Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Goal Setting

"If you change only 1% each day… in one month you'll be one-third improved."

As integral as sunshine is to summer, goal setting is the daily life of a gym owner. Along with my own goals I have the pleasure of being along for the ride when our Fit Pit members set, work for and accomplish goals. There's nothing like someone getting their first pull up or finally sticking a lift! But what happens when occasionally we have to navigate the frustration of a goal remaining elusive…

Perhaps the biggest obstacle in goal setting is determining an appropriate goal. 
Too often we choose goals which may be a bit lofty, thus not setting ourselves up for success. Consider a different approach; establish a series of goals to ensure a path of successes that build upon each other to create BELIEF as well as continual motivation to keep working.

Accountability…
is just as important as setting the goal. Life gets in the way and can shift focus; having someone (or a group of someones) aware of your plan will help keep you on track as well as provide someone to buddy up with for the work ahead!

If life does jump up and kick you in the shins, roll with it and get back on your path as soon as you can. (Your accountability partners will help!)  Try to avoid excuses and if you do trip up -- own it. There is POWER in looking at yourself with honesty---owning your choice--then moving forward! Don't let a little stumble throw you off the path!!

Goals are not always performance based…
in fact, some of the best goals to create a positive health benefit have nothing to do with the gym! (WHAT???) For example:

  • GO to BED!
  • Less computer time.
  • Floss your teeth!
  • Smile more often
  • Donate

Each of these actions creates a positive outcome and will likely generate an energy boost… which will likely translate to improved performance. (Whew!)

What's next?
Pick something you'd like to change… share this change with someone you believe will encourage and hold you accountable--maybe even join you in the endeavor. Put a timeline to your goal, mark a calendar, then work consistently toward the accomplishment. Once attained, share your success-- and don't be shy about it!  TELL someone about your path to change (in person, not just on Facebook) and it's quite likely you'll inspire change in others.


Monday, June 8, 2015

THROWDOWN 2015


Competition unites people.
Creating new bonds and strengthening the old ones.
Stirring emotions that at times cannot be expressed in words—
it requires a sweaty hug. 

For someone who rarely is at a loss for something to say, it's been difficult to get this blog post started as my thoughts and emotions flood my tired little brain. 

There aren't words to adequately describe my pride for our members; they worked their asses off this weekend in the rain, heat and sun and though muddy, sore and spent each one still mustered up enough energy to cheer on their fellow Fit Pit'rs... even DURING the workouts... pushing each other to the finish.

"Redefining Your Limits" is what Fit Pit and Throwdown are all about.  Two weeks ago some of our athletes would have told you, with complete sincerity, they would not be able to do double unders, thruster 65#, push a sled loaded with double their body weight or drag a 100# / 100' long fire hose up a muddy hill; but once they found themselves in the moment, with BELIEF thick in the air as their peers cheered them on — each one REDEFINED their own limits.

Today each athlete feels a whole lot more BAD ASS as they roll into work, knowing they accomplished something big this weekend and no matter what may get thrown on their desk between 8am and 5pm they KNOW they can handle it... then take a deep breath, grab a swig of water and take on the next challenge.

I've said it before and here I go again...
Creating a unique, progressive, safe and clean environment to foster health and wellness is hard work and can be challenging at times; but when you have members like ours... it's the very best job in the world and worth every bit of effort. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to coach this group of people and enjoy their friendship.

THANK YOU Fit Pit members for another successful THROWDOWN!
Mark your calendars for JUNE 10-12, 2016!

Monday, June 1, 2015

Favorite time of year...

THROWDOWN WEEK

The Fit Pit has an "In-house" Competition Series where only the members may participate. Summer ThrowDown, Autumn FallDown and Winter Melt Down provide three opportunities for members to test their grit and training. All skill levels are welcomed and we even have a kid's heat. There's no doubt this event is competitive but sportsmanship and encouragement are just as important as the drive win.

We offer two categories, COMPETE and Complete. Those who COMPETE must execute the workouts as listed, or prescribed– no modifications. Those entering the Complete category are allowed to modify as needed with the goal being to finish all the workouts and feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Everyone works hard throughout the year, however, the days and weeks leading up to the THROWDOWN we find people upping their efforts and trying new things. As the first day of competition draws closer, the energy and excitement builds — I can feel it.  This is my favorite time of year.

Once the event begins everyone's inner cheerleader comes out; there are times you can feel the crowd of spectators almost willing the competitors through the rough spots. And the competitors feed on the beliefs of their friends and family; one last push, ten more pounds, only thirty more seconds... "YOU CAN DO IT!"  My favorite moments are when fellow competitors push each other on... I cry every year... more than once.

It warms the heart to see members conquer something they once considered impossible; building an inner strength they each carry into their jobs and every day life.

This is my favorite time of year and it begins in just FOUR DAYS!!!