The top story in almost every newspaper these days revolves around the BP oil spill catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico.

This is not the first time we have been face to face with a disaster of huge proportions. However, with a little luck, we may actually see some progressive changes beginning to appear.

Changes like those that come once we are reminded that our role as a citizen of this great country is, as Thomas Jefferson once pointed out, “eternal vigilance.”

We can no longer let only our elected officials; government bureaucrats and corporate big businesses "look out" for us.

WE must make a point to pay attention to what’s going on around us. WE must speak up when we see wrong doings. WE must remember that WE THE PEOPLE are the employers and those others work for US. The time is now to "wake up" and do what we know deep down inside, is "the right thing" to do. The old adage, “Look within to find the answers” fully applies here. It applies to all levels of our world, our country and each of us.

For example, everyday I hear a lot of people talk about getting into or back into shape. But talk alone is not enough. Whatever the circumstances may be, it is important to approach a health and fitness plan with gusto, knowledge and perseverance. No matter what your age, the rest of your life lies ahead of you and how you live it is YOUR responsibility

There are many factors that can block the path to better health and fitness. One factor stems from an abundance of junk and fast foods available around every corner. Another area that restricts our fitness levels is the lack of regular exercise in our daily lives. To compound the problem, there are the conflicting studies and reports on diets and types of exercise.

With this in mind, we must remember that we are ultimately responsible for our own well-being. No one else is going to do that for us. Each of us is a ‘work of art’ in progress. We are both the artist and the art. Therefore, we are what we ‘paint’ on the ‘canvases’ of our life.

The art of staying fit requires not only desire, but determination and dedication as well. It is a practice, a discipline, a lifestyle and a philosophy regarding your whole being … Body, Mind and Spirit. For example, there are many people starting a weight loss program. There are two ways to approach this goal. The first is a "stand off" approach where a person attempts to force his or her body to respond to self imposed wishes, as though the body and the mind are somehow detached.

The other approach is a merging of mind and body to induce physical changes in a positive manner. The latter of these two approaches is more synergistic in nature. As such, it creates balance and harmony along with a smooth energy flow toward the goal.

In practical application of the above example, it must be understood that there is no one best way to lose body fat. It is an individual discipline. There is no one best diet. In fact, diets generally don’t work. What does work is a structured healthy meal plan in addition to a sensible regular exercise program.

The objective is to put your body into a daily calorie deficit. Caloric deficit is described as burning off more calories each day than you take in. It is a combination of reduced caloric intake and increased muscular activity. The two work in harmony. In addition to that, you also get ‘bonus points.’ The more muscle you build, the more calories you will burn to maintain that new muscular growth.

Establishing an attitude of success in your training begins with the presumption that we are naturally predestined to be happy, healthy and fit. We are incarnations of the Spirit, or all that is, or however you define the concept of God. What we do or don’t do to ourselves along the ‘path’ will determine whether or not we realize that destiny. Ironically, we have been blessed with ‘free will’ to make choices. However, be aware that some of those choices could produce results contrary to your goals. An example would be that of disregard in our daily dietary habits.

Excessive amounts of fats, carbohydrates and processed foods in combination with little or no daily exercise will and does contribute to numerous physical ailments, increased body fat and heart disease.

This is definitely not the way to go for a happy, healthy and fit life.

The time is now to take charge of your own well-being by getting back to the basics of a healthy lifestyle. Surround yourself with positive thoughts and information you need to pave the way. Stop trying to figure out which diet is right for you and begin thinking healthy. Eat smaller more frequent meals that are high in nutritional value. Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eat less refined and processed foods. Keep your protein levels up by focusing on lean cuts of meat, fish and poultry.

Reduce your intake of fats and excessive carbohydrates such as breads, buns, refined pasta, cream sauces and dressings.

Choose to become more active where ever possible is another avenue. Begin to use that bicycle that has been collecting dust in the garage, consider connecting with a personal trainer to help you out or just get out in the fresh air and sunshine for some walking, running or swimming. These are just a few of the choices you can make on a day-to-day basis. Small changes in your lifestyle will lead to big results over time. Here’s where dedication is very important.

The excess body fat you wish to reduce didn’t come on over night. Realistically speaking, it will not disappear over night. Patience, dedication, positive thinking and wise lifestyle choices will result in the achievement of your goals over time.

Remember, making fitness a ‘lifestyle’ is not just good for your body; it energizes and sharpens your abilities to handle the other areas of your life, as well. It’s not about how quickly we see the results we want, but rather, how long we keep at it that counts.

If you are not sure of where to begin, what to do, how to correct a problem area, or have any other questions pertaining to this column or relating to your fitness goals, please feel free to contact me at the email address below. Many of the questions you may have are the same questions others may have. I will answer all inquires by email or phone and include the most common ones in this column. Also, if you are interested in regular group fitness seminars, exercise classes such as water fitness, cycling or ‘fit-camps’ for weight loss or gain please let me hear from you.

Set a personal goal for yourself: Live Healthier, Live Longer: Get Fit For Life.

Dennis Mason is a certified personal trainer and coach with over 30 years experience, an NPC bodybuilding competitor, charity cyclist, health and fitness motivational speaker and author. Contact him for information regarding his services and private fitness studio in Palm Springs. On the Web at: www.inshapefitness.net, dennis@inshapefitness.net, 760.219.5877. Private personal training, fit-lifestyle coaching, nutritional guidance and sports massage by appointment.