SPORTSNFITNESS

As a certified fitness professional, I hear a lot of things/excuses from people regarding their schedules and abilities (or lack thereof) to exercise/make time for heir health. I'm writing this post based on the statements made during a conversation I had yesterday with a member of mine. She had spent twenty minutes or so expressing frustration about her diet and weight loss issues. She went into detail regarding the typical ups and downs of weight loss; the roller coaster of emotions and weight change. After listening to her intently and conveying my understanding for her situation, since it is a struggle well-known by the majority of the population, I really did not have that much sympathy for her. As a certified fitness professional, I have heard this story or ones similar to it almost daily. It's not that I don't understand or have compassion for their struggles, but is time for some BRUTAL HONESTY. The degree of passion which my members/clients/friends express fr...

“If you're going to be passionate about something, be passionate about learning. If you're going to fight something, fight for those in need. If you're going to question something, question authority. If you're going to lose something lose your inhibitions. If you're going to gain something , gain respect and confidence. And if you're going to hate something, hate the false idea that you are not capable of your dreams.” - Daniel Golston

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford”

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day.” – Emerson

"Out of clutter, find simplicity, from discard, find harmony, in the middle of difficulty lies opporunity.” – Albert Einstein

“Never, never, never give up.” - Winston Churchill

“Begin anywhere.” - John Cage

“Everything Happens for a Reason” - American Proverb

Now that the end of the year is approaching, those New Year's Resolutions start to creep into focus. The most important thing to remember when making those resolutions is to understand what goes into changing something about yourself. Here's a great quote from one of the greatest NFL coaches in the league: "One thing that could be a problem is breaking old habits. It's not that you don't understand what the new responsibilities are, but just the fact that you've been doing something a long time and you're kind of used to doing it, it's a habit, and that's not what's required in the other system and that means kind of undoing something before you can even start to do something new." - Bill Belichick

"All things splendid have been achieved by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance...” – Bruce Barton

“Pain is weakness leaving the body.” - Eddie George

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will." -Vince Lombardi

"When You're Not Out There Practicing, Someone Else Is." -Unknown

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. ~ Jim Ryun

"If we did all we were capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves." ~ Thomas Edison

Everyone is busy these days. There's not enough time in the day for all the things we need to accomplish. Fitness is often pushed to the bottom of the list. YOU are a top priority. Keeping YOU healthy should also be a top priority. Cherish life and YOURSELF. "You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it. " ~ Charles Buxton (Author, Philanthropist)

Obstacles, Barriers, Excuses, etc. Whatever you want to call them, there are many factors that can derail your fitness plans. All that hard work and effort can be compromised if you aren't prepared for these deterrents. The best way to address these obstacles is head on with a solid strategy. First of all, the most important thing to remember is that obstacles are a part of reality. Life is full of surprises and a smart, fit individual must be prepared for such surprises. You've got to find what works for you, but if you aren't sure where to start or how to create a strategy; here are a few examples. LACK OF HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS - Nothing but fast-food chains or fried food around? Strategy: Try to skim the menu/food available for the most healthy options. (grilled, boiled etc) Carry healthy snacks with you when you travel. (Pack your preferred nutrition bar) LACK OF SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM - No one supporting you? No one wants to go to the gym with you or your friends are al...

A good friend of mine just reminded me that even though things get a little crazy, it's important not to lose sight of your goals, dreams, passion and how important it is to stay positive and motivated. Here's a motivational phrase to give you the kick in the pants some of you might need to chase your dreams! "Just go out there and do what you've got to do." ~ Martina Navratilova

"Where the heart is willing, it will find a thousand ways. Where it is unwilling, it will find a thousand excuses." ~ Arlen Price