FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog » Motivation http://www.fitbuff.com Total Mind and Body Fitness Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:50:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Average Men – How Do You Measure Up? http://www.fitbuff.com/average-men-how-do-you-measure-up/ http://www.fitbuff.com/average-men-how-do-you-measure-up/#comments Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:05:31 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/average-men-how-do-you-measure-up/

If you just wanted to be like other average men, you probably wouldn't be reading this website.

In fact, your loathing and/or fear of mediocrity, combined with your ambition to be faster, stronger, and smarter than mere mortals, are all part of what keep you reading men's magazines and websites like this one.

Be that all as it may, however, the possibility still exists that you may be — dare I say it — average. Or — even worse! — less than average.

The only way to truly find out is to put yourself to the test. The following is a list of traits, compiled from a variety of data sources (including the U.S. Census Bureau), that list some known averages for average men:

age: 34 years old, weight: 175lbs and height: 5'9 1/2. Let’s see how you measure up!

The Average Guy Can…

  • Do 27 push-ups in one minute
  • Run 1.5 miles in 12:51
  • Complete 36 sit-ups in one minute
  • Bench Press 158 pounds one time
  • Throw a football 50 yards

The Average Guy Also…

  • Has sex 1.5 times per week (79 times per year) and lasts 14 minutes
  • Has an erect penis length between 5.5 and 6.2 inches
  • Enjoys a total of 12.4 sex partners in his lifetime
  • Earns around $36,100 per year
  • Is married with two children and has $3,100 in the bank
  • Has a 13-inch flexed bicep

The Average Guy Consumes…

  • 3.3 cups of coffee a day
  • 1.2 alcoholic drinks a day
  • 26 pounds of beef per year
  • 16 pounds of cheese per year
  • 19 pizza pies per year

Whereabouts on the Average Men scale did you end up falling? My guess is that you're probably above-average on most, if not all, of the above referenced listings, because, on average, men who read fitness websites and magazines are more fit than men who do not.

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/average-men-how-do-you-measure-up/feed/ 35 How to Be Happy: 10 Mood-Boosting Moves http://www.fitbuff.com/how-to-be-happy-10-mood-boosting-moves/ http://www.fitbuff.com/how-to-be-happy-10-mood-boosting-moves/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:47:30 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/how-to-be-happy-10-mood-boosting-moves/

Every once in a while, we all feel a little down in the dumps. Relationships, bills, deadlines, and more can overwhelm even the most confident and grounded individuals.

So, what do you do when you come down with a case of the blues?

If you want to know how to be happy and get the quick "pick-me-up" you need during those cloudy times, try using these 10 mood-boosting moves:

  1. Ginger and Broccoli – Research shows that this combination can temporarily relieve depression. Order up some ginger chicken and broccoli from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but watch out for those high-sodium sauces and sides.
  2. Sugary Sour – Sure, sugar is sweet, but the same isn't necessarily true for those who eat it. Simple carbs and processed foods have been shown to increase rates of anxiety and depression. Cut out the sweets, and you'll start looking slimmer and healthier too, which can only improve your mood.
  3. Road Trip – It doesn't have to be quite as wild and crazy as the same-named movie, but get out there and enjoy a weekend road trip with a friend or significant other.
  4. Ditch It – Go through your most cluttered rooms and closet and get rid of all your "crap." If you really think about some of the things you have collecting dust or the truckloads of clothes you will never wear again, you will be amazed at how much you can toss. You don't have to trash it. Try having a yard sale or listing on eBay. Either way, your life and mind will feel re-energized and clutter free.
  5. Smile – That's right, it may seem like the simplest advice of all, but just smile. It's hard to feel sad with a big grin pasted on your face, even when it's forced. In fact, studies have proven that the act of smiling can instantly trigger "feel-good" hormones in your body.
  6. Move to the Groove – Exercise can truly be a full-body workout, from your brain to your toes. Besides the obvious and significant benefits to your physical health, going for a run or lifting weights can take your mind off things and help you relax.
  7. If you still can't escape the rain clouds, try these four other how to be happy tips…

If you've tried all of these and still can't turn that frown upside down, then it may be time to look for professional help. The right doctor can help identify the root of the problem and recommend lifestyle changes to get things back on track, rather than just writing you off as another hopelessly depressed patient and prescribing a bottle of pills.

What are some of your personal how to be happy tips?

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/how-to-be-happy-10-mood-boosting-moves/feed/ 5 Total Mind and Body Fitness Carnival #5 http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-carnival-5/ http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-carnival-5/#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:35:10 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-carnival-5/

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day. A Blog Carnival is basically a collection of articles or blog posts, all relating to a similar subject, that are gathered together for your viewing pleasure. You can quickly and conveniently see a list of Article Titles and click on the ones that interest you to read the full post. Blog carnivals are a great way to see a wide variety of ideas and opinions on a similar subject. To see a list of all previous posts in the Blog Carnivals category, click here.

Want to see your article or blog post featured in the FitBuff.com Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival? Click here to submit yours now.

Brain Power

Exercise

Nutrition

Stress

Be sure to tune in every Monday for the next Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival, and if you want to submit your own article for inclusion, click here before midnight (eastern time) on Sunday.

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-carnival-5/feed/ 2 Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival #4 http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-4/ http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-4/#comments Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:12:52 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/07/02/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-4/

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day (see the FAQ for a detailed breakdown of FitBuff.com's posting schedule). A Blog Carnival is basically a collection of articles or blog posts, all relating to a similar subject, that are gathered together for your viewing pleasure. You can quickly and conveniently see a list of Article Titles and click on the ones that interest you to read the full post. Blog carnivals are a great way to see a wide variety of ideas and opinions on a similar subject. To see a list of all previous posts in the Blog Carnivals category, click here.

Want to see your article or blog post featured in the FitBuff.com Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival? Click here to submit yours now.

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day

WOW! We received a record 30+ submissions this week, and all but a few made the cut. Thank you to the regular authors who continue to submit great articles, as well as the newcomers who bring even more wealth and knowledge to the Carnival every week!

Brain Power

Exercise

Grooming

Nutrition

Stress

Work

Be sure to tune in every Monday for the next Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival, and if you want to submit your own article for inclusion, click here before midnight (eastern time) on Sunday.

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-4/feed/ 6 Average IQ Score Determined by Birth Order? http://www.fitbuff.com/average-iq-score-determined-by-birth-order/ http://www.fitbuff.com/average-iq-score-determined-by-birth-order/#comments Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:56:22 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/27/average-iq-score-determined-by-birth-order/

Wednesday is Brain Power and Stress/Relaxation Day

According to a recent study of nearly 250,000 males between 18 and 19 years old, the first-born had an average IQ score 2.3 points higher than their younger siblings. Doesn't sound like much, right? But, those 2.3 points increase a child's chances of getting into an Ivy League school by 30 percent. The results also proved that IQ is, at least in part, determined by social birth order and not by genetics, putting an end to a nearly 70 year old debate.

But, don't start resenting your older brother just yet. While the 2.3 points are fairly significant, they only reflect the educational potential of an individual. So, even if you weren't the first to arrive on the scene in your family, you are still entirely capable of being more successful than all of your siblings combined. It's all about how you use what you've got.

There are several theories as to why first-born children usually have higher IQ's. One, they are usually given undivided attention during their early developmental years. As additional children are born, the attention of the parents is spread more thinly across the entire family.

Another possible explanation, parents usually spend more money on the oldest sibling, simply because that child is the first one to require the extra expenses. For example, the oldest child would most likely be the first to want to take a class of some kind, get involved in sports, go to college, etc.

The theory that one of the researchers thinks is most accurate is called "niche partitioning". Basically, the oldest child is given the most authority and responsibility, therefore the parents tend to see him as a surrogate parent to the younger siblings. This higher ranking then drives the later-born children to find their "niche" in the family.

Because older children already occupy the "disciplined and wise" niche, younger children have to find other roles to play. "So, younger siblings look for other things to be good at," said Frank J. Sulloway, a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, Institute of Personality and Social Research. "It may be that that extra 2.3 points in IQ reflects an investment of time to get that, and the later-born is investing that time in something else and is getting 2.3 extra points in something else," he added.

Given that each child is finding his or her own niche, the difference in IQ is nothing for parents to worry about, Sulloway said.

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/average-iq-score-determined-by-birth-order/feed/ 6 Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival #3 http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-3/ http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-3/#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:21:37 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/25/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-3/

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day (see the FAQ for a detailed breakdown of FitBuff.com's posting schedule). A Blog Carnival is basically a collection of articles or blog posts, all relating to a similar subject, that are gathered together for your viewing pleasure. You can quickly and conveniently see a list of Article Titles and click on the ones that interest you to read the full post. Blog carnivals are a great way to see a wide variety of ideas and opinions on a similar subject. To see a list of all previous posts in the Blog Carnivals category, click here.

Want to see your article or blog post featured in the FitBuff.com Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival? Click here to submit yours now.

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day

Brain Power

Exercise

Family

Grooming

Nutrition

Be sure to tune in every Monday for the next Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival, and if you want to submit your own article for inclusion, click here before midnight (eastern time) on Sunday.

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-3/feed/ 7 10 Fitness Facts and Statistics to Keep You Motivated http://www.fitbuff.com/10-fitness-facts-and-statistics-to-keep-you-motivated/ http://www.fitbuff.com/10-fitness-facts-and-statistics-to-keep-you-motivated/#comments Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:22:05 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/20/10-fitness-facts-and-statistics-to-keep-you-motivated/

Wednesday is Brain Power and Stress/Relaxation Day

  1. Over 50% of people who start an exercise program GIVE UP within the first 12 months.
  2. The average man exercises 115 days per year. Sound impressive? It's not — that's only about TWO days per week.
  3. 71% of men admit that they should exercise more.
  4. A whopping 96% of men admit to skipping a workout on more than one occasion when it conflicted with some other activity (i.e. watching a game).
  5. 69% of men consider themselves to be physically fit.
  6. ^^^ 13% of men actually ARE physically fit.
  7. How many people buy exercise equipment only to later use it as a clothes hanger? Nearly half at 45%.
  8. How much money would the average 40+ male save each year in medical expenses with regular exercise? $949
  9. What part of your body is she checking out at the beach? 35% of women say Abs with Chest right behind at 30%
  10. 100% of active, healthy people are more active and healthier than their non-active, unhealthy friends ;)

What tips and/or tricks do you use to keep yourself motivated?

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/10-fitness-facts-and-statistics-to-keep-you-motivated/feed/ 5 Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival #2 http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-2/ http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-2/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:18:40 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/18/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-2/

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day (see the FAQ for a detailed breakdown of FitBuff.com's posting schedule). A Blog Carnival is basically a collection of articles or blog posts, all relating to a similar subject, that are gathered together for your viewing pleasure. You can quickly and conveniently see a list of Article Titles and click on the ones that interest you to read the full post. Blog carnivals are a great way to see a wide variety of ideas and opinions on a similar subject. To see a list of all previous posts in the Blog Carnivals category, click here.

Want to see your article or blog post featured in the FitBuff.com Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival? Click here to submit yours now.

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day

Brain Power

Dating

Exercise

Family

Nutrition

Stress

Work

Be sure to tune in every Monday for the next Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival, and if you want to submit your own article for inclusion, click here before midnight (eastern time) on Sunday.

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-2/feed/ 6 5 Tips to Empty Your Inbox and Keep It That Way http://www.fitbuff.com/5-tips-to-empty-your-inbox-and-keep-it-that-way/ http://www.fitbuff.com/5-tips-to-empty-your-inbox-and-keep-it-that-way/#comments Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:28:40 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/16/5-tips-to-empty-your-inbox-and-keep-it-that-way/

Saturday is Family Life and Work Life Day

An empty email inbox provides an almost zen-like state of calmness–no pressing messages, no advertisements for a bigger penis, and no month-old newsletters that you haven't had a chance to read yet. Unfortunately, very few people ever see the bottom of their virtual box for long, if at all. You will be surprised at just how effective this simple technique can be at reducing stress and clearing your mind for more important tasks.

  1. For the people who have put this off for way too long (i.e. more than 100 messages), the first thing you need to do is create a new folder in your email program. This should be very easy to do across all popular platforms: Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc. Simply find the button or menu that says, "Create New Folder," click it, and name your new folder, "Stored Mail". Now, move all of the messages from your inbox into your "Stored Mail" folder.

    Presto! An empty inbox in minutes, easy right? Wrong! That's just like cleaning your room by throwing all your clothes and junk in a closet. You've got to pull double duty now: 1. You need to follow the tips below to keep your newly emptied inbox clean, so this doesn't happen again and 2. While you're following these tips, you also need to periodically apply them to your "Stored Mail" messages, chipping away until that folder is empty as well.

  2. For the slightly more disciplined "inbox"ers (i.e. less than 100 messages), the first thing you need to do is make sure your emails are sorted by date. Most email systems do this by default, but if yours doesn't, read the help section and/or search for "sort by date" in your client.
  3. Once your emails are sorted by date, start at the oldest email in your inbox. Depending on your settings, this will either be at the very top or the very bottom of the screen.
  4. Starting with that first email, read it, then decide right then which of the following three categories it falls under: "Need to Reply", "Can Delete", or "Need to Read, but it's sooo long!" Do not skip any messages just because you can't decide which category it should go into–make a decision right then!

    - If it's "Need to Reply", then write a response right then. Whether it's business-related or personal, reply with an informative, concise, and to-the-point message. The recipient would much prefer a quick and concise response to a 7 day waiting game, wondering if you even got the email they sent. Once you reply, delete the email (one down!).

    - If it's "Can Delete", then you don't need it anymore, and you can simply send it to the trash can.

    - If it's "Need to Read, but it's sooo long!", print it out, set aside the printed document, and delete the original email. Now, you can read these at anytime throughout your day: waiting in line at the bank drive-thru, waiting for something to cook, or anywhere else that you have down-time without access to your computer.

    (WARNING: Don't just let this lead to a build up of printed out emails, or you're right back where you started. If you feel that an email was important enough to print out and read later, then make sure you put it in your briefcase or somewhere else where it will be with you throughout the day.)

  5. Continue these steps until you've reached the last email in your list (or, for the first group, your "Stored Mail" folder). Once you finally have a clean inbox, now you need to keep it that way. Every time you check your email, apply the same steps you did above. Decide right then and there which of the three categories the message belongs in, and take action right then! Reply. Delete. Print. It's very simple.

I'll confess, it took me a few tries to finally make this a habit. I would be doing great for a few days, but the onslaught of messages would finally become too much, and before I knew it, there was another page of old emails collecting dust in my inbox. I've finally mastered this technique and have officially cemented it as a habit–four weeks strong on the wagon and not planning on reverting to "email"ism ever again.

If you spend a fair amount of time on the computer and/or receive a lot of emails, having a clean inbox is truly rewarding and refreshing. Try it for just four weeks, and I'm sure you will agree. The first few days are the hardest, but remember: REPLY, DELETE, or PRINT!

Do you have a different technique for cleaning your inbox and/or keeping it empty? Let's hear it!

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/5-tips-to-empty-your-inbox-and-keep-it-that-way/feed/ 12 Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival #1 http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-1/ http://www.fitbuff.com/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-1/#comments Mon, 11 Jun 2007 19:48:19 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/11/total-mind-and-body-fitness-blog-carnival-1/

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day (see the FAQ for a detailed breakdown of FitBuff.com's posting schedule). A Blog Carnival is basically a collection of articles or blog posts, all relating to a similar subject, that are gathered together for your viewing pleasure. You can quickly and conveniently see a list of Article Titles and click on the ones that interest you to read the full post. Blog carnivals are a great way to see a wide variety of ideas and opinions on a similar subject. To see a list of all previous posts in the Blog Carnivals category, click here.

Want to see your article or blog post featured in the FitBuff.com Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival? Click here to submit yours now.

Monday is Blog Carnivals Day

Brain Power

Exercise

Money

Nutrition

Be sure to tune in every Monday for the next Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival, and if you want to submit your own article for inclusion, click here before midnight (eastern time) on Sunday.

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

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