Thursday, November 12, 2015

What Am I Doing Wrong?




Well today is National Amy's Pity Party Day!  It's hard to admit but I get discouraged just like everyone else.  I question myself and decide it must be something that I am doing wrong.  It's easier to take the blame and put it all on myself than I can justify feeling sorry for myself.  What happens if that is just life?  Well there is a scary thought that would mean I am not in control and can't fix it!  Yes, I am a control freak and "fixer"!  Sometimes life just gives you a shit sandwich with a side of bad attitude.    
My personal and professional life have gone through many changes not all for the best but if I really take a look it has worked out for the best.  I have learned a lot about my friends and myself.  I have learned that I can't always figure it out, there isn't always an answer, I can figure stuff out, there is an answer I just might not like it, people are assholes, I am an asshole, it's okay to ask for help, its okay to admit that life isn't perfect, & etc.  Also, I would like to admit now that I have a potty mouth (my mom hates my mouth and please note my mouth is not a reflection of my up bringing lol).  I am trying to work on it and will always be working on it.  
Okay, back to the subject at hand.  I get discouraged.  It is hard with things are not moving as fast as I think they should.  I begin to take it personally and want to give up.  Why aren't people showing up for classes, why aren't people training with me, how do I get people to know about the studio, maybe this isn't my calling and etc.  How are other people doing it?  How are they getting people into their studios?  Should I be pushing clients harder?  Should I sell shakes?  Maybe I need to change my way of thinking? Am I being stubborn for not wanting to do some of this stuff?  I just don't know!!!
Than the positive me kicks in and says okay what can you do?   Train clients, talk about my struggles, work around clients injuries, help people get better at things in everyday life,  and make people feel comfortable.  Why isn't that enough for today, Amy Jo? It is enough for today and it will be enough for tomorrow too.  So, this girl is just going to keep going! Slapping some mustard on my shit sandwich with a side of attitude and eat it with a smile!
I am not sharing this because I want you to feel sorry for me.  I am sharing because I know what it is like to be discouraged, want to give up, question life choices, question your abilities, question job choices and etc.  Today I put on my running shoes and went out in the windy weather to do intervals. That is what helped gain perspective today and focus on the good.  So, laces up your shoes, read a good book, listen to some music or just take 7 cleansing breaths to focus on "your positive".  Stay encouraged my friends.     
Amy Jo 
P.S. Don't show this blog to my mom....she will say "Oh, my word Amy!  I have taught you better than to talk like that!" 


Sunday, September 6, 2015

My personal experience with the Biggest Loser Contestant & Fat Shaming

It has been awhile since I did a blog and it is time to start again.  Have to admit this is not my favorite thing to do for several reasons.   Also, I recently took a sabbatical from training clients.  It was not by choice but it gave me an opportunity to rest, focus on other things, find a beautiful studio, learn more about training & myself.  Hopefully this new way of blogging will give you an opportunity to know more about me, my style of training, why I do what I do, give you tools to help you with whatever journey you are on and of course make you laugh!


Let's talk about the Biggest Loser.  Every so many months I get the question of "what do you think of the Biggest Loser?"  I am not against nor for it.  In my opinion, if you works for you great!  However, I do ask my clients to pretend that they see me training someone on a treadmill that is significantly overweight. I have that person running until they can't run anymore and tell them to get up and keep going. What would you think of me?  What would you think of me as trainer?  Would you want to train with me?  Most say, no I would think you are mean and unsafe.  Exactly, that is why I won't do that type of training to a person.  I don't have a team of medical people standing around in case something goes wrong.  Also, that client will have a hard time maintaining that goal if I put that much stress on them mentally.  Remember these people are supervised 24 hours a day until they leave the ranch.  People need to find what works for them.  Training is not a one size fits all program.   A personal trainer in the real world is a person that helps you find what works for you, guides you, helps you meet your goals and keeps you safe. Sure there is more to it than that but that is simplest way to put it.   I have worked with someone that was on the Biggest Loser.  The client had gotten let go from "the ranch" and was on their own.  They came to see me because they had heard about my weight loss & wanted to be ready for the finale.  I am going to be careful what I say about my training with my client because my clients need to know that their anonymity is safe with me.  I am glad this person was on the Biggest Loser and very happy for  them.  I don't need to be in the spotlight, my clients are what matter to me, that is why I haven’t shared this before.  The client needs to be congratulated on their hard work, sacrifices, and new way of thinking about them is important.  Besides that I don't ever want my clients to think they aren't just as important as the person that was on the show.  All of my clients are important to me and I care for every one of them.  Also, I am thankful for them training with me and consider it a privilege.  


Nothing related to the show but I have been on TV, radio, articles, & etc.  I am the type of trainer that prefers to be in the background.  Not saying a trainer is wrong for wanting to be in the spotlight but that just isn't my thing.  If you have ever seen or heard me on the radio or TV I am highly uncomfortable.  Why am I telling you all of this?  It's time to let people know that I am a great trainer. I am always learning, changing my training techniques, and finding new ways to motivate clients. Clients need to be encouraged, not screamed at or worked so hard their goals are impossible to meet or maintain.  This leads me into my next topic that has been on my heart.

It frustrates me when I see social media used for "fat or exercise shaming" of other people! I have seen it with fitness professionals, personal trainers and people that have lost weight.  The people that have lost weight are what really get under my skin!  You should know better!  You have been in the same situation and know what it feels like.  I have some bad news for you just because you have lost weight doesn't make you an expert.  Let me say that again!  Just because you have lost weight doesn't make you an expert!  Stop telling people on social media they aren't worth anything if they aren't exercising or losing weight your way or not at all.  Shut your mouth!  It is not your job not your place unless they have asked for your help.   It makes me sick when a client shows me what someone has done to them on social media. Sure sometimes you are better at what you do and try to make it look like you are not talking about them.  People aren't stupid they know when someone is talking about them. You don't know their situation, health problems, limitations and mental status.  I tell my clients if people say that stuff to you, here is your reply. "What qualifies you?"   Just because a “shamer” lost weight, can run a 5k non-stop, takes an aerobics step class for the last 3 years and is amazing at the workouts on Youtube doesn't qualify them.  Just like me losing over a 100 pounds didn't qualify me to help anyone.  Now I am qualified to help people if they want it.  I have more certifications and training than the person that watches youtube.  I took a year training to become a Health Coach.  I have liability insurance and up to date certifications.   Does that make me a great trainer? I may not be the trainer for you but I will make sure you are safe to the best of my ability, have fun, learn new things about yourself, meet personal goals, and physical abilities. I also get “shamed” a lot in the fitness industry.  Well you don't look like a trainer!  Seriously you are a trainer?  Well if you can be a trainer I guess I certainly can!  Yeah, I have saggy boobs, big bum, flabby arms, old mans forehead to name of few.  Hello!  I have lost over 100 pounds I have lose skin!  Let me tell you though I have some amazing aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Don’t let the “shamers” win! Start asking people, "What qualifies you"?  

Stay encouraged my friends!
Amy Jo