Embrace Optimisim

Why does optimism matter?  Because if your future looks rosy, being happy in the present is easier.  Beyond the simple reality that optimists are happier people (and happiness is what you are striving for), optimism has other benefits as well:


* Optimists enjoy a greater degree of  success than pessimists do, because they believe they can achieve it, therefore they make smart decisions, and work harder to get to it.

* Optimists tend to set more specific goals than pessimists do.  The more specific and concrete your goals are, the more likely you will be to achieve success.  For example, if you need to loose weight, set attainable goals, 2 lbs a week is more achievable and getting there is easier, than a pessimists who needs to loose 50lbs and believes there is no way I can do this in one month.  This is mathematically and physically impossible. 

* Optimists are more self-confident than pessimists are.  They believe in themselves more than fate.  They do not look for the "magic pill".

* Optimists persist and persevere.  They are not quitters!  They schedule their workout routine, they don't leave it to " I will get to it later attitude".


* Optimists welcome second chances after they fail more than pessimists do, because they expect to achieve a better result the second time around. If they miss one or two training sessions, they make sure they make it up ASAP.  If they cheated on dessert, they substitute more healthy foods for the next few outings.


* Optimists cope with stress better than pessimists do.  Pessimists worry, optimists act.  A person with coronary heart disease who is pessimists "hopes for better health".  The optimists heart patient leaves a little to chance and starts an exercise regimen. 


So at the end, being optimist will get you closer to your happiness in life.  And if your health/fitness level stops you from being  happy, join a fitness program that suits you and make sure you consult your physician in advance.

The Art of Capoeira

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chegado and I have been training the art of Capoeira for 14 years, each of us stumbled upon the art in different ways but stayed for the same reason, it is truly a captivating art.  It is an art form that challenges you physically and intellectually.  Each person that trains Capoeira is drawn to it for their own specific and personal reason, it develops  your rhythm, strength, agility, reflex, as well as your musical, acrobatic and dance skills.  But for most, it is the history, the tradition, the cultural and the profound sense of community that are sticking points. 

Capoeira is the art of survival, with a history that dates back more than 500 years to the slave trade in Brazil.  It was and is an art of empowerment, a celebration of the African roots in Brazil; from the music to the movement it tells the story of a people oppressed, enslaved and later liberated through their strength and will.  

We made the decision to pursue the art form professionally because we believe Capoeira is a vehicle for positive change and cultural enrichment.  The art form promotes diversity, understanding, creativity, health, and discipline for youth and adults alike. Northeast Los Angeles is a vibrant and eclectic community that appreciates and searches out cultural diversity in the arts and we are blessed to have found our home here.

 

 

The Great Art of MMA!

 

 Damon Dyer has been wrestling for 23 years. During  that time, he has competed in freestyle, high school(where he was 2nd in the state), folkstyle, and at college level. After leaving Michigan State University, he began assistant coaching at the high school in his hometown. In 2007 MMA caught his interest. That meant Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Kickboxing became part of a daily routine. During that same year, he went back to his roots and became a folkstyle wrestling world champion.

 

 Damon loves both teaching and competing, and is very happy being part of the XTC staff where he can share his knowledge with others.  He looks forward seeing his students get fit and be ready to go to the next level through personal protection and self defense.

XTC is very grateful to have Damon as part of the Multiple Martial Arts program.

Why Fitness Is So Important When You Have Cancer

Why Fitness Is So Important When You Have Cancer

By: David Haas

Struggling against cancer can be an extremely draining experience- mentally, physically, and emotionally. The diagnosis itself can come like a punch in the gut, and the treatment can leave you feeling fatigued, anxious, or depressed. The good news is that there are things you can do to help. Getting in shape is one. The cancer and the treatments for it are only one factor in how you are feeling. Science is telling us that our fitness level has a greater impact on our energy levels, mood, and overall health than was previously known. Let's take a look at just a few of the benefits that come from adding regular exercise into your treatment regimen when you are battling even a serious cancer like mesothelioma.

Mood Boost

Exercise boosts energy levels. One of the ways it does so is by reducing levels of a stress chemical in your body called cortisol. Cortisol is usually referred to as the "fight or flight" substance. It is there to put your body into danger mode in the case you are confronted with a highly stressful situation like a fight. Anxiety raises cortisol levels. But it isn't good to constantly feel anxious and places an additional burden on your already stressed body. When you exercise, cortisol levels are reduced and the anxiety you were experiencing is replaced by feelings of calm and contentment.

Energy Levels

Another reason to start exercising is that you will increase your energy levels. A common complaint heard among cancer patients is lack of energy. The treatments help with the cancer, but healthy cells are also affected. Fatigue can be alleviated through regular exercise. Of course, there will be a short period of tiredness immediately following your exercise. But over time, it pays off in the form of increased energy levels throughout the day. Your investment in exercise will pay dividends and allow you to get more done, in spite of your illness.

Increased energy is usually seen soon after beginning an exercise plan. And if you should miss a few days, you will definitely notice it in terms of reduced energy. Make a commitment to exercise and you won't regret it.

Better Sleep

One often overlooked benefit of exercise is improved sleep. Your body wants to active. You will sleep better and longer when you exercise regularly. Studies have shown that people who regularly exercise experience better sleep and less daytime fatigue. Your body desperately needs that sleep to heal itself. You will also be less irritable and have more energy when you sleep well.

Do make sure, however, that you get your exercise in several hours before your bedtime so that you don't have trouble falling asleep afterwards.

Redirect Your Energy!

Spring is around the corner. New life is starting everywhere.  Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and trees are blossoming.  What about you?

Dealing with adversity takes a lot of energy-physical and psychological-especially when you see your circumstances as beyond your control.  Initially, what little energy you have can easily end up being channeled into  negative thoughts, feelings, and actions, which keep you from moving forward with your life.

Here are some very simple steps that you can take to redirect your energy: 

•  Shift your time frame- the benefit you are seeking has to do with future, and not the past. Sitting around ruminating or sulking about the past will only keep you “stuck” where you are-in the state of perpetual distress. 
•  Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t.  When and “accident” occurs in your life and stops you from your routine, look at it as an opportunity to get done  the things that you put on hold for a while.  Think about ability rather than disability and you will feel a whole lot better.
• Be productive in both thoughts and deeds.  Reliving a not so pleasant situation that happened to you  years ago day after day is counter-productive if you are looking for a way to achieve a moment of happiness.  Resisting all efforts to get you back into the mainstream of life3 is also counter-productive.  Better to think “what can I do?” and then do it.

Happiness starts with a healthy body!

              

   Happiness is an important part of life-no less than anger, sadness, and fear.  It begins with life itself: what mother does not recognize the look of happiness on the face of her newborn? Human beings are wired with an innate, neurological potential for happiness, but whether this potential eventually becomes a reality depends on how we choose to live our lives.  In other words, happiness isn’t an accident, and it isn’t a gift from other sources- it is the gift you give yourself!

                 

                  If you are like the majority of the population, you are far too passive when it comes to experiencing happiness.  You wait for it to find you instead of exercising your right to pursue it.  It is because most people are passive when it comes to happiness that happiness seems so elusive!  Face it: We live in a proactive world, people don’t wait for freedom- they fight for it.  Wealth is no longer something you inherit- you can create it.

                

                 People are living longer now days.  Why? Because we are learning that we can improve the  quality of our life through the everyday choices we make.     Being healthy and staying in shape does not come in a bottle any more.  You need to make a conscious decision to be active and exercise regularly at least 30 minutes a day five days a week.  Jump on the XTC wagon and  make the best decision of your life and see how fulfilling and happy your life will be when you are healthy and active.

Weight Mangement Program!

There is nothing more fulfilling than being healthy.  Staying healthy requires a great deal of commitment.  Here at XTC we are launching a new Weight Management Program that emphasizes on Mind, Body, and Spirit.  We believe if you can control your mind, the rest is easy....we provide the coaching, the training and the nutrition for you. 
However, there is a great deal of responsibility rests on your shoulders, you must make your first move.....We have a better suggestion, studies show when two people join an exercise regimen, they are both most likely to finish the program as one is accountable for the other one.  Get a friend who will motivate you, and both will benefit from this great program. We promise you won't regret this....this would be the best investment you have ever made.  Check out our website for the update on the program.

David Bensimon is the new addition to our XTC Kickboxing Team.  We are excited to have him training our wonderful clients.  Everyone who has taken his class loves him.  Come and join us for a great workout.  Here are the benefits:

• Xtreme Training Center™ Kickboxing classes are the most popular class we offer.
• They consist of 50-60 minute interval training sessions including cardio-vascular and resistance training, as well as plyometric exercises.
• Each class includes a warm up, several rounds of combinations on your choice of different punching bags, finishing with at least 10 minutes of abdominal exercises.
• These classes are designed to maximize your workout while having a competitive group environment.
• Depending on your body’s metabolism and caloric intake you will burn approximately 600-800 calories per hour.
• These classes will improve your strength, flexibility, cardio and self-defense skills regardless of your experience level.