Fitness Tips with Billy Blanks, Who Opened a South O.C. 'Ancient Arts Studio'

From a press release:

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has announced that Tae Bo creator and international fitness sensation Billy Blanks will be the Dana Point Turkey Trot’s Official Fitness Expert for this year’s race, running through the Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27.

Here’s a Q&A with Blanks:

Not only do you live locally but you recently joined the local business community by bringing your internationally known, and practiced, Tae Bo Fitness program to Dana Point. What does it mean to now reach a larger portion of the community at the annual Turkey Trot to promote health, wellness?

BLANKS: “It means so much to bring my new Billy Blanks Ancient Arts Studio to Dana Point. It’s an honor to help the people of Dana Point and the surrounding communities reach their fitness and wellness goals through Tae Bo® and our other programs to help everyone stay fit, strong and healthy. Being able to reach out to a larger portion of the community at this year’s Turkey Trot is also an honor. It means I can share my message of the importance of a fit and healthy lifestyle.”

In a recent Facebook post, you shared a meme that said, “It never gets easier, you just get stronger.” How does that translate outside of the Tae Bo® program and into other workouts, such as distance running, for those who may want to give up before reaching the finish line?

BLANKS: “That statement truly applies to any form of exercise or in the pursuit of any goal. I think it’s most important to understand what we’re made of deep down inside. It’s not just a challenge of the body; it’s a challenge of the mind and the will. Anyone can exercise easily for the first 20 minutes. After that it’s the ability to dig down to that part of ourselves that allows us to push through to the end. You have to think of it as rising up to complete a challenge and before you know it, you will be crossing that finish line. At the end you will come away knowing you completed something you weren’t sure you could do, which will empower you in all areas of your life.”

Runners of all ages and skill levels come to Dana Point for this annual event, what advice do you have for the youngest of runners racing in the Kids’ Gobble Wobble, many competing in their first-ever running event? What about other members of the family whose running may be in its infancy?

BLANKS: “I think the Gobble Wobble is a great way to promote health and wellness for the youngest members of our community. Just getting out there and participating is half the goal. I will be sure to help them warm up to help keep them from getting hurt. The most important thing is that the kids stay safe and have a great time. For our runners that are a little older but inexperienced, they need to be sure to stretch so that they don’t pull any muscles. They also need to slowly build up their cardio with running or Tae Bo® to improve performance and can start a weight training program to strengthen the body.”

You’ve dedicated your life to fitness and the education of others, how do you prepare for an early morning workout? And what tips do you have for runners as they prepare for their respective races? Any magic foods that can help boost their energy? What about stretches to prevent cramping?

BLANKS: “I have been blessed to dedicate my life to fitness and educating others. Early morning is the best time to work out. You have to think of it as a chance to start off the day in a positive way and to sustain energy throughout the day. Unfortunately, there are no magic foods that can help you prepare for the race. You have to eat the right proportion of proteins and carbohydrates to help sustain energy. Strive to eat foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and lean proteins. Also, avoid refined foods filled with sugar and chemicals. Eating right will help avoid cramping, but being sure to stretch your calves, quads and hips. You can also stretch your Achilles tendon by standing on the edge of a step and rising up and down with your toes. The most important element to avoid cramps is staying hydrated.”

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