Provide Yourself The Best While Preparing For the Worst...

HOTEP Family…

I know it has been a while and I’m sorry for the delay.  Needless to say, there are things happening right now that got me to thinking...  So there was Katrina, earthquake in Ayiti (Haiti), and then the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  It got me thinking about the food supply here in the States.   If shit were to hit the fan here in our good ole untouchable states what would you do?  If the food trucks stopped delivering food or the grocery stores closed their doors and we were under Marshal Law, would you panic???  If I was a betting man, I’d say 97% of you would.

Why aren’t more people taking control of the production or THEIR FOOD?   All it requires is time and work.  We come from a people who created for themselves 24/7, 365 days a year. Yet in 2011 we have men and women who are afraid or unwilling to get their hands dirty (LITERALLY!!!).  Let’s ignore the extreme possibilities of a food shortage. Let’s deal with the reality that the majority of food available to you is overpriced, OVER PROCESSED and generally have little to no nutritional value (read labels!). 

Even the fruits and vegetables being grown and sold today are chancy because of the amount of chemicals and pesticides used when growing them.  We have medical conditions rapidly appearing in women of all ages that were unheard of twenty plus years ago.

We’ve even seen a rise in disease and ailments that used to be a concern in the elderly community but have now grown into concern in middle age and even adolescent. Little girls at the age of seven are menstruating because WE are feeding them turkeys that are so doped up with hormones the turkeys actually outgrow the strength of their limbs and are continuously fed on broken legs until slaughter.  In the last two hundred years it appears as if we’ve forgotten how we to take care of ourselves. We’ve become accustomed with the speed and convenience of fast food and microwave dinners. And in turn have compromised our over physical and mental health…OH YEAH, DON’T THINK WHAT YOU FEED YOUR BODY DOESN’T HAVE AN INCREDIBLE AFFECT ON YOUR MENTAL…

It’s time to wake up and do something about our health and eating habits. Aside from the many excuses I hear on a daily basis- “My kids won’t eat the healthy stuff”, “the healthy food is way too expensive”. The list goes on. Keep in mind these are the same people that will overspend on name brand sneakers, cars and clothes.

I'm not telling everyone in the world to live like the Amish, or to be a vegetarian, rawist or Old McDonald the farmer (even though if we did there would no world hunger…WOW).  I hope that all who read this uses it as a wake up call.  Start paying more attention to what you eat.  Do some research, how it is grown, cooked and packaged?  These are questions we should be asking ourselves.  When you buy a car you ask about the safety features.  Think about the babies.   There is too much information out here for people to still be doing the same old shit and paying dire consequences.  I recently saw a video and one of the commentators said, “They are preparing for what’s going to happen, I’m preparing and so should you….in fact, those who don’t prepare deserve what happens to them because there is too much info out here to be surprised”.  That was said by a 55 yr old white man with a PHD.  Not conspiracy brother from around the way…Food for thought, take it how you want.

Lets step up and do better family....Peace


You are more important than ROUTINE and CONVENIENCE
LIFE LINE NIGEL

SSHHHHHHH

 I’m going to take you a place that might be a little foreign.  MEDITATION AND SILENCE.  Stay with me, I promise I’m going somewhere…

Now with a name like LIFE LINE NIGEL, it would be bogus of me if I only gave you all advice on how to keep the body right…Truth be told, the mind is much more important. 

Meditation may be thought of or defined as the practice of mental exercises and disciplines to enable the meditator to achieve control over the mind.   Cell phones, computers, iPods, work, email, planes, trains and automobiles all contribute to the insanity that we call life in the 21^st century.  Technology has grown exponentially while our minds might have taken a step backwards in the last couple of centuries. 

Regardless of the fact, that ancient civilizations didn’t use cell phones they were still able to build great pyramids  that still to this day  has not and cannot be duplicated by ANY BODY else! That speaks volumes about the mental capacity of those before us.  Back then, one’s focus and mental energy was on more significant things as oppose to the many “distractions” we have today. 

I have done some research and have had firsthand experience with the benefits of not only meditation, but SILENCE incorporated in the meditation.  Both contribute tremendously to the mental well-being.  

Irrespective of location (big city or not), in this society we deal with a lot more stress in every form and because of it obesity, anxiety, depression and crime are at an all-time high, while education and progression (WITH IN) are at an all-time low. We are committing mental suicide. 

My mentor Dr. Dana Dennard AKA Baba KaMau says that every human being should meditate or give themselves a minimum of fifteen minutes of silences EVERY SINGLE DAY.   Moments of silence/meditation are the first steps to spiritual healing.  They increase your mindfulness; help to develop the process of thinking which in turn can improve our relationships and give our mind the room for some needed introspection.  It is very easy to panic in a stressful situation; those who meditate or devote time to themselves for the ‘healing’ of the mind are calmer and better equipped in strenuous situations. 

Often times when going through life, we make vital decisions missing one VERY important component…MENTAL CLARITY.  While no one can always avoid stress or traumatic moments, those with some sort of mental/emotional clarity tend to make better decisions and come out on top. 

To that end, make some time for yourself.  I’m not talking about moments when you are alone to shop, play games, eat or run errands.  Take 15 minutes out of your busy schedule and have quiet time. This period will allow you to get your mind right.   Find an intimate spot; preferably somewhere with minimal interruptions. With your eyes closed, in utter silence (no music, phones etc) let your mind rest.   Trust me; your brain will thank you later! Remember good people: lower your stress level, listen to your inner temple and raise the level of clarity in your life.

You are more important than ROUTINE and CONVENIENCE…

Peace, LIFE LINE NIGEL

GET YOUR STRETCH ON

 Can you remember the last time you took time out of your busy schedule for a good stretch?  Not the half stretch you gave yourself when you got off the treadmill, but one that lasted 5 to 6 minutes and you hit every major muscle in the body.  All of my clients are required to stretch five to six days /week, whether they are hitting the gym that day or not.   Unlike all other fitness activities, not only are there no “risks” involved (injuries etc…) but, it helps prevent all of the possible injuries that can occur during physical activity. 

It is common knowledge that stretching can help prevent injuries such as muscle tears and strains, ligament damage and even BONE FRACTURES.   Let me tell you about some of the other benefits that come from a good stretch.   I need the “fellas” to pay attention because for some reason we have the misconception that stretching is a feminine activity.   In fact, you boys probably need to consider some yoga…HELP GET YOUR MIND’S RIGHT because it helps with stress management and mental clarity…but that’s a blog for another day.  Besides the obvious, stretching helps increase the blood flow which in turn helps to provide oxygen to the rest of the body.   To athletes or anyone partaking in a physical activity this is beyond important because oxygen is what helps to regain the energy needed to continue the activity at a high level.  Moving on, it helps to improve your muscle tone, provides a nicer physique, better posture (lessens back pains), and, ultimately a heighten total body performance.  

The key is doing it at the right time.   When being active you should always give yourself 5 to 7 minutes to warm up.  After your warm up take time to stretch before you kick it in gear.   The warm up is very important because if not performed, stretching can lead to the very injuries that they are intended to prevent.  After the work out or game, stretch within 10minutes of finishing while the muscles are still warm.   This will help to elongate the soft tissues and relax the muscles that were stressed during your activity.   I personally wake up and stretch for at least five minutes first thing in the morning 6 to 7 days a week.    My morning stretch is more for the mental benefits and not the physical ones.   Just some food for thought.

So with all that said, I know that %90 of you are still on your NEW YEARS RESOLUTION KICK.  Make sure that you add a healthy stretch to your daily routine.  If you can’t think of any or don’t know how to stretch properly…GOOGLE IT…there are plenty of stretch routines that you can print for free and make a part of your new life. 

Remember, you are more important than ROUTINE and CONVENIENCE

Peace, LIFE Line Nigel

Core Values

Core Values

So I had a long conversation with an old friend of mines who also happens to be a trainer (more experienced than me…).  We go into the importance of the core.  Since then I make it a priority to ensure that all of my clients give me a full month commitment to strengthening their core before we touch any other part of the body.  You can imagine the flack and complaining I get…especially from the men who want to look like 1982 Arnold.  NOT HAPPENING!

The core is also known as your stabilizer muscles.  They include not only your abs and lower back but your hips, glutes (butt), hams and even a muscle that wraps your spine called the erector spinae.   This group of muscles is the most important of all muscles.   Especially for WOMEN AND ATHLETES!!! It is where your motor controls start.  If fact, it was the first control you learned as an infant, to stabilize your core.  CRAZY HUH???   The strength of these muscles directly affects the results of other parts of the body.   A strong core helps to increase power, posture (!!!), agility and stability.  Posture…nearly every one of my clients tells me they have back problems. I’m talking about people my age and younger, and not just the ones who are in horrible shape.  I'm talking about everyday people walking around here who can’t stand for more than 30 minutes at a time because their back will start hurting.  IT’S NOT THE SHOES!!! Although bad/awkward shoes can effect posture and lead to soreness in the back, I can almost guarantee you it is because your core is being neglected!  People generally don’t focus on it. Not because they don’t want to but because they don’t know how important it is. Yes, even you with the six pack.  Your abs and oblique are two of 8 muscles that make up your core.   If you train your core consistently it will lead to your upper body/torso being more erect and will help to keep your pelvis, shoulders and spine in the proper alignment.

Here is the test…I want all of you who read this to try this out.  Do what we call a plank.  A plank is basically push-up position but you use your elbows and forearms to support you instead of your hands.  Keep your hips/glutes even with your shoulders.  If you can’t picture it, GOOGLE it…I promise you will find a pic and or demonstration.  If you start shaking pretty intensely within 12 to 15 seconds…YOUR CORE IS NEGLECTED.  You should be able to hold it for at least 20-25 seconds without getting the “shivers”.  ENJOY ;)

Great exercises for the core include crunches, planks, supermans, back extensions, Hip Adductors and Abductors, Glute Press and kick backs.  Any questions??? Holla at me…LIFE LINE NIGEL

PEACE

You are more important than ROUTINE and CONVENIENCE

Fruit of life

A lot of us wake up and think we eat a "healthy" breakfast.  This might include a bowl of cereal, egg and toast, maybe even oatmeal (complex carb).  What many of us fail to realize is that our daily diet is not healthy.  Our body’s digestive system is in regular need of a break. 

One of the best ways to go about helping ourselves is by eating nothing but fruits in the morning.  When you wake up, after washing your face (I HOPE), drink about twenty four ounces of water.  Get that detox going first thing.  Thirty minutes from then go to town on some fruit.  Any fruit will work, but I recommend citrus fruits in particular (orange, strawberry, pineapple etc…).  Fruits are the most nutritious food on the planet and they are fueled directly by the SUN.  Eating fruits first thing in the morning will have a tremendous impact on your toxicity, weight and overall health.

The SCIENCE…

The value of a food is not merely measured by its nutritional value, but by your body’s ability to process/digest it.  Many of the foods we eat are not easily digested by our body (for another day).  Consequently many of us are full of foods and toxins from the days prior.    Compare it to never taking all of your trash out…eventually you’re going to have a problem.  Fruits are not only easily digested, but the natural sugars are absorbed without issues, those sugars give you energy and the acids in the fruit (ESPECIALLY GRAPEFRUIT) help to remove toxins in the system.  Try this out for a couple of weeks.  Not only will you see the changes in your waist size but by 1130 or 12 you will be hungry and ready for lunch.  NOTE HUNGRY…You’re suppose to eat when you are hungry, not because it is time to eat.  Peace yall

You are more important than ROUTINE and CONVENIENCE

The opinions of Nigel A. Godfrey.  Currently studying to be a holistic nutrition consultant