ASK THE TRAINER: The keys to stayin youthful-looking

Every once in a while we have an encounter with a person that looks much younger than they actually are. You notice beautiful glowing skin, shiny hair, strong nails, no excess body fat and boundless energy.

When I run into one of these people — which is rare these days — I take the opportunity to ask a few questions. The first is always what their nutrition is like, I ask about fad and yo-yo diets as well as all the infomercial weight loss pills. I have yet to have one of these people say they have ever done any of these self-sabotaging things.

The way these people stay looking and feeling so young is clean and healthy living.

Just about every week I talk about the importance of healthy eating and exercise, and yes, I am going to do it yet again. I look around and am saddened by the adults and children that are overweight. I am not talking 10 pounds I am talking severely obese. Our society caters to fast and now. We put little emphasis on long-term goals or working for results. I work with people daily that want to give up after a few days!

As my clients know I expect hard work and I expect you to try. Healthy living is a marathon not a sprint and it is a daily commitment. Make that commitment to yourself and for yourself. You will be rewarded with more than just losing weight. Healthy living also will give you improved self esteem, more confidence, an abundance of energy and, most importantly, significantly lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and many other conditions.

Today I challenge you to change your life for the good. Start one step at a time, one day at a time. Today is the day!