I AM NOT BULLET PROOF.

Recently, a new client came to me struggling in several areas health-wise both physically and emotionally. She explained that it was very difficult for her to feel comfortable enough to even reach out and schedule a meeting to possibly get help from me. In fact, she said it took her nine months before deciding to make the phone call.

In our first meeting, after hearing some of her story I told her that I could relate as I had a similar story and really did understand how she was feeling and where she was coming from. She looked at me with a confused face and then said, “It’s hard for me to truly believe you when you say that. You look like have looked the way you do all of your life and you seem so confident and almost bullet proof.”

Reality hit me. Sometimes, I really do forget that people see me quite differently than I see myself. I am in a much healthier body, but my mind forgets this sometimes.

I started by telling her that of all the things that I am now, the one thing know I am not……is that I AM NOT BULLET PROOF.

Most personal trainers have overcome some sort of health struggle which later brings them to be in their profession today because they want to help and show others that they can do it too. They truly care about their clients and have a passion for what they do.

Before deciding to become a health and fitness professional, I had overcome obesity, anorexia, bulimia, depression, low self-esteem, exercise addiction, cancer and recovered from a near death life-changing motorcycle accident and more.

When I tell my clients to stop making excuses, never say never, get dialed in and to take control of their lives over and over and over…..it is because I did the exact opposite for so many years of my life and it almost killed me. One day, a personal trainer who cared about me, took me under his wing and saved my life! I’ll never forget him.

Below is a picture of ME. It is one of the last pictures I allowed to be taken of myself before I went past the 200 pound mark. I was full of excuses, held personal pity parties daily, was always feeling bad for myself, and had the worst self-esteem and self-confidence ever. Who was I kidding!??? Every day, I had the ability to make a conscious correct choice, but used excuse after excuse to make the wrong choices. It exhausted me to the point in my life where I was ready to give up on life itself. But, luckily one day…… a personal trainer decided to help me and began to bring me back to reality. Some say it is expensive, but how can you put a price on life, happiness, and success. My trainer was the best investment I have ever made.

After years of hard work and reaching my health and fitness goals,  I decided that I wanted to do the same and helping others achieve and live healthier lifestyles was the only thing that I knew was going to make me happy for the rest of my life! So, this is how I came to be a health and fitness expert and I wouldn’t trade the world for it.

If you don’t have a personal trainer, nutritionist, or health and fitness coach, I am here to help you take the first step no matter what that step is. Just remember, there is never a perfect time to start and if you wait for that perfect time to happen, it will probably never come. You just have to take the plunge and know that an amazing and positive life change will be ahead of you along with a supportive coach!

If you already have a personal trainer, take advantage of all the information they give you, make 100% effort using the tools they give you every chance you get, and don’t forget…….they aren’t bullet proof. They are human and struggle too. Also, thank them for doing what they do. On a daily basis, trainers take in a lot of excuses, whining, complaining, bad language, grunting, venting and more from their clients. Every now and again it is just nice to hear the words…….”Thank you.”