MY JOURNEY TO RESULTS
My fitness journey with the Results Fitness team started years ago when we occupied a 10×10 square on the floor of a big box gym. It wasn’t always easy competing for space with the jacked-up, heavily inked regulars there, but we held our own and managed to get in a good workout (even though a few of us ended up with ringworm from the showers). I am proud to be one of the Results Fitness originals, and I’ll be talking to Mary, the keeper of RF, very soon about a more substantial “founding member” discount and a name plaque for my cubby.
Prior to joining Results Fitness, I worked out fairly regularly, but without any real knowledge, attention to proper form or discipline to push myself. I’d show up at the gym, lift a little, run on the treadmill, take a lot of water breaks, stare at my puny arms in the mirror, then head home. Sound familiar, gentlemen?
I decided to get serious after my son, AJ, was born. He’s now 13 and has a younger brother, Will, who recently turned 11. My wife, Sarah, convinced me to try a class with Coach Josh. As you can see from my embarrassing before photo, I was quickly losing control thanks to a nasty Bud Ice habit, so it was time to make a change. My hope was to be an active dad, not the guy watching his kids from the sidelines or riding the motorized scooter around Walmart. That first class was brutal, but I went back for another and then another until eventually, it became routine.
“My hope was to be an active dad, not the guy watching his kids from the sidelines or riding the motorized scooter around Walmart.”
Fast forward to today. My gut is long gone. The 42” waist shorts were burned along with my original LeBron jersey, and thanks to Results, I don’t look anything like the guy I used to see in the mirror.
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS
So, what’s my secret?
Simply put, fitness is my way to relax and my only hobby. In addition to my wonderful family and all their activities, I have a demanding career that takes up considerable time and often involves travel all over the country. Being involved with several nonprofit groups, chairing two finance-related committees at my church and serving on the Board of Visitors for my undergraduate alma mater makes striking a balance difficult. I just don’t have the time or inclination to play golf or collect stamps.
Results Fitness has always been a refuge for me, the place where I can escape my busy life for an hour or so a few times each week. I imagine many of you feel the same way. Sure, I like the workout and feel better physically after class, but I truly cherish the opportunity to block out everything else and focus exclusively on me. That’s what hooked me early on, and why I’ve been part of the RF family for so long.
“Me” time is really important for all of us, especially for those of us with kids, and even more so if you’re a new dad. I understand there are a few of you out there. Motherhood is no different, as told through the eyes of fellow RF member, Nicole Marcus.
Honestly, I thought the first few months of fatherhood was one of the most difficult times of my life. If male postpartum depression is a thing, I absolutely had it. No joke. Kids are the biggest adjustment you’ll ever have to make. It’s hard. Taking time for yourself, even an hour or two each week, goes a long way toward keeping you and your new family healthy.
“Taking time for yourself, even an hour or two each week, goes a long way toward keeping you and your new family healthy.”
BEING THE BEST PERSON YOU CAN BE
I know I am not unique in that finding time to work out is my biggest challenge. The key is treating your workouts like any other commitment. I typically schedule them in my calendar a week or so in advance. Then, when the day comes, I show up on time and ready to go. And, if something better comes along, I am disciplined enough to say no and stick to the workout.
You’ll ultimately feel better about yourself if you hit the gym instead of the bar. Plus, you’ll avoid potentially running afoul of the no show policy and burning through your free “oopsie” chits. Treat these like the gold they are.
Focus is key and it begins by arriving early, at least 20 minutes before your class. Take time to stretch, foam roll and prepare yourself mentally for the pending workout. This will make your time as productive as possible and help you avoid injury.
Moreover, you’ll get the added benefit of hearing the latest music played excessively loud, much like Cavs games at The Q. I can now properly identify A$AP Rocky, Future, The Weeknd, Tyga, and a whole bunch of guys whose names begin with Lil’.
My other sage advice is to use your fellow RF’ers [also known as fellow gym members] as motivation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been picked up by watching this community really get after it. If you aren’t a firm believer that a community of people can impact your level of motivation and ultimately, results, than it might be time to read Dan’s Blog. I personally love hearing RF’ers’ fitness goals and seeing them succeed. There are plenty of days when I practically crawl into the gym only to find inspiration from the RF community.
“From my perspective, being the best person you can be has to start with you.”
In other words, I firmly believe you must take care of yourself first, even when it’s difficult, even when it’s inconvenient. All of us strive to be great parents, spouses, employees. The reality is you won’t get there or maximize your potential if you’re not feeling strong – physically and mentally. Results Fitness is where I hone my body and mind, and I hope it is the same for you.
Happy Father’s Day, dads. I hope all of you have a wonderful, safe summer with your families. Hope to see you at Results Fitness sometime!
Like Mike said, being the best person, albeit a father, spouse or employee, has to start with you.
Honing your mental and physical strength helps you maximize your potential and take care of yourself and family. Are you ready to commit to being the best person you can be? Let’s get started with a FREE, no obligation Strategy Session to talk through how you can start living life 1% better today!
