[Off-topic] animatedbreak:
Hey guys! :)

So - I know there's a lot of you that are pretty active runners, cyclists, swimmers etc. But there are some of you that want to start! I feel that everyone should have a healthy form of exercise, and diet. It just makes you feel a lot better, (mentally and physically) and you just plain live longer. Why wouldn't you want to be healthy?

This idea behind this thread is that I hope to build a mini community of people here - helping others either A) Get back to living an healthy active lifestyle or B) Get others into it! and most importantly C) Encouragement to continue doing so!

This thread is perfect for you if you're COMPLETELY new to working out or getting active. SO please ask questions! Don't be shy - either myself or someone else can answer!

A little about myself:

In a nutshell, I was pretty small growing up. I was bullied a lot and was told that I wasn't going to become anything. So I believed that, and carried it until near the end of high school. After that I began to surround myself with good, positive people who were really encouraging and active which led me to working out, cycling, and running. I've now have a positive attitude, changed how I eat, and work, now life is pretty much looking up! (business in the making, and much more active and happier.) The main thing I learnt from the entire experience was that the only reason I failed, is because I believed what others told me - and didn't do anything about it to fix it. DO NOT make the same mistake and make the difference. Don't wait.

How to get started you ask? Easy.

Find something you enjoy! and CHANGE your current diet!

Then go from there! It doesn't have to strenuous! Even going for a nice walk daily can make a difference! I've included some resources below. Please use them to help you achieve your goals.

RESOURCES

APPS

I highly recommend the download of BOTH of these!

CardioTrainer - Great app for tracking distance, and pace. (useful for a runner/cyclist/walking and other physical activities)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wsl.CardioTrainer&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd

Fitness Buddy Free - HUNDREDS of exercises. There's a .gif animation showing you how proper form too.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skyhealth.fitnessbuddyandroidfree&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5za3loZWFsdGguZml0bmVzc2J1ZGR5YW5kcm9pZGZyZWUiXQ..

DIET

lhttp://www.livestrong.com

Amazing site. Once you make an account - you can basically have a weight goal: then you input meals you had and it breaks down everything for you, to how much fat, carbs and protien you're getting and how much you need to achieve you goals! Mega handy.

http://www.trickstutorials.com/content/archive

Great Heath and Nutrition section, with some funny stuff! It's a little dated, but he really gives you a no-BS approach to keeping yourself focused. If you want to get into freestyle tricking - he's a boss. EDIT: He just did some major updates on his site. Check it out!

I recommend you read: "Conquering the mid-day crisis", "Sleep secrets" , "Water, the magic potion" and "3 eating habits I learned too late"

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/order-commander/index-eng.php

or

http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/dietary-guidance/myplatefood-pyramid-resources/usda-myplate-food-pyramid-resources

Yes, the Canada Food Guide and the ! Pretty much a great way to have a basic meal plan down. I included the USDA Food Pyramid as well ;)

http://getfitwithkevin.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/five-things-that-will-cause-you-to-gain-weight-fast/

AN ACCURATE read! If you have some problems with weight - this would be a beneficial.

Cycling

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Climbing Survival - watch the whole series! Awesome advice.

http://www.bikejournal.com

A handy tool, to keep track of your progress and how far you've gone.

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Great gym conditioning video if you want to train for something like Triathlon....

The first two exercises can be done on the ground, without elevating your legs - First one is called mountain climbers other, you can supplement with burpees

Running

http://speedy.sh/aF4cR/Evolution-Running.avi

A cheesy - But VERY informative video on how to achieve better, and more efficient running technique.

BODYBUILDING

http://scoobysworkshop.com/beginning-workout-plan/

Just a plain good, no-bs site. He has beginner's workouts to advanced. I warn you that he can be cheesy at times! But the information is top-notch, and he's got almost everything covered. Highly reccomend.

https://www.youtube.com/user/MPTrainingVideos?feature=watch

Corey Gregory (President of MusclePharm) gives you tips + tricks when working out. Guy is 33 years old, and an absolute beast. I use lots of MP products and I love em.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/workout.htm

Has routines for you, geared towards your goals!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/becker3.htm

Figure out your body type to find the best exercises and maximize your goal progress!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/

Amazing step-by-step how to, for any exercise. Complete with video tutorials. My main reason why I'd use this site.

Supplements

Depending on your workout goals, sometimes supplementing helps you get everything you need to gain results by consuming certain ones!

http://scoobysworkshop.com/2012/06/16/fda-fines-bodybuilding-com-bad-supplements/

This guy is pretty transparent when it comes to workout advice - he is an older guy, so he has some corny humor but otherwise - great advice and this is great encouragement to seek healthier supplements/alternatives

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/

This is where I get my Supplements from. Cheap, and they ship to Canada + US. Can't get really beat their prices either.

I am a huge fan of fish oil. Great for your brain (function), and increases fat oxidation (fat burning) after a carb rich meal!

http://www.brinkzone.com/articles/fish-oil-for-fat-loss/

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-fish/health-benefits-of-fish-oil.html

Brand I usually use: http://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Finest-Liquid-Omega-3-Lemon/dp/B001LF39RO

Pure and potent - have 3 tsp a day WITH meals. Pleasant lemony taste.

CHOCOLATE MILK! I couldn't believe how good this stuff is for you, especially after a workout. Great serving of protein, amino acids - basically an epic bomb for recovery that tastes amazing.

http://ca.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding_200/247_fitness_tip.html

I decided to add a link to the water article above - Drinking water = contributes to healthy weight loss, increased cognitive brain function, and YOUR BODY JUST WORKS BETTER. So buy yourself a water bottle and drink more of it!

http://www.trickstutorials.com/content/wpotion

GREEN TEA. Read up on it - boosts immune function (and apparently increases t cell production which helps prevent/treat autoimmune diseases.), and it also increases metabolism (fat burning during exercise) as well!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/441364-what-are-the-benefits-of-green-tea-for-auto-immune-disease/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea

http://www.nutritionalsupplementshq.com/green-tea-benefits/

RECOVERY

After working out, you want to make sure you always stretch before and AFTER. Doing so - increases your flexibility, and you wouldn't be as sore the next day!

http://www.trickstutorials.com/content/recovery

Is full of information - keep in mind that he is a freestyle tricker so he has advice about it there, ignore it if that's not your thing.

http://www.trickstutorials.com/content/flexibility

Long - but full of great information about stretching and recovery. (Made in 2005.)

MOTIVATION

Nothing gets me more amped for a workout, when I see awesome samplers or anything of the sort.

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Old school, but this video really made me want to just run out and bench press something.

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If you want to get into freestyle tricking - You'll love this.

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This is a good friend of mine, who really encouraged me to start living an active lifestyle. He gained almost 20 pounds of muscle, lost it all due to salmonella poisoning and gained it all back. He's a little monotonous! But, great encouragement for guys who are smaller built - see what hard work can do.

ASK AWAY! and GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN!

Your success - is up to you, and you can be successful if you just try!

Cheers,

-Richard