Staying Focused - The Danger of Compromise

Sometimes it takes nearly a lifetime to figure out how to live right.  I can certainly say that about mine.  My journey of interest in the area of nutrition and exercise began about three decades ago....to the beginning of my adulthood.  Weightlifting has been there as far back as I can remember, as my dad was my continual example of commitment to taking care of your body, regardless of what other physical activity was part of the day. I started lifting weights in my early 20's...since then, it has been an on again off again relationship.  More off than on.

 

In 2011, I made the decision that I needed to make it more a part of my life.  That's when I took a personal training course through 'American Fitness Professionals and Associates' (AFPA).  By August of that year I had obtained certification and was well on my way to finally getting myself in shape and my life in balance.  I was just getting a start on building a clientele when my day job took an unexpected turn, and I had to give up the personal training to focus on my job, which at that time was making my living.  I wasn't happy about that, but you have to do what you have to do.  December of 2011 was not kind to me.  I lost a dear friend to a sudden heart attack, and on Christmas day, I took a bad fall...one that knocked me off the fitness wagon.  Getting totally back on track would be nearly two and a half years in the making.  But fast forward now...and I'm here!

 

So, where is here for me in the Summer of 2014? Finally arriving to where I need to be with my health and exercise routine.  Hindsight is a great teacher...in fact, it's 20/20...it becomes very clear what was done improperly, reflecting on how that happened, and regrouping goals to get the job done.  Losing focus can cause a lot of problems, and compromising is a dangerous practice! I fell victim to both.  I realized several months ago I had to get back, NO MATTER WHAT!! Because of that mindset, I have started a domino affect of success...I am about 90% where I have wanted to be for the last 30 years! Another month will prove that I can reach that goal 100% and maybe even a little more! I'm in better shape now than I have been in my ENTIRE adult life! If someone had told me back then that it would take that long, I probably would have given up completely! I guess it's better sometimes to NOT know certain things!

 

I'm a pretty straight-forward person...it is what it is.  You have no choice but to start where you are.  It may seem overwhelming, but I would like to encourage you...it can be done.  It really needs to be done....your health and quality of life depend on it!  Start now...don't delay....don't make excuses....the time is now! Nobody's getting any younger!  It is imperative you get your body in balance, otherwise you will experience all kinds of issues, if you haven't already.  Things like heart attacks, strokes and diabetes aren't just for people in their 60's and 70's....it's happening to people in their 20's, 30's and 40's! Why do you think that is? The answer to that is simple...improper eating habits! Oh my! I'm a cart watcher....I notice what people are eating...it's a mess!  Soda pop has to be one of THE biggest addictions I've seen! Nutrition is your first line of defense, and if you neglect that, you are an accident waiting to happen.  A slim body is not an indicator of good health, but an overweight body is always a sign of poor health, one that needs attention...right now!

 

We all make choices....every day...and as an adult, that full responsibility falls solely on you!  Perhaps I've become obsessed with it, but that's the only way to be! Otherwise, you compromise...and remember, that's dangerous!  It is truly a lifestyle change.  First of course, there has to be a desire for change....then a commitment to a realistic goal, then the determination to DO IT!! Don't just talk about it.  Get a notebook and write down your immediate goals...even small things...like cutting down on refined sugars and flours.  Come up with 'rewards' for sticking to and accomplishing your goals, but make it something that is good for you....like getting a massage at a spa....a new pair of earrings...something that you typically don't do for yourself....it's a nice thing to be pampered! It will give you something to look forward to and keep you on the path to success.  It's an adventure, a journey....one that carries through your entire life!  Remind yourself WHY you are doing this.  Track your progress on paper, then you have a visual of where you have been, where you are, and where you are headed.

 

I am here to help and encourage you...I've been there, done that! I know what it is, what it is like.  I'm not your judge and jury...I'm an advocate for your health! I care! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to email me (bfittpersonaltraining@aol.com).  I cannot stress enough how important taking care of yourself is.  Nobody likes to be sick.  It is so true that if you have your health you have a lot, because let me tell you, without it, you are no good to anybody, in fact, you become a burden.  I want to see people making the right choices nutritionally, to see people making an appointment with exercise, and keeping it...for a lifetime.  Desire...commit...pursue. I'm so close to being there...and this time it is happening for me...I'm more confident than I've ever been.  I've learned from losing my focus that it allowed too much compromise and it spun out of control.  Honestly, I didn't know I could feel this good! You can too! Let me help. I make no apologies for my commitment and obsession to taking care of myself.  After all, living 'well' is the best revenge.

Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Quinoa Black Bean Salad

(A B-Fitt! Personal Training Exclusive Recipe)

 

Sprouted Quinoa (TruRoots Organic used)

Organic canned black beans - 1 cup

1/2 cup each of (organic) green, red and orange pepper, red onion

Handful fresh basil

Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste)

2 Tablespoons Bolthouse Farms Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Green onion tips (chopped)

 

 

Prepare quinoa according to package directions

Rinse and drain black beans

Chop peppers, onion and basil

 

Mix peppers, red onion and basil in a bowl and stir to blend.  Add black beans, ground pepper and vinaigrette dressing, stir again.  Add quinoa and stir to mix.  Refrigerate at least 4 hours to chill, add chopped green onion tips for garnish.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

A Word About Strength and Endurance

Anything worth having is not easily obtained.  That is an absolute truth, especially when it comes to physical fitness.  What does that entail? Desire...commitment...and a follow-thru mindset that doesn't give up or give in...compromise can be dangerous.  Slow and steady wins the race, as significant muscle growth/gain does not happen over-nite...or in a few weeks, or even a few months.

 

Ok, what's the next step to getting there? You have to want it so much, you can taste it. You eat, drink and breathe it -- it becomes so much a part of you that the inner drive for it consumes nearly every waking moment, and the outer appearance to others around you borders on obsessive.  Then, you know you're where you need to be mentally to get there - you have arrived! Remember, your fitness is 100% mental...your body will not go where your mind does not push it.

 

Getting to that maintenance point is a process...a journey, so enjoy the trip, but know some important points to keep in mind:

• Focus - maintain it...set realistic goals, work toward that and never lose sight of why are you getting fit.
• Negativity - no room for it...from any source! There will always be those people who are ready to sabotage your efforts, some more obvious than others....always be on guard.
• Clean eating - no refined sugar, no refined flour, no deep fried foods, no processed food, (I know, all are processed to some point....the less though, the better)...no junk food, no fast food. Not only from an all-over health stance, if you are not willing to get the careless eating out of your diet, don't waste your energy on your physique.
• Consistency - 3 to 4 days a week, 1 to 2 hours each time (work up to this, of course).  If you are going to be 'hit or miss', forget it .  It has to be a personal appointment you keep!

Maybe this sounds a bit excessive, but this is what it takes.  Don't expect change if you are not willing to work for it.  Don't expect outstanding results unless you are doing something to get significant results.  It will come...patience, persistence, commitment.  Building strength and endurance go hand in hand.  To build strength, you have to push yourself.  Not necessarily every time, but often enough that your body is challenged.  Even if you can only lift that additional ten pounds one or two times...that's positive progress.  You will soon begin to notice your body responding, I seem to notice it just all at once! Everyone is different though, but stick to it regardless even if you think nothing or not much is happening. Remember, personal choices always have consequences....good, bad or indifferent...when it comes to your health, don't take chances...makes the right choices!