There are multiple versions of you. Well, there are at least two that I know of. There are two of me too. Confusing isn't it? What you may not know right now is that one version of me is speaking very directly to one version of you. When I see you and speak to you in person, I tend to believe that there is just one of you...but that's not true...there's two. And when one of you speak to me in person, you have always thought that there was only one Ron Lyons. But, again, there's two. Scary huh?
So you think I'm nuts? or are you slightly intrigued and want to see where I go with this? Either way, keep reading...there's something here for you, or should I say, for "both" of you. Whomever of the two of you is reading right now, keep reading. I promise you, before you read the last words of this agglomeration, I will help set you free; both of you.
Have you ever noticed that you have the ability to do really well at something? Take, for instance, eating right and working out on a regular basis. Somehow, through the myriad of fantastical details that we call "life" you find your way into a healthy eating regimen. Amazing. But not only are you eating healthy -you are also working out consistently! Now that's even more amazing. Everyday you are mindful of what you are eating, you follow the plan and you see results! Soon you begin to believe that maybe this is it. Maybe this is the time that it sticks. Many times in the past you have started off well, only to crumble and fall back into old habits, but maybe, just maybe, you got it now!
The sad reality is that before long you find yourself eating food that just maybe a week before you would have sworn you would never eat again. Sometimes, it's not just a little bite of this or that, sometimes it's alot of this or that. Sometimes it's so much that you may wonder if you have an eating disorder or some major defect. Let me just tell you right now, you don't. You are not broken, you are not defective and you do not have an eating disorder. Just stop reading right now if you take offense to me "diagnosing" you like this. I know Dr. Oz told you different last Tuesday and a year ago Oprah disagreed with my diagnosis that you are NORMAL too. On the other hand, if you are open to the idea that maybe you are just like the rest of us, then keep on reading.
So here's the deal. When you are "on plan" and doing everything right with food and exercise, that's but ONE version of you. When life starts kicking your ass and Bluebell becomes your midnight best friend, that's another version of you. Don't you even start to deny that both of you exist now. I know you do. In fact, I spend my life trying to bring more of one of you into the light and push the other one back. But be clear about one thing. I do not and will not ever try to get rid of the Bluebell loving version of you. I can't, and, neither can you.
If you have children, I want you to think of them right now. If you do not have kids, then imagine a relationship with someone that you love deeply. As sure as I sit here typing this, the child or the person that you are thinking of will (and likely has) let you down before. Chances are beyond excellent that they have even hurt you before with their words or actions. At the same time, whomever you are thinking of has been a Godsend to you too. Happiness, joy, love, smiles...these are the things that this person has given you.
Let me ask you, if this person had to be perfect all the time, could they be? What would happen if the first time this person hurt your feelings, made a mistake or did something wrong, you had to forget all about them. No chance huh? Wouldn't happen. Thank you. You are right. Truth is, we all have people in our lives that hurt us or do us wrong at times. I'll tell you this much, if you are looking at me, you won't have to look far at all to find many faults. That's me, imperfect. Or, I should say, that's ONE of me. The other one of me gets it right fairly often.
Do you know that the greatest gift you have to give is love? Sounds silly coming from me, I know. But I'm doing you no service if I'm not straight on honest with you. Think about it. Love is what motivates us, love is what we live for. Love is an amazing, God made emotion that fuels life. You love people, you love food, you love sunsets and beaches...you love so many things except for that ONE thing. Well, except for that one OTHER thing. That other version of you, baby.
Wow. Let that sink in just a bit. If you missed it, reread it until you get it. If you still don't get it, call me. It's that important. I believe that you LOVE the you that does right...eats healthy, works out like a crazy person and gets results. But, I believe that you likely hate the you that drowns in a container of ice-cream or Whataburger or Crown Royal...or whatever. It's all nearly the same, isn't it?
If you would disown your own child the person you love for doing wrong then I say you are one hundred percent correct in hating the other version of yourself! But, if you would never do that...never walk away from those you love so much, then learn something from me now. Love yourself the same way. Did you just get that? Love yourself, the bad, Twinkee eating, Dr. Pepper drinking, Cheeto crunching version of you. It's time to make your peace. You have spent entirely too long hating yourself.
Start by acknowledging that there are two versions of you. One that's squared away and gets it right almost all the time and one that simply doesn't. One that makes you smile and one that makes you cry. One you are proud of and one that you are ashamed of. Just admitting that both exists brings major healing where you have needed it for a long, long time.
Next, make peace with yourself. It goes like this. Me, mirror, quiet. Long pause, deep breath, then "Hello." That's the start. Next is "It's good to finally acknowledge you. You know that I have always hated you, despised you and wished you were not a part of me. But, you are and therefore I will no longer hate you. In fact, I accept you. You are as much a part of me as my own breath is. But, know this. As much as I accept you, you are not ALL that I am. I am more. I am capable and I am strong. I am not defeated, nor will I ever be. I have grasped success today simply because I accept you and will no longer hate you."
Do it. When you make peace with yourself, YOU will succeed in ways that you never thought possible. Please take the time to learn to love yourself, -successes, failures, good, bad and everything in-between. I have faith in you and believe in you. Now do that for yourself and don't hesitate to ask me for help if you need it. It's what I do....
Writers note: I want to dedicate this to someone who has made a profound impact on my life with her own. Recently, this person whom I have known "of" for years but never truly taken the time to get to know has had a tremendous tragedy in her life. This person has faced something that no one should ever have to face. Every day I see her stand with strength and determination that is amazing and can only come from one thing, the love she has for God and for the man and children He blessed her with. Her family is one less now, but her impact on those of us who know her is undeniable. Thank you for reminding the rest of us what it means to love. God bless you W.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Still A Kid
I am 44 years old and to this day I still like to watch old cartoons, I still collect Star Wars toys, I would prefer to ride a $69 Huffy over some 23 oz. $6300 mountain bike and I still have the urge to buy those Snap-N-Pops that pop when you throw them on the ground every time I see them. And, if I’m being honest, I’d buy a pack of candy cigarettes in a heartbeat, if you could find them.
Truth is, I’m still very much like a kid, and so are you. Think about this. If you can remember back to your childhood, certainly you can recall all of the fun things you used to do. All of those warm summer days spent outdoors, running and playing with your friends. How about getting to buy a toy? Remember how fun that was? You probably had some limit, maybe a dollar or two. But, that never mattered. You didn’t let the fact that you could only buy a cheap toy stop you from excitedly choosing one and playing with it for a long time.
Now, it wasn’t all fun and games growing up though. Remember having to clean your room? I remember hating cleaning so much that I would rather be doing almost anything else, including slamming my head in a sliding glass door. It wasn’t that it was so hard, just that it was not fun! Then there were other things too. I remember going shopping with my mom for her work outfits and such. There was no greater drain on a young boy’s life than being dragged from department store to department store. I still shudder thinking about Sanger Harris or Joske's.
Now that we’re all grown up, things have changed, right? I mean you just LOVE to clean house, don’t you? How about super exciting things like filing your taxes? Isn’t that just the best? I look forward to doing that each and every year. In fact, I like to meet with my CPA and file early.
Wait. That's not true. I STILL hate cleaning. And, sorry to all of my IRS friends and CPA buddies out there, but filing taxes just isn’t my idea of a great day. On the other hand, send me outside to play with my friends (we call them cook-outs and day’s at the pool now) and I am ALL IN! I love doing that. Or how about buying a toy (new car, computer, TV) –again, I’m ALL IN.
The bottom line is this: we are all still just like kids. We love doing what we enjoy and protest doing what we don’t enjoy. So let me ask you, when was the last time you “loved” to work out or eat healthy? -Probably not in a long time, if ever. Why? Simply stated, we just don’t “enjoy” it. Guess what? I think you may have just started to unlock the door to something great. Let’s call it Pandora’s Box. You know how that goes, open the box and everything comes out. The difference is that in YOUR Pandora’s Box awaits a whole new, healthy, happy, energetic and full-of-life version of you.
Think about it like this: If you want to change yourself, lose weight and get very healthy, learn to “enjoy” the process. If you hate going to the gym then learn to love the sense of accomplishment you feel once done. Enjoy the friends that you will make at the gym and enjoy the process of change. Learn to love the flavors of truly healthy foods and more importantly, learn to love the great way they make you feel from the inside out. In the end, if you will work at “enjoying” the journey, you will in fact “complete” the journey. Go grab a pack of “Big League Chew” and put way too much in your mouth. Then, sit there and figure out how you can make working out and eating clean just as fun. Soon, you will LOVE the new you!
Writer's Note: The above was written for people who live in Starwood in their local magazine. I would like to add that if you belong to UB now, then guess what, YOU HAVE ALREADY FIGURED THIS OUT! The teams (classes) are very strong and actually make working out FUN. I would encourage you to join the UB Facebook page then from there join the UB Food/Recipe Exchange, the UBChallenge page and the UB Team page. It's amazing where you will find yourself woven into the very thread of everything UB is and will be. Thank you to each and every UB'er for making this place ROCK!
Truth is, I’m still very much like a kid, and so are you. Think about this. If you can remember back to your childhood, certainly you can recall all of the fun things you used to do. All of those warm summer days spent outdoors, running and playing with your friends. How about getting to buy a toy? Remember how fun that was? You probably had some limit, maybe a dollar or two. But, that never mattered. You didn’t let the fact that you could only buy a cheap toy stop you from excitedly choosing one and playing with it for a long time.
Now, it wasn’t all fun and games growing up though. Remember having to clean your room? I remember hating cleaning so much that I would rather be doing almost anything else, including slamming my head in a sliding glass door. It wasn’t that it was so hard, just that it was not fun! Then there were other things too. I remember going shopping with my mom for her work outfits and such. There was no greater drain on a young boy’s life than being dragged from department store to department store. I still shudder thinking about Sanger Harris or Joske's.
Now that we’re all grown up, things have changed, right? I mean you just LOVE to clean house, don’t you? How about super exciting things like filing your taxes? Isn’t that just the best? I look forward to doing that each and every year. In fact, I like to meet with my CPA and file early.
Wait. That's not true. I STILL hate cleaning. And, sorry to all of my IRS friends and CPA buddies out there, but filing taxes just isn’t my idea of a great day. On the other hand, send me outside to play with my friends (we call them cook-outs and day’s at the pool now) and I am ALL IN! I love doing that. Or how about buying a toy (new car, computer, TV) –again, I’m ALL IN.
The bottom line is this: we are all still just like kids. We love doing what we enjoy and protest doing what we don’t enjoy. So let me ask you, when was the last time you “loved” to work out or eat healthy? -Probably not in a long time, if ever. Why? Simply stated, we just don’t “enjoy” it. Guess what? I think you may have just started to unlock the door to something great. Let’s call it Pandora’s Box. You know how that goes, open the box and everything comes out. The difference is that in YOUR Pandora’s Box awaits a whole new, healthy, happy, energetic and full-of-life version of you.
Think about it like this: If you want to change yourself, lose weight and get very healthy, learn to “enjoy” the process. If you hate going to the gym then learn to love the sense of accomplishment you feel once done. Enjoy the friends that you will make at the gym and enjoy the process of change. Learn to love the flavors of truly healthy foods and more importantly, learn to love the great way they make you feel from the inside out. In the end, if you will work at “enjoying” the journey, you will in fact “complete” the journey. Go grab a pack of “Big League Chew” and put way too much in your mouth. Then, sit there and figure out how you can make working out and eating clean just as fun. Soon, you will LOVE the new you!
Writer's Note: The above was written for people who live in Starwood in their local magazine. I would like to add that if you belong to UB now, then guess what, YOU HAVE ALREADY FIGURED THIS OUT! The teams (classes) are very strong and actually make working out FUN. I would encourage you to join the UB Facebook page then from there join the UB Food/Recipe Exchange, the UBChallenge page and the UB Team page. It's amazing where you will find yourself woven into the very thread of everything UB is and will be. Thank you to each and every UB'er for making this place ROCK!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Oversized Mirrors
What do you feel when you look at someone who is in horrible shape? You know the ones, so big, so overweight that they have multiple rolls of fat around their mid section. Or the ones who are so large that they literally "waddle" when they walk. Surely you have seen the people who are so morbidly obese that they have to buy their clothes in a specialty shop.
So what do you think? Be honest with yourself for a moment. Do you look at them in disgust? Do you feel deep sorrow for them? Maybe you even hate them? Strong word, hate. But, do you? Do you look at them and wonder with nothing but one word questions like "why?" or "how?"
Many times I have looked at folks like this and felt much like I'm sure you do. But here's what's interesting about these feelings. It's not that you have any personal negative feelings towards the people themselves, it's that you have these feelings towards what these people represent. You see, they are in many ways like large, over sized mirrors, reflecting everything that we hate or feel sorrow for within ourselves. When you see a person who is obese, you see a little bit of yourself. Not good huh? But true. Bottom line is these folks have had made the decision to get fit and lose weight many times over. Unfortunately, they didn't make the wrong decision, they made the decision wrong. Re-read that last sentence and "get it" before you read on.
In all of my years of training and helping people lose weight, I have met every possible situation, I have heard every possible story and I have seen every kind of success and, sadly, failure. In all these years, I have learned an awful lot of truths about weight loss and such. I was reminded of one of these truths the other day when my friend Paul Miller sent me some information on decision making.
When I read over his materials, I realized that someone had taken the time to detail and perfect what we have been seeing for years. I'll kind of boil it down for you. Basically, there are two different kinds of decisions. The kind that are not earth shattering and can be changed with ease. What you are going to have for dinner, what shoes you are going to wear today, what you are going to watch on TV, etc. are examples of these decisions. Unfortunately, many people make the decision to get healthy at this level.
"I'm starting P-90X with my friend Monday..." or "Well, I think I'm going to try Adkins again, that worked well for me before..." blah, blah, blah. I hear this nonsense all the time. And it is just that, nonsense. You're probably sitting there right now thinking I'm a little harsh for feeling this way and you are right, I am. Know why? Because PEOPLE DON'T FREAKING SUCCEED LIKE THIS. These casual namby pamby weak little "decisions" to change will never get the job done. Heck, they hardly are capable of helping you decide what you're having for dinner.
The other level of decision making is the one that IS life changing. It's the one that can't be easily changed. Decisions such as getting married, buying a house, changing careers, having kids, joining the military... these are big decisions that require a large dose of thought before diving into them. That doesn't mean that everyone DOES think, but we aren't wasting our time talking about those people. We are talking about people like you, good, honest, squared away people.
So the decision to get fit and lose weight is typically made at the "what's for dinner' level but should be made at the "do you want to marry me" level. Huge difference. Massive in fact.
So here's the deal. If you are in the midst of a fitness effort based on a decision made in a manner that can be easily changed yet is not life changing, you are on a path to fail. Yes, even in my own UB program, you are set to fail. Stop right now and reassess. Spend some serious time re-evaluating your decision. If you can bring it up to the level of life changing, yet not easily changed, then my words have not been wasted. You are likely to succeed. If you have already made the decision and it was a huge, can't be changed decision, thank you. You just made my life easier because now we can accomplish great things together.
If you are one of the ones who gets it and who has made the decision and who is committed, then you are special. You possess something that so many wish for but may never experience. You see, the Ultimate Body is not the great gift. The great gift, the one you have and the one they only wish for is the ability to create change for yourself within your life. Its the ABILITY to change that they long for. You, my friends, have it.
So here's what I would like to ask those of you who have it. Let's put it to good use. Good use for more than just ourselves that is. I would like to challenge you to make a goal of helping someone who doesn't get it, who hasn't got it and yet who desperately needs it. Real help made from real personal sacrifice on some level. Find someone who is suffering from being overweight and poor health and do something for them. Teach them something. Pay for them to come to UB for a month. Take them to dinner or lunch once a week and spend time getting to know them, then, when the time is right, teach them about healthy eating or exercise. Find a way. Spend some time. Mainly, just try.
Everything that we know and everything that we have experienced is wasted if used just for ourselves. Reach out to someone in need and try your hardest to help them. Don't be disappointed if you don't save them though. Some people don't want to be saved. Remember, my challenge to you is to go and try. You and I both know that success is up to them.
When you see a very overweight person in the future, I want you to do something. From now on, don't see the negative reflections of who you used to be. Instead, I want you to see who you truly are -the person that God created to be used as part of the change. You can make a difference, if you decide to...
So what do you think? Be honest with yourself for a moment. Do you look at them in disgust? Do you feel deep sorrow for them? Maybe you even hate them? Strong word, hate. But, do you? Do you look at them and wonder with nothing but one word questions like "why?" or "how?"
Many times I have looked at folks like this and felt much like I'm sure you do. But here's what's interesting about these feelings. It's not that you have any personal negative feelings towards the people themselves, it's that you have these feelings towards what these people represent. You see, they are in many ways like large, over sized mirrors, reflecting everything that we hate or feel sorrow for within ourselves. When you see a person who is obese, you see a little bit of yourself. Not good huh? But true. Bottom line is these folks have had made the decision to get fit and lose weight many times over. Unfortunately, they didn't make the wrong decision, they made the decision wrong. Re-read that last sentence and "get it" before you read on.
In all of my years of training and helping people lose weight, I have met every possible situation, I have heard every possible story and I have seen every kind of success and, sadly, failure. In all these years, I have learned an awful lot of truths about weight loss and such. I was reminded of one of these truths the other day when my friend Paul Miller sent me some information on decision making.
When I read over his materials, I realized that someone had taken the time to detail and perfect what we have been seeing for years. I'll kind of boil it down for you. Basically, there are two different kinds of decisions. The kind that are not earth shattering and can be changed with ease. What you are going to have for dinner, what shoes you are going to wear today, what you are going to watch on TV, etc. are examples of these decisions. Unfortunately, many people make the decision to get healthy at this level.
"I'm starting P-90X with my friend Monday..." or "Well, I think I'm going to try Adkins again, that worked well for me before..." blah, blah, blah. I hear this nonsense all the time. And it is just that, nonsense. You're probably sitting there right now thinking I'm a little harsh for feeling this way and you are right, I am. Know why? Because PEOPLE DON'T FREAKING SUCCEED LIKE THIS. These casual namby pamby weak little "decisions" to change will never get the job done. Heck, they hardly are capable of helping you decide what you're having for dinner.
The other level of decision making is the one that IS life changing. It's the one that can't be easily changed. Decisions such as getting married, buying a house, changing careers, having kids, joining the military... these are big decisions that require a large dose of thought before diving into them. That doesn't mean that everyone DOES think, but we aren't wasting our time talking about those people. We are talking about people like you, good, honest, squared away people.
So the decision to get fit and lose weight is typically made at the "what's for dinner' level but should be made at the "do you want to marry me" level. Huge difference. Massive in fact.
So here's the deal. If you are in the midst of a fitness effort based on a decision made in a manner that can be easily changed yet is not life changing, you are on a path to fail. Yes, even in my own UB program, you are set to fail. Stop right now and reassess. Spend some serious time re-evaluating your decision. If you can bring it up to the level of life changing, yet not easily changed, then my words have not been wasted. You are likely to succeed. If you have already made the decision and it was a huge, can't be changed decision, thank you. You just made my life easier because now we can accomplish great things together.
If you are one of the ones who gets it and who has made the decision and who is committed, then you are special. You possess something that so many wish for but may never experience. You see, the Ultimate Body is not the great gift. The great gift, the one you have and the one they only wish for is the ability to create change for yourself within your life. Its the ABILITY to change that they long for. You, my friends, have it.
So here's what I would like to ask those of you who have it. Let's put it to good use. Good use for more than just ourselves that is. I would like to challenge you to make a goal of helping someone who doesn't get it, who hasn't got it and yet who desperately needs it. Real help made from real personal sacrifice on some level. Find someone who is suffering from being overweight and poor health and do something for them. Teach them something. Pay for them to come to UB for a month. Take them to dinner or lunch once a week and spend time getting to know them, then, when the time is right, teach them about healthy eating or exercise. Find a way. Spend some time. Mainly, just try.
Everything that we know and everything that we have experienced is wasted if used just for ourselves. Reach out to someone in need and try your hardest to help them. Don't be disappointed if you don't save them though. Some people don't want to be saved. Remember, my challenge to you is to go and try. You and I both know that success is up to them.
When you see a very overweight person in the future, I want you to do something. From now on, don't see the negative reflections of who you used to be. Instead, I want you to see who you truly are -the person that God created to be used as part of the change. You can make a difference, if you decide to...
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I'm Not Changing
So what if I never left the 80’s? The 80's were radical man. Or was it knarley. No, wait, it was "awesome, totally awesome." Anyways, as a holdover from that era, I still play video games. No more Pong or Space invaders, but Skyrim instead. So there I was, searching YouTube for some help with my game when I found a video called “Skyrim meets metal.” Metal as in “heavy metal” I wondered? I had to listen.
Within moments I was taken back to my younger days when I used to live on this stuff. Parachute pants, winged hair and loud heavy metal! Mind you, this is nothing like the 20 year older version of me now. These days I’m more KVIL than Motley Crue. So, clearly, things have changed, and change is good, right?
Fast forward to today. I attended a local bridal show as a vender for my Body Transformation studios and had a little booth set up. One sign offered “Free Body Fat Testing” and the other said “Enter to win 10 free personal training sessions.” So I sat there and watched dozens upon dozens of soon to be brides walking right past my booth and stopping instead at the cake booth, the coffee bar and such. Did you know that over 30 percent of Texans are literally obese? Let that word sink in a bit. Obese. Not over weight, not chubby but rather OBESE. From what I saw today, I think that number may be understated.
What I did see was absolutely disheartening. These overweight women would look at my table, see that it was nutrition and fitness then walk away as fast as they could. A few gave a really ugly look as if I were selling cow manure at the show. It just hurt me inside to see this happening over and over as if they were following a script or directions from someone in the hall.
So I began thinking, remember when it was a stigma to be overweight? Remember when you wanted to look good and feel good and being overweight was less “accepted” than it is now? Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that people who are overweight are flawed or bad people; Quite the contrary in fact. What I am saying is that because it is so “socially acceptable” to be overweight now, we are headed down a dead end road that ends with strokes, heart attacks and diabetes. And, don’t forget the fact that you feel horrible, have no energy and are generally prone to depression on the way!
So, maybe I am not “hip” by still believing that we should try to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. I’ll admit it. I hate this new change, and more importantly, I hate what it is doing to our kids. They are actually beating every generation before them in the race to be obese and that is OUR fault.
If you are like me and do not agree with being “PC” when it comes to your own health and that of your family, then make a commitment with me right now to be a leader in the fight to be healthy. You and I both grew up watching Rocky movies. We know what it takes. Get back in the fight and adopt your old mindset again. Turn up the Twisted Sister “We’re Not Gonna Take It” on your jam box and let’s do this. Just leave the old Jordache in the closet, ok?
-Ron
Writers Note: All the above went into my article for Starwood Newsletter which is really a magazine for Starwood. Now, heres the rest: seeing those people today made me appreciate to a new, higher level the people that we have training at UB. Every single day I see people kicking serious A in the gym, making a HUGE difference. It is beyond me to think that there are really such lazy, un-motivated, overweight people out there as what I saw today. How do they do it? How do they wake up each day and face the mirror? How can you have roll upon roll of deady fat on your body and not want to do a single thing about it?
More importantly, how do I reach them? How can I help them? Maybe the better question is this. Since we GET IT, how can WE help them?
Within moments I was taken back to my younger days when I used to live on this stuff. Parachute pants, winged hair and loud heavy metal! Mind you, this is nothing like the 20 year older version of me now. These days I’m more KVIL than Motley Crue. So, clearly, things have changed, and change is good, right?
Fast forward to today. I attended a local bridal show as a vender for my Body Transformation studios and had a little booth set up. One sign offered “Free Body Fat Testing” and the other said “Enter to win 10 free personal training sessions.” So I sat there and watched dozens upon dozens of soon to be brides walking right past my booth and stopping instead at the cake booth, the coffee bar and such. Did you know that over 30 percent of Texans are literally obese? Let that word sink in a bit. Obese. Not over weight, not chubby but rather OBESE. From what I saw today, I think that number may be understated.
What I did see was absolutely disheartening. These overweight women would look at my table, see that it was nutrition and fitness then walk away as fast as they could. A few gave a really ugly look as if I were selling cow manure at the show. It just hurt me inside to see this happening over and over as if they were following a script or directions from someone in the hall.
So I began thinking, remember when it was a stigma to be overweight? Remember when you wanted to look good and feel good and being overweight was less “accepted” than it is now? Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that people who are overweight are flawed or bad people; Quite the contrary in fact. What I am saying is that because it is so “socially acceptable” to be overweight now, we are headed down a dead end road that ends with strokes, heart attacks and diabetes. And, don’t forget the fact that you feel horrible, have no energy and are generally prone to depression on the way!
So, maybe I am not “hip” by still believing that we should try to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. I’ll admit it. I hate this new change, and more importantly, I hate what it is doing to our kids. They are actually beating every generation before them in the race to be obese and that is OUR fault.
If you are like me and do not agree with being “PC” when it comes to your own health and that of your family, then make a commitment with me right now to be a leader in the fight to be healthy. You and I both grew up watching Rocky movies. We know what it takes. Get back in the fight and adopt your old mindset again. Turn up the Twisted Sister “We’re Not Gonna Take It” on your jam box and let’s do this. Just leave the old Jordache in the closet, ok?
-Ron
Writers Note: All the above went into my article for Starwood Newsletter which is really a magazine for Starwood. Now, heres the rest: seeing those people today made me appreciate to a new, higher level the people that we have training at UB. Every single day I see people kicking serious A in the gym, making a HUGE difference. It is beyond me to think that there are really such lazy, un-motivated, overweight people out there as what I saw today. How do they do it? How do they wake up each day and face the mirror? How can you have roll upon roll of deady fat on your body and not want to do a single thing about it?
More importantly, how do I reach them? How can I help them? Maybe the better question is this. Since we GET IT, how can WE help them?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
How To Fit In A Bikini
It might have been the perfect day at the pool. The temperature was in the mid 80’s, the sun was warm on her skin yet there was a touch of perfect coolness in the air. “I wish every day could be this good” she thought to herself. When she breathed in she smelled the sweetness of Honeysuckle, the kind that takes you back to when you were a kid on an amazing summer day. Her friends were all there too, laughing and taking turns sharing tidbits of their lives with each other. One of those little waterfalls was alive with the sounds of cascading water nearby and the husbands and boyfriends were all laughing and hanging out by the grill.
As she lay there stretched out on the lounge chair, she remembered spending nearly a whole Saturday at Stonebriar Mall shopping for a bikini. Luckily she had found the perfect one. Black, tasteful and super cute, it fit her better than she remembers them fitting back in the 80’s. The bikini might be better today than back then, but as she flips through her playlists on her iPhone, she stops on the 80’s music she has downloaded and begins to tap her fingers to Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.
“Perfect!” she thought.
Then the alarm went off. Slowly she rolled over and hit the snooze button as she does every morning. In her mind it’s just another day of stress just waiting to happen. Soon she will be up and trying like mad to get the kids to wake up. No real time for a healthy breakfast, she knows that there will be a donut (or three) along with a cup of coffee (or three) waiting for her at work. After avoiding the mirror while getting in the shower, she reluctantly searches through her closet for the one outfit that will make her “look” thinner, even though she knows she simply isn’t. Truth is, she hasn’t been thin for long time now.
Today she feels terrible. She may have a smile on the outside, at times, but on the inside, she’s depressed and hates what she looks like and how she feels about herself. Sadly, she even feels pretty hopeless to change it. So, like most people, she simply gives up on the possibility that she can ever have the life she has always wanted. Instead she spends her time chasing her kid’s homework assignments, sports practices and their messes all over the house. Her life is hectic and her best two friends are sweets and high fat foods these days.
“Not perfect” she thought. Not even close.
Let me explain something to you as you read this. I am a door opener. Granted, my title is Fitness Specialist, but in reality, I’m a door opener. Here’s what I mean. We all want something, something fantastic. We want to go to the pool and we want to look good. Not only that but we want to feel good. We want energy, focus and above all else, we want to be happy. Here’s what I know: all of those things that you want are there for you, waiting on the other side of a door. They aren’t far off, they aren’t far-fetched but they are one thing that is far, -far from impossible!
In your world you have been blessed with many abilities; the ability to think, the ability to love and the ability to change. That’s right, to change. Hold that thought and let me tell you something. Every single person who reads this from the editor to you yourself will be in one of three groups. One group is the ones who stay right where they are. No success, no change, lots of moo-moo’s at the pool and excuses for not enjoying life. The second group is those who make “some” effort and end up changing “some.” You know, half effort and half results. These folks will live a little better life, but not an amazing life -sometimes the pool sometimes Oreo’s and frustration. Then the final group: those of us who will not settle any longer, those who will reach out and take the life that we want so badly for. This group smiles, this group has hope, this group lives! The hard reality is that YOU WILL BE IN ONE OF THESE THREE GROUPS. You can’t avoid it. Even if you say “I’m not participating in your group thing” then guess what? Group one.
The good news is that you can change which group you are in. There are “doors” separating them to be sure. Remember me saying I’m a door opener? Hello. Want the key to open your door? I call it your mindset. Some would call it your attitude, but either way it’s the same thing, and, that my friend, is your key. It’s one of the greatest things you possess and it is uniquely and unmistakably yours to use.
Unlock the door with your positive, can win, won’t lose attitude. Decide right now that you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Decide that you are ready for change. Decide that the life you live is up to you and then simply reach out and get it. It’s nothing more complicated than healthy food and exercise. No pills, no surgeries, no fad or gimmicky shortcuts. Your journey won’t be perfect, but it will be perfect enough.
Pool time is soon at hand. Will you be there? I will. You bring the bikini and hot new body and I’ll bring “Journey’s Greatest Hits” and the Coppertone. See you there!
As she lay there stretched out on the lounge chair, she remembered spending nearly a whole Saturday at Stonebriar Mall shopping for a bikini. Luckily she had found the perfect one. Black, tasteful and super cute, it fit her better than she remembers them fitting back in the 80’s. The bikini might be better today than back then, but as she flips through her playlists on her iPhone, she stops on the 80’s music she has downloaded and begins to tap her fingers to Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.
“Perfect!” she thought.
Then the alarm went off. Slowly she rolled over and hit the snooze button as she does every morning. In her mind it’s just another day of stress just waiting to happen. Soon she will be up and trying like mad to get the kids to wake up. No real time for a healthy breakfast, she knows that there will be a donut (or three) along with a cup of coffee (or three) waiting for her at work. After avoiding the mirror while getting in the shower, she reluctantly searches through her closet for the one outfit that will make her “look” thinner, even though she knows she simply isn’t. Truth is, she hasn’t been thin for long time now.
Today she feels terrible. She may have a smile on the outside, at times, but on the inside, she’s depressed and hates what she looks like and how she feels about herself. Sadly, she even feels pretty hopeless to change it. So, like most people, she simply gives up on the possibility that she can ever have the life she has always wanted. Instead she spends her time chasing her kid’s homework assignments, sports practices and their messes all over the house. Her life is hectic and her best two friends are sweets and high fat foods these days.
“Not perfect” she thought. Not even close.
Let me explain something to you as you read this. I am a door opener. Granted, my title is Fitness Specialist, but in reality, I’m a door opener. Here’s what I mean. We all want something, something fantastic. We want to go to the pool and we want to look good. Not only that but we want to feel good. We want energy, focus and above all else, we want to be happy. Here’s what I know: all of those things that you want are there for you, waiting on the other side of a door. They aren’t far off, they aren’t far-fetched but they are one thing that is far, -far from impossible!
In your world you have been blessed with many abilities; the ability to think, the ability to love and the ability to change. That’s right, to change. Hold that thought and let me tell you something. Every single person who reads this from the editor to you yourself will be in one of three groups. One group is the ones who stay right where they are. No success, no change, lots of moo-moo’s at the pool and excuses for not enjoying life. The second group is those who make “some” effort and end up changing “some.” You know, half effort and half results. These folks will live a little better life, but not an amazing life -sometimes the pool sometimes Oreo’s and frustration. Then the final group: those of us who will not settle any longer, those who will reach out and take the life that we want so badly for. This group smiles, this group has hope, this group lives! The hard reality is that YOU WILL BE IN ONE OF THESE THREE GROUPS. You can’t avoid it. Even if you say “I’m not participating in your group thing” then guess what? Group one.
The good news is that you can change which group you are in. There are “doors” separating them to be sure. Remember me saying I’m a door opener? Hello. Want the key to open your door? I call it your mindset. Some would call it your attitude, but either way it’s the same thing, and, that my friend, is your key. It’s one of the greatest things you possess and it is uniquely and unmistakably yours to use.
Unlock the door with your positive, can win, won’t lose attitude. Decide right now that you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Decide that you are ready for change. Decide that the life you live is up to you and then simply reach out and get it. It’s nothing more complicated than healthy food and exercise. No pills, no surgeries, no fad or gimmicky shortcuts. Your journey won’t be perfect, but it will be perfect enough.
Pool time is soon at hand. Will you be there? I will. You bring the bikini and hot new body and I’ll bring “Journey’s Greatest Hits” and the Coppertone. See you there!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
I Have A Question For You...
You know who they are, right? It seems that from the beginning everything falls into place for them. They come into the program all gung-ho and regardless of the fact that they are overweight and out of shape, they push like no one’s business... they are the ones who sit there and stare at me almost as if in a trance when I am speaking in a motivational way to the group as a whole. I know that they are getting every single word that I am saying and, more importantly, they are taking it to heart.
These folks seem to "drink the Kool-Aid" when it comes to the Ultimate Body Program. They learn everything they can about it, they breathe it and they LIVE it. In their spare time, they read all that they can about improving health and increasing their fitness levels. It seems that in every conversation that they have the subject of working out and eating healthy comes up. Much of the time, these people tend to irritate their friends by NEVER shutting up about the program. I guess the most important thing that these people have in common with each other is that they absolutely BELIEVE they can and will succeed.
So, who are these people? They are the "Ones Who Will Succeed." I can almost guarantee it. We roll dozens of them out of the program. They are the ones who decided at some point to actually change their lives for the better and then followed through. Annoying as they can be if you are not one of them, they truly are the ones who have it together.
Then, of course there’s the other group out there too. You know them: they talk a big talk about how they "used" to be something special and looked awesome. They tell you about how they are "going to" do it again, someday -maybe this day. But, something just hits you all wrong about their sincerity. These folks show up strong -for a week or two. Soon the stack of excuses gets so high, nothing can overcome them. This happens, that happens and ultimately the only thing that we all KNOW and can SEE happens is that their back side gets bigger and bigger.
These people have "crutch foods" down to an art. You know, 100 calorie snack packs here, low fat something there, blah blah blah. Bottom line is they aren't fooling anyone, especially themselves. These folks are the same ones that have talked to you time in and time out telling you about this diet, that diet supplement, this boot camp or that new fat loss book and on and on and on until you just smile and feel bad about how pathetic these people have become.
Know who these folks are? You guessed it; they are the "Ones Who Won't Succeed." They are all over and at times you may wish, as I do, that you could just grab them and shake the nonsense out of them. But, you can't. The only thing that would come out of them is some Diet Coke and the few little chocolate candies that they snatched off someone’s desk when no one was looking, except themselves.
My question is this: Who are you? Seriously. Imagine me sitting right in front of you looking you straight in the eyes and asking, "Who are you?" This is a critical question and one that demands a straight answer. You see, I already KNOW who I am. But, DO YOU?
There is but one tiny bit of hope for you if you have found yourself in the lagging, horrible, self-hating, self-deprecating, depressed place of which I speak. Stop. Yep, that's about it. Freaking STOP. You are in either one of these groups by YOUR OWN CHOICE. Exercise that choice that God gave you and fix it. Right now, right here, before you hit the end of this silly little message. Say to yourself "That's it. It's over. No more nonsense." Then, live it. Like I’ve said before, no magical Disney music is going to start playing, no fireworks are going to go off, nothing. It’s just you, your soon to be skinny ass and this new decision. That’s it, but, that’s enough.
I would be more than happy if you were to go into your kitchen and throw away anything that you can't handle. I would be more impressed if you would go to someone you care about and someone who cares about you either in person or by phone and tell them what you just decided. Tell them with conviction. The healing starts here.
The article is almost over. Just a few more sentences and it's done. If you just decided to change from the bad to the good group, welcome to the rest of your life in a new way -healthier and happier than you could possibly have expected. If you decided not to change (which is a nice way of saying you read the article but didn’t actually do anything about it), then I hope there’s a Twinkee or two left. You’re going to need them.
Hello new you. Nice to meet you...
These folks seem to "drink the Kool-Aid" when it comes to the Ultimate Body Program. They learn everything they can about it, they breathe it and they LIVE it. In their spare time, they read all that they can about improving health and increasing their fitness levels. It seems that in every conversation that they have the subject of working out and eating healthy comes up. Much of the time, these people tend to irritate their friends by NEVER shutting up about the program. I guess the most important thing that these people have in common with each other is that they absolutely BELIEVE they can and will succeed.
So, who are these people? They are the "Ones Who Will Succeed." I can almost guarantee it. We roll dozens of them out of the program. They are the ones who decided at some point to actually change their lives for the better and then followed through. Annoying as they can be if you are not one of them, they truly are the ones who have it together.
Then, of course there’s the other group out there too. You know them: they talk a big talk about how they "used" to be something special and looked awesome. They tell you about how they are "going to" do it again, someday -maybe this day. But, something just hits you all wrong about their sincerity. These folks show up strong -for a week or two. Soon the stack of excuses gets so high, nothing can overcome them. This happens, that happens and ultimately the only thing that we all KNOW and can SEE happens is that their back side gets bigger and bigger.
These people have "crutch foods" down to an art. You know, 100 calorie snack packs here, low fat something there, blah blah blah. Bottom line is they aren't fooling anyone, especially themselves. These folks are the same ones that have talked to you time in and time out telling you about this diet, that diet supplement, this boot camp or that new fat loss book and on and on and on until you just smile and feel bad about how pathetic these people have become.
Know who these folks are? You guessed it; they are the "Ones Who Won't Succeed." They are all over and at times you may wish, as I do, that you could just grab them and shake the nonsense out of them. But, you can't. The only thing that would come out of them is some Diet Coke and the few little chocolate candies that they snatched off someone’s desk when no one was looking, except themselves.
My question is this: Who are you? Seriously. Imagine me sitting right in front of you looking you straight in the eyes and asking, "Who are you?" This is a critical question and one that demands a straight answer. You see, I already KNOW who I am. But, DO YOU?
There is but one tiny bit of hope for you if you have found yourself in the lagging, horrible, self-hating, self-deprecating, depressed place of which I speak. Stop. Yep, that's about it. Freaking STOP. You are in either one of these groups by YOUR OWN CHOICE. Exercise that choice that God gave you and fix it. Right now, right here, before you hit the end of this silly little message. Say to yourself "That's it. It's over. No more nonsense." Then, live it. Like I’ve said before, no magical Disney music is going to start playing, no fireworks are going to go off, nothing. It’s just you, your soon to be skinny ass and this new decision. That’s it, but, that’s enough.
I would be more than happy if you were to go into your kitchen and throw away anything that you can't handle. I would be more impressed if you would go to someone you care about and someone who cares about you either in person or by phone and tell them what you just decided. Tell them with conviction. The healing starts here.
The article is almost over. Just a few more sentences and it's done. If you just decided to change from the bad to the good group, welcome to the rest of your life in a new way -healthier and happier than you could possibly have expected. If you decided not to change (which is a nice way of saying you read the article but didn’t actually do anything about it), then I hope there’s a Twinkee or two left. You’re going to need them.
Hello new you. Nice to meet you...
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
It's January. How Much Weight Have You Lost?
Hey, you. Ya, you. Sitting there reading this right now. I know you. Well, more importantly, I know ABOUT you. "Who am I then Mr. trainer?" Well, let me tell you. You are one of two people that I know. You are either perfectly content and happy with how you look and feel, or, more likely, you aren't. Let me tell you, if you are happy with how you look and feel, stop reading this now and instead, click on this link and enjoy a special just for you. On the other hand, if you are NOT happy with how you look and feel, then I am talking to YOU. Read on.
So tell me, how much weight have you lost? A fair amount so far, right? I mean, it is mid January. Actually more towards the end of the month. By now you should have pulled off at least 5 pounds; probably more like 12. You haven't though, have you? How does that feel? Really good? Make you want to jump for joy? Are you just thrilled with where you are headed? I thought not.
So it's really easy to sit here and bash you for failing to get your act together so far this year. But, truth be known, we are all really good at doing that to ourselves. No need for me to join the ass kicking that you either have or soon will have going on.
Actually I've got my mind set on something else. I want to help you overcome your biggest obstacle. Yourself. How do I know you are your own biggest obstacle? Because I am my own as well. We have that in common.
Now then, it's time to get serious. You've been waiting on someone to walk up and say "Hey man" or "Hey girl" shake off all the BS that you've collected and get your head our of your ass." Guess what. I'm here and I'll say it again. Hey, you, it's time to get your head out of your ass and let's get control of this thing, now!'
Seriously, do you like being overweight? Love that muffin freakin top? Are you a huge fan of dimples up an down your thighs? Heck no! You hate that crap. So do I. But somehow we want our cookies, chips, 100 calorie snack packs, wine, ice cream, cheese burgers etc. more. Right? Wrong. It's just that the junk crap is NOW and your results seem so far off. I know. I get it.
Let me tell you this. In order to overcome all these bad choices that keep us from our goal bodies, we have to draw a line in the sand. I mean a real, honest to God line in the sand and take off the boxing gloves. It's WAY past time to fight this fight. Way past. You know, if you had drawn this line back on your last effort just months back, you would be D-O-N-E done!
Know what you are about to miss? The swimming pool, cook outs, smaller awesome clothes, amazing health, much more energy, way less of the blues and depression, and most of all, just a better way to live your life. Ill put my size 31 jeans, my ability to take off my shirt at the pool in a few months and the compliments on how I look up against your glass of wine and cheese any day.
Please draw the line right now. Not later, not tomorrow, not next Monday, but NOW. I know, you may just die if you don't get your Hohos tonight, but I doubt it. Most likely, tonight will be the night that started the change that is currently just a dream.
In a couple of months I'm going to ask you again. "So, it's March. How much weight have you lost?"
Current client, former client, never a client: Call or text me now and just say hey, I need your help. If you are sincere, I will go to the ends of this little planet to help you. 214-783-5440.
Ron
So tell me, how much weight have you lost? A fair amount so far, right? I mean, it is mid January. Actually more towards the end of the month. By now you should have pulled off at least 5 pounds; probably more like 12. You haven't though, have you? How does that feel? Really good? Make you want to jump for joy? Are you just thrilled with where you are headed? I thought not.
So it's really easy to sit here and bash you for failing to get your act together so far this year. But, truth be known, we are all really good at doing that to ourselves. No need for me to join the ass kicking that you either have or soon will have going on.
Actually I've got my mind set on something else. I want to help you overcome your biggest obstacle. Yourself. How do I know you are your own biggest obstacle? Because I am my own as well. We have that in common.
Now then, it's time to get serious. You've been waiting on someone to walk up and say "Hey man" or "Hey girl" shake off all the BS that you've collected and get your head our of your ass." Guess what. I'm here and I'll say it again. Hey, you, it's time to get your head out of your ass and let's get control of this thing, now!'
Seriously, do you like being overweight? Love that muffin freakin top? Are you a huge fan of dimples up an down your thighs? Heck no! You hate that crap. So do I. But somehow we want our cookies, chips, 100 calorie snack packs, wine, ice cream, cheese burgers etc. more. Right? Wrong. It's just that the junk crap is NOW and your results seem so far off. I know. I get it.
Let me tell you this. In order to overcome all these bad choices that keep us from our goal bodies, we have to draw a line in the sand. I mean a real, honest to God line in the sand and take off the boxing gloves. It's WAY past time to fight this fight. Way past. You know, if you had drawn this line back on your last effort just months back, you would be D-O-N-E done!
Know what you are about to miss? The swimming pool, cook outs, smaller awesome clothes, amazing health, much more energy, way less of the blues and depression, and most of all, just a better way to live your life. Ill put my size 31 jeans, my ability to take off my shirt at the pool in a few months and the compliments on how I look up against your glass of wine and cheese any day.
Please draw the line right now. Not later, not tomorrow, not next Monday, but NOW. I know, you may just die if you don't get your Hohos tonight, but I doubt it. Most likely, tonight will be the night that started the change that is currently just a dream.
In a couple of months I'm going to ask you again. "So, it's March. How much weight have you lost?"
Current client, former client, never a client: Call or text me now and just say hey, I need your help. If you are sincere, I will go to the ends of this little planet to help you. 214-783-5440.
Ron
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