Donna Lim-Truss

The Big 5-0, New DVD and Reflection

2011-12-05T22:07:00.015-05:00

THE BIG 5-0
Now that I had six months to experience the big 5-0, I can say at the least, it does put things into perspective. As a young woman, I had a distorted view of myself to the point where I would try anything to be skinny; I took my knowledge and skills for granted and was naïve when it came to trusting my so-called good friends. I thought I was invincible and as a mother, held too close to my children in fear that they would be hurt or taken. As a mature, middle-aged woman, I miss my 23.5” waist that I thought was fat, and for wasting precious time on worrying and negative self-talk. I ridiculed myself daily for being ugly, fat and stupid, etc, replaying those words spoken to me as a child by my parents and never heard I Love You, but only from my grandmother.

I never thought I was worthy until now. I realize life is too short and it is now that matters. With recent close health issues, it made me even more aware of how precious life is. In a moment, life can change; life can end as we see it today. We need to grab life by the horn and ride it without fear or regrets.

FITNESS AND CLIENTS
Still after 22+ years since starting Fitness Motivators, being in the fitness business is rewarding. Seeing the clients’ results and hearing their stories is astonishing. It is fantastic to be a small part of their fitness goals. To help motivate and at the same time, entertain the clients by letting go of any shyness just to make fitness fun so they can continue to stick with their goals. Debbie recently questioned our teaching abilities and if our clients liked us anymore. She became distressed and even thought about giving up for the first time. If we help make a positive change in a few of our clients’ lives, what we do is worth every minute. We are in the service business and even after calculating all the hours barely making minimum wage, we teach our classes to the best of our abilities, physically and mentally. We also work hard on keeping our talented instructors happy and proud to be part of a quality team.

Z-BOX FITNESS: THE WORKOUT DVD
We have been more busy then usual since the launch of our new DVD. Although the experience at the beginning of this DVD project was appalling, it opened doors to better opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise. We worked with an awesome crew that produced a top quality DVD that would have been impossible to achieve with the original person we hired. The DVD was filmed in HD at Flat 151 facing Downtown Detroit. It was such a memorable experience and wonderful accomplishment. We are pleased to present the public with our first fitness DVD

BARLEY
I cannot end this post without talking about my little precious dog Barley. I never thought it was possible to love a four-legged furry dog. Maybe he filled the empty nest since my children are all grown and living their own lives (28 and almost 32). Whatever reason why God put Barley in my life, it changed for the best. I love him unconditionally and he loves me unconditionally. His tail wagging and happy face is the highlight of my days. He is perfect and now I am one of those people who pick up doggie droppings on our daily walks. I used to think that was gross and how could those people cater to dogs! HA!

I am blessed. You are blessed.

Yesterday is gone, today is our moment, and tomorrow is a gift.

2011-08-27T17:15:00.007-04:00

We all go through uncertainty and/or a change where we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone. We suddenly fall into a negative zone - fear, anxiety, hopelessness, questioning why me, or our body reacts negatively. Yet, that gut feeling inside is consciously aware that this is out of our control or surprisingly, welcomes the change, regardless of how the mind is reacting at the moment.

Do you resist change? Next you start falling into a negative zone or outside of your comfort zone; focus on how those thoughts will change for the better. It will bring new opportunities, new relationships, new skills, a new venture, and more if you allow yourself to make the best of a change. That goes the same if you are the one actually creating the change (a divorce, leaving a job or relationship). The beginning is always tough, but the rewards will be waiting for you. You have the choice of how the path will lead – as an adventure or resistance all the way.

While I had to deal with uncertainties that are out of my control, I made a choice to release some of the toxins and negativity that were personally weighing me down. I decided to surround myself with positive, inspiring, good people who treated me with respect and trust as I give in return. For example, I recently dissolved a 35-year friendship. I welcomed the change instead of dwelling on the situation. More often does people stay in friendships because they have a history together, yet accept how they are being treated regardless of how unfair or bad it is. But see, even friends can grow apart and find they actually have nothing in common and not the same level of companionship. Another example, my dear twin-sister offered me her rental house at a great rate, so I could move back to Michigan. It is an old little dollhouse. Instead of dwelling on how I was going to make a 2600 sq ft house fit into a 950 sq ft house, I am grateful and happy. I give thanks everyday to be close to my family and cherish this little house as my own. I feel blessed and at the same time, needed to live within my means. Most of us live outside of what we can afford and think our current earnings will never end. Let me be the first to tell you, it can all change within a moment. Always have a backup plan . . . another blog topic! HA! I love my twin-sister and appreciate her all the time. She does so much for me and everyone else. It is a shame to see people use her. But, now I am here to stop it!

As written throughout my blog, I have gone through my share of uncertainties, all out of my control. Even in my current situation, I do my best to keep my head held high and truly believe something wonderful will happen, when it is meant to happen. I accept that the moment may not be now and possibly, I still have a lesson to learn before it does happen. Whatever the case, it will happen. Meanwhile, I will stay present with myself and with what I am feeling, without expectation or resistance.

Blessed With A Good Life

2011-03-09T09:41:00.004-05:00

Last night, Debbie and I ran into a client of hers at Rite Aid. This beautiful woman shocked us when she mentioned she was 70! She had so many nice things to say, but what actually led us to further discussion as we drove away, is when she said we were blessed with a good life.

Life is what you make it. We all have choices and the power to create our own paths; both deceitfulness and deception, or honest and caring. In our childhood, our grandmother taught us love and strength in a highly dysfunctional environment. We chose honest and caring.

Not too long ago, my husband and I were having dinner at Duke's with our friends. We exchanged stories about our childhood and life in Detroit. Later, my husband asked why I tell people about my past and was I embarrassed about it. It surprised me that he said this since he is probably one of the only people who witnessed a small portion of our environment (we were introduced when I was laying on the floor after a beaten by my stepfather and could not move). At that moment, it was evidence that he was the one embarrassed and wanted to make me feel bad about being so open about my past. I replied that my past is a part of me, as your past is a part of you. It is what it is and who I am, and nothing can change that. Most of our childhood story does include children homes, on our own since 16, tortured, and filthy living conditions. My story as an adult includes having two beautiful grown children, Fitness Motivators, and the strength to persevere regardless of the many obstacles that live presents. If it were not for our grandmother’s only contribution of love in our lives, I wonder where we would be today.

We share our story not for attention or to feel sorry for us, but because our past is an extension of whom we are and can actually help others. It shows two strong and motivated women who came from a background of abuse and homelessness, to not being another statistic but an inspiration to others.

See, sometimes you cannot judge a book by its cover. We are blessed with a good life and good health. Although our childhood and early adulthood was a daily struggle, we made the choice to create our own paths in helping others. It is unfortunate that a few people we encounter try to beat us down with their deceitfulness and deception toward us, but we trust that goodness will always win at the end (and so far it has!).

Believe 100% in yourself. No one else will, if you don’t.

Nice To Be Back!

2011-01-07T23:46:00.004-05:00

I am back home and it feels wonderful! I am actually feeling happy, first time in a very, very long time. I will continue to stay focused in being positive and trust that everything will turn out good. These last few years were highly stressful and 2011 will be a good year!

I cannot believe what Rhino Fitness did to me, the final negative experience in Missouri. But it will end up being okay.

Below is a song by Cher, You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me. This song is perfect to those who tried to hurt me. . .

Feeling broken
Barely holding on
But there’s just something so strong
Somewhere inside me
And I am down but I’ll get up again
Don’t count me out just yet

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me
You haven’t seen the last of me

They can say that
I won’t stay around
But I’m gonna stand my ground
You’re not gonna stop me
You don’t know me
You don’t know who I am
Don’t count me out so fast

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me

There will be no fade out
This is not the end
I’m down now
But i’ll be standing tall again
Times are hard but
I was built tough
I’m gonna show you all what I’m made of

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
I am far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me

No no
I’m not going nowhere
I’m staying right here
Oh no
You won’t see me begging
I’m not taking my bow
Can’t stop me
It’s not the end
You haven’t seen the last of me
Oh no
You haven’t seen the last of me
You haven’t seen the last of me

When You Think You Know Someone. . .

2010-11-20T18:03:00.003-05:00

WOW! So it happened again. Have you ever met a person who uses your personal experiences of being hurt or stabbed in the back to their advantage? Or, believed that person was genuinely honest to the point where you wanted to help him or her succeed, etc?

From the beginning, I was leery about this woman. My intuition told me not to trust her. However, my twin-sister trusted her completely and somewhat convinced me that she was real. Always stick to your intuition - always. Debbie had plans for the person. She took this woman under her wings and cultivated her from knowing nothing to becoming a good instructor in over a year. Their friendship grew fast. Many of us warned my twin-sister, but she sincerely trusted her. Unfortunately, she used my twin-sister, our team, and everything we had to offer to her advantage. She played the poor me attitude and her strong religion (as we thought) to the hilt. She manipulated us all. She manipulated our clients. This person is a pro at getting things free and playing the system.

I only hope that if our clients are approached by this woman (and I know for a fact that they will be), they need to turn away quickly and not fall into her trance of fakeness.

I am a strong believer in what goes around comes around. I can only pray for this woman and hope the best for her. Maybe God puts these types of people in our lives to test us, to see if we will continue to help others. So don't take our kindness for weakness. We are smarter than you think.

Maybe it’s a good thing that I am an introvert outside of class?

Read more on my twin-sister's blog

Live Life in the Moment . . Like Barley

2010-10-25T20:06:00.003-04:00

Our new ZEN program (formerly called Combo Flow Mat) is exactly what we need to help regroup ourselves in the busy lives we lead. We exercise for the body, but what about the mind? Now it is time to pay attention to your breath, the moment you are in, and to refuse bad energy/thoughts to enter your mind. A busy mind keeps the sounds of the birds, the beautiful fall colors, or the swaying of the sunflowers from our awareness. We get distracted and miss out on the moment that we will never have, ever again. In ZEN, we teach to Let Go, appreciate and love ourselves, and recognize the moment. We learn how to just be.

I took another moment to reflect life through my dog’s eyes . . .
When I walked my special dog Barley today, he was filled with curiosity and his tail never tired from wagging with being so happy on our three-mile adventure (unfortunately, his bad leg cannot handle too much walking). He enjoyed the beautiful day and had no care where the path led us, as long as he was with me. He noticed other dogs, walkers, the loud sound of the trucks, was afraid of the leaves blowing beside us, and even caught the attention of the little grasshoppers on the sidewalk. Barley gets it. He understands to Let Go and lives in the moment. I am learning so much from a little rescue dog. A sweet, innocent special dog.

# # #

I just finished watching the movie Letters to Juliet. It was a good movie that left me with a few thoughts. . . Who actually followed their hearts? Better yet, has anyone felt true love? Or, do you feel as though you are all alone and something is missing? Have you only lived your lives and went through the daily motions like a little robot? Most of us are busy living our lives with our children and one day, we wake up and they are all grown up, leaving you all alone. So now you have the remainder of your life to live and what do you intend to do with it? Are there regrets? Did you create a bucket list?

. . . "Dear Claire, What and If are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if? What if? What if? I don't know how your story ended but if what you felt then was true love, then it's never too late. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart. I don't know what a love like Juliet's feels like - love to leave loved ones for, love to cross oceans for but I'd like to believe if I ever were to feel it, that I will have the courage to seize it. And, Claire, if you didn't, I hope one day that you will. All my love, Juliet"

Fitness Motivators - Another Year & Contest

2010-09-08T11:10:00.008-04:00

Next week, Fitness Motivators will start our 2010-2011 schedule. We are introducing new instructors, class types, and locations. For those who do not know, it is very hard finding potential instructors who will give a quality Fitness Motivators class. We put our instructors through intense training before they are allowed to teach a solo class. A few goes through the process and unfortunately, do not make it because our clients expect quality and quality classes begins with the instructor. We make certain our clients get the best possible workout when they enter our classes! It is very important that each instructor teach with the clients’ safety in mind and to offer a fun, non-intimidating environment. Without being so picky, Fitness Motivators would not have been a popular program since 1988! WOW! What a long time and worth every moment!

I appreciate those clients who stuck with us all these years. We could not have done it without them! We look forward to building long lasting relationships with our new clients! In fact, we feel honored to have the privilege of being part of each client’s fitness regiment! If any of our classes fail to be awesome, fun and the best, I want to hear about it! We take feedback seriously!

We have exciting things happening and hope you take advantage of them! Thank you for your support! My Team and I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

The Contest
Fitness Motivators has a contest coming for the winter (January-March) session! One lucky winner will receive a free pass to ANY of our classes for the winter session! Yes...any class, anywhere during the months of January-March 2011! There is a catch....You must sign up for our Facebook Fitness Motivators Group and write on the topic of, "How did Fitness Motivators help me". Maybe one of the Instructors were your reason of getting fit... Maybe your class motivated you some how in your life... Maybe someone on our team inspired you... etc. You have until December 17th to join the group and leave your submission at the group. We will then write all the names down and pull a name from a drawing! The winner will be notified by December 21.

Create Your Own Path

2010-08-02T13:46:00.007-04:00

I arrived at my work at 5:30 in the morning and packed the few things that I moved here from the Ann Arbor site. It is weird how I sensed from the beginning that being at the Chesterfield location would only be temporarily. This morning was my job loss notification meeting and instead of feeling sad, I felt as though my employer is giving me an opportunity to finally create my own path.

Pfizer was extremely generous to me throughout the 11 years. Working in a big company, you either get lost or work hard to get noticed. I am lucky that hard work paid off. I traveled around the world, gained advanced skills and had many wonderful opportunities.

A week ago I told my previous manager about my job status and he replied, “I am really sorry things didn't work out with Pfizer - they don't appreciate what they are losing. I am sure things will work out as cream always rises to the top.” How sweet! (I never knew how much he appreciated me until his farewell speech. He was always so tough on me, but ended up being one of my best learning- experience at Pfizer) I see my current work situation as all things must come to an end to allow new ventures and opportunities. I was too much in a comfort zone as most are, and my nature is being a risk-taker.

Never rely on others or companies to dictate your lives or careers. It is up to us to make the most of ourselves and to be the best possible.

I am blessed. You are blessed.

(Pictures are from a global leadership team meeting in Boston, 2004)

Good Heath Begins in Your Mind

2010-06-26T14:48:00.004-04:00

Did you know? . . . A person has a better chance of maintaining a fitness routine if she or he not only address the physical aspects of being healthy, but also the mental and emotional aspects.

Most of us go through life within our own little box. Unfortunately, there are days when the world of uncertainties enters, bad deeds of others are afflicted upon us, or that little voice inside of us starts talking trash. As a result, we fall into an unfortunate moment or negative thought and therefore, allow it, the situation or person to take control. What about comparing ourselves to others or wish we had something that someone else has. Overall, our self-esteem diminishes, we begin to have self-doubt and/or we give up on our goals.

If you allow negative thoughts to consume you, you will believe it.
If you believe it, you will become it.

You must take ownership of your own actions and thoughts. You need to learn how to remain balanced during the ever-changing conditions around you.

I remember reading a story that illustrates further on why good health begins in your mind. . .

Years ago, a farmer’s most valuable asset is the horse that he owns. One day a farmer’s horse ran away, the townspeople were telling the farmer how unfortunate he was to have such terrible luck, and that the farmer could no longer plow or move his goods. The farmer replied, “I don’t know if it’s unfortunate or not; all I know is that my horse is gone.” A few days later, the horse returned with six friends. The townspeople told the farmer how he struck it rich and now have seven horses. The farmer replied, “I don’t know if I am fortunate or not; all I can say is that I now have seven horses in my stable.” A few days later, the farmer’s son tried to break in one of the wild stallions, was thrown from the horse, and broke his leg and shoulder. Again, the townspeople said how it was misfortunate his son was so badly injured and he could not help with his harvest. The farmer replied, “I don’t know if it’s misfortunate or not; what I know is that my son has been injured.” Less than a week later, the army swept the town and took all the young men to fight in the war, all except the farmer’s son who was unable to fight because of his injuries.

You cannot control everything in your life or understand why things are the way they are today. It is what it is. You do however, control your own reactions to circumstances. So learn to let go.

When I created the Combo Flow Mat program, it was imperative that I included positive thoughts exercises. My goal was to have participants leave feeling refreshed mentally, yet challenged with the many exercises or poses they do within the hour. We are so busy in our careers or doing for others that we forget about caring for ourselves. Our minds run rapidly and we hardly have a moment to collect our thoughts. I want participants to feel the moment, sense how their bodies are responding to the exercise, reflect on their breathing, wash away any negative thoughts, and to know that the hour is all about them. Each participant is important and need to believe that they are in their own state of mind.

Interruptions will always be in our lives. It is up to us on how we react to them.

It is what it is.

My twin-sister also wrote a blog about The Mind. It is funny how we think alike!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Donna

Persevere. Be Patient. Win.

2010-05-21T17:23:00.005-04:00

Regardless of the uncertainties in my life, I do my best to keep faith and trust that everything will turn out good at the end. It just has to, especially if you live your life being honest, good to others, kind, etc.

Fitness Motivators Wins!
To my surprise, a person decided to Trademark my company Fitness Motivators name and since July 2009, he finally convinced Go Daddy to take my website offline last February. I still remember the day when Go Daddy emailed me the notice and they even charged ME a fee for shutting down my website! It took ten days to try to resolve this with Go Daddy and the person without any luck. I had no choice but to transfer my website to another server and apply for a Petition to Cancel the Trademark. I also hired an Attorney to help counsel me as needed.

After years of hard work, he actually thought he was going to take away what me and my team worked for and I was not going to allow that to happen. I created the Fitness Motivators name in 1988 (I still remember the day when the name was initiated!) and due to the Lanham Act under Section 1(b), had proof that I used the Mark since long prior to his effective Trademark filing date.

This week, the fight is over. Of course, I won and he ended up paying my legal fees and all other fees related to what he initiated. Although he owns the Mark, he cannot touch me. My Attorney ended up handling the Agreement and did an excellent job in representing me. (Thanks to Beth for recommending her!)

The above experience is a perfect example of how greed and deception always loses at the end. His pocket is less a few thousand dollars and all he had to do was to work it out at the beginning but he was too concerned about what he would get from the deal and was unbelievable not coorperative. I am certain he will think twice the next time he tries to mess with someone! After all, he probably thought I was stupid or would sit back and let his little newly acquired Mark scare me. See, everything happens for a reason and I believe that it was meant for me to not resolve it at the beginning, but to end up where I am now, which is a better place!

As for Go Daddy, they had no right to take down my website without notice or not allowing me to dispute it. Shame on Go Daddy! I will slowly remove my other websites from Go Daddy and will never trust them again. I truly believe that what goes around comes back around – that goes the same for Go Daddy. I highly recommend that YOU not do business with Go Daddy. If they did it to me, they will do it to you.

Oprah Magazine Sweepstake Winner!
Periodically, I may enter a sweepstake for that “just in case I win” moment. Will, it happened! I entered the Aveeno "Expect The Best" Sweepstakes last December and two weeks ago, received a notice that I won the grand prize!!!!! Yes, people DO actual win those sweepstakes! Below is a picture of what I won (valued at $1,250). I received it yesterday and love it!

Wow! I definitely needed good news after a year of constant uncertainties.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Donna

The Last Few Weeks

2010-04-09T18:43:00.001-04:00

This was my forth week of Pilates and it is getting better. I still have to do a workout on Pilates day because it is more like a stretch workout, but overall it is still nice. I feel as though I am gaining my flexibility back due to my long-term muscle injury and that is a great thing! In addition, this week I taught a Step class. It has been years teaching Step, so I mixed it up with plyometrics, aerobics and weights. The members were sweating horribly and I have to say, class was really intense! Yea!! Zumba and my z-box classes were awesome, too. Although, I did completely forgot an entire routine in Zumba! The class laughed and we moved on to the next song. It is nice teaching after all these years!

It has been two weeks since I was told that my job was being eliminated, again. I expected it, but the reality sure does stink! At least I know it is not because of my performance (I was rated one of the highest in my group), but because of my duties. I hope that I will be able to get another position within the company or, I will open a fitness studio and teach more classes in Michigan. Even though my work will not end until the summer, I already created a resume website, perfected my hardcopy resume (thanks to the help of my intelligent family!) and applied for a few jobs to test the water.

Unfortunately, Scott has not worked steady in years and lately he hardly works at all. I am praying that his newly acquired training in HVAC will give him opportunities being that he graduates next month! I even created him a website and the news did a featured article on us!

I had to sell my beautiful, new leather sofa set today so we can pay the mortgage up north. I just wonder how much more we will have to go through in order to have a normal, steady life. Actually, it has been since our radiator shop (early 90s-adult life!) when we were financially okay. I hate struggling each day. I just do not understand why we cannot have a break. I do however, feel blessed each day for being healthy, family healthy, having a great job/managers, and a successful fitness company with dedicated clients. I will continue to try my best to keep a positive outlook. It just has to get better – I trust it will. This year is our turn!

Pilates - My Ten Week Test

2010-03-15T22:07:00.004-04:00

Throughout the next several months, I will try other fitness class formats. I hope that I will be excited about one so we can add it to our Fitness Motivators class roster!

Although we have xGravity a specialty, original class that the majority of our clients love, I decided that my first class would be Pilates (a small studio who teaches the authentic method of Pilates).

I attended a Pilates introductory class a few weeks ago and today was my first official mat class of 10. The instructor/owner is extremely knowledgeable about Pilates, is why I chose her class. I hope she will be able to challenge me these next several weeks and we do more exercises in the class, with less talk.

I notice that the majority of the women are much order than me and of average fitness level. I wonder if this is common in a Pilates class? Nevertheless, after my first class, I felt slightly elongated and relaxed with the few stretches that we did, but not as though I met my workout quota for the day. I hope this is because I am new and the instructor took it easy on us.

Through principles such as concentration, breathing, and control, I am told I will develop a stronger and leaner core. Soon I will see if Pilates will work for my body, or not.

"In 10 classes you will feel the difference. In 20 classes you will see the difference, and in 30 classes you will have a whole new body." -- Joseph Pilates

Live Like A Dog

2010-03-03T08:52:00.008-05:00

My twin-sister recently lost her little dog Jasmine (on right) of 14 years. A client of hers emailed a story called A Dog's Purpose. Below are excerpts from it. It really makes you think and realize that life is too short to not enjoy life and not love the people in your lives as you should.

People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life—like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?. . . Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Exercising Too Hard? Find a Quality Group Exercise Class

2010-02-20T09:43:00.003-05:00

From my experience (and I am sure of many others) in the 1980s and early 90s, most aerobics classes were taught at such high impact during the duration of class the participants would leave with headaches, getting sick, or at the urge of getting sick. Little did these participants know their bodies were training at an anaerobic state which means the presence without oxygen when exercise intensity can no longer meet the metabolic demands of the muscles aerobically. Aerobic fitness on the other hand is where large muscle movement performed over a sustained period. The purpose of exercise is to help people become healthier and in return, live happier lives. Unfortunately, today there are still group exercise participants that believe the harder you exercise the better. They are under the impression that their bodies will not achieve results unless they endure pain or exercise to the point of fatigue. Let me be the first to tell you that you do not need to exercise at a high, continuous level during your aerobics class to see result. If you are new to exercise, please do not fall into this belief. “Pain No Gain” is a myth.

I remember teaching for a fitness company in the late 80s and being reprimanded because I did not teach the class at a non-stop high impact level. I refused to teach classes that were unsafe and after that day, I worked hard on designing my first fitness program called Interval Training. I was the first in the area to design an aerobics and weight training combination exercise program (today everyone is teaching similar class formats). The result is a super effective workout that gives three times the fat loss than aerobics alone. I also teach at various levels where beginners can easily follow and advanced exercisers can be challenged. However, I do not teach to the point of where a participant will feel sick or extreme fatigue. All participants in any class should feel great, energized, motivated, like they had a fun yet challenging workout, and looking forward to their next class. It is not necessary for an instructor to teach hard choreography or at an extreme exercise level unless it is in the class description. If a class description states that all fitness levels can participate, it better be just that.

It is not only important that group exercise instructors educate the public on exercise safety and motivation, but to go back to the basics of teaching. I noticed a decline in quality instructors, especially lately in several classes that I participated in or observed. It may be due to several of these instructors being “authorized” to teach a dance specialty class, yet they never taught group exercise in their lives. Or because the clubs they teach at are satisfied with just having a body to teach their classes and not care about the quality of their classes. It is unfortunate that most of these members assume that their classes are typical and do not know the difference of a quality group exercise class.

If you are a group exercise participant, look for the following attributes in your fitness instructor. If your instructor at your club does not have these, demand it.

As a good Fitness Instructor, you should be able to design moves that will help your students get the most out of their workout - whether a beginner, intermediate or an advanced fitness participant.

As a good Fitness Instructor, you will want everyone to feel welcome. Making eye contact, smiling, and keeping the students motivated during the session is VERY important!

As a good Fitness Instructor, you should teach facing your student. You should be able to demonstrate each movement and make modifications for the beginner to the advanced students. You must also explain the benefits of each exercise and demonstrate how to do the exercise to prevent injury. Your main focus should be on helping your students understand the importance of improving (or maintaining) their health and not just on looking better on the outside!

As a good Fitness Instructor, you should focus on making sure the class is fun, making their workout the best it can be and keeping them motivated.

As a good Fitness Instructor, everyday you will have to keep up with your knowledge in fitness, stay connected with the Industry at all times, and give up-to-date fitness/health information for your students/clients. You will need to keep your certification/CPR up-to-date at all times too. You are not a medical professional, but you are a fitness professional that should be able to share your knowledge of fitness with your clients.

Persevere – Good vs. Evil

2010-02-15T11:42:00.003-05:00

It seems that all of my life I had so many obstacles that tried to knock me down. From being separated from my twin-sister when we were put into our first children home, having my best friend of 14 years attempt to steal a job moments after my interview (I got the job-goodness eventually wins!), living on the streets, to now having a guy steal my company name that I owned for over 21 years. Sometimes we wonder why we have to deal with so much turmoil in our lives. After all, we are told that God gives us as much as we can handle.

If it was not for my tough upbringing, I wonder if I would have the same perseverance as I do now. I wonder if my siblings would, too. We lived in filth, abuse and poverty. Unlike most others we know, we know what it feels like to have absolutely nothing and we never want to return to nothing. There is so much that we each want to accomplish; we came a long ways from Brightmoor, a poor community in Detroit. I remember the drugs, violence, gangs, etc. that we could have stuck with. Fortunately, we refused to be another statistic. We were determine to be more than our current situation. We persevered and won.

So my final words today . . . to that jerk who thinks he can just take away a name that I personally created in 1988 and used all these years in building/branding my business. . . you are truly messing with the wrong person! I will not back down! I tried to work it out with you even though you kept asking what you would get out of it. You are a cold-hearted person and only out for yourself. Shame on you. I hope the hate in you goes away for your own sake. It is not healthy (and you promote health - health is also within your being, your mind).

What goes around comes around - I am a true believer of that statement. I live my life to be honest, fair and good to others.

Zumba Class. . . Fitness Club Identified!

2010-02-06T12:49:00.011-05:00

I just taught a Zumba class and it felt great that the students was inquiring where else I teach, how they thought the class was the best they had, etc. One beautiful woman even commented that she had five instructors since my class (being her first Zumba class a few weeks ago) and no one taught like me, etc.! I am so happy to have touched so many in an exercise class. It is a nice feeling!

I have worked very hard on my teaching skills throughout the last 30 years and proud of whom I am today. Sometimes I can get off track when select people do not show me respect - which does not happen often in the fitness industry, but here in MO it questionably does. However, I guess that goes with anything you do – there are haters and not everyone will like us. My former boss once said that I could be intimidating and have a strong presence when I walk into a room. So I do try to tame myself, but that does not always work and in return, some of the women I met are not very nice to me (I think they have low self-esteem).

Live each day being the best that you can be. More importantly, always be kind and smile regardless if someone gives you attitude for no reason. As I have to continually teach myself, let it go and know that it is not always because of you. I can only give my best and be true to myself. So should you.

Yesterday, I was listening to a blog radio interview with Norma Shechtman, a Fitness Expert/Award Winning Fitness Professional. I decided to write to her and ask her opinion on facing the students while teaching (I know, I need to drop it and I will after this. But it is a pet peeve of mine since I am going against so many instructors habits and had the latest issue with Club Fitness – yes, I finally identified the club!). Not to my surprise, below is what she wrote. It just feels good that top pros like Norma is in the same ballpark as me!

“You are right on track. There are a few reasons to face the group. First is for safety but also to make eye contact, smile and let them know you care about them. Rapport between student and teacher is extremely important. Your instructors will definitely see the difference. Try this with them. Have one student put their back to another and tell a brief story. Then, have them turn face to face and tell the same story with animation, facial, hand gestures. Which way was more fun and entertaining? Thanks for listening to the interview.” - Norma
Shechtman

ONE OF OUR INSTRUCTORS WHO ATTENDED THE APEX IN CHICAGO:
"AFAA workshop I asked the instructor about facing/mirroring the students, her reponse:
- yes you should be facing your students. "AFAA Recommends you face your students"

I got into with a bunch of people later on in the presentation because they were whining about how HARD it is to face your students and it's difficult for them to follow you! I told them to come to see Fitness Motivators and it's not difficult. in fact it's better to SEE YOUR STUDENTS AND U CAN SEE AND CORRECT PROPER FORM and monitor their faces!!! THis one chick tried to tell me that she teaches cardio kickboxing and would never face her students and she just uses the mirrors - I got so heated that she tried to outspeak me on this when I said I teach the same thing facing my students and so on...

also there was a guy who has "NEVER SEEN STEP TAUGHT WHILE FACING THE STUDENTS" (he's been to IL, FL, TX etc)...again..I told him to come to Farmington Hills, MI to see how it is done!

I LOVE YOU LADIES FOR HAVING SUCH A WONDERFUL FITNESS PROGRAM AND I AM PROUD TO BE APART OF THIS TEAM. THANK YOU FOR WELCOMING ME TO JOIN AND TEACHING ME HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE!!!"

Pistons Game Pre-Game Performance
Detroit, Michigan

Ending a Fitness Club Relationship

2010-02-04T16:47:00.017-05:00

A few days has past since I wrote about my experience at a local fitness club. To no surprise, I am no longing subbing at this club and happy about that decision. I feel sorry for their members though. Maybe that is why this club has such a poor reputation with their group exercise program. I was told when I moved here that all of their quality, experienced instructors left when another club opened nearby a few years ago. I have to say, those instructors that left to teach at the new club are pros and I was impressed. They teach the proper, safe way and look the part! Originally, I agreed to sub at the local club to help them with their new instructors, plan special events for their members, etc. I guess they did not appreciate my extensive background and what I had to offer.

ACE, p217 – “When leading group exercise, face the class as often as possible, using mirroring techniques, such as moving to the participants’ left when directing them to the right. An instructor can only monitor class safety by watching all participants at all times. All cues should be precise and timely.”

Everything happens for a reason. There is a lesson for me to learn with all these experiences here. If anything, I truly appreciate what I had in Michigan.

I am blessed with my full-time job and ready to promote our new fitness venture. All is good and I am happy to be healthy. I have been blessed in many ways and give thanks each day. I hope you do the same and appreciate what each of our precious lives have to offer.

Take care of your body "temple" and do not pollute it with bad, but nourish it with good food, positive thoughts, and exercise.

Peace, for now. . .

Z-Box Workshop & Detroit Pistons Performance

2010-01-28T15:45:00.003-05:00

What a great weekend I had in Michigan! It was awesome seeing my family and friends! We did a pre-game performance at the Detroit Pistons game and it was a hit! They asked us to come back next season for a half-time performance! My twin sister and daughter created the fun routine that we performed.

Here is a link to the performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdcmdTv55Uc

We also held a http://www.z-boxfitness.com/ workshop at World Gym in Shelby Township. What a fun group of instructors! I feel confident that they will be wonderful at teaching Z-Box!

"Another State" Fitness Clubs

2010-01-26T13:35:00.007-05:00

It is a shame that teaching the way a Zumba class (or any other fitness class) should be taught is not appropriate for "Another State" fitness club members or club.

A coordinator of a club called me (where I sub) because a few members complained that they had to "mirror" me and my class was too intense since I did not pause to change my music!!!! (I honestly think only one person called, but she had to make it sound like a few!! LOL) It made me laugh because I teach the way instructors should be teaching! I refuse to keep my back to my students! How else will I monitor their faces, etc!?!? Okay, so instructors will argue with me and say they DO watch their students while facing the mirror. COME ON! I don't care who it is, when anyone is facing a mirror you look at yourself the majority of the time!!! It is unfortunate those members actually think that is the way instructors should teach their classes. Maybe this is a good time for the coordinators to evaluate their instructors via the members and attend their instructors’ classes.

While I am at it. . . I cannot believe how most instructors of the classes I attended or observed have notes in plain view when teaching (members may not have 100% confidence in the instructor if they see notes - e.g, would you if a bartender has to look at notes when making your specialty cocktail? If a surgeon looked at notes while performing on a loved one?), teach facing the mirror (can you tell if a student is ready to pass out or if you are working them hard enough?), does not teach safety (knees over the toes - come on!), does not say the muscles they are working (maybe the instructor does not even know the muscles?), etc. This is really frustrating!!!!

Being away from home makes me appreciate my own fitness company more and more each day. We have such a great group of quality instructors. Our program is excellent!

My Best Friend

2010-01-07T20:55:00.005-05:00

Barley came into my life last April. He is from a shelter and was six months at the time. I absolutely did not want him, but gave him a try as long as I knew I could give him back.

Barley has been one of the best decisions of my lifetime! I never experienced the love I have for Barley. He is the absolute best! Every time I think of him I have to smile. So this is what love really feels like!?!? He has the greatest personality and is a perfect little doggie. Since I moved, I have been extremely lonely. Well, Barley filled that emptiness quickly!

Welcome to my blog!

2010-01-07T20:30:00.006-05:00

This is my first blog and journal! So I hope you enjoy reading my posts. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

Here is a link to a video that Debbie, Christina and I made for the Ultimate Zumba Video Commercial Contest. We ended up not winning. So we changed the video to be used as a fun promo for Fitness Motivators. It was fun taping it! I could hardly walk in Chrissy's shoes. They kept coming off and they were too high!