Somethings Gotta Give

Most of us several times through out the year, come to a place in our lives where things are not working. They haven't been working in a while, but it's finally gotten to a place where you decide "This has got to change!"

This is often where I come in. They've picked up the phone, they've come in for a tour, checked out a class, or maybe even gone as far as booking a personal training session. And a lot of people don't get much further than this.

They connect with me, tell me they are out of shape, in pain, or have really low energy. We both agree that an exercise program will help them achieve what they desire, then after a week or 2 the goal starts to seem unachievable. It's at this point where the coach in me comes out.

Consider your busy day, with all the responsibilities you currently have, and the energy to get it all done, then add another 30 minutes to your day for a workout, and at least that to prepare a healthy dinner. That's an hour a day, times 7 days. Where would you find an additional 7 hours (minimum) in your already busy schedule. It's not there.

Unless you are very committed to this change, there is often a struggle in the first month of any wellness program. Finding the time, when there are so many other things to do (or things you'd rather be doing), is really the hard part.

So before you begin this new endeavor , as a coach, I try to have my clients consider what they are willing to put aside to make this plan a success.

I see moms with good intentions, let hockey and housekeeping, and errands ruin there plans. I see CEO's struggle with business lunches, trips, and early meetings, interfere with there intentions. It's easy to fall off when we don't consider that something's gotta give.

And in the early stages of a wellness program, the body is adjusting, it's tired, and overworked. It will be a few more weeks before the workouts don't hurt, and the energy levels increase.

This is why a coach in those first few weeks can be the best money you ever spend on your health.

I know that a client is going to make it, when they decide that their health comes first. And that despite the responsibilities they have in there life, this is important. When they sit down and think about how they have been living there life, and contemplates how they need to adjust that to make a wellness program a part of there whole life - I know the solutions will surface. If a meeting comes up, or a soccer practice gets in the way of their workouts, they find a way to fit it in. And it's not because they love it, or are so committed. It's often because they have stopped to consider the obstacles and a plan B for these interruptions. They put their health first and made the time, and something else went undone.

If your willing to consider that you'll have to say no, that you may not stay up and watch the evening news, you may have to order the salad instead, or have the laundry pile up, then you'll be ready to change the way you feel and the way you look. Only then will you have the inspiration and energy you are searching for.

As a side note, sometimes life takes us in different directions. Sometimes there are things that are more important then getting a workout in. A new baby, a sick family member, creating a proposal for a new job, etc. These things are important and often temporary. If they exceed temporary - then you must factor in your health. Sometimes I turn people away, telling them to focus on what's really important, find sleep and good nutrition, and the toned fit body can wait.

And sometimes exercise is exactly what one needs to release the stress of our crazy lives. But, somethings gotta give.

Challenges can make you Stronger

I'm convinced some of the best health professionals are the ones that are the most screwed up. It's true. When you live in a body that has a lot of pain, you have no choice but to pay attention and seek help. Along the way you learn a lot about how a body is in balance, and how it feels to be so far from it. Usually through trial and error with health care specialists, a lot of money on supplements, several trips to chapters, and many late night Google searches, things start to come together. Sharing this knowledge not only helps us grow and understand it for ourselves, but allows us the opportunity to help others who may be struggling with similar symptoms or pain.

So, when ever I have issues in my body, I learn as much as I can and am very eager to share what I've learned. In my late teens and early twenties I had chronic foot, knee, and back pain. Over that decade I studied anatomy, biomechanics, Pilates and yoga. Through this knowledge, I avoided surgery and went on to run triathlons and adventure races. Today, I'm confident that I can help just about anyone return to a pain free state if they are suffering from body pain related to there physical anatomy.

Now another decade later, I'm learning a lot more about nutrition and it's relationship to hormones and allergies. Last year, after a few months of intense stress, I broke out in hives. They lasted about 5 months on a daily basis, with some random relief. I saw every kind of doctor you can imagine, both natural, Chinese, specialists, and traditional. I went to just about anyone claiming to be able to help me. I tried lots of supplements, creams, detoxes, drops, meditation, retreats and even prayer. I read more books this past year then I've read my whole life.

The weird thing is now that I've found some relief, I can appreciate the process and share my knowledge with those seeking solutions. There is something so authentic about helping others when you have experienced their pain too.

So these days, I'm teach people how to find balance not only in there physical anatomy, and in stress management but also in there gut. Learning to eat well to improve the function of there digestion, immune system, and hormone system is a really important component to overall health. And because I've lived through it, I share not only what you should do, but how to realistically make these changes.

Now my favorite topic is food. I love to talk about my organic garden, a healthy recipe discovery, or share research from a new study on minerals. Who would have thought months of agony over hives would have made me a better cook and an avid reader?

If there is something in your life your struggling with, don't be afraid to immerse yourself in it. Not as a victim, but as a discoverer. Consider that this journey may have a purpose. This challenge is an opportunity to learn more about yourself. This challenge offers the chance to experience what it means to be human and create empathy for others. Our challenges connect us, build relationships, and provide meaning and substance to our lives. Don't let your challenges get you down. Use them to make you stronger.

How have you grown as a person from your latest challenge?
Who have you grown closer to as a result of this challenge?
How has your life's challenges improved the lives of others?
Are you ready for your next challenge?