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Workout number 22 at XTC Fitness & Sports

August 23rd, 2011

kickboxing class xtc fitnessI finished workout number 22 at Tony Cruz XTC Fitness & Sports last week and I have yet to change my eating habits but I am now at 174 pounds from my all time maximize size of 195 pounds.

I am getting pretty good now at coming in almost every time to the group kickboxing class at noon at XTC. I am able to fit this 45 minute class in on my lunch break and get a really good cardio workout in while building a little muscle.

Because I am maintaining a moderate heart rate throughout the class it helps to decrease my appetite so even though I have not changed my eating habits I most likely do not eat as big of portions as I used to because I am just not that hungry anymore.

For having only done 22 workouts I would say that my weight loss is a pretty awesome result of this class and as a 35 year old male I see the main benefit being my increased health and lower chances of developing heart disease as I age.

I will likely eventually change up my diet more and eat healthier simply because as you move along the pathway of your goals you start to see your pathway light up in front of you showing you what to do next.

It simply becomes clearer as you move forward in business and life what the next step is and this is all a part of the game of success in whatever you do.

The important point to take away here is to do something. Move forward in some small manner and even though you don’t yet know what the end result or next step will be it will become clearer as you make some effort.

Tony Cruz XTC Fitness & Sports makes your progress even faster as when in a group workout class you are told what to do throughout the entire workout. A group exercise class does not have much of a learning curve or self motivation factor as you are almost forcing your will into action.

Every time I go to do one of these workouts I am amazed at the level of intensity and can admit that if left on my own I would have likely not forced myself to complete the workout with the same amount of effort.

A good group exercise class like the kickboxing or cycling class at XTC is a great way to move yourself into a new positive routine in your life. I truly believe you will feel better, healthier, and have a new outlook on how easy it can be to achieve new goals in your life once you do this class a few times.

Go check out their website blog here to learn more: Tony Cruz XTC Fitness & Sports

Vietnamese Pho Restaurant

January 23rd, 2010

Vietnamese Pho Restaurant

3837 US Hwy 64
Tyler, TX 75704
(903) 526-1599

Having recently moved to Tyler Texas, I am always on the lookout for new places to eat. I am particularly fond of ethnic food, so when I heard about a new Vietnamese restaurant in town, I couldn’t wait to try it out. My wife and I met her two brothers and their wives for dinner there last night, and we all agreed that it was a great experience. Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

Pho Restaurant is located just outside W Loop 323 on US Hwy 64, across from the big super Wal-Mart. It’s right next to El Quatro Mexican restaurant, which I haven’t tried out yet. Parking is plentiful, and the lot is well lit at night. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm. There is a sister location on N. High street in Longview as well.

The atmosphere and décor leave something to be desired, but that is fairly common for small mom-and-pop Asian restaurants. The dining area was very clean – I didn’t see any food or trash on the floor or on any of the unoccupied tables. The restrooms were also quite clean. The fluorescent lights and drop-in ceiling detract a little from the overall dining experience, but what Pho lacks in atmosphere, it makes up in service and taste. (If you are looking for Asian dining with great atmosphere, try Julian’s in the Times Square Shopping Center on South Broadway).

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The menu at Pho Restaurant is clearly laid out and very reasonably priced. I think all of their entrees are under 10 dollars, and most of them are 7 dollars or less. A casual glance around the room can help you decide what dish to order – they have large pictures of many of their menu items posted on the walls. I ended up choosing my meal by looking at the pictures on the wall. I chose number 22 – stir fried vermicelli with beef, chicken, and shrimp.

One of the things that impressed me was the quality of the service. When the hostess noticed my sister-in-law feeding baby food to her one year old daughter, she brought a little child-sized plate for her to use. When our meals arrived, she recommended which sauces and seasonings to use with each of our dishes. The hoisin and sriracha sauces she suggested for my meal complimented it perfectly. They gave it a wonderful sweet and savory flavor with just enough of a spicy kick to make your lips tingle.

Now on to the good stuff! My stir-fried vermicelli with chicken, beef, and shrimp was absolutely delicious. My wife loved menu item 8b – shrimp and egg roll with vermicelli. The shrimp was grilled to perfection, and it came with some kind of vinegar/fish sauce that she mixed with the hoisin sauce to create a delightful and savory meal.

Pho Vietnamese Restaurant Tyler TX

Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

For an appetizer we ordered the shrimp spring rolls. If you have never tried Vietnamese spring rolls, you simply must try them at Pho. They are incredibly cool and crisp and refreshingly unique owing to the fresh mint leaves they use to make them. The portions at Pho restaurant are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the food is authentically Vietnamese.

All six of us who ate there last night said that we would order the same meal again next time, and all six of us ordered different things! I personally loved menu item 22, but I feel confident recommending items 8b and 10b as well. If you are looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine at a fair price, you no longer need to drive to Dallas to get it. Go check out Vietnamese Pho Restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.