Flying On An Airliner Fat or Fit?

I just returned from a vacation out to sun soaked southern California.  I was going to write a posting about how much easier the trip is now that I am fit; then I remembered — I already did.

I’m not sure how many of you remember the past case of film director extraordinaire Kevin Smith being bumped from a flight because, it was reported, of his weight.  I remember back in my super heavyweight days, boarding a plane and holding my breath, waiting for those dreaded words, “You are too fat to fly.”

Back in my morbidly obese days, most of my flights were not solo. I was usually accompanied by my significant other, so lifting the armrest and spilling into her seat was not an issue. However, I vividly remember for take-off and landing, with the armrests down,  I could manage to squeeze into the seat. However,  my extra mass spilled into the other seat. My body would mold itself over the top and the bottom of both armrests. Many claim that they can fit in the seat with both armrests down, but that doesn’t mean they actually fit in the seat.

I said I flew with someone most times.  There were times I flew alone and on those occasions, I was concerned about making a fellow traveler, unfortunate enough to sit next to me, uncomfortable.  I remember seeing the face of the weary person as I waddled down the aisle, it was the look that was saying, please, please walk past me.  I was not only embarrassed, but I understood their dismay; so if it was possible, I would sacrifice my comfort and sit in the front row if a seat was open. You see, in the front seats the tray is not attached to the seat-back in front, because there is no seat-back in front. So it comes from the middle armrest  and because of that placement, it is not possible to lift the armrest. I could still sit in the seat, but trust me I didn’t fit, however, I would rather be uncomfortable myself, then force someone else to tolerate being seated next to me. It wasn’t fun for me either way, but my bulk left few options.

Back at the time of the “TO FAT TO FLY EVENT” It was reported that Mr. Smith had purchased two seats, but was able to board an earlier flight. On the earlier flight two seats were not available, so he would have to sit next to someone else. Mr. Smith, it had been reported, stated at the time that “he knows he is fat, but he is not too fat to fly.”

I haven’t seen Kevin Smith lately, but in every picture and video I have seen he definitely appears more than just a bit overweight. I know back when I was three hundred and forty pounds, I never thought I was that fat. In my case and in many of those whom I work with, we never see just how overweight we actually are — or in my case was.

There are those who have metabolic and/or underlying medical conditions that cause obesity

The following  statements are not intended for those individuals.

There is a much displayed, self-absorbed logic that implies if one is overweight or obese, that is just the way it is and everyone else will just have to deal with it. I am sorry, I do not agree with that logic.

I do agree that one has the right to weigh however much one wants. I was in the morbidly obese category myself and while I did not say, “Hey I want to weigh 340 pounds,” it was still my choice. Through slothfulness and poor food consumption; it was my choice to allow myself to almost reach the 350 pound mark. So, with that said, if a person is one of the many who chooses an obese lifestyle, then one also must accept the responsibility for the limits obesity imposes.

I, on a fateful day, made a decision to accept responsibility for the self-made mound of flesh and fat I had morphed into and changed my physical condition. I don’t know how much Mr. Smith’s tips the scale these days.  I am aware that he has lost some weight, but claims he will never be thin.  If he would like to ensure that he will never again be fat, will be forever fit and enjoy a better quality of life for himself and his family,  I will make this offer:

I will give up my practice and dedicate one year of my life to help Kevin Smith shed his excess weight and improve his fitness.

Once we agree upon an  acceptable fee then, for that year, he will be my only client. I will relocate to an area of his choosing and assist him in embracing a fit lifestyle.

I doubt he will take me up on my offer, but I make one guarantee, once I get him in shape he will love his new fit lifestyle

——————————————————————————————————————

Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book,A Life Beyond Weight Loss.  He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared onWYLN TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast.

Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his web site www.betterlifeseminars.com.

———————————————————————————————————————

************The posting that I  write do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition.  I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions.*************

.

 

Related articles

• Consistency: Obesity’s Conquering Key (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• First Look: Kevin Smith’s Unproduced ‘The Bionic Man’ Movie Turned Comic Book (slashfilm.com)

Should Exercise Be Fun?

“…. to go into a cold gym takes a lot of discipline, boy, I’ll tell ya. … I never liked to exercise, but I like results.”   Jack LaLanne

I was reading on one of the many Facebook pages I belong to and someone was asking about not feeling up to a workout.  Some of the responses suggested that workouts must be fun.  As I read them I had to ask myself two questions:

Are my workouts fun? Do they need to be?

My exercise routine is spit into two portions:

Strength training, in which I use weight lifting.

Endurance training, in which I use a combination of jogging, sprints and rope skipping.

Yes, I will admit that there is something exhilarating about pitting myself against cold, unyielding iron.  I look forward to my mornings in the gym.  If I am pressed for time, I always get in some sort of weight training. While I do relish weightlifting, I’m not sure if the word fun would be an apt descriptor.

When it comes to jogging; I like the the time alone, free from distractions, outside enjoying the weather, but do I have fun? Not really. I am not even sure I even enjoy the activity itself.  I am not really built for running, either physically or mentally, but because of the results I attain,  I get out there and I do it.

I am not sure if fun should be part of the criteria for going out and exercising or even in  the choice of a particular exercise.  I pick and chose my routine for the results I am going to achieve.  When I am bulking up and adding strength, my weight training is slower and the weights I use are much heavier.  I still jog, but I cover less distance and I do it at a much slower pace.  When I a leaning out, I decrease the poundage and I move much quicker.  I cover more distance when I jog, I do it at a faster pace and I include rope skipping and sprints.

No matter what my particular goal is, I always include both progressive resistance and endurance training.  They both contribute to the overall result I am looking to achieve.

Is fun important?  I guess it could be, but it isn’t a requirement.  Exercise should be done to improve the overall quality of life.  While I don’t really consider my exercise routine fun, it makes much of the other activities that I engage in much more fun. When I was in Chiropractic school I spent hours upon hours studying for classes, quizzes, exams and boards.  Did I have fun during all that study time? I would have to say no, but it was necessary to achieve my goal.  I look at exercise much the same way.  My goal in regards to exercise is not to have fun during my exercise time; it is to achieve an improved level of fitness. The fun is in the results —

Image via Wikipedia

-because I am fit, I am able to hike longer and more difficult trails.

-because I am fit, I am able to participate more actively in beach and ocean activities

-because I am fit, I am able to live every aspect of my life much fuller and with much greater joy.

So, is fun a requirement when it comes to choosing an exercise routine? Perhaps to some, but it wasn’t to Jack LaLanne and it really isn’t to me.  I am much more concerned with the results of the exercises I pick.  Taking into account travel to the track, then to the gym, showering and dressing — only about ninety minutes of my day is focused on exercise. While fun is nice; I prefer effectiveness, which in turn  improves the quality of  the remaining twenty-two and a half  hours (and, yes, I sleep better because of exercise) of my day.

———————————————————————————————————————

https://www.createspace.com/3903024

http://www.obesityundone.com/

Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com and CarbSmart.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet.

He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, What’s Weighing You Down, w/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website http://www.ObesityUndone.com.
———————————————————————————————————————
************The information herein is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.************

Related articles

• I Was Martin Kessman (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Effective Methodology For Losing Weight and Achieving Fitness (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Archieve of my latest interview concerning childhood obesity and bullying (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Dr. Melina Jampolis’s Implied Advice: Purchasing Natural, Whole Foods Are Expensive – Buy Dr. Melina Bars Instead (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Can The Gym Be Your Church For Physical Well-being? (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)

Adversity — Setback or Opportunity?

Lately, life continues throwing me some heavy-duty, rib-breaking body blows.

Image via Wikipedia

Compared to many I am blessed, but recently — I don’t feel that way. The reality of owning a business in these current economic times can impact us all. I feel much like I did a few years ago. Similar situations caused apathy, which in turn led to laziness. The result was that my weight ballooned to a ponderous, pachydermian three hundred and forty pounds and my fitness levels plummeted to previously unforeseen depths.

On a recent morning, when the alarm clock sounded, for the first time in a long time, I had the desire to shut the buzzer off and roll back over. Reawakened by my current situation, my inner demons reared their ugly heads.

Thoughts of pancakes, home fries, doughnuts and waffles for breakfast started bubbling to the forefront of my brain. Later, I could go for a pizza and a nice pot of pasta. Then, in the evening, maybe a pie and a pint or two of ice cream. The comfort foods would work their soothing magic.

The demons screamed into my skull:

Why exercise?
Why eat right?
What is the point?
Think of how nice it would be to sleep, on a full belly, an extra three hours each morning.

I knew that the combination of sloth and gluttony would once again isolate me from the outside world. The calming influences of empty calorie, carbohydrate loaded foods would help me sleep. The lack of exercise would convert the excess consumption into a protective layer of fat and I would once again be isolated from the rest of the human race.

Image via Wikipedia

I look up and studied the proverbial rope that is keeping me from plunging into Hell’s fires. The repair jobs, from the previous occasions in which life almost took me down, were once again frayed. The gremlins and gravelings, which are busily hacking away at the rope, are now more than half way through.

Will the rope give all together? Will my life and future plummet into a great abyss? It very well might. When it desires, life can be a cold and heartless bastard. The big question is:

Will I embrace my inner demons  and willingly hasten my demise?

I stayed in bed and wondered what it would be like to have had a charmed life. I asked myself:

How different would it have been if my father hadn’t been forced on to disability by a life altering injury?

How would it have been if my parents could have afforded to send me straight to college out of high school?

Was my judgment to enter the Navy, to alleviate the burden of at least one child to care for, the correct decision?

Yes, the self-doubt and self-pity of despair were being cheered on by the demons. Much like WILK talk radio host Steve Corbett, my inner mischievous sprites are acting as the harbingers of doom — joyfully, fanning my flames of despair, discontent, doubt and disillusionment.

How easy would it be to embrace their self-destructive message!
How simple would it be to return back to my former indolence!
How effortless would it be to add a hefty burden to the rope!

As these thoughts ran through my head, a truck driver outside my window slammed on the brakes. As the tractor-trailer came to a very loud halt, its cargo violently shifted and I was jarred by a thunderous clang. My still sleeping brain interpreted the clamor into the clang of iron plates being dropped onto the gym floor.

Thoughts of clanging and banging iron sent a familiar shiver through my body. I jumped from my bed and the demons hid in terror. I would not give into their cursed cheering.

There is no time for self-pity.
There is no time for self-sorrow.
There is no time for self-destruction.

The rope is starting to show threads.
I am not sure how long it will hold out.
I will not increase its burden by adding weight to my frame.

As much as we tend to think otherwise, there is very little in our lives over which we have control.

Well run businesses fail everyday.
Bad, at times awful, things happen to good people.
Politicians pass laws regardless of the actual outcomes.
Hard working, loyal employees often find themselves without a job.

Is adversity a setback or an opportunity?

It is all in  how we choose to view it. We can allow bad luck, bad decisions and just flat out bad situations dominate, control and beat us down —  or we can choose how we respond.

For the last two weeks injury, medication side-effects and an illness have kept me from the gym.  Tomorrow morning I can’t wait to get back.

You see, I choose how I respond. I choose not to allow those demons that were screaming effect me.  And, I choose to tell those demons to go straight back to hell!

The one thing we can control is ourselves.

We can control our mental attitude.
We can control our fitness level.
We can control what we eat.

In spite of Gary Taubes’s anti exercise writings, I will continue my endeavors in exercise. Because, by being physically fit and strong, if that rope does give out, I will be powerful enough to reach up, grab the remaining end and support myself.

Don’t quit on being fit!

———————————————————————————————————————

https://www.createspace.com/3903024

http://www.obesityundone.com/

Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com and CarbSmart.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet.

He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, What’s Weighing You Down, w/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website http://www.betterlifeseminars.com.
———————————————————————————————————————
************The information contained herin is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.************

 

Related articles

• Can The Gym Be Your Church For Physical Well-being? (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• I Was Martin Kessman (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Effective Methodology For Losing Weight and Achieving Fitness (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)

I Am Glad I Did NOT Accept MY Obesity!

{When it comes to anything I write, I do not have cowardly policies as Dr. Melina Jampolis and others may have.  If you disagree or even dislike anything I write, feel free to comment here or on my facebook page.  All I ask is that you don’t use vulgarity, nor insult or attack anyone else.  If you would like to insult me, go ahead.  I can take it, unlike other so-called experts I am not thin skinned.  Joe Leonardi, D.C. }

In regards to a previous Enemies of the State of Good Health posting, I was sent a message from one of my readers asking me, in reagards to the Fat Acceptance Movement being included,  what is wrong with the acceptance of larger people?

That is a very valid question.

One that deserves a response.

There isn’t any problem.

I don’t like or dislike someone based upon their weight or appearance.  Overweight, large or obese people were not the subject, nor enemies of the state of good health.  The “enemy” was the organization and others like it.

My dislike for the Fat Acceptance Movement has nothing to do with individuals who are struggling with weight issues. My dislike for the movement,  stems from having been morbidly obese at one time and having thought that the world should accommodate my girth because of my lack of self-control and self-discipline.  The Fat Acceptance Movement promotes an almost civil rights tone, pushing for obese people to be treated like a minority.  I simply disagree.  As I have stated many times, in the absence of an underlying condition, being overweight or obese is a choice.  It may not be a conscious choice, but it is a choice.

me at 340 pounds on March 1, 2008

My former incarnation, Joe.340, thought as what I have read are the beliefs which the Fat Acceptance Movement  promotes.  I was appalled that booths in restaurants were not more spacious.  I genuinely believed that movie theater seats should be roomier.   Also, why couldn’t they have less seats on an airplane and make them all as big as first class? It was my personal belief that others should conform and adapt to me.

Well, that is the problem and that is my main issue.  The Fat Acceptance Movement wants the world to change for them and in turn promote an unhealthy life.  And despite some exceptions, most people who are obese are NOT healthy.

I never suggest to a person that they should lose weight.  I was recently emailed someone’s height and weight and asked whether or not I thought they should lose weight.  I responded to the person that I help those who want to lose weight and recapture their health.   I do not decide for someone if they need to lose weight, even if it the answer is obvious.  It is up to an individual to decide, not only if they need to lose weight, but more importantly, that they want to lose weight.

I live by the mantra that weight loss is a side effect of fitness.  The primary goal of what I do is to get people to embrace fitness, eating low carbohydrate foods found as close to their natural state as possible (a paleolithic model) and good health.  People who have read or heard about me seek me out to lose weight and I help them do that, yet I don’t make the weight loss the only motivation nor the only goal.  The numbers on the scale are a useful feedback tool to reach the most important goal; improvement of their overall health.

Most people who are overweight or obese are not in an optimal state of health and fitness. Yes, I am aware that there are exceptions to the rule, but I am not even sure about those exceptions. Additionally, I am by no means saying that if you are not overweight, you are fit.  There are plenty of folks who do not have a weight problem that are pure physical wrecks.  I am willing to help them as well.  However, I can only relate personal experiences and that is what I try to share.

Back to being overweight, yet fit. Years ago, before I had gotten up to three hundred and forty pounds, I may have fallen,  kind of — sort of,  into that category.  I was in the gym religiously, focusing mostly on strength training and doing very little endurance exercises.  I was stronger than I had been in my entire life.  I weighed about two hundred and eighty pounds, I was carrying around excess fat, but muscular development was obvious.  The joke at the gym where I trained was, I could lift the entire gym… I just couldn’t walk around it.

Was I fit because I was strong?

Was I healthy because my lab work was all good?

Was I fit because my vital signs fell within normal ranges?

You better believe that I was convinced I was fit.  In my delusional mind, I didn’t need to lose weight.  I could not have been more wrong.  That excuse-making, rationalizing mindset was a direct factor in the birth of Joe.340.

I am also not saying we should judge anyone based upon appearance.   What I AM saying is that I do not believe that we should accept our own self-imposed limitations.  We have the power to improve our health and we should not allow a group, no matter how well intentioned,  to dis-empower us.

340lbs 3/1/2008

When I was obese, I could not tie my own shoes.

When I was obese, I could not rise out of a chair without pushing off the arm rests.

When I was obese, I could not get up out of a low couch without rolling over on my stomach, placing my knees on the floor and pushing myself to a standing position.

Were any of the above examples really acceptable?  Unfortunately, for me, they were —- for far too long.

I have been accused of being harsh.

I have been accused of being unyielding.

I have been accused of being unsympathetic.

Well, let me tell you a few things:

200lbs 3/6/2009

I am harsh!  I wish someone was more harsh with me. I don’t want someone to have to be sitting in the emergency room with chest pains, as I was, to realize they need to do something now.

I am unyielding!  I have heard all the excuses, I have used most of them, giving in to the excuses will only make the situation worse.

I am NOT unsympathetic!  Trust me, I was there, I am very sympathetic.  However, I don’t express my sympathy by encouraging lackadaisical behaviors.  I show my sympathy by assisting those who seek my help to reach their goals.

It is my life’s mission, to help those who wish to take control of their poor eating and exercise habits. It is my desire that through fitness, everyone enjoy an improved quality of life.

And, if I am lucky, I will save a life or two along the way.

——————————————————————————————————————

Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, A Life Beyond Weight Loss. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared on WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast.

Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his web site www.betterlifeseminars.com.

———————————————————————————————————————

************The posting that I write do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions.*************

Related articles

• Obesity Victimization Does Not Defeat Obesity (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Dr. Melina Jampolis’s Implied Advice: Purchasing Natural, Whole Foods Are Expensive – Buy Dr. Melina Bars Instead (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• I Was Martin Kessman (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)

Obesity Victimization Does Not Defeat Obesity

The recent earthquake and hurricane that effected the northeast part of the country reminded me of the horrific tragedies in Japan and started me thinking and reflecting.

In my Navy days I visited Japan on several occasions.  I have fond memories of both the country and the people.  Those I was honored to have met possessed a strong character and an incredible work ethic.  They demonstrated  a widespread respect for people and an apparent dislike for personal weakness.  Those I had become acquainted with were not excuse makers; they were doers.  Although currently,  they remain genuine victims of horrific natural and now man-made disasters, with incredible resolve they have taken the steps necessary to deal with their very real adversity.

Observing their strength led me to think about the victim mentality so prevalent here in our own country. There are those that are merchants of victimhood whose sole goal is to convince others that they are victims and that they need to:

-One; blame someone

-Two; rely on someone else to relieve their victim status

Image by kiddharma via Flickr

Locally here in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, PA, WILK  Newsradio’s talk jock Steve Corbett is a classic example of victimhood peddling.  Utilizing desperation, delusion and demagoguery he attempts to convince people that their lot in life is the result of one group and their salvation is in the hands of another group.

What would drive someone to knock the downtrodden further down?

When did we lose the inner power of the Rugged American Individual?

What does any of this have to do with weight loss or fitness?  Perhaps nothing, but more than likely — everything.

I started wondering about differences between true victims and people who are convinced to become victims.  Concerning obesity, this victim mentality comes from movements like the Fat Acceptance Movement or Fat Rights groups. These organizations want people to feel victimized because of their choices.  I emphasize, I am not referring to those whose obesity is caused by a genuine underlying medical condition. I am speaking of those who do not take the appropriate steps to control their weight and fitness levels, yet wish to take control.

Image via Wikipedia

I have heard more excuses than I can recall as to why one is obese and out of shape.  Hell, I used most of those same excuses myself.  However, there must come a time when you look in the mirror an accept responsibility for your current physical condition.  Yes, there is some general, genuine blame to go around:

-Dr. Ancel  Keys

-Senator George McGovern

-The U.S.D.A. Food Pyramid

-And others I’m sure

However, blaming others only increases your victimization.  By placing blame, you also are looking for someone else to fix the problem.  Here is the cold, hard reality.

• You are responsible for gorging on the foods you should not eat.
• You are responsible for not getting up and moving around. 
• You, and only you, are responsible to improve your physical condition.

I understand how hard, cruel and unfair life is.  Much of my life is collapsing around me.  Not to go into specifics, but things in a large part of my world are not good.  If not for the mental discipline that allowed me to take control of my physical condition and weight, I can only imagine how much worse matters would be.

Image by wallyg via Flickr

Like the primordial titan Atlas supporting the earth’s sky, it is the strength of my mind, combined with the healthiness of my body, that will not allow my legs to collapse under the crushing weight upon my shoulders.  We are capable of commanding only one factor in life — ourselves.  So, take charge and don’t allow anyone to manipulate you into a becoming a victim of obesity..

———————————————————————————————————————

Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book; Fat Then Fit Now;  A life beyond weight loss.

Dr. Joe Leonardi is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared on Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast.

Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at fatthenfitnow@me.com 

———————————————————————————————————————

Related articles

• Childhood Obesity and Bullying on Blog Talk Radio (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Consistency: Obesity’s Conquering Key (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Excuses Hamper Obesity’s Defeat (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)

Kevin Smith, Southwest Airlines and My Own Experiences Revisited

Image by innuendo via Flickr

I was recently discussing with a Fat Then Fit Now client about the past case of film director extraordinaire Kevin Smith being bumped from a flight because, it was reported, of his weight.  I related to my client of myself, back in my super heavyweight days, boarding a plane and holding my breath, waiting for those dreaded words, “You are too obese to fly.”

Back in my morbidly obese days most of my flights were not solo. I was usually accompanied by my significant other, so lifting the armrest and spilling into her seat was not an issue. However, I vividly remember for take-off and landing, with the armrests down,  I could manage to squeeze into the seat. However,  my extra mass spilled into the other seat. My body would mold itself over the top and the bottom of both armrests. Many claim that they can fit in the seat with both armrests down, but that doesn’t mean they actually fit in the seat.

I said I flew with someone most times.  There were times I flew alone and on those occasions, I was concerned about making a fellow traveler, unfortunate enough to sit next to me, uncomfortable.  I remember seeing the face of the weary person as I waddled down the aisle, it was the look that was saying, please, please walk past me.  I was not only embarrassed, but I understood their dismay; so if it was possible, I would sacrifice my comfort and sit in the front row if a seat was open. You see, in the front seats the tray is not attached to the seat-back in front, because there is no seat-back in front. So it comes from the middle armrest  and because of that placement, it is not possible to lift the armrest. I could still sit in the seat, but trust me I didn’t fit, however, I would rather be uncomfortable myself, then force someone else to tolerate being seated next to me. It wasn’t fun for me either way, but my bulk left few options.

Back at the time of the “TO FAT TO FLY EVENT” It was reported that Mr. Smith had purchased two seats, but was able to board an earlier flight. On the earlier flight two seats were not available, so he would have to sit next to someone else. Mr. Smith, it had been reported, stated at the time that “he knows he is fat, but he is not too fat to fly.”

I haven’t seen Kevin Smith lately, but in every picture and video I have seen he definitely appears more than just a bit overweight. I know back when I was three hundred and forty pounds, I never thought I was that fat. In my case and in many of those whom I work with, we never see just how overweight we actually are — or in my case was.

There are those who have metabolic and/or underlying medical conditions that cause obesity

The following  statements are not intended for those individuals.

There is a much displayed, self-absorbed logic that implies if one is overweight or obese, that is just the way it is and everyone else will just have to deal with it. I am sorry, I do not agree with that logic.

I do agree that one has the right to weigh however much one wants. I was in the morbidly obese category myself and while I did not say, “Hey I want to weigh 340 pounds,” it was still my choice. Through slothfulness and poor food consumption; it was my choice to allow myself to almost reach the 350 pound mark. So, with that said, if a person is one of the many who chooses an obese lifestyle, then one also must accept the responsibility for the limits obesity imposes.

I, on a fateful day, made a decision to accept responsibility for the self-made mound of flesh and fat I had morphed into and changed my physical condition. I don’t know how much Mr. Smith’s tips the scale these days.  I am aware that he has lost some weight, but claims he will never be thin.  If he would like to ensure that he will never again be fat, will be forever fit and enjoy a better quality of life for himself and his family,  I will make this offer:

I will give up my practice and dedicate one year of my life to help Kevin Smith shed his excess weight and improve his fitness.

Once we agree upon an  acceptable fee then, for that year, he will be my only client. I will relocate to an area of his choosing and assist him in embracing a fit lifestyle.

I doubt he will take me up on my offer, but I make one guarantee, once I get him in shape he will love his new fit lifestyle.

——————————————————————————————————

Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet. His web site www.ObesityUndone.com is available to help you reach your goals.

He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, Bounce Back to Your Brilliance w/Angel Tyree, What’s Weighing You Downw/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website www.betterlifeseminars.com.
———————————————————————————————————————
************The information in the videos is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting that I write do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions.************

 

Related articles

• Consistency: Obesity’s Conquering Key (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• First Look: Kevin Smith’s Unproduced ‘The Bionic Man’ Movie Turned Comic Book (slashfilm.com)

Consistency: Obesity’s Conquering Key

Image via CrunchBase

Monday thru Friday my alarms awakens me a little after 4 a.m., Saturdays about 6 a.m. and Sundays it doesn’t sound at all, but I am usually awake by 7.  Each and every morning I bound out of bed, head to the kitchen and pour myself a cup of coffee.  I check my gym bag to make sure that I have all necessary items to shower and dress after my workout.  I call up Facebook on my smart-phone and make a simple posting: GOOD MORNING, JOG THEN GYM.  The simple posting is intended for all my Facebook friends, but also specifically for those who have purchased my book, are clients of Fat Then Fit Now and who have contacted me and told me I have inspired or motivated them to lose weight.  I post on Facebook to demonstrate one of the keys to conquering obesity — consistency.  One of my Facebook friends picked up on that by commenting; “You are so fantastically predictable, thank you for your daily consistency.”

When it comes to anything in life, to make gains in a positive manner, consistency is key.  Inversely, if you are consistently inconsistent, your progress will be slowed or reversed.  To improve your fitness level, you must consistently follow your exercise program.  To lose body fat, you must consistently eat a reduced carbohydrate diet.  The key is to be consistent, because consistency is what will brings you your desired results.  Again, if you are consistently inconsistent, you will have results, however they may not be the results you desire.

If you exercise one day one week; two days the next, six the following then don’t work out for two weeks and pick up with another work out…you get the picture…. you will not improve your fitness level or your physique.

Image via Wikipedia

If you eat properly for five days in a row, then on the sixth day have pancakes for breakfast, pasta and bread for lunch, breaded chicken and french fries for dinner interspersed with snacks of bagels, doughnuts and ice cream; okay I may no longer be morbidly obese and I don’t eat like that any more, but my mouth is starting to water a little bit …. Okay the cravings passed, the point is, eating good a few days and eating garbage for another day or two  or three isn’t going to improve your health and help you shed excess body fat.

Image via Wikipedia

To shed fat and remodel your physique, you must do some type of exercise each and every day, you must eat properly each and every day and you must stay focused and keep your mental energy positive each and every day.  Consistent effort will produce consistent results.  Consistency is the key to conquering obesity and enjoying a more healthful, active and fit life.  As I have said often; I don’t take care of myself to live longer —- I take care of myself to live better, and via consistent effort, I have achieved that goal.

———————————————————————————————————————

Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book; Fat Then Fit Now;  A life beyond wight loss.

Dr. Joe Leonardi is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared on Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast.

Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at fatthenfitnow@me.com 

———————————————————————————————————————

Related articles

• Lift Things Up And Put Them Down (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• More On Childhood Obesity and Bullying (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• How I Effectively Beat Obesity And Improved My Life (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)

Being An Overweight Child and Being Bullied

I recently came across an article on Medscape concerning childhood obesity and bullying.

The opening line states; “Obese children are more likely to be bullied than their nonobese peers regardless of sex, race, socioeconomic status (SES), social skills, or academic achievement, according to a University of Michigan study published online May 3 in Pediatrics.”

My initial reaction was; I wonder if I could get some fool to hand me a bunch of  research money to study the possibility of  the ground getting wet when it rains?

In my mind, obesity and bullying  is just one of those topics that does not require any research. Ask any adult, me included, who was overweight as a child, if they experienced bullying.

I was picked on.

I was tormented.

I was mercilessly attacked, mostly verbally but sometimes physically,  for being overweight.

I am not a psychologist nor a psychiatrist, but I understand what it is like to have been picked on as an overweight child. Hell, I wasn’t even that overweight.

I was always a “big-boned” youth. Growing up, I would get a hard time about it from my friends. Mostly it was harmless, but when I entered junior high school things changed.

It was in the seventh grade that good-natured ribbing changed over to malevolent, menacing, mean-spirited bullying.  Kids from different grade schools came together in one place. I was no longer solely with the children I spent the last seven years getting to know. There were new kids I had never met, kids from the tougher parts of Greater Pittston. I was with twelve year olds that cursed, smoked and would think nothing of punching you in the face for looking at them funny.

To quote a movie, “I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.”

My torment started on the very first day, walking to school.  In an alley were a gang of kids hanging out, smoking before we had to be in the building. It was from them I heard;

“Hey Fatso! Are you going to make it up the hill?!”

It was a mild taunt.

I just kept walking.

Each day it got worse.

I tried ignoring them, but that only fueled their need to hurl even more insults.

I tried walking faster, but I couldn’t escape their shouts.

I opted to walk a different way. That worked — until they found my new route.

After that, the insults became more vicious, punctuated by threatening profanities. Added to the comments about my weight, were affronts to my courage, or as they perceived, lack thereof.

I once tried to fight, but that was fruitless. I just got my ass kicked and gave the bullies more ammunition. These daily confrontations went on for all of seventh and eighth grade — for two long years, silently, I endured.

In ninth grade, things changed. I had been lifting weights with my best friend Francis for two years on and off, but that summer I became serious about it. I started to get more physically active. I even went out for football. The summer program of running and drills combined with weightlifting and better eating presented an unrecognizable person the following year.

I weighed more, but that weight was distributed differently. Though I still couldn’t fight my way out of a paper bag, those that bullied me no longer took me for an easy mark. While I am not sure if they would have understood the meaning of the word respect, they treated me differently and no longer taunted me.

One of the conclusions of the article is that parents should not use bullying to coerce a child into losing weight. Even considering my childhood, it is a conclusion with which I whole-heartedly agree. Besides, often times parents, guardians and even teachers may not even be aware there is a situation. My parents never knew I was being bullied.  I never uttered a word. Even when it became physical, I would just shrug it off as a fight.   (When I was a kid getting into an occasional scuffle did not raise any alarms)

However, parents need to be aware that if their child is overweight or worse, obese, that child is more than likely, to some degree being picked on.

It is happening.

Image via Wikipedia

It may be as mild as being called names or it could be much worse. Though I 100% agree with the conclusion that any degree of bullying should not be used as motivation for the child, it could be used as motivation for the parent. As I have written before — obesity is not a complex problem, however when it comes to children, they must be properly guided. They must be handled with care. Their emotions and body image can be negatively influenced if they perceive that their own parents regard them as different.

They need direction.

They require affection and love.

They must have parental involvement.

In my youth my parents helped in both little and big ways. They purchased a weight set as a gift. My mom would prepare foods that would not adversely effect my weight. They allowed me to pursue my new passions. They supported and encouraged me.

I wasn’t any good at the sports I participated in, but my parents were in the stands for each and every game.

They came in the rain.

They came in the cold.

They came in the heat.

They sat for hours, just to watch me sit on the bench. It didn’t matter to them whether I played or not. They were proud and they showed it by being there. Most importantly —  I knew they were there.

It is time for all of us to not only start to do battle with the epidemic of childhood obesity, but to emerge victorious. The victims are too young, they are too precious and they are too important for us not to.

———————————————————————————————————————

Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book; Fat Then Fit Now;  A life beyond wight loss.

He is available to speak at no charge to any school or any youth group. He will make himself available to any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared on Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast.

———————————————————————————————————————

Related articles

• Are You Being Bullied or Teased Because of Your Weight? (education.com)
• Is Your Child a Target of Weight Bias? (education.com)
• Bullying Among Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs (education.com)

It Is Time To Win The Battle Over Obesity!

Image via Wikipedia

You can’t go a single day without hearing or reading something about the Obesity Epidemic. Even the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, is involved. Make no mistake about it, there is an obesity epidemic.  Unfortunately, either no one is listening or the information they are listening to is incorrect — either way the obesity epidemic is getting worse.

Image via Wikipedia

Awareness is great but alone, it is not the solution. We have been aware of the fattening of the United States for more than a century.  Bernarr McFadden was sounding the warning cry as far back as 1902. In his his magazine Physical Culture, he declared that weakness was a crime and implored his readers not to be criminals.  Most people did not hear, let alone pay attention, however some peole listened.  One of those was an Italian immigrant who resided in New York, Angelo Siciliano, who became famous as Charles Atlas.    Another who had heard McFadden’s message was a young, sugar addicted sickly young west coast resident.  He not only heard the message, he listened and changed his life.  That young boy became a chiropractor and without a doubt the leading fitness enthusiasts to walk the planet earth. The young boy was Jack LaLanne. Many listened to Dr. Jack LaLanne, however still many did not.

Image via Wikipedia

For more than one hundred years people have been sounding the alarm; shouting  from coast to coast that obesity is coming, obesity is coming and unlike the colonist  of revolutionary America, citizens of the United States chose not to listen.  The result is a population with people unable to bend over and tie their own shoes; a population of diabetics who will make owners of dialysis centers wealthy beyond imagination; a population that has given rise to big and tall and plus size stores; a population whose young now require insulin to live and perhaps worst of all — a generation that may not live as long as their parents.

Who is to blame?  The list is long and distinquished.

-the government with ridicuolous carbohydrate laden food guidlines.

-Ancel Keys, M.D., whose fat headed ideas regarding dietary fat has led to fatter and fatter people.

Image via Wikipedia

-George McGovern, whose personal bias and nanny state political ideals led to the dietary fat is bad mantra from the federal government.

-agribusinesses which have placed a glut of nutrient deficient foods on the tables of the world.

-scientists who invented high fructose corn syrup.

I could take up an entire posting with those who are to blame, however, the most important person on the list is the only one that matters.

THE INDIVIDUAL!

That’s correct, the person that stares back at us in the mirror.  If you are one of the overweight, obese and unfit without an underlying medical condition, then you are the one who is responsible and you are the one who can take control and do something about it.  I know, I was one of you.  I lumbered about carrying a ponderous, pachydermian three hundred and fifty pounds upon my frame.  I took control of myself and in turn my fitness level and you can do it too.

Image via Wikipedia

However, there are still many who sabotage our efforts.  They could be those we are close to personally, or they could be those who we never meet in person, but they are there.  People as famous as Rush Limbaugh and President Obama to Wilkes-Barre Scranton personalities like Steve Corbett and L.A. Tarone. The enemies of the state of health and fitnessare out there at every level and on Fridays I will endeavor to call them out.  It is important to recognize the enemies in this battle, not to assign blame, but to recognize who they are and defeat them so that we can in turn win the battle over obesity!

———————————————————————————————–

Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the owner of the Leonardi Chiropractic and Wellness Institute and the author of the life changing book; Fat Then Fit Now;  A life beyond wight loss.

He is available to speak  to any school, association or group. He will make himself available to any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared on Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; 94.3 FM’s Tough Talk With Joe Peters; Lisa Davis’ Your health radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast among many personal speaking engagements.

——————————————————————————————————————-

Related articles

• Enough Excuses (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Bullying, Obesity and Children (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Leonardi Chiropractic and Wellness Institute (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Obesity Rates in the US to Reach 42 Percent, Study Says (fitsugar.com)

Leonardi Chiropractic and Wellness Institute

I have been away from the cyber world for the last few weeks.  I have been busy relocating my office and opening the Leonardi Chiropractic and Wellness Institute @ 18 Pierce Street — Suite 202; Kingston PA 18704.  Our phone is (570) 760-6121.

We are now set up, open and running.  Appointments are available seven that’s right 7 days a week.  Our mission is to provide high quality Chiropractic and Wellness care to our patients.  With that mission in mind we are aware that pain and injuries don’t take weekends nor only occur during what others consider normal business hours.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via CrunchBase

I am also returning to the cyber world next week.  This blog will be updated several days a week, I will resume hosting my program on blog talk radio, Wednesday’s at 11:30am and the very popular Friday blog; Enemies of the State of Health & Fitness will return this week. If you recall our first edition featured prominent national talk show host; Rush Limbaugh and for those of you in NEPA L A Tarone.

I am also getting ready to start promoting my book; Fat Then Fit Now; a life beyond weight loss and hope to start book signings in August.

There are some other plans in the works for me to reach as many people as I can not only about obesity, but childhood obesity and the long term ramifications on children including their health and well being and bullying.

I appreciate all of the notes, emails and phone calls asking when I was returning.  I apologize for being away.

Joe

Related articles

• Bullying, Obesity and Children (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)
• Excellence or Mediocrity? The Choice Is Yours! (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)