I'm not sure how many of you get a chance to read Competitor Magazine, but I just wanted to make a quick post to share an article I did for them in December of 2011.

If you spend your day at a desk, here's a great reminder on how to get out of pain, or to keep yourself from having pain.

Enjoy!

And of course if you're interested in reading the original article --

The 7 Most Important Stretches If You Spend Your Day At A Desk

What you focus on is what you create.  That being said, be aware of challenges, but focus on the success!

It's scary even for me to read.  Especially when I think about the busy schedules everyone has, but the following two links are by far 2 of the most important things you need to consider this year!

Yes, I realize that sounds rather sensationalized, but believe me when I tell you the information shared in the following two links will indeed get you thinking about your life differently.

The first one I just received -- literally.  And it impacted so much that I raced home to send this blog post out to you right away!

23 1/2 Hours by Dr. Mike Evans

or just watch the video below.

The next link is to a post I wrote a little while back that shares some pretty startling research on how sitting for over 3 hours at a time can actually decrease you life span.  Yes, I do realize it's hard to believe, but it is actually backed with some interesting research.  Either way you look at it, it should move you into action.

Sitting For Long Periods Can Kill You

No matter how you look at, both of these pieces really serve as great reminders that no matter how wonderful technology is, you still have to make time to take care of your body.  And that means, whether it's getting out of pain, getting back to enjoying your favorite activity, or wanting to lose a few of those unwanted pounds, you have to get up, get out and move that body!

Have a day that makes you glad to be alive!

With the New Year upon us, so many people are making an effort to get into better shape.  And that's a good thing for sure.

For some that means just finally getting off the couch and doing something -- anything to get the body moving.  For others it means joining a gym, a group fitness class, a yoga studio, or some other structured group.

But beware, just joining a group doesn't always mean you will get fit, sometimes it can mean you'll open yourself up to getting hurt.

Check this out!

How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body

Now at first glance you might think I'm advocating that Yoga is bad!

WRONG!

If you read the article carefully you'll find in many cases you could replace the references and word "yoga" with group exercise, weightlifting, or any host of other fitness choices.

Not all instruction is good instruction.  And just because an instructor is popular doesn't necessarily mean that they are good.

There is a difference!

So the the next time you go shopping for a way to get in shape be sure of 3 things:

1.)  Start off slow regardless of your chosen interest; at a level you're capable of doing!

2.)  Don't confuse popular with good. Make sure the instructor caters the class to the abilities of the various students. Not the other way around.

3.)  No matter what you choose, remember your body needs a bit of variety -- stretching, resistance exercise, some type of challenging cardio, and yes, some time to recuperate.

And as the old saying goes, Those that don't make time for health will eventually have to make time for illness.

Choose wisely and Have Some Fun!