Philosophy
My definition of training is: “To move is to live, and the more we move, the better we live.” I’ve also lived long enough to realize that in life, there are two kinds of pain – the pain we experience from being deconditioned with aching joints, weak muscles, poor proprioception and fatigue or the pain we experience from a hard work out where we are sweating, laboring, and experiencing incredible discomfort so that we can increase our fitness level and capability in life. So I often ask the question, “Which pain would you rather have?” One path leads to optimal health while the other leads to disease. Every day we come to fork at the road moments where we have to make a choice about what we eat, drink, and how we move. Each of these decisions either places us on the path to health or disease.
I also believe that there are two kinds of ages: one is our chronological age and the other is our functional age. If you are 45 years old and in great physical condition, your inner organs might be closer to 30 years old. Conversely, you could be 45 and in poor condition and move and feel more like you are 65. And, it’s never too late to start changing your health! As long as we have breath in our lungs, then there’s hope we can work hard today so we can live better tomorrow.
In regard to motivation, motivation is our temporary friend such as when we want to slim down in order to fit into a bikini for a summer trip or fit into a gown for an upcoming wedding. However, it’s our commitment that sees us through. When the alarm clock goes off at 5:30am, it’s not motivation that gets us out of bed. It’s rising up with a sense of commitment that we promised to take care of our bodies by exercising in the morning before we head to work.
I also believe that no one should be a lone warrior. It is WAY better to be on this health, fitness, and wellness journey with a group of like minded friends who can uplift and encourage one another on a regular basis. This is where I come in as a trainer and coach. I LOVE being in community together, because it is together that we can accomplish great things!
Do you remember the scene in the Avengers where Captain America asks Tony Stark who he is and he replies, “Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist?” I have two teenage boys, so of course I’ve seen the Avengers and I always loved that scene! If you were to ask me who I am? I’d say in Tony Stark fashion, “Christian, wife, mother, fitness enthusiast, passionate trainer, health advocate, authentic friend, and encourager.”