The Truth Is....I Like To Keep It Real

As I've mentioned before, sometimes keeping it real is what is best. I've had my days where I've been discouraged and even have a negative attitude, and one of the things that I greatly appreciate is that my trainers keep it real. I may not like everything they have to say, but because they don't sugarcoat the reality, I've been able to be successful with my weight loss. And also, the one thing I've NEVER done is not show up for my session or just give up on something. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments, but Michael and my FT family get me through them by encouraging me and then I get back in there.

I mean, lets just think about this logically. You bust your ass in your workouts and you don't get the results you expected when you weigh in at the end of the week, what do you do? Well, obviously you're upset, so it's natural to want to just give up or not give as much the next week so you attend less sessions or don't push yourself as hard. Uh, yeah, that will help the situation! Let's do less work and less intensity and see how that works out for us (Sorry, I know, a bit sarcastic but as I said keeping it real). I know it's frustrating, I've been there. Even last weigh in, I was up .8 and I busted my butt, followed my nutrition, and yes I was upset! But, I told Michael I wasn't happy with it and shook it off and showed up Monday ready to kick ass again this week.

Three years ago I made a commitment to myself to do whatever I have to do to become healthier. At the time I didn't know exactly what all that would entail, or what all I would be able to do; but, I just knew whatever it was I had to do it for myself and it would have to be something I committed to for the rest of my life. Recently I've overheard or have seen posts on Facebook where I don't think some people realize this isn't a temporary journey, but a lifetime journey. And yes, it's a very emotional journey, but as one of my favorite quotes goes, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." - Mae West

Now, in keeping it real, this isn't to make anyone feel bad or discourage them anymore than they might already feel. It's in hopes they realize it's okay to be frustrated and upset, but just they shouldn't be okay with giving up or selling themselves short. We all deserve to be healthy and happy, and regardless if you have a personal trainer giving you all the tools and knowledge you need to be successful or if you are researching and doing things on your own, only YOU can make the choice to do it! Now, figure out what you want and need, get up off your ass, and go after your goals! YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!!

Weigh-In Update - Progress Is Progress

Another week of being down on the scale and one step closer to making my goal! I lost 2.4 pounds this week, which is almost 7 pounds in the past two weeks. But, the best part, that makes my grand total weight loss 134.8 pounds!

Another awesome thing that happened, is I am wearing a smaller size shirt! When I weighed 350 pounds I wore a size 3X! Several months ago I was finally down to a large, and I noticed a few weeks ago my t-shirts were starting to fit kind of loose. Being a client at Fitness Together, I have been very fortunate to be able to get to know Danny Cahill, winner of "The Biggest Loser" Season 8. Recently I had an opportunity to have a conversation with him about some personal struggles I've been working through, and I had asked him about his "Lose Your Quit" t-shirts he sells. He asked me what size, so I said lets go with a medium. I figured if it didn't fit, it wouldn't be long before it would fit. So, yesterday when I went to my lunch workout I got my medium t-shirt, along with the book "Losing Big". But the t-shirt actually fit! I've been wearing it all day because I'm so proud of it! :)

Also, we had several Fitness Together clients that checked-in with amazing accomplishments this week! So proud to be a part of this amazing support system! But, before I post all the great things that happened, I do want to mention the purpose of the quote I picked along with how it ties in with Danny Cahill's "Lose Your Quit". I've had some conversations recently with other clients who made some progress, but just not what they wanted or expected. But, one of the things I want to really emphasize is the importance of not giving up, or as my shirt says, "Lose Your Quit". It's very easy for people to quit when they aren't making any progress, and just as easy to quit even if they make slow progress. But, what is important to remember is, slow progress is still progress. And so, regardless of what the progress is, I'm excited to share the important milestones of my Fitness Together brothers and sisters!

• Beck E. - Has already met her April goal!
• Kari C. - Lost 3 pounds this week!
• Jamie B. - Hit a new deadlift PR of 360 pounds!
• Julie W. - Lost 1.1 pounds this week, making a total of 4 pounds in two weeks!
• Patty H. - Lost almost a pound, and with her 3.3 from last week, that's over 4 pounds in two weeks!
• Greg K. - He officially lost a total of 51 pounds and completed his first 10K!
• Lisa B. - Dropped another 5.2 pounds this week, making her total 16.2 pounds! AND allowing her to already meet her April goal!
• Charla C. - Also lost 5.2 pounds this week!

So very proud of these amazing results! They worked hard and deserve every bit of recognition! If you're ready to get results like this, contact Michael Watkins - Owner or Keith Jacobs - Manager, at Fitness Together Downtown Tulsa or Jenks/Riverside and tell them I sent you! If you are not in the local Tulsa area, I encourage you to click here and contact a local Fitness Together. Remember, regardless of how much or little you are improving, progress is progress!

Break The Mental Block

Sometimes the thing that holds me back the most when it comes to pushing myself is my fear of failing or getting hurt. And one thing I've learned over the past three years is the biggest barrier is my own mental block. That's one reason when I'm going for a one rep max on something, like deadlifts, Michael won't tell me the weight as it increases. He knows if I have any idea how much weight is on that bar, it will cause me to have a mental block of that I can't do it, when in reality I probably could.


One of the most recent mental blocks I overcame was with my box jumps. I have always used the smallest box for box jumps. Several months ago Michael did have me attempt the next higher box, and I was able to do a couple but it was very unstable and I was really insecure. I had a major fear of getting hurt, so he held off on me doing anymore with that height. Well, yesterday I was faced with this challenge again. Someone else was needing the lower box and so I decided to try it again and really push myself. I attempted a few jumps, and even though I was still nervous, I said I would go ahead with it for the workout and if it became too much for me I would just go to step-ups. Well, once I got started and realized I was actually doing it, it was like the confidence I had in myself started to come out and I busted the jumps out. I ended up doing 30 box jumps with this higher box, and was so proud of the fact I broke that mental block, faced my fear, and was able to exceed my expectations!




Photo courtesy of Michael Watkins - Owner Fitness Together

I know it's hard to face your fears and to break those mental blocks, but once you do, it will be one of the best feelings you ever have! That feeling of accomplishment and pride in being able to do something you thought you would never be able to do! So, keep pushing yourself to be better and don't let your own mental blocks be the biggest barrier in achieving your goals.