Cycle of fitness

Today at the beach after I'd done some swimming, I overheard two women discussing their upcoming swim training as they passed me.  I assumed they were triathletes based on their lingo and their suits.

They looked and spoke like they were comfortable with the upcoming workout.  These women acted confident and when they started their swim, they

Ala Moana Beach, Oahu

obviously knew what they were doing.

You know what else?  These women didn't look "perfect" in the sense that the media likes to portray.  They didn't look like professional athletes.  They looked like normal people who were active and fit.

The only reason I was aware of what they looked like is because I'm a trainer.  NOT because I judge bodies - quite the opposite.  I work with people every day who are beginners.  They're nervous that people judge them.  They're afraid, sometimes, to work toward a goal (like a triathlon or 5k, or whatever) because they might not fit in or feel they're overweight & will embarrass themselves. 

I absolutely love it when I see people who look just like everyday people getting down and dirty with the goal of their choice!  I love it because good for them.  And I love it because they're the wonderfully perfect inspiration for us ALL to take a leap and go for our dreams!  And when we go for it, it inspires others to do the same, creating a cycle of goodness.

So, thank you ladies at the beach.  You'll never know that your afternoon training swim inspired this trainer! -- Written by Emily Collins, Owner of OnTrack Fitness & personal trainer (Honolulu HI)

    

Pregnancy, babies & fitness

Happy birthday baby Ellie!  Our trainer had her first today.  Here's what she

wrote just a few days ago:

"With our baby due any day now my good friend and I were talking today and she asked me, "What's the thing you're most excited about doing again after you have her?" 

Without even thinking twice, I automatically said, "working out." 

Of course you can moderately work out (I walk a lot) during pregnancy but it's nothing compared to what I could do before. 

It's so weird how the human body adapts and misses exercise. I miss dripping in sweat at the gym, I miss not being able to move my legs or arms the next day, I miss waking up sore, I miss throwing weights around, I miss feeling powerful, and most of all I miss coming out of a work out saying, "Yeah, I just kicked butt." 

I know we focus on beginner's fitness, but I miss the level I was personally at. I've decided my goal after baby, is to start training for my first 1/2 Mary and get down to 12% body fat (I was 18 pre baby). 

The only thing better about this time around is that I'll have a permanent workout buddy and in my opinion, the world's most adorable spotter . Gotta start them young right?! I guess what I'm trying to say is to never take exercise for granted, even if you don't feel like you're where you personally want to be, just be thankful for the workouts you do accomplish weather it's something you're new at, or a milestone in your own fitness journey. So, do me a favor and get a great workout in this weekend!" 
-- Written by Doni Bullock, OnTrack Fitness personal trainer, San Diego CA

P.S. Don't worry, we're giving Doni plenty of baby & mommy time before she starts into training again!