Alrighty Then

Two posts in one day?!?

I know. Sorry, folks. I have a lot on my mind today, it seems.

This is a clarification post---I felt the need to re-share some things so not only can I quit thinking about them, but maybe some of you can REALLY hear my heart.

When I wrote the "Mel's Fitness 101" post, I was not in ANY form or fashion trying to push my beliefs on any of you. My blog--no apologies for what I write. Read it, take what you can use (if anything), and throw the rest away.
I will never, nor have I EVER stated that I believe any of you need to get your butts off the couch. That's just rude and uncalled for. If you heard me say that, then that's probably your inner man speaking the truth.

*ahem*

I have definitely become a more outspoken individual, but the circumstances of late have forced that out of me. I simply felt the need to write down what I think about fitness and the world's opinions on such, so I did.
I would encourage anyone and everyone even the slightest bit interested in the world of fitness to take the class I just finished---Personal Training at AC taught by Trent O'Neal--even if you never want to be a personal trainer. While I don't put Trent up on some pedestal, I do respect his knowledge on weightlifting, aerobic training, and overall total body fitness. He has several degrees and a boatload of ideas on how to improve one's physique, mind, and overall wellbeing.
And for those to whom it matters, he is a Christian.

My hubby is also one of the smartest people I know about fitness (yes, he is a certified personal trainer and has been for many years), and I'm sure he would answer any and all questions asked of him. In fact, for over 13 years, I've leeched on to him for support and answers when I was in the least perfect shape. He's a brain. Trust me on this. And his physique is not too shabby either.
And for those to whom it matters, he is a Christian.

My desire is to see people mentally, physically, and spiritually fullfilled.
When I worked with my client (the one I had for a grade during the class), I saw an amazing transformation---and I do not take the full credit for that. Yes, I designed programs for her. I met with her once a week for an hour--that's all I was allowed. I showed her the proper lifting techniques, helped her figure out the different machines, and encouraged her as best I could. She, however, was the main reason for her own success. She took the initiative, took what I taught her, and ran with it. She not only pushed further and harder than I ever expected, she took the knowledge and shared it with her boyfriend. Together, they are changing their bodies and feeling great. I could not have been more pleased or felt more rewarded.

That's why I am excited to be a personal trainer, folks. No other reason. I want individuals AND couples to work their hardest, push their bodies to the limits, make crazy pie-in-the-sky goals, and feel good about themselves!
So you want to run a 1/2 marathon?
DO IT!
Feel the need to lose baby weight?
RIGHT ON, SISTER!
Trying to recover from surgery or trauma?
IT'S TOTALLY POSSIBLE!
Just want to improve your health, longevity, and build muscle?
GET AFTER IT!

That all being said, I personally believe the world has preyed upon our natural desire to better ourselves. Christian and non-Christian authors alike have written TONS of books on fitness, dealing with both physical and spiritual aspects. Heck, there are probably 20 magazines right now at the store on just fitness stuff alone. The problem here is that 90% of the population has had no real training nor real understanding of all things fitness-related, thus they fall victim to whatever is written and put in an eye-catching package.There are a million and one diet plans, new fads, old wives' tales, and much more that we have to weed through to find even an inkling of truth. I know some of these authors/dietitians/trainers/etc have their hearts in the right place, but they also have a steady paycheck from the sales of their books. Like I said before, I have read probably 4-6 of these books. I own some of them still. I will admit, for a time, they made me feel good. But that's where it ended. All I ever did was feel good for a season, and then I was right back to being unhappy with my body all over again. I would go back to the store, pick out another book, and try again. Same result. Something inside of me just knew there was a better way to achieve inner and outer peace. The God of this world didn't try to make it a mystery that we can only discover if we read the right book or listen to the right CD. He put different fitness blueprints inside of us all, and I believe it's up to the individual to harness that and make it work. No book can understand you or how God made you. Sorry. Not gonna happen.

And if you don't believe in God, I am still of the opinion that you, too, have a blueprint inside of you as to what will make your body perform and look its best.

I can tell you right now...I will be honest with my future clients and not sugarcoat things. I will be a pusher. An encourager. A motivator. I will not accept "I can't" as a statement used in a conversation during workout time. I will ask them to set goals, and I will regularly check in to see how they are progressing. I won't let a client do an exercise incorrectly, simply because it hurts less to do it a sloppy way or because they don't want to put forth the effort it takes. Just not going to happen. And I will always rely on my darling kettlebells. :)

No personal trainer on this planet can push you hard enough. No book can make you feel good enough. There is no magic pill and no instant cure. No diet plan works everyday, forever and ever, as long as you live. Trust me. I know this from painful experience. Tweak it, work with it, and mold it. Make your flesh submit to YOU, not you to it.
Look, I follow my OWN rules. I do, however, take advice from many different sources in order to form my own rules, which I believe is highly necessary.

Now...about dieting. That is such a harsh word, isn't it? Not all diets work for all people. For example, my husband has been on the Atkins diet (on and off--he has occasional cheat days because, you know, he IS human) since the ripe age of 13. It works for him, and he is completely happy with it. NOT ME. I hated the Atkins diet. I feel like a grumpy, starving, jittery mess when I try to follow it--for even just half a day! I found that reducing caloric intake and not eating after 7pm works for me.
I am not ashamed to say that I did participate in the Nutrisystem weight loss plan. They deliver perfectly portioned, low caloric count meals to your door, and they also give you a guide that teaches you how to incorporate fruits, veggies, and other goodies. They teach you to eat what is available, but within reason. I lost over 40lbs following this plan, and I contribute much of my current knowledge of portion control to them. I know women who have gone to the Doctor's Clinic and been highly successful. There are others in love with Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, South Beach Diet, etc. That's totally cool! If it teaches you the basics of how to harness your willpower, then I'm completely a fan!

Folks, this is what is boils down to: WILLPOWER. INNER STRENGTH. MIND OVER FLESH. Yes, it's great to love yourself, but do you really love yourself? I found that the more these books told me to do just that, the more miserable I was. I didn't love what I saw in the mirror until I chose to change and found the inner strength to do so. That doesn't come from a book. And don't EVEN get me started on weight loss pills...
I got my power back. I have the attitude that nothing is going to be impossible to me as long as I try my hardest and don't give up.
I love my curves and have a blast being naked with my husband.

*Yes, I wrote that outloud. Gasp.*

I do step on the scale on occasion, just to get an idea of where I'm at--especially if clothes are fitting tighter or I'm just not feeling like myself. Like around the holidays or that special time of the month. Bleh.
I encourage each of you to find that power within yourself. Stop searching for someone else's opinion on how you are supposed to feel in your own skin. Fancy words are no substitute for hard work, knowledge, and dedication.

And for the love of all that's sacred in this world, STOP comparing yourself to others. That is no good. Very bad. Stop it. You are you. End of story.

Again I say, do not be afraid to have an accountability partner. We all need them. And if you feel like you need the advice and encouragement of a personal trainer, that's what they are there for. If anything, they can show you new ways to work out so you don't get bored, frustrated, or embarrassed from lack of understanding of exercises or equipment. Too many times I see people join a gym, try a few things out, feel overwhelmed, and quit in a month because it's just all too much. Not cool. And it doesn't have to be that way, I promise.

FYI: Unfortunately, cardio machines are NOT going to really help you lose weight. They are great for building up the heart, but there are hundreds of other muscles in your body that need building up too. Lifting weights (either free weights or machines) will build those muscles, burn fat, and speed up your metabolism. John and I refer to people who lose a bunch of weight doing JUST cardio as "fat skinny people." Yes, they lost weight in lbs. Yes, they wear a smaller pant size. However, they are jello-y all over. No muscle tone, no definition. Skin over bones and fat. And yes, they have a bigger body fat percentage than someone heavier set that lifts weights. I have the data to prove that.

I am passionate about fitness. That will never change. I am also passionate about people. I just want to see them happy with themselves.

And I promise I won't write a book about it.

~Mel