MD Fitness's Blog

Big Gyms Vs. M.D. Fit Camps!

mjdav — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:28:01 +0000

Many people ask me why I don’t work at any of the big gyms. They are surprised to learn that early in my career I did work at big gyms. I actually really enjoyed it! That was until the corporate mentality took over. It became all about sales and not about helping people. Lectures on “functional training” and “proper nutrition” taught by Ph.D.s where replaced by sales meetings. High performance trainers were recognized for sales rather than accomplishments. That is when I decided to leave and build a results based business. Let’s go over some keys to differences between me and them.

1. Price – Gyms like Spectrum and Lifetime cost about $65 to $125 a month to join (not to mention sign up fees, contract fees, towel fees, sweat fees, etc.). That price is charged if you use the facility or not. If you hire a trainer, you have to pay $50 to $150 more per session! I know a person who pays $350.00 total for his membership plus his once a week trainer (that is all he can afford). He has sessions and not a program. I charge $275.00 for a 4 week program that includes 12 group sessions of quality exercises, on-line support blogs, Essential supplements, and one-on-one nutritional and lifestyle coaching. The price goes down to $205 if you want to do 8 group sessions instead of 12.

2. Certification – One reason I left big gyms is the fact that gyms are no longer putting a premium on quality Certifications. IHRSA (the governing body of gyms) has picked 12 quality certifications because of their professionalism. I am proud to say I own an American Council on Exercise certification (which is accredited) and am very active in continuing education programs. When I went to Fitness 19, Bally’s and Fitness Together, most trainers did not hold any certifications. Not only that, the ones who did not were encouraged to go on-line and get a certification for $39.99 in 30 minutes. Would you trust a Doctor that had no proper schooling?

3. Accountability – I make my clients are accountable to show up on a regular basis. I make them accountable for their actions and track their results. Why? I have not forgotten that I am here for you! You are the reason I make a living doing something I love. I answer and listen to my bosses which are you, my clients.

4. Boredom – We never do the same workout twice and we change locations. At a gym, you get the same old machines you’ve done for years. This is what once person emailed me after a recent fit camp. “I like the fact that you did exercises we’ve done before but with a different twist. It was not only different, but fun!”

Not convinced? I invite you to come out and try one of my dynamic Fitness Camps or Clinics and take part in my “M & M San Antonio Health and Fitness Revolution”! As the penguins said in Madagascar, “I want results, not excuses!”

Manuel “Manny” Davila

manny@manifoldfitness.com

210-722-5036

Is Math Failing Our Health?

mjdav — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:49:18 +0000

I don’t know about you all, but I was raised by some nuns back at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School. When we did math and the number was off by 1, the answer was considered wrong. As I went through with my education, my teachers got stricter. One even said, “If you are off by 0.0001 that means you are wrong! There is no credit for partially correct answers!” Boy was my life tough! Being off by a fraction of a fraction and getting the whole answer wrong was putting a lot of pressure on me. So after going through that ordeal, I have a simple question. Is math failing our health? As of 2006, products have to put their content on trans fats on their nutrition label. If you don’t know trans fats are synthetically made fats that are made to have foods sustain shelf life as well as taste better. I’m serious! Oreos taste better! Trans fats are also linked to increase in heart disease which is a growing epidemic. Trans fats can be identified on nutrition labels by the words “partially hydrogenated oils”. I won’t get into some complex chemistry to show what that means. Not too long ago I talked to some 5th graders who wanted to learn. They wanted to know that the world they were being raised in did not lie or deceive people. I read a product of the McDonalds menu which said “0 grams of trans fats per serving”. Yet, we read the words “partially hydrogenated oils” four times. They looked at me freaked out and said, “They lied to us sir!” Not exactly, but they did deceive us. Since about 2nd grade I always thought that zero meant zero. Not exactly! The FDA allows a product that has trans fat to legally say “0 grams of trans fats per serving” if you can round down to below 0.5 grams per serving, which means that big companies can legally say “0” yet still have that heart disease product out there. Imagine eating more than a few Oreo cookies. You are now getting 1 or 2 grams of a product that can possibly cause heart disease. Is this correct math? I think my 2nd grade teacher, as well as some of my college professors, would have something to say about that. My point is that we are trying to teach children to be honest, yet we are not. Why? For a lousy buck? Is it really worth it? Read your labels and start looking for the words “partially hydrogenated oils”. Stay away from these foods. Your heart will be happy you did!

Rock N’Roll With The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Tragedy Strikes

mjdav — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:03:32 +0000

I got the pleasure to finish another half marathon on March 14^th, 2010 in Dallas! This run was two weeks after finishing New Orleans Half Marathon. I did not expect much since the close proximity of my last race plus I did not really run for a while after my last race.

Race day was cold, but very manageable. I rather run in cold weather than in high humidity. Race temperatures were in the 50s. We also got a treat when twelve of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders came to see us off. I was in corral number 2 which meant I started off towards the front.

The pack took off very fast. I crossed the first mile at about 7 minutes and 30 seconds. “Slow down” I kept reminding myself.

I really started to tire about mile 5. That is when I saw a girl running out of the corner of my eye. I liked her pace, so I got on the side of her left shoulder and ran off her pace. This kept me going until mile 7 when she disappeared. I had gotten into a good rhythm so I kept that pace up. Ironically she reappeared at mile 10 but she was now running off my pace. We actually talked about it at the finish.

I have to admit that I ran the last 3 miles on fumes. I was hurting but kept saying to myself that it was a 5K that I had left which is nothing. The last mile was the hardest. I just focused on my music and my pace. I did not slow down! Instead I went faster even though my feet were hurting.

I turned around the Cotton Bowl and saw the finish line. The clock read 1 hour 50 minutes and 25 seconds when I crossed. I started about 1 and a half minutes into the race, so I finished at around 1 hour and 49 minutes. My timing chip was not working so I have put in for an inquiry and should have my official results in a few days.

As a crossed the finish line, I witnessed something no runner every wants to see. A young man had collapsed. The EMS were there giving him CPR. I kept my distance but dropped to one knee to say a prayer for him. Other runners stopped to look. Some were even crying. After a few seconds it looked as if he started breathing again. I left the area happy that it seemed like he was going to be alright. This morning I found out that he did not make it. God bless his family.

Some may use this as a rallying cry that running is bad for you. I’ve even heard that running will kill you. I say that is hog wash and an excuse not to be active and fit! If anybody faults somebody for staying active, they should be ashamed of themselves!

If said my part and now I’m off to the next race which is coming on April 11^th at Cowboy Stadium. I may get in trouble but Troy Aikman will be running it. There is also a 5K for you not ready for a half marathon. I’ve already got about 3 people in my convoy. Any other risk takers?

Manuel “Manny” Davila

Are You Insane?

mjdav — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:46:45 +0000

I had a lady who came up to me last week to talk to me about her lack of progress in her weight loss program. She said, “I don’t understand it! I mean my husband and I started walking for an hour every weekday morning. For the first 3 months we lost some weight, but then it stopped. It’s been almost a year since we’ve seen any progress. We should just give up, right?”

This is typical for fitness professionals. This is the kind of information we get every day. You know what we think of when we hear this? Are you insane?

Insanity is defined as trying to do the same things over and over again and expecting different results. We have all shown flashes of insanity in our lives. Even so, I have a solution. I can sum it up in one word, PERSISTANCE!

Insanity and persistence start off the same way. Both occur when something does not go the way we planned. The insane person will just try the same way again almost knowing that they are sabotaging their own efforts. The persistent person will take a step back and ask him or herself if they can do anything differently. They say, “That didn’t work. Maybe I should change this or that and go from there.” They learn from the past failures because they know that each persistent move will get them closer to their goal.

As far as the lady is concerned, I do have some advice. Change up the intensity of the workout, the duration of the workout or even the type. Get a bike, go swimming or take a dance class. The body will always react to a different stimulus.

Before you give up on your health and fitness dreams, ask yourself, “Am I Insane?”

Classes are beginning for specialized groups. If you do not see one for your group, call us so we can get one going. We are dedicated in making San Antonio one of the healthiest cities in the world, one group at a time!

“Healthy” Manny Davila

manny@manifoldfitness.com

210-722-5036

The Addiction Continues In Dallas!

mjdav — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:03:44 +0000

Just like any addict, I couldn’t wait until my next high. I was sitting at my computer last night when I decided to look at the Dallas Rock And Roll Half Marathon page. I got lured in and signed up for it. I quickly started planning on where I was going to stay, how I was going to get the race, where I was going to eat. My addiction grows! I guess the great thing is that I get to see my friends from Chicago, Boston and San Diego at the EXPO and the race. My fellow addicts and I will talk about our addictions. To make matters worse, I may go back in April to do another half marathon in Dallas. This one will finish in Cowboy Stadium. Talk about an addicts dream! I can thank my friends Frank and Chuy who nudged me towards this one. Thanks guys! Until my next high! The Running Addict!

Confessions Of An Addict From New Orleans!

mjdav — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:52:00 +0000

I must confess that I am an addict. I, like other addicts, went through a denial period. I must now come to terms that I am addicted. I started a few years ago when the Rock N’ Roll Marathon series came to San Antonio. Since then, I have also done Las Vegas and now this past weekend, New Orleans. Here is my New Orleans confession.

As I flew in on Saturday I looked around for others wearing racing gear. I found a few people that had run other races before. We shared stories about which races to do and which ones we should stay away from. This is a sign of an addict.

Once I got to New Orleans, I made a rush to the Expo. That is a haven for the addict! There are too many things to see and try. The one good thing is that you always surrounded by other addicts.

Next is the pre-race meal. I looked all over the French Quarter for a perfect meal that will give me the perfect carbs for the next days run. I passed on classic restaurants because they didn’t have the right plate I was looking for. This is a classic sign of an addict.

I got to my hotel room and set up my race clothes and morning snack. Everything has to be set up perfect or you may lose precious time! I check the latest weather report to see what I will have to take or not take. Addicts always pack for everything!

The morning pre-race ritual is always the same. I always eat something light about 1 and a half hours before the race. I sip water up until about 30 minutes before the race. I always go to the rest room just in case. You never want to have to go on the course. You can lose up to minutes by doing this.

Once I start moving towards my corral, I get real jittery. I want to start the race now! Addicts always do. I take comfort that I am surrounded by a lot of addicts. I always look forward to the National Anthem. Addicts know we start right after wards. I look around and wish my fellow addicts a great race.

Once the first corral begins and we begin to walk up to the starting line, I get even more anxious. At this point, I can’t control my high. I feel so drunk with adrenaline. Then, they say the magic words and the horn blows. I am off on a 13.1 mile journey. Addicts are different at this point. Some like the feeling of getting high slowly so they just relax and take in the scenery. Others, like me, want to get high quickly.

As the scenes change and people pass me or I pass them, the high becomes a little different. I begin to accept my high. As the miles pass and I pass all the historic marks, my high gets deeper and deeper.

As I approach the finish line, I start to look at the clock to se if I can better my time from the last race. I officially crossed at a 1:51.02 chip time which is over 3 minutes faster than my last race. I really look forward to getting that big medal. This is a must for addicts! We collect them and show them off to whoever we can. Although I am tired and hurting, I can not help but think of when I can do this again. I think to myself, “There is on in Dallas coming up”. Most addicts look for their next fix.

For the next day or so, I wear my medal proudly. Most addicts do to. You meet fellow addicts at restaurants, hotels, and even the airport. As I talk to them they tell me about getting their next high next month in Dallas or Chicago or Los Angeles. I even met a guy who just experienced his first high and now wants to get high again. Another addict is born!

Well, I guess it is better that being addicted to a lot of other things. This addiction does take time and money. You usually smell bad and even stagger around at times. I have to admit that I am an addict. Let me know if you want to become an addict. It really does feel good!

I Have An Idea For A Health Reform Bill That Will Actually Work!

mjdav — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:45:25 +0000

I watch and read about the debate of health reform that seems to go back and forth. The debate on whether we should give free health care but that the quality of that health care would be very bad. They seem to be arguing back and forth, yet there is an answer is staring them right in the face! The best thing about my idea is that it would not cost very much, except for a lot of body fat. Oops! I think I let my idea skip! Well, here it is.

I keep hearing about people who are already sick and nobody is talking about preventative measures. Here in San Antonio we have one of the most overweight towns in the world. What we need to do is educate all people, including children, to get outside and do some exercise. We also need to educate people on healthier eating. If we dropped 10 pounds our health bills would decrease by about $10K per year. If we set up healthy information where people could access the information and get support; there would be lower risk of diabetes, heart disease plus many other illnesses that suck life out of our bodies and really put a damper on our quality of life.

It’s time to vote for a Health Care Reform bill! Don’t wait for politicians to vote for you. You can cast you vote today by choosing to live healthier right now by doing 3 simple things.

1. Exercise 30 minutes a day at least 3 times per week. Your heart will thank you if you walk instead of drive.

2. Learn to read nutrition labels. This will give you a great start when buying food.

3. Stop making excuses! We are predetermined to live our lives! The quality of that life is based on the choices we make!

Don’t wait until it is too late!

Mommy An Me Fit Together is on it’s way! We are proud to be offering classes like this to you and your family and friends. Please contact Kristina Hamilton at 512-773-2541 or Kristina@manifoldfitness.com if you have any questions.

“Healthy” Manny Davila, Owner – M.D. Fitness

www.manifoldfitness.com

210-722-5036

Now Hiring: Great Parent Role Models!

mjdav — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:48:51 +0000

This position is open to all parents; young or old, new or veteran, and for any number of children. The position does not pay any money. Instead, the pay out is more valuable than $1 million per year. The pay out is measured in benefits that will last past your lifetime. You see, we have all failed the younger generation.

I watched television last Friday, like most. I was watching an icon and supposed role model fall from grace. As I heard the words that were spoken I realized something very important. It is not up to anyone else but ourselves to educate our children and those around us. We can not and must not allow children to look up to entertainers, sports figures or public figures. Most of the time, they have a fall from grace. But it is our fault for allowing our children to idolize them because we “have no time” or “too tired”. We must take back control!

A University of Georgia recent study showed that over 50% of people modeled behavior to that of those around them. If the group overate or ate unhealthy food, the healthy person did the same. It also works the other way, but is harder to accomplish. We tend to mirror easy ways which are usually not the best. We do this because we want an excuse and most of the time we aren’t even aware we are doing this. Next time you do this, think of what you are teaching your children. Don’t fail them anymore! They are counting on you!

We are now getting “Mommy and Me Fit Together” programs out to the public. They are for parents and children of all ages. The goal of this program is not only to be active, but to teach healthy lifestyles. We follow the ABC’s of teaching and apply them in every class. These unique classes are fun and educational. Come and try one today!

Handy Healthy Manny

www.manifoldfitness.com

manny@manifoldfitness.com

210-722-5036

Are Your Children Learning To Be Unhealthy?

mjdav — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:47:34 +0000

I’ve heard so many people saying that their child is too inactive or eats too much junk food. Yet, when I talk to the parent, they have the same problem. My mother would not let us drink a soda, but she would drink one in front of us. Modeling is a powerful tool when teaching children. Parents who eat healthy and live active lifestyles tend to have children who do the same.

Next time you reach for a bag of chips and a soda pop or even a beer to watch TV, think of your children. Instead, you can grab a glass of water and some fruit then take the kids for a walk!

We have started a program called “Mommy And Me Fit Together”. It is a program geared for parents and children to be active together while learning to live healthier lifestyles. Contact us about getting one going in your neighborhood. San Antonio children deserve great role models. Let’s give it to them!

Yours In Health,

“Healthy Manny” Davila, Owner – M.D. Fitness

manny@manifoldfitness.com

www.manifoldfitness.com

210-722-5036

Hello world!

mjdav — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:43:32 +0000

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!