Tag Archives: Kangoo

Aug 28

A disruptive technology for the body

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Kangoo will be to Zumba what Amazon was to
Borders: a disruptive technology.

In case you're not familiar with disruptive technology,
the term was first coined by Clayton Christianson, a Harvard professor who
penned the best-selling business book entitled, 'The Innovator's Dilemma'. In
it, he described not only how business models such as Amazon's were disrupting
the status quo, but also what executives could do to ensure their organizations
weren't prone to being Amazoned (I know all this because we publicized the
book. Thank you very much).

At any rate, I know a disruptive technology when I see
one and Kangoo is the real deal. All it lacks is an aggressive marketing
campaign.

Kangoo already possesses a brilliant role model in Mario Godiva.

I've worked with Mario, and one of his top associates,
Eric Daniels (elifestyletraining@gmail.com).
Together, they've completely disrupted my prior training regimen, and the way
in which I think about wellness.

Mario's led Kangoo dance and fitness classes as well as
Kangoo runs with many of my fellow employees at Peppercom. And, Eric's working
with some of my associates on their overall wellness programs.

In my case, I've literally stopped using sneakers to run long
distance. I now do it in Kangoos. And, the training by Mario and Eric provides
a post workout high that rivals the very best laughing gas in the world (I know
my way around the dentist's chair). 

But, here's why Kangoo will disrupt Zumba and other FOD's
(fads of the day). Kangoo was originally designed to help people recover from
back and knee injuries. The rebounding/running boots reduce 80 percent of the
pressure on one's knees and lower back while simultaneously engaging the core. Kangoo

It's an amazing balancing act that has captivated kids
from eight to 80. I say again, kids from eight to 80.

Kangoo is both intense and a blast. And, unlike Zumba,
there's no post workout joint pain. And, there my friends, is the rub. One gets
a high without any residual pain. That's disruptive.

I was running five miles in my Kangoo boots just this
morning. As I rounded a corner, a guy yelled out, 'Hey, isn't that cheating?' I
smiled and said, 'If it is, then I'm the Lance Armstrong of the hood because I
love cheating in my Kangoo boots.'

Try them. You'll like them.

Apr 06

A Fit Reputation

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Peppercommer and Stand-Up Executive Deb Brown interviews fitness expert and International Kangoo Master Trainer Mario Godiva about the correlation between being fit and successful in your job.

Mario godiva green 640-360How does being fit help your personal image and reputation at work?

When people are fit, they’re more energetic, more motivated, and have a confidence about them.  They’re generally more productive, handle stress well, and other people admire them.  Studies have shown that when employees are fit and attractive, they are usually more successful and paid more.  But, it’s not just because they look fit.  A lot of it is because of the effects of exercise:  mood, energy, motivation, and productivity. 

What do you say to people who say they just don’t have the time to exercise?

Anyone who tells me that they are too busy to work out, I say “You know what? There is always someone busier than you who exercises and eats healthy. Don’t make excuses, make the time.”  If you aren’t responsible enough to take care of your own personal health and wellbeing and make it a priority, how can you be responsible enough to take care of anything else and be efficient and excel at your job? Instead of talking to your friend for an hour, you can work out for an hour. It’s all about prioritizing.

Why don’t bosses encourage exercise?  What’s the barrier?

The barrier is cost.  It’s expensive to eat healthy.  It’s a lot cheaper to order pizza.  Some companies are good about it and provide a gym membership.  Those companies are few and far between.  Companies are looking to cut.  The last thing they want to do is spend more money.

Can exercise make a difference in how bosses manage employees?

Absolutely.  Exercise affects your mood. Exercise produces endorphins, which help to relieve stress.  They’re induced by exercise as well as by laughing.  Employees who are mean are the ones who don’t experience those endorphins. If they exercised enough, they would be happier, calmer.  They don’t know how to take care of their stress, so they take it out on others.  If they’re exercising, they’d be better at handling that stress. 

When you do corporate training, are most employees fit or not fit?

It depends on the company.  There’s usually a small subculture that is fit.  Unfortunately, at some companies, I’ve met with people who’ve gained weight because of working at the company. They may have gained 10, 15, 20 pounds because of the stress. And, that’s more of a common theme that I see. They get a new job and then gain weight because of the stress that accompanies the job, or they’re sitting all day, or they’re eating the unhealthy food in the cafeteria.  It’s a very sad thing to hear.  

Can being fit help you move up the corporate ladder?

Yes. You become more visible, you stand out more.  You’re the calm one, you’re the one handling stress.  It’s the feeling that exercise gives you that makes you more successful.