Sergeant Tony's Blog

Here’s some practical information regarding what to wear for wintertime workouts.

First of all, there seems to be a nasty rumor going around that we go inside when it’s cold.

We don’t.

We go inside if it’s raining, genuinely raining, and if it’s lightening.

Second, pay no attention to the likes of Ron Childers on Channel 5 and those other TV weather sissies. They make their living by making the weather appear more interesting or more dramatic than it is. Most of them are like Pooh’s friend, Eeyore, always talking about the bad weather to come. One day recently when the weather was very fine, one of those gloom and doomers said, “Well, it’s a nice day today, but don’t get used to it, in a couple of days it’s going to rain.” Or some such nonsense.

My point is, those people are playing for ratings. They get us to watch by teasing us about the weather, hyping the conditions, and over-dramatizing it. Of course, when there are real threats, like tornados and floods, I watch them too. They don’t have to make the weather dramatic in those cases. It’s already quite dramatic!

In other words, the morning weather guys aren’t really going to give you a good picture of the temperature. They’ll talk about how cold it is as if you were going to go outside in your bare feet and stand in your yard in your pajamas.

So here’s the tip about how to dress. Pay attention to the temperature AND the wind speed. If the wind speed is 8 mph or more, subtract 10 degrees from the temperature to determine how you should dress. The wind chill is the guide. Or in some cases, like on weather.com, they’ll tell you what it “feels like.” Dress according to that. Wear layers. You’ll soon start to take off scarves, coats, and hats as you warm up.

Likewise, for example, if it’s 20 degrees outside and no wind, you will be very surprised at how pleasant it will become 15 minutes into the workout! Seriously!

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TUESDAY EVENING CLASS CHANGE

Beginning this evening, and until further notice, the Tuesday evening class will be back at CUMC.

The St. Mary’s track is, for the most part, unusable for our speed workouts due to construction on the west end of the field.

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JIM STEINER’S CHRISTMAS GIFT CERTIFICATE

Most of you know of the exercise I call “Starting Jim Steiner’s Woodchipper.” I will write more about this dear friend, and one of the first boot campers, during the month. The anniversary of Jim’s death is December 19.

Jim joined USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP in January 2000 because his wife Carole bought him a Christmas Gift Certificate in December 1999. It was the first gift certificate I ever sold. In fact, I hadn’t even thought of the idea of gift certificates until Carole contacted me and asked if she could purchase one. I had to admit to her that I didn’t have any gift certificates, but that I would immediately make one!

In honor of Jim, I’m making Christmas Gift Certificates available to you Active Boot Campers, and even our friends who’ve wandered into Turdeville, for only $75! As you know the first month’s fee is $180, but you can purchase a Christmas Gift Certificate for only $75 to give to family and friends. They will never be required to pay the $180 fee!

So give the gift of health and fitness!

Jim’s wife did and it changed my life forever.

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ST. JUDE HALF MARATHON RUNNERS!

Your training is complete, you’re ready, and the countdown is on!

Congratulations to all of you who trained with me this year! You’re going to have an awesome half marathon!!

Check my blog on the website (http://usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/blog/) for tips, advice, and race day strategies for a successful half marathon! ALSO, at the end of that blog you’ll find an invitation to a party on Saturday evening to celebrate your accomplishment!

Good luck everyone!!

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BEFORE AND AFTER PICS

The before and after pictures from the first Combat the Fat Challenge are on the USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP website. You’ll find of the first, second, and third place winners before and after pictures on the Success Stories page. The pictures have been there for a number of weeks, I just forgot to tell you. My apologies Greg, Steve, and Sarah!

Take a look at those pictures for an extra dose of motivation! http://www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/success.html

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HELP WANTED

Do you know of someone who could be another Sergeant Tony?

I’m looking to expand the empire beyond Memphis. Les Bonnett successfully launched USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — Collierville in July and is doing great!

I’d especially like to move into north Mississippi or northern Shelby County. Like Hernando or Millington!

Here’s a little of what I’m looking for in a prospective “Sergeant Tony.”
* Former military, preferably a Marine.
* College degree, or working toward it.
* Exercise certification, military or civilian, or working toward it.
* Personally interested and involved in a lifestyle of fitness and athletics.
* Good communication skills, written and oral. (I answer about 40 emails a day, write a newsletter, and answer more than a half dozen or so daily Boot Camp related phone calls)
* Outgoing personality with a GREAT sense of humor!
* Genuinely likes people, hiding behind a sadistic facade.
* Humble, modest, caring, and sensitive (ok, ok, whatever) You get the idea.

If you know of someone who would be a good fit, please forward this on to them and direct them to the website:www .usmcfitnessbootcamp.com

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USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP CLASSES

At Christ Methodist
0530 Monday through Friday
0645 M-W-F
0830 M-W-F
5:45 PM: M-Tu-W-Th, (5:30 PM on Friday). M-W-F are weight days, Tu/Thu are cardio days.

At Evergreen Presbyterian
0530 Monday through Friday

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FACEBOOK

Find me on Facebook and make me your friend! (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629618416) I’ll make you mine! Then join the USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP Group!

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To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
5358 Denwood
Memphis, TN 38120
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com
www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main