Fitness Regime / Nutrition Plan

In my quest for optimal health & fitness, I often read articles from American magazines - where the fitness industry is massive (despite the nation having the most obese people in the world!).

Men's Fitness is an excellent example thereof. In one of their latest online articles, they have linked masturbation with prostate cancer:

www.mensfitness.com/fitness/592

I'm not sure that I agree with these studies - about 700 men were interviewed - which serves to be a proportionate percentage of men from different walks of life. Not sure(?). The article has conflicting info, saying that men who are sexually very active in their 20s & 30s, are prone to higher incidence of prostate cancer when they reach their late 50s. However, men who are consistently sexually active throughout their 40s & 50s, causes the reverse - lower incidence of prostate cancer. So, best you stay active throughout your life then! Lol.

There are also very useful tips to help you grow/build a bigger chest. I get asked often about chest exercises - for me, doing more incline dumbbell presses have increased the overall appearance of well-sculpted pecs that stand out/forward.

"Build a bigger chest."

www.mensfitness.com/fitness/beginner_weight_training/601

Of course, it can always be bigger, and eating good quality, organically harvested brown rice will help with increase weight for bulking up. During the time that you bulk up, you might lose some definition on your abs, which is normal. Once you're buffed up, you can cut on the stomach again!

Lastly, the second most asked question (or perhaps combined with chest queries); is the question, "How do I get great abs?" Refer to this article that gives 8 handy tips on building better abs.

www.mensfitness.com/fitness/workout_routines/595

However, as per previous posts on here, I have to make it clear, that abdominal muscles will appear more prominently if you have a diet that supports lean muscle. Most of us have great 'abs' - but they're hiding underneath a small layer of fat. The so-called 'love handles' are directly linked to what you eat. The biggest culprit is (bad) sugar. Sodas, sweets, pastas, bread (wheat), etc.

I give valuable advice on diet & fitness, and for any queries, please email me:

johanstephan@gmail.com

Have a blessed Thursday!

Getting out of that ...miserable mindset!

Welcome to another rainy day in northern Johannesburg. Apparently part of this province, and city, have received more than half of their entire annual rainfall. Hectic. I never complain about rain in this country, since we don't really get a lot of rain here; though after 2 months of almost non-stop rain, it seems a little unfair to the southern/eastern parts of our country where a serious drought is taking place. Which made me think how 'life' often deals so-called 'unfair' cards to some, and 'always great cards' to others. (At least, in some people's mindsets that is). And I have learnt, and I'm constantly learning, that you need to change your mindset. Easier said than done. See, in order to understand any negative situation, I always ask myself the imperative questions:

1. What do I have? (literally, count your blessings - health? job? goals? dreams? anything?)

2. What can I do TODAY in order to change my situation?

(- if it's work related - find a job, any job, sweep the streets, damn, just get an income. But I'm sure you'd do better than being a street sweeper! Of course - align your the things you do with the things you want out of life)

3. Do I have a plan for my life?

Those are my questions for my most depressing moments in life. If you don't want to answer those questions, and start to wonder for hope, then you really have no excuse. The world has nothing against you, yet it's not going to spoon-feed you either. In fact, the moment you have a plan and know where you're going, with the combined purpose of serving others, and bringing something better to the world, this world will actually start to provide with opportunities, plenty of them. And more reasons to wake up, and be a happier soul!

I stumble across negative people everyday. And, admittedly, I end up being frustrated and upset too. Thought it's really pointless focusing on that. Have a plan for an outcome then... And act on it. Daily. It's a challenge, and it takes discipline. At first, it won't be easy. Just be disciplined.

**On another note, a very good friend of mine pointed out a book that he bought for gym. It's one of the best I've seen and illustrates in great detail how to train every single muscle group in your body. It's worth a look. The British publishing house, Dorling Kindersley (DK) distributes the book. For a write-up check out their website, under Health & Fitness:

www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk

My Secret Energy Diet Plan.

I have to explain something that is partly my passion in life / ("partly" since I have a few 'passions!').

The story behind my secret energy diet plan.

Well, since high school I have been fascinated with the human biology with regards to the role nutrition plays in our general health/immunity and well-being. I have tried and tested every single diet that exists, I swear! Not to lose weight (I rather need to gain weight), but in the quest to find ultimate health. It was only a few years back that I discovered the most accurate diet plan from which I have benefitted 100%!! I was introduced to a retired scientist, a lady who studies the same principles. She is my ultimate inspiration when it comes to the energy that exists in the universe and our biologies. It becomes very technical and I have to resort to laymen's terms to convey some of the theories.

Firstly, the most important message is that there exists 2 completely different type of biologies. We are not all genetically the same. Not even close. These 2 biologies are as opposite as Yin & Yang*.

Ref Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org

"Yin yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole. Everything has both yin and yang aspects, although yin or yang elements may manifest more strongly in different objects or at different times. Yin yang constantly interacts, never existing in absolute stasis. The concept of yin and yang is often symbolized by various forms of the Taijitusymbol, for which it is probably best known in western cultures.

There is a common misperception (especially in the West) that yin and yang correspond to good and evil. However, Taoist philosophy generally discounts good/bad distinctions as superficial labels, preferring to focus on the idea of balance "

The key word being "balance." We are all interconnected, whether most people understand or believe this is irrelevant. Here's an example - water crystals have scientifically shown to react differently to human interaction, based on the energy from the human body that it interacts with. There is an existing aura. Now, this energy is what connects us to a greater energy force, call it God, or Gaia, or whatever you prefer. The greater energy force has an influence on our spiritual mindset/energy and is fed by the existence of a 3D image of what you are in the "energy" world - this is the actual human body. Our human bodies (3D "image) has to be looked after in order to support the spiritual energy body. They co-exsit, and needs to be balanced at all times - this is imperative to support the most crucial part of a human's existence - your immune system. A disturbance to either one causes a collapse of your immune system. I.e. if you feel down or upset, this impacts on your immune system. Without writing a thesis here - and avoiding clear-cut examples/case studies (which there are plenty of) - I have to get to my point. The bottom line is that we need to feed our bodies the right foods in order to support the 3D-image that exists in this world. This is where good nutrition and the right foods become so important. The unfortunate mistake that exists in the history of nutritional advice, is that "only 1 biology exists," and that "all humans are essentially the same." In the most simple form, there are 2 types. A vitamin body, and a mineral body. What the one body needs, is completely and utterly different from what the other body needs.

Studies are still underway to increase public knowledge on this subject matter. Understandably it is extremely controversial at the present moment. Personally, I am living proof of following a diet that supports the type of biology my body has, and I have gotten rid of every single ailment I had in the past - and they included: severe migraines, losing scalp hair, sinus problems, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, being lactose intolerant, and getting every stomach bug & flu virus that was around.

Furthermore, eating the right foods will keep your weight intact and supports the body's ability to be lean, well built and generally healthy. I can go without gym for weeks on end, and still look in shape. Without eating right, I will immediately see a downward spiral.

I offer my advice and knowledge at a price, though I'm really keen to help people.

If you are interested to know more, drop me a mail, johanstephan@gmail.com

Have a blessed weekend!! XX

After a good downpour of summer rains in Johannesburg, and I might add, a powerful gym session, I am pondering the idea of your own life being a business. Huh? Yes! Well, reading the 4-Hour Workweek has resulted in a new mindset for me. Running your life like a business. Well, let's test it in theory.

You have a daily 'routine' - time to wake-up, get dressed, go to gym, shower, get ready for work, drive to work, tasks at work, lunch-time, meetings, end of work-day, driving home, duties at home, etc. We all have routines. Then, often, we end up in a rut. Yet, we do things that we enjoy and plan for. Like weekend parties, holidays, etc. Now, imagine this 'business of life' becomes your outlook on a daily basis. Don't just plan for the weekend, or that holiday, plan your day as well. It sounds simple enough, however so few of us do it. Know your day. Know your goals, and what you're working towards. Have the end-result in mind. Align your daily tasks with your goals. If you spend time in a job you don't necessarily enjoy, then use your 'after-hours' to grind forward on things that you enjoy more. There will come a moment when you don't need to keep your boring, frustrating day-job and actually follow the road to your passion - and making money from it. So keep at it.

Putting in the hard work & discipline today, will ensure your luxury of free time and a happy, satisfying life later on.

Finally, as mentioned before, check out my favourite blog:

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog

Map your life!

My inspiration this morning comes from the Glen McQuirk book "Map 4 Life" which is readily available from any good bookstore in South Africa.

McQuirk draws from 10 years of experience in 'successful living'-theories, seminars, his own business projects and personal experiences. Here is the opening paragraph:

via/Map4Life 2010/ "...97% of the six billion people on planet earth just ask their brain to do what it did yesterday and the day before and the week before that. For them the year ahead will not be a new year, but a repeat of an old one. A year without hope. Another year wasted. The remaining 3% however, see the year ahead as an opportunity for new and exciting adventures of discovery, risk taking, achievement and significance. It is this 3% that makes the world go around. These individuals are job creators - not job consumers. They are men & women of action with strong faith that enables them to overcome the fear of failure. These individuals are the ones we read about, the so-called 'overnight success stories,' the history makers."

Now, your first priority should be to know your purpose. Followed closely by having a clear plan for your life. Enough said - I wouldn't like to copy and paste the entire introduction of this magnificent book, yet it's always good to spread words of inspiration.

On my fitness level, well, I am back at the gym today (after almost a week of non-training), and I feel more motivated than before to really grasp the concept of fitness training and focus on my desired goals in that regard.

1. Purpose - Finding a reason why I am training.

2. Plan - Knowing exactly what it is I will be training before I enter the gym.

Then, of course, having a purpose/plan for an income is very important too. Knowing that you need to work hard to be able to afford a decent living is part of life. When you have a purpose, and follow that up with a well-strategised plan, life will not feel like a constant search for direction.

Now, let me get back to my other duties as a TV Producer. Have a blessed day!

PS: Email with any fitness/health queries or comments: johanstephan@gmail.com

Are you keen on having ABS?

I am fresh and ready for the new year, and loving the gym

Also, got myself this book, "Map4Life" which is a daily planner with great advice on keeping your mind on track to achieving your goals. So many of us lose the plot, feel lost (feels overweight) and need a little nudge to get back on track.

I am willing to give advice, at a price, for people that are interested to know what the secrets are to looking (and feeling) really good. For example, getting abs, or good pectoral muscles (chest), or just getting those 'love muscles' away!

See details below (if you missed it, email me on: johanstephan@gmail.com)

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Talk soon! XX

fitness @johanstephan

Email me with any Fitness queries - to get abs, or lose weight, or build bigger pecs, etc

johanstephan@gmail.com

I would like to encourage you to take fitness seriously - not just to feel better (and look better), but to keep you healthy in the long run!

There's a few secrets to looking good - and it mostly starts with finding the right food for your body to consume. Furthermore, being clever in the gym on how you spend your limited time there, plays a major role.

Email me in the meantime, before my fitness website launches for any queries or advice needed.

Kapish.

Back at work!

It was an awesome holiday - I enjoyed every minute of it - weather was great, good to see my family again, and of course, lots of really nice food! I was staying at my parents' beach house on the West Coast of South Africa (about 250km outside of Cape Town in a northerly direction).

We went cray fishing and spent lots of time on the beach (and reading, reading, reading). It's something I thoroughly enjoy while on holiday. It's a great way to relax.

In life, the positive has to be balanced with the negative. Such is life. From the minute I arrived in Jhb things started feeling negative - the weather was awful, my shuttle took almost an hour to fetch me from the airport, once home, my car suddenly had engine problems, and there was no food in my fridge (and most shops were already closed). Uhuhm, this morning at gym, I find that my membership has been cancelled - indefinitely! Gosh. Apparently my medical aid-benefit no longer offers this service - they didn't even notify me. Lol. On top of that, I received a call from a friend who told me that journalists are investigating some rumours about me secretly seeing someone's wife! Unbelievable. Journalists with no better jobs than to fabricate rumours about people and spread it as gossip. But wait, there's more. At the office this morning I discovered my comfy desk in the corner, with a window, has been reserved for someone else, and I am moved to a dingy corner at the back of the room. Great. :( Urrrgghhh!!

Oh How I miss my family now, my holiday; how wonderful and calm everything was!

But I swear, I won't let these hurdles get me down! I am confident and intelligent enough to understand the balance of the universe, also, that we have to fight for our rights, work hard at achieving those goals (whether it means to change jobs/towns/houses/friends, etc)

I want to do good, and be a happy soul, because I know that underneath all the negative aspects the positive lies nestled away - just gotta open my eyes to see it!!!

Hope you have a blessed 2010. I wanna work hard at having one as well. :)

Images: Below left, our baby Boerboel dog, 'Simba,' chilling out on the verandah, overlooking the beautiful view from our beach house; below right, the final sunset of 2009! Awesome view!!