Even Trainers Need Motivation - Part II (Long Version)

Last month I told you about the 30-Day Challenge I was starting, but what I didn't tell you was the back story that led up to my needing to do some sort of weight loss program and why it's so important to find support and even more important to recognize it when it appears in your life's path.

I rarely discuss my personal life with people in depth, and doing so in this venue requires a little more exposure than what I'm used to, so bare with me as I get personal, emotional and passionate about what I'm about to share.  I hope you have about 5 minutes because this is one of my more long-winded blogs.  

July 2008 - April 2012 were by far the four hardest years of my life.  First, I went through the not-so-"unhostile" take over of a dying gym I saw as my personal job to save, and save it I did, but not without months of battling the prior owner.  It didn't help that I decided to take on this endeavor at the onset of one of the nation's worst recessions ever.  It was also in that same month (Sept. 2008) that I became separated from my spouse of 21 years, a separation that lasted 3 long years, only to end in divorce last fall.  Funny thing about divorce...you lose a lot of friends too.  Between July 2008 and March 2011, I survived 2 crazy landladies and moved 3 times.  I proudly, but not without many-a-tear filled and sleepless nights, saw both of my children graduate high school and leave California to attend college.  I lost an amazing friend and client (and ironically an Ironman Athlete) tragically at the age of 55 to a heart attack.  Within 3 months of losing my friend, I lost my mentor/friend and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and Alternative and Anti-Aging Medicine, Dr. Tony Perrone at the young age of 44 to a heart attack brought on by a faulty heart valve.  Within 3 month of Tony's passing, I lost my very best friend, Mary, to cancer.  It's really no wonder that by mid 2011, I was broken hearted, beaten up and barely able to work.  

Just when I started to feel like I was returning to normal, I met a man who I thought to be "the One".  We fell in love, madly and furiously, against all odds (his children were a mess, his wife had only just passed from cancer 18 months earlier, and his community resisted my existence in his world as they were devoted to his deceased wife.)  It was only 6 short months before he started to pull away and ultimately ended our relationship over the phone after spending Passover/Easter weekend together.  That was just this March, 2012. 

For the following 3 months, I proceeded to make wine my best friend, as well as M&M's, Yogurtland and pizza.  I was burned out on the gym.  Depression set in and helplessness followed.  I started dating just to get out of my small apartment and escape the loneliness that was suffocating me.  

So, here's what I found out between March 2012 and September 2012:

Breakups = lots of calories

Dating = lots of calories

Burnout = lots of calories

Depression = lots of calories

Lots of Calories = Weight Gain

Weight Gain = Depression

Depression = Lack of Motivation to Move My Body

Lack of Motivation = WEIGHT GAIN 

It's a vicious cycle to break, EVEN FOR TRAINERS!

Now, before you go and slit your wrists, let me assure you, that things do get better...

On June 24th a wonderful man walked into my gym interested in teaching bootcamps.  I didn't hire him because, well, he said he would rather go out instead.  We are now on a beautiful path together, looking at a future through much rosier glasses and seeing that love, communication, mutual respect and admiration is truly healing.  It also helps that he and I have mutual interests including exercise and diet.  Note: Having the full support of a loved one is half of the success in any difficult task!

So, after allowing myself to wallow in self-pity for 6 months and gain nearly 15 pounds (I hid it well, but only in clothes) I realized I had to get back to WHO I AM ~ a motivator, a professional fitness trainer, a fitness role model, and ironically, a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist!

Now many of you know me, but many of you don't.  So let me go on the record as saying "In the 15 years I've been in fitness, I have never endorsed or put my name to any manufactured product."  I have supported professionals I believe in such as Dr. Perrone and other doctors, specialists, acupuncturists  etc., but I have never found a supplement or nutritional product that I could stand behind or would endorse, despite the hundreds of different companies and MLM's (Multi-level Marketing companies like MonaVie, Herbalife, etc.) that have asked me to.  

Until now.  

It was through Facebook that I started to see my professional fitness colleagues using a product called Isagenix.  I was at first skeptical.  Then curious.  Then, after looking in the mirror one more time...desperate.  I called my facebook "friend" Brittney Kara and asked her to send me some info.  We talked a couple of times and I finally said "Fuck it - here's my credit card.  Let's just DO IT!"  

I can't say I was thrilled to find out it was an MLM, because the last thing I need is an Amway-type company forcing me to sell products I don't believe in, or pressuring me to have fake dinner parties that are really sales pitches in disguise.  I've always said "If it's an MLM, I'm not interested - period.", and frankly, that still stands.  Well... except in the case of Isagenix.  Because I love the product, not the company.  (Except, I'm starting to really love the company too, but I'm not really ready to admit that to them yet).

So you're probably getting bored and if you're still reading, you're wondering, okay, so what is ISAGENIX and WHAT DID IT DO FOR YOU?

It's Really Simple.  Isagenix is a program with products that nourish your body by providing it with high quality, highly nutrient dense and organic, sugar-free (no artificial sugars -- Stevia only!) GMO-free, hormone free protein, vitamins, and minerals supplied through a variety of foods such as Shakes, Snacks, Soups, Juice, Cleanses and a whole lot more including beauty products, recipes, vitamins, etc.

On October 1, 2012, I challenged my students to a 30-Day Weight Loss at Topham Street Gym.  They all had the option of unlimited classes, a food plan designed by my late mentor, Dr. Perrone, and guidance from me.  I only had Isagenix.

As it happened, (although I didn't enter the contest for the money) I lost the most percentage of body weight at 5.34% with a total weight loss of  7 lbs.  More importantly, I reduced my body fat by 3%.  

The winner of the gym 30-Day Weight Loss Contest was, Allyson Haim, who as it happened, was the ONLY participant in the Challenge (besides me) using Isagenix!  She lost 3.65% of her body weight and a total of 8 lbs. 

So...do you want to see my BEFORE and AFTER Photos?  I'm so happy to share them with you, but you'll have to do something for me if I'm going to expose myself that much. 

Here's what I'd like from you...

1.  Send me a private e-mail by clicking here and tell me your story.  What do you want to achieve in your life that you aren't getting by doing it "your way"?

It's not a lot to ask and maybe, just maybe, I can be part of YOUR support team in helping you achieve those goals!  I'm throwing myself into YOUR LIFE'S PATH to help you.  Will you recognize help when it arrives or will you ignore it and stay in your story of self-pity like I did for 6 months?

I hope you take me up on my offer and let me get you started, even if it's just on a weekly workout regimen to move your body into action for what's next to come in your life.

By the way...

What I failed to mention above was that I had an AMAZING SUPPORT TEAM of friends who held me when I cried, picked me up when I was down and held my hand through all of the pain I endured.  

I would be horribly remiss if I didn't give special thanks to the following:

• Kathy & Thomas Rose - for their unconditional love and generosity.  And for taking me to Fiji with them (who does that?!) -- it simply couldn't have come at a better time.
• Raffi Donoyan - for literally forcing me to deal with my "trust" issues by making me jump out of a plane 3 miles above the earth and for being there when I landed, in more ways than one.
• Gary Kelman - for playing the role the Universe assigned him in my recovery from heartbreak.  XO
• Tony Villalobos - for keeping me laughing between fits of uncontrollable tears
• Jaffers Bailey - for keeping the gym operating when I couldn't get out of bed 

Of course, there are all of my clients, who inspire me on a daily basis and who keep me motivated to "show up" in my life as well as in the gym.

Thank you.

Leslie

Even Personal Trainers Need to Be Motivated

As a trainer of over 14 years, one of the most common things I hear when someone sits down in front of me for their initial fitness consultation is "I know how to eat, I just don't do it.  I need someone to motivate me, to stay on top of me."  Guess what...So do most people (including myself).  It's not always easy to self-motivate, in fact it's downright difficult and can be the #1 cause of most diet failures.

MYTH:  Trainers have it easy because their bodies are naturally perfect and they don't have to work hard to maintain their sculpted arms and chiseled abs.  They have good genetics that prevent them from gaining weight like most people.

FACT:  As a matter of fact, since I took over my gym 4 years ago, I have never been in worse shape.  The truth is, running a business, no matter what type of business, means more time in the office, in networking breakfasts, networking dinners, Chamber of Commerce events where wine seems to be the main event, and long hours that make it difficult to plan meals perfect for that perfect body.*  Just because someone is a trainer, doesn't mean it's a piece of cake looking the part.

(*In my case, compound that with turning 50 (yes, lots of cake and alcohol, not to mention the screeching halt of my metabolism) and a new boyfriend (yes, lots of cake and alcohol again), it's the perfect storm for a fast 10 pound weight gain.)

SOLUTION:  

• Have someone to be accountable to.   (Note: Don't ask your spouse or parent to monitor your progress - trust me - these choices rarely work.)  Usually a trainer or a workout buddy is the best choice.
• Pick a start date (usually the first day of the month is a good start date) to start writing a food journal and showing it to someone. 
• Log all of your activities, from walking to sleeping (and anything in between - even knookie!)  Every activity expends calories and it's good to have a look at how many you used during the day vs. how many you consumed.
• Stay away from FAD diets.  By simply eliminating a few evil foods that sabotage all possible weight loss, you can easily drop weight at a healthy rate.
• Get a workout buddy who wants to achieve similar goals as you.  Hire your trainer together and save a few bucks too!
• Find and participate in an activity that you love.  For example, join a meetup group that does tennis, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, dancing, etc.  When you do something active that you love, the weight will come off without even trying.
• Pick a goal date.  Do you have a wedding coming up?  Perhaps a high school reunion?  These are great events in the future that will hopefully give you the added push and motivation to achieve your fitness goals.
• Surround yourself with a fan club.  Nothing will kill your progress more than someone you love trying to keep you fat.  They don't come right out and say it.  Learn to listen for things like: "You don't need a trainer, you look fine." or "Sounds like you're working out too hard, you're going to get hurt." or "Oh come on, one cupcake isn't going to hurt" and my all time favorite "You've become obsessed with working out.  You're no fun anymore".   What you have to remember is ...SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO WANT YOU TO SUCCEED!
• Hire a qualified personal trainer who has a background in nutrition.  This is key!  Ask them to check your food journal for you.  Even if you hire them for one session a week for a month, this will help you get through the month.  Some trainers will even do Skype sessions at a discounted rate so you don't have to actually go see them.  [Shameless Plug:  Leslie Maltz, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist}

So, to help motivate you, I have chosen to start my own plan (yesterday, October 1st) and will be blogging about my progress in the days to follow.  Stay tuned for pics and food diary...  By the way...it's just as humiliating for me to take before photos as it is for you, so be kind. ;)

Want to JOIN our 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge?  CLICK HERE!!!  

Check out the success story of Jen G., one of our 5:30am Bootcampers!

I have tried different health clubs and never got any results and would always get bored with the same old weight machines and treadmills. Never stuck with it. In April 2010 I found Topham Street Gym. One morning I took my very first class. It was tough, but after that I was hooked. The trainers were so helpful and motivational. I never thought that I would have the ability to get up at 5:30 in the morning to workout. But it became second nature to me and I look forward to it. Well, here I am today over two years later, 85 pounds down and 14 pant sizes down. I am in the best shape in my life and I feel strong and confident. I owe a huge part of that to the great fitness program at Topham. I will never join a regular gym again. Walking thru the doors at Topham was a truly blessing.

My Personal 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

If you're anything at all like me, you can relate to my complete aversion to the mall and the airport between Thanksgiving and New Years. I actually find myself on the verge of an anxiety attack when I even get near either place this time of year. The crowds, traffic and endless promises of "guaranteed lowest price" all make my heart start to palpate and my nervous system goes into overdrive. So, I have made it my practice over the years to do my shopping online. There's really nothing like coming home at the end of the day and finding that the big brown "present truck" aka (UPS Truck) has delivered my gifts straight to my front door.

This year I've done some research and here are my favorites for 2009 Gift Ideas for the "Fit Minded" individual:


MY PET FAT: A Diet like no Other

With every indulgent bite you take this holiday season, you may tell yourself you'll really get serious about fitness for next year's resolution. Remember the turkey and trimmings, Christmas cookies, candy canes and mixed drinks? It won't be long before you start feeling it (and seeing it too). So what's your plan this time around?

Here's my suggestion: Instead of dropping cash on equipment you'll never use try a more can-do approach. My Pet Fat from Jay Jacobs is a practical way (for inactive people) to keep your second round of resolutions. Created by a once morbidly obese man who understood how hard it is to stick to a workout program and/or diet, My Pet Fat is essentially a reminder of what you are or what you will be if you keep eating those Big Macs, Whoppers and Cinnabons. Personally, looking at a pound of fat in my fridge everyday would certainly be a constant reminder of what I don't want to look at in the mirror every day.

Overtime and through repetition it's conditioning will help you to make better choices, moment to moment, day by day. Take it along with you to the gym to stay focused, or work out at home with it, bring it to lunch... and by the way, these babies are anatomically correct replicas, so you might be surprised to see what 1 pound of fat actually looks like!

Jay's company slogan is, 'Fat is all in your head.' I agree except, of course, when you're trying to fit your fat ass into some low-rider jeans.

Give and Give Back: A part of the warm feelings we get these holidays is derived from giving something special to those we love. Why not double your act of goodwill by selecting a gift that also funds a cause?

Here's one, if you're thinking of surprising the kids or your spouse with a little live bundle of joy under the tree this year: Molly's Mutts & Meows is a wonderful pet adoption operation run by my old Krav Maga buddy, Molly Thompsen Wootton. Adoptions are held weekly and if you add Molly as a friend on FaceBook, you will have instant access to the most recent cuties available.

If I've Said it Once, I've Said It A Thousand Times: The only way to burn fat is to get your heart rate in it's proper "zone".

This is a huge favorite among fitness enthusiasts -- both men and women -- because it includes lots of bells and whistles, but is relatively inexpensive for what you get (around $100). Besides telling time, the Polar F6 also provides a heart rate monitor, calorie counter and it even keeps track of how long you stay in your chosen heart rate zone. It also provides a weekly summary of your workouts (how long you exercised, how many calories you burned). One of its best features is the Own Zone setting, which determines your zones automatically based on your heart rate during different levels of exercise. This is a MUST HAVE for bootcampers!!

NOTHING SAYS 'I LOVE YOU' LIKE A MASSAGE
Who doesn't love to be pampered? This is a no-brainer in my book. Keep a stack of 5 Massage Gift Certificates in your car because during the next couple of weeks, you're certain to find yourself stuck without a gift when you should have remembered! Your hair stylist, manicurist, secretary, accountant, personal trainer, heck even the gardener would love to get a massage! You can order gift certificates directly from my website or you can e-mail me with your order anytime. I will print them out on appropriate holiday paper or on regular "zen" stationery.

MAKE IT 'PERSONAL': Personal Training Sessions make a GREAT Stocking Stuffer!

One of the biggest fears I hear when it comes to people starting a new workout is that they are afraid to get into a class or bootcamp because they don't want to be the slowest one in the group or hold anyone back. This is a valid fear if you join a class where the instructor isn't sensitive to anyone's individual needs. Or, in some cases, private training is a luxury some people prefer to have just for themselves. If either of these are the case for you or someone you know, then indulge and buy a series of workouts with a trainer. Better yet, get a friend to go in on it with you and give the gift "from all of you". Great for new parents too!! I provide discounts on large session packages and on semi-private sessions (2-3 people). Email me for rates!

BOOTCAMP ESSENTIALS:Cold Weather Gear From Backyard Bootcamp

Brrr! It's cold at 6:15am these days!

These are great gifts for under $20!

Check out the Beanies too!

HAVE A HOOPIN' GOOD TIME: TravelHoops by Hoopnotica!

The NEW TravelHoop is super easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to take your favorite workout with you! You've got two color choices: pink & gold or blue and silver.

This is the "Hit Gift" for teens and adults this season!

Check them out at http://www.hoopnotica.com/

SKIP THE MALL AND SAVE THE WORLD INSTEAD: GlobalGiving Gift Cards

Combine your giving and your gifting with GlobalGiving Gift Cards and donations made in honor of your family and friends. Gift Cards are 100% tax deductible, 100% biodegradable, and 100% fun! GlobalGiving Gift Cards let you give the gift of giving - the recipient gets to choose how the donation is allocated, and then see how their money has been put to work.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and may you receive all you desire in the New Year!

Blessings,
Leslie Maltz