Exercise in the New Millennium
Tolucan Times, January 10th, 2001

Whether we're biking, jogging, walking or hiking we are all still chasing the ideal weight. The dream of that "perfect size" has never left our minds. Every year, around this time we wake up one morning and say, "Today is the day I'm going to try again . "We really want the results. However, the big questions is... "are we willing to pay the price?"

Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I have one hour a day to change my life?
2. Do I need to be held accountable?
3. Do I know enough about what I'm eating to create a caloric deficit?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, then chances are you are willing to go the extra mile to do what it takes. If you answered "no", you might want to re-evaluate what is most important to you and how much time you are willing to devote to achieving it.
But, before we jump in, we might want to look at where we are now, why we are there and how we can learn from past endeavors to change our course in the future.

If you have been the same weight for the past three months, your daily calories are equal to your present activity. Therefore, you have maintained your body weight. If you have gained weight in the past three months, then you have eaten too many calories for your present activity. You are in a surplus and will continue to put on the pounds. However, if you have lost weight in the last three months, then consider yourself lucky, because you have been in a calorie deficit. Congratulations!

If you are confused by any of this information, that's okay, you're not alone. I realized after 10 years of training, that most people are lost when it comes to dieting and fitness training programs. That's why I created CASTALDI'S KILLER BOOT CAMP I know most people are not lazy, they are misinformed or bored. So my quest began. I would create a program that would not only educate people, but also allow them the opportunity to play. My challenge was to put the "fun back into fitness."

I took my experience as a professional stunt woman at Universal Studios and my theatrical training at the University of Maryland and combined that with my aerobic and personal training background and bada boom, bada bing! I came up with a Private Benjamin style of training. I had a hunch that if I could make people laugh again, and have fun while losing weight, they would finally enjoy the journey
And that is my mission to teach people to really enjoy their journey. Health is taken for granted so often, and until something is taken away from us, we don't realize how blessed we truly are. If you've ever been really sick and couldn't get out of bed, then you know what I'm talking about. It would be a pleasure to walk around the block or play ball with the kids. You know that it's those times we say, "Wow, I wish I felt good enough to ride a bike."

Well, the truth of the matter is, don't wait until you are sick or on your deathbed to appreciate your good health. You can always improve your fitness level with some good instruction and a detailed plan. So don't wait another minute. Decide what you want and go after it. It all starts with a dream a plan, and massive action. Stick to your course and commit not only to yourself, but tell a friend, family ,member, or loved one you want to be held accountable! Ask them to check in with you on a weekly basis and share your progress and victories with them. These are tools I use in my BOOT CAMP and in other programs I've created and it works. Good luck in the New Year and remember, always remain positive, because your attitude

1. Set goals.
2. Do things you love that require movement.
3. Watch inspirational movies.
4. Make a tape of your favorite music to work out to (for me, it's Salsa!).
5. Make training and exercise the PROCESS not the GOAL (I train and exercise to be a better DANCER).
6. Have a training partner.
7. Go on a one-mile walk that has a purpose (walk to buy a cup of coffee, the paper, a book).
8. Send yourself a postcard that congratulates you for getting started.,
9. Keep a food journal.
10. Have a buddy with whom to share your victories; it rein forces good habits.