Get Up, Get Out, Get Inspired

By Jamie Bichelman

Are you planning that cliche trip to the beach this summer, and you are too insecure about your body to take your shirt off? Or, are you simply done with seeing that extra flab on your arms and stomach (the only two spots we think matter most) ?

The simple solution is diet and exercise, but the strategy is not so simple. Common concerns include: where do I start? I do not want to look like a wimp in front of others at the gym. How many reps do I do? What do I eat?

I have enlisted the help of two fitness experts to help calm your nerves and get into the best shape of your life.

According to body builder Joromono Martin, knowledge of fitness is something that is learned from others. If you are just starting out, or have been working out regularly, there is always something new to be taught.

"When I was 13 years old,I met a body builder named David Taylor," said Martin, who has won competitions in his weight class, and came in second overall in competition. "He knew a lot about nutrition and the body. I spent a few summers with him, learning and reading. I cared about fitness because I knew that not only did I look good and feel better, but I, too, would be able to help people achieve their goals. It is not easy, but a little motivation from the right person can go a long way."

One common mistake that gym-goers make is believing that using the treadmill every so often will fix all of their imperfections. UNLV junior Terry Showalter II notes that without consistency and persistence, true results will not show.


"Anyone can walk into a gym and run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, but if they do not do that every few days, then it would just be a waste of time," said Showalter. "When you walk into a gym you want to make it a routine--not a one time only thing, which is very common. Many people workout for a good couple of weeks then stop, which is pointless. You want to start a good schedule to work out, especially if you are trying to get a good summer body. Not only will working out make you feel more confident but it also helps you take one step closer to a healthier lifestyle."

According to Martin, a common mistake to avoid is overworking a particular muscle.

"It is extremely important to have certain days to do different things, because muscles need adequate recovery time, just like your mind," said Martin, who believes that the decision to workout entails a change in one's lifestyle as well. "If you are looking to get a good summer body, a quick plan includes: eating wheat instead of white bread. Become more active, get enough sleep at night, and exercise for at least three days a week, while making sure that you drink plenty of water."

You have no doubt seen the commercials for P90X, or Insanity, promising a new body, a new you, in X amount of days. Do these really work? Showalter, who has found success using the P90X Ab Ripper X workout, believes that it is useful for those who cannot afford a monthly gym membership. Martin, however, believes good old fashioned hard work is the key to earning and sustaining a respectable body.


"Those workouts are what I consider marketing miracles. People can do those workouts on their own without a $500 set of DVD's that they will use for three weeks and then let it collect dust," said Martin. "I like the smash mouth, old school, get-your-butt-to-the-dang-gym workout. There are many supplements that are extremely beneficial. You need to do extensive research and find what works for you. Every 'body' is different."

According to Martin, for those looking to get into body building, and perform at shows, it requires an intense discipline that is found in one out of every 25,000 people.

"Dedication, discipline, and desire. Without all three working at the same time, the average person could not diet for 16 weeks, nor sleep the way they need to, nor do many of the things that it takes to reach this level of fitness," said Martin. "Body building is hardcore; it does not just involve big arms or legs. It involves something that God gives each person individually. Symmetry, grace, beauty, and poise. It takes the same dedication to get up everyday and get to work. It takes neglecting all of your wants and desires to achieve the ultimate goal: perfection."

Diet. The word alone causes chills down everyone's spines. According to Showalter, it does not have to be that way. Allowing yourself what he calls a "cheat day" can confuse your body and actually create positive results.

"If you don't eat a variety of foods, with 90% of them being healthy then that body you are looking for will take 10 times longer to achieve than if you were eating the right foods," said Showalter. "Having a cheat day confuses your body by helping you absorb more nutrients on your non-cheat days. Your body gets used to eating healthy foods, so it takes in less nutrients. When you throw in a cheat day or two, it makes your body confused as to why it is not getting those nutrients, so it starts over to try to absorb them more. If you do not like fish, then eat a lot of chicken or beef meals."

Martin believes that eating a cheeseburger is not going to be the end to your diet. In fact, he said, knowing how to satisfy your body's cravings properly, and maintaining strict discipline with your diet will allow you to eat an unhealthy food every so often.

"I know what I can eat and when I can eat it. I know when I need pop vs. needed water to cure my cravings," said Martin, who encourages readers to email him with any questions they may have. "Cheeseburgers are not necessarily bad for a person; however, eating four every day can be. Everything has to be in moderation. I stick to leaner meals with less carbohydrates, with a few cheat meals mixed in. When I am training hard, I drink 3-4 protein shakes a day. When I am not, I only drink two every day."

Showalter said that the right kind of support can make all the difference between success and failure.

"As far as trying to get that body you always wanted, it takes time. Just stick to a schedule with the gym, and diet," said Showalter. "When lifting weights do not rush, take your time. The slower the better, because the more stress it puts on your muscles, the more it will help them get tone, and eventually grow. Everyone is different, but we all can achieve a healthy body as long as you you stay motivated."

It is concluded, then, that working out requires a change in attitude. However, many people feel they do not have time to do so. Martin, who has developed a system for training others, believes that the time spent watching television is perfect for working out instead.

"We must seek a healthier and better lifestyle so we can stop dropping off at 40 years old," said Martin. "Where is the will to live--the will to be the very best that we can be in everything we do? Live! If you drink, drink less. If you smoke, smoke less. Do not eat until you are about to pop. At night, sleep through the whole night without waking up to eat. Laugh, love, and help others. Remember, this is a lifestyle change. It must be in your heart."

To contact Joromono Martin about fitness tips, dieting plans, or workout routines, you can Email him here