As a long-time sports fan, I’ve watched the NFL self-destruct before my eyes over the past few weeks with a sense of both sadness and hopefulness. Hopefulness? I’ll get to that. In truth, I’m not nearly the fan of sports that I once was. As a kid it was such…
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How to Become ‘Crisis Fit’
Like so many Americans, my heart truly goes out to the victims of Harvey, and my admiration goes out to the amazing rescuers. The scope of this disaster is unprecedented, and thankfully the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. The ordeal is hardly over for Houston and adjoining areas, with…
Read More‘Which Fitness Path Should I Choose?’
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by And that has made all the difference. ~ Robert Frost The Road Not Taken There are many ways to get fit. Many of these ways are not attractive – at least not to me. Long,…
Read MoreIs a ‘Program’ Necessary to Get Fit?
“I mistrust all systematizers and I avoid them” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche It’s long been assumed by most fitness enthusiasts that in order to train effectively, one must follow a “program.” But is this really true? Now understand, I am a Certified Personal Trainer, and I make my living primarily…
Read MoreIs Your Guru Killing You?
…For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV) I suppose it’s ironic that I – a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of a fitness and health company – someone who makes his living by providing instruction, am writing an article warning of the dangers of…
Read MoreIn Defense of Mirrors
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, Who in this land is fairest of all? ~ Brothers Grimm Mirrors have gotten a bad rap. I’m going to do my best in this article to restore them to their rightful place of honor. Confession: I’m a low-tech guy. I’ve always inherently trusted…
Read MoreThere’s a Fine Line Between Athlete and Invalid
I’ve never seen so many injured people. It seems almost everyone I run into these days is consistently and continuously injured, especially those who are a bit older, and I don’t mean very old – thirty and above. I’m not even including the multitude of those too sick to…
Read MoreWere You Meant to Be Immortal?
For God did not make Death. He takes no pleasure in destroying the living. —The Book of Wisdom 1:13 I have a good friend who often tells people he is going to live forever. I think he believes it. Stranger, I think I believe it. Not just that he could…
Read MoreIt’s Time to Take Care of Our Own Health
Health care “reform” is once again in the news. And while I am happy to see any increase in our choices as citizens and consumers, the conversation is still about other people – politicians – deciding the future of our health care. This is the wrong emphasis. Most Americans want to…
Read More6 Reasons Why Less Is More for the Mature Fitness Athlete
As the owner of a fitness training and consulting company, and as a mature fitness athlete who has experienced numerous injuries (as well as surgeries), I’m painfully aware—pun intended—of many of the challenges faced by the seasoned fitness athlete. I’m also aware of how these challenges can bring out the best…
Read MoreWhy You’re Not Reaching Your Health and Fitness Goals
Health and fitness are one area of life. No doubt they’re an incredibly important area, but they are still just one area. With few exceptions, your level of health and fitness is under your own control. The laws of God and nature control health and fitness, just as these…
Read MoreSugar: Are You ‘Experienced’? Or Just Plain Addicted?
Are you “experienced”? Have you ever been “experienced”? Well, I have… ~ Jimi Hendrix, Are You Experienced? According to the legendary rock star himself, the above song was not necessarily written about drugs, but about being at peace with yourself. That’s cool. But the song – with its revolutionary psychedelic effects—sounded…
Read MoreCan I Help You? It Depends…
The one question every Certified Personal Trainer should know the answer to in regards to a client is, “Can I help you?” I know for my company, Greek Physique™, LLC, the answer, quite frankly is, “It depends.” If you want to be a steroid-juiced, vein-popping bodybuilder, the answer is…
Read MoreFitness: The Only Failure Is Not Being In the Game
Anyone who has ever attempted to improve a condition has experienced failure – sometimes considerable failure. And there are many seekers of health and fitness whose bodies are strewn across the road of failure. They set out with high expectations of having a well-toned physique, losing those unwanted pounds, or…
Read MoreThe Best Diet Book Doesn’t Exist
In my debut piece last week, I Made It Back to Good Health, I discussed the long, hard, but ultimately satisfying road I traveled to become more fit today, in my mid-50’s, than I was twenty years ago, and along the way became a knowledgeable fitness professional. The article…
Read MoreI Made it Back to Good Health … So Can You
Hello, and welcome to the debut of my column with the Tennessee Star! My name is Patrick Rooney. I’m the Founder and President of GREEK PHYSIQUE™, LLC, and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Association of Fitness Certification (NAFC). Through the grace of God, dedication, and knowledge, I’ve…
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