Quadriceps/Chest/Shoulders/Abs: With your knees together, kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels with your toes pointed backwards, now lean back and place the palms of your hands on the floor behind you pointed away from your body. (Courtesy Photo: Tom Fabbri)

Southampton - The term style brings about many concepts; the process of creating something - say in fashion or design - a prevailing mode of expression, for example, clothing. Now consider physical appearance, in particular, our fitness level and how it relates to our style.

Attributes that define the human perception for physical attractiveness is believed to significantly affect our personality, confidence and social relations. It is a natural reaction of human nature to be acutely sensitive to our physical appearance. The main differences in human appearance are a result of lifestyle; a fit lifestyle or an unhealthy lifestyle.

As a personal trainer, when I think of style and fitness, two icons come to mind. The first is Vidal Sassoon, who understood the importance of a fit lifestyle and how it related to the individuals own unique image. In his case, Vidal believed hair was the focal point of style. Vidal even had a best selling book, "A Year in Beauty and Health." The other icon that I had the pleasure of meeting and piloting for is Ralph Lauren. Ralph has given us that clean, healthy, all-American look and has done this so consistently that his name is often used as synonym for "quality" and "stylish."

Arms/Shoulders/Neck: While seated on the floor with one arm flexed, raised over your head, grab your elbow with the opposite hand and pull your elbow behind your head. (Courtesy Photo: Tom Fabbri)

Do we need a reason to care about how we look, or more importantly how we feel? As a human being, you should always take pride in your appearance. Do you leave the house in the morning without brushing your teeth and taking a shower? It is a necessity, but doing so also makes us look and feel good. Why stop there? Taking care of yourself makes you look, and feel good.

The Standard American Diet, or SAD as we call it, does not provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly and look our healthiest. Our American diet is actually contributing to our premature aging. In addition, two-thirds of all U.S. deaths are directly related to nutritional deficiencies. Juicing is an effective solution to this program. I have been recommending juicing to my clients to ensure optimum nutrition and health. Juicing from fresh vegetables and fruits provides nutrients for great health and living a long ageless life.

When you have a lean, fit, and healthy body you can wear just about anything you want and pull it off - also because being healthy and fit brings out a person's confidence like nothing else can.


I really believe that people do care how they come across physically, but these days it is almost acceptable to be overweight and out of shape. Remember that old saying "clothes make the man" when you have sexy clothes on, do you not feel different? When someone turns his or her head to look at you, doesn't it make you feel good?

Changing your fitness level will help you change and grow in all areas of your life. It will affect your business relations, family life, and your personal relationships; ultimately it will change your style.

Hamstrings/Calves/Lower Back/Upper Back: From a standing position, bend over to place the palms of your hands on the floor, now walk your hands forward about two feet until you feel the tension in your hamstrings relax, keep your heels planted on the floor. (Courtesy Photo: Tom Fabbri)

NBC's hit weight loss series, "The Biggest Loser," is a popular show for a reason. Check out the winners of the show - they are truly styling. One piece of clothing or a new haircut can change your look, but changing your body will ultimately change your style. Even just one flirtatious glance or compliment can put a spring in your step.

So the question is, how can you start to feel good about yourself and build confidence? Start by taking care of your body and your health; once you do this people will start to notice you. Then you will dress like you care and actually start to love yourself again. However, this will require getting out of your comfort zone, so ask a friend or loved one to help evaluate how you look; tell them to be honest, also tell them to be gentle as this is new territory and you don't want any negativity to set you back or discourage you.

When it comes to physical fitness, the everyday, at-home athlete has little knowledge and understanding of stretching and flexibility. And whether you are a stay-at-home mom or busy executive, your body is your instrument and proper stretching must be incorporated into your routine if you are seeking the Ageless Lifestyle.

By being more flexible you can reduce the rate at which you age, and flexibility can be developed at any age. I have incorporated here Five Flexibility or Stretching Techniques, which along with exercise, sound nutrition, and supplementation, will allow you to use to your full advantage to get to that Ageless You.