Your turn - Question of the Week

It's the last day of 2008!!

Have you been thinking about how to improve upon your experience from this year? If not, why don't you think about it right now... and give a quick answer to my interactive question!

Question of the day:
WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT YOU WANT TO IMPROVE ABOUT YOURSELF IN 2009?


I'm not asking for a New Year's resolution.
I don't want you to ramble on about a huge goal that you may not even be committed to.

I want you to think about YOU and what you have to offer.
Get real and decide what you could improve about you.
Because we can always upgrade.
Like a fine wine, quality people always get better with age.
What will this year bring for your ongoing development into fabulosity?

Happy, Happy New Year!

Video Series - 7th installment

I feel so strongly about this next pet peeve.

How can you have a healthy, balanced, properly-functioning structure if you avoid working your legs in the gym (or out of the gym, for that matter?)

If you skip leg exercises altogether, you need to watch this video.

If you think your legs are too strong already, you need to watch this video.

If you run or do "cardio" in lieu of leg-strengthening exercises, you need to watch this video.

If, like me, you are bothered by the gym-goers that give millions of excuses as to why they don't include leg movements in their workouts... you should watch this video, too!

Don't avoid leg exercises, people!!

Check out the video to see why...

Difficult to motivate

Part of my job is to be a motivator. I love to motivate. I love to be that voice of encouragement. But I've realized something about motivation.

One of the hardest things to motivate for is... the initial push. The beginning. The start.

It's always so difficult to start something! It is so much easier to just remain comfortable. Starting something new requires effort. It involves using extra energy. It might be uncomfortable or even painful.

With exercise... if you take a big chunk of time off from all activity, it is NOT FUN to get started again. If you've never participated in a fitness program before, it is NOT FUN to begin. The exercises are painful, the effort required is torturous, and the soreness afterwards is wretched.

But that goes away.

I promise!

I wouldn't like to exercise as much as I do if it didn't become fun. My body is used to the feeling of a difficult workout. I can push it much, much harder before the nausea sets in. :) I look forward to the challenge of a new routine. I don't get sore too often, and I recover quickly from that heart-racing, muscle-burning feeling. It's a great spot to get to!

Now, if you feel like you're light years away from that feeling, just remember...
You'll get there sooner than you think - IF, and only if, you consistently exercise.

It's hard to get started... I feel your pain. I do.
So, just do it! Get it over with. Go through a week or two of absolute hell.
Then, reap the benefits and the enjoyment of being more fit.
Stick with it so that you don't have to start over again.

Have you started yet??

Quotation of the Week

"It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts." - Adlai Stevenson

I hope you are having a Happy Holidays, friends.

I truly believe that life should be lively. That your body should be a vessel for your livelihood. That you should seek out mental and physical activities for pure enjoyment. That you should enjoy every moment possible in this fleeting life. And that days like these - when you get to breathe, relax, and take notice of all that you have - should be savored.

We all have goals that we want to reach. None of us are satisfied with our position in life just yet. We are always looking to improve and reach a higher level, right?

But, today, remind yourself...
Life is about the incredible journey - not the destination. LIVE your life. And celebrate it during this last week of 2008.

Not every second has to be spent making progress toward something. It's okay to just be. As long as you're doing what you wanna do... go for it.

My husband, JD, and I are out enjoying the California wilderness. We're escaping the everyday grind and doing what we enjoy most... spending time with each other, exploring the great outdoors, being as low maintenance as possible, recharging the batteries, and taking advantage of our fitness to reach destinations that few get to see.

I can't wait to get back and tell you all about it :)

Until then, why don't YOU go out and accrue some life in your years! Or at least, for now, aim to insert a bunch of life in these last few days before 2009...

Enjoy!

A Christmas Epiphany

We always spend Christmas Eve with my husband's family. And this year was no different. We got to enjoy a chaotic round of gift-opening with the 3 family dogs (always a huge treat!), a day filled with endless Christmas music (supplied by me, of course - I think I've got about 10 CDs now!), lots of full-on kisses from the drunken neighbors (don't ask), and a massive meal to boot.

But, among the holiday cheer and festive gift-giving, there's always a frustrating point to these family days. And that's hearing the stories about everyone's health problems, ineffective doctors visits, and worthless health/fitness advice. I always feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall when I speak to any family member about health, fitness, or nutrition.

Honestly...
I've come to realize that our parents' generation - the baby boomers - go to the doctor for everything. So, they never "get better" because the majority of doctors are here to help us with disease, trauma, and emergency situations - NOT GENERAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS!

Since these baby boomers always go to the doctor for anything ailing them... never to a fitness professional, a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, a nutritionist, or a physical therapist... they get pills, referrals to overworked health professionals, and crappy, generic advice on exercise/nutrition.

I'm tired of it!

I'm tired of the way the "system" works.

I'm tired of the way our older generations have come to completely trust the medical system as a cure-all for everything having to do with the human body.

I'm tired of saying over and over and over again to every unhealthy family member that- proper nutrition and regular exercise will help with almost every health problem imaginable. AND... that it takes a village to stay healthy (meaning, we often need help from many health/fitness professionals to remain balanced).

But I'm not too tired to stop trying.
No, sir.
This just motivates me even more to find ways to help as many souls out there as possible. Because people need help! They're suffering, and they're looking for answers, and they're running into brick walls repeatedly!

So, here's my challenge to you, my friends...

In 2009, I'm looking to find new ways to really spread my knowledge with as many people as I possibly can. Especially people who WANT help in the areas of exercise and nutrition. And since you're visiting my site - and you're obviously somewhat interested in fitness and healthy eating - I want YOU to spread the word about health too. I want YOU to be a messenger.

Because once you begin living a healthy lifestyle, through the guidelines of knowledgeable fitness professionals like myself; you can be a role model for others. Remember that. YOU can make a huge difference in others' lives.

So, let's all work to educate the baby boomers (and everybody else!) toward a greater understanding of what "healthy" truly means. It's not doctors and pills and the bare minimum of healthy choices. It's an all-encompassing overhaul of habits to make life more worthwhile.

Okay... we've got a big job ahead of us...
Good luck!

Oh - and Merry Christmas!!

Little Hitler

Yesterday, I mentioned the hostility that runs rampant with my clients. If you're a trainer - especially a good one who knows how to administer a solid workout - you can understand exactly what I'm talking about.

I've gotten used to this hostility. I've gotten used to the name-calling, the not-so-friendly hand gestures, the evil looks, and the "I hate you" comments. I've recently been called "Little Hitler", to be honest!

Yep, I'm the bad guy. I'm the one that no one likes.

Then why... why does everyone keep coming back???

How can a client look me dead in the eyes, say "I absolutely despise you" with sincere animosity, leave the gym in a huff... then come back the very next day, hand me a check, and prepare to get beat down again...?

Because exercise works! Especially the workouts I piece together. Like I've said before... it's all about intensity. The harder you work, the more results you get. The harder you work, the more your body has to adapt and grow stronger and more fit.

AND - the harder you work, the more you get used to working hard. The more you can push yourself closer to your limits.

Oh, and there's the fact that difficult exercise makes you look better, feel better, perform better. It gives you self-confidence and a sense of empowerment. It fills you with excess energy. It makes you take pride in your body and your abilities. And it can be stimulating and fun, even when it's super difficult...

Believe me - I really hate my instructors as well! When I participate in Crossfit or kickboxing, I have uttered many of the phrases my clients say to me. It's a love-hate relationship. But you keep going back because you can't quite possibly challenge yourself as well as someone else can. You sure can try - and you definitely should try - but an outside source can always get more out of you.

So, if you're feeling stuck... why not try something new and different? Either a challenging class... or a more intense exercise program... or a new activity... or a super fun workout with moi (mua ha ha!)...

See? I guess I like being the evil, sadistic one. Something I never knew about myself until I became a trainer. :)

But not only do I enjoy the torturous aspect of the workouts... I mostly enjoy the way they transform people. I want each and every one of you to experience the after effects of a REAL workout. And I'll keep the title of "horrible, mean trainer" if I get to keep bestowing those effects on people I get to work with. I'll deal with the negative to get you to the positive.

Deal?

I'm so proud!

Last week, I found myself in a peculiar situation.

While training one client, I was surrounded by two other clients of mine who just so happened to be in the gym to complete their customized workouts for the day. And while I stood among my "people", the distinct feeling of animosity and resentment was permeating the air. Dirty looks were being thrown my way, and all three of them were seemingly bonding together in a "why the heck are we punishing ourselves?" sorta way...

And this happened again an hour later!

The peculiar part is not that I was surrounded by hatred and hostility (that happens on a daily basis!)... the unusual thing is that there has been so much consistency among my clients during a commonly inconsistent time of year. PLUS - not only have they been consistent at showing up for their appointments with me... but they've been absolutely fantastic at getting their butts into the gym on their own!

That was the great thing about being surrounded the other day. Most of the exercisers were in the gym to work out without me. They had shown up for some solo sweat time. Rock on!

I've been so proud of my clients this month. With the slow economy AND the busy, stressful holiday season both acting as possible obstacles to a fitness program, I've heard minimal excuses this year. I've seen people walking the talk. And I've observed everyone choosing to make their health and fitness a priority. Ahhh, how refreshing.

Friends -
It's so important to realize that NOTHING can stop us from being healthy and fit.
Not the economy.
Not the busy holiday season.
Not the hellish, everyday schedules we insist on keeping.
Not our families.
Not our friends.
Not even our own excuses.

So, have you been focused on maintaining your health and fitness this December? Do you deserve a pat on the back like my dedicated clients do?

If not... it's not too late to start. The holidays are not over yet.... you can still redeem yourself! (or at least fit in some stress relief!)

Quotation of the Week

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." - Marilyn vos Savant

Today's quote goes along with the "fight" theme from this week.

Sure, we often experience defeat when faced with a battle. Three of my fighter friends last weekend were not necessarily successful in their kickboxing fights. By judges' decision, they "lost". They were defeated by their opponent that day. However... just because one fight is a disappointment, or just because a couple judges decide that you were not the top competitor... that doesn't mean all is lost.

Those fellas will come back and train harder. They'll get better - but, honestly, they'll still lose sometimes. It's inevitable.

Same with anyone who doesn't literally "fight" in a ring as a hobby.

If you are battling something, anything - say you're fighting the fat loss battle, or you're fighting to graduate from school, or you're fighting for the job promotion, or... There WILL be disappointments. You won't always come out on top. You won't always win. You won't always be successful.

But you must keep trying. Because the failures are where you learn the most. They lead to the successes.

Whatever your battle in this upcoming new year, please don't give up.

No matter how often you feel defeated - the persistent person who keeps on coming back with another attack will eventually overcome that defeat.

So, next time you take a blow - dust off your pride, accept that defeat is acceptable and fleeting, then get up and try again!

Your turn - Question of the Week

On Monday, I mentioned the Muay Thai Kickboxing fights that I had the privilege to witness this past weekend. And while those physical fights were amazing to watch, they also reminded me about how many "fights" we often have to endure in our everyday lives.

If we really want something substantial to happen, we have to struggle a bit to make it so. Those who reach for what they want are are constantly struggling through challenges and obstacles.

But so is the essence of life!
If you want it... you gotta go and get it!

Today's question:
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST "FIGHT" RIGHT NOW?
AND WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO TO WIN THE FIGHT??


I'm really looking forward to hearing your answers :)

Video Series - 6th installment

Everybody squats.

Sounds like "everybody poops", doesn't it? :)

Anyway...
It really is true that every single person out there who can sit down, stand up, and walk around - can squat. In fact, they do so every single day.

If you're confused, really - what do you think you're doing when you sit down in a chair, then stand back up? You're performing a modified squat!

So, YES, everyone SHOULD be using squats in an exercise program. I don't care how old you are, what your gender is, or whether you have a bad back or creaky knees. A squat is a natural movement - and natural, functional, everyday, compound movements should be used to safely build functional strength and joint stability.

Of course... if you do have injuries, the squatting movement can be modified. But it isn't often that the squat should be eliminated altogether. Bad backs and knees can many times be improved through corrective exercises like squats.

And that brings me to today's pet peeve video.
Although squats are essential to a balanced exercise program, too many exercisers don't do them correctly. And incorrect technique will lead to imbalances, pain, and injury.

If you want to find out what mistakes to avoid... AND if you want to discover my specific tips for a more effective squat... take a look.



Also, if you make any of the mistakes in the video and you don't know how to fix them, look for my upcoming article "How to Fix Your Squat" in this month's issue of the newsletter.

(sign up for the FREE newsletter, DM Monthly, in the upper right hand corner of this page!)

A Vegas weekend to remember...

I got to spend a quick weekend in Vegas... and when I say quick, I mean zooom!

But even with time zooming by, I had the opportunity to experience two incredible events...


1) The reason I was in Las Vegas was to support 4 muay thai kickboxing fighters from the school in which I train, 360 Combat Club. I have to give these four guys so much credit... those fights are brutal!

Honestly, it takes so much internal drive to be able to put yourself out there in such a risky, volatile situation such as a fight. Of course, our fight school instructor, Alan, gets these guys in such great shape, conditioning-wise. No one had any problems keeping up with the physical intensity of the fights. Like Jenn, the co-owner of 360 was mentioning... conditioning is the only thing you can control in these situations. And our fighters did everything possible to condition themselves for success. It was evident.

But I can imagine that one's confidence can take a beating as a live fight unfolds. There's so much left to chance. There's so much strategy that develops only after the fight begins. There are so many uncontrolled factors that can crop up throughout three 2-minute rounds. Anyone who participates in this type of physical challenge has built up a healthy dose of courage and self-confidence.

I was so impressed by our fighters' effort. It was an inspiring experience, for sure. It really made me appreciate, yet again, all that the human body is capable of. And, it also made me appreciate how a focus on fitness can give you the tools to be able to tackle aggressive challenges like these.

Congrats to Steve, Mike, Brandon, and Greg. Here's to a great showing!!


John & Alan w/ the new 360 ride!


2) In between arriving and watching fights, I visited Crossfit Las Vegas - the sister gym to my workout haven, Crossfit 360. A group of us from Crossfit 360 showed up to represent our stellar conditioning during one of their scheduled workouts.

And, boy, did they give us an amazingly challenging workout! All in all, I performed 70 "thrusters" (squat + shoulder press) and 70 "sumo deadlift high pulls" with the prescribed weight for the men. That's right! I said- the same weight as all the men were lifting. Took me a little bit longer - but I had a blast trying to keep up. Well, I had a blast talking about it afterwards... I was definitely struggling a bit during the intense exercises! Here's some photos...


Sweet Crossfit Art!


Communal sweat-fest in LV


10 Sumo Deadlift High Pulls (7 rounds)


I'm owning those Thrusters!


We're committed to fitness :)

It was great to meet more people with a passion for intense physical challenges. The LV Crossfitters were extremely motivating (and friendly)... makes me excited to meet more Crossfitters around the world!


All in all - a great trip to Vegas.

Quotation of the Week

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" - Winston Churchill

I love this quote.

Really... life is an ongoing series of hits and misses. And it doesn't stop - no matter if you succeed, fail, or just sit there doing nothing.

Even when you have successfully reached a goal, you've gotta go on to the next challenge.

Even when you have made the biggest mistake of your life, there will still be more chances to redeem yourself.

As long as you continue tackling every challenge head on, you can walk around in your life with your head held high. You can be proud of your ability to keep putting one foot in front of the other. And you can be assured that you've taken advantage of every opportunity that has come your way.

Because you'll never experience total enjoyment and happiness without a little risk... You will never experience success without a ton of failure...

If you just give up, life will be bland, boring, stale, and safe. Nothing too bad will happen - but nothing tremendous will come your way either. A worthless life. Mmmm.

Have courage, my friends. Take a risk. Live a huge life and get huge rewards.

That's my plan, at least :)

You can't compare yourself...

It must be obvious to you, from all I've posted on this good ole' blog, that I'm pretty darn fit. I enjoy intense physical challenges, and I spend a lot of time with people who enjoy them as well.

But, honestly, I haven't always been so motivated to be active to this extreme degree. I have let myself become lazy in the past... I've overindulged consistently enough to see my physique regress... I've been severely unmotivated and uninspired toward fitness...

I've been at different ends of the spectrum when it comes to satisfaction with personal health and fitness levels. I've needed to lose fat in order to get back to a content place AND I've been so fit that my metabolism speeds forward like a sports car on the Autobahn!

I know from my own personal experience that you need different strategies when you're in different phases of fitness. Which leads me to today's message...

When you are uber-fit and spending lotsa time being active, you have more leeway to "cheat" on your diet. You definitely need to keep up the healthy choices most of the time... but more "cheats" can be taken, and nothing will really change about your physique or performance. (of course, consistently bad nutritional choices WILL affect even the fittest of the fit!)

Anyway, to continue -
If you are trying to lose fat (which so many people are)... you NEED to realize that you have different goals than those "fit" persons do. Sorry to say it - but if you're in need of a body transformation, you cannot compare yourself to someone who's in great shape. That person can be less worried about nutritional perfection (I know, it's not fair...); and you MUST be more stringent with your eating choices if you really want to consistently lose fat and get to that high level of fitness.

There's no way around it.
In order to lose fat, you must be in some sort of caloric deficit.
You must have less errors in your diet... otherwise, you'll be in maintenance mode. And you won't change one bit.

So, if you were to ask me how I eat... I could definitely get you in better shape if you were to follow me around and mimic my nutritional rules. Because I do walk the talk with optimal nutrition.

But - compared to the way I've eaten in order to get to this point, I'm more lenient right now than you would need to be. Especially because it's very likely that I get WAY more exercise than you do. (And if I'm wrong about that... good for you!) But, that's okay for me right now. However, if I would want to take my fitness/physique to the next level, I would have to be super compliant with my ultimate nutritional habits. As would you!

Final thought:

If you're trying to change - find a person with a high level of fitness, and use them as a motivator, mentor, and goal. But if that person is not actively training for something and is simply maintaining... don't follow what they do.

Instead, find other people who are on the same pathway as you, and use each other as support to get to that goal. Do what it takes to get there... then you can sway a little bit when you arrive!

Good luck!

12 Days of Fitness starts TODAY!!

At long last... it's here!

Day one of this year's 12 Days Of Fitness gift-giving
bonanza has finally arrived and boy, are there some
great gifts lined up for you over the next 12 days!

Here's a taste of what's being given away today...

==> The Bodyweight Holiday Program
by Jonas Forberg

==> The Laptop Bag Workout
by Simon Dainton

==> How To Lose Belly Fat Without Crunches
by Tim Goodwin

==> Kettlebell Killer Abs Workout
by Charlotte Ord

==> The Ultimate Holiday Survival Kit
by B.J. Gaddour

==> The Real World Abs Report
by Troy Anderson

==> The Pregnant Mum's Essential Guide
by Nisha Obaidullah

==> The Elimination Diet 'Turbo' Edition
by Dax Moy

==> Carb Cycling Basics
by Isaac Wilkins

And ALL of this is FREE!

Myself and all other contributors have worked
really hard at putting this material together because
we genuinely want to make an impact on as many
people as we possibly can.

So, please take advantage of all the free stuff, if you
haven't already. There's lots more to come over the
next 11 days...

And please spread the word about the 12 Days of Fitness
to all your friends, family, and coworkers. Give the gift
of fitness this holiday season - without spending a dime!

Happy Holidays!

Video Series - 5th installment

It's funny - but many people don't have the natural tendency to keep their heads neutral during an exercise. I've realized that correct head position in weight lifting must be taught.

And even though I understand that a neutral, elongated neck is a learned part of strength training, it still REALLY bugs me to see that head flopping around in the wrong position!

A beneficial weight training session involves proper form, a large amount of body awareness, and a head that's properly attached to the body... otherwise, injuries can occur, imbalances can develop, and progress can slow to a halt.

So, check out my next video discussing this particular pet peeve.
And make sure that YOU don't commit the crime of sporting a newborn baby's head during your exercise session :)

Quotation of the Week

"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water" - Rabindranath Tagore

Too many of you have great ideas... and great intentions.
But that's all they are. Ideas. Intentions. Not Results.

In the fitness world, you might say, "I was thinking about getting started on a better nutrition plan real soon". Or, "I'd like to start getting up early and going for a morning run". Or, "I've been planning for a while on going to get a massage in order to release the tension in my upper back..."
And, more often than not, the statement fizzles out with no action behind it.

Ideas and intentions without action are worthless.

Yes, it's good to dream and it's good to create targets for which you'd like to reach.
But how helpful is it if you never finish what you intend to accomplish?
And what if you never even start?!!

The things we want most in life take time and effort and consistent action. They are huge endeavors that require us to make changes in our behaviors. Like crossing a large body of water to get to your intended destination, it takes time and effort and consistent action to arrive. So, you can't just look at the water and continually wish you already arrived. Similarly, you can't just think about your goals/intentions/ideas and just hope for them to happen.

Don't be afraid, my friends.
Cross the sea! Get in and get wet! Take some frickin' action already!
Do something every day that will bring you closer to your destination...

One week til '12 DAYS OF FITNESS'!

Hi Friends! Instead of the usual interactive blog, I want to instead remind you about the '12 Days of Fitness'...

We're just 7 days out from the start of this year's www.12daysoffitness.com - and boy, have my fellow fitness professionals and I been putting together a bunch of great FREE gifts for you!

There are well over a hundred exercise programs, diets, nutrition plans, videos, audios, reports and tons more getting lined up to hit your inbox from 10th December...

...and all of it is FREE. It won't cost you a single penny! Sweet!

All of the contributors (myself included) are really looking forward to sharing their gifts with YOU - but we really need your help to make this work.

First, we need you to get on over to http://www.12daysoffitness.com right away and add your details into the form we've set up over there. This will ensure that you don't miss out on the gifts as we release them on 12/10. (don't worry - you'll only receive the gifts that you sign up for!)

Second, we need you to tell everyone you know about the gift-giving. You see, we want this to be big. No, HUGE! And the only way to accomplish that is to get the word out through everyone who we know.

That means you too!

You don't have to do much... just send your family, friends, and colleagues on over to http://www.12daysoffitness.com to get their own gifts - and we'll do the rest.

Can you help?

I hope so, my 12 days colleagues and I really want to help as many people as possible.

Thanks in advance!

Your fitness missionary,
Kim Ball

http://www.12daysoffitness.com

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!

****************************************************
- 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. :)


****************************************************

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...

Video Series - 4th installment

I spent part of my Thanksgiving weekend in Joshua Tree National Park.
Man, it certainly was beautiful! Perfect weather, and lots of boulders to climb :)

And while I was climbing around all day, I decided to shoot my next pet peeve video on location!

This next pet peeve deals with a commonly neglected type of exercise in many gym workouts. And since it bugs me when gym-goers consistently perform unbalanced workouts... I definitely had to point out this neglected movement.
Watch the short video below to find out what it is...