Normally I look forward to my Saturday workouts. I usually have time to do either longer or more intense exercise since I don’t have to go off to work. However, today I had to work, so I only had about 15 minutes to spare. Also, a rare rainy day in Phoenix (it hasn’t rained since Feb 17th). Should I have another cup of coffee and read the paper or exercise? I chose the latter, and had a very satisfying workout using rubber resistance bands and a physio ball. Got my heart rate up, my muscles received their deserved attention, and my head was happy. I basically did 3 sets of 5 different exercises-I love using the bands, they are simple to use, portable, and offer great resistance. To check them out, there is a link on this home page called “resistance band training”. Check it out, it’s under the picture and another banner for “Perform Better”, which has a great catalog of physioballs, etc.

I think why so many people start exercise and/or weight-loss programs and fail is that they don’t hold themselves accountable. If you want to succeed at anything you have to be accountable to yourself for your actions. At times it is hard, but the upside is incredible.

Have you lost your get up and go? I found an article in Health and Healing stating that Rhodiola rosea, also called goldenroot or roseroot, may be just the natural energy booster you’ve been looking for. This root, which is native to Siberia, has been used for centuries in Russia and Scandinavian countries to boost endurance, and clinical studies have affirmed that this botanical improves exercise performance, especially endurance activities. It is safe and well tolerated. It is available in most health food stores in both tincture and capsule form. For best results, take 100-200 mg/day.

Stay well. John R. Blilie, M.S.