Written By: Rosie Chee

Photo By: Dan Ray

Introduction

Deciding to run a marathon is no easy thing. Deciding it is one thing. DOING it is another, and there are going to be many times along your journey when you will no doubt wonder what you have gotten yourself into, what could possibly have possessed you to make such a decision.

Having made the decision it is only logical that you want to give your best performance possible. Therefore simply training your body is NOT enough. You need to MENTALLY prepare yourself for your performance, especially if you’re going to be spending countless, gruelling hours training for it.

Psychological Skills Training

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to practice and utilize psychological skills training. However, such as with physical training and different aspects of the marathon like running technique, psychological skills must be learned AND developed for them to help you the most effectively.

There are two psychological skills training methods of benefit to the individual preparing for a marathon:
1.  Positive Self-Talk
2.  Mental Imagery/Visualization

Positive Self Talk

Negativity creeps into every area of our lives, no less when preparing for something as arduous as a marathon.  Often, having made a decision, we can not only start doubting ourselves and our ability to complete the goal we have set, but others will often also find reasons why you should not or in their mind “can’t” do what it is you want to do.  You have to learn to look PAST the negativity and focus on the POSITIVE.  Setting aside time in your daily schedule, where you look over your goals for the

marathon and affirm them using the phrase “I will” instead of “I want to”, speaking positive words over yourself and your ability to achieve those goals is very important in helping improve your motivation and self-confidence, in turn imapcting your performance.  Not just setting aside that time, but learning to OVERride any negativity when it appears by replacing it with a positive affirmation is another good skill to have and use.

Mental Imagery/Visualization

Imagine yourself at the start of the marathon.  Imagine yourself at markers throughout the marathon — 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, etc. Visualize your running technique, your speed, your breathing. Imagine how it feels, smells, tastes, as if you were actually running the marathon.  The mind is a powerful tool, and mental imagery/visualization used in conjunction with other psychological skills training methods, [positive] self-talk especially, has been shown to help enhance physical performance more than any other method used alone.  If done correctly, when you use mental imagery/visualization to imagine what the marathon is like, your “perfect performance” and achieving your goals, your actual physical performance will concurrently improve, since you are training your neuromuscular system, which your mind cannot distinguish from physical training.  Therefore, whether you use this technique withOUT training, just before, or during your training, it can help improve your marathon performance.

Conclusion

If you want to stay on track with your physical training, keep motivation and commitment high, and improve your marathon performance, you cannot forget about training your MIND.  By employing psychological skills training techniques like positive self-talk and mental imagery/visualization to mentally help you prepare for your marathon, you are ensuring that you are giving yourself the best possible chance to achieve what you deem to be your “perfect performance”.

References
Hardy, L., Jones, G, & Gould, D. (1997). Understanding psychological preparation for sport: Theory and practice of elite performers. London, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Orlick, T. (2000). In pursuit of excellence: How to win in sport and life through mental training (3rd ed.). United States of America: Human Kinetics.
Porter, K. ( 2003). The mental athlete: Inner training for peak performance in all sports. Canada: Human Kinetics.
Weinberg, R. S. & Gould, D. (1999). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology (2nd ed.). United States of America: Human Kinetics.

About the writer: Lifetime natural athlete and multiple NZ National track and road cycling champion, internationally published fitness columnist and exercise physiologist, Rosie “The Female Terminator” Chee lives her motto; constantly challenging the “impossible”, always striving to be her best; seeking to inspire and motivate others, to educate and empower them to make positive lifestyle choices that improve their quality of life. “Think like a Champion. Train like a Warrior. Live with a Purpose.”  To contact Rosie, visit: www.rosiesmusclerevolution.com. Photo credit: Dan Ray

Written By: Emily Lind

Photo By: Shannon Williams Photography

You know what I’m talking about, that one burning desire you have.  It replays in your mind almost daily.  That one thing you’ve been putting off.   It may be executing the plan to achieve body you’ve always longed for, starting your own business, the relationship you need to let go of  or maybe even a  relationship you’ve been dying to start!  You see, it is possible, you just HAVE TO START.   Make a move.   Some of the people with the greatest ideas and greatest potential are sitting on the sidelines, hanging out.  If this is you, it’s time to get off the sidelines and GET IN TO THE GAME!

You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do. You must do.   Nothing, I repeat nothing is going to happen if you don’t put yourself out there.  Every dream, grand idea, burning passion, and even that zest for life you have simply put on the sidelines.  Unless, you step out of your comfort zone and take action.  The choice is yours, float through the day or live your day.

People rarely succeed unless they are having fun in what they’re doing.  So whatever it is that you are going to start, please make sure you are going to enjoy it.   If it’s fitness that you are getting into for the first time, do it with a friend.  Eventually, the pain will become fun.  I promise you the results though, are even MORE FUN!  If it’s a new business venture, meet your passion with it!  If you are literally stuck by all the negatives in life, find a way to develop.  Take a course, read, hang out with people who are soaring, who love life.  You owe it to yourself to step into your greatness.

You can stay where you are or you can fight your way to where you long to be.  You don’t need to be perfect.  Always live with clear eyes, love and joy in your heart.  Always keep moving forward.  When you keep moving forward don’t point fingers.   You are 100% responsible for your life.   Work your heart out in a good cause.   Never give in to conviction unless it’s of good intention.  Now,  go show the world how great you are!   You must get started!

About the writer:  Emily Lind is the Co-Founder of the ETS-Em Perform Fit System,  company devoted to creating the most effective fitness program for being FIT while getting stronger, faster, and have you seeing RESULTS combined with real life athletic and fitness training application. She is also an Executive with the leading wellness company, Isagenix. Visit her at www.emfitlife.com, Twitter EmPerformFit & Facebook.com/EmFitLife.

Written By: Judith K Gelman

I am 51 years old and in the best shape of my life, not only fitness wise, but spiritually and health wise. In the last couple of years, I have lost 20 pounds due to eating clean and weight training. I have always been physically active, but it wasn’t until I changed my eating habits and focused more on muscle building that things changed.

My father passed away in his sleep 4 years ago due to a heart attack and my mother passed away 1 year ago after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). So, l have learned that we must take care of ourselves health wise and appreciate every daywe have. I believe in the motto, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.

I grew up a military and civil service brat (dad was Air Force then FAA Air Traffic Controller) and moved about 13 times before graduating high school. This taught me the ability to adapt to new situations. I joined the FBI in 1989 (a few years after college) and was assigned to our New Orleans Division for 3 years and then transferred to the Los Angeles Division where I have been for the last 20 years.

I am also at a point in my life where I am settled in my career and relationship. I am married to a wonderful man and have been an FBI Special Agent for the past 23 years. I am a woman in the FBI where only about 20% of women make up the Special Agent population. When I joined, the population of women as Special Agent’s was only about 10%. I spent about 21 years working cases, and in the last two years I have been assigned to our recruiting department.

I feel that at this point in my career as well as my life in general, I can have a positive influence on those just starting out. I often hear that I am an inspiration, not only because of my fitness level and the fact that I look a lot younger than 51, but also because I am such a positive and passionate individual who believes in living life to its fullest.

I was so happy with my physique transformation that I created a profile on bodybuilding.com at bodyspace http://bodyspace. bodybuilding.com/FedLady/. Check it out!

I would love to tell all the women out there that they can do anything they put their mind to! It doesn’t matter what age you are to get fit and healthy! When there is a will,
threre is a way!

Written By: Dr. Sara Solomon

Photo By: Eva Simon Photography

“Dear Dr. Solomon,
Why does my mouth burn when I rinse with mouthwash and is there a link between mouthwash and oral cancer? -Jackie

Mouthwash has been used by billions of people worldwide for over 100 years to kill oral bacteria known to cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.

Some mouthwashes may contain up to 26.9% alcohol (ethanol). The alcohol is a preservative and an antiseptic, and is also added to dissolve the other ingredients in the mouthwash. It is the alcohol that is responsible for201 the burning sensation experienced during the 30 second swishing session.

Alcohol is a desiccant, which means it dries out the tissues in your mouth. This is not an advantageous property because we rely on saliva as a natural defense against bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. A dry mouth will have more odour-causing bacteria, which means an alcohol-containing mouthwash can actually contribute to bad breath. Seniors often have an increased risk of dry mouth and should consult with their dentist before using an alcohol-containing mouthwash.

Alcohol also has a caustic effect. Misuse of mouthwashes containing 25% alcohol or more has been associated with oral tissue alterations such as ulcerations, inflammation and broken capillary blood vessels.

Children, pregnant women, substance abusers or seniors should not use alcohol mouthwashes. Accidental consumption of a bottle of alcohol-containing mouthwash can be fatal to young children. It is possible to fail a Breathalyzer test after rinsing with an alcohol-containing mouthwash. Recently, there has been concern that using alcohol
containing mouthwash may increase your risk of developing oral cancer. It is theorized that alcohol can make the lining of your mouth more permeable to carcinogens such as tobacco. It has already been proven that alcohol and tobacco users increase their risk of oral cancer. Although keep in mind that people who use alcohol-based mouthwashes are typically smokers and drinkers who are trying to mask their bad breath. At the current time, there is insufficient evidence to support a connection between oral cancer and alcohol-containing mouthwash. If you are concerned, then eliminate your risk by using an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Email your questions to Dr. Solomon at sara@drsarasolomon.com

ABOUT THE WRITER : Dr. Sara Solomon received her BSc in Physical Therapy and her DMD from McGill University in 2001 and 2005 respectively. She is a general dentist in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sara is also a WBFF PRO Fitness Model, a writer, a cover girl, a certified personal trainer, a SPINNING® instructor, a physiotherapist, a certified jump rope specialist with the Jump Rope Institute, a university and continuing education lecturer and a photographer. To learn more about Sara, please visit her website at www.drsarasolomon.com.

]]> http://www.fitnessx.com/ask-the-dentist-may-2012/feed/ 0 http://www.fitnessx.com/what-is-clean-eating/ http://www.fitnessx.com/what-is-clean-eating/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:57 +0000 admin http://www.fitnessx.com/?p=3136

Written By: Miranda Hoffmann

Photo By: 180 Photography

I’m sure when many of you think about “clean eating” you automatically picture a salad in your mind. I have heard from many people that they are afraid to work with a personal trainer or nutritionist because they think that the only thing they’ll be allowed to eat is a salad. Well, rest assured that clean eating is not all about eating the green
stuff. It’s a lifestyle, not a specific food.

Eating clean is about choosing foods that are the way nature intended them to be; fresh meats, whole grains, real eggs, fresh or frozen fruits and veggies, healthy fats and herbs and spices. Learn to cook. You can make tasty, decadent meals with little effort and on a small budget that are very healthy and even your kids will enjoy. Remember, this is a lifestyle, not a temporary fix. Diets don’t work because you can’t stick with them and it’s not healthy to. Eating clean will keep you looking and feeling great for your entire life and you’ll actually enjoy eating! That’s right! Enjoy food again, and eat the foods you love. Sometimes just preparing them differently and balancing them with the proper foods will make a meal healthier and promote fat loss!

To start eating clean, choose items that fit the description above. Stop purchasing items that have ingredients you cannot pronounce. Prepare them in healthy ways, such as grilling, baking, pan searing, sautéing, steaming, etc. Use healthy oils and get creative with spices. Every time I make chicken breasts I make up a new marinade to soak them in before cooking them. Just 30 minutes in some good quality balsamic vinegar, a little olive oil and minced garlic can turn a boring piece of chicken into a meal that will make your guests say “WOW!” You can also add some rosemary, or even just balsamic vinegar and some orange juice. Play with it, have fun, get your kids involved. Taste your marinade and see what you think it needs. Display your food on your plate like a work of art…even if you’re only making dinner for yourself. Sprinkle some freshly grated Romano cheese on top or drizzle some balsamic glaze on your plate to make it pretty. Let your eyes enjoy your food just as much as your taste buds. You’ll find yourself getting excited to cook when you realize it’s easy to make food that you love to eat that does not make you feel sick afterward.

Keep in mind that foods that are healthy (let’s pick on the green salad again) can still make you gain weight, if not eaten properly. The goal is to eat 5-6 meals per day, consistently. If you carry on throughout your day without eating for more than 3 hours your body will start to go into “starvation mode”. Once this happens, no matter what you eat, your body will store most of it to use later as fuel just in case you don’t feed it again. So basically, you’re hibernating. I’m sorry, but I’d rather be called a rabbit for nibbling all day than a big bear! So you can eat salads, pasta, lean meat, and even pizza, if paired properly with other foods and as long as you are eating CONSISTENTLY throughout the day. Once your body knows that you are feeding it properly and that (healthy) food will always come, it’ll use your food intake as fuel, boost your metabolism and your mood, and help your body to shed that unwanted fat. The best part? The fat will stay off and it’ll be easier to maintain your healthy weight than trying to eat foods you don’t like, or worse…yo-yo dieting.

Just remember this: There is no bad food, it’s what we do to food that is bad. For example, baked potatoes are healthy. How we prepare it and what we smother it in makes it unhealthy. Learn how to prepare foods in a healthy way, balance your meals with the proper amounts of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats, and above all…ENJOY YOUR FOOD. Make it simple or make it fancy, just make it REAL. Twinkies don’t grow on trees.

Bonus Asparagus Recipe to pair with your marinated chicken!
Pan-Fried Northern Italian Asparagus
Ingredients:
2 T. butter
2 T. olive oil
1 tsp. coarse salt
Minced garlic
1 bundle of asparagus
Directions:
Melt butter in skillet over medium high heat. Stir in olive oil, salt, and minced garlic. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add asparagus and cook for 10 minutes, turning asparagus to ensure even cooking. Serve with freshly grated Romano cheese.

ABOUT THE WRITER: Miranda Hoffmann is a Certified Fitness Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). She has been working as a fitness professional for over four years and takes pride in helping her clients achieve their goals. Her main focus is on weight loss, healthy weight gain, weight management, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, figure and bikini preparation and posing, and overall health. Whether in a gym setting, in-home training, or her corporate boot camps, you can be assured to get personal quality guidance and results. You can contact Miranda at mirandacft@gmail.com.

]]> http://www.fitnessx.com/what-is-clean-eating/feed/ 0 http://www.fitnessx.com/get-after-it/ http://www.fitnessx.com/get-after-it/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 23:27:48 +0000 admin http://www.fitnessx.com/?p=3122

Written By: Kat Painter, Editor-In-Chief

Photo By: BillyBow Photography

It’s officially springtime, and that means for many to make an effort to be shape for all the exciting outdoor events with family and friends. You want to look fit and fab in your swimsuit, shorts, tank tops and backless dress. So I ask you — Do you wake up every morning and attack your day with a smile? Do you have a good relationship with your food and exercise? What does living a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

According to the latest government statistics, despite the recent push to improve the American diet and increase exercise, national obesity rates in the U.S. haven’t
budged much over the past few years. In 2010, about 35.7% of U.S. adults — nearly 78 million people — were obese. That’s up from 30.5% in 2000, but not much of a difference from 33.7% in 2008. Staggering news! What’s worse is that many health conditions can be prevented.

What I find most alarming is that many Americans don’t make time to improve their health, until it’s often too late. Although, we are fed daily with the media advertising
an unhealthy lifestyle, it doesn’t mean we have to succumb to the pressure. It’s simply a CHOICE to say NO to “super-sized” meals with empty calories, fad diets,
reasons to not exercise, liposuction and lap-band surgery.

Now, I’d like to hear from you… –What are your rules for eating healthy and exercise for life? –How have you transformed your health with food and exercise?

Life is short, so you might as well make the most of your time, right? After all, it’s all about your health which affects every facet of your life. Take responsibility for your body by making good choices with your nutrition and fitness habits. Believe me, your body will definitely thank you! So, what are you waiting for? Don’t give up on your goals. GET AFTER IT!

FitnessX Magazine hopes you enjoy the variety of topics that you have requested in the past few months! This month, we’ve added more quality content with 20 more pages! It’s always been our mission to publish inspiring articles from top fitness professionals and enthusiasts. We carefully select our writers knowing that they possess the integrity and dedication to health, fitness, and wellness to help you in your quest for self improvement. Remember that we are here to help you be healthy and happy! Feel free to e-mail your comments to editor-in-chief@fitnessX.com anytime! I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Inspiring YOU to Live Well…Naturally,

Cover Model:  Lyzabeth Lopez

Cover Photographer: Liana Louzon Photography

Written By: Alyssian Vissat

Photo By: Capturesque Photography

Many of us are told we have our whole lives ahead of us, but what may come as a surprise is we don’t. At any moment, someone or something can divert us away from our dearest dreams and aspirations. We soon find life is full of intersections and it’s how we handle them that get us through. In one split second, a determined, young woman would stumble onto such an intersection. She would have to make sacrifices, endure pains, watch her body deteriorate, and find strengths she never knew she had.
Crystal Bragazzi, now a 30-year-old woman, grew up in Littleton, Colorado. “Growing up, I always wanted to become a police officer.” At 23 years old, she started working as a case manager and continuing to train for the police academy. Crystal stated, “I was in excellent shape. Probably the best shape ever.” In May 2004, she was accepted into the Lakewood Police Academy commencing later in August. Crystal was getting excited when Lakewood Police Department (L.P.D.) called June 1st to inform her for a second time, they could not afford to have a police academy. “I was devastated . . . and fed up.”
Her next journey would be with Las Vegas Metro; but, to her dismay, she awoke June 7, 2004 to a tender and swollen left side of her neck. She assumed it was a strained muscle. A couple days went by when her mother demanded Crystal see a doctor. On June 11th, she visited her doctor explaining how she wanted to continue her training but not cause anymore damage to the assumed strained muscle. The doctor briefly felt her neck and informed Crystal, “That’s not a muscle. It’s a lymphoid . . . you have cancer!” At that moment, Crystal was not too sure what to think but her face looked as if she had seen a ghost. She scheduled the next step, a needle biopsy.
Four days later, the doctors’ drained fluid from her lymphoid as well as scheduled a surgical biopsy. The fluid tested positive for cancer and three days after her needle biopsy, Crystal would have the biopsy to type the cancer. When it comes to lymphoma, there are two types, Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s. Hodgkin’s is known if caught early, to be easier to treat and chances of it coming back are less than that of Non-Hodgkin’s. Crystal soon found ways to keep her mind off what she was about to face.
Crystal still planned on testing with Las Vegas Metro. She stepped up her training; pushing her self farther and harder each day. After all, a girl with cancer could not run like she could. Crystal flew to Las Vegas putting her treatment on hold. Returning home was the last thing she wanted to do. July 8th was her first appointment with the oncologist where she was told she did have Hodgkin’s. It spread from her neck into her chest and treatment would be aggressive with chemotherapy and radiation. Crystal was determined not to let cancer get the best of her training. That same day, Crystal took her first steps into the chemo room.
Crystal would spend 4 hours in a room every other week until December 10th, 2004. “The worst part about chemo was how I felt after. It literally felt like someone had kicked my butt. . . . my whole body hurt. Food tasted horrible. I had trouble breathing.” It was after the first treatment Crystal realized training was out of the question. She would have to find other ways to stay active. She bought a dog to take on walks and named her “Kima” inspired after reading Lance Armstrong’s It’s Not about the Bike. Crystal ended up in the hospital twice, gained over 25 pounds, had to give herself daily injections, and started to lose her hair. Crystal spent the mornings cleaning up her hair and eventually decided to shave it. Crystal and her father shaved each other’s heads. “This was a moment I will never forget.” Crystal endured 30 days of radiation treatment as well as brea “I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I made a commitment to get back in shape, lose the weight, and compete.” st surgery.
The radiation burned her throat and skin. Eating became intolerable. She lost 25 pounds in two weeks and forced herself to drink protein shakes and water. Her last day of treatments and first day of remission was February 17th, 2005. A month later, she was hired onto L.P.D. where she worked for 6 years as a beat cop, undercover, and a detective in the major crimes unit. Four years into her dream job, she went in for breast surgery. “I was at the lowest point in my life… I let myself go.” Crystal soon realized just how hard it was to get her body back to where it once was, but she was up for the challenge.
On June of 2011, she started as a Probation Officer as well as began to reignite her passion for staying in shape. This job gave her more time to spend in “The Gym” where two of her friends were training to compete in local bikini competitions. “I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I made a commitment to get back in shape, lose the weight, and compete.” Crystal took stage in November with the constant support of her family and team members, “The Miss Fits”. She lost over 20 lbs. and looks forward to competing again this year.
We don’t have forever to live; but when life’s intersections hand us challenges, it is our choice on how we handle them. It is our choice to accept them. It is our choice to push through the pains and see what parts of ourselves we are willing to sacrifice to get through. Some intersections are easier than others. We can only hope for the best and continue to fight for our dreams and hopes as Crystal continues to do.

ABOUT THE WRITER:  Alyssian Vissat has been active ever since she can remember. She was a varsity cheerleader for two years in high school, a semi-pro cheerleader for the CFC, a pro cheerleader for the IFL, go-go danced for many events, modeled for the last 10+ years, and traveled with a race team where she was not only an umbrella girl & spokes model, she was part of the pit crew, and all of the opportunities led her to her training facility, The Gym which also inspired her to start her own unique clothing line (www.tophercouture.com). She started training at The Gym in 2007, but took her four years to finally take stage in the 2011 NPC Colorado Natural.  The Gym’s fitness team, The Miss Fits, had finally taken form and inspired Aly to get on stage.  A group of dedicated, beautiful, motivating women had entered and changed her life along with God’s help. Alyssian was inspired by her fellow teammate’s story.  She lost her father when she was 14 years old to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  She hopes Crystal ’s story will inspire others who have suffered and are suffering to have hope.  Each breath taken is a blessing!

Written By: Chandra Whitaker Cobb

My name is Chandra Whitaker Cobb. I am 39-year-old wife and mother of two amazing children. Born and raised in the small town of Hanceville, Alabama, I have to admit finding myself writing this story is something that I never imagined would be possible. Then again, I also never imagined I would have a weight gain of 50 pounds either.
Up until four years ago, I was extremely active in my local gym and very fit, but on August 6, 2007 my life took a drastic change. My husband had just changed jobs, moved our family across state and was in the process of buying a new home.  And, as if that’s not enough stress, the next event changed my life forever.
My two children were in a tragic golf cart accident.  I remember that day as if it were yesterday.  My husband brought the cart home on his lunch that was an early birthday gift for our daughter.  She was on top of the world, but oh how fast that all changed.  One moment, they are passing in front of the house singing as those rode laps around the neighborhood, and the next, she was severely scratched. Little did I know, until I reached for her, how brutal the accident had been., At this time, Reagan was 8 and her younger brother was just 2.  The babysitter was driving the cart when she accidentally lost control and flipped it…slamming Reagan on the asphalt and dragging her 55 feet under the cart down a steep hill, with Reese and the older child on top of her.  After the was walking through the door covered in blood and holding her arm, which at the time appeared to be golf cart stopped, all the children, only by the grace of God, gathered themselves and walked two blocks back up the hill they had just slid down to the house.
Everything was happening so fast– the baby was crying which was also covered in blood, Reagan was passing out and the babysitter was still in shock.  After calling 911, a person who till this day I refer to as my angel, appeared out of nowhere and assisted me with all three children until the paramedics arrived, and just like she appeared, disappeared without saying a word.  Reagan was then swept away in air flight to the hospital, leaving me not knowing if I would ever see her again.
The drive was long, but after arriving at the hospital, we found that Reese had a broken collar bone.  The head injury Reagan had sustained was minor, but her arm wasn’t.  Her right arm was dragged under the golf cart, snapping it and eroding all bone and muscle tissue.  We were told if she kept the arm, which was basically amputated, she would never use it again because of all the nerve and muscle damage.  So, with 8 days in the hospital and two major surgeries later, my focus was on my children and not my nutrition or workouts; this is where I let go of myself and the weight gain began.
Now jump forward with me — Feb 2010 — Reagan and Reese both fully recovered and are thriving, however, I was not doing so well. Now I find myself larger than I have ever been in my life and was extremely unhappy about myself image.  My weight gain didn’t happen overnight (it never does), but 2 pounds here and 3 pounds there start to add up.  Watching “Biggest Loser” one Tuesday night with my children, I looked at my daughter and said, “I want to be Jillian Michaels.”  She said, “Mom, you can do it!”  So, the next day I began my fitness journey.
I remember walking into that gym embarrassed and scared but determined.  I took a Les Mills class BODYPUMP with this amazing instructor, Brooke Nicole, who was so motivating.  She kicked my butt, but surprisingly I wanted more.  She came to me after class and complimented me on my form, and that’s all it took, I was hooked.  I didn’t miss a class and the weight slowly started coming off, but I couldn’t help but want more.  So, in April 2010, I attended a Les Mills training weekend and became certified to teach YOGA.  Always having wanted to teach, but never having the courage, I was living a dream and all it took was someone believing in me.  The year rocked on still losing a pound here and there, but still missing something…Then the day came in Feb 2011, almost one year from my start date I received a text from Brooke Nicole, all it said was” Southern Classic NPC June” and I was in.  As some say “GAME ON!”
In March I hired my first trainer, David Leveritt, owner of Fitness South in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to help prepare me for my bikini competition in June. Shortly following the show in June, I joined Cathy Savage Fitness (CSF) and can I just say this lady has changed my life forever.  I competed in two more shows this year, finishing 2nd in both.
Today, I am a CPT and Group Fitness Instructor.  Through CSF, I maintain a healthy nutrition and exercise program closely monitored by my personal coach.  What my goal as a trainer is to let women know that we may have those unexpected occurrences in our life that can cause us to lose ourselves, but don’t give up and think your alone.

Written By: Dennis Mason

Photo By: Jesus Esquivel

Not long ago, I met one of my readers at a local party in Los Angeles. She told me that she was having difficulty dropping body fat for an upcoming photo shoot. She said she had been working out for about three years, but recently was not getting the results she wanted. So, she asked me what training routine and food supplements were the best for achieving a sexy, lean body. Her goals were to get firmer arms and a smaller waist. “If I can just reach these goals, then I will be happy,” she said. Questions and statements like these are similar in nature to many that I receive. “If I had more shapely arms or firmer abs, I would be happy” is a common statement. Another is “If I just had the ‘right’ exercise routine, and the ‘best’ supplements, I could drop ten pounds off my waist.”
Unfortunately, this approach will seldom result in the level of success anyone wants with body shaping. In our society today, we seem to have a set of ‘desirable standards’ of physical appearance for both women and men. These standards suggest that if you don’t look like the people in the fashion magazines, or on television infomercials, or in printed advertisements, then you ‘just don’t measure up.’ Generally speaking, these images are connected to some sort of commercial product, drug, exercise apparatus, or fitness center that will guarantee to give you the results you want, if you will just spend your hard earned money to purchase whatever it is that’s being sold. The underlying idea here is that by achieving this desirable appearance ‘You will look more attractive, make more friends and thereby, make you happier’.
Attempting to gain real friends or find true happiness is rarely the result of a product or a service. Very often the friendships that develop are superficial at best and the happiness of the moment soon wears thin. Then, it’s back on the merry-go-round in an endless loop of searching for the ‘best’ anything to fulfill your desires. Deep down inside, you know that real friendship has nothing to do with the way you look. It’s who you are on the inside that makes lasting friendships. Likewise, true happiness does not come from the outside, but rather from within. It comes through being in harmony and at peace with yourself. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have goals and aspirations in your life…it simply means using your intuitive sense to a greater degree when dealing with your personal level of fitness, health and happiness.
When I speak and write about a true ‘fitness philosophy’, I’m referring to a discipline that teaches us to achieve and maintain a healthy, fit and happy lifestyle. It is the combined awareness of our whole self (body, mind and spirit) that leads the way to achieving those results. Keeping the body toned and in shape is a lifelong lifestyle commitment. For example, all forms of performance expression, such as music, dance and singing, require that you know your medium, your ‘tools’ and the techniques needed to create the finished product. Working on your body is no different. In this case, your body is the medium. The types of exercise, foods and dietary supplements you choose are the tools. And, the methods of application are the techniques.
We are all blessed with the intellect that allows us to do what we need to do, use what we need to use and learn what we need to learn to turn our vision into reality. For example, if you choose to gain some muscle mass or lose some body fat, but are unsure or confused about how to accomplish those goals, our intellect tells us that we need to do some research on what to learn and how to proceed. On an even higher level, stay focused on the thought that you are part of the whole of ‘all there is’. Be aware of what is going on around you. Allow the flow of energy to move through you and provide guidance in your life experience. Focus on your goals and maintain a positive mental attitude. Observe obstacles that restrict this flow and gently move them aside. In doing so, you will keep moving in a positive direction that leads you to the happy, healthy and fit lifestyle you seek.

Fitness is more than just a workout. It’s a LIFESTYLE committed to staying active; eating healthy; reducing stress and having fun. Join me each week to be taken on a journey with me and my guests to explore new ideas; separate myth from fact and gain new information. That’s FITNESS & MORE with me, Dennis Mason, every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, only on Global Voice Broadcasting; www.gvbradio.com. Set a personal goal for yourself: Live Healthier, Live Longer, Get Fit for Your Life.