Hi all,

 

I am convinced more and more each day that the majority of our obstacles are self created and mental.  (Yes.., I understand that there ARE physical limitations, especially as we get older.)  However, I firmly believe preconceptions, narrow mindedness, negative thoughts/influences make us "think" we are less than we are and make us "think"we can't do things we CAN.  Over time, these thoughts can do some major damage to what could be our true potential.  Think about it....... Our minds are truly a battlefield.  If we're not constantly aware of this, we won't begin to equip ourselves for the battle.  No planning, no tools, and no motivation is recipe for an ass kicking and lost opportunities to be all that we could be.  Remember..... what you feed, grows.  Whether it's fruit or weeds.  Do you want to bare fruit or get overtaken by kudzu?

 

I, like all of us, have to go to war each day.  Sometimes I get my ass kicked!  (Okay...more than sometimes) When I do, I have to keep it fresh in my mind in order to not repeat it again.  As a runner, I have succumb to an ass kicking quite often.  I would also venture to say that its been mental 95% of the time.  If I let myself quit in a training run, I know I am weakening my mind.  If I can stop then, its gonna get easier to do so the next time.  Slowly, I will convince myself that its "okay" to do so.  I had a similar experience with two training runs on a section of the Art Loeb.  The first two attempts broke me.  I "couldn't" get to the top without breaking into a hike.  The 2nd time was more miserable than the first and I found myself thinking it was "okay", and how it was physical b/c I haven't been running lately.  Its sooooo easy to sell yourself to avoid pain.  Last Friday, I slammed the door in the salesman's face!  I refused to lose the mental battle again and redefined myself.  I could have ended the run deflated again and fed negativity or I could put my head down and simply not let quit, stop, walk, can't, etc. be a part of my vocabulary.  Its NOT okay to give less than your best.  Once you decide you ARE going to do it, it simplifies things.  Quitting is NOT an option anymore.  You know what door you're going to open.  You simply have to step through, and never look back.  (Yes, I also think it takes a lot of courage to "try" and have heard a lot of people give credit and say "at least he tried" Bull shit.  Do or do not.  Make your mind up and prepare to "DO" like you intend to actually "DO" Luke warm water sucks and the only thing you find in the middle of the road are dead possoms)  Trust me, I'm talking to myself here more than you all.

 

All of us are very different.  We all have different mountains to climb.  Whether its Everest or sitting up in your bed without assistance from a nurse, the battle of the mind is the same for us all.  Last Friday's run may have only lasted an hour, but the mental/physical choices I made in that hour changed who I was for an entire weekend. When you conquer fear, doubt, negative mindset, poor self image, and a slew of other psychological weapons of the mind, you become free to be all that you were meant to be.  We may not win every battle, but you better start arming yourself with positive thoughts, quotes, constant motivation, influences, and self talk to win the damn war!  Remember... "It's never too late to be who you might have been."

Hi everyone!

It seems that last weeks email was a bit controversial. For the most part, people appreciated it. However, a few may have misunderstood a few things. I write this blog each week in an attempt to stir a bit of communication. If that means firing people up due to differences of opinions, so be it. My days of thinking I can please everyone are long gone. I used to lose a lot of sleep trying to make everyone happy and keep them motivated. I've been the General Manager of both a 6,000 and an 8,000 member fitness facility in my mid 20's. I believed at the time that I could make all of my members happy. Its impossible! and it almost drove me to an early grave trying. I made a lot of money, but wish more than anything to have those years back. Money, nice houses, and nice cars drove me to "succeed". My definition of success is COMPLETELY different today than it was then. Stuff is junk. A car takes you from point A to point B. A house is not a home. Titles are silly. Providing for your family is not financial, its time related. The Jones' are on their own. I have nothing to prove to anyone and find peace in God. I wear my heart on my sleeve and am who I am. I will always strive to be better, but I won't strive to please the world. In the BIG picture, the things that stress us to the point of explosion every single day do not matter at all. I used to live to work. Now, I work to live. I used to live to workout, now I workout to live. Wait..... that last part sounded a lot like "wellness". No it didn't. You can live "Fit" "Wellness" to me is defined as "not sick". Surely, I can aspire to be better than "not sick". Fitness CAN be fun! The road there can get you out of your comfort zone, and teach you so much more about who you truly are and can change who you aspire to be. There is nothing wrong with aspiring to BE GREAT!

Trust me; I still try to please everyone, but these days I am more focused on life balance, my families' happiness, and simply being true to myself/beliefs. I may please you, the results may please you, but I'm not going to put on an act and schmooze. Over my lifetime in fitness clubs, I have observed countless bad trainers. Its always driven me crazy and I'm sure it always will. I am a very "Results" oriented trainer. I am very matter of fact and to the point. I don't do small talk, I absolutely despise gossipers, meddlers, story fabricators, laziness, whining, spoiled brats, stay away from negative and pessimistic people, hate drama, mindless TV, or anything else that robs me of energy, productivity, or results that I aspire to achieve. I am constantly trying to set the sails of my ship to give more attention to things that matter. I'm not going to spend an hour of my time convincing someone that my opinion is right. That hour could be spent throwing ball with my two sons or having a phone conversation with my parents to let them know just how much I love them while they're still here. Its just an opinion. Everyone has the right to have one. Mine may work for me now, and heck, I may have an entirely different view tomorrow.

There was also a part in that last email that stated: "I am preaching to the choir" You guys get it. You all are doing it. I love the transformations that I've witnessed. I am not necesarrily referring to the physical. I've seen each of you grow in amazing ways. It fires me up to see people raise their own bars to levels they never deemd possible. It excites me to no end to see people take on a new hobby, step out of their comfort zone, and grab life by the horns. It excites me even more for those people to inspire and set the example for those around them. This is life changing stuff. We can all share in that. We are a family of support, motivation, and love. Lets join together in the pursuit to positively change the lives around us.

Oh yeah............ Don't forget tomorrow is the Firecracker 5k and 10k. It starts at 8am at the college. It should be a lot of fun, and I look forward to cheering you on!

Hi everyone!

The last few emails have been a little more formal and informative. Enough of that.

I am extremely passionate about "fitness". In most places I've lived there has not been a shortage of people equally as passionate and knowledgeable. The more extreme, the sweeter the taste of satisfaction and reward. Boot Camps explode! Call it EXTREME Boot Camp and it explodes faster. Mud runs, spartan races, and other challenging adventure races fill their entry slots within minutes of opening registration. My experience in Brevard has not reflected other places I've lived. Thats not a bad thing. Its just a thing. A simple "Boot Camp" intimidates people. A trail running club brings fear. Masters swim program is too hard. Why???? Maybe we call these things something else?........ As a whole, this community seems more of a "Wellness" community and not so much a "Fitness" community. I have a hard time relating to people that don't take their health seriously because I realize its one of the most important things we have. When you're passionate about "fitness" and your career/livlihood is based around it, it is more than frustrating to work in a "health club". In my experience, maybe 1% of a health club's member base has a clue about what it takes to get results. Personal Trainers in a health club are cursed to walk the floors and see people wasting their time with no direction, poor form, and have conversations with stubborn people that are convinced they are "working out". I realize that I am preaching to the choir a bit, but its time for us to take a stand for FITNESS in this town and not conform to "wellness".

I've calmed down quite a bit as opposed to my early years in this business. My first boss explained to me to simply let the members do what they do. "They are happy and what they are doing is better than nothing". That doesn't sit well with a passionate person. (Especially a high strung and rebellious one) One quick way to get me fired up is to down play the importance of a good trainer. EVERYbody needs a trainer. At a recent conference, a room full of trainers were asked:

• How many of you feel a trainer helps you achieve your goals at a much faster rate?
• How many of you feel you go at a pace and intensity that would not be achieved without a trainer?
• How many of you feel it is important to have a trainer for consistency, accountability, and RESULTS?
• How many of you have attempted to accomplish a goal on your own and fell short?

Several questions continued and all hands went up. Yet, when the question was asked; "How many of you have your own trainer?" Only a few hands went up. Almost all of the top trainers and athletes in the world have their own trainers. WHY? Because they get it. They are committed to RESULTS. They are committed to continued education. They are committed to succeeding. Success doesn't come from going through the motions and a sound sleep at night doesn't come from letting those loved ones around you waste their time "working out".

So.............. here is a tremendous opportunity for you all. Convince me you will take a stand for FITNESS and convince me you will recruit others to achieve their goals. You all have 1 month to help those you love commit with a training package. The person that recruits the most to view their health/goals as a priority will receive a 24 session PT package to help with your own goals for FREE. ($1,200)

Hi all!

Today is the official first day of summer and the season for vacations. Vacations typically mean most people hit a speed bump with their workout/training routines. Lets explore what happens when we take one day, two days,...... or even a whole month off.

Detraining Time Frames:

Days 1 to 2- Beta-endorphine & adrenaline levels drop. Mood affected negatively.

Days 3 to 5- Muscles lose elasticity. Aerobic capabilities drop 5% by the 5th day off!

Days 7 to 9- Body's ability to use oxygen drops by 10%

Day 10- Body's metabolic rate begins to drop.

Day 11 to 13- Max Heart Rate & cardiac output decline by 15%! Start to see first noticable loss in muscle tone.

Days 14 to 16- Mitochondrial activity in cells begin to decrease rapidly. Loss of muscle, strength, & metabolic rate occurs.

Days 17 to 19- Blood becomes less efficient at thermoregulation. Forced to spend excess energy to cool off.

Days 20 to 21- V02 max drops as much as 20%!!

Days 22 to 25- 10 to 15% loss of muscle mass & LOST MASS REPLACED BY FAT!

Day 27 to 29- Muscle strength drops by as much as 30%

Unfortunately, it doesn't take long to lose your hard earned gains. In the same way you can't magically get in the shape you would like or hit that magic number on the scale (that you should have thrown away last week) in 2 months when it took you 20 years to accumulate the fat you're carrying around. Fitness is a lifestyle and constant pursuit. There are no breaks. It should be enjoyable and as habitual as brushing your teeth. Even a little bit a day accumulates. Its called the La Cumbre Effect. Very focused & directed small units of work & modules can have a profound cumulative training effect. (Roger Bannister only trained during his lunch break during medical school to break the 4 minute mile!)