Loading...

Check Out My NEW Video Library

My NEW Exercise Video Library is live! Click here to check it out. I currently have over 160 video demos and will be adding more soon. They are categorized by body part and type of exercise. Along with each video is a written description of how to perform the exercise safely and effectively. These videos will be part of my Virtual Personal Trainer Program which is coming soon! It’s a work in progress, and I am excited to share Phase 1 with you now. Feel free to give me any feedback. I always appreciate it.

Check Out My NEW Video Library2011-04-01T15:36:18-05:00

Book Review: Why I Fight by BJ Penn

I’ve always been a fan of BJ Penn, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist. When I recently picked up his book Why I Fight: The Belt is Just an Accessory, I was hoping for a great read. I was not disappointed. In his own words, Penn tells the story of his life spent fighting, explaining what led a scrappy teenager from the rough streets of Hilo, Hawaii, to becoming, pound for pound, one of the best mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters in the world. Along the way, you experience both his victories and his frustrating defeats. It’s the story of how BJ Penn became one of only two fighters in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) history to hold belts in two different weight classes. In the world of MMA he truly earned his nickname, The Prodigy.

Book Review: Why I Fight by BJ Penn2012-02-29T06:39:16-06:00

My Favorite Rub Recipe

One of my favorite and most versatile rubs is Curry Powder. The flavor is complex and you can individualize your curry powder by varying the amounts of spices.

Ingredients
2 Tbsp coriander seeds
1 Tbsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp whole cloves
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp cardamom seeds
1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
2 dried red chiles, broken in pieces, seeds discarded (or 1 tsp chile powder)
1 Tbsp turmeric

Directions
Toast the whole spices (coriander, cumin, fennel, cloves, mustard, cardamom and peppercorns) and the chiles in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, shaking the pan often to prevent them from burning. Toast for a couple of minutes until the spices smell fragrant — you’ll know. In a clean coffee grinder, grind the toasted spices together to a fine powder. Add the turmeric and ginger and give it another quick buzz to combine. Use the spice blend immediately or store in a sealed jar for as long as 1 month.
Recipe from Food Network.

My Favorite Rub Recipe2012-02-28T19:41:01-06:00

Muscles Can Remember Past Glory

Scientists at the University of Oslo in Norway recently discovered how muscles can retain memory of their former fitness. According to study leader and physiologist Kristian Gundersen, exercise early in life could help fend off frailness in the elderly. Click here to read the whole story in Science News magazine.

Muscles Can Remember Past Glory2011-02-28T14:14:33-06:00

Chicken and Yogurt Curry

The flavors and spices of this Chicken and Yogurt Curry dish will keep you warm on a winter night. There are notes of ginger, garlic, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Yum. So here’s another fantastic recipe that I made last night thanks to The Complete Asian Cookbook.

Ingredients
2 lb roasting chicken (I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tsp chopped fresh ginger
1/2 cup fresh coriander or mint leaves (I used coriander)
1 1/2 tbsp ghee or oil (I used vegetable oil)
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
extra mint or coriander leaves to garnish

Directions
Cut chicken into servings pieces, or use chicken pieces of one kind – drumsticks, thighs, or half breasts. Put into container of food processor or electric blender the onion, garlic, ginger, fresh coriander or mint. Blend to a smooth puree. Heat oil in sauce pan and fry the blended mixture, stirring, for about 5 minutes. Add turmeric, garam masla, salt, chili powder and fry for a further minute. Stir in yogurt and tomatoes, and fry until liquid dries up and the mixture is the consistency of thick puree. Add chicken pieces, turning them in the spice mixture so they are coated on both sides, then turn heat low, cover tightly and cook until chicken is tender (~ 30 minutes). If liquid from chicken has not evaporated by the time the flesh is cooked, uncover and raise heat to dry off excess liquid, stirring gently to prevent burning. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve with rice or chapatis.

Chicken and Yogurt Curry2012-02-28T17:39:07-06:00

Fun and Exercise in the Snow

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer . . feels like spring is just around the corner! Before we say farewell to the snow, here are some parting thoughts about winter exercise. First of all, get outside. There’s nothing like clean, crisp winter air. It’s invigorating! Second, get moving. This year, in place of my snowblower, we used a snow scoop. It’s great exercise and there’s no gasoline smell. Lastly, make outdoor activities a family affair. I promised my boys that if they helped me clear the driveway, we’d go sledding and have a snow battle. We had a lot of fun!

Fun and Exercise in the Snow2012-01-03T12:20:52-06:00

Coming Soon! Eric’s Virtual Training Program

How would you like to hire me as your trainer . . . for a fraction of the price of private personal training and take me wherever you go? Your exercise program will include a personal assessment, diet plans, and workouts designed just for you. We can communicate by phone, e-mail and Skype video conferencing. I personally demonstrate all the exercises via video demos and stretching pics, but keep in mind, your workouts will be tailored for you (not some automatically generated program). And with Skype video conferencing I can even watch you workout and give immediate feedback. The initial launch date is for early February. Please check back then for packages and special offers!

Coming Soon! Eric’s Virtual Training Program2011-01-18T13:16:28-06:00

The Best Multivitamin on Earth!

Is $2.50 a day too much to ask for your health? That’s how much NUTRILITE® DOUBLE X® costs. And it’s more than just a multivitamin. Double X has more natural plant concentrates than Advanced Formula Centrum, Pharmanex Life Essentials, and One-A-Day Maximum combined. It also has more plant concentrates than USANA Essentials and Pharmanex LifePak Anti-aging Formula combined. Kosher and halal certified, Double X provides the nutrients your body needs for a healthier you. Order Now!

The Best Multivitamin on Earth!2012-02-28T17:52:49-06:00

What’s a Neti Pot?

Two years ago, I was in line at the pharmacy waiting to pick up some antibiotics for a nasty nose/throat cold. I asked the pharmacist what I could do to help prevent future sinus issues, and she recommended using a Neti Pot with salt/baking soda packets. She said that not only was it the best way to remove excess mucus due to congestion (I could barely breathe), but I could use it to relieve nasal dryness (that happens a lot to me in the winter), and remove pollen (spring is in the air) and other airborne contaminants. So give it a try, and you’ll breathe a little easier.

What’s a Neti Pot?2012-02-29T06:55:20-06:00
Balance Personal Training
Go to Top