Jesse: Work Hard for What you Want

Coming up with continuous motivation for getting to the gym can be, at times, tough. It’s much easier to sit home and watch the latest hit television show and eat a pizza. Will power and determination can’t always be counted on to give you the drive that you need. Arnold Schwarzenegger gave a commencement address at USC a while ago and laid out 6 rules for a successful life. The number 5 rule, which should be number 1, was “You’ve got to work your butt off” (yes I said that while using an Arnold voice). He is right; you have to work hard for what you want. You don’t want to fail because you didn’t work hard enough.

But how do I work hard if I don’t know what that entails? I was discussing that very question with one of our amazing trainers Lily. She had a very frightening suggestion… I should take her FitWorks class in March. I said, “Wait, you’re going to be teaching the class? Um, I would like to still be alive to enjoy reaching my goals”. Then, with some arm twisting (but not much) she convinced me that I should try it.

Although I am scared for my life I will be doing FitWorks with Lily and I am sure I will have many stories of my joy (and pain J ). This is me taking a page from Arnolds book and doing the work necessary to reach my goals.

Here's the speech, take a look:

Jesse started FitWorks today.  

Jesse: You work here, right?

:) 

People say to me all the time, "You work here right? You must get a free membership...that's awesome." 

I would normally have said it was awesome...if I used it. 

Now I do use it quite often and as a matter of fact it's AMAZING. I used to say things like "I can't work out here because it means I always have to be on the job and people always ask me questions" or "Every time I workout someone has to say 'Wow, don't see you up here that often' and it's annoying." Although both are very true, I have learned that the amount of people asking me questions is negligible and I workout so often now nobody can say they "don't see me up here often". Both excuses squashed just because I started using my free membership.

Now that I am using that membership I am starting to pick up on some things that I noticed I love about my gym. First and foremost is the absolute amazingness (is that a word?) of the people that know me. They all are the most motivating and encouraging people I have ever met. Everything from a "hey, keep up the good work" to "I noticed your pants are a little saggy in the back there now. Good job." makes me happy that I am finally doing this whole fitness thing for myself. Another thing I noticed I love is leg training. Years ago when I did use the weight room I loved working my beach muscles but now I really like working out my legs. It's something about hoping there are a team of people to carry me down the stairs because I am sure I will not make it without falling that gets me going. It's strange, I know but leg training days are probably my most feared days but the ones I look forward to most.

The fact that I have gotten past the above mentioned hurdles (plus many more than that) and that I have realized some of the things I truly enjoy about my gym keep me coming back. That and since the beginning of the year I have notice changes in my strength and my weight (I am down nearly 20lbs! That's a big chunk of my 90lb goal!) and my general outlook on life. 

I guess I like this gym thing, I think I'll keep going. See you on leg day!!  

True Grit- Cycling by Sandy

I went to a cycling class today, and let me tell you, there is nothing like signing up for a 55 minute class only to have so much fun that just when you start feeling tired you realize the class is over!

The instructor was funny, and I mean Comedian funny.  There are benefits to having a serious instructor whose mission is to kick your butt, and benefits to having someone who is spontaneous, free spirited and fun while sticking to their mission to kick your butt.  Today I needed fun and that is just what I got. 

The workout was as tough as I wanted to make it, I guess perhaps all workouts are, and today I found myself a little winded and well…wimpy.   Sometimes I need to cut myself some slack, especially since I’m just starting to get back into a regular workout routine after a long 8 year stint of laziness. 

In between my jogging in the peddles, sitting in the saddle , and wheezing like a an old nag trotting at a fast clip, I flashed back to an earlier time of taking a spin class 10 – 11 years ago.  What I remember was that I had a lot more spunk and energy.  That was when I was pretty fit, and I look forward to finding that again.  {PMA – Positive Mental Attitude} 

During class I was “book ended” by two regulars in the front row, and let me tell you, even though I might have been one of the youngest people in the room, they totally put me to shame.  It was fun to pace (or try to pace) myself with my neighbors, it makes for a fun and challenging experience, and it also pushes me to work harder. 

This is a class that I certainly will put on my regular schedule, if not for the good workout, and the friendly atmosphere but for the great humor and camaraderie. 

Great stuff!  

Welcome Jesse! Um, who IS Jesse???

My name is Jesse, many of you know me from the front desk at The Works. I have worked at The Works in some capacity for over 13 years. Many long time members have witnessed the fitness struggles I have had over the years. But, this year, I am determined to bring big changes in my life and one of them is reaching my health and fitness goals that I have had for so long and never achieved. I am hoping to share that journey with everyone.

So a little about myself. I am 30 years old from Rochester. I am currently 80 pounds heavier than I want to be. I started 2014 90 pounds heavier and lost 10 pounds before deciding to tell people about my journey. Currently [2 weeks ago!] I weigh 260 pounds, my goal is to weigh 180 pounds by the end of this year. 

I am doing this, so far, by setting small goals for myself. The first goal I accomplished was getting myself to the gym on a regular basis. The second is to lose 7 1/2 pounds per month. The third goal is to make sure that at least 3 of the 5 days that I go to the gym I am doing at least a half hour of cardio. The rest of the time I am in the weight room. 

My plan for my routine is based off of the Body in the Works Physique Challenge that I tried to do last year. I wanted use those recommendations for the first 4 or 5 months then I am going to seek the help of one of our amazing trainers to help me develop a training plan for the rest of the year. 

Let this journey begin!

-Follow Jesse's journey and be sure to let him know you're reading when you see him at the Desk!  

Reality

Reality 

by Sandy Michaud

I recently had my intake analysis with the fabulous Kellie Stasiak.  She was welcoming, down to earth and easy to talk to.  This is a wonderful thing when you receiving an analysis of your past, and present state of being.

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Prior to my appointment I had the opportunity to fill out an information booklet.  Here is a hint, the more honestly you answer the questions, the better off you will be.  The trick is to be honest with yourself, only then will you be able to set your goals, and ultimately face the truth about what you need to do to achieve them.

After answering questions and talking about goals, there were a series of tests, from blood pressure, BMI and flexibility to cardio testing.  My outcome?  Well, the facts are that my flexibility is horrible, I’m dehydrated, oh, and I am on the borderline of OBESITY!  Imagine that, couch surfing with minimal exercise for eight years will certainly take its toll on my health, well being, and the size of my jeans.   I knew that I had put on a lot of weight, as the scale revealed to me the few times I actually dared to step on.  My clothes gave me a heads up too, as they seemed to pinch and squeeze in all the wrong places.  Funny thing is, when I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t really see how bad it had gotten.  When I see myself every single day, it’s difficult to notice the changes, especially when I’m in denial. 

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?”

“You may be fair and true of heart, but your butt is as big as a shopping cart.”

Stupid Mirror!

The battle of the bulge begins, however now that I have my BMI and measurements, the tasks for reaching my goal, don’t seem quite as daunting.  You see, I have a limiting belief about my weight (the number on the scale).  This limiting belief is one that I have built up over years and years of trying new things.  My weight seemed to always be fluctuating, yet even at my leanest, when I was working the hardest, I could never get below 162 (I believe that was a mental block too).   Maintaining my weight in the 160’s seemed impossible.   I had to be so strict just to get down to that point, and life had sort of lost its flavor and fun because I couldn’t relax.  

My reality is that I have always been on a constant merry go round of lifestyle, emotional and exercise inconsistencies. 

I will admit that it sure was easier when children weren’t involved, when I could be more possessive of my time. I could prepare my own foods and not concern myself about what anyone else was going to eat.   I didn’t have to worry about three schedules, on top of my own, trying to fit in work here and there, AND trying to find some time for myself to just decompress, not to mention the time to get a workout in!  Now those were the good ol’ days!  Although even then, when my workouts WERE consistent, my eating was always an issue. 

“My name is Sandy, and I am an Emotional Eater.”

So I’m dealing with two main components, getting my workouts in, and changing my eating lifestyle habits.  The challenge is on. 

To combat the workout challenge, I have a very good friend who is my accountability partner.  She and I have devised a plan to actually pay ourselves to get our workouts in.  It’s truly a brilliant idea, if you think about it.  For every workout, we drop $2 into our personal workout fund.  At the end of 12 weeks, we will take ourselves out on a little shopping spree.  If we miss a workout, we will have to pay our accountability partner a $5 penalty.  Sounds harsh?  Perhaps, but we are serious about making change. 

Our next goal is to meet with a personal trainer every three to four weeks.  That way the trainer can change up our routine and keep us challenged. 

I know for myself that I need to get an eating plan into place.  What has worked for me in the past is to know ahead of time what my meals will be, with meals that are pre-made and ready to go.  My lifestyle has an element of spontaneity to it, which I love, so being fully prepared is Key. 

In wrapping up, my goals for this week is to get at least three workouts in at the gym, come up with an eating plan and put that into action, as well as setting up an appointment with the personal trainer.  I’ll let you know how it goes. 

If YOU need to make some changes, I’d highly recommend meeting with a trainer, and getting tested so you know your numbers.  It’s important to know where you are starting from, so you will be able to easily chart your progress.   

Life is a journey, Embrace it!

As always I hope to see you at the Works!  Thank you for reading. 

True Grit- Trying Zumba

So I finally got off my duff to get to the gym.  Don’t get me wrong, I do love working out, and when I get to the gym I get focused and can stay for hours.  However I have been a sloth for so long, it’s hard to break out of the lazy trend.  They say that a body in motion stays in motion, what they don’t tell you is that you need to get the ball rolling with consistency, over time. 

I went to the Works and asked the delightful young lady behind the desk what she would recommend for classes.  Since I’m new to the gym she recommended Zumba.  Needless to say, it’s been a long time. I believe the last time I took a group fitness class was 10 years ago. 

Right off the bat, I can see that this class is a popular one.  The attendees of this class are varied and I’m relieved to see that ALL levels are welcome.  The instructor is bright, expressive and fun. 

I am standing behind two ladies who OBVIOUSLY know what they are doing, and as the music begins they are all off and moving.  I am impressed by the instructor, who is able to make her arms and hips flow with the music.  It’s easy to pick out the regulars as they seem to know what to expect next.   The newbies, like me, desperately watch the instructors every move, feeling and looking rather robotic as we maneuver across the room.   I, personally, look like Rodney Dangerfield dancing on the golf course in Caddy Shack (I’m dating myself here).

This is an awesome class to remind you not to take yourself too seriously.  As I fumbled thru the steps the laughter just welled up inside me, bubbling over as I knew how goofy I probably looked.  It is fun to feel free and be a little silly.  I would recommend this class for anyone who needs a lift of spirit. 

I was told that I needed to try all the Zumba classes since they all vary, and I certainly will over time.  I look forward to seeing you there.  J

True Grit- A Member at The Works now!

I was a member at the Works about 11 years ago, when I was pregnant with my first son, the only exercise I was permitted to do was swimming and light cardio.  The facility has received quite a face lift over the past ten years.  I am so thoroughly impressed by how clean and friendly the atmosphere is.  Patrons and staff are quick to share a friendly smile, alleviating any intimidation I may have felt upon entering the gym. 

When I was taken on the tour of the gym couldn’t believe all the programs and classes available for adults AND children.  I feel kind of like a kid in a candy shop, unsure of what I want to try first.  I am excited for the challenges and change ahead of me, and even more excited to have the opportunity to share my experience with all of you.

I’m sure a lot of you have similar lofty goals and challenges, and I invite you to join me on this ride.  I will be straight forward with my challenges and how I overcome them, IF and When I do.  I thoroughly understand that life changes are difficult, and that consistency and determination is the only way to carry thru to reach the end of any goal.

My journey starts at home, scheduling in workouts, and the hardest part, cleaning up my diet.  I work from home, which is already a huge issue… temptation.  Eating a clean diet, while getting meals together for my children, is so hard.  Not to mention the fact that my emotions always run hot when my kids test me, from the morning arguments, trying to get them on the bus in time, to the homework battles when they get home.  It is constant stress. 

Social eating is another battle.  We happen to be very social people, and there always seems to be another event or party in my schedule, which is just a ticket to destroying my healthy living choices with tempting snack foods and drinks.  I admit it, I am weak.

Being prepared with my meals ahead of time is always a big one for me.  Whenever I have had my greatest successes it was when my meals were pre-planned and prepared ahead of time.  Unfortunately I would rather have my teeth pulled than spend time in the kitchen.  That, I suppose, is just another excuse.

I’m not fooling myself; I know that life changes are difficult.  I just have to keep in mind my reasons for wanting change. 

If you have never been to the Works, I recommend that you take a tour to see what this gym has to offer you.  If you’re a member, keep an eye out for me, stop and say hello, I would love to hear your story, what has worked for you or what your challenges are.  I hope to see you around.