Comments on: Start With the Physical http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/ Personal Development for Smart People Fri, 16 May 2008 06:42:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Steve Pavlina http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1972 Steve Pavlina Thu, 28 Apr 2005 12:52:34 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1972 I wouldn't put a label on the type or style of meditation I do. It's mainly a matter of breathing, sitting quietly, and listening to my thoughts until my mind becomes more clear and focused -- is there an apppropriate label for that? I've tried a few structured forms of meditation, and I sometimes use guided meditation tapes, but I usually like to keep it simple. I've found it beneficial, especially for the relaxation it provides to my body and mind. Running is also a form of meditation for me, at least when I'm in good physical condition. I wouldn’t put a label on the type or style of meditation I do. It’s mainly a matter of breathing, sitting quietly, and listening to my thoughts until my mind becomes more clear and focused — is there an apppropriate label for that? I’ve tried a few structured forms of meditation, and I sometimes use guided meditation tapes, but I usually like to keep it simple.

I’ve found it beneficial, especially for the relaxation it provides to my body and mind. Running is also a form of meditation for me, at least when I’m in good physical condition.

]]> By: Chris http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1969 Chris Thu, 28 Apr 2005 05:19:20 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1969 Steve Agreed that physical fitness is a great starting point. Following that, you have mentioned meditation a few times in passing, which is something that interests me but I have never really found that easy to commence. What type of meditation do you do, and how do you learn the relevant techniques? Have you found this beneficial to your well-being? I love your site - very insightful. Please keep it up. Steve

Agreed that physical fitness is a great starting point. Following that, you have mentioned meditation a few times in passing, which is something that interests me but I have never really found that easy to commence. What type of meditation do you do, and how do you learn the relevant techniques? Have you found this beneficial to your well-being?

I love your site - very insightful. Please keep it up.

]]> By: James Scott http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1960 James Scott Wed, 27 Apr 2005 00:57:57 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1960 After spending most of my 20s overweight and unfit, I made a commitment three years ago to change. Excercise became a top priority, even as I was working full time, enrolled in a part-time graduate school program and expecting my first child. I started running and lost about 50 pounds over the course of six months. Three years later, I've kept the weight off. After some knee trouble I switched to cycling, which had been a great passion of mine during college. Now, fitness is an important component of my life - my wife might call it an obsession! My workouts are unbreakable appointments with myself. I am as amazed as anybody else that I was able to do this, but it has made me a better time manager and (I hope) a better parent. Don't wait - do it now - you *can* change! After spending most of my 20s overweight and unfit, I made a commitment three years ago to change. Excercise became a top priority, even as I was working full time, enrolled in a part-time graduate school program and expecting my first child. I started running and lost about 50 pounds over the course of six months. Three years later, I’ve kept the weight off. After some knee trouble I switched to cycling, which had been a great passion of mine during college. Now, fitness is an important component of my life - my wife might call it an obsession! My workouts are unbreakable appointments with myself. I am as amazed as anybody else that I was able to do this, but it has made me a better time manager and (I hope) a better parent.

Don’t wait - do it now - you *can* change!

]]> By: Mike Welsh http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1854 Mike Welsh Tue, 19 Apr 2005 07:17:19 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1854 P.S. It seems there already many comments on vegetarianism in a previous entry: http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/30-days-to-success/#comments Along with some insightful information about protein that I was ignorant of. :) P.S. It seems there already many comments on vegetarianism in a previous entry: http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/30-days-to-success/#comments

Along with some insightful information about protein that I was ignorant of. :)

]]> By: Mike Welsh http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1853 Mike Welsh Tue, 19 Apr 2005 06:59:04 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1853 To Anonymous: I used to be a vegetarian, though not a particularly strict one. I didn't do it out of particular concern for animal rights or spirituality, although I find those noble causes and additional benefits of being a vegetarian. I simply do not care for the taste of most meats! However, I have recently switched back to eating meats because I've been trying to gain muscle mass. I felt I was not getting enough protein in my diet. As for the article, I agree totally. Exercising will produce a huge boost to self-esteem, relieves stress, and you just generally feel like you've conquered the world after a good workout. It's easy to incorporate simple exercises into your daily routine, and the benefits are excellent! To Anonymous:
I used to be a vegetarian, though not a particularly strict one. I didn’t do it out of particular concern for animal rights or spirituality, although I find those noble causes and additional benefits of being a vegetarian. I simply do not care for the taste of most meats!

However, I have recently switched back to eating meats because I’ve been trying to gain muscle mass. I felt I was not getting enough protein in my diet.

As for the article, I agree totally. Exercising will produce a huge boost to self-esteem, relieves stress, and you just generally feel like you’ve conquered the world after a good workout. It’s easy to incorporate simple exercises into your daily routine, and the benefits are excellent!

]]> By: Steve Pavlina http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1851 Steve Pavlina Tue, 19 Apr 2005 02:56:08 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1851 Sonya, that's still very general, so I'd suggest doing a search on amazon.com on those topics and then look for books and audio programs that get at least 4-5 star ratings from customers. For starters though I can recommend Julie Morgenstern's <i>Organizing From the Inside Out</i>. Sonya, that’s still very general, so I’d suggest doing a search on amazon.com on those topics and then look for books and audio programs that get at least 4-5 star ratings from customers. For starters though I can recommend Julie Morgenstern’s Organizing From the Inside Out.

]]> By: Sonya http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1850 Sonya Tue, 19 Apr 2005 02:45:56 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1850 Hi, I wanted to buy motivational cds or books. Most importantly, I need to learn how be organizied and improve time management skills. Thanks! Hi, I wanted to buy motivational cds or books. Most importantly, I need to learn how be organizied and improve time management skills. Thanks!

]]> By: Argenberg http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1841 Argenberg Mon, 18 Apr 2005 12:20:38 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1841 My body is a temple. A temple of my soul. You must first build a grand great temple. DJ Tiesto In Search Of Sunrise, Volume 3 (2002) 08, Your Body Is A Temple My body is a temple. A temple of my soul.

You must first build a grand great temple.

DJ Tiesto
In Search Of Sunrise, Volume 3 (2002)
08, Your Body Is A Temple

]]> By: Steve Pavlina http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1833 Steve Pavlina Mon, 18 Apr 2005 02:17:48 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1833 @Sonya: I could recommend hundreds of resources I've found useful, so you'll have to be very specific about what you're looking for. @Sonya: I could recommend hundreds of resources I’ve found useful, so you’ll have to be very specific about what you’re looking for.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1828 Anonymous Sun, 17 Apr 2005 10:06:05 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1828 Any of you vegetarians? Any of you vegetarians?

]]> By: Sonya http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1826 Sonya Sun, 17 Apr 2005 04:31:29 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1826 Steve, Your website is very informative and I have found some great tips on time management. Could you recommend some books, tapes/cds, or websites that you found to be useful? Thank you Steve,

Your website is very informative and I have found some great tips on time management. Could you recommend some books, tapes/cds, or websites that you found to be useful?

Thank you

]]> By: Scott http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1825 Scott Sat, 16 Apr 2005 19:47:42 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1825 Interesting - I've been in great shape for about 18 years now. The periods during which I've had to forego exercise led to back pain and depression. This has been especially challenging in the past year as I've grappled with RSI and been forced to give up weightlifting and using elliptical trainers. As for sleep, 7-8 hours is where it's at for me. Though if I'm forced to skip, I usually do a binge 10 hour night and then return to my normal rhythm. Interesting - I’ve been in great shape for about 18 years now. The periods during which I’ve had to forego exercise led to back pain and depression. This has been especially challenging in the past year as I’ve grappled with RSI and been forced to give up weightlifting and using elliptical trainers.

As for sleep, 7-8 hours is where it’s at for me. Though if I’m forced to skip, I usually do a binge 10 hour night and then return to my normal rhythm.

]]> By: John Richardson http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1822 John Richardson Sat, 16 Apr 2005 15:34:46 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1822 Great post again Steve. I was on a diet and exercise plan for four years. It was called the "I'll do it tomorrow plan". I lost a lot on the plan... exactly four years. The most important thing I've found about exercise is to do it "Today". Bill Phillips book "Body for Life", has one of the most workable plans I've found. Simply stated the book covers 4 areas that work synergistically to help you create the body you want. 1. Interval Aerobic exercise 3 days a week for 20-30 minutes/day 2. Weight training 3 days a week for 45 minutes/day 3. Balanced diet plan (something like a 40-40-20 plan) with 6 meals/day 4. Drinking 2-4 liters of water per day His plan is not easy, but as Jason Womack commented above, makes a great "coming up goal". I find that it takes all 4 things to really get in shape. If I leave out any one thing I really notice the difference. It's really funny how you can drink lots of "heavy" water and lose weight. I agree that exercise will give you clearer thinking than anything else. If you listen to a audio book on your Ipod when you exercise you can make that exercise time more productive. BTW.. Thanks for the post about "rockets" on my site. I also learned early about windy days. John Great post again Steve.

I was on a diet and exercise plan for four years. It was called the “I’ll do it tomorrow plan”. I lost a lot on the plan… exactly four years. The most important thing I’ve found about exercise is to do it “Today”.

Bill Phillips book “Body for Life”, has one of the most workable plans I’ve found. Simply stated the book covers 4 areas that work synergistically to help you create the body you want.

1. Interval Aerobic exercise 3 days a week for 20-30 minutes/day
2. Weight training 3 days a week for 45 minutes/day
3. Balanced diet plan (something like a 40-40-20 plan) with 6 meals/day
4. Drinking 2-4 liters of water per day

His plan is not easy, but as Jason Womack commented above, makes a great “coming up goal”. I find that it takes all 4 things to really get in shape. If I leave out any one thing I really notice the difference. It’s really funny how you can drink lots of “heavy” water and lose weight.

I agree that exercise will give you clearer thinking than anything else. If you listen to a audio book on your Ipod when you exercise you can make that exercise time more productive.

BTW.. Thanks for the post about “rockets” on my site. I also learned early about windy days.

John

]]> By: John http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1818 John Sat, 16 Apr 2005 09:27:28 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1818 I confirm Erin's comment. I've read the same information. I confirm Erin’s comment. I’ve read the same information.

]]> By: Peter Monsson http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1817 Peter Monsson Sat, 16 Apr 2005 07:13:08 +0000 http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/start-with-the-physical/#comment-1817 There is only one good answer to how much you must sleep: "As long as you need". Some (very few) people can do with 4-5 hours of sleep and still wake up in the morning ready to go. 3 hours is plain amazing. Edwin Bliss in the old "Getting Things Done" talks about some of those few who can do that. I'm not one of them. I need 8-9 hours of sleep, that's how my body works and I know that the only right thing to do is to give my body this amount of sleep. The study that says 7-8 hours of sleep for everyone has the flaw that the hours are an average on everyone. Some can most likely live long on not so much sleep, while others who can't still try and die earlier. I'm sure the recommendation is correct for many people and surely well meant, but there are still some very rare individuals who beat this statistic. There is only one good answer to how much you must sleep: “As long as you need”. Some (very few) people can do with 4-5 hours of sleep and still wake up in the morning ready to go. 3 hours is plain amazing. Edwin Bliss in the old “Getting Things Done” talks about some of those few who can do that.

I’m not one of them. I need 8-9 hours of sleep, that’s how my body works and I know that the only right thing to do is to give my body this amount of sleep.

The study that says 7-8 hours of sleep for everyone has the flaw that the hours are an average on everyone. Some can most likely live long on not so much sleep, while others who can’t still try and die earlier. I’m sure the recommendation is correct for many people and surely well meant, but there are still some very rare individuals who beat this statistic.

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