That Extra Hour

Recently I read something regarding the importance of getting 7 hours of sleep. You function better mentally, you are healthier, and your body repairs optimally as well. There are many benefits. This week has been especially hectic for me. I am transitioning to a new career, so besides my normal schedule of waking at 5, working at 8 and finishing in the early afternoon, I have added three days of onboard training from 3-6 at my new place of employment. Those extra hours may not seem much, but with added information to absorb and focusing on learning that entire time plus getting in some sort of workout has been challenging and strenuous. The night before last, after such a shift, I came home, had dinner, then began working some more on research and preparing for yesterday. Well, I finally got to bed a bit before 11pm, and woke at 5. Obviously, I didn't get a full 7 hours in, and in the morning I was generally ok. However, by the afternoon I felt spacey, and though I was excited to be at my new job again, it was a challenge to regurgitate information I had learned, stay focused and absorb new information, and I was generally tired. My organization was erratic. When I arrived, I got my things situated at my locker and got in a quick workout. I showered and when I got my things back in my locker, I ended up locking the keys to the lock inside. Wow. I usually don't use key locks, but I don't want to use that as an excuse. Clearly, my brain function was not 100%, and this situation proved it. Also, even though we got the lock cut which was not a problem, when I was done for the day I realized I left my keys in that locker, which I will retrieve today, but again, it's something that doesn't happen. Take it from me, work to get in that extra hour of sleep and you will be happier, healthier, and most likely be on point in all aspects mentally. Have a great day everyone, and thanks for reading!

Stretch Your Understanding

Yesterday I learned a bit about stretching clients out for flexibility, relaxation, and excellent service. Let's face it, it's nice to be taken care of! Anyway, some positions were tricky, and I realized myself that I am tighter than I thought. I believe I do plenty of stretching in my own routines, but I realized that by getting assistance in stretching, there was more isolation, deeper stretching, and an overall better stretch. If you haven't been stretched out by someone else, please contact me--I could use the practice anyway! Click on the title to this blog to visit the Equinox site, and if you are in the area, come see me at 900 N Michigan.

I also want to take a moment to discuss an aspect of myself I am learning more about. This personal training thing is still new to me. Yes, I have coached people, being more of an advisor and mentor. Now I will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with clients and design custom programs to help them reach their goals. Awesome. I do realize right now that my level of ambition exceeds my level of skill, but my manager and the rest of the team is very helpful, and I will have to lean on them for support and knowledge. There was a handout (one of many) that had some info on my approach. Also, it contained an assignment that is very relevant, and I'd like to share the three questions of my personal value proposition with my responses here.

1. Why Equinox? Equinox is the pinnacle of fitness clubs and training. It's a fitness club that feels like a 5 star resort. We are 110% client-focused and dedicated to taking care of people and getting them results. If you are a personal trainer, Equinox is where you dream of building a long career and can be recognized as part of the elite trainers in the nation. Education is paramount, and Equinox supplies ongoing training and support above and beyond other clubs to be able to provide service that is the best in the nation. 

2. Why Personal Training? Personal training is where I find I have evolved to. Personal training will allow me to educate, challenge, and commit to others. I believe personal training is necessary and relevant for everyone, including myself and other trainers, if even to spark new ideas, understanding, and education. Personal training is a growing industry tasked with leading the fight against obesity and poor national health.

3. Why Me? My own results are a product of following a program, and it has inspired me to want to build a career on helping people take control of their health to improve their quality of life. I believe that I can help many people find that they already possess the reasons for living better, healthier lives, and I want the opportunity to bring that out and help them reach their health and life goals. I am here to serve people, and I believe, as Zig Ziglar puts it, "If I help enough people get what they want, I can have everything I want." My passion for living a healthy life has already inspired many, and I am just building a career on sharing that passion with others, which is a liberty I greatly appreciate and value.

Have a great day, and thanks for reading!


Disclaimer: The thoughts and ideas in this post are 100% my own and not necessarily that of Equinox, and should not be thought of as a representation of Equinox, but only of myself.

Why I'm Here

Many people are perplexed as to how I have changed my attitude and outlook on life. I get asked questions like, "How do you do it?" and comments like, "Wow, you are like a totally different person." Both are relevant, but I am here because I know that anything is possible, and I just want to share that feeling of accomplishment with others through health. I truly believe that there is nothing more important than health for quality of life and success in other areas as well. I have such a profound appreciation for nature and the gifts that we can receive from the Earth through fruits, vegetables, and grains and I just really love life.

Mainly, though, I do this for others. I don't feel I motivate people. I'd rather believe that each and every one of us has reasons why we need to live healthier and better lives, and I just want to help uncover that. I want to think that I can help uncover that spirit and life within, and help people become who they want to be: essentially, the best version of themselves. This blog is particularly inspired by a text message I got from a friend and past co-worker. His name is Chris, and I met him about a year ago when he came in to work at Freshii. He was polite and shy at first, but he really opened up, and he ended up becoming one of my favorite people to work with. He really took to my advice and responded to my coaching. He ended up losing a lot of weight, and I enjoyed every time I saw him tightening his belt and shrinking in his large clothes. The transformation he and other people have experienced makes it all worth it for me. Below is the actual text message I got yesterday.

"Finna take a Big Step in life man, I'm enlisting into the Army...I have been thinkin long and hard about this decision...I just want to thank you 4 all u have done for me over the past year man...u helped me lose weight the healthy way, gave me advice on life, taught me how

2 keep striving...U have done so much...Decide Commit Succeed! I wanna thank u Mike, u r an inspiration...idk if people tell you that a lot, but its always a good thing 2 remind you. Much Luv Mike*"

I can't describe in words how rewarding it is for me to receive a message like this. Truly, the changes that Chris went through inside are much more profound than his physical transformation, and I know he will continue to grow and see great success, and I'm not goin' anywhere! Thanks, Chris, and good luck in another leg of your journey that is life. Have a great day, everyone, and thanks for reading!

Transitioning

It's a busy week for me. I am finishing up my last week at the restaurant while transitioning into my career as a personal trainer. This means I will be on my normal 8-3 schedule while also learning from my manager and mentor on how to build my training business. Oh yeah--I gotta get in my workouts too! I am planning for a newer regular weekly schedule. Inside the week, though, my schedule will vary so I must plan accordingly to ensure I get my workouts and proper meals in. I can't wait to get through this week. That said, I will actually miss working at the Corner Bakery. I had great management and leadership, and a team of great people to work with. I will be seeing them from the other side of the counter, but it's all for the best. I am excited to have the opportunity to build a career helping people improve the quality of their lives. My journey will take some exciting turns, and I am ready for the challenges ahead!

Are you in a transitional period of your life? Just remember to do your best to get the most important things done, don't stress yourself out, and learn from every experience. Please post comments about any recent or past experiences you've had. Have a great day, everyone, and thanks for reading!

Don't forget--Power Call tonight @ 6:30pm central time. Here's the info:

Dial-in Number: 1-712-432-3100
Conference Code: 314779

Catching Up

Last night we went to the Sox vs. Royals game, and it was a great time. The "Good Guys" won, but the game itself was not that exciting, but our group of friends had a good time hanging out at the park. I'll tell you I am blessed to know the people I do. In particular, I got a chance to catch up with my friend Brian who I haven't seen in a very long time although we have caught up a bit on facebook. Brian and I used to be best buds in high school, but we kind of drifted apart as friends, then after high school (like many people) we pretty much lost touch. It was great to see him, and he looks great! His wife came along, and it was great to re-meet her (we went to the same high school as well), and I also got to hang out with my good buds john (also whom I've known since high school) and Drew who's been a friend since college. It rained a bit at the game which forced us back closer to the wall in the nosebleeds, but it certainly didn't put a damper on the game. It was the fellowship for me which brought the value to my tickets and overpriced brew.

Health Notes from Game Day

I am not ashamed to say I had a few beers at the game and indulged in a few not-so-healthy snacks. Listen, people, it's not about being perfect all the time. That said, I am not downplaying the importance of being disciplined in your diet and routine. The way I look at it, if you remain disciplined for 6 out of 7 days of the week with your fitness and nutrition/diet, you can plan an evening to not worry so much and be social. You will find a few things out. One thing you will realize is that you definitely cannot perform to the best of your ability by eating a regular diet of high-fat, high-sodium, highly processed foods nor will you have the desire to do so. At least that's my realization. The problem is that most people don't share this thinking because they are used to eating unnatural, unhealthy foods often and in excess, and it becomes an addiction. Think of it like holiday eating. On the holidays most of us plan to eat and drink socially, and we for the most part don't worry too much. The problem is that this mentality carries over. In my past life, I had been so used to just eating without regard to nutrition that it seemed every day was no different from the "holiday" mentality. If this sounds like you, the issue is that you have not identified a goal (or don't have one) for your present or future health, and lack a plan or program to get there. That's where personal training and coaching come into play, and I'm here to help. Please contact me for assistance, and I'll be more than happy to consult you. If you have a group of friends that want to join you in getting healthy, please contact me. I will be more than happy to do a home workshop for all of you, and I have some exciting options and a spectrum of solutions to accommodate everyone. Keep up the hard work, everyone, and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Thanks for reading!