Free FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL by Vinnie Tortorich, Dean Lorey

after a particularly aggressive tackle. Broke it so badly that, as they carried me off the field, my foot was facing backward. The doctor said that the bone had been broken in so many places that it looked like powder.
    When I woke from surgery, I discovered that they’d placed me in a full body cast, all the way up to my armpits. I was immobilized. For eight weeks. And you know what happened while I laid in bed at home?
    Girls from school came by to visit and hang out. The local priest stopped by on Sunday to give me communion. The hamburger joint sent hamburgers and a malt. Incredibly, I became one of the most popular guys in school by not being in school. I went from outcast to hero. I went from “Vinna” to “Vinnie.” And it was all because, at the lowest point in my young life, a guy named Jack Lalanne showed me that, by changing my body, I could change myself and the way people reacted to me.
    That’s how I knew miracles could happen.
    Our body is an amazing thing. It’ll adapt to whatever we do. If we sit on the couch all day long, guess what? Our body will adapt and become large, soft and cushiony … kind of like a couch. But let’s say we spend that couch time on a bicycle. Chances are, over time, our bodies will become lean and sleek … like a bicycle. Even though it seems like a miracle, it’s really not. If you eat properly and exercise, you are going to get in shape. It’s that simple. In fact, it’s physiologically impossible to avoid!
    Want to know one of the most common complaints I hear from new clients?
    “Vinnie, I’m not even in good enough shape to get into shape!”
    Don’t worry about it. Since I’m your personal trainer now, let me ask you a few questions. Do you get out of breath from clicking the buttons on a remote control? Do you only stop eating because the bag of chips is empty and the pantry seems like too far to walk? Ever sleep on the couch because climbing the stairs to your bed looks like an expedition up the Matterhorn? If you answered yes to any (or all) of those questions, you know what you are. A classic couch potato.
    Relax. You’re not alone.
    Everyone starts somewhere. And I have good news for you. If you’re overweight, out of shape or don’t exercise at all, you’re going to discover that even a little bit of exercise will give you huge benefits. As your trainer, I have one simple goal for you right now.
    I want you up off the couch and moving.
    I’m not talking about running. I’m not talking about an hour on the elliptical. I just want to see you move a little. You’ll be shocked to discover what a difference simply walking around the block a couple times a day is going to make to your overall health, endurance and flexibility.
    At this stage, just getting started is the biggest obstacle you’ll face. A lot of people like to walk with a friend or partner to give them the motivation they need to get out the door. But let’s say you don’t have a friend that fits into your schedule.
    How about getting a friend that’s always on your schedule?
    If you’re having trouble walking yourself, how about walking a dog? It’s not unusual for people to get a pet to join them in their exercise. Even better, if you get one at the pound, you’re not only saving a few dollars, you’re saving a life—not to mention your health.
    But let’s say you’re not ready for dog ownership. How about you borrow one?
    Talk to friends and family or put up a sign around the neighborhood asking if anyone has a dog that needs exercise once a day. People will jump at the chance. Anything that gets you up and off that couch is going to start making you feel stronger and more alive. You’ll feel better than you have in years and you’ll start to think that it might be nice to fit into your clothes from a while ago. You know, that ones that are hidden away in the back of the closet.
    Congratulations! You’re no longer a Couch Potato!
    It’s time to take things to the next level.