common for women but not a good idea. See, putting yourself first needs to be the priority so you are able to give of yourself. Taking care of them will be impossible if you’re not here to do it. And if your the one that preps food and cooks, then you’re in charge of the kitchen. They’ll eat what you prepare and in turn they will get healthier too.
Hi C,
Sounds like you have all the right pieces to the “puzzle” for feeding your body right along with exercise routines that will keep your bodies strong. I am 56 yr old with DDD, Degenerative Scoliosis and Spinal Stenosis, so I hear ya on those physical issues. My sons are 31 and 33 yr old, with families and careers, and I am not married. So I see those as added factors in your life, to which I really commend and admire your attitude. It is a real plus that you enjoy fruits and veggies and I suggest that you add as much of those food products daily. I have found that the most dangerous to older women are trans fats, the fat that is below the surface which accumulates around the inner organs and then the “thing” called cortisol. This nasty little bugger is triggered by stress and then it puffs out the stomach. A twelve year old, a husband, your health issues and work supply you with constant stress even though it is normal and healthy, it can also be an added “visual” problem. I think our waistlines are a very sensitive issue with us women. The trans fat and cortisol matters are something you might want to research. Since you have already employed Joey Atlas as your trainer for life, I honestly feel you have made the best choice there. Best of Luck dolores
I agree with the two other responses who urged this lady to have her thyroid checked, preferably by a holistic doctor, or at least a medical doctor who will prescribe Armour thyroid medication. She should have her T3, T4, freeT4, and TSH blood levels checked. There’s no way she will lose weight or have any energy if her thyroid is the culprit. I speak as one who has been there.
One more thing I meant to mention was to pamper yourself a little. You know like, bubble baths. fresh flowers, new hair style or just a visit to the salon. A little something now and then to remind yourself how special you are can go a long way. As a matter of fact, I need to listen and take my own advice on this one
dolores
Hi C
the first thing I would do is write out on paper what time of the day I start to feel tired. I would also make a log of what I am eating from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. This is just to see what kind of pattern I have. I would also start walking. Find a time when you can walk and I’m talking about a good paced walk. Nothing fancy just a good old fashioned walk. Get some earphones and walk. After I see what kind of eating pattern I have and what time of the day I start to feel tired I would start eliminating certain foods and add foods that help to produce energy spurts. Once my walking is on a good schedule I would start adding in a little more to the workout. Start off easy and slow and go a little more each week. Do some pushups do some sit ups. Every other day walk up some stairs. “Get your metabolism working again. Drink lots of water. If you can get ionized water drink that.
Okay, just one more comment to you C. I also recently lost my sister to pancreatic cancer, she was 55 yr old also. Then I lost my ex-husband, who stayed important in my life with my two sons, and just recently I lost my eldest brother and having just talked to my niece, my eldest sister is in the hospital. It does drain much energy from us to lose ones that we have loved all our lives. Stay strong and live well. I really don’t know how to put into words what I am feeling right now but I am pretty sure you understand.
dolores
First off- Congratulations on making new efforts to better your health for you and your family! I would recommend doing a cleanse/detox of some sort. Eliminate sugar (and food that turn to sugar) for 3 weeks- like bread and fruit, DONT EAT SOY, or Dairy. Stick with Grass-fed meats, veggies, beans, avocado, lemons, limes…. You have to be creative but this will balance your blood sugar, shed weight, give you energy and detox your body! Good Luck and I’ll be praying for your speedy wellness!
Fitness & goodhelth starts in the mind first if your mind is not set right the your body will follow suit .Fix the mind first ,in other words get a vision of how you want to look or feel ,or better put a picture up of someones body who you admire ,put it somewhere you will see it at lest once a day or more & every time you see the image ,say to your self in your mind that you want to look like that .mind first then body in that order
Suggest you buy Joey’s ULBHTM programme and start doing the exercises. Goodluck !
I think Joey can definately help you. Even though you have physical issues, there must be some exercises you can do. I think that is a must. Sounds like you eat good so just add exercise and you should feel and look better. Best wishes, Donna
Hi there, I believe that your support network is an important part of your journey as is eating healthier , exercise and planning meals.
You can get confused with all the information out there so sticking with one programme is a great start. (I need to take that advice sometimes lol)
You go girl !
1 advice that will help you for sure…Never get upset with yourself..love your body what matter it is! Foccus in a long time result..start slowly step by step..Get the move and the right rythme by downloading dancing music in your Ipod, gd for the mood..get supplements as vitamines to boost ur energy..eat whenever u feel hungry..eat everything healthy.. dt starve..eat pizza, a slice is ok..too much of fat is a no no.. eat chocolate.. the black one..only a cube..nt the hole barre..and check that ass all the time..walk, dance, make love..u ll see the magic! toned and lean..u dt have to be obsessed by skiny dolls..drink water.. tea, spend time under shower doing massage or and spoiling yoursel.
stick to the your plan. avoid sugar as much as you can and you won’t have any sugar craving in less than a week.
believe me it works..but be patient..forget the time and let it come to you , come back your hot body..so get the go…gd luck!!!
Hi C
i am 52 not really overweight just flabby, but i know how hard it is to get in the right frame of mind to start exercising, i was going to start on 1st january 2008!! started on the 14th january 2009 !! only 1 yr late but better late than NEVER, i have lots of different books and programs from lots of different trainers but joeys is the best for me you can work at your own pace i found after only the 4th time i was stronger and could do most of the exercises more eaisly, it really is mind over matter look at yourself in the mirror and say do i really want to look like this anymore , you seem to know how to eat sensibly just eat a little less and exercise a little more you will be amazed at what you can achive , i have to say i never deprive myself of my faviorite foods one or twice a week i will have a meal or treat if you deprive yourself you will only make yourself miserable , think posistive you do have the ability it i can start after 1 yr thinking about it so can you, belive in yourself. Good luck
HI C
one more comment , you will find when you start to exercise and combine the right foods your energy levels will start to improve naturally xx
Hi C, I am 62 and have had arthritis for a number of years in many joints.
For the arthritis and the lack of energy, you need more water and more walking. The more painful the joint, the more you need to use it. Cheers.
Hi C,
My advice is to be persistent and keep an optimistic vision in your mind. I am 55 and still using the first DVD (after 1 year) mainly to get in shape and lose about 5 pounds. I find that even after a hard long day teaching I can’t do as many reps but it does pay to do as many as you can. Stick with it! Joeys emails continually inspire me to keep going!
Juliann
Good morning C,
I am Melinda, 50 years young. I too struggled with weight and I was very unhealthy.
I wanted to be different but the motivation was tough. I finally came to one question. I asked myself, ” What I wanted to live my life like, getting heavier and not having fun as I age OR having energy, fun and keeping up with my kids?” So, This is the question I present to you.
You seem to be looking into what may help you; seeking and getting sound advice. Knowledge is a key so continue in educating yourself.
I recommend reading some of Dr. Mark Hyman’s’ books. They are great and he really shares what to do in your diet to change your life.
Then you would know how to clean up your kitchen and start with a great healthy lifestyle.
Fatigue to Fantastic box of berry flavor is a wonderful supplement and gave me energy and a clear head. I also would say to take a good fish oil supplement.
I can read in your email that you struggle with motivation. In this area I would seek out a friend to workout with at least three times a week. Set down with the friend and put the times on the calendar.These would be an appointment to keep just as if it were a medical appointment.
Go to caloriecount.com( a free site) and start knowing how many calories you eat and how many you need to eat to lose weight.. Write in the journal part also to know how your foods affect you . Pay attention and write down if you feel tired/sick etc. after eating certain foods.
I would also say to order Joey’s program. It is awesome! You and your friend can get fit and find an excitement that you have not had in a while.
Really can’t say enough positive comments about Joey and what his program can do for you. Order it today, do not put it off another day.
You and your friend will have a great time working out with Joey!
The last thing for me to comment on is you knees and feet hurting. As you lose the weight and gain the muscle you will not hurt as much. Those areas are baring all of the weight that your body carries.
I hope these suggestions help you.
By the way I lost my weight, and now my kids have to work hard to keep up with me. It has made me feel more confident and full of life. So ask yourself what kind of life do you want for yourself. It is not selfish! It will be a blessing to your family.
Melinda
Hi C
There are so many suggestions it does seem mind boggling. Obviously getting a health check from your doctor and cleaning up your diet is great.
As for exercising I would totally recommend Joey’s workouts. It is amazing at how quick they work you see results there fore start feeling better.
I have been in the last 5 years in an extremely stressful state. My husband who was at the time 45 had thyroid cancer and 4 surgeries radiation and the works my dad dies my 82 yr old mom moves in asks me to quit work of 7 yrs my pup breaks a foot and has had to have 2 acl surgeries along with renovating our house to make room for mom and hiring a designer that has ripped us off I feel I am at my limit. After reading all the emails I receive from Joey I decide to give it a try. I have slowly been seeing an increase in my energy and my outlook. Swallowing pills isn’t the magic cure . I hope things get better for you take care wee
Hi C
well i am much younger than u, (just 24 years old) but i think i can share a bit of advice with u.
from my small and humble experiance in losing weight and getting my self in shape and leading a healthy life style i found out that there r several things u have to do and make them part of ur life, First : hit the kitchen, start learning how to adopt a healthy way for cooking and making healthy swaps in comfort foods, desserts and even junk food!! educate ur self about the right kinds of food and u wont be diprived!!
Second : MOVE MOVE MOVE.
Third : dont give up, ur gonna have some sit backs but be patiant and keep trying.
Fourth : order Joey’s DVDs, they r really great and he takes u nice and slowly throught all the workouts, give it a try, u wont lose but ur gonna gain big time.
Good luck C
Hi C.
First, congratulations for wanting to change because I know change is hard but I’m doing it slowly myself!!!!
Like others have said get checked out by your doctor before anything else, then begin slowly eating healthier meals.
C., only bake, broil, grill the meats, and for the vegies fresh is best or steamed.
Walking, and doing lite excersize is the way to begin taking back your life!!!!
Treat yourself well and stick with it,you can do it!!!!!!!
Warmly,
Hills
Hi C,
Awesome beginnings to you and I know you can do it, baby steps at first!!!
First see your physician before you begin any program. Second drink a lot of water to keep hydrated, this will also fill you up. Third meats can be baked, broiled, grilled, while vegies can be either fresh/steamed, and fresh fruits.
Light workouts to begin just like walking more getting out of the house and moving!!!
Warmly,
Hillary
Hi C,
Firstly the fact that you want to make the change has already bought u one step closer to a new fitter , healthier you… trust me i know a lot of people who do not even want to make the change ..
Secondly , signing up for Joeys program would be great. He reallly knows the problems that us women go through with our bodiesand shows the right direction and excercises to tone us up..he motivates you and deals with REAL problems unlike some other bogus problems that ive come across on the internet..
Lastly my personal advice would be to make small changes every day ,,dont expect to feeel great in a day or 2 , every day try and make small changes like set daily goals for yourself ,rather than weekly , tell yourself today no junk food or that you are going to walk for 20 mins todayetc… these small changes go a long way …
keep the faith!!!
As Nike says “Just do it”. It takes discipline and the will to want to change. The best thing is to picture the way you would like to look and work towards it by setting yourself a realistic goal – one that’s achievable and go for it. Start off slowly and gradually build up. You will find that once you start and stick with it you will feel better about yourself. As others have commented, it is better to stick with one programme and the results will come. If you keep on chopping and change you will never achieve the desired results. Joey’s programme is specifically designed for women and works all the problem areas that concern women the most – hips, thighs, butt and legs AND celluite ! Good luck.
WOW! Look at all the great emails! Just for you! What’s your response to that!?!
grace
I’ve been doing Joey’s work-outs since August 2008 and the results are incredible. I’ve finally lost the 10 pounds that I’ve been dying to shed since 2000 (9 years of wasting time & $ at a gym). My mother who is 60 years old has now started the workout herself and she just loves it so much. She says that her legs feel so much stronger. I remember there was one week that she didn’t exercise and she said that her body felt weak and tired. She now always makes sure she fits Joey’s workouts into her schedule so that she always feels energized. My mom has been doing the program for about 6 weeks and she’s even developed a beautifully shaped ass. Thank you Joey, and bottomline “C” there is nothing in this world that I recommend to you more than Joey’s DVDs. You WON’T be sorry!!
C, kudos to you for taking that first step! I came back very quickly from a hit and run head on collision with a cement wall with Joey’s incredible ULBHTM dvd. Go slow, get major results…portion control is also a major factor in good health. GOOD LUCK and keep it up…
C, to help you with energy I would check out Guayaki Yerba Mate. Mate is a great coffee alternative…naturally caffeinated and full of wonderful nutrients. Simply google “guayaki yerba mate” and you will be lead to a site that has a thorough explanation of mate’s health benefits and the various products they offer. I met two employees of this company about a month ago and they were in incredible shape and were full of energy. I’m addicted now! And the most beneficial product they offer is the loose tea–you can brew it hot or cold (but it’s healthiest when brewed cold). Hope this helps and good luck with changing your life for the better!
HI, C:
I suggest you do Joey’s program ULBHTM. It will get you where you want to be body wise. It’s easy on the knees and joints. You can do it anywhere. Above all else take the time to go to a doctor for a physical including blood work to make sure there is nothing wrong. Then just follow a sensible way of eating. I follow the rule of I eat like a queen in the morning, like a princess in the afternoon (lunch) and a pauper in the evening with 2 snacks. 1 between morning and lunch and another between lunch and dinner. Any eggs I eat are egg whites with 1 egg yolk scrambled with veggies. Lunch a nice grilled chicken breast with a salad or veggies (easy on the dressing). Dinner is grilled chicken, fish, or lean beef with veggies. Snacks are 1 apple with 1 low fat cheese stick, low fat yogurt with 1/2 cup of mixed berries. Just keep it simple and plan ahead of time so that you can and will stick to it.
Let me know if this helps.
Hi C,
I really want to recommend a book called “Anti Cancer” by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD. He was a research psychiatrist when he found out he had a massive brain tumor and was told he might only live a few more years… 2 recurrences and 17 years later he’s kicking ass and taking names! The book talks about how to treat your body’s “terrain” in the most organic, natural, diet and exercise-friendly way. He details foods to eat and stay away from, work outs to try, meditation and “mind over matter” techniques… and all with scientific trials and facts to back him up. With your family’s history of cancer and with increasing age, now is the time to realistically and permanently change your eating and overall heath habits so that you can be there to meet your grandkids. My dad is a 2 time cancer survivor and, with Dr. Servan-Schreiber’s help, has been in remission for 5 years now (and he had a particularly bad case of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma). Hallelujah! All the BEST to you and instead of wishing you luck I wish you will power, great joy, and contentment. God Bless!!
Diana