Who Has Your Best Interests In Mind?
Hey San Antonio,
I get to spend a lot of time with people in all stages of the fitness spectrum. Day to day in my personal life, conversations often turn to health, and when people first meet me and find out that I am a fitness professional, they are often very intrigued about what I offer and are interested in client progress stories from my personal training career.
It’s amazing how attitudes toward individual progress and success vary. Yesterday, a gentleman walked into my personal training studio and introduced himself to one of my personal trainers as the husband of one of my trainer’s clients (get that?). He then proceeded to tell my personal trainer (Dan) how he appreciates all he has done, thanked him and told Dan how proud he was of his wife and how she seems so motivated and full of energy, and, in my words, well, better. I’ve received many of those praises from friends, family and significant other, and I know exactly the amount of pride Dan was feeling and how much that meant to him. That man believes in his wife and supports her, and his comments show as much.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are significant others that tell people “eat less, workout harder and don’t waste your money” and try to hold them back. Saying things like “wow, you’re down to a size 12, half way to a size 6″ (this was actually a comment to a client from their spouse). Does that sound like support?
I am telling everyone that knows me I am preparing for a bodybuilding show on November 21, and the support and kind comments have been overwhelming. People routinely say things like “You’d win today” or “it’s about time” or “I’ll be there rooting you on” and compliment my obvious plan, program and progress. I appreciate it. But I’m the type of person that welcomes constructive criticism. If there’s a flaw, let me know so I can work on it! However, there’s the occasional barb about losing too much weight, not having enough muscle, not being able to compete against roided up guys, and other comments of the like.
In life just as in fitness, there are well rounded people that when they see someone succeed, they give credit where it is due and issue praise when needed. They say things like “They deserve it” or “They must’ve worked so hard and they should be proud.” There are haters. There are losers. There are people who want to see YOU fail and not lose an ounce or an inch to feel better about themselves. Trust me, they are everywhere.
I remember when I came up with the idea several years ago to open my studio. I had a plan, but didn’t know where to start. I still remember the polarizing points of view – people telling me why it would never work and the people that had their stuff together telling me how amazing of an idea it was and that I WOULD find a way. I DID – I spent a LONG time in Baghdad as a civilian as a way to make money to follow my dream. I was willing to do whatever it takes to get where I’m at. Now that I am less than 8 weeks away from my show, I have the same attitude. I’ve given up things that I thought I would miss. I’ve broken behavioral patterns that were only detrimental. I have a goal and I am going to reach it, no matter the feedback I receive from naysayers.
If you have a dream body, why is it still a dream? At some point, you need to test your resolve and put that goal at the forefront. See it, and take it – it’s YOUR body, make it how you want it. For the people that don’t have the discipline or self-esteem to make their own changes, make them jealous…
Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454
