Oprah Embarrassed

An embarrassed Oprah Winfrey says she's "fallen off the wagon" of healthy living and has ballooned to 200 pounds. In January's "O" magazine, Winfrey, 54, details her recent struggles with an out-of-balance thyroid and how the condition made her develop "a fear of working out."
She says she's gained 40 pounds since 2006, when she weighed 160.
"I look at my thinner self and think, 'How did I let this happen again?'" the talk-show queen says in the article provided early to The Associated Press by Harpo Productions.
"I'm embarrassed," she says. "I'm mad at myself."
Winfrey told AP last week that she has yet to choose a gown for President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural ball next month.
She should consider StatenIslandBootCamp.com

Most people can't afford the luxury of private chefs and trainers.
Oprah obviously can. However, I remember when she had her trainer, Bob Greene on a year or so ago. She stated that she was training her herself and would not need his help. He looked her right in the eye and said something like "What happened to you. You are going to need some help." She bashedly look back and said,"I am considering working with you again." Imagine the most powerful woman in show business, a Billionaire looking bashful on her own show. Weight issues can do it to you.

You don't have to be Oprah to get the assistance you need. Boot Camps are a fun and very inexpensive way to start launching yourself toward your goal. Stop thinking about it and start being about it. Make 2009 your year to shine. (hey that rhymes.)
StatenIslandBootCamp.com

Take your clothes off now

I’m not sure if this is going to either appall you or disappoint you. I WANT YOU TO TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF NOW! I don’t want to see you naked. The call to take your clothes off now is a call to action to “take your clothes off your exercise equipment.”

This came to mind when I came home and saw that my wife put her work outfits on my iron gym. The iron gym is a nice piece of home exercise equipment. (This is one of the few that I recommend.) Check the video. In lieu of her protest, “You’re not using it right now!” I decided to let her clothes stay up there…. for now.

This brought to mind the many hundreds of people I have worked with over the years. Just about all of them own some type of exercise equipment. Whether it is a simple set of dumbbells, a fit band, a Solo flex or the stupid Suzanne Summers thigh thingy, they own something. Well, answer me this: Why do some many pieces of exercise equipment hold clothes so nicely? Are they designed that way?

I bought the iron gym with the intention of performing pull-ups and chin-ups. I do use it. I love it. What a great unit for only $30. Unfortunately, the love of my life wants to turn it into a clothes hanger. I know we’ll work it out. My iron Gym won’t succumb to an ill-fated fashion function destiny. However, I want to wish the same for you or someone you know and care about.

If you have some home exercise equipment go to your basement, home gym, spare room and take the clothes off of it today… right now. If this is not you, then reach out to someone you know and tell them to “Take your clothes off now!”

The Obama Workout

Here is a scene of Barack Obama walking out of the gym two days after being elected the future president of the United States of America. The guy becomes arguably the most powerful man on the planet and he still heads for the gym. Doesn’t it seem like he should either still be celebrating or working 24/7. Instead he continues with his regimen of consistent exercise. Having accomplished many intellectual pursuits in his life, it seems as though Obama is demonstrating even greater intellectual prowess by continuing his practice of vigorous exercise. The recently released documentary entitle The Brain Fitness Program states that exercise is one of the best habits one can acquire if the desired outcome is increased thinking capacity.

I have personally worked with a great number of professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors and attorneys etc. These are very intelligent people. They almost instinctively understand the importance of exercise because it helps them think more clearly.

This documentary gets right down to the science of the matter and proves this is true. It seems as though exercise helps to keep blood flowing throughout the entire body and that consistent and progressive flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain helps keep it functioning at tip-top condition.

Therefore, the old adage of strong body, strong mind is not some empty platitude, but a living breathing truth that holds the keys to a sharper and highly functioning mind. So it doesn’t matter what your preference is. The true key is to get out there and move your body. You don’t have to play pick up basketball like Obama does, but to get the brain fitness results you have to get out they and do something physical.

Now that you see the President elect is doing it you can relinquish your excuse for not having time. Yes, it does take time to get dressed, travel, train, shower, get dressed again and travel again. However, the benefits so far outweigh the efforts that I know you will find it worth your time.

Antonio Update

I am writing this as I sit here in the hospital after spending another night next to baby Antonio. He has been sleeping for about 14 hours. I didn’t see him awake for more than 45 minutes yesterday. The doctors say that he won’t be going home Sunday, probably Monday.

It looks like the worst has come and gone. He will be in need of continued home treatment so I know my schedule will have to adjust in order accommodate him. My wife and I will gladly do all we can. We are incredibly grateful for all the prayers, thoughts and wishes for Antonio’s recovery. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I learned such a tremendous lesson being here in the hospital. When Antonio was taken out of Intensive Care we were placed in a room with another baby about three months younger than him. She is an itty-bitty thing. It didn’t take long to see that no one was there for here. In contrast, my little guy has someone with him 24/7. The nurses come in to dress her, they hold her, they pass her around and they talk to her. However, no family shows up.

A nurse who came in to give Antonio his treatment said to me “What a shame. She has no family.” I replied, “Really. I haven’t seen anyone here for her.” “Yes she was in a foster home and she was abused. I don’t see how anyone could do that.” “Oh that’s what the all bandages are for. Wow. How could someone do that?”

I glanced over at the little baby girl. Her name is Tina. As I walked over to say “hello”, she covered her face with her forearm as if to guard herself. When I looked at her closer I could see the wounds through her bandages. I could see that she had been burned on her hands, thighs and torso.

When Antonio was on the doctor’s table struggling to breathe I prayed over him and asked God, “Please take care of my son and I promise I will do something in return in your name.” The diagnosis was Bronchiolitis. They still don’t know what caused it, but they know his condition was serious. Had we not acted when we did his system would have eventually gotten tired and he would have not have been able to continue breathing. As scary as this was still grateful because our boy is with us.

I know this blog is supposed to be about exercise, health and good living, but there are bigger things than reps and sets. I believe that I have a new mission. I don’t know exactly what I am to do, but I do know I am to do something. When I reached out to my network, I got no less that one hundred responses of good wishes. Little Tina has no one. My family and my son are truly blessed. I am convinced that my little monster is out of the woods. He has a support system. He will be fine. He came home last night and my wife and I will rearrange our lives to get him back to 100%. However, I have been touched by Tina and other children like her. I know I must do something.

Once again, to all you who have taken time from their busy holiday schedules to think about my family I repeat: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

My Boy my Passion

There is little more that can get your passion going than your children.
My son Antonio can spark emotions in me that laid dormant for all
my adult life. No one who knows me would question that I am a passionate
guy. However, when it comes to that little boy it is just something else.

Well on Thanksgiving morning we had to take him to the hospital
and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. I pride myself on being
under control for the most part and even a bit of a tough guy.

I survived a cardiac scare 20 years ago, a pipe to the head at 12 years old and
motorcycle wreck. However, when the doctor told me my little guy was going to ICU
I cried like a baby. I stay with him all night and let me wife go home to rest.

He was breathing at only 33% capacity and you could see his little body retracting,
working for every tiny breathe of air. I don't think I have prayed so much. The had
to stick him 5 times before they found a vein they cold use. This morning he is a bit
better. He was being treated all night long.

When something happens to your business or career your family means everything.
When something happens to your family your business or career means nothing.

I am thankful to my family friends and clients for there prayers and understanding
I believe my little monster will be OK. God Bless.

Choose to believe

I normally don’t go into a rant unless I am talking about someone deceiving the public through false claims. However, I do feel the need to address something that has been really disturbing to me. That is the continued sense of hopelessness that has been bombarding this consciousness of this great country of ours.

Everywhere you go all you are hearing about is how bad things are. Don’t get me wrong I am not some kind of “Polly Ana” hippie over looking the true of the situation. I left a career in bank to enter the fitness industry so I understand what’s going on. I have also seen how my business has changed in the last 2 months. Yes, the conditions are real.

However, individually as well as collectively we have to remind ourselves of how powerful we truly are. The circumstances are not bigger than us. We are bigger than the circumstances. We are obviously at a major turning point in our history. The world will never be the same. We have a new symbolic and inspirational leader and whether you voted for Obama or not, is irrelevant. He the president elect and means the times call for him being placed there.

Although the government policy will affect you they won’t determine the state of your future. You will determine that. Only you will make the decision to move forward despite what you are facing or will succumb to the pressure and say “Why bother.”

Life is for enjoyment. Life is for dong something. Life is for contributing. How can you do all of those things to the best of you ability if you are focusing on the negative and how hard things are. I have personally chosen not to participate the economic crisis. I have chosen to rise above. Once again I am not naïve when I make this statement. I am not saying I am unaffected. I am not say that I am not concerned. I am not saying that I not sympathetic to those who are experiencing extreme hurt right now. I am saying that I am not going to focus on it. I am focusing on what I want.

There is a saying that goes “the obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” It’s true. So if you are scared do something about. Fear cowers in the face of courage. If you are in fear of losing your job start hunting for a new one. If you are in fear of losing clients start networking. If you are concerning about anything that may affect negatively confront it boldly and deal with it. It is not easy. I am challenged with running as well, but now is not the time for fear. Now is the time for courage. Feed your fear and starve your doubt.

Take control of the things you can. Clean your house. Take control of your paper work. Take control of what you eat. Now is the prime time to get into your best shape ever. After all, you will need your energy to be at its highest level to accomplish all you have set out to do.

And please don’t stop dreaming. Yes dreams are still coming true. The American dream may have changed a bit, but it is certainly not dead. Wake up everyday focused on what you want to be, do and have and don’t let anything steer your focus away. The news reports with their doomspeak are only distractions. You may not be able to totally avoid them, but do not give them major amount of your time. You don’t have that kind of time because all of your resources of time, energy and passion need to be placed where you need them most… on the achievement of your goals.

I was recently watching an episode of one of my favorite shows, “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch”. His show is normally very inspirational, but recently he has become fixated on the economic situation. He had a guest on recently who shared nothing in common with me. We have opposing politics, philosophies and attitudes. I was sitting yelling at the TV for this guy to shut his mouth. Then he talked about the mustard seed. I sat up in my chair and moved forward. I said, “You have to plant that mustard and nurture it with your faith and allow it to flourish. That is what is required now.”

The story of the mustard seed is a biblical passage that translates to this: “I tell you with certainty, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
This is truly about faith. Not in the religious sense necessarily, but in the sense of faith your possibilities.

And how do you plant that mustard seed… with faith. You must choose to believe. Belief is a choice. In the face of challenge you have a choice to make. You can choose to back away and cower or you can choose to belief. I choose to believe… won’t you join me?

Your first step to nurturing that seed is to give thanks. Now matter where you are or what you have or don’t have you have a reason to give thanks. I am thankful for my wife, my son my entire set of family, friends, my home, my clients my list could go on for days. Be thankful for what you have because you have been the recipient of an over flow of blessing just to be here.

My hands are shaking as I write this because I so believe in everything I shared with you. So my hope is that my little rant here will help you step forward with courage to come a bit closer to doing, being and having what you want.

God Bless

Battle with the mind

Find more videos like this on 90 Day Dream Quest


I just heard this recording this morning
I love it. I have grown up on Jim Rohn.
The music is hypnotic and gives you
a chance to absorb what he is saying.
It is true that that the biggest battle is from within

Indoor Camp day 1

Here is a one minute sample of the first day of
indoor camp. And afterwards I do a brief explanation
of the equipment we use in camp.
It was a fantastic class.

The Keys to the Future

Find more videos like this on Bootcamp Goldmine

Here I am with my wife and son in the
New Studio space. Its humble, but
oak trees grow from acorns.
Wish me luck

More adventures with Antonio

My boy must be watching me. This is funny
and little scary at the same time.

Hold me back

This is one of times when my wife has to hold me down and prevent me
from blowing the stack. These commercials are the height
of deception. The First one says "Well you know what they say about it"
No Response. Here is what is being said about it:

obesity and high-fructose corn syrup. The increased frequency of obesity in the US is paralleled by increasing annual consumption of high-fructose corn syrup, an extracted sweetener that is routinely added to soft drinks and to many processed foods in the US diet.

This is not my opinion. This is published on pubmed.gov (A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine)
You can read about by going to this web address: http://tinyurl.com/685pyx

Also take note, the ads are sponsored by (this means paid for by) The Corn Refiners Association. So whose best interest
are they going consider. Yours? I doubt it. They try to portray this substance as if it is natural. Corn is natural. Once it is
refined it is no longer so. High-fructose corn syrup does not occur in nature so it is not natural. It is refined.

This type of commercial propaganda really pisses me off because it preys upon the masses and tells them that
something is harmless when that's not true. How do they sleep at night?

Last point of my rant: They say it's fine in moderation. The challenge is it's everywhere. The next time
you go to the grocery store read your labels and you'll be astounded at how many items contain high-fructose corn syrup.

More on this another time.

Tickling Antonio

Barbells, Dumb Bells, Kettlebells. All this
fitness stuff is all about living a good
life in order to enjoy moments like this.
Enough said.

Be smarter

Here is a clip from a documentary that getting
a lot of buzz. It's called bigger, stronger, faster.
It's all about the facade of building the American
dream body and how much of is only chemical,
smoke, mirrors and lies.

I'm not trying to say that you can't have the body of
your dreams. Just make sure that it's your dreams
and not somebody else's. I know all of the hard work
necessary to build a great physique. I have also grown
to know that life is about balance, enjoyment and
love.

Can you have it all? Possibly. I say to just keep in
mind that it will take work and sacrifice. And while
you're working and sacrificing take time to enjoy it.

Kind words

It's always nice to get someone to
say something great about what you do.

Mental Fitness Volume. I

I watched this episode this morning.
Take some time and watch this.
It'll be worth your time.

2 Minutes of Camp

Here are some quick excerpts of what goes on at Staten Island Boot Camp.
Simple fun, fitness and results.

Roll up your sleeves

I heard this quote on Donnie Deutche's show, The Big Idea.

"No one ever lost their shirt with their sleeves rolled up."

I nearly fell to the floor when I heard that one. I hope the you take
that statement and let it sink into your heart.
Take a look at your situation. If its good make it better.
If it's challenging stare it right in the eye and say "I'm gonna find a way
to master you."

Its that kind of mind state that creates miracles out of
challenging circumstances. And the good news is you can do it.

Books

The Don Key Diet

I stumbled on this picture and almost fell out of my chair. Yes, this is health and weight loss advice taken literally. But it really comes down to this for the most part. Yes, to lose some weight and get in shape one of the first steps is to 'GET YOUR ASS OUT OF THE REFRIGERATOR!'

If you are struggling now because you pu t a few Summer pounds on yes it may be time to stop eating for three. So if your ass has gotten bigger get it out of the fridge.

Up coming Protege'

Here is the new improved Tony "Books". I became a daddy 40.
These means only that I have a whole lot of more living to do.
I look at this with no fear. I am simply committed to teaching
my son a lot of things like my favorite sport basketball.

I am a little nervous because at his first attempt, he is pretty good.

That's my motivation. Are you committed to staying in shape for the
long run? What gets you going to commit to remaining healthy and
energetic? If you have yet to find it, take time out and make something up.

Before you try something else

is Obesity BS?

Be careful how yo label yourself. You could be wrong. I feel great. I look great. Huh...I'm obese!?!?!?

Have you tried everything?

My buddy jim Labadie put this on his blog and I had to borrow this because I have listened to this audio dozens of times. I get chills every time i hear it. Take a few minutes. It will be worth it.

Lipozene...shypozene

I'll evaluate this later...

Gonna fly now...

I am still on vacation. I'm really just chillin'. I don't recall if I mentioned that fact that I'm hereon family reunion in Belize. Yes, there were about 150 family members from all over the world converged on this small village in South Belize.

I have been giving my body a well deserved rest after all of preparation for the festivities. These breaks from training are hard for me because it is easy to slip into sedentary mode.

There was a recent report on how music helps get people motivated to exercise and train more intensely. My favorite training music is the theme from Rocky. I saw this movie when I was 10 or 11 years old and those opening horns still have the same affect on me today. Here is a real funky version of the theme I found on youtube. enjoy and come back to listen to it whenever you need motivation.

Life is good

I am on vaction writing this. It has been a challenging year. Most of the year I have been working 7 days a week. Don't get me wrong. I love what I do. I love who I do it for. It is for that reason I believe I am very good at what I do. Keeping the body, the mind and the spirit in shape is really a full time job along with family, paying the bills and working to get ahead.

What I am finding more and more is the power and serenity of get away to relax and think. I have the fortunate occurance of looking at the surise every morning from my parents'home in Belize where I am vactioning with my wife and son. I know every time I get away and relax I bring so much more to my business and life. Even if its for the weekend or just a day, take time to get away for some time to clear your head.
You'll be glad you did.

Boot Camp Saves the day

This came from a recent boot camp member:

Your willingness to walk through the fire of your fears will actually douse its flames.

So I took a trip to fire island over the weekend (left Saturday)
I was hanging out on my friends boat...
it was about 630 AM Sunday morning and i was ready to start my workout...
just the way you trained us at boot camp.

i couldn't think of a nicer location to be at for this workout...
the ocean. the boats. the beach. the seagulls, the sunrise...
so i started to think about all the various exercises you had trained me in...
I started warming up with my stretches...
then my 3 repetitions of jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, sit-ups and then end the workout with a nice run on the beach...
when all of a sudden thunder, lightening and rain started to fall...
it blew in out of nowhere...

I decided to go down below in the cabin and wait for the storm to blow over...
As I descended the 5 steps...the steps were wet from the few drops of rain which had already fallen... the steps had carpeting which was covered with plastic...
not being able to process all this information at 630 in the morning...
I was thinking about seagulls and enjoying the beautiful 80 degree weather
and the warm breezes...
no way for me to realize that the steps were as slippery as a sheet of ice.

so my right foot went from the top step to the bottom step at the speed of lightning...
while my left foot remained on the top step...

that's when the squats and leap training came in real handy...
this enormous squat/leap and drop of about 4 feet had an incredible pressure on my body..
however my toes somehow bent underneath my left foot on the top step and gravity took over...

my entire body started to lean forward twisting to the right side as my right foot had already slammed the cabin floor...
but because of all those jumping jacks you made me do it was no problem that my right foot slammed on to the cabin floor.
it all seemed to flow in a smooth, slow motion, pattern, as i danced in mid air while the boat was rocking from the wind and waves...

thanks to you Tony I had this unpredictable circumstance under control with great confidence.

www.StatenIslandBootCamp.com
when all of a sudden in the corner of my eye i noticed the kitchen table corner from the cabin below approaching my head... while my left foot remained on the top step above...
i didnt know that all your training would prepare me this type of contortions and
that's when my push-up training came into play...

I was able to prevent the table corner from piercing my forehead...
I managed to cling onto the table edge with one arm, only because of my push-up training you had us do when we stayed in position for 2 minutes.
except this time it was a little bit more difficult as the boat rocked from left to right.
but i remembered when you would make us do the push-ups alternating arms.
plus staying in position for as long as we could really strenghtened my arms.
i had this puppy in the bag knowing i could hold position for for 2 minutes...
I started to untangle my body in a more comfortable position...
that's when all those twists you made us do came in handy...

www.StatenIslandBootCamp.com
now i slowly lowered and gently placed my body on my back while my left foot was still up above on the top step...that's when my sit-up training went into play...
i lifted myself up with no problem and back to the top step where it all started...

now i slowly started to descend once more thinking all was well...
and that's when I noticed that my left foot would not hold me up and gravity once again did its magic and promptly brought me down to the cabin floor once more...

I instantly realized that all of my 5 left toes that were bent underneath my foot,
through the entire dance, acted as a shock absorber for my 210 lb frame.

My toes started to turn blue, the same tone as the water color reflecting the dark skies above.
My toes started to swell like the waves around the boat...
My toes started to throb like the thunder above...
Finally the pain like lightning rods shooting in my brain...

But i am thankful to you Tony that it was only 210 lbs because 5 weeks ago i was 225 lbs...

by noon i was back on a ferry going to my car for my long, painful, throbbing journey home.

it saddens me to think that i unfortunately may not be able to recover in time to start your new boot camp training in August....

However please share my experience with your new group...

Rich Marini
www.StatenIslandBootCamp.com

Is it genes or habits

I am often mystified by the phenomenon of the human mind. We all have the ability to rationalize things to ourselves. I know that I have done so on occasion. Maybe it's part of being human. One of the most powerful things you can do is tell yourself the truth. If a situation is messed up, it is ok to say that it is messed up. You have to see situations as they are. However, you also have to see them as you want them to be. The cartoon in this post is a perfect example. The guy is complaining about the "fat gene" as he wolfs down a table full of burgers. He is not being truthful. Whether it is weight loss, finances, relationships career, it doesn't matter. Do yourself a favor by telling yourself the truth. Then claim your power by envisioning how you want it to be. Next, go out and doing something to change it.

Chance are...

If you leave it to chance. Chances are you'll leave.
Don't leave your day, your dreams, your life to chance.

Take the time out to make plan. You and your future deserve it.
Do it today. Monday is always a good day to start.

True Commitment

I remember hearing about this man and his commitment to his son years ago.
His name is Dick Hoyt. He performs The Ironman Triathlon with is
physically challenged son in tow. That is that daunting, almost superhuman,
combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4

I often think of them when I get fatigued and don't want to train.
Someone shared this video with me so I wanted to do the same.

Think about them when the seeds of doubt tell you that you can't do something.

Tony

Mondays

I can remember when I was working as a vice president
at a major bank. I made great money. I was very popular.
And I was miserable. Why? Because I was not doing
what I love. Mondays became so horrible to face because
I was waking up to go somewhere I hated.

I took a leap of faith and decided that I would dedicate
my life to helping other people become their best.

I have been unbelievably blessed in my decision.
Is there something that is calling you?
Have you not aswered the call because you are afraid.
Eventually bridging the gap from where you are to where
you want to be will require a leap.

Sometimes you have to jump and grow your wings on the way down.

I leaped and Mondays aren't so bad anymore.

1st Boot Camp ending

The first Staten Island boot camp Has only one week left.

Here are some of the comments:

"Camp is great...i enjoy it so much, the people are great, and i cant think of a better way to start my day. True getting up at 5:30am is for the birds...but after working out with you, i feel like i can soar like an Eagle thru my entire day. "

"I am really enjoying boot camp, although getting up in the morning is rough. My fitness level is not so great but I hope in time it will improve. If you decide to offer another session I would definitely be interested."

"The camp is great and it is everything that I thought it would be."

I also had one camper say she lost 6 pounds in the 1st week and a half.
One person says her aggravating knee pain is now gone.

What type of people enjoy boot camp? Well, this camp has a school teacher, nurses, a retire police officer, a mortgage expert, some high level corporate execs, bankers, a hair dresser and a guidance counselor and business owners.

As you can see, there are people from all walks of life getting together to get fit and live better. If this sounds good to you, give fitness boot camp a try.

The next camp on Staten will start on Monday August 18th. I highly recommend to sign up early because this last one sold out quickly.

For information visit www.StatenIslandBootCamp.com


If you are not on Staten Island I recommend finding a boot camp near you.

All the best,
Tony Books Avilez

Been thinking

I have been thinking that despite what the news tries to drill into your head about how bad things are life is pretty good. At least mine is despite all the challenges. It reminds of one of my favorite quotes:

"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."
by W. Somerset Maugham

I have the privilege of coaching people who are committed to being their best.

Find out how
www.StatenIslandBootCamp.com

Tony