What If Shit DOES Happen?

What If Shit DOES Happen?  

I Didn't Sign Up to Be The Food Police

Recently, I was at a dinner function and of course, as always, the table talk eventually centered around food and exercise.  It seems that whenever I am present, people immediately feel the urge to tell me about their workouts (or lack thereof) and make excuses about what they eat, as if I'm the Food Police or something.  So, as usual, someone looked to me and said "I'm sure you would NEVER eat this, right?"  Instead of being honest, I say "no", but inside I'm screaming "YES YOU MORON! OF COURSE I WOULD!!"  But I can't say that, because this guy's overweight and if I say yes, he'll immediately assume I've given him license to eat it; I am the Food Police after all! But I didn't sign up to be the Food Police and it's no fun having people watch every bite you put in your mouth.  Likewise, nothing kills a great dinner party than having someone like me sitting across from you when the dessert tray gets passed around.  You see now why I don't get invited to very many functions.  Or maybe it's because I refer to people as "morons" in my head - there is that (but I assure you, I use "moron" in the most loving sense of the word.)

What if...We ARE ALL Super BE-ings!

People also assume that I am some Super Athlete because I have exceeded in a variety of athletic activities including martial arts, triathlons, adventure races and now bikini competitions.  As much as I'd love to think I have super powers, the truth is, I don't.  I am, however, super motivated and super dedicated and am a perfect example of what anyone can BE when they take "WHAT IF..." out of their inner voice.   You, yes YOU, could do anything I have done and can BE anything you want to be!  The only question should be "Do you Want it?"

Little Demon (aka "Inner Saboteur")

When I started my 15 week bikini competition prep, I had a little demon inside my head who continued to plague my thoughts 24 hours a day.  Much like Dexter's "Dark Passenger" she was constantly questioning my every move with things like "What if you can't do it? What if you can't finish the training prep?  What if you come in last place and your clients think you are a loser? What if you trip in those shoes?  What if  you hurt yourself?  What if you have a 'bikini malfunction'? What if you still have cellulite on your legs on the day of the competition? What if you start your cycle the morning of?" And then, of course, because of all the stress my little demon put on me with all those "What If's", I became constipated and for three days leading up to competition day, I was unable to release that stress.  So what do you think happened?  On the day of the competition, when I hadn't taken a crap in three days, my little demon perked right up and demanded to know "What if that laxative you took last night kicks in when you're on stage!?"  She is such a bitch. 

My W.I.S.H (What If Shit Happens)

So here's what I say now..."What if...I had listened to my little demon?"  I probably never would have gotten on that stage, and I certainly never would have won 1st place.

What if ANY of those things had actually happened?  Well, shit happens, as we all know (and as the photo at the top clearly demonstrates) and there's little any of us can do to stop it.  However we do have the ability to control that which controls us...FEAR. Being present to the fear, acknowledging its existence and continuing to move forward is the only way to change.  Staying in that state of fear only keeps us from realizing our full potential and thwarts any progress or transformation.


SO...

• What is the "What if" that stops YOU in your tracks?
• What are you not doing because of the fear of "What if?"
• Are you willing to talk back to your Inner Demon and say "Who CARES...I'm doing it anyway!!"?

I W.I.S.H. to Hear From YOU!

I am not a Super Athlete.  I AM super athletic, but that's because I refuse to say "I Can't".  Two words that I will discuss in my next blog...

Send me a note and let me know how you would live your life knowing that your Inner Demon could no longer keep you from living the life of your dreams!

Can Tony Soprano Save Your Life?

What Can “The Sopranos” Teach Us About Health and Fitness?

I remember the first time I watched The Sopranos.  The star of the show sat staring as the ducks in his pool flew away and he ended up relating this to his new therapist.  He wanted to know... “What did this mean?”

Tony Soprano was a grisly, adulterous, murdering character, but somehow James Gandolfini played him in a way that made us identify with him as a normal guy with everyday problems, too. Gandolfini’s real life warmth and charm were able to bleed through.

James Gandolfini’s sudden death in June reminded us all that even people we don’t think of as “real”, are just that. They love, feel and are just as vulnerable to the real life villains that we all face.

His seemingly ‘good health’, as reported by his friends, hid the bigger problems buried beneath the surface.  Over drinking, poor eating habits, and a high weight (260 at his death) left a ticking time bomb in his heart.  His untimely death at 51 leaves us all to wonder if we could do better for ourselves and our families.

He left behind a 13 year old son, less than 1 year old baby daughter, and his wife. 

Who would you leave behind if you died unexpectedly?

Limited to the First 10 Gangsters!

In honor of James Gandolfini, I am holding a Free ‘Sopranos Longevity Session’ ($297 Value) for the First 10 Gangsters who are seriously interested in playing their part long into the third act.  Together, we’re going to make an honest assessment of your health and wellness to keep your ducks in the pool for another season.

Want to Learn More?  Book Your Session Today!

In this 60-minute session, here’s what we are going to cover:

• Body Composition test to assess your health risks
• Create a plan for you to take action immediately
• How improved health could immediately add energy into your life
• Identify what poor health is costing you (and you may not even know it!)

Don’t let something simple like your health cut your time short.  It’s easier than you think to make simple changes to keep you playing your role in your family’s life for years to come.

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR THIS OFFER?   

I only work with serious people and I rarely open up my time like this.  That’s why I am limiting this offer to the first 10 serious people who are ready to change their lives forever.  In order to qualify, you must...

• Be ready, willing and able to take action now towards improving your health;  
• Be open and willing to change your diet;
• Be open and willing to change your schedule to accommodate exercise;
• Be open and willing to change your mind about what you are capable of; and
• Be open and willing to LOVE yourself!

SO, are you ready?  Then all you have to do is schedule your session now by clicking here,

and show up to make it happen!

Training for YOUR Life,

Leslie

P.S.  I am limiting this to the First 10 Gangsters who choose to implement this immediately.  This won’t last and I expect my calendar to be booked up very rapidly.  Reserve your spot now!

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.