11 Health and Fitness Tips From The Great Bill Pearl, Part 1

Motivational superstar Tony Robbins insists that "modeling" is the surest and most efficient way to achieve any goal whether it concerns health and fitness, money or relationships. What he means is that we should find someone who is an expert in what we want to achieve and 'model' our behavior on theirs. This is Robbins did when he hired Andre Agassi, then #1 ranked player in the world, to help him excel in tennis.

In the world of physical fitness, Bill Pearl is one who is definitely worth modeling. His list of awards is stunning: AAU Mr. America, NABBA Mr. Universe, WBBG World's Best Built Man, WBBG Hall Of Fame, The Joe Weider Hall Of Fame, American Powerlifters Federation Hall of Fame and the International Chiropractors Association Sports & Fitness Man of the Year, to name only a few. Fortunately, Pearl is generous with his knowledge and offers 11 tips for anyone who is ready to get serious about fitness and bodybuilding and wants to maximize the benefits of their workout routine.

1. To The Doctor Or Not?

His first advice is to get a physical. Most of us will ignore this advice, but it might definitely be wise if you are substantially overweight, have high blood pressure, any problems with heart disease or you haven't gotten up off the couch in the last 25 years.

2. You Won't Look Like James Bond Tomorrow (Too Bad!)

Be realistic about your new exercise and fitness program. The most important criterion here is to structure an exercise program that you will actually stick with over the long haul. Yes, a three hour session at the gym every day might be great but if you haven't exercised in a long time there is little or no chance you will stick with such a regime.

In fact, Pearl emphatically states that erratic exercise can do more harm than good because it can cause joint and ligament soreness, muscle strain and even high blood pressure. His recommended program is three 30–45 minute sessions a week.

3. Is Billly Blanks Right For YOU?

Be sure to include adequate cardiovascular training. He suggests we should plan to indulge in cardio at least 30 minutes, three times each week. Not to worry, though, because this is fun activity: running, swimming, riding a bike, going to aerobics class, even dancing – you might possibly enjoy a Tae Bo session with Billy Blanks! Cardio gets your blood moving and you will feel energized afterward.

4. It's Fatal To Be Bored!

Be sure to include a lot of variety in your routine. He recommends changing your routine at least every four to six weeks, if not more often. This is very important for two reasons in particular and the first is that you are more likely to continue with an exercise and fitness program if you aren't bored!

Secondly, your body won't have a chance to get too used to a particular program so that it starts to slack off. Changes will cause your muscles and system to be more active and you will receive results faster than you might expect. That encouragement will help you stay focused and continue.

5. Do Less Than You Are Capable Of Doing

Start light with your weight lifting. By this he means to use weights that are much lighter than you can actually lift. For example, if you're a young, strong guy who can lift 100 pounds, began with 50 and train at that rate for a time. Then raise your efforts to two thirds of your maximum effort and eventually 90%. That way you safely build up your strength and endurance.

To get more physical fitness tips from the "guru of the gurus", Bill Pearl, continue with Part 2 of health and fitness tips from the great Bill Pearl.

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