People Centered

Many of you saw my posts on either instagram or facebook about being in Los Angeles for the IHRSA 2015 Convention. I had been two years ago, learned various things concerning health and fitness, but was even more excited to return this year. I was excited to experience the latest workouts as well as hear from some of the leaders in the health and fitness clubs and hear how they run their programs or train their clients.

I can't speak for other trainers, but for me, I desire to learn. No matter if it's mind, body, soul... I understand I'm always learning. And that's the biggest thing I was able to take away from the IHRSA Convention. In one of the seminars Todd Durkin said, "If your the smartest person in the room, your doing something wrong". I wrote the quote down on a piece of paper and continued to think about that. I began to make a mental list of WHO I spend a majority of my time with. I thought of people I interactive with outside of the gym. Then wrote on my notebook,

"who am I surrounding myself with?

And then Todd said, "Think about it... EVERY successful person has a Coach or Mentor".

FACT!

My desire to be better every days comes down to who I surround myself with. I want to be better than I was yesterday so I must do what most aren't willing to do. And how I accomplish that comes down to my daily 'routine'.

I often get the following questions,

"How did you lose 90 pounds?"
"How can you get up so early every day?"
"How can you eat vegetables every day?"
"How do you workout all the time?"
"Where does your motivation come from?"
"How can you train so many people?"

My ROUTINE supports my goals. And my motivation comes from a burning desire to NEVER give up on myself or the people I work with. For my personal goals, I have a Coach who I check in with daily and challenges me to be better. For my career goals, I have a boss who challenges me to be better each day. I must make sure I'm always being progressive.

So what did I learn and take away from stepping outside of Kansas? I learned that it's easy to get caught up in our own little world. Week after week, my routine is the same and I can take the people I work with and the job I have at Genesis Health Clubs for granted. I get tired, I get weary, I get hungry, I get money centered and I forget to give each one of my clients the very best session or class that Alison can offer. It's easy to half ass your job when you get comfortable. How many times do I preach to my clients, "to grow you have to step outside of your comfort zone"? Sure I don't mind challenging myself and stepping outside of my comfort zone for a workout. But how many times have I missed the opportunity to service a member or client because I was in the frame mind of "Am I going to get paid for this"? Sometimes there's no pay and you just have to do what's right because it's the right thing to do!

Don't get me wrong, routines are important. Pay is important. But what I'm getting at is one can never lose their purpose. One can never lose their "WHY" for what their doing. I got into this career to help people, make a positive difference and to encourage others on their fitness journey. My motto can never be, just get through the day. My attitude must be servant driven, humble, and willing to learn. That's the type of trainer I want to be. My goal is to be a trainer willing to learn and serve the members and clients I have the opportunity to work with each day. The type of trainer I want to be is one with Purpose, Passion, and Drive. Iron sharpens Iron, may I never forget that. May I surround myself with people who positively challenge me to be better and may I positively challenge my clients to be healthier and fitter individuals!

Huge thank you to Genesis Health Clubs for continuing to invest in me.

Be Blessed
A

All Them Fitness Posts!



One thing I never would have conceived is one of my fitness post offending someone. I won't go into detail, but I offended a friend of mine a while ago from something I posted about fitness and

nutrition. My response to the individual was to block and delete. Felt I didn't need the negativity. I've been mocked for my posts and personally I felt offended by the persons response to me. But I hadn't really looked at the individuals side of things. I just felt I was trying to be someone positive and didn't need the negativity. But I truly didn't know the struggle the person was going through at that time.

The following is my last response to the individual that I feel my other readers maybe need to hear and see to truly understand my heart. The 'WHY' behind my ANNOYING gym posts, check-ins, and selfies.

I used to be the fat kid who made jokes about themselves to hid my pain. But one day I had a realization that God isn't pleased with me making fun of myself. I used to eat boxes and boxes of Mac and cheese, cereal, and junk and would make fun of myself in front of my friends and family because I would rather be the one making fun of myself instead of others saying hurtful words about my size. Inside though, I was hurting. I was hurting because I had a real food addiction and it was easier to joke about it. In my opinion, it gave others less of an opportunity to call me fat. That's why I say a food addiction is worse than being an alcoholic. You can get rid of alcohol, but one still has to eat. One has to learn to monitor their food and have self discipline. There's a reason I don't like getting together for events with food. 5 years later I still am tempted. So I chose not to go to things where I know people are doing food activities. I've learned to love myself and my body. Perfect, NO. But I look at each of my days as a way to be a better me. That's why I have Facebook and IG... To show people that I don't have an excuse or reason not to be a better person mind, body, and soul. It's daily a battle. A struggle. I feel people have no idea the mental battle a person can have every single day with food. And that's why my faith is important to me. I know who I am in Christ, but I know I can't meet my goals of being a healthier me without Him. It's a daily, hourly, minute to minute battle. The devil wants to tell you and I, we're not worth anything, we can't do it, that we will always be the same. So whatever program or diet your using advocare, Herbalife, body by vi... I've heard of them all. More so, it's a spiritual battle more than anything. Not one that can be done alone. One must have a support system and people who desire to see you be a better you. Our mind holds us back when we believe the lies the Devil speaks to us.

Many people think a persons fitness post is to 'BRAG' and tell people about what all they're are doing so people will adore all they do. But another concept to understand is a persons post could be their motivation. There's MANY people who create a facebook or instagram account dedicated just to their fitness goals. That's why I have mine! For other crazy fitness people to see my journey, so I can cheer them on and watch others transform. Who knows, your journey may encourage another to get moving and eating healthy. Your post of encouragement could make someone's day. Make the choice to be an encouragement.
BeBlessed.

2014, A Year of Growth

Just the other day as I was working with one of my clients and he asked me why I hadn't blogged in a while. Besides being busy, I really didn't have a reason. I responded with,

"My life is boring. All I do is train, train clients, teach classes, go to the grocery store, meal prep, eat, sleep, repeat."

Then he asked me, "well... what else would you be doing?!"

I laughed and said, "I don't know, something FUN!"

And that's how my attitude has been these last 6 months. I've set my goal to compete in Figure and as I would like to have been able to look back at 2014 and say I accomplished that goal, I haven't yet. This year of 2014 I don't have a huge accomplishment like I have had in other years. I've gained muscle, weight, knowledge, but I keep comparing myself to when my goal was weight loss. I was running daily then and always looking forward to a date, a run, training, and the excitement that goes along with running a race.  And this new goal I have for myself has taken more of a dedication and commitment than I actually really knew about before I dove in. This last year I've had no huge competition thrills, nothing big and exciting going on, no dramatic life changes, and I have based my so called 2014 success on the 'Mountain Top Thrills'.

So then there I was sitting in church and I was thinking more about my so called "2014 lack of achievements" during worship and the story of the 40 years in the desert came to mind. And then I remembered a quote I had once seen, "You can't live life on a mountain top, real life happens at the base of the mountain". I guess this is what I call the 'DAILY GRIND'.

In a world of social media we see people sharing their engagements, wedding pictures, baby expectancies, graduations, new cars, homes, and the list goes on. And I think we as a society, myself included, base our success and self worth on what we're able to show and tell for the year. And today's thoughts reminded me that if it takes me 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years to accomplish 'MY PERSONAL' goals... so be it! My goals are my goals and my success and self worth isn't based off of anyone but Jesus and that he died for me. I'm placed on this earth to serve and honor him not just for a year and then that's a wrap... but for my life. Good years, bad years, boring years, grateful years and eventful years... That's how I see my fitness lifestyle being similar to my walk with Christ. It's my lifestyle. It's who I am. I may fail at one, and I may fail at both. I come up short and I don't have success all the time. But the bottom line, I'm attempting at becoming a better me daily and I refuse to give up on that. And so for that, I can look back at 2014 and say, yea, I accomplished something. I grew as an individual.

BeBlessed
Alison

Change Isn't Bad

Last weekend I went out of town and trained at another Genesis facility. About the same set up, a few different machines, but overall nothing out of the ordinary. It was my leg day and I had 3-4 sets of 20 reps. I warmed up and then got to work. About an hour and a half later my friend and I wrapped up our workout and hit the shower. When I was grabbing my things to shower my legs were still shaking. It was nothing new to me, but the soreness the following day was a surprise! I hadn't been that sore in a while! I was more sore than usual. Then Monday, 48 hours later, I was basically immobile. When it came to demonstrating exercises to my clients at the gym, I looked ridiculous and chose to verbally walk them through what they needed to do. I was stretching and foam rolling like it was my second job. HOW did I make myself this sore?!?!

Then it occurred to me, I didn't talk to anyone while I was working out a the other gym. I didn't know anyone but my one friend that went to the gym with me. So I went in, put heavy weight on, finished each set and rep to my fullest, and walked out. I guess one would say, "I killed that workout"!  I wish this is how all my workouts went, but when you work where you train, one must also be approachable. Last thing I want is one of my new clients having a question and feeling like they can't ask me for help. I remember the feeling of entering a gym setting and not being sure where or what to do. I newbies feeling welcome, as well as other gym goers I'm surrounded by.

So then this last week I saw a woman I was familiar with from outside of the gym. She was working out and I hadn't ever seen her in the gym before. She was doing her thing! Then while my client was getting a drink she walked by me and I asked how her workout was going. Not the typical response, she said, TERRIBLE! I responded with, "oh yea?! Your killing it huh?!"
No... She said, 'this isn't my gym. I miss MY GYM!'

Heck, I have no idea WHERE she had been working out at before... but I sincerely felt bad for her. All night long while I was getting ready for bed, I kept thinking if there was anything I could do as an employee at the gym to better her experience. And I still haven't come to that conclusion.

But here's what I did conclude, we can accept a change... a different environment or we don't. WE have the option to decide how we will respond. From things like diet to things like workouts. So many times we get used to doing the same thing over and over, that we actually back slide. No, change isn't always fun or comfortable, but like I was reminded today at church... There's this refining process that actually makes us better. Diamonds are made out of coal and only through pressure are they made into diamonds. That's how I view fitness. If your tired of the old you, step outside of the comfort zone and try something new. Change things up. Try a new workout. Add more weight (with good form)... Do your workout backwards from how you do it.

I'm no expert, but even as I embark on my journey of making my way to the stage, I've learned that there are other ways of doing things. Sometimes it uncomfortable, but the outcome is better with a little sacrifice. So I ask you, what do you need to change to step up your game? I challenge you to try something new this week...

Happy Training to everyone working towards their goals, #YouGotThis!

BeBlessed
A

SPANDEX

A couple weeks ago, a client of mine showed up to train and seemingly shy, said, "Oh hey, I bought a pair of them tight shorts you wear!"
Me: Oh Really? Where are they?
Her: I didn't wear them tonight because they are needing washed, but I think I really like them! They hold everything in when your working out!
Me: (((Laughing))) Well good for you! :)


When I 1st started to workout, I wore the BIGGEST hoodie and the BIGGEST pair of sweat pants I owned. I often would wear my hood up also because I didn't want anyone seeing "the fat girl" working out. I SWORE from top to bottom I'd NEVER wear them "skanky" shorts and yoga pants. I thought that any girl wearing that stuff at the gym was really just wanting attention.

BUT, here's a little lesson learned on my weight loss journey...
1. I realized I needed an ACTUAL sports bra that held everything in. That running and jumping around with a crappy bra is UNCOMFORTABLE.
2. I realized I needed some real underwear when training. Wedgies are NOT cool. When you have to adjust yourself after each burpee, it's time to make an investment in some new undergarments.
3. I realized wearing a hoodie to "train" was BLAZING hot. That came off REAL quickly!
4. I needed some real hair ties and head bands. Nothing is worse than when you have sweat in your eyes and hair in your mouth.
5. I needed a good pair of shoes. You can't wear your 1980's shoes and not have blisters. I've been there, get new shoes and get new shoes often.
6. If you look cute AFTER your workout, you didn't work hard enough... You workout to bust through plateaus and doing easy exercises doesn't get you anywhere!

And #7, wearing SPANDEX isn't a sin.
After a few training sessions of the above issues, I got smart and bought some material that was a little bit tighter, but I was able to move in it. I didn't die sweating to death because the workout material was breathable. So when I hear people tell me, "I wish I could wear them pants... my legs or butt are too big for that!" I get irritated. The mindset I had to get over was that I'm here to workout and have fun. And having fun at my workout means wearing something that I'm 100% comfortable in. If your fine in sweats, cool. Do what works for you. But if your a woman waiting to buy a slimmer fitting pair of pants but are waiting

because you don't weigh 130 pounds or because you have cellulite... I have news for you. Who the heck cares! Love yourself, have confidence, and work to be better than you were yesterday. I think that is why SPANDEX get a bad wrap... people who wear yoga pants have worked their tail off and they really don't care. They want to be comfortable and they want to kill their workout. They have confidence in who they are and what they're about. They're at the gym to be better and hats off to you!

Happy Training to all those working harder each day!

#BeBlessed
A

Staying Motivated

As many of you know, this past weekend was the Genesis Fights Cancer Fundraiser. I personally was stressed about it because teaching new releases for classes can be time consuming as one has to learn the music as well as the choreography. But I do it because I love it! I love teaching classes. I love training clients. I love being at the gym! And for someone who was once nearly 230 pounds and wouldn't set foot into a gym for fear of being made fun of, that says a lot!

I didn't start off loving the gym though! I started off by setting a goal for myself of getting healthy and having a plan of action. I set my mother as my accountability partner where she'd always ask if I had worked out for the day. If I had any doubt in my voice about working out, she would respond with, "Just go, once you get there and going, you'll be fine!" And that was true. I'd grumble all the way to the gym swearing I wouldn't do more that 20 minutes of cardio. But 15 minutes in, endorphins where pumping through my body, I would tell myself I was already there... I can stay a little bit longer.

Then there came the routine. I always went to the gym at the same time. And there were other people there at the same usual time. After a while, you talk to them and then if you miss a day, they ask where you were the day before. And "too tired to come" didn't seem like a good excuse after a while. Whether or not the other people at the gym liked seeing me or not, I felt accountable to them because they were always there to say, "Hey! How are you doing?!"

Once I became a trainer at a gym though, my motivation changed. My motivation became my clients. My clients who were working 60-70 hours a week. My clients who worked two jobs and had a family. My clients who had lost a significant other. My clients who lost a family member. My clients who were fighting or had fought a disease. My clients that continue to fight... THAT'S WHY I STAY MOTIVATED!

Yes, I've made the changes to get healthy. But the outside change isn't as great as my inward change. Being nearly diabetic because of my pour health choices and getting myself healthy had more to do with my mindset. Getting healthy is more about realizing where I was, and where I don't want to be again. Taking my health for granted is not something that I want to do again. Getting healthy is about the individuals I work with and seeing them fight day to day with far greater struggles than I have. Some days my clients come to train with me and with a deep sigh, I hear something like, "I couldn't wait to get here today, my day was horrible!" It's humbling to hear that an hour with me working out and allowing them to blow off some steam is all they need.

So how do I stay motivated? My clients. Their daily grind IS my motivation. I had created the healthy habit to reach my PERSONAL goals, but sticking with it was do able because of the positive people I surround myself with. My favorite word is 'Relentlessness' and hearing that reminds me when you least feel motivated, think of someone who is fighting for something greater. It's very humbling.

Please take the opportunity to look into Oscar Health Insurance. https://www.hioscar.com/
They provide health insurance to those living in New York and New Jersey and they understand and know the importance of being proactive about your health. Oscar encourages healthy behaviors through things like gym reimbursement programs. A few of my clients actually have benefitted greatly from this type of insurance and make amazing progress. Take the time to be proactive verses reactive when the time comes.

#BeBlessed

Burpees, Real Life

We all have our weeks and days, the time passes us by and before we know it-another year goes by. However, we've all had those days where you look at the calendar just to see if it's Friday yet. To be honest, this week has been just that. I was ready for the weekend on Wednesday. And if you know me, you'd know that I love life. I look at each day as another blessing, and another day to be better and do better.

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a super overly emotional person. I've gone through and seen a lot so me crying, well it takes a lot (maybe I'm a non typical woman? lol I don't know!?) But after this week of hearing sad news in various peoples lives, I was overwhelmed with sadness. I kept thinking to myself, Why God? So before I returned to the gym Wednesday night, I sat down with my devotional and bible and did some reading. The title just so happened to be called was called "PROTECT" and the scripture was the following;

Psalm 91:1-13The Message (MSG)

91 ^1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

 

The blurb at the bottom said, "God is bigger than our problems, bigger than our sicknesses and struggles. He outmatches our money issues and outmuscles our strongest foes. There is nowhere safer and no one stronger than our God. While difficulties may still come, nothing and no one will overcome us. While the battles may ebb and flow, the was is already won."

('Live Second' by Doub Bender)

 

I prayed protection over my clients and peace over my heart. I told God, I can't protect the people I work with, but I can cover them in prayer.

 

So waking up Thursday morning, I felt beat up, but knew with God's protection the day was going to be a good day. Client one, client two, then I got to workout. Took an extra scoop of preworkout and had some aggression to put forth to my workout. Just as I was starting, one of the military guys in the gym was just finishing his workout. He's a straight beast! As I walked by him, I hear him say, "Come do burpees with me!" (Eye rolling) I said, "Excuse me?" (REALLY the last thing I was in the mood for)

Him: C'mon, it'll just be a minute!

Me: A MINUTE?

Him: Yea, a minute. It'll be FUN!

Me: Burpees are never fun...

Him: Just come on!

Me: (Head drooping down) ok, fine...

 

Headphones in, he signals to go. We start and about, ohh... 20-30 seconds in he turns his burpees into push up burpees. SHOW OFF! lol

 

We finish and he has the hugest smile on his face and said, good job! My response, thanks, I told you I could hang! And then he said, yea... yea you can... don't be surprised in the future if I have you come do more burpees though, I know you can do them...

 

I have no idea why burpees changed my attitude completely around... could have been the endorphins? But first and foremost, I walked into the gym with a slight chip on my shoulder. I walked in thinking about all the sadness and bad things going on even though I had prayed and left it up to God. Then, I realized, once I give those burdens up to God, they aren't my burdens anymore. Those are Gods and I prayed that His will be done. I'm not sure if it was the That burpees or not that changed my attitude, I came to the conclusion that life is life. One shot, one chance. Have fun, don't be so serious. Love God and Love His people... And lastly, when life knocks you down, do a burpee and get back up!

 

BeBlessed

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