BUC Fitness

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2010-04-16T01:04:00.001-07:00

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2010-04-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

New Level Personal Training and Bodies Under Construction would like to invite you to celebrate the grand opening of our new Hammersmith Studio!

Jane Fonda recently declared May 1st as World Fitness Day. In keeping with this theme New Level and Bodies Under Construction are teaming up with Stroller Strides®, Lori Nishi, and Shauna Gauthier to bring you a fun, fitness filled day. On May 1, 2010 we will be offering the following classes:

Lean Mommy Boot Camp
Pre-Natal
Stroller Strides
Knee and Shoulder Rehab
Conditioning with your Canine
Adult Conditioning
Gliding Disc Circuit
Speed, agility, and quickness for athletes age 13 - 18
Intro to Nutrition
Cardio Kickbox
BOSU
Body weight circuit
Hit and Run Self Defence

Pre-registration is necessary. Each class is $10.00 per person and all money raised on this day will be donated to the Sport and Fitness program at Horizons School in Richmond BC. By donating money to this school we are helping to provide an opportunity for children with social and emotional issues to participate in sport and fitness programs.

There is no limit on how many classes one person can register for. Come for one class, come for a couple, or just stop by to visit our new space!

Folks dressed in their 70's and 80's workout gear will be entered in a draw for the grand prize!

So dust off your 70's and 80's inspired workout gear, come celebrate our opening, and help raise money for a great cause!

Please visit www.nlpt.ca for a full class schedule and registration.

Looking forward to seeing you on May 1!

Tia Clearihue - 604-916-7985 and Lisa Carpenter - lisa@bucfitness.com

2135 - 12191 Hammersmith Way, Richmond BC

2010-03-21T15:48:00.001-07:00

The new studio is almost ready to go.. the paint is dry, the floor is down and we are just working out the move date! In the meantime the first of our group fitness classes are ready for registration. Space is limited so don't delay!

I am also still accepting registration for the BUC level one nutrition class starting April 8, 2010. Details are listed on the blog and on the website! For registration contact lisa@bucfitness.com. Dates don't fit your schedule? Contact Lisa for private sessions or organize your own group!

Adult conditioning class:

9:45 - 10:30am Mondays and Wednesdays from April 7^th to April 28^th (7 classes).

Join New Level for an action packed 45 min conditioning class.

This class is a combination of strength, cardio, movement, and balance.

Guaranteed to get your heart rate up!

Pre-registration is required. $140.00 for 7 classes payable at first class.

Space is limited to 10 people per class.

Contact Tia at tia_clearihue@shaw.ca

Cardio Kickbox:

5:00 - 6:00pm on Monday's from April 26^th - May 31^st (6 classes)

8:00 - 9:00am on Saturday's from May 1^{st -}May 29^th (5 classes)

Cross Jab, Block, and Kick! This is a powerful, empowering, fun and energetic workout that will kick your body into high gear.

This Class will take your cardio to new heights while allowing you to work at your own pace no matter your current fitness level. Starting with kickboxing basics and building from there, the combination of cardio, jabs, and kicks with instruction on proper technique will give your body that something extra you are looking for to take your training to the next level. This class is suitable for all levels of fitness.

Pre-registration is required. $120.00 for 6 classes payable at first class – Monday class

Pre-registration is required. $100.00 for 5 classes payable at first class – Saturday class

Contact Tia at tia_clearihue@shaw.ca

Conditioning with your Canine:

7:00 – 8:00pm Tuesdays from April 13^th to May 25^th (7 classes)

6:00 – 7:00am Fridays from April 16^th – May 28^th (7 classes)

Would you love to incorporate your dog's walk into a great workout class? This is the class for you! Bring your dog along for a 1 hour outdoor boot camp.

Get fit with your dog! This is a fun, social and intense workout class for people and pooches. Our class is designed to give you a great workout with a combination of cardio, interval, strength, and movement exercises all the while spending time with your dog. And you will get to meet other pets and dog-lovers!

Please bring with you proof of your dogs current vaccinations, collar and leash for your dog, poop bags, and water.

There are a couple of rules everyone must follow to ensure that all dogs and owners have a great experience.

No aggressive dogs allowed
Dogs must be on a leash at all times
No more than 2 dogs per person
Dogs must be minimum of 6 months old

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 10 people per class.

$210.00 for 7 classes payable at first class.

contact Tia at tia_clearihue@shaw.ca

Bodies Under Construction and New Level are pleased to announce Stroller Strides will also be running classes in the studio. Details are below!

Lean Mommy:

7:30 – 8:30pm Mondays from April 5^th to May 10^th (6 classes)

For all those moms ready to get their bodies back, a class for you where accountability, structure and camaraderie will move you towards better health!

Join Anne-Louise Parry of Stroller Strides® for this class where a great work out is combined with great camaraderie. The session begins and ends with taking your measurements and requires a weekly weigh in and food journaling.

The class consists of a 45 min circuit that you do with a team using basic equipment that changes every week.

Contact Anne-Louise @ aparry@strollerstrides.net for registration info.

Pre-Natal Fitness:

7:30 – 8:30pm Thursdays from April 8^th to May 13^th (6 classes)

Would you run a marathon without training? Of course not!

This is a great class to prepare yourself for the big day.

Join Fit 4 Baby for this pre-natal class. Our program is based on the belief that women can and should remain active during a healthy pregnancy. In doing so, they reap the rewards of a more comfortable pregnancy, an easier delivery and a healthier baby. During the 1 hour class, exercises will be adjusted to accommodate clients' various stages of pregnancy helping participants understand the bodily changes taking place and how to best care for themselves.

Contact Anne-Louise @ aparry@strollerstrides.net for registration info.

2010-03-15T22:43:00.001-07:00

I am pleased to have Paul back presenting in the studio. I attended his last seminar and to say it changed the direction of my life and the lives of those around me would be an understatement. Sometimes you need someone else to open the curtains on your life and allow you to really see what is sitting right in front of you. I have blogged on Paul before and you can find my thoughts in my November posts.

Re-Claiming Your Inner Power

Workshop on Creating Results in Health, Wealth and Relationships

Presenter: Paul Cassidy

Are you fed up with wanting to improve your life and then running out of will-power or sabotaging your best efforts by slipping back into old negative patterns that result in feeling discouraged and or defeated? Do you want to change this on a permanent basis?

Paul experienced what he describes as a major wakeup call some years ago when his marriage failed and he had to walk away from his business. This resulted in a period of serious despair and depression. From the bottom of this pit Paul started on a journey of self reflection and self discovery. Over the course of this journey he has met several outstanding teachers with whom he has spent considerable time with including Eckhart Tolle, the now famous author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. Paul has subsequently developed a number of techniques that he has successfully applied not only to himself but also to helping many others significantly improve Health, Wealth and Relationships.

If you are having challenges with these aspects of your life and you would like to learn the tools that will provide you with the ability to dramatically improve these areas, then you are invited to attend Paul's workshop.

Saturday April 17, 2010

9.00a.m. till 1.00 p.m.

Bodies Under Construction 2135 – 12191 Hammersmith Way
New location!

Special introductory price of only $150.00.

It is recommended that you book as soon as possible as space to this seminar is limited.

Registration can be made by email to lisa@bucfitness.com or 604 618-4595

Background
Paul received his BSc. In Computing Science from North Staffs University, Stafford, and his Masters degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Lancaster, England. He has published a book on resource allocation in hospitals and, while Clinical Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, was co-author of a series of academically critiqued policy papers on demand management for diagnostic services. He has been guest speaker at a number of industry-related events in North America and throughout Europe as well as a guest lecturer at the Royal Chartered Institute of Marketing.

His professional career has included senior management roles in several companies including G.E. as well as establishing a new medical device company that will most likely go public in 2010.

2010-03-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

The studio renovations are well underway and everything is coming along beautifully but not without a few snags. Tia and I have made the conscious decision to laugh as they come up and deal with whatever is thrown at us knowing that we are moving much closer to achieving a bigger goal.
Today was one of those days when we both had to sit back and catch our breath... it reminded me of a story a client sent to me so I wanted to share it.

Its all about how you look at things, how you handle adversity and never forgetting you create your own circumstances. Enjoy the read!

One day a farmer's donkey fell into an abandoned well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyways; so it just wasn't worth it to him to try to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. Realizing what was happening, the donkey at first cried and wailed horribly. Then, a few shovelfuls later he quieted down completely.

The farmer peered down into the well and was astounded by what he saw. With every shovelful of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing some thing amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up on the new layer of dirt. As the farmers neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off to the shock and astonishment of all the neighbours.

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to not let it bury you, but to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone.

We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping and never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!

The moral to the story is very simple. Life is going to shovel dirt at you. You have two choices:
1. You can be buried alive by it or
2. You can shake it off and step up

What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him.
All because of the manner in which he handled adversity.

If we face our problems and respond to them positively and refuse to give into panic, bitterness or self pity... the adversities that come along in life usually have within then the potential to benefit and bless us.
-Author unknown

I choose to shake it off and step up... how about you?

-L

2010-03-07T19:58:00.001-08:00

March Bench Pressing News
Decide what's next in your life and strategize how to get it.

BUC is pleased to announce that renovations are underway at our new 4200sq foot facility opening April 2010! Both the Hollybridge Way and Westminster Highway locations will be closing and Tia Clearihue of New Level Personal Training and Athlete Conditioning will be expanding into the studio as well. This new facility will allow New Level and Bodies Under Construction to continue to provide our personal training services along with expanded nutrition classes, group conditioning classes, team and athletic conditioning.

Stay tuned for class schedules and our grand opening celebration!

Become a fan of the BUC face book page and stay updated on all the adventures of Tia and Lisa as we grow into our new home.

Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same numbers of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Louis Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein.

-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Registration has started for the next BUC level 1 nutrition class!

April 8, 2010 (every Thursday for 6 weeks)

6:30 - 8 pm

Unit 2135 - 12191 Hammersmith Way, Richmond

$350 plus GST

Please see attachment for details and for registration contact lisa@bucfitness.com

I am so confident that this class will change how you think and feel about food and dieting forever, it comes with 100% guarantee. Stop using time and money as excuses. Move forward in the direction of your dreams and register NOW! lisa@bucfitness.com

"You have shown me that this is a life style change not a diet. You broke it down week by week introducing a new food group at a time. You let us learn and experiment with the new food group for a week. I am learning to listen to my body, how it reacts to certain foods and doesn't react to others. I am still learning but my body is definitely "under construction," I love it! I have a long way to go but am looking forward to the challenge and getting excited about the finished product." - Melanie

"GO FOR IT, PEOPLE!!!
No more excuses...it truly is a LIFE CHANGING experience!" – Cristina

2010-02-09T22:55:00.001-08:00

BUC 6 Week Nutrition Program

Make 2010 your year to finally put a stop to the ups and downs of dieting and learn exactly what it takes to get the body you dream of. Nutrition is the missing link in the weight loss battle and with all the conflicting information and misleading marketing tactics being used by food manufactures many individuals are not getting significant or lasting results. Eating to change your body composition is not as simple as just eating healthy or depriving your body of food. This seminar is designed to provide you with the truth about dieting, quality of food and how to let go of the dysfunctional relationship we have with food and the scale.

BUC's nutritional seminar will open your eyes to all the hidden obstacles that may be contributing to your lack of permanent weight loss or the inability to truly achieve a tight, toned physique. Women do have the ability to have amazing figures at any stage of life including after having children and well into our 40's and beyond. 40 doesn't mean you have to live in an unfit, unhealthy body. Embrace the possibility of having unlimited energy, feeling amazing in your perfect pair of jeans, looking and feeling better than you did in your 20's. Yes ladies, you can have it all!

BUC will teach you strategies to cut through the deception on food packaging labels, identify hidden sugars and how to decipher the good, bad and UGLY. We will discuss the truths and myths of low fat, low carb and other dieting tactics and exactly what a faster metabolism is and what it means to you. This seminar is designed to provide you with manageable and easily digestible pieces of the nutrition puzzle, which will guide you towards building your own healthy nutritional lifestyle and the achievement of your goals. I guarantee you will leave having had your own "AH HA" moment!

BUC clients don't diet. They learn how to fuel their bodies by making educated choices so they can look and feel great.

This is a 6 session series which includes weekly weight and measurements checks, food logs, a grocery tour, menu planning and meal building and a look at some of the emotional boundaries that keep us from achieving our goals.

Starting: April 8, 2010 (Thursday)

Time: 6:30 to 8pm

Location: Unit 2135 Hammersmith Way, Richmond *** NEW LOCATION***

Cost: $350 plus GST

To register contact Lisa at lisa@bucfitness.com or 604 618 4595.

Space is limited!

Course Outline:

Week 1 * April 8

Introductions

Assessments including measurements, pictures and weight

Goal Setting

Week 2 * April 15

Nutritional Foundations & Healthy Eating Tips

Introduction to Protein

Week 3 * April 22

Review week 2

Self Image: The impact of our thoughts and feelings

Introduction to Fats

Week 4 * April 29

Review week 3

Focusing your energy: How to manifest what you desire

Introduction to Complex Carbohydrates

Week 5 * May 7

Review week 4

Putting it all together & individual plans!

Week 6 * May 14

Review week 5

Grocery tour

2010-01-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

I am often approached by women who ask how they can drop that last 10lbs or how to lose their belly fat or how to get legs that are worthy of seeing the light of day and I always respond with "its all about what you eat". What never ceases to surprise me is the response I get. "I eat healthy already, I know what I need to eat". REALLY???

Seriously... if you are not rocking a body you love, something you are doing isn't working. I am a strong believer that you can't out-train a lousy diet so I am standing firm that most of you are missing the mark. FOOD, what you eat, how much you eat and understanding how and what it does in your body is the answer.

A wise woman once told me that there is a big difference between eating clean and eating to get lean or change your body composition. This is a concept that is totally lost on most of us.

Cutting carbs and eating good fats is not the simple answer. Nor is just increasing vegetable intake and watching portion sizes.

Yes eating clean is a good starting place and of course I am all for the above points (except for the removal of carbs... oh for the love of Pete, when will this diet fad die for good), but this alone will not shape the physique of your dreams.

I will use the example of running to help explain my point. I would bet my studio on the fact that most women choose to learn to run not because they have the desire to feel their feet pounding the pavement but because they want to lose weight. Its free (minus the swanky new runners and cute running coat so you look the part) and can be done anywhere. Its also easy to sign up for a group so you have the comfort and support of other like minded individuals. All of a sudden you start to see changes in your body which motivates you to keep running. Then the day hits that you realize that those initial changes you loved and fueled your enthusiasm just aren't happening anymore. WHY? Its called adaptation. The body has the amazing ability to change when there is a catalyst but eventually it settles into the new groove and then its ability to adapt stops the body from making further progress. So whats a girl to do? Guess you need to run more, start hill training, incorporate sprints and start looking at resistance training and a variety of cardiovascular activities.

The same is true with eating clean. Initially when you start losing the junk food, adding more whole foods, grains, vegetables, proteins, good fats the body responds positively so we think WOW this is working! But just as with running over time you start to realize that those initial changes just aren't coming as quickly (if at all) and you still haven't created the physique that your goals were built on.

Do you know that losing weight can be supported by eating more Omega 3 fatty acids? Do you know where to find those Omega 3s and how much you should be taking in daily? Do you know how much room you have for good fats in your daily nutrition plan? Getting in good fats goes beyond adding nuts and olive oil it requires that you KNOW about all the healthy fats and how to properly incorporate them so that they get you to your goal faster!

How about carbohydrates? Do you know the difference between complex carbs vs fibrous ones? Do you know the best time to eat them or what portion sizes match your activity level? Do you understand the important role they play in determining body composition or the fact that your body requires them for maximum performance?

Then there is protein. Do you understand that there is life beyond chicken? Do you know how much you should be eating and how often? Do you understand the importance of variety so you don't run into health issues such as iron deficiency?

Its all in the details. Calories count, even calories from clean foods.

If your weight loss has stalled and you are confused about why, take a step back and get some help to determining what details you are missing.

Its the difference between walking from Vancouver to Miami or hopping on a plane. Personally when I decide I want something I seek out the people who have the experience to help me achieve or learn what I need to so I can get the job done quickly. Time is our most valuable asset and I for one want to make the most of mine.

Put the journey towards your weight loss goals into high speed and learn the details. I promise you will never look back and the BUC nutrition program will change how you think and feel about food for life.

-LC

2010-01-12T11:15:00.001-08:00

There is still time to register for the 12 week BUC nutrition program!

You know you want to do this, you know you should do this so why the hesitation?? Sometimes we need to look at the real reasons behind why we choose not to do something that we KNOW we need to. Hesitation, procrastination, excuses... these are the walls that act as road blocks but for the most part they are not built of bricks but are merely illusions seeming real. If you have been sitting back thinking about contacting BUC why haven't you? What are you afraid of? Commitment?

Here it is ladies. Yes there is commitment involved but not to me. The commitment is to yourselves, and aren't you worth it? As a species we need to eat. Everyday we need to eat. Your body is the engine and your food is the gas. Food is our fuel plain and simple. So if you need to eat everyday, why not learn how to do that better? Why not learn how to make better choices so you are not only eating healthy, great tasting food but also losing weight, changing your body composition and gaining more energy and strength. This is turn will increase your vitality, brighten your spirit, lift your moods, elevate your confidence and give you that "BRING IT ON" attitude. Come on ladies ... you know what I am talking about and if you don't, well, you don't know what you are missing!

Stop looking for reasons why you can't and start looking at all the reasons why you should. If you have date conflicts contact me, if budget is an issue contact me. You don't know what you can make happen unless you ask! The clients who want to make the change find the way to make it happen. NO excuses, NO hesitation.

Class starts January 14 (yes this Thursday) at 6:30
Limited spots are still available!

If not now, when?

Contact me now! lisa@bucfitness.com

2010-01-04T09:46:00.001-08:00

BUC clients don't diet. They learn how to fuel their bodies by making educated choices so they can look and feel great.

This is a 12 session series which includes weekly weight and measurements checks, food logs, a grocery tour, menu planning and meal building and a look at some of the emotional boundaries that keep us from achieving our goals.

Starting: January 14, 2010 (Thursdays)

Time: 6:30 to 8pm

Location: Unit 170, 5640 Hollybridge Way, Richmond, BC

Cost: $700 plus GST

To register contact Lisa at lisa@bucfitness.com or 604 618 4595. Space is limited!

Course Outline:

Week 1 * January 14

Introductions

Assessments including measurements, pictures and weight

Goal Setting

Week 2 * January 21

Nutritional Foundations & Healthy Eating Tips

Introduction to Protein

Week 3 * January 28

Review week 2

Self Image: The impact of our thoughts and feelings

Introduction to Fats

Week 4 * February 4

Review week 3

Focusing your energy: How to manifest what you desire

Introduction to Complex Carbohydrates

Week 5 * February 11

Review week 4

Putting it all together & individual plans!

Week 6 * February 18

Review week 5

Menu planning and building meals

Week 7 * February 25

Commitment (Paul Cassidy Guest Speaker)

Week 8 * March 4

Grocery Store Tour

Week 9 * March 11

Focus on: Grain exchange

Building meals * How to make one recipe into many!

Week 10 * March 18

Focus on: Alcohol

Building meals

Week 11 * March 25

Re-assess! Full pictures & measurements

Week 12 * April 1

Celebrating our success!

2009-12-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the pleasure of attending Paul Cassidy`s workshop "Reclaiming your inner power. Creating results in health, wealth and relationships". This seminar was presented at the BUC studio and I wanted to share some of the things that were talked about that really hit home with me.

Insanity. Doing the same thing over and over hoping for different results.

Sound familiar? How many times have you said you wanted to lose weight so you got back on the diet roller coaster, hit the gym hard only to find a few months later your motivation has wained and you are popping chocolates in your mouth? If you want to make real change in your life you have to bring your patterns to a conscious level and then make a decision to do something different! For many of my clients part of ending their insanity was to walk through my doors and ask for help and guidance in doing things differently. Which brings me to my next point..

If you ask for help be prepared to ACT on the help you receive.

It is hard to ask for help. It makes us feel uncomfortable, sometimes inadequate, stupid, and even shameful and embarrassed. Paul's thoughts were to ask yourself this. How does it make you feel when someone asks YOU for help? Everyone in the class agreed that it felt great, empowering, made us feel needed and worthwhile, happy and smart. So the next time you hesitate to reach out and ask, realize that in asking someone for help you are actually giving them the gift of good self esteem. Hmmm seems like a win /win to me. You get the help you need and you leave someone else feeling great! Now the kicker is you need to take that help and honor the advise or guidance you are given. For example, if you hire me to help you break your own insanity cycle then take what I give you, which includes your homework programs and guidance on how to put together your healthy meals and get it done! Which then leads into the third point...

Pain in life in inevitable. Suffering is a choice.

Ouch.. how very true. So now you have your plan, you have learned how to eat, but you still choose to not commit 110% so you get less than stellar results. You then continue to SUFFER in a body that you don't love, in thoughts of being "less than" and feeling down on yourself for not having the will power to walk away from the Christmas goodies. This my friends, is a choice and it may not be on a conscious level but it is a choice. You are just avoiding the pain of having to make life long changes, facing behaviors that don't serve you and being uncomfortable. Change is hard, and I understand that, BUT the pain of making these changes is temporary... if you choose not to your suffering will be endless and life long.

I believe that most of my clients are addicts. Addicted to food, unhealthy lifestyles and addicted to negative self beliefs, yet we as a society don`t view them with the same compassion as we would an alcoholic. Think about that.... if someone has a drinking problem and makes the choice to end their suffering, initially it is quite painful. To admit to having a problem to friends and family must be hard but in almost all cases they are greeted with open arms, love and compassion and not judged on a behavior. Good people make poor choices everyday. Then they are able to ask for help, attend AA meetings and surround themselves with support which is how they ACT on the help they have been given. It is a life long battle but one that must be undertaken in order to break the addiction and end the insanity. They do not have the luxury of `just one drink`. Think about that every time your will power feels weak.

In 2008 Statistics Canada reported that 51% of Canadian adults were overweight and about 17% of those fell into the obese category. I won`t even begin to look at the US statistics....

It is time to start looking at yourself and realize that you don`t have to be a part of the rising statistics. You can make a change, ask for help, act on the help that is given, walk through your pain, end your suffering and stop your insanity. It won`t be easy for most, but it is do-able for ALL.

Bodies Under Construction is full of amazing spirits, clients and trainers who will extend their support and do their part on helping you walk a healthier path.

Maybe one day we will view over eaters with the same compassion as we do alcoholics... perhaps when society realizes and is ready to face what a significant problem this is we will see more change.

Until then I do what I can to help every individual who walks through my door. So ask me for my help..... my own self esteem likes the boost!

Lisa

On a side note. Paul will be back in the studio in the new year presenting this seminar again and will also be a part of my 12 week nutrition groups that will start on January 11th and 14th (details will be posted shortly or email me directly for more information).

2009-11-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

I want to take this opportunity to introduce Paul Cassidy. Paul and I have been working together on the development of BUC and my own "stuff". Some of my own personal fears and insecurities have been holding me back from achieving my own goals both personally and professionally. Paul has been instrumental in helping me find my way and step into the next phase of BUC and new programs and products that will be available to all of you in the new year. I have currently been running a test group geared around a very intensive nutrition program that also looks at the reasons why so many of us reach to food for comfort. The group was incredibly impressed with Paul's short presentation so he has agreed to do a more intensive program. The details of this workshop are below or on the attached PDF.

I hope you take a moment to read through the information and consider attending. You will not walk away disappointed and Paul will leave you with many things to chew on (no pun intended).

I feel very blessed to have met him and have worked with him and am so happy that I get to share him with all of you.

This will also be your opportunity to check out my NEW second BUC Studio (located in Evolution Sport Therapy)!!

Lisa

Re-Claiming Your Inner Power

Workshop on Creating Results in Health, Wealth and Relationships

Presenter: Paul Cassidy

Paul experienced what he describes as a major wakeup call some years ago when his marriage failed and he had to walk away from his business. This resulted in a period of serious despair and depression. From the bottom of this pit Paul started on a journey of self reflection and self discovery. Over the course of this journey he has met several outstanding teachers with whom he has spent considerable time with including Eckhart Tolle, the now famous author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. Paul has subsequently developed a number of techniques that he has successfully applied not only to himself but also to helping many others significantly improve Health, Wealth and Relationships.

Saturday 28th November 2009.

9.00a.m. till 1.00 p.m.

Bodies Under Construction 151- 6151 Westminster Hwy, Richmond BC

(Evolution Sport Therapy) ** NEW SECOND LOCATION FOR BUC! **

Special introductory price of only $150.00.

It is recommended that you book as soon as possible as space to this seminar is limited.

Registration can be made by email to lisa@bucfitness.com or 604 618-4595

Background:

Paul received his BSc. In Computing Science from North Staffs University, Stafford, and his Masters degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Lancaster, England. He has published a book on resource allocation in hospitals and, while Clinical Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, was co-author of a series of academically critiqued policy papers on demand management for diagnostic services. He has been guest speaker at a number of industry-related events in North America and throughout Europe as well as a guest lecturer at the Royal Chartered Institute of Marketing.

His professional career has included senior management roles in several companies including G.E. as well as establishing a new medical device company that will most likely go public in 2010.

Re_Claiming_Your_Inner_Power_Workshop.pdf

2009-10-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

This morning I cried...
I cried because tonight I would touch my dreams and tightly grasp the goal I had set for myself. What an overwhelming feeling to realize I would be achieving what I have been working so hard for.

My goals are not centered around weight loss, or on reaching new training heights. My goals are centered around creating a wonderful life for not just me but for all the people I love. My goals are centered around allowing myself to evolve as a life coach, a fitness trainer and a business owner. My passion is inspiring my clients and all those who cross my path to find a better way, live a more balanced life and embrace healthy living and eating.

Today I launched my new 8 week seminar focusing on nutrition but more importantly looking at the relationship between the heart and the mind and the roll they play in the pursuit of weight loss. I filled this class with clients who have been a part of my business for some time but still face struggles with eating, self image and self sabotage. Tonight I can say I was truly inspired by their stories, their honesty and the depth of their emotions. Tonight these women put their trust in me to guide them towards achieving their goals and in return I achieved my own. Very powerful stuff.

How many of you have been so close to achieving your goal and felt that surge of emotion? It is a combination of fear, exhilaration, happiness and anxiety... its so overwhelming I can understand why so many reach this point and turn and go the opposite way. A year ago the thought of speaking to a group was such a huge source of anxiety and fear that I allowed it to stall my career. This was an unacceptable state for me. I refused to succumb to my feelings knowing that to truly achieve the goals I had set for Bodies Under Construction and for myself I had to fight through these emotions. It wasn't easy and I still get nervous and anxious but I have done my work and put in the time required to manage these emotions.

Although the specifics of my goals are very different from that of my clients the drive, the desire, the fear and the anxiety is the same. Learning how to get off the roller coaster of dieting, changing habits, thoughts and feelings about yourself is HARD and takes time and work. The ups and downs of the journey are part of your story and makes getting that much closer to realizing your own goals so exhilarating.

I hope as the weeks pass the women in my class start to feel their own surge of excitement as they realize their dreams and goals can be met. I plan on being there so when the fear sets in I can walk with them as they cross into unknown territory and enjoy a life filled with the feeling of success.

Peace, health and happiness!

This program will be running again in January so please contact me if you would like more information lisa@bucfitness.com

L

2009-09-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Weeds... Last weekend was beautiful so I spent a good amount of time cleaning up my backyard pulling the same weeds I had attacked 3 months ago... which got me thinking. Weeds, unless you tackle them at roots, will just come back. It struck me that this is so similar with our fitness and weight loss goals. We attack our goals with the best of intentions, doing our programs adjusting what we eat and getting in our cardio so why do so many of us struggle with the up down of weight loss? It seems many of us never look deeper at the issues behind our struggles. Our relationship with food and with ourselves over our body image lies so much deeper than just eating more broccoli... this is not the fix for most of us. Food for many means happiness and love. Think about it... we celebrate almost everything with food. Baby showers, going away parties, engagements, last day of school, and you see the line of kids entering the 7-11 for the slurpee fix after a great day at the ball park. Many of us when we are feeling down turn to food to lift our spirits but ultimately we wake up feeling even worse about ourselves and the shape we are in. When we are trying to "do better" we will make healthier choices for ourselves but feed those around us everything but. What is with that?

We all have "weeds" in our lives so perhaps its time we all stop placing all the blame on outside influences for our weight and health issues and start looking within. Be honest with yourself and your relationship with food and exercise. If you can identify the root then slowly you can kill it. Change your thoughts and change your life.... You can change how you think and feel about food and how you think and feel about yourself. It won't happen over night but it will happen.

Look at all the pieces to why you aren't achieving your goals and what is holding you back. The key to success is in you if you are willing to go past the weeds, dig deep and start attacking the roots.

Enjoy the journey of self exploration and allow the beauty inside you to shine through.

L

2009-09-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

I recently took a trip down the Oregon coast and was amazed at the beauty that was around every corner. From the endless white sand beaches, the thundering waves and the desert like surroundings of the sand dunes in Florence this trip has given me memories that will last a life time.

I will say that doing a road trip and staying in various hotels, with various amentities did cause challenges for this fitness gal. We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a healthy environment. BC, primarily Vancouver and surrounding areas, offers endless choices for those of us who choose to eat healthy and live a fit lifestyle. I can't say the same for the United States. I was horrified at the realization that just hours away our close neighbors to the south can be in such a crisis with living healthy. I was surrounded by overweight adults but even more upsetting was the volume of overweight children. Restaurants did offer healthier options but honestly I was always disappointed with how the choices tasted... and hell if it doesn't taste good who would want to eat it? No wonder millions of people daily choose chicken wings over a wilted spinach salad topped with chicken breast that tastes like rubber. Not to mention the price tag attached to these options. I can understand why families would choose the unhealthy, tasty (by somes oppinions) and better priced meals. Unfortunately the true cost of these choices can't be measured by the size of your wallet... the true cost shows on the bodies and in the health status of all these individuals.

So in the end we opted for the "safeway" diet. Meaning we hit the grocery store daily and always checked into rooms that offered us fridges and a small area to prep for the day. Yes, this was alot more work but we felt better for it and our money went alot further and our food tasted GOOD!

So use this as an example... if you want to live healthy, eat healthy and feel great putting in the effort and taking the time is well worth the cost.

-L

2009-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share an email that was sent to me by a client. I am so proud of all he has accomplished and was so excited that he agreed to let me share his enthusiasm and humor to help inspire all of you.

So this week has been a big week for me; people (including Tia) have really started to notice me dropping the weight, some even using fancy words like Svelte, Trim, & Slim... Although I love to hear this (really why would I not love someone talking about me) it's the smaller things (pun intended) that make the big difference.

Below is something I like to refer to as "Ode to the small, svelte, trim, slim, or whatever the word of the day is..."

It's putting on your old jeans (that were tight) and doing them up, and having them fall down to your knees.

It's walking past the mirror and your peripheral vision catching your eye and asking who that is... Oh wait is that me? HOLLY SH*T THAT WAS ME!!

It's having to go buy a new belt because you have run out of holes on your current one... (and run out in the good way)

It's shaving in the morning and realizing you have a jaw line and you can see where your chin (note: chin, not chins) ends and your neck begins

It's giving your brother a pair of $120 Size 36 jeans because you can't wear them, and being happy about it because your ass just slid into a pair of size 33.

It's realizing all of your summers clothes make you look like you're drowning in a sea of fabric.

It's having the hot I.T. girl (Yes Hot, and I.T., they do exist) at work notice and ask what your secret is

It's trying clothes on in the store and asking the sales clerk to get you a smaller size shirt... Then looking at your self in the mirror asking if the words "Can you get me a size medium" really just left your mouth

Better yet, it's putting on the size Medium and wearing it out of the store because it looks and feels so good.

Even Better yet: It's combining those new size 33 jeans with that size medium shirt and staring at your self in the mirror.

It's looking in the mirror and noticing your arms almost fill out your size Medium (yes that's right size medium) T-shirt sleeves

It's being the first one to run out the door when your brothers little $hit of a dog gets out, chasing it, and then realizing you can out run that little SOB, you catch it, and your not dying or gasping for breath.

It's walking down the stairs after a session and having your legs do the Jell-O shake, grasping the hand rails for dear life thinking that your legs are going to give out any second.

It's waking up in the morning cursing your trainer's name, and smiling while doing it.

It's the confidence you have while walking into a board meeting, and having two cougars at the end of the table check you out as you walk in.

It's wearing a "slim-fit shirt" to work, and not feeling like if people aren't wearing goggles, they could loose an eye because of the buttons that are going to pop off.

It's flying coach & realizing that you, your gut, and your lap top can all fit in the same seat.

It's seeing the definition beginning in your arms.

It's this morning stepping on the scale and rather then seeing 215lbs having it blink 179... You check the batteries and try again, and realize holy $hit that's me; 179!

To you both, I raise my glass and I say "Cheers!" To me I say nothing because I am too busy staring at my self in the Mirror.........

2009-03-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

DREAM BELIEVE JOURNEY

Do not be afraid to Dream, Believe that it can come true, start the Journey towards that dream.

Seems like this statement has become the requisite mantra for the “new ages” and gets over-used. However, I must confess that it now has resounding meaning for me.

Since starting work with Lisa, I have lost 35 lbs, dropped from size 16 to size 6, and now look forward to getting sweaty and muscle-tired. I am in the best shape I have ever been and have just turned 50.

She has encouraged me to dream – at first to be fitter & healthier. Now the dreams have moved up as my confidence grows.

She has shown me how to believe – follow the program, do the work, you’ll get results. I believe in my capabilities again.

She has been with me along the journey. Supporting me, pushing me, and showing me that what you do along the way is just as important as getting to the end.

Thank you for the above……..and for:
· Bringing perspective to my eating whether on plan or not on plan. We all tend to beat ourselves up when we “fail” to eat well.
· Bringing an innate enthusiasm to every workout. Even when she’s “cracking the whip” at you, you cannot harbor resentment, you know she is pushing because she believes you can do it. And surprise – you find that you can do it.
· Lisa is in tune with herself and others. This translates into a caring and understanding of mood, body language, unspoken stress. She has always had the right thing to say or do for me.

Thank you again.

I look forward to continuing my journey with Lisa. I look forward to my next 50 years, based on the solid foundation I have built with Lisa’s guidance.

I feel healthy, capable, and confident - Thank you once more.

With love,
Joanne

2009-03-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Most of you know my weakness is Starbucks so I thought it was time to share what my barrista whips up for me.

S/F (sugar free) french vanilla (1/2 vanilla & 1/2 hazelnut) Americano w/ non fat foam

For all of you minding your pennies Starbucks does not charge for foam but will charge you for milk if you ask for a misto... save your money and add your own milk at the condiment station!
Better still just buy a few bottles of SF syrups and the Tazo tea and enjoy for a fraction of the cost!

Chai Tea with SF Vanilla
Refresh Tea with SF Caramel (caffeine free)

Ok... now that we have that out of the way I wanted to share the message on my cup.

The way I see it #76

"The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating - in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that like to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier of your life."

-Anne Morriss

Now how true is that for all of us? Physically we are all capable of doing almost anything with the right training and preparation... it is our mental ability, those voices in our heads that say we can't that stop us dead in our tracks. Once you give yourself over to the process of eating healthy, exercising regularly and establishing clear, concise goals and COMMIT to the road that must be travelled to achieve them your doubts will melt away.
Fitness coaches, personal trainers, whatever term you choose to use are the road map for this commitment. My JOB is to get you to focus on your goals and keep that focus razor sharp. I am the person that helps you pull down those barriers in your head and helps you hear the voice of "I CAN" so that you can spread your wings and forever live the life you have imagined.

Imagine freedom from dieting, freedom to fit into the perfect pair of jeans, freedom to wear a tank top when the summer heat makes its return (hmmm is that ever gonna happen!!), freedom to look in the mirror without fear, freedom to play with your kids without losing your breath, freedom to look left and right and not feel like the "fat person", freedom to tackle any challenge with confidence, freedom to LIVE life to the absolute fullest without feelings of self doubt, negative self worth or lack of self confidence.

Are you ready to remove the barriers in your life and make the commitment to get fit and healthy?

lcarpenter@shaw.ca
lisa@bucfitness.com
604 618-4595

2008-11-26T10:57:00.001-08:00

Amazing how quickly time can pass and how much living or procrastinating can occur.... so my question is what have you done in the past 8 months that has improved your life?

April was the start of my new life... the life that I saw in my head, the life that I had been afraid to embrace and move towards, the life that I KNEW I could have if only I could make the tough decisions and walk through the fear and discomfort that it would take to get me there.

FEAR

False Evidence Appearing Real

We have all heard or read this before yet many of us (yes including me) allow fear to stop us dead in our tracks and keep us from pursuing or achieving our goals.

I have learned over the past 8 months, that all the things in my life that I really want required me to look within myself and do battle against my own insecurities and fears.

Some of the choices I made were by far the most difficult ones I have ever and will probably ever have to make in my life but I survived... it was hard, I cried many tears and struggled but I never gave up and never lost faith. I knew that my choices ultimately would allow me to achieve my goals and that I would be able to lead the life I could see so vividly in my head.

My own personal journey has now included many adventures that have enriched my life and helped me realize that fear truly is NOTHING to be afraid of.... in fact to do things that I fear is now what inspires, drives and continues to allow me to grow as an individual.

I spent a day in a convertible driving from Vegas to the Grand Canyon all by myself with my music blaring and the sun beating down on me.... to be alone in such a beautiful part of the country, not knowing if I was on the right road or if I would ever find my way back was inspiring and terrifying all at the same time. Needless to say, I pulled up at the edge of the canyon just as the sun was sinking in the sky..... there are no words to describe the beauty of this or the inner peace and strength I felt. Such a small accomplishment that has inspired SO many more adventures since. I did manage to find my way back to Vegas and came home filled with inspiration to LIVE and experience every opportunity that life sends my way.

I created a list of things to do, places to go, sights to see.... and I have accomplished many but for every thing I tick off I just think of more to add!

Since April 2008 I have....

Travelled to Vegas, Jamaica, Alberta, Seattle, Tofino and all parts of beautiful BC including the Okanagan valley, Lytton, Lilloette and Revelstoke.

I have flown in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon and taken a sea plane to Poets Cove in the Gulf Islands.

I have slept in a Teepee and rafted down the Thompson River.

I have been up gliding in Pemberton and skydiving in Pitt Meadows.

I drove to Red Deer Alberta with my two boys with the Miley Cyrus cd playing over and over.

I had my eyes corrected and am STILL amazed to see the stars on my ceiling at night before I close my eyes and my alarm clock clearly in the morning.

I have jet skied on a lake outside of Seattle and slept under the stars with one of my best friends.

I have watched the waves crash against the shores of Tofino from the Wikininish Inn with one of the brightest spirits in my life.

I had my boys names tattooed on my feet.

I watched a Cirque De Soleil show for the first time.... amazing.

I have snorkeled and sailed on the blue waters in Jamaica

I jumped off a cliff at Ricks cafe..... which was far harder than sky diving!

I have walked through an old growth forest and amongst the dinosaur bones and realized just how short my time on this earth will be.

I have watched the beauty of the evening sky and sunset from many amazing locations and it still takes my breath away....

I celebrated the arrival of 2009 and new years eve in the happiest place on earth!

I have learned to play with my kids and teach them how to fill their own spirits, embrace adventure and love who they are and be aware of everything they can be.

I have embraced who I am and am so thankful that I can make a difference in this world.

Sue from the fat, frumpy and forty posting with me on the beach in Jamaica in her BIKINI!!

I have fallen in love....

Life is so precious and I encourage each of you face the things that frighten you and start creating and working through your own list. Do one thing a month that scares you and you will watch your own spirit grow.

If you are living in a body that doesn't fit then start the journey towards changing it.... a healthy lifestyle is nothing to fear but is that which should be embraced.

Jennifer before

Don`t let the fear of failing to lose weight stop you from trying again.... find the piece that has been missing and you will get you to the success you deserve.

Jennifer 38 lbs lighter today!

Don`t let the fear of hard work stop you.... all things of any value require paying a price to achieve them.

Take off your mask and stop hiding from who you really are and all that you can be.... do not be afraid to let the world see your true spirit.

Face your fears and live the life you see for yourself..... its a wonderful feeling to hold the world in your hands!

2008-04-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

Fat, frumpy and forty seven. I was 5'6 " and 180 lbs. My weight had been as high as 198 after my last son (now 9 years old) was born. I felt I was destined to be this way forever. I felt hopeless. I hated having to go out to events or dinners. I did not have many clothes and hated shopping for myself. I would often find myself rushing to the store a few hours before any event trying to find something to wear. Nothing looked good. I avoided looking in mirrors. My feelings about my weight and body kept me from fully participating in life.

I felt invisible.

My wants and needs took a back seat to everyone else's. I have three sons, 19, 17 and 9 a husband.

When I met my husband I was 25 and weighed 128lbs. As our relationship progressed we ate out more, worked out less. When we were married I weighed 135. I thought I was fat then. As the children came along we decided I would become a stay at home mom and so for the next 18 years I stayed at home and looked after everyone but myself. My weight kept creeping up. Over the years I tried various methods of getting fit: weight watchers, joining an all female fitness club, running, Pilates, yoga, power walking, jogging, slim fast, Dr. Bernstein. I did not see the results I was after and often became distracted from my goals by the day to day challenges of living. My husband traveled a lot when our two eldest were small and I was often alone and isolated. We did not have family support nearby and I often turned to food late at night once the boys were in bed.

Last October I decided to make yet another kick at the can. In August we had gone out to Penticton to visit my husband's family. I saw my sister in law for the first time in a year. She had totally remade her body. She had always been active and eaten right but she could not seem to get her body to where she wanted it to be. She looked extremely fit and happy. I asked her how she had accomplished her new body. She looked like an after picture you see in the magazine ads for weight loss supplements. She told me about Lisa and her new training and eating program. When I got home from the visit I continued to think about how great she looked. I did not believe that it was possible for me to accomplish what she had. In October in a fit of desperation and longing I called my sister in law asking for Lisa's contact information. I emailed Lisa asking her if she would be interested in working with someone like me; someone who was not looking to become a fitness model or competitor; someone who just wanted to get her groove back. Lisa responded right away and we got to work.

At first I felt totally overwhelmed by the nutritional guidelines. Counting carbs, proteins and fats was new to me. How was I ever going to pull this off? I quickly got the hang of it with Lisa's guidance. The workouts Lisa designed were challenging and fun. The most important thing Lisa told me when I spoke with her was that it was time to put my needs first. I had to look after myself in order to look after everyone else. I had heard this before of course but Lisa made me believe that my health and happiness was important and worth working for. I had to be a little bit selfish carving out time to workout and plan my meals.

I was uncomfortable with this at first but I quickly realized that my family benefited from my new found energy and knowledge. Life continues to throw curve balls, as it will. The teenagers get into various problematic situations, basements flood, the heat pump gives out in the dead of winter, family health issues arise, holiday sweets and goodies continue to temp, washing machines break down, plumbing backs up, car accidents happen ( no one was hurt thank goodness), the dishes still pile up, laundry is endless. Any one of these situations would have sent me running to the cookie cupboard, or the chips, or the pots of pasta and tomatoes, I used to eat in front of the TV after everyone was in bed. Now that I am doing a better job of looking after myself I can better cope with all the things life throws at me without turning to self defeating habits.

Lisa is with me the whole way. On one occasion, after I sent her an email saying that I did not think I was getting anywhere called me to give me a pep talk and "pulled me off the edge".

To date, I have lost 41 lbs and many inches.

My husband and I just got back from a trip to Costa Rica. It is the first trip in our marriage that I have not been ashamed to be seen in a bathing suit. It was very freeing not to worry about the shape of my body. I was comfortable in my own skin for the first time in a long time. I still do have my challenges. I would catch myself looking in the full length mirror in the hotel room ( I don't own a full length mirror at home) and think to myself, I wish my legs were that fit, I wish I looked that good. Then with a jolt I would realize, Hey that's me! I am that woman!

It is possible to be fit and healthy. Even if you don't fully believe it can happen for you, make a leap of faith. You never know where your journey will take you.

Thank you Lisa, you made me a believer.

Sue L.
Ontario, Canada

2008-04-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is me...

Seriously

June 2003 is when my own personal journey to transform my physique, my lifestyle, my business and take the stage as a fitness competitor began.

So this is my story.

I am 5'1 and in this picture I was about 20% body fat and 105 lbs. Now, please understand this is a healthy bodyfat and weight and by no means did I think I was fat or out of shape. These pictures are meant to illustrate exactly HOW much you can make changes to your body with the right nutrition, exercise, guidance and dedication to make things happen.

These pictures are also meant to show each of you that I am NORMAL and I started at the beginning just like each of you. My body composition changes did not happen overnight, my healthy eating habits did not come naturally (have I ever mentioned how long it took me to hop on the vegetable bandwagon?). First and foremost I have been my own test subject, I have also worked with coaches and teachers who have inspired me and have played a huge role in both my physical and mental transformation.

I will give you a snap shot of where I came from.

I was the girl who was active in dance when I was young and then hit highschool. Gym class was a joke... I hated it and took it because I thought it would be easy. I was the girl that would put the track pants on OVER my jeans partly because I was lazy and partly because they were too tight to get off.... hey what can I say I am a product of the 80's... tight jeans and bands with big hair were all the rage. My lack of participation and frequent trips to McDonalds during gym block almost resulted in a failing grade which would have prevented me from earning my high school diploma. Trust me, the irony of this is not lost on me.

Once out of school I did discover weight training and loved it but never REALLY applied anything or trained effectively... all I knew was that I loved being in the gym... sometimes.

Healthy eating... what was that? My mom did a great job cooking healthy meals but once I was out on my own I enjoyed the freedom of having ice cream for breakfast and have a vivid memory of cooking frozen corn in a fry pan. Yes, I was a true wonder in the kitchen. I was hooked on Dorito's, microwave popcorn and SLURPEE's and it was mandatory that an extra Slurpee be in the freezer at all times so I wouldn't have to get my lazy ass in the car to drive all the way to 7-11 (which by the way was a 5 min walk at the most). Of course I still needed to hit the 7-11 to pick up my cigarettes... yes my friends, I was also a smoker.

So that is me in a nut shell... its not pretty and to publish my truth for all to see on my blog was harder than I realized when I made the decision to share it. Who I am today is a direct result of where I started and the JOURNEY it took to get here... and my journey is still on going.

Today my weight floats around 106 to 110lbs and my body fat sits around 12 to 15%. You can see from the pictures on my website that my body composition today is dramatically different. I know everyone has heard, read or been told that weight training can change your body and I am living proof of this. Ladies do not be afraid to pick up a dumb bell weighing more than 5lbs BUT also understand that a change in eating habits is critical for success. Weight training and cardio alone WILL NOT give you a tight, toned and fit physique.

I am still learning, growing, changing and evolving... physically, mentally, personally and professionally but now my focus is on my family of clients who are embracing thier own journey and finding a healthy balance in my own life.

I hope this inspires something in each of you and that you realize that whatever your fitness goals may be including weight loss, muscle gain, muscle toning, improved athletic performance, injury re-hab or just learning how to finally get off the diet wagon and start eating and living healthy. It CAN be done.

Time will pass regardless of if you do something today or not...

So start something today, and tomorrow you will be one step closer to achieving your own transformation and creating your own story... and I hope you will share it with me!

2008-04-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the next poem that reflects the continuing journey and growth of the client who wrote the Body Image poem. I want to sincerly thank her for having the courage and strength to share such intimate thoughts with me and allowing me to share them with you.

Everyone has the ability to let go of the crutches and fears that cripple us from achieving what our hearts desire. It just requries taking the first step and having a helping hand that will walk with you, pick you up when you stumble and be the voice of comfort, re-assurance and strength when the negative voices try to rise up.

Journey

Is it that you can't?
Or is it that you won't?
Walk this path with me...
The question is moot.

For I must carry on
Without you,
And leave you behind.
Today, I mourn your loss.

But I cannot stay here with you,
Stuck in the quicksand
Of everyday simplicity.
It bleeds my heart dry.

The depths of my soul
Hunger for a power of experience
Surface living can never provide...
My spirit calls.

Too, I dream of the day
When you cry to be freed.
And fear, I hesitate by your side
And be not on shore
To throw you a rope.

But pray!
Don't linger too long...
Lest I be too far up the hill
To hear your call.

2008-04-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Well here it is ... we are almost at the end of April and I have been visibly absent from posting on my blog. For anyone close to me you will know that my own life has been filled with challenge, change, new experience, the awakening of my spirit and the grieving process for time gone by.

Just like every client I am also a work in progress and am constantly learning not just about fitness and nutrition but also about all things that relate to the process of body composition change. I got to experience first hand the devastating effects of stress and hormones on a woman's body... I also took a walk in the land of cookies and now have a new found appreciation for how and why most women turn to food for comfort. Even though I am a very clean and healthy eater and diligent about my own exercise I found that when I was going through the motions of a changing life I struggled to stay the course.

I will tell you that eating simple sugars, not eating every 2 to 3 hours and letting my consumption of good fats go MAGNIFIED my emotions, altered my body composition quickly and made everything worse. This was a great lesson for me to learn.... FOOD really does affect our emotional state and once I embraced the lifestyle that I truly love my mind cleared and my enthusiasm and spirit returned. Even through all the tough decisions and turmoil I endured I believe, as I always do, that each experience in life teaches us and provides us with more positive than negative regardless of the situation. Even my injuries have given me invaluable learning opportunites that I would not have otherwise had.... don't get me wrong, I would still take un-injured any day but am just trying to make a point about looking at the positive you can pull out of each experience.

Spring is finally here and the female spirit is large right now... are you embracing yours or are you struggling with a poor body image and dark feelings about yourself?

I plan on making this the best spring and summer I can by living healthy, eating naturally clean foods, taking in the beauty of the world around me and feeling good not just about how I look but how I feel on the inside.

Each of us have that spark inside us... every woman has an amazing energy inside her that deserves to be set free. It's not to late to make this the summer you feel the best you ever have about yourself.... What is your dream? Do you want to be the hot mom at the pool? Get into that fabulous pair of shorts you saw just yesterday at the mall? Feel sexy and confident for your husband or boyfriend or better yet, just for yourself? Do you want to be able to put on that tank top and LOVE how your arms look? How about being able to chase your kids around the park or actually do the monkey bars with them?

Life is waiting for you... the question becomes are you ready to really do what it takes this time so you can LIVE it to the fullest?

This poem was submitted to me by a client who started in a very dark place that MANY of you will relate to. It brought me to tears and I asked her if I could share it... this poem inspired me to get back to writing this blog and expressing my own feelings. I am happy to say that this phenominal woman is no longer in this place. Her journey has been long both physically and mentally but she has continued to work through the fear, self doubt and dark feelings to take herself to an amazing place. Her spirit is very large and she has transformed into a beautiful butterfly. I am so very proud of everything she has accomplished and what she has overcome.

I feel very blessed to have been a part of her journey.

Too
Body Image

"Beached whale," "Broad ass," "No, honey, that doesn't suit you"
"She has the body, you have the face," "There, that's very slimming"
"Fat," "Pork," "Grease"
Loser

The voices echo
Flagellating my eardrums
One more time
"You are not good enough," they say
Never have been, never will be
Truth is - you are too
Too fat
Too intense
Too sensitive
Too smart for your own good
Too, just too

You should be - "less"
Less fat
Less emotional
Less independent
Less, just less

His fists pound on my ribs, back
Echoing the voices
Be less, be less, be less
Every blow, trying to remove the excess
Pounding my flesh, bones
Into a compact version
'Til I seem less - to him

So when he leaves
I resume the chant, resume the act
Be less, be less, be less
Long after the voices have ceased
And the bruises faded
I resume
Take his place
Keep me "less"
So no one else will see...me

2008-01-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

"HMMM," she said, "I think I will part my hair down the middle today."

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."

So she did and she had a fun fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

-author unknown

Attitude really is everything.

My mom gave this to me because she recognized that this is truely how I live my life...

I'm not perfect and I do have my moments but I choose to start everyday with the right attitude and ready to take on whatever is thrown at me.

Trust me when I say it is hard to get inspired about 5am cardio but I LOVE how I feel when I leave the gym knowing that I accomplished my goal.

I have said many times that great achievements always follow hard work, dedication and focus.

The road isn't easy and for most of us the journey seems long. Stay postitive, have the right attitude, focus on making the small goals happen (like just getting your butt out of bed and to the gym!) and you will be amazed at how much brighter your life becomes.

-LC

2008-01-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

"If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that."

Goethe

This was sent to me by my coach, colleague and friend Jodi Jones and is one of the most profound quotes I have read in some time.

Each of us possess fears, doubts and insecurities and these are the road blocks that stop each of us from achieving our goals.

In each client I see infinite possibilities

I see the untapped potential

I KNOW what each of you are capable of achieving because your insecurities do not cloud my vision.

I push you because I know you can do it.
I push you because I know squeezing out that one last rep will make you feel SO powerful.
I push you because I see no limitations in your ability.
I push you because I know you don't have to live your life in a body you hate.
I push you because you ARE mentally strong but just don't believe it yet.
I push you because you will leave your workout feeling accomplished and empowered.
I push you so the voice of doubt can't be heard over me telling you loudly that you CAN.
I push you because you CAN achieve anything if YOU believe in yourself.
I push you to make you uncomfortable so you are FORCED to beat down those doubts and insecurities.

I push you to be your best, train your hardest and stay focused on your goals because I care.

Honestly, every client matters personally to me.

I want you to see and believe what I already KNOW is the truth.

I will never treat you any less that what I know you are capable of and what I KNOW you can become.

I won't buy into the insecurity, the doubt, the negative self talk, the fear.

I won't buy into the excuses that stem from these self defeating thoughts and feelings.

My ability as a trainer goes much farther than prescribing sets and reps.

Your goal, your dream is closer than you think.

-LC

Jodi can be found at http://www.cathysavagefitness.com/