Teacher Appreciation!

A "thank you" for all you do!!

Are you a teacher, educator or administrator in a school or school district? Then you already know the school year is rapidly coming to a close!

You do a terrific job preparing our young people for the future and All-Star Sports Academy wants to say thank you! So, we are opening a very limited number of spots in Power Fitness Camp, our adult fitness "boot camp" program, to educators at a very discounted rate.

Our Power Fitness Camp, "the toughest workout you'll ever love," is normally available for a minimum of 3 months at $149 per month.

For this special "Educator Appreciation Summer Special," however, we're making it available for the months of July and August for only $149!

As they used to say on TV..."but wait...there's more!! If you take advantage of this offer by June 8th, we'll include the last 2 weeks in June, an All-Star Sports Academy t-shirt AND a $50 gift card you can give to a friend!*

With sessions available at 7 AM, 9:30 AM and in the evening, you won't even have to miss out on beach plans or any other summer activities in order to get in the best shape of your life!!

There is one small catch, however...we're ONLY offering 25 of these spots! And when they're full, they're full...period.

The info web page is below. You'll find the registration link on that page, so go over right now and see if this offer "makes the grade" for you!

If you're not convinced in the first 14 days that this is the "toughest workout you've ever loved," we'll give you your money back, shake your hand and let you be on your way.

So go over and check it out now...we'll be looking for you in Power Fitness Camp!

Teacher's Summer Shape Up!

Twinkies, the Ultimate Fitness Food ?!?

Would YOU like to lose 25 pounds or more in just 2 short months?

Would you like to lose that weight while eating nothing but Twinkies, Ho-Ho’s, Devil Dogs, Little Debbie snacks and other convenience store goodies

Well…YOU CAN! Or so it would seem.

That was the experience of one Associate Professor of Nutrition at the Kansas State University. In so doing, he helped to prove a point I’ve been making for years. A calorie is a calorie.

He also helped reinforce a basic and accepted law of physics proven by Einstein, Newton and many smarter people before me. That law is simply this: energy taken in by a body versus the energy expelled by a body will result in either mass lost or gained.

Professor Mark Haub spent 2 months last summer eating nothing but sugary, crème filled snacks like Devil Dogs and Twinkies and lost 27 pounds in 2 months! Amazing, right? Wrong!

You see, the real reason Dr. Haub dropped the 27 pounds is that he did the one thing that will always result in a loss of mass (body weight) for any body. He reduced the amount of energy he took in!

Dr. Haub reduced his caloric intake from 2,600 kcal per day to 1,800 kcal per day during the specified period. Since a pound is made up of 3,500 calories, we can do some simple math and deduce the largest portion of his reduction. Almost 14 of the pounds he lost are attributable to the 800 kcal per day caloric deficit he created.

The remaining 13 came from the increase in activity he undertook during the study period. There; simple math and a simple fact: calories (energy) in vs. calories (energy) out equals mass (weight) gained or lost.

I’m NOT endorsing the Twinkie diet, or any other ridiculous “diet” plan out there. What I am saying is what I’ve said for over 12 years. If you consume fewer calories than you burn each day, you will reduce your weight. Period.

When it comes to the essential definition of a calorie, one calorie of Twinkies is equal to one calorie of steak is equal to one calorie of salad is equal to one calorie of Haagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond Ice Cream.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore the quality of the calories you put in your body. It simply means that energy (calories) and mass (body weight) are related. Duh!

What we do know about calorie quality is this: whole foods have a far more thermic effect on the body. Additionally, our bodies tend to burn the calories from whole foods better and more readily than those from processed foods.

Scientists at Pomona College in California recently published a study in Food and Nutrition Research which showed that processed foods reduced the rate of diet-induced thermogenesis – calories burned while eating and in digestion - by almost 50% when compared to meals made of whole foods.

When you consider that up to 10% of your total caloric expenditure for a given day may be the result of diet-induced thermogenesis, a 50% boost starts to sound pretty good! For a 2,000 calorie a day diet, that’s an additional 100 calories burned just because you choose whole foods. That adds up to one pound lost every 35 days, provided your output (exercise and activities of daily living) are equal to your intake (food.)

So in theory you could eat a reduced calorie diet consisting of Twinkies or Snickers bars. But why would you?

Eat a varied, fresh, whole food diet and watch your “burn rate” go up. Reduce caloric intake and watch the weight come off.

Do both in conjunction with smart exercise (try this Power Fitness Camp) and watch the body fat fry off while you chisel the muscle! Soon, you’ll reveal the great physique hiding under that layer of “insulation”(you know, F-A-T!)

If you’re looking for an organic, whole food snack that’s delicious AND convenient, you have to try Prograde Cravers! Read about them here Prograde Cravers! and find out how they can satisfy your craving and help you maintain the “burn” of thermogenesis!

One "tiny" factor in YOUR energy levels

Many things affect our energy levels.

Some of us just don't get enough sleep. Others have our sleep habits disrupted by repeated schedule change and interruptions. People working swing or night shifts and parents with newborns and infants know just what I mean.

Stress is a big energy drain. Manage your stress (sleep, diet and exercise all help...I know, easier said than done!)

Others are affected by pharmaceuticals, either prescribed or recreational. Everything from alcohol to the harder stuff can take a toll on energy levels.

Diet and exercise, of course, also impact our energy levels. But aside from the obvious things like calorie intake, sugar and fat intake and lack of (or too much) exercise, there's a "tiny" factor that greatly impacts your energy levels and how your body produces energy.

Mitochondria are microscopic structures in your cells. In muscle cells, they produce ATP, or adenosine tri-phosphate, which your muscles use to create energy for movement. Here's a closer look:

An "inside" look at your mitochondria

Many things can affect mitochondrial ATP production as well as the number of mitochondria in your cells.

Diet and exercise are two big factors. Regular exercise can increase the number of mitochondria in your cells, providing the potential for more energy production.

Poor diet and lack of certain critical nutrients, however, can hurt your mitochondria and your energy production.

Here's a great article that talks about some specific nutritional action YOU can take to nurture your mitochondria and crank up your energy production: Secret Microscopic Help in Your Weight Loss Battle!

The writer describes some specific things to do and eat to make these little engines chug along better!

If you want help with the exercise side of the equation (and the nutrition side) contact us!

Getting Enough Fruits and Veggies? This Can Help!

It's recommended that we eat 6-10 fruits and vegetables a day. That's what's been suggested to maximize vitamin, mineral and antioxidant intake to maintain good health, healthy weight and avoid the conditions and diseases associated with poor diet and obesity. Here in the States it is reported the actual average of fruits and veggies eaten each day is just 2.

Yup, just 2.

Now, I don't know where you stand on this, but overall, it really is a sad state of nutritional affairs. We live in a world where we're constantly under time, work, family and other stresses. We often reach for the foods that are most convenient, but not always the ones that are most nutritious.

Unfortunately, potato chips may be made from potatoes (maybe) but they don't count as vegetables. And "drinking" your veggies in the form of some mutated fruit juice is not going to get it done either.

Coffee comes from a plant and beer is made from grains (barley malt, wheat) and "veggies" (hops) but these don't fill the bill, either. It would be nice if they did, but no dice.

But do not despair! It's not that tough to get more fruits and veggies in each day.

Here are some super simple tips to get you started:

1) Buy 'em already chopped

Look, I can be lazy, too;-) There's nothing wrong with not wanting to go through the hassle of having to chop up fruits and veggies. If you want to buy them pre-chopped go ahead. It's much better for you than not eating them. Alternate: Spend an hour a week chopping vegetables and fruits into serving sizes. Then you'll be able to:

2) Carry 'em with you

Load up a plastic baggie with your pre-chopped veggies and bring them to work. Seriously, see how easy this can be! Especially if you've used my suggestion from #1! Bringing the "right number of bags and making sure to eat them all is a great way to ensure maximum fruit and veggie intake, even in a stressful, busy day!

3) Add real fruit to your yogurt

Have some yogurt for breakfast and add some fresh blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. It's that simple! Cherries, bananas, red grapes, chopped plums, chopped nectarines, chopped peaches and chopped pears also work. Whatever fruits you like, use 'em in your yogurt!

You can even crank up the fiber content by adding a few tablespoons of high fiber cereal!

Bonus tip: A great way to provide your body with the nutritional foundation you need each day is a Whole Foods based multi-vitamin. Prograde Nutrition VGF 25+ is one example. It's made from 25 veggies, greens and fruits. There are other great whole-food based multi's on the market and if you know of one, go for it. This one is a great one, however, providing maximum bang for the buck.

Here's another great article on how to be sure you're getting enough fruits and vegetables each day: Getting Enough Fruits and Veggies?

Be sure to use these tips and let me know how they help you out. Or send me some of your own!

Chocolatey Goodness...and GOOD FOR YOU!!

Hey...a quick post today...

Here's a little chocolate treat that will make you smile. Best of all? It will help you get your sweet on without filling out your waistline!

Enjoy!

Delightful Dark Chocolate Chunk Muffins

Preheat your oven to 350, then mix:
• 2 eggs
• 1 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 c. shredded zucchini (peeled before shredding)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 tbsp. agave syrup

Whisk well then add:
• 1/2 c. Quinoa (uncooked, dry; preferably red)
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 c. gluten free pancake mix
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 scoops Prograde Chocolate Protein powder

1. 
Blend more till smooth. If desired, add 1/2-3/4 c. dark chocolate chips or chunks.
   Note: Your batter will be very wet.
2. Pour the batter into muffin tins, bake 'till they spring when you touch them, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Let them rest on a counter for 10-15 minutes to cool. The quinoa becomes nutty and delicious within the muffins.

These are best served cooled.

Makes 1 Dozen.

Nutrition Facts: (per 1 muffin)

Calories: 86
Protein: 4 gms
Carbohydrates: 13 gms
Fat: 2 gms

Congressional knuckleheads introduce bill to "solve" a problem they helped create

So according to the news, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) have introduced a bill to re-establish Physical Education in schools. Read about it here: http://www.mdnews.com/news/2011_03/rep-kind-senator-harkin-reintrod...

These 2 geniuses think that by "mandating" that "all school districts and states to report on students’ physical activity, including the amount of time spent in required physical education in relation to the recommended national standard," somehow that will solve the childhood obesity epidemic.

Silly congressmonkeys, passing bills isn't really "working" on the problem!

Hilarious. Seriously, these 2 guys are supported by educational reformers who have consistently worked to install useless "educational reforms" so our kids have to study everything from "cultural awareness" to "anti-bullying sensitivity" (actual school course/program titles.)

Teachers and administrators have challenging jobs that get tougher every time one of these ridiculous "Advancements" gets shoved down their throats.

The important point here: Congress has been a large part of the problem in the development of childhood obesity and the move towards fatter, unhealthier kids (and adults) in this country.

Senator Harkin has taken well over $5.5 million dollars in reported campaign contributions from organizations and individuals related to the agriculture, pharmaceutical, hospital and "food manufacturing" industries (i.e., companies who make all the fat and sugar laden "food" that makes our kids fat. Harkin has supported corn growers in congress, as well as companies making high-fructose corn syrup, a major factor in the fattening of America's kids!Harkin now blames our educational system for the rise in childhood obesity. Um, yeah...

Mr. Kind is no better. Congressman Kind took well over $1 million from agribusiness and health/hospital related organizations and individuals. Wisconsin is well known for it's dairy products. So while he protects his constituency by representing their interests in congress, he now turns around and blames a lack of P.E. in schools for the epidemic of childhood obesity in America! Okey dokey, Ronnie...

Look, corn is fine. Cheese and dairy have their place in normal nutritional plans.

On the other hand, Congress has no place telling parents and kids how and when they should exercise and then mandating others to pay for it.

Here's a thought: let's encourage these congressmonkeys to stop their constant meddling in education, fitness and nutrition.

Let's try this:

1. Let's return to a scholastic concentration on the basics - math, english, sciences, literature, history...and phys ed.
2. Let's focus on the safety and security of our towns and neighborhoods so kids can get out and play.
3. Let's work together to create and support true "rec" sports programs.
4. Let's encourage kids to turn off the electronics (as I write on my laptop...irony!) and go engage in physical play.

Let them play tag. Let them play kickball. Heck, let them play dodgeball! We do, and they love it!

All-Star Sports Academy is here to support a return to physical play. Ask us how we can help YOUR kids return to a "physical culture" and feel, look and DO better!

We've been helping parents motivate their children to love exercise and fitness since March 2008 and we have no intention of letting up now!

Call us today and come on over and play!

Phil Hueston, NASM-PES, IYCA-YFS
All-Star Sports Academy

http://www.allstarsportsacademynj.com/

"Welcome to the Athlete Underground!"

There's a DRAGON in the house!

There's a "Dragon" at All-Star Sports Academy!

Not the ugly, scaly kind that terrorized towns in jolly old England!

This Dragon can help you earn a Black Belt and get a great workout
at the same time!

Dianna LaVecchia has brought Dragon Muay Thai to All-Star Sports
Academy's Softball/Baseball Center at 2214 Rt. 37 E, Toms River.

Now, Dianna is inviting you to an Open House to celebrate the opening
of her school!

Learn about Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do and how YOU can become a Black Belt!

Enjoy great Thai food and watch demonstrations. Maybe even participate! Come on,
don't be scared!

For all the information on this fun-filled event, go to http://www.muaythaifit.com/index.htm

Click on the "NEWS!" link.

When you get to the open house, tell Dianna that Phil, Brian and Sean sent you!

PS...Don't forget!! You can get a one week trial in any of our programs simply by going to
All-Star Sports Academy Trial Membership

If you haven't tried Prograde Nutrition Cravers, then your nutrition bars taste like cardboard!

Find out why our clients L-O-V-E their Cravers!!

Beat Swine Flu...

The newsmedia is full of breathless, panic-stricken reports about Swine Flu. They throw around words like "pandemic," Recombinant" and "transspecies."

What does it all mean? Is this bio-terror, or just an anomaly? I even read a story linking a reduction in solar flares and solar wind to the rise of new strains of flu and maybe other diseases.

Wow. Makes you want to stay home, wrap yourself in a blanket and hide!

So what to do? It's fairly simple, really.

First, DON'T PANIC! If you've ever read Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" you already get this sage advice. Read through the news hype. Swine flu is NOT prowling your neighborhood streets, looking for a random sucker to infect.

Most likely, it's being spread through direct contact with those within the "hot period," or in the case of this bug, 24-72 hours after infection. So unless you're spending time in Mexico City, airports or places where we KNOW THERE IS AN OUTBREAK, you are probably not at risk yet.

So...now is the time to gather information about this and other flu viruses. Knowledge is power.

Second, Wash your hands! Yeah, your mom is right. Clean hands (and other skin surfaces) help prevent not only infection in you, but in others as well. Do you need anti-bacterial gels and soap. Um, think for a minute...influenza is a VIRUS...so anti-bacterial soaps, gels, etc. probably won't help.

Third, Flush the air at home! Open windows on breezy days when it's warm enough. Keeping the house closed up, whether you're heating or cooling, is like inviting the virus in. Let the fresh air in, let the sun in, you and your house will feel better.

Fourth, Eat to be immune!Include lots of fresh veggies and fruits in your diet. One precaution...since much of our produce comes from California and Mexico (Swine Flu hotspots), wash your produce well!

Fifth, Get some sleep! The body repairs itself and resets the defenses during sleep periods. Get 8-10 hours a night, and maybe grab a nap daily.

Sixth, VITAMINS AND MINERALS! I cannot stress this enough. EVERYONE needs a good multivitamin/mineral complex! Stop buying Centrum, OneADay or whatever other $15 crap you're throwing your money away on and go get some Prograde VGF+ For Men or Prograde VGF+ for Women! The reality is that if you're not spending about $35-$50 a month for your multi, you're probably getting crap.

In addition, it helps to add supplemental Vitamin C to your regimen. In spite of the scare tactics often employed by the medical community to stop people from using this natural immune booster for that purpose, Vitamin C really does boost immune response in humans. 1,000 - 3,000 mg/day will help, more is ok if your system can handle it.

Seventh, and last...No rubbing snouts or smooching with pigs or birds or people who sound like they're hacking up a lung! Enough said!
_________________________________________________________________

Quinoa and Fresh Herb Salad With Garden Tomatoes

Makes 2 servings, with leftover quinoa Description

Quinoa is a high-fiber grain that's loaded with protein and readily available in groceries or health food stores. Need a convenient grain? Try this one: it cooks in 6 minutes! Here’s a version of the delicious Middle Eastern salad, tabbouleh, with quinoa instead of bulgur.

Ingredients
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 scallions (white and light-green parts), thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, peeled and diced
3 tablespoons lightly packed fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
3 large beefsteak tomatoes, preferably a mixture of red and yellow
2 ounces low-fat feta cheese

Instructions
Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan, over high heat. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt; bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 6 minutes, until nearly all the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender and chewy but not soft.

While quinoa is cooking, combine juice, oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Fold in quinoa, scallions, cucumber, and herbs. Toss until thoroughly coated. Season to taste as desired.

Thinly slice tomatoes. Arrange on serving plates. Spoon about 1 cup quinoa over tomatoes. Crumble feta on top. Serve immediately.

Nutritional information
350 calories
14 g total fat (4 g sat)
10 mg cholesterol
47 g carbohydrate
15 g protein
7 g fiber
410 mg sodium

Coach off the excess weight

Researchers at Duke University Medical School have "discovered" something our clients have known for years.

Their research reinforces our belief that working with a professional to lose body fat, change your body shape and develop healthy habits results in better, well, better results!!

They studied people who lost at least 8.8 lbs over a six month weight-loss phase. Lo and behold, the group that worked with a fitness/diet professional kept off more of the unwanted weight than any other group!

Frankly, we're not surprised! Our clients tell us that it's easier to keep off unwanted pounds when you have someone who cares about your results guiding and helping you to your goals.

THAT is the essence of why our programs work. We care about your results, and the programs are easy to follow and FUN!

Speaking of fun and effective body transformation programs, have you registered for the amazing
Get a Swimsuit Ready Body by July 4th! kickoff session yet?

What are you waiting for?

For a teeny tiny $10 registration fee, you'll walk away with over $75 in bonuses (we just added "A Woman's Fat Loss Strategy", a 10 step eating, diet and lifestyle guide to the body you want. It's a $20 value, and it's included as a bonus for registering for the May 1st, 7:30 PM Kickoff Session!)

May 1st, 7:30 PM at our Strength & Conditioning Center at 1856 Route 9, Toms River

$10 registration for the kickoff, and we promise some awesome stuff that night!

Over $75 worth of bonuses just for registering and taking the first step!

See you there, and then we'll see YOU showing off this summer!

_________________________________________________________________
A quick and very useful recipe today:

Better Butter!
This is the best butter replacement we’ve ever found. It requires you to do a little work, but the rewards in taste and good health are well worth it!

Ingredients
2 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cups softened organic (salted or unsalted) butter

Preparation
Place the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Using a power beater, slowly blend the olive oil and butter together.

Blend until the mixture is smooth.

Transfer contents of bowl into several table serving-size containers.

Place in refrigerator until firm like butter.

Use it just like butter, as well as for cooking lubrication and as a substitute for olive oil in cooking meats and vegetables, if desired.

Nutrition Info (approx. for 1 Tbsp
Calories ---- 110
Fat Calories ---- 110
Total Fat ---- 12.5 grams
Saturated Fat ---- 4.5 grams
Monounsaturated Fat ----- 5.5 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat ----- .75 grams

Before you join a "health club" for New Year's...

Here's a quick thought about "Health Clubs."

These businesses don't seem to have to deliver on what they claim to be providing customers. One industry insider says these "health clubs" have the worst business model ever!

Each January, millions of Americans slog into these clubs to fulfill "resolutions." That's when the trouble starts!

These "resolutionaries," as we call them, get pounced on by the monthly billing predators! "Health Club" sales reps, many of whom (not all!) are about as "professional" as drive-by shooters, take advantage of these good people and their desire for change!

If you've been on the receiving end of this treatment, you know what I mean. Feigned sincerity, "gotcha" questions and smoke-and-mirrors presentations are followed by steamrolling and cornering sales tactics, designed to "overcome your objections."

Wait! Didn't you go in there with the intention of determining if it was the right place for you to help fulfill your resolution? And the "health club" salesclown felt it necessary to run you over and "overcome your objections?"

Just to add insult to injury, after you do sign up (usually because it's less painful than fighting your way out of the salesclown's office), their "system" fails you miserably. Here's where the "worst business model ever" kicks in!

Go to a fast-food joint with money, you get food, right? Ok, junk food, but you still get what you expected, right? They have all intentions of providing it to you in exchange for your hard earned cash. If you don't get your food, you'll get your money back.

Go to a used car dealership, same thing. You'll get what you came in for - a car. If not, you're very unlikely to not have your money and not have a car when you're done!

Go to a "health club" with money, you'll get health and wellness, right? WRONG!

At "health clubs," if you reach your fitness goals (the very things for which you joined the club in the first place) you'll be part of a very exclusive group.

According to "health club" industry groups, only about 10% of all people who join a "health club" EVER reach their fitness goals there!
Check out these stats:Of January joiners:
25% - NEVER come back after their initial visit and enrollment (great job by the salesclown and the club, huh?)
50% - will stop coming in after February 15th.
63% - will stop coming in by March 15th.
70% - will have stopped coming in by April 15th.

Oddly enough, virtually all of these people will continue to be billed monthly, and keep paying the "health club" that failed them in the first place! So you don't get what you wanted and paid for, but you keep paying for it anyway!

To us, this is unreasonable and unethical. That's why we offer a free trial membership for any of our programs!

Visit us here: http://www.allstarsportsacademynj.com and see which programs meet your needs. We'll let you try it out for a week, no obligation, no strings!

We work very hard to make sure you want to come back, and we'll help you reach your goals! So you can spend $19.99 to $59 amonth or more and not get results but keep paying, or you can invest a little more, have total control over your investment, and get the results you want!

The choice is yours. We have a funny feeling we'll see YOU at All-Star Sports Academy!

Don't get tripped up by Holiday "treats!"

To follow up on a theme...

It's easy to stuff yourself full of delicious holiday treats without even realizing it! There you are at a party or event, chatting away or hanging out with friends and just nibbling away.

They're just little finger foods...chips and dips, shrimp, those little hot dogs wrapped in dough, egg rolls, etc. They don't really have a lot of extra calories, do they?

ONE hot dog or ONE egg roll or ONE shrimp stuffed whatchamacallit probably wouldn't add a Santa sack to your belly or thighs, so go ahead, have just one. I dare you. In fact, I'll breach etiquette here and TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!

Let's face it, nobody has just one fatty, high calorie delicious and satisfying holiday snack treat when they're presented! So here's a couple "tricks" to use so you don't end up "treating" yourself to unwanted pound this Holiday Season:

1. Never go out hungry! - Many of us don't eat enough during the day, or in the hours leading up to a party or event because we're "saving up" our calories for the food that will be served. Eat normally throughout the day. If it's been several hours since you last ate, and you're getting ready to go out, have a small snack of veggies or even some whole grain crackers, with some water. Even a small snack will help tame the ravenous hunger beast you would otherwise take to the party!
2. Start slow! - Too often, people get to a party and dive right in to the food! Start slow, say hello to everyone and get something to drink, like seltzer water, ginger ale or (if you must) diet soda. The carbonation will partly fill your stomach. Then take a small serving of appetizers or food. After you finish that, reassess how hungry you really are!
3. Eat natural! - If you choose foods that are as close to natural as possible, chances are good you'll be eating things that, at the least, have vegetables or fruits as ingredients! This is definitely better than, say, processed "Mexican" appys or processed meat snacks. This is no guarantee, of course, just a good general idea!
4. Enjoy the company! - Focus on enjoying the people around you, and let the food and drink be an accessory. The Holidays are a time for us to appreciate the people in our lives (yes, even THOSE people, whoever they are!) Take part in those lively conversations! Play games! Talk about the people who can't be there. Of course, during this fun, enjoy some good food and drink...wisely and responsibly!

Do you have a "Holiday Food Survival Technique" of your own? One you heard somewhere that really works? By all means, add it below in the comments section!

The Holidays are also a great time to give yourself the gift of fitness! We'll help!

Go here: A Free Week of Fitness for the Holidays! We'll give you a week in any of our outstanding programs. Note that this is for those who aren't there already...our clients already get the best in fitness from us!

We'll See YOU at All-Star Sports Academy!

Gremlins ate our links

I don't know what happened.

Apparently, the grinch, or maybe some gremlins ate
several links from yesterday's newsletter.

Thanks to those of you who emailed to tell us.

The proper parties have been tracked down and flogged
with a wet noodle.

Here are those links again, fixed and de-gremlined:
Prograde Workout - The post-workout shake for athletes
and everyone else

Prograde Cravers - Nutritional snack bars

Prograde Lean - Meal replacement shake for those seeking to
reduce body fat and build lean muscle.

PS...The Holiday Specials for FitKidz! Sports Fitness and Small Group Training
have been extended through the end of 2008!! Take advantage now and give your
kids and athletes the gift of awesome fitness and performance!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Festivus from All-Star Sports Academy!

The Clock is Ticking...

I had the chance to watch some football over the weekend.
I noticed something interesting.

It seems that the youth obesity problem in America is finally
becoming a national issue! The NFL is running spots for its'
program to encourage kids to play at least 60 minutes a day.
Public service spots are showing up. There's even a "nutritional
weight loss" program (you know a d-i-e-t) for kids!

I'm sure the NFL has good intentions, but has Peyton Manning
and company shown up at your kids' school yet? If he does,
what happens when he leaves? What kind of habits will your
kids return to then?

Don't even get me started on "diets" for kids! The ad I saw was for
the same kind of processed, pre-packaged robotic shove-it-in-
and-never-think nonsense that doesn't work for anyone else!

Kids need to play. At least 60 minutes a day, preferably more!
They need to run, jump, crawl, skip, throw, push, pull, hop, move
stuff, cooperate, compete and problem-solve on the fly!

Kids also need to eat. They need to eat real food! The trick is
getting them to make better choices, and to learn to like the real,
healthy, delicious foods that will make them strong and vibrant!

All-Star Sports Academy is dedicated to the health and fitness
of kids! Athletes, bookworms and everyone in between! Our
FitKidz! Fitness and Wellness Program for kids is growing by
the day!

We're working hard to reverse the trend in America that will
have 50% of our kids overweight by 2010, and will result in this
being the first generation of kids who will not outlive their parents!

Right now, we're making it easier to get your kids into the best
functional fitness program for kids available anywhere. Until
December 15th, we're giving you the first month of your child's
enrollment for a measly $39, and the next 2 at only $59!
Just visit: FitKidz! Fitness for Kidz!

You'll find lots of information about the program, and you can
enroll your kids in minutes!

So come on, let's get your kids, and America's kids, moving, having
fun, and on track to a long, healthy life! Together we can turn a
tragic trend into an incredible and exciting future!

Get on over to FitKidz! Fitness for Kidz! and get the party started!

Your kids are counting on you!

Fear and Hope for Our Kids' Future!

This article is reprinted from the USA Today Monday, November 3, 2008.

It will shock and frighten you...but we have to fight back, for our kids! This is a "war" we as a nation SIMPLY MUST WIN!

Read on after the article to see how All-Star Sports Academy intends to help you win!

Number of kids on medication jumps alarmingly

Most of the illnesses related to obesity

By Liz Szabo
USA TODAY

The number of children who take medication for chronic diseases has jumped dramatically, another troubling sign that many of the youngest Americans are struggling with obesity, doctors say.

The number of children who take pills for type 2 diabetes - the kind that's closely linked to obesity - more than doubled from 2002 to 2005, to a rate of six out of 10,000 children. That suggests that at least 23,000 privately insured children in the USA are now taking diabetes medications, according to authors of the new study in today's Pediatrics.

Doctors also saw big increases in prescriptions for high cholesterol, asthma and attention deficit and hyperactivity. There was smaller growth for drugs for depression and high blood pressure.

"We've got a lot of sick children," says author Emily Cox, senior director of research with Express Scripts, which administers drug benefit programs for private insurance plans. "What we've been seeing in adults, we're also now seeing in kids."

Type 2 diabetes was once known as adult-onset. But Cox says her records show kids as young as 5 being treated with prescription diabetes drugs.

Cox based her study on prescription records of nearly 4 million children a year, ages 5 to 19, covered by Express Scripts. She says her findings may not apply to the 40% of children who are uninsured or covered by government health plans.

Unless these children make major changes - such as eating healthier and exercising more - they could be facing a lifetime of illness, Cox says.

"These are not antibiotics that they take for seven to 10 days," Cox says. "These are drugs that many are taking for the rest of their lives."

Cox couldn't explain one surprising finding: Most of the increase in drugs for diabetes, attention deficit/hyperactivity and depression was seen in girls. The gender gap was most striking in diabetes: While the number of boys taking medication grew by 39%, the number of girls using them climbed by 147%, Cox found.

So how are we going to help in the fight against childhood obesity and all the diseases, dangers and risks to our kids that comes with it?

The answer is simple:
All-Star Sports Academy's revolutionary new fitness and wellness program made just for KIDZ!

If you're thinking "My kids hate to 'work out,'" YOU'RE RIGHT! Kids love to play games, be challenged, cooperate and compete, however, and that's what FitKidz is all about!

If you're thinking "My kids are way too athletic for something like this," YOU'RE WRONG! Sports and athletic movement is all about the very things we teach and reinforce at FitKidz sessions.

Do kids run, jump, crawl, hop, race, skip, throw, catch, push, pull, get on the floor or ground and get up again, carry things or any combination of these? OF COURSE!

Do these things happen in sports? OF COURSE!

Will your kids benefit from the FitKidz Fitness and Wellness for Kidz Program?

OF COURSE THEY WILL!!

So what are you waiting for? Did you know that November is FitKidz Preview Month? You can enroll your kids in a trial week of FitKidz Sports Fitness and Wellness FOR FREE!!

Will they like it? How about this...WE GUARANTEE IT!!

Call us today at 732-597-3725 and enroll your kids for their preview month trial...you have absolutely nothing to lose.

Your kids, on the other hand, may have everything to lose...or gain!

Reduce Breast Cancer Risk by 35%!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

We all know this. We've seen the "Pink" campaigns and products.

But did you know that all the pink blenders and pink blowdryers and pink pajamas in the world won't lower the risk of breast cancer as well as something simpler and more elemental.

Exercise!

That's right...as little as 3-4 hours of moderate to strenuous exercise a week will reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 35%!

How might you get 3 hours of moderate to strenuous exercise a week without boring yourself to tears, you ask?

Try Power Fitness Camp for Women!

That's right...at Power Fitness Camp for Women, you'll get all the important aspects of fitness in one fun, challenging workout!!

So fight breast cancer (and excess body fat!) Check it out today, and try it risk-free!

For more information about the studies showing the link between increased exercise and reduced breast cancer risk, try this article:
http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/news/20030908224352_health_news.shtml

or this one:
http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/13486.html

Exercise and live longer!!!

See you at All-Star Sports Academy!

Teacher's Convention Basketball Camp!

All-Star Sports Academy&

Jersey Shore Hurricanes Basketball


present

2008 Teacher's Convention Drillz and Skillz Basketball Speed, Agility and Skills Camp!

November 6th & 7th, 2008, 9 AM to 1 PM at the North Dover Elementary School Gym!

Camp Fee only $75.00! (Current All-Star Sports Academy Athletes receive a 50% rebate - email us for details!)

In this unique, fun and highly effective 2 day camp:

You'll discover the fastest way to dramatically improve your vertical leap!

You'll uncover the keys to electrifying court speed!

You'll find out how the most accurate shooters in the game got that way!

You'll unearth the secrets to dominating "in the paint!"

You'll find out how you can become a slippery and elusive "ball thief!"

You'll expose the secrets of the best rebounders in the game!

You'll (finally) have the simplest and most effective injury prevention secrets known to the basketball world revealed to you!

Note!! Space in this camp is strictly limited!! If you want to become a game-changing player, you need to be here!!

Call 732-597-3725 to register or go to: http://www.allstarsportsacademynj.com/basketball and follow the link to this Camp!!

Gimme back my gym dues!

If you belong to a "health club," you already know their business model flat out stinks!

If you don't, all you have to do is look at the tons of mail you get from the new, "hot" McFitness chain coming to your town or neighborhood.

Around here, it's the guys with the gaudy yellow equipment, the ones with the owners who want you to pay for their fitness business education or the ones with "fitness trainers" in their commercials who are barely dressed and educated to match their outfits.

If you go to McDonald's with money, you are going to get some food. If you go to a car dealer with money (or credit), you are going to get a car. Going in, you know what you want during both of these transactions, and unless the business is run by baboons, you're going to get what you came for!

What about when you join a "health club?" The gaudy yellow equipment clowns send mailers around bragging about how much equipment they have, their "cardio theaters," child care centers, juice bars (think 1,000 calorie milk shakes) and "group fitness studios."

Do you know what's missing from those advertising mailers?

What's missing is the assurance that you'll get the one thing for which you should be joining a "health club": HEALTH AND FITNESS!!!

You join McFitness and the "sales professional" (who was a high school student or janitor the week before) tells you that their "fitness training professionals" will design a "personalized" fitness program "guaranteed to work!"

The problem? Their "professionals" don't know a bicep from a bicuspid, a scapula from a scallop or functional movement from a bowel movement!

The "personalized program?" It's the same program "personalized" for the previous 243 members the "fitness professional" saw!

"Guaranteed to work?" Try asking for your money back after the program fails! And it will fail 99% of the time because of boredom, a lack of real challenge and no real,

Yes, I'm highly critical of big box gyms. I used to work for one, and I was critical of their complete lack of cogent programming or real client service then, too.

Now, I want all those big box, "McFitness" gyms to be really, really mad at me.

So here's what All-Star Sports Academy is going to do: we're going to pay you back for all the hours you wasted in the gym not getting what you paid for!

It's simple, and it's for women only!

Enroll in Power Fitness Camp for Women for 6 months, show up, have fun and get in shape... and we'll pay your gym dues for those 6 months!

It's all explained on postcards you may have already seen around the Ocean County area that look like this:

What are you waiting for?

Call us today at 732-597-3725 and tell us "I want my gym dues back!"

We'll tell you how to get started ASAP.

C'mon! Have fun, get in great shape and help us p**s off the big box McFitness gyms that aren't getting the job done in the first place!!

Oh, did I mention that you'll get over $100 in fitness bonuses just for enrolling? Well, you will! T-shirts, cookbooks, fat loss guides and other stuff to help you get the body you deserve & feel great & have fun doing it!

Saving a Generation...One Fun-filled Session at a Time!

If you have kids, know kids or ever were a kid…we implore you to read this entire entry! Thanks!

We Americans take for granted that our life expectancy will increase from generation to generation.

Each generation can expect to live longer than the ones that came before, right?

Not so fast. America’s children are at risk! Spreading like wildfire, a deadly “disease” has affected nearly 30% of our kids already, and by 2010, nearly 50% could be afflicted with this slow killer!

What’s this exotic virus, bacteria or “bug” striking down our youth? It’s not exotic. It’s not a virus, bacteria or other biotic.

But it is killing our kids…Have you figured out what I’m talking about yet?

The killer I’m talking about is Youth Obesity!

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, life expectancy among those now 6 to 19 years old will fall for the first time since has been measured.

Did you get that? Our kids’ generation will have a shorter life span than ours! 2 to 5 years shorter!

The Surgeon General says it’s nothing less than a “national catastrophe!”

Kids as young as 7 or 8 are turning up in doctor’s offices with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, painful joint conditions and even gallstones! All typical “adult conditions!”

So what’s the problem? There are many, including:

The “couch potato culture” - Computer use, video games, watching TV & “hanging out” actually discourage movement, and don’t help kids build healthy movement patterns, stay fit, burn off excess calories or manage stress and anxiety! Kids become less coordinated, less mobile and more sedentary.

A “more is better” culture surrounding food – Have you noticed the portion sizes in most restaurants? How about the size of the pizza you get delivered (not to mention the breadsticks and other crap) or the giant gulps, supersizes and megaloads of junk pitched to our kids on radio, internet and TV all day and night?

Recess and Physical Education-free schools – I don’t care who’s to “blame!” Our kids don’t move enough in school! Recess is a thing of the past, or so it seems. Schools can’t find the funds needed for the quality physical fitness education our kids need to grow strong, healthy and vibrant!

Fast foods, pseudo-foods and just plain junk food! - Childhood obesity rates in America continue to soar, and the “lack” of “available” healthy foods isn’t helping! Our kids need to learn good eating habits, and that great tasting, healthy food is always within reach…if they know where and how to look!

Safety Issues - Once upon a time, kids came home from school, did homework and ran out to play without a care in the world. Not anymore. We need to let our kids “go out and play,” somehow!

An exclusionary youth sports and social system - Many kids feel excluded from sports or other activities feeling like they don’t fit in, or can’t compete with athletic kids. Self-esteem suffers, & they lose the desire to be active & try new sports or activities. Of course, this problem only gets worse as kids get fatter, more out of shape and sicker!

What can be done? Can the government save them? Will medicine find a “miracle cure” for this horrifying malaise?

Are we powerless to stop the decline of our children’s health, and their generation?

The answer: No! It’s up to us to keep the next generation from being the one whose lives are shortened by a preventable “disease!”

Ghandi once said “Be the change you would see in the world.”

All-Star Sports Academy intends to be that change, and we’re asking you to join us!

On November 1, 2008, All-Star Sports Academy will launch FitKidz©, an exercise and wellness program designed with a single purpose in mind: “Help America’s Children Rediscover the Joys of Movement, Fitness and Wellness!”

FitKidz© will teach kids that the journey to health and fitness is at least as much fun, and as worthwhile, as the destination of being healthy and fit!

From the basics of functional movement - running, jumping, crawling, throwing, skipping, climbing and moving things around – to the love of healthy foods instead of junk or “pseudo-“ foods, to the simple, healthy benefits of just having fun, FitKidz© will provide a fun, supportive atmosphere for ALL kids!

Athlete or non-athlete, fit or not, boys and girls alike will have the opportunity to “go out and play” (or ‘in’), all while developing the health-building habits that will serve them the rest of their lives!

Twice a week kids will run, jump, skip, throw, crawl, move stuff and learn to move in all directions with ease! They’ll play games as they learn to compete and cooperate, team-build and problem solve.

They will be guided through this terrific experience by a certified, trained youth fitness professional whose mission is to create an enriching, fulfilling and fitness-enhancing environment!

Most important, they’ll have fun! So much fun that they won’t even realize they’re “exercising!”

They won’t even realize that they’re choosing better foods and developing healthy habits! Ssshhhh!

But before you know it, they’ll realize how great they feel!

The best part is that you can give this incredible gift to your child each month for less than the cost of many athletic shoes or newly released video games!

If you’re not in Ocean County, NJ, don’t worry…we’re working to bring a FitKidz© Program to a location near you…SOON!

Call us today at 732-597-3725 or email us at fitkidzusa @ gmail.com!

This is just dumb...be smarter!!

Are you a baseball fan? A "true" fan?

Someone who goes to MLB games, buys gear and pays attention?

Then you're getting robbed. That's right, you are being swindled.

Not to mention you're supporting what is apparently an incredibly hazardous sport.

OK, enough of the cryptic stuff...here's the real scoop.

A 15 minute research project today revealed the following interesting information regarding Major League Baseball and injuries.

As of today, Sept. 17, in the American League alone, there are 36 pitchers on the disabled list. 36!

That's just pitchers. In only one half of Major League Baseball. These guys are being paid over $86 million dollars to not throw a baseball.

There are some notables. For example, Curt Schilling (Red Sox) is being paid $10 million to sit on the DL for the entire season!

Chien Min Wang (Yankees) has been sitting since June 15, but getting paid $4 million.

Danys Baez (Orioles) and Jose Contreras (White Sox) are both out for the season, to the tune of $16.17 million.

Over in Cleveland, the Indians paid Jake Westbrook $10 million this year. In exchange, they got all of 3 games out of him, and one win. That's $10 million for ONE WIN!

Now, I don't fault the players for the salaries they get. However, if you or I went "out for the season" at work with a biceps injury or a strained elbow ligament, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't get paid our full salary, if at all!

As fans, we're getting hosed. We shell out serious money to see these big-shot, high paid players perform! When they sit on the bench, we get to see, well, we don't see the guys we're paying to see.

If you went to see the Batman movie, The Dark Knight, and the theater showed you The Little Mermaid instead, how long would you put up with it?

What's my point here? Let's try a simple exercise and see if you can figure it out.

I'm going to list the players injuries, without their names, but with the simple, science-based training techniques or concepts that absolutely will prevent these injuries! No maybes here...just solutions! Here goes:

Lisfranc fracture/peroneus longus (foot/ankle muscle) tear.............Ankle mobility/stability training
Biceps strain/degeneration...........................Functional strength training/active flexibility & shoulder stabilization training
Elbow ligament tear (Tommy John).............Shoulder stability/dynamic stability & flexibility
Strained intercostal muscle.........................Functional Core Training/rotation training
Shoulder Inflammation.................................Functional Shoulder stability/Scapular stability

Amazingly enough, the other aspects of functional training that would help prevent these injuries include:
Core Stabilization, strength and power
Hip stability and mobility
Deceleration training (if you have no idea what we're talking about, call us NOW!)
Single leg training
Reactive neuromuscular training

You probably get it by now. Notice what's not on the list? Bench presses, leg presses and seated anything presses, rows or pulls.

These guys can afford the very best sports fitness training available, and they should take advantage of it!

Here's a secret: you can afford the best sports fitness training available, too!! All-Star Sports Academy can show you how to get the best training you can find anywhere, at a rate that will shock you!

Now, the question is: Are you smarter and more dedicated to your sports performance than a Major League Pitcher on the Disabled List?

These guys are willing to sit around injured and be absolutely no good to their team. How about you?

Step in, step up and do it right! Hundreds of athletes just like you already have.

Call us at 732-597-3725 and arrange to come in for your 1 week trial. Find out why All-Star Sports Academy athletes don't even know what the "disabled list" is!

Olympic Lies and Bad Advice From Beijing

If you are a C0ach, Trainer, Athlete or Parent, I promise this post will either give you a fresh perspective or anger and maybe enrage you.

OK,here goes.

A fascinating thing happened to me during this Olympics. At first, I wasn't going to watch. You know...China...human rights...etc.

But then I realized that wasn't the problem.The problem is the lesson being taught to young athletes, parents and coaches.

It started during the Opening Ceremonies. Awesome to watch, and fun to see all the lesser known countries enjoy their moment in the "glow."

Then the "lie" started being perpetrated.

"It's the Struggle, Not the Triumph."

A great T.V "bite." Majestic, powerful. Complete garbage.

Athlete after athlete looked in the camera and lied to our kids, and gave our c0aches permission to destroy them.That's right. Destroy them.

Right now, Coaches, Trainers and even Parents are reinforcing a disturbing message to participants in youth sports...It's all about hard work.

Blood, Sweat and Tears.

The "product" matters more than the process.

The hazard here is that most Coaches, Trainers and Parents act like their young athletes are elite...and end up saying things like:

"You have to work harder, Jimmy."

"No pain, no gain, Suzy."

"If you're not sore the next day, you're not working hard enough."

Or my favorite: "You heard what Michael Phelps said...You'll never make the Olympics if you don't sacrifice and push yourself!"

With due respect to Coaches and Trainers, as well as Parents, that approach is a complete crap!

For our kids and the sports they LOVE TO PLAY, it isn't about"the Struggle." And it's not about the destination.

It is about the journey. The path. It's about the process of how they get from A-Z. It's about their integrity, the lessons and about the j0y they shouldbe getting out of playing, and preparing to play, sports.

When did it become ok in America for 12 year olds to put in 28 hours a week preparing to play an All-Star Game?

Isn't being picked for a team like that supposed to be an honor?

We've developed a youth sports culture that says it's ok for us to "work kids hard every day" and beat the living crap out of them without having a real, working developmental system in place.

It's not. Period.

In fact, it's the main reason so many of our kids are getting hurt, dropping out of sports altogether. and completely disengaging from physical activity.

We've forgotten that sports are for all kids, but not all kids will,or want to, become "elite."

That destination is for the few.

The fun and appreciation for the journey of playing is for all kids.

Forgetting this is the worst sin we can commit as a s0ciety.

I won'tdo it. All-Star Sports Academy won't do it.

And I will risk the ire of Coaches, Trainers and Parents who will. You are killing the will, the joy and the physical life of our kids.

And the "Olympic Spirit" is aiding and abetting it. Right now, as you read this.

Try this on for a "guiding principle" in coaching our kids: "It's not the Destination. It's the Journey."

Words to live by.

Words to Coach by.

We can kill our kids by focusing on the Destination, the Product, or we can enrich their lives and help them grow into better athletes and better people.

If you choose the former, please stop working with our kids. Thank you.

If you disagree, or if you think I'm right on, leave a comment and let me know.

When you're ready to make your j0urney great, All-Star Sports Academy is ready.