I know that this writing thing can be viewed as an "illness" since I add to this blog almost every other day of the week. My goal in writing was to give advice and if lucky try to motivate. My intention was and is to educate, and for the most part albeit with varying degrees of success I attempt to live my life in the same fashion that I suggest for my readers.
But, even though this past year I have had the opportunity to share these little tidbits of myself with you... I feel like I haven't divulged my core beliefs about what it means to me to be a fitness professional. The notion that I have been doing this for nearly a quarter of a century might give you a clue - or just confirm that I'm just really lost and afraid to do something else :-) - ... But I don't know if many of you really know what I truly believe concerning health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.
To use the latest media term - I want to be "transparent" and honest with all my readers. So, I've compiled a list of my basic beliefs. I want to share my opinions and I encourage your comments at the end of this blog.
I believe that almost every common health problem can be linked back to insufficient activity and poor diet (I mean... joint pain, muscle pain, weight issues, metabolic disturbances, heart problems, digestive problems, sleep issues, skin problems, etc, etc.)
I believe that the body was meant to move! It was meant to be challenged and pushed within reason. And if we neglect to physically challenge our bodies, we will age more quickly, we will lose the ability to be physical, we will injure ourselves, we will become sick/diseased, and our bodies AND minds will break down.
I believe that taking ibuprofen/advil/aspirin/alleve is NOT a beneficial form of treatment for physical pain. Medicine is simply like a band aid for pain. Soreness does not warrant pain killers. Pain from an injury or an imbalance should be dealt with by finding and treating the source of the pain - through corrective exercise, massage, soft tissue manipulation, chiropractic adjustments, ice/heat, etc. (Pain killers are necessary in certain situations - don't get me wrong - but people use them way too often to cover up the real issue at hand...)
I believe that doctors are important - in instances of emergency and trauma and in the diagnosis/treatment of serious disease/illness. But they should NOT be an important source in general health education. They should not have much involvement in the promotion of fitness and proper nutrition - they are not trained to do that. Most Doctors are amazing at what they do - but very few have sufficient education in nutrition and exercise to give specific beneficial recommendations to the general public. And unfortunately the drug companies have educated physicians in the treatment of disease with medications instead of the medical schools teaching physicians how to use prevention in the treating of a disease.
I also believe that universities need to step up and fulfill a need. They have an opportunity and obligation to produce better qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable fitness professionals to take the lead for the re-education of the general public toward proper health practices.
I believe that it's never too late to become fit. Age is only a factor that determines how quickly you can transform... but it is in no way a deterrent. Physical activity is something that all ages should be involved in!
I believe that there is no limit to what you can accomplish, physically. People tend to put limits on themselves. A well thought out plan that is consistently activated will get most people to and beyond their goals.
I believe that too many women and seniors miss out on the power of being strong because they're afraid to get dirty and afraid to be uncomfortable. Or, they simply label themselves as "unable". I don't understand the act of prematurely labeling yourself before you even try... but I do understand the fear of the unknown. And I am much more willing to respect people that will at least attempt to reach their potential or try something new in the physical world.
I believe that there is no good excuse. Excuses hold you back from accomplishment. They are a way to justify and hide behind your fears. If you really want to accomplish something, no excuse will stand in your way of that pursuit.
I believe that people don't realize how atrocious "normal" nutritious practices have become. When a way of eating becomes common, people don't question it as much or they justify that how they're eating is somehow okay (because everyone else does it). This is an area that where I still struggle - being transparent here.
I believe that too many fitness professionals just regurgitate antiquated ideas. They don't question the common trainer "script" and they don't keep up with current research. Therefore, incorrect methods of training and nutrition are often perpetuated by an army of unqualified personal trainers - and the general public is left confused! BUT I am optimistic - I believe that a new breed of fitness professional is making a stand... I also believe that the role of a fitness professional is one of the most important positions to be in. And one of the most rewarding.And I am really fortunate and grateful to have selected this as my profession and passion.
I believe that it is my responsibility to be the most qualified, most knowledgeable, most experienced, most enthusiastic fitness professional I can be... in order to be deserving of my title and my position as a top fitness pro, AND to be deserving of the trust of my clients and readers.
I believe that true health is only possible through a synergistic combination of activity, physical stimulation, nourishment, hydration, rest, recovery, stress reduction, mental stimulation, and happiness/satisfaction.
I believe that finding an activity you enjoy (and making time to enjoy that activity) feeds your soul. Give yourself the chance to be physical and you'll be much more satisfied with life.
And finally, I believe that attitude is everything!
You create your own experience in life. No, you don't have full control over what happens to you, externally. But you do have complete control over how you react/respond. Life can be hard and usually is, but with a "never give up" attitude and a will to always strive for satisfaction and excellence, life can be enjoyable, happy, fun, and worthwhile.
I could go on, but this is a pretty good start. I'm passionate about my line of work. I trust you can see that. I want to help as many people as I can and I hope you get a sense of that as well. But most of all I'm very lucky to enjoy my line of work and look forward to doing this each day. It was important for me to lay this all out on the line for you so that you can fully understand where I stand on this passion of mine. And If I can help you reach your goals by using these tools (health and fitness) even better!
Over the course of the next year I would like to continue to create a greater sense of community. So I am inviting you to make or share any comments and ask that post them on this blog.
Til next time....
But, even though this past year I have had the opportunity to share these little tidbits of myself with you... I feel like I haven't divulged my core beliefs about what it means to me to be a fitness professional. The notion that I have been doing this for nearly a quarter of a century might give you a clue - or just confirm that I'm just really lost and afraid to do something else :-) - ... But I don't know if many of you really know what I truly believe concerning health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.
To use the latest media term - I want to be "transparent" and honest with all my readers. So, I've compiled a list of my basic beliefs. I want to share my opinions and I encourage your comments at the end of this blog.
I believe that almost every common health problem can be linked back to insufficient activity and poor diet (I mean... joint pain, muscle pain, weight issues, metabolic disturbances, heart problems, digestive problems, sleep issues, skin problems, etc, etc.)
I believe that the body was meant to move! It was meant to be challenged and pushed within reason. And if we neglect to physically challenge our bodies, we will age more quickly, we will lose the ability to be physical, we will injure ourselves, we will become sick/diseased, and our bodies AND minds will break down.
I believe that taking ibuprofen/advil/aspirin/alleve is NOT a beneficial form of treatment for physical pain. Medicine is simply like a band aid for pain. Soreness does not warrant pain killers. Pain from an injury or an imbalance should be dealt with by finding and treating the source of the pain - through corrective exercise, massage, soft tissue manipulation, chiropractic adjustments, ice/heat, etc. (Pain killers are necessary in certain situations - don't get me wrong - but people use them way too often to cover up the real issue at hand...)
I believe that doctors are important - in instances of emergency and trauma and in the diagnosis/treatment of serious disease/illness. But they should NOT be an important source in general health education. They should not have much involvement in the promotion of fitness and proper nutrition - they are not trained to do that. Most Doctors are amazing at what they do - but very few have sufficient education in nutrition and exercise to give specific beneficial recommendations to the general public. And unfortunately the drug companies have educated physicians in the treatment of disease with medications instead of the medical schools teaching physicians how to use prevention in the treating of a disease.
I also believe that universities need to step up and fulfill a need. They have an opportunity and obligation to produce better qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable fitness professionals to take the lead for the re-education of the general public toward proper health practices.
I believe that it's never too late to become fit. Age is only a factor that determines how quickly you can transform... but it is in no way a deterrent. Physical activity is something that all ages should be involved in!
I believe that there is no limit to what you can accomplish, physically. People tend to put limits on themselves. A well thought out plan that is consistently activated will get most people to and beyond their goals.
I believe that too many women and seniors miss out on the power of being strong because they're afraid to get dirty and afraid to be uncomfortable. Or, they simply label themselves as "unable". I don't understand the act of prematurely labeling yourself before you even try... but I do understand the fear of the unknown. And I am much more willing to respect people that will at least attempt to reach their potential or try something new in the physical world.
I believe that there is no good excuse. Excuses hold you back from accomplishment. They are a way to justify and hide behind your fears. If you really want to accomplish something, no excuse will stand in your way of that pursuit.
I believe that people don't realize how atrocious "normal" nutritious practices have become. When a way of eating becomes common, people don't question it as much or they justify that how they're eating is somehow okay (because everyone else does it). This is an area that where I still struggle - being transparent here.
I believe that too many fitness professionals just regurgitate antiquated ideas. They don't question the common trainer "script" and they don't keep up with current research. Therefore, incorrect methods of training and nutrition are often perpetuated by an army of unqualified personal trainers - and the general public is left confused! BUT I am optimistic - I believe that a new breed of fitness professional is making a stand... I also believe that the role of a fitness professional is one of the most important positions to be in. And one of the most rewarding.And I am really fortunate and grateful to have selected this as my profession and passion.
I believe that it is my responsibility to be the most qualified, most knowledgeable, most experienced, most enthusiastic fitness professional I can be... in order to be deserving of my title and my position as a top fitness pro, AND to be deserving of the trust of my clients and readers.
I believe that true health is only possible through a synergistic combination of activity, physical stimulation, nourishment, hydration, rest, recovery, stress reduction, mental stimulation, and happiness/satisfaction.
I believe that finding an activity you enjoy (and making time to enjoy that activity) feeds your soul. Give yourself the chance to be physical and you'll be much more satisfied with life.
And finally, I believe that attitude is everything!
You create your own experience in life. No, you don't have full control over what happens to you, externally. But you do have complete control over how you react/respond. Life can be hard and usually is, but with a "never give up" attitude and a will to always strive for satisfaction and excellence, life can be enjoyable, happy, fun, and worthwhile.
I could go on, but this is a pretty good start. I'm passionate about my line of work. I trust you can see that. I want to help as many people as I can and I hope you get a sense of that as well. But most of all I'm very lucky to enjoy my line of work and look forward to doing this each day. It was important for me to lay this all out on the line for you so that you can fully understand where I stand on this passion of mine. And If I can help you reach your goals by using these tools (health and fitness) even better!
Over the course of the next year I would like to continue to create a greater sense of community. So I am inviting you to make or share any comments and ask that post them on this blog.
Til next time....
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