Mind over Matter

I've heard it said, "Love your job and you'll never work a day in your life". I am very fortunate to have a job that I look forward to going to every day. I am very passionate about personal training and it is so rewarding when my clients get awesome results.
I must admit, however, that there are some frustrations that come along with my job.  I am with each of my my clients maybe 3 hours a week and I control what they do, but the other 165 hours during the week they are on their own. In order to keep my clients accountable outside of the gym, I have them keep track of a food journal and I also write them prescription cardio programs for them to do on their own. I make sure I cover ALL the bases when it comes to fitness. The truly dedicated clients use the tools I equip them with and make proper choices day in and day out, however, there are some clients that don't.
 I've had to learn to be very patient with clients, because I know that  it can take time for everything to really "click". I have seen several clients transform in front of my eyes..not just physically, but also mentally. I can always tell the ones that truly get it from the ones that are struggling to get in the right frame of mind. I get frustrated at times, but I also realize that I can't help clients that don't want to help themselves. So, I do my best to motivate and keep them accountable in hopes that they will realize that working out with a trainer isn't the only piece to the fitness puzzle.
Are you struggling to get in shape? Do you find yourself starting a diet one week only to go back to horrible eating habits the next? Do you go to the gym and then go home to eat pizza with your kids, because you didn't have time to cook? Do you run 5 miles and then go out with your buddies and drink a pitcher of beer? Do you workout 3 hours a week, but sit on the couch every other night because you just don't have the energy to commit to any extra cardio? Do you spend a lot of money on a trainer, but don't take his advice on proper nutrition? Do you not workout at all because you just can't find the time?
Those are all pretty common scenarios, and believe it or not I can relate to some of those. Our mind is a powerful thing. We can build ourselves up and psych ourselves out..sometimes in just a matter of minutes. I am challenging you right now to MAKE YOUR MIND UP, because you must WANT to CHANGE and fully COMMIT to CHANGE in order for it to take place!
You can look in the mirror all day long and point out things about your body that you don't like, but are you taking action to change it? You can talk about how bad your cholesterol is and worry about it constantly, but will you really commit to eating better to lower it?
Basically what I'm saying is...If you want to change, DO IT! I know that sounds easy, but guess what... IT IS!!! It just takes ACTION! You can eat healthy and exercise, all it takes is a little time and willingness to do so. Now, go take a look in your mirror and tell yourself that you are DOING IT, because guess what...YOU CAN!!!! :)

Yours in Health,
Brittany

I'm Back!!!

I'm back! I apologize for not updating sooner..I unfortunately had to put my blog on the back burner for a little while. I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago to get my leg checked out and the doctor told me that I probably had a bulging disc that was causing a pinched nerve in my left leg. I was put on steroids, muscle relaxers, and pain meds. NO FUN! I had to take a 2 week hiatus from the gym,which was quite a challenge for me! I took my meds, made myself rest and now I feel completely fine (honestly). I worked out last week (don't worry...I took it very easy) and I had no problems.

While I was forced to be inactive for a couple of weeks it dawned on me just how much I take for granted. When I was in line at the pharmacy to pick up my meds I was griping to my husband about not being able to workout when I saw a lady in front of me in a wheelchair. I caught myself in that moment and it really helped me put things into perspective. Even though I had to take a break from the hobby I love the most, I knew it was only temporary.  I am so blessed to have my health and I never want to take it for granted. I will continue to make healthy choices day in and day out and take care of the body God gave me. I challenge you to do that same. There are people out there that would give anything to be able to run or go to the gym and lift weights, but they physically aren't capable. Think about that next time you want to skip the gym...

Yours in Health,
Brittany