What is F.I.R.E.?

Fire is chemically defined as the rapid oxidation of a chemical substance in a process known as combustion, releasing heat and light and excess matter. Fire has been a part of the universe since its very beginning, its has been a part of the human consciousness since we have experienced its great beauty, and awed at its total destruction. We have marvels at its ability to destroy life, as well as give it. Learning the ability to harness fire has been one of the greatest advances in our species. We use it as a fuel, heat, energy, fire cooks out food, and powers our vehicles. Fire is one of the most essential things in human existence.

One of the original known elements was Fire. Fire was adored by the Greeks and Romans alike, it was associated with Energy, Assertiveness, and Passion. They also recognized the great destructive consumption power of fire with there God Hades, and the live giving power of Fire with there God Hephaestus the god of metal working and smithing. Fire has been associated with many ancient rituals from life giving, to life ending, we have for long times been at its mercy and awe.

But what is F.I.R.E.? For the sake of the acronym it means Frequent Intense Resistance Exercise. Which are the four principles it takes to but a body of your dreams, to get yourself in shape, and change your outlook on life.

Frequency is key in exercise programs. Despite what you hear on the infomercials, 3 times a week 20 minutes a day is not enough, its something the tell people to sell there useless equipment. As said frequency plays a role, in building of lean muscle tissue and becoming more coordinated with exercises and movements. The more you do something the better you get at it, and the more you get better at it, the better results you will get

Intense, or for the sake of description Intensity is another big key in an successful exercise program. If you hit the gym, or go on an exercise regiment, and your not sweating somewhat or panting, you are not training with intensity. Now when you first start out, getting the movements down is key and you do not want to go all out crazy and hurt yourself. But as your Frequency increases and you get better and better at the exercises, you can begin to build up the intensity. When you get done exercising, you should be a little short of breath, or covered in some sweat. Do not be afraid of sweat, it builds character and cleanses the body.

Resistance training is without a doubt, hands down the best method of training to improve the function and appearance of your body. Now one does not need to have the bulging muscles of a body builder, or be able to pull a 747 jumbo jet like a world strongman to experience the benefits of resistance training. Resistance training help builds good lean muscle which has countless benefits. Being strong never has any drawbacks, it can help improve the quality of life by ten fold, you can move better, walk easier, move things around your house, play with your kids, work in your yard, enjoy some one on one time with your special someone even better. Muscle also looks great in clothes, and even better not in clothes, I mean I don’t know a single person who does not want to look good naked. I’m sorry, spinning your wheels on a treadmill or elliptical will not change your body the way resistance training will. The more lean muscle you have, the more fat you will burn, and the leaner you will look and better you will feel.

Exercise is ultimately what this is all about. Frequency is great, intensity is awesome, and Resistance training is a god send, but exercising in general is what it ultimately is all about. I am often asked “what is the best workout program for (insert goal)” to which my answer always is “the exercise program you will do”. If you like to run, and loathe lifting weights, then by all means run, if you like hip hop dance classes instead of squat, well get your groove on, because the ultimate key is to get your body moving and doing some form of exercise on a regular basis to improve your over all health.

Using the principles of F.I.R.E. will ultimately be your best bet at achieving your goals. Do something on a regular frequent basis, get some intensity in your training, add some resistance and choose the proper exercises you will begin to see your body change.

Fight F.I.R.E. with fire, just as the ancients believed fire to have life destroying and giving properties, let the fire of your mind guide you. Get some passion about life, set some goals, and achieve them. Let your inner burning passions destroy the old unhealthy you and give life to the newer healthy you. Be assertive and take back control of your life. Let your fire burn and help rebuild a new body, new mind, and new soul. F.I.R.E. is not just exercise principles, its a mindset and way of life. Let the fire built here create and start new fires all over your life, that you have lost control of, get that control back, get that passion back, get that love of life back and take advantage of the here and now, start now, not tomorrow, not next week, regain that fire and that passion in your life, right now

I will end this is with a favorite phrase of mine. It comes from the younger brother of a close friend who was born with a terminally ill disease who passed away last year at the age of 17 due to his illness

“The past is history, the future is a mystery, and right now is a gift, its why its called the present”