8 weeks out- "Visualize, then materialize!"

"Visualize, then materialize!" is a quote I love from the movie, The Secret. I'm referencing it because as I'm sitting here writing this blog I have several thoughts and feeling swirling around in my head.  I've been training clients for many years now and it seems that they fall into 1 of 2 categories. The first category is the client who's really motivated and willing to do anything and everything I say to see results and reach their goals.  They are successful at resisting the urge to cheat on their meal plans, they utilize the support of their family members and friends, and they have a true desire to succeed.  The second client is what I call the excuse-giver.  The one who says they're really motivated and willing to do what I tell them, but their heart just isn't in it.  These are the clients who cheat on their diet (or just don't follow it), don't get their workouts in, and allow outside factors like schedules and functions to affect their results-"but there was a birthday party for my child, I was on vacation, there was nothing for me to eat there, etc, etc". I could list about 50 other excuses but I digress...

Although clients training  for everyday health and those training for competition seem like completely different animals, they are in reality very similar.  It'd be impossible to count the number of times I've heard the words "I can't" or "it's just to hard to stay on the diet because...".  In fact, I think that I've heard every excuse in the book.  But what people often forget is that I too am leaning out for my contest season. Which means that I also am doing cardio everyday even if I don't feel like it, taking my workouts to the max every time, and eating 100% clean every day of week (even on birthdays and cruises!).  What I'm getting at is while I understand the challenges of getting healthy, I have less sympathy than someone who has never struggled with their weight.  I know that seems harsh, but the reality is that you are able to lose weight and get in shape....but do you really want to put in the work?  It took several years for me to get into the shape I'm in now and I still have to put in the work each day to maintain it! 

Chances are that you know someone who's been on a "diet".  In fact,  I think we all have at least one person that comes to mind immediately. Let me tell you as a person who has been fat (yes FAT...I said the F word) that diets are a waste of time!  The word diet refers to a temporary solution to a long-existing problem.  How long has your weight or your friend's weight been creeping on?  Why should you expect to get it right off?  Your body doesn't work like that unless you're using something synthetic to help with those extra pounds and that just gets plain dangerous!

 I know I sound like a preacher on a pulpit, but keep in mind that I'm in the midst of leaning out myself...so I totally get it! The mood swings, hunger, fatigue, and the irritability that comes along with watching your loved ones eat those yummy looking hamburger, fries, pizza, ice cream, and cupcakes (my favorite).  In the end, you need to come to terms with what it is that YOU want.  Do you want the meal or do you want the vitality that comes along with eating clean?  That's the decision that only you can make.  All in all, it's your body and only you can make those choices.  Personal trainers, like me and my husband, Mike, can only show you the path.  You have to choose whether or not to follow it!!!