I'm laying it on the line...

I write on my blog almost every day of the week. I give advice. I try to motivate. I intend to educate. I attempt to live my life in the same fashion that I suggest for my readers.

But, even though I share little tidbits of myself with you... I feel like I haven't divulged my core beliefs about what it means to me to be a fitness professional. About what I truly believe concerning health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. I want to be transparent and honest with all my readers. So, I've compiled a list of my basic beliefs. I want to share my opinions and I encourage your comments.

Okay... Enjoy!

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- I believe that almost every common health problem can be linked back to insufficient activity and poor diet (I mean... joint pain, muscle pain, weight issues, metabolic disturbances, heart problems, digestive problems, sleep issues, skin problems, etc, etc.)


- I believe that the body was meant to move! It was meant to be challenged and pushed. And if we neglect to physically challenge our bodies, we will age more quickly, we will lose the ability to be physical, we will injure ourselves, we will become sick/diseased, and our bodies AND minds will break down.

- I believe that taking ibuprofen/advil/aspirin/alleve is NOT a beneficial form of treatment for physical pain. Medicine is simply like a band aid for pain. Soreness does not warrant pain killers. Pain from an injury or an imbalance should be dealt with by finding and treating the source of the pain - through corrective exercise, massage, soft tissue manipulation, chiropractic adjustments, ice/heat, etc. (Pain killers are necessary in certain situations - don't get me wrong - but people use them way too often to cover up the real issue at hand...)

- I believe that doctors are important - in instances of emergency and trauma and in the diagnosis/treatment of serious disease/illness. But they should NOT be an important source in general health education. They should not have much involvement in the promotion of fitness and proper nutrition. Doctors are good at what they do - but I believe that they do not have sufficient education in nutrition and exercise to give beneficial recommendations to the general public. The big problem is that they only give general, unhelpful health advice, yet push medications and drugs for every problem/issue imaginable. Instead - qualified, experienced, knowledgeable fitness professionals should have the sole responsibility for the re-education of the general public toward proper health practices.

- I believe that it's never too late to become fit. Age is only a factor that determines how quickly you can transform... but it is in no way a deterrent. Physical activity is something that all ages should be involved in!

- I believe that there is no limit to what you can accomplish, physically. People tend to put limits on themselves.


- I believe that too many women miss out on the power of being strong because they're afraid to get dirty and afraid to be uncomfortable. Or, they simply label themselves as "unable". I don't understand the act of prematurely labeling yourself before you even try... but I do understand fear of the unknown. And I am much more willing to respect a woman that will at least attempt to reach her potential or try something new in the physical world.

- I believe that there is no good excuse. Excuses hold you back from accomplishment. They are a way to justify and hide behind your fears. If you really want to accomplish something, no excuse will stand in your way of that pursuit.


- I believe that people don't realize how atrocious "normal" nutritious practices have become. When a way of eating becomes common, people don't question it as much or they justify that how they're eating is somehow okay (because everyone else does it).

- I believe that too many fitness professionals just regurgitate antiquated ideas. They don't question the common trainer "script" and they don't keep up with current research. Therefore, incorrect methods of training and nutrition are often perpetuated by an army of unqualified personal trainers - and the general public is left confused! BUT, I believe that a new breed of fitness professional is making a stand...


- I believe that the role of a fitness professional is one of the most important positions to be in. And one of the most rewarding.

- I believe that it is my responsibility to be the most qualified, most knowledgeable, most experienced, most enthusiastic fitness professional I can be... in order to be deserving of my title and my position as a top fitness pro, AND to be deserving of the trust of my clients and readers.

- I believe that, if you're gonna teach something, you need to have been successful in that something. Fitness professionals need to prove that they can follow a healthy lifestyle. They need to be fit and healthy! They need to walk the talk - be a walking billboard for their beliefs. Otherwise, how can you trust that they can get you results??

- I believe that true health is only possible through a synergistic combination of activity, physical stimulation, nourishment, hydration, rest, recovery, stress reduction, mental stimulation, and happiness/satisfaction.

- I believe that finding an activity you enjoy (and making time to enjoy that activity) feeds your soul. Give yourself the chance to be physical and you'll be much more satisfied with life.

- I believe that attitude is everything! You create your own experience in life. No, you don't have full control over what happens to you, externally. But ou have complete control over how you react/respond. Life can be hard - but with a "never give up" attitude and a will to always strive for satisfaction and excellence, life can be enjoyable, happy, fun, and worthwhile. :)


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I could definitely go on. But that's a good start.

I'm passionate about my line of work. I hope you can see that.
I want to help as many people as I can. I hope you can see that, too.
And I'm prepared to lay it all on the line so that you can fully understand where I stand on all topics of health and fitness.

Like I said, I want to be transparent. So, there it is...