I’m a personal trainer. I have clients who are kids and teens on up to their 60’s and beyond. I love helping people get stronger and healthier. It’s the athlete in me that believes that no matter where you are in life you can always improve. I was taught early on by coaches and my parents not to rest on successes you’ve had in the past. There are always new challenges to meet and different successes to be had. A healthy attitude toward personal improvement keeps us vital, happy, and engaged throughout our lives.
My favorite type of client to work with is someone who comes to me with goals in mind and the spirit to do what it takes to achieve them. That combination is like gold because it often means this client has taken a look at themselves, knows where they are, and has at least a moderate level of self awareness. But the willingness to take a hard look at one’s self doesn’t come easy to some people. Counselors call it self awareness, Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, calls it ‘looking at the brutal facts’, Aikidoist and author, Richard Heckler, calls it ‘rigorous self-examination.’ Whatever we choose to call it-it boils down to this; to make positive changes in yourself, your relationship, your family, or your organization, you have to be willing to see current reality clearly and you have to be willing to take responsibility for your actions. When you step back and view your situation with a larger perspective you can see the whole picture and your role in the dynamic. Everyone has a relationship with himself or herself. If you allow your internal dialogue to be negative or misguided, you will have problems with motivation and taking responsibility for your actions. Keep your internal dialogue positive and self directed—point no fingers and relate everything back to what you can do to make things better. It may sound fluffy, but it works. Study some of the greatest people throughout history and you’ll notice they made a habit of it.
Once you’ve got a handle on you current reality it’s time to do something about it. An action plan will help—just write down what you will do and put a deadline with it—them begin to work the plan. You don’t have to go it alone, a trusted friend or advisor can be very helpful during this type of exercise.

I’m excited about a new and very low-tech piece of equipment I recently purchased for our personal training studio at 860 Fitness. The equipment is two simple chains suspended from the cross bar of our cable tower. I’m excited because this simple training apparatus not only gives me and my clients a fierce full body workout by taking away most of the stability our bodies are used to, it also has reminded me of how much fun exercising can be. I love a challenge, especially a physical one and these chains don’t disappoint. Since I started incorporating this new equipment into my personal workouts they have become more intense, focused, and creative, bringing a new element into my routine which I look forward to daily. I’ve also added exercises that I love, but haven’t done recently because of mental staleness.
I first tried the chains with my 13 year old son, Jace. He was a little shaky at first, but enthusiastic nonetheless. Soon he was able to perform the basic, albeit difficult moves we were working on. Then, I repeated the process with Sensei Matthew and Sensei Brandon, and finally with one of my ‘forty-something’ fitness clients. All were delighted because they could feel how much these exercises will improve their overall strength.

So why is this important to you? Because it takes courage to break old habits. Courage is vital to freedom. If you want to be free of old habits, in this case old exercise habits, you need a dose of courage. Courage is often a product of inspiration, which usually happens when you witness someone do something that you know you can do--but you just haven’t yet. So, if my little story of exercise success is even a little inspiring, then maybe I’ve helped someone step up and make a change for the better. Remember, anyone can be inspired to make positive shifts in his or her life.
Do something today to move forward with y
our fitness routine. If you don’t have a routine and want some help, call us at the 860 Fitness. 457-FIT1 (3481) scott@860fitness.com

Keep it simple:
Notes on Weight Loss

Weight loss will occur when calories used exceeds calories consumed. Exercise burns calories.
Your RMR (resting metabolic rate) will increase as your lean body mass (muscle weight) increases. Exercise increases metabolic activity.
If your weight loss program leads to loss of lean body mass your RMR will decrease as well, thus the chances of regaining the weight are drastically increased. Exercise reduces body fat and increases lean muscle mass.
Exercise helps improve self-confidence and self-discipline.

Any weight loss program is based on burning more calories than consumed because the body will turn to the stored fat for energy. The smaller your muscles are, the fewer calories your body burns—in other words, the slower your metabolism is. Weight loss requires a change in habits and that’s hard for some people. Remember that weight loss cannot take place in a few days. The most successful weight loss clients I have are the one’s who are patient and understand the time and commitment involved in changing their habits and losing weight. It will happen when you make the commitment to do what is necessary. Eat healthier foods and exercise more.

Trust me when I tell you that you can do it. Develop an attitude of positive expectancy—believe you will achieve your goal weight and half your battle is won. Attack the problem with a positive mind-set and stop worrying about it. The best cure for worry is action. Get fitness and nutritional counseling to help you stay motivated and keep you on track, then hold on and watch the body work its magic.

With the proliferation of the internet it is very easy to stay connected with your professional personal trainer and nutrition coach at 860 Fitness. You’ll benefit from the increased accountability, responsibility, and support.

I can help you take action.
415-457-3481
scott@860fitness.com

To email this article to a friend, go to our website at www.860fitness.com and follow the link to our blog. Copy and paste in the body of your email and send it to your friend. Contact me with questions or comments.