I love training.
Pretty much any type of training at all.
Most of the time I just get on with the job of training and don't need much to keep me motivated but when I get to catch up with my friends who train as I do I am reminded how awesome it is to be around these people and also how much it does for my passion for training.
Today I caught up with Lisa who is boxing mad and our coffee date hit the 3 and a half hour mark in the blink of an eye.
Lisa and I don't really train together because she is also a PT and is busy with that and her classes and her own training around those classes so juggling the time we are both available is a bit of a nightmare but we have sooo much in common.
I had a moment today at the cafe when Lisa went to the toilet (all the water we drank!) and without trying to I was treated to the conversation of the two women beside me.
It went something like this....
Do you want to go do the shopping?
Yes, will we shop at Woolies or Ritchies?
Hmmm, I think Woolies, they had cheese on sale and I'm running low on cheese.
I had to work hard to keep the grin off my face.
For the last 3hrs Lisa and I had talked without drawing breath about our training, nutrition, different training methods we have been using and have come across in our searches, trading old war stories from the glory days and it just seemed so benign to be talking about the big decision of where to buy cheese!
Reminded me again of what a rare breed we are (and now exciting training makes life) and this no doubt includes you if you are reading this.
The rare breed of a woman in her 40's (or insert your own age) who still has the fire in the belly for training and smashing their body on a regular basis and then talking about it all day long.
I love it!
Cameron is my Martial Arts soul buddy and Friday we spent the day together as we took a day trip so I could check out a supplier Cam uses.
We were in heaven, all day to talk about training, our students, running our respective clubs and getting to play in what we consider a toy store!
6hrs went by in a flash.
2 catch ups like that in 2 weeks has me re-invigorated for my own training and even more willing to push through the tiredness, injury and muscle soreness than usual. Because I know they are doing the same.
I'm not the sort of person who makes friends in the gym.
I go there to train and even if I do a class I'm not one of the clique, I just hang off to the side till class starts, smash myself and go home so I don't have the usual social interaction that a lot of women get at the gym.
I'm not complaining, this is just the way it is, I didn't even really chose it, this is just the way I am and I guess I never really entertained the thought of it as being a social place.
When I am instructing I am focused on my students and clients and while I am friendly it is all about the training so catching up with my buddies like that is a very special treat.
I know a lot of women who are the odd one out in their family or circle of friends because they train and their friends just don't get it and it can be very lonely at times when you feel no-one quite gets you and you can't talk about what you love because they aren't interested or it makes them feel uncomfortable.
For those of you in that boat it is crucial you find someone who has similar goals to you to spend time with.
You don't have to train with that person but to be able to hang out for an hour or two is priceless for you both.
It helps you tap into that side of yourself that is the true you, the person you really want to be and know you have this in common with someone else.
I have said it before but sometimes it is the small things that keep the juice of life flowing - you don't necessarily need this but when you have it is a precious gift.
Would love to hear about your training soul buddies so please share...
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Taking time to smell the roses.
The weekly routine of training, recovering and eating well becomes a part of life - it is what it is and we don't question it.
The days and weeks and months tick over and we continue to do and do and do and get the job done each day because not doing it isn't an option (at least for any prolonged time) and sometimes it can take just one thing to make you aware of how lucky you are to be able to have the routine (and the discipline to live it) that we take for granted so much.
Today I had one of those moments.
I was in the gym smashing myself - plyo's, intervals and weights - about 90 minutes worth.
As I was pushing myself through my session I noticed a lady watching me and our eyes met a few times over the session.
I'm not one to talk when I'm in the gym - I get in there, get the job done and get out - so while I smiled at the lady I didn't engage in any conversation.
At the end of my session I was stretching and the lady came over to me.
She was about my age and if I was honest I'd say about 20kg overweight and looked older than her years.
She said to me "You probably noticed me watching you while you were exercising. I just wanted to say I wish I had your energy and passion for exercise. You look like you love it so much. I find it really hard to get myself here regularly - I just don't enjoy it. Anyway I just wanted to say watching you has inspired me to make a bigger effort and train harder than I do. You looked like you were killing yourself but you also looked like you loved every second of it - I want to be like that!".
WOW!
That made my day.
It is also a good reminder to you that while you are training hard and getting the job done week after week you are also inspiring others around you.
Not everyone will come up and tell you like this lovely lady did but there is no doubt you will be inspiring someone and someone will be admiring your capacity to live the fitness lifestyle you are living.
Something you are probably taking for granted.
That conversation got me thinking about how very lucky I am to be able to tap into my own resources and find my own motivation to get the job done day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year culminating it a lifestyle where I know I will never, ever have any serious concerns with my weight, health or fitness.
That really isn't something to take for granted and watching someone else struggle with that brought home what a gift that is.
To be honest after I got back from holidays I had so much work to get through that my training took a back seat and those extra kg's from holiday food and wine hung around for a couple of weeks longer than I liked.
But.. and here is the thing I knew what I had to do, I knuckled down and got it done and now I am back to where I was because of my capacity to get the job done when I needed to.
While you may think that the weekly habit of training, eating well and taking good care of your body just is what it is I hope you will take a minute or two to give thanks to whatever it is for you that allows you to get the job done day in day out so you can live a fit, healthy and active life.
As always I love your comments.
M x
The days and weeks and months tick over and we continue to do and do and do and get the job done each day because not doing it isn't an option (at least for any prolonged time) and sometimes it can take just one thing to make you aware of how lucky you are to be able to have the routine (and the discipline to live it) that we take for granted so much.
Today I had one of those moments.
I was in the gym smashing myself - plyo's, intervals and weights - about 90 minutes worth.
As I was pushing myself through my session I noticed a lady watching me and our eyes met a few times over the session.
I'm not one to talk when I'm in the gym - I get in there, get the job done and get out - so while I smiled at the lady I didn't engage in any conversation.
At the end of my session I was stretching and the lady came over to me.
She was about my age and if I was honest I'd say about 20kg overweight and looked older than her years.
She said to me "You probably noticed me watching you while you were exercising. I just wanted to say I wish I had your energy and passion for exercise. You look like you love it so much. I find it really hard to get myself here regularly - I just don't enjoy it. Anyway I just wanted to say watching you has inspired me to make a bigger effort and train harder than I do. You looked like you were killing yourself but you also looked like you loved every second of it - I want to be like that!".
WOW!
That made my day.
It is also a good reminder to you that while you are training hard and getting the job done week after week you are also inspiring others around you.
Not everyone will come up and tell you like this lovely lady did but there is no doubt you will be inspiring someone and someone will be admiring your capacity to live the fitness lifestyle you are living.
Something you are probably taking for granted.
That conversation got me thinking about how very lucky I am to be able to tap into my own resources and find my own motivation to get the job done day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year culminating it a lifestyle where I know I will never, ever have any serious concerns with my weight, health or fitness.
That really isn't something to take for granted and watching someone else struggle with that brought home what a gift that is.
To be honest after I got back from holidays I had so much work to get through that my training took a back seat and those extra kg's from holiday food and wine hung around for a couple of weeks longer than I liked.
But.. and here is the thing I knew what I had to do, I knuckled down and got it done and now I am back to where I was because of my capacity to get the job done when I needed to.
While you may think that the weekly habit of training, eating well and taking good care of your body just is what it is I hope you will take a minute or two to give thanks to whatever it is for you that allows you to get the job done day in day out so you can live a fit, healthy and active life.
As always I love your comments.
M x
Saturday, February 11, 2012
What am I supposed to think about??
Like many of you I have been avidly watching the latest season of The Biggest Loser.
In one episode Hamish was blubbering as usual but the thing that came out of his mouth this time had Shannon speechless and me too to be honest.
I can't remember the exact scenario but basically Hamish said that when he was having to push himself hard in training he didn't know what he was supposed to think.
Such a simple statement but set off an avalanche of thoughts in my own head and in Shannon's.
Shannon said "I have never thought of that".
I hadn't either to be honest because you don't really ever think about what you think about do you?? :)
I spent some time thinking about exactly what I do think about when I am grinding away at a tough training session and it is basically this.
The actual words probably change often but at the guts of it is me fighting against the pain.
Taking it head on and willing my body through the pain knowing that if I quit I'll kick my own butt all day long. Even I don't want to have to mess with me if I don't give 100%!!
It was so interesting to see this kid actually articulating what millions of people can't even process as a thought.
It gave me as a trainer a new perspective to know that we have to potential to influence this part of our clients training.
I guess I just assumed that everyone knows what they need to tell themselves to get through.
When I am teaching I tell my clients to grit your teeth and dig deep, to dig in, to get it done, that they are on the home stretch and to give it everything - it didn't occur to me that I say these things because this is what I say to myself every tough training session.
It didn't occur to me that every time I did that I was showing my clients what they needed to think to get be able to tough it out.
I would love to think that it is these words that run through their heads when they are working out on their own.
Just goes to show that it doesn't matter how long you have been in the business there is always something to learn from the most unexpected places!
What runs through your mind when you are doing it tough?
I'd love to hear.
M x
In one episode Hamish was blubbering as usual but the thing that came out of his mouth this time had Shannon speechless and me too to be honest.
I can't remember the exact scenario but basically Hamish said that when he was having to push himself hard in training he didn't know what he was supposed to think.
Such a simple statement but set off an avalanche of thoughts in my own head and in Shannon's.
Shannon said "I have never thought of that".
I hadn't either to be honest because you don't really ever think about what you think about do you?? :)
I spent some time thinking about exactly what I do think about when I am grinding away at a tough training session and it is basically this.
The actual words probably change often but at the guts of it is me fighting against the pain.
Taking it head on and willing my body through the pain knowing that if I quit I'll kick my own butt all day long. Even I don't want to have to mess with me if I don't give 100%!!
It was so interesting to see this kid actually articulating what millions of people can't even process as a thought.
It gave me as a trainer a new perspective to know that we have to potential to influence this part of our clients training.
I guess I just assumed that everyone knows what they need to tell themselves to get through.
When I am teaching I tell my clients to grit your teeth and dig deep, to dig in, to get it done, that they are on the home stretch and to give it everything - it didn't occur to me that I say these things because this is what I say to myself every tough training session.
It didn't occur to me that every time I did that I was showing my clients what they needed to think to get be able to tough it out.
I would love to think that it is these words that run through their heads when they are working out on their own.
Just goes to show that it doesn't matter how long you have been in the business there is always something to learn from the most unexpected places!
What runs through your mind when you are doing it tough?
I'd love to hear.
M x
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Halfway through January - How are your resolutions coming along?
Can you believe we are already on the other side of halfway through January??!!
There is always such a big build up to the end of the year and then before we know it we are looking down the barrel of Feb.
Is it just me or do the years get shorter?? :)
By now your resolutions are either a thing of the distant past or you are working hard towards achieving them.
Which one are you?
If you are working hard towards your resolutions (or as I prefer to call them Goals) and making good progress then congratulations - you are apparently one of the very few who are still chasing their goals this deep into January!
If your goal is long forgotten WHAT HAPPENED?
Did you fall back into old habits?
Did you not take the time to ensure the goal you set yourself was compelling and inspiring in the first place?
There are two of the most common reasons we fall off the wagon but it isn't too late to turn things around and get this ship back on course.
It is time to get tough with yourself before the year really gets away from you and you end up spending another year wasting valuable time when you could be making this your best year yet.
If you are struggling with motivation then it is time to go find some and pronto.
One of the best ways I know to find inspiration and keep it front and centre is a Vision Board.
If you have read my blog for a while you will know that every year I create a new Vision Board with images and words that reflect what I want my focus to be for that year.
This year it is all about my taekwondo training and its philosophy's and getting my body to stay injury free and improve my flexibility.
As I am nudging 43 now when I look for inspiring images I look to athletes who are my age or older who have bodies that seem to be in great working order allowing them to train and compete injury free into their 40's and beyond.
Dara Torres & Lance Armstrong feature strongly on my vision board not because of their successes in their chosen sport (although I admire that greatly too) but for the fact that they are still going harder than most people half their age and are fit, strong and look amazing.
I also know that the older we get the harder it is on our bodies to train at a higher level as the recovery time is longer despite our minds telling us we are still spring chickens our bodies can protest this!
2012 is also going to be about balance.
Given I will be teaching 20 plus classes (including some PT sessions) each week and have 2 businesses to run including one in its first year and a family and my own training to take care of this is a big ask.
Being able to shut down and relax when I get the opportunity is going to be important - something I find hard to do but is a must this year if I want my family to speak to me and to stay healthy :)
So what is your inspiration going to be?
What is your 2012 going to be about?
Don't let 2012 take off without you.
Grab it with both hands and make this your year.
As always comments are always welcome.
Michelle x
There is always such a big build up to the end of the year and then before we know it we are looking down the barrel of Feb.
Is it just me or do the years get shorter?? :)
By now your resolutions are either a thing of the distant past or you are working hard towards achieving them.
Which one are you?
If you are working hard towards your resolutions (or as I prefer to call them Goals) and making good progress then congratulations - you are apparently one of the very few who are still chasing their goals this deep into January!
If your goal is long forgotten WHAT HAPPENED?
Did you fall back into old habits?
Did you not take the time to ensure the goal you set yourself was compelling and inspiring in the first place?
There are two of the most common reasons we fall off the wagon but it isn't too late to turn things around and get this ship back on course.
It is time to get tough with yourself before the year really gets away from you and you end up spending another year wasting valuable time when you could be making this your best year yet.
If you are struggling with motivation then it is time to go find some and pronto.
One of the best ways I know to find inspiration and keep it front and centre is a Vision Board.
If you have read my blog for a while you will know that every year I create a new Vision Board with images and words that reflect what I want my focus to be for that year.
This year it is all about my taekwondo training and its philosophy's and getting my body to stay injury free and improve my flexibility.
As I am nudging 43 now when I look for inspiring images I look to athletes who are my age or older who have bodies that seem to be in great working order allowing them to train and compete injury free into their 40's and beyond.
Dara Torres & Lance Armstrong feature strongly on my vision board not because of their successes in their chosen sport (although I admire that greatly too) but for the fact that they are still going harder than most people half their age and are fit, strong and look amazing.
I also know that the older we get the harder it is on our bodies to train at a higher level as the recovery time is longer despite our minds telling us we are still spring chickens our bodies can protest this!
2012 is also going to be about balance.
Given I will be teaching 20 plus classes (including some PT sessions) each week and have 2 businesses to run including one in its first year and a family and my own training to take care of this is a big ask.
Being able to shut down and relax when I get the opportunity is going to be important - something I find hard to do but is a must this year if I want my family to speak to me and to stay healthy :)
So what is your inspiration going to be?
What is your 2012 going to be about?
Don't let 2012 take off without you.
Grab it with both hands and make this your year.
As always comments are always welcome.
Michelle x
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Boy have I been slack!
Just saw the date of my last post!
To say the end of last year was busy is an understatement and a few things had to take on less of a priority and blogging was one of them unfortunately!
But I'm back :)
In December I had the end of year dinner and awards night and student grading for my full time training centre all on the one day and while it was fantastic it took a bit of organising to get everything to run as well as it did.
A few days later my family and I took a road trip to Byron Bay - LOTS of driving but it was great.
We stayed at Eden (right on the beach) and Forster (right on the edge of a lake) on the way up and had some great evenings with the kids.
Byron was wonderful - it seems like a distant memory already but we had a great time.
We all learned to surf and Chris & the kids went almost every day.
While I was there I had a wonderful Thai Massage that went for 2hrs!! Amazing, I felt so awesome afterwards it is definitely something I will do every month or so.
I've had 4 weeks off teaching classes and this time round have really been able to have a proper holiday which is unheard of!
This past week I have been at my desk all day each day as there is a lot to get organised for when I start back at PUSH plus I have TEAM GLOW Programs beginning next week as well and that has required a bit of work as well.
My training has been a bit hit and miss over the holidays but I intended it to be that way - the consequences of that are some extra kg's to get rid of and my fitness is down a bit but building up fitness is always an interesting exercise for me.
I love to see progress and when you are super fit you don't always see progress but when you aren't fit it is obvious so it is nice to experience that from time to time.
The extra 2kg I'm not so happy about but give it another week or so and that will be dust!
To say the end of last year was busy is an understatement and a few things had to take on less of a priority and blogging was one of them unfortunately!
But I'm back :)
In December I had the end of year dinner and awards night and student grading for my full time training centre all on the one day and while it was fantastic it took a bit of organising to get everything to run as well as it did.
A few days later my family and I took a road trip to Byron Bay - LOTS of driving but it was great.
We stayed at Eden (right on the beach) and Forster (right on the edge of a lake) on the way up and had some great evenings with the kids.
Byron was wonderful - it seems like a distant memory already but we had a great time.
We all learned to surf and Chris & the kids went almost every day.
While I was there I had a wonderful Thai Massage that went for 2hrs!! Amazing, I felt so awesome afterwards it is definitely something I will do every month or so.
I've had 4 weeks off teaching classes and this time round have really been able to have a proper holiday which is unheard of!
This past week I have been at my desk all day each day as there is a lot to get organised for when I start back at PUSH plus I have TEAM GLOW Programs beginning next week as well and that has required a bit of work as well.
My training has been a bit hit and miss over the holidays but I intended it to be that way - the consequences of that are some extra kg's to get rid of and my fitness is down a bit but building up fitness is always an interesting exercise for me.
I love to see progress and when you are super fit you don't always see progress but when you aren't fit it is obvious so it is nice to experience that from time to time.
The extra 2kg I'm not so happy about but give it another week or so and that will be dust!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Exciting News!!
Given that the rest of this year and next year is mostly all about Taekwondo (as far as my own training goes) I have decided to give myself a very special gift.
I'm time poor, I have a million things on my plate but I have contacted 9th degree black belt Grand Master Oh and asked if he would train me one-on-one for an hour every week (add the 2.5hr round trip and it pretty much makes it a day out!).
So we start Monday!!
Since Mr Chang has been gone from my life I have sorely missed being in the regular presence of the Korean Instructors, the culture and their wisdom.
It has actually been a very emotional day for me today after being in contact with Master Oh because I guess it reminds me of what we lost when we lost Mr Chang and it came home to me just how much I have been yearning for this in my life again but have been ignoring it.
I have left it far too long!
Master Oh was one of the Head Instructors that took State Team training way back when, when I was first competing. I have also been to Self Defence seminars that he has taken alongside some of the other Korean Head Instructors which I have always loved.
It is such an honour to be able to work so closely with him.
One funny aside is that since I called and spoke with him we have been texting backwards and forwards :)
My mum can't even text!
I wonder if Mr Chang would have got the hang of it :)
I feel as though this is going to be very good for my soul.
Master Oh will also be able to help me with my language as I start to learn Korean in preparation for my trip next year - or so I hope, I haven't asked him yet!
Anyway class is about to start so I had better get my skates on.
I'll update you after I have my first training session!!
I'm time poor, I have a million things on my plate but I have contacted 9th degree black belt Grand Master Oh and asked if he would train me one-on-one for an hour every week (add the 2.5hr round trip and it pretty much makes it a day out!).
So we start Monday!!
Since Mr Chang has been gone from my life I have sorely missed being in the regular presence of the Korean Instructors, the culture and their wisdom.
It has actually been a very emotional day for me today after being in contact with Master Oh because I guess it reminds me of what we lost when we lost Mr Chang and it came home to me just how much I have been yearning for this in my life again but have been ignoring it.
I have left it far too long!
Master Oh was one of the Head Instructors that took State Team training way back when, when I was first competing. I have also been to Self Defence seminars that he has taken alongside some of the other Korean Head Instructors which I have always loved.
It is such an honour to be able to work so closely with him.
One funny aside is that since I called and spoke with him we have been texting backwards and forwards :)
My mum can't even text!
I wonder if Mr Chang would have got the hang of it :)
I feel as though this is going to be very good for my soul.
Master Oh will also be able to help me with my language as I start to learn Korean in preparation for my trip next year - or so I hope, I haven't asked him yet!
Anyway class is about to start so I had better get my skates on.
I'll update you after I have my first training session!!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Time to start thinking about your goals for 2012
It is coming up to my favourite part of the year - GOAL SETTING TIME!
I have already begun a list of potential goals for 2012 and am starting to feel excited about it all before the year has even started!
In a previous post I mentioned that as the year gets closer it is important not to shelve goals and plans for the remainder of the year as there is still plenty of juice in the year we have.
I still stand by that and now you will have a clearer picture of where you will be as you head into 2012 so you can use that information to help you set your new goals or the next phase of your current goals.
I am sure you all know by now the S.M.A.R.T Method of setting goals, it has been done to death so I'm not going to revisit that instead I want to urge you to THINK BIG for next year.
This morning I was reading my journal from the beginning of this year and my Taekwondo School was just an idea.
Now less than a year later it is very much a reality and it has changed my life for the better in every way.
Not sure how I will top that in 2012 but I'm working on it :)
Some of my bigger goals for 2012 revolve around taekwondo and my own development in it.
My 6th dan grading is still 4.5 years away which seems like a long time but there is so much I need to do before then.
1: Head to Korea and do my Kukkiwon International Instructor Certification in June.
2: Get my hip surgery done and recover in 3 days or less (kidding - well sort of!).
3: Begin training regularly with a Korean Master.
4: Get my PUSH students competing regularly at State / National Comps.
These are just one area of life obviously but even this one section of my life will be very much improved by ticking the boxes on these goals.
No running or triathlon goals for 2012 - I have learned my lesson the hard way. My body doesn't like it so instead I will focus my training around Taekwondo and Mastering the Martial Art I love so much.
There is always something to learn, something to improve. This is one of the reasons I love it so much.
If you haven't already then it is time to start thinking about what you plan to work towards in 2012.
I'd love to hear about your own goals if you wish to share :)
Michelle x
I have already begun a list of potential goals for 2012 and am starting to feel excited about it all before the year has even started!
In a previous post I mentioned that as the year gets closer it is important not to shelve goals and plans for the remainder of the year as there is still plenty of juice in the year we have.
I still stand by that and now you will have a clearer picture of where you will be as you head into 2012 so you can use that information to help you set your new goals or the next phase of your current goals.
I am sure you all know by now the S.M.A.R.T Method of setting goals, it has been done to death so I'm not going to revisit that instead I want to urge you to THINK BIG for next year.
This morning I was reading my journal from the beginning of this year and my Taekwondo School was just an idea.
Now less than a year later it is very much a reality and it has changed my life for the better in every way.
Not sure how I will top that in 2012 but I'm working on it :)
Some of my bigger goals for 2012 revolve around taekwondo and my own development in it.
My 6th dan grading is still 4.5 years away which seems like a long time but there is so much I need to do before then.
1: Head to Korea and do my Kukkiwon International Instructor Certification in June.
2: Get my hip surgery done and recover in 3 days or less (kidding - well sort of!).
3: Begin training regularly with a Korean Master.
4: Get my PUSH students competing regularly at State / National Comps.
These are just one area of life obviously but even this one section of my life will be very much improved by ticking the boxes on these goals.
No running or triathlon goals for 2012 - I have learned my lesson the hard way. My body doesn't like it so instead I will focus my training around Taekwondo and Mastering the Martial Art I love so much.
There is always something to learn, something to improve. This is one of the reasons I love it so much.
If you haven't already then it is time to start thinking about what you plan to work towards in 2012.
I'd love to hear about your own goals if you wish to share :)
Michelle x
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