In Poor Health. Just 24 Workouts Later... Healthy & Loving Life!
Just to recap if you didn't have time to watch the opening video...
My Story...
I hope it inspires those that want to do the same...
to do the same.
I hope it inspires those that want to do the same...
to do the same.
The Family Picture Was The Defining Moment...
Too many years sitting at the computer 12 hours a day marketing and selling a sports fan product I helped invent and patent, took a toll on my health. I ballooned up near 260 lbs and couldn't walk far without breathing heavy!
But I wasn't unhappy. To be honest, I really didn't think too much about my appearance. I was focused on work and spending quality time with my son--as he would be going off to college in the relatively near future.
But then, two things happened that made me re-think the need to 'get back in shape'. I went for a physical (it had been about 7 years since my last checkup) and the vital stats were not good. All the major "health factors" were off the charts--in a bad way. The doctor said rather bluntly, that if I kept to my current life style, I would not live into old age. A few weeks later, we had a family portrait taken, and I saw "The Picture" (above right). I was appalled by my appearance. Seeing how fat I'd gotten compared to my siblings hit me hard.
For someone who used to play hockey twice a week in the mornings and prided myself on being in 'pretty good shape' for a middle aged guy, I was mortified. And for the first time, I actually became embarrassed by my appearance. The doctor's visit scared me a little, but it was 'the picture" and prior pictures that I went back and viewed that showed me grossly out of shape, that motivated me to change my lifestyle.
I committed right there and then to 'get back in shape'. I used to like playing sports, but always hated to just 'workout' and the thought of jogging made me laugh, so I certainly wasn't going to start running and jumping around being 70 lbs over weight and risk blowing out a knee or hip joint. I decided the best way to start was doing something physical that I truly enjoyed--playing hockey.
I went to the local rink and signed up for 'stick time'. Stick time is two hours of open ice where players can practice skating, shooting, stick handling, etc. I planned to skate for a time and then break out a puck and do some skill work. I never made it onto the ice. I couldn't fit into my hockey pants! The embarrassment as the much younger guys in the locker room laughed under their breath at the "fat man" trying to squeeze into his hockey pants made me so enraged I almost started crying.
As it turned out, this incident proved a driving force to overhauling my entire life.
But I wasn't unhappy. To be honest, I really didn't think too much about my appearance. I was focused on work and spending quality time with my son--as he would be going off to college in the relatively near future.
But then, two things happened that made me re-think the need to 'get back in shape'. I went for a physical (it had been about 7 years since my last checkup) and the vital stats were not good. All the major "health factors" were off the charts--in a bad way. The doctor said rather bluntly, that if I kept to my current life style, I would not live into old age. A few weeks later, we had a family portrait taken, and I saw "The Picture" (above right). I was appalled by my appearance. Seeing how fat I'd gotten compared to my siblings hit me hard.
For someone who used to play hockey twice a week in the mornings and prided myself on being in 'pretty good shape' for a middle aged guy, I was mortified. And for the first time, I actually became embarrassed by my appearance. The doctor's visit scared me a little, but it was 'the picture" and prior pictures that I went back and viewed that showed me grossly out of shape, that motivated me to change my lifestyle.
I committed right there and then to 'get back in shape'. I used to like playing sports, but always hated to just 'workout' and the thought of jogging made me laugh, so I certainly wasn't going to start running and jumping around being 70 lbs over weight and risk blowing out a knee or hip joint. I decided the best way to start was doing something physical that I truly enjoyed--playing hockey.
I went to the local rink and signed up for 'stick time'. Stick time is two hours of open ice where players can practice skating, shooting, stick handling, etc. I planned to skate for a time and then break out a puck and do some skill work. I never made it onto the ice. I couldn't fit into my hockey pants! The embarrassment as the much younger guys in the locker room laughed under their breath at the "fat man" trying to squeeze into his hockey pants made me so enraged I almost started crying.
As it turned out, this incident proved a driving force to overhauling my entire life.
The Genesis Of My "Routine"
As a former executive with Discovery Channel, I had edited and produced programming requiring extensive research. I applied the same dedicated research techniques to finding the absolute best way to quickly and simply lose weight while retaining lean muscle. Weeks of research manifested into a resistance apparatus and weight loss routine that I originally called "KOHNETICS".
The amount of information on 'fat loss', 'fitness' and 'exercise' is vast and can be extremely confusing, but what is obvious in the research is that there is no substitute for 'getting out there and moving'. No special apparatus will take off pounds without some "level of effort".
My research revealed four common themes:
1. Brisk walking is one of the best ways to 'burn fat',
2. Resistance exercise is so beneficial to the body that it should be incorporated into 'all fitness routines',
3. 'Active breathing' enhances fat loss and releases organ toxins while energizing the body.
4. The routine should be simple (not to be confused with 'easy') but not too strenuous that it will impart injury that will lead to forced periods of non-activity and thus curtail any attempt to 'get back in shape'.
As a former executive with Discovery Channel, I had edited and produced programming requiring extensive research. I applied the same dedicated research techniques to finding the absolute best way to quickly and simply lose weight while retaining lean muscle. Weeks of research manifested into a resistance apparatus and weight loss routine that I originally called "KOHNETICS".
The amount of information on 'fat loss', 'fitness' and 'exercise' is vast and can be extremely confusing, but what is obvious in the research is that there is no substitute for 'getting out there and moving'. No special apparatus will take off pounds without some "level of effort".
My research revealed four common themes:
1. Brisk walking is one of the best ways to 'burn fat',
2. Resistance exercise is so beneficial to the body that it should be incorporated into 'all fitness routines',
3. 'Active breathing' enhances fat loss and releases organ toxins while energizing the body.
4. The routine should be simple (not to be confused with 'easy') but not too strenuous that it will impart injury that will lead to forced periods of non-activity and thus curtail any attempt to 'get back in shape'.
Based on the research, I knew 'walking' was going to be the main fitness driver, but I didn't have time to go out walking, then go to a gym for resistance exercises, so I invented an apparatus that I could use to do isometric 'resistance' while walking. I combined a towel with a cylinder of dense Styrofoam that allows for essential push and pull isometric resistance during the walks. I call it the "P2-Towel". It's currently Patent Pending.
A lot of the top fitness programs that came to the fore during my research, had separate sessions for aerobic and resistance training. Either one done after the other on the same day or alternated on separate days. This seemed like a burdensome amount of time given our busy lives--and 'free time' is a hot commodity. I reasoned that if WALKING burned x amount of calories, and RESISTANCE exercise burned x amount of calories, and ACTIVE BREATHING burned x amount of calories, that if there was a way to perform all three simultaneously, training time could be reduced but the fat loss on the body would be immense!
A lot of the top fitness programs that came to the fore during my research, had separate sessions for aerobic and resistance training. Either one done after the other on the same day or alternated on separate days. This seemed like a burdensome amount of time given our busy lives--and 'free time' is a hot commodity. I reasoned that if WALKING burned x amount of calories, and RESISTANCE exercise burned x amount of calories, and ACTIVE BREATHING burned x amount of calories, that if there was a way to perform all three simultaneously, training time could be reduced but the fat loss on the body would be immense!
In testing my theory, I discovered that performing the resistance exercises with the P2 Towel while walking and doing 'active breathing' dramatically increased calorie burn and thus fat loss--while maintaining lean muscle mass.
Most people have heard that aerobic and resistance training are essential to a fitness/weight loss program, but know nothing about 'Active Breathing'. Active breathing is essential because it contracts the muscles that move the fluids of the lymph system around the body. Why is this important? Because the lymph system removes excess fluids (and toxins) from our organs and body tissues, absorbs fatty acids, transports fat, and supports production of immune cells. This all results in an increased efficiency of our metabolism which supports the goal of weight loss. Other benefits: Active breathing increases oxygen levels (which means increased energy levels) and helps eliminate bloating and overall discomfort from poor digestion. It also releases endorphins (feel good, natural painkillers) throughout the body. This natural 'high' helps motivate during the start up phase as your body will want to 'feel good again' after the very first workout.
Most people have heard that aerobic and resistance training are essential to a fitness/weight loss program, but know nothing about 'Active Breathing'. Active breathing is essential because it contracts the muscles that move the fluids of the lymph system around the body. Why is this important? Because the lymph system removes excess fluids (and toxins) from our organs and body tissues, absorbs fatty acids, transports fat, and supports production of immune cells. This all results in an increased efficiency of our metabolism which supports the goal of weight loss. Other benefits: Active breathing increases oxygen levels (which means increased energy levels) and helps eliminate bloating and overall discomfort from poor digestion. It also releases endorphins (feel good, natural painkillers) throughout the body. This natural 'high' helps motivate during the start up phase as your body will want to 'feel good again' after the very first workout.
There are countless fitness programs and exercises 'out there' that will get you in shape if done on a consistent basis. My program is just one of them. I created it to fit my lifestyle. I just exit my front door and walk through my neighborhood, or on a local path or trail, and I'm on my way to a complete full body workout. I also enjoy being outside in the sunlight breathing fresh air as opposed to an indoor facility that recycles air breathed by of hundreds of folks each day.
My program caters to three main types of people:
1. those who don't like to exercise, but realize that it's necessary to live a quality life; 2. those that want to lose weight relatively quickly because they want to look good at an upcoming business or social event; and 3. seniors that want to improve their strength and overall fitness in a way that's less prone to injury (unlike resistance exercises with movement, the P2 Towel exercises are static so they're easy on the joints, and allow participants to work within their own level of intensity, without putting undue strain on any muscle group or body system).
If you'd like more information on the 'P2 Towel', you can contact me at [email protected] or click the CONTACT tab on the Header.
My program caters to three main types of people:
1. those who don't like to exercise, but realize that it's necessary to live a quality life; 2. those that want to lose weight relatively quickly because they want to look good at an upcoming business or social event; and 3. seniors that want to improve their strength and overall fitness in a way that's less prone to injury (unlike resistance exercises with movement, the P2 Towel exercises are static so they're easy on the joints, and allow participants to work within their own level of intensity, without putting undue strain on any muscle group or body system).
If you'd like more information on the 'P2 Towel', you can contact me at [email protected] or click the CONTACT tab on the Header.
A Word About Nutrition... Essential
While exploring the best way to lose weight via exercise, I also delved into nutrition--because You can't start down the "I'm getting in shape" path without also altering what and how you eat --which is one of life's hardest things to change and maintain. Research indicates losing weight is actually 60-70% diet and 30-40% workout. I made a commitment to eat healthy 80 to 90 percent of the time. The other 10/20% I eat whatever the heck I'm craving at the time!
Nutrition research proved extremely difficult and mind numbing given the plethora of information being forced on the public by food company sponsored studies. But one thing became very apparent, there is no "Magic Pill" for losing weight. Don't waste time and money on ads touting their products as such. There is no substitution for real, healthy food!
Again, my research revealed prevalent themes:
1. People who eat lots of fruits and veggies are slimmer and healthier than those who don't. So I eat lots of varied fruits and veggies everyday!
2. People who cut back on foods with added simple sugars are slimmer and healthier than those that don't. Simple sugars would be anything ending in -ose (glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.) which includes soft drinks, sweet tea, fruit juice, and cakes, crackers and candies. Run away from foods labeled 'fat free', they contain even more added sugar! As we get a large amount of calories from what we drink each day, 90% of the time I drink black coffee in the morning and unsweetened ice tea or seltzer water (carbonated water) with a splash of natural lime the rest of the day. 10% of the time I drink a 50/50 diet soda/regular soda mix.
3. People who eat more protein and less processed carbohydrates are slimmer and healthier than those who don't. 85% of the time I'll opt for eggs/omelette over french toast/pancakes--and a chicken breast over a pasta dish.
4. Don't be afraid of 'fat'. Fat in natural foods (nuts, meat, fish, olive oil, etc) is good! But fats used to make many processed foods (crackers, cookies, cakes, chips, and many cold cereals, etc) are usually bad. Plus processed foods have many extra chemicals in them that are added to enhance color or taste, but don't add any nutritional value. I try to avoid these 99% of the time.
If I had to pick one rule of nutrition to abide by, it would be to avoid any processed food that comes in a bag or box! Processed foods for the most part, are no more nutritious than the package them come in!
While exploring the best way to lose weight via exercise, I also delved into nutrition--because You can't start down the "I'm getting in shape" path without also altering what and how you eat --which is one of life's hardest things to change and maintain. Research indicates losing weight is actually 60-70% diet and 30-40% workout. I made a commitment to eat healthy 80 to 90 percent of the time. The other 10/20% I eat whatever the heck I'm craving at the time!
Nutrition research proved extremely difficult and mind numbing given the plethora of information being forced on the public by food company sponsored studies. But one thing became very apparent, there is no "Magic Pill" for losing weight. Don't waste time and money on ads touting their products as such. There is no substitution for real, healthy food!
Again, my research revealed prevalent themes:
1. People who eat lots of fruits and veggies are slimmer and healthier than those who don't. So I eat lots of varied fruits and veggies everyday!
2. People who cut back on foods with added simple sugars are slimmer and healthier than those that don't. Simple sugars would be anything ending in -ose (glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.) which includes soft drinks, sweet tea, fruit juice, and cakes, crackers and candies. Run away from foods labeled 'fat free', they contain even more added sugar! As we get a large amount of calories from what we drink each day, 90% of the time I drink black coffee in the morning and unsweetened ice tea or seltzer water (carbonated water) with a splash of natural lime the rest of the day. 10% of the time I drink a 50/50 diet soda/regular soda mix.
3. People who eat more protein and less processed carbohydrates are slimmer and healthier than those who don't. 85% of the time I'll opt for eggs/omelette over french toast/pancakes--and a chicken breast over a pasta dish.
4. Don't be afraid of 'fat'. Fat in natural foods (nuts, meat, fish, olive oil, etc) is good! But fats used to make many processed foods (crackers, cookies, cakes, chips, and many cold cereals, etc) are usually bad. Plus processed foods have many extra chemicals in them that are added to enhance color or taste, but don't add any nutritional value. I try to avoid these 99% of the time.
If I had to pick one rule of nutrition to abide by, it would be to avoid any processed food that comes in a bag or box! Processed foods for the most part, are no more nutritious than the package them come in!
So how does the P2 Towel routine compare to the average weight-loss program?
The average weight loss for a person on an exercise/diet program is 1 to 2.5 lbs per week. I lost an average of 3.5 to 5 lbs per week.
Three months after I started, I lost over 60 lbs!
A complete physical check-up shortly thereafter revealed that all my vital stats are in the 'good to great' range--mostly great!.
It just proves that if you get into a routine that's easy to follow but challenges your body--and you get into the habit of eating healthy most of the time, your body will respond in a positive and healthy way!
But, please do not underestimate the amount of effort, perseverance, and discipline that is required to be successful. I cannot stress that enough. Physiological change doesn't come about overnight. It takes a while. Depending on effort levels and frequency of workouts, it may take a few days to a couple of weeks to start seeing and feeling the results. And there will be times you don't want to walk out the front door to begin a workout, and there will be many days fighting the urge to splurge on junk food. If you are starting a fitness program and think that change will come about without 'real effort', both physically and mentally (swapping poor eating habits for good), then you are kidding yourself and you are not ready to begin.
Once you're done with the mental gymnastics about 'should I or shouldn't I' embark on a healthy lifestyle, and you are truly ready to make the commitment and commence on a weight loss / fitness program, you will soon understand why fitness nuts are nuts about fitness. Once you start, changes inside your body on the cellular level happen immediately--but it takes a weeks or so to see the changes externally. But when the changes start to be felt and then seen, you will be on a path towards personal satisfaction like you've never known. After a very lengthy absence, I'm totally into fitness again. I haven't been under 200 lbs since college and I feel like superman!
I was the subject of a recent Huffington Post article:
The average weight loss for a person on an exercise/diet program is 1 to 2.5 lbs per week. I lost an average of 3.5 to 5 lbs per week.
Three months after I started, I lost over 60 lbs!
A complete physical check-up shortly thereafter revealed that all my vital stats are in the 'good to great' range--mostly great!.
It just proves that if you get into a routine that's easy to follow but challenges your body--and you get into the habit of eating healthy most of the time, your body will respond in a positive and healthy way!
But, please do not underestimate the amount of effort, perseverance, and discipline that is required to be successful. I cannot stress that enough. Physiological change doesn't come about overnight. It takes a while. Depending on effort levels and frequency of workouts, it may take a few days to a couple of weeks to start seeing and feeling the results. And there will be times you don't want to walk out the front door to begin a workout, and there will be many days fighting the urge to splurge on junk food. If you are starting a fitness program and think that change will come about without 'real effort', both physically and mentally (swapping poor eating habits for good), then you are kidding yourself and you are not ready to begin.
Once you're done with the mental gymnastics about 'should I or shouldn't I' embark on a healthy lifestyle, and you are truly ready to make the commitment and commence on a weight loss / fitness program, you will soon understand why fitness nuts are nuts about fitness. Once you start, changes inside your body on the cellular level happen immediately--but it takes a weeks or so to see the changes externally. But when the changes start to be felt and then seen, you will be on a path towards personal satisfaction like you've never known. After a very lengthy absence, I'm totally into fitness again. I haven't been under 200 lbs since college and I feel like superman!
I was the subject of a recent Huffington Post article:
Having been grossly overweight and now in fantastic shape, I can duly attest that daily life is better when you're in shape! The last several months have been my happiest in quite a long time. When all body systems are functioning at a top level, you will notice an increase in sense of smell and taste, visual acuity increases and colors are more vibrant, your skin will actually 'glow' and yes, become younger looking! And improvements in appearance boost self-confidence which improves your mood and helps you tackle difficult tasks that intrude frequently on our work and personal lives. And warding off the big killers like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer through a workout routine and healthy eating regimen is calming to the mind and body. Recent studies also indicate exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of increasing memory and learning aptitude, and thwarting off Alzheimer's disease.
Another effect of the P2 Towel Routine, has been the impact on my depression. I've been on anti-depressant medication for about 9 years. It's been a god send. It saved my life. But an unexpected consequence of adding a few exercise days each week has been the mental 'energizing' I feel. Pushing and Pulling via the P2 Towel while walking and doing 'active breathing', activates the mind as much as the body. Pre-workout, I feel 'normal' due to the medication; but post-workout, I feel true euphoria that remains for hours. The endorphin's released during a workout are real, powerful and provide a lift that manifests in a 'can do' attitude.
As I approach 50 this year, I'm determined to be here for another 50 years. For most people, 30 percent of the aging process is genetically-based, leaving 70 percent to be determined by our lifestyle choices. A healthy lifestyle is not easy at first, but if you accept the fact that it's going to be hard and frustrating at times, especially at the outset--that insight will inch you forward until you actually 'do it!'.
I've left my bad habits in the past and committed to living a physically active and nutritionally healthy lifestyle until the end. I'm determined to be an active participant in the exciting lives of my kids, grand kids, and other family members. Staying in shape will also help me as I face the reality of 'aging parents'. I'm very lucky that both my parents are still alive and for all my parents sacrificed during my life, I'm determined to help them live out the rest of their lives as comfortably as I can.
The simple takeaway; by NOT committing to a healthy future, you are missing out on 'a better life'. You won't necessarily live any longer, but your day-to-day life will be MUCH more enjoyable. Prolonged poor health habits will ravage your life and branch out to negatively impact the lives of your family. There's nothing worse than the prospect of spending the 'golden years' of life sick and unable to do 'normal' activities with family and friends.
I know it's hard to flip the switch and begin, especially when the world is screaming "it's too hard and too much effort", but take a moment and listen, your body is saying "give it a try!"
Eat healthy foods
Exercise regularly
Have a robust social life
Get enough sleep
Don’t smoke
Don't abuse alcohol
Have a positive outlook on life
Whether you get 'healthy' with the P2 Towel routine, by joining a gym, by reading fitness and diet books, or coming up with your own improvised fitness/eating program--please just 'do something'. I guarantee you won't regret it.
If you are interested in knowing more about the P2 Towel, just email me at [email protected] or click the CONTACT tab on the header.
If you're curious 'HOW' the P2 Towel routine works, just click the "How It Works" tab on the Header.
I wish you great health, fitness and strength throughout a productive life.
Marc
I wish you great health, fitness and strength throughout a productive life.
Marc