Random Thoughts of a Ranting Personal Trainer - “The Other Half”
By Stacey Nolan Young
1. If you know everything and what you are doing is working for you then WHY are you asking for help when you already have all of the answers?
We were watching a show recently that follows a person throughout their weight loss journey for 6 months. The woman who was the focus of this particular episode not only had a respected trainer advising her on how to achieve her goals but she also hired another trainer to help her along her way. BOTH were telling her the same thing about nutrition. BOTH had sound advice. But she ignored them and severely restricted her diet making it impossible to maintain long term weight loss. So- she went on a show because she’d struggled with her weight, had consultations with two reputable fitness professionals and yet she refused to accept the help that was offered. Smart. For the record- if you find yourself overweight and frustrated it is probably best to put yourself in someone else’s capable hands because obviously what you are currently doing is not working.
2. “The myth that women shouldn’t lift heavy is perpetuated by women who fear effort and men who fear women”
3. One Timbit typically has between 50-90 calories. For perspective, consider that a box of 20 contains at least 1000 calories which is the same number of calories you would find in TWO Big Macs.
4. GOT MILK? Toss it away!
Did you know that we are the only species that continues to drink milk after infancy? AND that we are the only species that drinks the milk from another species? While you are busy pondering that last UDDER-ly ridiculous tidbit of information we can get real about milk. What are the actual benefits? If you are going to say calcium I suggest that you do your research. Yes - dairy products contain calcium BUT there is debate over the absorbability of calcium from dairy. You can get an adequate amount of calcium from a proper diet that includes legumes and vegetables as well as certain types of fish. As for me, I prefer to eat my calories rather than drink them.
5. Smoking is a disgusting and extremely unhealthy habit.
Why people take it up these days is beyond me. There is too much awareness out there today for people to begin this habit! If you don’t care about your own health please take into account the health of your loved ones who “benefit” from your habit.
6. There is no magic pill when it comes to healthy weight loss.
It is NOT easy. It takes hard work and dedication and it is a lifelong pursuit. Fad diets and gimmicks are partially responsible for the shoddy metabolisms that dominate the general public these days.
7. Eating healthy on the go is less convenient than eating unhealthy.
Where you can quickly grab a burger and fries on nearly every corner, healthier choices are harder to come by when you are out and about. We recently visited Canada’s Wonderland and, as many of you know, they do not allow food inside of the park. We did bring food in the car but we figured that we could get one decent meal inside of the park.
This turned out to be a more difficult task than expected. Bad, greasy smelling food was abound but you had to search out the good stuff. Sadly, there wasn’t anything that we would consider truly “healthy”. Even their pre-made whole wheat wraps had creamy dressings and mayo in them. We were appalled.
I would like to live in a world where making better choices is more accepted. If places like Wonderland are not going to allow food to be brought into their park then they had better have some real options for those of us who are trying to improve our lives.
8. Congratulations Hamilton on being the fattest city in Canada!!!
According to Statistics Canada, Hamilton, Ontario has the highest percentage of overweight and obese residents in all of Canada. We should be proud *stated sarcastically* of our whopping 74%!
Hmmm…I wonder if this has anything to do with all of the fast food restaurants and a Tim Horton’s on every street corner?
To read more about these statistics check out the link HERE.
9. Being late for an appointment says “my time is more important than your time” and it is a sign of disrespect to the person you are holding up.
10. Healthy food does NOT have to taste bad. There are more food choices out there than chicken and tuna. Be creative and you will never get bored.
11. “IT’S EASY FOR YOU!”
I think that people assume that just because we are trainers that the lifestyle somehow becomes easier for us. Consider that the pressure to be in great shape is considerably higher than that of the average person. Let me assure you that it is difficult at times to eat right and exercise consistently. We face the same challenges and hardships that others face.
The reason we don’t accept “excuses” from clients? We know that this lifestyle is a choice even when things seem insurmountable. We know it can be done because we live it as well. EVERYONE can live a healthy lifestyle REGARDLESS of circumstance.
12. A “POOR ME” attitude just doesn’t cut it in life.
I’ve learned that you cannot be successful without the ability to push forward regardless of circumstances. When you are dealt a bad hand make the best of it, see the positives and move on. You never hear about a person that has wallowed in self pity.
How easy would it have been for Terry Fox to give up when faced with his challenges? Instead he made the choice to fight and become an inspiration to many.
YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE.
Posted: June 11th, 2008 at 01:38pm By: mark