Whatever it Takes - Just Do It！

Dear Patients & Friends,

As most of you know I am an exercise fanatic. I like working out at my home twice a day, seven days a week, ideally. I've tried working out at gyms before but it doesn't work for me.

I get really self-conscious about my ever - so - slowly growing basketball belly sticking out in a tight shirt. I also get nervous about lifting weights in front of people. I have a hard time lifting the iron to get the wrinkles out of my shirt, let alone a repeatedly "pumping" a heavy dumb bell with strangers watching me.

Mostly, I become angry with better looking people than me who wear tight fitting clothes, which lets me see that they have clearly defined muscles. I'm not proud of my undefined "mushles" (muscles that are mostly fat). I have no desire to reveal them in public.

My body fat percentage far exceeds my muscle mass because I was raised on the Queens Diet which features the 4 food groups: pastrami, pizza, pasta and pastries. Russian dressing was considered a magic elixir that cured every disease, so I used it daily on everything that wasn't already loaded with sugar.

By the time I was 4 or 5 years old I started watching Jack Lalanne, The Godfather of Modern Fitness. Even then, in the 1950's, I was clear that nobody was ever going to see me wearing leotards. No way.

Little did I know that my lifelong habit of working out alone, in the safe confines of my bedroom, would defy the latest research that recommends that people exercise with other people!

Why Team Sports Fosters More Work Outs

According to a study published recently in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, group exercise - especially in the form of team sports - increases social interaction, which supports our emotional well-being.

There are significant health benefits associated with team sports because it prevents social isolation and encourages camaraderie. People who do not regularly interact with others are more susceptible to depression and cardio-vascular disease.

In general, primates need to connect to primates of the same species. That would be us.

Whatever it Takes - Just Do It

Whether you work out at home, in a gym, or on a team, just do it. Regularly. Routinely.

Make your exercise - even if it's for only a few minutes a day - a sacred ritual. As you consistently take better care of your body, you'll develop more self-respect. Holding yourself in a high regard is a crucial belief to possess. Having this attitude will help you immunize yourself against self-doubt and criticism from others.

Exercise with Me

Once a month I host a 2 hour yoga and meditation intensive. At the class I always wear the most comfortable sleeping clothes I have. Once you've attended one of my yoga classes, you'll be able to call me what the other students do, "Pajama-ji".

I guarantee that I will not be wearing a tight fitting, all revealing Lululemon tank top.

The next intensive is Tuesday, Sept. 25, right here at the office. It's from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Click here to view the flyer.

Click here to register and pay via PayPal.

True,

Dr. Mark

Dr. Matt Coverage Dates this Summer - Dr. Matt will be here Wednesday Sept.26th