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Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Week Two, Day Three (90% of Failure, is lack of support)

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Yesterday I touched on the subject, that motivation is easier to grasp when there is support along the way.  Life style shifts are more smooth with like minded individuals.

Later I happened upon an article posted to one of my friends pages, The Likely Cause of Addiction.

Rarely do I read such a lengthy article, and agree with the whole thing, while simultaneously changing my beliefs and admitting I have been doing things wrong.

Johann Hari uses this article to explore that “.. the opposite of addiction is not sobriety. It is human connection. ”

Our Culture has a distorted view on what addiction is, and sometimes it can seem that what is “repetitive” or “habitual” is actually classified to be addictive behavior.

In our current culture, addiction is mutually exclusive and associated to “unhealthy behavior.”

As Johann Hari had his own reasons to explore the truths behind addiction, I was enthralled at how he was able to empathetically articulate the single reason which leads to addictive behavior; environmental loneliness.  Lack of support.

He mentions a study on rats.  Rats that lived in healthy social environments chose not to ingest drug laced water, where as isolated rats chose to spend much of their time intoxicated; however when the sad isolated rat was returned to the healthy social environment, the rats avoided the laced water.

Additionally Hari mentions that 95% of opiate addicted Vietnam vets, were able to return to America and live productive lives, drug free with out rehab.

He poses the hypothesis that when people feel happy, supported and safe, they have no need to externally stimulate their opiate receptors, which inherently block pain… emotional or physical.

The propaganda and programming we have toward addicts, is that they need to be isolated, and cut off, until they can “get their shit in order.”  And by the hypothesis of Hari, this leads to counter productive results, and actually enables an addict to continue their use, in order to avoid facing their isolation.

Our outdated views on addiction, do not take into (enough) account how unique each individual is, in their own chemistry and motivating life experience.

This begs to ask the question, is there such a thing as a “healthy” addiction?

Take for instance endorphins.  Also known as endogenous morphine, which actually means “morphine like substance, naturally released within the body.”  We all have opiate receptors in our brain, and things like sex, running, chocolate and extreme physical exertion can cause a natural flood of endorphins in to the blood and brain.

If you have ever heard of “runners high,” it is the point where the body becomes so infused with endorphins that  begins to  feel damn near invincible.  The habit of running and naturally releasing the “feel good” hormone can become addicting; yet have you ever heard of Runners Anonymous?  You never hear about runners needing to go to support groups for running too much.

Groups of runners are actually quite supportive of one another, regardless of level.

Addictions are often micro analyzed from the aspect of external introduction of chemicals, however it appears addiction has more to do with an individuals own chemistry and environment mixed with repetitive behavior, than it does with drugs.

Ask yourself this;  Do you pick at your face in the mirror while talking shit to yourself?

Do you constantly self deprecate?

Do you cut yourself?

Do you compulsively gamble?

Do you binge and then purge?

Do you eat to console yourself?

Do you throw up after you eat?

Do you bite your finger nails, or click a pen?

This, along with a bunch of other drugless activities can be seen as addictive, depending on the individual (to others it could just be seen as annoying or burdensome.)

Depending on the individual, each of these activities can be soothing, and depending on how it all came about, can stimulate the brain to release endorphins.  Numbing and soothing the “addict.”

Endorphins are not mutually exclusive to positive triggers.  Endorphins are also released in when the brain when we take risks or go into “fight or flight mode.”

It can almost be deduced that all of us suffer from one addiction or another; if we do anything repetitively and find it comforting or get high from it.  It is the brains response to seeking balance and to avoid pain.

And while, those of us who are struggling to get in shape, may not consider our previous stagnant lifestyles as “addictions;” there is something to say about the levels of our own hormones and chemistry which can mirror addiction which led to being unhappy with the self.  This is how couch potatoes become athletes… they find a new way to trigger natural  stimulation, that is easily attained.  The perception pain shifts, and physical aches become worth the natural chemical rush.

If you find yourself, unhappy with your current state of things, and filling the void or blocking the pain; I encourage you to find a supportive activity to get those  healthy triggered endorphins running through you.  Start viewing your own body as a natural pharmacy that can be adapt genic.

Realize if you are being drawn to dissociative behaviors, something needs to change in your life, because that behavior is born from a lack of feeling supported and uncomfortable in your environment.  Lucky for you, change always comes from within, and this may be just the reminder you needed…You CAN do this

Can you become addicted to hating on yourself?  Yes, you can, especially if you live an unsupported lifestyle.  Does it have to be permanent?  No.  You just have to find the courage to take the first step.

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Week Two, Day Two (What if I am the only one?)

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It’s only week two.  It is only day two.

And then the paranoia sets in…

Laying in bed, feeling the soreness in my muscles; my brain wanders, unattended to dark recesses of fear.

“What if nothing changes, with all this work?”

“What if I am the only one; who loses nothing, and still can’t do a full modified push up, after 6 weeks?”

“What if this program has the opposite intended effect on my body… and I look worse at the end of 6 weeks.”

All these “What if’s” rattling around in my brain.

Do you have them too?

Logically, it can’t get worse.  My muscles are sore, that is a sign of progress; but it is a sign, that is at times, easily ignored.

Our brains are amazing muscles.  Sometimes we flex it in counterproductive ways, like excessive worry, and unfounded suspicion.

Our brains want to keep us safe from pain, which can translate into it creating elaborate, and highly unlikely situations; which can be emotionally warping.  Wrapping us up in it’s fantasy, it is easy to get carried away with the self and “worst case scenario” syndrome.

As I lay in bed, frightfully imagining that in six weeks, I will be exactly the same; I have to force my logical mind into action.  I need my common sense to over ride my unfounded fears.

Everyday is a new one, and some are more mentally taxing than others.

For this reason, it is great to have friends or accountability partners.  People who are empathetic, and supportive, when the mind feels weak, and the top of the mountain is out of view.   How many of us just quit something because we felt alone and unsupported in our pursuit?  The diet that didn’t last a week, or the early morning walks that never continued after the first few?  Quitting as quickly as we started because of how lonely the journey seems. In the beginning of every new change, there are feelings of anxiety and excitement, but those feelings quickly change into struggle as one attempts to keep their own motivation high.

The mental downside of any new program, is how to keep your self involved with the desire to show up and do the work.  We want to see and experience results quickly in order to KNOW with out a doubt, that it is working.  The beginning is hard because you are basically breaking yourself down on  several levels, and it is painful, not just physically, but mentally as well. We learned during week one that there are a plethora of excuses to stop, and only one REAL reason to continue.

If you are anything like me, you may need help redirecting those thoughts back to the One Real Reason.  You may need to be reminded, All is not in Vain.

I encourage you to reach out when you feel like you may be the only one who feels like they aren’t going anywhere, fast enough.  You are not alone.  Be gentle with yourself; remind yourself that you are worth the risk, and only You can decide and work from that truth.

Think about it as systematically breaking down an old program that no longer suits you. Think of it as adopting a new philosophy and work ethic.  Think of it as a personal Spring Cleaning; sweeping out the old cob webs, for a new and cleaner You.

When you feel too down and out to keep going, know that you have been sweating out your old excuses, purging the self deprecation from each muscle fiber; you are sculpting the You, You want to see and be.  Know you are not alone;  I want You to be the best You can be for You, and You want the same for me.  We know, we will be better for it.

Keep going , You’ve got this.

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Week Two, Day 1~ The form in focus

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Okay, the first week of badassery has been laid to rest… On to week two.
The mind wants to be over congratulatory, and the body is like “really? you are doing THIS again?”

Propriety says, “We are getting in a groove,” and ADHD says “But what about this over here?”

The first week, is the hardest. It is the hardest because, taking that first step, is really hard. Admitting you are discontent with yourself, and DOING something about it, is hard. Working muscles sat dormant for who knows how long, is brutal.

Why is it so brutal? Change happens in life all the time. It doesn’t seem like people put nearly as much thought, time or effort, into some of life’s other changes; as they do body improvement. I mean, really, think about how life changing and easy it is for some people to get pregnant. And for those, it comes easy to… rarely is there much forethought or planning.

Getting out of shape is easy. It literally takes no thought at all, just reaction. When laziness or sedentary-ness become habitual reaction, shit get’s out of control. You may remember sitting down as a size five, and when you finally get up, you realize you are a sloppy size 20.

A great quote, from some name I do not remember, said “If you want to know how you will feel tomorrow; pay attention to what you are thinking and feeling today. If you want to know why you feel the way you do today; look closely at what was going through your mind yesterday.”

Our bodies are a reflection of our internal state of being. A person can say they care about health, and wellness… and their body can tell you what they really think.

Each and everyone of us, have lives that we live; involving other people. And as much as we feel, our world revolves around us; as main players…the realization is, we are all truly equal and deserving of attention and love.

You know who never gets enough attention; appreciation and love for the hard work they do? Moms. Caretakers.

They worry their little heads off and run themselves to empty for the sake and welfare of those they love. Rarely asking for much in return, but sighing relief when everyone gets along and the domestic seas are calm for a few hours.

We have all seen that lady, who could use a couple extra hours of sleep; but forgoes it to stay up, and put the finishing touches on that science experiment, or that costume for the play. We see how she dismisses her own needs for the sake of others, with out complaint; knowing deep down, there is something she wants, but feels there is no time or energy to ask for.

Everyone has their jobs, and their home life, and that secret and often times silent part of themselves that SCREAMS for attention, but is often times drowned out by the impending nature of the needs of those around them.

All the while, that voice screeches “WHAT ABOUT ME?”

Maybe one day, when it is just quiet enough, and a nap seems enticing, that screech becomes unbearable; and you listen. You listen so hard, you can’t help but repeat what you hear; to anyone that will listen.

And what sounds like a demand, falling from your lips; twists itself into a plead.

Going from a solid “I need this,” to a whimpering “Can I please?”

Waiting for some sort of external validation, that your desires are worthy enough to address.

And, if you aren’t squashed immediately, a seed starts to grow, saying “I will, no matter what.”
Then you see the opportunity for your “will” to become a “do,” and you think… “yeah, it’s on.”

So you pummel through the doubt, and you go that first day, a bit hesitant, but determined; and you get through that first week, and think “yeah, I made a life style change! I am proud of myself!”

But, then, all of a sudden it is the weekend. A holiday weekend. And you have kids, and things to do. You slip your empowered self, back into the closet in order to fulfill the many roles and demands presented to you by anyone and everyone, but you. And it seems daunting. And you wonder if they actually SEE you, the YOU, you want to be. The YOU, you are, with out them. And then you feel guilty… because it feels selfish to honor the part of yourself, which is separate from those who rely so heavily upon you.

Maybe, you wonder, “is it worth it?” Maybe, you think, “do I really have time for this?” Maybe, you keep showing up with some sort of guilt on your shoulders.

Admittedly, I am not a mother. But I am a care taker… and I have already mulled some of this over in my mind.

On prediction, I am sensing that week two is going to be brutal, in a new mental way. It is the absolution of making a decision and sticking with it, with out excuses. It is the psychological fuckery, of admitting to yourself, that you HAVE TO, NEED TO do something for yourself.

Class is ONLY a half hour. Sticking to the dietary changes is an ongoing job, and life continues it’s path around all of that.

It will be easy to stumble. However, stumbling isn’t the end of the world.

Keeping focus may be hard, because life keeps going the 23.5 hours you aren’t “working” yourself out. But that one half hour, every day… is priceless and all about you. It is so deeply about you, that it is bound to knock emotional boundaries loose; emotions and feelings you may not realize you had stored in the recesses of the folds in your brain, and those atrophied hamstrings.

The work you are doing at Fit Body Boot Camp is hard, hard enough to allow you a half hour to readjust your thinking; back to the moment that includes you and your body, and not the impending laundry.  Maybe by week two, you are potentially arguing with yourself, that even a half hour a day is too much time to spend on yourself… “I mean after all, it ends up being approximately 3 hours a week, I could be ironing pleats into pants that do not require pleats.”

You haven’t yet made it to the 21 day mark… that place where “new habits and routines” reside.

Day 6 is closer to day one, than day 6 is to day 21.  And day six is still so far away from 6 weeks.

It can seem daunting, and almost unreachable.

I ask you, what are you trying to reach?

If it is to be a centerfold in Fitness Magazine… I say, “GO for it.”  If it is just to have more energy, and to feel better about yourself while trotting through the normalcy of life..”GO for it.”

For every valid reason to move forward with the excitement and mystery of life; there are a million excuses not to, and most of them revolve around some martyrdom for the sake of some one else.  What makes you think, that you don’t deserve the same treatment?

We live in a world where self worth is rated on a scale of superficiality.  And it can seem as though, taking a route to a healthier body may be placed in that category; somehow making it frivolous and easily dismissible.  The superficial aspect denies the whole person, that wants more out of life.  The person that would rather worry about the form and the focus in function, than just impressing lookers on.

It isn’t superficial to want to love your body.  It isn’t superficial to want to feel sexy for your partner.  It isn’t superficial to want to wear a smaller pair of jeans; all the while living and playing the many roles we all have.  In fact, to attain that comfort, is one less thing to worry about.

Week two isn’t just about showing up; it is the first step in asking the self a bunch of “why’s” sat dormant.  Lucky for you; you are not alone.  And yes, YOU are WORTH IT!

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Day Five (help i’m alive)

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 Lyrics for Help I’m Alive By Metric
It’s FRIDAY!!!  I made it a straight five day run!! And, guess what?!?! I am still alive!
My body is sore, and tired… my brain has slowed down a little from the hyper-drive it was whirring at last Friday, when I was anticipation of my first day at Cheyenne Fit Body Boot Camp.
I have discovered that most of my anxiety was about attempting to make it to the 5 am class, and the need to have to set an alarm for that to happen.  To solve that problem, I decided to commit to a time that is actually more conducive to my natural schedule; so now I can tell people I have got to go get, “My Nooner.”  Yes, folks, this IS the MOST action I have seen or had in YEARS! (wink wink)
It has been a pleasant diversion to have something to look forward to on a daily basis that gets me out of the house, and around people with a common goal.  It has been very interesting and insightful interacting with fellow Fitters in our private online accountability group.
This is something that most people who go to a regular gym probably have never experienced.  We literally have access to 24 hour accountability… if you have the connection to the interwebs, you can get a pretty rapid response from some one.  It’s pretty cool.  Go to work and tempted by birthday cake?  Someone will remind you of your goals.  Eat the cake anyway?  Some one will remind you, that you are human, and to get over yourself and get back on task for the rest of the day and week.
It’s not even tough love, it is a support group and a common unity.  I haven’t been in one of those for a while.
Five days isn’t long in the greater scheme of things, but it does bring me five days closer to how I would like to look and feel.
On October 2, 2013 I made this blog post, I want a better body, I want a better mind.
Many of the things I wanted THEN, are attainable by going through the Fit Body Boot Camp.  I didn’t know about the program then; and even IF  I had… I probably wouldn’t have gone anyway.  I wasn’t mentally ready, I hadn’t reached my rock bottom.
I have literally felt super high all week.  I am excited at the fact that this is going to continue to challenge me for as long as I choose to continue… No boredom here folks! I look forward to getting more into the diet end of things, in order to systematically change my bodies current state of affairs.
I’m going to tell you another one of my reasons why this excites me; I am kind of addicted to “before/after” pictures.  When I was in high school I was an average sized girl, I have always had big thighs and hips.  I wanted to get all my gym credits out of the way, so I took a weight lifting class, along with regular phys. ed.
I found myself in the weights class with a bunch of football players and wrestlers.  The coach had us all on one program; weekly maxing out. At my peak I could squat 320lbs. and dead lift 120 lbs.  As proud as I was of my strength, I hated how I looked.  I was building muscles and not burning fat.  I later learned that I should have been doing more reps with less weight. And, that the coach wasn’t worried about the body prerogative his female students.
Eh, you live and learn I guess.
Lucky for all of us our bodies are pretty malleable things, and if we set them up for success, they will usually follow suit.
Back to those Before/After photos; have you ever seen yourself in an old photo and thought, “hey I didn’t look so bad back then, I was being hard on myself,”  or the opposite “what the hell.. I don’t even recognize myself”?   I sure do.  Well I want a new one.  One that I look at and say “DAMN!”
And with that, I can’t even think of an excuse you might have today.
Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp : Day Four (mod some more)

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Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “Humble” as,

: not proud : not thinking of yourself as better than other people

: given or said in a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people

: showing that you do not think of yourself as better than other people

Day Four of Boot Camp put that word into action.

Ashley was coaching again today, and let me tell ya; to watch her, is a humbling experience.  She has worked hard to make these exercises look easy and with precise form.

I will be the first to admit; sometimes I am a klutz (my name ain’t Grace for a reason), and sometimes I really struggle with hand, eye and foot coordination.  Today was one of those days.

IT is a humbling experience to KNOW you look like a fool trying to figure something out.  However, in my honest opinion, it is better to look like a fool while attempting hard a perfection, than it is to show off and potentially hurt yourself.

Today was jam packed (yet again) with physical activities that I do not have the strength to perform with out modification.

To watch Ashley demonstrate modifications is like watching a knife go through a soft stick of butter; effortless.

So in my head, I’m all like, “Yeah, okay, I can do that.”  But in actuality, my body is all like, “What the HELL? This BURNS!”

Modifications are not for pansy asses; in fact modifications are building blocks to getting to the full expression of the desired activity.  It is terribly humbling to KNOW that I am not yet strong enough to do certain things that only a few years ago, I probably would have had less trouble with.

It is humbling to know that what looks easy, isn’t always so; and that like a symphony all parts and pieces must work together  in harmony to reach the desired effect.  It’s humbling to literally have your ass in the air and be called out for improper form.

But, you know what?  It isn’t the least bit embarrassing (for me).  I KNOW, my trainers want me to be safe and to do things correctly to prevent strain and injury.  In that knowing I can let the Ego rest, and just listen and follow directions.

I don’t feel cornered or embarrassed because  it is probably rare for a person, who has never done something before, to be perfect on the first try.  Again reminded, that everyone starts somewhere.  There is no need to be ashamed by the process.

I admit, there are some things in life that I have mastered on first attempt; this is not one of them; and it makes me reflect on those times when it was me in the Master Seat.  Did I gloat?  Did I criticize those who weren’t up to par?  No.  I would offer encouragement and advice.  This is a huge part of the philosophy of Cheyenne Fit Body, and this is why this program resonates with me.

Coaches are not yelling at you to tell you how horrible you are; They are however yelling at you to keep going, and to not give up.  They are yelling encouragingly at you… and when you make it to an end of a session, you really feel like you accomplished something.

Even with modifications, I could feel the burn, and the burn means you are WORKING it!

If your excuse is, ” I am afraid of looking like a fool and being publicly embarrassed in front of people I barely know.”  I say pshhha.  That doesn’t happen here by fault of any trainer.  If you are embarrassed, KNOW , that too is all in your head.

To bring this point home, on the lighter side of things; I asked what some of the Fitters greatest fears were in class.  Not a single one said “fear of embarrassment.”

The most common answer, was “Farting during class.”  To which one of the trainers admitted happens A LOT.

Let’s face it, gas is a totally normal part of living.  Every one does it.

Part of the Fit Body Boot Camp is a dietary change; some are more sensitive to it than others.  Farts happen, I like to think of it as, my butt is giggling.  Farts are funny, people will use their mouths to giggle about it.

You know what would be more embarrassing than farting?   Holding it in so long that  you create a pathological distention of the bowel.  Imagine explaining that to your friends and trainers.

Get comfortable with natural functions of the body, and you will alleviate a lot of unnecessary worry that may be tainting your pretty little brain.

Are you interested in getting back into shape, and want to do it in a safe and encouraging environment??  Live in the Cheyenne , Wyoming area?  Click HERE.   Want to find a boot camp in your area, or start one of your own?  Click this link.

Didn’t catch the beginning of this series, and want to follow along? Click these links> Consult > Day One > Day Two > Day Three.

Want to donate to this blog?  HELL YEAH!!!!

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Day Three (oh me,oh my)

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It has been very exciting getting into this regimen; so exciting in fact, that I have been loosing sleep over it.  I am tired as heck, but each time I go to lay down, my brain is spinning over what I did at class.  Add that into a few personal issues at home that are giving me paranoia… and you have a person who hasn’t slept much in four days.

I was amped to get up and try the 6 am class; so I did my best and laid down at 10pm.  And no matter how hard I tried to clear my mind, or listen to “soothing sounds to sleep to”; something would inevitably jostle me awake just as my body was starting to simmer in to slumber.

2 am, I was jostled, yet again, to my dog.  And I got agro… “Why the fuck won’t any one let me sleep, FUCK!”

And with that, my blood pressure was up, and the blood was circulating, and I was again wide awake.

So much for 6 am class.

My natural circadian rhythm, usually lulls me asleep at about 6:30 am.  About the time I was born into this world, and gave up the struggle of escape.  I knew at 4 am, this would be the inevitable outcome.

Instead of further frustrating myself I committed to making the noon class, which would give me ample time to rest and reset before going and getting my ass handed to me.

Like most first week Fitters, I am sore; but I think I might be less sore then some.  I am making sure to take my magnesium, and to start and finish the day with stretches.  I had no idea what I would be in for today, but I did see some ones status update… and they mentioned burpees.

I admire a good burpee, I have watched them on the interwebs.  I myself , had never tried one, until today.  Wait, I am getting ahead of myself.

Today was jam packed with things I haven’t ever done before… like a proper push up.

Yes, today I realized my form in pushups has been wrong, for, forever.

“Elbows go back, Not to the sides!  HEAD UP!”

Well, shit.

Not only have I been doing it all wrong, I realized the muscles needed to do a full push up; in me, have atrophied.

Instead of getting frustrated,  I took it slow and committed to proper form.  I didn’t look like a push up even with the modified form.  I felt like a beached seal, just sort of twitching. Each one harder than the one before.

“Do the best you can, stretch after each one if you need to!”

Yep that was me.  Twitch and stretch, twitch and stretch.

As ridiculous, as I am sure it looked… I didn’t quit.  I didn’t push harder than I knew my body could handle.

“Each one you do is getting you closer to a full pushup!”

Which brings me back to the blessed Burpee.  Here I am, lifting more body mass than I ever have in my life; barely able to even begin to get my chest near the floor in a push up… and here comes Burpees.  A push up is an integral part of a Burpee.  But instead of potential hurting myself, trying to get all rambunctious with it, I walked myself through it methodically.  I brought myself gently to the ground, got my hands under my shoulders; kept my elbows back, looked up, and twitched. I brought my body back up and reached for the sky…over and over and over again.

If your excuse is, ” I can’t even do a push up.”  Eat your words.  I can’t do a push up either, yet.

It takes time,energy, and consistency to build and train muscles for strength and endurance.  It doesn’t happen over night, and neither did getting out of shape.  We can get to either place, just depending on our attitude.

If there is one thing I would encourage any Fitter, or newbie who is getting into fitness to do; is commit to yourself to not get frustrated or give up on yourself.  To embrace the knowing it took you a while to get unhealthy, it is going to take you a while to get healthy.  If you get frustrated; KNOW the only person you are REALLY competing with, is yourself.  If you feel like quitting; KNOW that you began, because you were unhappy with your body, and that ONLY YOU can change that.  There is no magic pill that will make you wake up strong and healthy; full of endurance.

I chose Cheyenne Fit Body Boot Camp  because it is a very encouraging environment with accountability.  It is a place that will make you work hard and will push you; all while working with your current level of fitness.  No one makes you feel bad about yourself, or as if you are being compared to any one else..  If you feel that way, KNOW it is ALL in your head.  Turn it around if you find you are comparing yourself to some of the more advanced Fitters; then admire them as inspiration toward achieving your goals.  Most importantly; KNOW: EVERYONE starts SOMEWHERE.

If you  are interested in the Fit Body Program, and my journey through boot camp you can read about them at these links Consultation, First Day, and Second Day.  If you are interested in seeing if there is a boot camp in your area click here.

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Day Two (whoo hoo)

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Well, WHOO HOO, Welcome to Day Two!

In order to prepare myself, I utilized the wonderful resource of the private accountability group set up by the Admins of Cheyenne Fit Body.

As I mentioned in the previous article Fit Body Boot Camp: Day One,  I had a few issues of light headedness and nausea.  I didn’t want to go into Day Two with those feelings.  I received some very helpful tips from Fitters who had struggled from the same issues.

It basically came down to properly fueling this human driven vehicle with food and water.

I don’t know about you, but I have always had some problems choking down breakfast first thing in the morning, and Day One was no different.  A banana and some peanut butter was definitely not enough fuel, and upon retrospect, I went to bed dehydrated and that proceeded into the morning and was further exacerbated by the work out.

By the time I got home on Day One, I was shaking, sick in the stomach and having cold sweats and shakes.  It is like my body was shocked into an unexpected detox, without enough moisture in my body to handle it.

I immediately knew I needed to get my water requirement for the day.  I also needed to follow the food guidelines given to me in my consult, and concentrate on fueling my body with nutrition.

In order to get into Day Two, I followed the advice of another Fitter, and made a heady oatmeal shake.  This make ahead shake is great for planning ahead, and is super easy on the stomach.  You can find the recipe for these shakes on this Pintrest  page.  I added Chia seeds, and Hemp Seeds to mine, as well as strawberry Kiefer and frozen berries.

I got plenty of water in the morning and supplemented with a Super Orange E-MergenC packet that helps to replenish electrolytes.

I made sure to get to bed at a reasonable time; decided I would hit up the 8:30 am class, so that I didn’t feel tired and rushed to consume 3/4 of a 16oz shake and water before working out.

These shifts made all the difference.  I had the fuel to make it though the work out without the maladies of Day One.  And no, the work out was no less intense.

The entire line up of work outs was very different from Day One, which is great for people like me; who maybe get bored with the same ole routine, everyday.

I am taking the advice of “easing into” the first week.

Sara was the days trainer, and she kept everyone motivated with her bubbly personality.  She helped those who need it, and demonstrated augmented form for those who may have injury or just haven’t yet built up the strength to do the full exercise form.

If your excuse is, “It’s going to be too hard for me” think again!

Everyone is encouraged to keep going and to perform all exercises SAFELY!

You work at your own level, and do the best you possibly can.  This is where augmented form is helpful.  Admittedly, my legs started to shake toward the end, and  I felt like a ninety year old trying to pull themselves up from the toilet.  I just kept moving, knowing that by next week, everything will be a bit easier.

I definitely sweat more on Day Two, probably because I was properly hydrated. I can’t overstate how important hydration is!  The skin is largest organ and sweating is a fantastic way for the body to detox.  Working out produces lactic acid in the muscles and when one is dehydrated, it can cause muscle cramping.  It is also a good idea to get enough magnesium which assists muscles and nerves in their function.

To wrap things up I will say that the 8:30 class  is more popular than the 5am class (go figure .)  Many Mothers attend while their little ones stay in close proximity and entertain themselves for the half hour of class.

So if you are a Mother, and your excuse is, “I don’t have anyone to watch my kid for a half hour.”  You just lost your excuse.  If you have  a small child ( or two) that can be entertained by a bunch of adults getting their butts kicked, (or if you let them use a tablet)  Even YOU can get an AWESOME work out, in the same time it takes to watch one episode of Dora the Explorer!

Fit Body Cheyenne, can help anyone transform their body.  And with a healthy body comes peace of mind.

Be a Fitter, not a quitter!

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Day One

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I am making a strong guess that everyone who chooses Fit Body Boot Camp for the first time, has some nervousness or anxiety going in on the first day.  Actually, let’s be honest, they are probably nervous from the day they sign up until the end of the first class.

The bulk  of my anxiety happened the night before.   I hate nights before events, and this is certainly an Event (to Transform myself).  I attempted to get to bed at a modest 9 pm.  Which is hard for me on any given day.  Usually I go to bed between 12 and 3 am.

My first goal was to hit the 5 am class.  I wanted to get in there and get it over with because I had already spent four days wondering what exactly it would be like.

I got up at 4:10 after a restless night of “half sleep.”  I had showered the night before, already picked out my clothes… breakfast was the problem.  I often time, have a hard time eating food first thing when I get up, as it makes me nauseated.  I wanted a shake, but felt bad about running the noisy blender so early in the  morning.  I ended up settling on  a banana with peanut butter.  (Which in retrospect was not nearly what I needed for what I was about to experience.)

I got into the gym at about a quarter to five.  Night time Trainer, Ashley was there, bright eyed (except for the contact lens issues) and bushy tailed.  She gave a friendly introduction and a warm welcome.  There were a couple of other women there, getting themselves ready for warm up.

I wasn’t sure what to do, and as I am willing to admit; I have  a hard time initiating my own introductions.  So I sat on the mat doing some light stretches as more participants slipped in the door.

Finally at 4:59ish, Ashley  took to the middle of the circle and began to explain todays circuit of exercises.  There were four stations, each featuring two activities that would be repeated a few times.  I lost count of how many  sets  were happening, because this class is VERY high paced.

We began  with  some warm up sets of stationary exercises, and then quickly moved into the stations.

Now let me tell you, the hardest part  (for me); was facing myself, head on in the warm ups. In just a few short minutes, I could feel the effect of smoking cigarettes for  ten years.  I could tell I had lost most of my strength and endurance that I had only a short three years ago, from working on a sheep farm.

All I could think, is “oh shit, this is bad.”

I can’t tell you how many seasoned Fitters were in the class, or how many newbies; so if your excuse for NOT trying this program, is that you are afraid of people watching you…Let me tell you now; There is NO time to watch any one else.  The exercises require proper form, and it is vital to pay attention to what you are doing with your own body.  Ashley a, attentively walked around, adjusting those who needed assistance in form while encouraging every one to keep going.

At the second station, my body reminded me that I was not properly fueled and I started to feel nauseous and light headed.  Ashley brought me an apple juice and I took a little breather.  I took about a 30 second recoup and did my best at continuing.

Periodically I  feel sick, and sip more juice, breathe a little and get back into motion.

I find myself having some mental frustration that I am not already good at this.  Usually I can just pick up an activity for the first time, and feel confident.  I understand that not everyone feels that way about themselves, and that I am a self perfectionist by nature.  I have never done most of these activities before and admittedly I am out of shape.

I need to be compassionate with myself because, this is hard work.  It took time to get where I am now; unhappy about my body.  And in the process of being unhappy with myself, I haven’t been very compassionate with myself.

I believe that the accountability that Fit Body provides, will assist me and many others to learn to love; not just accept themselves. To feel strong enough to improve themselves in whatever way they are most inspired.

Being happy with your body is just one step in feeling confidant overall.

Imagine all the time you spent mentally hating on your body; imagine all the times you have complained about your body out loud.

Now imagine what it would be like to have all that energy back.  To have the mental freedom to not constantly worry about your bodily insecurities.  Sounds refreshing, right?

I don’t have any doubt, that The Fit Body Boot camp will live up to it’s claims, as long as I stay out of my own way.

Fit Body Boot Camp

We Are All Fatists

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It’s crazy to think we are all weightless beings dragging around meat suits. Right?

Like here we are just roaming about superficially judging ourselves and others for their bodies.

And sure, we all have our reasons.

The other day, I posted this status to my Facebook, “How many of you are willing to admit you are fatist, even though you are ashamedly aware of it?”

I got five “likes” and one very sincere response.

The sincere response was from a friend of mine who lives in the mountains.  She lives an active lifestyle just out of pure necessity.  Here was her very honest, and candid response through our dialog.

” I suppose the day I lose all my excess fat maybe I’ll have a leg to stand on… Ha.  ”

To which I responded, ” I think it is sort of like racism, we ignore it until it is in our face. There are certain movements that are “body acceptance and appreciation” oriented and yet media is saturated by the idyllic bodies of 18 year olds. Funny that other cultures find obesity to be beautiful and a sign of wealth and virility; where as our society is pretty much disgusted by people who are not height/weight proportionate, despite the reasons, like hypothyroid, diabetes, and metabolic issues. Being “heavy” in this society is seen as a symptom of sickness, which plays in the mental health of the person with the weight. It is a lot of psychological fuckery.”

And here is where she really shares her observations not only of other humans, but of herself.

“Well overweight and obese are different to me. Overweight is pretty normal. I’m overweight, probably always will be. Obese makes me wonder how that happened. I wonder if it’s a psychical or physiological disorder. Or a mental disorder? Or laziness? Or were they raised to believe that their eating habits were normal and just fine, when clearly they are not?
I judge very fat and obese people, but only in one circumstance, really. Even though it’s only one circumstance, it’s not ok for me to judge. But I do, and here it is:
Someone walks in the door of the restaurant I am waiting tables at. A very large person. So large, perhaps, that their bottom hangs off either side of the chair struggling to withstand the weight of this person. This person orders a Coke from me, their friendly waitress. Strike 1. What are you doing? You’re making a terrible choice. “Of course!” I say with as much enthusiasm as a fucking Coke commercial. Maybe they’ve ordered a Diet. Even worse. Ouch.
You’re killing yourself. Can’t you see? I come back a few minutes later with a syrupy, dark, fizzy, delicious sodapop and place it down in front of the menu they are perusing. “Do you know what you’d like for lunch today?” I ask, knowing along which lines the answer will be.
“Yes,” this person says, “I’ll have the Bleu cheese burger and onion rings.”
Now, this Bleu cheese burger is a monstrous burger topped with Bleu cheese, bacon, onions and mushrooms. It’s delicious- and probably a thousand shitty calories with those damn delicious onion rings. See, I find myself in judgement mode for just a second here. “You’re making bad choices!!!!!!” Is what I want to yell! But of course, maybe that’s not it. Maybe this person doesn’t know why this food is no good. Plenty of places in America think that a burger is a good wholesome meal. “EAT MORE BEEF” was an actual billboard I used to drive by in Missouri when I lived there. Like somehow it’s the sweet nectar of life. Or maybe, this person struggles with their weight and decided that for one day, they were going to eat exactly what they pleased without guilt. Who am I to ruin that experience for them?
Who the fuck knows why this person is fat or if they care if they’re fat. But to answer your question, yes. I suppose I am a fatist, if that one moment when a grossly oversized and overcaloried meal is ordered out of the mouth of a fat person and I have a moment of weakness in which I forget to only love and never judge, for I have never walked in their shoes There. I admit it.”

This is a great example of the thought process we all go through in any sort of judgment that we have toward anyone; even ourselves.

We see what we see, how we see it. And we know what we know, because we learned it or heard it.  Ideas and ideals can stick like glue, especially if those impressions were made in our youth.

Impressed with her answer I sent her this ; “thank you for your honesty, it’s really refreshing to hear someone be introspective about it… because it is just that one second, ya know? But just as quick as it happens we try to distract ourselves from that moment. I think you are averaged sized, not overweight. You are height weight porportionate… you have curves but gentle ones. Unless you are trying to look like a weight lifter or a body builder, you look totally appropriate for you.”

The comment was removed, but she later noted how it took her longer to write the description of her feelings and think about it, than it her initial judgments.

Let’s break this down a little…

We all judge, even though we don’t want or mean to.

We are all hypercritical of ourselves. Slightly more lenient on those we don’t despise.

Despite our natural inclination toward or against competitive nature, we are immersed in a subconsciously competitive world.   A world which has no clear definition in its causation toward it’s competition; where we no longer forage for food or kill out of necessity.

We are inundated with images of some one else’s ideals for perfection, and we’ve bought what we’ve been sold.

All of this has been a long time coming.

If we choose to dig deeper into our individual reasons for fatism, we will see our own trauma.

Sure, it would be nice to have the ideal body of a perky and pert 18 year old posing on the cover of Rolling Stone or Fitness; but let us be real.  We All don’t have high fashion photographers and filters; trainers, and eating disorders.

Some of us just have stress and hormonal issues, some of us are dealing with loss; self control and dysmorphia .  Some of us never knew what it was to be thin, other are dealing with guilt.  Some of us have had children, or sympathy weight…  Our insides are tired and worn, our outsides give clues to the story.

Our meat suits define us in some way.  They physically relate our internal states of being.  How we feel inside is reflected back to our external perception in every conceivable way.

When a person looks like they have given up; there is a strong chance they probably have… but this place is no place for us to judge the whys and how.  It is our job to see the weightless spirit that exists within that skin, and to encourage it to keep going.

It is our job to have the curiosity enough to ask and assist, especially in a place where every one is trying to make an effort.  Be it the gym; the track, the trail, or just in general life.

Competition doesn’t mean pushing the other guy down.  True competition only exists with yourself anyway.

I am sure this is just the “tip of the iceberg” in future posts looking at the same issue.

I encourage you to look at your own “fatist” mentalities.  Really examine them and ask yourself their source.  Spend longer than a few seconds on this daunting task.  Ask yourself how it relates to your own body image and how you treat (or mistreat yourself.)

And next time you feel the judgment bug bite your ass, take a moment to ask where it’s roots really lie, and what you can do to confront it with compassion.

We are all hauling around meat suits as malleable as our mind and spirit.

Fit Body Boot Camp

Introduction to Cheyenne Fit Body 6 week Body Transformation Challenge

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Well the day has finally come!  I am gonna get off this fat ass and DO something about it.

After lying in bed a couple nights ago; thinking about my gymphobia.  I imagined my fear being lessened if gyms had short instructional videos on every machine; showing proper form and function.  A cheat for those newbies who feel anxiety or are mentally not ready for a trainer. I fell asleep thinking maybe if I pitched it to the gym I am a member of, I would be inspired to go.

The next morning I woke up, and the first thing on my  Facebook feed was a status from Cheyenne Fit Body Gym; advertising a 6 week Body Transformation challenge, with a satisfaction guarantee.  And for a few quick responders, the rate would be nearly half of their normal pricing.  Three easy payments of $67.00 and a positive attitude, and I could be on the path to the body I have always wanted.

I decided to email about the offer, and set up a consultation with owner Sara Goossen.  My motivation was amplified by the fact my house is only four blocks away.

I decided to check out the Fit Body Bootcamp website.  A short testimonial video gives a glimpse of some of the activities that are part of the Fit Body Boot camp.  Each session is only thirty minutes long, and boasts of maximum fat burn in minimum time.

I’m sold.

Sara was in a consultation when I came in for my appointment.  The woman she was meeting with was showing some nervousness about starting the program.  Sara commiserated with her, and encouraged her that in a month from now, she  will not be the same woman.  I couldn’t see this womans’ face, but I can imagine her brain might have been rolling it’s eyes.  It’s hard to see a positive future when focused on all the things you may not like about yourself.  I can already tell that Sara is not the type of instructor to let people beat up on themselves, instead she turns it around and encourages a positive outlook.

My consultation with Sara was short but inspirational.  She has a great attitude and a positive sense of humor.  We discussed my fitness goals, and the goals of the program.  Next, we got down to the business of my current body stats.  I was weighed; measured, and tested for arm strength.  A pretty simple procedure overall (that is if you can get over reading your weight on a scale.)  To which Sara responded, “This will be the last time you see these numbers.”

I was invited to begin today or tomorrow if I so choose.  I plan to start tomorrow.

Sara has a goal of reaching 5,000 Cheyenne residents through this program.  To support her goal I hope you join me as I chronicle this experience.  For those who have followed my recent blogs, they have been pretty depressing.  I hope to remedy that with this new action, and I hope you find inspiration with me as I chart unknown territories of my journey to a better body.  Stay tuned!