I LOVE running in the Fall when all the leaves are changing. Absolutely breathtaking.
It's October. That means running leggings, warm gear, and bright clothing to ensure safety while hitting the roads and trails in Western Pennsylvania. I love my North Face reflective windbreaker. It's bright and keeps me warm.
Today I filled in for a fitness class that I usually do not teach. The instructor was sick, and since I practically live at my fitness center, I was guilted into helping out. I walked into the aerobics room, and the class members made eyes at one another. No, I am not being sensitive. They literally rolled their eyes at the fact that (as someone put it) a 'little blonde barbie' was going to be teaching them.
Guess What? I kicked their bums. Instant respect from them.
Not only did I kick their tooshies, but specifically explained each exercise and why we were doing it. After class, they told me they never knew why they were doing certain exercises. They were impressed.
The lack of confidence in me they had when they initially met me diminished as they got to experience my teaching. Trust me, it's not the first time I have had to prove myself. Throughout my entire life I have had to prove to people that I am not the typical stereotype they initially view me as. Being a biochemistry major taught me that it's best to wear glasses the first day of school. Professors see a blonde girl, and think she's incapable of getting an A in their Advanced Organic Chem class.
Now, in the real world, I meet with a new client or a new class, and if they don't know me or my resume; they automatically think I am too young, inexperienced, skinny, blonde...little do they know that I gained 30lbs. my freshman year of college. That I since have lost it all, and have made fitness and nutrition a priority in my life. They don't realize how many certifications I have and long weekends I have spent researching everything on the fitness spectrum to be able to put together a program that works specifically for them and their needs.
Sure it's frustrating. I don't appreciate being underestimated, yet at the same time it gives me a determination in my spirit to prove them wrong.
Many of you who have e-mailed me are frustrated. You want to achieve a fitness goal whether it's running a 5k or a marathon, losing weight, even competing in your first triathlon. You aren't seeing the results you thought you would, and you want to give up. I have totally been there. It took me over a year to lose the weight that I gained my freshman year of college.
It was frustrating to see girls skinnier than me at the cafeteria eating pizza and french fries, while I ate the same salad and self-made sandwich every day. I didn't lose the weight over night. There were many days (and still are) that I wanted to eat a huge bag of peanut butter M&M's. It takes discipline, time, and the understanding that success doesn't happen over night. It is a process, but I am telling you...that even if you fail once or twice, you can reach your goals if you set your mind to them. If I can...you can. I promise.
One of my favorite illustrations of success is shown below:
We all want instant results when we put in effort. I am telling you right now, that is not the way life works. It takes perseverance to reach success. There will be times where you find yourself back peddling, or having to start over again. That's okay. You will get there. I am a firm believer that those who work harder to succeed, appreciate their success more. Don't be discouraged if you aren't reaching your fitness goals right away. Use your disappointments as leverage to prove yourself and others wrong. Once you reach your goals, you will look back and appreciate the time and work it took to get there. Keep pushing guys. Make it happen. Only you can achieve your own success.
Stay tuned for a Workout Wednesday Circuit that I will be filming in my boot camp tonight!
Have a blessed day y'all!
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