The Climber Manifesto

I've never been sarcastically told, "you should really learn how to form an opinion", especially when it comes to fitness. I realize I have strong thoughts, but it comes from my deep passion for this topic, years of experience, and sheer frustration from my well-intentioned, yet mis-informed friends/family/clients. So I've come up with an overall mission statement of all the things I know to be true.

And you're just going to have to pardon the cheesiness.

I believe...
...that the best workout is the one that makes you feel stronger, healthier and younger. It may not feel that way during, but it should make you feel great afterwards, because I also believe...
...in doing a workout that you like, not that your sister likes, or your trainer likes. Not every workout is for everyone
...that if you're working out for longer than an hour, you're doing something wrong
...in lifting heavy, yet do-able weights, at least twice a week. Jane Fonda went out with the '80s for a reason
...that cardiovascular exercise is the most important workout for your heart, however, lifting weights will burn the most fat
...in yoga
...in eating for energy, but...
...in eating in celebration, on occasion
...in NEVER, under any circumstances, swearing off a particular food group, but...
...in swearing off the word DIET. It will likely end, and you will likely end up in worse shape than when you started
...in the 90-10 rule. 90% percent of the time, your diet should consist of the smart stuff, but...
...chocolate (or your other favorite 'bad' food) is a major food group, and should make up 10% of it
...in understanding, and respecting, the feeling of "full", but most importantly...
...in knowing, honoring, feeding and working your body to its fullest potential, so that you can live a long and healthy existence for yourself and your loved ones.

Believe it.

Keep Climbing,
ELD