It takes all kinds

I’ve been in the health and fitness industry for a very long time.  I’ve been told countless times that I’m a “unique” trainer and “different” in a lot of ways (not just the hair).  My client, Joan, has had trainers for the past 20 years and she said she’s never met any trainer who does things like I do.  I take that as a compliment (since she is still with me!)  There are thousands of trainers in this country and boy when it comes to this profession, it takes all kinds.

 

Miles and I do our own workouts at Anytime Fitness downtown.  There is a female trainer (who shall remain nameless incase she reads my blogs!) who works there.  This gal trains folks during the morning and she drives me nuts!

 

The reason is not what you would think.  She is sweet, friendly and capable.  She’s nice, kind and gentle with her words.  Her smile is warm and her energy is positive.  So why does this woman make me wanna gouge my eye out with a spoon?  Because she’s TOO NICE!  She’s too gentle!  Look, we all don’t need to be like Jillian Michaels insulting and screaming at clients.  But I want to say to this trainer, “Girl!  Put some spice in it!  Kick it up a notch!  Make your people WORK!  Let’s see some intensity!!!”

 

But this trainer is steady busy every morning.  And the bottom line is there is a niche for her specialty and her sticky-sweet personality.  She caters to an older clientele (75+) who want to work on balance, functional fitness and lowering their risk of injury.  Basically, these people want to be able to put away their groceries without getting hurt or tie their shoes and not need a nap afterwards.  Her people love her and it doesn’t bother them that she says, “Goooooooooood” every time they stand on one leg.  It doesn’t matter that she drives me bonkers because it’s not about me.

 

So to her, and to trainers like her, I give you kudos for the slow, quiet, calm [boring] way you train people.  Even though you make your sessions about as exciting as French poetry, you are making these people stronger, more confident and improving the quality of their lives.

 

So be sure to find a trainer who fits what you’re looking for because when it comes to this business, it takes all kinds to make this world more fit.

Lee and Joan Lindquist once again on my blog

Bret Tinker has lost 30 lbs so far on my program

Renegade Rows–Lee is 68, Joan is 65

Not guilty, your honor

“You sure you don’t wanna go?” 

“Naw, “ I reply as I watch my beautiful boyfriend change into his cycling clothes.  I’m sprawled out on the bed as the cool ceiling fan sends a pleasant breeze down on me.  I know it’s pushing 100 degrees out there, although that hasn’t stopped me from riding before.  So what’s stopping me now?

 

I can count on one hand the times I’ve missed a ride this year.   I ride for many reasons but one reason is to keep my weight down.  I can burn a massive amount of calories during a ride.  Another reason is because I want to be the best female cyclist in the Treasure Valley.  And to be the best, you must train hard.  So I asked myself again: what’s stopping me from riding tonight?

 

I don’t do well with guilt.  I don’t use guilt to get what I want and I don’t tolerate someone trying to manipulate me by using guilt.  If I feel guilty about something, I don’t call it “guilt;” I call it “conviction.”  As my boyfriend heads towards the elevator without me, my heart sinks.  My stomach feels like a brick has landed in the pit.  I wave goodbye to him and turn to face the empty condo.  Why am I not riding tonight? 

 

One thing about me that I like is my ability to be honest with myself.  I immediately begin to analyze why I’m feeling so sad, so guilty.  I first start to do what my clients do —MAKE EXCUSES! 

 

• “Cristy, it’s so hot.  You don’t need to overexert yourself.”
• “Look, Cristy, its no big deal.  You rode last night.”
• “Just ride tomorrow.  There’s always tomorrow.”

 

Then it hit me and I smile and shake my head.  I’m not feeling guilty; I’m feeling CONVICTED.  Why?  Because I have NO REASON for not riding tonight.  There really is no good reason and I should be ashamed of myself.  I lazed out.  I’m not acting like the champion that I am and I don’t deserve to be the best.  I don’t.  That’s the bottom line.  There is no reason to sugarcoat the truth.  “Just own it, Cristy.  Tonight, you suck.”

 

So I did.  I owned it.  I scolded myself for acting like an amateur and having the mentality of a second-rate athlete.   I know better and I am better than this. 

 

The night is over now and the sun will rise on another day tomorrow.  Another opportunity to be the best, train hard and make myself great.  I’m not worried what happened tonight because I won’t let it happen again anytime soon.  I will take this chance to get in bed early since sleep is just as vital to good health.

 

So remember this, folks:  If you totally suck and you didn’t train even though you should have, own it. 

 

Own it, get past it, and don’t let it happen again.

When the lights go out…

Friday afternoon, we had a power outage in the condo.  Now, let’s just be honest and think about the widespread panic that causes for people like us (and you) who rely on technology so much:  no internet, no TV, no music…no A/C, no water, the food gets warm in the fridge, the fans don’t work…

 

It was a reality check in many ways.  It refreshed my appreciation for even the small things, like a closet light or a drink of water.  But it also refreshed my gratitude for being with someone I can just ”be” with. 

 

I’ve been in past relationships where we had something in common, but when we weren’t doing that “thing,” we had nothing to say to each other.  As long as life is happening and zooming along quickly, we zoom along with it and don’t pay much attention to our partners.  Today, as the entire condo shut down, we laughed, poured a glass of wine and headed to the balcony to visit.  It was a non-thought to just be together with no other external stimulations.  We were fine to sit side by side, holding hands, talking or not talking, laughing, commenting on our sore legs, chomping on chips and waving to our neighbors.  It’s natural; it feels right.  But that’s because we nurture and foster that part of our relationship.  We focus on each other without distractions.

 

I know what you’re thinking: “Cristy, wait until you’ve been married for 20, 30 or 40 years.  You’ll run out of things to talk about.”  I completely disagree.  My parents have been married for over 40 years and they still love being together.  Why?  Because they make a point to not lose touch with each other.  And I know many couples like this.  Both Miles and I have made the mistake in our past relationships of letting life get between us and our partner and what happened?  It drove a wedge and ruined that relationship.  We vowed to NOT let that happen between us.

 

A lot of times, people just pick the wrong person and now they’re stuck with someone that they CAN’T talk to.   Quite frankly, they might not even enjoy this person’s company.  That’s a problem and if that’s you, you need to get out of that relationship.  Life is too short.

 

Perhaps the lights went out when you retired or the lights went out when the kids left home and you’re standing there looking at someone you can’t stand to even sit with.  Maybe the lights went out when you went through bankruptcy or a car accident and your partner wasn’t there for you.  My point is, when there is nothing else—no job, no kids, no internet, no money, you’re fat, he’s fat, the circumstances are bleak with no sign of the power coming back on: IS THAT PERSON ENOUGH?  Is your partner enough? 

 

I can assure you in the end nothing else matters.  In the end, we all get stripped of our luxuries and conveniences and eventually we will stand in front of our partners raw, naked and vulnerable.  So make sure you get the right partner who will sit and hold your hand even in the dark when the lights go out.